Today at the Bakery

 So today was the day I got to try my hand at baking at this cute bakery. It was fun volunteering there today. But nothing went quite as planned.

It has been a long time since I baked in any kitchen, other than my own. And I had forgotten how very much ones kitchen plays into the general outcome of what one makes. I had a whole slew of unexpected problems and outcomes. Everything turned out well in the end, some things very well, and it seemed people liked my things in general. I wish I had had more time to concentrate on making things pretty- not sure if the goal was quantity or if I could have made less and focused more on making things pretty.

We will see what the outcome of this all turns out to be- who knows maybe I will end up working there :) Thanks to those of you who stopped by and said "hi". I appreciated the support of friends.

Saturday

Perhaps you remember that earlier this year I shared about this lovely new bakery. 

After an interesting talk and the help of a friend it has been arranged that this Saturday, April 27- I will baking there. 

Come enjoy some American goodies :) Or just tell a friend.

I Love You Mom

Thank you Mom for wanting me and longing for me to be yours. 

I know the waiting and wondering if you would have me was hard. 

Thank you for putting up with severe morning sickness and carrying me safe in your womb for 9 long months. 

Thank you for choosing to bless me with brothers and a sister, I would not have liked to be an only child. 

Thank you for raising me the best you knew how and sacrificing your time and patience to home-school us. 

Thank you for all the music lessons- I am so glad to have learned to play the piano, violin and to sing. 

Thank you for waking up in the night to listen and pray with me when I had a scary dream.

Thank you for teaching me to cook, and letting me have independence in the kitchen to become a cake decorator. 

Thank you for teaching me to sew and giving me the skills to quilt and sew clothes for my children.

Thank you for teaching me that a real artist knows how to turn a mistake into a masterpiece. 

I love you Mom! 

In honor of my Mom and the Mom each of us loves I am inviting you to share your "I Love You Mom" story. You can post it on your blog, and include the link in the comments of this post.

Or send it to me in an e-mail at silkscarvesbyeli@gmail.com  Those who participate will have their names entered into a drawing to be held May 1st, 2013. The winner will get a coupon for $20.00 off in my store on Etsy. The winner can also choose to have their story posted on my blog here. 

From today until May 1, 2013 you can use the coupon code ILOVEYOUMOM to save %15 on any silk scarf in my shop on Etsy. I know my mom loves silk scarves, and I bet your Mom would love one too. Special orders are also welcome, if you have a favorite quote, or want a special message on  your scarf. 

My beautiful Mom and me.

A Year Ago

A year ago our baby boy was born.

The most peaceful of my three births.

He entered this world in water, which to me is now the best form of birth. (Smile)

He has been the most peaceful of our babies as well. Content to sit and watch and be with us.

Lately he has realized he has a voice, and loves shrilly screaming, LOUDLY!

He has also learned to sit and loves scooting around and sitting down to play. Cute.

Happy birthday our sweet boy!

Learning to Sew

I have a very early memory of learning to sew with my grandma Vivian. My Mom says if my memory is correct I could not have been more than 2.

Ever since I was kid I have been creating something.

I used to make Barbie clothes, even for my tiny little toddler Barbies. I would make gifts for my family too. I am always spontaneous, and not always careful about where I decide to cut out my design. As a kid I remember having my fabric on the bed and cutting out something, but I accidentally cut my Grandma's quilt too. OOPS!

When my little girl was born I remember thinking my dream  had come true. At least that is what my husband said. I had wanted a daughter to sew pretty dresses for and to teach all kinds of feminine, girly things to.

My little girl turns 3 next week, and I still have not sewed her a single dress.

Perhaps it is the fact there is another Baby now. Perhaps it is because I"m just too busy.  . . I don't know.

But I decided she must have a dress and I must finish her baby quilt. Both of the boys had their baby quilts finished in a timely manner. She is nearly 3, and hers is still not finished. EEK!

So I have been sewing lately. The quilt is nearly done. I am putting the binding on. And today I began making a pattern and cutting out a dress for my sweet little girlie. She was fascinated by the idea that I'm making her a dress.

My 4 year old boy was watching me cut fabric and just getting into mischief. So I decided it was time he learned to sew. I cut out a square, drew lines and showed him how to sew a seam. I told him he was going to make a bean bag (he didn't even know what it was). But he enjoyed sewing and I sewed over it with my sewing machine so the beans wouldn't escape. Another good time taking activity was filling it with dried peas. Then I showed him how to sew it shut. He did that part all on his own.

Success! First sewing lesson accomplished. Bean bag done! And lots of new games to play that boys love with bean bags!

Twistables

When we were in the States I found these. 

They reminded me of my childhood. 

I haven't seen these since I was a kid. 

I remember having them and drawing babies with them. 

I couldn't have been more than 7 years old. 

But I remember thinking I drew such wonderful babies. 

I wish I could see those childhood masterpieces now. 

It would be funny to see how my childhood perception of being a great artist matched up to the way I remember and if they agreed. 

What is something that reminds you of being a kid?

Little House

When I was a kid we used to watch "Little House on the Prairie." I have always enjoyed that show. And was happy when my sister gave me the first two seasons as Christmas gift.

Today I finally got around to watching the first episode. I love the good, true morals. I like the strong emphasis on family and working hard. The theology of the parson could use some correction at times, but at least even the youngest child is singing along in church :)

Charles sure does remind me of my brother A. Strong, determined, a man of his word, capable of doing anything for his family and willing to work both day and night. Wow, I admire my brother. But these two sure are stubborn :)

In this episode Laura wore a yellow bonnet made from the same fabric of a favorite dress I used to have. I have always loved long, pretty dresses. And thanks to my grandma I had many of those growing up, many of which were made for her daughters when they were young.

Charles playing the fiddle reminds me of my other brother. There is something so nice about the sound a fiddle in the house. Sure glad he learned how to play that thing. I hope he doesn't soon forget.

Interesting how the things we grew up watching have somehow woven cords of harmony in the people we have become. I see that now like I never did before. . . 

Looking forward to more pleasant moments watching this as I sew or paint. . .

What do you do when you multi-task?