Las Vegas

I spent a few days in Las Vegas to start off Winter Break.  It was my first time to Vegas and I enjoyed it.  A little busy with some interesting characters, but a fun trip nonetheless. 

The purpose of the trip was to go to the NFR.  Going to the NFR was the perfect end to the rodeo season, especially, since we spent a lot of time at rodeos with Erin over the summer.  It was fun to see the cowboys and cowgirls finish up their seasons.  The trip was also the perfect start to Christmas break.  It was great to finish up school and get a way for a bit.

Welcomed upon getting off the plane.

Excalibur Hotel and Casino at night.

Rodeo time!

The NFR contestants during the opening ceremony.

 

This momma polar bear at the Bellagio was made of 10,000 carnations!  The lighted fountain shows were also pretty outside the Bellagio.

View of the new bridge from Hoover Dam.  It looked cool from the helicopter, even though, the ride was scary!

We went to the Las Vegas Motor Speedway and drove around their lighted displays.

 

We all enjoyed the trip and the rodeo.  We enjoyed it so much that we hope to go again next year!  

 

 

Christmas Quilts

Last year I did a post about all the little Christmas projects I accomplished.  This year the list of projects is a little shorter as I attempted one big project that I have dreamed about doing for some time...Christmas quilting!

Originally, I was going to make one big Christmas quilt.  However, it turned into two, which I really believe to be better.

So here is how one quilt turned into two:

I went to the fabric store at the end of September and bought some of my favorite Christmas prints.  I got started on the quilt and as I laid out the blocks I became really unhappy with the look of it all.  After some thought and almost jumping ship, the great idea of making two quilts instead of one struck me.  I loved the idea because it meant I could keep a quilt and give the other to someone else. 

The lucky and very special recipient of the quilt I made to give was Rachel.  You may recognize Rachel from other posts and pictures.  I decided I wanted her to have the quilt because she is so crafty and thrifty.  She inspires me in my projects.  I just knew she would love her quilt and enjoy it forever.  I'm still also very timid about my quilt work and am afraid it may not be perfect.  I, however, knew that Rachel would appreciate my effort and be impressed regardless. 

Take a look at how cute Rachel is with her quilt in her house. 

 

 

Thanks for sending the pictures Rachel!

 

My quilt is the same pattern as Rachel's but with black Christmas prints and the same green.  Both quilts are really cute, but my one and only picture is not where near as cute as all of Rachel's!

 

 

Merry Christmas!

 

 



Since I Haven't Blogged in a While

Since I haven't blogged in a while, I'll just post some pictures so everyone can see what I've been up to.  Since school has started (that's right I'm in school again), I have been going to class, studying, riding Daisy, and quilting.  Every once in a while I throw a little something extra into my day, but school consumes my time and the commute just takes away even more time from each day.

So as many of you know Buzz is a big helper.  He spends a lot of time with me in my room while I study.  Sometimes he does the computer work while I read on my bed.  So glad I have the help of a cat to tag team my school work.

 

I'm taking two classes at Big Bend.  Anatomy and Physiology and a Nursing class.  A and P takes the most work and time.  I spend most my time studying bones, articulations, cellular respiration, nerve structure, muscle, connective tissue, etc.  It's cool stuff but it's a large quantity of information to learn.

 

A few weeks back on October first I post this picture on Facebook.  Well today I can say that I have two Christmas quilt tops done and ready for the long arm.  Fifty blocks later.  Take a look!

 

This is the green with black Christmas prints.  I think I will be keeping this one and giving the green and red one away.  Any takers?

Like I previously mentioned Buzz is a big helper.  If he and I aren't studying, we are quilting. 

 

My mom got me to start this little turkey wall hanging project over the weekend.  So far I only have the pieces cut and laid out.  When she and I both have ours done, I'll post a picture of both of them.  They are pretty darn cute so far.  We are excited for this project as we are going to be trying some techniques and stitches we haven't yet tried.

October wouldn't be October without a little pumpkin carving!  This is how I finished this weekend (besides blogging).  This is suppose to an owl.  I see the owl then I don't.  So I understand if you don't see the owl.  Sure is hard to believe that Halloween is Thursday.  That means this weekend starts Erin and I's birthday month and Thanksgiving and that just takes us to Christmas and rolls us into a new year.  Time is a flyin'!

 

Now that I have written this post I realized I sound more like I sew all day everyday, but I don't.  I wish I did, though.  I really do go to school everyday.  Sewing is just so much more fun!