Chicks in the Sticks

Crocheting

2012-01-22T15:42:00.001-08:00

R asked me if I would make him a scarf. I said sure, but he had to pick the colors. He picked teal and white and I asked him to consider black instead of white. What a difference. Teal is the color of the school speech team. I think there is someone else in our family who will want one too. I think crocheting is great, not that I am any good at it, but the cost of yarn has not gone up like the cost of fabric has. No worries, I am still sewing.

Busy week at work and a messy week of weather.

Bird Watching

2012-01-14T16:31:00.000-08:00

I woke up early so we went out to look for eagles this morning. It was pretty warm, about 20 degrees. There were four sitting in this tree, but I thought the sky was beautiful.Here is one looking at us.

Triple-Chocolate Cookie Balls

2012-01-11T17:36:00.000-08:00

I don't make candy. I tried. I even bought a candy thermometer. However, I just couldn't make myself do it. I am sure you have all heard of cake balls, and they are delicious, but these are easier and extremely tasty. Here is how you do it.

Triple-Chocolate Cookie Balls

1/2 cup cold milk

1 pkg. (3.9 oz.) JELL-O Chocolate Instant Pudding

36 OREO Cookies, finely crushed (about 3 cups)

1-1/2 (8 squares each) BAKER'S semi-sweet chocolate (12 squares) melted

1 square BAKER's white chocolate melted

Stir milk and pudding mix in medium bowl with large spoon just moistened. Immediately stir in cookie crumbs; mix well.
Shape into 42 (1-inch) balls. Freeze 10 min. Dip in semi-sweet chocolate; place in single layer in shallow waxed paper-lined pan.
Refrigerate 20 min. or until firm. Drizzle with white chocolate refrigerate 10 min. or until firm.

That is all it took. I did get it from this http://www.kraftbrands.com/Jello/recipe.aspx?ID=129221 website. There is a short video there. They were to easy. You should try them.

Do Something!

2012-01-08T07:03:00.000-08:00

To answer the question; yes the middle of the quilt is cross stitched. I have had a hard time getting a good picture of it. Today I did buy a back for it, so when I finish it, I will try again.

I woke up on Saturday and decided I needed to do something.

I started the laundry.

I cleaned the storage room....meaning I got 3 bags ready for the D. I.

I went to the D. I. to drop off said bags.

I made soup.

I made cowboy cookies.

I finished a curly scarf I started crocheting in California. Maybe I'll take a picture of it.

And I made these place mats. They were supposed to be blue and white. Not sure what happened.
I just took a picture of this. I put the boarder on it. I am looking for a back for it.
There is still plenty to do.

This year I still plan on using the fabric I already have. It should be interesting.

A Little Trip Home

2012-01-01T18:13:00.000-08:00

I decided we needed to go visit our family this vacation. We so enjoyed visiting with everybody and we really enjoyed the mild California temperatures.

Here is Wes playing Hungry Hippos. Ummm.....
Then we went to San Francisco and saw the ocean.

We finally found a use for a snow brush.
We had never stopped here before, but t's wife wanted to go here. The park where they shot the opening to Full House. Oddly enough, we were not the only people there for that reason.
Then we went down town... Union Square.
We just wanted to thank K@C for the gift cards to the Cheese Cake Factory. We had a great meal and a lot of fun.

After this we went to the San Francisco Ballet's Nutcracker. It was amazing. If you ever have the chance to see it, you should.

Christmas

2012-01-01T18:05:00.001-08:00

Here are some scenes from Christmas....I always give the college students a box of food.They were busy unwrapping...
After I got all the gifts under the tree I said what I say every year. "Looks like we pulled it off again."
I made cookie balls this year. They were easy, pretty and tasty. I will post the recipe soon.
When we visited K@C we did another re-enactment. This time was so much better, I was the three wise men...no comment...and the goose was a sheep and very good one at that.

Merry Christmas

2011-12-24T15:37:00.001-08:00

I love my collection of ornaments. I wanted to share this collection of nativity ornaments.

This is one Grandma and Grandpa Hall brought us from Israel.
I like this one too. I picked it up at a craft fair here in Idaho.

I love Jim Shore. He has such a way of sharing the real meaning of the season.And here is another Jim Shore creation.
Our Christmas card is getting harder and harder to put together.

God bless you all this holiday season and may your days be merry and bright.

Early Christmas

2011-12-22T05:32:00.000-08:00

The best way to start a weekend is at the In and Out.The goose really enjoyed standing on this box. She is getting very proficient at communicating with her pointer finger.
Nothing says Christmas like a dinosaur museum. The kids loved it...let's see...how old are they?
She is petting a kitty...What can I say? She has limited vocabulary.
And finally we open the gifts.

Love

2011-12-16T06:05:00.000-08:00

I work in a small farming community. On Monday, there was a house fire and a family of 5 lost everything. Part of the charm of living in a small community is a volunteer fire department; by the time they get enough people together, it is too late.

Within 24 hours:

they had been taken in by a family in town...just someone who wanted to help
found a house to live in with the deposit waved
the local Born Again church paid the 1st months rent

The next day:

the Mormon church sent an order to the D.I. for beds and furniture, as well as a food order.
bags upon bags of clothing, bedding, household supplies, shoes and coats started being delievered.
Another months rent was paid.

The next day:

more supplies, more cash.
A Christmas tree was given.

Today:

A team of people are moving this family into the house, setting up beds and unpacking bags of supplies.

A few days ago the mother of this family had a broken heart. This week she has wept because she can't understand why people she doesn't know and churches she doesn't go to would show her so much love and compassion.
If not her, who?
If not now, when?
Jesus Christ lives and he loves us. Through Him, there is peace on earth, good will to men.

Somethings take time

2011-12-11T18:01:00.000-08:00

I have had these cross stitched pieces looking at me for a few years. I thought I had a good idea for how to use them, but I never could execute it. So the other day I started thinking about how popular a square in a square is and thought of this. I think I like it and I do have a boarder cut out or it. It broke my heart to take down this quilt. I just feel like I never get anything finished. But I am working on it with a hoop and it is coming along. The goal is to finish it before Christmas. You know, it is nice to put away Halloween before Santa comes.

Quiet Book--part 2

2011-12-03T14:41:00.001-08:00

I finished the quiet book. I wanted a plain cover. And since they will only get one per family, something that would work for a family.Here is the cat...
And a little train...
Then the flowers...
And a snowman...
And always a winner, tic-tac-toe..
When ls was here she asked if I could make her a hat. I do not proclaim to know much about crocheting, but, I can follow directions. We shall see if she likes it.

I am now cutting out a quilt for fun. It has no applique and I sure could use a break from it.

Just for T

2011-11-24T17:45:00.001-08:00

Well, T @ K did not have Thanksgiving with us, but we thought about them. First I want to thank Ty for having us for Thanksgiving dinner for the last few years, we have really enjoyed it. Here we are to start the day.
What is Thanksgiving without a little football?
These two are eating dinner before we put it on the table.
He may be 14, but he still doesn't eat most of the dinner.

I threw this in because it is a quilt blog, we should have something pretty.See above reason for this picture
I think I killed them. They crashed before they could leave the table.

The birthday girl liked her cupcake,
-however, Tio Ricardo liked the presents.
Missed you T....

Working on those Christmas Surprises

2011-11-19T10:43:00.000-08:00

I have been working on Christmas presents. I saw on facebook the other day: I had all the fabric and batting so I made it. It was a 12 inch square. Well, I had all the fabric, batting, backing and a pattern, so I made it. This is what I am working on for the goose. I have two patterns and I am enjoying it. I like the idea of a plastic pocket to keep the pieces in.
I love these things. I only post it so that maybe you will want to make one too.
Hey K, you better not show these pictures to the goose. I want her to be surprised!
I had better get going, I have lots of work to do. Happy Thanksgiving!

Weekend Fun

2011-11-09T19:26:00.000-08:00

First let me say that these pictures are not in order. Sorry, I have tried to post them 4 times and they finally posted, but out of order.

We went to Boise this weekend for the blessing of this sweet baby. We had a great time visiting with our family there.
I spent some time on Saturday and finished this... I was so tired of pink and green, not to mention applique. That does not explain why I have started a new project that is applique, does it?
And here is the baby again. I love that her mother made the dress and that the blanket was used when her mother was blessed.

Weeds

2011-10-30T14:47:00.000-07:00

Here are some pictures from a walk Wes and I took today.

I find it interesting....
that so much of what we see....
are weeds...

All in all, a lovely day.

More fun with the Goose

2011-10-29T13:04:00.000-07:00

Here they are learning a new skill....how to stick out your tongue. IT was fun to watch the boys play football. I have some other pictures from years ago of the boys playing football.
The goose played too.
Here is the pink and green quilt. I still have the boarders to work on. Here is what I have learned. Just because I like something Dixie makes, it does not mean I should make it. There are 100's of mistakes on this, which means I will have no choice but to keep it.
And last, here is Wes learning a new skill. He is cleaning sewing machines. It is so hard to find someone to clean a machine around here. We have a business license and hope to be able to do this as a supplement to our ever smaller teacher paycheck.

Pumpkin Time

2011-10-23T15:28:00.000-07:00

So last weekend Wes and I each had a day off, so we went to see K@C and the goose. First things first, I put her hair up in a pony.Then we were off to the a corn maze/pumpkin farm.
She loved the goats and the pumpkins, but we did skip the corn maze.
The next day, we watched her run...
and run.
She was very happy to find a rock.
They did not get moved into their house like they had planned, so C and the goose came home with Wes and I. You know what that means? It means we have played with a baby all week. More pictures later.

You know you live in a hick town when...

2011-10-08T13:35:00.000-07:00

here is r's friend... the princethis is the winning float and trust me, it was 100 times better than the other 3.the homecoming royalty where in pick up trucks.
make that 4 x 4 pick up trucks
the band looked a little... how should we say, unkempt.
the flag people are always interesting.
And last but not least... I needed a quilt for a fundraiser. Because it is for a smaller town than the one I live in, I just felt that it needed to be small, fast and easy. I came up with the idea last Sunday and put it together. Hope they can make some money off it.

Fall

2011-10-01T15:25:00.000-07:00

Still working on the pink and green quilt. I am looking forward to an afternoon to put the top together. Then I can work on the applique that follows.I have waited all summer for the garden to produce. These little acorn squash are for the goose.
I really never thought these were going to be red. But finally, they turned. The garden was a group project this year. I sat in a chair and told r. where to plant everything. Then we made Wes water and weed. After many months of a mild summer, we are now enjoying all the work. I also have a couple of dozen onions....which, I might add, I love. Happy Fall.

Pink, Pink, Pink

2011-09-24T16:16:00.000-07:00

First, I found this picture today. Oh how the goose loves George. I can't wait to see her again.

Next, I am working on a pink and green quilt. Dixie gave me the pattern and I have been waiting to work on it. It is taking some time, but I think I am going to love it. I know I loved Dixie's.

Laura's Quilt

2011-09-18T06:46:00.000-07:00

This quilt has been such a journey, and we are not done yet. When I went to Canada last year, I came home with this fabric to make Laura a quilt. She told me not to worry about it until summer. When we were visiting before our granddaughter was born, she saw a quilt in one of my magazines and asked if we could do it. It was a a small change from what we planned. So when the summer came and I woke up with a herniated disk, this was next on my quilt list. First I did the math, and changed the pattern from a small quilt to a King size quilt. Then I used a calculator I found on Wes's dresser to figure out how many strips to cut. That calculator answered in fraction form..???? Too much info for me, I went down and got mine from the sewing table and it helped. Next I set a goal to put on one boarder a day. There is also a seam down in the middle part that had to be matched up. I finished this part by the end of June. I took it to the Quilt Barn. I requested silk batting because when we were buying the fabric, the lady told us we had to use it. Well, it turned out to be a challenge to get a hold of. However, this week they called and said it was done. I have all 400 inches of binding ready to put on. It is going to go back to Canada at Christmas with K@C. I am just happy that I am almost done with my summer project!

Kindle

2011-09-16T20:17:00.000-07:00

I love my Kindle. My children gave it to me as a gift. Whats not to like? It is light weight, it is easy to read and it does not take up much room in my purse. The only problem with my Kindle is that it is Wi-fi and we use the neighbors Wi-fil. Hey, they invited us. For some reason, my Kindle does not pick up the signal really well from inside, so I have to go outside to download books. To avoid this issue, on my pay day, I go to a local hamburger place, The Burnt Lemon Grill, and download a book or two why Wes orders dinner. What a great tradition.

9/11/01-9/11/11

2011-09-11T15:11:00.000-07:00

I asked my children what they remembered about 9/11. I was surprised by their answers. So this is for them, what I remember.

We were living in California. It was on the news and remember thinking that it was wrong for us to watch people die. I took the kids to school.
I was surprised how quiet it was without any air traffic. I knew we lived in the air path of one of the Bay Area airports, because we could see planes all the time, but I had never noticed the noise.
I wanted to go home.
On Saturday we went to the Oakland Temple. There were flags on every over pass. There were rental cars with license plates from all over the country, they were people trying to get home. The temple was busy and I was grateful to be there. I felt like I was home.
We went to the first A's game after their brief time off. Before the game, a huge flag was presented by members of the armed services. I remember looking at my boys and knowing that they would all be affected by a war soon to come.
It has been 10 years and I have seen many changes in this country. We can never go back, but we can never stop trying to make it better.

Wagon Days Parade

2011-09-03T16:36:00.000-07:00

We went to Ketchem today to watch the Wagon Days parade. If you like the ponies, this is a beautiful parade to watch. I am starting with the end: 20 mule train. It is something to see.
The parade is all horses, with the exception of two bands and a group of cheerleaders.
It is also fun to people watch. We sat by a lady from New Jersey and a couple from Salmon Idaho.
So what do you think? Is it too Halloweenie? I purposely turned the blocks so that I would get the black diagonals. I need a 3" boarder, but not sure what I am going to do. In the mean time I am making up a batch of receiving blankets. Love them!!!

Wild Weekend

2011-08-30T15:46:00.000-07:00

We went to Redfish on Friday to pick up Callie.

Saturday I had my quilting meeting and then we did some shopping for Callie.

Sunday after church, we took Callie to Provo so she can get back to school.

If this is sounding like it is all about Callie, well, it is.

Monday morning, we went to the store to buy Callie some food for her refrigerator.

Then, we called Todd and took him to breakfast. It was very enjoyable.

After-which, we drove to Springville and I stocked up on the thread that I use to make receiving blankets... I have a year's supply. Across the street from that store is where they have my favorite quilt show. I was so sad that it was not open on Monday.

Then we drove to Roosevelt to see K@C and the goose. The goose is walking and thinking she is big stuff now. Loved that visit.

Then we came home. We took the wrong road and somehow ended up at In and Out Burger. LOVED that visit also.

After seeing 500,000 construction cones, we made it home and crashed so we could get up and go work today.

I am so happy to say that I went all the way to work and back without seeing any road construction!!!! Really enjoyed that.

I have a quilt top just about done. Pictures later.

Best of Show

2011-08-17T16:13:00.000-07:00

I was pleasantly surprised to see this. Our county fair has no gate fee so the $$$$ prize is not too much, but it does pay for an elephant ear. $2 for the purple ribbon and $1 for the blue. I love life in the sticks.

Signs on the Jerome County Fair

2011-08-12T10:06:00.000-07:00

I love this sign. It basically says you can't carry your guns to the fair. This is a pretty peaceful place. The only time I have heard of problems are usually domestic and involve intoxication.Now this sign was in the 4-H cow barn. It made me smile. I will say the barn was clean and smelled pretty good.

Pillow Shams

2011-08-06T17:52:00.000-07:00

Well, it has been two weeks since I let the doctor cut into my neck and although I feel better than I did before, the sewing is slow. Here are the pillow shames that go with the quilt that is at The Quilt Barn, being quilted. It should be done any time. This is my round robin from my quilting group.
Now that these are done, I am not sure what I will do to occupy myself. Hand quilting has certainly kept me busy. I do have some cross stitch and although it has been a while since I picked it up, it would help me pass the time.

No More Whining

2011-07-25T10:26:00.000-07:00

Here are a couple of pictures from a family trip I planned; I just didn't go. C grew up in Canada and knew how to layer the goose so she stayed warm all night. And here is the group of them at the end of Fish Hook Trail.
As for me, I am through with surgery. I have no more pain in my shoulder and my left hand is coming along. They did cut my neck and take out the herniated disk, so I have some neck pain, but less every day. I can't help but think that I should be sewing by the end of the week. My biggest limitation is not lifting. I also received a Kindle for my birthday and am loving it.

Update

2011-07-17T09:56:00.001-07:00

Yesterday, the surgery scheduler called me an hour before I was supposed to go to the hospital and said that they had cancelled the surgery. You really shouldn't say that to someone who has not been sleeping and has just spent the morning without water. At any rate, I am re-scheduled for Friday. I did sleep for 8 hours last night and it was much needed. If we do the surgery on Friday it will be 8 weeks from the day I woke and couldn't move my neck.

It is hard to believe that I am still whining about my neck. Between slow doctors and slow insurance, I am finally going to have surgery. I have a herniated disk in my neck that is pinching the nerve that goes down my left shoulder and arm. They are going to remove it and put in a spacer. They took me off steroids to help prepare for the surgery, so I have been, well, not so good.

I do not want to have surgery on my birthday, but after a couple of bad nights, I am hoping they still have room for me on Tuesday. If not then I will go in Thursday morning.

In the mean time, I am sending my family off for a camping trip planned many, many weeks ago. This is just not my summer.

Pot Luck

2011-07-11T10:31:00.000-07:00

So we had some friends that invited us to their party. I really thought that Wes would enjoy this, so I decided we would go. And I was right, he did enjoy the adult slip and slide.So why did I feel the need to blog about it? This was a potluck. I felt like I had reached an all time low in pot luck ideas when I decided on Kool Aid... There was a big canister of Tropical Punch Kool Aid in my pantry, so I made 6 quarts of it and put in some Shasta lemon lime soda. Since I really only drink water, I thought it tasted nasty. I did put it in my nice new drink dispenser, with the ice in the bottom, and it looked pretty, and it was cold. To my surprise, there was nothing left over.

I am curious as to what other lame ideas for pot luck you have. I may need one someday.

Patterns

2011-07-09T09:51:00.000-07:00

If you sew, I am sure that I don't need to tell you that the cost of patterns is astronomical. So I saw this pattern at Wal*mart and thought it was cute and it was not expensive, so I picked it up to make the goose a dress. I cut this out before my neck was bothering me. I decided to finish it up this week. This pattern was not easy to use, and it will probably go in the D.I. bag. The dress is turned out cute though.
Look at the sleeve on this and it has a zipper.
I'll stick with the big name patterns. I don't know about you, but I check the fliers and when they are on sale, I write it on the calendar. I have to admit, that when I went without l.s. to buy patterns last time, I really missed her. We have a great system. When I gave Wes my list of pattern numbers, he thought I was crazy.

Next I want to make the goose a sun dress, but she is crawling and it is so hard to crawl in a dress. Still thinking.

2011-07-07T07:23:00.000-07:00

New Twist

I wanted to share this recipe. It is great for summer.

No Bake Cookies

2 cups sugar

1/2 cup milk

3 Tbs cocoa

1 cube margarine or butter

Cook in 2 quart pan and bring to a boil at medium high heat. Boil for 2 minutes. -----Okay, this can be a tricky part if you have never done it before. If you you don't boil long enough they will be runny and if you boil too long, they will be dry. I use a timer. The other thing that could make a difference is the weight of your pan. If you are using a light weight pan, 1 minute will probably work. If you are going use cast iron, you may need more time.----Back to the cookie,

Take off the heat and add

2 tsp vanilla

3 cups oats

1 cup coconut

1/4 cup peanut butter........I have been using almond butter lately and it taste great. (That is my new twist) Also, I never actually measure this, I just take a tablespoon out of the silverware and dig into the almond butter and get a big lump. You can use up 1/2 cup, it won't hurt anything.

Almost done with the cookie.

Stir all this up.

I just spray a large cookie sheet with Pam and drop cookies on it with my little cookie scoop. You can store them in the refrigerator, but you do not have to keep them in there.

4th of July

2011-07-06T06:02:00.001-07:00

Look! We match. That has only happened about 4 times in since she was born.

On the 4th of July, we decided to take a drive and go see l.s. at Redfish lake, where she is working this summer. She had been telling us about a place on the Salmon river they call the 'hot pot'. So we drove out of Stanley, following the Salmon River (which everyone should do at least one time) in search of this local spot.

Let me assure you, it is local, you have to know where to pull over just to see it. Some one has put this pot in the river. The pipe is a natural hot spring. There is a plug in the pot so you can let the water out when you are done and it fills with a combination of cold river water and hot water. Someone was using it when we got there, but they said I could take their picture. Only in Idaho, my Friend.
We also had a picnic at the Stanley Muesum. My crew just had to figure out what this did. Wes was first to inform us that transmission still worked. It did not take them long to figure out that it had cut wood at one time. It reminded me something that H.G. Hall could have come up....Great minds....

Here is our picnic with a view. The food for the picnic was sad. Remember, I am just barely functinal. I went to the store and got their fried chicken (which is good) a cantolope, watermelon, and carrots. When I got home and cut into the the cantolope, it was the same color inside as out. The watermellon was the oppisite as it was almost soupy it was so over ripe. I almost cried, because that was as good as it was going to get. ( I did make cookies, look for the recipe in a post soon to follow)
We also spent some time at the lake. It was a beautiful day and sitting on this dock, soaking up the sun felt good.

We also gave the paddle boards a try. The boys seemed to enjoy them.
l.s. has been practicing and she didn't even fall off, which was a little dissapointing to me.
It was a good day.

A girls gotta do something

2011-07-03T18:14:00.000-07:00

I am still struggling with neck pain, but one thing I can do is hand quilt with a small hoop. So I had this little gingerbread quilt on the quilt frame, ready to quilt before I got hurt. So, I had Rich help me take it off the frame and have been working on it. It is going to be my fair entrance this year.So after I finished it, I realized that the hand quilting was a big part of my pain management program. Well, I had my Round Robin project, so I asked my very good quilting buddy, Dixie if she would come and help me get it ready for me to hand quilt. She came over and it was like having sunshine at the table.
She also taught me a new skill. We shall see how I do with practicing it.
Last, but not least, I did finish my other Canadian project (I got the Ginger Bread fabric in Canada too) and it is at the quilters. I will tell you more about it when I get it back and post a picture of it.

It just seems right

2011-06-30T06:11:00.000-07:00

Here she is with her cute sisters and Uncle Arnold, who is also very cute.

(Afton, Glenda, Arnold, Raona, and Ruth...just in case my kids wanted to know)

I have been lying in bed thinking that I really should wish Grandma Hall a happy birthday today, since I did just wish one to my dad a couple of weeks ago. I promise to be respectful, which means I can't share with you about half of the stuff that has made me smile this morning.

She is 81 today.

She has always been a mystery to me.

But this is what I understand: she had 4 sisters and she was to a tomboy.

She gave birth to 6 sons and that explains a lot. She also has 2 daughters.

In our family we take turns writing letters to her every week and I read the one she writes to us out loud, as in... we share it.

She has always had long hair and she used to wear it in a bun. When Scott was about 5 he used to draw her with what looked like two heads, one was her face and the other was her hair....it was awesome.

I am pretty sure she is going to out live me and that I will wake up many more mornings thinking happy thoughts of her.

If at first you don't succeed

2011-06-29T08:14:00.000-07:00

I woke up this morning and wanted to blog. I love it when I wake up, I feel no pain, my mind is clear, and I feel rested. This all last about 10 minutes. Here are some thoughts and highlights of my week.

Since I have a rather violent reaction to pain meds, I am taking steroids. Steroids, make me feel like I live in fairy tale land, for which I am grateful.

I did have an MRI, the insurance approved it, and I am going to meet with the surgeon next week.

I have re-set my goals and am happy with what I am getting done. So it is not much, it is something. Almost ready to post pictures.

I went to listen to a missionary friend of Scott's in another ward and struck up a conversation with the lady sitting next to me. She knew my Aunt Verna. There is something so cool about talking to someone who grew up with your 90 year old aunt... truly a tender mercy for me.

I brought home a couple of new flowers (was going to post pictures, but it wouldn't work) gives you something to look forward to. You should also know that I bring home flowers like some people bring home stray cats.

I hope to blog soon about these two subjects: How to work with pain without meds. And have you ever looked at where your surgeon went to Medical School?

New sewing table

2011-06-22T13:12:00.000-07:00

Where we lived before I had a sewing room. I had the greatest sewing desk in it. It had been my fathers work desk, it was large and heavy and long story short, Wes wouldn't move it. It ended up at a thrift shop. When we moved here, I got what I really wanted which was a sewing/laundry room. It is what I always wanted, except I did not have a desk anymore and I was on a folding table and it was just not stable. Well, I found this table at a garage sale the other day and it is sturdy, bigger and I think I am going to be very happy with it. Some times you just have to wait.
Todd had asked me if I would fix his new suit pants. I have to tell you, when he first asked me, before the wedding, I was like, "It coast me $75 to drive to Utah, surely someone else can do this." But when I saw them at the wedding, I wished I would have spent the money. Whoever did it, did a not so great job. So I spent an hour figuring out Katelyn's sewing machine (and it is a nice machine, thought about taking it home with me and seeing how long it would take her to notice) and fixing Todd's pants, which fit him better now.

As for this picture, I took my boat load of prescriptions and made a trip to the pool with the rest of my family. We decided to go for a swim and here is how the goose showed up. Apparently they dress different in Canada when they go swimming than we do here. :) I called her my little Canadian swimmer. She had a great time, it was warm, so I had a great time too.

On a final note, the insurance company is working with me again, makes me wonder if it was the blog. If it is, I should write another one, because they are giving me junk about working with Scott.

Happy Birthday and Fathers Day

2011-06-17T07:47:00.000-07:00

This is a post for my children, because sometimes we just forget about it. My dad turned 79 yesterday, June 16, 1932. He was born in a hospital in Idaho Falls and weighed under 3 pounds. Because there was no NICU, they sent him home to a farm house in Amman Idaho. He lived in shoe box. They kept him on the open door of the oven to keep him warm and feed him with a eye dropper. It must of worked, he sure has grown. He was an only child and his mother died when he was 8. He obviously had a purpose in life. Not to mention that his birthday and Father's day almost always fall in the same week. Hey, if you forget one, you usually remember the other.

Now to start planning a party for him for next year. I was also thinking of a making him a quilt. He does like to take naps, so a nap quilt would be a good idea. Thinking, thinking, thinking... it's what you do when you can't be sewing, sewing sewing. But I am starting to feel better.

President and Sister Nelson with Elder Scott E

2011-06-17T07:39:00.000-07:00

We got some new pictures from Scott. This one makes my heart happy. They all look so happy. Scott's mission president is going home this month. He has done a great job working with him. I already sent him and his wife a thank you message, but here is a big thank you for all missionary presidents and families who sacrifice and take care of our children.

Still no Sewing

2011-06-14T08:30:00.000-07:00

I am still not sewing, which, is making me sad. Last week I called the doctor and told him that since a perscription he had given me had run out, I was in a lot of pain. He told me I could not have any more of it...it wasn't healthy. So yesterday his office called to tell me they had refilled it because the insurcance company had denieded his next step until I took it for 30 days. Here is my problem, I have never made a visit to the insurance company, and as far as I know, the person sitting at the computer denying treatment has not been to medical school or is feeling my pain.

I would just like to say that Blue Cross of Idaho has once again made my head spin in their inability to take care of their patients. However, they have no problem taking in my inflated premiums. Am I the only one who wonders if we could do it cheaper without them?

I will find someone who will help me, but it just seems to me that since I pay insurance anyway, I should be able to use it.

Ours is not to Question Why

2011-06-03T08:48:00.000-07:00

I did finish the quilt before I couldn't move. It turned out better than I thought it would. By the way Liz, I never would have guessed that it is the same pattern as the one you did for K@C.Here is one of the wedding pictures. I found them all to be a bit far away and at a strange angle.

I have no idea who these people are, except for Cyd
The goose took this picture, remember she is 6 months old
I have a lot of comments, about this picture, but will save them. As for the van, I have no idea why we needed a picture of it. Please shake your head with me, or for me.

I was looking forward to going to a wedding last week. This wedding had a special meaning to me as I have know this young man since he was six. I have seen him grow and mature and become very good friends with his family. We drove 700 miles to see him baptized. We went to the temple with him before his mission and had a lovely visit with him when he got home. When I had the opportunity to meet his girl friend, I even went to a BYU-USU womens basketball game. You may not know this, but I don't really enjoy basketball. The most I got out of that game was that the shoes were pretty. So I had no intention of missing his wedding. However, when I woke up and could not move my arms or neck, or get out of bed with out help, I realized that I could not travel to Logan. Let's face it, I couldn't even travel to Twin Falls or I would have gone to the hospital. I went to a doctor here in Jerome, and by the end of the day, I could get out of bed without help so I sent Wes and r. They spent the day with my boys and stayed home and slept -- good drugs. I was sad and have no idea why these things, but here are some pictures that Wes took for me.

Summer Vacation!

2011-05-23T18:42:00.001-07:00

I did this quilt last week. It was cut out, but I had not done anything with it, because I was up to my ears in wedding stuff. This one is mine and I am going to quilt it this summer.
As for this one. I cut it out on Saturday and put it together today. It needs to be sandwiched and quilted by this weekend. It is for Keith's friend. I hope to have a better picture up later this week. I love making scrappy quilts.
After watching the news and seeing the damage of the tornadoes, I realize I need to make some twin size quilts for humanitarian. I keep saying I am going to use up some fabric this summer.

I don't know about you, but this is a great start to my summer vacation.

Secret Pals

2011-05-18T15:24:00.000-07:00

Can I tell a funny story? At work they did secret pals. I did not want to do it, but was guilted into it. I felt very lucky, as the person I picked filled out her paper very well and it was not hard to find things for her.

Well, after a few months, I noticed that I never had received anything from my secret pal. And after a couple more I even complained to a friend that I must have the custodian. You might say that I don't think Herb would be a great secret pal.

So today was the day to find out who your secret pal was. Awkward? yes. Until she comes up to me and apologizes because she had been putting out my gifts on the table with my name on them and the PTA president had been picking them up. Her name is Lisa too.

Is it funny? At least it got Herb off the hook.

Saturday Outing

2011-05-14T17:37:00.000-07:00

We went to Shoshone Falls because we had heard that there was a lot of water going over them. We have had a wet winter and will have plenty of water for the crops. It always amazes me that when you turn your head you see this. How can it be so quite and peaceful? It is view I never get tired of.

I do not do the bead thing. However, my nephew and his wife have a shop in Kimberly Idaho called All About Beads and if I go and pick out some beads, my nephew will make things for me. It is fun, and I appreciate his hard work.
We had ls with us. I think she liked it.
And finally, do you remember a couple of months ago when I made a wedding dress? Well, here it is. It was very moving to see her in it.
It was made for her.
And here is another of my favorite landmarks in Twin Falls.

Kids Quilt

2011-05-07T17:06:00.000-07:00

I did this quilt for quiltsw for kids. They provide quilts to children in hospitals with cancer. It is easy and they provide fabric and backing. The fabric is already cut. You have to provide batting and return postage. Go here and check it out.

Easter with a granddaughter

2011-04-27T15:47:00.001-07:00

Well, we had our annual Easter Egg Hunt after church on Sunday. Living in Idaho, it is rare to have a nice day in the Spring, however, we beat the rain and it wasn't blowing, so we have no complaints.
K helped the goose find hers.
Tio Ricardo had to find his own.
Wes was thrilled to be invited to hunt this year.
C hid the eggs and had a great time watching.
Popcorn!
Pretty!

Tio Ricardo reading a book to the goose
She liked her Easter basket.
Thank you Miss Lizzie and Auntie D for the Bumbo. We put it to good use.

Wedding Day

2011-04-27T15:06:00.000-07:00

Here are a few, okay, maybe a lot, of pictures from the wedding. They are in random order.This is at the reception, which was very nice.

Here is a picture of Rich with Grandma Hall. I think it is the only one.
Here is Todd being helpful.
The Cake
He looks pretty happy.
"Please don't leave me here"

Brothers pictures.
Picture with the Sister.
Lots of purple.
Her shoes were purple, and he had on argyle socks.
His former roommates.
We also shared a residence with him for many years.
Dads!
Family
Most asked question, "Where?" In Logan
Brian with Lucy.
Callie
Parents
A side of Todd we didn't see much of growing up.
Family....Rich was on his way.

Wedding Weekend

2011-04-24T18:56:00.000-07:00

Here is just a sample of our weekend. I promise to post some more pictures, later.

Is this the funniest picture ever? l.s. took it and she knows the story, but I can't stop looking at it.

We went to Logan for a very lovely wedding. They both looked great!
We then had lunch and then off to Pocatello for a reception. I will not lie, I was so tired, everything hurt. The reception was extremely pretty....yeah, I just had to show up.
This is about the most we did on Saturday.

On Sunday we went to church and then had our annual egg hunt and then I took 100 pictures of the goose. I will post more of those later too.

Happy Easter Mother Duck!

2011-04-17T11:38:00.000-07:00

I am so happy that someone in the family is taking care of things. I often get asked questions about Todd and Katelyn and I have no idea. Here are answers to most of the questions I get. As in,

What is Katelyn's major?

Where is Todd doing his internship?

When are they graduating?

Here are all the answers, no thanks to me, but thanks to Katelyn's mother. We are looking forward to the wedding and having Katelyn in our family.

Windy Day

2011-04-13T14:51:00.000-07:00

I went outside to try and take a picture of Todd and Katelyn's quilt. What can I say? If you live in Idaho, you have to love the wind.

White April

2011-04-10T11:31:00.000-07:00

We woke up to snow 3 days in a row this week. It is amazing to me that something that is so pretty and peaceful in January is awful and makes everyone cranky in April. I also finished this project this week. I have been working on this dress for a friend of ls. This is her wedding dress. It is so simple, and yet so pretty. I will also throw a plug in for modesty too.
I have enjoyed working on it. I will put up a picture with her in it when she gets married in May.

I love quilt shows!

2011-04-03T11:59:00.000-07:00

I love to go to quilt shows. They are so inspiring. I am always disapointed that they only have a quilt show in Twin every other year. Here are some photos. I hope you enjoy it.This is Mary from our group. This is the first thing she has ever sewn. It is beautiful.
This is cute. I have no desire to make it, but I really want to learn to 'turn needle appliqué'.
I loved the quilts with flowers on them. Could very well be that we have none to look at outside yet.
This one is adorable.

Norma from our quilt group made this Stack and Whack.
I love this pink. Very fun.

And more flowers.

Vacation Quilts

2011-03-30T14:56:00.000-07:00

No trip is complete without a couple of quilts to look at. This one is Miss Lizzie's. I love it. If she gets tired of it, she can always ship it my way.The next quilts were on display at the California Trail Interpretive Center in Nevada. Antique quilts are so amazing because quilting may be the only thing I have in common with my ancestors. They are also very hard to find, because they were used, just like mine. Enjoy
All of these quilts were made between 1890-1930's.
This one was in pristine condition. The fabrics are from feed sacks and if you look, you can find the reproductions in most quilt shops.

This is a 9 patch. I am always amazed at what you can create with a 9 patch.
I would love one of these machines.
I love crazy quilts. It is a history of some many things.
And here is one more.
I am sad/happy to say that I did not get to a place that sold fabric. I have been so busy that I have not had time to quilt. However, a visit to a quilt store always brightens my day.

Spring Break 2011

2011-03-27T14:57:00.001-07:00

I was ready for a trip to California. It has been about 18 months. I was sitting outside on a nice afternoon, when I looked over and saw this. Just for the record, most of those oranges are now sitting up stairs.Here we are hanging out with Grandma.
Then we went to Fort Bragg. The sun was up, so we stopped at the grocery store and bought some food for a picnic. This is our view. Nothing taste as good as meat and cheese sandwich when you are looking out on the Pacific.

Here is r in the belly of a whale.
There is some history of another one of our boys taking a nap on this table. Not really sure why.
We went to Glass beach in the rain...hey, we always go to glass beach in the rain.
I love how nature has turned this garbage into something beautiful.
Taking a walk.
We stopped at this beach because we could get to it.
And look what we found! I thought mine was awesome and then r found a huge one.
We had dinner at Capt'n Flints, a great place to take you family on the wharf. It was a great couple of days at the beach.

Still Sewing

2011-03-18T03:59:00.000-07:00

I made this dress for ls and finished it all in one day except for the zipper. When I went to put the zipper in, it was the wrong size. Mental note: do not buy zippers at Wal*mart, they are always in the wrong place. So I finally made it into Hancocks and picked up a zipper. It went right in. It always is such a pleasant surprise!

By the way, our hospice quilt went for $850 this year.

Snowmen

2011-03-05T18:55:00.000-08:00

Every year after Christmas, I put out all the snowmen that I have collected over the years. The other day on the radio, I heard someone say that it was a few days until Spring. I would have never noticed. So I took this morning to put away all the snowmen. I decided to keep these guys out however, because since I put them out, we have not had much snow. Maybe they are Scare-snowmen. I hope so!

Did I Just Buy a Box of Flour?

2011-02-26T14:31:00.000-08:00

Well, before Christmas I saw these at Costco and I wondered if this would save time. So when I got them out to use, I couldn't help but ask myself, 'Did I buy a box of flour?' To be honest, no. It also has salt, and dried milk and couple of other things. However there was nothing magic about it. I had to add yeast, butter and an egg. I also had to kneed them. I made all three boxes. Each time they turned out different. That probably says something about my ability to read directions. Would I do it again? Maybe.

Richard's Birthday Weekend

2011-02-22T19:51:00.000-08:00

Well, the first thing I did this weekend was go to my quilt meeting. This is our Hospice Quilt. It is so pretty. Look who came to Richard's party!
We even let Rich come.

This one was not feeling so great so she slept a lot.

And here she is with her father.
And here she is with her aunt.
We had a great weekend, but it was hard to get back to work today.

My family

2011-02-14T15:48:00.000-08:00

If you want to see some pictures of Todd and Katelyn, go here http://mrsautumn.blogspot.com/2011/02/todd-and-katelyns-engagement-photos.html

And if you want to see pictures of my grandchild, try their blog ,http://llamafacefamily.blogspot.com/

New Obession

2011-02-12T17:55:00.000-08:00

About a year ago I noticed that the length of shirts was longer. I made a point to start buying them up. I was hoping to get enough to last me 10 years. So I started checking the clearance at C.J. Banks in our mall here.

Then I started working and I really needed more cloths that I could wear out of the house. I have become a very loyal customer.

I have a friend who started working there and she asked me if I would be in their fashion show. Now I am not saying it is fun, but I do get an additional discount when I do it. What can I say? I have done 2 now.

As for as Christopher Banks, you should check them out on line cjbanks.com. They have nice, modest, clothing. They are also going to carry It Figures swim-wear www.itfigures.com/ , the only swim-wear I have every found that is modest and flattering for grown women. It is' spendy', but it will last many years.

Keep on Quilting

2011-02-06T14:57:00.000-08:00

I learned many years ago that you should take a picture of the boarder of your quilt so you can remember how to quilt the top when you get to it, many, many, many weeks later. I never do it. I am forever unrolling the quilt so I can remember. So I did it today. I have no idea what to do with the rest of it, but I know it will come to me.....soon.
I made my Dr. Seuss shirt. Now I want to start on some bags, however, I also want to make a couple more quilts for some upcoming weddings this spring. What I really need is time. Any ideas how to put some more hours in a day?

Basted

2011-01-31T20:42:00.000-08:00

I basted the quilt by myself. I missed having Dixie with me to tell me stories from her life. Note to self: Always try and baste with a friend.

The top is done!

2011-01-30T12:54:00.000-08:00

Well, after I cut this out last week, I really did feel it was an unrealistic expectation to have it ready to quilt by the 1st of February. However, this is a pattern form the magazine Quick Quilts, and there is a reason they call it that.

As I was finishing it up yesterday, I couldn't help but wonder how I would ever find time to go to the church (where my friend and I baste quilts in the gym) and get this basted. I went over to talk quilt (it has it's own language) with my neighbor, only to find her basting a quilt in her living room. Long story short; I have the quilt frames in my living room now and should be able to baste tomorrow.

Still debating on what to quilt. I really think I needs something with a curve in it.
Now, after I do that I am going to make me a shirt using this new Dr. Seuss fabric. If you haven't gotten any, you should. It is cute and I think this panel will make some great bags.

January

2011-01-22T07:56:00.000-08:00

So, there is this tree...... and apparently after these eagles spend the day hunting, in a near by canyon, they come back and discuss their day. I don't really know why, but it is near a bar in the middle of nowhere. I apologize for my desperate need for a new camera, but listen to them at the beginning. It is a fun little drive. Oh yeah, and it seems that this is their January spot, because they are not here the rest of the year.

As for the rest of my month, I have finally cut out T@K's quilt. I still have to put it together. My goal is to have it up to quilt by the 1st of February. Only time will tell.

And because I needed one more thing to do, I am taking a class at the College of Southern Idaho. It is Spanish 102. I really need to clean up my language. I speak like a 3 year old. I can use many verbs, but have lost the ability to use the little words like; his and her, and to and for, or you and your. So far, I have enjoyed the class.

Look who's grown!

2011-01-19T17:36:00.000-08:00

K@C came for a visit and could not believe how much l.l. has grown. She is 7 weeks and a very good baby, very unlike her father at that age.

The Beast

2011-01-08T13:02:00.000-08:00

Well, a new year has started and I am happy to say that I finished this beast. It may not be pretty, but I bet it will get used.I am going to cut out a new quilt this week. I think they look better in person.
I am not a new years resolution person, but I do like to make some random goals for the year.

Here they are: I would like to wear more color on my lips.

I will see the ocean this year.

That is about it. I figure it is best to keep the expectations in the ball park.

New Years Day

2011-01-01T09:20:00.000-08:00

Here is my after Christmas project. I had all the fabric sitting there and knew that if I put it away for next year, I would not have a clue what to do with it (past experience). This project is in the Fons & Porter's November/December issue of Love of Quilting. I brought home the gingerbread men from Canada and had a very dear quilting buddy send me the boarder fabric when I saw this project. I will throw it on my 'to be quilted' pile and you can look forward to seeing it finished before July.I had to go to www.FonsandPorter.com/mborders to learn how to miter a corner. I had a little trouble with the instructions, so I asked Wes to read them (it was a word problem) and he was, "It is a basic algebra problem." Of course!
I also had to make 15 of these. This is a 6 3/4 inch block. This pattern should have been paper pieced.
If there is one thing I have learned about quilting this year it has been to trust the math!

Happy New Year to all of you. I love New Years Day, not because of the plethora of football, but because it is great day to do a big project. I have one to do today that is long over due. I started a calendar quilt 2 years ago and I made the top in the same year. That was a piece of fabric for every day of the year. Today, I am going to put it together and finish it.

My favorite New Years Day ever was the one where I went to the home of Mis Lizzy and she lead me through a Log Cabin Quilt in a Day. It changed my world and I am so thankful she took a day out of her life to help me.

Post Christmas Idaho Adventure

2010-12-28T19:35:00.000-08:00

Here is my daughter and yes, she cut her hair.

It seems so strange to only have l.s. and r. home for Christmas, but we loved spending the day with them. t. and k. came the next day. We went to Sun Valley for an Idaho adventure. I wanted the kids to ice skate, but they weren't as interested in it as I was. But we had a great day and it was very pretty.

Cinnamon Rolls and Christmas morning

2010-12-24T11:28:00.000-08:00

First, I just want to say how much fun it is to be off work and have some time to blog.

On Christmas Eve day I have a few traditions. Mostly they take place in the kitchen. I always make Cinnamon Rolls and I feel like sharing a few tips with you.

First of all, find yourself a recipe and get your dough going. I use my bread machine recipe and it works fine.

Then you roll them out. Here is a trick, wipe down your counter with a anti-bacterial wipe, let it dry and spray it and your roller with PAM. It works great. You clean it up the with a wipe. Make sure you are generous with the butter, brown sugar and cinnamon. Come on, you only do this once or twice a year.

Roll them up and cut them about and inch and a half and let them rise again. When you bake them, take them out about 5 minutes early. Frost them with what is left of the butter mixed with some powdered sugar and vanilla. Then in the morning, put them back in the oven for 5 or 10 minutes.

Here is my quilt project this week. I want to give it away as a wedding present. I can do that right?
Now, I'm back to the kitchen. We are doing fondue tomorrow and I think it will be fun.

MeRrY ChRiStMaS!

The Christmas Letter

2010-12-22T09:33:00.000-08:00

I wanted to post my Christmas letter and picture, because I sent out every single one and realized that I should have ordered 15 more, or maybe more. I feel very blessed as I love all my nieces and nephews, and that includes the many I have because of Wes. I love reading your blogs and hope you all have a Merry Christmas.

Here is what Santa had to post on our facebook today, December 2010

Keith @Courtney, I know you have just finished school and will be looking for a teaching job, so don’t forget to drop me a line and send me your new address, because I wouldn’t want to miss a visit to Lucy next year. share

Congratulations Todd! I am sure you and Katelyn will have a very nice wedding in Logan this April. share

Relax Scott; everything is going to be fine. It is so nice to have you closer to me in the Canada Vancouver Mission. share

Callie, I’m so happy you just finished your first semester at BYU in Provo, Don’t forget to spend some time with your family while you are home for Christmas. share

Rich, you are 13 and a freshman in High School. Stop growing or you will be taller than me next year. share

Lisa, you might consider selling some quilts and bags this year, in the mean time, don’t quit your day job at Wendell Elementary. share

Wes, after 13 years you are still in a bishopric, HO, HO, HO. share

And to our dear friends and family we want to thank you for being part of our lives. We hope that you always find peace in joy. MERRY CHRISTMAS…. The Halls

2010-12-18T11:15:00.000-08:00

I love a fake tree. If you like your real one, that is okay with me, but I love fake trees. This is a new fake tree (well, someone gave it to me). I would say that being a scrappy quilter, also makes me a scrappy Christmas tree person too. My kids all have their own ornaments and this year I realized that l.s. has all the Nutcracker ballerinas, and R, has all the Nutcrackers. I have already made a note to myself that I need to get my own. But the one thing I always have on the tree are the picture ornaments they made when they were is school. Love them

Here is K from the 4th grade, it is the only one that has made it through the years.
Here is T. in what I would guess is 3rd or 4th grade. It is the only one I have.

Here is S. I have a couple of these, but he looked just like this for several years.
This is l.s. She is in the 1st grade here. I have a couple to choose from with her too.
And here is R. I think this is 1st grade too. I have a couple of him too.

I'm so glad that none of you can see me sitting here crying. I miss them. The kids grow up too fast and I don't feel like I have grown up at all. Now, when will L.L. start to send me ornaments?

Hand-print ornaments

2010-12-18T09:04:00.000-08:00

http://eighteen25.blogspot.com/2010/12/hand-print-snowman-ornaments.html

If you have little children in your home, check out this blog for a cute ornament that you will keep forever. I would have mine make it, but they are big and I would need a big canvas for their hands.

Blessing Dress

2010-12-12T11:53:00.000-08:00

The blessing dress was just right for L.L. She was very quiet and peaceful in it.

We need a little fabric

2010-12-08T16:04:00.000-08:00

I decided what this blog was missing was some quilting pictures. I am sorry to say, that I have been gone the last three weekends and my project list is suffering, but these two are done.Now, if we are going to have a snow picture, it might as well have something worth looking at, right? I love these hankie quilts. I have one more that needs quilted, but the Christmas tree is where the quilting frame belongs.
I hope to start some new projects soon. It should help me through my winter solstice- ites.

Snowy Days

2010-12-06T16:02:00.000-08:00

Here is my lovely daughter who got a hair cut and it is cute.
It was warm in Utah and I was very grateful. Here we are after the blessing of LL
I will admit that sometimes snow can be pretty, but we have been dumped on the last two weeks. Uggg... it is too early. I am happy to say that we got rain today and you can see the pavement on the streets again.

Random

2010-11-28T14:37:00.001-08:00

I just thought you might want to see a picture of L.L.
Here is ls with her roommates. They were all wearing black and blue. They are very nice girls.
This picture is old, but they are engaged now. We are happy, she seems to be able to keep him out of trouble.

What a week!

2010-11-24T14:57:00.001-08:00

Keith and his new daughter.
I just want to know how she looks like.
I left the great state of Idaho and hitched a ride to Utah with some friends last Friday. I have been spending my days hanging out with my kids, because 3 of them live here, and, w.a.i.t.i.n.g for the baby.
To start with, I got an e-mail from Scott's mission president saying that church medical said if he wasn't doing better this week he had to come home to get better. Judging from last weeks e-mail, I expected to have him here. I don't know exactly what happened, but I know that the St. President was contacted and he is not with me.
Then they got a crazy blizzard in Idaho and both highways were closed for a while, leaving me wondering if I would have the rest of my family with me for Thanksgiving. Wes and R are on their way as I post this. The roads in Idaho were bad, but they are making some time now.
Last of all was the week of waiting for L.L. She is here safe and sound and I can't wait to spend the rest of my week with her.
For now, I am baking sweet potatoes at T,'s and posting at l.s's who lives upstairs. It is like having a mansion and everyone lives on different levels.
I have been truly blessed and hope that you all have a Happy Thanksgiving.

Weekly Project

2010-11-14T12:49:00.000-08:00

I started next weeks project yesterday. I am making a bag for someone. She picked out the pink and brown and threw in the blue/green. I love it. Here is a sneak peak at the blessing dress. It is rather simple, but should do the job well.
I am trying to finish up a few project this week so I can go and see my kids for an entire week. It should be fun.

Sunday Post

2010-11-07T14:46:00.000-08:00

I wasn't going to post today, but I have just read the three chapters (19,20,21) in To the Rescue, that talk about President Monson's work in Germany, and wondered if I was the only one who cried through it. What a marvelous journey.

Thought number 2. We went to church today in our newly created ward. There were so many people there. This is not something that we are used to. I don't think we have ever lived in ward this big. Should be a new adventure.

And follow up on the table topper. Yes, I made it from cut out to binding in a week. And Connecting Threads is a quilt shop by mail or e-mail. www.connectingthreads.com/

Working

2010-11-06T11:38:00.000-07:00

The hardest part of working full time is still finding the energy to sew when you get home. I have a weekly goal. This was last weeks goal made from a kit from Connecting Threads.Next weeks goal is the blessing dress.

There are other challenges with working:

1. I really don't have any desire to fix dinner and with R around, I can't help but ask myself 'Why?' (He is a terribly picky eater.)

2. I live in Jerome, I rarely go over 25mph. So now I get on the freeway everyday and go 75 mph. Granted, I only go to the next exit, but still it is a shock to my system.

3. I really want to walk after I get home, but as soon as I walk in the house, I feel bombarded with the many things that need to be done.

4. I loved subbing because I was able to read at work. I found that I could read at lunch and afternoon break, but people keep saying, "Are you reading?" So I have finally found a place to read.

Halloween

2010-10-31T12:03:00.000-07:00

This is a plant that I planted last year. I have been watering it all summer long and finally, it has blossomed. It was worth the wait.
When I look out my window I see this tree. I hope every day that wind doesn't blow all the leaves off, because I love to see it.
This is a finished product!
We spend every FHE before Halloween carving pumpkins.
And here is Rich feeling very Canadian.

I have been thinking today about Halloween on Sunday. When the kids were little, we would have a family Halloween party on Sunday night. We would play games and I would give them candy. I think that some of those little parties were probably the best times ever.

So I hope you take some time today to enjoy your kids and have a Happy Halloween.

October

2010-10-22T15:31:00.000-07:00

This is my favorite receiving blanket that I am making for Lucy. I love Raggedy Ann and Andy. The fabric came from one of fabric exchange meetings and the hearts came from my mother. Okay, I like it because I didn't spend any money on it... which means Wes likes it too.I don't like to go to Richard's cross country meets because it seems like if I do, he gets hurt. But this week he had his last one of the year, and it was a spectacular fall day, so I went. This is what I saw:
He hurt his leg and is still limping. Maybe I should have stayed home.

Wedding Weekend

2010-10-17T11:35:00.000-07:00

Well, we were busy this weekend with the wedding of my brother,Ty to my cousin, Nancy. Okay, so she is not really my cousin, but our grandparents were married. The day was perfect and it was a lovely ceremony.
Here they are.
And here is their family. I wish them many happy years together.
The weirdest thing that happened is when I said to my new sister-in-laws, sister, "I can't believe how much you look like grandma." Which is a complement, as our grandma was beautiful. It just seemed weird.

The rest of the weekend was spent hanging out with my family. It is always fun when we can share time together.

Black and White

2010-10-10T15:27:00.001-07:00

It is finished, and it took more than the 3 hours I thought it might. It is fun.I also wanted to update you on my friend Lisah, who is a reader of this blog. She did not have a good week. But about Thursday, her husband said he had finally reached a decision to leave this in the Lords hands. Soon there after, she stopped having seizures, and they are hoping to start the long process of bringing her out of the coma today. All I have to say, is sometimes, giving in to the will of the Father, makes it possible for miracles to happen. Can't wait until she is back here....keep praying.

1930"s

2010-10-07T09:56:00.000-07:00

I love the 1930's reproductions. They make me smile. So while I was trying to figure out what to do with this, my round robin...I decided to make this. Now I know that not everyone likes the Hankie quilts, but I had a grandmother who crocheted around hankies, like I crochet around receiving blankets. I have enough fabric and hankies to make two more. They all have a home.

Pink!

2010-10-04T16:11:00.000-07:00

Callie says that I like General Conference because I can quilt and go to church at the same time. There is some truth to that, but this year, I just made a couple of receiving blankets.

I put this together between the last session of Saturday Conference and the first session of Sunday Conference. It is cute, but I have no idea what I will do with it. It is a table topper.This is the quilt for Lucy. Courtney said to use pink and brown and Callie helped pick it out, so there are a few dots to go with it. It has taken me 3 weeks to get to this point, but I am not complaining about working.
I will quilt it as soon as I finish this one. I should have no more than 3 hours left here...I hope.
All three of these quilts came from the magazine, Quick Quilts.

Faith, Hope and Prayer

2010-10-03T18:25:00.000-07:00

To all of my friends out there, my very dear friend Lisha Cline Bauer is critically ill in the ICU in Utah, she as a very severe case of encephilitis. She is in a medically induced coma and is still having brain seizures please please pray for her and her family, if you belong to a church that has a prayer chain please put her on it she is in God's hands.

I know I put this on my facebook, but I have people who read here, and not there. Lisha and her husband are friends of mine from High School. I don't think I was ever as happy to re-connect with anyone then with them. Please keep her in your thoughts.

Blessed

2010-10-03T07:50:00.000-07:00

My last week of subbing was so much better than the first two. Why? Because I didn't have to plan for the next week. I was in the classroom the first three weeks of school. I am sure you have heard teachers say they have to re-teach the first three weeks of school. I would have to say that after three weeks, I saw reading levels rise by a grade level, as well as an obvious jump in the ability to do the rest of the work. But I don't think it was re-teaching; it was more like learning to focus again.

My new job doesn't start for a week, so I am hoping to get some sewing done. I have two projects that are just about done, so I am looking forward to SeWiNg this week.

As for this weekend, I am enjoying watching General Conference. I feel so blessed.

Enough said.

Surprise

2010-09-29T15:28:00.000-07:00

I had a big surprise yesterday when I received a phone call asking me if I would come to work! Yes, I have a new job. I applied for 14 jobs this summer. I interviewed for 1. I was not qualified for this job, but the principal sent the application to the elementary principal and I interviewed there also. It is an ELL job, which means I will get to use some Spanish and hopeful improve my Spanish.

I will miss subbing. The reality is that I went to school in California to sub. I got the BA, I passed all the the test and then moved to Idaho. In Idaho there are no qualifications for a sub and they don't pay as well as they do in California. Here is to working every day!

2nd Grade

2010-09-26T12:44:00.000-07:00

I have spent the last two weeks subbing for a 2nd grade teacher. The first week was wild, exhausting, and educational. I felt like I should give out advise such as:

If your child is too sick to go out to recess, they are too sick to come to school, or

Your child can't drive themselves to school, so get out of bed, feed them breakfast, and get them to school on time. Or how about:

Just because you think every thing your child does is cute, do not expect others to think the same way.

The second week was easier. I was able to plan ahead better and I was not so tired. I was thinking I had the hang of it, when on Wednesday, I confiscated a cell phone, had a boy dismantle his desk, and had a girl cry for an hour because she missed her sister. It just goes to show that you never know what will happen next.

I have one more week to go. Who knows what will happen.

Welcome Home

2010-09-13T16:50:00.000-07:00

We spent yesterday in Smithfield Utah with our friend Atlee, who just returned from a mission. It was nice to go to church with my family. This picture is to show you that Rich is taller than Callie, that I am going to be a grandmother soon and that Todd still has a girlfriend. Hmm, so much more to come. We are happy that Atlee is home and are so grateful for the blessings he has brought to our family.

Sneak Peak

2010-09-09T09:49:00.002-07:00

Our Hospice Quilt is going to be awesome this year. Here is a sneak peak.

It's only been a year

2010-09-02T14:07:00.000-07:00

I pieced this last summer, then I changed the outer boarder and started quilting it a couple of months ago. I finished the binding this morning and I love it. Not sure what I will do with it, but considering I keep losing quilts when the kids leave the house, I will have to hang on to it.

I finished this one yesterday. I love this and Callie helped me pick out pinks and browns for Keith and Courtney. I can't wait to do this one again. I have finished my summer projects. I have some bags to make this week and then I have new fall projects. I think my winter projects will be some throws for the cancer center. I have been looking for patterns and I have some scraps that will make up nicely.

Yellowstone

2010-08-29T14:01:00.000-07:00

At the beginning of the summer I came up with a great plan to keep Richard reading. Long story short, if he read at least 100 pages a week we would go to Yellowstone. He usually logged in about 700 pages a week.

So off to Yellowstone we went. First, let me start at the end. My purse was so heavy at the end of the trip. I guess one little item at a time, it became very heavy.
Here is some wild life. These baby elk were crossing the river with their mothers.
And what would a visit to Yellowstone be without bison.
Here is Wes in the River after lunch. The water is pretty warm.
My favorite part of visiting Yellowstone is stopping at one of the many picnic areas and having lunch. It is very relaxing and fun.
Here is what we called 'geyser day' I love the blue in this geyser.

This is drainage from the above geyser. Just amazed me.
This was warm on a chilly morning.
And here is Old Faithful, still doing her job.
I love these old Yellowstone buses.
I took this picture and the next one from the same spot.

Then there is the canyon in Yellowstone. I took a picture of a couple here and the woman asked if she could take ours. It was a pleasant surprise.
I hope you enjoyed the pictures of this beautiful park. We have been 3 times now. The first time 20 year ago right after the big fire. The park was black and scarred. The second time was 10 years ago. The park was on the road to recovery, but his time, it was beautiful and the

re-growth of the forest is amazing.

Pre College Shopping

2010-08-27T11:20:00.000-07:00

I took Callie grocery shopping because we were taking her to BYU. While we were shopping, I thought I should pick up some things for Todd also. They eat very different. Here is how it went.

Callie: Frosted Pop Tarts

Todd: Organic Toaster Pastries

Callie: Kraft Macaroni and Cheese

Todd: Whole Wheat Pastas

Callie: Chips Ahoy Cookies

Todd: Fiber One granola bars

Callie: Instant Mashed Potatoes

Todd: Potatoes from our garden

Can you believe they ate at the same dinner table?

Round Robin

2010-08-21T15:01:00.001-07:00

They are finished. My quilting group started this round robin project. It turned out to be quit a challenge. We had two groups. Most of these quilts started out as a 12" block.

This group had smaller projects. Here is Sharon's.
And here is mine. Both of these are going to be wall hangings.
This is Mary's. It did not have any fabric in the box, so it was tricky.
This is a table runner. 13 x 82.
And here is Norma's. She wanted it to be a wall hanging, but it turned out pretty big.
And here is her sister's Reama's. She is going to make it bigger as she has 4 more horses for corner pieces. This one turned out very nice.
Here we have the other groups quilts. This one is Sharons. She is going to make it larger also.
This is Dixie's. It is beautiful. She is going to make it larger also.
This one belongs to one of our beginning quilters and she loved it.
I love this one more every time I see it.
Here is the quilt that belongs to Liz. It is one of my favorites.
And then there is the cat quilt. No one really knew what to do with this or what to think of it.
This was a fun project, but not one we will repeat any time soon.

Still in Springville

2010-08-20T05:29:00.000-07:00

As always, if you want a better view, don't forget you can click on the pictures. This quilt was inspired by the music of the Mormon Tabernacle Choir. It is the best of show and I would have to agree. Just lovely.
Love the paper piecing of the animals.
Here is a Bunny Hill basket quilt.
This red work was exquisite. Couldn't help but think of Miss Lizzie.
Love the boarder on this one and the colors on the one below.
At first glance I was not sure about this one, but I was so impressed with the colors in this. It was made from a picture of the Dallas Temple and I really enjoyed it.
And here is the first quilt I saw. I love this boarder.
Well, this is the last of the quilt exhibit. It was like candy for the eyes. Can't wait until next year.

Quilting

2010-08-19T07:11:00.000-07:00

This is hand quilted. Being a hand quilter, I was pretty much amazed at the work that went into this quilt. It won best of show for hand quilting.

I love this quilt. It is made from stash and the back is made of different fat quarters. Sometimes quilting can add a new dimension to a quilt and this quilt would be completely different without these flowers quilted into it.

Boarders

2010-08-19T07:02:00.001-07:00

I went to the Springville Museum and promised myself I would not take any pictures, but then I changed my mind after I saw the first quilt. I couldn't help it, some of these quilts blew my mind. Here are some boarders that I enjoyed.