Just Because They're Cute

Oh, Boy!

This kid already knows too well how to use this thing!  I have to be careful when I use my IPad because anytime Charlie sees it he thinks he needs to play on it.  He knows exactly how to get to the games and lately has discovered Facebook.  So if you discover a strange post from me, you can give credit to this little smarty pants.    

Project Pea Coat

A while ago Maegen offered to make Alaina a pea coat.  Alaina picked out this red floral.  Between Maegen's other projects and school she didn't get around to it.  But that's ok.  I really enjoyed making this for Alaina.  I was pleasantly surprised how easily it went together.    

 I used bias tape around the sleeves which initially was to make doing the sleeves easier, but also added a little detail that turned out super cute.  

 I used one of my specialty stitches for the top stitch. 

 Close up of the sleeve.  

Alaina absolutely loves it and Carson has asked for one now, which means I'll just "have" to make one for Charlie as well.  Dang it!  ;)

Garden

This year were doing a garden!  When we lived in Nampa we did a garden and I loved all the fresh produce!  Last fall Tony came home with a bunch of seeds his boss had picked up from a convention.  Tony's work is going to start marketing these garden boxes soon.  They/we set these up for our use.  They even provided the dirt and drip system.  All I have to do is plant, water, and weed it.  Oh, and also take a lot of pictures so they can use them in their catalog for this product.  I have to admit that I'm a bit nervous about doing a garden in such a cold climate.  Maybe we'll strike it big and get the plant protectors that Tony's work does too!  I don't know, that might be pushing it.  Anyway I'm excited!       

 The first of 3 boxes, ready for planting.

The other two boxes.  One with a drip system, ready for planting.  I probably wont plant for awhile.  Heck it's still freezing overnight.  

Project Toddler Backpack

So, when my kids get about Charlie's age I'll buy a toddler backpack to use as the diaper bag and make them carry it around.  Well, with living in Rexburg the choices were pretty limited.  So I bought some fabric to make him one.  Shortly after buying the fabric (which I got on Clearance) my sewing machine broke.  After purchasing my new machine (Hooray!) I started on it.  I used a free tutorial online, but had to tweak their pattern a few times and if I were to make it again I'd probably tweak it some more.  But I feel like for a first attempt it turned out pretty good.  

 The front.  I would add a pocket on the front, but quite frankly I was ready to be done with this project and move on to my pile of other projects that are pilling up.  

 A close up on the straps.  My new machine has all these really cool stitches and had an excuse to use one, so I did.  

 My new machine can also do monograms.     

 The back.  I had to redo these straps at least 3 times before I could get it right.  

It's more preschool sized than toddler sized, but Charlie loves it and for all intents and purposes this project is done.

Birthdays

Tony celebrated his 33rd birthday on Saturday, and I turned 30 today.

 The cake Tony's mom made. 

No, Tony didn't burn the house down and he managed to brow out all the candles at once!  

Happy Birthday to us!  

Easter

This year for Easter we invited Tony's parents to come and share the holiday with us.  With Easter being so early this year it was also Tony and my birthdays, so our weekend was pretty packed but fun.  Friday afternoon the kids and I dyed our eggs.  But since is was just me and the kids there are no pictures.  Trying to keep a 1 and 1/2 year old out of egg dye was nerve racking to say the least!  That night after Tony's family made it into town we went out to dinner to the only good Chinese Restaurant in town, Mandarin.  It was delicious and very filling!  Saturday morning the guys went shooting to prove whose gun was the best.  Of course ours is the best.  ;)  That afternoon we all had lunch outside and then went to the park because the weather was beautiful.  And in Rexburg you got to enjoy the nice weather while it lasts.  We had our big Easter dinner after the park.  Ham, Funeral Potatoes, Rolls, Asparagus, and Birthday Cake for Tony.  It was super yummy and we all came rolling out of the dinning room after we were done.  Then we went out to Green Canyon Hot Springs for Swimming.  Charlie was super brave in the water.  Walking around in the shallow end all by himself and was even jumping off the edge of the pool (from a sitting position) to Tony and I.  We all had a good time.  We got back and the adult stayed up late talking and laughing.  Sunday morning the kids got up way earlier than I would have liked and spent the day eating their candy.  We had our Easter Egg hunt right before lunch.  The egg hunt always goes fast, but the kids love it and it's lots of fun to watch them search for eggs.  Then it was off to 1:00 church.  Once church was over it was time for Tony's family to go home.  The kids watched their movies, we went for a walk to the park and came back for cupcakes for my birthday.  Phew!  Crazy, busy, fun weekend!    

 Our eggs this year weren't that great.  I can promise you I will never again buy the glitter egg dying kit!  What a pain!  

 The kids Easter baskets.  Carson and Alaina got new movies and Charlie got a toy car, a camaro none the less.  

 Alaina in her new dress.  

 Charlie's new tie.  I couldn't get this kids to smile for nothing this morning.  I guess he was more interested in eating his candy than smiling for the camera.  

Carson's new tie.  So Handsome!