It's been a busy few weeks. Holy Week, Easter, doctors appointments, PT appointments for Miss Courtney and the dentist as well. She is waking up more every single day and it leaves my days quite busy. It is a wonderful challenge to be having. It has left me little time for crafting or sewing or general dusting, vacuuming or spring cleaning of any kind. Needless to say, my house needs some attention. Since this is all about finding contentment in everyday life, let us enter into the insanity known as "Mary's Crazyland".
Over the last few months I have been working on my swap for the Covert Robin Swap I signed up for. This swap is all about sending a homemade gift to a perfect stranger. I was assigned the lovely Amanda @ JediCraft Girl. It was such a pleasure to get to know her through her blog and what her likes and dislikes might possibly be before deciding what to make and send. She is a big quilter and I am not. BUT she loves to bake so I went with that.
pretty
I made my very first pair of oven mitt's that I machine quilted for her. I chose a happy and bright fabric that reminded me of her smile.
I found the free patten on-line and it went together pretty quickly. I measured twice and stitched once. I think they turned out well.
I copied down several family recipes and included them in a notebook. I also sent along some jam, grilled salsa, and homemade canned spaghetti sauce. I am hoping she is enjoying them with her family.
happy
Of course there was a lovely gift maker working on a project to send me as well. The beautiful Gina @Party of 8: Our Story. I was just blown away when I got her package. I was so overwhelmed that I felt horrid for Amanda. I felt I should have done more. The people pleaser in me is very strong.
Gina made me a knitting bag with a scissor ribbon/zippered pocket AND a needle bag. Amazing workmanship went in this project. I am so honored to have received it. Truly I am.
the back of the bag...
the stunning front of the lined bag...
amazing quilting work...amazing...
funny
The funny part of this story is that I mailed two different packages to two different people on the same day. Part of my gift to Amanda ended up in a box to the lovely Grace. This only freaking happens to ME!! I was mortified. Thank God Grace has an incredible sense of humor and so sweetly mailed the recipe book/note back my way and then I sent them on to Amanda to join the other homemade goods I sent in the earlier box. Better late than never I guess. Thanks to Gina for my gift, Amanda for her patience and Miss Grace for her sense of humor and quick mailing skills.
real
This morning I made my first batch of homemade pop tarts for a special newly minted nine-year old boy. My husband saw the following Instagram shot and quickly texted requesting his own batch. So now we are on batch number two. Never say I am not dedicated to pleasing my hubby. Better living through homemade baked goods!!
Homemade Blueberry Pop Tarts before lemon glaze...
Afterward...yummo!!
~ Capturing the context of contentment in everyday life ~
