So as usual life is crazy for the Shaffer Sisters. This week Jo finished her final shopping list for her home birth (in about two weeks). Scary and I are going hardcore and trying to potty train the little ones. Let me tell you it is an endurance race for an unknown length of time (that's probably what makes it the hardest). We will have a series to come with potty training tips and stories.
So today as I was talking to Scary about the Bumble Bee Dress she is working on, Ryder overheard the conversation and decided to inject.  Lately Ryder (4 years-old) has been correcting all of us if we say words like stupid, dumb, hate, or fat (even if you're talking about the food group) by saying, "Don't say (fill in the blank)." This isn't the worst thing until you hear this following almost every statement you make. 
So back to today, Scary was telling me about the embroidery she was planning for the dress. As we were talking I heard Ryder over the phone say, "Don't say embroidery. Embroidery is a bad word." Despite our attempts to tell him it wasn't bad we couldn't convince him. The poor kid is going to grow up with this misconception for the rest of his life.

Hope you enjoyed the little blurp from our life.
With Love,
Al

So I know I promised a little girl pencil skirt tutorial today, but life is crazy and I feel entirely burned out. Last night/this morning I stayed up until 5:30am working on my project for sew ready to play, but as my luck has had it lately things keep not working out. I promise we will get it up soon, hopefully next week.

But today is a bonus day. We are going to do some flashbacks from the yesteryear of our kids long before they were blogging superstars. So here we go, enjoy!

Jo, remember that time that you had us go on a 3 mile walk when you were 41 weeks pregnant, in hope that it would restart your labor? My blisters finally have healed (2 years later)

With Love,
Al, Scary, and Jo

When I say Sailor Jack, you are probably thinking:
But I am really thinking about:

Grandpa Jack, back in his sailor days

I am sharing this project as a participant in the sew along for Project Run and Play's: Candy Inspired Sewing but truthfully it was made for a personal and more meaningful reason.

Not only did my Grandpa Jack give us a pony, but when Al (12) and I (14) were lucky enough to have our Grandparents take us on vacation to San Diego when they were attending a naval ship reunion. This was especially meaningful to us and them because, my Grandpa had been stationed at the Naval Base in San Diego when they were very newly married. We were able to see many of the sights from their newly wed life.
A cherished memory for us from this trip was to have our Grandma and Grandpa take us to the exact park where the following happened:
Grandpa (6'1" and probably about 190 lbs.) and my Great Uncle, Dick (5'8" and 150 lbs.) switched naval uniforms so that my Grandpa could see his new baby (Momma Shaffer) and sweetheart. My Grandpa said he dare not breath or move too much for fear he would rip the uniform and my Dick cautiously stayed on the park bench for fear he would loose his britches.

When we heard my Grandpa was sick and that he would probably not be around too much longer, I felt the desire to honor his memory and our relationship by creating. I realized that we could celebrate his life by nodding at his time in the Navy. With some simple modifications to the Anchors Aweigh Sailor Romper (Affliate Link), 1 navy sheet and 2 packages of white bias tape. Al and I were able to make two sailor suits in the course of an afternoon for Ryder and Heber to where to the service.
I did have to scale the pattern up Ryder, but this was pretty simple with some great e-mail suggestions Amy from Peek-a-Boo. We also modified the pattern for both boys by extending the length of the shorts to be pants length by measuring their hip to ankle length and adding seam allowance for the hem. We left off the buttons to keep it tucked in because I wanted it to be able to fit as long as possible.
This simple sewing project meant a lot to my Grandma and to those who knew how much his time in the service meant to him. One of my Grandpa's friends approached me after the service and told me that the talents we share are a testimony of the craftsmanship of our forefathers. At first I didn't know how to respond so I just said, "Thank you."

But then as I had time to reflect on it, I realize that I have learned so many things from my forefathers (and foremothers) that gives me strength and confidence. I hope that my Father in Heaven allows me continue to create items that will bring honor to the legacy of those that have given me so much.


PS. On Friday, Al will be sharing over at Winter Wonderings the Nautical Inspired skirts she made for the girls (Boston and Ty) for the service as part of Operation Zero.

Please forgive me for this, but I wanted to share my Grandpa's Obituary (very well written by Momma Shaffer) for any friends or family that might be reading this post and didn't get a chance to read it:

On July 13, 1930, born in his grandparents’ home in Buhl, Idaho, Jack William Hyder found his voice and began a life blessing those whom he met. As the son of Seward Adam Hyder and Dorothy Mae Franklin Hyder, Jack grew up and went to school in Buhl, and his younger years involved numerous amazing adventures with his cousins, younger sister, Mary Lou (Ross), and his grandparents of both sides.
Jack set out on his own as a teenager, taking on the life of a cowboy on the Nevada desert ranches and open range. While there, he honed his skills of gentling and training young colts and fillies, cooking beans and coffee around a campfire, and singing the beautiful music of his soul. During this time, Jack made many new lifelong friends and developed a strong desire to have a ranch of his own someday.
Helping out in an emergency by driving a milk truck in the infamous winter of 1949, Jack found himself stranded in the tiny town of Castleford. When an impromptu dance was put together for the entertainment of the snowbound, the handsome cowboy saw and pursued the beautiful school teacher and an everlasting romance began. Jack married Betty Lucille Scott on Aug. 9, 1950, on the lawn at her parents’ home in Twin Falls, Idaho. Children Karla Kay, Scott and Wade were born into this union.
Jack joined the United States Navy in 1951 and served as a barber at the U.S. Naval Training Center in San Diego, Calif. He was deployed on the Destroyer USS Fechteler during the end of the Korean War until 1955. He was able to travel to and see new views of the world as he served his country, which he often reflected upon. As a member of the VFW and the American Legion, he has continued to share his patriotism and love of country with others and to serve those who serve our country. Jack and Betty have enjoyed attending many USS Fechteler and Tin Can Sailor reunions throughout the nation over the years.
Jack operated a barbershop in Twin Falls for 2½ decades. Every day he would show up at work with a big smile, wearing a white shirt that Betty had washed, starched and ironed for him and a tie. He greeted everyone with a hearty handshake and made new friends easily while treasuring lasting relationships. In his spare time, Jack trained horses and milked the Jersey cow so the family would always have fresh dairy products and horses to ride.
In 1960, Jack and Betty bought an old farm and moved from Twin Falls to Jerome where the next adventure began. Many Sundays were spent building fence and the children were taught by example what a strong work ethic meant. Jack and Betty had taken on a lot of extra work by buying that “fixer-upper” but it never deterred them and, about ten years later as fences were built and rebuilt and the children and the number of horses and cattle continued to grow, the opportunity came to buy the adjoining property — another, bigger, older “fixer-upper” which became their home on the hill. Jack took great pride in green pastures, good fences, fat cows and frisky calves, and well-bred, well-trained, healthy horses.
In 1970, after years of night school and correspondence courses, Jack began his career in agri-business at Production Credit Association in Twin Falls as a field agent traveling to farms, ranches, and dairies throughout the Magic and Wood River valleys. Although he no longer had to wear white shirts to work, Betty continued her loving laundry magic, ironing colored dress shirts instead. In 1980, he was recruited to be the manager of Farmers National Bank in Wendell, where he made even more friends and impact on the community for more than another decade.
After his retirement, he enjoyed trading cattle at the sale yard and reviving his horse breeding operation that had originated in the 1960s with American saddlers. Those who knew him well recognized that Jack’s door would always be open if they needed sound and frank financial advice. Jack entered a new phase in his real estate endeavors, moving from acquiring more “fixer-uppers” to planning and developing his own little subdivision on the property that he and Betty had purchased in 1960. He also worked as a deputy for the Jerome County Sheriff’s office and did private security and investigation work for several years.
Service has always been very important to Jack and Betty and they have passed this legacy onto their posterity. Jack has been a member of innumerable civic organizations, including the Jerome County Fair Board, ISHSA, Rotary, Chamber of Commerce, the El Korah Shriner’s, and the Twin Falls and Jerome Masonic lodges. He has helped with the Jerome Soup Kitchen, Interfaith Caregivers, Red Cross Blood drawings and local elections. Jack sang for hundreds of weddings, funerals and community events over the years. His voice, heard and loved by many, was temporarily silenced Monday, Aug. 26, 2013, as Jack and his heavenly voice left this earth to sing in more exalted spheres.

Tonight at 7 PM (EDT) we will be co-hosting the Duck 'N Row

Sorry for the absence last week, Monday night we got a call from Momma Shaffer that our Grandpa Jack had passed from this life into the next one. I really didn't feel like blogging. I did an insane amount of sewing therapy to pull myself through the days (evidence on Instagram). 

Classic Demin Family Picture - taken for my Grandparents 50th Wedding Anniversary (13 years ago)

Even though we grew up 1 1/2 hours from Grandma Betty and Grandpa Jack my mom made sure that we visited frequently (at least a couple times a month during the school year and sometimes multiple days in the summer). The four of us were the only grandchildren so we were blessed to receive lots of one on one attention and love.

The delicious smells that came from my Grandma's tiny kitchen and my Grandpa's warmness and infectious laugh was a cozy country comfort at it's finest. It seemed like no matter if we were just dropping by or staying for a while we would get a good fill of both. One of my favorite treats that Grandma usually had on hand visitors was Gingersnap Cookies. When she would offer them to us from the kitchen Grandpa would yell to please bring him one as well with some milk.

Grandma Betty Gingersnap Cookies

Recipe from a Better Homes and Garden Cookbook from the 1940s or 50s.
3/4 c. shortening
1 c. sugar
1/4 c. light molasses
1 beaten egg
2 cups flour
1/4 tsp. salt
2 tsp. baking soda
1 tsp. cinnamon
1 tsp. cloves
1 tsp. ginger

Cream shortening and sugar; add molasses and egg; beat well. Add sifted dry ingredients; mix well. Roll in small balls; dip into sugar; greasy cookies sheet. Bake in 375 F, 15 minutes. Make 4 Dozen,

Lightly greased pan.

Grandma suggests that you double the recipe so you are ready for guests, I was able to share with many of my neighbors. What is your favorite recipe to keep on hand for visitors or your family to snack on?

Fun Story about my Grandpa, before I go. Grandpa Jack loved buying, selling and breading horses. Most of our mom's childhood was spent in breaking horses. He wanted to make sure we had the same experience so when we were little he gave us a half pony/half Appaloosa horse, named Freckles. Because of this gift and letting us borrow other horses we are all pretty experienced riders.
With Love,
Scary

 We have lived in the "Greater Salt Lake" area for 3 weeks. One of those I was gone to help as a HOBY Facilitator and visit our Aunt and Uncle at Steen's Mountain.  The other night when I drove home from Idaho, I was determined that I would take the Legacy Highway and the Belt Way (I-215, for you Utah folks) and find my way home without getting lost.  (Note: I am much better at getting to our apartment from I-15, but the other way is a much better way to avoid all of the traffic).

Growing up I did stuff like this:

Al and I in Junior Riding club

The fish I caught one summer after work while fishing with my dad. It was a requirement in our family if you caught you cleaned something that scared my college roommates at first.

Sometimes for special occasions Dad would take us out target shooting.

Up until a few months ago Rexburg, Idaho was the largest town I had lived in for a prolonged period. Rexburg has a population of about 25,000 (13,000+ being college students) isn't more than a big little town.


Back to me getting off on the Belt way. I got off at what I thought was my exit. But headed West instead of East I was miles from the right direction. I panicked and couldn't remember what my address was and what the number of the main roads we were off of. I didn't have my cellphone, I knew I was going to be lost forever!

I remembered that the complex had given us a keychain with our address on it. I was creeping down the road just trying to find something familiar that was even remotely close to the number listed on the keychain, when I realized I was holding traffic up. I got back up to speed and turned left because it seemed like I needed to head more toward the mountains. At this point I was completely frazeled.
Then I saw:

Source: Desert News Utah's first flex lane systems

Now for someone who is used to driving through livestock but who's hometown didn't even have a four way stop this looks daunting but I was some what relieved because I remembered there are flex lanes by our home. I breathed a sigh of relief, I might make it home. A few minutes later I was in our box filled apartment.

This is a metaphor for how I feel right now. I feel a little lost, frazzled.

I miss going out to the apartment playground and having an insta play date by sending a text or knock on the door of my friends by inviting them to join us.
But we are going to get through. The kids love the new playground and I have a few prospects for friends in my ward (Mormon term for congregation).

I also miss my neighborhood quilt/craft shop, Porters. It was Al and I's favorite store to just go window shopping in and we got some of our best crafting ideas from just browsing.
But the Joann's here is huge and the staff is really nice and knowledgeable. And it is only about 3 miles from home (which I see as a positive but could be a real negative for my fabric budget).

The other day I had a yummy burrito at a local Mexican restaurant that made me feel a little bit more at home.

What do you to make yourself more at home in a new area or new sort of environment? Would love to hear your ideas.

With Love,
Scary

While at HOBY we had an opportunity to hear from Bryan Yager, a man who travels the world talking about leadership. He talked about how a leader is someone that is willing to show their vulnerabilities and weaknesses. This is a delicate balance with a blog, because blogging is really about having the magazine quality life. But then I remembered our mission statement and we are trying to build a blog where you can feel encouraged, inspired, uplifted that can take you to a place of creation. 
Sometimes I am confused and think that I can do it all. Then I go crazy (like smoke out my ears, roadrunner legs and complete confusion). Then I talk to one of my sweet sisters and they try to calm me down. Then I begin to think rationally and eat the elephant of a crazy day one bite at a time.

Today was one of those days, where the realization that I can't do it all came to head.

Last week I spent 2 days in the car driving home. After finally getting home, the next morning I woke up sick. I was SO sick in bed with a sinus infection. My kids, husband and I went in survival mode. Which means that the boxes that needed to be unpacked are still not unpacked. The sewing projects I have planned are still in the planning stages.
 This morning the kids got a special treat, once a year chocolate cake. Boston enjoyed it but she got it all over her face and her hair. It required her to take a bath, then Ryder needed something out of their bedroom so stepped across the hall and then I heard a terrified cry from the bathtub. I rushed to the scene and after a quick survey of the tub, I realized we had a problem. Poop. I swooped her out of the tub. Scrubbed the toys and the tub. Then put her back in to get clean.
All the while this was happening Ryder was practicing X-games tricks with the firetruck walker off his bed. After the vehicle was impounded to our bedroom. It was time for our blog planning meeting, which didn't last more than 5 minutes because the combined noises coming from the kids on our 3 lines was too much.
Jo did gave me a few pieces of advice before we ended our call. Just clean one of the rooms so you have a space to relax. Take the kids to McDonalds to burn off energy. I followed the spirit of her advice and I built a fort from the couch cushions with Ryder. And we may have had a little dance party in the kitchen.

I am working on finishing cleaning the kitchen (figured it was a good first space) and then I will move on to the dining room.
With Love,
Scary

I am hoping by the end of the week I will be sewing and able to play along with the sewing fun, if you aren't having a crazy week/day you should check it out.

PS. Peak A Boo Pattern Shop has all their Rompers on Sale, Click here to visit Peek-a-Boo Pattern Shop.

Their Anchors Aweigh Sailor Romper: 3 mos. - 4t couldn't be any cuter! Or the Sea Breeze Romper would be perfect for 4th of July Sewing.

Next week we will all live in the west again.  It will be so nice for us all to be within 8 hours of Grandmas house!
Al and her family are moving home from Chicago, and living with Grandma and Grandpa Shaffer this summer.  That lucky girl gets to see this all summer!


She is probably most excited about being home, among the friends and family she grew up with.

 


Scary is moving out of her in-laws house and in to a cute apartment in the Greater Salt Lake area.

She said she is most excited for the Salt Lake City Library, because she knows there are some pretty amazing sewing and cook books there.