It's Summertime

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Exciting News

Many, many months ago I showed you these guys (Sunshine, Flowers, and Patches). I told you that they went on a journey, but I didn't tell you where. Well, now I have evidence to show you where they have been. (Sorry about the dark photos.)

These guys make an appearance in the latest addition of Stuffed Magazine. My copy showed up in my mailbox on Friday. It was so surreal to see my little creations in print. I am not sure when it will be available in book stores, but I would say pretty soon.

My coffee cozies are going to make an appearance in the new GreenCraft magazine available in August. I will post more about that when I have more to show you. Pretty exciting stuff, huh?

I have actually been sewing up a storm this week, but thought I would space it out. Besides, I thought Crafty Tuesday would be a perfect day to share my crafty news!!! Visit Carrie for more crafty goodness.

Whatcha Lookin' At?

We had a great weekend celebrating Father's Day and hangin' with our family.

Could my nephew be any cuter? I just love his expressions and those curls. Oh, those curls!!!

My niece actually smiles for the camera. Gotta love that. Look at all those teeth. I can't get enough of that little girl.

I am not going to even try to pick a Best Shot. Visit Tracey for more Best Shot Monday.

**On a sidenote it seems like there is a problem with the address for my feed. For some reason www.newgreenmama.blogspot .com is not redirecting. If you can't see my new posts in your feed try using www.newgreenmama.com. Thanks!!

The Birthday Party

Last year I resigned myself to the fact that Harper's birthday party was not going to be very environmentally friendly. She really wanted to have her party at one of those inflatable bouncy places so that is what we did. The turn out was horrible. Only a few kids from her class showed up. Harper still had a great time, but it left me feeling very dissatisfied.

This year we decided that we were going to have a good old fashioned party at our house. We knew it would be a lot of work, but we were up for the challenge. Harper decided that she wanted a Bolt birthday party. I was fine with that because I knew I could incorporate the dog and cat theme into the party without going over the top with Bolt party supplies. Inspired by Kimberly (Tree Huggin Mummy), I decided I would pitch the idea of no gifts to Harper. In lieu of gifts we would ask everyone to bring a small donation to the local humane society. Without hesitation, Harper said "sure, we can do that."

I was beyond excited. I was not sure how this would be received by the other kids and parents, but really I didn't care. The fact that we were having her party at our house and also asking for donations rather than gifts already made this party different from any party we have been to so far. The response to the party was unreal. We had a total of 19 kids including family that showed up for the party. We even had several parents of kids that could not make it say they were going to make donations to the humane society in Harper's name. How exciting is that?

For the actual party, I set up a cooler with water and reusable cups. I also had a cooler with lemonade and natural soft drinks (no HFCS) for the adults. We served hot dogs, and dog bone shaped cookies, fruit kebobs, and chips. Mitch baked and decorated two cakes. We used compostable plates and sporks.

Mitch set up a fishing game for the kids to play. We had a bouncy thing set up thanks to Aunt Gina and Uncle Stephen. G-Pa and Grammie made a nice Cornhole game set.

My brother and his girlfriend did a little face painting.

It was really hot, but I think everyone had a good time.

We had the party in the morning so we did not have much trouble getting the kids down for naps that afternoon. When they woke up, we loaded up the van and took the donations to the humane society. Look at all the donations we received.

Mitch called ahead to make sure it was okay to bring the donations. They were thrilled and said they wanted to take Harper's picture to put in their newsletter.

The workers were so impressed with all the donations we had collected. We walked around the shelter and looked at the cats and dogs. After being at the humane society, I think Harper finally got it. You know what? She did not miss getting presents one bit. This reward was much sweeter. I can't tell you how proud I was of her.

I know I did not post much about Miller's birthday. His birthday was a bit overshadowed this year. We did celebrate and Mitch made and decorated an ice cream pie for him. We tried and tried to find a good time to have a full blown out party for him, but it was not in the cards this year. We will do a class party for him next year.

Gone Fishin'

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The Birthday Outfit

For Harper's birthday I decided to make her a special outfit. I love the apron skirts I have seen on Etsy so I started with one of those. I picked up the brown floral fabric in the remnants bin at Joann's so I worked around it. Then I made the crown using the stiff eco-fi felt. Thanks Christina for the inspiration on the crowns. My plan was to buy a pink tank top and embellish it. I just couldn't find one that I thought would work so I decided to make a top, which she ultimately liked better than the skirt. In hindsight I would have just made the top and paired it with some pink shorts and been done. Overall I was really happy how it turned out. Harper loved the crown especially and wore it before and after school all week.

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Birthday Week Comes to an End

We survived birthday week last week. Thank goodness. I can't tell you how happy I am to have Harper's birthday party behind us. I will post more details on the party later in the week. Now we get to start thinking about our vacation that is less than 2 weeks away. YEAH!!!!

I am choosing the above photo as my Best Shot. Technically it is not my best shot. I was trying to manually focus with my 50mm. But I love the expression on her face and the little bit of chocolate on the side of her mouth. Guess she couldn't wait to get a taste of the cake. I also love that you can just barely see Miller peeking in on the side. Those kids love cake. It's a good thing because we have had plenty of it this week.

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Overheard Conversations and Water Fun Photos

Overheard Conversation:

Let me set the scene for you. We are all in the kitchen. A bug runs across the floor. Miller alerts us and Mitch kills the bug.

Harper: What kind of bug is that?

Mitch: I don't know.

Harper: Is it a roach?

Mitch: No. It's some sort of crazy jumping bug.

Harper: Is it a millipede?

Mitch: No. It's not a millipede.

Miller: Maybe it is a harperpede. (Miller thought Harper was poking fun at him by calling the bug a millipede. I was quite impressed with his quick wit.)

Harper exits the room to grab a book so she can show Miller that there really is a bug called a millipede and she is not making fun of him. She returns with the book and the two of them go into the living room to look at the book. Mitch and I are still in the kitchen.

Harper: Look Miller here is a millipede. It has 139 legs. And this is a grasshopper. It has 3 hind legs so it can jump real high.

Oh, those kids. What did we do for entertainment before them?

Now here are some fun water photos from last weekend. Yes, Miller was pouring water over his own head. It's amazing how much fun they had with a baby pool full of water and 2 cups.

I know Miller looks emaciated in this photo, but I promise I feed the boy and he does eat!!

I hope everyone has a wonderful weekend.

Happy Birthday Harper

Dear Harper,

You were born 5 years ago today. My very first thought the moment I saw you was "she is perfect". You had a head full of hair and a flawless complexion. You were and still are beautiful. You have always approached life full speed ahead. You are willing to try pretty much anything. I love this about you. You are outgoing, independent, and the most confident little girl I have ever met.

You know how to write all of your letters and can write your name. You could spend hours drawing and writing. You seem to be moving out of your princess phase. You are more interested in being a Rock Star like Hannah Montana. You have your own sense of style which definitely reflects your personality.

I am already so proud of the person you have become. Thanks for being you. I love you with all of my heart.

Love you,
Mom

It's Been a Year

One year ago today, I received my beloved Nikon D60. I can honestly say it was one of the best gifts I have ever received. Here are some of my favorite photos from the last year.

I have seen collages like this all over and thought it was done in photoshop somehow. Yesterday I stumbled across a really easy way to compile a bunch of photos. I know you all probably already knew how to do this, but I am a little slow. Enjoy!!

A Little Something For Me

I have been in a bit of a sewing funk. I have lots of projects in my mind, but actually completing them has been a whole different story. A couple of months ago, I bought this cute, soft sheet at Goodwill. I envisioned a dress for Harper and maybe a skirt for me. I have been wanting to make myself a comfy skirt to wear around the house. I decided that I wanted a yoga style foldover waist for maximum comfort. While the kids napped on Sunday, I whipped up this skirt. It turned out exactly how I wanted it to and it is SO comfortable. I was so excited because lately this doesn't ever happen.

I also made Harper an apron skirt and a matching birthday crown. I am still working on the top. I should have photos next week after her birthday party.

It felt so good to sew again. Of course this little bit of productivity has just fed my desire to finish all those other projects swimming around in my head.

Visit Carrie for more Crafty Tuesday.

Shine

"Shine"

Give me a word

Give me a sign

Show me where to look

Tell me what will I find

Lay me on the ground

Fly me in the sky

Show me where to look

Tell me what will I find

Oh, heaven let your light shine down

Love is in the water

Love is in the air

Show me where to look

Tell me will love be there

Teach me how to speak

Teach me how to share

Teach me where to go

Tell me will love be there

Oh, heaven let your light shine down

~ Collective Soul

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Happy Birthday Millerman

(Poor Miller fell at school on Friday and scraped up his nose)

Dear Miller,

Three years ago today you made your speedy entrance into our lives. I can't say that you approach everything at lightning speed, although you sure can run fast. You tend to proceed with caution especially when trying something new, which does not bother me one bit. You are a little shy when you are in a crowd or around people you do not know. Eventhough, I like to think you are a mama's boy you sure do love your daddy too. You are his right hand man in the yard or on the lawnmower. You are always right there if we need help with anything.

You are very much into anything related to cars, fire engines, trucks of all kinds, and motorcycles. You love to play ball and couldn't wait to turn 3 so you can play soccer just like your big sis. You have sprouted up like a weed. People always comment on how tall you are for your age.

You have such a warm and tender heart. I can't get enough of your hugs and kisses. I truly can't remember life without you in it. You are and always will be my baby. I feel so blessed to have you in my life.

Happy Birthday Little Man.

Love,

Mom

Whirlwind Weekend

Boy, did we have a busy weekend.

On Saturday we went to the Farmer's Market. Then we came home did a little yard work and waited for my niece and nephew to come over. They stayed with us all day Saturday and part of Sunday. Then we towed all 4 kids to Harper's last soccer game. We came home put them all down for a nap. Then we played outside. Got out the slip-n-slide. Bathed all 4 kids. Cooked dinner, ate, and went to bed.

On Sunday we just played around the house. My niece and nephew left around noon. I put my kids to sleep then started cleaning our VERY lived in house. I can't really explain what happened next. I started cleaning the kitchen. Then the living room. Then all of the sudden I am moving furniture. This happens every couple of months. I become possessed and start cleaning, reorganizing, and moving things around like a mad woman. I think it is some form of therapy that I need from time to time. Then Harper said she wanted to go eat sushi, which means salad, miso soup, edamame, and TCBY (which is right next door). I had been craving sushi so this sounded perfect. My husband was away on an overnight canoe trip so it was just me and the kids. It was nice to just sit back after a long, tiring weekend and hang with the kids. After I got the kids to bed, I baked cupcakes for Miller's birthday tomorrow. Man, I am pooped.

Needless to say, I had to dig around in my photos from last week to find a Best Shot Monday. This was one that I completely overlooked the first time around, but it speaks to me today so I am calling it my Best Shot.

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