Friend

The plaid bunny/sheep thing said he needed a friend, so with some stripy remnants this bunny came along. This time I reworked the ear shape to really make him a bunny, but I think they ended up a little far apart - they could look like horns except I put a little felt on them... I mean *ahem* I meant it to look that way. I attempted a few improvements on this model. I added a layer of crinkly stuff in each limb. I also put a small container with a few plastic beads, 4 small, green buttons and two brads inside to make a rattle sound. It took some trial and error to get just the right sound.

I again had an ear boo-boo, but that is just to remind everyone that this is a one of a kind hand made item.

This bunny decided to travel and is currently on his way west - but not before Radley could test him out and give him a thumbs up.

I am not sure if there are more friends for us in the future or not...

Compelled to be Crafty

I don't know whether it was because the County Fair started yesterday, all the crafty blogs I have been reading, or what, but yesterday I felt compelled to make something crafty.
However... I was determined to use only what I had on hand. I decided to make a stuffed animal styled after a Moopy - mostly because I think they look super cute, and partly because no matter how it turned out, it would look like I meant it that way.
I have been a fan of Clare Beaton's illustrations for awhile now and have a supply of felt from various "CB inspired projects." I also had a "discard or donate" bag of clothing next to my sewing table. And so began the project.
Since this was my first Moopy doll, I went as simple as possible. I chose not to stuff any limbs or ears. Instead I sewed a layer of felt (like batting) to give a slightly quilted quality. I even handstitched a little "quilty" running stitch around the edge of each appendage - that helped me hide one boo-boo on an ear.
The body is made from an old pair of pair of boxers (they were clean!). I made a half-hearted attempt to match my plaid when possible.
I love the way a pinked edge looks handstitched with a stitch in each groove, so I used that for adding the face and the ladybug on the tush (a piece of another pair of discarded boxers - perhaps the rest of the ladybug fabric will become something else - there is also a goldfish pair!)

Here is the finished product:

Originally it was going to be a bunny - but due to a design flaw I had to shorten the ears. Now I am not sure what it is - perhaps a baby sheep. Ideas as to what it is are welcome.

Pippin

Last night after getting back from Grandma and Grandpa's, Radley played on the grass while Davin and I tried to do a little yard work. Pippin is the neighborhood cat (officially housed with Holly next door). He is the most tolerant cat I have ever met. He loves to hang out with us whenever we are outside. Last night he wanted to sit with Radley. I couldn't believe he kept coming back after being crawled over so much - purring the entire time. After awhile Radley stopped mauling him and got interested in his book. I thought it was too cute the two of them hanging out.

An Important First

Radley finally had his first pickle today. Grandpa Bob has been talking about giving him a pickle since the day he was born (babies and pickles are a tradition in a way). Today he had his way and gave Radley a pickle (not just any pickle - a Gloria made pickle). Radley proved his heritage and wanted more.

On a side note (much overshadowed by the pickle eating) Radley waved back at us today and later at Grandma and Grandpa too.

Fun, Fun, and more Fun

Thursday night Sara and I went to a super cute movie Akeela and the Bee (it may still be in a cheap theater near you). It reminded me a lot of a favorite of mine Searching for Bobby Fischer. Mom, I think you would even like this one. :)

Then on Friday night Davin and I finally used our gift certificate to the Craftsman and had a fabulous night out (Thank you Teen and Papa John!). Davin had elk; I was less adventurous with a very tasty Ravioli with pork confit.

And today was my favorite nephew's 2nd birthday! Happy Birthday, Khalen!

Vroom Take Two

Grandma was here today with the boy while I was gone at a Podcasting class. She discovered a new way to "Vroom." Radley fits in the back of his new dump truck and loves to ride around. They had a good time racing around the kitchen.

Video

Something was wonky with the new video, but I think now it is fixed. Let me know if it is still not working.

It's official...

Emily, Stephen and Tryggve are officially gone. Stephen and Emily's Dad drove out west last Monday with the cars. Emily, her Mom and Tryggve flew out this morning. *sigh*
At least Radley and I were able to spend some time in Fargo with Emily and Tryggve before they left. We drove up and spent a few days last week still in denial about the fact that they were leaving.
Radley was getting over his first cold, so we did our best to keep the kids on separate toys. It was difficult to keep Radley in one spot now that he is mobile. At one point we had him in a pack-n-play to keep them apart. He kept smooshing his face against the side wanting to get out to us.

By the way - Emily, when you read this... I was so in denial on Friday, that I forgot to get your new address and phone number before we left!

Un-Standing

Radley is pulling himself up in more and more places. One of his favorite places is standing on a wooden crate filled with blocks from when Davin was little. Because of this we recently had the "block-crate incident." When you learn how to stand, you also need to learn how to un-stand. Radley tried to sit straight down and caught his mouth on the edge of the crate - there was blood, and I think one of his top teeth was showing through his gums more after that. That was Saturday, he has not tried that exact approach to un-standing again. Let's wait to learn that stoves are hot for a little bit yet, ok?

Vroom

There is a new video on the sidebar: Vroom. Once you watch you will immediately understand the title. Thanks to Mama Sharlene for figuring out the effects of "Vrooming" on Sunday night. I thought perhaps a minute and a half was too long for this video, but then I changed my mind... it cracks me up every time. Just when you think it's done, it keeps going full force. I just had to post all of the footage.
Enjoy.

First Fourth

What a beautiful long weekend! Davin had Monday and Tuesday off, so we took Radley on his first camping trip. We went to Insterstate State Park on the St. Croix River - the same place we went hiking last 4th of July weekend - only this time I carried Radley on the outside! It's hard to believe it has only been one year between these two pictures.

Tooth Update
He is still working on the four teeth coming in across the top. The two on the right side are poking through quite a bit now, so the new thing is grinding the bottom teeth against the new top ones. Aaahhh! The sound makes me cringe, but I am sure that the newness of it will wear off soon - I can't wait! All the grinding and feeling the new teeth puts a very serious look on his face much of the time lately.