My table tent for Paige

I got this idea awhile ago and decided to do it for Christmas. It took more time than I expected, but that was because I had no directions and had to figure it out as I went. I bought fun fabric for the outside, then got the cheapest sheets possible for a liner. I liked the idea of a liner because it hides all the sewing marks for pockets and curtains. The whole project cost me about $50. They sell on etsy for about $200. She will be able to keep it forever and even pass it onto her kids. That's the great thing about sewing projects. They last.

I had fun making it in my secret room. Paige can't wait to find out what I have been doing in there. She is going to love it!

Tyson's bike

Tyson loves his bike he got for his birthday. He'll come up to me randomly and yell "bike!" because he wants to go outside. He has learned to balance already and lifts up his feet when he gets a little speed. He is getting a little too confident though and takes off down the street. I have had to chase him down a few times.

The EZ Ski

So I am actually taking the time to post something. The EZ Ski. Greg and I have been determined to find something that will get our kids out behind the boat BY THEMSELVES so they will be comfortable going solo. Eventually of course, we want them learning to hydrofoil. Preston did get up on it a couple of years ago, but has since developed a stubborn determination not to hold onto the rope when pressure is applied. We tried last year and it was a disaster.





Can't help but love the tutu sticking out under her life jacket. Love my girl.

So when we decided to go to Lake Powell a couple of weeks ago, I thought the EZ Ski would be the perfect thing. Turns out, I was right! Paige wasn't scared at all. She hopped right on and acted like she was scared between grins. She was a little nervous when the boat started moving, but the fear quickly turned to thrill. She did "no hands!" and let go of the rope. We kept telling her to stand up and she wouldn't. Then I saw a look on her face and up she went. We cheered loud and she was clearly proud of herself. I loved it.




Next up, we put Tyson on it. He was curious and thought it was fun until we pushed him out onto the water. He started to cry as we started moving forward. It didn't change to a smile, so we brought him back in. But he did it!






Preston wasn't excited AT ALL. We convinced him to sit on it and that wasn't too bad. Then Greg pushed it out onto the water and he wasn't too happy. Greg pushed him out further, then pulled the rope quickly back in so Preston could feel the pressure. The first time, he hopped right off into the water because he was mad at Greg. This was one determined child. Greg got him back on and pulled him in a few more times. He was done. The next weekend we went to Utah Lake. He didn't have a problem getting on it because he was familiar with that part by now. I started up the boat and moved forward. He was nervous and immediately made the sign to slow down, then to stop. I kept going. Finally, a smile emerged. He even let go of the rope for a few seconds. When he came back in he said "that was fun! I'm going to do it again later!" And he did. The next time, he even stood up. I was so proud of my boy! This was a huge accomplishment for him. He overcame fear and discomfort and discovered something fun. That is what it is all about.

I love boating because it is something we do as a family. Our kids are learning to face some fears and the self satisfaction that comes from accomplishment. I love it.

Childhood Nostalgia

Paige spent the night at my mom's on Tuesday, all by herself. I think it was actually her first sleepover alone without he brother there. It was a spontaneous thing and she was thrilled to have grandma all to herself to cuddle and play with. When I went to pick her up on Wednesday afternoon, she had her Pinkie bear in a baby carrier. But this wasn't some Wal-mart baby carrier, it was MINE. This was one of those handcrafted items that mom lovingly gave me for Christmas when I was four years old. I love how Mom has kept some of these toys that meant so much to us. Most people would throw them away. Paige loved the carrier. She begged Grandma to let her take it home. I looked at it and thought " I wonder if I could make one..." Ironically, Paige is exactly the same age that I was when I got this toy.


Christmas 1981 with my baby carrier. I was just shy of 5 years old.



How it looks today. A little stained and completely limp, but fully functional for my little girl.


As soon as Paige heard me say something about making one, she was all over it and asked when we could go to the store to pick out fabric. We hustled over there this morning between dropping Preston off at school and getting her to preschool. We found the perfect gingham fabric that was even quilted just like my baby carrier.

I spent ALL day sewing. I realized early in that I completely messed up the bottom and didn't understand how it was put together. So I had to start that part over. It was tricky and I didn't get it exactly right. But Paige doesn't notice those little things. What she sees is a new toy for her babies. She was absolutely in love with it. We made one for her cousin Karli too so they can play with their babies while they get babysat on Fridays.



Paige and her new doll carrier.




Karli's doll carrier.


It's funny how I felt such a desire to reconstruct this piece of my childhood. Everything comes from the store these days, but I wanted to MAKE it. It means more. I hope one day my little girl finds this carrier in the hands of her own child and remembers the special memories she made with it.

ELMO!

Tyson is obsessed with Elmo. I think it's adorable. All of my kids have like Elmo, but I think Tyson loves him most. He says his name very clearly. I am convinced that I hear that word out of his mouth more than I hear Momma. Every time we walk by my room, he yells out "ELMO!" If we are in the living room and the television is off, he points to the t.v. "ELMO!" When I tell him no, he puts his head in his hands and cries. It's a tough life. Love my cute little boy.

St. George in January, aaaah

Greg went to St. George all week for work. We love to go visit Great Grandma and Grandpa Springer there so I decided to pack up the kids and head down there too. It was a little crazy doing all the packing and loading. It took a lot longer than I expected, but the kids were a big help. I was nervous about the drive, but they did surprisingly well. Especially Tyson and he DOES NOT like being restrained. It wasn't as warm as it usually is in January. The snow on the mountains was pretty against the red rock. But it was still warmer than home and sunny.




We usually just hang out and go for walks, but this time, I wanted to do a small hike with the kids. They are old enough for some adventures now. I looked on line and found Snow Canyon State Park. I was surprised that it was only a 15 minute drive and yet we had never been there before. We went on the Jenny's Canyon hike. It is only 0.5 miles round trip and perfect for kids. The kids kept grabbing handfuls of sand along the path. As we neared the red rock formations, Preston discovered his echo.



I love red rock and the way the wind and rain carve out spaces. The kids were fascinated. I got this great shot of all three of them. Great because no one is crying which is what usually happens when I put them all together for a photo.



The hike is a slot canyon that ends rather quickly. There was an area the kids could climb up in that was kind of a cave. They loved that. Tyson just wanted to go to the end and hang out there. I haven't really been in a slot canyon. Now I want to explore Zion's and find other hikes.



I took this shot in the cave area. How I wish I had taken my tripod. Still not bad though for being handheld. I love how the light reflects off of the walls.



Preston poses for a shot with mom. I had to have some proof that I was on this trip too! I usually don't get many pictures with me in them.



Next we went over to the sand dunes. It was a small hike to get to, but the kids loved it. They took off their shoes and ran through the sand. The sand was cool and the sun hot. I was actually wishing for shorts mid-day. I think the high was about 57. I love this picture of Tyson tromping through the dune.



We had fun running down the hill. Tyson would run until he lost control and fell. I'd pick him up and he would keep on going, then fall on purpose because he knew it made us laugh. He is the comedian and a little thrill-seeker.



A close-up of the last shot. Note the sand springing from his head as he face plants.




The time at Grandma's was great too. We had a good visit and relaxed. We took the kids' rollerblades to help them learn. Paige loved rollerblading with me. I haven't worn those things since college. She liked to hold my hand and roll down the hill onto the grass.



Preston plays football with Great Grandpa Springer.


The kids loved to cuddle and got a lot of special time.





There is an awesome playground up the street. Everything there spins and uses a person's own momentum. The kids had to test everything out. We played there for quite awhile. The things Greg and Preston are sitting in spin. You have to lean back and then forward to get them going, then you get cruising. I got so sick. I miss being able to do that stuff. How old am I again?



My attempt to get a picture of the kids with the Springers. I am grateful that they can have these opportunities to spend time with their great grandparents. It was so special going to San Diego with them last year. I love visiting St. George. The sun was a welcome change. Coming home to the cold was not so fun.

Christmas Season

I love the holiday season. I never feel ready for it, but I really get into it. The kids are the perfect ages. They believe in Santa. Both Preston and Paige keep breaking out in random Christmas songs that they have learned at school. It's so cute. Paige especially loves music. She is obsessed with Taylor Swift. But, the other day, Preston started singing a Taylor Swift song. So funny.




Anyway, we decorated the tree a the beginning of the month. I laugh at myself because I bought this beautiful tree and decorations before I had kids. It is red and white and the ornaments are mostly glass and in the shape of candy. What was I thinking? Kids love candy! When they are toddlers, they don't get that the candy is not real. So Tyson is all over it. We quickly had to revamp our decorations and now only the top half of the tree is decorated.




I remember going downtown to see the lights as a kid. I had no concept of how hard it must have been for my parents, but I remember being in awe of those giant trees. We took the kids down this year and it was really their first time. Preston doesn't remember going when he was younger. We went out to eat at IHOP first, then headed downtown. I haven't been down there forever and didn't realize how many changes have taken place. The parking wasn't bad since we got there early, but Temple Square was packed! The kids didn't notice or care though, all they saw were the lights. They oohed and aaahed. Tyson kept saying "whoa!" and pointing at everything. Paige loved the pink lights, of course. Preston was more interested in the water features. I only took my point and shoot camera because I knew I wouldn't be able to set up my tripod. I turned off my flash and I'm impressed with the photos I got with that little camera.




Preston LOVES legos. I love what he makes with them. He is so creative. I don't know what is "normal" for a seven year old, but he seems to have a unique sense for building things. I would like to figure out how we can encourage his creativity. He came home from church a couple of weeks ago and decided to build a lego Jesus. Yeah, I don't know that any other kid would think of that. Here is what he came up with-



Preston's Lego Jesus.



Then, yesterday, he made this reindeer pulling Santa's sleigh. My favorite parts are the antlers and Santa's hat complete with the white ball on the end. Wow Preston!



And last of all for my post, here is my Tyson being his usual monkey self. He will hang from anything. Love that boy too.