Years ago, I was visiting teaching a newly married gal in my ward, who's mother had just made her this awesome quilt pieced together with tee shirts she had collected over the years. I immediately knew that was something I wanted to do for my kids. So each kid got a new box in their closet labeled "quilt tee shirts". Every time we clean out the dresser, we throw a couple more shirts into the box.
My plan was to make Taylor's quilt as a graduation gift, but since he'll be leaving not too long after graduation to serve his mission, he begged me to get it done now. And NO, we don't have his mission call yet. We are close to getting it all sent in, but we're not there quite yet.
I found a pattern idea on Pinterest, and used it to cut out my squares in varying sizes. I used my queen sized futon to lay them all out and move them around until I was happy with the overall look. Every piece got a numbered label, just in case I got them mixed up.
This is the top all sewn together. Can I just say I would have LOST my mind about 20 minutes into this project without my serger? I LOVE that machine more than I can say! Also not sure how the ugliest shirt in the stack got center stage. Darn you cub scout day camp.
Here's the back. I struggled with what to do.... Taylor wanted soft and cozy, but buying flannel sheets in anything other than white was hard to do. I ended up getting maroon and black flannel and piecing it like this. Thanks Kate for the suggestion. If you know you have to have a seam on the back, you might as well make it look good, right? It was also Kate's idea to quilt it using big stitches and embroidery floss. I ended up buying the thick silvery floss and it looks awesome!
Here's the front after I added the binding. How many episodes of Downton Abbey did it take to get me through all the sewing and quilting? A LOT!
This took me so many hours to complete, but I am so pleased with the results. And, no, he will not be allowed to take this baby on his mission. It will stay here and be safely boxed up awaiting his return!
Two and a half years ago, we got a new Seminary Teacher. Brother Goss was a welcomed relief after a string of teachers who didn't exactly get the job done or connect well with the kids. Half way through the first school year, they received the devastating news that their baby girl, Abigail, had cancer. Her cancer is called Neuroblastoma. It's very rare, and very deadly. When I heard the news, my heart sank. No parent should have to go through such an ordeal.
With all the odds stacked against her, Abigail beat cancer. She spent about a year in remission with no sign of disease. During that time, they were constantly working to make sure the cancer didn't come back. Kids who get Neuroblastoma might be able to beat it once, but they never beat it twice.
On Christmas Day, the Goss' found out that Abigail's cancer is back. Again, we are all heartbroken. Even with the Chemo that began immediately, Abigail isn't expected to live past April. Over the last two years, my kids have grown so close to the Goss family. They skype with Abigail and her siblings on a regulary basis and they genuinely care about her.
In January, we attended a Fun Run for Abigail. It was long in the planning before they knew Abigail was back. The proceeds benefitted several families dealing with pediatric cancer. Brayden and I just happened to cross the finish as Abigail ran across with her daddy. It was the sweetest moment I have ever witnessed and I will always treasure that memory.
Just before the Fun Run, a big group of boys (including Taylor) decided to shave their heads for Abigail. She was sad that she would have to lose all her hair doing chemo again. Just after the Fun Run, a couple of girls from our ward put together this sweet video. If you haven't gotten teary yet, go grab a kleenex now, then hit the play button below.
The thing I love about the Goss' story, is that they are making the conscious decision to "Choose Happiness". Despite this terrible tragedy in the making, they continually inspire us with their faith, love and optimism. We have been so blessed to be a part of this journey and we pray for Abigail every day.
As a teenager, I wanted to see the world. I couldn't wait to go to college and move away from my little corner of Northern California. Now that I've lived in the desert for almost 8 years, I see the ordinary beauty of my hometown with new eyes every time I go home to visit. This park was always the source of negative memories as a teenager... I worked a summer job here that I hated, and my track coach liked to make us run up the hills here for training. Needless to say, I didn't have fond memories of Pena Adobe.
Cousins
My brother-in-law is now raising his family in my home town, so while we were visiting, they suggested hiking together in Pena Adobe. Not only was it fun, but gorgeous too. Early winter rains had turned the hills green and it was beautiful.
There's many fire roads and trails that lead to the tops of surrounding hills, so we tackled one my nieces and nephews are particulary fond of. There's a super big oak tree with lots of low branches for swinging, climbing and playing.
Almost done with our hike, we made the kids pose on these rocks for a photo.
We had so much fun, I'll think we'll make hiking Pena Adobe a regular addition to our "must do" list while we are home visiting. Maybe next time it will even be a bit warmer. ;-)
There were certain pictures from our trip that I only got on my iPhone. Just wanted to share these random, sweet moments... in no particular order at all!
Dinner in Dublin with our dear friends, the Daytons. I think Max wants to kiss Jared!
Taylor teaching Maris how to text.
The view from our bike ride on Christmas Eve morning.
The stockings were hung at grandma's house, ready for Christmas morning!
Thankful for my handy hubby who helped my dad fix the microwave when I blew a fuse trying to cook B's lunch.
Hiking with Jeff and Molly's family in Pena Adobe. I never appreciated this place when I lived here.
My mom trying out Taylor's airsoft shotgun. She certainly looks like she knows what she is doing!
Maris at the museum. It was so hard for her to be trapped in a stroller while all the bigs kids got to roam free.
My Temple at Christmas Time. LOVE.
Brayden and my nephew, Dallyn. They are three weeks apart and have all the same loves... swords, nerf guns, and Ninjago! What a surprise it was to find out they both got the exact same pj's for Christmas. When they had a sleepover, I had to mark B's tags with his name so we didn't get them mixed up and accidentally leave them behind.
These girls hide from my Nikon, but they love getting their picture taken on my iPhone. Love my neices... they are amazing!
The celebratory cake for the wedding anniversaries. My mom has a friend who can make amazing cakes gluten free and dairy free (just for her). It was beautiful and didn't taste half bad, either!
Ian playing the Wii with Kate and Matt. Love these cuties!
Max hanging with Charlie. You'd never know they are the same breed. Max is so big next to his "uncle Charlie".
We were so thankful we stayed two weeks in California, because the first week was wet and rainy. Week two was much nicer! We were looking for a place to go for a day trip with the family... something family friendly, cheap and fun for all ages. We were originally thinking about Muir Woods, but then my brother-in-law suggested Skyline Park in Napa. Seriously brilliant. Cheap, no crowds and only 30 minutes away for all of us!
Ethan, Brayden, Matt, Kate and Dallyn finding swords sticks while we ate lunch.
Lots of beautiful picnic areas everywhere!
I could have admired this view ALL day.... sigh....
How nice of the park to provide a port potty. It looked attractive, but the smell was horrific. Given it's location along the trail, it probably doesn't get a lot of maintenance.
Megan and Kate
At first the road was surrounded by oaks and scrub brush, but the deeper we walked into the canyon, the prettier it got.
Ferns, rocks and a waterfall... what more could you ask for? Is this really just a few miles from downtown Napa?
Moss and lichen were growing on EVERYTHING!
Nine cousins made this hike. Lyndi was missed, but stayed home sick with a 24 hour flu bug.
This lake was our final destination for the day. It was absolutely gorgeous!
Proof I was there.... I often have to ask people to take my picture or I won't end up being in any at all. I'm so glad all my kids have a love for the outdoors. I love spending time with our family!
