Quilt 62 and 63

Quit 62 and 63. Matching, but not identical.  Twin size. 2002.

More thirfted finds...

Don't Break the Ice.
Fabric.
Piping.
5 crochet hooks (not promising anything...but you never know).
2 ties.
Basket.
An array of crafting supplies for kids.
Girls hat.
And the baseball cap that you've seen in almost every picture lately, worn backwards.

$5.25.

Embracing: A Change of plans

I've been working on getting back in shape.  Which, although necessary in my book, it's not much fun right now.  I've been trying to alternate a more intense-ish workout one day with a brisk walk the next. We set out to the beach as a family one evening, somehow forgetting a carrier/stroller for our oldest.  My husband said "Maybe he'll just walk with us".  Which, this is what our walk looked like:

 Which turned into this:

And then this:

And then this: 

 I must admit, I was initially a bit annoyed at the change of events. I was there to exercise. But, seeing this sweet boy have the time of his life and hearing his squeals of excitement...well, a walk didn't seem so important any longer.  For I was right where I belonged...watching and enjoying my oldest,  

With a baby girl snuggled tight to my chest. Laughing with my husband.

The agenda my son had planned was far superior to my idea of a relaxing evening.

 It was sad leaving...

 

But I have a feeling this family of four will be returning soon, agenda free.

 

Moments...

From the tender moments...

To the crazy moments...

To the serene moments...

 And all the moments in between...

I'm just so thankful to be their mama.

A sweet girl and her new quilt...

I had planned on keeping my quilt sharing in successive order.  However, I cannot wait to show you this quilt.  Because I love it.  And she loves it too, I'm sure of it.

 A friend had given me this pile of vintage pre-cut quilt squares.  I much enjoyed the soft pinks, but I have held onto them for some time, not sure what to do with them.  After our little angel was born, I tried to lay them out and discovered there was enough to do a "Trip Around the World" pattern.  At this point in my quilting adventures, the pattern is very basic.  I was brainstorming how to embellish it when I spotted one of our dragonflies (read about them here and here).  How fitting...our first year having dragonflies is the year she was born.

 I machine appliqued the dragonflies and hand embroidered antennae.  Then hand quilted.

Here she is pictured in the dress that was mine as a child and my mom saved for me.  A special gift, indeed.

Perhaps someday my little girl will be giving her little ones this quit.

Swimming, Boat Rides and Sunsets...

Three essentials of summer, yes?  I think so.

 

Oh, those smiles!!!

Have I mentioned that smiling is my very favorite milestone?  Out of every milestone, there's nothing that tugs at my heart strings more than those first real smiles.  The kind of smiles that light up a room.  The kind with a sparkle in their eye.  The ones that become larger once hearing mama's voice.  The ones that will keep any adult or big brother doing the same thing over and over again to elicit the same gummy grin.  Yup, smiling is my favorite.

 Not to say that I still don't melt over the serious baby faces too.

Little Audra,  we love you so!