School is out for the summer.  Really, it just began about 30 minutes ago.  And I am such a sap...I cried on and off all last Wednesday because Kate was leaving preschool.  Then today, I got teary over having a second grader.  Gee, what is with me?

I did make totes for the teachers - 6 in all.  These are the ones I finished yesterday and photographed early this morning then wrapped for Jane to take in today.  I didn't get photos of the ones for Kate's teachers - too little time.  When will I learn?

We're off to the pool - trying to get into the summertime groove.  I hope that I can balance fun and housework with two little girls in tow.  I did it last summer, but just don't remember how.  I think it'll be trial and error.  Wish me luck.

Keep your fingers crossed that it doesn't rain.  I don't have any kind of back-up plan at this early date.  Got to get on that too.

Peonies - another favorite flower of mine.  Fragrant, feminine, and frilly.  Unfortunately, these did not come from my garden.  They came from Whole Foods who has great sales on flowers.  At least the one here does.

I stuck them in this vintage yellow McCoy pitcher that doesn't see much light.  In fact, I have a pretty decent McCoy pottery collection - started back before Fatty and I were married.  Before we moved to this house two years ago, I had it all displayed together.  I loved seeing in mass.  Now it is all over the house - sitting on different shelves and in a neglected china cabinet.  Some of it is still in a box - lame, I know.  Most of my pieces are flower pots with some vases mixed in.  I haven't added much to it in the last few years because the prices are sooooooo high now.  I think I probably have at least 40 pieces...I should count.  And then show and tell.  That could be fun.  Maybe I could figure out a good way to display it all in the process.  What do you think?  I promise I won't overwhelm you - just a little here and there.  Are you guys game?

Isn't it funny how time can get away from you?  The weekend was a blur, but the good kind.  I did manage to check one item off my list.  Head on over to Flickr and check out the new Twirly Skirt Group.  If you have made one, please post it over there.  It's great seeing all the different versions - kids and adults - out there.  I may just have to make one for myself!

OK - back with something tomorrow.  Maybe just photos.....

Here's the loot from the craft swap last week.

paper lanterns by Laura

necklaces by Suzanne (I was wearing mine on my birthday)

ribbon and pom pon trim dish towels by Brenda

night lights by Shawna

stick people by Carolyn

oilcloth party flags by Marcia

beaded dip bowls by Lynette

chalkboard clock by me (super easy to make - plywood square, chalkboard paint and clock kit).

Good stuff all around!  Thanks ladies.  I love swapping with you.

The tutorial is up!  Look over to the sidebar on the right and there it is.  Go on, get some elastic thread and get sewing.  I can't wait to see what you all come up with!

Things will be quiet on the blog for the next few days.  I may pop in and post some pictures.  I am also trying to get my act together and clean up the blog - you know, update links and the like.  I want to start a flickr group for all those twirly skirts that have been popping up all over cyberspace, too.  I have some sewing I want to accomplish, including something for myself.  Oh, and a couple of trips to the pool.  We are so excited for that.  Hope you all have a wonderful weekend!

Thank you to my lovely assistants, Kate and her good friend Laine.  And congratulations to Sasha and Marianne!  I will be in touch with you lucky ladies to discuss the details of your prize.

187 comments!!!! Yikes!  Never in my wildest dreams did I think I would have that many birthday wishes even though I asked for them!  Thank you all so much.  I really appreciate the time you take to comment.

I know the candles say 25, but this really is me on Tuesday with my scrumptious chocolate cake.  I really am 36.  Fatty just likes to think of me as 25 and has since the day we met (when I was actually 22 and he was almost 28).  He walked out with the cake and had me laughing immediately.  I love that man.

Although I have a big head, I don't think we have a hat big enough to fit all of your names.  Kate and I will work on that this morning and I will be back with the winners of the tote and belt later on today.  The sunny day dress (and top!) tutorial will be up tomorrow.  I am almost finished - just some editing and a couple more photos to add.

Again, thank you all for playing along!  I had a great birthday!

Happy Birthday to me!

This is my brother Ryan and me, doing the "I'm a little teapot" songand dance number in my parents' kitchen.  I think I am about 7 yearsold which makes him 5.  Do you see the dress?  Elastic thread - that's what I am talkingabout!  Too bad the dress is long gone.

Because I like giving gifts just as much as I like receiving them, it's giveaway time.  Comment on this post and if your name is drawn, you could be the lucky winner of a patchwork belt or tote bag (not these ones exactly, but similar).  I'll post the lucky winners (yes, plural!) on Thursday.  C'mon all you lurkers, make my day!

OK, that's it for now.  I've got some celebrating to do!