Play-Date with Harley

This morning Fiona's daddy had a doctors appointment so I went early to watch her. And since silly-Grammie forgot her phone at home we came back to my house today.

Fiona fell asleep on the ride and somehow I managed to sneak in the house without Harley noticing that HIS baby was here! You should have heard the racket he made as soon as she stated making *I'm awake* sounds.

He certainly loves his babies! The hardest thing for him is *NO LICKING*! I gathered some *Grammie-toys* (read- Grammie didn't look carefully enough in the diaper bag for the toys so we improvised!) so Fiona could play in my sewing room. Harley was right there to keep her company.

Fiona loves Harley's soft fur.

OK... this cracks me up. This busy little girl doesn't want to lay down. She will hold up her head and feet. Gramma Lewis would call this exercise!

But this was the funniest of the Grammie-toys; my silicone pastry brush. She didn't like the way it felt in her mouth and would make a little shivering-gag each time she put it in. After twice (hey, I had to get the photo!) Grammie took it away!

We even took a little walkie: Grammie, Fiona and Harley. I love this happy view.

Shrunken Apples

This phenomenon frequently puzzles me!

• Why do these apples stay on the tree through the winter?
• Why don't the birds eat them?
• What happens to them when the new blossoms pop out? (I never see them on the ground)

By this time of year they've got to be pretty *ripe*, if you know what I mean.

Olympic Cutting

I moved my small tv into my sewing room, something I frequently do with a large project (Annabelle's quilt took all 8 Harry Potter movies plus!) my goal this week was to get most of the dresses cut out... WHILE IMWATCHED THE OLYMPICS.

I still have two more to cut out but it's time to call it a day. 

Sweet Hour of Prayer

Three years ago we got new carpet. It has worn quite well considering we have a dirty-little-dustmop-dog at our house.

We have the usual *wear* spots at the top and bottom of the stairs (no carpet on my stairs) but the wear spot that amuses me the most is right beside my bed.

I've always been a prayerful person. Over the years my prayers have matured from *if this isn't right, let something happen* to *what should I do* to *help me accept thy will* to *I am so grateful for thy love, guidance and healing*.

So when I noticed this last summer, and again today when I was vacuuming, it made me happy to find a spot in my *new* carpet that is worn and matted from my Sweet Hour of Prayer.

Blind Hem

Ever since I used up my Husqvarna sewing machine several years ago I haven't been happy with my blind hems I've been getting with my Elna. Since I'm staring down the barrel of 8 full skirts I knew I had to figure it out.

I cut and serged several pieces of the fabric I'm using and went to town. Once I'd figured it out I wrote it all down... cuz y'know, I'm not 30 any more! Then the thought occurred to me that a photo or two might help.

I usually use a large needle- a #16 or #18- but this needed a very dainty little #12 needle. I needed to adjust the guide to push the folded part so I only catch a few threads. (I also reduced the width of the zig-zag)

I want to show some the rejects too. This is what happens when I used a large needle and the blind hem stitch was too wide. Yikes! I love the puckered hem!

I got this photo quite by accident... I never want this! See how the guide is riding up over the edge? Nee-Nine! Don't do this!

And You Mix It...

Fiona just turned 5-months old lasterday. What a fun age. She is coming into her own cute little personality. We had an extended Grammie day today. Yes, I do love this time.

After visiting with Mama, for lunch, and Auntie Desi, for a trim and wax, we headed back to baby-Fi's house. She took a little cat nap and woke up ready for a bottle and some play time.

We had some fun interaction time. First Fiona played in her little exersaucer for a few minutes but that was clear across the kitchen from where Grammie was doing dishes.

I pulled out the bumpo (boy, I love this little seat). It puts Fiona right up with the action. She was so cute trying to grab the dish soap. I'm guessing she wouldn't have thought it was too fun if she could have gotten it to her mouth. Fortunately, she isn't strong enough to do that yet!

I never trust even a bumpo out of arms reach, so when I came time to put dishes away she moved over to the other counter and played mix-it-up with a whip and big bowl. I'm always amazed at how much babies like kitchen gadgets... just like Grammie.

She vocalizes, blows raspberries and jabbers *mama*. She understands peek-a-boo and laughs. We play *hootie-owl* (We put our noses right together and hoot. It's a game my sisters used to play with me.)

Since I was gone for two weeks in CA I've really seen the change in her. It has reminded me of Tony at this age. We had just moved back home when Tony was 5 months old. My mom, the original Grammy, just delighted in that darling baby boy.  She was almost my age.

I'm so grateful for the wonderful example my dear Mama set for me on how to be a good Grammie.  She would delight in this new little baby girl... just like me.

The Windows of Heaven

Much of the west has been in a drought for the last several years. Last Sunday, Fast Sunday, many Stakes in California (and other western states) participated in a special fast for rain. Since I was there I, too, participated in that fast.

I attended church with Rebekah and family. The adult Sunday school (Gospel Doctrine) teacher, Bro. Veater, told us a story that I shared in Primary sharing time today. One of his coworkers is a very devout Baptist and they frequently discuss religion.  Around Wednesday, prior to Fast Sunday this Baptist coworker asked Bro Veater if is he was going to participate in the special fast for rain. For a minute Bro Veater was confused and then said , "Yes! (But how did you know?)" As they talked about the special fast for rain it came out that many congregations, of various denominations, were joining in the fast.

Thankfully, it started raining Sunday morning and we've been treated to the *Pineapple Express* ever since.

This is a wonderful testimony to me that our Heavenly Father loves ALL OF HIS CHILDREN and he will answer their righteous petition.

“No lace. No lace, Mrs. Bennett, I beg you!”

Anyone who knows me knows I am a little quirky! One of my quirks is quoting movies/books... it just makes me happy.

While at JoAnn's last night I proclaimed aloud, "No lace, Mrs. Bennet! No lace!" Luckily Stephanie is used to me enough that she didn't even bat an eye. Finally I said, "Do you know that quote?" Her reply, "Something Jane Austen?"

And those naughties at Orem JoAnn's truly had NO LACE! Nor any matte bridal tulle! Are you kidding me? The perk is that I drove to Spanish, got the tulle and could measure an exact amount for the LACE! (5 yards)

Today Grampy and I drove up to Draper JoAnn's to find the lace for Mrs Bennett Lewis' veil, who has her bridals on Monday.

Cut. It. Out!

Sometimes I amuse myself...

I started cutting out dresses for Stephanie's bridesmaids. Since there are NINE (but I'm only sewing 8 of them!) I have to cut out one, mark the pieces, transfer any markings and then keep all those pieces together because I need the pattern to cut out the next dress with that person's unique measurements. 

I thought, "Hey, I've got all of those 1-gallon ziplock bags in my sewing room. I can use them!" When I pulled them out of the grundle of various size bags I found a couple labeled with names on them FROM CAMILLE'S WEDDING! No wonder I thought it was such a good idea!

Two down and six more to go!

Measuring Up

Even though the fabric for Stephanie's bridesmaid dresses has been in my sewing room for the last 2 weeks... I HAVEN'T! So tonight she had a measurement party at her house to get everyone's measurements. We texted about this last night but tonight I started getting nervous so she kindly invited me over to *just do the dang measuring myself* (my words, not hers!)

I didn't take long for me to realize I really didn't have to be there, but I'm sure glad I went. I got to hear more of the *Stuart and Stephanie* story than I've ever heard before. We are so pleased that Stephanie is going to be part of our family.

One of the measurees was Camille. Fiona tagged along so she could visit with her favorite Auntie NieNie. We decided that SHE should model the reject wedding veils. (Cuz you know that the real veil won't be seen here until after the big day!)

Fiona is at such a cute age. She loves to flirt and smile.

Baby Hand

I drove home from CA lasterday so I would be home in time to stay with Fiona today. A Grammie's got to have priorities!

Usually I only have her for a couple of hours in the afternoon, but this day I had her a little longer. I picked her up from her sick Daddy (let him get some rest) about an hour before Mama's lunch time. We went and got gas at Costco, fooled around for a little and then went to have lunch with Mama.

Like most schools it is a policy that all visitors sign in. What do you think?

When I wheeled her out to the hallway to head down the hall I saw this! She's fallen asleep between the parking lot and the front office! Silly baby. She had her hand poked out of one of the small side hole and was holding her carseat canopy.

After lunch we drove on down to Grammie's house... more sleeping. Hungry again and a bottle. I came and sat down in my Happy Room. Little Fiona was so happy she went to sleep again after lots of nice snuggles. Poor little Fiona has been sick too. I'm so grateful that I'm able to be with her and comfort her. (Fiona and her pink snuggle)

And all of the carseating reminded me that I needed to get photos of her carseat canopy. The *spotty-dottie-polka-dottie* fleece is on the inside.

And this fun print is on the outside. I was so pleased to find these happy fabrics last fall when I knew little Fi would need protection from the cold Utah winter

So, do you see Simon-the-cat photo-bombing this?

I'm glad to be back home after my 2-week visit with my CA grandchildren. (I was going to write grandbabies but my Flynn-boys are all *growed up*)

My *Little* Boys

It seems like just lasterday these wonderful boys were all tiny boys! Now look at them! All so much taller than their little Grammie!

Oh, I do love these boys! I am so blessed to have them in my life! The fact that they are killer handsome is just a bonus! 

I love you Caden, Tadhg and Brock!

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