A quilt times 2!!

My Mama is so full of love and sweetness!

Do you hear me?!?!

For Christmas, my sister and I had one present under the tree. The same size box, each adorned with some tulle and a fresh cotton boll; and that got me to thinking! What could it be?!?!

Mama always has projects she's working on: clothes for the kiddos, quilts, table-runners, scarves (to name a few)...I always say that these things are "made with love." 11 years ago, she and I picked out some fabric so that she could make a quilt for me, we decided on a blue and white collection. A couple of years ago, my sister picked out some black and white fabric. All this to say, I knew that Mama had been working on the quilts, very diligently over the last year. She had been on a couple of retreats, where she did nothing but quilt! The more I thought about it, the more excited I got when it was time to open presents, I just knew it had to be our quilts!

Thank you, MAMA!!! I know these were made with lots and lots of LOVE!!!

PS, this is one of my most favorite adult Christmas presents...just sayin!

Pinkalicious in Spokane!

I went to Spokane, Washington see my sweetheart of a friend, Michele. I went there, and I went there by myself for s-i-x days! Yes, 6 days...all alone! It was fantastic! We shared some great times. We ate out at some awesome places, shopped, crafted, played games, had a movie night. We just had a blast!

Michele has a "pink room" for her guest room. It is a beautiful, shabby-chic room that is just delightful! I love to stay in there and I love to look at all of the goodies she has in that room! One day, I think I will need a "pink room!"

Don't you love this room, too?!

Lauren and I at the Rusty Moose

A little Bananagrams...now, that's a fun game :)

Michele and I at Chaps. This has to be one of the best, mot unique restaurants ever. I mean that! The food is delicious and the decor is so...I don't have a good word for it; I just know I love it!

Michele...I just love you!

Some more crafting...

I found an old Spirograph at the Goodwill! I was wanting one of these, because I have told my kids about how much I loved the one I had as a kid. I paid a whole dollar for it...that's a deal!

I made one of Lauren's favorite desserts, Taffy Apple Pizza!

We crafted some more...made banners. That might just be my new favorite thing to do :)

Natalie, Lauren and myself...they have grown up so much since we first met...over 10 years ago!

Thank you Michele, for such a SWEET visit!

Fun with Gamma

Isn't this view so pretty?! Wanna know where it's from?!

Can you tell where we are?

Mama and I were on this huge hot air balloon! We had so much fun! I have always wanted to go on a hot air balloon ride; my sweet husband made that happen for my birthday. I was so excited and couldn't wait to go!!!! It was really neat and I realized how much hard work is involved to actually get the balloon prepped to fly. We (the passengers) helped do a lot of the work! The fall colors were gorgeous and the weather was perfect; it was cool, but not cold. I loved every moment of it...thank you, Greg!

Greg and the kids followed the chase crew that followed the balloon, and when we landed, the pilot let the kids get on for a short low ride on the ground...they were happy about that :)

We also went to the famous, must go-to Ted Drewes. It was good, but I think the custard shops we have in O'Fallon are better...just sayin!

We always love it when family comes to see us! Who will be next?

We had a blast, Gamma!

33's All-right

That is...being 33 years old is all-right! This past weekend, I stepped a little closer to the mid 30's and I am okay with it :) I had a wonderful weekend, and I appreciate all of the calls, messages, cards, gifts and love!!!

Greg and Jordan started my day off by bringing breakfast to me while I was in bed, the other two kiddos were still asleep! As a gift, Greg gave me a certificate to go on a hot air balloon ride...YAY! I have always wanted to do that!! I will be sure to tell you about it when I go! For dinner, we went to one of my favorite places to eat, Texas Roadhouse and then to I Scream, U Scream for custard. They have a pumpkin pie concrete that is to-die-for!! Come out to see me and I will take you to get one, too!

I love the days that I am living. I realize that these are the prime years of life and that I will look back and wish these days were still here. I have been so blessed and I thank God for all He has given me!

Jammin' Out

When we lived in Spokane, WA, a lady at our church named Judy took me under her wing and taught me how to make jam. We went to one of her friends house, picked the berries and made the jam! If you have ever had the home made stuff, you know that it beats the store bought stuff, hands-down! I have made jam through the years, but not in the last few. I was eager to make some, and after having some tonight...I'm so glad I did, and so were the kiddos :)

It's only good when the fruit is picked off the vine; and thanks to my pickers, we had enough to make two batches!

Getting everything prepped

This is how the fruit looks when it's cooking, it smells soooo good

And here's me...at midnight holding one of my beauties :)

Oh yes...I am proud of these!

Would you like one? Leave a comment and you might just win one... there will be a random drawing!!!

All in a week...

I've been *meaning* to post pictures of Jordan playing and Greg coaching basketball...always seem to forget the camera or not get any good shots, but I finally did! Our church is hosting Upwards basketball, Greg coaches Jordan's team; Jordan played football and Jannah has also cheered through this wonderful program. I really do love it! Kids learn through a loving technique, it's not meant to be harsh and competitive, they learn scriptures, have a devotion at practice and start the games off with prayer. It just re-enforces what we are trying to teach at home, and I'll take some re-enforcement, anytime!

I've mentioned the Cup before...a couple of my friends thought they needed to try it! So, we got a sitter and just the mamas headed over for lunch and cupcakes to bring home! Thanks friends, I enjoyed it!

I got a Mayan Mocha for myself and an Italian Creme for my sweetheart! They were so good. I don't know why, but an over sized cupcake that's decorated all pretty just hits home with me; I suppose you're never too old to like a cupcake!

!!!!!!!!!BIG NEWS!!!!!!!!!!

Jannah got a haircut AND I'm happy to say that she "loves it!"

!!!!!!!!!!MORE BIG NEWS!!!!!!!!!!

I got one, too! And I am happy to say that I also love my new cut! I've had long hair for so long and it just feels fresh to have something different. Greg says it's one of his favorite cuts...I'm still trying to decide if he's just trying to earn points :)

Our biggest excitement might have been last Monday when Jamison fell and busted his head. I thought I knew what happened, but as I was telling the story for the 10th time the other day, Jannah informed me that I had told it wrong and that it didn't happen the way I had been telling it...NICE! I may never know exactly what happened, only Jannah and Jamison will. What I do know is that it involved a laundry basket, hardwood floor, and the edge of a chair. Oh yeah, and Jamison's forehead. I was upstairs when I heard the scream, first Jamison's, then Jannah's frantic ones. I ran down only to see blood everywhere and two upset children. Jannah helped my get Jamison dressed (he was wearing shorts, like he always does when he's at home) and then we drove to my friend Amy's, a few houses down; I wanted another adult to agree that I should head to the ER. She said, yes. So, off we went. Greg and Jordan were at basketball practice. After waiting at the urgent care, they thought we should got to the children's hospital in St. Louis, so that Jamison could be comfortable while getting stitches...okay I said. Greg and Jordan joined us after practice; everyone was so concerned about our littlest J. We decided that Greg should take the older J's home(they did not want to leave) and I took Jamison to the hospital. We get there and wait...only to find out he needs some glue and he will be good to go! So, after all of the waiting and two different places, he has a glued up forehead! I'm just glad it's not any worse!