Ginormous Blanket

I have just finished my first crochet blanket! We love throw blankets in this household and each of the boys have one (two they stole from me). So I decided to crochet me one that was not only the color I love but the right size; throw blankets are usually not long enough for me to get under and stay warm. When I decided to make this blanket I made sure that it was wide and long enough for a 6'1 being to snuggle under. When I finishes the dimensions were 60 inches wide and 100 inches long, approximately. I absolutely love it and have already had to fight off Chuy from claiming it as his upstairs blanket!

Walter sat by my side/feet pretty much the entire time I made this. I thought it only fair he get to be in the picture since he helped so much.

An Educated Little Man

This Thursday was Chuy's last day of training and graduation. He did so well the past 6 weeks. The only trick we were unable to learn was "down", his teacher said it was a lot harder for little dogs to learn. I am not too worried about it since he listens much better and had a chance to socialize. Here is a picture of my little man with his certificate (I secretly wish they had little graduation hats).

The Help

This Christmas I received The Help as a gift from my sissy. I had so many other books ahead of it so I did not pick it up until recently. At first I started slow but as soon as I made the decision to get through it I could not put it down. The characters were so wildly different yet exactly the same. When reading the book you really think about what it was like to be a black maid in Jackson during the 60s, how harsh white women treated these maids, or how cruel white people were in general to African Americans. It isn't until later in the book you realize what the hidden message is, well hidden until the end. The author, Kathryn Stockett, also reveals the cruel ways of women towards each other no matter what race they are. In the novel you see how one white women destroys her friend because they think differently.

It made me realize how horrible we treat people because we are threatened by their differences. When reading about how the whites where treating the blacks it made me think about how that is still a problem today, the mistreatment of a certain group that is. It brings to my mind the way gay individuals are mistreated, these days you see and hear a lot of horrible things. I do not want to talk about my political views, since I think arguing about such things is silly sometimes. But I often wonder when we will be able to accept people for who they really are and not categorize them based on something silly like race, sexual orientation, religion, etc.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book because it was a great story plus it made me think about the issues, which I always like. Kisten and I had a great little conversation about it, I always like a discussion amongst friends.

Here is the link to the New York Times review of The Help if you are interested and learning more about it. http://www.nytimes.com/2009/02/19/books/19masl.html

More Fun in the Park

We went to the park during the week so we wouldn't be overwhelmed with all the crazy weekend dogs. It went over much better with the boys; however Walter is still a little nutsy and stands between my legs begging me to pick him up (much like a toddler). Chuy and Zara had a blast. I love watching Zara run full speed and try to stop herself. I need to get a video of it. Here are some pictures from our adventure in the park!

Its Been So Long

I left to go home for Christmas vacation mid-December and since then have not seen Zara. I knew she had grown immensely tall and put on some weight but oh my goodness! She is beautiful and big. Chuy and her immediately recognized each other; although I think Chuy was surprised at how much she had grown. We went to Frick park and let them run around in the dog area. The boys loved it and I think it will be a new thing for us to do more often. Below is the only pic I could get them all together for.

Blossoming Quite Nicely

These flowers get more beautiful with each day that passes. I had to post more pictures. I have moved them up to my room on my desk so I can look at them while I do work. I love fresh flowers!

Valentine's Day

I received the most beautiful flowers this year for Valentine's Day. Jace sent me my favorite, Stargazer Lilies! Thank you sweetie!! His gift from me consisted of homemade items that I hoped he enjoyed.

We don't have any pictures together but I will be making a trip out to Flagstaff to see him in March...so pictures to come!

The Big Snow

Yesterday a horrible snow storm started here and did not stop until this afternoon. I think we got around 20 inches of snow. It was so beautiful when I stepped outside this morning. Kirsten and the boys enjoyed the snow the most. They ran through it all morning and afternoon. I decided to spend the day cleaning and organizing ever nook and cranny in my room.

We also had the pleasure of having Celaschi snowed in with us. She drove in from Erie right as the storm was hitting. Last night we all had a PJs and puzzle party and did 3 smaller puzzles and 1 large one. Tonight Erin and I have taught her how to knit; she tried crocheting but hated it. We are trying to convince her to stay until Monday but she is hard headed!

We also dug out all 4 of our cars! It was a nice little break away from the walls of the apartment. Heyward was even able to get out and go to the store! Tomorrow I think we are going to make a run to the grocery store. (I might even attempt the 1 hour of scheduled church)

Here are some pictures from our snow day!












I also went to a new girl to get my hair done...and I LOVE IT! She did the exact colors I wanted and I love the haircut...she made it so BIG!

Going Grandma

I have tapped into my inner grandma the last month. I have learned to knit and relearned to crochet. I knitted a super thick green scarf made of wool yarn, so it should be very warm! I am now working on crocheting a throw blanket. It is in the beginning stages so it does not look much like a blanket but it will be there soon. Next I think I will learn to knit a hat...wish me luck!

Amazing Yoga

Today Erin had the best idea. She suggested that we go to a basic yoga class to de-stress. Of course I said yes but inside I was dreading being around all these yoga-esque hippies. However it was wonderful! They keep the room at 90 degrees to ensure a good sweat; which at first seemed unbearable but to my surprise felt wonderful while going through all the poses.

After the hour was up I felt AMAZING. I have not felt this calm and relaxed in so long. I wish that we could do yoga every night (we are going to try for as many nights as possible). I am suggesting that if you are feeling tired, stressed, or depressed you should take a yoga class and you will surprised at how wonderful you feel after!