Drumroll, please. . .

Ladies and Gentlemen,

before your eyes is the first real quilt I've ever sewn. Yes, I've bound the edges of fabric before, but never pieced and machine quilted before. It was so much fun! I relied heavily on Denyse Schmidt Quilts book for tips on binding, machine quilting, etc. The back of the quilt was totally inspired by Denyse's use of off-center and slightly wonky lines. My favorite part of the whole process was definitely the binding. I love having a reason to just sit on the couch! Thank goodness the quilt was very small--a gift for our newest neighbor, Baby Benjamin.

"Out of Town"

We've been "out of town" for a month now as we've shuttled the oldest to full-day violin camp in the South End. With a great excuse to hang out in Boston, we've had such a fun time exploring old and new favorites. But, boy oh boy am I ready to just stay home for a few days. It's exhausting being a commuter with 4 kids in tow!

Twins are 7!

See here for a cute photo of my twins in their new birthday dresses (thankfully, not suits!)

Dear Charles River,

Just to keep you from feeling a bit too big for your britches, the guy in the middle there, (the one with the belly button), thinks you are the best "Pond" he's ever seen.

Sincerely,

An Adoring Fan

Interview with Laurel Thatcher Ulrich

Several months ago my good friend, Whitney Johnson (of Dare to Dream fame), invited me to interview and guest blog about one of my heroes, Laurel Thatcher Ulrich, a Pulitzer Prize-winning author and Harvard University history professor. Laurel was so gracious to share her wisdom on working "inch by inch" everyday to become the kind of writer she hoped to become. And now, for your viewing pleasure, excerpts of the interview have been posted on Whitney's blog. The complete interview transcript is posted below.

While visiting daretodream, be sure to check out the fascinating set of guest posts during the month of June, including thought-provoking stories from women in many walks of life.

You might also enjoy reading my previous guest post on taking a spring break "stay-cation".

An Interview with Laurel Thatcher Ulrich (click to open in new window)

A Cure for Boredom Part II

As you can see, we have a lot of boredom at our house that luckily gets cured with some interesting antics.

This particular cure is best for the "after church blues," you know that space between exiting the car and sitting down for lunch. That time when you should be changing your clothes and waiting patiently and reverently for some nourishment.

Instead of boredom, simply hitch up the wagon to the tricycle with a jumprope, designate one daring sibling as the driver and three backseat passengers as the screamers—preferably with the heaviest in back to increase acceleration and speed. Release your feet (brakes) and rumble down the hill.

Be sure to scream loud enough to startle all the neighbors—that will really ease the boredom. They will pray you do not hit their cars and wonder why you did not learn to be reverent at church.

Try at your own risk.

Mother's Day Surprise

Here is my lovely Mother's Day surprise:

The best part is that they (with Daddy as film director and executive producer) filmed and edited this while letting me luxuriate in a 3 hour afternoon nap! I have to say this is the best clutter-free Mother's Day present I've ever received.