First Things First

 We've had a couple weeks filled with 'firsts' around here. 

Lynden isn't generally first at anything.

Walking for example... 

Haha!

But, thanks to his hardworking Daddy, he now has a big boy bed!

The first week or so took a few tumbles and being returned back to 

bed innumerable times, but he's getting the hang of staying in bed now.

For the first few days Ryder borrowed my blanket ladder to get into his top bunk.

I'll have to get a new picture with the matching walnut ladder Braden made for him.

And I finally finished Lynden's first big boy bed blanket. 

How's that for alliteration? 

 Quincy had his first doctor's appointment last week as well.

Getting three kids up, dressed, fed, and to the doctor's office on my own by 

8am was a task of Olympic proportions, but we made it with 5 minutes to spare. 

I think this is my new favourite photo. 

Lynden still won't walk on his own, but to give me a break, 

Braden took both big boys to the shop with him on Saturday.  

Quincy accompanied us in the Lillebaby on our first 'family of 5' walk. 

And this sweet big brother was absolutely 

tickled to be able to hold his baby brother for the first time. 

Lynden is not my sensitive and affectionate boy, 

but he was fiercely possessive of Quincy 

and even bestowed a few kisses on his soft head.

Looking forward to more 'firsts' to come. 

My Latest Project

Sometimes it takes having my hubby out of town for a 

few weeks to motivate me to get started on a new project. 

Especially something as time consuming as a new quilt.

So, with quiet evenings, minimal meal prep, and clean up, 

I got to work on Lynden's new big boy bed quilt.

From cutting and piecing to assembling - it went pretty quickly.

Especially thanks to my beautiful new Bernina sewing machine.

Happy birthday to me from my sweet in-laws!

Now all that's left is the actual quilting.

But first I need to decide on a fabric for the back. 

I'll be sure to show off the finished product once it's complete.

But with my honey back home and family coming into town this weekend, 

I think it'll take a back seat.

How else do we entertain ourselves on these sunny summer days?

Daily walks.

See?

There's my baby bump!

We're always keeping an eye out for lizards, rabbits, and 

any other fun desert creatures we might encounter.

Here's a little lizard friend. 

You could see exactly where his tail had come off and was regrowing.

How's that for a natural science lesson?

 And these two cuties just can't get enough playtime with each other.

So thankful for brothers who are best buds. 

It always helps to cool off with popsicles too!

Projecting

I've been at it again - working on a new project! The last quilt I made was for airplane themed for Ryder's new bed. I have finally gotten around to starting my next one, just a throw size, made with super soft cotton flannel.

Needless to say, 'every spare minute' for this mother of two doesn't equal a lot of time. Today I finally finished the top and need to make another trip to the fabric store before putting my layers together, so I have a few minutes to catch you up on what we've been up to this week...

On Sunday, after his nap, Ryder dressed himself and found an old cold cup of coffee to take to his Daddy in the shop. <3

On Tuesday we visited another friend who has a farm with all kinds of beautiful animals. Ryder loved seeing the cows, sheep, pigs, dogs and cats - but mostly the tractor. This little boy loves to 'drive.'

Lynden has developed a very sweet and mellow personality since the first few weeks of fussiness.

 I attempted to begin my first starter and bake homemade sourdough bread. It looked pretty, but only tasted ok fresh since after more than 7 hours of rising it still came out very dense.

 

And then tonight, Ryder helped me make a big batch of stovetop popcorn to enjoy while we watch an old Disney movie. I'm enjoying these sweet days with my boys!

Monday - Catch Up Day

Since becoming a mom, it seems that Mondays are mainly taken up with activities around the house, catching up from our weekends.  Not that we have such crazy weekends, but I've really begun making an effort - especially with Braden's heavy work schedule - to let things go when he's home so that we can be enjoying time together as a family and not be burdened with extra tasks.

But now that it's Monday, I've gone for a run, have my second load of laundry going, a whole pumpkin baking in the oven (it's never too early to start making baby food, right?), and my most recent quilt finished, washed, and ready to go!

Feeling productive!
And a happy Monday to you too. :)

Catching Up

It happens every so often, that I get caught up in a single task, usually a hobby or big project.  These last few weeks, it's been a quilt that I'm working on for Ryder. Isn't it easy, when you're doing something you love, to let those other less desirable tasks fall by the wayside?

Well, yesterday morning I woke up to a sick little puppy dog - and a HUGE MESS! As unappealing as cleaning it all up sounded, it was just the reminder I needed that more than her kennel needed a good cleaning.  So, floors were swept and washed, 4 loads or laundry finally folded and put away, and the kitchen deep cleaned.  And 'Ah....' it felt so good.

Ryder was rewarded for playing on his own all morning, with an hour long bike ride after his nap. He especially loved riding along out in the country near our airport and pointing at all the little planes coming and going.

We ended our day with my second attempt at cutting his hair at home.  This time, with much more success. Ryder loved the clippers and passed me all the right tools at the right time.

Before

Today, we're off in search of adventure in this beautiful sunshine!
Post and pictures to follow...

Happy Friday Friends!
J

All cut, bathed, and ready for bed. <3