A Day in the Life....

Auction Benefitting Haiti

2010-01-23T11:27:00.003-05:00

Friends and family - as promised I am including a link to the modernjax blog where Beth is auctioning off Christmas quilts, tree skirts and a table runner with all benefits going to Haiti relief.

Also included is the tree skirt I quilted.

Please go visit and if you see it in your heart and pocketbook to help - THANK YOU!

Until next time, keep well. xo

Happy New Year

2010-01-11T13:48:00.006-05:00

Only making one new year's resolution (that I'm admitting to!) and that is .... post much more regularly. The past six months have been filled with lots of sewing, quilting, and swaps as well as family and friends, sports, play and movie watching. Looking forward to creating way cool costumes for our local spring musical - "Scarlet Pimpernel", challenging myself through a couple new bees I joined and completing some "WIPs" (works in progress) - 3 in particular!!

Below are some pics of the tree skirt I quilted from the charity blocks donated to modernJax's Christmas Block Swap. Beth will the holding an auction of these quilts/tree skirts etc., with proceeds going to Haiti recovery. I'll definitely keep you posted.

Here are the blocks I sent off for Bee Addicted - Wonky Houses.

Until next time my friends. Keep well and warm.

Can You Guess What It Is??

2009-08-29T16:24:00.005-04:00

Our oldest ordered herself this most fabulous gizmo plus the extended warranty that one needs for these electronic things, leaving her with not much left for a case.....

Enter the Mummy and her sewing machine ....................

A KINDLE CASE!!!

So - what do you think - might there be a market for these!!?? I'm pretty happy with how it turned out - oh and she is too!

2 down - 5 to go

2009-08-27T12:45:00.003-04:00

Here's a quick peek at my Christmas blocks for the swap being sponsored by ModernJax.

We signed up to make 6 blocks (+ one for charity if you wanted to). 2 will go to each of your three team mates. In return (fingers crossed) you will receive 2 blocks from each of your 3 team mates..... I'm really looking forward to seeing what I receive and think i'm going to make a little wall hanging with my 6... might add a couple of my own ... depending on the spark of the moment!

I've had a quick look at a couple of my swap partners sites and OMGoodness - VERY CUTE is all I have to say! Sophia, Kristen and Nicole - can't wait to receive your blocks.

Sneak Peak

2009-08-24T15:01:00.001-04:00

So here it is - my DQS7 project completed for my partner. I just have to make a label, wrap it up (along with a few little goodies) and off into the post it goes!!! And, shockingly, well before the deadline of September 15th!!! Yay me!

I really hope she likes it. I'm a little nervous. I love it - I'm not sure the photo does it justice. The prints are so bright against the brown. Well fingers crossed.

I've never done something like this before, but have to admit to having really enjoyed it. It took awhile for the idea to come to me but once it did, the project kind of came together itself. To view some of the fantastic quilts made by others go visit the Flickr group set up for DQS7. It truly amazing the talent that is out there. VERY inspiring.

I can't believe it, school starts tomorrow for the 2 youngest. Oldest has already been in class for a week. Where did the summer go? Off to do a couple things with the kidlets. See you soon.

Looking for a Project?

2009-07-24T16:08:00.000-04:00

Do you ever find a couple of fat quarters, or a pack of charm squares and not sure what to do with them? Moda Bake Shop is where I go. There's a huge assortment of projects using Moda's Pre-cuts, created by fellow quilters.

Today's post was created by Kim from http://bittybitsandpieces.blogspot.com/. CUTE, CUTE little gift bags made with 4 fat quarters - you'll get three bags out of the 4 fat quarters!!! Perfect size for a charm pack, or maybe a little present.... possibilities are endless.

Well off to finish to finish making a Peach and Blackberry teacake - courtesy of Rustic Fruits Desserts. I believe it's really called "Stone Fruit Tea Cake". Will "share" with you tomorrow :)

Doll Quilt Swap plus some updates

2009-07-23T13:39:00.000-04:00

SOOOO... today is the day we should be finding out who our swap partners are!!! I'm excited and a little nervous (never done this type of swap before). It's a secret though..... we can leave little hints but nothing too obvious. I'm looking forward to trying to figure out which one will come live with me!!

Below are the blankets I sent off to Craft Hope. Just little receiving blankets with cotton on one side and flannel on the other - and some cute stitching around to keep it all together!

And here are a couple of photos of a quilt i finished this past weekend as a wedding gift. I have to admit that it was difficult to part with it. I love those Amy Butler fabrics mixed with batiks and prints. It was the first time I had stippled a whole quilt. I've stitched in the ditch and done some straight stitch quilting and stippled a couple of small wall hangings, but not a big (well lap size!!) quilt fully stippled. I was pretty proud of myself and thought it really turned out well. Not too many "noticeable" bloops!!!

this is the "flip side" of the quilt. I backed it with a cream tone on tone and stripped in some of the extra 4-square patches and pieces of left over fabrics. I liked the overall effect.

Off to create some more.....

Happy Birthday Tasha

2009-07-07T21:31:00.000-04:00

Wow! 17!

Wishing for you many wonderful adventures girlie.

Oodles of fun; wonderful friendships; your dreams come true.

We are so proud of your accomplishments, your big heart and sense of fairness, your dedication to your passions, but most of all - your love of family.

Have a glorious year girlie. We love you so very much.

Christmas in July?

2009-06-30T14:39:00.000-04:00

Helen from Hugs 'n Kisses has a new Christmas BOM. It's beautiful. Some lovely red and white fabrics along with some precious stitchery - all in red - no switching colours!!! Go quickly and look - and even purchase if you like.

Love this lady's creativity and her work. I follow her blog regularly. Oh - and she shares - lots of lovely projects, and her talents with others... Off you go - and enjoy.

Fast & Fabulous

2009-06-30T09:13:00.000-04:00

I was a winner of a blog contest, around Spring Market time, that Gudrun from G.E. Designs had promoting her new pattern book - Fast & Furious. (follow the link above to her blog - VERY talented lady) Again - THANK YOU Gudrun - love the book.

Yesterday morning I decided that I wanted to make the beach bag from Fast & Furious for a friend who is moving away. She was coming over last night for book club and we wanted to fill it with a few "momentos" - things we had laughed about throughout the past year - and a few things she would hopefully enjoy in her new house on the beach! By the time I came home from the fabric store to buy some 2 1/2" strips ('cause my stash is mostly made up of fat quarters at the moment and you need 42" strips) I didn't get started until lunch time. A couple of breaks, lunch, pick ups from camp and it was completed by 5:30! It's a quilt as you go pattern - sewing directly onto the batting and lining. FABULOUS. I have to admit to cheating a little and machine sewing the binding on the top down as I had run out of time and I still had dinner to make before my guests arrived. My only little "comment" is that there isn't an inside pocket - kinda hard to do when you're quilting as you go, i know - but next time (and there will be one very shortly!) I will hand sew one in.

Cannot wait to try some of the other projects along with Gudrun's "Anytime Placemats" which she posted last week as part of the Minnesota Blog Hop. Go check it out, if you haven't already. Lots of fun and some prizes too!

Craft Hope

2009-06-27T14:49:00.000-04:00

I happened upon this site recently and signed up right away - blankets, beanies and booties for babies living in an orphanage in India. Click on the icon and find out more.

I know that I have some super soft flannel, just waiting for a little binding - enough for three or four. Maybe even a couple of tiny little slippers too. Gotta get working on them though - have to be in Texas by the 25 of July!!!

Quilt Along Continues

2009-06-14T15:09:00.000-04:00

I'm all caught up. Week 5 starts tomorrow and I'm ready! Here's my quilt top - ready for "sandwiching" and then quilting. Think I might have to go out and buy some varigated thread for the quilting - what do you think?
Now I need to go catch up on the one-a-day nine patch square challenge that I signed-up for.

This is what 12 looks like!

2009-06-14T14:55:00.000-04:00

Our youngest. Can't believe it's been 12 years. He is a truly delightful little man. Celebrations included going to the ACC semi-finals and finals a couple of weeks ago - with the Daddy (much as I love him - sitting through 3 baseball games is just not something I can do!!); a breakfast feast, topped off with ribs and Jello poke cupcakes for dinner. It was a good day. Next year .... we'll have 3 teenagers in our house.... YIKES.

Off to high school and quilt-along

2009-06-08T09:09:00.000-04:00

I can't believe it - one senior , one freshman and one 7th grader.... where does it go? K had her 8th grade award ceremony (we're not allowed to call it a graduation here on the coast of NC) - graduation is reserved for high school. A couple of awards, tears (that she had saved up for a week!! a long story), lots of photos and a little cake. Altogether a great day. So here's a pic of her dress. K is the one in the blue dress (for those that don't know her!). She wore it with a cute white shrug as it was strapless (as per her instructions) and therefore not appropriate for school! Unfortunately, you can't see the pleats - to me that what made it a little different. The way it laid because of them.

I've also been working on Old Red Barn's Quilt-Along. My fabric is picked, strips cut and i've sewn two sets together. I'm a "little" behind as we're supposed to be at the point where sets have been sewn & cut and blocks are being sewn together! that's okay though 'cause I have all week to catch-up!!

Here are my 12 fabrics -

... now cut into strips... for the life of me I couldn't get the cat out of the way - i'd put him down, he'd get right back up.... quirky!

.... tomorrow the strip sets!

Back into the Swing of It

2009-06-01T10:49:00.000-04:00

Nothing like a Quilt-Along to get me back into blogging. The reality is that i have a couple of other priorities (like an 8th grade graduation dress) to complete before week's end but hey - nothing like a little pressure to get i all done :)

It's just the third week (out of six), strips are just being sewn together.... I have to go into town tomorrow - hope the little man doesn't mind a quick trip to the fabric store as my stash is in very sad shape at the moment... so it's feeling very doable.

I can't believe school is over in just a few days - a senior, a freshman and a 7th grader in the fall - where does the time go?

I'll be back tomorrow with a few updates - some photos - but REALLY - that dress has to get done and the girlie picked a Vogue pattern - an advanced sewer one, with funky pleats....

So Thankful For So Much

2008-11-27T08:16:00.000-05:00

On this Thanksgiving Day I am so thankful for -

Funny, wonderful children;
A fabulous husband with a great sense of humour;
GREAT friends;
The opportunity to spend time with great friends and family;
Plenty of good food to cook with;
Piles of books to read;
Piles of fabric to play with;
the gift to sew and create;
the great blessings bestowed upon us... for all these things and more - I am truly thankful.

Cool Critters

2008-10-14T14:22:00.001-04:00

These three "Magoo" monkeys along with "Tweet & Hooty" and "Dudley" the dodo are what I have been spending the last month working on. Are they not the cutest softies EVER!!!?

They were created from Melly & Me patterns - a wonderful Australian line of patterns created by two sisters. Treasured Threads is one of their American distributor. Definitely a place to browse through. Shannon carries a variety of different lines - everything from quilt patterns that include gorgeous stitchery, fabulous softie patterns, oodles of books etc. etc.

This is where you can also go to get your hands on Australian Homespun magazine. WOW - love it!! glossy, variety of projects from quilting to stitchery, to softies. Lovely articles accompany the projects. Oh and beautiful photographs.

You may also want to add this Absent-Minded Santa to your Christmas craft list. I know I will be. He comes together quickly and it WAY CUTE. Sshh - don't you think he would make a great Christmas present!!??? I made him from a Natalie Ross In Stitches pattern - again Australian designer.

I also made a lovely purse - Ginger & Spice by Cinderberry Stitches. Unfortunately I don't have a photograph of the purse. If you have an opportunity to look through her patterns

and blog I know you'll enjoy the time spent.

Now until mid-November all my sewing is likely to be focused on the local high school play, though I really have to finish my projects for my stitching angel swap. My swap angel lives in Australia so I think i'm going to send one package - but i know how much fun it is to receive a little package here and there - so i'll see..... maybe i'll split it into two!!

Until next time my friends - enjoy the day and this absolutely stunning fall season.

Stitcher Angel swap

2008-08-18T08:43:00.000-04:00

Before posting about anything else I wanted to share this really cool photo that I took of our flowering cactus. This plant resides on our front porch - it gets a fair amount of sun - but it's protected. It used to live out in the garden - and never produced anything. A friend replanted it in a pot a couple of years ago and placed it on the porch to add a little decoration to it. Lo and behold - 2 years later the thing blooms!! Now for those who know me - a green thumb I do not have. My plants are lucky if I remember to water them - so this is huge!!! I'd love to take credit - but alas it truly had nothing to do with me and my meticulous attention to it. Just a lovely gift that made me smile every time I walked by it for a couple of weeks.

Okay now onto the reason for this post. I recently signed up to take part in the Stitcher's Angel Swap and have been eagerly anticipating its start. Well this morning i received my swap partner's info from Helen . The whole identity thing is a secret - we can identify ourselves only at the end. Of course we can leave little clues on our blogs.... hmmm that sounds like fun --- and all i'm saying is that mine doesn't live here in the US where we do!!!! Not even on the North American continent!! I'm wondering who got my name.... ??? Every week for the next 7 a new stitchery pattern will be made available from a number of different designers - our "responsibility" is to send a minimum of 3 to our swap partner. Of course we can send more!! I hope she likes what i make and send....

I can't wait to start receiving a little surprise in the mail over the next couple of months.... I promise I'll share! This is my first swap of this kind - I hope it all goes well.

On a totally different note - this was the weekend that we took Miss T to school. I think it's going to be okay!!! She got there first and got to pick her bed (very important to her!) and she's thrilled with her roommates (she's in a triple). There are 31 girls on her dorm - with a good mix of juniors and seniors. We were so thankful that the Student Life Instructor (Dorm Mom you could say) has been there some 20 years!!! YEAHHHH - she knows what to expect and how to support. I'm feeling better already! Today she gets her schedule and textbooks and her day is filled with more meetings. School actually starts tomorrow - yikes..... Already they're being told to expect 20-24 hours of homework a week!!! She'll do wonderfully well and we'll miss her but we'll be fine too!

Okay off to see what week 1 project will be for the swap - then school shopping for Special K and the little man - can't believe it - off to grades 8 & 6 - where it the time going :(

Enjoy your day.

Sssshhh.....Fabulous Giveaway

2008-07-30T10:41:00.000-04:00

So here I am posting about a fabulous giveaway being done by Lila Tueller. I really don't want to post about it because that means more people will know about it, enter, and lessen the chances of my winning!!! But truthfully this is beautiful fabric that she created and should be shared by many.... and isn't that purse very cute?!!

I came across Lila's blog through Fat Quarter Shop and she has some lovely postings - cute patterns, gorgeous fabric line and some VERY cute little dresses that she created using onesies (free pattern). I have to admit to being a little jealous of all that creativity - but from her creativity I will be inspired and look forward to posting the results.

So go browse her blog - enter if you must - and most importantly enjoy the day and all the beauty it has to offer.

Summer Time

2008-07-24T08:12:00.000-04:00

Lots of relaxing, soaking up the sun, a little beach time, a camp here and there, pool time, big indoor projects (why do we do these in the summer??? - oh that's right so that the mess stays outside and the gorgeousness is created inside!! - before & after on a later post) - and just plain hanging out with friends. And that my friends is what we've been up to.

For those that know our Special K and her personality you won't be surprised to know that she's been wanting to try out for the cheerleading squad. We gave in this year and gave her the go ahead to try-out (it's all the drama that surrounds cheering that i'm not into - not cheering itself!! As if there isn't enough drama surrouning 8th grade...) Anyways - here is the photo capturing "THE phone call" from Coach. T. The coach later told me that she'd never heard such excitement from a girlie when told they'd made the squad as K's. "I'm a cheerleader" could be heard for days from that child's mouth - Yikes -

BTW - here's a photo of our puppies. They're 8 months old now and thankfully have calmed down some. The big labradoodle belongs to a friend. It was hilarious to watch the three of them interact. At first so much hesitation and after a day they were inseperable - so much so that when Commodore went home Izzy and Bella mopped around for a good couple of days. Craziness!!

Of course, our summer is never complete without three birthdays. Here are some of Nicki's with his friends.... I think we had 10 - 11 yo boys... thank goodness for the pool, good weather and water balloons!!!

Until next time - take care.

May is Women's Clothing Month

2008-05-07T13:58:00.000-04:00

.... And as such I am focusing on sewing for MYSELF!! Okay, I've promised the girls I'd do a little sewing for them too! and of course there are still some quilting blocks that I'm working on and couple of purses to make etc. etc. Especially with the end of the year coming up - a nice tote bag is usually appreciated (also quick and inexpensive to put together!).

The photos are of a couple of purses/totes that I have made for friends recently. Slowly but surely I'm remember to photograph projects as I complete them - before they go out the door!

I've posted a few new links to some of my favourite blogs. One of which is Yummy Goods - Melissa always has something fun to share - she has an amazing knack (no pun intended - you'll see why I'm saying this in a sec) in finding vintage knick knacks, fabric etc in thrift shops. I don't know about you but personally I have never been that lucky. She also has a line of gorgeous fabric coming out later this summer.... ahh such talent. As part of a contest that she's going to be running soon, in honour of her 200th post, linking her blog to our blog would be beneficial..... okay really not the only reason I'm adding her - she really is fun to read and she has oodles of talent. Enjoy!

I've also included a link to Crazy Mom Quilts as I'm participating in her Quilt-a-Long. "We're" on week 2 and I can proudly say that I have both blocks cut out.... not sewn together... but cut out - so half way there??? Wouldn't you agree!!??

And the News We've ALL been Waiting For...

2008-04-12T07:37:00.000-04:00

After a week full of anticipation - thinking we were going to here on Wednesday- then nothing. Website said we'd hear by Friday, April 11th at the latest ..... at 11:00 pm still nothing..... You know the suspense has been killing the girlie! At 6:30 this morning very loud screaming could be heard - SHE'S BEEN ACCEPTED. The girlie's dream come true. 2 years in the hoping and making. Of course now the Mummy and Daddy have to come to terms with essentially letting their girlie go off to college 2 years early - SIGH. But at least we know that this is her dream. She'll be getting the education she needs and be with kids that are just as passionate about learning and excelling as her.

We'll off to hug her again and share the good news with all that have been keeping her in their thoughts and prayers. Thank you all for your awesome support and belief in her.

The Sun Comes Out

2008-04-11T10:58:00.000-04:00

Finally after over a week of rain, mist and gloomy weather the sun has come out. We are SO thankful - it was getting very depressing. So have you been able to figure out what that top photo is .....???? Truly a sign of spring - a whole bunch of tiny, newborn.... bunnies!!!! Right here in out back yard.... now if only we can keep the puppies away from them! Aren't you also lovin' those cherry blossoms. It's always so delightful to watch that tree come to life in the early spring - it's truly beautiful. The tree across the street comes into bloom a few days before us - they must get more sun! - but that's okay 'cause we then get to watch both blossom - it even smells good.

Last weekend the family (or most of them anyways) were in the mood for an Indian dinner. So T. and I put together the following -

Oh so yummy Baked Samosas to the left and homemade naan on the right. Below is a bowl of Bombay Potatoes.... we also had some Thai Red Curry (for those who wanted a little meat!). Oh can't forget the lentil Dahl. Truly what our kids call "A FEAST". We had fun and it was an enjoyable way to spend a gloomy Sunday afternoon.

I will look for the recipes and attempt to link them (wish me luck).

I do want to share some beauty fabric that just came in the mail and some very cute little bibs and burp cloths that I've had some time to make but you will have to wait until i've been shown how to download the photos!

Well I do need to be off - it's an early release day (report cards and conferences) plus we had a two-hour delay this morning (yea you know the kids were loving only having to be at school 2 hours) - leaving very little time to get much done. Enjoy the day.

Spring is Here!

2008-04-01T15:52:00.000-04:00

OMG I cannot believe a whole month has gone by and I have posted NOTHING!!!! And to think how many T has posted in that same time period - very embarrassing. Anyway must share how absolutely glorious our spring is. I promise not to complain about how one day it's almost 80 and the next 40 - that's spring - and it lasts such a very short period of time here - so enjoy every moment of it we will. As you can see daffodils have bloomed, cherry trees are glorious, trees are budding, garden is looking renewed.... i've even found a few moments to weed and so it REALLY looks good.

Puppies are getting so big - i think they weigh in the neighbourhood of 32lbs. They frolic everywhere they go - they sound more like ponies than puppies. We had them spayed last week and were told that there should be no running, jumping or getting wet for 7 days!!!! I know I explained all this to the puppies - numerous times actually - but did they listen..... absolutely NOT. So here we were with puppies jumping all over each other THE VERY NEXT DAY!!! Then 2 days later wet puppies appear at the door... not once during the day but twice!! Jan has now placed boards over the pond but I know they've been trying to move them. OMG I do believe that it's like having toddlers.... again!

I'm really trying to post some photos - but some reason it is not working for me. Very frustrating where I know what i'm supposed to do and it just doesn't work. Well i'm posting anyhow because i'm so behind in doing it and then when one of my technically savvy children come home - we'll add photos. I must really remember to take more photos though. I've been sewing cute purses, pencil rolls - but keep forgetting to take photos....

Okay figured out what I was doing wrong!!! So I had promised to share some photos of some of the costumes from "Little Shop of Horrors". This is one of the Diva dress - there were 3 divas!! So there were three of these dresses made. The rest haven't been uploaded yet - but rest assured I will share. Thanks for indulging me!

I've been reading oodles of good books - which i'll post to my list. I'm currently reading Jodi Picoult's new book - Change of Heart - ahh I am looking forward to that discussion at book club! Death Row inmate's dying wish is to give his heart to the sister/daughter of the father and daughter he murdered eleven years ago!!! The story is told by a variety of characters in alternating chapters - of course each with their own twist. I'm loving it. I've also read her novel - Sister's Keeper - again each chapter is an alternating cast of characters telling the story. That was also an excellent book - the ending totally took me my surprise. Again a little controversial but definitely a great book.

Well i'm off to do some sewing - before going to lunch with a friend!! It's all alterations so not that much fun, but it does mean a little pocket money at the end of it, and I do have my eye on some very lovely fabric....

Cool Book Contest

2008-02-28T09:52:00.000-05:00

Every morning, along with my cup of coffee and after I've dropped children off at school (okay sometimes before), I sit down at the computer and Di's Book Blog is the first thing I open (maybe the 2nd as I do check email first!!). She's witty, irreverent, funny and makes me laugh with her musings on life and her book reviews. Of course I haven't agreed with all her reviews but that's okay - everyone's entitled to their opinion - i guess (LOL). On the flip side i've gleaned books on her site that I may not have otherwise come across taken a chance on - and for that - thank you Diane.

So anyways.... Di's Book Blog is holding a Oscarsschmoscars Book Contest. The giveaway is a copy of the new "My Soul to Keep" by Marianne Wells - even comes in a cool packaging. Go quickly - before Friday, Feb 29th and enter. Below is the link. While you're at it add her to your favourites - you won't regret it.

http://dibookblogetc.typepad.com/my_weblog/2008/02/oscars-schmosca.html

I wish you good luck - not too much though 'cause I really want to win too.

Too Long

2008-02-18T14:54:00.000-05:00

I know it's been far too long between posts but life is busy - i'd share of the photos of works in progress but on the VERY off chance that there are people in my community who read this - I can't. You see I've been working on the costumes for our high school play - "Little Shop of Horrors" - and of course I wouldn't want to spoil the surprise!!

Puppies are getting SO big. Bella (who was the littlest one has doubled in size I'm sure!!). Don't you love how she's sitting in the flower box?! I have to say that this year I will not have to worry about the soil in the flower pots being properly aerated... the puppies are looking after this for me! Aren't we the lucky ones?

By the way I was out and about today and what did I come across by hyacinths in full bloom and a flowering cherry tree!!!! Now I have noticed many shoots coming up in our garden but nothing like those hyacinths. AAHHH spring is in the air - gotta love it!!

Talk with you soon.

It's about time

2008-01-29T10:59:00.000-05:00

Well a considerably longer period of time has elapsed since my last post than I had originally planned on -but life happens and we go on with it. Part of the reason for the delay is these... 8 week old lab/retreiver puppies. Yes there are really two of them - you are not seeing double. We planned on getting one but they were in the kennel on their own - they are sisters - and truly the Daddy and kidlets convinced me that we couldn't leave one behind - because how were "we" going to choose which one to take and which one to leave..... can you hear the discussion??... please tell me that i'm not the only softee out there!!

So long story short - we now have two puppies that , I have to say, are pretty well behaved and thankfully sleep through the night. The one on the left is Izzy and the right Bella. I am very thankful that we have a big backyard and that the kitchen has a door we can close and room for a gate between the kitchen and dining room!! While I have the day duty, I have to admit that the children and Jan have been great about helping out when they are home - and while two sounds like more work than one - they really do entertain each other - YEAHHHH!!!

And still I've found time to work on a couple of sewing projects. Tasha and her friend were perusing my fabric stash and came upon some valentine fabric. This made them think that matching purses was a good idea!! I meant to take a photo of both - but of course the friend left with her's before I had a chance to - so here's a pic of Tasha's plus some little cloth baby shoes I've been making. Aren't they the cutest things?

I've also been working on a baby quilt. I'm almost finished piecing it together and then will come the task of quilting it. I'm feeling pretty confident though. A site that I peruse often and whose blog I read regularly www.bluemeadowdesigns.com have been showcasing some of their phenomenal quilts and i've been getting some pattern ideas from their quilts - though I have no illusions that mine will look anywhere near as professional as theirs!!! LOL I know that i could just meander through the whole quilt top but I'd like something different as the quilt sashings are white and about 5" wide.... maybe a cool zig zag?? a big swirl through the squares... ahh the possibilities are endless!!!

Gotta to my friends - laundry and sewing call - vaccuming is to - but i'm ignoring that call!!

Hectic Week

2008-01-12T15:10:00.000-05:00

Not that much to post these days. It's life as usual at our house - lots of swimming (3 meets and 3 practices in 1 week? YIKES), soccer practices and now we have basketball to fit in too.... ah the fun never ends! Next week we'll add an evening class for me - along with the above and it's on a night that Jan's not home.... you know you want to be here to experience this.... I know you do!!!!! LOL.

Nicholas' school had a talent show on Friday - very fun - and our little man was supposed to participate. He had this VERY funny "ventriloquist" comedy routine - even had a puppet named "Doodley"... a very cool looking dude. The children had to audition in front of their class and then the class voted on who should represent their class (only one act per class!!??). Nicholas was picked - over a dance routine and a vocal group. As it turns out though - he was asked to add a "message" to the end of his routine. He didn't think it fit in... didn't understand why when dance and vocal acts don't have "messages" why his should, so declined on the opportunity to perform. I guess they learn about creative expression early.

I've been busy working on some sewing projects - first my sewing area had to be re-organized - but now all has been put away and sorted and I look forward to sharing some projects with you soon.

All the best -

Christmas Remembered

2007-12-27T12:09:00.000-05:00

It was a great day filled with oohhhs and aahhhs and yeaaaas!!! Nicholas shared that "this Christmas was even better than last year - and that's a compliment!" when he had finished opening his presents. And to think that we felt that we had cut back in a big way this year!!!

Friends joined us for a deep-fried turkey, followed by much chatting, a couple of games of pool and a movie. It really was a lovely day.

The rest of the Christmas break was spent looking a little like this ---

a lot of sitting around, relaxing. We did go ice-skating one afternoon. The kids LOVED it. N and K had only been once or twice before and took to it like birds to water - N was even circling around (on purpose!). T was more cautious (shocking to hear I know!!) - but noone fell - unless tripped and they all are ready to go again. It's the coolest outdoor rink - right here in Currituck - and it's hugely popular. We'll have to get there again soon and this time I'll remember the camera! And no my friends - i did not attempt to skate - much to my children's dismay. Truly did not need that humiliation - can you just see it .... not pretty I can promise you!

New Year's Eve was fun. It started with just a couple of friends and grew.... doesn't it always! Everyone brought a little something to eat and we had a blast. Kids all got along (YEAHHH!!) and we all toasted 2008 in with champagne while watching the ball drop. It was a great way to start the year off - good friends, good times and much laughter..... our wish to all of you for 2008.

Until the next time.....

Christmas Reflections

2007-12-26T13:14:00.000-05:00

I made this pillow for Nicholas' teacher and it certainly reflects my sentiments. We must always try to find joy - in whatever we do. When we first started planning Christmas - months ago, the plan was to go to Toronto.... we were all very excited - looking forward to surrounding ourselves with family. Unfortunately our visa renewals didn't come in time and we weren't able to go - we were ALL very disappointed. But we invited friends to join us for Christmas dinner, had friends drop by for breakfast - followed by us dropping in on other friends for more breakfast!!, talked with family on the phone and enjoyed each others company and the balmy NC weather.

The days leading up the Christmas were particularly hectic. Since Jan was on vacation from work we both went to see Nicholas in his class play on Native Americans - very cute. Nicholas played the role of a Spaniard trying to initiate trade agreements with the Native Americans. Spears and bows and arrows were involved making for a very entertaining 1/2 hour!!

Sunday evening took us to Tasha's piano recital. It was wonderful. There were about 10 children participating - from the very beginner to the more accomplished. Tasha played "Jingle Bells" - a duet with her teacher (I am going to attempt to insert it into the blog!); "Christmas Eve Walz"; "Turkish March" by Mozart - a hugely difficult piece she has been working on for a year!! ; and as her finale "Believe" from the movie Polar Express.

Christmas Eve included much baking, wrapping and getting ready for Christmas Eve mass and Christmas Pageant. Nicholas (narrator) and Katrina (Mary)participated in the Christmas pageant and Tasha played piano (which she does regularly for the Episcopalian church on Sundays). It was a beautiful production followed by a wonderful service. Tasha played beautifully and Nicholas and Katrina performed well - we were so proud.

And so - while we weren't able to be with family in Toronto we were blessed with much joy this season - and look forward to the next time....

All about Christmas Day tomorrow! Love to all.

One more day of summer...

2007-12-13T15:57:00.000-05:00

Who says December equals cold temperatures. We hit a record high again yesterday (high 70s) and today way up in the 60s.... AAHH gotta love it. Unfortunately that midwest cold front will arrive here in the next couple of days, bringing the temperature down where it needs to be - Yuck! They're predicting a couple of days down in the 40s and even 30s and so I had to have a conversation with Nicholas this morning about having to wear long pants... it didn't go as I had planned - but then it rarely does... He proceeded to inform me that he had a streak going and wasn't going to break it just because of some cool weather. Yes he'd wear long sleeves - but NOT long pants!!! We negotiated - and finally I "won" at 35 degrees! That's when he has to wear long pants - wish me luck.

Tuesday I promised you that I'd bring the camera to the band concert - and I did. But unfortunately the photos did not come out clearly - definitely not worth posting. Sorry. Even took a video - but the sound doesn't do it justice.

Christmas cards are ready to go - YEAH me!! I'm loving going out to the mailbox these days as there is usually the promise of a Christmas card or even two. Decorations are almost all up. Baking started. A few presents hidden here and there. Tree just waiting for lights and ornaments (must be done before Sunday - company coming!). Life is good.

Summer in December

2007-12-11T17:31:00.001-05:00

Christmas cards have arrived, letter is just about ready to print, envelopes are addressed - see told y'all that they'd be in the mail by Friday!!

Yesterday we were reliving summer with our 78 degree weather!! (Can you believe it? In December?? Record temperature) Today was a little cooler (high 60s) and then back into the 70s tomorrow - YEAH!!!

To all that have visited and emailed me - thank you for your words of encouragement.

Tonight we're off to Tasha's Christmas Band Concert - too bad I wasn't doing this at her last concert - she had a solo and I could have shared that with you. No solos tonight (much to her delight!) but it should be fun. I promise to remember the camera - it's going in my purse right now! - and i'll post tomorrow.

Until then....

Christmas countdown

2007-12-10T11:01:00.000-05:00

Finally, the Christmas lights are up outside - y'all know how much fun that was don't you!!?? I even put garland all around the porch railings and since the sun was still out and all the children were home I thought to myself.... this could be the year that we send photo Christmas cards again (it's been 6-7 years!). Posted are a couple that we didn't pick.. ... you'll have to wait to see the one we did - really... I PROMISE ... Jan's picking them up from Sam's tomorrow and I'll have them in the mail by Friday - I've even started writing the letter -LOL.

It's been a busy weekend - Tasha's swam in a high school meet - they did really well - as did she. She swam her first 200 metre IM (individual medley - freestyle, breaststroke, backstroke and butterfly) and was thrilled with her time. So far it's been a successful season for them. Right now (thankfully) Nicholas and Katrina are not participating in any activities - we are enjoying the break as football was a HUGE part of our lives during the fall as were play practices! Basketball is around the corner...

Well back to decorating.... talk with you soon.

Definitely a Work in Progress

2007-11-26T13:04:00.000-05:00

Now that one of the girls has her own blog (you guess which one!) I thought it was definitely time for me to stop procrastinating about this project.... good Lord if she can why can't I!!! If my sister-in-law,with two small children, can find time - why can't I - priorities I guess. But now is my time to start on this.... please be patient with me.

My goal is to keep y'all up-to-date (in Annette time!) as to our adventures, our comings and goings and hopefully with current photographs of the children's activities. You never know - maybe even some of my daily musings, book reviews, current sewing/quilting projects, thoughts and whatever else I might feel like sharing. AHHH the power of freedom of speech and a wide open audience!!!

Talk to you soon. Enjoy the day.
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