Happy New Year

Happy New Year Everyone! I am out of town and have limited internet connection so I want to take this chance to say Happy New Year! I hope you each have many, many Blessings in 2009 and make lots of quilts.

G. o. M.

G.o.M.? What the heck you say? What does it mean??? This is something that my little feeble brain has come up with (I know that is scaring some of you!). G.o.M means "Gift of the Month"!!!! I know, I know, there is still another year before Christmas. But how many times have you said "if I had only started that sooner" or "if I only had more time"? Well, if we set a goal to make a minimum (more if you can) of one gift per month (mini quilt, pillow, table runner, coasters, etc.) by the time December 25, 2009, rolls around, you will have TWELVE gifts ready for giving (and more if you can manage more than one gift per month).

If we do this together, we can encourage each other to get it done! So what do you say? Are you up to the challenge?????

If there is enough interested, perhaps I'll start a separate blog for interested folks so we can post pictures, links, tutorials, encouragement to each other, etc. for making our gifts. Hey, maybe even a picture/icon thingy to post on our blogs.

What do You Call It????

When my husband and I were first married, he asked me to make him some "French Toast" for breakfast. Now mind you, I did not know how to cook much less some fancy French dish! I told him I didn't know how to cook that dish but if I could find a recipe, I would try to make it. He looked at me like I was crazy! He proceeded to tell me what he was talking about and I finally realized what he wanted. He wanted EGG BREAD! Why, I never in my life heard anyone call Egg Bread "French Toast".

When I was a young girl, I always spent a lot of time with my maternal grandparents, Grandma and PawPaw Busch. Every morning for breakfast she made Egg Bread. Hers was the best. She fixed 5 pieces -- 2 pieces for PawPaw, 2 pieces for me and 1 piece for her. She ate hers plain with nothing on it. PawPaw sprinkled granulated sugar on his and poured his coffee in a saucer and drank from the saucer. Of course, being a kid, I had to have sugar on mine too -- and I still eat it that way.

Egg Bread is very easy to make. Just beat eggs in a bowl (1 egg makes 2 pieces), dip a piece of bread in the egg and pan fry (in an iron skillet of course).

This is Egg Bread sprinkled with sugar -- YUMMY FOR YOUR TUMMY!!! (and your hips too "grin")

Now here is Hubby's take on Grandma's Egg Bread.......Creamy peanut butter and syrup -- YUK! YUK! YUK!

So now the question is 'WHAT DO YOU CALL IT?"

Looky Here Now--I really wasn't that good!

So, what did you get for Christmas??? Did you get something you were really wanting, needed, or just flat didn't want? LOL

Our family had a GREAT Christmas. We spent Christmas Day with our DS#1 and his family. DS and DIL cooked for us and made the day very special. We played with the three grandchildren and their new toys. DS#2 and DIL were with us in spirit as they were unable to come home for Christmas (from Virginia.)

Well, I say...I did fare well! I received a quilting charm "Bee Quilting" to wear as a pendant. I also received two charms for my charm bracelet -- a cute little bow and a pair of scissors. AND, I received a gift certificate to The Fat Quarter Shop -- yummy! Then I received one of those digital photo frames -- I LOVE IT! It is so cool. I got one of those electric foot massager thingys....awwwww.....feels good.....A really cute snowman to use in decorating next year, a box FULL of cute socks......lots of socks.....really cute ones with all different themes....got a scrapbooking kit......a Brighton necklace and matching earrings....a little compact Bible that fits perfectly in your purse or tote bag AND it has a darling red leather cover on it with a flower fastener. It matches my red camera case. Also got the DVD "Mama Mia". Yea! My Wacky Sisters went to see it one day and I didn't get to go. I have already watched it -- GREAT CHICK FLICK. I also got a new little puppy -- a dachshund named Toby. He is a chocolate color and is already ROTTEN! I'll be posting pics later.

Yes, I got lots of goodies, material things and I'm appreciative of each and every one. BUT, the most wonderful gift I received is knowing the real meaning of Christmas -- the birth of Jesus Chris and the gift of forgiveness. I hope that each of my friends here in the blogging world had a Blessed Christmas as well.

'Twas the Night Before Christmas

'Twas the night before Christmas and all through the house, The only one sleeping was Quilter's dear spouse. The Log Cabin stockings were almost completed, "Just a few stitches left, "our sweet quilter repeated, "Then I can hang them and head off to finish The pillows I'm making, fulfilling Mom's wish For something "quilty" to put on her couch", As she pricked her poor finger, our quilter yelled, "Ouch!"

....When from out in the kitchen there arose such a crashing, She sprang from her work , and she dropped all her sashing. Away to the doorway she flew like a plane, Wondering just what was happening and who she could blame. When what to her wondering eyes should appear, But Old Mrs Claus and her bag of quilt-gear.. .. ....With her elves bearing gifts, through the kitchen she came, She directed and pointed and called them by name. "Now Elna, now Pfaff, now Bernina and Viking, The Hoffman and Mumm should be just to her liking. To the sewing room - there, it's just back of the hall, Now dash away, dash away, dash away all!"

"My Dear," said The Claus (as she liked to be called), There really is no need to worry at all. Your projects will all be completed this night, I'm terribly sorry we gave you a fright. Sit down. Have some tea. It's relaxing, you'll see. My friends and I've come a long way to help Thee.

She thought she was dreaming, our Dear Quilter did, In fact she quite feared that she'd near' flipped her lid! But the flash of the needles and twist of the thread soon gave her to know she had nothing to dread. They spoke no more words, but went straight to their sewing. How the work went so quickly she had no way of knowing. The stitches, how tiny! The corners, how straight! This Claus-woman' s talent was awfully great. They finished the pillows, then started a quilt. Before they all knew it, the whole thing was built!

...Now old Mrs. Claus, she knew quilters real well, And she knew they'd need help on this night most of all So she said to our quilter, "Just move over, dear, I've brought my own needle. We'll get done, never fear. I told dear old Santa about what quilters do. How they plan all these projects but have other work too. So he taught me his magic for doing things fast. There, that pillow's done. Now this is the last."

They tidied their thread snips, and picked up the scraps And chased our dear quilters six cats from their laps. They left behind gingerbread (just to be nice) And the whole house smelled sweetly of Christmas and spice. As they scurried away with their thimbles still gleaming Dear Mrs. Claus paused, her cap ribbons streaming. "Merry Christmas, my dear, now just have a ball! Relax and enjoy. Happy Quilting to all!"

Note: The above was writtne by Brenda Groelz, Kathy Rockbugs, Marilyn Root, Cindy Swafford (courtesy of one of my quilting lists)

Pay It Forward--2009 Challenge

I have seen the "Pay It Forward" project on many different blogs and thought it was so neat. I understand it is named after a movie, but I've not seen it. I guess I better try to find it to watch!

While visiting Julie's blog, I saw where she had joined in the project. I decided "why not" and joined the project. So what do you have to do, you ask? Here goes:

The first three people to leave a comment on this post asking to join the "Pay It Forward" exchange, will receive a handmade item from me sometime during 2009. Each of these three people will make an announcement on their blog (with the photo) and send handmade items to those individuals to the people posting on their bogs, and it goes on and on.

You must have an active blog or website to be a part of this exchange.

Have fun!

A Wonderful, Wacky Christmas

Yesterday was the Wonderful, Wacky Christmas party for the Wacky Pack Quilters. The event was hosted by our member, Jerri. Below is a picture of the living area of her beautiful home.Jerri is such a wonderful hostess. Below is a picture of her beautifully decorated table. Of course you will see all of the Wackies toasting another wonderful year of quilting together. We went around the table and shared our most memorable Wacky Moment during last year. Now that was fun!
Of course, there was TONS of food. This is a picture of just "some" of the food on the bar. It was "buffet style".

Sew, just who are these crazy women that call themselves the Wacky Pac Quilters??? There are nine of us in the group. Here goes:

First up is Kathy L. Kathy has a longarm quilting business "Kathy's Kuilts". She is a talented quilter and is always coming up with beautiful quilts. Kathy doesn't really do "computers" so we try to keep her up-to-date on all of our computer-related activities.

Next, we have Molly! Molly is a very creative quilter and she always comes up with some type of challenge for us. Yes, we usually moan and groan about it, but we always have a great time. She encourages us to "get out of our box" and try new, adventurous things.
Next up is Rhonda. Crazy Rhonda! Rhonda tries hard to keep us on track, but well, what can I say???? She hasn't been real successful in this area -- LOL! But I must say, she is often times the little instigator herself! Rhonda keeps us entertained with stories from her teaching days, events with Mom, and just plain life itself!

And next up is Kathleen. Kathleen is our "resident Yankee". She is from Michigan, but has lived in Texas for a long, long time. She has that "Texas Drawl" down pat. She is a very caring and loving person and we are proud to call her "Wacky".
Here is Charlotte. Charlotte lives about two hours south of us so she doesn't always get to participate in our monthly get togethers, BUT, she is always with us in spirit. And then there is Patty or "Mama Elephant". Patty is the "mom" of the group (or at least we let her "think" she is--LOL!) Patty and Charlotte are sisters and there are times that we have to have Rhonda perform an intervention between these two sisters.

We have our own "Annie" or "Annale". Annie is probably one of the sweetest persons I know. She was my roommate on our quilting cruise last February. She is also a very talented quilter and has done beautiful applique' work.

Now, somehow, I missed getting a close-up picture of Jerri. It was probably because she didn't sit still long enough! She was too busy taking care of us and making sure our wine glasses were full. Here she is in her kitchen laughing. That's what we love about our Jerri. She loves life and lives it to the fullest.
And next, the last Wacky! That would be me -- Kathy or Dana or the Humble Quilter.
Molly challenged us to make a pin cushion and bring it to the party. Yep, you got it -- there was some moaning and groaning, but 5 out of the 9 of us did it! Below is a picture of the pin cushions. Go over to the Wacky Pac blog to see who made what. We put numbers on them and and each participant drew a number for the pincushion they would win.


Instead of exchanging gifts, we exchanged fabric!!! Every quilter loves fabric. Each person brought 3 1/2-yard pieces of fabric. We played three different games and each person went home with 1-1/2 yards of fabric. It was really fun and at times got really WILD. Below is a picture of the beautifully wrapped fabric.

The party was GREAT! Charlotte surprised each of us with a Christmas ornament. Molly treated us to a "Wild, Wonderful Wacky Woman" poem and print. She chose the ones she thought best represented each of us. Molly then wrote a personal message on the back of each one. The poems were read out loud and there were lots of laughs and lots of tears.

I've never been part of such a cohesive quilting group in my life. The Wacky Quilters are my sisters. I don't have any blood sisters, but I don't believe I could have a closer sister than the 8 crazy women that have been featured above. I love you my Wacky Sisters!

I hope you have enjoyed your tour of the Wild, Wonderful Wacky Christmas. It is my prayer that you all have a very Merry and Blessed Christmas!

Oh Christmas Tree

Tonite was the big Elementary Christmas Play. The pre-K thru 3rd grade performed for the community. The 2nd graders were the featured grade and they performed "The Night Before Christmas -- 2nd Grade Style". My 8-yr old granddaughter, Camryn was the most beautiful Christmas tree of all. Check out that hair -- they used coat hangers to make their hair stand out.Here is a whole cluster of Christmas trees. My DGD is on the left

The children were precious and it was a fun evening. Merry Christmas to all.

December Doings!

I haven't posted in a few days. Sometimes life just gets in the way. The first week of the month is always busy for me. I am the Director of Senior Services/Transit for our County. I have to make many different reports to our County, Area Agency on Aging, Rural Transportation, etc. I've been coming in from work in the evenings and just taking it easy! I have been doing a few things so I thought I'd give a little recap of what I've been doing.

This is a picture of the Miniature Booty Swap -- "Holiday Edition" finished quilt. This little quilt has been mailed to my partner (I can't say the name--shhhhh--she should be getting it any day now) but I had not posted a picture on my blog.

This is another picture up-close of the Miniature Booty Swap.
Those of you that know me, know that I love chickens and roosters. I found this Jim Shore rooster on Ebay. They no longer make this rooster so I was really excited to get him. He stands approximately 2-3 feet tall. My sister-in-law (another fowl lover) found one on Ebay and she stopped bidding at $70. I got this handsome young man for only $43!!!! I have also won a bid on a rooster holding a chalkboard. He is really cute too. I should be receiving him any day as the seller has already shipped.

The following picture is a "sneak peak" of the Spring Fling Roundrobin -- Session II. Each mini quilt has four rounds -- the center, 1st border, 2nd border and quilter. I was the quilter of this quilt. The quilt has been quilted, bound and label stitched on. This quilt will be sent to the final recipient in tomorrow's mail. I can't show the complete quilt until it is received by its owner. This is my second time to participate in this roundrobin and it has been sew much fun. I sure hope we "do it again".

I've also been doing some hand embroidery on my Nice People Nice Things project but haven't taken any pictures! Maybe I'll get some photos taken this week.

I hope each of you have a great week and are enjoying this Holiday Season. I only have 3 more gifts to purchase and I'll be done! YEA! As you are out in the hustle and bustle, always remember "the reason for the season" -- the birth of our Saviour, Jesus Christ!

A "Down Day" turns Upward

Today was a "down day" for me. December 3rd always has been for a long time. My Daddy went home to heaven on this day 13 years ago. I always get a bit down during December as both of my parents died in the month of December only 7 years apart.

I stayed busy at work--monthly report time--so that was a "good thing" (as Martha Stewart says). I came in from work, looked at the mail and visited with my hubby. I go back to the kitchen and lying in the mail stack was an envelope for me--all the way from Trysil, Norway! How in the world I missed this, I do not know!

In the package was a charm, a thimble, some fabric, a pre-printed stitchery, and some CHOCOLATE! Here, take a look for yourself!

I know what you are thinking--when is she going to show the quilt. Well, don't get your bobbin in a wad, it's coming *grin*. This quilt is part of the Miniature Booty Swap "Holiday Edition". It was made by Laila from Norway. Here are some pictures of the quilt, a close-up and a picture of the label. This is the cutest quilt, complete with embroidery and I LOVE IT! THANK YOU LAILA! You made a "down day" turn upward!

Happy Thanksgiving

I just want to say "Happy Thanksgiving" to all my blogger friends. May you surround yourselves with family and friends and have a Blessed Day. Don't eat too much, BUT it's okay to "gobble till ya wobble"! What am I thankful for?

~~A God that loves me and blesses me -- even though I don't deserve it

~~My health; I am very blessed to be alive today

~~My country -- the good ole U.S. of A. and all those who have sacrificed so much that we may enjoy our many freedoms

~~My best friend and husband to whom I have been married for 37 years

~~My two sons and the wonderful and successful men they have become

~~My two daughters-in-law who are wonderful women and have added so much to our family

~~My three grandchildren who bring me pure joy and offer that unconditional love

~~My friends -- they are like charms on a charm bracelet -- ya just can't have too many

~~My hobby -- quilting -- all the joys and relaxation it brings me

Butterfly Award

Oh My Gosh! I have received the Butterfly Award from CathyJean at Home Sweet Home, Noble. She says I have a "cool blog"! Thank you so much. I am so honored.

The rules are:

1. Put the logo on your blog.

2. Add a link to the person who awarded you.

3. Nominate 10 other blogs for this award.

4. Add links to those blogs.

5. Leave a message for your nominees on their blogs.6. Give a reason why you consider their blogs cool.

I'm passing this award on to the following 10 blogs because they are all so very cool and I love visiting them. You always have great posts and are such an inspiration to me. I think you AND you blog are VERY COOL.

~~ Katy at The Country Blossom

~~ Karen at Living Life at LeeHaven
~~ Sherri at A Quilting Life
~~ Rhonda at Ravelly1

~~ Ann-Marie at This Simple Life of Mine
~~ Kathy at Kathy's Quilts
~~ Molly at Molly's Place
~~ Teresa at Stitchin Friends
~~ Sherrie at PinKeeps and Stitchin Too
~~ Karen at Log Cabin Quilter

Spring Fling Roundrobin II

This is the quilt I received today from the Spring Fling Roundrobin II. It is wonderful and I am sew proud to receive it. It is made with my favorite -- Civil War fabrics in lovely shades of pink/brown.

The center was made by Carol of Vermont; the 1st border by Susan of Arizona, 2nd border by Julia of Idaho, and the handquilting and binding by Alicia of Washington. THANK YOU LADIES!

Veterans' Day

Today is Veterans' Day -- a day where every American citizen should give their thanks to our Veterans. It is these men and women who give selflessly of themselves to defend our freedoms and our rights. Many have given the ultimate sacrifice -- their lives.

It doesn't matter where you are or what you are doing, if you see a man or woman in military uniform or see a person you know is a veteran, you should take a moment to stop and say "thank you." It is amazing how their eyes light up and how proud they are.

I am very proud to say that I come from a long line of Veterans. My Daddy, my Grandpas, my Uncles, my Father-in-Law, my Husband, my Son, and many friends. It is with a very grateful heart that I say THANK YOU.

I leave you with this question: Have you every thought about this? There are two people who have given the ultimate sacrifice for you and me -- Jesus Christ and the American G.I.

Wannabe????

Wannabe a Wacky???? Most of you that follow my blog know that I'm a member of the "esteemed, infamous, and CRAZY Wacky Pack Quilters of Texas. We have sew much fun together and we want to share that fun with you. Go over to the Wacky Pack Blog and see just what you have to do!

Holiday Miniature Booty Swap

I am participating in the Holiday Miniature Booty Swap with the Quilting Pirate. Here is a pic of my flimsy that is waiting to be quilted. (The piece is not crooked, it is just the photographer -- I think she may have overdosed on chocolate and laughter). I finished it during the retreat. Grab you a good, hot cup of coffee or tea (or maybe wine) and settle down in front of the fireplace and enjoy the holidays.

Saturday at the Wacky Retreat

SEW, does this scare you? Here is Rhonda, Molly and Jerri trying to figure out something on the computer.

Isn't this a beautiful block???? Molly is reproducing an antique quilt. She had made four of these blocks in red and green. She is now in the applique process.

Molly takes a break from applique.

Kathleen did so good. She worked on a lot of UFOs. This is one top that she finished -- a "Buck a Block" quilt in Thimbleberries.

Annale is working on this panel from Nancy Halvorsen. It is so beautiful -- just like Annie!

Check out this cute pattern from Patchalot Patterns. I was first introduced to this line of patterns when I visited a quilt store while visiting my son in Virginia.

And, "ta da", here is the little quilt I made. It isn't finished yet. I still have to do the hand embroidery. I think it is precious. Thanks Marcie for such great patterns.

Here is another one of Marcie's patterns from Patachalot Patterns -- the Indian Paintbrush. I believe this is her latest pattern.

And here are the fruits of my labor. I have to finish making the rest of the components and put it together. This pattern required use of the Tri-Rec tool. This is my first experience using theses rulers. Pretty easy to use.



Stay tuned.......more to come!

Happy Halloweeen

Hope every is having a nice Halloween. The Wacky Pac Quilters are having our annual "Opening Deer Season" quilting retreat. We've been doing this for about 4-5 years and we always have sew much fun. We laugh till we pee!

OH MY GOSH! Is that a rat on my sewing machine?????? Yep, it is, but it's not real. Molly gave us all little treat bags full of candy and inside was this little rubber rat. It was really funny. I put mine up on my sewing machine. Every now and then, while sewing and I glance, that thing would scare me to death!

I gave everybody a little treat bag as well and inside were these most-becoming glasses!!!!! We had a blast playing around in these crazy glasses. Here are six of the nine Wackies: front row -- Jerri and Molly. Back row -- Annie, Rhonda, Kathy, and Kathleen.

Thursday Night Retreating!

The Wacky Pack Quilters are together at Lakeview Methodist Conference Center in Elkhart, Texas. It is our first night -- Thursday. We are having a blast. Here are a few pictures. Be sure to stay tuned throughout the weekend.

Here is a picture of the food tables; you KNOW we have to have FOOD, FOOD. We didn't do lunch -- we ate JUNK FOOD! Then for supper, Molly fixed a delicious meal of tacos and corn salad. We do not have food provided so we are doing "microwave and crock pot" meals!

Molly is being very studious and working on Americana blocks for our February swap.

Annale continues to work on the blue/yellow quilt. It is going to be beautiful!

Jerri is also working on her Americana blocks as well. Hers are the most beautiful *hehehehehe* -- private joke!

Kathleen takes a break from all that "figerin' (figuring) working on borders for her quilt.


And then, there is crazy Rhonda. She is working on her string blocks so she can get this top put together this weekend.

That's all for now, folks! Ya'll come back now ya hear!