Because Fridays are for camp outs.

What could be sweeter than siblings that can't wait for Friday because it is camp out day at our house - they get to sleep in their sleeping bags on the floor of one of their rooms. I couldn't resist snapping a few shots (albeit fuzzy because of lighting) tonight when I checked on them. They may kill each other in the morning but right now there is sibling peace.

In a bind

I was in a bind recently over binding a couple of pot holders. I had been to my quilting guru's (Grandma Dentist) sewing room a couple of months back to learn the finer art of binding quilts and then didn't immediately put it to use. I did pretty good until I got to finishing it off. I knew there was a trick to make it look seamless and I just couldn't remember it. Also, I fudged a bit on the corners and made it work but I knew it wasn't quite right. I shot off an email to the binding goddess and she brought me this yesterday:

Isn't it amazing? How thoughtful! It's a quilt binding tutorial that I can have at my side whenever I need it. I think she should market these! I know newbie quilters like me would love it.

It was a miracle

The miracle of the resurrection was finally upon us yesterday as we celebrated Easter. Our family celebrated tiny miracles all day. First, I was able to get off work early and actually get home in time to have some order to our morning. Perhaps the miracle was being granted the request to leave the E.R. I arrived home with plenty of time to get everyone in their Easter best, watch the kids dig into their Easter baskets, discuss the real meaning of Easter over some raisin bran with the kids, and get to church EARLY!! We helped bring the altar items back to the alter after the very dark Good Friday where everything was removed. We carried the communion chalices and the kids were relieved that we would still get snack today in church. Shwew!

After church we needed some salad supplies for dinner later and stopped at the local grocery. To our detriment but also delight our local Texas grocer does not remain open on Easter - they post a sign saying that today is a time for their employees to be with family. Good for them - but we still needed groceries. We went to the heathens down the street that were still open on Easter Sunday. Apparently some guy earlier in the day shamed them for being open while he was buying his groceries. Shame him for shaming them...

We spent a wonderful Easter with our friends/might as well be family, the Dennis'. The Easter Bunny miraculously knew we would be there and so he hid eggs and left gifts for the children at the Dennis' house. "How'd he know??" I dunno. We got to spend a wonderful time with these wonderful people. (The top picture is of a patchwork postcard that Grandma Dennis/Dentist sent us.)

On our way home per our usual route we were stopped by a major accident that must have happened only moments before. A pick-up truck rolled in a single car accident. The roof was caved in and the windshield smashed to smithereens. When I realized the severity I hopped out to see if I could help. The driver was walking around with blood running down his face - obviously intoxicated by his demeanor and his breath. The passenger was inside hanging from his seat belt - talking to me, but not feeling the rest of his body. EMS personal arrived shortly after and I excused myself to let them take care of the situation. I went back to the car where we had an unexpected impromptu lesson on drinking and driving with our 4 and 5 year old. It was a miracle both men in the car were alive and no other cars were involved.

With bedtime prayers the children thanked God for our family that we didn't see this holiday, the miracle of Jesus, our friends (the Dennis'), the people needing healing, and the guys in the accident. I always underestimate what those kids take in. I marveled while putting them to bed the miracle of them.

Easter Baskets from the Queen

My mother sent the children their Easter baskets... She is known to go overboard. The kids loved it. Note the actual basket is a Trader Joe's bag - I drool thinking about TJ's. When are they coming to Austin?!???

The exception to the plastic egg rule: These are adorable.

Blue Bedroom Continued

The room is almost done. We finished this last stage right before we had company coming over. Leave it to a deadline with company coming to get us to finish something. I think this is how my parents still operate. We need this project done, I know, we will have a party! Anyhow, the bed got painted, the chair rail was hung and painted, and reading lights were rehung. Now all we need is artwork on the walls. It's just going to have to be another party, I guess - oh, right, we also have a string of guests coming to town: My sister, my college roommate, then the in-laws. If the idea of his parents coming doesn't spring Brian into action, I don't know what will.

Easter Eggs

Okay, fine. I get it, keep writing, you will comment when you feel like it. At least three people responded, and well, two of them I had on my least likely to respond list in my head. So, here we go again...

I decided this year to avoid plastic Easter eggs. At least, I won't be getting them for the kids (Mom and Barb if you sent plastic eggs....). I find them year round popping up in strange places. I also find the strangest things stored inside of them - dollhouse objects, coins, hair things, and basically anything you can think of that would fit inside one of those darn eggs. Plus, have you ever stepped on one? Ouch!! This year I picked some festive colors out of my fabric scrap heap (that Brian would have me get rid of!) and made some eggs. I am not done yet! But here is what I have so far. I used a template from The Purl Bee after trying a couple of others that Reba did not approve of. One, she told me, was definitely not oval enough. Leave it to a 4 year old to know what an Easter egg should look like.

Roll Call

Okay, people (as Jacob would say). I have been noticing as of late the dearth of comments. Now, given I speak with several of you on occasion and know that you are reading every now and again I would really love it if more than just my sister left me a comment. I thrive on feedback - most of you may know that. I can talk and talk and talk as long as someone says, "uh huh," every so often. So please, leave a little comment so I know you are there.