blankets done!

Here are the blankets I have been working on for a customer....

and some other fun fabric finds that will making their way into baby blankets in the near future.We are off to MD to celebrate my parents 50th anniversary with the rest of the family, be back on Monday!

"we got a package!"

The mail seems to have a theme today, Japan. First, we received a fabulous package from my friend Bethany in Japan, full of all sorts of goodies for the kids... Thank you sooo much Bethany, this should keep them busy for the rest of the day!

and second, I received this Japanese fabric that I ordered last week!
I have a special project planned for this fabric and I can't wait to get started on it. Unfortunately I think I might be a bit before I get to start since we will be traveling the next few weekends. I will be sure to share as soon as I've gotten underway! Meanwhile, I am back to the sewing machine to complete an order for two baby blanket and then getting ready to go to Maryland for my parents 50th anniversary this weekend!

a tad bit jealous

I guess turning three is hard work, this is the third time this week Tallulah has snuck off to take a nap in the afternoon! I know, most mom's would be rejoicing, it's just that when she naps, she does not go to sleep at bedtime, but how can I begrudge her that bit of peace when she wants it? I just wish I could sneak off for a nap every afternoon!

more sewing

I really need to stop myself- day 4 of sewing this week, my 4th project complete, and I think the sewing bug is finally starting to subside... like maybe I can walk away from my sewing machine for the (rest of the) day and even do some housework! Okay, so maybe it's just because So You Think You Can Dance is on tonight that I will leave the machine and fold some laundry instead! Anyway, here is today's project, a new purse. I used the Taxi Tote pattern from Seams to Me, but altered it a bit, adding the pleated side pockets (thanks to this tutorial), making it reversible with a tie instead of a button closure, and using two different fabrics for the outside. Sew, without further ado, here it is!

a new friend

Meet Molly! I have had an inexplicable need to sew this week, as of 9pm Tuesday, I have already completed three project this week and don't see any signs of stopping :) Anyway, I came across the pattern for Molly on Monday and on a whim decided to try my hand at doll making. I just happened to have some brown fur on hand and everything else came from my scrap drawer(s) (you might recognize some of the fabric from Tallulah's doll quilt last week). The kids have all been vying for her, but this one is mine, she will grace my sewing table and hopefully bring some inspiration when I need it!

the good stuff

a project completed

the mess that means something is being created

a new project begun

do I even need a caption for this one?

building a throne
just a few things I am loving about today. How about you, what's some of the "good stuff" in your life today?

a few moments together

Phil and I got to sneak out, just the two of us, for a bit on Saturday. The kids were at the YMCA for Parents Night Out, so I packed a picnic dinner and we headed up to Huntington Park to sit on the beach and watch the sunset. The weather was perfect and the company divine, I could have sat there all night, but the few moments we had were wonderful!

growing up

My baby girl is growing up... 3 years old today, I can't believe it.

We did not get to have quiet the party we had hopped today, as both the boys came down with a fever this morning, but we still had a nice family birthday party complete with a Dora cake and lots of presents.
Happy Birthday, Baby Girl!

a handmade birthday

Although there will be a few store bought goodies in tomorrows birthday celebration I am really trying to embrace the idea of handmade birthdays and Christmas' etc. I have had a few hours this week sans kids (they have been at VBS in the mornings) and have put the time to good use sewing up a few gifts for my precious baby girl. I can't believe she is turning 3 tomorrow, how time flies!

We are way into our baby dolls right now, so a matching outfit for Lulu and Bitty Baby, Abigail, was definitely in order. I snuck into her room while she was watching a movie to try the dress on Abbey and take this picture.

Regan is definitely a gift giver, always wanting to make or get something to give to whomever she can think of, so she was pretty excited when I suggested that she give Lulu the old doll bed that Poppy had made her when she was Lulu's age and has been in the attic for the past year. Just for the occasion I threw together a new quilt and pillow for the bed. It is not my best sewing ever, but I am sure she will love it anyway!

caught in the act

Look who decided to help mom clean the kitchen, unsolicited this afternoon!

My very own Kitchen Fairy!

hello!

July always seems to take me by surprise with a flurry of activities: family visiting, camps and VBS, birthday happening for a certain "baby girl" in our family etc. I have been busy at the sewing machine the past few days working on a few birthday presents that are sure to please. Here is a sneak peak of the latest project... more to come!

making up for missed fireworks

Grandpa and Grandma Bev came to visit this weekend and brought sparklers. We did not go to the fireworks for the 4th last week, so hopefully this makes up (sorta) for the loss.
like the protective footwear?...
and lack there of.

our family is growing

It is official, saw the midwife today... and even got pictures! We will be adding another member to our family early next year!

This picture is a few weeks old, it is amazing how fast you start showing the 5th time around!

excitement in the suburbs

As I passed by the window I saw something unusual in the back yard. I stopped to get a closer look, and still unsure of what it was, I grabbed my camera and called to kids to come look out the window. When I got a little closer I realized it was a baby raccoon! It is so young it can't walk well and I don't even think it's eyes are open yet! Animal control is closed for the weekend, so I called the police and we are waiting for an officer to come "assess the situation" as they say. The kids all want to keep it as a pet!

Update: The officer that came to the house was very nice and caring with the raccoon. He took the little raccoon in an extra box we had and promised to clean him up and feed him. The kids were sad to see it go, but he is in better hands now.

who needs a pool when you have a bucket?

Wishing you a Happy 4th of July weekend!