Paul Stewart Ellis

Our family is in shock at the sudden loss of Eric's youngest brother, Paul. As I've been looking through old photos and letters, I am struck with what an impact he had on all of us. I don't think anyone who knew Paul could help but to love him. He had the purest heart of anyone I know.

If you knew Paul and would like information about the funeral, etc. just email me or comment and I will let you know.

Here's a link to the photos I have of Paul on Facebook:

Paul Stewart Ellis

Homecoming 2010

After a very frustrating and disappointing dress shopping trip, I broke down and decided to make Erin's dress for Homecoming. As I know from lots of experience, it is very hard to find a modest dress for a teenage girl. It is even harder to find a modest dress for a very TALL teenage girl. Especially since we are not good at planning ahead and ordering something from Utah.

I don't really enjoy making clothes (sleeves and zippers should be glueable) but I DO enjoy being able to create the picture I have in my head rather than spending eons searching for it. I guess that's called being creative.

Anyway, here she is, the dress is so far from perfect its not even funny, but luckily, dances are held in dimly lit school cafeterias, and usually at this age everyone else is too concerned about themselves to notice one's little flaws (at least that is what I tell my kids all the time).

Annie's room

While my girl's were away at YW camp this summer, I finished up a few projects and fixed up their rooms. Here's Annie's.

The pinboard that I made way back when.

I think she needs a full length mirror on that bit of wall.

This wall art is another easy project that I've been meaning to show. Maybe later.

Dresser from IKEA.

And remember our super easy paint idea?

Cute tissue paper lantern. We just cut out circles of tissue paper and glued them onto an IKEA light fixture.

I love this room! I hope she does, too!

Welcome back, me!

It was a great summer! Tiring, but fun, with lots of adventures. Hopefully I will be able to catch up on the happenings over the next few days, now that the kids are in school and we've got the first few weeks of craziness behind us.