The House That Built Me

As some of you know...I went back home for the weekend for a girls night out. I decided to make a detour to my sister's house and swing by my old home in Gilberts. It was a very strange feeling going back home. It seemed like nothing had really change. I could completely image myself still living at home. I just wanted to share this especially for my kids. While driving back to my sister's condo...I heard this amazing song by Miranda Lambert called "The House That Built Me!" this song is so powerful. It made my whole trip so much more special. Take a minute to listen to the song it's so moving.

This is the subdivision...I grew up in. Lot's of fun memories and the best place to grow up. Lots of bike rides, ice staking on the pond, fishing, and staying out late playing games with other kids on the block.

My home...I remember when it was only dirt. Look how big the trees have grown over the years. I really wanted to go inside but no one was home.

Here's the famous mailbox that was back into more times than can be counted.

This House That Built ME

I know they say you can’t go home again

I just had to come back one last time

Ma’am I know you don’t know me from Adam

But these handprints on the front steps are mine

Up those stairs in that little back bedroom

Is where I did my homework and I learned to play guitar

I bet you didn’t know under that live oak

My favorite dog is buried in the yard

I thought if I could touch this place or feel it

This brokenness inside me might start healing

Out here it’s like I’m someone elseI thought that maybe I could find myself

If I could just come in I swear I’ll leave

Won’t take nothing but a memory

From the house that built me

Mama cut out pictures of houses for years

From Better Homes and Gardens magazine

Plans were drawn and concrete poured

Nail by nail and board by board

Daddy gave life to mama’s dream

I thought if I could touch this place or feel it

This brokenness inside me might start healing

Out here it’s like I’m someone elseI thought that maybe

I could find myself

If I could just come in I swear I’ll leave

Won’t take nothing but a memory

From the house that built me

You leave home and you move on and you do the best you can

I got lost in this old world and forgot who I am

I thought if I could touch this place or feel it

This brokenness inside me might start healing

Out here it’s like I’m someone else

I thought that maybe I could find myself

If I could just come in I swear

I’ll leave Won’t take nothing but a memory

From the house that built me

Brookfield Zoo

All smiles

Nothing sweeter than spending time with my sister and her baby. I made her several cute bibs and taggie blanket. A huge hit with Savannah. One thing about Savannah is she's all smiles. The stuff I made her turned out way too cute and I can't wait to keep making things for her to wear. Doesn't my sister's baby look just like her. It's almost an exact copy except the baby has more hair than my sister. Leah keeps looking at these pictures of Savannah and she keeps saying their pictures of Landon or herself. She can't wait to see her cousin in a couple of weeks.

SpaBlue

A great gift...a girl's weekend away and a day at the spa. My sister and I headed over to this overpriced and fancy spa. I felt a little bit out of place but I came away an awesome haircut and a great eyebrow wax job. I finished before my sister and she didn't even recognize me. She literally, walk right past me. Next investment a blow dryer and flat iron. I just hope I can pull off this look when I get back home to Arkansas. I'm not sure if the kids will even recognize me with my new look. It's so nice and updated!

A couple of pictures of Savannah and Me at the bowling alley. It wouldn't be a visit to the chicago area without going bowling. I ended up coming in first place with a score of 121! So, what do you think of my new haircut?

Snow during Spring Break...

Never expected to hike in the snow. Spring break started off with a huge snow storm not spring showers. First time ever hiking thru the snow. We decided to head over to Hobbs State Park for a nice guide hiking tour. Al did a great job keeping the kids attention. He picked out all kinds of strange details like coyote poop, fresh tracks from deer and coyotes in the snow, and old logging roads in the park. Leah kept wanting to walk in the snow and not stay on the trail. Leroy was getting a little bit annoyed with her. He didn't want her feet to get wet. The boys had a blast. Al ended up giving him each a hiking stick. Landon and Logan had a blast playing with their sticks in the snow. We managed to hike up to two different War Eagle Creek Bluffs. The water levels were really high but the views were amazing. The kids did awesome. The boys took off running back to the van but Leah started to poop out. Leroy ended up having to carry her back to the van. If you haven't had a chance to check out Hobbs State Park you should because your missing out.

Wow...Oh...Wow

1st it was the tricycle then she moved onto a bike. Talk about being an overachiever.

First Moment

Watch the video...Leah riding her big girl trike all by herself.

Leah

This morning while making breakfast Leah has been trying to write her name. The scary part is she can write the letter "L" pretty clearly. This is the conversion we had over her writting.

me: Leah, how did you get so smart?
Leah: I grew up!

Pretty funny statement from a three year old!

She's Tough!

Yup, her brother nailed her with the croquet club. She's got a nice busted up lip and chin. She's tough and took it. She still loves her brother. Logan ended up spending the rest of the evening in time out. It looks a lot worst than it actually is. There's a reason why we call her "Little Miss Rough and Tough" she can take care of herself. Don't worry boys...she's going to keep getting bigger. She's in the 75% percentile for height and weight. She's going to be TALL not like her mother. It wouldn't be long and she will be bossying the boys around...oh what she's already doing that.

Her new cowboy boots...totally cute!

The sun has finally decided to show its face...some fun outside time with the kids smelling the flowers.

Logan wearing his new cowboy boots.

Logan and Leah spent most of the afternoon playing Hopscotch together!

Oh, I just love this picture of Leah! Wearing her new Easter dress and new cowboy boots. Doesn't this picture make you want to go out and buy a pair of boots. I'm too cheap. I will spend the money on my daughter but not myself. I tried on a couple of pairs but I couldn't justified the cost. You don't want to know what I spent on these boots...Hopefully, Leroy wouldn't find out either.

So...The moral of the story. Brother and sister relationship is kinda like "Each other's best friend and each other's worst enemies."

Ten For Tuesday

1. I can't believe how fast time is flying by...I'm way too busy!

2. I have way too many projects at the moment. I'm feeling really disgusted with myself. All of these half finished projects is just depressing. The bench I was trying to build has turned into a complete disaster. No way...I can finish it by myself. I'm going to have Leroy help me with it. I didn't cut out all the pieces perfectly. I measured everything but I still seemed to get it all wrong maybe woodworking isn't my thing. Oh well...I tried.

3. I'm still trying to get my trip planned out. I'm leaving next Thursday but I still haven't book my flight. The big dilemna is whether to spend the day in Chicago or go to Wisconsin Dells. Give me your feedback...Spend the day in the city or go to an indoor waterpark in the Dells? I need ideas? Remember...NO KIDS OR HUBBY!

4. The weather is still crazy. One day it's freez'n cold but it doesn't take long it's warm again. I want SPRING...it wasn't fun running in cold weather.

5. I did managed to run in another half marathon. Earlier in the week, it was nice and warm but the weather decided to turn on us. It went from nice and warm to freezing cold and rainy. I was really worried about it raining during the race. It makes it really hard to plan on what to wear? The last thing...you want is to be too hot or too cold while running. I said a prayer hoping the rain would be gone by morning time. The rain decided to hope off in the morning but it was still cold. I managed to run in a t-shirt and running tights. The weather wasn't too bad but at the end of the run the wind pick up and it was lightly mistying. Brrrrr!!! Cold weather isn't fun but the race was AWESOME.

6. I did feel like I cheated myself out of a really good running time. I didn't prepare or train for this race. I just started to get back into running a couple of weeks ago. I still managed a decent time for not training but I still kicking myself for not committing to this race earlier in the year. I just keep thinking to myself. I could of done a lot better. My time was around 2:30:00 my pace was 11:27 per mile.

7. Here's a video from the race...watch it! I can't seem to post it directly on my blog...just click on the link! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1uSVChtjc7c

8.

Running Sisters From Church!

9. My kids totally rock...Landon's doing awesome in school. Let's just say his one of the top students out of all the first graders in the school district. Keep it up...you rock! It explains a lot why his bored at school.

10. Also...my two littles that are still at home during have a love hate affair with each other. One minute their best friends and worst enemies. Logan was mad at Leah and decided to hit her in the face with a croquet stick and nailed her in the face. She's okay but has a busted up lip but they made up and are best friends again.

11. One more thing about my kids. In the morning...most kids like to sit around and watch cartoons. Shoot, I did that myself not my kids. They have spent this whole morning working on puzzles, looking at books, and coloring. I love the fact...I have taken the time to teach them to entertain themselves. It's a great feel'n.

Okay...I'm off to clean the house my favorite thing to do...ya right!

Personality

It's a little bit on the crazy side but it's my daughter. I just used one of her old t-shirts that had a big ink stain on the front of the shirt. I decided to cut off the bottom part of the shirt that was stained and turned it into this cute dress. I purchase this cute Easter egg fabric at Hobby Lobby for $1.99. I just used some extra fabric that I had laying around. So, I made this whole outfit for a grand total of $1.99. Leah of course, had to wear a pair of pants under her dress. She's very modest. She doesn't want anyone to see her tushy. If I get a chance, I'm going to drive to Sprindale and pick up a pair of pink cowboy boots to complete this outfit! Isn't she cute?

Hoppity Easter Egg Dress

School Assembly

Landon's teacher put together the cutest video of Landon's class for the school assembly. It was so sweet...I even got a little teary. Well, I don't have a copy of the video or I would of shared it with all of you. The teacher has to get permission from the guy that made the movie. As soon as I get a copy, I will post it.

I was a little late getting the video recording. Landon had to stand up in front of the whole student body and had everyone stand up to say the pledge of allegiance. I was really worried about him. He can be so shy. He did it and did a great job. My little boy is growing up fast.

After, the class assembly they had a donut class party. After, the party I took Leah to the potty. Logan was standing by himself in the foyer. Well, it wasn't long before a teacher found Logan in the foyer and was asking him all kinds of questions about why he wasn't in class. The little guy didn't know what to say...his so shy. He just stood there looking at the floor. A few minutes later, we came out of the bathroom and rescued him from the teacher. Logan was about to be hulled off to Kindergarten.

Eating in Style

Don't ya just want to eat these bibs right up. I couldn't help myself. I used this great pattern at ChickPea, click here. This project took me less than a hour to make these two cute bibs. I hope my niece will like these bibs. It makes me hungry just looking at them!

Ten on Wed

First sign of Spring!

1. 531 pages done...in less than 60 days. I accept the relief Society challenge to read the BofM in less than 60 days. This is the first time...I have ever read the BofM in such a short time frame. Also, I hadn't done any type of personal scripture study in years. I tried several times last year but would slip up and forgot to read. I'm really proud of myself for reaching this goal. My next goal is going to be to read the D & C in less than 60 days which should be a lot easier than the BofM.

2. I'm running in my second half marathon this Saturday. No, I'm not fully prepared. I just started to run again after taking off for the winter due to foot injuries. I did managed to run 10 miles last weekend and I felt really goof but super sore the next day. I'm not expecting to beat my time from last time. I'm running with a good friend...it will be her first half marathon. I'm going to be running slow with her and we are just hoping to cross the finish line.

3. I'm finally back into the sewing mode. I'm currently making taggie blankets, t-shirt dresses, burp rags, and hoping to make a couple of bibs.

4. I also bought this really cute fabric with red hummingbirds on it. I'm going to use the fabric to make a new shower curtian for the boys bathroom.

5. I have to take the camper into the rv dealership to get the lift fix. Leroy's going to take the kids to Roaring River for fishing and camping. I will not be joining them because I will be in Chicago visiting with family and friends.

6. Last week, we got hit with the stomach bug. Not fun at all!

7. I'm still taking my classes to become a master naturalist. I'm really enjoying being back at school.

8. Leroy took the kids to Pea Ridge Miltaray park for a civil war reenactment. The kids had fun watching them fire off their cannons.

9. The weather has finally warmed up again. Spring is almost here!

10. I also tried a new recipe called Meat and Potato casserole. It's super yummy. I have it listed on my cooking blog if you want to try it out.

Another Creation

Sewing circle is back up and running. It ended up just being Ms. Eunice and me! Thank goodness, no one else show up because Landon ended up throwing up at school. Ms. Eunice stayed at home with the two little ones while I ran off to school to get Landon. Once, we made it back. Logan ended up throwing up. Good thing, no else show up. I was really worried that Ms. Eunice would come down ill but she didn't. Thank goodness!

Ms. Euncie demonstrated how to make these really cute taggie blankets. Luckily, we were able to get one made up before the puking Began.

Here is my first attempt. I made a couple of mistakes. I wouldn't go into details but I tried and again. My second attempt came out prefect with zero mistakes.

If you want to make your own, for instructions,click here !

Last week, I made several cute girl burp rags and hoodie blanket. Well, my friend ended up having a boy not a girl. I'm planning on giving her these taggies and some new boy burp rags as well.

A Sunnny Sunday Afternoon at the Park