Tied by Heartstrings

Sometimes I wonder how my mother had time to do what she did when we were little.  We were busy kids, with busy schedules, and busy bodies.  If we wanted to paint, we got out the Crayola watercolors and painted.  If we wanted to play with play dough, my mom would make a fresh batch of it from flour and salt (and other goodies).  If we didn't get our piano lesson done, my mom would sit by our side, helping us (sometimes for hours...heaven forbid we leave the room before everything on our lesson was complete).  She did so much for us, as well as others.

My mom was always (and still is) serving...her siblings, her children, her husband, her ward family, & her neighbors.  I honestly don't know where she found the time to make us things...because I really struggle finding time, and I only have two little ones at the moment...soon to be three.  I'd like to think that I CAN and WILL make time do do special things for my family, but let's face it...sometimes the cobbler's kids just don't have shoes.  I've been so busy sewing for 'everyone else', that my little family has been neglected.  I don't know if they even care, but I have fond memories of the things my mother did for us, and I would absolutely love for my children, even my boys, to have similar memories of their mom.

Those of you who have boys know that it can be tricky to find cute ties, for any occasion...and I've been wanting to make my boys ties for a year or so now. 

Friday morning the tie-bug bit me.  The pattern I used is from Purl Bee, and while it looks complicated, it was very simple, and I am pretty sure I'll do it again...and again...  I have enough stabilizer for at least half a dozen more ties.  *oops!*

I had to make a few adjustments, like placing the pattern on the crosswise grain, instead of on the bias, but for little boys, it works (and it was nice on my checkbook, too!  One quarter of a yard vs. a yard and a half of fabric). 

This is the finished result:

The polkadot tie pictured with the shirt will be worn by Taylor and his blue & navy sweater-vest, and Tanner can pick from the green paisley or the blue and lime motif tie...though he'll most likely wear the blue one, just because it's his favorite color. 

Can't wait for Sunday!!!  Hopefully their white shirts and missionary ties will help them to be more reverent and behaved.

{GNO}

{Girl's Night Out} is a difficult thing for me; I'm at work all day, then I ask my husband if I can leave for a few hours after I get home...but every once in a while a girl needs a break.

Lucky me, I got two breaks this week.

Wednesday I met with some sweet ward friends for an hour...I learned how to make those fantastic headbands/bows that are ever popular...and super easy and fun to make.  Can't wait to make some for myself soon!

Some time today I got a wild hair to get together with a great sewing friend...and we ended up with some fantastic company!  

Lisa, Alisha, Rachel and I met at Craigo's in Rexburg, since it was a central location to the four of us, and after eating ourselves silly with pizza and dessert, we continued to chat it up while the employees were sweeping around us.  At closing time, the awesome waitress brought us a huge bowl of vanilla bean ice cream, on the house.  She thought we were hilarious with our big bellies!!!  And 'so cute' to come out to dinner together. 

Alisha and I know each other from being in the same ward when we each had our first baby.  She was the R.S. Secretary at the time, and I always thought she was so sweet (she still is) and am glad she was able to join us!  We are due the same day, but she's getting a little girl, after three boys (so there is hope!).

Lisa and I had numerous sewing classes together in college, and have stayed in touch over the years.  Between midnight pattern alterations and lunch time tips, we've helped each other through quite a few projects!  She is due the 15th of June, I believe...with a sister for her two daughters and son.

I, of course, was just glad to get out of the house...and had such a great time visiting with these friends.  I was so full from all the good food, it took me a good hour to fall asleep once I got home!

Rachel had Violet just two months ago, and has three daughters she left home for her hubby to put to bed.  She was the R.S. President of our student ward (which all four of us were in together) when I had Tanner.  I am super excited for her to teach me how to redo my husband's grandma's sewing table with some fresh color and paint!

It's funny how we haven't seen each other very often, yet I feel like I see them all the time (from reading their blog, seeing status updates on facebook, etc.)...I think we should get together more often girls!!!

Is there such a thing

...as too much of a good thing?

Seriously.  

Right before the Saturday evening session of our Stake Conference, I went to a friend's house to sew a hook and eye onto her daughter's dress (while she was wearing it) moments before her date showed up, and on my way out the door, my friend handed me a big (like the size of the palm of my hand) chocolate covered strawberry...

So I went to the grocery store promptly after returning home from conference, and picked myself up a few pounds of juicy strawberries, and some chocolate chips.

This is what I ate for Sunday lunch...

We haven't been able to stay away from them...and truth be known, this tray only lasted a few hours...I've made several trays since. 

Yummo!!!

Reverence is more than just quietly sitting...

It being Mother's Day, the primary children had a part in the Sacrament Meeting Program:  singing a medly of songs for their mothers.

I quietly whispered to Tanner that after the current speaker was done, he could go up on the stand with all the other primary children to sing some songs.  He seemed indifferent and kept coloring.  Ryan had taken Taylor out into the hall to help him be reverent...

When the time came, I helped him to the end of the bench we were sitting on, where he loudly proclaimed, "Mom!  I can't go up there, my bum needs to go poo!"  Through muffled laughter, I assured him I would take him after he sang, and he could hold it.

He agreed, and walked up to the podium with our huge primary, and found a place on the front row...

...the singing began...

...I was nervous as all get-out because we attended a different ward for Ryan's niece's daughter's (that make sense?)  baby blessing last week, and Tanner didn't get to practice the songs...

...then his hand reached for the microphone...

...I shook my head and folded my arms in a large enough motion so he could see me on the back row...

...and a miracle happened:  He folded his arms and quietly stood there, with the biggest smile in the world.

After the first song, I smiled and gave him a thumbs up.  He returned the thumbs up...I was starting to cry happy tears.  My baby is growing up!

...Then the singing began for the second song...and Tanner left the podium and ran back to me, exclaiming even louder than his parting comment, "Mom!  I didn't brush my teeth before lunch!  I need to brush my teeth!"  and I busted a gut laughing with the people around us.

Tanner quickly replied, "Sorry mom, I didn't know the words."  My reply amidst happy tears and more laughter, "It's okay Tanner.  It really made me happy to see you reverent and smiling.  I love your big smile."

__________

For the past three years, our ward has given the mothers giant (like the size of a 8" plate) cinnamon rolls with the most delicious frosting from Geraldine's Bakery for Mother's Day, instead of a potted flower...and I was SO looking forward to it today...

This year, however, the money they would  have spent on such a delicacy, went instead to a chocolate kiss and a beautiful poem for the mothers, and the remainder to purchase humanitarian aid supplies for the church.  What a wonderful gift.  It made my heart happy, and I forgot that my tummy was hungry from a lack of proper breakfast.  :) 

I spent quite a while today counting my blessings...and could probably spend more time doing so.  I am blessed with a wonderful family, a testimony of the gospel of Jesus Christ, and many, many more things.

__________

Taylor's nursery teacher had prepared marigolds in darling pots for the children to give their mothers today...and Taylor was ecstatic to give me mine.  She even let them finger-paint on the pot.  He was so excited I thought he was going to drop it as he handed/tossed it up into my hands after church.  

We tried to get a picture of Taylor holding his pretty flower...but Tanner wanted to instead...

Do you think I could get either son of mine to look at the camera and smile at the same time?  Yeah...but they're still cuties.  

__________

While I fixed cheese samwiches for lunch (in Ryan's defense, he's prepared nearly every meal for the last year and a half) he and the boys tried flying a newspaper airplane off the porch...

...it didn't go too well, combined with the brisk wind we've had for the past three weeks...

...I love my boys...my hubby included.  My heart is happy.  My heart is full. 

♥ Happy Mother's Day! ♥

{Congratulations, Graduate!}

This weekend, we attended two graduation ceremonies for Ryan.  As I was starting to grumble during the second ceremony on Saturday, I realized that these events were a significant part to this wonderful accomplishment. 

We had sitters for our boys for both ceremonies, and in hindsight, wish we would have brought them to at least one...so they could see their daddy walk...but then again, it was really nice to not have to worry about them being too loud our antsy...I somehow think nobody would have survived either experience.  *chuckle*

Friday, May 7th:  Ryan was hooded as a Master in Training and Development in Idaho State University's College of Technology with the Degree of Human Resource Training and Development.  A mouthful, I know. The ceremony was relatively short, and considerably comfortable at the Stephen's Performing Art's Center...they had padded seats, and I had Ryan's iTouch to keep me busy.  :)  Really though, it was a nice one and a half hour ceremony. 

I was even a good wife and brought a towel and my iron to press his gown, given to him an hour before the ceremony....can you tell I like things neat and orderly?  He was the only one there who didn't have creases in his gown and hood.  He was also with the few who wore suits.  He looked very handsome and professional!

pictured above:  Dr. Tom Jackson, Graduate School Dean, Ryan, Dr. Robert Croker, department chair, Dr. Rita Kalody, who pretty much spent all of April spending time with Ryan to perfect his Research Project paper and Defense.  She's a saint in my book. 

Those who came to support me and my sweet husband included: 

My brother Reed (poor kid was sick, though), my mom (my dad was in charge of and in attendance at the 2010 Scout Jamboral in Blackfoot...don't know what is worse:  freezing with a bunch of scouts or sweating in a room full of graduates) and myself.  Sorry for the gomer picture dear - Your mom only took one, and this was it.  :)

Ryan's parents, Ken & Edytha, his brother Mitch (who inspired Ryan to obtain his Master's...Ryan and Mitch are they only two in their family to earn Master's degrees) and his two daughters Rylee and Savannah, and his brother Gary.  Not pictured is Gary's wife, Valerie, who came later with her son Seth. 

(Now that I see myself in these pictures, I see why that woman at work a few days ago thought I was going to have a baby right then and there...I have put on SO much baby weight!  *sigh*)

Significance behind the hooding:  In the 13th century, one who became a master in his discipline was presented before a council to have his head shaved, then hooded to keep warm.  This particular costuming, the hood and robe, are representative of this age old tradition, of distinguishing between students, teachers, and so on...you'll notice his professors in the previous hooding picture have velvet stripes on their sleeves...this is because they have their doctorate degrees, and are qualified to teach the teacher.  

Thank heavens they didn't have the cosmetology graduates (or anyone, for that matter) shave all the Master Students' heads!  Each college is represented by a different color, so on Saturday it was fun to see all the many colored hoods and tassels.

Saturday, May 8th:  Ryan was given his diploma (okay, just the cover) during the university-wide commencement exercises at ISU's Holt Arena.  Sitting in hard chairs for three hours is not a good idea for a pregnant woman who will deliver her baby in 9 weeks.  (Especially when the individuals from other graduates' families were climbing over and around her for those three hours...I counted two teenage girls climbing out of their seats seven times.  sheesh!) 

We were there early to get seats and for Ryan to get in respective line...we took the opportunity to get pictures BEFORE the event...

My mother-in-law was surprised that they didn't have an opening prayer...I just chuckled and told her we weren't at BYU-Idaho any more.  :)  They did sing the national anthem, though, and it was pretty neat to hear all the graduates and their families singing in honor of our country, and our freedom. 

Ryan was presented with his diploma within the first hour...then we patiently and respectfully sat through the next hour and a half, visiting quietly and clapping for those we knew (Tanner's Primary Teacher, another sister in our ward, and two cousins of Ryan's also graduated with various degrees). 

I sent the following message via text to Ryan shortly after he walked (10:30 am), "Baby's coming.  Let's go eat."  We debated on using that excuse for the next hour, but thought better of it, and stayed...and sat...and got climbed over...and watched mindlessly as 2,232 (no kidding) graduates walked across the stage...I have no pictures of Ryan actually walking, unless you can count blurs of black and orange...we were so far back in the stadium, that I couldn't see his face even. 

As it neared lunch time, and as I got antsy and my mom and mother- and father-in-law grew antsy, we debated on leaving early.  A series of texts back and forth between Ryan and I confirmed that we were just as awful as those leaving early...we made a break for it.   

We enjoyed a very un-crowded dinner at Texas Roadhouse with our parents, and as we were leaving around 1:30 pm, we saw quite a few families of graduates walking in to get their lunch.  Poor souls...had to endure a full three hours of commencement exercises.  Mwahahah!

All in all, it was a fabulous two days worth of celebrations...and a long discussion on the way home about how long Ryan had to wait to start on his Doctorate Degree.  And if I would like to or want to earn my Masters...and what was next...and how the job market is...and what our future holds...I could go on and on...

Thank you, mom and dad, and to Ryan's parents, to siblings, to baby sitters, to friends, to family, to teachers, and to our loving Heavenly Father for support and encouraging words.  :)  We couldn't have done it without you all.

Congratulations, Graduate.  

You Did It!!!  

And we couldn't be more proud of you.  

♥ XOXO ♥

My Tanner Boy

This isn't the first time I've noticed Tanner doing this:

He has really been into grouping things lately...and I am thrilled.  It's fun for me to see him developing and loving to learn, especially when it's his own idea.  I 'catch' him grouping things ALL THE TIME!


While playing blocks the other morning, he grouped them by color, then by size...which he's done various times through the past few years, but this particular morning, he lectured me, literally, on what he was doing and why, and how come it was so important.  I got a good laugh and nodded, agreed enthusiastically, and even tried to persuade him that different sizes/shapes went together, just to get him thinking some more.  Some of his conversations are so humorous, and serious.  Sometimes I wonder what happened to my four-year-old, because his comments and thoughts come out of nowhere!

Another recent fascination:  scissors. 

Last week as I was making labels for the toy bins (he must get this organizational/grouping thing from me) he asked if he could cut some papers...so I let him cut up some mis-printed scraps with my paper cutter.  Then he asked for scissors.  I didn't hesitate to hand over a pair of child's scissors for him to cut, as long as he stayed right by me and only cut what I gave him.  I was surprised to see he was holding the scissors correctly in his right hand, and the paper in his left hand.  He meticulously cut each letter apart, then grouped them on the desk; putting all the e's next together, all the n's together, and doing that for each letter.  He was so proud of himself, as he should be.  I was starting to worry when a few months ago he had to have both hands on the scissor handles, and someone else holding the paper as he hacked away...

Although some days I think he might be a challenge, it's moments like these that help me to keep things in perspective:  He's four.  He's a boy.  He has lots of energy.  And he's brilliant.  He is constantly learning new things, and building on the foundation of previous learned areas. 

My favorite topics to hear him talk about is his "dragons", gospel related topics, and food.  He's downright hilarious when he gets going. 

Each day, he asks the same question, and makes one repeated comment:
"Mom, how many more days until the baby comes?"  and "Mom.  You know, we haven't named the baby yet."  I would venture to say that he's getting a bit excited that he's going to have another little brother, wouldn't you? 

I love him to pieces, and pray that I may continue to love my little Tanner Boy for the child of God that he is.

The truth hurts.

While at work (just now, actually), making copies, hole-punching, and generally just cleaning off my desk, there were  three people at the counter needing information, all of which were taken care of by the secretaries.  As I was going about my work, minding my own business, out of the way, I was greeted by a (and I quote) "Gosh, girl!  You're getting so big!  How much longer do you have?"  Yes.  You read that right.

As I turned around to see who thought I was going to give birth right then an there, given my size, I saw a quite large lady who shall remain nameless, though I know as an acquaintance, but haven't seen her in about two weeks.  

I muttered loud enough for her to hear, and to answer her question, "Yup!  And I'm just gonna keep getting bigger.  I have ten weeks left."  And then I gathered my stack of stuff and marched back to my office, not quite knowing how to handle that situation. 

First off, I know I chose to be offended by her comment.  But seriously, WHO says to a knowingly pregnant woman that she is getting 'so big'!  Hell, I already know that!  I don't need someone to tell me, especially while suffering from heartburn after eating some chocolate!  (sorry.  but I'm a little put out by her comment, still.) 

Secondly, I know I shouldn't have been offended by her comment, because I am large and 30 weeks, but STILL!

Third, just because she's big, doesn't mean she can tell me I am.  (and she is not pregnant)

And fourth, the truth hurts.  


***there will NOT be a scheduled belly picture, as I had planned for my 30 week mark.  Instead, you'll just have to picture a beached whale...sorry for the dissappointment.***

Flowers and Smiles

My mom brought my little brother to Idaho Falls for a Scout meeting, and offered to watch the boys while Ryan and I caught up on our anniversary since we weren't really able to celebrate with anything fun while I was sick. 

So, while Ryan and I went to the temple, she and Katelyn and Deseret and our boys went to Home Depot's "First-Saturday-of-the-Month Activity" where they let kids build a free craft.  Can you guess what this month's craft was?  Well, I'll give you a hint:  It involved flowers and lots of smiles.

Tanner and Taylor were so happy  and excited that they had made a cute flower-pot holder for me.  My mom was so sweet and found some already potted poppies to purchase and put in the boys' flower pot holders.  They have loved taking care of these little flowers...sometimes they care for them a little too much. 

Thanks mom, for letting me and Ryan get away for a few hours, even if you had to hunch over a workbench in a freezing store and help your grandsons make these adorable little gifts.  And thank you to Katelyn and Desi who also helped.  It made for a wonderful anniversary morning.  :)

{our daddy did it!}

We wanted to shout from the rooftops that {our daddy did it!} and we are so proud of him!!!  So to spread the word amongst family, I put this little diddy together last night.  I'm embarrassed that I didn't get it done two weeks ago, but really thought we'd have time this week...then I got a yucky bug that has put me out of commission, so this is what we got last minute. 

When cut and folded, they look like this:

And when stuffed in envelopes ready to be mailed this afternoon, they look like this:

I was elated (understatement) that our printer will bleed photos off the edge of paper.  (It will print a picture CLEAR TO THE EDGE without any white boarder!!!!!)

I was dissappointed that after adjusting the image several times, the printer STILL cut off the loop of the "y"...but what can ya do...It was 1:30 am when I went to bed!  And they're done!!!