Easter Idea

You have probably seen the ideas for snow globes made from jars. I made some a few years ago and they were cute. I have been collecting jars to make some more.

But now I don't have to wait until Christmas to use those jars. I came across this idea while cruising on pinterest. So cute! And what a fun, new idea for Easter. I think I'll make some up for the chillies and hide them for them to find. (These are also great ideas for visiting teaching gifts, primary, neighbors, or friends that you want to do a little something for.)

Ya, my kids still look for eggs and baskets. All of them. It's just something you don't want to grow out of.

I remember when my brother and I were home from our missions and living in Utah for a while with the Rents. Mom hid easter eggs and baskets for us, just like when we were kids and we loved it! I think we looked a bit silly to the neighbors, however, some who watched from their yards and yelled out smart remarks over their fences. And we heard about it later that day in church. Oh well, we knew how to have fun.

It's a tradition I continue on with my kids, no matter how old they are getting.

Spring Fever

There are so many things I am looking forward to about spring. Top of the list is yard sales, of course. I love the thrill of the hunt!
I also look forward to Rhubarb! Yep! Rhubarb. It makes a great pie!
I love seeing the trees bloom out around town. We have a tree in our backyard that looks like it will bloom, so I'm excited to see what kind of tree it is.
And I look forward to spring flowers. Love lilacs, hydrangeas, peonies, and of course the early bloomers of crocus, daffodils, and tulips.
Come on Spring!

How many people does it take to hang a chandelier?

Lexy, Eric and Ella came over for the President's weekend and we had fun just hanging out. Of course I had a few "activities" for the kids to do.

They hung a chandelier, or actually changed out the screws to shorter ones so it would fit closer to the ceiling.

We took photos of Zoey for her Senior yearbook.

We cuddled and coddled baby Ella.

And just generally had a good time hanging out together.

A new dress

This little loveseat has been with me awhile, I think almost 12 years. I like the shape and the lines of it, the comfort, but her dress was looking a little shabby. So I went on SureFit slipcovers and found the perfect solution. Now she looks shabby shic! Love it!

Small Space Living

In recent years the fad has turned to small space living, downsizing, making do with less, frugal living. Well, we have joined that group in spades this year and recently we moved into a small duplex that required really deciding what we had to have with us and what we could do without. It was hard for me to give up my dining room set, (for now), pack away beloved silver, clothes, and other stuff I like to have within reach. What we got in return however, is living in peace, a big back yard with room for my vintage trailer, a more rural neighborhood with less drive by traffic, and cozy quarters to enjoy each others company in.

Stay tuned for updates on how we settle in (and outside) in our new, smaller space living, life.

Happy Birthday Ella

Lexy and Eric finally welcomed their first child, baby girl Ella Maur Lougee at 1:09 am, Tuesday, January 10, 2012.

She is the cutest little dumpling, so tiny compared to all of my children, who all weighed over 9 lbs, except Lexy.
Guess there are some perks to getting older!

Out with the old...

Where has the time gone? Where have I been? Christmas has come and gone. Phew! I enjoy the season but am glad when all the hustle and bustle is overwith.

I made these stockings for a sale, but made six in case they didn't sell, so I could use them for our family. I had made four earlier, that sold at a sale right away. The kids protested not using the traditional red ones, at first, but then realized these burlap ones were bigger, so then they were fine with them!

This has not been a great year for me for several reasons, but things are looking up, and I am hopeful for a better 2012.