Saturday, June 20, 2015

Birthday the 32nd

Another birthday has come and gone and I'm a year older. I love having my birthday in June -- I think it is the best month of the year to be born! It's always beautiful on my birthday!

roses (2)

Yesterday we took a day trip to celebrate my birthday, and I was so blessed to have so many of my beloved family along -- Douglas, the children, my sister-in-law, my parents, and grandmother all made it special! We ate lunch at a classy restaurant and then went to a nearby park with lots of attractions. A lookout tower to climb...

climbing

lookouttower

swanboats

And a lake for paddling in. How fun are these swan boats? Reminds me of Make Way for Ducklings.

selfie

I attempted a selfie with Rosie while we were on the water. She was very dubious about wearing a lifejacket at first, but once we got going, she seemed to warm up to the idea of messing about in boats.

swanfamily

And there was a family of real swans!

birthdaydress1

I made myself a new sundress to wear on my birthday. It's been a long time since I've made a vintage-inspired dress to wear! This one was cobbled together from a vintage 80s pattern of my mom's and a basic sundress pattern of mine, and I drafted the 50s-inspired bodice details myself. The navy gingham came from Hobby Lobby. I have been pleasantly surprised by their fabric offerings lately! I think they are making an effort to cater to home apparel sewists (not just quilters and crafters), which I appreciate.

birthdaydress2

birthdaydress3

Then home for a lovely birthday dinner at my mom's. I always look forward to pink roses in June.

birthdaytable

I feel very blessed indeed to have so much love showered on me on my birthday.

22 comments:

  1. what a lot of loving things and times! so glad for you!

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  2. Many happy returns, my dear. It sounds like the *perfect* celebration. Your dress is charming! The lipstick is a marvelous red. I really must say that the thirties are fabulous. Enjoy every minute!

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    1. Well, thank you, Rebecca! It's good to hear you speak well of the 30s. :) Much to look forward to!

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  3. Many Happy Returns of the Day! Your dress is so lovely -- the fabric really makes it! And you look perfectly lovely in it. :-) So glad to hear you had a lovely birthday, with so many loved ones to celebrate with; may the Lord bless you with a perfectly wonderful year!

    Blessings,
    Shannon

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    1. Thank you so much for the birthday wishes, Shannon! :)

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  4. Happy birthday, Laura! Glad to see you get the same lovely treatment you give others on their birthdays. :)

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  5. Happy Birthday Laura! That's a lovely dress and I'm glad you all had such a lovely day. Also - what a talent your Mum has for setting a table :-)

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    1. Thanks, Katy -- yes she does! I've photographed many of her beautiful table settings over the years!

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  6. best sundress I've seen for a while! I adore gingham and that trim on the bodice is the perfect little something to go with it.

    your birthday celebrations sound just wonderful!

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    1. Thanks, Margo! I'm surprised I haven't used gingham more in the past, considering how classic and vintage it is...

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  7. Happy birthday, dear Laura! It sounds like the celebrations were full of sweet memories! :-) I hope this coming year is filled with blessings for your whole family. :-)

    PS Love that dress! I just noticed that fabric today- so glad you could use it for a project. For myself, I'm jealous of the 100% cotton gingham.... I'm hoping for a yellow version to fall in my lap.... ;-)

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    1. Thank you, Lily! Yes, I was impressed to find 100% cotton -- and it's woven, not printed! I am fond of navy for myself, but I admire how you can look beautiful in all sorts of warm colors... yellow would be just the cutest!

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  8. Happy Birthday! Your dress is lovely xxx

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  9. Happy birthday my sweet friend! You look lovely and that dress is beautiful.

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  10. Happy belated Birthday Laura! It sure looks like you had a wonderful day!
    Love the dress , gingham is definitely one of my summer favorite print!
    (just sewed a black/white gingham kitchen curtain)
    What a lovely park you went to, ok if I ask you the name of it?
    Happy 4th to you all!
    Irene

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    1. Thank you, Irene! It's called Yanney Heritage Park near Kearney, NE. If you're ever traveling through the Midwest on I-80 in the summertime, it's quite close to the interstate and would make a nice stop!

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  11. Laura, Hi!
    Long -time -no -see :) I have thought and prayed for you often, but just had to come for a visit. I am in love with your dear family and enjoyed your photos immensely! I love your dress, too...so talented! Hoping you are all well in the Lord and growing stronger in Jesus during these difficult days in our world. May the Lord richly bless and encourage you in all you do and set your hands to :)

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    1. Hi Jacqueline, so nice to hear from you and thank you for your prayers! I miss your family too but it's nice to keep in touch via Facebook and blogs. Blessings to you! :)

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