end-of-the-month catching up . . .

My 'posts per month' average is leaving a little to be desired. Ugh.  There's really so much I want to say and share and show . . . but once again, the whole hours in a day thing is a driving force of opposition!

Thought I'd pop in a share a couple of fun things I've been working on (or worked on, as the case may actually be) . . .

Another baby bonnet, this one for Miss Everley Jade. Look at that sweet, winsome face.  She's such a baby doll!

It served her well in South Dakota -- our Mt. Rushmore day was bright and sunny, but baby girl had her bonnet on.

I was lucky to get in on a 'hexie birthday club' and have spent the last couple of weeks powering through those, so they're all finished . . . 

It was fun to put together the different requests for all the gals.  There was such a wide variety of fabrics!

It'll be fun to see what comes to me in October -- I asked for scrappy blue/purple/teal.  Another couple of months and I'll have them!  Then it will be a matter of what to DO with them!

Sawyer has started kindergarten . . .

I can hardly believe how grown-up he's become . . . it's so bittersweet!

This shot of the three Panter kids helped.  LOL!  They're such a fun crew and I love spending time with them! In fact, I did just that last night (which is when the above was taken).  They've added to their family since the last time I posted . . .

This is Sebastian!  Isn't he darling?  He's a rescue and a real snuggle-love -- but he's also very much a kitten and loves to play! I admit I got him a little riled up last night, playing with string.  Uh, hence the scratch across my chin.  *grin*  He reminds me very much of my dear Gwenevere.  :)

Ellie Pearl also had a big first day . . . 

Of pre-school!!  She's loving it!

And now thoughts are turning to fall and tea . . .

Well, *my* thoughts are turning there.  There and Christmas . . .

Thanks to one of my sisters, I am so enjoying this Holiday Grand Plan site! So much so, I put together my own Christmas planning notebook--all the printables (including some really cute cover options) are on the website!  It kicks off next week . . . a very well-thought out and organized plan to tackling the upcoming holidays (fall, Thanksgiving, Christmas). I felt like with my work schedule, I couldn't do all the things I wanted to do, and finish the things I wanted to make sure I finished, without a little strategic guidance!

So . . . that's where I am.  I can hardly believe August ends next week.  2015 is just cruising merrily along!

**Edited to add that I've linked up with the Feline Friday post over at Sarah Did It!**

:)

happy birthday baby . . .

We had a blast celebrating Olivia Mae's first birthday, yesterday!  All the grands were in good spirits (all had taken afternoon naps, which makes a HUGE difference) and Kim had decided to keep it just family, so it was cozy and casual. The birthday girl was all smiles . . .

Isn't she precious??  She also enjoyed her first taste of CAKE!

LOL!  She pretty much demolished her piece of cake.  Such fun!  She wasn't quite so sure about her birthday present from us~

But her mommy was!  Sweet little bonnet pattern that Joc purchased. This is my first go at it. Here is is with out the beautiful baby . . .

It's cuter with the baby in it! Once I worked through the first one, it'll be a cinch to make more.  And though I used the 12-month pattern for Olivia's, I'll probably go back and make another bill (it's in two pieces, buttoned together) more the 18-month size.  Fun days!  Joc is now imagining bonnets for Everley for every occasion!  LOL!

Our tiger lilies are just spectacular this summer!  Look at all the pretty colors . . .

They make me smile every time I step outside!

I'd seen a cute little quilting motif online somewhere (I've looked and cannot figure out where it was), but I immediately saw wool potential.

It translated nicely!

Now I'm trying to decide if I like the tips of the leaves floating free, or if I want to back it with a second, larger piece.  Any thoughts?

Due to several little finishes here and there over the past (mumble, mumble) weeks, I've got a little something to report stash wise:

And I will have some time for a little slow, Sunday stitching today, too!  Todd is being ordained this afternoon and before the ordination service, he'll meet with a counsel of six pastors for a time of prayer and questions. I'm so proud of him!! And while he's meeting with the panel, I'll continue working on my tea piece . . .

I have to finish outline stitching the 'n' and then I'll move along to the cup and saucer.

Linking up to Patchwork Times and Kathy's Quilts this morning.  Y'all have a wonderful day!

:)