Happy New Year

I'm saying Happy New Year a day early as I will be traveling on New Year's Day. Our visit in Williamsburg is coming to an end. I sure hope we don't have flight delays! We are making a connecting flight in Chicago before flying into Dallas/Ft. Worth.

Speaking of New Years, have you made your resolutions? I didn't make any last year because I didn't believe I would keep them. BUT, I'm doing for 2008 and I plan to keep them. What are your New Year's Resolutions? Here are mine:

-- Spend more time in prayer and reading the Bible

-- Eat healthier and exercise -- gotta lose some of this body fat!

-- Reorganize my quilting studio

-- Focus on UFOs in 2008 (got lots of them!)

-- Focus on stashbusting instead of buying (unless absolutely necessary)

-- Be the best that I can be!

I hope all my cyber friends have a very blessed New Year!

Magazine Review

While visiting Williamsburg, I picked up the magazine Quilters Home. I've seen this magazine on the stands, but have not looked at it. I love it! It has interesting articles, patterns, recipes, and also has humor.

Much to my surprise when I opened the magazine, lo and behold, there was a letter to the editor from my niece!!!! What a surprise. The current issue has a great article on how to deal with "Quiltzilla" and we all have those in our lives. Another good article was how to beat the quilting block.

I have no affiliation with the magazine, just a happy reader!

Centennial Williamsburg

Here is a pic of the new 1800's line Centennial Williamsburg fabrics. Today, I went to "Love2Quilt" shop in Williamsburg. They had the entire line except for two fabrics -- they had already sold two complete bolts. The shop had not even cut any FQs yet. I ordered a FQ of each fabric they had. The shop called this afternoon and said they have my FQ bundle ready. I'm going in the morning to pick it up. I can't wait!!!! Not only has it been sanctioned by Williamsburg historians, I bought it in Williamsburg! Now I have to decide something special to make out of it as a reminder of my trip.

This collection is inspired by the collections of WILLIAMSBURG. Williamsburg, Virginia was a powerful center of thought and style during the 18th century. In this bustling town, patriots such as George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, and Patrick Henry established the ideals of liberty, independence, and personal freedom that influenced the founding of our nation and have inspired generations. Today it thrives as a restored town and living history museum.
The Centennial Collection spans 100 years of fabrics from the Colonial Williamsburg Foundation archives, which contain nearly 400 years of antiques. Each pattern is faithfully reproduced or adapted from period clothing and quilts. This collection provides a rich array of 18th and 19th century textiles imported from England, Europe, and India as well as American-made fabrics from the 19th century.

Where's the Apple Pie?

When I arrived in Williamsburg, I asked my son "what are we having for Christmas lunch?" His response was "whatever you want to cook!" But then he proceeded to say that he thought turkey, stuffing, green beans, potatoes and pie would be good! Now keep in mind, this is the first Christmas we have spent with him in 5 years. I guess he was hungry for Mom's Christmas cooking. I prepared everything he wanted, including an apple pie. When I woke up this morning, I pitter-pattered down the stairs to the kitchen to make coffee. No one else was awake yet. When I went into the kitchen, this is what I saw on the table!
What the heck happened to the apple pie??? It appears DS sit at the table the night before eating pie and then thought what the heck, I'll just finish this thing off -- ate right out of the pie plate! That's okay, I can always make another one!

What's Your Stitch 'n Stuff

Today we are in Virginia Beach. We went to the quilt store "What's Your Stitch 'n Stuff". It was a nice store and the staff was very friendly. Here I am posing with the cashier at the checkout counter. They were having a sale -- 25% off your total purchase. I spent about $275. Most of this was for fabric that my DS, Josh picked out. He wants a king-size quilt for his bed. Guess what I'll be working on when I get back to Texas????

At least he picked fabrics that I like --reproduction fabrics! He chose a pattern by Atkinson Designs -- Chexx Mixx -- from their book 9-Patch Reunion. There are still a couple of quilt shops around here that we will visit tomorrow.

We are staying at the Hilton Hotel which is right on the beach. We have an ocean view with a nice balcony. Today, it was cool and raining. Tomorrow is suppose to be nice. I am hoping to be able to sit on the balcony, drink coffee and watch the sunrise. I hope to get some good pictures. I'll be sure to post them.

That's all for now!

The Day After Christmas

Sew, what are the plans for today in Williamsburg???? We are going to Virginia Beach. We have reservations at the Hilton right on the beach. We will get up in the morning and watch the sunrise -- I can't wait! On the way to VA Beach, we will be stopping at a few quilt stores -- YEA!
While staying at DS and DIL house, we have our own bedroom upstairs. There is a balcony off the bedroom overlooking a lake. The picture to the left is a picture I took when the weather was really drizzy and soupy! Christmas Day the weather was BEAUTIFUL, but did I take a picture -- NO! Shame on me.

Another neat thing about our bedroom is we are sleeping under a quilt -- a quilt made by my dear Mother. She made this quilt for Josh when he was in the USAF. It is handpieced and handquilted. When I walked in the room and saw the quilt, it made me smile. It's like having a big ole hug from my Mama.

The picture to the right is a picture of our "Grandpups". They are mini-pinchers. Major is on the left and he is the youngest of the two. Lisa is to the right. They are both SPOILED.

I have pictures taken at Colonial Williamsburg, but have not downloaded them from the camera yet. I'll try to get that done!

Christmas Day

I hope everyone has had a wonderful Christmas Day. I sure have! I am posting from Williamsburg, VA. To the left is a picture of my DS and DIL tree. It is decorated with handpainted ornaments from Germany.

There are no longer gifts under the tree! We have already opened them. Josh and Patience gave me some Polish pottery -- straight from Poland!!! It is handpainted and signed by the painter. It is just beautiful. I have been wanting some since we visited them in Frankfurt, Germany, two years ago. They also gave me a beautiful silver bangle bracelet with scripture engraved on it. AND, they gave me a $100 gift certificate to a scrapbooking store.

Yesterday, we drove all the way to Newport News, VA, (about 30 min away) to go to a quilt store that was 'supposedly' having a sale. Well guess what? We found it (thank you Lord for the GPS) but it WAS CLOSED!!!! I was disappointed but that is okay; at least we tried.

After that we went and toured Colonial Williamsburg (I'll post more about that later). That was really fun.

That's all for now! I'll be posting more later.

Merry Christmas

Merry Christmas to all! I hope you all have a wonderful day with family and friends as you celebrate the birth of our Saviour, Jesus Christ.

I am BAD!

I am so bad! It has been a long time since I posted on my blog. I've had good intentions, but life has just been in the way. I'm going to do better in 2008!

Today I am posting to you from Williamsburg,Virginia!!!! My DH and I are here visiting our DS#2 and DIL for the Christmas holidays. What a trip we had trying to get here flying from Texas via a connection in Chicago!!! Delays, delays, delays, but we finally made it. Yesterday was pretty much a day of rest but today we are going out to do some site seeing -- I can't wait!

I hope to be posting some pictures so keep on the lookout.

More later......

The Ole Bag Swap

Remember the Ole Bag Swap that our Wacky Pac Quilters were doing? I finally finished making my blocks and putting them together. I have made a table runner. Now I just have to decide whether to put borders on it or just quilt it and bind it. What do you think -- borders or not?????

Scrapbooking Layout

In addition to being addicted to quilting, I'm also addicted to scrapbooking!!! I am currently working on (when not quilting) a scrapbook called "All About Me" which will include things about me in my lifetime. This picture is the 2-page layout that I did of my Mother. I will be adding additional pages about her with more current pictures. This layout is done with pictures of her in her younger days.

I decided to do this scrapbook to record things about my life that my children may not know -- my dreams as a little girl, childhood memories, etc. I ofter wonder about stuff like that about my Mama and it would have been really neat for me to have found something like this when going through her things. I just hope I get it finished -- I have so many projects going! LOL

Ode to the 1930's -- Again

In a previous post, I told you I was doing the "Ode to the 1930's" BOM by Homestead Hearth. Here is a picture of some of the completed blocks. I've not done much work with the 30's fabrics so this is fun for me. I think it is going to be a really pretty quilt when it is finished.

Sewing with Mammy

My 7-yr. old granddaughter decided she was ready to learn to sew. She decided to make a little quilt for her little baby doll. We looked through my basket of nickle squares and guess what colors she picked? Pink and Purple, of course! We arranged them on the table to her liking and then the sewing lessons began! She was so excited and quite the good student. After explaining how to work my featherweight, I sew a couple of blocks together and then she got busy. She was really concentrating matching right sides and sewing straight seams. She was learning to not only sew the blocks together, but to chain-piece as well. Once she sewed blocks together, she then cut the blocks apart with such precision!

She learned out to set the seam with the iron, finger press, and press with the iron. I was very proud of her as she was being ever so careful! Every step she did, she would stop, clap her hands and say "Mammy, I'm sewing! I'm just like you!" She then asked me, "can I have that little black sewing machine of yours?" LOL!

Of course, this grandmother or "Mammy" as they call me, was beaming from ear-to-ear. Why, that child couldn't do anything wrong that afternoon. We didn't get finished with the project as we had to go meet her Mom so she could go home, but we will get it finished and I'll post a picture of the final product.

Posting

Well here I am 'finally' posting to my blog. I really, really have good intentions and then I don't do it because I want to add a picture. I'm on a dial-up connection at home so I tend to try to upload my photos from work. Well, I keep forgetting to bring my flashdrive with my pictures! SEW, I decided I better post "something" before I get kicked out of all the rings! LOL!

I have started a new applique project and I will post pictures soon. I have gotten several blocks made in the "Ode to the 1930's" BOM that I have started.

Keep watching -- I'll have pictures soon!

Remembering Mama

Today would have been my Mama’s 80th birthday. Mama passed away on December 9, 2002, in Houston Texas. She was a great lady, a great mother, and a great quilter! She talked about quilting up until the last couple of days of her life while in ICU.

Up until the latter years of her life, she made her quilts by hand. When she started machine-piecing, she thought she was in Heaven. She made each one of her children and grandchildren a quilt. We all got to pick out the colors and “most of the time” the pattern.

Mama didn’t teach me to quilt. Even though I would watch her all the time, I took classes at the local quilt shop – in fact, she took them with me! My niece, Kim (over at Peach Quilting), lived with my Mama when her husband was overseas (he is in the service), and Mama taught her to quilt. She is now an avid quilter too so Mama’s legacy lives on.

I always got tickled at her because she called the Sun Bonnet Sue quilt pattern “Sue Bonnet Sue”. In fact when going through her quilting things, I found some “Sue Bonnet Sue” blocks that she had made. My niece, Kim, was expecting her first little girl so I sent them to her to make the baby a quilt.

When she passed away, I spent a week at her home (I lived approximately 150 miles away) to take care of final arrangements, etc. My comfort was to go sit in her sewing chair in her sewing room. I would sit in that chair and just look around and cry and remember so many fond memories.

I miss my Mama greatly. There is hardly a day that passes that I don’t think about her. So many times, I have physically picked up the phone to call her and had to put the phone down because I realized she was not there. But, I know she is in Heaven just quilting away, enjoying a hobby that she loved so that is comfort to me!

Ode to the 1930's

Why, Why, Why???? I've gone and got myself involved in a BOM -- Ode to the 1930's. The picture is not real good but it is a beautiful quilt and involves both piecing and applique. Now why in the world do I do this? Do you have any idea how many BOMs, and projects that I've not even started???? Well, guess what -- I don't either -- LOL! I guess I need to count those. But maybe not -- it may be too much!

Anyway, in this program, I receive several blocks per month. I am on the last block for August (the applique block) and just received the September blocks on Saturday. It is a fun project and I can't wait to get to put all the blocks together -- they are all different sizes and it will be fun to put together. I'll post some pictures of the blocks as I don't think this picture does it justice.

The Quilt

I've posted this picture before in a prevous post, but now I just HAD to post it again! You see our Wacky Pack Quilters made this quilt and donated it to Freestone County Relay for Life last May. The group decided to make the quilt in blues as that is the color for colon cancer and they made it in honor of "me" because I am a colon cancer survivor!!! I was so honored. I was even more excited when we auctioned the quilt at the Relay for Life event. The winning bidder was a man that is also a colon cancer survivor, and he was someone I had worked with for over 20 years!!! I was so proud that he got the quilt -- in fact more proud he won the bid than that the quilt was made in my honor.

That was back in May. Well, here I was sitting in my office working at my computer and a lady came in and said "I'm bringing this back to you." I looked up and it was the wife of the man who won the quilt. All I could think was "what's wrong?" I told her that was her husband's quilt and she said "no, Kathy, that quilt was made with lots of love for you, and we want you to have the quilt. It belongs in your home, not ours." I just burst into tears and jumped up and hugged her. She also had tears in her eyes and turned and just said "I've got to get out of here."

I couldn't belive it -- these wonderful people felt that this quilt should be mine! My dear Wacky quilting sisters made it so it is full of so much love. I am in such awe that the quilt was given to to me. It instantly became one of my most cherished possessions. All I can say is "thank you" to my friends -- the quiltmakers and the wonderful couple who wanted me to have this quilt -- what selflessness!!!!

It Came and It Left!!!!

Yeee Haaawwww as we say in Texas! The class catalog came for the Quilting Cruise that I am taking in February. I was so excited that I could hardly open the envelope. I've picked my first and second choices of classes and that registration form has already left to go back to Houston to Quilters Emporium!!!

I signed up for classes with Paula Barnes, Robyn Pandolph, and Linda Everhart. It was really hard to decide which classes to take. I will be taking classes on piecing, applique, bindings, etc. I can hardly wait!!!

The Wacky Pack Quilters have had the phone lines buzzin' talking about what classes we are going to take. Between the eight of us going on the cruise, we are probably going to hit (not literally!) every teacher. This will be great because then we can share with each other everything we learn.

I wish all of you out there were going with us!

Wacky Pack Swap

If you have been reading any of the Wacky Pack Girls' blogs, then you know that we are doing a monthly swap. Each member choose a block and everyone makes a block for that person during that month.

Here is a picture of the block I made for Kay. Her choice was Texas Christmas. We have a very creative group and I felt like Kay would get a number of really cool applique' blocks (and she did), so I chose to make her a pieced block.

The next person I made a block for was Annale. She chose Texas as her theme. Once again, I decided to do a pieced block. You cannot have a Texas quilt without bluebonnets, so here you go -- bluebonnets.

We have so much fun with our swaps. We have one more member to get her blocks and that is Jerri. She chose 6-1/2 inch blocks made from repro fabrics. I've got to get busy and her her blocks made before October!

The Wacky group then has to decide what swap to do next. One suggestion is a string block....If you have any ideas for our group, please post them.

Product Review

I have found a new product! It is Mary Ellen's Best Press, an alternative to starch. I used it this weekend for the first time and I love it!!!!! It is non-aerosol and smells' great. It comes in three different fragrances -- lavender (which is what I have), caribbean beach and citrus grove. It doesn't flake, clog or or anything and doesn't leave a residue like the can spray starch does. Give it a try -- most quilt shops have it or you can order it on-line. I love it and when you iron over it, the aroma is wonderful!!! Go Mary Ellen!!!!!!

Ole Bag Blocks

As promised, here is a picture of the "broken dishes" blocks that I am making out of my friends scraps and the Wacky Pack "Ole Bag Swap". I have several more blocks cut, but they haven't been sewn yet.

It's Been A While!

I can't believe that it has been so long since I have posted to my blog. I started a new job the first of July and that has been taking a lot of my time. I haven't gotten much sewing done, but I'm ready for September!!!!!

I think most of you know that I belong to the Wacky Pack quilting group. We are currently in an 'ole bag' swap. This is where we each provide a large gallon-size baggie full of scraps. We rotate the bags around, making blocks out of each bag. Once we complete rotating the bags, we will have blocks for a truly scrappy quilt. This picture is just one of the bags that I have had the fun with. I will post a picture of the "broken dishes" blocks that I am making

It's Here!!!!

I was a lucky winnre over at Leanne's House and won her pattern. Not only did she send me the pattern but fat quarters and a great handmade card!!!!!! Take a peek! I'm so honored!

I'm a WINNER!

Oh my gosh! I have won a "Making Memories Quilt" pattern! I'm SEW EXCITED. It will be a perfect quilt to make to take on my upcoming cruise. Everyone does know I'm going on a cruise with the Wacky Pac, don't ya????? Check out the pattern and picture of the quilt oover at www.leanneshouse.typepad.com. I would do a "link thing" but I don't know how!!!! She is such a talented lady and I love reading her blog!

Happy Birthday America!

Happy July 4th everyone! Here I am sitting at Lake Limestone playing with the computer. We have three couples here from North Carolina, my brother and sister-in-law, their twins and their granddaughters. My son and daughter-in-law are here too. We are having a great time! I hope all of you spend the day with family and friends as you celebrate our independence. Be Safe!

Family Reunion

Yesterday was the Earley family reunion. We met in Conroe at my husband's brother's house. We had a great group even though not everyone was able to attend. Aunt and Uncle and cousins from Tyler were there. Both my boys were there, my brother and two of his daughters, all my husband's siblings, and a couple of friends were able to attend. The food was catered by McKenzie's BBQ and it was great. The kids (and some adults) enjoyed time in the swimming pool while the rest of us visited and caught up with each other. My sister-in-law, Billie, and I planned a little skit! We dressed up like frumpy old women -- complete with sponge rollers, rolled down knee-high stockings, and even threw in a cigarette just for grins --neither of us smoke! Here's a picture of us looking silly. We always have so much fun when we are together. Neither of us had a sister so we have claimed each other as 'sisters' not just 'in-laws" Enjoy!

Charleston, SC, Firefighters

I would like to publicly give my condolences to the family, friends community of the nine Charleston, SC, firefighters who lost their lives on 6/19. What a tragedy! It is a great loss to the firefighting community, Charleston, SC, and to our country.

As the mother of a firefighter, it really brings home the dangerous job these men and women have each day protecting us.

Please pray for God's peace and comfort to this community and the families as well as pray for protection and safety of all of our Nation's firefighters and other public servants..

It's Been a While!

It's been a while since I've posted. Lots going on in my life. My youngest son and daughter-in-law have come in from Germany and will be home for about 5 weeks. It was so good to see them as we haven't seen them in 2 years. They are moving back to the U.S. to Virginia! YEA! A lot closer and I can pick up the phone can call anytime without thinking about those expensive calls to Germany.

Since the last post, I've decided to go on a QUILTING CRUISE with 7 of my Wacky Friends! I am SEW EXCITED! When my friend, Molly, suggested it, I wasn't too excited. You see I started a job last September and don't have a lot of vacation. A cruise is on my "list of things to do before I die" and my husband encouraged me to go (as he will never go on a cruise). SEW, after a little thought, I decided I'M GOING!!!!! I just think about it all the time. It's 8 months away, which seems like FOREVER! I can't wait to get the information on the classes so I can make my choices and order my kits. I've bought me a new digital camera and case for the trip, and already thinking about what clothes to take. Am I crazy or what???? Hey, don't answer that! LOL.

I did get to do some sewing yesterday -- made two swap blocks for the Wacky Monthly Swap. Tonight after work, I plan to work on the Wacky Pack emblem that was developed by Rhonda and Annale. It is sew cool. I want to "audition" several colors/fabrics and choose which I like best for a shirt. I envision this logo on EVERYTHING as we go crusin' in the Carribbean!

Wacky Swap for 2007

If you have read any of my earlier posts or been over at "Molly's Place", then you know that our Wacky Quilting group does a swap every year. I didn't take pics of the blocks at first, but now I've gotten smarter ;) -- gotta stay thinking about the blog. Anyway, the picture to the right is the block for my wacky friend, Rhonda -- her theme was anything Texas. I thought she needed a bluebonnet.

Now, Wacky friend, Kathleen chose lighthouses as her theme. I looked and looked, and I came upon this lighthouse fabric by Jim Shore. I loved it and had to have it! The picture to the left is the block I made for Kathleen. I sure hope she likes it!

Stashbuster Question of the Week

How do you make your labels? Size, details you put on the label,
how/when you attach it, etc. Do you keep other documentation on your
quilts?

The type of label and size depends on the quilt -- sometimes I use the computer to generate a label and sometimes I write the label in my own handwriting. Last year, I had 3 young ladies close to us that graduated from high school. I made each of them a lap quilt and on the labels I put a picture of them. I thought that would be a great way to remember how they looked when they graduated. The picture to the right is one of the labels from the graduation quilts.

Relay for Life

Whew! We recently had our Relay for Live Event in Freestone County Texas. It was a great success. This is the 10th year that such an event has been held in Freestone County. Our goal was to raise $100,000. Well, we raised $110,000 PLUS...we are still counting! The committee worked very hard to host such a successful event.

As a cancer survivor, I firmly believe in Relay for Life. It is my dream that this dreadful disease "the BIG C" will be eradicted. By raising money for research, I feel that it has made a great contribution to the higher rates of survival among cancer survivors. There were approximately 50 cancer survivors honored with a reception and the ceremonial first lap followed by a lap with their caregivers and families.

I was very honored at the event because my quilting sisters, The Wacky Pack, made a quilt in blues and creams in my honor. The blues are to symbolize colon cancer of which I am a survivor! (Praise God!) The quilt was auctioned off and sold for $600. The lucky recipient was also a Colon Cancer Survivor. A picture of the quilt is shown above.

Happy Mother's Day!

HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY A baby asked God, "They tell me you are sending me to earth tomorrow, but how am I going to live there being so small and helpless?" God said, "Your angel will be waiting for you and will take care of you. "The child further inquired, "But tell me, here in heaven I don't have to do anything but sing and smile to be happy. "God said, "Your angel will sing for you and will also smile for you. And you will feel your angel's love and be very happy." Again the child asked, "And how am I going to be able to understand when people talk to me if I don't know the language?" God said, "Your angel will tell you the most beautiful and sweet words you will ever hear, and with much patience and care, your angel will teach you how to speak." "And what am I going to do when I want to talk to you?" God said, "Your angel will place your hands together and will teach you how to pray." "Who will protect me?" God said, "Your angel will defend you even if it means risking its life." "But I will always be sad because I will not see you anymore.God said, "Your angel will always talk to you about Me and will teach you the way to come back to Me, even though I will always be next to you." At that moment there was much peace in Heaven, but voices from Earth could be heard and the child hurriedly asked, "God, if I am to leave now, please tell me my angel's name. "God said, You will simply call her, "Mom."

50 Questions

1.Whats your name spelt backwards? yelrae

2. What did you do last night? had dinner with my Wacky friends

3. The last thing you downloaded onto your computer? Music from iTunes

4. Have you ever licked a 9 volt battery? Heck no!

5. Last time you swam in a pool? mmmmm; it's been a while; don't remember

6. What are you wearing? grey slacks, black/grey top and black shoes

7. How many cars have you owned? 9 or 10; I've lost count

8. Type of music you dislike most? Rap

9. Are you registered to vote? Yes; in fact just voted today in early voting.

10. Do you have cable? Dish

11. What kind of computer do you use? A Dell desktop and a Dell laptop

12. Ever made a prank phone call? oh yes!

13. You like anyone right now? yea, I like everyone

14. Would you go bungee jumping or sky diving? Never

15. Furthest place you ever travelled? Europe

16.Do you have a garden? Nope -- I kill everything! LOL

17. What’s your favorite comic strip? don't really have a favorite -- probably Family Circus

18. Do you know all the words to the national anthem? Yes

19. Shower, morning or night? Morning most of the time

20. Best movie you’ve seen in the past month? Pursuit of Happiness with Will Smith

21. Favorite pizza toppings? Supreme

22. Chips or popcorn? Chips

23. What cell phone provider do you have? Cingular

24. Have you ever smoked peanut shells? YUK! No

25. Have you ever been in a beauty pageant? uh NO

26. Orange Juice or apple? apple

27. Who were the last people you sat at lunch with? My Husband

28. Favorite chocolate bar? Hershey's with Almonds

29. Who is your longest friend and how long? Katrina since we were just toddlers

30. Last time you ate a homegrown tomato? last summer

31. Have you ever won a trophy? Nope

32. Favorite artist? Don't have a real favorite

33. Favorite computer game? Solitaire

34. Ever ordered from an infomercial? Heck yeah

36. Have you ever had to wear a uniform to school/work? Nope

37. Last thing you bought at the store? Office supplies for the office

38. Ever thrown up in public? uh, yes

39. Would you prefer being a millionaire or finding true love? Millionaire; I've got true love! LOL

40. Do you believe in love at first sight? Yes, it happened to me nearly 36 years ago

41.Can exes just be friends? I guess

42. Who was the last person you visited in the hospital? My grandson

43. Did you have long hair as a young kid? I did as a teenager

44. What message is on your voicemail machine? Whatever the pre-recorded message is

45. Where would you like to go right now? Back to Europe to see my son and daughter-in-law

46. What was the name of your first pet? Killowatt -- a dog

47. What kind of back pack do you have, and what’s in it? I don’t have one

48. Last incoming/outgoing call on your phone? My Sister-in-Law

49. What is one thing you are grateful for today? My salvation

50. What do you think about most? Trying to be a good person and a good example

National Day of Prayer

Thursday, May 3rd, is National Day of Prayer. I urge you to pray for our Country's Leaders, pray for our Troops who are stationed all over the world and don't forget those individuals who work for the U.S. government that are not necessarily in the military, but their jobs put them in harm's way as they work for our freedom. Pray for your local leaders, your families and friends. Bringing these individuals before our Almighty God is the best thing we can do for our Nation and our Family.

I urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone— for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. --I Timothy 2:1-2

Fun at Mammy & Poppy's House

We babysit the three grandchildren Saturday afternoon and night until around 4 pm on Sunday. We had a great time! We ate hotdogs, chips 'n dips, playing and watching movies. This is a picture of them in their PJ's eating popcorn while watching "Night at the Museum". We watched it 2 times!!! Oh my gosh, they could tell you every word of it. Calam is to the left (sleeping in Poppy's T-shirt), Camryn is in the middle and Canon is on the right. They bring such joy to our lives! Being a grandparent is GRAND!

It's Been a While

It's been a while since I have posted -- almost a week! I've come to the computer to post and my mind would just be blank -- no comments from the Wacky Pac Section -- Hahaha!

I went to the oncologist for my six month check-up. That always stresses me even tho it has been 3-1/2 years since my diagnosis! Everything is fine! YEA! I just keep going every 6 mos for bloodwork until I reach the 5 year anniversary and then I go annually.

I finished the round robin that I was working on. It is really fun being in the RR, even tho it can be stressful trying to decide what to add. It makes me stretch and think outside the box.

I am the Survivor Chairperson for our local Relay for Life so that has been keeping me busy as well. Our event will be held May 18-19 so there are lots of last minute things to get done.

I now have to put the borders on my son's firefighter quilt. This quilt has to finished -- quilted, bound, etc. by May 19th! I'm sure I'll get it done. I'm good under pressure -- why, if it wasn't for the last minute, I'd get nothing done!

I better go back to the sewing machine and get some sewing done this morning. Our three grandchildren are coming to spend the night tonight so it will be very WILD at this place this evening! But that's okay because we will have lots of fun!

Sew, I Did some Sewing!

This past weekend was a good weekend for Sewing!!! My husband was on a fishing trip and I got a lot done. I made a couple of blocks for a comfort quilt, made some more Civil War blocks to go with those I received in the Wacky Swap, and I am almost finished with adding my round to a round robin. I wish I could post a picture of the round robin but I'm afraid the owner will see it! I only have to add two more "stop" borders and it will be done. I would have finished that but my husband came home.

I also have the fireman quilt top completed except for the borders. I'll be posting pictures of it in the next day or so.

SEW, it was a GREAT SEWING WEEKEND!

Sisterhood of Quilting

Today I was thinking about all of my quilting sisters. They come in many different shapes, sizes, and colors. Each one is special and unique. One loves applique, one loves really bright colors, one loves darker neutral colors, one likes speedpiecing, one likes to try new methods, one likes to find shortcuts in piecing, one loves to piece little blocks, one likes big blocks -- how different yet the same we are!

Quilting friends are sew special. Quilters are a special 'sisterhood'. A quilting sister understands the need for just 30 minutes of sewing time. They understand the need to 'touch that fabric' or to look thru that quilting magzine 'just one more time' (when you've already read it from cover to cover). Whether you prick your finger while doing handwork or (God forbid) cut yourself with a rotary cutter, they are always there to comfort you. Quiling sisters share our accomplishments, our joys, our sorrows, our laughter and our tears.

Over the years of quilting, I have developed so many special friendships -- thru guilds, thru quilting retreats, and thru the internet. I am so blessed! My wish for all of my quilting sisters and those quilters that I've yet to meet -- take time to think about what is important in life; take time to pray -- it's the greatest power available to us; take time to sew, even if it is just a few minutes; take time to laugh as laughter is the music of the soul and when laughing we can feel the rhythm of our on beating hearts!

Thank you Quilting Sisterhood!

Retreat Winner!

Here I am at the Quilting Retreat. We made two different blocks for two block lotteries -- a floating churn dash and a spinning star blocks. I made two of each blocks so my name was entered twice in each drawing. Guess what????? I won the churn dash blocks -- 20 of them!!! I couldn't believe it. I think that I will make some more blocks to go with these and put them together for a table topper.

We've been having a great time! We have laughed so much we "nearly" peed our pants! Imagine that! And the food, oh my gosh, it was really good -- I know I must have gained!!!! Oh well.

It is late and I'm still up working on the firefighter quilt for my oldest son. Ya know it is one of my goals for April. I have to get it finished by mid-May for his graduation. I'll be posting pictures so stay tuned..........

No Fabric Received!!!!!

The fabric I ordered still has not come!!!! I needed it to finish some blocks for a swap that will be traded this upcoming weekend at a retreat. OH WELL! I have enough sets for everyone except for me and one other person. My friend, Kathleen, will just have to wait on the fabric to come! LOL! She is already expecting it so it will be okay -- she's already aware hers may be late.

I did get some sewing done yesterday and today, so I'm sticking to my 30 min. each day! I've been getting stuff together for the retreat this weekend. I'll have my laptop with me so I may do a "live broadcast" from their on my blog! LOL! Boy do I sound like I know what I'm doing -- NOT!

Stashbuster Question of the Week

How did you come to start quilting? Was it passed down in the family? What was your first project and is it finished? Where does it live now?

My grandmother and mother were a quilters, but even though I was sewing since I was about 12 years old, quiting never really 'grabbed me' until after I was married and had my 2 children. I watched my Mama, but I took classes at a LQS in 1983. It was a great class where we learned about color, placement, different scales of prints, etc. I learned to do everything by hand -- piecing and quilting. Then I discovered the rotary cutter and mat!!! wooo hooooo!

The first projects I made were a tote bag made from our first quilt blocks and a wall hanging. I still have the tote bag, but, I do not know what happened to the wallhanging! Isn't that sad????

Daddy

Tomorrow is Easter Sunday, April 8th, one of my favorite Holidays. This particular Sunday is also very special to me as well because it is my Daddy's Birthday. He would have been 84 years old! My Daddy died on December 3, 1995, after a very long and hard life dealing with much adversity and physical handicaps and pain in his life. When I was just a tot, he owned a 'service station'. You know the kind that did it all -- put gas in your car, cleaned your windshield and serviced your car! Daddy was doing that -- servicing a car -- by having it up on the rack and doing some greasing. The rack gave way and the car fell on my Daddy, crushing every vertabrae in his back. He spent many, many months in the hospital and went thru many, many surgeries, even more surgeries many years later. The doctors told him he would never walk again. He told them he would! He said he would not go home to his children if he couldn't walk. By the Grace of God and his pure determination, he did learn to walk again with the aid of braces on both legs and canes. He learned to walk by walking behind a tiller down our street. My mother would drive behind him in the car to make sure he would be okay. Daddy supported our family after the accident by being a "Paper Man". He delivered the Houston Post -- got up at 2-3 a.m., drove down to Houston to pick up the papers and my oldest brother would roll them for him and Daddy delivered them all over Humble, Porter, New Caney, etc. throwing them out the window on the porches and yards of 100's of homes. Sometimes he would let me and a friend go with him, but only if we were awake during the night when he left. Sometimes we stayed awake, but more often than not, we were asleep and didn't get to go.

After this job ended, Daddy opened up Shotwell's TV Sales & Service. Ya see, way back then, you could have your TV serviced in your home. Daddy was self-employed until he retired. This picture is one of my favorites. It was taken in May 1968 when I was 16 years old. He is standing in front of his van which was bright turquoise -- yes, I said turquoise!!!! It had Shotwell TV painted on it and that great big ole brightly colored peacock you see on TV sometimes. Why, it was painted so loud, you could 'hear' it coming down the road. Kids today would probably be embarrassed for ther Daddy to drive something like this, but I never was!

My Daddy lived in constant pain every minute of his life, but he never complained. He could have drawn disability and not worked, but he was too prideful. He always took care of our family and we always had food on the table and clothes on our backs. He would give his last dime away or the shirt off his back if he felt someone needed it more than him. He loved his grandchildren! He loved to play jokes on people and he loved to talk! My Mama always told him "when you die, I will have to pay extra to have them kill your mouth".

The last few years of Daddy's life, he was sick and his mind was not real good -- he suffered from Dementia in addition to all his physical disabilities. I sure do miss him, but I know that he is in Heaven walking or running around with no braces, no canes, and absolutely no pain. How happy he must be!!!! I know that I will see him again.

When I was diagnosed with cancer, my Daddy was my greatest inspiration even though he had already passed away. I knew how he fought death's door and was so determined to be well. I decided I could do it too -- and here I am!!! Thank you God and Daddy!!! I sure hope the Angels are throwing you one heck of a party tomorrow!!!

Those 4-Inch blocks!

I was able to do some sewing this morning. I am in a swap with some friends where we are swapping 4-inch finished blocks that are made with two colors -- Kona Black -- and the another color in Batiks. We chose colors for each person by drawing a Crayola from the box! I drew Vivid Tangerine! This is the closest I could find to vivid tangerine. I "only" have to make 240 of these little suckers!!!!! A total of 20 sets of 12 blocks each. It's a really easy block, but it just takes time -- a lot of time. I have 17 sets completed and lo and behold I ran out of fabric!!! SEW, I have some coming my way and should be here on Monday so I can finish up.

We will be retreating this weekend and exchanging the blocks. It will be a beautiful quilt with the Kona Black and all the different bright Batiks. I'll post a pic of the blocks after we exchange. Stay tuned...................

Swap Blocks

My quilting group -- The Wacky Pac -- does some type of exchange each year. For 2007, each member chose the type of block, size, and fabric, they wanted to receive. All names were drawn --- one for each month. I was drawn for the month of January. I selected 6-inch blocks -- any block -- as long as the piecer used Civil War fabrics. This is a picture of the blocks I received. Aren't they just awesome? I have them on my design wall waitin, waitin, and waitin.! I'm planning to make some more blocks to go with them and then I have to decide how to set them together -- hmmmmm, let me see..........

Crawfish Bisque

Here's a recipe that I got while at the San Antonio BBQ Cook-Off back in January. It is very easy and very good. Enjoy!

1/4 cup butter & 1/4 cup flour -- use to make your roux -- it doesn't have to be too brown
Add 2 cups milk to the roux and cook and thick and bubbly.
Add 3 cups of Half n Half
Now, in a skillet, I sauteed the following: 1 each green, orange, red, yellow bell peppers, celery, purple onion, garlic, parsley (all chopped of course).
Use Tony's and salt and cayenne pepper to your likin' ; I added a bit of southwest chipolte too 'cause here in Texas, we like it spicy!
Now add 1-1/2 to 2 pounds of crawfish tales.
YUM YUM!

P.S. My husband liked eating it over rice. It was good like that too!

I did it!

oh yea, oh yea, I did it. I've been trying to put a picture on my profile with no success. I even asked my quiltin' sisters and they were trying to tell me how, but I just couldn't get it! Well here I am not able to sleep so I decide to play with my blog. Lo and behold I DID IT! I put a picture on my profile. See you CAN teach an old dog new tricks.

What a Wacky Wednesday!

It was Wacky Wednesday! What does this mean, you ask? Well on the first Wednesday of the month, the WackyPac (a group of 10 crazy quilters) get together for dinner and drinks at a local Mexican restaurant.

The topic of conversations -- BLOGS. We are all so into blogs and learning. This has been a wonderful thing for us. Not only are we sharing quilting tips, now it is blog tips. Oh my gosh, I think we have been BLOGGED!

We had a great evening and gave Molly her swap blocks. Well most of us did, I forgot to bring mine! They are made though! The swap blocks will be another post -- I'll tell ya all about it....stay tuned.......

Do it Right the First Time!

Haven't you heard the old saying "if it's worth doing, it's worth doing right the first time". My Mama used to tell me that all the time. You'd think I would have learned! BUT NO! I had to do some 'frog stitchin' because I tried to do something in a hurry! Now, I ask, how simple could a 4-patch block be??????? I sewed up a whole pasel (not sure if this is a word or not but it sounds good) of these little suckers and when I started pressing them, about 1/2 of them just didn't line up to my likin'! SEW, I sent to rippin'! Now I will get to put them back together again, but not tonight!

This big ole gal is TARD! I did do a little embroidery this evening on a baby quilt for a friend -- just put the baby's name and birthdate on so it wasn't really hard. EXCEPT, my bobbin thread was showing up -- really got me flustered -- I adjusted and adjusted the tension and got it better but it still showed in some spots. That's when I got out the fabric markers and did a "touch up job". Oh well, it looks okay.

This is a busy week for me so I'm not sure how much sewing I'll get done, but I'm gone try to sew every day!!!

What? Run out of Fabric!

Yes, it is true, I ran out of fabric. I am working on a block swap to be exchanged at a quilt retreat in a couple of weeks. We are swapping Kona black and a determined Batik Color. (We drew for colors using Crayolas!) My color is vivid tangerine. We are making 12 4-inch blocks for each person and swapping out with 18 people. Guess what???? I have 16 sets completed and I ran out of fabric. Not to worry--thanks to the good ole WWW. I just placed an order for more fabric so I should be able to complete the blocks by retreat time. Whew! I almost went into a panic!

A Good Day!

Saturday was a good day! I actually spent time sewing! I even worked on the organization of my quilting studio (I'm practicing the 15-minute rule!). I finished up a set of swap blocks and even worked on another set.

My son and his family came by and we went to Corsicana for dinner and they came back and spent the night with us. A day with grandchildren is a good day!

On Sunday afternoon, I hope to do some embroidery -- we will see!

I need to sew!

Well, here it is Friday -- the weekend! YEA! I've got to get some sewing done. I have not done any sewing in a couple of weeks -- SHAME SHAME SHAME! I plan to do some power sewing this weekend. I'm going to lock myself in my quilting studio and get after it -- making swap blocks and hopefully starting a firefighter quilt for my oldest son who will graduate from the Houston Fire Academy in May.

The "E" Word

Do you ever think about how we are getting older and our bodies are changing? I know that I sure do. It is a proven fact that "old age ain't for sissies". Now, I try to do good and exercise, but it is so hard. There for a while I was walking on my breaks at work, but then that stopped. It seemed I was 'too busy'. How many times have you said that????

Some of quilting friends are walking. They are worried about how their bodies look. I worry about mine too, but hey, I'm old, I'm a grandmother and I always thought that grandmothers were pudgy! Think about it -- was your grandmothers pudgy? Mine were. They weren't fat, but they were a little pudgy.

I saw this Maxine cartoon about having a 19-year old body and I decided that's a good philosphy! Don't ya just love Maxine!

Wild, Wild West

In June 2006, I entered a quilt in our County Go Texan Quilt Contest and won. The quilt has been on display at the Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo. It won a first place in the Pictorial Division and then received an Honorable Mention for being the favorite quilt among those donated for auction. I donated my quilt to be auctioned off and a portion of the money goes to the Scholarship Fund, a portion back to Freestone County and a portion back to me. The quilt received 21 different bids and the final selling price was $2,900. Woo Hoo!!!!

Packwork Quilts and People

How much like a patchwork quilt we are; Some of us are bright and gay, some are quieter, more delicate and subdued. Yet how well we blend together, the quieter ones set off the colorful. The brighter ones accentuate the pastels. Often, the more fragile pieces hold the sturdy ones together; Blessed are we to be varied.

All of us are stitched with love and tied to one another. Reap the benefits of your sewing, Baste consideration into your life, Hem up disagreements, and embellish it all with love. May there always be work for your hands to do. May your purse always hold a coin or two. May the sun always shine on your windowpane. May a rainbow be certain to follow each rain. May the hand of a friend always be near you. May God fill your heart with gladness to cheer you.

Little Canon

Here is a picture of my youngest grandchild, Canon. He is 2 years old. This is the grandbaby that was so sick with E-Coli/HUS Disease. He is back to himself and is even more spoiled ROTTEN than before he was sick. Isn't he the cutest little thing? BUT, I'm not partial, ya think? This picture was taken at Christmas 2007.

Scrapbooking

I also enjoy scrapbooking. I went to my first scrapbooking retreat in March of 2006. I won the prize for the best dressed St. Patrick's Day. I really didn't go 'all out' but I guess they liked what I wore. This is a picture of me at the retreat.

My Friends

I belong to a quilting group called the WackyPac. We are a group of 10 crazy women who love to quilt!! We get together at least once a month for dinner and drinks and then at various times. Sometimes, we have "emergency" meetings to have dinner (mainly a drink) when someone has had a bad day/week.

These girls are my greatest friends and are very supportive. We are always there for each other when the "going gets tuff" whether it be sickness or a bad of quilting! Bad day of quilting??? Is there such a thing? naw, I didn't think sew!

This is a picture of our group that was taken at our 2nd Annual Hunting Opening Weekend Sew-In which was held at the beautiful home of Molly, one of the original members! We had so much fun. What an ordeal it was to get this picture made and get all the cameras taking pictures -- oh well, we always have fun with everything we do!

I did it!

Well, I did it! Made my own blog! Oh my gosh, I just needed one more thing to do! But this is fun.