Guitar building and the Spoken Word - An entry from Sid

What a pleasant weekend! We were able to listen to every conference talk as we worked dilligently on our Axes. It is cool that we got to all take a part in the production of each of our Guitars. We ditched our first attempt at making necks and employed another technique that also called for a couple of jigs which we built. Our necks are built of European Beech that came from Germany. To my knowledge we are the first to use this type of wood on necks but so far it is working out really good. We also made our own design which is our take on the classic Gibson Les Paul style. Bradly whittedly called it " The more Ira" which is a word play on our Grandpa's name Paul Ira Nixon. Get it instead of Les Paul ... More Ira? Well done Bradley! We will probably shorten it to the MI model but still geniuse. We made all of our templates for this design and even cut out a couple of bodies. Brad's is a Jatoba or Brazillian Cherry face and Tony's is Figured Walnut. Still to come is Todd's which is the most peculiar piece of Rustic Cherry I have ever seen and mine which I am experimenting with an Arglye design of Jatoba and Anegre. All of our backs are Sapelle which is an African wood a lot like Mahogany and smells real nice when cut. The Anegre smelt horrible though! Much thanks goes to Dad (Steve) for his expert advise and willingness to let us destroy his shop and tools (sorry about the sander!). And also getting in his way on other projects like Denises China hutch (I swear it is square don't worry!) We apreciate all your help too!
It really was a great weekend. It is really cool that we all enjoy doing something together that we were brought up with. We look forward to our next shop weekend and hope that Todd will be able to join us this time.

I'm a loser.

Ok, that sounds harsh - but it's true. I entered my work (explosion box) into the Close to My Heart 2008 Winter contest and didn't win.

Although I didn't win, I was still really happy with my work, and this project is super easy and one that you can complete in just a few hours. My theme was "Like Daddy Like Daughter" because as everyone knows, Avery looks just like her dad - and she's pretty goofy like him too. Every page has a picture on one side and journaling on the other side with a total of 8 pictures. Let me know if you'd like directions!

Oh well, better luck next time I guess. Check out who did win here.

My newest addiction

In the past month or so I have become "reacquainted" with my sewing machine. Well, perhaps reacquainted isn't the right word to use since I have NEVER been able to do anything on my sewing machine, which leads to me getting discouraged and putting it away. I don't know why - but, lately I have had this desire to use it as much as I can! And have had the diligence to stick a project through to the end.
I found a site that I LOVE and find myself checking frequently for ideas and found this super cute pattern for baby shoes. The first pair didn't turn out quite as I imagined, but the second time around, I think I got it...I am still building a relationship with my machine, so, this is a HUGE success for me!
I have also made some burp cloths, a rag quilt and am currently working on the sock/glove animals! Seriously, check out this blogger (Homemade By Jill) - she is amazing!

There are a couple people that need to start having babies so that I can try out her diaper cake! I won't mention any names - but Avery really does need some cousins :)

Good Friends

Becca and I met when I was about 13 - I think. She and I lived on the same street in Cedar City. We had so much fun! I remember her family was always running in different directions and always having fun. I specifically remember the countless hours of 'speed' Becca and I would play on my porch in the summer...usually till it was dark outside! And in the summer her mom would make homemade Root Beer! We became close friends, and then she moved back to California when we were Sophmores. She was one of the most kind people to me as a new convert and I was devistated when she moved away. We kept in touch with mail and email, but have really only gotten to see each other a few times since we have both moved all over the place in the past 10+ years. Yet, regardless of where we are and how long it's been since we saw each other last, we always seem to pick right up where we left off.

She and James are currently living in Pocatello, but James is hopeful for work in Utah. (Some of Becca's family and James' family live here) They came to Utah for some time with family over Easter and for some job hunting. While she was here - although they were SWAMPED with other obligations, they still made time to come see our house and spend some time with us. I hadn't met Kaitlyn yet and she just turned two!

We had a great time. We took the girls to the lake to feed the ducks and then went to lunch. It was so great to see her - and to see her pregnant. She is due in June and they are having a boy and naming him Dylan. Congrats Becca and James! We love you!!!

Avery and Kaitlyn playing

The boys and their girls contemplating how they could lure the ducks onto land. (it didn't happen :))

Happy Easter!

Averys first Easter!

My mom, brothers and Den's girlfriend came and stayed with us. Avery got all kinds of stuff from the Easter bunny and the "Grand Easter Bunnies". She got easter dresses from both my mom and Naomi. One was too little one too big! (I will post pictures of her in the other dress when she fits a little better!) She loved all the toys and especially all the attention.

Sid's family decided to come up too - they spent most of their time with Denise and Todd, but we did get to see them on Friday night. Enough time for Avery to go swimming with Sid, Tony and Brad.

By Sunday - somehow we still hadn't dyed eggs. So we broke out the dye and got to work. Avery ended up getting a little crazy with the blue dye. She was on Denny's lap and pulled the cup right on to her lap. It went through her jammies and even dyed her leg.

What a party girl!

one of THOSE days

Have you ever had one of those days where you are so tired you can just fall on your face and sleep for hours and hours? Avery sure did last week.

Since she has been mastering the crawling and cruising around furniture, she just seems to wear her self to exhaustion. Not to mention that we have been extremly busy and running here and there...either painting, or fixing a broken water heater, or to and from Guitar Lessons...it seems like it's non-stop for us.

Sid put her down for a nap and she ususally fusses alittle before she passes out, but not this day!! She rolled right onto her face and was fast asleep and stayed there in that same exact spot for her entire nap!

My question is - wheres the other sock??

Saturday in the City

We ran into Penelope the Pig and Avery couldn't take her eyes off her - as you can see.



Saturday morning we drove into the City for the "Starving Artist" sale downtown. We bought some BEAUTIFUL paintings, went to lunch at Carlucci's Bakery and walked a little downtown. How it's changed! It's amazing to me that I used to live at the Gateway and to see all that has been added on to it and all the new shops. I am glad I don't live there anymore - I'd be broke!

When we bought the painting, we had no idea what it would have sparked in us. We came home and saw the canvas in our livingroom and it inspired us to paint! Needless to say, we still have some finishing touches to take care of - but once it's complete I will post some pictures.