WFMW: teaching kids to sew

I'm starting this off by saying I am not a seamstress! I got my first sewing machine a few years ago and am lucky to sew a straight line. Now my dear friend, Holly, who I took home ec with in high school, makes beautiful clothes for her daughter. We had some good times in that class....

Anyway, Olivia found this book on sale at my school for $4! (I teach at a high school and a book company sets up a display every couple of months for the teachers.)

The book has wonderful pictures and instructions for little girls and moms to follow.
Olivia and I picked out some felt this past weekend and she made herself some cupcakes! She was so proud.

Now she's ready to tackle more sewing challenges - this definitely works for me! Pop over to WFMW at We're THAT Family.

**Made by Me by Jane Bull - DK Publishing

A Birthday Gift and Baby Chloe

Cousin Brookelyn had a fun luau themed birthday party last weekend. We made her a "cookin' with Brookelyn" bowl with vinyl, then stuffed it with measuring cups & spoons, cake and cookie mixes, fun sprinkles and pink icing. I hope she makes a big mess cookin' with her mom!

Here's a glimpse into Chloe Belle's bedroom. Aunt Niki has decorated it so cute! Check out Ben's old dresser - it used to be brown, but with a little paint and fabric it looks fabulous. Niki put the material on with spray adhesive.


And, last but not least a peek at Baby Chloe! She's beautiful!


I'm linking up to Made by you Monday! Pop over and have a look.

Photography Practice

Still learning with my Digital Rebel....while the kids enjoyed some Popsicles. Trying to get "light in their eyes".

Back to School and a Flashback

2008
2009
2010

A Baby Shower

Last weekend we had a shower for Niki and Ben in anticipation of baby Chloe Isabella making her appearance in August.

Sister Paige, mom and I had fun crafting a few things for the day. It turned out really cute and fun. Paige made the "cupcake tower" out of onesies, washcloths and socks. I made the "real" cupcake stand out of boxes and ribbon. The silver platter holds one of the games we played. Each is a miniature diaper filled with mints. One held "baby poop", or mustard. Wouldn't you know it, the mommy to be won that one! Mom and one of her friends redid the adorable rocking chair.

We can't wait to meet you Chloe Belle!

Vacation Highlights

We had a fun, relaxing time in Tarpon Springs. The time with Memaw and Pepaw was great! We went to Caladisi Island, Sunset Beach, the sponge docks, Weeki Wachi Springs to see the mermaids, the shark aquarium to pet sting rays, and ate WAY too much.

Happy 4th of July!

We celebrated the 4th a little early this year as Jeff had to work all weekend.

We invited a few friends over to help celebrate. We enjoyed good food, fun in the yard and sparklers when it got dark!

Check out the plates for the kids...I got red and blue Frisbees, washed them, and put parchment paper on them. Once the kids were done eating, they were good to play with! They played (or tried to play) Frisbee golf in the yard!

Jeff made homemade ice cream, a "to do" on my summer list! We served it with fresh picked blueberries and blackberries and store bought strawberries. How sweet it would be if they were all three in season at the same time.

God Bless America!