fall leaves

I am in awe of the fall colors in Utah this year. I don't know if it's because we had more than normal moisture this summer or what. But I drive around and just take it all in.

This row of trees lines the road at the end of the main street that runs through our hometown. I love anticipating seeing the colors as I drive down the road. These trees are all the same variety and yet each one is a totally different color. It's very cool.

This is the city park. I walk down the trail along the creek and through this park as often as I can. It's amazing.

vintage hip

I woke up at about 2 a.m. this morning and checked on Ella to make sure she was covered up. I could tell she was dreaming because she was shaking her head up and down as if saying "yes." I was hoping it was a happy dream. This morning when she woke up, she ran out to me and yelled, "Mom, I had a dream last night and it was a good one! It was Christmas and I got lots and lots of presents!"

I'm sure you've also notice the Christmas departments in many stores were set up even before Halloween this year. I know it bothers some people, but personally I'd rather have more time to do my shopping--maybe even relax a little. :)

I've been thinking about some fun traditions to share about Christmas in our family both past and present. I'm getting a little list compiled.

Here's a little something I ran into in the last little while over at Urban Comfort.

girlfriends' getaway

I'm headed to St. George again at the end of this week for a girlfriends' getaway with some of my quilting/sewing friends. I'm so looking forward to it--warmer weather, yummy food, a long period of time to sew (instead of fifteen minutes here or there), shopping, and just hanging out with the girls. Ella is trying to guilt me into taking her. Her arguments: I'm a girl too. Dad will miss you too much. If you take us, Dad and I will just swim all day and go to McDonald's to eat. Nice try.

I shared in a previous post the fabric I purchased for the semi-matching cuddle quilts I'm making Ella and Madi. I decided to get them done in time for Christmas. I got all my fabric cut and binding made and my plan was to sew the tops and backs in St. George. Getting the pre-work done ahead of time is the key to accomplishing a lot at a getaway.

I got so excited, I ended up sewing Madi's ahead of time and it's actually at the quilters right now. It's SO sweet, I can't wait to show and tell. I was worried the fabrics were a bit busy together, but I love, love them. I have Ella's in a little kit all ready and waiting to go.

I'm going to take a few smaller projects just in case I finish up, which is a strong possibility. The brick pattern I'm using goes together so quickly.

we've been busy...

We survived Halloween. Ella woke up on Sunday morning (we went trick or treating on Saturday night) and the first thing she asked was, "Is Halloween over?" I told her it was. She asked if it would come again. I told her not until next year. She wanted to know if she could dress up again. I said, "Of course! Do you know what you want to be?" She pondered the question for a few moments and finally told me, "Jesus or a butterfly." Then she ran off to get some breakfast.

We've been busy. I guess I should say Lynn has been busy.

With the weather cooling down, we decided to make the switch between Ella's room and the office. They're right next to each other, but Ella's room has two outside walls and it seems a bit cooler in the winter. We FINALLY got her new bedroom furniture--I won't go into all the details, other than to say it was a major pain. I wanted to find another set, but Lynn really liked the design of the pieces. They are darling.

rain, rain go away!

I've never seen Tinkerbell carry an umbrella, but this one did. It rained like crazy Saturday night when we went trick-or-treating. We went to about eight houses and Ella was ready to come home. The last house we went to (the Wagoners) had Halloween mini note pads and pencils. Ella was so excited about them that when Rachel said she could have a candy too, she said she didn't want any! This girl has a MAJOR sweet tooth, but she loves, loves, loves art supplies and office supplies.