Squirt!

Hi There!

I hope you are doing well. It's rainy and dreary around these parts today. The temps may not get much past 50, with rain forecast off an on throughout the entire weekend. We had some hail yesterday with some stones about dime size. Thankfully, that didn't last too long. I'm sure the weather will rebound soon, so I'm not going to complain.

Thanks so much for all the wonderful comments you left on the jewelry I made for my friend. I just got off the phone with her and they arrived safe and sound. She loves them, too! She commented that they were quite unique and unlike jewelry you can find in the stores. That made me feel good, too. It sure is nice when your efforts are appreciated.

I have been working on this layout in fits and spurts for about a week now. Early this morning, I got to finish it up and I'm really pleased with how it turned out. Thought you might like to see it, too.

I used a template by Cindy Schneider (from Sweet Shoppe Designs) and the Summer Splash kits (from Nitwit Collections). The font is Pea Jane.

I don't know how to layer elements all that well on my own, so I enjoy using templates where the basic layering is done for you. There are a LOT of layers in the layout, but I hope they all work together well to add to a sense of fun.

Thanks so much for stopping by. 

After I finished my last big project, I've sort of been floundering on what to do next. Yesterday I found a project that really inspired me. If I'm lucky, I'll be able to come back later today (or tomorrow) to share. I think you'll like it, too. And that's all I'm gonna say about that.

Have a great day!

Crocheted Jewelry!

Hi there!

Nope, I didn't fall off the face of the planet, although it might seem like it. I've been busy with the girls (of course) and working on the projects I am sharing today. These are a gift for a friend who doesn't check my blog with any regularity (that I am aware of) so I think it is safe to show them off.

My friend has a birthday coming up and I've had the idea to create this set for awhile. (it's from the leaflet called Beauties to Crochet 2) In fact, I had some of the supplies already purchased a month or so ago. (go, me!) But, I haven't really had a chance to sit down and actually work on the project until the middle of last week. Technically, this wasn't hard to create, although it ended up taking me a lot longer than I had anticipated. Take a look at the finished project. 

 And here is a picture of the project from the booklet if you want to see what inspired me:

I have the necklace hanging over the back of my chair and the earrings stuck into the back of the chair.

Here they are sitting on the seat of the chair.

And here is the necklace by itself.

Didn't it come out neat? That necklace strand is 28 inches long!

I first intended to use some wooden discs to give it more dimension (the project that inspired me had them). I strung the pattern I thought I would use and tried to get started. It turns out I would have been using 3 different sizes of beads and after a frustrating evening, I realized it wasn't going to work the way I originally envisioned. So, I took all the beads off and restrung them minus one of the different sized beads(remember, the strand needed to be 28 inches when I was done-that's a lot of beads), but keeping the wooden discs. Um, when I finally got that one going, I didn't like the look I was getting with the discs! They stuck out way too far. 

So I had to take all the beads off and start again.

Sigh.

But the strand without the discs and small wooden balls looked great, so I kept at it.

Only to find out I didn't string enough beads to get the length I needed. 

Sigh.

So, I added what I needed on a new string and attempted to join the new string.

THAT took a while before I finally got it last night. LOL

But, I finished the rope and loved it!

There's something to be said (but I don't know what) for being persistent.

Today I strung the beads around the large wooden disc and made the dangle.

Then it was onto the earrings.

I had to modify those, too.

It took a few attempts (and another quick trip to the store) and I got those to work.

Yay! 

The girls think they are pretty nifty.

I picked up the current issue of Crochet magazine because it had this super neat looking bracelet in it. Click on this link and scroll down to Dress it Up-Sweet and Simple Bracelets. If you click on the image, you can see it a bit better.

The project in the magazine was blue, but I thought this variegated pearl cotton would look really neat.

I couldn't find the beads the magazine used, so I improvised.

Here's the result:

And how it looks on my wrist.

This is the same color that I used on the earrings for Mrs. Wilson, but instead of using DMC floss, I used a skein of Size 5 pearl cotton-which you can find in the same area as the floss.

The circles are 1/2 inch plastic rings.

The beads are glass beads that I thought looked great with the pearl cotton.

THIS project took about an hour, and that is only because the thread kept getting tangled and I had to undo the knots. Otherwise, it probably would have taken half an hour, tops.

The clasp is a magnetic one. Way easy to put on and take off.

*Ü* 

So, that's what's been keeping me busy the past several days.

Thanks so much for stopping by.

I hope you have a great week!

It's Zoo Time!

The girls decided last night that they really, really wanted to go to the zoo today.

Well, why not? That's why I renewed our expired zoo membership last week.

So, we loaded up a backpack and headed out.

Got there right as it opened. It was kind of cloudy and not overly hot, perfect!

On a whim, I told the girls we should try heading in the opposite direction we normally go. They were agreeable, so we started where we usually end our visits. I'm so glad we did this because it was like seeing a whole new zoo. There have been exhibits we've passed simply because we were so used to heading to certain ones in a certain order.

One of the exhibits is called Bird World and um, we have never stepped foot into it before today.

Look what we've missed!

(click on any photo to see it larger)

I wish I could remember the name of this...I think it was a wattled carroway. 

This one was called a secretary bird. I think because of the feathers on the back of its head.

Too many times we've simply not enjoyed the flamingos. 

Here a couple of them were pecking at each other. Sort of looked to me like they were playing. (but I'm sure I'm wrong about that.)

Thought this was a nice shot.

In the primate area, one must bang on the drums (hopefully with abandon).

Then switch places and make more music.

I don't recall seeing a mandrill up close like this before. Not a bad shot considering he was behind glass.

We've visited the lorikeets before, but I had to share the vibrant colors in this shot!

This was another exhibit we visited for the first time today. I'm only sorry I wasn't able to capture the beauty of the colors these two had.

Peacocks roam the zoo and oftentimes you'll see the males showing off their feathers.

However today we were lucky to see him showing them off to hopefully attract the peahen.

You can see her on the right side of the feather plumage.

I've never seen them do their thing like this before. On this, the back side, they shake those feathers above the tail area in quite an interesting fashion.

And they sort of curve the feathers in to draw the peahen closer I'm thinking.

It was very neat to see. I was just hoping they wouldn't do the deed.

That would be a little more 'splaining than I really wanted to do today.

LOL

And finally...got to see the giraffes. 

Loved how these two created a neat look for this shot.

Because we have a membership, we don't have to stay all day long.

After a couple of hours the girls were content to head out for the day.

What a lovely morning we enjoyed.

Lovely End to Memorial Day

I hope you all have had a wonderful Memorial Day and took the time to remember the sacrifices of those in our military so that we can enjoy the freedoms we have.

I did a little (okay a lot of) work today clearing off our deck. We had a lot of kid stuff piled high that the girls no longer play with. We moved our table to that end of the deck. I can't believe how spacious it feels now. It was very nice enjoying our hamburgers and hot dogs outside this evening.

We also picked up a super neat item that you can see below.

So cool!

But it sure looks a little empty doesn't it?

Gotta have some people to enjoy it.

There, that's better! 

We invited Oma and Opa from across the street over to help us break in the fire pit.

You gotta have s'mores!

Opa and Steve made the yummiest looking toasted marshmallows.

Jessica's took a little longer because she was hesitant to get it too close to the heat.

But she sure enjoyed the results!

Perfect, just perfect!

Thanks for stopping by.

I hope you have a wonderful start to your week!

*Ü*

Patriotic Porch...

Gee Whiz! Three posts, back to back?! In my defense, lately the girls have been all enamored with the Build-a-Bear website. We have 4 computers in this house and guess whose computer they want to use? Mine! Sigh. I know how they feel though, the two we have for them don't load very fast, currently they won't even turn on one of them. The other one in our spare room will be used if they have to. And Daddy's computer is off limits. So, that leaves mine. I have to squeeze in my posts right now while they are quietly enjoying some apple slices and caramel syrup. I've asked Steve to ramp up the other computers just a bit so they'll be happier on those. We'll see if it happens. Otherwise, my posting may be feast or famine style. LOL Right now you get a feast. Hope you don't mind!

Anyway, I have been picking up some items to help commemorate Memorial Day

(and most likely July 4th, too)

I thought you might like to take a peek.

Here is what I did with the hanging planters.

Not the greatest picture of them, but I also crocheted some stars. 

I found the pattern here after seeing this post.

We found this whirly twirly hanger at the Dollar Tree this morning.

And Jessica's teacher gave me this yesterday, which I thought was very sweet!

It was fun festooning the porch for the upcoming holiday!

Thanks so much for the visit(s)!

*Ü*

Hope you have a wonderful weekend!

First Day of Summer Break...Gotta Get Wet!

Especially since the temperature soared to about 90 today and the local pools don't open to the public until at least Tuesday. 

We tried to go roller skating, but they don't open for daytime skating until Tuesday either.

Hmmmm....

Let's try miniature golf. 

They were open!

Yay!

It was a bit of a splurge, but heck we had to celebrate the first full day of Summer Break.

We had a great time (but I didn't have my camera with me).

When we got home, the girls were hot, so I pulled out the slip 'n slide to see if it would work right. 

Double yay!

I caught some neat (at least I thought so) shots, so here you go!

We had gone to Joann's and the Dollar Store where we picked up these soaker sticks.

Jessica didn't want Amy to get her wet, but boy, she sure didn't mind getting Amy!

She even hid by the deck to surprise her!

LoVe the expression on Jessica's face!

And Amy's.

What a happy smile!

See, Jessica didn't want Amy to squirt her.

LOL

What a fun way to spend a hot afternoon!

We Made Ice-Cream Yesterday!

As a last day of school activity, Amy's class made ice-cream and her teacher was kind enough to send the recipe home with the kids.

Of course, she wanted us to try it.

Who cares that it was about an hour before dinner, right?

It was the last day of school.

And that calls for a bending of the rules!

Fill a gallon size baggie half full of ice cubes.

Add 6 tablespoons of salt.

In a smaller baggie add

1/4 tsp of vanilla

1 tablespoon sugar

1/2 cup of milk

Seal the smaller bag and put it into the larger bag. Seal the larger bag.

Go outside, in case a bag breaks.

Shake. Shake. Shake.

(for about 5 minutes)

Get Mommy in on the shaking because Jessica got tired.

While waiting for the ice-cream to form, Jessica took Mommy's camera and took a shot of Buster who was cooling off in the grass.

When it looks like this, it's ready!

Open carefully, grab a spoon, maybe add some syrup and sprinkles...

and EnJoY!

Yummy!

*Ü*

The girls had a great last day of school.

Amy's teacher even put together a short video of pictures she took of the class throughout the year, burned it onto a dvd and gave each student a copy.

One of the songs in the presentation was You've Got A Friend in Me. 

One of my very favorites, ever!

Yes, it brought a tear or two  to my eye.

So sweet!

Summer Vacation has begun!