Fathers Day & Vacation has begun

We had a fun Father's Day, despite the fact that we drove straight from Long Beach to Chico starting Saturday night at 6:45 pm and arriving at 4:35 am on Sunday. The girls were so excited to see their cute "new" room that grandma had fun decorating that it took a little while to get them back to sleep once we got there. But we eventually did and had a VERY leisurely day. We gave daddy the handprint art we made. Then we took our first family of four bike ride with one in the bike seat and the other in the trailer and mommy riding for the first time since she was pregnant (about two years - I'm not so coordinated, so never wanted to chance it) We rode from the house to downtown and had bagels for breakfast/lunch, stopped by a used bookstore (where I bought The Shack and couldn't find Breaking Dawn), and a park with playground. Then mom and dad took turns taking naps and watching the girls, followed by a late afternoon swim in the pool.

We are officially on vacation! Some ways I can tell...

1) The watch is off my wrist!

2) The afternoon cup of coffee has been replaced with an afternoon nap.

3) I considered getting up after feeding the baby at 5:40 am to do some sewing while the house was quiet because I knew I would get an afternoon nap. I considered it...then went back to sleep.

4) I have actually been cleaning up after myself and my kids because I'm not rushing to get somewhere else.

5) I have been going to bed before midnight, because I can!

I have been working on my crocheted basket. And finished the outfit I made for my neice due to be born any time now. I used this pattern and you may recognize the fabric from our Easter dresses. I actually originally bought the fabric with my new niece in mind, but got lots of it to make something for everyone because I liked it so much. It's supposed to be size 1-3 months, but looks a little big to me. I'm hoping it works, because from October on it's pretty cold in Buffalo, NY. I think my favorite part of the outfit is the little gathered sleeves, they kill me they're so cute. I really wish I had a better camera and was a better photographer. My pictures never look as good as the real thing.

We're heading out to Lake Tahoe tomorrow to go camping with friends. It is my first time there, though I think we've "planned" a Tahoe trip every year since we've been married. (7 years next month) I'll let you know if we actually make it there this time.

Summer Projects

I have high hopes for this summer in the creating department. We're heading out of town Saturday to Chico for a couple months to stay at my in-laws' house. The sewing machine and fabric are going along too with a list of summer projects that includes but is not limited to the following:
-For my girls - A couple lazy days skirts , this pattern of skirt, pants, dress and this top & pants. Fabrics pictured below with my daughter who helped to pick them out.
-Matching pillowcase dresses for my girls from a pair of pillowcases I picked up at a thrift boutique.
-More animals out of Sock & Glove- elephant & cat, at least. See dog made from the book pictured below. He used to be a pair of cashmere gloves from New Zealand.
-Make yard sale skirt, trapeze dress, coordinating shirred sundresses for girls & I, summer blouse all from Weekend Sewing by Heather Ross. I got this book from my sister for my bday and I love it. I have yet to sew from it, but have done lots of drooling and planning. Fabrics pictured below.
-Make felt dolls for girls, like the ones made for Craft Hope. (pictured below)
-Finish a few sewing projects for nieces and nephews. One of which is this pattern.
-Finishing crocheting this basket. My first ever crochet project.

I hope to have some of these projects completed and posted here for proof in the near future.


Also going with us on our trip is my new ice cream maker which I am very excited about. So far I've made Mascarpone Ice Cream topped with Roasted peaches (recipe from Food & Wine Magazine) and Blueberry Medley Frozen Yogurt. Both winners!

Below pics are fabrics to be used, several of which I just picked up at M&L Fabric Store in Anaheim. I am hoping there will be some cool shops in Chico, too from which to acquire more fun stuff.

Lastly, below are felt dolls my friend and I made for the Craft Hope. I recommend you read the beautiful post about the 405 dolls made for this project.

Thoughts on Thirty

My 30th birthday was Saturday May 30th. My husband put together an awesome day for me. I was on cloud nine all day. Here are the highlights

-Awoke at 7:30 to find out my sister who is a massage therapist was there and ready to give me a massage. Sweet way to wake up!

-After getting dressed I have some of my favorite ladies show up with beautiful flowers and a fabulous breakfast of quiche, french toast souffle, and orange mint tea.

-We then all headed out to get spa pedicures. (And stopped by Starbucks afterwards.) In the car we sampled the fabulous CD my friend put together with one song from each year of my life, which was lots of fun.

-Then drove down to the beach in Newport (after taking the ferry across, which is always fun) and the guys had set up a lovely little beach spot complete with chairs, blankets, umbrellas (wind fort, cause it was kinda windy) and snacks. I assumed this was going to be a family beach time-then all the guys left with the kids and we ladies were left to relax and enjoy (it's been a long time since I was able to actually relax on the beach!)

-We drove back home to a barbeque with more friends and family. Where my husband and brother in law had tri tip, hamburgers, chicken, spinach dip, hummus, chips & salsa, salad, etc... put together. Impressive! And my very favorite type of cake with fruit, from a chinese bakery called Diamond bakery. It was fun to see everyone, watch the kids play, relax and be celebrated! Yeah!

The funniest card I got said this - You know you're turning 30 if...
...you ever had a mullet, "tail" or side ponytail
...you have used a Commodore 64
...you owned a Trapper Keeper
...you can name all the members of New Kids on the Block
...you remember when fast food burgers came in styrofoam containers
...you had a crush on Zack Morris or Kelly Kapowski from Saved by the Bell
...you receive a card like this wishing you a Happy 30th Birthday.
I'm sure this is most appreciated by people who are about 30.

My advice to anyone who has not yet turned 3o is to hang around people who are older than you and when they find out you're "only 30" you feel like a teenager. It's pretty sweet.

Because everyone knows my obsession with creating I got some sweet books which I'm sure projects from them will be up and coming, including Quilts by Denise Schmidt, Patchwork Style by Suzuko Koseki, Sock and Glove by Miyako Kanamori, Bend the Rules Sewing by Amy Karol. My first project is going to be the little dog out of Sock and Glove. I also got two paper cutters (from the two people I usually borrow one from, ha ha).

Thank you to all the special people who made me feel so very loved on that day!

Lastly, a poll question for anyone to answer. I was shopping for clothes the day before my birthday and suddenly wondered, when are you too old to shop in the Juniors Department? I did get a dress there, then headed to the more "mature" section and didn't see much I liked...