Life Is....

I saw this quote online and I loved it. It applies to everyone but especially my oldest who is headed out of the house for the first time. With so much uncertainty and emotional ups and downs, I thought this was appropriate. He started packing yesterday because the school has asked us to ship most of his belongings ahead of time to eliminate the time moving in and crowded elevators. I think it's fantastic! No carrying super heavy things? Ok! He needed to wash the blanket and quilt that he wanted to take along. So the "college quilt" went into the wash and I lined dried both. I can't believe it....it's going to be packed up in a box and heading to Pittsburgh. Wild.

LIFE IS....Beauty, Admire It

While it was hanging out to dry, I thought it would be nice to take a photo of my other quilt by the same designer. I am still quilting this one. It's the Meadowland Quilt. I've talked about it a bunch on the blog. It's going to be renamed my "Quarantine Quilt". I'm so thankful to have the ability to create things with my hands. It's very calming to me.

The quilts are both designed by Then Came June.

The one on the right is the Diamond Ripples Quilt. The left is the Meadowland Quilt.

LIFE IS A GAME...

Yesterday was opening day for the MLB. What a weird thing to watch!

No fans, pumped in "cheering" and organ music from the video game, MLB the Show!

A few announcers, ground crew and the players. Too bad it started to pour and the game ended early. But that's 2020 for ya....did you expect anything less?

Chase and I hung outside for a bit last night before a storm came through. I am watching Hart of Dixie on Netflix. It's adorable! Super silly and cute. I'm liking it a lot. I'm also watching Handmaid's Tale on Hulu. NOT super silly and cute! AHHH! It's crazy! And I am obsessed.

I am knitting an Arika Cowl for the Coop. These are fun cowls to wear.

Bandana style with some fringe. It calls for bulky yarn and big needles so it goes really fast.

Here's to another day! Hope you have a wonderful weekend.

Making Mojo

I saw an embroidered hat on Pinterest a few weeks ago and showed my sister, Liz. I knew we HAD to make some!!! The next day she was shopping with my mom at a flower farm and there were a bunch of blank hats in the check out line! Random and perfect!!! She picked up a few and started creating.

Yesterday I took my lunch hour and made one myself. I loved making it and listed it on Etsy last night. It sold! Woohoo! I think I need to make more.....

It was super simple to make it. A blank hat, a needle and some embroidery thread. I split the strands of thread into 3 strands and I am happy with the weight. I think it showed up well. I started with 2 but it didn't show up well. I used a white dressmakers pencil to lightly draw my design before I embroidered. That's it! Easy, peasy!

Birthday Fishing

The baby of my crew turned 9 this weekend. I can't believe it!!! 9!!! He was the one that was supposed to stay a baby forever and ever....well that didn't work! He wanted to go fishing in the pond behind my sister, Liz's house. Her husband has a great little boat and off they went. But I wanted to go too! I had never been out on their lake...how is this possible?! I had no idea how big it was. It's tucked in behind people and you can't see it from the road. It's all private access and very secluded. I felt like we were away on vacation. Liz, Grant and I took the canoe out and took a tour of the lake and took some pictures of the fisherman. It was a beautiful night that was finished off with a chocolate cake and homemade whipped cream. Happy 9th birthday to Chase! Love you buddy.

Yarn Along

This is my second Trellis Shawl designed by Annie Rowden.

It will be a gift for Carol, our marketing department admin at work. She is retiring August 6. I can't believe it! She's so good at her job. It's going to be hard without her. She always comments on my knitting and admires it so I thought it would be a nice gift for her. 

My friend, Seashore Sharon dropped off this book for me to read. She always gives me the best books!!! Always a good romantic and steamy book!

And.....we're back to the chickens

Babies! For people with chickens, this first bit will make sense. If you don't, just go along...

My buff orpington, "Miss Claire" has been very broody for about 5 weeks. Broody means she wants to sit on eggs so they can hatch and she can be a mom. We don't have a rooster.....so just eggs. No babies. She always gets broody in the spring but it usually only lasts a few days. I have wanted some new babies to add to the flock because my girls just turned 5 and they might not be laying eggs much longer. But I wasn't sure how to incorporate new babies safely. I was always worried that I couldn't keep an eye on them with working full time. Well...thanks to Covid-19 keeping us home and a broody hen, we have four new little girls.

Chase and I picked up four baby chicks on Friday, July 3.

 We got "Olive" a Blue Buff Olive Egger (she will lay dark olive green eggs)

"Miss Turner" a Jersey Blue, named after Chase's teacher this year! She will lay tan eggs.

"Betsy Ross and Martha Washington" both Americaunas (will lay light greenish blue eggs)

This is Miss Claire. I set up a little baby chick pen inside the big part of the coop.

See how she makes herself all wide and puffy? She wants to protect some babies.

I introduced the babies to her late in the afternoon and she took right to them. They went right under her wings and got comfy. Miss Claire was so happy. Clucking away.

I put them in the started cage at night and hoped for the best. I came out in the morning to find everyone happy! See the little ones poking out under the wings?

I put the big girls out in the run of the coop and gave Miss Claire and the chicks the run of the coop house all day Sunday. She followed them around and kept a close eye on them.

This is the coop. The big girls will be in the run all day, new babies and Miss Claire have the house all day and then they all sleep together at night. I have Miss Claire and the babies in their own little pen inside the house so the big girls get used to them. Hopefully in two weeks or so I can put them all together. I'll just see how it goes. I have a feeling Miss Claire will protect them if the big girls try any funny business.

They are my older girls. Foraging a bit before bed. I don't let them out very often because we have so many predators around. But I stayed right by them to keep them safe.

I'm enjoying seeing these babies learn from their mom. It's so cute to watch!

Brain Dump

I started blogging regularly again when the Pandemic hit and forced us all to stay in our homes. I wanted to document this time so I wouldn't forget. Over the past few weeks restrictions have lifted in many states. NJ was one of the last states to reopen and we are still not completely open. Restaurants had expected to open for inside dining this week but the governor changed the order and it remains outside only or takeout. I feel for the restaurants that had stocked up on food in anticipation of a reopening and on a holiday weekend here at the beach. But I understand the reason for not opening. Other states are having a huge resurgence of Covid-19 cases. Numbers are spiking again. I think that NJ has been very safe and cautious, requiring masks everywhere we go. The calmness that I was finally starting to feel is gone.

My oldest is supposed to start college in 6 weeks. Going away for the first time and starting school 5 hours away from home is nerve wracking enough. I get emotional just thinking about it! But I am also so excited for him. He met with his advisor online and set up classes. That was last week. At that time they had told the students they will meet in-person as often as possible. Then....we got an email telling them that housing will be dramatically different. IF they are in a dorm, it will be single. And the majority of freshman will be housed in hotels. The school is doing what they can to get the kids to college and be safe. Then last night we got another email......they have had to change their "level" of risk to Elevated Risk again. Meaning what? Not totally sure. But it might mean more online classes, small gatherings....just another round of uncertainty. I think I've held it together pretty well so far. My family actually thrived during quarantine. But as we get closer to college, schools opening and what that will look like as cases go up all around us, I'm starting to lose it. I know this virus is not going away. I understand the risk. I know people are dying. I don't want to feel selfish. But I have those moments. I want my son to go to college like every other college freshman before him. I want my son that will be a junior to have a varsity football season like he had last year. I want my fourth grader to go to school and have fun with his friends and learn like we all did. But I know that won't be the case. Rationally I know the world is different and this can't happen. But boy oh boy, I wish it could go back to last fall before Covid-19 existed. We are all adapting and doing our best to follow guidelines. I'm trying REALLY hard to stay positive. But today is one of those days that I'm just not feeling super positive about all of this.

But then I look at this picture that Andee took yesterday and I smile. We are so lucky to have what we have. That's my mom and dad and their seven grandsons. A pretty great group of boys if I do say so myself!

Ok...that's it. Brain dump for the day. Now back to work......

What I've Been Creating....

I have always been a creative person. Always making something. It's part of me. My entire family is filled with makers. Every single one of us make things. I can't imagine life without it.

I continue to be a busy bee during these times. Things are opening up quite a bit around here but we are still sticking close to home most days. I'm still working full-time from home which allows me more time in the morning to knit and have coffee. It's sooo nice to not have to rush to get ready and out the door. More time to relax! I'm going to miss that so much when we head back to the office.

Thought I would share what I am working on. I am knitting the Trellis Shawl by Annie Rowden.

Annie has created some of my favorite knits of all time. She's a full time goat farmer with her husband and little girl now. I don't think she's been designing for a while now. 

This shawl is designed for a child. But it's bigger than I expected so I think it could fit a teen or older child, or small adult! I want to add pompoms to the ends when I'm done. I think it would be so cute. I am using Cascade Alpaca Lana D'Oro (it's a mix of alpaca and wool). It's knit up and down, not end to end like some triangle shawls. You increase to the triangle part and then decrease the other side. Very clever and enjoyable to knit.

I finally ordered backing fabric for my quilt. I hesitated to buy online but I didn't know when retail would open. So I used a coupon and ordered from Joann.com. I love it. It's a yellow color (my favorite!) I have been hand quilting at night and on the weekends. I chose to just do 2 inch spaced rows that follow the natural design of the quilt pattern. I looked online for some ideas but most people seem to quilt by machine these days. The hand quilting is my favorite part of quilting. It's very soothing to me. I am loving these fun crazy colors! Can't wait to use it. It's going pretty quickly so it might be done for cool summer nights. The quilt pattern is the Meadowland Quilt by Then Came June.

Hope you're all doing well and making fun things!

Time Flies When You're Having Fun

Everyone tells you that it goes fast. Blink and they're adults. Guess what? They're right. Heading out into the world. Building their own life. Learn, grow, experience, succeed, fail, experiment, hope, fear...it's all part of growing up. I'm so proud. And can't believe that my first baby boy is finishing high school. 

There was a time early on in our marriage that I thought I wouldn't be able to have my own children. Luckily I had a very good doctor and I was able to become a mom. I was blessed three times with three sons. I love being a mom. I can't imagine a life without them. It's all I ever wanted. 

Seeing my boys grow up is my greatest joy. I have enjoyed the ride with my oldest. He was always a good kid. Never gave me any trouble. Sensitive as a toddler which was a challenge gave way to a kind, honest teenager. I'm thankful that I get to be his mom. He's a great kid. I'm going to miss him so much when he leaves for school. Our house will be different. Our Sunday football days will be much quieter. But it's all how it's supposed to be. I couldn't ask for a better son.

Congrats to all of the 2020 grads. You are graduating in a time that will be in the history books.

You all have a different perspective on the world that will hopefully help you in life.

A special congratulations to my oldest. Love ya kid.

p.s. Thank you to my sister, Andee for the graduation photos.

Close at Heart

When you're 8 years old, finishing up third grade and you have to spend the last few months in your house, learning from home, attend zoom meetings with your teacher and class, watching your parents work from home, watching your older brothers finish up their high school years, wondering what is going on in the world, it can be hard. My littlest has had ups and downs over the past few months. He doesn't love being in school, so part of this quarantine has been enjoyable for him. Besides doing math, he doesn't love doing school work. My older boys were always good students and enjoyed school. They both wish they were back at school now. My little one is a different story. VERY different kid! And I love him for that. But it's also a challenge to switch to online school and keep him engaged and get him through his reading and writing lessons. I love to read and I have to remind myself that not everyone is a book nerd like me. Then again, I loathe doing math and it's a huge challenge for me. So I try to be very patient with him and help him with his work. I wish I could make him love stories, but so far, no luck.

On Wednesday of this week, the school had a "Virtual Field Day". This also meant a break from school work ALL DAY! Yippee! His teacher reached out to the families and told us she would be visiting each and every student's home that day with a goodie bag and a wave from the porch. I have had three boys in this elementary school. My sisters and I also went to this school. We have had so many wonderful teachers throughout our years. I have had the pleasure to be class mom for many years and got to know teachers better. This year Chase got a teacher I didn't know. My older boys didn't have her. She was young and adorable. Seriously, look up third grade teacher in a dictionary and it would be her. I have been in her class for class parties and I was impressed with everything she did. The way she kept the kids engaged every moment. She encourages them, has fun, has complete control of the class, understands each student. She allows them freedom to move about the room to learn. (Great for my wiggle worm of a kid). Overall, one of the best of the best!

In her goodie bag for the kids, she gave them sunglasses, Hawaiian lei, bracelet, marigold seeds, a sweet note and a book that she wrote and illustrated! It was so sweet of her. Chase had an extra bounce in his step all week because of her visit. I don't think he realized how much he missed her and his classmates. It was nice to see him happy.

This time has been interesting. We have done well. I have enjoyed being home very much. I feel more connected to my kids. I wonder though, what will they look back on and remember about this time? Will Chase remember it all? I know my teenagers will never forget this time. But as an 8 year old, what will he remember? I hope he appreciates his time in school next year. The daily routine and interaction with kids and teachers can't be replaced by us! I applaud all home school families. I know public school is not for everyone. I know every child and parent are different. I do know that to be a home-school mom the also works from home is challenging. I wish I could have dedicated more time to help him but I have juggled as best I could these past three months. It's almost summer time and I think my little guy is ready to just play.

Here is a photo of the book written by his teacher, Jill Turner. It is available on Amazon. The link is here. It is so sweet! Here's the description from Amazon:

Did you know that sea otters hold hands while they sleep? Learn why in this fable that takes you through the journey of two adorable sea otters that drift away from each other one night. Follow the otter's mini adventure as he tries to find his way back home to be with his otter friend. There is also an appearance by a very kind pelican, but you will have to read the story to see just how special she is. These precious otters remind us of the importance of friendship and of remaining close to those we love. The sweet story and illustrations are enjoyed by babies and toddlers being read to, as well as older children doing the reading. Whether this story is presented as a read-aloud or as a bedtime story, it will captivate both the young and the young at heart.

I recommend it to everyone! I started a little girl shawl to sell in the coop. It's the Trellis Shawl.

A New Quilt for the House

If you have been following along with me the past year, you would have seen the college quilt I made for my son. I finished it about a month ago and I've missed working on it.

I have two years before my next son goes to college so I though I would make a new quilt just for the house. In girly colors! The college quilt was designed by Then Came June and I really enjoyed making it so I went back to her for a new pattern.

I decided on the Meadowlands Quilt. I saw it on instagram in many color combinations and I found one I really liked! I have some left over fabric from my sewing days, but not a lot. So I reached out to my friend, Seashore Sharon. She is a big quilter and her house is like a mini-store! I asked if she had any scraps in the colors of the quilt I liked and she said she would look. Well, a half hour later, she texted me that not only did she have fabric, she had the ENTIRE kit of that quilt top at her house! She bought it and never made it. I bought it from her and got right to work. Cutting pieces and making a glorious mess of color in my house. I started on Friday afternoon (work ended at 2:00 for Memorial Day). By Saturday morning I had a few blocks together. By the end of Sunday night, I had the entire top pieced. That was a benefit of a cloudy cool Memorial Day weekend. Now it's time to arrange the blocks, sew them together and order the batting and backing fabric. I hand quilt my quilts. It's my favorite part.

You start with 20 fabrics. Then you cut them into multiple sizes and mix and match. I used most of the fabric from Sharon but some were just too bright for me, so I added to it from my stash of fabric.

I had a nice little set up. I moved my computer over and put the machine up on my desk. I played some Netflix while I sewed. I watched all of Sweet Magnolia on Netflix.

First batch of squares done.

And there are the rest! It's a nice big throw size.

And there ya have it....another quilt in the works.