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.