Home and my honey

I looked for a picture of my handsome husband to add, but could only find one of him with all of his Red Soxs gear on that he got for Christmas. I don't think he would have appreciated that. So I settled on one of our home that we have built together. A place that we love and fill with good stuff. Yep, definitely a bit sentimental tonight.

Bart and I went on a date tonight. Since there is no school tomorrow and the fact that tomorrow is Bart's birthday, my mom was able to babysit. We went to Freeport to LL Bean where he spent his gift certificates and then to dinner at Broad Arrow Tavern. Not only was the food terrific, but I was reminded, yet again, how blessed I am to have such a great husband. We did a little dreaming and reminiscing - two things I love to do. I don't ever want to be one of those people that look back and say...if only I realized then ..... I realize it now. My dreams have come true and I love the dreams we have for the future. We have a home, four amazing daughters, careers that we enjoy (mine could be more lucrative), amazing families and friends, good health and a happy marriage. Don't get me wrong...we have our struggles. We have some debt we want to get rid of, we need to exercise more, we can't figure out how to get our daughters to do their basic chores and my kitty is in heat and I want her to have kitties (I can't believe I am admitting that on my blog). BUT plain and simple.....I am happy. Happy Birthday Bart, I love you. Hannah

Wee Girls, Girl Time

I had such a wonderful time with this group of girls. I am so glad that I was well prepared. They stayed on task so well and were so eager to learn and do MORE. They finished their first project ( Wishes, Hopes and Dream Jars) and started the next two projects - bangle bracelets and collaged canvases. I had one of my older girls, from Girl Time, helping out, thank goodness!

Today, I got to meet with my Frayed Edges Art Quilting Group and had a wonderful day. We worked a gift for Deborah or member who lives in Texas. Nina liked this so much that she actually got to do more then I did. It was nice seeing her having so much fun making art. I so appreciate having these woman to talk about art with. They are such amazing artist and inspire me so much. From my little artists to my well advanced artist friends - they all give me so much. Such fun to make art and create with other ladies. I am definitely a little mushy tonight.

Classes!

Leslie and I are meeting on Wednesday to prepare our next Beattie Chicks flyer. We have some great new ideas and fun classes for young girls to more mature woman (hehe). Just this week I have started two classes for girls. On Mondays I am teaching sewing techniques to girls from 9 to 12 and Thursday I am teaching mixed media collage to girls ages 6,7, and 8. Leslie joined us on Monday so that we could get each girl on the sewing machine and attend to them well enough on other tasks. I am so thrilled how many girls are excited about art.

Today, I am taking Emelia to the Orthodontist to start the process of getting braces. Following that appointment she goes to see her Chiropractor to have her back adjusted. Hmmm. And my children are in good health! It sure is expensive....but money well spent. We are so fortunate in so many ways and I am thankful for that. Nina is going without a nap again - I hope she is in good spirits for our appointments.

FAmily Time

I can't beleive that the girls go back to school tomorrow. We have all been so spoiled sleeping late, staying up late and lots and lots of relaxing. We had a fun friend Thanksgiving dinner this afternoon at our house. Again I feel so blessed by the great people in my life.

Any of my friends that read this blog - please take note that we have NOT sent out a holiday card. I think we are going to do a Chinese New Year card instead of Christmas. I so love all the cards we get each year and have a bit of guilt that we are so behind.

I have a Girl Time camp starting tomorrow. The girls have been after me to do more sewing. I have been getting myself together to make that happen. On Thursday I have a younger group also starting. I so love my Girl Time. Hope to post pictures as the camps go on. Last session, I couldn't post pics because the girls were making holiday gifts for their loved ones and many of them check my blog. I hear there has been lots of crafting going on over the break and I hope they all bring their treasures to share.

Taggies

I am planning to make more of my "taggies" this next week. I love blankies, but am even fonder of something that resembles a stuffed friend. So...I put them together -a softie and a taggie. Hmmm, what to call them "staggies"- no. Softie Tags, no. Any ideas?

My husband is home this week. I am so excited about this. We had a wonderful talk this morning about our lives together and with our daughters. We are developing a strict budget and family plan. We met with our girls shared our ideas with them. They seemed to like our ideas. They didn't like the cleaning and getting rid of stuff after the meeting, But the dreaming of family activities to participate in, that don't cost money, was fun to come up with together. Our long term goal will be a fabulous vacation next year. This year...careful spending, great family times and getting our lives together in order. In the mean time if anyone wishes to pass large sums of money our way...we would love to have our debts paid off sooner. Hehe. Chloe's words, "I wish money grew on trees." I am sure it will be hard, but is sure feels good.

Warning - Owls must have wings!

I love making owls. BUT - it is time for them to mature. So - they have wings. Definately a good move. Planning to make an owl pillow today for my oldest daughter. Shhhh! Dont tell.

Harpswell Communtiy Nursery School

I loved seeing the colors and patterns that everyone picked for their projects at tonights fundraiser. I felt inspired to come home and try a few things differently. I didn't though....after spending my afternoon with my Girl Time Girls and then running to the Nursery School, I have decided that relaxing on the couch is a fine thing to do. Feels extra fun since my husband cleaned the kitchen.

You may think I am nuts....but I am so excited to have a few projects to make that my friends have ordered. Commitions make me nervous. I like it when someone sees what I make and decides they want it. When someone asks for something .....how do I ever know if they really like it or not????? I end up over compensating and doubting myself. Not good. However, when someone asks for me to make something and they are open - I am okay. I am making three softies for a friend whose children I adore and to make them for them feels good. I hope they like them.

Looking forward to school vacation. I can't wait to not have a lot going on and to be present in my life - with my girls and my husband. Family time. Love it.

Beattie Chicks Art Night

I hope you are all as impressed as Leslie and I are - at how great everyone did at our needle felted decoration class. Honestly Leslie and I were a little unsure as what to expect. This weeks class had a lot of people that we did not know well in it. We had no idea as to what their experience was or to their interests. And we didn't know how they would work together. Yippee for us and for another night of great woman and fun art.

Lilac Love

I am so happy that this little gal has gone home with someone special. I sure do love fuzzy purple wool.

I am finished with my craft fairs and just finished teaching three classes this week. I am so happy, but sad. Does that make sense? I am glad to not have the pressure of having enough product for a fair. I guess it is knowing that I have completed my commitments that feels good. BUT...I love it. I love making things. I love sharing what I have learned with others. I love it when someones face lights when they have made something they love. I like it when people love the things I make. Hmmmm. Happy thoughts.

sleep

I planned to update my blog with all the news from our great craft weekend....BUT I started to doze off twice while the picture was uploading. I think I need to close my eyes. I will try to complete it tomorrow.