sewing projects

Before I moved home, I informed my Mom that I had a few things I wanted to work on:

sewing and cooking.

I have been trying to eat without indulging in all my food allergies. It's impossible unless I make everything from scratch. I do not make the time for that, nor do I have the patience for it to cook. Well, Mom has been doing some great cooking for me. I haven't really been of help there. Better get started...

I have been following a few sewing blogs, plus my sister-in-law, Mary Ann, and sister, Rachel, have been creating all sorts of fun things. It makes me want to be creative and artistic. I attempted to make a robe without a pattern. That did not work so well...it'll be in the closet for a while. But I did complete a skirt and some headbands.

I searched through all of Mom's old fabric and shopped at Mom's Craft for a few additional items. I made this deep pocket skirt from MADE tutorial.

Comfortable. Casual. Cute. What do you think??

And I enjoyed making these headbands from happy together's tutorial. I had wanted to do something for my cute nieces, but wasn't sure what they would love. I saw these and thought - perfect! At least I think they are, even with a few sewing mistakes.

Much love in these.

Fourth of July

I made it home in time for the 4th of July celebrations.

Sorry I cut Spencer's head off. I was aiming for the children. Abigail, Ella, Luke, and Kenzie indulging in the popsicles after their hot bike ride.

Saturday, July 2, we went to Richfield for the kid's parade. We decorated their bikes and enjoyed watching them ride in the parade.

Monday, July 4, Mom and I went to the Delta parade and liberty program. We were hoping Phil's family would make it down, but unfortunately Oscar wasn't feeling well. The parade isn't quite as exciting without the kids running after the candy, but it was still nice to be home. After much probing from Mom, we enjoyed the fireworks from our porch with a few neighbors.

Mom with our celebratory red jello!

not too shabby…

Over the past few weeks I have been gradually reducing my furniture and such from the last 5 1/2 years of Arizona living. I was preparing for my move to Utah. It is silly how much I collect and hold on to. There was much sold, recycled, and donated. Almost everything else was strategically crammed into Cora Cora, my Toyota Corolla, after proposed doubt from Zac, my brother-in-law. I had a challenge to face and accomplished the task fairly well. Rachel and Zac are bringing a few additional items to Utah for me.

As I was packing, my car was sinking. I got so concerned that I took the car for a test drive the night before to make sure my tires were not being rubbed. The last thing I wanted on my drive home was a tire to pop in the middle of Arizona desert at 115 degrees. That would not be a pretty site. Luckily, the drive around the block was successful. I continued with the last few items and prepared myself for the long, dreaded drive. I went to bed.

The morning of, I did some last minute household cleaning.



This was where I spent the next 11 1/2 hrs. Good thing it is a pretty straight drive home without too much merging. I stayed within the speed limit and kept my distance from the cars in front of me. I did not want to slam on my breaks. There was some rearranging of my stuff during the drive, but I tried to leave my fields of vision open.

I knew I was close to home with the scent of cows burning my nostrils, random stray animals in the road, and starlight all around.

Home Sweet Home.

Max turned five!

Father’s Day

I was looking through my dad's backup drive and found some genealogy pictures. This one of my dad was also in it. I love how happy he looks.  I have been truly blessed to have him as my dad for eternity! I miss him but am grateful for the many memories I have of us together. I am so thankful he was such a wonderful example and friend.

Girls Weekend Out!

I have been blessed with many wonderful friends while living in Arizona! I will miss them!!



Jenny was the first friend I made in AZ. She planned an amazing night out with the ladies from Queen Creek. We were picked up in a limo, went to dinner at Cheesecake Factory, and enjoyed dessert at The Melting Pot.



We have shared many stories, enjoyed much laughter, and indulged in many treats over the years together!!



Rachel has been the best of friends since I dragged her to Arizona.



We went to Nourish 123, an allergy-friendly restaurant in Scottsdale, and enjoyed the beautiful outdoor seating.

10 days and counting

A few weeks ago I was watching a television show and the character asked her counselor: ‘When’s my life going to change?' The counselor responded: ‘When you make a change.’

I have exactly 10 more work days at Family Doctors. I will miss my AZ family and friends. I am looking forward to spending a summer in cooler weather. I am not sure exactly where I am going, but I love the excitement of a new chapter in life.

This is me the first year I was in AZ.