Ties!

Finally! Sorry it took so long. The pictures didn't turn out great and I quickly used photoshop to add instructions so if there are any parts that are unclear let me know. Also, I downloaded the pictures in the reverse order by mistake and don't have time to switch them. So, start at the bottom of the post and work your way back here. Have fun!

I also trimed the top knot piece straight across,here. You will still have raw edges that you tuck in on step 14.

You will just have to use a ruler and make a pattern, I didn't have time to make a PDF. Sorry!

Start with fabric, iron on interfacing, and elastic (I used 3/8".)

It's finally done...

...our ward Christmas party! I can finally breath. Thank goodness I had such great help, but still so glad it is done and I can finally get really ready for Christmas. I know I don't have many days left. I promise to work on the tie tutorial and try to post that next. I know I promised it to a few of you weeks ago. Don't worry, you still have plenty of time to get some made in time for Christmas! See you soon!

Acting silly with family is my favorite!

Last weekend a few of us went to visit Lori. We played some games and acted silly in celebration of all the 11's.
Even though it was late, and Damon had already fallen asleep sitting up (while watching Elf) we played a quick game of Perudo. I remembered why I like it, and want to play again soon. Maybe Thanksgiving!

Also, this week I learned how to make cute little ties. I made all of these using scraps I had and they only took about 15min. total. I love something new without spending any $ or having to make a trip to the store. They would make cute Christmas gifts! Let me know if anyone wants the instructions. So easy! Wish I would have figured this out before my sisters got married. Damon could have been matchy!

We had a happy Halloween!

It wasn't as cold as last year, and we got lots of good candy!



Zoë wouldn't keep a costume on so she stayed home.


I loved Damon's pumpkin. It had such personality, especially after a few days of aging in the sun. He did a great job, all by himself. I should have taken a picture before we threw him in the canal. (After Halloween I let Damon destroy our pumpkins.)

Now, the Holiday's are in full swing. I put away all of our scary stuff and pulled out the "Blessing Jar". I need to find some cute paper for this year. Tonight, Damon and I had fun reading what things we were grateful for the last few years. Some that made us smile: "electricity" Damon, "halo wars" Michael, "family" I think just about everyone had that in there, "food" Damon. It's crazy how just a few words on a piece of paper can stir such memories. Fun! The little jar is getting kind of full so I might need to come up with a long term storage sollution for the old ones. Maybe a cute mini-album. If you have any ideas let me know.

P.S. Have I already told you I am addicted to Pinterest. Can't get enough!

Happy Fall!

I tried holding on to summer as long as I could.



But these last few weeks we have been harvesting the last of our garden, which was crazy this year. Everything was either very successful or really struggled. Lucky for us Damon's watermellon turned out great this year. He was very proud. And, I have finally come to accept that Summer 2011 is officially over.


I've also been busy working on Halloween costumes (and wondering if they will actually turn out like I hope.)

And, Damon finished the last of his soccer games.

2 more sure signs that summer has been gone for awhile. I do miss summer, but we have been having an amazing fall. The weather has been beautiful and we even had a little rain today, which is always fun!

Conference Weekend!

Amazing as usual. This year was especially exciting because we were able to attend the Saturday morning session in Salt Lake City. This was the 1st time Damon was old enough to go and he was so excited. Never mind the fact that we had to get up from our seats, in the middle of a very long row, twice in the 2 1\2 hours that we were there so he could go to the bathroom. It was still awesome.

I'm amazed by Temple Square. It's always so beautiful. Damon was sad to leave. He said he wants to live in Salt Lake.

But the time came to go home. On our way we stopped at a new favorite burger and frozen custard shop. I think it was exit 319 and we will definitely be stopping again.

Sunday we relaxed at home while we watched the rest of Conference on T.V.

Damon broke out the watercolors and Ryan and I joined him in making a little book.

This is my favorite page. Not only because I think it looks super cool, but because Damon was inspired by the amazing talk on the Book Of Mormon, by Tad R. Callister . If you missed it check it out. I'm not sure which talk is my favorite because I loved so many. But I do know, I can't wait for the November Ensign so I can re-read, and highlight, and mark all of them. We had such a great weekend and we all felt a special spirit being in the presence of such incredible men and women.

P.S. Please don't forget to let me know your favorite Christmas Party memory or idea. I know more of you have read this than have let me know. Remember, I need your help!

A "praying" Praying Mantis

It's obvious why it's called a Praying Mantis, but today I saw one with arms folded, forhead to the ground, deep in supplication. I have seen so many this year. Probably because Damon goes "hunting" for them in the field behind our house, which might be because Tyler is found hunting a lot right now, as well. But, I think it is more to do with the fact that his teacher lets the kids show them to the class. "Not Grasshopers, just Praying Mantises." His words, not mine. Which makes me wonder; Praying Mantises or Praying Manti?....

Anyway, because the kids show them in class Damon comes home with all kinds of facts. The cute workings of a 3rd graders mind. Much more realistic and much less imaginative. Which brings about lots of fun conversations. A little sad to say goodbye to the fun imagination, especially since I don't have anyone else to play Santa for. Which reminds me, I am incharge of our ward Christmas Party this year and it is always quite the event. I am pretty intimidated by the hundreds of people to entertain and feed. So, I am asking a favor.

Please, please leave a comment telling me your favorite thing about a Christmas Party you have been to or any ideas you have. Just tell me anything that has made an activity like this special for you. Please, please, please!

Puppy Baby!

After poor Terk died last October we have been contemplating a new puppy.

A girl this time.

Damon LOVES her.

She still doesn't have a name and we have had her since Friday! I know, too long!We have got to start some obedience training, and that is hard to do without a name. We just haven't come up with anything yet. Doesn't mean we don't love her though.

My Little Cub Scout

I can't believe my little buddy is a cub scout. One of his first activities was a Boat Regatta Gala. It was the day I got home from Ohio so thankfully he and Tyler worked on it while I was gone.


Since he is now a scout we got to participate in Scout Night at the baseball field. So I brought Ryan and Taylor along for the ride.

Taylor chased down this foul ball near the end of the game and then we all went out on the field. The boys ran around playing with the frisbees and balls they won during the game while the adults set up the camping gear. I can't believe I forgot to take a picture of the whole outfield covered in tents. It was pretty sweet!

Now we are getting ready for bed on this last day of summer vacation. I can't believe tomorrow is the first day of 3rd grade. Tonight Amanda asked me if I was going to cry and all I could say is, "I always do."

The Buckeye State (After searching the web I now know what that means)

Look who I got to spend a whole week with.
Elise did a much better job than I could at summarizing my favorite parts.


Mostly the amazing company!

I had a great time. And, I realized, yet again, that anywhere is better if you're with people you love. I mean no offense to the state of Ohio when I say this. It was so green and beautiful, and I really didn't love coming back to the super dry heat.

Leaving Ohio was bitter-sweet, but only because these two didn't come with me. I was so excited to see their faces and hear their voices again. Next time they are coming with me. (This pic is on Father's Day. Tyler modeling the bow tie Damon made out of M&M's.)

Thank you Elise, Brady, Mylee, and Mercer for having me. It was the best.