Because it's Seth's birthday and we're doing birthday things, I'm going to keep this short and sneaky. Studio Calico. Don't miss October's Kit. Seriously. I whipped out six layouts in 1 1/2 days and that's a record for me--AND I really like all of my pages, another record.
Believe it. :)
The man on his first day...very excited to be going to school. As I mentioned to several family members, the popped collar was totally (and how he always wears it) his own idea. I believe some time back, in jest, Eric mentioned that's how the cool kids wear them...uhhmmm...back in 1990. He, like Ella, takes his fashion very seriously and has since taking to wearing a popped collar.
I'm not sure why, maybe because we're alone again for a few hours every day...we've started having conversations again. Most of them are the kind that make me smile on the outside and bust up with laughter on the inside. Take yesterday's, for instance:
Seth (as we're driving to school): Remember how you told me they were making BumbleBee Cars? I see one, I see one!!!
Me: (noticing that it's a Charger, not a Camaro): Well, that's painted like the BumbleBee Car, but it's not really the same kind.
Seth: But it's a MAN car. Like maybe Dad needs one.
Me: Dad has a car.
Seth: But his is a family car..not a cool MAN car. We really need one of those for the mans to drive. The mans like dad and me.
Me: Smiling on the outside, laughing on the inside.
QOTD: How about you, any good conversation lately?
It's been a busy couple of weeks...but finally, with the arrival of the first day of school, I think we're back on track!
The 30th was Evynn's birthday and we spent the weekend here. Interesting place. VERY fun for kids! We also school shopped until we dropped...I'm feeling very sore in the wallet department. Gramma had this idea:
Hotel room pinata...I'm sure the cleaning crew probably found a few jelly beans the next day. Oops!
While Evynn was enjoying her time in Spokane with Gramma & Gramps we went over to the new elementary that we've been assigned and got familiar with the playground.
It happened to be a night with the most beautiful sky/clouds...they looked like a giant angel wing.
So...with all the shopping, washing, drying, organizing, tag cutting, back pack filling, hair cutting preparation--we finally made it to the first day! Woot!
I guess that's the haps in pictures...back to work for me...remember all those wedding photos I'm working on? Ayiyiyi!
I was informed by this almost six year old that for his birthday he'd like a massage...
at a spa.
If wishes were horses, right?
Speaking of funny things. I ordered a new lens...in hopes it would arrive in time for the wedding I shot this weekend. Uhhhm. Didn't happen, but it did come today. I debated on sending it back because it's kind of a specialty thing...but I had to try it out first. When you point a camera at a kid and tell them to do whatever they want, you're bound to get something funny.
then Booth was feeling left out, so we told him to make a funny face, too.
This is his: "I really want a snack" face--notice the lip tucked in the teeth?
We had more fun in five minutes than we've had in a month. Now I can't decide whether to keep the lens or not. Hmmm.
I have to admit I didn't fall in love with this kit until I had it in my hands...and then I was a goner. I had to finish up early in anticipation of a crazy week...hence early-ish sneaks!
(click on the photo if you want to see it bigger)
I have been doing quite a few little crafty projects. Like:
a shawl for my MIL...either bday or xmas.
a shawl for my mother...either bday or xmas
a sweater for Seth. (just needs blocking)
a sweater for my niece for xmas. (just needs blocking)
Studio Calico August Kit Pages & Projects.
A couple of wall art gift quilts for some friends' birthdays. :)
I think that pretty much sums up July...now if only my house would clean itself and school shopping could be done in the snap of a finger, I'd be all good!
On a side (but no less important) note: Happy Birthday, Korbi!!! Happy Birthday, Candy!!!
I know, I know...it's been a long time since I've blogged...where in the heck has the summer gone? It's just been so busy, that's really all I can say! I need to get back on the blogwagon...but it might need to be tomorrow. Until then...
I can't believe all the great things April, Scarlet & Co. have cooked up for the 2 year anniversary of Studio Calico!! If you've been on the fence about hopping in, now's the time. July's kit reveal is tonight--midnight EST!! Come join the fun.
After letting Eric sleep in and then serving him breakfast in bed, we went and saw my dad & brother for Father's Day. Mostly fun for the kids because they got to spend time with their crazy little cousin, Carson.
Just a few pictures from the day that make me smile.
(carson & ella)
(carson & evynn)
(carson & ella)
(carson & his dad, Matt--aka my brother)
(seth getting a ride on uncle matt's shoe)
(carson giving his trademark scowl)
(eric & the kids)
We spent a lot of time trying to convice Seth to cut his hair, but he's not going for it.
Lastly, just a bit of sewing I've done recently. This is a quilt I'm working on for my mom...I think I'm pretty safe in posting it here. Let's hope she doesn't read my blog!
Once again, I'm beat. I'm going to go lay in my bed and watch The Closer. Night!
Sneak!! (remember you can always click on the image to see it full size)
Seriously. I've been trying to live my life with a new, laid back mentality. Taking things as they come and just not getting worked up about anything out of my hands...oh, how's that different from how I usually am, you might wonder? Well, typically--although not outwardly--I do get worked up about things, I'm just really good at internalizing. So. That's my big summer project: me.
In other big news around the Olson house...my little boy...my sweetest heart...lost his first tooth!! After discovering it was loose (really loose), drama ensued for a duration of approximately two weeks. Good grief!! Finally, his dad came through and yanked that thing out. Immediately, happiness was restored. I could have been the promise of the Clone Trooper Helmet or the $2 the tooth fairy left. I'm grateful.
(crappy iPhone photos-excuse!)
His big project this summer is growing his hair out to be like his friend, Zach. Uhhhmmm. He's pretty dedicated to it...his dad and I are sitting on our hands and zipping our lips so as not to break down and get the clippers out. He loves it when I call him a "long haired hippie", but in actuality, he's looking more like a really fuzzy baby chick or maybe a fuzzed out q-tip.
(another iPhone photo..maybe not as crappy)
Last weekend, we had the pleasure of hanging out with our little niece and nephew. They are SO darn funny. They had us rolling the whole time. Whether it was the cute things they were saying or the funny expressions...it was fabulous. I think probably the most fun we've had babysitting in a long time.
Eric's mom brought some giant bubble wands and some pretty awesome bubble solution--wonderment ensued.
The "little cousins" loved the trampoline. Uncle Eric was immediately instructed to stop bouncing them. LOL!
We also learned that Ella can rock two hula hoops like nobody's business.
Today is the girls' last day of school...Ella says she's happy but more sad (she's going to middle school)--her last year at the elementary, so I can understand that. It's going to be a big change for us! Evynn seems excited..but didn't say much.
I am, possibly, more excited as they are!! Let the sleeping in commence!! I might even take some photos of them this afternoon. Yay!!!
Just a few things I love about summertime:
All good. I hope your summer is off to as sweet of a start as mine! What are you enjoying/looking forward to right now?
First of all, Houston--it's your lucky day! I randomly pulled your name out of the hat to win a little bit of love. Woot! I'll be contacting you for your info in a bit. :)
I also need to thank everyone who left me such sweet birthday comments. Your stories cracked me up!! Denise!! The chicken? Oh man...all so good. Thank you!!
As for the rest of my title...my favorite short person is nearly done with preschool. He had an extra year in there for his late birthday--but even so, it seems like it's gone way too fast. We took some photos last night for his teacher cards and this is the one I'm printing for my wall.
That's a joke because seriously, don't ever call me Jenny and secondly, yesterday was the day that I start aging backwards. Did you know birthdays worked like that? :P
Yup, 200 forks in the lawn. Eric enjoyed picking out every single one. LOL My big birthday present was him taking the day off so I could have the day off. How awesome is that? He picked out forks, took Seth to school, took the dogs to their haircut appointments and ran all my other errands while Kellee and I went to the Fabric Patch. Nice, right? We met up for a lovely lunch and then Seth had rehearsal for his hip hop performance Friday night.
Poor guy, he gets so nervous up on stage...and then he gets tense and wears this "smile"...which looks more like a grimace to me.
A sampling of the hilarity that came in card form.
The second one came from goofball husband...romantic and loving right? He's lucky he did take the day off!
We finished the day off with a sweet moment between Seth & Evynn (noteably the two children who NEVER get along). It went something like this--
Me: Evynn, what did Cristina have to say?
Evynn: That I have too much hair.
Seth in an aside: and a big heart.
Me: Seth, did you just say that Evynn has a big heart?
Seth: Yes. accompanies that admission with a hug for his sister
If this were a movie you would then see Evynn give him a bear hug back with a huge grin and big surprised eyes.
If that doesn't make for an excellent day, I don't know what does.So....to everyone who made my day so grand...Eric, the kids, my parents, my fabulous friends...Thank you from the bottom of my heart. It feels wonderful to be so special for a day. :)
So...now, how about I give YOU something...because I felt sort of selfish lapping up all the goodness myself. Post a comment telling me something funny you've received or done for a birthday and Friday I'll draw a name and send you some random goodness.
I do, I admit it...but to quantify, I mean in the sense of surprise. How about a little Studio Calico sneak peek for you? I'm going to freely claim this as my new favorite. I love this one even more than Confections...and that's saying something.
I caved and ordered up all three add-ons--something I rarely do. I try and limit myself to two, usually. I feel like I had a bit of a break through with this kit, too...I feel like my pages are more 'me' than they've ever been. I could be delusional, though. One never knows. Did I mention I did SIX layouts and 3 mini cards? I could do more, but I think it's only fair that I don't take up fifty gallery pages on reveal night. LOL!!
Without further ado:
Seth has asked me that every morning since Sunday...is it bad that I keep answering yes? Heh Heh Heh. That right there will tell you exactly what kind of mother I am!
Speaking of Mother's Day...mine was wonderful! My husband, dear man that he is, always goes above and beyond. The kids were so excited about it this year, which I thought was adorable. The handmade cards I received from each of them were beyond wonderful. It was truly a fabulous day and I might have to switch my favorite holiday from St. Patrick's Day to Mother's Day! LOL
For Mother's Day I did get myself a little gift. This little dealeybob (love my technical terms?) to fit onto my 24-70L. I'm kind of liking it!
So...tonight's Sneak Night at Studio Calico...and it's going to be a good one! Check the Studio Blog for details about a giveaway and then log on for chatting later on. I'm pretty sure it's Knitting Group Night, so I'll be making it home just in time to see the sneaks.
I haven't had any time to quilt lately and it's bumming me out. It seems like I have a ton of photo related business to attend to right now and then some major projects around the house. Both of which have been a little bit overwhelming. *sigh* I really wish I was better with time management...meaning I was better about sneaking in the time to do the things I really want to do!
QOTD: When you feel overwhelmed and chained to the "must-dos" how do you make it through?
Yesterday we were lucky enough to go on a field trip to one of Seth's classmates new house. M's mom had set up a bread making activity for the kids and they loved it! I think Seth especially loved getting to make the little balls that cooked up to be rolls. Very tasty! I came home and felt like actually baking some bread--but then, as per usual, life got in the way. Maybe today.
TV...you know me and the tube addiction...everything is coming up on season finale time right now with all their plot twists and super secret cliff hangers. In one way I like it, in another it kind of pisses me off. Especially because a bunch of new shows I like are on the chopping block and a others are being renewed for 1/2 the amount of episodes that they should be. A sign of the economy, perhaps. I wish I could cure myself of being an avid tv watcher...but it's almost like a book, I just can't leave it unfinished, no matter how bad it is. My least favorite thing yet is the nasty net rumor going around that my favorite character is leaving my favorite show. Say it isn't so....
(I know, how lucky are you? Two handsome men in one blog post!!)
Speaking of tv...I just started my first foray into knitting a sock (which I knit on while I watch tv so as to not feel totally unproductive). I've mentioned before that I hate double pointed needles with a passion, am not smart enough to figure out magic loop or two circulars...so the only reason I'm even considering socks is because of these little beauties. Magic, I say!! I'm about ten rounds into the ribbing on my first one. Perhaps I'll show a pic as I get a little further along.
Mother's Day. *sigh* Now, honestly, I've been thinking about this for two months. Had plans to make two table runners or lap quilts. Finished up a bunch of other projects in order to do this...and then poof! Time slipped away, I got busy and now I'm down to the wire with nothing. Nada. I have no idea what to do and really hate the feeling of last minute gift-itis. What am I going to do??? I need some ideas!!!!
DOMD (demand of the day): Give me some fantastic no-time Mom's day ideas!!
Is Penny!!! Congratulations!!
**Penny, please send an email to info@studiocalico.com with your name, address, and the prize you won (Bo Peep Add On) by 8:00am EST Monday morning**
My three personal runner up scrap fabric winners are:
Tam (simplyTam)
Tracey (ramath)
Christy S (christysheffield)
If you ladies would kindly email me your full names/addresses, I'll send your little scrap packs out asap!!
Thanks so much for playing along!
And just for fun...a photo from yesterday--Remember those little buds poking their heads out of the bark a few days ago? Now they look like this!!
It seems like April has gone by in a blur. I think this month always does that to me! I've been especially caught up with end of the year projects for Seth's preschool and a ton of photo sessions.
Eric and I celebrated our 14th wedding anniversary this year. I honestly can't believe we've been married that long. He's truly the best husband a girl could ask for...even if our anniversary did sort of get surpassed or bypassed, if you will, this year. My in-laws did have Ella pick out some nice flowers for us, which was pretty much the highlight of the day.
It's also the time of year that we need to register the manster for Kindergarten in the fall. Six months ago, I had this all mapped out in my head. He would go to the all day program with our very favorite Kinder teacher. Then I learned the all-day program is a grant program for kids that need more help. I was truly, truly bummed. Both Ella & Evynn had this particular teacher and to say that we love her and her teaching style is an understatement. Ahhh well. What can you do, right?
Next comes an even bigger blow, we've been re-districted! Yes, we are being sent to a different school now. The option to stay in your current school is there-but no transportation will be provided (meaning no buses) and you're not guaranteed-they're going to use a lottery system to fill any open spots once they see what the current registration is.
I hit my boiling point last night when I went to actually register Seth for Kindergarten. I had all the documents that the newspaper said to have, I'd even asked the school secretary what documentation I'd need. Seth and I drove to the registration hub and I felt confident that despite the mass of people we'd be able to get in and get out. Not so. When I sat down for my turn with one of our 'new school' secretaries I found out there was another complete packet of information that needed to be filled out. I was NOT happy. I could have had this done and taken care of had I known about it beforehand (apparently there were a lot of people in this boat). I was not about to sit there and spend an hour filling out more paper work. I took the packet and came home...with the decision that I'm going to do my best to get my kids back into our favorite school. Tomorrow will be the day that I found out how all of that works. Wish me luck.
Well...that was a long bit of venting. I'll take any advice you may have regarding switching schools midstream--for Evynn especially who has a big sense of school pride and will be in fourth grade next year--so has spent her entire education thus far at this particular school.
Now, how about some fun stuff? Have you done your fabric layout for a chance to win a Bo Peep add on yet? You should...cause I'm about to sweeten the pot! I'm going to give away some little grab bags of fabric to three 'runners up'. Yes, that means whoever doesn't win Bo Peep may still get a little sumpin' sumpin' from me!
Maybe you haven't read the Studio Calico Blog yet...and that's ok, because I'm going to tell you what it's all about.
National Scrapbooking Day is Saturday, May 2nd. There is a lot of really fun stuff happening all around the web that day and perhaps in your own physical area, as well. I'm excited that I get to participate in hosting a challenge and giving away a prize--but! It's not just me! Every design team member from SC is giving away an add on from a past kit.
(There's also going to be more going on that particular day 5/2--but I can't tell you about that yet.)
What I can tell you about is my challenge. It's easy, really!! Use Fabric as a base for your layout. Yup. That easy. You could do something like this:
You can use fabric in lieu of cardstock, you can use any of the examples on the SC blog as inspiration (look down to earlier posts from this week) or you can totally come up with your own creation.
When your layout is complete load it into the SC gallery and leave me the link in the comments here.
**The one thing I'm going to say is that it's really, REALLY important that I have your contact information. If your name isn't associated with an email, I might not have a way to contact you. If that is the case, please leave your username from SC in your comment and then email me to let me know you're entering my giveaway. I'd hate to draw a winner and not be able to figure out who you are!! **
Wait! What am I giving away? Something fantabulous, of course!! How about the Bo Peep Add On???
The fine print: Each SC designer has issued a challenge. To enter to win an add-on,
simply participate in the challenge, upload your layout to the Studio
Calico gallery, and link that layout to the blog post from that
designer on May 2, National Scrapooking Day. For more chances to win,
enter more challenges! You will have one week from today to do your
layouts, and winners will be drawn at midnight May 2nd. This is also
when the official entry threads will be posted on each designer's blog,
so make sure to wait to link your layouts until next Saturday!
Have fun & Use a little fabric!!!
It finally feels like spring. As evidenced by the following--
Notice not only the temperature in the following and that my odometer is perfectly at 9900--but the fact I was in Reverse while snapping the photo. I know...I know.
T(opic)O(of the)D(ay): Tell me about the signs of spring (or current season) where you live.
I've literally spent all weekend working on my May Studio Calico projects. I love to just take a weekend with limited distractions and get them done. (This is where I insert a special little shout out to my dear, dear husband who always just says "go for it")
This month felt a little different to me, I don't know if was feeling more retro and less vintage (do you know what I mean?). You can click to make it bigger if you like.
So...have you been watching The Amazing Race? We always watch it as a family and 'pick a team' we want to win. I had Amanda and Kris...obviously I won't be getting my pedicure for winning this time around. :) This is the only reality show I really enjoy...and this year has been one funny moment after another. Luke rolling down the hill in front of the cheese wheel? Mel saying "Don't let a cheese hit me!!" Mike saying "“The other teams might think my dad is Cloris Leachman, but he’s really MacGuyver.” When Tami tripped over air...when Victor hiked a whole mountain just to prove to the world that he's an mysoginistic egomaniac. Everyone having to run through freezing butt Russia with only their underwear on? Good viewing. 
I do have to say at the beginning I was so excited to see how Margie and Luke would play the game. I was excited to see how he and the world would react to his deafness. Now I'm just so tired of them being boorish and rude. It all started with the senseless u-turn of Amanda & Kris. Then we're wondering exactly how the Mark & Mike keep getting penalized (like sabotage penalty for hiding the tire pumps) but Margie & Luke can give the Mike & Mark's taxi driver wrong directions but don't get penalized for sabotage? I'm also a little irritated that Luke lets his mom do EVERYTHING. I think he matched one set of dentures out of five on the last episode? I'm seriously hoping Jen or Kisha hand it to him tonight. Is that awful?
Well, it's dinner time...and I think I need to go order something...night off for the cooks!
QOTD: What do you do when it's cooks' night off at your house?
Karen, wherever you are, I'm sorry--but I had to pick a new winner. If you ever happen back, let me know and I might just send you a little consolation. Now...maybe a drumroll is in order.....
Congrats, Kimber-Leigh!! Email me and let me know if you'd like iTunes, Starbucks or Studio Calico! Happy Friday!!
Posted by:
Karen |
April 12, 2009 at 06:15 PM
That's right, Karen, it's you who said-- I
bought a table from IKEA three years ago--unfinished and one that would
hang on the wall and could be pulled up as needed-- that I wanted to
hang at standing height. As you might imagine, I have a small
study/studio and no room to add another work surface. My goal this
spring is to finally finish this so it can be hung the week of the 20th
when my husband has a week's vacation. In addition, we have had a
printer's drawer sitting in our garage for years. I have finally
cleaned it up and it, too, will get a coat or two of tung oil and will
hang above the table where I can display my most used stamps. Big
projects--and the usual cleaning as well. Thanks for the opportunity to
add some new goodies to my project list!
