its heatin' up...time to make blankets

Okay, that sounded even funnier when I wrote it down. Isn't it natural to think about make a whole load of blankets when the temp is reading over 90 degrees? So I tried my hand first at a light weight, low loft quilt. The girls love it and couldn't wait to have it done. Maybe a new quilt for each in their future...hmmmmm. This one only took me about 6 hours over three days. You can kinda tell. A few minor imperfections ( a busted walking foot is partly to blame), but that adds to the charm right? I just realized that its hanging kinda funny on that fence but I just couldn't pass up the blue sky in the background!!! It was an amazing day today and Will enjoyed his Father's Day watching the US Open Golf Tournament all day. He's pretty easy to please!

A new batch of baby blankets were in order as well. Folks are having babes like crazy in Will's office. I usually like to have a few on hand just in case. Not to mention the huge sale on flannel at JoAnn's this week. $2 a yard. Had to finish off some of my current stash to justify buying more. Its a sickness I tell you! Is a fabric fast in my future? I hope not!!! Maybe a diet however. Maybe. After the sale. Have I ever told you about my success rate with diets? Not a pretty picture.

The hot weather prompted a trip to the pool on Saturday with my sis, her hubby, and their babe. But first we wakled through the neighborhood hitting afew few garage sales and enjoying the sun. Then for some tacos (yum) and cilantro lime rice (double yum). We headed over to the club for as swim and the boys played 18 while we lounged in the sun. So much fun! Charlie wasn't quite sure baout the water, but I think we decided that he didn't dislike it. I love spending time with my sister and her sweet family. Thanks for a great weekend guys!!!

:::charlie and the kiddos:::

:::can't decide what is better...the cheeks or the eyes:::

:::what an awesome aunt:::

i heart carol

When I was growing up the first show I remember watching religiously was not Sesame Street or Mister Rodger's Neighborhood. It was The Carol Burnett Show. Probably a bit blue for a 5 year old, but it has always been one of my favorite shows EVER! As a child it was probably her funny voices and Tarzan yell. Today it is her ability to make me laugh. And not just giggle. Belly laugh. Tears running down your face laugh. Those can be hard to come by and always greatly appreciated. God love You Tube. Check out the two clips above. If you are not crying at the end of the second clip you are stone cold!!!!!

Enjoy your weekend! Hope you have a laugh!

this thing called blogging...

Every once in awhile I just get overwhelmed by this whole blogging thing. It is almost impossible for me to put into words what I personally get out of this cool blog world. Yeah, its an amazing introspective tool, a way for me to keep track of our busy lives (scrapbooking has never been one of my strongest talents), but it really is so much more than that. I mean some of you folks inspire me, make me think, make me laugh, push me to be more creative, and allow me to peek into your amazing lives. Thank you so much for that! I have learned so so much about amazing folks I would NEVER have met any other way. Take a few minutes and click on those links above. Each one of those people have had an influence on my life. Most I have never met, and likely will never meet. I will however call them my friends! I mean how cool is this anyway! Thank you all for blogging! Thanks for taking time out of your lives to post about what is going on in your part of this world. It really does make a difference. You have expanded my world!

Alright, now that I have the "geek-meets-sappy-girlie-sentimental" part of my personality is done blogging I thought I would leave you with a few things. I love sunsets like this one during the summer. A VERY cold beer and a chair on our front porch. Our neighbors walking with kids and dogs and bikes in tow. The air getting a bit crisp and fireflies dancing across the yard. Can you tell how much I love the summer? And did I mention my Clematis? Those purple flowers are exploding this year. We had a hard freeze around Easter and they were all black and brittle. I thought they were toast and cut them back to about six inches above the ground. I always cut them back in the fall, but nothing like that. What a great surprise!

My husband and I have an interesting dance when it comes to shopping. He likes to look nice and he really does need a few nice things for work and golf and church and such. The snag is that he detests shopping and it really stresses him out! So we have worked out this system. I shop, lay out the clothes on the living room couch..not any other couch, just that one... and he goes "couch shopping". I take back what he doesn't like and he hangs up what he does! This is just one of those things a wife does for her husband to reduce stress. I am such a martyr...I will always take one for the team if it involves me shopping. Oh the things we do for marriage!

ballet recital and the best WIP ever!

Well, my sunburn has healed (thanks for all of the tips and sympathy). The annual dance revue was this past weekend and I really don't understand what happened to my teeny girls in tuts. They were beautiful Saturday night. I'm really not one of those moms who hovers over her kids, crying every time they blow their nose. However, I did get a bit teary the other night. They have always enjoyed the excitement and movement of dance, but this year they really excelled and became "dancers". I was so proud I could have bust! Abby is the second on the left immediately above and second from the right in the back in the photo at the top. And these aren't enough picks you can out a few more over here!

:::Miss Mo:::

And here it is. Twenty dollars at a garage sale. Yes, I said TWENTY DOLLARS! Solid wood and heavy as all get out. Best WIP ever!!! I think a coat of white paint over the nicks and dings will make for the perfect fabric stash hutch EVER! I couldn't believe it! Gotta give the credit to my mom down in Wichita. She was quick on the draw and saw the quality before anyone else could get their sticky fingers on it! I'll post as soon as it is finished and filled (that may be my favorite part).

ouchie!

Help!!! I'm a total idiot! We spent the day at the pool and I did NOT put on enough sunscreen! So here it is, the sunburn of all sunburns! I'm sure you all are grateful that I didn't post a picture of my thighs that are completely singed. I always use a light sunscreen on my face and shoulders. Part of my daily routine. Not quite enough for a day at the pool however. I would like to say that I totally forgot or was inadvertently burned while in the shade, but that would be completely untrue. I was poolside with my babes having a BLAST!!! I am however paying the price. The shivers and goosebumps that hurt as bad as the burn...check.

I am asking for your help. Anyone out there have a good remedy for sunburns...other than staying out of the sun? I've heard tea bags but not heard of anyone who has ever actually tried using them on a sunburn.

pointe shoes and mail

Today was the day Miss Abby has been waiting for the past 4 years. All of the lessons. The hours in the studio. And for what? Her first pair of pointe shoes. We caravaned into Kansas City with her teacher and a few other gals for a custom fitting. The child didn't stop smiling from the time we stepped into the car till the time we left. A visit with our favorite baby and mexican food for dinner topped the day off perfectly!

That was until we got home. Miss Morgan was a tad bit bummed with all of the attention on Abby. But a certain package arrived in the mail from Lera over at The Sky is Pink and just look what was inside:

Vintage baby doll dresses. She was so so happy. They fit American Girl dolls perfectly! Who knew? Thanks Lera for making the day of a certain red headed eight year old.

And how did Parker feel about this day full of ballet shoe fittings (that took two and a half hours by the way), baby kissing, and baby doll dresses? Remember this picture? Enough said. To be fair, this was a picture of him before all of the craziness ensued this morning in his new pjs...yes the bottoms are on backwards.

a lazy memorial day weekend...

Well, maybe not all that lazy. The off and on rain has kept us home bound, but not bored! The creative juices seem to work on overdrive when the option of outdoor play is taken out of the scenario! We are settling into our summer rhythm. In other words, I'm getting ready to lose my sanity! The kids are out of school, and the noise level in the Wise household has achieved deafening levels! That being said, we really are having a relaxing weekend!

I have been meaning to make one of these since Erin posted her tutorial over here. And when I say one I really mean two because it would be tragic for only one girl to get ANYTHING! Needless to say, the twirly skirt was a BIG hit. Just in time to wear to church tomorrow. Of course Abby thinks she NEEDS a new pair of red ballerina flats to go with it. I may not disagree with that one too much! red flats and the cherries? Anyone else LOVING that pattern?

Thanks for all the tips about quilting. Here is the first try. Not too bad. It doesn't match up perfectly, but I kinda like it that way I think. And my walking foot...that thing is rockin cool! I think quilting is like anything else new. SCARY! I was really scared about trying it for fear that it would fall apart in my hands or come out of the washer in a million tiny pieces. Or worse yet, maybe I'm not as creative as previously thought. What if I ruin some of my precious fabric? Geez. Sounds pretty silly now. I have to say that I am glad that I have my first one under my belt, and now I'm on to try another! Maybe one with a more challenging pattern...or maybe the same pattern with straight seams!

Speaking of trying something new, here is one of Miss Morgan's creations! And she's not one bit scared! She has made about a half dozen of these little pouches. They are the perfect size for Polly Pocket storage!

Hope you all are having as great of a weekend as we are!

who needs curtains

I have realized recently that I may very well appreciate a good piece of fabric as much, if not more than, a painting or other piece of art. Some of these Amy Butler prints are works of art all by themselves. And Supper Buzzy? Too much! So on the wall they go. Simple. The fabric speaks for itself. I love the simplicity of this form. I honestly can't remember where I first saw fabrics displayed in this way. Brilliant though. Don't you think? And who needs curtains? I love the light and can't imagine how I could possibly cover the wood blinds and awesome views outside!

I believe I may be taking my first stab at quilting this weekend. Something small. A doll blanket maybe. Any tips? Prayers? Something? I have a walking foot, but NO idea how it works! I may be in over my head.

a partner and a runner

I have to tell you, I adore the fact that my offspring are getting a bit older. They really are turning into some of the coolest folks I now. Especially my little gals. Little red has been asking for a sewing machine constantly for about the last six months. When her birthday came around last week we decided she might be old enough for a machine of her own. Eight sounds like a good age to start sewing, right? So there it is. Her sweet turquoise machine sitting right next to mine. I am so excited about the time we will spend together. I love the idea of being able to nurture her creative spirit. She really has a spirit about that is like no one I have ever known. I am so thrilled to see what comes out of that priceless imagination!

Above are a new set of coaster I just finished up. I think I am going to hang them in he kitchen with a ribbon through the grommets. I was pretty satisfied with how they turned out. Maybe matching pot holders?

Abby had her very first track meet last week and it was an event to be sure. My precious hubby was on an awful business trip most of last week (that is if you consider golfing and fine dining every day as awful) and Parker was about at the end of his rope by the time the meet came around. WHAT?! You mean I CAN'T run out on the track in the middle of the race? I CAN'T play in the sand while the long jumpers are still jumping? Let me tell you, it was a LOOOOOONG night. We had a few extra gals with us as well. Because I thought three wasn't quite enough on my own! I was a great night. Really. Abby was wonderful! I am so proud that she is running. It is a lifetime sport I hope she holds onto.




So there it is. The weekend in a nutshell. I hope you all had a great weekend as well. Has anyone else with Blogger realized that it saves for you every few minutes? Sweet!

i'm back and i'm 32!

I wish I had some spectacular tale to spin for why I haven't had an entry in over a week. A trip to Cancun? Nope. Cross country travel? Nope. A week in a tropical spa?! Wrong a gain. Just BUSY!!!! The second week in May is always one of the busiest weeks of the year for us. Miss Morgan turned 8 years old on Friday. 8!!! We had a fabulous skating party with her whole class and a smattering of other friends. Grandma even got on skates! Sadly, no camera for that one. With the cake, presents, and extra kids in tow the camera got left on the kitchen counter. Rats. We really had an amazing undocumented blast!

Sunday was of course Mother's Day, and this year my 32nd birthday! We had a fabulous dinner with my folks and brother's family. So sweet. And this crafty gal sent me one of the coolest birthday gifts ever! We were born exactly one day apart! How cool is that? She sent me the FUNNIEST vintage tote bag book, some awesome fabric, a super neat zipper pouch, and tons of other goodies! Thanks Beki!

Kerry and I met is KC yesterday for lunch at Dean and Delucas and some shopping. She gave me Lottas Jansdotter's awesome book! I also picked up these books as well! Can't wait to get started!

I promise...more frequent posts this week!

storms in kansas

I think I may have snapped this shot of my new window pennants during the only ray of sunshine we have seen here in Kansas for the past week. And oops. There it goes. More rain tonight. Maybe some thunder. This really is my favorite time of year in Kansas. I love the thunder and lightning. The feeling in the air before a big storm and the lush green that follows. I love hearing the rain on my windows at night and how my flowers glisten the next morning. So much wonderful this time of year.

Of course there is a flip side to all of this. Last night in Greensburg, Kansas a tornado took out an entire community. The devastation was awesome and complete. As amazing as this time of year is, we need to remember that the power of the weather can turn at any time. These people have lost their churches, their schools, and their way of life. Everything. My thoughts and prayers go out to all those in central Kansas who lost loved ones, farms, businesses, and their community. Lets all send our love and prayers that way this week.

the blog is a book

When I first saw Amanda's post over at Soulemama I knew I would have to follow suit. I have been trying for the past several months to copy and paste the pages of my blog into Word and Publisher. I just could NOT get them to look right and I was getting far more frustrated then it was worth. But then the brilliant and talented and Amanda posted about blurb. It downloads your blog into a book format, a few little tweaks here and there, and voila you have a book! It was soooooooo easy. And I think it only took about a week from the time I ordered until they were sitting on my front porch. I am the most awful scrapbooker, so this will have to be the look into our world that stands the test of time. I like it. I like it a lot.

ps...the fabric under the book is new addition to my stash. Like I really needed it. It was on sale. Isn't that a good enough reason?

:::since this post a few folks asked how much this costs. it was $24 for 84 pages. so worth the price i'd say:::

WIP :: as good as it gets

Well, this is as good as it gets. My tables was clean just hours ago and immediately began filling with new projects and ideas. Below is where most of my sewing and crafting is done. Technically this is my dining room. We have another table in our hearth we use everyday, I really don't make my family eat on the floor somewhere so that I can sew. This room is seldomly used for dining, but when we have tons of folks over as we did last weekend I have to pack it in for a day or two. I love this room because I can be a part of the hustle and bustle of our home while I am crafting. I love the energy that our life brings to my art.

Having a clean table helps sometimes. I have to start new. Look at things in a different way. Below I have a number of WIPs. Several blankets in various stages of being done. Bags ready to go up on Etsy. A few zipper pouches ready to find a new home. I wanted to post this picture while you could still SEE the top of my table. Ask me in a few days how it looks! No, really, I am ALWAYS this organized. Did I mention that my 8 year old color coordinated all of my thread and bobbins in the process? I love that girl!

abby do

Can I tell you that I just can't get enough of this girl? I know she's my kid, but she really is rockin cool. We went to the University of Kansas on Friday for a field trip to the Natural History Museum. Super cool place. You know, the dinosaur skeletons hanging from the ceiling, bees streaming in and out of an enclosed hive, an entire ROOM of bugs. And fourth graders. I was a blast! We flitted around for a bit while doing a scavenger hunt (how many monkeys in the panorama? find the stick bugs. why do we not touch the 12 foot tall bear display?). Then we headed off for lunch. Abby's class is really pretty neat. They all LOVE KU. That makes for a great start in my book. They finished their lunches in the student union (by the way, never wonder what your kid will buy when you give them money and no restrictions...one of Abby's classmates got 2 bags of chips and a bag of skittles for lunch along with her Dr. Pepper. gag.) and then walked in the highlight of the day. The bottom right picture is it. Kansas Jayhawks Center Sasha Kaun comes in for what I am sure he was hoping was to be a quiet lunch. One little guy spotted him, and it was all over. He was gracious enough to answer a few questions and get a picture taken. They were on cloud nine I tell you! The picture is on the bottom right!

After her field trip we managed back into the classroom and it was her turn to present her "invention". She invented a sleep over kit. One you can keep packed and just grab in case of an emergency sleepover. That child is so so animated. Has been since she was a babe. She used a pillowcase (i made) with pockets (i made later) and a draw string to close (made that too...see a pattern here?). She really did think of everything. Flashlight, pjs, pillow, blanket, chocolate, toothbrush, toothpaste, washcloth, and stuffed animal. Smart girl. And rockin cool. Love her.

real mums

Guessing by the name of the post, this was originated on the other side of the pond. Sounds like fun, so here it goes! I have been a mom for 10 years now and I have to say they have been the most fulfilling and most challenging years of my life. Stephanie writes a super cool blog that I read all of the time. 10 things about being a "real mum"...hmmm...can I really narrow it down?

Real mums...

...don't flinch when their child throws up in their bed at 3am

...laugh even when their 4 year old's joke has absolutely no punchline

...listen without judgement

...snuggle with a child who no longer fits on their lap

...dries tears from scrapes and falls and broken hearts and bad days

...bake dozens of cupcakes for school birthday parties (even when 2 hours of baking really doesn't fit into the schedule)

...vacuum, wash dishes, do laundry, clean floors, dust (ok maybe not always), scrub toilets, makes beds, do laundry, cook dinner, do laundry (did I say that already?)

...drive a taxi from home to school to ballet to choir to church to friends and so on and so forth

...make handmade gifts for their children's teachers and friend's birthday gifts (ok that's a bit selfish, I enjoy that part too much)

...kiss and hug and love always...always...always...always

new bags

First and foremost, thanks for all the blog love about my new shop. I was really touched. I truly always appreciate all of your comments. It seems to always brighten my day. The fact that you take that extra 2 minutes to say hello or leave an encouraging word (or a smart ass comment...you guys know who you are) gets me all teary. Sniff..sniff...dab...dab. Alright already, on to the important stuff.

A productive weekend and we have bags! The big accomplishment...I learned how to put in a magnetic clasp! Why didn't anyone tell me that it was so easy? I plan on putting them up at etsy once i get individual pictures. My camera battery died immediately after taking this shot! I really should pay more attention to those things. Anyway. I have had a flurry of things going on behind the machine. A custom order for 7 blankets - it bit more than usual, but I'm almost done. A husband who seems to think he needs a cabana shirt - need I remind you we live in KANSAS, the nearest cabana is thousands of miles away. And on top of all that I have about a half dozen other projects in WIP status!!! I can't even begin to tell you how happy I am!

she's here!

After much thought and debate, my Etsy shop is up and running! This was a huge step for me! I have sold very few of my own creations. I have a tendency to give them as gifts or selfishly keep them for myself. But no more! I hope you all like what I have posted.

I have been working on some handbags and baby blankets that should be posted by midweek at the latest. I have always sewed and crafted for purely selfish reasons. It makes me feel good! My loving husband knows that my fabric addiction is far cheaper than therapy! Craft therapy...everyone should try it! Certainly would make the world a more creative place.

new fabric stash

Parker and I headed out to the local fabric establishment yesterday and found some awesome prints not currently in my stash. How could that possibly be true? I do have to say that my stash has dwindled a bit lately, and it is truly hard to be inspired when you are looking at the same old colors over and over again! Oh the ideas I have for these! I thought some of the fun chicken print may end up on a twirly skirt. The others may be bags or table runners or placemats. Oh the possibilities are endless! Which one do you guys like the best? Any ideas on other projects? Happy Wednesday all!!

whew!

Happy Easter everyone! I can officially say that I have come out of Easter with my sanity somewhat in tact (whatever I had in the first place that is)! I finished all of the kiddos Easter buckets (albeit at midnight Saturday night), hosted my family for Easter dinner (which was great...we did steak and potato salad rather than more traditional fare), and managed 460+ people for Easter services in the tent. Whew. What a holiday. One I will never forget for so very many reasons. I really learned to appreciate the conveniences we take for granted. You know, like going to a church with indoor bathrooms! It was amazing to spend a day that included so many people that I love so much. The spirit and love in the tent on Easter morning was thrilling. These people have stuck together through so much already. And they were still excited to be together on our property for this special day. The week didn't go quite as easily as Easter Sunday. We had sub freezing temperatures and 40 mph winds a good chunk of the week. I always want to sit through an hour long church service outside in those conditions. But people came to services all week in their best fall football watching gear! It was a hoot. It was great.


Now on to my fam. They really are pretty great. They all came into town on Sunday. It was the first time we had ALL been together EVER! We haven't seemed to pull all of us into one spot since Charlie was born. Dad preached in Wichita, Kerry and Clark came in after church in KC, and Ben and Janielle came to church with us. My mom brought up tons of fun eggs and gifts and the grandkids were adequately spoiled. It was so calming to watch the guys cheering for the Master's, my sis feeding her brand new babe, and the older guys running around the house in shrieks of laughter! I have never felt so blessed in my life. Hopefully I will be able to get a bit more crafting done this week and post more than just this once!!!

:: How many cameras do we need? ::

st david's mighty tent

Well, everything I have worked out on paper over the past few months is here. The tent is up and we had our first services in it this weekend. After a ton of rain, winds up to 40 mph, and mishaps with the trolley (that is another story for another day...lets just say I was a few phone calls away from completely losing my mind) Sunday was an amazingly beautiful day. Not a cloud in the sky. Only a gentle breeze. It was perfect. The picture above is what is left of our church after an arson fire in November. This past Sunday was the first time we had worshipped on our own property since November. It was wonderful to be home. The picture below is of the 120x40 foot tent that has been erected in our parking lot. It will seat about 400 people. What an amazing sight to see that going up.

On Palm Sunday every year we march down to the First Christian Church along with several other churches in our area for the Blessing of the Palms. This is a walk beyond description really. We live in Topeka. A well known group of picketers reside here as well. They picket against the Episcopal Church, soldiers coming home from war, and funerals of those who have died in Iraq. Not a nice group of folks really. They accuse all of the above of being gay and sinners against God. The sign they hold are almost pornographic and say things no one should even have to read. They line the street leading up to the Blessing of the Palms every year. And every year we walk the gauntlet. One of the reasons we wanted to be back on our own property so badly during this season was to walk with our community in unity. In unity against hate and destruction. We wanted to show that we were stronger than any arsonist and any other group that has hate so firmly planted in their hearts.

::Procession to First Christian Church::

:Blessing of the Palms (Abby and Momo in blue robes)::

::The Holy Golf Cart...hey you gotta have some fun too!!::