A Day in Omaha

Conan and I went on a date today. We saw the new Batman movie, Dark Knight, at the IMAX theater in Council Bluffs. It was fantastic!

We did some shopping in the Old Market in Omaha. I had a fun time window shopping and checking out some of the little shops and galleries.

Nouvelle Eve

We had lunch at Twisted Fork. It was delicious. I loved how the restaurant was decorated.

We finished off the afternoon with a boat ride at the Riverfront. You can check out all the pics and video.

Home Town Visit

I drove to York today to spend the day with Kaley for a full day of sewing. I had to take some time to admire their three kittens.

Kaley holding Calico.

Derek holding Socks.

Dawson & Nancy Drew

Kaley & I then went out to my parents' farm to work on sewing projects. Kaley is working on getting the binding on her 4-H quilt. Some other projects we worked on were a dress and pillow cases.

Kaley sewing

With all the sewing that got done, we took a break and went into Bradshaw to go to Community Days. The Volunteer Fire Department was putting on a barbecue, there were custom cars on display as well.

My dad looking at the cleanest engine I've ever seen!

But I was most impressed with the Volunteer Fire Department's vehicles and displays. The Volunteer Chief has made this department his passion. There are sixteen firefighters and a rescue unit with paramedics.

They have two trucks and the newest one has a special device mounted towards the front of the truck that can be used to put out grass fires as it drives along the road.

One of their original trucks on display.

Careful Editing

Last night was great because you see, I'm a reality TV junkie. The top show on my list is Project Runway. I love to see the creations the designers come up with for each of the challenges. Last night I learned an important lesson, CAREFUL EDITING. On the show, Leanne almost got sent home because she had so many ideas and she used them all on one dress. Of course the judges didn't like it. I have that problem myself. I have too many ideas.

I'm making something (it's a secret) and I am going to use the lesson I learned last night, careful editing. Don't put all of your ideas into one project.

One more thing...

I'm also excited because I joined a Bag/Bucket Swap from Linda's Blog, All Stitched Up. I have my swap partner's name and her suggestions, but I have to keep it a secret. I'll tease you later with some of my ideas. I've decided on the pattern for my bag, but I'm not sure about the fabrics yet. If you want to see more details of the swap hop over to Linda's blog.

Placemats and Napkins From My Swap Partner

Yesterday I went to the mailbox and...

I got a package from my swap partner, Sarah K., from the second Bend-the-Rules Sewing Swap. I opened the package and found four placements & napkins, and a recipe. The recipe is for a Leek Cheese Salmon Puff pastry.

I can't wait to try it. Sarah did a wonderful job on the entire project. They're made from linen and have a cool retro print.


I have them displayed on my sun room table and am happy to say, they look really great on this table! Thanks Sarah.

Conan's Videos on YouTube

As some of you may know, I have some of my videos posted on YouTube.

Adventure Racing

Team JECOMA's first race was the Run, Row, Rock & Roll Adventure Race on June 14th in Fairbury. After the race I felt like I had been run over by a Mack truck and was certain our team had come in last place. When the results were posted a few days later, I was pleasantly surprised to find out we had actually placed 10th out of 27 for the Short Course. Of course it took us 5 hours and 21 minutes to complete the course, so it was probably a good thing that we didn't sign up for the Long Course for our first race. You can check out the race schedule and results.

Our next race is the Cornhusker State Games Adventure Race on July 19th at Branched Oak Lake. I think we're going to be a lot more prepared for this one. I'll keep you posted.

Conan's Birthday Party

The family gathered at Fireworks for a Birthday party for Conan and Renee (sister-in-law). These two little princesses have no shame when it comes to hamming it up for the camera. You can view the rest of the photos at Flickr.

Rebecka's Current Projects

It's been a very busy month so far. Rebecka took part in the Bend-the-Rules Sewing Swap and created some wonderful placemats and napkins. She got them sent off to her swap partner, who posted pics and comments on her blog.

Rebecka is anxiously awaiting her placemats and napkins.




She also volunteered to make a handbag for a woman who took part in the first Bend-the-Rules Sewing Swap. The woman didn't receive a handbag from her partner, so Rebecka volunteered to be a "Pleated Bag Angel." She did a great job and got it sent off right away. As a matter of fact, Rebecka enjoyed making the handbag so much that she made another one for one of our nieces.

Rebecka is working on topiaries as well for an upcoming family reunion.

I realize I've included a lot on this first post, but thought I'd just group it all together to get it out there.