A (very long) day in the life

*WARNING: This is a non-craft related and picture heavy post.*


This past Thursday this lab rat was let out of the lab! I've worked at marine science institutions for about 6 years now and this week was the first time I went out on a research vessel. That's odd considering most of the work I do relies on collecting samples from the ocean and rivers nearby.

Well, I'm so glad I took the opportunity because I had a great time and I'm not sure when I'll get the chance to go again. I'm not sure how many more 14 hour days I can handle, either!

Since it was my first cruise I was volunteered to demonstrate how to get into the life suit, or what the crew calls the 'Gumby suit'.

photo by Mike Sullivanphoto by Mike Sullivan

My tasks for the day were to:

1) stay out of everyone's way

2) collect samples

photo by Mike Sullivan

and

3) not puke.

I think I excelled on all fronts. Yay! Not too bad for my first cruise.

Thanks to the crew of the R/V Savannah for a fun and interesting day on the water!

~Megan

Summer is coming

And so is Maria's summer wardrobe.

I loosely followed Dana's dress tutorial here. As you know, she is another one of my faves!! She has a new pattern in her shop, that will make a great addition to any little girl's closet.I have challenged myself to not only make her summer wardrobe, but to use only recycled materials. You should see the looks I have been getting at the counter of my local thrift stores. I feel the need to explain to the clerk why I am purchasing two extra small tank tops and a men 3x Hawaiian shirt. Maybe some things should be left unsaid.

So go, and give your local thrift store clerk something to talk about.

Happy Thrifting!!

Rhiannon

Maria's Big Day

 Maria started yesterday, like any other day, wearing a new summer dress made by me. I have challenged myself to make her summer wardrobe. I will post outfits as they are finished. Of course this dress if from my favorite pattern, by one of my favorite bloggers. I am trying not to sund like a broken record, but if you are a beginner sewer and would like to make some adorable clothes for your kiddos, try her patterns. They are super easy to follow. I am addicted!! You will notice when I start posting Maria's summer clothes.

 She went on a field trip to Kilgus Family Dairy Farm. Sorry no pictures, I had to work.

 After work Maria and I went to my cousin Kelly's salon to get our hair done.

 Maria getting her hair washed was a little messy. She kept sitting up and getting water all over the floor.

 Now this is not Maria's first haircut, but it is the biggest.

 She made her first locks of love/ donation.

 The big cut, came just in time for those hot summer days.

 I am so proud of her.

 Kelly and Maria showing off her donation.

Here we are this morning before we left for the day showing off our new haircuts. Marcus was our photographer, so Maria was not going to give him the satisfaction of a smile. (by the way, I keep my lipstick in my car, I do not leave my lips that pale all day)

Now if you have a weak stomach skip this last picture.

So, in between the field trip and the haircut, we went to the emergency room for this. Luckily for Maria, she did not need stitches. Can you believe it? She was a trooper didn't cry once at the hospital.

Sorry to leave you with such a gruesome pic. Maria has been carrying them around with her so she doesn't have to stick her tongue out, she just shows off her photos.

Happy Haircuts!!

Rhiannon

Gardening

             Maria, Marcus and Dad started

                      our garden last night.

Maria was a huge help!! Just ask dad.

                                                          Look at those dirty hands!!

Marcus and his "Hey mom put down the camera and help" face.

Happy Gardening!!

Rhiannon

Participating

A few weekends ago as I ran out of supplies to make Aiden's Easter basket goodies I decided to try out a pattern that had been lurking in my stash for a long time. Since Rae is hosting the Spring Top Week competition again this year it seemed like a logical choice to jump from hand embroidering fish to sewing a halter top.


I bought this pattern then hurried to buy the fabric to make it, then hurried home. Two years later a top is made! I'm not sure why it took so long because this is one of the easiest tops (aside from the BBW top, of course) to whip up. Amy's patterns are very easy to follow. She gives very detailed direction each step of the way, I especially liked the way she suggests to sew in the zipper. I'm not generally a huge fan of putting zippers in garments but this was no problem.

The fabric I used is the same that I bought two years ago. Now my wardrobe consists, almost exclusively, of black or brown or very muted green and blue stuff. This wild Hawaiian style print is way outside of my comfort zone but I think it works well for this top. I'm trying to take a page out of my friend Victoria's book by choosing interesting patterns and new styles. What do you think, Vic? :)
The only things I may change the next time I make this top would be to make longer ties and fit the bodice a little better. Overall, though, I think I'll get quite a bit of wear out of this one.


Happy Sewing!
~Megan

First Sewitng Project

My son Marcus is always wanting to help me with my projects. I love that he shows interest in these things. I get a big kick out of how he can be all about wrestling and football with his friends one minute and the next, he is asking my if he can help me sew.

This coloring book was his first official "all by himself" sewing project, and it was an extra special one. My little brother Sam, passed away January 1st 2009. Marcus and Sam were the best of friends, they spent everyday together. Sam was a great playmate for Marcus growing up, and as Marcus got older, he was a loyal friend to Sam. One of the hardest parts about losing Sam, was knowing that my daughter Maria would not have the same memories or understanding of what an extraordinary person Sam was. I try to make something to celebrate his life and spirit each holiday for my children and the cousins in our family. This Easter we made this simple coloring book. Sam's favorite place to visit was Disney World. If I am correct, had been there 17 or 18 times in 15 years. I used this tutorial to convert some of Sam's Disney photos into coloring book pages.

I cut brown paper bags to make the cover. Marcus sewed right down the center of the pages attaching them to the cover.

This was a great first project for Marcus and great therapy for me.

My brother Sam touched the hearts of everyone he met. My mom has a blog where she shares our many memories of Sam. Although his life was short, he made everyday so special and left us with many beautiful memories.

Happy Remembering

Rhiannon

An Easter Celebration

I love Easter, I feel like it marks the true beginning of Spring. Unfortunately in the Midwest the weather does not always agree. This year, however the weather was very cooperative, and we were able to enjoy the usual Easter traditions plus a few of our own.

Cousins inspecting their treasures after an Easter Egg hunt.

A huge dinner-I host Easter each year and last year I decided I wanted to try a Mexican menu. It has become one of our new traditions. My husband fixes meat and toppings for burritos and tacos. The rest of the family brings their favorite Mexican dish to share. Very Yummy!!

Maria and Louisa wearing dresses inspired by the food.

Chloe taking a swing at the Pinata.


Maria enjoying the hunt.

Marcus and Lucas- I love seeing my children play with their cousins at the holidays. It brings back memories of my childhood. We always had big family dinners with all of us cousins looking forward to spending the day playing together. Lucas enjoying the day.

Maria showing off her dress.


Maria and Great-Grandma. Aren't they both adorable?

Me and my cousin Laura.

I hope you all had a wonderful Easter full of old and new traditions.

Happy Celebrating

Rhiannon