Month of May

Yes I know it's almost July but Swim Team ruled our lives until 2 days ago. We are finally done and catching up. Actually today we've done nothing. I cleaned, the kids played, we ate, I talked on the phone... ahhh summer. Here are a few pics from the last month of school:

This is the Mother's Day Makeover. I brought make-up, nail polish and jewelry. Daniel rubbed my shoulders and made me look beautiful! I love the look of concentration on his face in this one:

I was absolutely starving after the makeover and hurried home to eat something. I didn't bother to wash off the make-up and of course a pool guy came to the door. I talked to him for quite awhile and didn't look in the mirror until after he had left. I looked like this: :O

This one is for the Reading Restaurant Isaac's class put on. He made a crossword puzzle for me to do while he brought me my menu. Then we read four books, all written by him. My favorite was the book about the black widow spider. Love the apron too. :)

This picture is major deju from last year's Kindergarten Rodeo. Lucy and I had fun dancing it up with Daniel and his class.

Father's Day Spa

I have many wonderful Fathers in my life. I am so grateful for my own Dad. A few of my favorite memories: Working out in the garden together, Building all kinds of projects in our garage (including "The Moo-ver"- a first rate mouse trap car), Getting out of the car to go check out someone's garbage, because one man's trash is another man's treasure!, Driving out of the city and laying on top of our van watching the stars in freezing cold weather (a car actually stopped to see if we were okay), Wincing as he whistled and sang loudly while walking hand in hand with me through my high school after a play, Walking in on him praying, Lots of dancing and laughing...

But I'm also blessed to have wonderful brothers, brothers-in-law and of course my Curtis. I literally thank God every night that he is the father of my children. I am so thankful for all of these men for their examples and efforts to be great husbands and fathers.

For Father's Day at our house, we had a lovely breakfast and headed off to church. Curtis wasn't feeling so hot and I told the boys we needed to pamper him a bit when we got home. Here's what they came up with (on their own):

They had French accents & mustaches. They cracked his toes and scratched his head, made him a booklet with a menu (his choices for food were mac and cheese or tuna) and games while he waited for his food.

It was a good day.

Eveyone else already knew this...

A few weeks ago the youth at church performed "From Cumorah's Hill." I figured that seeing teenage boys singing, and about their testimonies, would be good for Jonah, so he and I made it a date.


The performance was terrific. I was so impressed with the young men and woman. Jonah really enjoyed it as well and I know it inspired him because he has volunteered to sing a solo at church on Father's Day (absolutely unprecedented!). What's really interesting is that I've had the "Cumorah's Hill" CD for a year or so. My brother recommended it. I listened to it once or twice and thought it was meh- and truthfully I usually sort of cringe at any of the Kapp Perry music. After seeing the performance here though, I have been listening to it at least once a day! The harmony and beautiful messages keep choking me up.


I've noticed the same thing with musical pieces that I sing as well. And gulp- I'm embarrassed to admit that after reading/watching "Twilight" I decided to learn "Claire de Lune." I've never particularly enjoyed that piano piece before and now it's one of my favs. So at first I was thinking that watching things live really changes your perception of them. I think that's true but then I guess any kind of happy association can do it. Am I crazy? Anyone else have this happen?

So next month Curtis and I are going to see "Wicked." I CANNOT wait. I already adore the soundtrack... pretty much expect to see me with my face painted green. :)

Gifts and more gifts

I love getting handmade gifts. Even if they're not perfect or just what I would have picked. I cherish blankets made by my MIL and GMIL, booties from my SIL, placemats from an aunt... So espeically these days when I am in full on sewing mode, I've been making lots of gifts.

My mom is my all time favorite person to make things for because I know she'll seriously love anything I make just because she loves me. But I've had a few occasions to make some other fun stuff lately and will post for your viewing pleasure. There are lots of mistakes in these projects but all were made with lots of love.

Baby Blanket for new baby Ava (using Erin McMorris' Wildwood fabric)

Baby blankie for my old buddy from Michigan, haven't sent it yet... I need to look at it for a few more days. :)

Potholders for a wedding gift

My mom's Mother's Day Table Runner

Mum's cathedral pillow with fabric picked out by the boys!