Traditions

Happy Weekend All! This summer is flying by!

Ever since I was a little girl, I have loved traditions. I loved waking up on Christmas morning, knowing we would open gifts, look in our stockings, then eat breakfast. I loved knowing that we would spend Christmas Eve and Christmas Day with my mom's family, eating kielbasa. And that between Christmas and New Year's, we would see one of my dad's brothers and his family.

I loved waking up to Easter baskets and Easter egg hunts on Easter. I loved waking up to a donut on my birthday. I even loved knowing that every summer morning my mom would leave us a note starting with "Good Morning Girls" and containing instructions for chores to do and food to eat that day.

Mostly, I loved the summer traditions of my family. Every week, my Grandma or one of my mom's sisters would pick us up on a weekday morning. We would spend all day swimming in my Grandma's pool, spend the night, and swim until my parents picked us up after work. 

I loved spending a week each summer with my Grandma on my dad's side. We would go out on the boat, swim, play mini golf, get ice cream, and roast marshmallows. 

My parents would take us camping several times in the summer. There were always trips that lasted a week or two, exploring new areas, hiking, reading, Pizza Hut lunches, and a trip or two to Dairy Queen. 

The other week, my sister, my niece, Jeremy, and I headed up to my parent's cottage to spend some time together. My parents live on the same lake that my Grandma on my dad's side did, which makes it even more special to go up there.

While we were up there, I realized that now that we are adults, it's up to us to be a part of making our traditions. And I realized that we have already started making traditions for ourselves and the next generation.

Traditions like:

making the long trek up north,

Campfires by the lake,

playing with "cousins",

relaxing with Jeremy's parents,

hanging out on the boat,

gathering generations,

Mary Louise, Paula Louise, Emily Louise, Sofia Louise

kayaking trips,

enjoying sunsets,

and hanging out on the same dunes that I have since I was a little girl.

Jeremy and I have decided to make some traditions with our anniversary. In my last post, I mentioned that we were in Milwaukee as part of a new tradition. 

Jeremy and I were in Europe for our honeymoon. While we were there, we decided that we would like to spend every fifth anniversary visiting a new continent.

Right before our first anniversary, we decided that we want to spend all of our other anniversaries exploring a new city. We made this decision in June, so we decided to go to a place pretty close. So, we set off for Milwaukee.

We also decided that we should get a picture of us in front of some sort of sign or famous symbol that showed which city we were in last.

We started our tradition by posing in front of the Milwaukee Public Market.

When we got home, we had the picture blown up to an 8x10 and framed it.

We are looking forward to exploring new places together for years to come!

Next week, we are heading out to our first neighborhood of the month! 

Keep cool!

Mosby enjoying an ice cube

Until next time, keep crafting!

SB

Spring Break and a Chevron Update

Hi all!

Somehow, even over Spring Break, I managed to keep myself busy enough not to share one of my new favorite projects.

Here's a rundown of my (two week) Spring Break and the project I completed between all my fun.

Spring Break started off quiet. Jeremy was out of town, and I spent most of the weekend relaxing with Mosby and dogsitting for our favorite furry friend, Fate. There was much relaxing done by all.

Once Jeremy got home, we went for some corned beef and cabbage (pizza) and beer to celebrate St. Patty's Day. (I am talking about St. Patty's Day, I know, I am FAR behind!!!)

My first week of break consisted mostly of crafting and babies. Lots of babies. 

My first stop was to see my friend, Cathryn, and her 16 month old, Emma. Right before I left to see them, Cathryn graciously offered to let Mosby come along to play with Emma.

This was Mosby's first playdate with a non-furry friend. It went well. Emma enjoyed giving Mosby treats (and later, food from her highchair). Mosby really enjoyed Emma giving him the food, too! 

As far as playing, Emma followed Mosby around, then Mosby would follow Emma. They enjoyed putting each other's toys in their mouths (before the adults could reach them). Mosby jumped on Emma a few times, but Emma was a really good sport about it all. 

Getting a dog and a one year old to both stand still or look at the camera is pretty much impossible.

Later that week, I took a trip out to the suburbs. I have a couple friends out there, and it worked out to have lunch with one and dinner with the other.

Lizzy and I worked together for two years, right when I first moved to the city. We have been close friends ever since. I've mentioned her in Casey's post and probably several others. 

When Lizzy had her daughter, Audrey, she left her 9 to 5 job, to start her own business and be a stay at home mom (lucky duck). It's been great for her, but our impromptu coffee/tea/beer dates after work have been harder to work out, as she is no longer working downtown.

(*Shameless plug for Lizzy's business, Home Sweet Hale. She does embroidery and sewing for your little ones and home. It's adorable and fantastically made. Check out the link here.)

Ms. Audrey

After a lovely afternoon with those ladies, I went to see one of my favorite families. My best friend, Maggie, her husband Michael, and daughter, Grace. I've mentioned them plenty of times, including in this post, where I framed my maid of honor speech.

Well, I love this little family, and now that it's "facebook official", I can share that this little family won't be little for much longer. Maggie is due with TWIN GIRLS this summer!! 

It was fun to go to see these three while they are still only three. Grace is getting so big, and we had fun playing and reading books. It was nice to spend time with Maggie and see her belly start to grow. We stayed up late (9:00 pm people) chatting. (Maggie is the only adult I know who goes to bed earlier than me, pregnant or not).

I rounded off my week of babies by spending time with Sofia. My parents came back from their nine week trip to Florida and the Dominican Republic, and the seven of us had a nice time spending Friday together.

I even got to get in the pool with Sofia for her swim class. She LOVES the water, singing songs, and especially looking at the other kids in the class. My parents took photos, but I forgot to snag a couple from them.

We did bundle Sofia up for a walk. It's nice to finally be able to get out of the house!!

On Saturday morning, Mosby and I left with my parents to go up north for a week.

We were greeted by icy, muddy roads and about a foot of snow in the driveway. Happy Spring Break!

We had a nice time relaxing in front of the fire and drinking Moscow Mules, which is our new (old) favorite drink.

vodka, ginger beer, and lime...yum!

Mosby enjoyed going for muddy walks, although he wasn't a fan off meeting some aggressive new "friends" or the baths that uncaked the mud from his belly and paws.

We did meet up with my Pat and Den, my in-laws, and Michelle and Tim, my brother and sister-in-law for dinner one night. We also saw our friends Karrie and Randy, and Craig and Anne for dinner. I always seem to forget to take pictures when only adults are around.

Although it was cold, there were signs that spring was coming. 

We walked out to Lake Michigan, through the woods, and were relieved to see that the beach and water were snow and ice free. 

And of course, the most tell tale sign that spring is here....the year's first Oberon. (Never mind that snow in the background.)

Spring break was good. It went too fast. And now, after just a week back at work, I'm already counting down to summer (12 more weeks).

But, my project this week has brought a POP of summer fun into our apartment.

Jeremy and I have these TV trays. They are in good shape, structurally. However, the paint had seen better days.

I decided to spruce them up a bit. I had left over off white spray paint from some wedding projects, so I decided to spray paint them. I used about 3 coats to completely cover up the black.

Then, I decided that my tables needed some color. I LOVE pops of bright color. Jeremy and I have neutral, black, and oak toned furniture and walls, but I love using room accessories to add color.

   

I have been really liking the chevron lately. (Not sure what chevron is? Click here.) I had some red acrylic paint left over from another project. While acrylic may not be the best choice, it was on hand and it worked out well.

The hardest part of the project was making the chevron pattern. I used this blogger's pattern to make the pattern and her advice on how to apply it. My pattern is now one of my prized possessions.

my pattern

 

the pattern applied (using pen) to the top of the table

From there, I used a paint brush to carefully apply two coats of the red paint.

coat one

The first coat needed some more POP. Here's a look after the second coat.

After both coats dried. I sprayed a clear coat of spray paint to protect the stripes.

And the finished product.

Whew, that just about sums up Spring Break. Sorry for the LONG and rambling post.

Until next time, keep crafting!

SB

Love: Easy Blanket and Pillow

During the month of February, I've decided to create a series of posts based on the different real life love stories that inspire me. I'll be featuring friends and family, and their different types of love.

In keeping with my February theme if love, my month has been filled to the brim with loved ones. Here's my post from this week, LAST week's is coming soon.

Jeremy has two sisters. When we first started dating, they both lived far. Now Michelle's family lives near, by Jeremy's parents. Liz's family lives far, in Houston. Since we went to see Liz's family over the (long) weekend, this week, I want to write about my love for my "other" family (Jeremy's side) and especially Liz's cute little family's love for each other.

We got into Houston on Thursday night. Liz came to get us, and besides a sleepy, beaming Ava who woke when we got to the house, we had to wait to see everyone else until Friday.

Geoff had to go into work, and Jacob had school, so we were left to hang out with the ladies of the family. Ava is four years old, and she led the way. We did a lot of walking/bike riding, swinging, picking flowers, painting nails, and looking for turtles and, as Ava puts it, crocodiles (alligators). Ava gave us a tour of their house, looked at our shoes and bathing suits, and tried on most of my jewelry. It was a very enjoyable day.

When Jacob and Geoff returned, we went to a Mexican restaurant nearby and began Jacob's 7th birthday celebration with a bang! (Actually a huge brownie volcano with a huge sparkler.)

Liz is reading Harry Potter to Jacob, which I LOVE. Jeremy and Ava also enjoyed being read to. 

On Saturday morning, we took off for San Antonio. There was lots of backseat fun and hotel room cuddles.

We also snuck in sometime at the Riverwalk.

  
And the Alamo.

Sunday was Jacob's actual birthday. We let him decide between exploring caverns or going on an "Africian Safari". He chose the safari, and we were off!

We were headed through Texas hill country, and the adults decided that we should stop at a wine tasting or two (the kids weren't as thrilled about this idea, but were good sports).

Liz and Geoff know Jeremy and I well, so our last stop of the day was The Salt Lick, an awesome (and famous) BBQ joint right outside of Austin. We had fun sampling wine and playing on the playground while waiting for our table.

We ate and celebrated Jacob's birthday. It was delicious and the company couldn't have been better.

Geoff got us home safe and sound. We spent Monday opening Jacob's gifts, taking Jacob shopping for our gift (a mini shopping spree at Target), and enjoying each other's company.

Jeremy and I headed home yesterday. We had such a wonderful time and enjoyed watching the love of this cute little family.

And now, the craft that goes with the trip.

At Christmas, I made Ava and Jacob blankets and pillows. It was fun to see that Jacob uses his on his bed, and they both brought them to San Antonio with them. You can see glimpses of them on the hotel bed and in the car.

These were seriously easy and fun to make. They make a great gift and a good beginning sewer project.

You will need:
1 1/2 yards colorful fleece fabric
2 yards plain fleece fabric
stuffing

Start by lining up the two fabrics. Mosby REALLY loves Ava, and wanted to help.

Cut off the extra half yard of fabric.

   
Sew the "wrong sides" of the two fabric together using a sewing machine. Sew each side individually. Snip off the extra in each corner.

Stop when you have just enough of an opening on one side to pull the fabric through to make right sides be facing out. Hand stitch the opening.

  
The pillow is just as easy. Cut the remaining 1/2 yard in half.

Then follow all the same steps as the blanket. Before you hand stitch closed, just stuff the pillow.

And, there's your finished project.

I'll be back in a couple days with another craft!

Until next time, keep crafting!

SB   

Love: Conversations and Hearts

During the month of February, I've decided to create a series of posts based on the different real life love stories that inspire me. I'll be featuring friends and family, and their different types of love.

My whole life. I've been exceptionally lucky in finding wonderful friends. When I moved to Chicago, I found these women.

Lindsay, Lizzy,  Casey, and I

Last night, we celebrated Casey's 30th birthday. While we were all excited to dress up and celebrate with Casey's closest friends and family, the real anticipation came from knowing we would be meeting someone very special to Casey.

This summer, Casey was set up on a blind date by a co-worker and her husband. The mystery man was the husband's work friend.

Casey and Eric hit it off. They began spending time together nearly every day. When they couldn't be together, they spoke on the phone for hours each evening.

Casey spoke to us about Eric. Lizzy, Lindsay, and I couldn't believe how happy she sounded. Casey  seemed so at ease with him and he sounded so wonderful.

As the months progressed, they have continued to spend more time discussing everything from their days, to their families, to their future.

Lindsay, Lizzy, and I continued to be amazed and thrilled with how happy Casey was and how great Eric was.

Through the past six months, we have seen Casey be as happy as we had ever seen her. And all this has happened because of Casey and Eric's inspiring commitment to each other.

The commitment is even more inspiring because Eric lives right outside of Paris. As in France.

Casey and Eric met this summer when Eric was in Chicago on business for a few weeks. They dated for about two weeks while on the same continent.

Since then, they have spoken almost daily, via phone or Skype. They wake up early or stay up late to speak to one another.

Casey travelled to see Eric over New Year's and they had a wonderful time being together and exploring Paris.

Last night, we all met Eric. He was charming and sweet. He made a slideshow celebrating Casey. He made a scrapbook of the slideshow so we could all sign it, so Casey would have a memory of her birthday.

As great as Eric is, the best part of the evening was watching them interact.

Cheers to you, Casey and Eric. Enjoy this month together.

Inspired by Casey and Eric, I made a wreath with conversation hearts. (Get it?!? Conversations, ha)

Here's what I did.

Start with a 12 inch wreath, 3 bags of conversation hearts, and hot glue.

Mosby REALLY wanted those candy hearts.

Glue the hearts on in a row.

Flipping the hearts every other row helped to decrease the amount of styrofoam showing through.

Keeping going until the whole wreath is full. This will take about two hours.

Pin a ribbon to the wreath.

Hang and enjoy!

Until next time, keep crafting!

SB