Early Present from a Total Stranger!!

Lucky me! I got an early Christmas from a total stranger....STREP THROAT!!! Arrrgggh! I don't know where I got it because none of my kids are sick....yet.

I woke up with a sore throat yesterday and was able to control it during the day with a little Advil. But last night, I was up all night with the most painful sore throat I can ever remember. I was miserable. I didn't sleep much and I wanted to cry all night. So early this morning, I headed straight for the Insta Care. I really didn't think it was strep, but on the off chance it was, I wanted to get started on antibiotics so I wouldn't be sick on Christmas.

As soon as the Dr. came into the room and confirmed my positive results, I remember the drink that JL and EVERY ONE OF MY KIDS shared with me at the movie yesterday!!!! Oh, I am dreading the next few days....

I was just telling somebody over the weekend how I NEVER get sick. I obviously jinxed myself.

I've Been Busy!

I never realized how many free sewing tutorials were online. I have been busy sewing up a storm and making some homemade Christmas presents the last few weeks. I found this pattern for a purse several months back and bought 3 fat quarters to make it, but didn't ever make it. So I pulled everything out and put it together last week. It was a fun little project.

I've also been making these cute little crayon roll-ups for our church bag.


There have been some other "secret" sewing projects going on, but I can't disclose them yet because several people that may read this will be receiving them as gifts.

One site I found that has a ton of great tutorials is: Everyday Beautiful Check it out!

Getting an Early Start...

Sydnee decided on Sunday morning that she would get a head start on shaving her legs. It didn't turn out so good for her....I think she'll be waiting a few years before she makes another attempt!

The Fall Wardrobe

This is how I found Shelby and Ellie last Friday. Don't worry, it was only the 28th of November and yes, they were outside jumping on the tramp in swimsuits. I'm guessing it was 45 degrees outside. I promise, I don't neglect my children! But this Ellie child of mine has a mind of her own. This mind fervently believes that a wardrobe should consist of: swimsuits, dresses, princess dress-ups, and tutu's. Nothing more, nothing less. And apparently the weather has no bearing on what to wear at any given time. Go figure...

"Mom....maybe the neighbor's house is on fire..."

This is what Tanner told me last week after he smelt smoke and it wasn't coming from our house. Little did he know that there was a fire in the neighbor's yard. Shortly after he said it, the firetruck showed up and quickly put the fire out. Luckily, it appeared that it was just their yard on fire and not their house.

Pre-Thanksgiving at the Cabin

Last year, we finally got the occupancy permit for the cabin right before Thanksgiving, so we had the best Thanksgiving ever at the cabin. We all had such a fantastic time that we decided to do it again. But since it was the "in-laws" year, we went up the weekend before. I love it there! We had such a great time. But what's not to love about eating, doing puzzles, sitting by the fire, playing games, relaxing, and oh, did I mention eating?

The weather was SO nice too. We could go outside during the day and the temperature was nice. For the first time, we got to sleep in one of the rooms in the basement because even the basement is finished now!!




I have no idea what is going on with the formatting on my blog, but it's not letting me move the pictures around how I want them. I hate when I can't be in control of my computer!

I loved when I walked over to the creek, that there was ice forming around the rocks. It was beautiful! And I loved how clear and blue the sky was.

While we were there, we put some cute little "anti-slip" stickers on the log steps. I can't tell you how many people have slipped down those darn stairs, but they won't anymore....that's for sure. It was funny, those little stickers made all the difference for the kids. They weren't afraid of the stairs once mom put them on.

As I've said before, I love the cabin and I love what it represents.....my parent's vision and love for our family. My dad's ability to see a project through to completion and the many lessons taught and learned along the way. I love that my dad can "do anything" and if he can't, he's not afraid to learn. It represents our family's love for one another and the outdoors. I'm so glad we have it because it is a place my kids LOVE and look forward to. I know that we will have many memories there. Thanks again mom and dad!!!

Tanner the Photographer

Tanner entered one of his pictures into the Reflection's contest at school. Last week we had the opportunity to go to the awards assembly and see him get his award. He was a finalist and get's to go on to the next level. We are so proud of our little photographer!

This is the picture he entered. He took it at Zion National Park earlier in the year.