I LOVE MY WIFE!

I love my wife SO much! I can't begin to tell the reasons why. I am whole when she is around. She is definitely the better half.
Dannie I love you so much glad we found each other!

Norma Jean the Crafting Queen

I'm writing this post in honor of a wonderful lady who taught me so many things-Norma Jean. She was a very loving woman who treated everyone like family. She was 82 years old, but had the spirit to rival any 20 year old. She had so much life and so much love to give. She taught me, at a very young age, how to sew. You could say she gave me my start. She didn't teach me everything I know, but she taught me many things-in crafting and life. Norma Jean passed away on Thursday June 14th. Losing her has been very painful. Remembering the life she lived has made me re-evaluate my own. Have I been as loving and generous and kind as she was? Have I treated others with the same attitude and respect that she did? Have I jumped at the opportunity to serve others like she did? Have I enhanced my skills and retained as much knowledge as she did? I'm ashamed to say the answer is probably no on most counts, but I certainly plan to remedy this problem. I will be forever grateful for her example to me. I am proud to be her granddaughter. I have so many fond memories of her that I will cherish forever. I really can't put into words what she means to me and how much I'm going to miss her.

Dadoo very lovingly stated at her viewing, "Don't think of her just passing away, think of it as God needed one amazing quilt." What a fantastic way to put this into perspective! My grandmother was the queen of crafting. She ALWAYS had a project she was working on. Her sewing room is still in disarray from four or five projects she was working on. When she wasn't down in her sewing room, she had a needlepoint or some other needle work waiting for her by the couch. When she wasn't working on her needlepoint, she was painting. That woman was amazing! She had such a knack for crafts! It seriously only took one lesson and she picked up the craft in a snap! She was a very talented lady. I learned so many things about my grandmother in the last week than I ever thought possible. I felt like I didn't really know her at all. I feel a lot of guilt and resentment for not having spent more time with her than I did. It's just motivation to spend more time with my grandfather and Dadoo's grandmother (who's name is also Norma ;)). I've made a promise to my grandmother that I will do more sewing and crafting and hone my skills. I promised her that I will pass on my knowledge and love of crafting to my Pumpkin. I know she's proud of me and I know I will see her again someday.

I love you, Norma Jean the Crafting Queen <3

Sweet Holland

I keep forgetting to post pictures of a few things I made back in February for a friend who just recently had her 5th baby. When I found out she was pregnant, I knew I just HAD to make her something. She told me that all her girls clothes and items have become 'well-worn' over the years. I told her I wanted to make something for her and she said, "You'll have to make this baby fun for me!" Well.....challenge accepted!

First, I made her a carseat cover (big surprise, right?!), but I didn't want this to be just some ordinary cover. I found the cutest fabric at Brook's on Main St. in Bountiful and the moment I saw it I knew I had to use it for my friend. I also used a different pattern, if you will, for the cover than I normally use and it turned out so cute! I wanted to keep it for myself!

Second, I crocheted a sweet little dress that I had recently bought the pattern for from my favorite Mon Petit Violon on etsy.com which can be purchased here :) It was a brand new pattern and I took this as an opportunity to try it out. Another success! I also crocheted a pair of matching booties also by Mon Petit Violon (which can be found here) and sewed a pair of regular ballet flats with ribbon ties as well.

Third, I made her a pair of peep toe sandals that was also a new pattern from my other favorite--ithinksew.com! The pattern can be purchased here.

Fourth, I tried my hand at making a baby mobile. I actually made this with no intent of giving it to anyone in particular, but it turned out pretty cute and I decided to give it to my friend.

Last, but not least, I made a cute little headband. I not only made one for the baby, but I made one for my friend and all her other girls :)

My friend was overjoyed when she received everything and that makes me love my hobbies that much more. The things I do can be to me a bit overwhelming at times and sometimes I feel like I just don't have the time to keep up with the babies, birthdays, weddings, my full-time job as a momma and my actual full-time job, and my blog. Seeing everyone's reaction to what they receive specially made for them, though, is what renews my passion for what I do every time. Needless to say, I made this baby fun for her and then some :)

Princess Sophia

Sitting here at a baby shower for my cousin and his glowingly beautiful wife, I realized its been a really long while since my last post. Of course, I made the gift I gave them and would like to share some pictures of what I made.

I found flowers by the yard at JoAnn's and bought some to sew onto onesies as well as some open toed sandals the pattern from which was purchased at ithinksew.com.

Busy as a Bee

OK so I lied about posting more to keep up with all the things I've been making since the holidays. I've taken on more projects than I had previously expected. I have three babies for friends and family that I have been 'preparing' for, so to speak, and so far I've only managed to complete items for two. On top of that I've had work, my husband, my VERY busy toddler, and family birthdays. Which brings me to the main reason for this post. My sister, jana's, birthday is coming up and I've  made her something special. She's been working on accent pieces for her living room recently and I decided to help out by making her a throw pillow I saw on Pinterest. Its very simple to make and so very cute. I really hope she likes it :)