emerald lane

Yes, I’m well aware of the fact that I haven’t posted anything I’ve sewn in quite some time. I’ve just been avoiding mentioning it in hopes you all would not mind my lack of motivation to sew. Yes, the blog is a little heavy on the family side lately, but that’s just what I’ve had time for. I do want this blog to be a blend of our life as a family, outdoor living and craft. I can’t promise that I’m back to my old crafting self, but I’m hoping that I can work it into my schedule more so that I don’t lose the desire or the ability.

I have done a little sewing during this dry spell, not the fun kind though. Just the kind that I have to do, the kind that supports my fabric buying habit. It is a neccessary thing, don’t get me wrong. Though, I do enjoy the times when I get to sew for myself the most. The times when fabric meets inspiration and all the planets are aligned. (Okay, I threw the planet thing in there.) Really, it’s when the baby is napping, the boys are watching PBS Kids and I need some sewing therapy.

I used this great piece of fabric that I got from a dear friend for my birthday, along with some other crafty goodies that I am hording for future use. It’s a vintage, retro barkcloth with some of my favorite colors. Don’t you just love the designs; the floral with the geometric lines and shapes. I used a houndstooth fabric for the lining, the closure on the bag and strap on the wristlet. The bag has a snap closure and I added a fun rectangular detail thingy (not sure what it’s called at this moment) because I thought it was cool looking and I threw it in there. The wristlet (love that word) fits perfectly in the retro bag and holds my change purse, checkbook and keys, just right to grab and go when I need to make a mad dash for the store.

Ahh, it’s a nice feeling to have created. It should get me through the weekend.

Public school started this week and we celebrated by going swimming.  No rushing to get breakfast, get dressed and in the car by 8am.  Just threw on our suits and into the pool next door for a morning swim.

We did read these books by Ezra Jack Keats, which is school for us:

Our library has a great book that we checked out which has a collection of Keats’ books compiled together.  The illustrations and stories are classic.  He uses watercolor and collage to illustrate his stories that are set in the city, which captivate both the boys and gives us plenty to talk about.

This unit study gave us the idea to make doggy treats for our fine furry friend, Huckleberry, after we read Whistle for Willie. I’m trying to get Ian excited about the artwork and get him interested in copying the techniques, but he keeps asking me why we have to learn about Peter and his dog Willie.  Not sure he really understands the concept of a Unity Study.  Anyway, we have time to figure all this out.

Based on the weather, Summer is still here and we plan on swimming until the water is too cold, which won’t be anytime soon, since the water thermometer reads 90 degrees.  Because we have spent so much time in the pool, both boys are now swimming independently, aka: without  swimmies.  Sean is braving the slide and the diving board; no fear for these Henry Boys.  Oh and little sister loves the water, she’s crawling all around the house, sitting herself up, pulling up on her knees and loves to watch her brothers joust in the house.  I need to get a picture of Sean riding this little stuffed lamb, that he pretends is his horse.  It is quite funny!  I’ll stop bragging now.  Anyone else have any new summer accomplishments?

I’m overdue for an update on the new business.  But, it will have to wait until the next post; it’s late and I must close my eyes.

 

 

Sometimes I wonder if God gave me children to make me more creative and let go of my controlling nature.  I never would have thought to stick a straw into a 1/4 watermelon and drink the juice.  What fun it is to let go and live a little.  I know we are just talking about watermelons and straws, but sometimes us Moms say “NO” way too much, me included.  

Watermelon Smoothie

Seedless Watermelon (cut into chunks)

 Vanilla Yogurt 

Sweetener (Sugar or Honey)

Crushed Ice

:: Blend all the ingredients together and enjoy with a straw!

The tomatos yielded the most out of all the vegetables we planted this year.  We didn’t can any this time, but we have enjoyed some fresh tomato sauce thanks to these fine tomatoes.  It is the end of our 2007 garden, there are only a few tomatos left on the vines and they are drying out fast.  The rain has ceased and we have no desire to run the hoses out again to water, so we are letting it all go until next year when we can start fresh!

:: Puddin’ on the Porch

:: Too hot to move