tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4324343111940321672024-03-05T10:24:42.845-06:00Distance MakesA mother-daughter creative collective.Beccahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17612191005127996663noreply@blogger.comBlogger354125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-432434311194032167.post-72006767349054465322015-05-08T08:49:00.000-05:002015-05-08T08:49:33.726-05:00Bright Baby Summer Shirts<div style="text-align: left;">
This is one of my favorite styles from McCalls (pattern 6781). So light and comfy, but enough detail to be interesting. A few tweaks here and there, and I am loving how it turned out. </div>
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By serging the arm holes and turning them under, I was able to omit the sleeves. </div>
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I used one of my old t-shirts to make the front and back yoke. I have a stash of ruined clothing with interesting prints in my fabric collection and this particular holey, Old Navy t-shirt just worked great with the bold floral cotton. And I trimmed it out with pom-pom fringe, because everything is better with pom-poms,</div>
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Because I used a knit for the yoke, I didn't need to put in the zipper called for in the pattern, and that makes me like it even better!</div>
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Beccahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17612191005127996663noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-432434311194032167.post-45590122201058968452015-04-26T23:25:00.001-05:002015-04-30T12:43:44.331-05:00Scrapalicious Crazy Quilt<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PH4EeM2VDEE/VT236pnIGEI/AAAAAAAAEPw/UoZYqN1xD4A/s640/IMG_4155.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PH4EeM2VDEE/VT236pnIGEI/AAAAAAAAEPw/UoZYqN1xD4A/s640/IMG_4155.jpg" height="608" width="640" /></a></div>
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Cleaning out my fabric stash this week I decided I have far too many beautiful scraps, that I couldn't want to throw out but didn't want taking up any more real estate in my little laundry/sewing combo room. A crazy quilt that a friend has been working on for some time and another dear friend who's expecting her third girl, gave me the inspiration to make this lovely.</div>
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My first attempt at a quilt like this and it was really gratifying to not worry about a pattern or size or precision and just go at it.</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pGFfLxvGzwc/VT2355PWlnI/AAAAAAAAEPo/xzNCUpB8dbs/s640/IMG_4172.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pGFfLxvGzwc/VT2355PWlnI/AAAAAAAAEPo/xzNCUpB8dbs/s640/IMG_4172.jpg" height="528" width="640" /></a></div>
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I backed it with a vintage sheet and quilted it with all the lovely decorative stitches that are rarely touched on my machine.</div>
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Beccahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17612191005127996663noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-432434311194032167.post-69000604066539545632014-08-22T16:26:00.001-05:002014-08-26T10:40:03.478-05:00More Embellished Tea Towels<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitncPrA5PEsbBfi5nb0NS6IOfSI4GVsnIRZMfVWrM_EP6rvw-7HgP1ATUtJh71O2zZsz9l6L9_zmeQWX1P9HPB_TPMzgAhfpTxhthw_0McJGFAiAidW2TJlNhUPBnpIUCIFvrQ-fYFW9c/s640/IMG_3195.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitncPrA5PEsbBfi5nb0NS6IOfSI4GVsnIRZMfVWrM_EP6rvw-7HgP1ATUtJh71O2zZsz9l6L9_zmeQWX1P9HPB_TPMzgAhfpTxhthw_0McJGFAiAidW2TJlNhUPBnpIUCIFvrQ-fYFW9c/s640/IMG_3195.jpg" height="365" width="400" /></a></div>
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Here are a few more embellished tea towels I did for some friends' birthdays. </div>
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Nothing really fancy, but they did the trick. </div>
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I should have ironed them a little better before I took pictures. </div>
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One friend's husband makes his own delicious BBQ sauce and, since his name is Dan, they call it Dan-D-Q sauce. I think this would be kind of funny.</div>
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Beccahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17612191005127996663noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-432434311194032167.post-65734872859902376042014-08-09T11:17:00.000-05:002014-08-11T18:39:37.227-05:00Printable Proclamation Poster <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Say that ten times fast!</div>
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I was asked to do the crafts for our stake's girls' camp again this year. It was so much fun. What could be better than searching Pinterest for ideas and crafting supply shopping sprees at Michaels? The stake Young Women's President asked that one of the crafts be a framed <a href="https://www.lds.org/topics/family-proclamation">Proclamation to the World on the Family</a>, so each girl would have a copy. Wanting to do something with a little more pep than the beige church issued poster, I took highlights from each paragraph and made my own. </div>
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Here's what I came up with and I thought I'd share. Feel free to save, print and share these posters. They look best printed as an 8x10 photo. I only ask that you use these for personal use and not for profit.</div>
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If you have trouble saving them, leave me a message with your email address and I'll send you a file directly.</div>
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Enjoy!</div>
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Becca</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CKBZdHKY1Og/U-ZP-I3ltcI/AAAAAAAAEGE/fICY0rg4SIc/s800/proclamation_darkblue-001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CKBZdHKY1Og/U-ZP-I3ltcI/AAAAAAAAEGE/fICY0rg4SIc/s800/proclamation_darkblue-001.jpg" height="320" width="247" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DrijKUX4TMU/U-ZF6eN4RmI/AAAAAAAAEFM/EeQpvtdcS54/s800/proclamation_tangerine-001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DrijKUX4TMU/U-ZF6eN4RmI/AAAAAAAAEFM/EeQpvtdcS54/s800/proclamation_tangerine-001.jpg" height="320" width="246" /></a></div>
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Beccahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17612191005127996663noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-432434311194032167.post-4426951558010205922014-06-08T22:52:00.003-05:002014-06-08T22:52:17.514-05:00Pillow Case Apliques <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Personalize an ordinary pillow case with fabric appliqué. All you need is a supply of fabric scraps, Wonder Under or some other two sided iron on interfacing type stuff and a zig zag stitch. Pattern can be made from your own kindergarten style designs or clip art, coloring pages or other graphic. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXaAtB6GAhYIhD7iUTcDPWhzhthQzGAhfh7ScH1PG-Nt9fS7uwFxzLvXZTL-Iqw8d8LU0RaISmGKwib3rrBMh31Xvg-JTgsONAAIooUC1EIXZEci4w7CTxlA4wE8qWKoUvKUC9c1PaDPU/s640/IMG_3370.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXaAtB6GAhYIhD7iUTcDPWhzhthQzGAhfh7ScH1PG-Nt9fS7uwFxzLvXZTL-Iqw8d8LU0RaISmGKwib3rrBMh31Xvg-JTgsONAAIooUC1EIXZEci4w7CTxlA4wE8qWKoUvKUC9c1PaDPU/s640/IMG_3370.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
My goal this year is to make one for each of the 15 oldest grandchildren. So far I have crafted 5, only 10 more to go! <br />
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When I print up a graphic from the computer I print two. One I cut up into pieces to make the shapes I need for each different layer or piece of fabric. The other one serves as a reference for how to assemble my fabric pieces. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1c31cnUULWJlK6P8sF92x804RzfJuGfhZYdrae_Xc2HD0lFYt5e2ktP9P2sbUpikFtTE7L86Vv0obRzLvsm3dhVjxsrJm4E5T-WIBdr8qHInEJH5AiGw2CHk43oO8i9rXn0_mlq7Irvw/s640/IMG_3703.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1c31cnUULWJlK6P8sF92x804RzfJuGfhZYdrae_Xc2HD0lFYt5e2ktP9P2sbUpikFtTE7L86Vv0obRzLvsm3dhVjxsrJm4E5T-WIBdr8qHInEJH5AiGw2CHk43oO8i9rXn0_mlq7Irvw/s640/IMG_3703.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
I think it is easier to layer smaller pieces over larger ones. For example, the center of the flowers is layered over the petal piece. The petal details on the pink flowers are stitched but the flower is a single piece like the yellow one. Those are not individual petal pieces. The butterfly wings have a smaller layer over the larger one in contrasting fabrics. The antennae are simply zigzag stitching. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSfXd8scnPNzg7j87mudKdcM__9LDLCrlQayiyDR_GjROPUeFIbt0KvErt9tM1s-K7oatYn4D1zZk1Sid5toMfGp-kjinCz8PtWF545zfzB3Pi7p1ZRqlCzedF5kjlfNzYjW6aa-e1scU/s640/IMG_3704.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSfXd8scnPNzg7j87mudKdcM__9LDLCrlQayiyDR_GjROPUeFIbt0KvErt9tM1s-K7oatYn4D1zZk1Sid5toMfGp-kjinCz8PtWF545zfzB3Pi7p1ZRqlCzedF5kjlfNzYjW6aa-e1scU/s640/IMG_3704.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
These orcas are made up of a single layer of black with smaller white pieces layered over them. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXMOmjKBMYb8J4QFi2p0V8bROqdlxYbVYMawozo6qiyna_z1ssk2K8l3LHh_6Bbwk2vKTh9xSyjGFytK9AslLkg8N6EaSZWBtPI_ZgrC-dAhgvGWb9Q2q00ILk_LmlH4Hl9LVM_aAVBZc/s640/IMG_3706.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXMOmjKBMYb8J4QFi2p0V8bROqdlxYbVYMawozo6qiyna_z1ssk2K8l3LHh_6Bbwk2vKTh9xSyjGFytK9AslLkg8N6EaSZWBtPI_ZgrC-dAhgvGWb9Q2q00ILk_LmlH4Hl9LVM_aAVBZc/s640/IMG_3706.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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Janenehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00593734232535536666noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-432434311194032167.post-33122317273023071872014-06-08T10:33:00.000-05:002014-06-08T22:50:44.010-05:00Even Easier Ice Cream Cake<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwfpmmV7_AT1Y7D6FqpJScHmjgTTR4xCamkO2SmN1A6m4zp8Nnqv3-7wfkwKxFRzxpmFiZbLuja75ZRyoCeK1oJSn3n0aSnb2GspDJ0fNo7wJYmiw1nVfv2e1oLA9rR6bNuRP3OrSU11I/s640/IMG_1421.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwfpmmV7_AT1Y7D6FqpJScHmjgTTR4xCamkO2SmN1A6m4zp8Nnqv3-7wfkwKxFRzxpmFiZbLuja75ZRyoCeK1oJSn3n0aSnb2GspDJ0fNo7wJYmiw1nVfv2e1oLA9rR6bNuRP3OrSU11I/s640/IMG_1421.JPG" height="320" width="243" /></a></div>
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A variation of <a href="http://distancemakes.blogspot.com/2014/06/summer-sherbet-cake.html">Becca's Summer Cake</a>: I used a carton of strawberry ice cream, slightly softened and cut into 2 inch slices. Slices were placed on top of previously frozen white cake layer, and corners trimmed to fit the round layer like a puzzle. Use a spatula to smooth into place to fit the layer. Top with second frozen layer. Freezing the cake first makes it more stable and easier to handle. Freeze the filled cake.</div>
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Thoroughly mix one small package of strawberry Jello with 12 oz. Cool Whip. <br />
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Frost the frozen cake with the now pink Cool Whip.</div>
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Freeze until ready to serve.</div>
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Decorations for this cake were added just before serving.</div>
<img align="right" src="xo becca" style="border: 0;" />
Janenehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00593734232535536666noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-432434311194032167.post-51064368250734982452014-06-01T01:04:00.000-05:002014-06-01T01:04:59.752-05:00Summer Sherbet Cake<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-n2DIU5Wnmk4/U4q6VrlgqvI/AAAAAAAAD8s/kkLuVbU5zH4/s640/IMG_0553.JPG+(2).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-n2DIU5Wnmk4/U4q6VrlgqvI/AAAAAAAAD8s/kkLuVbU5zH4/s640/IMG_0553.JPG+(2).JPG" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
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For our last two family birthdays, I've had requests for ice cream cake. For my daughter's 11th birthday, I thought I'd do something a little brighter and lighter. It was a hit! Here's my easy way to create a tangy and refreshing twist on a classic ice cream cake.</div>
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SHERBET CAKE</div>
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White Cake Mix</div>
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Thawed Rainbow Sherbet (it takes about 30-40 minutes sitting at room temp. to get it soft and spreadable, but not liquid)</div>
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FROSTING</div>
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1 1/4 cup Whipping Cream</div>
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1 small package of Strawberry Jello</div>
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1/3 cup powdered sugar (more or less to taste)</div>
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Chilled mixing bowl</div>
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Sour Gummy Worms</div>
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DIRECTIONS<br />
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Cake: Bake the cake mix according to the directions in two 9" round pans. Any brand will do and you can doctor it up if you like with an extra egg, sour cream, pudding, etc.</div>
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Assembly: Once the cakes are cooled, place one layer on a plate and spread thawed sherbet thickly* on top, leaving about 1 inch between the edge of the cake and the edge of the ice cream. Top with the second cake layer (bottom side up, so you have a nice flat surface to frost) and press down gently. If any sherbet squishes out the sides, smooth the edges with a knife or metal spatula. Set in freezer while you make the frosting.</div>
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*I like about 1.5" to 2" thick, but you could do more or less depending on your cake to ice cream ratio preferences.</div>
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Frosting: In a chilled mixing bowl, whip cream in an electric mixer at high speed until very soft peaks form. Gradually whip in the Jello and sugar until firm peaks form. Smooth over frozen cake and top with sour gummy worms. Refreeze. Thaw the cake for at least 30 minutes before you serve it.</div>
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Enjoy!</div>
<br />Beccahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17612191005127996663noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-432434311194032167.post-80710868843882477352014-04-20T23:05:00.001-05:002014-04-21T09:12:09.178-05:00West Coast Easter<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Hope everyone had a nice Easter Sabbath. Mark played his violin perfectly with the choir number this morning at church and I loved singing the Easter hymns. </div>
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Like you, Becca, I didn't get photos of everyone there or the meal. Once Peter's family came I was too busy serving up dinner to take photos. But it was wonderful to have them all here. After heavy rain the past couple of days we were blessed with a dry, mild day. Aaron's family came early to do their family egg hunt in our back yard. It made if feel like Easter for us to have little ones trying to find eggs in the bushes!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI6nABpJeqdCI0DL_187tSl_0-H8JM8J9RZAdHqAtqbj5D0RWcEdrixtjhh5sZN1S0PhhKMWQSzLxq3FAuUJHhVaoXWAQXGWWNpXOUyqJEIqCube_aSJ6AOpT4QrBGrj0thk7GevvlPJI/s640/IMG_3510.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI6nABpJeqdCI0DL_187tSl_0-H8JM8J9RZAdHqAtqbj5D0RWcEdrixtjhh5sZN1S0PhhKMWQSzLxq3FAuUJHhVaoXWAQXGWWNpXOUyqJEIqCube_aSJ6AOpT4QrBGrj0thk7GevvlPJI/s640/IMG_3510.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEWp0bF51H0A9Ow7ksNDMObW0r5XrXo-GIeuvOZAVVys8YWp73bbvBlv3vrYYfH-te0R8lgkhXhRW0y8fj_VoLrEqC5fEkn0qv0FlJaKK3sst2twKQpUpGtTO2NbrVv59Yv9-ZwJnAHhg/s640/IMG_3503.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEWp0bF51H0A9Ow7ksNDMObW0r5XrXo-GIeuvOZAVVys8YWp73bbvBlv3vrYYfH-te0R8lgkhXhRW0y8fj_VoLrEqC5fEkn0qv0FlJaKK3sst2twKQpUpGtTO2NbrVv59Yv9-ZwJnAHhg/s640/IMG_3503.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlKDLm4kZCpuevBpPcyYx-SbVgI9DQ-z-JvJuUkgOG9s8Bn6Lje1TvkmReQZ4jAJVJAzNTuHb0b4TQLCC0HV6fYGJ9DbidzllzyDtQjpLIoWjkW92QVl-PSTfXauWlGOlKKAJaTONHoy8/s640/IMG_3506.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlKDLm4kZCpuevBpPcyYx-SbVgI9DQ-z-JvJuUkgOG9s8Bn6Lje1TvkmReQZ4jAJVJAzNTuHb0b4TQLCC0HV6fYGJ9DbidzllzyDtQjpLIoWjkW92QVl-PSTfXauWlGOlKKAJaTONHoy8/s640/IMG_3506.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a>Before the hunt, Eleanor shows off her new hair cut with her mommy/hairdresser. Truman gives Misha a thorough greeting! <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxka8BcCy7UFLv8gTsECHirEZWtSpG18Wa3b30bGZdTLjE3zsAI8EEUiAyr_GES-Z7YV2-Mj6J4Qe9e738E8h3eL4Vxu_VLtW2NGF4DBKw5RzimlsU6GCrIcmgtgMeoX3Z2FyeTjp_ONs/s640/IMG_3518.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxka8BcCy7UFLv8gTsECHirEZWtSpG18Wa3b30bGZdTLjE3zsAI8EEUiAyr_GES-Z7YV2-Mj6J4Qe9e738E8h3eL4Vxu_VLtW2NGF4DBKw5RzimlsU6GCrIcmgtgMeoX3Z2FyeTjp_ONs/s640/IMG_3518.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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Lincoln's eggs were orange.</div>
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Eleanor's were pink.</div>
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I set up an art project that I had done with my kindergarten class, making bubble prints.</div>
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Kids blew bubbles into paint/dish soap mixture with a straw, and then captured the bubble prints on a paper outline of an egg. Messy but fun! </div>
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Butterfly and flower sugar cookies on my mother-in-laws old Franciscan Wear, Desert Rose. </div>
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Two things I love about Easter: fresh tulips and the Franciscan-Wear dishes.</div>
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Dessert bar: Chocolate covered strawberries, Chocolate Bunt Cake, Sugar Cookies, Candy<br />
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Janenehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00593734232535536666noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-432434311194032167.post-12862952453569072082014-04-20T21:35:00.002-05:002014-04-21T09:20:08.589-05:00Easter Sunday<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
No pictures of food or all of the company we had together. No family pictures, all in our Sunday best. But, here are some snapshots of our little Easter Egg hunt, which topped off our happy Sunday following an uplifting church service with an Easter hymn by our choir (which I lead) and delicious lunch. Just the best way to celebrate such a hopeful holiday.</div>
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Hope yours was good, too!</div>
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Tessa slept through the fun. But, Charlotte was game.</div>
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Ready. Set. GO!</div>
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Helps to have a tall friend.</div>
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Time out for glamour shots by the leaves as I coveted Holly's cute Easter outfit.<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DoOFi_TgeAs/U1SBGZmARYI/AAAAAAAAD5o/KbWhDEyle3Y/s640/092.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DoOFi_TgeAs/U1SBGZmARYI/AAAAAAAAD5o/KbWhDEyle3Y/s640/092.JPG" height="320" width="233" /></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WguVyC2DtrU/U1SBFRH8IEI/AAAAAAAAD5k/3dTc2WE0gO4/s640/087.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WguVyC2DtrU/U1SBFRH8IEI/AAAAAAAAD5k/3dTc2WE0gO4/s640/087.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
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Why I don't have any close ups of Bram or Harper, I don't know! </div>
Beccahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17612191005127996663noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-432434311194032167.post-92055019202207310242014-04-19T21:25:00.000-05:002014-04-19T21:25:45.404-05:00Necessity is the Mother of Invention!Twas the night before Easter. . . . and I was ready to dip my strawberries in chocolate when I discovered NO STYROFOAM in the house!!! Not sure what others do to dry their chocolate covered strawberries, but in desperation I sliced raw potatoes in half and it worked!
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<span style="color: #990000;">Like little islands with chocolate strawberry trees!</span></div>
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<u>Easy Chocolate Covered Strawberries</u></div>
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20 large-medium sized strawberries with stem/leaves</div>
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1 cup chocolate chips</div>
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1 T shortening</div>
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Make sure strawberries are clean and thoroughly dry.</div>
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Melt shortening in a small glass bowl.</div>
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Pour chocolate chips into melted shortening and stir.</div>
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Microwave 30 seconds and stir until all is melted.</div>
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Stick toothpicks into top of strawberry and dip in chocolate.</div>
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Stick other end of toothpick into styrofoam (or raw potatoes cut in half!) until dry.</div>
<img align="right" src="xo becca" style="border: 0;" />Janenehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00593734232535536666noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-432434311194032167.post-89345456959267324542014-03-23T15:16:00.002-05:002014-03-23T23:32:21.970-05:00Dallas Buyers Club (the G Rated Version)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
These girls know how to plan a last minute trip to Dallas like no one's business.</div>
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Thanks to some encouragement from the husbands, we packed up and headed south for the weekend to do a little damage at Ikea and rejuvenate our enthusiasm for being professional mothers.</div>
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Someone was excited to go.</div>
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(It was me.)</div>
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Breakfast at Starbucks.</div>
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A quick stop by City Craft's new location.</div>
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It was kind of sparse and more industrial. Kind of missed their quaint little shop on Lover's Lane.</div>
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Pre-five hour wandering delirium through the maze of Swedish inspiration.</div>
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Found this little reminder of our missing quarter.</div>
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Holly can do some serious shopping when she puts her mind to it. Two overflowing carts and one completely full pallet trolley later...</div>
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...and there was still some daylight making its way through the tops of the car windows. Can't believe we fit everything and still had room to bring Teriney home.</div>
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After such a mammoth shopping spree, we needed to re-energize with some red meat. T-Bone's waitressing experience and consumer know-how scored us some free dessert. </div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CB_N0ff5epQ/Uy899pE--KI/AAAAAAAAD24/6XG1EvNsQ0Y/s640/026.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CB_N0ff5epQ/Uy899pE--KI/AAAAAAAAD24/6XG1EvNsQ0Y/s640/026.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
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Then, she put this on, so I knew it was time to get home.</div>
<img align="right" src="xo becca" style="border: 0;" />
Beccahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17612191005127996663noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-432434311194032167.post-57358736960248757752014-03-01T19:12:00.000-06:002014-03-01T19:12:24.005-06:00Little Details for the Littles' Birthday<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEig7MzgIW8rn__22g4yeykUU4rNYlxNHK79yGNGd9rl4ttyz1gnFriydwDfLNuQpJ998-BdfXyONCbCKOS2MeYGqIFB8HqnXAHI5Y5Z40kSTep4LK__mqi9warPTYa40f59eTz1B5M1l0M/s640/001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEig7MzgIW8rn__22g4yeykUU4rNYlxNHK79yGNGd9rl4ttyz1gnFriydwDfLNuQpJ998-BdfXyONCbCKOS2MeYGqIFB8HqnXAHI5Y5Z40kSTep4LK__mqi9warPTYa40f59eTz1B5M1l0M/s640/001.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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Here's a little break down of the food I served at the twins' party and links to the recipes.</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-auPAiaxF3-Q/UxJ9ZdvvhRI/AAAAAAAADy4/vueychqatZ4/s640/003.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-auPAiaxF3-Q/UxJ9ZdvvhRI/AAAAAAAADy4/vueychqatZ4/s640/003.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://willowbirdbaking.com/2013/04/01/the-ultimate-moist-fluffy-ridiculous-coconut-cake/">The Ultimate Moist, Fluffy, Ridiculous Coconut Cake</a></div>
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This cake turned out really good. It was a little time consuming and I left off the coconut syrup. But, the recipe was really educational-- lots of good bakery-esque tips. The frosting is Swiss buttercream, which I'd never made before, but it was delicious and possibly my new go-to frosting.</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ob_iZ87NJ28/UxJ9ZTIW8jI/AAAAAAAADy8/7US_xw6sPu0/s640/004.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ob_iZ87NJ28/UxJ9ZTIW8jI/AAAAAAAADy8/7US_xw6sPu0/s640/004.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://lemon-sugar.com/2013/01/cherry-almond-sour-cream-cake.html/">Cherry Almond Sour Cream Cupcakes</a> with <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/quick-vanilla-buttercream-frosting-recipe.html">Almond Buttercream Frosting</a>.</div>
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I tasted these right out of the oven and was disappointed with the cake, but letting them sit over night in the fridge worked wonders because they ended up being a hit. I used almond emulsion instead of almond extract (you can get it at hobby and craft stores) in the cake batter and the frosting, which really develops a yummy almond flavor that compliments the cherry well. </div>
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Wish there were some leftovers for tomorrow's breakfast.</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8qlOSscA1qs/UxJ9ZzkISGI/AAAAAAAADzQ/M_3JVsTlCp0/s640/006.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8qlOSscA1qs/UxJ9ZzkISGI/AAAAAAAADzQ/M_3JVsTlCp0/s640/006.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://authenticsuburbangourmet.blogspot.com/2011/09/lofthouse-style-frosted-sugar-cookies.html">Lofthouse Style Sugar Cookies</a></div>
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These cookies are so soft and fluffy they are almost biscuit like. The recipe calls for sour cream, but I didn't have enough so I did about half sour cream and half full-fat plain yogurt. I think they still turned out pretty good.</div>
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Chocolate covered strawberries.</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ntsphlU0880/UxJ9bU0f2eI/AAAAAAAADzw/4I-JSVK7OuM/s640/014.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ntsphlU0880/UxJ9bU0f2eI/AAAAAAAADzw/4I-JSVK7OuM/s640/014.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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We also had lunch food, not just desserts. :)</div>
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Smoked beef brisket, which Billy dutifully got up with every two hours during the night to check on</div>
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<a href="http://www.food.com/recipe/marvelous-middle-eastern-marinated-yogurt-lemon-chicken-361281">Middle-Eastern Marinated Yogurt Lemon Grilled Chicken</a></div>
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<a href="http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/ina-garten/herbed-basmati-rice-recipe.html">Herbed Basmati Rice</a></div>
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<a href="http://thepioneerwoman.com/cooking/2011/04/greek-salad/">Greek Salad</a></div>
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<a href="http://richestoragsbydori.blogspot.com/2013/02/crockpot-parmesan-ranch-mushrooms.html">Parmesan Ranch Mushrooms</a> (I used Gruyere and Parmesan)</div>
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<a href="http://www.cooks.com/recipe/o820k6n0/pink-stuff-salad.html">Pink Stuff</a></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FvdckoTCeEg/UxJ9ahcY51I/AAAAAAAADzU/t0CQrqDTM3Q/s640/008.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FvdckoTCeEg/UxJ9ahcY51I/AAAAAAAADzU/t0CQrqDTM3Q/s640/008.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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Party favors were small cups of Cadbury Mini Eggs and butter mints. And for the kids, take-out cartons full of gumballs, suckers and a toy. Twin cherry suckers and a little thank you tag were hanging on the outside of each box.</div>
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Initials, so I could remember who was who in the pictures.</div>
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Confetti filled balloons</div>
Beccahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17612191005127996663noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-432434311194032167.post-45066208735311550122014-03-01T18:37:00.001-06:002014-03-01T18:37:08.690-06:00Pip & Pop Turn One!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9xLGJhmCDGM/UxJ2ojuaAGI/AAAAAAAADxE/JXeNYEHRHRE/s1600/017.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9xLGJhmCDGM/UxJ2ojuaAGI/AAAAAAAADxE/JXeNYEHRHRE/s640/017.JPG" height="357" width="400" /></a></div>
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I've said it before, but I'll say it again.</div>
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I just love birthdays.</div>
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I love to celebrate the day those I love most came to be. And so we celebrated Charlotte and Tess turning one with a yummy lunch shared with some close friends and family.</div>
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Charlotte^</div>
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The girls had a cherry almond sour cream cupcake with almond buttercream frosting.</div>
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I think they liked it.</div>
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Tessa^</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2MmASXW46o4/UxJ2p7gHXaI/AAAAAAAADxc/z30VDu17U_o/s640/032.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2MmASXW46o4/UxJ2p7gHXaI/AAAAAAAADxc/z30VDu17U_o/s640/032.JPG" height="400" width="366" /></a></div>
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Charlotte^</div>
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Tessa^</div>
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Oh, and to make the party that much sweeter, we celebrated Billy's birthday, too!</div>
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And our Leap Year sweetheart, Ruby turned six, so she was feted as well.</div>
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They got to share the candles on a coconut cake filled with coconut pastry cream and topped with a coconut Swiss buttercream. It was pretty good, if I do say so myself.</div>
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The babies got more presents than they know what to do with. </div>
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The most spoiled babies ever!</div>
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And I was there, too.</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HUQWscb0BC4/UxJ2tAWu7oI/AAAAAAAADyc/-Dl8Nlr4uPs/s640/092.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HUQWscb0BC4/UxJ2tAWu7oI/AAAAAAAADyc/-Dl8Nlr4uPs/s640/092.JPG" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
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I'm still feel like I hit the jackpot with these two and sometimes cannot believe they belong to me.</div>
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You know that giddy feeling you get sometimes that starts in your gut and ends up as a smile on your face? That's the feeling I get every time I look at them.</div>
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Happy birthday, Babies!</div>
<img align="right" src="xo becca" style="border: 0;" />
Beccahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17612191005127996663noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-432434311194032167.post-87857802155977563652014-02-22T14:29:00.002-06:002014-02-22T17:34:13.871-06:00Nine Patch and Henry<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
This boy loves "Little House on the Prarie". He loves to hear about how people did things a long time ago.</div>
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Laura and Mary are always working on their nine patch quilts and Henry wanted to make one, too, and I was happy to oblige.</div>
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He discovered he loves to iron.</div>
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And, he can sew a pretty straight line, too.</div>
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This quilt was made especially for Lamby.</div>
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Love my sweet and caring Henry.</div>
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Beccahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17612191005127996663noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-432434311194032167.post-29863358025922012542014-02-21T13:44:00.004-06:002014-02-22T17:35:16.532-06:00Husband Makes<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
This is what my smart, talented husband does all day.</div>
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He makes polymer based roofing and sealants in his lab.</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-I7QtWm1QL7E/UwesTqDkegI/AAAAAAAADwQ/0xruc5oa944/s1600/IMG_1293.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-I7QtWm1QL7E/UwesTqDkegI/AAAAAAAADwQ/0xruc5oa944/s640/IMG_1293.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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Then he burns them and stuff.</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zt6nGRFluNc/UwesTyPMY0I/AAAAAAAADwU/GIqrc30nPsE/s1600/IMG_1302.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zt6nGRFluNc/UwesTyPMY0I/AAAAAAAADwU/GIqrc30nPsE/s640/IMG_1302.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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Sounds like fun to me.</div>
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Beccahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17612191005127996663noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-432434311194032167.post-21085436829863236832013-12-23T19:20:00.005-06:002013-12-23T19:21:56.132-06:00One More Tea Towel + A Shot of the View from Up Here<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
This one really is much cuter in person. </div>
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But look at those hedgies!</div>
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Beccahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17612191005127996663noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-432434311194032167.post-60329624250374056682013-12-22T16:15:00.000-06:002013-12-22T16:15:10.156-06:00Christmas Dresses Quick Cap<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-V8Yg8vPkjdk/UrdjhjGhVVI/AAAAAAAADtU/6vs-m0CYv6g/s1600/005.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="470" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-V8Yg8vPkjdk/UrdjhjGhVVI/AAAAAAAADtU/6vs-m0CYv6g/s640/005.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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I loved this pattern. So quick and easy. I was able to get these done in an afternoon. Thanks for sending it, Mom!</div>
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Try to imagine them with gold shoes and headbands on. Maybe I'll be able to get a few better pictures later this week.</div>
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Beccahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17612191005127996663noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-432434311194032167.post-89861012470019919132013-12-15T15:52:00.000-06:002013-12-15T15:53:03.382-06:00Tea Towels<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Teriney and Kristin got me hooked on embroidering tea towels last month and here's my progress so far.</div>
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It's fun and kind of addicting! </div>
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I was thinking these might make good Christmas presents, but I'm not sure who will get them, yet. </div>
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If it's you, act surprised.</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4307kkNMAfo/Uq4jbOu1vsI/AAAAAAAADsc/GTuGj1bdzVk/s1600/IMG_1653.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4307kkNMAfo/Uq4jbOu1vsI/AAAAAAAADsc/GTuGj1bdzVk/s640/IMG_1653.JPG" width="577" /></a></div>
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Beccahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17612191005127996663noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-432434311194032167.post-359452775171944842013-12-10T19:04:00.001-06:002013-12-10T19:08:16.666-06:00In the Bag<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1KrCUsJE4eg/Uqey1sK2MEI/AAAAAAAADr8/1Q0J7cPhotg/s1600/010.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="313" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1KrCUsJE4eg/Uqey1sK2MEI/AAAAAAAADr8/1Q0J7cPhotg/s400/010.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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I've been doing a little sewing lately and if feels good!</div>
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This bag is from the <a href="http://www.pinkchalkfabrics.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=5034">Metro Slouch pattern</a> by Lila Teuller. I really liked how structured it is and I liked the size when I saw a sample in a local fabric shop. </div>
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I think it turned out pretty good, even if I couldn't find all of the hardware the pattern called for. </div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LXz3Y3rcxfI/Uqey0eMHQ-I/AAAAAAAADrk/cqVKn0DZpfw/s1600/003.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="333" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LXz3Y3rcxfI/Uqey0eMHQ-I/AAAAAAAADrk/cqVKn0DZpfw/s400/003.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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There are some fabrics in my stash that I have a hard time using because I love them so much. I almost always think my fabric looks better folded neatly on a shelf than in one of my finished projects.</div>
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This red print is one of those fabrics. </div>
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It's out of print, so if I messed up or didn't like the end result, my lovely American Jane cotton would be gone. As you can see, I could not commit enough of it to do the pockets AND the lining.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlj5b65xe9wz8PFq-j6GJ8d6fM4lpFAvJKTspMzNVnaZvgAHjv-pwJ6xsZIYU_TTH2d95dABQ7SioyI8hemlC66fQHL_b53usIrtuXsBJonRn3LpfHLdWe-JYO0mV-UTHCrfo32M24a44/s1600/005.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlj5b65xe9wz8PFq-j6GJ8d6fM4lpFAvJKTspMzNVnaZvgAHjv-pwJ6xsZIYU_TTH2d95dABQ7SioyI8hemlC66fQHL_b53usIrtuXsBJonRn3LpfHLdWe-JYO0mV-UTHCrfo32M24a44/s400/005.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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And I whipped up this Taxi Tote bag by Anna Maria Horner for Henry's teacher's Christmas present. She loves owls and has her whole room done in them. I also know she likes chevron stripes because I stalked her on Pinterest. </div>
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I feel like that's a little creepy, but I'm putting it out there anyway.</div>
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Beccahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17612191005127996663noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-432434311194032167.post-11907361607895653582013-12-04T15:58:00.001-06:002013-12-04T15:58:23.471-06:00Wrapping It Up<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Sometimes the packaging exceeds the gift.</div>
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Personally, I don't think it could get any better than dachshund wrapping and plaid paper.</div>
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Top it all off with lovely thrifted tags and washi tape from Germany (thanks to my favorite ex-pat), and I <i>almost</i> don't want to let the kids tear into these Christmas morning.</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kh7KVD5Dkm4/Up-f-FZbjaI/AAAAAAAADrE/7hzJw16qUoI/s1600/011.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kh7KVD5Dkm4/Up-f-FZbjaI/AAAAAAAADrE/7hzJw16qUoI/s640/011.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Now, all I need is for someone to put up and decorate my tree, so these goodly gifts have a place to rest until December 25th!</div>
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P.S. The dachshund paper is from TJMax. The plaid paper is from Target. If you were curious.</div>
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Beccahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17612191005127996663noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-432434311194032167.post-1113171775096988122013-11-30T18:33:00.001-06:002013-11-30T18:33:59.948-06:00Love Letters Envelope Quilt for 12Squared<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0DqQ0lYLbuY/UpqAy2zqQMI/AAAAAAAADqM/kyPNI5XiKik/s1600/009.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0DqQ0lYLbuY/UpqAy2zqQMI/AAAAAAAADqM/kyPNI5XiKik/s640/009.JPG" width="434" /></a></div>
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I finished up last year's <a href="http://12squared.blogspot.com/">12Squared </a>quilt this month. Now, I'm ready for this year's, even though the year's almost over.</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ehK83jO8QCQ/UpqBgMpsftI/AAAAAAAADqU/W2L41MowYeU/s1600/005.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ehK83jO8QCQ/UpqBgMpsftI/AAAAAAAADqU/W2L41MowYeU/s640/005.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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I hand stitched with red around each block. Then, machine quilted around all the envelopes. My dear little machine was just not big enough to hand the volume of this quilt. It ended up being a very generous twin sized. So, the top is a bit loose, but I actually like how cozy it makes the quilt look.</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Hgl7dbz_0w0/UpqBhHBr1TI/AAAAAAAADqk/sedqBGJV4yY/s1600/006.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Hgl7dbz_0w0/UpqBhHBr1TI/AAAAAAAADqk/sedqBGJV4yY/s640/006.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
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The weight and overall design of this quilt reminds me a lot of the <a href="http://distancemakes.blogspot.com/2011/05/dachshund-quilt.html">one I made for Henry</a>.</div>
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I feel like I'm so predictable! Time to try something new.</div>
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Beccahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17612191005127996663noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-432434311194032167.post-15577440151588175422013-11-25T13:50:00.001-06:002013-11-30T18:34:12.111-06:009 Months Awaits<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">9 months</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Three more months until they are one.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I'm trying hard to appreciate each stage as it comes, but I won't lie, planning a first birthday for these two makes me giddy.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">At nine months they are...</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">crawling (Tessa is more adventurous than Charlotte)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">pulling up</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">loving Sam's Club soft pretzels</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">interested in board books and love being read to</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">have two teeth each</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Charlotte weighs 20 lbs & Tessa is 19 lbs 8 oz and are both 28" long</span><br />
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Beccahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17612191005127996663noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-432434311194032167.post-73352124370267227092013-11-23T23:16:00.002-06:002013-11-23T23:16:51.164-06:00Everything You Never Knew You Wanted To Know About Lego Robotics<br />
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Last summer, Lucy had the chance to try out for her school's selective 5th grade First Lego League team (<a href="http://www.firstlegoleague.org/">FLL</a>).</div>
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And she made it! </div>
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I was super proud of her and had no idea what it meant. I mean, I knew there was robot building and programming, and something about a big table, and extreme weather. But, that was it and if I pressed her for details, I was often left more confused.</div>
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Today was their big qualifying competition and after spending eight and a half hours at the school, it is finally all clear.</div>
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FLL is an international organization that encourages kids 9-14 to explore engineering, science, and computer programming. Each year, teams are presented with a real world problem to research, do a number of presentations on, and design their robot to assist in solving. Each team builds a unique robot using a Lego Mindstorms kit. Similar to<a href="http://www.amazon.com/LEGO-4544091-Mindstorms-NXT-2-0/dp/B001USHRYI/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1385264551&sr=8-3&keywords=lego+mindstorm"> this.</a> The kits come with a variety of wheels, sensors, and different sized parts. The kids have to consider the challenges the robot must complete when they are designing it. And, there is no adult help in the design or the team will be docked points at the competition.</div>
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This year's theme was Nature's Fury. The kids had to pick a natural disaster to research.</div>
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Lucy's team picked wildfires and their team name was...</div>
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THE WILDFIRES and they named their robot ROBOFIRE.</div>
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Lucy's team came up with a hypothetical solution to wildfires: a backpack for campers that holds materials to contain small fires and put them out quickly. They made up a skit showcasing their backpack and performed it in front of judges, to demonstrate teamwork. Then, they had to present their research findings to another panel of judges. Then, their robot was critiqued for design and function. <br />Finally, the robots got to compete.</div>
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This is what the set up looked like.<br />The league regulated course was laid out on the center tables, where teams competed two at a time. Video of the table tops was projected on the large screen hanging in front of the curtain, so you could see the action! The screen on the left was the scoreboard. </div>
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Only two programmers from each team can stand at the table during this part. The course is set up like a natural disaster zone, with a number of obstacles-- there are Mini Figures to pull to a safety zone, a lever to release a Lego airplane suspended on a cable, etc. The robot starts in a designated corner, the kids feverishly program it for a specific obstacle. Then, off it goes! It autonomously and <i>hopefully</i> goes where it's suppose to go, completing the mission and returning to the start corner to be programmed for the next task. They are trying to get as many missions completed within 2 1/2 minutes. </div>
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It was really intense<span style="font-size: x-small;"> (in a nerdy sort of way)</span>! </div>
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Here's an action shot of ROBOFIRE pushing a supply truck and ambulance to a goal. The teams can change out attachments on the robot to help it do different missions. Each completed mission is worth a certain amount of points. And, they get docked points for mishaps.</div>
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Each team gets to run their robot three times. The best score out of the three is added to their other scores for teamwork, presentations, and research to determine the winners.<br /><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/ETqKQzpIlSA?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
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Here's a video of one of the Wildfire's rounds. The stupid judge was standing in the way, but you can kind of see how intense it was. </div>
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After they age out of Lego robotics (at 14), the kids can go on to create and compete this type of robot. Bomb Squad was the 2012 world champion and performed for the kids today. This was pretty neat to watch as it made basket after basket.</div>
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The FLL team from Mountain Home (where the State championship will be held next month), was invited to lead out the Macy's Thanksgiving Day parade with their robot. Isn't that awesome?? These are junior high kids! Their team will get to travel to New York next week. While I really hate parades, I am going to have to watch at least the beginning to cheer on our fellow FLL friends!</div>
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<span style="text-align: center;">Even though the Wildfires didn't qualify for State, I am one proud momma. It's pretty amazing to watch a bunch of 10-year olds doing something I have no clue about. </span></div>
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<span style="text-align: center;">Future NASA engineers at work.</span></div>
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I'm certain they will do even better next year as now we understand what this Lego League stuff is all about.</div>
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Beccahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17612191005127996663noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-432434311194032167.post-8752974932521590372013-11-22T13:41:00.002-06:002013-11-30T18:34:22.863-06:00Burpy Bib<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I like bib patterns. A lot. I like that they are usually a simple project. I like that the finished product is useful. I may or may not have curated a small collection of them.</div>
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Here's my latest addition. </div>
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This bib is great because it also doubles as a burp cloth. I like that it covers the shoulders, because my babies are always spectacularly messy eaters. They prefer the "turn your head and cough" method of spitting food out. I used a soft blue polka dot flannel and backed it with an even softer pink French terry. The fabrics are so cuddly.</div>
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Beccahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17612191005127996663noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-432434311194032167.post-67310184297396594052013-11-17T23:42:00.000-06:002013-11-18T08:00:33.633-06:00Boys' Pants: McCall's Pattern M6502<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
McCall Pattern M6502</div>
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I bought <a href="http://mccallpattern.mccall.com/m6502-products-16284.php?page_id=712">this pattern </a>about a year ago and finally got around to making them for H, who is desperate for pants. </div>
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Granted, he has out grown the largest size (5), but I just added a little here and there as I cut out the fabric and it ended up working out. Actually, this pattern seemed to run larger than the sizing measurements and I ended up taking in the width I had added to the waist and legs.</div>
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I think he'll like these because he's not a fan of jeans and this pattern calls for a knit waistband with elastic and a drawstring. </div>
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This was a fairly quick and easy project, especially since I didn't bother with the cargo pockets and roll up tabs.</div>
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Here's the best I could get with them on him, running to get to school.</div>
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Beccahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17612191005127996663noreply@blogger.com1