Summer memories part 1

 Is it really August already?  It seems as though it were just yesterday that we had the whole Summer ahead of us.  But here we are in the "dog days" of Summer.....

Drew's mommy will be headed back to school next week so I will have my little "weekday" buddy once again.

I do love the Autumn season and I look forward to all it has to bring.  But Summer also holds special memories as well.  I thought I would share a few of this Summer's memories before it passes us by. 

A few weeks ago Kate, Emma and I had a sleepover at my Mom's house.  Even though I don't babysit them any longer, they are still such a special part of my life.  I love the time I spend with them.  They are growing up so fast. 

When we have our sleepovers, I always let the girls choose a project.  This time it was doll making. 

We did a little sewing.......

Ate a lot of ice-cream.....

And had tons of fun.....

I am so blessed by these girls.

The next Summer memory is  so very special as well.  My Mom, sister, and I hosted a memorial picnic in honor of my Dad.  It was held over Memorial Day weekend and we had the perfect day.  Family and my Dad's closest friends were invited to share in the day.  We made all of my Dad's favorite foods, played his favorite music, made posters of all our favorite photos and asked everyone to come ready to share their favorite pictures and memories.  One of the most special things about this day is that it allowed us to reconnect with my cousins that we had lost contact with for the past 30 years.  What a wonderful reunion we had.  My Dad would have been so happy.

(me, my Mom, my cousin Peggy, and my sister Andrea)

 (my cousin Bobby, cousin Peggy, me, my sister Andrea)

When I first began writing this post I thought I had just a few Summer memories to share.  As I continued writing I found that I have more memories than I thought to share with you all.  I decided to make this a two part post.  Before I close part one of "Summer memories" I will share just one more.  It is one that I am very excited about and one that I have been keeping a secret for some time now.  Cricut Magazine has once again honored me by publishing two of my projects.  I had to wait to tell you until the magazine hit the newsstand. 

I knew that the magazine would hit the newsstand in August but imagine my surprise when I opened this email to find my shadowbox had also been featured in the Cricut on-line newsletter Click on the red link above to check it out :) 
Stay tuned for part two---I have lots more to share :)

Skip Along Designs

Isn't that a happy name for an etsy shop.  The owner of this shop is Dee and she has filled Skip Along Designs with so many wonderful vintage images that I just had to share this shop with you.  The best part is that she continues adding images so each time I visit it is like Christmas :)  First I will show you what I created using some of her images and then I will give you the link so you can visit her too. 

Ok now "Skip" along over to her esty shop and take a peek at all the other wonderful images.

Skip Along Designs

I had such fun making this bunting banner I just had to make a few more.  For the first one I used my Cricut to cut out the letters to spell "Precious" from some of my reproduction 30's fabric and then using a zig zag stitch attach them to the purple polka dot fabric.

Cutting fabric with the Cricut machine is very easy.  Just back your fabric with "heat and bond".  With the fabric side up, place the piece on the Cricut mat.  Make sure that the pressure level is set on max with the speed level set to high.  See -----easy peasy.

This next banner I left plain.  I just love this fabric and I didn't want to cover any of it up :)

I hope you will all take a minute to visit Dee.  I know you will not be disappointed !!  Tell her Mimi says HI   :)

On a Whimsy

 I recently shared with you all about my neighbor, Mashel and her soon to open children's consignment and boutique.  Well it is no longer "soon to open". I am so excited to report that today is the day.  The day that On a Whimsy will open it's doors for the very first time.  I have been sewing for weeks preparing for the opening day.  Yesterday I put the finishing touches to my little dolls,  added these sweet tags.....

packed them all up.....

and headed to the shop.  I would be seeing it for the first time---and it was everything I has imagined it would be.  I was greeted in such a welcoming way by this delightful garden.

I knew from the moment I walked in that this was going to be a special place.  It was filled with all of the vintage charm that I adore.  Mashel has such a wonderful talent for displaying items using vintage pieces that she collected from garage sales.  I took lots of pictures....here are just a few.......

Oops I guess that was more than a few pictures--but everything is so cute I could not help myself.  If you live locally I know Mashel would love for you to stop by to say Hello.  The shop is located in Ingomar at 820 West Ingomar Road   Pittsburgh. Well I must get back to sewing--I have so many things I would love to add to the shop.  I can't wait to show you all the project that I just finished---but I will leave that surprise for another post :) 

A Baby, Bittie Bugs, and a Beagle

 

Yikes what a title but all such happy/fun things I can't wait to share them with you.

A Baby

It has been about 12 years since we have had a new baby in the family. My son is twenty and my niece and nephews are all in their teenage years.  Before you all start wondering what is she thinking???--she is 45--Not to worry I am not the one having the baby.  My sister-in-law, Kim is the new mommy. The baby is due on August 24 and we are all going to be surprised to learn if it is a boy or girl.  It will be Stephen and Kim's first baby and they love the idea of surprise.  Let me just say I CAN NOT WAIT!  I think it is safe to say that the whole family can't wait.  This is going to be one very loved baby.  We had Kim's baby shower last weekend and I wanted to share just a few pictures of the fun day.  First the new mommy---doesn't she look beautiful...

Kim's mom, Liz---Liz's mom (the Great Grandma) and Kim

The two excited Grandmas Liz and Edith (my mother-in- law)

My mom, Edith, and family friend Marian

The quilt that my mom made to welcome the new baby.

I am so thankful that God has blessed our family with this precious gift.  I am so looking forward to showering this little one with tons of love.

Bittie Bugs

A few more dolls for the consignment shop and upcoming craft shows.....I love making these bittie bugs---their little antennas make me smile.

A Beagle

OK now you can say "What is she thinking?" 

But look at that face how could anyone resist it.  Alex and I sure couldn't.  After having Sassy, Alex decided  he loved her and the Beagle breed so much that we should get another.  And for those of you who really know me,  I don't have to tell you how much of a dog lover I am. I thought about it for oh a second and agreed.   So two weeks ago we decided to meet some rescued Beagles that were looking for forever homes.  We went with the intent to visit a little 4 month girl puppy named Clair.  I must say she was adorable!!! Toward the end of our visit we met Gene.  Alex and I looked at each other and we both knew we just had to add him to our family.  Gene came from a very high kill shelter in Ohio and was rescued by a wonderful foster home where he lived until we fell in love with him. Gene (we call him Geno) came to live with us on Saturday and I could not love him more.  He is about 3-4 years old and the biggest teddy bear/couch potato one could ever meet.  He is so gentle and after only being a part of our family for a few days has found his perfect place among us.

Gene aka:  Geno, Gene Gene the dancing machine, or Bubba was welcomed to our family with a special treat from Brewster's (a local ice-cream shop)   I actually think I saw him smile after he finished his tiny doggie sized scoop of vanilla ice-cream topped with a milk bone.

Welcome to your forever home Geno