City Camping....

Saturday night, we had such a fun night!   We went to the house of my best friends, Karol and Tom.  They invite us over often and we always accept because they feel like family to us!  Unfortunately, either Rene or I have to be the designated driver so that we can be sure that we get our precious cargo home safely.  Well, Tom came up with a great idea for us to be able to stay as late as we always want, and both of us be able to enjoy some wine.  He suggested we bring the tent and camp in the backyard.  The newly renovated LawnJockey was definitely the hit of the night!  The only downside was that Jakey couldn't go with us because he went to Legoland with his best friend. 

The LawnJockey supervises the girls on the trampoline.

Look into his hypnotic eyes!

The kids showered the LawnJockey with LOTS of attention!

Cuteness to the third power!

The menfolk enjoyed the Lakers win!

Ready for action! (Sidenote:  Rene and I were married in almost this exact spot in Karol's backyard.)  *grin*

Cristina waking me up to tell me that she had peeked outside and that it was the most beautiful morning she had EVER seen!

  The boys sleeping in, a bit!
On Sunday, we came home and spent pretty much the rest of the day out in the pool.  Even Barbie caught some rays. 

Hangin' by a thread.....

That phrase makes me smile, but I digress.

I finally finished my spool blocks!   Woohooo!  My friendship group is meeting tomorrow night to exchange our quilt blocks to make a spool quilt similar to the one pictured.   I can't wait to see everyone else's spools!   :)  The simple things!

Uh-oh-oh-oh-oh-oh-oh-oh-oh-oh-oh-oh!

After Gabriela and Cristina watched "Alvin and the Chipmunks: The Squeakuel" at Del Rio's Family Movie Night, they decided to put on a little show. 
Someone please rescue me from this inane song.  Please.  Anyone. 
However, in the interest of full disclosure, I do have to admit that I adore the laughing and giggling of my girls!

Charmed Star of Avignon

For this quilt, I used A Breath of Avignon by Moda Fabrics.  I just love the colors in this fabric line.  Fun!  I used a pattern called Charmed Star by Love Quilt Patterns.  It was super-easy to make because it is almost entirely half-square triangles made from a charm pack.  I did omit the top and bottom row of half-square triangles because I thought it was overkill.  It just didn't seem to fit the pattern, in my opinion. 
This is the second quilt that I will be donating to the raffle that will be held at the crop to raise funds for the Kaitlyn Vallery Memorial Scholarship sponsored by Kaitlyn's Promise.  It will be donated along with my Twinkling Tessellations quilt. 
I had such fun making this one, that I may have to make one to keep around the house. :)

Ides of May

I know, I know.  It was Ides of March in Julius Caesar.  I also am aware that it is only the 14th; however, I dread hearing about the May Revise to the California budget today.  :(

Beware the Ides of May.

A Dream Come True.

How did I get so lucky?  Why have I been so unbelievably blessed with this family of mine? 
I am unable to give an answer because it is certain that I am not a perfect person.  I have wronged people in my life and made many decisions that I regret.  I have acted poorly and behaved selfishly.  For those actions and times, I am full of shame.
Despite all of my shortcomings, I must have done something right along the way.  I appreciate my life so completely these days, especially on days like today.  On a day like today, I get to take a minute to take a mental picture of my babies.  I am amazed at how they have grown and how different they each are.  I cannot believe the kindness and love that my children show for others.   I cherish the love they show for me and one another.
They are just the best!   Truly.  Being their mom is the best thing that has EVER happened to me, as cliche as it sounds.  I am so thankful that they enrich my life every single day and give me so much happiness in the simplest of things.  *sigh*  All right.  Enough with the sappy.  Bring on the booty!
My family spoiled me terribly today.  I was treated to breakfast!  I got a goodie bag from my favorite quilting store, some handmade goodies from the kiddos, and some super-sweet cards.  Also, not pictured are the hugs, kisses, and smiles that were showered upon me.   (What is pictured is the quilt that I pin-basted today.)

    I am a lucky girl.  :)