I Love You Because...

Aspen's First Christmas

Backyard Bugs

I made this modern funky 9 patch quilt top right when school got out but just got it quilted and bound this fall. It's just a simple throw to pull out when we have picnics or need a blanket to laydown when we watch movies in the backyard or to cuddle under when we have a fire going in the backyard on a cold night. A boy counterpart of my June Bug Quilt. The hope is that it gets lots of use and never looks as pristine as it does now because it's just loved so so much.

It was inspired 100% by the fabric line I fell in love with at a local quilt store. The pattern I found in the book Block Party: The Modern Quilting Bee. I love the cute touches and detail in the fabric and I think the wonky patches add just enough imperfection and that boyish touch to match the fabrics. The little leaves quilting I picked out for Susan to do totally goes with my theme too... 

The back fabric is actually my favorite.... Birch Wood Trees. I love the continuous trunk line from top to bottom! Ethan's favorite fabric is the 'Fire Ant' border fabric and Owen loves the little lightening bugs in jars. Actually, I think Aspen loves it almost as much as my boys do, it seems everyone is reaching for this one first! 

Backyard Bugs
Summer 2012 
Michael Miller (Backyard Baby) Fabrics  
Joanna Wallace 

The Dog Days of Summer

Our cute Aspen has been taken over by the terrible two's of the dog world and my poor home misses the snuggly puppy days! 

I think you could seriously say, "my dog ate my homework."!

and this was just what was on today's casualty list. 

Puppy Love

Nothing has changed us quite so drastically as getting Ethan a puppy. It's been a surprisingly great transition. She barks at the kids in the moring excited to play with them, she snuggles with Owen and I during our daily naps, she jumps in the car with us to get Ethan from school and she is glued to his side from then until he goes to bed. It's not just Ethan though and I'm pretty sure we're all a little in love with her. 

(For those that asked - Aspen is a Border Collie-Lab Mix)

Thanks for catching up! 

Joanna

Silent Sunday

She is always there for him to wipe away his tears....

... I've never seen this boy love anything as much as he does this puppy.

Simple Saturday

A perfect rainy Saturday.... 

Snuggling on the Couch with our little ones and working on Pinewood Derby Cars before heading out on a dinner date to Shakespeare Tavern with Husbandface to see Merchant of Venice. 

It doesn't get much better then this. 

Ethan's 9th Birthday

 

Dear Ethan

This past year has been one of huge growth for you. You've turned into such a strong, confident and loving boy. You are growing so much and you have learned a lot over the last 12 months. You've learned how to be a friend and how to have a best friend. You've learned how to make new friends and even how to say good-bye to so many people you love. You have worked hard in scouts and accomplished so much, it has been wonderful to teach you so many new things and see the wonder in your eyes as you discover them. I hope you NEVER outgrow that. You've learned how to adjust in new and different scenerios and you've handled all the changes we've thrown at you since the move better then anyone expected. You have become happier this past year and you have really become a wonderful big brother. You are always checking up on the little kids and always reminding them of the rules. You are so excited for the new baby and I can't wait to see how much you will love and protect him. Your brothers and sister are going to be in your life forever and they will always be there for you. I hope you are able to remember that and apprieciate them and devolope strong friendships with them that will be unmatched. Ethan, I am lucky to be your Mom. I'm lucky to have you stay younger longer, I'm honored to see so much progress and hardwork from you. You are constantly accomplishing things that others say you can't do yet. This year you have also become more aware of people and thier emotions around you. You come up to me when I'm having a bad day and love on me, you try to cheer up your brother when he's hurt and you are always trying to get your Dad to play with you and goof off with you. This year we decided to buy you a puppy for your birthday. You have been begging for one for months and months and I can honestly say you have proved to me in just one week how responsible you actually are. You remember the rules and you clean up after her. You love her constantly and you feed, bath, walk and take her out all the time. It's been a happy surprise how good you are with her and I hope you are able to make her into your best friend.

Please remember this year, Sunshine how much I love you. You mean the world to me and your giggle is one of the happiest sounds in the world. Happy Birthday, Big Boy! 

Love Always,
Mommy 

eight, seven, six, five, four, three