2013 Goals

snapshot of my desktop

Instead of new years resolutions, I make new years goals. That way if I don't meet them, I can just bump them up for next year. I met some of 2012's, and some of them are still on this years list. Oh well, it's like my to-do list, if something stays on too long, I just throw away the list. I'll let you see this years so you'll know what to expect on my blog.

• Pray for at least 5 minutes in a row everyday
• Evangelize regularly
• Exercise my torso and shoulder
• Go to Africa
• Be an exemplary employee
• Help out at least once a month at the Mennonite Sewing Circle
• Successfully complete the Perspectives course
• Pray at the abortion clinic at least once a month
• Spend time with my family
• Read through the Bible
• Sew up flannel from Grandma Cook's 
• Improve my unicycle skills and attend at least one tridge meeting during the year
• Get married
• Help out around the farm
• Learn more Spanish
• Be a part of church activities
• Save money to buy a field
• Have fun!

I'm plenty glad to have God know what's in store for the year, and me to be surprised. Check back later and I'll let you know how it's going. 

Niece

 When I got home from work on Thursday night, I was met by my nieces and family. I love to come home to smiles. Kaelyn and I put together this horse puzzle. As we were doing it she cuddled up beside me and said, "I like to come to your house."

Earlier in the week I told Nessa, you are my niece. She giggled and said, "No, I'm Nessa."

Christmas in Woodbridge

Some of my co-workers complained when they heard that our assigned Christmas tree was the short one with colored lights. I on the other hand, was pleased. Most everybody knows that I like color in my life. I felt blessed when God sent the tree with colored lights to Woodbridge (my neighborhood.)

Our tree was borrowed for a weekend to be in Santa pictures, but then it came back and spent the rest of the holiday with us.

Several weeks ago, I made play-dough, Kenda brought cookie cutters, and we had ornament-making-day. We poked holes with drinking straws and left the "cookies" out to dry. Several days later I cut yarn loops and the residents knotted them. Then we took the ornaments and they hung them on the tree. It was such fun. 

Only one resident neglected to follow my instructions, and ate the dough. She said it wasn't too bad, but I took it away from her before she had a chance to take another bite.

It was a wonderful Christmas tree. My residents all have dementia and by this time they have forgotten what it was like to make and decorate with our play-dough ornaments. But Woodbridge is like that. Sometimes it is best not to remember everything we've done.

Kayak

Amy and I took a December kayak trip. We didn't get started very early in the day, so we went upstream for awhile before letting the current take us back.

The dock was out, but we found a rock to help us clamber out of the river. Good thing we have already had some practice.

West Side

This past weekend Aaron, Lauren-Mae and I went over to visit with our friends on the west side of the state. One of the super fun things about their church group is the little kids. Even though there were many Aunts and Uncles around, I still managed to hold the newest baby. The VandeZandes are dandy friends.

Another fun thing, or shall I say character, is Galen!

Christmas

Did I ever tell you that I like to make Christmas gifts?

Preschooler

I've just been realizing that I love preschool activities. I guess that is probably why I get on so well working with my dementia residents.

Today I tried making chocolate pretzels. Very easy, and I wished I would have had some little hands to help me. Since I didn't well, the pretzels are all in nice lines, and only a few of the ingredients went missing during action.

arrange unwrapped chocolate kisses a top pretzels

pop them in the pre-heated oven

easy directions so far

press M&Ms into the chocolate

cool, package and put in Christmas baskets

Of course, I'm sure they won't all make it to the Christmas baskets.

Now I think I'll go make some playdough.

Tutu

Naomi and I stopped at a craft shop and found the idea for a dress up tutu.

cut tulle into 2" strips

loop around elastic band

continue all the way around

all done!

Snowflakes

I tried a new pattern last week. And it worked!

Here are the snowflakes I crocheted.

 The pattern said "we used the traditional sugar/water starch." 

Good thing it went on to tell me what that was. 

Equal parts sugar and water. Heat but do not burn.

Water and starch.

Immerse the snowflake in water. 

Then dunk the flakes into the room temperature 

(it cooled nicely while I took my afternoon nap) starch. 

The wet mess is then pinned to paper and left to thoroughly dry. 

That was a good place to leave it for my three 12 hour days at work.

pinned to the ironing board

When I came back I was overjoyed to find my snowflakes a success.

Not easy, but quick to make and fun to give.