Couldn't Help Myself

I am sure you all have opinions about what kind of mother I am, but I just couldn't resist! The similarities are freaky.

Shabby Bands

There is no question that I fall on the ADHD side of the spectrum. I have always had to be doing something with my hands as I just sat around watching television. In college it was cross stitching, and crocheting, when I taught Jr. High it was jewelry making, when Adessa was born it was bow making, and now it is "Shabby Bands." Shabby Band Designs is a line of accessories such as pins, clips, and headbands made out of combinations of fabrics and textures. I personally love accessories and the fact that you can buy a cheap and plain shirt, jacket, or sweater, and make it cute by interchanging different accessories. That is what the focus of Shabby Bands is; making something plain look different with any of our accessories. If you are at all interested you can check out our blog at http://www.shabbybanddesigns.blogspot.com/ which shows all of our products as well as dates and places of boutiques that we will be vendors at, OR http://www.shabbybands.etsy.com/, you can also email us at shabbybands@gmail.com We are going to be doing a boutique in Centerville on Tuesday Oct. 20th and in West Jordan on Saturday Oct. 24th the information and address is listed on the side bar of our blog. If you don't like accessories, then don't bother. At any rate, it has been super fun and I think that any of our products looks really cute on anyone from tiny tots to 79yr. old grannies :) Check it out, and I hope that if you are of the accessory persuasion I will see you at one of our boutiques. If you are interested in coming to a boutique but can't make it to one this week, we will also be having one in November in Bountiful, a great time to do a little Holiday shopping. Be Shabby!

It's a Birthday Tea

All year long Adessa has been obsessed with having Tea Parties. Everywhere she goes she wants to have a tea party. When it came time to think of an idea for her 1st friend party, one could only go with the tea party theme. Knowing that she wanted a friend party this year, at Easter time I bought all of these great hats at the dollar store to embellish in the future for her party. The party was a lot of fun to plan and prepare for. I was able to find everything I needed at the DI. I found the tea cups, saucers, and enough tea pots for each pair of girls to share one. The teapots were awful so I went to the craft store and bought an acrylic paint that can be used on ceramics and fired in your oven. I painted over the hideous prancing deer and other nasty murals with a white and then turned them into lovely little floral pots. We had hot cocoa with mini marshmallows, colorful ribbon sandwiches, and of course floral decorated cupcakes with ice cream. I simplified with basic tea party games of button button, and pin the tea pot on the tea pot. The girls were darling. We were able to invite the girls in Adessa's primary class as well as the girls that will be in her school grade, plus her friend Leah from dance. At the end of the day, Addie had a fun time and I had a blast watching these darling little Muppet's prattle around the backyard for a couple hours acting the way girls do.

Soccer...to play or not to play, that is the question!

There is no question that I love frou frou and that I am very "pink" and "sparkly", however, I also am quite athletic and can throw down a butch (not to be confused with another B word) attitude if necessary. For crying out loud, I ran the gamut of piano, violin, gymnastics, dance, softball, basketball, I could out run any boy at recess, and then come home and direct my siblings in plays for hours. I think as parents we all expect our children to resemble ourselves in various ways. Soooo, when placed in a situation where you have a child that looks just like your spouse and acts just like his mother.....things can get a wee bit frustrating. That is not to say that I don't love my hubby or his mom, they are both swell, but what happened to my mini me? I was looking for the Xena of the soccer field, the ruthless, cut throat, boy hating, demon. What I got was a forest sprite that flitted and sauntered around the soccer field yawning. Yawning? She is supposed to be anxiously engaged in the game and looking at her coach with intent and eagerness. Yawning? I love this child, but it is evident that I cannot have certain expectations as to her extracurricular activities or even for her school work. I will just have to embrace her love of arts and crafts, a love that I can relate to very well. If she decides she wants to become a dancer, or an athlete, I will support her. In the meantime, I am going to laugh about just how dainty and frou frou she definitely is out there on the field.

She has definitely got the look!

1st day of School

I guess this means I am an old parent. Adessa officially started school with Miss Char on September 1st. Class is 3 days a week, Tues., Weds., and Thurs., for 2 1/2 hours. I did cry the first day, not because I am one of those separation anxiety parents, but because she seemed so happy. Nothing makes a parent happier than seeing their kids happy. I must confess that pre-school is a luxury I have come to believe I cannot live without. It is so nice to have time with just William without big sister stealing the spot light. Kisses to Miss Char for taking my 3 yr. old with her 4yr. old pre-school!

Big Girl!

Addie-tude

While I was getting ready for a baby shower Saturday morning I over heard a conversation Adessa was having with her father that went like this: Addie: "dad, you are going to make me a piece of toast and bring it downstairs, Okay" John: "ummmm, aren't you forgetting something?" Addie: "Pleeeease." John: "Addie, sometimes you can be demanding and not use your manners." Addie: "and sometimes you can be ornery." A girl who speaks her mind with honesty. I couldn't refrain from chuckling, both of them were right. I can't wait for the venom she spews during her teenage years. I will have to be brushing up on my vocabulary so I can stand toe to toe with her.

Girls Camp 2009!

Yep, I am the camp director. Need I say more? No seriously, I had a blast at Girls Camp and feel very blessed to have had the privilege of being with these choice daughters of God and to serve with such amazing women. Our theme this year was based on the "Sneetches and Other Stories" by Dr. Seuss. The stories have so many parallels to the gospel. We were able to have meaningful lessons, fun crafts, serious introspection, and belly aching laughter. I don't think I have laughed so hard in a VERY long time. My sister has mocked me for months about the amount of time that I have spent working on girls camp. It was all worth it! I would give as many hours as possible to help these young women be successful in the gospel as well as in their lives. The only draw back is the guilt I feel from having neglected my family in an effort to prepare for girls camp. Things are a lot more hectic with a 2 month old baby, some post-par tum anxiety, a very demanding 4yr. old DIVA, teaching summer dance (while feeling out of shape from the baby), and dealing with some difficulties in family situations. Sometimes you feel so extended that there is nothing left of you to give and you grow tired of putting on the happy face and pretending all is well. This would be me. However, as they say in the performing arts "The show must go on." I am most grateful for the wonderful women who have helped with camp and a very supportive husband who endures my quirkiness. Much thanks to the Young Women for their beautiful spirits, strong testimonies, and love for life.

Our beautiful girls.

Our Amazing Young Women!

Can you feel the love?

Our best smiles!

See y'all at Piuta next year!