The Star of the Week

the little princess is the star of the week in kindergarten this week. i was asked to come to her class and talk a little bit about her and about my "job". i'll admit i was a bit intimidated after hearing that last weeks mom is a scientist and she brought in pictures of a mouse that glows in the dark. (hmmm, i wonder why it glows in the dark...that's another conversation saved for a later date) anyhoo, the little princess wanted me to talk about my quilting and to "make sure i brought my sewing basket" (cute). i did as asked and added a special surprise for the class. i'm going to have them each draw a picture on fabric to make a special aurprise for the best teacher EVER. soooo, the reason for the post is not to tell you about my job, it's so i remember the sweetest conversation that took place as we left our wonderful kindergarten class. here goes... "mommy, that you for being a great mommy helper and talking about quilting. you make me proud." ... ok, how stinkin' cute was that. what a great moment! i LOVE her!

My Mother's Day Balloon

has FINALLY said goodbye! the kids got that for me at mother's day and the baby loved it. after several weeks it was still going strong, so we decided to see just how long it would stay up. tonight (four months later), i had bub put it to rest. we really got our monies worth...happy mother's day to me.

I Love Quilting, Party Planning and Halloween

and it's best when they are all rolled into one. the past couple of weeks have been one party after another and tonight i wanted to do something fun for a halloween class i was teaching at our local quilt shop. the ladies thought i should post some pictures so, you too, could host your own halloween class. You can find the pattern at fat quarters quilt shop. i think there's one left!

i decided it would be fun to bring dinner and dessert. so...for dinner i made a chicken pot pie and served it on really cute plates from target. the pot pie recipe is always a hit and is super easy. if you want the recipe, let me know and i'll send it to you.

for dessert i baked cupcakes, using a spice cake recipe and topped it with a cream cheese frosting and orange & black sprinkles. then i attached the marshmellow ghost using a toothpick. they turned out super cute and the spice cake seemed like fall. no meal is complete without something to wash it all down with, so i served chilled orange-cream soda (caffeine free, of course).

i couldn't have asked for a better evening or better company. thanks jeni, cheryl, sandy, and lise, i really enjoyed spending my saturday evening with you all!!!

A Helping Hand and A Beautiful Lawn

this morning bob the builder got up at the crack of dawn to get the sod for the front yard. meanwhile...across town, 3 great men also awoke and came to help.

can i tell you how wonderful it is to have friends that are willing to give of their time and support. craig, david and joe...it meant a lot that you came over on a saturday morning to help "bob". the breakfast was really good and the diet coke was perfect (straw and all) thank you for your friendship and time. we love you guys and our new lawn!!!

A Sweet Surprise...

last night was my niece's sweet sixteen party. i swear she was just in elementary school, wearing glasses, much shorter and as beautiful as ever. what happened to the time??? she has become one of the most amazing teenagers i have ever met and anyone who knows her will tell you the same. it's no wonder that almost 80 people showed up to celebrate with her. Keoni, you are a blessing in our lives and we absolutely LOVE you!!!

Remember

that patchwork flower i posted a while back on my fabulous finds? i made one tonight for a (ooops, it's a surprise) anyway, i made one and they are super easy and super cute. maybe i'll make a garden. enjoy.

Yeah...

we sold our very first pattern!!! jill and i have embarked on a new adventure and i'm really excited! here's a picture of our very first pattern. i'm looking forward to what the future holds. who knows...one day we might be well known, how neat would that be! To get one of these fabulous patterns, take a trip to Fat Quarters Quilt Shop or give 'em a call!

My 5 Favorite Things This Week

1. aprons

2. a safe trip to the desert

3. sudafed pe (the orange kind)

4. organized dresser drawers

5. baby showers

The Boys

went to the desert this weekend and had a great time. they learned that it's much better to have the wives there to cook and clean, though. (karen, we're appreciated!) i spent the weekend home with a cold, one sick child and a teething baby. not so much fun... i was happy to hear the stories they had to share. a black eye, smelling salts and a heck of a good time. good to have them all home in one piece and a smile on thier faces. more good memories of good times.

The Teddy Bear Picnic

was a most anticipated day in our home. each child brought a teddy bear for the costume contest. the little princess put much thought into how her bear would look. at first, she was going to make her own costume, which she did...twice.

then we saw the most beautiful fairy costume at michaels and that was it. her bear won the fairy princess award. how appropriate!

the rest of the day was spent playing games, eating, and enjoying friends. and can i say...i love mrs. fuqua, what a GREAT teacher!

My 5 Favorite Things This Week

1. tulle

2. a clean car

3. cookie cutters

4. simple sundays

5. cooler weather

Thanks Kim

for the fabulous craft idea. i altered it a bit and taught 50, 12 year old girls how to make them. it turned out great and they loved it! great young women's project!

Wha' the Heck is Totin' Chit

thanks for the morning of laughter bro. riddle!!! kids, calm down, i've figured it out...it's totin' chip.

bub, happy scoutin' and be sure to take care of your own chit!

Farewell 18...

once the presents were unwrapped and the cupcakes were eaten, it was time to say goodbye to a year full of memories and welcome a new year with arms wide open. as i look at her, i am reminded of my eighteenth birthday and how far we have come. she is remarkable and strong. she is joy and beauty. she is my angel. she holds the world in her hands and i pray every day that she realizes her full potential as a daughter of God. she has so much to give. the world will be a better place because of her. believe, inspire, love, and never compromise who you are.

happy birthday putter, i LOVE you!

Seriously...

so blessed is a funny, sarcastic and fake blog about a lds gal named "tamn". if your lds, you should check it out.

The Court of Recognition

was tonight for troop #788. way to go bub, he received 5 merit awards and is really enjoying scouts. (thanks to bro. riddle!) if your son isn't a scout, he should be. find a troop near you, and sign him up!

Happy Labor Day!

hope your labor day was great and full of fun memories. here's a few i won't forget. the little princess realized she could swim while "teaching" her new friend. bob the builder really got himself into a verbal pickle. (so did karen...) craig mistook me for his wife, and we hung out with the porter's for the first time. i don't think i've laughed so hard and had a better time in a while. happy labor day!