Just Jessica

Happy Hatter

2012-01-27T22:50:00.001-08:00

I've had hats on the brain as of late.
Out of appreciation...

Out of precious inspiration and special yarn:

Out of fun!

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Gold Star Sort of Day

2012-01-25T13:28:00.000-08:00

What a wonderful day!!
So far, I have made it to my test. (An accomplishment on its own as many of you know.)
I was there on time. (There was some discrepancy on the printed admit slip. They said Report at 8 in big bold letters, and then in tiny letters said to get there 30 minutes early. Contradictory? I think so.
Anyway, I took all the sections, almost fell asleep, and PASSED! With flying colors. Like seriously, the margin between my scores and the pass number made me smug. Very smug.

Then I went and picked up some Jamba for me and two very deserving mothers (one just became a mother and the other a grandmother to her first grand daughter!) (Who also sometimes read my blog and never comment. But I like them anyway!) I also am in love with that afore mentioned daughter/granddaughter! She is so tiny and precious! And Cah-yoooooote! Oh she is so cute! With the most elegant long fingers! Anyway yah. I told her mom, "thank you for having a fabulous baby so that I don't have to." In other words, Luke and I are very much enjoying enjoying other peoples babies (shout out to Gabriel and Mackenzie too!) for the next ten years! ;)

Then I tromped around at Fresno State making sure I have all of my ducks in a row and I have an advising appointment as well. I don't even think class tonight will phase me.

And when I'm done, I'm going to go to the gym. Without complaining. Because after, I'm totally getting some chicken nuggets to celebrate my faaaaaabulous day! The only thing better would be heading home to Lukiepoo after. Alas, cake and eating too? Haha. You can't stomp on my mood.

Slug

2012-01-24T17:07:00.001-08:00

Got home from my first day of placement. It was cold so I got in bed because bed was warm. Big mistake. I needed to go to the gym. My body got mad at me for being a slug. On the verge of sleep. Almost dozed. Jolted out of bed, said forget Zumba, I'll never make it til 6:30. Went and am ellipticaling.

Now, all I can think of is dinner (wanting something soooo not good for me) and sleep. Ugh. Big tests tomorrow. At least I know I'll go to bed early. Now what for dinner.
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

In the Zone

2012-01-20T14:31:00.001-08:00

I'm in my laaaaaast seminar of the week. I'm zoning.

Things I'm thinking about:
-How happy that picture on my planner makes me.
-I love Luke.
-I'm hungry.
-but not stomach hungry, or even energy hungry. Mouth hungry. For flavors.
-I'm really not sure what flavors I want.
-dinner possibilities. Pizza? It's Friday. Isn't Friday dinner supposed to be indulgent.
-I probably shouldn't eat the amazing Costco Mac and Cheese two nights in a row. Cheese, lactose intolerance meh
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Cheers and Sneers

2012-01-19T23:31:00.001-08:00

Cheer: Fresh clean flannel sheets and a neatly made bed.
Sneer: My Thursday night class that goes til 9:50, therefore keeping me from said bed and sheets.
Cheer: a super enthusiastic professor with similar ideas to me.
Cheer: Useful seminars pre student teaching.
Sneer: We have to worry about children getting abused and therefore attend a seminar on mandated reporting.
Cheer: Having nice things to put on my resume.
Sneer: assembling said resume.
Sneer: Beginning of the semester parking mess.
Cheer: Tomorrow is Friday.
Sneer: I will still have to pry myself out of bed.
Cheer: I made an apt to have my car worked on Saturday.
Sneer: Those things often cost more than tests and cameras.
Cheer: They usually vacuum and wash my car after maintenance.
Cheer: I will be teaching knitting on Saturday morning at 9 am at the new Starbucks. All are welcome. Even other crafts.
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Cameras Worth of Tests

2012-01-18T23:12:00.001-08:00

Ooof. What a beast of a day. Hiring-ish seminar in the morning, quick trip to to bookstore, afternoon seminar on PE. I didn't even have time to get my medical excuse. Ok it wasn't too bad, and I only pretended to have a question to get out of group jump roping.
Another quick break and it was time for my Wednesday night class. Ooof.
My prof recently moved here from Eugene, OR. I had done a little hand wave of yay and she's like "Did you live there?"
I said "no but they have great yarn shops and this fantastic calzone place." She seemed a bit taken by surprise. She'll get to know me soon enough.
When I got home I registered for some of my last tests. By some I mean 6. Next Wednesday I begin my Praxis tests which are the tests Id need for Colorado and Idaho.
Really, the most depressing thing is that for these blasted tests in all the subject areas for two states I will have handed over the money equivalent of a really. Really. Really. Nice camera. And lens. And class. Alas. Someday. Hopefully, in May, I will be allowed to pay more money to ask "them" to let me teach.

I love the kids. I live for the aha moment. Sharing a love for learning is priceless...

Speaking of the kids. This semester they will not be Jr. Highers as requested. Boo. However, they will be 5th graders. At least I know I'll like them. Or for sure enjoy the subject matter.
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Sauronistic Semester

2012-01-17T23:34:00.001-08:00

Blecharrrggh. My day. I'd been in so much denial about leaving it didn't hit me until last night. We had watched Lord of the Rings on mute while he recited most of the lines and described what was happening and what was left out/the movie didn't flat out say. Speaking of which, is the blog title appropriate or did i butcher that which is LOTR. Baby steps folks. That movie is a plain example of the power of music. Anyway. We finished the movie and Luke said "You should probably pack tonight." Gasp, ugh, noooooo. Reality was upon me. It was especially not pretty at 5:00 AM. Mountain Time. It had snowed and was still snowing a bit when we left. I got to the airport at 7ish. It was stinking cold outside and totally cramped on my mushy sentimental goodbye. Reality of departure and therefore separation set in. My flight was late. I missed my connection. I spent way too many hours in airport chairs. I missed Luke. I just about finished a delicious project made with scrumptious yarn(merino wool and alpaca). Yep I use food words for good yarn.
I tried to deal with some school issues from another state away.
I may or may not have teared up a couple times.
12 hours later I was away from airport and airplane.
Fresno is cold and wet and I haven't seen it in the day yet but I'm pretty sure it's gray too.
My school semester looks like doom and gloom.
I will be on campus tomorrow from 8 am-10 pm. Don't worry. We get 30 minutes for lunch.
One of my seminars tomorrow is on PE. I haven't had time to get a doctor note.
I want to go back.

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Phantom Canyon So Gouda

2012-01-15T18:03:00.001-08:00

We're still on our restaurant exploring kick. After church we went to Phantom Canyon Brewing Co. downtown. It's a repeater. The menu was a bit limited but it was a good lunch and somewhere I'd take beer interested people like my dad, Uncle Jim, or Luke's friend Kyle, or some New Years beer tasters I know. Anyway the point is, it's right up a lot of people's alleys.

Luke had a 1/2 lb buffalo burger with fries on a pretzel bun. He also happens to be a mustard fan and really enjoyed adding some of this Rail Yard Beer Mustard.

I tried two of the soups. The soup of the day was a Zucchini soup that had a bit of spice. Very yummy! The other was one of their specialties and was a Gouda and Pale Ale soup. It had some potato as well. The flavor was amazing and very rich. So rich in fact that I had some trouble finishing. I may have over stepped some boundaries as I suggested to the server that it be served with a small side of grapes or apple slices.
We finished off with a house rootbeer float. Yum yum!
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

A Fun Hat This Is

2012-01-15T17:52:00.001-08:00

One of my buddies Levi has recently gotten pretty interested in Star Wars. I had seen a cool Yoda hat pattern on Ravelry (Facebook for knitters) and post it noted that in my brain to e made for him. Well apparently the Star Wars trend extends to young people everywhere as all the first and kindergarten kiddo were referencing it left and right. It was high time I educated my self in Star Wars. I'd seen bits and pieces but not all 6 all the way through.
So Luke and I began watching the movies and I began Levi's hat.

I think it turned out quite well, don't you? It's felted which means I knit it real big and wash it in hot and cold water to make the fabric more dense and a different texture. Essentially this is what happens when you accidentally put wool sweaters in the wash. Here are some pictures of the process. This is the swatch I used to see what would happen to different kinds of stitches.

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Bronco Baby, Niners Win, Wounded Warriors

2012-01-15T17:43:00.001-08:00

I have a new baby cousin! A darling baby girl was born last Monday. Her family is a Bronco supporting family and so in honor of the Broncos win the day before her birth I began work on this oversized granny square baby blanket.

Unfortunately the Broncos lost their last game but I'm sure her family was so busy looking at her it didn't matter. She's real cute folks.
And let's be honest were just happy the 49ers made it one more round. Luke has been a fan since he was a kid. His mom went and found his old Jerry Rice jersey. He wore it almost every day one summer. I'm excited because we think it will fit me!

The squares in the top of the picture are squares I made for the Afghans for Wounded Warriors Project. I used up all of the yarn exactly! It was perfect!

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

One In Every Color-Soup, Zipper, ice cream, cereal

2012-01-14T09:24:00.001-08:00

One of my previous years Camp Keola co-workers Kara made this fabulous one in every color food creation. I spied it on Facebook and had to ask of I could blog it!

Rainbow Soup

From l-r it has 1/2 a purple turnip, 2 purple carrots, 1 handful of snap peas, 1 broccoli stem, 4-5 small yellow and orange carrots, 1/3 orange bell pepper, and 1/2 red bell pepper.

For the rest of the soup she added 1/2 lb Wizzard Blend Rainbow pasta, and 1 shredded chicken breast.

For the broth:
1 onion, 4 celery stalks, a handful of rosemary, oregano, thyme, a big pinch of salt and pepper, cumin)

What a great one in every color idea! Thanks for sharing Kara!

Some one in every color recents slurped from other places.

Left: From Val's boyfriend of like 10 years. Can I just call him my Brother in Law yet? It's basically like a common law marriage.
Upper Right: Conversation between me and Luke
Me:woah! Where do you think they got that? I wonder what flavors it is?
Luke: It's play dough.
Me: oh.
It's by pink_explosion on instagram.
Lower Right: just makes me happy. We don't buy fruit loops so I never get the chance to make happy art. Oh well. I'll enjoy hmilazzo's instagram picture.

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Happy New Year

2012-01-12T18:55:00.000-08:00

Disclaimer: Old computer kaput. New computer purchased on year end sale. Took a bit to get the letter together and out. Took a bit to catch the blog up. All caught up. Those of you who sent us your Christmas card have been put on "the list" and got a hard copy of the letter. Those of you who "follow" get a digital copy. Should you want a hard copy, send us your picture next year!

Good Eats, Watches, Read, Project

2012-01-11T00:28:00.001-08:00

Luke and I are trying to be more purposeful about exploring local restaurants. Our location is a hop skip and a jump from down town and old town so you'd think we'd have been more on top of that. Today, we used the Urban Spoon app spinner and went for it. We ended up Down Town at a place called Nosh on the bottom floors of one of the big buildings right by the Pioneer Museum. We loved it! The flavors were amazing!

Luke had a spicy bison sandwich (top), I had a mushroom Swiss burger with rosemary potato chips and for dessert we got a trio that included a Black Cherry Orange Labna Parfait, Chocolate Pudding with seasonal fruit purée and chocolate pop rocks and my personal favorite Caramel Oreo Cheesecake Pop. So. Good.

Then we went and picked up IV, V, and VI so I could watch 1-6 all the way through. I needed a comprehensive understanding as the bits and pieces I've seen and know are no longer enough for forging academic connections. Let's call it part of the teaching credential process. Speaking of which, I recently finished another Andrew Clements book. He wrote Frindle and is super funny. This one is about a kid who explores a vow of science after researching "some dude named" Ghandi. His class has been dubbed the unshushables. Anyway, doesn't get any better than that. It's a bit slow going at first, but sets you up for the super funny end. And it's a kid level book. Quick, light read.

Sorry the pic is upside down. My phone sometimes rotates images. The backdrop for the book is a project I'm working on for my second cousin's new baby girl. I figured I'd go with Bronco's colors as they're pretty big fans and well their game closest to her birth was a pretty big success! I can't show you the whole picture yet just in case they're non commenting readers!- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Cable Mitts and Game Day Church

2012-01-08T19:10:00.001-08:00

This morning I finished my fingerless mitts!

I looooove them! Worth every size 6 stitch and cable! Even worth the other thumb re-do. This evening we checked out a new church! Amazingly there were people there. (The town gets pretty empty on Bronco Game Days, we thought a playoff day would be even more so.) Turns out they had a TV on in one of the side rooms and the service started about 10 min later. We enjoyed the service and plan to check out the first service next Sunday as Luke has the day off. The irony: they were doing a shoe donation and it was Luke's first day wearing his good for his feet Christmas work shoes and I was wearing my Danskos. Sigh. So selfish. Actually not too bad though because Luke's boss coordinates the program so our goes go to them anyway!I'll let you know how next Sunday goes. We may have found our home church! Say a little prayer!- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Phase 4

2012-01-07T18:47:00.001-08:00

Wow. This break has really been what I needed. Break didn't really start 'til after Christmas because my brain was still working. And really, it is kind of rude to the fam to begin my recovery process during the holidays. First, I slept a lot. A lot people. Then, I knit and watched TV. Pawn Stars, Disney Channel's Jessie, and Celtic Woman. I watched that last one several times. It was fantastic. Luke only had to watch it once. I'm now officially rooting for Chloe Agnew(Celtic Woman) and Rory Mcllroy (Northern Irish Professional Golfer) to get married and have happy, accent speaking, singing, golfing babies. Now.... How to introduce them. Anyway, phase three commenced in full force and consists of reading a nice pleasant sort of book. Debbie Macomber's A Good Yarn was just that. Luke and I went on a hike, ate brunch at The Olive Branch, and came home and read. It was way cozy and happy and I finished my book Phase three and four overlapped a bit. Phase 4 has required yeast. A lot of it. And has produced some excellent results.

Homemade pizza. So good. All Recipes "Pizza Dough I" Prego traditional sauce, minced fresh garlic (2 cloves), pepperoni, Lindsay organic olives from Costco hand sliced, and skinny slices of provolone. We both called that a repeater. Next came pumpkin cinnamon rolls from Good Life Eats website. These were recommended to me by Marcy B. I let half rise overnight for the next morning and panned, covered and froze the other half and we enjoyed them today. (Take them out of the freezer after dinner and let them thaw and rise over night.) Between myself, eggplant knitter, Luke and one of his co-workers we all say this is a repeater. Thanks Marcy B!Most recently was today's adventure with Zwiebach! While on a hunt for the Camp Keola I received two recipes and googled another. Wouldn't you know a recipe I came upon while googling was "Grandma Net's". Funny how the Internet makes this world a little smaller. The recipe was posted by Katie at Raindrops on Roses! I sort of blended the recipes and the four of us who dubbed the cinnamon rolls a repeater did the same for zwiebach.

Also, my peppernut stash is getting dangerously low. Hmmmm should I make more?Which leads me to the fact that phase four is not over. But our tummies are full...and lets face it...a bit squishy. How to make the most of this phase without making ourselves sick...or squishy. For those of you waiting to hear from me, please be patient. I think getting my business together will be phase 6?- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

I Dreamed a Dream

2012-01-05T09:30:00.001-08:00

Ugh! I am so mad at my dreams! You know those dreams where you don't want to wake up there so good? Mine are not like that. Mine are so WEIRD! They stress me out, and touch nerves and emotions. Yuck. They have also been mixing and combining the weirdest places. Take one of the bizarre ones from last night. Setting: Horse races, hospital care facility, church parking lotMy mom was there, I was visiting her to take her out to lunch. We had to sign her out. To sign out she had to tear a tab of this tape tab bracelet. I noticed her skin by the tape was raw and scabby, and she said " My doctors told them I need another kind of bracelet." I said I know. We got to the church parking lot and found our car. No specific make or model. She got in the drivers seat and I got in the passenger seat. There was a white car like the Oldsmobile my parents bought in 1986 parked fairly close and at an angle. Mom wasn't turning the steering wheel hard enough so I kept saying "Stop! Just stop."She looked at me as if surprised and having a realization. Then she started crying and I was just holding her and she was child size and frail and crying. All the while my friend from high school and his dad who we were meeting for lunch (really weird in itself) were standing there by their truck flabbergasted.Then I woke up. Tell me, what do I do with that?!To top it off when I woke up, and woke Luke up to try to tell him, he told me he dreamed he shot me in the toe and his first thought was: "Oh man, I'm never going to hear the end of this from Jess."At which point I laughed out loud. Then I relaxed enough to fall asleep and have more weird dreams. Ugh sleep is way too much work. - Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

How Ornamental

2012-01-05T00:37:00.001-08:00

I've wanted to come up with a good anual Christmas tradition but last year I was stumped. I knew I had better decide on something this year or it would be hard to call it a tradition started from the very beginning. After hearing and remembering so many special things about the ornaments my mom made for all the cousins every year, I decided that I would pick up the tradition for my own two person family. Sorry cousins. There are a lot of you. Anyway. For the retro done first Christmas ornament I joined Luke's bouteniere and my hair clip from our wedding attire. I took off the clips of course,

And embroidered them onto a dark gray background.

In silver thread I stitched in the words Just Married, 2010, and my initials JHN as kind of a tribute to how my mom would always put SFH. In sorting through ornaments recently I realized how special and important it was that I have my moms initials and the date. If you're making ornaments be sure to include them!This years ornament was a silhouette of Mickey Mouses head, in honor of our special trip to Disneyland.

Dark gray wool felt again, with black pearl cotton blanket stitch along the edge. I made the Mickey shape with the bottom of a jello cup size gladware and the bottom of a shot glass. On the back of the ears are my initials and the year 2011.

I made one more ornament because a Christmas tree isn't a Christmas tree without one. (Ps. We weren't even going to get a tree but one of Luke's co-workers moved and gave us his nice 7.5 foot one, and Luke had it all set up and decorated when I got here!) Anyway, the necessary ornament:

The pickle! Please tell me your family plays that game too! Anyway, our tree now has a pickle and I have an embroidered wool felt ornament tradition!You can be sure that every ornament will have the year and my initials too!- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

The Stockings Were Hung

2012-01-05T00:13:00.000-08:00

I knew I was going to be making stockings this year, but what they would look like was a big dilemma! Should they have names? Be multi-color? One in every color? Be the same shape with different designs? Many of you weighed in on the debate and here's what came to be:

On Christmas Morning:

Santa brought us two of these! He used to bring them to my mom and she made sure to let him know it'd be special if we got them as kids (and adults) too!

Eventually mine got finished!

And they are sooooo happy together!This way they can have names:

Or not:

I kept some things the same but like the interest the variations add. I now know any kids names will have 7 letters or fewer, and I have all the time in the world to fret over whether their stockings will be blue snowflakish and yellow stars or red white and green or red for boys and green for girls.........

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

I'm No Mrs. Weasley

2012-01-04T23:59:00.001-08:00

I got the bug for these mini Mrs. Weasley sweaters.

Which turned into:

The funnest Christmas ornament/gift tag/Harry Potter nic nac. They're going to live at John and Neola's for a while I think. They look happier on a tree all together!

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

A Jolly Sort of Visit

2012-01-04T23:27:00.001-08:00

Val was in Fresno for a brief time before Christmas and it made for some quick quality visits for traditions sake!We had a fun breakfast at Batter Up with Destinie and Deb before one of my sub jobs. We had lots of laughs, flash backs, and squees!

And we were quite the Jolly Quilters (yes we sipped the beverage by that name as well) on Friday! Man oh man we've sure missed quilting night! We almost busted out a whole quilt top!

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Knit Between

2012-01-04T16:28:00.001-08:00

I did a bit of knitting in the time I've been gone. My master teachers mother was under going chemo and radiation. I finished this hat for her over Thanksgiving break.

It's a loose slouchy hat so I used a big bowl to block it.

I made two more of these HP Cowls. (pattern by me and on ravelry.)

And Pygmy Puffs! A made up creature in Harry Potter.

First introduced here:

Here is Dani enjoying hers. I told her its soft so she can throw it at students. I don't think she will.

Here is Karen, a true kindred spirit enjoying her cowl and her Pygmy puff.

And guess what!? She's a Ginny Weasley fan!

Thanksgiving Break, Part II

2012-01-04T16:15:00.001-08:00

Fantastic news, my blogpress app is back up and running which means soooo are my posts! Yay!Picking the Thankful break recap back up...I made Thanksgiving dinner for me, Luke, Aunt Audrie, Grandpa, Shan, and Weston. Cranberry sauce the night before.

Everything else the day of.

Luke mashed the potatoes and carved the turkey. Day 2 Disneylandsort of a late start as I kind of forgot the tickets the first time we left. Oops. I blame the turkey coma. Went straight to CA adventure and got World of Color tickets. Then hit up CA Screamin'.

Back to Disneyland where we signed up for our !Holliday Tour! And hit up toon town for pictures with Mickey. Luke saw Donald.

As close as he's gonna get to Oregon for a bit. Then we went to meet up for our tour!!

We got to wear these stylin headphones that played Disney Christmas music between our guide talking.

We learned some main street trivia, an got to try the. Best. Pumpkin. Pie. Fudge. We were skeptical but man this stuff disappeared fast.

Soooo good! Then off to the Mansion where we got to go straight in. Because we were on a tour.

Then we took the train to Toon Town and sang Jingle Bells with our headsets. Yay. Then we went to Small World. Where we got to skip the line again. Woooot!

We had gone in when the sun was in the sky and when we came out it was dark and the whole small world castle was lit up. So magical!

Our tour then made its way to Toon Town where we got hot chocolate in a special mug and a Mickey Mouse Gingerbread.

Luke ate his very strategically.

Lastly, we were escorted to a special section of front row seats for the parade. Our tour guide read us a Walt Disney/Disneyland story. Then, we enjoyed our hot chocolate, gingerbread, and front row parade seats. My favorite part of the parade was the short legged snowmen. They waddled. They were funny.

Then we rushed right over to CA Adventure where we caught a showing of Disney's Wonderful World of Color. It was fabulous!

The next day Luke put up Aunt Audries Christmas lights. He's very particular about how they're folded.

I went with Aunt Audrie to pick out a Christmas tree and since Luke was the tallest he got angel duty.

Next Day:Disneyland Morning Magic, Early entrance.

The weather got to 80 degrees that day. It was gorgeous!The Morning Magic route was the way to go. There was only a 10 minute wait for Space Mountain and that because it took that long to get through the line.

I requested very strongly that we go on the Dumbo ride. It's one of my earliest faint Disneyland memories. You can tell Luke was thrilled.

Now mocking me.

Giving in to boredom.

Luke says this was his first time on the Peter Pan ride.

Remember that picture I posted of the family reading in line. Here's their digital counterpart.

One of our last adventures was a quick trip to the beach.

Where I took these so I could post them on my blog at the appropriate time. Better late than never.

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Thanksgiving Break, Part 1

2011-11-30T07:52:00.001-08:00

Wow what a trip! The Friday school got out I turned dingbat and got noooone of my homework done. I was a vegetable, and my computer is being dumb. USB ports not working, Internet being sketch. I was not wanting to buy a new computer. Seemingly, my computers seem to average me about 3 years...you?
Anyway, I lounged around Aunt Audries taking afternoon naps and everything fabulous until Luke arrived at LAX the Monday before Thanksgiving. On Tuesday, was our first day of trip at Disneyland! (You're not getting all the pics because some will be our Christmas card.)

Tuesday was a cram day. We crammed in as many rides as possible. You know the cool exciting ones. Space mountain, Indiana Jones, Thunder Mountain Railroad. When we'd done that we hit up shows. Bugs Life and Alladin though Aladdin experienced technical difficulties so we got bumped.

I creeped on this family that read the whole way through the Tower of Terror line. I would like to have a poster of them in my class.

Luke loves the Buzz Lightyear ride. Well actually Luke loves shooting and keeping score...same dif.

Take notice of the differences between our scores. Luke maxed out the display.

Wednesday we recovered and returned to vegging at Aunt Audries. Luke's Brother Jay came through "town" with a couple friends and we met them at Chipotle for lunch.

To be continued, I can no longer stall getting out of bed by blogging as I am officially late.
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Lounging in LA

2011-11-20T08:44:00.001-08:00

I'm at Aunt Audrie's! Made it here just as the sun was setting! So pretty!

Her home is so familiar and cozy!
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Of Mice and Vampires

2011-11-19T09:09:00.001-08:00

The things that have been on my mind as of late.

Notice that not one of them is school work which has consumed my life as of late. Ok almost consumed my life. Jennifer and I managed to squeeze in a trip to the blood bank where she won us two tickets to a midnight showing of Breaking Dawn.

Apparently you have to wait 8 weeks to give blood. Im up again Dec 6th.
So we rebelled against our sleep schedules, and headed to the movie. Along with every other Twilight fan.

On the last release can we just declare a holiday?

Also pictured is my leaves scarf, finally finished!

Any tips for taking better pics in a dark theater with an iPhone?
We managed to keep our eyes open til it started, and then we had no trouble staying awake.
The next morning however was interesting as I had taken a sub job not remembering why I had left Friday blank. One of my little guys made my day though as he brought me this pretty flower!

Lastly, a Little MissMatched catalog found me yesterday. I'm crushing on these classic Mickey Mouse socks. I'll have to pick some up at the shop in Down Town Disney.

How will I end up there you ask? Luke and I are spending Thanksgiving with Aunt Audrie, Grandpa and Shan. We're planning to make a nice little side trip to !Disneyland! with some early Christmas present 3 day park hopper passes. Luke flies into LAX on Monday! Woooh! So excited!

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Packaged All Up

2011-11-12T09:18:00.001-08:00

Apparently I am a lover of quick and easy food.

These are the greatest for on the way to work breakfast. Yay for crumbies on fresh clothes. Lucky for me, bagel crumbs are dry and brush right off. My favorite cream cheese flavor as of this morning? Chive and onion.
Also fabulous as of late is the Keurig coffee maker one of my peers has. I have envy, and have enjoyed the delicious

as well as

The later takes the cake.
They make tough competition for the once again seasonal white peppermint mocha by Starbucks I had at a coffee rendezvous with my dad.

This computer warning is making me curse under my breath.

As is this stupid scarf that is not relaxing to knit and does not help me relax before bed. It's been in the works since 2008 and I'd like it done so I can move on.

Aside from all the US-ual reasons I miss Luke, here are some that are in the forefront this week:
1. Cold sheets. The temp has dropped and things are a wee bit chilly. This is when having a Jacob Black, werewolf, always warm husband comes in handy.
2. The latest book in the Eragon series just came out. While I love that he reads, and reads stuff I'm into, it'd be nice to hear from him every once in a while. If I was there in person I could just invade his space.
3. I totally miss invading his space. Like taking whatever I'm working on, sitting as close to him as possible and then continuing whatever I was working on. (he looooooves this one.)
Counter argument:
It's crunch time at school. I'm a wee bit snappy. It's nice that when we DO see each other were 100% focused on each other and we have good chunks of quality time carved out.

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Shattered and Dyed

2011-11-08T18:15:00.001-08:00

Coolest presentation ever! Allison C taught us why you need to know math when dying hair!

Then we got to practice!

Chris was NOT too happy with that smell!

Also last week:

We went to one of our local fire stations on a field trip.

Costco find!!! Hooded ruby red pea coat! Swoon! $49 suckas!

Finally finished my vest! (free pattern called Sexy Vesty on Ravelry) credit to aunt Maggie for the pictures and CA orange tree backdrop.

Also, totally eyeballing this book in my classes scholastic book order. I have almost bought it before but now that my master teacher can get bonus points for my purchase...hmmm....

I took three CSET tests this weekend. My science re-take, along with World and US history. They were hard. Normally I can say how I did after a test. On this one I'm not sure. I CAN say that my essays either saved me or hurt me "real bad."
Also, I dropped my Maui Jim's that are the benefit of having a golf professional husband this morning. The lens shattered between it's safety layers. It's a sad day as they have already been sent in once for free repair.

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

No Trick

2011-10-30T21:29:00.000-07:00

Just a TREAT because I squeezed in all my schoolwork and left EARLY Friday morning to be with Luke for Friday, Saturday, Sunday, AND Monday! I am one happy girl. It snowed just before I got here which means it has been COLD but that makes good snuggling weather.

I have found that I hardly even mind the sound of football this trip. In fact this trip I'm even finding myself liking it, because that means Luke's around and he's happy to be just sitting. (He doesn't even mind me invading his snuggle space since the game is on and I'm not complaining!)

On my agenda was pumpkin carving as we have never ever carved pumpkins together. Well check that off our list because we got not 1, not 2, but 4 pumpkins to carve!

Don't worry all you mom's out there. Luke even wanted to switch knives before I took the picture.

We picked up this handy dandy wrappy bendy tri-pod from REI that will hold our camera and our phones! The cost was $10 including taxes! Now we can take pictures of ourselves!!

Picture below, Left to right: owl(mine), our initials (mine) Hun from Mulan(Luke) Mike Rosowski monsters inc. (Luke)

Why is it that pumpkin seeds always sound like a better idea than they are? The first couple handfuls=yum. Especially if you use garlic salt like I did. Then you're just chewing and chewing on plant.

Sunday brought more football. Luke was happy for the 49ers win. I made some homemade chili, cornbread, and cooked up some sliced apples in a pan with cinnamon, brown sugar, and butter. YUMMY! All that seems to have made up (more or less) for the fact that Luke and I will be watching all 4 Halloween Town made for Disney TV movies this weekend.
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

THAT person on the plane

2011-10-28T06:01:00.001-07:00

Ever wait in line to get on a plane and there's that one person sneezing, sniffling, and blowing his/her nose. And you say a little prayer, please let me not be sitting anywhere near them or their airborne germs. Well folks, how embarrassing. I'm that person today. The lovely Fresno allergens hit me hard the minute I stepped out the door. Ive been sniffling and sneezing ever since.
Thanks for letting me confess my guilt.

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Big Plans

2011-10-27T06:56:00.001-07:00

This weekend,
The Civil War Reenactment made the front page.

Nikki found the LAST Lego guy I needed.

The lumber jack! Isn't he cute?!

I also found out one of my favorite authors has released a new book!

Make believe world, make believe people. No possible way any of it could be true. And this author uses just the appropriate amount of scary for me. I think I'll enjoy this one.
Also, this time tomorrow I will be on a plane to see Luke!!!
It's been 2 months. Ugh.
Im making all kinds of plans for our weekend poor guy. We've never carved pumpkins together, so that's on the list. Along with watching at least one Disney Halloween movie (of the Twitches halloweentown persuasion.) Also I think I would like to nap on the couch against him while he watches some sort of sporting event. I have high expectations folks.
Speaking of Disney/Halloween. I have found my new favorite Disney show since Lizzy McGuire. Its called Jessie. Coincidence? I think not. Jesse is a nanny for 4 kids and an icky lizard.
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Just Like Disneyland

2011-10-22T23:14:00.001-07:00

The Civil War Revisited is. (Yep, the first graders have me talking star wars.) Friday night I kid sat so I waited up for the oldest to come home from a football game, then woke up at 6 to take another to cheer, followed by soccer. Whew. I'm not ready to be a mom. Also, Luke and I have pre arranged that he gets morning duty. And coaching duty.
Anyway, then I got all my gear on

and tromped(in my boots) ok really I stuffed myself and my hoop skirts in the car

And headed on over to The Civil War Revisited. I sat in on some lectures and did some history methods reading(I deemed it appropriate.)

Only here would you see people waiting I'm line to take pictures with and get autographs from a reAl looking Abe Lincoln. Just like Disneyland.

This year there was a evening battle. It was very vivid, almost eerie real feeling.

The cooling air really caused the haze from the fire to be thick. The darkening sky allowed us to see the fire come out of the guns and cannons. I could feel the heat radiating when the cannons were fired.

YouTube Video

What a great opportunity for learning! I can't wait to go back tomorrow.
Ps. I have 4 free tickets. If you want them get in touch!

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

This Week

2011-10-19T21:17:00.001-07:00

I've been indulging:

Eyeballing:

Doing:

And for my break?
Search Yeo Valley Official ad
(music videos by an organic dairy farm group in the UK)
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Faction

2011-10-18T06:51:00.001-07:00

Fact? Fiction? Funny, as I "grow up" the lines become less and less clear. More and more things are becoming "faction" as Candace, the editor of my favorite podcast "Stuff You Missed in History Class", says.
Faction came to me most apparently when I read the book "Mennonite in a Little Black Dress." Many members of my larger area church community were in an uproar. "That's not how things went." said many. Even to the point of a semi rebutle book being published called "Mennonite in Blue Jeans."

After moms death and many of the events that followed, I found my self in the middle of more faction than I knew existed. On mans truth was another mans fiction. In some cases no amounts of counseling would have two parties see eye to eye.
These two events left an interesting mark. Just a few weeks ago, I bought the book "The 19th Wife." How could it not be interesting? Thing is. It's told from her exiled sons perspective. Hmm. Not so arbitrary. Its on pause right now.
But really, can anything but math be arbitrary? I so often like to think of books nicely wrapping up stories of fact, when really, it's matter if the authors presentation.
The other day my history methods professor showed us excerpts from textbooks of different places and times on the Civil War. (right up my alley as the reenactment is this weekend!!!!!) Anyway, as you can imagine the textbook General Lee's daughter wrote shortly after the civil war differs a bit from the CA text of modern day. Even Canadian and Mexican texts had different renditions. All about the same event.
Alas, I am waging an interesting battle in my head regarding what I know, what I thought I knew, and what I will be learning.

Ps. Baby blanket done! Finished in my all day science refresher.

And for my friends Jill and Lucy:

I FINALLY found a flower pattern that seemed right. You'd be amazed at how many are out there. This one is from a youTube video by a lady named Teresa.

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Celebration and Sympathy

2011-10-12T23:20:00.001-07:00

In one of my classes I help in, the kids get celebrations for doing good or extra work. Mine is a good and extra celebration: I passed one of my two CSET tests. The other I missed by not toooo many points and I'm feeling ok with that because 1.) I woke up and got there and 2.) I thought I bombed them both. Time to study study study!
Now for Sympathy. I have lots of it for kids with ear issues or sinus issues that cause ear issues. I had three sets of tubes before I turned 5. What felt like 20 ear infections a year. The "pink stuff" was always in our fridge. 1 ruptured eardrum. 4 ear nose and throat specialists. 1 useful specialist. Etc. For reasons I now better understand they would always get worse at night. I have vivid memories of mom sitting with me, rubbing my hair and helping me fall asleep before the next morning Dr Appt. Sometimes we'd try heat packs, others a cool washcloth but really, not much helps the bad ones. Even once you have meds you still have to play the waiting game. Oooh and the waiting just stinks. If I talk, it's loud in my head, if people talk to me, or I try to watch something I can't hear. You just can't win. Anyway, though Ive gotten much more preventative I had early sign symptoms today. Regardless of my past, and familiarity with procedures and OTC meds my NP still wanted me to wait for "real meds." (totally get the push to stop over prescribing) but it was like maybe she thought it would blow over and all would be good in a few days. And maybe she's right I thought as I walked away.
I entered my class building.
Wait a minute, my ears are bugging me!! This business can be keeping me in pain and awake come 10 pm when they're closed. And then I wouldn't get drugs til the next afternoon.

I turned right around ( more or less) and marched back to the school clinic and pharmacy. I can't wait. I might heal on my own but that is not a risk I'm willing to take. I want to do EVERYTHING possible to get better and not have hurty ears/throat. I am not a martyr. I am not tough. Give me meds

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Monkeying Around

2011-10-11T00:10:00.001-07:00

So there's a chance I may have over extended myself just a bit this weekend. I did, however enjoy it all, (minus the resulting almost sickness Sunday.) Thank goodness today was a furlough day. I still feel behind, but at least I got to sleep in. Tuesday mourning (spelled that way on purpose) will be painful.
Some more highlights from my weekend:

Jenny, Jay and I crashed Tyler's birthday party. We were the biggest kids there, take that however you want. Of course I got him Lego guys, but I stopped by my favorite bookstore Petunia's Place for some books that might go with the Lego guys. I ha totally forgotten about the special book signing that day. A local author with a story about a local zoo monkey it's zookeepers!

Perfect I tell you!

And they gift wrap!

That night Jay and I made baked apples.

Yummy! So good! They were practically applesauce when we took them out of the oven!

Jay took apart his pommagranites while he, Tanya and I watched A Walk to Remember.

That movie definitely takes me on a walk down memory lane to be sure. It takes me to a day of girls singing along to sound track CDs, walking to the movie theater several times to see that movie wAaaay more than once. It reminds me of our early co-Ed movie adventures. Boys in one row, girls in another and boys snickering behind us during the cry parts and throwing popcorn. So. Lame. And...sigh..Super duper Shane West crushes. Oh yah and movie quotes on my binder...ok...that's enough. Tomorrow I have a mid semester meeting with my master teacher and supervisor as well as an observation of a meeting. Busy day.
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Feeling Blue...but not how you think

2011-10-08T00:52:00.001-07:00

Because I got a blue ribbon at the fair for my French Kiss quilt!!!
See here I am, pointing to my blue ribbon!

Here it is up close and personal. Only not so personal it's focused.

Here it is hanging in it's spot right inside the door!

I am pretty pleased as punch! With a touch of proud! Ok more than a touch.
And guess what!? Aunt Maggie came out with a red ribbon for her quilt (in the advanced category)

And a blue ribbon for her apron. Ok it's been gifted to Tanya but Aunt Maggie made it.

And folks, my roomie cousin Tanya took a white ribbon for her first, and giant not yellow yellow brick road quilt!!! All us alls who were entering quilts to make the show bigger and exciting not worrying about ribbons got ribbons!!! Boo yah! I'm stoked!
Jay took the bus/train in from Cal Poly and Jenny drove down from Sacramento just to come to the fair with me! It was a really special day!

We checked out produce.

Ate garlic fries, corn dogs and cotton candy.

We looked at fine art, shout out to Keith Hartman photography for a blue ribbon! Loved this griffin out front!

I resisted all urges to bring home an animal, from SPCA cats and dogs to baby pigs.

We also watched some very interesting steer(boy cows un boyed) exhibitions/showings. Sorry folks still learning the lingo.

On the way home Jay and Jenny helped me pick out some new Lego minifigs...because T's bday is tomorrow. But then they all turned out to be new ones. So I might have to go back tomorrow.

Wrap it all up with chili with Tanya and a movie! What a great day we had!
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

My Take On The Rain

2011-10-06T07:10:00.001-07:00

Yesterday was T's fer reals birthday. He was getting donuts to take to his class.

So I joined them for breakfast of my own.

T's minifigure tried to attack my maple donut. I told him I beat him to the bite.

Also, I wore my cowboy boot rain-boots. I'm not gonna lie, they were kiiiiind of a hit.

I liked em too.
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Wearable...legos?

2011-10-04T20:30:00.001-07:00

These just in! Lego jewelry! In one of my schools colors.

By www.wear-bricks.com also on ETSY!
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Not Your Call Girl

2011-10-03T23:31:00.001-07:00

Lately Ive been making more of an effort to look like a grown up. I think the Birkenstocks help. I've also been accessorizing.
See below, grown up beady necklace.

Yep I'm totally taking that picture in the car. That black thing above my forehead is my steering wheel. The phone is by the speedometer. In the car is when I remembered. Its also my primary in between time ie when I return calls(with my ear piece) and text messages (before departure and upon arrival.) When I got to my car after student teaching I had like 15 notifications. Unfortunately you all got put on the back burner and I called Luke. I have been MISS-ing him. A lot. After 3 more weekends I will be going to see him! But until then I will probably call...and text him first.
I talked to him while I was at Costco buying a rotisserie chicken, ground beef shrimp and a hot dog. I have been craving meat. I'm pretty sure I ate 1/3 of the chicken right after the hot dog. Just call me J-rex.
Lastly, if you're in the Fresno area you should go to the fair (starts the 5th) and see the quilt I entered. Aunt Maggie and Tanya entered quilts too. Hint for finding it, blue, green, white diamonds.
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Minifigure Mania

2011-10-03T00:47:00.001-07:00

So remember my new appreciation for legos? Well my buddy Jon has one too and his sister has our backs so on our regular hang put night we went on a mini figure hunt. These guys come concealed in a package and work sort of like trading cards. Anyway, we got to Target and where they were supposed to be there was this tiny little girl standing there with the last 3 packs in her hands. Agh! She was so sweet and offered us one. The sales man who was apparently watching the curious scenario graciously offered to retrieve more from the back. He brought us a cart full of mini figures and didn't object to us totally manhandling each package(in hopes of feeling out of favorites) in exchange for us putting the ones we didn't want on the display hooks.
I wish I'd had a picture or video of the scene but I was definitely in the middle of it so no such luck. Once we'd made our best guesses, and payed for our prizes we headed across the parking lot for frozen yogurt and to survey our loot.

Real life person: Jon
Minifigs from l-r: Viking, Dino, woodsman, zoo keeper, short clown, British soldier, Egyptian, Egyptian, soldier, gladiator, gladiator, Sherlock Holmes.

Me with the zoo keeper and Nikki with the Egyptian princess.

Once we'd surveyed the scene and checked off the "guys" we had we opted to make one last try for the classic gangster and the boxer. We had gangster success.

I had such a fun adventure with Jon and Nikki! Who knew Legos could be this exciting?!
Also, I'd like to show off my productivity from sitting/listening moments this weekend:
A cotton chemotherapy patient hat. Warmth for cold chemotherapy room, breathability for clammy side effect. Boston Red Sox colors for a fan.

A copy cat granny square blanket. Tanya gets full credit for this one as she started her version with colors I copied and she found the tutorial and she helped me get started! Thanks Tan!

Also, I saw these lamps at Target. They match that blanket. Our shower curtain, our duvet cover, my Fresno bedspread, CSprings rug...can we get a set Luke?

I like any of the shapes!

Nikki says these ones look like nail polish. Maybe that's why I noticed them first?

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Supply Me to the Moon

2011-10-02T02:57:00.001-07:00

Ok week recap:
Test Tuesday, project due Wednesday, Thursday: lesson presentation to history majors who definitely intimidate me by the vast amount more than me that they know and a paper on a book I definitely didn't start before quilt camp and maybe didn't start before Wednesday night. Good news: there's a kindle ap for iPhone which meant I didn't have to add a hard cover book to my load. On Friday I subbed and today I had an 8 hour workshop to prep me for my single subject science tests that I may or may not have to take again. Still waiting on results.

Things I learned:
As cute as ruffle leggings with overall shorts are...don't send little ones to school in them. Apparently it makes frequent trips to the bathroom take even longer. I seriously would never have put two and two together.

Some baristas truly know what I mean by "a lot of caramel on the bottom and a lot of caramel on the top."

Heeeeey maybe that's why I was shaky before and after my presentation.
Meet the most bomb diggity hole punch. Lots of layers, minimal effort. It was beautiful.

Someday I will own one of those and one of these bad boys. I call it dreamy.

It's a Paper Pro 25 sheet stapler with staple gun technology. I'm pretty sure every teacher needs one. Need ideas for teacher Christmas? Look no further. I'm telling you folks it's dreamy and they're for sure not paying me to say it or I would have bought one already.
More dreamy: brand new box of crayons!!! I busted it out for some idiom posters we were making.

Mine was:"I'm in over my head." it was as if someone was trying to give me a hint.
A hint just before my faaaaabulous planner arrived! Look who is on the cover! It's me! And my hottie hubby Luke Luke. Isn't he the cutest? It's the eye sparkle. Gets me every time. I'm loving doing something monotonous and then getting out my planner and there he is! Swoon.

More swoon, check out the inside of this planner! One in every color tabs, cute font, month view and week view,

Inspirational messages

Quotes

Stickers-blank and pretyped

A folder and a pocket

And bonus! Taggy sticky labels with one in every colorness!

Dreamy eh?!

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Sometimes...at Quilt Camp

2011-09-28T06:47:00.001-07:00

This weekend was quilt camp. I confess I don't feel like I got a whole lot done even though my brain knows better. I did however have a wonderful time and very much enjoyed spending the time with the other women up there. This year there was a new baby! In some of the related groups of women there were three generations. It was such a reminder of how quilting is part of my heritage and culture! Many of the women at quilt camp remembered how my mom would bring me to quilting events as a wee tiny baby like this sweet girl.

She slept through all the hubbub of us talking and working. When she wasn't sleeping many of us took turns holding her. It made me think about how I love these events for the din of calm focused women enjoying what their doing. I unfocus on individual conversations and the white noise starts to relax me. It is the sound of a safe place. It is one of those sounds of "home."
Funny how one tiny baby girl can remind me about all that.

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Speaking Of

2011-09-21T14:08:00.001-07:00

I have worn some uncomfy shoes this week on account of one of my kiddos said "Mrs. Nickodemus, why do you wear those shoes every day?" (she was talking about my Birkenstocks.) I promptly told her "because they're comfy!" as I jar been remind every day I've tried to "spice it up."
Speaking of spice...I'm wearing men's deodorant today. (free sample at the gym.) Every time I smell it I do a slight double take but I enjoy it very much. I wonder if it throws off people around me.
Speaking of deodorant and people around me, dude in one of my classes stinks like 6th grade boy pre deodorant. Think he would be offended if I got him one of the samples? Yah me too. There has to be a solution.
Lastly: Quilt Camp Tomorrow!!

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Lego my Rainboots

2011-09-19T00:56:00.001-07:00

Friday: One of my classmates began a baby quilt for her first niece.

My rain boots came!

Lukes response to that picture: "Hahahhajahajajahahahahaha! Those are ridiculous!" I still love them and am now more determined to wear them more around him so he can hear all the compliments I get for them.

I helped "chaperone" an iceskating birthday!

I love skating! Add some 8 year old girls to the mix and we had a blast!
On saturday I took some quilts to the fair! One I entered and some others entered! We decided it's high time we "represent!"

That night Rachie (Rachel) and I hung out and had a mellow night playing legos. She helped my put together part of the Hogwarts castle/bridge.

I have been bit by the lego bug folks. The globe spins, the buildings have connector spots!

It probably helps that they come in every color. And the minifigs...they're totally cute and collectable and interchangeable. What's not to love!
Ok maybe how lose-able they are.
Rachie asked if Legos are my new hobby. I said "tscha!"

Speaking of hobbies. I'm leaving for Quilt Camp on Thursday. Funny how getting ready for quilt camp requires just as much pre projecting as what I'll get done in the mountains. Maybe that's why we get so much "done at quilt camp." we count everything we did before. Today I bought and cut binding for some quilts my mom had made (to sew on at camp) I put a border on a quilt(so I can put another on at quilt camp) I cut out squares of scrap batting and red and white scraps from moms stash (so I can assemble a rag quilt at camp.) The list goes on. Needless to say I'm up way past my bed time so I don't cultivate a cold to work on at quilt camp. It waiting to pounce I can feel it.
Lastly, I'm thinking about starting coffee. I had three mocha last week and regular coffee might have been a better...no...cheaper choice.
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

What Was I Thinking

2011-09-15T23:28:00.001-07:00

Ever have those moments when you're in the middle of something and all of a sudden you wonder "what the heck was I thinking getting myself into this?!"
Well that was me about two pages into my first science test. Yikes bikes.

Similarly I have a friend (Debbie) who had a moment like that in that she was cleaning her windows on her roof, shut the window, locked herself out of the house and fell off the roof after the ladder she tried to use to get down. She gets what I'm saying. Please throw an extra prayer up to the big guy on her behalf.
I was hanging out with her and I caught a glimpse of David, her son's "One in Every Color" frisbee golf frisbees.

I also got a chance to visit with another one of my BFFs Emilie (Debbie's daughter) when I picked her up and dropped her off at the airport. Emilie and I can pick up conversation right where we left off even though we live in different states. AND I was totally on time for the pick up and drop off which I'm sure was a HUGE relief for her as I made her late almost every day we carpooled to high school. By the time I started driving myself I can't blame her for having considered murder on several occasions. (I had a whole sappy post with pictures like the one I did about Destinie and Ryan but it got cleared from my phone and I primarily blog on my phone from bed just l before I fall asleep or as I'm waking up and I keep forgetting to grab the pictures. Sorry Em, sleep over pictures.

My In-Laws came through town on their way to take Jay, Lukes youngest brother to Cal Poly! We had breakfast the morning they left at Batter Up Pancakes, the best breakfast place Ev. Er.

My cool math professor has one in every color math manipulatives. I totally interrupted him and asked if I could put him on my blog and as soon as the words came out of my mouth I knew I had done a bad deed. If I had been my teacher and my student had interrupted my teaching I would have made them move their clip from green, straight past yellow to red!!

Once I had been chastised by Destinie sitting next to me, I still it my picture.
Tanya and I have made to window screens. Be proud. As I innitiated the project I also initiated some experiments with anchoring the screen similarly to pre quilt basting the quilt to keep everything tight! The method is not yet perfected.

In case you didn't know, they sell one in every color Nostalgia at Michael's. We used to chew this all the time! 2 sticks in and I remembered how bad it is. I threw it away.

One jn Every Color folders for projects:

And One in Every Color no bleed fine tip sharpies. My classmates not mine...they ARE on my list though.

Today is my sisters birthday. I sent her mail yesterday. AND I called her to vent a bit. I did sing to her but I don't feel like this birthday is nearly a sister loverly as last years video and sappy post. Sigh. That's what she gets for going to Texas and liking it!

I worked on an assignment on my computer today. I seem to have started tapping the space bar twice expecting a period to show up the way it does when I tap space twice on my phone. No such luck. Do you think I'm doing too much word processing on my phone?

This semester is still waaaaay better than last semester. I love my placement and my master teacher has sooo much to teAch me! It's just the way student teaching should be!

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

CSET General Science

2011-09-10T06:45:00.001-07:00

I have woken up for my test. That in itself is a success.

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Approved

2011-09-08T23:50:00.001-07:00

Meet one of my BFFs Destinie.

I met her in 4th/5th grade and we are soooo kindred spirits. And soooo different and soooo the same.

We lived on the same street with one house in between us. We were both skinny little kids with big o glasses. I couldn't get to the boxes that far back for those pictures.

I dyed my hair dark once for Halloween and when I got in the car my mom said "Well Destinie, I didn't know we were taking you!" She is the ying to my yang as she sure knows how to keep organized and work hard. Best example of this: when she came over and cleaned my room because I had hit a wall...ok maybe I was reading.

When we work on projects I like to add flourishes and creativity etc. Destinie makes sure it gets done and in. Anyway...Destinie met Ryan, and I think she really likes him. All our friends seem to like him. Me, I was holdin' out. I've put a stamp of approval on boys before and they've been goobers. BUT I met Ryan today.

I think he's pretty coolio. Mostly because he occasionally reads my blog when I post a convenient link. And maybe because I think Des seems to like him...

Maybe? Blech. I told them to knock it off on the kissy face pictures. Maybe I'm just wishing my kissy face person was in town. Then we'd be the mushiest group around. Anyway. My name is Jessica and I approve this boy. Better not be a goober or I'll retract that! I reserve the right to retract approval.

On another note: Today one of my kiddos said "I thought first grade was supposed to be hard. So far this is too easy." Just you wait buddy, I thought. Later we worked on place value. (Tens and ones) I think he takes it back.

I resisted the urge to go to In-n-Out for a cheeseburger and a side of pickles. I think I regret it.

My single subject history class/professor is still cooler than cool. Shes got a Harry Potter Internet browser skin. Oh yah and I learn cool stuff too.
Lastly. Look at my husband. Isn't he dreamy?! When I miss his face this is my go too picture. It also shows up when he calls me.

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Freaky Deaky

2011-09-07T00:07:00.001-07:00

3 day weekends are kind of a mean trick. I've gotten on a schedule, even on saturday and Sunday I only slept in an hour. Come Monday I slept in 3 and then it was Tuesday and I had to get up. Growl.

There were 6 motorcycle police officers/speed traps around my school this morning. I'm happy it will remind some of the nutso drivers to be safe but it makes me so neeeeervous I'm doing something wrong and don't know! I know I'm not...but yah.

I discovered I've got another long weekend coming up and Luke and I booked a ticket for me to go see him!!! It'll be a quick trip. We may never leave our apartment. I can't wait. I hope he will make me waffles.

There is a chihuahua that lives across the street from me/us here in the county island of Pinedale. (and some others that wander freely) Well this particular Chihuahua likes to bark....at anything that threatens to move...and I think to myself that is not the life for meeee. I wonder just how stressed out that silliest of the silly ones must be? Just turn three times and take a chill pill!
In stark contrast to the silliest of the silly ones I was companion to this sweet girl

for some time this weekend. SHE doesn't want to bark. She (Lexi)wants to be AS. Close. To. You. As. Possible.

Did you say snuggle? Why let me just crawl into your lap. Oh goodness melt my heart, I can't resist. Also can't resist: OPI silver crackle nail polish. It's linked to the Pirates of the Caribbean line.

Lastly, while Lexi was sitting in my lap poolside, I began "I Am Number 4." It was a lovely bout of fiction. I almost finished it. Then it got suspenseful. And I was at an unfamiliar house. And Luke wasn't able to remember everything that happened. And I happen to be prone to some freaky deaky dreams. So I stopped reading. I would like to know how it ends. Can I do it? Maybe tomorrow. Mid day.
Ok one more thing. I am Uh-dicted to using the podcast "Stuff You Missed in History Class" to study. It's super entertaining and I pick up words like freaky deaky (see above, heard in the episode about Rasputin.... Who I incidentally resembled in my drivers permit photo if you drew a beard on me. Which I incidentally did at the suggestion of Becca during a high school history class. If I ever find that photo I will post it.)
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Cricket Ticket

2011-08-31T23:21:00.001-07:00

I saw a lady getting a ticket at a school this morning. How horrifying! I think that's worse than a going to school in your underwear dream. Getting a ticket while dropping your kids off at school. Once you have kids it's like having a talking conscience that never let's you forget. Not that I know or anything but yah. Maybe if we have a boy in 10 years we'll name him Jimminy Cricket. Or a girl, Jemima Cricket.

Apparently, this semester I'll be dropping off the face of the planet. I have like 10 calls I need to return and 4 texts to respond to still. On the bright side, I finished a presentation, studied for a test, and made it to class on time. I choose my battles. If you still haven't heard from me, text me again. It's your best bet.

I loooove my student teaching placement. Were talking 200% improvement over last year. Now the only things I'm afraid of are 1.) a crazy lack of sleep, I need like 12 hours people
2.)my final student teaching placement
3.) my single subject tests!

Please pass the sanitizer and kiss me.

2011-08-31T00:14:00.000-07:00

So when I was in the mountains I got a bit of sun and thought I had an itchy back because of that. Then, Monday, I was in the grocery store and my back itched sooo bad! I was twisting in all sorts of ways to scratch my back! When Tanya got home she confirmed for me that I had mosquito bites. Ugh. They always seem to itch the most at the worst times. Ex: Right now during class.

Shout out to Art, who I just found out reads my blog!

My car has just started smelling like baby powder. I don't know where it's coming from, but I'm not fond of it.

There's an individual in the computer lab blowing his nose like a car horn, (into a handkerchief. germs!) sniffing, clearing his throat at the volume i talk to a whole class and swishing water in his mouth to rinse out pieces of the offensive smelling lunch he just ate in the computer lab. Shudder. I would like social boundaries back right now please. And some hand sanitizer.

I saw a couple walking down the side walk while I was driving home from school. They were laughing, holding hands and clearly just enjoying the moment. It was refreshing because seeing this I didn't get angry or jealous or sad because Luke and I are apart, instead I had flashbacks to our moments like that.

I married him for the twinkle/trouble in his eyes ya know. Ahhh such flash back pictures. We're baaaabies.

What's even better, is that Kiss Me, by Six Pence None the Richer, came on. I really like that song. Really. It's such a chick flick song for a total chick flick moment.

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Burn Scars

2011-08-28T23:47:00.001-07:00

Today I ventured to the mountains. My mountains I call them, as they are more familiar to me than any other mountains, or beaches. My mountains are in CA on the shores of Huntington Lake. This lake below that I sat by to knit while my Dad and crew tried to catch fish. Note the Costco hotdog stitch marker. Thank you Cami!

This is how far I've gotten since I started my "sexy vesty" Saturday night.
So there are lots of things that make my mountains my mountains. The first makes me wish Rachel ray's idea of smellivision was real, and that is the Ponderosa Pine. It has the most subtle delicious smell of vanilla caramel. If you ever see me all cozied up with and sniffing a tree, it's probably a ponderosa.

Also identified by it's puzzle piece bark and needles 3.

In my mountains you can find manzanita, translated to little apple for the tiny red berries. The smooth red bark is most recognizable to me.

My mountains have these pokey berries my mom knew were safe and would eat on hikes. I always thought peeling them was too much work. They're very sweet!

You all know about my love for lupines. It was fostered here in my mountains. Here's one that's done blooming.

I took a hike to visit my momma.

Its a nice place to be quiet and still. It overlooks what you can see of our valley through the smog.

And you can see the lake on the horizon.

Back ?1995? there was a big wildfire. It wiped out a lot of the vegetation. I was amazed to see how much has grown back, and how thickly. Yet some of the scars from the fire are still there.

I think I feel like that a lot. Like I'm growing and flourishing and moving on in so many ways. But man that burn still hurts and the miss for my mom is still there and obvious.

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

One In Every Color- Workshop and the Science of Sitting

2011-08-28T00:38:00.001-07:00

This last week I learned the science of sitting with workshops Mon-Thurs morning, classes Tues-Thurs night and a Science single subject workshop Saturday from 8 am to 4 pm!!! Yep, my butt hurts real bad. I am, however, real prepared to sit for my general science CSET on September 10. For those of you who know my tendencies to miss this brand of exam due to oversleep or alarm issues, feel free to call me and make sure I'm on my way. (I'm not yet sure of the time or location.)
On Wednesday we had a fantastic workshop with local art/education guru Terry Allen. (He has a series on Fresno area PBS.) The whole thing was right up my alley but I ESPECIALLY loved making the color wheel! I loved it so much I made my friends Chris and Destinie pose with THEIR one in every color wheels too! They loved it.

They also loved when I would jump up at the idea to integrate a standard with an art project or make a weird squee noise at a good suggestion from Mr. (Dr.?) Allen.
Among other things I also made a tree (practice with value)

and a plum (practice with analogous colors.)

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Going Single

2011-08-25T22:40:00.001-07:00

I'm sitting in my single subject methods class pre professor entrance. Wow, the conversations are sooo different from the kind you hear in a multiple subject (elementary credential) class. In general I'm getting the vibe that the students in the room prefer the older kids and I hear things like "At least you have seniors!" and "the freshmen are such kids!"
Bahahaha I want to bring them along on MY student teaching in first grade! Though, I admit it's refreshing to hear so much "grown up talk" and not quite so many "awwws."
Also interesting is that the pre class din includes a low pitch grumble as maybe half the class is male. In multiple subject it's a little more...shrill.

Post Class: Ah! It got even better! My professor was a hoot! She was so bright and funny And she spoke truths. Truths about the system. Truths about people. It was a relief because more often than not my multiple studies professors have been off on a cloud.
Another great thing: she referred to them as "pee breaks" not "potty breaks." Don't get me wrong I've been known to use that potty word a time or to myself but tonight, even pee sounded great!

Other things I thought were funny as we went through the syllabus:
In reference to a project "Some people will be awesome, and some people will literally crack. It's fascinating."

Re essay font:
"12 point. Don't do 9 point, I am old."

Re segment on cheating in syllabus. "Cheating is wrong. Like go to bad history hell wrong."

Also, a kid in the back of the class made a historical funny and EVERYone laughed. Enthusiastically. There are only a few of us that cool in my Multiple Subject credential classes.

All in all I forgot how much I like history classes. And grown ups. And how nerdy I am.

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Gasp, Ouch, Brain Mush

2011-08-23T21:29:00.001-07:00

Today I saw someone smoking outside fire marshals office. Is that better or worse than people who smoke outside the cancer centers?

I had a mini heart attack when a professor announced this evening that we should turn off our cell phones during class. Gasp. I clutched it tighter and left it on. Doesn't she know it has EVERYthing?! Let's re negotiate this business.

3 years of no history has turned me into a history dunce. I took a practice exam for the one I have to take for my single subject credential addition and let's just say "ouch!" I've been listening to history podcasts and reading quite a bit to refresh. I'm also signed up for 4 science workshops starting Saturday so that should help with the single subject credential science tests.

At Gun Point

2011-08-23T01:25:00.001-07:00

Whew. So I'm in CA. I left last Monday night. I stopped and stayed with Lukes parents and then drove the rest of the way straight. It was a long day. And kind of ugly. I saw the end of a police chase in Vegas. The white chaser car was stopped with their doors open in the middle of the freeway. Three police cars were facing it dots open with officers standing behind their doors with guns pointed toward white car. There were lots of cars behind them. I went quickly past.
I'm living with my cousin Tanya and her son Ty. Its fun living with a crafter though I miss Luke dearly. I'm still in the semi mentality that it's just a week long or so trip and I'll be back with him soon. How long til that reality hits?
Right when I got to Fresno I Amy to my dads house to transfer the last of my/my sisters things there to storage. He and Sheri have moved to Merced and will be renting the Fresno house out. The transferring was thought to take a morning but took more like 2.5 days. Sigh. I did some sorting. Something like 6 large boxes were donated and a large trash and a large recycle bin was filled stuffed full. Things I didn't keep but thought were worth taking a picture of:

A sheet set my grandma Dixie gave me when I was a kid. They were flannel. I had an extra long twin bed so she had put in an extra panel with dots. I always liked to have that part by my head.

It was somehow more special.

It also lead to my body wearing holes in the sheet because it always got put on the same way.

Giant spiffy shoes I got to wear to my first high school end of year choir banquet. Every time I would pull them out of the box in years past I would exclaim. And laugh.

Involved student plaques from elementary school. I was that "cool."

This puppet I made from scratch for puppetry class. Yep I got college credit for puppetry.

And my bear. Who never had a name or gender. But it did have music box installed by my mom.

It played Favorite Things. My mom always liked that song. Its near and dear to my heart too i guess. I kept the music box.

To keep that required some surgery.
I also re discovered some old friend tapes. 4 by Raffi, like 10 Wee Sing tapes, and some GT and the Halo Express. Yep I've been driving around for the last 4 days listening to Raffi. Judge me.
After all that purging I was in need of some color love. So I sorted buttons into an organizer I found.

Then I needed some creative love. So I made these mini lipstick skirts to go with those doll sweaters.

These went to two girls whose mom made them kid size versions of these skirts out of the fabric. I swiped the scraps to make the doll skirts. Cute huh?

This set is for a friend who is turning 5 thus month.

Then, one final practical project to keep me organized in the midst of all my transitioning.

I started school today. I've decided to take some extra tests and an extra class and tack at least one single subject credential onto my multiple subject credential. It's looking like History and then either math or science maybe both. We'll see. It means a bit of studying.
Pray for me. (please.) All this has been a wee bit stressful. Will probably get a wee bit more stressful. And I missssss my Luke!
Funny thought to end with: me trying to discreetly (without drawing the attention of my neighbors) put a gorgeous sounding, big sounding, wind chime in the back yard. I already drive a bug with daisy rims do I really need more attention? Anyway. It seems I move a lot when I walk as I made a lot of noise.
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Skippyjon Hunger Games with a Twist of American Girl

2011-08-14T10:22:00.000-07:00

I have finally semi mastered the art of reading and knitting at the same time. When I would complain that knitting took away from reading time my mom would tell me how my grandma Peggy would very often read while she knit. So I knew it was possible if the pattern was simple enough.

These guys were pretty simple. Since Luke and I had just picked up The Hunger Games it seemed the time to try. Success! Though I confess I didn't really enjoy the book. It was kind of not very uplifting. And kind of a plot that's been used before. Don't get me wrong, I was sucked in and totally wanted to know what happened! BUT I also totally wanted to get it over with. Sigh. My reading groove is off as of late.

On another reading note: I love the company American Girl. Love the books, love the magazine, love the creativity they encourage, and love the dolls! Play, read, create, what's not to love!? (ok maybe the price.) But really, I think it's worth it. From the beginning I've told Luke if we have girls we're making a quest to THE original AG store in Chicago. I remember reading about it and hearing about it and finally, on a high school choir trip, going there!! Even in high school it was dreamy!
Any way, I have three friends, that I know of, with girls who have AG dolls. So I made them(the dolls) each a little bolero sweater

and a matching hair clip! There's a chance I had more fun making them than they will playing with them.

We'll see. I plan to deliver them when I get back to Fresno.

Which will be the 17th. It crept up on me and I ignored it.

Last book note: I picked up two more Skippyjon Jones books at Costco.

That kitty boy is so funny!They came with audio CDs! I read them aloud to Luke. I enjoy those books so much! I'm pretty sure there written for grown ups.
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

HP Cowl Pattern

2011-08-11T21:33:00.000-07:00

I'm on a Harry Potter kick. I re-listened to ALL the books this summer while working on my projects. The last movie came out. I discovered a paper piecing quilt pattern that I'm dying to try! AND I couldn't help but pick up this Gryffindor colored yarn in my local yarn shop, Holly Berry Knits. This yarn is a DREAM to work with! When asked for a good, head warming project, Johanna who was working there that day suggested a hoodie cowl. BUT she didn't have a pattern to recommend. I didn't find one online that I LOVED so I made one up! If you're a knitter and try it out, let me know if you find any errors. I wrote it after the fact.

HP Cowl Pattern

Materials:
· One Skein DK Yarn Color A
· One Skein DK Yarn Color B
· Size 10.5 Knitting Needles
· Slightly Smaller Knitting Needles for Picking up Cast on Edge and 3 needle bind off.

Cast on 54 Stitches

Row 1: Right Side,

K1, P1, K1, P1, K1, P1, K1, YO, K2Tog, K5, Slip 1, Knit 1, Slip Stitch Over, YO, K1 (17 stitches so far)

K20

K1, YO, K2Tog, K5, Slip 1, Knit 1, Slip Stitch Over, YO, K1, P1, K1, P1,K1, P1, K1 (17 stitches so far)

Row 2: Wrong Side, K1, P1, K1, P1, K1 P44 K1,P1,K1,P1,K1

Row 3: Right Side,

K1, P1, K1, P1, K1, P1, K1, YO, K2Tog, K5, Slip 1, Knit 1, Slip Stitch Over, YO, K1 (17 stitches so far)

K20

K1, YO, K2Tog, K5, Slip 1, Knit 1, Slip Stitch Over, YO, K1, P1, K1, P1,K1, P1, K1 (17 stitches so far)

Row 4: Wrong Side, K1, P1, K1, P1, K1 P44 K1,P1,K1,P1,K1

Row 5: Right Side,

K1, P1, K1, P1, K1, P1, K1, YO, K2Tog, K5, Slip 1, Knit 1, Slip Stitch Over, YO, K1 (17 stitches so far)

K20

K1, YO, K2Tog, K5, Slip 1, Knit 1, Slip Stitch Over, YO, K1, P1, K1, P1,K1, P1, K1

Row 6: Wrong Side, K1, P1, K1, P1, K1 P44 K1,P1,K1,P1,K1

Row 7: K1, P1, K1, P1,K1, P1, K1, YO, K3, Slip Stitch, K2Tog, Slip Stitch Over, K3, YO, K1

K20

K1, YO, K3, Slip Stitch, K2Tog, Slip Stitch Over, K3, YO, K1, P1, K1, P1, K1, P1, K1

Row 8: Wrong Side, K1, P1, K1, P1, K1 P44 K1,P1,K1,P1,K1

Row 9: K1, P1, K1, P1,K1, P1, K2, YO, K2, Slip Stitch, K2Tog, Slip Stitch Over, K2, YO, K2

K20

K2, YO, K2, Slip Stitch, K2Tog, Slip Stitch Over, K2, YO, K2, P1, K1, P1, K1, P1, K1

Row 10: Wrong Side, K1, P1, K1, P1, K1 P44 K1,P1,K1,P1,K1

Row 11: K1, P1, K1, P1,K1, P1, K3, YO, K1, Slip Stitch, K2Tog, Slip Stitch Over, K1, YO, K3

K20

K3, YO, K1, Slip Stitch, K2Tog, Slip Stitch Over, K1, YO, K3, P1, K1, P1, K1, P1, K1

Row 12: Wrong Side, K1, P1, K1, P1, K1 P44 K1,P1,K1,P1,K1

Row 13: K1, P1, K1, P1,K1, P1, K4, YO, Slip Stitch, K2Tog, Slip Stitch Over, YO, K4

K20

K4, YO, Slip Stitch, K2Tog, Slip Stitch Over, YO, K4, P1, K1, P1, K1, P1, K1

Row 13: Change to Color B, Wrong Side, K1, P1, K1, P1, K1 P44 K1,P1,K1,P1,K1

Repeat Row 1-13 alternating colors A and B until you have 4 stripes of each color.

Use another set of needles and pick up 54 stitches on cast on edge.

Then do a 3 needle bind off.

*added Wednesday December 6, 2011*
***My dearest cousin Tanya aka kniftyknittingmom created this chart for the arrow/lace/yarn over segment. Sorry I've taken so long to get it to you!

Also, if using the chart, the cowl looks more like this:
seed stitch (6 stitches), chart (11 stitches), 20 stitches of stockinnette, chart (11 stitches), seed stitch (6 stitches) ***

It Burns

2011-08-09T23:45:00.001-07:00

Some people get veggie boxes from local growers, I get a bucket, box, 2 bags and a jar from one of Luke's co workers parents garden!

I set straight to work with the really ripe guys freezing tomato/onion/pepper bags to drop into stews on Christmas break! While I did that Cami finished two blocks for her first quilt!

Half way through my cutting my fingers started to burn. At first I thought my hands might be dry and that it was the citric acid from the tomatoes. Then when I had washes my hands several times and the burning persisted it finally occurred to me that these bad boys might be jalapeños. I sent this picture to Chris R. to double check.

He confirmed that they were indeed jalapeños and sent a matching picture of the ones he is growing in his garden:

Twinzies! I took his advice from past experience and had Luke take out my contacts that night as my fingers were still burning. If thats not love (and trust) I don't know what is! It's definitely an exercise in communication! Next time I'll take Christa's advice and wear gloves.
I was so intimidated by the burn of jalapeño on my fingers that I only put 1/4 of one in our burgers that night. I wish I'd put in more. The zucchini was a hit though! Made my favorite way. Baked with butter, parmesan and thinly sliced onion!

Dessert? Palisade peach cobbler! Yum!

And some one in every color love:

An aisle at Hobby Lobby!
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

No Commentary Promised.

2011-08-06T21:02:00.001-07:00

Thursday Luke and I took a field trip to Denver. We started with a lunch at Hard Rock Cafe as we were on a mission for a shirt for Cindy.

Then we headed to the Denver Museum of Nature an Science. They had an exhibit called "Real Pirates."

Looks promising huh!

It was a cool exhibit! I'd describe it as sensual in that the whole exhibit had sights, sounds and things to touch that added to the whole effect! They even had a pirate who wandered te exhibit and talked to visitors! I love when history feels alive!

We played catch for a bit in the park outside the museum,

Then we headed towards home and made a stop in the Denver Areas new Ikea!

Luke recently acquired a 32" fancy new TV from his work for a VERY good price and we were in the market for a TV stand to house all our media technology. We found something!

And a 2 hot dog, cinnamon roll, chip combo for $2! Yumm!

We ate the cinnamon roll on te way home. When we got back we put on Pirates of the Caribbean and Luke put together our new furniture piece. No commentary from me. Promise. We decide that in the car on the way home and that was a good idea.

That's the old tv in the picture...it had been hanging out in our living room but the stand told it to get out. It's gone now.

And this is left! We covered up the fireplace we don't use. I like it!
I finished another block that I've added to the summer sampler quilt along. This one was hard! I'm really proud of this one!

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Colorado Quilt Tour

2011-08-05T08:40:00.001-07:00

Whew! The last two days have been like a jam packed (super fun) weekend!
On Wednesday I got together with my Mom's cousin Jill who put together kind of a "Quilters Field Trip" of the Denver area for us! First we went to Golden(just outside of Denver).

We went to the Golden Quilt Company quilt shop, and then headed over to the Rocky Mountain Quilt Museum!

We saw two quilt artists. Ann Elliot, who primarily did appliqué and had the tiniest hand quilting you ever did see,

and Kathie R. Kerler who did a lot of relief hand dying with her fabric as well as intricate embroidery that looked like beading!

After the museum we met my Grandpa Don's brother Val and his wife Betty at a wonderful restaurant for lunch.
Then we were off again, this time for the Colorado State Capitol

and the Capitol Quilt Show 2011, presented by the Colorado Quilting Council!

Let me tell you folks, this was cool!

There were quilts hanging EVERYwhere! After checking the program I can tell you that there were 400!!!

Some of my favorites had quite the one in every color going!

Scrappy Wedding Ring Star, Patty Boyd, Lakewood

Batik Stars and Vines, Lanie Tiffenbach, Highlands Ranch

Jewel Box, Doyne Ballard, Aurora

Jesse's Quilt, Freda Nickell, Denver
There were a couple dragon quilts that I especially enjoyed:

Janet's Dragon, Barbara Caves, Buffalo Creek

Settling Down for the Night, Ilene Oliver, Aurora

And I like the way that this quilt:

Had a pretty back as well!

Winter Garden, Janet Lyles, Centennial
This woman had a neat idea for remembering all her students!

One school house for each year she taught with a picture of her students in the window!
A Colorful Career, Kathy Emmel, Arvada
The quilts were beautiful and fun and clever! It was a great way to see a range of skill levels and styles! It was funny to see so many people walking around looking up! We confess to a couple neck cricks and I am guilty of using the wall.

What a great day! And to wrap it up, Jill had some cool, One in Every Color, quiltish tissue packs!

I think I had quilts on the brain!
Tomorrow I'll fill you in on my field trip with Luke!
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

One In Every Color- So Knotty (plus some)

2011-08-02T14:22:00.001-07:00

Cami and I hit up Costco and check out these beauties!

Naturally Knotty scarves in every color. So...naturally... I bought 5.
I re did this quilt block

To make it look like this:

I'm much happier with it.
I also did this one!

All my blocks are coming together and it has been very exciting! This has definitely been a skill building quilt along!

As promised here are ALL my Lipstick Skirts!

I looove them!
Also as promised, the winner of the pretty flower pin! (My sister is jealous as SHE missed the deadline!)

Commenters #3! That's you Jennifer L! (Or should I say Nikki?) I'll get your mail out to you asap!
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Monday Musings

2011-08-01T09:57:00.001-07:00

Muffin n. vessel for butter.

Allergies n. Itchy ears, sore throat, snoring husband

Air Conditioner n. 1. Marriage saver 2. Enables quilting 3. Goodness

Saturday night we had a get together for people who worked at the place I worked last summer. (Interestingly, only one of us still works there.) It was so much fun!

Sunday Cami came over and we figured out how to use the sewing machine she inherited from her Grandma.

And THEN she started her FIRST QUILT!!!

She's making a log cabin quilt with some variations. First variation: One of the fabrics in her stack, her "focus fabric" is too big/pretty of a print to make into small strips. So we're going to do block size (9 inch) squares of it And put it in randomly.
Variation 2: purple and yellow blocks AND purple and green. Were going pretty non traditional!

Lastly, I stayed up waaaay to late making this block last night.

It was not right, so I stayed up later to make this block:

Still not perfect, but better.
I've got three more to make today. Better get a move on! Also, ALL my lipstick skirts are DONE! I'll try and take a picture today.

Oh one more thing.*added at 1:49 PM* My husband just got up and emptied the dishwasher yesterday. It was sexy.
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Sewing a New Kind of Teaching Career

2011-07-30T13:53:00.001-07:00

Still in teaching. But really, I like to teach what I like! Sewing! Knitting! You know, fun stuff!
(not to put y'all in a dizzy, I'm still heading back to school between the 12th and 17th of August. Sad panda.)
Anyway my friend Cami sewed for the first time since 7th grade home ec yesterday!

She also practiced pinning, learned to rotary cut, and about 1/4 inch seams!

Look at her beautiful pillowcase!

Who's jealous?
Also I made Italian Sausage Stuffed Zucchini!

I hallowed out the squash, cooked some sausage, onion, carrot, an celery.

Chopped it up.

Added some Parmesan and stuffed the squash!
No pictures because we ate it all up before I remembered! It was delish! The only thing that would make it better is a dairy light way to make t stick all together. The sausage kept falling out! Any ideas?

Lastly, I finished another skirt!
I wore it to Pinkberry where I met up with some of my co workers from last summer!

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Skirting Around the Issue, and Giveaway 2

2011-07-28T11:08:00.001-07:00

My cousin Jacquie and Jenny over at Bobbins and Boys have been making some pretty fantastic clothes. I'll be honest. Clothes scare me. Sure I'm not afraid to try the latest in paper piecing but that's flat. Throw in a dart or a gather and now were talkin three dimensional! Eeeek! BUT they've inspired me. I CAN DO IT! Or at least I'll get poked to death by pins trying!
Well my mom was a clothes making guru. (Sort of comes with the territory of a Home Ec degree) She and I had purchased this grey tweedy fabric together and planned on making some cute "work skirts." As we now know, THAT didn't quite work out. Since I've had this summer to sew I finally dug out the fabric and the patterns and got to work.

I learned a few things along the way....like if one part is going to be bigger than the other let it be the lining because some extra gathers on the inside won't show the way they will on the outside.

I also learned that the invisible zipper foot is my true life BFF.

I learned that lesson a little late.
I also learned scraps can make some cah-yoooot accessories!

I put alligator clips on them so i can wear it in my hair OR if I want to wear it on clothes or a bag I can safety pin my shirt and use the clip to attach it!

I also made an attempt a a full circle skirt... But I made my inner circle cut too big (the middle of the donut) so now I have a full circle gathered skirt. I'm gonna get dizzy spinning in that one!

Yay for pins!
Much to the dismay of my sister and husband my Birkenstocks came yesterday! Yay!

After seeing them in two fashion magazines I disregarded all input from Val and Laura. As Luke says, at least they're better than crocs.
While the gathered full circle skirt began hanging last night to let the bias stretch I started this "Lipstick Skirt". This is my kind of clothes making! It reads like a quilt pattern, and you use your rotary cutter! AND it's FAST!

I had started it at about 6 and finished it by 9:30. Check it out folks. It's called The Lipstick Skirt and it's by Bananafana.
LASTLY
I've got another giveaway! I'm giving away one of my flower clips!

To enter, just leave a comment by 11pm on Monday, August 1st. You don't need to have a blogger account to enter,(check the box to comment anonymously and sign your name at the bottom) just make sure you check back to get me your mailing info if you did win!
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Mint Chocolate Cookie Ice Cream

2011-07-25T11:44:00.001-07:00

Ok this is the last ice cream recipe for now I think. This completes the trio as it's totally different from the other two. The mint is somehow lighter than the heavier coffee and peanut butter flavors.
The prep for this one is easy! 3/4 cup half and half, 2 toothpicks full of food coloring gel(green) a teaspoon and some of vanilla, and 2 teaspoons of peppermint extract. I don't like cleaning measuring spoons so I don't often use them. (ironic because I have a measuring spoon collection!) I may have had a heavier hand on the flavors so if it needs more , don't hesitate to add.
Put mixture in freezer to get extra cold. Whip half a container of whipping cream. Stop before you get stiff peaks. If it's too thick you get white whipping cream chunks in your ice cream. Weird.
Put the cream in freezer as well. And get your chocolate cookies ready!

Separate 8 oreos and scrape the filling out. If they're warm it should just peel off. After many a broken zip lock bag and crumbs everywhere I've decided I like this cup and Pyrex smashing method. Way cleaner!
Ok put the green mint mix in your ice cream maker. When it gets to half melted frosty add the whipped cream. While you wait, prep your cups. I went lighter on the chocolate and lined the bottom with cookie. Like a crust.

When the ice cream is nice and thick, scoop into cups and top with cookie! Freeze promptly!

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Peanut Butter Cup Ice Cream

2011-07-24T11:35:00.001-07:00

Don't get grossed out but this one was inspired by the need to use up some smooched melted Reece's Peanut butter cups I
Had forgotten in my purse after the Harry Potter midnight showing!
First take a talespoon of peanut butter a tablespoon and a half of butter and three spoon of cocoa powder and microwave for 30 seconds, stir, and repeat until all coco powder is dark.

Add 3/4 cup half and half, and a cup of sugar. (I know not what I have pictured but I added more.) Stir an microwave again. You could easily do this stove top but I'm trying to avoid any and all addition to heat in this tiny little apt. Basically you heat and stir to combine. I added a chunk of unsweeted baking chocolate in the process. Then I put it in the freezer stirring it every 15 min or so with the milkshake attachment on my hand mixer.

Between mixes I cut up two packs of Resses (previously Leo in freezer to make for quick and easy chopping.)

Then I whipped some heavy whipping cream. Half a container.
I put the cream and Reeses into the freezer to stay cold. Got the ice-cream maker set up and added chocolate peanut butter mixture. When it got to the consistency of a half melted frosty I added the whipped cream. While it was mixing I prepped my cups.

Starbucks style cup prep!

Scoop, sprinkle more Reeses on top, lid and quickly put in the freezer!

Then enjoy. Luke says this one is the best yet!

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Savory Saturday

2011-07-23T20:57:00.001-07:00

There have been several food centered incidents around our place this week. Remember these chips? Well, we've picked our favorite flavor...and we're not so keen on sharing. The result:

Personal bags with our names on them. Sigh. Maybe we'll have to review sharing.
Also, Kimberlee, a new blogging buddy did a nice feature on salads. I roasted a chicken last week and have since been inspired to prepare several chicken salads for dinner. Friday night we had this one:

Romaine lettuce, chicken, strawberries, raspberries, pistachios, dried cherries and craisins with Litehouse Rasberry Lime Vinaigrette dressing.

Tonight we had a chicken Caesar salad with this Litehouse dressing:

And this one is one of my favorites for dipping!

Sorry, I know this sounds like product placement, but I can't keep a good thing a secret! Luke got some coupons after doing a business study on the company in college and I've been loving their products since my first try! ANYWAY
I also made some peanut butter cup ice cream and I must say it is DE-lish! I "made" Luke try it to tell me if I was biased or not. (He was a little gun shy after the last ice cream, he doesn't like coffee.)

Are you sure?

Okay I'll try.

Heeeey, that's pretty good!

Recipe to come tomorrow!

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Paper Piecing

2011-07-22T14:08:00.001-07:00

I am in love with it! It's so precise and crisp! The block below was my first experience with it. Faith, at Fresh Lemons, did a great job teaching the concept!

This block below was today's block, by Freshly Pieced and it combined some lovely 60 degree angles which, thanks to two quilts I cursed at, don't scare me anymore as well as some more paper piecing! Yay! Bring on the paper piecing haha.

Here's what they all look like so far:

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

This Week Screams For

2011-07-22T13:58:00.001-07:00

Ice cream! (Of the home made variety.)

This yummy treat is inspired by my latest favorite Starbucks drink.
The night before combine:
3/4 cup of half and half, 2/3 cup sugar, 2 teaspoons vanilla, 1 dessert spoon coco powder, half packet Starbucks via decaf coffee.
The next day:
Mix up mixture very well using blender, mixer, whatever, and put in freezer to start getting very cold. Whip 1/2 a pint of heavy whipping cream. Also put in freezer. Get ice cream maker all set up and pour in flavored mix first. Once the consistency of halfway melted frosty, add "whipped" cream. While ice cream is "cooking" get out cups for serving and caramelize them Starbucks style.

Male sure to put a good healthy dob on the bottom to achieve "upside down ness."

When frosty thick, scoop out portions and put in freezer immediately. I added lids later. It's just that I've found home made ice-cream to get hard in the freezer if let get to melty. Hence the individual sized portions, the whipping of the cream, and the hasty freezing.

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

WIP Wednesday- Pot-whatchamacalit-Along

2011-07-20T14:44:00.000-07:00

Catching up on my Summer Sampler quilt along. Time for Red and blue! The red and black blocks in the middle are going to be wedding presents for a friend of mine. They're a bit tricky because Luke says a 6 inch pot holder is too small and I say 8 is too bog. So I went with 7...can you saw WIERD measurements? Anyway, from what I can tell by her registry they match her china and kitchen. Cross your fingers it's true or else that makes me one of "those" wedding present givers.

Any clues on how to put loops on a pot holder? (ps. My brain wrote pot sticker instead of pot holder. Maybe it's time for a lunch break.)

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

The Winner Is

2011-07-20T06:30:00.001-07:00

Send me your address so I can ship it to you!

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Daspletosaurus Makes Attempt at Thievery

2011-07-19T07:39:00.001-07:00

Meet the finished Dino quilt!

Inspired by and photographed with the dinosaurs of Woodland Park's

I didn't think to take some close ups of my big stitch hand quilting. Sigh. Generally speaking the back has been preferred by most and it was made with trimmings from the front and scraps. Too funny. Though I confess when I was had quilting and pushing through seams on front AND back there were times I regretted piecing the back.

One of the dinosaurs, a Daspletosaurus, liked the quilt so much he tried to keep it.

He thought his toothy grin would help convince me. He was wrong. I snatched it out of his claws/talons/hands and went back to hang out with the Styracosaurus.

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

White Hot or Simmering

2011-07-18T23:32:00.001-07:00

I have been scrapbooking like a mad woman. I've spent so much time with these pages I'm ready to chuck them over the side of our apartment balcony walkway. My cousin Tanya assures me that I'd regret it if I did. I think she might be right. Not only has my dear husband been putting up with the scariness of this mess:

(Look beyond the table and you'll see that it extends to the entire living room floor of our one bedroom apartment. Try not to judge too harshly. ) But my dear husband has been putting up with the roller-coaster that is my emotion. This week emotion has been making appearances as white hot rage. Ok, more like simmering anger. Anger that my mom is gone, anger that the fabric store lady was ignoring me, anger at having to leave Luke in a month, anger at emotionally stupid people. Unfortunately for Luke it sometimes sneaks out as anger at his driving, or tantrum at the car door that the wind blew shut and hit me on the head or anger at his calling my tantrum a tantrum. You know. This anger may very well be one of the stages of grief. It also may be one of the stages of PMS.
In between these interesting times I really have enjoyed reliving the summer of wedding and receptions via scrapbooking. We also went to a midnight showing of the final Harry Potter movie and joined a University of Idaho alumni group (including Luke's parents) in attending a Colorado Rockies game!

Also I ate a popsicle that matched the page I was working on at the time.

It's the little things folks!
Oh, but one BIG thing:

Our wedding scrapbook is done! Engagement, bachelorette party, shower, golf outing, rehearsal, setting up, bagels, ceremony, reception, honeymoon, our first "home" Idaho reception California reception. Whew. It's all in there, journaled and page protectors on! *disclaimer: I am still trying to round up a handful of photos but I'm not gonna let that keep me from declaring done*
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

One in Every Color: My First Giveaway

2011-07-14T09:21:00.001-07:00

At the 2009 Quilting in the Pines quilt retreat put on by Quilter's Paradise of Fresno I made this pincushion with some beautiful fabrics gifted to me by Cindy at Live a Colorful Life.

I had at one point planned to make more but life got busy, mom passed away, Luke and I got married, I went back to school and spent a lot of time sorting through post mom aftermath. When I finally got to it, I couldn't find the pattern!! Gah! I called Quilters Paradise to see if they by chance still had a copy of the pattern! Sure enough they did and sure enough the pattern and a dresden template were on their way to me!

My first one was for someone I had promised one to before the wedding.

My second was for a big Beetles fan for whom I had been hoarding the perfect fabric I had found in Grand Junction!

Then I got to thinking about one of our flower girls Abbey who recently received a sewing machine and lessons from her grandma. I was told of how she reminded her grandma, Luke's Aunt Becky, of me when she walked into the fabric store loving all the color. I thought to myself, she needs a pin cushion, and well she needs something that incorporates ALL the colors. The one on every color dresden pincushion was born.

Of course I couldn't just make one.

But what to do with it? I have one already and I have a fantastic selvedge one that has a special spot in my heart.

In our one bedroom apartment there is such thing as too many pincushions!

So. I've decided to do my first giveaway! I'm going to (gulp) give away this beautiful one in every color pin cushion.

To enter, leave a comment by Wednesday July 20 including your favorite item that comes in every color, why you would looove to have this pincushion, or anything else you want to comment. I'll put your name on a piece of paper and Luke will draw the winner. NOTE: YOU DON'T HAVE TO HAVE A BLOGGER ACCOUNT TO COMMENT you can comment anonymously just be sure to sign your name, and then check back next week to see if you've won! I'll put in an extra entry for you if you're an official follower of my blog. Best of luck!

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Work in Progress Wednesday

2011-07-13T11:10:00.001-07:00

Well I've forgotten how much I dislike sewing triangles. Regardless, my first Summer Sampler Series block seems to have come out okay. I finished it last night!

I finished the second block this morning!

I've also begun this project here:

If you can guess what it is...

I'll let you enter my first giveaway!

I've also made my first quilt labels! I put them on these quilts below and hopefully I can get them out this week!

That's all for now! Until next time!
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

My First Quilt Along

2011-07-12T12:01:00.001-07:00

I was blog browsing and came across this beauty! It's the first quilt along that has jumped out and grabbed me!

It looks a lot bit tricky. But I'm game! It's called the Summer Sampler Quilt Along. Hopefully mine looks as pretty as the digital version!
These are the fabrics I'm using:

I've joined the Flickr group as well! Wow folks....this must be "fer reals!" I better get going since it started today! I'm already one block behind!!!

Habanero Garlic it Up

2011-07-12T08:38:00.001-07:00

First of all when I went shopping the other day I was VERY reminded of the other two states I've lived in!

Also I did some experimenting with a cool food I picked up from Farmers Market. Pickled Habanero Garlic. Let me tell you, I could smell the garlic deliciousness outside the jar!! Anyway it was suggested to my by plant expert Jay N. that I amputate one of the limbs of my basil plant. So I took the leaves from that limb, 5 cloves of habanero garlic, some olive oil, a squeeze of lemon and a shake of parmesan (easily left out) and I ground them to a pulp in my cute red food processor.

Then I scooped most of it into this container. It's pretty potent stuff folks!

After that I started experimenting!
First with potatoes! I took some cute little red potatoes also from farmers market. I halved them, boiled the heck outa them and dropped them skins on into the food processor with all the leftover basil garlic sauce. Salted the lot and poured in some olive oil. Food processed the heck out of it and got the gosh gee golly best mashed potatoes ever! (Second to my sister's of course.)

Next day, yesterday, I experimented using the stuff with zucchini and meatloaf. I didn't take hardly any pictures because, well, I didn't know how it'd turn out.
Zucchini
Step 1: lightly olive oil pan
Step 2: chop up zucchini and other squash into smallish chunks.
Step 3:add tablespoon full of basil habanero sauce. Mix with hands until squash are coated with olive oil and sauce has spread.
Step 4: add pieces of butter on top. (I haven't met a dish yet that can't be made better with butter!) and sprinkle with Parmesan. Ok, coat tip with parnsan. Bake at 375 until golden on top.

Sooooo good!
Ok lastly, meatloaf. Not your "Uncle Steves" meatloaf as he would ask "where's the meat."
1.) In bowl add minced zucchini, big handful chopped spinach, one baby carrot chopped finely, half a small onion chopped finely and 2/3 cup fine bread crumbs. Add about a pound of ground beef and mix thoroughly with hands.
2.) Add one egg and healthy pour of milk already whisked together and mix with hands until it looks like precooked meatloaf.
3.) Put into loaf pan and smack(that's the sound it makes haha) it into shape. Bake at 375 with squash. When it's starting to look like it's getting done drain/suction out fat, and bake 'til brown on top. (My serve safe self would have given you an internal temperature. Sorry she's not here right now, I left her in the kitchen and I'm blogging from bed.)

Sooo good folks! It was like a summer rendition of a winter classic! It was not a humble night as I exclaimed how good it was to Luke several times and he heartily agreed.

For dessert? These treats Luke brought home from his busy work week.

My favorite was the chocolate one second in from the right. It had a delicious creamy mousse on the top that melted in my mouth!
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Just Like on TV! In Real Life

2011-07-10T16:03:00.001-07:00

What a week! The 2011 Women's Open has been in full force! Luke comes home, sleeps and goes to work! Many of you have been wondering what Luke does. It changes from day to day. He has a cool walkie talkie with a cool ear piece. He does a lot of behind the scenes stuff, getting tv sets set up, coordinating staff, answering questions. Since the Open has started we've gotten big rain every afternoon much to the dismay of all involved as it has delayed play in a major way! It has also expanded Luke's job to include valet(pulling players car's around when play is canceled) weatherman (he watches the radar like a hawk) and crowd control since everyone is seeking shelter from the rain!
Thursday I went with my friend Cami. My favorite quote from the day after hearing people clap: "Wow, it's just like on TV!" The biggest realization for me: the golf crowd is the quietest crowd I've ever witnessed! How do I transfer this experience to 5th grade?!
John and Neola, Luke's parents came into town Friday and we went to the open. Most time I've spent at a sporting event right there! It was fun!

You have to display your badge when at the open. Neola got a cool lanyard for her ticket. (Johns was on his belt loop I think). We also weren't allowed to take cameras or phones! Lucky for us, Luke's primo badge allowed him to use a phone so we got pictures!

It was quite the warm sunny day. Every where you looked people were stealing shade!

Even though it meant rain we were okay with the cloud cover because it meant done relief from the heat!
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Leave the Light On

2011-07-08T23:41:00.001-07:00

Pause the golf, pause the biking and check out this bomb-diggity pillowcase my Aunt Maggie made me!

I have been not so subtly eyeballing, admiring, and threatening to steal this fabric from her stash.

You'd think I'd have enough resemblance to it in my life already.
Shower curtain:

Towels:

Clothes:

Even dishes!

But no. This splendid pillow case (special love present from my Auntie) makes my heart happy! Thanks Aunt Maggie!

Ps. Do you think it will bother Luke if I sleep with the light on so I can look at it?
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Open Tour de Big Stitch

2011-07-06T20:43:00.001-07:00

Today work began on big stitch quilting the Dino quilt.

It's amazing how much more adept I am at this now, compared to back when I did Luke's diamond quilt and the traffic quilt. Quality is the same but speed and comfort with what I'm doing is MUCH greater!
Luke crashed at 9 tonight. He got done by 6:30 pm today on account of rain! Okay today, not tomorrow as the actual tournamenting begins...no more practice ladies! He's been enjoying Tour de France when he gets home from work. I like to listen and think how good it would be to use recordings to teach the importance of measurement, geography, and word usage. My favorite fragment from tonight: "his huge thighs pumping like pistons." Ooook. Tomorrow night I'm making a list.
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Such is the Life of a Golf Pro's Wife

2011-07-05T08:41:00.000-07:00

The madness has begun. I thought I hardly saw Luke before, but yesterday I dropped him off for work at 5:50 AM (Parking is a MESS!) and picked him up at 10:30 PM! I'm not even taking the time to do the math. Poor guy, he just dropped off to sleep as soon as he got home! (Don't worry, I got all my words in edgewise during the drive. I also learned on the ride home that nothing was on TV because yesterday was practice/warm-up/something. I learned that holidays are the best day's to do laundry. In addition to all those things I think I've concluded that sitting on my front porch sipping a "Root Beer Float" watching all the city's fireworks from afar is better than trying to deal with crowds, parking, and crying children I don't know. (I don't so much mind the crying children I do know, for the record.) Also, I'm really glad I'm not working this summer. 1.) I'd never have seen Luke and 2.) Our apartment would be horrendous, and we'd have mountains of laundry, a smelly sink full of dishes, and too many unpaid bills (lack of organization).

Stats on a Great Week

2011-07-04T06:32:00.000-07:00

Oh my goodness! I had such the best week scrapbooking with Neola! We both got so much done, I got to meet some of her Grand Junction friends, and we had lots of laughs! When Luke FINALLY got home yesterday I'm pretty sure I did quite a bit of rambling. (Of course the one day we remember to take pictures is the day I throw my hair in a pony and wear a t-shirt and jeans!)

Fun facts from the weekend:
10 hours driving
2 things forgotten pre adventures-paper cutter, sports mania cricut cartridge
4 tape runners were used up
1 Disneyland album was all layed out
2 packs of paper were depleted
5 sets of letters were cricut-ed

4 days of steady "scrapping"
3 pages involving sports

5 trips to pick up pictures
3 sessions with a CM consultant(dealer)

5 visitors who will be sorting pictures with us next time
1 dairy free pizza
1 conversation about toothpaste, more about toilet paper

The sun setting on a great trip!

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

The Shirt Off His Back...

2011-06-30T23:14:00.001-07:00

has become the quilt on his brothers lap.
I can now share this project with the world because Jay has received his birthday/graduation/everything quilt. It's from me AND Luke in that I put in a labor of love and Luke contributed his love second to me which is clothes. Some of his button up shirts to be exact. Jay, Neola and I went to the park area down the street to take these great pictures!

Such a fantastic quilt model. Since I had made him take the one on the playground with me looking into the sun, I told him he could take the others however he wanted.

He wasn't sure how else to pose since he thought the one above represented him so well.

See the mountains/red rock in the background? He calls the next one his Linus pose.

One of my favorite parts of this quilt is that I was able to include some pockets and tags from the shirts on the back!

The really best part: He uses it!

I'm glad I waited to post about it til I took pictures with Jay. These two sillies helped me with my first shoot.

And they stepped into the sun for the picture of the back.

Like I said, sillies.

I didn't notice the shadows until later, so then we tried wonder wall and rulers. I dunno, it just doesn't make me swoon, but you can see details better.

I stippled this baby all on my ownsome! (back in Fresno, free motion, pre long arm class)

ConGRADulations Jay! We love you very much!

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Frappu-Scrappu-Drive

2011-06-28T06:08:00.001-07:00

Last night my new favorite drink from Starbucks

and I drove a car very full of scrapbooking supplies to Grand Junction where Neola (my mother in law) and I will be scrapbooking to our hearts content until Friday-ish. There's an open invitation to anyone who wants to join because we will be here haha.
Should you wish to try this new favorite drink, here is how Val suggested it to me(she can come up with a drink for anything a person is thinking of but can't name):
Get a cafe vanilla Crapy chino with caramel sauce (upside-down and on top!)
*I had to work very hard to say frappuccino when I actually ordered it.

When I order it, just to be very clear with the baristas I make sure they know that upside down means LOTS of caramel on the bottom of the cup AND on the top. Also to make sure they really get the caramel bit I say it about a hundred times. Worlds most annoying Starbucks customer? I think so! Holla! Caramel is important.
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

One in Every Color-Golf Shirts

2011-06-25T08:42:00.000-07:00

The golf course Luke is currently working at is hosting the Women's Open this year. Which of course means all the pros need a new shirt for each day!

The colors really are quite striking. Actually most golf clothes are vibrant and pretty which is why next year I plan on making an Easter egg to resemble each one of Luke's work shirts past and present next year.
In case you plan on watching the open and keeping your eye out for Luke, here are the days he will be wearing each shirt:
Monday, July 4

Tuesday, July 5

Wednesday, July 6

Thursday, July 7

Friday, July 8

Saturday, July 9

Sunday, July 10

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Plarn Bags- Going Bag on my Word

2011-06-24T14:09:00.001-07:00

I really can't decide what kind of tutorial to give you for making a bag. Each bag I've made has come out different! Here's the bag I made with the plarn product featured in the plarn making post. That whole bag was made with the bags that filled a cupboard in one of Luke's college apartments.

What I like about this bag is the dense basket-like structure, that it's size reminds me I'm only buying veggies and fruit for two, an that it can double as a lunch bag or even a knitting bag because it's so dense.

I started this bag last night. Instead of quartering the bag when I cut loops I cut it into 6ths(this made the Plarn more fine), and this time I tried knitting. I modified a pattern I found on Ravelry to make it smaller. *Remember* Plarn stretches. Your bag will grow more than you think.

I used about two of my packets of bags until I had a ball this big:

Funny, I still had this much left.

Really I just kind of make things up as I go. If anyone out there begins to try this adventure an wants me to kind of write up a formula for the bag they want just comment or send a message! You should probably stay tuned because there's a high chance I'm going to be swimming in bags soon and needing to do a give away or two. Yes, it will require commenting. Don't worry though, commenting doesn't require an account.

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Plastic Bag Bag-Plarn

2011-06-23T12:55:00.000-07:00

That may seem like a redundant title but this post is all about bags made out of plastic bags. They had sort of slipped my mind because I hadn't used them in a while, but when I took one to the Farmers Market last Saturday I knew I needed to get the rest of them out! They're so light and structured it makes carying them easy and not at all like a burden. When I was looking for a batting I had tucked away for my dino quilt I found a batting, my bag bags, AND my box full of folded bags. Time for my first tutorial!!!

Here are ~~all~~ some of the bags I've been saving for this project. They take up less space when folded and I like having them grouped by type so I can use the same kind in one bag or make a design.

My neat box of folded bags is a far cry from what I found at Luke's apartment back when I took the pictures for the plastic yarn (plarn) making tutorial.

Step one is to fold the bag the long way (hotdog style) as pictured in the picture below on the left.
Then, as pictured on the right, cut off the bottom and the handles and quarter what's left.

The quartered pieces when opened up are loops. Connect the loops as pictured below. I don't know the name of the technique the best way I can relate it to you is how you connect rubber bands.

Keep connecting them to make a longer and longer chain. (See below.)

Then start winding it up into a ball.

To make a bag you'll need a ball approximately the size of a volleyball.

If you're wanting a bag like this I totally encourage you to make one! I know that many of you take your own bags to the store and don't have plastic bags laying around. If you would like me to send you a bundle of bags to get you started or would even like me to send you a ball of PLARN (plastic yarn) I would be happy to do so for the price of shipping. If you are wanting a bag that you don't make get a hold of me and we can work something out! Making a bag tutorial to come tomorrow!
***Added Later in the Day***

Starting at the top and working left to right in rows
Row 1: Target, Target, Target, King Super, King Super
Row 2: Walmart, Walmart, Misc. Blue, Albertsons, JoAnns and random green, Grey and Silver
Row 3: Bed Bath and Beyond, WinCo, WinCo, Misc. "skeins" and stack, Tans
Row 4: Black White and Red, Vons and Safeway, Savemart, Savemart, Savemart, Savemart
Row 5: Savemart, Savemart, Savemart

Not A Featherweight Post

2011-06-22T18:59:00.001-07:00

Yesterday Luke took me clothes shopping for my birthday. Clothing shopping is not my favorite, but I picked out some solid color t's he picked out some pieces of interest and we were good to go! Plus we finished off with Caramel Milk Chocolate apples from Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory.

Will go shopping for treats.

We made it back in time to go to one of the churches in our area only to find that there was no one there for there evening service. Sigh. Chrch hunting is no fun. Why can't they have a church dating service? You know where they match you up with churches that are a good fit?! Looking for church, multiple services to accommodate golf job, not mega church, sports playing mens groups, quilting group, similar beliefs preferred.

Today was the last session o machine quilting. Exciting but sad! I was just starting to get the hang of it! Now I get to go in for some practice sessions and I'm pretty excited!

In my dream house I have a room next to my sewing room just for this machine.

Last day of class picture with my teacher Rita Arnson!

I took one of the featherweights I inherited from my mom to Stitch-wits at the library Monday night. It was fun to let people try the machine and see how fun they are. It was interesting for people to try to understand how I came to be the owner of two and how I came to know about them. I always reference my mom and it's so tricky when I, and other people, reference her in present tense. Sometimes I forget she's gone or don't want to be the kill joy in trying to let them know shes past tense. She's no longer alive.
Along that note I came across some cards I received and papers from just after she died. I confess I still can't go through them, or even respond to them. They're very meaningful. I keep them because they're special and I'd like to get back to the people who wrote them but it brings up some raw hurry feelings that I don't really want right now. Not sure what to do with that. But it's there.

Yesterday for breakfast these hash-brown cakes were my little foo triumph.

This is what I used along with one egg.

I tried to do a drive by of one of many billboards and ads for the Women's Open around town. 11 days until it starts! Luke says the grandstands are all up and the East Course is officially closed so that it can be at it's best!

I went to downtown Colorado Springs to check out the yarn graffiti there. It was pretty cool!

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Chop chop.

2011-06-18T22:11:00.001-07:00

Out of need to do something for my birthday I decided to get my hair cut. I'd been thinking about it for a while...
Before:

During:

After:

Dinner:

Waffles by Luke. He doesn't believe they belong in dinner time, and he doesn't believe I make them right soooo waffles by Luke for dinner is a special treat!
Today at the farmers market I got some rockin' onions.

I grilled em up and used em to make Pioneer Woman's Marlboro Man Sandwich.

Delicious. Yum. Soooo good. I may have left mine on the grill a bit too long a it was a bit dry. I poured a little Italian salad dressing with the vinegar to oil ratio switched an wooooh-ie that did the trick.

Topped off with some pilaf, corn and a piece of basil for color.
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Father's Quilt

2011-06-18T06:07:00.001-07:00

When I was a wee small unit of unborn cells my Dad made me this baby quilt. (Ok maybe there was a little assistance from my mom.)

It brings back memories of dragging it along on car trips, portable snuggling and it always gracing my bed. The flannel back was so soft and the light green color meant that when I was under it and light shone through I could see the colors of my quilt.

The bunny scenes are familiar friends and the carrot got traced more times than I can count.

I loved to take my special quilt to show and tell and brag that my daddy made it for me. To me it let people know that creating special gifts out of love is not limited to mommies, anyone can do it.
That was a gift my parents made sure to give me. They taught me that if I want to, I can. It might take work to get there, but if there's a will, there's a way.

I remember sitting on our family's navy blue and white polka dot couch a number of times for patching sessions where mom used leftover scraps of fabric to patch my special quilt.

That suspicious looking ink stain was from one of many reading/writing adventures.

This quilt was made for me with my fathers love. I loved that quilt to shreds, literally, and it will live strong in my memory!

Happy Fathers Day Dad!

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

24

2011-06-17T13:21:00.001-07:00

Today's my birthday. I'm turning 24. It's more or less anti-climatic, BUT here's a list of my 24 favorite foods in no particular order:

1. Cream, half and half
2. Cheese, the sharper/stinkier the better. Gouda, Brie, Fetta, Extra sharp and white cheddar
3. Shrimp
4. Ice Cream
5. Pistachios
6. Fruit by the Foot
7. Pickles (Vlasic Kosher Dill)
8. Peaches, ripe, juicy, with a loose stone pit so I can eat it all!
9. Fresh trout, cooked over a wood fire with seasoning, butter, and lemon (Mom's way)
10. Strawberries (the little sweet red ones you buy from a stand in Fresno)
11. Stew, vegetable beef cooked in the crockpot (roast falls into this category too.)
12. Aunt Maggie Oranges
13. Sammich, made by Val
14. Matti's Mac n Cheese
15. Rootbeer anything
16. Bruchetta with extra garlic and kalamatta olives
17. Warm, fresh, focaccia ala Macroni Grill or Camp Keola Kitchen
18. Garlic
19. Beef Stroganoff (moms recipe)
20. Smoked Salmon
21. Lemon cake/pound cake (especially the frosting)
22. Caramel (candies,sauce)
My dad used to keep the milk caramel squares in his office candy dish. I knew those were the best from an early age.)
23. Boulder chips (BBQ, Parmesan Garlic so far)
24. Plain Hershey's Chocolate Bar (rooted in my camp(ing) filled childhood I think.)

Mmmm I think I'm going to eat something now.
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

It's Good to Have a Lot

2011-06-16T08:30:00.001-07:00

I just watched a show about hoarders and shopaholics whose homes turn into uninhabitable places as a result of a need to buy and keep stuff. Nothing like that to inspire me to go finish a project and get rid of some stuff!
It also makes me glad that Val and I have made sure to do our sorting in phases and revisit boxes we've gone through. We've been able to realistically assess what's special and sentimental and whats excessive.

I have found one thing I'm definitely holding onto and keeping on hand:

These chips are sooooo good! I had tried them at our Costco but I didn't want their variety box. When I found them at my grocery store I picked out my flavors of choice. Luke was watching a movie when I got home and asked why I bought so many chips. I popped a BBQ flavor chip into his mouth and his eyes got all big and he didn't ask any more about it. Maybe I shouldn't have let him try one... Now I have to share.

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Just Out of Reach

2011-06-14T07:56:00.001-07:00

Yesterday I started a long arm machine quilting class!!! It was so exciting!

Unfortunately my mad skill hasn't arrived yet and seems to be just out of reach. All my curly swirly designs ended up looking more like angular Aztec symbols.
Sigh. I think I'll be picking up some bed sheets from the Salvation Army and quilting a couple of those before I let myself near one of my quilts!
Yesterday was also knitting group at the library! How fun to see our handiwork upon arrival!

Deborah finished this beautiful fun afghan that I think is a sibling or cousin to the Dino quilt...

Dontcha think?

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Grown Up Links

2011-06-13T07:40:00.001-07:00

I'm working on my first grown up quilt since my French Kiss Leuke quilt. Grown up in that it has multiple points to match and more pieces than usual! It's a gift but I'm banking on the recipient duo not being a reader! Blogging is part of my process, I couldn't withhold it any longer!
Here it is in squares:

Assembled:

It's a wee bit too small. Many recomended a skinny red and brown border. It was important that the border be scrappy too as I didn't have any large pieces of colors.
Then I remembered I had inherited this:

So I started working on this:

Now I have to decide if I want the finished border to look like this:

Or this:

Thoughts?
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Yarn Bombing

2011-06-12T09:38:00.001-07:00

Yesterday was National Knit in Public/National Yarn Bombing Day! We (The Stitch Wits and library teen group) met at the library to assemble our yarn graffiti! These two were already working when I arrived!

Here we are seaming my piece to the others!

It's on! Here's our wonderful librarian coordinator! She's one of the coolest, warmest, caringest people you'll ever meet! After being gone all school year she made me so welcome it was like I'd never left!

Here's our whole group of yarnies!

Did I mention the teens helped assemble and pom pom?

Remember how Mark, my brother in law, and I spent the day watching Bones an making yarn graffiti? Here is his piece decorated with some flowers and leaves! Can you spot it?!

How about a closer look?

This friend from Stitchwits is a flower expert! I gave her Marks brown piece and she jazzed it up!

What a fun afternoon!! I was so giddy the whole time!
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

5 in 1

2011-06-11T09:52:00.001-07:00

*You are about to be attacked with what should have been five separate posts that have been squished into one. Try not to be overwhelmed.*

I worked on the dinosaur quilt all day Wednesday. Cami came over and talked with me while I sewed! She also brought cupcakes from the Colorado Springs cupcake truck. If you've never seen it, it's like a myth. They post on Facebook where there going to be and you travel around town looking for them. Cami tracks them and that morning they were by her house!
Lemon Zing and sewing machine! Yum!

Here's what I decided to do with this guy:

I picked up these mixmaster prints to go with the "Oh Boy!" dinos. I thiiiiink I've just started a selvedge collection! I've always loved playing with Cindy's and immensely enjoyed her fantastic creations... I also think my goal is a spiderweb selvedge quilt!

This is a bad photo of what the back looks like. When the quilt is all together I want to take it up to the dinosaur museum and take a picture with the giant dinosaurs out front holding the quilt!

This is all the fabric I had left thanks to using up scraps on the back!!

I think they'd go quite nicely in another one in every color quilt!
I've been enjoying this beauty VERY much! It picks up everything! Out apt complex is redoing the parking lot so there has been a LOT of dust. Every time I vacuum I feel like blogging or status-ing just how much I enjoy my vacuum! (and how much I enjoy my husband for letting me get that one!!)

Thursday Luke and I had a golf outing to see the lupins! They were one of the easiest flowers I learned to identify when backpacking with mom and one of moms favorite books for us as kids was Miss Rumphius aka "the lupin lady." Anyway I asked Luke to keep an eye out on the Lupins on the course so I could go enjoy them when they bloom so "we went golfing."

I'm really golfing hard can't you tell?
Sidenote:
I've decided I'd really like to mow a lawn on a riding lawn mower. I asked Luke if he thought I could do it and he asked if I could make straight lines. I said yah it's probably like machine quilting...

I asked Luke if I could mow the lawn at the course and he reminded me how early the grounds crews have to get up. I said "That's why I just want to do it for a week!"

You can see downtown Colorado Springs from this tee box!

Aaaaaand Lupins!

There not even in full bloom yet!

Sigh. I just love them.
They're most recognizable by their leaves!

They're getting ready for the Women's Open!! That platform is for the merchandise tent!

That night we had some of the people who were closing up shop at Luke's work over for burritos! Dawn (golfers girlfriend and kindred spirit) knowing my enjoyment of root beer from all that I told her at Territory Days recommended a "Root Beer Float" made with root beer and whipped cream vodka. Soooo good!

I've decided I've gotta get Cami sewing so on Friday I told he she was going to learn how to make a pillow case. We went to a quilt shop that has a quite nice collection and picked out her fabric. After we had pulled out of the parking lot and on our way for lunch I saw the cupcake truck!!!! I'd never seen it before and could hardly believe my eyes and exclaimed very loudly "oh my gosh there's the cupcake truck!!!" to which Cami exclaimed "turn around we have to get one!!!" I turned around the quickest and most legal way possible and we got our cupcakes.

It was so hysterical I was laughing about it all the way to lunch.
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Guest Blog: Sweet Tooth

2011-06-09T15:33:00.000-07:00

This story begins with our friend Laura whose brother is graduating from dental school next week. In preparation for celebrating his accomplishments, Laura wanted to bake themed cookies—teeth cookies to be precise.

So we set out on a mission today to find a tooth-shaped cookie cutter. Shouldn’t be too hard right? WRONG!

First we marched to Sur La Table to scour their expansive collection of cutters. Twenty minutes and two dollars later, we had Texas Longhorn and Texas state shaped cutters but no tooth. Disappointed but not discouraged, we headed to Michael’s. On the way, Val called JoAnn’s with no luck and even called GW School Supplies thinking that people throw “Teeth Parties” for kids who lose their first tooth. If you can imagine, GW did not have a tooth cookie cutter. Shocker.

After Michael’s failed us as well, we took more extreme measures. We headed to Lowe’s in search of a thin strip of metal for Matt to shape into our own molar. A few of Val’s tools, some patience and a little muscle later, this is what Matt created.

Not bad right?! Who knows, if Matt’s hospital administration career doesn’t work out, he might have a career in cookie cutter creation.

Once it was done, Laura had to come over for a practice run. Mind you she didn’t even bring a rolling pin and Val had already packed hers away, so we used a peanut butter jar. It was a creative day all the way around.

After a successful dry run and a full night of rest, Laura woke up early the next morning to start baking the real deal.

Even Laura's Dad, DDS, got involved. He made some, well, artistic additions to his cookies resembling actual dental problems Laura’s brother may face in the near future. The one below is an abysess. Let’s hope eating these delicious cookies doesn’t cause one of those!

And so our sweet tooth adventure comes to an end. If anyone is looking for a tooth cookie cutter, just let us know!

--Laura, Matt and Val

Dinamo Dilema

2011-06-06T15:50:00.001-07:00

Last summer I kind if got on a dinosaur kick. Went to a dinosaur museum, made dinosaur hats and bought the most cutest dinosaur fabric!! Thing was... I didn't have a pattern in mind so I got some small amounts to do something with. I found this tutorial for rectangular zig zags and thinking they could be teeth or prehistoric grasses the pattern fit the bill. Thing was, once I'd used my fabric it still looked a little narrow. Sigh. So I made a strip of dinos from a big focus fabric (print too big for zigs or zags) I didn't buy enough for a whole border. Now that it's on, in not sure I'm digging it. I could use the big print on the back. Without the strip it's crib size. Is that too small?

All you non commenters out there, please please tell me what you think should be done with this from the perspective of kid, parent, quilter, opinionated spectator.

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Floriculture Fandom

2011-06-04T13:25:00.001-07:00

Yesterday was a proud day! My brother in law Jay won gold and first at the Colorado State FFA Conference in Floriculture!

John, Neola, Jay, Mark, Me!
Now, not only is Jay's floriculture team going to Nationals, but he has the chance to as well!!!
Jay started FFA here:

and finished FFA here:

YouTube Video

Here is a video clip of Jay giving his interview post his award acceptance.
Congratulations Jay!

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Bones and Graffiti

2011-06-02T11:20:00.001-07:00

My brother in law Mark got into town Tuesday! Wooo! We spent the day vegging! We had bacon and cheese biscuits with egg...

...knit (me) and crocheted (Mark) some yarn graffiti...

and watched bones all day!
Then when Luke got home he and Mark went hiking and out to dinner! Fun day!
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone