Make Me Smile

I can't remember if I posted this picture before, but I just ran across it again. It just makes me smile in every direction. Mirian had just barely blown bubbles into Caitlyn's face just prior to this one being snapped. The look on her face, and the fake dead chicken hanging from the tree behind her just cracks me up. Another great memory of our week at Philmont.

LOVING This Crochet Pattern

For the last week I have fallen in love with a sweater pattern from Joann's. Fast, easy, and cute. I finished my first one last week, almost finished with my second and can't wait to start a third. I have so many friends having babies, that I hoping to get a few crocheted up with matching hat and booties before then. Too much fun. I'm also wanting to implement a bit of applique and embroidery on it as well.

My Family Tree

For Christmas I made these family tree's for my mom and dad with their four generations. I have to say this has been one of my favorite gifts to give. I loved how it turned out, and am just waiting to print myself out some copies to hang in my own house. There's something amazing and powerful about knowing where you came from and knowing about their lives.

Happenings

Wow, I've really been on a leave of absence here. My OTHER sister called me up this time and asked if I've abandoned my blog. No....... I'm just really taking a break it seems, more than I thought I would. I guess I really needed a break. This last month blogging just got pushed aside for other things that took more of a top priority:

• A speaking assignment for Stake Conference. ( For those of you not of my faith, that's a church meeting that we have twice a year that combines 7 of the local churches of our faith for one large meeting in which our local stake leaders speak to all of us.) It was intimidating and yet I had an amazing experience during the preparation and giving of the talk. My topic: Preparing ourselves for spiritual experiences.

• Sick.... just sick and not feeling well for quite a while.

• Designing.... my new goal for the year is to release at least one thing every week, so far I haven't missed a week, and hope to continue. We have a huge goal this year of putting as much as we possibly can into the bank before Beau graduates. We'd like to have as many months of expenses saved up as possible, as we never know how long it will take for him to get a job after graduation. So far we're doing good in trying to cut back, stay in a budget, and get some good chunks in saving.

• Tired.... just tired, and exhausted. Today was the first day I actually made it out early to the office for a few things and that was at quarter to 6, not my usual 4:30/5:00. Someday I'm going to get back in the habit again. I'm also trying to make sure that I'm giving time to projects, people and things that matter the most and not wearing myself too thin. I feel like I've been doing good on this so far.

• Deep cleaning, organizing and turning this house into a home... I'm tired of feeling like we're just 'kind of ' living here. I'm trying to finish up half finished projects, and I'm getting close to completely finishing some of the rooms in the house. It's been fun to see things start looking better. Right now I'm on the look out for some red sheets from the thrift store, to rip up, and crochet into a huge floor rug for the kitchen.

I'm definitely waiting around hoping sometime to say that winter is gone and start looking forward to these babies. There's something about an orange poppy that just tells you to smile.

I'd like to say I'll be back for regular posting, but I think that's what I said last time.. Maybe I shouldn't make any promises, and just say till next time! :)