Quite Possibly the Cutest Thing I Have Ever Made.

I finished this baby quilt for Jackson not too long ago. I think that's a record for me. Actually finishing a quilt before my baby is two.....not exactly my style! I had quite a bit of it done before he was born, then got hung up on the applique, as usual. I had a few things occupying my time for a while, so I worked on the last bits in a not very driven fashion. I think sometimes, in my sleepy stupor I actually forgot to look at what I was doing because when it was finally finished, I couldn't believe how adorable it was!

I just love the bright colors! I remember picking them out so carefully--trying to picture the sweet baby I was making it for, wanting it to match the little happy boy personality I knew he would have! Some of the fabric was from my stash, but most I bought at Quilts Etc. in Sandy. My go-to shop for when I just can't find what I'm looking for....

I wanted to stay very geometric so I stuck with lines and dots for the most part. The brown sashing is a print resembling dirt--for the roads, of course!

I copied the idea from Sharon at American Quilting to use black rick-rack for the nubbly tractor tires. That was genius! So much cuter than the pattern!

I didn't take a picture, but the back is a print that had been out for over a year. I had to scour the internet to find it, but I love it! Here is a pic I pulled from a website:

I wish I could say that I quilted it myself but alas--quilting is not my thing, so a wonderful lady at American Quilting named Becky custom quilted it like she did the original; each block is treated differently depending on the fabric in the block. I love how she followed the stripe on the orange print in this one:

Jackson loves sitting on it. He tries to grab the colors right off the quilt! He is so interested in touching everything right now--if I don't keep him constantly occupied with new things to grab and suck on he gets quite put out!!


Okay. Maybe the quilt is the second cutest thing I ever made. Or the eighth.....however you want to count it!

I love you Baby Jack!

87 dollars later......

Our family just got back from seeing 'How to Train Your Dragon' in 3D. Since Spring Break Vacations for Nine are reserved for wealthy or crazy people, we decided that a family movie would be our treat for the week.

Taking out whole family to see a movie is a rare thing. We first have to consider whether it will be a movie that will entertain each person who goes. I wouldn't expect Connor (2) to enjoy say, 'The Blind Side', or 'Clash of the Titans'. And I wouldn't subject Jason and my older kids to "Space Buddies', or 'Curious George'. So you can imagine that even finding a movie is a difficult thing.

I ponder the reason why we are going to the theater in the first place. We generally wait until a movie comes out on DVD because the convenience and cost can't be beat! Everyone has quick access to a bathroom, and we can pause the movie if we need to. Or watch it 27 times for the same price as once--(or free!--Princess and the Frog...thanks Kellie!)

Next, the time of day must be considered. Of course a matinee is preferred, but sometimes not available. Can't go too late, either. Young kids, you know....I typically don't even consider a movie if we have an infant to accommodate. I enjoy actually seeing the movie myself, and have spent several bouncing a fussy one in the doorway or hall so as not to disturb other movie-goers, thus defeating my attendance.

So after taking all these issues into consideration, we choose to take everyone, including Jackson, to a 3D, evening showing of 'How to Train Your Dragon'.

FYI--It costs $73 dollars to buy tickets to a 3D movie for 7 people. Jackson and Connor were free as long as they were not occupying a seat. Shelby and under were child pricing, and each ticket was $1 more for reserving our seats online--WELL worth it, I say, since there is no reason at all to get there early. $14 for assorted goodies (at Macey's, of course!) and we were set!

Long story short--The theater wasn't full so no one had to sit on a lap. Jackson slept through 93% of the movie, Connor was riveted (and kept his glasses on for 83% of the movie). No one asked to use the bathroom, and EVERYONE thought the movie was excellent! I loved every minute of 'How to Train Your Dragon' and 100% recommend seeing it in 3D. Thanksgiving Point Theaters are further away, it's true, but when you factor in the reserving of seats, the extra time it takes to get there is totally worth it in time saved standing in line. We go there for all our midnight release movies just for that reason!

Do yourselves a favor and don't wait for this one on DVD. The big screen enhanced the 3D effects. I give this movie 3 1/2 stars!

I have this friend....

My friends Erin & Mark Summerill are so talented! Check out what they are putting out there in the form of a CONTEST!! Yes! You too can win cool, amazing things by entering the contest on their PHOTO BLOG: