A Balancing Act

Pretty Kitty

2011-08-01T08:39:00.004-04:00

I finished a little kitty for Kori to play with (chew on!).

quick pic with my phone

The sweet -->pattern<-- calls for stuffing the body, front paws and back legs with beans to weigh it just right, helping the kitty sit pretty, but I left them out since I made it for an infant and didn't want to risk the choking hazard. It was fun stitching on her face, bringing her to life and creating a little white flower to place beside her ear to add to her charming personality. I made extra sure everything is firmly stitched in place for baby-safety.

linking to:
Tea Rose Home
Tip Junkie
Delightful Order
Creation Corner

Glitter French Manicure

2011-07-30T10:01:00.004-04:00

I tried something new to me. It's a neutral look that's not over the top glitter, but is fresh and pretty. I think it could be dressy, but still works for every day. You know, even for a librarian, like me.

Wow, my skin looks pale - even in July. My last name is not Cullen - but now I do sparkle a little...

Try it:
If you're patient, do a base coat first.

Next do two layers of your favorite traditional French color/ a nice nudey shade that matches your skin tone. I used Sinful Colors: Social Ladder.

Once dry, raid your teenager's stash of glitter nail polish. Jackpot! Love this product - Art Club! I was happy to find it has a skinny brush that allows you to easily create the look I wanted. Someone was really thinking there...

Once that has set a bit do a layer or two of a clear top coat. And there you have it.

Easy. The glitter is much more forgiving than a traditional white tip, so little mistakes won't even show. Nice.

Linking to:
Creation Corner
Delightful Order
Nifty Thrifty Things

Just July

2011-07-29T10:06:00.000-04:00

Cami's painted rocks - treasures she brought home from her day at Sodus Point Beach with a friend
Kaylyn - chillin' with her boyfriend... Cami snapped this through the doorway, the little spy!
Our little, living dolly of a granddaughter, Kori! ♥
Another ruffle bottom onesie - if it doesn't move, I'm tempted to put ruffles on it this summer.

Keepin' Cool (or tryin' to)

2011-07-23T10:12:00.002-04:00

This week's heat has been brutal. I have been trying not to complain because last winter was opposite-end-of-the spectrum-brutal and I couldn't wait for it to be over. It's been especially rough with the a/c broken in my mom-van (**whine**). Today I would gladly trade scraping snow and ice off my car for driving around with the thermometer stuck at 100 degrees.

Amberly has spent the past two nights sleeping at our house with Kori because temps were in the upper 90's in their upstairs apartment.

Brian is camping this weekend with the guys and the dogs. It's a bit cooler in the Adirondacks, where they go each summer. During the day I find comfort in the a/c at work and the girls are lucky to be able to swim at Aunt Bethany & Uncle Keith's. We had a fun evening at Uncle Tom & Aunt Sherry's until the mosquito terrorists threatened to carry us off into the deep woods.

I think this ongoing heat might have cooked my brain a little. Yesterday I had my hair cut short. I came home from my appointment, stood looking at my reflection in the mirror and thought, "Girl, what have you done?" I guess I thought I'd see a cute, sassy reflection - like the pretty girl in the picture I showed my hairstylist - But the dazed person looking back looked 15 years older, windblown, flushed and sweaty from a 100 degree drive in a mom- van with no a/c. Well, it's hair. It grows. Whatever.

Summertime Baby

2011-07-15T09:27:00.002-04:00

Kori is now 6 months old! She is rolling all over the place and it won't be long before she figures out how to get up on her knees. She's a strong little bugger, weighing 19.5 pounds. She is nursing and enjoying the yummy homemade baby foods her mommy makes for her. Summer means lots of local, garden-fresh veggies and orchard-fresh fruits for lucky baby. I am very proud of Amberly for being such a loving, patient, intuitive mother. It has been a gift for me to see my daughter become a mother and to see the love between them blossom.

Great-Grandma, my talented mother in-law, made her this gorgeous, smocked bonnet. She looks so sweet in it - like a little Holly Hobbie! The hand-smocked details are fine and beautiful. A treasure.

Kori is getting better at sitting up on her own and I snapped these quick pictures of her with Ruby and Bindi, who love her so much.

They look like such good doggies, but in all honesty they loved posing for these pictures because Cami was holding treats for them. And you can pretty much get them to do anything with that kind of bribery.

T-Shirt Refashion 2

2011-07-08T10:29:00.005-04:00

You may have heard of Pinterest. I am totally a visual person and this is the best spot for collecting and sorting images found on the Web I could ever dream of. So many ideas, so little time!

I've had a t-shirt refashion idea "pinned" for a while and gave it a go last week. I like her blog, Made By Lex, for her tutorials with lots of pictures. Cute results on Kaylyn! Purple is her life-long signature color.

I started with a long-sleeved Hanes t-shirt found at Goodwill, new, for $3.99.

This project was a little exercise in patience for me. Getting the ruffles pinned and then sewn evenly was a bit tricky, but it was fun.

I am happy with how it turned out! If you like the idea of t-shirt refashions here is another one I tried this spring.

Linking to:
Delightful Order
Creation Corner
Nifty Thrifty Things

Sweet Summer

2011-07-07T08:33:00.004-04:00

I've been all work AND all play this summer, and that means away from the my home computer and blogland. It's the busy season for me as library manager with many summer reading programs to plan and facilitate.

Catching up...
Our dance recital came together nicely in June! The students did a great job. I miss 'em already.

I am happy when my students feel proud of themselves. They worked hard, having fun in the dance studio along the way, to get to the stage. Above are 10 of my 50 students with their lipstick and sequins, feeling important and accomplished.

So proud of Cami, too!

Father's day was special celebrating Brian's promotion to grandfatherhood. Amberly and Brian S. collaborated on this funny card:

Our lively little Kori will be 6 months old this week! I love watching her grow and change, and marvel over her sweet personality.

For the 4th of July weekend we went to Sackets Harbor and enjoyed the beautiful, summer weather all together.

Looks like a tough weekend, huh?!

One project in store for Kaylyn and I, and it's a biggie, is sorting through her 800+ images from her German trip in April.

I'd like to put together a (simple?!) scrapbook with her. First step: deciding which images to print, staying within some sort of reasonable budget.

Changing Gears

2011-06-16T09:10:00.004-04:00

Summer vacation is within reach and that means our schedules will soon feel a little more relaxed. This is the last week of school for them, but they still have some finals and state regents exams to take. I am entering my busy season at work in the library with school visits, storytimes and summer reading planning and promoting. I'm getting organized and ready!

Our dance recital is this weekend and the students (and teachers!) have had a long week of rehearsals on stage, with dress rehearsal tonight. The kids are great to work with. I enjoy my time with them and admire their dedication and love of dance.

It's fun to remember some of the " behind the scenes moments" before the sequins and applause.

I still have a couple of details to sew on one costume for Cami (after I told myself NOT to procrastinate), but I can do it quickly this morning. !!!

2011-06-11T08:45:00.006-04:00

It's quiet this morning. Brian left for work (I don't think he's had time off in 13 or 14 days- oh, the joys of self-employment) and I am up early for a Saturday. For the moment I am just been being lazy, surfing the net and sipping my coffee in the quiet - not wanting to wake the girls. Cami's long-time bff slept over last night after their 8th grade dinner dance.

*sigh* Those babies grow very quickly! I spent about 45 minutes curling her hair. I love doing that. I was meant to have girls. God really knew what he was doing.

Speaking of girls...
Here's a pic of me with some of my dancers. ♥

Little darlings, right? Yes, most of the time it's true. Stage rehearsals begin today and continue for the next several days for all students for the upcoming dance recital. It's going to be a busy week! I like this time with excited dancers in fresh ballet-pink tights, sparkly, itchy costumes and red lipstick.

And that reminds me... I have a lot of sewing left to do on Cami's costumes. I suppose that is what I should be doing in this quiet time.

Month 6 of the Year

2011-06-09T08:15:00.003-04:00

Already?!

And here we are as the earth makes another whizzing lap around the sun, zooming around, tipping this way and that way, creating our seasons. All the while I marvel at how my girls grow and change happens. What a difference a year or two can make.

Love these girls - K(16) and C(13)

This is our season for popsicles, flip-flops, mowing the lawn, pools opening, fans in bedroom windows and approaching-the-last-day-of-school excitement. It's the time of year for the girls to be surprised that last year's swimsuits and shorts no longer fit.

This past weekend Kaylyn & Cami were very helpful in the flower beds. We pulled weeds, thinned perennials, planted annuals and spread (heavy!) bags of mulch 'til we basically dropped. Well... at least I was ready to drop.

In the early morning quiet I take a little time to sweep our deck, check the bird feeder and water my plants while the girls get ready for the last days of school. I like to just look at my flowers, know what I mean? The change of seasons will never stop amazing me and today, I can tell, is going to be another hot, sticky one. Right now I'd rather have that over snow, but ask me again in August...

Ruffle Bottom Onesie

2011-06-06T08:29:00.011-04:00

I picked up a package of plain baby "onesies" at Target and used a 40% off coupon on a cute quilt bundle at JoAnn's (sort of like this). The 5 coordinating prints that come bundled together are 18 x 21" each.

This was one of the quickest and easiest sewing projects I ever tried!

First I washed everything and then ironed the fabric. Since I was going for a frayed-edge look, I ripped strips 4 of the fabric, about 2 x 18". I didn't measure carefully - I just eye-balled it!

Using my sewing machine I basted each strip down the centers and gathered them up by gently tugging on one thread. This could be easily done by hand too. You just have to play around and get the ruffles to look even.

Three of the ruffles were pinned to the back/bottom of the onesie and stitched in place, saving one ruffle to be pinned and then sewn to the front.

I am having so much fun making cute things for my granddaughter! What on earth did I do before she came along?!

Hopefully Amberly will snap a pic of Kori modeling her sweet summer suit (hint, hint).

update:

linking to:
Making the World Cuter
Tip Junkie
Fabric Bows and More
Delightful Order
Creation Corner
Nifty Thrifty Things

Splash of Color

2011-06-02T10:47:00.004-04:00

2011 has been a year of paring down and no (or very little) spending money on myself. No frivolous spending. I am stopping to think about what I want vs. what I need. The fine line there lies in the definition of need. I need shoes for work. And cute skirts too! Right? I have done a lot of purging recently - in my closet and in other areas of my home, particularly our basement. I love consignment and thrift shopping because I can can spend way, way less and often find many higher end, quality labels, which I would never buy new-off-the-rack.

However, I had a recent dr. appt with the ENT and endured a rather unpleasant scope-up-my-nose-and-down-my-throat adventure. Since I felt so violated (I realize this is an exaggeration) I treated myself to stop and browse for treasures. I spent only a few dollars and came home with a splash of color for my front porch - a charming granny square throw.

I didn't need the above afghan, but I liked it. So there. It will be a nice(r) spot to sit with Brian and drink summer in a bottle when we get a free moment. Feel free to join us. :)

And, I also didn't need these ice cream dishes, but aren't they cute? They were .99 each and according to Cami, a house is not a home without ice cream in the freezer at all times. There is a lot of ice cream consumed in this house.

I have to ask myself, am I really being thrifty when I purchase things I don't need (even when something only costs a few dollars)? Maybe I am posting this as sort of confession, or looking for validation!

At the Lake

2011-06-01T09:03:00.007-04:00

Cami & Caleb

Hooray for the first {unofficial} week of summer. Our extended family gathered in Sackets Harbor for Memorial Weekend and we had a lot of fun. I loved the chance to do a whole lot of nuthin'. It was a welcome reprieve before the next couple of weeks, as it will get nutty with end-of-school-year and dance-recital-rehearsal-jam-packed schedules.

my nephew, Mitchell looking for snakes {!!!}

Cousins: Meghan, Gaia {exchange student from Rome, Italy}, Caleb & Kaylyn

Amberly was happy to Bring Kori on her trip to Sackets Harbor, a 5th generation visitor!

The weather was nice {most of the time} and the kids had a great time with each other. So did the "big kids," like Brian.

Easy Nail Art

2011-05-31T08:00:00.009-04:00

This is one of the coolest ideas for nail art! Check out the tutorial at La Passion Du Nail Art. The instructions are in French, but thank goodness for Google Translate!

The technique was very simple. My girls and I had fun experimenting with it.

I wanted to grab a few shots of my 13-year-old daughter (after she cooperated so nicely, letting me take pics of her nails before school this morning). She bought her outfit this weekend with her own money - her signature color. All ready for summer!

linking to:

Skip to My Lou, Made by You Monday
Tea Rose Home, Link Party no. 56
Fabric Bows and More, Will See It Wednesday
Delightful Order, Delightfully Inspiring Link Party 14
Creation Corner, Friday Link Party
Nifty Thrifty Things, Sunday Link Party

Pixie Hat

2011-05-23T14:08:00.016-04:00

This weekend I worked on a little charmer, finishing the flower last night. I pulled it out and started over three times because I am hoping it will fit the cutest little baby girl I know (*wink-wink*) and I was just eyeballing it, without measurements. Smart move, I know.

The yarn is from my {almost out of control} stash I had on hand from previous projects: Vanna's Choice for the hat, and Bernat Softee Chunky for the flower. The hat pattern is still evolving in my brain, but the free flower pattern can be found here. I love the pattern and have used it before for other hats and bags.


hooray, it fits Miss Kori!

I think the hat could be cute with stripes and maybe a fun pom-pom on top. What do you think?

think she likes it??? hmmm...

linking to:
Tip Junkie's Tip Me Tuesday
Tea Rose Home
Will See It Wednesday
Delightfully Inspiring Thursday Party
Creation Corner
Nifty Thrifty Sunday

Silky Softy Baby Blanky

2011-05-16T15:23:00.014-04:00

Sweet babies deserve a touch of luxury and comfort and Kori is no exception.

I made two small, comfy blankets {we call them "nite-nites" in our family} this weekend. It was too cold and rainy for yard work so I had fun inside and didn't feel guilty about it. This was my first attempt at adding satin blanket binding and with a little determination, and surfing the Internet for help, I did OK!

I love how the rich pink and brown work together! There are so many styles of printed flannels to make gorgeous baby blankets with. The combinations are endless. Add that with soft, Minky fabrics... heavenly!

Here's what I used:

19" square printed flannel
19" square JoAnn's Soft N Comfy (or Minky)
Satin blanket binding
thread to match binding
pins
sewing machine

Wash and dry your fabrics first to avoid disappointing shrinkage after your hard work.

1. Pin fabrics wrong sides together.

2. Stitch around all four sides about 5/8 seam allowance. The color of the thread does not matter here - it won't show.

3. Zig-zag stictch around all four sides. This will prevent fraying after lots of loving and multiple washes {you know how baby blankets are} and adds stability to edge for applying the binding.

4. I'm not gonna lie. I had to play with this next part a bit. While I wasn't totally in love with my first attempt, the second go around was much better. You can do it!

Lay the binding narrow side-up, open the fold and tuck in your work, pinning it down the edge, working left to right.. When you reach the corner, manipulate the binding {use your best gift wrapping skills} create a 45 degree fold. Continue all around.

I snapped this picture and then realized that the binding should be pressed first to get the fold marks out of it. Oops.

You can watch this video to get the idea of how the mitered corners of blanket binding are created.

5. Zig-zag stitch the binding to the blanket {or use a regular straight stitch if you prefer}all around. When you get toward the end, tuck your binding edge under to give a nice, finished edge and stitch down to complete.

When I thought I was finished my mitered corners seemed "flappy" so I zig-zag stitched the down too. You can see my stitches in the first, top photo of Baby Sugar Lump.

The Wrights site was helpful in understanding how to add the binding in a slightly different way. I think I'll do this next time to avoid the flappiness? I'd love to know if anyone else has thoughts about this...

The blankets turned out really cute and Kori says they taste great too! ;)

linking to:

Sunny Weekend Recap

2011-05-09T09:01:00.003-04:00

It was a gloriously sunny, spring-feeling weekend for Kaylyn's first prom on Saturday!

Kaylyn & Jimmie

My tall, beautiful, high school sophomore, almost grown-up girl.

She had a fun time with her friends.Where does the time go?


I am in love with the gorgeous dresses this season!

Sunday was Mothers Day and it extra special this year as it was Amberly's first.


Kori & Amberly

I was treated to a yummy breakfast of homemade waffles, bacon and OJ made by my top chefs, Brian and Cami, and a trip to Lagoner Farms to pick out a colorful floral planter for our front porch.

It was wonderful spending time with all three of my reasons I get to be queen for the day, the greatest gifts I could receive. I am grateful for our time together.

Motherhood Matters

2011-05-05T09:17:00.004-04:00

Few of us will reach our potential without the nurturing of both the mother who bore us and the mothers who bear with us. – Sheri L. Dew

I found the greatest inspiration this week - just in time for Mothers Day! Check it out:

The upcoming event is not local to me, but I appreciate the important message and have loved reading what other people have written. Mothers can often be unsung heroes, can't they?

my mom, my sister (2) and me (4)

The image above was taken in Silver Springs, while on vacation in Florida. Mom has been gone almost 21 years and I think of her and ask her to pray for my family everyday. I wish she was here to encourage me. She would be so proud of my three daughters and I hope she has a clear view of them from heaven.

Mango & Cashew Salad

2011-05-04T16:00:00.003-04:00

This is what my lunch-to-go looks like today. Yummm. I love this simple salad in the summer, served with grilled foods. I like to prepare the dressing, mangoes and a batch of the cashews, and keep them in the fridge to sprinkle on salads for a few days. This way I can put it together quickly in the morning to take to work.

1 1/2 Tbsp and 1/3 cup Extra-Virgin Olive Oil, divided
1/2 lb whole, unsalted cashews (about 1 1/2 cups)
1/8 tsp cayenne pepper
3/4 tsp salt
2 Tbsp Clover Honey
15 ounces of your favorite greens
juice from 1 lime (about 2 Tbsp)
3 mangos, peeled, seeded, 1-inch dice (about 3 1/2 cups)

Directions:

Heat 1 1/2 Tbsp oil in skillet on MEDIUM. Add cashews, cayenne pepper and salt; stir in honey.
Remove from heat; toss, set aside to cool.
Whisk lime juice and remaining 1/3 cup olive oil in small bowl.
Combine greens, mango and cashew mixture in large bowl; drizzle with dressing

Join the parties:

Spring Fling

2011-05-03T09:28:00.006-04:00

I've got this thing for yellow lately. I've never been a huge fan of this position on the color wheel, but lately it's got my attention. I couldn't resist this fun LL Bean purse at Lu's Backdoor, one of may favorite consignment spots and just love the bright color and cute shape.

Maybe it's the fact that we've had a very rainy spring season and endlessly cloudy skies that's got me leaning toward this sunny color. Craving it, like I want sweet-tart, lemon candy

I've been noticing lots of fun yellow things as I sift through Etsy:

What colors have you been drawn to this season?

Found any thrift store or consignment shop gems?
Check out Apron Thrift Girl, where you can follow the adventures of thrifters everywhere as they share their treasures and ideas with "Thrift Share Monday." And yes, I know today is Tuesday, but that's me - a day late and a dollar short.

Moving Day

2011-04-30T19:13:00.002-04:00

Amberly and Brian S. moved into their new place on Daansen Rd. today. I am doing a happy dance because now they are a mere 7.25 miles away (not that I clocked it or anything) and this grandma will get her hands on her gorgeous grandbaby so much more easily now!

I have a little kitchen-envy. It's huge!

Here's Grandpa making sure smoke detectors work (thanks, Pops).

Their new place is so cozy and cute - full of charm (and new carpet!). Kori gets her own room, with her transition to a crib - out of the family bassinet, the big girl.

T - Shirt Refashion

2011-04-29T10:00:00.006-04:00

I saw this tutorial a few weeks ago at Busily Spinning Momma and was in awe of the idea! So clever. So cute. And pretty simple even for me - because I am not the world's champion seamstress. Dorian's tutorial was very helpful with lots of pictures.

I like this idea so much because I was able to have fun while trying something new and I get such a charge out of being thrifty. This shirt cost me $3.99, which is quite a cost savings compared with the inspiration t-shirt at J. Crew ($42.50).

There is a Goodwill store in my area that carries new Hanes t-shirts, long-sleeved and short-sleeved, in many colors that are perfect for projects like this. Fabulous possibilities! If you have t-shirt refashion ideas I'd love to see.

Peeps

2011-04-26T08:10:00.001-04:00

Do you like marshmallow Peeps? Honestly, I shudder a little at the thought of puting one in my mouth. Not a fan. They are, however, a timeless, traditional Easter basket staple with a shelf life of probably 1,000 years. Some folks say they prefer them stale. *choke* I don't know if that seems better or worse.

Looking beyond my opinion of their sugary grossness, they do serve a charming purpose after all! Cami and I had fun putting together this colorful centerpiece for our table.

I found the clear, tall, straight vase at Goodwill on Saturday for only a couple of bucks and it triggered a memory of the cutest idea I read about at Sweet Little Smoothie, a creative and pretty blog I happily stumbled upon and adore.

On Easter Sunday we had dinner at my in-laws' and Brian's grandmother made this adorable "sunflower" cake. I thought it was such a fun idea.

I'll admit this yellow layer cake with chocolate frosting suited the marshmallow peep just fine and I ate one with my slice! What's a little more sugar torture on Easter?

Easter Joy

2011-04-25T15:54:00.001-04:00

On Sunday we spent time with family, celebrating the hope and joy of the resurrection. And enjoying sweet smiles and lots of treats.

Brian S., Amberly & Kori

Dress lovingly smocked by Great-Grandma ♥

The beginning of a fun cousin relationship with Noah!

My Easter joy this year was Kaylyn coming home from her school trip Germany. She had an amazing 16-day trip and I look forward to catching up with her, looking at her photos and hearing all about the adventures of her journey.

She was so tired last night. She mostly just unzipped her suitcase, shared her souvenirs she brought home for our family, stuffed a big load of laundry in the wash and crashed in her own, comfy bed.

Sew Your Own Cloth Napkins

2011-04-22T09:37:00.006-04:00

Here's a simple sewing idea (just my speed) and a nod to Earth Day. Cloth napkins are an easy way to go green. This project was inspired by my 13-yr.-old, who had dinner with her girlfriend's family in their home, where they use cloth napkins. Knowing this is a good idea, she told me, "WE should do this!" So we did. :)

I used an soft, old, favorite tablecloth that had seen much better days. It had many holes and stains, so I didn't feel too badly about cutting it up so we could get better use out of it. I think any a nice cotton or cotton blend would be best for making napkins - soft and absorbent.

Working around the tears and such I ended up with 8 -16 x 16" squares. Cut the size that maximizes the fabric you're working with, making the most practically-sized squares to get the most bang for your buck. I probably wouldn't go less than 10 x 10"? It's your choice and it's all good.

You can make whatever size you want, keeping in mind you'll lose an inch or so when you're finished sewing edges.

Using your iron press edge over about 1/4", turn and do next side and repeat until all 4 edges are pressed.

Do this again, folding edge another 1/4" and repeat until all sides are folded and pressed twice (hiding raw edges). Take your time with the corners so they lay flat.

Sew around edges, being careful with your corner folds.

back of napkin

the front

Give it a try and enjoy!

Cutie Patootie Booties

2011-04-20T18:34:00.001-04:00

This is such a darling pattern from the Coats and Clark Website! These dressy booties were fun, easy and quick. So quick in fact that I got the majority of one finished in the waiting room of the dentist office while Cami received her first filling (yikes).

Click here to view simple pattern. I love the charming Mary Jane style.

They're constructed with a nifty little snap for ease in getting baby's foot in. I added a tiny pink button on each, which will help the booties match this Easter sweater in my previous post for my little K-bear.

Cutie Patootie Sweater

2011-04-16T07:49:00.007-04:00

This week I worked on a pretty pink sweater for Kori to wear with her Easter dress. I took this picture before it was done. I hadn't yet added the nice neat edging along the front and neckline. I had these buttons on hand already - a bargain from Craft Bits and Pieces.

I love the pattern, Absolutely Precious, by Denise Black. Click here if you'd like to give it a go.

cell phone pic - darn, didn't bring my camera.

Yesterday morning I had a library system meeting in Canandaigua, so after that I popped in for a quick visit to Amberly's apartment at lunchtime to see how it fits Miss K. She fills it out quite nicely, the little sugar lump!

Easter Baby

Sweet Sixteen!

2011-04-13T08:05:00.002-04:00

Today I am sending long distance happy birthday wishes to my Kaylyn - across the ocean to Germany. Lucky girl! Last week we had a little surprise celebration dinner at Red Robin with her girlfriend, Mackenzie, who also turns sweet 16 in a few days.

I secretly smuggled a small gift and card along for Kaylyn with one of the trip chaperons so she will have a little present from home to open on her birthday.

I hope she enjoys the surprise and love from home. :)

Today

2011-04-12T19:35:00.003-04:00

I am:

Feeling joyful about spring!

Seeing the grass grow greener everyday.
Planning something fun to do next week while Cami is on spring break from school.

Missing Kaylyn, who is in Germany until Easter.

Wishing her a very happy 16^th birthday!

Thinking it feels weird with her not being here and me not making a cake.

Stalking Facebook everyday, hoping to see pictures and updates of the

travelers.

Bragging about my cute granddaughter, Kori.

Make your own cozy baby legs.

Crocheting a sweet pink little sweater for her to wear with her pretty Easter dress.

Enjoying a little free time with the dance studio being closed for 2 weeks of spring break.

Worrying about a last minute income tax appointment.

Waiting for a batch of Brian’s homemade peanut butter ice cream to be done…

Auf Wiedersehen

2011-04-11T07:43:00.005-04:00

And they're off! Kaylyn's school group left for a 16-day trip to Germany on Saturday. I'm going to miss her so much, but am very excited for her. It's been a long year-and-a-half-plus of fund raising, part-time work and babysitting to help earn money for this adventure. I'm so proud of her! Thank you to everyone who donated cans and bottles, supported the garage sale, ate breakfast(s) with Santa and the Grinch, attended the German dinner(s) and donkey basketball, purchased coffee, mittens, city books, concessions at sporting events and flowers at the musical. Whew! Before a cheery/teary send-off for the 25 students and 4 chaperones at school we filled up the Candy Kitchen for a celebratory breakfast early in the morning.

This mom is grateful for Facebook and have been checking in frequently (OK, like a stalker) to see the pictures and updates Kaylyn's amazing teacher, Frau Thompson has posted. Awesome! It puts me at ease to see the smiling faces and helps to loosen that tight band I feel around my chest.

Favorite Gingersnaps

2011-04-08T09:08:00.008-04:00

I would be hard pressed to name a favorite cookie, but these gingersnaps are among the top contenders. I fell in love with them a couple of years ago and have had requests for the recipe so I thought I'd share here. They have a wonderful crispy texture on the outside and still have a yummy chewiness on the inside. And their lovely sparkle makes your mouth just water waiting for a taste.

Favorite Gingersnap Cookies

1/3 C veg. shortening/Crisco
1/3 C butter
1 C brown sugar
1 egg
2 tsp. baking soda
¼ C molasses
½ tsp. salt
½ tsp. cloves
1 tsp. cinnamon
2 tsp. ginger
2 C flour

Preheat oven to 350 degrees

Cream together shortening, butter and brown sugar.
Add egg, molasses and baking soda. Beat until fluffy.
Sift together remaining ingredients and add to butter/sugar mixture until well combined.
Roll dough into small balls, about 1 T each. Then roll balls in a bowl of sugar* to coat.

Space cookies about 2” apart on a greased cookie sheet (I used an ungreased baking stone) and bake for 8-12 minutes. Let cool a minute or two before transferring to a rack to finish cooling.

*Sanding sugar would give a very pretty look, but I never have that on hand when I feel like baking. Regular sugar works fine for me.

Knitted Passport Holder

2011-03-26T09:00:00.003-04:00

I made this little pouch for Kaylyn, who leaves for Germany on a high school trip in 14 days. She is so excited (understatement) and I am growing a little more anxious each day. I am excited for her, but worried about sending my almost sixteen-year-old flying over the sea. Stop, Tracy, stop...

ANYway... my girl has a passion for purple so I thought she could use this handy dandy passport holder. Please, don't let her lose it (please, don't let the group lose my girl)!

Going Global- Passport Holder by Sydney Crabaugh, found on Ravelry.com

The yarn I used is JoAnn's Sensations, BeauJingles. The sequins in it are a fun touch. It's sparkly, like her. See?

Impatience

2011-03-25T08:10:00.000-04:00

The world is trying to wake up from winter sleep, but lazy mother nature keeps hitting the snooze button. Again and again.

My little sprouts along the sidewalk get an A for effort. Their patience, resilience and determination are something I could take a lesson or two from. Wait and hope. Have faith.

The Music Man

2011-03-11T08:05:00.008-05:00

It's opening night for our high school production of The Music Man. Kaylyn has joined the stage crew this year and Cami is a dancer in the chorus.

mighty stage crew

It's going to be an exciting, busy weekend! I took lots of pictures at dress rehearsal on Wednesday:

Talented and dedicated parents volunteer to create the eye candy sets and meticulously sew stunning costumes for each student. It blows my mind every year.

We have a wonderful teacher/director and a music teacher who teach the students how details are put together and how to reach for a level of excellence. The efforts of everyone's hard work are concrete and tangible.

The popular musical program in our school gives our small community something to happily celebrate and be very proud of. It is discouraging to hear of brutal budget cuts that need to be made in schools everywhere in the very near future. But we have this and I am grateful for the opportunity it provides the kids, building lifelong skills of team work, risk taking, and discipline, and creating happy high school memories.

Break a leg, everyone!

Nature's Paintbox

2011-03-09T14:23:00.001-05:00

Never lose an opportunity to see anything that is beautiful.
It is God's handwriting - a wayside sacrament. Welcome it in every fair face, every fair sky, every fair flower.
- Ralph Waldo Emerson

I know they're just eggs, but look at them! A friend gave me 2 dozen yesterday, fresh from her chickens. So pretty!

Wristwarmers

2011-03-06T21:20:00.009-05:00

Finished!

Fishtail Wristwarmers, by Alexandra Brinck

I started them on Superbowl Sunday and worked on and off for a month. A little tricky for me, using teeny double-pointed needles, but I like how they turned out. Not sure what my problem is, but I get a little bored making two of something, like socks or mittens. I happily jump in and finish the first one, and with enthusiasm waning, the next one seems like a daunting chore. This project moved along pretty quickly, though.

KB modeled for me so I could snap a few pics before wrapping them up to give Amberly as a birthday gift.

Another Hat Since There's No End In Sight

2011-02-20T09:00:00.007-05:00

Teens are wearing the kookiest hats around. Why not? I think they're fun. And since it seems like wicked old winter is here to stay for a while longer making hats is still worthwhile. I made a few baby-sized hats earlier this winter, but now my big kids want sock monkey hats too.

Cami is sporting the made-by-request purple sock monkey hat I crocheted for Kaylyn, who generously (surprisingly...what's going on here?) offered it to her little sister to wear for the youth group's snow camp weekend.

Make Your Own Baby Legs

2011-02-19T11:20:00.006-05:00

"Cheeks," as Brian has aptly nicknamed her, is already 5 weeks old. I bookmarked this tutorial before Kori was born knowing it would be cute project. I should name this blog, "Quick, Inexpensive, Easy projects I ♥." These baby legs cost $1.

Long, baby leg warmers are sweet, practical and popular. We are nearing the end of winter (yes!) and I wondered if I would be lucky enough to find the right stretchy-soft scarf at the Dollar Tree this late in the season. I was happy, but refrained from a joyous outburst in the store, when I found two!

They are so comfy cozy and look adorable on Miss K.

While I am talking about baby legs, I have to say something about baby BLUES!

I understand the whole dominant/recessive traits thing from 10th grade bio, but my goodness, I never would have thought my girl, with her endless pools of dark chocolate, would have a blue-eyed babe. So pretty, like her daddy's.

May the Force Be With Her

2011-02-15T08:40:00.001-05:00

This was a sort of quirky, little Valentines day gift for Kaylyn, my avid runner.

free Ravelry download if you're interested

The "Yoda" pattern was originally intended for a baby bottle, but I figured it could work for a water bottle too. While we are not really huge Star Wars fans (not that we hate it - we can just take it or leave it) her cross country and track coach is. A big, big fan. With indoor track sectionals this week K thought it would be a nice good-luck token to tote along.

A Quick Scarf

2011-02-04T09:12:00.002-05:00

I really enjoy a quick project with its {almost} instant gratification. I can start and finish without it becoming a chore. Simple pleasure. I finished this Picot Mesh Scarf just before bedtime last night. I plan to give it as a gift. ♥

You can find the free pattern at jaybirddesigns.

I used JoAnn's Sensations yarn, Multi Casual Boucle, size-K hook.

3 Weeks

2011-02-02T11:02:00.003-05:00

We are having a wonderful time getting to know our little Kori. Since Amberly and Brian S. live 30 minutes away I only get to visit her once (or twice if I'm lucky) a week.

I marvel over noticeable changes with each visit. K Bear is almost 10 lbs and she is already smiling! Mostly at me, I am sure. And no, it's not gas.

3 Weeks from Amberly Whitney on Vimeo.

Their kitty and original baby of the family, Little Buddy has adjusted well to the new little bundle brought home from the hospital.

Whitewash Blah

2011-02-01T10:47:00.006-05:00

This cold, stark scene is getting to me. The beauty of the December snows have lost their appeal. More frigid air and another major snowstorm has been ordered for tomorrow. I know we are are not even close to spring yet, but I am already craving open widows and fresh breezes. With Christmas decorations long gone I look around home and scheme up new color combinations I'd like to see around here. Today if I could have one magical power it would be to snap my fingers and have my walls freshly painted. Kitchen cupboards, too!

Green is my favorite color and I love the pop of it in the spring when the resilient crocuses sprout up in the dark soil and the tender, tiny buds on the branches appear everywhere, looking like a Bob Ross landscape all around. In the mean time I have my own ideas to think about and started a new inspiration folder yesterday, I plan to fill it with craft ideas, decor ideas and just pretty stuff I like. Mostly I find inspiration on the web and magazines. The images above make me happy, and spark a little springy creativity!

1. Garden Guides 2. lucky-in-love-st-patricks-day-tutu 3. cupcake stand, BurlapandBlue 4. GraceArtandAntiques 5. pinkprincess.com 6. Martha Stewart 7. my own garden bunny 8. Daniel Hopkins 9. mon-petit-chou-necklace

Amigurumi

2011-01-26T09:21:00.004-05:00

Last weekend I found several cute crochet patterns that I'm hoping to work on. Here's my first attempt at amigurumi.

pattern found here

I made the tiny turtle a little bow to make her girly. I loved that I could make it with scraps of yarn leftover from previous projects and fiberfill that I have on hand. This could get addicting.

PS... digi frame by Amy Teets

Now That's Brisk

2011-01-25T07:39:00.000-05:00

brrrrrrrrrrrr

There was a slight chill in the air on our Monday morning school commute. It was so cold that the snow made that squeaky-crunchy sound when walking on it. This kind of cold makes me feel trapped like a prisoner and I don't like to get in my car without letting it warm up for 5 or 10 minutes.

Thinking of spring, and daffodils, and robins, and open windows with fresh breezes...

Winter Morning Moon

2011-01-20T08:18:00.005-05:00

I see the moon
and the moon sees me
The moon sees the somebody I'd like to see.
God bless the moon
and God bless me
God bless the somebody I'd like to see!

Finding my get-up-and-go is challenging in January. And February. Heck, and March. This is what morning looked like when I drove Kaylyn & Cami to school.

It's feels like a perfect time to hibernate, but the world awaits with expectations.

The Fast Lane

2011-01-18T17:48:00.006-05:00

I realized a couple of days ago that we are halfway through January. It was kind of a shock, actually. Then I realized that I spent the first week of the month on the edge of my seat, glued tight to my phone waiting for my granddaughter to be born. The second week was a happy whirlwind of new baby, with a couple of days off from work to be Grandma!

Kori @ one week

Here we are, and somehow it's third week of the month. I spent today at work in the library getting my head screwed back on and helping my feet find the ground. When I left after 5:00 it was still daylight {yes! spring will come - - eventually}. I had to pick up Kaylyn from track practice and Cami from musical practice, and slide stuffed shells - that I am so thankful I prepared ahead of time - in the oven. I sit here while it's baking and soon we will inhale our food {at least sitting together as a family tonight} and then I'll take Cami to the dance studio and go back to the library for a board of trustees meeting. Sleep, you might guess, is not a problem for me.

Coming Home & Crazy For Hats

2011-01-14T09:10:00.004-05:00

Being discharged from the hospital with a brand new baby that does not come with a manual might seem worrisome. It's a bit scary knowing there is not a fleet of nurses outside the door to help or answer all the big and little questions. No one is just a call button away! At least it felt that way for me three times. I wanted to help if I could make coming home a bit easier and a little more comforting. Brian S. & Amberly brought Kori on her first journey, snug in her carseat and sleeping the whole way. Later, this happy grandma stopped by for a visit armed with lots of food, my camera and high hopes for hours of snuggle time.

I snapped this one of Amberly, which she wasn't thrilled about posing for because she felt that having 4 hours of sleep in 3 days made her unworthy of pictures. I think these are the moments to remember and to me she has never looked more beautiful.

These times are fleeting, although it may not seem that way for her today. This snowy day in January was a great day to remember.

Meeting Kori

2011-01-13T11:00:00.005-05:00

Our beautiful granddaughter is here!

Kori Elizabeth

1-9-11

1:43 PM

8 lbs., 12 oz.

21"

Amberly & Brian S are doing great as new mommy and daddy.

I was honored and blessed to have witnessed of the miracle of my first daughter giving birth to her first daughter. It is surely a day that rates as one of he most special events of my life. It was a day filled with love, hope, and pride for our family. Most of all, a day for giving glory to God for this beautiful blessing bestowed upon our lives.

When a child is born, so is a grandmother.

a great dad, promoted to grandfather

I can tell we will have fun getting the hang of being grandparents. We are totally, head-over-heels in love with our precious tiny girl. A new baby is like the beginning of all things-wonder, hope, a dream of possibilities.

Sweet Sweater

2011-01-07T09:06:00.001-05:00

free pattern here

I finished knitting this tiny project yesterday. It's the first knit sweater I've ever made and I love the way the yarn looks. I used Bernat Baby Jacquards: Rosebud.

It was fun to see the pattern in the yarn create itself. It turned out a little bigger than I'd hoped, but I love the kimono, wrap-style.

Happy New Year 2011

2011-01-04T12:02:00.002-05:00

No resolutions for me. Not that there aren't areas of my life I could work on, but I don't like to set myself up for failure. Of course I want to make healthier food choices, and exercise more, pay down debt, be nicer, be present, yell at my kids less, simplify my home, be on time for everything all year... but I do not dare to call them resolutions.

Bindi & Ruby - last pic of the season by our tree.

We took our Christmas tree down on Sunday and carefully packed away all the decorations. That is a bummer of a job, which hangs over my head all the livelong Christmas season. Even as we're happily decorating the tree at the beginning of December I get that quiet, pit-of-my-stomach-dread-feeling about the anticipated disappointment of taking it down. Our living room looks kind of empty. But neat! So there's that.

Baby Cocoon

2010-12-30T11:58:00.004-05:00

Every year, I like this week - the time between Christmas and New Years Day. I've worked in the library each day, and the girls have had many activities going on like sleepovers, shopping days, track practices and a meet, among other adventures, but I LOVE not setting my alarm clock for 6:00 AM, Mon- Fri. It's simply lovely to wake up when I wake up. People, in general, are a little more low key this week too. Easy going. On holiday. Not too stressed because most of the busyness of holiday cheer is past, but the bills have not come in yet.

I am still waiting to be a grandma (patiently). Any day now...

So I made this snuggly, newborn cocoon:

The simple pattern is shared here.

I used Red Heart Baby Clouds and size 13 circular needles

It just looks so cozy and will be so much cuter with a tiny new granddaughter snoozing inside (much better than Kaylyn wearing it around like a Smurf hat).

update:

Ta-da! She likes it!

A Very Merry Christmas

2010-12-26T14:28:00.002-05:00

The day after...

home, still in our PJs and it's afternoon
leftover brunch just as yummy as yesterday
girls sorting though gifts again and again
playing family games at the dining room table, sipping cocoa
watching the light snow fall
no grandbaby yet - amazed at how big (I mean really big) Amberly's belly is
piles of boxes and messes no one is paying attention to

Feeling blessed to be surrounded by family and enjoying out time together.

Merry Making

2010-12-23T07:54:00.002-05:00

Things were looking as busy as Santa's workshop at Grandma's house last Sunday. Imaginations and sugar highs were whirling.

One of our favorite Christmas traditions that all the kids, big and little, look forward to each year is making gingerbread houses with Grandma.

We elves try to stick to the four main food groups:
candy, candy canes, candy corns and syrup. ~Buddy the Elf

For Dolly

2010-12-16T09:02:00.004-05:00

School was canceled on Tuesday this week. Hooray for first snow day of the season! The girls were so happy and so excited to learn the news that they couldn't go back to bed. Once it became obvious that the relentless snowy weather wasn't going to clear anytime soon, I decided it would be best to close the library as well. Poor Brian had to make his way through the snowing and blowing to get to work (at least he has two labs for moral support). But not us girls. We stayed hunkered down at home, not venturing so much as a pinky toe out even once, warm and cozy in PJs by the Christmas tree, eating a special, big breakfast of cheesy omelets and toast with apple butter, watching holiday movies and being generally, indulgently lazy. Ahhhhh, just what we needed.

While watching the schmaltzy Christmas movies I worked on a couple of cute things to give as a gift to my niece (who I assume does NOT read this blog!). She has Julie, an American Girl Doll from the 1970's. It sits a little funny with me that my generation has a historical time period with dolls to honor it, but whatever. When I was a kid I had a poncho, which was the height of fashion for first-grader-me. So I thought Julie could use one to keep her cozy. She needs it with this weather! The AG model in these pictures is Marisol.

I found a nice, simple pattern at ravelry.com called Toasty Ties Doll Poncho by Maryann Walsh.

And a snuggly hat:

I started with this pattern by Samantha Foster and added earflaps with ties and a rockin' pom pom.

We were satisfied to let it snow, let it snow, let it snow.... until the next morning, when the weather seemed just as bad (if not worse on the roads), but we sucked it up like upstate New Yorkers do. The world had to go on - back to school and back to work for us.

Kaylyn's Throw of Many Colors

2010-12-10T06:00:00.013-05:00

I finished this scrappy throw for my 15-yr-old in the fall and took the time this week to snap some pics of it for good measure. Do you like my furry model? I try to keep a record of the things I knit and crochet at ravelry.com in case I ever want to make another of the same. It is an excellent resource (my very favorite) for knitters and crocheters.

It adds a little coziness on chilly nights. That's an appropriate name, "throw," because I can "throw" it over her mess.
This is where I found my pattern, by Brittany Tyler (via ravelry.com).

Some Serious Snow

2010-12-09T08:59:00.000-05:00

It has been snowing for five days. Now I hear there is a snowstorm with blizzard-like conditions on deck for this coming weekend. Where will we put it all?

This time of year I feel excited about snow. It makes everything feel so Christmassy and makes the outdoor lights look even prettier. Hot chocolate just tastes better when there's at least a foot of snow outside. Listening to Christmas music and wrapping gifts is more fun this way.

I'll bet there's going to be a lot of sleepy snow plowers out there by the end of this week.

Monkeying Around

2010-12-06T11:31:00.002-05:00

This is what I did on my day off:

My itchy fingers have been making all sorts of crochet hats lately. Hats with flowers, hats that look like fruit, hats with ears, etc...

But what I'm especially happy about with this "sock monkey" hat is that I figured out a pattern using my own little brain. I combined four different hat patterns I found to create this gem. The fluffy pom pom sewn on top adds an instant party, right? Now, hoping I wrote it all down correctly I'd like to make a few more.

Baby Shower Pics

2010-12-03T10:48:00.009-05:00

The colors for Amberly's baby shower were pink and brown. and pink and pink...

cupcakes by Aunt Bethany

It's not hard to find good help in our family.

4 generations (soon to be 5!) of grandmas, mothers, sisters, aunts and cousins...

Having fun with "what's in mom's purse?" game. Lillie has the best giggle!

Grandma lovingly hand-stitched this gorgeous dress. A treasure!

I can't wait to meet Kori Elizabeth. My arms are just itching to hold her. And love her. And spoil her!

Tissue Paper Pom Poms

2010-12-02T10:25:00.008-05:00

I began thinking about Amberly's baby shower in the summer, gathering ideas and inspirations from many sources. One of my favorite ideas was making our own tissue paper pom poms for party decorations. So simple, inexpensive and festive!

What you need:

8 sheets of tissue paper
light crafting wire
fishing line
scissors

Start by folding the papers up just like when you were a kid making paper fans.

You don't have to be exact. It's quite forgiving in the end.

I used a drinking glass as a template to create my rounded ends. You could make pointed ends for a different look too.

Easy does it here. The papers can tear easily so be gentle.

If you want smaller-sized pom poms you can get away with less sheets of tissue paper, like 5 or so if you cut the original sheets in half width-wise. I like the look of varied sizes clustered together. Anything goes.

I think they added a soft touch and we had fun making them.

So Thankful

2010-11-30T11:12:00.009-05:00

I got to sit at the adult table this year. Yes! This is probably because in a few short weeks, I will be a grandmother. Wow. Just wow. I am looking forward to meeting my new granddaughter very soon.

LO created with my Abundance collection, Echo Park digi-kit

This is what Grandmas & Grandpas look like nowadays. I just know she will like us!

Something a lot of my Facebook friends near and far did during the month was to share something each day that they are thankful for. Most of the things that were shared were huge, deep and meaningful, like faith, family, health, love, shelter, food, etc... and I am grateful for those things too, of course! It is very easy to become jaded by our "more is more" society. The FB gratitude posts I read were very good reminders. Thank you all for that!

With our ever-growing family, the kids' table is stationed in the living room.

However, since this is my little blog I decided to put together a frivolous list of daily conveniences, one for each day of November, that I am grateful for. Just fluff stuff to share.

I am thankful for (in no particular order):

hot showers
the last gingersnap cookie in the jar
spellcheck
Burt's Bees Hand Salve
Brian making coffee every morning
direct depost
overdraft protection
my cell phone
Internet
photos of my girls when they were small
cutex nail polish remover in a jar
itunes
my reading glasses
Vanna's Choice Yarn
40% off JoAnn coupon
Covergirl Outlast lip color
my digital camera
my washer and dryer
Excederine migraine medicine
Wegmans grocery store
my cute lunch box
that I know how to knit and crochet
sweet potato fries
Brian's love of cooking
a fresh breeze
health insurance
My kitty, Pearl (OK, grumpy Bagheera too)
tap shoes
blow dryer
Sunday afternoon naps

Mary & Amberly

Seriously, Thanksgiving was great this year. So much (real stuff) to be thankful for.

Thanksgiving Kids' Table

2010-11-04T10:48:00.001-04:00

We called it a day and all turned in on Halloween murmering our good-nights to each other (think, The Walton's). Brian said, "Bring on the Turkey!" I could hear Kaylyn chime from her room, "It's almost CHRISTMAS!" True. True. It's almost here.

So many festivities to look forward to.

This digital scrapbook page was created with my Abundance digi kits for Echo Park Paper Co.

Instant Gratification Project

2010-10-28T09:49:00.002-04:00

I love simple projects that can be started and finished in a day or two, with great final results. I've made a couple of these pretty Fast & Furious scarves and like the pattern a lot because of the simplicity - no counting stitches. So relaxing. I like small projects like this tucked in my purse and toted along to be taken out while I'm in waiting rooms for appointments or whatever...

I used Lion Brand's Amazing yarn, color: Arcadia. Try it! This is a simple project and you have plenty of time to crank out a few before Christmas.

Cozy Tootsies

2010-10-26T08:33:00.002-04:00

These were so much fun to crochet. Little bitty bootie "Uggs" for a tiny fashionista!

The pattern can be found at ravelry.com or in this book, by Candi Jensen. I recommend her books and love her blanket patterns. Lots of cute ideas. Check your library. ;)

A Good Laugh

2010-10-15T08:18:00.000-04:00

Thinking about Halloween? It is really amazing how it's been mega-commercialized over the years. I mean Halloween is in-your-face-HUGE. Oh, the stress of choosing a costume. My kids change their minds about 100 times before the 31st. I have to point out a really funny blog post at Stark. Raving. Mad. Mommy.
See here.

Speaking of mega-commercialization, when I was grocery shopping this week at Wegmans, they had Christmas tree up. *sigh*...

Abundance Pack II

2010-09-22T08:33:00.002-04:00

Click to view packs II of my digital collection, Abundance, for Echo Park Paper Co. at JessicaSprague.com.

Back to School, Dance, and Designing!

2010-09-20T07:52:00.002-04:00

Hello, FALL! You kinda snuck up on me.

The end of summer was a bit of a tail spin. Events included my computer crashing, our dryer catching fire and family health issues... ugh! Now we are on track with school schedules, work schedules, sports and dance classes, etc...

What is making me happy today is that my designs for Echo Park Paper are now available:

I loved working on this collection with a fall theme. I am ready for apple pies, pumpkins, sweaters and chilly nights (but no raking yet, please).

Cami's Throw

2010-08-16T06:00:00.005-04:00

On summer evenings when we're all ready to call it a day, Brian likes to watch baseball on TV.

I don't.

So I unwind with a good book to read or projects like knitting, or crochet. Sometimes I plug into my ipod with an audiobook to listen to while my fingers fiddle with yarn and sticks.

I finished a crocheted throw for Cami with her favorite colors. It's not huge. But neither is she! It's a good size for getting cozy to read or watch a movie and practical for toting to sleepovers and trips to Maine. ;)

Hiatus

2010-08-14T08:17:00.002-04:00

Wow - it's been a month since I've adding anything to my blog. Guess that means a summer full of hustle and bustle.

Lillie, Kaylyn, Jakob

It's been a hot one, no doubt about that! One month left until school begins and this home stretch has me thinking about school supplies and new sneakers that need buying and yard work that still needs doing, but now that summer rec., travel soccer, and summer reading at the library are all done for this season we have a bit more time to breathe. And I plan to hold on to what's left and enjoy daily life with my girls, who just left early this morning with Bethany & Keith for a week's vacation in Boston and Maine visiting family. Maybe that's why I already found a minute to pop in here! It's quiet here... *cricket-cricket.*

Market Bag Posies

2010-07-11T21:00:00.005-04:00

My fingers have been flying this summer.

I posted about the market bags I've been making and was inspired by my friend to add a little frilly, finishing touch.

If you'd like to try the flowers above here are some good ones to take a crack at. Have fun!
crochet flower - 3 rounds

crochet carnation

July, July, July

2010-07-10T08:37:00.005-04:00

July is...

summer soccer season
rec. program season
high school graduation party season
grilling out and eating ice cream season
schlepping the girls to pool parties season
campfires and snacks season

This all-play schedule is catching up with me. Somewhere in the above list I slide in time to actually hold a job and attempt to run a household. Last weekend we were in Sacket's Harbor with family. Lots of family as you see below.

We take a family photo every year on the 4th of July. It's neat to look back at past pictures and see how the kids have grown (and multiplied!) in a few short years. Good thing I never do (*wink,wink.*)

Amberly brought her boyfriend, Brian along. Surviving a weekend with our crew is a true test of character and courage. I'd say he passed with flying colors - not to mention a lot of color from sunburn. Many of us shared his pain in that department.

Oh, Say! Can You See...

2010-06-23T21:34:00.001-04:00

After a full day of pouring rain, after we'd given up hope of a game even being held, the sun came out an hour before the first pitch at Frontier Stadium. Kaylyn's select choir filled a country school bus, rode to the city and sang the National Anthem before the Red Wings game. It was really great!

What was also great was the junk food we all consumed: hot dogs, nachos, soda, cotton candy, pizza... Yum and yikes. Good thing we don't do this often! Kaylyn's last regents/final exam (earth science - yuk) was yesterday so this was a fun way to celebrate to official start of summer vacation. It was a nice evening to be at the ball park.

ilive

2010-06-18T09:17:00.009-04:00

Here's a link to snippets of our recital, taken at dress rehearsal last night. So cool! Thanks, Rhonda, for sharing your creation!

I'm just so proud. Add exhausted, relieved, happy...

Cupcake Charms

2010-06-04T08:30:00.001-04:00

Craft of the week - polymer clay.

We borrowed a book from the library called The Polymer Clay Cookbook. Cami was smitten with the adorable little food charms. Well, so was I. We haven't had a lot of time to play, but did crank out more than a dozen sweet cupcakes. I'll say I'm a little clay sculpting-challenged. The watermelon that we attempted twice still needs work. Tiny food is tricky!

Now we have lots of cupcakes to play with. We're thinking cell phone charms, knitting stitch markers, bracelets, earrings...

Watermelon Salad

2010-05-26T12:08:00.002-04:00

This is a favorite on mine. So refreshing, simply delicious and pretty!

ingredients:

watermelon, cut in cubes
a sprinkling of fresh, chopped basil
a little feta

Try it and tell me you don't love it!

Feeling Edgy

2010-05-23T16:49:00.006-04:00

Lots of yard work today in the glorious, summer-like weather.

Every spring this work hangs over me like a black cloud. It'll be July (maybe August) before I get things looking ship-shape in the flower beds. And by then, weeds are growing in the places where I began, which makes the whole process feel like laundry. But even harder. I try to tackle a little section each weekend, which seems a reasonable plan. Unless it rains. Or if we go away or have other obligations. Then I feel like nothing gets accomplished for weeks. Because it doesn't. Anyway, today was productive and so was last weekend. So I've got that going for me.

Ibuprofen is my friend. Bring on the mulch.

Market Bags

2010-05-20T10:48:00.006-04:00

Here are a couple of crochet bags I finished this month.

I experimented with two slightly different yarns - one was Bernat Handicrafter Cotton and the other was Lion Brand's Cotton-Ease (cotton/acrylic blend). I liked the Cotton-Ease better to crochet with, but the 100% cotton seems a bit sturdier. Either way these bags are surprisingly roomy . They hold a lot!

I found the pattern here. I modified it a little because I didn't care for the way the join looked along the length of the body, but I was probably just doing it wrong. Imagine that. Anyway, this is my new kick. I'm already on my third one. I love quick and easy projects like this!

Senior Girl Scouts

2010-05-19T15:10:00.008-04:00

On Sunday Kaylyn's Girl Scout troop celebrated their status as Senior Girls Scouts. Their leader, Kacey, who I am proud to call my friend, along with her co-leaders, Joyce and Annette are amazing and the ceremony was touching, meaningful and fun.

My little kindergarten Daisy Girl Scout, above
and
My not-so-little Scout, trying to squeeze into same uniform, below.

Mackenzie & Kaylyn, 1st grade Brownies

Photos can be a wonderful vehicle in a priceless trip down memory lane. Kaylyn brought her Daisy, Brownie and Junior Girl Scout uniforms to show how much they've grown!

This was read by the leaders during the ceremony:

We have had many adventures over the years – we have been to museums, airports, zoos, aquariums, malls, roller skating, ice skating, laser tagging, rock wall climbing, dance studios, art studios, photo studios, and the movies.
We have traveled by car, by subway, by boat, by bike, by foot, by wagon, and by horse.
We have been stung by bees, bitten by mosquitoes, and ticks, gotten sun burned and covered in poison ivy.
We have been too hot, too wet, too cold, and too busy.
We have stayed up too late and gotten up too early.
We have slept in tents, in cabins, in museums, aquariums, airports, and libraries.
We have gone swimming in pools, lakes, ponds, and soon the ocean!
We have hiked for our buddy, hiked in parks, hiked in parades, hiked through cities, woods, and up mountains.
We have colored, painted, tie dyed, sewed, scrap booked, crafted, baked, hammered, entertained, and decorated.
We have laughed, cried, sang, and danced with our daddies.
We have stained picnic tables, made curtains, worked with the elderly, weeded gardens, planted flowers, and adopted penguins and donkeys.
We have supported our military, our basketball team, our teachers, animals and our friends.
We have had pet shows, tea parties, baby showers, Halloween parties, April Fool Parties, Christmas parties, international girl scout parties and bingo parties.
We have collected food and toys, and delivered flowers.
We have sold thousands of cookies, candy, nuts, magazines, and pancakes.
And …..we ate a LOT!

We are building girls of courage, confidence and character who make the world a better place. We are girl scouts!

Thrifty Glasses

2010-05-18T08:04:00.002-04:00

I've been watching the posts on Apron Thrift Girl blog with fascination. It's fun to read and see images of found treasures and bargains that people discover out and about all over the place - just sitting on a shelf somewhere waiting for a little love.

I had my eye on a set of 16 drinking glasses for Amberly's apartment. She told me they needed glasses and I had spotted these pretty blue ones waiting for me in the VOA store. I passed them up. But 2 weeks later I was treasure hunting again and I saw they were marked as 50% off that day. The choice was clear. I got the set for 6 bucks. Very practical, right?

Moms Day

2010-05-11T10:35:00.013-04:00

In the spirit of mothers day I'd like to share this photo of my mom and me.

Tracy & Helen, 1971

It's not only on this special day that I miss her. She has been gone from my life for almost 20 years and not a day passes without my thoughts of her. I was in college when she passed away from cancer which means that sadly, I never got to be her "grownup daughter." It's too late for me to tell her how right she was about so many things! Like kids do, I took for granted all the juggling she did as a mother and teacher to make things go smoothly in my life and am grateful that she always encouraged my "artsy-side" even though that was completely foreign to her. I am lucky to have been shaped and loved by such an smart, strong lady! She taught me many things including loyalty, determination, love of God, family, community and country. And to treasure our history and our American freedom to vote. A big sadness in my life is that my daughters do not know her. She would have loved them so! It's disappointing that I do not have many photos of her, even less of us together. Not even high school graduation! She was always the one taking the pictures, never taking the time to get in front of the camera herself. While I do not love taking pictures of myself, I understand the importance of documenting moments in our lives at least for my girls' sake.

So, here I am with 2 out of 3 on Mothers day, 2010!

CoffeeHouse ShadowHouse Storyboard found here .

It was a cold, **snowy** morning but we had a lot of fun shopping for flowers that will eventually find their way into planters on our deck once the weather cooperates.

Friday Moment

2010-05-07T09:22:00.001-04:00

I'm Not a Hoarder. Really.

2010-05-05T08:32:00.004-04:00

I USE my stash of goodies that I collect. Most of the time. Sometimes.

A fellow staff member at the library welcomed her first baby granddaughter yesterday morning and I sewed a little gift of burp cloths using the super-soft, cotton flannel prints that I purchased for 80 cents. And the card was created with lace ribbon and a button that I bought from the same place. They've got spools of ribbon for like, 50 cents, buttons for 10-50 cents per card... Vintage too! You just never know what you'll find!

I also used one of my favorite stamps (Flavia) that I've had forever and Stampin' Up! watercolor pencils. They're fun to use and remind me of the painting books I used to love when I was little - the kind where you just add water to the page with a little brush and the colors come to life!

I've noticed that I have a (silly?) habit of collecting treasures that I hope to use someday... As a creative person I like to have a variety of things on hand, but I wonder about this practice and where to draw the line. Last night I attended the workshop offered by local author Amy Kauffman and was inspired to consider why I ~~hoard~~ keep what I ~~hoard~~ keep.She offered great insight and ideas for simplifying, which I am always looking to do. I crave organization and loved talking with other people about what works for them.

Milestone

2010-05-04T08:16:00.005-04:00

On Sunday our niece and Goddaughter, Lillie received her First Holy Communion. It was a beautiful day to mark this milestone in her spiritual journey. She looked so pretty.

As I expected, she couldn't wait to get her veil off!

After church we went to Tokyo, a favorite Japanese restaurant to celebrate the special occasion because nothing says First Communion like a Hibachi table!

Half Moon Cookies

2010-04-29T10:57:00.010-04:00

I have always LOVED these yummy cookies, but never tried baking them myself until this morning. I've shared the simple recipe below. Next time I will double the recipe.

HALF MOON COOKIES

Makes 8 large cookies

Cookies:

1 1/3 C flour
1/2 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 C sugar
1/3 C butter at room temp.
1 egg
1/3 C buttermilk

Icing:

2 C confectioners sugar
2 T light corn syrup
1/2 tsp vanilla
2 T, plus 4 tsp. milk
2 T unsweetened cocoa

Heat oven to 350. Combine flour, baking soda and salt in small bowl. On medium speed, beat sugar and butter until smooth. Beat in egg. On low speed alternately add buttermilk and flour mixture. Beat until smooth.

Onto greased baking sheets, drop 1/4 C dough for each cookie, spacing 3 " apart. Bake 1 sheet at a time for 13 minutes (until toothpick comes out clean). Remove cookies to rack to cool.

For icing, stir together confectioners sugar, corn syrup, vanilla and 2T milk, plus 1-2 tsp. milk. Mix until smooth, but thick enough to coat cookie. Remove 1/4 C icing and set aside. Add cocoa to remaining icing and stir until smooth, adding remaining milk if necessary.

On flat side of cookie spread 1/2 with vanilla icing and then 1/2 with chocolate icing.

PS-
I never have buttermilk on hand. You can cheat like me and use 1/3 C milk with 1 tsp. vinegar. I've heard lemon juice added to milk could work too.

Earth Day 2010 Fashion

2010-04-27T09:34:00.010-04:00

On my second day off from work, April 22, I planned a shopping trip with two of my daughters, Kaylyn, Cami and my niece, Lillie as a way of celebrating the 40th anniversary of Earth Day. It might sound like a stretch. It's not! I learned that resale stores and consignment shops everywhere were planning various events on Earth Day to promote consignment shopping to environmentally-conscious consumers. While picking up trash in honor of Earth Day would have been traditional and admirable, but not nearly as fun, I felt encouraging my young shoppers to enjoy retail therapy in an environmentally-friendly way by shopping green would be the way to go. Shopping at consignment stores and resale shops keeps clothing out of landfills, supports small local businesses and provides a way to actually get a return out of the clothes, furniture, accessories and sporting goods that consumers no longer wear or use. It is a win-win-win for the shopper, the shop owner and the environment.And I love a good bargain. By the way, it goes without saying that picking up trash is something we all should do all the time anyway.
The girls were very pleased with their new found treasures, Kaylyn's favorite purchase of the day was a soft Vera glasses case similar this this one, but hers cost only $9.
Cami & Lillie were happy with the cute duds they brought home too. Cam thrills to search out her favorite labels, like the Abercrombie zip-up she is sporting above from Turn It Around in Macedon.
I also found irresistible bargains like this super cute robin's egg-colored Banana Republic jacket from Lu's Back Door in Fairport. I think it was my favorite of the day. Considering we had sleet this morning I am glad to have it.

For only $6 I couldn't say no to this pretty spring coat, also discovered at Turn It Around.
Kaylyn thought two coats was a bit indulgent, but I was shopping green, right?!

I already wore this skirt to work last received compliments on it (that always feels so good!) It was bought at Anything Goes in Fairport.
The charming fabric caught my eye right away with its fun al fresco dining theme (forgive the wrinkles, please). So summery. My daughter, Amberly told me it reminded her of Madeline. Maybe that's why I love it!

I like finding name brand, good quality labels and I always find them when resale shopping. This trip was no exception!

Crafting Then Kicking Back

2010-04-23T18:43:00.007-04:00

The kids have been off from school this week for spring break and I took two days off from work to chill with them. My first day off Cami said, "Let's do something crafty. I feel like making something." I love it!

After she turned down knitting, jewelry making and scrapbooking I suggested sewing something and she settled on making a cover for her MP3 player. Sweet. We used scraps from my felt stash (thrift store, wool sweaters that I felted in the washer), figured out a pattern and went to town. She did all the sewing herself and loved that she was making something out of castoff materials!

one side:

and the other side:

The cool feature is that with the blanket stitched opening she can operate the gadget without removing it from the case. But the fun didn't end there. She found in pattern in a back issue of Quilts & More that I had saved and decided she needed a sleep mask. And who doesn't?

Here are a few blogs/sites that I love for their earth friendly creativity:

Betz White
Wardrobe Refashion
Amanda Soule
DIY Dish

Old Chair, New Look

2010-04-21T13:41:00.005-04:00

Kaylyn has been spiffing up her her bedroom lately. She is going for a shabby chic, "French boutique" sort of look... I'm hoping to stumble upon a thrift store chandelier and/or other funky finds to add. For her birthday she received pretty floor lamp and framed artwork from Target for her wall. She arranged some vintage teacups on a shelf and they look so sweet! I have an old chair from my grandparent's house that I thought could look nice with a little love since she needed something for her desk.

I'd been saving a beautiful floral fabric remnant that I purchased at a second-hand shop called Craft Bits and Pieces. For $2.50 I just knew I'd find a use for it! I figured out a way to make a simple seat cover to give the chair a girlie makeover, making it juuuuust right for my Goldilocks.

Baby Album

2010-04-19T16:33:00.004-04:00

I created a long overdue gift for my nephew, Noah, who turned one this weekend. Really, it's for my sister-in-law, but whatever. Here are some snippets of what it looked like:

I've made baby albums such as this many times before to give as gifts many times before and they're really fun projects to put together. The idea is to create a 2-page spread for each month of the baby's 1st year, where the parent can make notes about milestones and musings on the provided blank calendar sheet on one side and then place a photo or two from that month on the corresponding page. I also throw in some other themes, such as bath time, first tooth, etc...

So it only took me a year to finish it. But that's Ok. Bethany knew it was coming (eventually) and being a smart (and patient) cookie she kept a blank journal of events that she planned to someday be able to transfer into the long awaited gift album.

Outtakes

2010-04-15T19:20:00.004-04:00

All I wanted was a nice picture of two of my girls. It wasn't happenin'.

"If you don't understand how a woman could both love her sister dearly and want to wring her neck at the same time, then you were probably an only child." ~Linda Sunshine

I found a fun photo booth template HERE at Sugarplum Paperie.

Birthday Girl

2010-04-14T08:36:00.007-04:00

Fifteen years have passed since I held my beautiful Kaylyn Beth for the very first time! She was born at 8:05 AM on April 13, 1995 in Cleveland, OH. I like how this pictures shows the clock behind us. Only 5 minutes old! And look at her little mouth, captured in a sweet, little yawn. Maybe she was trying to tell me something. Kaylyn said her first word at nine months old. "Kitty." We were astonished and the pediatrician didn't believe me, which annoyed me. She hasn't stopped chit-chatting since.

This is another favorite from that springtime:

Amberly was proud of her new baby sister and her pretty eggs! Kaylyn was born on Holy Thursday and we came home from the hospital on Good Friday. Easter was low key at home that year and Brian's mom had come to stay for the week to help. She's awesome like that. My sister and Dad drove from NY for the weekend when she was born so it was a fun celebration. How tired do I look? lol

Looking at the images makes me wonder what I was thinking about my new babe. I didn't know that Kaylyn would be the peanut butter in the sandwich of 3 girls. The cream in our Oreo, we like to remind our middle child. I didn't know that purple would be her passionate favorite, signature color. I didn't know that at 15 my girly-girl would be as tall as me or that she would jump hurdles and do pole vaulting (and actually like these things) on the track team. I have been amazed throughout her childhood by her kindness, patience and compassion. Raising Kaylyn has been full of countless pleasant surprises along the way. I am blessed to call her mine.

This is a favorite from another KB era that I have shared before:

This is a confessional picture - with my young kids eating candy and the playpen stationed in front of the TV to keep them busy while I was in the kitchen... Never said I was perfect. Purple nightgown on KB, see? I came around the corner to check what was going on and found Kaylyn sharing her sucker with Cami. Always the generous one. I am so glad I caught this moment.

More On Spring

2010-04-12T07:43:00.002-04:00

On Sunday afternoon I worked in the yard for the first time this spring. Well, really I mostly puttered in the welcome sunshine. I surveyed my sleepy flower beds, pulled a few weeds (already!), trimmed a couple front bushes, and picked up fallen branches fall around. Gosh, we have too many trees, by the way. In the north side of the yard grows my favorite bush, a beautiful forsythia. It's like a secret. It's not really visible from the front so unless you walk around the house no one would even know it's there. In early March I like to bring in an armful of branches trimmed from said shrub to force the blooms in vases of water all around the house, long before anything is blooming outside. My mom often did this so I love this tradition because not only does it remind me of her, but it creates a hopeful, lively, little party in a vase just when I think I might go crazy from winteritis. This year, for whatever reason I didn't do this. I was too busy, or didn't feel like trudging through the late winter snows, too much of a party pooper - I don't know why...

Yesterday I was admiring the blooms that have made their annual appearance on their own accord and figured it's not too late and snipped a few to bring inside.

I have a sort of restless feeling these days. I am disappointed by the projects that I didn't accomplish in the house this winter, and now it's time to get busy on the many projects outside that didn't get done last summer! I need to make a list and organize my thoughts. I like to write it all down on paper and make a plan: painting, staining, trimming, planting, mulching. So overwhelming, yet writing in down makes me feel like I can manage it all in small chunks. Funny thing is that for all the lists I create with great intention, I never seem to get accomplish the tasks! If I could have a super power it would be to be in two places in once, or if it's not too much to ask three places. One of me could go to work. One me could do housework (all the cooking, cleaning and misc. home stuff) and one me could drive kids around between dance classes, track practice and the variety of other social activities they partake in. I wonder if anyone else considers this notion?

No Winter Lasts Forever

2010-04-09T08:17:00.002-04:00

No spring skips its turn.

What a difference 5 weeks can make. Same spot - different activity! The freshness of spring is here. I love the feeling of victory when I can put away the boots and gloves and open the windows. It stirs my soul like nothing else I can think of.

Oh, Easter

2010-04-06T08:39:00.003-04:00

Never a dull moment.

Kaylyn, Cami and my niece, Lillie - proud of their creations

They even thought to add a little bunny bathroom humor (see cupcake on left). Lots of sugar. Lots of giggles.

Just Wednesday. That's All.

2010-03-31T19:27:00.002-04:00

"Home is the place where it feels right to walk around without shoes."

Not too much after work/school excitement. Love that. We are ready to March into April (corny, no?).

Easy Peasy Chocolate Cherry Cupcakes

2010-03-29T08:05:00.004-04:00

Sunday dinners have become a sacred ritual in our home. During the week suppertime can be compared to a 55 meter dash, or maybe a circus juggling act in a revolving door. Like most families we are slaves to hectic weeknight schedules. My day planner helps me keep it straight for my brood: meetings, dance classes, work, sports, etc... On weekends I create a master plan to get us through Mon.-Fri. dinners as smoothly as possible, concocting simple meal plans and shopping for the ingredients to make the whole scheme possible. During the week I don't take a whole lot of pleasure in cooking, but it all comes together so much more pleasantly when I've taken the time to prepare. You know I'm an organizer.

Brian loves to cook (I'll add he's pretty good at it too) and he is usually the one to come up with something hearty and yummy to honor our Sunday tradition. We love to sit down, enjoy eachother's company without keeping an eye on the clock. But then there is still squabbling about who will do dishes. We're not the Brady's, after all. And there's no Alice.

What is Sunday dinner without dessert? Yesterday I whipped up chocolate cherry cupcakes. They were yummy, and looked fancy, but were so simple. I thought they were worth sharing.

Ingredients

1 (18.25 ounce) package chocolate cake mix
1 1/3 cups water
1/2 cup vegetable oil
3 eggs
1 (21 ounce) can cherry pie filling
1 (16 ounce) can vanilla frosting or your favorite homemade recipe

Directions

In a mixing bowl, combine cake mix, water, oil and eggs; mix well. Spoon batter by 1/4 cupfuls into paper-lined muffin cups. Spoon a rounded teaspoon of pie filling onto the center of each cupcake. Don't fiddle with covering the pie filling. The batter will bake up and around, like magic!

Set remaining pie filling aside. Bake at 350 degrees F for 20-25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted on an angle toward the center comes out clean. Remove to a wire rack to cool completely.

Frost cupcakes; top with one cherry from pie filling. Serve additional pie filling with cupcakes or refrigerate or another use (or let your teenager eat it of the can). One thing I found is that these are best served on a plate with a fork since the filling might eek out the bottom.

I'm always looking for easy meal ideas and solutions. So please share if you'd like!

20

2010-03-10T08:06:00.004-05:00

She may have outgrown my lap, but not my heart.

How did 20 years slip out from under my feet? Baby cereal and binkies imperceptibly morphed into Spaghetti-O's and Polly Pockets, and then Brownies into the Spice Girls and braces and on to sports teams and high school... and now, no longer a teenager.

Amberly's new job at Geneva Hospital seems to be going very well. She texted me yesterday to tell me about her first patient that she cared for. So proud!

I Really Was About To Help...

2010-02-26T09:07:00.002-05:00

I've got happy girls on my hands today. School is officially closed due to sever weather - the first snow day of the season!

Brian's early morning commute was immediately off to a poor start this morning when he learned that even his 4-wheel drive truck couldn't manage the thick snow at the foot of the driveway. He was stuck good. The cat and I watched through a window for a minute as he shoveled around the tires. I was going to grab my boots and go help when suddenly - cue "superhero music" - a man driving a tractor came up the hill.

Brian tossed him the tow rope he keeps in the truck and Tractor Man pulled him out in a jiffy.

Thanks, guy!

Life Interrupted

2010-02-11T20:32:00.003-05:00

The nasty ol' stomach bug that has been spreading like wildfire made an unwelcome appearance late Tuesday claiming Cami as the victim. Why does it seem like kids always get sick in the middle of the night? After a restless night with little sleep she stayed home from school and recovered on the couch. That meant a day home from work for me. I am very grateful for this flexibility.

I kept forcing liquids on her once I felt the danger of having them come back up had passed, but couldn't get her to eat much - just a little toast. She's much better today - back to school and dance classes. It takes a lot to keep that one down.

Cabin Fever

2010-01-30T13:58:00.006-05:00

The temp outside today is 10 degrees F. Cold, cold, cold. As I post this we're all pent up in the living room on a Saturday afternoon. Kaylyn and Cami are playing a *loud* game of Uno Attack, and it's getting obnoxious and annoying. The dogs are going a little nuts because no one is keen on walking them. I am looking forward to the days getting longer (and warmer). I plan to work on a knitting project and generally putter today.

I took these pictures shortly after Cami went to bed last night. I peeked in her room to find her reading in bed, as she normally does each night before falling asleep.

This time I noticed 2 brown, furry lumps named Ruby & Bindi who looked pretty happy, warm and snuggly.

January Thaw

2010-01-24T17:49:00.002-05:00

One obviously great thing about living in the country is the space. Space to roam, explore, and enjoy nature and peace. Well, I don't know how peaceful walking two 1.5 yr. old Chocolate Labs is exactly, but Brian & I did enjoy it today.

The weather was mild enough to talk a long walk through the apple orchard across the road from our house. It was invigorating and relaxing at the same time! All is good at home when we can tucker out the canines. In the orchard they can run and run and run and run off the leash. There are deer, rabbit and fox tracks to sniff as well as delicious, rotten leftover from fall apples to devour.

Life is good.

Project du Jour

2010-01-21T08:17:00.005-05:00

Recently I saw a very pretty set of handmade stitch markers for knitting and thought, "I could do that!" I have a lot of random beads leftover from a variety of past projects and this is a great way to use them.

I played around with a few different styles - can't decide which I'd like best. There are simple-styled markers like the ones shown above and some that dangle like the ones below that I made from a thrift store faux pearl necklace. I did my best to create clean, tight wraps so no pretty knitting projects will get caught.

Shown above are a set made with monofilament (fishing line - thanks, Brian) which I hope will have a nice glide/snag-free feel.

I love little projects that I can create in an hour or so. I think handmade stitch markers are cute and have even given a set away as a birthday gift to a fellow knitter.