Week 3 and 4 of 52 week challenge

I realize it is past the time of the last 2 weeks of January, but I'm still trying to hang in there with the challenge.  I am cheating somewhat with the project for these two weeks as there is only one craft project to share.  I did work on it for both weeks, though, so I am going to count it for both.

Originally I intended to begin some fabric art, perhaps collaged cuffs, like I've made before, so I started sorting through several bags of fabric scraps and some tote bags with UFO's that had been placed in a cedar wardrobe since our move a year ago. Digging led to the thought that I might as well try to re-organize the junk/stuff and once that was done, I had already caught a bug of trying to finish one of the prior projects that is not too far from being done. The practical part of my brain has latched onto the idea that I could take this 52 week resolution as an opportunity to mark some things off that long "you never got around to finishing what you start" list.  Below you can see what is completed so far on what will be a Christmas stocking. Once intended for one of the girls (yes, this was begun SEVERAL years ago), this will end up being for either Thomas or Sam.  I also have a cat needlepoint stocking partly done and this may be what I complete for the other grandson.  There is also a pretty stocking front I have completed of a partridge and pear.  It needs to have a back and cuff sewn onto it. Since my sewing machine skills are at a very beginner level, I keep putting this off until I can figure out how to do it correctly.  It will be for my longtime sweetheart husband, when and if I get it done.

 

 

Speaking of grandsons, I can now announce that we have another grandchild on the way.  Those of you friends with me on Facebook have already been notified, but I really should make it official on my blog as well.!  Holly and Chris are expecting their first baby on July 25th of this year. We are so excited about the prospect of another sweet grandbaby!

 

 

During my week off we enjoyed a sweet day with Emily and her family at the McWane Center in Birmingham. I had never been before and thoroughly enjoyed myself! Be sure and visit the link for more information about this wonderful place! This is a shot of one of the beautiful aquariums.

 

 

Here is Thomas having fun with one of the interactives on the first floor.

 Sam enjoyed the Clifford exhibit as it had several activities geared toward the littles like him.  He is building a "sand castle" in this picture.

Here is Sam again having a great time with water play.

Thomas loved the giant "Lite Brite" playboard. I am sure he has never seen the original small game.  We had one left from when the girls were small until we were getting ready to move.  It ended up being donated to our local thrift shop. Yet another thing I wish I had hung onto...

Here Emily and Thomas plaIy music on the giant piano!

We all loved playing with the colorful push nails.  Kerry had held Thomas up so he could press his face into one side.  Here he is marvelling at the sight of his face from the other side.

  This is another game found on the first floor.  I love the expression on Thomas' face!

 

Would love to go back here again as I felt cheated on the time I was able to spend on the floor with the bird and dinosaur exhibits.  Included in the collections in this area was one of antique medical equipment.  That is where I was found when the rest of the family had finished looking and realized I was no longer with them.  I was so fascinated that I didn't even get my camera out to take any shots there.

 

I am in the middle of my work week right now as I get this post completed.  It has been a busy week. Hopefully this weekend we will get to see Thomas and Sam again.  Kerry's birthday is February 5th, so Emily wants us to come down so that we can celebrate in some way together.