kidding around

Summer is certainly whizzing by, isn’t it?

Nathan and I took advantage of our smaller family and decided to treat Penelope to love and attention from her aunt/uncle and nana/papa and we headed to rural Wisconsin…Viroqua to be exact. We stayed in a lovely cottage which was on a farm and learned a lot about the hard work of a dairy farming family. We also had a ball paddling the Kickapoo River, Nathan fly fished, I am STILL working on the binding of my “quilt #1″, ate great local/organic food and just enjoyed the quiet of country life. The winding roads, Amish farms, friendly people and rest makes us want to go back with our children.

Soon after I returned from Wisconsin, I headed to Iowa for a family party and to be reunited with my sweet kids. Although they could have gone a few more weeks, they had a ball and were apathetic to coming home. NICE.

All this to say, I haven’t had a normal “creative time” in weeks and I finally sat down to make something for my mom. I actually was inspired by this post and found myself in Michaels while in Iowa and decided this bracelet would be great for my mom! This is such a fun project. Although the bracelet isn’t the highest of quality, I don’t care. I am buying more and intend to make one for Ellie and her upcoming 9th birthday.

While in Wisconsin, I took the advice of my sister and friend to visit Avalanche looms. I was so thrilled to visit this beautiful studio and chat with the most inspiring, lovely woman- Susan. Her studio has 3 looms and all sorts of projects in process, as well as handmade goods for sale. She also had a great collection of books and fun kids toys. I could have stayed there all afternoon!

I knew right away I had to buy a couple of her handfelted birds. One will go to my mom and of course to me too! She gave me the best idea to wrap up gifts- create “Surprise balls”. Fill them with whatever trinkety things you have around and have fun watching the receiver unwrap their gift.

So- I thought my mom’s bracelet and bird would be perfect to “wrap up” and enjoy the untangling of fabric and string…kind of makes it a fun, festive event!

Nice to post again…hopefully I will have a finished quilt to show by the end of the week!

Things I have learned about my youngest (with no older siblings around)…

Penelope prefers to wear lipstick not only on her lips, but arms and hands as well. And to include a friend is a thrill.

Happy Weekend.

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A glimpse into our meal last evening.

Can you tell we have 2 less in our dinner equation?

Film courtesy of Nathan (my husband).

We are without our two oldest kids for nearly 2 weeks. I suspect there will be all sorts of fun with our youngest…

…and me reminding myself that this separation from my sweet kids is good, they WANTED to go and it makes me let go (just a little).

…and one quilt top complete. I am so thrilled with how quilt #1 has turned out! Remember, I don’t regard myself as a quilter in any way, but I do find great inspiration in other people’s projects…especially here, here, and here.

What I love most is that I don’t need to match up any of the shapes. Plus I had a lot of freedom in cutting and the basic layout. Most of the fabric I grabbed from my stash (love all the impulse fabric buying I do from time to time).

Any recommendations for batting? Where to go?

Recently I joined the Flickr group “Creative Summer”- started by one of my favorite blogs…

I noticed a really cute idea that required lily pads and stuffed frogs and although I WISH I could whip out a few frogs, I improvised. (time at the sewing machine has been very minimal and it’s driving me mad).

We found our driveway empty today (car in the shop) and so I recommended a “chalk fest’. As I was getting the chalk and kids were bouncing out of the house I knew there needed to be some structured play. Guess what popped in my mind? That’s right, the brilliant lily pad game. My kids loved it- there was some drama, tears, and frustration (from my poor son), but soon we got our groove and it was fun.

We basically made up the game right before starting, but I reminded the kids to keep it SIMPLE without a trillion rules, rewards, etc. You know how kids can get!

The perfect thing is that Penelope could play by just hopping around as we were a bit more competitive.

How we played:

1. Draw out a bunch of lily pads using the same colors.

2. Add a few more lily pads with a different color scheme (these are bonus and you get another turn.)

3. Have fun adding fish or sea creatures or whatever…

4. Throw a rock on the first lily pad, it needs to land on the pad OR at least on the line (depending on your kids skill and patience.) After the first throw, you go again. This is just so there aren’t 3 of you on the same lily pad. After this everyone gets one chance unless you throw a rock on a “bonus” lily pad.

5. Whoever makes it home first- WINS.

Easy, huh? A perfect game to change as you wish. Nice for the outdoors. Even better when you see your kids play on their own without YOU having to nag them to do it…

I feel like we are at the point of summer that I have 3 shadows following me wondering what to do next. I sound terrible, I know! Thank goodness for some fresh inspiration and I need to read back on some other fabulous blog posts…now only if I can find time and a good excuse to sit in front of the computer! (Thanks to Mama Urchin for the great game inspiration!)

Oh, a summer afternoon for a girl… wiggling a front tooth.

Determined to join the ranks of the other kids and their funky teeth.
(too bad her 4th grade class have lost most and are wearing braces!)

I am starting quilt #1 of 2 quilts I am making for Ellie and Penelope’s room. Wish me luck.

I know if I don’t make Penelope’s quilt along with Ellie’s, it will never be completed- I know myself too well. (sort of like ellie’s half completed baby book)