things

A few random tidbits form the Chase house.

I bought a new hose and Isaac could not leave it alone (he breaks a lot of things not leaving them alone - another story altogether). I heard his screaming the other day and found him in a full on claustrophobic panic. I was unsympathetic since I had told him to keep his hands off, but I did save him after taking a picture.

Nelson = cute and he gives great kisses.

 Scenes from the family room.

A ba, a ba, a baaaaaaaa.

Diana's birthday was a hit. This cake was DIVINE - rich chocolate cake with ganache - oh man!

april = prom dress sewing

April around here often involves prom dress modification. Our lovely babysitter Kendyl swaps babysitting for sewing - a fabulous deal for all. She picked a great dress this year - perfect for her body type - she looks stunning in it.

Here it is after I chopped the scalloped hem off. Thankfully Kendyl is short giving us some fabric to work with.

Originally she wanted just one layer of lace to make a small cap sleeve but after discovering we had enough for a double layer she went for more coverage and texture (good girl).

I sewed the layers together (hooray for transparent thread) and after separating the outer and lining layers attached the sleeves and then hand sewed the lining back in place.

I am very pleased with the final product. From the front:

And the back:

I hope she does a non-fussy up-do and FABULOUS chandelier earrings and maybe a glitzy cuff bracelet.

double digits

Diana is TEN today - 1 and 0 - 10!!!! How in the world did that happen?

Here is how:


 brand new:

age 1

age 2

Age 3

 

 Age 4

Age 5

age 6

 Age 7

age 8

age 9

She is lovely, goofy and is having a chocolate covered day, so life is good.

mud season

Nelson LOVES mud.

The End.

journals

When Diana was a babe, I wrote in her journal every month, carefully documenting milestones, funny things, and general cuteness. Emmy got the same treatment, more or less, Nora, not so much - Isaac -Sarah and Nelson - dismal failure. I wanted to repent, but I didn't know how to make journal writing work for us. I have a firm belief that journals are important. I write daily in mine and have for YEARS (here is the journal pile in my closet - oh what I would not give for more bookshelves in my life - I digress). I find journal writing an important part of my day, part mental hygene, part I don't have to remember it now becuase it is written down, and part proof that my life is important enough to remember.

I was talking to Jessica a few weeks ago and her kids were writing in their journals. They do it every Monday and she has them write one sentence for every year of their age. Brilliant! We have been at it for 3 weeks and it has been an excellent Sunday evening activity for us and since everyone else is doing it I can help Isaac, Sarah and Nelson. The kids are already looking back on past entries with fondness and I hope for a good, interesting history for them to enjoy in the years to come.

big news!

MCO is getting a new home! We are so excited!!!!

Please share this with anyone you know who would be excited for Mesa, for music, for Arizona, for excellence and for hope - this has the potential to be a huge blessing for so many people. There is also a facebook page with a survey; please take a minute to fill it out - participation will help immensly as this project gets off the ground.

Also, because our April 19th and 20th concerts have sold out they have added an additional concert on Saturday the 20th at 5pm - come and hear.

around here

#1 Nelson likes blueberries - a lot. Very interesting diapers

#2 Diana had allergy tests done and is allergic to several trees, weeds, mold, cats and dogs - poor kid.

#3 We are busy.

H. Ryan

Today Ryan turns older than he would like (39) but I think he is just grand the way he is no matter the numbers. I love this boy with all my heart. Even if I can't find an up to date photo.

Strawberry pie for all!

What we are up to hereabouts and a random old pic of Sarah

I have been a slacking slacker, but, rest assured we are chugging along here. Ryan is SUPER busy at work and we have had visitors. Aunt Mel and Uncle Michael came for their spring break and we had a lovely time. We let the girls skip school and went to the zoo for a day. We went to see the house Aunt Di is trying to buy (real estate is very grown up and a big pain). We ate yummy food, stayed up way too late, read books on the lawn, and did the first swims of the season.

And becuase I am feeling random, here is Sarah several years ago.