Two Years in Fort Collins

It's amazing the difference two years makes! The first picture was taken from our first day in Fort Collins. The second picture taken exactly two years later.

I look at my girl and it's easy to see how much she's grown. She's no longer a baby - she's a big girl! And as I look back over our past two years in Fort Collins - with all of its ups and downs, still a world of unknowns before us - I have to believe God my Father looks at us and sees how much we've grown, as well.

Perhaps it's time for an update on our lives in Fort Collins. A dear friend wrote an article about where we are in the process of starting up Fort Collins Community Church that you can read here. However, I've offered very little personal commentary on what this process has been like. It's time! No doubt it'll be therapeutic for me to write about. And who knows, maybe someone will benefit from our experience. Look for those updates to come... soon. :)

Our Favorite Dessert

Tonight Hannah and I made what we call Pumpkin Fluff. It's seriously one of the best desserts of all time! It's so simple to throw together, and apparently it's not too bad for you either.

Our version is a tad different with the way we spice it up, but here's the original Weight Watchers version. (I think it's like 1 point, in case you're interested.)

Pumpkin Mousse
Ingredients

• 15 ounces canned pumpkin

• 2 (3 ½ ounce) boxes fat-free sugar-free instant vanilla pudding mix

• 1 ¾ cups skim milk

• 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice

• 2 cups fat-free whipped topping

Directions

1. Combine pumpkin, spice, and milk in a mixing bowl.
2. Mix until smooth.
3. Add pudding mix and beat for 1-2 minutes.
4. Fold in whipped topping.
5. Chill well before serving.

Twirly Girly Skirt

I whipped together this little twirly skirt for Hannah Banana to get ready for Valentine's Day! I think her Chuck's are a nice touch. :)

Here's a final look at the skirt (laid out on Hannah's quilt, which my Mother made when she was my age). It's a reversible black polka dot and solid black skirt with a red yolk.

This isn't the first go round with this skirt as I've made her two in the past as you may remember, and I'll probably make her a few more for as long as she's interested in twirling. :) I love my girly girl!

The Ruler

I love that she's so involved in whatever we're doing. She wasn't very helpful in cutting fabric, but she sure looked cute counting the numbers on the rulers.

Addy's Dress

My friend Krystl let me go through her Goodwill pile before getting rid of her stuff, and I found a few items that are perfect to upcycle! For instance, this was once a super soft small t-shirt. I cut it up, sewed up the sides, followed this tutorial to make the braided collar, and then I tried my hand at a little embroidery, and voila! Now it's a summery play dress for her little girl Addy.

Theoretically, this should have been an easy peasy project. But let's just say that my my machine revolted against the jersey knit and gave me trouble for a few days. But the pay off for hard work is great, and I hope Addy wears it out!

Sneak Peak

Um, how cute is this pocket? Way cute right?! Imagine the dress it's going to go on!

Family of Chucks