Crafty Tuesday: Birthday Shirt

I swear, if it wasn't for my coworkers I would be SWIMMING in free time.  I'm not complaining...I work with some fabulous people that I really enjoy.  And when they ask me to make them things I am happy to oblige.  I just wish I had a little more notice...it's pretty routine for someone to ask me to make something for them -- and then mention that they need it in less than a week.  I'd probably be wise to start telling people that I need two weeks notice for anything that they want made, but I just can't bring myself to say no.

I'm such a sucker. 

Last year several of my coworkers had babies.  Which means that this year all those babies are having first birthdays!  Paxton was the first little man to have a birthday, and since his mom loves owls, he got an owl shirt.  Tori was the next one to have a birthday, and her mom wanted something pink and girly...just not too girly. 

Not a small request, because there are so many ways to interpret that.  But after several emails back and forth, a design was settled on.  And this was the finished product:

Overall, I was pretty happy with it.  It's not perfect by any stretch of the imagination, but given that it's only for one day, I thought it would work just fine!

See what everyone else has to share for Crafty Tuesday at Carrie's!

Crafty Tuesday: Owls

I have a delightful coworker who has her first baby turning one this month. In addition to being totally in love with her little man, she also loves owls and the color orange. I thought this was the perfect combo for all of them!






This was my first attempt at trying anything with minky (the super soft fabric that you find on baby blankets and things). I have to admit - it was much easier than I expected! The tough thing about it is all the fuzz - it makes it hard to trim the applique close enough to the tack down stitch. But overall I am super pleased with the way it turned out! And more importantly, so is Paxton's mom!

Best Shot Monday: The Face of Six

You can no longer tell people how old you are with just one hand. You are learning to read. You can write your name. You can play soccer. You have turned from a baby to a toddler to a preschooler to a grade schooler.

There are soccer games, slumber parties, and homework. But still snuggles, naps and a love of chocolate milk.

Six.

I think it's going to be a fabulous year.

Summary Friday: Project 365, Week 49

December 13:




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December 19:

By The Numbers

28.

Is a perfect number.
Is the atomic number of nickel.
Is is a magic number.
Is the number of dominoes in a set.

28 years.
10,224 days.
245,376 hours.
14,722,560 minutes.
883,353,600 seconds.

28 minutes is long enough to watch a sitcom (give or take a few commercials).

days is a lunar month.

28 weeks is just over half of a year - long enough for you to forget just how cold (or hot) the opposite season feels.

28 years is long enough to learn what love is. It is long enough to appreciate the little things. It is long enough to realize that achieving your dreams can take work. A lot of work. It is long enough to realize that all that work is worth it.

28. A whole lifetime and the blink of an eye, all at once.

And today? I turn 28.

Best Shot Monday: Four

FOUR.

Four is a lot of things, when you think about it. The number of sides in a square. The number of doors in a sedan. Four archangels. The minimum height requirement for some roller coasters. The number of time zones in the continental United States. The number of times I can answer the same question before I start to get a little testy. Four Matriarchs of Judaism. The number of cups in a quart. Four Seasons. The Fantastic Four. Four Gospels.

Four chambers in a human heart.

And I'm pretty sure every single one of my four chambers has pieces of you in it.

Happy Birthday, 4 Year Old.

And quit growing so fast.

I Love You.

For more best shots, see what everyone has to share at Tracey's!

Summary Saturday: Project 365, Week 25

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Summary Saturday: Project 365, Week 22

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May 30:

Two Whole Years

Bennett,

Today you're two. And when I look back at you last year on your birthday, I can hardly believe how much you've grown up. You have most certainly transitioned from a baby to a full fleged toddler.

You are indpenedent and love to do things yourself - from washing the dishes to fastening your car seat straps, you are positively horrified if you don't get to at least help with the process. You love to do what the big boys are doing, and your big brother loves you so much that he is (almost) always more than happy to let you join in. The two of you are built in best friends, and you seem to love each other more every day.

You can run and jump and climb like a pro - and, as everyone notices, you are ALL BOY. You are rough and tumble, loud, and active. But you are never to busy for a hug or a kiss. And you still love to cuddle and be held. There are some days that I think my arms might break off from carrying you around, but one glance at you running to join in with the big kids and it's easy to see that the days of you wanting to be held will be over soon.

You love to go to gym class, and can tell where we're going as soon as we start to pull into the parking lot. You love to go to the park and the playground, as long as Garrett, Jacob and Ben are going to be there too. You are easy going, but quick point out (often loudly) when you don't like something. You love to ride bikes, go for runs, and sing and dance to Funky Mama...the Fire Song is your current favorite, and we listen to it no less than 16 times a day. You love to jump on the trampoline, feed the ducks, and read books.

There are days that are challenging and that I tell you I might just sell you on e-bay, which you tend to find absolutely hilarious. Apparently you are well aware of the fact that you won't be going anywhere. You are learning to test your limits and define who you are, which is both completely maddening and magical to watch at the same time.

There is no one I would rather spend my days with than you and your brother. I can't wait for all the things that the next year will bring. You make me melt, keep me busy, and remind me how joyful all the little things can be. I love you to pieces.

Thursday's Theme - Glow

It has been birthday central here, and Garrett is three! This is the first birthday that he has really been old enough to 'get it' and be excited about being 'the birthday boy'. And who wouldn't be with all this?!

There were hats!

There were blowers! (That didn't even make noise!)

There were games! (What's a party without pin the tail on the donkey?!)

There were presents!

But most of all...there was a gorgeous glow...

And I don't know which I love more...the glow from the candles or the glow from him!

Happy 3rd Birthday Garrett...we might make each other crazy sometimes, but I'm still crazy about you!

For more glowing shots, head here!