Family is Everything!

Two more to scratch off the list.

Whew.

Now ere you fret and think I am an overachiever, this first quilt was my "assignment" quilt.  Last Fall, in a moment of weakness, I joined a quilt guild.  And if that wasn't enough, at the guild I signed up to participate in the "block of the month" quilt.  "Hey," thought I, "I can do a block a month to go into a lovely quilt at the end of the season!"  And so I did.  This baby took close to ten months to complete.

   
 
   

Next -- this project, fondly called "the stack 'n whack" quilt, was done because my darling and dear friends (better known as "the posse") signed me up for a class without my knowledge.  The class was about a month ago, and I finally finished my homework. (You should only take classes that have a project that can be completed during the class!)  Note: every pinwheel is made from the same fabric as the large border.  Cool, huh!! 

Next up -- transferring the "stuff" from three different video cameras and old family videos onto DVD. This project may take professional help and intervention!  

 
   
  

Recent Sightings

It's Official!

Dustin is the newest member of the Hicken clan to hold an official Utah driver's license! And with a PERFECT score! That "0" means NO errors!

This I know ...

 

On Thursday I completed my ??? reading of the Book of Mormon.  I really have no clue as to how many times I've read the Book of Mormon.  I remember the first time I finished reading it all by myself.  I was sixteen years old and working part-time at a bank in downtown Las Vegas.  I was at my desk, which was in a separate area and private, and my work was done, so I pulled out my Book of Mormon and read the very last chapter of Moroni.  At that time, over 31 years ago, and again four days ago, I felt that sweet assurance that the words I had read were true!  And yes, I felt the burning in my bosom that Moroni describes.  This time, however, I felt a more mature assurance.  I would wager it is because I am more mature than I was all those years ago!  And I've had more life experience, including experience with the scriptures.  As I read about those final wars at the Hill Cumorah, my heart was full.  I could actually visualize that place where Mormon and his people took their last breath.  I could feel that ground under my feet because I walked those hills daily for over two weeks.  I could feel my heart race with exertion as those warriors raced up the steep side of that Hill.  Because I had the opportunity to spend time there last summer my reading this year became more meaningful.  In past readings I've always focused on Moroni's words in verses 3-5 of chapter 10.  This time, as I read Moroni's words in verse 27 of chapter 10, "for ye shall see me at the bar of God" I felt a thrill and warmth and peace that surprised me!  I so look forward to that day when I get to see Moroni at the bar of God and thank him for preserving the record that it is now my privilege to read and study!  The only greater joy will be to see the Savior himself!  My heart is full with a sure knowledge of these truths!  As I read and pondered upon these things, my hand involuntarily came to my heart as I felt that sweet spirit and swelling yet again.  It is true!  My knowledge is sure.  The foundation upon which I have built this knowledge is firm.  Firm.  And to my children I say, "Never, never doubt that your mother knows it!"

Summer Silence

Nicole and Talon moved into their own apartment.

Chelsea is up at Laurel Training Camp as a leader.

Melanie is up at Laurel Training Camp as a camper.

Dustin is at BYU tennis camp.

Greg is at work.

Brigham is at work.

Chase is still in Costa Rica serving the Lord :)

Barkley is sleeping nearby.

The washing machine is silent.

The dryer is silent.

The dishwasher is silent.

All the kids in the neighborhood must be somewhere as well.  

I think I'll just sit here for a minute and enjoy the --- silence!

One of these things is not like the other ...

One of these things just doesn't belong.

Can you tell me which thing is not like the other?

Before I finish my song ......

 

Since Christmas this life-sized face of our beloved missionary has been showing up in some strange places. Thus far he has been seen in the pantry. Behind the door in the boy's bathroom. Inside the girl's shower. In the cold storage room. Inside mom's laptop. On the parent's toilet lid. In various vehicles. In luggage. In Melanie's violin case at Girls' State. On Dustin's mirror. Ummm, and probably some other places I can't remember.

We have enjoyed these random "sightings" of our Chase. They never fail to bring a smile and a chuckle! Before we know it (approximately 3 1/2 months) we will be sighting him in person! 
 

Melanie is ...

a Girls' State Girl!  From Herbert City.  And now a graduate of Utah Girls' State!  

Melanie had the great opportunity to attend Utah Girls' State down at Southern Utah University in Cedar City. It was a great experience and she learned a lot, but has since decided she will not be going into politics. I think, however, she could convince pretty much all of her constituents to do whatever she wanted by simply smiling at them :)

 

Sixteen!

Yup, you heard me right -- sixteen -- SIXTEEN!!

My sweet baby boy is .... SIXTEEN!!

Luckily I gave birth to him when I was, ahem, fourteen? :)

Love this boy!

Citizens of Logan - beware!  Driving licensing will occur on Wednesday morning. So when you see a white 1994 Subaru Loyale with this license plate cruising the streets -- watch out!

 

 

Birthday strawberry-rhubarb pie made lovingly by sister Chelsea.  Yes.  It was delicious!
 

Project Update

I decided I should update and organize my projects list.  Bad idea.  I separated out into single list items those that were double and tripled up, i.e. RS unfinished projects, which was listed as only one item, but in fact was four!  So after the sorting and reorganizing of the list, as of today I have twenty-nine projects left to complete -- TWENTY-NINE! --And-- guess how many weeks there are left in 2010?  TWENTY-NINE! 

No time for blogging, or laundry, or cooking, or cleaning. I have projects to finish!

**Here are the four now COMPLETED Relief Society projects that were hiding in my cupboard**

 
 
 
 
  

At last ...

My perfect temperature hits Logan!  Ahhhhh!