Basket weaving

Here are a couple of photos of my first attempts at basket weaving. I attended the Aleut Culture Camp and learned the Attu style of basket weaving. This basket is tiny and it is tedious work. I have come to a great appreciation of my ancestors workmanship at this skill. It is amazing, the work that they had done, especially the weaving of mats-totally unbelievable. I started this basket a week ago and haven't had much time to work on it.
I had been busy with teaching a 2nd grade boys class at Vacation Bible School. There was an average of 700 kids each night in attendance! It was a sight to behold with high volume and activity levels!!! I had a class of 12 boys and it was such a great experience. I had 3 EXCELLENT helpers!!! I think the boys had a lot of fun. I must say that just before the VBS started I got a little scared, wondering what I was going to do with a bunch of 2nd grade boys but we all had a great time. The secret is being prepared with non stop activity. A lot of prayer went into it also, which I believe was the most important aspect of the successfulness of the week. I thank the Lord for blessing me with the helpers, students, and results.

Happy 4th of July

Happy 4th of July. My hubby and I and my brother spent the 4th of July together. We had a very nice breakfast at the Noisy Goose restaurant in Palmer then we went up to the Independence Mine up at Hatcher Pass. We hiked up to an alpine lake. I had not hiked in a long time and this hike up the side of the mountain wasn't too long. Actually, going up wasn't as bad as going down. I must admit though, that I was glad to get to the top but very apprehensive about going down. It was steep and we had to climb some huge rocks. I just got freaked out about the whole thing. After it was all said and done, I feel like I conquered this fear that I had.
After our hike we went into Wasilla to find a place to eat an early dinner. Well, we found a place that fit the bill and had a wonderful meal out on the deck where we watched the boats, jet skis, and people playing in the water. It was very enjoyable. The most fun thing though, was the snow machine that we heard heading to the water on the gravel boat ramp!!! It raced toward the water and flew over the top of the water for about 5 minutes as he successfully ran around and came aground with no problem.

Birthday celebration

My sister in law, Marlene, turned 5o (that's what the birth certificate says but we all think she looks 29) on the 3rd of July, so I got a "fireworks" party together! I had to put SOME black in the mix so I found these black silk flowers and leaves to decorate these sugar cookies.

start of quilt

I'm in the process of piecing together a quilt for my daughter and her husband. It's going to be their anniversary present this August. I think I will probably get it done.
Living in a condo and having no outside duties I will have the time to work on it. I will, of course, spent ample time outdoors. I have a couple of outdoor walks that I enjoy, mostly during the evening.

James III's First birthday party

The happy family, expecting a baby girl in October!!

One happy little guy--YEAH, he knows where his head is!!!

YUMMY!

Day at the Beach

What a beautiful day to be at the beach with the family. Jim wasn't feeling very well but good enough to pretend that he was a javelin thrower. :) Julie is looking pregnant, 4 more months to go. Drew did all the cooking-yummy chicken kabobs and corn on the cob!