Definitely not authentic

Last year I had to ask around about two meals listed on the school menu. Translation:

Chinese Pie = Shepherd's Pie

American Chop Suey = Goulash

Why the "China" obsession?

Self Absorbed

I was telling a friend at church yesterday that I've had such a selfish summer. I've been completely obsessed with Craig's job hunt and our finances and things concerning our family. I feel like I haven't been a very good Relief Society president for the last two months--I'm too busy worrying about my family to take care of everyone else.

To which she replied, "You're teaching them self-reliance. Let them take care of themselves."

Gotta love that woman.

The Wedding Cake House

The Wedding Cake House is in Kennebunkport, Maine. The first time we drove by it I could hardly believe my eyes . It was so ostentatious. Where did this home, on a little road in Maine, come from? I had to admire the lattice work though.

Recurring Dream

I'm in high school and I've been ill. I've missed a lot of school--a couple of weeks. On my first day back things don't start off well--I can't remember my locker combo. Then I go to class.

Math is the worst. It's with Mrs. Lapp, the Algebra 2 teacher, and I realize how much I've missed. In fact, I know that there is no possible way for me to catch up. It's too much. I start finding ways to get out of math class (student council, band, etc) so that I don't have to sit through classes that I don't understand because math is progressive. I missed those two weeks, so now I can't keep up with the material. It's just too much.

And I know I'm ruining my future. I'm going to flunk math. No college will want me. I'm making a fully informed decision to fail. But I feel I have no other choice.

As a variation on a theme, I sometimes have basically the same dream, but with seminary.

With either scenario I wake feeling hopeless.

Things they don't tell you about being unemployed

• If you receive severance pay, or are paid out for unused vacation, it pushes the date back for qualifying for unemployment payments
• Any money you make during unemployment (say for contract work) will be deducted from your unemployment check
• The amount that is paid out for unemployment is laughable--you'll be lucky if it covers your mortgage
• COBRA is really, really expensive. Who loses their job, then can afford the $1200/month to insure their family?
• It will take weeks (still waiting) for your kids to get on the state health insurance for children
• You will feel absolutely sick to your stomach any time you go to the store because you're spending money(sure, it's just $10 for milk, eggs and bread, but that's $10 less in the savings account)
• You will have to upgrade your cell phone plan to cover all the lengthy phone interviews
• You easily spend 40 hours/week applying and interviewing for jobs
• Employers are in no hurry to get you hired
• When an offer does come you wonder if you should take it--what if something better comes along the next day or week?

Farm Living

I can't remember if this was taken in Indiana or Illinois....Indiana, I think. This house is all about setting and lifestyle for me. I would love to live on a farm. This was was visible from the freeway, and I'd prefer something a little more tucked away, but you get the idea.

One-stop shopping, Oklahoma style

Christian's Quilt

My nephew Christian turned eight in July and was baptized while we visited Arkansas. I made this lap quilt for him to snuggle up in. I decided I wanted it to be a fun, wonky quilt. As a bonus, most of the fabric came from my stash.

Wedding Quilt

About eight weeks ago my mom mentioned that Cody was hoping I'd make a quilt for his and Rachel's wedding gift. Yikes! The wait for the long-arm quilter is usually 7-8 weeks. I contacted my favorite long-arm artist and she told me to get it in right away and she'd push to the front.

Under the time constraints I didn't have time to shop around for fabric or to tackle a complex pattern. So....I made this one up. Cody and Rachel like modern design and neutral colors, especially gray.

I also had never made a quilt this large--it's a queen. It was definitely a challenge to handle, but I think it came out alright. Definitely good enough to layer on their bed in the winter.

Beautiful Bride

Happy Wishes

Cody and Rachel cutting the cake.

We are so happy to have Rachel in our family. Congratulations to my baby brother, Cody, and his new wife Rachel!

120 Reasons NOT to visit Arkansas in August