Baby Shower Gifts

We had a surprise baby shower for a friend at work today. She was really surprised. Thought I'd show you what I made for her.
She is having a boy, but I didn't have the right fabric prints in blue, so I went with a green and orange combo. It has a ruffle because I like ruffles and think that if a mom is carrying the bag who cares if it looks girly. After all, she is a girl.
I also made a "quilted" taggy blanket. It has a layer of crinkly plastic in the inside so it makes noise. I love the way this one turned out!

Congrats, Cindy! I hope all goes well in the next few weeks.

Heirloom Tomatos

Last year I planted a cherry tomato plant in a planter by our front door. None of them made it into the house. The girls snacked on them while playing outside. I didn't mind. Healthy snack.
This year my Mom and Dad bought some heirloom tomato plants. We have about 15 or so. They are doing great (I think) and we have lots of small tomatoes and blooms. Can't wait until they are all ripe, but here is a sneak peek.

This one is kind of a mutant tomato. It grew around a leaf. Should be interesting to eat!

VanderSlik Family Photo Shoot

I don't do this very often, but Amy called and asked if I'd shoot some pictures of their entire family. It is hard to get them all together, but she came up with a time and I showed up with a camera. I do not claim to be anywhere close to a professional photographer, but when a friend needs help I will do what I can.
I hope you guys find something you like!

Girls Bedroom ReDo

If you have read this blog in the last little while, you know I have big dreams for redoing the girls' bedroom. I already have installed the chandelier and completed the book slings and pillow cases, now it is time for the walls.
I found this image this week and I think this is the direction I will go.

Did you know that you can adhere fabric to the wall using starch or even an iron on fuseable webbing? I am now on the hunt for the right fabric. Once it is on the wall we'll frame it with trim.
I worked on these while the girls were gone.
I think I'll put them in an oversize frame painted in a funky color. They will be similar, but not matchy matchy.

Whatcha think?

The Greatest Fourth in the North!

Once again we made the trek up north for the fourth of July. The drive was longer than normal, but thanks to a portable dvd player and an Ipod, the girls did unusually well. Traffic was crazy. Talk about staycations. I think everyone stayed close to home and hit the closest lake.The girls played in the water for a long time every day. They absolutely love it. Phase 2 of their swimming lessons starts next week and I am sure they will love it.

The parade in Lake City is always a fun time. Although, Claire had a rough start this year. Lilly kept getting more candy and stuff. We had to encourage her to go for it and forget about what the candy was and if she could eat it (braces) and we would trade it around after it was all collected. She should have her braces off before school starts!

Uncle Gord, Aunt Marcia, Troy, Amanda and Lauren came for dinner and to watch the fireworks. Here are the cupcakes I made. They were really good!
I stocked up on glow in the dark stuff at the dollar store before we went up. I could find the girls in the pitch black and it gave them something to play with. Our neighbors had some really great fireworks. Good thing! The city changed the location of where they set them off and we missed a lot of the show. They were at the opposite end of the lake and it was not the best spot for us to see them.

Another great weekend in Northern Michigan. And for all of you parents out there, my kids are still there. They are having "vacation" with Papa and Mimi for the rest of the week. I know you are jealous. :)