--John's Daughter--

Bee Blocks

2012-01-15T14:15:00.004-05:00

Found some pics of Bee blocks that I have yet to share with you all...
First up is a stacked block for the Hip 2 Bee Square group--can't remember whether this was October or September. It's been too long!

I loved making these and might need to make some for myself :)

Next up also for H2B2 are some improv log cabins using some Dream On fabric

I really am not that great at improv piecing :(

Lastly, some really cool hens to start us off for January's H2B2 (Round 3) which I am now heading up.

These hens are for Jan and she sent us the legs and the pattern and we were to use our scraps--they really were so fun to make!

My hubby was not a fan, however, so I don't know that I'll be making many more of these unless someone I know wants a chicken quilt--any takers? :)

Now I'm all caught up--onto FEBRUARY!

O Christmas Tree!

2012-01-14T10:15:00.003-05:00

No. This is not a long overdue Christmas post.

Yes. It does include a Christmas quilt....for next year...

It was my turn to send out fabric for the Hip to Bee Square group in November.

You may remember my Teathered Threads 2 bee and the tree blocks I had them make using this YCMT pattern....

well I never knew what to do with them --so there they sat.

Until September 2011...when genius struck.

and I did some shopping HERE.

to get the perfect fabrics for those little trees to be turned into this...

(blocks made for me by a fellow Canadian Quilter--Hi Rebecca!)

FABULOUS!!!

Free form/wonky log cabin blocks made scrappy and fun ar0und the trees I had made previously is a recipe for Christmas scrappy quilt heaven!

I'm not sure about this layout as I just threw them down to get an idea but each block is 14 inches so it will be a good sized lap quilt.
Yummy!

thank you Teathered Threads 2 and H2B2!
I'm loving it!(had to throw in the shot of my feet in the photo with my new Christmas slippers from the hubby)

Cake Decorating for Men:101

2012-01-12T10:00:00.001-05:00

Aww... 7 is such a special birthday for a little girl!

Notice the cute lady bug cupcakes?

Notice they have 7 chocolate chip spots? (the best kind)

Notice how evenly the icing is distributed?

Not too shabby, eh?

Did I mention that my hubby made these?

yes. that's right.

i had injured myself and it was my daughter's birthday and she wanted to take cupcakes to class.

Not wanting to let her down I dug in and got to work but the pain was awful.

Hubby: Let me do it.

Me: No. I want them to be nice.

Hubby: Go get a container to put them in and let me help you.

Me: O-ka-a-a-y

(as I roll my eyes and storm off only to come upstairs and find beautiful cupcakes upon my return)

Me: WOW!

Hubby: Yeah. I figured an icing bag can't be that hard. it's just like using a caulking gun.

Seriously.

More men should decorate cakes--they may have the edge :)

The "tail" of two Scottie's

2012-01-11T09:42:00.004-05:00

Today I bring you a "tail" of two Scottie's

(and yes, I realize that that's a super corny!)

First some great news!

Compliments of

OOOOh scrap overload!

Coming your way via Pink Castle fabrics and one of my favourite bloggers,

Kaelin of The Plaid Scottie fame!

Quick! Go check it out

And the next Scottie news is that I finally finished the Scottie dog for the Middle man!

I finished this off in October before injuring myself and he loved it so much it got whisked away before I had a chance to blog about it.

His name is Spotty and he was made using Denyse Schmidt's free Scottie dog pattern found HERE

Patchwork front to match his quilt and a super soft upcycled wool sweater as the back makes him a cozy companion.

We made a collar and leash from a strip of old t-shirt fabric and now he's the real deal!

It feels good to have this crossed off my list--and to see the Middle Man so happy--makes me wish I'd done it earlier.

Christmas and Spiderman

2012-01-04T13:08:00.012-05:00

Well, Christmas has come and gone and unfortunately I don't have much crafty to show for it.
In November I ended up injuring myself (long story) and it made my handmade holidays a little less attainable this year.

But there was one project I wasn't going to let go.

A quilt for my sweet nephew who is 2 1/2 years old and a Spiderman fanatic!

It was started and finished within less than 2 weeks and I'm glad to say the speed in which it was executed only made it better--it was beautiful!

(if I do say so myself)

I received the fabric several days after initially injuring my finger so I spent much time dreaming of how I wanted it to look. The main bulk of the design was centered around a panel measuring 1 yard. and here is the finished project--inspired heavily by THIS flickr photo
Here is a shot of the quilting. I did a straight line quilting with my walking foot of lines at all different angles across the quilt in white--to mimick a spider web.
And here it is upon its unveiling--my nephew really liked it--I think it was more than my brother and my nephew could believe :)
even Nana got in on the action and helped me with sewing up the pillow I made with the extra pillow panels.
Due to my injury I can't handsew so my mom came to the rescue--thanks MOM!

The quilt ended up being 69" x 92"--a long twin size just right for showcasing on his new big boy bed!
I backed it in a striped black, white and royal blue thrifted Ikea duvet cover and added a chunk of the yellow at the bottom for the extra length.

The duvet cover fabric was heavy weight which gave the quilt a nice bit of heft.

I did a machine stitched binding for the first time and I have to say I really missed the handstitching but honestly, I'm glad I had no choice because I would have had to bind it after I gave it to him otherwise.

As it was I was practically wrapping it as they walked in the door on the morn' of Christmas Eve.
All's well that ends well.

I was initially inspired to have a handmade Christmas by the Polkadot Chair and I'm really glad I persevered :)

Hope your Christmas was all you wanted and more.

Mine was a great one!

Sew Scraps Along Begins!

2012-01-03T15:19:00.000-05:00

My bloggy friend Jodi of Pleasant Home fame is at it again with her Sew Scraps Along Extravaganza!!

A chance for tutorials, prizes and of course scrappy conversation-- I can't wait!

Check it out!

quilt giveaway!

2011-12-05T14:25:00.003-05:00

this is a seriously gorgeous quilt and she's giving it away!!!!

go get in on the quilt draw at Art Nest quick!

anywho...

2011-10-12T08:02:00.006-04:00

I was looking through some photos on Flickr and thought I'd better update the crafting going on around these parts....not that it's much!

The H2B2 (Hip to Bee Square) group is nearly finished their year of bee blocks....and I have dragged my tail through which is so sad because once I do them I love it.

Being part of a bee has forced me to learn so much! It has been immensely helpful.

This block was due for June (I finished it in June, but didn't mail it 'til July--LOOOOONG story!)

It was made using this tutorial. and was surprisingly easy.

just time consuming. It has ALOT of seams!
She's now done her quilt top. you can see it HERE.

These blocks, also for H2B2 took me forever to finish!
Due for July but I just started and finished them the other day.

Why did I wait so long??

I was scared of them... terrified!

They're fully pieced--curved piecing. I'd never tried it.

Then I had to. I mean--3 months to finish a block?? COME ON, KEL!!

although she was very kind and didn't put a time limit on us as some were having more trouble than others.

The inspiration came from these leaves created by my uberly talented bloggy friend Anna of Noodlehead fame.

Her's are lovely. I didn't want to murder her concept with my shoddy piecing.

********************************************

Well, I mustered my courage.

Cut. Pieced. Notched. Pieced some more.

within an hour and a half I had 4.

yesssss. Triumph!!

Thanks H2B2 girls for stretching my creative muscles.

Now I'm off to conquer September and Octobers blocks and then it's my turn!

stay tuned...

must see commercial

2011-10-03T16:56:00.001-04:00

This is a terrific commercial--really makes you think....

How about you?

Dear John...

2011-09-30T16:30:00.002-04:00

Re: Parenting Tip #623 from good ol' Dad

Sissy came home from school today and did very well on her spelling test.

I know you are an advocate of good language skills, Dad, and she is doing well in school.

Spelling is sometimes tricky for any kid when they're learning and she prides herself on her ability to sound things out.

You should hear her, dad, she's amazing!

I opened up her spelling test today and there it was--10 out of 10!

PERFECT!

It was a proud parent moment.

But what impressed me more was her bonus word...

knuckle

except she spelled it "knuckl" with no "e"-- because it's silent...but hey she got it!

It was there on the page staring at me.

this great big mountain of the english language and she's mastering it.

Suddenly I could picture you standing in our old kitchen by the stove looking at our schoolwork with so much enthusiasm. BIG smiles and "way to go's!"

and then we'd always hold back the best for last--our most successful piece of work that week.

It wasn't always a 10 out of 10 but to you it may as well have been...every.time.

We'd smile and wait in anticipation as you read the page and then drop it on the counter, slap your hands together and yell "Hallelujah!"

And we'd beam so proud.

It always made me so tingly inside knowing that you saw the hard work and that even though it wasn't perfect, it was a victory!

And you celebrated!!

With that memory fresh in my head I clapped my hands whooped and hollered and ran downstairs to Sissy to exclaim how pleased I was at her test.

And you know, Dad...she STOPPED watching t.v.

yes...stopping watching the screen is a big deal to her...she rarely looks anywhere but at the boob tube when it's on.

AND SHE BEAMED!

I made her day like you made mine.

You were a GREAT dad!

Love your ever loving daughter.

friday faves

2011-08-26T09:53:00.000-04:00

More oldies but goodies!

sew much inspiration, sew little time!

1. Red Letter Day Quilt, 2. quiltish, 3. The Cutest Baby Quilt In The Whole Wide World, 4. Doll Quilt Finished (Full), 5. sprout quilt mockup, 6. Patch, 7. Doll Quilt Swap 7, 8. Three's Company quilt, 9. Urban Amish, 10. Fall Back, 11. belle quilt - full view 2, 12. Colorful Crafting with Jen: Rickie's Sashiko Pillow

Friday Favourites--Christmas Edition??

2011-08-19T10:13:00.001-04:00

Christmas in July.....errr...August....

In June the new Christmas fabrics are launched onto the scene and it's about this time that I start thinking towards Christmas.

I always have a list a mile long and never do I get to even a quarter of it but maybe this is my year!

1. side swap package, 2. whimsy studios happy homes winter series, 3. savVy { seasons } package sent, 4. a winter wonderland..., 5. A modern Christmas - Jolly Pillow, 6. All About Christmas Swap - Mug Rug, 7. Merry Modern Table Runner, 8. christmas quilt, 9. Christmas Quilt 2009, 10. Christmas Zig Zag Quilt, 11. holiday ornament :: march, 12. Untitled

It's beginning to feel alot like Christmas!

but maybe we should finish summer first :)

Comparison

2011-08-17T14:03:00.002-04:00

I am by no means a competitive person.

Like truly I could care less if you are better at something than I am or do it before I do--so what?

I've always said

"It's people like me that help winners, stay at winning..."

Don't feel bad for me...I don't.

Someone has to lose in order for someone else to win--might as well be me :)

I say it a bit tongue in cheek because no one enjoys being at the back of the pack ALL the time. but really I'm not too bothered either.

However, when I read blogs and see all the creativity and capability out there--in spite of being moms just like me and still doing it all? It does deflate me....

just a little.

But I have realized something about myself and those other moms/bloggers.

I can't do it all because I'm not programmed that way.

I don't thrive on the busy, noisy, craziness of creativity banging away in my brain.

I hate feeling the itch to be doing something else.

Or the pressure to be something else.

I can't function on lack of sleep and still be a good mommy. Heck, with a couple of hours loss of sleep I can't even be a half descent mommy!

Don't get me wrong-- those creative --do it all--women are admirable! And I do, admire them that is. But I won't compare myself to them.

Because they're not me.

I bring this all up because a mom came up to me this week and asked me "how do I do it all?"

How do I do what?!

"Cook, clean, sew, blog, and always have neat tidy children?"

I stared at her wondering if she had me confused with someone else. Could she seriously be thinking I am one of those creative, capable women?

It suddenly dawned on me at that moment that what I share on the outside may look as though I've got it all in check. (Clearly this woman has never actually read my blog!)

And If I look like I've got it in check then maybe those women I have been tempted to compare myself to just share the good stuff?

This woman didn't know me well and I could tell that she's been struggling with a new baby and a desire to be more than she thinks she is, but I think the answer is to be happy with what you are and then work to expand that definition over time.

Define yourself broadly and specify as you go along.

Everything in a season.

So I'm going to continue being me.

no pressure. just ME.

And just in case you are wondering--yes my children are always neat and tidy. Sissy's hair is always done and their clothes and faces are always clean.

But my floors are not.

It's a case of priorities.

I'll let someone else win the "cleanest floors" award :)

10 lbs of cake

2011-08-14T15:00:00.000-04:00

This has been a month of Birthdays in the house of John's Daughter!

And the month of CAKE!

loads of it!

the "Middle-Man" (bubby) turned 4 this summer!

We had a HOT WHEELS birthday and went bowling--it was a hoot!

His cake was a combination of this cake and this one.

He was thrilled!

(the side of the cake is piece of ribbon--I was going to do it with icing but...uh... no.)

and the D-Man (Bear) had a very special first birthday party with Grandma and Grandpa making a special appearance.

What a big boy--I'm so sad when my babies want to grow up so fast :(

His cake was a total yummy pleasure as we all love a bit of candy-- or ALOT as was the case with this cake!

I used this video tutorial from Betty Crocker--so easy!

We have just finally waded through all of the birthday cake around here... just in time for hot dogs and s'mores by the fire.

summer can be so fattening--but totally yummy!

Friday Favourites

2011-08-12T09:12:00.002-04:00

today's favourites are my oldest flickr favourites.

i've had them saved for 2 years and still find them inspiring!

1. finished back, 2. ORBC Q-Along Circle Quilt from leftovers, 3. Numbers quilt, 4. Liberty Bird Quilt (binding detail), 5. Pencil roll, 6. babyquilt-1, 7. SQM09-O4, 8. Kaffe Fassett Pastel Floral Parade Quilt, 9. Mod Sampler completed Back

Happy Friday!

We're having some time off to spend with friends--I can't wait!

Have a great weekend!

having trouble getting your kids to read this summer?

2011-08-08T16:04:00.002-04:00

Let'em read in the bath tub!

yep...

right there between the shampoo bottles and the shrinking bar of soap.

I gave them some rainbow twizzlers, a drink (I told them no drinking from the tap!),

and a pile of good books-- and they gave me an hour of peace and quiet!!

I'm tellin' ya'--it's win/win!

PSSST...

2011-08-02T16:54:00.006-04:00

Do you love fabric?

Know someone who loves fabric?

You need to check out Huge giveaway!

and if you don't win you can always buy her fabric--best prices ever!

you can thank me later *wink*....

when you win...

or I can thank you when you win and then share your winnings with me!

*hee hee* A girl can dream!

remember when...

2011-07-22T21:45:00.001-04:00

Remember when you were in my belly?
No?
You were always so gentle.
No pokes or prods from you.
No fingers poking my rib cage.
You slept when I slept.

Remember when I woke up and thought of the most perfect name for you?

I started calling you that name right away. Right then and there at 4am when I got up to go pee because you were sleeping on my bladder.

I called you your name before I even talked it over with Daddy.

Remember when I listened to Sinatra REALLY loud when we were home, just me and you?

and you swayed inside my belly as though you were dancing.

Remember when you stayed so still that I thought something may be wrong?

I was so scared for you that I called Nana quick and then daddy and then rushed Bubby and Pumpkin still in their pj's to the hospital?

Remember when they told me you were fine and I cried happy tears?

I loved you so much already.

Remember a year ago this very minute when I was in labour?

When soon we would meet face to face.

You shot out so fast that amniotic fluid flew airborn almost hitting the nurse! :)

You came so fast and the doctor almost missed it all?

Do you remember you were perfect?

Perfectly you.

Our sweet little Bear.

Happy first birthday tomorrow, Bear.

I'm making you a train cake.

CHOO! CHOO!
We love you so very much!

WIP Wednesday #2

2011-07-20T15:52:00.007-04:00

Happy Wednesday to you!
It is for me because I got quite a bit done this week again!

woo hoo!!!

It's warm here--who am I kidding! it's HOT here!

So sewing in my basement has been an absolute pleasure :)

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Finished: Zip. Nada. Zero.

Still Going:

Bizzy Kid - unfortunately no pic this week because my cutting progress was meager at best, but I do have a couple fabrics on my "to purchase" list and then I'll be able to go gung ho...

STATUS: fabric cutting has slowly begun--awaiting specific fabrics

Sew Cherry whirligig quilt - this fabric is beautiful! In fact I don't want to waste even a tiny bit of it so I did a practice block with some scrap fabrics instead.

STATUS: ready to cut fabric

UFO's:
-Sultry disappearing 9 patch
-my sewing space-project "scraps"
-DS Scottie Dog pillow
-Make Life... Easy Bake quilt
-A La Mode cross quilt

New:

Synchronized Squares quilt along - lead by Rachel of P.S. I quilt and I realized it was perfect for my pumpkins gone wild charm pack that I've had for way too long!
Rachel is doing it with layer cakes so I modified the pattern to make it with charms and 7 inch background blocks. Even though my blocks are bigger I realized to make it a decent size I needed another charm pack...

This week I have 1 finished block and a pile of blocks ready for construction...
SPECIFICS: Synchronized Squares quilt along by Rachel of P.S. I quilt. Using Pumpkins Gone Wild charms by Sandy Gervais for Moda (OOP)

STATUS: my second set of charms arrived today so I will be able to continue on with making blocks
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WIP Wednesday #2 Recap:

last week's total: 7
finished: 0
new: 1

This week's total: 8

Friday Favourites--Read Me

2011-07-15T08:43:00.000-04:00

I love a good stack of books!

That's something my dad and I shared--the love of a good book.

He used to tell me

"if you can read and write, you can do anything."

I believe he may have been right :)

I noticed the other day that I have ALOT of "book" favourites...

1. Bookshelf Quilt, 2. Scrappy Linen Tote - Tutorial, 3. Common Threads book block, 4. Jack's jungle quilt, 5. Rainbow Books, 6. Quilt for Mrs Z, 7. Better shot - Finished MMM bookshelf mini-quilt, 8. Patchwork Book Collection, 9. Stacks of Books

Read any good books lately?

WIP Wednesday #1

2011-07-13T09:10:00.005-04:00

So here we are again looking at my progress on my works in progress....
some weeks are more productive than others and this week I was more counter productive really...

Let's just say I did ALOT of seam ripping this week!

haha! gave the old seam ripper a good workout!

and honestly, you won't believe what I chose to work on this week! honestly I can't believe it either!

So let's get started!

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Finished:

Sugar Pop n' Change fall quilt top!!

I know! I did put it away after last week's little photo session but then my hubby wanted to sit out on the deck on Sunday night. I figured since we were going to be chatting I might as well do some seam ripping and this project box was still sitting out on my sewing table.

Once I got it ripped apart hubby saw instantly where my problem area was and helped me solve it. And then I guess I couldn't stop until I saw it complete!

thanks to the hubby for his encouragement and his master photo taking abilities in getting a clear photo of my now finished quilt top--YAY!

STATUS: this is going away for awhile--I mean it this time!

Still Going:

my sewing space - I was inspired this week by a podcast I listened to (while folding laundry) pointing me in the direction of really organizing my scraps. I've had leftovers from several projects spilling over everywhere in my studio so it was time to tidy.

These are the remnants of ripping apart extra blocks from this quilt.
I removed and threw out the cheap sheet fabric and saved the fabulous designer fabrics.

I'm not done yet but it's a step in the right direction

STATUS: more slicing and dicing of scraps and organizing bins need to be purchased

Sultry disappearing 9 patch - I figured out to get it the size I want I need 10 more quarter blocks. so I did cut some more fabric for the blocks but didn't get any further.

STATUS: need to sew 10 more quarter blocks

UFO's:

-DS Scottie Dog pillow

-Make Life... Easy Bake quilt

-A La Mode cross quilt

New:

Sew Cherry whirligig quilt - received my fabric super fast! I will be using my Square it Up templates to begin my blocks.

SPECIFICS: Sew Cherry layer cake by Lori Holt to make a whirligig quilt using these templates made by my friend Jodi

STATUS: cutting fabric this week

Bizzy Kid - after purchasing my pattern I immediately pulled this pile of fabrics I have been saving. The focus print for this pull is the great Starling fabric (bird print) from Alexander Henry.

SPECIFICS: Bizzy Kid pattern by Cluck Cluck Sew available HERE

STATUS: fabric cutting will commence shortly

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WIP Wednesday #1 Recap:

last week's total: 6

finished: 1

new: 2

This week's total: 7

Friday Favourites--Over the Rainbow

2011-07-08T06:57:00.001-04:00

Lately I have been a little obsessed with rainbows :)

I think it's been ever since Pumpkin had her rainbow birthday party

A rainbow just makes me feel happy!
Hope your weekend is filled with big puffy white clouds and rainbows!

1. april 2011 do. good stitches, 2. rainbow stairs, 3. Baby quilt - for baby William, 4. Rainbow (surprise) Cake, 5. Starry Path, 6. Mug Rug Practice, 7. Pencil roll, 8. Color Wheel Quilt :: hand quilted, 9. Not Square Mini ! ;)

She made me do it!

2011-07-07T10:07:00.003-04:00

Bizzy Kid quilt pattern

photo stolen...ahem... borrowed from Alison of Cluck, Cluck Sew

oh yeah. I bought it.
I HAD TO!
SHE left me no choice.
It's fabulousness just overcame me and before I knew it I hit the paypal button.
you can do it too... here

I'm pulling fabrics now.... :)

a work in progress

2011-07-06T02:24:00.002-04:00

That describes my sewing space perfectly.

A work in progress.

A couple of weeks ago I got the best deal on some plastic tubs at Canadian Tire.

Like almost free kind of cheap!

so of course I bought lots!

and then I went back and bought more for my scraps-larger ones...

the smaller ones are shoebox size and they fit my other WIP's perfectly!

which made me and the hubby happy.

less than $15 = happy hubby

organized sewing space = happy ME

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------

so what are these other WIP's?

Well there are more than I'd like to admit....

AND this does confirm to my hubby that I'm good at starting but not so great at finishing...

but it's all relative--

and now that I'm organized--it'll be so much better!

I've told myself that once there are no more boxes for a project then I can't begin anything until I finish one--so on with the show

this one is a scottie dog for my dear middle child who has asked for a "dark blue" polka dotted dog stuffy.

SPECIFICS: Scottie Dog (free) pattern from Denyse Schmidt HERE

STATUS: so far the front patchwork is done and the back will be made from the royal blue felted sweater in the picture

Next up, a quilt made with a layer cake of my fave Sweetwater fabric called MAKE LIFE...

this quilt is a modified Disappearing 9 Patch using a special cutting method

SPECIFICS: Easy Bake pattern by Cluck Cluck Sew available HERE

STATUS: blocks completed...now I have to sew my quilt top together

now this quilt has been put away for a good reason.

I'm mad at it.

Mainly, it's just not going together right and is just not playing fair.
So I put it away and was going to leave it there for a LOOOOOONG time but then taking it out to take these photos did spark a tiny desire to see it finished....

and then as I folded it up and put it back in it's tub--and saw all the stray threads--

I remembered all the seams I've ripped out on this baby and it may stay out of my sight for a bit longer :)

SPECIFICS: fall quilt adapted from the Sugar Pop n' Change (free) pattern

STATUS: retired until further notice

These lovely blocks were gifted to me from Heather Bostic of (House) of A La Mode fame.

She was making a quilt in aqua, grey and orange 'til her hubby nixed the orange and then lucky me!

So far there aren't enough to make a quilt the size I'd like so I need to add to it...

SPECIFICS: inspiration quilt HERE

STATUS: blocks in progress

Lastly, probably my most favourite project at the moment.

A quilt for my pumpkin's bed (double) made with the love Sultry fabric by Basic Grey for Moda.

Using a couple of layer cakes to make an oversized version of the Disappearing 9 Patch.

Take a good look at this fabric--isn't it so pretty?

I just love it in all it's pinks and limes and browns.

thanks to my mom who understood my need for this fabric and came to my aid with her credit card until I could pay her back--now that's love! Thanks mom!

SPECIFICS: Disappearing 9 patch (oversized) --my first bed quilt

STATUS: initial blocks sewn--slicing and dicing, trimming and quilt top sewing in progress
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So I guess that's most of them that I'm working on however I have tons more swimming around in my head.

And I may have just purchased a layer cake of Lori Holt's new line "Sew Cherry" to make a quilt for someone super special but it won't do to name names at the moment

*wink wink*

Dear John...

2011-07-04T09:42:00.002-04:00

I had terrific potato salad this weekend and it reminded me of you.

Your potato salad will forever be my favorite!

Although your cryptic recipe forever leaves me trying to duplicate it but never quite mastering it!!

We had a campout in the neighbour's backyard.

12 adults, 13 children--tons of excellent food!

and running toilets--totally your kind of event.

What also made me think of you was that it was your wedding anniversary.

I called mom.

I think she had a hard time of it this year.

Not that I can blame her. We all miss you.

I sometimes sit and wonder what if you hadn't "ditched us for heaven".

If you were still here, happy and healthy, how life would have ended up.

What would you be doing?

Would you have visited us for Canada Day?

Would we have had a huge celebration to commemorate your wedding day?

I know that there will forever be a little part of every celebration that is missing something.

that something is you.

oh--

and it will always be missing your potato salad because that recipe you left me is waaay too vague!

LOL!

love,

your daughter.

mmm mmm....good!

2011-06-28T20:26:00.002-04:00

We had Prime Rib roast for dinner tonight--serious yum!

I learned how to cook the best prime rib watching Rob Barrett Jr. in his youtube video series "Cooking for Dads".

yes, he's corny--but he's original and fun.

and his recipes are seriously good.
Every. time.

I love the cooking show venue he offers although he also has a cookbook.
Check out some of his other videos--he's made over 100 episodes!

and then maybe you can have something yummy for supper :)

Friday Favourites

2011-06-24T10:02:00.007-04:00

My hubby pointed out the other day, that I have been neglecting my blog...and he's right.

Well, no more!

I'm going to have at least 3 posts a week--that's my goal anyways...

So it all begins today!

Jeni over at In Color Order (her Etsy shop is always full of great stuff!)

posts from her flickr favourites on Fridays.

Her Friday posts always inspire me.

So I was thinking that I might do the same seeing as my flickr favourites are abounding and changing continually!

sometimes there will be a theme and sometimes not :)

this week I just looked at what my newest favourites of the week were....Enjoy!

1. Japanese + and X Quilt, 2. Stargate Quilt Front, 3. Strings Quilt Back, 4. 4, 5. apple cake quilt top, 6. City Green Front, 7. [3 x 6] Bee Quilt Block, 8. [3 x 6] Bee Q2 2011 - Beehive 5, 9. "Hope" progress for MeredithQuilts

Hello, old friend...

2011-05-27T16:51:00.003-04:00

spring has begun :)

"Yet God has made everything beautiful for its own time. He has planted eternity in the human heart, but even so, people cannot see the whole scope of God’s work from beginning to end."

Ecclesiastes 3:11 NLT

I thought I'd be...

2011-05-24T09:02:00.004-04:00

Calmer. Cooler. More in control.
not ridiculous, but poised, witty even.

so. not. the case.

I stuttered and probably spoke in sentences that made no sense.
I spoke fast. Like lightning speed.

My voice wavered and I don't think I let her get a word in.
Oh. stupid. me.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
I just got off the phone with the celebrated Do It Yourself-er Kim of the DIY dish girls.
and let me just say that I think they are awesome, both she and Kris.

Why did I have this super chummy chat with Kim you ask??

well let's back track...
I just bought their DVD.
Yes this one...

On SALE for $10 bucks till friday! (May 27, 2011)

This DVD is chalk full of ideas for your kids to make and do this summer!

Not convinced? check out this excerpt from the video:

My kids and I used this video clip to make a gardening apron for my daughter and a tool belt for my son--they loved it and really connected with the video!

so anywho.... I ordered it and had a question but my email wasn't working and at the bottom of your invoice is a phone number.

so I dialed it.

and KIM picked up!

and I went on and on like a gas-fed duck and she was super friendly and didn't even seem to notice what an absolute dork I am!

moral of the story?

buy this DVD for your kids, your grandkids, for birthday gifts, and just because--it's a wealth of crafting fun!

p.s. by the way, I am in no way being compensated for this review-- I just knew when I saw it on sale that I HAD to have it!

Blogger's Quilt Festival

2011-05-13T19:12:00.003-04:00

Hello to all visiting from the Blogger's Quilt Festival!

Welcome!

I am Kelly and I am John's Daughter.
And this is my story.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

My father, John, died of Lou Gehrig's disease 3 years ago this past February.

We were very close.

In amidst this turmoil I felt idle as my parents lived 9 hours away from me.

So I began to create.

As my father's illness progressed he lost weight and was cold all the time.

That Christmas I gave him a blanket.

A quilt actually.

Made from thrifted wool sweaters.

It was an idea born of idle fingers and a need. (and a little inspiration from Betz White)

Once completed, I realized that making that blanket had been theraputic for me.

As well as for my dad.

He loved it and it was well used for 2 years.

Upon his passing, I spiralled into a world of self pity and doubt.

I tried to get away from things by spending much time on the computer.

I blog surfed. I read. I devoured.

Quilting.

I taught myself.

or should I say the blogosphere did.

Either way, when the most wonderful Dana of the Old Red Barn Co. began a quilt along, I dived in.

And my creation was for my son.

I had sewn for my daughter. Girls are so cute and frilly and fun to sew for, but my boy deserved some handmade.

I began with some $4 sheets on sale at our grocery store.Unfortunately for me I hadn't realized that real quilter's used 100% cotton, as my sheets were a poly blend.
I added in other fabrics like Katie Jump rope and Monaluna (which at them time I didn't realize that these fabrics were of demand--I just liked them)

The quilt top sat for about a year. W a i t i n g .
I realized one day that I was afraid of it and after a chat with my very supportive cousin, I backed it in one of the sheets, quilted it with my walking foot (my first time) and bound it.

Within 4 days.

So here it is, my Therapy Quilt.

It's not perfect in theory, but it is now offering my son comfort on his bed.

That is what makes a quilt perfect. Not the quality of stitches that go into it but the love in every stitch. You can almost feel it when you wrap a quilt around you.

Since beginning this quilt 2 years ago, I've accomplished many handmade projects and 2 other quilts.

After completing a few more quilts, my goal is to begin making lap quilts for the ALS Association in Hershey, Pennsylvania.

Do you do any charity quilting?

what's your favourite cause?

Thanks for visiting and feel free to pop by anytime :)
I'll be here :)

Let me sew!

2011-05-01T08:02:00.000-04:00

(PICTURE HEAVY POST AHEAD)

here is an update in pictures as to what I've been up to in the sewing room lately...

all the blocks for my 3 x6 mini bee grey and yellow quilt that I have received so far

3x6 mini bee 1st quarter, 2011--block made for myself

March blocks for H2B2

3x6 mini bee 4th quarter, 2010--block I made for myself

3x6 mini bee 1st quarter, 2011--blocks made for others

Barn block made for a "town" quilt--H2B2 March block

SUPER long overdue blocks (I forgot about them!) for Ana--Tethered Threads 2 block swap

I've been pretty lazy in the sewing department lately :(

but am getting back on the wagon today so I have something new to show you by the end of the week--that's my plan, anyways :)

Scrappy Mug Rug Madness!

2011-04-25T20:08:00.001-04:00

Remember when I told you about my Mug Rug Swap?

Well I just finished another one and I realized I never actually did show you what I did for the first one back in 2010...

so let's start there... this is the one I made for my partner...

using Make life fabric :)

the back--My fave!

and this is what I received! soooooo spoiled I am!

So fast forward to the beginning of March 2011... This is what I sent to my partner...

She likes vintage and pleats and bright colours. I used a vintage pillow case and added in some brown pleating.

Topped it off with some free motion quilting--first time EVER!!! (thanks to my handsome hubby and my SWEET Janome Horizon sewing machine-score!)

Well, I hit a home run on this one--she loved it!

and then I received the most fabulous mug rug Sweetteamom .

She put so much thought and detail into it! I love the rainbow and she snuck in some of my fave Make Life fabric (the red word fabric) and then the grey cross is to symbolize my dad in that he's always with me in my heart! AWWWWWW!

She totally cared! And I love it!

I kinda don't want to spill coffee on this one :)

Do you ever....

2011-04-05T22:15:00.003-04:00

Do you ever go through the day forgetting you're a Christian? (I mean, assuming you are a person of faith--if you're not, why not?) I do. I mean, I did. Today. Until now. I sometimes go through my day without consulting God. Without acknowledging His presence. Ignoring the fact that everything I have is because of Him. That the very breath I breathe comes only by His permission. How I can forget and just move through my day making other things priority over God, considering all He does for me daily? It is truly sad. and selfish. I must fix this in my life. Because reading that blog post, or sewing that quilt block isn't near as important as I think it is most of the time. All God asks of me is to check in with Him daily. Get to know Him a bit better with every year that passes. Appreciation. Really He's looking for no more than we strive for ourselves. And He deserves it way more than anyone else. Thank you Lord for blessing me and my family today. Giving you the credit, God.

Connecting Threads

2011-02-25T14:46:00.005-05:00

What do this quilt...

and this quilt....
have in common?

Well they're not quilts at all!

well, not yet anyway!!

Have you ever visited Connecting Threads??
you should!

Both of these quilts are designs that I made using their on site Kit Builder and both quilts made honourable mentions in their most recent Kit Builder Quilt Contest!!

Their fabrics are affordable, beautiful and quality cottons!

They offer sampler packs in fat quarters, stacks (10" squares), and charms (5"squares) as well as yardage in solids and prints, funky and traditional.

They also have thread, quilting tools and this amazing option of the Kit Builder on their site.

You just download a pattern, and it lets you pick and choose how to make that design with any of their fabrics and then calculates fabric amounts and puts it right into your shopping cart if you choose!

Both of these quilts were free downloads but they are now adding quilt designs by designers!!!

so cool!

Connecting Threads is sending me a fabric stack (10"squares) of their entire solid collection.

OOOOOOOOOH I cannot wait!!

Thank you Connecting Threads!

BASTE

2011-02-24T15:57:00.005-05:00

the joy
of a nearly finished quilt
and the excitement of one little boy anticipating a new quilt on his bed.

catching up

2011-02-14T16:02:00.000-05:00

I have been embarrassingly behind on my blocks...

both in making them and blogging about them!

So here goes!

Coffee Improv Blocks for Jan of Hip 2 Bee Square

These were for January 2011

Next up: 3x6 BEE blocks

In this bee you make 7 of the same blocks using your own fabric and the colours choices by your fellow bee mates...
aqua, red and white

pink, red and white

a baby quilt inspired block of green, yellow and white

black, white and yellow

a baby boy quilt block--no specified colours

and this was for my friend Tong (from the Great White North Bee) and was my favourite...

blue, yellow and gray

My colours for this swap were yellow and grey but I've yet to make myself a block.

I'll show you my blocks from my fellow bees another day, once I get my last one :)

The following block was made for Quynh in the Hip 2 Bee Square

The theme was bubbles and I had a terrible time with the circles!

But mine looked like most of the other ladies so I guess I didn't do too badly.

This was November's block.

For the December blocks of the Great White North Bee

Jen entrusted us with some much coveted Heather Ross fabrics to make confetti blocks

using this tutorial...

I got super behind on these because they scared me!

Alot of seams! Not my forte...

Barb asked for pink stars for January's blocks for the GWNBee

I love the look of the ohio star quilt block and used this tutorial from the Moda Bake Shop.
(this is the same tutorial I used for the blocks above)

The pinks she sent were so pretty :)

now I want a pink quilt!

I'm still behind on the last block for the Tethered Threads 2 bee and then I'm caught up for 2 weeks...

Then more fabric will arrive...

Mug Rug Swap 3

2011-02-11T18:09:00.000-05:00

I can't believe I forgot to blog about this!

Back in December I took part once again in the Scrappy Mug Rug Swap on Flickr.

You might remember my first swap in this group and I loved it!

So I did it again.

Only this time I was shaking in my boots a bit.

My partner wasn't just anybody.

She was a somebody...

Kaye Prince to be exact.

of Miss Print blog fame!

If you don't know of her,

you soon will.

She is the next up and comer in the quilting world of blogging and Moda Bake Shop

and she's CANADIAN!!

This is my most favourite of her quilt designs HERE.

so I set to it and came up with this design...

(mug rug front)
(mug rug back)
I was pretty happy with it in the end --however my machine was having a serious hissy fit so the quilting isn't what I had envisioned.

I think Kaye was pleased, however :)

It was hard to let that one go but soon enough mine arrived in the mail from
Katy! I had asked for a winter/Christmas mug rug and she delivered!
Thanks Katy!

So here's the thing--
I signed up again to do the 3rd swap and it's due to be sent by February 14th....

I have lots of ideas but so far nothing concrete put together so I'd best get a move on!

What was that about not joining any more swaps?
*wink*

Love Nest

2011-02-06T15:41:00.006-05:00

My new "friend" is Carina Gardner.

Have you ever heard of her?

She's a fabulous new designer for Northcott Fabrics and her second line is called Love Nest.

This is my favourite new novelty line of fabric!
Isn't it fabulous?

It's all hearts and flowers and paisley's but my fave is those birdies up there.

When I came across this fabric I knew I had to have some!
so I right away called my LQS who is now looking into carrying some of Carina's new lines for the spring/summer but couldn't get me any Love Nest.

I was bummed and then Carina herself sent me a 12 fat quarter set!
Can you believe it!

I'm planning on making a table runner for Valentine's Day with it but in the mean time...
look who got into it first!

She's so proud to be sewing--
and yes--
she did pick this out fit out herself! :)

this little quilt is the beginnings of a 100 days project for school.

more on that later...

but a BIG THANK YOU to Carina Gardner!!!

p.s. check out this quilt that Carina just designed!!!
fabulous!

fears

2011-01-31T11:08:00.004-05:00

I am afraid.
nothing scary, but it holds me in its grasp and I stress...

After reading this post by Anna of Noodlehead fame--I don't feel alone.
not completely.

This was my comment on her blog after reading this:

"i fear wasting fabric...the fabric industry is so cruel...it turns over fabrics too fast and just when i get the nerve to use my beloved fabric it goes OOP and i can't get it anymore. i stand stuck in this place.
my husband does not understand.
nice to know that someone else does :)"

note: OOP means Out Of Print.
as in done.
gone.
finished.
nada.
a bazillion dollars on Ebay for the world's last remaining fat quarter that someone else is selling because they were smarter than me and bought lots so now they can share it and get their projects done.

hmph.

yes. it's the strawberries all over again.
why do I obsess?

My hubby asures me "we can buy more fabric.
They will design fabric that I like just as much. take it one project at a time."

Problem is that it takes me MONTHS to finally begin a project and then the amount of fabric I have limits my creativity.

Fabric is expensive!
I don't want to waste it!

'cause once it's gone. it's gone.
so sad.

Hubs said to me the other day,
"you're getting a nice little stash of fabric now. Great for creativity."

umm...yeah.
except, no.
practically every piece of fabric I have was bought for a purpose.

It's not a stash.
It's a hoard.
waiting it's turn.
hmmmmm.....
time is also a problem.

I'm not entering any more quilt bees so that I can work on my own stuff.
promise.

what's that?
no I'm not crossing my fingers behind my back.

Swaps don't count do they?

hmmm.... could someone pass the strawberries please?

TO BE CONTINUED...

QUESTION?

2011-01-07T14:46:00.003-05:00

I have so much to blog about and yet so little time....

but I have a pressing question.

--------------------------------------------------------------

Preparing for my month in the Great White North Bee...

and I'm undecided...

Does the blue play?

or does it take away?

are the stripes too much?

hmmmmmmmmm.........

(please note that these are not pieced blocks, they're just staged so I can get a concensus)

edit: thank you to everyone who commented and emailed.

I decided to keep the stripes but nix the blue.

Instead I added in some golden corduroy to warm it up a bit.

I'll update you once my blocks start rolling in :)

crafty endeavours

2010-11-12T09:06:00.004-05:00

WARNING:

photo heavy post ahead!

---------------------------------------------------------------------------

This month I have been focusing on getting things done!

Since having #3 I've been sneeking in sewing time when I can...

and not blogging at all because all my spare time has been spent sewing or cuddling a newborn :)

first up: Bee Blocks

Made these 3 blocks using Denyse Schmidt's Hope Valley for Beth.

She is on for the last month of our Teathered Threads 2 swap.

can I just say that nothing is better to work with than the quality that comes with designer fabrics--and I don't even like Hope Valley!

-----------------------------------------------------------
Next up:
Blocks for Ruth that were due in August....oops!
also for Tethered Threads 2.
We got to use fabulous fabrics designed by Laurie Wisbrun for Scarlet Fig fabrics
Heaven!

Ruth had us use a new method of piecing that had you leave the first piece half unsewn and then sewing it at the end...

very cool.

------------------------------------------------------------------

This is a table runner I made for my secret sister at church.

it was our revealing night where we find out who our secret sister was for the year and I had won these fabrics at guild and decided to make something fall-like for her.

I used a tutorial by Anina at the Twiddle Tails blog for the Strippy Runner.

Easy Peasy!

I wasn't able to give it to her in person and she made a point of thanking me at church the next Sunday and giving me a thank you card--so I guess she liked it :)

I didn't like these fabrics at all but then went shopping for the binding and made the back from my stash and was pleasantly surprised by how much I liked it!

Now I want one!

----------------------------------------------------------------

lastly,

I made a doll quilt for an auction fundraiser at my daughter's school.

I made it to be 14"x 17" and after quilting and washing it measures 13" x 16"

Using a http://www.etsy.com/shop/scarletfig tutorial by Amanda Jean from Crazy Mom Quilts
for this cute pillow and case!

The fabric was from my SIL (thanks Kit Kat!)

and was slated for another project, however I decided the little house was just too cute to have sitting in my stash so I chopped and diced and made it nice :)

I still have a bunch of houses so this is not the last time you will see them.

--------------------------------------------------------------

off to sew some more!

Dear John...

2010-10-15T11:36:00.003-04:00

(my mom and dad in the early years. My mother is still this beautiful.)

Your memory is never far from me.

Our new little man is so smiley and squishy and huggable and loveable.

Your heart would melt if you could see him.

I often think about the day you came to the hospital upon the arrival of our sweet princess (our first baby, your first grandbaby) into our lives.

I remember how you saw her and your eyes welled up with tears.

I loved that you wore your emotions on your sleeve (and yet it's something I don't always like about myself).

You loved her with out knowing her or feeling her kick for 9 months.

You loved her even though you weren't here everyday to see my ever-enlargening belly.

You loved her before she even knew she would love you.

because she was mine and you were her grandfather, you loved her.

Unconditionally.

Love is amazing.

Love is something I want very badly for my kids to know.

the kind of love you had for me and my brother and mom.

and the love that you shared with pumpkin.

She loves you still.

Your memory is engraved on her little 5 (and 3 quarters) heart.

We love you.

and miss you.

but mostly, we appreciate you and the love that you shared.

thank you for teaching me about love.

love,

your most beloved daughter

Gifted and received.

2010-09-12T15:21:00.007-04:00

When you have a baby,

you get gifts.

It feels good to get gifts.

It also feels good to give gifts.

but not just any gift...

a hand made one...

gifted:

for the pincushion pass swap I sent some m&m's,

some Amy Butler fabric scraps,

and a one of a kind pincushion--

trust me--I couldn't duplicate it if I tried :)

Received:

This awesome

(HUGE)

pincushion in my fave colour combo

and some beautiful glass head pins

I'm loving swaps!!

So Fun!

------------------------------------------

gifted:

one yummy lap quilt

for:
my mother-in-law,
whom I actually "like" and love dearly
(it's not true what they say about mother in laws you know...)

Fabric:
Cotton Blossoms by Bonnie and Camille for Moda

Purchased a layer cake wayyyyy back

this is the back that my hubby helped me with :)
thanks Honey!
This the front.
(before washing and drying)
this is it all crinkly and soft after being washed and dried.

Size:
54" x 63" prior to washing

approximately 50" x 59" after a trip through the dryer.

Received:
yup...she definately liked it!

A nice warm fuzzy feeling knowing that I've given something useful,
personal, loveable and sentimental.

and I made it.
All. by. myself.

from me.
to her.

no wonder quilters are the most generous people.
they've figured out that it pays more to give than to receive.

Although if you want to send me a gift I won't turn it down!

a big thank you!

2010-08-10T08:38:00.003-04:00

Look at this quilt!

Isn't it fabulous?!

I just adore the modern meadow line of fabric

--how did they know?

Thank you soooo much, Tethered Threads 2 Block Swap ladies!
Thank you all so very much!!
I was shocked!
And it is sooo beautiful!
Honestly,
I'm not sure if it was the hormones or the surprise,
or just the deep heartfelt thankfulness,

but I started to cry when I took it out of the envelope.

Quilters truly are the most generous people.

They've made me feel so blessed to be a part of such a great group of quilters.

I've learned so much more about quilting by being part of a swap.

These ladies are talented.

------------------------------------------

Little Peanut is doing well and growing so fast!

He's gained a pound in less than 2 weeks

and aside from being on a sleep strike last night,

he's an extremely contented baby.

You'll see more from me soon but for now I've got to go give a cuddle to my kiddos.

I have been very busy...

2010-08-03T16:07:00.005-04:00

holding,

cuddling,

squeezing,

kissing,

cherishing,

and thanking the Lord for this little bundle of cuteness.

-----------------------------------------------------------------

Our new little guy showed up on July 23rd, 2010 at 12:20 am.

He weighed 7lbs 9oz and has big feet :)

2 hours of labour

(yes, you read that right)

and one push and we had our newest little man in our arms.

Our kids just love him!

What a blessing.

A lot of prayers, (my own and from others),

went into the making of a beautiful birthing experience.

There is nothing better than seeing the richness of the blessings the Lord doles out.

Nothing.

I feel great and am enjoying some downtime with the family.

but I'll be back soon with more details.

-------------------------------------------------------------------

And thank you to those of you that have encouraged me the last few months.

It means alot.

Good news and some crafty goodness

2010-07-21T13:01:00.006-04:00

First the GOOD NEWS!!!

I'm 3 centimetres dilated!!!

Yay!

this baby is on it's way soon!

Now, an udate into the crafty goodness around here as this will probably be my last post until after baby #3 joins our family....

I finished my quilt!

and it's at the quilters and I should have it back by the end of the week!

Here is the top:
and here is the backing:

i chose to have it professionally quilted because my hubby wanted it to have a soft cuddly scrunchy look and I can only do straight quilting.

Can't wait to bind it and throw it in the wash!

Pumpkin is attending her first ever real birthday party!

I saw this post on Bridget's blog, Everyday Chaos, in the morning and by the afternoon I had a gift!

Yeah!

It's getting sunny around here and the kids were due for Big Kid sunglasses.

I had seen this idea on Disney's blog (which sadly she is no longer writing)

and bought me some potholders.

Jazzed them up and instant sunglass cases!

and best of all--

No scratched lenses!!

Lastly I bought a pair of jeans for Pumpkin hoping they would fit.

no such luck. too short!

So they instantly

(or should I say after I decided what to do with them)

became some super ruffly and fun capris!
they were so easy and she gets lots of compliments!

So there you have it!

hopefully the next time we talk these 2 will have a new sibling!!

Wish me luck!

as the days creep by

2010-07-20T20:28:00.003-04:00

I am greeted by stares lately.

Gaping mouths.

Hoots and hollers across parking lots of

"You're still HERE?!"

Or,

"You haven't had that baby yet???!"
No I haven't.

I guess this is the life of an overdue mama.

I'm only 3 days overdue.
Not so bad.
Who am I to say that this babe is actually overdue?

It says in the Bible that only the Lord knows the hour of our birth.
I'm trusting His plan for this baby.
It's hard though.

I find myself anxious in these last days.
Wondering when, how, and what to do when it all happens.

I LOVE being pregant.
honestly.
I could do this for another couple of months.

so we'll see.
I would like to know whether we're having a boy or a girl however...
I'm sure this child will arrive before it's 13th birthday...
and with a small head, if you don't mind.
Please and thankyou.

Mostly we are just so excited to meet this new little person
of whom we have struggled over names for the last 9 months.

Lord, help me to be patient.
Accept your timing.
Help me to have peace.

Welcome BABY!
We're waiting on you :)

progress...

2010-07-18T18:46:00.004-04:00

ready to be pieced....

I'm loving how quickly these HST blocks come together...

this is one Cotton Blossoms layer cake and 6 extra squares of fabric...

(my layer cake was missing 4 squares)

We'll see how I like it once it's all pieced :)

swaps

2010-07-15T13:58:00.004-04:00

My June blocks for the Tethered Threads 2 Block Swap have been done for a bit but I've not shared them....

Fabulous fabric!!
I wasn't so sure about my wonkiness...
"wonk" I've noticed, does not come easily to me...

but I think Kathy likes them, so I'm safe :)

I have also joined another swap called the GREAT WHITE NORTH BEE

I'm excited as this is a group of ladies that are all Canadian (like myself) but love designer fabrics and the look of a more modern quilt design.

These are my June blocks for Kristy, our bee mama....

Wonky again!

It was fun and using so many different fabrics and bright prints was a thrill!

her quilt is going to be delicious!

I joined the swap late so the July block will not be coming to me as she doesn't have enough fabric for me to do a block for her.

that's okay--i'm going to be busy with a baby anyway.

My month isn't until February so I have time to decide what I would like.

I'm so enjoying the swap process.
It has opened up opportunity for me to really stretch and learn.

I'm excited for more fabric to show up on my doorstep so i can play with it!

Dad always loved a good blonde joke...

2010-07-14T19:23:00.003-04:00

My father loved a good joke.

Especially blonde jokes!

They were his favourite.

He, at one point, started collecting them.

I wish he were here so I could share this one with him.

He would have loved it!

So....I'll share it with all of you instead :)

---------------------------------------------------------------------

There is a night flight that has just taken off.
As the stewardesses begin to deliver meal trays an attractive blonde walks up from economy to first class and sits down.

Stewardess: May I see your first class ticket please?

Blonde: I don't have one. I'm blonde, I'm beautiful and I'm flying first class to Houston.

Dumbfounded the stewardess goes to the front cabin to speak with the pilots.
After sharing her story the co-pilot says he'll approach her.

Co-pilot: Ma'am I understand you do not have a first class ticket for this flight...?

Blonde: I'm blonde, I'm beautiful and I'm flying first class to Houston.

Speachless, the co-pilot makes his way back to the cabin and exclaims in exasperation
"She's blonde, she's beautiful and she's flying first class to Houston!"

The head pilot asks the co-pilot to take over and says he'll deal with it.
The, now nosy, stewardesses follow him wide-eyed waiting for a scene.
But the pilot only leans down, and gently whispers something in the blonde's ear.

She immediately stood and retired to her original seat in economy. No questions asked.

The pilot returned to the cabin, stewardesses, bewildered, wagging their tongues behind him...

Stewardess: what did you say to her to make her go back to her seat??

Pilot: Oh. I just told her first class wasn't flying to Houston!

-------------------------------------------------------------------------

I love a good blonde joke!!

Bob the Builder Birthday Party!

2010-07-12T14:11:00.007-04:00

Can we Party?!

YES WE CAN!!

----------------------------------------------------------------

Well, as you can tell, I'm still hanging in there.

My water did not break during the birthday party,

thankfully.

And we made it through!

First off,

the cake.

Now I know you saw my part the other day,

but check out BOB!!!

My friend, Laurie,

truly outdid herself!!

He is clearly well put together and totally made the cake special!

and was a total hit with our own Bob the Builder!

My portion of the cake was a bit of fussin', but worth it!

I used a great tutorial found on FamilyFun.com.

They have SUPER cake ideas!

and often show videos of how to do it.

I just looked at a picture of SCOOP and tried to adapt this tutorial to recreate him.

The toughest part was trying to frost a twinkie!

Definately freeze them first!!

All the kids and parents met us at the free splash pad in town.

It was very warm and the kids loved the water.

I brought colouring sheets and crayons in a dump truck.

and mod podged rocks with our favourite characters to hold down the napkins/plates and papers so they wouldn't fly away.

Lastly, before everyone left, we had a pinata!

here it is after the party still in one piece.

Why?

because it wasn't a pinata you hit--

it had a trap door!!!!

the kids pulled on the caution tape strips one by one.

they fall right out unless you pull the one that opens the door

and WHAM!

Candy for all!!!

the kids and the moms loved it!

I got the idea on familyfun.com as well.

HERE.

but did a few things differently.

the thing that made it the easiest was that I had bought adhesive caution tape at the dollar store.

Saved my butt that tape did!!

and made decorating the park a breeze because I didn't need to "tape" my caution tape.

It just stuck to whatever I put it on!!

All in all a great day!

And now onto having this baby.....

Here's the SCOOP!

2010-07-04T20:01:00.003-04:00

SCOOP the Backhoe that is...

More to come....

that is, if my water doesn't break while throwing a birthday party for my 3 year old!

fingers crossed :)

I may be inspired...

2010-06-25T20:27:00.004-04:00

but man,

am I tired!

I see a quilt though...

this one is going to have to wait until after baby is born but

I've got big plans!

teacher appreciation

2010-06-24T21:12:00.004-04:00

Pumpkin has officially finished Senior Kindergarten.

How did this happen?

Where did the time go?

Is it possible that she will be in Grade 1 next year??

Wow!

I just realized that....I'm getting old!

Pumpkin's year was a great one.

She grew in stature, goodness, kindness, mind, body and spirit.

She's made friends that have made a difference in her life and shaped her into a forgiving and caring friend.

She's made mistakes and learned from them.

She's become bigger than life.

I wanted to thank her teacher's in a personal way as they have touched Pumpkin in a personal way on her road to becoming who she is.

They have families they love and enjoy family time with. Just as we do in our home.

So what better thing for them to share with their families than

a Super Sundae in a Jar Party!

Layer a large jar (I used a pickle one)

With all sorts of YUMMY sundae toppings...

Our list included peanuts, M&M's, chocolate caramel balls (Rolo's), mini coloured marshmallows, gummie bears and worms, butterscotch chips, sprinkles, toffee bits (Skor bits), mini oreos/cookies, etc....

I made my favourite homemade hot fudge sauce and gourmet peanut butter sauce.

Used scrapbooking papers and some clipart to decorate the jars...don't forget the Mod Podge!

And...VOILA!

All they have to do is dump the toppings in a bowl and add a spoon for easy sprinkling,

warm up some sundae sauces,

add some ice cream, whipped cream and a cherry and they're set!

I think these gifts were a hit!

Goodbye Senior Kindergarten--

HELLO SUMMER!!!

Happy Father's Day

2010-06-19T20:27:00.002-04:00

I wish I could wish my dad a Happy Father's Day,

but I can't.

I do have lots of good memories of him which warm me on days when I feel lonely to talk to him.

And I'm a LOT like him.

in so many ways.

My dad was a ham bone! in a good way!

He was funny and silly and everyone laughed when he was around.

I happen to think I'm just as outgoing as he was

(--except I wear a one piece in the pool)

He LOVED to dance and he was a good dancer!

He and my mom could really dance it up.

Often others would stop dancing just to watch my parents on the dance floor.

my dad used to hold me and dance me around the room

to Kenny Rogers "The Gambler"

When I got older, he'd let me stand on his feet.

I loved dancing with him.

He worked at a hospital where literally it felt like EVERYONE knew who he was.

As a child the most remarkable thing about that to me was

that he cared more and spoke more often

to the "little" people than he did about all the prominent doctors in the world.

He loved the cleaning ladies and cafeteria ladies, the orderlies and his patients.

He chatted them up, knew their names and truly cared about them.

He always remembered little details about them.

I too learned from his example that everyone is important and worthwhile.

No matter their title or place in life.

Daddy was just plain fun!

He was always with us kids.

He didn't just sit around like the other adults.

It always felt like he enjoyed being with us almost more.

He never rushed me.

Or lost his patience.

He truly loved.

I aim to do the same.

Happy Father's Day to all the dad's in your life

living with us and in our hearts.

Dear John...

2010-06-14T09:35:00.004-04:00

I really miss being able to talk to you, dad.

So much has been happening in our little family and extended family--sometimes I don't know whether to laugh or cry.

Your passing away has saved you the heartache you would be feeling right now surrounding these events--and for that, I am thankful. It is a blessing that everything was good and in its right place when you left this earth.

However, it seems that nothing has been right in me since you have left.
It's hard.
Will it always be this hard?

I'm having baby number 3 and you won't see it.
You won't hold it.
I remember when pumpkin was born and you held her for so long.
You cried when you saw her.
She looked like you.
She was a part of you and your story.

She still loves you and talks about you.
She tells bubby about you.

The other day we were going to the store and bubby didn't want to use the bathroom.
and pumpkin said to him
" you won't remember this, but Papa always said to use the bathroom before leave the house."

well. He did.
Not because mommy said so...
but because the Papa he didn't really know, had said it to his big sissy.

These are the little things that make me cry.
Oh well, life does go on.
And you're still a part of ours.

Love,
Me.

almost...

2010-06-11T08:58:00.011-04:00

I almost...

had enough fabric for the backing of my quilt--almost...

I almost...

ordered fabric online

I almost...

spent an hour scouring etsy for the perfect fabric for the back of my quilt

I almost...

paid for shipping to Canada instead of sending it to my mom because I needed it now...

I almost...

had to wait 2 and a half weeks for fabric to arrive

(top fabric: Cotton Blossoms by Bonnie and Camille, bottom fabric: compliments of Fabricland)

I almost...

used my very favourite Full Moon Polkie by Amy Butler

but it didn't feel "right" with the rest of the fabric.

I almost...

walked right past this fabulous brick coloured chicken scratch fabric

I'm so glad I didn't!

I almost...

don't know what I like better...

vertical?

horizontal? either way, (thoughts???)

I almost...
passed up a chance to find this fabric for $3 a metre!

sometimes shopping in Canada for fabric isn't all bad.

(for those that don't know--Fabricland is the Canadian equivalent to JoAnn's fabrics but not quite as good--but it's growing on me!)

***I almost think the word "almost" looks funny to me now that I've written it so many times in this post

there goes the neighbourhood...

2010-06-08T20:31:00.003-04:00

We live in a neighbourhood of neatly manicured landscapes.

Everyone mows their lawn,

weeds their flower beds

and waters their impatients.

overnight the neighbourhood seems...

well...

up in arms.

And I can't blame them.

Many of them have lived here

a long long time.

and then this shows up on the neighbours lawn.

yes.

this is a toilet.

and yes.

it does have plants in it.

Impatients actually.

but no one has watered them so

they're not so "standy uppy" at the moment.

ummmm....

what can I say?

it's a toilet planter!

their house is not perfect.

(ours isn't either...shhh)

But they've been working hard on improving it.

hence the toilet.

it came from their bathroom remodel.

Many neighbours wish it had gone to the dump with the rest of the refuse from the reno.

I'm not a fan of it myself.

"Toilet planters" aren't for everybody.

but in their defense....

they always mow their lawn.

a thousand apologies

2010-06-07T15:51:00.004-04:00

here they are.

My May blocks for Kathleen.

For the Tethered Threads 2 swap.

Done and dusted.
In the mail.
LATE...

So sorry....

so what happened to me this month??
why the late blocks from a girl who's turnaround record has been pretty good?

ummm...
well when I received the fabrics and directions, I froze.

I found it confusing.

ummm...yeah.
let's remember I'm 34 weeks pregnant.
I have baby brain, people!

so then I didn't have the right fabric in my stash.
so I had to go to the store.
the fabric store 25 minutes away.

this is not normally an issue.
It's normally a joy...

hmmmmm...this month? not so much.

"surely I must have something here..."
nope.

....

so then I equated purchasing the fabric for the block
to finishing the block.

ummm...
note to self:

purchased fabric=UN finished

so this morning
I decided to let it lag no longer.
45 minutes
2 freezies
and a broken seam ripper later

(don't ask-- I didn't even need it for the block!)

ta da!
two blocks finished.

with love, from mom

2010-06-02T14:58:00.006-04:00

My mom sends me some of the best emails.

She is a pastor and church humour runs high in her circles
(along with many other types of humour, eh mom?)

My mom is a particularly "punny",
oh, I mean funny, person herself.

here's her latest email:

4 Worms Church Sermon!

For those of you who missed church on Sunday, here is a recap!
Four worms and a lesson to be learned!!!!

A minister decided that a visual demonstration would add emphasis to
his Sunday sermon.

Four worms were placed into four separate jars.

The first worm was put into a container of alcohol.
The second worm was put into a container of cigarette smoke.
The third worm was put into a container of chocolate syrup.
The fourth worm was put into a container of good clean soil.

At the conclusion of the sermon, the Minister reported the following
results:

The first worm in alcohol- Dead

The second worm in cigarette smoke - Dead

Third worm in chocolate syrup - Dead

Fourth worm in good clean soil - Alive.

So the Minister asked the congregation -
What did you learn from this demonstration???

Maxine was sitting in the back, quickly raised her hand and said,
'As long as you drink, smoke and eat chocolate, you won't have worms!'

That pretty much ended the service

ha ha!

Every story has its moral!

thanks for the laugh, Mom!

a little bit of this...

2010-06-02T13:27:00.007-04:00

and a little bit of THIS

Oh my!

I love it!

It's called Glitzmas and it's fabulous!

I'm a sucker for Christmas anything and I just think this fabric would

sing with my Michael Miller mirror dots.

I haven't cut into the gold or the moss yet and I think if I could swing $25 bucks out of my hubby I'd be slicing and dicing!

Speaking of slicing and dicing...

here's a yummy pile of Cotton Blossoms fabric by Bonnie and Camille.

I bought this layer cake over a year ago with someone special in mind.

Well she's more special than ever and I've decided to

jump into this fabric with rotary cutter in hand!

I'm basing my quilt on one by Kaffe Fassett in his book

Quilts in the Sun.

It's called Tropical Frothy and it uses half square triangles.

I'm just awaiting the arrival of a bit more fabric so I can move on with it.

Lastly, let me leave you with this pic of my yummy new stash!

Anna Maria Horner's Garden Party!

Heather and I couldn't resist (it wasn't hard to talk her into it!), so we went in on an order together and this is what resulted!

that's 6 yards of fabulous colour!

(the top one I have had for a bit but it matches so well)

Can't wait to cut into it!

meet my new boyfriend

2010-05-29T19:24:00.005-04:00

I haven't felt this close to a perfect stranger in a long time.
It was like kismet.

He goes by Uncle Dan to most,

but me?
no.
the first time I tasted his wares it was like
"hi. you can call me Dan."

and wow!
after one taste I was hooked!

I am closer to Uncle Dan's Classic Ranch Dip than I have been to any of my other food cravings.

It's smooth and creamy.
calorie filled and tangy.

seriously.
Uncle Dan really does know how to get 'r done!

I've never eaten so many vegetables!

the best part is, my hubby and kids love him too!
He just fits right in as though he's always been there.

on my table, on my plate.
and in my tummy.

OOOOOOh it's sooo good!

Problem is Uncle Dan and I have a long distance relationship,
not unlike the one I have with my other boyfriend,
Bob "Wildfire" Evans.

It's sad really how I just can't seem to find any favourites around here.

Unlike Bob,
Uncle Dan lives in B.C. in some grocery store I've never been to.

So my friend,
no blog Mo,
who initially set us up,
now also makes sure I get my supply.

Uncle Dan has completely manipulated my pregnancy cravings.
he's monopolized on all my grazing habits.

Trust me.
It's that good.

and if Uncle Dan lives in your area,
he also makes a dill dip which is heaven.
You two should really hook up!

truly.
I'm not the jealous kind.

As long as you send me some dip :)

Hi

2010-05-17T14:16:00.003-04:00

Hi there,
and welcome to my blog makeover...
what do you think?
Pretty sharp, eh?

I won a giveaway waaaaaaaaay back from B's Blog Boutique and put things off for a bit 'cause,
well...
I just didn't know what I wanted.

Well, Bailey took the bull (me) by the horns, so to speak,
and helped me come up with a strategy.

I LOVE IT!
She's got a fabulous blog and is SUPER helpful!
She doesn't even make you feel dumb for being so boring with your choices or for not wanting something she suggests.

She just wants you to be happy!
and I am!

my header has a pic of me when I was little with my daddy.
Then the middle is a pic of the blanket that I made for my dad when he was ill.
and the last frame is a pic of my pumpkin with my dad a year or so before he passed.

The header alone is very precious to me.
thanks Bailey for all your hard work!

Mother's Day

2010-05-13T14:27:00.005-04:00

Mother's Day was so special for me this year.

It was the first year Hubby really included the kids

in things.

Pumpkin and Bubby made their own cards this year

which I big puffy heart!

Pumpkin had crafts from school that she had made that were wonderful.

Bubby drew snakes in my card-- and I have to say,

even though he's only 2 1/2 you could actually

say they were snakes :)

Then Hubby took them to buy mommy a special book.

A special book from my favourite used bookstore!

I just love Sophie Kinsella and have the rest of the series except this first one.

Pumpkin said they even got to pay and you could tell that that was a big deal to her.

Then there was the big gift which daddy clearly got in on but I don't mind...

no don't mind at all!

Pedicures are one of my favourite luxuries and he knows it!

Especially when I'm prego.

Not bad eh?

(yes. my feet are small)

The nail colour is "I'm not really a waitress" by OPI.

I wore it on our wedding day.

Hubby bought me a bottle of it on our honeymoon.

Love this colour.

so....

I didn't get a new mousepad...

but I got something so much more...

My family.

ahem...

2010-05-08T19:36:00.004-04:00

THIS

is my mouse pad...

It has seen some serious use.

Bubby got ahold of the tape the other day and tried to fix it for mommy.

bless his 2 year old heart!

I whispered in his ear that maybe he should get mommy a new one for mother's day...

I guess we'll see tomorrow!

Happy Mother's Day!

the DIY Dish inspires me!

2010-04-23T14:07:00.007-04:00

Have you seen this?
the DIY Dish?

quirky, fun.
Love the Kris and Kim team effort!

After watching this video...

go ahead and click on it....
I'll wait--it's a good one :)

wasn't it good?
I was inspired around the 14:40 mark, especially.
I needed an embellishment for a gift I'd wrapped for a bridal shower.

I had to leave at 7:25pm.

It was 5:30pm.
Hubby would be home in 15 mins

and then dinner, kids baths, bedtime and out the door.

I had to think quick.

there was no time for lollygagging

(my Nana used to say that!)

the part about the flowers in the 2 minute countdown of the DIY Dish segment popped into my head.
and in 5 minutes....
I had this!

Even with children hanging off my limbs!

Fabulous!
Fun!
Easy and QUICK!

and a bit of a show stopper!

Thanks Kris and Kim :)

Please talk to me!

2010-04-23T13:53:00.003-04:00

I'm sad to say that our Curves here in town closed in March.

I was doing really well.

I have gained very little weight during this pregnancy and was thinking it mainly had to do with my level of activity.

Curves was great.

For me anyway.

It was my time out.

My time for adult conversation without the tugging on the shirt sleeve the whole time.

And the LAUGHS!!

So fun!

So when it closed (pout!)

I took the month of March off to mourn

and then thought I'd check out the

YMCA in town.

Other Curves ladies have gone there and are happy.

I am not one of them.

It is booooooring!

where I was once forced to move in a circle,

looking and laughing at/with those at the club,

I'm now in a corner on my own.

walking on a treadmill

or sitting on some very uncomfortable and mindnumbing equipment.

with no one to talk to!

this kind of working out hurts.

it pulls your muscles in ways that I've never felt before.

or at least I don't remember feeling...

for this, I have a theory.

When I'm talking or distracted I'm not thinking about the pain of the workout.

no.

I'm enjoying myself.

I need a workout buddy.

I need the YMCA to turn the machines to face eachother.

I need them to play something better than the 6am news.

I need a Meg Ryan movie and a breakfast burrito.

and a laugh or two while I walk off the weight.

yeah.

now that would be a gym worth going to!

Tagged...

2010-04-21T21:08:00.005-04:00

I was tagged a couple of weeks ago and was tickled about it!
Mainly because it's a fun one and I was honoured that Jenny from Mommy of 2, Soulmate of 1
would even consider me as someone she likes to read about!

She was tagged by the Preppy Mafia which is where this little game originated!
The Preppy Mafia is a totally cool new blog.
if you've never seen it be sure to stop by!
Okay so here we go!

1. Who is your style icon?
Doris Day--I've dreamed of wearing her style--I was definately born in the wrong era!

2. What is your favorite socialite lit book?
ummmmmmm.... I read Sophie Kinsella--not what you would call socialite lit--no?

3. Favorite party theme?
I love colours as themes--I guess that's what takes me back to wedding planning days

4. Go to Halloween costume?
we don't really celebrate Halloween...

5. Extravagance you cannot live without?
Running water...yes...it's that important.

6. Living person you admire?
My friend Marianne

7. Greatest Fear?
My children growing up without faith in Christ.

8. Trait you deplore in yourself?
I exaggerate!

9. Which talent would you most like to have?
to be able to quilt with a longarm quilter

10. Greatest Achievement?
getting up at 5:45 am to work out every day

There you go! more about me!
feel like sharing something about you?

What is a talent you would most like to have?

April already?

2010-04-12T15:48:00.004-04:00

So how do I know it's April?

I got Marty's fabric in the mail for the Tethered Threads 2 Block Swap, that's how!

She sent out 4 base fabrics to everyone and then one complimentary fabric specific to each person in the swap.

I was a lucky girl and received this beautiful orange-yellow fabric!

which I happened to have some stash to match!

Marty requested simple and off centred.

In my first block I added the lovely centre square from my Make Life stash

--the surrounding fabrics are the ones Marty sent.

finished off by my "signature colour" also from Marty.

This block, I fear,

is not the "simple block" that Marty requested.

I simply went overboard-- I couldn't help it!

It was the first time I was ever able to just pull stuff from my stash that worked!

and the block just carried me away!

The stripes are from my Amy Butler stash

and the polka dots and flowers were again from Make Life by Sweetwater

I mean look at all those seams!!!

aren't they pretty!

Sorry Marty!

Your fabric was just too good and I was just too weak!

Simple went to the wayside.

Hope you can still use them :)

crazy busy. crazy fun.

2010-04-12T15:32:00.004-04:00

yes. okay.

Where do I begin?

the last months have been...

ummm...

eventful...

to say the very least.

Between dentist appointments for my two year old...

why you ask?

ummmm--he took a bite out of our fireplace and is now missing his 2 front teeth :(

makes me sad...

and then what else?

oh! he's potty trained!!!!

WHEEE!

so toothless and potty trained...

Pumpkin had no bus driver for nearly a month so...

hi ho hi ho, it's off to school I go--twice a day!

and something called the Battle of the Books--

TRUST ME--it truly was a battle.

read 10 books,

make 100 questions each... (per book)

yeah,

have no life as a result!

(I did have help--lots of it!)

AND

my team won!

wooo hoooo!

and of course, I'm still pregnant.

So there you have it.

Nutshell.

breathe...

2010-04-07T21:10:00.002-04:00

Breathe...

Just breathe....

I'll be back tomorrow once I've caught my breath!

Ta Ta for now!

Crazy Nine Patch

2010-03-27T07:16:00.004-04:00

March was Crazy Nine Patch month for our Tethered Threads 2 Block Swap

These were so fun! I've always wanted to try them!

I'm hoping to make a quilt in this way soon.

--I've had the fabric since last year!

My seams aren't perfect but I think the more you do the better you get!

Not that I'm one to look for perfection but I tried my darndest considering these weren't for me.

I didn't add any fabric as she sent the perfect amount and I think this is a quilt that she is going to be gifting for Christmas...

ewwww...

2010-03-25T16:04:00.004-04:00

what do
3 pairs of underwear,
2 pairs of pants,
2 pairs of socks and
1 shirt
have in common?

Sadly, they are all casualties of the war on potty training

(we do have a Boon Potty Bench and we love it)

actually he's doing quite well...
but my laundry room smells like a sewer plant
and at moments I feel like the room is spinning...

I'm not sure if the dizziness comes from the smell (ugh!)
or the fact that it always seems to happen at inopportune moments,
like when my hands are covered in chicken guts or egg shells and I hear those sweet words
"mommy, I poop--now!"

yeah.
Kodak moments.

Tip of the week: On a roll

2010-03-18T09:45:00.005-04:00

Bacon.

I love it.

Especially when I'm pregnant.

YUM!

But our family doesn't eat a whole pound of it in one sitting.

And I have a few recipes that only require 3 or 4 slices....

You too?

Well here is your answer--

Roll it, Freeze it and use it at will!

See how cute it is all frozen and in your pan?

Start with fresh bacon.
A container to freeze it in
(I use a tupperware hotdog container).

Open bacon and lay one piece out like so.

then roll from end to end.

yes--it can be a bit tedious--but it's such a time saver and money saver it's worth it!

And this is why you had children, anyways.
to help you roll bacon :)

Place each completed roll in the container. Nice and snug.

Ta Da!

Freeze.

Pull out what's needed when it's needed.

As my 5 year old says,

easy peasy, lemon squeezy!

I entered the Ruffle Your Stuff contest!

2010-03-11T08:27:00.003-05:00

yep I entered!have you been on any ruffle-y crafty adventures lately?If not, get to it!the prizes are AMAZING!!!Remember these aprons?yep. Ruffles.Enter HERE for your chance to win!

Where do I start?

2010-03-03T09:21:00.006-05:00

Well I've been working on some "stuff"...

Like this quilt top finally finished!

I don't know why it took me so long...

the kids were so excited to hold it so I could take a pic :)

Now to start the back...

I've been inspired by this...

I've been working on other things too
Like some blocks for the month of February for my Tethered Threads 2 swap

yes. these blocks for Kim were fun.
the fabric was beautiful.

She had us use this tutorial from Oh! Fransson and we modified it a bit...

block #2 came together even quicker.
and then I thought I'd try another...

and then I realized I really don't like to make these blocks anymore :)

I was up until midnight because I couldn't stop
and then....

I did.
and I was done!

2 things I learned about myself:

1- I like straight lines. I love the wonky look but it's not my forte.

2- I like to use every bit of fabric. Every bit went into these blocks.

I even got a fourth one done but it was an inch shy of the 12" Kim was looking for.
I sent it back to her so she can play with it or add to it.

I also received these awesome blocks from Beth!

They came quite a bit ago and I just let them sit there looking pretty and forgot to blog about them!
thanks Beth!

these two blocks arrived this morning!

and I have to say they are AWESOME!

thanks Jen!

As the final blocks trickle in I'm really starting to sweat about what to do next.

I thought I knew how I wanted my quilt to look and now I'm not sure....

Once I get all the blocks I guess I'll have to decide :)

I think I've yet to receive blocks from 2 ladies and then it's down to the sewing machine!

Faith Like Potatoes

2010-02-28T13:32:00.006-05:00

Watching this with the youth from our church today...

POWERFUL!

We open our home twice a month to 10-15 rowdy teenagers and feed them.
We normally do a bible study.
Right now we are focused on the book by Jerry Brydges
"Respectable Sins"

It is also powerful.

It is changing how I live my life.

Seriously.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

On another note, I know I haven't been around much lately but I've had a bit going on....

be back tomorrow with an update :)

Happy Valentine's Day!

2010-02-13T21:39:00.000-05:00

All popped up and ready to go

2010-02-11T14:23:00.007-05:00

It's no secret that I was floundering for ideas for pumpkins class for Valentine's Day after what I like to call the big candy cane fiasco!

And good old blog land came through for me once again.

Thank you to you all that sent me emails with ideas.

I so appreciated them.

I nearly made these ...

and I still might...

But then I came across this post

and like a bolt of lightning I was inspired!

What little girl doesn't like

ELECTRIC PINK POPCORN!

thanks to Alish and Whitney at Sisters' Stuff, I was on my way...

then in a moment of genious and a conversation with my mother...

We took it up a notch and added drizzled white chocolate and pink M&M's

Packaged so neatly with sandwich bag goody labels by the so talented Amy at Living Locurto
found here

oh the simpleness.
oh the completeness.
Oh the thankfulness for the simpleness and the completeness.

A big thank you to those that aided in making my 5 year old's Valentine's Day treat a success.

I am Super Mom once more...
for now....

January Block Swap

2010-02-10T09:25:00.008-05:00

My mailbox has been overflowing with goodies for my month of the

Tethered Threads 2 block swap!

I couldn't be more delighted!

Here they are so far in no particular order...

So far I have received blocks from 6 of the 11 ladies in the swap...

I can't wait to see what treasures the other ladies come up with!

this final block is the one I made myself.

I wasn't happy with the positioning of the trees but I have seen and heard that many other ladies were also have a tricky time of it...

here's what Knittin Brit in WI had to say about it...

"Kelly, the secret to getting the trees on the triangular pieces the right way is to draw a template of the piece on scrap paper, then place it on your tree fabric so that the trees are in the right position and cut it along the diagonal line. Worked perfectly for me."

and then I had an "of course!" moment!

duh!

I'm going to try it tonight...

Dear John...

2010-02-09T15:42:00.004-05:00

Two years ago today...
You are loved, you are spoken of often, your advice still taken, your memories remembered.
You are missed.

Love your daughter.

3 things I've learned today...

2010-02-08T15:19:00.005-05:00

Number 1:

These,

however cute they are...

are harder than they look... (tutorial here)
Do you think pumpkin's class could share one?

Number 2:
Laundry does not do itself...
technically I already knew this
and yet I still wait in anticipation for the laundry fairy to drop by...

Hey--there's a tooth fairy--why not a laundry fairy?

Number 3:
Supper, not unlike the aforementioned laundry,
does not make itself...
I guess I'd better stop fussing with those candy canes
and come up with something for dinner...
any ideas?

I have something to say

2010-02-05T19:31:00.005-05:00

and you might not like it

but I'm going to say it anyway...

This

Is not acceptable attire at the public pool.

Especially while swimming with toddlers

and 12 year old boys.

There I've said it.

Go buy a one piece.

or a tankini.

Keep your string bikini's for the beach.

I don't care how smokin' hot you think you are for your age!

Even if you're 40 and have the body of a 20 year old...

act your age--not your waist size!

-----------------------------------------------------------------

okay I'm done now.

yes.

I'm fine.

sound off :)

Rubbers, Wellies and Donkeys

2010-02-03T15:00:00.007-05:00

I've got a thing lately for rubber boots

(or wellies or galoshes, what have you)

I have wanted a pair for my very own for a long time

and my brother made that dream come true this Christmas...

I know you're jealous!

But what I love more than my new galoshes

are rubber boot wearing donkeys!

and just rain boots in general!

Aren't these fabrics fabulous?!!

I've been wanting to make a fussy cut quilt like this for some time now

and couldn't think of a more adorable focus fabric

plus it's not cheap

so this way a little goes a long way :)

oh my

if you love fabric or you're just quirky like I am, you'll love her designs!

you know that song? "If I had a Million dollars...."

Well, I just need $20 and this fabric would be mine!

for the love of garlic

2010-02-03T09:41:00.005-05:00

*EDIT*--some were having trouble clicking on the pic to enlarge the recipe so I've given the proper measurements through out this post :)

Creamy Blender Salad Dressing oooooohhhhhhhh
it's soooo yummy!

I make it the lazy way and use my hand blender right in the bowl
just 'cause I can't stand to wash out my blender after :)
I know, I'm lazy....

Okay here we go...

dump in

one clove minced garlic (YUM)
1 tsp dry mustard powder

1/4 tsp pepper
1 egg

1/2 tsp salt

1/2 tsp sugar

3/4 cup vegetable oil (do not use olive oil)

Blend it all up!

my kiddos think it is so fun to watch it get all thick.
it gets REALLy thick!

then add the 3 tbsp. vinegar..

blend again and TA DA!

oh yum.

it's spicy from a serious hit of garlic
and oh so creamy!
if you love garlic you will love this on a caesar salad with bacon and croutons

The recipe is found in an old out of print cookbook

by Susan Mendelson
called "Let Me In The Kitchen"

I have tried and tried to get my hands on another copy, to no avail
if you've got it and don't use it,
let me know and I will seriously pay you for it!!

It's My Party...

2010-02-02T15:20:00.004-05:00

Nothing says Happy Birthday better than flowers and a birthday wish from my mom!

Although, I have to say I don't think the balloon will be mine for long...

Thanks Mom and those that have made my day special!

Including Laurie, who made my birthday complete with some oh so yummy cake balls!

BIRTHDAY BALLS as it's seemed they've been named by the munchkins here :)
crazy kids!

Did I say come back "tomorrow"?

2010-02-01T13:00:00.001-05:00

UHHHHH.... Yeah.
"Tomorrow" is only a figure of speech around here

like when hubby says,

"Hon, could you iron my shirt?"

"Ummm...yeah, I'll do it tomorrow..."

he irons his own shirts.

Onto the bathroom remodel.

mmmmm.... peachy....

although everything went

including the toilet and the tub

(I liked the avocado colour--hubby did NOT)

we did repurpose that cool mirror into the kids bathroom...

Good bye avocado...
Hello master bath surround and snazzy new shower!

they made a hole in the master bedroom closet

...don't know why...

It's got to be some..um...plumbing thing..

busted our the ceiling as there were no fans in either of the bathrooms

so we had to bring it up to code.

they were just going to patch up a few holes...

oh heck!

let's just take it all back to the studs!

Why not!

I was not initially party to the above mentioned decision to

evacuate all the plaster walls in my bathroom..

but by the time I saw it we were already looking good again!

Whew!

There used to be a linen closet here and one day they decided we needed more room...

so at 10 to 4pm they started rippin' her out!

again, not my call but now I'm so glad hubby and the designers did it!

mmmm.... yummy colours!

hubby no likey, even now....

but I really do!

Lovely ceramic

his and hers pedestal sinks

Lovely cabinets from Bed, Bath and Beyond

and my lovely matching toilet!

Not the initial lighting choice... however I'm very happy now.

I really wanted some pendants
but there just wasn't enough room to pull it off :(

TA DA!!!!

Sorry about the clutter...

but we live here!

And I know one of you decorating police (or my designer)

are going to show up at my door ranting about how my towels don't match,

but I just can't bring myself to spend $$ on towels when I have some!

I know, I'm so cheap!

Stay tuned and we'll look at the living/dining room extravaganza!

and then the kids bathroom--but that one is still in the decorating stage...

Tuesday evening in a nutshell

2010-01-31T20:25:00.002-05:00

6:30 pm --hubby helps clean up kitchen and kisses the kiddos goodbye.

he has a meeting and then straight to hockey (half an hour away).

6:32 pm --kiddos "help" mommy tidy the playroom.

6:36 pm --bubby hits his head on some toy his sister is swinging around in the air...ahem...

I mean, some toy she was tidying up --yeah.

drama ensues and out comes the boo boo bag.

6:37 pm --Drama dies down and we begin to tidy again.

6:38 pm --hubby calls in panic over leaving his hockey sticks behind. Asks in a nice voice if I can

drive them to his meeting 15 minutes away.

6:45 pm -- wifey calls hubby back to apologize for hanging up on him :)

OOOOPS!

p.s. I did take him his hockey sticks.

He was appreciative.

I ate a chocolate bar before bed.

*giggle*

Ode to Bob

2010-01-22T14:00:00.004-05:00

I live in Canada.

Something I'm normally proud to say.

But alas,

It is a land lacking....

Oh yes,

we do have running water,

and hydro,

and vegitation....

But what we don't have is...

Bob Evans!

I know this may seem trivial to you.

But don't take it for granted if you have a Bob Evans in your town.

It saddens me to think that more and more people don't even realize the treasure they have sitting waiting to serve them.

To give them warm blueberry bread.

To order breakfast all day long.

To serve their children a child size meal big enough for 2 kiddos (for the price of one!)

Mainly,

There is gold in them thar' restaurant and it goes by the name of

Wildfire Sauce
mmmmmmmm.........

I'd run it through my veins if I could.

My mom brought us 10 bottles when she came at Christmas and we stood around deciding in the end whether it will be enough to get us through the winter.

This is my secret sauce.

Canadians can't get it.

They don't know about it.

They just think I have a fabulous sauce recipe!

(and I'll let them keep thinking it!)

YUM!

Today I used it as a dip for my grilled cheese.

Grilled cheese never tasted so good!

Do you have a store bought food source you can't live without?

thank you!

2010-01-16T06:46:00.005-05:00

2 awards in 2 weeks!

Wow!

Thank you!

I'm feeling the love

-- and this week I needed it!

First an award from Tanya at Miller Racing Family

Tanya is one of my fave bloggers.

She comments here alot and makes my day with each one.

Her presence daily on my blog reminds me that someone is reading it!

Her recipes that she shares on her blog are amazing

--if you haven't been over there-- you better check it out!

She has something new on everyday!!

The Sunshine Award is awarded to bloggers whose positivity & creativity
inspires others in the blogworld!

The rules for accepting this award are:

Post the logo on your blog -- done
Pass the award on to 10 bloggers-- done

Link the nominees within your post-- yep

Let the nominees know they received this award by commenting on their blog-- smile
Share the love and link to the person you received this award from--Thanks Tanya

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The second award comes from Emily at So Much for My Plans...

Emily's blog is one I discovered more recently but love it!

She's so creative!

and has a sensitive heart.

She's recently gotten herself involved with Craft Hope for Haiti

and bought the quilt I wanted! *giggle*

For this award, the rules are:

List 10 things that make you happy and try to do at least one of them today-- done

Tag 10 bloggers that brighten your day and link to those blogs-- done

Then link back to my blog-- thank you Emily

So 10 things that make me happy:

1. baking with my kiddos

2. my engagement ring

--it's beautiful! Hubby designed it and I still love it!

3. snuggling with pumpkin in the morning

4. watching old movies and musicals

5. eating

--come on you knew it would make the list!!

6. cards from my hubby just because

7. going to visit my mom

8. sewing--anything!

9. seeing my kids smile

10. SHOPPING!!!

----------------------------------------------------------

I nominate:

Blue is Bleu

Crafty Blossom

Curly Pops

Diamonds, Fur and Laundry

All of these ladies are phenomenal!

and deserve both of these awards!

So I'll let them pick which one they'd like!

TA TA for NOW!

Remodel

2010-01-14T14:15:00.009-05:00

Two years ago we bought a house and began to remodel it.

We were fortunate enough that the dates from our existing house overlapped so we could do the work while living in our old home.

My father was very ill and we were initially away when the work on the house began.

We were lucky to have a great husband and wife team on our side,

and we trusted them to get underway with out us.

The home was previously owned by the lady who built it with her husband 40 years earlier.

At that time it was at the height of the decorating world,

however, not when we got it.

Old style out, new style in...

This is my kitchen the day we moved in...

It's huge and spacious and boasts a beautiful custom island.

We can easily fit 20 people in there for buffet and it doesn't feel crowded.
We feel so blessed.

Not that we're going to have 20 kids or anything,

but we are going to have more....hmmmmm.....

This is what it looked like the day we bought it.

ummm....yeah.

dated and empty...

(this pic was taken in a showroom--not my home--hence the price tags)

This is the table set that started it all!
the colours for the cabinetry and the island were derived from this little baby!

We had the cabinets sprayed and varnished by a very talented cabinet maker.

took out a cabinet to make way for a dishwasher.
put in a very durable peel and stick floor found at Home Depot.

My cabinet maker put dividers in for my baking sheets...
ahhhhh... love him!

bought new appliances for the first time!
it felt like Christmas!

this is the wine rack hubby designed with our cabinet maker to go over the refrigerator.

the cabinet that had been there had to be shortened due to the height of our fridge and this was a great answer!

The lighting was the designer's choice. I love it now.

the colour gets mixed reviews

but we love it!

My favourite thing is my backsplash!

So sparkly and shiny...

and easy to keep clean!

Come back tomorrow and I'll share our bathroom reno!

Isn't she a beaut?

2010-01-11T14:16:00.003-05:00

We bought our pumpkin a sewing machine for Christmas.

She's 5 and has a real interest in craft and sewing.

She has been using my sewing machine off and on

with LOTS of supervision!!!

Not really for her safety, sadly,

but more for the safety of MY machine!

After reading this post

I was convinced that I too wanted my daughter to enjoy the creative journey

and craft and sew side by side.

This machine is seriously basic.

Just straight stitch and reverse.

but she's loving it!

So far she's made a drawstring bag

which she promptly took to school before I could get a pic....

now I'm stumped...

what's next?

Any good sewing project ideas for a 5 year old?

totally spying on my neighbour...

2010-01-08T14:18:00.005-05:00

When I caught her doing this...

to her hubby's car...

She is so cute.
They've been married for 13 years and are so much in love, even now.

And sharing it with the neighbourhood.

They also happen to be the best neighbours, EVER!

*note*

--I should clarify the spying...

She is a working mom and is so fashion forward it kills me!

I always like to take a peek out my window to see what she's wearing that day

--I want to dress like her when I grow up!

Good to the last bowl

2010-01-06T13:49:00.004-05:00

My father in law is a very smart man.

He's a thinker.

and he's WAAAAAAY too practical--it almost hurts!

But truly the man is a genius!

If you've got a problem--he's got the solution.

sometimes his solutions astound you and you think

"Hey, why didn't I think of that?!"

but you didn't.

He did.

Like breakfast cereal.

I love it.

mmmmm....Lucky Charms....mmmm

exept the last bowl.

seriously.

here's a close up on the crumbs that make up that last bowl of cereal.

I hate crumb-y cereal.

It makes you just want to open a new box.

But that would be a waste.

What does dad say?

Pull out a colander.

Pour crumb-y cereal into said colander/strainer.

(you'll be wanting to do this over a garbage can)

Now shake, shake, shake the crumb-ies out!

Seriously changed cereal for me forever.
I'm not exaggerating.

He's a keeper, my father in law.
A real innovator.

I told him he could market this concept.
Sell colanders for way more than they're worth...
He laughed.
Yep.
Love that man and all his practical answers to my cereal conundrums.