Crafty Owls

I didn't want to blog about my Crafty Owls idea because I didn't want to jinx it. Let's face it most of my brilliant plans don't really work. But this time I really, really, wanted this to happen and I am so glad it did!!

I had 11 women over and the first project I picked was to make headbands based on the "Lauren Headband" from this tutorial. It looked easy enough and also adaptable for all different styles.

Not only did these women create - they inspired!! And here is the crazy thing. The thing I really didn't expect, but I should have known would happen, I learned something new about myself and it had nothing to do with crafting. It feels good to be with friends and I really needed it.
Maybe, this idea didn't come to me as a need to be creative. Maybe this idea came to me as a need to be fulfilled... I can not wait for next month!
Speaking of being full of fill... they couldn't resist jumping in a pile of pillow batting. What the heck, right?
On the home front we are landscaping our backyard. Here is the before picture... more to come.

i am still grateful

Summer Slump

Is it wrong that I have began the countdown to school? 27 more days...

We have officially started our Summer Slump. The birthday parties have ended, swim class is over, library story times aren't exciting, the girls won't play together and I have run out of ideas. Oh and did I mention, 113 degrees outside?

I would say that being a stay-at-home mom is the best job in the world but on days like today it feels like a prison sentence. Relaxed mom was so relaxed that now I have looked up from my summer colored glasses and am starting to see a breakdown of sorts. No one comes to eat when I prepare a meal. No one picks up anything. No one puts their clothes away. No one brushes their teeth. No one thanks me. No one goes to bed on time. No one is even laughing... just bickering. AGHHHH.

So now I must readjust ~ yet again. I must realign our days to gear us back into some semblance of order. I must make it known I am in charge - not Dora.

There is a silver lining. (Isn't there always?) We have been working on our bedroom. We loaded up our carts at IKEA this weekend (love you Smaland!). We nailed and hung and redesigned and now I have a peaceful sanctuary (minus the dirty clothes) for which to unwind.

There are still a few more touches to be added but I love the feeling I get when I enter my room. Because it is mine and although a barbie may slip past the threshold I reserve the right to chuck it right back out :)

Now I must get started on that chore chart...

7 and Full of Life

Audrey,

Are you serious? Seven!! Really?? I love this picture. Your eyes are shining and I can see just what you are - the most caring, loving, sensitive sister and daughter. As with all the years you have had, I just wish I can keep memorizing everything about you. I relish in the minutes I just take time to talk with you. You are so animated and have so many thoughts. You have showed us how laid back things can be - a new perspective - you are adding your very own element to our family and it is amazing.

There is a whole new sense of determination about you now and your talents are endless. A year ago you would never be able to finish a stitch. But now you pushed and pushed until your whole project was completed.

You choose a Bowling Bash for your Birthday and helped me make the cake. It was supposed to look completely different (I swear it looks easy on those family websites) but you helped shape it into your own. It turned out fabulous, of course. Just like when I turned my new white tank top pink... you said it just added some *zing*.

Second grade will be great. You will make so many new friends and learn so much more. I hope to continue to encourage you to learn your guitar, write your songs, and sing whenever your heart needs to.

Happy Birthday our sweet girl - Love Mommy and Daddy.