Trial and Error

I finally tried out the new serger last night. It's definitely going to take some getting used to. I don't quite have the tension figured out yet. I'm still pretty intimidated by it, but it's a start.I used this fun tutorial to make Avery a new-ish skirt. I up-cycled some jeans a friend had given us when her daughter grew out of them. The error, the skirt is too small for Avery. As usual, she was asleep when I started this little project, so I just went ahead with it. Oops! Looks like Avery's friend, Delia, will get this one.

My Cup is Full

I don't have any pictures to include in the post, but I feel the need to just record a bit of my day to reflect on all its goodness. First, Avery was highly complimented by the church nursery volunteers for being excellent during the service. This afternoon, Todd and I took Avery to the neighborhood pool to enjoy some splash time. She wasn't crazy about the temperature of the big pool, but the baby pool was quite nice. Tonight, Avery and I cuddled up on the couch for a Praise Baby DVD, but the best was bath time. As always, it was the highlight of Avery's day. This time, she was pulling up on the edge of the tub to give me kisses. Then she kept letting herself fall backwards in the water. She would either roll back and forth from tummy to back then push herself back up, or she would just lay on her back and scream out or kick her feet to hear the different noises under water. We stayed in the bath for a while to enjoy all of the fun. We also discovered that Avery has a new bottom tooth. Today was just one of those day where I am so grateful to be a Mother to such an amazing girl. Thank you Lord for this gift.

When Daddy's Away....

.... the girls will play. Todd left for a conference for the week, so my Mom (Omie) decided to come keep Avery and I company. We were out and about every day which is a very pleasant change for Avery and me. Yesterday, we also enjoyed a visit from Omie's sister, Carolyn. She treated us to a wonderful lunch at a very nice hotel in Laredo (I know, shocking). Then, we stuck around and swam in the hotel pool. Carolyn joined us for dinner later that evening. This is the only picture I have from the entire week. Great Aunt Carolyn and Omie giving Avery her bath. They were all smiles. Omie taught Avery a little something during the week.

Thanks Omie for the fun, and mostly for all the help.

Pipe Nightmare

Okay, nightmare may be a bit too strong of a word for this, but bad dream for sure. I found this bench at an antique store years ago before Todd and I were married. I had the cushion made to go in my apartment living room at the time. When Todd and I got married we went with a little more masculine color scheme, and decorated the living room in blues and browns. Ever since then, this cushion has been concealed by an ugly blanket. (Good excuse to show off one of Brooke's photographs and tiny Avery)

I ordered this fabric for something else entirely, but when it arrived I just had to try making a new cushion cover for my bench. I used this tutorial for some general directions. Luckily, I had the original cover to use as a guide. The thick cording was a bit more difficult for me to sew than the little piping I did on Avery's dress. Then the corners of the cushion cover proved to be quite a test. You can see stitches and a few puckers here and there, but overall I am happy with the finish. (Just don't look too close.) This is as close as you're going to get.Oh, by the way, this is once again some of Jennifer Paganelli's fabric (Casey scroll). I think it's going out of print, so get it while you can.

Pipe Dream

I finished this little outfit for Avery a while ago, but it hung out in the dirty laundry so long that I haven't been able to get photos. This is one of those reversible pinafore tops. I decided to add a piping detail to the edges, and I love the result. These are mostly Jennifer Paganelli's fabrics from the Pretty Please line. Can you tell that I am a huge fan of her work?!?

The reverse is another favorite from Heather Bailey. These fabrics went together so well.

Here is a close up of some of the piping.

We had little family photo time back at the ranch a couple weeks ago before we headed to Luke's birthday party.

Another One for Me

I liked how Rachel's bag turned out so much that I had to make one for myself. This is the same Portabellopixie market bag pattern using Sandi Henderson's Farmers Market fabric and a Moda dot fabric. I think I will get a lot of use out of this one.Here is the reverse side. FedEx delivered my new toy the other day. I must say, I'm a bit intimidated. It's out of the box, but I'm still watching the instructional videos to learn how to use a serger. My next couple of projects don't require serger, so it may be a bit before I get to play around with it. Wish me luck!

Do I have to?

Todd heard that a lot over the last few days. I really didn't want to give this bag away. I made it for my friend Rachel for her birthday. I love the size and shape of this pattern, and the fabrics are the perfect combination of vintage and funky.

Plus, it's reversible.

The pattern is Portabellopixie's Market bag and the fabrics are from Jennifer Paganelli's flower power line.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, RACHEL!!

Luke's Party

We were able to attend our friend Luke's 2nd birthday party while we were in San Antonio over the weekend. Luke's mom, Kelly, put together a great party centered around Luke's favorite things, balls. The invitations were written out on beach balls. Kelly fixed all sorts of ball shaped foods from meatballs to big cheese puff balls. Here's the birthday boy eating his cake balls. They had various kid pools set up around the back yard with balls everywhere.

Avery, as usual, had a blast splashing around. She loved this cute pool so much that the Schriever's kindly let us take it home since it is a bit small for Luke.

We are finally back in Laredo today after a fairly pleasant ride home. Avery seemed to enjoy having the car seat facing forward for the first time.

Fun Times in SA (+ doc update)

Avery and I are having some fun in San Antonio this week. It's nice to get out of Laredo for a bit. Last night we went over to my Aunt Connie and Uncle Tommy's house. Avery was able to have some play time with my cousin Stephanie's son, Preston. Preston was very sweet and gentle with Avery. He seems to really like babies.

Once it cooled off a bit, we splashed around in the pool a little. When Omie and Opa decide to buy a wagon for the ranch, they buy a WAGON. This is like the John Deer of wagons. Avery seems to love the bumpy ride. We have an update from this post. Once again, after xrays and consultations with specialists, Avery has been declared 100% healthy. Praise the Lord for chubby little baby legs. Let's hope this is the last round of pointless xrays for our little one for quite a while. Thank you for your prayers.

4th Fun

Todd and Avery got up early for a 5K this morning. After the race, Avery looks a little more worse for the wear than Todd does. I hope you are enjoying your 4th of July. We are praising God for allowing us to live in a country where we are free to worship him openly. We thank the armed forces (that's you Dad) for protecting this country and it's freedoms. And, we thank the law enforcement officers (that's you Todd) for protecting the citizens who get to enjoy those freedoms.

We'll be enjoying some hot dogs on the grill and a little cake tonight. This is the buttermilk cake with vanilla cream and nectarines from the More From Magnolia cookbook.

And, here is our little firecracker.

I made this halter top from a tutorial I can't seem to get access to anymore (try thegreenwife). The fabrics are all vintage from my great aunt.

A Little Something for Me

I finally got busy sewing something for me. I've had the pattern and fabric sitting around for a while now, but always managed to work on projects for other people. I'd probably mess with the sizing a bit on the next one, but over all I am pleased with the results. This is Amy Butler's pattern, The Anna Tunic, using Heather Bailey's fabric. I liked the top with and without the belt, but Todd thought the belt made it more flattering. I would love to try this one out in the dress length too.The fabric cover buttons were a first for me. I never knew they were so easy. I can really see all kinds of crafty options for these.