Sewing: McCall's M5830

Forgive me, I couldn't choose just one picture. When I saw this soft, white cotton fabric covered in tiny blue flowers I knew I just HAD to make a dress for Marin. Her lovely blue eyes simply shine in this simple spring dress. This is the second dress I've made from McCall's Stitch 'n Save M5830. The first time around I wanted to toss it in the trash, the second time was much better. Overall a very pretty dress. Don't you think?





Here is a pic of the cover for this pattern. Happy Sewing!

Children are Hope

Mom shared this Editor's Note from the May 2009 issue of Real Simple magazine with me. I thought it was worth sharing with all of you.

One sunny day in October 2001, I was sitting on the sidelines of a soccer game with my friend Margaret, watching our sons play. We were talking, as we did constantly during that terrible time, about the events of 9/11, and specifically about those in our suburban New York town who had died on that day. Margaret was lying on her back on the grass, balancing her young daughter on her knees. She gave her daughter a smile and said to me, “Doesn’t something like this just make you want to have more children?”

There were so many things Margaret could have meant with this question, and I felt as if I understood them all. Children are happiness; children are hope; children force us to live in the present; children will grow up to be the adults who will someday save us all. Upon closer examination, none of these things may actually be true, and yet every child we add to our families and communities is the ultimate symbol of optimism, that the future is worth investing in and sticking around for.

Fast-forward to the spring of 2009. Everywhere you look friends are losing their jobs, losing their retirement savings and college funds, questioning where we are all headed as individuals and as a nation. If after 9/11 we were grief-stricken and scared, now we’re in a simmering panic that one day feels like depression and the next day feels like rage.

And yet…happiness goes on. Nearly every year since 2003, we have featured on this page, portraits of the children recently born to Real Simple staff members. I have to admit that this year I’m happier to see these beautiful faces than I have been since we started the tradition. I’m not sure I can explain why, but I know Margaret would understand.

Kristin van Ogtrop

Joshua Coburn: A Texas A&M University Graduate

Who: My brother Joshua (A Second Generation Aggie)
What: His Graduation from Texas A&M University
With: A degree in Construction Science
When: Friday, May 15, 2009
Where: College Station, Texas
Wow: There were close to 1500 students who crossed the platform with Joshua and his ceremony was only one of three scheduled for that day. I think I heard there were 5,000 students graduating Spring 2009.

Joshua's graduation was a proud moment for all of us, but especially for mom and dad.

I've been told my blog is a bit girlie. Maybe this picture will "guy it up."

Favorite pic from the day. Ring, diploma and a cool graduate.

Dad checking to make sure the diploma is in the tube. It was! Whew!

Marin was a trooper. She sat through the three hour event and was the best behaved child in our section despite everything taking place during her typical nap time. She was understandably asleep before we were out of the parking lot.

Group shot! It's weird to see my family so grown up. I still imagine mom and dad with six kids when I think of our family.

We can not take family pictures without some funky fun. Somehow the tradition of a "crazy picture" began. Someone always shouts "Now let's do a crazy one." I always love these moments. They are a perfect opportunity for personal expression.

Congratulations, Joshua. We love you!

Pickled Eggs and Beets

I recently had to photograph pickled eggs and beets to accompany a recipe we are publishing in Escapees magazine. Just the sound of those four words (PE and B) kinda makes me want to gag. How can something that sounds SO gross look so pretty? I enjoy these side photography projects. It’s a welcome break from the routine of article design/layout. However, I was a bit apprehensive of the PE and B project. These were surprisingly pretty despite their unpleasant smell. I’m quite certain I’ll never eat PE and B, but I MIGHT include them as part of a large spread of food, simply for their looks. Anyone ever tried PE and B? I just couldn’t bring myself to try them.

Farewell Funky Curtain

Remember Marin's Easter dress creation? The day I bought the jacket (turned dress) I also found this gem! How totally funky is this curtain panel? I snagged this little piece of 70's history for only 50 cents. Anyway, I've been looking for just the right pattern to turn this curtain panel into a bag or purse. I finally found it! I'm hoping this super fun pattern will transform this fun piece of "history" into a stylish summer purse. Check back later to see the final product. Until then, farewell, funky find!

Freelance Project: Memorial Medical Center

Here are samples from my most recent freelance project. Each year Memorial Medical Center in Livingston holds their Service Awards Banquet. I was asked to design an invitation, RSVP card, certificate, and program for their lakeside event. An inexpensive, but attractive idea for an invitation is to have 4x6 prints made of your favorite picture or personal design. Add text or graphics to the photo and then upload the artwork to a photo printing facility (I typically use Wal-Mart). Then attach the photo to a folded 5” x 7” (open the paper would be 10” x 7”) card, using double sided tape. Tada! A full color invitation for just a handful of pennies.

Mommy and Marin

I love little Marin, love her I do.
I love little Marin, Oh what can I do?
Marin, I love her, she is all mine.
Marin, I love her, until the end of all time.

(Written by daddy, sung often by mommy)



Thank you, Katherine for taking our picture. What a happy day.