Domesticated Divas Sewing & Craft Camp

About a week ago Jennie said, "Hey Mom, I think we should do a sewing camp for girls..."

We both got a little carried away with ideas and plans (not unusual for us) and by the end of the day Jennie had sent out an email to a few of her friends...
within a couple of hours we had 10 girls coming and a few more on a waiting list.
Yikes!!! (I wasn't even sure we could fill the class!)
We held the Domesticated Divas Sewing & Craft Camp for three days this week and we all had a fabulous time.
The girls were wonderful and we kept them very busy...very, very busy (we took on a little too much) ...
by the end of the three day camp the girls completed:
1) a darling apron 2) custom designed headband 3) personalized tote 4) adorable 6 piece skirt
5) a custom "Anthropologized" shirt to match their skirt!
Today the parents were invited to a very "Diva" fashion show so the girls could debut all the cute stuff they designed and made... WHEEEWWWW!!!
Jennie and I are just a wee bit tired, but we loved every minute and really enjoyed being with these adorable girls.
I am so thrilled that they are all excited about sewing and creating their own stylish outfits and accessories.
They just couldn't wipe the smiles off their faces!!!
The Divas all want to know when the next camp is! I guess Jennie and I better get planning for DDSCC part 2...
What has my daughter gotten me into?

"one more time...please"

We don't get to see Olivia and Caleb as often as we would like to, so it was a special treat a few days ago when they came over to spend the afternoon. We made cookies (their very favorite) and they got to play "Superman" while Amy hoisted them up in the air on her very long legs! They laughed and giggled and kept saying ,
"one more time...pleeeasssse." They are so cute and they are getting so big!

Kaden loved it too and Amy decided not to go to the gym after...she got enough of a work out with the kiddos!

We keep hoping...

After six long months Amber came home yesterday. Kaden was happy to see his mom and yet was cautious with his feelings. He loves her unconditionally & he has missed her... as have we, but it's hard to give all your heart when your not sure when she will appear again. We keep hoping that her life will change and that she will fill the empty seat that has been at our table for so long. We keep hoping that she will be there for her beautiful, adorable, amazingly wonderful son. We keep hoping that Kaden will be able to believe she will be there for him.

I have loved watching So You Think You Can Dance this season. Loved. it.

One of the dances that stood out for me was the dance that portrayed addiction. It was so real and something we have lived with for so long through Amber. When I watched this dance I cried. When I think of all that Amber has missed and all that she has lost because of her addictions I cry and cry. I have come to understand that a lot of her choices she gave up when she gave in to the chains of addiction.
We keep hoping that that she will turn to God and that through our Savior's love she will break those chains.
We keep hoping, we keep praying, we will always keep loving her.

Road Trip

My dad and I took a road trip to Utah to meet his newest Great Grandson Kalvin and to visit Lisa and James and the boys. We had a great time and I felt so lucky to be able to spend so much time with Dad.

We stopped first to see our dear friends Aunt LaRae and Uncle Fred. (I have always called them that) They have been special and dear to me my whole life and I love them so much. We may not be related by blood, but we are family! While growing up I spent every summer with them, their daughter Kaye (who I've always thought of as my big sister) and their three boys. We went on camping trips and lake trips and have many wonderful memories that fill my heart with joy and love. Ficklin family...You are the greatest and we love you! Aunt LaRae spoiled us with a fabulous dinner complete with homemade ice cream and fresh strawberry shortcake and then delicious blueberry pancakes for breakfast...Yum! We were treated like royalty!! It was wonderful to see them and spend a little time catching up and visiting.

We stopped off to see Ally who was busy working for Uncle James. She looked so beautiful and it was great to see her. Dad can hardly believe that she will be 21 in a couple of weeks...neither can I!


Then it was off to meet Kalvin. He is absolutely adorable and so darn cute. When Kelly handed him to Great Grampa...my dad just cried and cried. It was so sweet.

There is nothing quite as wonderful as babies...We love you Kalvin!

On Saturday, Brett and Azurdee were traveling through Utah and they stopped at Aunt Lisa's so we could see Bristol. It was wonderful to see them! We love you guys...
Bristol is doing so well and growing, laughing, rolling over and definitely loved to pieces!!! And when Janika calls me Grama Linda, I just melt...I am so grateful we got to see them... Thank You Thank You!

When Great Grampa held Bristol he cried again...Bristol just smiled...





We had a great weekend with family...(Thank you Lisa and James)
Dad just wants to know when we can take another road trip... he is ready to go again!

Levi is 1 today!

Happy Birthday Levi Allyn Slade! You bring so much joy to all of our lives. We love you!!!!
It is hard to believe that a whole year has passed since Levi came in to our lives. He is wonderful in every way!!!

Levi loves:
strawberries, watermelon & blueberries
ice cream
climbing stairs
laughing & squeeling when we are not paying attention
tearing up paper
being the center of attention at all times
water...tub, pool etc.
making a squinchie face
clapping and tossing 'em in the air
blowing kisses and waving bye bye
books (mostly tearing apart books)
anything that moves or goes
big people food ( he lasted on baby food for about a month)
his cozy crib and comfy blanket
crawling crazy fast like a mad man
His mom and dad and big sisters and brother...he is one loved little boy!

He is the cutest one year old XOXOXO We love you to pieces Levi!

Jennie planned the greatest Circus party for Levi! It was amazing...and tons of fun under the Slade Bigtop!

Sewing Lessons

For Taylor's birthday we gave her a beginner sewing machine and lessons from Grama. She called first thing this morning wondering when her first lesson would be. I went right over (I know, I am a pushover) and picked her up and off to the fabric store we went. Her first project was some pajama pants...she is already a pro. She was a great student and we had a fun day sewing. I think Amy was a little bit jealous and wants to know when her turn is... I am very embarrased to say that I never took the time to just sit down and teach my girls how to sew. That is downright shameful! I was always in too big of a hurry to just get it done. (what a lousy excuse) Well, thank goodness it is never to late and so I will be teaching any of them who want to learn any time they want to do it.
Just call Taylor and she will schedule the appointments...ha ha!

Now those are some cute P.J.'s

Taylor is 9!!!!

How can our Taylor be 9 years old? It is hard to believe!! Well, Happy Birthday Miss Tay Tay...We love you to the moon and back XOXO. Now stop growing up will you?!
Taylor is:
Cute (cutest 9 year old on the planet)
Fun loving
Happy (this girl loves to laugh!)
Friendly
Teacher's Pet (she's a smarty pants)
Talented
Great Singer and Dancer
Awesome babysitter (Levi adores her)
Creative (just like her mama)
Wonderful Big Sister
Obedient
Kind
Always Good
...and will always be Grama Linda's #1 Grandaughter

WE ALL LOVE YOU! HAPPY BIRTHDAY TAYLOR!!!!

Since Taylor is the smallest girl in her class, she had "Taylor's Teeny Tiny Party". They had teeny party hats, played teeny tiny ring toss, had teeny cupcakes, made tiny treasure chests and had a huge amount of fun. Then for dinner the whole family went to BJ's for pizza, Taylor's favorite! Like Taylor said, "It was a super great day!"