Unbreak my heart

So, Gracie has always loved to suck. She was a total binky girl from the first time she tried one. At about 6 months there were a couple days when her binky just wasn't handy so I didn't give it to her and figured that she would survive. She did, and she began to suck her thumb. It's really cute and she is so good when we lay her down for bed- so I really hate to take away her thumb. The only thing, is that I've heard from a lot of parents that there is a window for breaking the habit and if you miss that window it gets to be really difficult.

Gracie has started to suck her thumb more and her little thumb gets red and sore. So... on Sunday we wrapped her thumb (but made Justin's dad do it). She woke up in the morning with the tape still on but has gotten quite skilled today at taking the tape off (which we put on about 3-4 different times). Tonight was the worst. She was totally crying and Justin and I felt really mean. Anyway, I know it is all for the best, but sometimes I really hate trying to be firm about things.

Christmas Crafting

So, here a few pics of my latest crafts. I got a sewing machine for my birthday/early Christmas and have really enjoyed making things and trying out my almost non-existent sewing skills. I'm really not all that crafty but think I would like to become craftier. I think that there is a great feeling when you are able to create something from nothing and it's really rewarding to see your vision of something pull together.

The first project I finished was the tree skirt. We have a cowboy themed Christmas Tree and I saw a cute skirt at Roberts but it was $40 and still $20 on sale. I opted for a cheaper option. Here is the $5 alternative I came up with. Don't look too closely, it's a little less than perfect but I'm still bursting with pride that I dared to make something.
My second project was making a matching stocking for Gracie. The first Christmas we were married I found some felt cowboy boot stockings and got a great deal on them. In hindsight, I kind of wish I would have bought a few more, but I think I just figured that I would be able to make more as I needed them. My mom was great and gave me some felt and some scraps, so in the end, this project was less than $5 (for me). The two stockings on the left are the ones I bought and the one on the far right is my latest creation. I've seen more realistic cowboy boot stockings but like that these have more of a stocking feel instead of just a "boot" feel.
My last craft I was going to wait to post, but I'll put it on here anyway. I've been busy making bows for Gracie. Here is a sneak peak inside one of her Christmas packages.

What happens in Vegas...

Guys, I finally found out what happens in Vegas. Major fun. On Monday night Justin and I went to the National Finals Rodeo in Las Vegas with Larry and Jeff. It was awesome. I had a great time cheering for all the cowboys and cowgirls and loved the lights and drama of it all. It doesn't matter how many rodeos I go to, I nearly have a heart attack (okay, so I just hold my breath and wince) when the cowboys got bucked off the broncs or bulls (I just hate seeing people get hurt).
It was especially fun because every year we watch the NFR and it's Justin's favorite sport. If any of you have never seen it, you should check it out. It goes the rest of the week until Sunday and I think it's on ESPN. Anyway, we had a great date and tons of fun.
VIVA LAS VEGAS!!!

And there were Shepherds abiding in the fields

The other day I went with Carrie (Justin's sister) and her girls to a Nativity display. They had over 300 nativities and some beautiful pictures of Christ and his birth. At the end there was a children's room where the kids got their own shepherd head wraps (is there an official name for those?). We had a great time and it was a wonderful Christmas activity.

O Tannenbaum

O Tannenbaum, o Tannenbaum,

wie treu sind deine Blätter!
Du grünst nicht nur
zur Sommerzeit,
Nein auch im Winter, wenn es schneit.
O Tannenbaum, o Tannenbaum,
wie treu sind deine Blätter!
The other day, I walked into the kitchen and Gracie was emptying the tupperware cupboard. This is probably her favorite activity. It makes a mess of my kitchen, but it's actually great entertainment for her if I'm trying to cook or get a project done. Anyway, after she emptied the cupboard she climbed in and poked her head out the other side. It was pretty funny. I''m glad I was able to catch at least part of it.

Gracie's appetite has been growing so the other day Justin made her her own PBJ sandwich. She felt pretty big to have her own sandwich and she actually ate the whole thing.

100 Things

Hey, I'm not going to tell you 100 interesting facts about myself because #1)I'm probably not that interesting #2) It would probably take me all day. I just looked around my house a little while ago and it seriously looked like World War III. It was actually clean yesterday but as I pulled out wrapping paper, christmas projects (which I may post about later but not yet- don't want to ruin any surprises), and fixed dinner- my house fell apart. So, this morning I played an old favorite game of my mom's (But didn't have 8 kids to help). My mom used to say "Everyone pick up 50 things". Depending on how messy the house was the number would change. I decided this morning to pick up 100 things. I ran around as fast as I could putting things away. It didn't take me very long and now my house feels that much better. Thanks mom. I highly recommend this to anyone- I love a game so this really appealed to me, even as a kid.

Rocky Mountain High

We got some great news last week. Justin has been accepted to Colorado State's combined DVM (veterinary)/ MBA program. We are thrilled because it is our program of choice at our school of choice. The school is located in Fort Collins, Colorado (pictured above). We feel so grateful for this opportunity and are amazed how things have worked out. It is almost too good to be true.
The program is 5 years long (because it is a dual degree) but for some reason I don't even feel bothered that we'll be in school for so much longer. It could have something to do with me not really being the person going to school, taking tests, writing papers, etc. I'm really excited for Justin though and have been thinking of Winston Churchill's quote "Never, never, never give up."

Go Rams! :)