Truly Great Friends

Over the last several months I have been spending a lot of time thinking about friends - my friends, in particular.  I have truly been blessed in that area.  Recently I reconnected with my childhood best friend, Jen, who now lives in Florida.  It has been so nice to re-enter each other's lives after a long absence.  In fact, one of my best birthday presents this year was a long telephone call from her!

Also in the forefront of my thoughts lately have been my best friends from jr. high and high school.  These girls are truly amazing and I am so glad that we still continue on in our friendships!  Yesterday, as I sat with Hilary and Jennifer at Cheryl's mom's funeral, I thought back over the last few years with different trials that each of my friends have had to face - Jennifer's sick baby boy, Hunter and her subsequent health and adoption issues; Hilary and her car accident; the loss of Cheryl's dad last year (how I used to wish he were my own dad growing up!) and now her mother; Molly's motorcycle accident; Heather's son Quincy and their kidney surgeries, etc.  

As I sat there in the funeral, I realized several things:  1) even though I am not the greatest at keeping up with communications with my friends like I should, in the event that I ever need my friends or their support, whether in Arizona, Florida or across town, they will be there for me, no matter what; 2)  these are individuals, sisters really, who have helped shape who I am today.  I seek their examples in living and admire who they all are; 3) I truly love each of you, my friends!

No. 1 Fan, Seriously!

When Everett and I were first married, I told him that there were only 2 concerts that I would die to attend - Vince Gill and George Strait. I saw Vince in Spokane in Spring of '96, I think, but George Strait doesn't tour very close to Idaho Falls so I haven't had the opportunity to see him YET. I heard George is coming to SLC in July so I called Lisa and Becky and we made arrangements with my other sisters for a girls' weekend in Utah. Lisa, Becky and I are going to see George at the Usana Amphitheater. We got great seats even though the tickets are going fast. It's a splurge, but hey, what can I say? It's George Strait, after all.

What...Tagged!?!?

Yikes, I thought I might escape from this, but I've been tagged.  I am supposed to list my three favorite indulgences and then tag other individuals.  For those of you tagged, after listing your items, please list the instructions and feel free to tag others!

3. (I'll count backwards for more effect) Lately it's been such an indulgence to get out of the house by myself and browse through Porter's Crafts' quilting fabric.  I love the patterns/prints people put together and daydream that maybe one day I can put together a beautiful quilt pattern of my own design.

2. Having all of my family, i.e. parents, sisters, brother, nephews, kids, brothers-in-law, all together for family dinners.  It is so gratifying to have everyone in one place enjoying good food, good company and realizing after all these years that we really do like one another, despite what my mom and dad probably thought while we were growing up!

1. Harry & David's chocolate covered Bing cherries!  Nothing more to say there. (If you ever need to bribe me....)

Heather, Michelle, Lisa, Sky, Julie, YOU'VE BEEN TAGGED!

All I Want for Christmas Is...

a Kindle! I am totally fascinated with these amazing little gizmos and if they weren't so expensive, let alone backordered until next year, I think I might have purchased a little gift for myself. I've dropped a few hints to Everett since both my birthday and our anniversary are coming up.

On another note, the other day I was picking Kirsche up from school and on the drive I was inquiring as to what she wanted Santa to bring her for Christmas. Our conversation went like this:

Mom: What do you want Santa to bring you for Christmas this year?
Kirsche: An American Girl doll.
M: Maybe an American Girl doll is a little too expensive for Santa this year.
K: Well, I really don't care what I get from Santa this year ... (at this point I'm getting ready to praise her for being more grateful of what she actually receives, but wait - here comes the curve ball) ... I don't care if I get a Molly or a Kit or a Sophie from Santa as long as it's an American Girl.

I think I've still got a long way to go on figuring out kids!

Beauty of the Season

I love living in an area that has 4 distinct seasons, albeit that Autumn is usually about 2 weeks long here. I think it reminds us how beautiful our world is all times of the year. I apologize that you can't really see the full scale beauty of the frost on my window, but it was breathtaking. Happy Holidays!

A Few Projects

To celebrate the 50th day of school on November 5th, Kirsche's kindergarten had a 1950s themed party. I whipped up this poodle skirt. While I was purchasing the materials to make the skirt on October 30th, I had two different ladies comment that I was a little late to be making Halloween costumes. I just smiled and nodded.

My sister, Lisa, also celebrated a birthday on November 21st. This is the birthday card I made for her. I think it turned out really cute.

I have decided to make homemade goodies for friends and neighbors. Ethan is dipping fondant-covered cherries in chocolate. I think I will follow up with coconut balls, too.

Behind.....Who Me?

Okay, so it's been awhile since I posted (quite awhile, I know!) so here are the belated birthday highlight of November.

Happy Birthday to Ethan and Braelyn! Ethan is now 9 and Braelyn is 3. With something like 11 or 12 birthdays in November between my family and Everett's, it has been a very hectic month, but happy, happy birthday my Sweeties!

Ethan did not want a traditional cake and requested a bundt this year. It was pretty delicious. He received a pair of fishing waders and a Shel Silverstein book.

Braelyn's cake choice was Red Velvet which we made into cupcakes and everyone helped decorate.
Braelyn received a Hannah Montana microphone and a Sunday dress.

Baby Isaiah Has Arrived

My sister Tara finally had Isaiah Landry Carlson on Election Day, November 4th. He was 7 lbs, 11 oz and 20 1/2 inches, I believe. Mom, Dad and Baby are all doing well.