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!!::

on a rainy day

Thanks for all the family love the past few days guys! I really am truly blessed! I have been "complaining" the past few days because the weather has been so awesome! I haven't gotten a single craft project done! That all changed yesterday. We are in for some serious spring showers the next few days. I finished my counter runner, and I think it turned out rather well! Can you tell I love the apples and I always have a thing for green!

The rain has really brought the life back into our little piece of Topeka. My beloved clematis, through the tangled vines of last fall, is coming back to life. Their bright purple blooms will take over that whole wall soon! And the raindrops on my roses! How much more hope do you need!

spring break

You are going to have to bear with me here, this is a seriously picture heavy post! My kiddos, just like millions of others, were out of school this week for spring break. We really had nothing planned. Will had to work nights and I thought I would just hang out with the brood for a few days. A bit boring perhaps, but not a bad plan all in all. Then we got a call from my sis wondering if they could stay a night. Of course!!!! Kerry and Clark and the Charlie babe! Heck ya! This of course meant a bit of extra cleaning on Monday (a chore I do actually enjoy). While vacuuming the living room I got a buzz from my brother, "can we come stay a few nights this week"? Unfortunately the Hotel Wise was at max occupancy already. It was a bit of a business trip, so he was able to write off the hotel (that had a huge water slide and pool by the way). So in comes Ben, Janielle, and little man David. My mother came up this week as well! Oh my! What a houseful, but what a joy! A boring week turned into anything but. Thanks for coming to see us guys. You are awesome!!! (Did I mention that Will's family may be coming this weekend as well?)

What? You want me to sit still for a picture?

I don't think so!

Aunt Kerry and Miss Morgan

Uncle Ben and the Charlie Man. Did I mention this 8 week old ball of cuddles weighs 14.5 pounds now?! And the cheeks? Soooo kissable!

Cousin Love!

seeing green

I know St. Patty's was a few days ago, but give me a break! It's Spring Break and all of the kiddos are home. And its beautiful outside! And the Jayhawks won their first two rounds! Does life get any better?! Wait... both of my awesome baby nephews will be in town tomorrow! Yes, perhaps it does get even better. Spring brings out the optimist in me. March is one of my favorite months of the year. Partially because of spring and renewal and all that jazz, but mostly because of basketball. A good friend of mine has a teenage son who decided last year that, "March Madness may be even better than Christmas"! I tell you what, he may be right! Crazy people in this part of the country, crazy people!

And to accompany my optimistic mood...a new bag of course! You may be able to tell by now that you can judge my mood by what I make. Headbands...clearing my eyes and mind. Baby blankets...wishing for more babies. Bags...always a great mood! Hope you all are having a great beginning of spring!

love from nz

This is one reason I absolutely love blogging. I have met some of the cooooooolest folks that I may have never crossed paths with any other way. I got an international package from Melissa at Tiny Happy today! How cool is that? Totally cool vintage patterns (seriously Melissa, how did you part with these) and sweet baby booties for my wee nephew Charlie. So much goodness in one package! I really do appreciate the relationships I have made with you all this way. Reading about your lives in California, and New Zealand, and Louisiana, and all sorts of other places. Finding that we are not all that different. We have the same funny stories, painful experiences, and honest moments. Thanks for letting me into your lives and for participating in mine. It really does make a difference.

st. david's day

Those of you that read this blog on a regular basis know about how our beloved church was burned by an arsonist in November. So very much has changed since then, but its fun to celebrate those things that remain the same. This weekend we celebrated St. David's Day. Normally we pull out all of the bells and smells and have a neat service and dinner. We did the same thing this year, but a bit differently. Instead of holding our service in a glorious nave we celebrated in the shelter house at a local park. Instead of an elegant sit down dinner we had a BBQ potluck. Koolaid instead of wine. Paper plates...no china. But I have to say it was one of the most touching and moving services I have ever attended. Mostly, because we were celebrating in our community. A friend of mine said that when the church burned down we "lost a building and found a church". I couldn't agree more. We had crosses for the first time in months (worshipping in a Jewish temple has halted that practice out of respect). Streamers and torches. Its just stuff...but its our stuff. I was looking around and saw laughing and smiling with reckless abandon, bag pipes screaming their songs (we are a Welsh heritage congregation), and historical civil war re-enactments (don't ask, I have no idea how that fits into an episcopal celebration of heritage, but it was fun). We were all still together. The building came down this week. And we were still together. Smiling. Eating. Singing. Worshipping. Eating. Laughing. Praying. Eating. Celebrating. Being. Together.

mastered!

I have been fussing with zippers for what seems like forever. I have never been able to get them quite the way they should be. That is until this week. I sat down with a mission and finally figured it out. This tutorial saved me! Made it soooo easy! Now I just wanna put a zipper in about everything! Who knew?! Zippers have scared the pee out of me for a long time. I suppose there is some sort of metaphor in this to do with facing your fears and silly anxiety. Oh well, you guys can figure that part out!



Please, pay no attention to the fingernails in these pictures. I am in such need of a manicure it is hideous! When it comes to taking time for myself, I tend to lack a bit. So laugh at my nails if you want, but have a great Thursday!

pulling back

March is a pivotal month I think. Not quite winter, yet not quite spring yet either. Our lives over here have been full of drama, carpools, ballet lessons, and church. Not to mention a few other things. Its easy to get a bit overwhelmed. Trying to do everything just right. Sometimes there just isn't enough of me to go around. And there goes my March pity party. I finally got the kiddos to bed tonight and I realized something. They were able to drop their baggage from the day, kiss me goodnight, and ease off into dreamy bliss. So perfect and peaceful. I wandered downstairs and sat at my machine with three different projects that needed to be tweaked or finished or fixed. I pushed them all aside and started something new. Headbands. Why headbands you ask? To pull this fog away from my eyes and help me to see what is really important. Its not the deadlines and time lines. Its the kisses from a small boy and the nuzzles from a big girl who still wants to be my baby. Its the smile on the face of a redhead and the wink from my husband across the room. Sorry if the pictures are dark (as often they are when sewing a 10pm), I hope the result helps me to remember where my focus really is.

color

As much as I love the rich reds and browns of autumn and winter, I think I'm done for now. Maybe its wishful thinking or good planning, but my color palette has changed. I'm ready for the blues and pinks and greens! And the yellows...can't wait to find some yellows I can sink my sewing machine into! The one warm day we had last week really sent me spinning. Now I can't wait until we can sit on the porch with the neighbors, watch the kids running through the sprinklers, and just absorb that wonderfully warm sun! Can't wait for the reappearance of my flowers as well!

Birds and buttons...just can't find a better match! All you Midwesterners...spring really HAS to be around the corner! You NZ gals...serious envy of you being in the middle of summer! My few friends from the Great White North...my condolences on the enormity of snow. I know...I'm a whiner!