camp crafts - a crochet rope rug for Kimmie

I was able to do quite a bit of crafting on our camping trip. With so many willing and able hands to entertain Levi, I figured I'd take advantage of some time when MY hands were relatively free. 

After crocheting that little rug with old sheets last year (seen HERE), I had the idea that I could probably crochet a rug in a similar way with rope.  A quick google search and I found out that other people had the same idea and even posted some patterns for me (bless their hearts!). I went to the only little convenience store near our camp and found thick cotton clothesline that looked perfect for the project.  500 ft of it later, I had myself a rug. The woman at the counter definitely gave me the side eye as I kept coming back in 2 or 3 times for more rope.

My first rope rug was given to my sister Kimmie for her birthday, along with some of my black and white nautical-themed photographs to hang in her new apartment at school. I love how this project turned out and I'm thinking one or two of these might be perfect for my bedroom... 

(I used THIS pattern - although I must admit that I didn't the right sized hook or rope, so needed to tweak quite a bit of this so that it lay flat.)

Today Kimmie is heading off to start her last semester of college. We'll miss her like crazy...but we're thankful it's Pennsylvania and not, say, Rwanda or Thailand. :)

deck make-over

The little deck on the top of the steps to the second floor has never been used in any capacity other than that very thing- getting to the second floor.  There's always been a planter or two, but other than that, it was wasted space.  

A few weeks ago, I decided to see if our small patio set would fit up on the deck.  We rarely used it where it was, so there was no hurt in trying it out somewhere else.  Surprisingly enough, it fit perfectly and we instantly had what felt like a new "room" to enjoy.  

I bought a cheap (but gorgeous!) outdoor woven mat to make it a little more home-y and filled the old flower boxes.  A candle lantern and houseplant on the table and we were set. 

I've also been wanting to add a screen door for a while now and when I starting researching prices, I realized that you could get an unfinished wooden one for a measly $20 at Home Depot. SO worth it. Now we can leave the door open and let in the breeze. It also gives Levi the ability to go in and out and I can monitor him from the kitchen if he wants to play outside on the deck. 

With the Sea Kettle being a relatively cozy little house, it's been fun to take advantage of some new space and have a new place to read, eat meals and play..at least until winter sets in!

be glad!

"This is the day that the Lord has made, 

let us rejoice and be glad in it!"

Psalm 118:24

Thankful this week, for...

- the excitement and promise of a new school year
- an inspiring work retreat and the holy vocation of tranformational Christian education
- Trader Joes treats
- quiet naptimes
- morning walks
- more birthday treats; especially my favorite candy bars and a gift certificate for a foot massage from the BFF
- cool, temperate days
- flourishing window/patio boxes
- dinners with siblings
- hand-knits in the mail
- Salem East potluck and our new intergenerational community small group
- a sermon inspired by Brother Lawrence - his life and prayers: "We ought not to be weary of doing little things for the love of God, who regards not the greatness of the work, but the love with which it is performed."
- staff clambake, good friends and energetic kiddos
- a fun time hanging out with Brian's Aunt Lisa, Uncle Dave and cousin Alex; a nice walk downtown, lunch and ice cream, and fun and thoughtful gifts for Levi's birthday picked out by Alex. 

(Hi, Alex!)

Family Camping Trip 2013 - Sebago Lake, Maine

"Live in the sunshine, 

swim in the sea, 

drink the wild air"

-Emerson

'til next year, Sebago!

these days

these days, I'm -

- unpacking from a fabulous week in the woods and washing dirt and "campfire" out of piles of clothes
- sorting through 1,000+ family camping pictures (and hoping a blog post or two will be ready this week!)
- going to the occasional teaching training, classroom set-up, student orientation day at work
- making art class materials lists and putting finishing touches on curriculum and syllabi 
- trying my darndest to complete the last few things on my summer list
- thinking about potty training
- relishing a new-ish resolution to be an earlier morning riser
- reading another round of Piper and Galatians 
- crocheting rope rugs and making doily bunting for our bedroom 
- answering cute little "whyyyyyyy?"s all.day.long.
- knitting up bunches of baby cuddle sacks
- preparing for a new tenant
- finishing a summer-long house organizing spree
- thankful for a quick visit from one of my Yemen girls
- enjoying birthday celebrations
- making the most of the last days of summer and thankful for such a full and happy one

ta-ta for now!

This afternoon we're heading up north for our annual family camping trip 2013.  Every year I treasure these long and lazy last days of summer, enjoying the Maine woods and the beautiful Sebago Lake with my nearest and dearest.

Looking forward to a week of- 

tent sleeping, 

sunshine soaking, 

lake swimming, 

fire roasting, 

technology unplugging

gift knitting, 

en plein aire painting,

 sand playing, 

book reading, 

s'more eating,

game playing, 

outdoor exploring, 

(and even 29th birthday celebrating!). 

Now that's what I call a vacation. God willing I'll be back next week with plenty of photos to show for it. :)

Wishing you all a happy week! 

sCATurday!

(I'm sorry non-cat people...but how could I not? The Sea Kettle kitty hasn't been featured on this blog in maybe..years?? He is still loved on and cuddled and slowly getting used to being chased around constantly by a little lad who adores him. And surprisingly enough, he REALLY enjoys hangin' in this cuddle sack I recently made for a friend (I decided I didn't like the colors). Dmitri has totally claimed this one as his own.)