My So-Called Creative Life

Lately I’ve been posting the most adorable pictures of my children… parties, pirates and pink wellies, but I have neglected to share the creative/crafty things I’ve been up to.

I have been working on a few creative projects: in addition to new bread and foccia recipies, I took a few moments to crochet a lovely green hat for Isabel, I’m going to recycle a shrunken wool sweater into flowers for Izzo’s hat and mittens for both kids. I’ve decided… no more buying winter gear that will inevitably get lost.

My solution to the lost gloves? Every homemade pair is getting attached by a string. I know, mothers have been doing this for years but it was finally a revelation for me… sometimes I’m a little slow.

I am also embroidering a few onsies, blankets and making felt booties for a friend’s new baby! Isabel would like to learn how to sew—taking cues from Amanda Blake Soule I decided to make her sewing cards in the same pattern that I embroidering.


Chicken update: they are lovely and a seem to be happy… always escaping into the garden. However, no eggs yet! Any suggestions?

Eric got a 1940’s shake machine for his birthday from my parents. And it arrived in the mail two days ago. This weekend homemade ice cream and milk shakes. I might try my hand at making some mozzarella and chevre cheese too! A dairy weekend.

Photos from sxc.hu

Photogenic?

Another attempt at a 'proper' family photo:


I should just give up and be thankful for all the fun we have!

Have your cake and eat it too!

I realize that this post is about a week overdue, but it is so adorable.
Truman was so inthralled by his ability to make a mess of himself and eat chocolate frosting in the process!

Below is the progression from inseption to bathtub.


He looks so much like Papa with his surprised laugh!


Truman actually looked into the camera and said 'Cheese'!


From high chair to bathtub! It's my party and I'll bathe if I want to!

Pirates o' the backyard!

Ahoy, Maties!
We've graduated from fairy princesses straight to Pirates. Our beloved Captain, Grandma P bought us a pirate ship.

Truman Loves his new backyard playset he recieved for his birthday... Isabel loves it even more. When the box came she said, "Look Mom! Grandma P got us a PARK!"

Well, the PARK slide now slides into the baby pool which transformed it from a regular plaything to a vessel in the open ocean. And with a little lingo coaxing from the super fun, Aimee, Isabel now exclaims, "Arrg... I'm pirate Biz-a-bel!"


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Isabel discovered how to work the sprayer on the hose, claiming to help Daddy water. I believe what she likes more is to water Daddy!



Here she is on our nature parade. We were going on a nature walk and on the way out the door she grabbed two metal pot lids for cymbals and marched all the way to Grandma Bonnies house.

Do you notice how often she wears those boots?

The Happy Birthday Boys

Both of the men my life have July birthdays!


I'll share my new favorite photo of both boys. We went to the Dodgers/Braves game while in California with our families. It was such a good time. Truman was very into sitting with Dad that night.

Doesn't Truman look like such a little man in his polo. His first birthday is Friday.


Cousin's Truman and Wessner playing at my parents house. Good old fashioned playskool wood blocks. They've seen all of us grow up.

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In an attempt to get a nice family photo we got a christmas card contender. Not quite what I was thinking, but it will do.

Have a Happy Thursday tomorrow!

Debris of the Orange City Fire

A few follow up pictures of the fire as promised.

Farmer's Market

Due to the fact I woke up sick, I won't be at the Farmer's Market today. See you next week.

And the Rain, Rain, Rain Came Down, Down, Down

It's raining and very muggy today thus, I'm singing that little diddy from Winnie the Pooh, "And the rain, rain, rain came down, down, down..." Rain is the perfect accompaniment to the end of a vacation in which the only productive thing I have done is bake bread. I came home last night but, decided to take one more work day to unpack. HA! Pretty sure no unpacking has happened yet today... except toothbrush and deoderant-- too much I know...

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The farmer's market is tomorrow morning 9 a.m. to 11 a.m.

The Strawberry-Rhubarb Scones will be making a comeback with some alterations and glorious additions! Yummy spreads too--Rhubarb and Orange Jam, Citrus and Green Tea Jelly, Strawberry and Blueberry Marmalade! Sourdough bread... and a few other lovelies.


Isabel was a big helper tonight, she stirred her own bowl of flour for a whole 45 minutes before ceremoniously throwing it on to the floor with all the utensils.

These are photos from a few weeks ago... with the same results.


Pictures of the vacation to come... after the car is unpacked. Perhaps tomorrow.

Down on the Farm

These are some farm photos I've been meaning to put up.

On Memorial day, we all went for a lovely impromptu gathering with our lovely friends.



Notice Izzo's Wellies... another glorious use. And they wash off with just a hose. Shouldn't all shoes be hose-worthy?

Homecoming

We start the journey back to California for vacation tonight. Be looking for posts of the fun things we'll do out there!

Summer Gratefulness

1. Farmer's Market produce

2. Kiddie pool in the backyard

3. Long walks and visits to the park

4. "Green Popsicles, Mommy" Thank you, Isabel.

5. Strawberry Rhubarb Scones for breakfast/lunch/dinner

6. Visits to the Iowa Great Lakes area

7. Tomatoes and Basil... yum....

8. Summer Reading List

Three Cups of Tea

Animal, Vegetable, Miracle


The Time Traveler's Wife
9. EGGS from the 7 hens in the backyard (it should be any day now).

10. Sunshine.