Cuddling Quilt {Episode 1}

I have been wanting to make my boys quilts for some time now.

My decision to began came when I found beautiful, high-quality fabric on sale at Wal-mart for $1 a yard.

And so the patchwork began...

Here is some of my fabric in the process of being cut into strips.

I'll keep you updated as this quilt unfolds. ;)

Easton's Movie--the first

Last week I completed Easton's movie for his upcoming birthday....It's a year late.  Let me explain...

I decided a few years ago that instead of scrapbooking {which I don't particularly enjoy} (but, which I must add is a wonderful and very meaningful way to create and preserve memories) I would make my children a movie each birthday that captures their previous year in photos and home video.

Therefore, after watching all the tutorials at least twice and practicing on several other movies and slideshows over the past few years (which I will post about at a future date), I decided to undertake Easton's first movie.  

Let me first say that this project was the most rewarding gift I have ever made for him (in his short three years of life with us).  There really isn't anything like watching and rewatching video as you try to edit it into a special memory.  There are not adequate words to describe it.  Nostalgia?  Saudade?  Yearning?  Bittersweet, sorrowful-joy?  Maybe the word that best sums it up is motherhood.

And so with love for Easton kindling in my heart {did I mention he was visiting grandparents during this whole endeavor...which made the yearning all the brighter} I completed the 49 minute movie and burned it to a DVD.  

It's entitled Easton's First Year.

Though I am a year behind, maybe next year I will have the energy and time to make him two...(I guess we'll see.  I still have to make Tate's by December).

I think I am a better person because of this project...hopefully a better mother.  I feel so much more love for Easton than I ever thought would be possible.  Maybe that's what creating is all about. 

Creating for someone...

Learning to love in a deeper way because of the creation...

Drawing closer to God and to your loved one...

Developing the pure love of Christ--even the unfailing gift of charity.

Look to Him to create...

The other day my mother walked outside in the morning and took these pictures:

Can you guess what they are?  Take a look at this picture and then you'll probably be able to guess:

They are pictures from my little sister's back car window.  Now isn't that amazing?

This is the epitome of beauty...But how could it not be?  It is Heavenly Father's art.  When I look to Him, I always seem to be able to create with greater purpose, focus, and imagination.  For the Holy Spirit enlightens our minds and enlarges our understanding.  If we will look to our Father and keep His commandments, He will bless us with ideas, materials, and ways to create in a manner that will bless all around us.

Look to God...and create...