Bobby & Kathy

Thirty years ago today...

2011-09-14T16:33:00.000-07:00

I was doing my hair and Bobby asked me what I remembered about today, 30 years ago.
This is what I remember...
*Spent the afternoon at my parents painting a ceramic nativity (that I still use every Christmas) trying to distract myself from all the tightening my giant , huge belly was doing.
* Took Bobby dinner, and sat at the gas station he was working at, and visited for awhile.
*Back to the trailer park we lived in (Behind the Pine Cone Inn , Prescott, AZ) Still feeling tightening and thinking it was not like the Braxton Hicks that Id been feeling for several weeks.
*Bobby came home late... he worked till 10 or 11 ( I think- it was a long time ago :) )
* Not being able to sleep, so frustrated because that belly just kept waking me up, back pain and shooting pains down my legs, was it time to have a baby?
* Tried to wake Bobby up around midnight-ish and he would NOT wake up! So I walked about 60 yards (I think it was at least a mile but Bobby said 50 or 60 yards) to the pay phone so I could call my parents. Dad said to drive by the house (on the way to the hospital) so he would know I got Bobby to wake up. If he didn't hear the truck he would come over.
* Bobby kept leaving the hospital room- he was looking pretty pale. I think the green scrubs he was required to wear didn't help. So a nurse kept bringing him back in.
* Squeezing my Mom and Bobby's hands so hard they turned blue.
*The Dr Duncan saying "It's a boy" and seeing the huge grin on Bobby's face.
* The nurse handing me that very beautiful, chubby cheeked, dark haired, dark eyed baby boy.
* I cried, and Bobby asked if I wanted another one... without hesitation , I said "Yes".
* Christopher Robert was born at 9:24 am, 7 lb 1 oz, 20 1/2 inches long

That blessed day changed our lives. We were responsible for another tiny life, it was exciting and overwhelming. Everything we did was for our family. No more you or me...
Bobby had 2 jobs, I was in Beauty school, we rented a trailer for 175$ a month, I drove a brown and black '69 Opel Cadet and Bobby had an old big white truck.
It was the best September 14th of my life.
I love you , Son... Thank you for the wonderful son, husband and father that you are and for everything I learned, the last 30 years, being your Mom.

October- busy month!

2010-12-31T16:35:00.002-08:00

London was blessed on the first Sunday in October.

Flo & Ken Benich (Bobby's Mom and Step Dad) Alli & London

Steven and Meghan at Mr. G's Pizza in Joe City

Marie (I think he is too young for her...lol!) & Steven

London

Macy

I made Londons blessing dress. The handkerchief I used as a collar, belonged to my Great Grandmother Hannah

Macy, Kyle, Alli, London

I finished the top for my Chocolat Quilt. It was a block of the month and has taken quite along time to finish.

Mom, Steph, G'mpa Randall, Kathy

At the Pioneer home visiting G'mpa Randall

Bobby finishing the back walkway... beautiful! He did a great job!

I went to Chris & Kati's for Halloween. The boys had their Sacrament meeting program-so cute!

September-And then there were 4...

2010-12-31T16:35:00.001-08:00

I was going to head to Allison's on Monday. Sunday night she called and had been having back pain all day, that radiated to her sides and her stomach. My first thoughts were... "she is in labor". So after much discussion with Bobby- he thought it was fine... I didn't really need to go yet. When will "they" get used to trusting "Mothers instinct"? Off I went to Showlow. London Allison Gardner was born on Sept 6th at 2:11 am, weighing in at 7 lb 3 oz, 19 3/4 inches long.

On my way home from Alli & Kyle's I stopped at my parents, Chris, Kati and the kids were there.

Taking a hike in the Granite Creek -behind my parents house.

Riding in the golf cart with Gr. G'mpa

Gr G'ma & G'mpa Bochat with Macy and London

Right after Alli had London, my Aunt Marji (My Dads sister) & Uncle Don were down from Idaho and met Alli and I in Flagstaff for lunch and to meet the little girls. It was a great visit!

August- Baby quilt

2010-12-31T16:34:00.000-08:00

Bobby's 48th birthday, the kids met us at Arribas.

This is the quilt I made for Alli and Kyle's new baby. Alli wanted bright colors. So Jolene and I chose the bright pink in the border and pulled the other colors from that. The pattern is from the book "Quilts for baby"

July 2010

2010-12-15T23:20:00.000-08:00

Holbrook Wild West Days

Bucket of Blood bike race

Nate helping make peach cobbler for Allison's birthday

Random RAAM thoughts- Long-picture overload

2010-07-03T22:24:00.001-07:00

There is no way- none... to tell the story in a short amount of words.

It was crazy, amazing, exhausting, awesome, beautiful, touching, fast, slow....

The people on the team and crew were amazing... many had never met before- all working for a common goal. To get this 12 year old across the country on a bike, inspiring others to be able to do great things.

We got very little sleep- most of it just the semi conscience kind...

sick riders... Tiffany spent the night in a hospital and got chased by dogs we left her bike on the side of the road :/ Got it back though!...Ryan had dog adventure too. Crazy stocker lady chased us.

The riders were brave and amazing.... Connor never tried to get out of his turn on the road, and never complained- he was amazing... seriously, never met a 12 yr old like him.

The Team Connors Hope blog is at www.teamdonatelife.wordpress.com

One day ... I think on day 4, I had a bit of a melt down... not for me, but the riders... they were so tired, no sleep, eating habits totally disrupted, stuck in a cramped vehicle in sweaty clothes , and pushing their bodies past the breaking point.... and there was nothing the crew could do to help but words of encouragement... it was so frustrating and inspiring at the same time. I can't even imagine how they felt. And they rocked it, they were awesome!

Next time I hope to keep up on the blog even if its just a sentence a day.

For this time, this will have to do. Please go read the team blog for the "rest of the story"

At the starting line in Oceanside, CA.

A retarded train that cost us like 40 minutes!!

Ryan left his Blackberry in our car, Geoff taped it up and we told Ryan his phone had a terrible accident hahahaa

this was the view... for 3000+ miles at between 17 and 21 mph

Tiffany Ellison, Diane Christi, Sheryl & Ryan Ellison

Transition at night

Always talking race strategy

Ryan Ellison, Jared Ellison, Bobby

Conner Ellison

Picture is worth a thousand words :)

Awesome picture from Washington DC

Bobby in his element- he was awesome, always happy and encouraging

Almost to the end

WooHoo!!!

RAAM-Lull before the storm

2010-06-10T18:18:00.000-07:00

We arrived in Oceanside today. The motel is so cute! Looks like an old mission. Views are fabulous!! Smells are heavenly!

Tonight we have a team meeting and tomorrow starts the inspections, official team pics, more meetings, strategies and rules so we don't end up with any time penalties.

I hope to be able to blog every couple days... hope being the operative word.

Sleep... hope to be able to do that for a few minutes everyday. :)

Bobby going over spread sheets and strategies

Oceanside Marina suites-view from the room balcony

Memorial Day weekend camping

2010-06-08T14:24:00.000-07:00

I love to listen the the sound of the wind as it blows through the tops of the pine trees, watching the kids play in the dirt and throw pinecones, sitting in a chair and not being bothered by what isn't getting done, starry night skys, and crackling night fires, family and friends.

For years we went camping Memorial day weekend, Labor day, 4th of July, Easter, and every other time we could find an excuse. The last 5 or 6 years has not been that way. Bobby's work schedule and other obligations have made free weekends far and few between. Recently he changed to a day shift job, YEAH! Consequently, he has weekends off :) So when the kids wanted to go camping Memorial Day weekend, we could!

Steph & David met us there from NV, and my parents from Prescott, Alli, Kyle & Macy, and Steven and Meghan, & Deek boy.

It was fun and so relaxing!

Random photos from the weekend-

Dereks 19th birthday

Macy and Uncle Steve takin' a nap

we did put a hat over Macy to keep her out of the sun.

The boys shooting. Bobby is trying to figure out why Derek can't hit a pigeon.

I think he finally fit a couple

Macy girl in G'ma C's trailer

My sister and I always have some crafty thing to do, this year she brought felted wool and we made these adorable baby pincushions. The one in back will be a cupcake when its done. We also embellished the pins. Fun!!

In all the years we have been camping, never, have we ever gotten a flat.

Well, this years we forgot the spare... so we got a flat :(

Pin cushion project

2010-05-27T00:57:00.000-07:00

A few months ago there was a Sewing and Crafts show at the Coliseum. I don't usually go, but got some discount tickets from a friend at church. One of the booths had some great wool stuff, I bought a couple kits :)

These pin cushions are from the pattern "Pennies and Posies" by Attic Heirlooms. The pattern has the "Pennies" pincushion on a c clamp type thing attached to a table. The one at the show was on an old rusty bed spring which, of course, I loved!

Ebay was the best place for the springs so I picked up some rusty and a few not.

They were really fairly quick to make and I love they way they turned out!

The softer colored one is a gift, the darker one will live in my sewing room :)

NAU Graduation 2010

2010-05-23T20:22:00.001-07:00

On May 7th, Alli graduated form NAU... we are so proud of her. It was tough- while she was in school she got married, moved from her hometown, had a baby, bought a house and has

another one on the way. Many times she would call- sick to death of her stupid biology class...saying that she was done, I'd tell her she had to tell her Dad. She never would...lol! Im so glad she finished, we are so very pleased with the young lady that she is today and all she has accomplished.

Congrats Alli! You rock!

Kyle, Macy, Kathy

Alli with the NAU Lumberjack

BBQ after graduation at Greg and Janets

Alli & her cousin John, he graduated the same day

Macy checking out the yummy cake Johns wife, Sarah, made

Bobby, Alli, Kathy

Meghan, Steven, Alli, Derek

Cards for Connor

2010-05-23T19:54:00.000-07:00

April 23 & 30

The 23rd and 30th were the nights Rachele from The ink boutique and I hosted the Cards for Connor classes. Had around 18 people participate, and raised just over $1,000.00. We hoped for more- reach for the stars, right?- however Im super happy with our results.

You can donate here.

See the cards Rachele designed for the class here.

Thank you so much to my friends, and Racheles for all the support. We had a great time.

If you have not read Connors blog yet, please do- he is an inspiring 12 year old!

Pat Tillman run, Prom

2010-05-09T19:34:00.000-07:00

April 17, 2010

At ASU they have an annual Pat Tillman run, started after Pat Tillman-an ASU football player enlisted in the military and was killed over seas. The first few years there were a few hundred runners, its now gone to almost 30,000 run/walkers.

This is Derek's 3rd year, Chris' second, and Kati's first. The little boys did the kids run. I met the kids at ASU and took care of the littles while Chris and Kati ran . Bunches of fun spending time with the kids :)

Saturday night, Derek and Britt went to the High School prom...adorable couple, I think :)

Nathan in the kids run giving Sparky the sun devil a high 5! He was sooo excited!

Cute runners, huh? I think so!

Trav, Derek, Wes

Britt, Derek ready for Prom

Ya know- we did not teach him that- he came like that...lol

Poor flower girl

2010-05-09T18:26:00.000-07:00

April 7, 2010

Every year Kyle does a musical with his Joseph City high school choir. I've missed it for some reason or another the last couple years and was determined to go this year.

Alli called a couple days before I was to leave and said Macy needed a "poor flower girl" costume . Cool! A trip to Hobby Lobby! It was so fun, haven't made a kids costume in years.

Last year she was the voice of the "crying baby" in Seven Brides for 7 Brothers, this year a poor flower girl in My Fair Lady. Wonder what she will be next year...

awe....

Macy acted her part well!

Taking notes on what she will do differently next year :)

Easter weekend, Brelee turns 1!

2010-05-09T17:44:00.001-07:00

April 4. 2010

Easter weekend we had a lovely invitation from Kati's brother & sister-in-law, Kenny & Aprilynn, for dinner, egg hunt , and Brelees birthday.

It was a huge gathering, the food was great and with tons of little kids how can you not have a good time :)

Brelee girl pulling grass while the other kids find eggs

Nater bug pointing at the kids out of the fence playing soccer

Travis and his awesome collection of eggs

Brelee and her first birthday cake !

Chris, Kati, Meghan, Steven , Derek

I love these kids :)

playing at the park- Trav, Gideon, Audrey , Wes

Birthday girl

Giveaway!

2010-05-04T18:31:00.000-07:00

My friend Mequilter is giving away a free EQ 7 program on her blog! Go check it out!

Spring quilt, another UFO off the list!

2010-03-30T19:58:00.000-07:00

Several years ago I participated in an online class to make a "Blooming 9 patch" quilt. The whole idea is to make the colors go from very pale in the center to dark on the edges without a distinct line.

It took my friend Kellie and I about 5 or 6 hours of jurying different fabrics to come up with this combination. Unfortunately it isn't perfect- dang it! The outside ones are pretty good, but the lighter blues needed more texture and a bit more color variation to "bloom" properly. The hardest part of the quilt is choosing the fabrics!

In the picture it looks almost pixelly in the center, thank goodness it doesn't as much so in person.

I quilted it with an all over flower pattern ( I watched a lady do it at the quilt show on a demo machine) with a yellow and blue variegated thread. I think the thread was Signature... The back is an all over small blue, yellow and white daisy pattern.

All in all I'm happy with the way it turned out. Can't wait to use it on my bed!

Perfect for spring!

T-shirt quilt

2010-03-20T17:50:00.001-07:00

I finished this quilt this week. All the shirts belong to my daughter-by-marriage, Kati. She has enough left for 2 more about the same size- its just about twin sized. These were just the soccer shirts! Denim on the back with an all over swirl quilt design, dark yellow on the back and white on the front. It will be great for picnics and camping as its very sturdy. Had trouble with skipped stitches, tried using a ball point needle, a 14 and a 16 but it didn't really matter which I used, got the same result. Very frustrating :/

I did one for Chris a few years ago, when he graduated from college, but it disappeared at a soccer game, hopefully one day it will find its way back home.

Also finished quilting and sewing the binding on my blooming 9 patch but the handwork isn't done yet. Will post a pic when the binding is done.

Charity Card class-RAAM-Team Donate life- Connors Hope

2010-03-15T23:16:00.000-07:00

Several months ago I received an email from Bobby with the link to Connors blog (www.connorsjourney.com). In 2007? I think it was, Bobby rode with Connors Dad, Jared Ellison, on TDL RAAM.

Race Across America (RAAM)- Ultra marathon bicycle race from West coast to East coast, Americas answer to Tour de France. Approx. 3000 miles in approx 7 days. Team Donate Life (TDL): http://www.teamdonatelife.com The "mother" operation bringing awareness to organ donation through bike racing, mostly RAAM. Please see their website for detailed information.

A few weeks after that, Jared asked Bobby to be the crew chief for "Connors Hope".Connors Hope: TDL RAAM team- bringing awareness and raising money for organ donation-consentrating on liver disease and telling Connor Ellisons story http://www.teamdonatelife.com/riders.asp?ifid=42

Bobby was very undecided and was afraid he didn't have the available time to do justice to the team. (As soon as I had read Connors blog, I knew this was a neat kid). Connor Ellison: 12 year old kid- awesome kid- please go see his blog www.connorsjourney.com , it will amaze, touch, and inspire you. Connor has liver disease, will need a transplant in the next few years, and is the youngest person to ever participate in RAAM.

When Bobby got off the phone- I really encouraged him to do this, what an awesome opportunity to be involved in helping a young man accomplish something incredible! How could he not do it!? I mean really... how could he not!? He may not ever have a chance to do something like this again! He was going to call and tell Jared he didn't have time but could advise- I encouraged him to wait a little while and think about it.

Well...a few weeks later he said- You should come... I thought... ya okay ..I can see what you been doing all those weeks you spent peddling across the country. Bobby called Jared and I was part of the crew. However, Bobby is now scaring me with stories of sleep deprivation, few showers, bugs , humidity, a week of bad hair days, and spending 7 -8 days driving cross country at 10-20 mph with a bunch of people I don't know- one of them (Connors Mom ,Tiffany) was Mrs. CA- ya..I know right..a beauty queen..me- bad hair-flat stuck to my head and no makeup for a week with a beauty queen... getting anxiety thinking about it! Seriously though, I did talk to her on the phone and seems really nice :) Bobby loves the family and thinks they are awesome!

Part of our job is to help raise money for the teams charity- Organ donation. My friend Rachele- www.theinkboutique.blogspot.com came up with this great idea to do a card class and all the money will go to our teams charity, she is donating all the supplies- Thanks Rachele!!. We also got some great items to raffle!

Please join us for the class, or donate if you can! We appreciate it!
http://www.teamdonatelife.com/riders.asp?ifid=52

29 years?

2010-03-14T09:44:00.001-07:00

Yes- 29 years. Crazy! It doesn't seem like that long...

Happy Anniversary to the love of my life. No it hasn't been easy, as a matter of fact sometimes its been a lot of work, however I cannot imagine my life without this man. He "gets" me, doesn't mean he understands me all the time :), but he "gets " me. I admire and appreciate his calm leadership skills , his ability to see the good in everyone and see beyond "now", his dedication to work, church/Heavenly Father, family, biking, family, friends and me. I love this man more than I ever dreamed possible 29 years ago. There is no place I'd rather be than right here.

Happy Anniversary Honey, I love you :)

Left photo by Paul Long Photography, right photo by CJCarroll Photography.

Kellies Vikings quilt

2010-03-12T11:44:00.000-08:00

The quilt I did this week belongs to my friend Kellie. Its great- colors of gold and purple with different Viking things on it, football field and football, football helmet, viking head... She made it for her husband for Christmas. The work and design into this was amazing. She loosely , very loosely followed a pattern and then went her own way with it. Several of the sections took many, many hours of work. I did a meander with gold thread, and then white thread on the white blocks. The toughest part were the small star sections, so many seams in a small space made for some skipped stitches. That on top of the fact that its made from batiks- which have a higher heavier thread count that regular quilting fabric- made it a real booger to quilt.

Im sure she and her DH will have a fun time snuggling under it for their Vikings games :)

Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious!

2010-03-05T09:01:00.000-08:00

A couple years ago Alli & Kyle went to NY and saw Mary Poppins. It was Allis favorite of all time. When it came to Gammage, we got together with Kyles family and got a load of tickets.

Gotta love the group rate!

Before the show we met at My Big Fat Greek Restaurant for dinner. Chris and Kati were running late so they met us at Gammage, Derek had class so he met us after a couple of the acts.

Our waiter was awesome! The perfect Greek waiter, accent was perfect, and his name was Nicco...lol! We gave him a hard time and he threw it back- especially with Steven, it was great! Steven asked what it meant when they break a plate- he said it was commemorating the dead- so a little while later Steve asked if he could break a plate- Nicco said sure, Steve asked if he would break one with him... And he did! It was great and we were all yelling "Opa!" They even lit something on fire during the breaking for us.

Then off to the play, which was also great! My favorite was the Supercalifragilistic song (its on Utube- go watch it!). The sets were amazing, so different from the movie- but very much like the book. Music was fabulous...love, love , loved it!

The dinner crowd- Brittany, Jolene (Happy Birthday!) Steven, Meghan

Bobby, Kathy, Alli, Kyle

Not the best picture :/ But you can see the fire, plate on the floor and Steven

Nicco the greek waiter, Steven

Kyle, Alli, Chris (yes he really was as excited as he looks), Kati

Jolene, Britt, Meghan, Steven

As I was taking this picture the "camera police" yelled at me and told me I wasn't allowed to take pictures. It was before the show started, and not nearly as disruptive as the ding-dong that took a picture of MP flying through the air during the show!

The crew :)

Bobby, Kathy, Derek, Britt, Steven, Meghan, Kyle, Alli, Jolene, Kati & Chris

Wool Garden Wall-hanging

2010-02-09T13:04:00.000-08:00

This was a block of the month (BOM) kit that I got from The Christmas Goose in Las Vegas .

A couple years ago we were camping with my sisters family and she had started the blocks (she works at CG), course I had to have it! Its sooo cute!

The blocks have been finished for quite some time, just needed to put it together.

The original pattern called for a small border between the blocks and wool outer border with "pennies".

Wool Garden Pattern from Waltzing with bears.com (picture from the website)

When my sister finished hers, she put a large rick-rack around the center and then a blue homespun plaid outer border with scallops. When I was at the shop in July they had this great red homespun plaid on sale so I got enough to do my quilt with.

I put a jumbo rick-rack (with half showing- couldn't find more of the rick -rack that came with the quilt :/) between the center and border, quilted around the baskets on the blocks, through the rick-rack and a free form scallop in the outside border. The quilting isn't all that great, thankfully there are no "quilt police"!

Worked on the binding last night while watching "House".

I love the wool- it gives such a great texture and color variety !

Whats been happenin'?

2010-01-31T15:55:00.000-08:00

Picture overload!

This always happens when I wait too long to blog :/

The 13th was Macy's birthday. The family decided to meet up at Alli and Kyles for "the party" and then on Saturday the boys were going skiing/boarding.

Well the snow at Sunrise didn't materialize (till the next week :/ bummer) so the guys stayed at the house with us.

We had pizza from Mr. G's for Macys birthday and played Rock Band and Dance Dance Revolution. Bobby was soo funny!. Saturday we headed up to the rock shop and hiked up Petroglyph Hill. It was pretty cool.

G'pa playing with Brelee girl.

Macy blowing out the candle

Hugging the puppy she got from Uncle Greg Carbonneau

Rock Star Brelee posing for the camera!

Wes, Uncle Derek and Trav playing video games

Bobby and I at the top of Petroglyph Hill

picture is fuzzy...

Derek and Britt

Petroglyphs on the rocks

Outside the Rock shop

Steven, Meghan and the littles

Britt and Derek playing on the ice

Trav and Brelee

After we got home from Holbrook, Whitney had her baby!

Cashen Tyler Whiting

Jolene and Baby Cashen

Cashens baby quilt

ya, I said baby- I know its big...lol! His room will always be these colors :)

Nursery bedding and tinee baby Cashen in his crib

Jolene and I did the bedding ensemble.

Alli and Macy came down last week to see baby Cashen and hang out for few days. It was great to have them!

Macy sharing her breakfast with G'mas dog.

Theme for this year?

2010-01-14T18:26:00.001-08:00

I finished (well, almost everything but hand sewing the binding) Macys baby quilt. She turned 1 on Wednesday, so this is another "better late than never".
The fabric is Sandy Gervias by Moda from several years ago, the pattern is from the book "Even more quilts for baby". The original pattern has 6 blocks- I prefer square rather than long so I added 3 more blocks and did the yellow piano keys border rather than a plain one. Quilted every other pk, and then stitch in the ditch the center. Its a bit wrinkly from setting in the dryer :/

Better late than never?

2010-01-05T00:20:00.000-08:00

I started this table runner before Thanksgiving. Of course it didn't get finished, until now. I was packing up some of the fall decorations I got while at Allisons last week (they had a screaming sale on Fall decorations at Alco) and thought I might as well finish the table runner and pack it up also. Unfinished projects make me crazy! And until I was a "quilter" I always, always finished a project before starting a new one. Well, a quilter has many "irons in the fire" :/ It may go back to that "so many patterns/fabric so little time". Every year I want to get unfinished projects (UFO) done before starting new ones. Then the fabric manufacturers come out with some amazing new design or block of the month (BOM) that is crying out to live in my sewing room. *sigh*
At least this one is done, and next Thanksgiving it will be great to have it done for the table :) Better late than never, right?

Recipe box

2010-01-03T21:46:00.001-08:00

Recipe box made for a Christmas gift. Its actually the only gift I made this year, which is unusual for me.

Black, cream paper and metal box from Hobby Lobby. Fibers and embellishments from my stash.

Sand the box really well, cut and glue (I used Tacky brand) your papers onto the box. Dry. Then do several coats of Modge Podge over it, waiting for each to dry well, and lightly sanding the edges between coats-the edges tend to get a bit rough.

When its all dry you can fill the handle with fiber and ribbons to your hearts delight. :)

You can wipe it off with a damp cloth but I would be light handed with getting it wet.

Last trip of 2009!

2009-12-31T07:45:00.000-08:00

Bobby was off the week after Christmas so we headed up so he could check out Alli and Kyles new house. The trip up was uneventful and very relaxing- well the whole trip was except when the truck decided to be retarded. We helped with a couple things in the house , went out to lunch, Bobby got a ride in (even though it was sooooo cold!) and played with Macy :). We stayed a couple days then headed to Cornville for a visit to Bobbys Mom & step Dad , then stayed in Prescott at the Hassyampa Inn and visited my parents, on the way home we visited my G'pa & Uncle in Yarnell.

When I was a kid, I thought only really rich people stayed at the Hassyampa, lol! Although I remember my Mom staying there one winter for a week. She worked at the phone company (Mountain Bell - Ma Bell lol!) next door to the Inn and we got a really bad snow storm. So they put the employees up at the hotel because they couldn't get home.

Anyway-It was so cute and cozy! Built in the '20's, small rooms and wonderful details! We had breakfast in the Peacock Room-elegant and comfy with high ceilings , again with wonderful details. Waiting for seating, we read the signs and memorabilia in the hallway outside the room. One of them had the names of the original stockholders of the Inn, and my Great Grandfather was one of them. Too fun! I had no idea! Told my Mom and she said- "Oh ya, I knew that", hum! Bobby and I talked about the people who may have frequented the Inn. Parking buggies & cars on that dirt Elks hill must have been a pain!

Neither of us was ready to head home.

On the way home we texted the kids so see if any of them wanted to hang out for NewYears eve, Steven & Meghan had plans but Chris and Kati were heading to Prescott on Friday so they came and spent the night. We played games, rang in the new year with the littles at 10 and then again at midnight. It was fun! The kids were a bit scared of the "poppers", especially when Chris told Wes he was going to wake him up with one of the 4 leftover ones. Poor Wes....

Anyway- it was a great week, we enjoyed our time with the kids, parents, family and each other alot!

G'pa and Macy- suppose to be reading a book

Alli & Kyles house - love that you can see the fresh snow falling!

Outside of Flagstaff-Too cute!

Lobby- I wish I had gotten a picture of the elevator! It was old and awesome! A bellhop had to run it, and turn this big handle to bring it up and down. Too fun!

I loved this light, and the shadow that the window created. The picture doesn't do it justice :/

The texture in the glass is great.

Most of the handles in the room were very simple, some had the brass finish worn off. Love the simpleness and smooth texture.

Glass with room numbers above the doors, they are hinged and directly across from the windows in the room for a breeze.

Stained glass doors to the Arizona room- very typical 20's- soo cool!

To the left of the door was a stock certificate and to the right the list of original stockholders.

Handles on the Arizona room doors.

Again the pictures aren't all that great- no high end camera or photo-shopping.

I tried to take pictures of the courthouse aquare all lit up but they didn't turn out. One year you will just have to check it out yourself. Very small -old town and really fun!

On to a New Year!

Yeah for Christmas!

2009-12-29T17:45:00.000-08:00

This year we had all the kids at our house for Christmas, well the 23rd and 24th mostly, Alli and Kyle were here the 19th to the am of 25th. Bobby started back to work on the 25 :/ sad. Someone has to make that electricity we use for cookin' all that food, and lightin' all those trees and lights! It was fun having the little girls for their first Christmas. My favorite part is having the family all together. Watching the little kids & the big kids play. The young men and women from our ward came and caroled for us, and brought yummy goodies that were a perfect addition to our Christmas eve.

The 2009 Christmas Gang

Brelee

Alli and Derek being goofy

Santa nailed it with Macys gift!

Christmas messes are the best!!

Playing with fun new toys!

Nate and G'pa

Cute boys!

2009-12-21T13:54:00.001-08:00

Week before last I went to hang out with Kati and the boys. They are in "Joy School" (home based co-op pre-school) and the kids sang at a senior citizen center. It was so cute! I wish I had pictures, but I was video taping. They were sooo adorable!

Anyway, we went shopping and outside of one of the stores was this great wall with cubbies in it. It was a natural place for the boys to stick their heads through! I think we got some pretty adorable pictures!

Thanksgiving 2009

2009-12-20T17:38:00.000-08:00

Thanksgiving was great! All the kids were home and my parents came down. We have so much to be thankful for, the list never ends. The things that are in the forefront of my mind are my wonderful hubby, kids and grandkids, family, Bobbys job that has allowed me to stay home with the kids-as well as travel to play Grandma. The gospel of Jesus Christ- encompassing the atonement, priesthood and eternal families. I can't even imagine my earthy life without these things, let alone eternity without my family and the gospel. I am thankful for the material blessings we have, but they can be replace or lived without. The last year was not without its struggles and hardships- but as long as we have each other and the Gospel of Jesus Christ, anything is possible.

I have a saying on my family room wall that pretty much sums it up- "We may not have it all together but together we have it all."

Grandma C and Nathan making rolls.

Home from the Turkey bowl- Dereks team went undefeated, the other boys lost 1 game.

I got the cool turkey football shirts at Old Navy.

Macy (she didn't go), Kyle, Steven, Derek and Chris

Nater loves doing dishes !

Yes- you are seeing men/boys washing the dishes- its tradition in our family :)

This year the girls did a craft, we made Christmas countdown blocks.

Last year we made ornaments.

Kati and Alli

Meghan helping Grandma B

Trav and Wes playing on the porch.

Grandpa and Nathan

The 2009 bunch

Derek, Bobby, Alli, Kyle, Meghan, Steven, Brelee, Chris, Kati, Nathan

Kathy, Wes, Grandmpa B, Macy, Grandma B, Travis

Kids say the funniest things!

2009-12-18T13:55:00.000-08:00

Last week-

We were eating at the kitchen table.

Nathan (2) spilled juice on Wes' (5) pants.

Wes said "OH NO!! My handsome clothes!!!"

Today-

Paige: I miss my Mom.

Me: I know, your Mom and Dad are are a date.

Paige: YOU MADE THEM IN LOVE!

Me: I did? I don't think so.

Paige: You have unknown powers, you know.

Wow, cool... wonder what else I don't know...never mind - I really don't want to know :)

Happiest place on earth!

2009-11-29T16:02:00.000-08:00

Kids go to Disneyland for *free* on their birthday! For birthday #5 Wes got to go to Disneyland , and I got to go too! What a great time! We stayed at Kati's Grandmas house, she is awesome! I wanna be like her when Im in my 80's! Chris, Kati the kids and I left here on the 13th of Nov and got back on the 17th.

Wes at the outlet Mall

Nathan

Travis

Rockstar Brelee

At the park in Calabasas

This is one fun slide!

Zooma Beach ( I think thats the name of it) has bees, and one did not like Wes stepping on it :/

The day at the beach was great, weather was beautiful!

Gardens of the World -Travis and Wes

First Disneyland visit! This is one HAPPY mousketeer!

Brelee at Disneyland

Shooting "Zerg" at the Buzz Lightyear ride (we went 3 times)

Wes becoming the newest Jedi Knight on his 5th birthday!

He took it very seriously - but was a bit too nervous to face Darth Vadar.

We love Mickey!

Wiped out!

The trip was awesome! Disneyland was serious non stop fun from open to close. The kids couldn't have been better behaved, Travis took it very well when they told him he wasn't tall enough to go on the"big" rides. "Its a Small world" was decked out for Christmas- elves, North Pole, and Christmas songs.

Favorite ride was Buzz Lightyear, scariest ride was Winnie the Pooh. I think we may have started a new tradition- G'ma goes with the grandkids to Disneyland :) Next time I think G'ma needs to provide costumes for the kids :)

Chris & Kati- thanks for inviting me :) It was great!

Quilty give away!

2009-11-26T18:46:00.001-08:00

My friend Mary is having a quilty give away, go check it out! Her work is awesome!

www.mequilter.blogspot.com

Quilting for Jane

2009-11-09T19:06:00.000-08:00

These quilts belong to Jane. I quilted them for her and just got round to take pictures.

Love, love, love this one! Its my colors! And Stars!

sshhhhh ... it may get lost in my sewing room :)

I quilted it with a small all over stipple.

This one I tried something different, stitch in the ditch on either side of the sashings. Then I did a medium stipple on the outside border and setting triangles with a free form flower in the center of the pinwheels. Can't really see the quilting from the front so here is a picture from the back.

I hope Jane is happy with them. Better get them to her before they find a new home in my sewing room :)

Bad . Bad. Dog.

2009-11-04T10:50:00.001-08:00

I looked out the window and what did I see?

A whole in my flower bed!!

Made by Gabby!!!

Bad! Bad! Dog!

Busy couple of weeks!

2009-11-01T19:48:00.000-08:00

Last week I went to Tucson to help Kati (my daughter-by-marriage) with her office. I don't have pictures, but it was an amazing redo and actually quite easy. We mostly rearranged furniture to make it more open, put up some shelves from Ikea (Thanks Chris!), and she is going through and "rehoming" old equipment she used to use for her videography. She now has several work surfaces and it feels so much more open! We worked in the office at night and played with the grand-kiddos in the day. It was tons of fun, love playing with those adorable grandkids!

The day we went to Ikea for shelves, we stopped at McD's and the boys had a great time playing in the play yard.

This week Alli and Macy came up ... we made bows for a Holiday gift fair in Holbrook, and got ready for her friends bridal shower. Course we also did a halloween costume for Miss Macy.

Macys Halloween day outfit :) Her shirt says "Im so cute its scary!"
Melanie, Alli, Stormy- the bride, Chelsey
food table

back of Macys costume

The pirates and bugs :)

Trav, Macy, Brelee, Wes, Nate

(Its nearly impossible to get 4 kids to look at the camera at the same time!)

See that little white ghost? Macy carried that around all week...too funny!

Brelee got first place in her age group for her bee costume at their HOA Halloween party!

All the kids went home this morning, sad Grandma :/.

New bag :)

2009-11-01T19:28:00.001-08:00

Last Saturday a group of my quilt friends (we took classes together many years ago at a "shop that shall not be named") got together and made bags! I love bags, no-one can have just one!

Monika, Kathy H., Kellie

front: Judy, Ramona - back: Aleta, Sue

(not pictured- Jane- I don't know where she was?)

This is the bag I finished. It was a kit from "The Christmas Goose"( pattern by Sunshine Garcia) in LasVegas. The bag is a dark pine green upholstery fabric, the inside and straps are a red woven, and the pocket is a tan texture. Its embellished with wool & buttons and buttonhole stitched. I love how it turned out!

Purple, green & yellow quilt

2009-10-14T20:26:00.001-07:00

This is a quilt I just finished quilting for a friend. She made the top for a wedding gift. I quilted it with swirls that echo the pattern in the purple batik on the outside border.

"The girls" playing on the quilt.

Close-up of the center

Peaches & Grandkids

2009-10-14T20:05:00.000-07:00

As soon as we got home from vacation, Meghan & I had peaches waiting in the kitchen to be canned. 24 quarts and 8 pints of peaches. Yum!!

The first weekend of October the kids were all here and we had some family pictures taken. The kids worked on the garage, and we cleaned out the 3rd bay! It looks wonderful! a load to the dump and a load to Goodwill , Tada! Derek has a parking place inside the garage. My kids rock!

Miss Macy and her funny, squished up nose smile.

Wes and Travis at the park

Nathan racing Wes down the slide. Love that smile :)

Brelee was sleeping in the stroller and Chris and Kati were rollerblading around the lakes.

Maine

2009-10-13T21:43:00.001-07:00

Thursday night we stayed in Portsmouth Maine. Checked into the hotel- Anchorage Hotels (wouldn't recommend them :/)

Headed to "Bob's Clam Hut" for dinner in Kittery , Maine. It was awesome!!

"Bob" had great places to eat everywhere!! Wished I had kept track of all the places he owns!

Outside the hotel- Friday morning

Too cute!! The pumpkins back east don't rot in the sun! Weird!

Portland, Maine

My sister was in Portland, OR at the same time!

Could you just live here!??

This is NOT a postcard! Its how it really looks!

The views were breathtaking! The air smelled crisp and clean, the breeze a bit chilled.

I could just picture myself sitting on that porch in a rocking chair, wrapped up in a quilt, reading a book with grandkiddos on my lap- playing on the porch. *sigh*

Cute, Cute!! Bobby ate at another clam place and I shopped, the shops were adorable!

In one of them Bobby asked if this was the end of the busy season. We had seen so many vacation rentals on the beach available. The lady said tourist season was letting up , but it was the beginning of "leaf peeper" season! How CUTE!

In AZ we call "them" "snow birds" , in New England "they" are called "leaf peepers"!

In Portland we ate at Gilbert's Chowder House. I had the sourdough bread bowl with clam chowder- it was amazing!

And back to Boston we go... it took us around 2 hours to pass through 3 states- taking our time. Drive 2 hours here and your still in the same state!

Met Gail and Patty for dinner, and spent the night at Patty and Gerrys. Their house is soo adorable, as was Gails! Bobby asked me if it ruined the "cuteness" to stay inside a New England house- NO WAY! The adorable woodwork, rooms, stairs, wood floors, great views, trim work ... it was so comfortable and cozy- I loved it! I might not love shoveling snow, hauling firewood, uncovering the car, freezing cold or snow on the floor ... but call me a "leaf peeper" any day- I'll own it !:)

Claremont, New Hampshire

2009-10-12T02:35:00.000-07:00

One of my requests for the trip was to go to NH in search of genealogy info. Roberts Great Grandparents are buried there ( I know- more cemetery stuff...). I also wanted to try to find birth and death records from Claremont. So off we went. The drive was sooo beautiful!! I had no idea a person can go into "cuteness overload" but I did, quite frequently!

When we got into Boston the leaves had barely started to change, as we drove that week, they changed right before our eyes... it was amazing!

The town office had all their birth/death/marriage records on 3x5 cards, in an old library card file in the lobby of the office. We found all of Frank & Mary's kids birth records along with a few others, and a couple marriage records.

Nobody really knew how to get to the cemetery. I wish I could remember all the different directions we got... "turn by the old railway sign", "that road out there takes a bend to the left- keep going past the old mill", "theres a fork in the road-keep straight...", "theres some big old trees..." The guy at Fisks Free library finally drew us a map- " Its not to scale" he said ...lol!

Church at St. Marys Cemetery- First Catholic church in New Hampshire

Frank L(no idea what the L stands for) Carboneau & Mary Doyle, Lillian Carboneau (Conners)

The cemetery was huge, and we had no idea where they were. We called the caretaker and he and a kid helped us find them. Bobby offered them a few bucks for helping us, but they refused. As we were walking away the kid said he liked helping people find their "kin", it made him feel good for "these folks" to have visitors. We never would have found them without his help.

Bobby thought the stones would be small and close to the ground. Surprise! They were pretty good sized!

Frank & Mary's house address from the 1920 census

Franks & Marys house address from 1930 census, love the stained glass top of the window!

On the way out of New Hampshire

If I had known more- or knew what to ask, Im sure we could have gotten more information. *sigh* But that saves something for another trip. :)

I drove a "Duck"!

2009-10-12T02:03:00.000-07:00

We took a Duck Tour. A "Duck" is 1/2 truck-1/2 boat amphibious vehicle. Originally designed for WWII, the projects code name was "DUKW". Our Duck was Beantown Betty , one of the restored original "DUKW"s. Our guide was very knowledgeable, drove pretty quickly & threw out information and random facts about Boston faster than I could process them. The one I remember was that Boston originally was only 1.5 sq. miles. As time progressed, the marshes around the area began to be filled in by the people and it now is 48 sq. miles.

"Beantown Betty"- see the flash? Thats us :)

Our "Duck dude" guide

Boston skyline from the river

Yes, thats me in the drivers seat

Boston Public library

2009-09-29T22:18:00.001-07:00

The Boston Public library was amazing!

We were actually looking for a restroom- NOT an easy task! So we stopped at the library, holy cow - it was so beautiful, the art inside was fabulous!

The bathrooms were stinky though :/ They looked very clean.

This is the courtyard in the center.The weather was beautiful, slightly overcast, with a gentle breeze now and then.

I picked the textiles out first thing, everything is appliqued, some machine and some hand-needle turned.

Freedom Trail-Charlestown, Bunker Hill Monument

2009-09-29T21:04:00.000-07:00

The residential areas were Bobbys favorite. He liked seeing the "normal life flow" throughout the city and suburbs of Boston. Seriously adorable row houses- Now I completely understand the scenes from Sesame Street and Mr Rogers! The shows are geared to the east coast! Duh! While we were walking through Charlestown the kids were getting out of school, playing in the streets, groups of 3 or 4 were walking home, moms sitting in concrete basketball courts watching their kids play- strollers in tow. Flower boxes in almost every window, fall colored flowers and pumpkins in the stair wells and entry ways. The doors different colors, streets were so skinny! Everything was ssssooooo cute, cozy and charming!!!

Bunker Hill Monument

Bobby at the " Colonel Prescott" statue

View from top after climbing 293 steps!

Bobby on the way back down ...

Freedom Trail

2009-09-26T22:07:00.000-07:00

I love the history associated with Boston, the architecture was amazing, although pictures just don't do them justice. Its one of those things you have to see for yourself.

Bobbys Uncle did the gold leafing on the dome at one time... in 69? I think.

Update- 10/12/09- Bobbys cousin said it was his Uncle Donald Amerault. He is one of the few remaining gold leaf artists in the state of MA. Very cool :)

The cemeteries are soo cool! Granary Burying Ground had lots of cool headstones, I'll not post all the pictures :).

Genealogists dream- generations of dates on the same headstone!

Stones and coins in memory of deceased.

Creepy and cool at the same time ... no machines to lazar cut the stone- hand done with chisel and mallet.

Site of the first public school- Boston Latin School- no tuition charged but they had to buy firewood. Benjamin Franklin dropped out, funny :)

I think this mosaic would make an awesome quilt or needlework sampler!

Grasshopper weathervane atop Faneuil hall. Next time we go, Im taking pictures of all the different weathervanes! Loved them!

Inside Faneuil Hall-Daniel Webster speaking before the US Senate in WA. 16 ft high x 30 ft wide! Painted by G.P.A Healy- took 7 yrs. Its HUGE!!

Quincy Market- best souvenir shops. Behind it is the North and South Markets. We had dinner at the Durgin-Park Market Dining Room- it was fabulous!

The New England Holocaust Memorial was amazing, not necessarily because of the way it looked, but because of the way it makes you feel...reverent, awed, bewildered, disbelief, outrage, hatred, confusion, love, heartbreak. People outside the area were talking in normal voices, but they seemed muffled next to the heaviness of the feelings in the immediate memorial area, there people whispered, touched the glass, read the numbers quietly-silently- whispering the quotes on the sidewalks. Heads shook slowly, eyes watered, couples held hands, reverent smiles to strangers-smiles on the lips...but not in the eyes. There were small stones and coins on the edges of the black granite sidewalks- I read later it is in memory of the deceased. 6 glass towers signify the 6 death camps, etched with 6 million numbers.

Beautiful artwork done by the Italian immigrants that built the church. It looks like a Christmas card!

These statues were tucked away, down an alley, on a building just in front and to the side of the church. I love them, but you'd not notice them unless you were looking outside the "main path".

Why did "we" go away from having placards on pews at church? Your visiting family would always know where to sit, and you'd never have to find a new seat if someone, unknowingly- of course, took "your" seat.

Old State House- built in 1713- Oldest public building still standing in the Eastern US- Declaration of Independence was read from the balcony on July 18, 1776

Dinner with the Amerault cousins

2009-09-26T21:12:00.000-07:00

Bobbys family is originally from the Boston area, or rather the small towns outside Boston. They run one right into the other, like Goodyear, Avondale, Litchfield Park areas. Before he was born his parents left to come to AZ, leaving virtually the rest of both families back east. He was born shortly after coming "out west". As adults the cousins have become reacquainted. Gail, one of Bobbys cousins, invited us for a get together with her Dad (Uncle Bobby) and siblings. It was so fun! The only family he has ever really known are his siblings. Its been really fun getting to know his extended family :) So many similar characteristics, Alli resembles this part of his family, where the boys resemble his Dads part of the family. They are so nice, and were very warm and the visit was soo comfortable!
Anyway...here are some pictures from our dinner at Greg & Gails house in Wilmington.

Cindy, Patty, Gail and Bobby

Bobby, Uncle Bobby, Bobby (the son), Bobby (the son's son)

Its okay, Im confused too :) Technically I believe they are all "Roberts".

Gail, Greg, Tim

the young'ins

Boston Vacation- Day 1

2009-09-21T18:08:00.000-07:00

We are here! Left the house at 4:35 am. That in itself is an amazing accomplishment (for me, anyway)! Arrived in Boston at 4ish, drove around the city a little, then headed to our motel in Tewksbury. Everything is sooo cute! The houses are adorable and charming, streets are skinny and windy, the trees are wonderful! All different shades of green and red.
After we checked in, we tracked down the cemetery where Bobby's paternal grandfather is, Albert F. Carbonneau. His grandmother, Stella, and Uncle Richard & Aunt Catherine Carbonneau are suppose to be there also, but we didn't find them. We will go by tomorrow and talk to the office.
On the paperwork we have it says he has a paternal 1st? cousin that lives here, Susan Sneed. We went to the house and knocked on the door but nobody answered. Will probably try again tomorrow- no phone number listed.

Tote bag Saturday ;)

2009-09-05T17:51:00.000-07:00

In March? April?, at the ASU West quilt show, Kellie and I bought these great kits for tote bags. Yesterday I called to see if she was busy today, and invited her over to sew our tote bags.( Not the first time we have tried to get together to make them :/) She wasn't! So we had a tote bag sewing party this morning at 8am!
It was a ton of fun and we got our adorable bags finished! It was raining all morning. A great day to sew!
The pattern is "Charm party tote" and the fabric is Moda Flag Day.

Whatever works ... August 29th

2009-09-05T17:39:00.000-07:00

Alli and Macy came down to pick up a friend for Zues. Her name is Ruby, she is a 9 month old, dark apricot toy poodle- and soo cute! Zues and Ruby are great friends now.
Anyway, Macy couldn't find her plug ... but she found something that worked :)

warning: Do not try this at home. It is not advisable to let any child suck on a medication bottle. Please keep all medications away from children of any age. Watch your children around medication.

Friday August 21 Camping in the Pines :)

2009-08-31T11:17:00.001-07:00

Warning: Photo overload

We met the kids up north for some camping. Kati and Alli did some great planning. A miracle happened and Bobby was actually off! We had FHE Friday night, Saturday we played horseshoes, the little boys played crochet, the big kids went shooting. It was wonderful! Family and the great outdoors... love, love, love it! Sunday the kids placed a geo-cache along the freeway near the deer farm. As always, wish we could have stayed longer!

Trav, Naters and Wes in G'mas travel trailer getting spoiled :)

G'pa and baby Brelee

Trav having an exceptionally good time!

Miss Macy and Zues

Kati and Nathan playing crochet (Kati is actually helping keep the mallet under control)

The traditional night time campfire.

Saturday August 22 -Camping in the pines :)

2009-08-31T10:42:00.001-07:00

Warning: Photo overload

Bobby enjoying the good life, Outdoors and family.

Kyle and Chris discussing fantasy football draft options.

Chris and Steve, sibling rivalry.

Grandpa Bochat and the little boys watching the horseshoe tourney.

Wes has the bracket- official looking isn't it?

Watching horseshoes. Brelee, Chris, Wes, Alli, Steven, Meghan, Macy

Steven Wins! And gets the awesome trophy! Meghan loves the awesome trophy :)

Grandpa Bochat and Miss Macy chillaxin' in the swing.

Brelee, Meghan, Wes, Alli, Macy

Red Romantic lap quilt August 15th

2009-08-25T14:41:00.000-07:00

My friend , Monika, (who says she doesn't quilt ...HA!) brought me a magazine and asked if I could help her make the quilt on the front of the magazine smaller. It had stars and LOTS of points! We talked a bit about it and it didn't come up again. She went to Utah to visit her Mom, and brought home that quilt top from the front of the magazine cover (sorry I can't remember the magazine) ! Its a gift for a family wedding she's attending. I quilted it for her with a winter white aurifil thread, and a medium sized all over swirl.
Its beautiful! She did a fabulous job and didn't cut off one single point! Next time she needs to leave me more backing to work with though (can't let her think she's perfect just yet! :) ). Isn't is wonderful!

"Will you go..."

2009-08-14T11:16:00.000-07:00

Britt asked Derek if he would go to Homecoming with her. He said yes, but you have to ask creatively. So Wednesday night Britt , her sister, and her friend Amy came over and decorated Dereks bathroom. The floor of the bathroom is FULL of green and black balloons that say "H-O-M-E-C-O-M-I-N-G"

Too fun!

"Mom, I wanna to make..."

2009-08-14T10:42:00.000-07:00

Last week Alli called and said "Mom, can you come and help me do a color quiet book?" Well a couple hours later, she was headed down to Buckeye. Whitney, Tyler and Jolene came over just after Alli got here. We were looking at the computer and found an adorable bug quiet book pattern on Etsy. Soo plans changed ... the color book was out and the Bug book was in.
4 days and MANY long hours, nites later... Macy and Whitneys lil' unborn peanut have buggy quiet books! I didn't get pics of the finished product, just one of the girls "in production". It was fun to watch and listen to them. I often wondered if thats what Jolene and I sound like when we are "creating" lol!

Alli & Whitney -next generation of creators

Macy trying the "Glam" thing at Joannes. She has the "serious" thing down pat :)

G'pa and Macy having some bonding time.

"I'm coming, wait for me!!"

Macy, G'ma, Alli

Pink!

2009-08-14T10:28:00.000-07:00

"Pink is not a color, it's an attitude!" is the first thing I thought of when I saw the bedding fabric for Seth and Taras baby, Neela. The box of fabric has been in my sewing room waiting for its turn to be sewn. :/ This week was its turn! Yeah!! The quilt is a duvet , and covers the baby boy bedding Tara used with the 3 boys. The bumper has rick-rack along the top edge, you can't see it well ... it should have been larger ... Im really disappointed about that part :/. But all in all I think it looks pretty good.

July continued ...

2009-08-14T10:06:00.000-07:00

Kati and the kids came down to help her Family move out of the house they have been in for 20 some odd years. Alli and Kyle came down to visit , and help. We all took turns going with Kati and staying here to watch kiddos. Kari did great! I would have been soooo overwhelmed and hidding my head under the covers! The house was packed up in 10 days! Im sure when Kati gets a chance she will blog about the week. Monday night we did a surprise birthday /going away party for Kari (Kati's Mom). It turned out great! Kati took pictures of everyone that came and we had them write on a tag, their name, and a memory , good wishes, or birthday wishes etc. The pictures (matched with tags) went into a book that we had scrap-booked on Sunday nite for the occasion. We had no idea how it was going to go, but it was a hit! The week flew by, it was great to help Kari and have the grandkids here :)
I went to Walgreens and got a little pool for the kids to play in. Its about the only picture I took that week.

July ... where did it go?

2009-08-14T09:44:00.000-07:00

The last couple weeks of July were crazy! On the 25th ish, we went to Flagstaff for Bobbys step dads 80th birthday. It was fun, The Hancocks back yard is wonderful! It was great to see the kids and visit with everyone.
Jennifer makes hairbows, "G'ma" made a good dent in her inventory for Macy & Brelee :)

Chris, and Uncle Greg teaching Wes to play chess.

Chris, Derek, Alli, Kyle, Meghan, Steven,

Kati, Nathan, Travis, Bobby, Wesly, Brelee Macy, Kathy

I wish I'd gotten pictures of everyone , but just didn't think of it before they started leaving.

Pincushion swap

2009-07-30T17:36:00.000-07:00

I keep seeing swap buttons on blogs, so decided I'd try one. Well, I should know better. Really, I should. Its been along time since I joined a swap, and my love of pincushions pushed me into it. The swap was to send on June 27th, I think. I sent mine on the 29th of June, we were emailed our swap partner and sent directly to her instead of a centralized swap where you would send and receive from the hostess. The swap hostess was posting updates on her blog they all looked so cute! Did I mention I love pincushions? :)

This is the package I sent, pattern is from Blackbird designs. The small beehive is a needle book and the bee on string is a scissor keeper. Made one for the swap, birthday gift for my sister, and then one for myself. My swap partner is in Australia, she should have gotten it by now.
However, as you have probably guessed by now, no word from swap hostess (after several emails) no word from the partner, and no word from whoever was suppose to send to me. bummer.

"Make-do" pincushion

2009-07-22T21:28:00.000-07:00

A "make-do" pincushion is one that is made using whatever you have immediately available.

Most commonly made in the 18 & 19th centuries, out of necessity. At that time the most common bases were broken candlesticks, teapots or oil lamps.

My sister had one (made from an old hand crank meat grinder) that she got from the quilt shop she works at. Well I knew I had one of those grinder things around. Don't remember where I got it from ... my Moms, Grandmas, a yard sale in Prescott-Yarnell-Buckeye-JoeCity?, a second hand store ... could have been any one of those places. In the "old house" I use to have it on the corner of my Hoosier cabinet in the kitchen. The handle on it is missing the screw that keeps it attached to the head. So whenever the missionaries came for dinner - at least one of them would reach out and turn that crank, the handle would fall off and they would have a horrified look- thinking they had broken it. The "old" missionaries would bring the new ones, stand back and watch them reach for that unattached handle - then produce a huge, "Man you are in trouble you broke it!" look. So funny watching them set each other up, when in fact I intentionally left it there to watch people do the same thing. :) Got to get amusement in life wherever you can, right?

Anyway- I made one of those adorable pincushions with mine this week. Its filled with dry lavender buds that are stuffed into a nylon knee high and tied to the rotating grinder part inside. Then covered with some brushed woven cotton fabric then embellished with old buttons from my stash. Love it!!

Retail therapy revisited

2009-07-17T00:18:00.000-07:00

While I was at my sisters we hit the quilt shop she works at, "The Christmas Goose". One of the girls at the shop designed a wool embellished wallet pattern, Steph had made one- its adorable!! Well while we were at the shop I saw the sample one for a class. It was adorable too!!! Long story short, I got a kit from the teacher, Thank you Sunshine!!

Cut the wool pieces out on the way home and finished it today. I love it!!!

Inside of wallet, Chocolat fabrics by Moda, red/white woven stripe

"Kissed by the Sun" Wool Village Wallet pattern by Sunshine Garcia

Hoover dam bypass bridge

2009-07-16T23:43:00.000-07:00

On the way home from Vegas, we went over the Hoover dam. The bypass bridge has been in construction for a couple years. Wow its impressive! The thing is huge!!! The pictures really don't do its massive size justice.
The trip home was uneventful. Nice to sleep in my own bed after being away 10 days. Dorothy is right, "There's no place like home."

Wedding Day

2009-07-16T22:31:00.000-07:00

Caution: Serious picture overload

Dads opening doors for the newly wed couple.

Steph, Amber

The wedding party

(great dresses huh? Whole outfit, one day, same mall, 3 days before wedding ... Im still shakin' my head!) :)

Mr. and Mrs. Mike Turner

Brelee

Bobby, Macy, Wesly

Bochats, Winns and Carbonneaus

Ambers friends and family

Jenni, Amber, Kristi

Tom, Kristi, Steph, Meghan, Steven

Waiting for the Newly weds to finish pictures so we can eat lunch :)

Kyle , Macy, Alli

Britt, Derek

Kati, Chris and Wes

Brelee, Wesly, Nathan, Macy, Travis

Can you tell who had chocolate cake ? :)

Bobby, Kathy, Steph, David

Off they go, into the wild blue wander, happily ever after :)

Nathan, Macy

If there had been more couches in the foyer, we would have all been sleeping!

It was a great party, nice turnout, everyone there had a good time! Kati did video, Kyle did the music and kept everyone on their toes. Chris kept Brelee changed and spent alot of time running kids to the potty. Derek did the Napoleon Dynamite dance for Amber- she was very surprised, lol! It was cute. Wes and Trav danced their little feet off, too cute!!!!

Las Vegas wedding week- the rest of the story

2009-07-16T20:09:00.000-07:00

Caution- Picture overload :)

Jenni, Amber, Alli, Christi after shopping.

Wednesday night we went to the mall and got bridesmaid dresses, "Mother of the bride" dress for Steph, and shoes for them all! In one night! At the SAME mall! I was shocked!

Alli & Kyle at Sams Club.

Thursday we went shopping for the food, More nails done.

Kathy, Amber, Sunshine, Jenni, Alli

Friday was "set-up" day. David had an enclosed trailer that they had been putting wedding stuff in. After the truck, trailer, and Stephs car were full we headed for the church to decorate for the reception.

Mike & Amber doing the sign in table.

Jenni & friends trying to figure out what to do with the arches.

Steven, David, Steph, Grandpa Bochat, Loren, Grandma Bochat

Britt, Derek, Bobby, Alli

Krista Turner, Steph Winn "The Moms"

Friday night we went to "hang out" on "The Strip". I love to go watch the water shows at the Bellagio! Derek and Britt danced. Robert & I, Kyle, Alli & Macy headed back to the hotel and the other kids walked around and went to dinner. Loren had a great time hanging out with the "older" cousins :) Bobby had come straight from Girls Camp, the theme was "Women of Virtue". They made the priesthood and bishops shirts that said "Real Men love Virtuous Women" and it had the VW sign on it. He still had his shirt on when we were walking on the strip. You should have seen the looks we got, everyone that walked by read his shirt. Some had funny looks, others shook their heads- some good shakes some not so good...lol!

Kyle, Alli, Macy (in the stroller), Kathy, Bobby, Steven, Meghan, Loren, Derek, Britt

Temple wedding in Vegas, its true!

2009-07-08T15:27:00.000-07:00

My niece is getting married on Saturday. So Kyle, Alli , Macy and I headed to my sisters in LV on Monday. Monday night we shopped for food, Krista (Mikes Mom) and Alli got their nails done. Tuesday morning we hit the quilt shop (retail therapy), picked up a dress for Steph for the evening@ Kohls, picked up Ambers wedding dress- Steph got another dress :) and we headed to the temple. It was so nice and peaceful! Sometimes I'd like to just live at the temple.
When we got home we worked on the party favors ( Steph made white chocolate LV Temple spires and white choc hearts) and finished about 100 of them.
This morning we got another 100 favors done, nails done, cakes baked (Yes Steph is making her own daughters wedding cake!) and as soon as the last nails are done we are looking for "Mother of the bride" dress, and brides maid dresses.

Kyle, Alli, Amber, Mike

David, Steph (my sister), Amber (niece), Mike, Krista & Greg Turner

Happy Birthday USA!

2009-07-08T14:42:00.000-07:00

For the 4th I went to Kyle and Alli's house. We went to Mr. G's pizza in Joe City hit the Badlands for sparklers and fireworks, BBQ at Brain and Janes. Kyles family is always so friendly and welcoming when I visit, just feels like Im part of the family. Carnival and games at the Joe City park. We got the best homemade bread and cupcakes there! YUM! Macy had the cutest outfit with matching hair bow from Breezy and beautiful crystal bracelet from Monika & Paige. Holbrook fireworks were great! Macy never even cried! she watched and went to sleep :) I LOVE hometown fireworks and 4th celebrations, reminds me of when I was a kid in Prescott. We always went to the rodeo, kids parade, big huge parade, hang out at the town square big fireworks. Sometime Ill find some pictures- we used to have so much fun! Small town 4th is the best!

Great RAAM finish!

2009-06-27T11:43:00.000-07:00

TEAM DONATE LIFE - GIVE HOPE - CONGRATULATIONS

Team Donate Life – Give Hope crossed the finish line at 10:20pm. They rode for 6 days, 4 hours and 48 minutes and averaged a whopping 20.3mph over the 3021 mile journey.

Riders, Jason Weckworth, Dave Stoker, Elliot Block, Jared Ellison, Tad Rogers, Brodie Pollard, Robert Carbonneau, Ryan Robinson all inspired each other and worked well together.

They exist to promote organ donation and transplantation. They have a few members who are organ donors and a transplant surgeon. They had some recipients with them. Jason Weckworth’s wife gave a kidney to Stacy, a crew member. They’re all about promoting organ donation.
Mostly throughout, they felt awesome and enjoyed themselves.

Tad Rogers was sick for two days. But other riders picked up the slack. Sleep deprivation is what affected them most. Communicating and Everyone being Team Players can be challenging aspects, but weren’t because they talked through everything. Every single one of their crew and members did their job. Something that specifically happened was when they were riding through Ohio. From their blog.

“When we weren’t riding, we talked and laughed and took pictures of Kermit the Frog and said silly things that only sleep-deprived people could possibly think of. But it’s what makes RAAM so great… having relationships that help you meet great challenges. These aren’t just RAAM team members. These are my dear friends who are creating memories that will last a lifetime. Isn’t that what we all want to experience in life? “

Well done! That is an example of solid team-work.

Race Across America

2009-06-21T22:09:00.001-07:00

Yes he is doing it again, last time he said never again, but he is. RAAM started yesterday. Bobby and his team "Team Donate Life- Give Hope" left Oceanside CA around 2:30. Today Derek and I headed up to Congress, through Skull Valley into Prescott, to meet up with them and take a few pics.
Coming up the hill from Skull Valley into Prescott, Bobby in the rear transitioning to another team member. They did 1 mile leapfrog up the hill to keep their speed up.
Bobby and Derek in the Prescott Wal-Mart parking lot at the end of Bobbys (and 3 other team members) 12 hour race rotation.

www.raceacrossamerica.org look for 8 man "Team Donate Life- Give Hope"

www.teamdonatelife.com click on "Track me- 360" then "adventure hq" for "real life" updates as to their position.

At the Kayenta time station they had avg 24+ mph.

Macy tries fruit

2009-06-12T21:21:00.000-07:00

This week Bobby and Derek have been up north with the young men from church. Tuesday I followed Alli and Kyle home. Alli and I painted Macy's room, watched movies and started Macy on fruit LOL! Too cute!! You could tell when she got cereal, which she is used too. and when she got the fruit ... can you tell? :)

Brelee's blessing

2009-06-11T10:08:00.001-07:00

Sunday was Miss Brelee's blessing day. It was a lot of fun. Isn't she so cute!?

Next to impossible getting 4 kids, 4 and under to look at the camera at the same time. But soooo dang cute!

Kari Pike (Kati's Mom), Kati and Breelee. Kari made Brelee's dress, it just turned out beautiful! Its so much fun having your daughter-by-marriage's mom for your friend :)

The nest is empty

2009-06-09T20:35:00.000-07:00

Well the nest is empty. The birds are all grown up and on their own. Wow, that happened fast! Just weeks ago I discovered eggs in my front door wreath, and now the nest is empty. However I can still hear the beautiful music they sing from the trees.
It feels like my kids grew up that quickly also. It sure didn't feel that way when it was happening. I never thought I could love them more than I did when they were little, but I do. Never thought I could be more pleased than when they each started to walk, but I am. I love it when they all come home and the house is busy, with noise, cooking, kids visiting, grandkids playing ... the best song is the song of a family. I love the music my family makes, it fills my heart and spirit to overflowing. We have the best family in the world!

Quilting update

2009-06-05T16:51:00.000-07:00

This week we had Derek's car in the shop :( That means *Mom* is car-less. Humm.
Consequently I got a lot of sewing done! So, all in all, it turned into a good thing.This is the "Chocolat" quilt with the pinwheels on the outside edge. One more round to go.
Quilters Bee Free Batik block of the month. Next week I'll go in and choose the sashing colors, with my "Color girl", Kellie. The geometric is the focus fabric and will be the outside border.

Charleston Harbor BOM through Homestead Hearth. I was waayy behind on this one, it feels good to be caught up!

Amazing how much a person can get done at home when there is nowhere to go :)

Monday at the Aquarium

2009-06-02T20:02:00.000-07:00

Monday Kyle, Alli, Macy and I went to see the Aquarium at the Wildlife Zoo. It was a bit pricey, so if you go look for coupons (NO they are NOT on the Hickmans egg cartons). But we heard they are in the Dex pages. When the sharks and other big fish grow some it will be really cool! The penguins were fun.
Macy loved watching the fish!

Growing up!

2009-06-02T19:49:00.001-07:00

The baby birds are growing up! It seems so crazy for them to be this big so fast! There are only 3 of them. I don't know what happened to the 4th. We have searched the porch and the wreath and its just gone. "Momma" bird didn't think it was healthy enough? :(

So much so, that I don't know if this picture is the Mom or one of the babies! If it is a baby, they will be gone in no time. Then I can clean the poop off my wreath...yuck ... I'll miss them though.

The "baby" turns 18!

2009-06-02T19:14:00.000-07:00

Sunday was Derek's 18th birthday. Meghan and her Mom , Robin, made "Fenn Tacos" for dinner at Derek's request. Chris & Kati's family came up and went to church with us. Steven & Meghan (and Robin) , and Alli & Kyle & Macy were here when we got home from church. We had NO idea all the kids would be here! It was soo fun! Dereks friend, Kirk, and his girlfriend Britt's family - Kellie, Dale and Courtney all came over too.
Brittany's gift was the most creative with 18 things Derek liked. The little boys liked the mustang matchbox car the best :)

Nathan decided it was a fun game to get his head stuck going in and out of the bench arm :)

Now its Turtles ...

2009-05-29T14:07:00.001-07:00

When we walk in the mornings Im always the one to "spot" things. Sometimes its so annoying because its usually nothing but an old palm thing from a tree. Today "it" was a turtle laying eggs under a tree. The thing is huge! An inch or so bigger than a dinner plate would be a close estimate. We couldn't get too close, my dog made it nervous. These were pictures Lynn took with her cell phone. Pretty cool! The only place I've ever seen anything like it is the Discovery channel :) LOL!

Travis-ism

2009-05-27T09:40:00.000-07:00

Yesterday afternoon I met Chris & Kati at the temple. They went through with Kati's brother Ammon who is going on a mission to Canada (Korean speaking ).
Anyway ... The kids were all asleep so we traded cars and I drove around till it was time to pick Meghan up from work, and hang out at Steven & Meghans. About 20 minutes before Meghan got off Travis woke up and said "Mom..." I said "No Trav its Grama..." He got this really mischievous grin on his face and said "WES! Mom turned into Granma!" He was sooo cute! How do they think of this stuff?

Bird stalker

2009-05-27T09:15:00.001-07:00

The baby birds are thriving! Momma gave me a scare last night. I looked out the peep hole, and thought she was gone. Well I opened the door, and peer into the nest and she was peering BACK!! FREAKED me out!! Holy Cow! Robert was at work and Derek was gone, visions of "The Birds" went through my head ,of them coming home and finding me on the floor with no eyes! EEWWWW!!!!!! I wish I had thought to snap a picture, but instead I slammed the door, locked it, set the alarm and walked really, really quickly into the family room. I know the thing can't open the door, but in the movie they can get anywhere!
Not sure how much longer I can be checking on them with the door open. No wonder so many people are afraid of them, lol! The whole experience made me feel more like a stalker than a nest protector.
This picture is from from a few days ago, you can see their wing feathers starting to mature.
.
This morning this is what I took. That little eye kind of weirded me out. Maybe I'm still freaked out from last night.
At this rate they should be "flying the coop" within a couple weeks, I would think.

2009-05-27T08:51:00.000-07:00

Sunday night Chris, Kati & the kids came up and spent the night. I love watching the boys play!

Nathan doing his favorite thing in the world, cooking! Watch this boy, he will be a famous chef one day!!
Costco has this adorable red vintage looking kitchen. Last year I wanted it for Christmas and Bobby didn't comply :/ After watching Naters all weekend, I REALLY need to get that little kitchen (for Naters of course :)) .Monday morning, Wes & Trav, watching cartoons:) Just before I took the picture Wes had his arm around Travis... it was adorable, you will just have to imagine it :)
Sunday night the "Booty Hunters" (our family geo cacheing name) went "On Tour" and played some Rock Band. Chris, Bobby on guitars, Derek on drums, Vocals by Kati with Brelee adding background :)

Adorable baby Macy

2009-05-23T20:51:00.000-07:00

Is this just the cutest little girl? She is so happy and entertains herself quite well. She giggles at the dogs and the flash on the camera. I sure enjoyed having them the last few days :)

Bird nursery update

2009-05-23T20:43:00.001-07:00

All 4 eggs have hatched. With the rain Mamma bird has been sitting on them non stop.

High School graduation 2009

2009-05-23T20:11:00.000-07:00

Derek graduated from High School on Thursday night. It was sprinkling, then drizzling of most of it, so they presented the graduates with their diplomas then let the students who had speeches prepared, give them. It was nice of them to work it that way.

The rain stopped when the kids stopped speaking but not soon enough for everyone hair to be crazy.

I think Im still in a state of shock. So many years it felt like it would never happen. The kids would never grow up and I'd be changing diapers, wiping snotty noses, never own a dry clean only dress, living in the car and never have a free night from homework or room mom responsibilities.

But it has happened, and its strange, weird. Im not really sure how to feel about it. So many mixed feelings.
Its my turn to "shine" and Im not sure what to do with it. I've been a Mom for 27 years, and now that role of motherhood changes.
Im sure it will work itself out, always does and Im not the first. None the less, I didn't expect the feelings its brought.

Dad, Derek, Mom

( I think thats me, I know I own that shirt but that face looks awfully old to be me :/)
Meghan, Derek, Steven, Alli &Macy

My parents came from Prescott but didn't stay through the whole thing.

Derek will be going to Phoenix College and playing soccer (keeper) for them.

Bird nursery update

2009-05-19T16:53:00.001-07:00

This morning I looked out the peep hole and saw the mama bird still there so I blocked off the front porch and sent everyone through the messy garage.

This afternoon I looked out and saw a lot of movement, so I opened the door, stood on the step ladder and saw this!!
Two of the eggs have hatched! They are kinda scary looking without eyes and feathers, I hope the others do okay :) Wonder how long before I can use my front door :)

Spring is here !

2009-05-18T12:03:00.000-07:00

For the last few weeks, the baby ducks have been hatching at the lakes where we walk in the mornings. They are so cute!! Today I finally remembered my camera. This is one of many little duck families. Daddy duck wasn't far behind, but too far to get him in the picture.

There were several schools of fish enjoying feeding frenzies, they may have been getting back at the turtles that ate their buddy last week.
I was looking out the "peep hole" in the front door this morning and saw an eye looking back at me! I squealed ... well I was startled! When I regained myself, I went out front and this is what I found in the wreath on my front door. The Mama bird was gone for awhile, but a little bit ago I peeked out and she was back.
Hope we can keep her here, guess we will be using the garage doors for awhile. Don't want to be a home wrecker!

Progress

2009-05-15T11:49:00.000-07:00

This week I got a wild hair to paint the bedroom. I pulled the color from the "Chocolat" quilt Im working on. When it first went on the wall... scary! Too bright? Decided to live it for the weekend and then got some second opinions. Thanks Tara, Gorgi and Cindy! The consensus was to darken it with a wash. So Gorgi came over and washed the wall. I tried, promise ... Im just not good at random, even in a scrappy quilt there is some sort of organization. We love it with the wash! Im looking for some botanical illustrations to go on either side of the bed in some red-orange, purple, straw colors. The quilt on the bed now is from a pattern called "Meet me in Paris".

You can see the unwashed wall on the right, always a work- in- progress.

This is the slate on the back porch. I love it! The color is wonderful and looks great with the colors of the house!

We went and chose trees, no lime green Palo Verde's for the back yard! There are 6 or

or 8 of them in the front yard and the little yellow flowers everywhere are soooo messy! You can see the planters on either side and the long one against the fence. They will have rock on them that matches the front of the house and then a flagstone top that can be used for seating. The trees in the planters will go in this afternoon, and bushes, vines, flowers will go in the long multi leveled one as well as under the trees. Probably wait till after the hottest part of summer to plant the other planters though, we will just work on keeping the trees alive. Next is the pavers between the planter boxes, and the sprinklers for the grass :)

Graduation announcement photos and design by

CJcarrollphotographs

A week left till graduation. Very strange to have "the baby" graduating! After the awards ceremony on Wed night, I told Bobby I wasn't sure I wanted to be an "empty nester". He said its comin' and I better get ready. Weird. Guess i better figure out what I want to "be" when I "grow up", cuz I think Im there :/ All I can think of is ... weird.

Backyard before

2009-05-09T11:07:00.001-07:00

Here are some before pictures of the back yard. In a couple weeks the hardscape will be done and Im so excited!!!!
Messy back porch...yuck! I do love my furniture though :)

Why can't we go outside and eat Alex!? But Mom we want to!!!

To the west....

To the east...

What a week!

2009-05-09T10:02:00.000-07:00

So -
*Monday I went to a card class at Racheles. She is in my ward and just a bit over a year ago? maybe more than that, I realized she did paper crafts. I asked if she taught classes. She had but not since she moved here, home-schooled her kids and just general "overachiever Mom stuff" kept her pretty busy. So I asked if she would teach some card classes... well she started and does scrapbook pages, paper crafts and all kinds of fun wonderful projects ( its that "overachiever" thing).
www.theinkboutique.blogspot.com is her site and pictures of the cards we did at class.
*Tuesday Robert was home (weird- a day off?) I had Achievement Day and Monika taught a great lesson on being spiritually clean and then the girls decorated soaps for their Moms for Mothers day. I played with beads and made Brelee a little white, pink and silver bracelet- too fun!
Tuesday night Jolene and I went over the Changing Hands bookstore in Tempe and met Kati, Brelee, Nathan, Steven and Some of Katis family for the signing of "Wings" www.aprilynnepike.com Aprilynne is Katis sister-in-law. The book IS good! Read it twice now. After the signing we headed to Red Robin for some food and had a good time visiting.
* Wednesday another day off for Robert (even weirder!!) We went to pick out slate for the back porch on the house. YEA!! The back yard is getting some landscaping!!!! The hard scape is started :)
Dereks dance recital was tonight, it was good. They wouldn't let us take pictures :(
*Thursday I actually got to sew a little. Did the Sams club "run". Met Steven & Meghan , Cindy & Stormy at the HS for the second night of the recital. It was quite eventful. A bit after intermission Meghan had a seizure. UGH that was scarey! She has no history of them. We had a hard time getting them to turn on the lights, but we did get an ambulance there, the teachers were really helpful when they realized it wasn't a planted stunt (we were at a high school after all) and so far all the tests are coming back fine. She is doing well, looks great, and we appreciate all the concern and prayers for them. Steven will probably drive her nuts for a bit being overprotective :)
*Friday we went to Dereks state tennis match, they lost in the first round. They just had an off day, that happens. Sucks, but it happens.

Regional Tennis Doubles Champs

2009-05-04T12:35:00.000-07:00

Saturday was the Regional tennis match. Derek has been playing with a different kid on the team all season. They had been undefeated. Well the kid decided to play singles in the Regional competition. I guess they can only play singles or doubles. Consequently Derek got another partner with only a little over a week before regionals. They went up and hit around at ERM, and practiced everyday after school.
Apparently they were a good match up cuz they won the doubles regionals. The first couple matches were quite easy for them, and they won the first 2 sets for each. The last one they were split after 2 sets and Derek and Vicente' won the third set.
It was hot and we got sunburned pretty good, but it was fun. Steven came out and watched with me. I really appreciate him coming out, and I know Derek did too.
State doubles are Friday at Paseo Racket club. Derek and Vicente' were very excited! Great way to end the senior year of highschool!

Chocolat Progress

2009-04-30T23:05:00.000-07:00

This is my friend Kellies "Chocolat" quilt. Its a BOM that we started a couple years ago. Where hers has churn dashes, mine has pinwheel blocks. We suspect the pattern was an EQ design from one of the people who worked at the shop we ordered it from. The directions and measuring leave ALOT to be desired. Consequently we have changed several things on the quilt from the original design. For her, thats not unusual - now for me? Well I just want to jump in and finish it, not think about it, just get it done. So I have put it away several times and restarted several months later. Usually after Kellie has figured out how to fix the problem we came up against. Thanks Kellie- your the best!!
Today I finished my pinwheel/churndash blocks. I really want to get it finished and use it on my bed. Decided to paint the bedroom one of the teal/blue-green colors in the quilt.
I had forgotten how much I love the fabrics. Both the feel and the colors! Can't wait to finish it!
Better get going Kel :)

Wings for Blogger

2009-04-28T21:04:00.001-07:00

I read an ARC (advanced reader copy) of this book. Its REALLY good, and plan on buying one of my own.
If you're an avid reader- you should check it out too! I highly recommend it!

Blocks corrected

2009-04-26T21:28:00.000-07:00

My CrazyBet blocks are finally all corrected. Whew! Its taken all week, working on them for a couple hours a day.
The fusible bias tape maker was kind of a bust. The Clover fusible tape isn't easy to work with, and a bit too fragile. Instead I used small strips of the "steam a seam 2" and it worked much better, although it didn't fit in the little hole on the bias maker. So did the bias strips and then put the fusible on them. I'm just soooo glad I'm caught up on those blocks.

This week was Derek's last tennis matches - Wed and Thursday. They are ranked 1st in the region and Derek and his doubles partner have gone undefeated for the season. Regionals is on Saturday, I hope they do well.

Yesterday, Cindy Carroll, http://cjcarrollphotographs.blogspot.com/ did his senior pictures. The raw images are great! Can't wait to see what she does with them! The 2 older boys we took to a studio and they didn't catch the kids personalities- Cindy does such a great job of that! It was soo nice!

Contemplating focus

2009-04-19T08:23:00.000-07:00

Saturday I went to Joannes to buy a fusible bias tape maker. I was in the quilting notions isle , looking all over the place, couldn't find it. Kept looking... then the iron caught my eye. I remembered in a review I read for the bias tape maker they said the mini iron worked well and was less cumbersome than a regular iron. So I thought about that iron, looked at the regular mini iron next to it. Went back and forth..." do I buy it? no... yes ... well the attachments would be fun with paper, fiber art stuff ..." justification . So I threw the mini iron in the cart. After all I did have a coupon :) Re focused I started again to look for the bias tape maker. "Where is that stupid thing? I know it should be right here ." Now I'm frustrated and murmuring quietly out loud. I start up and down the isle again. I find it , right where I had been standing all the time, not too far above the mini iron attachments. Actually much closer to my line of vision than the iron was! :/ UGH!
Sunday morning while doing my hair I thought about this experience. How many times do I do this and not notice. With things in my life I get frustrated and stressed . Is it because I'm focusing just a fraction of a horizontal row above or below where I should be? Is what I really want right there within my grasp and I can't see it because my head or heart isn't clear enough to see the "big picture"? Many times over the last year I have had to step back to be able to grasp the big picture and close in on what is really important... Sometimes life's learning curve is ssssooooo high it seems more like a mountain than a curve. It seems I to have to restart at the beginning of the curve a lot more than I'd like to :/

"Crazy Bet" BOM- Crazy Me!

2009-04-18T19:01:00.001-07:00

"Crazy Bet"
Reproduction style quilts by Paula Barnes

I've been recieving this BOM (block of the month) for about 8 months. Kept up with it fairly well for the first 3 months or so and fell behind as other things came up. Well- the first rule of quilting or sewing is to read the pattern all the way through- Like read it so you understand not glance and assume you understand.
Who does that? Do you do that? I don't. I'm too impatient. Just show me pictures or the finished product and let me get on my way.
Anyway...I been working on getting caught up for the last few nights. All the blocks are caught up- or so I thought...silly me .
The handles on the blocks are appliqued on, I started looking through the pattern to find out when I do this. Well..humm..one really should read the directions all the way through ;/ I should have been doing it all along! So now I am making fusible bias strips for the handles. I'll need to either (A) turn the ends under and stitch them at the top of the baskets, or (B) I will need to rip out a small hole in the seam on each side of the top of the basket to slip the handle into. Then resew them. (A) seems easier time wise, however (B) will totally look better in the end. If I choose (A) I'll hate the way it looks and probably never finish the top of the quilt :(. Tonight I'll be working on (B) and growling the whole time at myself.
I know- nobody would know...But I'll know, and it would make me nuts... guess what I'll be doing tonight...and tomorrow...and...

Working on....

2009-04-16T18:37:00.000-07:00

Well the house is caught up so been working on some BOM (block of the month). Have more than a few going and not caught up on many of them. ugh!
Caught up on Cabbage Rose, and Quilters Bee batik BOM... need to work on Crazy Bet baskets and Charleston Harbor.
Found this craft website/blog http://craftgossip.com its got some great fun stuff on it. I may have to try that card table tent for the grandkids... they like to play under the pool table and make tents.

Its a girl!

2009-04-11T16:43:00.000-07:00

Monday I came home from Holbrook, after spending the weekend helping Alli and Kyle unpack. On the way stopped in Fountain Hills for Derek's tennis match. Lost singles, but won doubles. Yeah Derek! It's a yucky place to watch a tennis match :/. Chris called and said Kati had been to the Dr. and she could have the baby soon. Monday night I felt anxious so I decided I'd head up on Tuesday morning. When Kati & Chris have a baby I usually go up for several days ahead, Kati and I work on projects that she'd like to get done. Tuesday morning I got up early with Robert, cleaned the kitchen, did some laundry, shampooed the dogs, general pick up. Basic stuff you have to do when you have been out of town and left a couple guys on their own. Got in the shower, figured I'd finish packing, go get my nails done (I know- not necessary- but I love getting my nails done) and head to Tucson. Nope...that's not what Baby Girl Carbonneau had planned:) Chris called when I was almost ready to leave and said Kati's water broke... I knew I better head out cuz she "goes fast". No grass grows under that girls feet - not even when it's time to have a baby!

So off to Tucson I headed- part way there I realized that Kari -Kati's mom was a few miles behind me. We played tag on the way, dodging through the retarded trucks! Didn't they know we had a granddaughter to welcome into the world!? Got to the hospital with about 20 minutes to spare. It was so nice of the baby to wait for us :). We hadn't missed one yet, but we were afraid this was going to be it...

Brelee Kate was born at 11:21, 6 lb. 13 oz, 20 1/2 inches long.

She is adorable and the little boys love her! Well Nathan started to love her after she was home a couple days, and when he realized she wasn't going to leave :) Travis loves to play with her little hands, and Wes likes to kiss her head. it is soo precious to watch.

Brelee Kate Carbonneau * April 7, 2009 * 6 lb 13 oz * 20 1/2 inches long

Brelee and Kati came home from the hospital on Wednesday. Alli and Macy came from Holbrook to visit the newest addition to the family. We got some cute pictures of the little girls. Macy seems so big now! She is a tiny little thing , but not compared to a newborn. Every time Kati snapped the camera and the flash went off, Macy giggled! It was the cutest thing!

Brelee - 2 days old, Macy- 3 months old

Travis, Wesly, Nathan
Macy, Brelee

Kari had to head back to the valley, and Alli to Phoenix to help Kyle with his High School Choir music tour. Thursday when Chris got home from work I took Macy to my house and kept her till Saturday. It was so fun! She is such a good baby, sleeps great! Course what Grandma doesn't like to rock her sweet grand babies?
Saturday Alli came out to Buckeye to pick up Macy and I headed back to C&K's .
This morning was fun to see the little boys hunt for eggs that the Easter Bunny hid in the house. We watched a movie about the Resurrection, Grandpa & Derek came down after church for dinner. Steven and Meghan stopped by on their way home from Benson.

I am truly grateful to my Heavenly Father and his Son Jesus Christ for the blessing of the Atonement. I have felt it work in my life- can't tell ya how it works...only that when my heartache feels like too much to bear, and after humble prayer, He does lift the burden and I feel relief. Relief that I know is only possible through the great blessing of the Atonement.
We have a wonderful family, with so much love. Each donating a different gift or talent to make us a perfect family unit. I can't imagine my life without any one of them, and look forward with excitement and anticipation to the additions that are yet to be made.

Beans, blessings and painting

2009-04-02T18:11:00.000-07:00

Long-lots of pictures...one of these days Ill figure out how to make this thing cute and not haphazard :/ in the meantime..it is what it is, right?

Friday Meghan brought her pressure caner over, I borrowed one, and we wet canned pinto beans. It was fun. I love the feeling of accomplishment seeing the filled jars in the pantry :) Thanks Meghan for the lesson and encouragement!

Saturday Alli, Meghan and I headed to Marana for Katis baby girl shower. It was so nice! She got tons of adorable baby girl dresses. The food and punch was wonderful and her friends are as nice as they could be and so friendly!

Kati, Meghan, Me, Alli

All the married kids stayed the night Saturday night. We went to the Buckeye Pioneer Days Melodrama. Several of our friends were in it and were just hilarious! Wes and Trav sat and watched the whole time! Had to be pretty entertaining to keep the attention of a 3 and 4 year old!
Sunday was Miss Macys blessing. It was great to have all the kids at church together, interesting to get 11 people ready for 9am church though ...lol!. Kati made crepes for breakfast and they were fabulous!
How blessed we are to have such wonderful kids, and kids-by-marriage :) We love them all sooo much! Macy wore the dress that my Grandma Randall crocheted for Allisons blessing. I made the slip and crocheted a ruffle around the bottom (with a lot of instruction from my friend Monika, Thanks Monica! I owe you!) After church we came back to the house. Whitney, Tyler, Stormy and my parents came over also. Its great to see the fun they have together!

The whole lot of us

Mr Wes and Miss Macy

Four generations
Grandma Bochat, Macy, Alli, Me in the back

Grandpa Bochat, Wes, Trav

Tyler, Whitney, Stormy, Zues, Macy, Kyle and Alli

Nater doing his favorite thing, stirring and playing with pots :)

It was a GREAT weekend! I LOVE having all my kids around :) It makes me happy.

Monday I headed to Alli and Kyles. They were suppose to move into their new house but the people who write loans for a living- well they screwed up. Hummm...interesting. Anyway. I called the real estate agent (Alli was chicken) to ask if we could paint and she called the seller. They said yes! Woo Hoo!! So we painted Tues, and Wed. Living room, Macys room and the bathroom. Macy was sooo good while we were painting (she is an excellent baby!) Can't wait to see the rooms with the furniture in them!

Alli painting the bathroom. It looks great! Promise!

Im home- need to clean my house- do laundry and all that fun stuff.

Busy couple days :)

2009-03-25T11:50:00.000-07:00

Been working on curtains for Allisons house. I had a couple tan curtain panels and a blue one left from making curtains for my living/pool table room, worked the "Design on a Dime" thing on them and turned them into 2 larger panels for Alli's front room. They turned out pretty good, however, I didn't think about how we would hang them. When I cut the panels up I didn't take the casing for the curtain rod off. so now its cut and sewed into closed pockets. So i either have to make a casing to sew on the back or hang them from the rod with the curtain ring/hook things. Think, Think...guess its time to consult the "client" on this design project :)
The paint colors for the nursery, living room and basic wall colors are chosen, just need to pick them up. Today the matt for the cross stitch Alli did while she was pg should be finished, and that can be framed.

Finished the quilt for little Miss Carbonneau baby girl (due in a few weeks). The fabric is called "Little Blessings" Designed by Nancy Murty for Andover Fabrics, pattern by Nancy Murty & Peggy Davis. I quilted it with a "swirly" design, as the fabric has phrases that swirl around the little bugs and flowers. It was a fun quilt to make and went together easily. The fabric feels wonderful.

Weeded on the garden yesterday, my tomatoes, bell peppers and cabbage have survived the winter. Should be able to harvest the cabbage soon ,I have no idea what I'll do with it but someone told me it was hard to grow and I shouldn't try- beginners luck?. The tomatoes & bell pepers have little blooms.

Picked up a toy chest, that my mom tole painted Noahs Ark on, from my parents house last week. Its been sitting in a shed for about 20 years. The painting isn't entirely finished but after that long it probably would never be. Its okay- its adorable! My friend Gorgi and I cleaned it, reinforced the corners and hinged the lid to the box. Now the toys for the grand kids and visitor kids have a home. Actually this is the home for the "favorite" toys. Everything needs a container- I love containers :)