Finally finished...

Yes...after 19 months behind schedule I have finally finished Ella's 100 Good Wishes quilt. I guess it is the same with any 2nd child and projects usually take longer. I made a large quilt and a small one. Ella was so sweet when I gave it to her and all day she would come to me and say "tank you mama". Which made me start to feel bad that maybe she thinks Jetty gets more then her... this is typical mother thoughts, right?

Now, if I can get her toddler, regular lifebook, and slide show done by her 2nd Family Day, I will really be on the ball.

Speaking of slideshows...I used Nero to do Jetty's and it had a few glitches. Can anyone recommend a good slideshow program.

Sad News...

Sad, terrible, heart wrenching news. Steven Curtis Chapman's youngest daughter, Maria, was killed yesterday. The Chapmans have three daughters adopted from China and have moved the hearts of so many people to adopt from China. Please keep them in your prayers and help them heal from this tragic accident. The loss of a child is beyond words...
The Chapmans

A Day Sailing

The other weekend we spent our first full day out on "Ping" this season. We went out all day a couple of times last year but Ella really wasn't ready for such an adventure. I am happy to say that she loves the boat now and we are so looking forward to using it this summer. The title should really say cruising and not sailing because we didn't raise the sails but we were still out on the water.

We cruised up to the island at the inlet and met some friends with their boats. The kids had a great time and I am so excited to spend lots more weekends like that this summer. Last year we didn't have a motor for our dingy so I am sure we were quite a sight trying to paddle against the current to get to the island. I am happy to say that we have a motor and getting to the island from where the boat was anchored was a breeze. Doug even taught Jetty how to steer the dingy and she was doing a great job. I still have a hard time with the tiller steering.

Today we are off to try to catch some fish from the dock and do a little kayaking. I sure hope the fish are biting because the $ of grouper is ridiculous.

Prayers

My heart and prayers go out to all the families dealing with the recent natural disasters. China is especially close to our heart and the earthquake was close to Ella's first home. Half the Sky has been checking on the orphanages and have started a relief fund.

Happy Mother's Day!

To all the Moms out there I wish you lots of sweet little moments. Those little moments are what it is all about.

Little Flower Girl

Here are some photos from the wedding two weeks ago. It was beautiful and Jetty did a great job.

Red Neck Hot Tub

I know that the post title is not politically correct but it really does fit. We had a spa for a few years but it is so hot most of the time that we really didn't use it often. After we sold the spa we bought an old claw foot tub but it was way to heavy to move around. The latest solution for outdoor bath time is a feeding trough. I met Doug at the feeding store and he actually wanted me to lay inside one of those dusty feeding troughs to see how comfortable it was going to be. Needless to say, I passed on the offer and said anything would be fine. It may not be pretty but it is comfortable and it is light enough to stash behind the studio when not in use. As you can tell the girls love bathing outside. One day I still would like to get a nice claw foot tub and put it under the jasmine where the outdoor shower is...a girl can dream.

My Little Crafters

The other day we were sucked into one of those arts and crafts stores. While I was trying to find my way out with two small children, Jetty noticed a little potholder weaving kit. You all know the kind that was popular in the 70's and 80's. I was very hesitant because I remember I loved making them but I thought I was 7 or 9. Jetty usually doesn't ask for things in the store so I caved and bought the kit. When we got home I set it up for her and she caught on pretty quick. While she was working I pulled out her sewing kit and decided to let Ella try embroidery. I didn't start sewing with Jetty until she was 3 but Ella loves beading so I thought I would give it a try. Who would have thought that a 2 year old would enjoy sewing. Children are amazing.

I have always had items out for the girls to create. This book The Creative Family has encouraged and inspired me to be even more mindful in the creative moment and process. It is the process not the product. I always remember creating things since I was a child and I hope my girls can say the same when they grow up. They may not grow up to be professional artists but if they are creative people they will appreciate the beautiful things around them. And being creative will help them in that will help them with whatever they choose to do in life.
Thanks Mom for always inspiring me to create through your creativity and to Great Nanny for teaching me as a child how to crochet.