I'm still here

So much has happened lately and I've had no time to share. I hate to give the brief and condensed version, but I guess it's better than no version at all.

Trip to Cincy
Here is my latest non-apron craft. I appliqued a blanket for my new nephew Andrew. I had to do this the hard way using interfacing but now I know about wonder under and will use that next time and save about 4 steps and 2 hours.

See my satin stitch? Love that new sewing machine. It also had a blanket stitch function but I liked the look of this better.
The blanket was a gift for Andrew's baptism. (We Baptist would call it a dedication) Here is a shot of the Wollam/Pence/Barham families once we got all home from church last Sunday
Memorial Day
We had a great Memorial Day at the Holden house. Our SS class got together and it once again reminded me of how much our friends have become our family. Throughout the night there were people holding my children, feeding my children, playing with my children, taking my children to the bathroom.... the list goes on. If I could just get them to come over at 3:00 a.m....

Turning 36
Spencer's birthday was Wednesday. I had a whole post in my head dedicated to him. Maybe I'll save it for Father's Day. Or you can just read below about Thursday.

Music Inservice
Our district inservice was Thursday. This was the first day that I was without Claire. Spencer took the day off work and kept ALL THREE children. Normally I could have skipped the inservice all togther and made up the hours some other way but this year I was asked to be one of the presenters. Very Cool. I'm not covinced that I know more than anyone else, but it was very flattering to be asked and really fun to put together and do. So...the husband stayed home with all three kids and three bottles. Claire loved the bottles and didn't even know I was gone. When I came home I found Super Dad in the living room FOLDING LAUNDRY. Really. Who is this man?

Fun with Friends
We got a call that our friends from Indiana were coming to Louisville for the weekend and we were able to have dinner with them Friday night. The weather was gorgeous and we got to enjoy just hanging out with them. I love last minute surprises like that.

Kroger
I went "real" grocery shopping for the first time today since Claire has been here. My mom hooked us up while she was here but once that food was gone we were in sad shape. We'd been living off of a gallon of milk here and a loaf of bread there. It was sad. Today Camille and I went to the store by ourselves and were able to (sort of) restock the pantry. If nothing else - I know we have dinner for the next week under control.

Date Night
Spencer and I went on a date tonight. Easton and Camille got to hang with a babysitter and Claire went with us to the Summit (An outdoor mall for the non Louisvillians). It was another gorgeous evening and we ate outside at QDoba and walked the stores. I tested the papoose and it worked wonderfully. (see hippie mom section below)

Hippie Mom
Yep, I'm one of THOSE moms now. I officially have two baby wearing devices. Some people wear their babies because they're all into attachment parenting. I'm just into chasing my two year old parenting. I bought the Babyhawk and it works great when she is asleep. But right now she's not big enough to face out and when she's awake, she hates having her face burrowed in my chest. So I got a Hotsling. This is great to use around the house when I HAVE to get things done and she is being fussy (screaming) and wants to be held. This one allows her to face out a bit and see what's going on. While we were walking the stores tonight she was awake and I put her in the Hotsling. It was nice to walk around without the worry of an overgrown stroller.