A Little Sewing

I've always loved to sew. I could wander around JoAnn's for hours checking out the new fabrics and patterns. I don't tackle anything too complicated, just some cute dresses for Kristen when she was small and Halloween costumes.

As the years passed and my life changed, it became more challenging to find the time to spend on my little hobby. Then my machine broke and I thought maybe my sewing days were over.

After some time without it, I realized that I missed it! A couple of years ago, I bought a new machine. Nothing fancy, just the basics (remember I said I don't do complicated!). For a while, it sat in the basement; I was still too busy! But last Christmas, I pulled it out. I had seen lots of outfits for little girls that had a matching outfit for their dolls and I decided that I would make a nightgown for Megan and a matching one for her dolls. Easy! Although why I thought I'd have time for this in December (a week before Christmas!) is beyond me! I chose and cut out the fabric and then it sat. There's no time in December for spontaneous sewing projects!

The nightgowns did get made though:

Now I can't wait for my next project! I've chosen some super cute summer dresses for Megan from the latest JoAnn's catalog and then found out all their Simplicity patterns will be on sale this weekend for a buck each!!! I know where I'll be Friday :)

It Works!!!

Last year, I wrote here lamenting over my beautiful tulips. Some animal was eating them!We suspected deer. I complained to spoke with our nature teacher at co-op and she recommended hanging old cd's around as a "scarecrow" of sorts. So I did:

I used hooks I had picked up last year at JoAnn's to hang them from. I also hung a homemade wind chime that Nick had made in art. It's working great! I'm looking forward to beautiful tulips on our table in April :)

A Day Like Today...

makes me look back with longing at the week's beginning.

It was so warm. The kids wanted to be outside all day. I pretty much let them! We schooled in the morning but after lunch they were outside until dinner. They shot baskets, played in their tents (a lot!), watched the birds, played on the swing set. It was a mini-spring break :) We really needed that! Of course, now we're ready for more ;) Hurry spring!

Celebration!

We took a little surprise trip on Saturday! It was Todd's mom's birthday and we decided last minute to hop over to Dayton and take her to lunch! We met the birthday girl and Russ at everyone's favorite pizza place, Marion's, for lunch then headed back to their place for a little visit. It was so nice to spend her special day with her! And, of course, I had to get a picture to commemorate the occassion ;)

 I also had a chance to snag one of Papaw Russ and two of his favorite girl's:

The rest of the time, I was busy visiting ;)

It was a great afternoon! We were so happy to share some of your birthday with you, Judy! Happy Birthday!

The Rest of Friday...

The rest of the day was so much fun!! Todd took the boys fishing and although they didn't catch much, they had a great time together. All the guys in this house look so forward to fishing season so they start getting out there a little early ;) but you know what? They don't care if the fish aren't biting! They just love being out. I love that.

The girls and I had the day to ourselves. I had a really fun little craft set out for us:

I had bought this back in November to do at Megan's birthday party but when I got it home and read the directions, it was a NO! The rings are painted in reverse and they have to dry for about an hour between colors. That alone made it too difficult to fit into an afternoon birthday party. Then I read that the paint may not wash out of clothes and that did it! But it was perfect for our girl's day :)

 While we were waiting for our designs to dry, we painted pictures :)

 Some of our finished rings:

Then we headed to Easton for lunch and window shopping. And ice cream :) And Barnes and Noble ;)

What a great day!

Kristen had to go to work after that, but the good times continued with a bonfire!

 We heard many times, "This is the best day ever!" from all the kids! But it didn't end there!

Camping in the family room! We went out of town Saturday to celebrate Todd's mom's birthday with her so we ended up leaving it up all weekend. You can guess where they wanted to sleep Saturday night as well ;) And we let them! It was such a laid back family weekend and it was so very needed :)

Why We Aren't Doing Any Schoolwork Today

Sometimes other things are more important....

fishing with Dad

crafting with Mom

enjoying the fresh, warm air

It's going to be one of those days :)

Seriously Cute

Megan has now lost both her front teeth! Her toothlessness is killing me!