Sewing for Sophee

Sophee age 4

I love sewing for Sophee! She is always so gracious... and the perfect little model. This year, for her fourth birthday, I took her to the fabric store. As we poured over the patterns, she saw this one and fell in love. We looked at a few more designs, but this was the dress of her dreams. Pattern in hand, we proceeded to look at fabric where Sophee announced, "I'm going to go to the temple some day, so I need it to be white!" Her mom and I suggested that she wait until she does go to the temple to get the white one... so purple it is! I was a little concerned that there wouldn't be enough fabric for the overlay. Sophee was pretty stressed out about the thought and continued to explain to the lady at the cutting table that her Grammie just had to have enough fabric for her birthday dress.

The photo was taken at the first fitting. When I brought the dress in to show her, it took her breath away. I took a quick photo with the pins in the back. She stood there, not quite sure what to do with her hands. Then she purposefully posed for the shot.

A Little Get Together with her Peeps

Celebrate!

After the party, Sophee came up to me, in all seriousness and asked, "Grammie, is it OK if I take my beautiful dress home?" When I assured her she could keep it forever, she threw her arms around my neck and exclaimed, "I love you so, so much, Grammie! Thank you so much for my beautiful dress!"

Did I mention that I love sewing for Sophee?!

A 30 Year Endeavor Becomes an Achievement

When Jay left on his mission a couple of years ago, Doug was the one who encouraged me to stop dabbling and just go for the degree. Perhaps is was self defense... we were empty nested and he wanted to make sure I stayed busy so he wouldn't have to be my entertainment committee. Regardless of his motives, I couldn't have done it without his support. I want to thank Doug and my children for their encouragement. I also want to thank a host of help when it came time for college algebra... my only B. As graduation day is upon me, I can't help but count my blessings... too many to list here.

I'm wondering if anyone ever googles me and comes across the fact that I didn't graduate from college until I was a grandma would find me rather inexperienced in my chosen field. Something like, "Hmmm... she graduated from college in 2011... she must be some sort of a novice..." I am not a novice. My college education has been an ongoing project since my children were little. A class here and there as we could afford it. Let it be said that my entire education did not come from college classes. My education came from a commitment to learning life's lessons along the way, sprinkled with coursework. I'm glad the coursework has ended. I'm looking forward to the ongoing education that life naturally brings.

Happy Anniversary Doug!

Thirty-three years ago Doug and I began our adventure together. September 9, 1978 in the living room of our Bishop we were married. One year less one day later we were sealed for time and all eternity. We have been blessed with four amazing children, and graced with two beautiful daughters-in-law (and one on the way), and two of the most darling granddaughters we could have ever dreamed of. So, 33 years later, we are embracing our empty nest. Life has presented a few bumps in the road for the Lefler's. And with the grace of God we have used our experience to grow and our faith to be strengthened. I love you Doug. You are my best friend. You have my whole heart... always.

We made reservations at Lidia's. This is an Italian restaurant in Pittsburgh's Strip District. A real 'foodie' place. Lidia has been on the food network and has cookbooks filled with handmade pasta's and such. This is how our dessert was served.  A lovely evening.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Biker Babes

Enjoying a Rare Dance Together

A Beautiful Day at the Temple with our Kids

Hawaii on our 25th Anniversary

Congratualtions Airman Lefler

Airman Ian Lazarus Lefler

The Happy Graduate and his Beautiful Wife

It's hard to believe that Air Force Boot Camp for Ian is over. Words cannot express my pride in my son, my daughter-in-law Shayna, and my country. I've been so emotional about various patriotic things... I cried during the National Anthem yesterday at the Pirates baseball game! Even when he told me that he received his ORDERS to go to Mississippi tomorrow to start his training for air traffic control... it's not an assignment... it's not school... it's ORDERS! Wow! For some reason this makes it really final... he is owned by the Air Force for the next six year.

The Icing on the Cake or the Tree on the House... whatever...

The Only Logical Way to End a Stressful Couple of Months... is it over, yet?

Kaycee's Going to School!!

Congratulations to Kaycee. She is starting her first day of college on Monday! She's done it before and has more than 15 credits. Now she is going to finish it up! Woohoo!! Another graduation in the family next year. Sooo looking forward to it! One class at a time. One assignment at a time. Stay balanced. If I can do it (and I did) you can do it! Just glad you didn't wait as long as I did!!

Kaycee has done some amazing things this year. Now she's going back to school!

OK, Charter College... here comes Kaycee!!

Jay is Flying High in Wyoming!

Jay Enjoying Beautiful Wyoming

My guy Jay is going to diesel mechanic school in Wyoming. Wyotech has an honors program. They select a few high performing students from each class and set them apart. These Eagle Tech's wear gray shirts, go to special meetings, and have additional duties. When recruiters come to the school each quarter, these guys really stand out because they have the highest grades in the class, outstanding attendance, and... well... gray shirts. Please note, Jay is wearing a gray shirt... don't let that look on his face fool you... he really is brilliant... and adorable!! Of course you knew that!!

Jay the Eagle Tech