Just look at all these fun aprons! I've been busy busy busy during my free time. I can't keep my hands off this sewing machine! Now, I just need some other ideas of things to make. Until then...

...there will continue to be aprons and more aprons! Ha!

Cute Mother/Daughter sets

Fall owl aprons - This Chi O loves some owls!

Fun and bright owl aprons!

Cute and colorful aprons!

Aprons with colored towels and white towels!

And aprons-in-progress!

I have already had several orders for these adorable and fun towel aprons, and I'm loving making them! I've also been working on some full aprons shown in my last sewing post in different prints. So cute!

One thing I know...

I have a problem. And the first step to recovery is to admit that you have a problem, right? I admit. I have an addiction to cute fabric. I am not kidding when I tell you that I get a new package of fabric each week! I just cannot resist!

Sew me! Oh my! I'm having a blast with my new hobby!

Saltillo XC

Last weekend, Russ and I traveled a few minutes south to the big town of Saltillo to watch two of our nieces run in a cross country meet. It was apparently a big to-do....1200 runners I think Roan said. Of course, we were also in dire need of visiting with Russ's brother and sister-in-law. So, we woke up early. Yes, on a Saturday, we left the house a little after 8 to see the girls run.

Roan's mom, Russ's dad, and Russ

Roan's parents were there as they often are, and Russ and I enjoyed visiting with them as always. Russ's parents also drove up for the race. It was such a beautifully HOT day! Last year when the girls ran this race, it was so muddy that most of the runners had to crawl up the last hill to keep from sliding down it! So, we were thankful for the sunshine!

I, being a non-runner these days, enjoy two parts of these races (well...actually 3!). I love to watch them all line up as the race is getting ready to begin. The teams all stand together side by side with the next team. Some pray, chant, dance, etc. to get "hyped" up. Then, they all take off running when the race starts...funneling into a line of organized and paced runners. It's just fun to watch.

Of course, I also love to watch as our nieces or nephew run past us. We cheer them on and watch for the next one to come through.

Then, I really am entertained watching the finish line. Have you ever been to a cross country meet? If not, you should. If only to watch the finishers. There are a few fascinating parts of this finish line that I enjoy or find myself watching out of fascination. First of all, as pictured above, I love to watch when two runners are running side by side and sprint to the finish line to be sure to finish first. Catherine, the Spartan above, is sprinting with one of our Corinth girls to the finish. There is a picture to prove that the Spartan did in fact cross first, but there was quite the discussion and a bit of shoving after crossing the line. The Spartan was put in her appropriate place...in front. But, it was entertaining nonetheless. I also find it fascinating to watch the finish line, AKA the "puke shoot." I know. Gross! But, it's just so interesting to watch these runners who have given ALL they have and run their hardest finish with such a bang. Some are so limp they need assistance walking any further. Some fall down. And some just toss their cookies. Well...I'm sure it wasn't cookies they had for breakfast. But you get the picture. However, it should be noted that Olivia and Julie always look like they could run another race after they finish! They are so conditioned! Amazing to me! So, I believe Julie finished 8th and Olivia wasn't far behind out of 120 varsity runners in the "smaller schools" division. Great job girls!

Leah and Russ's dad

After the race, we all spent some time at the tent visiting and enjoying the remaining races.

Roan and Sam

Roan, who was standing in as coach, finally had a chance to sit and relax. Well, I'm not sure she ever gets to relax. But, she did get to sit!

Olivia, me, and Julie

We congratulated the girls, then put the chairs, coolers, food, and tents away before heading inside for the awards.

Jimmy and Russ

The Spartans were recognized at this particular race. That varies from race to race since they are "unattached" runners. The Spartan XC team is a group of homeschool families that organized this sport themselves. Some for the competition and some for the fitness. We watched as Julie went up front to receive her t-shirt for finishing in the top 20!

Congratulations Olivia and Julie for running such a great race! We are always proud of you!

Oh Sew Happy!

Yes, I'm happy! Not just regular happy, but Oh SEW Happy to be using my new sewing machine! I had big plans to take weekly lessons on the basics of sewing. But, instead...I just jumped right in there! It helps when you are living with your in-laws...the mother-in-law who has sewn all her life, the sister-in-law who taught herself to sew and now appliques, makes outfits, and anything else cute, and a father-in-law who embroiders! Yep. I'm immersed in a sewing culture here at the Johnson household. Ha! Just for the record, I DID ask my mom to take a sewing class to which I got this response: "No." That was it. Never spoken of again.

My first task on the sewing machine after that tiny witch looking stocking I made on the first day...was a cute apron!

Jenny taught me how to ruffle, and I examined her straps enough to figure it out....and voila! Cute aprons! I've also become addicted to cute fabric during this little hobby of mine. Oops! That costs money. Good thing I've already had some people buy some already. I just keep making them and making them. Because I'm pretty good at this project. And why stop a good thing, right?

Well, a couple of weeks ago, I decided it was time to step out from behind the aprons. So, I signed up for a dress class. Where they teach you how to make a little girl's dress. Now, we all know I don't have a little girl to dress. So, I did the next best thing. Made one for my niece. Just because she lives the closest and her mom helped pick out the fabric. I was so happy to have Mary Elizabeth in the class for both moral support and complete hysteria! We had SO much fun!

We made some pretty cute dresses too! Grace wore hers to church that next Sunday.

Next on my list...following a pattern by myself. I picked up a pattern at my new hot spot, The Treasure Chest, and began the process. I only had to ask my mother-in-law and father-in-law a few questions about "pattern lingo" and I was off to sewing on my own! Reminds me of that jingle, "I'm a big kid now!" Ha! I sewed my sister a cute little contemporary apron.

That's not where the madness happiness ends! This past weekend I did the unthinkable. I became a grandma! I joined a quilting class! Yep. That's right. I am now officially constructing a quilt. It just so happens that I wasn't alone! The mom of one of my best friends from high school was in the class with me. All I can say was that she was the last person I expected to be in there!

We had the best time! There were four other women in the room, and we had a ball! Laughing at ourselves and each other, getting to know each other, and mix/match/stitching all the while.

The hardest part was picking fabrics to piece together. We had 20 different fabrics and 80 different pieces to put together. By the time we left, we at least had a few blocks completed. Pam's quilt was just beautiful! I loved her fabric.

Then, I went home to work on the finished product. I can't wait to see it with the border and quilted!

Do you understand now? Why I'm SEW happy! I'm using that machine up! I probably sew everyday at least a little. I have piles of fabric on the table and more on the way. I'm a little obsessed. But, I'm thinking it's a good obsession. Like one of our older church members told me in the fabric store a while back, "If you learn to sew, you will never be lonely." I guess that's why I'm SEW happy. I will never be lonely!

MSU vs. Auburn

This Thursday, the Smith family loaded up again for another home game! This week's theme....TRUE MAROON! Everyone was to wear maroon. In fact, a LARGE majority of the fans donned this cute shirt. I went straight to the bookstore to purchase one, but they were sold out!

I had to work until noon, so we left after lunch. Since the game started at 6:30, we didn't have that much time to tailgate. We sat up a few chairs, the tents, and grabbed some Mississippi State ice cream as we relaxed and watched the fans roll in. It was quite nice actually. Mama and I, of course, made our way down to the Dawg Walk to see the players and coaches walk through. A couple of friends stopped by for a visit too. It was a nice afternoon! Sadly, Russ had to work all day in Memphis and wasn't able to make it to Starkvegas. He watched on TV with his dad instead.

Becca, Adam, and me

Once the game started, it was cowbells ringing! We are supposed to ring our cowbells responsibly, but I'm pretty sure that didn't happen. What do you expect from our first SEC home game?

I'm pretty sure two cowbells at one time is NOT ringing responsibly! Ha!

Kristin and Lee had to work too and made it just in time for kickoff. We were wearing maroon and ready to play! Let's go Dawgs!

Kristin and Lee

The game was a close one! The fans stayed until the very end...all of us wearing blisters from ringing our bells, I'm sure! At least I was! Both teams had a few mistakes, and we couldn't seem to hold on to the ball. There are very few times that my dad yells out during a game. This was one of those times. Ha! He kept a close eye on every play and his ears listening to the game on the radio.

Daddy with his binoculars and radio

Unfortunately, we couldn't pull it off in the end. Not completing the last play, which would have put us in field goal range, was gut wrenching. But, we ended with a close score of 14-17. Auburn wins. Poo!

Kristin, Lee, Mama, Daddy, and me sat around at the tent for nearly an hour waiting for the traffic to clear out. After stopping by Dustin's apartment, it was Home Sweet Home for us...with our eyes on the next game. LSU. You never know what will happen!

Traveling Vietnam Wall

When I woke up this morning, Russ rolled over to remind me what this day was. A day to remember. A day when most of us can remember exactly where we were and what we were doing when we heard. 9/11. As I watched reruns of the Twin Towers collapsing while getting ready, I thought about all the people who lost their lives. I have read a couple of books about 9/11 that were just so heart wrenching. Those characters...both real and fiction...came to my mind. Their circumstances. Their families. Their legacies. During the newscast, I learned of people still being affected by that day. Some who have serious diseases probably related to the months spent in the midst of all rubble. Today marks a day that will forever be a part of our country's history. I also thought about all the men and women fighting still today to protect our freedoms and protect us from terrorism. We should all take time to thank those who put their lives on the line for us...for our country.

Last weekend after church, Russ and I took a little ride around town. It was such a beautiful day! Have I mentioned I love this weather?! I digress. Anyway, I remembered Russ's dad telling us about the Vietnam Traveling Memorial Wall that was in town for a limited time. So, we decided to drive by. Except when we pulled up, we couldn't help but get out of our car.

It was packed. It was fairly quiet. It was a special time for many there. The wall is a 3/5 scale size of the original Vietnam wall. People came from all around the area. Some just to see. Some veterans themselves. And some looking for the names of loved ones.

As we walked around, Russ and I listened to the stories of those looking for friends or family. One man was looking for a group of men who were captured and killed during Vietnam. This man was supposed be in that group, but something happened and he wasn't on that assignment. His life was spared, but his buddies were gone. The military staff there helped him find his group.

Several people were rubbing pencils over the names of loved ones to take home with them.

Some left mementos in memory of their soldier.

Others simply sat with their hand on a name. You couldn't help but wonder who that person was and what their story was.

It was a great experience and a great time of remembrance of those who lost their lives fighting for our country. To protect our freedoms.

It was a great way to spend our Sunday afternoon on this beautiful day in this beautiful country! Thanks to the men and women on that wall...and the men and women who fought in the past or are still fighting. Thank you!

Such a wonderful Sunday afternoon drive!

Girls of Grace

Last Friday night, Mama's Sunday school class got together for a evening with the girls...the "Girls of Grace" as they call themselves. They had been planning to have a spend the night party with Jan a few days later, but Jan ended up having to go out of town. So, they moved the date up, and whoever was available went to the lake! I was available! Ha! Although I'm not in their Sunday school class, I packed up and drove WAAAAYYY out to Jan's. After driving into every driveway in Pickwick, I found it! Ha!

Once I arrived (I was the last one!), we all walked down to the dock where Gary and Jan keep their pontoon boat and their Seadoo. (Is that how you spell it? It doesn't look right.) After much deliberation, Teri and Jan put on their life jackets to ride the Seadoo to the restaurant...fully clothed!

Teri, Jan, and Gary

Just before they took off, Dana decided to join them. And off they went!

We followed in the pontoon. Instead of going straight to the restaurant, we rode around for a while...making waves, going faster, and just enjoying the last of the summer.

Jan, Teri, and Dana

It just looked so fun, but I was trying not to take up anyone's place seeing as how I am NOT in their Sunday school class. But eventually, I did! I rode around for a while too.

Dana, me, and Teri

Finally, after switching drivers midway through our ride, we parked at the dock of Cafe St. Clair. We found a table for 7...so Gary could eat with us. He was our driver after all...hoping for a free meal. I'm pretty sure that didn't happen! Ha! We had a great time visiting during supper. In fact, I'm pretty sure we bothered the table behind us with all our laughter and noise. Oh well!

Jan, Renee, Dana, Teri, and Mama

But, when we walked outside, we realized two things: It was cold and dark! The Seadoo did not have lights on it. Uh oh! Jan volunteered to ride with Dana. They would follow our lights from the pontoon. Except a fuse must have blown, because we didn't have lights either! Ha! So, we all rode back to the house by the light of the moonlight!

Teri was cold!

I was in charge of one thing: games! That may be the only reason I was invited. That and the fact that I was the photographer! Ha! After talking it over with a friend, we decided on one. Everyone took three blank cards. On each card, we wrote one thing that NO ONE else would know about us. It could be fun, embarrassing, or just a random fact. Then, we put them into a bag. I read the cards out loud while the ladies tried to figure out who's card belonged to who. Hi-lar-i-ous! Oh my goodness, it was so fun! We laughed until we cried. Oh the things I have learned!

Writing their facts

From a Tadpole+ award to bowl cuts to some bad Mi Toro experiences...these Girls of Grace are quite fun!

Load 'em Up and Move 'em Out!

A trip to Lowe's.....

PLUS lots of Sharpies, pens, and scissors...

PLUS lots of packing tape.....

EQUAL......

LOTS....
and LOTS.....

and LOTS of boxes!

Last weekend, my parents, Russ, and I began the process of packing up our stuff to move it all out! Praying that our house closes as it is supposed to sometime this month, we decided the best time to move our things would be BEFORE football started. So, we began. We spent a long weekend in Jackson packing...staying up until 3 AM deliriously laughing at everything and acting...well...like my family acts! Ha! We had a great time! I know I can't speak for everyone, but it was fun. At least looking back on it now! Ha!

We had visits from friends during our time in town. Pat, Felicia, and Toby came by to visit for a while one night. Rachael brought her pregnant self over and we ate at Bonsai for lunch on Monday. We also got to visit with Kristin and Lee while we were in town.

Aside from those visits....it was work, work, work. Mama and Russ had to get back to work Monday afternoon, so we had to make sure all the hard work was finished before half our crew left us.

Tuesday morning, the moving truck arrived, and the movers began their movin'!

Look at all that trash! We actually had a lady peeking into our garbage bags!

Now, that's ONE FULL TRUCK!

Since our house hasn't closed yet, we haven't moved into a place yet. So, we had all our belongings moved into storage.

The crew worked tirelessly after their 4+ hour drive to move everything and store it just right so that everything could fit. I never knew TWO people could accumulate so much STUFF!

Boxes...

Furniture...

Tight Squeeze!

We had the best movers! They were so friendly, helpful, and worked so hard! Thanks Bo's Cleaning and Moving Service! I'm sure we'll be calling you again for our next move...into our OWN HOME!

Then, we'll be loading 'em up and moving 'em out AGAIN! Ha!