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Wednesday, June 24, 2009

Back from my unintended blog vacation...


With nothing interesting to say. But in this case, no news is good news. We just busily bumped headlong into summer and I am not used to a go, go, go kind of lifestyle. Much has been neglected due to the frantic pace of our recent days; this blog, crafting, projects, laundry. Now I am ready for the relaxed portion of summer that involves a lot of shade, books and iced tea. 

Quote from this lovely little cartoon I used to watch as a kid. Thank you youtube. Because of you, my children also get to experience the joys of Simon and the land of chalk drawings.

We've been cleaning out closets and I have a huge pile of old t-shirts that all had long happy lives, but are no longer public worthy. Most are too stained, stretched out or full of holes to donate, but it was really hard to send them off to a landfill. So I decided to turn them into winter blankets. I can back them with some of our old sheets that have seen better days as well. They won't be the most beautiful blankets ever, but they will probably be the most comfortable.

The other night I had the itch to doodle and grabbed the top t-shirt. I wanted to see what permanent markers would look like on one. (On purpose for a change. I have many permanent marker oops marks on shirts to attest to the staying power of the ink.)

It was fun and there is so much potential with this combo. Especially for kid shirts, or if you want to embroider and add beads. I read online if you iron it a bit afterwards it will set the ink. It won't last forever, but when I washed this it stayed pretty true, so I imagine it will last long enough to have some fun.

I can't wait to try sketching on a t-shirt that isn't all stretched out and stained. Cool t-shirts seem to be so expensive anymore. It is really hard to stomach paying $25 or more for a t-shirt, but that seems to be the going rate around here. This way I can buy cheap plain ones and fancy them up myself. The kids can't wait to try it out themselves.

So that is that. Summer is here, the obligatory parties, celebrations, recitals, trips and fun but frenzied events are all behind us. Much summer lallygagging, merrymaking and barefoot days ahead.

Monday, June 1, 2009

Pictures from recital day...

Hair and makeup done and ready for the show!

The girl's other costume. (Never found the hair ribbon.)

The only mishap was at the end, when my poor little guy waddled out onto stage. He was loaded down with nine bouquets of flowers! (During the bows at the end, the dancers bring the flowers that were sent to them.) Apparently, my boy has quite the fan base AND he somehow ended up with two meant for his sister.

It was one of those things that was funny and cute for everyone else, but horrifying for him. Don't worry, he's over it now, and so am I - it was really hard to watch him struggle up there! I came close to hopping onto stage like the overprotective parent I am and carry off my little star.

Notice my daughter gazing lovingly at a carnation while her brother struggles (don't worry, she has her own bundle of flowers in her other hand). A distracted sister and a mom taking photos of the ordeal - I bet you are glad you weren't born into this family.

The plunder.

In vases.

I don't have that many pictures of the dances because I was busy watching. The show was amazing this year. The dancers were so talented and vibrant, with great songs and costumes. Rather exciting for our small town, actually. Very fun. But I admit, I am glad it is all done now. No classes until next September which is really nice. This mom is worn out! I'll need the rest too, since the girl informed me she wants to add jazz to the dance line-up. So basically, I'll be needing rest and a second job!