A few weeks ago at Ellie’s birthday party, Nathan’s grandma told us that his cousins from California were coming to visit her…after some gracious people at work helped me rearrange my schedule for that weekend, we headed south to Indianola.

We hadn’t seen Matt and Leah in 3 1/2 years, so needless to say, they hadn’t met our children, and we hadn’t seen their youngest since she was 2 months old.

What a time the kids had! They were running and laughing, and playing games with each other…it was awesome. I’m sure Grandma was happy for all the company, but also sure her neighbors were happy once we all left!

Ellie turned 3 about two weeks ago…and I’ve neglected to post about it until now…oh the humanity.

This years theme…my little pony.
Thank goodness for interlibrary loan…otherwise I would end up someday with a mountain of character cake pans. We borrowed this pan from the New Hampton library…what a great thing! I was so excited. My co-workers thought i was crazy when i found it and started jumping up and down…i get into birthdays, what can I say?
This one is from her family party at the library.

These are from her friend party at chuck-e-cheese…what a day!

And this was her gift from mom and dad…I’m embarrassed to tell you that i finished putting it together today. Yes, I know what day it is…11 days after her birthday. This is not to say that she hadn’t played with it before now…it was just in varying stages of completion.

My parents gave her some accessories for her kitchen…she is one happy girl!

Is this a sign that my boy will be a meat eater?

for Christmas this year, my wonderful husband got me exactly what i wanted. This is a very impressive feat for him. Normally, his well intentioned self gets me something that i did indeed ask for, it just may have been two or three holidays ago…keeping the “surprise” alive, he says.

this is my new toy…

some people want video games, some want techy gps thingies, some want watches, or jewelry, or even boxes of bubble wrap (by far the most original gift i heard of someone wanting this year).

Not me…i want to sew.

do i know how? now i do. mom gave me the crash course on straight stitching so i could make this pillow for ellie for valentine’s day.

mom is a rock star!

hopefully, my projects will increase in difficulty (along with my time) in order for me to make really cool things…i’ll keep you posted!