All Aboard!

Another successful Redondo 1st Ward Activity! We hosted a "Loveboat Cruise" for our activity last Saturday night. Preparations involved giant porthole painting and scanning hundreds of stock photos for 'old school' cruise photos for advertising. We had tasty appetizers of vegetable platter/ranch, hummus/pita and chip/salsa/guacamole. The food was "international," ranging from spicy enchaladas to cheesy lasagnas and creamy stroganoffs. Salads, warm fresh bread and punch were served as well. Our new Bishopric put together a great video to honor the previous Bishopric, we had a karaoke contest and limbo and there was also a Valentine decorating table. The soundtrack included The Banana Boat Song (think Beetlejuice 'Deo'), The Girl from Ipanema, Copa Cabana, Loveboat theme and more! If you are looking for a very fun activity, I highly recommend this. Resort attire required!!! (Check out my lovely "leisure suit" or is it a prison jumper? HA!)

Hollywood Glam!

Last Thursday night in the pouring rain, my friend, Melissa and I found our way up to Beverly Hills. We arrived at the *GORGEOUS* SLS Hotel on La Cienega. It was an event hosted by "Hostess with the Mostess." We had delicious hors 'd vours of fine cheese, delicate meats and crackers, fizzy drinks (non-alcoholic for us), and ended with a creamy white chocolate hot cocoa. We mingled, and photo booth-ed and listened to demos on party planning and drink mixing (not so useful for our kind!). We left with a posh black goodie bag in hand (with a beautiful raspberry OPI and a thick-bottomed votive holder). We visited the little girl's room on the way out (AHHHHH! It was completely walled with mirrors). We came out to rain and valet and a kind gentleman shielding us with an umbrella. It was such a lovely night. Thanks to Melissa for coming with me! She's up for almost anything!!!

Gentlemen, Start Your Engines!

The last week of January, we held our Cub Scout Pinewood Derby. It was a fantastic event, filled with fast cars and fabulous food. The boys all did a great job shaping and painting their cars. Quin made his a sharp shark mouth and sleek silver paint job. It wasn't the fastest in the group, but it did win best paint job! We served warm, buttery popcorn to all spectators and cotton candy to all "winners" at the end of the night. Thanks to all who helped make this derby the best in a long time!!

Create

In the past week we have been making a lot of "things." I thought I would share them with you. First, I knit a small bag for a good friend's daughter. She was getting baptized and I thought it would be something nice to tote her little necessities in. I knit the little bag and lined it with an adorable floral print. Added a button and a glittery lip gloss. Included a sweet sentimental card and viola!

Next, I made some delicious agua frescas for the party after the baptism. I made a watermelon lime and a strawberry cantaloupe. I made them with sparkling water and lots of crunchy ice. They turned out refreshing and fizzy and wonderful.


The beginning stages of our Pinewood Derby car. This is Quin, sawing the block of wood. Tim is brave to hold the car for him. Quin is making a shark/Lamborghini. The race is tomorrow and I will post some pictures of the finished car. A big thank you to Tim for helping Quin so much, but also for allowing him to do MOST of the work and design. You are a great teacher and a wonderful father.

And finally, the one you have all been waiting for! This is our new/old TV stand. We refinished this great old piece of Thomasville furniture. It took three weeks and about $400, varnish remover, stain and polyurethane, hours of sanding and Tim also converted a few of the drawers to be hinged and hold our electronic components. I love it. Thank you, Tim.


I'd love to read about what you are creating. I'd love to see some pictures. I'd love to be inspired. Have a great Wednesday and go find something wonderfully creative to do!

Coraline....Karalea

Just trying to creep you out. I can't wait for this movie. I love Nightmare Before Christmas and Corpse Bride and even the claymation of Wallace and Gromit. So it is right up my alley....just my cup of tea. The website for this movie is fantastic and fun and a little spooky. Check it out!Anyone brave enough to go with me? February 6th!!!