Sewing Project

Last week, Paton got a hold of a black Sharpie marker and created artwork on our ottoman. As you can see from the below pictures, he decided upon balloons since that's the newest thing he's learned how to draw. I used Resolve to fade the marks but knew it was hopeless to think that I could actually remove them completely. So the only option was to get online and see if I could order a pre-made, stretchy ottoman cover.

That was easier said than done, since all of the stretchy ottoman covers were too small for my oversized ottoman. Ours is about 38 inches on all four sides and 12 inches deep, and all of the covers online only stretched out to fit 28 inch ottomans. Even raising my budget price didn't help. No one made oversized, square ottoman covers. I did have the option of ordering one that could have been specially made, but that would really blow my budget!

Then a crazy thought popped into my head. Why don't I make one?! This was an especially daunting task since I hadn't used my sewing machine in...oh...probably 4 or 5 years....and then it was only for quilting! So, I made up my mind to save money and try to make one myself. I got the materials and fabric at WalMart since I didn't want expensive fabric on my very first sewing project. WalMart had some faux leather that matched pretty well with my brown sofa, love seat, and recliner. There also was a pattern online for an ottoman cover that I thought looked simple and rather uncomplicated.

So after a couple of hours, finger pricked raw by pins, and a sick stomach (from nerves!), I fit on the completed cover and was amazed that it fit and looked decent! For those sewing masters out there, I certainly don't claim perfection on this project, but I'm so proud of myself for making something that fit!

The corners were complete guess-work. The pattern also called for an elastic fitted bottom so it could fit tightly onto the ottoman, but I actually like it without the fitted bottom.

And now that I've completed this project, Greg wants me to make a slipcover for our couch downstairs...oh dear. Look out, sewing world! Danielle is armed with a sewing machine and is dangerous!

Utah State Fair

I grew up going to the state fair and have such wonderful memories of the food, animals, and rides. So when Greg and I started our family, I knew that the state fair was going to be one of our yearly traditions. Paton's first year alive we went to the Missouri state fair w/ friends of ours, but he was only about 4 months old and obviously couldn't enjoy it much. Then the next year we lived here in Utah, and Paton was able to enjoy it a little more. This year was so much fun b/c he's more verbal and really enjoyed the animals.

I think the chickens and other fowl exhibits are his favorite...not sure why. The emu was something I didn't remember seeing last year, and Paton was very happy to say hello to the "big bird."

I had to keep a watch out for Paton since he really liked the "sand" (sawdust). There was a lot of gross things mixed in with the sawdust that I really didn't want him playing in.

Paton was very brave in patting the goats. By the end he was running up to them, saying hello, and reaching in and petting w/ no hesitation. Thankfully, none of the goats were biters!

Every once in a while we'd see a goose herder come by w/ his dressed up fowl! Paton loved the geese and desperately wanted to follow them.

Daddy took Paton on the giant slide. He had a wide-eyed terror in his eyes on the way down, but as soon as it was over he asked Daddy, "Again!"

One of the best parts of a fair is the food! Our list included turkey legs, french fries, funnel cake, corn dogs (so delicious for some reason), coke, cherry limeade, ice cream, and elephant ears. A word about elephant ears...the fair where I grew up only had elephant ears, and I had never heard of funnel cake until I moved to the south. So this was the first time I had an elephant ear since I was a little girl. Definitely needed to document this occasion!

Greg got his turkey leg and shared with Paton and me. The meat was so tender!

Paton playing...not sure what's going through his head.

And the merry-go-round was a hit! He was trembling with excitement when the carousel started up!

 Overall, the fair was, as expected, a really relaxing and enjoyable time as a family. We'll definitely continue this tradition for the foreseeable future.

The Dinosaur Museum

On Wednesday, a friend of mine from church invited Paton and I to the Dinosaur Museum. But before I left, I took a few pictures of Greg on a backhoe/front loader thing. It was neat watching him work with such a huge piece of machinery!

Before we looked at the dinosaur sculptures, we stopped to feed the fish. Actually, I don't think the fish got any of the fish food because the ducks ate it all. But that wasn't a bad thing since it's easier for Paton to enjoy the ducks.

Paton was so excited to have his friends around that he ran wherever he went. No walking at all. Just running. And he really didn't take an interest in the dinosaurs. He was just so excited to be with his friends.

This tree sculpture has stairs leading to a slide inside, but after just a few steps Paton didn't want anything to do with it. Much more fun playing in the sand.

It was a really fun morning, and the weather was perfect for an outing!

Opening Game of 2011

Today was our South Carolina Gamecocks opening game, but before I get to that I have to share something that I experienced for the first time today. Ever since I put my hummingbird feeder up, I've seen plenty of hummingbird behavior. I've learned that they are territorial and will protect their source of food quite vociferously. But never in my life have I seen one just sit and preen. I was so enamored by this that I just stood by the sliding door and watched...and took a few pictures.

This is our traditional shot on the first game day of the season. Oh...and the Gamecocks won against East Carolina (56-37).

Paton had a clumsy day and earned his very first band-aid worthy "owie."

Here are Paton and Daddy enjoying a pre-game wrestling match.

 
Our opening game spread...complete with Gamecock plates and napkins (courtesy of my in-laws).

A football spread must come with chicken wings and nacho cheese dip.

And Cokes inside game-appropriate paraphernalia.

I love it when Paton picks up a book on his own and reads.

This is one of his favorites as he can name most of the shapes in this book.

Frisbee Fridays

In an effort to get to know more people in our valley, Greg started Ultimate Frisbee Fridays. Every Friday night in September (there are five of them) we've reserved the local park for a game or two of ultimate and made sure to plaster the valley with advertisement flyers. Greg started the night off with a short instructional time (last night's was how to throw the disc) and then the rest of the evening was for playing the game. This benefitted beginners who've never played, and the more experienced players coached them along. What a success the night was! Several came from our own church, and then several came from the community who I had never met before. They were very excited that there was something athletic for adults. I'm so excited to see how this month plays out!