McCord's Comments on Sewing

Mom, let's talk about this longall that you made me...



... I love it and all, but I think you made a mistake on the sailboat right here. 



And while we're talking about sewing, please tell me that you reinforced the booty-area, because well Mom, you know about the little problem I have with my diapers. 



Speaking of messy diapers...

!

Okay, where were we?  Oh, yes, the booty-area.  Did you triple stich that area?

Halloween Fun

We've been busy in the Redmond household...dressing McCord in every single Halloween outfit he owns.  Fortunately, he's had lots of fun Halloween outings to dress up for.  Here are some pictures from McCord's first Halloween party.  Thank you Lacey, Kenny, and Taylor!  We had a blast!

Aiya gave Mc this skeleton costume and it glows in the dark!  Isn't it spooky when accessorized with a paci?

First hay ride with Daddy

Our little skeleton was joined by Buzz, Woody and Cinderella

Off they go!

Here's Minnie Mouse practicing her "trick or treat" before the big day

Check out all of the decorations.  Lacey is Martha Stewart reincarnate and everything was spectacular down to the pbj sandwiches shaped like ghosts!

Not sure what happened here...looks like these two ghosts had a throw-down and the others are on the sidelines cheering.

Even the trees got in the mood for Halloween

Here's my Minnie friend, Ansley, and her mama Alison (who is due any day now - doesn't she look great?!!)

Bo enjoyed pushing this little princess in the swing

And here are a few shots from the pumpkin patch visit last weekend

McCord says, "Happy Fall, y'all!"

My Sewing Machine's Been Busy

 I have been dying to get behind the sewing machine again to try my hand at some fall clothes for McCord.  I picked out this pattern  from Hobby Lobby - overalls in the lower right corner. 

Notions - buttons, snap tape, and applique came from Hancock's.  Here's a picture of the applique I picked out.  To attach it to your fabric, you can use the enclosed brads or stitch around the perimeter.  Pretty nifty!

If you're a beginner sewer like me, this is a good pattern to work on because there are only a couple of pattern pieces, but there are a few tricky areas.  It  requires making 2 button holes, overcasting, and sewing on snap tape.  It took me a while to learn how to do those things, but once I figured it out, it wasn't as hard as I thought it was going to be.  From start to finish - including cutting out the fabric, and learning a few new sewing tricks - the whole project probably took me about 6 hours.  I hope the next one I make will take half of the time. Total cost for pattern, material, and notions: $20 - $25.

Here are a few pics of the finished project:



Mom, I won't fit into this thing until I'm 3 years old!

Supposedly, this size is a 6 - 9 month size (I hope Mc can wear it after Christmas), but doesn't it look HUGE?!

Also, I discovered this seller on Etsy, and got inspired to make my own appliques to jazz up a few of Mc's onesies.  Here's a sneak peak of the hedgehog.

5 Years Ago

Dear McCord,

Five years ago today, I married your daddy.  We were just 24 years old, and we had lots of big dreams for the future - dreams to start a family.  And now, five years later, here you are, laughing and smiling and bringing so much joy into our lives.  You are perfect in every way and we love you so much. 

It was a beautiful, warm day in Aiken, and we were thrilled to be surrounded by our family and friends as we said our vows.  I couldn't wait to marry your daddy - I love him more than I ever thought possible.  He's generous and kind.  He adores his family.  He has a soft spot in his heart for those who are less fortunate.  He loves animals.  He's funny and isn't afraid to be goofy.  He's calm under pressure and loyal to friends and family.  He lives every single day of his life with integrity.  And I know one day, you will want to be exactly like him. 


And that makes me so happy. 

Love...

of...

my life.

Joy

Credit: Ho/REUTERS

Credit: Reuters/Hugo Infante/Government of Chile/Handout

Credit: Reuters/Hugo Infante/Government of Chile/Handout

Save The World

When I first read this quote, I thought it would be so cute framed for a nursery, but on second thought - I prefer it for all of us adults.  We need a little whimsy in our lives to help us conquer the world, no?

This quote has been made into a free printable (prints out to be 5 x 7) available for free here. 

The Babysitter

Canning Labels

My friend Terri wanted to know where I got the labels for the pumpkin butter, so for anyone else who's interested, they came with containers I purchased from Bi-Lo.  But there are some really creative free downloads available out there if you're reusing jars.  I found these really cute printables here and here. 

A Couple of Birthdays and a Pumpkin Patch Visit

Yesterday McCord visited his first pumpkin patch and celebrated his cousins' birthdays in Lexington.  This month, Emily turns 5 and Kyle turns 3!  Where does the time go?!  Emily was born right after Bo and I got married - in fact, we got word that Emily had arrived while we were on our honeymoon - but that's a story for another day.  And now we're excited to welcome another niece or nephew in March!  McCord can't wait to meet his new cousin.  Here McCord is sharing a little birthday love with Emily and Kyle. 

Thank you Aunt Mer for my Halloween outfit!

This picture of Kyle cracks me up!

I love dancing with my silly Uncle Ryan!

Happy birthday Emily and Kyle!  May all your birthday wishes come true!

Update on Art Smock & A Few Pumpkin Recipies

First, here are a couple of pictures of the art smock we created for my mom during our trip to Lake Keowee.  Each family member from age 3 months to 62 years old put their footprint on it. 

 Fall is here and that means canned pumpkin is back in the grocery store!  So McCord and I took full advantage yesterday.  My good friend Alice shared this easy recipe with me.  It involves 2 ingredients...

 ...a box of spice cake mix and a can of pumpkin (not pumpkin pie filling, although I've tried that before and it's pretty good too - just different consistency).

1. Combine Spice Cake mix and pumpkin

2. Mix well

3. Bake at 350 for 25 - 30 minutes

I think she said that this is a Weight Watchers recipe, so you can't feel too guilty about indulging!

McCord and I also found this recipe to try out for pumpkin butter.  It's delicious and whips up enough that you can share with your whole neighborhood!

And finally, a few pictures of McCord and his best friend Marley.

Thank you Cousin Bayer for my new hand-me-downs!