Summer Tidbits

Well since I last posted the school year has ended and summer is in full swing.  Here are a few of the things we have been up to:

-The three oldest kids took swimming lessons and passed their levels.

-Tin cans were decorated, turned into a tin can telephone, and used by the girls in the operation of their bedroom turned general store.

-Hot summer afternoons were spent at the pool and sometimes the younger ones had their naps there.  Once LT had her nap right in the pool.

-Movies have been watched specifically Anne of Green Gables and Anne: The Sequel (with Megan Follows, very enjoyable).  Has anyone seen Anne The Continuing story?  Is it worth watching?

-Sky had a couple friends sleepover.

-Hikes have been taken out to the rock piles in the pasture. Forts were made and games were played.

-Dad went to Kananaskis to climb a mountain.  He didn't quite make it to the top because of the snow but had a good climb nonetheless.

-The older girls camped out in the yard when dad got home.

-Naps were taken outside in the hammock.

Now we are packing for our trip to Winnipeg.  We plan to stay with my brother and visit Whiteshell Provincial Park, the Assiniboine Zoo, Lower Fort Garry, Grand Beach and who knows what else.  We are looking forward to it.

Daybook

FOR TODAY

Outside my window . . . it is cloudy and rainy.  Where, oh where is Mr. Sun?

I am thinking . . . about summer plans.  I can't believe that school is almost over.

I am thankful . . . that none of my kids seem to be sick today.  Over the weekend they were all feverish.

In the kitchen . . . got a roast cooking in the slow cooker for supper.  I am thinking of making something for dessert tonight.  Any suggestions?

I am creating . . . crocheting a baby sweater for LT. 

I am wearing . . . blue jeans and a navy tank top.

I am going . . . to a couple of a year-end barbeques in the next week.

I am wondering . . . how on earth it is that my baby girl is 9 months old today.  My how time flies.

I am reading . . . Beach Lane by Sherryl Woods.  A light, fun read.  Also working my way through Raising Your Spirited Child by Mary Sheedy Kurcinka for a parenting book club.

I am hoping . . . that everyone stays healthy this week and that the sun decides to shine a little more.

I am looking forward to . . . summer vacation.

Around the house . . . our basement is finally ready to have the cement poured.  Hubby has been working hard on getting it ready. Now we just have to wait for the guy to come and pour the cement.

A favorite quote for today . . . "A soft answer turneth away wrath: but grievous words stir up anger" Proverbs 15:1

One of my favorite things . . . a hot cup of tea.

A few plans for the rest of the week: not too much going on this week.  On Friday there is a noon BBQ at Sky's school.  I would like to get out in the garden if it ever dries up enough.  Also Star wants to get her dress sewn.

A peek into my day . . .

Sewing: Popover Dress

We are finally getting some nice weather here and yesterday the girls went swimming afterschool.  Last weekend however it was cool and rainy, so Sky and I decided to do some sewing.  Now I am not a seamstress.  In fact I joke that the only thing I can sew is a straight seam and that is only if it is not critical that it actually be straight.  Luckily that was basically all you needed to be able to do to sew this dress (You did have to sew a bit of a curve around the under arm but it wasn't too difficult and if it bunched a bit it wasn't in a really obvious spot.)  The pattern was a free pattern from Oliver + S and is called the Popover Dress and is for sizes 2 - 8 (We made the size 8).  It isn't really a fitted dress but it turned pretty good for our first attempt.  I think it would be really cute in one of the smaller sizes for a little girl.  I really liked the pattern as it was very clear and well written.  Also Oliver + S has discussion forums where you can go for help and I found this tutorial with lot's of photos.  This sewing newbie needs all the help she can get. 

Sky was a very good helper.  She cut out all the pieces herself, did most of the ironing, and threaded the sewing machine.  She was a little leary of doing the actual sewing herself so she operated the foot pedal while I guided the material through.  She did an excellent job.  She was (as she should be) very proud of herself.

Now of course Star wants to make herself a dress as well.  I am not sure if I will use the same pattern or if I should be brave and try something new.

A Sunny Day, A Wet Yard

So after all the rain we've been having today was a nice sunny day.  I took LK and LT outside to enjoy the sunshine.  LK noticed that the lilacs are in bloom and went over to investigate.  I love the smell of lilacs.  Aren't they pretty?

There is a lot of standing water around after the rain.  Luckily LK didn't head straight for it as he is prone to do.

Instead he headed up to the train tracks to collect some rocks.



He brought this one to show me and he wanted me to take a picture of it.

Then he headed back up to tracks to gather more rocks.

But he stopped in the long grass and called me over to check out a lady bug.  Can you spot it?

Then we went to check out the garden.  It was very wet and there was water running through it.

I have a feeling it will be a few days before I can get in there and do some work.  But we will continue to enjoy the sun.

FOR TODAY

Outside my window . . . It is cloudy, cool, and raining.  It has been raining all weekend and it it very wet out there.

I am thinking . . . that it is going to be muddy outside for a while.

I am thankful . . . for this rain that will help the grass and crops grow (but I am also looking forward to a little sunshine).

In the kitchen . . . I am making potato rolls.  I plan to add some pizza sauce, pepperoni and cheese to them to make into a sort of pizza bun for lunches.  We will see how they turn out.

I am creating . . . currently crocheting a baby cardigan for LT and I picked up a shawl that was hibernating for a few years and am working a little bit on that.

I am wearing . . . jeans, a black tank top, and a blue fleece sweater.

I am going . . . to Star's band concert tonight.  It is the last band event of the year.

I am wondering . . . how much rain we got over the weekend.

I am reading . . . Cloudy Jewel by Grace Livingston Hill.

I am hoping . . . the sun comes out soon.

I am looking forward to . . . getting out in the garden when the weather turns nice.

Around the house . . . laundry is overflowing.  I try to do laundry on nice days so that I can hang it outside to dry.  However, I am going to have to break down and use the dryer or risk getting buried by laundry. 

A favorite quote for today . . . "It is not the magnitude of our actions but the amount of love that is put into them that matters."  Blessed Mother Teresa

One of my favorite things . . . tickling my little boy and listening to his giggles.

A few plans for the rest of the week: Not too much going on.  Star has her band concert tonight and she has a field trip with school to the city on Wednesday.  This coming weekend we are planning to brand the calves.

A few pictures I am sharing: Memories of warmer days! (These were taken on May 16 when it was considerably warmer than it is now)

Yarn Along: Beach Bag, Jar Cozy, Mystery Afghan

It has been a while since I did a blog post but I decided to hop on the computer today and join in Ginny's yarn along.  Since it has been a little while I have a few things to share.

First up I made this simple jar cozy for a canning jar I am using as a water bottle.  I know that I haven't been drinking enough water lately so hopefully having this colourful drinking container will encourage me to drink water throughout the day.

Next up is this market bag (that I am planning on using as a beach bag) that I first shared with you all here.  It turned out nice and I think it will come in handy.  It is quite large and it will stretch to hold quite a bit.  I didn't make the pouch as I didn't need it in this case but I am thinking of making some more of these to actually use as market bags and I will make them with the pouch. 

And lastly I have finally finished my Bernat Mystery Afghan.  It came together quite nicely.  And whilel I was dreading seaming it all together it really wasn't all that bad.  It took a little while (and of course it was less portable at that stage) but I eventually got it done.

LT seems quite happy with her new blanket.

Oh, and I almost forgot to share what I have been reading this week.  I purchased some books for the girls for end of the school year presents and of course mom's got to read them first to see if they're okay;)  So at night (in hiding) I have been reading The Betsy-Tacy Treasury by Maud Hart Lovelace.  They are lovely stories and I hope my girls enjoy them as much as I do.

Also after seeing them mentioned on Elizabeth's blog I downloaded some books by Grace Livingston Hill onto my Kobo from Project: Gutenberg (This is a great site where you can get free ebooks of books that are in the public domain).  You can also find these books on Amazon for the Kindle.  I am currently reading Girl From Montana and finding it to be an enjoyable read.

 

Daybook - May15, 2012

FOR TODAY

Outside my window . . . it is a beautiful spring day.  The sun is shining and everything is nice and green outside. 

I am thinking . . . that I shouldn't try to have too large of a garden this year.  It is difficult to get out there and get anything done with two little ones.    LK constantly wanders off on me as he loves to explore.  Many a time I have searched the yard for him, praying for his safety, and berating myself for letting him get out of my sight again.  And LT, well she  just wants my attention focused on her not on the weeds.

I am thankful . . . for the health and safety of my kids and husband. ( and that everytime I lose LK I soon find him again safe and sound)

In the kitchen . . . making bread today. I still have to put a menu together for the rest of the week.  I haven't been cooking that much (or that well) for the last little while.  Time to put a plan in place so I can have some healthy and tasty meals to serve. (Kraft Dinner gets old pretty fast although I will admit the kids don't seem to mind)

I am creating . . . just doing a little crocheting here and there when I have a moment to spare.

I am wearing . . . navy sweatpants and a light blue t-shirt.

I am going . . . nowhere for the next couple of days.  There is plenty to keep me busy at home.

I am wondering . . . why LK went and laid down for a nap all on his own today.  Has the fresh air just really tired him out or is he coming down with something?

I am reading . . . oh we have all sorts of books about the Little House on the Prairies series out of the library right now.  Most recently I have been flipping through The Little House Cookbook by Barbara Walker.

I am hoping . . . to get up early tomorrow morning and do a little planting in the garden.

I am looking forward to . . . more warm sunny days spent relaxing outside with my kiddos.

Around the house . . . lot's of cleaning needs to be done per usual but the outdoors beckons.  I do need to clean the porch this week and pack up the winter stuff.  We shouldn't need it again for a few months (I hope).

A favorite quote for today . . . Mother Teresa, upon winning the Nobel Peace Prize, was asked "What can we do to promote world peace?" She answered "Go home and love your family."

One of my favorite things . . . big, light up your face smiles, from a certain adorable, chubby 7 month old.

A few plans for the rest of the week: just the usual cooking, cleaning, laundy, gardening and spending as much time as I can playing outside with the kiddos.

A peek into my day . . .