The Worst Tutorial Ever!

So, as I was saying, I started a fleece project Wednesday night following a pattern from one of our new books.  The project was for a child's fleece poncho.  I got the fleece ready, as well as my tape measure.  I ran down the hall to the Rose Room (where I sew and craft) for my scissors.  I did NOT run back with my scissors because that would be bad.  Of course the reason I am not currently crafting in the Rose Room is because it is still in upheaval with the whole carpet mess.  Anyway, when I returned with the scissors (not running) I saw Bode with just a piece of my fabric tape measure hanging out of his mouth.  I grabbed it and pulled, and pulled, and pulled.

I thought I got it all out of his mouth and throat. 

This morning, when he did his morning business, it became apparent that I had missed some.  That is all I am going to say about that.  Well, one more thing I want to say...

EEEEEWWWWWW!

But Wednesday night I was still determined to measure.  Since I'd thrown away my tape measure I made do with what I could find.

It was a bit tedious but I actually did measure things according to the pattern.  I copied the pattern piece for the neckhole onto newspaper and then cut it out. 

When I opened it all up it became apparent that I was NOT making a child's poncho but rather one to fit a teen-ager or adult.  Well, poo.  That wasn't what I was going for.

However, I take pride in being adaptable.  So, an adult poncho it is.  OK, then.  I decided to finish the edges with a pretty green thread using the blanket stitch.  The first needle I used didn't work well as I couldn't get it through the tight weave of the fleece.  Finally, I found a needle that would work.  I sat down and started sewing... wait, that looks weird...take it out...start over...still weird.  I finally opened up the computer and looked up how to do a blanket stitch.

Oh yes, now I remember.  It was going well.  I thought it was looking rather nice...

...until the big knotted mess occurred.

It took me FOREVER to fix that!

After that it went very well...for awhile.  Eventually I chose to use Wunder Under to apply some hearts to the front.  Have you ever used Wunder Under?  It is very easy really.  You draw on the paper side of it first.  Then you place the rough side of the Wunder Under facing the back side of the applique fabric.  The directions are on the bag of the Wunder Under and I read them carefully.  I counted out the exact number of seconds that I was supposed to heat it with the iron.

When I lifted the iron off the paper came with it BECAUSE I'D PUT THE WRONG STUPID SIDE OF THE WUNDER UNDER AGAINST THE FABRIC!  I simply could not believe I'd done that.  I was able to get it off my iron, but cleaning the iron took some time.

Once I properly applied the Wunder Under I managed to peel the paper off the fabric and apply the appliques to the poncho.  I used a wet cotton dish towel while holding the iron down for 10 seconds.  It worked like a charm.

Finally, I got on with it.  When I came back to my chair to do a decorative stitch on the appliques I discovered that Bode had chewed up an entire little skein of green embroidery thread.  Figures.

Because I was using all strands of the embroidery thread it was a pretty fat piece to push through the fabric.  When you have to push that hard you have to be really careful not to lose control and poke yourself.

After all that, I finally finished the poncho.  We will have it up on our store,
Wyoming Rose Boutique, very soon.  It will be priced at about a kazillion dollars.

Stunt Rider and Stunt Crafter

Yesterday I stopped over to pick up Maria (daughter) and Cordelia (grandaughter) for a quick shopping trip.  We were searching for a few craft supplies.  Neither of us have great shopping stamina except when going to thrift stores or any store that sells craft or sewing supplies.  Then, it is hard to get us out!  

Before we left their house Cordelia wanted to show me her style on her new "motorcycle". She was wearing her new blue hat that she specifically requested her Momma make for her.  As she did her performance she kept saying, "I'm a silly girl!"

 At the end she dramatically threw her hat to the floor and seemed pretty exhausted by her performance.  I enjoyed the show but I kind of hope her motorcycle stunt performing is a stage she passes through quickly.

Cordelia has a lot on her mind and she doesn't keep much of it to herself.  I love listening to her talk!  She talks about what we are doing at the moment, "We're driving up the hill.  We're driving down the hill."  She talks about the past, "We had pink cupcakes for my birthday."  She talks about the future, "Can I be 5?"  She's grateful, "Thank-you sweet Grandma."  She's spiritual, "Bye-bye Baby Jesus."  The last one was her comment as we walked away from a nativity scene on display at a store.

At one of the stores we visited yesterday I purchased some books on sale.  Each were listed at around $2.  As I went through the check-out they rang up at only a penny each!  I pointed out the error to the clerk and offered to go back to the original display to give her the exact sale prices.  She told me that since than rang up for a penny that is what I'd be charged.  I protested and told her that certainly wasn't right but she wouldn't budge.  I felt rather guilty but I have to admit I kind of wished I'd picked up more sale books.  Is that wrong?  Anyway, here are the books I purchased...

I was so excited I started a project with the fleece right away.  If you know how I roll, though, you know that I usually don't follow a recipe or a pattern.  I use them for a germ of an idea but I always think I have a cooler or easier way and start making changes until the finished project barely resembles the original.  Sometimes it works out well but there are many, many times I make things more difficult for myself.  I was taking photos as I worked last night.  It was to be an hour project and I was planning on showing you the tutorial this morning.  However, it turned out to be the tutorial of calamity.  I'm still trying to make it work so check back tomorrow to see the WORST TUTORIAL EVER!

My Ridiculously Great Idea

You know how sometimes just as you are dozing off, or maybe in those hazy moments before you are quite awake, you come up with a great idea?  I do that a lot.  The problem is that when I'm fully conscious the "great" idea often seems ridiculous.  This week I had one of those "great" ideas.  Upon full awakening I decided it was indeed ridiculous.  However, I think it is ridiculously great!  I was laughing out loud as I made it!  I've already made a brunette baby hat as well.  Today, I'm thinking I need to make a redhead.  I'm anxious to find a bald baby girl to try these out!  What do you think?

I've No Idea How to Title This Post!

I often decide on my post title before I ever write a word of the post.  An idea comes to me about what I want to write and so I put the title down and start.  The funny thing is, I frequently end up surprised at what my topics really turned out to be.  That happened yesterday.  My post was just to be about the little kids I taught this week and the fact that most of them gave me a sweet hug as they left class.  Somehow, though, I ended up focusing mostly on the kids I taught some years ago in New Mexico.  I had to go back and change the title, something about sweet hugs,  AFTER I'd already published my post.  That is not the first time that has happened! 

Those of you who blog, do you experience this as well?  It's like the words take on a life of their own and I'm no longer in charge.  I started a novel some months ago and I find that I am often surprised by the direction that story takes me.  It's kind of fun, almost as though I am reading a book instead of writing it, but it also disconcerting.  Shouldn't I be in charge of the things I choose to write?

This post, for example, was to be about the fact that I have an interview today.  After I put the title up, though, I decided maybe I shouldn't tell everyone that I have an interview.  What if the job isn't offered to me?  Won't I be embarrassed to have to tell you all that I wasn't selected for this position that I think I really want? No, I don't want to write about that.

Then I thought maybe I'd blog about why I am in the position of job-hunting in the first place.  I could tell you more than you ever wanted to know about an illness that grabbed me last year and shook my life up for months, robbing me of my job, my confidence in my own body, and sometimes even my dignity.  No, that seems too heavy.  I don't want to do that right now.

So, I really have no idea what I want to talk about today.  I guess I will just leave it at that!

The Joys of Teaching Sunday School

I am a Sunday School Teacher and I have been most of my adult life.  In fact, I first taught Sunday School when I was still in high school.  I love it!  Are any of you Sunday School Teachers?

When we moved to Southern New Mexico I was asked in the Spring to finish out the year for another teacher.  Her's was the 2nd and 3rd grade class, with most of the kids being in 2nd grade.  When September rolled around I said I would teach whichever class the other teachers did not choose as it didn't really matter to me.  Well, I was again assigned the 2nd and 3rd graders so I had most of the same children I'd taught in the Spring.  That was great as I'd enjoyed them a lot.

When the next September rolled around, and every year therafter I always asked the current Sunday School Superintendent to assign me to whatever class the other teachers did not choose.  Would you believe that EVERY year I was assigned to that original group of 2nd graders as they advanced through the grades?  Eventually I was teaching the high school class!  I'd been with the same core group of children for 9 years!  I'd watched them from the time they were growing into their permanent teeth through the time they were discussing college and future careers.  They became so very precious to me!  I cherish my memories of them. 

I remember Nathan, who in 2nd grade kept interrupting me as he always had such interesting things he needed to say RIGHT NOW.  He'd quickly follow with, "Sorry, Mrs. S..., sorry Mrs. S..." as he hung his head.  He was so cute!  I remember Elena, a beautiful little girl with the great laugh.  She often asked me deep theological questions, well beyond her years.  And then there was Nick, the quiet one who gave me a sweet smile during church before he quickly looked downward.

As these kids were becoming teenagers I had asked the church council to allow me to teach a sex education class from a Christian perspective.  As I was preparing to do that, Nathan's Mom caught me before church one day and asked me to hurry to get that class going.  She said it was an emergency; Nathan had a girlfriend!

When my husband accepted a call to Wyoming it was time to say good-byes.  I cried as I left those kids. Good grief, I am tearing up even now as I write this and it has been more than 7 years since we parted! 

Well, Elena, Nick, Nathan and the others are adults now.  Most are married and well into their careers.  Their lives have had some bumps, just like all of us, but I know they are beloved children of God and a gift to those lucky enough to be part of their lives.  I am so very grateful for the years I had with them and count them among my most satisfying blessings!

For the last several years in Wyoming I have been teaching a 5th and 6th grade class.  I love that age group!  This year, however, I was asked to teach the little bitty kids, ages 3-5.  That would  not have been my first choice but I was ok with the idea.  I have a teaching partner so we are alternating months, allowing us each to be part of the adult class when we aren't teaching. 

With  my first teaching month being October, yesterday was my first day with those little people.  I had 7 little kids arrive.  I knew all but one of them from church but most didn't really know me.  They were apprehensive for about 5 minutes and then they were over that!  They are fun little characters who like to learn and do crafts.  As they left after class most of them came and surprised me with a hug.   They were so sweet!

With this class I inherited a large binder with lessons done by the ABC's.  For each lesson the previous teacher had already compiled a large choice of activities she'd found on the internet.  She's already done most of the work so it is easy!  We were on the letter "D" and our lesson was on Daniel.  We talked about how God protected Daniel from the lions.  We talked about prayer and we all got down on our knees and prayed that way.  We also talked about how sometimes we pray in our own heads and so no one can ever stop us when we want to pray.

Our craft and snack were one, a lion's face...

I double checked with each parent to be sure I knew of any allergies. I gave each child a paper plate, a caramel rice cake, a plastic knife with a glob of peanut butter, crunchy chow mein noodles, mini marshmallows and a roll of Smarties.  I think string red licorice would be a better choice for the mouth but this worked.  

I'd like to hear from other SS teachers.  What works for you?  Any fun stories to tell?  Any particularly cool ideas you want to share?  Let me know!

ABC's of Bible Memorization

A few years ago my  husband and pastor, Mike, gave the following list to members of our congregation as a format to memorize Bible verses.  I found it was a very effective way to memorize quite a string of verses.  Mike and I practiced and learned many of them together.  I then made it my morning routine to recite them in the car on my way to work each morning.  Since I haven't driven to work for almost a year now, I've forgotten some of them.  So, I'm going to relearn the list and maybe now I will recite them while I shower or something that I do daily so that I don't forget again.

Anyone want to join me on this memorization adventure?  It's fun!  And who knows, someday you may be on a deserted island without your Bible and you will need to have a stash of verses in your memory. 

To sweeten the pot I will send a handmade gift to any of you who report to me that you've memorized these.  Yes, that's right.  I will make a gift for ANYONE who reports to me that they've learned this.  You can let me know by leaving a comment on this blog or sending an email to onlythemanager@yahoo.com.  This offer is good for 6 months so take your time.  If you wish to memorize it from a different translation, that is great as well!

Here's the list.  If you have trouble copying it shoot an e-mail to me and I will send it to you that way.

ABC’s of Bible Memorization

I Corinthians 13:10 And now faith, hope, and love abide, these three; and the greatest of these is love.

Galatians 5:22, 23 By contrast, the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.

Matthew 11:28 Come to me, all you that are weary and are carrying heavy burdens, and I will give you rest.

John 14:1, 2 Do not let your hearts be troubled. Believe in God, believe also in me. In my father’s house there are many dwelling places. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you…?

Ephesians 4:12 …Equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ.

Ephesians :8 For by grace you have been saved through faith, and this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God.

1 John 4:16b God is love, and those who abide in love abide in God, and God abides in them.

Micah 6:8 He has told you, O mortal, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?

Jeremiah 29:11 …I know the plans I have for you, says the Lord, plans for your welfare and not for harm, to give you a future with hope.

John 14:6 Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.

Psalm 100:3 Know that the Lord is God. It is he who made us, and we are his; we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture.

Romans 8:26 Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness; for we do not know how to pray as we ought, but that very Spirit intercedes with sighs too deep.
　

John 10:27, 28 My sheep hear my voice. I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they will never perish. No one will snatch them out of my hand.

1 Corinthians 10:13 No testing has overtaken you that is not common to everyone. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tested beyond your strength, but with the testing he will also provide the way out so that you may be able to endure it.

Romans 13:8 Owe no one anything, except to love one another; for the one who loves another has fulfilled the law.

Psalm 106:1 Praise the Lord! O give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; for his steadfast love endures forever.

Lamentations 3:26 …Quietly wait for the salvation of the Lord.

Joel 2:13 Return to the Lord, your God, for he is gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love…

2 Corinthians 5:17 So if anyone is in Christ, there is a new creation: everything old has passed away; see, everything has become new!

Isaiah 2:4 They shall beat their swords into plowshares, and their spears into pruning hooks; nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war any more.

Psalm 119:116 Uphold me according to your promise, that I may live, and let me not be put to shame in my hope.

John 6:47 Very truly, I tell you, whoever believes has eternal life.

Psalm 100:2 Worship the Lord with gladness; come into his presence with singing.

2 Corinthians 13;5 Examine yourselves to see whether you are living in the faith…

Psalm 119:105 Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.

Psalm 97:8 Zion hears and is glad, and the towns of Judah rejoice, because of your judgments, O God.

Updates and a Fun Friday

It occurred to me that I've left some things dangling.  Let me supply some updates because I am certain you are all dying to know the REST OF THE STORY...

1)    Maria named our nameless lady Simone.

2)    The carpet story is still not complete.  The THIRD new carpet has made it to town.  I went to the store and checked it out and when I tugged on the fibers they STAYED IN THE CARPET!  Yay!!!!!  I called my carpet-layer guy and he said he is busy for a couple weeks on other jobs.  At this point, what is another few weeks, right?  I'm ok with that.  I'm also ok with the third carpet being totally a different style and color than what I first chose.  I think it will look just as good and maybe even better.  I'm just glad that it isn't pluckable!

3)    Curves is FUN!  I love exercising there!  It is a really nice work-out and I think it is a very common sense approach to fitness.  I'll no doubt write more about that in the future.

OK.  Have I picked up on all those stories where I've left you hanging?  I know, the suspense must've been awful. 

Now, on to tell you about yesterday...

I had Cordelia here most of the day and we had FUN!  We bounced on the trampoline a lot, read books, played with toys, ate lunch and then watched Wonder Pets.  Cordy fell asleep while I crocheted.  When she'd slept long enough I started talking to her and moving her around but she just flickered those long lovely lashes and fell back to sleep.  Then, I remembered Maria telling me that she wakes up when she hears the intro music to Psych.  So, via the wonder of NetFlix I turned it on.  She sat up and said, "It's music; I like music!"  It was pretty funny!

Yesterday afternoon I decided it was high time that I become a cookie-baking kind of grandma.  Cordy agreed so we got to it.  I found a recipe in my Betty Crocker Cookbook that did not call for eggs (Cordy is a vegan) and we set to work. 

We used Smart Balance Light, which is also vegan.

Cordy really likes Smart Balance Light.
The bottle in the background are coffee flavorings, like Tiramasu...just so you know.

Notice her tongue as she dumped in the powdered sugar.

I guess she had a plan for using that tongue.

So we washed the measuring cup.  That's really not a very interesting part of the story but the bubbles were really cool in the photo so I'm making you look at it.

Cordy used a 2-handed method.

This is what a face looks like after licking out the measuring spoon that had ginger in it.

She needed a lot of drinks after that.

I had to use a bell cook-cutter because that is all I found. 

Cordy approved of the final result.

Then, last evening we had Cordy's parents and our niece, Erin, over for dinner.  Erin is visiting from Chicago so we were especially excited to have her join us.

We enjoyed an after-dinner stroll as well.
Please notice what a happy, smiling bunch we were.

The photos were taken BEFORE we came home and played Scattegories.
SOMEONE cheated...again...
No names but he was wearing a green shirt.

So, does anyone have any big plans for the week-end?



A Sweet Girl Turns Two

We enjoyed a birthday party for Cordelia yesterday.  She was so excited when we got there because she's recently been to a birthday party and THIS time she knew about PRESENTS!  She was so sweet, though.  She repeatedly told each of us "hi" on arrival.  We all got hugs and were told we were loved.  She made sure everyone enjoyed their cupcakes and asked us individually if we were done before we moved on to present-opening time, "Grandma, you done?  Grandpa, you done?...."

I bet if you check out her Momma's blog today you will find some adorable photos.  I just want to share two of my photos that occurred during the party as Cordelia enjoyed some of her new things...



Dear Cordelia,

Sweet baby girl, how precious you are to me! It seems just a few days ago I first held you in my arms, marveling at your very existence.  I loved you so much, even though I really didn't know you.

(I'm not sure if this is a photo taken by me or by your Daddy.)

I loved you even before I experienced the sweet way you hug with your whole being, laying your head on my shoulder and wrapping your legs around me.  I did not yet know the joy of your sweet little girl kisses or the feel of your hand in mine as we walk down a sidewalk.  I'd not seen you blow kisses to me from your carseat as your parents drive you away.

I had no idea of the quirky ways your little personality would develop.  I didn't know you would say to me, "Grandma, you fine?"  I didn't know you would look at one of my wounds and offer to kiss it while telling me, "Be careful Grandma!"  I didn't know your hair would "float" around your face reminding me of a halo.  I didn't know you would often start to call me Momma and end up calling me "Momma-Grandma".  I didn't know you'd love pumpkins and balls and crackers and berries and drums and Wonder Pets and PlayDough and BIIIIIG trucks and airplanes and bouncing on the trampoline with Grandpa and birds and ceramic backyard animals and the mole on my right arm.   I know those things now and so those things are important to me as well. 

I've loved having you in our family these last 2 years.  You have added a new level of fun and joy. I look forward to all the years ahead and all the chances to get to watch you grow and learn and love and be loved.

Happy Birthday Cordelia Rose!

Changes

I am going to be "playing" with new designs and layouts for my blog for the next few days.  I'm not sure I can break away from the Orange Paisley background but we'll see.  If you have opinions regarding any of the looks I try, let me know.

I just think it is time I polish it up a bit.

I think it is time to polish myself up a bit as well...

At our craft fair last Saturday our booth was next to the Curves booth.

Remember how slow the craft fair was?

The lady at the booth, Marla, was a very good salesperson!

You guessed it.

I signed up.

I went in yesterday afternoon to seal the deal.

I filled out paperwork and she did the weigh & measure session that

I guess occurs once each month.  

Since I had on a dress and was not prepared for an actual

work-out she didn't take me through the equipment and all that.

TODAY

I return for my first work-out.

I will let you know how that goes!

A Day of Delightful Adaptations

Yesterday did not go quite as expected.  I'd planned to fill out and drop off a job application, get some groceries, go to an appointment, mail some packages and finish my Bible Study lesson.  Mike got up, though, and thought it looked like a great day for a picnic.  Monday is his day off but he often has things he has to work on anyway.  I was thrilled that he was able to consider some leisure time so I rescheduled my appointment and off we went.

We headed to a State Park not far away.  We wandered off down a path, marveling at the perfection of the day.  Although we weren't far from home, for some reason it seemed more Fall-like there.  The leaves were awesome!

Do you see how the grass is all laid down from deer sleeping there? 

Bode liked the river.

We set up the chairs and made ourselves comfortable for waterside dining.

The sky was fun... can you see the turtle in the clouds?

I worked on my Bible Study lesson.

Mike & Bode explored.

We decided we'd pack up and move on to do some more exploring.

We drove on to a small town, still not far from home.

We leisurely drove around looking at neighborhoods until we just happened

upon the golf course.

I am using the term "happened" pretty loosely. 

Mike's vehicle "happens" upon golf courses frequently.

I got the bright idea that Mike should golf and Bode and I should walk around the town.  Mike tried to dismiss that plan as he thought I was just being kind.  I convinced him that I'd enjoy my time as well so he gave in and he golfed while Bode and I wandered through a couple of interesting neighborhoods and on to the sweet little downtown.  It was such a joy to have time to do that!

When Bode and I returned to the clubhouse I set him up with a bowl of water and I set myself up with some crocheting.  The weather was perfect for my shorts and tank attire.

We had a good view for watching my honey finish on the last hole.

I think he's pretty cute when he is taking his golf seriously.

He finished with a big smile, having birdied the last hole. 

If you aren't married to a golfer you may not appreciate how much a good golf round can positively affect the rest of the day!

So, the day went nothing like I'd planned, instead, it was PERFECT!



Craft Fair Wrap-Up

So, we were a part of our first craft fair Saturday.  We survived!  Actually, we had a fun day.  It started our quite slow.  That is a HUGE understatement.  What I mean to say is, we sat there for maybe and hour and a half before we saw the first customer even walk by!  We vendors wandered around looking at each other's stuff.  One of the vendors near the front door told us she saw people come in and when they were told it cost $2 to enter, they just turned and exited.  I couldn't blame them for that.

We entertained ourselves just fine, though.  Maria and I had time to crochet and visit with each other.  That in itself made it a good day!

I laughed when I used the restroom (I know, here I go talking bathroom talk again) and saw the name of the company imprinted on the giant toilet paper holder.  Well, it was funny!  Here, see for yourself and enjoy at least an inner chuckle.

Eric, my son-in-law, came by for a visit and to drop Cordelia off with us for a bit.  We'd been sitting there for about 3 hours at that point and we'd STILL only had maybe 10 people in to look around but STILL not one sale!



Not long before noon Maria took Miss Cordelia to get some lunch and to watch her Daddy's band do a performance at a park.  Cordelia said she was going to "rock out" and wanted to know if Grandma was going to "rock out".   I really never did do that.

Maria had been gone just a few minutes when quite a few people came at once and we finally had our first sale and then several more.  It was kind of a fun little rush.  By the time Maria returned after Cordy's nap the rush was long over but we did have more sales throughout the afternoon.  It was never a very well attended craft fair but it was good enough to make it worthwhile. 

I asked permission to take pictures of a few of the little cuties. This first little one, Riley, is the daughter of my friend, Kerry.  This picture doesn't quite capture the beautiful blue of Riley's eyes but she looked just heart-meltingly cute in the little hat Maria made and the little poncho I made.

This little babe, Brynna, went home with our purple bear hat and also a purple poncho that matched it.  It looked like they were made just for her!

The childrens' animal hats were probably our best sellers.  Two women chose the same owl hat but thankfully they graciously worked it out.  One took it home but first I took a photo so I'd remember which it was so I could make another for the second lady.  Since we make up the face hats as we go along (no patterns) I was afraid I'd forget exactly how I'd made that one.

We took orders for several other items, including an adult poncho, so we've got some serious crocheting to do this week!  That's not a bad thing at all!