Sweater Swap

After checking out clothing ideas on www.etsy.com, where clothing and other items are 'upcycled' and reused, I decided to try my hand at altering 2 old sweaters that I was going to donate to a thrift store.

Interestingly enough, I'd bought both sweaters from Savers, a thrift store.

I bought the red one 2 years ago to go with my red boots. The black one was bought only for the cuffs. I'm weird that way. I never wore the black sweater and after putting it off for a while, I grabbed the scissors and went to work.

First I removed the parts of the black sweater that I wanted.

Then I cut the red sweater just below the bust line where I planned to insert the ribbing of the black sweater.

Next I sewed seams along the cut edges to prevent the yarn from running.

Then I sewed the black ribbing and the top part of the red sweater together.

After ironing the seams open, I sewed a seam on both sides (red & black) for 2 reasons: (1) to keep the seams open and (2) as a decorative edge.

I got to work on adding the cuffs and then had to take in the side seams by an inch each side because the black ribbing was wider than the red part of the sweater.

The final result. After 15 photos where I had to set the camera on timer and get into the right place against the wall, I forgot to adjust the sweater so it looks crumpled below the black ribbing. I just forgot to pull it down after running between the camera and the wall. If I had to do it again, I'd place the black ribbing lower than where it is but as my first attempt, I'm quite chuffed with the result.

Turkey Day - Final Day

On our final morning in Pagosa, I went with Warren and the boys for a walk in the canyon and wow, was it COLD! I thought I was overdressed with long johns but I was glad 10 minutes into the walk that Warren had convinced me to wear them!

The Shuldas' home backs onto the canyon and its quiet and so picturesque.

The boys love to hike and go on walks and they love the forest and canyon especially because they find sticks and stones to bring home with them. Our car is usually littered with them (mainly by Cullen) but somehow we manage to 'lose' most of them once we're home.

We walked across small frozen streams and of course the boys wanted to stand in the streams to find out if their weight could hold on the ice. I have visions of taking off my jacket to dry them and keep them warm after slipping and falling in and although I love my children, I love being warm more so they stepped on that ice at their own risk!

There are a few houses that back onto the canyon and this is one I really like. It has a hot tub off the back patio which would be amazing on a cold snowy night when the stars are visible and there is nothing out there but trees, the occasional animal and God!

Did I mention that it was cold? This is the snow being cold!

Cullen is convinced that this spoor was from coyote. That child can spot anything. He has a keen eye for nature and animals and sees things before any of us. He has a very kind and soft heart for God's creatures.

This is my favorite dog. Sorry Zulu but lets be honest here. Hershey is sturdy, friendly, sweet, quiet, protective and did I mention sweet? She also bows to me each morning when she gets up. OK, she bows (i.e.: stretches) to anyone who is in her personal space when she gets up in the morning but I like to think she does that just for me. She's one of the best dogs I've ever had the pleasure of befriending and she's rewarded well with scratches and loving words from me whenever I see her.

Hersh is definitely a farm dog where as Zulu is a city dog. Zulu's back legs are skinny and she walks as though she has something up her butt. Hershey's legs are like a cowboys and she walks like one too. Zulu looks like a runway model next to Hershey. Hersh is strong and sturdy and so we call her "the country girl" and Zulu is "the city girl" and since I've always wanted to be a country girl myself, I prefer Hersh over Zulu. She's also less needy and man, if one thing bugs me the most about people or animals, its when they are needy. (God didn't give me enough of the 'mercy' gene when He created me.) Zulu is needy. Hersh isn't. I prefer Hersh!

Jordan and Brayden have been friends ever since they first met. They are 1 year apart (Brayden being older) and get along well. Out of the 2, Brayden is the most gracious and giving & Jordan can learn a few things from his friend! Brayden & Jordan call each other 'brother' and say "we are brothers in Christ" which is actually true but its cute coming from a 10 and 11 year old. I doubt they know what that truly means but since these 2 are church kids, they'll pick up a lot of church lingo before they fully understand most of it.

Turkey Day - Food & Games

We woke up to a chilly but sunny Turkey Day. Warren took Zulu and the boys for an early morning walk while I enjoyed a few moments to myself in the FROG (Finished Room Over Garage). Zulu loves being out in the open instead of behind a fence but she gets really 'antsy' when she can't follow us inside the house. She's a house dog but the Shuldas have trained Hershey to be an outdoor dog and Zulu's spoilt nose was severely out of joint for most of the weekend. The Shuldas patio door still has the dried snot from Zulu's nose being pressed up against it.

Thanksgiving at the Shuldas always include 2 dishes:

1. Pilsbury homemade rolls

2. Homemade cranberry relish (with Applejack liqueur)

Thanksgiving meal wouldn't be the same without these 2 side dishes.

The turkey was carved by Todd and although slightly burnt on the edges this year, it was moist and soaked in herb butter and was delicious!

Did I mention that I love these 2 people? Well, I do!

With this couple there are no airs and graces, no expectations, I can be honest and be myself without fearing for the future of my relationship with them. Don't get me wrong, if I need to be put in my place, these 2 people will do it and I'm SO grateful for that. PS: I love Todd most when he makes a fire for me in the living room!

Did I mention that I love this family? Well, I do!

I've adopted Leana's Dad (next to her) and her daughter Jordyn (next to Todd) as my own. Somewhere in the Bible Jesus said we must share so Leana has to share!

They are our 2nd family and have included us in their Thanksgiving weekend for the past few years.

The Thanksgiving meal is always followed with a game of sorts and this year it was Apples to Apples. A fun game for the whole family and they even have a 'junior' version now which I plan to get for our family so we can incorporate it into our game night each week.

Did I mention that I love this person. Well, I do!

Every year I make 'melktert' and I make the Americans say it until they say it correctly. Its funny to hear but they love my milktart and they love me too (especially when I bring my milktart)!