Camera Strap Cover

I decided the other day on a whim that I wanted a cover for my camera strap. Every photographer needs one of these! I love it and I can't wait to make some more. Once I figured out how to do it, I made one for Allyson for her birthday since she is getting into photography. Here's how I did it (don't look too close at the craftsmanship... this is the first run, so it wasn't perfect.) :

1. I cut the chosen fabric to the lenth and width that was needed for my camera strap. 6"x19.5" was good enough for mine). Then measured how much padding I would need. I actually only ended up using 1/2 the width shown here. Then I pressed the edged at 1/4" twice all of the way around.

2. I cut the lining to be 1/4" shorter on each edge then made a seam down the middle to create an edge for the padding. (Padding on both sides was reaaly too thick and more than you really need anyways). Then, I sewed down the short ends.

3. I placed the padding under the lining on one of the sides then sandwiched the two long edges together

4. Voila! The finished product! Such a quick and easy project. I love those!

I Have to Brag

...on my mother-in-law. She made these little outfits for Avery. Aren't they Precious?!

This dress is lined and has matching bloomers. I can't wait for her to wear it!:

These two go with dark purple Ruffle Butt bloomers:

This one is hanging with it's matching bloomers:

Bittersweet Birthday

Photo Source: cardsunlimited.com

Today I turn 25...
Yippeee... Sigh...

This year is such a bittersweet birthday because on one hand I am a quarter of a century old and quickly realizing that I am getting old fast, while on the other hand I have so much to be thankful for at age 25. This is really the first year that I have not really looked forward to my birthday for the first reason stated. I know I am still young according to most people but its all relative, right. For about a week that is all I thought about when I thought about my fast approaching day but, then, last night while feeding Avery I realized that was such a wrong approach and I really do have so much to be thankful for. So, I thought I would share a few (in no particular order):

1. Being 25
I am thankful to wake up each morning and have a new day to celebrate God's creation.
2. My Health
3. Avery Grace
Having a child opens your eyes to so many things and shows you a love that only parents can feel. I was told this was true, but never fully grasped it until February 5th
4. Jeffrey
He is an amazing husband, provider, supporter, friend.. the list goes on and on
5. My parents and Jeff's parents
We have both been blessed with parents who love and support us each day. We have some wonderful role models in our life
6. My Sisters and Jeff's Brother and of course, my niece Annelise
My sisters are my best friends! We are blessed to have Jeff's brother so close to us also.
I was reminded that I did not name Annie. Of course I thought of her! I guess I just thought it but didn't say it. (Jeff says I do that a lot, lol) I love her dearly and can't imagine our lives without our little "Sideways Rocket!"
7. Friends
I have made some amazing friends over the past 25 years. I know many of them will last a life time! (you know who you are)
8. Jeff's job
These days, jobs are hard to come by, so the security we have in Jeff's wonderful job is a HUGE blessing.
9. Our Home
Because Jeff has such a great job we are able to have a nice home to raise our family in. We do not live an extravagant lifestyle, but we have everything we need plus some.
10. My Talents
God has blessed me with many artistic abilities. I love to put them to use and create little jewels here and there.
11. My Job
I am a stay-at-home mom and I love it! Once again, #8 is a blessing that gets felt in so many ways!
12. Sushi
Yes, a silly one, but so true. I love it and can't get enough. I even treated my self to some for my birthday lunch
13. My Faith
It is through my faith in Jesus Christ that I am able to do everything that I do. He is my Rock!
"For by Grace you have been saved, through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God" Ephesians 2:8

BP Oil Humor

Happy Father's Day

Again, I am late, but "better late than never," right?

Here's to 3 wonderful men in my life that I call "dad."

My daddy

Jeff's Daddy

Jeff... He has really proven to be even better of a dad than we knew he would be!

3 Years!

Happy Anniversary, Jeff!

I know I am a little late, but on June 16th we celebrated our 3 year anniversary. We sure have come a long way and grown so much together over the past few years. I can't wait to see what else is in our future.

Someone Has Way Too Much Time On Their Hands

But it's pretty funny!

Avery's First Swim

We went out to the lake this weekend for a nice relaxing get away and to try out my dad's new boat. Let me just say, it's awesome!

I tried out water skiing for the first time. Can you believe I have gone almost 25 years now and never water skied?! Anyhoo, it is a lot of fun and I am going to brag and tell you that I got up on the first try! lol

Avery also got to go swimming. She and Annie have matching swim suits that Stori gave them. They are adorable.Dad and I went out early Saturday morning for a photo shoot on the lake. Here are a few of my favorites that will be on my website ASAP:

Big Girl Chair

Well, not quite yet...

Avery's bouncy chair, discussed in my previous post, is a bit stretched out and she is getting a little too big for it :( , so I decided to spring for this chair.
I love it! It reclines for babies and then has an inbetween setting for bigger babies and then converts to a chair for toddlers. It can also either rock or be stationary.

Here, it is set for infants.
Admiring the toys:

I think it's a winner!

Mommies Group

Stori invited me and a few other moms over yesterday for the first, of what I know will be many, mommies groups. Avery was the oldest baby there, being 4 months, and Isla was the youngest at almost 8 weeks. Isla and Nathan were there but there were two other babies, Vincent and Maete Valentina that Avery got to meet and moms that I got to know. They were very nice. I can't wait to get back together with them. Next time, we plan to take the kiddos to the pool :)

Avery and Me:
Stori and Isla:
Elysha chatting away... lol:
Maete and her mom, Chiara:
Vincent and his mom, Bella:
Nathan sleeping like an angel: