Hodge Podge

This is the dirtiest little boy you have ever seen! I'm so sad this picture is blurry, because you just can't tell how filthy he is. It really just doesn't even capture the dirt. He was completely covered in a fine film of filth. I washed his hair four times, and then realized the water was so dirty that I was washing him with, that I was putting dirt back into his hair. So, we drained and started over. Really, really, dirty! He was taking fistfulls of fine barkdust and dumping it in his hair and rubbing it in. I don't know though, this smile may have made it all worth it.

And here is the sweetest picture ever of Aidan asleep with his "penny dog." Doesn't he just look so peaceful?

Super Sniffer

I have decided Aidan has special super powers that lie in his nose. All I have to do is plug in the electric griddle downstairs, and he can be upstairs, behind closed doors, and I'll hear "Is that PamPakes I smeww?!?!?!" Tonight it was the artichokes that set him off, once again many rooms away. He knew exactly what was for dinner. And don't even try to pop popcorn without his knowledge. He's got the nose to track it down. He always tells me when Chandler is poopy long before I even suspect, and seems to basically just have super powers in his olfactory senses! Some body's washing their hair, opened a jar of peanut butter, or cutting the grass. . . Aidan will let you know with a quick sniff of the air. I was recently remembering that when he was a baby he would make the funniest faces and make big sniffs. Maybe he was taking in his environment his own little way! Maybe he has a future in detective work? Do any of you have a super sense? (or if you're Grampy, lack of?)

Ohio Rose

Here is the finished project of the quilt that Nicole Heiney and I did together. While she was on bed rest with her twins, Anna and Grace (They're here!) I sent her the cut out applique' pieces, and she stitched them by hand onto the white squares. Then she sent them back to me and I put them into a quilt top, and quilted the whole thing free motion style. It's gorgeous! I definitely need to learn how to applique'! This is too cute!

A peek at our trip

Here are some fun photos and video's from our fun weeks in California.

And now, some Video fun. Gordon made me PROMISE I would put on the video of me surfing. So now, for your viewing pleasure. . . Rachel on a surfboard. . .

I need to cut down my video of Gordon surfing and put a clip on of him as well. . . coming soon. . .

and the big boys diving. . .



Here are the cute kids swinging and singing . . .

We're Back!

We're back from a whirlwind two week get away to Grammy's house! It's been quite a trip and I'm so excited to share some fun things from our trip! But, I'll have to get on that a little later, as I need to head to the store, allergy doc, Costco, you name it. Our house is empty. So, I'm off for a day of shopping with three little boys. Don't you wish you were me today??? :) Here's a sneak peek of our week at the beach.

Fun day ahead. . .

Today the kids and I are headed down to LA for some fun in the sun with Grammy and Grampy. The kids are so excited, they've been counting down for at least 3 weeks now. They've even become quite helpful with packing, which was nice. I gave them each a list, Ethan's written out, and Aidan's with pictures, and they gathered everything they needed on their own. I just did the final check off. It was GREAT! And really cut down on the work. Thanks guys!


I also just wanted to post a couple of pictures from Ethan's "real" birthday, July 2nd. Gordon and I gave him these rollerblades, which thrilled him to giggles. He's getting pretty fast and confident now and he's really enjoying them. Good job buddy! Six is going to be lots of fun!

This one's for the girls. . .

I put out that disclaimer, because I know if you are male, this entry will probably give you little to no thrill. But, I love crafting so I will share what I do! So, if you are a member of the opposite sex, feel free to skip this one, I'm not offended at all. I know how it works. After all, I am surrounded by males!

Happy Birthday to. . . who? This is a super fun quilt I did for a girlfriend's upcoming birthday. Is your birthday coming up? Maybe you are the lucky gal? I love it. It's the first quilt I've ever done that I'm giving away, that I think I might just have to make one for myself. It would look so delicious on my chocolate brown couches! Gordon mocked me royally as I set up my "photo shoot" for this one on the front porch. "We have neighbors, you know!" :) Well, now I guess they'll know how nutty I am for my quilts! I love the back too. I used extra scraps instead of one big piece, and I just love it. Yum yum yum. . .

And this just made me smile all afternoon. My sewing table looks so sweet with this little baby present hanging here waiting to be delivered. I love it when my friends have babies, so I can buy something sweet, and maybe even monogram it. So who do you know with these initials? Fun presents coming their way. . .

Like I said, if you're a male, you probably don't get this. But that's okay. I'm a girl and I like being one! And I understand. . . I don't really like watching football. . .

Happy Birthday Ethan!

Yesterday was party day around here! Many a 6 year old descended upon us and we had a good wet time! We had up two slip and slides, and the little pool, and let them squirt the hose and do water balloons, lots of water! Gordon ran the bucket brigade and filled the pool with lots of hot water to take the cold edge off of the water, but it was still a little chilly. The kids were all laying out on their towels and wouldn't get up and do any of the water stuff until Gordon appeared in his swimsuit and started the slip and slide races. Then when they figured out it wasn't that cold in they went and they had a great time. Ethan shivered almost the whole time, but still seemed to have a great time!

After water fun, we dried them all off and headed into the house to make some fun hats (that was a hit) open presents, and then have some delicious "American Cake." Ethan had a wonderful party and all seemed to be a success.

While we were cleaning up and draining the pool, Chandler woke up and came out to help. He got SOAKED and eventually we stripped him down and in he went too. He was in water heaven! We took him out when he started shivering and then into a warm bath to warm him up. What a fun, wet day! Happy Birthday Ethan!