It is better to create than to be learned, creating is the true essence of life

So, I've had this unscratch-able creative itch going on lately.  I've decided to experiment with a new media (no more stamps, scrapbooking, card making for now)....I'm on to fabric.  I am a bit intimidated by sewing, even though I took a year of costume design at Barat. (my DIY shirts were always crooked....)

Anyway, my crafty mom-in-law, Ann, is quite the seamstress and was patient enough to help me make some blocks.  I thought I'd start small with baby blocks, squish balls as to get a jump start on Christmas gifts for my friends with little ones.  Ann gets the credit for the squishy ball...my spatial learning abilities leave something to be desired...

Here are a few of my new creations:

My ultimate goal is to make a quilt, purses and baby blankets.  I do have a 6 week winter break approaching......

Here's a quilt I would LOVE to make someday:
(Amy Butler is my craft hero. She. is. a. fabric. goddess.)

change is the constant, the signal for rebirth, the egg of the phoenix

Sorry for the delay, ya'll...school's been the monkey on my back.  Last weekend we hosted a going away party for our bestest buds Drew and Sara.  They are moving this Friday (waaaaaaaaa :( to Phoenix for a new job opportunity and the chance to explore a new place to live.  It still has not sunken in that we won't be able to walk a few paces down the street in our jammies and play with them anytime we'd like.  We are very happy for them, but secretly ok, not so secretly want them to come back to Chicago someday.

We had a great time at the party.  Mom made delicious baked rigatoni and Drew made some tasty homemade Italian beef that was super spicy but yummy!  There was a fantastic turnout and I sure hope Drew and Sara felt the love!!! It's nice to know we'll have a place to vacation in AZ and they will always have a place to call home here with us.

Drew & Sara, we will miss you so much.  This past year being neighbors/bestest buds has been a blessing. We love you both with all our hearts and please know we will ALWAYS be here for you, no matter the miles between us.

Also, last weekend was Drew's birthday!  Happy Birthday, Drew!!

Here's a few great pics from the party:

time has told me, you're a rare, rare find

Today we celebrate two incredible years of marriage.  We certainly are blessed.  More than we could ever imagine.  We couldn't have asked for a more magical wedding day.  Freakishly warm weather in October, not a cloud in the sky...beautiful sunset on a beautiful lake.  A weekend filled with our beloved family and friends...We wish we could have the EXACT same wedding each and every year.  Especially the dancing!  A few of our faves:

I never felt magic crazy as this
I never saw moons knew the meaning of the sea
I never held emotion in the palm of my hand
Or felt sweet breezes in the top of a tree
But now you’re here
Brighten my northern sky

we could find a place to stay, a secret little hide away

This weekend we went to Royal Oaks Farm in Harvard.  We LOVE it there.  We went to pick our favorite apples (Liberty) and also picked a few great pumpkins.  I love pumpkins.  I don't know why I am so very fond of those little round fellows, but I love them all.  Even the ones with bumpy elephantitis looking spots.  
We spent the day at the farm, dinner at one of our favorite restaurants in Vernon Hills and then babysat for our wonderful, beautiful flower girls, Paige and Caroline that night.  They are getting bigger and more adorable by the minute.  We painted pumpkins and played kiddy Monopoly.  Paige whooped us in Monopoly.  :)  Oh and Caroline has the most creative little Halloween costume in mind this year....Darth Vader.  Yup, this precious little blonde haired, blue eyed 6 year old LOVES Star Wars.
Anyway, we love the fall and we can't wait to make apple crisp, apple pie and Dan's favorite, mulled apple cider with whisky.

lucy in the sky with diamonds

Oh, Grams....
So, Gramma is back in the hospital as of Sunday.  Pneumonia, wicked UTI, the works.  She hibernates when she gets pneumonia and always gives us a scare.  I stayed with her all day Monday and today and she was a bit out of it today, more than usual.


But....just when you think she's completely delirious...she hits you with a few zingers.  


Exhibit A:


Uncle Kiki is with Grams and the nurse walks in.  
Nurse:  Lucy, who is this? (she is just quizzing Grams, she knows it's her son)
Grams:......he's my lover.


Exhibit B:
I'm with Grams today and she has spent the last ten minutes making her baby doll that I bought her dance going 1,2,3,4 and 5,6,7,8...counting out the dance steps for baby.
Grams: What's your husband's name again?
Dana: Dan.
Grams: ANN?  That is the most disgusting name I have ever heard on a man.
Dana: No, Grams...Daniel.
Grams: Oh...well that's much better.


Exhibit C:
I was feeling pretty down and anxious because Grams was in her own little world and I was having a difficult time engaging with her.  It was making me sad so Kiki was trying to quiz her. 
Kiki: Mother, who's this girl? (pointing to me...I was right up in her face smiling at her and kissing her)
Grams:  I have NO idea...but, boy is she cute.
Not the answer I was looking for, but nonetheless, it made my day.


I love Grams so much and I hope she gets better each day.  She raised me as a 2nd mom and I spent most of my young adult and college years on the phone with her almost daily.  She and Papa were two of my best friends :)  Here's a few of my most precious Grams pics.

Somebody calls you, you answer quite slowly...

the girl with kaleidoscope eyes