Random Projects

     Liam is growing so fast!  The kids all adore him, and the cats are really starting to love hanging out with him as well.

Booger "kissing" Liam.

     He's even starting to smile!

Liam's gummy grin.

     With four kids and almost zero free time when they're awake, I've made nap time my crafting sanity saver.  I created my own hat pattern that makes double-layered hats with hidden seams and worked it until my crafting-OCD tendencies were completely satisfied.  So I made some hats to add to the shop:

And then I made some more:

And then I made a million more.  :)  All-in-all, I came up with a nice selection for the shop.

     In between hat-making and various other craft projects, I've been trying to figure out creative ways to use up all of the eggs that our ladies are now laying.  With five chickens, we're averaging 4-5 eggs a day.  That means a LOT of scrambled eggs, hard-boiled eggs omelets, quiche, egg soufflés and whatever else I can think of.

     I really wanted to start carrying a variety of onesies in my shop as well, since my favorite, absolute FAVORITE, thing in the world to make is baby stuff.  If I hear that someone is having a baby, it's ON.

     So I placed an order for onesies, and I plan to add them to the shop after they've received the Spicy Pinecone treatment.  ;)

     I also have a friend that is an absolutely fantastic artist.  I asked him if I could use his artwork for my kids (just my own personal use) so I could use it to make them some t-shirts.  He was totally cool with it and gave me the go-ahead, so I took an afternoon, my Silhouette and some printable heat transfer paper and went to town.

   Optimus Prime, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, and Wall-E.  Each kid got 3 tees and all of the older kids (unfortunately, while Liam will look fantastic, he does not appreciate fine t-shirt art as of yet) just completely lost their minds when they saw them.  Scarlett immediately had to put on her TMNT shirt and get her picture taken.

     Finally, just today, I went to Cam's school because they were having a Locks of Love donation today.  I didn't know that we'd be getting our hair chopped off in front of hundreds of students and almost the entire school faculty!  I was a little surprised, but the kids got a huge kick out of seeing all the hair getting lopped off.  Unfortunately, I don't have any pictures of the event because I was juggling a baby and a toddler and my son was in the crowd, but trust me when I say that it was horribly crowded, bright, and HOT outside.

    I did, however, get a picture of Scarlett holding up a bag of my hair afterwards, once we were allowed to come inside.

  And a nice crossing guard was kind enough to snap another picture of me after the donation, while a hairstylist cleaned up my new 'do.

    At this point, Liam was NOT happy in his carseat and insisted on being held throughout the haircut.  I swear, I think that every woman at the event passed by and tickled his toes.  He adored it.

Playing Catch Up

     It's been a crazy few weeks!  Between dealing with a newborn, trying to keep the house from looking like it was hit by a tornado, and getting everyone off to school and set in a routine... we've been busy!

     Anyway, here's a look at what we've been up to around here.

     First, the kids had to start the school year.  The first day is always the most exciting!

    It was Kai's first year of school and he was over the moon about riding the bus.  We love our bus driver to pieces.  That man is great!  Always in a good mood and ready with a wave and a smile.  The boys adore him.

    Also, our chickens are laying eggs like you wouldn't believe.  I expected a few eggs here and there, but we're getting 5 a day!

Scarlett's chicken, "Ballerina".

     The chickens do have kind of a prankster side to them.  They love to escape from their chicken enclosure and walk up to the back door to tease our cat, Rango.  I swear sometimes that chickens really can and DO laugh.

    With all these eggs, we have to find creative ways to use them.  Omelets for dinner, hard-boiled eggs for snack and packed in lunches, and an egg-souffle' creation that actually turned out quite yummy!

    Between all the running around, there is still time for us to goof around.  This mustache is still something that we love to run around with.  Who would have thought you could get so much enjoyment from a little piece of felt?  I recommend felt mustaches and glue dots to everyone.  :)

     Luckily, I've been able to catch a few spare moments here and there to keep up my crafty addiction. First, I wanted to whip up a Dr. Seuss hat for Liam.  The first fitting didn't go so well.

    Liam kept moving and it slid down over his eyes.  Being the great mother I am, I had to snap a photo before quickly removing his unintended blindfold.  ;)

     When I finally finished, I was so proud and excited to finally get some of those adorable baby shots I've always admired online.  I had visions of sweet, sleeping Liam with an adorable Dr. Seuss hat.  Instead, I put it on and he hated, HATED this hat.

    Once he calmed down, he then wouldn't stop trying to eat the pom-pom.

   You wouldn't believe the amount of "outtake" photos that I have with this hat.  I tried everything.  Finally, I was able to snap a quick shot of him being peaceful and calm.  Success!

     We haven't touched the hat since.

     I have gotten some sewing done.  A few of my friends are having babies and I wanted to make them presents as a surprise.  Everyone loves non-bill related mail!

    So I made some hats for my friend having twins.

    And a blanket for my friend having a little girl.

     Then, I got all hopped up on a sewing high and whipped up swaddles and burp cloths to put into the Etsy shop.  I adore bright colors and beautiful patterns.

     So that's what we've been up to.  I'm back into a routine and should be posting with more regularity now.  Hope everyone else is doing well too!