Feelin' Creative

So the other day I was feeling pretty creative and decided to finish up various projects I've been working on. First up, this adorable Paris onesie. For anyone who knows me, you know how much I LOVE anything to do with Paris - never mind that I've never been there. Anyway, I found an Eiffel Tower cookie cutter at a yard sale a while back, so I used it to make a pattern. I'm thinking I should use this pattern again somewhere - any ideas? It's too cute. Don't mind the picture being upside down - sorry - it loaded that way and I couldn't figure out how to fix it! You can still get the idea.

Then, I was seized by a desire to do some cooking, only to find that my one and only apron was in the washing machine. It had been in the washing machine for several days, whilst I was waiting for this insanely hot weather to cool down enough to run the dryer. The dryer raises the temperature of the house approximately thirty degrees (which, dear readers, when it is 105 degrees outside, makes it 135 degrees inside - roughly the temperature used to bake chocolate chip cookies - practically). So, the apron was wet and soggy (maybe a little moldy - no, just joking), and unusable, and I decided I should have a second apron. I've had this adorable Richard Kaufman fabric for ages, but it was so cute I was afraid to use it for anything! But, the pears on it make it perfect for the kitchen.

I love the colors. Wouldn't it be an adorable little girls' dress? Or a mini kid's apron? Oooo...maybe next project. So. Ok, moving on.

While I was on a roll, sewing away, I found this cute fall fabric I found on clearance last year (CLEARANCE, people!!). In case you can't tell, those are little leaves. I always love to have seasonal linens on my table and piano, so I made a table runner. Super simple, but I think it turned out ok.

Now, I'm starting to think Christmas. Christmas, you say incredulously? But it's August! Yes - Christmas. My FAVORITE holiday - it's never too early to start thinking about Christmas! Maybe I should put some Christmas music on... I think Chris would shoot me.

Anyways, keep an eye out in the future for some lovely Christmas projects coming up... because it's never too early! :)

Onesies

Made these adorable onesies last week - saw the idea when checking out an etsy shop, and thought, I could make those! So I did! I just love how many sweet little things you can make for babies... there's something extra special about being able to put all my love and excitement for having a baby someday into making something for my kids. I'm sure they won't realize how much they were loved before they were even born when they are younger, but hopefully our kids will know when they are older!

This one is a bird. Can you tell? I still have to add a little felt ear to the elephant and a beak to the bird - maybe that will help.

Also did these fantastic blankies. The fabric in the middle is minkee, a super soft fabric, and the outside is a satin. Babies love the different feelings of the two fabrics, so I've been working on a bunch of different kinds. Can you tell I'm really digging brown right now? Love it with pink, blue, and green. I'm kind of a matchy-matchy person, so I like things to coordinate - what better way to do it than to make everything myself? Next up: a crib set!

Jess and Thomas' Wedding

After TEN years of dating (nope, that wasn't a typo, it really has been 10 years!), my friend Jessica Goetz married Thomas Mashos on August 8, 2009. They got married in Dallas, OR, near Salem, so I drove up there to see them wed. As one of the few people who knew Jess before she ever started dating Thomas, I felt especially privileged to be there to witness them get married. It's amazing to have been friends with someone for so long!

Unfortunatly, my camera battery died after only a dozen pictures, so I only have a few to post.

Jess was the most beautiful bride!

It was great to be there and I'm so glad I could drive up to see her!! Congrats to Jess and Thomas!

Reno, baby!

RENO!! Last week a group of my girlfriends and I drove to Reno for a night of drinking, gambling, eating, minus husbands and kids! We had a fabulous time learning new poker games, talking, and eating LOTS of yummy food!

Not so sure what the super oversized furniture was all about - but it made for fun pictures! Thanks for a great time, girls!

Meg and Stu's Wedding

Hooray for weddings! My sister, Meaghan, was married on July 18. She, of course, looked gorgeous in her ivory beaded gown. We all had a blast meeting Stu's super fun family and meeting up with our relatives. It's so awful being so far away from our family, but it sure does make us appreciate when we are able to see them!

The wedding was at McMenamins, Edgefield in Troutdale. What a gorgeous place for a wedding! The ceremony was beautiful, the food was great and everyone had an awesome time! Congrats Meg and Stu!

My new best friend

Ok, no offense to anyone out there, but I have a new best friend. Something that gives me pleasure and joy in a way that no one else ever can. Something that knows just what I need, when I need it. Yes - the air conditioner! I LOVE our air conditioner. Not that this is a new relationship or anything, we've had the good ol' AC for several years now. But since moving to Medford, I have gained a new appreciation for a nice burst of cold air.

When we first found out we were going to be in Medford, one of the first things anyone invariably said when we told them was: "Ooo, it's going to be warmer over there." Yes, yes it is. Warmer doesn't even cut it. FREAKIN' HOT is more like it!!! I always knew somewhere in the back of my mind that Medford was usually about ten degrees warmer than Klamath Falls, but it never really sank in. So, when it's 70 degrees in Klamath, it's 80 degrees here. And when it's 80 degrees in Klamath, it's 90 degrees here. And when it's 90 degrees in Klamath... well, you get the picture. It's HOT. And, having grown up in Wisconsin (AKA the North Pole), I am definately more accustumed to cold weather than hot weather.

Plus, this week has been record highs around here - we're talking 106 and 107 degrees!! My mom actually told me to come down to Southern California, because it's actually cooler down there!!

So, if anyone needs me this summer, you know right where to find me. Right in front of the cool, delicious breeze of my air conditioner.

On this day in history...

Four years. Yup, four years ago yesterday, I married the most wonderful man. Now, four years may not seem like a big deal to some people (like my parents, who are going on 31 years), but when you think about just how much we've packed in four years, we're doing pretty darn good.

Since that wonderful day in 2005, Chris and I have bought a house, put a roof on the house, went to Disney World, went to family reunion in North Carolina, put in new windows in the house, acted in two musicals (A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum and Beauty and the Beast), remodeled our dining room, moved my parents to Southern California, remodeled our kitchen, danced in two dance shows, remodeled our bathroom, acquired one college degree, and, most recently, moved to Medford.

We've held a total of seven jobs between the two of us, and made countless amazing friendships. We've added two very special dogs to our family and celebrated the marriage of my sister.

Next year at this time, we will have added one more move and a college degree to that list, along with perhaps another member of our family??

Who knows what will happen? But no matter what, no matter where we are or what job we have or whether we are remodeling a house (trust me, if a marriage survives home remodeling, it can survive ANYTHING!), we are doing it together.

I love my husband. He is my best friend. He keeps me grounded and focused when I am overwhelmed. He has supported me going back to school to finish my degree. He eats my terrible cooking with a smile on his face. He makes me laugh every single day. He is kind and generous and loving with my family. He supports my friendships. He gives me foot massages (my favorite!). He takes me out on dates. He is honorable and loyal. He's not afraid to state his opinion. He goes to yard sales with me, with a smile on his face. He kills all the spiders for me. He loves and supports me in everything I do.

Happy Anniversary, babe. Here's to many, many more!