Anniversary Outing - Patagonia, AZ

In celebration of our 4th Anniversary on April 30th, Ben and I went on a day trip to Patagonia, AZ. Our recent hobby is finding birds and the State Park had a bunch to see. We saw about 35 new species of birds in just 2 hours. Check out Ben's blog for our other outdoor adventures.

Flycatcher

Vermillion Flycatcher


Western Tanager

Roadrunner

Patagonia Lake

Catalina State Park

Ben and I went hiking early one morning and saw a lot of different birds. The Park was beautiful and the trail we hiked was perfect for birds. We plan to go back and hike some of the other trails.

Here's what I have been up to

I made this baby blanket for a friend. I can't name names because the shower is yet to come!

I saw this cute bag in a magazine and I started this awhile ago. I have gotten discouraged a couple of times becuase it was all very new to me and some things were a little difficult. But I am love with the giant ric-rack. I am giving this bag to my sister and I am making a red one for myself.

This is a table runner I made for my mom's birthday. I designed it myself and bought this lovely fabric with silver shimmery designs at a quilt shop in Washington with my mother in-law.

These are the next two squares I finished for the "Joseph Smith the Prophet Quilt" Brightness and Glory and True Lover's knot. The star was the most difficult by far. Just time consuming and a little frustrating getting everything to line up. The True Lover's Knot was a quick sew.

Improving my talents

I have been thinking a lot about my talents and how I should improve upon them. So when I am not blogging or working or doing church things, this is what I do....

This is my "Log Cabin" quilt square. It will be part of a Joseph Smith tribute quilt. There are several quilt blocks with different names that make up a story about the prophet. "Brightness and Glory, True Lovers Knot, Broken Dishes, Tree of Life", etc. I will post each of my squares until the quilt is done and show you the quilt at the end.

This is also another recent hobby. I learned to crochet while on my mission and I have made several baby quilts and large afghans. But I wanted to do more. So I found this adorable bunny pattern and adjusted it to my taste and I call him "Harvey". I now sell him to anyone who is interested for $15.

(He's about 14 inches tall, machine washable

and any color you desire)

Ben Can Cook

Hearty Apple Pecan Pancakes

Dress up your favorite pancake mix with a dash of vanilla, a pinch of cinnamon and chopped pecans. Then top with applesauce, a sprinkle of brown sugar and some whipped cream.

*These pecans actually came from Sister Bell at church whose Father in-law has a large pecan orchard in St. David. So we shelled a few. And let me tell you it is much harder to open pecans than you might think.

Rattle Snake Eggs

(aka: jalapeno poppers)

NOT SPICY! if you take out all the seeds and the white fiber stuff in the middle they will not be hot. Fill insides with mozzarella, wrap bacon around pepper, secure with toothpick and deep fry until bacon cooked. Very Delicious.

Garden Patch

We are busy caring for seedlings. As starters we have, tomatoes, jalapeno peppers (see above), bell peppers, and an assortment of herbs. In the planter boxes we have lettuce, spinach, peas and carrots growing already. Soon we will have more boxes made and I will get to start my sugar pumpkins. They are the small ones you cook with, I can't wait! (dinner rolls, bread, pie etc.) Ben is very into growing all kinds of hot peppers right now and desires to win the chili cook-off this year with the hottest. The chicken wire is to keep the cats out. Dad planted some sprouted potatoes to see if they will do anything. In the fall we will have a whole different crop.

Come out Come Out Whever You are

Has anyone seen "Global Warming"? This is a picture of TUCSON, ARIZONA! It snowed last night. It's February! Well I was just wondering if anyone has seen these...hotter days some people like to talk about.

A little about me:

I am going to start an online class soon. It is to become a certified medical coder/biller. I figured it was time to add to my credentials. This is also a job that will be easy for me to do part-time or from home should the need arise. I am still getting my health in order. It seems as if I am sensitive to changes that happen to me.