I paint, I craft, I have fun

After my school gets out I get 3 glorious weeks before the big ones get out of school for the summer. This is my play time, my fun time. This year I have been painting rooms, and making a few decorations to go in them. I started with our back bedroom. My brother Paul started painting it for me before he left in February, but ran out of paint to finish it. In my pregnant state I was way too lazy to finish what he started then, so I decided to finish it now. I wish my white wall was actually the yellow I thought I was getting, but it will do for now. It is even growing on me a bit.

After painting, the walls looked awfully bare, so of course a couple decorating projects were in order, and I moved my crafting stuff in. For that I needed a little organization, and some jars I had came in handy for that.

From there I moved into the kitchen. That room has been woefully in need of a paint job since we moved in, and I'm happy to say that after 3 years I finally got it done. I love it too! We also put on a new faucet, and Jason is currently out getting some led lights for under the cabinets. Hopefully this summer we can tile the back splash, and really finish things off.

Bedroom

I painted the shelf green and lined it with mason jars filled with crafting goodies.

some inspiration

Las Vegas Temple

Both projects together only cost me $5, and I love how they turned out!

another view of the bedroom, on the bookshelf you can see some work from my clay class.

Kitchen

Kitchen view two

A Baptism and a Blessing

Saturday evening we put Jason through a Priesthood triathlon, and he took first place. We baptised Ivy, and blessed Carmella. It was such a wonderful service. Aunt Monique, and Uncle Shawn gave excellent talks, and Ivy was so cute and funny during them. She answered their questions, and threw in a little of Ivy's signature silliness.

She put Jason through a bit of a workout. He had to dunk her twice because she lifted her foot out of the water. He took care of that the second time by standing on her feet.

He then confirmed her, and gave her a sweet blessing. After that it was Carmella's turn to be blessed. There was such an outpouring of the Spirit in the room. I could really feel Heavenly Father's love for my children. As members of the church we have such a unique privilege to perform these sacred ordinances. It really is a beautiful gift from our loving Father in Heaven.

I am so grateful that my parents were able to be here from Las Vegas. I know it meant a lot to them, and to my girls, and to me.

Thank you to all our family and friends who were able to share in the day with us.

Ella's First Bath

On April 24th we gave Ella her first bath. I think she lost her cord in record time.

Only 5 days after birth the little thing fell off. I guess she is all grown up

already. I'm not sure how I feel about that.

I was hoping to have a little baby for a while.

Actually she did really well for her first bath. No crying at all.

She really likes the warm water, and she

seemed to have a good time kicking her legs around.

I personally love the clean baby smell.

I also love my little baby.

Enter Carmella

Saturday night at 9:56pm Carmella Mae entered our world in the usual way, but lets face it, the usual way is always exciting and wonderful.

It began at about 4:00 in the morning. Contractions, nothing major or insistent, but not leaving either. The day progressed. At around 8:30 I thought my water was leaking. Off to the Midwives we go to get that checked. Baby is fine, maybe just a small or high leak. Watch it as the day goes on, but we think you are in labor for sure this time.

I spent the day watching Jason make a small patio in the front of my house. Forgot the sun was strong, that explains the farmers tan. About 5:30 call a friend to help give me a blessing. Is this baby ever going to come! 6:00 lets go get pedicures. Off I go with Julie Ann, and Valerie. Cute toes, now I'm hungry where should we eat? On second thought take me home, this is starting to hurt.

Jason, I think we need to go to the birth center now. Get Rachael to babysit, drive to Cleburne with Julie Ann, and Valerie in tow. Arrive about 8:20. Man this is really hurting!

dilated to a 4. What! it feels like more than that!

Contractions come faster, and harder. Oh Mama! That HURTS!

7 cm. Lift the belly, get in the tub, Oh that feels better, for about a second.

9:54pm, My water just broke! PAIN!!!!!!

Her heads out!

One more push, She's here, she's perfect! 9:56 pm.

Thank you Jason, Midwives, Julie Ann, and Valerie. I couldn't have done it without you.