Word of the Day

Word of the Day 
January 4, 2013

VIEW:  The ability to see something or to be seen from a 

particular place.

A small four-letter word but full of meaning depending upon 

how it is used.  As I’ve pondered this word, I’ve thought about 

how I view myself, how others may view me; how do I view

 my present circumstances; what is my point of view on 

 various topics—my way of thinking.

After thinking about the word “view” for a time, I decided to 

look at it from a different aspect and thought about the view 

from my bedroom window where I was sitting.  That led me 

to thoughts of the view from my west-facing bedroom 

window in the home I grew up in.  My bedroom was located 

over the garage and afforded me a grand view of my 

neighbors, the comings and goings on the street in front of 

our house, the pasture where we kids played baseball and a 

 good portion on Midway.

But the view I loved most was of the mountains to the west. 

 I could look southward and see majestic Mt. Timpanogos in 

all her beauty and marvel as I picked out parts of the legend 

that surrounded this mountain.  Moving north I could view 

Deer Creek and during hunting season watch the lights of the 

hunters as they came down off the mountain.  Devils Hole, 

Snake Creek Canyon and if I stretched my neck, Pine Creek 

Canyon were further north.  This view of the mountains 

always gave me a feeling of peace and security as I gazed 

upon them.  I have many cherished memories of times spent 

in these mountains with my family and especially my father

 who loved nothing more than spending time in the canyons. 

Every season provided beautiful views from the winter snows 

frosting the mountains to the arrival of spring and summer’s 

greenery and autumn’s carpet of reds, oranges, gold’s and 

greens.  I could view the beautiful sunsets as the sun slipped 

behind the mountains and evening shadows crept across the 

valley and up the mountains.

My view of Midway surrounded by these majestic mountains 

was unparalled.  I treasure and hold dear these memorable 

views found now in my memories of growing up in Midway.

Midway in dressed in Winter with Timpanogos in background 

Summer in Midway.  Taken from atop Memorial Hill

What is your "view" of the Word of the Day?

First Finish of 2013

This little wall hanging really was done in December
with the exception of scarfs, rickrack and buttons.  It took
until today to complete it so I think it must be called my
first finish of 2013 as it is now hanging on the wall.
Is that fair?

Normally, I am not one to set New Year's Goals or
resolutions, but I decided I would challenge myself
this year.  So I set goals for Spiritual, Personal and
Sewing Projects.  Under sewing I have listed 3-4
things I want to accomplish in January and I am
making a chart to check them off when completed.

I really want to work on my relationship with my
Savior and be a more thoughtful and kinder person.
I want to continue losing weight.  I have lost a lot
of weight since September by not dieting but
changing my lifestyle and eating habits.  And
surprisingly it has not been difficult at all. So my
goal is to maintain--the hardest part actually for me--
and lose a few more pounds.  I have some great
cheerleaders and a couple of websites that have
made a world of difference in this endeavor.  I just
hope I have the strength and determination to endure.

I also want to get back to writing.  I have really
neglected doing this this past year.  So I think I am
going to do a "Word a Day" and write something
just to get my mind working and hopefully some
creative juices flowing. 

Now that this is down on paper and made public
maybe I will be more inclined to follow through
and make good on these goals and challenges.

It's Finished!

Finally, it is finished!  I didn't know if I would be able to
complete this stitchery before Christmas or not with all
my preparations for Christmas.  But, I did it and I am so
excited.

I purchased this kit, "Christmas Treasures Wreath" last year
at my favorite quilt shop.  It is from 
rosaliequinlandesigns.typepad.com  I knew I didn't have
time before Christmas, but figured I had all this year to work
on it.  But, I procrastinated as usual.  However, I did finish it a
week before Christmas!

I just love all the details in the wreath.  I chose to frame it
instead of mount in on a canvas board as she suggested.

Now maybe I can get my snowman runner finished to
put out in January!

First Stitching Project

Yesterday my five year old grandson decided he was tired of
weaving potholders on the loom and wanted to do something
different.  He noticed some stitchery I was working on and
asked if he could try that.

While I traced the shape of a Christmas tree on muslin, he
picked out some green embroidery thread.  He couldn't wait
to get started and I decided we'd just doing a simple running
stitch for his first attempt.

He had such a good time "stitching" and was so proud
of his tree.

He did not want to make it into anything---just wanted
to hang it on his wall.

I'm so proud of him sticking with it and finishing
it.  Maybe we'll stitch a snowman next and make it into
a small pillow---that is if he wants to do more "stitching."

A Few Little Gifts

It has been awhile since I last posted.  Have been keeping
busy trying to get things made for Christmas.  Decided this
year I wanted to get back to making more of my gifts.  It has
been a lot of fun and doing many of them with my daughter
has been really special.  Because I am making a change in
my lifestyle and dropping some unwanted pounds, I chose
not to do any baking this year.  So everything has been
sewn, stitched, knitted, etc.

Thought I'd share a few things I've been doing:

I made four of these table toppers or wall hangings,
depending on how the recipients wanted to use them. 
They we really fun and easy to do.  The hand quilting
was the hardest part.  They were given out early so they
could be enjoyed through the month.  The balance of
their gifts will come on Christmas Day.

My daughter and I made a dozen or so of these banners
for friends -- Again delivered early in the month.

I have mine hanging over my bedroom window.  It makes
me happy every time I look at it.

Made this little stitchery from http://www.red-brolly.com
I chose to put it in a frame rather use it as a Christmas
label.

I have also got hooked on knitting these ruffled scarfs. 
They work up in just a few hours and are all the rage
around here.

These are just a few things I've been having fun making.  
Will post some more tomorrow or the next day.

Can You Help Me?

I have recently had my nephew help me with my
computer which was having some issues. And now
when I go to print my page size, scaling that was set
to "none" is gone and I don't know how to get it
back. 

As I recall, there was someone's blog that told how
to set this.  I don't remember who it was so if there
is anyone that can help with directions, I would
appreciate it.

Even when I click on "actual size" it doesn't come
out right when printing patterns, etc.  So
frustrating!

Thanks for any help or website that I can be
directed to.

Nola

Carrying on the Tradition

Spent Friday with my grandson helping him sew
"Trick or Treat" bags for himself and his brothers.
He did a fantastic job.  He was really happy how
they turned out.


















His brother's were really excited
to get their bags.

Then in the afternoon I went with Kerri, Brian,
the grandkids and a couple of their friends to
the J&J's pumpkin patch to find the "perfect"
pumpkins.

Barely made it home in time to get ready to go to
Brian's for the neighborhood Halloween Carnival.

Hailey with her friends

Rob, Kerri and boys!

Hunting for pumpkins and attending the
Halloween Carnival are a tradition that we
have been doing since Hailey and Ian were
small.  It's really a great family outing and
the kids really look forward to this day each
year!