elf #1

I just finished one of four elves (three of which will be making their way to new homes this Christmas season and which should have already been shipped, oops).

I am heading back to my machine now, hoping to get the other 3 done by tomorrow.  I used this pattern, in case you were interested.

friday photos

The kids wanted in on the holiday craft shows, so they spent this morning making bracelets to sell at tomorrow's bazaar.

Even Addie made herself a bracelet :)

We also got a new garage door today, yay!

I forgot to take a before picture, but our old one was literally rotting away!

isn't it pretty?

And finally, I just finished a pile of kids aprons.  I did some major de-stashing for these.  It felt good to use all the fabric I've been hoarding, waiting for the perfect project.  Hopefully they will all go to good homes at tomorrows craft show!

Emmy

Emmaline loves to look at herself in the mirror on bottom of the mobile on her swing.  She often laughs and talks to the baby up there.  It's pretty darn cute :) 

i need a mental health day

I am feeling a little overwhelmed these days.  There is so much to do and we are accomplishing so little!  I am tired (without any real excuse since Emmaline has been sleeping through the night (10 hrs) for weeks now) and short tempered.  I can't seem to organize my thoughts let alone my house.  When we do school it has been going better this year than ever before, the problem is finding time (and a clean space on the table) to actually do school!

If I could just bring myself to allow some sort of routine and spend a little time planning each week I know things would be much better, but everything in me fights against routine!  The problem is, when you have 8 people living, schooling and running a business in a small space you have.to.have. some structure! 

So, I think it is time to stop all the activity, organize our space, and make a loose plan for our days.  I also need to carve out a few minutes everyday to write down my thought and ideas.  Wish me luck!

P.S.  I couldn't get my act together enough to work out while the kids were in PE at the Y today, but I did spend a few minutes drawing up my June pattern for the calendar and as soon as I get things in order here I will start stitching it up :)

better late than never! (May embroidery pattern)

I am WAY behind on this calendar project!  While at a craft show last week my friend asked how my calendar was coming along and said she planned to make one herself once I finished the patterns.  It was a gentle reminder that I need to get busy and finish this up!  So, here is May.  No promises on when I will get June up here.  I have a sketch already done, I just need to draw up the actual pattern and get it stitched up.  In case you've forgotten what all the others look like here are the links: January, February, March, and April.

May Calendar Pattern
Don't forget, if you stitch up your own version of my pattern I would LOVE to see it! Please share pictures in my Flickr group!

new camera straps in the shop

I just added a handful of new straps to the shop.  It's not too early to start your holiday shopping, and don't forget, everything in the shop ships for free now!

more pictures from the camera...

Angry baby...

Silly girl :)