Sewing lessons

Emily has started to learn to sew. This small quilt is her first project. I was going to have her sew it by hand so she would get really good at hand stiching, but we decided to use the quilt to practice machine sewing. She sewed it practically by herself (I helped a little with stearing). Since then she has been practicing sewing straight lines, circles and squares all by herself. She has a nack for it and is excited for her next project, baby doll diapers.

Prettier Checkbook Cover

Last week I got new checks but no new checkbook cover. My old plastic one was cracked and yellow. Then I saw this tutorial for a "Prettier checkbook cover" I pulled out some scraps and about an hour later look at the cute cover I had. I added ribbon and a flower and now I just love it.

Jonathan's Birthday

On Jonathan's birthday we invited some friends over for a pool party. He loved the cupcakes and the gifts. Grandma even came in time for opening gifts in the evening. I think the thing he loved the most though was the new bike he got.

Some crafts

I've been sewing a lot lately. I've made four maternity skirts for myself and these two skirts for Emily.
The boys couldn't be left out of the cake decorating the next day David and Jonathan both made and decorated cakes.
Kaleb had to decorate a piece of bread when he woke from his nap. The frosting was hard to squeeze at first so he had to really concentrate.

I made these homemade oreos by using my favorite sugar-free chocolate cake recipe and piping the batter into circles, then I filled them with a whipped cream frosting. They were yummy.

Emily's Birthday

Emily had a birthday in May. We had a party at home for her on her actual birthday and then on the next day, Friday, we had her friends over. On her birthday we ate cupcakes and she opened the gifts we gave her. She is so gracious. I sewed little reusable fabric bags to wrap the gifts with.
For Emily's friend party we did a baking party. Emily made these marshmellow lollipops to put into the goodie bags. She also helped put the goodie bags together.
On the day of the party we baked cakes, made pizzas, and decorated the cakes after they cooled. Everyone seemed to have a great time, especially Emily who loved being with so many other girls.

About selling our house

It has been a loooong time since I have posted. We have been super busy getting our house ready to sell. About a month ago the crazy idea to try to get a bigger home popped into our heads. Actually we had a little help from a neighbor who planted the idea there. Since that time we have been fixing up and cleaning up for the big day when we would place our home on the market. Well we made our deadline and its out there. Who knows if anyone will want to buy our house but if they don't its o.k. We have gained a new appriciation for our own humble home. As we have looked at some others out there I have found myself liking my kitchen better than ever. Sometimes you don't know how good you have it. So if nothing else comes from this process at least we are a lot more grateful for the home we have.

bathroom makeover

Friday I couldn't resist the desire to go to Ross. I am so glad I went. We've been wanting to make the hall bathroom look nicer. I found everything we needed. Now we just need to hang the picture. It feels so nice to walk into that bathroom now. I just wish I had a before picture.