Da BEARS!!!!!

Christmas presents for Steve and I: CHICAGO BEARS TICKETS!!!!!! The day after Christmas, Steve and I got up early, bundled up in our winter parkas, took the train to Chicago (from Roscoe, Ill) and went to the Jets vs. Bears game at Soldier Stadium. The weather was sunny, cloudy, light snow, light rain, windy, and calm. (We had a great mix.) The game was SPECTACULAR!!!!!!! So much fun, and this Wyoming girl had no problems with the weather. I was well prepared!

Peppers got smoked out...it got in the way.

Steve had layers too.  I made the scarf for him.

Layers included: thermals, fleece sweatshirt, Olympic parka, and the Bears sweatshirt over that. Hand and toe warmers layered between each layer on my feet and hands. I did not get cold!

Coin toss.

Snow at the game

Jay Cutler TOUCHDOWN. Unfortunately, some Jets player got in the way of my picture.

View of Lake Michigan from our seats

The Metra Train

BEARS WIN 34-38!

White Illinois Christmas

Steve and I traveled to Illinois for Christmas. We spent 5 days in Northern Illinois with Scott and Christy. We had a great time and way too much good food. The flight to Chicago was fine, landed on time, made it to our connecting flight, got seated, and waited. Then we waited some more. And some more... The de-icer truck was sitting on the tarmack right next to our plane and apparently he decided to take a break rather than de-ice our plane. Over 30 minutes later, we move to get in line for take-off. Well, there wasn't really a line, planes were going in any direction they wished. No wonder 2 planes clipped wings in St. Louis...they were worse than interstate drivers!

Plows lined up and ready at Chicago O'Hare.

We landed in Madison, Wisconsin and were off to Roscoe, Illinois. The roads were slick and snowpacked. We met a young soldier at the airport, dressed in his fatigues, trying to get to Janesville, WI (a city on our way to Roscoe). The problem, he was 24 years old so no one would rent a car to him. He just wanted to get home to see his family for Christmas. Well, Steve said, we'll take you...and with that Enterprise (yes, I'm calling them out) decided they could and would rent him a car. He made it home for Christmas.

Illinois had gotten lots of snow prior to our arrival and more during our travels there, so we had a great white Chirstmas. Scott and Christy were terrific hosts. Scott prepared a turkey for Christmas day and we each had a stocking to "unwrap." The day was spent visiting, eating, and napping!

During our trip, I also was able to tour Southern Wisconsin. We got CHEESE...cheeses ou cannot get anywhere in Utah. Tasty, tasty. We also went to an International Award Winning Microbrewery: New Glarus Brewery. INCREDIBLE brews; the apple ale was DELICIOUS!!! So glad we stopped...I just wish Utah would allow specialties like that to be shipped into the state!

The trip home was uneventful...well with the exception of the Madison Airport being completely over saturated with RED and WHITE.  There were thousands of fans going to the Rose Bowl and they all seemed to be leaving last night! There were extra bars and snack stations set up in the terminal for all the "extra" travelers!  Pretty entertaining to see a "real" college town get behind their team!

Santa's Herd

I continue to create and bake. Christmas is a busy time of year...

The two bags from the last post--well they were for my boss, Mary and our incredible administrative assistant, Teresa. I know they loved the bags. I sure like it when the recipients of my creations like them! Mary received the green and yellow one and Teresa the floral blue/peach colored one. I added sparkles after I had taken the pictures. So cute!

I made bookmarks for all of my co-workers. Not exactly a "fun" gift, unless you're a reader, but they are very cute. I'll post some pictures later (when I finally take some). I do believe my co-workers did like the effort. Just wait until tomorrow...they'll have another treat!

  

The treat...Santa's herd....his reindeer, or from one of the newest Christmas cartoons (The Flight Before Christmas)...his "Flying Forces." Teresa showed me the idea at work...I had all the necessary supplies...so why not? The cupcakes will be a good treat for another Monday.



Creative Weekend

Work has been ultra crazy for last month. And, unfortunately, it's not going to settle down for a little while longer. I work with an amazing team, so I know it will all work out. BUT, I needed a break. I had a good Thanksgiving break (I know, just last week), but I needed more. Well, I had the good fortune of having Friday off. A three day weekend! Not only did I get the normal weekend work complete, but I was also able to make 2 bags and a scarf!! Merry Christmas to someone! ;)

For as long as I can remember, my mother has crocheted. I have an afghan she made Steve and I. She's made afghans for others and baby stuff and other projects. Recently, she started learning to knit and doing a spectacular job! While she was here last weekend, she gave me some pointers on crocheting and I tried a hat. No pictures becuase it is plain, boring, too big (because apparently I can't count), and not very good. Steve won't wear it...probably not a good project to start with. Then I found some super soft yarn on sale and a pattern on the internet: 2 days later, a scarf. Now I have a red "Utah Utes" scarf to wear with my sweatshirts. (Maybe I'll try a hat again in the same color and count better.)

Yes, it is supposed to be twirly.

The two bags I made over the weekend are for Christmas presents. Cutting it a little close, I know, but that's what happens when things get ultra crazy at work. I've had the material for these 2 bags for at least 6 months...happy to get them done. Hope the recipients are happy to receive them!

 

After all the "work" this weekend, I am ready for the week of work. As I said, I know it will all work out...Glad I have a constructive outlet and was able to relieve some stress over the weekend!

Lucie's Legacy

The surprise quilt was made for one of my beloved co-workers. Lucie, after 40 years at Primary Children's Medical Center, decided to retire!. She started as a student nurse, transitioning to an RN and helping start the Diabetes Program over 35 years ago. She was one of the main reasons we have such a strong Diabetes Program at PCMC. Lucie then was our nurse manager for a time. She earned her Master's of Science in Nursing and became our Clinical Nurse Specialist. She is an amazing nurse, educator, leader, and friend. I believe she will be greatly missed...and leaving some BIG shoes to fill.

Lucie's career is inspiring, demonstrating incredible work ethic and dedication (I'm sure it wasn't always easy). I hope one day my career will be as filling and inspiring. Thank you for sharing your knowledge, encouragement, inspiration, and friendship for the relatively short time I was privledged to work with you, Lucie! Happy Retirement!!!!

Lucie and Mary. A scholarship fund was created in Lucie's name for the continuing education of Certified Diabetes Educators.

The center has her name, PCMC, and 1970-2010 embroidered.

Lucie LOVES snowmen

Just showing details: sparkles :)

Lucie, CNS extraordinaire

We didn't have the right angle to catch her facial expression...I did get a hug right through the quilt!



Lots of people love and will miss Lucie!



A very happy man...Lucie's husband. He's ready for her to travel with him.

Santa is Coming...

Usually on long weekends, I camp out in my sewing/craft room and create (especially if it is snowing). It snowed ALL day long...it never stopped so we haven't shoveled, yet... However, I didn't do any crafting today. After finishing the bag last night, I decided (well, Steve decided) we would get the Christmas decorations out. He didn't even do our normal relax Sunday morning routine...he came downstairs dressed, ready for the day and immediately started to the basement to bring up the Chirstmas decorations! No rest for the weary...

Seems like every year I do a little something different with the decor and don't always get everything out. If I do get it ALL out, it's because we are hosting the Holiday festivities. I'll go all out with 2 trees and decorating the entire "grand staircase" in addition to chair covers (made by yours truly), center peices, and replacing all our shelf decor with Christmas decor.

I must admit, each year I get happier and happier with my tree. I love Tai Pan Trading, they have purple and sparkles every year!  The tree is getting less and less bulbs and more and more "special" ornaments. That's why we will have 2 trees: a traditional one and my purple/silver tree (imagine that...purple and sparkles in my house). The tree is beautiful though...

I love the theme of "Believe," so it's throughout the house this time of year. I bought this sign from one of my favorite stores a few years ago (after Christmas, so a GREAT deal).

Steve was absolutely an angel. He hauled in the over sized, heavy, cumbersome ladder to climb up to our entrance chandelier. He then climbed the ladder and placed each bulb where I asked. Each bulb says "Believe" (told you I like it).

And of course there are Christmas quilts all around! I actually have 2 or 3 more wall hanging quilts, but have run out of room to put them up...not really appropriate to put up a dowel for a quilt only at Christmas time (or is it?).  :)

See the quilt on the chair?



Secret Santa

I had request to make this bag for a friend. My mother bought the material and button, then I had to get to work. Well, it turns out I missed the birthday deadline, so it will be a "Secret Santa" gift (apparently the two don't exchange Christmas gifts now). So when the other quilt in progress was finished (the surprise quilt), I got to work on this. Fortunately, it only took a little time. The recipient is quite the crafter as well and says "All projects should have at least 1 mistake. It reminds you you're not perfect." Well, there is a mistake in this bag. I think the "mistakes" resemble character and humility of a beautiful hand made object. I included some detail pictures below to show the sparkles (I love sparkles).

Happy Thanksgiving!

I have much to be thankful for including my loving husband, my adorable dog, and my incredible family. I'm blessed to have a great extended family and work with terrific people. Thank you to all!

Stuffed turkey cupcakes!! All edible: caramel, Grape Nuts, pretzel sticks, and frosting. Not the easiest things to decorate; Steve tried to help too. Making 5 was enough, one for each of the kids that will  be at Aunt Kathy's tonight. Well, the "little" kids. Have a great Thanksgiving everyone!!

Winter Wonderland

The first real storm of this year. It's be horribly windy the last several days (reminding me of home)...kind of glad to see the snow and the wind to stop. The perfect weather to stay indoors, cuddling with your loved one, next to the fire...

I do have a quilt in the works...but it's a great surprise. Hope the recipient likes it!