Craft

Craft is a word I’m not crazy about. It brings up memories of growing up in Rogers and being let out of school early to avoid the Craft Fair traffic. Oh being let out of school early is always great – it’s the “going crafting” that drives me bonkers. I’ve been to these craft fairs and in my opinion painting a Santa’s Helper (an elf?) face on a gourd and calling it a craft is disturbing at worst and tacky at best.

Crafting also brings to mind my least favorite store – Hobby Lobby. Now I’m not insulting Hobby Lobby for all your art, crafting and hobby needs. Clearly they are the winner in this category. Does hobby-ing make you think of frog figurines that have “Gone Fishin?” What about signs that say “Always Kiss Me Good Night?” Note on that: if you need a sign to remind you, there are other issues. I can go on & on about why I can’t stand going to Hobby Lobby (cinnamon decorative brooms!?!) but if you’re reading this you’ve probably already heard it from me.

So why bring up craft and crafting if I have such a disdain for it? I’m surrounded by crafty people.  I’m surrounded by creative people who make  beautiful and interesting things. Remy has been lucky enough to already receive many of these.

My sweet mama is the first person I think of who creates beautiful pieces. Since I can remember  she has sewn clothes, made dolls, cross stitched, hook-rugged, paper crafted and quilted. There’s probably more to that list. Her passion is quilting and she is quite skilled. In most of Remy’s photos she is sitting on or wrapped in a quilt from Grandma. Her newest one is my favorite to date. It’s an alphabet quilt that Remy & I lay on and “read” together. I am excited for the days to come when Remy can tell me what’s on each block of the quilt.

Reading the blocks

Look at that intensity!

Telling me about it

Thanks Grandma!

My besty LOVES crafts. She enjoys her own craft night. She likes to craft things for work. She likes to make her own Halloween costumes (Halloween = gross). She is truly gifted. She does amazing print work, knits, is a recent graduate of a sewing class, is skilled with flower arranging and is Queen of the Dips. Plus she makes my absolute favorite Banana Nut Bread (sorry mom!)

 Behold a couple of things Auntie Jill has made for Remy

Remy Art. Literally.

Herbert the Crocheted Bee

Remy likes to give Herbert a hard time.

 

A note on the super soft and sweet crocheted blanket we are sitting on. This was created by Karen Strain who Jonathan has known since he was a young man throwing rocks and terrorizing Park Place.

Cathy Campbell. Manager of the fabulous Mason’s. Owner of one of my dream cars. Infectious laugh. V. Stylish. A hugger and someone who “loves love.” One of my most beloved and dear friends and I am a better person for it. She crafted something for Remy and could barely contain herself when I was opening it.  This calls for photos only – no need to explain the awesomeness that is about to be revealed.

Let the Wild Rumpus Begin!

Happy Little Monster

Sweetest little monster

Rumpus-ing

Clearly Remy is ferocious

I'm reading to Remy while she's smiling at her dad who is making monster noises.

Tired little monster

I asked Cathy to make me one of her fabulous notebooks. When you get a present from Cathy the gift box is decopauged. I cannot explain how much I love this notebook. If you don’t know why, we’ve obviously never met.

I love this notebook so much that I never use it. It's so pretty & perfect.

Thank you all so much for all of Remy’s wonderful gifts AND because of your overwhelming skills and desire to create there will be a Craft Post Part 2.

nothing sweeter

Is there anything sweeter (or more peaceful) than a sleeping baby?  If there is it probably involves kittens playing themselves into a drowsy state.  Remy falls asleep in stages, unlike her father who is out after he fidgets around on the bed for a good 7 minutes. I swear it’s like being in a waterbed…I digress.

Stage 1: She’s finished eating and a we’re listening to a little music. Today we were listening to Stand By Me – the Mickey Gilley version. I have a love for Urban Cowboy and my friend BenFann had mentioned it today. He loves it like I do. Remy approved. Note the nicely folded hands.

If you put the camera away I may get to sleep

Stage 2: The in & out stage. This stage is critical. She can be easily stirred by that damn dog next door, the damn dogs in my house or the damn iPhone. Avoiding all damned objections Stage 3 can be reached. Stage 2 is my favorite stage as it has Remy rubbing her tired eyes and the sigh of contentment.

Mickey Gilley is making me sleepy.

Stage 3 = Sweet, sleepy, slumbering baby. So pretty. So quiet.

I'm closing my eyes so mom will stop taking pictures of me.

This leaves me with a little free time and pondering at what point does staring at your kiddo sleeping get weird? Probably when she can tell me herself. Until then I will keep clicking away and smiling at her little face.