Guitars

Over Labor Day Weekend we went to see my grandparents "MawMaw and PawPaw". Years ago (about 27) my dad bought his dad supplies to make a Martin Guitar to give him a "hobby". Well, my grandfather has been making them ever since. Brian (my brother) received No. 4, Andrew (brother) got No. 7, and Joshua (brother) got No 11. Now, PawPaw is currently making numbers 13 and 14, which will go to my sisters Tara and Sarah. Below are some pictures of Tara's (No. 14) The pre-requisite for a guitar is that you have to learn how to play first. And guess what? Number 15 will be for me!! PawPaw's guitars are beautiful to look at and have a gorgeous tone. It takes him several months to make one working on it a little at a time. He is a perfectionist. What a legacy to leave for his children and grandchildren.

Woman of Grace

Our camping trip was rained out last week. What a bummer! Lauren was really looking forward to camping, having a fire, and roasting marshmallows like George (the monkey). Since since we were already packed, we decided to go to Houston to see my family. We had a great time. Thursday night, my brother Brian boiled crabs and veggies. His wife, Christy made some really good chocolate desserts. Friday, we went to the Blue Bell Ice Cream Factory in Brenham for a tour (Tyler had never been) Saturday we took Lauren to a really nice park, and then went swimming in my family's pool. That evening we had a weenie roast and roasted marshmallows. While we were still outside, my brother Stephen whizzed by on a "zip line". Then Tyler tried it. Then I decided that if my 12 year old sister could do it, that I could too. It took me a few minutes to work up the nerve. It wasn't the actual flying part that scared me, it was wondering if I could hold on while I "dropped" from the tree. This video is the second time I did it. The first video was sideways and I had a "crash" landing so I wanted to try it again and film it for my blog. Pride comes before a fall is all I can say....literally. Enjoy laughing at my expense!

ok, I couldn't resist... can my sister-in-law do it?

not much better than I :-)

My mom and dad

At the creamery

two of my brothers, Brian and Joshua

my sister, Sarah

my sister-in-law (Brian's wife) Christy and my niece, Savannah

the canoe in the pool

weenie roast

cousins (Savannah was born on Claire's due date 2/26)

I can't think of a creative title for this one

Today I was sitting on the sofa nursing Claire and reading a story to Lauren. When Claire finished, she sat up and decided to "play" a game with Lauren. She started to lean her whole body towards Lauren, reaching with her arms and giggling. She did it over and over. Lauren was laughing too! Each time Claire would approach, she would grab her around the neck and hug her. It was so sweet to see them playing with each other.

Claire had her six month check up last Monday. She is 15 lbs 2 oz (50 %), 26 1/2 in (90 %) and her head is 16 1/2 in (40%). She's doing all the normal six month milestones - including sitting up unsupported. She also scoots backwards, or in a circle. I was going to have her picture taken last week, but she was a "redneck" (all red in the creases from sweat or drool). By the time that cleared up, Lauren busted her lip at the splash park, and I'm wanting her in a picture too.

Anyhoo, I decided in honor of Claire turning six months that I would post pictures of her now instead of waiting until she's two.

February

two days old

three weeks

March

April

May

Claire's Baby Dedication

Jim P. our music minister and Yvonne D. our preschool minister

June

July

August

My first diaper for Claire...well actually, Lauren

Here is me making my first diaper. I'm showing pictures step by step because I'm really proud of myself! Lest you think I'm too prideful, it did come out about 1 and 1/2 inches wider in the crotch area than the pattern I made...go figure!

Tracing out my diaper:

Here's the pattern:

Tracing pattern on outer and inner material:

Placing and sewing aplix:

Sewing laundry tabs:

Sewing front to back:

Adding elastic to back and legs:

Topstitching to make it look pretty (and also adding casing for elastic):

Finishing the pocket flap:

Adding my aplix tabs:

Voila! The finished diaper :-) Aaw man, it's too wide!

Well, it still fits Claire (a little tall in the rise, and too wide in the crotch):

But, I already gave it to Lauren. See, it even matches her favorite "purple flowers" nightgown:

What doesn't kill you only makes you stronger.

I made my first batch of yogurt almost two weeks ago. It actually turned out really well especially for the first try. We've added bananas, strawberries (with a drizzle of honey), peaches, and my favorite combo, strawberry-banana-pineapple. Lauren was my guinea pig...

Hmm...what did I do today to deserve this?

Umm...tastes like...


















Loloike! (the way she pronounces yogurt)
















Now you try it, that way if it's bad we'll both get sick and die!!!