Craf-T/Quilt

I feel fortunate to have met Autumn, one special person, who initiated a "crafty mama's night." There are about 6-10 woman and we get together usually once a month for some wine, dessert, conversation and lots of crafting.  Some woman sew, knit, jewelry...  

I am inspired by them all the time and love to have this creative outlet.

That being said... 

Autumn recently adopted a baby girl, Mezmur, and the crafty mommys wanted to make something special for her.  So, we all contributed to a quilt.  We each made a 6" by 12" "coin" and met several times to sew it all together.  It's amazing how well all of are coins worked together.  It was hard keeping it a secret from Autumn, but worth the wait.

We met last night at my house to give Autumn/Mezmur her special quilt.  I think she really liked it.

Autumn holding the quilt
A few of the crafty mamas
Front of the quilt
Back of the quilt
    Beautiful Mezmur.  Isn't she edible?

Back In Action

I found a used SLR on Ebay and we are back in action.  Spring is here and with that comes lots of outdoor playing, baseball, gardening, and sunshine.  Though it is Portland and the sun could hide for another month or so.  But it is out now, the weather has been beautiful and we are soaking it up.

We decided to see how Elliot's allergies/asthma will do with Yakira back in our house.  Our friends have had her for the last several months so it was an easy transition.  So far so good.

The boys are growing like weeds and are just silly.  They make each other laugh out loud and love playing together.  Xander and I are having a blast with these little guys.

Tickle Time
Playing baseball

Swing batter batter...
The lovies
Miles and markers
Miss Yakira
Playing dress-up
Cowboy Miles
Some of Miles's favorite things: his blankey and thumb
Full of Smiles
My lovers

Broken Camera

    Miles's ear
toy box
self-portrait of Elliot
pic of Miles b4 the "accident"

Our 2nd digital is officially a kids toy now.  Elliot loves to take pictures and he sometimes forgets that he has his own camera now and uses ours.  It is hard when you are 4 years old with tiny little fingers, right?  Those fingers seem to fit perfectly on the lens when holding the camera, so when the lens cover is trying to open and close it can't.  Well, now our camera will not open and close and makes some clicking noise when trying to do so.  BUMMER!  I took it to a shop and they said it would cost $160 to fix it!  Really? We can buy a new camera for that. So... more to come once we purchase a new one.  Hopefully soon.

The pictures above are taken by the guilty party, Elliot, before he said, "uh oh mama - something is wrong with the camera." 

Mezmur

Our friends, Autumn and Dan, recently returned from Ethiopia with their new baby daughter - Mezmur.  They went through a long adoption process with patience, love, and grace.  I am so happy that they are all finally together and thankful that they are in our lives.

Florida Family-Fest 09'

We had 2 fantastic days of family get together.  We nearly had the whole clan together for eating, drinking, laughing, splashing, coloring and playing with legos.  We are so blessed to have such a large and wonderful family.  Truly our favorite part of visiting is when the cousins play together and we get to sit back and enjoy the show.  Thanks to everybody for coming from near and far to get together with us.

Cousins Kirsten and Kylie holding down the lounge chairs

Uniformed grill-meisters

Everyone look in the sun...NOW

Aaron, Erica and Sienna

Laughing with Aunt Diana

"Cacuzzi" full of cousins

Virginia and Eric

Look out fish

Sitting on the dock of the canal

Can you hear me now?

Goodbye hugs