LISTEN faster!

So I am sewing along, finishing up a sample for my Machine Quilting class tonight, when I had the feeling to check on Mark.  I knew he was sleeping, so I thought--I'll go check on him as soon as I finish this up.  Within 3 minutes I was finished.  I set the quilt square with my other things and walked back to Mark's bedroom.  He wasn't in there anymore.  I looked in the bathroom and there he was bending over the garbage can.  I asked him what he was doing, "nothing" of course.  But then it registered in my brain that he looked different and he was holding scissors.  Sure enough, a chopping to the bangs and beyond.

He didn't really like what had happened once I showed him in the mirror.  I just cut his hair last week and had a hard enough time cutting his long blonde hair.  I think I was more sad than he (trying to play it off as angry) that I now had to shave off all of his beautiful blonde.  I should have LISTENED faster!

Oh well, I guess it is just hair.

Good thing he is a boy!

and he still is cute!

I love summer!

I just love summer.  I love the hot days, love swimming, love gardening, love being outside, and love losing a rigid schedule for a few months!

Happy Father's Day

Ok, we have to admit that it really isn't the FATHERS of the household reading these blogs.  But I wanted to say "Happy Father's Day" anyway.  And no, I didn't cook up these VERY VERY VERY cute cupcakes for Father's Day............but someday I might have to try them.  Check these out at Bakerella.  She is amazing, and all of the templates there too!

Oquirrh Mountain Temple Open House

The highlight of our trip was attending the Oquirrh Mountain Temple open house.  This temple was just built in South Jordan, Utah.  When a temple is built, there is an open house for the public and all who would like to tour through it, before it is dedicated.

 This was a great opportunity for our children to get to walk through the temple, and feel the wonderful peace and beauty of it.  We all loved being at the temple together.  It was very beautiful.  This temple will be dedicated in August.

Miriam, what is wrong?---past dinner time

Family Fun Quick Trip

We took a quick trip to Utah this weekend.  It was very fun to see so many cousins!

Chris and Andrea live in a townhouse that has a community clubhouse and pool.  It was perfect for the 15 little cousins running around.  Check out the movie theater in their club house!

I guess Rebecca might not ever graduate to the "big kids" table, or even the "adult table," for that matter.  But this time, it was by choice!  Next time we are together, she will be holding her own little baby boy, and the nephews and nieces will have to give her up a bit.  Everyone LOVES Aunt Becca.

A fun game of Red Rover

I guess you had to be there to really understand about this picture.  To make a long story short, we were splitting up some of my grandmother's jewelry, and then modeling it for the camera.

TOUR de REST AREAS

IT'S OFFICIAL!

We have just completed a 1400 mile Tour de Rest Areas.  I think we hit almost every one between Washington and Utah.  We can really spot the blue sign from miles away now!

And this little girl .....

and her Strawberry Shortcake underwear made it all the way 

WITHOUT any accidents!  The whole trip was accident free.

That must mean that the two weeks of potty training has been complete and successful!!!!  Hooray for underwear and no more diapers! (at least for her!)

Machine Quilting Class

I am teaching a Machine Quilting Class at the Community Center in a few weeks.  There is no charge.  If you want to sign up, email me.  Sign ups start today.  Class size is limited.  It will be in the Graphic this week!

Side note to that---Nina broke on Friday.  That is my name for my "Bernina."  Of course, she broke in the middle of a project.  I can't really survive without her.  Sewing and quilting are kind of a stress reliever for me.  How will I pass through the late nights and early mornings with Miriam?  I will be calling the Bernina shop this morning as soon as they open.  I hope it is a repairable part!  I can't afford a new Bernina!

Small Town, USA

I love living in a small town.  

I really do.  I am not making it up.  I am not just trying to look at the positive.  I really do love it.  I know, I know........there isn't any shopping a few minutes away.  Any trip to "town" is an all day affair, to fill the suburban with groceries on top of tired, worn out children.  But....it is worth it to me.

Everything in this town is within quick walking access to my family.  I love that.  The post master knows you by name, the librarian knows you by name, and people actually still wave at each other here!

Example for the day--the library.  We have a small little library in town.  But although small, it is part of the Mid-Columbia Library System that shares books and activities with several branches.  If they don't have the book, they CAN have it by tomorrow!  And the activities--they are awesome.  Even though the library is small, they are the same activities offered at the large branches, but much more up close and personal here.  Like on Saturday, the WSU Raptors Club came with about 6 "Birds of Prey" to talk about with the children.  A live falcon, hawk, owl...it was awesome!  And yes, those are my kiddos sitting in the front row.  Everyone got to have a "front seat" at this show.  No crowds to fight.  We get these types of things all of the time, a stone's throw away from home.  Thank you Mid-Columbia Library!  And thank goodness there are still small towns!

loved this tiny owl!