a camping we will go

off to mt. madonna for some camping action with my fam. smore's, dirt, and family fun. see you in a few days!

today we...

today we hung out. took a nap on the couch while watching a movie. (sadie, not me) played on the floor, read books. didn't leave the house, except to go to the park.

it was gorgeous weather, and we lounged on the blanket enjoying the sunshine and cool breeze. sadie emptied the diaper bag. receipts flew everywhere.

good times.

we're so glad when daddy comes home

ok, first off. yum. have you seen these new m&m's?

strawberry and chocolate and peanut butter!

it tastes like....well, i can't describe it, just go buy a pack and try em! your taste buds will thank you. i promise.

(by the way, thanks to the candy companies for putting the calories on the FRONT of the bag...i so loove knowing how many i'm eating at one time. i saved half the bag for rory, i swear.)


sadie now smiles for the camera.

um, how cute is that? i can't stand it!

here she is showing off some of her new chompers, she has six in all now. glad she's weaned...youch!

wow, a nice picture of rory smiling, nay a picture of rory ON the blog. hello there hubby!

next time won't you sing with me

i know sadie is far from knowing her alphabet, but when did that ever stop me from making something?

never.

i got the idea here, and made them at our craft night last week. they're super easy and fun to make.

basically, a layer of batting in between some fabric...then you sew around, and clip the edges, and it frays in the wash.

i wanted to have this whole, patchy, non matchy vibe with all my fabrics, but alas, my control freak tendencies came out and they all ended up in blue, white red, and pink colors.


of course, i had to whip up a drawstring bag for storage!

all hail her majesty's sippy cup

sadie enjoys her food.

that's all there is to it. we're glad she does, as it eliminates any fighting over eating this food or that food.

(although she doesn't like avocado much)



she also loves her sippy cup.

so much that she will toss it over the side of her high chair-er, throne, when she's done and let one of her slaves retrieve it for her.

until recently.

today, sadie perfected the art of placing her sippy cup BACK into the appropriate cubby hole.

much cheering was heard from the parents...

..and her highness was very proud of herself.

she celebrated this victory by stripping down to her diaper.

and frolicking on her new couch.

her subjects joined her in the merriment.

All rejoiced!

i heart my new cutting mat

For reals. Why did I never get one before now? I used a cheapo (small) scrapbook cutting mat that i got for $2, and a cheapo rotary blade was...well, cheap. I can't believe I made quilts with that thing. Yesterday Aimee, Kim, and I (plus kiddos) went to Joann's, and both Kim and I got these SAH-Weet cutting mats at 50% off. Gotta love those coupons.


I bought a quilting "set" with the ruler and rotary cutter, and I am in love. Sorry, Rory. I've spent the last half hour cutting out fabric for a new item for the store (coming soon!), and I can't believe how much better it is now. Ahh. I want to make a quilt now just to use it. Aimee picked out the cutest fabric for a quilt, I can't wait to see how it turns out!

So, back to watching Wall*E and playing with my cutter.

Bushel of fake food

I've been obsessively making little bits of felt/fabric food for the past week or so. It's soo addicting. Here is my (Sadie's) collection:

My (Sadie's) basket of fun.

Fancy a ham sandwich? Me too.

Layers of yumminess. imaginary of course.


PB&J


Heirloom tomato and slices of tomato. It looks like a pumpkin, I know. HEIRLOOM TOMATO.

half a dozen eggs...used this tutorial but made the pattern smaller.

Breakfast in bed? Thank you very much. Made the strawberries from here, oranges and eggs from here. Made up the pancakes, syrup, and butta.

fruity
Oh my gosh, I heart this box. It's a box that housed chipboard letters...how perfect is it for fake pasta, it even has the little window so you can peek in! Agh! I just painted it and made the label with scrapbooking supplies.

Bow tie pasta and sauce. These were so simple, I bet you can figure it out.

Need something sweet? How about a cookie or ice cream pop?

So here's my start of the felt/fabric foods for my (Sadie's) collection.

I've got it, BAD.

***By the way, she's doing fine after our exciting afternoon yesterday. Not even a bad bruise. She's got a fat lip and scrape on her lip, but that's it, what a trooper!

ER trip

I did not expect our trip to the library to end in a trip to the Emergency Room, alas, it did. Before you freak out, Sadie is ok. We were checking out some books and she slipped on the tile and fell face first on the ground, pretty hard. Right away I knew it was more than the usual fall...she was screaming and when I picked her up blood was dribbling out of her mouth. Her nose and forehead were swollen already, and I was sure she'd broken her nose, or had a concussion! Luckily the librarians and a kind woman helped me figure out what to do and where to go...I couldn't remember for the life of me, how to get to the hospital. The woman grabbed my books and came out with me to the car. (I would've left them on the counter, hehe) We took off for the hospital, Sadie screaming in the backseat in pain. I felt HORRIBLE. I called Rory on the way to let him know what had happened, but he didn't answer his phone. I called Jarom sobbing...poor guy I freaked him out. They work together, so I was trying to find Rory...he pointed me in the direction of Chris, who I called and finally got ahold of Rory. gorsh.

Once we got to the hospital, they got us in to a nurse pretty quick, who looked her over and took her vitals. At this point, poor baby looked pretty bad, red/purple forehead, blood drops down her shirt, and dried blood on her face. Her mouth had stopped bleeding thank goodness. Oh, and Rory had joined us by now...whew. It helped me not freak out to have him there, although I surprised myself by only bawling in the car ride over. That's self-control! So then we waited a little while (although it felt like an eternity), and finally saw a doctor who looked her over and then ordered a cat scan. A cat scan? I thought....those are only in the movies. But yes, we had to see our little baby strapped down and in a cat scan tube, we called it a donut, and she did really well in it. She was so brave the whole time, I think she was more tired than anything else. So, after that we waited for the results (on a gurney, in a hallway, no less...nice.), and they said she was ok! So...that was our unintentional excitement this afternoon. I'm just glad she's fine...it was pretty scary.

Whew.

Crafty ladies

I should be going to sleep but I just cleaned my whole craft room, so why not stay up an extra ten minutes to blog? Tonight we had our first (of many, we hope) craft nights with the girls! It was so great to get together without the babies, (for those of us who have em) don't get us wrong, we love them to pieces, but it's nice to get some girl time in without chasing after so and so, or making sure they're not swapping sippy cups. (a regular pastime at play date) We didn't talk TOO much all about kids I think. Lots about pregnancy and weddings.

Stephanie, Cassy, Aimee, Moi, Aubrey, and Kim made it. We gathered tables, goodies (of course), sewing machines and scrapbooking supplies, made a mess and talked a ton.

See? the mess. Rory made sure to take a picture to showcase it. Isn't he nice. Then after they all had left, he helped me carry my stuff back to my room and then got on my case about cleaning it. So I cleaned it and it looks 100% better. Seriously I should have taken a before and after. haha. So we're thinking of making it a monthly thing, I can't wait!

mini quilt

haha! You knew I'd be back here with a quilt before too long, didn't you? Agh, you know me too well.

I had a fire burning under me to get this done...I don't know why! It was so fun though, and I got to try out three new quilting things:

1. free motion quilting (so fun, but tiring for your arms. aka the squigglies)

2. stacked coin quilt top

3. making my own binding.

Basically I really wanted to try something new and different and it worked, luckily.

The top...the squiggly quilting is so cute. I loved picking the fabric out too, it's very gender neutral for all our kids to play with. I picture them having a little corner of the playroom with a mini kitchen and this little couch. Maybe with a mini coffee table or kitchen table. And a mini bed. Maybe I'm getting carried away. I love little stuff. They'll have a whole mini house someday, watch out.

The back, really simple with some leftover strips thrown in there...I used some fabric I had on hand, but I think it turned out fine. I love the binding, how it's patchy as well. Anyways, it was fun and small (only 44x23, measurements were a little wonky but it fits the couch), so I'm happy.

Kiddo couch make over

Last week I visited my friend Dixie, who just had a baby boy 6 weeks ago. Not only did I get to cuddle with her son, Sadie got a present! Her daughter's Dora couch, which was hidden in her closet and we snuck out while she was playing on the Wii. Just kidding, she said it was fine to give away. Anyways, I was psyched because I'd had a couch like this when I was a kid and loved it! Hours spent there reading and sleeping too, probably. Dora just wasn't quite our style, so I decided to make a slipcover!

Before

After!

It wasn't as daunting of a task as I thought. First I took the whole thing apart with my seam ripper to make a pattern. (watched movies etc to keep myself going)

Then I picked out the fabric, from the Amy Butler Lotus line.

Then. I started pinning, sewing, ripping seams out, whatever until I got it figured out. Some of you may be thinking I am crazy. And don't get me wrong, I probably am. But this was fun for me! I enjoyed it a lot! It was challenging. That's for sure.

Here it is all folded out...just begs for a cute quilt to cuddle with, doesn't it? Hmm, I still have some fabric left....new project! Of course I had to make a quick pillow cover for a tiny throw pillow! I still have to finish the bottom, and create a closure system...I'm thinking snaps, because the original zipper broke and I don't know where to find a 3 foot long zipper. Please ignore any stray threads or lack of ironing, I haven't gotten around to that yet. So, what do you think?

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berry cute

Sorry about the title, I couldn't help it. I saw this tutorial and just had to make some of these oh so cute strawberries. For Sadie of course. I want to get her a kitchen play set for Christmas, so I'm working on felt/fabric food for her to play with. So far, I have these strawberries and two sugar cookies.

This morning, Janae and I went to the library's monthly book sale. We made out like bandits. They're building a new library soon, so I think they're really looking to clear out. I got all of these books for $3. Yes, $3. They didn't have a lot of kids books, in fact, a lady had cleared them all out. I glared at her. But I found a few holiday ones and some fun history books.

Bonfante-Gilroy Gardens

Betcha didn't know we Gilroyans have our own theme park. Yep we are THAT cool. Today Aimee, Kim, and I packed up the kiddos, shoved three full size strollers, three carseats, and ourselves, into Kim's car, and headed off into the heat. And boy, it was HOT. We still managed to have some fun!

Sadie had the most fun on the carousel. She loves those things.

The strawberries she was not so sure about. They even made me dizzy.

We got pretty wet at a few water features, it felt good but dried too fast! The highlight was the cold slurpee enjoyed on the way out. YUm. Strawberry lemonade. I almost didn't get one but was glad I did.
After a nap for Sadie, we headed to my Grandma's house for dinner. She served some DE-licious anti pasto, which consisted of olive foccacia bread (Oh my heavens!), ham, cheese, cantalope, olives, green beans, peppers, etc. All eaten with your hands if you choose, it was perfect for Sadie to nibble on! It was so delicious and perfect for this hot summer day! For dessert we had apple rhubarb strawberry cobbler. Wow. Sadie loved that, as did we all. My Grandpa raved! After dinner, we enjoyed some time chatting and watching Sadie play with the blocks that I played with as a kid. Full circle...so fun! Thanks for having us Grandma. We look forward to Rory's return home tomorrow night! Can't wait! REALLY. NEED A BREAK. just kidding, it's not too bad.

cherries!

We've been enjoying some cherries we got on sale this week...although Sadie is not allowed to feed herself. Can you imagine the stains? shudder. I made this peasant blouse for Sadie last night. I loove it! Got the fabric in a remnant pile at Joann's for like, a dollar. I used this tutorial. She has a lot of great tutorials! It was tricky at first figuring out the pattern, but once I adjusted it, screamed at it a bit, and threw it across the room a few times, it was easy enough to figure out. Really, try it out on your crap,-scrap-fabric first if you try this. Don't waste your cute fabric. Not that I would have any experience with doing that.

Sadie was gracious enough to model it for me during this morning's play time in the sun room. We love hanging out in there more and more. It's still cool in the mornings during the summer, and I love the light! Our house doesn't have enough of it, for my liking.

I made the shirt ruffly by moving the casing in 1/4 inch, like she suggests in the tutorial. I love how it came out! I would make it a tad longer next time. Oh, and there will be a next time. soon.

standing

Sadie stands. She started doing this the day after Rory left. I think she'll be walking by the time he gets home Saturday, haha. Just kidding. I hope she doesn't, or we'd (I'D) never hear the end of it! We went over to my parents house for dinner again tonight, third time this week. (They're saying"grumble grumble free loading daughter grumble grumble") We've missed Rory, but I've gotta say, it's nice to have a break from cooking and dinner dishes! Waaay nice.

So, back to the silly girl. She's so proud of herself. She was laughing (maniacally) randomly during the evening, she loves being the center of attention, and she is always just that when we go over there.

Before dinner I couldn't help but mess with her hair and try a ponytail. She looks like Alfalfa from Little Rascals!

So, saw the Harry Potter movie last night. I liked it a lot, the acting has much improved from the previous movies. (the kids, the adults have always been good) They did change some plot points and add in random things that did not happen in the book, but all in all was a pretty decent adaptation. It got me really excited for the seventh movie. (and eighth, I hear they're making two movies out of the last book...hm) Luckily we don't have to wait two years...it's coming out next fall I believe! So, you that saw the movie, tell me what you thought!

On a-My morning started out awesome-note...my cell phone had quite the run in with my tire and the road today. That's what I get for multi tasking. I was trying to open my garage door after our morning bike ride, and bam, cell fell on the ground, I braked, phone got caught under my tire, the rest is history. Oh well.

I'm going to get so much flak from Rory when he gets home about this.

Save me.

Sadie @ 11 months and how things are going.

So...Sadie's turning one next month. I'm still not sure how I feel about that. On one hand, I'm excited for her to be growing up and learning things (and planning her party, let's be real), on the other hand, I want her to be a baby as long as possible! Don't all mothers think that at some point? Tell me I'm not alone, mommas! hehe. Well, Sadie is getting rambunctious! She likes to practice standing, her record is about 10 seconds. She crawls super fast, like FAST. She loves her blocks that Grandma Lance gave her, and she loves to knock down any towers we might construct. (took her about 10 minutes to figure that game out) She is loving table food, and we've all but given up baby food, just trying to use up what we have in the cupboard. She tried edamame yesterday and loved it! She'll try anything, once. Unfortunately she has a good memory when it comes to what she doesn't like. She nods yes and no, and says MAH for more when eating. She babbles A LOT. She has 5 teeth now, two came through this past week, poor thing was miserable! So were we. She misses her Dad this week, although it helps to get out and see family and friends. We love our little Sadie!

Rory is at Scout camp this week until Saturday night, so I'm playing single mom this week. It's not too bad. I've been crashing my parents and Cassy's for dinner. (THanks guys!) I've been busy working on some orders for the shop too, and watching my DVR'd shows. Staying up too late as well. Oops. It's so hot here we've been swimming every day this week so far. Cassy and I are going to see the sixth Harry Potter movie tonight, yah! Hope it's good. I'm making these brownies...don't they look delish? Will let you know how they turn out. Wish me luck for the rest of the week!

Me, in a large nutshell.

I saw this awesome Photo tag on another blog and decided to do it. If you so feel inclined as well, please do so!

1. A picture of you in your bedroom.
My bedroom when I was a teenager...I'm not in the picture obviously, but it's the only one I have. Pretty funny-looking...although then I thought I decorated pretty well. I even cut out my name from pieces of wood and painted them. (a DIY-er even then) Everything matched! That's Joshie in his diaper.


2. A picture with someone you don’t actually like.
This Jack Sparrow guy at the Walk of Fame in Hollywood was ANNOYING.


3. A picture of you on your birthday or favorite holiday.
24th birthday...surprise party!


4. The youngest photo of yourself you can find in digital format.
Ittle bitty Jessica!


6. A picture of yourself making a goofy face at the camera.
I have DOZens, nay, HUNDreds of pictures like this of me and Joanna.


7. A picture you might have edited to make yourself look more attractive.
Who doesn't do that?


8. A picture of you truly being yourself.
Making a fool out of myself in public? Check. Now that's the real me.


10. A picture of you being absolutely ridiculous!
Another example of Joanna and I...at Chuck E. Cheese...it was late...no excuse.


11. A picture showing off a new hair cut/color.
I hated this hair color! TOo dark. Dang Supercuts.


12. A picture of a time in your life that is over but you wish it wasn’t.
This is a scrapbook page from a time when I scrapbooked all the time, and was super inspired! I wish I had that motivation and time and mojo to keep that up.


13. A picture of a time in your life that is over and you’re thankful that it is.
Braces! UGH. Six years. SIX YEARS! Need I say more?


14. A picture of when you were anything but happy.
This was taken at Disneyland a week after I had my miscarriage. I put on a happy face but was crumbling inside.


15. A picture that you had no idea was being taken.
Yes, I played the violin. I even went on a trip with our group and my whole family to England when I was a senior in high school. This is at one of our little concerts, pre-trip.


16. A picture of when you were a different person to how you are now.
Of course I'm different now...6 years is a long time.


17. A picture with someone you love.
Nuff' said.


18. A picture of how you want the world to see you.
Cheerful and surrounded by flowers. (and at Disneyland?)


19. A picture that describes how you want everyday to be.
Just hanging out on the porch after dinner with my family.


20. A picture of a time when everything was changing.
My body, my hormones, my life...little did I know how much!


21. A picture that makes your heart hurt.
That's Jarom leaving on his mission. When he left I was living in Utah and I cried most of that day. I missed you bro!


22. A picture that makes your heart smile.
This is from our England violin trip, we played at this cute little school, and afterwards all the kids wanted our autographs on our pamplet...we all felt like rock stars! I'm wearing one of their sweatshirts, I loved their cherry logo and persuaded the principal to give me one...it was a kid's size but I squeezed into it...hehe.


23. A picture from one of the best days/nights of your life
Of course! My wedding day was soo much fun. We had a blast at the reception, I still get people telling me how much they enjoyed the dancing, etc. I will always remember that day!