Mischief Maker

As most parents with toddlers know, silence is not golden... unless they're asleep. While awake, your house becomes the victim of the mischief dealt out almost daily, it seems.

Here are a few of Jack's latest "stunts."

Pulling the wipes out of the wipe warmer...
Pudding is always a winner, right?

Even when pulled from the garbage can? (This empty pudding container wasn't pulled from the garbage this time, but it happened a few months ago, and in my frustration I failed to document his dirty face, which was similar to what you see here.)

Climbing up and getting stuck on the shelf in my parents' playroom (that face is actually a look of distress)...

Yes, this is comet all over my floor. It was all over Jack, too. And at the most opportune time (as most parents also know), as I had to leave that very minute to be on time for where we were headed.

Uh-oh... she sees me.

Yes, I did... but not before he could do the most damage possible...

The classic pulling the toilet paper from the roll...

Unfortunately, grabbing the toilet paper and running is a common occurrence with Jack... though, we keep the bathroom doors closed most of the day, the only exception being when we are in there with him. (How do they do that?!)

Chris decided to wrap Jack up in it the last time he decided to make a run for it...
I think he enjoyed it, which was the opposite effect. Oh well.

Something else to munch on (yet another fun thing to dig out of his mouth, which he is also famous for).
I will say this... it's a good thing this kid is so darn cute.

If anything, it makes all of these things more tolerable, if at all possible. Good times.

Just Chillin'

Jack likes to sit in the laundry basket while I try to pull clothes out from underneath him to fold. He likes to dive in an out of the basket normally, but when Elmo's World is on, he is one with the TV.

He sits like this, until...

There is nothing for him to sit on, just in.

Looks comfy...

Goodbye, Bessie

When I first expressed an interest in sewing, Chris took it upon himself to buy me a sewing machine for Christmas. Now, almost three years later, I am still loving it - and still trying to hone in on my skills... which, I'm convinced, will always need help.

However, earlier this year, I had to say goodbye to my good ol' Bessie.
Named after my first mission president's wife, Bessie was my first attempt at helping others - something I watched Sister Barney do often. She lovingly and selflessly devoted her time and talents to everything she did; she was an excellent seamstress, and made sure each missionary knew she could fix any article of clothing that needed her touch of TLC. She encouraged us to bring our clothing to meetings, where she quickly and graciously worked on each item with a smile on her face, interacting with everyone individually as she did so. As I reflect on her using the skills she possessed to help others, I feel the urge to follow in her footsteps.

Sadly, this sweet little machine started giving me trouble about a year after I got it, and was exchanged for a new one. However, about a year and a half after that, the second machine was doing the same thing... and Costco, having the wonderful return policy they do, took it back (again), no questions asked. I thought about exchanging it again... I loved my little compact machine with 66 stitches and a stop/go button. It was a sad day when I said goodbye.

Say hello to my new friend, "Miss Bessie." (Yep, just added the "Miss." Do you think I could name her anything else? I think not.)

I love her.

No only does this machine have a stop/go button, not requiring a foot pedal (but optional, if I want it), it back-stitches for me, I don't have to draw up the bobbin thread, and it has automatic tension. It is a dream machine.

I've been having fun making such things as this fun little number. It's not the best ruffle skirt (and is cuter on than off), but I had fun making it and I've received many compliments while wearing it. (Which is always appreciated, especially on something I made.)

I keep my machine in my awesome Mother's Day present I got this year from my hubby. It's wonderful.

Even more wonderful is the fact that it closes up and doesn't look at all like a craft table normally. See? Love. I also got the chair for cheap. I think it goes well...

It adds a little more character to our humble abode. Not to mention, it makes it easier to keep most things in one place, away from Jack's room, which is where I attempted to sew while he was asleep. Note to self: never again.