Geez Louise, does life ever slow down?? Although, truth be told, I am glad that I have things to do, things that I find worthwhile and even fun. But, every once in a while I cry "uncle," you know? LOL
Here is a mish mosh of things that are keeping me busy or that I'd like to share.
The Quiet Book's Progress
The JCs^2's quiet book is underway, and it is a huge project.
It is the 22nd quiet book I have made and incredibly time intensive. Everything I've ordered to make this book has arrived except for one appliqué whose tracking has been stuck at "Label created" since April 23.
See those bright pink glasses? My optometrist gave me those - it is starting to get difficult to see all the tiny pieces close up. The joys of getting older, right?
I have a binder of all the planning pages from past quiet books. It is super helpful when I plan another one, helping me to remember what extras I might need to get for each page, the order I put the pages into the book,
and the measurements for the pages and how to cut them. Sounds easy, but it is more complicated than it sounds. I finished the first page of twelve yesterday, so I am making slow but steady progress.
Tempting New Block Prints
I told myself I would not order any more block print fabrics for a while as I have a closet full already.
Of course, then my favorite company announces a slew of new block prints.
Leslie ordered a lot of them for this year's Feast and she has been sending me tempting photos of what is available.
Ack! The temptation is real! So far I haven't bought any, but...
Lukie Scores!
Together, Curt and Vanessa are coaching Mila and Lukie's soccer teams.
Lisa filmed Lukie taking a penalty shot and scoring last Saturday. Yay, Lukie!
The Musical Mitchells
Jessica sent me a video clip of her family's performing activities in April. I pulled these screenshots from it to share.
Titan spent time in the recording studio
and then he and Cambria filmed another music video for composer Angie Killian called Be a Little Better.
Jessie couldn't share info or pics about this next activity for a while but now she can.
They auditioned as extras for the film Salt and Honey and all made the cut.
A Christmas film, it is being directed by Amy Redford, Robert Redford's daughter
and filmed in Helper, Utah. I am not sure, but I think maybe it is a Hallmark movie? Hallmark and other companies film a lot of shows and movies in Utah - there is a thriving music and film industry in the state.
Finally, they auditioned together for a summer production of Prince of Egypt and all made it into the cast.
I'd like to go out and see it, but it will depend on the timing of the performance. Fingers crossed!
Nash Update
The big boi continues to spend each weekday with us while Lisa is teaching.
"Hey, stop hogging all the toys, Nash!!"
She reports that he is VERY happy to jump in the car with her every morning and come over to visit us. For us, it is clear that he is happy to have Pepper and Tammo's companionship.
Lisa is planning on getting another dog when school is out and that will help Nash feel less lonely and allow Lisa to run to the grocery or go on other errands without worrying that he is home all alone.
Ella - Noise!
In high school, Curt was captain of the boys' soccer team, and Ella Masar was the captain of the girls'. They have been friends since 6th grade, were Homecoming King and Queen together their senior year, and were especially connected through their mutual love of soccer.
Ella went on to play soccer for the University of Illinois and, as a hometown girl, the crowd would go nuts and chant, "Ella-noise! Ella-noise" repeatedly while she was on the pitch.
Ella has gone on to a professional career, playing for several US teams including the Chicago Red Stars. She once invited Curt, Craig, and me to come watch her play and it was fabulous.
As a professional soccer player, Ella has played on several teams in the USA and in Europe, played for the US Women's National Team, and then turned coach. A few months ago Ella was called to help out as an assistant coach to Emma Hayes, the current US Women's National Team's coach.
She has had a very storied career and just moved to Germany to take a coaching position there.
This spring, the University of Illinois' 2026 Hall of Fame athletes were announced, and look who is now a Hall of Famer.
Ella-noise!!
Goslings!
I am not a big fan of Canada Geese, but I do think their goslings are cute. We currently have several nesting pairs at our neighborhood lake.
This pair has five goslings they are caring for. They are good parents and scold Craig and me for playing frisbee with Pepper and Tammo. According to them, that is NOT allowed anywhere near the lake while they are raising their brood!
Finally, Happy Cinco de Mayo!
