Worth so much more than money

This right here is what keeps me going.I mean, tell me that doesn't warm your heart. For me, there's no better gift. It is like the pure love of a child captured and put into an envelope and sent through the mail. This was Sarah's "thank you" for the clothes I made her. It is a labor of love, I tell ya. There's nothing like my niece, nephews and Jake to remind me that life is worthwhile and full of joy and beauty.

Oh my gosh I love the people she draws. From the banana/triangle people above to these guys with their awesome hair. I. love. them. (Don't mind the bleed-through from the other side of the paper - it just means there's another picture to enjoy.)

I think this one looks like a treasure map. See the xs to mark the treasure spot? And the little fish in the pond in the middle? And the maze that adorable little person had to walk through to find it? See those letters at the top? She does some good letters for only 4 years old! OK, end of love fest, but these made me so happy. Thanks Sarah!

To Curt

a.k.a Curty, Cuteski, Curt the Dirt Squirt, and MacGyver.

You are one of my favorite people. I'm so glad I got to grow up with you as my brother. I remember being so proud of all my scrapes, cuts and bruises when we compared to see who had more. And I know that you have exceeded my score by at least a trillion. I remember running away to the barn, and you taking your food sticks. I remember feeling like I wasn't all alone in the world because of you. I felt like you "got" me when we were little and trying to figure out life. I remember looking up to you, even though you were my little brother. I still do. Even though you don't love being social, you have such an enjoyable and lovable personality. I have always loved your sense of humor and your sense of style.

People in the neighborhood used to call Curt MacGyver because he could make anything out of anything. The legendary fort with electricity, the luge run he built in his yard this year, and much more. He is always doing fun and crazy things. My mom was tending his son Andrew and they were talking about Curt's big rocks in his yard that he uses to build obstacle courses and mountains for his little all-terrain remote control car to climb. She said, "I wonder if anyone else has a dad as crazy as yours." He pretty quickly responded, "My dad." (pretty smart for a little guy. My dad is definitely the pre-cursor to Curt.) And then as he was walking away he said, "And I'll probably be like that."

Because you know - dads who build Luge runs, obstacle courses and motorcycle and sled/snowboarding jumps in their yards are where it's at.

I love you Curt!!! HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!! And thanks for being a great brother.

2 New Outfits for My Little Sarah Girl

The skirt is Onion pattern 20021. The top is from Target, and the pin is made by me. My first hot fix bling efforts ever. I have been informed that Sarah now likes anything she thinks is "pretty". I hope she thinks her new outfit is pretty! (This is the same girl who refused to dress up like a princess at a princess party - which I'm sure was the dream of most of the girls there!)

Knit play shorts - Ottobre pattern 3/07 #10. Top from Target. These were fun projects!! I loved both patterns - pretty easy but satisfyingly cute!

p.s Suz, Kara, and Jana - your rice bags are next!

I Love This Guy!

This is Zachary Levi in the UK leading a huge crowd to Subway. The notes here say it was over 200 people. I heard Zac Levi saying it was 600 people in another video. He gets behind the counter to help make the sandwiches!! (You may not be interested in this but I just had to post it.)

Save the Nerd Herd and get to Subway today!!!

Footlongs for Chuck and other notes

Do you watch Chuck? It is only my FAVORITE show on TV. So pleeeease I am begging you... go to Subway on Monday, April 27th and buy a footlong. Then leave a comment in their comment box that says "Renew Chuck" or "Save Chuck" or something like that. And then watch the show LIVE. The stupid networks might not renew it again and I will be so sad if they don't. I just think it is hard to find good, funny, quirky, intelligent, and pretty clean shows like this on TV and I love this one. So please help me ...

Other notes... I sure wish I could have maintained my girlish figure like my mom did. She's lookin' hot don't you think? But I'm not so sure about the hairstyle.
It looks good on Andrew though.

Sarah's new outfit

I heard that a cute little girl needed some Summer clothes. So, naturally, I got busy.

The flower has frayed edges.

I hope my little niece Sarah likes her outfit.

Happy Easter Peeps!

I love Easter and the new life it represents. Spring is by far my favorite season. I just love watching the world come to life again after the deadness of Fall and Winter. I love the story of the resurrection and that we have the knowledge that we get to live with Heavenly Father and Christ again because our Savior died for us, and then rose again. I am so grateful that none of us have to die spiritually, but need simply to repent of our sins and we are reunited with the Spirit in this life, and if we choose, with our loving Savior and Father in the next. It truly is a plan of happiness.

And on the lighter side, Jake and I dyed Easter eggs last week. We got kind of silly and had fun. Jake thought I was a goofus for thinking it was so funny that I was making a Humpty Dumpty. What can I say, sometimes I get slap happy. The paint was all gloopy but what do you do? Jake made an awesome storm trooper!