New Year, New Calling

Someone must have tattled to the Bishop that I've been enjoying the last few months of NOT having a calling way too much. Honestly, I was burnt out in our old ward from my long-term calling of RS teacher and the lack of one in our new ward has been great. Does that make me a bad member? Hope not. But the nice respite is now over. Apparently someone felt the need to get me back on the calling bandwagon. This time however it's in the Primary Presidency (2nd Counselor) and I have to say that I'm actually looking forward to it. I haven't been involved in Primary in AGES - literally since teaching the 6 year olds the summer between my Freshman & Sophomore year at BYU. But I am excited for this new opportunity and it will be fun to be in there as Finn goes into Sunbeams (he may not like it as much as I). So here's to a New Year with a New Calling. HOORAY!

cold white stuff

I don't particularly love the snow. Maybe it's just that little part of California that still lives in my blood. But, I must say that after receiving over 1 foot of snow last night (yep folks, Ryan shoveled over a foot of snow this morning from our driveway and it took him 2 hours to do so), we thought it would be fun to take the kids sledding with some of Ryan's friends from high school. So we bundled up and went up the street (literally 1 street) from our house to Tanner Park and sled all the big & little hills that went into the bowl.  Berlin hated every minute of it and was grumpy until we put her in the car. Finley was a champ and sled a couple times with Ryan and a couple times on his own (only the little hills there), but once he got a face full of snow, he was done and warmed up in the car with Berlin while Ryan and I took turns sledding down on our own, getting what little air we could on the jump that had formed. For being a gal who hates the snow, I had so much fun - I even made a killer snow angel. It was a blast and I can't wait to take the kids again. It probably helped that the location was prime, super close to our house, and not crowded at all (until all our friends were there - then it was pure craziness!). Here are some pics of our day sledding.

Merry Christmas

We celebrated Christmas with Ryan's family at his sister's house on Christmas Eve. We had yummy German food and treats. Then the children put on their program (kind of like a Christmas talent show), and then we exchanged gifts. It was a very fun night with family (and a very late night with some cranky kiddos). Since we didn't get home until well after midnight, the kids were crashed so we tucked them into their beds and then prepared for Santa to arrive. Needless to say, none of us were up at the crack of dawn - thank heavens. I much prefer the sleeping in. My sister Val came over Christmas morning as well. The kids had a fun time opening their presents. If themes were to be had, Finn's was Star Wars and Berlin's was Disney Princess. They had so much fun opening the presents and making a mess. Here are some fun pics of our day. All I can say is that we all got a little spoiled by the big man in red this year.

Sugar Cookie Frock, Dress & Doll GIVEAWAY!!!!

Sugar Cookie Frock GIVEAWAY!!!!

Darling. Just Darling. I can smell the cookies already!

All things Gingerbread

With lots of snow these days I've had to come up with activities for the kids to do inside. Last night I pulled out the gingerbread house kit to keep them entertained. Finley had a lot of fun helping me make the frosting and then telling me what to do. He told me where to put the walls, the roof, the windows, the doors. They each got to decorate one side of the roof-top. Finley did great. He was very meticulous in placing the candy on the frosting. Berlin on the other hand just wanted to eat the candy. To top it off, Finley made sure that all the windows and doors had handles on them so that people could get in and out. The finishing touches though are the pet dinosaurs he put in the front yard and on the roof.

Thanksgiving Point Lights

For FHE tonight we went down to Thanksgiving Point to see the lights. We've never done those lights before and it was fun. Especially since you drive, not walk, thru the light feature. So we were able to stay in our nice and cozy car with Sufjan Stevens Christmas cd's playing.

Afterwards, we got out so the kids could see 2 of Santa's reindeer that stopped over at the Thanksgiving Point Water Tower for a visit on their way to the North Pole. They were super cute and Finley LOVED them. Berlin was a bit more cautious as usual.

Then we walked around the store there. Ok, can I say that the furniture and home decor in there is to DIE for, but way too expensive. Who pays $175 for a picture frame you could find at TJmaxx for $20? Not me! But the kids got to pick out a little treat for the ride home and they were happy. It was a fun night.

Some Winter Love

I took these pictures about 3 weeks ago during one of the first snow storms that rolled thru. But with the boutique craziness I never posted them and just realized it. I think these are so cute. Berlin didn't like the snow at all. She cried the whole time she was on the grass and stopped briefly when I placed her on the rock pathway. She kept sayin "Inside Mama, inside!" So Finley, who LOVES the snow walked over to her and gave her some hugs to help her feel better. It didn't work, but the gesture was so sweet and sincere. So he went back tromping around the back orchard while I took Berlin inside.

Christmas Tag

Was on my sister's blog and thought it was fun.

1. Wrapping paper or gift bags? Wrapping paper & nice ribbon. I love wrapping presents. There’s nothing nicer than a prettily wrapped gift under the tree.

2. Real tree or Artificial? I LOVE real trees. They are the best. But after having a 9 month old (Finley) who got into the tree and tried to get to the water, I decided I was done with real trees & kids. The next year we got an artificial tree and honestly I LOVE our tree. I was very particular about it as it had to look just like the real trees we had in the past. We found one and it was worth every penny and looks real.

3. When do you put up your Christmas Tree? The Sunday right after Thanksgiving.

4. When do you take the tree down? Like February. Ok, not really, but I wish I could leave it up forever. It usually goes down in January - preferably the last day of the month.

5. Do you like eggnog? Only my mom’s eggnog; really, it’s more like a starbucks milk steamer. That thick stuff from the store makes me want to gag.

6. Favorite gift received as a child? The year I got my green-eyed, red-haired cabbage patch kid. I was the only one in my family to get one that year. It made me feel so special. I was like 6.

7. Hardest person to buy for? Ryan's dad, Peter was always the hardest person for us to buy for.

8. Easiest person to buy for? The kids. They are so happy to get anything. I’m super excited to see them open their presents. That is what Christmas is all about!

9. Do you have a nativity scene? Yes, we have most of the Willow Tree nativity that’s been given to me piece by piece over the years. I am not really a collector of them though. Not my thing.

10. Mail or email Christmas cards? Mail

11. Worst Christmas gift you ever received? The gift of nothing, aka the Christmas where I didn’t get anything on Christmas morning. I was 12 and when I woke up I didn’t get one present, just my stocking. I cried and when my mom asked what was wrong, I told her that I didn’t get any presents. Turns out that she had forgotten my bday which was a few days earlier and had given me my Christmas presents instead then and just forgot to replenish for Christmas. It was an honest mistake, but that was the worst Christmas ever.

12. Favorite Christmas Movie? The old ones– Rudolph, Frosty the Snowman, Year without a Santa Claus, Jack Frost, etc. Not a fan of the Miracle on 34th Street. Never got into that.

13. When do you start shopping for Christmas? Like September, sometimes earlier. If I find it on sale, I get it. The only problem is that I forget I buy stuff so come wrapping time, I find myself guilty of overspending on the kids. Oh well. You are only a kid once right?

14. Have you ever recycled a Christmas present? You betcha!

15. Favorite thing to eat at Christmas? As a kid I loved the gumdrop tree that we did each year. You know, that plastic tree that you stick all the green, white & red gumdrops on the branches? I loved that as a kid. Stephens candy cane hot chocolate is the BEST drink after being outside, Turkey, Ham, or a new favorite (since marrying Ryan) - Rolladen (German dish of thinly sliced meat wrapped around a pickle & slice of bacon, cooked till it melts in your mouth - YUMMY!!!)

16. Lights on the tree? Yes - but not colored whites. I only allow white lights on the tree.

17. Favorite Christmas song? All of Sufjan Steven Christmas set. It has played year round in my car for the past 2 years (yeah, we are lazy and need to change our cds). But they still sound special this time a year. It’s great. But I love Christmas songs sung by the Jazz Greats. Most of my cd’s are in that vein.

18. Can you name all of Santa's reindeer? I always seem to forget one. But really, it's all about Rudolph right?

19. How do you countdown the days until Christmas? We have an Advent calendar that we forget about and play catch-up about every 4 days.

20. Angel on the tree top or a star? We have neither on our tree and probably never will. I like it without.

21. Open the presents Christmas Eve or morning? We exchange presents with Ryan’s family on Christmas Eve, but Christmas morning is when we open Santa and our immediate family gifts. Its OUR day to just chill and wear our PJ’s all day long. I love it!

22. Most annoying thing about this time of the year? Being that we have snow, the annoying people who drive their SUV’s at top speed thinking they don’t have to slow down. Ticks me off.

23. Favorite ornament theme or color? Our tree is a hodgepodge of all the hallmark ornaments Ryan got as a kid, his mother‘s german ornaments, ornaments I bought during the college years, and ornaments we‘ve collected as a family. In a strange way, it all works really well.

24. Favorite food for Christmas dinner? Grandma Ila’s rolls.

25. What do you want for Christmas this year? For Finley to be potty-trained & an elliptical trainer

26. Christmas or X-mas? Christmas

27. Have you ever been smooched under the mistletoe? Yep, once.

28. Icicles or ribbon on the tree? Ribbon - hand-tied bows in really nice fabric

29. Favorite holiday memories? My favorite memory of Christmas was the year I found my mother’s lost wedding ring. My dad was reading from the scriptures and I noticed something sparkly in the corner of the room in the carpet and stopped paying attention to him. I got yelled at, but when the reading was done I went to investigate the sparkly item and it was my mom’s ring. I remember her crying when I took it to her.

30. Real or Fake snow? even though I hate driving in snow - I love the way real snow makes Christmas seem more real. And we have LOTS of it right now J

Tree Lighting Frock GIVEAWAY!!!!

Tree Lighting Frock GIVEAWAY!!!!

Too cute! and if you want one for yourself (in adult sizes) you can find one at the Shabby Apple or if you have a Downeast Clothing/Home store nearby, they have one that is very similar & SUPER affordable ($40). How do I know? I bought the black one as an early Bday present to myself. They are really cute and flattering on the post babybody!

Grosgrain - Dinner Party Frock GIVEAWAY!!!!

Dinner Party Frock GIVEAWAY!!!!

So cute. I am totally going to try making one of these myself! I think I can, I think I can, I think I can.

Also, if you haven't looked, her entire store is onsale - everything is $14.95!

St. Nicholas

It's tradition in German households to receive a visit from Saint Nicholas on the night of Dec. 5th. All the kids leave shoes out by their door. If they've been good then St. Nicholas leaves candy in their shoes, if they've been naughty, his little helpers leave a swatch in the shoes so they can get a spanking. Of course, St. Nicholas visited our house and when the kids woke up the next morning, much to MY amazement they had candy and a little toy in their shoes. Who knew? Based on the preceeding days I would have thought the swatch more appropriate, but St. Nicholas must be more forgiving than I. The kids loved it and I was woken up that morning by Finley tapping me on my shoulder exclaiming, "LOOK!" and holding his little Star Wars toy surprise in my face. I love how excited the kids get with little things like this. Berlin got her own Princess block set (Cinderella). St. Nicholas must have known how much she liked to try and play with Finley's builder sets.

After playing we went to the annual German Choir Weinachmarkt for some Weiners & Kraut and some German goodies. The kids even got to meet St. Nicholas and got another treat from him. A huge thanks to St. Nicholas for all the fun goodies.

the Zoo Lights - our newest Winter tradition

For FHE last week we went to the ZOO lights display at the Hogle Zoo. This was a first year and all I can say is that it won't be our last. We loved it - even in the freezing cold. The light displays were animated and just so darn fun. They had a bear getting sprayed by a skunk, a bear climbing a tree (one of our faves), a kid hopping out of his mamma kangaroo's pouch, and more. Finley's favorite part of the night was the soft pretzel we ate up in the cat exhibit. His least favorite light was the big tiger face that you had to walk under to get to the cat area. Berlin had the best seat in the house- and the warmest. We had her so bundled she couldn't even move. She wasn't so happy about it after an hour or so. It wasn't that crowded which made it even better. Next week, we'll brave the crowds downtown to see the lights at Temple Square!

Gratitude

One of my favorite talks during conference was the one entitled, "Finding Joy in the Journey." It really struck a chord with me as I am one who often gets caught up in the stress and the not so fun parts of motherhood. That talk made me realize that though motherhood can be hard, tiring, frustrating, etc, that it is full of joy if we just take the time to see it.


This week I have to say I have found much joy in my children. I wasn't going to blog about them, because yes, there is a part of me that is embarassed, but at the same time it's super funny and Ryan and I were dying when the words came out of Finn's mouth.

First Setup: I was telling Ryan how my visit with my new visiting teachers went and I mentioned that Finley was a little bit rude during their long 1 1/2 hr visit (I mean when is it ok for me to kick them out?).

Ryan: Finley, were you rude during moms visit with her visiting teachers?

Finley: Yes.

Ryan: Why?

Finley: Because I didn't like them.

Ryan: Why didn't you like them?

Finley: Because they were ugly!

Ryan: What? Because they're ugly?

Finley: Yeah, they were so UGLY and I don't like them!

Ryan: Would if make you sad if someone said you were ugly?

Finley: Mmm. Noooo! (then he looks at Ryan as if to say, "Yeah, like that would ever happen.").

I don't know where he learned the word ugly. I don't even know if he knows what it means. I swear I don't go around pointing out the ugly people to my kids. Thus the slight mortification on my part. But, still pretty funny.

Second Setup: We are upstairs and Ryan is changing Finn's pull-up. Bentley was upstairs with us and he was sniffing at everything. I have about 20 tutus all finished and hanging on the stair railing. Bentley has been know to eat chiffon/tulle (remember this blog: Dear Life) and I said:

Cynthia: Uh-oh, Bentley is getting all curious and sniffy. Let's hope he doesn't go nuts.

Finley: I got nuts huh!

We've never used that word in that context with him. It's always "peepers." I honestly think he meant to say, "I go nuts." But it was super funny.

So these are just a few of the things that I am grateful for. My hubby & kids who give me much to smile about :)

(Sigh) What a mess! (Sigh)

This is becoming a very common phrase (of exasberation) in our household. And surprisingly enough not by me, but rather Finley. He likes to say this when he sees my sewing stuff all over the house. I used to have the formal dining room (as seen in the picture below) covered in fabric, ribbon, buttons, thread, etc. And little strings would stick to everything, especially my kids who liked to sit on my lap or climb on the chair behind me as I sew. Berlin could care less, but Finley is not a fan of the strings and mess. It's pretty cute and I just chuckle when I hear the big sigh and the words that always follow. I did however, pack up and move my stuff downstairs to the basement. So now, the sweatshop (as Ryan loving refers to it) isn't the first thing people see and walk-thru when they come into the house.

But this is one of the things I've been sewing on this past week: Retro Apron Dresses. Thus far I've organized my projects for the 2 boutiques in groupings. One week it was all about wallets, the next were all the 1/2 aprons, then the scarves, followed by the artist smocks, last week were the tutus, and this week are these apron dresses. It's been good as I haven't burned out or gotten bored yet. Once these are done it's onto crayon rolls, felt barrettes, and bibs. I know, I'm crazy.

Anyway, this fabric is to die for and a BIG favorite of mine right now. It's an Amy Butler print and I just love the colors. Berlin wore hers today on all our errands and got lots of compliments so I've decided that if it's clean, she gets to wear it as it's free advertising right?

Princess mania

has arrived at my home. Berlin has been fully indoctrinated in all things pink and princessey! Her favorite princess is Aurora (in the pink dress of course) followed closely by Ariel & Cinderella. And she sings beauty's song (as she calls it) ALL day long. She literally wakes up singing it, walks around the house carrying her Sleeping Beauty Golden Book while singing it, sits on the potty singing it, sings it in the bath, and it's the last thing she sings to her baby doll as she lays down to bed. I would be lying if I said I hated it because I just love it!

Click here to view the video (youtube)

When she first started this a couple weeks ago all she sang over & over was, "I know you, Dance with me!" Now it's progressed to actually sound more like the actual song. Even Finley likes to get in on the action and sing with her. He's even requested that I make him a red prince charming cape & hat and he asked that Berlin get a princess pink one. Sweet? Yes, but the reason he said she needs a pink cape is so that she won't wear his (a huge ordeal in our home when this happens of course). Awww - I knew it wasn't all about brotherly love. Anyway, here they are showing off. And yes, that annoyingly loud voice that comes in 1/2 way thru is mine - I hate it, so please don't feel bad about muting it or stopping the video at that point. If I knew how to edit the sound and remove it - trust me, I would!

Real Salt Lake

Ryan and I were able to get some tickets to the MLS semi-final soccer game between Real Salt Lake and NY Red Bulls (yeah, I know it was like a week ago - I'm playing catch-up here). Despite the gazillion chances Real had to tie (even win) the darn game, ultimately we lost. And it was really sad. But it was such a fun date. My sister Val watched the kids so we could have a little down time together. Dinner at Cafe Rio and then we took the trax to the brand new stadium (it's awesome and has a Euro feel to it which was nice) and then took our seats which were super close to the field. Hopefully Santa will bring us a couple season passes for Christmas.

Downtown Holiday Jacket and Pant GIVEAWAY!!!!

Downtown Holiday Jacket and Pant GIVEAWAY!!!!

Is this not the cutest little outfit ever? It would be so perfect for Berlin and our trip to France, Belgium & Germany next Fall. Kathleen is considering selling this outfit in her store. As I never win anything, I hope she does because it's probably the only way I'll get my hands on it!

Hoot Hoot!

I've been sewing a ton lately and I've been wanting to do some applique owls for months now. Well I finally got around to it on Monday. First I had to come up with a pattern (so I could replicate it IF it turned out cute), then once the pattern was made I started putting it together with fabric. Here is the finished product. Isn't this the cutest thing ever! I love it and I will admit that I did my own little happy happy joy joy dance when it was done. It is the perfect size for little girls like Berlin who are into toting everything around with them (all over the house, outside, in the car and to the store ... kinda annoying) and I love that it's not tacky pink with lame disney characters all over it. This also matches the little dress I made for Peter's funeral (it's out of the same grey corduroy fabric) so it will make a cute set.

Any hoo ... Finley has become my greatest fan. During the day if I sew while Berlin naps, he'll climb up on the chair behind me, put his arms around my neck and snuggle up and just watch me sew (I LOVE THIS!). And anytime I complete something his face lights up and he exclaims 'WOW" each time. I just love my biggest fan. Now, if I can just get a couple more made before the boutique in December.

Lights, Camera, Action!

I was super bummed at not having a camera yesterday as it meant that I wasn't able to capture the snowman building, snowball fighting, snow angel making, and snow eating that took place in our backyard during the 1st major snowstorm we had. Finley and I had such a great time out there goofing around in 9 inches of show - all while Berlin napped. So I went to Costco first thing this morning and got the Canon Powershot Elph. I didn't too much "live" research, just online reviews, recommendations, and consumer reports, but according the to Costco employee, I have 90 days to try this one out and if I don't like it I can return it. Cool! So here's a picture of the snowman Finley and I built yesterday.

HELP

I am so mad at myself. I took our camera trick-or-treating and at some point during the night I remember dropping it on the sidewalk, and of course it's broken. Oh the sadness! I love my camera. I feel like my right arm cut off. I even went so far as to tell Ryan we couldn't carve pumpkins for FHE because I didn't have my camera to document it! I know so sad. But don't worry - Ryan made sure I knew how silly I was being.

However, I need a new camera and fast as I have to take pics of all the new cute stuff for my etsy store and to document our crazy life. So I am hoping to cut down the research time and just ask people what cameras they like/hate & why. We are just going to stick with a point & click - nothing fancy. I would love to hear what cameras you guys have, love, etc. though so please comment.

Love & Support

First, I want to say thanks to everyone who emailed, called, came over, sent flowers, brought over food, etc. this past week. We really appreciated the love & support. All I can say is that we have the greatest family & friends EVER!


Second, I've been filling my spare time (Berlin's naptime & Finn's quiet time) by sewing. It's been a great stress reliever and distraction from all things funeral. You know, a way of escape I guess. Any-whoo, I have a stack of cute little things that I've had so much fun making, and though I'm sure Berlin would love it all, she doesn't need it, thus I'll be posting most of the new stuff in my etsy store over the next couple days. So if you are in need of some holiday gift ideas, be sure to check it out.

Trick or Treat!!!

Finley has been practicing these 3 words all week and he definitely put them to good use last night. Both he and Berlin enjoyed trick-or-treating to all the houses on the block - with a few exceptions of course. All houses with spooky sounds, flashing lights, strange music, or scary decorations became off-limits as Finley did NOT like them. We learned this the hard way after one house freaked Finley so bad that he bolted down the walkway after my ringing the doorbell triggered some scary (and loud) sounds. I've never seen him so scared - he was crying & shaking so hard. Luckily, he calmed down and we were able to finish, but we stayed away from houses with scary decorations from that point on. All-in-all it was a fun night with cousins. Here are pics of my cuties all dressed up as Tinkerbell (aka Tinkerboo) & Luke Skywalker.

Trick or Treat preview

Last night Finley was refusing to go to bed, so I told him that Halloween couldn't come until he was asleep and that when he woke up it would be Halloween. That did the trick as he was in bed within minutes. And the first thing he asked for this morning was to get his costume on. So I decided to let them get all dressed up in their costumes and watch a movie & eat popcorn while I make sugar cookies to decorate tomorrow while we carve our pumpkins (I know we will be a day late on that but we are playing catch-up from a busy week). I'm a little biased but I think they'll be the cutest trick-or-treaters to grace my porch tonight.

Fall Fun at Cornbelly's

Ryan and I took the kids to Cornbelly's last Wednesday. We started going last year and it's a huge hit with the kids. Finley's favorite activity were the slides. He especially liked the long black ones that go Super Duper Fast! Berlin liked the pink rubber duckies in the Duck water races (toddler zone) and cried (that's the nice word for threw a royal fit) when she had to leave them there. The thing they DIDN'T like one bit ... the dark lizard maze. We took them inside and Berlin was hugging me so hard and screamed the whole way through. Finley hated it and said it was scary. So we won't be doing that again (I thought it was mostly just lame). Berlin also hated the cow train. We put her in her own cow bucket, and I sat behind her, but she was just too little and the ride too bumpy that she was sliding out of her belt, so we had to stop the driver 10 seconds into the ride, and I jumped in her cow and held her the rest of the way (which of course she still clutched my neck and cried). But the rest was a blast. It was nice to have a fun afternoon together as family as it was that same night that Peter went into the hospital with the blocked lung.

In LOVING Memory

Ryan's father, Peter, returned to the care of our Heavenly Father early this morning. He has had a long history with heart and lung failure and after getting a cold, his poor, tired body just couldn't hang on any longer.

It was difficult seeing him in the hospital with a gazillion tubes and monitors attached to him, but I'm so grateful that Ryan and I were able to be by his side these past couple days and spend some quiet moments together with his family, and especially that we were able to say goodbye in our own way and to hold his hands as he passed.

I know that he was greeted with joy & love by lots of family & friends, and I'm sure it was a sweet reunion with his wife Renate who left his side over 15 years ago. Peter was the most generous, kind, and honorable people I've ever met. And one of the most patient and brave, for he never complained once about being sick. He worked hard and played hard. He was a young soul in an old body, and I'm grateful that he is now able to live life as intended, fully & with much joy.

I'm grateful for the Gospel of Jesus Christ and for the blessings of eternal families and the comfort that we can find in these teachings & promises. Especially over the next couple months as Ryan and his family deal with this loss.

Spooktacular Decorations

I am a little embarassed to say that the house is still a mess, dishes to be done, floors to mop, kid clothes to sort, laundry to do & to fold, shelves to hang, etc., but I needed a break yesterday. So I decided to make something festive for Halloween - after all, I'm still trying to remember what box has all my old Halloween decorations and where it is. Needless to say my house is lacking in spooky & fun decor. Anywhoo - this is a Making Memories banner kit I got at Roberts. Being that it was a kit it was super fast and I think the result is pretty cute. A perfect fit for the 14 foot archway between the sunroom and family room. It says, "All Hallows Eve."

We also made these trashbag ghosts. They were a big hit last year so we did them again and we placed them outside on the porch railing, on the lamp-post and in the little maple tree. Everytime we leave the house Berlin says, "Bye Ghosts!" and when we return she says "Hello Ghosts!" They are apparently the best of friends. This is our topsy turvy ghost who got stuck like this in the wind. When Finley saw him he shouted to Ryan, "What the heck happened to him?!" I think he's pretty cute all upside down.


Quite frankly, Halloween was never my favorite Holiday, but having kids who like to hang up silly decorations makes it SOOO much funner. And honestly, it's slowly climbing the ranks of fun holidays in my book.

May the Force be with you

This is exactly what I was thinking when Finley told me that he wanted to be Darth Vader. Honestly, I wasn't too thrilled mostly because I am not a mask person and really, that's what makes Darth Vader, Darth Vader, right? Anyway, so I suggested he be Luke Skywalker and of course he said no almost immediately, but then said ok. Of course, about every hour and depending on who he was talking to, he changed his mind, vascillating between the two. So I decided to just make 2 costumes and then go from there, figuring that he'd have fun just playing dress-up in them.

I started with Darth Vader. I decided to keep this one simple in hopes that he would prefer the much more elaborate Luke Skywalker outfit I was planning in my mind. I made a black cape to go with a pair of tight black pants & shirt (clothing we already have). We bought a red lightsaber that glows and gloves to make it more legit. Even a Darth Vader trick-or-treat bucket that he could carry, because I told him NO MASK what-so-ever. I don't have a picture of him in this costume yet. Why you may ask? Well, much to my own happiness, he has decided that the Luke Skywalker costume is pretty lah and therefore has chosen to be him on Halloween, and about every day up until Halloween, and I'm sure for a long-time after Halloween is over.

Here he is in full Jedi form. I made the shirt, molesking pants, and jedi robe (this also doubles as a Jawah (sp?) and Obi-wan robe). We bought the boots at Target, used one of Ryan's belts, and his old lightsaber. All I can say is that I am VERY proud that this turned out as well as it did. I would be lying if I said I didn't stress over this one. And it definitely took me more than 2 hours. But it all paid off in the end. Especially since I know that this will last MUCH longer than the cheap store ones. The best part though was the way Finn's face lit up when he saw the entire costume on him for the first time - PRICELESS!!!

All I can say is that if Luke had been this cute in the actual movie, Han Solo might not have been the heartthrob who stole the show.

This experience has taught me that sewing for boys can be just as fun as sewing for girls. Finley's latest request ... a Prince Charming costume. Maybe next year :)

Potty Time

Unfortunately this post is not going to be about how awesome it is having Finley be potty-trained. Or how awesome it is to not have to buy diapers for two kids. It's not even going to be about how Finley was so willing, upbeat and positive about being potty trained. Rather, this is about my little Boo who decided the other day that she wanted to help Elmo go potty. For, at this very moment, Finley could still care less about underwear and sitting on the potty. For him, it's much to inconvenient to stop what he's doing and go to the bathroom. No, it's much better for me to suffer & endure changing him.

So when Berlin asked to sit on the potty I was like, "Heck yeah!" Of course, she immediately demanded that Elmo be brought in to use the potty, and then requested Grover sit too. Apparently she needed them along for support. She really hasn't shown interest in the potty until Sunday. And I'm sure this is going to be a very isolated incident. Because, common, let's face it, I've had no luck with Finn so I am expecting no different from Berlin. And though she didn't go potty on the toilet, she sure looked pretty cute siting there.

FYI: Her interest in the potty is because she loves ELMO (much to Ryan's chagrin) and of course the ONE & ONLY Elmo video that we own is Elmo's Potty Time - which is her favorite DVD.

A Fleeting Fall

For some it was a wonderful sight. For me, I could hardly keep the tears from pouring down my cheeks. Winter is definitely not my favorite season. I am just not ready for Fall to fade away into Winter so fast. Boo-hoo on Mother Nature. This is what we woke up to this past Sunday morning at 8:00 am. It snowed most the day off and on. Luckily by Monday it was pretty much all gone - atleast at the house. You could still see some on the mountains however for a few days.

Guess this means I should get a head start on my Christmas Shopping. Though Winter isn't my favorite season, Christmas is by far my most FAVORITE holiday. I love the shopping, the wrapping of gifts, and the giving. Receiving is good, but there's just something about giving a gift to someone else. Especially your hubby & kids. And I love decorating the house for Christmas. So I guess if Winter brings me that much closer to Christmas, then bring it on. I'll combat the chills with lots of Stephen's Peppermint Candycane hot cocoa, Peppermint Tea, and snuggling under quilts.