Charm necklace.

I've been eyeing necklaces like this for a long time. I had dropped a couple subtle hints, which didn't even make a blip on the hub's radar. Some how the topic of jewelry came up one day (which I'm not a big collector of), and I said that there was really only one thing I'd like. He asked me to send him a link. So I did some research. I looked at A LOT of different disc charm necklaces, several online sites and several Etsy dealers. I like the stamped letters, but don't like the overly handmade look. I wanted something classy and clean. I thought these, by Otis B. Jewerly, were by far the prettiest. Very beautifully done and very affordable. Come to find out I got one of my own for Mother's Day (a little late :) ). I wear it everyday. I love that it is simple, pretty, and so meaningful—a pearl for the month my love and I got married, and charms for each of our four beautiful kiddos. It was a surprise even though I picked it out :). Guess we can't expect our husbands to read our minds anyway. I also got a very sweet card telling me how wonderful I am, which never gets old does it ;)? Ah, I love my husband and my children. My family is wonderful.

Pinterest and tutorials galore.

I've just discovered Pinterest. You may have already heard of this and have your own pin boards going, I tend to be behind the times on stuff like this. I just spent the last couple hours (don't tell. And in my defense it's raining and gross outside and both of my smallest were napping.) cataloging all of my tutorials that I've bookmarked over the last long while. Man, I didn't realize I had SO many web pages bookmarked! Anyway I love how I can scroll through pictures and pick out a project rather than hunting through sites I have marked or trying to remember what it was based on the site address. For a visual person such as myself Pinterest rocks. I'm loving it! So check out my DIY pin board and reap the benefits of my mad pinning :). Loads of good stuff there. So many lovely projects, so little time!

*If you'd like to start following my boards I added a follow button on my side bar.

My wreath's new spring look.

My wreath got a make over yesterday. It's fun just to mess around with a hot glue gun sometimes, instant gratification. I referenced this tutorial here, only I used some fleece I had on hand and free formed the yellow flowers with fabric from the scrap bin.

Happy Mother's Day!

My Mother and I circa 1985.

Being a mom is the hardest, most beautiful, fulfilling journey I have and ever will take on. I am so thankful for my husband and children who have made me a mother, and the gift of parenthood. Thank you to my mom for being such a wonderful mother and giving me a great foundation to build upon as I mother my own children.

To all of the mothers and mommas-to-be out there, have a most lovely Mother's Day!

side project and practicing avoidance.

For a little change of pace I started working on this embroidery project. I should preface this by stating I have very little experience with embroidery and I've never done a project this big and I'm sure I'll use the wrong techniques somewhere along the way...if I haven't already :). Mostly I'm just doing it for fun and to add texture and interest to a grouping I'm working on for my bedroom. As much as I love to learn new techniques it's also just fun to play around sometimes, wrong or right. I'm very much enjoying watching the colors come together. It's also been fun listening to this series at night as I stitch next to my husband who is reading this series.

The real reason for this post is to put a little more space between me and the mess that we call a home. We have a friend coming over for dinner tonight, so I really do have to get my act together. Once I get started it's really not so bad, it's just the getting going. Anyone else like that? I suppose I've ignored the situation long enough better go tackle those dishes (and the bathrooms, the laundry, and my son's bed that has been a bare mattress for two days). Enjoy your Friday! Even if that means scrubbing through a sink full of dishes :). Try listening to a little of this, it'll put a bit of a bounce in your step.

Putting myself out there.

So I've been doing a little thinking, I do that on occasion ;). I've been feeling a bit guilty about not posting regularly for my seventy-some readers (pocket change to some, but a pretty large number to me). I started this blog as a record of my new sewing venture, for myself and my family. My first project on this blog was my very first project, way back in 2008 (wow)! I've pretty much posted everything I've made since. I have no desire to have advertising or make money off of blogging. And I certainly don't want it to become something that is consuming rather than fun. I'm not saying goodbye to my little space here, which has kind of become my online home. I just wanted to be honest. I may not post regularly. It will probably be a really long time before I have a tutorial on here. I may never have a giveaway. I'm still going to document my ideas and my creations. But that comes and goes in waves. I have spurts of productivity and inspiration followed by dry spells. There's a part of me that wants to join in on sew-a-longs and contests, like this one...I may still have time. Another part of me is stinking tired and needs to spend more time hanging out with my kiddos. Some of you may be thinking, get over yourself girl. That's totally fine :). Just wanted to clear the air from my perspective and give definition to this blog—a record of my creations as they come. I hope you all still check in and leave comments. I love all the feedback, shared links, and getting to check out other crafter's blogging adventures.

Enough said I think. For those of you that read this, thanks for listening to me ramble :).

It's a beautiful sunny day and I'm going to go join my kids outside and play. These four beautiful children are my greatest creation ever. I am truly blessed!

Have a lovely day!