Feeling Grateful

I love watching my kids run around the yard giggling, chasing, and not having a care in the world. I remember when I was younger, the only concern I had was getting my Sunday school “homework” done and if I had done it correctly – that’s it…today it seems kids have so much more on their plate. I’m not sure what makes it this way, but maybe because we just expect too many things out of them at such a young age. This is why I am not in a hurry to get them into all the sports. I do feel guilty at times and question myself if I am hindering them from something they may love, but then times like this evening, watching all three of them build mud castles and dig their names in the dirt, that I remember why I want them to be kids and live an imaginative life right now – because they are young only once. I don’t want to be that crazy mom running them all over kingdom come and never eating dinner as a family. This evening was perfect because I was with my family outside, watching them become beautiful little people. They played hide-and-seek (even though I don’t think Henry really “got” it), they chased each other, jumped on the trampoline, played soccer with Daddy, picked flowers, dug in the dirt looking for worms (Myla may have injured a few), rode their bikes, colored with chalk and then we ate dinner as a family and talked about the day.

Tea Time

 

Recently, I was asked if I would be willing to be "contracted" to make a banner for a business. The lady actually remembered seeing a birthday banner that I had made for my son's 1st birthday (here) and wondered if I would be interested. And of course I couldn't say no, so from here we started the planning and details.

 

 

 Instead of making it out of paper, we decided to make it out of fabric to make it more durable. From this point I was sold. As you all know, I LOVE fabric. I love all aspects of it....the feel, the patterns, the colors - I just can't get enough...okay, tiny secret, I have an obsession!

 

 

 I loved working with this lady because she really gave me the "go ahead" to make it look good. She told me the basic colors, but said she wanted something to make it pop. I recommended the teal letters and some teal fabric to pull it all together. And in my mind I think of tea parties as shabby chic so this is how I got the idea to put a little burlap under the white circles.

 

As things were rolling with the banner, I got an email asking if I could do a table runner too. Sure thing! (Not to mention at the time, my sewing machine was in the shop for repairs).

 

As much as I enjoyed these ever so springy colors - I think I enjoyed staging for the pictures too.

 Not too shabby :)

 

 

I threw this embroidered hand towel in as an added bonus.

 

If you are interested in her business, check it out (here)!

 

As Always, Peace and Fluf!

GRAND OPENING!!!

Welcome to...

 

 

I would like to announce the Grand Opening of my Etsy Shop! Yep, check it out (here)! I am pretty excited about this adventure and can't wait to use Henry as my model. Afterall, he is my main inspiration in making these hats and bowties...

My shop will primarily consist of handmade bowties and hats, ranging in sizes Newborn to Great-Great Grandpa's! How cute would these be for a generational picture of all the boys? If you haven't checked out the link already, here are just a few...more to come!

 

Peace and Fluf to all the Lads and Dads!!

1st Birthday Boy

Happy Birthday Henry!
 

 

First birthdays are always so much fun. Not that the kids really ever remember it, but for parents, we enjoy looking back and reminiscing of "remember when" - we held him for the first time, his sisters met him, he slept through the night, his first tooth, him crawling, almost walking, and yes - no more formula!! All those things you go through in the first year and how blessed we have been having such a healthy, handsome little boy.
 

 

I think Henry had a good time. He loved all his new "boy" toys, even though mommy and daddy (okay - really just mommy) got him a little, boy, baby doll, so he can play with his sisters. He loved all his cars, trucks, and tractors (the girls did too)!

 

 

And this little guy was not shy with eating his cake.

 

 

 I enjoy making the kids' 1st birthday outfit, to match the theme .  Lil' Monster was the theme. And it was fun picking out fabrics, papers, and then creating everything.

 

 

I wish I could've made a few more stuffed monsters, but time just didn't allow. They were super simple to make - the best part is I didn't use a pattern, but just "eyed" everything - because afterall monsters are far from perfect, right?

 

 

I did purchase the PDF clipart for the monsters above the mirror and for invitations I made (here).

 

 

 

 

Overall, the day was great!

 

Peace and Fluf!

Grandma's Quilts

Recently, Adam's aunt brought over three quilts that his grandma made many years ago. Even though they are not in the best shape, I am still in awe of the beautiful work Grandma Millie did. Friday afternoon while the little ones were napping, Ayda was helping me put clean sheets on our bed and saw the quilts folded up on my dresser and asked what they were. It was very special and wished Adam could have experienced this with Ayda because I know how much he loved his grandma. Even though I never met her, I know we would have had a special bond because of all the memories Adam talks about and always says "my grandma would have loved you!" So as I was spreading the quilt out I was explaining to Ayda that this was Opa's mommy who made it, she too, seemed to feel the love.

Shortly after, the other two kids woke up and they had to feel the love too! I am going to attempt and preserve the other quilts for Myla and Henry so they will have a little part of Grandma Millie.

Peace and Fluf

For all you Food Bloggies

Last week I was in the mood to cook and bake and found a couple recipes that sounded good. Adam was out of town, so after I gave the kids baths, had a popcorn party with Ayda, tucked her in, I straightened up the house and washed dishes and bottles, I began making all this at about 10 pm.

I still had about 15 tomatoes sitting on the counter so I thought this recipe (here) sounded good. Stuffed Ricotta and Orzo Tomatoes. The store I stopped at on my way home had orzo, but it was $10 for a little container, so I decided to use couscous (which is a great source of protein too). Now I'm not going to lie, I thought this turned out bland. It wasn't terrible, but not great. I would recommend more spices it calls for and add a little cumin and cayenne pepper. There was just something missing if you like a little more zing. I made it for the ladies at work and it was probably 50/50 as far as liking and not disliking, but more like mehhhh...

I also made these little devil of a cookie called Cinnamon Roll Sugar Cookie Bars. (here) OMG!!! These are/were a-MAAAZING! Enough said. I don't even want to talk about it for the fear of making another batch...yikes! (Yes, Adam, I do owe you a batch, but maybe after our 11 mile run Saturday...haha :))

Then, I came across these little critters (here) and they were also delicious. I made them for a Friday lunch with hotdogs for the kids. Henry and Myla liked them, but it didn't surprise me that Ayda didn't. The batch made about 15, so I froze about 8 for another dinner (hmmm maybe tonight since we have soccer practice).

Bridal Shower Fun

Here are a few projects I completed for a bridal shower on Sunday. I was asked to help with the attendance prizes so I made 3 hand towels with spatulas and the his/her wine glasses. I love the mustache for the man and the diamond for the girl. I used extra strong magnets and hot glued the glitz to one of the magnets and then put one magnet on the inside of the glass and - wholla! The bottoms are spray painted with chalk paint so you can customize it for your friends.

 

 

These other hand towels are especially made for the bride. Her new last name will begin with "N" and the other is my favorite. The bride-to-be is an avid hunter and I just thought this was too cute to pass up.