The Pah-Ful Gardener

Clark has reached the phase where he wants to do everything himself. He's still a very good little helper and I try to find him little tasks he can do all by himself. One of them is watering our garden. The tomatoes he helped me plant back in February burned up in early July so I transplanted our withered herbs into the vacated pots. I love watching Clark take the pitcher of water to each plant, while repeating "pah-ful" (how he says careful), then carefully pouring it onto each plant. 

He doesn't usually dump the whole thing onto one plant, but he likes to distribute it among all the pots each time. Even the empty one. 

Sometimes he has to stop to wave to a dog or feel the breeze, which is fine too. Once he's done he throws pebbles and/or fists full of watered soil from our balcony onto the driveway . All part of a job well done. 

I sure love this age. Can he stay this way forever?

My Second Quilt

I couldn't get this triangle quilt idea out of my mind after looking at some pictures of triangle quilts with Steve's mom recently. She's making one for my SIL who I stole my last quilt idea from. She has good taste! I particularly loved this one and got the bug to make my own. I chose my color scheme (funky, eh?) and designed the quilt in Illustrator. It came together pretty fast though I spent extra time realigning some of the intersections since I'm OCD like that (though I come by it honestly...it's an inherited trait). I love how it turned out and can't wait to see how it will look behind a newborn girl. 

Sunday Play

Since we don't go to the playground on Sunday Clark improvises with the next best jungle gym: Dad. I think Steve particularly enjoyed the "climb on the head move." At least one of them was enjoying himself. 

My First Quilt

Now that Clark is approaching 2, I thought it would be a good time to finish the quilt I started for him shortly after he was born. My mother-in-law, an avid quilter, made a blanket like this for my nephew just barely younger than Clark. She saw how much I liked what she had made and encouraged me to put one together myself, even giving me her leftover supplies (pattern from ohfransson.com). I finished the top and back a long time ago (a year?), but stopped short of quilting it since I didn't know how. Recently I decided the thing wasn't going to quilt itself so I sat down and stippled it one day. I guess there's no better way to learn free motion quilting than to do it! After watching plenty of YouTube videos and getting tips from Google, obviously...

Lighthouse Hill Ranch

A few months ago Steve had the idea to get all of our Texas family together this summer for a couple of days. He and his parents planned the event and we all converged at Lighthouse Hill Ranch in Johnson City, just outside Austin, Thursday to Saturday. 

We (9 adults and 5 kids) stayed in the Green House.

We had fun exploring the property. Some even got pretty close to some cows that wander freely on the ranch.

Kids large and small swam in the kiddie pool.

I'm guessing it was cold?

Some played games in the yard while the rest of us spectated.

Boys big and small played with sticks.

Clark had the time of his life throwing large rocks and piles of ash in the fire pit. I don't think he's ever been so dirty but he loved it!

 When the temperatures rose the family cooled off in the grotto area and creek. I hung out in the shade and played photographer.

Clark didn't love floating in the tube with Dad, but he loved throwing rocks in the cave (surprise!) 

Back on shore, Clark found more rocks to throw. This boy loves rocks. a lot.

We enjoyed a lovely evening outdoors in front of a blazing fire which blended nicely with the blazing temperatures. 

It was fun to see everyone and explore a new place. Thanks to Grandma and Grandpa for all the fun toys, games, and cookies we enjoyed!

Camera Shy

It's funny what triggers nausea of pregnancy for me. I'm referring to that extra sick feeling on top of the already sick and blahness that's there nearly 24/7. When I was pregnant with Clark it was anything to do with sewing. This time around it's been anything to do with pictures, cameras, and this blog. As I'm ever so slowly coming out of that nausea phase I'm regaining the ability to pick up a camera without feeling like losing my lunch. Here are a couple shots I took of my favorite boy while getting reacquainted with my camera:

p.s. home projects that require use of ladder also require sharing that ladder with 21 month-olds that are ever so eager to climb "up!" and "dooh!" over and over