Pay it Forward

The Rules

1. Be one of the first Three (3) bloggers to leave a comment on this post, which then entitles you to a handmade item from me.

2. Winners, you must post this challenge on your blog, meaning that you will Pay It Forward, creating a handmade gift for the first 3 bloggers who leave a comment on YOUR post about this giveaway!

3. The gift that you send to your three Friends can be from any price range and you have 365 days to make/ship your item. This means you should be willing to maintain your blog at least until you receive your gift and have shipped your gifts. And, remember: It’s the Spirit and the Thought That Count!

4. When you receive your gift, please feel free to blog about it, sharing appropriate Linky Love! If you are not one of the Top Three Commenters on this post, you can still play along. Post it on your blog; start your own 'Pay It Forward' chain, and encourage your blogging friends to do the same! I will leave a list of names who were the first 3 on my blog as soon as I receive them! I have no clue what it is I will make you.

I got this idea off of Brit's cousin's blog (thanks Katie) and although I wasn't one of the three that won, I thought it was such a fun idea and wanted to try it. Can't guarantee anything; remember its the thought that counts.

Almost as cute as Henry

So, I figure if I stop buying clothes for the lil guy I will be able to afford this mini food processor for his mom. Apparently it cooks and purees food! But I would buy it just to sit on the counter and look cute.

The cutest family EVER

I promise there are pictures coming. Once they are able to pry Henry from my arms, Brit will take some more.

I can't handle it!

So, as if I am not anti-social enough already, someone has asked me to join Facebook. I am not even sure what it is but I thought it would be fun to keep in touch with my teenage niece who lives in Hawaii, Eliza invited me to join. Now I have 'friends' coming out of the woodwork, or the net-cloud (I think that is what Stefan calls it). There are emails daily to tell me to go check my 'wall'. Heck, I haven't even checked the mailbox at the bottom of my driveway for 6 weeks.
I love the new technology, don't get me wrong. But I can only handle so much before something has to move over, or out, to make room for the something 'new'. Maybe you have noticed that my phone skills have diminished in the last year or so, while my texting skills have improved exponentially. I don't know if I can add Facebook into my life because I don't know what I would give up to make time for it. I could give up dusting, walking the dog, or maybe lunch, but not sure my family would go for that.
I don't know what to do!!! So, in true Cindy fashion (although the picture is of Emma), I will not do anything. I'll just get dressed, stand in one place, and have a meltdown!

Sweet lil boy

Whats the difference between chocolate and babies? Not much.
I have been going to see my new little grandson every day (twice today) to cuddle him, smell him, and just to sit and stare at him. What a miracle he is.
Someone once said that making the decision to have a baby is like making the decision to let your heart walk around outside of your body. It is unnerving to feel so much love and attachment to such a little bundle. But he is so sweet and yummy.

And if I hear that stupid quote about 'if I had known grandkids were so much fun, I would have had them first' I will scream. As much as I know I am going to love and adore little Henry, I can not imagine it will be more fun than being Stefan's mom.
I love you Stef, and have never been more proud of you.

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We apologize for the inconvenience.

Henry, meet the world. World, meet Henry

We are proud to announce the arrival of Henry Owen Swenson. Born at 5:20 today. Weighing in at 7 lbs. 19". With curly blond hair. Ashton was amazing and Stefan is still speechless. It really is something to see your baby holding his baby. Our family is truly blessed. More photos from the world's best Auntie/Photographer to follow.

Who are those babies?

Today is our 18th wedding anniversary! Who would have thought right?
I love you, Fraser, and look forward to 18 more years of fun and adventure.
You'll be a very sexy Grandpa and I'm glad you're mine.

Its always time for a Cookie

Well, its that time of year again: Girl Scout Cookie Time!
If you haven't a girl scout in your life you can borrow mine. If you don't already have a favorite you can check on the varieties here.
Emma says that if you live in a "cool" state she will deliver them to you. Apparently cool states are: CA, Arizona, Utah, Alaska, New York and Hawaii. Not sure how she plans on getting them to you if you live in Alaska or New York, but we will cross that bridge when we come to it. (Not sure we even know anyone in Alaska or New York.) Boxes are $4 each.
Thank you for your support.

What time is it?

Apparently, winter has been occurring some where in the country because Punxsutawney Phil has predicted that there will be six more weeks of winter. And when you use the word 'more' that is assuming that you have had 'some'. If we've had a winter here then I have missed it! Did I nap through it?
You know how Arizona and Hawaii don't adhere to day light savings time? Maybe CA has decided to do away with Winter. We can get by with just Spring Summer and Fall.
I'm ok with that.

Ashton's Village

Yesterday we had a very modest baby shower for our dear Aston and little Henry , who is due to arrive in a few days.

We met at one of our favorite restaurants La Vache, which is a French Bistro.
Below are pictured the hostesses and the guest of honor.
Ashton received some amazing gifts and a ton of cute clothes for the little guy.
She also received vital advice and tips to help her jump into the black hole known as motherhood.
Paternal Grandmothers and Greatgrandmothers.
The food was yummy and the company even yummier!
And a great big THANK YOU to dear sweet Care who came up with the amazing Rubber Ducky Cake and cupcake favors.. Isn't she talented?

It was a wonderful brunch with family and close friends and we hope that Ashton is feeling more confident as she prepares for the cutest grandson to arrive.