Mini-Project

This project started out with a doily and a quiet afternoon.

However, I'm going to show you the insert. It was a late addition, made because I didn't want to pay for a pre-made insert when I had an old unused fabric shower curtain lying around. 

(Note: I'm saving the top part with the grommets, because I might someday get around to custom-making a shower curtain that I actually like.)

I just cut two 17"x17" squares and used a 1/2" seam, ending with a standard 16" pillow form.

It got stuffed and sewn up. Voila.

 The slipcover is 3 panels of fabric sewn together, then trimmed to 17"x17".

I used an old doily for the front corner.

 The back (not pictured) is two 12"x17" pieces of fabric.

I hemmed one long edge on each piece, and then overlapped the hemmed edges in the middle, and sewed the outsides to the front of the slipcover. That way it's easy-peasy to change out slipcovers anytime, and they take 30 minutes tops to make. 

(Sorry about not having any in-process photos.)

So, that's my latest project. I haven't done much crafting lately and it was fun to do a bit of sewing again.

Bonus: Everything was on hand so this project was FREE.

World's Best Cheese

Punkins.

You all remember Miss Lucy. 

She's the shorter of my cute little blondies.

Well, she's also a stubborn, determined little girl.

She really loves the little play people.

Specifically, trying to carry more than one in just one of her pudgy little fists.

That doesn't always work, and we've had some top-notch meltdowns.

There are not any "one for each hand!" epiphanies going on around here.

Do you see what else is great about the above picture? 

She is STANDING! 

Miss Lucy is a free walker and delights in her newly discovered cruising skills.

Check out the bunny ears daddy got her: 

They are sort of like a hat which means they are the best ever.

 And my darling Miss Ava has an amazing smile!

She loves to have Thomas play the piano. It's seriously adorable.

 You see all those toys? We play hard around here.

I love this picture.

It's so Ava.

She has her dancing skirt on.

And her fancy shoes (with ruffle socks, of course).

And she's in front of a mirror.

(Of course.)

Hey, June.

June has gone really fast.

I thought May was fast, and well, June has been even faster.

Miss Lucy is nearly 14 months old!

She says "dot" for dog.

She can sign "please" and "all done".

She loves to play in curtains.

If big sister has it, little sister wants it.

Lucy adores cuddling with Ava. 

If Ava is sitting down, Lucy will crawl over and lean against her sister, who lovingly gives the best hugs ever.

She will take a few steps on her own, every so often.

 Lucy has the cheesiest little grin. It's amazing.

She really wants to feed herself. If we use a utensil, she wants her hand on it while the food goes in her mouth.

Lucy has discovered toilets. We're safe if the lid is closed.

She's also discovered that it is way more fun to throw the toys all over than pick them up.

 She loves all things shoes. Her shoes, mommy's shoes, daddy's shoes, Sister's shoes...

 Lucy is our little adventurer; unafraid, cheerful, silly, and sweet.

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This big sister is the sweetest.

She is crazy, silly, funny, sweet.

One minute cheerful, the next screaming in frustration.

Very much so GIRL.

We are learning how to communicate.
She is helpful, and loves to be a "big girl".
Once, she emphatically stated, "Mommy, I am NOT a baby. I am a big girl!"
She loves to take baths, have her hair done, and wear dresses.
If there is music, she is dancing.
I love her smile and her funny stories.

 Every single day is wonderful because of these girls.

They are the best.

A Dose of Everything

One of the important things we teach our children is how our choices result in consequences.

So many people cringe when they hear the word consequence. 

Folks, a consequence is a result of a decision.

It's not always a bad thing.

For Ava, well, let me brag. She picked up a lot (and I mean a LOT) of toys, all by herself, with me only asking once. That is a big deal for my little girl!

I pulled out a "happy consequence" for her excellent choice.

She was thrilled with her chocolate chip ice cream!

Now that is a happy ending for both of us.

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 My bathroom window has had lace curtains and linen drapes.

The problem with lace is that it is not my taste in decorating at all.

The problem with drapes is the towel rod under the window. A little inconvenient.

The solution: $1/yard striped ticking at WalMart.

Love it, and I got enough to make some pillow slipcovers for the family room. 

The pennants add to the nautical feel of the bathroom.

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 Miss Lucy fell off a bike.

No, really.

She likes to ride the tricycle around outside. She can get on and off, and scoots backward in circles.

I was with her, sweeping the patio, and I saw her try to go forward, get stuck, and as I was running toward her in slow motion (um, not literally, it just seemed that way),

Miss Lucy face-planted on the concrete.

It was traumatic.

I think she needs a shirt that says, "You should see the other guy".

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I'm so blessed to have my creative Ava.

I need some frames for my custom-designed watercolor paintings.

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Are you ready to welcome June? This year is going by so fast.