Witches - and lots o pictures

We hit up Gardner Village to see all the witches on displayed a week or so ago.  Another one of our October Halloween activities checked off our list.  We ate, we played, we wandered around and took pictures.  The night lasted much longer then I had expected.  The kids were great!  It was fun to see all the witches and the beautiful grounds at the Village.

Simple Little Runner

In preparation for the Boutique I wanted to get some table runners done - yet didn't have tons of time.  So I reverted back to squares.

Using this tutorial I made a few table runners.  I love this pattern.  Its quick and easy - yet adds a little something different with the use of ric rack.

A Christmas version using Sandy Gervais current Christmas line Adoring.

A fall version using Sandy Gervais current fall line Awesome.

And a Halloween version using and old Minick and Simpson line Scaredy Cat.

The Christmas and Fall versions sold at the Boutique.  The Halloween version is still available in my etsy shop.

If you have any charms packs lying around and need a quick decoration or gift idea this is a great go to pattern!  Thanks Camille for another wonderful pattern.

So TIRED

This picture would be cute if it wasn't so maddening!  How does this child get to be up for HOURS in the middle of the night, yet get to fall asleep whenever and where ever he wants? 

Its been a crazy few days with Jake's birthday party, boutique business, work - I've had a lot going on.  Will post pictures of the boutique as soon as I can steal them from others as I forgot my camera. 

I didn't get as much done as I would like but that is life with 2 kids right!  We were all thrilled at how the boutique went.  We had a great turn out even though the weather turned rainy and cold.  We are so grateful to everyone who came up and supported us.  The day was fun and we were so excited for each other.  I love working with women who are kind and happy with each other.  No competition, just kindness and encouragement for all.  The Harvest Boutique was a great experience and one I hope we continue for years to come. 

For now, I'm off to work - got a few quilts to get completed this week, and a crazy mad sewing room to clean!  I'd love to get a few days worth of continuous sleep also!  Hopefully this little guy will get all his teeth in soon and stop waking me up.

Happy Birthday Jake

My little Honey Bunches of Oats is three today!  I can't believe how time flies.  I feel like I was just holding you for the first time yesterday.  Time really does change in a blink of an eye. 

Were do I begin? 

Jake - you are the sweet little boy who made me a mom.  You will always be so special to me because you made me who I am.  You and I have gone through so many firsts together and we will continue down this path of life together.

I have loved watching you grow.  I am amazed daily at all you have learned in your three short years.  This last year has been so much fun to watch you become the big brother you are.  I love how you hug Sam, and ask for him when he's not around.  How you worry about him falling or wandering off and scream at me to notice and grab the little guy.  I have enjoyed watching you having to learn to share - or when you're not in the mood you tell me "I don't know how to share".  There has been some rough patches between you two, some hitting and fighting - and I'm sure there will be plenty more, but watching you come kiss Sam and say "I'm sorry Sammy" just melts my heart.  I can already tell you will be a protector for your little brother.

You have become independent this year.  "I can do it myself" is something we hear multiple times a day.  A social little boy you are becoming.  Wanting to play with friends and the kids outside.  The other day I left you at the neighbors all by yourself for a bit.  I went over to check on you twice in 30 minutes!  I will have to get use to you being on your own.  You may becoming independent, but your mothers is not quite ready to let my baby go.

You have such a fun and curious personality.  I love to hear you say "Mom, I have to ask you a question" and then you go on and on about something - usually there is no question involved, you just want to talk.

Super Heros have become a big part of your life.  You love them all, and often run around pretending to be Super Jake or Spy Jake.  Watching you play provides hours of fun.  The imagination you have makes me laugh and I am so proud you are such a smart little boy.

I have loved watching you grow up before my eyes the last 3 years.  I love when I walk in the door you jump out of your hiding spot and come running to hug me.  Often times saying "I love you so much."  I love that you're still willing and wanting to be held and hugged.  We cuddle up to watch a show together or read a book.  I've found myself laughing as we watch TV and I notice you have an arm around my shoulder.  My heart aches that you won't always feel that way - so I savor these times even more.

Jake you are a sweet, happy, funny boy.  You know what you want out of life.  I can already see that you are a determined little boy.  I hope your fun, sweet, determined  self gets all you want out of life.  I hope you continue to be happy and have fun.  I love to hear your laugh, and I'm so lucky I get to laugh with you daily.  The joy I get from being your mom has made my life complete.  I know you were sent to me to make my life better.  The love you bring into our home is priceless. 

I hope you have a wonderful birthday and another exciting year.

Love you,
mom

Cornbelly Fun

A few weekends ago we went to Thanksgiving Points Cornbelly Maze.  It was fun to spend the morning running around in the fresh air.  There were tons of activities for the boys to do.  We ended up staying much longer then I had thought we would.

 There were donkey rides....

 And a big ole' trampoline like jumping thing.

 There were slides, both big and small - Sam even got to take a spin.

 We went on a cow train....

 Jake rode all by himself

 We shot pumpkins and corns out of guns - Jake and Sam often get in fights while I am trying to take their picture.....

 There were pumpkins and scarecrows and hay and lots of clapping.

 All in all it was a successful morning!  I highly recommend it to anyone in the area.

Menu Monday

I'm taking it easy this week.  I've got a lot to get done for the Boutique so my family will be getting some easy, quick, no effort meals this week! 

I also have to say that I tried two new recipes the last few weeks for some fall/Halloween fun.  Both were wonderful.  I'm just curious about how she can get them to turn out looking so great.  My meals didn't look the part - but they sure tasted great.  If you're looking for some fun fall recipes try these cinnamon toasted pumpkins and this chocolate carmel apple pie.  Sam was grabbing me trying to get the fork with the apple pie he loved it so much.  He ate it for breakfast 2 mornings in a row!  First time my little guy just ate his food without having to take it out of his mouth and examining it.  Both are great fall additions if you need a little sweet snack.

On to my pathetic menu for this week.

Monday - chicken rice casserole - from the frozen section at Costco.  They were demoing it and it was really good.  We'll see how it turns out.
Tuesday - chicken/stuffing bake
Wednesday - Leftovers
Thursday - jakes' b-day party - I'm thinking pumpkin soup bowls
Friday - EAT OUT -

PB&J Pretzel Sandwiches

I have been reacquainted with this blog again.  I found her awhile ago but haven't checked back regularly.   A mistake I won't be making again!  She has great fun recipes for kids, for dinners, snacks, Halloween goodies right now.  I am in love!

Last week Jake and I made these pretzel sandwiches, and I almost ate the whole plate.  They are delicious!  Give them a try you won't be sorry.

Boo Quilt and Pillowcase

Another project down.  A quick quilt I wanted to make to sell turned into Jake's Halloween surprise.

I happened to find a matching pillowcase - My LQS had pillowcase kits of all sorts of Halloween fabrics for sale for $9.95.  The sample they had made up is the one that matched the quilt I had made.  Of course they were out of kits for that one -- the owner sold me the completed pillowcase for $10.95!  WHAT THE HECK!  So project completed without me having to even sew a stitch.

I bought this cute little book Scaredy - Cat, Splat! by Rob Scotton and what a cute little Halloween surprise this all made for Jake!

 Sam deciding he wants to get in on the action.

 Can anyone tell me how to keep a walking 10 month old still for a picture?

 Jake showing off his MUMMY shirt...

 Jake taking a break laying on his new quilt.

It was a nice Sunday afternoon.

Menu Mondays

Monday - Chicken over Toast
Tuesday - Tomato soup w/grilled cheese
Wednesday - Salmon w/baked potatoes
Thursday - Eat out
Friday - BBQ Chicken

Halloween Projects

My goal was to get all my Halloween projects completed the first week of October.  I came pretty close.

A Halloween Table Topper...

and a quick throw quilt.  Both are made from Scaredy Cat by Minick and Simpson for Moda. 

I've had this line for 2 years or so now, and I'm THRILLED to be finishing projects with it.  You know when you see it, thinking "I'll get this done this year" and it just doesn't happen?  I'm glad I was finally able to make something happen.  Sad thing is, I still have more fabric!  Maybe by next year I can finish it all off.