Summer Reading Pillows

I made both Andy and Marcus pencil rolls. I made up the pattern myself and they turned out pretty good. (I hope to post pictures when I get 3 more made for my other kids.)

My major project was something I thought of after seeing a few different pillow ideas over the past couple years on Pinterest. (Of course.) I saw a small pillow with a book pocket. Then, I saw a pillow where the kids would write the books as they completed them. Then I saw HUGE floor pillows for slumber parties. Combine them all and you get my summer reading pillow project.

I let each child pick out 4 quilt squares ($1 each). I trimmed each one down to 15x15 inch squares. Then I bought 4 yards of a plain creamy color cotton ($1.99 a yard on sale). I had not planned on the book pocket, so found some fabric scraps and used those for the pockets. Each pillow took about 40 ounces of stuffing which was $11. So, each one cost me $17. (That is why it has taken me about 2 years to get the courage to do.) I think the pillows are each good indicators of favorites and personality. They can't wait for the summer to start writing on the back of their Summer Reading Pillows.

Luke loves his fall color pillow.

Pink, Pink, Pink!

Every fabric square Mo saw she would throw into the cart. I finally showed her 2 and let her pick between them after a few tries I think I figured out what she wanted. She loves bright colors and "pupple". The pillow is pretty much the size of her.

Marcus has always liked black and blue. This is very Marcus.

 Marcus was at Scout camp and I surprised him with his pillow when he got home. This is the whole group with their pillows.

 Andy's pillow also cost $17. Super Hero fabric is expensive. I really like it though.

They drag the pillows all over, slept with them last night and I don't think I have ever been so proud of a project. (Except the dress I made Anneke...it is a close tie.)

My recipe

I was asked to make a gluten free snack for a baby shower. I was happy to help. However, it makes me feel bad when no eats what I bring. I know I shouldn't let it get to me but I consider food a talent and it makes me question that. I made up this recipe and took pretty much all of it home. I had no powder sugar and so I had to kind of make something up with what I had. I took from a few different places and came up with Lonely Chex Mix. My family likes it though, so I must have trained them well.

Lonely Chex Mix
8 cups Corn Chex cereal
3/4 cups packed brown sugar
6 Tbs. butter (or margarine)
3 Tbs. light corn syrup
1/4 tsp baking soda
3/4 c. coconut
1/2 c. chocolate chips
1/2 c. white chocolate chips

In a large microwave safe bowl measure the cereal and set aside. Line a cookie sheet with foil.
Microwave brown sugar, butter and corn syrup on high 1-2 minutes. Stir after each minute. Stir in baking soda until dissolved. Pour mixture over cereal stirring until evenly coated. Microwave on high for 3 minutes, stirring after each minute. Spread on cookie sheet and cool for 10 minutes. 

Sprinkle coconut onto the cereal. Microwave the chocolate chips at 30 second intervals until melted then sprinkle over mix. Do the same with the white chocolate chips. Set in refrigerator to cool. Break apart and put into a bowl. Can stay stored in an airtight container. Best in the refrigerator, but not necessary.

If I was to do it over i would not include the white chocolate. I want to try this with almonds sprinkled on top with the coconut and maybe add some coconut extract into the brown sugar mix. Then it could be almond joy. Now, what to really name it?

Redundant

On a street near our house there is a traffic light. During the school year there are 2 crossing guards posted there in the morning and afternoon. At a traffic light?! I posted this on facebook and so many people said, "I am so glad they are there to keep the kids safe." 

Here are my thoughts:
Yes, I am, too. BUT, where are their parents? Why do they need this redundancy? Plus, the state has cut funding every year for the past 5 years to education, the school district and teachers. How is 2 crossing guards at a light still more important than the $100 each teachers pay check has been cut each month? 

If it is against the law for a child to be alone before the age of 9 at home, how is it okay for them to walk to school alone? How is it okay for the parents to leave for work and expect a child to get to school on their own? AND how is it the tax payers problem to pay for? Protecting the child is very important to me. I am so glad there are programs in place for latch key children, etc. But, when is it too much? We are enabling hands off parenting to an extreme that makes me angry. It takes a lot for a child to be taken away from unfit parents, yet there are so many I would just love to bundle up in my arms and love them because they aren't getting it elsewhere. How is this okay?

Get rid of the crossing guards at lights and start investigating the families of the first and kindergarten children walking to school on their own. I'll pay for that.

Some people say I am overprotective. Maybe I am, but I wouldn't have it any other way.

I think I am good now. Not sure how much sense I made, but I have let it out.

Musings

The job search is not going well. It is so disheartening and tiring. We spend hours a week searching, writing and applying. We have not had a single interview. We get excited about jobs and nothing comes of them. Right now there are 2 open that would be great but I don't want to tell people and get their hopes up. However, added prayers can't hurt.

When they announced the temple in Cedar City on Saturday I cried. I love hearing where the temples will be, but when it is so personal it really touches me. I remember living there and only being able to attend the temple in St. George about 4 times in the 5 years we were there. Getting a sitter to commit for 4+ hours was hard. Plus, the kids were so young. It will be a great blessing to that area, especially for Parawan, Beaver, etc.

I think my brain works better around children. That is probably why I do what I do and am good at it. When I am around adults I am pretty sure I say weird things that make no sense and have no context. I don't really have people that seek my company, so it makes working on my awkward social skills difficult. Last night was book club and I am pretty sure I just said stuff. I need to get out more.

Calling

I haven't written on this blog since my month hiatus was up. I have thought of several things to say, but am just not sure. I am more stingy with my time now. It is a good thing for me, but means I will post less on here.

I was released from the calling I love as the secretary in the young women organization. That means I will no longer be making personal progress folders. I have one more ready and will give it to a mother of 2 young women. The folder are pretty much the only things I have confidence in making, so I haven't sewn much. However, I tried making Andy a pencil roll today. We'll see what he things. I am going to attempt a scripture case for me now that I don't need my big bag anymore. Oh, my new calling is the Sunday School teacher for the 12 -13 year olds.

My friend is having a baby boy in a few weeks. The name she has chosen is Bruce Wayne. I want to make a crib mobile that is the bat mobile. I am trying to figure out the best way to go about it. Any suggestions? Her baby shower is Saturday. (I already got her Hiccupotamus and some Batman wall clings for the nursery. Plus, I bring over a pack of diapers each month.)