Madison Jo

We are so excited to have another little one added to our family! She is so sweet and brings so much love to our family. I am so blessed to have a grandmother, mother, aunts, sisters, cousins and daughters that help teach me everyday to be a better mother, sister, and friend. I hope you all know how much I love and admire the different personalities and talents you each bring to our BIG family.

I also want to make sure my Mom and Lark know how much I appreciate the time they have spent helping me. I don't think I could attempt motherhood without the help and example of so many wonderful people. I am so grateful to have my family so close! THANK YOU!

This Cheese Changed My Life

I think I was watching Ina Garten on the Food Network, when she showed how to do this. It has totally changed my idea about Parmesan Cheese, and Italian food. I. Love. It.

I buy the huge block of Parmesan at Costco for around $15. It comes in a big wedge. 

Then I just cut the entire thing into small cubes-about 1/2" or smaller.

Then I grind it in my food processor. Only put a few in at first, because they kind of rattle around in there. It's super loud. But so worth it. Keep adding and process it in small batches.

Tons of cheese for $15! I store mine in a gallon Zip-loc in the freezer, and just take it out when I need it. No need to defrost. You will definitely taste the difference in this cheese! Do yourself a favor and don't touch that powdery stuff in the green container. You'll thank me. 

PS-This is a great alfredo recipe. Super easy. Its one of my go-to quick dinners.

I Love Family

Today I am thankful for family. 

There is only 3 weeks until finals and all of the sudden my life got really busy. I have been stressed out this week with homework and finding a babysitter for class today.

I called Aunt Karma and she came to the rescue. She is amazing! She took my kids all afternoon, played with them, spoiled them, fed them, and then sent me home with dinner.  

It's just what I needed. 

I know she's not really a blogger, and may never see this, but I really appreciate her help. She came and saved me right when I needed it most. 

I love this family. :) I'm so grateful we can take care of each other.

Lattice Safari Quilt

This quilt is for my Carrie. She's having her first baby girl this spring, so I wanted to do something special for her. I really really love how it turned out. Seriously. If this quilt wasn't for her, I would have a hard time giving it away. It's probably in my top three faves. She chose the grey/navy/yellow color scheme and I took it from there.

It was fun doing a palate so traditionally masculine, but keeping it feminine with all the floral, girly prints.

 I think the quilting really kept it simple and soft. Aren't these prints so fun? There's a bit of a safari theme going on, not on purpose though.  Tip: I always like to wash my quilts before I send them off because it really changes the look of them. I like the rumpled, worn look. 

 First attempt at bias binding and rounded corners. Won't be the last. I loved not turning corners.

Off to your new home in Montana!

Blessing Dress

I've been working on something the last couple of weeks :) I can't believe it turned out; I've never made an article of clothing with a crochet pattern before. 

 I did a lot of homework and I think that helped. We ordered some heirloom quality thread, which took longer, but turned out so nice. I had also looked at Ebay, Etsy and all around online for inspiration on the pattern and style. I was tempted to buy one already made, but I found the perfect pattern as an e- download for a deal, and it turned out to be just right for me to figure out.

 The pattern had some pretty frilly or antique-like sleeves and booties (which Tanner and I weren't really into), so I tried to make them a little more modern. Tanner was great to give some good input as I trucked along; he seems to really like the finished product.

(back) 

The only thing that would make this dress better would be to have the baby actually in it :) I can be patient though. The baby is due with only 4 weeks left!