10 Months!

 Really? This just can't be true! My sweet little baby is growing so so fast! Rem, you have become persistant in the things that you want (like ice cream...my fault). You light up any room with your cheesy grin and scrunched up nose. You still love that daddy of yours and only say, "da-da" never ever "mama". But that's ok. And you're light as a feather, making my life a whole lot easier with these giant boys of ours.

 You love all things shiny (you get that from your Grandma K) and will chomp my necklaces all day long. You think you're really funny when you rip your hairbows into pieces and sometimes you pull your own hair. Your hair is slowly growing and it looks like you might get a few curls in back! Eeek!

You're very patient with me when I paint your toe nails and you've been a pretty good teether. You have 3 teeth in and 5 more on their way...poor thing.
You are waving hello and goodbye. You give wonderful big wet kisses and BIG snuggles (but only to mom and dad).

 You still tease your brothers endlessly and they already know to just surrender whatever toy they have. You love sitting in your bumbo and watching me sew and sometimes I let you sit on my lap, that's your favorite!

We've tried to get you to crawl, but you seem content with your army crawl and rolling. You somehow manage to find your way around. For example, in the photo below Sawyer just pulled out his transformers and you were on a mission to get them!

I love you sweet baby girl! You are the prettiest little thing to ever come into my life! xoxo

Decorating

Since Roni's been in town, I've been making her help me with stuff, like decorating. I am not a pro decor or photography, but slowly, very slowly, I'm learning.  Anyway, we started with the mantel in my living room. I'm wanting red as an accent color to brighten things up.

 We're thinking maybe a small wreath is needed somewhere in the equation, like maybe something is missing. I'm not sure. I really like the frame and the chevron...those are my favorite!

So, tell me, what do you think?

Also, I'm slowly adding handmade products to my shop, like this bag:

So keep checking back if you're look for something fun a spring-ish to carry this summer!

A few things...

Today somebody turned a whopping 30 29 years old! Happy Birthday Roni! Man, you're getting OLD! Or maybe we're both getting old? Either way, it's sure been fun having you back in town. Don't mind our self-portrait above, we're nerds like that. :)

And then there are the mini-bffs down below. They don't know it yet, but they will be! :)

 And one last thing, if you're in the Boise area this weekend, hop on over to the Quilt Crossing. They're doing a big open house for their new store on Fairview and along with it, they've included a large trunk show of my bags...so go check it out and pick up so awesome fabrics while you're at it. I wish I could be there!

Ok, well I'm off to wrap up a few orders before the husband officially comes home for the weekend.
Happy Friday!

Trip to Shriners

 This weekend was a crazy one. We headed to Salt Lake for Sawyer and Remi's annual checkup. Both checked out well. Thankfully no surgery for Sawyer again this year. Whew! And Remi's back is a little out of shape, but with therapy it should work itself out. The doctors were so wonderful once again. I was sad to hear that we had missed seeing my old doctor by one day, maybe next year?

They always spoil the kids when we visit this hospital. This time the boys walked away with bags (literally) of goodies and activities and they were all covered in stickers by the time we left. Just goes to show that there are really good people in the world.

 After our long visit was over, we had lunch in the cafeteria because the kids were so hungry they couldn't wait to drive somewhere else. Yum. ;) Here's Remi using a high chair just like a big girl! Can you believe it? Sheesh time flies!

 We stayed at Aunt Carlin and Uncle Troy's, where I saw very littke of the boys because they were being enteretained by all of their wonderful cousins. :) Thanks guys!

 The next day we headed to Boise to see more family and then back home. It was a great getaway and good to get caught up with everyone. Also very grateful to have been away from home when the snow hit. I was not about to put my flip flops away. haha.

And...if you want to win a copy of my new Poppins bag head on over to my facebook page to enter!

Nine Months

Have you EVER seen such a cute baby? Oh she's delicious! And I can't believe she is already nine months! Oh, oh, oh she's growing way too fast! In this picture above she is playing with her tongue. I know all babies do this. It's one of my favorite things about this age because they are just so fascinated with such little things.

She's also discovered all of her fingers. In her left hand above she's touching each finger with her thumb, one at a time. I don't remember my boys doing this, but she does it all the time. :) Oh, she's just so yummy. Isn't she?

So, this was her Easter dress. I didn't get pics done because we were running late, as always. So today, even though she wasn't feeling well, I took her outside and snapped about 100 photos. :) We had a lot of fun though, I think she really enjoyed the fresh air. She started sitting up this month. It took her awhile to find her balance because of her teeny tiny legs, but she's mastered it and loves it!

 Hello mama! Are you done with this photo shoot yet? I really want to go take my nap! :)

And here she's telling me that we're done! She crinkles her nose and yells at me when she's had enough. Remi is a really great baby. She doesn't cry very much, she just sort of talks in a very demanding voice when she wants something and she makes that face (the one up there) yes, she makes that very face when she wants something! So so cute!
We bought her a baby doll for Easter (the one in the last post). She likes it, but if there's a transformer around she will totally ditch the doll for a Bumblebee. Oh, those brothers!

Yummy yummy girl! I love you so much and can't believe how much you've changed our lives!

Easter 2012

I think that with our random snow falling last week, that the Easter Bunny and Santa Claus got a little confused. It seems to me as though these Easter baskets were a little more full than usual...hmmm..

Remi received her first baby doll and she loves it!

 The boys each got new bikes because they had outgrown their old ones. For some reason Sawyer was given a horn with his, I'm thinking the dog will get a hold of it soon and it will be really sad...maybe?

 And the night before Easter Ruger lost TWO teeth! Can you believe it? He was so excited! He asked me to start wiggling his other teeth. lol! He didn't even remember that it was Easter, he flipped his pillow over so fast looking for the money from the tooth fairy. I love it! This kid is hilarious! He's never excited about what we think he will be. And what does he plan to buy with his money? Well, popcorn of course! Ha!

We woke up really early (5:30) so Jason could celebrate with us! He had to work. bleh. So all of my pics are a little dark, sorry about that. It was a great day though and the best part was when we asked the kids why we celebrate Easter? They answered, "Jesus". :) I love watching them learn and grow. They are absorbing so much right now, I can hardly keep up with them!
So, there you have it! Happy late Easter!

Also, I started a facebook page. So hop on over HERE and give us a "like"!

CHANGE

A lot of things have been changing around here. Husband got a promotion! The oldest boy is about to loose 2 teeth (if he'll ever let me pull them). The middle child is using the "adult" potty, as oppose to his little potty. And the baby girl, well she's sitting up and has discovered her tongue in all it's glory! :)

It's also spring break and every single one of us has come down with a major head cold. Aren't those the worst? I mean really they just last forever! Ugh.

 I saw a quilt tutorial (smaller version) like this over on Allison's blog and for some reason I found a whole lot of motivation and started just cuttin' away! I haven't made a project this quickly in so long and it felt so good! :) I love, love, love the pink! It's so refreshing in the spring time!

Roni will be here in 24 days and I'm a little bit excited! So excited in fact, my children are counting down the days with me. :)

Oh, and I updated a few things here on the blog, not sure if you noticed?!

Also, my shop has changed! I know this took me forever to do, but you can link to it on the sidebar or here! And to celebrate all of this change, for the next little while I'll be offering free shipping on all orders over $20! Yay! Just enter the code "change".

Happy Tuesday!

Sunshine

The sun has been shining on our end of the state and we have just been eating it up. The boys have discovered their swing set again and it's like Christmas all over again (yay for me!!!). Spring break is just around the corner and we have nothing planned, which is both a pro and a con. Perhaps we'll think of something fun to do. Any ideas? Any???

Sawyer is tugging at my shirt so I'm off to spend a fun weekend with my children. Maybe we'll dye some eggs? Or just finish that massive pile of laundry downstairs?

Maybe?



So Blessed

Eight Months

 I'm a little late on this post cause we've been a little busy this month traveling all over the state, but we are back and settled again. Little Remi has is a crazy girl full of laughs and smiles and lots and lots of shoulder snuggles (my favorite).

Remi your favorite foods are strawberry smoothies and solid bananas! And your favorite person is ME! Usually. :) You've learned to reach for what you want and you clap a lot and wave a little...occassionally.

You are trying so hard to sit up still and are getting closer and closer each day. You sat for a few seconds before cathing yourself with your arms. You roll and pivot yourself to any destination you desire.

You absolutely HATE riding in your carseat at night! Traveling will probably be difficult for the next little while.

You have two bottom teeth and two more on the way. You've been a lot happier since they broke through as well.

We love you lots little Remi Jean Bean! Keep that gummy grin of yours! It's our fave!

The Poppins Bag

 It's here!!! I have used this bag for almost a year now and I love it more and more every day. My green one is ragged and dirty and completely used, but I still get compliments on it! It's absolutely adorable and still holds everything you need. As Mary Poppins would say,

"Practically perfect in every way!"

One really fun feature is the child handle! I added this feature when I knew my third baby was on the way and I was all out of hands. It's true, walking into Target with a carseat in one hand, the four year old on the other and the six year old wondering somewhere behind can be a little stressful. And I have to admit, I am not a fan of putting my child on a leash. The child handle has become my third hand. It's perfect for children to hold onto and trust me when I say this, they love having the freedom! My boys prefer the handle much more than having to "hold mom's hand"!

And then...there are the pockets! This bag will keep you so organized, you won't even know what to do with yourself! There are two large pockets and then three smaller pockets just on the inside! The big ones are diaper/wipe size and the smaller ones are great for sippy cups or water bottles.

 There are four pockets total on the outside! You can see in the photo above, the outside pockets have a delicate trim along the curved edges and then the silver rings on the handles giving it a little less of a "handmade" feel. My favorite part of the bag is the scrunched center. I've done this on one other bag of mine and the shops have loved it! It's a little sassy and a lot of fun to make.

 And finally, the curve at the top of the bag came through trial and error. I've been trying to figure out how to make a bag that's snug around the arm, but not tight. By keeping the straps long and adding depth to the top of the bag I was able to get that snug feel. If that makes any sense at all? And I hope you like it too! :)

As always, the pattern comes with pattern pieces, easy to follow instructions (tested by all levels of seamstresses) and is quickly shipped directly to your mailbox. So hop on over to my shop and order one today! And thank you again to Beth for the great photos!

The Poppins Bag is practically perfect in every way!

A simple clutch tutorial

 There was a time a few months back when I was so sick of blogging, but now that I've been so sparse with it, I'm starting to miss it, just a little. I've been working on some tutorials to share with you all. Just little projects that I've wanted to do that were fun, but not quite enough to make into a whole pattern. And I've forgotten just how much work a tutorial can be! It's crazy to me that there are bloggers out there who offer a free tutorial every single day! I may not have one for you every day, but I do have a few coming this way and I hope you enjoy them!
This first one is just a simple clutch that I have really enjoyed having around. It's so quick and perfect for birthdays or baby gifts (stuff a few diapers in there) or even just travel.

To start you will need:

-1 yard of fabric

-1 snap or piece of velcro

-1/2 yard of fusible fleece

 

1. From your fabric you need to cut (4) 16" by 7" pieces for the body, as shown above and (2) 10.5" by 6" pieces for the flap.

2. From your fleece you need to cut (2) 16" by 7" pieces and apply to wrong sides of two body pieces. Then cut (1) 10.5" by 6" piece and apply to wrong side of a flap piece.

 3. Fold each flap piece and each body piece in half.

4. With the flap, your going to measure to the left (as shown above) 1" and cut off excess.

5. With body, you're going to measure to the left (as shown above) 2" and cut off excess.

6. Using a glass or cup, trace around each bottom corner of both body pieces and flap pieces and cut off excess.

7. Place body pieces with fusible fleece right sides together and sew down both sides and across bottom. Repeat with other two body pieces, leaving a 3" opening in the bottom to turn later.

8. Place flap pieces right sides together and sew down both sides and across bottom.

9. As shown above, you're going to clip around all curve edges of body and flap.

10. Turn flap piece right sides out, press, and top stitch. Measure from bottom center up about 1" (on non-fusible fleece side) and add velcro or snap.

11. Turn body (with fusible fleece) right sides out and measure from the top center down about 3" and add velcro or snap.

 12. On the body (with fusible fleece), on the opposite side of velcro, center the flap (as shown above, with velcro facing UP) and top stitch across the top.

 13. Place body (with fusible fleece) inside of lining body (without fusible fleece), as shown above, and sew around top edge, making sure all seams are lined up and flap is tucked inside.

14. Pull bag through the 3" opening you made earlier in the lining body. I like to call this the birthing of the bag, because it's the most painful part having to pull all that fabric through a tiny hole, but in the end it's all worth it! ;)
15. After that, you're going to top stitch your 3" opening closed and then top stitch around the whole top of the bag and voila! Your simple clutch is finished!

 Now, if you want to add a few accessories you can. I added these tiny flowers to my black and white clutch for fun and they were super easy. I just cut 2" circles, folded them into fourths and hand-stitched them on! I hope you enjoy this clutch! It's a perfect 30 minute project if you're looking for something quick and easy!