Graphic Design

I spend a lot of time on the computer and it's a real struggle to balance that. To my kids, it just looks like I'm staring at a screen. But I'm always working in some way, shape or form...on several different things at once!

Lately, it's been a ton of designing stuff. Just random, different...STUFF. Graduation announcements, tons 0f signs for Trinkets and Treasures, hand-outs for Watch Me Draw, company logos (for friends) and decorating friends houses.

I LOOOVE Adobe Photoshop and am happy to spend lots and lots of time using it. Love it. But I don't love my kids to see me sit on the computer a lot. So I try to cram it in when they aren't around or are sleeping.

I have a hard time saying no because I genuinely love doing it. And if I could pick a profession, I would be a graphic designer (one may ask...then why are you a teacher? I don't know. Practicality?). But at some point, unless I can find a way to make a minute longer than 60 seconds.....OR afford to get a new computer so I can work faster....I may have to learn to say no. Or to charge more money (or charge at all) for the time I spend designing all of this...stuff!

Here are just a few things I've done recently....

Piano Recital #8

This week, we experienced our 8th piano recital in four years. Eighth! Whew!

Sadly, there are several differences with this one. First of all, it was the same night as the baby shower I had already planned for Lindy. I felt REALLY bad at first. But then I presented it to the girls that it would be a "Daddy Daughter" piano recital (and since I have been to 7 out of 8 of them), they seemed okay.

Secondly, this is their last official group recital with Mr. John. He has taught us piano for the past nearly three years and we have LOVED it. Absolutely loved it. Loved the curriculum, loved the group style lesson and most of all loved the personality and love that Mr. John brought to it. But he is resigning from Fresno Piano and we aren't exactly sure what will happen next. We may do one-on-one lessons with him still....which will be great. But it won't be the same.

Aside from the fact that Mommy was crazy getting ready for the baby shower, and Lexi was near-throwing up with the flu....the girls got out the door and looked REALLY cute for their "Daddy-daughter Piano Recital" and all went well :-)

Baby Shower for Lindy & Kylee

Little Kylee Reese is due in less than a month and BOY oh BOY is Lindy ready! She is more than ready to not be pregnant anymore, that's for sure!

Last week, we had what was supposed to be a mini-baby shower (more appropriate for a third child) called a "Baby Sprinkle" for Lindy. But it turned more into a downpour! The love was definitely poured out from our ward friends and it was a very fun and successful "sprinkle" of gifts. Lots of diapers and wipes (what more do you need?)...plus lots of CUTE things.

My mom showed up to my house just like a professional shower throwing agency! Food, decorations and the CUTEST diaper cake I've ever seen! (made lovingly by Mom just for Lindy...although Peyton would beg to differ and can't stop asking for HER diaper cake back).

Lindy might not feel cute....but she sure does look it!

She let Lyric come to the baby shower for her little baby sister. So cute!

Me, Lindy and Mom!

Lindy's friend from High School Tuesdee

Becky Gonzales, Kenia Haroldsen, Peyton, Eileen Engstrom, Mom, Lyric and Julie Valdez

Bree (friend from HS too), Lindy and Kim (childhood friend)

Rachel Fransen, Lynn Navison, Jamee Gibbs, Elisabeth Freeman, and Amanda Huff

Presents!

Frankie and Rachel

Peyton was SO thrilled to give Lindy her gift - a bib she picked out just for her new baby cousin

One of the things Lindy hates the most....opening gifts in front of people (thanks Dad for that genetic trait!)

Cute homemade hat and booties by Elisabeth!

Lindy let Peyton and Lyric help in the fun

Lots of chatting and eating. Perfect!

Three pregos - Bree, Lindy and Kim

Congrats Lindy! You've endured ALMOST to the end! Can't wait to meet the little snuggle bug!

My Mother the Seamstress

My mom has recently re-ignited her seamstress talents of years past....and its great! She has been making purses galore (really cute ones, too). And now she's been embellishing pajamas for the kids. The other day she brought over some REALLY cute pillow cases with their initials on them, as well as some cute new purses! They were thrilled and they definitely now think Grandma is a magician and can create anything! Thanks Mom!!

Girls' Trip!!

Last week, I did something for the first time. I flew to Utah to spend a one-night get-away with my Mother-in-law Jeannine and sister-in-laws Annie, Maren (plus 2 week old baby Boston!) and Lyndsy (missed Mindy). It was GREAT!

(My camera took horrible pics all weekend. I need a new one so bad.)

We see each other a few times per year, but there are usually 17 children around us. Makes for near-impossible conversation. So to spend 24 quiet hours together simply talking, eating, shopping and just enjoying each others company was priceless!

We ate dinner at Ruby Tuesdays in Park City, and then set up camp in a three bedroom condo for the night. Lyndsy is our family Aestitician (well, and professionally) and is ALWAYS willing to give everyone pedicures (soooo nice!). So we watched the movie Valentines Day while we were spoiled with her pedicures.

The next morning, after leisurely getting ready, we went to lunch at Loco Lizard in Park City (YUUUMMMMMMM). And then shopped at the outlets for HOURS!

It was so fun to just talk and catch up and just spend uninterrupted time together. I love each of these women so much and my life is better because they are in it.

THANK YOU GIRLS!!

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