Leaves are falling on the ground...

Well , we were about one week late from seeing all the beautiful leaves on the TREES. But nonetheless we were able to see a few...but they were all on the GROUND. For what it was worth the children had a great time. I say kids had a good time because I was doing great until I started reading a recipe book on the way down the canyon and I got MAJOR car sick! UGH...I was quickly reminded why I don't READ in the car...Anyways...We just went up Butterfield Canyon just up from our house. Next year we need to go a little sooner! We were able to spot TONS of deer and that is ALWAYS fun for the kiddos.

We happened to pull off the side of the road and Jared found a swing hanging from the tree. So Alayna was in heaven!

Jake didn't want anything to do with hanging from a tree.

This was one happy kid waiting patiently for us in the car.

A favorite sewing project!

Okay, so I went out shopping to Wal-Mart late one night and had this great thought...I think I should make TWO quilts for my dear friends for their baby shower in TWO days. So, the semi-crazy person that I am I decided to do it. Yes, I assumed because I love sewing so much that my "normal" mom life would be put on hold. I had TWO LATE nights and a few hours during the day and I was able to get one finished. But it was only possible because Ashley helped sew one and Jared went to work late one day and took over the kids and house duty! Either way it was a blast!

This is Emily's quilt! Or should I say soon to be baby Annie!!!

This is Camille's quilt! or should I say....Baby Girl?

They are a rag quilt but not. All the edges are left raw so when you wash it they are soft and frayed. I love the addition of the JUMBO rick-rack. They really were super easy and so adorable once you wash them. I just made it out of flannel so it is extra soft and BIG...it will make a great camping quilt!! (The one on the left has been washed twice and the one on the right hasn't been washed yet.)

Here are the lucky friends who ended up with everything PINK for their baby GIRL shower (Emily, me, Camille)...but not a real shower just a lunch of some friends, but of coarse we had to surprise them with TONS of girl presents!. It is so fun celebrating the arrivals of these two new little babies! Come soon....

Hobby vs. Obsession

Yeah, so I must admit sewing has taken on a little more interest than I would have ever expected! After I finished sewing all my pillows and packed away my sewing machine I was SAD...so I had to come back with another project. I sewed a bag...then I have gone crazy with aprons, blankets and more! It really has been so much fun. I will post some pictures of my recent projects but until I upload them here is a shot of some cute fabric...I must admit I LOVE FABRIC SHOPPING!!!

What's going on...

Let me introduce you to my life...Yes, these children have become my life. It's strange to think about that Jared and I are responsible for these three little miracles. Miracles yes because they truly are gifts that we have been given. I also normally refer to them as monkeys because that's what they are...jumping, running, rolling, squealing from here to there. There are very little quiet moments in the house or in the car, but somehow I am still taken back by the joy I have for them. Each one holds a special place in my heart. This post might be a tad...weepy for me, but I've had a few thoughts on my mind. I love my kids. I love my husband and I have much to be grateful for. Am I the only one that has to remind myself that doing laundry is a blessing...Really? I am trying to remember those moments when it literally takes hour after hour to fold, hang, wash, smell, so many different clothes. AH...it doesn't make me look forward to tomorrow, because another batch is coming my way.

Along with the laundry there are the diapers...Yes, those fabulous smelly diapers. But how can you resist changing all these diapers when they are accompanied with the giggles and smiles that come from such a cute chubby baby? It's pretty impossible to not enjoy such an activity.

Then in addition to all these struggles your messy house, loads of laundry, dirty car, smelly bathrooms, tantrums, time-outs, crying, yelling, etc. Is always smothered with smiles like this. It's impossible for me to not look at my kids in those quiet moments and just sit back and truly enjoy them.

Here is a "vinyl" lettering saying that I have come to appreciate...My cute grandma neighbor from my old ward gave it to me. "Cleaning the house while children are growing Is like shoveling snow while it is still snowing!" I decided that this cute saying had to go in the laundry room. Because that is where I spend a lot of time! But I decided that I had to put three adorable pictures of my kiddos in the laundry room with this saying so I can remember WHY I am doing all this cleaning.

Okay, and to answer WHY I do all of this, it is to do service for my family. If there is one thing in life I have come to realize its that through service you have joy. So here is the scripture that I have been trying to remember Mosiah 2:17 "And behold, I tell you these things that ye may learn wisdom; that ye may learn that when ye are in the service of your fellow beings ye are only in the service of your God."

So I am grateful to have a loving family and children to give of my time and service too and through this that we can serve the Lord. This does fill my life with JOY!