Happy Easter!

Hope all of you had a wonderful Easter....leaving you with a pic of my sweet girlies :o)

First Day of School 2011

Today is the first day of school for my kiddos....1st and 3rd grades.  Wow, where has the time gone??  My husband took them shoe shopping yesterday and they must have had miracle grow over the summer because my older daughter is now in a size 5 after ending the school year in a 3.  Not sure how that happened!!  Anyway, I was up at 5:30 this morning, pre-heating the oven, showering, packing lunches, making breakfast, curling hair.  At 6:45, I had exactly 15 minutes to get myself ready...good thing my hair is pretty low maintenance!  Just blow and go.  Out the door by 7:00 and to school by 7:20.  Whew!

I am not sure who is more excited for this new year, but I sure do wish it would slow down a little.  I am feeling the time slip through my fingers, and I am trying to grab it and hold on a little longer.  This year, Emma and I have started writing each other letters, kept in a composition notebook.  When I write something, I put it under her pillow and she does the same.  She's getting to where she needs more private time, but it's hard to get with a little sister always underfoot.  It's a way to keep connected.  I sure do love my little ones!!

Time to Get Chopping!

It's time to start cutting for the Kaleidoscope quilt along...and I have to admit that it seems daunting when you see the number of pieces to cut out.



Plus I changed my mind about the fabric I wanted to use.  At first I was pretty committed to using my DS fabric, but after I thought more about it, I am going to use my FQ bundle of California Dreamin'.  I love this fabric and I am from the great state of California, so it's perfect.  Plus, it's so cheerful and bright...perfect for a summer project!  Tonight I am cutting into this beautiful stack...is it just me, or does anyone else ever feel bad cutting fabric...almost like you should find the biggest quilt block possible to keep the whole pattern intact??  I'm weird like that, I guess!

Oh! And we got a new member of the household this weekend!  Her name is Roxie and is about 8 weeks old, we think.  She is just the cutest little ball of fur you ever did see!! And super sweet...love her already!!

Photoshoot with my Girlies

I feel like I haven't been able to spend a lot of quality time with my girls lately...I'm still recovering from surgery and it's not super easy to get around with crutches.  Last night we watched the Royal Wedding together and they were both just in awe.  I had to explain the oh-so-complicated English traditions and ceremonies.  They loved seeing all the princes, princesses, and other royals...and those awesome hats the ladies wore to Westminster Abbey!

So today, we did a makeup and dress-up day and took a bunch of photos...they turned out so pretty!!

It was such an awesome day :o)

Teaching the Girls to Embroider

My mom, Grammy, is a super talented lady....she taught me so much about sewing and I have so many great memories of her teaching me to be crafty!  She creates her own homespun embroidery patterns and sent some to the girls for Christmas this year....and we are finally getting around to using them!!  Emma had to learn that you CANNOT sew around the hoop....it was so funny!!  I think I re-threaded needles about a hundred times, but we had such a great time.  Dayna kept squealing about what a great time we were having and she was so glad I was teaching her...melted my heart.  I am thankful for my mom....and for having 2 wonderful daughters.  Forgive me for gushing ♥

Dayna before we started

Emma before starting

Am I doing this right??

You can see the blue line of stitching....she did SO good!!

Working hard!

This face was so funny!  Every time she wrapped the hoop with her needle!

They got the hang of it after a few minutes