I've been working my little tail off, mostly trying to get my house clean, decluttered and ready to sell, but- I've also been making a few new skirts. I've just put them up on Etsy, and when we get back from Lake Powell next week (after one final salute to summer), I'll be adding my new super, darling wrap-around skirts that I've just started making. Stayed tuned. Have a wonderful Labor Day weekend.
Last night when we should have been heading off to bed, Steve O and I were instead looking at the Newsweek website with all of their amazing still pictures of the Olympics. Scrolling through the images I disappointedly realized I completely missed the syncronized swimming section of the recently concluded 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing. Thankfully, I was able to get my fill of this intriguing sport at the NBC Olympic website. I'm not sure why I find syncronized swimming so magical. I think it's because it's one of those sports where fashion and sport collide, kind of like ballroom dancing and figure skating. Sure you have to be a great athlete and be able to hold your breath for a really, really long time but just as crucial when going for the gold- are your outfit, hair and makeup, even your smile in the face of difficulty (like lots of water up your nose). Steve O thinks it's 100% silly. Go ahead and give some of the synchronized moved a try the next time you are at the pool with your friends... I dare you.
My mother-in-law Jan made the original quilt. She can't find the pattern, so I am attempting to remake it for my Mom and her bed and breakfast, Slot Canyons Inn- without the pattern. This is my first finished square. I like the way this little indian maiden turned out, and the turn under applique method went faster than I thought it would. Now I just need to add some beads to the bottom of her skirt... and make 8 more squares. It a good thing I like hand sewing, ever since I can remember hand stitching has a relaxing and calming effect to me. It's like my little treat. Kind of weird huh? Here is the whole darn quilt. It's kind of tiny, about 2 1/2' by 3 1/2'. I have seen it hanging at my in-laws for years and always loved it. It's kind of fun to be trying to recreate it.
After 10 years in our fabulous home and couldn't-ask-for-a-better neighborhood, we are looking to find something just a bit roomier. So, if you are looking for a house in south Utah County that is chocked full of funky upgrades and is so dang cute in Springville Utah -look no further. mls #826072
Just one of the many bonus features... a Cassandra Barney painted metal fence in the backyard by the garden. The garden in full to the brim this year. All of our hard work weeding, watering and waiting has finally paid off. I love having to only go as far as the backyard for a snack-a-licious handful of grape tomatoes or to harvest up some green beans or spaghetti squash for dinner.
School officially started today, at least for 2 of my kids- but not the Jr high, they started yesterday (7th) but not today (8th and 9th), I think they all go tomorrow, but start at two completely different times, and we have an early out day in our district now, I think that will be on Wednesdays... I wish I had cute, clean fresh-scrubbed-faces and brand-new-shoes pictures of the kids this morning. But to tell you the truth- I don't even know if they ate breakfast. I got back from my swim/run just in time to throw together some lunches, sign some paperwork and watch them run out the door. The triathlon training is going to have to take a back seat, either that or I get up at 5. Luckily, the Yuba tri is just a few weeks away, Sept 6th and then I can throw all fitness endeavors to the wind.
So, now the over-scheduled, back to school children don't have time to get crazy with the camcorder- (maybe I will?! doubtful). Take a deep breath and sit back and enjoy our new favorite music video. Drew Danburry (in yellow), congrats on getting married and thanks for entertaining us with your triple threat dance moves and other shenanigans.
...been doin' a little bit of sewing. This purse is actually for a friend- custom made as a diaper bag. I hope she likes it. It was fun to get back into the sewing room and do some design work. It seems nearly impossible to get anything sewn during the summer- just keeping the house and yard tidy seems to be all consuming. A few weeks ago I was dreading the end of summer; the end of unscheduled days, freedom and all of that. Now, I can't wait for my little cherubs to go back to school. I think they sense the end of summer days- they are getting restless and making me crazy.
We have just been to Escalante and Torrey for the past week or so visiting grandparents. The big themes of the trip... wildlife and water. It is always fun and educational for all to have some critter encounters from time to time. This is Chub-Chub the frog. He came out every night to the porch light to get his fill of bugs. Every night we caught him and played with him. Here is Q about to find out if he is really a handsome prince under a spell.
This moth was a big as a hummingbird. My Mom and I finally got it to stop flying around long enough to snap a few pictures. Bugs shouldn't be able to get that big.
I walked right past this baby rattlesnake, it was my 4 year old who pointed it out. We ended up killing it (not me, I was too freaked out) it had made his house under the steps at my parents house.
My folks have 29 chickens now. They are very cute in their little coop my brother Adam built. The kids loved feeding them, and when they realized they could... catching them.
I don't know the official name for this breed of chicken. We just called them "the fro-bros" even though they are ladies. (gotta love the Chicklet teeth)
We have been in Southern Utah this past week or so- hanging with the grandma's and grandpa's in Torrey then Escalante. The other theme of the trip- water. It's too stinkin' hot this time of year and to be in the desert without water -to drink or play in. So we went from one watering hole to the next and had lots of fun. Here is C with a found fishing pole at the Waterfall- just off the highway in Capital Reef National Park.
The Waterfall, I don't think there is an official name for this hot spot. The kids jumped from various points, about 50 times each, all day long. They had fun showing off to all the nervous tourists who, on occasion, got up the courage to jump too. Actually being cautious wasn't a bad idea, the water is only about 6 feet deep. As luck would have it- no injuries. (What kind of mother am I?)
We hiked Sulfur Creek in Capital Reef National Park with the Hulme family. Building butt dams along the way became very popular. It was amazing how much water could be stopped with a row of butts.
One of the waterfalls along the trail. About a 5 mile hike through Capital Reef, ending at the Visitor Center. The perfect summertime hike, especially for kids. More photos here.
