I accidentally deleted all of my notes from my phone which had journaling since September of 2014 :( I was only able to recover a little bit of it so now I am worried any notes I make will disappear even though I now have it synced to iCloud. I figure I may as well pick up posting on my blog so I know it will be there when I need it! 

I guess Elise's bed just wasn't going to work for a nap today :) I went in the room just to put some clothes away and found her here. 

Advent calendar

I am not a crafty blogger but I do love creating new things whether it is a craft, sewing, or a new recipe to try. Many times I get my inspiration from Pinterest postings and try to put my own little touch of creativity to each project. 

When we were first married Dave liked the idea of getting the throw away advent calendars with chocolate pieces in them. I was not the biggest fan of the chocolate and since then I have been on the hunt for an advent I love because I love the idea of a scripture and treat each day in December! In the stores there are many with tiny little boxes that cost way more than I am willing to spend. I have searched Pinterest to find a style I like and with the help of one who used baby food jars I was able to create my own! I am so happy with the final result and I can fit our daily scripture and a treat for every member of the family in each jar :) 

As part of enjoying the journey of life, creating new things brings such a sense of accomplishment that can not be replaced by a quick purchase at the store!

Rock Island camping

We were truly put to the test back in October when we went camping for two nights at Rock Island State Park. I had seen in the forecast that there would be rain but we still hoped that it would change as is typical for weather in this area. When we arrived it was barely drizzling but in the time of putting up our tent it began to pour. It poured all night long. We ended up eating our next days lunch for dinner because we could have a fire and the camp stove wouldn't stay lit. 

Luckily our next day was beautiful! We were able to hike to (and through) beautiful waterfalls and enjoy the peace of the outdoors. We hope to go back when it is warmer next year to also enjoy some swimming and possibly stay longer because it is a great area to be. I have posted collages of our trip below. The picture of "rapunzels castle" (as Bailee called it) was used as a water pump to a cotton mill across the street that was no longer used once a flood happened in the early 1900's. There was a lot more history through the years of floods wiping out efforts of production and times of success in the area as well. 

That night we had trouble with our fire again and through Dave's determination, we were able to enjoy a fire late in the night. We even woke Bailee up again because she had been so sad that she couldn't see the fire, but she ended up sleeping on Dave's lap anyway and still missed it.

Overall the girls loved being outside and having fun getting dirty! 

Baby profile

We just can't get enough of her little side profile! She has food in her mouth but I couldn't resist documenting her cute little face :)

Rapunzel and Pascal

Bailee has been talking about Halloween and her costume since August. She decided to be Rapunzel and decided that Elise must be Pascal as her little sidekick. Then she realized she needs a Flynn Rider so of course daddy must fill that role. Once she had that figured out what was mommy going to be? She then decided I should be the horse :) I decided to stick to the role of "Creator of costumes" :) about mid-September she changed her mind about six or seven times but by then I had already bought the fabric so it was a done deal and I was convinced I would start the project any day at that point. Well that bag of fabric sat in my closet until October and with Bailee asked DAILY when she could try on her costume so I decided to get my act together and get going. Well I whipped it out in less than a week and I am so exited for her to wear it out for Halloween festivities! Our ward activity is this Saturday so I had a bit of a crunch time to get these done. To make her dress I followed a tutorial by http://www.makeit-loveit.com and made it my own.  I love that I don't have to buy patterns and I can use clothes the girls have to make up my own. It makes for more of a challenge and I personally have found it easier than figuring out pattern paper. My projects may come out a little straighter if I used a pattern but so far everything has turned out ok so I'll just keep to my little system of making my own :) 

Park time

After a Sunday home with sick girls we decided to spend some time at the park yesterday. On the sick note I learned Bailee's was from hidden mold in her waterbottle. I felt terrible especially when I discovered a little in mine as well! I felt sick once I found it and did an all day soak and clean. I wash them regularly but didn't know I could have been taking off the mouthpiece to clean it. Regardless I am grateful they are all clean now and it was just a little upset stomach and nothing worse. Thinking about it still makes me queasy!

   Well we wanted to get out but couldn't decide on anything specific so as we were driving we decided to go to a sports complex near us that has playgrounds. We couldn't have picked a better place to spend a little bit of our afternoon. Since we don't have a yard Elise was so happy to crawl around in the grass and pick up leaves.. Then proceed to put them in her mouth. Elise is growing so fast. She babbles a lot and gets so excited when she plays with Bailee. She currently things my phone case is the best teether and will throw some pretty dramatic fits when she doesn't get it. She definitely is beginning to realize the power of her voice and knowing what she wants. She is so smiley and happy and loves to be chased. She continues to stand very well on her own. She is a pincher. Arms, neck, face, or whatever she can get to. She also has a fascination with hair but mostly just for other little kids or babies. That is always the first thing she will grab for. 

Bailee loved having some play time with daddy in the field. We decided to go to a freshly mowed outfield of a softball field to let her run and feel free. She raced with us and attempted cartwheels. Dave and I were surprised we were still able, although I felt a bit of a pull on some muscles that have not been used in a while :) 

Sword fighting... Bailee was definitely at an advantage. 

Dave and I both have great memories of playing outside in our yards as kids and even though we aren't in our own house yet, we were glad to find a place that we can go for the girls to experience open grass to play. The next time we go we will definitely remember our bat and balls to get a little batting practice in :)

Daniel Smith Days at Rock Castle

On Saturday we had a little family outing on a beautiful day! We visited a historic home just a couple of miles away from us that belonged to Daniel smith and his family. He was a part of creating the state lines that form Tennessee among other things. Andrew Jackson was a relative of his and there was even a man at the event who portrays him and did a great job! 

When the house was built the lake wasn't there but the property is gorgeous and is now surrounded by beautiful homes. 

There was a little herb and flower garden where we were able to try a plant (can't remember the name) that was really sweet and resembled peas to me. We also tried some chocolate peppermint leaves! We were just trying to feel like we lived in the early 1800's. 

Excuse my terrible posture!! So one of my favorite things to see was the basket making. I loved the ones they had on display and I signed up to get the information for when they do classes to make your own! I love baskets but always feel the ones in the store are not worth the price for the cheap quality which they appear to be made. I am hoping the class will be budget worthy and I can have a piece of functional home decor that I made myself. 

They had lawn games from the era as well as writing with a quill. 

They put on a fashion show, right at Elise's naptime, and I loved hearing about the clothing and styles of that time. I was so grateful to be able to listen and watch without distraction as Elise slept and Dave had Bailee. 

Once the fashion show was over Bailee went on her own to listen to a woman play the harp and then had some time to play with her friend from nursery who was there with her mom. The harp music was beautiful and we really enjoyed sitting on the hay bails feeling the breeze and just listening. 

Lastly we toured the house. We were only able to see a couple of rooms but I always enjoy imagining what it would have been like living in that time. It really makes me grateful to live in the times that we do with SO many conveniences! 

Dave sacrificed some sleep so we were able to go but we were happy to be out as a family and to learn a little bit of the history in our area.