Thyme to Quilt

Coin Purses

2011-10-08T09:53:00.000-06:00

I had some friends with birthdays this month so made little purses they can use as makeup bags, camera bags, or whatever.

I like to add beaded zipper pulls.

I think I need to make one for myself out of this red and white fabric.

Store Window displays

2011-09-03T21:48:00.001-06:00

One of my favorite shops here in Ketchem has the most amazing window displays. Here they are at night. Charming!

Breakfast and Antiques.

2011-09-02T15:45:00.005-06:00

We love to eat breakfast at The Kneadery.

This is there Country Fritatta. Loaded with spinach, mushrooms, tomatoes, bacon, hashbrowns, eggs and cheese. I end up ordering it every time. Yummo!

Photos from the Antique show.

This is a vintage half apron.

Cute sign.

Loving this display of Pyrex.

Nice to know that I am vintage!! We received a set of these Pyrex bowls for a wedding gift and I still have them in a box in the storage. The small one was going for $12.00.

Love this basket!

And these lawn chairs make me happy! My mom has some of the blue and pink ones.

Vintage mini Singer sewing machine. It was going for $70.

Vintage Quilts and Antique Show

2011-09-02T15:22:00.001-06:00

Saw this at the antique show in Hailey Idaho.

Purchased this one from a lady at the antique show. It was her mother's and she made it from feed sack. It was made in the 1930's and was hand sewn!

Also purchased this one. Hand sewn too and made mostly from feed sacks in the 1930's.

Close up of the back.

Bought these from a different vendor. There were 13 of them. Two were the pink and turquoise fabric.

Close up of the blocks I bought.

Cute children's chairs.

Love the ironing board.

I am grateful for the modern comforts that we enjoy!

Sun Valley Vacation

2011-09-02T15:00:00.004-06:00

Did some single track biking up Adam's Gulch. Took us up the mountain for some fabulous views.

Beautiful scenery along the way.

They really know how to do bike paths.

Some of Adam's Gulch.

English Paper Piecing

2011-08-01T21:04:00.000-06:00

I've found a new craft. I'm learning how to English Paper Piece. It's so much fun. You use paper patterns. I went on line and found a site that you can copy the patterns for free. Let me know if you want it.

Cut the fabric 1/4 inch larger than pattern.

Tack fabric around the edge, sewing through the paper pattern.

You need six to make the star, and six for the boarder.

Sew diamonds together to make a star. Then you sew a boarder around the star to make a hexagon. Another blog said you need to make 240 blocks to complete the quilt.

I have this cute clutch a friend gave me that I am using for my supplies. This is such a fun take along craft. Also I love that you don't have to think when sewing.

More Vacation

2011-06-20T23:06:00.002-06:00

We grow these Ficus trees indoors back home. Can't believe how big they get in the right enviroment.

Entrance to our condo.

We went to a date farm.

These dates will be ready in November.

As they begin to ripen they will place a bag over the clumps to keep the birds away.

Had fun taste testing and we even tried a date shake, made with blended dates and soft serve ice cream. Very good.

Palm Desert doesn't look very desert.

2011-06-20T22:52:00.000-06:00

The flowers are gorgeous!

The lake at the resort.

One of three pools.

One of the big turtles in the lake.

Vacation in Palm Desert CA

2011-06-19T17:54:00.000-06:00

Saw these windmills on the way to Palm Desert. It looked awesome.

This is our condo. We are having a fun time in this HOT PLACE!

Very comfy bed.

Today is Father's Day. Happy Father's Day to all of the wonderful fathers. Mine is truly a blessing in my life. He sets such a great example of charity and love for all people. We attended the Palm Desert Ward and this is the goody they gave to the fathers.

Cute presentation!

Yummy home made cinnamon rolls. Kent was nice enough to share.

I'll post more later.

For the Love of Herbs

2011-05-15T10:46:00.000-06:00

Herbs, Herbs, Herb. I just love herbs. Our relief society invited a master gardener to come and tell us a little bit about herbs. It was great and we even were able to purchase.

Quite a variety to choose from!

Yummy Lemon Thyme cookies. Yes they really were delish!

Home grown honey!

I purchased a few herbs. Sorrell is a wonderful herb that has taste of green apples. Just add to your green salad for a whole new taste.

This will go in a rock garden.

I love rosemary. My favorite recipe is to put a pork roast in the crockpot. Drizzle with olive oil. Sprinkle with kosher salt, fresh ground pepper, lemon pepper, and top with sprigs of rosemary and lemon thyme. Cook for around 6-8 hours. Meat in so tender and flavored well.

I plant lemon verbena just because I love the scent. I pick off a leaf and rub it between my fingers and sniff away. Yummy!

Love the scent of lemon thyme.

Our cute teacher!

A Random Life

2011-05-06T07:55:00.000-06:00

Vintage quilts at Cove Fort UT.

Me and the grandson

New bike for my darling grand-daughter

Devil's Gate WY.

Wyoming; we experienced wind, snow, blizzard and sun all within a few hours.

On the road in Wyoming.

Martin's Cove WY.

My grandson and his favorite toy...Thomas the Train.

Cinco de Mayo Cookoff Party

2011-05-06T07:19:00.000-06:00

We had a fun party with Kent's family. Everyone brought the fixings to make Mexican Pizzas. Every pizza was different and very tasty. Fun times!

Yummy chicken tortilla soup.

New Laptop and iPod case

2011-04-06T19:14:00.001-06:00

I made a case for my iPod. Love this fabric! Saw this awesome orange bead and had to make a zipper pull with it.

I also needed a case for my laptop. The outside fabric is from the French General line. The cases you can buy are so generic, so I decided to make my own. I added double padding and made a well padded bottom to protect the laptop . It's roomy enough to bring along a note pad or book.

There is a pocket for the power cord and ear phones.

Also made a beaded zipper pull.

Buttermilk Pie

2011-03-28T19:14:00.000-06:00

I've been craving a piece of buttermilk pie like Magleby's serves. I found a recipe and finally experienced Nirvana.

Cards

2011-03-28T19:07:00.001-06:00

A friend and I made 'Spring" cards the other day. Needed a little sunshine in our lives.

This is a spinach, BBQ chicken pizza that we enjoyed on the craft day.
Sauted onions, garlic and peppers were added to the joy.

Calzone and Lemon Meringue Pie

2010-12-04T21:06:00.000-07:00

Made a Calzone for dinner the other night. Just used Pillsbury pizza dough to hurry the process. Layered pizza sauce, pepperoni, cheese and veggies.

Here are the lemon meringue pies I made for Thanksgiving dinner. Sorry I didn't take a photo of it when I cut it. I used the Wilton decorator I found at Ross to make the great design.

Found this somewhere on the Internet.

~Lemon Meringue Pie~

Filling:
2 cups water
1 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup cornstarch
5 egg yolks, beaten
1/4 cup butter
3/4 cup fresh lemon juice
1 tbsp lemon zest
1 tsp vanilla extract

Bring the water to a boil in a large, heavy saucepan. Remove from the heat and let rest 5 minutes. Whisk the sugar and cornstarch together. Add the mixture gradually to the hot water, whisking until completely incorporated. Return to the heat and cook over medium heat, whisking constantly until the mixture comes to a boil. The mixture will be very thick. Add about 1 cup of the hot mixture to the beaten egg yolks, whisking until smooth. Whisking vigorously, add the warmed yolks to the pot and continue cooking, stirring constantly, until mixture comes to a boil. Remove from the heat and stir in butter until incorporated. Add the lemon juice, zest and vanilla, stirring until combined. Pour into the prepared crust. Cover with plastic wrap to prevent a skin from forming on the surface, and cool to room temperature.

Meringue:
5 egg whites, room temperature
1/2 tsp cream of tartar
1/4 tsp salt
1/2 tsp vanilla extract
3/4 cup granulated sugar

Preheat the oven to 375ºF Using an electric mixer beat the egg whites with the cream of tartar, salt and vanilla extract until soft peaks form. Add the sugar gradually, beating until it forms stiff, glossy peaks. Pile onto the cooled pie, bringing the meringue all the way over to the edge of the crust to seal it completely. Bake for 15 to 20 minutes, or until golden.

Sugar Cookie Bars

2010-12-04T20:47:00.000-07:00

These are yummy!

Sugar Cookie Bars

1 cup butter at room temp.
2 cups sugar
4 eggs
2 tsp vanilla
5 cups flour
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp soda

Cream butter and sugar until fluffy. Add eggs, one at a time, mixing after each egg. Add vanilla & mix well. In a separate bowl combine flour, salt & soda & stir with a whisk to combine. Add to wet mixture and mix just until combined. Spread on a greased baking sheet (use a 13 x 18 pan). Bake at 350 degrees for 10-15 min, until light golden tan or until a toothpick comes out clean. Don't over bake. Cool completely and frost.

Frosting
1 cup butter, softened
1 tsp. vanilla or almond flavor
pinch of salt
4 cups powdered sugar
5 Tbl. milk or heavy cream
Food coloring, if desired
Sprinkles

Combine butter, vanilla, and salt in mixer bowl. Using whisk attachment beat until creamy and combined. Add about one cup powdered sugar, then mix to combine. Add milk or heavy cream (start with 3 Tablespoons; you can add more later) and beat to incorporate. With mixer running at low speed, slowly add remaining powdered sugar. Add more liquid at this point, if needed. Once sugar has been added and mixed in, beat frosting on medium-high speed for 1-2 minutes or until light and fluffy. Blend in food coloring, if desired. Frost cookies, then top with sprinkles before cutting and serving.

September/October...Wait...where did they go??!

2010-11-03T11:21:00.013-06:00

Oh how quickly time slips by! A lot has happened. A luncheon craft day with friends. Here is the treat table. Notice how we are trying to be healthy. And the craft, we painted 2"x12" boards then applied a cute vinyl pumpkin that our friend created. Sooo cute! Look how cute the one with the bright orange pumpkin is!

I came home and added a little dark stain to mine.

A few weeks earlier we made a fall display. We first painted the wood different fall colors, then applied the vinyl letters. We painted the wood right over the letters. Let it dry and peeled off the vinyl. This is what happened. For the leaf, I put down a vinyl leaf 'stencil' and painted the opening green.

Halloween! Our darling 4 year old granddaughter and 4 month old grandson.

Our so cute 2 year old grandson.

The cute little bunch!

In October we took my parents and went to Missouri and Nauvoo for a vacation. Saw a lot of sky.

Looking toward the Nauvoo temple.

Course I took pictures of the vintage quilts! Love the rug also.

A peek of the Mississippi river at sunset.

My aunt and uncle are serving a church mission there. A pic of them and the parents.

Some lovely things we saw...

Saw LOTS of Canadian geese.

Love this corner kitchen.

Beautiful sampler!

Lovely tiny log cabin quilt. I think the center sqare was 1/2".

So...September and October happened with a wonderful trip, surgery on my knee, (torn meniscus), crafts, trees changing their colors and of course, friends 'n' family fun. I so love the fall. My very favorite time of the year!

What is your favorite season?

Baby Gifts

2010-09-20T07:36:00.004-06:00

I went to a baby shower last week and made burp cloths, a diaper/wipes holder,and a self binding blanket. First time making the self binding blankets. A little hard with the silky dot fabric. Practice makes perfect so I definitely need to make some more.

Mediterranean Salad

2010-09-20T07:15:00.004-06:00

I love this salad! Fresh garden tomatoes, sprinkled with Kosher salt, layered with fresh mozzarella cheese and basil. Drizzle balsamic vinegar and olive oil. YUM!

Friends

2010-09-14T08:40:00.007-06:00

A few of my friends and I get together to make 'things'. We've made cards, books, flowers, quilts, food, jewelry, and yesterday made coin purses.

These are two I made. The frame is glued on instead of sewing the metal frame on. A little tricky trying to keep the glue where it belongs.

I must like dots.

Some of the flowers we made. One of our lunches. We evolved into bringing treats and now have a lunch.

Yummy lime slush.

Homemade pizza. Whole wheat crust. So good.

Do you have this problem when trying to take a pic with you in it? You know, reaching the camera out in front of you. I don't know how people do that successfully!

Aww a little better. I conveniently almost cut myself off...up in the top right corner.

More homemade pizza.

This is cream cheese with homemade pepper jelly poured on top. Served with rice crackers. Yum!

Oregon

2010-08-25T08:01:00.008-06:00

Went on a vacation with some friends to Oregon. What a wonderful time we had! This is Haystack rock Yummmm, Tillamook ice cream...no I didn't finish it but I was pretty close. Blackberry Pie, Caramel Pecan crunch, Strawberry Cheesecake. Dumped it for cheese tasting!

My handsome man.

Beautiful flowers.

Foggy...

Trees to the sky.

Inside a lighthouse. Notice the quilt in the mirror.

Lovely vintage quilt.

Look at that applique!

Beach flower :o)

Beautiful walk to Munford falls.

Awwww Pendleton Wool!

Me and my sweety.

Lavender field.

More BIG Redwoods.

Such a great vacation! Love the Oregon Coast and recommend it as a wonderful vacation spot!

New coin purse

2010-07-30T11:53:00.004-06:00

Coin purses I made. My ipod will fit perfectly in this one.

Trek 2010

2010-07-24T12:00:00.000-06:00

New Wool Purse

2010-01-29T06:44:00.001-07:00

I'm having too much fun making these purses. I can't stop.

New quilts

2010-01-14T10:13:00.002-07:00

First quilts of 2010. Do you think I could make one a month? I needed to make a mini quilt from 'Little Quilts' for a class at the store. I chose bow ties and made two so I could have one at home. On the second one I flipped a couple of the blocks and changed the whole look! Did you notice I used the exact fabric in each one?

A cute quilt I machine quilted for a customer.

New Stove!!!

2010-01-14T10:11:00.001-07:00

It finally arrived today! Can't wait for my hubby to get this hooked up.

On the Twelfth day of Christmas...

2009-12-24T18:37:00.005-07:00

This is the last day of 12 very memorable days for us. We have thoroughly enjoyed the wonderful addition to this special time of the year; the celebration of the birth of our Savior. With each day a note came telling what each day means. We have learned that this Christmas song has a message that we were not aware of. We have been puzzled as to who has give us this wonderful gift. As we opened the 12 'drums' they each reviled gifts; socks, a tie for my husband, earrings, popcorn, Stephens mulled cider mix, chocolates, toffee, and the second to the last one we opened was a card tied with a ribbon. As we untied the card 'Mom and Dad' was written on the envelope. I have to admit we started to cry like babies! It just so happens that our own son and his beautiful wife have been driving 30 minutes, one way, to bring the '12 Days of Christmas' to us! We are ever grateful to them and their unselfish gift of time and talent. You kids are the best! These are handmade and hand decorated 'drums'.

This will be a year to be remembered. May you all enjoy a memorable and lovely Christmas and a very Happy New Year!

Eleven Pipers Piping...

2009-12-23T23:07:00.003-07:00

What yummy gourmet cupcakes! They look too beautiful to eat!

Ten Lords a Leaping...

2009-12-23T23:01:00.001-07:00

On the Seventh day of Christmas (sorry this is out of order)

2009-12-21T21:55:00.004-07:00

These lovely cream puff swans are 'swimming' in a sea of chocolate! So yummy!

On the Ninth day of Christmas...

2009-12-21T21:43:00.003-07:00

We are still in awe at the time and energy our secret friend has gone to. Every day we are filled with joy when we hear a knock or the doorbell ring. And there on our porch we find the most lovely gifts! They are well thought out and we do realize that they were not thrown together at the last minute. Thank you who ever you are for making this year very special to us!

On the Eighth day of Christmas...

2009-12-21T21:39:00.003-07:00

What a treat, chocolate milk and eggnog!

On the Sixth day of Christmas...

2009-12-21T21:30:00.003-07:00

These beautiful eggs are hand blown and glittered and placed in a wire basket!

On the Fifth day of Christmas

2009-12-21T21:20:00.001-07:00

On the fourth day of Christmas...

2009-12-21T21:14:00.002-07:00

Purses

2009-12-16T07:51:00.005-07:00

I am making these cute little guys to teach at a sewing retreat in February. I saw the frames and patterns while back east this year and have had a lot of fun with them.

This is my first and favorite! It's only 3 and a half inches wide.

12 days of Christmas

2009-12-15T21:33:00.004-07:00

Some secret friend is surprising us each night! As you can see they have really put some thought into this special gift. Bless them! We are very touched and could just cry to think someone likes us this much.

On the first day of Christmas my true love gave to me, a 'Partridge in a Pear Tree'. We sampled some pears before I thought to take a pic so they are not laying as cute as they were originally.

On the second day of Christmas my true love gave to me, 'Two Turtle Doves'.

On the third day of Christmas my true love gave to me, 'Three French Hens'.

Another Completed Quilt

2009-11-01T18:22:00.005-07:00

Here is a quilt I finished binding last night. I love yellow and red. I noticed it matches my butter colored chair quite well.

I cut the squares 7.5x7.5, layed them out and sewed it together. It went together quickly. I decided to opt out on a border and I'm glad I did.

I had a piece of the beautiful floral left over and could't resist adding it to the back.

Glorious Autumn

2009-11-01T17:52:00.003-07:00

These are a few pictures of the beautiful colors of autumn. I love this time of year!

Bike ride up Provo canyon

2009-10-19T06:57:00.003-06:00

We took a bike ride up Provo canyon on Saturday. The leaves were still colorful. The temp was perfect and I got to spend quality time with my honey!

Kent and I went to the A.F. freeway bridge placement. Pretty awesome. We left before it was in place cause it was getting late...12:30 A.M. and they were having trouble with the wheels getting bogged down in the shoulder of the freeway. It was fun to see.

Cape Cod, Nantucket and Martha's Vineyard...WOW!

2009-09-15T21:35:00.005-06:00

Caught the lighthouse with the light shining.

Martha's Vineyard.

Can you believe it! They make you pay to use the bathroom...Yes I gave up the two quarters.

Me and my better half.

Antique quilts at a shop on Nantucket. They would have been mad if they knew I was taking pictures in their store.

I think I will put a basket on my bike. Most every bike on Martha's Vineyard had these baskets.

Love these baskets! Think I'll buy some.

No, I guess I won't, Wanted to take a pic of a set that was $14,000.00, but the owner of the store was too close for comfort.

North Bridge in Concord.

Walden Pond.

Randomness

2009-08-20T06:45:00.006-06:00

Just a few quilts I have had the pleasure to meet.

Finished quilt in one day!

2009-07-29T19:25:00.002-06:00

I started this yesterday afternoon and finished binding it this morning. Fun, easy quilt.

Carmel Nut Bars and Vintage look quilt

2009-07-16T07:53:00.003-06:00

I made these for a relief society party last night.

This is a quilt I made. It reminds me of those little vintage hankies. Might be cute on my kitchen table...if I had one!

Random Quilts

2009-07-16T07:38:00.001-06:00

Stake YW Camp

2009-07-16T07:23:00.003-06:00

Fun overnight hikes.

Good food!

Visiting moose! Games!

Great Leaders!

It's fun being a gramma!

2009-07-16T07:10:00.001-06:00

I had fun tending the grandchildren the other day. They play so cute together.

Quilted

2009-06-06T18:38:00.001-06:00

This is a little quilt I made for a table topper.

Finally got this quilted.

The back.

The Wedding

2009-06-06T18:24:00.004-06:00

I had to add this photo. I got a kick out of the photographers.

What a beautiful day we had. I didn't get pictures at the reception but it was amazing!

Bull's Eye quilt

2009-04-21T07:02:00.003-06:00

Love this pattern. I am making this for my son Clint and his fiancee Gina. She loves the bright modern look. I'll add more pics as I go along. Here's the cute couple! They are to be married May 28.

Snow in April!

2009-04-16T06:11:00.001-06:00

Look what dumped on us this morning! Crazy! This is a view from my office window into the backyard.

These pics are from the front porch.

Blueberrry Muffin Breakfast

2009-04-15T07:24:00.003-06:00

Here are the yummy blueberry muffins that some friends and I had for a brunch. They look like they came from a food magazine.

The Recipe..

Preheat oven to 400 degrees.
In a bowl, whisk 2 eggs, 1 cup milk and 1/4 cup oil.
In another bowl whisk 2 cups flour, 1/3 cup sugar, 1 T. baking powder, 1 t. salt.
Dump the dry ingredients into the wet and stir very little...just enough to barely mix together. There should be some of the flour still in the bowl.
Place in a greased muffin tin.
Place frozen blueberries on top of the muffins and just push them into the muffins with your fingers.
Throw into the oven for around 17 minutes.
Enjoy with real butter and a tall glass of cold milk.

Some of the lovely birthday gifts from friends!

2009-04-15T07:17:00.005-06:00

Something wonderful for the garden.

There were three of these macaroon cookies. Wonder where the third one went to? Why are you looking at me! I didn't do it! Well, maybe I did. Oh all right! Might I say that it was really, really good!

Bunny Wallhanging

2009-04-15T07:12:00.003-06:00

I've had this bunny ready to quilt for a couple of years! Finally quilted and finished it.

Making Easter Cookies

2009-04-10T08:30:00.005-06:00

I had a fun day making Easter cookies with a few of my friends. The following posts show some of the fun. We really painted on the cookies using paste food coloring and paint brushes!

Workin' on the cookies

2009-04-10T08:23:00.003-06:00

Some of the final product

2009-04-10T08:17:00.001-06:00

Happy Fabric

2009-04-10T08:09:00.002-06:00

This fabric is filled with happy colors. Couldn't resist taking a pic.

Bunny, Chick and Tulips

2009-03-27T18:45:00.002-06:00

Just some Spring things that make me happy. Spring is definitely my favorite time of the year and I am so ready for it to come my way. We are still getting snow.

Carrots and Eggs

2009-03-27T10:48:00.002-06:00

Sounds like a strange lunch, but I made these cute table toppers. Just need to finish binding...but I couldn't wait to post.

Waiting for Avia

2009-03-27T10:09:00.005-06:00

I love sheep! I have a small collection and allow my grand-daughter to play with them. She is very gentle and enjoys rearranging them. The first pic shows the 'Lamies" waiting for her to arrive. A day or so after she visited, this is what I found. She is just the epitome of cuteness!

I made 25 of these little journals for the young women in our stake who are graduating from high school. I included a pen with each gift. I glued a thought about writing down important things on the inside of the journal.

“Memory, according to the experts, often conditions our moods. Those who remember only the disappointing experiences of life tend to become bitter and cynical. Those who recall only their enemies and the forces lined up against them may lose their courage. Those who recall only past injuries may continue to battle with the world. But those who recall the positive and encouraging times, remain bright and optimistic. Do we not read that records kept by the ancients enlarged the memory of the people? Of course, it is true. Records do preserve language, safeguard truth, and inspire future readers, if they are kept properly. What a pity it would be if your children and grandchildren were denied that part of you that really should be recorded. Make certain that you are passing on to your posterity, along with other graces of life, your innermost thoughts, your deep feelings, and your sincere testimonies. You owe the rising generation this blessing and more. I testify of the importance of memory. It does mold our moods. It is associated with testimony. It should include models of righteousness. Of a certainty, it is the product of thoughts. And, in the end, it is you.” Carlos E. Asay

More Vintage finds

2009-03-18T19:46:00.004-06:00

Vintage platter and the cutest chickens I have seen in a long time. Think I will make a pattern from the original and make more!

Vintage finds

2009-03-18T19:26:00.002-06:00

My mother is priceless! I was helping unpack item into my parents new addition and we came upon these lovelies. The table cloth was hand appliqued by my great-aunt Nellie.

Journal

2009-03-18T19:24:00.000-06:00

Look at this cute journal my friend gave me. I love the Anne Frank quote!

Just around the corner

2009-02-26T08:03:00.001-07:00

When I see the bulbs start to break thru the ground I know that Spring is just around the corner. Yay!

Spring

2009-02-25T21:22:00.003-07:00

I'm so in the mood for Spring! I appliqued this quilt on the way to Sacramento two years ago. The chicks I saw in a Goose Berry Patch book and decided they would be cute appliqued.

New Bookshelves

2009-02-22T14:33:00.004-07:00

This is a pic of the new bookshelf we are installing in the library. Kent and I worked on it Saturday and will finish on Monday. Bottom pic I took on Ikea showroom floor. The top pic is the partly finished product in our library.

Gramma Fun!

2009-02-22T14:20:00.002-07:00

Is he not the cutest thing you ever did see? We were so blessed to tend our grandson from Monday evening to Friday morning. Yes he is this happy most all of the time. Doesn't he look like the Gerber Baby? He was most happy if Papa was holding him.

Be Mine

2009-02-12T15:55:00.003-07:00

My friend and I made these cute Valentine decorations. She cut the letters with a Cricut then we embellished them.

All right! My new Create and Decorate mag. came.

2009-02-07T17:15:00.002-07:00

This recipe looks yummy. The carrots, chick and birdies told me that they wanted me to make them! I don't want to hurt their feelings, so I guess I will.

Handmade Books

2009-02-07T16:42:00.002-07:00

Here are a couple of books that I made.

Valentine Wallhanging

2009-02-07T16:39:00.000-07:00

Hummmmm...Rethinking dieting!

2009-02-04T20:29:00.003-07:00

Q: Doctor, I've heard that cardiovascular exercise can prolong life; is this true? A: Your heart is only good for so many beats, and that's it... don't waste them on exercise. Everything wears out eventually. Speeding up your heart will not make you live longer; that's like saying you can extend the life of your car by driving it faster. Want to live longer? Take a nap. Q: Should I cut down on meat and eat more fruits and vegetables? A: You must grasp logistical efficiencies. What does a cow eat? Hay and corn. And what are these? Vegetables. So a steak is nothing more than an efficient mechanism of delivering vegetables to your system. Need grain? Eat chicken. Beef is also a good source of field grass (green leafy vegetable). And a pork chop can give you 100% of your recommended daily allowance of vegetable products. Q: How can I calculate my body/fat ratio? A: Well, if you have a body and you have fat, your ratio is one to one. If you have two bodies, your ratio is two to one, etc. Q: What are some of the advantages of participating in a regular exercise program? A: Can't think of a single one, sorry. My philosophy is: No Pain...Good! Q: Aren't fried foods bad for you? A: YOU'RE NOT LISTENING!!! .... Foods are fried these days in vegetable oil. In fact, they're permeated in it. How could getting more vegetables be bad for you? Q: Will sit-ups help prevent me from getting a little soft around the middle? A: Definitely not! When you exercise a muscle, it gets bigger. You should only be doing sit-ups if you want a bigger stomach. Q: Is chocolate bad for me? A: Are you crazy? HELLO Cocoa beans! Another vegetable!!! It's the best feel good food around! Q: Is swimming good for your figure? A: If swimming is good for your figure, explain whales to me. Q: Is getting in-shape important for my lifestyle? A: Hey! 'Round' is a shape! Well, I hope this has cleared up any misconceptions you may have had about food and diets. AND.....For those of you who watch what you eat, here's the final word on nutrition and health. It's a relief to know the truth after all those conflicting nutritional studies. 1. The Japanese eat very little fat and suffer fewer heart attacks than Americans. 2. The Mexicans eat a lot of fat and suffer fewer heart attacks than Americans. 3. The Chinese drink very little red wine and suffer fewer heart attacks than Americans.4. The Italians drink a lot of red wine and suffer fewer heart attacks than Americans. 5. The Germans drink a lot of beers and eat lots of sausages and fats and suffer fewer heart attacks than Americans. CONCLUSION; Eat and drink what you like. Speaking English is apparently what kills you.

The Completed Quilt

2009-02-02T20:24:00.002-07:00

Harper's Ferry is finished! Record time for me in completing a larger quilt from start to finish. Started three weeks ago, finished today.

Quilt top is ready for quilting.

2009-02-01T20:05:00.003-07:00

Harper's Ferry is now ready to be machine quilted. I debated whether to add another border. Still might when I go to the fabric shop.

Unexpected Beauty!

2009-02-01T19:27:00.003-07:00

I went to pick up Kent from the bus stop last week and as I turned onto 1030 west, I came upon the most unusual and beautiful sunset. I first saw Timp to the East. I pulled out my trusty camera, (which by the way I now carry everywhere I go), and took two pics. I then thought what does the west of the valley look like. I drove west and low and behold, this is what I saw. Amazing! It looks like a spotlight coming from behind the West mountains. Sky's are one of my favorite things. Now you know why.

2009-02-01T19:01:00.003-07:00

How cool is this? I was helping Wayne and Cathy with their move this past week and we couldn't resist pics with an old truck Wayne was parting out. I'm so glad we took the pictures cause the truck is now gone. Look at the cool steering wheel!

Vintage

2009-01-23T22:05:00.003-07:00

I love this look. It reminds me of my grandma. Puts me in the mood to redo something, being that all I see outside is grey and white and dirty.

Another Bag

2009-01-23T21:57:00.003-07:00

Here is a different version of the green bag. I quilted it with leaves and berries. This shows the bag before it is assembled.

New Projects

2009-01-23T21:31:00.005-07:00

Here is a purse that I made. I sewed the strips together, quilted, then assembled it.

I have been working on a new quilt called "Harper's Ferry". Here I am laying it out and trying to not have like fabrics too close together. I don't usually do "blue, but this one I like. I'll post a pic of the finished quilt later.

Fun trip to Arizona

2009-01-07T20:17:00.003-07:00

We went to AZ to visit Paul and Jill and had a blast! They have a cute home in Queen Creek.

Kent was able to help with some minor repairs. We shopped, visited, eat, relaxed and generally enjoyed time away from the norm.

Jill cooked some yummy food...she is an excellent cook! and we enjoyed a New Years Eve celebration, at 10:00 PM cause we were leaving for home at 5:00 AM New Years Day.

Above are a few pics from our trip.

Happy New Year!

2009-01-07T19:48:00.002-07:00

I love the new year and new beginnings. It energizes me and gets me back on track. I plan and set goals for cleaning, purging and redecorating. Some of the projects get done right away and others get put aside for a while, but for the most part it happens. I just wish I could keep the energy going all of the time...sounds like another goal. Here are some things that could make a difference in 2009: Avoid collagen, Bloom late, Celebrate, Dance at weddings, Eat more chocolate, Fall in love again, Go gray, Hold hands, Inspire, Jettison grudges, Kiss like you mean it, Laugh, Mend fences, Nurture friendships, Open doors, Perspire with aplomb, Quit whining, Rekindle romance, Spoil babies, Teach someone to read, Upset convention, Volunteer, Wear red, eXpect joy, Yield gracefully, Zing!

Something Fun

2008-12-17T21:52:00.004-07:00

I got this from Cathy's blog...I thought it could be very interesting! Copy and paste this into your blog and bold the things you've done. 1. Started your own blog 2. Slept under the stars 3. Played in a band 4. Visited Hawaii 5. Watched a meteor shower 6. Given more than you can afford to charity 7. Been to Disneyland 8. Climbed a mountain 9. Held a praying mantis 10. Sang a solo 11. Bungee jumped 12. Visited Paris 13. Watched a lightning storm at sea 14.Taught yourself an art from scratch 15. Adopted a child 16. Had food poisoning 17. Walked to the top of the Statue of Liberty 18. Grown your own vegetables 19. Seen the Mona Lisa in France 20. Slept on an overnight train 21. Had a pillow fight 22. Hitch hiked 23. Taken a sick day when you’re not ill 24. Built a snow fort 25. Fed a lamb 26. Gone skinny dipping 27. Run a 1/2 Marathon 28. Ridden in a gondola in Venice 29. Seen a total eclipse 30. Watched a sunrise or sunset 31. Hit a home run. 32. Been on a cruise 33. Seen Niagara Falls in person 34. Visited the birthplace of your ancestors 35. Seen an Amish community 36. Taught yourself a new language 37. Had enough money to be truly satisfied 38. Seen the Leaning Tower of Pisa in person 39. Gone rock climbing 40. Seen Michelangelo’s David 41. Sung karaoke 42. Seen Old Faithful geyser erupt 43. Bought a stranger a meal at a restaurant 44. Visited Africa 45. Walked on a beach by moonlight 46. Been transported in an ambulance 47. Had your portrait painted 48. Gone deep sea fishing 49. Seen the Sistine Chapel in person 50. Been to the top of the Eiffel Tower in Paris 51. Gone scuba diving or snorkeling 52. Kissed in the rain 53. Played in the mud 54. Gone to a drive-in theater 55. Been in a movie 56. Visited the Great Wall of China 57. Started a business 58. Taken a martial arts class 59. Visited Russia 60. Served at a soup kitchen 61. Sold Girl Scout Cookies 62. Gone whale watching 63. Got flowers for no reason 64. Donated blood, platelets or plasma 65. Gone sky diving 66. Visited a Nazi Concentration Camp 67. Bounced a check 68. Flown in a helicopter 69. Saved a favorite childhood toy 70. Visited the Lincoln Memorial 71. Eaten Caviar 72. Pieced a quilt 73. Stood in Times Square 74. Toured the Everglades 75. Been fired from a job 76. Seen the Changing of the Guards in London 77. Broken a bone. 78.Been on a speeding motorcycle 79. Seen the Grand Canyon in person 80. Published a book 81. Visited the Vatican 82. Bought a brand new car 83. Walked in Jerusalem 84. Had your picture in the newspaper 85. Read the entire Bible 86. Visited the White House 87. Killed and prepared an animal for eating 88. Had chickenpox 89. Saved someone’s life 90. Sat on a jury 91. Met someone famous 92. Joined a book club 93. Lost a loved one 94. Had a baby 95. Seen the Alamo in person 96. Swam in the Great Salt Lake 97. Been involved in a law suit 98. Owned a cell phone 99. Been stung by a bee 100.Made amends with someone who offended you 101. Flew in a small Cessna plane with just you and the pilot 102. Ran out of gas 103. Eaten fried okra 104. Swam in the Caribbean Sea 105. Peed in a swimming pool, (does Lake Powell count?) 106. Stayed in a beach house 107. Hosted an exchange student 108. Been a Secret Santa to a family in need 109. Worked on a political campaign 110. Coached a sports team 111. Baked bread from scratch 112. Driven from coast to coast 113. Paid off all of your debt (more than once) 114. Roast marshmallows over a campfire 115. Cut up a credit card 116. Drove a car through a flood 117. Been on t.v 118. Had braces 119. Been to the top of the twin towers in NY. 120. Have played in both the Atlantic & Pacific Oceans 121. Been to ground zero 122. Bite my fingernails 123. Likes to scrapbook 124. Hates pie 125. Visited Mexico 126. Seen a Tornado in person. 127. Ate snails and squid. 128. Walked through the Redwoods. Now add a new one at the bottom!

2008-12-13T18:50:00.002-07:00

How cute are these precious grandchildren! I promise there is nothing more fun than being a "Gramma".

Microwave Caramel

2008-12-13T18:33:00.004-07:00

Yummy Caramel recipe that you have to try! Microwave Caramel 1/2 cup corn syrup, 1/2 cup butter, 1/2 cup sweetened condensed milk, 1/2 cup white sugar, 1/2 cup brown sugar; Dump in large glass Pyrex measuring cup or bowl and microwave 3 minutes.Stir and return to microwave for additional three minutes. Pour in pan sprayed with Pam or use for dipping apples.

Fall and Halloween

2008-12-04T19:25:00.004-07:00

Avia was Cinderella and Rylan was a Bear for Halloween. I promise he wasn't mad about the fact!

I can't believe how fast they are growing.

Leaves on our flowering pear tree.

The miniature rose was still blooming. Makes a pretty combination with the changing colors.

Christmas in the Air

2008-12-04T19:06:00.003-07:00

We decorated and it has finally made me feel that it's really December! Here is the proof.

2008-10-11T21:43:00.000-06:00

NY Trip

2008-10-11T21:33:00.001-06:00

Looking through the barn door at the Smith farm. Hill Cumorah. Inside John Johnson home. Niagra Falls.

Simplicity

2008-09-02T06:56:00.003-06:00

I got this quote from someones web page. I don't know who. If you know, tell me who wrote it. It's great and says it all. "You can't always change things. Sometimes you don't have no control over the way things go. Hail ruins the crops, fire burns you out. And then you're just given so much to work with in a life and you have to do the best you can with what you got. That's what piecing is. The materials is passed on to you or is all you can afford to buy....that's just what's given to you. Your fate. But the way you put them together is your business."

New christmas table topper

2008-08-21T21:09:00.004-06:00

I made this with the intention to teach at the Enrichment night, but decided not to because it would be too much work for everyone. So...it is mine alone! Cathy helped me pick out the fabric on a trip to Material Girls in south Jordan. This needs to be quilted. Maybe by hand using crochet thread, or maybe by machine. Haven't decided yet.

Some quilts I made

2008-08-21T20:56:00.001-06:00

I designed this for a kit at the store. One of Avia's quilts from gramma. Another kit I did for July. LeAnn and I designed this for fall. There are only 2 of these. Runner from "Peas and Carrots" charm pack.

2008-08-19T16:01:00.001-06:00

I designed this for Mother's Day.

2008-08-16T21:02:00.002-06:00

Rylan talking to Papa Allred. Rylan's blessing day, Augaust 3, 2008

New grandson. Rylan James Allred, born May 30, 2008 in the American Fork Hospital.

2008-08-16T20:58:00.000-06:00

2008-08-16T20:56:00.000-06:00

2008-08-16T20:54:00.000-06:00

I quilted this and thought it was adorable!

Some quilting projects

2008-08-16T20:44:00.003-06:00

Fall stitchery I created.

Stitchery I created for the Store.

2008-03-30T09:19:00.001-06:00

Mother and Dad at our home

Avia's 2 years old!

February 17, 2008