Last Caseworker Visit!

So, last Wednesday was our last supervisory visit from our Caseworker, Christopher. Whoo Hoo. Not only that, he informed us that because of restructuring in our agency, he will no longer be our future caseworker!!!! WHOO HOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! But, likely it will be Hannah who he told us didn't think we "seemed engaged in the process" at the time of Evan's birth/placement. So, we don't know whether this will be better but she appears to be much more capable for our next adoption (after Evan turns 1).
Anyway, he said, he would send the appropriate paperwork to our attorney this week for us to move forward with finalization! We are getting very anxious and excited to see this come to pass. Our attorney, also named Christopher (but with a bedside manor) said it traditionally takes 30 days from when the paperwork is submitted (next week?). We are still praying it all gets finished in enough time for us to be finalized before leaving for our California visit May 19th.
We are really looking forward to going to the temple with our son to be sealed for "Time and All Eternity". We cannot wait for everyone to meet Evan and hope they are equally excited. There will be LOTS of pictures so be prepared for that. ;)

this morning

this is how we found our baby son this morning. it's become a pattern, as well as waking up at 5am for some reason only to either go back to sleep after 15 or so minutes of whining or after we rock him back to sleep and maybe change his diaper.

I FINALLY FINISHED MY FIRST I SPY BAG!!!!

So, for years I have coveted my sister and sister-in-laws "I Spy Bags" they made for their kids/family and lived away (as usual) for their craft project of making it or even hearing about it. I thought it was genius of them to have it. A quiet toy for church, long car rides, waiting rooms, etc. I decided to start collecting the trinkets that go inside so that one day when I learned how to do it, I'd have a great sentimental collection.

I thought the day had arrived a few months ago (oh my gosh, it's was more than a few months! MY how time flies when you have a baby! I guess it was 6-12moths then) when some friends here had a craft night at my friend Lindsey's house, specifically to make these bags (none of us really knowing what we were doing, we thought we could figure it out.. LOL). Well, I spent the night cutting almost everyone's fabric and they had a clownishly funny time figuring out how to do these. lets just say one of them stared out as a "circle" but ended up as a "purse" LOL (you're welcome katie). It was actually cooler that way. So... I've been crafting again for a couple weeks and was just about to put up all my mess when I saw my collection of trinketts staring sadly at me, begging me to start the project! I couldn't resist those pink and blue google eyes! (some of the trinketts) I started from scratch at 4pm with a goal to finish before michael would get home at 6pm. I decided right there, since the fabric had states and capitals on it, I would cut it the shape of Tennessee! I made great efforts to make it accurate and am very impressed with myself with the outcome. ;) As I was about to sew, I decided to add handles like my friend Lacey did to one she made me with a rice filler (it's at my work for clients to enjoy, smokey would eat it in a second if it was at my house). I had also added the window then decided I needed to type all the 'Ingredients" to see how many there were and to be able to print it on iron on paper and iron it next to the window so you know what to look for or 'check off' what you found. THEN as I sewed, I realized the whole states shape would be a little much for the ingrediants to lay so I sewed an 'inner' rectangular shape around the window and to it's left to accompany the list. This made the ingredients contained in a more manageable area. I was careful to leave an opening to stuff the hole even though I almost forgot. I mixed the doll filler plastic beads with all the trinketts and made a paper funnel to get it in. I am sooo happy with the result!!! I'm addicted. I finished AS my husband walked in the door and surprised him with what I had made. I knew he's be surprised and pleased that I made anything in the shape of Tennessee. He doesn't say but I think it warms his heart a little that I love Tennessee so much and that I try to impress him with my thoughtfulness. What do you say Michael? (i won't hold my breath for a comment... lol). So... here you go! I'm going to make these eventually to sell also.

Front. Shaped like the State of Tennessee with handles so it can be folded in half and carried. The "S" is made for our last name so Evan can share it with any future children we are blessed with. Hopefully he will grasp 'sharing' in our teachings. ;)

Back with window and list

close up of window...

close up of list

the "ingredients" before they were counted, documented & placed in the back. This is an "I Spy" on it's own... Can you see the doughnut, robot, 'Love' confetti, pipe wrench (there are two kinds so you have to know your wrench) or rooster?

Did I mention that I LOVED this project?! I cannot wait to do it again.

One more thing, can you find "C-T-R" in 'red, yellow and blue' (not in that color order)?LOL

it hurts to be so cute.

Sleeping Beauty

So, tonight I put Evan to bed in his Nochi http://mynochi.com/default.aspx as usual where he sleeps soundlessly for a minimum of 10 hours and as many as 13 hours. Lately he's been trying to 'grow out of it' which is a little frustrating but I'm not giving up. He's EXTREMELY hot natured and normally the Nochi doesn't make him hot but tonight I put him to bed in his rather warm room and 20 minutes later.....

THIS is what I found :) At first, in the dark I couldn't see where he was! lol But upon closer examination....

THIS is what I found. My baby hadn't disappeared after all, he had just totally kicked him self out of the sleeper AND was laying on his side ( I put him to bed on his back ) so this entertains me on many levels. I'm so happy that my baby is growing up. Sad that his littleness can't last longer but I can't wait to see what he'll do next and who he will be in the future. eeeek!

a new friend

So... meet "Squirrely" (I know, original right?). He/She was sitting right here by my door this afternoon. I couldn't believe it! Any self respecting rodent within by backyard radius KNOWS I have a "Vicious, Attack Dog" named Smokey that will rip them to shreds and here he/she sits... seemingly oblivious to it's impending doom....

See... I told you... "Vicious Attack Dog". BEWARE! :) he he he he he he he he he he....

Evans first personalized gift from Mom. FINALLY!

Many of you are familiar with my personalized gifts. I have made many, especially these 'uniforms' for family and a few lucky friends. The majority have been "Dodgers" jerseys for nieces and nephews when they were newborns but I have been known to make a Rugby jersey, basket ball and a generic sports themed one. They usually feature the year they were born and their first or last name above that on the back side. Well, I finally made Evans! I decided on our AAA baseball team, "The Nashville Sounds" and found their original logo so it could be all retro and stuff. I'm pretty pleased with the turn out and hope you are too. Now that the sewing machine is still out from the before posted blankets/burpcloths etc... I'm likely going to make Evans blanket etc soon. Stay tuned for that, I'm sure it will be amazing! :) (Godby's this is the kind of stuff I kept saying I wanted to make you. Instead I chose crazy 8 since it was much easier at the time. If you want a jersey, let me know! ;) I'll do it.)

And your request shall be granted...

Well, not that you asked but I recently polled about music on blog pages and have decided to make my music be off when you come to my page. I obviously like my music and it is my page after all... still, I like to make 'the people' happy. The music is still there for those of you that like it, now you just have to push play ;). For those of you that didn't like that it started automatically, I hope this gives you a little more joy in your day.

Thank you everyone who voted keep coming back and don't forget to comment!

today i was cute so...

we took pictures.. DUH!?

sleeping for a 3 hour nap!

after waking up ;)
totally set up picture

a video I forgot to post a week ago....

Craft Blog

I'm considering starting a blog for the crafts that I make and sell.

I would like some feed back.

Here are my latest endeavors inspired by a gift given to Evan by my friend Christi (thank you!)

These are seperate gifts for twin girls. One's initial is "M" the other "S" with the same fabrics only swapped as to their orientation. Each burpcloth has their intial in fabric. The *"Tab blankets" have an initial in ribbon. The Blanket does not have an initial but could.

Here is the "S" in same fabrics but swapped

These are the gifts for a very good childhood friend of mine just happens to be naming his son "Evan". His initial is on the blanket backed with fleece and the burpcloth but not on the tab blanket. His Evan will even have similar intials since we are both "S" last names! ;o he he he

All designs will 'frey' after washing and drying on burpcloths and tab blankets

*tab blankets are mini little blankets baby's like to hold while they suck their thumbs or drink a bottle or especially when they are winding down and start 'playing with their hair' or 'rub their eyes'. "tabs" denote the looped multicolored ribbons sewn in the sides. (you're welcome carly)

PUCKER UP!

HAPPY ST. PATRICKS DAY!

5 months old!

5 Month Skills:

tests his voice by 'talking' a lot and seeing how loud he can make it (our resturaunt days are numbered)

laughing at us and with us

stronger stander/bouncer/head holder upper

eats rice cereal 2 times a day, and gets fruits and vegis now. ones he likes: squash, carrots, pears, apples, bananas, peaches (iffy on that one). dislikes: sweet peas and green beans (will literally clamp his mouth shut for these so... we'll try again later)

loves to play with his tounge, making noises by playing with it or just to feel what it can do and slobber all over the place.

finally uses bibs! literally all day usually cause he spits up a little more with learning how much food to feed him.

is very vocal when you try to put him to sleep. screams and complains for about 30 seconds but then zonks out! lol

occasionally cuddles finally

wears super cool hats!

parents love him. ;)

We will get to come home to California May 19th - the 26th for the majority of my family and all of our friends to meet Evan. I know I already blogged this but we are really excited to have an official date and something to plan for. ;) Evan wants to do the following (in no particular order):

Go to The Apple Pan in Santa Monica

Take a buddy picture with his 3 boy cousins that were also born in 2008.

Take a picture with each relative for a book we will make him later

Meet his great grandmother Nona (only great grandparent on either side)

Go to the beach/see the Pacific Ocean

Be sealed to his parents in the Los Angeles Temple (we'll see, still don't know if his paperwork will be in order)

Go for walks/runs? with Aunt Jenalyn and cousin Liam

Be in photoshoot for aunt Ashley

etc

Have you seen a 5 month old?

I HAVE!

Music Poll

My friend Lee posted a poll about blog music and I am copying her. I want to know what you think so vote! I have no way to tell who voted for what so be honest, you can't hurt my feelings. If you would like to expound, leave a comment here but it's not necessary. :)

california visit dates. drum roll please......

Thank you for your prayers, they have been answered and Southwest prices to L.A. went back down to $99.00 (each way)! We will be visiting my family and our friends in California

Tuesday May 19th - Tuesday May 26th

over the Memorial Day weekend!!! We are SO excited!!! EEEeeeeeK! We cannot wait for Evan to meet his 17 aunts and uncles and 18 cousins, grandpa Allan, great grandma Nona, Winston, Barbara and Tanya and all our friends. We will take TONS of pictures and make TONS of memories. It will not be enough time to visit with so many but hopefully the long weekend will help a little. We are praying and trying to be optimistic that Evan can be sealed to us while we are there but we won't know till right before we leave I'm sure but we will enjoy our visit regardless. We want to try to plan an open house at my parents house in the Santa Rosa Valley, that week. We will see. It may end up just being too much but we want to see everyone so bad!

Cooing and Giggling

Cooing with mom on March 7th, 2009. Enjoying a beautiful sunny Tennessee day after having snow just the week before.

FINALLY finished Evans' name!

As promised in this original post: BETTER PICTURES! (added at 12am)

This is lettering that I make and sell (that's right, SELL). Featured is my lettering for my baby Evan. This is done with the newspaper from the day and city he was born in; ATLANTA, October 14, 2008. I have been saving this idea in my 'back pocket' to do it first for myself before I get flooded with orders to do it for YOU! ;) You can click on the pictures to see them closer and read the paper but I am explaining each letter, below.

The "E" is the front page of "The Atlanta Journal-Constitution" newspaper, including the date. My favorite part is on the bottom is gives a weather 'teaser' that says: "It promises to be (a) pretty day"
By far the biggest news I can remember from this time was all the fires in California (that lasted for weeks!) and since it was also in my home state, I was sure to use the story for my "V" as well as 'represent' for my Cali peeps. ;)

The "A" features the (then) Presidential Candidates who were focusing on "the Economy" (a lot of good that did). ;) Also a side story about Bristol Palin and her boyfriend (the speculation that he was being made to join the campaign)

the "N" is the Comics page of the day. i made sure to fit "family circle" cause it's so classic and wholesome. ;)

below are the pics and message sent originally from my phone.

I'll post better pictures later but I finally finished 'EVAN' for his bedroom. I have wanted to make his right away but till now (and even now) I had no time. I did all the letters in the newspaper from the day Evan was born & in the state/city he was born. I'm pretty happy with the outcome. Tonight I will post better pictures of it but tell me what you think?! I also sell these @ $7.00 per letter (plus shipping) for anyone interested. @ may post others I've made in the past.
Lila

This message was sent using the Picture and Video Messaging service from Verizon Wireless!

new church callings...

So... after 1 1/2 years (?) as Stake Primary President for me and 15 months as Elders Quorum President in our ward for Michael, we have been released from those callings and invited to be the Young Single Adult Advisors for our ward. We have no idea what we will be doing but we are so excited to work with the YSA's in our area! The group we know are all so great. Most are students at our local college, Middle Tennessee State University http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Middle_Tennessee_State_University but some are working or done with school & searching for what is next. In our area there is no "Singles Ward" because there isn't enough active singles to warrent one therefore, they call a Couple/Family to be Advisors for them. Our purpose seems to be a liason with the ward to help them feel loved and supported especially away from home but also as additional support to their families near and far. If we help the Singles Representatives (one/two of the singles) do their job hopefully we can build that community and do some missionary work along the way to grow the YSA community. Mike and I look forward to supporting these Young Adults in any way we can. We're looking forward to activities and FHE and hopefully we can make it to Institute (in the next city over) a time or two. This service doesn't come without some sacrifice though so we hope we will be able to be made equal to the task. I look forward to bragging about our YSA's so stay tuned! ;)

blankie

Evan enjoyed playing with his blanket today. I crocheted this for him before he was born and chose orange to show respect for the University of Tennessee (Michael's favorite college Football team). He was being very good while I attempted to clean his room. Yeah right. I gave up and took pictures. lol ;).

SNowMan day 4 a.m. & p.m.

10:26 a.m. : still standing tall....






3:00 p.m. "in the sun he melted, melted, melted..." ;)




close up on the face look like elephant (snow)man. ;)




"Mommie, don't let my first snowman melt!"

Snowman Day 3

Snowman: Day 2

As you can see, our amazing snowman is holding up. We purposely positioned him in the shade so he could last longer. ;) I've named him "Coal" since it's appropriate for the theme.

Also, here's what is left of the snow in our back yard this morning. The front yard was mostly gone yesterday since we only got about 2 inches where more in town got up to 7! Wow, those folks were lucky!

xoxo

100th Post!

The last Winter storm before Spring (likely).

It SNOWED today! I was so happy that we finally got snow on a day I could actually enjoy it! I usually have to work the day's it's snowed really well here in Tennessee. So, it was enough that with our minimal snow accumulation in TN, we aren't prepared for caring for the roads = church was cancelled for us this morning. As much as I would have liked to go to church I was shamefully excited because this meant I'd get to make my first snowman in all of my 35 years! Seriously, I've never made one before even when I lived in Provo Utah for 1 1/2 years. So here it is...

more pictures:

Predators vs. Chicago Black Hawks this past Tuesday night. Matt and Michael got to sit with a friend in really good seats with perks (food) so our TN nieces got to come with Nanci, Evan and I in our regular season ticket seats. We are bummed we weren't at the game Saturday night when we 'killed' the Detroit Red Wings 8-0!

We're finally using our High Chair we bought at IKEA 4 1/2 months ago! Obviously Evan loves it and is displaying his newest adventure: eating rice cereal. Last week, he tried Bananas and pictured is Carrots he tried last night for the first time. He likes them both but really, I mix them with the cereal that I know he already likes so to get him used to it. Eventually I'll give them to him straight. This week I'll introduce a new fruit then a new Vegitable. I'm thinking either Prunes or Pears and the vegi, Green beans. So exciting experimenting with your kid! lol. Also, for your pleasure, you can see, he enjoys eating as many fingers as will fit in his mouth. ;) This causes many smiles from us and drool from him as he's 'teething'. I don't see or feel any teeth yet and don't anticipate any for a couple more months but still, he's definately chewing to bring them in. I'm pretty sure I won't be putting my fingers in his mouth when he does, without a little prayer first. :) Ouch! That can hurt

Finally... Bath Time! He loves it! Here he is in one of his 3rd most favorite place, a tub of water! (third after his bouncer and exerciser)He only gets a couple inches but he loves to splash splash splash in it! Also pictured is his favorite Pirate rubber ducky that tells if the water is too hot but Evan loves to stare at it. :) Thanks again Melody!

Miscellanious cuteness: