Move over Martha Stewart

Caleb yet again broke the Christmas gift budget by getting me a sewing machine. Don't get me wrong; I am extremely grateful, but it made my homemade bean bag hand-warmers look pathetic in comparison. In the meantime I have tried to put it to good use. I made a few killer burp cloths and these beauties:

I couldn't wait until Valentine's Day to give them to Caleb. He made me promise not to tell any of his male friends that he is sleeping on a pink pillow with hearts on it. Since i doubt any men read this blog, I think I'm safe.

Also, Lainey didn't have a Sunday dress, so I made her one with some leftover fabric. It was a LOT harder than I thought. A pattern might have been helpful. Still, I'm proud of it in a kindergarten-popsicle-stick-project kind of way.

Did you know?

I recycle.

I am terrified of helium tanks and other pressurized containers. I have an irrational fear that they will explode.

I love HGTV.

My favorite thing to do is try new restaurants.

Someday I wanna be the PTA president.

I am a habitual blood donor.

Sometimes I still cry when I get a haircut. Hence why it is so long.

Lately I have decided to be more politically active. (see  https://mittromney.com/node/246386 )
It started when I realized that Newt Gingrich might actually become the president someday. I decided I had to do everything I could to prevent that. I believe that the president should represent America's values, and that what you do when nobody is looking is who you really are.

I also don't get upset if people disagree with my political views, but I can't stand it when people call my opinions "closed-minded." For one, I consider myself an educated individual, and second, having an opinion does not make you a bigot.

I adore my husband, and love to brag about him--despite how much he hates it.

I have this aversion to video games. It is partly because I think they are responsible for the degradation of society, and partly because I am bad at them.

I still follow BYU football religiously.

I have postpartum elevation. That happens when you never realized how happy you could be until you have a child.

Baby Blessing

Sunday was baby blessing day for Lainey. It's hard to describe the feelings of the day; words just don't seem to do justice. I will say that it was one of the most meaningful days of my life as I pondered both the blessings that I've received lately, and the heavy responsibility it is to be a mother.

 Alaina's great-grandparents were able to make it down from Chicago for the blessing. I adore them.

 Mom and daughter

 Caleb's mom was visiting from California for the week to see her first grandchild. She made Lainey's dress. I don't know if you can tell by the pictures how intricate and beautiful it is.

 With daddy

. This is the first time Great-Grandpa Miskin held her. He'd been trying all day, but said, "It is IMPOSSIBLE to get between that baby and the grandmas."