Mom on the Make

Finding fun amidst the chaos of Motherhood

My First Handmade Bag

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As I’ve mentioned before, I love bags.  I love the hunt for the perfect bag.  I love the different textures and hardware and colors.  I love it all.

It occurred to me that instead of buying a new one that maybe I should learn how to sew and start making my own bags to my exact specifications.  I can choose the fabrics, the hardware, the number of pockets, zipper or magnetic snap closure etc….

I found Lisa Lam’s blog and was inspired by her knowledge of bag making.  She is so excited about the art of making bags, its a bit contagious.

My first bag that I finished last night is a tote called the “Flat Bottomed Girl” from her Bag Making Bible book.  I was attracted to the tote page because the words “easy as pie” were on this particular page.

Here it is……so excited…..

Lisa Lam Tote Pattern

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I think I’m in love with making bags…..

 

Battle Droids and Force Fields

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As you all know, I love recording some of the very random questions that my five year old son asks throughout the day.

For those of you that don’t know, here’s an example…….

When we were driving back from our trip to Point Reyes a few weeks ago, we were enjoying amazing views of the farmlands in the Point Reyes National Seashore area. The car was quiet, and we were all lost in our own thoughts.

Out of the blue……

Bam-Bam asks, “Dad, do all battle droids have force fields?”

Pretty. Darn. Adorable.

Our Trip to Point Reyes

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Last weekend the weather reports were predicting 90-95 degree temps for Saturday and Sunday.  I told Mountain Man that we needed to get away, perhaps to the breezy Pacific ocean.

We batted around ideas.  San Francisco is usually a lot cooler, but most of the hotels were booked due to the Final Races of the America’s Cup starting last weekend.

We remembered going away to Point Reyes seven years ago for a getaway, and decided this would be perfect for us and our three adventurous kiddos.

So, we booked a cottage at the Cottages at Point Reyes Seashore for Saturday night and headed over to cooler lands after all three soccer games were complete Saturday morning.

Cottages at Point Reyes Seashore used to be called Inverness Valley Inn.  The new name was recently implemented when new owners took over earlier this year.  The owners are doing a Wonderful job with the Inn.  Everything was in great condition.  This a is a perfect spot for a couples getaway, family getaway or corporate retreat.  So serene and away from it all.  Yet, so close to many fun activities.

After arriving to Inverness and checking into the Inn, we drove about 5 miles to North Beach, and were mesmerized by the cool breezes and rough waves of the Pacific.  It was perfect.  The breeze made the 60 mile trip totally worth it.

Here’s a few photos from our journey….

Photos of Cottages at Point Reyes are below.  This is a beautiful 15 acre property surrounded by Redwood trees.  While walking around the trails on the property, there is a canopy of beautiful trees shading you.  You really feel like you’re getting away from it all.  There is also a pool and hot tub, and tennis courts on the property.  We ALL loved it here and will definitely return soon.

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Cottages at Point Reyes Seashore is directly across the street from Chicken Ranch Beach, a gorgeous setting on the peaceful Tomales Bay.

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On Sunday morning, we headed out to the Lighthouse at Point Reyes. Quite Amazing. The fog in the morning is dense and chilly (loved it).

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The Pacific Ocean never looked so beautiful. These are photos from North Beach in the Point Reyes National Seashore stretch of beaches.

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Kids are funny

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Well, we have finally reached the last day of summer vacation.  My three kiddos are headed back to school in the morning and they cannot wait.

After some last minute school errands this afternoon, I took them out to lunch at Panda Express.

Towards the end of lunch after enjoying our mushroom chicken, noodles, honey walnut shrimp, and black pepper chicken, Bam Bam looks across the table at me and says, “Mom, are all bunnies magic?”

This question just absolutely slayed me……….

The obvious answer I heard coming out of my mouth was “Of course.” 🙂

I just love having a five year old.

Tom T’s Hat Rack, by Michele Spry

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tom t's hat rackI had the pleasure of reading the heartwarming story, Tom T’s Hat Rack, by Michele Spry, this past week and wanted to share my thoughts with you.

The story is about a delightful fourth grader, Shelby, and how she tackles and completes a very meaningful project during her summer vacation.

This is not an ordinary summer project.  This is a project that focuses solely on giving back to her community with the help of her good friend, Mr. T.

When all of the kids in her fourth grade class are talking about their grand travel plans for the upcoming summer break, Shelby is excited to stay in her home town and spend time with her neighbors, Mr. and Mrs. T, who also happen to be her babysitters while her parents are at work.

Little does Shelby know what Mr. T has in store for her during this particular summer when he asks her to help him with a building project.  Even though Mr. T keeps what they are building a secret until the very end, Shelby dives in, works hard, and helps Mr. T build every day during her summer break.

When the great reveal of what they have built takes place, Shelby is overwhelmed with delight.  Showing her caring nature, she comes up with another project to complement the one they completed which will help even more people in her community.

The character of Shelby is simply wonderful.  She thinks about others before herself and displays a positive attitude wherever she goes.  Her effervescent personality puts smiles on faces and spreads a warmth that is eagerly received by others in her life.

She is trustworthy, hardworking, creative, and kind.  As I read through the story, I found myself hoping that elementary and middle school age kids read this book and receive the message of giving back, hard work, persistence, and kindness.

I highly recommend this book for elementary and middle school age readers.  They will be taken through a well written story while learning the valuable lesson of giving back.

The illustrations throughout the book are simply stunning.  They are incredibly lifelike and unique.  Very impressive indeed.

We will definitely be on the lookout for more heartwarming stories by Michele Spry in the future.

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