It's a Carnival Parade

Today was Ava's last day of school....I cried, she danced.

{last day of school dance}

       I can't believe that she has finished her first school year- with oh so many ahead of her.  Wasn't it just yesterday that I dropped her off for her first day... 

{Ava's first day of school}

  excitement in her eyes and tears in mine (do we see a theme here).  She has grown beyond belief this year.  Everyday she surprises me with something new that she has learned and I can honestly say that her teachers have been able to help her learn things that I have been working on with her forever.
          For these very special teachers Ava and I decided that they would love a set of handmade alphabet and number beanbags for their end of year thank you gift.   I was up late last night finishing these along with their drawstring bag but I really think they were worth it.  I almost wanted to keep them for Ava and Anthony.  I see myself making another set very soon.

 {they did love them by the way}

         I was thinking about posting a version of these in my shop but because of the weight of the dried bean filling the shipping is approx $45.  I think selling these locally is the way to go.

On another note, did you know that I am living with a celebrity impersonator!!!

Yes I think my mother is right.....time for a haircut!!!

i don't think your ready for this... jelly/jam

Today I tried my hand at preserves for the first time (well just freezer jam).  The kids and Sri were out of the house this morning and I had a flat of strawberries from the market
so what else was there to do.  I made a low sugar strawberry jam...NO COOKING, NO STERILIZING.... SO EASY.

I used these  jars.... they hold 2 cups of jam each.

I used  this recipe (the low sugar version) from Canadian Living.  I will have to let you know how it tastes when it sets.

I ended up with 12 cups of strawberry jam.  I am so excited about pulling one of these containers of the best smelling jam out of the freezer in the middle of winter and spreading it on toast with a TON of peanut butter......yay for urban homesteading!! and mornings of being productive in a creative way!

Introducing the graduate of 2010

Last night was Ava's graduation from pre-school.  I cried....is that weird?  Slide show, sad background music and kids singing- that sounds like a recipe for tears if you ask me.

My kids looked adorable if I do say so myself.  I am thinking about selling dresses and bow  ties together as a brother / sister combo gift - what do you think??  I made Ava's dress from a tablecloth which actually was a great idea because you already have the colour palette picked for you and you just have to pick and choose which parts of the fabric you want to use.  I will be using more tablecloths in my sewing from now on.

I have also started making Ava clothes with sayings on them.

This dress is one of my favourites.  Ava loves it because she can look at the letters on it and pretend she is reading. One day she was convinced that the dress read "Ava you can eat cake for breakfast this morning"... she uses it like a horoscope (I wish I had a psychic dress too).

{this moment}

Inspired by Soulemama (in her words)

 {this moment} - A Friday ritual. A single photo - no words - capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savor and remember. If you're inspired to do the same, leave a link to your 'moment' in the comments for all to find and see. 

Have a great weekend!!

The weekend :: in pictures

This weekend was spent in my favourite way.... on a road trip.  We took the kids to the Fleece and Fibrefest  at Silmaril Farms.

the BEST cheese ever

it was a fantastic weekend that exhausted us all!!!