Mater To The Rescue

The weather today was perfect. It was so cool this morning, that I almost wished I'd thrown a sweater in the car. After sitting in a mandatory training all day long, I was so happy to finally get home and have some time to be outdoors. I decided to finally tackle the almost overwhelming task of weeding my front flowerbed. While I've been able to keep most everything alive (despite the hottest summer in history), the weeds seemed to flourish in the drought conditions. I knew it would be a big job, but it needed to be done and I thought it might serve as "PT" for my hand, too.

As soon as I walked outside, I was quickly joined by a little friend from next door. Gabriel had a thousand questions so I attempted to divert his attention by suggesting he pick up the acorns in my driveway.

Something about tiny acorns in little 2-year-old hands . . . so sweet.

And his giggles of delight as I dropped one "baby acorn" down his shirt! He repeated the process over and over, squealing as the acorn touched his tummy.

As I continued to work on the weeds that have been overtaking my beds, Gabe really wanted to help. He attempted to fill the bag, but finding that kind of difficult, he brought in the reinforcements. Mater to the rescue!!

Carter joined us when he got home from daycare and the questions about weeds and ants and dirt and leaves (and lots more) were doubled! (Carter's shirt kind of says it all)

How about that great outfit that Gabriel has on?!? His mom just purchased an industrial monogram machine and is hoping to eventually make it her full-time business. Her work is beautiful!!

The weeding may have taken a bit longer than normal, but I didn't mind a bit! It was refreshing---both the weather and the boys!

P. S. I can't figure out why my font keeps displaying so small---for some reason Blogger is not saving my preferences. Sorry if you needed your reading glasses---I did, too!

I Did It!

Well, I did it!

Last night I sat down at the sewing machine and actually sewed!

Shocking, I know! (haha) Actually, this is the first time I've used the sewing machine since my surgery, so it really was a major feat for me. I had to take really frequent breaks to stretch (and breathe, if you want to know the truth), but I managed to sew several headbands for the craft show using BOTH hands.

Now, ironing them is going to be a completely different story!

Almost Time To Revel

It's almost Revel time! Even though I work on the committee, for some reason, the Red River Revel has snuck up on me this year. I can't believe it is only two weeks away! I even managed to get it totally confused with the trip to Canton I'm hoping to be able to make (keep your fingers crossed)

Today, Carol and I spent some "quality time" down at the Revel office working on the graphics. Despite the fact that we've been going down at least one afternoon a week for the past month, there is still MUCH to do.

I mainly work right here, creating the graphics---

and sending them over here to the vinyl cutter (it's kind of like an industrial size Cricut -- only easier to use).

Carol has been setting up the signs. Today we even recruited Emily to help out when she can.

As we were leaving this afternoon, the first tents were going up. It's almost Revel time!!

Un-braced and Discharged

This past week has brought a few changes for my wrist.  I am now officially un-braced and as of yesterday, discharged from Physical Therapy as well.  I'm trying to look at that as a positive thing, but unfortunately the doctor's long-term prognosis is not too great at this point.  I may be looking at another surgery in the next year, but in the meantime, I'm working like heck to regain as much strength and range of motion as I can!  I was sent home with tubs of "thera-putty"

and that yellow tub is already getting a good workout here at home (yes, my hand is still pretty swollen).

I'm determined to prove that doctor wrong (and work up to that pink tub soon)!  Wish me luck!!

The Signs Are There

The signs are barely perceptible, but they are definitely there.  The air is cooler in the mornings--cool enough that a sweater seemed in order this morning.

Never mind that it was a short-sleeve sweater (I never would have worn even that last week).

And tiny acorns are beginning to adorn my patio and driveway.  I love acorns!

Fall is definitely on its way.

I just got my copy at the magazine stand at Drug Emporium.    

Blue skies, nice breeze and temperatures in the 80's instead of triple digits and my favorite magazine---sounds like the perfect Labor Day holiday!

Crafty Weekend

For the first time in many years, I've decided to participate in a holiday craft show.  Given the current state of my hand/wrist, it may not be the best timing, but I have high hopes of improved use in the next few months.   In the meantime, I've been looking for fun things that I can manage.  Jana's former church in Atlanta, Epworth Methodist, is hosting a craft show the first weekend in December.  Since she's planning to go and have a table, I'm putting together a few things as well.  I'm hoping to actually be there, but if not she'll handle the actual sales for me.

To get started, I punched a bunch of paper and used a lot of Dimensional Magic.  The magnets turned out really great (you may remember the ones I made for my cubicle)! 

I haven't decided how to package them yet, but I'm hoping for small pieces of metal to group them as sets. (may have to talk to Ron about that)

Hancocks and Hobby Lobby had all their ribbon on sale this week, so I picked up some 3/8" grosgrain and set to work crafting a few tiny hair clips.

flowers . . . 

and lots of bugs to begin with.   

Since the sale is in December, I'm hoping to whip up a few Christmas related items, too.   Who knows what's next?