The In-Loves

Chris' side of the family has a lovely name for in-laws:  in-loves.  I am always introduced as their daughter-in- love.  I appreciate that title because it sets the tone for a comfortable and meaningful relationship.  I am not only someone who was adopted into their family because of the laws of the state of North Carolina, but because of love.  I feel welcomed and embraced by his family.  In fact, I feel loved by his family.  

And how I love watching them love their granddaughter.  Christmas provided us with ample opportunity to cozy up to their warmth. 

Mimi and EB

Bean surveying his realm

The Four Maslin Generations (there was a mirror on the table that caught a glare)

Nana reading to EB.  Ella Brooks loved Nana instantly because she shares the name of one of her favorite characters- Nana the nursemaid in Peter Pan.

 

EB and Poppy sharing a Mrs. Potato Head moment.

EB discovered MamaB's reading glasses. 

MamaB and Poppy look over their photo album.

The four Brooks generations.

Me, my mom-in-love, and EB

I hope you all had a wonderful Christmas with your families, in loves and all!

Creative Juices

 I love it when friends have babies.  Besides the anticipation and joy, it gives me an excuse to get my creative juices flowing.  Here's my latest creation for the Abel family, who welcomed their sweet Lila to the family last month. 

These canvases were in the 8 inch range.

I discovered a new found liking for embroidery.

Applique is not as difficult as I thought.

The most labor intensive letter of all.  French knots take forever!

I was inspired by Anna Maria Horner's book "Handmade Beginnings."  

Welcome, little Lila.  We are so glad you are here!

Now Go Around the Table and Say What You're Thankful For

 I'm thankful for

Daddies who love their daughters so well

 Pops who knows how to swing a two year old perfectly

 Curious two year olds

Gigi's help on a slide

The magnificent reading ability of Aunt Becky

 Family decorating the Christmas tree (only two glass balls and one cup of coffee were harmed in the making of this tree)

and an aunt who really gets the need to create even on a cold and windy morning.

Thanks for making Thanksgiving so wonderful Godsey family!

They Say It's Your Birthday

Whether she liked it or not, it was, in fact, her birthday.  Her second to be exact. 

While she wasn't a fan of the singing or the candles, she was a huge fan of the cupcake. 

So were her friends.  

We jumped in a castle to celebrate.

And we looked on with curiosity at our friends who played in our yard.

We ate well.  The cupcakes, made by Karen, were phenomenal.

We can hardly believe she is two.  What a wonderful two years it has been.

 The Presh Head had some eager helpers while opening gifts. 

They could hardly wait to see what she received.  The anticipation was intense.

The morning after, she was quite tired.  And in love with her new toys.  Especially the dog that knew her by name.  

Here's to a great two years!

The Need to Create

 I love making pretty things.

 

Especially when the supplies cost me less than $10.

And the outcome is a guaranteed success. 

Because a pretty yellow rosette wreath looks fantastic against a navy blue door.  

In my humble opinion, anyway.  

Thanks to The Pretty Poppy for the idea.  Cute, cute, cute.  And super easy, too. 

Jack's Quilt

I have completed my fourth baby quilt this year.  I am pretty proud of this one.  I love the whirligig pattern.  It was so fun to watch it come together.

 Jack's Quilt- Front

I would happily swing under this quilt on a chilly November afternoon.  

Jack's Quilt- Back

This quilt is heading to our friends the Singletary's who welcomed their second little one in September.  I hope you enjoy your quilt, baby Jack!

Rocktober 2010 Part 2

Our chilrens gave us a run for our money over Rocktober 2010.  Having 3 toddlers and an infant in the house certainly changed the dynamics.  There were lots of episodes of finger wagging and "no," lots of "mine" and tears.  And that was just between the daddies.  Just kidding.  Sort of.

But seriously, our children were such fun to watch as they interacted.  Each morning they couldn't wait to be with one another.  Of course, within five minutes they needed their own space.  

Here are some moments with the kiddos.

 

 

 This is perhaps my most favorite picture from the weekend for obvious reasons:

 

Uncle Kyle did an amazing job entertaining our little buddies.  

One of fifteen or so examples of our attempt to take a group shot. 

Nothing like a good bath time melt down. 

Here's to a new generation of buddies.