Every cook deserves....

Their own special apron. So my nephew Nathan looooves to help out in the kitchen. No matter what you are doing he has to be there...he even wants to do dishes - which I'm hoping will stay with him when he's older! His fourth birthday is this coming week and all he's asked everyone for is a red car....so hopefully he'll be surprised by this apron.

Back in the craft

So I haven't had much crafting time lately with everything going on in our lives up here. Family visiting, weddings, and preparing for the half marathon which is coming up on the 7th. However, I have started a birthday present for this little guy (my godson and nephew) which I hope to finish tonight so I should be able to post a picture tomorrow. Then its onto many projects that I've been wanting to start - one of the reasons I love fall is that things seem to slow down a bit. I love being able to bake, craft and really take time to enjoy this season (which can be quite short in Maine).

Wedding Weekend

We had two weddings on Saturday. Shana and Chris got married in the early afternoon at their house in Gray. It was a beautiful ceremony outdoors and I know I certainly had a hard time keeping myself composed as the ceremony truly represented them -- it had a Scottish flair, casual but elegant and included their two dogs Aja and Prince. Then it was across town to Nicole and Jason's wedding where the party was about to begin. They had a private ceremony before the reception and we're ready to celebrate! Chris caught the garter and I caught the bouquet (even though Nicole swears it wasn't planned). We had a great time at both weddings and we wish both couple the best of luck as they continue their lives together. Congratulations!!!

Maine Life...

Things have been extremely busy - in a good - way this past week. We went to a wedding last Friday night and have been non-stop ever since. Actually we've been busy before with painting and what Chris called "The big push" for getting the house ready for my parents visit from Indiana. My parents arrived Saturday and we have been having a great time with them all week. We had lobsters, have done some sightseeing, relaxed and all in all have been enjoying family time with my parents. Here are a couple of photos from Monhegan Island which is about 12 miles off the coast. Mom, dad and I had a great time there on Monday and yesterday they spent the day in the Bethel area while I was attending a conference at Sunday River.

I want to say that I love ALL of the mix Cd's that I've gotten and everyone I have in my office at work and I have on while working on data. Love them! You ladies rock!

Trading Music

The mix CD's have gone in the post. I'm involved in a Mix CD swap organized by Justine http://www.62cherry.com/. I believe there are 12 women involved in the swap split into two groups to make it more manageable. I added a little crafty flair with the CD cover and by using a photo of the Portland Head Light I had taken a couple months ago to make the tags. It's exciting to know that within the week I'll have six new CD's to listen to with music picked from women from around the US and Australia.

Halloween Kidney Walk

Team Poulin has officially formed for the 2007 Kidney Walk to benefit Kidney research throughout the great state of Maine. The website for donations is up: http://www.firstgiving.com/TeamPoulin

Here you can read about our team and see a great photo of Larry. If you would like more information on the National Kidney Foundation please go to:http://www.kidneyme.org/

Long Weekend

This past weekend we had a long and lazy weekend which is exactly what both Chris and I needed. We started off Saturday doing some work we needed to get done -- and by work that would be me going to the farmers market at Deering Oaks. Tough job, eh? We then met Donna and Chummy at their sail boat on Sebago. The wind was all wrong for sailing but we had a great time visiting on the boat and spending the day with them.

On Sunday we had friends over in the afternoon/evening for a cookout and some cards. We had a wonderful time just relaxing and enjoying our backyard. I went on a long run in the morning in preparation for the half marathon which is coming up in October.

Monday was spent being lazy, watching movies and resting. The weekend was great -- between relaxing, spending time with family and friends and some sewing it was all we could ask for. Oh and this little squash has appeared on our plant - we noticed it on Sunday morning!