Craft #2, Car Seat Cooler

When I saw this craft on one of my fave sites, I knew I HAD to make one.  We live in Chico now and it's hot! 

 (Side note~ How come when you're moving to Chico, people love to tell you it's hot?!  I mean, when I moved to Napa, did people tell me there are grapes?  No, because der, I think we know that.... LOL) 

But anyways, I too wanted to save my little precious Jackson's bum, look posh, and do a fun craft alongside! 




 So despite my lousy sewing skills, I knew I had to try this.  And I think I did pretty well!  That darn sewing machine always makes me feel dumber than I really am, I have no patience for it.  But, being by myself with no one to ask for help, forced me to utube bobbin & machine threading tutorials.  I did well, and I actually feel like I conquered the machine I usually end up wanting to throw through a wall!


Little ice pack pockets,




Saving the bum.




So, hop on over & see their adorable crafts yourself!  It was almost a bit too easy, I need something else now to procrastinate doing housework with ;)

Happy Birthday GG!

Fam

Wonder where Jackson gets his squinty-while-smiling eyes?  Geesh!

First Craft

First craft to cross off my summer list.  I got this HUGE ugly frame a while ago.  Nobody but I could see it's potential.  I had big plans for this frame at our new house, and the plans were definitely not going to be putting a 3 foot by 3 foot Mona Lisa in the house.




One can of white spray paint and a sheet of galvanized metal and here is the after!



I love it because it's on this huge blank wall in our laundry room and now holds all of our junk. Not really junk, but stuff I want to show off for a little while or easily find.  I'm just not one to put stuff on our fridge and have it falling off all of the time.  It's right smack in your face when you walk into the house from the garage, our calendar and all. 

Our garden

is not doing so well!  I was so excited to garden at our new house, we have SO much space! 

At our old house last year, Donnie made 4 raised beds, we filled only 3 and still couldn't keep up with the vegetables coming from it.  This year, I decided we'd wait on beds (since Donnie has a MILLION things on his to-do list and I wanted to see how the ground would be regular).  Well, regular ground at the new house isn't cutting it!  A gopher already bit all the roots off one of my heirloom tomato plants until it just fell over.  Today Jackson and I walked out to water and one of our pepper plants is gone.  GONE.  Like where it's making me think I have early-Alzheimer's because it was there yesterday, gone today.  I mean, it doesn't look like I ever planted one! 

Such a bummer, since last weekend while we were in Napa, I went to a Year Round Vegetable Class and was so excited to get back to our garden.  What makes it even more frustrating is this farm that is literally on the other side of our backyard fence, and looking over the fence and seeing their fabulous crops!

Not only that, but watering in the ground with Jackson is a disaster.  Every single day we're hosing him down after he stomps himself silly in the mud.  Fun for him, not for me!  (Although thank goodness for kid's Crocs!)  I will try to take some pictures, but usually I'm such a mess from dragging his muddy self back to get a hose off.

Double House

We were so fortunate to have the family staying with us the last few days!   Donnie's brother Danny, his wife Elsa, and adorable kids Damien and Brianna.  Double household!  They live in San Diego area, so we are so thankful when we get to see them.

And who wouldn't want guests who bring Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf Vanilla Latte Mix.  Not just one, but THREE!  Yipee!  I will not be visiting Starbucks for a long while, and really would never go if Coffee Beans were up in NorCal.  Thank you guys so much!



Danny & Jackson.






Jackson, Damien, and Brianna.  Jackson's only first cousins!


We had a fabulous few days.  Filled with Woodstocks, Bidwell, The Bear, BBQing, lots of pool, Yahtzee, and lots of chats & memories.

More Fourth

Courtesy of Pettit's camera!


One Mile after breakfast,

Different Fourth of July get-up. (No, we have no idea what's on her head!)

Tents in the yard.

Yahtzee!  After Mark's fabulous wine quiz, and of course annual trivia.  Maureen always wins!

Our Fourth

was fabulous.  Besides fun with family, I just love our town!  Saturday we headed downtown for Farmers Market and some shopping.

Sunday we headed to Bidwell park for the town pancake breakfast and festivities.


Jackson was not a happy camper being strolled along, but made do.


A wonderful pancake breakfast at Bidwell,




Although Jackson was much happier when it was over and he was able to run.


And explore One Mile with cousins,


The rest of the weekend was spent poolside and playing games.  We didn't get around to bocce, but every single person who came went down the waterslide!

Cantaloupe popsicles,


Our yard in the last bit of sunset with tents in the backyard.


And new game of choice every day and evening, Rummikub.


Hope everyone had a happy Fourth!

Happy Fourth of July!

If I had taken the time this year to make or buy Jackson a Fourth of July T-Shirt, here is what he would be wearing,

So, you can just pretend :)  But, "Life is good." Definitely.

I'll update with Fourth of July pictures after the weekend.  We're having a fabulous time swimming, playing, and having fun with family.

Our Holiday Weekend

is starting tonight!

My family is coming up and tent camping in our backyard.  We have lots planned, bocce, Yahtzee, happy hours, pancake breakfast, some game called Boochie, a wine quiz/tasting, BBQ, and lots of pool time.  I made a ton of popsicles to be able to cross off my summer list finding a house popsicle for adults and kids.  Should be a great weekend, hopefully I don't take too many pictures.  Happy Fourth of July Weekend!