Eight Years

So hard to believe that Max is 8 today. In someways it seems like only yesterday he arrived on the scene and then on the other hand it seems that he has always been in my life. Can't imagine life without him and am so proud and blessed to be his mother. We had a wonderful pool day with some of our friends - his and mine- and Grandma Sue visiting from Seattle. Five boys, three moms and a few younger siblings thrown in . .. the perfect day and we all had a great time. We had pizza and cake and Max really enjoyed himself. Love this new low key approach and the impromptu birthday party.

After dinner tonight, we had a small family celebration with a cupcake and sparkler candles. These candles make every party lots of fun! Max loved it!

He is such a sweet, fun, loving and often wild boy. Every day he attacks with a energy and zest for life. Steve and I are proud to be his parents.

Looking at this photo taken tonight, I must admit I almost don't recognize him as my baby. He is growing up so fast and I often think . . . he can't be just 8! Then we are often reminded how sweet, young and innocent he is!

Happy Birthday to Max. We love you like crazy!

Inspiration for Urban Home Goods Swap - II

Inspiration for Urban Home Goods Swap - II, originally uploaded by threedancingmagpies.

Swaps, swaps, swaps - how I love you! Five years ago when we lived in Bellingham, WA and we just had Max (he was 2-3) I had the most fun in all the mother's groups I joined because I had found some crafty people to hang with. I realize it should have been about the kids, but a lot of the fun was the part meant just for the moms! Every 3 months we did a Secret Partner kind of thing and you did fun little surprises, most of them were cute cards, little gifts, etc. This group got crafty and it was so fun! The best part was really seeing what everyone else made and have people appreciate your hand-made efforts. I loved it! Fast forward 5 years and the world of flickr and the wonderful swaps has recreated that fun feeling and creative community for me. I have a hard time passing up any swap and am so happy to participate in them. My two favorite swaps are the pillow talk and this one. Kerri and Heather know how to throw a party and these swaps are over the top fun. The creativity and artistry from this group is A-M-A-Z-I-N-G. Check out the pool and you will be blown away. Another thing that blows me away is the "to make" list that I have going, it is huge. I could sew every day for the next year and not make every project I have bookmarked, gathered supplies for and dream of when I can't sleep at night. So partner here is my list and I would be so happy with anything on it or anything else you can dream up!

TO MAKE LIST i-pad cozy, birhtday banner, holiday banner, plastic bag holder, market bag for grocery store or farmer's market, new trade show apron, wall pocket/organizer, a patchwork bath mat, wall art, a fabric box in any size, placemats, tea cozy, a table runner, linen napkins, iphone holder, small camera cozy, anything with hexies, pouches, laundry door mini-quilt, patchwork table cloth

Quilter's Bum? I'm getting mine moving with a little help from my friends . . .

I have loved learning to sew the past two years and get excited to spend any free time working on projects . . . the biggest problem is that sitting and sewing is not exactly an aerobic activity. I tell myself no sewing until I visit the treadmill, but we all know how that goes . . .

If you need a little motivation and want to join in the fun, jump over to Katie or Jacquie's blogs for more information and then lets get moving!

Fabric Dreams . . . the Liberty series

A very good friend asked if she could bring me anything from the UK . . . I asked for a few of my favorite simple items from Boots and a package of my favorite digestive biscuit.

Then when sleeping last night I started to dream of this . . .

Liberty cushion

wonderful new Liberty print

a few I have had my eye on for a while

especially this one . . .

and then when I woke up I had a small swatch of this beauty on my bedside table. I actually cut into the small piece I had of this one last week and made a hexagon. I just love this one!