Playful Partners

I gave in after a dozen of John's attempts at taking a couple photo without my cooperation. He makes it really hard to concentrate, sometimes.

This is me really trying to concentrate and work and studiously ignoring my husband. John says there is a meme (no, I didn't just mis-spell name. Meme. Google it.) for these kinds of photos, "photo bomb", with the bridesmaids all posed and the janitor sticking his goofy grin in the photo frame. Uninvited posing? Must research such silliness. We were photo-bombed by Tiffany back in early December at the ward Christmas party: we are posing and she inserted herself into the picture--that is the idea. Bunny ears optional.

Everything is Going to Be Okay, Someday

It is mostly okay now. Lots to be thankful for each day I wake up and can get out of bed. I love that school is back in session and I have 21 teenagers to teach every morning! They are inspiring, exciting, sometimes sleepy. Most of the time sleepy. This morning one of the students showed me a painting he did for art class--looked very iron rod thematically, nice work.

Little miracle was being home when Emma called, twice (I came home for lunch to play with our favorite baby Peach Pit who learned how to wave AND clap since last week!) so we could talk about the class shopping she is doing, trying to find a good fit for her schedule and future work plans. She is going to London in the spring and thinking about changing her major.

I spent some time teaching a good friend how to crochet the edges of flannel receiving blankets. They look like this-(I get $30 a blanket, but I am thinking about Etsy selling them for a little more...)

Then I did some recruiting in the 33 degree windy weather--with good conversations. It is a lot like missionary tracting--stopping people and asking if they know anyone who is looking for work, and using all my local contacts, asking them to post flyers and brochures at their businesses. Lots of smiling. My favorite un-coincidence was running into a couple from Church and giving them info and the wife saying, "This is an answer to my prayer." Another man earlier in the day said the same thing. I believe when we do what we should be doing, God uses us to help people. It felt like that kind of day.

I have a blister on my right heel from walking so much today.

And I came home and John was cooking wonderful white sauce for ravioli and he was clean-shaven, just for my kisses.

Profile on the Run

Black and white version from Sunday's sitting, Stewart photographer.

John has been taking pictures of us all morning, but I don't have time to download them before I run out the door. We are still in love. John is babysitting today for me as I run recruiting posters around the county.

Family Photos Before Emma Leaves

Family portrait tips we have learned: squish together, and then move even closer. Outside lighting does nice things, and still use the flash to even out shadows. Take lots, and than take ten more.Before Emma left again for BYU we took family pictures. Last year was white-on-white. This year: dark clothes, so our faces pop. I can't crop this one in any closer to make the background solid. Must try bigger backgrounds.
We've been doing these couple photos so long that we have names for profile-kissing shots: his nose in front.
And my nose featured. It looks like we fit together like puzzle pieces. Grin.

Mom-Jane, this is the one we will send you 8x10 in color for your family wall! (Attention siblings: please send her current, up-dated family pictures!)

Finally, a QUILT to SHOW!

I've been collecting black and white blocks from friends and exchanges, and was spurred on by my Wild Thread quilt group to get rid of UFO's hanging around my sewing room. I picked this great puce booger green fabric to sash it with, made zig-zag borders, and just have to get this quilted up.


Photo credit to patient Stewart. Tomorrow I will show you the family shot we got from this sitting--freezing cold on the front porch with our brown fuzzy blanket rigged up behind us.

If You Chance to Meet a Frown

Hanging out with John it is hard to stay grumpy long. He hops around, taking photos, cracking jokes, trying to get me to smile.

Maybe a stand-up comedian position will open downtown.

I was sad yesterday thinking about the hardness of starting the new year without a job for him. Mopey. Not for long.

Loud "action-packed, fast-paced adventure" movie from the library ("Mummy 3." Jet Li is not a convincing bad guy in my mind. He has a sensitive, nice-guy face, and I kept thinking of him in "Golden Monkey" and thought it was poor casting to put him in this evil nemesis role. Many rip-off stunts from Indiana Jones. But the play on the real terra-cotta army was cool. Is there a blog for film critiquing quilters?) and sewing on a long held Un-Finished Project helped me relax, unwind, de-stress. If people ever say, "You must be so patient!" when they learn I am a quilter I want to tell them that sewing makes you patient. You have to put in the time to get the results, and I have neglected my sewing room in the past months.

I'll have that show-and-tell ready later today.

Raw Chicken New Year

John is making enchiladas for dinner, chicken is visible at the bottom of the picture. I am finishing up a black and white quilt top, to be photographed and shown here tomorrow!

I couldn't find the extension plug for my iron, so I am plugged in next to the Christmas tree.