fall traditions

The weather is changing. The maple trees are fringed with red. The evening sun shines through the window and casts a golden glow throughout the house. That's when we know it's time for some of our fall traditions.

The first one is like stepping back in time. A day where we get to experience and learn about life long ago. It's always a great reminder of how blessed we are to have so many conveniences.

There were people making candles and butter. There were men and women dressed in period clothing. Layers and layers of clothing. One man showed us a very cool compass-sundial. I'd never seen anything like it. He let me try it out...and it was very accurate. Now I want to make a sun dial. You know, one in the yard made of pretty stones with flowers growing all around it. Hmmm, maybe in the spring.

The next fun thing we always enjoy is a trip to the pumpkin patch. We pass by the pumpkin patch several times before we actually make the trip which inevitably brings about the question...when are we going to the pumpkin patch? Every year we meet our friends there, my mom comes and brings my cousin so he can play with the girls, and we all have a great time. It's always really fun. There's nothing more fun than getting covered in hay, ruining a couple of pairs of socks, playing in the teepee, sliding down slides, jumping in castles, and painting cute little pumpkins while enjoying the company of friends and family.

Before I knew it, it was Halloween. The day before Halloween we went to Grandma and Pop's church for a hay ride and some serious trunk or treat fun which led to more candy then will ever be necessary. Then on Monday we met our friends at the library for the annual costume parade. All of the librarians were dressed up this year and all of the kids were adorable. I saw more of the parents dressed up this year, too. Right after the costume parade we went to the mall to show off the costumes where it was warm.

Some of the mall employees oohed and aahed over our group of kids. There were also a few elderly women who thought the kids were adorable, too. I mean seriously, look at them. How can you not think they're adorable? October was a very busy month and it flew by in a flash. I can hardly believe that it's November already. There are special birthdays, Thanksgiving, Christmas gift making, and so much more on the horizon for this month. Hold on to your hats this is going to be a fast one, too. xoANG

meeting sara and helping IJM

Last week I had the wonderful privilege to go to a concert.. It was a big day for me. No, not for meeting the singer/songwriter whose music I love, but for actually going. Away. Passed bedtime. In all my years as a mom I have never missed a bedtime. I know, my kids are 8 and 6 years old, it's crazy. But it was time. So here's what happened. My friend Theresa, who has a wonderfully generous husband, purchased 2 tickets for her to not only go see Sara Groves in concert but to also eat dinner with her and her family, as well as the other artists that were going to be performing with her. Now, I don't know anyone who loves Sara Groves' music more than Theresa so I knew it was an awesome gift. Then....she invited me to go with her! Me. The one who has never missed a bedtime. The one who loves Sara Groves music too but lacks the nerve or the want to be out...away. It was something that I could have happily lived without, but I knew that I would really enjoy it and have fun going on a road trip with my friend, sans our total of 7 children. So I went. Tim was with our girls so my mind was at ease. They all survived dinner and bedtime without me and I without them. Of course I called when we arrived at our destination and during the intermission of the concert...which was right at bedtime, so I did get to say goodnight.

But oh, the concert was so great. From her songs, her lyrics, I figured Sara to be normal and down to earth. So many of her lyrics sound as if she spent a week with me, like she was living my life. And you know what? She is normal, and nice, and funny, and relaxed. Her children were funny and polite and adorable. Her husband was wonderful to meet and had a nice dry sense of humor which I have grown to appreciate of the years because of Tim's sense of humor. The other artists were also so laid back and normal. They were gracious with their time and stories. The concert was wonderful. We had front row seats. It was more like a time of praise and worship than a concert. The other artists were Audrey Assad and Jenny&Tyler. Both amazing singers and songwriters. They were all oozing with talent.

The concert itself was a benefit to raise money for the local pregnancy center and IJM, the International Justice Mission. Read more about IJM here.

All in all, I had a great time. Time spent with a friend, time having fun, time enjoying some really, really good music. Oh, I wish I had some talent in that area. Well, maybe my children will some day. Now, go listen to some great music. xoANG

warming up

...my sewing machine, that is. She's been sitting around, unused, for a while now. Christmas is coming and much sewing will be done. I've got bags, and shoe totes, and pillows, and lounge pants all on my to-make list. There may also be some soft, flannel scarves on that list, too. But my sewing machine needs to be eased into the holiday making season instead of overwhelmed all at once. Yes, she's funny that way. And yes, I'm a little kooky for talking about my machine like she's a person. Your point? Anyway, thankfully I had the perfect reason to get my sewing machine warmed up...an apron. Yes, my dear friend, the cake genius, had a birthday and much to my delight she wears aprons as much as I do. As I pondered and searched for a new style of apron to make I came across this super cute tutorial via One Pretty Thing and I knew it was the one. Simple, but with lots of little details...gathers, contrasting top stitches, sparkly fabric, unexpected, yet very flattering, empire waist. Yes, that's the one for her.

It just so happens that the Tie One On apron theme this season is Apple Cider and since I had in my hands a freshly sewn apron I just had to enter it. The calico trim is very fallish and apple-y, the off white trim has the tiniest bit of golden sparkles and reminds me of a freshly cut apple, and the top stitching, although difficult to see in the photos, is a delicious red. So yes, I think it's Tie One On worthy. And just for extra apple-y goodness I am holding a scrumptiously crisp granny smith. Oh, yes, that's me wearing the apron. I like to have photographic proof of each sewing project I complete. And man, oh man, when the Christmas to-make list is complete I will be making one of these beauties for myself. So what's on your to-make list this season? happy weekend xoANG

halloween

This year the girls decided on their costume choices long before I could sway their decision. E chose to be a cowgirl and O chose to be an indian. The Friday before Halloween our library hosted the annual costume parade. We met our friends there and paraded through the library. It was a short burst of fun on a busy day and all of the costumes were adorable. Our favorite librarian couldn't resist a photo with the girls.

Then on Halloween, my in-laws church had a trunk-or-treat event. We saw many wonderful costumes and decorated cars. My personal favorite was the Pirates of the Carribean car. Seriously, how cool is that? We invited our friends to join in the fun. They all got tons of candy, had a great time on the hay ride, and enjoyed each other's company. The weather was nice and warm...until the sun went down.

It's amazing to me how much fun my girls have dressing up. They dress up all the time...but I guess throwing some candy into the mix really kicks it up a notch! happy tuesday xoANG

if she had seen it coming

she wouldn't have wiped out in the waves. Yep, my newly brave, ocean loving big girl got tossed around by the waves today.(my little ocean lover wiped out several times over the course of our vacation...and loved every second of it) After rest time we headed down to the beach. The waves were big, the undertow was strong, but the fun was irresistible. The normal water play is jump the incoming wave, sit down, let the wave push you up the beach...jump up to get to the next wave in time to jump it and repeat the whole thing. All was going fine until she didn't get to her feet fast enough and the wave that pushed her up on the beach started sucking her back down toward the ocean where a rather large wave was coming in. Tim was right there beside her so she was fine...shocked, covered in sand, but fine. There was no crying or fear...maybe just a little extra caution and diligent awareness of the incoming waves. The tide was coming in and the surfers were everywhere. The girls stayed with me playing in the waves while Tim went out into the water. We watched him get covered by wave after wave. At one point there was a swell coming up behind him and in it I saw a rather large fin..just as I was about to freak out thinking it was a shark three or four more appeared and I realized it was a bunch of dolphins. They frolicked and played in the water about 10 feet behind him. It was very exciting to see.
Now, this morning bright and early we caught the ferry to Southport. The ferry ride was nice and relaxing. The scenery was beautiful and the girls really enjoyed the ride. We spent the morning walking around the quaint little town of Southport, then we drove over to Oak Island and visited the lighthouse then drove up and down the island. I really love Oak Island, it's such a simple, non-touristy island with beautiful beaches. Then we caught the ferry back to Pleasure Island which has Carolina Beach, where we have been, Kure Beach, and Fort Fisher. We had some lunch and rest time...and well, you know the beach story. After our time on the beach we headed to the pool for a little while before dinner. The pool water was nice and warm because it was hot today. Then it was showers and dinner and time admiring and cleaning our collection of shells. Now everyone is tucked into bed to get some much needed sleep. Tomorrow is our last full day of vacation. We don't have any plans...just soak up as much beach as we can, then Sunday we'll be heading home. My brain is tired today so I feel like this post is very incoherent. I'm not going to reread it before I post it, I'll just do a spell check and I hope it makes sense. happy Friday. xo ANG

tea time

My girls were invited to a lovely tea party last week. They had a great time with their friends. The weather was beautiful, the bugs were minimal, and the tea was perfectly brewed, sweet, southern, iced tea.

After the tea party they all took turns on the world's best swing. I tried to capture a sweet, tea party moment for Dad to enjoy, but this is what I captured. They are more like their Dad every time I take my camera out.

After our friends left we went for a nice stroll so I could take some pictures of the girls looking especially beautiful in their mama-made clothes among the flowers. We also went down to the lotus pond to see the frogs and flowers. It's so lovely at the pond...and we were not disappointed.

This collage at the pond is a classic moment. 1-are we done with the pictures yet? we just want to look for frogs. 2- whoa, did you see the frog that made that big splash! 3- okay, we'll smile quick for you mom, if you let us hunt for that frog.

Cute, no? If you could see the gnats...ugh! But the temperature was great and so was the light.

I love this ginormous flower pot. The girls thought it was great, too, but they still didn't want to smile.

Now, that's a keeper!

Flowers around the pond.

Frogs, tadpoles, and fish in the pond.

We had a great time with our friends and a great time enjoying the beauty of nature.

Happy Sunday. xo ANG

friends

We are getting set for our vacation so things may be a little slower around the Clothesline next week. I'm packing and cleaning and list checking, all the while trying to retain my sanity. I feel pretty relaxed even though my to-do list is still long. In fact, the girls and I spent some time this morning with our friends at the park. The weather was nice, the kids were nice, the conversation was nice, the snacks were nice. Does it get any better?I mean, really. I've moved around a lot and I know the value, the treasure, the blessing of having dear friends, friends that are like family. So when we're going to be away for a week it's always nice to drop everything and spend a few extra hours with friends before leaving. It's good for the kids, it's good for the moms, it's just plain ol' good. Okay, seriously, I really should be packing and all that jazz. Have a great weekend. Happy Friday! xo ANG

bring it

Over the past couple of weeks the weather has been very summery. You know what that means? We're outside as much as possible.

While waiting for some friends one day we had to enjoy this gorgeous pink tree. I don't know what kind of tree it is but it looks like a tree full of carnations.

It was warm enough for swim suits and sprinklers, walks to a playground for some seriously high swinging, and playdates with friends.

The early warm weather also brought about lots and lots of blooming. Above is a variety of tulips. Some from our yard and some from our walk to the playground. Below is a couple of close-ups of the pink tree, a fabulous forsythia, some yellow irises, and my very own daffodils.

We all love being outside to soak up the heat and enjoy all of the color after such a long, cold, snowy winter. Okay, this week is going to be more spring like in temperature...cool and breezy. I prefer it hot...so come on sun...bring it! Happy weekend. xo ANG

well, hello kitty!

Yes, Hello Kitty was the chosen theme this year for the all important event of turning the grand old age of seven. Seven is a big deal. I mean after all, she'll be ten soon...or so I've been told. :-) So here's the cake.

This is my best cake yet! I can't take all the credit though. My dear friend Theresa shared with me some very, very, wonderful cake decorating tips and man, oh man, that cake came out better than I could have even imagined. Theresa, you're a cake genius! Even Tim was impressed with the results...and the birthday girl? Well, she squealed with absolute delight!

I also managed to finish the traditional birthday outfit. Sometimes it's a dress sometimes a skirt. This year I made a fabulously twirly skirt using this tutorial (version2) and I found the perfect sparkly shirt at Target and simply appliqued some kitties on the front using some of the skirt fabric. Wanna see?

Now in other important birthday news...pierced ears! That's right, the birthday girl kept her word and got her ears pierced. You see, last year when she was a mere six years old she promised that when she turned seven she would get her ears pierced. Last week she reminded me of that promise. There was a little fear, angst, worry, excitement, eagerness, anxiousness, and jubilation leading up to the big day. Well, here...see for yourself.

There were also lots of kitty presents, balloons, banners, family, friends, food, and fun. Okay, a tissue paper ball fight, too. Overall, I think seven turned out pretty darn good for my special girl.

Yes, there was a special little sister in the mix who was torn between excitement and jealousy...happiness and selfishness...being four is hard when someone else is seven. Thank goodness turning five is coming soon.

Thanks to all of our family and friends that made this a special day for both of my girls. xo ANG

a birthday wish

Happy Birthday to a special friend!

Here's a virtual card especially for you!
Peas in a pod, these two.

I am so thankful that you are such a sweet and special friend to my girls. I hope your birthday is out of this world!

luaus, thievery, and the beauty of nature

Well folks, today is my birthday. Yep, I'm 36...officially closer to 40 than 30. It feels good, this 36. I have the most wonderful husband in the world, I have two beautiful girls that are healthy and happy, I have friends that are too good to be true, I am healthier than I've been in years, my family is fabulous...truly blessed. That's what I am!

My dear friend Theresa's husband has the same birthday as me so we got together on Sunday for a luau birthday party. Oh, we had music and leis, sparkly lights and lanterns, ribs and sushi...and an ice cream cake for dessert. What a wonderful feast! Just a few shots that captured the night:: the spread, the kiddos (minus the tiniest one who was sleeping), the cake, me with my beautiful family (yep that's what 36 looks like--please excuse the frizzy hair, it was raining)...and the cake again that captures the action. Thanks Theresa for a wonderful party!

On the morning of July 4th as we were on our way out the rd door I went to check on my tomatoes. Gone! I live in the city, mind you, so I thought it was probably some kids that took them to be mean then I saw them....hoof prints! A deer had come into our yard and had it's way with my tomato plants while trampling my squash. Seriously, really? There are a few flowers and tiny tomatoes hanging on so I really hope we get some big 'maters this summer. My cherry tomatoes survived because they went unnoticed so I should have some of those this week unless we get another visit. I close the gate at night now so there's no open invitation to my garden. It's just frustrating, ya know? Gardening takes a lot of work...I've got a small garden but with watering, weeding, staking..to see some of it gone...not good, man, not good.

This last set of pictures are some things in nature that we just had to share with you. First up a little snake that crossed the sidewalk in front of us while we were on a walk. (if only I was brave enough to catch it). Second, the proof of our deer thief...hoof prints in my garden. Third, some tiny little mushrooms. Fourth, a bird's next the was made with sticks and mud...amazing things-nests. Lastly, okay not found in nature, but our lovely cat, Shadow, was unwillingly sporting some shades for a picture. The girls insisted that I include this shot... it was so funny to them.
I hope you all had a wonderful holiday weekend. Happy Tuesday! xo ANG

friends & fireworks

Don't forget about my giveaway to celebrate the 300th post of Clothesline Chronicles. Click here to enter.

Yep, friends and fireworks...the stuff memories are made of. Eeew, did I just end that sentence with a preposition? The teacher in me loathes poor grammar skills but I couldn't help it. 'The stuff of which memories are made' just sounds highfalutin. Last weekend our town had a wonderful day of celebration that ended with a fireworks show. We have never taken our girls to see fireworks...ya know, with an early bedtime they are never up late enough during the summer to even see the sun go down. Well, we thought it was time. Time to enjoy fireworks, to see fireflies in the dark, to stay up late!

Our good friends were taking their kids to the fireworks show as well and suggested that we meet for snow cones first and make an evening of it. Boy, oh boy, was that a good idea. We stopped and enjoyed some sugary treats together. I have never seen such a rainbow of colors on the teeth and tongues of these kiddos! The weather could not have been more perfect. The temperature was in the low 80's, the humidity was non-existent, and there was a wonderful breeze. It felt very Hawaiian trade wind-ish to me. And with the island music playing from the snow cone shack...it was perfect.

After the little ones ran off some of their sugar we headed up the mountain to get a great spot to see the show. The kids all piled in the back of our car then ran around in the grass, then back in the car, then....you get the idea. Let me tell you, every ounce of red#40 and every minute past bedtime was worth it. My girls are still talking about it and can hardly wait until next July! Here are some pictures I took of the fireworks show. The beauty can never be captured but it was so beautiful and we enjoyed every last second! Thanks Theresa and Mark for making these memories with us!

Happy Thursday. xo ANG

what do you get...

when you take scraps of yellow felt, yellow gingham, red corduroy, some shiny buttons, and two sweet girls that want to make a surprise for a friend?
A crown of course!

We have a little 3 year old friend named Toby. He is constantly surrounded by girls so when it comes to playing dress-up there aren't many choices for him amongst all of the pink princess piles. Last week when we saw him he really wanted a turn with miss E's princess crown. Uh, well, okay, not gonna happen. My girls decided that he needed a nice manly, kingly crown to wear that was just for boys...boys that wanted to be princes or kings! So they set off making him cards and drawings while I set off to create a crown. I'd say the girls were pretty happy with the result. They could hardly wait to give it to him. Today we saw Toby and the girls gave him the crown. Let me just say that he absolutely loved it! He was very excited and yes, it fit him! Okay, so I forgot my camera today so I don't have a picture of Toby wearing his crown, but trust me...he loved it!