Turtles and More Turtles

As you know if you are reading this blog, I like turtles (amongst many other creatures.)  Because I make turtles for my Etsy shop, I decided to show a few other turtle finds from the many talented sellers on Etsy.  Of course, I am drawn to fabric and children's items, but the lists of turtle jewelry, notecards, clothing, you name it, are endless.  Here are just a few that I adore.

1.ThreeSheepStudio

2.leatherprince3.FreakofMetal4. molamama

5. bittersugar

6. Cheryland

7. SucculentDesigns

8. xarla

9. jerusha

10. ecoleeko

A Day Off

Yesterday was a breath of fresh air (literally).  We had a lovely invitation out to Frank and Sue Ramberg's since all of us had the day off from school and work.  Lexy, Frank and Sue's granddaughter, was staying with them for the day while her daddy was at work, so the intent was to let the "big" girls play American Girl Dolls while the rest of did...whatever. 

There were plenty of opportunities for getting muddy, which we were prepared for with Wellies and extra clothes.  Lexy is between Clara and Ollie on the hammock.

Frank and Sue have 2 brother goats, Frick and Frack, and a white donkey named Jake.

Ollie helped fill their water barrels.

We sloshed out to the pond in search of crawdads.

Follow the leader.

"Been farmin' long?"

We tried baiting crawdads with ham on a string, but it was a bit too cold for them to come out.  We did examine the skull of a goat and Clara came home with a goat molar.  She took it to school today to show and tell. 

Frack likes to be rubbed between his horns.

Ollie is showing me the algae he fished out of the pond.  Very typically Ollie!  We had coffee and lunch together and had a great time being out of the city.  Thanks Rambergs!

EtsyBABY Challenge

I entered another EtsyBABY challenge.  The winner receives some free advertising on the site.  You can vote HERE for my cashmere blanket.  Thanks in advance!

Prairie Path in the New Year

January is almost half over.  Clara and Damian have started back to school.  My head has been swimming with ideas for new products.

My newest addition to the critter family is this little guy.  His name is Octavian.  I was thinking of naming him Ollie, but many others have used that name in association with an octopus.

Also, I have been using my serger to create scarves and arm warmers and baby blankets, amongst other things.

These pink arm warmers were posted here today!

There are many ideas I have yet to try.  I have realized that the scarf and mitten season is rapidly coming to an end as people are turning their heads  toward spring.  So I've decided to make a few Valentine's items to help create interest.  Otherwise I will work all January-August for the rush of Christmas holiday shopping that begins in September.  I would like to take part in a craft fair/show sometime this year, but that is yet to be determined.  Damian's schedule is only getting more hectic, so that may decide for me whether it is possible.  Thanks, again, to all of you who regularly follow Prairie Path!  It gives me confidence and motivation.

Christmas in Kansas Part 2

We spent some great "cousin time" with Gage, which included multiple sleepovers, movies, playing in the snow, and exploring Grandma's basement.

Ice skating was a first for our family.  Clara and Damian did a great job.  Ollie gave it a try, but it was difficult for him.  Izzy and I watched from the side with Grandma.  I think the hot dogs that Grandma bought for Ollie and Izzy were their highlight of the skating experience.

Christmas in Kansas Part 1

The cousins had a great time playing and reenacting the Christmas story.  Clara was Mary, Asher was Joseph, Ollie was a shepherd, Isabel was a wise woman, and Silas was the little drummer boy.  Oh, and Grandpa was the donkey! 

Christmas in Texas

Christmas started early for our family in Texas.  Damian finished the trimester on December 17 and Clara finished school on December 18.

During the summer when we were without food stamps for awhile and feeling desperate, I applied with a local agency for food bank privileges.  At the time they also signed us up for the Back-to-School shop where Clara received most of her school supplies, a backpack and clothing.  Also, we received a box of food around Thanksgiving with all the supplies for a traditional meal.  Lastly, I had the privilege of going to their Christmas shop and picking out toys for the kids.  I was surprised and very pleased at what I found.  They had really great toys available, including a bike for Ollie, Tinker Toys, Lincoln Logs, and a large set of hardwood building blocks, among other things. 

Besides making new stockings for the kids, Damian and the kids all received scarves that I made.

The other "gifts" we received before heading to Kansas were a nasty infection (for me) and a rebuilt transmission for the van, which delayed our departure several days, used up most of my shop money and increased our credit card debt.