Wow, what a break!

My Christmas break from the U started on the 23rd of December...yes, that's almost two weeks ago. Wow! And what a much needed break it was. I suppose I need to start with the fact that I finally finished my class on the 16th and see that i've received an A for a grade. Ryan and I were discussing the fact that this was by far the most stressful course i've taken towards my MPA. The work involved was overwhelming and I was more than a little stressed at times. But it's over and I have two courses left. Hopefully this time next year I will have my degree. :) I guess that can be my new year's resolution (of which I resolved to have none).

I was able to have a holiday lunch with my friend Kerri and she turned me on to this little store we have here in town called Heartland Gifts. I managed to find something for my Aunt Dawn and a little something for me too!! I've been trying and trying to find a tree topper to no avail. I finally found something I really love...

Next came Christmas! A trip up to Ryan's parents for Christmas Eve (3 hours away). Fun with his family and the mounds of gifts that the kids got (see the picture above of the boys and our nieces)! That same evening we drove back to my parents (2 hours away) and woke up to share Christmas Day with my family. My niece and nephew were able to be with us so we were thrilled!! The following day we got home (only 1 hour this time) and had our own Christmas!

I received the most beautiful camera bag from Wicked Stitch Designs. I chose the fabrics ahead of time and told Ryan what I wanted. He ordered it and it is just gorgeous!

See what I mean? GORGEOUS! I love it and am thrilled to be carrying it around!

Okay, last thing. Mom and I painted what was the spare bedroom in our basement last monday. I wanted to turn it into a play room for the boys. Beyond that, it means that Ryan and I can relax in the basement right next to them, a place we haven't been able to hang out in for some time due to the clutter and general lack of comfort down there. I remedied all of that in one week's time. Here is the final result...

So much fun and the boys just love it! Max especially loves the art center. When I finally get chairs I guarantee he will spend hours in there! What a productive and fun-filled break! Happy New Year everyone! I hope it is a fantastic 2009!!

This is my quilt

Okay, Karen managed to get me to post to my blog which I have simply ignored for the past two months! So from her I am inspired to show my quilt and how it's coming along...

Packaging up each row so it stays somewhat organized!

Some of the fabrics...love Amy Butler!

How it will look when it's all finished!

Sadly this is as far as i've gotten. I'm hoping to find more time soon.

Oh sheesh...Pre-K already?!

On August 20 my "baby" went to school for the first time! He was so excited to go. All ready with his new backpack and tennies. I don't know where on earth the time has gone. It all seems to be going really well except on some days when he misses me. But I figure it's less than three hours, how much can he really miss me? :)

I'm gearing up for fall here, just planted a whole front stoop's worth of mums and grasses yesterday (photo to come) and the pool is coming down tonight. I may even stick my "Autumn Welcome" scarecrow in the ground this weekend. But before I know it, winter will be here and i'll remember back to the hot days spent in the pool and will be sad I ever wished it away.

Husker football started on Saturday and we spent the evening with our friends Casey and Shannie and their four kids. We had a ball catching up...it had only been two years! Time flies when you're having fun (and kids).

Wowsa, time flies...

It's been such a long time since I've posted but i've got all kinds of excuses...vacation, work, illness! But today i'm posting to try to win something, a new camera strap! Check out: http://www.cottoncandybynatalie.etsy.com/

She does some really gorgeous straps! I admire those who can take the seemingly insignificant and make something beautiful out of it.

Fabulous stuff!! Here's a picture. As a whole I am in LOVE with etsy...so many people with gorgeous wares waiting to be purchased by the rest of us who don't have quite as much talent but really wish we did! :)

My latest foray into creativity was for some wide leg lounge pants from Amy Butler's book. I haven't taken a picture of the finished product but here's one of the "ingredients."

Oh to be One and Four

The boys are growing up so fast. One and four...I can't believe it. Here are some photos I took last weekend in a friend's backyard.

Not quite a buddha

My friend Kerri is having her baby on the 9th. We used yesterday evening (between all of the storms we've been having) to take some pictures of her belly and her first "baby" Chet. I think they turned out pretty well. Thanks Kerri!! Good luck to everyone on Monday...can't wait to meet her!

Almost forgot about...

My new laptop bag...so fabulous!

I am honestly sooo excited about it. My laptop fits perfectly along with files, magazines, etc. It will be fantastic with my red luggage too and doesn't look a thing like your typical laptop bag! Thank you Kara at Kailo Chic! Now i'm walkin' around in style!