I do.

More than I care to admit. (Think BIG numbers)!

I honestly don’t know why I love buttons so much, especially fabric covered buttons, but they are definitely one of my current craft obessions.

This calendar I finished up today (based on a pattern from the book I Love Patchwork!) was the perfect way to curb my craving for quilting (everything came from my stash!), linen, stamping and buttons.

The buttons, each covered in a small scrap of fabric and stamped with a number from one to thirty-one, attach with velcro, making them easy to rearrange each month.

The months are stamped on linen twill tape and also velcro on.

I love the rush that comes from finishing a project!

Last night, we quietly celebrated BT’s birthday with a dinner of yummy waffles cooked on my (I mean, “his”) his new waffle iron. When he asked for waffles for dinner, I seized the shoppertunity and bought “him” the rotating waffle iron that I’d had my eyes on for years but could never quite justify it.  Too bad he didn’t request a steak for dinner … we SOOO need a new barbecue.  🙂  Father’s Day?!?!

Vivi presented him with a shimmery male beta fish which she named “Lauren” or “Elizabeth,” depending on her mood. Trying to explain that her (I mean, BT’s) fish is a boy was an exercise in futility.

Ariana sewed him a Mickey Mouse pillowcase and compiled a list of clean jokes that she figured he could use as source material to spice up his stake conference talks.

But the gift that garnered the most oooh’s and aaaah’s (and is frankly something that I would consider running back into my burning home to salvage, once I was certain that my family was safe) was a GORGEOUS, INGENIOUS, FANTABULOUS shadow box that holds a digital picture frame.

(Link to the Etsy store: http://www.cherishedexpressions.etsy.com.  The shadowbox frame was a custom order).

I love the idea of digital picture frames, but they tend to look too “modern” for my tastes.  I think that this shadowbox concept is an ideal solution.  It gives classy substance to the frame, and the customizable quote in vinyl lettering truly enhances the experience of watching family memories come to life across the digital screen.

WHINE ALERT: LEVEL RED

When I quit my job after Vivi was born, I started taking piano lessons as a way to keep my brain from going to mush and to give me an immediate sense of accomplishment that would otherwise be sorely absent.  How gloriously selfish! How completely extravagant!  Some women pamper themselves with mani’s and pedi’s. Some women actually get their hair cut more than once or twice a year. I splurge on piano lessons.

The lessons used to be one of my very favorite things … a highlight of my week.  I loved practicing and learning and progressing.  I surprised myself by the pieces I had been able to master.

Sadly, lessons with three children in attendance have increasingly become a three-ring circus, not to mention the fact that I have no time to practice, especially with Bryan’s demanding schedule. The needs of my two wee ones consume every waking moment, all of my brain cells, and every ounce of energy. I try to practice when Baby Tad is awake, and he pounds on the piano keys. His naps are the only time I have to effectively accomplish any of my domestic duties.

And so today, I had to make a sad call to my dear piano teacher who, over the last three years has really become like a second mother to me, and tell her that I need to drop out of piano lessons … at least for the time being.

And even as I try to write this, with tears streaming down my face, Vivi is calling from the bathroom because she needs me to wipe her bum and Baby Tad is bawling because he wants to go in and splash in the toilet.

Some days I have a good perspective on my role as a stay-at-home mom. Some days I know that everything is going to be okay.  Some days I know that my kids will grow up too quickly and that I will miss the bum wiping and that the sight of an unprotected electrical outlet will bring a tear to my eye.

Today is not one of those days.

More than ten years ago, I purchased a serger, but I never used it … not one single time … because I was afraid of it.  So, shortly before my year trade-in period expired, I exchanged it for a less intimidating embroidery machine.

But as the years have gone by, I’ve always wanted to learn to use a serger … to tackle my fears of the needles and blades and countless knobs and inexplicable adjustments.  And so having just finished this outfit for Vivi, using my new serger several times during the project, I am quite proud of myself. I still have all my fingers, and I didn’t accidentally slice a hole in the dress.

And best of all is that Vivi loves the funky little ensemble. 🙂