Family & Friends,

As we say goodbye to 2011 and ring in 2012, I pray this finds you happy, healthy and fulfilled. Attached you will find our year in review letter, an alternative to the mentally labor intensive Christmas letter that we opted to forgo this year. We hope you enjoy reading about a few highlights from our 2011. Our website http://www.buchorn.com/ has also had all the pictures and videos updated if you care to take a gander.

Here’s to a wonderful 2012!

Blessings,

Bryan, Lacey & Jacey

I was inspired by YIR letters here and here but actually spent a few hours designing the letter from the ground up in CS5.  It’s been a while since I have done that and didn’t realize how much I missed it :).

Ever since my first SLR camera way back in 2002, finding a decent camera bag has been a challenge. First were the boxy black, utilitarian bags. I mean, they got the job done of protecting your gear, but they were butt ugly and screamed “shiny, expensive camera”. When I moved to a dSLR in 2005, I bought a Crumpler. To this day, I still use and love the bag but it is way too bulky for everyday use. I have a Shootsac as well, but that is only used when I am actively shooting. I wanted something I could carry everyday and hold my camera, a lens or two plus my wallet and keys and didn’t scream “shiny, expensive camera”. I love the Kelly Moore and Epiphanie bags but, they are so not in my budget. If I am going to pay that much for something photography related, it is going to be gear, not a bag.

So, I set out on a search. I am pretty crafty and knew there had to be some DIY instructions for a camera bag purse somewhere. Thanks to Google and Pinterest I found several. I ended up tweaking a bit to suit me, but these were my inspirations….

vanilla & lace: DIY camera purse/bag

Jen and Steve dot Com: DIY camera bag/purse

Live Laugh Eat: DIY Camera [Purse] Bag

Journey to Marvelous: DIY Camera Purse

I took me a few weeks and several stores to find what I felt like was the perfect purse. It needed to have a wide stable base, a zipper, be deep enough for my camera and straps that were comfortable. I finally managed to find one at Kohl’s and it was on sale. Even better! The rest of the items I either had on hand or bought at Jo-Ann’s.

(I will warn you, I am a horrible teacher and usually just “wing it” when I am sewing.)

Supplies:

purse (wide stable base and comfy straps are the most important)
1″x15″x17″ (2 packages – for the insert)
iron on velcro (1 package – you could use regular sew on velcro, but I was being lazy)
1 yard fabric (I used a standard cotton – I chose a light fabric, so I could see things more easily)
1/2″ foam (I used some batting I had leftover from the dog bed and split the thickness in half – for the dividers)
thin elastic (optional)
sewing machine
matching thread
sewing necessities (iron, ironing board, measuring tape, pins, scissors, etc)

The purse I chose had an inner divider, so I carefully trimmed that out.

Then I measured the inside dimensions and my camera height. I used those measurements to construct a “box” out of the 1″ foam. The sides are all one piece. I made a pillowcase type insert and then slid each piece of foam in, stitching between them. I then finished the end and added a piece of velcro to form the square. The bottom is a separate piece that just slides in the box.

I added some strips of elastic to the bottom of my sides to keep the shape, since the foam is not rigid. This step is completely optional. It also keeps the bottom from sliding out of the box form.

I then added 2 strips of velcro to each long side of the box to attach the dividers to. In hindsight, I should have used three strips, just for a bit more secure of a hold.

I ended up making 3 dividers, you can make as many as you want. 2 of mine simply divide the box and 1 is a lens holder. I measured the height and width needed (as well as the length for around my biggest lens) and used the 1/2″ foam. I made another pillowcase style sleeve, making sure to allow an extra inch on each end to attach the velcro to. I then attached the velcro. Be sure not to do what I did the first time around and attach the wrong type of velcro. Furry will not attach to furry…just FYI.

I then slid the whole box into the purse. You could use velcro to attach it to the inside bottom of the purse but I chose not to. I do not feel that it is going anywhere and I like the idea of being able to use it in another purse at a later date.

Perfecto! Just what I wanted, the ability to carry a camera and extra lens (this is a Nikon D7000 with 35mm attached and 50mm included).

Along with my wallet, keys and point & shoot camera. I can also still access the two inner zippered pockets for things like lip balm, hand sanitizer, lotion, etc.

There is even a handy-dandy pocket on the outside for my iPhone.

Success and all for less than $50!

Graphic design (especially typography) is a passion of mine, second only to photography. When I am in a funk though, it just doesn’t happen and well, I have been in a funk since we moved to Vegas. Yes, a year ago, as pitiful as that is to admit. I did have a few ounces of  creative juice hit this summer, so I drank them up and got busy and made 2 canvases for the house and another as a baby gift. I designed them in PSCS5 and then had them printed at my favorite canvas vendor, Canvas on Demand (I utilize the pro side, but the consumer side is fabulous too).

First up, subway art for our entry way. This is a combination of all the addresses Bry and I have had since we have been married. 8 houses in 12 years, gotta love military life :).

Next up, artwork for our bedroom. These are some of my favorite lyrics, “In My Life” by The Beatles.

Lastly, the baby gift. Sadly, I didn’t get a picture of the actual canvas, so you get my final file. One of these days when I am over at K’s house, I’ll remember to snap a shot of the canvas itself. *The big pink square is not really there, I just blocked out the last name for privacy.*

And then the juice was gone. Hopefully I’ll end up with a few more ounces before the next year is up :).

• I am SO tired lately. Part of it is my moods, part is I haven’t been able to run and the other part is..who knows. I was in bed by 10pm last night, up at 6:15am this morning and didn’t feel like I slept at all. I even left work early today and took a nap this afternoon. I woke up feeling a bit better, but not much.

• Jacey lost another tooth, this makes number 4 since January. She is thrilled and thinks she looks “soooo cute”!

• I spent this weekend working on year end teacher’s gifts. I always decide to make something, get halfway through and regret being so crafty…LOL! I got finished though and hope they like them. I ended up making movie packs (popcorn and Blockbuster gift cards) for her main teacher and GT science teacher as well as a travel mug for her main teacher.

• We had absolutely gorgeous weather all weekend, so we hit the pool Friday and the beach Saturday. 2 hours at both, no sunscreen at the pool and no sunburn…sunscreen at the beach and I came back with lobster legs. Go figure…LOL!

• This made me smile today and now I can’t get it out of my head. The creativity and time that went into it is mind boggling.

Click here to view the embedded video.

• I got a blog award from Mary. Here are the details.

Neno’s Award – Rules & Regulations:
1.As a dedication for those who love blogging and love to encourage friendships through blogging.
2.To seek the reasons why we all love blogging.
3.Put the award in one post as soon as you receive it.
4.Don’t forget to mention the person who gives you the award.
5.Answer the award’s question by writing the reason why you love blogging.
6.Tag and distribute the award to as many people as you like.
7.Don’t forget to notify the award receivers and put their links in your post

Why I love blogging..huh?! I love to blog, because it is an out for me. A way to express what I am thinking and feeling no matter how exciting or mundane it may be that day. A place where I can have my opinions and not get blasted for them (those comments go in the trash :). It is also a nice avenue to share pics and happenings with friends and family arounf the world. Plus, when I started it years ago…it was just cool in the geeky sense and well, my license plate does say GRLGEEK after all.

I am going the be the spoil sport and not tag anyone though. If you are one of my friends and read this, consider it your tag!

• I am on twitter again…yes, I gave in to peer pressure…LOL! Follow me and I’ll follow you! Thatdegirl on twitter

Desktop backgrounds…I must have a new one every month. Sometimes I make them and sometimes they are freebies. This month I made it.

I am much calmer today than I was last night. I (yes, me) even apologized to Bryan for overreacting last night. Whie I am still not happy about the change, it could be worse. It could be for longer or it could be him that is going back after Christmas instead of someone else. I agonized over the decision to still have our date night Saturday night with the change (we are going to The Melting Pot with friends) but opted to go ahead and keep the plans. We need some alone time and this will be our last opportunity for about 3 weeks. So, we’ll get Bryan from the airport, pick up some lunch and then he and Jacey can put up the tree before our dinner. Maybe even watch “A Charlie Brown Christmas”.

Otherwise, life is life. Work is crazy but I am taking consolation in the fact that I only have 4 more work days and then 12 consecutive days off…YAY!! We had our annual review today and mine basically said “keep up the excellent work”. I really enjoy working at a place that appreciates and recognizes your effort and has such a wonderful *team* in place.

Today wasn’t a good eating day though. The past two days, I have been way tight..I think it is hormonally related, but who knows. This morning, yogurt was rough going down so I played it safe with mashed potatoes for dinner. I did go work out but opted not to run and instead do the elliptical and recumbent bike. Not sure why, I burn more calories running and exert less effort (in my mind anyway). The elliptical kills me…I’m not sure if it is because I am so short or what but I hate that thing…LOL!

I even managed to do a layout tonight while talking to Bryan as well (no one pass out or anything). I can’t even begin to tell you the last time I scrapped.

The rest of this week is going to continue on its crazy path. Tomorrow is work/school and then I’ll work another hour while Jacey is in choir. Thursday is work/school, my girl’s Christmas lunch/party, Jacey has early release, Jacey’s tennis and I need to start the laundry. Then Friday, Jacey is out of school, so I need to go get bloodwork done early, groceries, clean house, finish laundry and then Jacey’s tennis. Then, Saturday Bryan comes home…YAY!! Hopefully with things being so nuts, time will seem faster…we shall see.

I finished this project last month and forgot to share. There is a lady I work with that is just my saving grace some days. She rejoices with me when I am happy and is there for me when I’m not. I am so blessed to work with so many wonderful people, but I was just being led to *do* something for her. So, I emailed her daughter and asked for a pic of her boys and made this. I was actually quite pleased with how it turned out for once :-)

Today, I am scattered…so therefore my post will be too :-)

• Gifted Testing x2 – Bright and early, this morning Jacey had her second round of gifted testing. Why Florida requires so much is beyond me, but such is life. If you remember, last time, she made a 134 which is considered gifted. She had to make a 127 to even get to this second round of testing. Today, her rough score was a 135. It still needs to be verified but in the 10 or so categories involved in the test, she scored average in 1 and the rest were above average or superior. We’ll will get the verified score in the mail in a few weeks and then will meet with the guidance counselors at her new school, the week before school starts.

• Hep A – After Jacey’s testing, we headed over to the hospital to get her last hepatitis A shot. She was due Saturday, so I was attempting to get her in at the first available time, only to find out immunizations was out of the hep A?!? Last week when I was in the clinic for my allergy appt, they were out of the DTaP. How in the heck are they OUT of a vaccination?? Obviously someone isn’t doing their job. Supposedly, they will have more by Thursday when we go back up for my oncology appt…we shall see.

• Endometrial Biopsy – Today was also my endometrial biopsy. It was supposed to be last week but I had to reschedule because last week Bryan was night flying and his bosses…well, let’s just say they aren’t on my good list lately. I was really dreading this, but like my bone marrow biopsy, it was no big deal. I took a couple and Motrin before I went in and there were only two moments I even needed to close my eyes. I lightly cramped for about an hour afterward but that is it. My results should be back in 2-3 weeks, so if you could say a prayer for me, I would really appreciate it.

• New Purse – After my biopsy, we had a bit of time before we needed to get back to Jacey and Miss S, her babysitter, so we stopped by the BX. We didn’t truly need anything but I have been itching for a new purse. I *just* got a new one about 2 months ago when I went in search of a summer purse. I found a lime green one that I loved and bought. Since then though, I realized it was not the best choice. It can’t go up on my shoulder and with my lifestyle it really doesn’t work well. I am constantly holding someone’s hand, so it has to go in the other and then my hands are tied :-). I usually have pretty good purse luck at the BX, so I headed to that section (about the only luck I have at the BX). Browsed and found a few that would do but one that I kept going back to. I kept putting it back though because of the price. Bryan finally told me to buy it…I’m not sure if it was because he could see I really liked it or because he was looking for an escape after being drug round and round the purse section about 5 times. I’d place my bet on the latter. Isn’t it purdy??

• cont. – Standing there though today, made me realize I have a purse fetish. If I would have randomly seen this purse instead of going to look for one, I STILL would have probably came up with some reason to get it…LOL! Reminds me of my friend E and her *proverbial brown purse* fetish…she even made a LO about it which was just adorable!

• SYTYCS Week 3 – So, Jen and I didn’t make it to week 4. After seeing the week 4 challenge, I can’t say I am heartbroken over it…LOL! I love working with Jen, she’s the coolest. Here is my week 3 layout now that I can share. (sidenote: I love you all the numbers is a saying that Jacey came up with a year or two ago. It stayed our special thing for a long while and I miss hearing it.)

So. Jen and I are partners over at the Shanty for So You Think You Can Scrap. We’ve made it to round 3, so I can share my weeks 1 & 2 layouts. This is definitely challenging, having to follow prompts but lots of fun too (plus I am actually scrapping again:-).

Now that everyone *should* have gotten these, I can now share.

I made these thank you gifts for a few people I work with that have helped my with Jacey during all this medical stuff. I also plan to make them for her teacher, choir director and Sunday school teachers.

Then I made these for the mom’s, grandma’s and adopted grandma, they are shrinky dinks keychains and magnets.

It really feels good to be creative again, I never realized how much relaxation it brings me!