I've made a bunch of small projects in the past week or so that I want to share.  I also want to participate in Kayte's color week and show off more of my good mail.  I am not sure how to do it all, so for now, projects and mail on the blog with a link to color week photos on flickr.  Sound ok?

Projects::a trio of t-shirts for three little girls with summer birthdays.

butterfly

frog (I used the Purl frog as my pattern)

fish

Color week::Today's color is Red/Pink.  I prowled around the house looking for something to catch my eye.  Normally, I can find something pink right away - the benefits of having two girls.  This was the first thing I saw.  Perfect.

My parents are in town for a quick visit.  My mom and I spent yesterday doing girlie things with Jane and Kate.  Swim team practice (ok, not entirely girlie, but very important), out for lunch, some shopping, pedicures all around, more shopping and dinner at my brother's house.  All that fun is exhausting!

I woke yesterday morning to find random petals on the kitchen table.  I am afraid that these are the last of the peonies.  So sad!  I really will miss them.

Speaking of peonies, remember this photo?  Well, just take a look at this.  Pretty dang cool, if you ask me.  It makes me want to paint.

Back tomorrow with some good mail.....lucky me.

40-ish sharpies (I think a few may be missing) in a red McCoy pot.   These are my markers.  Mine.  Needless to say, the girls get giddy when I share.  Happy Weekend folks!

a note from Fatty that we found this morning

Jane checking out the pastry selection at the coffee shop

carrying the beans

eating her cinnamon roll after swim team

leaving a note

playing coffee fairy and loving everything about it

I took a little longer break than I had anticipated.  We had a beautiful weekend - great weather, good food and even better company.

The girls have art camp this week and I am enjoying a bit of free time in the mornings.   I like the quiet.  It only lasts a bit, though.  A mere two and half hours later they are back and the house is bustling again.  That's good, too.  I think we have found our summer rhythm.

I have a to do list as long as my arm.  I am slowly checking the items off.  I spent yesterday making some gifts and the sewing room is a disaster.  Time to buckle down, fold fabric and straighten.  This afternoon some friends are coming over to have a little craft party.  I have no idea what we are going to make, but I am sure there will be something to show you all tomorrow.

It's good to be back.

Thanks for all the advice concerning Jane and her fashion sensibilities.  I have come to the conclusion that I am finished sewing for her until she asks for something.  And then I will think long and hard about it before I cut any fabric.  For me, the hardest thing is the hurt feelings.  I know I shouldn't take it personally, but I do.  The whole thing makes me sad.

I've been knitting a bit at night.  Traditionally, I don't like to knit during the hot summer months, but for whatever reason, this feels right.  This project is a gift so it'll be awhile before I can share the finished product.  I love the bright yellow yarn.  I don't love the yellow fuzzies it leaves all over my couch.

I am signing off for the weekend.  A bit early, I know, but we have good friends coming to visit and I have stuff to get done.  Until Monday...take care.

It's kind of hard to tell in this photo, but these are the SAME peonies from two days ago.  Crazy, huh?  No longer pink, more like peachy butter.  Their metamorphosis was a nice surprise - kind of like getting two bouquets for the price of one.

The girls and I are adapting to all the togetherness that comes along with summer vacation.  We had swim team practice this morning, swam a bit longer then ran errands.  Now the girls are at my neighbor's house for one hour of quiet reading time.  They can read, journal or draw, but no talking aloud.  If they can't keep quiet, home they come.  I love this idea and hope it sticks.

Back soon with some McCoy and hopefully, some sewing.  The locally owned fabric store has their semi-annual 40% off everything sale tomorrow.  I have a list to make!

School is out for the summer.  Really, it just began about 30 minutes ago.  And I am such a sap...I cried on and off all last Wednesday because Kate was leaving preschool.  Then today, I got teary over having a second grader.  Gee, what is with me?

I did make totes for the teachers - 6 in all.  These are the ones I finished yesterday and photographed early this morning then wrapped for Jane to take in today.  I didn't get photos of the ones for Kate's teachers - too little time.  When will I learn?

We're off to the pool - trying to get into the summertime groove.  I hope that I can balance fun and housework with two little girls in tow.  I did it last summer, but just don't remember how.  I think it'll be trial and error.  Wish me luck.

Keep your fingers crossed that it doesn't rain.  I don't have any kind of back-up plan at this early date.  Got to get on that too.