Sewing So Much

I have really been enjoying teaching myself to sew. Tackling one pattern at a time. It's been really fun to sew with friends. Several of my friends are teaching themselves right now too--or rediscovering sewing after being away from it for a long time.

There's something really rewarding creating something useful, pretty and liked.

The pj's...this is a pattern that my mother has made several times for Isabel--it has these pj's and a nightgown on the pattern...short sleeve or long...but below is what Isabel choose this time. It's so feminine and pretty and comfy and cute! I had a lot of fun making these...and it really helped having a pair that my mom had made previously for me to look at and see what she did.

The dress--I was so excited to find the fabric. She wore the dress to church today and looked really pretty. I love things that are one-of-a-kind. A friend bought this pattern and some material to make a dress for her girl...but the material is different...so what the heck...I copied her and used the same pattern...but we don't mind. We're all just having fun creating!

(Click on Picture to zoom in and see more Detail)

A Friend's Wedding

It's been a while since I've gone to a wedding...so this was a lot of fun. A good friend of mine, Amanda, got married yesterday. I was fortunate to be able to go to Durango, Colorado to attend her wedding and see her married to her honey.

It was a beautiful wedding...and she was a beautiful bride. I really enjoyed meeting her family--they are great people. Everything about the wedding was very nicely done. I'm sure she'll look back at it with happiness--from the cake, the location, to the bubble send off...it was all very beautiful.

Congratulations Amanda & Shane!

Camping Memorial Day 2009 - Sylvan Lake

We had such a good time. It rained on and off, but it was great--when it rained, we sat inside and played board games. It was a fabulous time all in all--great to spend time with each other as a family--no distractions...just some good family fun and memories for us all.

GREAT THINGS:

being together

the perfectly roasted marshmallow

board games

listening to the light rain in the dry trailer

a furnace in the trailer

s'mores

hiking

the misty clouds in the morning

the beautiful view

listening to the kids play together nicely

fishing

the brisk fresh air

dutch oven cooking (yum)

clean bathrooms

warm showers

dirt under the finger nails

the campfire smell in clothes, hair...everywhere

snuggling in the trailer

no distractions

NOT-SO-GREAT THINGS:

gnats by the lake

We have a fun summer of camping planned!

Mother's Day 2009

I had such a fabulous Mother's Day! I couldn't be a happier mom--my children truly fill my heart. Could I be luckier. They treated me like a queen--and gave me so much love. Look at these faces...they angels! Even when their little devils, they are my angels, and I'm so lucky to have them!

Drunk

We went camping this past weekend--up past Vail to a town called Eagle...then West--to Sylvan Lake. It was beautiful and we had a fun weekend. I'll try to get some pictures of our trip up soon. Toward the end of our stay...actually, the late afternoon before the morning we were going to head home, Kyle came down with a fever. I had no Tylenol or Motrin--I had scoured my medicine cabinet...and nothing. Rather than going to the store -AGAIN- before camping...I convinced myself...they'll be fine! So, we packed up quickly and headed home rather than have a sleepless night with a crabby baby.

On our way home...we see this car come onto the freeway, and swerve to the shoulder, almost hit the shoulder guard, then over-correct and swerve into the other lane...almost hitting another car. We were behind him, and in no hurry to stay close. Then...a minute later, he swerves off to the right shoulder AGAIN. On occasion, I'll call that *277 from my cell to report a bad/scary driver to the Colorado State Highway Patrol. Well I called--even if this guy isn't drunk, he was using a cell phone or something...and he should clearly NOT be driving. I gave the make of the car and described what happened, and where we were. No sooner, did they call me back, ask where we were and where the driver was--and there was a trooper up at an on ramp waiting....we saw the trooper and they were radioing right to the trooper what I was explaining. The trooper caught up with the car, and got the guy. We didn't know what the outcome was...drunk, cell phone, or just crappy, but we were glad they could sort it out from there. But it was kind of like watching an episode of "COPS" live--and it is cool seeing in action technology working to get the bad guys. The kids were amazed at what was happening.

I got a call this morning from the state patrol...the guy was DRUNK...and I am happily going to sign a statement to the things we saw. If any of you know us well....a drunk driver nearly killed my husband, his brother and best friend when he was 16--we have no tolerance for that crap. So Yay!

The Two Youngest

Rory....

Just finishing up his first year of preschool--tomorrow is his last day! I can't believe it. Favorite things to do: play webkinz, run, eat sweets, make crafts, camp...so much more...He is just so sweet and full of love. 4 years old now, and he's a fun one...I can see that he has an exciting life ahead of him....I love his enthusiasm for life and the sweet love he gives.

Kyle (KyKy)....

He's a love bug...but he is a busy 2 year old. He can sure throw a good "tantee" (tantrum)--right there with the best of the 2 year olds. I love his big brown eyes though, and when he is in his "kissy-mode"--just squeezes on so tight and hugs and gives kisses all over! I love to watch him napping--he's my baby and just so precious. He loves to dress up (as you see in the cute picture below)--it just warms my heart to watch the little guy.

They sure aren't little for long!

Accomplishments

I know...it's been FOREVER since I've blogged. I don't know why, but it just hasn't been a priority, and there really hasn't been all that much to blog about in my opinion.

Isabel & Bryce have been in karate for a few months now, and they are enjoying it and working hard. They earned their first belt and stripe last week! We were really proud of them--they worked hard (and Isabel was really nervous/excited)--but they did fabulous. The teacher is impressed with their concentration and with how hard they work. I'm a proud mama! Yay!

So, as you know, I've taken up sewing...teaching myself with the help and tips from my mom and my friend Shauna. They are both excellent seamstresses--so I'm lucky to have their help. A couple of months ago, Shauna and I went out for an evening--dinner, shopping and a movie... well after dinner, I just had to "stop in at Jo-Ann for a minute or two." We went there, and stayed....skipped the movie and stayed until it was closed. We went through and found patterns and fabric. Her family was going out of town for spring break, and since she needed to stay behind and work, we would have a whole week of evenings and 2 full week-ends to sew! Just leaving it all out and set up and sew! We've had a WONDERFUL time sewing--a week of fun.

I made a jumper for Isabel and then I made a tepee for the kids. And they both turned out! I really like the jumper and I LOVE the tepee. The kids love it and it is CUTE! I couldn't be happier! I'm still amazed that when I sew, it actually works and makes something. I can't wait for my next projects....hmmmm what will it be?