Tyler's Graduation Layout

 

It's crazy to think that my second child just graduated from high school.  I remember many days desperately watching the clock for the anticipated arrival of "daddy" from work, so I could have a "mommy" break.  My two boys are grown.  How exciting for them and for us.

I chose to do this layout in blues and greens, because his favorite color is dark blue, and his high school colors are green, black and white.

I only used cardstock as my paper resource.  To create the printed backgrounds, I used shimmer mists and color sprays.  The tag/flag stamps are all from Close to My Heart.  The accent embellishment stamps are also from Close to My Heart.  The thread like stamp is from Stampin Up.  I embossed these thread circles as well as the "Bravo" sentiment.

On a side note, I used Adobe Spark to create his graduation announcement (left side).  I have the free version.  It is so fun to work with and produces professional results!

March Madness

I have been busy lately, however, not sure what I have to show for it. Bet you've never felt that way before! On Tuesday, Alayna and I got together to work on projects. I still haven't finished my card for our card club this month. My Emma just wouldn't let me.

On Thursday, I teach a young girl arts and crafts. We created some artist trading cards. They are really fun. If you've never heard of them, google "artist trading cards" or ATC's. There is even a kids group that is well moderated. It is a yahoo group. I made a few to send to my sister, JaNae, and her kids. Hopefully, I can get them in the mail soon.

We went to the Air Force Museum today at Hill Air Force Base. I must say that I was very done by the time we left 4 hours later! All the males who went had a GREAT time. I enjoyed myself, too, but I could have been done after an hour. NOW, if it had been a quilt museum or craft fair or..... you get the picture. Here are some pics of our adventure:

I did write jazz piece for one of my piano students. He REALLY likes it. I think it will be a great recital piece for him. I love to see the kids find something they enjoy. They work harder to play them AND it keeps them wanting to learn more.

Hobby wise, I have been working on genealogy, just finished making a delicious loaf of whole grain bread and a batch of rolls. They are SO good. Here's my original recipe:

Dari's Whole Grain Bread Recipe

(makes 2 loaves)

2 1/2 C. HOT tap water

2 T. olive oil

1/4 C. honey

2 heaping T. yeast

1 C. oats

1/2 C. sunflower seeds

1/2 C. vital wheat gluten

4 1/2 C. Whole White Wheat flour

Preheat oven to 350F.

In kitchen aid (or other mixer), place water, yeast, oil and honey. Mix together. Wait for about 5 minutes, then add oats, sunflower seeds, and gluten. Gradually add flour while mixer is on. Mix well for 5 minutes. Let rest for 10 minutes, then mix again for a few seconds. Take out of bowl and divide dough in half. I like to roll my dough out using a rolling pin. Then, I roll it up into a tight log and tuck the ends under. This reduces the risk of holes in the middle of the loaf. Place the rolled loaf into a greased bread pan. Cover with a HOT damp dish towel and let rise for 30 minutes. Bake for 25 minutes or until golden brown. Note: You can use half of the dough (1 loaf) for 1 dozen rolls. Simply divide it into 12 balls and place in a greased 10x10 in. pan. Follow same directions as the loaf. ENJOY!!

Emma Lynn Thacker!!

Emma joined our family the wee hours of Friday, June 19th. She weighed 6 lbs. 4 oz. and was 19 in . long. She and I are doing fine. We came home the next day. Tyler and Aaron love their baby sister. Here are a couple of pictures!