My pretties...

I was beyond excited when my mom said I could borrow her sewing machine while she looks at mine to see if she can fix it!  I got it on Saturday, and couldn't do anything with it on Sunday (but look at it longingly).  Monday we went to Wal-mart and got the material I wanted (pink zebra stripes satin).  I let the girls pick and luckily they picked the one I picked.  Phew!  It was $4 a yard and I got about three yards.  I had already bought the girls' shirts, so I was ready!  As soon as the kids went to sleep, I got to work!  I made t-shirt dresses using this tutorial, and then used the leftover t-shirt material to add flowers using this tutorial.  Mainly all you do is cut out at least six hearts, sew loosely up the middle, pull it tight and sew onto the fabric.  I came up with these dresses from those two!  I think they turned out amazing (especially considering what a novice I am at sewing)!

Um, yeah.  I'm very excited about using the different colored hearts on each and I saved enough to put on a shirt for me, so I can match too!  I have some satin left, but not quite enough to make a skirt.  Bummer!  So, I'll be thinking.  We'll see what I come up with!
I also made matching flowers!  I'm going to put Cecilia's on a headband, of course!  I also managed to sew them onto her black dress shoes.  CUTE!!!

Here's the result:

That's what I've been up to lately.  And I do mean late!  Need more sleep...  Notice Ben's tie...  That was me buying a cheap tie at the Thrift store, tearing it apart and using it as a pattern.
I did the same thing for Scott's tie, and for me I got a black skirt and put a ton of the silk flowers on it.  Then I used the girl's leftovers on my shirt.  I thought they turned out very well!

The Roller Coaster of Life

So, I keep being proven right (which is very nice).  I like to say that I handle big things/problems a lot better than small things.  And I can!  The past two days (and tomorrow) are Cub Scout Day Camp.  I had the opportunity to be one of the walk-in leaders (I am the Wolf Den Leader) for our boys.  They are some fun boys!  Each one is fantastic at something (if not more than one thing) and it has been a lot of fun getting to know our boys' personalities a little better!  Don't get me wrong, they are completely 8-11 year old boys and as such you can't take everything they do at face value, but they're all great kids!  I actually had a few of the boys fighting to push the stroller for me!  The look of extreme excitement on each boy's face the first time they caught a fish, got the bullseye with their arrow, popped a balloon, got a good score with the beebee gun, didn't break their egg in the egg drop and/or blew up a bottle rocket!  If only I could have caught every one of those expressions...  Here are some of my favorites:

As for the "big" things around here...  We've got the whole having to cancel our only debit cards, because of the thief.  It might take another week for us to get our new cards.  We have the kids waking up in the middle of the night and Leah falling down the stairs and bleeding (as Emma told us at about 3 this morning).  Scott took her to the ER and she ended up with only one stitch.  Scott says she did really well!

And the third thing is Cecilia has busted out her first tooth!  No wonder she's been having such a hard time sleeping (which is why I haven't gotten a full night's rest in a...while)!
And I'm doing fine with all of that and Day Camp.  But, I really need the day off tomorrow and Scott says he'll fill in!  I hope he can wake up in the morning!  I hope, I hope! 

So fast, life is good again!

So, the bank very kindly put the money back in while they investigate!  Cecilia took a good nap.  I won a book!  I made a ton of hair clips for my new blog.  Yes, I'm beginning to sell my fun stuff that I make!  I really enjoy making things and if I want to be able to afford more supplies, I have to sell some.  Feel free to comment on prices, because I guesstimate using the cost of materials and the time it takes for me to make them.  Let me know if there's something you're wanting to see and I'll let you know if I can do it! 
Yes, life is good! 

More catching up

Once again, I have at least a week to catch up on!  Last weekend we were camping in Lee's Summit.  It was lots of fun (especially after we had the air mattresses aired up)!  It wasn't windy at all and was super hot, but completely worth it for the company and being able to be at Hailey's blessing!  Some pics from that:

I took a lot more pictures, but for some reason they're not showing up.  You'll just have to go to my June folder on Facebook.  Good times!  We came back on Monday with just enough time for me to do my homework and go straight to class.  But, we did it!  I made it through the last week of class and ended it with a 98% (too bad there are no A+s here)!  I also got good news that I won a $600 scholarship!  Then the next day I got an email that led to me finding out that my credit card number had been stolen.  And we had $578.40 taken.  So, the good news just barely outweighs the bad, but still good!  Kira is at my parents' house, so we are drama-less, but Leah stepped up her mess-making.  She's great at making messes!  I feel a new nickname coming on...

(dis)Abilities and the Gospel review!

My son has Autism and I have been waiting very impatiently for this book!  Since Danyelle and I have been friends for awhile, I knew about the book and could not wait for it to get published and get my own hard copy!  Hurray for two great coauthors and Cedar Fort!

About the book

Each day, parents and church leaders struggle to teach individuals with special needs. Using helpful information, real-life stories, and a touch of humor, (dis)Abilities and the Gospel provides ways for you to effectively teach people of all ages with autism, Down syndrome, bipolar disorder, memory loss, and other disabilities.

Inside this useful guide, you’ll find:

• Guidance for building strong family relationships

• Steps to teaching prayer and scripture study

• Practical and creative teaching tips

• Programs to help with transitions, communication barriers, and behaviors

• Techniques to help others feel welcome and valued

Find the answers you need and overcome the challenges of teaching the gospel. (dis)Abilities and the Gospel will help you develop each person’s ability to learn and grow as you build peace in your home or classroom.

My Thoughts
I completely LOVE this book!  I think there should be at least one in every stake and ward building to have as a reference!  It's perfect for parents, teachers, leaders equally!  It even helps for not only those with (dis)abilities but those that are "typical."  Fantastic!  I like the short chapters with tons of information and the way the coauthors work together to talk in their forte.  They even have PECS pictures that you can access on their websites!  This book covers Church classes, Cub and Boy Scouts, Baptism, Youth Conference and Activities, Priesthood, Seminary, Temple Trips, Going on a mission, Church callings, Home and Visiting Teaching, Mental Illness, Sunday prep for families, Prayer, Scripture study, Family Home Evening, Finding humor, Time outs for Adults, Strengthening your marriage, building parent-child relationships, sibling relationships, holidays, and includes stories to put things into perspective!  Seriously, the gamut is in this book!  These are some knowledgeable women and I am so glad I got this book!

About the Authors
 
Danyelle Ferguson and Lynn Parsons, M.S. are the coauthors of this awesome book!
 
Danyelle Ferguson is a wife, mom, book editor, reviewer, and writer. She keeps busy raising four angels-in-training, the oldest of which has Autism. She and her husband, John, co-founded a non-profit organization, called Friends of GIANT Steps, which raises money to supplement an Autism preschool in Orem, UT. Danyelle has been active in the Autism community for over eight years, during which time she learned that prayer and a sense of humor are the keys to not only enduring but enjoying the special needs journey.

Danyelle discovered her love for the written word in elementary school. Her first article was published in the Lock Haven Express when she was in 6th grade. During high school, she placed runner up in the Pennsylvania School of Excellence for Arts program, specializing in creative writing. Since then, she's won several awards for her poetry, short stories, articles, and other writings. Her work has been published in newspapers, school journals, and online. Some of her short stories appear in the book Mormon Mishaps and Mischief: Hilarious Stories for Saints by Cindy Beck and Nichole Giles. Her book, (dis)Abilities and the Gospel, will be published in May 2011 through Cedar Fort Publishing. Danyelle served as Treasurer for the League of Utah Writers - Utah Valley Chapter. She's a member of AuthorsIncognito, Super Edits critique group, and meets weekly with her local writers group. She is also a member of the Whitney Awards Committee.
Danyelle grew up surrounded by the beautiful Allegheny Mountains in Pennsylvania. Then she lived for ten years among the majestic Wasatch Mountains. She is currently experiencing mountain-withdrawal while living in Kansas with her husband and family. She enjoys reading, writing, dancing and singing in the kitchen, and the occasional long bubble bath to relax from the everyday stress of being “Mommy.”

Lynn Parsons, M.S., is a wife, mother, grandmother, educational diagnostician, and writer.  She entered the field of special education because two of her four children have special needs.  Lynn grew up in the San Francisco Bay Area but now calls Texas home.  She enjoys spending time with her family, reading, and needlework.  Lynn continues to seek out and develop innovative methods for teaching children with special needs.

Where can you get this book?

I knew you would ask!  Because even if you're not buying one for yourself, you should absolutely encourage your Bishop to find money in his budget.  You can buy them at Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Deseret Book, and on Goodreads.  Awesome, right?

Win!

Enter to win one of two $25 Amazon gift cards and a free 20 minute consultation with Danyelle! You can ask her about parenting, church surivival, adapting lessons - or even about writing and publishing. Two names will be drawn on June 30th & July 22nd. Each drawing will include 1 winner of a $25 Amazon gift card and free consultation; and a second winner of a free consultation. Winners will be announced on www.QueenOfTheClan.com There are many ways to enter. You must leave a comment on the reviewer’s blog letting us know what you’ve done. Please include your email address.

1 Point Each:
- Leave a thoughtful comment about the blogger’s review.
- Add the book to your “to-read” list on GoodReads
- Follow the reviewer’s blog
- Follow Danyelle’s blog
- Follow Lynn’s blog
- Follow Danyelle on FB
- Follow Lynn on FB
- Follow Danyelle on Twitter @DanyelleTweets
- Follow Lynn on Twitter @ParsonsLynn

2 Points Each:
- Tell your friends about (dis)Abilities and the Gospel on Facebook with a person links to Danyelle Ferguson & Lynn Parsons
- Tell your friends about (dis)Abilities and the Gospel on Twitter with links to @DanyelleTweets

5 Points:
- Interview Danyelle or Lynn for your blog or write a blog post about why you’re excited about (dis)Abilities and the Gospel. Be sure to leave a direct link to your post in your comment so we can visit and say hello!

See the other stops on the Blog Tour!
June 2nd - Christine Bryant @ Day Dreamer
June 7th - Tristi Pinkston
June 9th - Tamera Westhoff (me)
June 14th - Ashlee @ Topsy Turvy Cakes
June 17th - Heather Justesen
June 23rd - Rebecca Talley
June 27th - Don Carey
July 6th - Danette @ Everyday Adventures
July 8th - Sheila Staley @ LDS Women's Book Review
Sheila Staley @ Why Not? Because I Said So!
July 11th - Kathy @ I Am a Reader, Not a Writer
July 13th - Jessica @ Fringies
July 15th - Heather @ Fire and Ice by Little Red Reads
July 18th - Nichole Giles @ Star Crossed Book Reviews

*This review is solely my own opinion.  I bought this book and was not compensated in ANY way for this review!*

Going pretty well!

The chore game is going fantastic!  Kira and Emma actually "cleaned" the fridge.  It looks better, but I will finish cleaning it after bed!  Now Kira's vacuuming the floors (although I had already done it, when she was cleaning she made a huge mess)!  Ben "washed" the mirrors (so now they have a nice film to them).  I really appreciate the effort, they're good kids!  I've got Ben reading a few small books for me to review for this Saturday.  I'll read them after him, so technically we're both reviewing!  Fun times! 
On another front, I lost another two pounds!  Woohoo!  I've lost five pounds in a week and a half!  If only that could keep up, I would be down to my goal weight in no time (about 12 weeks)!  I'm already feeling a lot more energy and looking a little thinner.  Hurray for Myfitnesspal!  I even bumped my Zumba up to 45 minutes today!  And I have plans to bike to class. 
And also, I entered a Mormonad contest.  I made 8 (they were better, but when I exported them as Jpegs, they came out without the adjustments I made.  Oh well.  You can vote for them here on facebook.  Here is what they look like and the number so you can vote on the poll.

 #29

 #28

 #27

 #20

 #19

 This is #17.

This is #16.

I took all of the pictures myself and I think for the most part, they turned out pretty well!  If you don't like them, that's fine too!  No worries!  If you do like them, and want to copy them for your own personal use, go for it!