tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-49085228738024425392024-03-05T17:04:48.102-08:00Adventures of a Farm Girl in VegasValue yourself.
The only people who appreciate a doormat are those with dirty shoes.Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02305987069357352454noreply@blogger.comBlogger117125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4908522873802442539.post-39058337428336856862011-08-06T15:59:00.001-07:002011-08-06T16:02:28.819-07:00Proud AuntieI'm so proud of the accomplishments of my little nieces and nephew. They continue to amaze and inspire me as they learn and grow. What an amazing experience being an aunt can be!<div><br /></div><div><br /><div><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifOo2Ra2kawP-dQ-dULKsEMgC9A10_TNSbJBidXdEdfdWjgZTDI_k2nI1SB483MQaTcucG8xbMOaJO7aQ3f7KHL1CpIDNvUX0zXnya51su-LQnH6mbdIJTlA1m1UmLXFiFBJUtD9vE3_Qm/s320/IMG_1464.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5637878690771248418" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 238px; " /></div><div><br /></div><div>I'm proud of Clara's creativity. When I was home last we were playing a game where I would give the kids a word and they would come up with a random song using that word. She came up with the cutest songs ever. What an amazing gift. I'm proud of Raylin for her streak of independence. Even though not everyone appreciates this gift right now I know eventually this will serve her so well in her life as she learns to never take no for an answer. I'm proud of Bailey for her sense of responsibility. I watched her go on her own to check on her lifestock and report back to her dad on how they were doing.</div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4ZXeknkz8ja2_-dihtQxoYXWcAFFSbKYGEMed4OG8kdGOyPW5d5fPjlK1pkdKhVXzMlJRy6hW0YEZ_wu7PaEC8IJkq71X12vVbDy_ewf_MQm7XVFWSMMBvcCcvQcE-p3i74U0MIU8tHA-/s320/IMG_1470.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5637879914297035010" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 231px; " /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; ">I'm proud of Ethan for his sense of fearlessness. Even though he has gotten stepped on by the horse and bucked off before he just walks right up to them again and is not afraid.</span></div></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; ">We could all take some lessons from these little ones and hopefully one day if they look back at this blog and they have taken some hits by life they will realize what one of my all time favorite movies will always tell them....you had it all along sweethearts the power is in you!</span></div>Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02305987069357352454noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4908522873802442539.post-54938548472284211792010-12-27T16:12:00.000-08:002010-12-27T16:21:51.107-08:00Vintage Paper Flowers<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLC5uHfyx37HR2hc1zjxn-RFwE_VH8E9U3GJX5eQB9RZfCQysWuORau0XtLVOykFZGGZKhQur6Jj8YBqLVVISTqU8XtpilXxVmsGvBESZf-J1Mao1Jj_8Y2h4Vr0dh9nX0mJHBXGMqKYjC/s1600/IMG_1396.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLC5uHfyx37HR2hc1zjxn-RFwE_VH8E9U3GJX5eQB9RZfCQysWuORau0XtLVOykFZGGZKhQur6Jj8YBqLVVISTqU8XtpilXxVmsGvBESZf-J1Mao1Jj_8Y2h4Vr0dh9nX0mJHBXGMqKYjC/s320/IMG_1396.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5555521613318148498" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYakwY_O3lMGfV_Ue7rXPB0O_6BrkbQs_9TwRiMnbnHywOlysaGl4sYTa3tAjhxvEsvgPZpO_q17Ot6mkpuHb-C_I4gPP2WdgFaqh333GLR5KHVwSneDCTybc4ftI5e3BQU3BadfMbCFp5/s1600/IMG_1394.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYakwY_O3lMGfV_Ue7rXPB0O_6BrkbQs_9TwRiMnbnHywOlysaGl4sYTa3tAjhxvEsvgPZpO_q17Ot6mkpuHb-C_I4gPP2WdgFaqh333GLR5KHVwSneDCTybc4ftI5e3BQU3BadfMbCFp5/s320/IMG_1394.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5555521186027738610" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjloXd6OYnpl9f542q-b3lbW4Lj5gI24s9ZywJNrPgx-yoOHNEE2oLHVHGbstyReikkfpnjwn9Gf6N7YAqSp5JT8S3Lb5g-dvVTrfttQ6WUJ0MgJoW1lv6sw5cLpXY8LL9yZClV9_UtXMx5/s1600/IMG_1398.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjloXd6OYnpl9f542q-b3lbW4Lj5gI24s9ZywJNrPgx-yoOHNEE2oLHVHGbstyReikkfpnjwn9Gf6N7YAqSp5JT8S3Lb5g-dvVTrfttQ6WUJ0MgJoW1lv6sw5cLpXY8LL9yZClV9_UtXMx5/s320/IMG_1398.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5555520912048489122" /></a><br />Recently I attended a class at Mystic Paper where one of the ladies was kind enough to show us a simple trick for how she creates paper flowers. These paper flowers were created from sheet music that Mandy found in an antique store when I visited Arizona recently. The sheet music is from 1902. I then sewed buttons in the centers and attached them to the ring and pin back.Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02305987069357352454noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4908522873802442539.post-20389087915272948152010-08-17T18:10:00.001-07:002010-08-17T18:13:14.870-07:00Lydia's Birthday<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKrBbhik8veJbZclM-Vyquwy-zF070q7hVIvbpdzszXvKQnRyUbjH8XNFwMaPNqcgJ7YXHJT4MRV2eDvndZn4nRSgEuFXNR8c3TkY32pxeMSWPw4XIaCtTxsTD4P_nkQdBeHnvpmxcsrzf/s1600/IMG_0995.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKrBbhik8veJbZclM-Vyquwy-zF070q7hVIvbpdzszXvKQnRyUbjH8XNFwMaPNqcgJ7YXHJT4MRV2eDvndZn4nRSgEuFXNR8c3TkY32pxeMSWPw4XIaCtTxsTD4P_nkQdBeHnvpmxcsrzf/s320/IMG_0995.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5506551708702460178" /></a><br />Tomorrow is Lydia's birthday and she is a gold girl. I rarely make anything with gold but decided since I've never seen her wear silver that now was as good a time as any. I made up some earrings for her birthday using some vintage crystal that I purchased a long time ago at a show that I went to at Alexis Park Hotel here in Vegas. They turned out really nice and when I gave them to her today she really seemed to enjoy them.Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02305987069357352454noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4908522873802442539.post-13783504839151920492010-08-08T17:34:00.000-07:002010-08-19T10:18:06.610-07:00Kitchen Pixie<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuBhLQb-H-xXkGqw_Ih_rp9R6w2SaJWY_ZBo8WfuTomrJkVDrPSkK6laSjMf4rUMTlr5Kav0FDEojGDPW3SNhmHj2VcOf89ZVwUlo3fQ90QJOyjDK3v5jYfpBGSSPdb6Tf4hQGg-7LxQdf/s1600/IMG_0992.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuBhLQb-H-xXkGqw_Ih_rp9R6w2SaJWY_ZBo8WfuTomrJkVDrPSkK6laSjMf4rUMTlr5Kav0FDEojGDPW3SNhmHj2VcOf89ZVwUlo3fQ90QJOyjDK3v5jYfpBGSSPdb6Tf4hQGg-7LxQdf/s320/IMG_0992.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5503204356370708754" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsb6NEOvt4Uo1wbJV3BAlbka0Bp4J0bHE7YF5RSfpuQrV5gBBBuWHTGDV9xxoPoBnEMT5ufTSvYFA2UXCxybIqt37mzqFAbcV6R5uqKKzPycqvKkfN-DvNGdKIUeHfVHEA1JURn7lcEiSm/s1600/IMG_0993.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsb6NEOvt4Uo1wbJV3BAlbka0Bp4J0bHE7YF5RSfpuQrV5gBBBuWHTGDV9xxoPoBnEMT5ufTSvYFA2UXCxybIqt37mzqFAbcV6R5uqKKzPycqvKkfN-DvNGdKIUeHfVHEA1JURn7lcEiSm/s320/IMG_0993.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5503203969417493714" border="0" /></a><br />This weekend I had the pleasure of taking another paper clay class with <a href="http://thepolkadotpixie.blogspot.com/">Jenny Hernandez a.k.a. the Polka Dot Pixie</a>. I just love her classes. She is always so generous with her time and supplies and no matter what the project everyone's ends up looking very different. My pixie is posted on the <a href="http://mysticpaper.blogspot.com/2010/08/fun-classes.html">Mystic Paper blog</a>. My pixie is going to go in my kitchen as I am in the process of redoing my kitchen in vintage colors of red, green and yellow. The class was held at <a href="http://www.mysticpaper.com/">Mystic Paper</a> in Mesa, AZ so I also got to drive down and visit Mandy. We always have so much fun together. I miss her so much. This time we went to a couple of antique stores and spent the day. We found a lot of treasures and I'm so excited to have some new creations to work on to update the look of my kitchen. More pictures will be coming soon!Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02305987069357352454noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4908522873802442539.post-66921865089309047942010-07-25T08:40:00.000-07:002010-07-25T08:49:34.237-07:00Black Raspberry Jam<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTzn49FivBqJwHyqwxGBJDqxgWnDe3-A_JSVFjrrO0r_3JDf2borS10JGlH7emo5SExoNeB3l9atqFpwblf26dmE8IxmmUm6Jjv350UAJoSbGZcyeXp9BSv0QTdD_YG2a5rFXQXpcsb6ht/s1600/IMG_0936.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 257px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTzn49FivBqJwHyqwxGBJDqxgWnDe3-A_JSVFjrrO0r_3JDf2borS10JGlH7emo5SExoNeB3l9atqFpwblf26dmE8IxmmUm6Jjv350UAJoSbGZcyeXp9BSv0QTdD_YG2a5rFXQXpcsb6ht/s320/IMG_0936.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5497871336122681346" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6bE6Q2Ipg-V7wNALpf_At7M9NhszlsPoSkbcUEStsd5glVuxYTXiz7wcJE7IJ_OCPi-wsLRZ2UZ7MrrZ6BuaJo3Jam-9yz1gKHF5SxjM6LEKXoXLdGm5UpD-CEkSPhQHKbdW5iHGzKFnn/s1600/IMG_0965.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 246px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6bE6Q2Ipg-V7wNALpf_At7M9NhszlsPoSkbcUEStsd5glVuxYTXiz7wcJE7IJ_OCPi-wsLRZ2UZ7MrrZ6BuaJo3Jam-9yz1gKHF5SxjM6LEKXoXLdGm5UpD-CEkSPhQHKbdW5iHGzKFnn/s320/IMG_0965.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5497870794310647794" /></a><br />One of the other things that we did when I was home was go and pick black raspberries. My dad has a woods that is over by my parents house. Along the edge of the woods is an entire patch of wild black raspberries that happened to be ripe and ready for picking the week I was home. Amanda, my sister in law, Bailey, Clara, Ethan and I all took the 3 wheelers over along with a gallon ice cream container and picked berries. We ended up filling about 3/4 of the container. My mom then turned our berries into delicious jam! I ended up coming home with a jar of jam and some poison ivy. It was so worth it though. Recently the blackberries have come into season and Amanda and the kids have picked those and made jam into those as well. I am so jealous and although not as sweet as black raspberries I wish I was there to enjoy that too!Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02305987069357352454noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4908522873802442539.post-76500639747163715132010-07-24T09:48:00.000-07:002010-07-24T10:02:39.866-07:00Timbales<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjc6jaUw6hst2iu-3KvYUlg4s2vcCqNeC4zU_mWuttiY0lsbT9gxSA5YBq0DY3GpWsuHlBoMqDe0XUQYp7EDxvPpxxdOoawyoVEG5JuDVFAU6mGx4hMbm987r-9JPL0viDoSMrWCk5d0jiT/s1600/IMG_0937.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjc6jaUw6hst2iu-3KvYUlg4s2vcCqNeC4zU_mWuttiY0lsbT9gxSA5YBq0DY3GpWsuHlBoMqDe0XUQYp7EDxvPpxxdOoawyoVEG5JuDVFAU6mGx4hMbm987r-9JPL0viDoSMrWCk5d0jiT/s320/IMG_0937.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5497518888587557026" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">Bailey, my niece, making timbales</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrdrCnZF33arh_m1OgV8sJZB-DdqOJaeklbNgZ9f8d3A3pAfIK_zgQMDhKnHLsVcOQO2hqEmjk5O64CTU1dkEJ8B5Hrhr0wbWtjdkFZBROQ0OZOHgqQBUhD5cpxN13ENIGKjFF_0i-w8e_/s1600/rosette400properdip.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrdrCnZF33arh_m1OgV8sJZB-DdqOJaeklbNgZ9f8d3A3pAfIK_zgQMDhKnHLsVcOQO2hqEmjk5O64CTU1dkEJ8B5Hrhr0wbWtjdkFZBROQ0OZOHgqQBUhD5cpxN13ENIGKjFF_0i-w8e_/s320/rosette400properdip.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5497518366947201650" /></a><br />One of my favorite treats growing up were timbales. When I went home this time I asked my mom about the timbale iron and the recipe for how to make them. They were just like I remembered. It was so funny because timbales are kind of touchy to make and my mom was just like I remembered. She is not known for her patience and she freely admits this fact. She gave up pretty freely and left me and my niece alone in the kitchen with the irons. We just let her enjoy the timbales we cooked which is what usually happened with my grandma and I. She really does hate making timbales but I love her for even trying. Here is the <a href="http://www.dianasdesserts.com/index.cfm/fuseaction/recipes.recipeListing/filter/dianas/recipeID/28/Recipe.cfm">recipe</a> if you want to try but you have to <a href="http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=290449766153&rvr_id=&crlp=1_263602_263622&UA=M*S%3F&GUID=d6ede85a1210a02681007a50ffe2c04e&itemid=290449766153&ff4=263602_263622">order the irons</a>. Our irons are pretty old and are an old holiday making set. They are very light, flaky and delicious!Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02305987069357352454noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4908522873802442539.post-519351071910197822010-07-17T10:09:00.000-07:002010-07-17T10:15:14.034-07:00Pool Noodles<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6Io38ty8GCsGY4aeR8Bu5LPzq4GD0u-5N8fQhQc1uLUXD5iXNai3ZOP412hTzHUua_6va_ezgKB6mBOQMmKzG_d3OIra-_GWVe4s5gnYSn6wPPv51TF0djVAmzuO79C8FNdc5jgeqtEwI/s1600/IMG_0949.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6Io38ty8GCsGY4aeR8Bu5LPzq4GD0u-5N8fQhQc1uLUXD5iXNai3ZOP412hTzHUua_6va_ezgKB6mBOQMmKzG_d3OIra-_GWVe4s5gnYSn6wPPv51TF0djVAmzuO79C8FNdc5jgeqtEwI/s320/IMG_0949.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5494924693295555346" /></a><br />This project really was a joke but turned out sort of cute. My friends Jenn and Dave just bought their first house and requested pool noodles as a house warming gift. Jenn is very artsy and she said wouldn't it be cool if the pool noodles had bling on them. I got to thinking about it and thought pool water and glue just won't mix. I got to thinking though that I could sew beads onto the pool noodles though and that would work out great. I brought the noodles over to their house for the 4th of July bbq and they did hold up in the water!Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02305987069357352454noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4908522873802442539.post-86603557212169525982010-07-11T08:49:00.000-07:002010-07-11T09:06:49.711-07:00Love Birds with Jenny Hernandez<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjstArrn62LvmjhXLnV1VmJpkcDhAX02WkZZgCnAWwCdZ10DlGfcvMch75-omNIHljZFYlYNVEf25sEVt-ghQuYeib4y7xqYH8jrbasP5YAyL7CBqIn5cphhW5vAwPEVzDAawZft5sTPs3C/s1600/IMG_0825.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjstArrn62LvmjhXLnV1VmJpkcDhAX02WkZZgCnAWwCdZ10DlGfcvMch75-omNIHljZFYlYNVEf25sEVt-ghQuYeib4y7xqYH8jrbasP5YAyL7CBqIn5cphhW5vAwPEVzDAawZft5sTPs3C/s320/IMG_0825.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5492679236330957522" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKH7LcboI3Yw808KmL5pc2z8TiC-qnotQe2ZoXivpk6Ne-U5nu1oGcbvG7XuOv_KFY8H6ncsK3KXM7xmDhB1iVxyAmaLSpUtrlif32OVg5o7nTYosDLu9-hwF05MkoUOob2m6BcrY3Dogi/s1600/IMG_0824.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKH7LcboI3Yw808KmL5pc2z8TiC-qnotQe2ZoXivpk6Ne-U5nu1oGcbvG7XuOv_KFY8H6ncsK3KXM7xmDhB1iVxyAmaLSpUtrlif32OVg5o7nTYosDLu9-hwF05MkoUOob2m6BcrY3Dogi/s320/IMG_0824.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5492678785970448834" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHzSYtRueq34MZf-_OBNUolujLQCrRBQqK0wopPaYCarCAiOTvdk9FaUII8D31DZAV47qS79YIH0XDTpHRm_EubY0yv3-KjRBJFajRGB5ztAxWtcZFek3cWz5J5cdMLpTrN7YHQ4vZz9fA/s1600/31858_435168568271_695073271_5643601_6499178_n.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHzSYtRueq34MZf-_OBNUolujLQCrRBQqK0wopPaYCarCAiOTvdk9FaUII8D31DZAV47qS79YIH0XDTpHRm_EubY0yv3-KjRBJFajRGB5ztAxWtcZFek3cWz5J5cdMLpTrN7YHQ4vZz9fA/s320/31858_435168568271_695073271_5643601_6499178_n.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5492678318064942306" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">My love birds are on the left and Mandy's are on the right.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>In May I drove to see Mandy in Arizona. It was such a fun weekend driving around and going to all of the little cute boutique stores around town and the jewelry supply store that actually sells real metal working supplies. We had a great time! One of the fun things we did was take a class at <a href="http://mysticpaper.com/">Mystic Paper</a> with <a href="http://thepolkadotpixie.blogspot.com/">Jenny Hernandez aka the Polka Dot Pixie</a>. She teaches a class on working with paper clay where everyone made these cute little love birds. Jenny was so very generous with her time and supplies. I would recommend her class to anyone looking to learn more about paper clay. Downtown Mesa, AZ is also a blast. They have all of these cute sculptures and art around. Check out our pictures with Charlie the pig. We both fell in love with him! I also had my very first ever hot dog on a stick this weekend complete with lemonade and cheese on a stick. It was delicious. Mandy also showed me the trailer for the movie the <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9wmTv2nqTHo">Human Centipede</a> which we later watched at my house when she came to Vegas to get her hair done. That movie is like a bad car accident. You really don't want to watch it but you just can't help yourself. Watch trailer at your own risk.Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02305987069357352454noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4908522873802442539.post-89491277358029824232010-07-07T18:39:00.000-07:002010-07-07T19:07:03.707-07:00Studio<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJ0fFPH9rgJYBQ5B8p6n4GDyPCSO6ReHo__za2UPpmZdVqKc_TolL29kTToIdAfN-lXJoSJo7oLAaQdo8QkWXqYqvEPpLkOcFgmsGREBIUs3xZkr0FYL5KNNQyzQUXa0y9VYLcLCHlMc3T/s1600/IMG_0958.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJ0fFPH9rgJYBQ5B8p6n4GDyPCSO6ReHo__za2UPpmZdVqKc_TolL29kTToIdAfN-lXJoSJo7oLAaQdo8QkWXqYqvEPpLkOcFgmsGREBIUs3xZkr0FYL5KNNQyzQUXa0y9VYLcLCHlMc3T/s320/IMG_0958.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5491347158253467346" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpndp7usL-Qh-cTyZ-AntRCVRdruiZLHf009BqBLAeM-0NGnw9T47JQ2RD0ID5Wn3tzzRNLqAzfFIQ4rHNpdaoscrN1mHt2aPjeJruehKyclRGsA8iSH003wGvRUbKr8Fl1wDPIUgkmXqV/s1600/IMG_0961.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpndp7usL-Qh-cTyZ-AntRCVRdruiZLHf009BqBLAeM-0NGnw9T47JQ2RD0ID5Wn3tzzRNLqAzfFIQ4rHNpdaoscrN1mHt2aPjeJruehKyclRGsA8iSH003wGvRUbKr8Fl1wDPIUgkmXqV/s320/IMG_0961.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5491346829184006498" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">One of my grandmother's old mason jar's with dog tax tags from the 1950's that my dad used to play with when he was a little boy</div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_UQqTPkpYI-B5r0hfkLKfXVrHb-r6FEU3zGnLO5E5goBra-wAYjnP2DmqkaitYGcf-7QxmhKfGlyWE56q6J840o95wtcIO97ZMahX729LHB0mLGHv1YMFRj7e37CBwUxcyqg8-G_iJx3L/s1600/IMG_0962.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_UQqTPkpYI-B5r0hfkLKfXVrHb-r6FEU3zGnLO5E5goBra-wAYjnP2DmqkaitYGcf-7QxmhKfGlyWE56q6J840o95wtcIO97ZMahX729LHB0mLGHv1YMFRj7e37CBwUxcyqg8-G_iJx3L/s320/IMG_0962.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5491346416818141122" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">An old coffee can that I used to keep my crayons in when I was a little girl</div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3F3MbmVgf8bx7kU6HAe-bOc7JkKKtchp0PHCmeaXgY1viPnzQW5yE6NjxgS1Klhz5IQCjk5uCTQ0e2acLNhQ6qHdArYio7lAFSzEkVLBkFoj7FwazNhKRytyE3aM59nF_mC9VagHnNtLK/s1600/IMG_0957.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3F3MbmVgf8bx7kU6HAe-bOc7JkKKtchp0PHCmeaXgY1viPnzQW5yE6NjxgS1Klhz5IQCjk5uCTQ0e2acLNhQ6qHdArYio7lAFSzEkVLBkFoj7FwazNhKRytyE3aM59nF_mC9VagHnNtLK/s320/IMG_0957.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5491345974874809890" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAY6es3f9xdIwfSGm7iQ_U3yklkXtN2uRk8S07ag_kmbu8b5qopQEPKkK_FdArtpNODLEZdkajBg2PqCNeCCxAgR8pSHIw_wH92Q9MOud2WyqLNtUiFRu8ja0oOLY_FSWtCadjvLRcWHTQ/s1600/IMG_0955.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAY6es3f9xdIwfSGm7iQ_U3yklkXtN2uRk8S07ag_kmbu8b5qopQEPKkK_FdArtpNODLEZdkajBg2PqCNeCCxAgR8pSHIw_wH92Q9MOud2WyqLNtUiFRu8ja0oOLY_FSWtCadjvLRcWHTQ/s320/IMG_0955.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5491345492229842642" /></a><br />It's official, I've been neglecting my blog for quite some time but it's not for lack of exciting things to post. I've decided to start with the most current bit and work my way back just a little and then keep moving forward. This last weekend Mandy came into town from Arizona to get her hair done and ended up staying with me. It was so good to see her and get a chance to visit with her I miss her so much! On Saturday before she left she helped me organize my studio room. For those of you who know Mandy she is a master organizer and decorator. I was so lucky to get her help. There were so many times when I just would've opened up a box and just quit organizing all together but she kept me going and I am so glad she did. I have an amazing studio room that makes me so happy. On Sunday morning I woke up bright and early to organize and decorate some more! Oh what fun, I look forward to going into my room every single day!Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02305987069357352454noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4908522873802442539.post-27956241388501430952010-01-04T16:25:00.000-08:002010-01-04T16:32:38.444-08:00Christmas 2009<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4xAmB2sv60GGC5oJLQitgnMrmvBssEuItJmJdOym8WXCvMCmhDmpR4u9tKwjb6YL8ACVYyBTXMlOE78nCxVTN6dylHbd8CMBqpTB7Vrv52GcSPWY5_cfDZOoj8gV2Yc-kSGSkEkHumkHm/s1600-h/IMG_0742.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4xAmB2sv60GGC5oJLQitgnMrmvBssEuItJmJdOym8WXCvMCmhDmpR4u9tKwjb6YL8ACVYyBTXMlOE78nCxVTN6dylHbd8CMBqpTB7Vrv52GcSPWY5_cfDZOoj8gV2Yc-kSGSkEkHumkHm/s320/IMG_0742.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5423046543152584834" border="0" /></a><br />It was that time of year again to visit home for the holidays. I had such a great time visiting with family and friends and really enjoyed my nieces and nephew. I spent most of my time playing old maid, barbies, candyland, life and phase 10. It was so much fun! I can't believe how much they have all grown. Ethan is talking now and his favorite word is "mama" and actually put a pretty good knot on his head from running around instead of walking. You can see it in the picture. Raylin just has the prettiest eyes. Clara will give you a run for you money and is so funny and Bailey is just the sweetest little girl ever! She saved up her points at school from being good and exchanged them in to get Christmas gifts for everyone. It just doesn't get any sweeter than that.Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02305987069357352454noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4908522873802442539.post-19627007852548232262009-11-10T10:14:00.000-08:002009-11-10T10:34:20.216-08:00Keri's Wedding Weekend<div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwga88WT7DQO79a_v3c-tMDD3emdeiejtrBnG5xGQcD_3krqmJl9NwWjqfM-ch6P_4h-ax61TFY1tgqtXUfHAWJmxE8nH8hMnXxlZb0EcCIfgBqDw3eT44BDHDUxTvKsrnwcrvTjvQQQoy/s1600-h/Amanda+and+Katharine.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 239px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwga88WT7DQO79a_v3c-tMDD3emdeiejtrBnG5xGQcD_3krqmJl9NwWjqfM-ch6P_4h-ax61TFY1tgqtXUfHAWJmxE8nH8hMnXxlZb0EcCIfgBqDw3eT44BDHDUxTvKsrnwcrvTjvQQQoy/s320/Amanda+and+Katharine.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5402544441859928146" border="0" /></a>Katharine and I at the wedding<br /><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1sf096m_RpzTwlFqWCrYjCHOeZgUiA8W2oVh8q4X79W1v7wH6F2V-5X6r__dsf-3PIz30NR_lMAknWyKD8ZlwkKHvTreRx-stkxGPDyt7Dt3YwSsrDVWejNuO5gnqgzVAxRal9kMGhXyi/s1600-h/Amanda.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 239px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1sf096m_RpzTwlFqWCrYjCHOeZgUiA8W2oVh8q4X79W1v7wH6F2V-5X6r__dsf-3PIz30NR_lMAknWyKD8ZlwkKHvTreRx-stkxGPDyt7Dt3YwSsrDVWejNuO5gnqgzVAxRal9kMGhXyi/s320/Amanda.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5402544389720486818" border="0" /></a><br />After much anticipation and planning Keri's wedding weekend finally arrived this last weekend at the Flamingo in Las Vegas. The weekend was full and started off with a rehearsal dinner on Friday night at Margaritaville. I started off with a guava margarita which was so yummy! The food was also great. On Saturday I went to get my hair and makeup done. Thanks Emily and Jackie! Then, I was off to the Flamingo to Keri's suite to help her get in her wedding dress. Why do they make wedding dresses so complicated? I swear you need a degree in engineering to get in and out of one! The ceremony was outdoors in the garden area at the Flamingo, which was beautiful. I can't believe how many weddings were going on at the same time. I must have seen at least 5 brides in their dresses. I need to own a vegas wedding chapel. After the wedding it was pictures and off to the Hofbrahaus for the wedding reception. It was quite the party for those of you familar with the Hofbrahaus. Then it was back to the Flamingo for a party in the hotel suite. Whew...I'm exhausted just writing all of this. The next moring I barely made it to the farewell brunch. I still had my hair in curls and Keri mentioned that it looked like my hair had just rolled out of bed. Probably because I literally did just that. Congratulations to Keri and Dave!Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02305987069357352454noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4908522873802442539.post-67084137156890414272009-10-14T21:01:00.000-07:002009-10-14T21:11:01.624-07:00Los Angeles Bachelorette Party<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgH4WXNP4nj4Da-ePhoDDPncTviBmAdNo8OpqhYRfHmvBJoMTonEagopeX-baD9QtQwLjGzIgUK-67p7F22WE8b5qdzboqMt3Iy4efZnqP__iMC9cR-AZlR-tPMk8_mKXGlWiIKJ5rAS16z/s1600-h/IMG_0648.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgH4WXNP4nj4Da-ePhoDDPncTviBmAdNo8OpqhYRfHmvBJoMTonEagopeX-baD9QtQwLjGzIgUK-67p7F22WE8b5qdzboqMt3Iy4efZnqP__iMC9cR-AZlR-tPMk8_mKXGlWiIKJ5rAS16z/s320/IMG_0648.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5392674138141061826" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9yXJd_OF-7nVblyzJvray3ewr8Mk_dNGSJTh0YdCT2fivcyCGRPWnCgQaRtMaq8eWyMbVQcgY2qlMTL3-z6APfrsNm5bhoDAtjewT12oOkZktSKMVBnCHy6WXUFvzh4J0ghuQTqMEtDp8/s1600-h/IMG_0617.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9yXJd_OF-7nVblyzJvray3ewr8Mk_dNGSJTh0YdCT2fivcyCGRPWnCgQaRtMaq8eWyMbVQcgY2qlMTL3-z6APfrsNm5bhoDAtjewT12oOkZktSKMVBnCHy6WXUFvzh4J0ghuQTqMEtDp8/s320/IMG_0617.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5392673499059824706" /></a><br />A couple of weekends ago my friend Anne and I flew to LA for our friend Keri's bachelorette party. The day started off by boarding a chartered bus and driving up to the Santa Barbara area. The drive was gorgeous most of the way as you could see the ocean out of the left hand side bus windows. Bridlewood vineyards was our first stop followed by three other vineyards. The weather was beautiful and the scenery was breathtaking! We ended the day with a trip to Butterfly Beach. What a great way to spend a Saturday. I would highly recommend it.Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02305987069357352454noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4908522873802442539.post-7525457677581286992009-09-08T17:57:00.000-07:002009-09-08T18:04:08.285-07:00Birthday from Amanda, Chris, Bailey, Clara, Ethan and Raylin<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhToZulvjvGZOot07OQKycqaYXRteepkB7N9Fqx0Of39p_p9soB17HuZBLTUmCVlatoQc-5wkzWLJVja_PHW3mnG4vN14WGer8j-uS1I8H5LkzLzSZim8V-P4REx1O3TaWM_oaaBpFvaI8i/s1600-h/IMG_0600.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhToZulvjvGZOot07OQKycqaYXRteepkB7N9Fqx0Of39p_p9soB17HuZBLTUmCVlatoQc-5wkzWLJVja_PHW3mnG4vN14WGer8j-uS1I8H5LkzLzSZim8V-P4REx1O3TaWM_oaaBpFvaI8i/s320/IMG_0600.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5379266782614942082" /></a><br />Today I received the most wonderful package in the mail. It was filled with homemade Amish peanut butter, yum yum and hand painted jars that I am going to use to hold my paint brushes in my craft room. In one of the jars there are little slips of paper that are folded up that are written by everyone in the family. I am only allowed to open up one slip of paper per week until they are all gone. The first one I opened up today was written by my brother Chris. It said "remember the time we tried to sneak a cat in the house and dad said nice tail boy". It has me cracking up. Seriously, this is the best gift ever and I will look forward to many weeks ahead of opening up the different messages. I can hardly wait!Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02305987069357352454noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4908522873802442539.post-9797067924021177912009-09-07T19:13:00.000-07:002009-09-07T19:24:08.937-07:00Birthday Presents<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiE7wz5aGpYy3RzZmLCNR0qcqXt2s3TP1EHcCFBr1bR_y2MexH9cvc2mPB38qPh0Zaw9s1cY_HeyHyJD6waViNHsQ6yDLYtGxXHlJtc_Dm8qh9eOGQzRXGwkgcCXvxuwrqY4prqZjic3IPN/s1600-h/IMG_0595.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiE7wz5aGpYy3RzZmLCNR0qcqXt2s3TP1EHcCFBr1bR_y2MexH9cvc2mPB38qPh0Zaw9s1cY_HeyHyJD6waViNHsQ6yDLYtGxXHlJtc_Dm8qh9eOGQzRXGwkgcCXvxuwrqY4prqZjic3IPN/s320/IMG_0595.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5378916708767424834" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000EE;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="text-decoration: underline;"><div><br /></div></span></span></div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBH-vp5ISflUc8CZB1JSY_Lf9YLPauB00jPeTM4IdfzNMjDLZYXhNKJsaA3YDWiiRaQyzowhFGtazulENHn88FqfPJpXKKKlDDcFYDLHocVRxrUqyZtbLpBarlLNr85gPJFaw6OPQXEsxi/s1600-h/IMG_0597.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBH-vp5ISflUc8CZB1JSY_Lf9YLPauB00jPeTM4IdfzNMjDLZYXhNKJsaA3YDWiiRaQyzowhFGtazulENHn88FqfPJpXKKKlDDcFYDLHocVRxrUqyZtbLpBarlLNr85gPJFaw6OPQXEsxi/s320/IMG_0597.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5378914916834066034" /></a><br />A big thank you to June and Jackie for the lovely handmade birthday presents. They disobeyed a strict order to not make me anything since I'm behind on making presents for the jewelry group. I still have June and Betty's to do from this summer not to mention the September b-days. Oh well! Jackie made the gorgeous wild necklace out of copper. I just LOVE it and like to think of myself as wild even though I'm probably really not in that category hehehe. June made the beautiful earrings that I just adore. Thank you so much ladies!Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02305987069357352454noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4908522873802442539.post-14051836089663126402009-08-30T14:45:00.000-07:002009-08-30T14:51:17.818-07:00Wizard of Oz Birthday<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0ESnzBL5a46H_MwDL6LWPDGSST0tCUZS9wY-HTfSj9NDct6KrpypcN2GHOnwtZVg6YB94E_ocyCkX33BX1SIC83g_wu8NYz-mT4rvFO59e0BJHMBPt1A8vhq5-U9cLA2XlKQsFaeCWvYn/s1600-h/IMG_0581.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0ESnzBL5a46H_MwDL6LWPDGSST0tCUZS9wY-HTfSj9NDct6KrpypcN2GHOnwtZVg6YB94E_ocyCkX33BX1SIC83g_wu8NYz-mT4rvFO59e0BJHMBPt1A8vhq5-U9cLA2XlKQsFaeCWvYn/s320/IMG_0581.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5375877516627630818" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrd2jXDBRiQPmaj3QUJmQniY_nBxCCkGxBH1nOmKF0mTE_GECFgd_QFvEr_f2ctHbOLk1u9Z60gSSGgIg2inn6EVyI_hD0Xa6A_taG79GoX1aF9VIm3-aDxTt8_H8EMf2sNUYZKTlS9kTd/s1600-h/IMG_0580.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrd2jXDBRiQPmaj3QUJmQniY_nBxCCkGxBH1nOmKF0mTE_GECFgd_QFvEr_f2ctHbOLk1u9Z60gSSGgIg2inn6EVyI_hD0Xa6A_taG79GoX1aF9VIm3-aDxTt8_H8EMf2sNUYZKTlS9kTd/s320/IMG_0580.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5375877126920055810" /></a><br />My mom knows how much I love the Wizard of Oz so she made me these pillows for my birthday. Thanks mom for all of your hard work on these. They are so cool and I love them. Dash seems to love the one with the tassels too so I had to put the one in my craft room for now.Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02305987069357352454noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4908522873802442539.post-49725021852465911222009-08-24T16:45:00.000-07:002009-08-26T11:30:10.371-07:00My Dear Friend Angela<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3I_P5DS1x-No2NZOxnLBzTA78JW0SI54LeCdiNc0YeFg3A6MKAyjOiDo66vcRdiDh8416Mt5TVqblRvkDS-MV5UN5vsdc37aq09egDdBB8vQxRtklaq0qJaJGApPO5g_1fJj4mpxoym8s/s1600-h/PB240074.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3I_P5DS1x-No2NZOxnLBzTA78JW0SI54LeCdiNc0YeFg3A6MKAyjOiDo66vcRdiDh8416Mt5TVqblRvkDS-MV5UN5vsdc37aq09egDdBB8vQxRtklaq0qJaJGApPO5g_1fJj4mpxoym8s/s320/PB240074.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5373683744649094722" border="0" /></a><br />I thought it only fitting to put a post on my blog for my dear creative friend Angela who so often commented on my blog posts. Angela passed away unexpectedly on Friday. She was a mentor, colleague, friend, confidante and huge supporter. I first met Angela at UNLV where she was a faculty member in the Hotel College. I went into her class to do a guest lecture and our friendship began. Angela saw a passion in me for teaching so the next thing I knew she had recommended me to the Hotel College for a part time teaching position. We started going to lunches and also realized that both of us had a creativity streak running through us. She introduced me to altered books and my creativity was sparked. She told me about ArtUnraveled and Las Vegas Art Stamps. My first "art" workshop Angela invited me to. It was the weekend with Julianna Coles. We also started an informal altered book group of our very own. Angela meant the world to me as so many of my friends do. I will miss her smile, her creative energy, warmth and love. May you find peace and comfort dear friend knowing that you will be missed and loved from afar.Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02305987069357352454noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4908522873802442539.post-15568342950081970882009-08-16T16:28:00.000-07:002009-08-16T16:35:36.539-07:00Vegas Charm Exchange Baby!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWRDsZ78S_Q7TbVYGmtEYNFa1t1C9geYawlF2D94PzDBSJPpGVLufPyyiHN2ouC1V3mmPaObPCie32yjXXg032bkUJ6Q_3E-GYJeFrtgQn_3Hh_ISnlUW29rWoBKjurScGymdQC21tlbbz/s1600-h/IMG_0561.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWRDsZ78S_Q7TbVYGmtEYNFa1t1C9geYawlF2D94PzDBSJPpGVLufPyyiHN2ouC1V3mmPaObPCie32yjXXg032bkUJ6Q_3E-GYJeFrtgQn_3Hh_ISnlUW29rWoBKjurScGymdQC21tlbbz/s320/IMG_0561.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5370709328810537634" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEOn2UloXg1SmRYYAmT0skUGHHLZY1LwKR0rkLArHnOt7DsFevhKGYSCkxYmlM6ZGoyDsWXMmRvJxEaf3EcBq5CBvCMaKNeX5_HenOd8EjXJHKvrPISsxNQ-878KLsaeB-D6ZUAT6mY7Qm/s1600-h/IMG_0562.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEOn2UloXg1SmRYYAmT0skUGHHLZY1LwKR0rkLArHnOt7DsFevhKGYSCkxYmlM6ZGoyDsWXMmRvJxEaf3EcBq5CBvCMaKNeX5_HenOd8EjXJHKvrPISsxNQ-878KLsaeB-D6ZUAT6mY7Qm/s320/IMG_0562.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5370708896871715666" /></a><br />Jackie was the "charm leader" for this exchange which had a vegas theme. The charms all came out very unique and cool. Great job ladies! I thought the pendant that Tanya made for all of us deserved a picture of its own since it was so cool. She took a vintage showgirl image from the Stardust and placed it in a vintage earring with resin. You rock girl! Next up Halloween charm exchange with nothing cutesy. I can't wait to see what everyone comes up with.Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02305987069357352454noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4908522873802442539.post-4757075337448364712009-08-08T09:32:00.000-07:002009-08-08T09:50:13.902-07:00Ouch<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0c9XWyGfnwEeCoX4jHfQQAVmH7M63IekFm_sOi55ybQnzNg5DLn1HGK4YUGe1zG5F2jE0m7wsdzypKeE80YQ4H2hD4hqEYXSPhd-KV2zQSHCk0joD4KwLLoY7MTJNifcSmn7FuVgE5hyphenhyphenv/s1600-h/IMG_0550.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0c9XWyGfnwEeCoX4jHfQQAVmH7M63IekFm_sOi55ybQnzNg5DLn1HGK4YUGe1zG5F2jE0m7wsdzypKeE80YQ4H2hD4hqEYXSPhd-KV2zQSHCk0joD4KwLLoY7MTJNifcSmn7FuVgE5hyphenhyphenv/s320/IMG_0550.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5367635741987435314" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">Right Thumb</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOxWCxMhQoqtxabp4DB1w5amOYKNxA8eWc53yn6ewzy2Po69MlAnQlSQJoIHsP-qigl9f0AC5YgsXlhCPEdNzOL1RqcnA1i_birusgW6FkA5nEGhK0fUQWYY1JYAxu2M70NKZkhr__47VJ/s1600-h/IMG_0548.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOxWCxMhQoqtxabp4DB1w5amOYKNxA8eWc53yn6ewzy2Po69MlAnQlSQJoIHsP-qigl9f0AC5YgsXlhCPEdNzOL1RqcnA1i_birusgW6FkA5nEGhK0fUQWYY1JYAxu2M70NKZkhr__47VJ/s320/IMG_0548.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5367634761948063666" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">Left Thumb</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>So...one of the disadvantages of working with sheet metal and glass enamel is what it does to your thumbs. I really don't want to wear gloves because I can't feel through them but when I showed Mandy my thumbs she told me about these cute little thumb covers that you can get in leather. You don't realize how much you really use your thumbs until you injure them. They hurt but it was worth it. There is no better feeling than your arms being sore from working your hammer and jeweler's saw!Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02305987069357352454noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4908522873802442539.post-5965873178479009172009-08-07T17:43:00.000-07:002009-09-11T09:13:44.331-07:00Exploration of Enameling with Susan Lenart Kazmer<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMNRAV3lnmMx7cW7IOObjKTBMqIPP8OdPnjcjd4FhkWy2Ubh34d5uK3x3zoKOGdLrG60UtmvtmQacVvoX0met7Ypt7vroXCrGATkuzya5rLiVkMGZXRzM4d_FoMCg3ulFeL5w0YUIRMJTp/s1600-h/IMG_0545.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 161px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMNRAV3lnmMx7cW7IOObjKTBMqIPP8OdPnjcjd4FhkWy2Ubh34d5uK3x3zoKOGdLrG60UtmvtmQacVvoX0met7Ypt7vroXCrGATkuzya5rLiVkMGZXRzM4d_FoMCg3ulFeL5w0YUIRMJTp/s320/IMG_0545.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5367390823461367250" border="0" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">The ring</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEha2iP4FL8_ayGJL52AwTDKY9-NHyEgyijtEGB7GmvXIQ9IXWieAplbdBVtdlJLR6kxDXwlYUZLT1qI0dbYIF7ZNOrSlmMX0Ilm779ljqpwS7WG0JtG4l0fAQEtpbZaTEdlZNkKqhE9xBF1/s1600-h/IMG_0543.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEha2iP4FL8_ayGJL52AwTDKY9-NHyEgyijtEGB7GmvXIQ9IXWieAplbdBVtdlJLR6kxDXwlYUZLT1qI0dbYIF7ZNOrSlmMX0Ilm779ljqpwS7WG0JtG4l0fAQEtpbZaTEdlZNkKqhE9xBF1/s320/IMG_0543.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5367390533618916626" border="0" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">The back of the piece</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzjO57IslkamGZ0DrLR0tjfX3aEk5lQgAoz5urxB4NcC0KBsVrqkYNUka71r2Y7MR7fpiYeWWZsdS9XjmM44iqkZXsUSkh3EjarjEhe28t2OxCvvr54J3GOEPbJP-gS934qBjFP-cN7_DK/s1600-h/IMG_0544.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzjO57IslkamGZ0DrLR0tjfX3aEk5lQgAoz5urxB4NcC0KBsVrqkYNUka71r2Y7MR7fpiYeWWZsdS9XjmM44iqkZXsUSkh3EjarjEhe28t2OxCvvr54J3GOEPbJP-gS934qBjFP-cN7_DK/s320/IMG_0544.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5367389715726033090" border="0" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">The front of the piece</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>This piece was created in the enameling class with Susan. This was a wonderful class. We were responsible for cutting our pieces, filing and shaping them into whatever we wanted. I created a pendant and a ring in this class. Both pieces were fired in the kiln multiple times. This was the first time that I have ever tried enameling. I just love green and enameling! What I learned most from this class and the one yesterday is how much I really just love metal. Hammering, shaping and cutting are so much fun!Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02305987069357352454noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4908522873802442539.post-36682221080116083742009-08-07T17:35:00.000-07:002009-08-07T17:42:53.386-07:00Resin with Susan Lenart Kazmer<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSn16q9vLQPV9NX_tIKWJbBmwGbiuHlReKG1ALbLMUTSNNKrFimUVmy7v4ufs3Ft2NMsiwky3lmQPHwB9TvVOxEifEiGBOR833YaSrc7GOFTLk5Xn4-7R0nqjL6aqRknWwgq7FLa8sKZz2/s1600-h/IMG_0540.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSn16q9vLQPV9NX_tIKWJbBmwGbiuHlReKG1ALbLMUTSNNKrFimUVmy7v4ufs3Ft2NMsiwky3lmQPHwB9TvVOxEifEiGBOR833YaSrc7GOFTLk5Xn4-7R0nqjL6aqRknWwgq7FLa8sKZz2/s320/IMG_0540.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5367386960677214530" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguIKvN48KSfRdEsblyVeBvmQLImEF5W8BHrd4D9xRqXhyphenhyphenD4GoOQ3xWDOkXMRMOHc5hwXgKP5WNbaPL9cObZQXkTucpAXS1tYfjcDzoiFoDHfUimhnYGnFKM2MP3h99SYSc72Jz7WcMo_WV/s1600-h/IMG_0538.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 245px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguIKvN48KSfRdEsblyVeBvmQLImEF5W8BHrd4D9xRqXhyphenhyphenD4GoOQ3xWDOkXMRMOHc5hwXgKP5WNbaPL9cObZQXkTucpAXS1tYfjcDzoiFoDHfUimhnYGnFKM2MP3h99SYSc72Jz7WcMo_WV/s320/IMG_0538.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5367386263366161074" /></a><br />Time for Art Unraveled!!!!! This piece was made with resin and brass. I made a mold of a rock that Susan had for us to use and cast this piece using a mold with resin. I then colored the piece to make it look more organic. The backing for the piece was hand cut with a jeweler's saw, sanded like crazy. I made everything on this piece including the clasp and attachments for the piece.Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02305987069357352454noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4908522873802442539.post-64115610223977507092009-08-04T10:57:00.001-07:002009-08-04T11:11:23.589-07:00Trip To England<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtfNP0dKZuuIMx8J30p8k20GDyeG-WV05zbFiCShedC3agDzp9fUfaaNhFmBQ1YlIbfCCnHF96lr62FmpZ2_Wzzz2CUhj7eaA7BCVVP7qsCCccrjt3JtRYgl7dLnNutruvWnhmueT_u7F3/s1600-h/IMG_0504.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtfNP0dKZuuIMx8J30p8k20GDyeG-WV05zbFiCShedC3agDzp9fUfaaNhFmBQ1YlIbfCCnHF96lr62FmpZ2_Wzzz2CUhj7eaA7BCVVP7qsCCccrjt3JtRYgl7dLnNutruvWnhmueT_u7F3/s320/IMG_0504.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5366172406871850002" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">Brighton Beachfront</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCx1umh9StvUsl8DMfxNHG82OtOj-NmuF0-Dl8sK-ndnJxDJH6eZeKPLCgDk6yBki_YEVBUfRPM5z0DWUkkw27E0YC5jVvzDud_NUBFExJ3d7Nb1j9ETEDH6XWZHtur8N9nOyOovGgc3i5/s1600-h/IMG_0518.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCx1umh9StvUsl8DMfxNHG82OtOj-NmuF0-Dl8sK-ndnJxDJH6eZeKPLCgDk6yBki_YEVBUfRPM5z0DWUkkw27E0YC5jVvzDud_NUBFExJ3d7Nb1j9ETEDH6XWZHtur8N9nOyOovGgc3i5/s320/IMG_0518.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5366171867364400530" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">The Royal Pavilion in Brighton</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTFNrsSBR_W4bnbi-GsBdYCRlf-6tn8P7REllvYk8NdHgTCxGNZ3TIjBQG2uvihjHGqq1OWQJcnTK3AQaJZaDfsMMkIru23ulqw9j4WyPw2yY9oKdCRJBlFyqKJXn0foDD00nw-DMoNX3d/s1600-h/IMG_0443.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTFNrsSBR_W4bnbi-GsBdYCRlf-6tn8P7REllvYk8NdHgTCxGNZ3TIjBQG2uvihjHGqq1OWQJcnTK3AQaJZaDfsMMkIru23ulqw9j4WyPw2yY9oKdCRJBlFyqKJXn0foDD00nw-DMoNX3d/s320/IMG_0443.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5366171347715547266" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">Stonehenge</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjroUYqqYBS05H9IxfZpI6Y-UC-5c2m4kNtfCO2ePEPT3i5Hg0XSalhy7XsxlZM3hg7-VrjhktiuDmkVrqJPwBd7URbL6pQq57x4qyDsIyCAQuSkWFeJ7U9ILpHfbv69FPFTPEtIXa1oli0/s1600-h/IMG_0412.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjroUYqqYBS05H9IxfZpI6Y-UC-5c2m4kNtfCO2ePEPT3i5Hg0XSalhy7XsxlZM3hg7-VrjhktiuDmkVrqJPwBd7URbL6pQq57x4qyDsIyCAQuSkWFeJ7U9ILpHfbv69FPFTPEtIXa1oli0/s320/IMG_0412.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5366170998004883218" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">Bath</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhS1vxOZBrEQzj7_ZmXh3dqj_26KSLdnoDX9ZOJ9vGbw0XEuLANctXAsz3nS_JjGyma4j9mmS1ejKRZh0KWuuGJaO8cXvuRi1epK_UvAzc99moiU8M_Lo0BEJCm6eYF2YhfkC4oFc-sYMSq/s1600-h/IMG_0347.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhS1vxOZBrEQzj7_ZmXh3dqj_26KSLdnoDX9ZOJ9vGbw0XEuLANctXAsz3nS_JjGyma4j9mmS1ejKRZh0KWuuGJaO8cXvuRi1epK_UvAzc99moiU8M_Lo0BEJCm6eYF2YhfkC4oFc-sYMSq/s320/IMG_0347.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5366170615578769922" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">Rutland Waters</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>Recently I had the pleasure of visiting my friend Ann in England. It was great fun and I really enjoyed my visit. I had been to London before but was only there for a few days. This time around I felt like I really saw the beautiful country that England is. I also got to know a couple of locals who are friends of Ann. It was really fun getting to know the culture and a few of the local phrases and sayings. I must admit that I don't see how my friend Ann has done it! It took me two days to flush the toilet on the first try at Ann's house because the plumbing was so different. I also couldn't operate the washing machine. Even though they speak somewhat the same language things are really quite different. I really enjoyed myself and am posting a few pictures of the trip for you to enjoy!Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02305987069357352454noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4908522873802442539.post-14948017990541304882009-07-14T15:14:00.000-07:002009-07-14T15:23:07.065-07:00Trip to Illinois<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGI8CFHluAY6pPq_zNJc2wx1nEbZ0VDOfWbpEL4HzJzVZpuJyGZzYhO9_Y9ql7nRcWvP-td6GeOjmmUGitZTr8MnIpqrQVKtSz9ueGniCDxZB2oHUcK5UEkUmLx722rBwnAGS7KHTcrniv/s1600-h/IMG_0284.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGI8CFHluAY6pPq_zNJc2wx1nEbZ0VDOfWbpEL4HzJzVZpuJyGZzYhO9_Y9ql7nRcWvP-td6GeOjmmUGitZTr8MnIpqrQVKtSz9ueGniCDxZB2oHUcK5UEkUmLx722rBwnAGS7KHTcrniv/s320/IMG_0284.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5358444877304239922" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOZeGpVDq_QL1XS_davfOPIed2blNVwELXK5UO7C-H56elnUKZ7myHtbax5d6cCv6SPtSL6sEHcmZkfzkth5f6U-WOBQxtPCG24P6HEOlqd_qpU6bII35ZE_2GzHFztJsLPUB7kVmVut3U/s1600-h/IMG_0288.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOZeGpVDq_QL1XS_davfOPIed2blNVwELXK5UO7C-H56elnUKZ7myHtbax5d6cCv6SPtSL6sEHcmZkfzkth5f6U-WOBQxtPCG24P6HEOlqd_qpU6bII35ZE_2GzHFztJsLPUB7kVmVut3U/s320/IMG_0288.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5358444501399873858" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcIBQY9yFdRuX8dF_0gTHE5TKwcML3OSmhZVE_l06UExmEYweEEam1VgonssCpV7AqrJVtbJE6p3NI8XQKn7DQnMZo6lGIPjp67GnpPPccd_SMPR2TJYy5RDsOXdD_r-yJgrk-rE_R2fxm/s1600-h/IMG_0189.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcIBQY9yFdRuX8dF_0gTHE5TKwcML3OSmhZVE_l06UExmEYweEEam1VgonssCpV7AqrJVtbJE6p3NI8XQKn7DQnMZo6lGIPjp67GnpPPccd_SMPR2TJYy5RDsOXdD_r-yJgrk-rE_R2fxm/s320/IMG_0189.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5358444032031308930" /></a><br />These past 10 days I have been traveling seeing family and friends in Illinois. I started off on the 4th of July weekend with a trip to Holiday World with my brother, sister-in-law and my two nieces Bailey and Clara. The trip was a lot of fun even though it rained the weekend we were there. There were hardly any lines for the rides and most of the time if we wanted to we could just stay on the ride and take another turn. It was great! Bailey was tall enough to ride all of the roller coasters. My personal favorite was a 13 story drop water ride. It was quite a rush. The rest of the week was spent with my mom, dad, brother, sis in law and kids. I got to hold my little niece Raylin for the first time and got to see how big Ethan has gotten. He is walking now. It was so much fun being in the country. This last weekend I went to Chicago to visit my friends Elizabeth and Amy. It was a blast and I realized just how much I missed the city.Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02305987069357352454noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4908522873802442539.post-87015140465562858672009-06-14T17:44:00.000-07:002009-06-14T17:50:24.318-07:00Chemistry Lesson<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgW2xGy8civH-pUS6r3H5CeakfH7eyXa1v_DdjOEOK3yVxRR77kYJVzZdR_F1DA_cAKzOB4rNVyICr9Qme1LLNgI0xE9p_lIO0hjCwsxoCWDV7qLXenOyDNAoX4nugB_lc0kMQir6u1_-QT/s1600-h/IMG_0170.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgW2xGy8civH-pUS6r3H5CeakfH7eyXa1v_DdjOEOK3yVxRR77kYJVzZdR_F1DA_cAKzOB4rNVyICr9Qme1LLNgI0xE9p_lIO0hjCwsxoCWDV7qLXenOyDNAoX4nugB_lc0kMQir6u1_-QT/s320/IMG_0170.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5347350225209823682" /></a><br />Today I was playing around with resin filling these tea/coffee cups that I got when I was in California. I thought to myself I wonder what would happen if I just added a little instant coffee to the mix to get that true coffee color. What I didn't know is that I would create a weird chemical reaction. I called my friend Elizabeth, a chemistry professor, who explained to me that it was the water that created the reaction. I think the bubble effect looks kind of cool though and it still hardened just fine.Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02305987069357352454noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4908522873802442539.post-38144123131218838602009-06-02T13:51:00.000-07:002009-06-02T13:52:36.443-07:00After a Bad Day.......all you have to do is rock out to this song to feel better. Works every time.<br /><br /><br /><object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/m1zVmfan32U&hl=en&fs=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/m1zVmfan32U&hl=en&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object>Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02305987069357352454noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4908522873802442539.post-67992992610161438792009-05-26T11:23:00.000-07:002009-05-26T11:34:49.015-07:00Fun in LA<div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWR7rynF7Z41JsPZLSrOnIogrYsROxTbZtlxbQF8f41GjBd4LxSxVoUN7DDgVo_8XDl4n1hS2k5N-i8N5BneujcSzZishUUbqj0ywxCJNczR6K8nN4bdqg6oC9KRpV7h4KV25Ga325V5zc/s1600-h/IMG_0101.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWR7rynF7Z41JsPZLSrOnIogrYsROxTbZtlxbQF8f41GjBd4LxSxVoUN7DDgVo_8XDl4n1hS2k5N-i8N5BneujcSzZishUUbqj0ywxCJNczR6K8nN4bdqg6oC9KRpV7h4KV25Ga325V5zc/s320/IMG_0101.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5340202637168439490" border="0" /></a>Malibu Beach<br /><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjV6ACFPh5A0PFqQczoSesJahn-cBggWNcDSGoXVdUg-xDn2ylX7aves_Wts-95hksaCuioCzP6iAV2CB9F-CxV7fsqEMRi3RI1kjPOaLTzoVHA7VOA1fH9_ufPK3dFgWaTAdq-beJdzUNs/s1600-h/IMG_0091.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjV6ACFPh5A0PFqQczoSesJahn-cBggWNcDSGoXVdUg-xDn2ylX7aves_Wts-95hksaCuioCzP6iAV2CB9F-CxV7fsqEMRi3RI1kjPOaLTzoVHA7VOA1fH9_ufPK3dFgWaTAdq-beJdzUNs/s320/IMG_0091.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5340201940617422386" border="0" /></a>Recognize this house? Hint...here's a story<br /><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtCSnmfwQfADdnwcNcqZ6xISBFH79rvG8eCfkU4MpqJGKXMXkx57-HC2W-mopf1Fub3QKMTVSVzBpvwCpWDoveGlKp4E7KyciELnEWQ1viZDNWZJGuoXQ0iktPyMfKDhGROo3FJ-Jp_9VP/s1600-h/IMG_0145.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 238px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtCSnmfwQfADdnwcNcqZ6xISBFH79rvG8eCfkU4MpqJGKXMXkx57-HC2W-mopf1Fub3QKMTVSVzBpvwCpWDoveGlKp4E7KyciELnEWQ1viZDNWZJGuoXQ0iktPyMfKDhGROo3FJ-Jp_9VP/s320/IMG_0145.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5340201770830226866" border="0" /></a>Estrella sure hope you're right<br /><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrs0C8SpdpA4OKoXLojgFWUFiNJsRRyU8eL6UAsJZu75eLCX89fI0ZBKkG2cNS_S3A-lXa597Ym3mcgftQIbnRlNk6dF9yS36JMvoBfRwIF6A1Zbi-Asl4XcPEH9ElldS9StR12jErrDuR/s1600-h/IMG_0132.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrs0C8SpdpA4OKoXLojgFWUFiNJsRRyU8eL6UAsJZu75eLCX89fI0ZBKkG2cNS_S3A-lXa597Ym3mcgftQIbnRlNk6dF9yS36JMvoBfRwIF6A1Zbi-Asl4XcPEH9ElldS9StR12jErrDuR/s320/IMG_0132.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5340201677906694066" border="0" /></a><br />On the Santa Monica Beach<br /><br /><br /></div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikldLKkUPluVnGylYXruBVM2kdXytADgUlW_yC6O7SfEIufyQrah8OCdEvSGm9ta4iZ7mSAZwyRreY_tVCe361WeA1XfuqruJYZnHRQe09YAw_YVgO64ih6V6XOH4Ess6Gsza43-pXXBSQ/s1600-h/IMG_0048.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 274px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikldLKkUPluVnGylYXruBVM2kdXytADgUlW_yC6O7SfEIufyQrah8OCdEvSGm9ta4iZ7mSAZwyRreY_tVCe361WeA1XfuqruJYZnHRQe09YAw_YVgO64ih6V6XOH4Ess6Gsza43-pXXBSQ/s320/IMG_0048.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5340201359994105650" border="0" /></a><br />Oh what a weekend. I can't believe how much fun I had visiting my friend Keri in Los Angeles. My friend Anne and I took off from Vegas on Friday and drove to NOHO where Keri lives. The first thing we did was go to the Chinese Theatre and to see the Hollywood sign. The munchkins have their own star who knew. This one is for you ladies.... Then on Saturday we went to the Fashion District and Santee alley. That place is crazy but I loved it! They have fabric everywhere and bead stores plus tons of other stuff. On Sunday we headed to the beach in Malibu and then drove down to Santa Monica pier. Of course we rode the Ferris Wheel and I had to ride the carousel and we all got our 25 cent fortunes from the machine that looks like the one in the movie Big. Then we rented bikes and rode them down the coast. How fun was that!!! Then it was on to 3rd street promenade. Oh, we also went to Olvera Street.Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02305987069357352454noreply@blogger.com3