MIA

I've been MIA, for that I apologize. I hate it when the hobbies in my life take a hit when work gets insanely busy and hectic. Hobbies include blogging and sewing :) great hobbies huh. I have still managed to shop an awful lot though...how does that work? Stress, I shop when I'm stressed, not sure how great of a coping mechanism that is but OH well! Ohh and YES I still have a job, but lost an employee in the RIF's as well as alot of friends...crazy!

I'm currently working on a great apron, I hope to finish this weekend and will post pics.

I thought I'd put up a few pics of the littlest sweet heart in my life. He's been alot of fun! I do love this age.

Getting ready for his first boat trip

Loving the boat, takes after his mother :)

Playing in the sprinkler for the first time, loved it!

A fun trip to the zoo with Emilie and Jack. We bought a zoo pass this year and have used it quite a few times already. Its nice not to stress about getting through everything since you can always come back...and its a tax write off!

Hugging the otter

My favorite recent pic!

I put a pillow in his crib last month, and I love it when he sleeps on it. Just reminds me of how old he is getting! Crazy!

Ohh Baby!

My girlfriend Carrie is having a baby shower this coming weekend for two friends...one having a girl and one having a boy. She placed an order with me for some shower goodies...

Boy burp cloths/bib

Girl burp cloths/bibs

I typically like to make the sets as the girl ones are...one with fabric the other with just ribbon. I had THE hardest time trying to find the right brown polka dot ribbon for the boy one! So I had at ad-lib.

The weather has been wonderful! I wish it would last...I think I'm a nicer person when the sun is shining :)

Share the love!

One of the many things I love about living in Portland is all the independently owned restaurants and businesses. We live in NE and it is a mecca of mom and pop shops. It actually took me a minute to get used to when we moved here from Beaverton (the burbs). I love trying new restaurants that you can't find in any town, I love the unique goods that the shops have on Alberta/Fremont/Williams/Mississippi/etc, I love how personal the shop owners are, and I love supporting the community I live in.

Today I was visiting Ink and Peat, which I have blogged about before, to pick up some fabulous Mothers Day gifts. If you haven't visited that cute block of shops and eats you really should. Anyway, this sign caught my eye when I walked in the door:

What are the independent shops in your area you'd hate to live without? For me a few faves are Ink and Peat, The Arrangement, Bolt, Green Dog Pet Supply, Aqui Restaurant, Cafe Destino, and Isabel.
*** New post below ***

Who's going to look smokin' hot in their new apron?!

Thanks to everyone for their awesome book recommendations and for some newbies to my site Jennifer, Jennifer and Becca!

I haven't checked out a book from the library in ages, in fact I don't' know how but I figured I would google my local brary and see what books I can get that you all recommended.

And...I'm lovin' this giveaway thing so check back soon for something else :)

Whats that you say?...GIVEAWAY?!

Its been a very busy April at the Simmons household, so I talked myself out of whipping up an Apron for the scrap apron theme (which I thought of) on the Angry Chicken blog.....that lasted about as long as my toe nail.

I spent 3 hours last night, give or take, working on a submission....I mean how could I miss out?! I bought this fabric for a few burp cloths I'm working on....what I didn't realize, until I went to cut it for the next burp cloth, was the direction was wrong. So...I made it into an apron. I used some tulle I had for gift wrapping for the bottom and a few scrap fabrics here or there, they will probably look familiar if you watch the video at the top.

I'm not in need of a new one, but are you? If so, leave me a comment on the latest book recommendation you have. I just finished the Twilight series and need a new book! Don't have a blog and still want a chance to win?! Simply email me, see address to your Right.

Art Show and Finished Bag!

I could go on and on about how wonderfully lucky we are that D goes to school at Nike. Like everything else Nike does, the school is top notch. One of the things I love is they do alot of art with the kids, even the babies! Every year they do an art show, they feature a few individual works and then some classroom art projects. Its adorable. Below are a few pics of Davis's art....yes I'm a proud momma!

This pic is of him painting over his own picture. They displayed these in light boxes, pretty neat!
Finished project

Original pic..(the teachers like to do fun things with his hair!)

This one reminds me of the old ladies at the bingo parlor, ink blotters anyone?

I've been sooo sick all weekend. I haven't even sewed much, rather I've been laying in the couch, reading, and taking naps. I did finish the Birdie Sling Bag, I love the shape, size, etc...however I hate the interfacing it called for! Kind of a bummer. Here are some pics...

Next up....quickly finish my scrap apron for the Angry Chicken blog! Better get moving...

Out of hibernation

There is something about the sun shining and warm temps that seem to "wake" me up this time of year! I love it, and it comes at a good time because lately I have been questioning our reasons for living in Portland. Portland is great for many reasons but the rain....well it tends to kill me this time of year. Drags on, yuck! I'm over it. So hallelujah to the sunshine and warm temps.

Saturday we played hookey from swim lessons and hit the Zoo! Little did we know it was Packy's 47th birthday (hello! the zoo was packed at 9am when the gates opened) but we managed through the crowds and had a great time.

Sunday we had our first family run. We did the Bridge to Brews run with some friends and family. D enjoyed the run thanks to Bob (the stroller) and loved to point out buses, trains, cars and bridges. Brandon claimed the run was easy (yes, he pushed the stroller, ugh!) and I ran faster than normal thanks to my bright idea of running as a family. It was great though, thanks honey for pushing me.

On to Monday....Ohhhhh lovely Mommy Meghan Monday! I took D to daycare in sweats and hat...how nice is it to not rush in the morning to get ready! I came home with latte in hand and decided to tackle D's closet and dresser first. I cleaned and sorted clothes, you all know that I really want a girl for my next child, but what the heck am I going to do with all these boy clothes and shoes if I do actually have a girl (which I highly doubt will be the case)?!? Someone will get very lucky!

I then decided it was time to sew. I'm making this bag for my SIL. I love this bag and I got most of it done in just a few short hours. Later that night we got the beach cruisers out of the garage and went to the gelatto shop down the street. What a perfect day!