.Creating the Life I Love.

April 5, 2013

.whitworth!.

Tara and Janelle came over on Sunday night so they could attend a Why Whitworth day on Monday. Mom & I went to Spokane with them.

I love getting to be on campus! There are a bunch of new buildings, but the essence of Whitworth is still the same. I love it!

Janelle enjoyed Whitworth – she said it’s in her top 4!

How fun it would be if the Whitworth tradition continued in our family!

.wyatt reaugh johnson.

Baby Johnson decided to make his arrival yesterday! Kamryn got to hang out with my Mom & I while we waited to hear that he finally was here.

We sewed a bag for Kate…Kamryn is a good helper! She sat on my desk and helped count the pins and put them back in the cup. When I sewed around the three sides of one side of the bag, she told me, “Good job Marcie! I’m proud of you!”

My cousin Lisa was in town with her girls, Frances & Louise. We went to Mei Lings with them for lunch and then back to my Grandma’s.

We took some toys to play with – they had fun together! Kamryn had so much fun, she passed out on the floor in the middle of the living room! I was amazed – amongst all the chatting and noise, she could sleep!

About 30 minutes after she woke up, we got a text that Wyatt Reaugh Johnson had arrived! We quickly changed her clothes into her “I’m a Big Sister” shirt and headed to the Tri-Cities!

He is here – and so perfect!

Wyatt Reaugh Johnson
April 4, 2013…3:30pm
8lbs 4oz, 20 inches

Kamryn had a great reaction when she went into the room – she had us all in tears!

We all took turns holding him – such a sweet baby! He was so calm…just taking it all in!

Kamryn showered him with kisses!

While we were at the hospital, a rain storm went through the Columbia Basin and left this beautiful double rainbow! So perfect!

Wyatt – I’m so happy you finally decided to come meet us! You are absolutely precious! You are blessed to have a wonderful family. We all cannot wait to watch you grow and learn!

April 1, 2013

.april fools.

I’m not a big April Fools prankster…but I got Kate today!

I felt so bad even sending the April Fools text…it was so mean! She’s a good sport though!

Then, a few hours later, Beth got me back!

I had a moment of panic until my Mom said – Marcie! It’s April Fools!

oh. right. :)

March 31, 2013

.be the good.

Kate gave me this sign for Christmas…which I LOVE! I finally got it hung in my office this week – thanks to Jennifer, Grayson, & Tim!

It’s a nice change from the old barn window I have had in that spot since I moved into my office 7 years ago.

The other thing I think is pretty cool about it is that a distant cousin of mine (Sackmann side) made it!

Hopefully it’s inspiring to the students that come into my office each day!

.march bom.

Here’s the March BOM, which barely made it in March! I have been busy making these

for Melissa’s wedding, so my BOM was put on the back burner. I finally had time yesterday. This one looks complicated, but it’s not too hard. I love the colors!

I had a good day in the craft room yesterday – a great way to kick off Spring Break!

I made this changing pad and matching burp rags for Baby J…now that those are done, he’s welcome to make his arrival anytime! :)

Also, I’ve had this fabric cut out and on my counter since September when Janelle asked me to make her a bag for her birthday. I got freaked out by the pleats and set it aside…until Tara messaged the other day and said they were coming to our house. I decided I’d better hurry up and get the bag done!

This was a complicated pattern – definitely a one and done pattern. Not happening again! Take a look folks…this is the only time you’ll see this pattern on my blog!

It has lots of pockets and is big enough for a notebook to go inside, per Janelle’s request! It’s the Sunday Sling pattern by Amy Butler.

So – three things checked off my list yesterday! I’d call that a success!

March 28, 2013

.chex crack.

Jessica made this deliciousness for our girls night last week – and I knew it would be perfect to take to Student Led Cnferences this week. It is so good – dangerously good! I made a double batch and the two bowls I brought to school were licked clean!

Ingredients

8 cups Chocolate Chex® cereal
3/4 cup packed brown sugar
6 tablespoons butter or margarine
3 tablespoons light corn syrup
1/4 teaspoon baking soda
1 cup Reese's Peanut Butter Cups, MINI size
1 cup MINIATURE marshmallows
1/2 cup caramel bits (found by the chocolate chips in the baking aisle -- or chop up regular caramels)
1 Tbsp heavy cream
1/2 cup MILK chocolate baking chips (or more if you're a huge chocolate fan)
1/2 cup vanilla (white) chocolate baking chips
1 tsp coarse sea salt

Directions

Into large microwavable bowl, measure cereal; set aside. Line cookie sheet with waxed paper or foil.
In 2-cup microwavable measuring cup, microwave brown sugar, butter and corn syrup uncovered on High 1 to 2 minutes, stirring after 1 minute, until melted and smooth. Stir in baking soda until dissolved. Pour caramel mixture over cereal, stirring until evenly coated. Microwave on High 3 minutes, stirring every minute. Spread on cookie sheet. Cool 10 minutes. Break into bite-sized pieces.
Make sure Chex mixture is cool to the touch (so candy doesn't melt.) Evenly sprinkle mini peanut butter cups candy and miniature marshmallows over Chex mixture.
In small microwavable bowl, microwave caramel baking bits and cream uncovered on High about 1 minute or until chips can be stirred smooth. Use a spoon or fork to drizzle over snack. Microwave the milk chocolate baking chips next, starting with 20-seconds and stirring, then at 20 second intervals until the mixture is completely smooth (microwave temps vary, so watch the chocolate and stir frequently until it's of drizzling consistency). Drizzle over the snack mixture. Then microwave the vanilla (white) baking chips in 20-second intervals, stirring until smooth, and drizzle that over the snack mixture. (Note: The vanilla and milk chocolate chips should not need cream added.) Quickly sprinkle coarse salt over all while candy drizzles are still wet.
Refrigerate until set. Break apart and store in tightly covered container. Perfect for gift giving!

March 24, 2013

.brenna beth.

Little Miss Brenna Beth Wieseler was born on February 7th – isn’t she precious?!

The weekend before she was born, her momma and I along with 30 of our closest friends were at the Craft Retreat! I pieced this quilt on Friday night at the retreat, right under Amy’s nose. She had no idea that it was for the baby!

I finally got it quilted and bound about a month later…just in time for my first time meeting Brenna!

This fabric is a favorite of Amy’s and mine – such cute little farm animals and red polka dots. Who doesn’t love red polka dots?!

March 17, 2013

.miss connell.

Miss Connell was last night…formally known as Distinguished Young Women…formally formally known as Junior Miss! It is still really hard for me to go to Junior Miss after the traumatic end to the Koch era of Junior Miss. I like to go to support my students – they amaze me and make me so proud!

This year, Mom & I went to dinner at Michael Jay’s with Kate & Karen before the program. It’s always great to spend time with them – but even better to enjoy time with them to take my mind off of things! Love that Kate!

Sommer is the outgoing Junior Miss. She is a rockstar and inspires me everyday with her hard work ethic, pushing herself to go the extra mile, and for getting great grades while applying for a million scholarships while being a part time farm hand. That girl can do work! Then she can turn around and be a beautiful Junior Miss!