Monkeying Around

Our friend took this picture for us our day at Monkey Joe's celebrating Gianna's birthday. Let's just say Eric and I got our workouts by taking her down the slides. We had so much fun! I can't believe our girls are getting so big. This is a very fun time of life. I love it so much.
Seriously, there was a time in my life that I didn't want to be a mom and thought I would make an awful one. I'm not saying I'm a great one, but I do enjoy it and I do know it is the most important job I've ever had. I love these girls!! I also love their Daddy because he makes memories like this possible. Plus, he's a big teddy bear himself and is the greatest dad!
As I look at the year 2010, it's been probably the best. We've had a lot of fun and enjoyed lots of different things, even if it means staying at home. We love our home and the family and friends we've been blessed with.
May your New Year be as wonderful and possibly better than 2010 has been for us!

Dress for Success

Glamorous. Yes, that's a nice, nice compliment.
This week we had our annual Christmas party for our local branch of the Relief Society, an all women's service group organized through The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Two of the more "mature" sisters gave me the greatest compliment by telling me that from head to toe I was "glamorous". WOW! Really?
My discovery? It's all in the shoes. Eric got me this snazzy pair of black and cream shoes last year and every time I wear them, I get beaucoup de compliments. They are by far the most expensive item in my wardrobe. Eric paid $28 (that included shipping) for them and they've definitely been a good investment.
Of course, I also have to thank my great find of $4 dark wash trouser jeans, too. They make everything look more fancy. I love telling people how much I paid for them because everyone seems to nearly fall over with the revelation.
Then, again, they didn't see me when I showed up to choir practice today in my PJ's with a stuffy/runny nose. That probably wouldn't quite qualify as "glamorous".

I Love My Husband

Just wanted to say that. I really do love my husband and I really do think he is the most amazing man in the world. I am such a lucky girl to be his wife.

Turn the Lights Off

I learned a valuable lesson today. If you leave the dome light on in the car overnight, don't expect it to start the next morning. But, I will be grateful for the 18 degree weather that frosted over my car during the night, too. Because I thought to go start the car early to warm it up and defrost it, I realized in nearly enough time that it wasn't going to start and that I would either have to make Emily skip school or ride her to school on the bike and trailer.
Bike and trailer it was! I put the girls in and then piled a king-sized comforter around them, snapped the cover over and away we went! I haven't found my gloves and stocking cap yet, so it was a bit chilly on my hands (thankfully I have luxuriously thick hair that kept my ears and head warm). By the time we made it to school, my hands were frozen, my legs were completely wobbly and I thought I was going to pass out upon entering the heated building. But, we were only a minute late. Sure, it's her first tardy, but after accomplishing the frozen feat, I was not upset.
The ride back home was a bit easier with the lighter load, although my hands were definitely frozen. I had to laugh at the gentleman who made a face and commented that he hoped it was warm in the trailer. He must have thought I was crazy and actually chose to do this "for fun" instead of the necessity is was. Thankfully, Eric got off early (he has finals today) so I didn't have to do a repeat this afternoon, although it was much warmer than the 18 degrees this morning.
All in all, I now know that I am at least related to She-Rah because a normal Liz wouldn't have been able to accomplish that. She would have frozen before the first corner.

Non-Idle Hands

It has been a quick month. All the sudden we are into December and life is not slowing down. We are having fun and enjoying life but have somehow become incredibly busy people.
In my "down" time, I have been able to do a few photo shoots and sew a few things, and of course, read several books for my book club.

I got together with a friend and taught her how to make simple girl's skirts and made one for Emily who is too long and lean to be modest in "store-bought" skirts and dresses. I got together with another friend and we made bags, although I don't have a picture of them yet. I got together with a couple other friends (yes, this is my social life: an impromptu sewing club!) and we made aprons. One of my friends is very tall and expecting a baby, so we used our noggins and extended the pattern where it was needed so she could cook for all of her family for Thanksgiving. And, finally, I whipped together a blessing dress for another friend who is expecting a little arrival next month. I have to say that I am most proud of the blessing dress AND it was the most expensive project I've ever made. I also learned a lot about material and that I probably shouldn't expect to make such a "detailed" type of garment in one day. I started cutting/sewing around 4pm and didn't finish until midnight. There are still a few little embellishments I want to make, but it will work as is if need be. And, I am becoming more confident in my gathering abilities. Not too shabby for a girl who has mostly taught herself.