Making Things

Making Clothes
Hannah had a growth spurt, and needed some new things for church and chapel day at school, going into the cooler weather. 

I cut out half a dozen skirts for her, and I finished 3 before running out of waistband elastic.  Hello Kitty stash fabric, ribbon from Hobby Lobby.  Shirt from Old Navy. 

Making Crafts

I'm teaching crafts at the kids' school once a month.  I decided to go with a service theme, so the first month, I taught them to make paracord bracelets.  They could make one to take home and one for Operation Gratitude, an organization that sends care packages to service persons and first responders.  Sam got a package from them, which is how I heard about them.  So the kids made bracelets and wrote notes to send with them.

Poor Grumman couldn't understand the difference between his scrap of paracord and all the nice paracord I wouldn't let him get into. 

But believe me, he's not lacking for playthings.  (Mylar tape from a mailing envelope binder clipped to the fan) 

And with the change of seasonal decor, he also plays with things that are not actually intended for him.  But we love him.  He just had his annual shots & check up.  He's a healthy kitty, still 12#. 

Making Cake

We had our first couple of rainy days here, but the temp has now bounced back up to an expected 90* today.  However, the first day it rained, Eli was craving cake.  I had just bought cake mix and frosting in anticipation of Katie's birthday.  So he made a cake celebrating the rain. 

Making Music

I mentioned a while back that Hannah and Katie started piano lessons in February.  After more than 7 months, it's starting to sound like music, and it was time for a recital. 

It seems that we're the only family who stuck with the Gift of Play program, so it was just Hannah and Katie performing.  I wasn't sure what to expect, but there were about 2 dozen people (Shriners staff and actual Shriners) aside from our family.  They took tons of pictures and did a little video interview with the girls and their teacher after they played.  There was even a little reception with snacks afterward. 

Making Strides

We've now completed 4 weeks of the 5 week program of the Healthy Kids Running Series. 

They've been working hard, and I'm proud of them.  Katie's best time is currently 11:21 for her mile.  Hannah's best time is currently 15:39 for her mile. 

It was warmer yesterday than the week before, so both girls were a little slower, but still better than their first week.  Katie's pretty excited about her *new running shoes.* 

In fact, Miss Katie had a birthday on one of their run days.  She's 9 now. 

Making Sparkles

This month's craft at the school was glitter podge pumpkins, and pony bead Indian corn.  The students could choose to take their projects home or donate them to a local care & rehabilitation facility.  These were the ones we donated to the nursing home to decorate their dining room.  I hope they bring smiles to the residents. 

And because my boys are always on my mind, I made an Air Force blue pumpkin and a Marine Corps red pumpkin as part of our autumn decor. 

Happy harvest season!  Enjoy the pumpkins and falling leaves!