shower gifts

Since Geri had her shower on Saturday I can FINALLY blog about the things I made her! I was soooo sad I couldn't be with her but I was really happy that I finished her gifts in time for them to make it to her shower. I was there in spirit:)

 This is the first crocheted blanket I've ever actually completed. (I think! Sometimes I forget about things I've made...) Pattern from this book. I LOVED making this afghan! I messed up though! See that ruffled edge? Not supposed to be ruffled. I'm not entirely sure what happened but it might be prettier now than it would have been if I had followed the directions!

 front

back

This quilt was my first experience with free-motion quilting. I think I may be in love. 

Tutorial here (thanks for introducing me, Heather!!) This is a fantastic quilting project for a beginner!

I am so so so so so so soooooooo so so EXCITED for my tiny baby niece to be here! I can't believe her due date is only a week away. I also can't believe that I won't get to hold her until she is 2 months old:( We're are going to be best skype buddies though. I hope her mommy doesn't mind a never-ending web-cam session!

this pool is open

While we were at my mom's house Lily REALLY wanted a friend to come play in the pool with them. She had the fabulous idea to make a sign to let people know that, a) we had a pool, and b) it was open. After an entire half day of no takers my mom called the mother of a cute little girl she drives the bus for. Her name is Jessica and she is 7. She played with us all day long the next day. We jumped on the trampoline, we played in the pool, we picnicked at the park, and we played in the stream. It was so much fun!

 Jessica looks like she could be their sister!

Riley is the queen of awesome faces. There was not a normal picture of her in this whole bunch.

for the beauty of the earth

While we were visiting California we took a drive with my family one Sunday to see these pretty flowers and enjoy the beauties of nature. It was quite a long drive but we had a lovely walk. The wildflowers were so beautiful and the air was so fragrant with woodsy, flowery smells. The girls loved every second of it.

"...I'm glad that I live in this beautiful world Heav'nly Father created for me." Children's Songbook #228

Happy Birthday Kaylee

 Kaylee Joann Floyd. August 29, 2007. 7 lb 12oz. 19 inches long.

How did this tiny baby.....

turn into this little girl!???

Kaylee turned 4 today! I'm not sure how it's possible that my children grow up the way they do. We had a tiny little family birthday party. Of course Heather and Taylor came too:)

 Is she the happiest 4-year-old you've ever seen??

 I know this post is supposed to be all about Kaylee, but LOOK at Riley's face. Seeing her in this picture makes me want to pick her up and squeeze her right this second. In fact, I think I will...

 and look at Kaylee's cutest little bashful face. Oh, how I love her!!!!

 Lily helped open Kaylee's presents...

 and Kaylee held every single one up just like this so I could take a picture.

 We got a pull string pinata. The girls have been begging for a pinata ever since we borrowed a library book called, "Hooray, a Pinata" (super cute book!). The pull strings are sooo much better than beating the junk out of a pinata that an adult is finally forced to rip apart.

 Me and my 7 month pregnant belly shaking the rest of the candy out.

 The wonderful thing about having a family birthday is that the absence of frenzied children scrambling for the pinata candy. The girls have always been very calm and collected when it comes to pinata candy. Here they are demonstrating;)

 Here is Michael playing the part of the missing crazy kids.

I am amazed at how this little girl has grown up. Kaylee is our animal loving girl. She loves God's creatures and is sensitive and caring toward all of them. When Kaylee was born my mom said something to me like, "She has such a sweet and special spirit." I've always remembered my mother speaking those words and at times I have wondered about her "sweet" spirit because she can be such a pill! However, as Kaylee gets older, I am able to see more and more of what my mom was talking about. Today in the car we listened to part of a talk by Dieter F. Uchtdorf titled, The Love of God (beautiful. read it. right now). When we got out of the car Kaylee said, "Mom, I really want to see God". I talked to her a little about Heavenly Father and how much he loves Kaylee and then I asked her, "Why do you want to see God?" Sincerely and with affection, she said, "Because I love Him"

It was such a special moment for me as a mommy. She is such a good girl and, like all children, she has such a pure spirit. 

Kaylee, I hope you know how greatly you are loved! You are loved by so very many! I am so happy that you are aware of your Heavenly Father and His love for you. And I'm so happy that you love Him. I pray that it continues to grow. I LOVE YOU, Kaylee!! Happy Birthday!

first day of school! first day of school!

She practically ran to school. 

yay! 

...and here is how I left her, doing what she does best- making new friends.

Lily gets to ride the bus home from school. Although I had my camera in hand when she got off, I couldn't take a picture because the bus driver was talking to me.  :(  BUT the driver was suuuuuper nice and I think Lily will love her!

Her first homework assignment was to "skytrace" the number one and sing, "Come straight down and that is all (x3). That's how we write the number one" (sung to the tune of skip to my lou). If only all homework could be so difficult...

sleepy

Riley whined at my feet as I stood at the sink tonight. I told her I had to wash just a few dishes before I took her to bed. It took me less than 5 minutes but she gave up on me.


ps. we're back home in Idaho. Safe and sound:)

dirty boys

Who knew roofing was such a dirty job?