More Cakes!

The first cake is Bryan's Superman Birthday Cake...butter pecan with butter cream icing and modeling chocolate trim and emblem. Jennifer's cake is "Breaking Dawn"....a red velvet cake with cream cheese frosting and a chocolate ganache filling with strawberries. The entire cake is covered in marshmallow fondant and the chess pieces are made with modeling chocolate. YUMMY!

CAKES!

So Wow!! It's been forever since I did anything here....a year and a half! Enjoy the pictures! I'm into cake decorating now! The top picture is Jocelyn's cake, next is Chuck's Birthday cake. The bottom two pictures are Charlie's birthday cake.

Fun Halloween Party

What is Halloween without Ernest brewing up a pot of rootbeer or cream soda? Ummmm....um......good!

Here's our trick or treating crew. Sorry the pictures are blurry.....I think I lost my balance on this one! Notice that Jason and Jenny Smith's cute witches joined us this year!

Ivy, our butterfly!

A picture from a couple of months ago.

Growing Royalty

So I guess you noticed the new picture with our blog title. Yep, it's from Epcot at Disney World. We actually arrived while a huge garden show was in progress. Every Disney princess was "growing" at the entrance to Epcot. So I thought I'd post a couple of pictures of that scene minus the drenching rain. Enjoy!

Here's What to Do for a 3 Column Look on YOUR Blog!

Jeni, since you asked I've decided to post my "secret." I used the html given by "The Cutest Blog on the Block." You'll have to go in and change the html code in your blog. Just follow the directions given HERE . I actually opened two windows in my internet explorer so I could work on my blog html and in the other window read the directions to change the code. Only took a few minutes!!! Let me know if you have problems....I can always be bribed into coming over to help!!!

Techno Challenged or Climate Change?

Well, I suppose I should be on here more but my scanner died. It's been dead now for 2 months and I can't get any of my pictures scanned to put on the blog. Thus no posts! Well, actually, it's more than that. I've been overwelmed with vacation time. I don't think my brain really knew how wound up tight I was until I finished my final projects and then headed to Disney World. And it rained the whole week. My brain couldn't handle it. The lack of sunshine was not computing. I had carefully planned the whole week and it definitely did not include rain, lots and lots of rain!!

We found ourselves trudging around Epcot in rain that was flowing east to west, yep, sideways . Animal Kingdom was 6 inches under water halfway through our day....and don't get me started on our walk through the Magic Kingdom. I was rather proud of myself for taking it all in stride. We had our memorable moments, sitting in wet seats, rain dripping through our umbrellas because they were totally saturated. Somehow I had to come up with a new plan...so indoor activities it was. We went to Disney Hollywood Studios and ran from one activity to another. We did the same at Epcot. We managed a second day at Magic Kingdom and arrived at the locked gates 15 minutes early and caught Storm Troopers scanning the crowd. Darth Vader had landed and it was officially Star Wars Weekend and it hadn't started raining yet! We saw Darth Maul, Chewie, and a whole slew of Star Wars characters. Yep, Chuk was ecstatic. And then it started raining again. I was drenched. Our adventure at Disney World turned out great, don't get me wrong, but it RAINED the whole week, not a short afternoon rain. The kind of rain where you are dripping wet all day, hair is stringy, and shoes NEVER, EVER dry out!!! Coming home from vacation meant I could finally dry out and rest.

So everything is moving in slow motion. There is a pounding in my head, a soreness in my feet (all that running from cover to cover)....I think I'm officially exhausted due to climate change, so I am spending my days trying to rest. As much as that can happen, with all our kids and grandkids hanging out (which I totally love!) and spur of the moment happenings such as Chuck falling off the attic ladder (he's okay but you should see the bruises!!!).

We just finished updating our hurricane prep info and spent time trying to figure out how to fight the millions of mosquitoes that like to hang out at our front door. Probably another byproduct of climate change.....sigh....it's going to be a long summer.

FINALLY!!!!

I am finished for this semester...working so hard I had no time for blogging! Took my last final today and I am excited to be home for the summer! I do have some photos to share with you of my designs from Design II. Tomorrow I will place some of my black and white photos from my Photography I class on the blog for you to see.

The above design is titled "Rising" and is made with wood and 3 different guages of wire.

The design above is a relief and is titled "Searching." It is made from hard board and measures 24" by 24" and is 12 layers deep.

This plaster sculpture (above) was my final project where we were learning about form. Every angle looks different. I left it with texture rather than smoothing it out.

This final piece is made from balsa wood stained different wood types and was sculpted over a three week period. It is titled "Becoming." Notice how the darker woods migrate to a lighter color as you move from the base to the top.

Here's a Fun Game for YOU!

Put The Big Red Button on your site

"Beginnings"

Interesting isn't it? Like hatching eggs, weird creatures have invaded my home and left their empty shells behind.

Okay, so it's only symbolic. Most of them have moved out, spreading themselves far afield to raise their own special broods.

I got a little creative. Between the staple gun and industial adhesive I did manage to keep all my apendages. Batting, muslin, orange peels, paper mache', clay, balloons, thread, cheesecloth, and white spray paint, who knew these things would end up looking like this?

I entitled this creation"Beginnings," as it represents some of the feelings I have had as a mother beginning my family. My beginnings were fragile and required a great deal of courage. I lost my own mother when I was 17 years old, she was such a meek quiet person, I wanted to be just like her. Anyone who knows me knows that didn't happen!

I have watched the circle of beginnings come back around...watching my children begin their own families. It's like a full circle event to watch a grandchild being born in to the world, knowing that somehow that significant moment has somehow completed me. What started out as me and my husband has grown to a family of 27 wonderful souls. And it won't end there.

A mother's nurturing arm reaches out all through the life span of her family, through the obstacles, seeking to sustain and nourish the hearts and spirits of her children and grandchildren. Her influence never ends.

There is so much represented in this piece, hopefully you will find a connection that speaks to where you are in your journey with your family.

"Kachunk, kachunk, kachunk!"

I spent most of the day working on a project for my Design class...and running around town finding staples that would fit my staple gun. I can still hear the "kachunk, kachunk, kachunk" ringing in my ears. Who knew that I would become so proficient with so many power tools? I learned how to use my husband's scroll saw over the past three weeks. The smell of saw dust is burned into my brain and I am still blowing white paint out my nose.

Why staples? I am stapling stuff to a board 24" by 36." I have to say, I really appreciate "Tide to Go" as it saved the white covering I stapled to the board today. I pricked my finger at least six times trying to sew it down to the backing and found out I have really bright red blood. Not quite the look I wanted...red on white, although it might have created an interesting anomaly. Some of you are probably shaking your head and saying, "I see dumb people." Sigh......I have no excuse.

I guess I owe a big "thank you" to the team that came up with this little pen of super whitening strength. It has saved me on more than one occasion so thank you Sandra for introducing me to it.

Now if they could just come up with a product that would instantly and permanently remove weeds I would be a happy camper!

To My Family and Friends, My Heroes

My heart has been so touched today. Jeannie put me in touch with the See family, a member of our church in the South Shore area, through her blog....a 32 year old daughter, sister, mother is battling Lymphoma. They are looking for white blood cell donations. If you can help this family or want to know more about them go to this blog: http://bobbiejosmiracle.blogspot.com/

If you want to know more about lymphoma go to this site: http://www.lymphoma.org/site/pp.asp?c=chKOI6PEImE&b=1573289

I am grateful for the love our family has for others, their determination to serve and to give of themselves. Each of you are so unselfish. We have so many good friends who do likewise.

I guess today my heart is filled with gratitude for the blessings we all share, the goodness of our lives. With the world ever spiralling downward it is easy to forget what matters most to us.

So today....I just want to express my love to all of you out there, for the way you touch so many lives. You are my heroes!

Promises, Promises!

I promised some of you I'd put my photos from my photography class on so here are the first two proofs....not really anything to write home about compositionally but I least I'm learning all the technical stuff......Black and white photography with an old film camera...more work but much more rewarding. I'm learning to set up shots, develop film, develop prints, and use techniques to improve all the above. Most of you knew I'd choose the Temple grounds first didn't you?

"Searching"

Haven't been blogging lately because I've been EXTREMELY busy! I do have stuff to share but you'll just have to do with my latest Design picture!

Will share more later!

Rising

Thought I'd put out a picture of my first 3D design for my Design 2 class......called "Rising." So I would really like some feedback as to what this design invokes in you. Sorry you can't see all the 3D aspects. (Each wire is on a different plane.)

Simple Things

Couldn't resist putting this up for you all to see. Jenny with her Kitty, Angel, and in her cute hat that Jeannie made for her!

When I took another peak at this picture I realized that it really is the simple things that make us happy. Family, friends, and a smile! Enjoy.

Okay, Today is Just Weird......

It just feels really weird to be sitting around home on a Sunday morning. I haven't been able to visit our new grandbaby since he was born either. I am taking this in stride knowing he's just around the corner and I can see him when I'm over this crud. It's just another weird for me though, and I am feeling very surreal.......

For the past two days I have been in major pain....sinus infection, and not just any sinus infection. My eyes are black and my face feels like someone hit it with a baseball bat. Is this the new "superbug" of sinus infections? I mean, I've been on antibiotics for three days and I am still dying here. My doctor informed me that my face was contorted and swollen.

What a relief to know it wasn't just because I ate well at Christmas! This brings up some daunting questions: Does this mean that I can expect to look thinner when this is all over? Do sinus infections travel to other parts of the body? (I hear you laughing out there!) Will I ever eat anything but chicken soup again? Will sinus infections become the new fad diet?

"Hey Julie, I have a sinus infection."

"Great! I'll be right over so you can share the germs."

"Don't forget to buy a case of chicken noodle soup before you come."

I have a feeling that this is a fruitless pursuit.

Being the brave person that I am, I decided two days ago to take the high road and endure the pain rather than take Tylenol, aspirin, or Ibuprophen since pain medicines just tear up my tummy. I'm already at my limit for pain this week. I thought I was doing great.....all that enduring and stuff, but this morning I found my lips were beginning to quiver. My hubby took one look at the tears welling up in my eyes and said a tender, "I love you, Honey" and then headed out to church.

But not without turning around to give me me one last "Hurrah," and a thumbs up. As I stood there, watching him go a voice said, "Remember the pioneers."

Okay, today is just weird...........

Caleb is Here!

Surprise, surprise! Our little Caleb made an early debut into the world last night to the surprise of Mom, Dad, Grandma, Papa and the rest of the clan! He is so cute and looks just like his big brother Christian. He is a month early, weighs 5 pounds 11 ounces, and is eigthteen inches long.

Isn't he cute? Sandra and Caleb are doing very well. We are extremely grateful for this newest addition to our family. His full name is Caleb Ernest Chan. Can't wait to get him home!

Christmas Day

We had such a great time with our family on Christmas Eve. On Christmas Day, Chuk woke me up early wanting me to check out my stocking. Here we are grandparents and wanting to surprise each other still! I received a very special gift from him and will show each of you when I see you next!

Bryan and Claire, you should have seen all the guys working to make your gift spin. Ernest finally got it to whistle and wow, it was fun to see them go! Sandra and Ernest, Evy, Christian, and Grandma Shui were all here ;ast night, as well as Jeannie, Charlie, Jocelyn, Reagan, and Ivy. We all ate too much but enjoyed every minute together. Today we all just rested up at home. We spent the afternoon and evening at Sandra's watching movies, cracking jokes, and playing games.

Here are pictures of a pop-up book that Charlie and Jeannie gave me. It is so intricate and beautiful...these pictures do not give the pages justice but I so love this book!

Christmas Eve

Our Nativity reading with the grandkids.

Here is the drawing I gave Jeannie for Christmas. It is titled "A Mother's Love."

It's Beginning to Look alot Like.....

Christmas! Everywhere we go...in our house, there are christmas trees; little ones, big ones,, and snowmen, mixed among all our candles and Nativity scenes. We really love Christmas time! The sights, the smells and the music! We use our Christmas drinking glasses all year long to remind us that the gift of Christmas, His Son, is with us all year long!

We are drinking hot chocolate every night and watching all the old Christmas movies, crying with Bob Cratchet and Tiny Tim, watching Clarence earn his wings, and remembering that in spite of all our challenges, we too have a wonderful life........all this nostalgia will lead us to Christmas Eve where we will gather with our family to share a family meal and then share in a spiritual feast; dressing up the grandkids and each other to present a Christmas pageant that will rival anything at Jones Hall, sharing our feelings about Christ and each other, and then choosing the gift we will give Him this coming year, privately, individually...........it is a moment that centers us on our Savior and our gratitude for Him.

Christmas day will find us all relaxing and enjoying the company of friends and family and silently pondering the great blessings that are ours. And in spite of all that swirls around us in the world, we are reminded that He is in charge, guiding us, loving us, keeping us, succoring us. Christmas has become for us a day of rejoicing and gratitude for the life and the light that He has given us.
Above all things this year we desire all our friends and family to have peace in their hearts! Merry Christmas and God Bless Us Everyone!!!!