Link Love: Happy Sunshiny Day

I’m writing this to you from the past. Well not really, but I wrote this post just before I was due to fly off for a much needed retreat back to my parents place. It’s funny how much just the thought of going home has lightened my mood. I found myself fighting with my nervous energy this week at work; it was like I couldn’t sit still from excitement. I’m so looking forward to being able to give my family hugs, share some laughs and see how the Little Man goes with his extended family.

We’ve spent the last twelve months really working on his speech and now when I hear him stringing sentences together and saying the darnedest things it brings tears to my eyes. I want to be able to watch him share his observations, excitement, curiosity and humour with my parents. It’s funny how something I took for granted, talking, has become such a focus in our house. I don’t share much about our journey with delayed speech because I truly believe that there’s no bigger issue at play (he just wasn’t ready to talk) and I don’t want to distract from the experiences that many families face when speech delay is caused by an underlying issue. But, with that said, I’ve been really grateful for the support and specialists that we’ve been able to access over the past 12 months to get our Son to where he is today.

I never thought talking would be an issue… I mean, the joke for as long as I can remember has always been that I could talk under wet cement so I figured he’d be the same. But he’s his own man (thankfully!) and he didn’t speak “when he was supposed to” and so we’ve been dealing with that. (Which sounds harder than it was/is.) It’s been a learning curve and I know we’ll still have another year or two of working with his amazing team to keep him talking, learning and developing but I’m very thankful that we’ve been able to provide access to opportunities for him. I know that there’s a lot of families out there that aren’t as lucky.

I’d better stop before I’m sitting here at my keyboard crying. I hope that while you’re reading this we’re all off enjoying the sunshine, warm weather and love of family. I also hope that where ever you are today that you’re laughing and enjoying life. Have a fabulous day!

FUN THINGS TO CLICK ON

How fabulous is this tutorial from Mollie at Wild Olive on how to make Maz Kanata from the latest Star Wars, I think it might be time to bust out the felt! Click here for the tutorial.
I love how quick and easy this stencilled cushion tutorial is from Melissa at Polka Dot Chair. Click here for the tutorial.
I’m a sucker for traditional quilt blocks and I’m digging this Whirlwind Quilt Block Tutorial from Caroline at Sew Can She. Click here for the tutorial.
With a stash cleanse in my future I really enjoyed this article on Sew Mama Sew about places you can donate fabric. Click here to read more.
I keep coming back to this tutorial by Florence at Flossie Tea Cakes on how to make string art. Click here for the tutorial.
Lori Holt from Bee In My Bonnet has a fabulous tutorial that’s practically like turning your favourite mini quilt into a handy zipper pouch. Click here for the tutorial.

COMMUNITY CORK BOARD

Michele has opened a new Etsy shop and has this to say about it, “Designing and creating quilting pieces is my passion and I love it! I hand quilt pieces with care and attention to detail. Each item is unique and an original, one of a kind piece to be treasured. I think that any of the pieces that I have created would make a very special gift, even for yourself! Please drop in from time to time to see new items in my shop.” Click here to visit Michele’s Etsy Shop.
Kristal recently signed up as a Jamberry Independent Consultant, check out her website (click here) to see over 300 heat and pressure activated vinyl nail wraps and a range of hand and nail care products. Follow her on Facebook (click here) for tips, tricks and for updates on any specials and to order a free sample
Canberra Quilters Inc. are celebrating their 40th Anniversary in 2016 and to mark the occasion they’re holding a “Celebrate 40 Challenge”. It’s open to Australian and New Zealand Residents, with 40 quilts (quilts must be 40cm x 100cm) being selected to hang at the 2016 Annual Member’s Exhibition. (You don’t have to be a member to enter!) It’s a great challenge and you can find out more or enter by clicking here.

SPONSOR MESSAGES

If you’re like me and you like to dabble in more than just sewing and quilting creative work then check out these free downloadable papers from Sizzix. Great to use in any graphics work you might be doing (like blog banners)! Click here to get your free papers.
Fat Quarter Shop have released their new monthly subscription service: Sew Sampler. It looks amazing and I love that unlike other subscriptions this one comes with all the information you need to make a quilt. Each month contains a quilt block recipe card that you can use to make a full 12 block quilt. Genius! You can find out more by clicking here.

Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. If you purchase those items through my links I will earn a very small commission. You will not pay more when buying a product through my link, in fact in some cases I can offer you a better price via an affiliate link. I will not recommend something that I do not use myself. These commissions help me keep being able to provide you with great content for free. Thank you, in advance for your support!