There's a risk associated with this post.......

Ariann this is for you. You requested a picture of the front of grandma's new house and here it is.
Wow! those tangerines look so big. It must be true what they say about the camera lens adding 10 pounds! That however, was not what I was shooting. Check out the newest/old apron. This is for Rachel's birthday. Yes, it is another "re-purposed" item. We found this dish towel in Zach's favorite antique store while we were in Salt Lake. It was also available in yellow but Aubrey liked the pretty blue best. (She was right--it is more retro looking) I must get it in the mail today so it will only be a few days late!
I always loved big bows in the back! Can you believe we were wearing dresses with same said bows on our butts when I was in high school? What were we thinking?!

Okay, I will explain this post title. Here is the risk: I have earned the reputation of a cheapskate! Sunday evening the high priest group leader called to tell me that he had an assignment for me from the bishop. I am to be the concluding speaker at the combined, 3rd hour meeting Sunday (5th Sunday). Evidently he and the Elder's Quorum Pres. will speak first on the topic of personal financial standards put forth by the church. My assignment, should I decide to accept it (yeah, right, like I have a choice) is to talk about how we can live those standards on a daily basis.

I was confused and asked Gerry Wilson to clarify AND to explain WHY ME?! His answer has left me scratching my head: "The bishop thought you would be perfect for this. He said something about you making clothing out of old curtains or some such thing." WHAT?! First of all---how does the bishop know I do that and secondly, what does my hobby have to do with following the prophet's counsel to stay out of debt?!! I can't wait to ask bishop about this one! When I told Gary, he was not enthused about my less than flattering reputation. His comment: "Great! Does the whole world have to know you're CHEAP?!" Answer: I guess they already do-- thanks to the world of blogging.

A Couple More Pictures

I don't know how I missed posting these. I only wish I had taken more during our trip. I will have to tell Aubrey to get caught up on all her orders then pick a few of her favorites from our trip and post them on MY blog. I know she knows how to do that.
I discovered that while I was gone, blogger changed their format. Ariann had to tell me that I can still make comments even though when I tried to comment on her's last night, the symbol of the hand doesn't come up. All I get now is a verticle straight line but she educated me that if I click my mouse on that line it will still work. Wahla!! Magic!! Oh how I wish I were computer savy. (I also wish I could spell!) Be sure to check out my other post because this is just a "P.S."

P.P.S. It has quit raining for a minute. People tell me it's the first time it has stopped in 2 1/2 days!

Can Our Vacation Really Be Over?

Oh how I miss the comfortable summer temperatures of Utah/Idaho summers! We came home last evening to Tropical Storm Fay and what a mess she has made! The stiffling sticky air makes me miss those desert summers more than ever but it was good to sleep in my own bed last night!
We had a great time with the Williams family at Cub River Lodge. Uncle Randy had planned great meals and the time with family was a welcome treat. Today as I posted my pictures I discovered that I had gotten very lazy because Aubrey (the professional) was there with her camera. What made me think that her pictures would work for me? How did I miss getting one big family shot?! I guess with that many people it would have been difficult to get everyone gathered together at the same time.
From that outing held just outside of Preston Idaho, we headed up to Pocatello to another family gathering organized by Ron's girls. Gina's house was the perfect place for cousins to play and get to know each other. Plenty of activities kept everyone entertained and again, the food was plentiful and delicious! Thanks Gina and Jared! (I think I spelled her name wrong. Hope she will forgive me.) We all commented on what polite children she has. What fun to see how the Davidson family has grown! Thanks everyone!
We spent some time at Grandma and Grandpa Sumner's new place in Logan. It is beautiful and they have done a great job of decorating and turning it into a home. More great meals! Gary went golfing with dad and I was able to attend a relief society meeting at a care center where mom taught the lesson. She did a great a job and all those elderly ladies were very appreciative!
Other highlights include: A visit with my dear friend Liz Leary, accompanying Aubrey on a couple of photo shoots, shopping and sewing with Aubrey while Gary took Zach on a hike up Ensign peak, swimming at Murray park, barbeque with Paul's gracious parents as hosts, ride downtown on Trax for our own photo shoot with the kids, chinese dinner (in honor of the Olympics?) with Kent and Aleta, and listening to Rachel tell of her experience with a public pool where she was forced to wear a swim diaper a few weeks ago. I will laugh at her re-telling for years to come. It went something like this:
"And I told them, like........ I have been potty trained for like..........THREE DAYS!" You had to be there but trust me, it was hilarious! It was fun to have all three kids comfortable with us and willing to let us hold them and smother us with hugs and kisses! Oh how I wish it were possible to live where we could enjoy ALL of our family at the same time. We were grateful that Ariann, Travis, Kaity and Brayden braved the storm and picked us up at the airport. Bryce got along just fine without us for 10 days and probably enjoyed his independence!
I'm sure grateful for my family and that includes all of my extended loved ones! We are truly blessed!

Tomorrow's the Big Day!

I was going to take a picture of the project I have been working on for Aubrey's early birthday present, post it, then call Aubrey and say, "Hey, if you like what you see I will bring it as a carry on tomorrow on the airplane. If you don't----I won't", but I decided it wouldn't be fair to not only get your birthday present early but to have a sneak preview of it---thus ruining any surprise. Soooooo, I will carry it from Orlando to Phoenix to Salt Lake and if you don't like it Aubrey, just pretend!! I'm only kidding. It won't be a big deal so if it turns out not to be your thing you can just sell it on your photo blog link and go buy a real present when October comes!
We booked this flight more than 3 months ago and I can't believe it's finally here! We can hardly wait to see our Salt Lake grandkids and let them try to remember us. It will be interesting to see how long it takes Rachel and Emily to decide we're "okay". Zachary better be ready for hugs because we know HE remembers us.
Ariann and family are spending the night here so they can take us to the airport bright and early. They are good sports! Bryce wishes he could come too but no vacation time earned yet. I plan to take lots of pictures for blogging when we return! Everyone stay safe while we're gone. Liz, I'm looking forward to a D.I. run. We'll have to call Brayden on his first day of school and will anxiously wait to hear how Kaity likes her new class and teacher! Love to all!

Nana's Version of "Transformers"

Vintage curtains and a new bedskirt are transformed into skirts for my girls! The pictures look kind of dumb but in real life they are very cute. (At least grandma thinks so.) I made these last night for Katie and Rachel. I thought Katie's would look a bit more grown up if I did a band on the bottom instead of a ruffle. This morning I went on a hunt for fabric to make cute tops out of. I came up empty but I did find this adorable hat on a clearance table for only $1.00. Enlarge the photo Aubrey so you can see the cute flowers on it. I don't know if Rachel will keep a hat on her head or if it will fit but it was worth the gamble. I'm thinking that a cute black and white polka dot material in that peasant pattern you bought the other day would be cute for Rachel. I have something a little more grown up in mind for Katie. A polka dot vest for a layered look. Aubrey if you think your friend JaNae would like a skirt like Rachel's let me know. I have plenty of fabric and it won't take me long to whip one up. If you get me some measurements I can bring their matching skirts with me. The dragonfly green fabric is kind of like a denim/canvas. I know we will have to find something soft for the peasant blouse.