i love my kids (somedays more than others)

This is Chantel, covered in marker (it was all over her arms and legs too). She couldn't understand why I would want to wash the beautiful drawings off her face. Thankfully some scrubbing and a long shower took it all off. And this is Elayna - this morning. We've been growing out her bangs for awhile and apparently she changed her mind about this (without telling me of course). Thankfully there's no super short pieces so I should be able to even it out easily - but again she couldn't understand why I didn't appreciate her saving me the time and giving the same haircut that I would've given anyways.

ETA: I had to laugh at some of the comments. My kids need CONSTANT supervision or they would get into waaaay worse than this. Our house is more child-proofed than anyone's I know. Chantel managed to colour herself (with the help of Elayna) in as much time as it took to get Alyssa out of bed from her nap and change her diaper (they were so nicely coloring when I left them for all of 5 minutes). And I thought Elayna was just going to the bathroom but instead she had climbed on the counter, gotten the scissors from the highest shelf of the cabinet and from behind about 10 bottles that were meant to conceal it and then take a few snips before I caught her. My kids are tricky and they usually work as a pair - with one of them being the look-out. I usually don't get anything accomplished unless they're sleeping (and thankfully they still nap on and off) or if I set them up for craft time on the floor of my sewing room.

enjoying life . . .

We have been enjoying Summer around here. Spending time on the deck . . .

keeping up my first vegetable garden (about time, eh?) . . .

finishing up my apron for the apron swap (I'll show the whole thing after my partner gets it) . . .

attempting to make a dress for myself (it turned out a little small, I'll have to decide if it's worth fixing or just let it hang in my sewing room as inspiration) . . .

and getting ready for a Quilt Till You Wilt night tomorrow where I hope to piece together the top of Chantel's bed quilt . . .

10-Year Grad Reunion

This weekend we're having our 10 year grad reunion from high school. Last night was the main event - a dinner aboard a paddlewheeler boat. It was lots of fun, well attended, and the night finished off with fireworks. We had the kids stay overnight with family so we could stay at a hotel overnight and take our time coming home today.

me and my favorite ladies

Some DINO-sized fun!

The girls and I enjoyed the great weather yesterday and met up with some friends and cousins at Dinotown for the day. They've added an inflatable waterslide since last time and I think that was the biggest hit! They also loved the dino show, thought the music on the train was too loud, loved the dino-slide in the playground, the spray park, and the boat ride. Lots of fun!

another upcycled item . . .

I also came across a blouse that didn't fit right, but it had such a nice texture and stretch to the fabric that I didn't want to get rid of it. So I turned into this little skirt for my oldest. Now I can enjoy watching her wear it.

a busy week . . .

Well it was a busy week of Grampa & Gramma & Aunty Sue visiting. The kids went mini-golfing, McD's, walks, to the park, their cousin's house, shopping, in the hot tub at Opa & Oma's, and more all in the attempt to keep them away from our backyard while our deck was redone. Brad's dad was hard at work the whole week and the result is amazing - the deck is so much bigger and safer now! We have been out there so much already and will probably be out there every day this summer. The girls even enjoyed all three meals outside yesterday and there will be lots more days like that! So thanks again Dad & Mom for all the hard work and to Aunty Sue for being an enormous help with the girls and keeping me sane this week! We had so much fun!!

the girls posing with Aunty Sue . . .

the deck before . . .

the deck after . . .

Upcycled shirt . . .

Upcycle - the practice of taking something that is disposable and transforming it into something of greater use and value.

I received a bunch of clothes awhile back which included this top. I liked it but it didn't fit right and I knew I wouldn't wear it. So I turned it into a top for my little one instead. I think it looks much cuter on her than it ever would have on me!

We LOVE Summer

Strawberry Shortcake outfit

I had fun during nap time today . . .
The ruffled skirt is from this tutorial and was so quick to whip up - I'll be making more of these! And Chantel has been asking for Strawberry Shortcake for so long now so she is just thrilled with this outfit.