This one's for Ms. Becky

My friend Becky asked me to make an applique tutorial after seeing the whimsical and animal parade quilts I made for my kids. I have to be honest and say that I have been nervously thinking about it every day, how I would put it together, what I could make, and so on. I am such a perfectionist that I think I might spend a whole week just making it perfect. That is no good.....I need to get over that quality somehow. Plus, doll season is getting pretty busy. So Becky, I hunted around online for a little tutorial I could borrow from someone else. And guess what! I found one. Carrie at This Mama Makes Stuff has this little tutorial that I think is simple and great. She is one spunky mama too. I am so glad I stumbled upon her blog because she has some yummy ideas and inviting taste. However, if it doesn't help you or you need more tutoring:) I will definitely help.

I think it's here

Last week, pre-tooth knock-out, we set our mission to collect a pile of leaves and jump in them. Of course this required appropriate attire as the kids determined they would not be "as good" piling leaves without their super cape and wings.

What a HUGE pile! No matter, I think Autumn has arrived.

Crazy gUmBaLlS, where's my ToOtH?

Emerson started soccer last week and is having fun with his team the Crazy Gumballs, though he wants to know why they don't run around more. We tried to explain that this year they just provide soccer practice for kids his age (which was a surprise to us too) and that next year he will be able to play in real games. That wasn't so cool, but alright with him. Ida is the official water girl and does a pretty awesome job running up and down the side lines playing a little game with Mom. She and her brother have some pretty sweet skills that I am pretty happy about. I bet Uncle Chris feels the same way.


Before going to practice today, Josh and Emerson were running around playing chase. One mishap and a yell, "I losed my tooth" later we discovered a little boy who was completely telling the truth. He has "cried wolf" before about losing a tooth so we weren't too quick to help until we realized he was completely right. I was mortified, thinking Emerson looked completely different than just seconds earlier while trying to figure out what was going on. Jeez, this mom takes things pretty hard. But, after discovering he is still the same old Emerson and that he didn't lose his whistle along with his tooth, I am much better. In fact, I think I have an even bigger crush on this adorable face.

P.S. Ida INSISTED that the Tooth Fairy NOT come ANYWHERE near her room. She doesn't like him. Looks like the Tooth Fairy should go hang out with Santa.........no imaginative creatures for Ida.

It runs in the BLOOD

Josh and I have had an ongoing putt-putt challenge since the time we started dating. I am embarrassed to say, but he has beaten me EVERY SINGLE time we have played except once. I like to call it "the time." It was on our honey moon. I'll never forget the day. I. beat. Josh. It was an awesome, extremely close game that came down to the last putt. I somehow got a hole-in-one and Josh choked. I won! For some mysterious reason, though, that score card "got lost" somewhere and Josh can't seem to remember it's where-abouts.

Well, we had gone playless for too long. It was a beautiful night with beautiful company and no plans. We have passed the Putt-Putt many time talking with the kids about going when the weather is nice and we don't have plans. I am so happy that night happened for our little family. The kids absolutely LOVED it. Ida danced between holes to the music playing in the speakers while Emerson explored and fed his fascination with the river running through the coarse. Josh and I played, half-seriously because one can't do anything with complete focus around two children, and Josh smashed me. Oh well, it was still fun.

The Gift

Our niece turned 3 and this is the gift we took to her party. Ida and Emerson LOVE cooking with me. They call it mixing, always asking, "Can I mix with you?" Their love of cooking helped me think of a fun gift to make N on her birthday. I hope many treasured memories stem from that apron. Cooking with my kids is something I cherish.

Party Day

Being Emerson's sister is a pretty cool thing. He is the best play mate, a keen instructor, is willing to play dolls and babies when it is Ida's turn to choose a playtime activity, and he gets invited to some pretty fun parties. That means Ida gets to go too! We had a blast at the Griffes' house during a little afternoon party with some kids from church.

Sweet Ida can get comfy

Thank goodness Ida is a very virtuous little woman and was blessed with an overflowing bucket of patience because her quilt was long in coming, but, it is finally finished. Somewhere in the piles and yards of fabric my mind shifted from apples to mushrooms, and I have to be honest and say I am happy it did. I love the whimsical, imaginative feel mushrooms give that seems to be "so Ida" to me. Far more than apples. But, I will make sure to have a few apple decorations here and there in her room. Overall, I just love it! So does Ida.

i love dreaming....

These family pictures turned out just the way I had always imagined they would. I have looked at them several times today, just smiling and dreaming. Day dreaming of the day they were taken and dreaming of the day we will have our own farm. Barns with chipping paint, fields of grass, rows and rows of beautiful green corn, clean air, and miles of land to explore. These pictures are just right. They are us.