Visit to Cousins: Sandpoint, Idaho

Clayton and I went to Idaho last week to meet the baby cousins, Olivia and Drake. Grandma and Grandpa Hallock were visiting, too.









.We were lucky enough to see a moose cross the road and then feed in a pond. I may be able to put video on here , with any luck.

Zoo Trip

We went to the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo today. Clayton enjoyed it. He got to see his favorite: Elephants. By the end of our trip he was exhausted.

Playground fun

Clayton loves to play at our many playgrounds on base. What a happy kid!

Here are my latest creations

Yesterday, Clayton and I went thrift shopping. He needed another pair of shoes and I wanted to see if I could find an interesting method of displaying my cards at the craft shows. I ended up with a couple of baskets (which may be used for jewelry sets instead), a goofy laundry hanging device, and a suitcase. I also happened upon a bag of fabric scraps. I used some to make a Kufi (type) hat for Clayton. He looked so cute when I put mine on him I decided to form a pattern by examining my hat. I don't have it perfected yet, but it came out pretty well. I'm pleased. The black fabric is from a pair of Matt's old pants he thought he threw away.
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I recently finished a bunch of baby shoes. I like the sole because I used some left over home decorating fabric. On the back it's sort of rubbery and would be great for traction.









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Also, I never photographed a couple of my knot bags. The sun is not shining today, so all of these aren't the greatest in quality.

Tom Robbins in person!

Last night we went to a reading by none other than the amazing Tom Robbins , one of our favorite authors of all time. It was a long wait to get our books signed and we were even allowed to cut the line. Clayton was charming all of the 300 plus people and he was really good during Tom's talk. We tried to wear him out beforehand, but he was raring to go after the talk and while we were waiting to have the books signed. Matt thought he took a picture of me, but he doesn't know how to use the camera. I'm disappointed. I am in so few pictures as it is. I have to read my Cormac McCarthy book and then I'll read B is For Bear.

New Monster purses and backpacks

I was pretty busy last week with purses and I think I perfected a backpack design. I think Clayton will keep the blue one. It fits him perfectly. I'll photograph him later. Right now he's napping.

Low Fat Brownies

Yesterday I made brownies from a box. (I know- I should make home-made). I bought some flax seed flour to add to smoothies for better health. I used it in the mix INSTEAD of oil. Very strange, but you replace it with a 3 to 1 ratio. So, if the recipe calls for 1/2 cup or oil or butter you can put 1 1/2 cups of the flour. (according to the source on the bottom of this post, you should reduce the flour. Well, because we are high altitude I'm supposed to add 3 tablespoons. Next time I just won't add the flour.) They came out really good. With ice cream, even better.

Here's some more information about the use of flax seeds. http://www.ellies-whole-grains.com/eat-flax-seed.html

Monster Hood

Clayton loves taking a bath, but not posing for pictures. Here's a hooded towel I made for him out of three old towels, an old pair of baby socks and some acrylic eyes. It works really well.