Christmas Craft Projects

This year Alex and I decided to take on a couple of sewing projects for our Christmas Decorations. We knew we needed a tree skirt since we didn't have one, so we thought about it and came up with a design. Alex wanted to use old jeans in it, and I wanted to make sure that it was dressed up just a bit from that.

But first we had to decide how to make a pattern for it. Since I had never made a tree skirt before, I was not quite sure how to go about this. We decided on using the coffee table glass as to draw out our pattern (it is a 3' or so circle). We used a dry erase marker and started drawing, then butcher paper for the actual pattern.

The next step was to the fabric store. After deciding on the complimentary 2 fabrics it was back home to start cutting it out and making it. We had to change the design and pattern a couple of times as we were building but the final product turned out cute! (At least we are proud of it!)

As we were making the pattern for the skirt, Alex suggested we try to make our stockings as well. I thought that could be cute, so he set out to drawing the pattern for them as well. We cut them out and sewed together, at the same time as the skirt. We used the rest of the jeans that we were putting in the skirt so to used up all the material we had. They turned out to be really simple to make. The fronts are the top part of the jeans as you can see, and the backs are made from the hems of the jeans.

After they were put together, we decided it would be cute to make belts for the front, and finished them with initial ornaments that we just tacked on. The final products are fun and total us. The only funny part is that Lorelai's pants were too small to use, so she had to borrow a pair of Daddy's to make her's! :)

We had a great time making them as a family. Alex helped by drawing the patterns and cutting out the fabric. Lorelai let her dad draw her foot a few times during the pattern drawing process. And I (of course) did the sewing. It was defiantly one of the best sewing projects I have ever had and a memory I will always cherish!

Family Pictures 2010

Last weekend we went to Sears and had family pictures taken for this year. We also had Lorelai's 2 year old pictures taken. She was not fully convinced that the pictures were a good idea, but we did get a few really cute pictures. Attached is the link to view the pictures we took.

http://www.SearsPhotos.com/ViewSharedAlbum.aspx?ShareID=2915b139-2378-49ad-8197-e0128cd1e711

Cactus Harvesting

I got to do something that didn't even know existed yesterday! I got to harvest the fruit off of great-big prickly pear cactus! I didn't even know that they have fruit or that you could eat it. Joanne and I went out and cut the fruit (their official names are tunas) off of the cacti, and then Bob, Uncle Louis and I made jelly out of them. Well I should say that we attempted to make jelly, but it didn't jell enough so me made syrup instead. But still it is pretty good! I have to say that is definitely one of the coolest things I have ever done! I am attaching some pics of the plants and the fruit, so you can see what it looks like.

Independence Rock

Twenty years ago next month my family (my Dad, Mom, Sister, Grandfather, and I) all loaded up the family wagon and went to Independence Rock for a Masonic Meeting on the 4th of July. The wagon was used by my ancestors when they came out west to homestead. We parked the wagon about 3 miles away from the rock, hitched up the team, and rode in the wagon the rest of the way to the rock. When we got to the rock we "circled the wagons" with the others and camped out. My Dad and Grandfather all climbed to the top of the rock (along with about 100 other men) and had a held a state wide masonic meeting. All the while the women and children ran around and explored the rest of the area. It was amazing, we were able to climb up the rock and see all the signatures that most (at the time) didn't have access too.

Yesterday...Dad, Mom, and I took Lorelai to the rock. We had not been back since the wagon ride. It was great to see the rock, as well as take the next generation there. We all enjoyed walking around and seeing the signatures. It really meant a lot to my parents, that they were able to share it with Lorelai, just as my Grandfather had. Lorelai loved getting out and walking around. I still can't believe it has been 20 years since we were there last. I really need to make sure that I go back sooner next time.

Denver Zoo

Alex and I took Lorelai to the Denver Zoo yesterday. It was a lot of fun! I had never been there before, and Lorelai just loved seeing all of the animals. Currently her favorite word is "puppy", to which she called every animal she saw. She absolutely loved the elephants, and continued to say "puppy" and point at them! The only thing Alex and I could do was smile and tell her that it was an elephant. It was really cute! We bought her a stuffed giraffe and she named it "zoo"! She loves packing it around now and saying the word "zoo" while she does. We all had fun!

The Castle Park

We have discovered the castle park (I don't really know the real name of the park, but it looks like a castle so that is what we call it), and Lorelai just loves it!! I have attached some pics of her having fun at the castle park.

Great Article by Mike Rowe

Mike Rowe from the hit TV show "Dirty Jobs" on the Discovery Channel wrote this. You should totally check it out, its really cool!

http://www.mikeroweworks.com/2010/05/the-future-of-farming/

May Snow

So this morning we woke up to SNOW!!! Yes, snow! Lorelai looked outside and giggled, she thought it was funny. She then proceeded to say "puppy" over and over again, as if to say that her puppies were outside in the snow. It was really cute!

I have to say I am totally not a fan of the snow, and could really do without! Oh, well, at least we are getting good moister!

Family Fun Day!

This morning we all got up early (well early for a Saturday) and went to the Casper Aquatic Center's Easter Egg Dive with Lorelai. They had a special time for little kids ages 1-5 to go Easter Egg hunting in the water. It was so cute! Lorelai managed to get 5 eggs (10 was her limit), and was so excited that she packed the eggs all morning with her! We all had fun! The pool was so cute covered with all the eggs before the little kids and their parents go in. This is something we will have to try to go to next year!

Jodene's & My Pottery Final Products

These are the final products from our sister outing.

Lorelai Pillow Surfing in Sears

Lorelai wanted to touch the pillows, and so Alex held her up to them, and she started to climb in to the basket. This picture is the product of her climbing in.

Sister Time

Jodene and I decided to take some Sister Time, and so I took her to the Pottery By You. I know, I know I am totally addicted to that place. But anyway, we had a blast! Jodene made a butter dish and I made a berry bowl. Attached are the pictures from our outing! We both had a great time, and have already started planning what we will make on our next trip.

Lorelai's Plate

I picked up the plate I made for Lorelai today, and wanted to share the final product with you! Attached is a photo of the final product. I am pretty happy with how it turned out!

Pottery Painting

Last night I decided to take a evening for myself to do something creative. So, I went to the "Ladies Night" at Pottery By You. It is the cute little shop that you go in and can do so many things with bisque, mosaic, and glass fusion. I choose to paint on a plate, for Lorelai. It started out really cute, but my hands were shaking so bad (partly from painting exhaustion and partly from excitement of being close to done) by the time I went to write on it, that I messed up the "f" on it. Oh well, I had fun anyway! I painted a quilt on the base to commemorate her bedroom in Gillette (that Alex and I spent so many hours painting for her before she was born). I had so much fun, and can't wait to see what the final product will look like after it has been fired! Attached is a picture of the pre-fired product. I will attach a picture once, I have it back next week!

Lorelai Walks again!

Last night Lorelai took more steps, and this time Alex was there to see her! In fact she was walking directly to him. I set her down to go do something, and she walked over to her Daddy. It was great, and we were so excited for her!

My First Blog

I decided it was time to get with the 21st century and try this blogging thing, so here goes...

Alex and I are so excited that Lorelai finally decided to start walking on Sunday! She walked about 5 feet all by herself, and the funny thing is that I don't think she even knew she was doing it! Alex walked outside, and Lorelai wanted to go with him, so she stood up and started walking toward the door. Unfortunately, Alex was already outside at the time, and missed the whole thing. :(