Happy Weekend!

Leland Avre

Ethum Asher

How could I resist?

Happy Weekend!
-Amanda

DIY/// A Party Garland Thats Fit for a Boy



You need:

 Fabric (size depends on how much garland you want)

 Yarn

 Rotary cutter

 Rotary mat

Instructions:

Cut your fabric into strips approx. 1-2 in. x 10-12 in. (You don't need to worry about them being perfect.) Next, take one strip and fold it over the yarn as shown in photo 3. Tie a knot. Repeat in 6 in. intervals.

I'm making several garlands like this with assorted solids and prints and stringing them with crepe paper streamer. I'll share photos after Ethum's party next weekend!

I've made a tradition of making handmade decorations for each of his birthday parties.

Here's bad photo  year one + two:

felt circle garland.

      

vintage upholstery sample bunting.



-Amanda

ETHUM SAYS.

As Ethum points to his chest... "There's a big heart in there."
...yes, Ethum, we know.


-Amanda

ETHUM SAYS.

After I painted my nails a pretty light brown color, I asked Ethum, "Do they look nice?"
Ethum says, "No. It's brown." ... Well.

-Amanda

IMPOSSIBLE THINGS.

"Why sometimes I've believed as many six impossible things before breakfast." - Lewis Carroll

I came across this magical quote this morning and how fitting it is for this time of year. It feels so strange that Christmas is only a month and a half away. I mean, it's still hot outside! I continue to find myself coming up with more projects and handmade gift ideas even though I have nearly everyone crossed off my list and just plain have enough on my plate already. Nonetheless, I believe that I have enough time to get it all done. And maybe I do but at the end of the day I am exhausted... yet the list keeps growing! Can one really complain of an abundance of inspiration and creativity? I shouldn't think so.

 Ethum last Christmas :)

                  

-Amanda

A PICNIC.

This morning, I made big plans to go the park, have a picnic and play for as long as Avre could manage. I packed us a nice and simple lunch (that I prepared in less than 5 minutes) and we were out the door. As soon as we got to the car I realized that it might rain today (given those clouds overhead). My husband will not be surprised at all to hear that I just said, 'meh', and hopped in the car anyway. Well, just about 3 seconds after the last photo was taken, it started to rain! My first instinct was to run to the car but then realized that meant, a) we wouldn't eat lunch b) I had to gather everything and put it back in the basket c) fasten the basket and d) convince Ethum we should leave, all while holding Avre. So, I decided we would stay since we were doomed to wetness anyway. We didn't even eat any faster than we would if it were sunny. We were sopping wet when it was over but I'd say it was well worth it. 

{fun fact: This tablecloth was given to Dave's grandparents as a wedding gift- pretty cool, right?}

-Amanda

ETHUM'S SUNDAY PROJECT.

On Sunday we stayed home all day. We didn't even go to church since Dave is out of town and I didn't exactly feel like I had the energy to manage both boys during the service. Anyway, I always feel a little guilty on days like this since we live in an apartment complex and the only outdoors Ethum enjoys is on the porch with the parking lot view. I decided to set up a little project that he could, for the most part, work on independently. He loves saying "Ethum's project" and I love hearing him say it. I also love to watch his little fingers working away. He's just so gentle and deliberate. Every kid needs to make a paper chain at least once in their life, right?

- Amanda

ETHUM SAYS.

Recently, as Ethum and I were playing with Avre, I said, "Ethum, do you remember when Avre was in Mommy's belly?", of course his response was, "You ate him?". I think we will call this toddler logic and it really does make perfect sense.