Craft Showcase

Time to show some of the fun things made at craft group this month. Our assignment was casual "thinking of you" type cards and tags of whatever theme we chose. There was another challenge, but I will have to share that in a different post.

Love the pretty color combinations here. Very nice!

Fun colors. Love the apron tag!


These next ones are fun too. Check out the matching envelope.

These final two are mine. Pretty simple, but still pretty. Aubrey helped me put on all the MANY beads. That's how we spent our General Conference weekend. :) I love "church at home" weekend. Or as we also call it: "pajama day Sunday". ha!

Sweet Baby Shower

It all started when I was asked if a friend could host a baby shower at my home. We have no furniture in our front room, so there is lots of space for a party. I then turned to my 2 crafty friends and asked if they had any ideas for a cute baby shower theme. Wow! That started a great journey of all things cute!

"M", the mommy to be, is the sweetest lady. She's having baby #4 - and it's her first girl! Pink had to play a part! With it being Spring, "J" came up with the idea of "birds and nesting" as the perfect theme.

This banner is something that can be used to decorate the baby's room. What little girl doesn't fit this "Sweet" label?!

Here is the final dessert table. So pretty with the green and pinks.

"J" is always trying to learn whatever crafty thing she hasn't mastered yet. Lucky for us, she had been wanting to do a complete dessert table for a party, but hadn't had the opportunity to do one. So, she put all her creative energy in doing this one.

"J" also wanted to perfect the whole cookie decorating skill. This is her first attempt ... AMAZING! She has no learning curve. She sees what she wants to accomplish and it's done! So talented! My personal favorite are the little flowers on the wheels! So cute!

Wait, there's more. "J" also wanted to learn this technique used to sew and ruffle up these cute goodie bags. Look at how many layers are on these! What guest isn't going to feel appreciated after receiving this?!

"Thank You" Goodie Bags

Everything has to match, right?!

Lest you think I'd expect a friend ... who ended up not even being able to attend the party ... do all the work, I did make a couple of contributions to the party. I mean, I did actually clean the house. (Well, sorta ... I got the kids to do their weekend chores early. Does that count?!) Ok, how's this:

Strawberry filled cupcakes with cream cheese frosting

I used this recipe. They were so yummy and the filling was like eating strawberry ice cream. The nests on top are made with sugar cookies frosted with royal icing and dipped in toasted coconut flakes. The eggs on top are chocolate covered sunflower seeds glued on with more royal icing.

And no chick party would be complete without chocolate. Before the party even got planned, we knew that "S" would be bringing this little beauty:

Who doesn't love a chocolate fountain with all the fixin's? YUMMM!

The party was so fun, and filled with great people. I wish I had half the talent that "J" has so I could recreate this for the next shower. Ha! Ok, I have something to aspire to, right?! "M", we love you and wish you the best with your little baby girl in your new home. (Oh, did I mention that "M" is also moving out of state next week? I hope she leaves knowing that she's very well loved!)

She's 12

It's easy to say I always love my kids, but there are times when I find myself fully in love with my kids. I've been feeling that lately with Aubrey! She is an amazing girl, and I'm often fascinated with her way of thinking or acts of compassion. Happy birthday, Sweet Girl!

Aubrey is more often behind the camera now that she's found a love of photography. It's harder to find pictures of her.

Aubrey at 18 months. Our first attempt at "professional" photos.

Aubrey at 2. She's mimicking me taking her picture. I LOVE this photo!

Even at 7 Aubrey always showed a bit of spunk!

Our family wouldn't be the same without this fun, peace making, fiesty, spiritual, sweet girl. Happy Birthday, Bree. So looking forward to what this year has in store for you!!!