The Moran Family Blog

Grandma's Green Bean Casserole . . .

michelle@emmieloudesigns.net (Moran Family Blog) — Tue, 24 Nov 2009 17:06:00 +0000

Nope, it is not my grandma's, but I found this recipe and the reviews were all excellent. So, since I am in charge of the green bean casserole this year, I decided to give this one a go!

We are planning to share Thanksgiving with family, at my sister's house this year. Thanksgiving just might be my favorite holiday. This time of year really makes me count my blessings because truthfully, they are many. Not to say my life is perfect, but I have to be thankful for what I do have.

I feel like I haven't been home for about three weeks now with all of the running around I have been doing. I suppose that many of you are feeling the same. Holiday time always seems to be like that for me. How about for you?

So here is the recipe - if you make it, let me know what you think!

GRANDMA'S GREEN BEAN CASSEROLE

Ingredients:
2 tablespoons butter
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon white sugar
1/4 cup onion, diced
1 cup sour cream
3 (14.5 ounce) cans French style green beans, drained
2 cups shredded Cheddar cheese
1/2 cup crumbled buttery round crackers
1 tablespoon butter, melted

Directions:
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
Melt 2 tablespoons butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Stir in flour until smooth, and cook for one minute. Stir in the salt, sugar, onion, and sour cream. Add green beans, and stir to coat.
Transfer the mixture to a 2 1/2 quart casserole dish. Spread shredded cheese over the top. In a small bowl, toss together cracker crumbs and remaining butter, and sprinkle over the cheese.
Bake for 30 minutes in the preheated oven, or until the top is golden and cheese is bubbly.

Servings Per Recipe: 10
Amount Per Serving
Calories: 215
Total Fat: 16.4g
Cholesterol: 45mg
Sodium: 832mg
Total Carbs: 9.5g
Dietary Fiber: 1.1g
Protein: 7.8g

Have a wonderful Thanksgiving!

Love,

A Veterans Day THANK YOU!

michelle@emmieloudesigns.net (Moran Family Blog) — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 16:52:00 +0000

I want to say THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU first to my dad, who was a Marine and fought in the Vietnam War. I love you and I am so proud of you. I can never tell you enough how very much your service means to me.

My second THANK YOU is to all of the men and women who who have served our country in the past and present. Thank you for the unselfish gift you give to us - yourselves. You put your life on the line so that we don't have to. You protect and serve out country so that we can live freely! GOD BLESS AMERICA, and GOD BLESS YOU!!!!!!!!

Love,

SendOutCards - Woohoo!

michelle@emmieloudesigns.net (Moran Family Blog) — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 03:49:00 +0000

Okay, I am absolutely, totally excited. I love to send cards, but honestly, getting to the store to buy them, going to the post office to buy stamps and then mailing them really slows me down. However, I have recently been introduced to an online greeting card company called SendOutCards and I have to tell you that I am nothing short of hooked! Everything is done online through the SendOutCards website. They have over 10,000 different cards to choose from with different fonts and you can even upload your pictures with their Picture Plus program. And then when you are all done, SendOutCards actually puts the postage on the card and mails it for you. (You can even include a gift if you so desire.)

If you want to, click on the SendOutCards link at the top, which will direct you to my website or just go here: https://www.sendoutcards.com/michellemoran. Click on the banner once you are there and it will take you through the process of making and sending your very own card. If you love it and want to learn more, or would like some help signing up, just let me know and I would be happy to call you!

Have fun!

Happy Birthday Kevin!

michelle@emmieloudesigns.net (Moran Family Blog) — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 17:19:00 +0000

http://sendables.jibjab.com/view/LU4ZmRfq7knTReGy

Today I want to wish my very sweet husband a happy birthday! I am so glad that 44 years ago today, you were put here on this earth. I pray that you have at least another 44 years, and that I will be here with you to enjoy every single one of them! I love you from the very bottom of my heart!

Love,

When You Thought I Wasn't Looking

michelle@emmieloudesigns.net (Moran Family Blog) — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 20:00:00 +0000

Below is a poem called "When You Thought I Wasn't Looking", sent to me by a friend. It is so very true. I hope you enjoy reading it.

When you thought I wasn't looking I saw you hang my first painting on the refrigerator, and I immediately wanted to paint another one.

When you thought I wasn't looking I saw you feed a stray cat, and I learned that it was good to be kind to animals.

When you thought I wasn't looking I saw you make my favorite cake for me, and I learned that the little things can be the special things in life.

When you thought I wasn't looking I heard you say a prayer, and I knew that there is a God I could always talk to, and I learned to trust in Him.

When you thought I wasn't looking I saw you make a meal and take it to a friend who was sick, and I learned that we all have to help take care of each other.

When you thought I wasn't looking I saw you take care of our house and everyone in it, and I learned we have to take care of what we are given.

When you thought I wasn't looking I saw how you handled your responsibilities, even when you didn't feel good, and I learned that I would have to be responsible when I grow up.

When you thought I wasn't looking I saw tears come from your eyes, and I learned that sometimes things hurt, but it's all right to cry.

When thought I wasn't looking I saw that you cared, and I wanted to be everything that I could be.

When you thought I wasn't looking I learned most of life's lessons that I need to know to be a good and productive person when I grow up.

When you thought I wasn't looking I looked at you and wanted to say, 'Thanks for all the things I saw when you thought I wasn't looking.

And the winner is . . .

michelle@emmieloudesigns.net (Moran Family Blog) — Sun, 01 Nov 2009 16:03:00 +0000

Many of you voted for me and my sister to win the Gypsy Challenge. (Thank you!) Needless to say, we didn't win, but Michelle Machado did win the peppermint earrings! Yea! I will get those in the mail to you Michelle!

Have a fun Sunday!

Gypsy Challenge

michelle@emmieloudesigns.net (Moran Family Blog) — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 16:21:00 +0000

The Gypsy (I want one bad!)

My amazing sis thought we should enter a contest using her new Gypsy - (pictured above). For all of you non-scrappers, it has something to do with creating amazing die-cuts for scrapbooking. It actually hooks up to the Cricut machine and is sort of like a Nintendo DS for big people. :)

We spent all day (and night) Sunday working on this project. Needless to say, this project was much bigger then we expected. Our finished project was a chore chart that my sister thought up. (She is smart like that.) I wish the picture showed all of the detail better because there is so much depth and detail that you just can't see by a single, non-3D picture.

Chore Chart - "A Little Birdie Told Me".

Anyway, the winners will be chosen after midnight tonight, which is when the contest is over. (They extended the voting time by several days.) So feel free to throw your vote out way. We really need your vote, and we really want to win! Here is the link: http://www.cricut.com/gypsy/designchallenge/entries.aspx?did=275

Have a great Thursday!

Still Out of School!

michelle@emmieloudesigns.net (Moran Family Blog) — Fri, 23 Oct 2009 15:23:00 +0000

2008 Halloween Picture

The kids are still out of school. The school decided to close down for the whole week. I can see their point. Hopefully the kids will mostly be well when they go back. I am wondering where the kids are going to make up their 4 days off though. We are all still (very thankfully) well around here.

We went to a movie one day, and Savannah and I spent a chunk of yesterday scrapbooking. That felt good, and I surprisingly got quite a bit done. Today it is bills, laundry, cleaning up and then a trip to Costco to pick up my pictures and then to Walmart to get the kids' pictures taken together. This is sort of a spur of the moment thing and we don't have any special outfits or anything like that but it has been so long since I have taken them in for pictures that I figured, why not. (Most of the kids should be in school so we should be able to get in just fine.)

We have soccer and soccer pictures tomorrow so most of our day will be spent out on the park. So, the weekend will be busy and crazy, just like usual. But it will be fun too.

How 'bout you? Any plans for the weekend?

Swine Flu . . . Stay Home From School!

michelle@emmieloudesigns.net (Moran Family Blog) — Tue, 20 Oct 2009 18:10:00 +0000

I was called to pick the kids up from school this morning, almost right after I left them. Yesterday, 23 kids were out of school, two were known to have had the Swine Flu for sure. So far so good here. The school decided to take precautions and let everyone go home until Thursday. They are sanitizing the school and doing everything they can to keep our kids healthy.

Kevin heard a Homeopathic doctor on the radio talking about Swine Flu prevention; washing hands, vitamin D, lots of fresh fruits and veggies. Prevention of course is the best thing that we can do.

I am not overly-worried, just being smart, and cautious. Pigs are just not welcome in our home right now! :)

I guess we will have 2 days to spend at home. I think we will definitely make the most, and best of it.

Have a great week!

Revolve Tour Success!

michelle@emmieloudesigns.net (Moran Family Blog) — Mon, 19 Oct 2009 17:03:00 +0000

Onstage at the Revolve Tour

Savannah with her friends

Savannah wearing her Revolve Tour Hoodie

The Revolve Tour was a success! The girls loved it and we had such a great time. Savannah can't wait to go to the next one. She said this was one of her best weekends ever. It was so nice to see all of the mothers with their daughters. It was a place where the girls didn't have to worry about being "cool", and holding your moms hand was okay. It was a nice reprieve from all of the pressures that our pre-teen and teenage girls face. It was fun, it was exhausting, and it was oh-so-good!

Revolve Tour . . .

michelle@emmieloudesigns.net (Moran Family Blog) — Fri, 16 Oct 2009 19:16:00 +0000

Savannah and I, along with two other girlie's and a mom are off to the Revolve Tour this afternoon. It ends around 4:00 Saturday afternoon. It is for girls pre-teen through high school and their moms. It is going to be a fun, faith-filled event; filled with bands, and discussions on difficult subjects that face our precious girls today. I can't wait to go as I have heard so many good things about it! I am as excited as my pre-teen!

What are you doing this weekend?

Pretty . . .

michelle@emmieloudesigns.net (Moran Family Blog) — Tue, 13 Oct 2009 21:35:00 +0000

Emma went to a Birthday/Halloween party a few weeks ago. I had bought this Geisha costume for her several years ago and it was way too big. It fit her great this year, but I couldn't get over how grown-up and pretty she looked. Definitely like a beautiful little Geisha girl. Some of the kids didn't even recognize her at first. Some days I don't either. She is getting so tall and her legs are so long. She is still a little girl, but I know she won't remain that way for very much longer.

It's been a busy week . . .

michelle@emmieloudesigns.net (Moran Family Blog) — Mon, 12 Oct 2009 02:08:00 +0000

Landon and I at "The Living Desert" on a field trip.

"The Boys" I chaperoned.

Landon in front of the lambs (because they are his favorite animal.)

It has been a very busy week, thus no blogging. All of the school activities and everyday life are keeping me going. I feel like I haven't really spent any time at home since Tuesday. Friday, I went on a field trip with Landon to The Living Desert. The night before he said he was looking forward to spending time with me the most. That boy sure knows how to warm my mommy heart. We did have a great time, and then we left and went to get ice cream.

Sometimes I tend to complain about being busy, but I remind myself that at least I am CAPABLE of being busy. It is all perspective, right?

What keeps you busy?

It's Official . . . Soccer Season Has Begun!

michelle@emmieloudesigns.net (Moran Family Blog) — Sun, 04 Oct 2009 14:48:00 +0000

Emma - soccer player #3 (The Robins)

Emma on the field!

Landon ready to kick one! (The Mountain Lions)

Landon throwing the ball in. (Coach Daddy is right behind him.)

It is official and I have a slight sunburn to prove it. (And yes, I was sitting under an umbrella most of the time, and I DID wear my sunscreen.) The sunburn was worth it because the games were good!

Landon played first. Kevin is coaching his team this year and they are called "The Mountain Lions." Cool, huh? They even get to do a little growling. What 7 or 8 year old boy doesn't like that? The parents seems nice, and the kids played great. So great that they won their first soccer game by a land slide. This is Landon's second year and he was a little more aggressive, which is wonderful because by nature, he is not an aggressive boy. Go Landon!

Emma's game was next, and she plays for "The Robins" this year. This is extra special since her aunt (my sister) is named Robin. Em played well too. I was initially a little worried since she was at a slumber-party the night before, barely got any sleep and was running on pure sugar. I was pleasantly surprised to see that Em was much more aggressive this year also. Go Emma! She even made a goal. Things are off to a very good start!

The weather was gorgeous, which was a huge bonus. Last year they played in 100 plus degree weather and it was not easy (or fun) for any of them. I am looking forward to many more of their games. I will be the mom on the sideline, snapping pictures and making lots of noise. Yep, a true soccer mom.

Apple, I mean raspberry picking

michelle@emmieloudesigns.net (Moran Family Blog) — Mon, 28 Sep 2009 20:40:00 +0000

Me and my sweet Nana.

Cousin Ryder (12) and Landon (7) - Landon ADORES his big cousin.

Robin (my sis) with her basket of fresh-picked raspberries.

Kevin picking raspberries.

Grandpa and Savannah.

Landon looking at the gorgeous sunflowers.

Uncle Matthew helping Emma pick berries.

Me and my sweet nephew Mattison (12)

We all got very dirty shoes!

Silly Emma and her basket full of berries.

We headed off to Oak Glen Saturday afternoon to pick apples. Last year there were plenty of apples and the weather was so nice that we even had to wear light jackets. Perfection. This year was hot, hot hot! Fortunately we did have a cool breeze. Apples were all picked over (so we bought them in the Country Store,) and we picked raspberries instead. So maybe we were hot and dirty, but we left with wonderful memories and important time spent together, which is way more than good enough for me!

Next up will be the pumpkin patch. So tell me, what favorite memories will you be making this holiday season?

Chivalry isn't dead.

michelle@emmieloudesigns.net (Moran Family Blog) — Fri, 25 Sep 2009 20:16:00 +0000

My Gentleman . . . Landon

Just thought you might want to know that chivalry is NOT dead. (Like I was beginning to think it was.) I was in the bank today with some papers to give to the teller. One of the papers flew onto the ground and before I could bend to pick it up, this kind sir swooped in from farther away than I was, picked it up and handed it to me before going about his business. That small kindness made my day because I sometimes wonder where all of the gentlemen have gone and why people seem to be lacking in manners.

Landon (age 7) runs to open doors for people. I have seem him holding a door open for what seemed like a good five minutes as I watched people flow through without a care in the world, or a thought as to how the door was staying open in the first place. Why don't people get out of their heads, look around and say "thank you". Do we all just feel a sense of entitlement these days? From the time my kids were small, I have been teaching them to say "please" and "thank you", and to think of others first. To treat kindly.

My grandpa taught me how a young lady should be treated. he walked on the street-side of the sidewalk. Do men do that anymore? And I can't just pick on the men. Ladies, do you let them hold doors open for you and treat you like a lady should be treated? I have told Landon to treat girls like ladies, even when they don't treat themselves that way.

Maybe I am old-fashioned, but I don't think so. I just want us to treat each other with respect, and kindness and to care a little more about our neighbor than ourselves. That's all. What a wonderful world it would be.

What Bribes You?

michelle@emmieloudesigns.net (Moran Family Blog) — Mon, 21 Sep 2009 19:03:00 +0000

Think about it. What bribes you? For me, some days it might be an iced mocha from my favorite coffee place. And what I might do for that coffee just depends on how bad I am wanting and *needing* that coffee in the first place. You wouldn't be able to bribe me with any old coffee though, it would definitely need to be an iced mocha, whipped cream optional (depending on my mood), and ONLY from one or two certain coffee places that I adore.

Candy seemed to be the bribe for Landon yesterday. Two packages of sugary, sweet hard candy. You see, Savannah was bored and when she is nice to her brother he will do just about ANYTHING for her. (My guess is that he probably didn't even need the bribe at all, but I could be wrong because after all, he is a 7 year old boy with certain "boy" standards you know.) The bribe: Two hours of dress-up for two boxes of candy. That meant hair, makeup and whatever wardrobe struck Savannah's fancy, and there were plenty, let me tell you. The best one though was the Geisha Girl costume. I was about rolling on the floor when I saw this outfit.

So I asked him about the candy before I knew about the bribe. "Oh Savannah bought it for me." he said. "All I had to do was dress up. It was worth it!"

So again, I ask the question, what would you do for a bribe?

Have a fun week,

Small things . . .

michelle@emmieloudesigns.net (Moran Family Blog) — Thu, 17 Sep 2009 18:22:00 +0000

Today I am pausing to appreciate the small things. (It seems to be a common theme in my life lately - something I try to do often.) Butterscotch is one of those small things. He is always there, putting a smile on my face. He has never asked for much, just my gentle touch, a bit of cuddling and tenderness. For that, he brings our whole family great joy.

I guess I have an extra-tender spot in my heart for this little dog who touched our lives just a little over a year ago. He has overcome many obstacles, and still he stands strong, fighting all the way.

His journey had been long. I don't know how many dog years that he will be in our lives but I treasure every minute that this sweet companion chooses to give us.

What small thing do you appreciate today?

The Dentist $$$

michelle@emmieloudesigns.net (Moran Family Blog) — Tue, 15 Sep 2009 19:12:00 +0000

Having a treat at Just Java before going to the dentist.

Landon with his cool shades on. Hey, the lights are bright!

Emma's turn! Landon is playing some sort of video game in the background.

(We go to a very cool dentist!)

Dr. Okamoto checked Savannah's teeth. Oops, he found a cavity on a molar!

Toys and games - this is the reason the kids LOVE going to the dentist.

Today was the day for the kids to get their teeth cleaned. Of course we had to go to Just Java beforehand and have a special treat. The kids have never been afraid of the dentist; in fact, they quite like it. I mean who wouldn't when you get to choose toothpaste and fluoride in flavors such as bubble gum, strawberry, mint, chocolate, marshmallow and many others. Even the gloves are apple scented and the kids get to wear cool sunglasses so the light won't bother their eyes. There are also plenty of toys, t.v.'s and video games. When they are done, they get new toothbrushes, floss, toothpaste and stickers, and even when we are in the lobby, the kids get to dive into the treasure chest.

All of the kids have small mouths and big teeth. Savannah has had a palette widener and now a retainer. She currently has a cavity on a molar that we will be going back to fill next month. She might still need braces. Emma will be needing braces for sure in the next few years, and Landon goes back for a palette widener in March. Hmph!

So like I said, the kids aren't afraid of the dentist at all. Why should they be? Look at all they get to have and do. I however am very afraid. Afraid every time I go up to pay for all of the fun they just had and "free" goodies. And you know what the worst part is? I don't even get a toothbrush or a toy. Double Hmph!

A day with a special friend

michelle@emmieloudesigns.net (Moran Family Blog) — Mon, 14 Sep 2009 17:51:00 +0000

Savannah showing Cheyenne how to make a squash album.

Cheyenne

Friends since Kindergarten.

Scrappin'!

"Now glue here, and fold the ends over like that."

Saturday, Savannah and I got to spend some time with Cheyenne, her friend since Kindergarten. This time together was extra-special because she just got out of the hospital after a 2 week visit. (Needless to say, she was more than happy to be out!)

We took some scrapbook supplies and Savannah showed Cheyenne how to create these cute little books called "squash albums". They decided to decorate them with a Christmas theme and Hello Kitty. The albums turned out great! The best part was watching two friends spend time together, doing simple things, enjoying each other, and enjoying life.

P.S. Hi Cheyenne! We are glad you are home and doing great!

First Day Back to School!

michelle@emmieloudesigns.net (Moran Family Blog) — Thu, 10 Sep 2009 16:15:00 +0000

The kids at Jordan Christian Academy on the first day of school.

Savannah - 12 years old, starting 7th grade.

Emma - 9 years old, starting 4th grade.

Landon - 7 years old, starting 2nd grade.

Walking off to school . . .

My big boy. I think this is such a sweet picture of him.

Savannah and her friends!

Emma and her friend.

Landon walking into his class.

Savannah claims that she hates when I come into her class to take pictures, until I told her that I wouldn't this year! (I guess she likes it after all.)

Emma and her teacher, Mrs. Goff.

Landon in his class.

Landon couldn't wait to get back to school.

The kids started school Tuesday and it has been so quiet. Back to homework, making lunches every night, and going to bed early. Basically, back to routine. I'm not sure I was quite ready for it yet. This year the summer seemed to fly by. I almost feel like summer never happened, except for the hot and humid weather we are still having. That I am DONE with!

The house is quiet and I am still trying to decide what to do with myself. Not that I don't have enough to do, mind you. I am just trying to do it all in a more organized way. I am still figuring that part out and giving myself a little rest this week.

I also decided to spend some time working on me. That means exercising and dieting. Not just a temporary "diet", but something I can pretty much live with for life. I have been reading and researching and am on the South Beach Diet as of this week. I will let you all know how it goes. The first two weeks are very low carbs. In a few weeks I can add in some fruit and healthy grains. I am a carb lover but I need a change, for my health. And the bad carbs are well, just bad. I am looking forward to the results. So far it is pretty easy, with a few carb withdrawals which I expect will stay with me for about a week. Funny but I have never wanted to read "The South Beach Diet" because I didn't like the name. It just sounded too trendy. But it is a good eating plan; easy and healthy.

For now I guess I am going to enjoy the quiet . . . and get poor Juan (our computer guy) to help me with my computer, AGAIN! There seem to be a lot of problems with it right now. I can't send or receive any emails, nor can I get on my website, among other things. I am crossing my fingers as I think my computer might be getting near the end. We'll see. So, if I don't get back to you right away, you know why. And I will, just as soon as I can.

Have a great Thursday!

Back-to-School Dinner

michelle@emmieloudesigns.net (Moran Family Blog) — Tue, 08 Sep 2009 21:13:00 +0000

The dinner table . . .

We even had party favors!

Yummmmmm!

Savannah & Ladybug enjoying the moment!

Landon and Emma blowing party favors at each other.

Emma - my salad eating girl.

Emma's request was chili, so that's what we made!

Landon got to choose desert - homemade chocolate cupcakes with chocolate frosting.

Blowing out the candles because candles aren't just for birthdays you know!

Last night we had a back-to-school dinner. Excitement was in the air and it was worth every hour that was spent in the kitchen.

The menu was: crock pot chili (Emma's request), roasted cauliflower in olive oil and parmesan cheese (Savannah's request), green salad with ranch dressing and homemade chocolate cupcakes with chocolate frosting (Landon's request.)

This was the first back-to-dinner that we ever had but it will definitely not be the last. We had so much fun and the time spend with the kids was priceless. Thank you Stephanie for being such an inspiration!

Happy Labor Day!

michelle@emmieloudesigns.net (Moran Family Blog) — Mon, 07 Sep 2009 18:18:00 +0000

Old Town La Quinta -a quaint little place where we had dinner Saturday night.

A small gift - the rainbow that reminds me of God's love, and His promise.

Kevin and Savannah, walking hand-in-hand. It's all about being together.

Happy Labor Day! We spent this weekend doing small things, unimportant things. It is the weekend before school. A weekend where I really appreciated the kids being home and the time we shared this summer. It was a weekend where we had one more day with Kevin before he is back to work, working the many long hours that he does.

I let the kids make messes while I cleaned out cupboards. Not a fun thing to do, but I always love the results. I stayed inside most of yesterday and pretended that the fall weather was here, and that it wasn't over 100 degrees outside. Our pastor says to embrace the desert temperatures, and truly, it doesn't seem quite as bad when you do that!

We saw a beautiful rainbow Saturday night when we were on our way to dinner. It was humid outside and hot, but it looked like it might rain. The rainbow was a beautiful and unexpected treasure that seemed to be put there just for me. I just had to snap a picture from the car.

I have chili in the crock pot. In a few moments I will be off to run some errands and then back to complete our back-to-school dinner. I got this idea from Nie Nie, a blog I follow. Stephanie and her husband were involved in a near-fatal plane crash. She is more than inspiring. She has reminded me to remember the importance of the small things, to delight in the smallest treasures that family and life have to offer, and to make memories. The kids are excited. I am excited. It is going to be great. Go make some memories of your own, OK?

Little Miss Seamstress

michelle@emmieloudesigns.net (Moran Family Blog) — Thu, 03 Sep 2009 19:43:00 +0000

C. Sharp Sewing Camp.

Practicing on paper.

Bernina -the "King" of all sewing machines.

A very proud and happy girl!

She sewed Landon a lamb pillow because she knows how much he loves lambs.

Mrs. Carol Sharp and Emma.

Sewing her first purse.

Stuffing a pillow that she made for Madeline's 1st birthday.

Emma's 1st patchwork quilt!

This summer Emma had the opportunity to take some sewing classes at C. Sharp in Palm Desert. Em has been wanting to sew for awhile now so I was determined to make it happen. Through the years, we have been exploring different things, but nothing quite "fit" who she was. Apparently sewing for Emma is what water is to a fish - a perfect, and necessary match. I know I had tears in my eyes on several occasions when I went to pick her up. I was, and still am amazed at the things she has done.

Emma spent 4 weeks at sewing camp, which was 4 days a week, for 2-1/2 hours a day. She started off by sewing a bookmark and quickly moved on to pillows, purses, tissue covers, stuffed animals and her very first quilt. I am so proud.

Emma has decided that she wants to keep sewing, so she will go once a week. Her Christmas list is extensive, but she wants to sew for everyone this year. Of course she has decided that she needs a Bernina sewing machine for Christmas, just like the one she uses in class! Anyone who is a serious seamstress knows that this is the king of all sewing machines, which also comes with a steep price tag. (Maybe not this year, sweetie.)

I am just happy that she has found something that she loves to do, and does well. I can't wait to see everything that she creates and I know that I will be dumbfounded each and every time!

Precious Moments . . .

michelle@emmieloudesigns.net (Moran Family Blog) — Mon, 31 Aug 2009 17:38:00 +0000

I tip-toed down the hall to his bedroom. The morning light was streaming through the slats of his blinds. Something this morning had prompted me here, so I quietly pulled back the choo-choo train bedding and handmade quilt to lay next to my sweet boy so that I could watch him sleep.

I know I had a smile on my face as I noted his ruffled, way-too-long hair, his sweet cupid lips, long brown lashes and the remnants of his pudgy, silky-smooth baby cheeks. The house was quiet, and it was blissful. Next week we would be hustling and bustling and trying to get ready for school, but for right now, this moment was mine, and I knew that I would hold it in my heart forever.

Soon his sleepy eyes popped open and grew wide as he realized that he was not alone. The sweet smile spread across his face because this was a rare treat for him too.

We were almost nose-to-nose as we stared at each other and barely said a word. We were so close that our vision was blurred. He closed one eye and then the other, over and over, playing his little boy game. Still we stared, and I was happy.

"I love you Mommy," he finally said.

"I love you too Landon". And I did, and we did. And life was good.