Projects

I had a couple fun projects I worked on this week.

I was looking at this basket that I was given and not loving the liner with the veggies. So I looked thru my stash of fabric and transformed it from this:

to this:

I love it so much more now. It's so perfect for fall, or maybe all year round. It can actually be out on display now.

And I put this quarter head fabric on the bottom. When I bought that fabric it was a little left over peice on sale. I wasn't sure what I would do with it, but I liked it. And now it has the perfect home.

And then I found fabric at Walmart to make my kids Halloween pillowcases. I have a feeling the boys are going to keep theirs on longer than just for the holiday. What is it with skulls that kids love these days?

I love having projects to work on. As soon as my quilts are done and quilted I'll post those too. Soo close.

I {heart} you

It's Official

We are officially Washingtonians. Finally went and got the car registered and changed over our drivers licenses. We got the new enhanced license that is also a passport so we can go to Canada now (and all bordering countries). Can't wait to go now especially to Victoria and Vancouver is only 1 hour away too.

We heard rumors that we might have to wait 4 to 6 hours to get the new license, but we went before they opened and waited in line and were done in 1 1/2 hrs. Not bad at all, so worth it. And then the real one comes within 30 days.

Back to School

Today came with mixed emotions. This was the longest summer ever for us so we were ready for school to start and back to being on a schedule. But it was new everything for the kids. New school, new teachers, riding the bus for the first time, new town, new friends. For me I think I was more nervous for them than they were, of course. They were just anxious and excited. George goes to a different school than the other 2. His school is 3rd-5th. and Mason's and Maryjane's is K-2nd. So George's bus comes at 8:05 and his school starts at 8:50. The same bus comes back and then picks up the younger kids for the other school at 8:35 and their school starts at 9:00. We went to their schools open house last week and met the teachers (who were all great) and the kids got to know where their classrooms were. It made me feel a lot better knowing that when they got there off the bus they knew where to go. I kept asking them where their classrooms were and to go straight to their rooms when they got there. I'm just so used to taking them and making sure they're in the right place. But they're big kids now, I know, sometimes it's just so hard to let go and let them grow up and do things for themselves. And Mason was my helper, he took MJ to class first and then went to his own. He said when they got there he waited and made sure she went "all the way in the classroom" before he went to his. I'm so glad they have each other. They sat next to each other on the bus both ways. Too sweet. And well George is glad to be on his own and not having his little brother and sister bother him.

So off to school they all went. All day now. I thought I was ready for this day and I've been waiting for it to come for many years now. But now that it's here, man I have such mixed emotions. I've come to realize I don't really like being by myself. I like having company but I don't like all the fighting or whining either so I'm glad they have somewhere to go and learn and play. And 7 hours sure does go by quick. I'm glad I have our dog to keep me company instead. He sleeps all day anyway, but I can talk to him and love him and he doesn't fight or whine. So it is a nice break. I just need to find things to do. I started sewing again now that I finally unpacked my machine. And I have a couple projects I'm working on. Time will tell. Last year I only lasted a month and a half before I got bored enough and worked part time at their school. So we'll see.

My sister called right after they left and had to ask how I was doing with them all gone and I broke down crying, while she laughed at me. (which I totally understand 'cause usually I'm the one laughing) I've never cried when any of them have gone to school. I've always been so excited. I'm not one to cry and be sentimental. That's for my other sister. But this is a new chapter of my life and I've got to figure out what I want to accomplish for myself. And with all the "new" stuff for them I was a little nervous and wanted them to be ok and make sure they figured out everything ok since I couldn't be there. I think that was the hardest part. Sending them into a new and unfamiliar place while I sat and wondered all day if they were ok and how they were doing. But now that they are home, they had a great time. They figured it all out, of course, even without me. I don't need to worry anymore. Hopefully tomorrow will be less emotional and I'm sure it will be.

Oh the joys of life and the things we go through emotionally when we have kids. Ya gotta love it.

Family Picnic

We set off to Northern California last wed. a long 11 hours in the car. But we got there just in time for dinner at In-N-Out. In my opinion the best burger and fries ever. A great way to start off the trip.

Then unloaded the bags at G'pa Mark's and G'ma Paula's house in Red Bluff. Mason was off right away looking for lizards and frogs. He's our animal lover.




To escape the heat we had to get in the pool as often as we could.



G'pa Don and G'ma Jean came over for dinner and gave the kids cowboy hats. MJ of course got a pink one.

Paula sure does love her mama...

The kids are just too cute in there hats.

(I forgot to fix the red eyes. oops)

We played an exciting game of croquet after dinner.

And G'ma Jean won of course.

They loved swimming at night in the pool.

The girls loved seeing the donkeys at Don and Jean's house, Coco and Pepper.

Coco is pregnant and a little temper mental and almost nipped MJ's leg. So I had to take it quick. She's usually really nice, but you know how pregnant moms are when they're about to pop.

Austin took the boys for a ride on the 4 wheeler.

Every night the boys went out and caught a bucket full of frogs. It kept them busy for hours.


Then Saturday was the Family Picnic (reunion) down at a park by the river.

Nancy ordered live strong bracelets that say "Jean" on the them for our sweet G'ma Jean who was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer last month. And they are royal blue for our family color. Each family line wears a different color.

I could not get g'ma to look at the camera and smile. But no matter, she's still the cutest.

Mason spent the whole time by the river catching whatever he could find.

Mason and Austin teasing George.

David entertaining MJ.

The boys playing wiffle ball.

Nancy and her mom.

And with Ed.

And with Alisha.

Thanks for posing for me.

And a cute family picture all in our royal blue.

We had a great few days while in Red Bluff. We're glad we made it for the family picnic this year.

Love you all.

School Supplies

We went school shopping for supplies the other day which is a first for us. In Utah we would buy things for fun and they would never need it 'cause the teacher already had everything. So this year was a little different. George had a list a mile long. The other 2 lists weren't that bad. I think a lot of it goes into surplus for the year. So $80 later and a check for $10 for each of their teachers. What a way to start the year off. So much for clothes shopping.


I'm looking forward to school starting. We've had quite the summer. We moved May 22nd, and school starts Sept. 1st. I think we're all ready.

Silly " "s

Mason talking to George: "I'm going to have a mustache and a beard, I can feel the hair."

A visit with our friends

Yeah the Seegmiller's were here visiting their family and we got a chance to get together. We met up at a park on Lake Washington and had a great time. We sure have missed them, so it was fun see such good friends and let the kids play. But then we had to say goodbye again, which isn't fun. Maybe someday they'll move here too. Now that would be fun.

Until next time.

6 Candles for the Birthday Girl

6 years ago I was given a beautiful baby girl. The minute I found out I was pregnant with her I new she was a girl. I always thought I would be so girly with her with the bows and dresses, but she had other plans. Her strong will determines when those bows and dresses come in to play. Some days she is very girly and sweet and other days she is the tough 'n rough sister. She knows how to stand on her own, and she's been that way from day 1. Oh how we love our "precious" MJ. Every day's an adventure with her. Lots of learning experiences for her dear ole mom to learn from and hopefully prepare for, when she inevitably becomes a teenager. Heaven help me!


I was planning on making her a barbie/princess cake like last year with a different dress, but the day before her birthday she said she wanted a polly pocket cake. So we improvised. It's more like a polly pocket cupcake.

But cute none the less, just like our birthday girl.

I put a little 6 on her dress so we could remember which birthday year it was down the road.

The morning of her birthday she woke up and it was like c-mas. She couldn't wait to open all her presents, so I let her. Why not, it's her birthday and she gets special birthday privileges. She was pretty excited.

She had a lot of money to spend too, so we went shopping of course. What girl doesn't like to shop, especially in this house. I've taught her well unfortunately. She also has expensive taste, just like her mom, which is not good. I tell ya I'm in for it.

And then when dad got home we went to the movies to see Aliens in the Attic. The kids liked it. It was an ok movie, a little cheesy.

So all in all, I think she had a pretty good day.

Happy Birthday Janie.

6 years down.