Art by Chase

I'm so jealous of the amazing pictures Chase drew for his Papa, Baba, and great Baba.

Clock Changes

I added black and white photobooth photos to the clock and only left a small yellow border. Better? I'm still not sure...

Hello Out There

Gotta love the Photobooth App!

Clock

I bought this clock (the yellow squares can be changed out) and now I am worried it is too country sunflower looking. Return it or keep it?

Puppy Update

Stark had his first vet appointment today...he is so mellow he decided to take a quick snooze while he waited.

Sweet pup

He is so tolerant of Chase

Home Alone

Stark's first time home alone.

Crafting Inspiration

Quilts from Goddess in Progress...Quilts

Dressing Up A Dog's Collar

My aunt gave me this great idea for updating a dog's collar on a regular basis. It is just a tube of fabric (with folded over finished ends) that is about twice as long as the collar (for the scrunchie look). I serged my seam to avoid fraying inside but that is optional. Just make sure that the tube is wide enough to cover the buckle (where the ends of the tube meet are where the tags hang out). Now you can have an updated look for every season.

Merry Christmas!

We had a wonderful Christmas morning around here. Chase said that Santa is a really nice guy! He got a bunch of legos, some superhero mashers, a Spiderman inflatable punching guy, and his big gift was a trampoline. Lots of excitement around here.

B got a Cotton Candy maker - so excited to try it!!! Santa brought me some awesome layer cakes and new scissors (those things could take a finger off)!

Here is a picture of Chase trying to explain to B that the coal B got in his stocking is really just candy.

Bugsy spent most of the morning showing his resentment about Stark's arrival by hiding from everyone. Jaxx spent the entire morning happily playing fetch.

Stark's favorite part of the morning was waking up Chase (he LOVES that boy - follows him everywhere - this AMs greeting was the most excited we have seen that pup)! He also did some gift opening of his own.

He opened B's gift uninvited...sneaky puppy.

Merry Christmas everyone! Family fun here we come!

Welcome Home Stark

Last night Stark (named after Iron Man) arrived home. He is 12 weeks old, about 27 lbs (yes he is going to be one big dog), and he is the sweetest most patient puppy ever. Very mellow and snuggly. Chase has already taken to crawling on Stark and shooting little toys at him. Jaxx has adjusted well but Bugsy is one unhappy dog. I am having a wonderful Christmas with my new furry friend!

If you are interested in your own bundle of fur we got Stark from Aspen Ridge Goldendoodles in Montrose Colorado.

A Moment of Weakness

We bought Jaxx at Christmas in 2004...meet Stark, Christmas puppy #2. He is a 12 week old Goldendoodle. My aunt is picking him up tomorrow night and then he will be coming home Christmas Eve day. Ahhh so excited!!! Please please please let this go smoothly.

Happy Chanukah!

Thoughts About Puff Quilts

I started a puff quilt for Chase and I realized how time / resource intensive these little things are. First you have to waste a ton of fabric for the back of the puffs (and even though I used cheap fabric it still felt wasteful since it will essentially be hidden inside the quilt). Also you have to cut everything twice (once for the top of the puff and once for the bottom of the puff). Then you have to pin (I hate pinning and each block takes 8 pins!!!) stitch and stuff the puffs before you can even start sewing your blocks together!!! Phew!

I did decide to go with bigger puffs (8 inches on top and 7 inches on bottom) and I know Chase will LOVE the superhero fabric that I am using but this quilt doesn't really fit my typical modern style so I am not as in love with it as I wish I were. I am debating whether I should type up a tutorial for this or not.

Here are some inspiring examples...

This is my favorite! I love the colors.

While I am not typically a button fan you could do something really cool with this idea.

Yet Another Reason Not To Go Back To Work

I just saw this picture posted on Facebook (apparently taken in a mens bathroom where I work). The note says "please help yourself to a cookie". Wow.

Best Sugar Cookies Ever

Our friend made us the best sugar cookies ever - I checked her Pinterest page and she either made these:

or these:

Seriously amazing!