The Other Babysitter

Today I have both little kids I nanny for.

So far, so GREAT!

Claire (aka the other babysitter) did a fabulous job with Brady
She kept giving him toys...

Which made him happy!

And showed him how to use them...

Even proving that his swing could be used for other things...

"Take your shoes off, stay a while!"

Sleeping peacefully...at the same time!!!

Such duties are sure to tucker one out!

So Here Begins a Hobby...

Maybe.

I'm not far enough along to know for sure, but on account of the ideas that have been rolling around my head for quite some time, I'd assume YES.

Sunday, Grandpa Leman asked if I knew how to sew and if I'd be willing to hem up some of Grandma's dresses...I answered a shaky yes...warning him it'd been a while since I've sewn!

So today I got the dresses...and marked where they needed to be hemmed at. When I arrived home, I started pinning. Not supposed to be a big deal right?!?! Haha. I'm not sure what is up. Either the hemline curves or the material was cut on the bias...or more than likely, something that I'm not even aware of is occurring. Because let me tell you, that hem wouldn't line up for nothing! (maybe some of you have the answer/advice!)

I'm thinking a 911 call to my mother-in-law is in order! (Especially since I'm realizing how rusty the sewing sills really are!)

But onto more jovial subjects. There was a bit of a deal cut out over the dresses. You see, I have no sewing machine. I've kept my eye out at garage sales and on the Internet...but so far, no dice. Meanwhile all the sewing ideas had to be kept roaming around my head. BUT! Grandma has a sewing machine that she doesn't use anymore. For the deal: Grandpa said I could use the sewing machine in exchange for the dresses and any other little things that come up! Whoohoo! Really quite generous of them! :) Since I was going to have to wait on the dresses until someone will refresh me and help me with those hems, I decided to practice a bit.

The beast herself...ta-DA!

The project: I've been wanting to make a grocery sack holder for quite some time...see why?
(pathetic, I know)
A little online research, some fabric from Mom L., and this relatively quickly appeared. A stick on hook from pre-married days and...
Ah...much BETTER!

So we'll see about that hobby...

Leman Christmas in the Mountains

As tradition would have it, the Lemans assemble in the mountains early January not only to celebrate Christmas, but to relax and enjoy each other. Here is a glimpse of our lovely time!

Tuesday: After skiing with Caleb & Erin at Copper, we headed to the cabin. Combined with the snow, this canyon made for quite the breathtaking drive!

Wednesday: While the guys went skiing, we ladies had a day to ourselves. It started like this...reading, lounging, and doing a puzzle....

To enjoying the view from the porch....

here....

To being silly....

To taking a trip to Aspen! We went to some little shops before ending up at this little cafe. Turns out, this gentleman needed someone to write/frost his wife's name on her $50 cake he bought. I happen to know someone who decorates cakes...ERIN! He ended up buying our lunch and dessert for the favor. Thanks for lunch Erin!

Yup, Beautiful! Mt. Sopros. I love Colorado.

Erin helping me make dinner Wednesday night.

Thursday, we went on a hike. It was a hike that commemorated 14 firefighters that lost their lives in a wildfire.
Note Jake's snowstashParts of the climb were a bit interesting due to the snow. Erin showing off her hiking skills.

After hiking we soaked our sore bodies in the hot springs! I've never been to these natural hot tubs before...let's just say I'd go back! There was two huge pools that were naturally heated by a hot spring. At the place where the water came in, it was something like 112 degrees! And that's after being cooled!

Joel and Kristi arrived Thursday night! So Friday, while the boys went disk golfing, the ladies again, hit the town! This time, Glenwood Springs! For the second time, we browsed little shops, bookstores, and tiny fabric stores. After mom treated us to lunch (no guy needed a cake decorator here!) we hopped down a few storefronts to another cafe to buy sweets! YUM!

Friday night, Grandpa and Grandma Leman arrived in time for supper and the family gift exchange. After some relaxing of course!

After gifts, of course some vocal and finger exercise had to be done!

Saturday found us winding our way homeward...

The drive wasn't disappointing!

Through the Glenwood Canyon...seriously, the engineering to make these roads is amazing!

We had such a wonderful time. Being all together is a special treat. And this year I was much more comfortable with everyone than I was last year! :) I'm blessed!

As for the gifts...Kristi got "Auntie Erin" and "Auntie Tess" these African purses....
Oh yeah, if ya'll didn't already know, I'm gonna be an AUNT! Joel and Kristi are gonna have a little one! :)

We draw names and Jake got my name...I'll admit I was kind worried about what I was gonna get...but I shouldn't have. He got me this amazing map of Haiti! Framed and all. It was extra special cause I've been missing Haiti a lot of late.

Part of our gift from Grandpa and Grandma L. More books to add to my collection!!

And of course a big thanks to Mom and Dad Leman for the wonderful cabin in the mountains! It was quite the pleasurable experience! :)