Christmas Day

Derrick was to excited to use sissors to open his package, his teeth worked just fine!

Timonthy always picks out such pretty jewerly. I interpet the meaning to him and he goes "Oh so that what it means." Such a romantic, NOT. But I love the two hearts intertwined into one love the diamond.

Was Santa good to you?

Christmas Day

Becasue my mom has given us two huge plants we had no place for our 12 foot pre-lit tree. So Ashlyn came to the rescue and made us a tiny tree for us to put presents around. Santa brought Ashlyn the Wii and fit and Derrick a Eureka lettermens jacket. Both are thrilled.

Silent Auction Quilt

Here is the latest quilt to find a new home. My cousin Sandy looks quite snuggly under her new quilt.

Merry Christmas

Just wanted to say Merry CHRISTmas to everyone. Enjoy the holiday and be creative over the break. I hope to finish two quilts, and updating the Christmas albums!

Here is my latest block for my block of the month club. We each pick a month then decide what type of block we are making that month. Everyone uses the fabric provided or scraps and creates their version on the requested block. This is my block for Dec. It happens to be my month and I wanted a fun winter quilt. This block is a wonky square or log cabin block with attitude. Fun to make, easy, and wonky like me. I can't wait to put all of the blocks to make the quilt. I am making more so when I receive all 11 back I can make a nice lap quilt size.

Which do you think we chose for the Christmas card? If you said the close up your right. I was not happy with any of the photos this year. But we decided that was the best of all of us. Why do we always take a family photo at Christmas? Well that tradition started with Ashlyn. I took her to Pennys at her birthday and Christmas. With times being tough I'd take her sometimes 3 times with a coupon to have enough photos to put in the Christmas cards. Well, we no longer take the kids for their birthdays, school pictures and our Family Christmas Photo document the changes through that year and year to year. We think this year Derrick has changed the most, taller, a little more muscular and oh that smile!

Well Derrick did it again to me. He didn't have his picture taken for the year book. I don't know what the deal is but for the past 2 years no school picture. So he can't out smart me! When we had our family Christmas photo I have the photograph take one of him by himself. I thin have my school photo, it may be a blank in the yearbook but mom has a picture! He does look handsome does he not! Yes he has lots of girl friends! Week to week we don't know who he is dating!

Cookies anyone?
Here is the proof that we did make batches of homemade cookies. The only time I do! They were the best right out of the oven, so warm and gooey.

Favorite Cousins
Here are Ashlyn and Jaclyn snuggling with their new quilts. Aren't they cute as bugs in a rug! Now you may be asking, what about your nephews? Well they don't really want a quilt, that is to girly. I have one picked out for my brother to do and Derrick but they are down the list as my other cousins and aunt want a quilt and asked quite a while ago. At this point I could buy a long arm , quilt my own and be a head on paying Cheri to quilt these for me. :) Anyone have an extra $10,000 I can have to buy a used long arm quilting machine. Timonthy is making room for my quilt room to be moved down stairs so we can turn the sewing room back into a spare bedroom.

The girls quilts were easy to decide, they had no decision in them. I made them and decided who would get them. My mom's on the other hand had requirements. You see I had made my mother in laws quilt. My mom reminded me " So when do I get a quilt, everyone else has?" Not quite true but I knew I needed to get started. Well, I bought most of this material last year with her in mind. So I got it out and she told me a simple quilt, no patchwork for her, blue, white and yellow, a large queen, not to heavy. Luckily there was enough material, smiple pattern, smiple quilting, and there you have her perfect quilt. She bragged on how snuggy it was and that dad didn't get to hot.

Here is Ashlyn already using her new quilt and doing her favorite thing, texting! She almost didn't get this quilt. It is made from Basic Grey fabric, they make scrapbook paper too. I just loved it and this quilt was the hardest piecing to do. With the lime green miniki on the back it just is the type you want to snuggle down in it.

Next was Jaclyn. Her quilt's material just spoke to me. I saw it and loved it. I looked at it three times, I finally decided to buy it. I had found a pattern I wanted to do with the material, but still didn't know which niece it would turn out to be their quilt. Finally, I showed Jaclyn and she just shrieked how she loved the blue and greens. Perfect match. Cheri's quilting is just beautiful, she centered a feathery flower in each block. Jack told us he liked that quilting the best. Is she not cute cuddling under her new quilt.

Kaelea is so excited about her baby sister's arrivial. Ericka Rose is her chosen name. Kaelea proudly held up Ericka's quilt for a picture. It is a little bit big for a newborn, but we decided it can be put on the floor when she needs a place to play.

Here is Kaelea with her Mary Englebrite quilt. This is the first quilt I made that was hung at our local quilt store, Susie Q Quilting. My friend Susan Meyer is the owner.

MCLARD Bake Off

It went off without a hitch. All ingrediants were there and checked off. I only had to bring the yellow cake mix for the latest receipe, gooey butter cookies. I kept myself busy with spooning out two batches of cookies, handing out quilts and taking photos.

Here are a few pictures of our wonderful, fun and family day.

Here are a few pictures from Thanksgiving 2009. Ashlyn and Colin celebrated 2 years dating this fall. He's a keeper. He manages to keep Ashlyn in line. That is not an easy thing to do.
It is a tradition that I take family photos at Thansgiving for everyone's Christmas card. Jaclyn decided on their families theme this year. Their passion of hunting. She got a 3 pointer this fall. An amazing girl, from softball, to hunter, to breath taking beautiful.

Jean was so happy to have her boys together and get this fablious photo. The holiday was a good as ever. The stuffing was just about perfect, only a little dry in the corners. We missed Uncle Larry but all understood why he couldn't be with us this year. Hopefully next year he can make the drive.

Here is the latest 4 generation picture. It is hard to believe Kaelea is 11. She will have a new baby sister soon, Erika Rose will be the second great grandbaby. Where does time fly.

Thanksgiving Celebration: A Time for Great Family and Good Food

This Thanksgiving was absolutely wonderful. Just like every year, the entire family was together for the holiday at our Grandmother's house. The holiday preparations started the night before as Grandma, Jean, Joyce, Ashlyn, and Kaelea prepared all of the delicious desserts. Thanksgiving dinner is always early as per Grandma's request so everyone began arriving around noon. Ashlyn and John were the extraordinary Sue Chefs of the day by helping Grandma prepare the bountiful meal.

So lucky am I to be attending the new fabric class with Donna Downey! I'm joining two friends to take it on the 14th of Nov. I don't have to worry about the boys as they will be flying to NC to see my mother-in-law be ordained. I hate to miss it, hate to miss the ocean, but I already had this class planned. I'm staying at a friends too so a friendly weekend all around. I'm grasping to catch and live and inspired dream, at times it is hard.

The semester ends

Wow, where has the semester gone. Derrick is doing as well as expected for all of the issues he has had lately.

My job is not exactly what I thought, but I am enjoying it.

I've been busy with quilts. 4 quilts have been well received and have hung in Susie Q. Quilting's store. Very exciting. I'm set to do another quilt for them this next week. It beautiful, new Lakehouse fabric. My favorite colors pink, bright pink, and tan. My favorite size, a nice lap quilt.

Susan also took me to quilt market. Oh my, so much fun. To see all of the lines of fabric, gadgets, patterns, and new hardware. It was so nice I did get to buy things at wholesale prices. That was great!!!! A new sewing machine chair, sewing machine suitcases for travel, wonderful diversity of patterns - my easy style. I am hopeful I will get to go along in the spring too.

They laughed at how good as I was at collecting free stuff they laughed. Of course, they wanted me to keep collecting for them too. :) Bags, candy, caddy's, pens, etc. I did find 4 new notions I liked and recommended them to Susan. She really liked two. Now to present them to Abby Sewing Center and see what they say.

Above is the newest kellyrae artwork. I have purchased it and am anxious to get it on the wall. It is and probably will be the only original I will be able to purchase. But it will look nice with some of her canvases. I've gotten Donna Downey's artwork up and as usual it looks fantastic. I now am a proud owner of three of Cameron Yates photography work. She is just so talented. I want to get those framed together. So many wants so little money.

Thanks for stopping by

OK, My big good news.

The school district has offered me a job working with at risk students as I had desired!!!! I will be working at the long term suspension program tutoring students and at Fern Ridge the district's alternative high school. The specific details will be worked out by the end of July, so I will keep you posted as more details come to light.

But keep me in your prayers, as I go forward into this new opportunity.

Opps,

Inspired Wrap UP

I've returned from Inspired, a short 21 days ago. We had such a great time, it seems like we were just there. Many of us are so excited to go back next year. Most of us hope we can afford the experience again.

I was lucky in that I got to room with two of my gal pals, Donelle M. and Karen T. I was so lucky to meet Karen in 2006, so funny that she kept me and Ashlyn cracking up it was hard to go to sleep. Then Donelle was my swap box buddy and made me the cutest CE 07 flip flops. She is so funny, supportive and just a great gal.

Because of a situation beyond our control, we weren't able to say good bye to each other. That was the worst. The good news is We all got back safe and sound, and Karen's dad is doing much better, which we all are so happy about.

Here are two of the projects I did finish at the convention. My art ring from Donna Downey's class. Yes, lucky me, I was one of 40 who made it into her class! Yippee

I did complete two projects in the Glitz girls classes. Oh they were so sweet, they let me borrow supplies, that I managed to forget. My basic kit, yes, had all of the expensive art supplies but forgot my basic kit. I felt really stupid, but they and Tena were very nice and shared.

Then the project I was most proud of was the painting I finished on Sunday morning at 4 am. It was suppose to be a likeness of ourselves. Well that would be the last thing I wanted so I decided to do Ashlyn. So how did I do. When Ashlyn saw it, she loved it, said "I get it right?" Then off she whisked away with the painting, and I hadn't signed it yet. If I ever become famous how will I prove it is my work? Ha Ha

Hope to keep up with all of my gals from Inspired and the Ultimate Cruise. Take care and check in often.

Hello

It is time to order your fabric pack, why you ask. Well this is the last offering from me. I need to get my stuff ready after I finish this task. I had to replace the muslin for Susan's class, classy buttons, and new beaded trim. I got it for a very good price, so that is why I can pass the saving to you. This is the reason the prices when up a tad.

I am going to add a few more fabric packs you can choose from plus the original offerings. If you want the ethnic, there is only enough for 1 pack. Fall moda, one or maybe two. The rest I have at least 3 packs worth left. One of the new packs is a dessert motif, I know there will only be 2 packs of it. i didn't want to over buy and be left with more fabric! Again thanks to all that have already supported my Inspired fun money drive, and for the rest for your consideration.

The prices when up just a little, I under estimated postage, time costs and fabric replacement.

So here is the new pack prices

Fabric, muslin, trims, buttons etc. for Susan's class = $12

Extra just fabric with trims = $7.50

Extra fabric for Jennifer's class or more to decorate. $= 6.50

I you need some for the quilting mini classes let me know and I'll come up with the wholesale cost based on how much fabric you need.

Shipping for one pack $3, more packs, I'll bill you for the extra.

$1 token for time, if you would like to add another dollar that would be great, but you don't have too.

If you would like to buy fabric extra fabric for other projects.
1/4 yard = $1.75
1/3 yard = $2.50
1/2 yard = $3.25
3/4yard =$ 4.50
1 yard = $6.00

2nd charm pictures

Here is a picture of the 2nd charm swap charms:
In order, Cameron Yates, Cheryl Dyer, Christy Jinks, Deborah Helms, Donelle Macy, Gloria Landsford, Janet Walters, Janet Walters, Lauren Elliot, Mary Williams, Maureen Ferriter, Miranda Rutledge, Rene Lewis, Renee Demaray, Rosemary Brooks, Shari Garrett Miller, Staci Shuck, Susie Gilmore, Tracy Zinck, Tricia Dau, Anna Witt, Christy Tomlinson, Sue Szollar

Katherine McKamey's charm by itself.

Bill's gift is a tie pin. It is vintage which is the rage, golf clubs, crystal golf ball. Maybe someone can figure out the designer. It has the letters LC imprinted in italics.

And the winners are . . .

The Winners are:

Heather Smith - 1st prize - pink quick cut cutter, stabilizer, and one set of alphabet dies.
Anna Witt - 2nd prize - Bazzil paper pack and stickers
Sue Szollar -3rd prize - mini set of clear stamps and Tim Holtz stamp pad!!!!

I will bring your prizes to Inspired. Heather, I will mail yours to your home. Give the boy a hug and you one back.

Big Give Away

Hello All,

In the excitement of our upcoming event, I've decided to do a give away. There is a little twist to this contest. If you are a member of the 2nd charm swap you are already entered. If you have place a fabric order or do by Wednesday 4/15/09 you will be entered as well.

Ok, I know you all are waiting on what is the price, so . . . 1st prize - pink quick cut cutter, stabilizer, and one set of alphabet dies. 2nd prize - Bazzil paper pack and stickers, 3rd prize - mini set of clear stamps and Tim Holtz stamp pad!!!! Winners can either pay for postage or I can bring it to Inspired!

Take a look at the different combinations of fabric. Remember you are buying high quality quilting fabric. $10 pack Muslin, fabric and trims plus postage and $1 handling fee. Fabric and trims = $7, postage and $1 handling fee. Just fabric = $6, postage and $1 handling fee. I don't charge a set rate for shipping, I actually go to the post office and have it weighed, which says you money. There are no taxes, and the handling fee is just a small token for my time. If you have something else in mind, let me know and I probably can put it together. The first 4 fabric packs were mailed today!!!

A variety of these are included as the trims are various twill, lace, ribbon, fibers, brads, a large flower and buttons in coordinating colors.
Joyce

Finally Heather Bailey

ok here is the Heather Bailey

The left yellow paisley and the green/yellow on the right could be theme fabrics with the others as coordinated.

Pop Garden is the 2 lower right fabrics with the pink. They could be coordinates but there is not enough for them to be theme fabrics.

African Inspired frabrics

These are some African Inspired prints I have. The middle fabric could be the theme fabric with the others as coordinates with solids

Twist anyone

On the left or two beautiful bright pinks and in the middle ladies walking dogs and 50's dancein

Moda Fall Brights Collection

The blue flower in the middle could be the theme fabric with the other swatches as coordinates along with solids

Skulls and Crossbones Anyone?

My daughter is a member of tri sigma, one of their symbols is the skull and crossbone meaning sisters until death.

So being the wonderful mom I am, I've collected many different variety of this pattern. I've made pillow cases, blankets etc.

This is the stash that I have left. This of course would be your theme fabric and solids coordinating.

Purple hues

This is a collection of purple hues.

The frosted Dots collection is from Free spirt. The 5 in swatches in the bottom corrner are from Moda.

Bali Hand dyed Fabrics

Bali Island Fabrics - these are hand dyed in their traditon. They are also call Batics.

You could add these to any collection you think they would be a nice accent or as the theme fabric

Breast Cancer group

There are 4 fabrics from the Breast Cancer group with coordinating dots/ stripes

Green/pinks

Christy Collectionwith butterflies added. The pink fabrics go nice with the Anna Griffin pinks

Amy Butler prints / dots

Above is the 1930's collection of vintage reproducations. Right - The two paterns on the left are from the Amy Butler group. The others are coordinating frosty dots

Childhood Memories

Children on Green

Love the Pink Ladies

Pink Ladie theme or coordinate

Blue Text - childhood

Blue Text - childhood

Bright stripes coor

Bright strips coord

Buggie Barn daisy

Buggie Barn Daisy coor