The Quilting Bookworm

My "New" sewing machine

2011-07-17T13:30:00.000-04:00

Last time we were at my in-laws my mother-in-law gave me a new machine. Well, new to me. My best guess is this is from the 1950's. It is a dressmaker TAZ 289, made in japan, and under the singer parent group. I took it to the local shop and it now runs wonderfully. I am still learning what it likes, but so far its working great. I haven't used it much yet though. I do know that it does not seem to like batik fabric. But I am super excited and love it!!

And Aiden at 3 months!!

Hope every one is having a great weekend. Hubby and I are just chillin' on the couch watching TV, neither of us slept good so its a good day for that, plus I have a migraine so not much happening!! Enjoy the week! Happy sewing!

2 finishes!!

2011-07-11T19:53:00.000-04:00

I recently finished up another quilt. I have several that I have not posted pics of so here they are!!

This one went to a dear friend of mine that I work with for her 3rd daughter. This is girl number 3 in less than 3 years. She has a set of "irish twins" now!!

The second quilt is mine! I love blues, greens and browns. So I made myself a pinwheel (my favorite block!) quilt! I love it...its perfect, not too big, not to small!! I quilted a 1/4 in on each side of the seams and it looks great!!

Here is the backing for it!

And the most wonderful news of the last 2 months, Aiden Stephen, born April 12th. This picture he is about 10 weeks, and no, he is not mine, but my grandson. Rich and I went to NC to see him right after he was born and it was wonderful to not only get away but to see the kids and meet him!! I am so moving to the beach!

Shannon, Ashley and Aiden

Hope everyone is doing well and enjoying their summer!!

A finish, and a business...

2011-03-13T17:09:00.007-04:00

I finished the Buckeye HS Boys Baseball Fundraiser Quilt, and here it is. The quilting was done by a friend, Linda Sekerak. She has a son who played baseball at Buckeye and was SO Kind to donate the quilting!! I really like how it came out, but I am very nervous as this is the first quilt that I have ever donated to raise money!! I hope it brings in a alot for the boys!!

And after determining how much this quilt is worth, its only about 64 by 56, I was like...why the helk am I working when I could be doing something I love!! So I am officially going to start taking orders and doing this professionally!! I know it will be slow going and it will take time before I am at the level that I can "stay home" but its worth a shot to me!! I know many of the people that read my blog are quilters, but put the word out for me!! I would appreciate it! My name is also going to be quite simple, the quilting bookworm. I will keep you updated on my progress! And more blog posts coming if I want to get this going!!

And here are the goodies I won from my Golden Ticket.

Awesome Bag!!

A Dilly Dally Layer Cake, an Oasis jelly roll,

Petit a Petit Fat 8th bundle, and 2 candy bars in a decorative tin!!

Now what to make with it all?? I also started a pattern that I have had for at least 3 years. Its called Strip Poker (found at Fat Quarter Shop) and I am using Portabello Market (from 3 years ago!) as the material!! I love that material and wish I had bought more, but now there are so many other goodies out there!! And as my dear hubby said "You really need to use up some stash". I, of course, disagree, but I do agree that some of my unfinished projects do need to get completed if I am going to try to take in some business!! LOL!!

Hope everyone has a great week!!

A Golden Ticket!!

2011-02-05T22:40:00.003-05:00

I don't know if you have heard of this or not, but in Moda Candy Bars there is an opportunity to win a Golden Ticket, which wins you $150 of Moda "Sweets" and enters you in a drawing for a chance to tour headquarters in Dallas, TX!

Well today, my friend and I headed to our LQS. I decided to pick up a Candy Bar, which I had been eyeing for sometime now. We get in the car, I open it up to check out the fabrics and what do I find, but yes...A GOLDEN TICKET! You would have thought I won the lottery! I am so excited!

My totally cool golden ticket!

After my elation and maybe a bit of hyperventilation, I called my mom! I couldn't believe it! And if I win the big trip, my mom is going with me!

Then I headed home, helped my friend with her block and finished up these. The one on the right is my mom's and the one on the left is for Ashley (My brothers GF).

Pattern found on daisyquilts.com

And lastly, my most recent finish....Full Swing by Rachel Griffith of psiquilt.com. Love it, but hate it. Not only did I have a horrible time lining this one up, but I broke 3 needles, a sewing machine and a washer all on this beauty. It now lives with my mom. I don't want it in my house!! LOL!!

And tomorrow, sewing a quilt top together and cutting another out!

A finished top!

2010-08-29T16:16:00.003-04:00

This summer was one of those summers where I made a lot of littler things; table runners etc.

But then crazymomquilts had a quilt along that I just had to do. I love it!! I started about 4 weeks after she did and I finished today, about 2 weeks after she did. Regardless, I love this top!! I have no idea what collection this is bc I got the fat quarters for my birthday several years ago, but I think it is 3 sisters.

Now I have to find something to back and bind it with! You know what that means! SHOPPING!! So I am off to find something that goes with it and then to decide how to quilt it! Any suggestions?

Its been a long time

2010-08-15T20:50:00.002-04:00

I know its been forever, but I just haven't felt like I had anything to say...

And I got tired of feeling like I had to read blogs everyday...which left very little time for my own personal things that I enjoy doing such as quilting and reading...

Then baseball season started. T played freshman and JV, there was a game every single night. And double headers on weekends. Then summer ball, games 2 nights a week and double headers on weekends...again, not much time.

We have finally settled into a routine and school starts in 2 weeks. Rich, T and I go bike riding almost every night, 6 miles a night. Its wonderful! I feel wonderful. Then my gall bladder had to come out and that all went down the drain.

They didn't even take my gall bladder, they just did a liver biopsy bc I have cirrohsis (sp) of liver. Common for someone with my heart history. Great, tell my general surgeon that who I have other issues with now! And I do believe I am filled with fluid and can't get it out!! Drs. in the am is my plan. Then to work! I miss my little kiddos!!

But on a good note, I have had more time to read and more time to quilt. I am ALMOST done with Crazy mom's quilt along and I love it! I think I am on week 10. Its going smoothly and I am enjoying it! Can't wait to get to feeling better to finish it up!!

And I have been reading up a storm. Tomorrow night is the local book club and we read "Loving Frank" about Frank Lloyd Wright. It was good, I gave it 4 stars. I then read "Girl in Translation" by Jean Kwok. Very good, about a young lady who struggles to make a life for herself and her mother in America after moving here from Hong Kong. This one is getting 5 stars. Now I am reading "The Lost Girls", a nonfiction of 3 friends who leave their demanding lives in NYC to travel. Seems pretty good sofar, but I just started.

Look for me periodically...I may show up every now and then!

I may be back...

2010-01-22T22:23:00.002-05:00

J and Tee about 7 yrs ago!

Thanks to everyone who are still checking my blog, even though I am sure it is not many of you! I just got to the point where it became a chore, and I would spend an entire day reading and commenting on blogs. That is not why I have a blog. But I have decided to post when I feel like it and I will still be visiting all my favorite blogs, but I may or may not comment!

Hope to see everyone around blogland some more!

Almost A Month!

2009-10-25T18:40:00.004-04:00

I can't believe almost a month has gone by since I last posted. Life just seemed to get in the way! Its been pretty busy around here with practice and work, but CC is over and basketball doesn't start for another week. (Which shouldn't affect me too much!)

Basketball games happen to start at about 4:30 so that means I will only get to see half of the home games. There is no point for me to drive to the away games if I won't get to see them. So that will mean that I won't get to see T play much, but what can you do?

My job is going wonderfully! I love it and "my kids" are great! We have really settled into a routine and are enjoying each other! They are quite hilarious though, some of the things they say! I had a Breyer Donkey of J's there and they kept telling each other "Don't hurt Donkey, Joe will be upset!" and things like that!

I have been busy working on things for school, planning wise. I have nothing so I am doing everything basically from scratch. The good news is next year will be easier! And of course there is still meetings, 4-H and other necessities to attend to. Why can't my house just clean itself??

This week is going to be busy. Monday I have to stop at the library and Target. Tuesday I have Trick-or-treat at work and Friday I have to work the concession stand at the last home football game of the season for CC. Its a great time and will be fun!!

Today J and I went for a walk, which was so nice. We found this little guy on our way home and he is going to school with me to see if we can get him to make a cacoon and become a butterfly. J named him Wally.

I also have all my squares cut out and ready to send for my "I Spy Swap" that I am participating in! They should make in the mail by Tuesday.

Birds, Chili Peppers and SpongeBob! (everyone needs Spongebob!)

A few weeks ago J and I went to the zoo with the neighbors. I had free tickets and wanted to use them before it got too cold! It was a beautiful day and we had a really good time. 2 adults and 4 kids! We saw pretty much everything and went to the rainforest too! I love the zoo!!!

J and I on the turtle (a tradition!)

My favorite, the butterfly house

The waterfall

This week J also had H1N1 and we have determined that I had it a few weeks ago when I wasn't feeling well. I didn't get tested, just wrote it off as the flu, but a friend (who I gave it too!) gave it to her assistant and her assistant got tested and that is what it was. So we are through that! Rich has not gotten it and neither has T so we are thinking they aren't going to get it! YEAH!

I also went to my friend Holly's last weekend and helped her make some Ohio Stars. She is new to quilting (her mom gave her some stuff before she passed) and Holly needed help with the points. And that is about it here. Oh, I also finished reading The Lost Symbol by Dan Brown and really liked it!

Now off to make a milkshake and read some blogs! Hope everyone has a good week!!

Terry

2009-10-05T21:37:00.003-04:00

Many of you are already aware of the accident that occured a few weeks ago to Terry of Terry's Treasures husband. Having met Terry and her kids personally, they are wonderful people. The sweetest, most wonderful people. (so is her mom and dad!). Please consider helping out Terry and her family! Click on the button to the right! Thanks!

Finally! Some Sewing!

2009-10-04T20:35:00.005-04:00

I have finally gotten around to doing some sewing. Ok, no actual sewing took place, but preperation was in full swing today! And might continue for a little longer!

I actually spent the day cutting t-shirts for the coach's gift for cross country. We voted to buy a shirt from every single race and make them into a quilt. So that is what I did all day!

cut out shirts!

And a few weeks ago I received this beautiful quilt in the mail. This was a PIF from over a year ago from country mouse in the city.

We have been busy with cross country and working. I am loving my new job and can't believe how fast the days go! The weather is getting colder and the leaves are changing. I haven't gotten to take pictures at cross county. Yesterday was at Woodridge which is all hills and was all mud! The kids were sliding down on their bottoms it was so muddy!

I also want to make a quick blanket for my new 2nd cousin, Madelyn, who was born on the 2nd. Rich celebrated 44 on the 1st!

I also joined Karen at Sew Many Ways "I Spy Swap". She is already getting fabric in and I can't wait to see what we all get!

I didn't get to get all my blog reading done tonight, but I will be back at it tomorrow for those I haven't gotten to!

Have a great night!

Pumpkins Everywhere!

2009-09-20T18:05:00.003-04:00

Today was a day spent doing not much...I was home by myself and really enjoyed it, even though I feel like I accomplished nothing!

I started out the day wanting to do nothing but work on a quilt. Well, I ran out of black material so I have to go get some more, but unfortunately the LQS is not open on Sundays...bummer. So then I started the T-shirt quilt for the CC coach...not enough stabalizer...ok, this isn't good...I gave up!

Then dad came over to ride, that was fun. Then I picked my pumpkins and that was pretty much my day...Not exactly earth shattering...But here are pictures of my pumpkins...check out the blue one and my big one!

Flower bed in back, next to my swing

Front flower bed

Front porch

In case you lost count there are 8 pumpkins, 1 blue and 10 minis. These do not include the 11 pumpkins I gave to my mom, neighbor, and BIL's GF nor the mini ones my mom took.Also my mom took a blue one.

This is a picture of my August finish. I had these strips from a Thangles BOM that I was missing a month or two from. What to do? A small quilt with the strips! I love the funky colors!

And lastly, yesterday the boys ran at Galion. The course is a little longer and J ran a 14:01, while T ran a 21:17. Both had excellent times. The Boosters had another picnic. We started racing at 9:00 and our last team raced at 2:30. Teenage boys and girls all day long want food! The following picture is of the fire that we had going on the grill....

Now that's what I call a Fire!

Hope everyone had a great weekend!

Tiffin Carnival

2009-09-18T20:42:00.003-04:00

Yes, I have been MIA and I apologize! It has been just a little hectic and I have been busy with planning at work etc most evenings. I have wanted to update, but just haven't found the time. So beware this post maybe a little long due to all the news!

Last weekend was the Tiffin Carnival for CC. This race is said to be the largest high school race this side of the Mississippi and the 2nd largest in the country! There are easily 250 teams and about 5,000 kids. They have a large parking lot called Catepillar row where the buses park...basically it's HUGE! The boys both ran a good race and got a personal record. I don't remember their exact times but they were good. The parents, of course, tailgated.

Joe

Jess and J with our team slogan!

This is the start of one of the races...look at all those kids!

When we got home from Tiffin we watched the Ohio State game. They played USC and it was a good game, but we should not have lost that one. We were 4th and goal twice and should have went for it! But at least it was a close game.

Then on Sunday I froze another 10 dozen ears of corn. That took a while. But its done and we have plenty of corn for the winter. I also gave my neighbor 5 doz and my mom more! What a lot of corn! This weekend I think we are going to pick the pumpkins and start selling them. We have about 25 pumpkins, 25 mini pumpkins, and 1 blue one!!

My huge pumpkin (photo does not do it justice!)

Corn, post picking!

This week we haven't been too incredibly busy. The boys have been getting home from practice about 4:30, I get home around 5:20 and we have dinner. I have gotten some riding in and have been working on some things for work. I am loving my position. The kids and I are really doing good. I have talked to my boss a few times and she is really happy with the way things are going, which makes me happy! My kids are great and there are a few that I have already become attached to (ok, all of them a little bit!) I have spent the last few weeks seeing where they are at ciriculum wise and adjusting my plans, but I think we are getting there! Plus, I have to make anything that I need for the lesson, next year will be much easier because I won't have to "create" all that again!

This weekend we are heading to Galion for another CC race. Only 4 more left befor conference meet, then district, regionals and state! Can't believe how fast the season went this year! Sunday I plan to spend sitting in front of my machine!! I do have an August finish, but no picture and I want to have a September finish. I haven't really sewed anything in like 3 weeks! Withdrawl! Also my reading is suffering too! I started "Wicked" the other day an am liking it. I also finished "Promise Not To Tell" which was ok.

Ok, I am going to do some blog reading and hopefully get to everyone this weekend!!! Have a great one!!!

9.3 Dozen

2009-09-07T17:48:00.003-04:00

That friends, is how much corn I put up this weekend. And there is still a TON out there! We planted only corn, pumpkins and tomatoes this year. I know that is an odd number, but the goal was to put 7-8 ears in a bag when I froze it so that I could just pull out a bag and heat it up. Thus it was an odd number!

My helper, Oscar

Our tomato plants got ran over and only 1 survived. The rest is flourishing!! I will have some pictures tomorrow of my HUGE pumpkin!

And lastly a picture from last week where the GF, the neighbor and the boys were playing rummy.

Hope everyone had a great holiday weekend! No blog reading for me tonight, lessons to work on!

Where I'm From

2009-09-05T12:55:00.003-04:00

I am from the country girl,

and the city boy

I am from the high school sweethearts

but don't ask about math class

I am from the Miller's and the Zajicek's

from Tom and Jackie

I am from the working parents

with one always home

I am from the wish we hads, and had it then

to the sit down and shut up

I am from the stubborn and the proud

I am from the garden

and the flower beds

I am from horse shows every weekend

and marching band on Friday nights

I am from family dinners

Christmas Eve at Grandma's

From Grandparent's lost and

ones still alive

I am from 39 years today

of the love of my parents

Today my parents celebrate 39 years of marriage. While that is rare for today, my parents are still going strong and still in love today as much as they were 39 years ago when they said I do. There have been hard times and good times, times when they worried about us kids, and times when we all didn't get along, but I wouldn't trade it for anything!

Happy Anniversary Mom & Dad! I love you!!

Christmas 2008

PS: Stop by my mom's blog to see a picture of their wedding day and a giveaway!

I'm still here!!

2009-08-29T19:41:00.003-04:00

Hi everyone!
Sorry it has been such a long time between my posts. I have been busy with getting things ready for my class, getting the kids started in school and the regulary items like cross country and around the house. Last week we had something going on every single night, wow, were we tired!

The kids are back in school and are enjoying it. J says he's not, but I know he is. He is glad to have something to do during the day! T is really enjoying back and seeing all his friends. He is at the high school now and has had no problems moving up, but then again they go to a smaller school and he has been running with the CC team for 8 weeks now.

The obligatory first day of school picture

Today they had their first "meet" at New London. Both the boys ran well, and made their personal record. T ran in 22:04 and J ran in 13:46. The competition was tough and the boys JR high team came in 4th overall. T came in 16th in the boys open race, which was excellent!

J (on the far left of the picture)

The weather is a little rainy in the last few days, but it cleared up for the races today! Yesterday rained most of the day and tomorrow is only supposed to be 62! Yuck!!

My job is going well and I am really enjoying it. The kids are great and so is the staff. I love being with the little ones and am really excited for preschool to start! I have lots of great ideas for this year, and look forward to helping these little ones learn the colors, shapes, numbers etc!

Tomorrow I hope to finish another lap quilt and do some reading, along with getting the house clean and working on some lessons! Hopefully we will settle into a schedule and I will be able to blog regularly again!

Hope everyone is having a great weekend!!

Look at all this!

2009-08-16T14:40:00.006-04:00

Ha! you probably thought it was going to be something really cool huh??

Well, to me it is! Yesterday we went down to my in-laws and spent the day. My MIL use to do sewing and quilting etc. Mostly making simple things, but she doesn't have time anymore, nor the ambition soo....

I got all her fabric!! Tons of it!

This is a view from their back deck.

This is one of the hummingbirds that frequent the hummingbird bush and feeder.

I read on their deck most of the day yesterday and really enjoyed these guys! Then last night we went to the Lore City festival, it was really small and met up with Aunt Avis, who sells these really cool wooden roses.

Wednesday night was also the classic at Mastick Park. The entire team ran and so did Rich. Here are pictures of each of the boys at the clock. T ran a 22:54, J ran a 24:50 and Rich ran a 33:52. They all did great!

T running in

J running in

Rich running in!

Today has been pretty uneventful, it is supposed to get up to 90 so we are hanging out inside this afternoon. I am working on lesson plans and reading my Book Club book. Hopefully I will get some sewing done! Hope everyone is having a great weekend!!

Package Surprise!

2009-08-11T17:40:00.003-04:00

Robyn at Daisy Quilts held a PIF and I was one of her participants! My package came yesterday! I am very excited to have been in Robyn's PIF and was thrilled when it arrived. I had to dig right in of course! And I will just say that I love it!

It arrived!

Oh, pretty!

A book bag! This will get LOTS of use!

Chocolate, a bookmark, card and DUQ magazine!

Last night it stormed pretty bad at our house before and after practice. Luckily we didn't lose power, which tends to happen, even on sunny days. Last night during one of the breaks I snapped this picture of CC, he was laying under the chair almost as if he was hiding and this picture reminds me of him looking out as if on stake out.

Quilting wise, not much has been happening. With the fair last week and starting work this week I haven't gotten anything done. I may work on my stripped one tonight some, Rich was nice enough to take the boys to practice. I had a few shots (TB and Tetnus) yesterday for work and really feel bad today! But things are going smoothly and I am learning. Next week I will be by myself in my classroom and the day after labor day school starts for the preschool. I am looking forward to it, I have to get planning.

Book wise, I have sort of been on a reading slump. I did read Brad Thor's newest, The Apostle, which was good and I read Meg Cabot's Queen of Babble (one day read, very quick and light!). Now I am reading The German Woman by Paul Griner. It was on our libraries New Fiction list and sounded good so I picked it up. Its really not bad. Its set during the WW's and really moves fairly quickly. Next up will be A Room With A View for bookclub next Monday.

Hope everyone is having a great week!

Reserve Grand Champion!!!

2009-08-08T14:42:00.007-04:00

He did it! J won Reserve Grand Champion in Equitation! We are so excited! He did awesome, completely nailed his pattern and beat out a girl who ALWAYS wins...(she was a little mad!) It wasn't Grand Champion, but seeing as he skipped Tenderfoot last year to be in a tougher class we'll take it! He did great and was so excited! Look out next year!!

J and Rich

Today is the 2nd to last day of fair. It ends tomorrow, another year over. We were talking of going tonight for Rich and I to show, but it's raining. I don't think we are going. If it stops raining we may go and watch but its looking like its going to be a quiet night at home! Tomorrow I will have to go up just to get my last milkshake for the year! I love the 4-h booth milkshakes...we save all our change up every year so we can spend it on milkshakes!

In other news, I won a giveaway!!! Quilting Cowgirl Brenda, had a Christmas Giveaway and I won! Yeah, very excited!!! It included some great material, two patterns and a book! I can't wait to dig into the material and make one of the patterns!

Look at this great prize!!

We have also been non-rainy and rainy days that I am not having to water my garden. My corn is just about ready to get tossles. I can't wait for it to be done! I love sweet corn! My dinner the other night was fresh corn, green beans (neighbors garden) and blackberries. (I know not that nutritous but it was worth it!). My pumpkins are out of control! There are tons of blooms on them and at least 2 dozen mini pumpkins starting! Here are a couple of shots of my garden.

Gettin' bigger

pumpkins gone wild!

Big pumpkins!

Little pumpkins!

I am going to do some blog reading (TRY to catch up!) and then some sewing. The steady rain will defiantely put a damper on the fair tonight so we will probably stay home. Monday I start my job and can't wait! And the boys and Rich have the Classic at Mastick 5K on Wednesday night, with the CC team. I hope Rich can run the entire course (his goal is 10min miles and the boys are 7 min miles!). I hope everyone had a great week! And is enjoying the weekend. I'll be back next week!

A boy and his horse

2009-08-04T20:49:00.002-04:00

Today is the 2nd day of the county fair. Yesterday J showed his rabbits, and got a first in showmanship and a 3rd in his breed class. Long day yesterday! But today was even longer!

Today is the day he showed his horse. The judge was SO slow, one showmanship class took 45 minutes! Very slow! But he did really good and we are proud of him...

He showed in 3 classes, horsemanship, pleasure and reining. He received a third in Horsemanship (on the rider), a fifth in pleasure (on the horse) and a first in reining (a pattern type class). Reining is by far his favorite class and he was so tired he almost didn't show in it. We left home at about 8:00 and got home about 6:30. He did a great job and I am really proud of him and his efforts with his horse.

We have been busy this past week getting ready for fair, and practice every day. T is up to running about 6 miles a night and J is running about 5. Their first race is next Wednesday up in the Cleveland Metroparks and Rich is going to try to run it too!

We came home tonight and were talking to the neighbor when Rich said "Hey babe, here are some blackberries". They are growing along our tree line and we really just noticed them and they are just starting to produce so I went and picked some! Don't they look yummy:

Tomorrow I don't have to go to the fair so I am staying home and sewing! And I am very excited because I finally (after a year and a half) got a job! I will be starting next week at a local preschool teaching the 3 yr old class! I can't wait! Finally!!! So after this week I will be working everyday and I am sure I will enjoy it!

Hope everyone is having a great week!

Horse Judging and a Finish

2009-07-31T13:11:00.003-04:00

It has once again been busy. This week, on Wednesday, J and I headed to Columbus to the Ohio State Fair for him to compete in the state horse skillathon and with the Medina County Judging team. The teams did not get any awards on the judging team, and J did got get any individual awards for it either, but he learned some things, and had fun so that was worth it.

The teams, J in the center

J and G

After the competition but before the awards ceremony we walked around the fair a bit. The kids and I rode the Skyline, which was neat because you could see quite a distance, but not quite to the end of the fairgrounds. There are lots of tall buildings that you couldn't really see over. But here is one view from the skyline.

Yes, it was cloudy and it rained the entire way down and most of the day. We also watched a Quarter Horse show that was going on while we were there. It was nice to just watch a good show. I enjoyed watching the show and seeing all the good horses.

Last week I did get some things sewn. I actually finished a mini quilt using the Pop Garden material. That means I did have a finish for July!

And I made a strip quilt top out of a thangles BOM that I had, but didn't have the 12th one because they ran out. So I just sewed them together to make this top.

Next week is the fair so we will be busy with that. Check in is on Sunday and we would like to watch the harness racing. Then J shows his rabbits on Monday, his horse on Tuesday, we have to work for our club on Thursday, Championship show on Friday night (if he makes it) and Alumni show on Saturday (Rich is showing!!!). Hopefully it won't rain all week and won't be incredibly hot.

Hope everyone has a great weekend!

One PIF received!

2009-07-23T11:04:00.002-04:00

Granny Lyn received her PIF gift from me! Yeah! And she likes it, even better! Here is a picture of her gift. I can show it because her gift was specific to her. I am trying to make my gifts individualized as much as I can!

Today is booking through thursday. Here is today's question:

Reading something frivolous? Or something serious? Serious, just finished frivolous
Paperbacks? Or hardcovers? Whatever the library has!
Fiction? Or Nonfiction? Both
Poetry? Or Prose? Prose

Biographies? Or Autobiographies? Both
History? Or Historical Fiction? Both
Series? Or Stand-alones? Both
Classics? Or best-sellers? Both
Lurid, fruity prose? Or straight-forward, basic prose? Either
Plots? Or Stream-of-Consciousness? More plots, but either
Long books? Or Short? Both
Illustrated? Or Non-illustrated? Mostly non-illustrated
Borrowed? Or Owned? Mostly library
New? Or Used? Again, mostly library

There you have it, I read just about anything!! I actually just finished a book called The Manny, not a great read, but quick and easy. Now I am reading Bones to Ashes by Kathy Reichs...its not bad, just moving slow. But Finger-lickin' Fifteen is waiting for me at the library!!!

Happenings, Happenings...

2009-07-22T12:32:00.004-04:00

...and hopefully I will get caught up on my blog reading!

It's been busy as usual this past week, we have had Eye Dr. appts, and 4-H judgings, plus riding and horseshows, baseball and regular practice!

I haven't gotten much done in the sewing area but I have been working on putting together the Oh Cherry Oh scraps and there maybe a giveaway in the future. Just not sure yet!

Also I am sitting down today to work on my PIF's that I have left. I will get them out soon! I promise! Here is a sneak peak at something, I love this fabric, its called Pop Garden by Heather Bailey. Its an older fabric, but I love the funky bright colors!

My garden is really doing good. We are having to water fairly regularly because we aren't getting much rain, but it's raining on and off today so that is good! It am starting to see some real growth in the corn and the pumpkins!!

Our first pumpkin!

The corn is gettin' there!

We finished up baseball tournaments on Saturday, it was sad...very sad...The team really didn't come to play, let alone win. We could have won, but we just weren't into it. They were missing the ball right and left. And some kids just let it go between their legs and didn't bother to go after it! Boy was Rich mad!! But it's over, and there is next year.

It rained early that morning so all the games got pushed back. We were supposed to play at 12:30 and ended up playing at 3:00. We went up to watch the 10:00 game and found out they were pushed back, but rather than drive home (it wasn't worth that) we stayed and hung out. The kids were getting a little bored by the time the games started!

We are so bored!

Sunday we went to a horse show. J did fairly well, with a third and a fourth...not his best rides, but it was okay. He is having some issues figuring out hip position and things like that but he is going for high points at these shows so we at least wanted him to get some points.

J and Spike

And that has been pretty much the past week. This week was more 4-H judgings, practice every night, and next week is that State Judging Competition, then fair and before you know it school will start! Have a great week everyone!

Always Busy...

2009-07-14T23:00:00.004-04:00

Lately it seems like we are constantly on the go. I know I say that all the time, but today was horrible! I took the boys to CC practice, then headed to Cleveland for a check-up, picked them up at the library, came home, fed and showered them, took J to his moms, came home, spent 30 mins reading email and then headed to the 4-H judging for small animals. Sat there for 4 hours to get home at 7:30. Dinner, riding and bed...that is my day!

Tomorrow should be better, only practice to run too! Hopefully I will get a walk in while they are running.

At my check-up today I did get an all clear from my cardiologist. He is very happy with the way things look and sound. Everything looks great and he told me to keep up my walking. Don't need to tell me, I feel so much better on the days I walk. I just wish it didn't take me so long and that we didn't have to walk on the railroad tracks. I want to increase to 8 miles one day a week but its a time thing with the neighbor and I. That is about 2 hours and usually one of us doesn't have that much time!

The weather has been beautiful lately so I have been doing quite a bit of reading outside. I really want to get some sewing done tomorrow, but I always say that and it just never happens! But I do have 2 of my PIF's ready to mail out! I hope that the recipients like them!

We did play a tournament game on Saturday, and our poor pathetic team won! I can't believe it, ther is a team out there worse than ours! So we play this Saturday at noon. I am not sure if we will win this one, the other team is pretty good. Rich and I scouted them on Sunday (ok, he scouted and I read!)

We also had our 4-H horse show. Was horrible...don't ask...

And just two pictures of my kitties. Whenever I am outside reading they spend about 20 minutes on the swing with me and then jump to the shade. I don't blame them, that fur has to be hot!! Especially Kylie!

Kylie and Oscar

Happenings...

2009-07-08T12:54:00.004-04:00

First I have to say a big thank you to crazymomquilts. She gave away her Oh Cherry Oh! scraps and I won! WOOHOO!!!

And we have been pretty busy as usual. The boys have cross country practice every night and T is finishing up baseball. Last night we went to a 4-H fun show and J received a 2nd and a 3rd. He had some issues earlier in the night, but we worked through them and he was much better after that. The fair is coming up and we are working on getting project books done and posters made for display...only 1 more month till fair, but the pet small animals and still exhibits are judged ahead of time so that is in 2 weeks! Plus phyiscals for sports, eye doctor for J, I have a check-up next week and our 4-H clubs horse show this weekend!

I have been watering my garden and flowers to make sure they have enough. It hasn't rained, but it certainly has been cool. We have been drinking hot chocolate at ball games and at the show last night! Where is summer???

Here are a picture of 3 of my 8 rows of corn and 8 of my 15 pumpkins. These pumpkins should be blue when they grow and mature. I can't wait to see if they really are...the seeds are so we shall see!

I have been working on my PIF's and they should be mostly ready to go out next week. Just a few little things to finish up with those. I did stop and pick up these items today. I want to make Rich an neutral quilt so this jelly roll should work (Its Thimbleberries) and these fat quarters to finally finish the squares for my batik/black quilt!

Lastly a picture of 2 of the kittens inside the hay elevator. I am sure they won't be doing this again once we use it this weekend!

And Kylie, using it for her own personal hayloft ladder!

Hope everyone is having a great week!

Happy Belated 4th of July!

2009-07-05T14:12:00.003-04:00

I hope everyone had a wonderful holiday! We did!

Friday night we went to my parents for a cook-out with the family. There was good food, good company, corn-hole and lots of laughs! Then Rich and I went to town to catch a few of the fireworks and get french fries. The boys were at their mom's for the night so it was just the two of us!

Then last night we headed to the Lake Erie Crushers baseball game! Yes, we do love baseball. Except J, he only goes for the peanuts! The Crushers lost the game, it was really pretty sad, 9-1 but it was still nice to see some ball. We were on the left field side, literally next to the foul pole. I took the picture with my phone but it wasn't more than 200 feet away from us.

Then we saw fireworks after the game. I have never really seen a bad show at ball game. The Crushers put on an excellent show last night. The first picture is from there. We were maybe 500 feet from where they were shooting them off. It was really cool to be that close. Some of them you had to look pretty much straight up to see! Very cool!

Stomper, the mascot

J and I (dancing after the game)

And we have been diligently working on our summer reading.

Also have been spending some time outside, but it has been cold here lately...it was 62 on Monday at T's ball game. Today it is warmer, and we have been doing some things around the house yesterday and today. No pictures of anything quilty. I am trying really hard to get my PIF's finished up and mailed so I can't show those yet!!

Hope everyone had a wonderful and safe holiday!

Now I know why...

2009-06-28T21:21:00.004-04:00

...my pot of lettuce didn't grow.

This week has been another fairly busy week. We had baseball on Monday, Tuesday and Thursday nights. 4-H on Wednesday night, walking and general stuff around the house. Yesterday we put up two loads of hay. Its been busy. Plus Rich's cousin came up and spent the night Thursday and Friday. They took the kids to an Indians game, their first Major League game. But it was great to spend more time with Keith, Antoinette, Trevor, Sean and KayMarie.

T and Trevor

Sean and Oscar

I did get to spend some time sewing yesterday, still working on my surprises. I have also been reading, when I can. I am currently reading the Vanishing Act of Esme Lennox by Maggie O'Farrell. Its okay, I haven't really decided if I like it and I am half way through it. Our library does a summer reading program and I am half way through the adult program. And tomorrow I plan to weed my garden but it is supposed to rain! Hopefully it won't till Tuesday!

And I cannot believe that Michael Jackson is dead. I can remember in 4th grade when Thriller came out. It was all the rage! All the girls had pins and necklaces of the glove! It is sad that such an icon has died, while I did not necessarily listen to his later music I can still remember all the songs of my youth...

Hope everyone had a great weekend!

Quilt Qua

2009-06-24T16:17:00.001-04:00

Quilt Qua is having an awesome giveaway so check it out!!!

What a weekend!

2009-06-23T12:17:00.007-04:00

I know I have posted in about a week. I meant to yesterday but we were busy cleaning up and unpacking/washing from the weekend. Plus we all slept late! Beware this post is long and has lots of pictures!

On Friday night we went to see a Lake Erie Crushers game. They are an independant team (not affiliated with any ML team). I had picked up Rich's nieces earlier and his brother and his brothers girlfriend also went. We had a fun time at the game. There were no bad seats, the stadium only holds about 5000 so its pretty small. We had 4 & 5th row seats on the third base line.

Eat more fowl!

Then Saturday we got up and headed south. We thought it was going to be a bad day when it rained the whole way down, but it cleared up and warmed up! It was so much fun! We got to see Rich's cousins that the kids and I have never met, and some new cousins that joined the family and some aunts that live in WV that we don't get to see often!

Rich, Keith, and beautiful KayMarie

Tom, Payton and Trevor

All the Great-Grandchildren of Lynn and Ruby Metheney

We spent a lot of the day eating and talking and having fun. The kids wanted to of course go tubing and boating. We had a fishing competition and I went with my FIL and took the kids tubing. There were over 20 kids (including myself) that went tubing. We rotated them on and off the pontoon boat in to dad's boat to tube. I was in charge of pulling them in and getting them on the tube and off the tube. My arms are so soar, we took them out twice!

Trevor

Kaysen

Joe

Then we went back to dad's and all crashed! On Sunday morning, those that came from New Mexico and Arkansas came over and the wives and kids spent the day at Dad's while the guys and the oldest two boys went golfing. We had a scavenger hunt, played about 15 games of hide-n-seek, took the 4-wheeler out twice, and played croquet. We actually also got to meet and play with my in=laws amish neighbors. The kids wanted to ask them if their kids could play hide-n-seek, so we let them and they all came over! The little girls played and the parents talked with our adults that were not playing.

They even invited our kids over to see them milk their cow! It was great! most of the kids were from the city and had never seen a cow be milked and were completely amazed! The amish were so nice and were more than happy to answer all our questions. They get about 6 gallons of milk a day from one cow. They have a spring that runs in their root cellar to help keep it cold and they make cheese, butter and cottage cheese just to name a few from that milk. They speak Dutch until they go to school where they learn English. So sometimes it seems like they are "slow" but they are translating in their heads! It was great and I am so glad they got to experience it! Emily, our niece, is the same age as Amanda, the amish girl, and they quickly got over the language barrier and had a wonderful time together!

We had such a fun time and can't wait to see everyone again! Lisa and I are constantly texting each other and already planning another visit! Probably not for a few years, but sometime sooner than 8 years! And seeing Keith with his new family and baby girl was wonderful! A great time was had by all and we can't wait to see each other again!

KayMarie and I

Sean (my shadow) & I (Love you seany!)

Lisa & I

I did actually get some sewing done last week, but not much! Here is a sneak peek, its a surprise!

This week, sewing, reading, baseball, a horse show, and whatever else!

Hope everyone had a wonderful weekend! Sorry this is so LONG!

Hippology

2009-06-17T16:35:00.004-04:00

Monday we spent the day in Columbus for Hippology. For those who don't know, Hippology is the study of horses or Hippo Campus. It was a really long day and the kids did well considering we were on the road by 6:00 am and we got home at 8:45 pm! The adults spent the day sitting outside the barn in the sun/shade while reading or talking and walking around the barns. The kids went back and forth between the barns and the cars during the competition.

Don't I look excited?

My Junior team

While we were there we almost ran over a killdeer nest. There were 3 eggs that she was standing over in this picture. I have never seen killdeer eggs up close and I was amazed how much they look like rocks. The poor thing was completely freaked out all day long. I felt really bad for her.

In other news, I am working on my PIF's so those who joined mine need to shoot me and email with your addresses. The neighbor and I are also still walking 4-6 miles a night. Otherwise, life is normal!

Mail Surprise!

2009-06-14T15:56:00.003-04:00

Yesterday we went to a basketball shoot-out with T. It took all day long and it wasn't very exciting. I have to admit I know very little about basketball.

But when we came home I had this waiting for me! It is from Terry! Its my PIF gift from her!

I wonder what it is!

This absolutely beautiful lap quilt! The colors are SO much better in person!

and some thread and a great needle case!

Thanks so much Terry! I love, love, love it!!!!

I haven't done any sewing lately, since I last posted. Just too much going on and tomorrow I take 9 kids to Columbus for Hippology competition! Hopefully I will get back to sewing on Tuesday! Tomorrow Rich and I also celebrate 7 wonderful years as husband and wife! Too bad we won't really get to spend it together!

Hope everyone had a wonderful weekend!

2009-06-11T13:34:00.003-04:00

Today, J turns 13. My baby, a teenager. I can't believe it! While I have only known him 9 years it seems like forever and he is growing up so fast! We have such a close relationship and even our own language. I can't wait to see what the next 13+ years have in store for him!

In other news:

I did get two more batik/black blocks done this week. I have 5 finished so far. I want to get this quilt done and enter it in the fair in August, but we shall see if time permits. I would also like to have it professionally quilted (on a long arm) but that may not happen soon enough for fair. This blocks are a Thangles BOM that our LQS did last year and the outer part of the stars is the finishing. Its going to be really cool when its done and king size too!

These are the two blocks I finished this week:

These four blocks I have no idea what I am going to do with them. All the rest of the blocks I had fat quarters of the inner star material to complete the outside. These 4 I don't...

So I don't know if I should use something that matches them colorwise or if I should redo them completely to something I have enough of and then use these as backing or what...I just don't know! Any suggestions are welcome!

It has been a bit busy around here this week. We (the boys and I) cleaned out the basement and their bookshelves. We donated 6 garbage bags of clothes, 4 brown bags of books and a bunch of toys to the local community action that gives to the needy. Then we cleaned out the garage. Yesterday I did sew and today I went to get my blood work and pick up prescriptions. We have had something for the kids every night this week. I also have to replant most of my garden, it didn't come up at all! I have 3 or 4 pumpkins and that is it!

CC has also been not feeling well. He got bit by something and it swelled up pretty bad. He lost all his fur but it finally broke open last night and drained. He is doing 100% better today. No fever, eating, playing! I'm so glad, we were really getting worried! The same thing happened to the neighbor's cat so we have no idea what it was!!!

Tonight is baseball, basketball and hippology. We go to Columbus on Monday!

Hope everyone has a good weekend!

Blackie, Brownie, and Oscar

2009-06-06T15:52:00.002-04:00

Brownie and Blackie, our new cows

Oscar, found along the road...boy is he annoyingly loud!

And this is what I have been doing all day today! Scrapping paint!

Hope everyone is having a wonderful weekend and enjoying the sunshine!!

Weekend Tidbits

2009-05-31T14:49:00.002-04:00

Friday night was the annual Run with the Bucks fundraiser for the Buckeye Education Foundation. The boys are both running Cross country this coming year and they both ran at the event. T was supposed to umpire, but he ended up getting rained out. They both did pretty good running a 25:55 for T, and a 28:10 for J. Rich and I watched and cheered, just like at CC. It was fun and next year we will do it again! One little kid (under 10 easily) came in 3rd in the entire race! His time was like 21 or 22 something. I was also surprised how many "older" cc runners the boys both beat, not just girls, but boys too!

T crossing the finish line

J crossnig the finish line

Yesterday I didn't do a whole lot, baseball game in the morning got rained out, they pushed it back and T umped in the afternoon. I worked on my Batik and Black quilt a little and read a book. I did make a quick trip (ok, they are never quick) to the library and picked up a few more books. Right now I am reading the Quiet Game by Greg Iles and really liking it. I have read a few and really like them.

Last night I did walk 4 miles with the neighbors. Tonight we are going to go for 6! We need to up it since we are not all that tired when we get back. So we shall see how this goes!

This afternoon I made a journal cover, but since I already have a journal I decided to adapt it to fit my Bible. You always see people with bible covers but mine is pretty now!

Before

After

It was really easy to make (once I figured out the measurements right!) and went together in no time! Plus I can stick things I need to keep in the inside pockets part. And I like the brown and blue material. Sorry the picture didn't come out great color wise, but you get the idea!

I am off to do some blog reading before Rich gets home from work and then see what he has in store for today. He has been playing alot of online poker lately. So that is my guess as to what his plan is! And probably homemade pizza for dinner!!!

May Finish!

2009-05-27T14:36:00.002-04:00

Finally! Some sewing has gotten done!!! I am very happy to finally find some time to do some sewing! I finished the star quilt along from last year that Crazy Mom quilts put on. This is Rich's least favorite quilt. He doesn't like the colors of it. Oh well, tomorrow I will wash it so it is nice and crinkly! Then I hope to work on my batik/black quilt.

And check out these old spools I was given! The prices on them range from 15 cents to 40 cents. There are brands I have never heard of before! Very cool!

Last night in baseball we played Columbia and lost, we play the same team tomorrow night and I hope we win. Our record is 3-3 right now. Tonight is a CC meeting, 4-H and T is supposed to ump a game tonight. Tomorrow night is also Hippology. Very busy, and only 7 more days of school left!!

The neighbor and I have also been walking 4 miles a day, but its pouring rain right now so we are not going to get to walk today. Off to enjoy the cool air that the rain brought, do some blog reading and get kids started on homework!

1st horse show of the year

2009-05-24T17:38:00.004-04:00

Today Rich and I took J to the first horse show of the year (for us anyway!). He did a great job. He got a first in Pleasure and a second in Horsemanship.

Our friend Rick, riding Neno...J's favorite!

We also have new kitties from Momma cat. They are so stinking cute! Rich says no we are not keeping them, and I just say ok honey!

My favorite one!

No sewing, a little bit of reading Mudbound.

Waiting for BIL's GF so we can order pizza, J and I are STARVING!

Tomorrow, another show...

A Second First Time

2009-05-21T17:02:00.001-04:00

What book would you love to be able to read again for the first time?

Gone with the Wind, no doubt about it. That is one of my all time favorite books and I read about every other year. But no time is nearly as good as the first time. I want to go back and read the wonderful story again for the first time! To meet Scarlett and Rhett for the first time, and to experience Mammy for the first time....ahhh....how wonderful that would be!

Tonight is Hippology and Baseball. I, of course, am going to hippology where we will be working on senior problems and studying the internal organs...fun, fun! Hope everyone has a great night!

Weed Killing - Kylie Style

2009-05-20T13:43:00.002-04:00

Can I come in?

Chillin'

I'll get it - watch me get it!

Don't worry, it's salt water!

Today I have been spending some time outside. The weather here is absolutely gorgeous. So I did some weed killing with the sprayer. This morning I worked on quilting my star quilt from Crazy Mom's quilt along last year.

This afternoon will be reading, quilting, working in the flower beds and blog reading. I am going to start reading Amy Tan's The Kitchen God's Wife. I finished All the Way Home by Wendi Corsi Staub last night and once again had no idea who did it!

The neighbor lady and I have also been walking every night we can. Its nice to walk with someone out here, not only for company but incase something happens. We walk our "block" which is equal to 4 miles!

Rich has been mowing down the pasture and we have been busy doing yard work. THat is about it in our world, what's going on in yours?

Horse Judging

2009-05-18T16:57:00.002-04:00

On Saturday I took J and 3 other "hippology" kids down to Carrollton for a horse judging practice. All four of them are new to the Judging team and were excited to be able to attend their first judging experience. We have met with the judging coach two previous times, but this was the first time the four of them were going to actually get to judge a show and see how they did. They also have to give what are called oral reasons. These reasons are why you placed the class the way you did. This is something that they will have to do at the state competition in July and were nervous about.

All four of them did an incredible job. There were two other girls there that were on the team last year and well, not that I want to brag but my four hippology kids had no problems getting up and talking to show participants and stating their oral reasons. They did wonderful! They each judged a class and they each gave reasons for a different class than the one they judged.
The coach was very impressed with their knowledge and their ability to speak in public as they did. The other two girls were very quiet and seemed unsure.

I am very proud of all four of them and can't wait to see how they continue to do at future shows!

Yesterday we sold hot dogs at TSC for a fundraiser and did not do as well as we wanted. It was a rather slow day and many people were not buying. So now I have 60 hotdogs in my freezer that didn't get sold.

Today I cleaned the house really good and Rich did some brushhogging. Then we had dinner and I am heading to book club in about an hour. Rich and T went to T's ball game and I am taking J to run the cross country course while I am at book club. We read "The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society" for this month. It is a series of letters written after WWII and is a bit of a love story, but not a romance. Now I am reading "Revenge of the Spellmans" by Lisa Lutz and I love these, they are quite hilarious!

Tomorrow I will do some sewing. I haven't done any since last week Wednesday or Thursday!

Not Bon Jovi...

2009-05-17T09:01:00.004-04:00

Thursday night J had a choir concert and T had a ball game. So I went to the choir concert and then left there to go to the game. They did a lot of great songs that choir concert such as the Curly Shuffle. They always try to make the last one of the year a little more fun and not as serious.

Here are a couple of pictures from the game.

T batting

Tyler and T

I am off to sell hotdogs at TSC for a 4-H funraiser. I will post later about the judging show the kids did yesterday!

Hope everyone is having a great weekend!

Moons and Mail

2009-05-12T09:29:00.003-04:00

Sundays' Full Moon

It was a fairly busy weekend here.

I took the boys to the ortho on Saturday morning and then we stopped at the library. Came home, cleaned stalls and did yard work, went to T's game and froze! Then Sunday I went to church and then did some yard work, rode, went to town with Rich to get a new weed eater and then did more yard work and made dinner.

I did receive a couple of giveaway prizes in the mail this weekend and I am very excited! The first came on Saturday from Iva over at Plain And Fancy. It is great Mary Englebert Fabric and a mini set of Make-up brushes. Thanks so much Iva! I have no idea what I will make but I do love it!

The second package came from Paula at A Latte Quilts and is a great book called "Quilts from Lavender Hill Farm" and I already know which one I am going to make first. She also included a Starbucks gift card! Yummy! Thanks Paula!!

yes the picture is rotated...sorry!

In other news, we have a game tonight and I am sure it will be cold. I have been working on getting the backing together for the Star Quilt Along that Crazy Mom Quilts did last year. You can see the finished top here. And in looking at my blog roll I have a lot of catching up to do! So I guess I will be here for a while reading! Hope everyone is having a great week!

Happenings

2009-05-09T12:00:00.006-04:00

Last night T got back from his 8th grade trip to Philladelphia. He took the camera but didn't take any pictures! They had a really good time and his favorite part of the trip was Gettysburg. They toured the battlefields etc. They went to the constitution center, the USS New Jersey, saw the Liberty Bell and "ran up the steps of the Art Museum" just like in Rocky. They had a dance at the hotel on Thursday night and overall had a really good time. And I learned that Mt Dew and Poweraide mix well, and make you really hyper. I have to say that I like the fact that for the most part the boys talk to us about pretty much everything.

While he was gone, life continued as normal here. Hippology on Thursday, chores etc continued. I have been fairly productive with quilting and reading lately. I finished "The Boy In The Striped Pajamas" on Thursday, quick read, but wow, what an ending and then read "Postcards from Berlin" (Not about the war!) on Friday. Today I am starting another book about Auschweitz.

I also finished up the top for this quilt...

and have been working on some black/batik blocks and a pieced backing for another quilt.

At the last track meet a friend of ours gave us a CD of all the pictures they had taken over the Cross Country Season. Here are two of my favorite pics. And for those of you who don't know Steve Prefontaine is a famous deceased CC runner that is our coaches idol. They watch is movie at the start of every season!

It's a little wet out!

Mill Stream Park

2009-05-05T20:13:00.003-04:00

Tonight T is the base umpire for a "G" game down at Old Liverpool School.

Down the street from the old school is Mill Stream Park. Its about a half mile down there, so I walked down to the park from the school and walked a total of 3 miles tonight. It is called Mill Stream Park because the stream runs along the East and North sides of the park.

Mill Stream

The park from the East end, looking West

I got back to the game as it was starting and I sat and read a book till it was just about over. Then Rich came so I left to do chores! I did do some sewing today, but just a little and nothing that I can show. Now I am going to do some blog reading and read my book...

Tomorrow there is nothing going on so I would like to sew most of the day and it is supposed to rain which will make me not feel guilty for sewing instead of weeding!

Have a great night!

Busy Day!

2009-05-04T20:37:00.004-04:00

Its been a busy day today! We got up this morning and had breakfast, then we decided that we were going to get some work done.

The garden

We got out the roto-tiller and I roto-tilled the entire garden. Rich cut some branches down and then I went to get plants while he tried to weed eat. Then we made dinner, there was a track meet tonight (the last one) and then we planted the garden. We planted 1 1/2 rows of beans, 1/2 row of green onions, 1 row of blue pumpkins, 1 row of miniture pumpkins, 2 rows of regular pumpkins, and 3 rows of corn. We have room for 5 more rows of corn, but we need to get more corn. Its a weird garden in that we don't plant cucumbers and such, but that is because I am usually the only one who eats them. I do have 6 tomato plants that need to be put in next week.

I went to the meet and then I came home and rode my horse. Now I am ready to settle in for some blogging and reading!

Kylie Jane

Giveaway!

2009-05-03T12:58:00.003-04:00

One of my all time favorite bloggers is having a giveway in conjunction with the Sewn Launch Party! So click on the image to be directed to Daisy Quilts blog and her giveaway!

Thanks Honey!

2009-04-27T15:36:00.003-04:00

Look what my sweetie just brought home for my birthday!

I love him so much!

Been enjoying the beautiful weather and working on a batik and black quilt that I am loving!

A Little Spoiled?

2009-04-26T18:17:00.003-04:00

CC is just a little spoiled, only a little...

He loves to swing and sleep!

And I made these great bags from the link in my last post. I just have to get some buttons for them and then they will be complete! Love them, they are just too cute!

It's been wonderful weather here this weekend and am hoping for more of the same tomorrow! I do need to maybe lay on my stomach though if I am out, the front of my legs are looking a little red from reading on the swing and the back are looking a little pale! I am sure I have some tanning stuff around here somewhere to even it out!

Last night Rich took me and the kids to dinner to my favorite restraunt here in our little town. Fiesta Jalapenos! They serve authentic Mexican and I love their food. Especially their queso and chips! I had Fiesta Quesidillas, which had steak, shrimp and chicken in them! Yummy and had leftovers for lunch today! I couldn't take a picture because Rich is all like no you are not doing that! He thinks its weird to take pictures of your food from your birthday dinner! I don't know why he would think that!

Tonight I am going to sew some more and then the final of the Cake Challenge is on the food network tonight! Can't wait for that and the Amazing Race!

Hope everyone had a beautiful, wonderful weekend!

Thanks Mom!

2009-04-24T14:56:00.003-04:00

Today I had a drs appointment and the went to the fabric store. After that I stopped at my mom's to pick-up and drop off some stuff. I, of course, took our favorite lunch, Taco Bell!

My mom has this quilt to finish. It was the very first one her, my sister, and I ever made. So I am going to finish it for her. Then we went back to the fabric shop so I could pick out my birthday present. Isn't this the greatest b-day present?? I love it! Its called Pretty Paisly by Red Rooster Fabrics.

And I picked out this fabric for myself:

Then we picked up these cuties to make this adorable purse!!!

Earth Day!

2009-04-22T11:17:00.003-04:00

What are you doing to Go Green?

I am making several of these bags to use in place of the plastic/paper bags at the grocery store. I have also designated a trash can for pop cans and one for plastic water bottles. And I do not go out "running errands" unless I have several to do! I plan on changing our lightbulbs slowly over to the enviroment friendly ones and switching all my cleaning products over also! I have been eyeing several books at the library that I want to check out about making our home greener.

Quilt Festival

2009-04-21T20:06:00.002-04:00

I decided to enter the Bloggers Quilt Festival.

This is the quilt that I am entering. It is the second quilt I ever made and I love it. I love the deep colors in it and the Trip Around the World pattern. Its not the best picture, but it adorns our bed and I can't take one outside because it is raining. So this is it. The quilt is backed in flannel and is very warm and comfy. Rich loves it. He doesn't like "loud" quilts so this is perfect for him.

That's my entry! You can click on the logo above to be taken to the entry page where links are for the entries!

Susan Boyle

2009-04-19T13:23:00.002-04:00

If you haven't seen this, then you must check it out.
This woman is incredible and I hope she wins it all!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RxPZh4AnWyk

Wow, what a voice, gives me chills!

Sylvia's Bridal Sampler

2009-04-19T12:18:00.004-04:00

I have finished 9 more blocks for the SBS. The only one I really don't think I like is the cut glass dish. I think that is because it just didn't come out as well as I would have liked. All those small half square triangles! But I am happy with the blocks so far, and really am enjoying making them.

Yesterday was an absolutely beautiful day here. I got a little sunburned...oh well. I spent alot of the day outside reading "The Book Theif" which was really good. It is about a girl growing up during WWII that steals books. (At least its books :)). I did ride my horse and we did somethings that needed done. Like burning the feed bags, cleaning out flowerbeds and getting my swing out. Yeah!!

These pictures were taken yesterday, I was playing with the color options on my camera and decided to see how they looked. My bleeding heart has some small blooms on it and I wanted to capture them!

This morning I attended a new church. I admit I have been lax in this area. Our old church had some issues and they sort of disinigrated. I found an ad for this one, The Connection Church, so I decided to give it a try. I really liked it and am taking the boys back next weekend. It is a younger church and very upbeat, and relaxed.

Now I am off to have some lunch, blog read and work on more of my SBS blocks! Hope everyone had a great weekend!

Randomness

2009-04-17T10:15:00.004-04:00

Last Week:

This Week:

Lovely Ohio weather!

And a shot of J at his track meet last night. He actually had his PR (Personal Record) in the mile and half mile. He ran the mile in 7:23 and the half in 3:21. Excellent! Very proud of him and happy about that!

And I have made a few blocks for the Sylvia's Bridal Sampler. Only about 4 though. Its been a busy week again. We also have 6 track meets in the next two weeks and then track is over. Just in time for baseball to start!

Hopefully today I will get more blocks made, but Rich is home, I want to ride and I have to take T to the ortho! Plus I want to work on cleaning out my flower beds and get my swing out this weekend.

Hope everyone has a wonderful weekend!

Have you seen this??

2009-04-13T13:20:00.005-04:00

Click on the picture to enlarge!

The Millau Viaduct is part of the new E11 expressway connectingParis and Barcelona and features the highest bridge piers ever Constructed. The tallest is 240 metres (787 feet) high; and theOverall height is an impressive 336 metres (1102 feet), making thisThe highest bridge in the world. It's taller than the Eiffel Tower. Interestingly, the Millau Viaduct is not straight. Why? It's because a straight road could induce a floating sensation as You drive across it. So, a slight curve remedies that feeling. The curve is 20km in range. Moreover, the road has a light Incline of 3% to improve the visibility and reassure the driver. An amazing engineering feat!

I would have to close my eyes!!!

I hope everyone had a great Easter weekend. We did. We didn't do too much, which was nice. We have something every night again this week so we will be busy!

Saturday we just hung around, Rich went to ride, the boys and I stayed home. Sunday the boys went to their mom's in the morning for Easter and then we went to my parents.

Here are some pictures:

I gave Tyler a nerf gun for his birthday.

Here he is getting T, while Todd holds T so Tyler

can get him. (This entertained them all night!!)

Rich, Matt, Uncle Jerry

Jessica and T

Dad, Matt and Tyler

I haven't really gotten any sewing or quilting done. I have though played about 15 thousand games of rummy and war. J and I have been playing constantly. They go back to school tomorrow so I am happy about that. My house is a complete disaster and I am tired of the fighting and arguing, but brothers and boys, what do I expect?

Hopefully this afternoon I can get started on another project. I have several that I would also like to finish, but I do have to get some more batting. Which would require a trip to town, which I will not do unless I have several stops to make.

I have decided though that I am going to make several bags to take to the grocery store so I don't have those stupid plastic ones! I hate those! I think I have about 100 in my pantry...I don't need more!

I know this wasn't a very exciting post, and I apoligize. Its just been busy and I have been playing rummy for three days. Sorry! Hopefully my next post will have something more exciting in it!

J's crabs on their new climbing wall

Happy Easter!

2009-04-12T09:09:00.003-04:00

I hope everyone has a wonderful Easter!

Praise the Lord on this beautiful day!

I can't keep up!

2009-04-09T14:51:00.004-04:00

...with all of you! Everytime I stop in it seems like everyone else has updated and are busy as beavers! I can hardly keep up with all the blog reading! I do read everyone's blog, but I may not comment all the time! Just so you know!

But I get this finished.

My first finish for April! And it is going to Q4H. I really like it though, I am not a purple/pink fan, I really like how it came out.

And I am working on my PIF gifts. I almost have them done. I just have to do a few more things and they will be done. (Ok, Carol, yours isn't done...still working on it! LOL!).

Tonight I am going to be doing some hand sewing, reading and definately ride my horse. It is 60 and sunny out so I will definately get out there!

Happy Booking Through Thursday!

Some people read one book at a time. Some people have a number of them on the go at any given time, perhaps a reading in bed book, a breakfast table book, a bathroom book, and so on, which leads me to…

Are you currently reading more than one book? Nope I never read more than one
If so, how many books are you currently reading? See above
Is this normal for you? Yep, I can't stand to read more than one because then I get confused!
Where do you keep your current reads? Wherever I am, usually on the coffee table by the couch, the kitchen table or on my nightstand.

What are you reading?

Busy, Busy

2009-04-07T09:10:00.005-04:00

Well, we have been busy to say the least. Last week was just unbelievable. Something every night!

J had track meet on Wednesday. His first one. It went well, but it was really windy and cold.

Then Thursday we had a hippology meeting and T and Rich went to baseball practice. Friday was the 8th grade girls vs 8th grade boys charity game. The money goes to a foundation for a girl here who died of cancer.

The game was great. I so wish I had remembered my camera. By the end of the game all the girls were in against 5 of the boys. The boys were only allowed to shoot from the 3 point line (harder!) and they were getting "fouled" right and left. One kid got fouled "just because". They were having a great time, the girls lost 40-20 or something like that and just had fun at the end.

Then Rich and T went to another fundraiser. J and I stayed home because we had to get up at 5:00 to go to Columbus for Horsebowl Competition. It's academic challenge about horses. I took down 4 seniors and 5 juniors to compete. Our seniors got knocked out in the second round, but we had one kid who only came to about 5 practices and one who just filled in because a kid dropped out on Thursday! The juniors made it to the 4th round and were disappointed, but I'm proud of them!

Sunrise over Chippewa Lake

My Juniors hanging out!

Today, the second day of Spring Break, it is snowing. We are supposed to get one to two inches, but it is looking like we might get more! I was so hoping the kids would be able to be outside! I think its going to be a LONG week!

And I have been working on a few things. These are the bindings ready to be put on to part of my PIF gifts.

I also made this quilt top. It's a disappearing 9-patch. It just needs to be basted, quilted and have the bindig put on. My mom was given a bunch of material so I took out all the dark purple you see in the quilt to use. There was also a piece of pink that will be big enough for the backing! Woo Hoo! Whole thing made from stash!

Today, working on PIF gifts, this quilt and whatever else I find. I also want to finish reading my current book. The Story of Edgar Sawtelle. This book is not as good as I thought it would be. I am just kinda like okay whatever. I only have about 50 more pages to go so I want to finish it, but it is definately NOT a favorite!

Tomorrow Rich and T are going to the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame to see the Bruce Springsteen (Rich's favorite!) exhibit that they have. It just started and I am sure they will enjoy it. I went with him 7 years ago and its just not my thing, although I would like to see the Springsteen exhibit!

Now to catch up on my blog reading!

Giveaway

2009-03-31T20:14:00.001-04:00

Hey Cara at the Quilt Nook is having an awesome giveaway for her Blogaversary! Stop by and check it out!!!

10 pounds!

2009-03-31T19:12:00.003-04:00

Yep, that's right, 10 pounds of pop tabs!

Lots of tabs!!

This is the inside of a full target bag. Our 4-H club collects them as a community service project each year and then we donate them. This year they are going to the Cleveland Clinic Children's Hospital Family Room sponsered by the Ronald McDonald House. The family room is exactly that, a family room. It has TV's, games, couches, a small kitchenette, washers and showers in the back. The purpose of it is for families to go here with their sick children (or me :)) to get out of the hospital room, relax, shower, eat...you get the picture. Because my family has used the family room we are giving back to them. The money from the pop tabs goes to help stock simple food such as PB&J, cereal etc and to help buy birthday cakes for the kids in the hospital on their birthday.

The fish tank outside the family room

The water wall

One of my favorite old churches by the clinic

Today I had a pacemaker check up at the clinic. I have to go once a year for a check on it and the rest of the year I can send it in via a little machine they supply. I got an all clear from the tech, he said things look really good. My heart was in A Fib 1648 times in the last 3 months (since my last check) which I think is ALOT, but he says everything looks great. The shortest episodes are 1 to 2 beats and the longest lasted 27 minutes. Wonder if that is what I felt last week? LOL. I can't normally feel it so we don't really worry about it. That is the pacemakers job! He did say that things are improving with my rhythm, and that I have 6 years left on my battery! I can actually say that if I were for sale "batteries are included".

Then I came home, picked up J from track, had some dinner, then went to ride. Rich and T have baseball practice so I am home alone and they should be home shortly. But do you have any idea how hard it is to take a picture with your cell phone of your cat on your lap on your horse??

My ride went pretty good and then I came up and have been reading some random blog I found...And now off to do some blog reading! Have a great day!

Nothing Like Colorado!

2009-03-30T10:43:00.003-04:00

Yesterday was a strange day. It was windy and rainy one minute and then sunny the next. But as the day wore on it just got nasty. We ended up having a really windy night and got a little bit of snow. Nothing like the got in Colorado, but snow this close to April - just not cool! Hopefully my flowers that are starting to come up will survive!

Snow in the garden

Snowflakes on the patio stairs

Rich and I spent the day yesterday being together and kinda lazy. We didn't do much at all. He made breakfast and I did the dishes. The kids did their homework and we read books. I actually finished the book I started on Saturday night. I read The Last To Know by Wendy Corsi Staub. I vhae never read her before, but I am glad I picked it up. It was really good and I had no idea who did it! I thought I did, but I was wrong!

It was nice to spend the day with Rich just hanging out, no pressure, no where to go and no committments! Today is the start of a busy week for us, so I am trying to get somethings done around the house (like cleaning and laundry). We have something going on every night this week and I am sure we will be done by the weekend when we have something planned every day next weekend! And of course I want to get some quilting done. I have started working on my PIF projects and would like to get those done! And a quick trip to JoAnn's for some material for my stacked coins that I want to make with the fabric from the show at the IX center!

Hope everyone had a great weekend!

Academic Challenge

2009-03-28T17:17:00.003-04:00

Today T competed in the Academic Challenge competition for Jr High in our county. There were 9 teams there, including ours. Our team has 21 7th and 8th graders on it and each student was able to compete in 1 full round. There were 7 rounds with 1 bye round per school. T had basketball during most of the practices and we required him to attend basketball (we paid for that!) versus Ac Challenge. So he only went to about 5 practices. His coach for ac chall was very grateful for those he could attend, understood why he couldn't and the coach did play T even though he didn't have to. So we were pleased with that and happy! I would like to see T continue this in high school. He is certainly smart enough and seems to really enjoy it. He smoked the other teams/kids when he played! (and T does not have a shirt due to not attending the practices, he wasn't there when they were ordered).

Doing a math problem

The entire team

In other news, yesterday was a day of errands so very little got done. And then today was the competition and we got home about 2:30. My parents lives less than 3 minutes away from where it was held so we stopped there on our way home. I have spent the rest of the afternoon rocking to my iPod and sewing. What you may ask, well that is a surprise. It is a gift for ???

But here is a sneak peak!

When Rich gets home from the other barn we are going to make pizza for dinner and then hang out for the rest of the day. Tomorrow we are supposed to get rain and maybe snow so we will be hanging out inside if that happens! This week is a meeting, baseball practice 2 days, first track meet on Wednesday, Hippology Thursday, and then a fund raiser for high school baseball on Friday. Saturday we have Horsebowl competition! It will be a busy week during the evenings this week!

Hope everyone is having a good weekend!!!

I'm Back!

2009-03-26T13:45:00.002-04:00

Well, it was a short trip for us. We didn't really want to take any of the classes (none interested us) nor did any of the shows on the stages. So we looked at the vendors, alot were clothes/sewing. We were more interested in quilting fabric and such so it was short. But we did get some great stuff!!!

I E> Batiks!

Jelly Roll

Green! My favorite!

Cool Chicken wall hanging!

Batik shop - I'm in heaven!!

Now what to make first?? And am I ever going to get something finished!! LOL!

I'm off!!!

2009-03-26T08:50:00.002-04:00

My sister and I are heading to the IX Center to the Sewing Expo! I'm just waiting on her to get to my house. I, too, have my meager supply of cash, no checkbook or debit card. I know what I want to get but certainly can't afford so I will dream. But new fabric is always nice!

Last night was a 4-H meeting, and we had K-9 officers come speak about their dogs and how they train them. Dummy me forgot my camera so the neighbor is supposed to email me some. I'll post those when I get them.

Stay dry and enjoy the day!

What should I make?

2009-03-23T19:34:00.003-04:00

I love this fabric, and I have been wanting to make a "mostly" black and white quilt, but I don't know what block to make using this material. Nor do I know if I want to make a certain fabric a background, or if I want to mix and match...I just don't know. I was thinking of the Churn Dash block using the more colored for the background of them all. Or Card Trick blocks....I just don't know. So, I am asking for ideas. These aren't great pictures, but you get the idea. Let me know what you think!

All the material

Close-up of three

And I had to change one of my books for my Book Awards Challenge because I can't find the book by William Faulkner that I had picked. So I put the Oscar Wao book on hold at the library. I should have it by the weekend. I am reading a book by Jonathan Kellerman right now, Obsession, that is okay. Its not stellar, but its good.

And I almost have the lego xbox game beat. I am not sure how long it will take me to finish it up, but I am sure I will get it done soon! Then what? I will have to find a new game! LOL!

Not much else happening. Riding and trying to find a job still. I keep looking, but so far not much. Hopefully soon!

Have a great monday night!

Girls Night Out

2009-03-22T12:16:00.007-04:00

Last night I went out with some of my girlfriends. Several of these girls I have not seen in years! We all used to work together at a daycare here in Medina. I worked there while I was putting myself through my last two years of college. We all (but one) worked in the kidnergarten/after-school program. When we worked the summer camp we spent our days at the pool, bowling, or playing hide-n-seek tag at the playground. Those summers were a blast, got as tan as you possibly could, and just hung out. Plus we got paid to do things like play tag and Red Rover!

Amy and Diane

It was great to see all my girlfriends again and it was like we had never been apart! Here's some pictures from the night (they were all drinking, I was the DD):

Kristie and Jess (Columbia on the side)

Back row: Kristie, Me, Diane

Front: Jess, Columbia, Amy

I have also been able to get out and ride some more. It was a little cold the other day, but I have already been out today and hope to continue to do so this week.

And I have gotten some sewing done. I have been making blocks for what I hope to be my first Q4H quilt. I have had this fabric laying around for several years with no real purpose for it so I am making it into blocks. They are all kinda funky and I am just going with whatever works at the time. Kinda Improv....

Hope everyone is having a great weekend!

65 and sunny!

2009-03-18T13:13:00.003-04:00

And I love it!

I was able to get out and ride yesterday and today! It was wonderful! Tee didn't think so as much as I did, but oh well. My goal is to be able to go on a trail ride at the end of April (for my birthday!). Hopefully I will be able to continue to ride every day and it won't rain, but you never know around here.

CC always hangs out by me when I ride. Today he was being a wild man and I snapped this picture right before he jumped on with me. Yes, he rides, but he only likes smooth rides. Right before this his butt was in the air and his head was looking through the other side of the fence.

We have also been doing a few things around the yard, we had some shingles that blew off the roof during the storms this winter so Rich fixed those. I cleaned out some of my flower beds and we are going to get rid of our manure pile this weekend.

Monday night was Book Club and we finished our last Jane Austen (I'm not a fan, sorry!). Next month we are reading Rebecca by Daphne duMaurier. It is supposed to be really good, we shall see. I am reading Johnny Tremain right now, and just finished up The Madonnas Of Leningrad by Debra Dean (excellent read, 5 stars!). I have several books here from the library waiting too so I need to get reading.

I have been getting some sewing done also. Here are 6 more Sylvia's Bridal Sampler Blocks. Ignore the pieces of paper, they are just so I know which block it is!

Card Trick (My favorite so far)

Steps to the Alter (another favorite)

Hope everyone is getting the beautiful weather we are! Its supposed to get back to the 50s by the weekend, but I'll take that over snow anyday!!!

Signs of Spring

2009-03-15T18:22:00.004-04:00

Today is a beautiful sunny day, as was yesterday. Its about 55 degrees today and hopefully will stay this nice throughout the week! I want it to get warm and stay warm. I haven't cleaned out my flowerbeds yet, in fear that we will get another snow!

My horse is loving being outside, as you can tell he is nice and dirty!

My Kylie Kitty

Yesterday we cleaned up the barn and house, then Rich went to a poker tournament to support the baseball and the kids all had plans. T went to the movies with his girlfriend, J went to the rec center with his friends and I went to dinner at the local "real" mexican resteraunt with my friend Krissi! It was so delicious and filling! The resteraunt is owned by Mexicans and make authentic Mexican dishes.

Today Rich went to the other barn with J and I went for a 2 mile walk, after that I made these blocks for my Sylvia's Bridal Sampler.

I received this lovely package in the mail yesterday. It came from Dionne and has the greatest fabric in it! I love love love it and a turtle keychain and shell necklace, all from her Hawaii trip! Thank you so much Dionne! I love it!!

Rich wants to play in a poker tournament so I guess my blog reading will have to wait till later. Between him and the kids homework I haven't gotten on all day! Guess I will go kill some lego guys! Hope everyone had a wonderful weekend!!!

J's hermit crabs

Spelling Bee and Guitars

2009-03-13T20:47:00.004-04:00

Well, we only made it to round two of the spelling bee. He misspelled corporal but whatever. He still made it and by the third round there were only 10 kids out of 43 left. All in all, it was a neat opportunity for him and he enjoyed it so that was all that we asked!

T and the girlfriend

And his quilt is done!!! yeah, I am so excited! I don't know if I like it. I certainly don't love it. I would have liked the sashing/border to be black, but this is what he wanted so this is what he got. He likes it, and that is all that matters!

The back

The backing fabric

The front (notice all the books on the headboard?)

And tomorrow I can start something new!

Tonight T and I went grocery shopping while Rich and J went to the other barn. Then T did chores and cleaned his room while I did a few things and finished up his binding.

Tomorrow I have an appointment in the morning, they have an ortho appointment, then I am going to clean while they clean stalls, Rich is going to a poker tournament for the youth baseball league while I be the taxi for the boy. And Sunday Rich and J are going to the other barn while T and I stay home and hang out! I should have a lot of time to sew this weekend! YEAH! I am excited to move onto something else!

Thanks everyone, for wishing T luck. He is better at history/geography than spelling, but he is still a good kid! And thanks for all the "can't wait to see comments!"

Hope everyone has a wonderful weekend!

Booking Through Thursday

2009-03-12T16:13:00.005-04:00

What book do you think should be made into a movie? And do you have any suggestions for the producers?

None, I hate when books are made into movies. They leave out to many details and it never looks the same in my head. The only movie/book I like is "Gone with the Wind". That movie/book are wonderful!!

Or, What book do you think should NEVER be made into a movie?

All, no books should be made into movies - see above!

There you have it, my BTT answer.

In other news, T's quilt is coming along. I should be finished quilting it tomorrow. It would have been done yesterday or today but I can't quilt while they do their doing their homework. It's 3/4 of the way quilted...its just been one of those weeks!

T's quilt on the machine

J reading

Tonight T is in the county spelling bee. If he wins we get to go to Washington D.C. to compete in the National Spelling Bee - WOO HOO!! So wish us luck!!

Have a good night!

New Obsession

2009-03-10T12:21:00.002-04:00

The boys got an Xbox 360 for Christmas and it came with 2 free games, Kung Fu Panda and Indiana Jones Lego. I love the Indiana Jones game. I have been steadily working at getting all the treasures and guys and everything you can! Rich and the boys are laughing at me because I have never played a video game with this much intensity. I have about half the game beat and am diligently working on the other half, which would explain why no sewing is getting done around here!

Today I plan on getting started on quilting T's guitar quilt. In fact I am going to - No more Indaina Jones till I get his quilt done. I hate this part of quilting so that is why I tend to procrastinate. But I need to do this and get it done!

Also, I joined Robyn at daisyquilts in an adventure. She started Quilts 4 Hearts, an organization that donates quilts to children in need of open heart surgeries. She works with a mission group called Hearts of Hope who help children with heart disease in poverty stricken countries get the medical care and surgeries they need. Many of you know that I have congenital heart disease and this I just have to do. There was no question about it. And I am proud to announce that in working with Robyn I will be the contact for the United States/Canada. Please check out the website and consider donating to this great cause!

And its raining here again. I am off to do a small bit of blog reading and the to quilt the guitars.
Stay dry and warm!

First Thunderstorm

2009-03-08T15:58:00.001-04:00

Yep, that's it here. It is storming. Has been raining all day and just started really thundering. No lightning yet!

I am staying in where it is warm and dry. I've been busy working on T's guitar quilt, hopefully by the middle of the week it will be done. I'm getting ready to pin baste it and mark it now!

Stay Dry!!

Happenings...

2009-03-07T13:42:00.004-05:00

..unfortunately, nothing quilty!

I am still working on getting the sashings and border on the guitar quilt, otherwise, nothing....

We have been busy around here the last few days. Thursday I did some sewing and cleaning. It was also about 60 so J and I went for a 2 mile walk. It was so nice!!!

Dreary brown...

Sam, J found him in the garage

J playing in puddles

Then yesterday we were all home so I cleaned the house while the boys did stalls. Rich decided to take on 2 training horses. He was a horse trainer before he had kids and it wouldn't support them anymore. Then he wanted J to make his own name and not be known as Rich's kid so he hasn't really done any training (other than ours & dads) since about 8 years ago. He picked up these two horses from a lady that he has known a LONG time (she is as old as my grandma) and he has worked with her many times in the past. She just wants these horses finished for her granddaughters so it won't be too hard!

So then Rich decides he wants to get a new girth and new saddle pad. So we go to the local tack shops, we get girths, but no saddle pad. Both offered to order it, but Rich being Rich had to go and look and feel. So we went to Big Dee's tack. It was awesome! I loved it! If only it were closer to home, I would get a job there! Big Dee's originally started out as the tack shop for Northfield Park at the track and has grown since then. So we picked up two neoprene saddle pads while we were there and of course looked at everything we (I) possibly could!

Today I went to a couple of places that are hiring. Hopefully something will come up. And then when Rich gets home we are going to head over to the barn where the two horses are (they have an indoor, we don't) and he is going to ride. Then we will come home, have dinner and hang out.

Tomorrow I plan on sewing ALL day, except when we go to the other barn and that is it!

Have a happy weekend!

BTT, Bindings and stuff.

2009-03-05T12:09:00.006-05:00

Ok, the stuff doesn't really go with the whole "B" thing, but the boys winter concert was last night and I got a great video of the boys choir doing a really good job on a hard song, and the band playing.

But first BTT:

We’ve all seen the lists, we’ve all thought, “I should really read that someday,” but for all of us, there are still books on “The List” that we haven’t actually gotten around to reading. Even though we know they’re fabulous. Even though we know that we’ll like them. Or that we’ll learn from them. Or just that they’re supposed to be worthy. We just … haven’t gotten around to them yet.
What’s the best book that YOU haven’t read yet?

I honestly don't know what the best book I haven't read yet is. There are several books that are good that I haven't read yet, such as: I, Mona Lisa, One Thousand White Women, Wicked, The Zookeepers Wife. Right now I am reading The Shack by William P Young (Mom, Dad HAS to read this!) and am loving it. It is on the NY Times bestseller list and is the hot new book. And I know there are tons of great books out there that I haven't read that others love, but honestly, I don't know. I have read the Twilight series, Harry Potter, and many of the classics. Anybody have any ideas, please share!!

Bindings:

This is the binding for T's quilt. I love it, funky and bright. There are 3 strips of guitar fabric in it and I didn't put any of the blue in it since the sashings are blue. I think it will look great against the blue sashing/border and the black.

The top is almost done. I am working on putting the strips in between the rows. Then a trip to JoAnn's for the backing(something funky!) and I will mark the quilting and quilt it. I have never marked before basting my quilt, but I think with his I need to. I want to do diagonal lines in both directions - no stippling because I think it will detract from the quilt and he doesn't like it. Do you think I could mark it before basting it? What do all of you do?

And lastly happenings

7th grade boys

T is in choir but he had a basketball game so he did not sing at the concert last night. But J is in the choir and band. He is in the red tie and exactly behind the conductor in band so you can't see him at all! But he did good and loves music! I tried to upload a video, but it has been over an hour since I started this and I gave up!

We have also been dealing with some issues with my step-daughter, thus leaving me MIA for the last few days. And of course Rich plays poker every night so I can't get on the computer much.

March Already?

2009-03-01T17:04:00.004-05:00

I can't believe it is March already! Where does the time go? It seems like we were just celebrating Christmas and New Years! My oh my!

Last night we went to a baseball fundraiser, a night at the races. For those of you who don't know what this is they sell horses and you can buy one and name it. Then a guy comes and they use old tapes from a racetrack and your horses race. People can bet on the horses and win money as if at a racetrack and the winner of the race gets a trophy. Our night also auctions off the horses in the last race of the night and the money goes to the league. It helps pay for field maintenance, uniforms, umpires etc. Last year they made something like 20,000. Yes, twenty thousand. This year, only about 8, but it wasn't as crowded and auction horses weren't going for much. This year the high horse went for about 300 and last year it was over 1500 (Or more, I didn't go so I don't really know).
Sidenote: We also know alot of the drivers at Northfield so its neat to see them driving in old races. I'm just waiting for one of our horses to show up on the screen one year!

They also have all kinds of side boards, instant rip off ticket things, silent auction and chinese auction. So one of the prizes in the chinese auction was zoo tickets. Now J and I love the zoo, we try to go every other year. So I bought $10 worth of tickets (30 tickets) and stuck most in the zoo. I did stick some in for the golf rounds but the zoo got most. And I won!! WOO HOO!! 4 tickets to the zoo! Now J and I are planning when we want to go! LOL!

Yesterday in the mail, this lovely little surprise came from Karen at SewManyWays. Thank you so much Karen, I love it, and you really didn't have to do that. She was giving these gorgeous blocks to the first 2 that commented, but I didn't comment to get something, just because I liked them, so I told her to give them to someone who really wanted them. But I do love it and am debating what I am going to do with the block. The pin cushion is already in use on my sewing table.

Anyways, here is a sneak peak at the boy's guitar quilt. I have been cutting sashing and sewing away today, but took a break to do some blogging. The boy really likes it, I was laying it out this morning trying to decide if I wanted to do random or a pattern and he was all excited, telling me how cool it is.

And right now the older boy is at his girlfriend's. The younger boy is at the neighbors and Rich and I are enjoying the quiet. I will say it was nice to go out last night without the kids and be with other adults! LOL! Now IF I could only get the little boy to drain the hose so it doesn't freeze and I won't have to bucket water! UGH!!

Blocks are Finished!

2009-02-27T19:30:00.004-05:00

It's been a slow two weeks around here with quilting. We have all been sick with a very high temperature and just passing it from one to the next. All four of us have had it but not at the same time so it has been a little crazy. Taking care of 1 kid, then Rich, then I had it, then J got it. Now I think we are done. I also scrubbed all the walls and the house down, hoping to combat some of these germs. It has also been in the 50's the last two days so we had windows open, airing out. Today it was only 45 and rain so I didn't open up as much as I would have liked!

But finally the blocks for T's quilt are done. Now I can put the sashing in it this week and hopefully get some backing in the next month or so. I think this is going to turn out really well and I hope he likes it. I mentioned I found this guitar fabric and am building his quilt off this. Well, it is going to have the purple, orange, blue, green and pink squares in it. I have 6 guitar squares and the rest will be plain. The sashing will be the blue material. He wanted simple, and he picked out this pattern so off I went with it.

So next week after I get this sewn together I will go back to my Sylvia's Bridal Sampler and something else, but I am not sure what. I have material to make a black and white quilt and 2 jelly rolls for a pattern called Strip Poker, so I am sure it will be one of those.

Tonight J is at a hockey game playing with the band. He went to school today miserable because if you don't go to school then you don't do anything extra at night. T and Rich are playing Lego on XBox and I am going to do some blog reading and then read my current book "Middlesex". Tomorrow I will be working on T's quilt and then we have a baseball fundraiser tomorrow night, a night at the races, that I don't really want to go to but I am. Sunday I don't believe we have anything planned!

Hope everyone has a good weekend and stays dry!

C'Mon!!

2009-02-26T13:49:00.002-05:00

Hey everyone! I need 4 more people for my PIF! There have to be 4 of you out there lurking (in the us/canada) that want to play! Its so great and so much fun, just think you get a little something and then just have to give a little something in return. I know there is someone out there who wants to play with me!! Send me a comment.

Meghan at Quilted Life and Comfort Cove Designs, Send me an email letting me know yours. And I will send you back one with some questions I have for you! Thanks!!

Tri-M

2009-02-24T13:17:00.003-05:00

Tri-M is a music honor society that has a junior chapter for 7th and 8th grade. J was inducted into the honor society last night. So we went to the ceremony and there were (I kid you not) 28 kids there. Of those 28 about 14 were second year members being congratulated and 14 were new inductees.

Now, here is my question...the invitation said "Semi-formal". To me that means that the boy needs to wear a tie, no jeans etc...so Rich and I dressed as follows:

Doesn't he look good??

We were the ONLY parents dressed that nice! I was floored. Half the kids were dressed in their school clothes. Most of the parents had on jeans and sweatshirts. Now the invitations were these nice engraved almost wedding response looking things. Don't ya think that meant it was supposed to be a little fancier?? Ok, but whatever, the whole thing lasted less then 20 minutes. We were home within the hour...

J has on the red tie.

So that was our night, I am off to blog read (finally catch-up) then do some sewing and cleaning. I am giving the house its spring cleaning so it will be done!

BTT and Pay It Forward

2009-02-19T13:36:00.003-05:00

Todays post is kind of a mishmash....

First Booking Through Thursday

“How do you arrange your books on your shelves? Is it by author, by genre, or you just put it where it falls on?”

Well, there is no order, none whatsoever. There are books everywhere. We hav 6 bookshelves, 2 that are tall, and have 5 shelves and 4 wiht 3 shelves. They are all full. Each son has a tall case in their room, there are 2 small cases in our room, one in the living room and one in the family room. Plus a box of books in the basement that I keep meaning to take to donate to the library or somewhere. The only books that have a certain spot are my classics and those are on the top shelf in J's room. Why because they are....

Then the second part of today's post. I joined a PIF back in November or something at DaisyQuilts (Hi Robyn!) and then yesterday my other friend Terry (Hi Terry) posted one, and I joined hers. So now I need 6 people, yes, 6 people. and I know there are 6 of you out there who want to do this! And if there are more than 6 of you, Terry needs 2 more! I know there are people out there who want to do this! So leave me a message and we will play!

Side note: I always thought that you listed your PIF when you received your gift, but seems like people aren't doing that so I am listing both and if you join you will receive a handmade gift from me within a year and you have to pay it forward to 3 people! So C'mon everyone - join the fun!!!

February Finish

2009-02-18T18:33:00.004-05:00

I finally got the binding sew on my quilt so I have my first February finish, and it will probably be my only one! The pattern is called Country French and the pattern is by French Fantasy Designs. I used the Kashmir II fabric line (I think by Moda) and the backing is just a green that I found at JoAnn's that I really like. I like this quilt because of the colors, love this fabric and it is a large lap so it will cover me from head to toe. I did simple quilting in the ditch on it rather than get too fancy or stipple it.

And I have been working on T's strips for his quilt today. I have all the other colors sewn into four strips and have them cut to sew into squares, just pink and blue to go. So hopefully this top will be done in the next week or so....

Its been a slow week for quilting this week again. I fell again yesterday and am really sore today. It was a pretty bad fall and I have several LARGE bruises on my body today. Rich was home today with a sinus infection, and because he snores like a freight train I didn't get much sleep last night. But hopefully the quilting will pick up a bit here. I am going to an open house for a cleaning company tomorrow that supposedly pays like $20 an hour....yeah, nuff said. Keep your fingers crossed for me. I need to find something!

Ice Ice Baby

2009-02-16T16:32:00.004-05:00

Today J and I went into town to check out the Ice Festival Carvings. Every year here they have an Ice Festival and people come into carve ice into these beautiful statues. We did not get to see any of the carving, maybe next year, because we had too many other things going on this weekend. But when we got there and just as we got out to walk up to the square (yes, we have a town square, with a gazebo) it starts to snow, and not just little snow but these big huge fluffy flakes and the wind picked up a bit. It was cold, but worth it. There were about 88 pictures on my camera when we were done, but here are our favorites!

Pink Panther

J playing Harp

Pineapple

Penguin

Palm Tree

The Leg Lamp!!

Kangroo knits (outside LYS)

True Love

Flutterbys

No sewing today, book club tonight and we will be staying warm! Hope everyone had a good day, back to quilting tomorrow!

Belated Valentines

2009-02-15T11:31:00.004-05:00

I borrowed this idea from Jacquie at Tallgrass Prarie Studio, and my boys loved it! I did mine a little differently and used bags and then used scrapbooking paper for the hearts. The two little bags are T and J's. The large bag is Rich's. I left them out on Friday night so they would see them when they came down for breakfast in the morning, J of course missed his and T actually raved about it! I thought for sure he would be like "whatever" being the typical 14 year old boy, but he loved it! He must have thanked me 30 times. And of course Rich loved his. His has a few more hearts and some "personal" things that only he would understand in it, along with the normal stuff. My thought is that I can make more hearts and leave them periodically and they will know exactly what they mean. And will have a place to store them.

Yesterday was spent mostly on the couch for me. I ended up having a temperature of about 102 and was just miserable. I did take the boys to the ortho and then took T to the drs. He banged his elbow at the game on Wednesday and hasn't really been able to grip anything since. But it is getting better and the Dr. said it is just a contusion and tendonitis. Coach won't let him practice till he sees the dr. so that is taken care of. Then I spent the day sleeping for the most part.

I did finish my book for bookclub this weekend (which is tomorrow). It is Revolutionary Road by Richard Yates. I didn't love it, but I didn't hate it. It is coming out as a movie so that is why it was picked. I am going to start the first Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants next. And of course all my TBR and challenge books!

Today T and I are going to my BFF Krissi's for her and I to sew and the boy will hang out with her daughter. J is at a rabbit show with his mom and Rich went to his Dad's to get our taxes done. I don't expect Rich back till about 7 or maybe later tonight. Tomorrow there is no school so J and I are going to go check out the Ice Festival that is this weekend in town. They have a whole bunch of ice carvings up so we are going to go see the work. I will definately post pictures, there are always some really neat ones! Hope everyone had a good Valentine's Day and is staying warm!

O-H-I-O

2009-02-13T14:37:00.004-05:00

Is this not the coolest? It is on a barn near our house and I just had to have a picture. I love it!!!

And my sweater is done - it just needs to be blocked. Any suggestions??

Thanks MOM!

And some basketball pictures. We aren't winning but we are actually starting to play like a team so that is good. In fact our last game was close, and Wed they played the 7th graders (which these pictures are from) and played really well...

No sewing or quilting lately, just some cutting of some material, but I am really excited because I am going to see my BFF Krissi on Sunday and we are going to do some sewing!!! Yeah!!!

Hope everyone has a good weekend, hopefully I will get some sewing done!

Rain

2009-02-11T09:54:00.003-05:00

That is what has been happening here. Yesterday was a beautiful 57 (F) degrees and today it is dreary and raining. It is still warm, around 50-55 but rain, and not a drizzle, but a steady cold wet rain.

This is what our yard looks like now:

Front Yard

Backyard

The neighbors ducks were out playing in it but swam away when I tried to get closer for a picture so I will have to see if I can get one later.

No sewing really happening, I have been job hunting and enjoying after school basketball and other activities with the kids. T had a game last night and they lost by 2, it was a really good game though and they are actually starting to play basketball versus looking lost. We have a make-up game tonight from a snow day and then we have a 4-H meeting so it will be busy tonight.

Yesterday I did make Rich a seat cushion for his tractor. He hasn't had one in at least 6 months and I kept putting it off but here it is. It is not the best, but its for the tractor so who cares what it looks like!

Hope everyone is staying dry and safe!

Bags, Blocks and Basting

2009-02-08T17:38:00.003-05:00

It has been a busy and productive weekend for me here. I spent yesterday morning cleaning the house. Then I got down to business on this bag:] I made a great little wallet to go with it, but forgot to take a picture of it!

After that I finished up Lonesome Dove. What a great book, I loved it. I cried more than once during the book. It was just incredible. Definately earned a 5 (top rating) and is definately on my top 10 for the year (its only February!), but it was so good! It is definately up there with my other favorites like Gone With The Wind, and East of Eden.

Rich was at work and they had a huge water break so I had to play in some online poker tournament for him while he was working. I didn't do too bad, but not well enough to make some good money!

Then today I did more laundry, and basted this quilt.

I hope to get it quilted this week and then I can take it with me when we go to Rich's parents next Sunday and do the binding in the car. I get carsick if I read so this may be a good thing to take!

After that several more blocks for my Sylvia's Bridal Sampler.

Tonight, some blog reading and on to my next book, which is probably going to be "We Need To Talk About Kevin". I have to read it for one of my sidebar challenges and might as well while I have it from the library. Next Monday is book club so I also have to read "Revolutionary Road" by then.

Rich is at a baseball meeting, they are lining up their teams for next year. We don't know if we are going to have a team and he may or may not coach. He says this every year, but he always coaches and we always in the end have enough for a team. So we shall see.

All the snow in the area is just about gone. Its mostly where it was pushed up when we plowed and it was warm this weekend (in the 40's). Now if only the grass would turn green and we wouldn't get any more snow!

Have a good night and stay warm!

Quiet Night

2009-02-06T21:18:00.002-05:00

It has been a fairly quiet day and night tonight. I haven't got much sewing done. Yesterday I spent the day working on Hippology (study of horses) for our meeting last night. I am taking 8 kids down to Columbus in April for a competition and we meet every week to study about horses. Then today I met my mom at Jo-Ann's and came home. I have been pretty much reading Lonesome Dove all day and am loving it. I have about 200 pages to go and just stopped for a bit. Rich is playing XBox and the boys are at their mom's tonight. Tomorrow it is suppposed to be in the low 40's and rain. Just what we need with all this snow, rain so we get some mud!

Hopefully tomorrow I will get some sewing in, I am sure I will so I will show my progress either tomorrow night or Sunday. Have a good weekend!

BTT, an award and a question

2009-02-05T16:41:00.004-05:00

This morning it was -17 when Rich got to work. Why did we have school? Those poor kids out waiting for the bus (including mine, since I didn't realize it was so cold outside!)

Have you ever been put off an author’s books after reading a biography of them? Or the reverse - a biography has made you love an author more?

I don't recall ever being turned off of an author or more into an author because of their biography. I love to read biographys but they don't usually influence me in one way or another. I just like to find out more about their lives and their experiences.

I recieved this lovely award from Lola at and Sew On:

It means: "This blog invests and believes in PROXIMITY - nearness in space, time and relationships. These blogs are extremely charming. These kind bloggers aim to find and be friends. They are not interested in prizes or self-aggrandizement. Our hope is that when the ribbons of these prizes are cut, even more friendships are propagated. Thanks so much LOLA!!! I appreciate it! I have to pass it on and I can't decide who to pass it on too so I pass it on to everyone who reads my blog!

And a question, some of you read my sister's blog and have seen this, My grandma is going to Australia and New Zealand. So the question we all have is are there any great magazines, quilt shops in Sydney/New Zealand, special fabric that is only available in Australia, yarn??? What do you recommend for her to bring us home? We really (mom, sister and I) DO NOT want to get a t-shirt or something that we aren't going to use! LOL! We have to be specific (grandma is 82 or some years young. (If you ask her she is 29!) so help - give us suggestions! We need a detailed as possible list by next weekend! Thanks so much all you Australian/New Zealand bloggers!

Stay warm!

4 blocks and a start

2009-02-04T15:55:00.003-05:00

So much for not starting something new....

I found a material last year that had neon guitars on it and picked up some for T to use in his quilt. He decided he wanted a basic 9 patch type quilt, so I am actually making a 12-patch. Same concept, just bigger. So I made these blocks yesterday:

and am going to turn these fat quarters (plus a blue and pink) into the same...they will all have the black, just different colors. I have most of the strips sewn together and am getting ready to cut them to sew into squares. I need to find a blue and pink to go with these.

I also want to do the sashing in the blue so I need to find something on a bolt, not just fat quarters. I also made 4 more blocks for my Sylvia's Bridal Sampler. They are getting easier, but they are not coming out at 6.5" but more like 6" and I am a bit confused as to what size they are supposed to be. Some papers say 6" and some say 6.5" is that finished or unfinished? I figure though as long as they come out the same size, why worry??

And lastly, a picuture from last night's basketball game. We lost, 24-22 in OT. One of our guys scored a 3-pointer right at the buzzer to tie it up. Very exciting, since we were losing 19-7 at the half!

Oh, and it is snow....AGAIN!

Happy Birthday!

2009-02-04T12:13:00.002-05:00

Happy Birthday Dad!!

Stop by mom's blog to wish my dad a Happy Birthday!

I Love you!

New Project

2009-01-31T20:42:00.002-05:00

This morning J had a quartet performance at a local high school. Its a competition but not against other students, they are only scored on their performance. They did good, but had a few tempo issues so they received a 2 for a score. 1 being the highest. So that was good. I was really proud that he got up there and did it. He played the French Horn and has only been playing the French Horn for about 3 months so it was nice to see him have that kind of confidence. I was going to record it on my camera, it was only about 2 minutes long, but they didn't allow recording devices or cameras so that was out!

Then when we came home I couldn't decide what I wanted to work on. I need to pick up some thread to quilt several of my WIP's and there were a few other things I could work on, butI started a new project instead. Several years ago I printed the patters for Sylvia's Bridal Sample from the Elm Creek Quilt series (one of my favorites!) and decided to check it out. I went to my stash and dug out some fabric:

And accomplished 4 blocks today. Not much, but something. I certainly have a lot of blue in my stash. Need to get more greens, reds and browns. But it will do to start with! The thing is I am not a paper piecer. I just have a really hard time with it. So these are all going to be kinda trial and error, but so far I'm happy with them. I haven't evened them up yet, but I figure with like 142 blocks or something I have time!

I also finished up my book "The Last Run" an NF about an Alaskan Rescue in the Gulf of Alaska. I was really surprised at how good it was. I just picked it up because it sounded good and really liked it. So now it is onto either:

for my one challenge shown in my sidebar. Hope everyone is staying warm. Its only about 11 here and is supposed to get up to 40 tomorrow (yeah right) and then we are supposed to have another winter storm either Monday or Tuesday.

BTT, Basketball and New Kitty

2009-01-29T21:57:00.005-05:00

Booking Through Thursday this week is a discussion on an article found here. The discussion actually takes place on the BTT website, and I have yet to figure out what I think of the article.

Tonight was an away basketball game with Wellington. Our 7th grade boys team did a great job. 8th grade, not so much. At the half they were down 23 to 7 or something horrible like that. They just could not get it together! I know nothing and I knew they were playing bad. Just not on their guys, bad shots...But T did a fairly okay game, not his best though. He is number 50.

And at Hippology on Monday I was given this beautiful tortise shell kitty. Her name is now Kylie and she wants to live in the house, but dad won't let her. So she is in the barn with CC and Bob. She seems to doing just fine and comes when you call her. I was a little concerned since she had been in a house for a few weeks and wasn't eating when we first brought her home, but this morning and tonight she climbed right into the tub we keep the food in. Now J and I have our own kitties so we no longer have to debate who's it is.

Kylie

CC and Kylie (she is so small!)

Tee, munching his hay

Also, Thanks so much for all your warm thoughts and prayers for Holly. She has had the transplant, her numbers are going up like they should and she should be coming off the machines by the end of the weekend. They have her open because of swelling so they have to close that before they can wake her up. But she made it and I am so thrilled!!!

Winter Storm Warning

2009-01-28T17:42:00.002-05:00

That was the news last night. There was a winter storm coming our way. It was supposed to hit at about 1:00 pm and then it was moved back to 4ish and then later. Well, it hit about midnight. There was no school today because of all the snow. At 1 today the yahoo weather for our area said 2-4 inches. It is more like 6-8 at that time and it was still snowing. I would have to guess there is a good 8 inches of snow out there. Drifting is worse. Our road (and the main one by us) didn't get plowed till at least 2!!! Wonderful winter weather. Perfect night to be inside with a good book, cup of cocoa and a warm quilt!!

Part of the drive with the

trees in the background

My half of a 55 gallon drum

covering my rose bush

The barn

HOORAY!!!

2009-01-27T19:44:00.003-05:00

Some of you may recall me mentioning my friend Holly who is waiting for a heart transplant. She has been in the Cleveland Clinic for over 5 months now waiting and we got word today that there is a donor heart!! WOOO HOOO!!!! The transplant was scheduled for tonight, but because of the weather is being postponed a day. The docs say this is okay because the donor is on life support and the heart will be fine! I am so excited for her and I ask all of you to please send up a quick prayer for her and a speedy recovery. This has been a battle for her for over 3 years now and I am so happy for her to finally get her heart!!!

Also the first Friday in Febuary, which I believe is the 6th is National Wear Red day for Go Red for Women to fight heart disease!

The Year of The Ox

2009-01-26T14:54:00.002-05:00

It's Chinese New Year today and it is the Year of the Ox.

I was born in the Year of the Tiger and here is my horoscope for the year.

Tiger
1902, 1914, 1926, 1938, 1950, 1962, 1974, 1986, 1998

Tiger Overview
From the outset, 2009 may present some true challenges for the Tiger. The year of the Ox presents an overwhelming influence upon the Tiger to maintain a steady and well disciplined pace. That is not to say that there won't be opportunities for achievement, but it would be more precise to say that this is a year that would benefit the Tiger in the areas of experience and possibly lay a solid foundation for the year to come. You will have to be resourceful and rely on your boldness and quick wit to ascertain anything in the year of the Ox.

Tiger Rating
27% (3 neutral and 9 unfavorable months)

Tiger Career
It would be beneficial to be cautious and careful when it comes to career decisions in the year of the Ox. It would be wise to be aware of the views of those around you, as this is not a year to be too independent in your actions or take any unnecessary risks. Be persistent in your responsibilities to impress others, as this will lead to progress towards your future. For the Tiger seeking a career change, tread through the rough spots and your relentless efforts will be rewarded in surprising ways.

Tiger Relationships
The Tiger's relationship may be one of the more favorable areas this year. You can look forward to some happy times with your loved one this year. Though your domestic life may be busy, it can bring you much satisfaction. Be aware of the fact that those around you hold you in high regard and you may not want to jeopardize these relations by your independence or by being too stubborn. Pay attention to the thoughts and feelings of others in your life and everything should work out well for you.

Tiger Health
The Tiger will not have any serious health problems this year, but there may some minor issues that you may want to pay attention or they could become much worse than originally anticipated. One area of concern is stress. There may be some situations this year that could escalate your stress levels and you may want to find some ways to alleviate this issue. The Tiger enjoys outdoor activities and this could provide an outlet to relieve your stress.

Tiger Wealth
Take caution when it comes to your finances this year, as it is not a time to speculate or take any unnecessary risks. Plan your large purchases carefully and avoid impulse buying. The best advice is to monitor your spending throughout the year and you won't have any problems. This may sound like simple advice, but due to your generous nature, it may not be as simple as it sounds.

Blog Award and some Quilting

2009-01-25T17:26:00.005-05:00

I was awarded this great award by Quilting Newbie. Thanks So Much!!

What I am supposed to do is list 5 addictions, so in no particular order they are as follows:

1. Dairy Queen. I love Dairy Queen Blizzards. So much that I buy a large and eat it slowly throughout the week and then go back the next Wednesday and buy another one!

2. Fabric. Who doesn't love fabric??

3. Books. Yes, I love to read and love to be surrounded by books.

4. Hot chocolate. I love hot chocolate. I even drink it in the summer. For some its coffee, for me its hot chocolate

5. Snowmen, I love snowmen and have many different ones. I collect them and would like to be able to display more of them, but we just don't have the room for them.

I have to award 5 blogs this award, which is such a hard choice since there are SO many great ones out there! But here you go:

1.Sara at itsjustonemore

2. Norma at randomstitches

3. Lisa at candelitequilter

4. Sarah at sarahlookingin

5. Terry at terrystreasures

This was really hard because there are SO many great blogs that I visit and stumble upon! I love so many blogs and keep finding new ones every day! So if you feel you deserve this award, take it please!

I also finished putting together 11 of the 12 squares for the LQS Block of the Month from 2008. Block 8 is missing because we were having issues and it couldn't play well. So it will be finished at a later day, probably next weekend when I attempt to re-do it by hand. The thing with these blocks is they used Thangles and well, it just didn't work. Their BOM for 2009 starts next month and I would like to do that one too!

My favorite block

What is a WIP?

2009-01-24T13:39:00.006-05:00

We all know that WIP stands for Work In Progress, but my question for all you out there in blogland today is what makes a WIP a WIP?

Is it tops that needs backs...

Or is it ones that needs the top/blocks completed....

Or is it ones that you have the material for and just need to start...

Or is it something someone else started and gave you....

What is a WIP to you?

Lost

2009-01-22T20:58:00.002-05:00

...That is how I am feeling lately. Just out of the loop. Just not all here, don't really know what is going on and what is happening! Isn't it horrible that I forgot my son's basketball game today? I couldn't have went anyway, but I forgot he even had one! Some days I don't know if I am coming or going! This 10 hour stuff is tough... I just feel lost.

And I am missing my blog reading...

And quilting....

And reading....

Only one more day till 3 days off!

Randomness...

2009-01-17T23:19:00.004-05:00

Today our meat came back from the butcher's, so now we have a nice full freezer of "Steak and Patty" LOL!

And the kids are here from NC, here they all are just hanging out. Alyssa didn't come with them, which I didn't know, because they couldn't get her back to TN and then back to NC in the short time they have.

And lastly, a new do...not sure if I like it, but Rich does so I guess that is most important. It just seems short....

And did you know Polar bears are left-handed.

Freaking Cold!

2009-01-16T20:26:00.005-05:00

Today when I left for work it was -14. Yes, -14 at 8:30 am. When I came home from work at 8:00 it was -1. I hate this weather. I am over the snow and over the cold.

But, I did get Alyssa's quilt finished last night. Its all washed, dried and crinkly. I just hope she likes it. I guess they didn't leave till sometime late this afternoon. It was 5:00 when they were in Raleigh so it will be at least 10 more hours.

And this is what we are doing tonight...

Yep, nothing. I am going to get some hot chocolate and my blankie and snuggle in for a cold winter's night.

Have you ever...

2009-01-14T21:09:00.006-05:00

...done this??

Yes, the needle is through the pin. I think only I could manage this!

Alyssa's quilt is quilted. Tomorrow is binding and washing. Thanks for all the great suggestions for keeping it from bleeding. Looks like a cup of salt wins so tomorrow night I will give it a whirl!

This is a picture from Saturday and the snow we had. I love how the trees look.

This is half of a 55 gallon drum that protects my rose bush. That is how much snow we had. We now have about 2-3 more inches. I am ready for Spring!

Yesterday was my one year check-up with my cardiologist. They were thrilled! My progress was way beyond what they had hoped and they were all surprised at how good I am doing. My surgeon was there and I got to see him and he was completely thrilled! I didn't come off any of my meds yet, but that's okay, small price to pay! Here are some pictures I took yesterday with my phone. I always mean to take my camera; there are some great churches down there, but I always forget! And of course there was a huge snowstorm coming home!

The New Heart Center (from the parking garage)

One of the churches

Off to blog read and have some hot chocolate! It's only supposed to be -10 for a low tonight! Yipes!!

Question

2009-01-12T21:06:00.001-05:00

...for all you quilters out there!

I am not a pre-washer of fabric, I know, the horror of it. But I do want to wash Alyssa's pink quilt before I give it to her because

A. She is a little girl, it will get dirty and
B. No one else will think about it bleeding and will probably just through it in the wash.

So how do you keep the fabric from bleeding when you don't pre-wash?
Any and all suggestions are welcome, especially if they are tried and true to work!

Thanks!

The Quilting Bookworm

My "New" sewing machine

2 finishes!!

A finish, and a business...

A Golden Ticket!!

A finished top!

Its been a long time

I may be back...

Almost A Month!

Terry

Finally! Some Sewing!

Pumpkins Everywhere!

Tiffin Carnival

9.3 Dozen

Where I'm From

I'm still here!!

Look at all this!

Package Surprise!

Reserve Grand Champion!!!

A boy and his horse

Horse Judging and a Finish

One PIF received!

Happenings, Happenings...

Always Busy...

Happenings...

Happy Belated 4th of July!

Now I know why...

Quilt Qua

What a weekend!

Hippology

Mail Surprise!

Blackie, Brownie, and Oscar

Weekend Tidbits

May Finish!

1st horse show of the year

A Second First Time

Weed Killing - Kylie Style

Horse Judging

Not Bon Jovi...

Moons and Mail

Happenings

Mill Stream Park

Busy Day!

Giveaway!

More Reading, Less Sewing

Thanks Honey!

A Little Spoiled?

Thanks Mom!

Earth Day!

Quilt Festival

Susan Boyle

Sylvia's Bridal Sampler

Randomness

Have you seen this??

Happy Easter!

I can't keep up!

Busy, Busy

Giveaway

10 pounds!

Nothing Like Colorado!

Academic Challenge

I'm Back!

I'm off!!!

What should I make?

Girls Night Out

65 and sunny!

Signs of Spring

Spelling Bee and Guitars

Booking Through Thursday

New Obsession

First Thunderstorm

Happenings...

BTT, Bindings and stuff.

March Already?

Blocks are Finished!

C'Mon!!

Tri-M

BTT and Pay It Forward

February Finish

Ice Ice Baby