tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-109725532024-03-05T17:55:27.889-08:00Samurai MomSamurai Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06410319102135155577noreply@blogger.comBlogger715125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10972553.post-77674760191641370052018-02-17T21:57:00.001-08:002018-02-17T21:57:32.489-08:00Portland Pucker - a Mocktail recipe4 parts white cranberry peach juice<br />
3 parts grapefruit juice<br />
2 parts red cranberry juice<br />
4 parts sparkling water<br />
1 part simple syrup<br />
Lime wedges for garnish<br />
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Samurai Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06410319102135155577noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10972553.post-28788658055560812892018-01-09T15:38:00.003-08:002018-01-09T15:38:32.076-08:00Starlings' Minestrone Soup1 lb <b>spicy Italian sausage</b><br />
<b>Olive oil</b><br />
1 diced Onion<br />
1 can <b>white beans</b> (cannelini, white kidney, Great Northern, Navy etc), drained<br />
1 can <b>Kidney beans</b>, drained<br />
1 15 oz cans <b>diced tomatoes</b><br />
1 qt or 2 cans<b> chicken broth</b><br />
3/4 of a bunch of<b> lacinato kale</b> (the flat kind) rough chopped (or other vegetables)<br />
2 tsp <b>dried basil</b><br />
2 tsp <b>dried oregano </b><br />
1 tsp <b>red pepper flakes</b><br />
Freshly ground<b> black pepper </b><br />
<b>Kosher salt</b><br />
4 cups <b>water</b><br />
<b>Shell</b> pasta cooked<i> al dente</i> in a separate pot<br />
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Brown the sausage with a splash of olive oil and the diced onions. Then add the tomatoes, beans, chicken broth, 4 C water, basil, oregano, and red pepper flakes. Add salt and pepper to taste. At this point you can add in any number of vegetables: Carrots, celery, green beans, corn, spinach etc I like kale because is keeps its texture and adds something to bit into in the soup. Simmer for a long time - at least 40 min or longer if you like.<br />
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I wait until the last 30 min or so to put the kale in I would do the same with spinach.<br />
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I always boil my noodles in a separate pan in plain salted water and then I serve them on the table with the soup. Put a scoop of noodles in the bowl and then ladle the soup on top. Serve with a loaf of crusty bread.<br />
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Why? Two reasons, the first is that all the starch from the noodles gets into soup if you cook them in the soup. Second, I hate mushy noodles and the noodles always get overcooked - even if they don't get over done while cooking they soak up all the moisture in the fridge and get mushy. When I freeze the leftovers I freeze without noodles and cook fresh noodles when I reheat the frozen soup. I do the same thing with my chicken noodle soup.Samurai Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06410319102135155577noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10972553.post-27499094129214286582017-03-16T22:04:00.001-07:002017-03-16T22:04:11.103-07:00Pork Tenderloin with Maple Cream SauceMy People and my future self. I apologize to you now. You know that I never measure things. You know that I just like to taste things and grab handfuls of ingredients and toss them in. This recipe isn't going to make much sense and we are all going to be sad that I didn't take measurements. I promise you that this was SO DANG GOOD!<br />
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First I had a <b>pork tenderloin</b>, it was a big one, I don't know how big because Brian bought it.<br />
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Then I preheated the oven to 450 degrees with my cast iron skillet inside it. <br />
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Then I took some <b>coarse salt, freshly ground pepper</b> and roughly equal amounts of<b> cinnamon cumin, chili powder, and smoked paprika</b> and mixed them together, then I coated the tenderloin in the spice mixture.<br />
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When the oven was hot I took out the skillet and poured some oil in it about enough to cover the bottom of the pan well but not too thick. I used<b> canola </b>because I was worried about the smoking point but now I think that<b> olive oil </b>would have been fine.<br />
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Then I put the tenderloin in the skillet, my tenderloin was huge and my skillet just regular so it curled up in the pan. Then I put it in the 450 degree oven for 10 minutes, after 10 Minutes I turned it over and cooked it for 10 minutes on the other side. Pork needs to be cooked to about 140-145 degrees and mine wasn't quite that hot in the thickest part of the meat so I let it cook until it reached 140 degrees (2-3 minutes?) and then took the pan out of the oven, moved the tenderloin to a plate and covered it with foil and let it rest for 10 minutes.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjz99tiBGjAibXjxE9XfCqSzQbK6i_QulVYHOiXlIjt9aFTj5qiUnyT5nglCqcsAX191HbzJB3YlN_IuLwHTeANp_lRe9NGsUCKeazA8z88h4y9028XeYuJ20utVi1pd5P4VumCiw/s1600/55203-burbon-maple-syrup.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="224" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjz99tiBGjAibXjxE9XfCqSzQbK6i_QulVYHOiXlIjt9aFTj5qiUnyT5nglCqcsAX191HbzJB3YlN_IuLwHTeANp_lRe9NGsUCKeazA8z88h4y9028XeYuJ20utVi1pd5P4VumCiw/s320/55203-burbon-maple-syrup.jpg" width="320" /></a>While the meat was resting, I had Margaret mash the potatoes while I took the cast iron skillet and poured in some cream - this is where things get dicey. We had a not quite full pint of cream when we started but we used some in the mashed potatoes...I am going to guess <b>1/2 pint of heavy whipping cream</b> (or 1 cup) was then poured into the hot skillet with all the pork drippings, I turned the heat of my brand spanking new gas range to med-low and began to heat up the cream.<br />
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I added some <b>Burbon Barrel Aged Maple Syrup</b> from Trader Joes - again I just poured some in there, maybe 1/4 cup maybe less? And I added some coarse salt. It was too sweet so I added a bit more cream and some more salt. I cooked the sauce until it was bubbly and had begun to thicken and then I added about <b>1/2 cup fresh parmesan cheese, grated</b>. Please use a real block of parmesan, not the powdery stuff that comes in a green tube. Stir it in until melted.<br />
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Then we ate. If your family isn't comprised of barbarians you can go ahead and pour the delicious sauce of wonderful delight over the sliced tenderloin. If it is, serve it on the side. It also made a great gravy for the mashed potatoes.Samurai Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06410319102135155577noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10972553.post-26116866590646649362016-10-15T12:41:00.004-07:002016-10-15T12:41:47.407-07:00Crock Pot French Dip and Bonus meal: "French Onion" Soup ONE CROCKPOT, TWO MEALS<br />
I have been utilizing my crock pot very frequently for the last 22 months. Mostly, I use it on Sundays so I don't have to think about dinner. Whether we have 9 am church or 1 pm church I find that I just can't think about dinner on Sundays.<br />
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Crock Pot French Dip is one of our favorites.<br />
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I buy a 1-2 lb chuck roast. There are only 5 of us and we are not heavy eaters. This gives us enough meat for 6-7 sandwiches and plenty of leftovers. No one at my house will eat leftovers though so I use the rest of the meat in the "French Onion" Soup<br />
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I put the roast in the crock pot remembering to remove the string that holds it together. Then I add 1 cup of grape juice, 1 box of Pacific French Onion Soup, about a 1/4 cup of dried onions, salt and pepper. Then I cook it on low for 8 hours or high for 4-ish.<br />
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(When I was making this for my sister in Georgia I couldn't find the Pacific brand soup so I just bought a packet of onion soup and added the water that the packet calls for. She said that it tasted great.)<br />
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When it is all done I add some Johnny's Au Jus sauce to the broth. (When I was in Georgia I bought a packet of powdered Au Jus sauce and added it into the crock pot at the beginning.)<br />
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Then I pull out the meat without the juice. Hopefully it has fallen apart by now but if not I shred the meat and put it on the table in a bowl. Then everyone puts the amount of meat that they want on a hoagie or french roll and top with a slice of provolone and them puts their sandwich under the broiler for 1 minute or less until the cheese is melty and bubbly. Then we serve it with a little ramekin of the broth in the crock pot.<br />
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Now I am left with a giant crock pot full of juice and a bunch of shredded beef. I pour it all into a large bowl or 1/2 gallon mason jar and put it into the fridge. Once the fat has cooled it forms a hard layer on top of the soup that I can just pull off and throw away. Then I divide the soup up into individual portions and put them into the freezer for yummy soup lunches another day. <br />
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When serving the soup I heat a bowl of soup in an oven safe bowl, add croutons or crusty bread chunks with a slice of provolone on top and put it under the broiler until the cheeses is melty and bubbly.<br />
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<h4>
<b>Two Meals Crock Pot French Dip and Soup</b></h4>
1-2 lb Chuck Roast<br />
1 cup concord grape juice<br />
1 box Pacific French Onion soup (or onion soup packet if not available)<br />
1/4 cup dried Onions<br />
Salt<br />
Pepper<br />
Au Jus Sauce<br />
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Hoagie or French Rolls (for French Dip)<br />Sliced provolone cheese (For French Dip and Soup)<br />
Croutons or Crusty bread chunks (For soup)Samurai Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06410319102135155577noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10972553.post-14564396757079842852015-03-04T15:27:00.001-08:002015-03-04T15:28:53.427-08:00Tinker CrateCoupon for you and me if you order a tinker crate like I just did for Eddy<br />
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<a href="http://tinker.kiwicrate.com/Refer?i=KyleneG1">http://tinker.kiwicrate.com/Refer?i=KyleneG1</a>Samurai Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06410319102135155577noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10972553.post-69019377546436124062015-01-16T13:48:00.001-08:002015-01-16T13:48:11.796-08:00Saturday Night Cinema <i>What is this? A Post? Yes. </i><b>Jack Ryan: Shadow Recruit </b><i>has brought me out of retirement. I must let the world know how I feel. Also, I start mentoring a Classic Film class is couple of weeks and I thought that it might not be bad to post my movie thoughts again. But this stuff is boring, back to the movie.</i><br />
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The Mister and I were sitting down to a long winter's night of television. We currently have a show that we both like okay enough to watch together. We love watching TV together but rarely can agree on a show being as I have taste and he... So, when we find a show that we both like enough to watch it is date night every night. <br />
I had command of the remote and as I was flipping through Netflix I saw <i>Jack Ryan: Shadow Recruit</i>. The Mr. likes Jack Ryan,because, Harrison Ford, and I like spies or anything spy adjacent, as you know. Then I saw who was playing Jack Ryan: Shadow Recruit, Chris Pine, otherwise known as Captain Kirk 90210.<br />
"Chris Pine," I say with interest, "I'm just gonna put that on my list." *boop* <br />
The Mr. laughs. He knows how I feel about Captain Kirk, both versions.<br />
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About a week or so later The Mr. says he would like to watch <i>Jack Ryan: Shadow Recruit</i>. We are watching and the movie starts out SLOW, really slow. There is an attack on a helicopter that our hero Jack Ryan: Shadow Recruit is riding in, he saves people, he is nearly paralyzed, we don't care because this movie is so slow.<br />
Then he goes to rehab.<br />
His PT is none other than Keira Knightly. You may remember how I feel about her, if you don't see <a href="http://samuraimom.blogspot.com/2008/08/actors-i-can-not-bear-to-watch-and.html">this post</a>. I am ticked. Here I settle down for a nice spy movie and it is boring already and then Keira Knightly. I am banging on about how much I can't stand her and I look down at my knitting and The Mr. laughs. He laughs hard.<br />
"What?"<br />
"Did you see who that was?" <br />
I look up the camera cuts to Kevin Costner. Are you kidding me? You may remember how I feel about him, if you don't see <a href="http://samuraimom.blogspot.com/2008/08/actors-i-can-not-bear-to-watch-and.html">this post</a> (same post!)<br />
At this point I really don't know which way things are going to go I could really hate this movie or it might be OK, but, I have never heard of it so maybe it was bad and went straight to Netflix? Should I cut my losses now? I am really into knitting this blanket right now and I don't want to stop to change the show so we keep on. <br />
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This is when we learn that Jack Ryan: Shadow Recruit is not only a war hero but also a super economics genius. The CIA wants him to be a financial analyst for them. Undercover.<br />
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This is also where Jack Ryan: Shadow Recruit asks his physical therapist out to dinner. Predictable. She says no, she says goodbye. Does she say goodbye forever? Alas, no, it's Keira Knightly, you know she is in this movie for the long haul.<br />
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Fast forward, Jack Ryan: Shadow Recruit now works for a big fancy bank as a super smart financial something but really he is just reading super hot financial something. He also collects information for the CIA and gives it to them in manila folders. This is ostensibly 2005-ish and he is giving them paper files. <br />
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Then Jack Ryan: Shadow Recruit then goes home to his....girlfriend Keira Knightly, now a super smart doctor. Surprise! They have an argument that is obviously the one that they keep having over and over, he wants her to marry him and she thinks he is having an affair, yadda, yadda, yadda. They are SO meant to be together!<br />
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Jack Ryan: Shadow Recruit has to go to Russia to get more information and someone tries to kill him as soon as he arrives. Jack Ryan: Shadow Recruit then drowns this persons who is 3 times his size in the bathtub. Jack Ryan: Shadow Recruit is no longer a Shadow Recruit he is now active!<br />
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Finally, the movie starts.<br />
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Despite the inauspicious beginning I didn't mind this movie.<br />
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Keira Knightly's clavicles were rarely on display (in this photo they even seem to be hiding them!) and Kevin Coster's line were short, blunt and monotone so he fit. Fairly painless.<br />
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While I didn't buy Chris Pine as a super spy I did buy him as a Shadow Recruit, pretty tough but way out of his league and a little scared.<br />
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There were three things that I loved about this movie. They are, in order: Kenneth Branagh, Russian Bad Guys, The Wall.<br />
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I was pretty scared when they showed the villan but were slow to reveal his face that it was actually going to be John Malkovich, mercifully it was Kenneth Branagh.<br />
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I don't know why but I really like Kenneth Branagh. I loved Wallander but I was very aware the whole time that I was watching Wallander for Kenneth Branagh. Just as I dislike some actors and actresses I like Kenneth Branagh, and I always wonder why he and Emma Thompson couldn't work things out. <br />
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Kenneth Branagh must agree with me because he was also the director and while there are some good screen shots with Chris Pine in them, all the good ones star Branagh,<br />
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and I'm OK with that.<br />
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The main part of this film happens in Russia and you know how I feel about Russian Bad Guys, they are second only to East German Bad Guys.<br />
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And this set. <br />
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I love this wall. I want to visit this wall. I want to be besties with this wall.<br />
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Ultimately this movie was OK, not awful, huge plot holes, predictable but enjoyable enough. Jack Ryan saves America and all is right with the world. 3.5 out of 7 thimbles.<br />
<br />Samurai Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06410319102135155577noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10972553.post-23309862420570265902014-04-09T13:24:00.002-07:002014-04-09T13:32:23.400-07:00How Oft Have I Gathered YouSomehow, quite some time ago, I started calling my children chickens. I don't remember how it began but it came from the scriptures. It is repeated 5 times in the Standard Works: <a class="scriptureRef" href="https://www.lds.org/scriptures/nt/matt/23.37?lang=eng#36">Matt. 23:37</a> <a class="scriptureRef" href="https://www.lds.org/scriptures/dc-testament/dc/10.65?lang=eng#64">D&C 10:65</a> <a class="scriptureRef" href="https://www.lds.org/scriptures/dc-testament/dc/29.2?lang=eng#1"><span class="padWord">D&C </span>29:2</a> <a class="scriptureRef" href="https://www.lds.org/scriptures/dc-testament/dc/43.24?lang=eng#23"><span class="padWord">D&C </span>43:24</a> <a class="scriptureRef" href="https://www.lds.org/scriptures/bofm/3-ne/10.4-6?lang=eng#3">3 Ne. 10:4–6</a><br />
Matthew 23:37 reads:<i> "<a class="bookmark-anchor dontHighlight" href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="37"></a><span class="verse"> </span>O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, <span class="clarityWord">thou</span> that killest the prophets, and stonest them which are sent unto thee, how often would I have gathered thy children together, even as a hen gathereth her chickens under <span class="clarityWord">her</span> wings, and ye would not!"</i><br />
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The image of a hen gathering her chickens under her wings resonated with me, I felt sometimes as a mother hen gathering up her chickens. I loved that they were 'chickens' not 'chicks,' and as is the case with most pet names I started thinking of the kids as the "chickens" and myself as the hen and one day I started calling them chickens. Now when I come home I call out "Home Chickens!" or when I need the kids to come I cry "Chickens!" I will tell them that they are "silly chickens."<br />
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Before the Christmas sewing madness I had the idea to make an embroidery for the kitchen of a hen gathering her chickens I let it percolate for a while and I began in earnest after Margaret's baptism. I made swift progress but halfway through I put it down and picked up the knitting needles to make a few necessaries. I may have gotten back to the embroidery soon (the frame was sitting on the sewing table to remind me) or it could have become another member of the projects to finish someday box.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxhHUf9txMLxjkghLGwP8clyTKPQh4Fe0LFxhSCJzhm0g0ctFmEzTsGWbdKJDVy_QxIJU9fufKS-u2u-P_-a_Aczb0yBMgxsudVisfz_BAf2cHaIZ246r47p1jOiCC7bffkcb_rg/s1600/2014-04-05+11.00.43.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxhHUf9txMLxjkghLGwP8clyTKPQh4Fe0LFxhSCJzhm0g0ctFmEzTsGWbdKJDVy_QxIJU9fufKS-u2u-P_-a_Aczb0yBMgxsudVisfz_BAf2cHaIZ246r47p1jOiCC7bffkcb_rg/s1600/2014-04-05+11.00.43.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Embroidery as of Saturday afternoon</td></tr>
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And then came General Conference, the 184th Annual General Conference of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. I hope you had a chance to watch it. If you didn't never, fear, you can watch it<a href="https://www.lds.org/general-conference/sessions/2014/04?cid=HPSU040614654&lang=eng"> here</a>.<br />
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Saturday, right out of the gate <a href="https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2014/04/the-cost-and-blessings-of-discipleship?lang=eng">Elder Holland came out swinging</a> and he addressed all of my concerns and fears and struggles. How I love having apostles of the Lord speak directly to my heart! Such comfort and solace and strengthening courage! Then he quoted the scripture about the hen that gathereth her chickens under her wings, my heart skipped a beat and the kids looked up and Eddy exclaimed "That's Mom's favorite scripture!"<br />
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Then the scripture was repeated again! The same reaction and I think it even happened a third time. It doesn't matter because by that time I KNEW that I needed to finish my embroidery right away. By the afternoon session I was hard at work and it was finished by Sunday night and framed but Monday at lunch. That is a fast turnaround for me.<br />
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<i><a class="bookmark-anchor dontHighlight" href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="4"> </a><span class="verse">3 </span>Nephi 10:4-6</i></div>
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<i>"O ye people of these great cities which have fallen, who are descendants of Jacob, yea, who are of the house of Israel,<span style="color: #a64d79;"> how oft have I gathered you as a hen gathereth her chickens under her wings, and have nourished you</span>.</i></div>
<i> </i><br />
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<i><a class="bookmark-anchor dontHighlight" href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="5"> </a><span class="verse"> </span>And again, how
oft would I have gathered you as a hen gathereth her chickens under her
wings, yea, O ye people of the house of Israel, who have fallen; yea, O
ye people of the house of Israel, ye that dwell at Jerusalem, as ye
that have fallen; yea, how oft would I have gathered you as a hen
gathereth her chickens, and ye would not.</i></div>
<i> </i><br />
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<i><a class="bookmark-anchor dontHighlight" href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="6"> </a><span class="verse"></span>O ye house of Israel whom I have spared, how oft will I gather you as a hen gathereth her chickens under her wings, if ye will repent and return unto me with full purpose of heart."</i></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2hI5uLJ5Zyq5-pJgYAEWyhnAzxQSHetS5JN7LVrMO3ZhIIosvnwF4rzLzBpGR8zT33tZL9ca_x3sDXu3sEe6tH2cQ5JMOMvdblZVVj2XTvF7kDT8ksShMTj4v3V8nwwzdxOM8jQ/s1600/100_4090.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2hI5uLJ5Zyq5-pJgYAEWyhnAzxQSHetS5JN7LVrMO3ZhIIosvnwF4rzLzBpGR8zT33tZL9ca_x3sDXu3sEe6tH2cQ5JMOMvdblZVVj2XTvF7kDT8ksShMTj4v3V8nwwzdxOM8jQ/s1600/100_4090.JPG" height="301" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hen gathering her chickens Mother's Day 2007</td></tr>
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I chose the 3 Nephi reading of the scripture for my embroidery because in this passage it feels to me less like
the Lord chastening his people and more of a reminder and invitation to
us to remember that the Lord is always waiting for us to run into his
arms for shelter against the buffetings of the world, for protection,
for sustenance. He loves us, he is waiting for us, he will continue to
wait for us again and again.<br />
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Samurai Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06410319102135155577noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10972553.post-91822180856968039502014-01-29T21:27:00.000-08:002014-01-29T21:28:45.881-08:00Samurai Mom's Chicken EnchiladasBecause I keep forgetting how to make these:<br />
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<b> Samurai Mom's Chicken Enchiladas </b><br />
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1 lb-ish cooked and shreeded chicken breast <br />
1 can green chiles <br />
1/2 can Cream of Chicken soup<br />
1 cup sour cream<br />
2 cups shredded Monterey Jack cheese divided (1/2 cup and 1 1/2 cup)<br />
6-8 oz softened cream cheese <br />
Salt and Cayenne to taste<br />
Chopped green onions (optional)<br />
1 package flour tortillas<br />
1 jar Salsa Verde<br />
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Filling:<br />
Mix shredded chicken, cream cheese, Cream of Chicken soup, chiles, sour cream. 1/2 cup shredded cheese, green onions, cayenne and salt<br />
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spread filling down the middle of the tortillas and roll, place in 9x13 baking dish seam side down. Pour the salsa verde over the top of the enchiladas and then sprinkle the remaining cheese on top. Bake for 25-30 min in a 375 degree oven. <br />
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<br />Samurai Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06410319102135155577noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10972553.post-69126962837668333242014-01-01T21:20:00.001-08:002014-01-01T21:21:25.215-08:00January Photo ChallengeMy sisters and I have been having a great time doing Instagram photo challenges in November and December. This month it was my turn to make one. I also dabbled in digtal washi tape, fun!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8tgPKybcFfTxWcjAILkRMMp_sGA7NqE77CL9qjGSL5F3LjDMt_Av80WdMKL0uMLzqU4d_NaPSuFOnM4O3kTvkiqj_UyPrD7G5dcanR_d-jpRb5g9k3X1R72CsuDr2t0ueEVLHrw/s1600/January+challenge.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="318" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8tgPKybcFfTxWcjAILkRMMp_sGA7NqE77CL9qjGSL5F3LjDMt_Av80WdMKL0uMLzqU4d_NaPSuFOnM4O3kTvkiqj_UyPrD7G5dcanR_d-jpRb5g9k3X1R72CsuDr2t0ueEVLHrw/s320/January+challenge.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />Samurai Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06410319102135155577noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10972553.post-80287843113217233082013-07-05T10:11:00.001-07:002013-07-06T09:18:29.077-07:00Samurai Mom Sewing Round up.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj133X6apW2S4DuLnuc6IkNvWCBzTiMBX1MBG7x6RKgAOlRFSbqna32Grziwg0SniBzaYh19oVC6_We43cp6p-dYDX-eqT_yrxiUe8paCDw7N2QvGz5EM_xq8ls7KkgZqv3V_BgLw/s1600/IMG_0925.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a>I am entering to be a contestant on the <a href="http://www.sewmamasew.com/2013/06/the-super-online-sewing-bee-a-contest-sponsored-by-sew-mama-sew-and-janome/">Super Online Sewing Bee</a> and this post is a round up of some of my work. Not all of it and not necessarily the best but what I could find photos of.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhBhtsrTmEMZ3QG0KAjdLg7Oeh30T4v6YBCh9tEjTdjXPZAtPbzjglihFjCxq7d00nnwFJKdFkIx0Oac42Bgvhg8D5XENNo6rq5VcIyPG25wG6deYPZciI3yvIrTWYK3W8_T4v3w/s1600/basil.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a> <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaS2IxwqSc-wA5YyDc9xD500zOier7oTDDMIH_cAkafykqmJyMtEdcz_HngVizx1eemXchwUeqteqzf2CRFfvI89RFGCjuRjzngEn0Kf8xy0sJtf6Y9NI2YgapQ9bKFf-9AezGPw/s1600/IMG_0895.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaS2IxwqSc-wA5YyDc9xD500zOier7oTDDMIH_cAkafykqmJyMtEdcz_HngVizx1eemXchwUeqteqzf2CRFfvI89RFGCjuRjzngEn0Kf8xy0sJtf6Y9NI2YgapQ9bKFf-9AezGPw/s400/IMG_0895.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My most recent Dress, " Apple Pie"</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0r3Jk95V7f9kGJaRNH9jGG1rI9UBjwQUXN4ba6wMyg_hBcDhT1XxXcXv7FbbEA6yfKac0qs2Ep5iEcwmSAqUjc00Si59d_ZLMfnj-cV93-gmIX3f4XbdZBpriqQBrBlnptu_Crw/s400/IMG_0902.JPG" width="400" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A true collaboration my friend suggested the rick-rack placement, another the pleats and my daughter the belt. I made this up on a whim over the weekend for Independence Day. My own design.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZLJIOqRlwLgB5-OWkobAoA3SrOFoKPXVB1Z0VhJfMxHnoIFycy30hSttXfXzSnbWVLS_bf_f1rvpKTpsRXwkchwk6fWctCjTASqG1BPa4ylGfh4X9OsTpXrv5Lpy95DGErnfIcA/s1600/335764_2289934721585_66924858_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZLJIOqRlwLgB5-OWkobAoA3SrOFoKPXVB1Z0VhJfMxHnoIFycy30hSttXfXzSnbWVLS_bf_f1rvpKTpsRXwkchwk6fWctCjTASqG1BPa4ylGfh4X9OsTpXrv5Lpy95DGErnfIcA/s640/335764_2289934721585_66924858_o.jpg" width="382" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This was a sheet I found at a garage sale for 50 cents. The moment I saw it I KNEW that it was really a shirtwaist dress with coral trim that no one had made up yet. This is one of my favorite dresses! Comfy, casual cool yet elegant. I made this design up as a went along which is a shame because I may never be able to replicate it.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEil9A19wgp7tSItrTAqUnOqpMGosoNluhcrc3VUeJE-OwV8jg7w5H8AdBAGk7Hra06rTtBP-mGdX_S-dHx4vcsMuZ_Z5qTbUFSVsiyEd_jjAk-JpuW_z3jrE2uXVELm9nnW5bKwKg/s1600/IMG_0656.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEil9A19wgp7tSItrTAqUnOqpMGosoNluhcrc3VUeJE-OwV8jg7w5H8AdBAGk7Hra06rTtBP-mGdX_S-dHx4vcsMuZ_Z5qTbUFSVsiyEd_jjAk-JpuW_z3jrE2uXVELm9nnW5bKwKg/s640/IMG_0656.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"Matching" Mother-Daughter Easter Dresses</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi61D33RinZYP7z2RdlZGhX8QUbIppi4qzFOAyRcoLvuEiXpll35BuJAL4NIlOEgvyoQ7t0dkmRX5LKA1eOt9hnXyG-_9pn02EtmI8dG6q-Gnf5L3cGTuu_2lD2eCetv2V9slfByA/s1600/IMG_0682.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi61D33RinZYP7z2RdlZGhX8QUbIppi4qzFOAyRcoLvuEiXpll35BuJAL4NIlOEgvyoQ7t0dkmRX5LKA1eOt9hnXyG-_9pn02EtmI8dG6q-Gnf5L3cGTuu_2lD2eCetv2V9slfByA/s400/IMG_0682.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Made out of the same fabrics, vintage pattern and reproduction pattern</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjl41UDqfQcgu88xiLjj9zhkwQXxFh9eSthotQVRwFfVhSWZjSgb7j41C1vujvqHalCXxMvb1KsAhTqIB9Jdcoe8KHByHl92qaCF2luHUZH7phK6RnHbwY448pC7Pd-dR74CimY6w/s1600/IMG_0664.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjl41UDqfQcgu88xiLjj9zhkwQXxFh9eSthotQVRwFfVhSWZjSgb7j41C1vujvqHalCXxMvb1KsAhTqIB9Jdcoe8KHByHl92qaCF2luHUZH7phK6RnHbwY448pC7Pd-dR74CimY6w/s400/IMG_0664.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">with Matching hats!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjt2GabmcDh622ywdEW__meZgwIV-WIR8VM6bBsCuxz0JA_OvXeI1RU0k5jIcJKrvfri_U5LOPfh9yDLqWSF2n_pliSKNw0W2g9ZO3BBxfrWD8Ft3i59YPeVhc3aApf5dLlYR2Sew/s1600/IMG_4438.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjt2GabmcDh622ywdEW__meZgwIV-WIR8VM6bBsCuxz0JA_OvXeI1RU0k5jIcJKrvfri_U5LOPfh9yDLqWSF2n_pliSKNw0W2g9ZO3BBxfrWD8Ft3i59YPeVhc3aApf5dLlYR2Sew/s400/IMG_4438.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">From a modern pattern.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZR93310ZkvmeDICdwyf_we_21taSOkzMnzGTApCWgh2GdjGELTjUo3C2VZqVi-XDkKBDiWP_zRH9BpXRiaBVShIUYODTM-FphAXltWoCWNbqmBKqYZnl4TrUHebvz-pJ9je2Etw/s1600/IMG_4439.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZR93310ZkvmeDICdwyf_we_21taSOkzMnzGTApCWgh2GdjGELTjUo3C2VZqVi-XDkKBDiWP_zRH9BpXRiaBVShIUYODTM-FphAXltWoCWNbqmBKqYZnl4TrUHebvz-pJ9je2Etw/s400/IMG_4439.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Clever fabric choice and detail</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKn0H0RNolDLfmtszMfIzuDjcwGITc_tkTeSNFYErAEyFmue0bd_PkfRCvRhkBA_vOUMuVnnfkv_ncFTzTaW1j5q-fTnGuZPStXOqXhfMUEJuFm2XQGJyLY-lGrqtw-Crv26kMLQ/s1600/IMG_0922.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKn0H0RNolDLfmtszMfIzuDjcwGITc_tkTeSNFYErAEyFmue0bd_PkfRCvRhkBA_vOUMuVnnfkv_ncFTzTaW1j5q-fTnGuZPStXOqXhfMUEJuFm2XQGJyLY-lGrqtw-Crv26kMLQ/s400/IMG_0922.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Loving this fun day dress with pockets. A girl needs a place to keep her things</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">.</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj133X6apW2S4DuLnuc6IkNvWCBzTiMBX1MBG7x6RKgAOlRFSbqna32Grziwg0SniBzaYh19oVC6_We43cp6p-dYDX-eqT_yrxiUe8paCDw7N2QvGz5EM_xq8ls7KkgZqv3V_BgLw/s1600/IMG_0925.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj133X6apW2S4DuLnuc6IkNvWCBzTiMBX1MBG7x6RKgAOlRFSbqna32Grziwg0SniBzaYh19oVC6_We43cp6p-dYDX-eqT_yrxiUe8paCDw7N2QvGz5EM_xq8ls7KkgZqv3V_BgLw/s320/IMG_0925.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Did I make a dress out of fabric with little men in sombreros and donkeys? Yes, yes I did.</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiif5Q6BXmd6oO5uruDtIbj5OMCcGddKNrHE0eNqp1oBQIXdStAu_SXaXeMMZi_gfBunLjN04Toj-BskTN9Gz4-D8f0fel0LdkFfycfuQxg9juaVWXQM7avtsY0SviNTXGePJ_ioQ/s1600/IMG_0908.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiif5Q6BXmd6oO5uruDtIbj5OMCcGddKNrHE0eNqp1oBQIXdStAu_SXaXeMMZi_gfBunLjN04Toj-BskTN9Gz4-D8f0fel0LdkFfycfuQxg9juaVWXQM7avtsY0SviNTXGePJ_ioQ/s640/IMG_0908.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We call this one the "Potato Salad Dress" because it is the same color as potato salad.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfRq6bZLm14ZKzTpP3K1h2FaKOCYxf8QtaJM-oOzrLQILKXUlB1PJ9aFczXfyccraZ04asyKrnGWYKHNlnEurqXvsxvoow3DStlgXea22v-KIYzk1cuHJs6fiy988f8nrqnQj3/s1600/IMG_2632.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfRq6bZLm14ZKzTpP3K1h2FaKOCYxf8QtaJM-oOzrLQILKXUlB1PJ9aFczXfyccraZ04asyKrnGWYKHNlnEurqXvsxvoow3DStlgXea22v-KIYzk1cuHJs6fiy988f8nrqnQj3/s640/IMG_2632.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Drafted my own pattern </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWzSXo6Cnb3RA6rc0qW_fsSpKtsCCiSDq6g210KUiIYYgt0FDrgtU7bCibW8oZgk7fYlGPQhfWiFkk1Ks7aDCDFq1VZQtPd_EDtMvVnqpJxCQMyGOKTGBwNS4ZTfGDENJxwy0I/s1600/IMG_2635.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWzSXo6Cnb3RA6rc0qW_fsSpKtsCCiSDq6g210KUiIYYgt0FDrgtU7bCibW8oZgk7fYlGPQhfWiFkk1Ks7aDCDFq1VZQtPd_EDtMvVnqpJxCQMyGOKTGBwNS4ZTfGDENJxwy0I/s400/IMG_2635.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Details!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQzTGcFo5dxUZlqAGRUEWpSwMG83i6Hl8dJObZwrWl1yL5s84Qp7ate2ktF577DA13dsFeo-0Gd53Bfadp5Fjtr1RVPMqIGFhSUHOnQM4jx1z4GAlDZNXHJkThuomPq4IbYnMk/s1600/terracotta+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQzTGcFo5dxUZlqAGRUEWpSwMG83i6Hl8dJObZwrWl1yL5s84Qp7ate2ktF577DA13dsFeo-0Gd53Bfadp5Fjtr1RVPMqIGFhSUHOnQM4jx1z4GAlDZNXHJkThuomPq4IbYnMk/s400/terracotta+1.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I CAN sew bags too.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhBhtsrTmEMZ3QG0KAjdLg7Oeh30T4v6YBCh9tEjTdjXPZAtPbzjglihFjCxq7d00nnwFJKdFkIx0Oac42Bgvhg8D5XENNo6rq5VcIyPG25wG6deYPZciI3yvIrTWYK3W8_T4v3w/s1600/basil.jpg" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhBhtsrTmEMZ3QG0KAjdLg7Oeh30T4v6YBCh9tEjTdjXPZAtPbzjglihFjCxq7d00nnwFJKdFkIx0Oac42Bgvhg8D5XENNo6rq5VcIyPG25wG6deYPZciI3yvIrTWYK3W8_T4v3w/s400/basil.jpg" width="301" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I love hand work, especially embroidery, this was my first attempt at smocking. I loved the dress but wish that I would have fitted the shoulder better.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZHqRUVuiiHCTJQMve8Gnd8NdOgDBLrjH9S9tOraDMJet3OLLkRNUEjM6jayxLJVL3QOkWOeRqAniwtD6jizoLXDAnFj9YNH8TB5DygpAcRznO96pElXSTOHDiqGl7kgF-stqB/s1600/ranch+hand.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZHqRUVuiiHCTJQMve8Gnd8NdOgDBLrjH9S9tOraDMJet3OLLkRNUEjM6jayxLJVL3QOkWOeRqAniwtD6jizoLXDAnFj9YNH8TB5DygpAcRznO96pElXSTOHDiqGl7kgF-stqB/s640/ranch+hand.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My cowgirl shirt WAS an XL men's shirt. I took every piece apart and cut them to my size.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8fDnxF1L7NVqgDSgSQTLRsUz0KckfRFmfc5md6W0LtPZjzPkcoLHp80YDzo7-AqH8e8Ta4WmAZZXsl7CWlSqpwcBTL3cycsiI-1DtSnpVw0LQmaE5UAopMxOUS0k3e-WYsOvp/s1600/ranch+hand+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8fDnxF1L7NVqgDSgSQTLRsUz0KckfRFmfc5md6W0LtPZjzPkcoLHp80YDzo7-AqH8e8Ta4WmAZZXsl7CWlSqpwcBTL3cycsiI-1DtSnpVw0LQmaE5UAopMxOUS0k3e-WYsOvp/s400/ranch+hand+3.jpg" width="360" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">and added lace everywhere I could get away with it!</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYASRcsRMSYKAJ8PbwK7o7AbrqlgBw0gGvyHTZe84Lq80lvJZwrOmjrkpHke_anwbDRJRbfmBR4DmE3_YTUZIWUELG-Hv3TLGFsfSbkes6GLHQOxhT-F8T7Juo_YYwBa4lZGw5AA/s1600/anthro+yellow.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYASRcsRMSYKAJ8PbwK7o7AbrqlgBw0gGvyHTZe84Lq80lvJZwrOmjrkpHke_anwbDRJRbfmBR4DmE3_YTUZIWUELG-Hv3TLGFsfSbkes6GLHQOxhT-F8T7Juo_YYwBa4lZGw5AA/s640/anthro+yellow.jpeg" width="425" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I saw this dress</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilLy3sD3KxLU8BIxs_iTOtwmR97XaLynzp6cFbZEseoV0hCYr34MyDdXJ8PmmVVSmu-D9gDRkBSKLlkGAQti-Tw8YDivwKoK0eGD07Slu8j3oNhjbrebQNhAjYu8yR8I5cGAHpnA/s1600/coral2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilLy3sD3KxLU8BIxs_iTOtwmR97XaLynzp6cFbZEseoV0hCYr34MyDdXJ8PmmVVSmu-D9gDRkBSKLlkGAQti-Tw8YDivwKoK0eGD07Slu8j3oNhjbrebQNhAjYu8yR8I5cGAHpnA/s640/coral2.JPG" width="380" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Made my own, and in my size for a couple hundred dollars less that it was selling for.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgshKygf34FdOMCZR_8Je8032RSXzrQRU3MlfA9hau-Ej3qiGrZslEvwCPLCm9AXArYGXfETNr8bb54mkBjiIj3PePlZdWrF3XD1F2mWPkRPD_tHLU6WttR6O0-OewwQJNfwle6gA/s1600/100_4881.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgshKygf34FdOMCZR_8Je8032RSXzrQRU3MlfA9hau-Ej3qiGrZslEvwCPLCm9AXArYGXfETNr8bb54mkBjiIj3PePlZdWrF3XD1F2mWPkRPD_tHLU6WttR6O0-OewwQJNfwle6gA/s640/100_4881.JPG" width="481" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Taffeta flower girl dress, commercial pattern heavily altered.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlZ7KbGBJQRTECYLpPBXiB3gIy_mVjdzAwQVqvCEYQIGjn0xYG30c-a9cxwNxEHnZIDPkwozu5yzFSVEsZpX0_cA5un4ZB63tjWwn5TgZ9EgjZ-NdeTA8uSrTXZXQI3u2tC08JcA/s1600/100_4883.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlZ7KbGBJQRTECYLpPBXiB3gIy_mVjdzAwQVqvCEYQIGjn0xYG30c-a9cxwNxEHnZIDPkwozu5yzFSVEsZpX0_cA5un4ZB63tjWwn5TgZ9EgjZ-NdeTA8uSrTXZXQI3u2tC08JcA/s400/100_4883.JPG" width="301" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">With ribbon detail</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYvYXHsrA1Ga4BVDxUYJus0U8p4AKCu3uZXrxn3zxwYZvsqXfafWFQ-Ou4zvTOLLQNcObQ9f0bd-Y9sj9E0qzIR0e9HYh0P4RqDoY5elaWBCPkxRSW2ceX7bhCzr_RWeqQFIUrtQ/s1600/100_4884.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYvYXHsrA1Ga4BVDxUYJus0U8p4AKCu3uZXrxn3zxwYZvsqXfafWFQ-Ou4zvTOLLQNcObQ9f0bd-Y9sj9E0qzIR0e9HYh0P4RqDoY5elaWBCPkxRSW2ceX7bhCzr_RWeqQFIUrtQ/s400/100_4884.JPG" width="301" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">before I knew how to take pictures without a flash!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5rFFxzysEkMB2ZAl485ULW1sXfhMlflVspEONsw6yPxLT4jQQULKRoN5istNl_6p1rSBRyPzd11zMBaOuxmnch4Itre_Gi1Z8Xyvs_woOAIRbFNrzyY2IOr7oqu38FFm9OAmE/s1600/3.00005.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5rFFxzysEkMB2ZAl485ULW1sXfhMlflVspEONsw6yPxLT4jQQULKRoN5istNl_6p1rSBRyPzd11zMBaOuxmnch4Itre_Gi1Z8Xyvs_woOAIRbFNrzyY2IOr7oqu38FFm9OAmE/s400/3.00005.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Made a reading pillow and appliquéd birds on it.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxAvFRXelrzfww2Vp-HCyCCB9PEmajk58VEvhLaFNPnkf5XV-uh-Mm5YKfjqCljTCygq12S3zXQAdIIUiwU0wGoMzBdGrrtKv4lSMsliK8J4RDFulGhzG0tQw_RWXPf24Z7y9S/s1600/5.00006.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxAvFRXelrzfww2Vp-HCyCCB9PEmajk58VEvhLaFNPnkf5XV-uh-Mm5YKfjqCljTCygq12S3zXQAdIIUiwU0wGoMzBdGrrtKv4lSMsliK8J4RDFulGhzG0tQw_RWXPf24Z7y9S/s400/5.00006.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Doll clothes are HARD, such tiny everything!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTbK8Razcv7bDwl6kJIrbQli2WQcHeQFW0QgFLJnmGRkC54au6XhG_kdSQAwj07h_gGhyhRF9BwLXexjjr0UxoBHnS8ia40SdUyC_bfHxTTWS9fMVRrygOfIbz5Obty3bgZpBa/s1600/MORISKIRTMOTHERSDAY.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTbK8Razcv7bDwl6kJIrbQli2WQcHeQFW0QgFLJnmGRkC54au6XhG_kdSQAwj07h_gGhyhRF9BwLXexjjr0UxoBHnS8ia40SdUyC_bfHxTTWS9fMVRrygOfIbz5Obty3bgZpBa/s640/MORISKIRTMOTHERSDAY.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Saw a picture in a magazine and made one for myself</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6Q_-2tjKuE84WCruSOle3tjakCOLPXImGWtmDARzTk4Ulj3FySU3oeC9_jizqBsMyAwnqpiS1LN6LjkjrcapL2mk_qhIHw2y-3wPmD0zjJhYFLrFwHDnOvKeqYS63EHCIPbr4/s1600/IMG_5144.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6Q_-2tjKuE84WCruSOle3tjakCOLPXImGWtmDARzTk4Ulj3FySU3oeC9_jizqBsMyAwnqpiS1LN6LjkjrcapL2mk_qhIHw2y-3wPmD0zjJhYFLrFwHDnOvKeqYS63EHCIPbr4/s400/IMG_5144.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tinkerbell costume</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7KCD7r6WemfXZ_hsZZH9Ly7hVMOOx4wzQz8EKGzYsWBksMm_lcHIrvm7jSSWf8_fqJVZrMli6uFS6w7WldlWF0r6RBo-QV-mcf90i2ya8W5DFs_oRY6bcpjZ8_JsW18zfD5aE/s1600/IMG_0023.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7KCD7r6WemfXZ_hsZZH9Ly7hVMOOx4wzQz8EKGzYsWBksMm_lcHIrvm7jSSWf8_fqJVZrMli6uFS6w7WldlWF0r6RBo-QV-mcf90i2ya8W5DFs_oRY6bcpjZ8_JsW18zfD5aE/s400/IMG_0023.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I took these two dresses</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJ3GZxVT3g_OjGTbrL2zrGaN8kyStktcGfCnQxbbDQcdTHTYaxR3FUm8YT87lJwhwInR0RHGhlUzZYjVoz12CUE2zjMVrjJxW6LmaoK74Dpa8E7tgPYWP1E6MCidX4m6mdJHxe/s1600/IMG_0028.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJ3GZxVT3g_OjGTbrL2zrGaN8kyStktcGfCnQxbbDQcdTHTYaxR3FUm8YT87lJwhwInR0RHGhlUzZYjVoz12CUE2zjMVrjJxW6LmaoK74Dpa8E7tgPYWP1E6MCidX4m6mdJHxe/s400/IMG_0028.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">And made one</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgw4w5q_QmJnb_EL7TlDvYfce6nvg4ERXXrp2KTmXZZXIKhh3iy6osgTdvyS7ZST_qmLVkWcjQ0cHQ5tIis9ajN84bxNValtMiknYPpgs5GT1IIB8WVq7TmXQbFMFS1h90_IDOv/s1600/IMG_1341.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgw4w5q_QmJnb_EL7TlDvYfce6nvg4ERXXrp2KTmXZZXIKhh3iy6osgTdvyS7ZST_qmLVkWcjQ0cHQ5tIis9ajN84bxNValtMiknYPpgs5GT1IIB8WVq7TmXQbFMFS1h90_IDOv/s640/IMG_1341.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Original design</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLXXzZ-JldS7CGRhoTeOlB4VocJ1Kr_PWP39h2RZAoc0AI3bvLgX9Q2cIfvSYfrpXTZTqiNr_HnuP6fTtect2FNJgHQwSkfKcBfSfSBmsmrFMXfXedZVwTVYaIVwnFetKNInrH/s1600/IMG_1340.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLXXzZ-JldS7CGRhoTeOlB4VocJ1Kr_PWP39h2RZAoc0AI3bvLgX9Q2cIfvSYfrpXTZTqiNr_HnuP6fTtect2FNJgHQwSkfKcBfSfSBmsmrFMXfXedZVwTVYaIVwnFetKNInrH/s640/IMG_1340.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Can I just say how much I love ridiculously large bows?</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAslGHMhKKew3s5EsJeHwHC3_cvyXuv5r5p8Y14iOyPM-hxPDRsblxu_8JMP79bceQflGXGkmqfC14NpcIf8cILroj80XqTG1jKPTUyBIeB5SCQdZPvJMX2334iTeNAoxDDUzr/s1600/IMG_2080.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAslGHMhKKew3s5EsJeHwHC3_cvyXuv5r5p8Y14iOyPM-hxPDRsblxu_8JMP79bceQflGXGkmqfC14NpcIf8cILroj80XqTG1jKPTUyBIeB5SCQdZPvJMX2334iTeNAoxDDUzr/s640/IMG_2080.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Reconstruction of a woman's blouse</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCWdRvha85aY_CO_2_IgtoMKLTfgKICffygb3Ok9svtDNLooddVT9EyrKQi0QKuCwZcO6j0RHvbDTj8RwM-37YIIqZxmkLw3sf4PfenUp9FsGCy1HfcOU1wKQGhsEeJa2pd969/s1600/IMG_2079.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCWdRvha85aY_CO_2_IgtoMKLTfgKICffygb3Ok9svtDNLooddVT9EyrKQi0QKuCwZcO6j0RHvbDTj8RwM-37YIIqZxmkLw3sf4PfenUp9FsGCy1HfcOU1wKQGhsEeJa2pd969/s400/IMG_2079.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Into a tiny baby dress</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgU0b8gqQQg4OZyifSlobVTWuAuyjn2K-DOWItj4rwvbJAjqDAcf99TkJDGGV8c0Ne5VWor6R4F-n7LKfcvH4pkQsSVphOOzqTVuo2O4eYDGwGKismZ4hKVKG7F5SvMzO0F-mQg/s1600/IMG_2082.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgU0b8gqQQg4OZyifSlobVTWuAuyjn2K-DOWItj4rwvbJAjqDAcf99TkJDGGV8c0Ne5VWor6R4F-n7LKfcvH4pkQsSVphOOzqTVuo2O4eYDGwGKismZ4hKVKG7F5SvMzO0F-mQg/s400/IMG_2082.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyjolXdkA_AjGNN6B4ETx53K5iu8tJlV7jrj-kgG95YgiSBGWFX8ICNHDzgsf8bSBOPFoKKE9UKkQXV-o_i84Pwd4hmbFIKfG0b2ccCItpSJtMd6NH4DwzlU-B6r3tTmnOFt5o/s1600/IMG_2597.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyjolXdkA_AjGNN6B4ETx53K5iu8tJlV7jrj-kgG95YgiSBGWFX8ICNHDzgsf8bSBOPFoKKE9UKkQXV-o_i84Pwd4hmbFIKfG0b2ccCItpSJtMd6NH4DwzlU-B6r3tTmnOFt5o/s400/IMG_2597.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fell in love with this fabric from Sew Mama Sew</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmLoh9InOqUzA88NRW73x8fsvuIKIOfCsatNBHe1HBTjEsm0V-8jBHlC2Xz-tfFNKWrq0BYwJx1-DctDMV3rno44pjoQd_BcbYx6dbxKUdakdiFoQagWpjeKjCuYqP7B_dc7UC/s1600/IMG_2598.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmLoh9InOqUzA88NRW73x8fsvuIKIOfCsatNBHe1HBTjEsm0V-8jBHlC2Xz-tfFNKWrq0BYwJx1-DctDMV3rno44pjoQd_BcbYx6dbxKUdakdiFoQagWpjeKjCuYqP7B_dc7UC/s400/IMG_2598.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">And made some fun details on the blouse</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjj8T52wpuSBo7GL_tD2CPZZqz6lBYabpRlITYUa8OdgTmcoAcgZCkCIpSUHOjqkXGB04bI912OV_wHmki3yiYI6zoKSAY21yMtm-rBOxVX_kIxkv5p9heDWg2115UwgohpnyqB/s1600/IMG_2599.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjj8T52wpuSBo7GL_tD2CPZZqz6lBYabpRlITYUa8OdgTmcoAcgZCkCIpSUHOjqkXGB04bI912OV_wHmki3yiYI6zoKSAY21yMtm-rBOxVX_kIxkv5p9heDWg2115UwgohpnyqB/s400/IMG_2599.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Really Fun!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlfStqSTwY4WvD_y81adDIgx8wMCoCAsE5PgEW1WdRwZo3DBgT5f7vHihzr4u_lFIo51zsd019wgPbt7GhlRul3Tv9XPLhKikHf6JpuMrRHZq8M1khOBkrt6W8trNs8NTdd9fu/s1600/IMG_2624.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlfStqSTwY4WvD_y81adDIgx8wMCoCAsE5PgEW1WdRwZo3DBgT5f7vHihzr4u_lFIo51zsd019wgPbt7GhlRul3Tv9XPLhKikHf6JpuMrRHZq8M1khOBkrt6W8trNs8NTdd9fu/s640/IMG_2624.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"Riding to the Hounds," I saw this fabric of a fox hunt and HAD to have it. I made it into this killer sheath dress</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjG_zV7PyFidpsEMSMkNzvDRSL1z2kmDtAR2E9ZEgqd3bPRa_mem6etFoC5Pw5qDrB7yhydvX4Dl3cADbGtdWNxdpJnBPzyryEgirRq50Fg3RqK-0N_VL0EmG9Z27C8GYWoQDUVfQ/s1600/IMG_2858.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjG_zV7PyFidpsEMSMkNzvDRSL1z2kmDtAR2E9ZEgqd3bPRa_mem6etFoC5Pw5qDrB7yhydvX4Dl3cADbGtdWNxdpJnBPzyryEgirRq50Fg3RqK-0N_VL0EmG9Z27C8GYWoQDUVfQ/s400/IMG_2858.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">and matching hat</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWshdPIPDUTEKPlUio9ugn5kqVDz87cL91ARaXbSHO2hhuye98K47rUTrqsejdxRpCTpKvPLQNcYYcrrlCkjSb4m8TLrWR4y50NzBy61uNvt2oKVTie9vmZDvNWbjOEaivU5xc/s1600/1.00028.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWshdPIPDUTEKPlUio9ugn5kqVDz87cL91ARaXbSHO2hhuye98K47rUTrqsejdxRpCTpKvPLQNcYYcrrlCkjSb4m8TLrWR4y50NzBy61uNvt2oKVTie9vmZDvNWbjOEaivU5xc/s640/1.00028.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Reversible apron</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4afNMyIuYghnehU7RebO4a_d_xNY0MDDreNmVZFC8v-69h7_U7HHrn1ez-FyfY0xEdVa6Zc9sYAKiO40eQAtCMKl2-ymOAErJ3ve9SAXKEPnHYBUDSo4P1DQVGdqVXqmPFejf/s1600/1.00037.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4afNMyIuYghnehU7RebO4a_d_xNY0MDDreNmVZFC8v-69h7_U7HHrn1ez-FyfY0xEdVa6Zc9sYAKiO40eQAtCMKl2-ymOAErJ3ve9SAXKEPnHYBUDSo4P1DQVGdqVXqmPFejf/s400/1.00037.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My own design and pattern<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1egRD7CupVsl55dmV3rk7gYig41jCPfrHK3N-RTxAV7QrOE94IP3HKj5J-UnAn06BSHj7khQn27LTP-FXYtC8zg8uuMDA7ZKdJOqrjrjU9HB_FWvq_nHfzu8EuljN2UG9kV4FfA/s1600/mushroom.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1egRD7CupVsl55dmV3rk7gYig41jCPfrHK3N-RTxAV7QrOE94IP3HKj5J-UnAn06BSHj7khQn27LTP-FXYtC8zg8uuMDA7ZKdJOqrjrjU9HB_FWvq_nHfzu8EuljN2UG9kV4FfA/s400/mushroom.JPG" width="301" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I love embroidery!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIIUrPYSfG7_p0LvdJAwj_Lm2scFbojagZXtNrBBCxi6FJR5KepopQwmPTYgrl1xL7PMHoZsmKyfsTHyeLNMAZBkkwyd-6PwgTEC6c_T1RhLPDgZzp8U4tQsNHgm1lQ0kUdwvo/s1600/what+big+eyes+you+have.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIIUrPYSfG7_p0LvdJAwj_Lm2scFbojagZXtNrBBCxi6FJR5KepopQwmPTYgrl1xL7PMHoZsmKyfsTHyeLNMAZBkkwyd-6PwgTEC6c_T1RhLPDgZzp8U4tQsNHgm1lQ0kUdwvo/s400/what+big+eyes+you+have.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Little Red Riding hood</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOITJhsuDNJUWiyusxzvyo7cfaX4bxkudQsXg-1WcMC5oI_EuPI66x9C0a9q54VXRy98EVlhgbhq7dQKdb5XgOIIprZKYw_lDzL0kpTgj5kFYE4m6ygBF-8vMVSiN7UotQfSe3Gw/s1600/little+red+in+the+wood.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="481" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOITJhsuDNJUWiyusxzvyo7cfaX4bxkudQsXg-1WcMC5oI_EuPI66x9C0a9q54VXRy98EVlhgbhq7dQKdb5XgOIIprZKYw_lDzL0kpTgj5kFYE4m6ygBF-8vMVSiN7UotQfSe3Gw/s640/little+red+in+the+wood.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My own patterns and designs skirt, peasant top, dirndl apron and hood.</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhBhtsrTmEMZ3QG0KAjdLg7Oeh30T4v6YBCh9tEjTdjXPZAtPbzjglihFjCxq7d00nnwFJKdFkIx0Oac42Bgvhg8D5XENNo6rq5VcIyPG25wG6deYPZciI3yvIrTWYK3W8_T4v3w/s1600/basil.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhBhtsrTmEMZ3QG0KAjdLg7Oeh30T4v6YBCh9tEjTdjXPZAtPbzjglihFjCxq7d00nnwFJKdFkIx0Oac42Bgvhg8D5XENNo6rq5VcIyPG25wG6deYPZciI3yvIrTWYK3W8_T4v3w/s1600/basil.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhBhtsrTmEMZ3QG0KAjdLg7Oeh30T4v6YBCh9tEjTdjXPZAtPbzjglihFjCxq7d00nnwFJKdFkIx0Oac42Bgvhg8D5XENNo6rq5VcIyPG25wG6deYPZciI3yvIrTWYK3W8_T4v3w/s1600/basil.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><br /></td></tr>
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<br />Samurai Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06410319102135155577noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10972553.post-38785374436412126192013-07-04T13:38:00.002-07:002013-07-04T13:38:42.086-07:00Independence Day 2013<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7amaCAkXXjQzpczVZlRcqHZ0Mu1GsNkFInCkAnc67es4G-wRK7husF0GU0pvPyAdC-mUHpokbn7I76p2_6EsDHUAOm6V2YBdsvp1krETNuFgbq_BkVwA6ZdlGgCjDpDg4UdTBtw/s1600/IMG_0881.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7amaCAkXXjQzpczVZlRcqHZ0Mu1GsNkFInCkAnc67es4G-wRK7husF0GU0pvPyAdC-mUHpokbn7I76p2_6EsDHUAOm6V2YBdsvp1krETNuFgbq_BkVwA6ZdlGgCjDpDg4UdTBtw/s640/IMG_0881.JPG" width="640" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmwlHr7ZdXyZ-rR5d_TlWcG0p5WCTB6_dYVnzq9Oywisv5kdhHugjo3kKJ7J39VNVFwfYowknNYjQYQ4qlRTnXZIjrWgGPZ7eqYe9ob5vX66jaepFu2EBPPitI_NNs7AfRvgWMPA/s1600/IMG_0889.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmwlHr7ZdXyZ-rR5d_TlWcG0p5WCTB6_dYVnzq9Oywisv5kdhHugjo3kKJ7J39VNVFwfYowknNYjQYQ4qlRTnXZIjrWgGPZ7eqYe9ob5vX66jaepFu2EBPPitI_NNs7AfRvgWMPA/s640/IMG_0889.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
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We are having a few friends over to dinner this evening.<br />
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<span class="userContent">9
am flag raising and pancake breakfast, at the church. Everyone was in
red white and blue. We sang America the Beautiful and it was beautiful,
my son raised the flag and a pair of bald eagles saluted us. God Bless
America. Happy Independence day! P.S. Buy some fireworks for some
under-aged kids, what kind of world do we live in where little boys
can't spend their money on firecrackers?</span></div>
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<br />Samurai Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06410319102135155577noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10972553.post-10769655615972266252013-05-16T13:07:00.000-07:002013-05-16T13:07:06.071-07:00New DirectionFor a very long time I have had a feeling that I need to make some changes on the blog. I am still thinking and feeling what those changes should be. But hopefully I will be blogging again soon and with a purpose. I will still be me and post bits of the fun things that I do but I feel like I have a mission and I am trying to figure out how to go about it. Wish me luck!<br />
<br />Samurai Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06410319102135155577noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10972553.post-54248417859007462652013-02-20T11:54:00.000-08:002013-02-20T11:55:02.131-08:005 out of 5 can't be wrongHere I am dusting of the old blogging fingers...<br />
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For about 5 days I have been craving Grilled Cheese and Tomato Soup. My sudden desire was sparked when I watched Gordon Ramsay save a Parisian vegetarian bistro single handedly by serving the same.<br />
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Inspired by Ramsay and remembering a <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.com/videos/grilled-cheese/355.html">favorite Alton Brown recipe</a> I set forth last night with a box of the best tomato soup you can buy in a store.<br />
Trader Joe's Organic Creamy Tomato Soup.<br />
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I heated up my Pampered Chef Large Bar Pan and my Pampered Chef Rectangular Pan in the oven while I sliced a loaf of rustic bread. Then I buttered one side of each piece and grated the cheddar cheese and sliced the Brie.<br />
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I made all different sandwiches because I wanted everyone to have a chance of liking something. I made Brie with apricot jam, cheddar with nothing else, cheddar with Dijon mustard, cheddar with brown spicy mustard and one Croque Monsieur (that means grilled cheese with ham) with brown mustard.<br />
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When the stoneware pans were piping hot I took out the bar pan and laid all of the sandwiches on the pan then I put it back in the oven, took out the rectangular pan flipped it upside down and laid it on top of all the sandwiches in the pan. This allowed the sandwiches to cook on both sides and the weight of . the pan kept them flat and delicious.<br />
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I don't remember how long I cooked them, I just checked every once in a while by lifting up the top pan to see how the cheese was melting. When the cheese was melted the bread was pleasantly browned. Perfect! I cut the sandwiches in half so that everyone could try them and served up the soup,<br />
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This was a hit. EVERYONE in our family loved it. Eddy liked it so much he said it was the best dinner ever. This never happens. all of the sandwiches were eaten, though I was the only one who tried the Brie and apricot (so sad, I had to eat it all by myself.)Samurai Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06410319102135155577noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10972553.post-24046602819047087412012-09-29T15:42:00.001-07:002012-09-29T15:46:00.964-07:00Cephalopod Love<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIwUnRGgJevXHN61Q_j0ah6AyS5TMZJUl5Knfa6CJ8X8ALFD7MzKXcI7Z7ZoBcdBcC160M4JMjyBocYQqi6fFJw3-GfdXOVHWdZzb5bbZ0bYSof8y5DpzeQ4q-g5admJGEhQsr7A/s1600/IMG_20120929_151846.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a>This is my new conversation starter/ party trick. I pull out my most recent knitting project and it looks like a boring octahedron.</div>
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"Oh....nice" the guests say uncertainly, thinking to themselves that I have really lovered my standards.</div>
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And then I begin to turn it inside out, </div>
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What could it be?</div>
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It couldn't be.</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"> It is! </span></div>
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An Octopus!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIwUnRGgJevXHN61Q_j0ah6AyS5TMZJUl5Knfa6CJ8X8ALFD7MzKXcI7Z7ZoBcdBcC160M4JMjyBocYQqi6fFJw3-GfdXOVHWdZzb5bbZ0bYSof8y5DpzeQ4q-g5admJGEhQsr7A/s1600/IMG_20120929_151846.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIwUnRGgJevXHN61Q_j0ah6AyS5TMZJUl5Knfa6CJ8X8ALFD7MzKXcI7Z7ZoBcdBcC160M4JMjyBocYQqi6fFJw3-GfdXOVHWdZzb5bbZ0bYSof8y5DpzeQ4q-g5admJGEhQsr7A/s400/IMG_20120929_151846.jpg" width="400" /></a> </div>
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And an adorable one at that.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjY7sFBO-bWOrvsiRhDZaak1B8r22oEYhDknXYd6mNyEjcj9iUPR9T3ulJ7zLyqgInVVkHF45rw9xymnbiMVSUVHMsURQQZrRToPcKPaW8fQTJSmnx4DLrUsQGNtWL59vlAN-R5gA/s1600/IMG_20120929_151839.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjY7sFBO-bWOrvsiRhDZaak1B8r22oEYhDknXYd6mNyEjcj9iUPR9T3ulJ7zLyqgInVVkHF45rw9xymnbiMVSUVHMsURQQZrRToPcKPaW8fQTJSmnx4DLrUsQGNtWL59vlAN-R5gA/s640/IMG_20120929_151839.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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I love it so much. I still trying to find a name for him. I used Knit Picks City Tweed DK in Habanero and Porpise. The pattern is <a href="http://www.interweavestore.com/Knitting/Patterns/Cephalohedron.html">Cephalohedron </a>by Erica Schlueter.
The pattern is totally worth the money but I can't for the life of me
figure out WHY pattern makers don't add the errata into the original
pattern after they discover it. It is a PDF for crying out loud. Not
hard to change.</div>
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P.S. I really love octopodes, it is a strange obsession but real. </div>
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Samurai Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06410319102135155577noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10972553.post-61143511541260198392012-09-20T16:42:00.002-07:002012-09-20T16:42:36.649-07:00Luncheon<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
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A while back I decided to have a few friends over for a luncheon. I wanted to use my vintage snack plates. The number of plates I have number 8 so the guest list numbered 7.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieHiNshlggw5FUC7Q_8yFkvfSQnD4VIRGKGLpIgqqqAoiMy-L98RkXqqYCw1iaQNbB_yZDoFvbknJU4h1FSC3gNY65r3j3P4qMccpG7eF0EgH2MIG8xRDCnaRyb2nfqnXcXA37iQ/s1600/IMG_4738.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieHiNshlggw5FUC7Q_8yFkvfSQnD4VIRGKGLpIgqqqAoiMy-L98RkXqqYCw1iaQNbB_yZDoFvbknJU4h1FSC3gNY65r3j3P4qMccpG7eF0EgH2MIG8xRDCnaRyb2nfqnXcXA37iQ/s640/IMG_4738.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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When Nutmeg heard about it she insisted that she be the maid and serve us. Actually, she says "Suhv." So I made this little hat inspired by the maid's cap in the movie Fast and Loose. This one is obviously ridiculously big.</div>
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She did everything. The only thing the guests were allowed to do was get a plate and fill their punch glass.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2NfZvzcLcNZI47Ne9ndMbCCcIIG4-_SCtbAli2JcEkOV_jTTg_JQ9a8TJoMYHscoUlR0xmq0ZWP_V20Xx7N8DXTtO7BwgRZ5CDWmxU8UaqE1TARbIg0lfKRWsUj8hGl3TcFAsAQ/s1600/IMG_4729.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2NfZvzcLcNZI47Ne9ndMbCCcIIG4-_SCtbAli2JcEkOV_jTTg_JQ9a8TJoMYHscoUlR0xmq0ZWP_V20Xx7N8DXTtO7BwgRZ5CDWmxU8UaqE1TARbIg0lfKRWsUj8hGl3TcFAsAQ/s400/IMG_4729.JPG" width="300" /> </a></div>
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It reminded me of the maid "Liza" in Peter Pan </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieHiNshlggw5FUC7Q_8yFkvfSQnD4VIRGKGLpIgqqqAoiMy-L98RkXqqYCw1iaQNbB_yZDoFvbknJU4h1FSC3gNY65r3j3P4qMccpG7eF0EgH2MIG8xRDCnaRyb2nfqnXcXA37iQ/s1600/IMG_4738.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDtcH9aEc7Cr4t7xGXcFQuS8TGfUQfthygePALhw7oecbgGkvI-dNqudR0dz6pvzU5TEiUqWnC7MHqWx9A2jkxcpAoZQXlS3jzNBCrFbIakqE9HeSlGSiXtZwrebSm2x2CsDEk7Q/s1600/IMG_4743.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDtcH9aEc7Cr4t7xGXcFQuS8TGfUQfthygePALhw7oecbgGkvI-dNqudR0dz6pvzU5TEiUqWnC7MHqWx9A2jkxcpAoZQXlS3jzNBCrFbIakqE9HeSlGSiXtZwrebSm2x2CsDEk7Q/s640/IMG_4743.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
Of course cleaning the house was a gargantuan undertaking but after that is was lovely. Keira popped over in the morning to help me decorate.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhawaTfxcFDWqLN1SX_XUzgtu82uwExSwfcb8cCm2vhArfwtGXfG-ngBM3DH7TUyx5m_iV3p28OP-xB5kBBz3MB0LIMnk8VJ6GzK6AczCunrmSfWAhD6uiV4_hBZLenec16-7izMg/s1600/IMG_4740.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhawaTfxcFDWqLN1SX_XUzgtu82uwExSwfcb8cCm2vhArfwtGXfG-ngBM3DH7TUyx5m_iV3p28OP-xB5kBBz3MB0LIMnk8VJ6GzK6AczCunrmSfWAhD6uiV4_hBZLenec16-7izMg/s400/IMG_4740.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
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I am struggling with my desire to decorate in a clean, crisp modern feeling when all of my experience has been in Heavy Victorian. Sometimes I need assistance.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoBVrztjRwJEoL8XBu_pBLAT37VEZZerUL_0bSy9FZ8ZATu65H9GleYalJ2Or9Io4HnD5uyLiD4iL5El8Ji7bmruUIf7oCcWDe7PLOYIdFiH_9biKziNtmeaqDdKpTyZAFJ7sH8A/s1600/IMG_4737.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoBVrztjRwJEoL8XBu_pBLAT37VEZZerUL_0bSy9FZ8ZATu65H9GleYalJ2Or9Io4HnD5uyLiD4iL5El8Ji7bmruUIf7oCcWDe7PLOYIdFiH_9biKziNtmeaqDdKpTyZAFJ7sH8A/s640/IMG_4737.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
This was my favorite part of the day:<br />
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Happy Birthday to me! </div>
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<br />Samurai Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06410319102135155577noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10972553.post-14573522172134657362012-07-31T22:41:00.000-07:002012-07-31T22:41:35.714-07:00You're Only Six Once<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I came home from a day at Cub Scout Camp to this note stuck on the Door (comprised of two purple sticky notes):<br />
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"DeAR MoM yOU SiAeD thAt we cAN ONLY hAve 1 CAMP thiS yeAR (Boba Fett) Get'S 2 hoW COME<br />
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(Commander C) Get'S 2 to it'S NOt FAiR<br />
LoVe<br />
Nutmeg"<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4PH5ikXPIJktx__D2QTxYWw-e7QGsbBJh34u181-CTV_1fcW3ZCBiCTuHLvZl1brrioNBL4WzcFr9AmtS8byBcAsAkG1sLvXpS38Em8FMrNEDOnFETOfDmqszReNItuMAqSUipA/s1600/shot_1343783557409.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a>Then we went out to Charming Charlie's to get some sunglasses and this is what she wore<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4PH5ikXPIJktx__D2QTxYWw-e7QGsbBJh34u181-CTV_1fcW3ZCBiCTuHLvZl1brrioNBL4WzcFr9AmtS8byBcAsAkG1sLvXpS38Em8FMrNEDOnFETOfDmqszReNItuMAqSUipA/s1600/shot_1343783557409.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4PH5ikXPIJktx__D2QTxYWw-e7QGsbBJh34u181-CTV_1fcW3ZCBiCTuHLvZl1brrioNBL4WzcFr9AmtS8byBcAsAkG1sLvXpS38Em8FMrNEDOnFETOfDmqszReNItuMAqSUipA/s640/shot_1343783557409.jpg" width="552" /> </a></div>
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And I let her because I only get one six year old daughter and when else will she wear a red cowgirl hat shopping?</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9zdFu43029kkfhiHxYdPELTwsDTJW9Xh_O_J3a9cfZlhc4pwccVlmwuG309kQ7sQFi5Noa9c5xWVAU6CsPt_kNFj1BXmk_XDXpY0KFbe0tTL5F7t0hQHgxpdLwghWwmJ6B1l32w/s1600/shot_1343785429286.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9zdFu43029kkfhiHxYdPELTwsDTJW9Xh_O_J3a9cfZlhc4pwccVlmwuG309kQ7sQFi5Noa9c5xWVAU6CsPt_kNFj1BXmk_XDXpY0KFbe0tTL5F7t0hQHgxpdLwghWwmJ6B1l32w/s640/shot_1343785429286.jpg" width="552" /></a></div>Samurai Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06410319102135155577noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10972553.post-62773310984850461652012-07-21T18:07:00.002-07:002012-07-21T18:21:11.066-07:00Orange Jasmine<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjt2GabmcDh622ywdEW__meZgwIV-WIR8VM6bBsCuxz0JA_OvXeI1RU0k5jIcJKrvfri_U5LOPfh9yDLqWSF2n_pliSKNw0W2g9ZO3BBxfrWD8Ft3i59YPeVhc3aApf5dLlYR2Sew/s1600/IMG_4438.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZR93310ZkvmeDICdwyf_we_21taSOkzMnzGTApCWgh2GdjGELTjUo3C2VZqVi-XDkKBDiWP_zRH9BpXRiaBVShIUYODTM-FphAXltWoCWNbqmBKqYZnl4TrUHebvz-pJ9je2Etw/s1600/IMG_4439.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZR93310ZkvmeDICdwyf_we_21taSOkzMnzGTApCWgh2GdjGELTjUo3C2VZqVi-XDkKBDiWP_zRH9BpXRiaBVShIUYODTM-FphAXltWoCWNbqmBKqYZnl4TrUHebvz-pJ9je2Etw/s640/IMG_4439.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
I was hesitant to try another Collette pattern. Though I do enjoy wearing my <a href="http://www.colettepatterns.com/shop/sencha">Sencha</a>, it required a great deal of adjustment to get it to look good enough...to wear with a belt. I don't know if that is a glowing recommendation.<br />
<br />
I could not find a blouse that was better suited for my fabric than <a href="http://www.colettepatterns.com/shop/jasmine">Jasmine</a> even though I did buy <a href="http://www.simplicity.com/p-7753-misses-tops.aspx">Simplicity 1779</a> and had even cut the pattern pieces out when I realized that I REALLY wanted to cut this blouse on the bias.<br />
<br />
I have been having a lot of bias troubles in my sewing lately. I have also been wanting an easy project. Something where I just followed the pattern and finished a garment. The end. No pattern re-adjustments. No re-designs. <br />
<br />
$16 is spendy for a pattern. I rarely spend more than $5 on a pattern and even then they are Vogue patterns which make me swear. (Seriously, whoever is writing the instructions for Vogue patterns needs some lessons.) Also, I couldn't just pick up a Collette pattern, I had to either use 1/2 tank of gas driving to other side of town OR pay $16 online, plus shipping, and then wait for it to arrive in the mail. I chose option two.<br />
<br />
When it arrived I remembered two things. First, the pattern comes with the most darling instruction book, very detailed instructions and a clever pocket for holding the pattern piece. Second, the reason I hate Collette patterns, all sizes 0-18 are printed on one piece of tissue paper. So, you have 10 lines on each piece and are somehow supposed to follow your line through the maze out to the other side. It is lazy and looks sloppy. How hard and costly would it be to print out TWO pieces of tissue with half the sizes on one piece and half on the other? Not hard at all.<br />
<br />
Pattern printing complaints aside, the blouse went together like a breeze. It was pretty straight forward, the most difficult part was adding the piping around the edges of the tie. This was my own design and had nothing to do with the pattern. Even matching up the stripes of the fabric to the design went swimmingly.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjt2GabmcDh622ywdEW__meZgwIV-WIR8VM6bBsCuxz0JA_OvXeI1RU0k5jIcJKrvfri_U5LOPfh9yDLqWSF2n_pliSKNw0W2g9ZO3BBxfrWD8Ft3i59YPeVhc3aApf5dLlYR2Sew/s1600/IMG_4438.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjt2GabmcDh622ywdEW__meZgwIV-WIR8VM6bBsCuxz0JA_OvXeI1RU0k5jIcJKrvfri_U5LOPfh9yDLqWSF2n_pliSKNw0W2g9ZO3BBxfrWD8Ft3i59YPeVhc3aApf5dLlYR2Sew/s640/IMG_4438.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
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The pattern called for 2 7/8 yds and I had only 2 1/2 yds of my fabric. That is another reason I hesitated to buy the pattern, but with very careful laying out, including matching the pattern of the fabric, I had just enough. <br />
<br />
I should have measured my arms, the cuffs are a smidge tight for my muscles. It would have been a simple fix if I had caught it before I cut, but I didn't and I did not have any more fabric to cut new cuffs. I made some very skinny seams on the cuffs and the cuffs fit well enough but I would like another 1/8 of a inch of ease.<br />
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I found the fabric at Mill End. I just love it. I piped the edges of the tie in the matching grey fabric. Originally, the loop for the tie was in the main fabric, but the bow looked a bit anemic so I swapped it out for the contrast.<br />
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Would I make it again? Yes. I am a pretty adept seamstress and I can get over the bumps in the pattern layout. Honestly, the multiple patterns printed over one another is my only complaint. I don't mind the price but for the price I would like the patterns to be easier to see. I would modify the sleeves if I were to make it again, I think that they need to be looser so that they can hang or shorter, right now it just looks like too much fabric.Samurai Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06410319102135155577noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10972553.post-45301047381169442842012-04-20T13:17:00.000-07:002012-04-20T16:42:42.452-07:00A Letter to Myself in 1992<br />
I write for <a href="http://www.latter-dayhomeschooling.com/">Latter-day Homeschooling</a> and this is my submission today:<br />
<br />
We recieved this inspiring e-mail from a reader and decided to share it
here. I left out the name but if you recognize this letter and
want to be acknowledged just let us know and I will put your name back
in<i>.</i><br />
<i></i><br />
<i>I am 17 years old and I
want to homeschool my children some day (no, I don't have kids-no I'm
not married, and yes I'm </i><i>still in High School) <br />As the time came to select our classes for our senior year- I was thinking about what I want my future to look like. <br />
I want to go to college, meet a nice guy, get married (in the temple) and have kids, and maybe Home-school my children.<br /><br />I know & babysit many families with homeschooled kids- they seem SO much more intelligent and happy.<br />
I love the idea of being close and spending more time than otherwise. <br />Only thing is....<br /><br />What things can I do <b>now </b>to prepare for my future as a Home-schooler mother?<br /><br /> What are some important skills I need to be a homeschooler mother that I can gain now?<br /><br />Do you like what you do?</i>
<i><br /><br />Thanks! I love reading your posts (even though I'm only 17) </i><br />
<br />
My Dear Young Friend,<br />
<br />
Oh, Bless You for knowing what you want for your future children! I am
so excited for you because you are at the PERFECT time in your life to
prepare for this important (no other is more important in my opinion)
mission. So many homeschooling mothers realize AFTER they have little
munchkins running around that they wish that they were better prepared
and there just isn't any time! "There is no time" we cry " If only I
had known about this when I was younger!"<br />
<br />
<b>Study NOW! </b><br />
Fill yourself up with knowledge learn everything you can. Read, read,
read. Try out all the wonderful branches of knowledge that are available
to us in this information age. Discover beauty, become addicted to
learning. Become an encyclopedia that your children can turn to for
questions.<br />
<b><br /></b><br />
<b>Get an Education:</b><br />
Education and school are not necessarily synonymous. Find out what true
education means to you and then choose your future institution. Choose
one that will mold your character and enrich your mind rather than just
provide you the credentials to earn a living. Choose one that you can
afford so that you and your husband will not be saddled with debt.<br />
<b><br /></b><br />
<b>Use Your Time Wisely:</b><br />
You are young and you deserve to have fun but don't waste your time on
things that don't bring you joy or don't prepare you for your mission.
You might have time to read The Rise and Fall of the Roman Empire now
you WON'T when you are a mom. Keep a book or audio book with you at all
times.<br />
<b><br /></b><br />
<b>Become a Student of the World:</b><br />
Engage with the people around you. Everyone knows something, you can
learn from everyone. Ask questions, be bold! If you can afford it I
highly recommend travel. It is amazing how your mind broadens and opens
when you travel to a new place, city, town, society or culture! You
won't have time later.<br />
<br />
<b>Establish a Relationship with the Lord:</b><br />
Search, ponder and pray. Become dependent upon the Lord. Listen to the
spirit, read the scriptures, understand the Atonement , dedicate
yourself to Him. Discover his plan for you and your family. Establish
now patterns of study, meditation, prayer, service and charity so that
when your children arrive you will already have those things in place as
your most valuable support and resource.<br />
<br />
If you teach your children nothing else you will have succeeded.<br />
<br />
Love,<br />
Samurai Mom<br />
<br />
P. S. I LOVE what I do.<br />
<br />
<i></i>Samurai Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06410319102135155577noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10972553.post-75567841720485004622012-03-23T14:51:00.001-07:002012-03-23T14:57:14.066-07:00Tales of the Alhambra by Anonymous<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzgZC7z2KJEGM5wMWq6EQrULK1aoILfyF4eQYugy01XLMs1wWyJIUe3zvtM4oRM3fFStiTb_q7lZDe1YZLf9KteM1W4vnpeX7JgCQkD4ebd1H0DC1JonrJCX4SxhuoPEJd9JAupA/s1600/alhambra.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzgZC7z2KJEGM5wMWq6EQrULK1aoILfyF4eQYugy01XLMs1wWyJIUe3zvtM4oRM3fFStiTb_q7lZDe1YZLf9KteM1W4vnpeX7JgCQkD4ebd1H0DC1JonrJCX4SxhuoPEJd9JAupA/s400/alhambra.JPG" width="276" /> </a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I picked up a used copy of <i>Tales of the Alhambra</i> today. I had heard the title before but didn't know it was written by Washington Irving. It has charming colored engraving illustrations.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">And on the fly leaf this is penned in blue ball point:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><i>"September 30, 1981,</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><i>As we approached the Alhambra this morning, a young gypsy woman handed me a red carnation, grabbed my right hand and proceeded to tell my fortune. As it was in <u>southern</u> Spanish I couldn't understand most of it, but I did get the words 'a great love life.' I told her 'Thanks, but I have already had it' as she grabbed my left hand. </i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><i>Every girl should, just once in her lifetime, have her fortune told on a sunny morning in Spain at the entrance to the Alhambra, by a gypsy fortune teller. Now shouldn't she?"</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The book cost me $0.50 but I think the story was priceless.</div>Samurai Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06410319102135155577noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10972553.post-31562702624544419732012-03-20T11:10:00.002-07:002012-03-20T11:10:39.963-07:00Up Dog, Down DogI have been doing a fitness challenge with friends this month. Here's how it works as my friend Afton puts it <span class="fcg">"You make your own goal. Whatever you want. Then we make you pay if you screw up." Well, My goal is to go to a yoga class everyday (except Sunday) this month.</span><br />
<br />
<span class="fcg">So, there has been a lot of Yoga going on around here. My 6 year old ever precocious and coordinated has been doing some yoga of her own. </span><span class="fcg"> </span><br />
<span class="fcg"><br />
</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbURyQa62V_nGWFdQ-Z2Mnks_9tu-l7YLGy9jQhVX3WQ9I5J4PfDqkvw4s2SFpBwIf8gAiCa8t-zuwuq0LGZcSwAjdURr55bzoIspszKVINPULXXgfAyxljW5faWAEWbhmbK9-/s1600/yogakid.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbURyQa62V_nGWFdQ-Z2Mnks_9tu-l7YLGy9jQhVX3WQ9I5J4PfDqkvw4s2SFpBwIf8gAiCa8t-zuwuq0LGZcSwAjdURr55bzoIspszKVINPULXXgfAyxljW5faWAEWbhmbK9-/s320/yogakid.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><span class="fcg"> We got this book from the library <a href="http://www.abcyogaforkids.com/">The ABC's of Yoga for Kids</a> by Teresa Ann Power. She has been having a great time doing yoga on her own. I will find her with my old mat spread out carefully following the instructions in the book. Some of the poses have been given different names to fit the ABC theme but the little verses help the kids remember how to do each pose.</span><br />
<span class="fcg"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="fcg">Yoga has been great for me physically and mentally. I feel great! I don't usually get to say that. What I love about it is that I get a good workout without the high impact. I have never been much of a MOVER, exercise and I have never been friends. I like to walk because I like the scenery, I like to bike because I like to feel the wind in my hair, I swim because I am part fish, I love to dance because it is dancing, but exercise for exercise sake? No way. I do like to be in touch with my body, I want to be healthy and I have felt the need to be stronger physically and this has been such a good fit for me. I love that my daughter wants to join me in this journey.</span>Samurai Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06410319102135155577noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10972553.post-29300647711418476852012-02-14T10:10:00.000-08:002012-02-14T10:10:17.280-08:00Nursemeg<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-AkOaX6J2GSjSgKgkezaxuuDL3AWgE8QR6jkx0uQeL8YeR2jPpV0X5UwpUugsplwRhhpEn0gkD45HH7KvZUOLX1u_JrTOylaxM1ul9ivgQPBH6cD9CA3wumwZnWco974f1KKAXw/s1600/nursemeg.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-AkOaX6J2GSjSgKgkezaxuuDL3AWgE8QR6jkx0uQeL8YeR2jPpV0X5UwpUugsplwRhhpEn0gkD45HH7KvZUOLX1u_JrTOylaxM1ul9ivgQPBH6cD9CA3wumwZnWco974f1KKAXw/s640/nursemeg.JPG" width="280" /></a></div>Today I am trying to beat a cold. It really a shame because after several years of staying in on Valentine's Day, Moose and I planned to go downtown tonight and try a nice place I have wanted to eat at for a long time. So I am playing it safe and resting today in hopes that I can go out tonight.<br />
<br />
Nutmeg loves to nurse me when I am sick so today I let her wear my nurse hat and she found her Alice apron and we created Nursemeg!Samurai Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06410319102135155577noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10972553.post-48400717450041701572012-01-20T02:19:00.000-08:002012-01-20T02:19:00.851-08:00Starlings' Sky Scarf As I was thinking about what to share with you this month I thought "What am I doing right now?" and the answer is Conceptual Art. More specifically conceptual knitting and it is all I can think about right now.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVQP6OYYw4nNM6fzDE-UignzaCXhrw4gxe3qaAO6g6aAajuu57zUQqnJQP8aJSc38UurZtDIxTUNNL5Md-wteh5Lb-o2zTZHGEkYf0aalXz9xUdy4111MrxUbh718edyGwVZjq/s1600/whipupscarf.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVQP6OYYw4nNM6fzDE-UignzaCXhrw4gxe3qaAO6g6aAajuu57zUQqnJQP8aJSc38UurZtDIxTUNNL5Md-wteh5Lb-o2zTZHGEkYf0aalXz9xUdy4111MrxUbh718edyGwVZjq/s400/whipupscarf.jpg" width="307" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo from whipup.net<br />
</td></tr>
</tbody></table><a href="http://whipup.net/2011/08/19/guest-post-conceptual-knitting/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+WhipUp+%28whip+up%29">I found this post about the Sky Scarf </a>a while back and I loved the concept but wasn't sure what I would do with a blue scarf, but last week I realized I live in Portland, Oregon, I wouldn't have a blue scarf, it would be grey, my favorite color!<br />
And so my friend Paula and I are impatiently waiting for our order of grey and blue yarn to arrive so that we can start knitting. In the meantime we have begun diligently recording the color of the sky each day.<br />
Paula is knitting a sky shawl and is being a bit more methodical than I am, she has a palette of 6 colors, plus white for snow (which will be MAYBE one or two rows) and has specific criteria for what weather merits what color. She will decide the color for the day at 12:00pm.<br />
I, on the other hand, am knitting a scarf an have a palette of 9 colors, plus white, and will be mixing the colors as well. I will choose the color of the day when I wake up in the morning and will sit and knit the row after I say my morning prayers and wait for my eyes to "wake up." I don't have a strict criteria for the colors as I prefer a combination of matching the actual color of the sky as well as the mood of the weather.<br />
<br />
Not everyone will knit this project but wouldn't it be fun to do this with your kids to record the color of the sky each day, or record the mood of the day, or the color of sunset or the sunrise? One gal I read about is knitting the high and low temperatures of the day. How about using a box of crayons and some lined paper? Just color in one line each day. Or color the box on the calendar? You could cut out squares of colored paper and glue or tape them on each page of the kids journal or daily school workbook. The possibilities abound.<br />
<br />
To learn more about the Sky Scarf and Conceptual Knitting visit <a href="http://www.leafcutterdesigns.com/projects/conceptknit.html">Leafcutter Designs</a>. Watch the video too!Samurai Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06410319102135155577noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10972553.post-39380169434314819612011-12-05T21:02:00.000-08:002011-12-12T11:32:29.225-08:00Santa Lucia Day<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.blogger.com/goog_2123733338"><br />
</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://samuraimom.blogspot.com/search?q=lucia">St. Lucia Day</a> is coming up and I found this darling St. Lucia Day paper doll printable last year but I can't for the life of me find out how to link it to the original source. Have fun with it.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://tpettit.best.vwh.net/dolls/pd_scans/xmas_morning/200dpi/kirsten.jpg" width="400" /><a href="http://tpettit.best.vwh.net/dolls/pd_scans/xmas_morning/200dpi/kirsten.jpg">http://tpettit.best.vwh.net/dolls/pd_scans/xmas_morning/200dpi/kirsten.jpg</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I am spending the day making a Lucia Dress for Nutmeg since she has outgrown all of our white things.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>Samurai Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06410319102135155577noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10972553.post-34452561636758880392011-11-13T21:36:00.000-08:002011-11-13T21:36:24.627-08:00Blessings<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.thedailybalance.com/wp-content/uploads/fall.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><span class="messageBody" data-ft="{"type":3}" style="font-size: small;">Like many I have been thinking of things to be thankful for every day this month. I have been posting them on Facebook and thought I would record them here as well.</span></div><h6 class="uiStreamMessage" data-ft="{"type":1}" style="font-family: inherit; font-weight: normal; text-align: center;"><span class="messageBody" data-ft="{"type":3}" style="font-size: small;"> </span><a href="http://www.thedailybalance.com/wp-content/uploads/fall.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://www.thedailybalance.com/wp-content/uploads/fall.jpg" width="320" /></a></h6><h6 class="uiStreamMessage" data-ft="{"type":1}" style="font-family: inherit; font-weight: normal;"><span class="messageBody" data-ft="{"type":3}" style="font-size: small;"> Nov 1:I am thankful for the Glorious weather we have had the last few weeks. Kind of like an apology for the non-summer.</span></h6><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.yogajournal.com/media/originals/2716-23.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.yogajournal.com/media/originals/2716-23.jpg" /></a></div><h6 class="uiStreamMessage" data-ft="{"type":1}" style="font-family: inherit; font-weight: normal;"><span class="messageBody" data-ft="{"type":3}" style="font-size: small;">Nov 2: I am thankful for Downward Dog, it really is a rest pose.</span></h6><h6 class="uiStreamMessage" data-ft="{"type":1}" style="font-family: inherit; font-weight: normal;"><span class="messageBody" data-ft="{"type":3}" style="font-size: small;">Nov 3: I am thankful to for everyone who made last night an enriching one, for my awesome committee, Robin and that my feet aren't sore this morning. Thanks to our touching speaker and beautiful singer and accompanist. I am thankful for all who attended and brought food and decorated. I am thankful for Gratitude.</span></h6><h6 class="uiStreamMessage" data-ft="{"type":1}" style="font-family: inherit; font-weight: normal;"><span class="messageBody" data-ft="{"type":3}" style="font-size: small;">Nov 4: I am grateful for <a href="http://www.knitpicks.com/tutorials/Kelleys_Sock_Class__L10040501.html">Kelly's Sock Class!</a></span></h6><div style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="messageBody" data-ft="{"type":3}" style="font-size: small;">Nov 5: I am grateful for Netflix</span></div><div style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVjASaHx_EMbjJKqUlR6h2i_rmNILO-oPUHdIqb1duTc_VBubSSXHI5I8sYm93O2swerGA4QHaC5AzmAqkzAPg07qbY4UDGTPhXBcaEY01w_VgKK4i8tQejj8nPEr5Bvt66hRvJg/s1600/2cool4school.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVjASaHx_EMbjJKqUlR6h2i_rmNILO-oPUHdIqb1duTc_VBubSSXHI5I8sYm93O2swerGA4QHaC5AzmAqkzAPg07qbY4UDGTPhXBcaEY01w_VgKK4i8tQejj8nPEr5Bvt66hRvJg/s320/2cool4school.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="messageBody" data-ft="{"type":3}" style="font-size: small;">Nov 6: I am grateful for my daughter.</span></div><div style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="messageBody" data-ft="{"type":3}" style="font-size: small;">Nov 7: I am grateful to know WHY I have felt so miserable for the last 5 weeks and grateful to Donnalee for helping me figure it out. (allergies)</span></div><h6 class="uiStreamMessage" data-ft="{"type":1}" style="font-family: inherit; font-weight: normal;"><span class="messageBody" data-ft="{"type":3}" style="font-size: small;">Nov 8: I am grateful for the opportunity to serve, I am overwhelmed with love.</span></h6><div style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">Nov 9: I am grateful for Yoga (I really like Yoga I was grateful for it twice!)</span></div><div style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiM8toMhw5L2LBfyst1CFoNQMj5iDTHMyEN94WrtOUQM4rG4GSAm4uYiQa5ugPkAJJnKRvXxYTcPeI-V0fatu-2PWzD3am2EkfKOS8IpFM-ZHrA2zJDdadILRvXE9OF4Wx3qCAf3Q/s1600/sisters.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiM8toMhw5L2LBfyst1CFoNQMj5iDTHMyEN94WrtOUQM4rG4GSAm4uYiQa5ugPkAJJnKRvXxYTcPeI-V0fatu-2PWzD3am2EkfKOS8IpFM-ZHrA2zJDdadILRvXE9OF4Wx3qCAf3Q/s320/sisters.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">Nov 10: I am thankful for my sisters.</span></div><div style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">Nov 11: I am grateful for wool coats</span></div><h6 class="uiStreamMessage" data-ft="{"type":1}" style="font-family: inherit; font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span class="messageBody" data-ft="{"type":3}">Nov 12: I am grateful for the washing machine and electric dryer. Greatest inventions ever.</span></span></h6><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span><span class="messageBody" data-ft="{"type":3}" style="font-family: inherit;">Nov 13: I am grateful to know Sarah who happens to be the reason I got out of my warm slumber this morning. She is a delightful soul and we are going to miss her deeply.</span></span><br />
<h6 class="uiStreamMessage" data-ft="{"type":1}" style="font-family: inherit; font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span class="messageBody" data-ft="{"type":3}"> </span></span></h6><div style="font-family: inherit;"></div><div style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div>Samurai Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06410319102135155577noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10972553.post-32958718692739230002011-11-07T14:28:00.000-08:002011-11-07T14:28:02.876-08:00Murmuration<iframe src="http://player.vimeo.com/video/31158841?title=0&byline=0&portrait=0" width="400" height="320" frameborder="0" webkitAllowFullScreen allowFullScreen></iframe><p><a href="http://vimeo.com/31158841">Murmuration</a> from <a href="http://vimeo.com/user3069761">Sophie Windsor Clive</a> on <a href="http://vimeo.com">Vimeo</a>.</p><br />
Just a little bit more pleased that we named our house "Starlings." <br />
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Murmuaration...how lovely.Samurai Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06410319102135155577noreply@blogger.com0