Empty Sea

My dear sister, Lyndsey, is leaving next week to serve a full-time mission for our church. Since Lyndsey is well-loved by my children, she is often the topic of conversation around our dinner table. Tonight was no different and Addie's conversation went like this:

Addie: "Mom, does Lyndsey go into the *MTC (Missionary Training Center) soon?

Me: "Yes, she leaves next week."

Addie: "Does is have water there?" 

Me: (Hesitation because I feel this is quite an odd question) "Yes, it does."

Addie: "Then why do they call it the Empty Sea?"

Me: (Understanding dawns as I realize she's hearing it completely different. She was probably trying to make sense of MTC because acronyms don't have much meaning to a five-year-old!)

Giggles follow as I explain what it really means.

Addie: "I hope we can go swimming there."

Me: "No, we can't. Only missionaries and people who work there can go."

Ella: "Yeah, they have sharks there!"

So, Lynds, I believe Addie is relieved you have water available and I'll try to appease Ella's mind regarding the sharks. :) 

We sure will miss you while you're gone. Life will definitely be different without you coming over!

Getting Ready . . .

I'm slowly getting ready for the Farmers Market - it's fast approaching! Here's a glimpse of what I've been working on.


How do you like my headband holder? Basically it's a paper towel roll that's covered in fabric with a board glued to the bottom for stability. Thank you Pinterest for the inspiration! I think it turned out great.
 

 This is my other hair accessory displayer (pretty sure that's not a word, but I'll use it anyway!) The top two rows are alligator clip accessories and the bottom two are bobby pins. Most of my hair things are made out of leather - a few from lace and fabric. I also have stretch headbands.

Looking forward to it starting on June 2nd!
Drop by Pioneer Park in Provo (500 West and Center) if you live in the area.

Soap and the Farmer's Market

This is what I've been up to lately. Many nights you'll find me with thick rubber gloves, safety goggles and lots of oils and sodium hydroxide concocting soap. James and I have enjoyed the process a lot! So far, I've made five different cold-process soaps. (One batch was a complete fail). The rectangle bars are the cold-process ones. The far one with a green tinge is peppermint, next is lavender, next is goat milk, honey & oatmeal unscented soap, and the yellowish one is a shampoo bar. They take at least 3-4 weeks to cure and become usable. I am excited to try the shampoo bar! We've used the peppermint, lavender, and the oatmeal one with success.

The other two are my recent experiments with melt and pour soup using glycerine based soaps that are premade. It's been a lot of fun adding colors and scents. I've only done it twice, but I believe I have a new hobby!

I got into all of this because I want to sell them at the farmer's market this summer. It starts in less than a month and I'm scrambling to get ready still. Soap, leather headbands/hair accessories, barbie clothes, pvc pipe bow and arrows, pincushions, felt play food, and herbs, are among the seemingly ever-growing list of items I'm selling. I just want to have a variety of things at various prices so I can make the most sales.

I did the farmer's market two years ago with a friend and this year I'm doing it with Ali (my sister, she's selling leather hand-bound books). It'll be an adventure for both of us!

If you're in the area you should come visit us!
It's every Saturday starting June 2 through October 27th from 9am-2pm.

Ruby's Accomplishments

Our little lady is growing up fast! She began holding her balance while sitting up about two weeks ago and is now quite a pro at it.

Happy Eyes.

This is a clip of Ruby's first time giving kisses. James caught it on camera while we were watching My Fair Lady. I was laughing so much my eyes teared up. Focus on the baby, because I'm looking mighty rough! She won't give kisses on command unless SHE wants to. This little gal has a mind of her own!