Craft & DIY Projects

I am not sure why it is that I put off until time to leave for the winter, all the projects on my TO DO list. One would think by now I would have learned not to save them for the last minute, but NO...

 The one project I did start in May was to try making my own vanilla, using vanilla beans in the pod and some very good vodka. It smells wonderful. I have not done any baking to use the vanilla, so don't know if it worked. But it smells like it worked.

 I have a personal goal of making a photo book for Willa each year. Last year's book was about the animals we have seen in Arizona. I had found this cute, CUTE photo book and was waiting for inspiration. Finally, it came to me in July, a photo book of colors from the Black Hills. I finished the book last week, in two days. Again, I had the idea 2 months ago, why did I wait until last week???

There was an ulterior motive for this book. Right now at 29 months, Willa calls every color pink.  I thought maybe this book would help her to correctly identify colors. Once a teacher...always a teacher?

I am hoping the books will be keepsakes for her. Grandma always has the camera with her, so Willa will understand (later) the significance of G'ma's photos and books just for her.

 Since I had the scrap booking table and tools out, I had the motive and inspiration to work on Kari's book. I have made a scrap book for each of her trips to AZ. I was only one trip 'behind'. But since she is coming next month, I decided I best get the first 2012 trip in the book.

I had bought some funky AZ appropriate paper last winter. Luckily, I had enough so each page has the same background paper. Certainly, made putting the book together easy. Did her pages in a day.

The last weekend I was along to Minneapolis Kari and I spent some time paper crafting. We visited a  paper store and crafting shop to find inspiration. I brought my Cuttlebug along so we could play. And play we did. Kari had such fun papers. It helps that she works at a crafting store!

And I had fun playing with the embossing toy. I am excited for the stamping classes at CV this winter. I enjoy my creativity time; just wish I did it more often.

Willa Visits Our House

Willa came to visit last week Wednesday. For whatever reason there aren't that many photos documenting the occasion. We had a wonderful, special time with her. Thanks K & C for letting her come a few days on her own and spend time with us.

 The horse was one of the first things/toys brought out for her to enjoy. In fact, it was her first request.

 She had taken an napkin and was wiping surfaces. Not one to ignore an opportunity and teaching moment, I found the swifter and let her dust. No time like the present, right?

She was told she could not sit, stand or lay on Grandma's table. But somehow dusting...she was laying on the table. Pushing the boundaries...

The rest of her family came on Friday evening. She had missed her baby brother and was most excited to hold him.

 Marek on Saturday morning, posing for Grandma.

Willa saying, "No, don't take a picture, Grandma." while playing with the magnetic bears. She called them puzzles.

One final pose of Willa and Marek before they left for the other Grandma & Grandpa's house.

I commented tonight how I don't have near as many photos of Marek as of Willa at this age. How does that happen? Poor little fella!

The Grand Cat

I had a request for photos of the grand-cat. Just for you, Linda...

More Maroon & Gold

Saturday was my last Gopher game of the football season. Once again the camera went along to TCF Stadium for the game between University of Minnesota and University of Western Michigan.

My focus Saturday was Gopher Wear.

 These young men were performing pail percussion 

entertainment before the start of the game.

 A little Gopher Fan

 We're in MN. Yah! Ya' Betcha!

 Gopher ears on her cap

 This guy came to the game in his lounging pants

 I wonder what he was digging for

 A pom-pom attached to the diaper bag

 A brother & sister sporting maroon

 Isn't this cheer outfit cute?

 A maroon & gold can of beer

 A different T-shirt design

 Wrong sporting season, but gold for the gold-out game

 Caps & hats were very welcome in the afternoon sunshine

 A visor for a Gopher fan

 Another cap option

A sea of gold in the student section

The Gophers won 28 to 23

Another exciting game

and beautiful day for football

After Game Doings

I expect as you are reading this post from 1 week ago, I will be in the same location following the football game today: Blarneys in Dinkytown. It is on the way to the parking lot where our vehicle is parked. Rather convenient, right??? We will either be celebrating a win or drowning hubby's sorrows and eating Rueben egg rolls.

It is the place to go if you like Irish beers. 

I go for the Rueben egg rolls - my reward for 

sitting through a college football game!

Grandkid Time

Earlier this week I volunteered to spend some time with the grandkids while Mommy had a dental appointment. I have a hard time going to a Gopher football game without buying something Gopher - maroon & gold - for the two kids. Marek will have clothes from Willa, but he deserved his own NEW t-shirt. Auntie and I have been forbidden to buy a cheerleading outfit (you know what that means...) but I did find a cute dress for Miss Willa. She modeled it for me.

This is not a good Miss Willa photo,

but it does show the ruffled dress.

"Cheeezzzzeeee "

No more smiles for G'ma 

OK. One more smile. 

 Mr. Marek was awake.

 He didn't model his new shirt and socks,

but he'll be wearing them on Saturday, right???

I expect pictures!

If I have to wear maroon & gold, they can wear it too!