Life Lately...

Since my last post...in AUGUST...life has happened.  (To be fair, I did attempt a post in December for Graham's 4th birthday party, but haven't finished it!) Graham continues to amaze Benjamin and I daily with his knowledge, hilarious nature, sweet disposition.  He is a BOY though, so the sweet comes very sparingly.  It is so fun watching him grow! 

We've recently begun tball at our local YMCA.  It is quite entertaining to see him play with his teammates - most of them are school mates too! 

I was intending to update you more, but the AC Repair guy (and good friend) just called to say he's on the way!  Louisiana weather does not allow for a non operating air conditioner!

Until next time...

Growing up way too fast

Growing up way too fast. 

Meant for around August 10, 2012, but quickly written and posted August 24, 2012

WOW, has it really been that long since my last post?  We’ve had an exciting summer including lots of outside play (even in this heat!), a beach visit, soccer games and plenty of fun.  I was able to attend the 2012 Delta Zeta National Convention in San Antonio the first week of July.  I can’t really apologize for the blogging delay – fun family time comes first around here. 

Graham is an absolute joy to have in our lives.  I’m sure most parents feel that way about their children, but I wanted to share that with you.  We had a major transition recently, Graham left Kids Count Inc. and began in “Miss” Trisha and “Miss” Laurie” Pre4 Class at STM Preschool!  I cried sobbed his last day at Kids Count, but Graham just walked out the door.  He transitions way better than me.  Kids Count was a home for us for many years and I had no reservations about his wellbeing at STM, yet I was such a mess.  Seriously, I was a total train wreck that day.  Then it hit me.  My baby boy was growing up. 

Let’s face it; he’s more than half my height and smart as can be!  I knew this, but actually leaving Kids Count broke my heart.   Graham still prays for all of his Kids Count friend and teachers each night, along with his new friends and teachers at Saint Thomas More.

Here are a few pictures from our first days at STM.  You can find more on our Shutterfly Site.  I absolutely love STM and Graham seems to as well!  I am thankful that we are fortunate enough to have such a great preschool in our neighborhood!

A collections of photos before leaving home.  

Just before walking in!

Aunt Chandler was there to pick him up at the end of his first day!

Until next time…

Sew, What's Your Fancy?

Sew, What’s your Fancy?

June 18, 2012

I fondly recall the days I spent helping (and learning) my Momee, Ethel Landreneau, sew for us.  She made dresses, bubble rompers, Halloween costumes – you name it, she could do it!  I distinctly remember taking on a sewing lesson during one year of 4H and decided to make an apron.  Momee helped me every step of the way.  I can’t remember if my project won anything but I remember the time spent with my grandmother.  Thank you 4H for a great memory.

Since having Graham, I’ve often thought – I can do that, and so much cheaper! – when looking at various items of clothing for him.  Then, last summer during Graham’s swimming lessons, I complimented another mom on her daughter’s dress.  Turns out she MADE the dress for Catherine (and happened to be a high school classmate of Ben’s – Who says Baton Rouge is a big town?).  I was intrigued and excited – someone my age sews too!  Jenny is not only a great seamstress; she’s a pattern maker too.  Check out her great patterns here or her awesome blog here! 

I’ve learned in the last year or so that lots of people are sewing!   I saved my pennies and bought a sewing machine in February.  (This is the one I got!) That same weekend I sewed Graham some shorts.  Then I sewed another pair of shorts for a friend’s son’s 2^nd birthday.  (Where did those pictures go!!?)

Lately, I’ve been trying to learn.  I took a sewing class at The Crafty Shack of Louisiana a couple weeks ago and was introduced to laminated cotton and created this little beauty in no time at all! 

(I actually made two that day and then two more for my coworkers!)

Fabric & Ribbon: The Crafty Shack of LA

Pattern:  http://lilatuellerdesigns.blogspot.com/2012/05/free-trash-stashers-pattern.html

Then, on pinterest or somewhere online, I found this nifty pattern to make a baby changing clutch and remembered this awesome madras plaid laminated fabric I’d seen earlier…and one Saturday afternoon, I made this!

before

a clutch diaper changing pad!

Fabric & Bias Tape: The Crafty Shack of LA

Accessories: Found in my house

Pattern: http://www.allfreesewing.com/Sewing-for-Baby/Travel-Diaper-Changing-Pad-Pattern#

Following those small projects, came a challenge!  Jenny needed a pattern tester for her newest Boy’s Classic Fit Pants so I volunteered.  Doesn’t Graham look cute in his blue seer sucker with crawfish?

 

Fabric: The Crafty Shack of LA

Pattern: http://seaminglysmitten.com/product/boy-s-classic-fit-pants

 

After a conversation with Jenny, she inspired me to try something for ME.  I was determined to make a dress based on a post she had on her blog…My Date Night Dress…and gave it a try!  I found a great rayon print and tried to mimic her dress.  (Imitation is the greatest form of flattery, right?)  I asked her a couple questions and did a little internet research and here’s the final result.  My only disappointment is that I forgot to add pockets!  Oh well, next time, right?  

Fabric: Hancock Fabrics (Sherwood & Florida Blvd) 
Pattern: a pillowcase dress for an adult with an elastic waist ... 

I even whipped up these clown pants for Graham (late) last night for his Circus Character day!  I had a button hole boo boo and had to use the bias tape to fix it!  Thankfully, he comes by a "clown wig" naturally, so with a bit of colored hair spray we were able to be a clown with almost no effort!

Graham the Clown!

Next step, ZIPPERS.  They scare me, but I need to tackle that task because I found a great skirt pattern that calls for a zipper!   

Thank you Momee for the foundation and inspiration and thanks to Jenny for the encouragement! 

What do you think I should make next? 

Until next time…