Lately

Here are some photos of our recent fishing trip to accompany my narrative about what's been going on around here lately.

I'm so excited for my sister and her husband. Yesterday they welcomed their first baby to the world. I was on pins and needles all morning, wondering and waiting to hear how everything went. I'm so happy to know that everyone is safe and healthy. And I'm so excited that my new little niece has a full head of hair. I'm going hair clip shopping the first chance I get. Congratulations, Sis! I'm so proud of you, and so excited for you, T, and little Baby A.

Don't you just love Hudson's special "fish-locator goggles?" We found them in Daddy's tackle bag, and were sure they'd help us find all the fish to catch. They didn't. Although, maybe I should have pulled them out to help me endure the worst migraine of my life. I've been nearly incapacitated for the last three days as I've suffered through this one.

Excuse me for a moment as I climb up on my soap box: I can't stand it when people use the term migraine to mean "really bad headache." If you've ever experienced one, a migraine is a completely different phenomenon. Well-meaning friends always suggest some OTC remedy or another, meaning they have no idea what a real migraine feels like. Mine always starts as a dull pain behind my left eye. About this time, I begin seeing floating black spots. The pain gradually increases, radiates through the entire left side of my head and face, down the back of my neck and into my left shoulder and arm. Which results in really sore muscles and numbness in my arm. This time, I heard a soft pop in my left ear and normal sounds immediately became unbearable. I can't focus through my left eye, any light becomes blinding and I lose my appetite because of the nausea. This, my friends, is not just a "really bad headache." OK, that's my pet peeve for the week. Pardon my ranting.

I am so happy to feel good as new this morning, and to return to the world of fully-functioning adults. Today brings a play date with friends, some school shopping (kindergarden starts in two weeks...EEK!), and lots, and lots of printing projects. The only thing I'm lacking is the chance to hold my sweet new niece. I'll have to send lots of presents to make up for my absence. :)

Hope you've had a good week so far.

Maileg

I attended the San Francisco International Gift Fair over the weekend. Not only was it a wonderful day out of the house without kids (my first in nine months!) but I came away so inspired and having found so many great brands and products.

I think my very favorite company at the fair was Denmark-based Maileg. All of their items are sweet and simple with a really classic and homemade feel. I imagine these toys being loved and passed down in families for generations. You can check out their website to find retailers that carry the items I've shown here:

Wooden box with rattles 

clown, small, stripe

Brother & Sister Mouse

Cakes in a box

Ribbon Box, Blue

Ribbon Box

My Buttons Box

If I could create my dream playroom for the kids, this would be right where I would start. I love it all.
Hope you had a wonderful weekend!

Back-to-School Hobbies

Remember that wiggly tooth I mentioned a while back? Well, Sunday was the big day. The missing tooth combined with the fact that it's now August, reminds me that school is just around the corner. Kindergarden begins in three weeks. I thought I would be sad, but he's so excited I can't help but be happy for him. And with another baby on the way, a little structure to our schedule might be just what we need.

Starting school at 8:00 every morning is definitely going to throw a wrench into the lazy mornings I've become accustomed to. Although, as I think about the time he's at school, I'm determined to make it productive. Maybe I'll get all my design work done in the mornings. I've been planning on expanding my recipe card collection, and adding some new card sets. Maybe this is the perfect time. Or maybe I could run my errands without taking ALL the kids with me. And I have a huge list of jewelry I've been meaning to make. Or maybe I'll start exercising regularly.

Or maybe I'll pick up a new hobby. I loved trying pottery. Maybe it's time for something else. Needlepoint? Knitting? Learn a language? Work on my photography? Who knows? But I'm definitely going to make the most of it.

What are your plans for back-to-school? How are you going to take advantage of the time the kids are out of the house?

P.S. Have you seen Betterfly yet? Thier motto is, "Find people to help you look, learn and feel better." You can search locally for teachers and instructors in just about any area you'd like. Nutrition, crafts, fitness, music, tutors...it's pretty great. Or if you're really good at something, you can sign up to be a teacher for free. You set the terms and the price. Check it out.

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I also write for good tots and Honest to Nod. Check out a few of my recent posts:
fingerprint artwork
Road Trip Bingo
Counting Caterpillar

Embroidered Wall Art

I picked up a large embroidery hoop yesterday for a project I'm working on. Charlotte was convinced it was what her brother calls a "hoop-a-loop." She walked through the entire store alternately flinging it around her waist and picking it up off the floor.

Although my new project doesn't involve embroidery, looking at my new hoop-a-loop reminded me how much I love embroidered wall art. Here are a few of my current favorites from Etsy:

Kite, from Sukan

Gratitude, from Violet

Off to see the world, by Three Red Apples

Beach Huts Embroidered Canvas, by Gillian Bates

Orange Poppy Field, by Sidereal

Have a great day!

Mystery Meal

The house was quiet. Perhaps a little too quiet. I followed the muted giggles into the kitchen. Two pair of legs poked out from behind the cupboard door. When I opened the door, I found my mischievous children along with their handy work. When I asked where the labels were, they pointed to the garbage can. Of course, this is the only time anybody has ever thrown anything away without being asked.

Despite their hijinks, my kids earn points on two counts: 1. They played together nicely--no screaming or hitting was involved; and 2. They used the garbage can appropriately and independently.

With that in mind, anybody want to come over for a scrumptious mystery meal?