Bright Life in Nebraska

3D Bank Breaker

2012-02-02T23:54:00.000-06:00

Took the little munchi-kins on a 30 mile excursion today across Lincoln. We decided that we were going to see Beauty and the Beast for the 5th or so time but in 3D. Our first theater we stopped at actually wasn't showing the movie (grrrr)so we had to bust it across town in 10 minutes to get down to the Grand. We did it and after $25 in movie tickets and a $13 popcorn lunch, I am realizing that it was all worth it after all. The kids loved the movie, kept the glasses on, Henry successfully dumped his popcorn on the floor, we danced in the aisles after the last people left, they said thank you on their own and I got some cute pictures with the good ol' point and shoot. I am rediscovering a love for it I think.

PERFECTLY captures both of their personalities so truly.

Critic, Critique

2012-01-15T23:03:00.000-06:00

I have been thinking, in an extra sentimental way about pictures tonight. I was dumping my memory cards to try and prevent myself from deleting any photos that I hadn't yet saved. I started going back a couple months and then a couple months more then I wanted to see what Julia looked like a year ago, how healthy my Dad was a year ago and so on and so forth. I went quite a way back and smiles came across my face and tears streamed down my face too.

I am often critical of my picture taking skills since I have got my new (well, year and a half now) camera. I took a photography class that I think tremendously helped me have a better eye and be a better judge of how a picture is supposed to look coming out of your camera. What I haven't stopped to think about is how many memories I am TRULY capturing. When I take pictures, I try and take them for "picture frame" sake and really trying to nail a GREAT, SHARP shot. I can't handle my white balance being off and I really can't handle blur very well. If I don't get that great sharp shot, I usually just shirk it off and say "Oh well, next time" and put my camera back in the bag with a little pout.

Tonight I truly, truly enjoyed looking through my pictures from the last year and a half. I found that indeed! I do make my kids laugh and have fun, that Uncle Damon loves to make the kids screech and squirm (all the pictures are blurry because of their movement), I saw that my Dad was so extremely proud of his family and loved to be silly with his grandkids. I love how I am documenting tradition with Erin and his Mom and the kids making noodles from Grandma's pasta machine.

In essence, it doesn't MATTER how my camera is performing (as long as it is). I am not trying to win any awards for great pictures, I just want to create some great memories with my family and always try to capture our emotions and feelings when it is our MOMENT. In celebration of shitty shots and great memories, here are a couple.

Yellowed out from today. We had a great time ice skating at Mahoney. It was Julia and Henry's first time.
I was skating like Michelle Kwan. Seriously, I loved it and thought I was on Ice Castles or something.

Blurry Shot from a couple days back. The kids wanted to wear shorts all day and dressed up in their superhero capes and Iron Man costume. The blur just indicates lots of fun. Duh.

Embrace IT

2012-01-12T14:27:00.000-06:00

A little old but still as effective. This was one of my bigger sewing accomplishments in 2011. I made Julia's Rainbow Brite Costume from an original 1983 Simplicity pattern. The pattern was all cut out for me and color coded when I bought it. That was the easy part. Assembling this puffy number was a little tricky at times. My hubby even had to help me read the pattern at first. I am proud that I made this for J. She LOVED it. Here is more from our Halloween if you missed it.

Love her.

Bout' to get popped upside the head with that wand.

See this face EVERY day that I do her hair.

Wheeeeeee! I love Rainbow Brite!

To get in on the Embrace the Camera. Check out Emily's blog, link up and do it!

Love on the Run

2012-01-09T16:13:00.000-06:00

One of my favorite holidays is coming up real soon and I can't wait for all that pink and red to start oozing out everywhere! Valentines Day for some totally sucks and I can understand but I have always been a sucker for it. When I heard of Porridge Papers, our local letterpress shop, Love on the Run event, I knew it was right up my alley. Last year was my first experience.

Here is what happens at Love on the Run: When you walk in, there are a dozen or so vintage typewriters all set up for you to type out your words of devotion or naughty little love lines to your honey. The atmosphere is flowing with happiness and good vibes. They even have poetry books for you to read out of for inspiration. Once you are happy with your typewritten note, you take it over and bottle it up and then off it goes in a basket to be delivered to your mate on Valentines Day! They even allow you to paint love notes on their store window fronts. Porridge Papers acts as a modern day cupid to all of Lincoln for FREE! Free people! Such a fun experience.

They have started a Kickstarter campaign to bring this to a national level and trademark the event. They want to keep it free for communities and need some support. Go out and support Porridge Papers and help fund an awesome cause. All for LOVE!

Here I am sharing the love at the last "Love on the Run"

Embrace It.

2012-01-05T15:56:00.000-06:00

Starting up on Embrace The Camera again. This picture embraces the new look of the Wirth Family. It feels empty and sad without my Dad in it. It also shows happiness and pride of a beautiful mother and the love and dedication of her children. Even though my Dad has passed on, we will carry on the role of a family unit and continue to make him proud of his family.

Photo cred: 4 year old Henry, who is currently putting on his Dad's "Swagger" deodorant. Yeah.

It's New and I just don't know what to do with myself...

2012-01-04T22:11:00.003-06:00

Here we are...back from the land of the living dead or living busy whatever you call it. Sorry about my blog absence. It has been a great holiday season despite the lack of snow and the excess of 50 degree days in Lincoln. I just can't program myself to function outside in the winter even if it is nice out! So now we start this new year and all those resolutions that are spoken or unspoken begin to take shape or fall apart. In talking to Stacey, I told her that it was silly to make New Years resolutions because New Years is just another day and why can't people resolve on any other day of the year? That being said, I did settle on some resolutions-lofty or not, I guess time will tell!

Kaitlyn: Cook more and cook healthier...yeah yeah, I know. I just want to eliminate the Cream of Mushroom folks, that is the bottom line.

Be more patient with my kids, try not to have mom-tantrums. Work on teaching them more awesome old rap songs and working on their tune. We learned a Kriss Kross song the other day. Only the chorus.

Commit myself to Erin's silly Dave Ramsey Financial Peace freedom or whatever it is called. I am sick of spending money on fast food and am ready to start a budget and stick with it. (Part of my solution to this is to get a Target Red Card-saves 5%, good deal right?)

Lastly, today I decided to remove my facebook account. This has been a long time coming. I have thought about this a lot over the last year.  I am one of those facebookers that is checking facebook more than 5 times a day. How many more times a day than 5, I will not say. I know that I can do more with my time that is valuable and I truly feel like I will be a better mom without the distractions of what training regimen so and so is on or why their kid is puking for the 100th time that week.  I want to have real connections to people and pick up the phone, get a real email from someone and find joy in old school communication. I did decide to keep up my Owl People page in hopes that I can keep sewing things up and selling them. I wanted to still have a connection to the local businesses that I enjoy frequenting. Call me crazy and sorry to Anna Seckman for ever criticizing you for going off facebook. I am hoping to feel liberated and not lonely. Hahaha!

Finally, run my first half marathon. I am a little nervous for this considering the most I really have ran is about 5.5 miles. I am thinking of taking a half marathon running class for some extra support from others in the same silly boat. I still can't believe I signed up for the damn thing.

Here is what I think the rest of my family's resolutions should be:

Erin: Master carpentry and complete the built in cabinets in the loft, run a full marathon without having to train more than one day a week (hehe). Learn to sew or at least properly cut fabric to help out with Owl People production come spring. Take more roadtrips with the family.

Henry: Quit screaming like a girl. Start eating better and not be afraid to try different things. Start listening to mommy and daddy more. Wear clothes other than superhero shirts.

Julia: Stop the nonsense with getting out of bed at night and acting like a lunatic. Enjoy when Mommy does my hair, let her practice french braiding. Quit getting out of my chair at dinner time.

And because no post is complete without a picture...

Yes, this is one shit eating grin. Silly little Juila.

Switching Gears

2011-11-28T23:17:00.000-06:00

We've been doing a little of this...

Papa Jensen

2011-11-13T22:39:00.000-06:00

We have lost another special Papa in our lives. God called Papa Jensen to heaven on Saturday morning at 5:00am. We know that he is rejoicing with his lovely bride Dorothy at his side and my Dad in his wings. We are all a little overwhelmed by all the grieving we have been doing over the last 4 months. I know there are feelings of guilt, sadness and thankfulness. My mom was able to be at his side until the time he took his last breath like she was for her own mother and my Dad. I can't imagine leaving this world with no one beside me and I am very thankful that she was able to hold his hand as he stepped out to hold Jesus' hand. My Mom is a woman of strength, compassion and love. We have all built our roots on faith and a good strong family. I am thankful to have had my parents, model what my grandparents showed me about love and devotion and I know my Mom echoes exactly that about her parents and grandparents. Rest in sweet peace Grandpa. We will truly miss our Papa Jensen.

Here is the obituary we all wrote today:

Gordon M. Jensen, 84, of Grand Island, Nebraska, formerly of Callaway and Overton, passed away Saturday, November 12, 2011, at Good Samaritan Village in Grand Island.

He was born April 15, 1927, at Palmer, Nebraska to Horace V. and Christina (Williamsen) Jensen. He attended school at Callaway and graduated from Oconto High School with the class of 1945. He then enlisted in the United States Army where he was stationed in Louisiana. Upon his discharge he returned to Nebraska where he attended the University of Nebraska in Lincoln and Kearney State College.

Gordon married the love of his life, Dorothy A. Shea on June 7, 1950 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Oconto. Two children were blessed to this marriage; Dan and Peggy. Dorothy was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis in 1953. Gordon cared for and loved his Dorothy until her death on June 5, 2004.
He worked as the Grain Elevator Manager for many years in Oconto and Overton and then for the village of Overton. He then went to work for Monroe Auto in Cozad where he retired. In 1995, he and Dorothy moved to Callaway where he resided until moving to Grand Island in May of 2011.

Gordon played a mean game of Cribbage and loved playing cards, bridge and chess. He enjoyed Suduko and discussing politics. He was a historian and avid photographer. Gordon was an honest, intelligent, kind-hearted man who was very devoted to his family. He never forgot a birthday, anniversary or special occasion with a card or a call.

Survivors include:
One son and daughter-in-law: Dan & Deb Jensen of Johnson Lake, NE
One daughter: Peggy Wirth of Grand Island, NE
Two brothers: Russell & Lois Jensen of Sun City, AZ, Bob & Osa Jensen of Grand Island, NE

Four grandchildren: Brandon & Michele Jensen of Aurora, CO; Damon Wirth of Bennet, NE; Kaitlyn & Erin Bright of Lincoln, NE; Kimberley & Chris Beddow of Parker, CO

Four great-grandchildren: Henry & Julia Bright and Lewis & Nolan Beddow

Gordon was preceded in death by his parents; wife; two brothers, Hervey & Dwayne Jensen; one son-in-law, Larry Wirth and brothers-in-law, Eugene Shea & Richard Shea

Mass of Christian Burial will be Wednesday, November 16, 2011, at 2:00 p.m. at Holy Rosary Catholic Church in Overton, Nebraska with Reverend Jose Chavez officiating.

Burial with Military Honors will be in the Overton Cemetery at Overton.
Visitation will be held Tuesday, November 15, 2011, from 6-7 p.m. with Rosary at 7:00 p.m. at Holy Rosary Catholic Church in Overton.

Friends

2011-11-03T22:52:00.001-05:00

I am enjoying watching my little kids become the best of friends. It is hard to imagine when they were such tiny little babies that they were even capable of being loving, appreciative, thoughtful beings and friends. There are certainly times when she gets on his nerves and he on hers, but mostly there are things being said like "Here, honey girl, you want this?", and at night, "I want to pray for Henry" and him offering to get her a spoon for her lunch. She has given him confidence and bravery and he has given her laughter and silliness. I am forever grateful for my gifts.

80's Kind of Halloween

2011-11-01T11:30:00.001-05:00

It was a Halloween to remember! This is my first Halloween that I have attempted a handmade costume and I got this great little nerdy rush from seeing it go from yardage of fabric to puffy little clouds of fluff hugging her arms and legs. I have to say, sewing from this vintage 1983 Rainbow Brite costume was no easy task! Erin had to help me read the pattern when I first started determining what the sewing terms all meant. I finished the costume from start to finish in 5 days. I hope she lets me make her costumes in the future. It was great satisfaction and she absolutely loved it!

"Hey Glumface! Next time there's a rainbow look up!" -Rainbow Brite

A little Pre-Halloween fun at the good ol' Children's Museum.

Pre-Party at their babysitters house-Cindy is the best!

Another Pre-Party at Daddy's work

J with my Twink from when I was a little girl.

Henry as a Ninja Turtle-Leonardo. You know, the one with the swords.

With the neighbors-I love Henry's silly face in this. They love Optimus Prime-aka Bruin.

Happy Halloween from my 80's kid superstars!

Annndddduhhhh....I BRING YOU....

2011-09-28T22:42:00.000-05:00

QUILT NUMBER 2!

This little baby has been in the making for quite a while. My brother bought me the fabrics (well gift certificate anyway) 2 Christmas's ago and it is finally out of my UFO pile. I bought, I cut, I peiced blocks, I cut batting, I cut backing, I quilted, I binded it. I did it 100%! I have it hanging in my living room on my long wall up the stairs and it looks beautiful. Hooray.

Heave Ho Ol' Paci

2011-09-25T23:13:00.000-05:00

Well we did it...SHE did it and she is a little champion. I don't know if I can even state the importance of a pacifier in Julia's life. She LOVED it! And after 2 years and 4 months, the PACI has left her plump little lips which she so eagerly made room for during every nap time, every sad time, every grumpy time and every night time. We didn't know how she would fare on Friday when she dropped her last two paci's in her bear's belly to be sewn up. She did great, she is just now even more of a little chatterbox when Henry and her lay in their room trying to sleep. She now sleeps with her Dressie Bessie Doll and Pink Paci Bear, where her paci's are still close in thought...

I leave you with....memories of her mouth friend...

AND....WITHOUT her paci! Hooray for Julia! Big Girl!

It was OUR weekend!

2011-09-20T22:46:00.000-05:00

We did it! After 3.5 years, Mom and I took a roadtrip to Minnesota together and it was F-U-N! We started out at the Junk Bonanza which is a three day festival that brings in vendors to sell, well, junk! It was jam packed and we managed to sneak a few good purchases out of the deal. My pictures don't make it look too appealing but we scored some really great jewelry (not pictured), a very large map of the Roman Empire. I know, Mom told me that it was definitely one of a kind and that no one would ever have one in their living room! True true Peg. Sold! Some nice old MalloWear dishes for the kids, a pair of super cool vintage boxing gloves, sparkle shoes for Julia, a vintage 8mm video camera, a Bend, Oregon pennant which I haven't decided yet to give it up to my inlaws from there...Some cool little locker keys that will become necklaces soon, and the beginnings of BRIGHT. I couldn't find any good R, G, or T's. Plus the letters were a little pricey.

After our Bonanza-ing, we hit the highway to head to IKEA. Those of you who don't know what IKEA is, well, I can't really say I understand either. I have heard great and rave reviews from fellow bloggers that comment about how they load VAN fulls of stuff out of there. It is a home store (think Bed Bath and Beyond) but with furniture, organizational solutions, full on kitchens to purchase, bedroom furniture etc. I couldn't wait to get out of there and walked out with a rug and a couple storage bins. Hmpfh...Maybe Junk is more my style I guess.

Saturday we greeted Mall of America's doors with the intention of finding some great deals. And that we did! The Lego store was awesome (see me and Lego Woody) and other favorite stores were Naartjee for kids, LOLA (a spin off of BCBG but much cheaper), the kids scored some light up shoes from Sketchers. Mom even got herself some Shapeups from there. Oh yeah! We hit up a movie at 9:30 and left the MOA at midnight! Yikes!

The best part and actually the worst part about the trip was our foiled plans for finding lodging at 12:00am after our MOA adventure. We hit up three bigger hotels in Minneapolis and no rooms at the inn were available. We decided to go back to our original hotel just outside of Minneapolis because we thought for SURE they would have something. Nope. They led us on a route to find another hotel. Apparently we took the wrong turn and ended up in pitch black Minnesota, County Road 2. We finally reached the interstate and stopped in three small podunk towns before FINALLY resting our heads at 3:00AM. Geesh, that was exhausting!

It was a great weekend with my Mom. I hated to see her have to leave and go back to Grand Island because I know that it is really hard on her going home without my Dad there. I wish more than anything I could take away those hurtful times that she has to endure.

New Neighbor Love..

2011-09-20T22:15:00.000-05:00

From our sweet new neighbor girl Tylre.

Tylre, Bruin and Henry. It's quite fun having kid neighbors. Henry needs to take smile tips from Bruin though!

Julia is found usually hanging out with the adults or on the side.

Went out and experimented with the kids for some pictures. Needless to say, the lighting was about a half hour off, the kids were pissy and Henry ended up with a spider bite. This picture was fun to mess around with.

Me and my Beautiful Girlie.

Daddy has her trained pickin' berries so Grandma can make us jelly!

Family

2011-09-20T21:12:00.000-05:00

Because I promised my Mom I would put these up...and because we are so good lookin! Sad that my Dad isn't in these. Just doesn't seem right.

Me, Damon and Mom

Mom and Damon.

Jensen Family. Mom's Brother's Family.

Our little Fam. Minus our Daddy and Anna's girls.

Damon and Anna.

Whole Damn Fam.

The Hubs and Me. Suave and Bright Eyes.

In crafting related news...

2011-09-13T17:23:00.000-05:00

I worked on this little hoop de doo for about an hour last Friday night... Inspired by this pin from Pinterest.

Worked on this skirt for my neice Eleanore. Used Ashley's Apron Skirt Tutorial. Great tutorial super easy to follow. Thanks Ashley!

Halloweenie one for Julia. Cute little owl fabric.

And another for my little girlie. They are so easy and so cute with some leggins' underneath.

Stacey, Anna and I sewed our little hearts out on Saturday afternoon and this was my parting gift from Anna.

I even scored some great fabric from Anna. For free. Thanks for the "swag".

And my state of Nebraska print inspired by this pin on pinterest.

It has been a fun couple weeks of crafting. I still even have something more exciting to debut but that will depend on when I get my hiney in gear to go and photograph it. What are you working on?

I miss my Dad

2011-09-09T23:19:00.000-05:00

All it took today was this post from my friend Anna. Anna's post just struck me as, "wow, I wish I could blog to my Dad about gross stuff"...he always appreciated my humor just like Anna's dad probably does.

I can't begin to tell you how many times a day that I say that in my mind, "I miss my Dad". There are so many occurrences that accumulate and accumulate day to day. Other than Anna's post today, it was the way that Henry crossed his hands together and clasped them at his chest right above his heart just like my Dad did when he was in major relaxation mode. And with Julia today it was the way she said "that's Papa Larry" when we looked at his memorial picture on my bathroom mirror. I think of my Mom sleeping alone at night, coming home and eating by herself, LIVING by herself. I think of Henry not getting to know and create memories with a guy that was known for humor, joking, rough housing, good moral standards and with an imagination known to make kids heads spin. I think of Julia and how much she is not going to remember Papa Larry probably at all and that makes me EXTREMELY sad.

I have to choose to persevere and make it a priority to be more like my Dad so my kids can know how awesome a loving parent can be. I have to be a good listener to help my Mom get through her days and for me, being intent on those two things, THAT is what gets me through my days.

Nothing Better...

2011-09-05T20:49:00.000-05:00

Get The Craft Out of Yo House-A Craft Retreat

2011-08-24T12:54:00.001-05:00

On NOVEMBER 19th from 12:00 noon to November 20th to 12:00 noon.

This is an event for any gal who would like 24 hours of uninterrupted craft time away from their home.

We eat, we drink, we provide tables, irons, the occasional teaching of crafting trades, good company, music and a bed to rest in when you are all crafted out. Breakfast is provided by Rogers House B&B the following morning.

This event is limited to 10-12 gals who would like to spend the night. For a small fee, you can craft... during the day time if you don't want to spend the night. Overnighters, expect to pay between 30-40 bucks. Non-overnighters, the fee will be determined closer to the date.

For inspiration on your craft, you can always visit Pinterest.com. It is a great place to start. I encourage all people crafty and those who just want to get away and drink a few cocktails and accomplish something in the meantime (is that possible) to attend.

To read about past Get the Craft Out of Yo House Events:

http://wearethebrights.blogspot.com/2010/03/mommas-getaway.html

http://wearethebrights.blogspot.com/2010/11/another-get-craft-out-of-yo-house.html

http://www.kundhi.com/blog/2010/11/22/24-hours-of-craft/

If you are interested in attending, please contact Kaitlyn

wearethebrights(at)yahoo(dot)com

Well, I'm a little worried about him missing teeth...

2011-08-22T16:55:00.000-05:00

GASP! That is what I did, about flung my chair across the little counter to destroy the "x-ray" that made my heart sink. Henry had his 2nd dental appointment last week and I was so proud of him. He was the perfect little patient and even allowed for x-rays! He had restored all of my positivity in him as a 4 year old child. And then that darn dentist had the nerve to ask me if anyone in my family was missing teeth. What? No way, no hillbillies here! Then he proceeded to tell me that he thinks that Henry might be missing the two teeth NEXT to his (GASP!) front teeth! Oh man, what? Now, what I saw on the x-ray were four perfectly large permanent teeth waiting to shine through. Apparently a 4 year old x-ray should have more crowding where those front teeth are. So Doc. Marty told me to hold off on the freaking out and wait for next year for another x-ray. Poor Henry, if he has to get implants...well, Mom, maybe we should start saving for his teeth instead of his college.

I was proud of my little kids, they were pro's and the dental office made it all really fun for them. They even emailed me these pictures!

In other life, we have been keeping it pretty low profile. I have been wasting a lot of time looking around on Pinterest. You can see what I have been pinning if you want. It is a way to kind of feel creative without actually being creative. Right?

I have 3 events coming up to sell my wares. I am doing my last Farmers Market this Saturday the 27th and then doing another Farmers Market which is in Fallbrook on the 8th of September. Then for my all out big timer, the Craftacular is putting together a holiday show on November 9th. I really needed to nail down some dates in order to get my juices flowing again. All I have been doing is running.

Yes, running. I have not wrote much about my running because I have been afraid that I may jinx myself and turn myself back into a non-runner. It has been 12 weeks now that I have been at it. I ran my first 5K with my work BFF Crystal and it was FUNNN!!! I was so energized and well, though today's run sucked, I am going to keep it going on as long as there isn't ice on the streets.

Junk Bonanza. I am going to this with my Mom in Sept. It will be just a girls trip and I am so excited. I have always been sort of a junky person when it comes to decorating I guess. I enjoy the worn, eclectic and homely feel of using old and re-purposed items for decor. My mom, not so much. She says that we need to balance out the days...with junk on Friday and then Saturday will be "nice junk" when we hit up the Mall of AMERICA. Whatever the case, it has been two years since we have been able to do anything trip wise as a mother/daughter because of Dad's cancer. The last time we did something was when we galavanted across Nebraska for the Junk Jaunt. Jeez, I should class up our trips a little maybe.

Random Kaitlyn-ings...

2011-08-05T15:52:00.001-05:00

Here is my canvas that I had made from my Groupon for $40 bucks! Well spent Groupon indeed!

Here is my dresser. Finally done. I was inspired by http://pinterest.com/pin/96625924/. Some may remember that I rescued this little baby from the curb on one of the snowiest days in Lincoln. Blizzard conditions. Kids in the back of the car. Kaitlyn loading it up. All. By. Herself! I think it turned out pretty cute. The Anthro knobs cost more than the dresser probably ever was worth.

Can't wait to cut into these Heather Ross goodies...

My little sewing hub. I got a new table a couple months ago at a garage sale for $15. It is perfect for cutting and sewing. Not to mention the very cool design on the top.

My favorite picture to look at when I am sewing.

I saved all my little tiny strips from my Amy Butler Love fat quarters that I cut. Maybe I can actually get the quilt done in time for Christmas to prove my accomplishment of 2011.

Whew, Hope August is Better

2011-08-03T23:32:00.000-05:00

July. What a whirlwind. As most of my readers know, my Dad passed away on July 25th from a 3.5 almost 4 year journey with Stage IV colon cancer. It is hard what to know what to write on here. I have already spent time writing in my "death journal" and it is hard to know what to share with others or keep private. There are no secrets, just some things are meant to be kept special and some are not. I had a very loving and deep connection with my Dad and I will continue to love him until we meet under God's accord some other day.

I didn't feel like I could properly move on with my blog until I at least mentioned it. I am back in the swing of things I guess. The church gals have been bringing me food all week. I am very thankful for that. I am back doing things that I enjoy with my kids. We went swimming, rode the train at the zoo and had a picnic today. We are eating dinner again as a family, praying, reading books, running through sprinklers and enjoying living as we know Papa Larry would want us to.

I look to the sky a lot lately. Not only because my Dad was a meterologist and I think that he might have something to do with weather in heaven but I find the clouds and colors so peaceful and full of wonder and beauty. My eyes have been opened more to God's creations and I hope that I can continue to appreciate that.

And lastly...because no entry is complete without a picture...or 4.

Grandma and Julia

Sun setting on the evening of Dad's Funeral.

Here's to you Dad.

Damon and Mom and that beautiful sun setting sky.

Back from Cool Colorado

2011-07-11T23:11:00.000-05:00

11 days, 1600+ miles on the Solara, new brake pads, living out of a suitcase...I am finally home and man it feels nice. We spent the week of the 4th in Pagosa Springs CO, a hoot an holler away from the CO/New Mexico border. Erin's parents built their retirement home there and the whole 20 family members of the Bright clan packed it in for some fun in the mountains and sun.

Henry and Daddy at the 4th of July Parade. Downtown Pagosa Springs.

The beauty of a parade is ALL that CANDY!

Cousins

Can you tell which ones are brothers? Andrew flashing his abs of course.

Hooray for Firefighters! Julia holding Anna's hand and Eleanore's bonnet. All sweet glimpses.

My sidekick of the week, Totally awesome radical niece Kennedy.

First Carnival Ride with cousin Nate.

Ol' Glory and some Colorado blue sky.

Erin and his Mama. They are really sporting the "wing tips". This is where the cherished curls of my babies come from.

Somewhere there is a rainbow out there.

We did this for 3 days...

And a little "schooling" on what it takes to catch a good fish.

Yeah for Andersen's first fish! Henry looks a little concerned.

An A-Town Kind of Weekend...

2011-06-19T23:48:00.002-05:00

We did it, something we weren't sure was going to happen, we made it back to Alliance. All 7 of us. With my Dad's health, we take things as they come and with an appointment on Friday that left us all deflated, we took the bull by the horns and decided on the 5 hour road trip to Alliance. Thanks to Adam and Joey, they were able to bring us back for a reason to not only celebrate their marriage but to celebrate the deep bond of our family roots.

It all began on the beautiful Scenic Bi-Way called Highway 2. If you have never taken this route before, it is breath taking. Gorgeous flowing hills of green grass. Erin compared it to a Scotland golf course or something.

Papa Larry taking it all in.

No trip to Alliance would be complete without a stop at the NOAA weather station where my Dad started his career.

And of course, the old house at 1222 Potash Ave. where memories were made and joy was had for two little lucky kids. Owl People dwelled here, many of time capsules were buried, best friends were made and families were carefree.

Off to the wedding, Henry having his first pop EVER. He loved it.

Our Family of 4.

Adam and Joey. Beautiful country wedding. It really couldn't have been much prettier. Adam and my brother Damon were best friends growing up.

A Perfect Red Barn...

No wedding complete without a Bluegrass Band...

And my first BFF Amanda catching the bouquet. Old friends never fade and I love the fact that she is just like she was when she was Manda to me.

A carefree weekend spent without having to think what cancer does to our lives, enjoying good friends and each other and the fact that we can still have a great time together. Happy Father's Day to my Dad who started me off right 30 years ago and to my Husband who is a devoted Daddy instilling great values upon our children.

Whatever Craft Weekend...Whatever

2011-06-16T12:57:00.001-05:00

So I was perusing blog alley yesterday and came across this.... http://megduerksen.typepad.com/craft/

It is a craft weekend being held by some of the midwestern crafty blogger gals. I have and do enjoy reading most of these blogs until I ran across the blog post from Ashley Ann talking about a craft weekend that they are "reserving spots" for. This is in KS, just a hop skip and jump from me so I thought, "yeah! Maybe I could go!". THEN I saw the price and I was a little dejected thinking it included airfare or something crazy that I wouldn't have to pay for since I could drive. Well, NO. The $465 does not include airfare. So yes, $465 bucks for 2 nights, three days of crafting, company, food, a jaunt to an antique store.

You may remember that I hold my own craft weekend called "Get The Craft Out of Yo House". When I organize this, I feel horribly guilty asking people to pay the measly $30 bucks to spend the night and craft all day. I can't imagine what these girls are thinking and how they can honestly justify asking someone to spend that type of dough to hang out with them. Either it must be a swanky B&B that includes amenties of the Ritz or the rental car to get to the awesome antique stores outside of Wichita must be a stretch Excursion that cost a couple grand to get around. Enough of my rant. I just think some things are rant worthy.

Oh and this was my post on their blog...which they kindly deleted....

holy cow! 465? That is crazy. What do you do with all the

money? You are bringing in $4650 bucks.

That is enough to buy a small car for some people.

I host my craft weekend at a B&B and we charge 30 bucks.

THat includes lodging, b-fast, good food, great crafting. Sorry but your

price is astronomical. I hope you are donating most of the proceeds

somewhere.

###edited to add that I have the details of my craft weekend for November posted. If you are in Lincoln or around please contact me if you would like to attend http://wearethebrights.blogspot.com/2011/08/get-craft-out-of-yo-house-craft-retreat.html###

Have A Roca Berry Day

2011-06-09T17:02:00.001-05:00

Since my sewing machine is again on the fritz (pisses me off)for like the 3rd time (no big deal, just need to sew up 10 onesies for farmers market by Saturday at 6am), I thought I would dedicate some time to my blog (since my sewing machine SUCKS!). We had a fun morning at Roca Berry Farm or Roca Pumpkin Farm depending on the season. This was my first time out here. I remember Sarah talking about it for the last couple years, her facebook post reminded me that I needed to do this before strawberry season frizzled out. So...me, the kids in their boots and our Family Practice water bottle tackled the fields...Look what we reaped! All for a whomping $3.65! Not to mention the um 50 strawberries that we ate out in the field. Great place for a homeless person to go hang out, if they could get out there.

Henry took this picture. Good job buddy. The best one of the day!

And my favorite...look closely at that cute dimple on Henry. Swoooooon!!!

A-Z Me

2011-06-08T12:40:00.000-05:00

Because my blog has been lacking some substance: Hijacked from my fav bloggy gal at Pink Suede Shoe:

A. Age: 30! Wow, guess if I want another kid I better get going!

B. Bed size: King. Erin and I both have our own blankets, no top sheet. Down comforter for me even though it is like wearing a sweat suit at night.

C. Chore that you hate: Laundry. Really, quit buying so many damn clothes woman!

D. Dogs: Meh...they shed, run away, crap in your lawn. Really, they are almost worse than kids.

E. Essential start to your day: When my kids have slept till 8:30 or 9. Then Tazo Awake hot tea.

F. Favourite color: Navy Blue....Classic

G. Gold or Silver: I like to dabble in both. My wedding ring perfectly displays my love for both.

H. Height: 5'10

I. Instruments you play: I got nothing...the recorder when I dig it out of my childhood drawer.

J. Job title: Mama, Wife, Sewist, Insurance Crap.

K. Kids: Henry and Julia. 4 and 2. Click and Clack. Mish and Mash. I love that they love each other so much.

L. Live: In a cute little house, super slanted roof which means cool lofted ceilings, in a Tree City USA town.

M. Mother’s name: Peggy or Peg or Meerma or Granma or Peg Leg.

N. Nicknames: Kait. Only very few are allowed and privileged enough to call me this.

O. Overnight hospital stays: Surgery on my little tiny bladder when I was 6 and my babies hospital stays.

P. Pet peeve: This could be a whole post… but my main one will be "would you like your receipt with you or in the bag"

Q. Quote from a movie: Lame. Who can remember movie quotes? Oh, right, guys can.

R. Right or left handed: Righty.

S. Siblings: One older brother Damon whom I will always look up to.

T. Time you wake up: never late enough. Around 830 or 9. Whenever those darn kids start screaming "mommy, mommy"

U. Underwear: there are about 5 favorite pairs and are about 4 years old. Vics, why can't you make that style anymore?

V. Vegetable you hate: Sprouts? Sick. Dirt. Dirt. Dirt.

W. What makes you run late: usually my outfit ensembles.

X. X-Rays you’ve had: does a colonoscopy count?

Y. Yummy food that you make: What is not to love of mine? I like my Greek tortellini salad, Zavala enchiladas and German chocolate cake. None of those together of course.

Z. Zoo animal: The big ol' gorillas. Especially when they are picking at something.

Win it!

2011-06-08T12:09:00.000-05:00

Go enter http://ohhappyday.com/2011/06/goes-to-paris/ to win a trip to Paris!

Note: I waste and have wasted so many of my hours entering blogger's giveaways,truthfully, they seem almost impossible to win. I look at this as another lost cause but hey, it's a free trip overseas folks!

Happy Happy Julia

2011-05-24T22:00:00.000-05:00

To my little Julia: Wow, what a fun 2nd Birthday we had for you today! Even with the rain, and a complaining brother all day, you managed to stay HAPPY HAPPY! Not one melt down. I think it was because I sang Happy Birthday to you all day long. I think I will try walking into your room every morning singing. We had our nice birthday breakfast ritual at Bread and Cup for a yummy cinnamon roll and off to the Children's Museum we went for some fun play time. It was fun seeing you so happy all day long. You got the doll stroller you had been asking for, some clothes that you mistook as "fwabric" (my kind of girl) and your very own personalized bracelet like Mommy's from Kira. You have been such a little ray of sunshine to my days. You are beginning to talk more and more, quite the conversationalist on the phone, here is what happens when you talk on the phone: "Hi gran-ma, or hi papa" then you say "good" and then usually say "ummmmm, 4!" or "hotdog". You have the funniest facial expressions I have ever seen. You are going to be the ultimate power eye roller in your class someday. You love the color pink and would rather spend your days wearing Henry's swimming suit than anything else. Happy Birthday Julia Macrae. You are the cat's pajamas, the bee's knees and the horse's hooves. You are the bestest of the best!!!

Super Henry

2011-05-22T23:04:00.001-05:00

Ode to my Superhero Son: You are 4 now. It has been so much fun to see you morph into a different person...literally. Not only are you a totally awesome cool boy, you have the abilities to change into different Superheros everyday. One day you are Batman, the next day you are Spiderman, Superman gets thrown in there and the newest is Captain America and He-Man also makes a debut. I can't believe how smart you are figuring all of those roles out. It makes my head spin just thinking about it. I have to be on top of my game in the morning when you are trying to find clothes. Emotions run high if you aren't able to find jeans to wear with your superhero shirts. They have to match. Shortly put, you are a crazy superhero freaky deak!

You have changed so much since you started your "preschool" at Cindy's house. You know your numbers, alphabet, how to spell your name and write all but the letter "Y". You know your dinner prayers and can say the "Our Father". You are sensitive about getting your clothes wet. If even a drop of water hits your shirt, a new one has to be brought out, thus a new superhero has to be introduced. You say funny things like "I have a feeling that that is not a good idea" and always try to be accomodating to your sister's needs when she is crying or unsure about something. You are an awesome BIG Brother. Except for the times when you try to steal a toy from her by replacing it with something that you just got done playing with.

We love you Henry MacArthur. You are the man. You fill so many "man" roles but there is only ONE

Henry MacArthur Bright.

On a side note: We spent your 4th Birthday celebrating in Nebraska City at the Tree Adventure. You studied the tourism brochure for it for months and it was decided we would go here. Great place to spend time with family, have a picnic, stay the night (Lied Lodge) and create new family memories that will last a lifetime. Love ya buddy.

A month really?

2011-05-19T17:46:00.001-05:00

Man, what have I been doing for a month? Well, I mentioned the photography class that Stace and I took through Becky Novacek in Fremont. Well, here are a couple shots. I just love the one of Stace, she is so pretty even though she said she looks pissed off. Not only did I enjoy the class and get a lot out of it, spending a WHOLE day WITHOUT kids with your bff is priceless. We must find more excuses for day long excursions.

Some of the gals from the class. We were a mob of paparazzi through Fremont.

This was very rare and had to take full advantage of taking this picture. Henry RARELY naps and he just happened to fall asleep right in front of an open window in our room. This is probably the only picture I have of a sleeping Henry. Isn't is peaceful?

The big guy (Great Papa Jensen) on the left had a 84th birthday to celebrate! We had a nice celebration with close relatives and even managed to get him to smile. Not too long before this, he was told that his body was full of cancer and wouldn't be able to return to his home. He lived with my folks for a few weeks and recently moved into an assisted living/nursing home type place in Grand Island. He is feeling much better and is happy in his new joint. We love our Papa!

Then came Easter...

It had just started to rain. They got crowed under the house for a picture with their pretty Grandma.

Easter in Wichita, pretty blue skies. What a beautiful day in so many ways.

Cousins on an egg hunt!

Started Farmers Market...These are my pretty dollies. I will have to take a picture of my booth next time in June.

Erin ran the 1/2. 2nd Time running the Lincoln Marathon now. Gary and Linda came, Gary also ran the 1/2. I am fairly certain this is just the very beginning of Erin's running career. My bet is is that he will run the full next year. A little roadrunner just like his Dad.

Marathon Day, Erin's friend Lance came for a visit with his kiddos and our toys got a marathon workout. Just thought this was funny.

Celebrated my 4th Mothers Day. Erin spoiled me rotten with flowers, workout clothes, a bagel breakfast and a yummy dinner. I even got craft time!

Started this bad boy. From this tutorial. Linda got me a Amy Butler "Love" fat quarter pack for my b-day. This is a fun one! It will be a little bigger than a twin size when it is done.

Went back to Becky's again for a model shoot and there was this pretty little girl...

And this adorable couple. I got to use Becky's awesome million dollar lens and boy was it fun to play with.

And to finish it off...my Jedi Master, Yoda Julia in Yoda's jacket.

Hope you enjoyed my wordy bloggy bloggathon.

Winner!

2011-04-18T16:22:00.000-05:00

Wow, with all the overwhelming entries that I got, there was a winner! Did the ol' fancy have a co-worker draw out of my hands. Crystal did it and she can vouch that I didn't just pick my BFF to win.
"Love, The Roach House said...

Yo, I want a strap! How about that?"

Congrats Stace. Guess you can come over and pick out your fav.

Straight off the Card and a little BONUS

2011-04-14T16:32:00.003-05:00

Our week began with this on Monday: "awhhhhhhww! My He-Man shirt is ruined"

"Here mom, here's a flower for you" on Tuesday...

These guys make an apperance EVERY DAY and every where.

Our "Embrace the Camera" this morning. Just clean out of the shower all three of us!

----->Get in on Emily's weekly Embrace the Camera over ---->there somewhere

Check out my Catch Lights (oh yeah, just a sleek photographer term)

Her addiction...Blankie and Backie...How in the world will we ever get rid of that pacifier? I compare it to a crack addiction, or coffee. Never of which I have had, but she HAS to have both of them after every meal.

Sampling of the dresses that will fill my Farmers Market booth with happiness and color.

What we all look forward to everyday, Daddy coming home from work.

***Oh, I almost forgot, this is my 200th blog post!! It is always exciting getting to a big number with anything. So, in a big celebration, I am going to reward someone a delightful camera strap from my stash. I know that Becky's blog has been generating some traffic here, so a camera strap is probably fitting today. At random, I will pick one winner. I will leave it open until Sunday night. Winner will be announced on Monday. Just leave me a comment,(with your email address) I don't care, anything you want. It can be about your favorite pair of jeans or how you like to spend your nights or how much it pisses you off when your bobbin runs out. Or it could just say, "Enter ME Woman, I wanna win!!!!!!"

Here are the straps, even fitted with a lens cap pocket. This strap will fit over your existing strap, like a cover. They are padded for a little more cushion and oh so totally awesome. Okay, good luck!!!

Becky Novaceck Photography Workshop

2011-04-09T23:23:00.000-05:00

Had a great day today with my bff Stace. We went to a fantabulous photography class by Becky Novacek in Fremont. More on this later...here are a few of my pics taken today with my new found knowledge on "understanding my camera".

Embracing Aquaman

2011-03-31T18:15:00.000-05:00

Today's Embrace The Camera:::A trip to the children's museum and our favorite thing to do is face painting. Henry today decided that he wanted to be "Aquaman". I love painting his face when we are there. It is usually a pirate with a funny moustache which I just love.

Then there is this little girl, too cool for school in the new dress that I made for her this afternoon.

Now! Go and Embrace it yourself ------------------------>Emily's Button is over there.

Never Enough

2011-03-25T12:32:00.000-05:00

That is always the going motto...never enough time, never enough money, never enough good things to eat, never enough pictures of me. Since I have adopted the role of "house photographer", I very rarely find myself in the pictures. Enough is enough! I have been following Emily's blog for a while and love her cheeky little pictures with her cute little kids. She has a weekly feature called Embrace the Camera for mama's to start getting in those pictures once and for all! Here is my moment:

Check out Emily's Link-------> some where over there to get in on this fun shiz!

WIP

2011-03-25T12:16:00.000-05:00

Don't they just make you want to smile? I have 10 of these little cuties almost ready to sell this summer at Farmers Market. They are definitely more time consuming than I thought.

Papa's 61!

2011-03-21T21:58:00.000-05:00

As old as a dinosaur, or so they say. Hey, and we even got him a dinosaur balloon. Papa Larry turned 61 years old on March 20th, the first day of spring. What a beautiful weekend it was. I really do think that God has allowed my Dad to feel good on special occasions-Christmas AND his birthday. What a great blessing. We were able to get outside and play a bit and Papa even fired up his motorcycle. Grandma fixed a delicious fried chicken meal with all the fixins. Doesn't get much better than that my friends. His birthday wish:::another year.

Channeling Alison

2011-03-17T15:48:00.000-05:00

Thank goodness for quiet time and naps. What on earth am I ever going to do when they grow up and won't give me this sweet time. I used Alison's Road Trip Quilt for this. Seriously the easiest thing I have ever done. Great beginner quilt. I might have to rip out and reposition the two stripes <-----over there. I am pretty sure I didn't lay it out like that originally. Can't blame the kids for that mistake. Anywho, Happy St. Pat's Day. Off to eat corned beef and cabbage at Stacey's house for our annual tradition. I leave you with my:

"Prince"

(He actually won this bow at a fundraiser we went to, very cool)

My "Knight"

(great find at Michael's. This kid loves wearing pretend hats. Pirate and Knight are his fav's)

My "Cinderella"

(I put her to work sorting my fabric scraps, someday she will her pretty gown)

Why I Love Having Kids

2011-02-28T13:33:00.000-06:00

Because if I didn't have kids, I know I wouldn't be building snowmen.

It's Pant Week

2011-02-21T14:28:00.002-06:00

Last night I was up until 1:30, thinking about many somethings and a whole lot of nothings...One thing I couldn't get my mind off were these pants and I woke up with a burning desire to make some. I didn't have a tutorial at first, just traced some of Julia's pants and left myself looking for assistance to help me with a yoga band waist and some ruffle help and found this tutorial. So, while Juila rested her cute little head for naptime, I whipped these up and couldn't be happier. I used an old shirt of mine for the main part of the pants, a old Victoria Secret tank/bra top for the waistband and the leftovers of a sheet I made for the kids' bed for the ruffles. I can't wait to find more knits to use.

I made Henry's pants with a simple tutorial from Dana's celebrate the boy week. Shark pants with an H pocket. Happy Pant Week.

Pinterest=Exciting

2011-02-16T21:27:00.000-06:00

Wow, I have been totally caught up in a whole new world of geekdom this week. I found a website called Pinterest. Basically it is a virtual bulletin board that you can organize your favorite things on. Probably the coolest thing I have seen since Erin rolled up to my apartment with a 12 pack of Old Milwaukee back in 2003.

If you want to check out my Pintrests---- click here

Do YOU like it?

2011-02-10T12:38:00.000-06:00

And...I present to you....The Quilt That Matches Nothing! I am not 100% in love with this quilt like I am my last one...I put this baby together in 5 sewing sessions. Cutting one day, blocks in two days, sashing in two days. I am very surprised how quickly it went together. I still have to find a backing and actually quilt it together. Overall, yes, it is fabulous, just not with my brown couches and earthly tones. Thanks to my brother Damon for buying me the gift certificates to buy the fabric. Maybe it's the lime green that throws me off. Who knows, I suppose it will grow on me. What do you think of it?

Attempted: Colored Ice Bunting

2011-02-03T16:27:00.001-06:00

On Tuesday, I was a complete BLAH. It wasn't until 4:30 that I finally got my motivation about me and found this great little idea for a winter craft. We filled up our muffin pans with water, added food coloring and a strong string, froze them outside on the deck and today I finally brought them in and strung them up. It was fun for Henry to make several new colors out of the four colors that I had for food coloring. Stringing them up was kind of a pain in the ass. Dye all over my precious little hands and they started to melt FAST when they were brought in. Must STRING FAST. I love the way the look strung under the porch as you look to our door. Good winter craft indeed.

Freezer Paper First

2011-02-03T16:11:00.000-06:00

Finally, I can say I have tried my hand at Freezer Paper Stenciling. Again, I hijacked this tutorial from Dana. This has been one of my long "to-do's" for a while now...I can't say that I am in love with the process. Just eh, okay. I don't really like to get my fingers very dirty when it comes to crafts. Sewing is more my bag I guess. Check out the bags that I made Henry and Juila. They will use these for daycare to collect all of their preschool projects.

My favorite part on Juila's is on the top white strip, right side, she stuck her little fingers in the paint while it was drying.

Singer Circa 1968...

2011-01-27T17:26:00.000-06:00

I have had a my Mom's lovely old sewing machine/table in my sewing room since I moved into the Bright Estate in 2004. I have always used it as a table that collects random pins and hold a couple of glass vases filled with random craftings. Today Henry and I decided to bust that thing out! I had never opened it before and was really surprised to see what great condition it was in. I got out some thread, read the book a little and learned how to wind the bobbin (you do this in the shuttle that holds the bobbin, weird) and wahlahh, it was threaded. Henry "hit the juice" and it sewed really great! A little louder than the Baby Lock but it is nice to know that if my machine goes ape shit crazy someday I have a little back up. Good purchase Grandma, I wonder what the last thing that my Mom sewed was. Remember Mom?

Learning and Playing

2011-01-27T10:29:00.000-06:00

We have been hard at it this winter. This time couldn't have come soon enough for me, finally the kids PLAY together! They laugh, hug, Henry says "I love you pumpkin", Julia screams when he holds her neck too tight, they have full on belly laughs and dance to "apple bottom jeans". I absolutely love that they enjoy each other and are each others shadows.

Henry has been coming out of his shell a little more. He enjoys going to Cindy's (daycare 2days/week) and learning preschool things. She really goes overboard, he brings about 10 different activities home that properly get distributed into the recycling bin (well most of it). I think I pay her for her shopping at Oriental Trading. The woman does a great job! He has been learning his letters and has figured out his "H". Everywhere we go he finds an "H" somewhere, "hey look mom, there's an H as in Henry". He likes looking for "B" in Bright and "J" in Julia too. Last week Hobby Lobby had their chipboard letters on sale, for $1.00 so we picked up an "H" and a "J". Decorated them up and have them hanging on their door now. We had fun decorating, I did the gluing and Henry did the cutting and picking out the peices. It may have inspired me to do a whole alphabet and eventually hang them up in their room.

Julia is a little sweetie pie with a touch of the naughties. She can now rock the pigtails and loves getting her hair done and dressed up in her pretty clothes. When I have her dressed for the day and hair done, I say, "look at Mommy and show me how pretty you are". She turns around and flashes a cute little smile and a pose. She has been gaining new words everyday. Blankie, Mommy and Daddy were her first words for quite a while but now she is up to "Hennie" (Henry), "Beckie or Maggie" (Paci), Milk, Juice, Up, Apple, Papa, Pancake, Elmo (for Diaper), "Yammies"(Jammies) and my one of my favorites, when she runs around saying trying to hand you things saying "hew, hew" for here. And since we are on funny sayings, last week Henry said, "Helicopter is not a bad word but Hell is" Yes Henry, you are right. Now where in the Hell did you learn that???

Posterized Plaque-Jessica Made It!

2011-01-20T11:15:00.000-06:00

One of my favorite bloggers-Jessica at Oh So Happy Together made my hubby's handmade Christmas gift this year. I found her tutorial a couple weeks before Christmas and was very inspired to make one for him but opted to just ask her to make one instead. Not only did she cut me a great deal! but it looks awesome too! I sent her copies of a couple of my favorite love letters Erin and I exchanged when we were first dating and one of my favorite pictures of us when we were in NYC and...Wahhhlaaa! I couldn't be more happy. Thanks Jessica!

Rollie Pollie-Santa Made It!

2011-01-20T11:05:00.001-06:00

For Christmas, Santa made Julia a new bean bag. Not just any bean bag though, the Rollie Pollie from Dana Made It. Except I made it, well, Santa made it! The project was much more expensive than I anticipated, probably ended up costing me around $100 dollars to make. I opted for a nice down fluffy stuffing (Cluster Stuff) opposed to bean bag or styrofoam filling. This was definitely the right choice as it is so cozy and fluffs right back up after you hop all over it. Fabric used was two shower curtains from TJ Maxx for $7.00 dollars a piece. It is a welcomed piece to my house even if it doesn't match any of my furniture.

Check out my friend Julie's Rollie Pollie. She and I so happened to be making the same project at Get The Craft Out of Yo House Retreat.

My First Quilt-Coin Quilt

2011-01-10T13:26:00.000-06:00

Well, she's done!! After about a year and a half of sitting on the back of my chair in my sewing room, I finally completed my first quilt! From quilt top, to piecing the bottom, batting, quilting and binding. I found my coin quilt tutorial from Salt Marsh Designs and went with it. Oh Fransson's new book helped me understand how to make a quilt sandwich and some other fabulous tips and Linda's binding tutorial helped me a ton. I am officially NOT afraid to do another one. Erin bought me some delicious fabric for Christmas so I can't wait to get started on the next!

Right meow..

2011-01-10T11:31:00.000-06:00

Everyone in my house is sick. This little nasty flu bug entered our house on Friday sometime and has been picking us off one by one. Julia's puking started on Friday at about 330 am and again on Saturday night. Henry was last night at 830. Poor little Henry puked about 20 times last night between 830 and 2am. He woke up with some nasty undies too. Erin was a saint and slept on the floor with Henry last night while me and Julia slept in our room. Now Erin is sick too! This is craziness. Pure craziness. I can just imagine this tiny little evil bug (like the Mucinex bug on tv) patroling its way through everyones body. Today I am thankful that I have yet to get sick (fingers crossed), for laundry detergent, for beach towels lining my carpet and for crackers and water so I don't have to cook.

Anna Seckman, this one's for you!

2011-01-08T20:44:00.000-06:00

Just because this gains me another entry into winning some Heather Ross fabric and you are my only reader that 1)knows about Heather Ross and 2) that cares enough about a giveaway of Heather Ross fabric. So..here it is, if you weren't already reading Raggedy Owl's blog, she moved and switched to http://fussycut.blogspot.com/ . She keeps up a good blog-no where near as funny as yours and no where near as lame as mine!

December brought...

2010-12-29T22:34:00.000-06:00

Julia's Ginormous Bean Bag from Santa (ie Mommy made it)

Erin's 33rd Birthday.

Lots of Pirate Play.

Christmas Kisses. XOXO Love ya Erin.

Jeans that are too tight. CONSTRICTING!!

A pirate ship from Santa for Mr. Henry.

Ski goggles and boxing clothes

Stacey's sweet little Ryker that is such a good little boy not to mention cute!

Playing train in the kitchen. Note the conductor hat.

Monkey slippers and girl toys.

Always a smile with the naughty girl calendar. Biggest smile I see all year!

A Kindle and a Papa Larry that felt...AWESOME!

Many Faces of Julia Macrae

2010-12-29T22:00:00.000-06:00

Uncle Damon

2010-12-29T21:34:00.000-06:00

Uncle Damon turned 33 this year. Old Man, Old Old Man...He and Julia had quite the fun little photo shoot before we took him out to a dinner with friends. Love her expressions but most of all love the fact that she loves her Uncle!

Bright and Wirthy Faces

2010-12-29T21:02:00.000-06:00

Back when it was nice out...October 11th to be exact, we had some nice family photos taken. My favorite of the whole family (including my parents, brother and us) is not in here. You will just have to come to my house to see it I guess. Faustina did a wonderful job with Henry. He is very difficult during photo shoots.

My Babies Today...

2010-12-07T12:45:00.000-06:00

The Semi "stink face" look

I'm a Superhero Santa!

Another "Get the Craft out of Yo House"

2010-11-23T10:21:00.000-06:00

I am coming off of the weekend still draggin some serious butt. Sick with a cold and the lovely sinus drainage, creativity pretty much exhausted and have just a small little bit of Owl People inventory to make me want to give the rest of it all away. This was a big weekend for me. On Thursday night, I attended as an "artist" the 3rd Annual Craftacular down at Zen's bar. I use the term "artist" loosely because I really would not consider myself one. I put shit together with a little thread and a machine. That is my hobby, not art to me. Anywho, Craftacular turned out very well for me. I dumped over half of my inventory and made a nice chunk of change before Christmas. It was a great event with great local and young artists that was wall to wall with people all night long.

Saturday I drug myself around the house trying to get prepared for, "Get The Craft Out of YO House". This is the second one that I have organized and put on. A group of 12 girls came with craft in hand down to Rogers House Bed and Breakfast and crafted all the live long day. It was great, I worked on Julia's Christmas present (debut later) and whipped up a couple of wonky pillowcases for me and Erin. I helped a couple of friends sew for the first time. Crystal and Tracy made dresses for their girl's first birthdays. Julie worked on a blanket for a friend's wedding gift and started the same present for her daughter that I made for Julia. Anna worked on a quilt and made helped Stace with some cool fabric frames for her living room. I could go on and on with what everyone got accomplished. I always stress about people not attending but in all, an overnight trip to a B&B with uninterupped crafting for $39.00 is deal in my book. You should consider coming next time, the parting gift was the button above "Craft is my Crack" and last years was "I am a Crafty Motherf*^&#$". I don't know how I can top myself next year.

We are finishing our short week and heading to Wichita for Thanksgiving. It will be nice to chill out, watch the Huskers beat up on the Buffs, eat some delicious turkey and raid my mother-in-laws sewing stash.

Welcome George!

2010-11-01T22:39:00.000-05:00

This is my totally radical brother with his new search dog George. Damon is out in CA right now picking up George and learning all about search dogs and using rescue tactics to deploy for natural disasters around the world. I just love this picture. You can tell how happy he is and how proud he is to be doing what he is doing. I was never one for black labs but look at that SWEET face! Congrats Damon! George is going to make a great "fire dog" as Henry says.

Another Favorite...

2010-10-31T22:54:00.004-05:00

Happy Halloweenie!

2010-10-31T22:06:00.004-05:00

My Favorite...Why are crying pictures so funny? Please tell me you find some humor in this?

"Julia, quit hitting Henry" There actually was a better picture of me and the kids but this truly captures the moment we had and have many hours of the day. She is a fiesty one.

They didn't eat dinner before we went out. Can you tell?

Strawberry Princess Fairy? I don't know what she is but she is sure cute!!!

And Finally, IRON MAN! He has one little McDonalds toy that is Iron Man, he obviously thinks very highly of that toy. That is the only thing Iron Man he really even knows. He has wanted to be this since the first time that I asked what he wanted to be for Halloween.

Funny Boy.

Cutie Little Julia

2010-10-25T21:01:00.004-05:00

Since she wasn't happy with the chunks of pear I cut for her, I decided to just let her gnaw on the whole thing. Mmmmm! Isn't she just adorable?! I love this little girl so much. She brings so much happiness to my days. I swear she has a smile or a little smirk on her face any time she sees you. If it wasn't for her crabby moments just before she wants something to snack on or before she goes to bed, I would say she is PERFECT!

Kitchen Re-DOOOOOOOOOO

2010-10-12T22:25:00.006-05:00

Yes, no pictures to prove it but we have done a semi-overhaul of our kitchen. We did the ultimate up-cycle and re-used the laminate floors that were in the living room and used them in our kitchen and laundry room. ANYTHING is a huge improvement to the nasty ugly ass white tiles that previously existed. We painted the walls a nice soft hue of blue. So the fun part begins. Out with all the old decor crap, the pot lids on the walls, the old windows on the wall, the little display-y crap on top of the cupboards and ENTER...new decoration!! I have been loving me some Etsy posters lately. Here are some of my winners, just need the trigger finger to make it work.

http://www.etsy.com/listing/58263170/keep-calm-and-eat-cheese-poster-13x19?ref=sr_list_13&ga_search_query=posters+kitchen&ga_search_type=handmade&ga_page=2&order=&includes%5B0%5D=tags&includes%5B1%5D=title

http://www.etsy.com/listing/51758330/tea-heart-tea-towel-orange

http://www.etsy.com/listing/48412254/8x10-lemon-custard-flavor

http://www.etsy.com/listing/57043465/i-heart-nebraska-8-x-10

Us-6 Years Later

2010-10-12T22:01:00.003-05:00

I wish I had a digital file of our wedding picture. Seems like only 6 Years ago, people were still mainly using FILM? OMG WTF? Anywho, the ones who were there will remember how beautiful and RADIANT I was. Right? And how incredibly sweaty and HOT Erin looked? Right? 6 Years later, our love is still there. Maybe not all that sappy PDA, sitting on each others laps and holding hands every where we went but having a good time together still does exist for us my friends.

We enjoyed the weekend in Estes Park and did absolutely nothing. It was fabulous. We don't have cable here on Bison Drive so we watched plenty of Ice Road Truckers and this great car show called Overhaulin'. We determined that being a trucker in another country would be insane and that it would be really cool to get Damon's van Overhauled. We-no, I-drank plenty of red beers, Erin somewhat admitted his love for the Huskers and shopped around. Can you believe that, Erin shopped?!!! It was a great vacation for a love destination and we had a very romantic room on our anniversary night. I will spare the details. Oh wait, did you want them?...KIDDING!

Wrapped up the weekend by picking up the little munchies from Grandma and Papa's. They visited 2 pumpkin patches, Papa sang songs about "brushing your teeth with a frying pan" and Grandma entertained them with plenty of stickers, shopping and play. They loved it.

Touch a Truck-Sit in a Stroller

2010-09-29T21:16:00.005-05:00

That is what Henry did...a couple weekends ago we headed up to Omaha to pop into this little event called "Touch-A-Truck" They had every kind of truck you could imagine. Garbage trucks, skidloaders, firetrucks, a limo, moving trucks, vans, ambulances, a helicopter, cement mixers, the list could go on forever. We thought, "Henry will LOVE THIS!" and boy were we mistaken. He didn't love it. In fact, he never even got out of the stroller to "Touch-The-Frickin-Trucks" I think his "social anxiety" must have kicked in or something. Julia sure enjoyed getting in the trucks and operating the skid loader like she was its master.

The only time Henry smiled. Balloon and Candy, that's the trick!

We have been having more and more fun at home. Seems like Miss Julia is starting to do just about everything that Henry does. We have been playing in the sink, painting in the driveway with water and paintbrushes (thanks Julie), filling up the toy bucket with suds, library visits often and the Children's Museum is on the list for a membership this winter. I am enjoying this age of the kids very much.

Why yes, that is a three year old sitting in the sink.

They have enjoyed their new babysitter Cindy very much. They do preschool every morning (the two days they are there) and learn all kinds of things. Although Julia is pretty small and busy, Cindy says that she sits and listens and wants to do the preschool activities that the big kids are doing. Henry always comes home with a bag full of things they did.

Erin and I are headed out to Estes Park for our 6th anniversary in a couple weeks. We found a really nice joint to stay at for a couple nights and then headed to the super luxorious Della Terra for our anniversary night. Can't wait! Kids? they get shoved off to Grandma's for the weekend.

Husker Season Has BEGAN!

2010-09-12T22:01:00.003-05:00

...Which to Damon means a whole lot of tailgating, to me, attempts at tailgating and to my Mom, much screaming and clapping her hands till they bleed and to Dad, just the general enjoyment of a good game. Me and Dad are probably the most "normal" fans of the family where Damon and Mom really get jazzed and fired up.

Alas, our first Husker game of the year. Just the 4 of us, Mom, Dad, Damon and me. I am trying to remember the last time that it has just been the 4 of us alone without spouses or kids. Maybe a trip to AZ one summer to visit Damon back when we had the green minvan. That was at least 7 or 8 years ago. It was a nice time. Thanks for the tickets Mom and Dad!!!

Two Papa's-One Great Day

2010-09-09T21:45:00.003-05:00

My parents came on Labor Day along with my Grandpa who doesn't get to Lincoln very often. It was nice to have them for a good "rib" dinner and for them to see how naughty little Henry is. Both of the Papa's have cancer-Big Papa (Great Grandpa Jensen) has prostate cancer and may possibly be starting a chemo pill soon. His cancer has really been on it's best behavior I suppose. The other Papa (Papa Larry) has the lovely colon cancer but we don't really even refer to it as that anymore seeing that there is no cancer in his colon anymore. It is more like liver cancer. His cancer has been behaving too for the most part. One procedure about a month ago kicked his a** but he has since rebounded and is back on the chemo train. Both of these men have great and positive attitudes considering what they have been dealt with. Above all, they love being Papa's.

Love

2010-08-24T23:16:00.000-05:00

Because THIS picture deserves a post all by itself.

We've got a walker!

2010-08-24T22:57:00.004-05:00

About a week ago little Miss Macrae decided that she wanted to get with it and start walking. Eh...14.5 months old, whatever. She is a pro now. Has more shoes than Henry has ever had. Seriously, girl shoes?! To die for! Julia is a little smarty pants. She nods her head when she agrees with you and shakes it when she doesn't. Understands putting things away and how to throw things away too. She loves to take her diaper off. It's even more fun when she is in her crib with a little surprise for Mommy after nap time. Yuck. She tugs around her blankie with her almost everywhere she walks. If she drops it and finds it later, she sticks her nose right into it and sniffs up the cuddles with it. I am in a constant state of shock when I take a look at her most days. 1) is that she looks just like me. 2)really, she is 15 months old today?! I saw a three day old baby today at Target and compared my little Julia. Well, she isn't such a baby anymore and that makes me sad. I love her to pieces and she will always be my baby. Even if there is another one in the future. NO...now don't be getting any ideas. I struggle enough to be nice to the two that I have.

Summary of my Summit

2010-08-23T13:48:00.005-05:00

This past weekend, we loaded up the car and headed out to Vail for a quick weekend getaway-climb-a-14er kind of weekend. If you have never been to Vail in the summer or even in the winter, it is a must see. Very family friendly, BEAUTIFUL scenery, pricey? yes, but what mountain resort isn't?! Gary and Linda rented a little condo for all of us to stay in. A place that they used to stay when Erin was a little guy but very much updated now. We putzed around most of Friday around the condo, Henry planted some flower seeds at the little Nature Center and played around the playground not too far away.

Saturday morning, Gary, Erin and I got up the mountain at about 630 am and began our climb. Not more than 5 minutes into it and I was panting, hurting and taking a LARGE drink of water. For me, the hardest part rests in the first 20 minutes of the hike. Getting my lungs acclimated, my legs functioning and brain in focus. This climb was much different from the last one we did back in 2008. This mountain (Gray's Peak) is on the front range of CO meaning most Denver people flock here for the weekend to get in a quick climb. I probably saw between 200-250 people on my way up/down. Mt. Massive we maybe saw 5 people the whole trip. I like the solitude of the mountain but at the same time it was kind of nice to be following on the heels of someone you didn't know. Thoughts ran through my mind like, "are they as tired as me", "why on earth are we all here putting our bodies through this" "I wonder if he has ever exercised in his life before, hope he doesn't have a heart-attack" "Oh, I really like her sunglasses, I should get some like that". It was about the same on the challenge level for me. Total climb was 7.75 miles and took us about 8 hours to complete. Very proud again that I am able to do this being the flat-lander I am.

The weekend ended with a trip to the toy store for Henry, a nice ice cream treat in Vail Village, Julia picking up a tampon (unused) and sticking it in her mouth, a visit to Erin's Grandma Elsie in Sterling and a pukey Henry in North Platte. Very fun trip for the Bright Family.

Kat's Wedding

2010-08-09T21:45:00.000-05:00

Erin's Snap Happy Fun

2010-08-09T21:44:00.000-05:00

Sooo, sew!

2010-08-04T22:53:00.002-05:00

A post all about Muah...I made myself a nice little camera strap using Alison's tutorial over at Cluck Cluck Sew. This is about the only thing I can imitate of her. Her quilts are awesome! I LOVE her taste in fabric. Anyway, easy breezy tutorial if you are in need of a camera strap.

And finally, I have been infatuated with the tank top on top, fabric bodice dresses this summer. I decided to whip one out for myself. Not too shabby I might say. I used the measurements off of an existing dress. The tank top portion came out fairly stretched out, next time I will use a tighter knit tank top. Thank goodness for the belt that cinches it all together. I love it and can't wait to wear it tomorrow!

New Camera For Mama

2010-07-26T22:32:00.006-05:00

With some leftover Christmas $, Birthday $ and Farmers Market $$, I bought myself a new SLR camera. You know, one of those fancy schmancy camera's that you look through the view finder on? Yeah, I am really excited to learn how to use it. Here are some of my favorite pics from this weekend:

On the Hunt

2010-07-20T15:54:00.002-05:00

We are in a pickle. After three years of spoiling, cuddling, kissing and playing with our children, our awesome babysitter, Angie is leaving us. I am going through so many feelings right now, fearing that our children won't be loved on and tendend to as well as they have been with Angie. I can't imagine a better babysitter than her. We will manage I guess, I have been talking so far with two other ladies today that seem nice enough to do the job. I just dread the change for the kids, Henry especially. Even when we aren't at Angies house, Henry talks about her all the time. About how "Angie might like that" or "Oh, me and Angie did that".

Time will tell and we will pick our broken hearts up and move on to the next caregiver. Wah wah wah. It was a hell of a run.

Wha Happened?

2010-07-07T22:41:00.007-05:00

Seems like most of the summer has been whisked away leaving me wondering again, how does time seem to slip by so quietly? Little Julia is getting so big and cute. She is rockin' her summer tan and is a total copy cat to everything Henry does. Henry whines, she whines. Henry screams, she screams. Henry plays with his cars, Julia plays with his cars. I love watching them interact. Their latest thing is to play in the car. Yes, I can leave them in there for 20 minutes (don't worry, windows are down, back hatch is up) letting them scream and giggle. She holds her own and doesn't like getting pushed down. She is still not walking. I don't have much concern. She has taken a few steps on her own but would rather crawl rapid speed or scream until someone picks her up. She is a pistol that little Julia Macrae.

Goings on with Henry...just a very opinionated conversationalist. He HATES getting his haircut, LOVES jumping in the pool and we have really enjoyed going to the library this summer to stock up on books. He runs straight to the Curious George books and to the DVD section for a video (none of which work). He is getting better at holding a conversation and we are working on manners which seem to come by fairly well. I am looking into getting him into some swim lessons this summer hopefully.

We had a nice 4th weekend at Lake McConaughy with Damon, Anna and the girls. My cousin Brandon and his wife Michele just bought a cabin, "Thunderhead Lodge", and we were able to stay with them and enjoy the water on their boat. It is always a stuggle to keep up with them drinking wise. Let's just say the Wirth's aren't as tolerating to the booze as once before. Well, this weekend anyway. The kids stayed with Grandma and Papa Wirth going fishing, eating ice cream and playing with the puppies. ..

Hole in their Hearts

2010-06-30T21:40:00.005-05:00

Little Baby Sam passed away yesterday morning at home in the loving arms and care of her parents and grandparents. She just turned 9 months old last week.

I got word yesterday morning at 630 am, not too long after she passed. I haven't had much else on my mind since then. I reflect at what kind of mother I am, whether or not I really appreciate all that God has provided to me and mostly how on earth a couple can grieve through the process of losing a child. I was fortunate enough to be able to visit Zach and Laura this evening for a little bit. I got to visit with Zach more than I probably ever have before. I can tell you this....I have never seen a person so heartbroken before. It is so real and heartbreaking listening to him talk about how much it hurts him to walk into Sam's room, see her clothes, walking into the living room and thinking she is right there. He feels empty inside, like a huge hole in his chest he said. He described Sam as such a beautiful soul, talking about how her eyes could speak to you and spill out her emotions. He talked and talked and talked...I listened, it was so refreshing and therapeutic to just listen. Listening to him talk about the girl who he says taught him more lessons in life than any person before her.

Sam's Services are on Friday at 2:00 at Our Saviors Lutheran Church on 40th and C Street. If you wish to send condolences:

Zach and Laura Bennett
3420 Washington Street
Lincoln NE 68506

My Beauties...

2010-06-15T12:48:00.001-05:00

Hard

2010-06-05T15:39:00.003-05:00

My Mom reminded me that six years ago today, I watched my Grandma take her last and final earthly breaths. I always say that being there with her in her final moments was the best thing for me. You see, I am not really one that deals with death too well (who is), but being there to stroke my Grandma's silky right arm and telling her how much I loved her and that everything was going to be okay, it made the whole process so much easier than not being there at all on that balmy day in June.

Today I witnessed another life struggling from life's unfair battle. We have some friends, Zach and Laura, whose 8 month old daughter, Sam, is fighting for breaths and stuggling to live. Sam was diagnosed with Spinal Muscular Atrophy when she was born. It is one of the most unfair and cruel diseases that I know. Basically babies that have SMA are not guaranteed more than one year of life on earth and that is if they are lucky. Their muscular and respitory systems fail them. For an SMA baby, Sam has been very healthy and had one hospitalization about a month ago. I stopped by to say hello today expecting Sam to be her happy little self and watching her cartoons. Laura answered the door completely exhausted and you could tell that Sam wasn't doing good. I sat there and cried holding her little tiny hand thinking how unfair all of this is. They are putting her on hospice this week. Sam is stuggling to breathe even with her oxygen and Laura says nothing makes her smile anymore. It is a "nightmare" as Laura said. I know that when it is Sam's time, her parents will be at peace with everything, loving and touching her until she takes her very last breath. I know one thing for sure...when Sam gets to heaven, my Grandma will be there waiting to give Sam some serious loves and care.

Happy Birthday Julia!

2010-05-24T08:00:00.000-05:00

Happy Birthday Baby Girlie!

Again, I know it is cliche but I really don't know how else to say it but where does time go? How does a child make such a miracle entrance to this world and develop into such a beautiful creation in one year? You are such a stunner Julia. You have always been such a happy little baby. Not many complaints from you until you hit about 9 months and your brother decided it would be fun to try and tickle you and wrestle with you. You tolerate it really well and squeal with laughter once it begins but get feisty when he keeps prodding you and usually Mom has to intervene to get him off of you. I can sense that you guys will be good playmates once you get your legs about you.

You love to babble and we knew that from the time you turned about 2 months. I remember the doctor saying "well, she is going to be socialable" and that is the truth! You love to say baby and puppies right now. Love to clap your hands and your special tickle spot is right under your chin next to your left ear. You love to play in anything that Mommy doesn't want you in, like the toilet, trashcan, you climb the stairs like a mad woman, unplug things from outlets and have also been known to try and stick keys in the outlet. Naughty girl!

We had a very special birthday party for you for your first one. You had so many friends and family members come to celebrate with you. We had a special cake made especially for you to enjoy and you pretty much decimated it. I am so proud that you are my daughter and that God was generous enough to provide me with such a miracle of life. You bring such happiness and silliness to our lives little Julia Macrae.

Muahhh...Love ya Honey Girl.

Happy Birthday Henry

2010-05-23T22:45:00.006-05:00

To My Little Buddy:

I can't believe you are three years old (or one as you say you would like to be). It is amazing to me that you have been around that long. I remember the first day you were born and looking at you thinking you were the most handsome little baby ever. You just keep getting cuter with age. Those curls are a girls head turner and your dimples, man those babies sink in a mile deep! You have changed so much since last year. You chat up a storm and this year you have broken out of your little shy spell greeting everyone that comes to the door with an excited "well, HI!, you can come in" "yeah, come in!" I love your personality you are developing, such a nice little boy.

Your birthday was so much fun! You bolted out of your room first thing in the morning and ran around in your wunderwear all day long (your favorite outfit) and had a nice party with Julia and all of your friends and family came to celebrate. You were so nice to open every present with such happiness and care. I can tell that you will be a gentleman someday even though you still have your moments.

You are a special boy Henry Bright. I love you so much and you make me so proud to parade you around town as my little sidekick. The mayor should probably give you a key to the city because you are just so cool.

Money Maker

2010-05-16T21:38:00.003-05:00

Well, this weekend's Farmers Market hit the books as the best EVER! Lets just say I can afford 3/4 of a plane ticket to Hawaii (that is what I am shooting for) and it felt good! Here is a glimpse of what my booth looks like on a typical Saturday down at the Market.

Birthdays and Excitement

2010-05-13T16:26:00.003-05:00

Jeez, I logged onto blogger today about 30 minutes ago and in that time I have bought a necklace from one of my favorite jewerly ladies, Rachel at Two Dog Pond AND got caught up on another friend's blog I hadn't read in while. Mercy, who knew how consuming blogging could be.

ANYWAY...I am so looking forward to my days ahead of me this month. As some of you know, we have a slew of birthdays come the end of May. Henry's is May 22, Julia's is May 24 and I am on May 26. This means, party, party, party, shopping, shopping, shopping and WHERE DID OUR PAYCHECK disappear to this month?

Good thing I have my first Farmers Market this weekend to hopefully make some dough. I have tried a few different things this year and am hoping that these "tweaks" will help me make some more money. Hand dyed onesies this year, instead of capes, little reversible popover dresses and some ULTRA cool headbands and clippies made from felt. Now as long as the rain holds off, I will be a happy camper.

Birthday week will be exciting...Omaha Zoo on the 21st, Party on the 22nd, Matryoshka themed party for Julia and an awesome cake lady doing the cake, all followed up with a photoshoot with a new photographer on June 1st. I simply can't wait!!!!!!!

matryoshka credit

polar bear credit

COME CELEBRATE WITH US!

Momma's Momma Day

2010-05-10T15:44:00.002-05:00

This was my 3rd Mothers Day, my Mom's 32nd Mothers Day. I think this day is so special and I am glad that I was able to spend it with my Momma. We may have our little disagreements here and there but she is my best friend. How many other women in my life could I call each and every day and talk to them about little mundane daily things like my allergies or how my 2 year old hates to eat? A Mother's love stretches so far, it is unmeasurable and undescribable. Happy Mom's Day Momma. I love you.

Proud of you

2010-05-03T23:53:00.003-05:00

Erin started and finished his first Half Marathon on Sunday. I couldn't be more proud of him. He is a natural runner and the best looking guy on the course. Good Job Daddy. Good Job Erin. You never cease to amaze me.

Free at last! Free at Last

2010-04-17T21:36:00.002-05:00

God almighty, I am free at last. The kids are at Grandma and Papa Wirth's for the weekend and it is finally my time to...sew, clean, mark crap for a garage sale, pig out, sleep in and play church hookie. I am trying my best to get prepared for Farmers Market this summer. My first one is on May 15th and all that I have made are barrettes and headbands. Yeah, exciting I know. Today though I made five little reversible dresses that I am going to sell. They only took me about 4.5 hours to make all five. So in all, I guess today was productive. Going to see how long I can hold off on picking up the kiddos tomorrow to see if I can do even more.

Had a nice dinner with Damon and Anna tonight, Damon was his usual funny self. Never a dull moment there. Erin is on his way back from Manhattan visiting some friends so I am truly alone...

Lets see, other than the sewing crap, I got in my first car accident last Wednesday. Some broad decided to pull out in front of me on super busy Highway 2. I was going about 45 when I hit her. The verdict is still out on the 4 Runner whether or not it will be repaired or what. I am okay, the Dr. gave me a note for some "recommended" massages. I will hopefully be able to sway insurance to pay for them...

On the kids note; Julia is not walking yet. Still scootin' and walking along furniture. She is such a screamer and has such a wild temper. Don't know where she gets that from?! I love her to pieces. She is such a fun and good baby girlie. Henry is having more fun outside this summer than any before. He loves going in the back yard to play and hit his golf balls. He has really good eye-hand coordination. The boy will be sluggin' for the Yankees in no time. He has many funny moments and sayings. My favorite this week: "Watch out Mom, I'm gonna golf your face in" Yeah...funny boy alright....

Wahlaaa..Weekend in a Wrap

2010-04-05T15:03:00.001-05:00

Easter Bunnies and A CRAP Load of Candy

2010-04-05T12:10:00.005-05:00

We are baaack, we survived yet another Easter and Grandma Pegs house. It was so much fun! I tell you what...this woman deserves some sort of award for her "doings and givings." Between caring for my Grandpa who just had his new pacemaker put in, caring for my Dad as he was getting off of chemo, to being a good Granny to Henry and Julia, fixing all the food for the weekend AND prepping for two easter egg hunts, I don't know how she is not completely wiped out (she probably is). So here's to you Mom, thanks for making Easter so special for us big kids and the little kids. Our garbage bag full of candy and special goodies are much appreciated. Really.

Last Bedding Set Ever...

2010-03-24T11:21:00.004-05:00

Maybe. My Mom says that I have to say "no more" to any of my friends who ask for baby bedding. We made this set of bedding for my friend Crystal who just had a little baby girl, Delaney. I think it looks pretty darn cute on the crib...

Brilliant Invention

2010-03-24T11:06:00.003-05:00

I stumbled across this today...I might need to get me and some of my reader friends one of these babies. Brilliant. Simply brilliant. I have long been looking for something when I am sleepy and reading in bed.

DIY Headboard.

2010-03-14T22:20:00.005-05:00

This weekend, Erin and I managed to accomplish more in one naptime than we have in the last two years. I have been wanting a headboard since I graduated from college. It's not like they are overly expensive but it gets low on the priority pole when kids come around. After a couple weeks of convincing, we set out as a family to get our supplies. We followed this tutorial.

Overall this project cost about $110. It could be so much cheaper if you picked an inexpensive fabric. I picked decorator fabric which usually runs a pretty penny, even if you have a Joann's coupon. This literally took us one naptime (2.5 hours) to complete from start to finish. The trickiest part was cutting the boards and screwing them into the back of the headboard.

King Size Bed Before...

King Size Bed After...much better!

Everyone LOVES it!!

Hot off the camera.

2010-03-09T22:44:00.002-06:00

Juila's new quilt made by Grandma Bright.

Oh she likey. Isn't it cute!

Jammin' in the blanket fort.

Uncle Damon soothes Juila to sleep. He's the best.

A Momma's Getaway

2010-03-01T11:44:00.004-06:00

Fun. Fun. and MORE FUN! Last weekend was the first Annual (or Bi-Annual) "Get the Craft out of YO House" party arranged and hosted by non other than me. I organized a group of gals to get together and craft all day and night at a local B&B. The Rogers House B&B was a perfect place for this. The house was beautiful, non-victorian, clean, spacious and even came equipped with a creepy looking inn-keeper. The girls that came were all over the spectrum from non-crafty to super crafty. Julie taught Stacey how to Crochet, me and Sarah sewed, Kelly serged and made me think that I NEED a serger now, Leslie and Joanne made floral arrangements, Stacey modge-podged, Kelly cut patterns, Lisa relaxed, Janelle, Emily and Jodi scrapbooked, Rachel cross-stitched, we all chatted and snacked plenty. This Momma would have drank more but the ol' belly was aching from all of the junk that I ate. It's strange being 28. I never thought I would be sober and sewing on a Saturday night girls getaway. My my, how times change.

I made these for my sweet Julia from this pattern and this pattern.

Some headbands that I made...Joanne hitting the booze in the back.

Emily working the Big Kick and Sarah mastering an oven mitt

In one Year...

2010-02-24T21:51:00.007-06:00

I went from this...

To bringing this beauty into the world. Happy 9 Month Birthday Julia. You are such a happy and cutie little baby girl. You bring me so much happiness. This month, you are crawling, laughing more and more, dancing (a lot), taking just one long nap during the day, still breastfeeding, getting longer and pretty hair, sticking EVERYTHING in your mouth that is in view. The tinier, the better. You love finding diapers to chew on especially. Paper is fun too. Starting to pull yourself up on the furniture, and giving Mommy and Daddy plenty of snuggle time still. We LOVE YOU sweet Juli-Girl.

20 Some Degrees = This

2010-02-10T21:56:00.003-06:00

Build many, many forts...everyday

Screaming at Mommy....Lots of this

Playing "swimming"

Take lots of baths together

Build 5 story snowmen

Keeping it Real

2010-02-04T22:04:00.003-06:00

And off I go to copy another blogger friends idea...this post is just about me. Most of my readers know me pretty well, some know just little tidbits...For example, my Great Aunt Muriel (one of my best blog readers) knows when I was little, I loved the crap out of her son Doyle and my friend Anna (who I stole this blog idea from) just knows how much I love to sew and that I have two children a boy and girl each. So here I go...spilling my contents...

I grew up in Alliance Nebraska, clear out in the beautiful, dry panhandle. I lived in a white house whose address I use for my password for everything. My parents threw some bad-ass after school end parties for me and my brother Damon every year. I hope that is one tradition that I can keep alive when my kids are school aged. My friend Amanda Rhoads and I traded charms for charm necklaces, made funny tapes and hung out "where the Owl People lived" for several summers.

My life took a sharp turn when I had to leave my dear friend Amanda and throw away the life of imagination and summers of riding bikes. I moved to Gering Nebraska and sat on the swingset of the park crying and singing "blame it on the rain" by Milli Vanilli missing my life in Alliance. We moved shortly after to Grand Island Nebraska where I spent the majority of my life growing up I guess. My heart will always belong in Alliance though...

My Grandma Dorothy had the prettiest long finger nails. Sometimes adorned with cigarettes but she had to give them up when her MS became too involved and she was dropping her smokes on her beautiful red chair. I can still remember every nook, cranny, color, peice of furniture, and branches on the climbing tree at my Grandma and Grandpa Jensen's house. 987-2103 was their phone number. Sometimes at night when I can't sleep, I "go through" my grandparents house and re-live where the furniture was, where my Grandma's makeup was and how my Grandpa would always fall asleep with the remote on the table, his hand secured to it. If you tried to grab the remote, he would somehow sense it and "snore" you right away.

I was with my Grandma when she died. I am so thankful that I was there rubbing her soft, silky skin as she took her last breaths. She was such a beautiful person. I miss her dearly.

My husband is my best friend. Talk about scoring a serious HOTTIE! I don't know how I did it but he sobered up and came back to me that hot summer night in the beer garden. He is my ultimate best friend. There is nothing that I am ashamed of or shy about telling him. He loves me and I LURRRVE him. He is the father of my two beautiful children, Henry and Julia.

Henry was going to be named Cohen. (yuck) And Juila was always going to be Julia except at the very beginning and she was going to be Harper. (glad we got over that one)

I strive to do nice things for people. I think about calling nursing homes and my old school to see if there is someone that is having a bad day that might be deserving of flowers.

Our family eats dinner together every night and we pray prayers that we have been saying since I knew how to recite a prayer. I don't pray when people other than my parents and Erin's parents come over to eat because I don't want them to think we are bible beaters. That is bad of me I know.

I miss my friends who have moved away, Katie, Michelle, Amber and Andrea. I miss having someone to run errands with, go to Dillards with and shoe shop. Instead I have a two year old that throws his shoes off everywhere we go.

I love Erin's mom's cookies the best. My mom's cinnamon rolls the best. My brother's 5-Alarm spaghetti the best. My husband's coffee the best.

I love my Dad's quirky collection of barometers (he has over 20) and I love walking into Julia's room in the morning to wake her up. She is ALWAYS, ALWAYS smiling and laughing. She is the brightest part of my day for sure.

Henry is a LUCKY Boy...

2010-02-02T10:21:00.003-06:00

How many 2 year olds do you know that have Daddies that make toys for them?

Winner Winner

2010-01-26T10:21:00.002-06:00

Well, Here is my winner. Crystal Mencke!

Random.org provided me with the winner but I can't figure out how to cut and paste with this fancy new Internet Explorer I am working with.

My Mom and I are making Crystal's baby bedding for her baby due in April. I guess that means I am going to have to wait and make this until I find out a name! Get narrowing down you two.

Two Turkeys Thursday

2010-01-21T18:27:00.002-06:00

Cutie Julia...

Crafting Henry...

Messy Face Juila..

Two goofs wearing their baby hospital hats...

Proud Blog...How about a giveaway?

2010-01-17T15:56:00.004-06:00

So in celebration of my newly revamped blog (thanks Erin for the gift), I am going to do a little giveaway for all of my lovely readers...

I am in the process of making a few growth charts for some people and hey, what's one more??

So in order for you to win, leave me a comment telling me how much you LOVE my new blog re-design or just telling me how much you LOOVE reading my outstanding posts and I will whip up one customized charts for my winner.

I am sure you all have a cute little kid that would like a customized growth chart for their room right????