offspring that do stuff

Nina made this cute rainbow tutu for Elizabeth to wear when she celebrates
St. Patricks Day.
She also decorated Elizabeth's onesie with a pot of gold,
but since this picture from the back shows the rainbow tutu
best, you can't see the shirt. 

Son Bobby constructed this playset last week. 
He works doing odd jobs while he is in college.
He has always been good at mechanical things and constructing things,
so this playset was right up his alley.

Our backyard is not too big,
or I might be hiring him to build one in our backyard too. 

My children grew up in home where we always seemed to be making something  or cooking something or sewing something or fixing something.  I am happy that they still like to make things and they are not afraid to work when needed.

this and that March 2011



Since I found new towels last week,  I turned the grungiest of the the old ones into rags.
The hand towels got cut in half and a zig-zag stitch put over the cut to keep it from raveling.
I added a little scrap of trim to the washcloths so they will be easily recognizable as a rag and not get put back with the towels.



I made a simple batch of pineapple preserves - it was simple, easy and tastes good......

but I cooked this batch too long,  it is way to thick (hard) so I will try another batch later



Our son finished law school in December,  took the bar exam in Feb. and will found the results in April.  He studied lots,  stressed a lot,  so to relax a little at home,  he got this tissue flower kit from my craft closet and started making some. 



the kit makes 24 so he has a ways to go- they are really pretty and realistic for just paper.
The local attorney he is working for is keeping him busy,  maybe all 24 will get done, maybe not.

I am trying to make a blouse for me using an old blouse as a pattern - I've been sewing for 40+years but I've never done this.  I'll let you know how it turns out.

I really like the fabric - blue blackberries - fabric designers don't have to be realistic.



I've done a few diaper and wipe deals - I read about the deals at some of the coupon blogs and found some great savings. 
I think I am stocked up, for awhile anyway!



A sweet card to celebrate a baby that learns to clap

Baby Elizabeth got this cute card in the mail.
It was made by the mother of one of her
mother's good friends.
(I have never met her, she lives in a another town
but I am pretty sure I would like her)



The card says "E learns to clap"
and is full of little hands. 
Isn't it cute? Almost as cute as E herself. 



Jilly's giveaway times 2

Surf on over and visit Jilly,
She is hosting a giveaway for 2 sets of a bakers dozen fat quarters. 

Jilly's blog is called Jilly's Happy Quilts -isn't that a fun name? 
She is a quilter and Navy wife living in beautiful Southern California. 
I always enjoy her beautiful California photos she shares as well as her quilts and stitching,

she will close the contests on March 18th,  so hurry on over.

Tip for loud baby toys

This little key chain toy is a favorite of both Gavin and Elizabeth. 

It has multiple buttons that make 5 different car noises. 

But it is a loud toy. 

I don't like loud things and I don't think the loud noises are good for little ears. 



 

Nina suggested I cover the speaker with masking tape.
I put several layers over it. 
The toy still plays but is a very low sound level now. 
Still fun but much better for all of us!