Morrill Hall Safari Clue.
08/12/08
Nebraska Wesleyan University. What a pretty campus!08/13/08
My new baby.08/14/08
Boys gone wild.08/15/08
08/16/08
08/17/08
One of my favorite spots in my craft room.
Sunday, August 17, 2008
Project 365
08/11/08
Morrill Hall Safari Clue.
08/12/08
Nebraska Wesleyan University. What a pretty campus!
08/13/08
My new baby.
08/14/08
Boys gone wild.
08/15/08
08/16/08
08/17/08
One of my favorite spots in my craft room.
Morrill Hall Safari Clue.
08/12/08
Nebraska Wesleyan University. What a pretty campus!08/13/08
My new baby.08/14/08
Boys gone wild.08/15/08
08/16/0808/17/08
One of my favorite spots in my craft room.
Saturday, August 16, 2008
Free Weekend
We are spending this last weekend before school starts in Hastings, NE. I won a free hotel stay during the autism walk and we are finally using it.
I'm writing this before we leave but it is scheduled to post while we are gone.
Here is what we are looking forward to the most...
Carl--ping pong table at the hotel. He even brought his paddles. We are serious about our ping pong.
Caleb--swimming and dinosaurs. We are going to a museum (dinos) and swim at the hotel.
Eva--swimming. She just wants to swim! She's my water baby.
Me--We're going to drive out to Gothenburg before we head back to Lincoln to see the town where my great, great grandparents lived and farmed. They have a pony express museum, a sod house museum, and I'm going to spend time at the historical museum to see if they can help me find the address of the farm. I should also go and check out Peckham Cemetery to see the gravestones. The geeky genealogist in me is super excited about all of this!
I'm writing this before we leave but it is scheduled to post while we are gone.
Here is what we are looking forward to the most...
Carl--ping pong table at the hotel. He even brought his paddles. We are serious about our ping pong.
Caleb--swimming and dinosaurs. We are going to a museum (dinos) and swim at the hotel.
Eva--swimming. She just wants to swim! She's my water baby.
Me--We're going to drive out to Gothenburg before we head back to Lincoln to see the town where my great, great grandparents lived and farmed. They have a pony express museum, a sod house museum, and I'm going to spend time at the historical museum to see if they can help me find the address of the farm. I should also go and check out Peckham Cemetery to see the gravestones. The geeky genealogist in me is super excited about all of this!
Friday, August 15, 2008
Etsy Craft Night
In an industrial building in Brooklyn just blocks from the Brooklyn Bridge, you will find the headquarters for Etsy. My love for Etsy is no secret so when I found out that Carl's conference was in Brooklyn, I knew I would have to search out their building and plan a visit. Who knew it would be a short two block walk from my hotel room? Another bonus? I'd be there for their weekly craft night!
Every Monday night they host a virtual craft night so even when I'm not there physically, I can still participate via their awesome virtual labs. In this picture, you can see Julie (sitting on the left) showing what she made to the chatters via a webcam.
At this craft night we were making stamps out of potatoes. It was led by Papismami (Dari). I was not very creative and after trying to make some cool shapes, I decided I was best off sticking with words. Did you like my "suck up" etsy potato stamp in the first picture? It actually turned out pretty awesome. It was kind of hard to do words since you have to carve them backwards. I also made one that said "hi". Gee. I'm soooooo creative. ;) I wish I had taken more pictures of what everyone else made but I was too busy having FUN!
Here's a shot of some of the people working.
Besides my running into Jonathan Adler on the street in Soho, the only other celebrity I met was Andrea. Sorry for the crazy pic of everyone. The whole time I was wondering who I knew that Andrea was reminding me of. Then, her commercial work was brought up. She's actually a super funny comedienne and gave me her web address to check out. I had actually seen some of her shorts via youtube in the past (Workout and Book Club). This one I saw after I came home. So funny!I wanted to get everyone's shop addresses to share but very few people there actually had etsy shops. Here are a few of the other people that were there.
Iheartmoustaches.
daniellexo. One of the Etsy Teams staff.
I wish I lived closer so I could go every Monday night. I'll just have to be content to watch via webcam and craft at home!
Thursday, August 14, 2008
More NYC
Here are some more of the pictures I took in NYC. I have one more blog post (Etsy craft night!) to write about my trip and then I can move on to the present and blog about important things like the State Fair and recycling. I know you can hardly wait.
The Brooklyn Museum of Art.
It was the first Saturday of the month so it was open late and free! We loved the Egypt exhibit.
Tour books and band aid wrappers.
Every evening I would come back to the hotel and plan my adventure for the next day.
Chrysler building. Gorgeous.
Broadway bound.
The show was really fun. I'm glad this was the one we chose to see.
This was a great way to spend an hour or two. It was a pleasant trip. Not too crowded. On the way back I sat inside, ate a pretzel, and watched all the people.
My mom kept telling me to be safe on my trip. I probably felt safer in NYC than I would walking in downtown Lincoln at night. There is something about safety in numbers. It was such a great trip. Next year the conference is in San Diego. I don't know if I'll go with him to that one. But, in two years it will be in Montreal and I will definitely go! I didn't get to do as much as I wanted to the last time we were there (2001? 2002?) so I'll be able to make up for it.
The Brooklyn Museum of Art.
It was the first Saturday of the month so it was open late and free! We loved the Egypt exhibit.Tour books and band aid wrappers.
Every evening I would come back to the hotel and plan my adventure for the next day.Chrysler building. Gorgeous.
Broadway bound.
The show was really fun. I'm glad this was the one we chose to see.
This was a great way to spend an hour or two. It was a pleasant trip. Not too crowded. On the way back I sat inside, ate a pretzel, and watched all the people. My mom kept telling me to be safe on my trip. I probably felt safer in NYC than I would walking in downtown Lincoln at night. There is something about safety in numbers. It was such a great trip. Next year the conference is in San Diego. I don't know if I'll go with him to that one. But, in two years it will be in Montreal and I will definitely go! I didn't get to do as much as I wanted to the last time we were there (2001? 2002?) so I'll be able to make up for it.
Wednesday, August 13, 2008
08-08-08
Even though I always have a year, one month and a day to prepare, I seem to always wait until the last minute to get things together for my annual party. This year I had a general idea of what I wanted to do but didn't finalize anything until the morning of the party. Despite my general lack of organization, I think it turned out well.
I'm starting to have to be a little more selective in my invites because there are just so many kids now! This year I limited myself to 12 families. If everyone showed up that would be between 50-60 people. We ended up with around 30.
Another thing I have to consider is the wide range of ages involved. With the party falling on the same date as the Olympic Opening Ceremonies I decided to go with that theme.
We had 8 events for everyone to participate in and I divided the gym into stations. That way, you could go at your own pace and the older kids could do it on their own.
This was one of the families playing Crazy 8's. Other games included: an Olympic Quiz, make your own flag, long jump, javelin, triathlon, farkle, and Dance Dance Revolution.
At each station I had a sign listing the event and the instructions. There was also a stamp and stamp pad so you stamp your paper that you had completed that event. When you completed your paper, you got a prize.
Three special people were awarded medals. Medals were awarded to: the first kid to finish, the javelin winner, and the long jump winner.
We had the medal ceremony (complete with Olympic music) after our parade of nations. All the kids (and some adults) got the flags they made and paraded across the stage while the rest of us cheered.
Speedy Jared. Notice one of the flags in the background? Some people were very creative.
Suzanne threw the javelin (a little football rocket) the farthest. She pretty much wiped out the competition.
Ryan (Suzanne's husband) was the long jump champion. There was some scandal involved because one person actually jumped a little farther but it took him 3 tries. That disqualified him so Ryan was the clear winner!
09-09-09 will be here before I know it! Any ideas for a theme? I've been kicking around the idea of making it an adults only gathering and making everyone dress up "to the nines". We could have fancy schmancy food and dancing. The bad news is that it is on a Wednesday night and that will be the youth activity night that year. I'm sure Carl will still be involved with that so we'd have to have the party start pretty late. On a school night. Hmm. Good thing I have some time to think about this.
I'm starting to have to be a little more selective in my invites because there are just so many kids now! This year I limited myself to 12 families. If everyone showed up that would be between 50-60 people. We ended up with around 30.
Another thing I have to consider is the wide range of ages involved. With the party falling on the same date as the Olympic Opening Ceremonies I decided to go with that theme.
We had 8 events for everyone to participate in and I divided the gym into stations. That way, you could go at your own pace and the older kids could do it on their own.
This was one of the families playing Crazy 8's. Other games included: an Olympic Quiz, make your own flag, long jump, javelin, triathlon, farkle, and Dance Dance Revolution. 
At each station I had a sign listing the event and the instructions. There was also a stamp and stamp pad so you stamp your paper that you had completed that event. When you completed your paper, you got a prize. Three special people were awarded medals. Medals were awarded to: the first kid to finish, the javelin winner, and the long jump winner.
We had the medal ceremony (complete with Olympic music) after our parade of nations. All the kids (and some adults) got the flags they made and paraded across the stage while the rest of us cheered.
Speedy Jared. Notice one of the flags in the background? Some people were very creative.
Suzanne threw the javelin (a little football rocket) the farthest. She pretty much wiped out the competition. 
Ryan (Suzanne's husband) was the long jump champion. There was some scandal involved because one person actually jumped a little farther but it took him 3 tries. That disqualified him so Ryan was the clear winner! 09-09-09 will be here before I know it! Any ideas for a theme? I've been kicking around the idea of making it an adults only gathering and making everyone dress up "to the nines". We could have fancy schmancy food and dancing. The bad news is that it is on a Wednesday night and that will be the youth activity night that year. I'm sure Carl will still be involved with that so we'd have to have the party start pretty late. On a school night. Hmm. Good thing I have some time to think about this.
Tuesday, August 12, 2008
My Adventures
Before I left on vacation I gave you, fair readers, an opportunity to choose my adventure. I had quite a good time trying to accomplish as many as I could. Here is my documentation.
Janet said... The only suggestion I can give is the Manhattan temple.
The temple is right off the subway stop for Lincoln Center and just a block or two away from Central Park and Tavern on the Green.
Gayla said...Here is my suggestion.
Wear you brightest pastel clothes , make up a sob story about losing your purse while jumping up and down outside Good Morning America and hit people up for busfare home.
Tiffany said... I already gave you my suggestions in person. I'll just say--you gotta do the Today Show and make a really cool sign. What were all those posters you made as a cheerleader for if not for this moment??
I'm more of a Today show kind of gal but there was no way I was hauling my cookies all that way when Matt Lauer wasn't going to be there. This is as close as I got (although we did walk by 30 Rock one afternoon).
Sorry, Tiffany! My picture with the sign I made for you didn't turn out. Just know that I did it just for you in the privacy of my hotel room.
Lauren said... Go to the TKTS booth in Times Square and get yourself a discount ticket to a matinee of a Broadway show!
The line was long but moved rather quickly. Carl and I got tickets to see the Sunday matinee show of Spamalot. I'm sad that Clay Aiken wasn't in it anymore. But, Stephen Collins (from 7th Heaven) and Drew Lachey (98 Degrees and Dancing With the Stars) were in it. Plus, a couple of actors I recognized from All My Children. We were in the 5th row and we had a great time!
kellie said... I vote for crushing people's heads. Hollie and I were crushing heads up in Winter Park, CO last week and it was awesome.
I'm crushing Carl's head while we were on the Brooklyn Promenade. I didn't do as much head crushing as I thought I might because I think I looked silly enough already.
Liz said... Knowng how much you like books AND like a good deal, hop on the train to Union Square and go to the STRAND bookstore (12th and Broadway).
I don't have a picture of myself at Strand, but I was there! I got a little overwhelmed and in the end just bought a few souvenirs (you got your wish, Liz) and Breaking Dawn (which I finished before we got back to Tulsa).
The Holdaway's said... I loved NYC when I was there in 2001. I think Lady Liberty is a must (I loved the skyline looking back from the island too, but that was 2 months before 9/11 :(. Now I would go to ground zero...
I was cheap and decided to take the Staten Island Ferry (FREE!) to get my close-up view of the Statue of Liberty. I also got a shot of the city and docks as we were pulling away.
wendysue said...
Oh, and make sure and buy yourself a sweet "rolex" or "coach" purse on Canal street.
This isn't Canal Street and I didn't buy a purse. But, I did have some pretty awesome street tacos and I ate them in front of this flea market booth. Close enough? Oh yeah. I did buy a watch while I was there. It was from the Brooklyn Macy's which is *almost* like buying something on the street.
I promised authentic NYC souvenirs but wouldn't you know it? I forgot to buy them. I'm so lame. I didn't even get any postcards. So, major apologies. I hope this awesome trip report will do!
Janet said... The only suggestion I can give is the Manhattan temple.
The temple is right off the subway stop for Lincoln Center and just a block or two away from Central Park and Tavern on the Green.
Gayla said...Here is my suggestion.
Wear you brightest pastel clothes , make up a sob story about losing your purse while jumping up and down outside Good Morning America and hit people up for busfare home.
Tiffany said... I already gave you my suggestions in person. I'll just say--you gotta do the Today Show and make a really cool sign. What were all those posters you made as a cheerleader for if not for this moment??
I'm more of a Today show kind of gal but there was no way I was hauling my cookies all that way when Matt Lauer wasn't going to be there. This is as close as I got (although we did walk by 30 Rock one afternoon).Sorry, Tiffany! My picture with the sign I made for you didn't turn out. Just know that I did it just for you in the privacy of my hotel room.
Lauren said... Go to the TKTS booth in Times Square and get yourself a discount ticket to a matinee of a Broadway show!
The line was long but moved rather quickly. Carl and I got tickets to see the Sunday matinee show of Spamalot. I'm sad that Clay Aiken wasn't in it anymore. But, Stephen Collins (from 7th Heaven) and Drew Lachey (98 Degrees and Dancing With the Stars) were in it. Plus, a couple of actors I recognized from All My Children. We were in the 5th row and we had a great time!kellie said... I vote for crushing people's heads. Hollie and I were crushing heads up in Winter Park, CO last week and it was awesome.
I'm crushing Carl's head while we were on the Brooklyn Promenade. I didn't do as much head crushing as I thought I might because I think I looked silly enough already.Liz said... Knowng how much you like books AND like a good deal, hop on the train to Union Square and go to the STRAND bookstore (12th and Broadway).
I don't have a picture of myself at Strand, but I was there! I got a little overwhelmed and in the end just bought a few souvenirs (you got your wish, Liz) and Breaking Dawn (which I finished before we got back to Tulsa).
The Holdaway's said... I loved NYC when I was there in 2001. I think Lady Liberty is a must (I loved the skyline looking back from the island too, but that was 2 months before 9/11 :(. Now I would go to ground zero...
I was cheap and decided to take the Staten Island Ferry (FREE!) to get my close-up view of the Statue of Liberty. I also got a shot of the city and docks as we were pulling away. wendysue said...
Oh, and make sure and buy yourself a sweet "rolex" or "coach" purse on Canal street.
This isn't Canal Street and I didn't buy a purse. But, I did have some pretty awesome street tacos and I ate them in front of this flea market booth. Close enough? Oh yeah. I did buy a watch while I was there. It was from the Brooklyn Macy's which is *almost* like buying something on the street. I promised authentic NYC souvenirs but wouldn't you know it? I forgot to buy them. I'm so lame. I didn't even get any postcards. So, major apologies. I hope this awesome trip report will do!
Monday, August 11, 2008
I Made it Myself-- Bird in Hand Mittens
This week I finally finished up my Bird in Hand mittens.
Making one mitten was a lot of fun. Making two became a labor of love. There is no denying that these will get a lot of use here in Nebraska, though. I'm also confident a state fair ribbon will adorn these lovelies in the coming weeks.
I love the inside of the mittens. I carried the two strands of yarn all the way through so they are double thick. Double thick Malabrigo. If you aren't a yarnie, just know that this is GOOD...VERY GOOD! There is a picot edge at the bottom that I adore.
Do you see the birdie? He is so cute. I didn't finish these before dark so apologies for my cruddy pictures.The yarn I used for this project was Malabrigo Worsted in Taureg and Natural. I have enough left to make a headband or scarflette.
Do you have a project you'd like to share this week for I Made it Myself? Take a look at the guidelines and post away! We'll be here every Monday.
Sunday, August 10, 2008
Project 365
08/02/08
Our first night in Brooklyn we walked along the Brooklyn Promenade. Most people were taking pictures of the view of Manhattan. I couldn't stop looking at the architecture on the Brooklyn side. It was all so beautiful!
08/03/08
St. Patrick's Cathedral. We didn't have a chance to see much of the inside since there was a mass going on. We walked in the back and took a peek.
08/04/08
I spent Monday night at Etsy Labs for Virtual Craft Night. We did vegetable prints. I'll blog more about this later in the week.
08/05/08
I took a walk in a quaint neighborhood in Brooklyn and found this great stoop with a red door.
08/06/08
Coney Island Boardwalk on our last day in Brooklyn.
08/07/08
The ride home from Oklahoma---before Caleb puked.
08/08/08
Baby Simon the Rock Star. He was taking a moment to "chill" during my 08-08-08 party. I'll blog about that later this week.
08/09/08
We took the kids to the Lincoln Zoo. We had a free pass, free train rides, and a free ice cream cone. Carl's favorite way to party on a Saturday!
08/10/08
I only got one first place ribbon at the county fair this year and it was for my green bunny. I have come to realize that my entries that are the least technically challenging win the best ribbons. Go figure. These baby shoes got a second place ribbon and I was really proud of that considering I don't really consider myself super proficient in sewing. Just proves my point that simple = ribbons.
Our first night in Brooklyn we walked along the Brooklyn Promenade. Most people were taking pictures of the view of Manhattan. I couldn't stop looking at the architecture on the Brooklyn side. It was all so beautiful!
08/03/08
St. Patrick's Cathedral. We didn't have a chance to see much of the inside since there was a mass going on. We walked in the back and took a peek. 08/04/08
I spent Monday night at Etsy Labs for Virtual Craft Night. We did vegetable prints. I'll blog more about this later in the week.08/05/08
I took a walk in a quaint neighborhood in Brooklyn and found this great stoop with a red door. 08/06/08
Coney Island Boardwalk on our last day in Brooklyn.08/07/08
The ride home from Oklahoma---before Caleb puked. 08/08/08
Baby Simon the Rock Star. He was taking a moment to "chill" during my 08-08-08 party. I'll blog about that later this week.08/09/08
We took the kids to the Lincoln Zoo. We had a free pass, free train rides, and a free ice cream cone. Carl's favorite way to party on a Saturday! 08/10/08
I only got one first place ribbon at the county fair this year and it was for my green bunny. I have come to realize that my entries that are the least technically challenging win the best ribbons. Go figure. These baby shoes got a second place ribbon and I was really proud of that considering I don't really consider myself super proficient in sewing. Just proves my point that simple = ribbons.
Saturday, August 09, 2008
Random Bits
Don't forget that I Made It Myself is moving to Mondays starting Aug 11th. Get crafting and come back on Monday with your post about your creations.
We had a little time to spare at the airport in Newark so Carl and I did some light reading.
I don't think people thought it was weird that I was taking those pictures in the middle of a busy airport Borders location.On the way home from Tulsa, Eva decided to take a little nap. In this picture you can also see a little bit of Caleb's headband. So pink! My sister bought it for Eva but of course, Caleb had to have it.
As soon as we got home, the kids went into the bathtub. Caleb puked all over himself (and the van) on the way home so that was the first order of business. We put on their bedtime diapers and then the car got unloaded and cleaned. Eva came upstairs not long after in this amazing "outfit".
My kids sure know how to look good!
Friday, August 08, 2008
A Quick "How To:"
How to gain weight while still walking (seemingly) 20 miles a day.
Junior's Devil's Food Cheesecake. I'm not even a big fan of chocolate or cheesecake...but I LOVED THIS!
The ULTIMATE pizza place in Brooklyn. I waited over 2 hours for this pizza because EVERYONE I talked to said it was the best. I was in line with a bunch of people including one guy from Boston that rides the train down twice a year just for this pizza.
The place is called Di Fara's (read the reviews) and it is right by the Q train (Ave J stop) station. Dom is the only person to make the pizza. His daughter takes the orders. You better get there in the next couple of years if you ever want to try it. I don't know how much longer he'll be able to keep up with the demands.
The pizza was great but my favorite meal was from Nathan's on Coney Island.
We had to wait in line about 30 minutes but it was worth it. We got kids meals so we could bring back the toys to the kids (yeah, we're cheap like that). I would probably order the same thing if I went back. You got an original hot dog (the best I've ever had--seriously), a small order of fries, and a drink. Get the lemonade.
Junior's Devil's Food Cheesecake. I'm not even a big fan of chocolate or cheesecake...but I LOVED THIS!
The ULTIMATE pizza place in Brooklyn. I waited over 2 hours for this pizza because EVERYONE I talked to said it was the best. I was in line with a bunch of people including one guy from Boston that rides the train down twice a year just for this pizza.
The place is called Di Fara's (read the reviews) and it is right by the Q train (Ave J stop) station. Dom is the only person to make the pizza. His daughter takes the orders. You better get there in the next couple of years if you ever want to try it. I don't know how much longer he'll be able to keep up with the demands.
The pizza was great but my favorite meal was from Nathan's on Coney Island. 
We had to wait in line about 30 minutes but it was worth it. We got kids meals so we could bring back the toys to the kids (yeah, we're cheap like that). I would probably order the same thing if I went back. You got an original hot dog (the best I've ever had--seriously), a small order of fries, and a drink. Get the lemonade.
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I want to see you in a picture with the Naked Cowboy in Times Square. Because what's a trip to NYC without the Naked Cowboy? For reals.