I'm back amoungst the (almost) living

It's not been a fun week here in Melbourne. First Richard brought back some nasty stomach bug with him from Houston which, fortunately, he did not share with any of us but then Julianne starting coughing and running a fever and she did share that ~ with me. Somehow, and I'm grateful for this, she never got too sick. Bad enough that she missed a 3 1/2 days of school but I did take her to the doctors and her lungs are clear and today she is back at school. Me, on the other hand, ended up with bronchitis. I honestly don't remember bronchitis coming with fevers and chills and body aches but that's what the doctor says I have. But fortunately I'm on the mend now too. Still coughing up a storm but actually managed to get a few hours of sleep last night for the first time in 4 days.
Last week before getting sick I did manage to get some sewing done. I've been wanting to make this purse forever. It's by Joan Hawley of Lazy Girl Designs. She makes some of the best purse patterns you will ever find. Her directions are always very clear and concise. And not being able to leave well enough alone they are easy enough to change to fit my own personal preferences. She also gives lots of hints and tips along with lots of other options for her bags on her web site. You really need to check it out. In any case, the blue purse on the right is Joan's version of Miranda. The vibrant orange (does that surprise any of you?) is mine. I made my bag a bit smaller than hers and opted for larger handles so I could use it as a shoulder bag. I also cinched the sides (a great tip from Joan) to give her a different look as well. I also used faux leather on the bottom rather than quilted fabric and then made some accessories to go with it all. So here's my version.

It's a bag I'll definitely make again. The kids were in a crafy mood as well last week. Nathaniel had the idea to make his "friend" a bracelet for her birthday so we shuffled off to A.C. Moore to get supplies. He chose to get the little alphabet blocks and put her name on it and used more pearl type colors. Julianne made bracelets for herself and her two best friends using jewel tones. I forgot to take pics of the ones they gave away but here's Julianne's bracelet. With Julianne's we used the stretchy bracelet stuff (technical, I know) but with Nathaniel's we actually used beading wire and a clasp. He also bought his friend a beany baby and put the bracelet on it's neck. Is that not too adorable? He thought of it all on his own and he was so excited to give it to her. I happen to be in his class later on the day he had given it to her and was pleased to see she was wearing it and he says she thanked him several times. Glad to see he's appreciated.
And lastly here's poor Sadie. Apparently Julianne forgot to give her water in her dish so she jumped into the bathtub to find water (at least it wasn't the toilet!) and I guess couldn't get out. I almost didn't see her when I walked into the bathroom. I did rescue her (after taking a picture) and made sure she had plenty of water!
Well ~ that's all the news that's fit to print for now. My friend Ann is flying in tonight from Oregon and I'm very excited. The next three days will be about sewing, shopping, pedicures and chic flicks. So, How was your day?