Thursday, May 21, 2009

Kyuki-do test





Coleen had her test in kyuki-do on Tuesday. See this post for the difference between Kyuki-do and karate

When they test, they work through the forms for all of the different levels up to their level and then they also practice kicks and punches and then do sparring with a partner.

Coleen and Sergei both started around the same time and usually test for their belts at the same time. They really like to egg each other on.

In kyuki-do there are 13 belts between white (novice) and black (expert). Coleen just moved up to her sixth belt.


We're proud of you kid!

Wednesday, May 20, 2009

Doll Quilts







Gwen at After the Dress posted an adorable alphabet quilt she did for a friend. It reminded me of these doll quilts I made. They were the standard birthday gift for all of Coleen's friends when she was in kindergarten-1st grade.

I mentioned in a comment on Gwen's site that free-motion quilting can be quite fun and these all employ it. Hopefully you can zoom in and see the quilting

Saturday, May 16, 2009

A field of stars





While there is still very little to show in the flower garden (we really should plant some more early season flowers - we seem to have one daffodil plant and about 3 tulips.)-

the wildflowers are already spectacular.

On one of our favorite walks in Perrot Park you come around a corner and are confronted by this lovely sight.


These are Dodecatheon radicatum
with an occasional Aquilegia canadensis thrown in.
An absolutely stunning sight! I went Thursday and took pictures because William said the flowers were stunning when he went on Monday- I came back with shots of flowers he hadn't seen three days before. I think we could probably discover new things each week - hopefully we'll get out there more this summer.

Friday, May 15, 2009

Then and Now



Coleen - March 2005



Today on her way to school. I am amazed this dress still fits her, though it is more of a tunic now. I made this from an Ottobre Design pattern for her birthday four years ago!

Thursday, May 14, 2009

Filler


Our weeping crabapple a couple of days ago.

The pants class is going great! I am learning alot and I really think I'll have a well-fitting pair of pants by the end.

Coleen will be testing for her next belt in karate next week.

William is busy in the garden. Our front flower bed is expanded and planted. Everything but the tomatoes and the beans are planted in the vegetable garden. Hopefully it will warm up for the squash soon. It's been a long, cool spring.