Sewing Weekend

Don't worry...I wasn't the one sewing this weekend. My machine sure was busy though. Jan and Vicki came to Topeka with Torey over the weekend and brough their sewing know-how with them. Jan made these skirts out of jeans that the girls had outgrown or blown out the knees from constant wear. The one above is exactly like the one Jan made for Torey (15) and therefor Abby had to have one just like it. Notice the camoflauge and pink!

The detail on this shirt was hand stitched by my mother-in-law Vicki. Morgan just loves the petite feminine touches like that. I know Vicki really enjoyed sewing again and seeing the excitement on the faces of her grandchildren.

Morgan's skirt was my favorite. The jeans have been her favorite, but they were a little too short and the knee had been blown out. She picked out the trim herself and the patches were from a collection of fabric I have (just case I actually get around to sewing myself). Thanks Jan for making such neat little skirts for the girls. They love them!

Morgan wore hers to church on Sunday. She likes tights and boots, but decided the skirt would be cuter when she could wear it with flip flops and a tank top. Where did she get all of this fashion sense? Poor Parker didn't get a skirt, but asked for one - in orange. He just doesn't like to be left out. I think we decided the next project would have to be a shirt for the boy. God knows he wants everything the girls have. Poor guy had 6 girls in the house with him and a daddy at work. Estrogen overload.

Alright girls...you may have inspired me. I left the sewing machine set up and may venture to try a project of my own.

Abby's Day of Beauty

Yesterday afternoon Abby came with me to get my nails done. Being the oldest of three kids isn't always easy, and doesn't mean very much time alone with mom. We had a great time shopping and Abby decided on her very first pedicure. The little place I go for my nails will do pedicures for little girls (they only charged me $15). Abby was is seventh heaven. She felt so special (they did the whole nine yards for her). She especially lijes the flowers on her big toes. Every little girl needs some time alone with their mom...Morgan's turn next time. Thanks for a great day Abby!

Go Shockers!

Alright, our beloved Jayhawks went out of the Tournament this weekend, but we are thrilled to see another Kansas school in the Sweet 16. Will grew up watching the Shockers, and mom and dad have been recently turned on to the WSU basketball team. They are a lot of fun to watch. They thumped Seaton Hall and were able to squeak by Tennessee this weekend. It would have been great to see WSU beat UNC next weekend, but Roys Boys got taken out on Sunday. Poor Roy (sniff, sniff). I'm sure you all are done hearing my take on college basketball, but I will leave you with this...Rock Chalk Jayhawk (see them next year) and GO SHOCKERS! Make it to the Elite 8!

St Patty's People

Yesterday morning I had to make sure I was up and dressed before the green police (who were in green pjs, just in case) arose from their slumbers. The girls had fun getting ready for school and Parker, Will and I headed for the parade after a quick visit from Grandma. St. Patricks day is different now than when we were younger - at least for us. St. Patricks day was all about the bar, and the bagpipes that were too loud for such a small place, and green beer. Now we are catching candy at a parade with Parker squared (our Parker and his best friend Parker Jackson), making a quiet dinner at home, and settling in for some basketball. I wouldn't change it for the world (except the outcome of the Jayhawks game).

Trip to Carol Joy Holling

The kids and I went on a spur of the moment day trip yesterday to Omaha and Carol Joy Holling Camp to watch Ben and Jamie perform at a coffe house. I have some audio of this, but can't figure out how to post it. I have always loved to hear Ben sing, and he was truly in his element last night. John Denver would have been proud!

The lighting in the cabin cafe was amazing when we first went in. Morgan's hair looked like spun gold! The kids had alot of fun running around the camp. And what a beautiful day to go! A little bit brisk, but spring was in the air!

I love this picture of Ben. I think it may become one of my favorites. Nothing reflects his personality more than his music. I could have sit and listened to him for hours - oh wait, I did sit and listen for hours! Great job Bubby!

Abby had a blast playing cards and coloring on the sheets of butcher paper that lined the tables in the cafe. When we walked in the first time, I was hit with a rush of memories. The smell of the cafe was identical to the camp we went to gowing up. Maybe its just a lodge smell, or the cedar in the walls mixed with campfire. I just remembered all of the fun I had at camp growing up. Carol Joy Holling has all the making for great camp memories in the future. Thanks for the fun Ben!

Mops and Pops Night

Tomorrow night we are attending the annual "Mops and Pops" night for the Mothers of Preschoolers I am in. I'm on the steering committee for this group in chatge of Hospitality. Needless to say, this is our big night. There have been three of us working to pull off a fun evening for 25 moms (who don't get a night without the children very often) and their partners in parenting. The kids are thrilled because they get to have a babysitter tomorrow night! The picture above are just a few of the decorations. The basket is a door prize with lots of fun grilling stuff. The table decorations are the fresh daisies in mustard bottles (its a picnic theme). Wish us luck and keep us all in your prayers!

Esstials of Faith

For those of you who read my blog from T-town, I want to highly recommend the group meeting during Lent at St. David's. Will and I attended last night, and it was wonderful. The topic for the next few weeks leading up to Holy Week and Easter concerns the basis of our Faith. Fr. Don is challenging us to determine the Essentials of our Faith. We talked last night about those times in our lives when we have had turning points. And where was Christ during these times? Can we see his work as we look back? What are the essential parts of our faith that make us Christians? I could go on and on. The whole evening was engaging and thought provoking. This is important during Lent. We should evaluate what makes us who we are. What is most important? Is it essential to believe that you must be part of a community of faith to be a Christian? To believe that the Bread and Wine are literally the body and blood of Jesus? Is it important to be saved in front of a gathering of Christians? To pray every day? To go to church every Sunday and twice during the week? To be baptised with water, or is the spirit enough? These are all questions that we should intenionally ask ourselves during this time. What is essential to my faith and my journey with Christ? Why are different things deemed absolute and essential for others? Lots of questions today...do you know the answers?

NapTime

The men of the house have had a rough day - can you tell? We had a million errands to run this morning and Will just finished workng nights. He went to work at 5ish last night and didn't go to bed (in this case just a nap) until early this afternoon. Parker decided a nap might be a good idea and joined him. Peace...Quiet...what shall I do? Take a picture of course! Will puts his body through so much switching shifts the way he does. I sure do appreciate the time he spends at home. Parker does too. Sweet dreams my sweet boys.

Big 12 Champs (almost)

After the defensive brilliance of the young Jayhawks agaist the Colorado Buffs, KU is one step closer to at least a shared Big 12 Title. This from a team none of us expected to even reach the NCAA tournament. I love being a fan this time of year. The excitement and adrenaline rush of watching your favorite team in a close game. I love college athletics! Kids - some of whom will never play in the NBA - play with more heart than the "pros". Its not all about the money and the women and the money and the bling, oh and the money. Especially at a school like KU where the history and the expectations drive the athletes. I suppose you can find that on any campu. Wichita State isn't one of the storied schools of Division 1 basketball, but they have stirred up a city with excitement and anticipation. Go March Madness and Rock Chalk Jayhawk!

Shrove Tuesday

We had a fabulous time at our church last night for Shrove Tuesday. What a neat group of people they are. The men above made hundreds of pancakes for well over 100 church members while the kids served and cleaned up. These same guys make breakfast every Sunday morning. What an amazing service they provide! Fellowship and celebration on this last day before Lent was very cool. Harry Craig, our Deacon and resident KU fanatic, took the children outside at about 6pm. He told them the history behind Ash Wednesday. The he burned the palms from last year's Palm Sunday to be used for today. It was a pretty dramatic way to teach children about Lent. So remember everyone, today begins the season of Lent. A season to pray, sacrafice, and remember what Christ gave to us. We are dust, and to dust we shall return.