Toys for Friday Finds

Hide and seek?  No, it's Friday and time for featuring Etsy items that I have found that I like.  And time to share with you! I have many grandchildren and just got this wonderful picture of one of my sons and his family!  Just had to share!

Roman, Gideon, Ada and Bella with parents, Aaron and Annie

In honor of this latest picture, I am featuring TOYS today!   Here is what I have found:

Something for Ada--toy for toddlers (and representative of Spring):

Mama Duck and Babies by OzarkRusticWood

Something for Gideon--Soft teether /pacifier holder:  

Fireman Firefighter Pacifier holder/teether by sassydoodlebaby

Something for the group when quiet play is needed:

Soft Bowling toy by emhocollections

Something for Bella--A toy for carrying on an outing:

Sea Creatures play set by MagnoliaSurprise

Something for Roman -- A vintage plane:

Vintage Hubley Airplane by vintage19something

Got any favorites?  

Who would your give it to?  

Happy shopping! 

It's a boy!

I have been away with my son and his family waiting for my twenty-sixth grandchild to be born! He's finally here! Although the birth was difficult in a couple of ways, and I won't go into the details, the best thing is that baby is healthy and perfect! He looks a little bluish and red but that will dissipate soon!   I am grateful to God for His provision and grace for a healthy mom and baby!


Son Aaron relaxing with his new son Gideon

 My son's family has a tradition, done with each of their home births--they celebrate the day with a birthday cake!  Here Aaron and his children light the candles!

grands from left to right--Ada, Bella, Roman

And then present the cake, singing Happy Birthday to baby Gideon and his momma, just four hours after the birth.

And, of course I am a very proud grandma! 

Do you have traditions for family occasions?

Catch Up!

I've been out of the blog habit for a bit because of a ton of family events.  A vacation of sorts!   So here is the recap of my life lately:

My birthday was on the 30th of June and most all of my kids and their families were on hand to celebrate:


Bella Jo helping me blow out my candles!

I didn't get any pictures of our 4th of July Celebration because I was ill.  I went and laid on the couch all afternoon then went home before the fireworks began.  But everyone else had fun with new friends, swimming, BBQ, home made ice cream, and fireworks!

Then the next day we went camping.  All of us!  All of my kids and their families who live in the area and a few friends too!  There were 45 of us!  We had the circle end of the campground to ourselves and had a great time!

DIL Annie and grand Ada.

Plenty of relaxin'.  Plenty of visitin'.  Nice weather!

Swimming at the dock!



Far left corner, Vivi, then Raya, Julilee, Bella, Roman and mom



Even the littles!

And then there was a Hillbilly Golf tournament! Which my SIL won!

SIL Terry and grand Cassandra in the last heat.

Then we topped it off every night with the campfire and s'mores!  Great Fun! (Although the picture is not very clear, but you get the feel of the day.)

It was a great extended holiday!  Now back to the crafting biz!  See you tomorrow!

Swollen River Photos

Our day looking at the swollen Willamette River.  The falls are almost not there, since the water level is so high!  Grandma and grandsons enjoyed the day!

Day 6 Daily Special

It's Sunday and I am going to take the short route, just telling you about the Day 6 special in my design shop. 

Sunday, November 6th, Daily Special is a truly original set of earrings: One-of-a-Kind!  Jasper rounds, cat's eye rounds and Swarvoski bicones are offset with brass findings and steel earwires!!  Unique!!

Remember . . . these are 1/2 OFF Today ONLY.  Celebrating my Etsy Anniversary and my daughters' birthdays!  Also two of my DILs have birthdays in November too!  Last evening we went out to celebrate with the family girls--eight of us--celebrating with three of them:



D, D, DIL

I am blessed with a wonderful family!  Do you have an awesome family????  

Family Chaos

Family is the better part of life! Recently we visited our two sons and their families in the Seattle area. Between them, my sons have seven children all under the age of eight!   (Without the commotion of little ones, life would be sterile and one dimensional.)  Chaos is not only tolerated, but is invited in these families because Chaos is creativity!  Each person has their own perspective, whether they are two or thirty-two.  We certainly celebrated an array of differences on this last trip.



Messy face!



Funny faces!

 There were watercolor painting sessions; building block towers to be tumbled; Candyland games to be played; a reptile show to attend; split pea soup to be consumed; a neighborhood walk pushing the stroller and exploring; church clothing and play clothing and sweaters for the cool days; baths for messy babies; discussions and football for the adults; a library visit and finally a stroll on the Puget Sound waterfront. 

Needless to say,
we had a wonderful time!

When was the last time you had a family gathering that you enjoyed?

Saturday Musings--The GIFT of Family

The best thing in life is FREE! . . . Family!

I have the most wonderful family and I was reminded of that fact on Thanksgiving, with 30 of us gathered at my son's house. Even though my son had just been in a car accident the week before and was still uncomfortable, he hosted his chaotic family! It's because of unconditional love that these gatherings are so memorable and enjoyable . . . . . and such a work of cooperation!

Each of us are different--and that's the way it should be--even when we all come from the same parents. Some of my clan are givers, some are authoritarian administrators, some are teacher-like in personality, some have great compassion, some are perceivers, and some are various combinations of traits all rolled into one lovely person! How do we all get along, with all the differences? We love each other! UNCONDITIONALLY!

Unconditional love is a decision and takes work! We have to overlook a fault, bear one another's burdens, and enjoy what we can (what we PURPOSE to love!) In our family, we have a prankster, a cynic, a "you should have", a cryer, and a bossy one. But each of these loved ones have some very enduring traits too! The prankster would do almost anything for you if you were in need. The "you should have" loves the children and has a great sense of humor. You get the picture.

I know, some of you may have had a dysfunctional family situation, but there are good things in everyone and good memories to look back to, if you try. Memories are wonderful; and they sometimes, with time, gloss over the pain, that makes them wonderful!

Visiting Portland Oregon

This last week, I was on vacation--of a sorts--visiting all the sites in our fair city of Portland Oregon, with my sisters-in-law. They went downtown to the famous Powell's Books - the city of books on Burnside - while I was at work. Then when I was off work, we went to the Portland Japanese Garden in Washington Park. It was a lovely day with plenty of shade for the hot summer day with the strolling pond garden and koi to watch; the tea house; the sand and stone garden; the Shoji Gallery; beautiful Japanese Maples; traditional pagoda's; and plenty of tranquil beauty.

Portland is a great place to visit! More about the area in Thursdays post!

Exposure

I have posted a challenge that may have been a little difficult for many (See Aug 5th entry) since it involves putting our dreams down in writing. There haven't been any takers, that I know of, for this little experiment of mine. To be honest, it is a little difficult for me! It forces me to expose my dreams and hopes to an audience mostly unknown to me. Exposure is not fun, and let's face it, most of us bloggers, are going along on our merry way, just having fun with our blogs and our lives. It's easier that way.

So . . . here goes.

I dream of a farm about 10-20 acres where we grow blueberries! I know, you thought I would be writing about my handmade items, my artistry dreams! Just wait, I will get to that---.

We would have two houses on this farm, one for me and my husband and one for my youngest daughter's family. We would have a barn, although not so much for animals, as for the equipment needed for the operation. It would have a shed also to house the retail sales to passers-by. Besides the fields of blueberries, it would also have a large vegetable garden, and a large flower garden, where my daughter and I (and my grandsons-while they are still little) would spend a lot of time. There would be gardening and canning, and cooking and lots of family time! The shed would be made over as a little country shop with all kinds of homemade and country items. All of my (and my daughter's) handmade items, would have a physical shop home. It would also house the u-pick operation in the lean-to outside.

I am a person who really does not like down time! I must be busy all the time! So, this dream of a farm to care for, large gardens with canning chores, and flowers to deliver to the nearby stores and, maybe even a farmers market, would keep me busy in the day time, with all of the evening hours to work on my creativity (not to mention the winter days when gardening was quiet)!

I could go on, with details but I will not. You get the picture.

OK . . .now, I still have that gift to give for anyone who participates. Be sure to come back and comment about your post to win! (details in August 5th post).

Who started me crafting?

Who was responsible for my becoming a crafter?













My earliest memories are of my mother sewing clothing for my little sister and I. We never went to the department store at the first of the school year, except for new shoes and underwear and socks. Our school clothes came from fabric and patterns that my mom purchased at the local yardage shop.


Then there was my mom's sister, my Aunt Wilma who was also a seamstress. She had clients that she created clothing for. She also loved crochet. As a young girl, I sat with her, when we visited her house and she would teach me the crochet stitches. I really never learned enough to crochet for myself, but I really enjoyed the attention she gave me with our little lessons.

















Then there was my mom's mother, my maternal grandmother. She lived alone and cut little pieces of fabric in all kinds of shapes and made quilts! She also made little yo-yo dolls. But I was most fascinated with her quilts! I always said that when I got old, I was going to make quilts. Well, I guess I am old, because since all my children are grown, I now make quilts of my own! I am so blessed to have had this heritage!









(This little quilt I made for my grandson. Not the first of many that I will make for my family!)

Sarah's Quilt Top

When my mother-in-law, Sarah, passed away a few years ago, I inherited some of her unfinished work and supplies. In the box was a bunch of sewn and pressed four patch blocks that were ready for a project. I have no idea what she was thinking of using them for, but ever since, I have been using scraps from my projects to make more of these blocks to add to the stack.

Finally I decided to fashion a a quilt top with them. I added a white lattice work and little blue center squares. I have the top nearly finished now; it just needs the border and backing. Then I will send it out to be quilted. (A friend does this part for me!) I intend to give this away to someone in the family, whoever has interest in their mom or grandma's work. Hopefully a cherished piece of family art. Or am I thinking too highly of our work?????

Seattle and Occupations . . .

I've been gone for a couple of days. Took a little trip to Seattle for my husband's job interview. We have family up there, too, so I visited and had a great time. We also looked around for an apartment, to see what the costs would be if we moved. Now it's time to wait . . . second interview will probably take place next week, meaning another trip north.

In the mean time, I need to get to work at my occupation--creativity!!! I've got lots of "anything bags" to list on Etsy, some more new jewelry for my design shop and I'm working on some awesome coffee cuffs--a wholesale line for brick and mortar stores. I have a box of cuffs ready, but have not designed the display card holder yet. Also, my husband and a friend are making some display stands from some handsome looking wood. I can't wait to see how they turn out!

Thanksgiving Photos!

We had an awesome time at my son's house for Thanksgiving. Just a few photos to give you a flair for the chaos of 38 people at our gathering!

and

all the feast:

Family Gardening

Haven't posted in quite a few days! I've been busy with my family! Which is a nice thing! I have four daughters in this area and three of them had projects to be done this past few days! My oldest granddaughter was moving back home from college, so we cleaned out a space in the garage for her things. I also dead-headed a rose bush. Then another daughter needed a cabinet skirt. She provided the material, I provided the labor! And lastly, I helped with the yard work and gardening with my youngest daughter and her family! I have a few pictures of our gardening adventure from start to finish! It's keeping us busy this summer! (Need a garden apron? Check out my garden apron in my shop!)

Family is great! It is wonderful to work together, get along well, and have accomplishments together! Plus the garden bounty is a wonderful reward! It will supply our family and my daughter's. But . . . today they are all celebrating Father's day at various places, so today I'm going to enjoy some accomplishments on my own--back to crafting!!!