Diannia's House

I don't know how to do a link!

2012-01-23T15:27:00.000-08:00

I joined a linking party but don't know how to show it on my blog so until I figure it out go to www.sewmanyways.blogspot.com and check it out! Ok, I'm off to see how to do this the right way!

Doll Clothes

2012-01-18T13:04:00.000-08:00

I've been very busy lately! I decided I'd try my hand at making clothing for the grand's 18" dolls. I had bought a book a year or 2 ago and put it away thinking I'd get back to it shortly...we all know how that goes right? Please tell me I'm not the only one that does this! Anyway, I've dug the book out, looked at tons of pictures on Pinterest and gotten started on a new addiction...called doll clothes. My 1st project was to take a top that Mia had outgrown and see if I could turn it into a dress for Brianna's Karito Kids doll, Mae Ling. (Karito Kids are beautiful dolls and just a tad bit taller and slimmer than American Girls or Madame Alexander dolls.) I knew I wanted to save the cute embroidery work on the front of the dress and the eyelet at the collar and hem. By trying the top on the doll I was happy to see that it was the perfect length for a long dress! I took a big breath and started by taking off the center strip of the top and laying it aside. Then I took the plunge and cut the top down the front center. Boy, that was scary! I sewed it back together as close to the embroidery as possible then using a seam ripper took out the sides and sleeves. I had to remove the front from the back and after doing that I cut the back in half. I fiddled around with how to put an opening down the back so the clothing would slip on and off easily. I figured it out but had to go back later and make the opening bigger. The front and back were made smaller by cutting them at the sides and the sleeves had to be cut down to fit in the smaller opening. This all took me about 3 evenings of working on it. I went to Joann's and found some cute silk flowers to put down the front of the dress. I took the center strip that I had first taken off the shirt and made a simple headband and used the rest of the silk flowers on it. I was so happy with how the dress turned out that I decided Mae Ling needed new socks and shoes too! I took a youth's pair of white anklets and created kneehighs and then crocheted a pair of black Mary Jane shoes. While it's not perfect in my eyes it is in Bri's and that's all that counts! The girls spent the night with me on Saturday and Bri's comment after I finished the shoes and we got the doll dressed..."Oh Nana, she's perfect"! And that dear friends is all it took for me to get hooked on making doll clothes for the girls!

Mae Ling's new shoes and socks...I made the shoe pattern up!

Mae Ling in her new outfit:

My mind is going to get me in trouble...

2012-01-06T15:27:00.000-08:00

Why is it that I can think of 100 things I'd like to make but just can't seem to find the time to do them??? Here are a few things I'd like to start working on: a donation quilt for a pet rescue, some doll clothes for the grandgirl's 18" dolls (both sewn and crocheted), a Civil War quilt for home, a R/W/B quilt for us, and some crocheted scarves for the homeless. I'm currently also working on 3 crocheted scarves for the Special Olympics and some quilting on my LA...not to mention I need to work on a couple of quilts for church as well as design one for a lady at church that just lost her husband. I'd pray for more hours in the day but God would probably just wake me up at 2:00 in the morning to give me the time I requested and I really don't do well on just 4 hrs of sleep a night. Hummm guess I better get my list organizer out and jot down some notes...

A Happy New Year

2012-01-05T14:30:00.000-08:00

Christmas is over and was wonderful! I'd love to post some pics of it but my phone died and I lost all of my Christmas pics! Tragic I tell ya!!! My beloved iPhone died just before Christmas so I got a replacement one. It didn't work right so I took it back and they said I had probably corrupted it w/my computer (I always did think that computer was a bit shady!) so they rebooted the phone which wiped out all my Christmas photos...and it STILL didn't fix the phone! Soooo, they gave me another phone and guess what...it had a DIFFERENT problem! I went back that same day and the guy looked at me like I was either crazy or trying to pull some sort of scam on him...yea right I'm the crazy blonde that just LOVES spending all her time circling the mall parking lot looking for a place to park then fighting the crowds to get into your store, shouldering my way back to the Genius Bar and hoping the 4th phone will work! Anyway he checked it out and found out I was neither crazy nor a scammer and gave me my 4th phone in 2 weeks. So far this one is working. Horray!!!

Like I said above Christmas was wonderful! The kids were all happy w/their gifts and hubby liked his too. I got a 24 hour virus on Christmas Eve but was feeling better by Christmas day. New Year's Eve was good too. DS#2 and family came over but not DS#1 or his family, they went to visit friends in the mountains. We still had fun and the girls both stayed up to midnight...little night owls! They sure had fun counting down to midnight and drinking apple cider to bring in the new year...settling down to go to bed afterwards not so much.

Cookie Count Down

2011-12-22T08:51:00.000-08:00

Well, I didn't get as many cookies made last night as I'd planned but I did get some done at least. I made these:

And boy are they good! Gingerbread cookies dipped in white chocolate with little holly candies on top! Today I'm going to try my hardest to finish up my cookie baking!

Best Laid Plans...

2011-12-21T09:03:00.000-08:00

What is that saying about best laid plans? Something about how they can change...yep my plans last night changed with one little phone call. I used to run a daycare in my home when my boys were little. There was one little girl, "C", who was with me from the time she was 2 1/2 until she was in 5th grade. Not only was she there during the day, she spent many evenings and weekends with us as well since her parents and me and my ex became best friends during that time as well. Anyway, fast forward to last night, "C" called to say she, her partner, and her daughter were in town on furlough from the Army and would I like to get together? Of course!!! They came by the house for about 1/2 hr then we went to dinner at Japanese Kitchen with her mom. Wonderful time!!!!! Then her mom and daughter came over to my house to visit the evening away. Just perfect! Cookie baking got put off until tonight...and if that doesn't happen there's always Costco cookies right???

Almost Christmas

2011-12-20T15:33:00.000-08:00

Well, we're in the final countdown to Christmas! It's been a very busy time at the house! I've been wrapping lots and lots of gifts for all the littles (and not so littles too), decorating, shopping and now I'm in the baking mode. I made some round Christmas cookies so I can make these:

And these:

And possibly these:

These are in my plans for tonight:

Along with these:

There are lots more I'd like to try and hope to get time for. All these photos can be found on Pinterest.com.

Happy baking!!!

Oh Christmas Tree! and other stuff

2011-11-29T15:04:00.000-08:00

Hi,

I got an email poke from a friend telling me I haven't blogged in a while...oops! I've been very busy! I finished making some Christmas presents, got Roman's quilt top completed, got the tree up and decorated, and started decorating the house, not to mention all the shopping I've been doing for Christmas presents for the littles! Here's a picture of our tree this year...very pretty even if I do say so myself!

I just love this tree. Andy and I got it the year we got engaged. We had so much fun picking out ornaments for it. We decorated it in blue, silver, white and clear ornaments. So many of the ornaments have a special memory attached to them.

Here's a picture of Roman's quilt top. It's a quick and easy pattern but turns out cute every time I make one.

I'd like to get it quilted this weekend but also have lots of Christmas gifts to wrap...decisions decisions!

GOD

2011-11-17T13:07:00.000-08:00

I got this as part of a message today in an email...just in case I forget God's awesomeness I copied this part of the email and am going to print it out and put it on my desk:

I am God, the only God you've had or ever will have— incomparable, irreplaceable—From the very beginning telling you what the ending will be, All along letting you in on what is going to happen, ASSURING YOU, 'I'm in this for the long haul, I'll do exactly what I set out to do,' I've said it, and I'll most certainly do it. I've planned it, so it's as good as done."

This is your God! He will bring evil to an end, and He will take care of you! He is in this journey for the long haul!

Counter

2011-11-16T14:21:00.000-08:00

Someone mentioned I need to add a counter to my blog...to bad she didn't mention HOW to do that!!!

I had a wonderful evening last night visiting with 2 quilting friends. Sandra had accidentally stitched through her finger so she wasn't able to do any work but came to keep me and Cheryl company anyway. Cheryl brought at least 3 projects to work on and seemed to get a lot done even though I gabbed her ear off! Oh and she brought over bunches of cool stuff...scrapbooking supplies and magazines, rick rack, cross stitch kits, and tons of all-occasion cards! It felt like Christmas! She was making the cutest ornaments for a swap. I'd tell you about them but they may be a surprise so I'd better not...yet.

New Day

2011-11-09T15:42:00.000-08:00

Today is a new day. I may get down but I refuse to stay there. My God is greater than anything I could ever go through. When I have my down times I usually allow myself a day or so to acknowledge my problem, wallow in it, then it's time to get over it. Today is the day to get over it. I have no control over others...only in how I react to them! I am a daughter of the most high God and therefore am blessed beyond imagination! I read someplace that if a mountain was smooth there would be no place for your hands and feet to hold onto!

Bone Weary

2011-11-08T13:10:00.000-08:00

Have you ever heard that phrase? I don't think I made it up...or did I? Either way, that's how I feel today. Tired to my core...tired in my soul...bone weary. I don't want to feel this way but sometimes it just happens, sometimes there are good reasons and sometimes fear just takes ahold and settles in until all that's left is bone weary. Mine didn't just happen today and while there are reasons for it I think mine is from fear today...time to pray away my fears. Fears are not from God. I thought I needed Ibuphrophin for my headache. I think I just need to spend more time on my knees in prayer today.

On another note...Saturday is my stepson Colton's 22 birthday. We won't be celebrating it with him since he's celebrating with Jesus...someday we will though. That's a comforting thought. I sure do miss that kid. Depression is a nasty disease and it took him much too young. If someone in your life suffers from depression please don't take it lightly. We miss you Colton and love you so much.

Colton was so excited to get his iPod for Christmas that year!

After Photo as Promised

2011-11-04T13:26:00.000-07:00

Ta Da! Here is the after photo as promised!

After

I also took a gold pen and drew lines like sewing on the "cut" side. It's now on the wall along with a scissors and a fake thimble.

Crafting

2011-11-04T12:56:00.000-07:00

A couple of weekends ago I went strolling around Joann's and found a really cute sign for the sewing room. It said SEW/CUTE. Well it was cute but I thought it would be cuter if it said SEW/CUT. Low and behold there was one laying there that had the "e" broken off! It was marked 50% off! There was also a sign saying that all of them were 50% off so I went to the register and asked if that meant it was 50% off of 50% and the guy said yes!!! Be still my heart! I got the sign for $3.25!!!! Took that little cutie home and used an emery board to sand the cut, grabbed a black Sharpie pen and colored it over and started gluegunning buttons all over the SEW part of it. I wasn't sure what I wanted to do to the CUT part but felt that buttons on there would be too much. By the next evening I'd gotten the idea to Modge Podge some fabric on it like a crazy quilt...oh and paint the / grey since it was supposed to be a needle. Off to the store I went for the MP and grey paint. Here are before and after pics.

Before

I'll post a pic of it finished as soon as it arrives in my email.

Yardsale finds

2011-10-14T12:25:00.000-07:00

I went yardsaling last weekend with a new buddy of mine and we had a blast. You can find her at her wonderful blog: http://cheryl-comfort.blogspot.com/. She's a very talented artist and even has her very own Etsy shop! Anyway, we hit up some great sales and I came away with lots of good stuff that I prefer to call "treasures". Hubby on the other hand calls most of it "junk". He told me recently that we need some pillowcases for the extra pillows in the 5th wheel. He said he'd looked for some at the store but they were not cheap. I said well check out WalMart...that WAS where he'd looked. I said I could look at yardsales and he said good idea! Then he looked kind of funny and asked it those words really came out of his mouth! Busted me up!!! Enough about that...here's some pictures of a few of my best finds:

Isn't this a gorgeous lampshade? It's the prettiest pale pink. It was on a metal cream colored lamp and I got them both for just $7! I felt the lamp was too short for the shade so I used the lamp with the shade in the next picture. Until I can find the perfect lamp this beauty of a shade is glaming up a cheapie standing lamp.

Here's a picture of the lamp with a different shade on it. Perfect together right? I got this shade at an estate sale a couple of weeks ago and think I paid $5 for it. I picked up the 2 little lamp ornaments for just 50 cents each. This is not where they are going to stay but a good temprary spot for now. I also found not 1 but 2 sets of pillowcases. I paid $1 for a pair that have cute embroidery work and cutouts on them. I paid 25 cents for a plain ivory set. That's the set going to the 5th wheel. I found lots of baby clothes for the 2 grandboys and a bed toy too. I also got a few pieces of costume jewelry, 4 laundry baskets, and some yarn for next to nothing! I love to hit those yardsales!

I can't believe I've been so dumb!

2011-09-23T14:39:00.000-07:00

Guess what I just figured out...I can take a picture on my phone and email it to myself then save it to my computer and then post it on my blog! Ok so I know I could also just sync my phone to my computer but I can't do that to my work computer and I like to blog during my lunchbreak but always wish I had photos to blog about and well it's only taken me what 3 years to figure this out??? Talk about having a blonde moment! So without further ado I present to you my beautiful Princess with her new haircut (Don't laugh it hurts her feelings).

So now can someone please tell me why Blogspot turned my photo???? Drats!

It's soooo hot outside

2011-06-22T13:30:00.000-07:00

Well, we went straight from winter weather (rain) to middle of August type summer...HOT! It's supposed to be over 100 today and tomorrow! I work inside so it's nice and cool but when I go outside it's like walking into a furnace! We got solar rings to put on the pool to heat the water...just in time for us to not need them :). The littles have been enjoying the pool for a week or so. I think today may be the 1st time I take a dip in it.

VBS is officially over for another year. It was just awesome. The kids are so cute as they come through the line for their dinner. I think this is my favorite activity that I do on the Fellowship Committee.

I've decided to start listing things I'm grateful for...at least 5 a day.

1. Being saved by God-how wonderful it is to know that I am a Princess of the most high King!
2. My relationsip with Jesus-not where it should be but growing
3. My husband-not always easy but I love him still
4. My kids-ALL 4 of them (miss you Colton)
5. My grandkids-we now have 8!

I'm here again

2011-06-16T09:38:00.000-07:00

Well, I'm here again. This makes 2 days in a row. Definitely some sort of record for me!

We are having Vacation Bible School every evening this week. I'm in charge of the evening meals. It is sooo much fun! I have wonderful helpers, including my awesome in-laws...thanks mom and dad! Meals are easy but we try to do healthy too. Not so sure nachos and corn dogs are the healthiest things to have but we include veggies and fruit too so the squirts get some good stuff. Tonight it's nachos and fruit. Tomorrow night we will order pizza...yummy and then we can say another successful week!

Hi

2011-06-15T10:30:00.000-07:00

Hi,

I'm not even going to apologize or explain why I've been gone for so long...I'm back though. I've been on a long hard road and I'm still on it but feel I need to start blogging again. Life goes on whether we want it to sometimes or not!

We have added 2 new grandson's to our lives...that makes 5 granddaughters and 3 grandsons now! I sure hope the kids stop for a while! I love my grands but "8 is enough"...

I lost a very dear friend to breast cancer recently. I never met her in person but look forward to doing so in Heaven someday. She will be missed here on earth...enjoy Heaven JanM!!!

Not much else I want to say right now but found this wonderful quote I wanted to share:

Rest is an act of trust. It says, "I'm not the One who keeps the world running. I am not God."

Tim Keller

Is that awesome or what...that's where I am right now...resting and trusting...

Diannia

Another week

2010-09-10T14:53:00.000-07:00

Well, another week has come and gone. Time sure is flying by! The weather has been cooling off. I think it is supposed to be in the low 90's tomorrow. Our church is having a carnival from 12-3 in the afternoon and Sugarbear and I volunteered to serve soft serve ice cream AND slushies....what were we thinking! I have a feeling I'm going to be looking for helpers! We are also moving into a hotel tonight for 1 week. Back in July the water dispenser line on our refrigerator sprung a leak. We didn't find out about it for several days and possibly weeks since the water leaked under the Pergo flooring and saturated underneath it. We didn't notice it until the Pergo started warping. Looked like a little thing. Well, let me tell you it's not! The old linoleum was still under the Pergo and partical board was under all of that. The partical board is warping and in order to remove it the linoleum (and glue) will have to be disturbed and guess what's in the glue...asbestos! Soooo, we move out for 1 week while the abatement team comes in and removes the linoleum and underlayment in both our kitchen and family room, then the installers come in and install carpet in the family room and a new vinyl linoleum in the kitchen. I can hardly wait! I have some before pics and will post them when I have the after pics to show too...

We Went Camping!

2010-09-08T14:32:00.000-07:00

You heard me right...we went camping this past weekend for the 1st time! Sugarbear and I bought a "new to us" truck and 5th wheel recently (like just last week). You should have seen me and DS#1 trying to get everything bought and packed in just a few days. SB and I had gone shopping over the weekend to get kitchen stuff and I'd already started pulling some things from home that I already had but it was still a lot to get ready in a short amount of time but we did it! We pulled out of town around 1:00 on Friday and headed up to Oakhurst for a long weekend. Some good friends from church went too along with DS#1 & family, DS#2 & family, DD & family and DF's DS#2 & family. Altogether we had 20 people spread out over 3 campsites. It was really hot there during the daytime but cooled down nicely at night. We learned several things...like there is a vent ON the air conditioner as well as some in the ceiling, and the bed is waaaayyy tooooo hard but all in all had just a wonderful time! We are hoping to create lots of fun memories for the kids and grandkids! We're already thinking about our next trip in a couple of weeks (to the coast this time).

New Do

2010-08-25T09:14:00.000-07:00

I got my hair cut and colored last night and I likey! It doesn't look as short in person as it does in this picture...what I want to know is when did I get so old???

DS#1 and DGF got an ultrasound done yesterday and it's a BOY! Yea! We now have 5 granddaughters, 1 grandson, 1 grandson on the way, and 1 identity still unknown on the way! Man is Christmas ever gonna be expensive!

I'm still alive!

2010-08-20T16:20:00.000-07:00

I can't believe it's been 4 months since I last posted! Where has the time gone? Lots has happened in the past 4 months that's for sure!

Let's see for starters DS#1 is engaged and they are expecting a baby in January. His fiancee has a little girl that just turned 5 so she is #6 on our grandchildren list. She started Kindergarden on Monday and loves it...so far. They will hopefully find out what our #7 will be next Tuesday.

Here's another headliner for you...DS#2 and DGF broke up. He has a new DGF and they are moving in together...that's right after 5 years DS is moving out of our house! I know it's time but I sure do miss those little girls at bedtime...of course they spend about 1/2 of their time at our house still and we have both of their bedrooms set up for them so while it will take a bit of getting used to it'll all work out. Bri started Kindergarden on Monday too and is loving it too. She comes home each day and shows me what new signs her teacher has taught them. She's going to be either an interpreter or DE teacher when she grows up I just know it! Mia continues to grow like a little weed. Can you believe she's almost 3? She's doing pretty good on the potty training, as long as DS doesn't put her in pull-ups...they are just too much like a diaper and she pees & poops in them instead. She's is talking up a storm and saying things that surprise us on a daily basis. Oh and DS#2 told me 2 nights ago that he and DGF are execting a baby...yep it's true...that will make #8...and all ages 5 and under!

Baby Matthew turned 1 last weekend. They didn't have a big party for him so we will give him his present the next time we see them.

I took the month of July off from work and it was GLORIOUS! The 1st week I was off I was running around trying to get everything done from sunup to sundown until DS#2 reminded me that I was under orders from Sugarbear to enjoy myself and that I should slow down and "pace" myself. The 2nd week I still got things done but at a slower pace. The 3rd week Sugarbear was on vacation too. On that Monday we discovered the water line to the refrigerator had been leaking and called the insurance company. My kitchen has now been torn apart for 1 month and we're still trying to come to an agreement on what repairs and costs will be. The beginning of the 4th week I finally settled into a nice flow but then on Thursday it hit me that I was going back to work and I'd better get busy getting all those things I still wanted to do done! The frenzy was back on!!! I've been back to work 3 weeks now and sure miss staying at home. While I was there I managed to get 2 quilts all quilted and the binding on. I also took the little girls to visit their cousins up in Turlock (they moved from Modesto a few months ago). We had a most wonderful day! We decorated picture frames and sunvisors, had a dress-up tea party and then they went swimming in the little pool. I took home 2 very tired little girls that's for sure.

Sugarbear is busy opening a new store but should be home tomorrow for a day or so. He's such a sweetie...he's promised me a new Long Arm quilting machine! I'm busy researching all the ones that are near us. I want my service rep to be as local as possible. We're moving SB's office out of my sewing room and into DS#2's old bedroom, getting new carpet for the sewing room and painting. Once all that is done I'm hoping to have room to set up the LA in there instead of the garage. We bought a Barrister bookcase for me to store all my fabrics in and I can hardly wait to get it in the room.

I guess I better get going but I promise to try to get back sooner...and post some pics next time!

Lots of catching up to do!

2010-04-08T15:48:00.000-07:00

Easter break was wonderful and a Godsend! I got to spend 1 1/2 glorious days with my Modesto kiddos. I really needed that time to bond more with them. Sugar Bear had to leave out 1st thing Monday morning but had some free nights at the hotel so not only did I get bonding time I got ME time as well! WONDERFUL! Came back home Tuesday evening and spent Wednesday shopping for the church Easter Sonrise Breakfast and then taking that and all the quilting stuff down to the church. Thursday was house cleaning day. I got up bright and early and started on the living room and kitchen. DS#2's DGF got up and helped me tremendously! After our cleaning spree we went out for a nice lunch at my favorite Chinese restaurant then came back home and I got a little quilting time in before starting dinner. I had no plans for Friday except to take the tax paperwork back to the accountants. Afterwards I decided to ride to Tulare with Sugar Bear. He had to work and I got to play! I went over to my DQF's house and we took off shopping. We managed to find some nursing fabric so I can make my DSIL a new purse (she's in a nursing program). I was really excited to find the fabric let me tell you! We stopped off on the way home for a nice steak dinner then spent the evening with the little girls. Saturday was WI at Weight Watchers. I weighed exactly the same as last week. SB wanted to know how I stood on the scale and held my breath to manage that feat...haha. We had the little girls for the afternoon and most of the evening. Spent some time at the church for the annual Easter Egg Hunt...boy did they have lots of eggs! Got up bright and early on Sunday and spent the morning in service to our Lord and church family. We cooked, served and cleaned up the Sonrise Breakfast for around 75 people. Then we served donuts after that! Came home and spent the rest of the afternoon resting. I watched a new movie with Bri before she and sissy left with their daddy to another Easter get together. Monday I spent the day at home cleaning and getting ready for the week. I had been given a pattern for dresses for the little girls. Now remember I'm a quilter...not a seamstress...so these dresses are SIMPLE! On the same principle as the cute little pillowcase dresses that are out there in blogland except out of fabric. I have 1 completed and 1 ready to hem. I see me making lots more of these in my near future! I've also been crocheting beads into the edging of socks for the little girls. Those work up really fast! Bri loved her dress and socks. Mia will get hers tonight when I finish the hem. What a great time off I had...wish it could have been longer!

We had our first official Prayers & Squares meeting this past Tuesday evening. It went very well! There were several ladies there and we got lots of things accomplished! We had been given 5 quilts that were already completed and tied. We needed the ties to be untied and with 5 people working on it we were able to complete the task in record time! After that we got busy and put the ties in 3 more quilts and then sandwiched and pinned 1 more! We were able to come up with 3 things we want to work on during our next time together as well. During all of that we fellowshiped and got to know each other better. What a wonderful time I had!

Well, it's time to get busy...I'll write more soon!

Spring Break

2010-03-26T10:19:00.000-07:00

It's almost spring break time! I'm so excited I can hardly stand myself. For the 1st time in a very long time I'll be getting the week of spring break off! A week plus 1 day to be home and do whatever my heart desires. Ok, so I have more to do than just what my heart desires but that's ok too. I think I'm going to go visit the out of town kiddos for a day or two. I need to shop for the Easter breakfast at church then go put all the goodies away. I will also spend time taking my sewing items to the church for storage for our Prayers & Squares group meetings. On the Monday following Easter I plan on going to Tulare to visit with my quilting friend. That still leave 2-3 days to do stuff around the house and sew! I think I may take Bri and Mia to the zoo or playland one afternoon as well. I think I just filled my week up without even trying!

I've been busy!

2010-03-24T16:25:00.000-07:00

I've been playing around in blogland and found out how to change my background! How do you like it?

I've also been busy at home making little stuffed doggies for 4 little girl's Easter baskets. I'll post a picture when they are all done.

Getting closer to Prayers & Squares

2010-03-22T12:51:00.000-07:00

I'm finally getting closer to officially starting the Prayers & Squares ministry at church. It's taken me longer than I had originally planned but it is coming together. I'd like to have 20 or so quilts ready when we announce it at church so that we won't be scrambling to complete any as they are requested. Here's what I have going so far:

15 or so tops in various stages of completeness (is that a word?)
1 friend helping me by sandwiching and do light quilting on several tops (thanks Cherii)
1 evening each month on the calendar at church dedicated to P&S
2 people interested in coming each month to help
a shelf at church to store quilting supplies and quilts waiting to be given out
2 sewing machines for people to use
various supplies to keep at the church instead of hauling them back and forth
10 yds of batting
1 bolt of muslin for backings

Here's what we still need:
2 sets of risers for raising the tables for pinning
fabric
batting

All in all I think we're off to a good start!

Things I have learned...

2010-03-10T16:32:00.000-08:00

Things I have learned...

The more people that go to the grocery store with you the more “stuff” you buy.

Chocolate really does make a person feel better.

If you have cable TV your child can watch either Dora or Spongebob 24 hours straight…if you let them.

If you burn just 1 kernel of popcorn it’ll make the whole house stink.

Men wish women would never change.

Twenty-four hours in a day doesn’t always seem like enough but it’s all we get so we should make the most of each day.

Words once spoken can’t be taken back.

Nobody on earth loves you like your Grandma.

Grandkids are God’s way of making up for all you went through with your kids.

Hearts don’t divide with more kids to love…they just grow bigger.

Women wish they could change men.

Dogs will drink out of the toilet bowl every time they get a chance…even if their water bowl is clean and full.

Marriage is better if God is in it.

Jesus didn’t come for the righteous…He came for the sinners.

2010-02-22T14:06:00.000-08:00

Hi There! It's been another wacky month at our house! The girls are now staying with their mom 3 nights a week and that has certainly been an adjustment for me! It's soooo quiet when they are not at home! I'm sure I'll get used to it eventually but for now I'm a bit discombobulated! What you've never heard that word before?

Let's see what else has been going on....hmmmm...oh yea I've started using 2 of the evenings they are gone to work on the Prayers & Squares ministry. It's going well. My goal is to have 20 quilts ready for prayers to be added before announcing that it's up and going. I also want to have several hundred 2 1/2" squares for single prayers ready to hand out at the same time. I now have a little over 1/2 the tops done. Tonight I'll work on the 2 1/2" squares while watching Antique Roadshow. Anyone else like that show?

I have a new quilting friend! She moved back to CA last fall from OK. She lives about 40 minutes from me. I go to church with her father-in-law. We are new BFFs! I invited myself to her house last Monday and we hit it off big time. Then yesterday we went to a quiltshow about 1 1/2 hrs from my house...another great day! She compared us to 2 pieces of a puzzle...we both like different things (I like scrappy and 30's and she likes bold and bright) but just like a puzzle we still "fit"! She's also helping me with doing up some of the Prayers & Squares stuff.

DS#1 has moved back home for the time being. Our house runneth over w/love and people! If he stays for very long we are going to finish off the garage earlier than we had planned so he can stay out there...with my quilting machine of course! When we bought this 4 bedroom, 2 bath, living room, family room house I thought it was plenty big...I think I may need to rethink that thought!

2010-01-20T14:51:00.001-08:00

Hi everybody! I know, I know 2 months since I last posted. The holidays were wonderful but a bit weird. Thanksgiving was very different. My mother-in-law got sick at the last minute and dinner was moved to our house. Then my brother-in-law called and said he was sick and his wife was working. The other brother-in-law came over after we'd eaten dinner so it was just me and my family. Nice but weird! We got to spend a terrific Saturday before Christmas with our daughter and her family. We ladies decorated Christmas cookies with the little girls and had a blast! The out-of-town girls got to open their presents that evening before heading home. Bri and Mia got to open 1 present each too. Christmas was good. Everyone had a nice day. We even got some relaxation in. After Christmas I came down with a sinus infection. Then when that started clearing up I got some sort of virus, sore throat, fever, mouth and tongue sores, not to mention swollen and very painful gums! After a week of that I ended up at urgent care and was told I had pnemonia so I was down for another week! Needless to say I didn't get any sewing time in and when I started feeling better and wanted to sew I found out I had a problem with my machine! I sent it in for repairs and a good servicing and found out that back in November when I bought a new 1/4" foot the guy had sold me the wrong one for my machine. Oh well, it needed servicing anyway. I got it home again on Monday and finished making 12 disappearing 9-patch blocks for a baby quilt.

Before I run out of time let me tell about the newest grandbaby to join our family. My youngest DS has a new girlfriend. She was PG before they started dating and just had her baby...a little girl named Lilyn Rose. Some children come to us by blood and some come by love...I take um any way God sees fit to give um! She's absolutely beautiful! Lots of coal black hair and dark brown eyes. She's gonna be a looker when she grows up!

Ok gotta scoot. I'll try to be better about posting!

It's Friday!

2009-11-13T12:51:00.000-08:00

Yea for Friday! This week has been a bit strange with having Veteran's Day on Wednesday. We get it off from work so I went to Modesto to see the kiddos there. Got to spend some time lovin on that new grandson of ours. He sure is a cutie and for now his hair is a beautiful strawberry blonde. His mommy said the new hair coming in is white blonde so I doubt the reds will be there forever. The twins were spending the night at their aunt's so I didn't get to spend much time with them but that's ok...I got to bond with "the boy" and spend time with my stepdaughter.

Yesterday was Colton's birthday. He would have been 20. Happy birthday son! We sure do miss you!

Happy Monday

2009-11-09T15:41:00.000-08:00

Hi! Just a quick drop in to say hello. We had the girl's birthday party over the weekend and while we didn't have as many come as we had expected, it did turn out very nice. Here's a picture of the cupcake tower we made. Bri sure had fun helping decorate them! You should have seen her face when she realized the Barbie dollhouse box really had a dollhouse in it instead of Papa's office work like we'd been telling her (it's hard to hide the box when the covering keeps slipping off the thing). We got Mia a little dollhouse and she plays with it too (mostly carries around the pieces). Bri has spent hours already with her Barbies and their house. Now she wants a Barbie camper to go along with it all. I told her to ask for it for Christmas and see what happens. I just can't believe these girls are 4 and 2 now! Where has the time gone? Here's a picture of the girls having fun in the bounce house too:

They were definitely tired that night!

I guess I better run. Time to head out to the grocery store for some much needed restocking!

2009-11-03T15:08:00.000-08:00

Well hi! How are you doing? Come on in and sit a spell! The weather here is a beautiful 80ish degrees and the sun is shining. Fall is definitely in the air as our nights cool down and the days are a very comfortable "warm".

We've been hit with a flu bug at our house but I think we're all on the mend now. DS#2 and I both were sick last week. I ended up taking the full week off work as it turned into a nasty case of bronchitis. I'm happy to say that for the most parts the drugs the dr. gave me are working. I'm still having problems sleeping because of the cough and will go visit my primary dr. on Thursday and hopefully get something to help me sleep. The girls have a bit of a cough but Children's Tylenol for Colds seems to be doing the trick for them.

Speaking of trick...we sure had us some fun on Halloween night! We took the girls and worked at our chruch's Trunk or Treat. They had a blast! Their mom came and took them for the rest of the evening and overnight so we had some quiet time after the big evening.

Because I was sick I haven't gotten much sewing time in lately. I feel like I'm behind on it and have to keep reminding myself it's for fun...not a job! I do need to quilt a little baby quilt for a DF's grandbaby to be. I have a certain someone's Christmas quilt top made and just need to get it quilted as well. I have been knitting fingerless gloves for Christmas presents and have 2 pairs done so far. I keep thinking of people I'd like to make these for but am not sure I have time to get them all made. I may try doing one up with crochet and see if I like it as well since I'm much faster crocheting.

The pets are doing ok. Sophie is now out of heat and still a "virgin"...yea! The dogs are very happy they can play and sleep together again. Not so sure the neighbors are glad they are together cuz they bark more when there are 2 of them. The cats are starting to get along a littttle bit. Lucee is tolerating Princess...sometimes....when it's convenient to Lucee (isn't that just like a Siamese cat?). Lucee loves to start the interaction but doesn't appreciate it when Princess does. I did catch them playing the other day. The kitten was under the footstool and swatting at Lucee and Lucee was trying her darnedest to get at that kitten. Ok so the kitten was playing and Lucee was probably ticked off as usual...it's a start right?

I'd like to take a second and say hi to my friend JANM and her furbaby Miss Molly. Miss Molly is not feeling well (kidney failure) and JANM is doing everything humanly possible to make Miss Molly's days as comfortable as possible for her. JANM you are the bestest furbaby mommy there is and you are all in my prayers during this time. Love ya sista!

Until next time...in Christ's love,

Diannia

2009-10-21T15:08:00.000-07:00

Hi! Sorry it's been almost a month since I last blogged! Let's see if I can catch you up on the to-do's at our house:

Princess is settling in just fine. Bri has stopped crying everytime the kitten wants her to stop holding her. Mia on the other hand is trying to pick her up ALL THE TIME. She does pretty good but we have to watch real close because sometimes she gets her a bit too high (think around the neck). We did have to take Lil' Man (male Sheltie) to the vets a couple of weeks ago with a scratch on his eye. The vet thought the kitten probably did it. She won't fess up to it and we can't prove it sooo... Lucee is tolerating Princess a little bit...not much. Princess thinks her place to lay is on my shoulder and she doesn't mind one bit that she is scratching me getting there...I on the other hand mind quite a bit!

Speaking of pets...Sophie is in heat...yuck! She's spending her time either in the backyard or the garage and Lil' Man is either in the house or backyard. They can't understand why they can't be together and neither can Bri & Mia. They keep wanting to put the dogs together. Mia has found the dog treats in the pantry and made it her personal mission in life to make sure they get them...alot of them...like the whole box if we don't watch her. Of course the dogs like her line of thinking just fine.

Disneyland was a HUGE success! We had so much fun! 1 day was not enough so we're planning to do it again next year only take the rest of the crew next time. We (meaning I) will do some research to see if we (meaning alot of us) will be going to Disneyland here in CA or Disneyworld in FL. I think I'll (meaning me) will start looking into this after the holidays.

I've been busy on the quilting front. I've given away 2 baby quilts and some burp cloths lately. I have several more baby quilts to make between now and January. I've also started working on the Prayers & Squares ministry at our church. I've got several flimsies done (quilt tops) and would like to have 20 done before the first of the year...not sure it'll happen but hoping by the beginning of Febuary.

We've started doing our furlough days at work and I'm loving the time off. Sure wish it could be full time!

The girl's birthdays are coming up. We'll celebrate them both on November 7th. A "My Little Pony" theme with a bounce house and cupcakes are being planned even as I type. I can't believe Bri will be 4 and Mia will be 2...where has the time gone?

Oh the church front we will be participating in the 2nd (or is it 3rd) annual Trunk or Treat on Halloween. We are also heading up the annual Thanksgiving Dinner. I think this is our 3rd or 4th year to be in charge of it. We have a new pastor and he has a "6 week prior to event" plan that I'm trying to follow. All the stuff I normally do just put down on a weekly countdown.

That's it for now. Guess I better run!

New Additions

2009-09-25T11:31:00.000-07:00

Well, we did it...sort of. Oh we got a kitten all right...just not the one I went to get. Bri went with me and fell in love with the little girl kitten and the kitten took a shine to Bri too so that's the one we got. Here's a pic of our new little cutie. Bri said her name is Princess. Isn't she adorable? I sure hope she gets along with the pups. I'm pretty sure Lucee will never like her. Lucee doesn't like much of anything.

Me and Sugarbear both have a headcold. We caught it from DS#2. Thanks! I'm just glad the girls haven't caught it yet. We're heading for Disneyland tonight. We'll go in tomorrow and then head back home on Sunday and go pick up Princess when we get home. Wish us fun!

What's on my mind

2009-09-23T12:21:00.001-07:00

Hi,

I'm thinking about getting a new kitten. There I've said it. We've been talking about it for several months...maybe even a year or so. Sugarbear was going to get me one for my birthday but I want a Ragdoll kitten and I just can't see spending $600 on a kitten right now. Plus we just got the 2 puppies this last year and they aren't even a year old yet and are making us crazy with their barking in the backyard and bugging a certain grumpy neighbor. Add in 2 little girls that love lots of attention and 1 older, less than friendly Siamese cat and where would a kitten fit I ask you? The answer is...right in my heart. Bri asked for a kitten the other night...then added "for my birthday" and I was a goner. I went online to our local newspaper and lo and behold a lady is selling Ragdolls! They are being sold for $300 instead of $600 since she's not going to register them. I haven't seen them yet but she sent me pics and I'll post the one I'm thinking about getting. She does have another litter that will be ready closer to Christmas that will also be $300. I'm sooo sunk...what in the world am I doing? It's sooo cute!

Between Naps on the Porch: Welcome to the Porch!

2009-09-18T14:30:00.000-07:00

Between Naps on the Porch: Welcome to the Porch!

I've been a very bad girl!

2009-09-18T14:12:00.000-07:00

No, I haven't done anything illegal! I just haven't posted in ages! I really thought that things would slow down over the summer but boy was I wrong!!! Where do I start? Let's see, I've dropped out of Binky Patrol in order to focus on starting a Prayers and Squares group at my church. I've been praying about this since the beginning of the year and really feel this is where God is leading me. I'm going to see if I can hook up with the P&S website on my sidebar. I haven't done that in a while and have forgotten how...I've been busy trying to create a stash of quilt tops for when we make the announcement that P&S's is going. I have a feeling we may have several that want quilts right away. I found some blocks at an estate sale and am putting them together for one. I also had 2 ladies send me some PIGS and have finished the tops from them. I have a scrappy top about 1/3 the way finished too. I'd like to have 10-15 ready before the beginning of the year but need to pray about it more and see what God thinks...after all it's not up to me!

I've been busy quilting, knitting dishcloths, and doing embroidery as well. I've started a memory quilt to honor my wonderful stepson. I have it sandwiched but when I started to do a practice piece before quilting it realized I didn't have the right kind of thread. My machine seems to love Guttermann for quilting. Weird huh? Anyway, I went to get the thread and Joann's was having a thread sell so they were out of black. I finally got it this past week so I can get back to C's quilt soon. But first I need to quilt a baby shower gift for the beginning of October. I'd also like to start on a Christmas quilt for a certain DSIL who shall remain nameless but has asked for one.

The little girls are doing fine. We're taking my 2 DS's, their GF's and DS#2's litttle girls to Disneyland next weekend. This is Bri's reward for potty training. We will be having breakfast with Lilo and Stitch and friends. I sure hope the girls don't clam up and get scared.

Are you ready for some big GREAT news? We're grandparents again! Sugarbear's daughter had her son...that's right our first grandson! He's adorable. Unfortunately, I forgot my camera when we went to see him...see yet another bad thing I did. I promise to make up for it next time though.

I'm gonna run and see if I can play around with my sidebar now...I promise to do better and come back sooner!

2009-06-12T14:15:00.000-07:00

Hello everyone. Sorry I haven't been around lately. Just needed to get my head on straight and breath for a while. Not sure where to go after my last post. Sugarbear and I are back to work. In fact he had to open a new store already. That kept him from home for 1 1/2 weeks. He just got back this past Wednesday. He's very tired. DD and family are coming in for a short visit today. They will be there by the time I get home. I can't wait to hug those little twinsies! Bri calls them the Dacies (their names are Gracie and Macie). She's finally getting big enough to say their names but never gets the right name w/the right girl...of course I have the same problem! Speaking of Bri-she and Mia both have colds right now. Bri is heading to the Grand Canyon this Sunday for a whole week w/her other grandparents. I have a feeling she's going to pitch a fit every night cuz her daddy won't be there. She is quite the daddy's girl. Mia is staying home unless her mom decides to go too. It's just too much for the other grandma to handle them both plus the cousins for a week. Can't say as I blame her. These 2 little girls are a handful!

On the quilting front-I started and finished a scrappy quilt top right after C left us. I wanted to sew but just couldn't be bothered w/thinking and planning something. I also made a strippy puppy quilt w/matching pillow and burp cloths for a baby shower at work this coming Monday. I really like how it turned out and the pattern will be my "go to" pattern for baby showers for a while! Sugarbear and I went out and bought fabrics to make a C wallhanging. All the fabrics represent something that made us think of him...bikes, spiderwebs, music notes and doves (they released 1 at his funeral). Anyway others might not think the fabrics go together but we know better...I plan on using a t-shirt picture of him in the middle of the wallhanging.

We're leaving for vacation in just 1 short week. I'd like to get a few little gifts made before leaving. It'll depend on if Mia cooperates and goes to bed at night on time!

Well, that's about it for now...sorry no pics today.

2009-05-27T08:13:00.000-07:00

I haven't blogged in awhile. We had a tragedy in our family. On May 14th my wonderful 19 yr old stepson passed away. For whatever reason he decided that living was harder than dying and so took his life. He left no note. We miss him terribly. We take comfort in knowing he was saved and so is with our Heavenly Father. If you feel led, please pray for the family. His sister and brother-in-law as well as his parents are devistated.

2009-05-12T12:57:00.001-07:00

Well, I survived the weekend! It was great! I was down 1.8 at weigh in at Weight Watchers...woohoo! So was Sugar Bear which is good because if he doesn't loose then he becomes Grumpy Bear! I got 2 BOM's done so at least I'm caught up through May now. I really like doing them so I'm not quite sure why I put them off all the time. I'm now trying to decide how to do a puppy panel quilt for lady at work that's having a boy and doing his room in puppies. The blocks are cute but there are 6 of them and 3 different sizes so it's kind of hard to lay them out. Maybe it's because I haven't had much experience at creative designing yet. Oh well, I have them on the design wall and will be spending time studying the situation. Speaking of design walls, I made 2 portable ones out of presentation boards and a big vinyl/felt tablecloth cut in half. I made them early Sunday morning for the little girls before they got up. Bri loves putting fabric on mine and Mia is starting to mimic her. I can't really move around when they are behind me plus Mia loves pulling the thumbtacks out of the wall and I'm afraid she'll poke herself. Bri absolutely loves her design board. Of course Mia wanted Bri's so after Mia tore all the fabric Bri had put on the board off, Bri quickly put it back on then hurriedly shut the board and put it away so Mia couldn't destroy it again. She's one smart cookie!

I'm going to have to run but will leave you with this picture: this was found by my mom's cousin in my mom's trash heap when she moved. I don't know who made it but think it may have come from my stepdad's side of the family. It's both machine and hand pieced onto strips of muslin. It is unfinished and has no binding. I'm not sure of it's age but would like to think it was made by my stepdad's mother before she passed away when he was a year old. If anyone knows anything about findingout the age of the fabric or design please let me know! The strips are not the same width. It's really odd! I have it on the back of a chair in my bedroom and once in a while Bri and I take a nap under it and we talk about how old it is and how careful we must be when we use it. A good lesson for her to start learning now don't you think?

2009-05-08T14:03:00.000-07:00

Hurray for weekends! I'm so glad it's Friday! If I lived in a perfect world I'd be a stay at home Nanna that's for sure! But since it's not quite perfect yet I'll have to be content with staying home on the weekends (and the occasional holiday). This weekend will unfortunately be as busy as most other ones. DS#1 has invited us over for dinner tonight as well as let the little girls ride on the horse w/DGF so that's our evening plan. Sugar Bear and I recently rejoined Weight Watchers and we go to the 6:00 a.m. meeting on Saturdays. That's right...6:00 a.m. Afterwards we stop by WalMart for any weekly stuff we need then maybe hit up a few yard sales IF I can talk him into stopping at them that is. Of course there is the usuall laundry and cleaning of the castle to do. SB has insisted I hire a friend's teenage daughter to come every other week and help me clean so that's a BIG help. Somewhere in there I'd also like to get some quilting time in. Oh and I told my DMIL they were invited over for dinner tomorrow night.

Do you have Mother's Day plans? We will be going to church and taking the girls with us. I told the guys and SB that if they want to get me something they can have the family over for a meal and plan, buy and serve it...then clean it up afterwards. In other words...I don't want to be the one doing the work! We'll see what happens.

2009-05-06T10:50:00.000-07:00

Hi again,

Can you believe I'm writing again so soon? I took a few pics of my quilting area last night and thought I'd share them with you.

This is command central. ..this is where it all happens...this is the place to be! I love love love my long table that Sugar Bear had built for me when I first decided I wanted to learn to quilt. For about 3 months I used a long folding table until this one was done and to my liking. At first it was too tall. I'm thinking about making a skirt around the outside bottom of it.

Here is my wall of "stuff". I like having my "stuff" nearby but don't like having it out so the little drawers work out great. I also keep my scissors and rotary cutter there and little eyes/hands don't see/grab them! The shelves were already in place when
we bought the house so I decided they were a good place to put
my scrap boxes and rulers. I recently put up the thread spool holder on the wall and under it is a small bedside table that I have a little ironing board on. Under it, on the shelf I have my Rowenta iron base. It's one of those big industrial irons that sits on a base that holds lots of water (it's also from Sugar Bear). I love it!

This is my design wall (it's really just a vinyl tablecloth w/the felted backing but don't tell anyone). I like having it close but the girls like to design on it too and we get a bit cramped for space so I get a bit crabby. I'm going to make them each a portable design wall out of a folding presentation board...maybe this weekend. I'm in a BOM w/some of my online Weight Watcher friends and that's what's currently on the design wall. I just finished up April last night...yea I know I'm behind. The little quilt on the table next to my machine is Bri's baby doll quilt she is making. She's 3 1/2 yrs old and loves her baby dolls. I let her pick out 12-6" squares and put them on the design wall then rearrange them to her liking. She sat on my lap and put her hands on mine and helped me sew the squares together. Afterwards, we decided it was still a bit too small for her bigger babies so she picked out 2 borders. When we were in Joann's she fell in love w/some butterfly fabric so I bought her a yard of it for the backing. We have enough left over that I will probably make her baby a bib or pillow to match. All we have left to do to the little quilt is use the machine to embroidery little hearts on it. I'll let her pick out places she wants to place the hearts and mark the spots w/little pen marks then she can sit on my lap again and help me hold the fabric while the machine does the work!

Ok back to the tour...this is where all my fabric and some of my projects are stored. On the far side of the cabinet, behind the fabric curtain, is some of my leftover battings. I have a nice oak shelving unit in my bedroom that we are going to put here (soon) and then the curtain may come down. We got the cabinet from my DBIL. He had it custom made and it didn't fit into his new house when he moved. Lucky me!

This is the corner across from my sewing table. I love this little corner. I got the book cabinet at a yardsale for $5. It was missing the middle of the door so I brought it home, cleaned it up, got some cardboard, fabric and a lace panel and wala! The little dress hanging on it is a clothespin holder. I've seen them new online but this one was very yellowed and I think it's probably an original old one...also bought at a yardsale.

I was trying to get a picture of Sophie and this is the best I could do by myself. This is her favorite place to be when I'm quilting. She has to share it w/Bri and Mia though cuz they like it under the table too. Can you see where Bri decorated my table leg for me? Aren't I the most blessed person you know?

This is the couch in my quilting studio. We got it at an estate sale for $140! Both sides of the couch recline. Can you see my Lucee kitty beside it on the endtable? She likes to inspect ALL my work almost as much as the girls do. Beside her on the table is the quilt I recently finished for DS#1 and blogged about yesterday and all the scraps from said quilt. Next to that is my cutting table folded up w/my very old stuffed horsey I had as a little girl.

How do you like my antique rocking chair? I found it at a yard sale for $100. The lady had it custom recovered and had a matching curtain top made as well. Of course I bought that and the curtain rod from her too. This chair is very comfortable and gets moved from here to the living room alot!

This is my kind of new entertainment center. A gentleman from work gave it away. It's very big and kind of "80's" but I like it. If you look real close you can see my little storage unit that holds my 30's fat quarters on the left hand side. The girls love to open and close the doors so you will probably see lots of little fingerprints too. Oh and the tv was my Christmas gift from Sugar Bear...that man sure does spoil me!

There you have it. My quilting studio. Hope you liked the tour!

Good news

2009-05-05T14:24:00.000-07:00

Hi, I'm baaack! And boy do I have exciting news... I recently finished my 1st Crazy Shortcut Quilt. It's queen-size and about killed me (just kidding it's really not hard at all). I had emailed the author of the book with a question regarding the sashing and since then we've been emailing back and forth. Well, I sent her a picture of my finished quilt and she posted it on her blog...now HOW COOL IS THAT?!?! She also mentioned that I should have a blog...hello I have one...just not real good at updating it. I'm going to get better though...I promise! Here's a picture of the quilt. I made it for Brad. He sure likes it (and so does his new girlfriend-they live together now).

I guess I should update you on the family:

Brad is now living with his girlfriend. He is currently unemployed...DUI and being an EMT don't mix...need I say more? Live and learn-man it's hard to be a mom and keep your mouth shut sometimes. I didn't do a very good job of it when he got pulled over. Sugarbear had to tell me to stop verbally beating the boy up since he was doing a pretty good job of beating himself up. Anyway, he's looking for a job...any job...got a job that needs to be filled? He recently got a beautiful white German Shephard named Kiah (I think that's how they spelled it). His girlfriend has a horse and lives in the country. They will be moving within a month or so.

Tim's divorce is still in the works. He got sole custody of the girls with supervised visitation with their mom. This is a good thing for now. Perhaps later that will change but this is for the best for now. They are still all living with us. This too is a good thing for the girls and Tim right now. They need the stability of living in the only home they have known. Bri still asks for her mom sometimes but is content with calling her on the phone most of the time. Mia is too young to realize what's going on and doesn't seem to miss her mom. In fact, I've been told she ignores her when they are together. Brad's girlfriend is Bri's new "best friend" especially since said girlfriend has the horse! We are still having trouble getting Bri to go to sleep at night. She sure fights it. Mia on the other hand goes in her bed and goes right to sleep. They are both adorable and have big chunks of my heart in their own way.

Sugarbear is doing fine. Ok, so not fine but ok. He goes in for a "procedure" on Thursday. He probably wouldn't want me to put it out in blogland but let's just say he has to drink a gallon of nasty stuff the night before the "procedure". Enough said.

On the quilting front...I got a midarm quilting machine! It's a Ken Quilt (KC622). It is 22 yrs old but had been stored for 3 yrs in box in a garage. The lady had bought it used and never put it up. Seems the table was 1 ft too long for the intended room it was going to go in. I got the table and machine for $700 and love it! Of course I'm still very much in the learning phase. I've done 3 baby quilts on it so far. It lives in our garage and I've named her KayCee. I'm behind on my BOM that I do with my WeightWatcher friends by 1 month so that's my "this weekend" project. I'd like to get a couple of months ahead as well, if I can that is.

I better run and see if I can remember how to add a picture so you can see Brad's new quilt. I promise I'll be back soon!

2009-03-30T13:40:00.000-07:00

Well, March is almost gone! Sugar Bear had a good bday but wants to wait on a brew kit. Said he may want something else more but hasn't told me what that something else is yet!

DS#1 has a new girlfriend and she likes to quilt w/me! She's coming over tonight to work on DS's quilt as you go quilt. I've got almost all 30 of the squares sandwiched and started quilting them. I have 4 pieces of batting that I'm going to need to piece together and then sandwich the last 4 squares. I'd like to get all the sandwiching and quilting done tonight and maybe even get them all squared into 16" squares too! With 2 of us working we should be able to get alot accomplished. I'm off work tomorrow so whatever we don't get done I'll finish up then. After that it's on to figuring out how to put these squares together! I sure hope we like the finished project.

I've found out what all 3 babies that are going to be born this summer will be...1 girl and 2 boys. I have a girl quilt top ready to sandwich and quilt and I have the fabric for 1 pinwheel boy quilt. The other boy quilt is going to be a special cowboy and horse one for my...ready for this....1st grandson! That's right...DH's DD is having a boy! A lady at church is going to help me learn to do applique for the quilt.

The girls are doing great. Mia is still popping teeth like popcorn. She's such a happy toddler! She's definitely trying to say more words and we're finally figuring out what some of them are. Bri is one smart little cookie. She's trying her hand at coloring in the lines. She asked me to help her color the princess' hair and after I did she told me, "Thanks Nanna you saved my life!" Sure hope it'll always be that easy to solve all her problems!

It's March Already

2009-03-03T10:28:00.001-08:00

Hi again,

Wow, March is here already! How'd that happen? Sugar Bear has a bday this month! I told him I'd get him a brew kit so he can try his hand at creating his own beer if he'd like. He really needs a hobby!

The girls continue to keep us very busy. Mia is cutting teeth like crazy and it makes her grumpy at night plus she keeps getting a rash on her bottom that looks (and I'm sure feels) terrible. Bri is getting taller but still only weighs about 2 lbs. more than her little sister. She is turning into quite a little "momma" to Mia. Last night she wiped tears from Mia's eyes for her...so sweet. They love to hug each other and Mia always wants Bri kisses. They both love spending time in the quilting studio with me. Mia is learning to put fabric scraps on the design wall by watching her big sister...she wants to do whatever Bri does.

Speaking of the quilting studio, I've been staying busy in there! I've started a "quilt as you go" quilt for DS#1. It is in greens and I'm about 3/4 done with the top squares initial sewing. Next I have to do the sandwiching (no I haven't gotten the batting or backing cut yet) and then do the decorative stitching. I finished a baby quilt for a DN in February and have another top 2/3's done. I just need to do the borders but have put it on hold to finish DS#1's quilt first. There are a couple of babies due this summer and if they'd cooperate and be girls then I'd have the tops nearly done! If not then I'll have to get busy and do some boy ones. I did manage to finish my Valentine Quilt...just not in time for Valentine's Day...but it's done! I don't have any new hand projects to work on so I pulled out an older project-Sunbonnet Sue embroidery. It's going kind of slow cuz the girls take alot of my evening time.

I better run...bbl!

Time to play catchup!

2009-02-04T15:52:00.001-08:00

I can't believe I haven't posted anything since last August! I almost decided to give up the blog but then started reading some of my past posts and realized how valuable a tool blogging is. So many things happen and unless we write them down they are forgotten in the hustle and bustle of everyday life. I'll try to do a quick update:

Bri turned 3 and Mia turned 1 in November. We had a wonderful princess birthday party for them complete with a bounce house and bounce slide, face painting, games, pinatas and of course a princess castle cake (made by mommy).

Brad had his back surgery and it went fine. He's back to work but his foot is still numb and may be for life. He made a very unwise decision to drive after drinking and got pulled over a few months ago. He's waiting to see if he will be able to keep his job after the DMV hearing. I'm just thankful that he wasn't hurt! He has a new girlfriend that is just lovely. They seem very happy and I hope it all works out for them. She has a horse and a dog and since Brad is an animal lover they are great for each other.

I'm very sad to say that Tim and Vanessa are split up. Paperwork has been started on the divorce proceedings. Words can not begin to describe my sadness over this. Tim has been very upset since this is not what he wants. The girls are currently with us and he is trying to get sole custody w/supervised visitation for Vanessa. I don't want to go into details but please pray for us all during this time of hurt, anger, and depression.

Sugar Bear is doing fine. We seem to have had one type of bug or another going through the house for several months and he was the last one to get the last bug. He ended up having to go to the drs. for antibiotics and is finally feeling some better. Work continues to keep him busy.

On the quilting front I've managed to finish a few projects recently. I made my mom a lovely purple quilt for Christmas and labeled it "Lilac Love" since my mom loves lilacs. She's in a nursing home w/Alzheimers and my brother said she loved the quilt when she opened it. I also finished another top similar to it, also in purple, as well as a baby quilt sized top in the same color and pattern. I made several aprons for Christmas gifts for all the little girls in our lives, as well as a few doll quilts. I cranked out several baby quilts and crocheted around several pieces of fleece for Binky Patrol in the past several months too. Oh and I made another fall quilt for Sugar Bear's work as a raffle prize. All in all I've been pretty busy. I'm almost finished w/a baby quilt for my niece's upcoming babyshower and will post a picture when it's finished. All that's left is the binding! I've been doing the hand quilting on the Valentine Quilt but don't know if I'll actually get it finished before Valentine's Day. I'm doing the big stitch quilting on it. I did that on mom's quilt too and love it!

We lost our little Riley dog in October. He had kidney failure. Vanessa took her dog when she moved so that left us dogless. At first I like it then I got to missing the little buggers and Bri kept crying for them so we now have a new puppy! She's a Sheltie and we named her Sophie. She's 10 weeks old and absolutely adorable! She loves running w/the girls but we have to watch that she doesn't jump up on Mia and make her fall down or scratch her. Lucee kitty is fine and only gets into a snit when Sophie tries to interact w/her. She's fine if she instigates the interaction but doesn't like it one little bit if Sophie does. Of course she loves Sophie's food but I sure wish she wouldn't eat it cuz it gives her a "touch of the gas". And on that note I think I'll sign off for now!

Time Flies

2008-08-28T12:40:00.001-07:00

Wow I can't believe it's been a whole month since I last posted! Time sure does fly by fast it seems like! The love of my life will be home tonight for a 3 day weekend...yea! He's such a sweetie! Yesterday was my birthday (I've had 49 of them now!) and he had a New York cheesecake delivered to my office and had his mom and dad bring me a beautiful cake from a local bakery last night! We have enough sweet leftovers to last the weekend!

Sugarbear wants to give me a mid-arm quilting machine for my birthday but I need to do more research on them. There is an Elna dealer in town that has a good deal and the machine can do more than just topquilt BUT it's not cheap either and I already have a wonderful Elna that can do just about everything but bake so I don't know if I really need the new one for anything but quilting. If I go w/another machine then I won't have the local service and expertise that the Elna provides...what's a girl to do???

I've been sewing a bit. I'm hand quilting my wall hanging and it's going so so. You can definitely tell I'm a beginner! I've also been working on Binky Patrol quilts and also crocheting around the edges of fleece for them. I picked up my knitting needles and started making some dishclothes. My youngest son just laughed at me and asked if I ever just sat still and if not did I ever work on just one project at a time! Poor forgetful kid...you'd think he'd know me by now...he's 22 for heaven's sake!

The girls are as beautiful as ever. Mia is crawling and pulling herself up on stuff. She has 5 teeth and the 6th is sooo ready to pop through! She is an eating machine...so different from her big sister who picks and grazes through her day. Speaking of Brianna, she's talking up a storm and has become my shadow...ok so she's been my shadow almost since she was born. She wants to do whatever me and her pappa do on the weekends and gets in a snit if we leave her at home. She's not above calling us if we leave when she's asleep and don't get back before she wakes up...the girl's only 2 but already knows who's the boss (she tells pappa it's him so he'll feel good). She was playing and counting the other night and somehow counted backwards from 5. I thought it was pretty cool and waited a bit and then asked her to count backwards...you guessed it...she turned around to put her back towards me! How cute is that!

I better run...lunchtime is over!

2008-07-28T14:15:00.000-07:00

Well, I didn't make it back to post last Friday like I'd hoped but I guess 3 days late isn't too bad. Andy is in Reno and went to urgent care for a swollen eye. He may have to come home tomorrow if it's not better and go see the eye dr. Silly man should have stayed home today and gone but he had to go be in charge of a meeting instead.

On the home front we got a new fence put up on 1 side of the backyard. It looks really good and hopefully the dogs will stay put now. Riley got out a couple of weeks ago and got bit by a big doggie and is still limping a bit on it.

Rhiannon came for a visit last week with the twins...they are just too cute for words. We had 3 - 2 yr olds and an 8 month old...lots of fun...and noise! I can't wait to do it again! We took them shopping and to McDonalds and of course I had to bring them by work to show them off a bit! We also went and got their pictures taken. Bri wouldn't hardly get in the pics and didn't ever smile. They got 1 pic of the 3 other girls laughing and having a good time and Bri sitting behind them looking sad...it's too funny-I had to buy that one! I can't wait to get the pics.

On to quilting---I finished the fall quilt top (I said that in a previous post), I also got the Valentine top finished as well as 3 Binky Patrol tops done (I think I said that previously too), I started my wall hanging for the kitchen and am now hand appliqueing the flower stems and leaves on it. It's a good beginner applique project. I've almost finished 1 panel on my Snowman quilt embroidery. Tomorrow evening I'll work on Binky Patrol stuff.

How's that for an update?

1 Project Down!

2008-07-18T10:09:00.001-07:00

Good morning! 3 days in a row...can you believe it? I was able to finish up the Binky tops last night! Yea for me! I also got to work on the fall quilt for Andy's work...it's not done but definitely getting there! I'm looking forward to some sewing time this weekend. I think I'm going to make a few minor adjustments to the "quilting studio" (I'm calling it that now and my lovely father-in-law keeps saying, "naw it's just a sewing room"-he's a funny guy). I think I'm going to get out my laptop computer and download my EQ5 on it and put it in the studio. It's been put up because the battery is going bad but as long as it's plugged in it won't matter right? I'd also like to figure out how I can get my cutting table set up long term instead of folding it when it's not in use....hummmm. I'd also like to look for an ironing board that I can sit my Rowenta on when I'm ironing. Well, I guess I'm off to the drawing board...see you all later!

1 Project Down!

2008-07-18T10:09:00.000-07:00

Quilting Projects

2008-07-17T08:48:00.000-07:00

I'm going to post a list of my quilting projects to help me stay on track to finish some of them this summer. I was going to try to finish them all by the end of July but that's not going to happen so I'll include August as well. Here I go:

Quilt top projects:
1. Fall quilt top for a raffle at Andy's work (almost complete)
2. Fall quilt top for Brad (only cut out so far)
3. Valentine quilt top for me (ready for design wall and sewing together-I'm going to hand quilt it this winter when it's colder outside)
4. Rag quilt probably for donation (I think I have enough squares done and just need to stage it then sew it together but I made it in browns and may need to add a few colored squares to liven it up-it was going to be for Brad but changed my mind and will probably donate it to Binky Patrol for a teen boy quilt)
5. Fun quilt using Weight Watcher groups 10" squares (barely started)
6. 2 Binky Patrol 36x36" quilts almost finished

Quilting projects:
1. Summer placemats (2)
2. Table cover for under TV

Embroidery projects:
1. Little girl Sunbonnet Sue for Brianna
2. Snowmen in bluework for winter quilt for us

That's all I can think of for now. My goal for this weekend is to finish the 2 Binky Patrol tops then try to finish the fall quilt for Andy's work. Next week I'd like to stage the Valentine's quilt and get it together. Wish me luck!

Get a chance to win a quilt!

2008-07-16T11:52:00.000-07:00

I'm wayyyy behind in blogland! I haven't posted in ages but wanted to share a blogspot with everyone. Check out the Old Red Barn Co. at http://www.oldredbarnco.blogspot.com/ for a chance to win a beautiful quilt. I'm supposed to put a link on my sidebar but don't know how to do it:(. I managed to get the picuture on my blog though and I've given you the link so go check it out! (maybe she'll take pity on me and give me a couple of extra entries for a nice try???)

Life has been good DDIL started stenography school last week and is liking it soooo far. She also started back to work part-time at McDonalds so she's one busy momma. DS#2 is still working at Applebee's only now he's a server and enjoying it (and the tips). Their 2 girls are cuter than ever! Bri is an amazing 2 yr old that has a pre-teen attitude most of the time. She gave her uncle the meanest hate stare the other night that I'd ever seen! Her tongue keeps finding it's way out of her mouth too! Mia is an absolute doll at 8 months...chubby doll but what a cutiepie! She's all smiles and once she got over the fact that mom's not at her beck and call 24/7 she's doing ok. They are all still living with us for now. We're getting settled in the new home and working on getting a system down. They are still working on getting the girls into daycare so they are kind of shuffled around to family until the kinks are out of it. DH is still working out of town alot and stressing about the job but I think that's just the way it's going to be for a few more years. DS#1 was cleared to go back to work this week following his back surgery. He's very happy to be going back...he's been bored to tears!

I've been busy quilting and working both at the job and church. Last month we had Vacation Bible School and we served dinner every evening for a week then had a big picnic the following Sunday afternoon. Very busy week! I'm trying to slow down this month. My to-do list for July includes trying to finish quilting projects I've started. I'm also a part of a new chapter of Binky Patrol. We make quilts/blankets for donation. It's a very worthwhile organization. Check it out at www.binkypatrol.com.

I'm not promising anything but I'm going to try really hard to start posting once a week...don't hold your breath though!

Time to Catch up

2008-05-23T14:39:00.000-07:00

Wow I can't believe it's been a month since I last posted. I think we're finally getting settled into the new house. The garage is still a mess and we need to make another cardboard recycling run. Let's see what else is new:

Brad is moving this weekend. His back continues to heal from the surgery. He can't do much lifting yet so he's going to need help moving his bedroom things. I guess we're going to try to help him a bit and of course his brother is helping.

Tim is still working and says he's going to start getting more hours/days a week of work soon. I guess because so many of the servers were college students and they are graduating and moving on.

Vanessa will be starting school for stenographer in the 1st part of July. She's looking forward to it. She's getting bored staying home.

Mia has her arm in a cast! She has a hairline fracture...poor baby. Her little cousin was helping her roll over and her arm didn't roll right. Here's a picture...

Brianna is doing fine...growing like a weed! She has decided she likes the pool and her water wings. She's even getting used to us not holding her in the water. Here's a picture of her w/daddy in the pool last week...

Hunny Bunny is still working hard and out of town most of the week.

Me-well, I've been busy (as usual). I'm trying to learn to machine top quilt. I've made 1 placemat, and top quilted 3 Binky Patrol baby quilts the past few weeks. I've almost got all the fabric cut for 2 fall quilts as well. One will be a raffle prize and the other is for Brad. Between the 2 of them I'll have cut over 800 2 1/2 x 6 1/2" pieces when I'm done! It will be like my fall quilt in an earlier post but w/different fabrics.

I guess I'd better run!

Stop and Smell the Roses

2008-04-22T19:20:00.000-07:00

Hi,

We've been sooo busy the past few weeks that I think now is the time to stop and smell the roses. Here is a picture of a rose off one of our new rosebushes in the front yard. It smells more wonderful than it looks!

2008-04-16T15:21:00.001-07:00

Hi,

Just have a second to make a quick post. We're slowly getting more settled. I had whatever stomach virus, that's currently living in our house, on Sunday evening and Monday...managed to muddle through work with it since I've been off soooo much lately between the cold virus and then moving. Life was good again on Tuesday. I still haven't taken any pictures of the house with our stuff in it yet...for 2 reasons-1) the house is still in a bit of a mess and 2) I don't know where the camera is. I think Andy probably packed it in some of his office things but keep forgetting to ask him about it.

I'm going to have a fun evening. My ex's sister just called. She's visiting from out of town and she, another sister, and their mom want to come over to see everybody tonight. I was married to her brother for over 20 yrs (I was 18 when we married and 40 when we split) so they are very much still my family. I don't get to see them as much as when we were still officially family since I don't want to step on ex's new wife's toes or make Andy feel too uncomfortable but we still manage to keep in touch. I call myself an outlaw now instead of an inlaw. I still call their mom "mom" since she was that for soooo many years. She's a quilter too so we talk quilting once in a while and when I get my room all set up I'm going to start inviting her over more to quilt with me. Anyway it'll be a good visit. My son has to work tonight but I suggested we go visit him at Applebee's for dessert. Don't you think that was a good idea?

We're in the house!

2008-04-14T12:49:00.000-07:00

Hi! We made it...we're in the new house. Of course we're not all the way out of the old house yet but almost! Tim got the flu from Vanessa on the Saturday before the move and didn't feel better until last Friday (3 days into the move). Needless to say, hubby was a little put out by this....then he got the flu on Thursday and let's just say he understood son's illness a whole lot better I think! Hubby is still not feeling well but flew out today for work and won't be home until Thursday evening. Hopefully he'll get to go to bed early each night while he's gone and come home well again. I thought I might be coming down w/it this morning but the noodle Cup-o-soup seems to be working out well. Now back to the new house...the furniture is all there but our refrigerator is still in the garage...along w/a bunch of boxes and "stuff" we're sure we need but don't know where to put it all. The pool fence is still being worked on by my oldest son and father-in-law...thanks guys! Hubby had wonderful plans just more plans than time and then the bug didn't help! The dogs spent the 1st night in the new house last night and of course got into the neighbors yard this morning. Ruby (Chihuahua) was raising such a fuss I was sure she was either stuck someplace or hit by a car when I couldn't find her in the yard. They had dug a little hole and crawled through and then I guess they weren't smart enough to find it to get back.

Brianna has been a cutie during the move. She saw her mommy's wedding dress and told her daddy that her mommy was Cinderella (or as she says Cineryaya)! I told them that was 1 for her baby book. Brianna's world revolves around Cinderella right now and her mom did the girl's new room in Disney princess. She really outdid herself! I'll get a picture to post as soon as I can find the camera! Bri has almost always slept w/her mom and dad and they are trying to work on getting her into her own bed. Before the move they had her up to falling asleep someplace else and then putting her into her bed for the night. Since the move she's actually fallen asleep in her bed (watching Cinderella on her new tv of course). Yesterday I asked her if she'd slept in her bed like a big girl...and her answer was...ya pretty much (she got up around 7 and crawled into mom and dad's bed). She is such a hoot for a 2 yr old!

Mia is finally starting to feel better. She's such a happy baby...unless mommy puts her down at naptime. She's only 5 months old and had a terrible cold twice already so she's very used to being held while she sleeps to keep her from coughing and choking so now she wants the same treatment...and it pretty much has to be mommy. I think I'm glad I work outside the home for when she gets broken from that habit cuz I can't stand to hear her cry.

2008-04-08T11:39:00.000-07:00

Great news! Hubby has the keys to the new house in his hand! He's got the trailer loaded with garage items and probably unloading it already! I can hardly wait to have everything in and start getting settled! I'm very anxious to get the sewing room set up and have some time to create again...probably won't happen for a week or two though. I'll try to get a few pics posted soon!

Here's a picture of the fall quilt all finished with the binding and everything...I finished the binding on it when I was off work with that nasty cold a couple of weeks ago. I still need to work on making my corners more square...either that or start making them rounded...haha.

2008-04-04T16:51:00.000-07:00

I know, I know it's been 2 weeks since I last posted. I've had that "bug" that's been going around...you know the one...coughing up a lung and the head sooo stuffed up you'd think you'd never breathe through your nose again...yep that one. After about 10 days my nose is now clear and I'm only coughing bad at night and about every other day through the daytime. I'm thinking this is a good case of the old fashioned cold that we never call a cold anymore...always say we have the flu or a virus...I never hear anyone say, "I have/had a cold" anymore! The house is only 3 days away from being ours (and the bank's)! I can hardly wait!!! We're going shopping this weekend for a few things we'll need when we move in. Oh course the kiddos will be moving in w/us. Vanessa has been busy buying things to decorate the girl's room and their room too. Andy is taking the week off and I'm taking the last part of next week off to do this. I've got to run for now. I'm going to take some quilt photos this weekend to post...

Almost Thursday

2008-03-19T16:36:00.000-07:00

Hi, I know I haven't been on lately but I have a really really good excuse...we're buying a house! Life is getting crazier but the day around here. It's a beautiful home w/4 bedrooms, a lr and fr, 2 bathrooms, kitchen (of course) and are you ready for this???? A built in pool! We have to get it fenced in before we move in w/the kiddos though (yes they are moving w/us). All in all it's going to be perfect for us now and when the kids get on their feet as well. For now DH is going to put is office in the smallest bedroom and I'm going to use the "formal" living room as a sewing room. We'll have a couch and tv in it as well since that seems to be where me and DDIL gravitate in the evenings along w/DGD. We're supposed to close escrow on April 8th...really soon! We want to have a garage sale next weekend so I've got to get busy and sort through stuff. I don't know how we managed to collect so much in such a short amount of time but we did! DDIL is starting school that day too so we really have alot going on right now. I've got a bit of quilting done but all the pics are in Snapfish right now. I'll have to save some to my computer and post them next time...until then.....

2008-02-19T12:53:00.000-08:00

Happy lunch time! I just have a few minutes to post about my long weekend. I got lots of sewing time on Sunday evening since hubby left for out of town early. Here is a picture of my scrappy Valentine quilt. The white squares will have applique hearts on them and there will be white ricrac around each square. These are kind of fun to make and definitely use up scraps!

I'm going to start doing donation quilts for a group called Binky Patrol. A very nice lady named Kathleen started a chapter here in Fresno the end of last December. She came over yesterday and brought me some flyers and showed me some of what the group has been doing. After she left I whipped up a little top to see if my idea for doing some would work. I think it turned out nicely so spent a few minutes before work this morning picking out some more fabric to make a few more. Here's a picture of my first Binky Patrol quilt top size 36xz36.

Any handmade blankets are accepted including knitted, crocheted, quilted or fleece. We are making them for a local hospital that has over 100 births a month to mostly migrant workers...anyone want to help us? She said they've already donated to a nearby women's prison. They give 1 fleece blanket to any inmate that has a baby. It has to be a single layer so they decided fleece would work best. She also makes burial blankets for stillborns...they were being wrapped in newspaper. Isn't that the saddest thing you've ever heard???

I better wrap this up for today since it's back to work time!

2008-02-14T15:18:00.000-08:00

Here it is the middle of February and I haven't updated this blog for days! I have been busy to say the least. I finished the top to my fall quilt and am attaching a picture of it. I got the back sewn together and it's at my friend Tammy's to be quilted. She got a beautiful Gammill a few months ago and is starting a quilting business so this one will be good practice for her since it's a full-size. I'm pretty sure I'm going to give this one to Brad since he needs one not only for his bed but also when he goes back to work he likes to take his own blanket to the different posts. I was thinking about keeping it for myself but decided that I don't need a full-size one and will probably make us another one only smaller for next fall.

I found a cute pattern for a baby doll bag that has a matching blanket and pillow for the doll that I'm going to make for the girls for Christmas next year. I'll have to make 6 or 7 total so I guess I need to get busy on them soon! I'm also thinking about making them aprons for Christmas.

I've started machine quilting dad's "Gone Fishing" quilt that we're giving him for his birthday...shhhh he doesn't know about it! I also started a Valentine's scrappy quilt...I know I'm behind on the holidays but am trying to get caught up-I've actually bought some patriotic fabric for the 4th already!

I'm also trying to learn how to hand quilt. I'm using a technique created by a lady that goes by the name "Thimblelady". She's from Australia and I bought her book and DVD. She's going to be teaching a class in CA this summer that I'm seriously thinking about taking.

On a different note: Vanessa, Melissa (Vanessa's sister) and I took Brianna, Bella (Melissa's daughter, and Clarissa (Vanessa and Melissa's little sister) to see Disney on Ice last Sunday. We had a blast...and spent lots of money of course. I'll have to upload the picture when I get home.

2008-01-30T07:53:00.000-08:00

Well it's cold outside! While it's not as cold as the midwest it IS cold for here!

I'm adding a few pictures taken in the past week or so. This is a picture taken at the movie theatre last week. It was Bri's 1st movie date w/Nana. Doesn't she have a beautiful profile...even if she is sticking out her tongue!

Here is a picture of the girls watching Baby Einstein last night. Mia prefers the "Santa" one. Maybe it's all the bright reds in it. Brianna loves to sit in Mia's bouncy chair so sissy had to sit in her boppy instead. Vanessa said that Mia especially loves it whenever Bri pays attention to her.

Here's the last picture I'm adding today. It's my very 1st quilting quilt project. I made these 2 quilts for the twins for their birthday. When they opened them they started laying on them immediately. I sure hope they continue to like and use them.

2008-01-29T12:53:00.000-08:00

Hi,

No new pictures today. Andy is out of town with work and will be home on Thursday. He sounded blue today. I'm sure he's gearing up for his business review coming up. Brad said his dr. recommends back surgery to remove several discs. He's bummed about it since he'll be off work 3 more months if they do it.

I've been trying to learn to hand quilt. There are a variety of ways to do it and it's not as easy as it looks. I guess that's what makes it worth while huh? I tried using an "Aunt Becky" and am now trying the Thimblelady technique. I think that is the one I will end up using. She is having a workshop up near Sacramento in July that I'll probably try to attend.

I guess I should get to work! I'll try to post some more pics tomorrow.

D

2008-01-22T13:07:00.000-08:00

Hi,

I've been very bad about posting lately. I think I'm about caught up with life though. We still need to put the Christmas stuff up in the garage but at least it's IN the garage. We've had a lot going on lately. Mia is getting bigger and more beautiful every day. Her hair is starting to get fuzzy and stand up on top. I keep teasing Vanessa that she's going to be the one to get the Indian baby hair doo. Here's a pretty recent picture of her. She's starting to coo and smile. She's even managed to almost laugh a few times. The kids got a new puppy and named her Ruby. She's a cute little brown and tan Chahuahua. She's very smart and already knows how to go out the doggie door. Too bad she doesn't use it to go potty! She's a whiner and thinks she needs to be held all the time unless she's playing but overall I think she'll be a great dog. Brianna is starting to cough. I fear she's coming down with a cold. I was off work yesterday and took her to her 1st movie at a theatre. She liked it fine and only got a little restless. She got to play in the play area right outside the theatre and really loved that! We'll have to take her again when it's warmer. We went to Modesto for the twins birthday party on Sunday. Their mom wanted to do a Princess theme but the would have nothing of it...they wanted Nemo. They sure are cuties. I wish they lived closer so we could see them more often. We gave them the quilts I made for them and I think they liked them.

I've been working on a few projects. I started a rag quilt for Brad, a quilt for my father-in-law's birthday in April, embroidery squares for a girls quilt, and almost cut out all the fabric for a scrap fall quilt. I'm going to learn how to hand quilt tonight at church. I can hardly wait.

I guess I better get busy and be productive. I'll try to post some more quilt pictures soon...

2007-11-27T13:03:00.000-08:00

Hi,

I haven't been updating this on a regular basis. Life around the holidays...what else do I need to say. Here is a picture of Bri helping cook for Thanksgiving. She's such a delight! I managed to get her carry around quilt finished over the past weekend. I found several errors in it. They all had to do with laying it out before putting it together. I need better access to my pattern board I guess. It's over my cutting table and hard to reach plus the blocks kept falling off. Oh well, Bri likes it so that's all that matters I guess. I'll take a picture and post it. See if you can find the errors too! I'm going to try to take a new picture of Mia tonight and will post it tomorrow. We'll see if she's in a cooperating mood. We think her eyes are going to stay a dark blue. She sure is a cutie!

2007-11-14T09:17:00.000-08:00

Hi,

It's been very busy for the past few days...ok weeks. Mia is settling in. Bri is settling down. She only has trouble sleeping now since she's always slept in mommy and daddy's bed and now daddy is sleeping w/her on an air mattress until mommy gets Mia on some kind of schedule.

I've done some sewing but not as much as I'd like. I finished my flannel baby blanket for Mia last night and they already used it on her. I also made her several burp cloths out of scrap flannel. These are getting alot of use. I think I'm going to make up several of the baby blankets and matching burp cloths to have on hand for baby shower gifts. I cut the fabric and drew the words for my Santa pillows this morning. I got the binding cut and ironed for the twin's quilts last night. One quilt is tied and ready to have the binding put on. I'd like to sew it on tonight or tomorrow so I can hand sew the back of the binding on over the weekend. I'm slowly getting my projects completed! I still haven't finished the other twin quilt or Bri's. I also want to get back to working on the one I'm making for Brad. Oh and then there's the Valentine's one I want to start. So many ideas...so little time! Too bad I have to sleep at night!

Mia's Here

2007-11-06T09:09:00.001-08:00

Hi,

Mia made her enterance into the world last Friday evening at 5:15 or so. She weighed 7 lbs. 9 oz. and was 20 in. long. I think she looks a lot like her mommy! She's a beautiful baby. Brianna just adores her and wants to hold her all the time. We have to really watch her right now! She's going to make a great big sister though. We have been truly blessed.

The picture above was taken yesterday and the one on the right is of me, Bri and Mia on Sunday before church. Bri went w/me and Pappa and Mia stayed home w/mommy and daddy.

It's almost Bri's 2nd birthday. She'll be 2 on Sunday. Doesn't seem possible but it is. I went to Costco yesterday to order her cake. It'll have a sun and flowers w/happy faces on them. The plates have flowers and butterflys on them. I think we're doing pizza and cake to make it easier this year. Of course she'll have a pinata too! Oh goodie...more candy!!! The party will be on this coming Saturday afternoon. I think mommy invited about 50 people. Did I mention that I'm tired???

2007-10-23T16:24:00.000-07:00

No new pictures today. I was at the quilt class until 9:30 last night. We learned how to put on borders. I got the 1st one done and have 2 more borders to go before next week. I also need to make my practice piece to practice top quilting. I think Vanessa and I are going to work on the girl's quilts tonight. She has them almost done. We just need to do the borders. I also need to blind hem the bumper pad for Miss Mia's crib. She'll be in her new bassinett for a few months so I have time to get it done w/o stressing toooo much. I've started cutting out a fun quilt for Bri. Brad asked me where his quilt is so I guess I'll probably give him the fall one I'm starting. I'm glad everyone is liking my finished products!

Bri and mommy and daddy came by to see me today. Of course Bri refused to talk once she got here. She wore her new pink and black sunglasses. She loves sunglasses! She says it's bright out when she doesn't have them on.

Monday Morning

2007-10-22T08:37:00.000-07:00

Well, I managed to finish the twin boy quilts this weekend inbetween the baby shower on Saturday and church and a 1 yr old birthday party on Sunday! I'm very happy with the way the quilts turned out. I learned alot from making them and will probably do some more for showers and/or donations. Here's a picture of the 2 of them together. The mom likes frogs so that became the theme.

The baby didn't make her appearance this weekend but will be here soon I'm sure. Mom is very uncomfortable so I've been trying to keep Bri occupied as much as possible while dad is at work. She sure is a busy little girl. She "helped" me pass out donuts at church yesterday. She loves to go and stand on the stepstool and watch whatever is going on. She gets very quiets and such a serious look on her face.

2007-10-18T14:55:00.000-07:00

Hi again,

I wanted to add a few pictures of quilts to my blog. This is my first completed quilt. It's a flannel baby quilt that I gave to a good friend for her son that is expected early November. I finished it last Friday evening. It has airplanes on it since daddy is a pilot and they did baby's room in airplanes. It's hard to find flannel material with only airplanes on it so I had to settle for war planes! Mommy said that was fine because that's what is in baby's room too. I'm glad it worked out so well!!

This is my first finished quilted project ever! I got the pattern and some of the fabric for it about 4 years ago from a friend at work for my birthday. Thanks Patricia! She's a quilter and between her and my friend Tammy I've learned alot. I gave this pillow to a dear friend from church. I've since made a pink one that will be a Christmas present-but I can't say to who yet!

Next week I'll add a couple of pictures of quilts from the past. Until then...

2007-10-18T10:48:00.000-07:00

Another beautiful day here. I got my binding cut for the twin baby quilts before running out the door for work this morning. I'm anxious to get these quilts done! I want to be working on Brianna's quilt. Depending on when I get it done it will either be one of her birthday or Christmas presents. Speaking of her birthday-I can't believe she'll be two soon! She's such a delight. Here's a picture of her at the pumpkin patch recently. She wasn't in a good mood until we took her to the pumpkins she could pick up. Then she was all smiles. We ended up getting her 3-2 small ones and 1 that daddy could cut for her. She's played with the small ones so much that we had to throw one away already cuz she kept dropping it and it got a bad spot! She also loves to help mommy and me when we sew. We got her plastic scissors and she thinks she's cutting fabric too!

We're having Mia's babyshower on Saturday. She'll be here soon. Mommy is definitely ready for her to be born and so are we. Any day now!

2007-10-17T16:46:00.000-07:00

Hi,

This is my first ever blog! I'm very excited to get it started. I'm not sure what it will be used for yet. I know I'll want to put pictures of my crafting. Perhaps talk about my family and add some of their pictures as well...