Happy New Year! Let's make 2010 the best year yet! I wish each of you health, happiness, and peace! Now lets get piecing! I am gonna amaze myself with the amount of quilting I get done this year. I've got my mind right and I'm ready to rock! Anyone with me on this? Be safe and see ya soon!

Get 'er done time!

Yep, I'm on a finish it up mission. I didn't go to any trouble to take these pics, so they look kinda .... uhmmm.....at best, unprofessional. But, here they are anyway. I have a stack of four quilts on the table, all finished. Bindings done, washed and fresh out of the dryer....
Here's a couple of them.....



And finally....I have finished piecing Bonnie Hunter of Quiltville, Double Delight!
I've been working on this one for a long long time. Too long really. All the blocks have just sat in a project box aging. But now, they are all put together. I have no idea how or what I'm going to do about borders, but....I'm thrilled that this is another UFO that's made progress.....


So, thats a few more off my list and less on my 2010 list. I've got loads of patterns I'm dying to start, but I'm fighting the urge until 2010 rings itself in. That just leaves the rest of this week to ... GET 'ER DONE!

Happy quilting....

Guess What.....

The Blind Side

This movie may be the most uplifting, moving movie I have ever seen.

I do not do enough for others.

I can do more.

I will do more.

I started crying about four minutes into the movie. I stopped about twenty minutes after it ended. I hope that I never stop feeling like I did while watching it.

Not all of the tears were sad. Many of them were happy tears.

If you haven't seen it, run to the theater as fast as you can.

Amazing!

I saw it on Friday with two girlfriends. For those of you who have seen it, you'll understand the next part here. After it was over, I said to one of my friends that if each of us saved one person in need, the world would be a really different place. My friend looked at me and said "But, you've saved two". I was floored by that statement. I have two adopted kids. I had never thought of it like that. And, it really took me by suprise that someone viewed me that way. It may have been the nicest compliment I've ever gotten. But I still say.....I don't do enough. I can and will do more. 2010 needs to be a year of giving, helping, and praying more. I'm not one to make resolutions, but I wanted to be able to look back at this post and remind myself to do more for those who are in need. Even if all they need is a phone call, a hug, or if they're need is bigger, a meal, clothes....I am going to do more. Period!

Say a prayer please.....

Edit: We heard in church yesterday, that while Kaden is having some side effect issues, he did have one day with NO seizures! God is Great! Thank you all for the prayers on his behalf. He's a gift from God and I feel sure that we will learn a lot from Kaden.



So, we have this adorable new addition to our church family. His name is Kaden. He's so beautiful! Kaden's mom, Tiffany, posted on facebook the following. "Say an extra prayer today for little Kaden. We are being admitted to Hurley Hospital tonight to start ACTH therapy. Hopefully this will get those darn seizures to stop! Check out kadens website/blog. Made it to keep friends and family up to date on the latest. http://kadensjourney-tiffany.blogspot.com/.

This baby has been through so much in his life already. Any time of year, this situation would be tough, but it's got to be even harder while we celebrate Christmas. Brandon and Tiffany's FAITH has inspired me. So if you wouldn't mind including him and his family in your prayers, I'd really appreciate it. I put a link in my sidebar to the blog they have created. It explains his condition way better than I ever could. And there's pics of Kaden! Oh man...I could just squeeze him up. Their family sits ahead of me a couple of rows in church every Sunday morning. Since Kadens' birth, I haven't heard a word our preacher has said because I'm just oogling Kaden the whole time. Of course, I think there's a lot he can teach me too! Thanks Everyone!

Forgotten UFO's

Do any of the rest of you do this? Get all the blocks made for a quilt, stow 'em away somewhere, and then forget all about 'em? I do it all the time. I happened on my Double Delight blocks today. I'd forgotten I had made them. So, out they came. I finished up the ten blocks I needed and started sewing them together. I love this pattern. One of Bonnie Hunters' previous mystery patterns. LOVE IT! How could I forget one that I knew I loved? Not a clue. It should be put together by end of tomorrow. Then ... borders...ughhh! So here it is as of now.....

A little something quilty.....

Thought I'd post something quilty that I've been working on.....here ya go......
Irish chain with some rough applique hearts...I think I'll call it Tossed Irish Hearts!


My scrappy nine patch....Still needs sashing....maybe this week?


And the hexagons continue......

That's it for now....back to the sewing cellar!

Tis the Season....

So much going on here. Just like with everyone else this time of year. I have most of my shopping finished, with the exception of the husband. What to get him? We had a deal that we were not buying for each other, since we both just had birthdays, but he cheated and I know he blew it! So...what does he want? Not a clue here. When asked, he tells me socks and underwear. It's just a joke with us that when a kid gets that soft squishy package from under the tree, they just know it's socks and underwear. Not a clue! I think the best plan is to call Pat, his BFF, and see if he has any wonderful ideas.

We all went to the Chamber of Commerce dinner last night. We have a member who is the nicest guy and runs a Christian Campground. He decorates like crazy for Christmas and after we had dinner there were horse drawn carriage rides thru the campground to see all the lights. It was so nice of him to do all this for us and dinner was lovely. Sorry about the pic quality, but I took it with my cell phone.

And! It's Jen's birthday! Click on her name, and drop by her blog to wish her Happy Birthday. Jen has been a great friend. When I first started quilting, she was so kind and understanding with me when I had a million "stupid" questions. She's shared tricks and tips with me for a couple of years now and has been a constant inspiration. Jen's been touring barns in her home state and posting pics of them. Go look...they are amazing. And of course, she's making the blocks too! I was fortunate to get attend a retreat with her last year and I'm hoping it happens again, maybe with a smaller, more intimate setting, so we can actually get to hang out more! Whatcha think, Jen?

Well, I'm off to the sewing room. I've got lots of projects going on and need to finish some! That's the plan for today. Merry Christmas to all of you! I hope this season brings each of you Joy, Peace, and Love!

Friends.....

Today is my birthday. Yep, 51! Can you believe I'm that old? I can't either. My husband and some friends threw me a suprise birthday party last night. I got some lovely gifts and the company rocked! But...I just wanted to tell everyone how blessed I am with friends. I have had great friends my whole life. Friends that stick by me no matter what. Blogland recently reminded me that not every one has that gift. Not everyone knows what being a real friend even means. I am one lucky woman to know the joy of having great friends and I just wanted to thank those of you who I count amoung that group! I was lucky enough to meet some blog friends earlier this year, (Jen, Moneik, Cindy..that's you) and got to add to that number some more great friends. Life is good and God has blessed me in so many ways....how could I not share that?

On the quilty side of life, Garry got me a one of those new Simplicity fabric strip cutters and three...yep, count 'em....three new feet for my Sapphire. One is the walking foot I really wanted! Friends got me gifts ranging from jewelry to a lovely sweater. Another friend is really good at woodwork and he made me a lighthouse. Patti even got me Pioneer Woman's new cookbook! I'll take pics of all the loot and post them tomorrow.

I just want to say again that the best gift in life truly is friendship! Nothing compares. I'm even friends with my husband! Amazing, huh? So...as a birthday gift to me...hug a friend today!

Aprons and Child Embarrassement!

I've been busy making aprons. Lots of aprons.

And then...because I'm the parent and can....here's a pic of my daughter, Cindy, hard at work at McDonalds.
I'm hoping that this will make her realize she needs a lot more education in order for this to not be her future. She has a free ride to college if she can get her high school grades up and keep them there. It's all up to her now...

In other news, here at Casa One I, I screwed up my arm and had to stop sewing for a bit. I also, joined Curves and discovered that I need to lose a full person. I don't care for her anyway since she's a fatty, so I'm going to be working hard to leave her behind. Wish me luck! I joined a sewing group at the Senior Center here in town, too. I'm not a senior yet, but I qualify since my husband is. I knew his age would come in handy one day. I'm sure there's more that has been going on, but can't think of what it is. Cindy has recovered from the flu, but she missed a full week of school. And now....back to the sewing machine!

When pigs fly.....

While I don't officially know if it's the swine flu, I do know that I have a really sick kid. The call came about noon on Thursday, from school. Fever...bad fever. Tylenol gets rid of it and then ... a few hours later, it's right back. If she's not better considerably, tomorrow she goes to the doctor. Her friend from church/school has the same thing and has seen the doctor. They have both been ill the same length of time, with the same symptoms. This has not been a good time around here. I'll be back when the pigs fly away.....

Northern Michigan

A weekend away! Oh yeah! We headed up to our cabin in Mio, Michigan on Saturday morning. Not much else to say. Fall is here.... Pics say it all, I suppose!










Garry and Cindy had fun, too! I did manage to work on some hexagons for my Grandmother's Flower Garden. It's moving along. I read, walked, sewed, cooked...it was just nice to be somewhere quiet for a change. We did get the cabin winterized, but we're hoping we can go up there for Thanksgiving. I can't think of a better spot for it! Later....

I suck at bloggin' lately!

There! I've said it! Now on to the good stuff. Had the flu. Had a cold. Didn't enjoy either of them. Survived both and feel groovy now! Took a while to get my mojo back, but it's back in full swing now. Been working on this.....


Really happy with this one. Cindy, my teen daughter, loves it and for that reason...she may end up with it for Christmas.

Went on my first shop hop! Spent way too much, but loved every minute of it. My friend, Val, set it up. She has connections, so we ended up with the Senior Center Bus for the trip. So cool! Left at 8 am. Got home at about 8 pm. I have a list of the shops somewhere, because of course, Val printed an itinerary for everyone. She's so on top of everything. When I grow up, I wanna be just like her. Giggle! The first shop served us breakfast while we shopped. Egg casseroles, cinnamon roles, coffee...it rocked! The last shop, we had pizza and hung out a while. I have several pics, but since I don't know all the women very well, they may not like it if I put them on here. So....here's Patti and Sharon in front of Ann Quilt Shop. This shop is in the middle of nowhere, Brown City, Michigan. I loved it. It's owner, a 96 year old woman, was a hoot. Her son and daughter both work there, too. The shop itself is in an old milk house and has been in business for 41 years. They were having an anniversary sale...40% off! Did I mention I spent too much? Hmmmmm....

And here's Val! I love this woman so much. I wish you could all have her for a friend. Not that I'm really willing to share her. Many of you took the time to pray for her and again, Thank you all. She's doing great lately. Power of prayer!


Oh! I almost forgot to tell you about this! No! I didn't make this one, but I'm gonna make one just like it because I bought the kit. Patti bought it too. Another friend I wish you could all have, but I'm not really willing to share her either! We thought we'd work on this one next spring/summer at Craft Day. No way could I get it done in time for fall of this year, since it's here now.

Well, I suppose that's all the news that is the news as they used to say on "Laugh In". You young 'uns won't remember that show but it was cutting edge back in the day.... Happy quilting and maybe I'll be able to post more regularly.

Still alive and kicking....

And I've been doing some sewing. I finally remembered to grab the camera from my glove box. So...here's what I've been up to! I finished the king size four inch squares quilt for my bed. The back is pieced with 10 inch squares. Done and on my bed! Love it!



I found this in Eleanor Burns book, Egg Money Quilts and tried my hand at applique...AGAIN! This one went really well and I have to admit that I loved making it. Needs binding and it's done!



I've been wanting to make a black and white quilt with one other color, but couldn't decide on a pattern. I saw a strip/string quilt on someone's blog recently and loved it. So, why not!

I have one other quilt I just finished quilting, but I forgot to take a pic. I'll save that for the next post. It's another Bento Box. I love that pattern.

Patti was here sewing with me lately and she has made a Bento Box quilt top, too! Here's hers! It rocks! That's it for now! I'm off to a Pampered Chef Party....and I'm broke! Ughhhhh.....

Uh huh.....

This is my life lately....I can't remember squat!

I left the house and......

WENT GOLFING! Uh huh....Tiger Woods? I ain't! But, I did have fun. Garry and I haven't done this in years. Well, he has, but not me.

The teen has not been very friendly lately, so she spent the weekend with a friend of the family. Garry and I had planned to go to northern Michigan where we have a cabin in the woods, on the AuSable River. At the last minute, we decided to just stay home. Just the two of us. We went out to dinner last night, saw a movie, did some shopping. For him, some work shoes and me, some jeans. We got up this morning, went out for brunch, and headed for the golf course. I actually survived 18 holes. Jen and I were doing some texting today and when I sent her a pic of what I was up to, she sent back this reply...." O m g...r u on crack?" Well, no, I'm not yet. I can see why she would be concerned though. This is not something I normally do. But...it was fun and we are planning to go again tomorrow. After golfing, we went to another movie. It's almost been like dating! Woohooo! Maybe the teen will come home with a better attitude. I know it's just growing up, but some days it's harder to deal with than others. Maybe the break did us both some good!

On the quilty front: I finished a king size quilt for my bed. My camera is in the car, and I'm too lazy to go get it right now. I'm working on another bento box now.

Well...I'm off to check on all my farms on FaceBook. If you don't know about those, save yourself...avoid farming! Giggle!
Later....

9-11

Serious post.





My moment of silence to remember......

Thought I died ...

and the hogs ate me? Nope! I'm still here. I have been busy. Patti came over the last couple of days and sewed with me. I went up to northern MI last weekend to our cabin. Just Garry and I. The county fair was going on, so we went to that. Spend one day in Alpena, MI, just wandering and looking at lighthouses. The pic is an old one that I took many years ago, and one that we stopped at last Sunday. I've got lots of projects going on, but I haven't taken the time to take any pics of them. It's been very cold here in Michigan. Isn't August suppose to be miserably hot? I turned the heat last night. Could not get warm. Weird weather this year. It's not helping my tomatoes get ripe either. I think there will be a lot less tomato canning getting done here unless I go and buy them by the bushel. Oh well....there's always next year. The ones I have picked and we've eaten have been very good, just not getting ripe very fast.

Time to get ready for church. I'll try to take some pics and get them posted soon. My friends Val and Patti are thinking of going up to the cabin when the leaves start changing and having a mini-retreat of our own. I don't go up there often. I used to go a lot, but Garry and the guys use it for a lot more than I do and you know a man's idea of "clean" just isn't the same as a woman's in most cases. I got a lot done last weekend up there and I'd like to use it before they do much damage again. I'm off to the showers.....I know you all needed to know that......giggle!

Am I.....

a bag lady? Yep, I am! I've been busy making bags.

I have more cut out and ready to whip up. I'm on a bag binge! Other quilting has been going on, but just working on more ufo's that seem to never hit the finish line. One day.....

In other new, I spent yesterday at the Blueberry Festival. It was a perfect day, with good friends and wonderful weather. I've been pretty busy, but I can't think of busy with what? So....I'm off to the sweat shop now and back to the bags......

Have a great week!

Note to self: C:\Documents and Settings\HP_Administrator\My Documents\TUTORIAL Straight Sided Triangular Cosmetic Bag - PURSES, BAGS, WALLETS.htm

Thank YOU

to all who prayed, sent well wishes, and groovy vibes on behalf of my friend Val. She went to the surgeon yesterday and he believes it may be only a 1% chance that it is a cancer. He will be doing a biopsy, but he thinks it is not cancer. He's also decided to stop the MRIs every three months. Amen for that. They have been doing them due to the nonhodgkins leukemia that she has, but the surgeon seems to feel that they will always find something questionable and to put her thru this every three months is not a good thing. I agree with that. They will wait until there is a problem and then do the MRI. I can't imagine the stress that she must feel when she's told every three months that she has another lump. Then the waiting to see the surgeon has to just be devastating. She's the strongest person I have ever known, but how much can one woman take? So....I do believe in the power of prayer and again, thank you all for sending those to God. I hope He knows how much I need her in my life.

I haven't got much of anything done since my last post. I have one of those families that puts the "fun in dysfunctional". One phone call, and I've been a wreck for two days. All the reasons don't really matter, but suffice it to say that I have for several years refused to participate in the nonsense. Well, I blew that and unloaded on someone. The someone being my Mother. Yep, years of sucking it all up came pouring out. And her response? "Well, why don't you and Garry and Cindy come out for dinner?" Huh? My husband won't even speak to you. He's the most passive man on the face of the earth and you've even alienated him. Oh well....time to put it all away and live my life the way my Bible tells me too. I struggling with the forgivness part. I feel that I have to find a way to do that, in order to not lose my relationship with God. Man.....He sure knows how to make it hard to be a good Christian. For all my faults, that's my biggest worry. I'm sure at some point, I'll find a way to forgive, but any words of wisdom about how to forgive would be appreciated. So....on to something else more fun.

I got so many responses to my last post. So....yes, I must be insane to do 1/4" quilting. I'm hoping that when it's finished, it will be worth all the time and thread it's taking to do it. The last picture I posted with the blues, tans, and reds are from a pattern Amy posted back in March, I believe. I made the kit up for retreat and couldn't for the life of me remember where I got it from. Then Amy was so tickled with the pattern and it hit me that it was from her. She's too funny! And...if you haven't visited her blog, run there now. She puts me to shame with how much she manages to accomplish. She just finished a Double Wedding Ring, king size I think, and WOW!

Tomorrow is craft day at our church building so I need to be there by 9:30 to unlock the building. Val is having a euchre (it's a card game) party tonight, so I'll be there trying to smoke the rest of them. It's a lot of fun and Val is the hostess extroidenaire! There is nothing that woman can't do and do better than most.

I want to publicly thank my friend, Patti. During my meltdown, she's been there, calling me, stopping by and even brought me chocolate and fat quarters. Now who doesn't need an amazing friend like that? It'll help to me that I get to spend the day with Patti and Val tomorrow....and we'll be sewing at the church building. If that doesn't heal my spirit, I must be a lost cause!

Sew....I'm off....I think I'll go put some blocks together, or do some quarter inch quilting.....

Here's hoping to a great weekend for one and all! Thanks again to all of you .......

What's been keepin' me busy....

Well, the insanity continues. Here's what I've been doing .... a lot!

Quarter inch quilting. Some will ask "why?" I don't know. I saw a quilt that was quilted sort of like this and thought "hmmmm...I think I'll quilt lines 1/4 inch apart on this one. I was doing pretty good until I started to get so much bulk. I'm using my quarter inch foot and the little flange thing "rides" in the line of stitching. That only worked for so long, and now, I'm using a different foot that marks the 1/4 on both sides of the foot. It's a lot of stitching, but I keep thinking how cool it will look when it's finished and washed.
And then yesterday, Patti came over for the day. We sewed! ALL DAY LONG! It was fun. We're working on a quilt and you can find Judy's free pattern for it here Great pattern and a big "Thank YOU, Judy" for being so kind to share it with all of us...and for free! My friend and mentor, the Scraptastic Jen is working on one along with Patti and I. Jen is sooo not a scrappy quilter, but she's steppin' outside the box and doing one in yellows. It's going to be beautiful and I'm so proud of her for getting scrappy with us! So...here's how far I've gotten on mine....

And last but not least, I've been working on these blocks. I put together these blocks as a kit for the retreat I went to in April. They had just been sitting around screaming for me to put them together. The blocks are all made and now they are aging a bit before I put the blocks together into a top. Don't wanna rush that! So, I have been sewing. I have been quilting. But ... nothing that will be a "finish" any time soon, I suppose.

Ya'll have a wonderful day....Wednesday...hmmmm.....hump day? Yeppers....

Gimme my badge.....Hahahahaa

Ok...so a group of us are suppose to be on a mission to finish/make some stuff. I have failed miserably. But ... no more! I have a start to finish completed project. That's right! And you all thought it couldn't happen! Ha! And not just one ... but a matching pair! So....gimme my badge ... whoever is in charge of badges.....pweeeeze?

The Proposal

Oh yeah! It's a great movie. I had the pleasure of a girls night out. Patti, Val and I went to the movies tonight, and while I readily admit I'll sit through almost any movie for buttered popcorn, this one was great! I had no idea Betty White was even it it and she's such a hoot! After the movie, it was french silk pie and coffee before heading home. It's so great to have good friends!

I'd really appreciate any and all prayers for my friend Val, as her latest MRI shows a new lump at the base of her tongue. This is her third round of being told she has cancer and I think as tough as she is, it's starting to wear on her. I just hope she knows how much she is loved and I'm sure she knows she can count on me! Her hubby along with mine and a couple of other guys have gone to our cabin for a weekend of dirtbiking. Woohoo! She'll be here tomorrow night, and we'll be sewing together. Patti has to work, or she'd be here too! So...send out some good wishes, groovy vibes or hit your knees like I'm doing that I'll have my friend around for a good long time to come. I'm planning on us growing old and senile together. I'd hate to have to do that alone!

Regarding my last post..... I hope you'll all forgive my rant. I try not to do that on here, but I felt it was time to make a stand and hopefully end the drama. Funny thing about that post....I got more comments on my rant than I ever get on my quilty posts..... What up with that? You'd rather hear me rant? Cause I can watch CNN for about an hour and rant for days about that....Giggle!

Hope you all have a great weekend.....that's my plan!

Welcome to sixth grade!

So ... here is a story....
I have two online friends. Actually, I have more than two, but this is about two. They had a disagreement. Fine. We're all suppose to be adults. One of them, let's call her #1, didn't say a word about it to me. The other, #2, texted me and was immediately going to end all connections with 1. We have all been in an online group for quite some time. Now....I, being an adult and no longer in sixth grade, simply told 2, that I thought it was a bad choice. I suggested she take some time and let it all pass and basically get over it. Now a couple of weeks have gone by. I, minding my own business, get a text a couple of mornings ago stating that she had a "tally" going and was I not speaking to her either? HUH? Again, I'm no longer in Junior High. My response? "Excuse me? what did I do?" Emails went back and forth, and I was informed that she could no longer continue this discussion and if all I wanted to do was that, then ...blah blah blah...... I do not want to discuss some ridiculous, childish imagined slight with this woman any longer. I didn't even bring it up. She did. I think it's sad that she can't see past her own selfishness. I wouldn't have even known about a problem had she not told me....over and over.

So....the point of all this? To all my online friends: I think the world of each of you! Some of you, I have gotten to meet in person and I'm so grateful for that. But...here's the deal. I'm an adult. I don't have time or the energy for the she said this or that, she defriended me, she didn't agree with me crap. I think those of us with families, husbands, children, have a clearer idea of where this blogging part of our lives goes. It's not foremost in my life, but I do enjoy it. I'm never going to be the person who will just agree with someone to keep them as my friend. Friends disagree, argue, and it's ok. We are inconsiderate with one another sometimes, knowing full well, that a true friendship will survive that and more.

That's my take on all this nonsense. I think it was blown way out of proportion and I hope since 2 has decided to sever ties with our group that this will be the end of it. Live and learn.......

Cute or what?

This was just too cute not to share. Garry's best friend, Pat. (Commonly referred to around here as Hubby Number 2, cause if Garry dies on me, Pat inherits me) Yep...Popcorn lives for the belly rub. She's all about that! Pat came out today to work on the pontoon. Does this look like he's working? Nope. Garry (#1), Pat (#2), and Cindy are watching Transformers. Not my cup of tea.

Sewing and Riding!

Patti and I spent the day sewing yesterday. We've decided to do the free BOM offered by Harmony Quilts. We worked on the first three months of blocks yesterday. Here's how far I got....I'm loving this, by the way!

My Fence!

My Sun!
House #1

House #2

My big giant enormous tree!

We had a good time making these blocks. There are already six months of blocks up on the site, so this will move along quickly, I think.

I'm also giving up an old hobby. Since Garry has found guys to ride with, I don't have to go ride anymore. I just would not let him ride in the woods on the trails alone and the older he got, the more all his riding buddies from their younger days, quit riding. So, being the awesome wife that I am, I took up riding. I rode a dirt bike for a year, hated it! Then bought a quad and rode it for a couple of years. It was not fast enough to suit me, so I bought this!

So, I'm selling this. Yep, it's fast. It's a Raptor. 660cc's. I have mixed emotions about selling it, but it's just been sitting in the barn for five years. It's in awesome condition and just think of the fabric I could buy with the money! Yep....that's where my head is!

It's a beautiful day here in Michigan today. Not too hot and not too cold. Just right! Think I'll just have myself a great day today! Why don't you have one, too!