Service

Jakob has officially started working at his new location. He is so much closer to home which is a bonus and the hours are better. He's going to miss the staff at his last location but he's looking to the bright side as always. He's looking forward to getting to know people and loves the now 10 minute commute. His first customer threw him for a loop by disliking him from the start. Apparently, Jakob heard him wrong and offended him by asking for clarification. Since then things have improved. He wore his glasses to work and not one but two people told him that he looks like Superman. I think that made him smile because he continued to call himself Superman for the rest of the evening.

After 7 months in our ward we have gotten a callings. Last month Jakob was called as the 8 year old teacher in the primary which he enjoys. Last week I was called as Assistant Camp Director & the third teacher in the Sunbeams. I'm not so thrilled about being in the primary, I find it difficult to get to know people that way which is why I suppose Heavenly Father saw it fit for the second calling. I couldn't have asked for a better age group though. I spent a year as Nursery Leader so I'll feel right at home. I am quite exited about Young Woman's Camp. Stake camp here is much different than it is in Canada but I am exited to sit back and watch how they do things and help where I am needed.

Tag

I would like to thank Christina for tagging me!

The Rules:

(1) List 6 things you are a master in.

(2) Pass it on to 6 bloggers you think are masters at friendship & make blogging so awesome.

1. Master Organizer: I love having things in a place where I can find them in a snap. I seem far more stressed when I don't have control on a situation such as Young Woman's camp, the wedding, birthday parties ect. It makes life SO much easier when things are orderly.

2. Master Talker. I can talk a hind leg off of a donkey. Anyone one who knows me, knows I can talk... about me. I am the worst conversationalist. I always feel as though I'm intruding into other peoples lives. Don't get me wrong I love the gossip & to know what's going on but I hate to pry.

3. Master (in theory) of Children: I love kids but not having kids of my own is totally different. I'm sure my theory's will change at least a half a dozen times.

4. Master of Yard Sales: Or sales in general for that matter. My mother-in-law is the true master, but I'm learning quickly. There is nothing more satisfying than finding the perfect thing for a fraction of retail. It makes my heart sing.

5. Master Creator: I love crafts be it sewing, scrapping, painting, or building. I love the feeling of satisfaction I get when I have made something with my own two hands. I'm very grateful for my creative abilities.

6. Master Journalist: This has died down since I got married which is sad. For the past 5 years I have written in my journal every day. Now I blog and organize my life through words and pictures along with writing my thoughts in a separate journal. I love being able to look back and see what was going on throughout my life.

I tag:

a. Mom Tobler
b. Janet
c. Rachel
d. Amy
e. Britni
f. Pappa V

Needle, Yarn, Sew

... Well technically crochet. I am working on a baby quilt for the Dyer family who just had their baby girl on Monday. For the past 3 days I have worked steady on this quilt. I had made a blue one for a friend back in December and it turned out beautifully. The Dyers were wanting to keep the sex of their baby a surprise so thinking I had a 50/50 chance I began the blue one. Of course they had a girl so I'm busily trying to finish this one by Sunday to give it to them. Only three rows to go (approx. 7 1/2 hours). I hope the Dyers don't check this until Sunday!

Exploration

The weather here is Vegas has been AMAZING! On Friday, Jakob and I took our little sudo family to Dinosaur Park.

It wasn't long before slides were no longer interesting and we wanted to go exploring. So off went went.

Trystan was dead set on petting a bird. We need to work on her slow moving skills.

Seven was so exited to see all of the animals. She can talk quite well now so she would point and yell "TURTLE" and race to get a closer look.

This is a chuck. A Chicken and a Duck. It is so ugly it is fascinating. It's feathers are more chicken like than duck & it's eyes are at the top of it's head like a chicken's. It got a ducks body form, bill and webbed feet however. Awkward.

We had to stop for food and water. The poor girls were being stalked by savage birds. :)

Surprise! It's Trystan & Jakob! It was a lot of fun adventuring with the girls.

Happy Valentines Day < 3

As you can see, I love these. Trystan and Seven both have a few in their rooms and I adore them. I had to show Jakob. Upon looking at a few he smiled and said "I think I could do that." Then and there I decided that I wanted some. These are some samples of Robert Best's work.

Fabulous I know. Jakob however painted me my own. And it is perfect in every conceivable way. I am so impressed with how talented Jakob is! He's decided to call his line "Ethnie" (the name he has chosen for our very far future daughter.) I am so happy with my Valentines gift! Jakob did an amazing job. I think he should sell some of them in his new business. We shall see. Fabulous!

The Hidden Message

Day 7: For his last and final day, I gave Jakob a book, not just any book my faithful followers, a book with a secret. I apologize for this was the first activity I started because it took the longest, so my pictures are lacking.

What You'll Need:
A Book (Your choice of thickness and size) Thrift Stores!!!!
Exacto Knife
Mod Podge or White Glue
Cereal Box
Tissue Paper
Ribbon (Optional)

Step 1:

If you do not like the cover of your book cover it with Tissue Paper both front and back. (Paper mache.) Mine was an book about the Revolution and the cover was blue. I started with white as a "primer" and then covered it with red. To keep the pages from sticking together, put a Ziploc under the cover.

Step 2:

Glue the back cover to the last page & the front cover to the first page to give the cover a finished look.

Step 3:
Next take the Mog Podge and glue all of the pages together with the book closed. Apply Liberally!!! Set book under something heavy and allow to dry for at least 2 1/2 hours. I simply left mine over night.

Step 4:
Once dry you may start to hollow out your book tracing around the edges with an exacto Knife. USE CAUTION! I cut myself more than once!

Step 5:
Cut out strips of cereal box to line edges. Your edges will not all be even and this gives it a finished look. Take Mod Podge and once gain apply liberally to inside of pages b4 covering with cereal. I applied some tape to the cardboard to ensure stability.

Step 6:
I made compartments out of the cereal box and then began my paper mache again. White first to cover my green Apple Jacks box. I also added ribbon to help hold my treasures in place.

Allow to dry 2 hours.

When finished Fill with notes, poems, pictures or any other sentimental objects. I heard of a guy that did this a hid the ring inside for his soon-to-be-bride to find at the library. If you'd like to fill it with love coupons go HERE to get printable ones. Be creative and have fun!

I think I need to spice my cover up at bit.

Picture That

Day 6: I have always loved shadow boxes and I have wanted to frame the rose from my wedding bouquet for the past 6 months. I thought a collage would be nice. After completing it, I'm not satisfied. Eventually I'll have to change it but for Valentines Week, it made the cut.

Heart Attack

Day 5: On Thursday I heart attacked Jakob's Chevy Lumina with plans to fill it with balloons that had reasons why I loved him inside. Jakob NEVER locks his car doors so I planned on decorating his car while he was at work Friday night (I'm sure you can see where this is going). When Britni and I arrived, of course, the car door was locked. Britni went up to the drivers side door and exclaimed the window was rolled down... 1 1/2". No joke. She had to pull on the window for me to get my hand through. After 10 minutes of failed attempts to unlock the door I was prepared to claim defeat. Britni however was not. I started taping hearts to the car as she emerges with a snow scraper. "Only a Canadian would have one of these in Vegas" she shouts with a smile on her face. With my arm already starting to bruise, we once again shoved my poor now slightly swollen hand through the crack. Some guy came up to us trying to figure out if we were locked out. DUH! After another 5 minutes... SUCCESS! Today, 3 days later my arm is still soar oh but it was worth it.

If you look closely you can seem the light shine on the top of the window.

"Sweet" Heart

Day 4: I saw this idea at Nap Time Journal. Simply Purchase some IBC Cream Soda. (or any flavor with a clear bottle) Drink, (or find some one who will help you drink) and fill with candy's your Sweetheart is sure to love.

I spray painted the handle and inside of my box and covered the sides with black paper. I got some stickers at the $1 Store (there were 100 in a pack) & added them to the side for a little flavor. Jakob said he didn't want to eat them because they were so cute. Success!

Say It With Love, Say It With A Fortune Cookie.

Day 3: For today's day I made Jakob fortune cookies. I found this idea on Love Actually. This one is my favorite! They turned out perfect! And I'm sure Jakob is going to love them. For Christmas 2008, I gave him a jam jar full of pills that said take one daily and inside had reasons/ things I love about him. Same principle here; so put on your thinking caps and jots down some reasons why you love your one and only. Or if you want actual fortune cookie quotes click here. Here's a step by step tutorial for how to make the "cookies". I honestly do not know how other bloggers are able to keep their work area's so clean! Our craft table is our computer desk so I apologize for the clutter! Enjoy!

Things you'll need:

1 - take out box (You can find them at Michaels for approx. $1.25)
Or if you want to make your own use this template
3 - 12x 12 pieces of adorable paper (or more depending on the size of your circle.)
Some tape or glue stick depending on how thick your paper is.
Circular object of your choice in size.

Step 1:

(I apologize for the blurry pictures, I'm a shaker and the flash was not cooperating.) Trace and cut out your circle. I used the laundry detergent cup and I thought they were a little small which made them cute, however slightly difficult to fold.

Step 2:

Fold paper in half with pattern on the inside.

Step 3:

Unfold paper and place a piece of tape perpendicular to the fold. This makes things to much easier!

Step 4:Place note inside so it is parallel to the tape. Push along the already folded line and grab edges like so...

Step 5:

Secure tape
Presto! I think these are just the cutest. I used 3 sheets of different colored paper and then added a cute tag that said "I'm so fortunate to have you." I think today will be a hit!  

Fortune cookie messages take all forms - humorous, serious, motivational or Love.

Googleable?

I think it's weird when I can Google Tobler Tales and this pops up. Small world. Or if I Google Stephanie Lauren Tobler the first 7 links are all related to me.

If you go to this address & scroll all the way to the bottom, there is a wedding announcement for Jakob and I that I didn't even know existed!! FREAKY! Just goes to show you you can find ANYTHING on the interweb.

Filled With Love

Day 2: Last year Mom Tobler and I made sugar cookies and went to town decorating them. This year however we baked the cookies and somehow life got the upper hand so the lovely cookies took a back seat.

Last night after our delightful dinning experience with Mom & Dad Tobler at Buca di Beppos, (which we highly recommend by the way. Thanks Mom & Dad!!) I enlisted Jakob for some last minute decorating. The result?.... It was chaos! If you want things done right go to Mom Toblers!

This is my very own "sugar cookie" Isn't he adorable? He says he likes frosting... truth... he doesn't like sugar unless it's in gummy bear form.

We did however find a grand sugar cookie recipe. I loved the powdered sugar verses the regular stuff. Much smoother. (Duh Steph)

Sugar Cookies

Cream together:

1 cup butter/margarine

1 ½ cups powdered sugar

1 tsp. vanilla

½ tsp. almond extract

1 egg

Mix together and add to the creamed mixture:

2 ½ cups flour

1 tsp. baking soda

1 tsp. cream of tarter

Chill slightly

Roll out and cut.

Bake 375° for 8 minutes until the edges barely start to brown.

Makes about 24 cookies

Happy Baking!!

&& So It Begins!

Day 1: At last it is here! It is Monday morning and the first day of Valentines week! Thank you for being so patient with my secretiveness, my faithful followers. I was snooping around a blog called Love Actually and stumbled upon these mail boxes. I have to give credit where credit is due. With seven days to plan & make things for, I was so thankful to have the input of several crafty women via their blog! But that is another story, back to mail boxes. What a perfect way to give him his daily note. So this is what I ended up with. :)


I got the tin mailbox at Michaels for $2.50 & all of my paper at JoAnne's on special 4/$1. Ribbon also on discount in the $1 bin. Putting this project around $5.00! I am so pleased with the result!

Busy, Busy Buzzing Bee

My head feels like there is a hive of bees situated inside of it. In this Tobler home, I don't just do Valentine's Day, I do Valentines week. Last year I made Valentines crosswords and put them in his lunch with a note, put love quotes up around the house, made a chain that had reasons why I loved him, made an "I love you" ransom note, heart shaped cookies in his lunch and so on. All for the efficient price of 5$. This year however I decided to kick it up a notch. After discovering oh so many fabulous ideas on blogs, I am having a hard time picking just 7. Unfortunately, I cannot divulge any information until after Valentines. Jakob is using all of his resources to figure out what I have in store for him. I have had to tie up the laundry room so he can't sneak a peek. Details with soon be revealed. Let the crafting continue.