Vacation Art Projects

Did you ever do special art projects during your school holidays? Well, I did this year since I had Katie to help. I've been working on painting a wholecloth quilt, but it's slow going. So here she is helping me move through this wallhanging while watching the Complete Works of William Shakespeare Abridged. Maybe, Maybe Not!

Merry Christmas

What a wonderful Christmas we had together! Everyone was applauding like each gift unwrapping was a great accomplishment. Howard even pulled out his Sunny-D to celebrate with class. We hadn't put any presents under the tree until T-2 days. We served the usual dishes: orange rolls, berry delight, and green bean casserole. I think there was a turkey, too.

Marnie turns 11

For Marnie's birthday party, we had a few girls come over and play. Usually her party has mixed results as the 19th of December is pretty crazy. But this time was had a good group of girls and they had fun playing in the chocolate fondue!

Last day of Seminary before Christmas

Katie flew in on a Thursday night flight and was excited to go to seminary with us in the morning. She'd also scheduled herself as a chaperone on a history class trip to SAM (Seattle Art Museum). Without a car, she did amazingly well getting around to see all her friends.

Christmas Shopping

Tis the season to go to Wal-Mart and spend a little money on the shooting games. I think one deer died of embarrassment at the silliness of this match-up. Frazier and Howard get in the mood and will buy Daisy Red Ryder BB Guns before the year is up.

Howard's Eagle Project

Thanks to all our fabulous friends who braved a cold, blustery day to help Howard complete his eagle project. They resurfaced the tables at the Camano Island State Park until they couldn't feel their fingers anymore.

Thanksgiving in Salt Lake

All of us (except Calvin) went to the Willards in Salt Lake for Thanksgiving. We picked up Katie in Provo and had a belly-stuffing time for 4 days. I'm still thirsting for that Winder Dairy eggnog. Unfortunately, many of us got sick and suffered on the way home. 

Howard's Busy Schedule

Since Howard Calvin has to work during the play, he isn't getting many hours of sleep in. Everytime he sits down to do something, he falls asleep. Don't forget to see "Laughing Stock" at the High School this month.

Halloween

Everyone worked hard on their own costumes this year, so I didn't do much. Marnie just needed a little hair and makeup.

A Tribute to Cecil

Cecil has left us and gone to doggy heaven. We hope he is happy there chasing bunnies and squirrels or just taking naps in the grass. He was a great dog! 2000-2009

Jackson's New Cast

Jackson chose a great Seahawks green for his latest cast. It covers two pins designed to help the growth plate repair itself in the right direction. We're trying to figure out a Halloween costume that would take advantage of the injury.

Fall Spiders

It evoked screams of horror. Children went running and calling. I came with the camera and this is the picture we took. We should have added something to the picture for purposes of scale. Perhaps a quarter would have helped. Nevertheless, it was enormous, carrying around its babies on its back. Yikes!

Jackson Broke His Arm Again

 Well, Jack was running cross country when he tripped (or was tripped) and he broke his arm again. It looks like the same break as last year.

That doesn't look right. 

We'll wait for a week for the swelling to go down.

Ready for a cast?

Action green, please.

After a month, we'll take it off.

Senior Pics

Calvin had to turn in his Senior Portrait this week, so we ran outside and took some digital pics out in the yard. He donned his flannel jacket and jumped on the log pile.

What to name them?

This is temporarily "Chimichanga," but I'm going with a name from kitties past,

"Smidgen McSmudge."

New Kitties

Oliver hides with Mom's protection.

More Kitty Pics

Marnie had a friend over this weekend and they played with the kitties in a big way. Oh, they are so cute! No! Scratchy!

The Ballerina in the Family

With a name like Kluztma, I couldn't really pretend that I would sometime in the future become a ballerina. But Marnie has no such stigma and so we proceeded to enroll her in ballet classes on the Island. Her instructor is very beautiful and speaks in pretty tones to all of the mini dancers.

RockBand Invades

Howard and the kids saved up in their RockBand jar to finally buy the game. So far, their rhythm is pretty good. I would prefer them to use the REAL Fender by the couch. But it's better than shooting things.

Brand New Kitties

Yesterday Chuckles delivered four new kittens: two black and two orange. Too cute for words.

What Is On The Machine?

The last few quilts have been unusual in a One-of-A-Kind way. The red was done in clamshells, and the color study was meant for feathers.

Jackson Cross Country Meet

Jack's first Cross Country Meet was last week and he did a great job. Although it was fall, it was still in the 80s and refused to cool off.

Another Purse

I said I wouldn't make another one of these clothesline purses, but I was given a bag of scraps! Don't do that! It turned out more vase-like than the last one. It currently resides at the quilt shop.

Marnie's Class Presentation

Marnie had fun explaining who she is to her class. You can tell from the pictures that she wants to be a teacher when she grows up. She admires her teachers and loves learning.

Marnie Paints with Mom

There is no fun like Sunprinting Fabric! Marnie was doing her own piece with me while the summer lingers on. We used Setacolor paints with leaves, marbles, and flowers. I liked hers better than my own. But kids have a heavier hand with paints, which works well in this case.

Dyeing Class

CIQ had the opportunity to host Susan Purney Mark in a dyeing class in 

September. We had all day to play in color, and made some amazing fabric.

Katie's New Purse

After seeing Katie's well-loved purse in tatters, I decided to make her a Birdie Sling from Amy Butler's array of purse patterns. Here is Marnie showing it off before I ship it away. School starts on Monday down at BYU, so she has to have it soon!

Back to Philmont

 We are excited to be back in New Mexico at Philmont again. During the day, I get to play with women on a High Cope course. Have you ever climbed telephone poles and stood on the top? Walked across a wire 30' high? It's so fun.

Calvin and Frazier in their group.

Always Bring Water.

Ah, the Land of Enchantment.

Western BBQ Night, including dancing.

Marnie hung out with the granddaughter of the Philmont General Manager. She was just hanging out for fun.

Riding horses is one of the best parts of Philmont.

Katie made it to the top of the telephone pole and jumped off!

That's Katie way out there on Lover's Leap.

It's time to go home and rest.