Crafty shmafty

I guess I forgot to mention that the key fobs,wet bags and wallets aren't online yet. Neither are some other wonderful things I've been making. I've had a few people emailing me wondering "where can I get this stuff? It isn't online!" My apologies. Here's the reality of the situation: my husband is my web designer. He is also an incredible dad, helper of everything laundry-cooking-housework-cleaning, full time employee of a wonderful company, keeper of our yard, gardens, and outdoor projects, painter and creator of my whimsical ideas for interior design, as well as best-husband-I-could-ever-ask-for. He's busy. Very busy.

I don't know how to do fancy computer things.

I can sew during nap times, I can create the projects while simultaneously entertaining a 3 month old, take photos that aren't nearly as artistic as his while keeping the dog out of Lucy's bubble, and I can blog about all of the above. But getting them online waits for a time when he isn't doing one of his other hundred other jobs.

If you are really interested in what you've seen here, email me at:

I check email frequently and will get back to you as soon as possible. I'd be happy to visit with you about options, prices and finding the colors/designs you're looking for.

I can tell you this- as of now, prices are as follows:

Key fobs $6
Little wallets $6
Wet bags $15 (14 x 16 inches)

Everything else should be on the website. I've made some car seat covers for infant seats and I've been selling those for $40. The outside material is designed by Amy Butler and the inside is Michael Miller. I've sold all the ones I've made, but would be willing to make some more if you're interested. I'll get a photo up so you can see what I'm talking about.

Thanks for reading so faithfully!

Wet bags & Key Fobs

Key fobs! I'm just loving these little gems. I slip mine around my wrist all the time when I’m trying to haul Lucy and the diaper bag to the car. Plus, I can ALWAYS find my keys, even if they’re at the bottom of the bag.

These make great gifts and they're super cute. I have LOTS of colors to choose from and the design on top can be switched....
We’ve also come up with the “mini fob”. Just big enough to slip a couple of fingers through. Still, very cute and practical. This little lady is a fun way to give a gift card- or keep your own credit cards neat and tidy. This was my first one and I grabbed scraps to test out the design. It's pretty darn cute if you ask me. The snap is STRONG- I sewed one wrong the first time and nate had to use a LOT of elbow grease to pry it out. I'm excited to make more of these with other coordinating colors.

I just finished this sweet wet bag today. It measures 10 x 12 inches (roughly). These are great to throw in a diaper bag and can be used for soiled clothes, cloth diapers, or any other messy things you don't want floating around in your diaper bag. The inside is made of a waterproof material and the whole bag can be machine washed. LOVE THEM!I've also heard of people using these for wet swimming suits in a pool bag. Just another idea. :)

In other news, Lucy is growing like a little weed. She’s such a sweetie. I’ll leave you with my favorite picture of her to date.

Lucy and Charlie

Mornings at home.....I love them. Enjoy!

Summer of No Pants

I almost forgot! I found this on a blog a few days ago and LOVE IT. I don't know that I'll do it...but I'm curious and maybe I will. Anyone else want to try with me? Check it out:

The Summer of No Pants

I'll do it if you'll do it. :)

Nap time? Blog!

Our family is crazy about Asian food. Seriously, anything Asian- we'll eat it. Except I don't like sushi. Nate loves it and I've tried a bite off his plate multiple times, hoping that I'll grow up and aquire a taste for it. No such luck. I can't get past the seaweed flavor and texture....and the idea of raw fish puts me over the top.

I tell you this because I'm trying a new recipe today for lunch from my favorite Food Network Magazine. It's called Cold Peanut, Chicken and Soba Noodle Salad and you can find it here, courtesy of Emeril Lagasse. I'll let you know if it's good enough to make again.

Last fall we planted a bulb that we recieved at Oliver's memorial service. It was one of the first things to sprout in our back yard this spring and it. was. beautiful. Nowhere else in our yard did we have such a strong and proud tulip. I loved it.



Here's a family photo from Easter at the farm. Lucy would have been 2 months to the day.

Here's a sweet picture of me and my girl. I can't believe that I can fall MORE in love with her all the time....she's so awesome. I mean, really....how can you not love this little muffin?!


THIS is the man I love:

I'm looking forward to some thunderstorms in the next couple of days and I have some new items going up on our website. Be sure to check them out in the next day or two! Two words: Key Fob!

A Happy Mother's Day

THIS is why I’m celebrating: my sweet little lady. (Don’t worry, the specks are fake).

Today has been wonderful. This weekend has been wonderful. Here's a quick recap:

Thursday night LATE- Martha & Ryan arrived at the end of a long drive from Michigan.

Friday, Nate and I took the family (Charlie and Lucy) over to my brother's house to grill with him, Sarah, and my parents. Nate noticed that the school I worked at was having a carnival of sorts so the two of us walked over. We ran into quite a few of my students which made me realize just how much I miss seeing them every day. The hugs were such a treat- I can't wait for my visit to the classroom in a week or two.

We walked back to James' house and ate supper and sat outside in lawn chairs visiting while the dogs either a) laid nicely in the cool grass or b) weaved around the grill, legs of people, lawn chairs and tables, tangling the leash so whomever was holding the other end was forced to get up every few minutes to de-tangle. You can guess which choice Charlie made.

Saturday morning we woke after LUCY SLEPT THE WHOLE NIGHT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

The. Whole. Night.

I was in shock. I did get up at 4AM to see if she was still breathing and then she didn't wake up until 6:30. I didn't even care that it was 6:30 on a Saturday morning, I was so happy she'd slept for so long! We had time to shower and get ready before the first farmer's market of the season, where we met up with my parents and James. It was so good to be back down there- Lucy rode in the Baby Bjorn like a champ and we finished off the morning with coffee at Scoots. Yum.

Mom and I went for our first annual Mother's Day pedicures- very fun. We should have gotten a picture. I just thought of that now. Rats. They turned out really cute. We came back to the house for some much-needed Lucy-Grandma snuggles, sewing, and time on the deck. Spring.....is finally here- and how very sweet it is.

Mom and Dad headed back for home Saturday afternoon. We ate, went to church, and met Ryan and Martha back at our house. THEN, we took the family (again, Charlie and Lucy) for a late evening walk to Starbucks. There's nothing like walking late on a warm spring night with friends so dear you don't ever want them to leave. I wanted our walk to last forever. When we got home, we sat on the deck for a very long time and enjoyed the beautiful night next to the neighbors babbling waterfall. :)

Finally, (thanks to those of you who are still reading....devoted friends of mine) Martha and I went for a nice little Mother's Day run this morning while the boys plus Chris and Cade slaved over an incredible mother's day brunch. We came home, showered and had a wonderful time with great friends- celebrating our families.

I've got lots of photos- enjoy! And Happy Mother's Day!!!

The main feature: Nate’s AMAZING pancakes!

Sweet little Cade enjoying his strawberriesThe mamas! Love these girls!

My man and our girl. I LOVE my family.

 

OK, seriously…..how cute is she?!

 

Followed closely by our good buddy, Cade. What a gem!

 

And don’t forget our loyal dog, Charlie.

Martha and I- besties.(I know these next few pictures are terribly washed out, but I don't know how to fix them and Nate isn't home. Deal.)

These are the kind of friends we are. (Just kind of weird).

Our first celebratory Mother’s Day!

Great friends of ours, Chris & Molly

Cinco de Mayo!

Happy Cinco de Mayo!! 3 years ago today, my wonderful husband proposed to me over a picnic supper at Holmes Lake. Tonight we're making fish tacos (my first ever!) to celebrate the holiday. It's been a FUN 3 years and we've been VERY blessed!

Life is in full swing and we're finding ourselves really, really busy. Truth is, when I get a free moment of time from being mom to this beautiful little lady, my top three choices are (in no particular order):
1. shower
2. nap
3. sew

4. laundry/dust/vacuum/etc

Notice that #4 doesn't get considered often, which is why I listed my top THREE. Also note that cooking isn't in there at all! Neither is blogging. What is happening?!

I'm nutty over sewing....I have recently discovered the art of searching "tutorials" and am finding blog after blog of ideas I want to try! It's blissful. What would make it more so is if my sweet little Lucy would start taking naps for a decent amount of time. This girl. She loves to sleep, as long as she's being held and snuggled. The pediatrician told me you can't spoil them by holding a newborn too much. Hmmmm....not sure about that. She's been getting better....but it's really hard to get anything done. I have my wonderful mother-in-law to thank for her weekly visits to hold Lucy so I can get some things done. Aunt Emily "sacrifices" her lunch hours too some days to come help. It's pretty great. :)

Oliver & Lucy Designs is going really well. I'm keeping very busy- so much that I don't have much time to "play" with new projects. I keep telling myself that once I'm caught up, I can play around with new things. So far....I'm not caught up. But what a blessing to have so many orders that I am always behind. It's a very good thing.

Tonight my girl, Martha, and her man are coming from Michigan. They're leaving the kids at home and staying for the weekend at our house! His brother is graduating this weekend so they're going to be very busy with family things. But I'm so excited that we'll see them at least in the mornings and at night. Better than not at all!

Also, farmers market starts THIS SATURDAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! At the end of the season last year Nate and I said "next time we come to the farmer's market, we'll have a baby with us!" and....she's here! We're ready with our MOBY or the Baby Bjorn (whichever is easier) and our reusable BAGGU Bags. I've got cash, and we'll make coffee. It. Will. Be. Divine.