Primary Gratitude

I know that I posted this on facebook, but I wanted to document one of the most wonderful gifts I have ever received.  It came to me on Tuesday, December 18th from my friend Robin, who served with me in Primary (she's an amazing Primary Chorister).

I started to cry immediately as I opened the bag to see signatures of my primary children (from the original ward).  Do you like the fact that I use the word "my?"  It tends to strongly suggest that something, or someone belongs to you.  Although, I am not their parents, I like to think that I "belonged" to my Primary kids. I loved each of them dearly and strived to get to know them individually.  When the ward boundaries changed, I felt (as close as I can without any children of my own) as if I was sending them off to Kindergarten for the first time.  I miss them dearly.

I was very touched as Robin told me the person who started to collect the signatures and purchased the picture wanted to remain anonymous.  I've tried to guess, but I've stopped myself, remembering that they don't want any credit.  I am so very grateful! So thank you, thank you very much!

Oh, and yes, in case you were wondering, the picture is of the Savior surrounded by little children.  However, you wouldn't know that if you came to my apartment because I prefer the side with all of the signatures best!

12 Days of Christmas Finished!

Finished binding my christmas quilt!  I used fabric from Kate Spain's Twelve Days of Christmas line and a few random fat quarters I had on hand.

Cutting Edge Quilts did the long-arm quilting for me again and did a fantastic job.  I felt bold when selecting the red thread.  It made sense with a red colored backing, but I'm not happy with the results.

I'm grateful to have it finished just in time for Christmas and for the cool weather we've finally received here in Arizona.

If anyone is going caroling, feel free to borrow it for when you sing the Twelve Days of Christmas!

You don't want to forget 11 Pipers Piping!

What if...

Justus likes to play the "what if" game.  A few of the latest favorites include:

- Justus: what if I brought a guinea pig home?  What would you do?

- Justus: what if I became a zombie? Kate: tie you to the shed in the back and we'd play video games

- Justus: what if you woke up and you found out I was a robot? Kate: pretty much freak out.

Last but least, 

Justus: what if I became a vampire?

Kate: stab you in the heart with a wooden stake

Justus: What? You would really kill me?

Kate: clearly another vampire had to get really close to you to bite you, and I know you wouldn't let another man close to you.  Therefore, you must have been bitten by a female vampire.  If you we're close enough to let a female vampire suck your blood, you must have been cheating.  So, why would I want to be a vampire with you, when clearly you cheated on me. (Huge tone of sass)

Justus: good thing that will never happen.

So yes, we have fun with the "what if" game.

I Spy Quilt Finished!

The I-Spy quilt took a little longer than expected since I decided to hand-quilt it.  I've thoroughly enjoyed the ability to piece a quilt and then hand it over to someone else to quilt it. However, it was good to stitch again.

I decided to quilt diagonal lines on the solid brown squares and then around the edges of the outside squares and the white trim border.  I love the look it gives the quilt.  

I used a sage green backing with dark brown polka dots.  For the binding, I chose to carry over the backing to bind it and sewed it on with my machine.

Maggie's Birthday Photo Shoot

My cousin had her sixth birthday party this past weekend and I helped take some pictures at her photo booth.  Below are highlights of Ryan, Sarah, Maggs and Sam.  Cute kids!

Thanksgiving Football

A long held tradition in the Hickman family, is the Turkey Bowl, complete with a referee known to change the rules at any minute of the game.  We played Utah vs. Arizona and while Utah dominated the game, Arizona won with a "next one to score wins' scenario.  Justus had the camera during the game and below are a few highlights:

Mesa Temple Lights - in pictures



 

The section Justus and I decorated this year :)

 

 

Poor cell phone picture of my Young Women

 

Mesa Arizona Temple

 

 

Reflection

It was great to take the Young Women to see the temple lights this year!  I highly recommend going earlier in the holiday season.  We went the last Wednesday in November and loved being one of the few groups there. 

I ran into one of my co-workers who was taking his youth group to see the lights at the same time.  The following morning we discussed the purpose behind using the temple lights as a mutual activity.  It's a question we're often asked by our leaders, "What's the purpose behind this mutual?"  We joked that it's an easy activity to plan and execute, but ultimately discussed the importance of the temple.  I believe it's important for everyone to have positive memories and experiences that surround the temple.  Even if it is just walking around with some friends to see beautiful lights, it's an experience on temple grounds.

P.S. Sorry Maggie for the cell phone pictures, hopefully on my third trip later this month, I'll get some better ones for you!