Crocheted Baby Dress

I had so much fun creating this darling little dress. Tara, a teacher at Kamille's, had created a sample dress and had it hanging in the store. As soon as I saw it, I knew that I wanted to make it. I love all of the different stitches and the cute little accents. The sample dress was a lot shorter so I added about nine more rounds in order to get it to the length that I like. I always think Elizabeth looks cuter in dresses that are longer.

Here is a close-up of the white three-tiered flower, along with the white satin ribbon that accents the empire waist.


On the back there are four white buttons to close the dress, along with the satin ribbon tied in a bow. So Cute!


My favorite part of the dress is the bottom hem. I love the faux under-layer. After you crochet the entire dress, you go back, pick up the stitches along the bottom and crochet an additional couple of rows. This gives the appearance that there are two layers to the dress.


Supplies Used:
Crystal Palace Bunny Hop Yarn (approximately 600 yards) for main color
Crystal Palace Bunny Hop Yarn for accent color
Size G crochet hook
Four 1/4 inch white buttons
1 yard of white satin ribbon
May/June '08 Crochet Today Magazine

"You Have My Permission to Laugh"

Back in November, Matt's work had a contest where each employee had the opportunity to earn a new BlackBerry Storm, a Jawbone Headset, an 8 GB SD card, and a $150.00 gift card to a variety of locations. We were so impressed with this prize package because all of the items total around $800.00!

Matt worked really hard and was able to complete the requirements and earn the amazing prize package. More impressive was the fact that his work hosted this contest again in December...and Matt earned it a second time! He was so excited...and I was so proud. He really is a hard-worker and does an amazing job providing for our family.

So you can imagine our disappointment, when in February he still had not received the wonderful rewards. Apparently, some people had cheated and so everyone was under review. They would not be handing out the rewards until an extensive audit was complete. So Matt waited...and waited...and waited...and waited some more.

On Monday, Matt decides that he will just order the new BlackBerry, pay for it, and then sell the ones that he earned from his work. He was fed up and sick of waiting! When Matt told me that he was planning on ordering one...I said "just wait and see, you will order it and the same day that it arrives, they will bring you the ones that you have earned". Matt said that would not happen because there was no talk of the rewards yet. Every time he asked a Supervisor, he got the run-around.

So Matt ordered the phones (one for me too!) on Monday and they arrived on today at 3:38pm. I text messaged Matt to let him know that they were here.


At 4:23pm, I received a text message from Matt that said, "You have my permission to laugh!". As I scrolled through the message I see a photo of the phones and headsets that he had earned.


Can you believe it! The BlackBerry Storms that Matt ordered, and the Blackberry Storms that he earned arrived within less than an hour of each other. Oh well. At least we both had a good laugh!

Simple Acts of Kindness

I always knew that my parents were sweet, kind, and amazing...but now I have a story to illustrate exactly what I mean.

So I am over at my parent's house tonight...and my dad casually mentions that many times when they are out at a restaurant, they will pay for a random person's dinner. I asked for further details and found that while my parents are out enjoying a nice dinner together, they will look around the restaurant and decide who they want to buy dinner for. They will ask their waiter/waitress for the other group's check, pay (tip and all), and then they leave. They don't tell anyone and they ask the waiter or waitress to just let them know that someone wanted to buy them dinner.

When I heard this, I thought that it was the sweetest thing ever! Can you imagine...your out with your husband, or a group of friends, you ask for the check and the waitress tells you that someone took care of it for you. That would make me feel so good!

I hope that when Matt and I are a little more financially set, that we will be able to perform this random act of kindness as well. Thanks Mom and Dad...for being wonderful examples of kindness and love!

Can We Say...Diet Coke Freak!

So today Elizabeth and I went to Costco to stock up on a few items. As soon as we entered the parking lot, Elizabeth started saying "Piz Piz", which in adult English translates to "Pizza." I let Elizabeth know that we would get a pizza to take home for later.

So we did our shopping.

As promised, I went to the Food Court to order a Pepperoni Pizza to go. As I placed the order, Elizabeth stiffened her arms, opened up her hands, started shaking as if she was having a seizure, and with a huge smile on her face started shouting "COKE!". It was hilarious. The lady that was taking our order started laughing so hard...and I just looked at Elizabeth in disbelief. She has never said "coke" before so it was not something that I was expecting.

Needless to say...Elizabeth has been given a taste of the Diet Coke goodness and now she can never go back!

It's Decided...

I have found Elizabeth's Easter Dress! I have been looking for a little while now but was not happy with anything that I have seen. Well, Gymboree released their Spring Dresses online this week. When I saw this yellow dress, I was interested but wanted to wait until I saw it in person. So, Matt and I made our way to the Fashion Place Mall this weekend, to take a look. As soon as I saw it...I knew that it was the one.

I am so excited. I wish it was Easter tomorrow. Sadly, it is still six weeks away. At least we'll be ready when the time comes.

Now I just need to accessorize!

Felted Baby Booties

Aren't these the cutest little booties you have ever seen?

Tonight I taught my very first knitting class at Kamille's. I was a little nervous...but very excited. All in all, I think it went very well. Everyone seemed comfortable and confident in their ability to complete the darling baby booties. I sent them all home with detailed instructions for the week so that they will be prepared for next Thursday's class.

This was such a fun project. I hope that I will get to teach again sometime soon.

Supplies Used:
One ball (128 yards) of Crystal Palace Taos 100% wool yarn
US 8 Straight Knitting Needles
Debbie Bliss Essential Baby Book

Have you seen this commercial?

Elizabeth is absolutely mesmerized by this commercial. When it comes on, she will stop whatever she is doing, get as close to the TV as she can, and point at her own eyes. She does not look away from the TV the entire time the commercial is on. As soon as the commercial is over, she looks at me with a very confused look on her face.

I really wonder what is going through her head while she is watching this commercial.

Sleep Over with Grandma and Papa

Playing with Baby Dolls
Reading Books
Dancing
Stacking Blocks
Pancakes for Breakfast
Brushing Hair
Two New Shirts
Bananas with Grandma
A New Car Seat
A Ride in Grandma's Car
A Visit to Chuck E. Cheese's
Riding on the Toy Car
At least Twenty times around on the Merry-Go-Round
Pizza for Lunch
Dancing and Singing with Chuck E. Cheese
Ski Ball with Grandma
Pears with Papa
A New Ball
Grandma and Papa's undivided attention

...Elizabeth is never going to want to come home!

Valentine's Day Fun

I was so excited for Valentine's Day this year. I wanted to make it really special for Elizabeth because she seems to be at the age where she can really enjoy all of the different traditions. This year, I decided that I would start a couple of new traditions that we could continue for the years to come.

The first thing I started this year was the "red present". I thought it would be so fun to get Elizabeth a small gift that would be wrapped up. She loved all of the wrapped gifts at Christmas...so I wanted to have something that she could unwrap.


This year Elizabeth received a fun, new puzzle. She also received a mirror (she loves to look in the mirror) and some yummy candy.


I hope to be able to get Elizabeth a package of Sweethearts each year. When I think of Valentine's Day...I think of Sweethearts. I remember receiving them when I was little and think that it is so fun that I can now buy them for my little girl.


Elizabeth also received her cute red shirt. I want to make it a tradition that we wear red shirts on Valentine's Day. I was so happy when I found this "Bee Mine" shirt at the Children's Place. Elizabeth absolutely loves bees...so it was perfect!

The last tradition was probably Elizabeth's favorite...the cupid kiss on her cheek. I searched all over and found a kiss stamp and some red washable ink. When Elizabeth was down for her nap, I went into her room and stamped the kiss on her cheek. Then when she woke up we made a big deal about the kiss on her cheek and showed it to her in the mirror. Her eyes lit up as though it was Christmas Morning. She absolutely loved her cupid kiss and had to look at it a million times. She was so cute. She would point to her cheek and make a loud kissing noise. So Fun...I am so glad that I did it!


All I can say is that Elizabeth is one loved little girl. Not only does she have a mommy and a daddy that absolutely adore her...she has an extended family that think she is the greatest. Not only did Elizabeth receive all of these fun things from Matt and Me, but she also received some gifts from her loving grandparents, as well as cards from other extended family.

Elizabeth loves the monkey that she received from Grandma and Papa. Here she is giving him a great big smooch!


Grandma and Grandpa gave Elizabeth the cutest little doggie, a fun card, and a cool M&M dude filled with candy.


Thank you to everyone who continually share your love and support with us. Our little family is truly blessed. We appreciate each and every one of you! We hope that all of you had a wonderful Valentine's Day.

Valentine's Day Getting to Know You...

1. How did you and your husband meet? We met in a Jazz Band class at Hunter High School. Matt's saxophone had just been stolen...and I was assigned to help him transcribe some of the music that was in his saxophone case.

2. How old were you? Matt was a Senior...18 years old. I was a Junior...16 years old.

3. Was it love at first sight? Not really, Matt was totally not interested and I thought Matt was a complete jerk.

4. How long did you date before getting engaged? We dated for two years, until Matt left on his mission, and then another two years once he got home. So either 4 years...or 6 years depending on if you want to count his mission or not.

5. How did he propose? Matt proposed on bended-knee at the Gold Miner's Daughter Lodge in Alta, Utah. We had just spent the day taking ski lessons and had just eaten a candle-light dinner at the lodge. Very Romantic!

6. What was the answer? I said yes right away.

7. When and Where did you get married? We got married on June 4th 2002 in the Salt Lake Temple. We also had a Ring Ceremony at the Castlebrook Reception Center in Layton, Utah.

8. Was it a big wedding? It was a small intimate ceremony and luncheon...with just close family and friends. Although, we did invite almost everyone we had ever met to our reception.

9. Where did you go on your honeymoon? Matt and I spent an amazing eight days in Hawaii. We stayed at a resort and had the time of our lives.

10. Are you still in love? I love Matt so much. I could not image life without him. We have been together for so long now...that it is hard to remember a time that he wasn't a part of my life. I thank my Heavenly Father everyday for my loving husband!

Fingerless Gloves

I just finished my first pair of fingerless gloves...and I think they turned out pretty cute! I really enjoyed this project because they worked up really fast.

I used a US 8 12 inch circular needle and Marble Chunky 100% acrylic yarn.

Grateful for my Valentine...

Tonight, Matt and I were able to slip away to celebrate Valentine's Day. Karla was so sweet to watch Elizabeth so that Matt and I could escape for a couple of hours. We ended up going to the Olive Garden...we ate until our little bellies were burstin'. It was so yummy. We started with the Smoked Mozzarella Fonduta as our appetizer, along with pasta e fagioli. For our main course, Matt had the Chicken Parmigiana, while I had chicken fingers, toasted ravioli, and breaded mozzarella slices. If that was not enough, we ended the meal by sharing a Chocolate Gelato.

It was so nice to get away and spend the evening alone with Matt. I am so grateful for him and I really appreciated our time tonight. There are so many things that I love about Matt, that it would be hard to list them all. I don't think that there are enough words to describe how I feel about him. He is just...simply put...my perfect match.

I love that Matt and I think the same way about almost everything. I love that he is so laid back and patient. I love that we stay up late together...just to have some alone time together. I love waking up next to my bestfriend everyday. I love the father that Matt is to Elizabeth. I love that he is a hard-working. I love that he takes such good care of our family. I love how safe I feel when Matt is around. I love that Matt supports me in everything that I want to do. In the end....I just love Matt and everything that he is!

A friend of mine shared a great quote...that really spoke to my heart. It is totally how I feel about my sweetheart...

"You don't have to promise me the Moon and the Stars....just promise that you will stand underneath them with me...side by side."

Happy Valentine's Day...my Love.

The Crazy Finger...

I walked into Elizabeth's room, after her afternoon nap, and she had the biggest grin on her face. As I approached her crib, she laughed and held up her hand. I looked at her hand and discovered that she was crossing her middle finger over her ring finger. She had a look of pride on her face as she showed me what she could do.

I clapped and made a big deal about her "crazy finger". She just laughs and laughs every time she does it. You can tell that she is so proud of herself. She makes sure to show everyone that we see. What a crazy girl!

Totally Out of Control!

I...uh...don't even..uh...know what to...uh...say. I have been avoiding my craft room because I have let it get totally out of control. Over the holidays, with handmade gifts and wrapping, I let my craft room become a disaster area. There were piles...on top of piles...with more piles on top!


I decided that I would spend the day cleaning and organizing my craft space. No matter what...my craft room would be the priority. I went through all of the piles and sorted all of my supplies. It took me most of yesterday and part of today...but I got it all done!

Here's what my craft room looks like now...much better!


Here are a few before and after photos. Enjoy the transformation!

Before...
After...


Before...
After...
Before...
After...
Before...


After...


I am so excited to have my craft room back! I have missed scrapbooking so much. I have a renewed energy to get some pages done. I forgot how good it feels to walk into a clean craft room...there is creativity in the air!

Oh, I am in Trouble...

Gymboree, my favorite clothing store in the whole world, just released their new spring line. Oh my gosh...it is some of the cutest stuff that I have ever seen. It has taken every ounce of restraint that I have to not run out and buy every single item. To make matters worse, a 20% off your entire purchase coupon just arrived in my mailbox. Oh the torture!

Wouldn't she just look darling in these little outfits?


and the shoes...oh how I love the shoes.


Someone...quick...hide my debit card!

22 months and counting...

My sweet little Elizabeth turns 22 months old today. She is such a joy in my life. I love her with all of my heart. I am so blessed to be her mommy. Since she is 22 months old...I wanted to list 22 things that I never want to forget about her.

1. Elizabeth rubs and pats my back when we snuggle.

2. Elizabeth has to kiss every baby she sees...no matter who they are, or where we are.

3. Elizabeth calls pizza..."piz piz".

4. Every morning Elizabeth sits on my lap with a bowl of cheerios and her sippy cup of milk, while we watch the Backyardigans.

5. Elizabeth loves to "scare" grandma and papa when they come home from work. She sits by the side of the couch and yells "A Boo" when they walk through the door.

6. Elizabeth thinks that anyone coming to our front door is a pizza delivery person. She demands "piz piz" and gets quite upset if they don't have one.

7. Elizabeth wanders around the house creating piles of things. She will go to all of the different rooms, grab random items, and create a pile somewhere in the house...usually the loft.

8. While sucking on her binkie, Elizabeth will grab it with her hand and flip it. We don't know why...she just grabs it and turns it around in her mouth.

9. Elizabeth hates anything on her head. Headbands...Hats...bows...forget about it.

10. Elizabeth feeds cheerios to all of her babies and animals. While she feeds them, she smacks her lips together to make an "eating noise".

11. Elizabeth loves to spin-spin and will do it until she is so dizzy that she cannot stand up.

12. Elizabeth LOVES to dance. If there is any kind of music...she is dancing. It doesn't matter what kind of music...if it has a beat...she dances.

13. While I cut Elizabeth's fingernails, she cries so loud that our neighbors probably think that I am murdering her.

14. Elizabeth is obsessed with chapstick. She puckers her lips and waits for you to put it on her. I even caught her trying to go through a strangers purse to find one.

15. Elizabeth calls the phone a "MeMe". I think she does this because we called grandma MeMe on the phone quite a bit when Elizabeth was younger.

16. Elizabeth loves Sherman the Worman. He has been on a couple of episodes of The Backyardigans...and she goes nuts.

17. Elizabeth calls her binkie a "doot doot". We have no idea why. If you ask her to say binkie, she looks right at you and says "doot doot".

18. Elizabeth still takes two naps a day. One in the morning...exactly an hour and a half after she wakes up...and one in the afternoon. Her morning nap is usally 2-3 hours long, while the afternoon nap usually last an hour.

19. Elizabeth is deathly afraid of the vacuum. She will cry and run away. If Matt is close, she clings to him for protection. The vacuum totally terrifies her.

20. Elizabeth tells herself to be quiet by placing her index finger in front of her mouth while making a "shhhh" sound.

21. Elizabeth gives the best kisses. She use to do open-mouth kissies but a couple of months back she started to pucker. It is the cutest thing to see her pucker her lips and walk across the room towards you...you always know when a kissie is on its' way.

22. Elizabeth hates it when anyone lays down and closes their eyes. She will freak out, run over to you, and try to pull your eyelids open.

Then and Now...

On Elizabeth's first Christmas, in 2007, she received this darling Giraffe rocker from Matt's parents. She loved to plan on it then....and she still loves it now. She loves to watch The Backyardigans while rocking.

Sadly, I think that Elizabeth is getting too big to play with this little rocker. Many times while she is rocking on it, it will tip over and she will fall off. Since I am going to be putting it in storage soon, I wanted to get some photographs of her with her beloved toy.

As Matt took these photographs, I could not stop thinking "Wow...what a difference a year makes!". Elizabeth has changed so much over the past year.

Elizabeth with her giraffe in February 2008:


Elizabeth with her giraffe in February 2009:


Can you believe it! Look at those chubby cheeks and round little face. What a cutie!


My little baby girl is not a little baby anymore. You don't really realize how much they have changed until you see photographs side-by-side. There is no denying...Elizabeth is definitely a toddler now.


In February 2008, Elizabeth was just learning to stand up...


...and now she is standing up on anything and everything that she can climb on!


Matt and I are so thankful for our sweet baby girl. She has been a blessing in our lives. She brings so much joy and energy into our home. We look back with gratitude for the time that we have had together...and look forward with excitement for all of the things we still have to experience with each other!