If all else fails...put them in the bath.

Well when you put it that way...

I am thankful for the taxes I pay,
Because it means I am employed.

I am thankful for the mess to clean after a party,
Because it means I have been surrounded by friends.

I am thankful for the clothes that fit a little too snug,
Because it means I have enough to eat.

I am thankful for my shadow that watches me work,
Because it means I am out in the sunshine.

I am thankful for a lawn to mow, windows to clean and gutters to fix,
Because it means I have a home.

I am thankful for the complaining I hear about the government,
Because it means we have freedom of speech.

I am thankful for the parking spot I find at the far end of the parking lot,
Because it means I am able to walk and I have been blessed with transportation.

I am thankful for my huge heating bill,
Because it means I am warm.

I am thankful for the pile of laundry and ironing,
Because it means I have clothes to wear.

I am thankful for weariness and aching muscles at the end of the day,
Because it means I have been able to work.

I am thankful for the alarm that rings early in the morning hours,
Because it means I am alive.

Stop What You're Doing!

...and listen to my two new Ingrid Michaelson additions to my playlist. Ingrid is quickly becoming an artist who I heart the most! So turn the sound up on your computer and Just do it!

Hooter Hiders and other things...

So we went to spend an evening with some of our friends the other night,friends that had just happened to have a brand new baby girl. My husband warned me not to touch her, he even told me not to sit too close, so that I wouldn't get a whiff of the baby smell. Well I couldn't resist and I walked away with a nasty case of "the babies". Even though it seems to be incurable, I've been trying lately to fill the void by making things for other babies, mostly so I'd have an excuse to go and hold them again...so far it's not working but I've made some pretty cute things at the very least. Time to share..and if you want any of the links for the tutorials just leave a comment!The hooter hider, otherwise known as a nursing shield, way easy, way cute, I'd use one myself if I wasn't such a milk dud. Are the circles to suggestive of whats hiding underneath?


These crinkle toys are really cute! What is with babies and their obsession with plastic bags? These toys have crinkle cellphane sewn inside, so now babies can have their plastic bags and eat them too!



These appliqued t-shirts were a gift for my trainer who is getting ready to have a baby in November. He's a huge Chicago bears fan and he has a band thus the shapes. I had my friend Katy make me some of her darling bows to match. For her etsy store click here
I also sewed a rag quilt for baby Alex that I posted a couple weeks ago. Anyway since none of these have really done anything to cure the baby hunger, I've decided to start quilting (with the help of my mother who is coming soon!) and I'm hoping this will do the trick...




here's hopin...

Adventures with Cake Boy

This little boy will never be the same after how much cake he ate in the span of a couple days. On his actual birthday, we invited some friends to celebrate with us at Chili's, and we gave him the best cake in the world, a chocolate molten. He didn't get very dirty for the sheer fact he made sure to get every morsel in his mouth!

I dont know...I think he might like it...




The second cake experience was at our little pool party with friends the next day where we had Elmo cupcakes. This time he did get quite messy, and we were very thankful for the hose and outdoor shower at the pool.
as you can see Elmo got a nose transplant right away




Then afterward we waited for Dad to get home from the hospital to open his presents, which turned into more of a learning opportunity for Miss Mya, up until this point she was under the impression, if its wrapped..it's hers.



This last year with him has definitely had its ups and downs, but we're so glad he is with us. Here's to many many many more!




P.S. I couldn't resist a "shout out" for my husband who received his Board exam scores, a couple days ago! He got an absolutely amazing score! I am so proud of him. He works extremely hard, to do well on these tests, while still giving up time to be with his family and needy wife. Way to go, honey!

In the Land of Women

For Mother's Day I gave my mom a gift certificate for a photo shoot with all of her girls with my best friend and photographer Carlye ( for the website click here ). Growing up our father was on estrogen lock down with 4 daughters and zero sons. Now are numbers have grown even more with 6 grand daughters. As always, here are some of my favorites from this shoot!

Two of the Matriarchs of the family. The one on the right makes a mean sandwich =)



Andrea with her girls Riley and Parker



All 6 grand daughters


1 Granny Cook, 1 Mom, 4 daughters, 1 large tree = ???


4 generations of daughters, Wilson Chapter


4 generations of daughters, Brooks chapter


4 generations of daughters, Christensen chapter


Born 3 days apart, attached at the hip, Grace and Riley


These two will always be babies in my mind...even though they clearly are not.


This actually would have been a perfect picture if Miss Mya wasn't such a turkey


between the 4 of us, we know everything.


"Like Mother like daughter" doesn't even come close...


Christensen girls, Jennie, Abigail, and Grace


Mom with her own brood


My #1 Fave....not a bad lookin bunch...



The longer I go throughout life, the more I've come to realize, all you can do is stick with the people that will love you for who you are, no matter what, and rely on eachother to help you get through.

To my man cub on his birthday...

Top 12 Reasons we love Aiden

1. He didn't come with a difficult pregnancy...well compared to Mya

2. His smile lights up the whole room.
3. He's fun to snuggle with
4. He cries so much, he reminds us that we're thankful to not be deaf.

5. He's always festive
6. He's a good eater, I can't seem to feed him enough.
7. He's a good little brother, he LOVES to laugh with Mya
8. His laugh is contagious.
9. I only know 1 other person with eyes as pretty as his ;o)
10. He looks just like one of the most handsome men I know.
11. He's a good camper.
12. Since he was 2 months old he has slept through the night.
Most of all we love him because he is ours. You have caused us to laugh and cry, smile and sing. Happy Birthday, handsome Aiden, God has certainly blessed us.