laeroport

seven

My baby turned seven yesterday.  I can hardly believe it.  He is getting so big.

 

Not only is he growing fast, his mind is racing.  He went through 200 math problems (basic addition and subtraction) in about 10 minutes the other night.  And his reading has taken off in a matter of weeks.  I knew that when it finally clicked, he wouldn't be able to put down a book.

And his interests are changing too.  Gone are the days of building train tracks  (still one of my favorite pictures) and playing with Thomas, although he still does see some use.  Now it is all about Pokemon and Bakugaun and other foreign concepts to this mama who hasn't a clue.  But I'm learning.

 
 

 
So yesterday there were Pokemon cupcakes at school - he gave the principal Pikachu, which I thought was very generous.

And at home, after dinner out at McDonalds - his choice, there were more cupcakes,
and Pokemon discussions with his sister,

 
and eggnog drinking and snowflake making.

 
Tonight his very best friend in the world is coming from Lawrence for a sleep over and tomorrow we celebrate with the whole family.  So far, I think seven is pretty good.

Happy Birthday, sweet boy.  We couldn't love you more.

the weekend that was

was great.  We celebrated early with Tim's family - taking a second annual family Christmas trip.  Here are a few things I made - and you could make too - there is still time.

Dress up clothes for the girly girl:

 
(Pink with purple trim 4-panel circle skirt with flat french seams so she can wear it with either the shiny or matte side out, a pink and purple reversible cape - also a circle for maximum swish, and a "feather boa" crocheted tube - made with this yarn so it won't molt all over the house.)  Our niece put the skirt on the minute she opened the box and didn't want to take it off all weekend.  Score.

Hats and scarves:

 
I crocheted a hat and scarf for the niece and each of the three nephews.  Nathan liked his so much he wore it pretty much all weekend too.  The hats were all made from the same pattern as Aidin and Eliot's.  And I got the book  as a gift, so no more overdue notices from the library. (Thanks, Todd and Deb!)

I also made freezer paper stencil t-shirts for my sister-in-law and her husband.

 
This Pippi shirt has been on my list of things to make for Paige for years. 

 
And BJ is a big Kevin Smith fan.

That's it. 

The best part of the weekend was time spent together.  We rock climbed, shot foam balls at each other, had bumper car battles, pretend played, face painted, swam in the motel pool, and ate at Fritz's where our meal was delivered by train. 

 
And Aidin got in a visit to the new American Girl store. 

 
Thanks, Mop and Pop.  Can't wait to see what is in store for us next year. 

Now, on to this week's birthday.

thanks, Daddy

Whatever I do, I come by naturally.  I grew up with the belief that between them, my parents could make or fix just about anything.  And over the years I have put that belief to the test - from prom dresses and wedding dresses to doll beds and lamp wiring.

Last year for Christmas I asked my dad to make me a light box so that I could trace out my embroidery patterns without having to use a window.  I know you've been there - ready to start a project but it is dark outside so you try to improvise with your clear quilting ruler and a desk lamp.  Which is, of course, a disaster.  True to form, he made just what I requested.   It is a simple wooden box, not too big, with two fluorescent bulbs so it doesn't get too hot while still putting out a lot of light through the frosted glass top.

 

And on this grey morning with half of our Christmas celebration looming (TOMORROW! AcK!), I am so very thankful for his gift.  Love you, Daddy!

celebrating early

We are celebrating Christmas this weekend with my husband's family - taking the second annual family Christmas trip that starts Saturday morning with brunch and presents at Grandma and Grandpa's.  That is two parents, two siblings, two spouses and four kids to have gifts bought, made and wrapped.  And I'm making good progress.  The three nephews are done (or would be if my Amazon cyber Monday order would arrive). 

Today, it is all about the girly not-quite-three year old that likes dress-up.

 
So. much. fun.

the wreath bug

It bit me too.

I have used the same grapevine with some ribbon and greenery wreath for years.  It looks sad.  Then, shortly before we moved, my belly dance teacher happened upon a dumpster overflowing with perfectly good Christmas stuff - including three full trees, strings of lights, brand new packages of ribbon, miles of garland, and a lovely pine cone and seed pod wreath.

Perfect, I thought, for my new front door.

 

I hung it up, loved how the brown wreath and my white front door made such a nice contrast, marveled at the simplicity of it all and then tried to shut the door.  Uh, whoops.  The wreath is too thick to sandwich between the wooden door and the storm.

So, Plan B.  After seeing yarn wrapped wreaths here and here and here made by my talented friends, I jumped on board.  So while Aidin and Tim assembled every puzzle we owned yesterday (with Eliot's intermittent help) ...

 

I made a big old mess with the paper and felt,

 

and voila, new wreath.  And not too Christmassy, so I think it will stay right where it is until February, when I may need to make another in red. With hearts.  And glitter.

Now I'm off to round up snowball, snowflake and snowman related crafts and games suitable for the first grade, because I'm already in charge of a class party.  Any suggestions would be most appreciated.

xo~L