Rhonda's Pick

For May, Rhonda chose The Language of Flowers.  I can't wait to get it from the library!

On my recent trip with my mom and sisters I picked up Heaven Is Here.  I've been reading the Nienie Dialogues for years and I was excited to finally read her book.  Um, I probably shouldn't have read it while I was flying- not that I was scared our plane would crash, but because I was crying and had to keep blowing my nose which is one of my very least favorite things to do in public.  It's a beautiful story about a beautiful woman.  She is truly amazing!

Playroom Dreamin'

My mother introduced me to the world of Mackenzie Childs and I am loving their new Playhouse Collection.  It would match our "Cirque du Soleil" playroom so well!  The only problem is the cost, the table is $900 and each chair is $525, so to get the table and 4 chairs would be a mere $3,000.  Slightly out of our budget, ha!

Love this wee wingback chair for kids too, it's $795 (their adult wingbacks go for $4,900), the stool is $295, and the rug is $425.  They also have a rocking chair I love that's only $495.

Sigh!  Why do I have champagne taste when I'm on a beer budget?  And I don't even drink alcohol, ha ha!

Spare Reading

I just finished reading Wildwood.  It was a fun read.  It took me a while to get into it, but I enjoyed it.  It's going to be a series though- ugh!  What have I gotten myself into?

I saw this Wildwood on my niece's GoodReads.  After reading its desription I want to read it too.  However, it's going to be a series too...

We picked this up at the library tonight for Leonard.  He used to work for Earl H. Fry back in his BYU days (in fact there are 2 tables in the book that Len created back in the day).  We've exchanged Christmas cards with Earl and his wife for years.  The title makes me sad, but the subtitle gives me hope.  I should read this when he's finished.

Kaleb and Noé have been reading the Percy Jackson series.  I'd like to read them too.

However, the story continues in another series:  Heroes of Olympus, but it won't be complete until 2014.  I love reading, but hate waitng for sequels.  I've never claimed to be patient, ha ha!

Itzel's Pick

For April Itzel recommended The Host.  I've already read this title and thoroughly enjoyed it.  I'm excited that the movie is coming out this month!

Annick's Pick

For March Annick recommended Distant Waves.  I have a feeling I'm going to like this book.  I also have a feeling I'm going to need a box of tissues while I read it since it's about the Titanic.

Sabrina's Pick

This is our book club title for February.  It's about a woman's only child leaving home for college.  Yeah, I'm going to bawl my eyes out!

Jen's Pick

I chose our book club title for January.  I picked my favorite read from 2012, "The Book Thief."  Of course, it is sad, but it is beautiful too!

La Dee Da

I'm so glad my daughter likes dolls.  And that I get to play with her.  I think the dolls she got for Christmas this year are my new favorites!

From Santa she got the Sweet Party line.

From her grandparents she got the Runway Vacay line.

 

*I NEED to get my doll designs manufactured.  Trust me, they are just as cute as these!

Glittery Gumdrops

I made some new ornaments for our Candyland tree.

I have made A LOT of ornaments in my day and these are my all-time FAVORITE!  They were so easy :  clear glass ornaments, hairspray, and glitter.  And they look spectacular.  I'm making more of these next year for our Winter Wonderland tree.  I'll make 11 white and 1 light yellow to exchange for this white one.

I tried making felt peppermints again.  Still not sure if I'm crazy about these.  They look like candy citrus slices, ha ha!  I may try a new pattern again next year.

Christmas Characters

I sketched up some patterns,

cut the pieces out of felt,

glued them all together,

then put them in frames.  Now we have 3 new friends added to our basement's Christmas decor!

Countdown Chain

 I got some pretty scrapbook papers...

...and made a paper chain 6 1/2 weeks long.  We counted down from American Thanksgiving in November to the day of Epiphany in January (which happened to be the last day of school vacation).  We love the holiday season!

Placemat Totes

We made these cute and super easy scripture totes out of placemats with our Activity Day girls at church.  You just need a placemat, yarn, an extra large & sharp needle, and grosgrain ribbon.

 

The girls got to choose between aqua, turquoise, light pink, dark pink, red, and yellow for their handles.

 

They were on their own to embellish them.  I made myself one with this big red flower.

 

I made my daughter's with this cute tuxedo bow.  I'll try to find that tutorial and post it here soon!