Since it is almost Emma's first birthday, I have been very busy trying to getting everything ready for her party. Here are a few of the things I have been working on. There are so many more things to get done. I already feel like I am running short on time.

The theme of Emma's party is Wonderpets. If you've never heard of them you should check them out on NickJr. It is by far the best children's show I have seen.

invitations

cupcake toppers (wonderpets logo, linny, ming ming, and tuck)

confetti


napkin rings (w/ wonderpets logo)

The next project on my list is to make Emma's birthday outfit and hat. I will hopefully get started on sewing her pants tonight.

emma has shoes!

Emma has shoes! It was a lot harder for Adam and I to agree on a pair than I thought. I honestly didn't think he would have much of opinion on the matter. Oh, I was wrong. I should have known better, he LOVES clothes and shoe shopping. When it was all said and done we compromised. He got something pink/not boring and I got something that would be dressy enough for her dresses/casual enough for everyday.

I am glad we got them today, because today is the first day Emma hasn't crawled at all. My big girl. ::tear:: I am trying not to focus on the fact that she is getting so big so fast and instead focusing on all the fun things we can do now like going to the park. I also feel a trip to the zoo coming on... anyone want to go?

sweet feet

one of emma's favorite spots to play... in the dirt

too many choices!

I can't decide which pair of shoes should be Emma's first Big Girl Shoes. HELP!!!

silver ballet flat

silver casual

pink and green pattern

stripes

pink tennis shoe

There are too many choices. If anyone looked at these and has an opinion please let me know. THANKS!

bow ties

My brother has been asking for bow ties the last couple years. I thought that surely I could figure out how to make him a couple for his birthday. They turned out better than anticipated. They were a little more time consuming to make than expected, but well worth it.

This is my brother. Doesn't he look dapper.

books, books, books

This summer I realized that I really enjoy reading. Then I realized that buying books can be pretty expensive. So I went to the public library for the first time in 20ish years. It was completely overwhelming. I have been really into reading christian romance books this summer. Most people tend to laugh at me a bit when I tell them that, but they are really good. Adam makes fun of me calling them my trashy ::wink:: novels. Here are the books that I've read the last couple months.

• A Bride in the Bargain / Deeanne Gist
• A Bride most Begrudging / Deeanne Gist
• Deep in the Heart of Trouble / Deeanne Gist
• Maid to Match / Deeanne Gist
• The Measure of a Lady / Deeanne Gist
• A Passion Denied / Julie Lessman
• A Passion Most Pure / Julie Lessman
• A Passion Redeemed / Julie Lessman
• Eden Close / Anita Shreve

They were all wonderful books. Unfortunately I don't know what to read next. As you can see I will find an author and read everything I can find of theirs. There is one more Gist book called Beguiled, but it hasn't been available yet. I think I have decided to read a few classic literature books next. I am thinking:

• Jane Eyre (1847) Charlotte Bronte
• Wuthering Heights (1847) Emily Bronte
• Pride and Predudice (1813) Jane Austen

I was trying to find a list of 'must read' books like the AFI has for movies, but I couldn't find one. If anyone has any suggestions they are welcomed.

Rewind

This is what started my love for sewing. It was the first thing I ever made (I think it was sometime this year). It turned out alright, but was way too small for Emma. It now sits on top of an owl on her shelf. I figure she can use it for dress-up for her dolls someday.

It has been a long time since my last post. It was hard enough for me to keep current photos on facebook and it felt a little repetitive for me to post them here. So... I decided I will use this to post about my hobbies although I can't promise that Emma won't occasional make an appearance.

This past summer I have learned how to sew. With help from my mother-in-law and her kindly letting me borrow her sewing machine, I have learned a lot. I JUST finished (this morning) working on several 'pillowcase' dresses that will be sent to Africa. I say 'pillowcase' dresses because I couldn't find any actually pillowcases I liked. I ended up going to IKEA and found a great deal on some remnant fabric.



The pink and orange dresses will be for babies and they others are size 4/6. I had so much fun making them. I hope some little girls really enjoy them!