Funny Magic

Good Idea

So the lovely Alexis of Knot Sew Crafty pointed me toward this interesting little project:

The kids and I don't have any structured plans for this last month of summer break together, other than some trips to the Farmer's Market, a little biking, ice-cream, chillaxing in the hammock, etc. I figure it might be fun to capture this time with a photo (most) everyday. (Click the link in my sidebar for more info.!)

Jammie-Time

Alright, so it was high time I managed to get my rear in gear and make a couple pair of summer jammies for Juliet, and here they are:

I think she likes this pair best.

Here's a pic of the nightgown that I also made for her:

It's pretty wrinkled, because when clothes go from dryer to drawer in our house they're not always folded; either that, or they stay in the laundry basket too long before we I get around to putting them away. (Both pairs of jammies are from Butterick pattern #4910 - a definite favorite of mine.)

Up next on the ironing board/sewing table:

A couple of new dresses for Juliet's upcoming school year as a full-fledged Kindergartener; it's hard to believe that in just one more month both of my kidlets will be in school full-time. All's I know is that I see some serious naptime in my future. And dog-walking. And cooking and baking. Oh, and a whole motherload of serious knitting. Look out, cuz I'm a'gonna be on fire!

I Didn't Think I'd Cry...

Yesterday morning, bright and early, my son left for camp. This was the first year that he actually asked if he could go with our church to their summer program up north, knowing that he'd be hundreds of miles away from home for a full seven nights and eight days.

So we woke up waited in the parking lot with all of the other campers and their families for the buses to arrive,

and watched as all of the luggage was loaded-up. Then my view turned something like this:

A little teary-eyed and choked-up...

...and then I was officially crying as the buses honked their horns and pulled away.

It's not like he hasn't been away from home before, because he has...with his grandparents or good friends. But this is different, because we can't chit-chat on the phone, or call each other to say "I love you," or "Wuz' up? You having a good time?" (Personal calls are reserved for emergencies only in the northwoods, and all electronics are prohibited, which is a-okay with me.)

Right now I'm just hoping that he's made some good connections with his cabin-mates and camp counselors. I'm hoping he's having so much fun he can hardly stand it. And I'm hoping that he'll come home having made some new friends, and that he'll talk my ear off while recalling all the "awesomely excellent" experiences he had. More than anything, though? I admire my boy for having such an adventurous spirit and embarking on a new experience without reservation...

And with that, I'm gonna go drink some more ice coffee and knit away any worries that may or may not be bouncing around in my mind. Ta-ta for now.

In the Woods

This past weekend, the kids and I went up north with my dad to his property on the lake. (Hubby stayed behind to rest-up and take care of his dad...and Flossie...and the cats; we missed him, but I know he enjoyed having some down-time to himself.)

I had a little down-time, too, and was able to sit and knit a bit on the deck facing the lake, but let's be real - when you're up north with two kids, you'll get to close your eyes and check-out only after you've spent some time fishing from the dock,

swimming in the lake,

hunting and gathering wild raspberries and blueberries,

and made friends with the cutest little caterpillar we've ever laid eyes on:

We played with "Woolly Bear" until sundown, and then the kids set him/her free in the woods.It had been a long time since I'd seen a caterpillar like this, and I was just giddy...but then this little place of our's in the northwoods is really just magical like that.

Thanks for reading, and here's hoping that you've been having some magical times of your own this summer!

I Made Some Stuff

Recently, I finished knitting a little tank top for Juliet:

It was a test-knit for Jess, and I loved knitting it; details on my Ravelry page.

I also made a table runner for our dining room table:

In making this, I discovered that I really love sewing without following a pattern...it's nice to have a vision in my head and measure and piece together without following any instructions. I see more of these in my future sewing endeavors. (Same can be said of placemats and napkins, which we can always use more of!)

In the kitchen, I made up a little strawberry and rhubarb compote - tastes soooo good on ice cream. And vanilla yogurt. And oatmeal. And shortcakes. Yum.

What are you making right now??

Turn the Page :: Tuesday

Hi there! It's that time again, and here's what I (we) have been reading:

When I was young, I read all of Laura Ingalls Wilder's books, and my love for them was immense - they took me away to a time and place that I knew nothing about, and were filled with stories so rich with detail and adventure that her words played like a movie in my mind as I read.

So, last month when I was thinking about what to read for June's challenge, I thought what I really wanted to do was revisit the Little House books - even better would be to read them aloud to Juliet each night before going to sleep. I wasn't sure if they'd hold her attention, though...but you know what? They do. She will frequently interrupt to ask questions, and she's very intrigued with the fact that the stories are about real people and that Laura, the author, was once a girl like her who lived a life filled with tales to tell.

When we were planning our "Family Staycation," I knew that I wanted to take a day to drive to the Little House in the Big Woods, and when I told Juliet about my idea she was sooo excited to go.

It really is fascinating to be able to see and walk around in the actual home where Laura was born and lived with her family for a time - I can't help but feel a sense of reverence and awe. Now, though, I'm dreaming about taking us all on a road trip along the Laura Ingalls Wilder Historic Highway. Wouldn't that be cool??!! Perhaps next summer; for now, we got a lot of reading to do!

Be sure to stop by Adrienne's place for more TTPT, and happy day to you!