First day of Second Grade

Today is Claire's first day of second grade. This morning she woke up and said she was nervous. I told her she was probably confusing excited for nervous. By the time we were in the car, she was bouncing off the walls and I knew I was right.
The first day is always exciting. We got up at what I thought would be a good time. Then the power went out for a couple of seconds and reset some of our clocks. We tried to keep on schedule, but seemed to fall behind.
We got Lilly off to Grandma's and I drove Claire to school so I could get some pics. She has some good friends in her class and I am sure she will make many more this year.
Today was Coco's first day of class too. However, I don't think she would appreciate it if I followed her to college to take pics of her.

Good luck to both of you this year! Your dad and I pray for you every day and hope that you find joy in learning.

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A Wedding in an Apple Orchard

Last night I worked a great wedding in an apple orchard in Big Rapids. Jodi's little brother, Jason got married at his parents orchard. In Any Event and some of our trusted vendors pulled off another great evening. This one was a little different from the other weddings that we do because it was for a member of Jodi's family.

Jill and I drove up in the morning and began working on the linens. Jodi's mom had hired some area college girls to help us and help they did. Those girls were work horses and boy did we need them. This time we played the roll of design crew, floral set up, place setters, caterers, and clean up crew! And we rocked it!

Jen at Modern Day gave us a great layout and we had the florals set up in a matter of an hour or so. They were spectacular! Absoulutely gorgeous!

Here are shots of a couple of arrangements that I got to take home to enjoy this week.

Jen Kroll was there to capture the beauty of this event. Ryan Prins came along to shoot all of the details. I can't wait to see what they post later this week.

In spite of the rain and all of the hard work, it was a wonderful event. I even got to drive a mule tractor!

Jill, I had a great time riding up with you and can't wait to get our pedis this week. (You promised, Jodi :))

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New things on my "I must try this" list

I am loving this Tshirt DIY I am all for a girly Tee.

Now that school is starting, this school journal would be a great addition for Clarie.





















These lanterns made from wine bottles are wonderful! A beautiful way to bring light to your backyard while recycling something we know we all have a lot of.
I love the use of the copper fittings.




















These little tins would make great storage for hair ties, crayons, or all of the incredibly small things that my girls collect. Another great recycling project.














I can't even begin to tell you how much I love this indoor playhouse.
The fabrics that she chose to use are great!
The other wonderful thing about this is that you can fold it up and put it away when you need
the space to eat.



















I hope that these great ideas have provided you with some inspiration!

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One Last Outing Before School Starts

Wednesday we went to Binder Park Zoo in Battle Creek, MI for one final outing before school starts on Monday. The weather forecast was not looking great, but we decided to make the hour+ drive and see what happened. Well, when we got there it was still raining. I checked the radar on my phone and it showed a huge green mass over the city and out into the lake.
After a family discussion (with lots of tears from the little girls), we decided to venture in and brave the rain. We donned our 97cent rain ponchos (except for Coco) and started in. One of the major benefits when you go to the zoo in the rain is that not very many other people join you in the crazy behavior. We were probably among about 30 zoo goers that morning.
We went into the only indoor exhibit first and by the time we got done with that, the rain had begun to slow down. By the time we made it to the African Safari, it was only a light drizzle.
(I hate to take credit for the weather clearing up, but I think I prayed the whole way there for good weather.)

We had a great time feeding the giraffes, watching an animal behavior show, petting snakes, seeing birds and riding on the carousel.I really enjoyed the birds. They were so beautiful. I will be using them as the pics of the day for a little while.
Now to start planning for school on Monday.

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claire reading to jack

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claire said goodbye to alex on friday.
such good friends.
to bad they live 2000 miles apart.

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Movie Night

Last week I decided that it would be fun to borrow a projector from work and show a movie in our backyard. We invited some friends and put out some snacks.
Then we gathered to watch Bedtime Stories.
We just finished before it started raining and it was a great time.
I think this will become a regular event.
Not a lot of work or $, but a great way to spend a Friday night.

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Oh, Amy...You've done it this time.

Many of you may know this, but I have a small obsession with all things Amy Butler. I love her fabrics, patterns, bedding, and books. Awhile ago I informed you that she was discontinuing some of my favorite prints from her Lotus line and asked you to email her. Well, I am happy to report that she listened and is reprinting the patterns one more time. Get your orders in now!
Then, on my google reader today, another beautiful Amy creation... RUGS!
The new rugs are made from 100% New Zeeland Wool, hand made and even semi-sustainable - using no harsh chemical washes, the industries safest chrome dyes and natural latex adhesive and are absolutely gorgeous!
Now, I just need to figure out how I can afford one and where I could put it.

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Sorry it's a day late.

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lilly, claire and alex

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katie, claire, alex and lilly

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claire and alex

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redneck tubing

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Claire's Gift to Jack

My Dad and Mom are headed for Chicago to visit Jason, Leah and Jack. Jack is being baptized on Sunday and they are going for an extended visit.
I made some blackout shades for Jack's room and while I was sewing Claire decided she should make him a present.
I cut some squares for her and she made her first quilt. It is definitely not square and I had to trim it up a lot to back it. I just hand tied the squares and stitched around the edges.
The back is really soft, snuffly fabric.
She is very proud of it and can't wait to hear what he thinks of it! Come to think of it...I am pretty proud of her too!

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neighbor friends

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mom's weather vane

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silly girls - abbie and claire