Gettin my craft on

I like to think that I have a very small crafty bone in my body. I'm no Martha Stewart but I like to take on a project every now and then. I've been not so secretly hinting to Derek that I would like a sewing machine for my birthday so I can have even more projects. This week while I was cleaning out our fridge I became extremely annoyed at my magnets and their refusal to stay put. Ding Ding Ding! New project! I have also been anxious to use my new glue gun Derek got me for Christmas and figured this was a good start. So I hit the closest craft store and scouted out anything that could be Hellard Fridge material. I found theses wooden buttons at Michaels. $2 got me 12 wooden buttons. I also found these small cardboard vintage signs that I saw some potential in. With magnets and glue gun at the ready, I got busy. It didn't take long and I ended up 24 magnets for under $6 bucks! Not too bad. And they are totally awesome.

While I was at Michaels, I browsed the dollar section like my mother always taught me to do. You can find some real treasures there without breaking your wallet. I struck gold friends! I found these super neat note cards that had vintage prints and sayings on the front. I thought that they would make some pretty cool wall hangings if they were framed so I got three different styles. At target I found red frames and completed the project by using an old paper bag as backing. I think they turned out pretty well. I have yet to hang them on the wall because the hammer has gone M.I.A. for the time being.

So it was a week of small projects but it keeps me busy. I like being able to add little things here and there to our little house and make it my own.

Well, this is going to be a short one this week since I have to be off to work. I am still loving my job and the daily giggles I get from those kids! I do have to say that I have become an expert shoe tier since that is one of my main job duties :)

"Determine never to be idle... It is wonderful how much may be done if we are always doing."

-- Thomas Jefferson

Home Sweet Home

It's always nice to go away on a trip but there is nothing like coming home. I was visiting my beautiful sister and her family in Utah the past week. They have two great kids that I love so much. Audrey is 3 going on 13 and she will tell you exactly what's on her mind. She has the greatest facial expressions (which she gets from her Aunt Boo) and she is always on the go. I read an article awhile back that said if an adult were to do everything a toddler did they would be exhausted in 7 minutes. True statement. We had a blast eating cheese sticks, having races and watching every Disney Princess movie ever made. She absolutely loves her baby brother Kyle and she tries to carry him with her everywhere she goes. Kyle is such a happy boy! I loved cuddling with him and listening to his baby laugh. Oh, and I can't forget his wet and drooling baby kisses! I did not however love his monstrous, stinky diaper bombs :) But I do have to admit that it did plant the baby bug in me. As I carried a sleeping baby in one hand, balancing a bottle with my chin, and pushing a stroller with the other hand I realized that I can indeed handle motherhood.

We did lots of fun thing on my visit. Kangaroo Zoo, which is a warehouse full of moon bonces, a kids dream come true. Andrea and I took a trip down memory lane when we discovered that the concession stand sold Slush Puppies. Ever hear of em? It's basically a very icy, slushy kool-aid. They were only a $1 so of course we got one of every flavor and drank til our brains were utterly frozen.

We also walked around the beautiful gardens at Thanksgiving Point. All of the tulips were in bloom and the buzz of spring time was in the air. Then there was the Dinosaur Museum, my favorite pork salad from Cafe Rio, train rides at the mall, multiple trips to Deseret Book, General Conference and meetings with friends, mission companions and family that we have missed so dang much. Oh and I can't forget the coveted Waffle Love Truck. It's quite genius and I'm rather disappointed in myself for not thinking of it first. Very simply, they make gourmet waffles out of a box truck. You don't know where the truck will be that day until they post it on Facebook and then they are only there for a short time. People flock from all over to get their waffle on. Is it worth it you ask? YES! So worth it that Andrea and I only only having 10 minutes to get to the Waffle Love location drove the few blocks down the road committing several illegal driving acts. Hands down best waffle of my life. They put some sort of delicious Biscoff topping on it that looks like runny baby poop but once they cover that with berries and whipped cream it's irresistible.

Upon my arrival home I was attacked with love from Digby. I've never seen anyone, man nor beast, more excited to see me. I received more puppy kisses to the mouth than I bargained for. He has been following me around like a shadow ever since I've walked in the door. Even though Digby whined and peed with excitement, I do think Derek was a bit more excited to see me. He didn't urinate but I'm grateful for that. Apparently the bachelor life style just isn't his forte... I think he has been a bit too spoiled by his wife :)

I feel cheesy saying this but we live close enough to Kansas for me to justify using that famous phrase from Dorothy, "There is no place like Home." That small town girl was really on to something!

Cousins

Katie & Jason with their twins Bennett and Cooper

 G6YFIZ