I think I can say that I am well rounded

First- My girly, homemaking side-Homemade Jam

On Thursday I went to my friend Wendi's house with Kelliann. We learned how to make fresh homemade, Jersey Peach style, jam. It is delicious. I have always wanted to learn how to make homemad jam and how to can it. I was first introduced to it my sophomore year at BYU. My roomate's Mom sent her strawberry jam that she made. I usually don't like jam but once I tried the homemade kind, it was love at first sight. Ever since then, I have always wanted to learn. Almost 10 years later and here I am. It was too difficult. I am so grateful that Wendi taught us. I can't wait to learn more from her. Yay!

Second- My manly, testerone enhanced side-Shooting with the boys

I have always wanted to go shooting with my Dad since I was 14. He has collected some pretty cool guns throughout the years. This one took about 14 years until we finally went shooting. Longer than the jam one. Jeeze Louize. I guess I had to bring a son-in-law into the picture in order for it to work. We shot Nick's SKS and my Dad's M16. My arm is definitely a bit sore. I didn't do too good in the beginning but once I got the hang of it I was a good shot. I can't wait to do it again. Hopefully I won't have to wait another 14 years.

Interior Decorating

Some friends have asked me to post some pics. of the inside of our house. I absolutely love decorating. It is definitely one of my favorite things to do. The best is when you get a good deal on something. Sometimes I don't and give in but it is all worth it. Nick and I love spending time at home so why not make it homey. Is that how you spell it??

Do you notice Maddie sneaking in the pictures. She's such a little model.

I'd have to say, that my favorite party of our house is our backyard. Does that count? I am obssessed with Jersey's trees. I can't wait for fall to set in!!

We finally have grass and a some foliage. I love that word.

Learning How to Sew and Loving it! My First Pillows!!

Here they are. I am so proud of myself. My friend, Megan, who is awesome, has been teaching me the ways of the sewing machine. I'll have to admit I was pretty bad in the beginning even though Megan said I was doing great. She is so nice. I love finding a new hobbie. It makes me so happy. I have been wanting to make pillows for a long time but just wasn't motivated enough. Now I have the time so I thought, why not. Sometimes I give up so easily if something doesn't turn out exactly the way I want it to so Nicholas counseled me through it and told me to stay strong and to not give up so I heeded his counsel. ;)

Here is a picture of my very first pillow. This one was tough. The button holes and the piping was pretty advanced for my capability. The buttons are a little crooked but that is what makes it homemade, right?

Here are some pictures of the pillows I did all by myself. GO MISSY! These pillows weren't half as hard to make and I think I may like them better. What do you think?

I am really excited to make more. I love finding vintage fabric with cute floral designs. My next big goal is to make a quilt. My friend Kelly McCaleb is my idol and I hope to make cute quilts like her's one day. I am going to follow your quilting directions Kelly so I may have a few questions if you don't mind.

The New Addition to our Family.

Her name is Opal. She is 6 months old and has beautiful colorings. I saw a picture of her on the Internet and had to go see her. No more kitties, I promise. They are so dang cute and funny though, especially when they are kittens. It's hard to say no to this face when you know she needs a loving home and we can give it to her. I wish I could say that it was a new baby that was the new addition to our family but this is second best.

She loves to race up the steps and slide across the floors. She pushes the other cats out of way when its time to eat. Thank goodness they all get along. Butters is very gentle with her but Maddie doesn't give her any slack. She full body slams her when she wants to. It is hilarious. I love how each cat has their own unique and quirky traits. Maddie loves to look at herself in the mirror and now Opal is starting to do it. She looks up to her big sister.

Maddie loves to sleep under the covers with us too which is nice in the winter time. We have our own personal electric blanket. Butters is obsessed with the garage and cries all the time to go out there. He always falls asleep on the lawn mower. It's because he's a man. :) Opal loves to suck on blankets. She will hang out with us for hours on the couch as long as she has her green blanket. They are so funny and that's why I love them. One more thing, Nick cleans the litter box so I don't have to worry about that nasty part. Thanks Nicholas!!

She is definitely bad when she wants to be. Our poor screen. She loves to try to catch some buggies. Yum.