"Idea-lift"

In the scrapbook world, we can "scraplift" a page and use the layout to create our own. I found a neat idea here, where I always find good ideas actually, and "idea-lifted" it because I thought it was pretty spiffy. I was very excited when I discovered a type-case very simliar to Ali's at D.I. awhile ago and knew it would work perfectly for this project. I searched for pictures that were stuck in photoalbums from long ago but were too great to be hidden away and used them. This was so easy. I hope I find another type-case sometime. I would love to try it again.

update on my flowers

While I was out weeding the garden and watering my plants this morning, I noticed how they were flourishing and thriving. It made me so happy to see that they liked where I had planted them. Hope they brighten up your day too!

My not-so-new, but definitely improved craft room.

When we moved into this house, my craft area was moved from boxes, to a corner, to kitchen table, back to the corner, and then finally downstairs. Dusty helped me to realize that the spare kitchen downstairs would be a perfect craft room because I could utilize the extra cabinets and countertop space. (What a smart boy I married) He was absolutely right. At first, it was completely uninspiring and quite drab. The paint on the walls matched the almond colored appliances and the lighting was horrific. So, gradually, I made small changes. I hung paper on the cabinet doors, brought in some lamps and the effect was great, but I really wanted to do a total overhaul. Plus, I hadn't painted something for about a month, so I figured it was about time. :) Sara helped me pick out the paint color and also helped me paint. Most of the baskets and glass jars I already had, and the shelves on the walls were all from DI. (probably one of the best stores on earth) After I had painted, I tackled the cabinets and my shelves for a whole-purging-process. I gave away a bunch of stuff I knew I would never use, and consolidated all of my crafting things into the room. I originally had my sewing stuff scattered in one room, and paints in another room etc. It was good to get everything organized and working how I like it. Overall, I had the time of my life since I love to do this kind of thing. I really love how it all came together. It even made the brick wainscoting look good, or at least better! (no, we didn't put it in) I can't wait to spend many happy hours down there creating and enjoying my time.

We are so spoiled

Let me explain how.

My aunt Joie comes up here to Cedar to live for the summer because it's a lot cooler than St. George, and to stay with my Grandma. When I say "cooler" I mean temperature wise.....

We love to have her stop by and do things with us. She would stop by on the Saturdays that she was up visiting during the school year, and take Tyson on walks. But this summer we've taken it to a whole new level. Every day she comes to our house around 9:30 or 10 and loads Tyson up in his stroller. They then precede to go on a 3 hour walk. Gasp! The first time they went I called her like 3 times to make sure they were okay and if they needed anything. But now, they have their route all planned out, and Tyson makes sure they don't vary from it. He's pretty bossy about it actually.

Yes, I am spoiled. I have 3 hours in the morning that are child-free, and I can run errands, clean the house, work on a project, or take a nap if I want to. It's like having a nanny. A nanny that we really really like. The best part is, and the part that makes me feel so good about it, is that Tyson absolutely looks forward to his walks everyday and stares at the window saying "Come on Joie, come on." And I'm pretty sure that Joie likes it to. :) She keeps on coming back. Sara says it's no surprise because "Tyson is adorable with a capital A." And it's true that they get along together very well.

I never want to assume that she's coming, because it would be totally okay if she didn't, so I always make sure not to get Tyson revved up about it in advance. But we are always completely jazzed when she pops in. And Tyson starts talking about the tower they see, and the waterfall, and the ducks etc.

I think all three of us are going to have major withdrawals when Joie moves back home in the Fall. Severe ones. I am so grateful to my Auntie Joie for spending time with us, developing such a great bond with Tyson, and teaching him so much everyday.

What's my name anyway?

Tyson is turning into quite the little chatterbox. Every word that escapes our mouths comes right out of his, and for the most part that is okay. It's fun to listen to him talk away, just like a little boy, but a strange thing has crept in. Let me give some back history.

When my Mom was down visiting, we were teaching Tyson to call her GJ, short for Grandma Jewels (her name is Julie). He got the message, and still calls her that, but also got a little confused. He started calling her "Mom" too. I have no problem with that, and since that's what everyone else called her, it made sense. He knew she would answer to both names.

You might have guessed what Tyson is calling me now.

"Jess".

Yes, it's "Jess, watch me", and "Jess, I need milk" etc. He runs through the house yelling "Jess, Jess, Jess". I seriously have a hard time not responding to it. Have you tried not to respond when your name is called? It's tough.

He still calls me Mom. When he is sad, or is saying goodbye, or something like that. So that's good. I figure this is something that is just going to pass, but it is so weird to hear my little two-year old say my name. I told him the other day, that my name is reserved for Daddy, my family, and my friends. Only they could call me Jess. I told him that we weren't going to be "friends" like that ever, so he better get used to just calling me Mom. Tyson just grinned, threw his truck against the couch and ran away reciting "Jess, Jess, Jess"......