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!