Fruits of the Nest

Hey everyone.
I'm always surprised when someone like my Aunt, or Allan's cousin, or a friend from the ward says "oh yeah, I saw that on your blog." Really?! You read this? People read this? One time, I even got an anonymous comment from a "friendly blog stalker" about something I had made. Now, THAT was flattering.
But blogs are great, you know? If you ever are self-conscious or embarrassed about something (i.e. an unusually large belly), just blog about it, and you'll quickly be overwhelmed by boatloads of positive reinforcement. It's great for my self-esteem, but awful for my ego. I mean, based on all your comments, I am in danger of actually believing I am one of the most beautiful and talented people to walk the earth. Would you really have me believe that?? Well, that's what's resulting from all those really nice comments you're making. If I become a conceited, overbearing, unbearable prude, I'm blaming you.
On that note, let me share with you a few of the sweet treasures I've been working on for the newest Tribe.
First of all, don't you agree that lederhosens CAN be manly?
I think so. I'm imagining a tie or maybe a bowtie along with a tiny little dress shirt. Do they make dress shirts in this size? Size weelittle?

And second, I feel there's nothing that says "eclectic intelligencia" like a brown-plaid blazer. I wonder if I could find matching dark-rimmed glasses to really complete the look...
And now as many of you know, I'm trying to teach myself to quilt. Desperate for some guidance/instruction, I called up my mom's good friend and kindred spirit Shauna Ogden, who enlightened me on such things as a walking foot. Changed my life forever. I was able to do all the quilting on my machine, and I really love the way it turned out. I was lucky enough to find a women who would sell me this delicious Heather Ross fabric for retail price, rather double or TRIPLE that, which is what I was seeing everywhere else on ebay and etsy (because it's out of print). Anyway, it was so fun! I don't know if you can see real well, but on each block I quilted a different geometric design, which added a bit of whimsy, I think.


I also made these little booties from excess fabric.
All these projects I have thrown myself into hoping they would distract me from the woes of the third trimester. I won't elaborate about the various aches and pains that befall us all during this grueling time. As far as all that goes, I'm hanging in there. Just trying to avoid counting down or even thinking about time at all. Actually, despite the difficulties of mind and body, I have been extremely happy these past couple of months. As baby boy Tribe's debut fast approaches, I have clung to the short time I have with just my baby girl.
You remember how the Grinch's little heart grows three times larger (uh, something like that, right?) in the end of How the Grinch Stole Christmas? Well, I swear that's what happens when you become a mother. Your heart expands so much sometimes it feels like it will burst. I love my girl. She's my best little friend. My little family of three has brought me so much joy, that although I fully expect the fourth to bring more joy, it will never be the same. It will never be just us ever again. She's been my constant companion every day for two years...and soon that time, this time, of her and me will be over. It will all be wonderful, but it will never be the same wonderful as now. I know I don't usually wax sentimental, but I don't know...the additional hormones (??) have made me quite sensitive lately. You know that feeling when you're in a relationship and you have this gut feeling that the guy is going to break-up with you soon? (past-tense of course for all of you who are now in eternal relationships like me) But you know that feeling? That lump? I kinda feel like that. I feel like Josie is about to break-up with me, and I'm just so in love with her, that it breaks my heart even though it hasn't happened yet. Please tell me that this feeling is just poppycock! Tell me that things will never change between us!

She's potty-trained. She pretty much is amazing at it, too. She's done soooo super well. I realize that it has about nothing to do with me and my abilities to potty-train, and everything to do with her natural "potty" skills, and also that she was just ready. I was DREADING it, but it ended up being no big deal. I'll save all my dread for my next child who will inevitably be potty-training-challenged.

Hey, have you guys ever been to Color Me Mine? SO fun! I'm pretty sure I'm the last one to get on this band-wagon, but Allan took me their for our anniversary, and had so much fun. Last night I went again with my sisters (including my sister-in-law) and mom, and it was so so so fun. I haven't had that much fun since I was baptized. Anyway, so with Allan, we made this bowl. I designed it (which by the way, if it looks familiar to any of you, I have no idea why....?), Allan painted it, and then I added the black etching. I feel bad posting so many pictures of one thing, but I want to give you the full effect.


I also made these knobs. I'm not sure what I'm going to do with them yet...apron holder? Mount them on an old window and hang cute pot-holders on them? Well, that's it for now. Thanks for stopping in and reading. Thanks for all the super nice (if not a little too generous) things you all said after my last post. Hope you enjoyed general conference as much as I did today. My soul was uplifted, and my body was fattened (or my baby's body...or probably both).
Peace.