Heartstrings and Precious Things

Champagne taste....

2011-10-01T08:12:00.000-05:00

Hey, there ya'll!!
Last night was the first time I have been to this space in, well, since August. Shame on me. It isn't that I'm intentionally avoiding it, we've just been working REALLY hard on projects around the house...major ones. We now have a brand new bathroom, the front of the house has all new windows, new hardi-plank siding, and an awesome porch and now we are amping up for the office addition to free up the fourth bedroom in anticipation of the baby girl and finding someone to paint our kitchen and a couple of bedrooms. I could do it, but painting is so tedious and I have a friend who I'm starting to agree with. He says that if you go to Hell, that's what they make you do there. Isn't that hilarious? It is to me, anyway. Needless to say, we're cutting it close considering I'm now 27 weeks. But, we really do work best under pressure so, whatever.

Speaking of the baby girl. I have been searching for bedding that isn't over-the-top or juvenile/cheesy. I want it to say "little girl" but not "prima donna". That's tough to find. But, in my search one day this week, I found something that fits my criteria to a T...only, it doesn't fit what I was allowing for the budget. Take a look...

Gorgeous, right? Well, the bumper pad is $335!! JUST THE BUMPER PAD. The thing is, though, I bought a shower curtain a couple years ago at a garage sale (for $5!) that matches the white bed skirt perfectly (and came with the shower curtain valance so there's plenty) so I could make it, get some linen on sale to make the bottom bed skirt, and just buy the sheets. But that still leaves the bumper pad costing as much as an entire set of crib bedding (that I wouldn't like as well). I know I could make it, but time is a serious factor and finding the fabrics that are similar would take even more since I live in such a rural area. It's a dilemma for me. I know my husband will tell me just to go ahead and get it if that's what my heart is set on, but geez, I'd rather find it cheaper. I have champagne taste on a self-imposed beer budget. So, if, in your spare time, you'd like to find the Bella Notte "Gwen" bumper pad on cheaper or even on sale, I think I would love you forever!! :) I'm just kidding, but really, if you do know of a good source that might be cheaper, I would be happy to know about it!

In the meantime, enjoy this wonderful time of year!!

Still Here...

2011-08-17T07:12:00.001-05:00

I am still here and I am making it...barely! :) We have had a super busy summer between vacations and working on the house, not to mention trying not to have a heat stroke in the hottest summer of my life (in which I am pregnant and feel like I overheat when I step outside!). But, it's all come to an end, at least for me. I started back to school Friday but the boys don't have to go until the 22nd. I'm always so sad to see summer end. I LOVE being home with my boys and the lazy days- or not so lazy ones- that we spend together. We usually spend most days on the lake, but this year most of the boat ramps are all out of the water and the water levels aren't safe so my hubby decided it would be a great time to do some things to the boat he's been wanting to do. Projects, projects, projects!!!

On the baby front...if you have been around my pinterest boards, you'll notice there have been lots of ruffles and girly stuff being pinned up. Yep, Daddy and the boys are getting a girl! I say they are getting one not because I don't want a girl, but because they actually had a preference and besides, I really don't know what to do with one. I wasn't much of one myself- I was surrounded by boys all my life. My very best friend growing up (and we're still pretty close) was a boy who moved in next door when I was three. I'm sure I'll figure it all out, though, what do you think? I mean, look how precious that little girl is up there! And these are two of the nurseries I'm thinking about using as inspiration for our little one. I have all the furniture (waiting to be refinished) a great mirror, some paper dolls to have blown up and framed, and the room, of course (currently occupied by a brother).

So, that's what's what in my life...still not much creativity stirring in my soul. I did make a cute, cute changing pad from this tutorial but haven't had the uumph to take pictures of it. Maybe in October when it's only 90 degrees outside instead of 100+... It was a super easy project and will be super handy (it has pockets for diapers, wipes, etc) and super inexpensive -- a great gift for a baby shower!

I'd love to hear from those of you that haven't quit me because I'm the dullest blogger ever and from those of you who came here on accident! :)
Stay cool...

I Survived!!

2011-06-14T22:01:00.000-05:00

I survived the four day, jam packed adventure in Washington, D.C. last week and had an awesome time doing it! We left at 4 a.m.!!! on Tuesday morning, drove 2 1/2 hours to the airport, boarded our flight at 9, landed in D.C and didn't stop for anything the entire four days we were there. I think we walked every square inch of the city and backtracked over part of it! We did have a tour bus that picked us up from time to time but not nearly as often as my legs would have appreciated. And wouldn't you know it, Washington saw record temps while we were there...and it was still cooler than it is here! The Lincoln monument at night was my favorite as well as the Smithsonian (where I took the picture of Dorothy's shoes) I was certainly glad to get home and rest my tootsies, though. There really is no place like home.

On the baby front, I had my check up today and all is well. No problems, weight is great, yada, yada. One more week and I'll be at the 3 month mark. We'll find out whether it's a boy or girl in August and I think then it'll be much more exciting.

Well, I just thought I'd let you all know I'm still lurking in blog world and visiting your blogs even though mine sees little action!

God Has Plans...

2011-05-30T08:00:00.000-05:00

I have learned the hard way-- God has plans for us and they usually don't coincide with our own. Let's just say, He has rocked my world for sure this time around--I am 38 years old and will be having my third child (7 1/2 years after the last one) in December. I thought my life was set. We pick up and go at a moment's notice, we had finally gotten to a place in our lives where we were content and comfortable and at peace. Not so much, now. Well, for me anyway. My husband has just taken it in stride and smiles from ear to ear all day every day. It's been very hard for me to come to terms with. I know in my heart that His wisdom far exceeds anything I could possibly hope to know, but my human self finds it hard to admit that. I will...at some point. In the meantime, I'm not sure how this little space will fair. I'm the epitome of lethargic, right now and my house is going to require some readjusting/construction to make room for the new little one, not to mention I have NO creative desire whatsoever. We'll see what transforms. However, just before I found out, I did make this for my bed (not that I actually make my bed these days). It may be the last thing I make until I'm 50 (the baby will be 11 at that point and I may actually have a life again)!

And yet, again...

2011-04-20T18:09:00.001-05:00

I have to agree with Allie, the second one did look better, but I don't like having to upload my pictures to flickr and then upload them to the blog. Really, I do good to get them on the blog, I certainly won't do it twice. So I'm giving this another go in a couple of different ways. Let's see how it works. I've done a couple of different things on these to see what works and what doesn't. Personally, I can't see the difference. Again, I'll come back tomorrow with fresh eyes.

Allie, at this point, I do believe you are the only person reading my blog so if you get sick of seeing this over and over, feel free to ignore me! ;) I'm on a mission and I'll beat it until it's dead...but I'll have answers.

How's this?

2011-04-19T21:41:00.000-05:00

Maybe it's a little better. I'll sleep on it and take a look in the morning.

A Test...Only a Test.

2011-04-19T21:27:00.002-05:00

This is a picture of a young friend of our family who happens to be graduating this year. For some cuh-razy reason, they wanted me to take her pictures. I'm mediocre at best. But the real reason for this post is to see what the junk is making my pictures look so different when I load them onto blogger. This picture is great (trust me, that's something for me to be excited about) on my computer, but then I upload it to my blog and it looks terrible. Why, why, why? I guess if I were more technologically savvy I would know, or even if I had a clue what I was doing as a photographer I would know. But I'm not and I don't. Grrrrr. So, all this test did was verify what I already knew. Now I need answers. I'm off to find them...

2011-04-14T07:11:00.000-05:00

Hey, ya'll! How've you been? Busy, I'm sure just as I have been. The weather has been gorgeous and we haven't been wasting a second of it. The garden has been started (yes, started- like a crazy person, I planted 4 1/2 rows of tomatoes and my garden is 25 yards long)the house has been neglected, baseball is in full swing for both boys, the husband is rebuilding my mustang I got when I was 16 and I have more projects than you have time to read about. Six more weeks of school left and then the big boy and I are going to D.C. on a school trip with great people and leaving the little fellow and Daddy home together. We are super excited about it! Life is grand and the living is, too.
Hopefully, I'll be back soon with something of a little more interest to you. In the meantime, enjoy the beautiful irises that grow like mad on Mom and Dad's place.
Wishing you lots of sunshine!

Just another addiction...

2011-03-31T19:31:00.001-05:00

As we all know well and good, I am a terrible blogger. Maybe one of the worst. I have wonderful ideas, sometimes even good follow through, and then seldom do I get the good pictures, write the post and then get it posted. I'm the pits. And then there was pinterest. Pinterest makes me an even worse blogger because there is just so much to admire and drool over that my mind goes into overload. I would say it's a love/hate relationship but that would be an out and out lie. I love it. Love, love, love it! It's all the good things about blogging rolled into one. Except it isn't blogging. It's just looking and pinning. I think I even saw the wreath that inspired this one on Pinterest. Whatever. It's fun. I even saw a quote there that said something about "time you enjoy wasting isn't really wasted time" or something like that. You really should check it out and while you're there, check out my pinboards, too

2011-03-08T21:04:00.000-06:00

Spring has really sprung around here-- quick, fast, and in a hurry! It's like winter had to

get one last, good kick in and then it left. I already need to mow my yard! I planned to do that this past week-end but instead, on Saturday, I woke up at 1:12 a.m. on fire. Sore throat, terrible headache, 101.8 temperature. I visited urgent care. I was their first patient of the day and

did you realize that urgent care really only means urgent after 9 a.m. where I live?! It's fine, I waited. It's so hard to wait when you feel like you'd rather have someone punch your lights out than be aware of the pain you're in. But, I had no choice. It was a confirmed case of strep throat. Which, by the way, I haven't had in 11 years when I had it along with the flu. I used to get it often and if I didn't have strep it was tonsillitis. Constantly. Then after my first child and the bout with the flu/strep combo, POOF, I seldom get either. My ENT several years ago said it's because I don't have much of my tonsils left- that and I've built up a resistance. Obviously, that resistance fled this week-end because I was knocked flat and have only just today begun to feel like myself again. Seriously, I'd rather throw up than be in that kind of constant pain. I couldn't even swallow my own saliva much less that horse pill antibiotic they prescribed me. Whatever happened to just getting a shot?! Anyway, I made it through. Barely. And I have a very high pain tolerance. After all, I did grow up with three older brothers who cut me absolutely no slack.

But, enough of that. Back to spring. We have spring break next week which we'll be spending with several of my cousins and that sweet, sweet baby girl so I whipped her up a little something for spring. Don't you love the baby legs craze? Especially on fat little legs. And yes, more of that fabric. Almost the last of it. Almost.

Now, one question. Can someone please tell me why my pictures look so different on my blog than when I'm looking at them on my computer? It's driving me insane! I'm sorry for the scattered post...maybe the fever did something to my head. :)

Always Under the Wire. Just.

2011-02-27T14:01:00.001-06:00

A simple little clutch.

Ignore the wonky stripes.
I could've sworn they were straight--remember, I winged it...

Here's my creation for February for Allie's Christmas Through the Year. This was a super easy little clutch that I just winged and yes, you've seen the fabric before here. I L.O.V.E. this fabric and I think I found it too late! It's the Darcy Collection by Anna Griffin and I ran across it at the quilt convention in Houston for $6 for a bundle of six fat quarters! I snapped up all the lady had and haven't really found it anywhere since so I'm assuming it's out of print. Not that it matters because I wouldn't have enough for a quilt now that I've done several projects with it. And one of these days, I'll post those projects. So, for those of you who stick around to see what I'll eventually post, thank you!! I love having you and knowing you are still around.

The inside. Deceptively roomy.

Have a great week!

Not a chance of boredom here...

2011-02-07T21:24:00.000-06:00

Have I mentioned that I decided to do 52 Photos in 52 Weeks 2011 (you can go to Monika's or Lisa's blog to see what I'm talking about or click on the button in my sidebar) Well, let me clarify, please-- I'm trying to do it. My creative juices in the photography department have left me for a couple of the prompts but I'm bound and determined to complete all 52 weeks even if I have to just add them to my flickr set and not the group postings. I've enjoyed the process of actually thinking about what I'm doing and seeing as opposed to just clicking away but I've not really been successful at being creative, too. I'm going to be positive, though, and just keep on until it "clicks". The prompt this week is MORNING.

I did something else while we were holed up in the warmth of the house-- I crocheted a scarf! I haven't crocheted anything other than a dishcloth in 17 years! I am so pleased with myself that it's silly. But, I love my new scarf and it only cost about four bucks as opposed to those in the store that cost a small fortune.

I must say, this is my all-time favorite--it's so soft and it will go with so much in my closet that people are going to get tired of seeing it. I have the yarn to do another one, but want to try a different pattern. I'm sticking with the beginner patterns even though I've crocheted all my life. I'm rusty, you know, and not very confident, yet. Here's another shot of her all balled up. Did I mention how soft this baby is? Like butter...room temperature butter.

My thoughts at this point are, do I really need to add another obsession to my already overflowing list of obsessions?! Ah, well, such is life. It could be worse...I could be bored! (Insert maniacal laughter.)

Oh, and I had another finish today (a start/finish) but won't be posting until later in the month when I'll link up to Alli's Christmas Through the Year (also on my sidebar). Yes, I am impressed with myself. It's only the 7th and I'm ready. Oh! I also forgot to mention that I happened to be the one using Mom's long-arm quilter when it decided to get all fouled up. Great. It would have to be me. And I only had two rows left before I would have been finished with the quilt that was going to be my project for the link-up. We're not sure what happened so we have to take it a couple hours down the road to the nearest people who service them. And then wait. It's agony. I was on a roll. Oh well, I have plenty more rabbits to chase.

Snow Day!!!

2011-02-04T15:07:00.000-06:00

I got a text from my principal this morning at 5:30 letting me know that the school would be closed. Of course, I'm just getting out of bed at 5:30, so I had no idea that enough snow had fallen during the night to provide us with hours of good fun today. We live in an area that seldom gets snow...like, we go YEARS without snow. We've now gotten it two years in a row and my kids love every second of it. We got outside around eight this morning and the little one and I didn't come in until 1:15-- the big boys are still out there and it's 2:59 as we speak! I know you hard core northerners are laughing right now because it's just a regular day for you, but it's like Christmas for us.
Have a warm, happy day!

In the nick of time...

2011-01-31T22:13:00.000-06:00

Yea! I finished just in time to get this posted!! Woohoo!
I thought Allie's idea to make one Christmas present a month is such an easy goal that I am jumping on the band-wagon. That way when it hits- and we all know it hits sooner than we are expecting- we'll already have gifts ready. I mean, seriously, who doesn't have the best intentions every year to be ahead of the game only to realize Christmas is a week away and you're out of time?! I'm the worst. Anyway, believe it or not, I've made it for the first month...at the last minute on the first month, but just in time to get it posted.

This month, this frigid month of January, I made a rice bag warmer. I have one of these that I bought about 20 years ago and it's UGLY. I mean, oh, so ugly. It's made of tan muslin and is only about 4 inches wide by 12 inches long. Not really big enough to do much good. So, using this tutorial I tinkered with the measurements (I made a prototype first that I gave to my mom to keep her tootsies warm in the bed)and came up with this one. It's huge (8"x 20" inside the ruffle)! It'll warm whatever. Allie, you need it right now for your shoulder, poor thing. Anyway, who says you can't recupe or cuddle up in style?! I'm not sure who the recipient will be when the time comes around, but I'm one gift closer to being ready for Christmas!

So, for those of you who missed out this month, you really should think about joining us! Come December, you'll be glad you did!

Stinkin' it up....

2011-01-26T07:12:00.000-06:00

Oh, my do I stink at the blogging thing lately! I have great intentions. That's it. Great intentions. Too much other stuff and not enough time. Add to that, I honestly believe I have adult onset ADD. I really think I do. I have 5 or 6 things going at the same time, at all times and I can't stick with one for more than 10 minutes or so before I drift off to another one. It's a problem. The only time lately that I actually start and complete something in the same day or even week is at school when I'm captive. Whatever. It could be worse. Like, my house could actually be finished. And clean. And my laundry/ craft room wouldn't look like it belonged on an episode of hoarders. You know, the buried alive version. Oh well, it is what it is.

I did finish this, though. Just yesterday. I'm sending the hubby off to the post office with it today so she can wear it while it fits. I could very easily forget or put it off until she 's 13 becuase that's the way I function lately so I'm asking him to do it. Do any of you feel like that? That your world is spinning at light speed and you're leisurely swimming in molasses? I say leisurely because I'm not at all unhappy about this malady of mine. Just making an observation. That's one of my goals this year. To actually be aware. And enjoy it.

So, I'm off to have a good day and I hope you do the same. Let's see what we can get started...

A Little Something for Myself...

2011-01-09T23:23:00.000-06:00

Do you ever get to the place where even though things are a mess and daily life could very easily be overwhelming, you are perfectly content and at peace? I got there this week-end and it has been better than a trip to the spa! My husband is off at work and my mother-in-law unexpectedly took the kids off my hands Saturday and most of the day Sunday so I had time where I hadn't packed every minute with some sort of chore or activity. And I'm a planner so that really could have gone either way. But instead of feeling like a lone marble in a jar, I just decided to go with the flow and you know what? I am so glad I did. I got some much-needed housekeeping done, spent some quality time the last half of Saturday with my mom and an aunt, got to watch Law Abiding Citizen (which I've been wanting to do but haven't had the chance), read a considerable amount, and used all my stored up dryer lint and egg cartons to make some fire starters. Productive and peaceful. I think everyone should have that every once in a while, don't you? And before I go, because we bloggers are such visual people (at least those of you on my radar), I thought I would leave you with a picture of a little checkbook cover I stitched up for myself this past week just so I could try out the sewing machine my mom got me for Christmas (she knew I had been wanting a second one so I could have an extra to use in my classroom). As you can see, it works fine. As for the checkbook cover, super easy and fast!

So, I'm off again to face another whirlwind I call a week! If it can't be peaceful, hopefully, it'll be productive! Have a great Monday!.

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

2011-01-01T13:44:00.000-06:00

Really?! It's 2011?!
I can remember as a little girl how my parents- and just older people in general- would tell me how much faster time seems to go by as you get older. "Nuh uh!" is what I really thought when they would say it but I was wrong. The days, weeks, months, and even years just fly by! My kids are growing by leaps and bounds in every single way possible and I like to think I am, too! Well, maybe not every way possible for me, but internally, anyway. ;) I'm excited about the new year and I usually don't give it a second thought but this year I am determined to make it different, better. I've done lots of reflecting in 2010 for lots of different reasons and I think I've come out the better for it. See, I spent much of 2010 stressed out beyond my limits about things I had no control over and I missed it. I missed the fun, the beauty, the process. I'm not going to do that this year. For those of you who are new here you won't notice the change, but for those of you who have been kind enough to stick with me and supportive when you certainly didn't have to be, hopefully you'll notice the changes. I've heard from so many people that this blogging journey sometimes seems to add pressure to our already pressure-filled lives and I don't know a single blogging friend who set out to make their own lives harder. I personally set out to have fun and enjoy the things I do even more by sharing with others and that got lost along the way. That's gonna change. Recognizing the problem is the way to overcoming it, right? I'm back to having fun and enjoying what I do and see. I love looking everyone's creations and hearing their stories. I enjoy just relaxing and browsing blogs even when I'm not in the mood to create. I love it when someone's post strikes me so that I feel the need to comment and certainly love it when I do the same for someone else. My New Year wishes for you all are to enjoy your year! Whatever it may bring, find something about it to enjoy because I didn't do that last year and it's gone. Let's all focus on the good, the fun, the everything enjoyable!!! Having said that, I'm going to leave you with a parting shot of a beautiful little girl that joined my family a very short week ago...

Finally, It Hit Me!!

2010-12-01T17:22:00.003-06:00

Remember the sad little tree I wrote about a long time ago? You know, the green ceramic one that everyone had when they were young or else they knew someone who did? Well, I never did anything with mine simple because I didn't know what I wanted to do to it...until today! I had been experimenting with a faux mercury glass tutorial I found over at Take the Side Street (and when I went to get the link for this post, discovered that she's giving away the very product I'm about to mention!!) Anyway, it hit me that my tree might just be pretty with the coolest paint I've found to date-- Kryon Looking Glass spray paint--sprayed over the green and then do Anna's mercury glass magic. I've only done it on the top so far because as we speak, my boys are wanting dinner, but I LOVE it so far!! The green reflection you see is where I sprayed the vinegar and wiped with the paper towel! Didn't it work magic?!

It's is exactly what I had in mind and I'm so happy! I'm hoping to get it finished before bedtime and hopefully, I'll post the finished tree tomorrow...

Until then, go over to Anna's and enter her giveaway. You can find something to spray this stuff on and discover what it's all about.

See you soon!

Aimee-- I'm not sure what happened to my signature but don't have time to do anything about right now!

Edited to add: I did finish the tree, but not in time to get a post up about it, so maybe I'll show it to you next year. It turned out to be gorgeous!!!

Dipping My Toe...

2010-11-09T15:33:00.003-06:00

Hello there! Well, hello to anyone who may still be out there, anyway. I think maybe I've decided to give the blogging thing another go. But this time, I don't intend to try to keep up with the Joneses...or the Smiths, or anybody else for that matter. I just can't do it. I don't want to do it. I don't intend for my blog to be a business or a means to promote one, although I'm very envious of those who do. I mean, man, how incredible would that be?! To work from home and do what you love day in and day out. Ahhh, one can dream. But, since I'm not there, I just want to be able to post from time to time and maybe make someone smile if I'm lucky. I also won't limit myself to one area of my creativity. I do and make so many different things from so many categories of creativity that I was doing myself an injustice by thinking I could only be interesting to one set of folks. So, I'm dipping my toe back into the blog world to see how it feels. Besides, while I was out I missed the friends like Allie and Aunt Spicy that I made before I left. Isn't it funny how sometimes it just takes a little distance to get perspective?
So, I hope all is well with those of you I haven't heard from in a while (or ever-- I noticed I got a couple of new followers in my absence) and I hope to hear from you soon!

Perspective...

2010-06-19T10:49:00.006-05:00

I've been doing some thinking about this whole blog thing. While I enjoy it, I'm not really sure why I do it and therefore am doubting it altogether. It takes so much time and I've found myself feeling pressure to make things with the intent to get them posted on my blog and it has begun to take the fun out of whatever I'm doing-- and makes for a fairly boring blog. And I surely don't have the time to do it if I'm not enjoying it. With a full-time job, two kids, a husband who is off at work a lot (rendering me a single mom for 3 or 4 days every week), a house to take care of, not to mention my monster garden and its harvest, and all the other projects that go along with remodeling a house-- just plain LIFE, I just think the blog is an unnecessary pressure added to an already very full life. If it were my business or a promotional tool, I could see investing the time in it but at this point in my life it's neither of those. So, having said that, until it does become something more than what I use it for, I'm not going to worry about whether I post or not. Maybe one day, I'll have reason to make it a priority in my weekly life (and that is my hope and dream) but until then, I'll not be here often and that makes for an unsuccessful blog and what few people come here will likely go away, but it is what it is. I'd rather be a successful mother and wife...and I'd certainly rather enjoy the process of all of the above again.
So, here's to life and enjoying all that it entails...

Soft and Pretty

2010-06-09T07:48:00.002-05:00

These are a couple, well actually two of only three sewing projects I've been able to work on lately. I've been sooo busy picking fruit and vegatables, canning and cleaning them, and working on getting rid of stuff and re-doing stuff in my house that my poor sewing machine is put away. I'm not happy about that, but when I get it in my head that the house is out of control, I can't work on anything else except getting it the way I want it. Plus, we've gotten another boat so my over-grown kid of a husband has had us at the lake when he's not working. Who says you have more time in the summer?!
Whatever the case, I love my new pj's. My taste in sleepwear has changed over the last year or so and I'm finding a don't like sleeping in a t-shirt and shorts anymore-- and that's what I've slept in since college! I have to have ultra-soft, sleeveless in the summer and it has to hit about mid thigh. Any longer and I wake up all twisted up in it and I HATE to wake up in the middle of the night. So, I made this sweet little nightgown and shorts out of some of my vintage sheets and they are heavenly soft. The shorts are iffy on the comfort factor. They are so comfy to wear around the house, but the verdict is still out on sleeping in them. One night I did fine and then one night I woke up. See, last year when I had to have my partial hysterectomy, they had to do an incision from hip to hip and I couldn't wear my normal t-shirt/shorts combo because I couldn't stand for anything to touch my stomach for about a month. Even something as soft as my pajama shorts bothered me. Anyway, I enjoyed whipping these up and even made my mom a new nightgown for her trip to Hawaii (which actually makes three out of four projects). I'm hoping to get things squared away soon with the house so I can sew, but we'll just have to see. Until then, I'll continue to enjoy looking at everyone else's projects and gather ideas for later.
Enjoy these summer days...

A Hint of Things to Come...

2010-05-23T19:39:00.005-05:00

Yesterday was an excellent day. I'm hoping it was just a hint of things to come this summer.
My mom, my little boy, and I drove over to a neighboring town and made a stop at a little quilt store there. I spent way more than I intended to, but they had several pieces that I had been looking for for quite a while so I grabbed them while I could.

After we left there, we went to a local strawberry patch and picked loads of strawberries (I picked 10 lbs.) and a few blackberries. We had worked up such an appetite by then that we stopped at a little diner for a late lunch and I had a piece of homemade coconut cream pie! That was such a luxury that I haven't been allowing myself lately and it. was. delicious!!! Yummmm!
By the time we got done with lunch, we were pooped so we headed home and when we got there, I decided I needed to do some gardening. I pulled several of these and then we dug one row of potatoes (we still have 3 more to go) and decided we could let the others try to get a little bigger. The rest of all that fresh yumminess is coming right along and it looks like we will have more than our share of tomatoes.
The big kid helped out by watering most of the garden before he got tired of it.

This little fellow didn't do anything but entertain us and have a good time. I call him my city boy. He likes the cool air and entertainment. Anyway, we had a great time and my sentiments at this point are COME ON SUMMERTIME!!!

I Can Taste Summer Break...

2010-05-19T11:58:00.004-05:00

Running.

And Reading (and I highly recommend this book-- if you've read Graceling and liked it, you'll definitely like this one.)

These are just two of the things that I've started doing again. They are part of why I've been absent for so long. I realized that I had been spending too much time with the computer and not enough time on myself. I LOVE to read and I don't necessarily LOVE to run, but I love how I feel when I'm done so I've been making sure to do much more of both of those things. That and it's just a busy time for us. BUT, I can taste summer break and I'm so ready for it! My kids wake up every day and tell me how many days we have left...as if I'm not counting down myself! ;o) I am looking forward to spending more time with my boys, my sewing machine, you name it, I'm looking forward to doing it! I feel as though I'm about to burst with needing to create and do!

This week-end, I'll try to post some creative things I've done since I've been MIA, which are very few, but they've helped me maintain my sanity and I'd like to share them with you.

I've missed you guys and look forward to being back...

Biscuits and a Life Lesson

2010-05-01T08:24:00.005-05:00

It seems as though real life has decided to keep me very tied up lately. With our unbelievably moronic standardized tests at school this week, a.k.a. TAKS, baseball for both boys, hubs busy, busy with his job (praise God he has one!), trying to get some work done on the house, researching for a new fridge (it'll be here Tuesday, yea!!!), my mom having a small heart procedure, and one child down with strep throat, and a great big garden to tend to, I have have been meeting myself coming and going. I enjoy it, but sometimes, all I want to do is stop and sit still for a minute. I really thought I was going to get to do that yesterday afternoon, but I was wrong. I had been home for about an hour and was peacefully reading when my husband came in and told me that our cat had died. We suspected he was sick but it was one of those things where you can't really confirm it and he was a "different" cat anyway. He never bathed himself...ever! His meow was more of a yell and he made biscuits on everything, all the time, hence, the name "Biscuits".

He was a great cat, though. He didn't let us love on him-- he loved on us and when he got tired of loving on us, he would just simply stop and move on to something else.

So, anyway, Biscuits was a part of our family for four years (which is pretty good considering we live on a busy corner of a major road with lots of traffic). He gave us lots of laughs and stories to tell and we are thankful for having had him, but my sweet baby had to learn a lesson in living yesterday and that was tough. The oldest has experienced things like this before and he's old enough to understand it, but this was a first for the baby. He just cried and cried. We took Biscuits out to my parents land and buried him not too far from where we are planning to build our house. The boys and I gathered flowers while my husband put together the marker. It was a bittersweet thing but this morning, when the little one got up, he came and told me that he had a dream that Biscuits was alive and that he didn't die. And he was able to tell me with a smile on his face. Thank God for resiliency.

Hopefully, this week will be a little calmer. I HAVE to get a project done because I have a deadline (can't say what it is b/c it's a surprise for someone). I can always plan and hope, right? For now, I'm off to play Monopoly.

Time Really Does Fly

2010-04-21T21:08:00.003-05:00

This is one of my UFO's. It still isn't completely finished, but I'm so much closer than I was before. I finally got around to quilting it and because I was afraid that the plasticky (is that really a word?) letters and numbers would gum up the needle, I chose just to randomly quilt around them, doing something different on each block. I like the way it turned out and because I didn't have to try to make it perfect, it didn't take long at all to quilt it. It's a good size quilt (83"x83") so even after my big kid gets bigger, it'll still be a good size for him to be able to use. I love looking at all the different jerseys- especially now that he's getting so grown up acting. Now, all I need to do is get it bound. Those darn necklaces are holding me back...
This blue #5 jersey is from Little Dribblers when he was 9. When he was 9...

And WOW! This one is from when I was coaching and he was only 7. He was 7 and the baby was actually still a baby-- he was just turning 1!

This one is from baseball before he started playing on a tournament team, so he would have been 8 or 9 when he wore this one, too.

I just have to warn those of you who've never made a memory or t-shirt quilt. Be ready for the memories. Right now, I just want to grab him up and hang on to him...simply because I'm sitting here telling you about this quilt. But that's what they are for right? Oh, and while we're on the emotional mommy train, my baby will be 6 tomorrow. That's how old the oldest was when the baby was born. My big boy was 6 and in kindergarten, I was big, huge pregnant, coaching track right up to the day the little one got here, and my hubs was still in the logging business. So much has changed in 6 years that it feels like it was a lifetime ago, but when it comes to my baby boy himself, it was just yesterday that I struggled to get him here and then had so much fun being able to take my oldest to school and then spend the day in the sunshine with the baby and taking naps, just waiting for school to get out. Life is a roller coaster, isn't it? Have I told you that I love roller coasters? :o)

Okay, enough of the estrogen. I have cupcakes to decorate!

May Flowers...A Little Early

2010-04-16T09:00:00.006-05:00

I'm lovin' these. What can I say? I enjoy making them, I enjoy wearing them, and I love to just look at them. I'm hooked.

I Have Committment Issues...

2010-04-12T19:10:00.002-05:00

Is it a written rule that crafty/creative people MUST be easily distracted and also have 22 different things going at once in order to be the ~~crazy~~ interesting people that I tend to think we all are?! I truly feel like I am going crazy because I have so many projects and chores and projects and busy family life and projects. I know I could just get rid of 2/3 of the projects but then I really would go crazy. Whatever. It is what it is and this summer I'll be whining becuase I'm bored...Um, maybe not!
As for committment, well that's another story. I was fired up at the beginning of this quilt to get it finished and on my new bed, but now that I'm 7 rows from being finished, I've decided that while I still love the pattern and the fabric, it's just not what I want on my bed. The problem is that the quilt that is on my bed is just fine. My mom made it for me about 4 years ago for Christmas and I love it as much now as I did when she gave it to me, but I think it's starting to wear and I definitely don't want that so I want to find something else to replace it. But everything I like looks so similar to the quilt. I'm just a mess, huh? I'm just going to sit back, I think, and when I see it, I'll know. That's the way I work.
So, I guess I'll just call the quilt top finished and get ready to quilt it-- it and the other 7 that I still have to quilt. I did finish my oldest son's t-shirt quilt and I'm working like crazy on the necklaces I showed you (I told you I was addicted) and I have a couple other irons in the fire so with baseball three nights a week, I'm meeting myself every which way.
Oh, we also got the bills for my son's FOUR stitches!! The ER bill is $689.53 and the ER doc's bill is $ 612.00!!!! FOUR STITCHES! And because teachers have such horribly expensive insurance I opt for the highest deductable ($2000.00) so every penny of that will come out of our pocket. My husband is fired up and had he not been walking out the door when I opened the bill this evening, he would have been on the phone chewing on someone's ear. Un.be.lieve.able.

Well, so much for a cheery post, huh? I do feel better, though.

Frayed Rose Bib Necklace

2010-03-29T18:16:00.002-05:00

These necklaces are growing on me lately. At first, the bib necklaces were a little more over the top than I ever wear, but I could appreciate them. Then I ran across some made with frayed roses and I fell in love with them but still didn't think I would wear them. So, I started thinking about my friends that would wear something like that and I made one (the one I didn't get a picture of) and gave it to her. And then I wanted one...so I made this one...and I love it. I wore it Saturday and when my husband saw it he said, "Oh, that's cute. That's cute like my wife." I was soooo impressed with his flattery. Then he HAD to go and ruin it. On the way to our boy's basketball game, he said, "You're really wearing it! I thought you were trying to be funny." and then laughed so hard I thought his sides would split. Needless to say, he not only lost his points for the earlier flattery, but he went into the red for stupidity!! I mean, c'mon, what could he possibly having been thinking when that fell out of his mouth?! Good gravy. He really is a keeper, though, stupid comments and all. What can I say, I have a good sense of humor. Besides, the women-folk liked it and we all know that's what really counts. :o) So, tonight while I watch Castle, I'm going to make more roses.

P.S. Shortly after taking these pictures, my oldest son and I had to make a trip to the E.R. so that he could get his hand stitched up. He had made himself a bow out a branch and some string and my little one just had to have one, too, so Tuck was going to make him one. Short story-- the branch slipped, the very sharp knife cut right through his hand, and off we went. It was very matter-of-fact. Although, when he first came in the house, he wanted me to just super glue it (after all, when the cat sliced open my dog's ear a couple weeks ago, that's what I did b/c I used to work in a dr.'s office and we did that for cuts to the face and lesser lacerations). You have to remember, I'm the queen of suck it up. This cut was so not on a super glue level. Once he found that out, he got a little upset and then got over it. All is well, now and he's at baseball practice as we speak.

It's That Time of Year...

2010-03-28T10:34:00.002-05:00

My days over that last couple of weeks have been taken up by this:

And this:

I forget from year to year just how busy I am during the spring. We spent the entire day yesterday watching basketball because my oldest son ended up being a pick-up player at the last minute on an all-star Little Dribblers team. I have bleacher-butt. That's a term my mother used often when I was in high school because I was involved in everything and she didn't miss an event if it was humanly possible for her to get there. Anyway, the basketball thing is over-- they got 2nd place and could advance on to Nationals, but aren't thank goodness because so many of them are involved in baseball and it would be too much of a stretch for everyone involved. So, now we just have baseball for both boys which is three nights a week. I also forget from year to year what a hard time we have getting dinner and baths and bed before 11 o'clock!! We all will be just exhausted from now until the end of May but we so enjoy the going and doing and the beautiful weather that it makes it all worthwhile.

I did manage to make two gorgeous fiber necklaces this week while watching my shows when I should have already been in bed. :o) One of them I let get away before I took pictures of it and the other one I've yet to take any pictures of either. I'll post some later and tell you a funny story about what my husband said. He's so sweet... (please insert ample amounts of sarcasm here-- and I mean heap it on!!!) LOL! I'll be back later.

On the Stringing Bandwagon

2010-03-15T05:00:00.001-05:00

Here is the project I hinted at last week:

This is the front.

The back.
After browsing through some of the quilts at the Modern Quilt flikr group, I decided I wanted to try my hand at string quilts using the paper piecing method and I have to say, I really enjoyed it. My students were in awe that you could sew on paper and then tear it off. It truly is an education in itself for my students to watch me sew!!! I'm in awe that there are so many folks out there who've NEVER seen anyone use a sewing machine, much less stitch something by hand. I've decided that next year, I'm going to include an embroidery lesson. It's been years since I've done it, but I used to be pretty good. I'll have to show you my ring bearers pillow that I designed and embroidered myself (the top--and then my mom made the pillow) back when silk ribbon embroidery was a hot thing. I even gave a presentation to my husband's grandmother's quilt group over silk ribbon embroidery-- and I was sooo young telling a group of 60 and 70 year olds about embroidery!! They were all so sweet, though, and enjoyed having me there.

Wow, I really got off task there, huh? Anyway, I made my little pillow out of scraps from another little project that was a first for me and I just love it! I didn't have a single, solid piece big enough to even think about the back so I made it out of scraps, too. Even though it's Christmas fabric, I still have it sitting in the chair where I put it to take the pictures of it. I'm not sure I'll ever make an entire quilt using that method, but I could see using blocks along with strips and sashing to make one, maybe. The next thing I'm going to try is the cathedral windows. It's always looked so daunting, but after reading a tutorial, it looks so simple. I'll let you know when I try it.

Finally, the bed is finished!!! Well, almost. I have to paint the side rails, but that's a 10 minute job. We have it all put together and ready to sleep in. I will tell you...I think I may have broken a bone in my foot messing around with that bed. It's really bruised and doesn't feel so great but it was all my fault. My husband and oldest boy went to a friend's house out of town while the little one and I stayed home. See, the little one had been throwing up all night and didn't feel so hot so he and I opted to stay home, close to the bathroom and washing machine. ;o) Well, hard-headed me decided I could get the bed all put together so when they got home that step would have already been done...but I was wearing house shoes. And forgot the frame was just propped up. It fell when I moved it. On my house-shoe clad foot. Neither of my babies hurt that bad. And the second baby hurt BAD. But, you know what? I didn't even cuss!! It could have been that I was holding my breath from the pain and didn't have any to spare. So, while I'm not going to post pictures of the bed until I have the quilt all finished and can have a big reveal, I'll leave you with what my foot looks like at this point (Sunday evening, approximately 6 hours after the fact).
And no, the veins have nothing to do with the injury, they're freakishly normal for me.

So, anyway, have a great Monday and for those of you on Spring Break like I am, WOOHOO!!

Inspiration and Not Enough Time

2010-03-10T05:00:00.000-06:00

Okay, so I may be the only person on the quilting planet that hasn't spent time here, but today I had some down time and decided to go take a look. Holy cow, at the inspiration!!! I don't have enough time to get to all the quilt designs that caught my eye. I was in awe so if you have spare minute (or 350) go over there and drool over all the color and design. Oh, and I went to Rossie's blog to get the html code for the button over on my sidebar and I love that place, too...I said I had some downtime today and I really did, but I didn't have THAT kind of down time.

The bed is still occupying most of my free time and while I'll sure be glad to get it finished, I want it to be perfect so I'm taking my sweet time. The trouble there is that I think too much while I'm working on it and I came up with the wonderful idea that I need to make a new quilt to go along with it AND I picked out a new wall color for my unfinished bedroom walls. The fabric I chose is nothing hip and fresh like all those modern quilts I love, but those are sooo not my husband's style so I chose something that I thought we both could live with (and I really do love it, anyway). The fabric is called Rawhide by Moda and it meets several criteria that all bedding must have for me: 1.) It has quite a bit of red--an absolute must. 2.) It has enough floral to be a bit feminine. 3.) It has very little white (which I wouldn't mind, btw, but my husband is not one of those men that is concerned with where he sits nor with where he sat last and since he loves to fix things and get dirty, I don't want his butt-print forever imprinted on some beautiful, once-pristine bedding. It would cause a fight). And 4.) It has enough gender-neutral prints (and even masculine for that matter) that he won't feel like I didn't give him any thought when picking it out...which really was sufficiently covered when I opted for "not white" in my opinion.

My only problem in choosing this fabric is it isn't running rampant out there. I find a few prints here and there, but I want to be able to buy all of the prints I want at one store because I don't want to pay shipping five times--remember, I don't have the luxury of a quilt store nearby.

I'll have to keep looking but until then I'll show what quilt pattern I'm using (or the quilt that inspired me, anyway). I found this one over at the Fresh Modern Quilt group and then followed the link here, to Jennifer's blog. I just love this quilt!! And there's a tutorial for it on MBS. I have about 6 rows completed so I only have 19 more to go. I am going to do the irregular binding, too. I think it just adds a little interest, don't you?
Well, I hope you are all experiencing at least a little sunshine amongst all these rainy days and I'll be checking back in later with a sweet little something I got finished this week-- also inspired by a quilt I saw on Fresh Modern Quilts. I even tried something I had never tried before.

Happy Day!!!

The DIY Dish and an Awesome Giveaway!!

2010-03-03T11:49:00.005-06:00

Wouldn't it be so cool to win one of these?! My machine is a Janome and I love it. I certainly wouldn't mind having a new one, though, because mine is soooo old and it's getting a little tired and cranky. All you need to do is go over to their site or click here to get signed up. There are multiple ways to register and lots of things to look at so go take stroll around and see what you think about these two girls. They seem to have lots of spunk and charisma-- and they look so much like the Osmonds...you know, Donnie and Marie. Anway, go on over-- who knows, you could be the winner!

I Got Nothin'

2010-03-01T21:42:00.004-06:00

This is what our crazy weather has us all doing (don't ask-- he stayed in this position for several minutes without moving). Last week we were looking at 6 inches of snow and the lower 30's. This week-end we had beautiful 60 degree sunshine. This morning we woke up to the Heavens opening up to dump rain on us and 40 degrees. Who knows? Tomorrow it may be 70. It's definitely been interesting.

I have nothing crafty or quilty to show you. I'm really trying hard to focus on getting my house in order. I had let it get out of hand and I honestly would be embarassed for anyone other than close family to come in so I'm rectifying the situation. Not to mention it'll be spring break soon and I don't want to spend it cleaning.

Anyway, just checking in...

A Couple of Quilts and My Valentine Present

2010-02-23T05:00:00.001-06:00

Hey, ya'll!! What about this crazy weather of ours?! We are expecting snow tonight and tomorrow--AGAIN!! We NEVER get snow and if we do, it'll be the second time in as many weeks and it looks like lots of people are in the same boat. It makes for perfect quilting time, though, so lots of us must be happy.
This quilt is one that I made a couple of weeks ago out of two charm packs and some extra yardage-- all Mary Engelbreit's Attitude Girls by Moda. It was just a simple little throw-together, which really is all I have time for lately but I sure do like the way it came together. You just can't go wrong with M.E.!

This next one is sort of a stacked coin quilt, I guess. I got this cute pink charm pack back during the summer for like, $2.00 or something like that and because there was only one, I had to figure out a way to make it stretch. I loved every single fabric in it but couldn't afford to buy any of them in yardage so I dug out some of my white tone-on-tone yardage from my stash and came up with this. I finally got the rows all put together last week and now I need to decide on a backing and binding (now that the hubby has a job, I can do that. (o: ) I'm usually not a pink girl, but I like the way this turned out...

I'm thinking maybe this for the backing (if I can find it, that is):

And maybe this for the binding: As for the Valentine's present-- THIS is what has been keeping me so busy lately:

My husband finally got going on the bed-- he worked so hard over Valentine's week-end and I LOVE IT!! So, I've been sanding and priming (that's what you see here; I haven't settled on the paint color yet) and I even rearranged my bedroom in preparation for the beautiful bed. Have you ever noticed that no matter how clean you think a room is, when you start moving stuff around you realize that it's not nearly as clean as you thought? Mine was a mess!! I found about 10 ponytail holders under my bed and enough dust bunnies to start a farm. All of which helped me make my final decision that I don't want carpet in the bedroom (it's the only room in the house left with carpet). I have terrible allergies and all that carpet does is collect those stinkin' allergens. Anyway, I'd like to get it all finished while he's working this week so that we can get it all set up next week-end. This baby weighs a ton and once we get it there, it's there until we move.

So, that's what I've been up to. I'll be sure to post pictures of the quilts after they get quilted and bound (not sure when that'll be b/c the free longarm quilter has a paying job on it right now and three in waiting so I have to wait until I have enough time to get one on and off pretty quickly and it's not being used. I have a feeling that the more quilts my mom gets lined up, the fewer I'm going to get done.
Oh well, such is life.

Stay warm...spring's around the corner!

Momma's Got a Brand New Chair!

2010-02-17T19:00:00.005-06:00

Remember this?

Well, now, it looks like this!

I love the way my chair turned out! Especially since I hated cutting into that Denyse Schmidt fabric. I literally just had to hold my breath and do it.

Because I wanted the panels square with the back and the seat, I had to do a little imrovising to make it work. I cut out the square panel and laid it on top of the old cushion fabric and then trimmed off the edges that the panel didn't cover. Next, I laid those pieces ever so carefully on top of the edges of another panel so that I didn't waste any more than necessary, cut them out allowing for seams and then attached them to the square in order to make a rounded piece big enough for the cushions. No one can tell it's been pieced. See, I'll show you.
The only thing I'm disappointed in is that I used spray adhesive to make the fabric mold to the cushion and on the upper left back, a spot of it bled through and when it dried, it left an ugly little spot. I'm going to get some Shout wipes and see if that'll help, but I'm almost scared to do that. I'm trying to decide if maybe I should just live with the spot. Anyone know any tricks?

Now, all I need to do is ScotchGuard that baby (my boys use my computer when they need to do homework or to play games) and she's good to go. The more I look at it, the more I like it. One more project done.

P.S. I forgot to tell you that when my husband saw it (he was outside building my new bed--that's another post) he said, "You just had to quilt it, didn't you?" He was smiling and did admit that it was very cute. He's usually non-comittal when it comes to the "cute" arena so I felt very proud!

Holy Moly, I've been a lucky girl!!!

2010-02-16T17:34:00.004-06:00

I just have to tell you-- I've been very lucky. Well, blessed...and lucky. Yesterday, I won not one giveaway, but TWO!! Two!!

Monday, February 15, 2010
Winner!!!

Our winner picked in the most scientific of fashions....by having our Mom pick a number is Aimee from Heart Strings and Prescious Things! She picked option #4 a custom make cupcake tier. Aimee we'll be in contact to make arrangements for your prize! Thanks for everyone who entered, we appreciate your continued support. Look for another giveaway coming up when we hit the 100 follower mark!
Posted by 2sisters at 3:25 PM
Labels: giveaway

The first one was a 100th post giveaway over at 2Sisters2Gether, a.k.a. A Crafty Clan. You can click on the link to see the options for the giveaway. I chose to have a custom made one using turquoise plates. I'm so looking forward to what they choose. That's almsot as exciting as winning!!

The next one is this: Who doesn't love some M.E.? I have for years and have actually just completed two completely different quilt tops using ME fabric--like, within the last couple of weeks! What are the odds?! Anyway, I won this one over at Scrappy Threads. I had to do a double-take when I saw the winner post because I just couldn't believe that I had won a second giveaway. I mean, really, what are the odds? I'm just tickled and I'm sure I'll put this fabric to use on something sweet. I even have the little teapot Christmas ornaments you see on the fabric...ooh, wouldn't a little tree skirt for a kitchen tree be super cute with those ornaments?! I just don't have enough time in the day...

52 Photowalks-- week 6

2010-02-14T21:36:00.007-06:00

Yes, I am posting snow pictures. I know, most of you have seen enough snow but when you only get to see it in real life once about every ten years, it's a big deal. I'm sorry, I'm sure they are so old-hat to you, but please bear with me. :o)
Our snowman was very concerned with his digestive health, so he made sure he had plenty of fiber in his diet...
You know that dead silence you hear when you wake up to a world of snow? I can almost "hear" it in these.

The snowflakes falling were so big and falling so quickly that my camera kept picking up on them instead of the boys playing. I love the iridescence of the one at the top of the frame. Roy G. Biv is alive and well in the form of a snowflake!

I'm really thinking my camera needs some t. l. c. becuase it just shooting up to par lately. The color on my indoor shots is way off, especially anywhere near my table. Everything has a green cast that I have to edit out and on the top of my table it's impossible. It's strange...
This is the closest I could get to the natural color. The bowl that the blueberries are in is a dull lime green color, but in order to keep the table from being some off the wall shade of green, I had to turn it way down. It's so stinkin' aggravating!! Anyone have any pointers?

Have a good Monday!!

Happy Valentine's Day!!!

2010-02-12T05:00:00.004-06:00

These are super easy, super cheap, and super cute!! They made excellent teacher gifts and were a hit, and they could be made up in any fabric or scrapbook paper and embellished to fit any occasion or whatever. For about $2.00 apiece, you really can't lose. When the post-its run out, you just peel the back off of another one and stick it down.
I used 4x6 horizontal acrylic frames for these, but the 3x5 would be fine. You could also use the 4x6 and the 3x5 post-its if you wanted. There is no limit to how creative you could be with them.

In other news, 12 years ago today, my oldest was born!! It's so hard to believe that he is that old already. I planned a field trip to a planetarium today, too, thinking it would be nice to have a fun day for his birthday and still be "at school". This trip is just a group of 15 so I'll be taking them by myself. We are going to eat lunch at a restaurant that has a bakery next door and I've ordered a cake to surprise him with. Then, when we get home we are having a Valentine's dance for the middle school kids and afterwards, we might go see The Lightening Thief. We'll just have to see how much energy we have left when we get home. It looks to be a fun-filled day and the actual V-day is yet to get here!

Anyway, if I don't see you before then--

Happy Valentine's...

Edited to add: What a bummer! Because of the weather (both here and where we were going on the field trip), we had to cancel. Isn't that just about right? The best laid plans get all messed up. But, on the sunny side (no pun intended) we don't have to go into school until 10:00 so I'll have time to make bacon, eggs, and blueberry pancakes (his favorites for breakfast) with candles for birthday breakfast. We'll have time for a little party before school!!!

Another UFO I'm Working On...

2010-02-10T05:00:00.000-06:00

This is my computer chair and if you'll notice, it's ugly. It is one of my mom's cast-offs. I'm not above hand-me-downs-- especially ones as comfortable as this. It fits me just right but she got rid of it because one of the arms (the one that you don't see) had a blow-out and she didn't care to fix it.
I've had the Denyse Schmidt tulip fabric since this summer and didn't have a clue what I was going to use it for, but when I saw this fabric (Patchwork Promenade) for an awesome price at Quilt Taffy's ebay store, I just knew. It has all the colors I love and is pretty without being too terribly feminine. I do want to point out that the bottom two images do not belong to me. They belong over here--I'm only borrowing them. Go take a look, it's a bountiful feast for the eyes.
So, right now, I have one arm covered, the other one is going to get done as soon as I get to it tonight and then the rest is waiting on the USPS to bring on the goodies! It makes me smile. :o)

Disclaimer: Blogger is not responsible for the mess you see behind the chair. This is what happens to the home when the husband and children are left alone while the blogger takes care of her mother in the hospital. Also, please ignore the many stages of revamping the kitchen...in my head it looks much different!! ;o)

52 Photowalks....week 5

2010-02-08T12:03:00.003-06:00

I decided that since it's so nasty outside I would take the walk indoors to where I spend my days surrounded by color...literally. I actually call my classroom the dungeon because it's so old and depressing most of the time, but as I was looking for things to photograph, I decided on days like this it's actually sort of cheerful.
These are all pictures of areas in my classroom and no, I didn't pretty them up for you as you can tell. They are all left just as the students left them. I discovered through trial and error that if I went around cleaning up after them, I would drive myself crazy and they would make bigger messes, so we've sort of met in the middle-- as long as we can find things and get around in the classroom, we're good. After each project we do a major clean-up and then start again. It really is sort of cheerul in my classroom without me really trying for it to be. Take a look:
So, if it can't be pretty outside, we'll just have to look at the pretty on the inside. And from the looks of things, everyone all over most of the U.S.A. better be looking inside!!

Stay warm and cheery...

I Just Have to Rant. I'm Sorry.

2010-02-03T17:17:00.002-06:00

See this kid? He's mine. I don't usually post about my kids because I just like that part of my life to be private but today I reached my limit as a mom and sometimes, that has to be done , but in my case I have to walk a fine line because I'm not just a mom, I'm also a teacher. I have to be very careful not to let my mothering instincts take over my teacher responsibilities.
The problem is that the boy you see here is an amazing kiddo. Of course I think that because I'm his mother but I'm also one of those parents that sees that my child has faults, too. He's still an amazing kiddo, even with his faults. So, you're wondering what the problem is, right? The problem is that very few nice kids exist in his class at school. This is the meanest bunch of kids that I've had to teach in my career!!! For the first month or so, I thought it was just me, but I was wrong-- all the sixth grade teachers (including their coaches) feel the same. Usually, at this age it's the girls but with this group, the boys are meaner than the girls and unfortunately, my boy is on the receiving end on a regular basis. He's even quit the select baseball team that he was a part of because the boys he's worked so hard to stay away from now play on his team. He would rather quit one of things he's most passionate about than have to be around them. He's not confrontational at all-- he'll head in the opposite direction if he thinks there's trouble to be had. He avoids meanness and I'll admit, he gets his feelings hurt because he doesn't understand the hatefulness. We've raised him to like and be nice to everyone and so far, we've been successful. I was telling one of my mom friends from his previous baseball team that he quit and she was in disbelief because he came onto their team not knowing a soul and meshed with them like he'd known them his whole life. Her exact quote was, "If they don't like him then there's something wrong with them because everybody over here loved him." I'm just heartsick over it. If he were mean and hateful, I could understand and so could he, but because he tries to do the right thing by people he can't understand it and he's hurting. We (teachers and administration) don't tolerate bullying, but these kids are so sneaky in their ugliness and so innocent-acting when confronted about their behavior that near impossible to discipline them. And several of them are "leaders" in their age group at church--one even had the audacity to ask me this week why my son doesn't go to church with them. It took everything inside me not to tell him that under no condition did my son want to go to church with them. It complicates things that we live in a microscopic little town where everyone is either related to everyone or has known each other their whole lives so things like this rarely get handled. Another problem is the parents of most of these kids have the "if my child is doing it, I'll take care of it/my child doesn't lie" attitude. I've cried twice today over it. I'm really, truly sick about it and don't have any answers nor do I know how to help him. All I know is that I wouldn't wish middle school on anyone--parent or child--and I certainly wouldn't recommend being a m.s. teacher in Podunk, where you have to bear witness to the misery of your own babies while trying to foster the educations of the very ones who are making him miserable.
I'm sorry you had to be witness to my anger and pain. But you're neutral. And you don't live in Podunk. Well most of you...and those of you who do love me anyway, I hope!!

A Sweater Quilt? Blanket?

2010-02-03T05:00:00.000-06:00

I'm really not sure what to call this except a finished UFO! I started it a couple of years ago after seeing one similar to it in LIVING magazine. Mine isn't quite the same as theirs because I didn't want to try to sew it on my machine and have all that lint and loose yarn tearing it up so I just used cotton crochet thread and crudely stitched all the sweater pieces together and then around the edges. The inspirational one had a very finished look to it and mine is a bit folksy, I guess for lack of a better word. It's very light, but manages to keep you warm, too. I laid down on the couch one day last week after getting it finished just so I could try it out. It passed the test and now has a permanent new home in the living room. But, there's still one thing. Do you call it a quilt? It isn't an afghan, I don't guess. For now, I'm just calling it the sweater blanket. And I'm also calling it checked off the list of unfinished projects!! :o)

52 Photowalks--Week 4?

2010-02-01T05:00:00.001-06:00

I've lost track. I think this is week four but it could very well be week 5. Oh well, whatever. Whether it's four or five (could someone please set me straight?) my walk this week was WAY different than any so far because we took 97 6th graders to the Johnson Space Center in Houston. It was fun, but not something I want to take that many kids back to. And maybe not that young. I appreciated it because I've lived through so much of what there was to see there, but they don't have a clue about the magnitude of what they were seeing. I would like to have been able to really absorb more of the information there was to take in, but when you are responsible for so many kids, it's a little tough to focus on much more than keeping them intact and together as much as possible. Regardless, I got some cool pictures so I thought I would show you. And I'm doing something else a little differently; I'm not just showing the good ones, I'm also showing the one that got away! We all have them so it's not like I'm going out in public naked or anything, right? Take a look. This is part of the inner working of Apollo V. One of those silver orbs was about 4 1/2 feet wide-- that's how huge this thing was. The entire Apollo V vessel was about 100 yards long if I had to guess. Huge and awesome in the awestruck sort of way.
What you see here are the windows on the face of the building where Mission Control is housed! How cool is that and how cool are these?! When you hear, "Houston, we have a problem.", this is the building where that is being directed!! This building is a rockstar! However, it wasn't nearly as cool-looking on the inside. Actually, there are probably people who would think it is because it's very retro. But it's only retro because it's never been re-done, not because it's hip or anything. Either way, loved the windows and we almost didn't get to see them. We had to take a tram from the main museum out to the outer buildings of NASA to get to Mission Control and we just nearly didn't get to. I had to put my teacher attitude on in order for it to happen. (If you don't want to hear this, just skip to the next picture.) See, the museum/tram worker fellow had us "school people" move to the side when we were standing in line so that all of the people behind us could board the tram. We moved aside, they boarded, and then he informs us that the "short tour for 'school people' will board shortly." Since I was at the front of the "school people" line, I stepped up to the fellow--bless his heart, he looked all of 17-- and told him (wearing my teacher attitude) that our students weren't interested in the "short tour" because we wanted to go to mission control and had been told earlier that we needed to get on this tour in order to see it and now that he had moved us aside and allowed the tram to fill up, we couldn't do that and since we had travelled three and a half hours on a bus we weren't interested in the "short tour". According to the look on his very red face, I had taken him back to his middle school years. Poor thing. I wasn't ugly, just...insistent, maybe? He got on the phone. An unscheduled tram was added. People were happy. "School people" were very happy.
While on the tram, I noticed that parked outside every single building were these bikes. There were at least ten outside each door and they were all the vintage style with baskets. I was riding in the very back with the tour guide and she told me that NASA provides them for the workers so that they can ride back and forth between the different buildings. I really liked that idea. And then there's this one:
I was so upset it didn't turn out. It was one of those moments where you realize just before they are going to move how cool the shot looks and you barely get it before they move and notice that someone is pointing a camera at them. You know, just before one of them sticks his finger in his nose or trips over his buddy? Anyway, it looked like the glove and baseball were glowing and the light was reflected off the boys' faces (which were very engrossed in reading the plaque beneath it). I missed it. I did the best I could to salvage it, but it's not so good.
So, there you have it, the good, the bad, the ugly.
Have a great week!

This is Happiness in a Quilt!!

2010-01-29T05:00:00.000-06:00

I honestly don't know how anyone could look at this quilt and not be happy. I saw it at Pleasant Home quite some time ago and just fell. in. love. Or did I see it at Moda Bake Shop? I really can't remember, but I do know that I was just smitten with it wherever it was. I love the prairie points and the pinwheels. I also love the fabric I used! I can't help being drawn to Mary Engelbreit anything. My first kitchen was done in Mary and I still have the dishes and teapots and tea cups. I have her first Christmas tree skirt and the ornaments. I was "eat up" as they say. I remember going to the ME store in the Galleria mall in Dallas. I would get nervous when I stepped inside because it was just a feast for the eyes and I didn't know what to look at first. I still do that in quilt stores and Christmas stores. It's absurd. Do any of you do that? Anyway, I started this one back before Christmas (maybe even before Thanksgiving) and time got away from me. It sat in a basket for the entire month of December and part of this month until I got it out about a week ago and finished it. I tell ya, I'm going to finish those UFO's!! I'm in the process of piecing the backing using one of "The Caroler" panels, the white and some of the white holly yardage but I don't know yet how I'm going to quilt it. Do I want to follow the pinwheels and do something all-over in the borders or do I want to do an all-over panto (it's called Double Bubble from Urban Elementz) on the pinwheels and in the borders that mirrors the circles on the white fabric? What would you do?

I'm going to leave you with the following images which show how the wind was blowing. I took these the same day as the western quilt. You can almost see the wind picking this one up and laying it back down on the bench.

Have a happy day!!!!

Aimee

Mom's Cricket Rocker

2010-01-27T05:00:00.000-06:00

This is the chair that I recovered for my mom for Christmas and I'm just now getting pictures of it. I didn't even take "before" pictures so that you could see the drastic transformation this baby underwent. It is built out of maple and still had its original stain. The cushions were the most horrid shade of faded orange vinyl. The old, thick vinyl from the 60's and 70's. I've mentioned before that my grandparents owned an upholstery shop, I think. Well, what I haven't mentioned is that if someone in the family needed a piece of furniture recovered, my Granddaddy wouldn't let them order fabric. No how, no way! That would cost money. Nevermind that he got it wholesale. No, ma'am. He would cover it with whatever remnants he had in the shop whether it matched anything else in your home or not. I had bedroom furniture covered in pale green crushed velvet with maple trim. Sweet, huh? Oh, I'm forgetting the ivory and pale green braided trim. It went well with my Holly Hobby bedding and roller shades. Anyway, back to the rocker. It was ugly, but so comfortable. Mom gave it to me years ago, I've just never taken to my house and recovered it, so she stuck it in the kids game room at her house. I had to sneak it out one day before Christmas while she was taking a nap and then she noticed it was gone and looked in every room of my house except my bedroom (which is right where it was). I did all the upholstery work the day of Christmas Eve. I worked like a maniac, I tell ya, but I got it done! I didn't take pictures, but I got the chair done. I love it. I almost didn't give it to her. It looks so good in my living room. It looks good in her computer room, too...if she ever finishes cleaning it out. You can see the papers and boxes surrounding the chair.

I searched "cricket rocker" in Google news and it came up with all sorts of old newspaper ads like this one from 1938. I had a lot of fun looking at them all. I'm not sure how old the one my mom has is, but I know she's had it since before I was born. I'll have to ask her where she got it and when.

52 Photowalks-- Week 3

2010-01-26T05:00:00.001-06:00

I didn't really go anywhere to take pics this week. Actually, I didn't even take these this week, but I did work on them and got them finished and off to the family I did them for, who by the way, was thrilled with them. That's always a plus. Anyway, here they are...

The Little One's Western Quilt

2010-01-25T05:00:00.002-06:00

This is a quilt I pieced about three years ago for my youngest son's full bed and didn't finish. At first, I didn't finish it because I couldn't decide on a backing. Then, when I settled on a backing, we changed his bed from a double to a twin because we figured out that he wasn't going to sleep in his room anyway, so a twin would be just fine (now I wish we'd left the full, because we have nowhere for guests to sleep). Next, I just got busy and it was no longer a priority. So, all this time later, I finally decided to get it in gear and finish it. I'll tell you what made me do it. I have this crazy thing about something happening to me and everything made by my hand that I wanted my boys to have would be laying somewhere in an unfinished project pile and get tossed in the trash. Really, I'm serious. It's one of my greates fears. I know, nothing could replace me, but I'm a sentimental fool and I want them to have something that I spent so much time touching with my own two hands, pouring all the love I feel for them into. Shoot me, I'm a momma.

Anyway, I pieced the backing last week-end while I watched American Outlaws, which by the way has a girl I know in it. It was filmed not far from here and they auditioned locals to play the extras. I didn't know she was in it until I saw her while I was watching the movie. I know, totally off the subject. Sorry. So, I got the backing pieced, got it set up on mom's longarm quilter and quilted it in about 5 hours. I did it all myself!! I was so proud. She was going to help me by working on it while I was at work, but I wouldn't let her because I wanted it to be completely done by me. Mission accomplished. I'm proud of it and I hope he will be, too, someday.

I just quilted it using an all-over panotgraph (I can't remember the name of it, I just know we bought it at the quilt show in Houston). As you can see, I'm not a pro at the quilter, yet, but I do well enough to please me. My mom is awesome at it and if she thinks it isn't just so-so, she'll rip it out and start over!! As I've mentioned before, she's a perfectionist.

I had to include this picture, because these boys were doing their best to help me out by holding the quilt and the wind was blowing so hard that it was almost unmanageable for them. They are standing on the picnic table and the little one told me that every time the wind blew it felt like he was going to fly off the table because the quilt was flying!!! :o) As you can see, he was right, it was surely flying!
So, there's one down. I have two others to show you this week, so be sure to check back and don't be shy, be sure to let me know you dropped in!

Cookies and Red...A Great Combination.

2010-01-23T17:20:00.009-06:00

Aren't these gorgeous? No, this isn't my picture. It came from here along with the recipe. My house is too dark and I'm certainly no professional, but the cookies are pretty anyway and so easy to make.

The boys and I made them this week-end. Actually, we baked them last night and then dipped them this morning. They are White Chocolate Cherry Shortbread and they are DE-LICIOUS!! The red you see in them is maraschino cherries, which I LOVE the smell of, LOVE the way they look, LIKE the way they taste, HATE the way they feel in my mouth. I'm a texture girl. I don't like mushrooms for the same reason. They're springy. I can't stand springy. But I digress. I like the cherries in these cookies because they are finely chopped and I can't feel them. The cookies smelled soooo good while they baked but they smelled heavenly while I was kneading them. And look at how pretty they were while I was getting all the ingredients together!

The dough even looks pretty with my kitchen towel, I noticed.

Here are the boys in action. The little one dipped two or three and was done so the big boy and I finished the job. We did some without sprinkles and then we left some of them just plain. They are good no matter how you do them. They make me think of the valentine parties we had at school when I was young. I loved the sugar cookies with almond extract in them (which these have, too). Of course, at the time I thought it was cherry flavoring.

So, go give these a try. Even if you don't dip them in chocolate, they are delish!! Try them with coffee or the old stand-by, milk. And stay tuned because I'm actually going to post some finished WIP's!! I was a busy girl last week-end! I've decided that is one good thing about not being able to buy new stuff-- it forces you to finish up what you've got and so, that's just what I'm doing.
Happy day.

Week 2 of 52 Walks and MLK, Jr.

2010-01-18T10:35:00.006-06:00

My photowalk didn't really consist of much this week. I'm having a hard time with that because winter here is just blah-- everything is monotone brownish-gray and dull so it's especially challenging to find something of interest (at least to me). Maybe it's because I just really don't care for winter. After Christmas, I'm ready for spring. I'd just like to skip right over the couple of months where nothing really is going on and the weather is a mess but, since that's not an option I'm trying to make do. Anyway, my oldest had baseball practice yesterday afternoon and I took my camera along thinking surely I could find something. The first picture is of a little girl who doesn't have a mom to speak of so she and her older brother are being raised by her dad. He does a great job with her but naturally, she's a tomboy. Watching her sit and draw made me smile because she makes an effort sometimes to be a girly-girl and then it's like she forgets and reverts back to tomboy. The sweet colors were in such contrast with the chipping nail polish that I couldn't resist!

Then, I was standing around waiting for them to decide which field was dry enough to use and noticed the bright winter sun shining on all that red dirt!!! If you're a baseball/softball mom (or live in OK), you know what I'm talking about when I say red dirt. Every mom you talk to has a different remedy for getting it out of white baseball pants. And then, sometimes, your remedy doesn't work depending on the type of red dirt. It's great. I've often said, if the dad's had to get the red dirt out, white pants wouldn't even be produced. :o)

In honor of Martin Luther King, Jr. day, I thought I'd leave you with these precious pillows. My youngest son has the same Kindergarten teacher that the oldest did and it's also the same teacher that I had when I was their age...and she hasn't aged a bit! She does these pillows every year and I was tickled to put them together and compare. The oldest one's pillow is the bigger one, which I thought was fitting since he's the oldest. But his is also very exemplary of him-- hands placed just so, fingers spread apart for clarity. Then there's the little one....gobs of paint, fingers all together so they look sort haphazard and webbed. I just love 'em and enjoy the differences-- the pillows and the boys!

The Sock Creature...as sewn by my oldest.

2010-01-16T19:07:00.005-06:00

This is the latest project in my class at school. The class at school where my son is a student. It's tough some days. He's a comedian. And he's extremely well-behaved in other teacher's classes (or so they tell me). Not so much mine. I don't know, maybe it's because he belongs to me and I'm more in tune to him, but some days, he drives me batty!! But in the last two years that I've had the kids make sock creatures, I've discovered that they are so focused that their behavior is unbelievably great. Even the kids who can't seem to focus any other time, become the calmest kids in the room. Even the boys. My opinion is that because they are both physically and mentally busy, they don't have time to misbehave. They aren't self-conscious about the outcome of their projects either. Everyone enjoys looking at each other's and those from other classes. The do an awesome job and they make me so proud when adults come in and oooh and ahh over their creatures. I had two teachers' aides help me this year (I didn't get all day help last year, but my friend across the hall came over and helped during one class because it was a big one) and it took all three of us (I have a minimum of 18 in each class) to teach the kiddos to sew, but when we got them going, the aides' decided to make creatures of their own. I'm telling you, they are contagious. I had several kids make three or four (they gave them as gifts for Christmas) and some made little tiny ones, too. Their imaginations go crazy. Anyway, I thought my fellow's creature turned out really cute. The only help I give them is sewing instruction, techniques, and tricks, and then the rest is up to them. My only stipulation is that it has to be appropriate for school and that everything has to be sewn on-- no glue. Everyone did a great job. Some were more creative than others, but everyone tried their best which is all I ever ask and we had a good time overall.

Heartstrings...

2010-01-13T20:00:00.002-06:00

This is just going to be a quick, pictureless post because I'm short on time, but full of newfound faith in people.
This blogging thing was really sort of wearing on me. Just to put it out there, I was beginning to think that I was the only person in the world who read my blog and that was starting to stink. I mean really, I can have conversations with myself without having to write them down-- and without written proof, no one can say I'm losing it. But then, one day this week, a very sweet, new blog friend of mine, after talking back and forth and learning about my wreck of an economic life (husband's been out of work for soooo long) offered to send me some of her fabric stash that she's going to be cleaning out. How awesome is that?! I won't mention her name because I'm not sure how she would feel about that, but she knows who she is and I just wanted everyone else to know that there really are still good people out there and every now and then we get to meet them!! I'm glad. So, "you know who you are", Thank you! You really lifted my spirits! And what goes around comes around, so you've got some goodness coming to you. :O)
Okay, gotta go help the boy study for semester exams...yes, my school waited until AFTER Christmas to end the semester. Whadya gonna do?

I Have Found a New Blog to Love!!!

2010-01-11T18:19:00.005-06:00

See this bed? I have been in love with it since it first came out. I printed the picture and dimensions, it hung on the fridge for a year, I begged my husband, brother, anyone who I thought could cut some wood and nail it together to make this for me. It's now hanging on my bulletin board taunting me. I had begun to think it's just a pipe dream. But then, today, I found this place and things began to look up. Ana at Knock Off Wood is one inspirational girl! She can seriously build some stuff. Stuff that's crazy expensive and I refuse to buy but wouldn't dream of trying to make myself. Until now, that is. I rubbed it in to my husband that this bed can not only be made, but can be made by a girl and that she can tell him how. I also told him that no one will look if he reads a blog with pink all over it. He laughed. I told him since he isn't working, now's the perfect time for him to build my bed. Anyway, not only can Ana build anything and tell you how to do it, but she's having a giveaway for a Lowe's gift card. You really should check her out. I mean ANYONE could use a Lowe's gift card, right. I'm so happy I found her wonderful blog...except it sort of throws a kink in the laundry plan right off the bat. I'll wash/blog/dry/blog/fold/blog, etc. That'll work.
Go check it out.

52 Photo Walks and a Goal

2010-01-11T06:35:00.003-06:00

I made a new goal for myself this week-end. I have decided to try to make sure that my laundry and as much of the housekeeping as I can get accomplished during the week gets done instead of letting it pile up so that I spend my only "free" time catching up. I'm doing this because I would like to actually be able to relax and enjoy my days off instead of feeling like I have x amount of time to get everything done-- and then NOT getting it all done so that eventually we are living in squalor. I would also like to try to get one creative thing done each day. I have entirely too many ideas swimming around in my head and it's starting to make me crazy, plus I really have begun to feel like I'm neglecting me. We'll see how it works out for me. I'm sure I'll let you know.
So, to start off on my journey to meet these lofty goals, I have decided to do 52 Photo Walks with Melinda over at Smith Family Ice Cream Scoop. I don't take near enough pictures and I sure don't take enough "non people" type pictures. I'm sort of excited about challenging myself to do something different. Anyway, here goes...and hopefully, I'll be posting more regularly.

These were taken at a gun show the boys and I went to, along with my mom and dad. My husband and a former co-worker/buddy decided to try their hand at being gun show vendors. They had a great time and are making plans to do another one. For those of you who've never been to a gun show, I grew up in a gun family and have been going to them since I was a little girl. They are interesting if nothing else. There are all sorts of intriguing people and vendors sell more than just guns. I bought a little 4" cast iron skillet, my youngest got a cast iron truck/bank, and the oldest collects Swiss army knives and he found a great one that he didn't have. What's fun to me is the dickering. Even my five year old got a couple bucks knocked off the price of his truck-- he got it for $8 and a hand-shake. The 11 year old got his knife for $35 (they wanted $40) and a case thrown in. Their Christmas money is being well-spent, I think, and they are learning how to make it stretch. Anyway, we had a good time, spent some quality time with family and met some interesting new people. I would say it was a success, wouldn't you?

Now, to see if I can make something today as well as do some laundry and maybe vacuum my floors. Baby steps, see.

Have a good day,

Aimee

Just Taking a Break...

2010-01-03T14:59:00.003-06:00

...from breaking things.
I have been busy for almost two days taking down the Christmas decorations and this was one of my last valuable ornaments to come off of the tree and I dropped it. I've had this one for almost 12 years so I was a little sad when it hit the floor. It was the bounce that got it. I started this collection for my oldest son so that when he gets married, I can give him a whole collection for his first tree. At the rate of one every 12 years, maybe I'll make it. This was one of my favorites-- his name is Beefeater Bear. Goodbye little bear...
I'll leave on a cheerful note. Or with cheerful colors, at least. Just waiting to be packed away to their quiet little resting spot for another year. I'm sure it'll fly by like the last one did.

Happy New Year!!!

2010-01-01T11:12:00.004-06:00

Wow! It's so hard to believe that it's 2010!! Back when I was a kid, we all thought we'd be driving hover crafts by now and wearing fabric that resembled foil and fit too snugly for my taste. Remember "Back to the Future"? I think maybe we'll watch that today just for grins.

One of my goals this new year is to finish my wip's (including as much of the house as I can accomplish) before starting new ones. I also have catching up on my Schnibbles on that list-- I haven't finished November's and haven't even bought the pattern for December. The last couple of months just flew right by me and I didn't get near enough accomplished.

Right now, I'm working on these pictures of one of my friends' daughters.

I met this child and her family when she was just 12 years old-- well, I met HER when she was 12. I met her dad when I was a senior in high school and he was the varsity baseball coach. His daughter wasn't even close to being born, yet, and then all these years later, he moved back here and he, his wife, and I all worked on the same coaching staff and even though I no longer coach, we still teach together and are great friends. Now she's all grown up and I'm taking her senior pictures. We had such a ball doing these. We left home around 10 that morning, ran all over God's creation going to different spots, getting all the poses we had in mind and didn't get back home until about 7 or 8 that evening. We didn't rush and took some breaks to snack and look at some of the pics, so we really could have gotten it done faster, but we had some adventures and got SOOO MANY good pictures (especially since I'm no pro). It's taking me forever to play around with them but I want them all to be happy with the outcome.

Anyway, I'm hoping to get these done some time today and then get to work taking down the Christmas decorations. I have ALOT on my plate for the next few days so I'll go for now, but I hope you are all off to a good start for 2010 and I'll be seeing you soon.

Happy New Year!!

Aimee

Under Construction

2009-12-29T18:16:00.003-06:00

Yes, my blog looks very different. I have been playing with it and I still don't have it the way I want it, mainly because I've never bothered to learn how to design it myself and for some reason I decided to today. So, it may look different from one minute to the next until I get settled. Enjoy the show and don't hesitate to give me feedback-- good or bad, I can take it!

I've Been Wanting One of These!!!

2009-12-29T14:54:00.008-06:00

I have been sort of looking for a chair like this for a while, now. They are great props for pictures and I just like the looks of them. I had spotted this one quite some time ago at a junk store on the highway to my house but it's never open when I go by and then one day while passing by with my friend, Melody, I noticed the chair was gone. I was so upset!!! But then, while taking a short break during a marathon photo shoot for a friend, I noticed the gate to the junk store was open and decided I'd stop and see if she had sold the chair or just moved it. Not only had she just moved it, but she only wanted $10 for it!! I was so happy that I not only bought it, but another one (a plainer one) as well and a beautiful set of vintage glasses. Now, I'm certainly no antiques expert nor do I even know what type of chair this is other than an armchair, but I think I got a deal and I can't wait to reupholster it! I've gotten the reupholster bug since I redid a cricket rocker for my mom for Christmas. It turned out so beautifully that I decided I have a knack for it and want to do more. Of course that would stand to reason because my maternal grandparents owned an upholstery shop and since I stayed with them during all of my breaks from school up until I was in the 6th grade, I picked up alot of the trade. I didn't know just how much until I had to completely take the rocker down to the frame and start over. See, they entertained me by putting my to work!! I did all the tear down while they would sew and recover other pieces-- talk about a sweatshop! Obviously, though, it's paying off so I guess I won't be filing charges. ;o)

Anyway, this one has some great details and is going to be awesome!! See?

Now I just have to figure out what I want to do with it. I really like this one that I ran across on Jennifer Paganelli's blog.
Since I posted earlier today, Lola suggested (thank you, Lola!) I take a look at these chairs done by J. Caroline for Sandi Henderson's fall market booth. Aren't they gorgeous?! I love them!!! And since I bought TWO chairs, I may just have to do one of each! ;o)
So, now I'm on the hunt for some inspiration for the chair. Got any ideas? Let me know, I'd love to take a look at them.

Have a great day!!!

Aimee

I Had Better Friends in Junior High Than This!!!

2009-12-15T20:57:00.003-06:00

Blogger and I ARE NOT very good friends!! There were girls in jr. high who treated me better than Blogger does-- and we all know how mean jr. high girls are!!! I can't seem to convince Blogger that it really does want to upload my pictures and believe me, I've tried. But, like all bad relationships, at some point you just get tired of trying. Well, right now, I'm tired. I would rather do laundry than sit here and fight with this crazy blog stuff. So, that's what I'm gonna do, but be sure and come back because I have a post about some yummy ginger cookies!!!

Ginger Cookies!!!!

2009-12-15T20:42:00.008-06:00

It isn't Christmas until we've made ginger cookies, so today when we got home from school, that's just what we did!!

Grandma's Ginger Cookies
72 Servings

1 1/2 c. butter
1 1/2 c. sugar
4 1/2 tsp. soda dissolved in 2 tbsp. white vinegar
1 1/2 tsp. ginger
6 c. flour
1 1/2 c. molasses (I use Grandma's Molasses brand)
2 eggs
2 tsp. cinnamon

Cream butter, add sugar and egg, beat well. Add molasses.
Sift flour with spices. Add vinegar solution to batter. Add flour and spices. Chill.
Roll out on floured board. Cut into desired shapes and bake at 350 degrees for 10-15 minutes.
Cool on racks.
Decorate as desired or enjoy plain.

This recipe has been in my husband's family for years...like, over 100!! His great-grandmother made them for her children and grandchildren and her mother before her did, too. Every one of my m.i.l.'s cousins have wonderful memories of Grandma in her kitchen wearing her long, long-sleeved dresses (she still wore Little House type dresses) with an apron on, baking these ginger cookies for her babies. So, each of them has carried on the tradition and I made them for the first time when I was a junior in high school (yes, I married my high school sweetheart) and have made them nearly every year since. My husband loves them and now, he has memories of his MeeMee baking them for him and his cousins. His MeeMee was one of his favorite people and since she passed away, he gets pretty emotional talking about her because he has an extremely dysfunctional family and she was the glue that held them together. These ginger cookies, though, make him smile when he thinks of her so I am sure I'll be making them every year from now on. Traditions like this are exactly what I want my boys to take with them when I am gone and I hope all of their babies will remember me baking them Grandma's Ginger Cookies!

Love-

Aimee

P.S. Blogger is being sort of friendly today so I wanted to get this post finished, even if it is two weeks later. I hope you try the cookies and enjoy them as much as we do!!

Glitter Trees

2009-12-04T07:05:00.003-06:00

I made these trees with super cheap stuff and they were so simple. All I did was paint Elmer's glue onto styrofoam cones and then pour glitter over the top of them making sure to catch the overflow with a piece of paper so I could reuse it. Let them dry and then hot glue whatever you want on top ( I even though of cute ribbon, but I decided I wanted a more simple, shiny look.)

The white one was a little different. I painted glue onto it and then sprinkled it with seed beads, but they were heavier than the glitter so they didn't cover as well. Trying to cover it a little better, I glued over the beads and sprinkled it with clear glitter. It turned out to be my favorite because it looks like snow over the top of a tree lighted with colored lights.

Then I just sat them on top of candlesticks I've had for a hundred years and voila! A simple, cheap little vignette that blends right in with the rest of my Christmas pretties.

Have a great day!
Aimee

My Take on a Couple of Wreaths...

2009-11-29T13:59:00.006-06:00

I have alot left to do today, so this'll be short and sweet.
I took this (click on the picture for the tutorial):

And this (I don't remember where in blogland I found this, but I love it!!) :

And came up with this:
Please ignore the ugly blinds and treatmentless windows. I have failed to do anything with them for fear that I would then have to admit that I'll be in this house longer than I would like. Tomorrow is longer than I would like. Just enjoy the wreath. I am. And I have to live with that window. :o)

I'm off again!

O, Christmas Tree(s)!

2009-11-29T10:06:00.008-06:00

The trees are up! I don't have any other decorations out yet, but the trees are done. I usually have such a good time decorating, but this year for some reason, it was just another chore. Maybe it's our crazy weather...cold one day, hot and humid the next, raining and yucky the next. Ya gotta love Texas weather!!!
My big tree is the one I decorate--too many breakables on it for the kids to help. They do put the branches on and shape them for me and then I do the lights and the ornaments. I'm not on the pre-lit bandwagon just yet-- not enough lights for me!! But I'm heading in that direction, I think. Anyway, this one is only 6.5' tall, so I put it up on a round coffee table that I keep intending to refinish but because this is all I use it for, it hasn't been a priority. Here's the tree without the lights, which warm up our living room when turned on. If it's 70 or above outside, I don't turn them on because it gets hot!!

Here it is all lit up.

And here's the tree that the boys take care of:

We put their school ornaments, ones they've gotten in fast food meals, and special little ones that get lost on the big tree. I really love this little 4' tree and as crazy and haphazard as it looks, each ornament was lovingly placed by one of my babies, so I leave it. And yes, that's a pumpkin you see in the picture. I did say that I have only gotten to the trees, didn't I? That means that I've only gotten to the trees. The rest of the house is wreck. The kitchen is the only room that is clean and really, it's the only one I care if it's clean or not. So, the boys are going to the movies later, so maybe I'll get some more decorating done.

Maybe I'll even be able to sew...

Have a good day!

Aimee

Edited to add: The big tree really isn't crooked, it's the photographer. I didn't notice until I came back to do another post that the tree looks like it's about to topple over. All is well, I just can't hold the camera straight! ;o)

A Mirror, Book Page Wreaths, and a Giveaway or Two

2009-11-20T20:36:00.011-06:00

I've done several projects this week and I LOVE all of them!! Of course, NONE of them were wip's, but they all made me smile, so who cares?! This is one that I've been wanting to do for a while and just never have gotten around to.

I took all of this stuff:

And turned it into this:

I've had this mirror for about 9 years and the glass door knobs were given to us by one of my husband's friends who just recently passed away unexpectedly, so I thought it only fitting for me to finally get this project done and put up in the house. I would like it a little better if the mercury in the knobs was still shiny and silver, but I guess the rusty brown from a hundred years adds to the piece. I like it, I'm happy, another project down.

I also jumped on the book page band wagon (inspiration at Oh So Crafty, Full House, and Living with Lindsay) with these:These were so easy and quick to make, not to mention CHEAP!!! The big mirror cost $1.66 at Wal-Mart and the little one was $.62 (both in the automotive department), the books were old Reader's Digest compilations, and I just used scrap ribbon. Add to the that some hot glue and about 20 minutes and you have a cute little wreath that has big impact. I made them during one of my art classes and the kids just couldn't believe I was tearing up a book! But they were impressed with the finished results.

The only sewing I got done this week was hemming three pairs of blue jeans for a co-worker (which I hate to do, but for some reason, couldn't say no). Either way, they are done and she'll be happy.

Now for the giveaways!!!
I don't know if you've heard about Recessionista, but I'm loving it. They have another great giveaway going on right now for a Coach bag!!! Wouldn't it be so cool to win this right here at Christmas time? I don't know about ya'll, but I feel guilty buying things for myself this time of year and I would NEVER spend this kind of money on a bag, so I would be tickled to win this giveaway!

And then, over here, at sewtakeahike/Flea Market Fancy Freaks , you can win some of the ever-elusive Flea Market Fancy fabric by Denyse Schmidt! Not just a little fabric, either. There are other goodies, too, so be sure to go over there and get signed up.

Well, I have a busy, busy day planned for today. I need to finish those pincushions, start sewing my November Schnibbles, take some friends' family pictures which got cancelled yesterday because of the weather, and finish a pine cone wreath (inspired by V. and Co.) for my friend that took our family pictures. Somewhere in there, I'm going to try to get my floors clean so I can rearrange the furniture for the Christmas decorations. Maybe I'll get it all done, maybe I won't. We only have school for another day and a half before we get out for Thanksgiving (WOOHOO) so I'll have a little more time than usual.

Having said ALL that, I'd better get busy!!

Have a great Sunday!!
Aimee

I LOVE This Look!!!

2009-11-15T15:26:00.007-06:00

This picture just about does me in! I love it. It just about does me in because I want my living room to look like that right now. I don't have time for that, yet! I actually ran across it here, while I was on the phone with my friend, Melody, and tracked it's source to Better Homes and Gardens where they have even more pictures of the little details. Like this:

I'm in love with that red polka dot stocking!! And that ottoman? I'll tell ya, though, what really drew me in was the cranberry wreaths used a valance on the window!

Okay, I just wanted to check in for a minute since I've not been so good at it lately. I hope you haven't all gone away (what few of you there are (o; ).

Have a good week and be creative!

Aimee

Pincushions, pincushions, pincushions!

2009-11-10T17:04:00.006-06:00

I worked on these babies Saturday. These are so simple and I got the pattern here from Bari J. I love doing these because they whip up so fast, don't take much fabric so you can use scraps and can be done in sooo many different ways. I made 10 in all for little Christmas gifts while I was watching "Laura Ingalls Wilder's Little House on the Prarie" (a fairly new version on the Hallmark channel.) I enjoyed myself like nobodies' business and I hope to get 10 more made up some time this week while watching some equally comforting television. Have I told you how much I LOVE this time of year? It passes by so fast that I really wish I could be home every day to soak it up. I feel the need to nest and make things pretty or make pretty things-- whichever way you see it. How about you? Does fall hit you right smack in the heart and make you feel all cozy and thankful or do you skip right over it so you can get to Christmas?

Hmmm...Not Quite What I Had In Mind.

2009-11-05T17:39:00.003-06:00

I sort of like to paint and I've been wanting a big Christmas painting of some type to go in my living room but most certainly don't want to pay the crazy big prices. SO, I decided to try one myself this week. It took me about 3 days to do it using watercolor, acrylics, and lettering in India ink. Love the tree, love the lettering....HATE the red. My classroom doesn't have good lighting at all. As a matter of fact it sucks wind. It's an art room, yet it has NO WINDOWS. All we have in Podunk is flourescent lighting so this red looked more chinese red than tomato at school, but once I got it home it screamed garden fresh! It doesn't help that my furniture is a deep red--totally bad call on my part to even consider using red in the painting!!! I'm thinking about trying to do a wash to deepen the red but I'm afraid the project itself is a wash. ARRGGHH! So frustrating. Oh well, I enjoyed the process and that counts for a whole lot in my book!! Tomorrow, I'm STAYING HOME!!! I do have a friend coming for lunch and I'm looking forward to that and cleaning. Yes, I'm looking forward to cleaning...I'm living in the dump right now--the clothes dump, the dish dump, the backpack dump, and above all, the dirt dump. I'm gonna fix that pronto.

So, TGIF (mine's today) and have fun!

Aimee

I Guess It's Just Giveaway Wednesday!!

2009-11-04T21:57:00.003-06:00

Wouldn't you just love to have one of these?! Well, I would and I'm all posted up and ready to win. If you want a chance, then go over to Recessionista (isn't that such a cool name?) and take a look-see. There are three different bags to choose from, this one is just my personal fav. Good luck and Good night!

A Giveaway---

2009-11-04T06:22:00.003-06:00

Well, it's Wednesday and so far, I haven't managed to get anything finished. I am taking the day off Friday, though, so there is hope! ;o)

But, I do have something really interesting:

This isn't everything, so you need to go on over to her blog and check it out! This little bag is full of stuff...cute stuff!! Just click on the picture to get there and enjoy yourself.

Have lovely "hump day"!

Aimee

I Love This Blog--It's All About Christmas!!

2009-11-02T21:38:00.004-06:00

Now this is a blog full of eye candy because Teresa decorates Christmas trees for other people!!! But there are also sweets for the heart!! I was so touched by the name of Teresa's blog and then the song to go along with it was perfect. And then I read her non-Christmas blog and was even more moved! Maybe it's my hormones, but I got a tad emotional, so maybe it's Him speaking to my heart. Anyway, it really is worth checking out...plus she's having a giveaway soon. Christmas is closing in fast so it's at least worth a peek at all the inspiration she has to offer!
Have a great Tuesday!!
Aimee

Halloween Cutie

2009-11-02T07:04:00.003-06:00

Something about this picture of my little fellow just shot straight to my heart. I adore it. It probably won't hit you like it did me, naturally, but I had to share.

I have several projects going all at once and I decided yesterday that I've got to focus b/c in a few weeks, it'll be tree time and everything takes a back seat to that!! Yippee!! So, I'll be posting some things (hopefully) throughout the week. I'm even thinking about taking a day off... I'll have to see about that.

Have a great week!!!

Aimee

A Schnibbles, a Creepy, Crawly, and a Beautiful Day

2009-10-25T10:39:00.009-05:00

I've been a little out of sync lately.
You know when you hear people talk about dreams they have repetitively? Well, I have one of those. Actually, it's two different ones, but I have them both from time to time. Both involve me driving a car but in one, I'm driving forward and no matter how hard I press the brake pedal, I can't stop and in the other one I'm on a hill, the car is rolling backwards, and again, I can't stop. That's sort of how life has felt the last week or so. Do you ever have that feeling? Anyway, something had to give so that I could get some semblance of control over life and it was this. But while I was gone, I did get alot done. Like this:

I used Spooktacular by Moda-- a couple charm packs plus yardage-- and machine quilted it with a spiderweb design to sort of echo the webs on the fabric. This was a first for me. Mom had a quilt loaded on her machine, so I decided rather than wait, I would try my hand at machine quilting. That was a big leap for me becuase I've felt very intimidated by this forever. With good reason. I didn't like it. And probably won't be doing it again. But I got this one done-- I even drew a free-hand spiderweb. So, I can at least say I tried it and it's just not for me. Either way, I think it turned out really cute and it is now resting on my table as a topper.

While I've got the Halloween thing going, my husband wanted me to show you this:

He found this creature one day while he was cutting down some trees. Isn't it just too cool? My family is so fascinated by things like this. We've been observing him (he's about three inches long) since Wednesday and all he does is eat and well, you know. He'll burrow down in the ground soon and in the spring, he'll become a Texas Imperial Moth, fly around laying eggs, and then, sadly, die. Life cycles just amaze me.

Anyhoo, yesterday was the sort of fall day that just screamed hot dogs and s'mores so we went over to my mom and dad's where the boys had built a nice pile of logs in the fire pit a couple weeks ago, called some friends, and had ourselves a weinie/marshmallow roast. It was so relaxing and the kids had a good time.

So, I'm happy to be back on track and I'll leave you with a picture of the beautiful sunset we had yesterday.

Hopefully, we'll all have a great week and life will be good!
Happy Fall--
Aimee

I've Been Absent...

2009-10-14T21:13:00.004-05:00

...and this has been my new best friend. The kids and I left school Friday afternoon all excited because we were going to have a three day weekend that started Saturday morning with a cross country meet (my bestie is the cross country coach and at one time I coached along with her so I still help her out whenever she hosts a meet). There was a fun run for kinder through 3rd and one for 4th through 6th and the boys were both excited to be a part of that. Little Brother did a great job-- finished 5th out of 8 and was the next to youngest participant in his group which ran 1/2 mile. Big Brother's group ran a 1 1/2 miles and he finished 5th out of 6 which was pretty good considering one of the participants tried to trip him during the run and he was coming down with the flu!! As he finished the race, I was there waiting and taking pics and he just fell apart when he got to me. Well, good old mom of the year allowed the coach in her to speak first and told him to suck it up and walk around to cool down. Little did I know that he was getting sick. He sat under the canopy where I was scoring the teams that participated in the meet all morning under a blanket and two sweatshirts and then when we got home, he took a hot bath and got in the bed. Three a.m. found him and me up watching his fever-- 103.4 and finally, we went back to bed at around 6. One o'clock that afternoon found us at urgent care with 104.4 and, yes, it was the flu!!! In the meantime, Little Brother and Daddy had low-grade fever and ugly coughs.
The upside to all this is that it was nasty, nasty outside all week-end and we would have not been happy to spend our long week-end indoors had we been healthy!! Being that everyone was sick, we didn't care. We cuddled and played games in between bouts of fever. I made some really good hot chocolate that I found at Farenheit 350 only I couldn't find pumpkin flavored Hershey's Kisses so I used candy corn flavored ones and didn't add the pecans (I didn't think they would be very soothing on the raw throats) and I used french vanilla Cool-Whip, too. OOOOh, it was sooo good!
Anyway, I did get my Schnibbles top finished and decided to do a pieced backing, so I got that done. I did a whole lot of blogging which included only about 1/6th of the entries in Amy's Quilt Festival. She's had almost 600!!! And I found some inspiration at Pleasant Home. Jodi did some sweet little Halloween towels that I intended to do Monday...and then the bug struck me. I started running fever, too. I think I'm on the upswing, but I'm still alternating between freezing and sweating, low-grade fever and below normal. The bottoms of my feet even hurt. But as you all know, Moms don't get to stop. So, I just keep my friend Theraflu close by and keep on keeping on.
So, that's been my life for the last several days. One day, I'll feel like taking pictures and sewing/crafting again. Until then, I've enjoyed visiting with all of you.
Stay healthy!
Aimee

I Love This!!!

2009-10-11T09:19:00.006-05:00

Isn't it just gorgeous?! I am really loving it! The coolest thing is we have the opportunity to win it. Just click on the picture to go Bitty Bits and Pieces (this is her image, btw) to see how you can enter. Or, you can go over to Moda Bake Shop and see her tutorial on how to make it and all the other goodies that go with it.

If I didn't live in the middle of nowhere and had a quilt shop close by, I would so be there getting some Simple Abundance to make this! Anyway, go over there and get registered to win.

Have a beautiful Sunday!

Aimee

Edited to add:

P.S. I even love the way it looks on my blog!! ;)

The Winner Is...

2009-10-10T06:00:00.000-05:00

I talked to Mr. Random N. Generator and this is what he said. Pamela is the winner! She's having a great giveaway at her place, too, so go over there and check it out. Then she'll send you to lots of great places that you may or may not have seen and she'll also send you here, to Farenheit 350 , where you'll also encounter a giveaway. There's lots of fun to be had so don't miss out. Congratulations, Pamela. I'll be getting in touch!

Quilt Festival--Fall 2009

2009-10-09T21:37:00.010-05:00

I've decided to join in the fun! At first, I thought I would just observe, but who wants to do that when there's so much more?
So, I thought about what quilt to display and I kept coming back to my all-time favorite.
No, it isn't the prettiest quilt, and I really don't like light colors like this and if I had it to do over, I wouldn't have done the ragged edges, but I have a strong sentimental attachment to it. The fabric I used (about four years ago) is the flannel receiving blankets I used to swaddle my sweet baby boys in.
When it came time to clean out the baby clothes and get rid of some things, I just couldn't bear to get rid of all of those precious little blankets. I wholeheartedly believe in swaddling-- especially since both of my babies had tummy trouble and there is nothing like a baby fresh from the bath in a heavenly soft flannel blanket to cuddle with to help soothe his tummy.
So, see, I'm just a bit attached to this quilt and it is wonderful to cuddle up with on the couch. It's so warm and soft that there just is nothing like it. The only thing that could make it better is to wash it Dreft so it would smell like a baby, too! ;)
So, anyway, while it isn't cut from the latest, fresh, fabric, and it wasn't designed using the latest technique, I love it and when I'm 80, it'll probably be the one I want wrapped around me to remind me of my babies...

Run on over to Amy's blog and look at all the beautiful quilts on display to celebrate market week. There is some beautiful stuff...and she's having some awesome giveaways sponsored by some of my favorite bloggers! Don't miss it!

I Am Now Giving the # Generator a Try....

2009-10-09T20:30:00.001-05:00

Stand by for the winner of my very first giveaway! And thanks, girls, for playing along!!! You made me smile.

You Still Have Until Tomorrow...

2009-10-08T17:15:00.003-05:00

Go here for details: Giveaway, Anyone?

Grosgrain: Lisa Leonard Designs GUEST GIVEAWAY!!!!

2009-10-08T16:26:00.001-05:00

The jewelry here is precious! It would be so cool to win a piece of this stuff!

Giveaway Anyone?

2009-10-07T19:43:00.007-05:00

I'm gonna try my hand at the giveaway gig. I've never done one and it's really funny, but I'm actually a little nervous about the darned thing. What if all I hear are the crickets chirping once I get it posted? Silly, right? Oh, well, here goes...
I had a lot of fun making this Halloween banner so if no one's interested, I'm sure I've got a pal that would like to take it off my hands. I haven't done too many paper crafts-- actually, none now that I think of it-- in quite some time, so dragging all this goodness out was really sort of a diversion from the same old stuff. I had forgotten just how much scrapbooking paraphernalia I really had. Oh. my. gosh. at the junk! Good junk, of course. It was overwhelming at first when I made the first one and then I got on a roll and the second one (this one) was easier. So, if you want it, leave me a comment about, oh, I don't know. What's the weather like where you are? It's hot here. Hot and humid. And cloudy. OR, if you've ever had a giveaway and would like to share some of the details (so I can learn), you could leave that as a comment ;o). Whatever you like, just do it by Friday (the 9th) at 8:00p.m. I'll see if I can get a winner posted by Saturday morning. No promises about the actual time, but there will be a winner posted. Until then, I'm sure I'll be drawn to the computer again and again...just to see if I'm the only one that gets such a kick out of things like this.

Have a great Thursday!!!

Aimee

Have a Mint.

2009-10-06T12:00:00.001-05:00

This is another one of the projects I worked on this week-end. It's called "Peppermint Swirl Pincushion". I found it over here at Moda Bake Shop. Actually, I found it here, at Simplify, and her blog sent me to Moda. It was a fun little project and best of all, fairly quick and easy. The best kind, right?! But, don't look too closely at the leaves-- I forgot to wipe the lines off before I sewed them on or took the picture. I just get so excited when I get something finished that I get ahead of myself. Oh, well. Either way, it's a fun one to try and because quilt/craft resources are less than limited here, where I live, I made do with what I had on hand-- my dad even had some crushed walnut shells at his place--and it turned out to be a keeper (or a gifter)! They will make cute little gifts to have on hand at Christmas time-- teacher gifts, hostess gifts, whatever. I'm gonna make several...not today, but soon. Today, I'm going to go look in my mailbox and see if my goodies are here to start a new Schnibbles.
Have a great day!!!
Aimee

Boo!

2009-10-04T16:20:00.017-05:00

I have been wanting to do one of these for quite some time and since it was yucky out this week-end and we didn't have any other plans, I gave it a go. Not bad for my first try, I think. I am going to change out the ribbon for an orange polka dot one that is one continuous piece just for some extra "oomph", but other than that, I like it. It was really pretty easy, it just took a while...like, the entire "Race to Witch Mountain" and then some but so worth it.

I have another cute little project I started this week-end, too, but it needs its finishing touches, so I'll save it for tomorrow. In the meantime, B-O-O! BOO!

--Smiles :o)

Aimee

Tomorrow is the Day!!!

2009-09-30T06:26:00.015-05:00

It's October 1st!! Do you know what that means? It means that it's the Schnibbles parade day!!! I'm so excited. I've looked around at lots of the other gals' pieces and I haven't seen one that I didn't like. I had no idea when I signed up for this that I would have so much fun. I'm raring and ready for the next project. I'm not sure if the parade will be at Sinta's blog or Sherry's but I'll give you the link for both...and maybe it's at both. Either way, don't miss it! I'm sure you'll find something that's pleasing to your eye.

Also, over at Lila Tueller Designs, there's a sweet giveaway. I have loved her fabric for quite some time-- well, since I first laid eyes on it, and she has a new line out and some new patterns. Who doesn't need new fabric and patterns?! Even the busiest chick can use new stuff! Check it out. It's good.

And before I go get ready for work, I just gotta tell ya! I ordered some fabric over at Marie-Madeline Studio and there was a mix-up on my order because it was during that humongous sale they had a couple of weeks ago and life was crazy for them, I'm sure. Anyway, I contacted them and explained my situation and the response I got was amazing. I am a big believer in customer service and have gotten fairly jaded with the whole retailer/customer relationship in lots of instances, but these ladies touched me to my core. They are super sweet, extra efficient, and just take such good care of you. PLUS, your package looks like a little gift in itself. I just can't describe with mere words how special they made me feel and I know that they must have been covered up with other customers, but I felt like their only one. There's a lot to be said for that and I'm just going to count myself as a die-hard fan of theirs from now on. If you haven't been to their shop, you really need to go. They have beautiful fabric and kindness to boot.

Anyway, that's today. I hope it's a good one for you and the weather is so beautiful, here! Coolness is finally inching it's way in.

Aimee

Happy Birthday to Me!

2009-09-27T17:00:00.007-05:00

Today is my birthday and guess who forgot?! EVERYONE in my house! We all just went about our normal Sunday and no one remembered. I'm not too sensitive about things like that, but when NO ONE remembered, I sorta got sad. The boys and I went to church while the hubby worked on his old work truck (that's another story I gotta tell you) and when we got home, he was gone. My aunt dropped by after church (I don't think she's EVER forgotten my birthday) to give me birthday wishes and while she was here I mentioned them forgetting (by the time we left church, the boys had been told it was my b-day) and lo, and behold, the hubby came driving up with a cookie cake and a shagrined look on his face.

My aunt wanted to give him credit for remembering, but I knew my mom must have called. I was right. He felt terrible-- as well he should ;) -- but in his defense, he's really had a lot more on his mind than birthdays and since we are b-r-o-k-e I haven't dropped any hints like I normally do so he's had no outside stimulus and since he hasn't had an office to go to, he is clueless about the date on most days. Anyway, it's still been a good day in spite of all the forgotfulness, and really, my birthday is just another day to me. In the end, I got entirely too much sugar, a great cookbook (I unintentionally collect them), a good chunk of cash, a gift card to Kohl's, and a cute Mary Engelbreit Halloween flag. Between my mom and m.i.l., I usually get way more than I deserve...but it's fun! So, anyway, Happy Birthday to Me!!!

Home From the Fair...

2009-09-26T09:30:00.008-05:00

This is what happened to Little Brother while he was having a snack and waiting on Big Brother and me to get back from the fair...

Isn't that the sweetest thing? Of course, I think it is. Daddy had to call and tell me he was asleep at the table, so I told him where to find my camera. Pretty good picture, too, considering he's terrible at taking pics and I have my focus point off-set and he can't figure out what to do with it. Anyway, I typically don't put photos of my kids on here just b/c I'm weird about that, but I couldn't resist this one.

This week-end, I'll be working on the binding for this:

This one is a quilt made by my Aunt Mare (so-named by Little Brother on a road trip to TN) for my cousin's wife. Mom, Aunt Mare, and I, all three quilted on this baby! It's big so it took a while and it's custom-quilted so it took more than one person to get all the points in the right place. Now, all that's left is for me to get it bound and the binding was waiting for me when I got home yesterday so I'm all set.
And, of course, I'll be doing alot of this:

Tomorrow Promises to Be a Fun Day!

2009-09-24T21:27:00.007-05:00

I'm headed here tomorrow with a pack of kids and some fellow teachers. The State Fair of Texas. It's a grand event that is sure to please everyone, somehow. I go for the food and the exhibits. Of course, the kids go for the food and the rides. It's fun no matter what you go for! I've been going on opening day since before Big Brother was even born. My mom and I would take off on that Friday and spend the day together. We'd pretty much stay 'til closing. No, I'm not crazy enough to do that with a bunch of kiddos that don't belong to me so we head home fairly early. Trust me, though, with 16 kids, I'm ready to go!! I'm looking forward to it, in spite of it wearing me out, especially since one of those kids is mine, this year! I love experiencing stuff like this with my boy as a student and my child. It's the coolest feeling to step outside my role as his momma and witness him from a teacher perspective. I get to see a side of him that lots of parents always wonder about their kids. Good stuff!

Whatever you do today, enjoy yourself and the company of some good people--and if you ever get the chance, make it out to the State Fair!

Aimee

P.S. My birthday is Sunday (9/27) and look at what time I posted this message. How cool is that? :0) Just a bit of goofiness.

Yipee!! I'm done, and I love it!

2009-09-23T22:08:00.007-05:00

And I was worried about not being able to finish when I signed up for the Schnibbles group! No, my little quilt isn't perfect and it's so busy the geese get swallowed up, but I LOVE the fabric I chose and the sweet look of the quilt. I'm so happy I finished it and in a day or two I'll be ready for the next one...just in time, huh?!

I had initially told my mom that she could use these as examples of her available quilting designs since most of us quilting folks are visual AND kinesthetic so that would make it easier on her future customers. But, as I sat binding it these evening, I thought man, there's alot of pink in this quilt! Then it hit me that it might be a great gift to give to a very special friend who's mom just died after a long, hard fight against breast cancer. There wasn't a service because she donated her body to science for breast cancer research so flowers and the usual displays of sympathy and comfort weren't an option, but wouldn't this be better than a plain old sympathy card? I don't know. I'm never very good at things like that because I'm afraid my show of kindness will be a constant reminder of the loss instead of providing a little token of comfort. Help me out, here. What should I do? Just let mom use it as a model or give it to Andrea in memory of her mom?

Well, now that I've gotten all deep and not light-hearted at all, which was my original intent, I'll show some detailed pics of Winter White and let you decide what you think about the color/pattern combo.

Okay, so I can only get this one to load and I'm worn out, so I'm calling it quits for the night.

Sweet dreams!!

Aimee

Whew Wee, I'm Pooped!!

2009-09-19T16:47:00.008-05:00

This was Homecoming week!! And until yesterday, I thought everyone made a big t0-do out of it. I live in a small town in Texas, and yes, the stereotype is true about the Friday Night Lights. It doesn't even matter if you are any good or not, it's still a big deal. We have a big parade for the school kids to participate in (the band marches, there are floats, and all) where more people turn out than for our spring parade which is open to the whole county! After the parade covers its route, the Homecoming pep rally is held at the football stadium. The kids (big and small) wear their mums and garters (what I have pictured here for Big and Little Brother), their football jerseys, the cheerleading uniforms, and whatever else they can think of to show their school spirit. Moms and dads all turn out for the festivities, and of course, we, the teachers, have to try to maintain some semblance of order during Homecoming week. It's not easy, at all! There are dress-up days every day of the week. Things like, Crazy Sock Day, Idol Day (one I don't really care for), Team Jersey Day, Red-Out (where you wear all red), and School Spirit Day on Friday. The kids love it and really, the adults do, too, but it wears me out almost as badly as the week before Christmas vacation. And then, of course, everyone goes to the football game on Friday night. It's a social gathering, really. Anyway, one of the teachers that is new to our school and came from a much bigger school than ours was just in awe of everything going on. She said they don't do anything like that at her old school-- she couldn't get over the details involved in it all. I guess I've just always taken it for granted and it really is pretty cool, but gosh, I'm tired!! So, what I really intended to say was that I made these two garters for my boys, the little ponytail holder for a friend's child, and then another one for another friend's daughter. I got that done last Sunday evening because I knew it would be a booger of a week.

My most exciting news, though, is that I finished my Schnibbles quilt top, but I don't want to post it until I get it quilted and bound. I'm waiting on the backing fabric to do that. I had a harebrained moment and bought everything but the backing. Do you ever do that? I still think I bought it, but if I did it's hiding somewhere. As for the little quiltlet (I like to call the little bitty ones that), I've never experienced flying geese until now and mine aren't really flying...they are sort of flailing. Some of my points aren't so great and my fabric doesn't pop like I thought it would but I'm okay with that. I still think it's pretty. I'll give you a little peak so you can see what I'm talking about.

I think, in a way, it's good that I don't have the contrast that is shown in the pattern and that so many Schnibbles participants have because that way, you can't see that my points aren't exactly precise. Remember, I grew up with a perfectionist mom so I see those things, too. Lots of folks would never notice, but I do, and I know that lots of you do, too. Anyway, I really like it in spite of its shortcomings and am so glad I'll be ready for the October 1st pattern!

I also have begun binding the denim quilt I posted earlier--FINALLY. The kids are spending the night with their grandparents tonight and going to their cousins birthday party after church tomorrow, so I'll have time to watch some movies and stitch away. AND REST!!!!

So, there's that. Have a great week-end!

Aimee

And Yet Another Great Giveaway!

2009-09-15T07:10:00.000-05:00

I found this blog this morning! What a great blog and why haven't I seen it before now? Oh well, I know where it is now and I'll be going there often. You should, too, because she's having a giveaway! A great one-- but aren't all giveaways good?! Anyway, go over to Our Cozy Nest and get signed up. She's also featured on Moda Bake Shop with a really cute tutorial for a tag blanket and block so check that out too!

A Giveaway...Maybe I'll Win Another?

2009-09-15T00:01:00.001-05:00

Go over to V. and Co. and check out the giveaway. More good stuff that I would love to win. I'm not sure what the odds are of winning yesterday and then another so soon, but it's worth a try, right? Anyway, go over here:See if you can't win this and a little something to go with it:

There are lots of ways to enter so check it out and have fun...

Aimee

What a Way to Start My Monday!!!!!

2009-09-14T06:31:00.002-05:00

I can't believe it, but I won this!!!! I hate Monday mornings, but I love a good giveaway and winning this one over at Needle Little Inspiration has put a smile on my face even while my eyes are still blurry! I really am grinning from ear to ear!!! The giveaway was sponored by Daffodill Hill and she has an awesome Etsy store! If you haven't been in there, you need to go take a look around! Awesome, I tell you, awesome. I'm pleased as punch about winning, can't you tell?!

Have a good Monday!

Yippee! :)

Aimee

It's Come to This...

2009-09-12T10:22:00.022-05:00

This is the introduction to a housekeeping book published in 1962. It looks to me like they had it right on. I'm assuming my mom got them for a wedding gift and when she and my dad moved out of the house I now live in, I guess she decided not to take them with her. I'm glad, because they are stinkin' cute books and I use them for decoration--come to think of it, I don't think I've read anything in them until today. And from the looks of my house, you can tell. It's absolutely a mess and I have to do something about it. NOW! Maybe I should read the books, huh? You never know, they could contain some good information. Either way, I have to clean. So, while I'm away, have a look at the old-fashioned way to learn about cleaning house. It's good for a smile, if nothing else.

I'm off to wash! :)

Aimee

I'm Running Late, I'll Make it Quick!

2009-09-08T06:46:00.005-05:00

I found this new blog this a.m.-- that's why I'm running late! Cherry's Jubilee. Even the name is cute. You have to go look. But be careful, it'll eat up some time! And she's having a giveaway. A really cute one. See?Go look at her other stuff, too. She has an etsy store for all of her wonderful goodies, but I'll let you look for yourself.
Have a great day!

It's a Great Life!

2009-09-07T10:53:00.003-05:00

Happy Labor Day!We spent the week-end watching Big Brother play baseball and man, was it hot! But, Saturday evening we had some cloud cover and the cool air was delicious. It was the kind that makes you so relaxed you feel like you don't have a care in the world. It felt like fall was knocking on our door...and then Sunday's weather reminded us that in our part of Texas, fall is still a good ways off. Oh well, it was a great week-end anyway and we get today off to recover from the fast pace of a tournament. Life really is great when you look past all the details that we tend to let block our view from time to time.

Have a great Labor Day!!

Aimee

I Settled on the Fabric!! I Just Needed a Boost.

2009-09-04T06:39:00.008-05:00

I knew I'd know it when I saw it. I saw it last night. Colors I L-O-V-E and so soft and subtle to compliment the pattern. And girly. I'm not a girly-girl, but I love girly stuff.
This is not my image, btw. It belongs to Quilt Taffy. They have a wonderful blog which I follow religiously and a great e-bay store. I love them both and if you haven't been there, you need to go. To both places. You'll enjoy yourself, I just know it.

I also got some companion yardage in the same line at Fabritopia. Jona also has a wonderful blog that I follow faithfully. She has beautiful photos and great quilty, crafty stuff. So, go there now.

Anyway, I'm all set and I feel the pressure to hurry even though it's only the 4th of September. There are folks (oh, Judith, the pressure I now feel) :) who are almsot finished with their tops?! Agh. I haven't made the first cut. My pattern is hanging on my bulletin board in the package. I have read it, though. Does that count as getting starting?

Oh! There's also some great giveaways over at this cool, old-new place. Pleasant Home is the remodeled home of Simply This That and the Other. It's actually here--Needle Inspiration which is a part of Pleasant Home. This is rapidly turning into one of my favorite sites. You've got to go take a look if you're not already familiar with it and even if you are, there's probably lots that you haven't had a chance to look at. Anyhoo, there's a giveaway (several, actually) over at Needle Inspiration that I have my eye on and if you go over and mention my name in a comment, you are entering me again and you can enter, too. It's a win-win! And maybe one of us will WIN!! Yes, I got a little corny for a second. But really, go, and even if you don't mention me, leave some comment love.

Have a great afternoon and go make something...or just stand and stare at your fabric if nothing else.
Aimee

Two on One Day!

2009-09-03T08:45:00.007-05:00

I went to the post office and got so excited that I had to share! These came and I was not expecting them today, I guess. Now it's real and I've got to decide on some fabric. Input would be greatly appreciated. I also got this one.
I really like the pattern because I love circles, but I think it is the choice of fabric that sold me. I love this fabric. Take a look:
Awesome, right? I like it.

Okay, excitement shared. Time to get busy.

This Stack is Dwindling!!

2009-09-03T06:48:00.007-05:00

This is my stack of unquilted quilt tops minus the denim one:Most of them I already have the backing and binding for, they just need to be quilted. I'm afraid I've gotten attached to the way they look sitting there with all of my other goodies that I'm sentimentally attached to. That and I'm just such a procrastinator when it comes to things like that. It really is a quality that I dislike about myself. But look how sweet it all is together. Please ignore the ugly 1970's wall behind it all. That is soon going to be a pretty bluish-white color called "seaside". Anyway, I have lots of w.i.p.'s so maybe I'll always have a stack. I'm afraid that once my mom really gets going on that quilter, I'll have to stand in line. I guess that's okay since it's free, huh? Free labor is hard to complain about, right?

I'm also waiting on my Schnibbles pattern to get here so I can get started on my first project for "A Year of Schnibbles." Being the obsessive kind of person I am, I just had to order a second Schnibbles pattern because it was on sale. Who wouldn't have? Okay, so maybe not everyone, but I did and I'm excited even though I know I'll be doing good to get one a month done with our schedule during the fall. I ordered Fanfare and Winter White (which is the project). And now I just need to figure out which fabric I want to use. Winter White is on the top right. I don't really want to stick with the name, I want to go "different", yet still "pretty". Suggestions, anyone? Thanks for tolerating my mindless noise today. :)

Have a great day!!!

Aimee

Not Much Going on Today...But I Did Find a....

2009-08-31T17:46:00.003-05:00

GIVEAWAY!!!

And it looks like a good one at a really cool place. I was just cruising around blogland trying to stay awake until bedtime (I'm exhausted for the sheer fact that it's Monday) and stumbled on this one which I thought was very pleasing to the eye and learned about this giveaway. I don't know about ya'll, but I get really excited at the thought that I could possibly get something for free. Something I would LOVE to win! Maybe it's just me, in which case, those of you who don't get excited shouldn't enter...let me win. :) Just kidding. Go look. It'll help you stay awake.

Have a good one!!

I'm Easily Distracted...

2009-08-29T15:33:00.005-05:00

By things like this...
I got up early this morning with every intention of getting my house sqeaky clean and looking like a home again as opposed to a garbage dump. That's what I do on the week-ends during the school year. I get ready for the next week. Because if I don't, I'll feel out of sorts all week. So, Little Brother (Big brother is gone with his uncle and cousins to Six Flags) and I ran to town to our local fabric store and picked up some white fabric I've been needing, made a run to the dollar store for some cleaning supplies that I can only find there and came back home plenty early enough for me to get everything done. But guess what?! There was NO WATER! You can't clean without water! The fates had intervened. So, after I stewed a little while, I decided to make lemonade (figuratively because there's no water, remember?) and get started with the white fabric. And now I can't stop. The water is back on, but I don't care because now I'm caught up in the moment. Hey, it's not my fault, right? There WAS no water.

I'm off to ~~sew~~ clean. Hope your week-end is happy!!!!
Aimee

I'm Loving That Long-Arm Quilter!!

2009-08-27T20:57:00.007-05:00

I know lots of people have their own quilting machines and that lots of folks aren't shy about quilting with their regular sewing machines, but I never had the desire to own one or do it myself which means I have lots of quilt tops and few completely finished quilts. Until now. My mom has really taken off with her machine and they've become fast friends. I took her this denim quilt top I made long ago (three years) just Tuesday...and she's finished. This poor baby has been sitting for years and it only took her two days to crank out the quilting. I'm just thrilled! I have six, yes SIX quilt tops waiting to become whole quilts and now I have a FREE quilter at my service. How cool is that? I'm tickled pink! I'm a little out of sorts too, though, because I haven't been able to make anything new. My classes (6-8th grade art) are just getting started and until they are confident enough to fly on their own, I have to be pretty involved with them. Once they gain the courage to really get into their work, they want me to back off because I make them nervous. It's pretty funny. They will be working like crazy and the minute I get close to their seat, they stop and wait for me to move on. Anyway, sometimes that works out well for me because I'm free to create, too. I work a while, move around the room a while, explain what I'm working on, move around some more. It's pretty sweet the way it works out and the kids love to see what I've got going. I really do have a great job. Anyway, for now, my mom and I worked out a deal where she'll do the quilting and I'll do the binding. Sounds okay to me since I like to bind and fall t.v. is coming up. I won't feel quite so useless when I sit in front of the boob toob, now. Well, it is a good excuse.

Also, coming up on September 1st, I'm bravely or crazily joining a quilt a month club. A Year of Schnibbles. It's my first club to ever participate in so I'm entering new territory and hoping I don't pull my hair out. I am excited, though.

For now, I'll leave you with one more picture of the newest step toward completion.

Have a great night!

Aimee

Ever Seen "Deep End of the Ocean"?

2009-08-24T20:57:00.003-05:00

Well, I have. And I just have to tell you, I experienced fear like no other today and scenes from that movie kept playing in my head! It was our first day back to school (teachers and kids as opposed to just teachers) and we have started up a new pick-up and drop-off system which causes all of the traffic for three campuses (elementary on up to high school) to start at our campus. This means that every car, whether it's coming to our campus or another one, has to start at us. That's alot of cars. And we see people now that we don't usually see. Or that our kids see, either. Now, mind you, we live in a very small town and we know lots of people that live here, but there are still many that we don't know. Keep that in mind while I tell you that on any given day, the teachers' kids all get together after school in one general location, toward the back of our school where there used to not be any traffic, and play until their parents can go home. Today was no different. Except that now, they are out in the open where all this traffic now is. This didn't cross my mind until I couldn't find my baby. I mean, I looked EVERYWHERE for him. Then, I started asking people and when no one had seen him, I started getting ready to panic, made an all-call on the overhead speaker system which went unanswered which lead into full-on freak out mode. Now, because we work in a small school, we are all like family and I just have to say, a search and rescue mission couldn't have possibly come together as quickly as the people I work with did. I didn't process it until later, but I am so proud of them and so thankful that I am a part of what we have at my school. As an outsider, you wouldn't have been able to tell who the parent was in the group. Of course, I think I was the only one hyperventilating, but the rest of them were unbelievable! Anyway, Little Brother was playing with his cousins about 200 yards from my campus, at the high school where my sister-in-law coaches. It just didn't occur to him that he might need to ask me if he could go. Holy moly. Praise the Lord. I'm still pretty freaked out about it and I'm a very down-to-earth kind of girl but that shook me to my core. I've never felt an emotion so strong and lasting as the fear that you just may have lost any sense of controlthat you thought you may have over your child's health and well-being. I just kept thinking that he could have gotten into anyone's car and be long gone and then I kept thinking, "what if he's stuck somewhere and needs me and it's so hot out here?" (about 100 degrees) Freaking out, I tell you. I want to bawl like a baby right now and he's safe and sound. It zapped the life right out of me. And bless his little heart-- he's clueless. Life is all good as far as he's concerned. Ugh. I'm not sure I'll survive mommyhood. I lost 10 years today.
On that, I'll go to bed. Early, yes.
Kiss your babies--even the big ones-- and thank God for them.
Aimee