Visual Designs by Chris

Chris Durnan

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Gfree kid?

October 15, 2013 By Chris Durnan

My son as of late has been avoiding flour. For myself, I regularly avoid. We decided when our son was born we would see if my reactions to gluten would pass on to him. Rather than force him into a gfree lifestyle, let it work itself out. I am not deathly ill from gluten like a celiac, but my stomach cramps so hard it has brought me tears.
– My son’s slow quest for gfree has started with a simple request… no sandwiches in his lunch or crackers. When I asked him why. He said it made his tongue taste very weird and his stomach hurt in the afternoon. I began to ponder his lunches. In my world, no problem. The next week we continued on with rice crackers, ham slices, cheese, a little container of ranch, carrots, grapes. He was pleased.
-My son has been saying no thank you a lot recently to cupcakes, granola bars, cookies. Sometimes he says yes and I see him take one bite and throw the rest away.
– a little while later, I sent my husband an email which my son happened to see. It was symptoms of gluten allergies. One of these is little bumps on the back of the arm. To the general person, it might be considered acne of some sort. It could be. To me because I’ve had them before… nutrition deficiency came to mind and that can be from gluten allergy not allowing certain nutrients to absorb into your system. These bumps bug my son. He finds it annoying no matter how small they are and all the different soaps etc. They won’t go away.
– when at the grocery store the other night, he told my husband he was going gfree for a bit to see if the bumps would go away. His choice. So we walked down the aisles and he chose things we already do because alot of our house is gfree.
– I am impressed with my son. Over the week he has chosen some items with gluten in them. Most recently he came home from a family evening where he chose the dish with flour instead of splitting one with me that didn’t. The whole way home he wiggled and groaned. His stomach hurt.
-recently he was a guest at another house and chose the gluten item and came home and felt horrible.
– today he chose corn tortillas over flour and had little tacos instead of burritos. He cannot stand corn tortillas normally, but he chose to try them again. We also went to an auction for the day and he asked me about their options for food and chose carefully.
– He has a gfree cake mix on the counter. He wanted to make. We try to avoid the box, but sometimes you just want to indulge.
-I don’t know where this will take him. But I am willing to follow his lead. (He is the kid that avoids McDonalds and most fast food because he can’t stand the salt flavor) I was about the same age when having issues I believe. I hope those around us understand how hard it is to say no to a cookie and let that choice be his own. Try not to sway him because we feel he is missing out. He is quiet pleased to just eat frosting off the top and throw away the rest. He is making the hardest decision ever for a 9 year old and it based on his own feelings of health.
– so I believe I will start making extra gfree snacks to make them available to him at a time of indecision. It’s all I can think to help him along the way. And slowly clear out the cupboards of those difficult things. Maybe email his teacher and explain some of this so she understands when he is in indecision. Wait to see what he thinks. I believe so much sickness and health issues in life are food/chemical related. So I am trying to really just see how this all pans out and be supportive in my son’s decisions.
Well this is my musing and rambling about our lives. I would be lost without my hubby as he supports the decisions my kiddo makes.  And never flinches when having to read a label or try something new and weird for most. In fact, tomorrow I was told by the hubby gfree pancakes was on the menu for breakfast and he smiled at me as he said it. I just love them both. And I love my life.
Enjoy!
Chris

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Science Aftermath

October 10, 2013 By Chris Durnan

What happens after Scouts Advancement Day? 
You talk your parents into Dry Ice and overseeing your fun with all you learned. 
And then some. 
woops Mom and Dad had to much fun with the Bubbles on the dry ice stuff 
and it become a throbbing mass of bubbles. 🙂
 
And you can float a ping pong ball with a hair dryer!!
Good for all kinds of fun. 
I just love the smiles and the inquisitive mind!
Enjoy!
Chris

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Scouts… a new pack

October 7, 2013 By Chris Durnan

We had a switcheroo this year for Scouts and moved to a new pack. My son really wanted to do more camping. And he is motivated by earning awards. And their program for Webelos is setup for him to earn as many as he’d like. My son has arrows and pins etc all over his uniform.  I cringe at the thought of him needing a new uniform because I will be sewing again. But also pleased with all his accomplishments. He also was oohing and ahhing over all the earnings the new den’s kids have all over their uniforms. One of his most pivotal questions to his leader was…. “how do I earn that one?” She looked at me and smiled and then looked at my hubby and said well you get with your Dad and build a serious derby car. Apparently the new pack doesnt do trophies for winners but derby fancy winning pins on the uniform. And they were fancy. D wanted to know if we could somehow get one for his 3rd place in Tigers. He is analyzing. D is super motivated with all the activity around him. He pulled out his scout book after homework yesterday and said…. “what do we need to do?” His uniform craze makes me smile. (Please do not point out to him. We are short a silver arrow on his uniform and also 2 year pin and some other random awards. I hear the reminder every time he puts the uniform on. Woops)
We miss our friends from the previous pack, but really look forward to adventures in the new one. 
Scouts is such a great activity for him because it focuses him after school. We have a “no screen” time policy until 6 pm and  homework and chores are done. This means he has time to work through his Webelos book.  And  rarely have to ask him to do any of it.  Which makes me happy.
As of the first Camp this year, he has already earned 5 of the Webelos activity badges out of the 20. He is loving it. More “grown up” stuff this time around I was told. 
Well a scout ramble…. and that leads up to…. do you wanna buy some popcorn? Haha
Love my Life.
Enjoy!
Chris

Filed Under: Uncategorized

Cheddar Biscuits for camp

October 3, 2013 By Chris Durnan

We had to make some rolls or biscuits for camp. So in discussions my D decided we should really make those Cheddar Biscuits from Red Lobster. so Pinterest to the rescue and we began. 
We chose a recipe with Bisquick in it because the ingredient list was mostly what we already had 
We needed to melt butter and used our Pampered Chef measuring cup. I love this cup for D in the kitchen. The handle doesn’t get hot like our glass measuring one does. And it is not wise to put the metal measuring cups in the microwave. 
We went with small biscuits because he needed to bring a bunch. 
And this is what happens to the top of a box when you ask a 9 year old to open it. Yikes. or Demolish it. 
And here were our biscuits. I was told they were delicious!! and when could we make more. they browned quick with the butter brushed on them. 
And I would give you the recipe, but I barely followed it because it just seemed crazy with instruction and we stopped following it after the first batch. 
It is on my Pinterest board if you want to look through them. I can’t control the oven temperature well in our oven so the dropping the temp and increasing the temp and dropping was annoying. 
Next time we shall try the Gluten free version. 🙂 
Enjoy!
Chris

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Annoying mother.. honking horn

October 1, 2013 By Chris Durnan


Love my Life Rambling…

Came home today with D after grabbing lunch. Was doing some silly chatting and ridiculousness. Let him sit on my lap and drive/steer from the gate to the house. So then proceeded to show him why we have a horn. especially with this slow dog brigade that walks in front of the cars. honking the horn. He holds my hand and says “please, we don’t want to annoy the neighbors”. What? really? it is only noon and everyone lives 2 to 3 acres away. How annoying am I going to be. Now our cows moooing that might be annoying. But me honking the horn? so he got out of the car and walked towards the house.. I couldn’t resist. My hand was resting on the steering wheel. ahhhh.. so I honked at him. He looked over his shoulder, rolled his eyes at me and kept walking while he laughed.

woops. 

Apparently not the response he was looking for and honking horn at someone three feet from the car. just a bit annoying.

Enjoy!
Chris

To get quick fun updates of things going on, you can join my facebook page.

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Morning with my sister.

September 12, 2013 By Chris Durnan

Spent some time with my sister a few weekends ago as she prepped for a baby shower at her house.
Took a few pictures. I think she was very pleased I stole all her watermelon rinds for my chickens.

My sister and I might look a little alike. 
Her arms are longer then mine so she can get a better pic. haha. 🙂
And here is Ms. Pea my niece. Uber cute in her pretty dress. 
Great morning just chatting. I need to remember to do that more often. 
Enjoy!
Chris

To get quick fun updates of things going on, you can join my facebook page.

My files in the store can be located here. Thank you for stopping by!

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The pursuit of life, liberty and happiness..

September 11, 2013 By Chris Durnan

Art by Anita Palmer

At a recent rodeo, my husband and I listened to a watching cowboy talk and chat with those around him. We stood there for over an hour as he told some stories that might have had a little whiskey embellishment weaved into them. Showed off a few military type tattoos and yeahawwed with the best of the cowboys at the rodeo. Even cheered on a few bulls, as he stated, “no one ever cheers for the Bull. They got rights.” But the tone of his voice changed as he mentioned his time in the military and in the Vietnam War and his return home. He talked to my son about “Doing what’s right” “standing up for those around you” “believing in the rights of those back home as you stand in the middle of the sounds of war”. My son soaked it all up. The aging Cowboy mentioned that on his return he could feel  the disdain  around him from others who knew he was a war vet. That there was no cheering but more jeering then anything else.  That he still carries with him the loss of so many he knew on a daily basis. But he quietly said, at the end of his stories with a reminiscent tone,… “I would do it all over again.” And he stood back and we all breathed in the air around us. Our own moment of silence for those who have come before us.

Live every day with passion and freedom. Remember those who went before you. Work hard to keep your liberties in the pursuit of happiness. Support those who protect your rights. Enjoy every moment, every day, and every smile.

Hang your flag outside your home today and every day you enjoy the right of being an American. It is a symbol, but in my world it is one worth being proud of. My husband and I try to teach that to our son as often as we can in many ways. Love my Life.

Enjoy!
Chris

Disclaimer: I am not related to Anita Palmer or have any interests in her business as an artist. However, I saw this image on a facebook page called the Rancher’s Headquarters. And it is beautiful. it has inspired me to check out more of her artwork and see if I can find one to hang on my wall of our home. Just beautiful. I hope it inspires you also to support an American artist. 

To get quick fun updates of things going on, you can join my facebook page.

My files in the store can be located here. Thank you for stopping by!

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QMC Members upload… download

September 11, 2013 By Chris Durnan

Hello everyone…

QMC Members I have uploaded UVWXYZ to the forum QMC section for the Round/Circle Monogram Set.

I am getting ready to close the forum to. So please scoot over there and download your files for Members.

Enjoy!
Chris

To get quick fun updates of things going on, you can join my facebook page.

My files in the store can be located here. Thank you for stopping by!

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The Garden Kitchen of Tucson.

September 10, 2013 By Chris Durnan

Last month I attended a class at the Garden Kitchen here in Tucson. It was a private class and so much fun! Thank you to Peggy for the invite. I loved every minute of it and the presenters had such energy for healthy food and eating choices. Which is something Greg and I have been re-inventing in our lives. Eating from the earth and not from a box.  Here are some photos from the adventure. If you have a Saturday morning free see what they have available for demonstration and stop by and see what they have to offer.

This is an excerpt from their website about what they are trying to accomplish:

The Garden Kitchen offers seed-to-table, gardening and cooking education. We empower families with the skills and knowledge to make wholesome nutritious meals on any budget. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced cook, our goal is to inspire people to make healthy food choices that have a lasting, positive impact.Healthy individuals and families build healthy communities! 

Here are some of my photos. some clearer then others.

Here were some shots of the grounds in the back. A desert garden is no small feat.
as we walked through the mysterious “garden fairy” was mentioned alot. 
Kinda cool!
This was after a cutting class on how to use a knife. Yeah I might have to attempt that technique again. 
here is the cooking demonstration. I got to watch because my food was cooked up by the presenter. They were a little short, but I was uber happy to stand back and watch all the interaction and chat with everyone. 
Peggy my friend who invited me is soaking up the yummy smells. This picture made me smile. 
Our Yummy dinner. 
Here is me at the front. 
And our table setting flowers. 
Mixed with olive oil this vinegar below was yum on the salad. I took a picture so I wouldn’t forget. 
And flip the head here and stretch the neck a little while you sit at the computer. 
These two lovely ladies would answer anything you asked and talk about food and more. 
just wonderful. yeah a little blurry. My apologies. 
All in all a wonderful afternoon and I highly recommend attending any function they have. 
Enjoy!

Chris

To get quick fun updates of things going on, you can join my facebook page.

My files in the store can be located here. Thank you for stopping by!

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Files you Don’t want to miss .. part 3

August 24, 2013 By Chris Durnan

Here is a list of my best sellers according to the store.
all 50% off, but then an additional 10% off if you have that elusive QMC code.

Don’t forget to order and download right away!
Enjoy!
Chris

1. Cupcake Wrappers Everyday
2. Butterflies & Borders Collection
3. Cupcake Wrappers Frilly
4. Baroque Collection 1-10
5. Monogram 6
6. Holiday Tag Package
7. Butterfly Edges 
8. Ribbon Wide 4
9. Curly Frames or Borders
10. Tree Ovals
11. Fancy Swirly Accents
12. Cupcake Wrapper – Boys
13. Ornaments & Trees
14. Months with Flair
15. Cupcake Wrapper Set 1
16. Fancy Borders 1-5 Collection
17. Halloween Collection 1
18. Cupcake Wrapper Hearts
19. Magical Borders 2
20. Cupcake Wrapper Halloween
21. Monogram 8
22. Animals – Silhouettes with Sparkle
23. Snowflake Jumble
24. Magical Borders 1
25. Ribbons or Borders 1

To get quick fun updates of things going on, you can join my facebook page.

My files in the store can be located here. Thank you for stopping by!

Filed Under: Uncategorized

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