ACCOUNTABILITY FOR 2008

Last year my theme was to Edit, Simplify and Enjoy my life and as I reviewed the goals I set I am inclined to think I did a rather good job. My main objective was to reduce the excess in my life and get down to what is really important. Although the year passed incredibly fast there was a slower pace for us and a greater sense of calm. I believe the biggest factor in this change was that I quit shopping as a hobby! There was so much more time for more meaningful activities. This one change also reduced the stuff and simplified the daily. Getting dressed is easier, putting things way is easier, I feel easier and it was easier on my bank account! I will definitely continue on this new path in 2009.

As a result of spending less time shopping I had more time to read. Two of my favorites this year were biographies on Elizabeth I. I also read a couple of books just for entertainment-- something I haven't done in years.

I didn't exactly sew and finish one item a month but the french jacket qualifies for several months of sewing.However I did make two skirts which I love, both from Paris fabric. The first is a basic black wool with a flounce. The second, my favorite one is made in wool animal print in browns and green but what makes it special is that the other side of the fabric is a plaid. This design with the back pleats allows me to showcase both fabrics. I loved wearing it and was stopped more than once and asked about it. I also made Grace a few things.

As for my french, well I totally dropped the ball on that one. But I have enrolled in a Russian for Travelers class this spring. And since I am going to Russia in May this makes more sense. I do want to learn French but if I am not going to use it, it doesn't seem like a good use of my most precious resource- TIME.

Grace's dollhouse did get finished but not as I had intended. It just wasn't happening and I didn't have the skills or tools to do it like I wanted. So when my cousin, Jane, offered for the second time to give me the house she made several years ago and all the furniture, I gladly said yes. We did a remodel job, new floors, wallpaper and a fresh coat of paint and Grace now has her dollhouse! This change of plans showed me another area where I have grown. I accepted the fact that there was a better way to do something than my first plan.

And I'll just admit that I didn't have a daily devotional time everyday but never the less I did grow spritually. I believe one of the main reasons was our new pastor, Ben Pilgren. His lessons have been on the very things I have been struggling with the last couple of years. And I also think that because I have more time my mind has been able to focus on more spiritual matters.


Overall I count the year a success and hope that 2009 will be equally as fulfilling.

A New Generation of Hunters

On the last day of the season we went to the farm, rode the 4 wheelers and climbed the deer stands. On the way home we stopped by the processing center to pick up Jim's deer. Someone had just come in with the deer they had shot and it was in the back of their pickup. Grace was very curious and wanted to get a closer look. She said it was, "disgusting" but that it would not stop her from eating deer! Later she announced that she was going hunting next year. While we are at the farm we shot a pumpkin a couple of times so we could show her the power of a gun and what happens when something is shot. We want her to have a healthy respect and understanding of guns in hopes that she would never pick up a gun without supervision.

A Successful Hunt

For two years Jim did not get a deer but this year he got a 9 point buck within 10 minutes of getting in his stand. We always enjoy our vinison and this year I am determined to make some new recipes with cuts that we generally give away. It will be in keeping with our goal of eating foods that are organic and natural.

Upon Seeing Her Dollhouse

Grace and Brother (Aaron)

OKAY, OKAY!

On December 1st my sister Catherine posted a comment on my blog that simply said, "POST TO YOUR BLOG!" Actually I think that is screaming. So here I go trying to catch up on the past 2 months but don't worry I won't try to fill in every detail-- I've forgotten.

THE JACKET is still not finished but oh so close. I have to sew on 3 pockets and fix one sleeve. Belive me when it is finished I will post it! It has been a labor intensive project - I quit counting at 120 hours- but worth the time and engery I have invested. I will make another one someday, not because I need another one, but being the perfectionist that I am, I want to do the work again and improve on the finished product.

November 14th Grace spent the night while Jim was deer hunting. We went to the mall then came home and made chocolate pancakes and painted pictures for Santa and Mrs Claus. And we decorated the "All About Me Princess Tree. The next day she went with me to our RV Club Christmas party and guess who was there! Santa and Mrs. Claus! She was so excited, she said, "I've never met Mrs. Claus before!"

Thanksgiving was spent with the Arkansas family at Phyllis and Randall's. We stayed for two nights and had a great visit with all. When we got home it was full speed ahead for Christmas. Even though we have intentionally downsized Christmas activities it was a very busy season. The difference is we are really focusing on the special things and really close friends and family. More about the holidays later.

The year is almost over and of course that means it is a time of reflection as well as a time to look forward. I am reviewing the goals I set for this year and trying to evaluate myself. And I'm thinking about the things I want to acomplish in '09. I am interested in what you consider to be important. Let me hear your feedback.

Days 4, 5, 6 and Beyond!

We were now ready to sew the main seams of the jacket by stitching on the basting threads. These large rectangular chunks of fabric looked nothing like a jacket and I could not imagine how a good fit could ever be established with 4 inches of excess fabric in every seam. But leave it to Susan and it was done. After the fitting we began the very tedious job of trimming the excess seam allowances and folding and pressing the lining seam allowances. All the lining seams are done by hand with a fell stitch And then came the sleeves. Oh my gosh, the sleeves. Set by hand and beautiful but definitely labor intensive.

At this point the class was over but the jacket not yet finished. Once at home I decided my sleeves were too tight so I took them out and remade them --twice. As soon as my trim comes I will apply them, yes them, I am using three different trims. (And yes of course they are applied by hand.) Then all I have to do is make 4pockets, sew on 10 buttons and sew in the chain at the hem and I'm done! Yes done,
D O N E! I now have 100 hours of time invested in this project. Should this jacket be the death of me I will wear it finished or not as I lie in my casket.