Monday, May 4, 2009

Spring time



Spring flowers are in bloom, tulips, daffodils, violets and of course the dandelion. Everything is coming to life around here. The leaves on the trees are popping out, lawns are getting their first mowing. The kids are outside playing on the swingset and in the sandbox. Socks and shoes are starting to come off during play, sand between the toes. The nightly bath has come around again.
Our garden has asparagus popping up all over. My lettuce, radishes, spinach, beans and peas are starting to peak out. Everyday seems to be so full. It seems like ages since I put pictures up on the blog. I included some pics from Easter. Somehow Kaily didn't make it into any pictures. Hope everyone is enjoying the lovely springtime weather.








Thursday, April 9, 2009

Spring is in the Air!


It definitely is starting to feel like spring outside. It's still a little to early yet to put away the winter jackets, hats and scarves, but it won't be much longer. This week has been pretty full with work, kids and preparation for Easter gifts. I'm almost done making their gifts. I made each of them a fleece animal pillow, Amelia's is a bird and Fischer's is an armadillo. I'll post some pics after they come out of hiding. I'm also in the process of making t-shirts with freezer paper stencils on them for their Easter baskets. Tomorrow Aunt Cheri, Chris and Sarah are coming down. We will have an Easter meal at the farm on Saturday and then go to West Bend on Sunday to have another Easter meal at my parents house with all of my family. Looking forward to all the good food and company.
Today we spent the morning in the yard. I did some raking while the kids were busy playing.
Neighbors are busy in their yards and starting home improvement projects. Everyone just wants to be outside.



Saturday, April 4, 2009

Signs of Spring


You don't have to look too hard to find the many signs of spring outside. The robins are busy singing, there are hints of green in the grass, the crocus are in bloom, and everyone just wants to be outside. Old man winter though is having a hard time accepting this and is sending a big ol' snow storm our way. Hopefully this will be the last time we see snow until next winter. At least we know the snow won't last long, but I still don't want to see it. We are getting the itch to start some yard work and get the gardens all cleaned up.




We found some pussywillows the other day, another telltale sign of spring. I will always remember Grandma and Grandpa Ooton always pointing out the pussywillows in the spring. The pussywillows and the turning yellow of the goldfinches inspired me to do a little painting. Spring energy is in air.

Wednesday, April 1, 2009

Mixed Media Monday

Here's my Mixed Media Monday. The theme is "Come fly with me." I made a few birds out of old tins that I found. I need to learn how to take better photos of my work. They always look so dull.


Friday, March 27, 2009

Looking for some Green

Everyone is starting to feel as if spring will never come, especially now with the possibility of snow this weekend. We went for a drive today and were drawn to this beautiful green barn. I think we are trying to find any signs of green out there. There were areas of grass that were ever so slightly showing hints of green. Yes, spring will get here. There happened to be a couple of llamas there and a few goats for everyone's entertainment.





Thursday, March 26, 2009

It was a hoot

The other night I sewed this hat really quick right before supper. It was another idea which had been floating around in my head for the last month. It is supposed to be for Amelia for next winter, but as you can see Fischer likes his new hat. It whipped up so quick I'll have to make another. I used old wool sweaters of mine which I felted down. I threw in a few pictures of Amelia sitting in a little basket that Brittney gave her for Christmas. She loves running around naked and I usually end up chasing her down so I can get her dressed.

















Sunday, March 22, 2009

The annual "Greg Bob Trap Shoot"


We finally made it to the trap shoot at the farm this past weekend. The weather was wonderful. Everyone seemed to be enjoying themselves, adults, kids, and dogs. The gunshots going off at regular intervals was initially kind of loud, but you start to get used to it. Unfortunately my ears were ringing when I went to bed that night. The competitions went all afternoon and even after sunset. Jodie won the women's competition. Joanne won the raffle for the chainsaw. A little Olson luck going around. Fischer spent most of his day in the dirt/mud with his friend Holden. Some of the kids got to practice shooting, of course with adult supervision. It was a good time had by all.










Saturday, March 21, 2009

Market backpack



I finally busted out the sewing machine. This is my first sewing project since moving to Wisconsin. I've been itching to get it out. I still don't have a very good workspace for sewing. I ended up using the kitchen table and counter. It gets kind of messy with fabric all over and meals. I made this backpack for my trips to the co-op and to the farmers market. I wanted a backpack that was more fun than your boring backpack for hiking. I used some fabric which I bought at the thrift store back in McCall. The idea has been bouncing around in my head for a few weeks as I tried to figure out logistics of it all. I'm not quite satisfied with it. I wish it was a little bit deeper, but otherwise I think it turned out alright on the first try. I took it to the indoor farmers market this morning to try it out. Unfortunately the Amish guy we buy eggs from isn't allowed to sell them at the market anymore unless he gets a license! I guess the license costs $95! So all he had was hickory nuts, dried beans and maple syrup. Now that the sewing machine is out, I'm working on Easter outfits to go in the kids baskets, maybe even stuffed animals. We will see.


Wednesday, March 18, 2009

Sugar and Spice


Amelia is showing her sweet side and her spicy side. As she's getting older we are starting to see more of the spice.

Mixed Media Monday


My Mixed Media Monday for the week, "Spring Colors."

Thursday, March 12, 2009

Peek



This little flower came peeking out today. Mom bought me a new plant for our house. It is called a Lipstick plant. I guess Grandma T used to have one. It has a bunch of burgundy flowers on it. To my surprise, out of these flowers pops out a beautiful red shoot. Very stunning. I guess they all will be popping soon.