The great outdoors

I just have to say that I am ecstatically happy to finally have a yard to call my own. I spend a little time every day out there just puttering around - pulling a stray weed, hoping to catch a glimpse of a new bird, just enjoying being outside!

I have a few new friends:

Humbert, the hummingbird (or Black Beak as Matt calls him) .. there is another hummer out now that we have agreed to call Yellow Beak even though it's beak is clearly black.

My talavera froggie (bought on my bachelorette party cruise in Cozumel) and butterflies

A toad that I coaxed into hanging out in my toad home for a day .. we'll see if he sticks around or not.My first container arrangement .. the hibiscus is blooming like crazy!
My second container arrangement .. I have always wanted some purple fountain grass
My newly adopted frangipani - blooming like mad! Maybe my original frangi will get the idea and try to send out a flower ...
My aloe decided to join the party - I'll try to remember to take a picture when the blooms open.
Last, but not least ... my rare, but wonderful Husband! Eating dinner on the patio ...

My first "real" sewing project

I finally did it! I used my new sewing machine to create my very own project. Yep, I did it all by myself. I only broke one machine needle and didn't have to use the seam ripper too many times. I consider that a roaring success.





I was definitely inspired by Sarah and by the really cool Vera Bradley bags that I've seen. I also got some helpful assembly instructions which I adapted a bit to my liking.


Many more to come! I already bought material to make Emily a bag of her own! I do have a tendency to get on kicks of the same project (I haven't been posting all of the perforated paper ornaments that I've been cranking out) ...

House Updates

We've been busy bees for the past two months ... here's our house with lots of projects behind us! Paint on all the walls, a few new light fixtures, lots of new furniture, a stained deck, pictures on the walls and more!

The kitchen (a bit fuzzy, but you get the idea) ... Another shot of the kitchen - Matt had the good idea to put my cross stitch "Welcome" up here ..

The hall to the front door with our china cabinets

The living room - note Matt's giant TV - a recent present to himself :) The breakfast room - I think I might make two more stained glass pieces to go with the one I made in my beginner class. I like the way it looks in the transom window. My craft room! It's messy -- just the way it should be! I have so many projects to work on!
Guest room #1

Guest bath #1
Matt's office (he's still shopping for that new desk ...)

Guest room #2
Guest bath #2
The laundry room!

The backyard (just after our housewarming party)

My latest project -- two container gardens! I love them! I have a third ready to go.

I still need to put up some photos of the dining room, the master bed and bath and maybe my awesome pantry, but they are all too messy at the moment!

My little sister got hitched!

Emily and Steve Prichard were married on April 12, 2008 -- Emily's 27th birthday! It was a great party and so fun to see my little sis so happy.

Artisan Cakes did the cake -- it was beautiful and yummy! White cake with fresh strawberries ...
Here's the Kennedy (and then some!) family ... so fun to have everyone together.

I feel quite glamorous in this photo, and thought I'd throw it in. Hey, it's my blog! :)

Cutest pup ever

I met the cutest pup ever at Bradley's Frame Shop when I was getting Emily's wedding present done. They did a marvelous job -- I'll put up photos when I get a chance.

Casey is a 9 year old soft-coated wheaten terrier mix ...