VALENTINE'S DAY!

I found this cute little pattern on Moda Bake shop, called Valentine Pennie Pockets. I decided I would make one for each member of our family for Valentines Day, and tuck little treats into it. I made some for the ladies Stacie and I visit teach also. So cute. The fabric is called "Giddy". I know, I get a little crazy with the fabric, and names, but isn't it all so cute. A whole new fabric world has been introduced to me, and Steven just loves it! :) well, maybe not his wallet. Anyway, I LOVE LOVE LOVE Valentine's Day. Of course, when you love hearts, and red and pink, how can you not. So, we always have a big Valentine's Day dinner, with the china and crystal and red foods. I had some treats in there little bags, along with a coupon for them of something specific I'd do for them, and had them sitting by there plate at the table. We had a fun night, then Ashleigh, Kinsie, and I went to Cavalcade Rehearsal. I know, it is here again. No Jon Schmidt this year, but, it will be great none the less. Hunter and I rehearse on Thursday nights. It makes for a busy 3 weeks, but isn't playing the piano great fun?! I started teaching Bracken lessons in Jan. and right now he loves it. I wish I could package the enthusiasm when they first start and give it to them again in a year, and then a year later. :)

flowers from Steven
I learned how to crochet these cute little hearts, and thought they looked so cute hanging there
peanut butter cookies with Dove heart chocolates--way good

ABBEY BAG

The other fun thing I did for my Birthday was sign up for a class at Scrapbooks Etc. We made these cute pin cusions with a bag to hold tools or scraps. It is so totally cute to me. The fabric is just out by Moda, called "Lovely". The inside of the flower has crushed up walnut shells, and is very tight and firm, making the flower all the cuter. I think I will make another one out of my left over Bliss fabric. It will look cute sitting with my scrapbook supplies. The date of my class was actually our anniversary morning, and Steven was so kind to take Davis with him to work that day. It would be nice to say I owed him big time, but hey, I take Davis to work with me everyday right?! :) Steven is way great that way! We celebrated our 21 st anniversary on Feb. 9th, 2011! We went to dinner at the new Tia Rosas in Gilbert. Yum, Carne asada is our favorite thing to get. Steven informed me that for the year 21 you are supposed to give nickel and brass. (You know they have a list of what each anniversary year is) So, he bought us a HD TV! Pretty good match I'd say. Wow, it is really nice to watch movies on. Things are so amazingly clear! Needless to say we have been on a little movie watching fest since we got netflix, and now it is even more enjoyable on a great TV. It was the 2nd tv we've purchased since we've been married.

close up on the pocket inside bag
the whole thing in its cuteness and glory

HOT AIR BALLOON RIDE!

So, Jan. 31st was my 40th birthday. Gotta do something big right?! I've wanted to go on a hot air balloon ride for a long time. Steven tried to surprise me with one on my magical birthday, (turning 31 on the 31st), however, that morning due to weather it was canceled. That's the hard part. You just never know for sure if the weather will cooperate. Well, this time it did. We drove out to Phoenix and met our group at 7 am. Our group consisted of the pilot, one young couple, and us. Sweet! As we arrived at the location, the pilot asked if there were any hands on kinda people, and if so, they could help. So, you know Steven was right there in the middle of it all, having a grand time, and of course I was back taking pictures documenting it all. :) There were several ballooning companies and they basically go to the same area, so it was fun to watch all the balloons going up .

laying it all out
starting the fan
filling up
inside from the other side
looking up to the top, it is so gorgeous
adding the fire
can you see the little bit of fire in the middle of the picture?
there is our shadow
other balloons that morning
US!
The other couple graciously took some pictures of us.
getting ready to land, and I just loved the big heart rock down there. I love finding heart rocks.
close to the ground
deflating and putting it away. They had a little picnic for us while we were waiting. Apples, peanut butter, banana bread, cheesecake and sparkling cider. What an amazing flight. We had a great time. Steven wants to buy a balloon now. He sure loves learning about new things, and seeing how they work.

PIONEER TREK 2011

About 2 weeks ago, the Bishop called Steven and I in for an appointment.
He called us to be a "Ma and Pa" for the upcoming Pioneer Trek for the
youth in June. He gave us each a copy of this book and asked us to read
it. Have you read it? It is the story of the Willie and Martin handcart companies and
there trek across the plains to the Salt Lake Valley. I just finished it today. Wow!
What amazing pioneers they were. It is very heart wrenching to read.
I believe my Grandfather's grandmother crossed with them, and it
has definately given me desire to learn more about her. The hardest part
was reading about them being "found" and receiving much needed
supplies, and still having to think about how far they needed to go
to finish their journey. AMAZING! Get some tissues ready
when you sit to ready this book. You'll need them!

CHRISTMAS

I'm feeling bad, I never even posted pictures of Christmas. So, here are a few. We had a most wonderful Christmas. We had Bonnie (Steven's Mom) with us, Christmas Eve and Christmas morning...and she survived it. :) Right below is a picture of "The LIST". It was written on both sides, so as they would get a gift, and tell me the color and size of the lego, I would hunt down the list. Sometimes taking longer than others. They wanted to hurry it along a little faster, however, I would always stop so I could see the gift being opened then take a picture. So, you can see, it took a little while, but hey, we had all day right?

Steven's new caving helmet (new hobby)
cute red purse for Kinsie
more hotwheels for the boys, with a launcher (they never tire of hotwheels!)
new clothes for Ashleigh cause she been growing a ton lately
unicycle for Hunter, and the family

Cute pink polka dot luggage for Stacie
wiggle cars at Grandma Larsons, they had a blast on, plus look at their cute matching woody shirts from Kinsie

Hunter and Stacie have now taken very well to the unicyling, and you will see them up and down our street all the time. Way to go guys!

KINDERGARTEN

This week was a major milestone...I went with Davis to register for Kindergarten. He is the last one. I've had little ones home with me for 20 years, and in August that will change. The start of my new life. :) Davis was very excited. We registered on Monday. They gave him a workbook and a new pencil. Tues. morning when we woke up he was ready to go to school with Bracken and Ashleigh. A little more waiting Davis. He is most excited about riding his bike to school with Bracken. The wonderful life of little boys. This is the little guy I will miss!

PETUNIA PURSE

I gave Stacie this purse pattern for Christmas.
I fell in love with it the instant I discovered it.
We then hunted for fabric. I only found two websites
with the fabric available. I cut pieces out one day,
and sewed for 2 days.
Is it just the cutest thing ever?!!! I'm thinking
I might need to make one for myself. :)

it is very roomy with a magnetic snap