summer birthdays & projects

Coolness--we found a 'toy' typewriter in a shop downtown--the kids are loving composing notes and stories and musings.  they are...interesting!

On Lily's birthday, which had identical weather to the day she was born--sunny, warm but not hot, low humidity--perfect--we walked over to our old house, where she was born.  I lingered and remembered the getting down on all fours once I was gripped by the realization that this was IT, the calmness Rob exhibited while arranging care for Eric, who was 2, and getting us all home, how my friend Kristin came and got on the phone with my midwife, while she and Grace got the birth supplies, how everything unfolded just as it should and the midwife arrived approx. 45 min. after Lily.  Now here she is, as beautiful and strong willed as ever, Lily Jane.

I had some presents in my cache that I could have given Lily, but Grace and Mamie had gone downtown earlier in the day and bought her a present--a poofy pink and purple wand--perfect for Lils.  She was delighted.  So, that was her present.  It was just right. 

Here we are browsing baby pics.

And the projects--Rob made me this table out of scrap wood years ago--till now it's been unfinished.  I had a gallon of paint I was itching to use, so I cleaned it up (it was the laundry table in the basement) and painted it, I put it on the porch and discovered it's a perfect table for the stools out there.

And I painted this free buffet/cabinet I got from a friend--I added knobs and handles that I already had, along with some little wood flower details I glued on. 

Here's my vintage cooler!

And the patio is done!  And it looks amazing.  I love it.  Thanks, Rob!

fairy house and the many faces of Lily

This week during Calvin's nap, Lils and I had some fun together.  I made 'Fort Squirrel' into a fairy house, and Lily Faerie worked her magic.

sandpaper letters and racing cars

So a long time ago I wanted to buy the children some sandpaper letters.  I searched online but only found very expensive sets.  I thought, well, I can make those can't I?!  So several trips to the craft store later (to find the wood I wanted in stock), I had strips of wood to cut in half, paint (to paint the vowel boards one color and the consonant boards another color) and adhesive felt (so I wouldn't have to do brown sandpaper).  I couldn't get motivated though.  The materials sat and taunted me (well, not really) but I just didn't want to start.  I realized I'd need to print and cut all the letters backwards and it seemed like a hella work (it would be).  BUT!  Then I found these on etsy!  I could even customize the font!  And they were SO reasonable.  I got the alphabet and numbers for under $50, including shipping.  YES!  See the shop here.

Now below--Eric wanted to race cars in the upstairs hall.  I took some pictures.  Lily even graced us with her dressed-up self.  I love these kids.

on how to draw

Yesterday we set up drawing time.  Lily loves princesses and pink and she has this fairy and princess drawing book.  It's cute, it breaks down 'how to draw' into simple steps.  I drew the carriage at her request, she added detail.

::be intent::

::be focused::

::make a funny face::

::add lots of detail::

::be contemplative::

::furrow your brow::

::be at peace::

Who reads this ol' blog anyway?  Leave me a comment, I love to read comments.  Happy weekend!  I hope you can find lots of ways to show love to yourself and other loved ones!

(another) frog in truck, dollhouse, & cowgirl

I just love wood toys. LOVE them. Something about the timeless-ness of them, the close feel of nature, the pleasing texture. It just is the best. So of course I seek them out. I swear I can find wood toys (if they are there) in a rummage sale or at a thrift store in about 3 seconds. This is where we've picked up most of ours. I've also found some sweet deals on craigslist, like the Plan City Parking Garage for $20. I know that these are toys that I will pass down to my children. I have a whole 'nother thing for vintage children's books too, but that's another post...

I put this dollhouse together for Lily (another idea from The Children's Year craft book) for Lily and she was highly entertained. I simply recycled a cardboard box and glued on fabric scraps, then she furnished it with her Plan City dollhouse furniture and clothespin dolls (our whole family was in there). That round piece there by her hand up above is actually a sink, not a toilet, as it appears. Rest assured though, the toilet IS in there. Seriously.


And here is my girl in one of her get-ups. She's completely comfortable in her own skin, knows where she's going and how she's getting there. I love that about her, even if it makes me crazy half the time.



She's a climber. Have I mentioned that??