Picnic Blanket

I put this top together about 2 years ago, before I left Boston (I can't believe it's been that long).  

I just used unusable scraps from projects I'd done.  I love the randomness and all of the colors.

I have a friend here with a machine quilter and she let me use it for this blanket...I really like how it turned out.

It just makes me happy to look at it.

 I still need to do the binding around the edges but that should be a snap.

I used a bed sheet for the back, which I'm pretty sure is against the quilter's creed, but it wasn't big enough so I added this delightful birthday fabric down the center.

We're excited for many-a-picnic this summer...now if we could just get it to stop raining...

Zoo Field Trip

Sorry for keeping that other post at the top for so long.  Here are some pictures from Addi's Kindergarten field trip to the zoo.

This is Addi and her good friend riding on the bus to the zoo...possibly the highlight of the day.

A

 Studying the map.

High on the list of preferred animals; "apes", alligators, snakes.

Our dear friends treated us to a train ride around the zoo.  They're moving to the East Coast in a few weeks...without us!!! No, we're thrilled for them.

Panic is Setting In.

In a few weeks we will mark 1 year of joblessness...and panic is setting in.

I'm thinking perhaps one of three things is happening:

1. The Lord is letting nature run its course--probably.

2. We are having our expectations lowered (ala Jeff Shumway) so that we'll be happy with a low paying job in an unrelated field--possible.

3. We are just "paying our dues" up front for some fabulous, 'perfect for our family' job to be coming when the time is perfectly perfect.--Not Bloody Likely.

The reason we are alive and treading as well as we are now is because of the pure love and generosity of our family and friends. 

You've given us a place to live,

paid our bills,

given us opportunities to earn a little money here and there,

even treated us to outings,

encouraged us,

and in many humbling instances just handed us cash money.

I keep a list in my heart and in my little red book.  

I always want to remember your acts of love and selflessness in our hour(s) of need.

It is my responsibility never to forget what this feels like.

I hope it will make me more compassionate, less judgmental, more understanding.

Now we are asking you one more favor.

If you hear of a job, or know anyone we could talk to, please let us know.

Now for your entertainment a list of our odd jobs to date.

folded, stuffed, stamped and sealed 6,000 letters a week (for 4 weeks)

babysitting...lots of babysitting

Randall worked in shipping for an art company during Christmas

I've sold some of my crafts (aprons, lens pets, etc.)

Taught swimming lessons

Taught sewing lessons
I shot my first wedding reception

We clean a dental office on the weekends

I Can NOT Believe I Forgot To Post This

 My brother had an Easter egg hunt at his house this year.

Candy eggs for the kids and eggs with cold hard cash for the adults.

My big, little brother walked away with $7

But I'm afraid I was the winner!   I found the golden egg taped to the chimney of his house.

$50!

(That's a lot of money for me.)

Here is a picture for those of you who are amused by my long, flailing limbs.

I forget just how long and flailing they are until I see pictures like these...or videos from ward talent shows.

Sledding

We went sledding in the ravine behind my Mom's house a few months back.  

Although,as far as the weather is concerned, this could have been yesterday.

 Yes, that is an outhouse.

 Izze was nervous, so I went down with her, we slipped right off the end of the sled.

And you'll notice how careful I am with my camera.

 Addi coming down the track with one cousin and two aunts...

 

I have such a wonderful sister who will sit and take pictures of my tom-foolery for just as long as I like.

 These are my snow-cheerleader jumps.

I believe the technical term for this jump is a "hurkey"