Oma and Papa

This past week was spent trying to have as much fun possible with Oma and Papa. The last time we saw them was October so we all couldn't wait to see them again. On Monday, after picking them up from the airport, we had our own little Easter celebration and the boys were practically hanging off of Oma. Papa had actually cracked a couple ribs just a couple days before they came out so the boys couldn't do their usual wrestling and playing with him. It also made us all have to take it a lot easier this time around so we didn't go out and do all the running around we usually do.

One of the biggest things we did was have Cy's 2nd birthday party. Thank you Mom so much for all of your help. It would have literally taken me forever to get everything together and set up if it wasn't for your help! My goal that I set for every party I throw for the kids is to actually be relaxed and have everything in order by the time guests arrive so that I can sit down and talk with everyone. I think this was the closest I've ever gotten to it!

At the Fort Worth Zoo; Day Out With Thomas, Cy's best friends: Chloe and Maelyn.


Oma and Papa - We love you so much and miss you already. Cole cried once again after we said bye to you at the airport. We kept reminding him that we'll get to see you guys again when we come out to California in July. We can't wait!

I love this video of Cy (it was taken on his real birthday).He was eating worm dirt and I don't think he expected it to be so cold :)

Easter Weekend

For the fam in California - we missed you this weekend! It was Easter weekend and whenever there's a big holiday, I always think of all the things we use to do together. Our Easter here was a little bit different than usual. For one, Brandon and I got to have a little getaway for the 2nd time since we've had kids. I know, you're working it out in your head right now; that's only 2 trips in the past 5 years! We went to Lake Whitney with some friends and of course, made the most of getting some time to relax.

We drove home Saturday night then Sunday morning after Easter baskets we headed over to the Easter service at The Village Church. Of course, we were running a little behind so we were turned away from the 9:00 and had to wait for the 11:00. While waiting, we drove around to try to find a nice picture spot but it was a little chilly and windy outside for pictures.



We spent the rest of the day over at Grandma's house for an afternoon of Easter egg hunts and lot's of good food. One of the things I wanted to do the most with the boys this Easter was the Resurrection Cookie recipe but we couldn't find the time. It looks like a really great way to show kids the meaning of Easter. I'll include the recipe if any of you want to try it.







Happy Easter everyone!

Resurrection Cookie Recipe

1 c whole pecans

1 t vinegar

3 egg whites

pinch salt

1 c sugar

Preheat oven to 300 degrees F. (this in important - don't wait until you are halfway done with the recipe!) Place pecans in a zipper bag and let children beat them with a wooden spoon to break into small pieces. Explain that after Jesus was arrested he was beaten by the Roman soldiers.

Read John 19:1-3

Let each child smell the vinegar. Put 1 vinegar into mixing bowl. Explain that when Jesus was thirsty on the cross he was given vinegar to drink.

Read John 19:28-30.

Add egg whites to vinegar. Eggs represent life. Explain that Jesus gave His life to give us life.

Read John 10:10-11.

Sprinkle a little salt into each child's hand. Let them taste it and brush the rest into the bowl. Explain that this represents the salty tears shed by Jesus' followers, and the bitterness of our own sin.

Read Luke 23:27.

So far the ingredients are not very appetizing. Add 1 sugar. Explain that the sweetest part of the story is that Jesus died because He loves us He wants us to know and belong to Him.

Read Ps. 34:8 and John 3:16.

Beat with a mixer on high speed for 12 to 15 minutes until stiff peaks are formed. Explain that the color white represents the purity in God's eyes of those whose sins have been cleansed by Jesus.

Read Isa.1:18 and John 3:1-3

Fold in broken nuts. Drop by teaspoons onto wax paper covered ookie sheet. Explain that each mound represents the rocky tomb where Jesus' body was laid.

Read Matt. 27:57-60.

Put the cookie sheet in the oven, close the door and turn the oven OFF. Give each child a piece of tape and seal the oven door.Explain that Jesus' tomb was sealed.

Read Matt. 27:65-66.

GO TO BED! Explain that they may feel sad to leave the cookies in the oven overnight. Jesus' followers were in despair when the tomb was sealed.

Read John 16:20 and 22.

On Easter morning, open the oven and give everyone a cookie. Notice the cracked surface and take a bite. The cookies are hollow! On the first Easter Jesus' followers were amazed to find the tomb open and empty.

Read Matt. 28:1-9.

HE HAS RISEN!

Going Frog-catching

The kids were so excited to catch a frog and we

just so happened to have a box to keep him in

for a little while. They thought it was hilarious

that every time they screamed it made the frog

jump so you can guess this went on for quite a while.

Baby Shower Invites!

I just finished and sent off my first baby shower invitations. It was a bit of a challenge to find paper that had all the right colors (red, green, light yellow, chocolate brown and pink - and blue was okay too) but I'd say I was really lucky to find just the right stuff. I hope Sarah is thrilled when she gets to see them and that it will be a beautiful addition to the shower and baby book!

Soft and Cozy Rag Quilts

One day when I was pregnant with Chase, I was out walking around a local craft store. I don't remember what I was shopping for but I remember seeing a picture of a really cute quilt. At that moment I knew I wanted to make one for Chase that would be his special blanket, that he'd keep forever. We'll I did make one but it barely compares to the ones my sister and I are making today. These quilts are called rag quilts and though we can make them in any size I still think they make the most perfect baby quilt you will ever find. April has been going to town making these lately and here is her latest - the "Neapolitan Rag Quilt" and I LOVE IT. Of course, you can take an even better look at it at http://www.needleinascrapstack.etsy.com/ Let me know what you think!!!

Easter Pictures

This past Friday, we headed down to Heritage Park in Grapevine to take some Easter pictures. I love this park because it has a botanical garden that is filled with tulips in the Spring. Though the tulips hadn't quite bloomed yet I still got a couple of good shots - especially of Chase. He has got to be my favorite to follow around and take candid shots of. Of course, with the three boys together, the norm seems to be that if one of them are looking at the camera the other two don't want to. I'm sure all other moms can relate!

When I got home and started looking through the pictures from our day at the park, I decided to look through some of our Easter pictures from a few years back. I found this one of Cole and Chase sitting by the same fountain that I took pictures of Chase at this year. It was only two years ago but both boys have grown up so much.

It made me think about what it was like taking them to the park back then - Cole was 3 years old, looking out for Chase just like he still does today (except now he tries to do it with a lot more authority :) ;Chase was 1, running and exploring, being my little dare devil like he still today (except he's a much better listener now); and Cy was a sweet little newborn just trying to stick to his daily schedule of eating and sleeping. He, of course, has changed the most in the past two years and is perfectly content when he gets to run around and be a big boy with his brothers.

I love looking back - and I love capturing the moments that take me back. What would we all do without pictures :)

Invitation Collection

Our little Cy bug turned two March 7. My how time has flown. To go along with his name Daddy gave him "Cy bug" or just "bug," I thought we'd throw him a bug party. We decided to hold the party off till the end of March because Oma and Papa are coming out for a visit and we wanted them to celebrate with us.
Here's our newest addition to our invitation collection.

A Time to Create!

Hi everyone! I decided to create a new blog where I could post stuff about the family AND business so that you could see all of it in one place (we're still keeping our little spot at www.needleinascrapstack.etsy.com where you can buy stuff). This will help keep you updated on what new stuff my sister and I are creating and also let you see what's going on in the busy lives of Cole, Chase,Cy, and of course, Brandon and I (especially for all the fam back in California - we miss you guys!). We'll see how well I can keep up with it all!

I love you all,

Amber