Pinwheel Runner

Using this tutorial I whipped up a couple of these runners last weekend.  I had a few friends to get gifts for and thought these would fit them just right.  They were fairly quick and fun to make.

Looking through this blog I have seen this same runner done up in various color ways.  I think this may be my new go to pattern when I have left over scraps.  So cute!

I love finding fun patterns through other peoples blogs.  Sharing ideas and helping others, makes this blog world fun.

2011 UFO Challenge

I haven't joined yet, but I think this will help keep me on the right path with all my sewing projects

2011 UFO Challenge - what a great way to pull some projects to complete this year! 

I have a BIG project ahead of me to clean out my sewing room this next week.  Looking through kits I bought a few years back, and favorite fabric lines is always fun for me.  I have found very few fabrics and projects that I don't still love today and want to get out and make right away.  Maybe this means I truly am buying only the fabrics/kits I really love!  While I'm cleaning this next week, I'm going to pick some UFO's along with a few new projects and keep a list going for 2011.  I only finished 1 large quilt I can remember in 2010, so I'm quite disappointed in myself.  I have SEVERAL quilt tops ready to be quilted, or tops without borders.  I need to get some of my quilts kicked out from start to finish!  I've collected several fabrics for quilts using the same pattern (to give as gifts) so while making one quilt, isn't it just as easy to make 2?  Hopefully doing this I'll finish twice as much! 

I lay in bed at night thinking of all the sewing I want to do....its time to make it reality.  Love this idea, and I think it will help keep me going!  Thanks Judy!

Merry Christmas

Wishing you and your family a very Merry Christmas!

One Word

Reading my cousin Kelly's blog, she posted this:

one word: encapsulate the year 2010 in one word. explain why you’re choosing that word. now, imagine it’s one year from today, what would you like the word to be that captures 2011 for you?

2010: Chaotic

cha·os (ks)
n.

1. A condition or place of great disorder or confusion.
2. A disorderly mass; a jumble: The desk was a chaos of papers and unopened letters.
3. often Chaos The disordered state of unformed matter and infinite space supposed in some cosmogonic views to have existed before the ordered universe.
4. Mathematics A dynamical system that has a sensitive dependence on its initial conditions.
5. Obsolete An abyss; a chasm.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
[Middle English, formless primordial space, from Latin, from Greek khaos.]
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
cha·otic (-tk) adj.
cha·oti·cal·ly adv.


I use the word chaotic because I feel that is exactly what this last year has been.  I won't lie, adding another child into my little mix rocked my world, and seemed to be more challenging then I ever imagined.  Don't get me wrong, I love little Sam more than words could say, but having kids is rough!

Having a full time job, trying (TRYING being the key word) to keep the house clean and in order, finding time for the kids, for Mike, for me...all I can say is I'm tired....all the time.  My attitude about my house has changed.  I've gotten to the point were I care that its a mess, but have little energy to do anything about it.  If I have any energy left, I want to do something fun.  So although the year has been chaotic.  We have still had a lot of fun.  Lets hope this next year brings more sleep, a cleaner house, and an easier era with two crazy boys!

2011: Discipline

dis·ci·pline (ds-pln)
n.

1. Training expected to produce a specific character or pattern of behavior, especially training that produces moral or mental improvement.
2. Controlled behavior resulting from disciplinary training; self-control.
3.
   a. Control obtained by enforcing compliance or order.
   b. A systematic method to obtain obedience: a military discipline.
   c. A state of order based on submission to rules and authority: a teacher who demanded discipline in      classroom.
4. Punishment intended to correct or train.
5. A set of rules or methods, as those regulating the practice of a church or monastic order.
6. A branch of knowledge or teaching.

tr.v. dis·ci·plined, dis·ci·plin·ing, dis·ci·plines

1. To train by instruction and practice, especially to teach self-control to.
2. To teach to obey rules or accept authority. See Synonyms at teach.
3. To punish in order to gain control or enforce obedience. See Synonyms at punish.
4. To impose order on: needed to discipline their study habits.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
[Middle English, from Old French descepline, from Latin disciplna, from discipulus, pupil; see disciple.]
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
disci·pli·nal (-pl-nl) adj.
disci·pliner n.

I think the only way to bring order to my chaotic life is to implement some discipline.  Not to the rest of my family (except for maybe a new chore chart) but to myself.  I think I have let myself go in all areas of my life.  I need to be more structured with my kids, with my house, working out, sewing, working, spending time with my kids, my husband etc.  I have been spontaneous and done whatever my whole life.  I think I need to change my ways and become a planner.  Sure I make my to do lists, but once written I rarely look at them again.  NO MORE!  I will write my list and check it twice!  I will check things off my list, make weekly schedules, implement a chore chart to get some help.  Take a day a week to myself.  Wake up earlier to get workouts in.  Always have a quilt ready to bind, one on the machine to quilt, and a project ready to sew, that way when I have spare time I have something ready to go.  I will read bedtime stories and laugh with my kids BEFORE putting them to bed EARLY!  Bedtimes will be worked on and schedules will be put in place. ORDER will be brought to the Latimer house hold!

I feel strongly if we change our ways at home our lives will get easier.  Everyone will be happier, and our daily lives won't be so crazy. 

I can't wait to see what 2011 has to offer.

 

Bella Solid

Note to self.  Next time I purchase white - ish bella put a note and pin it to the fabric with the number on it. 

Even holding two pieces side by side and thinking they looked the same...not so much once it was quilted!  Makes me so mad!!!!  I've learned my lesson!

Menu Monday

Let's be honest....I post Menu Monday's as a list for me.  I go back to it often throughout the week to remind me of what I've got planned for dinner.  Let me tell you how this last week went.  I posted last weeks menu late Monday night.  After I had made Mondays - Baked Ziti.  Its now Monday of the following week and I have not cooked ONCE this whole week!  (OK, I did make the kids scrambled eggs for dinner on Friday on my way out the door to EAT OUT).  I wonder why I keep gaining weight!  Eating out - means over eating - means fatting food - means fat Abby!  I will be better this week!  Can't promise perfection, but better! 

I don't have to go to work anymore this year!  So dinners will be easier to come by.  I will be whipping out this little treat tomorrow for my kids to try.  Rice pudding, yes that will thin me down...but it is the holidays, so I'm going for it!

Here's to a better week then LAST!

Monday - Olive Garden - off to a great start
Tuesday - Tacos - using roast meat
Wednesday - Roast beef sandwiches
Thursday - Garden Burgers
Friday - Homemade chicken noodle soup at Grama Polly's house
Saturday - Omelets from Grandpa Jim

Menu Monday

Monday - Baked Ziti
Tuesday - Garden Burgers
Wednesday - Chicken Noodle Soup
Thursday - Leftovers
Friday - Manicotti Shells

Quilting Update

Although there has been very little update in the quilting department lately - I actually have been rather busy.  An order for 12 table runners is half way completed.  Six more to go - hopefully within the next night or 2. 

Two quilts have been quilting finally along with a cute table topper.

And last but not least - a little pin cushion....I think there will be plenty more of these to come.

I love a cute little Christmas gift!

My Baby is ONE

My little Sam - my baby...you're one!

Everything changes in a blink of an eye.  It seems like just yesterday I was praying for my water to break daily so I could meet you.  This last year with you has been so fun...and tiring, but mostly fun.

Coming into your family was an emotional ride for me.  I was so worried about how you and Jake would interact.  I was worried about how a new baby would affect Jake, and how my attention would be with two kids.  Would I give you what you needed?  All of these concerns and worries left me quickly as the whole family fell in love with you.

Watching you grow up has put smile after smile on my face.  You are so stubborn and know exactly what you want already.  You are happy and smile all the time.  You dance and jabber up a storm.  It is so much fun to watch you twirl around the room or bounce up and down whenever music comes on.  I love to turn the TV up real loud when you're in the other room.  As soon as you hear music you come running down the hall.  Your cute little body runs so fast when you're excited.

You are very curious and love to explore.  I watch you wander around the house looking for your next electronic something to pick up.  You love remotes, phones, laptops...do you think you are your fathers child?  Picking up a cell phone you hold it and start typing - as if you're texting someone.

Over the past several months you have begun to interact with Jake.  I love watching the two of you play together.  Whether it be wrestling on the floor (you've got a great body slam), watching a show, playing a game on the ipad, or trying to steal Jake's toys.  I can tell you're going to be great friends.  I love watching you run after Jake.  When he goes into another room, you run following after him.

Bringing you into our house also made Jake a big brother.  Even though he knocks you down from time to time, he is so protective of you.  Always wondering where you are, screaming for me to help you if you're in trouble.  When he sees you each morning, he says "hey smiley baby baby" in his cute little baby voice.  He has become a new little person because of you.  I am so grateful you two will always have each other.  I hope for years to come you will be playmates and friends.

Even though I LONG for sleep away from you, I have loved our nights together.  Your new thing is, when I take you into your room to rock you to sleep as we have done every night since the day you were born, you squirm and scream and refuse your bottle.  I let you go and your run to the closed door, just staying a foot or two away from it.  I open the door and you escape, running immediately into my room, up the stairs to the bed and you lay down, ready for your bottle and bed.  Mike made the comment that you're a little person who knows what he wants, and apparently its to sleep in my bed.

At night you scoot right into my arms, making sure I am spooning or holding you a better part of the night.  A habit I was so happy that you didn't have - the bug has now bit you and we seem to be inseparable now.  I often wonder how it will feel to no longer have my babies sleeping with me at night.  I have to say, I love cuddling up to you or feeling you lay on me for comfort.  I will miss these days I'm sure all too soon.

You are my smiley little guy who loves to be held.  I treasure these days (even when I've held you ALL DAY).  I know all too soon you will be big and tall.  I can't wait to hear your little voice speak little words.  You try so hard right now.  I sometimes pretend like we're having real conversations.  You answer me in your babble and we go back and forth.  I can see your mind working, trying to communicate, trying to make me understand.  I can already see you are going to be smart and catch onto everything quickly.

As you grow up, remember your mama loves you more than anything.  I will always be here for you.  My only expectation in this life is to have happy children.  And I will help do whatever I can to help you live a happy life.  I think we've started out right.

I love you smiley guy.  Can't wait for the next years of your life!

Happy Birthday!

It's Beginning to Look a lot Like Christmas

A few pictures of what I've been busy doing....

The Entry Way

Above the kitchen island

A corner in the family room

Quilt rack above the stairs - my favorite quilt ever

A festive chair

What does your decor look like?  Would love to take a tour of your Christmas house.

Thanksgiving and other happenings

I know - I've been gone for awhile.  Things at our home have been crazy.  We got back from our trip and all got sick within a week.  First the boys - than it hit Mike - and not to leave me out decided to hit my upside the head.  This horrible LINGERING cold that never goes away! 

Needless to say - the 12 table runners that were on order for a special client didn't get done in time, the 3 quilts to be quilted, are still waiting to be completed.  The house was a mess.  Little was getting done. 

My brother and his family came into town for Thanksgiving which is always fun to see them. My little brother Nick also came into town - which is always a big help and Jake LOVES his stories. We were all feeling better, so we went out to play last week.  A dinner, a day of games at our house, Thanksgiving at my moms.  Jake has fallen in love with whip cream thanks to Grandma Sharon and her pumpkin pie!  Grandma Polly let him loose at Thanksgiving. 

He decided to dip the beater into the whip cream and then lick it all off - then repeat...SEVERAL times. 

Thanksgiving night I started to feel sick again - What is going on here?  I use to never get sick!  So the last few days I have been feeling crappy again - but still had a few more parties to go to.

We all got dressed up for Luke on his special day.  I had to get pictures of my kids since we are rarely in our Sunday best...

 I think we are going to try for one more family dinner tonight before the boys all leave town again.  I will actually take my camera out of the house and see if I can snag a few pictures of my kids with their cousins.  It has been so much fun to see them interact with the older boys.  I can go hours without seeing Jake when they are around.  Its as if Jake thinks he's 10 or something and fits right in with all the boys.  It would be so much fun to have them around all the time...but we'll take them when we can. 

With everything that has been going on - I actually managed to get Christmas decor up on Sunday.  More to come on that soon!

Menu Monday

Trying to get back in the swing of things (do I say that every week?)  I'm also trying to use what I have at home, so that may mean a lot of chicken!

Monday - Chicken and rice casserole from Costco - so good! w/ pears
Tuesday - Rump Roast  w/ mashed potatoes
Wednesday - Lemon Chicken w/ salad
Thursday - Beef Stroganoff w/pears
Friday - Chicken Enchiladas

Manicotti

Sunday night I made manicotti for my brother and his wife since they welcomed home their first baby on Nov 1st!  Baby Dylan is so cute and content.  Sadly I haven't taken any pictures of the little guy yet....back to dinner...

I use the recipe on the back of the manicotti noodle box.  I added a little spinach and doubled the recipe.  I got a pan for my brother, one for us (with leftovers for lunch) and froze a pan!  I don't make manicotti often cause it takes a little time to fill the noodles (I use a zip lock bag and cut a little point out in the bottom corner) but I forget how much I love this recipe. 

I added some garlic bread and a homemade Cesar salad and it makes a great meal! Give it a try - you won't be disappointed!

Newport Coast

The last two years we have tried to slip away to Newport Coast, California for a week in October. 

We have taken my in laws and we have a great time!  This year was another success.

We hit the beach - which Jake LOVED

  But Sam SLEPT through

We hit Disneyland a few of the days

The whole park was dressed up for Halloween.  I am always amazed at all the detail and the small things Disney does up for the guests.

We went to Mickey's Halloween party - on Halloween.  Not our brightest idea.  It was WALL TO WALL people.  You could barely walk.  I have never been to Disneyland when it was so crowded.  We went back a few days later when there were no crowds and it was pure bliss!

Sam tried some cotton candy out and loved it.  It may be the only thing in life that will keep him happy in his stroller.

The boys had a good time even with the crowds.

We loved hanging out in Newport with Aunt Gina and Uncle Gary.  Gina SPOILED the kids to no end! 

We also got to play with cousins Kelly, Gavin, Owen, and Charlie.  I have to say spending time with that cute little Charlie almost makes me want to try for a little girl....ALMOST!

We had such a good time with my great in laws.  I love watching the kids interact with them.  They even tended for us a few times so Mike and I could get away.  It was a fun, relaxing trip. 

Too bad we can't stay on vacation all the time!

Super Heroes

Above are a few of my favorite super heroes.

I am thrilled this little guy is was walking in time to become Superman.  It just wouldn't have been the same, if he was crawling all over the cape....

Jake couldn't decide if he wanted to be Batman or Spiderman.  This was our dress rehearsal.  We actually spent Halloween in Disneyland (which was CRAZY and busy - I don't suggest it, more on that later).  Jake ultimately went with Spiderman.

Dressing up is fun - but at our house, this is what it looks like most days...

Pin Cushions

Two of my newest pin cushions and by far my favorite! 

 Brown and pink is so girlie and sweet.  I love the moda home brown and pink polka dot.

 Shangri la by Moda was one of my favorite lines and a little Buggy Barn star is one of of my favorite patterns. 

Both pin cushions are stuffed with crushed walnut shells.  I love how the pins feel going into the cushion.  Is that weird? 

I love easy quick projects.  Maybe its because life is so crazy and I like to feel like I can actually get something done.  Thus the pin cushions, small quilts, square quilts etc.  I didn't realize I have a pattern going on here...I must hate to have unfinished projects!

Nicey Jane

I fell in love with this line.  I LOVE the big BIG polka dots, the large floral, the colors.  Everything about this line screams ME.  I can't decide what to make out of it - and I fear before I figure it out it will be impossible to find.  Any ideas? 

 Pine Needles had a charm pack they had cut from the fabrics, so I grab that up to make a little something to tie me over til I made a final decision on a bigger quilt.  I'm loving this little baby quilt.  If only I had a girl!

 I don't think Mike would go for it hanging in Sam's BLUE nursery.

Maybe draped over my chair in the family room?  Adds a little springy color.

Or a little table topper so I don't have to dust so much....

Or I might just look at these dots ALL DAY.

This may just end up in my Etsy Store to help pay for the big quilt once I can decide what to do.  I've gotta go with big bold blocks to showcase the fabric.  If you have any ideas let me know!