Menu Mondays

Monday - Garden Burgers (finally got to them!)
Tuesday - Cesar Salad w/grilled chicken
Wednesday - Salmon w/steamed broccoli
Thursday - Mini Pizza
Friday - Pineapple chicken

Around the Corner

There are a few upcoming events in the next few months that I am so excited for.  I love having things to look forward to.  This Friday I will be taking my first sewing class from none other than Miss Rosie herself.  (OK Miss Rosie, is technically a dog - I'll be taking the class from Carrie of Miss Rosie's quilts).  I am so excited a) to get away from work, and kids, and all distractions and just SEW for almost 2 solid days and b) to take a class from Carrie.  I have heard she is so bright, and funny, and one of the greatest teachers out there.

I'm a little nervous to get going on the first class which is Route 44.  I hear there is a ton of sewing, little tiny 4 patches.  And things are set with triangles, which I'm not great at.  Hopefully Carrie will have some tips for me.

I'm also taking a Mystery Schnibbles class - I'm still debating on fabrics but I'm leaning towards the new 3 Sisters line Oasis.  I just have to find a background fabric now.  I am just thrilled to be heading out with my good friend Ann to spend some quality time sewing!!!!

Also around the corner is our 5th and final Disney trip.  We bought season passes last April and have been taking full advantage.  We are heading to Orlando one more time before they expire in a month or two.  I cannot wait for some sun and warmth.  We have gotten a quick glimpse of the sun here the last few days, and its warmed up a bit, but oh its still so cold.  I actually don't even care if we get to DisneyWorld.  I just want to lay and be "one with the sun" for 10 days!!!

Before we head to Orlando, we are taking quick weekend trip to see my in laws next month.  They are a few hours away - and hopefully a few degrees warmer.  It will be fun for us to see them.  Jake asked the other day if we could jump in the car and head to St. George.  Sadly it isn't that quick of a trip.

Next week Jake starts a pre PreSchool class.  I can't believe I'll be dropping off my little guy and leaving him without me.  I can't believe how quickly these kids are growing!  My baby is going to school!  It will be interesting to see how he does.  (More interesting to see how I do!)  We are also looking to sign him up for T-Ball, Soccer, and Golf in the next few months (not all at one time).  I have to say signing Jake up for sports is something I have been looking forward to for a long time!  I feel like I lived half my life on a baseball field watching my brothers play.  I am so excited to get Jake into some fun team sports.

SPRING is just around the corner!  I don't know about you, but the second Christmas is over I can't wait for spring to get here.  With warmer weather brings swimsuit season...that may be the only down fall.  Got to get more workouts in!  I'm still looking forward to it all!

I love the anticipation of what is coming just around the corner!

Pin Cushions Galore

I've had a few pin cushions sitting around waiting to be stuffed for ages.  I finally got around to doing it.  Here are a few pictures of what I've been up to.

Can you tell I'm on a Buggy Barn kick?  I have 2 more in the works for this year - but I think I'll give it a break for now.  Just since taking these pictures I have made 4 more pin cushions from my Bliss scraps.  They are pretty dang cute (if I do say so myself).  I'll post some pictures as soon as I get the next batch stuffed.  All the cushions above are for sale at my Etsy store.

Queen of Hearts Bliss Style

I had a few extra blocks from my Bliss Buggy Barn quilt, so I decided to make another table runner.  I think I like this one even better than the first one!

A lot brighter and fun for spring.  I'm loving the aqua/red combo of colors in this line.  And of course the polka dots - I can never get enough of the dots!  I used the dots in the binding and the backing.  I love how fun these are to make and cute project for a gift or to add a little something to the table!

Menu Mondays

I've literally copied and pasted my last Monday's post.  I made NOTHING from this list.  I did make a few quick sandwiches here and there, but mainly it was bowls of cereal and mac n cheese for the kids.  What is is about if there is only 1 adult to cook for, I don't want to cook?

Staying with low carb this week, here is my attempt.

Monday - Rump Roast

Tuesday - Hamburger/Veggie patties w/guacamole

Wednesday - Crustless Quiche

Thursday - Tacos in lettuce wraps

Friday - Pineapple salsa chicken

Jake and Grama Polly

Jake is a lucky boy.  He gets to spend 3 days a week with Grama Polly.  He has also been going to church with her occasionally.  Today he was having a rough time with me leaving him at church.  On our way he asked me to wait in the car for him.  To get his mind off of being upset I asked him who his friends are at church.  This is our conversation.

Me: Jake what are you friends names at church?
Jake: I don't know any names
Me: Well, you need to make friends with the kids.  Who do you sit by?
Jake: Grama Polly
Me: Well, today she is teaching the lesson, so you will have to sit by your class.  Maybe you can ask some of the kids what their names are.
Jake: But I want to sit by Grama.
Me: She might be busy today Jake, you'll have to sit with the kids.
Jake: I'm gonna have to get a new Grama to sit with me then.

He didn't last at church today, so I don't think he found a new Grama yet.  We are so happy and blessed to have Grama Polly as our Nanny.  We couldn't do it without her.  Jake has started telling me how I do things differently then Grama Polly, or how Grama Polly doesn't like certain words he uses etc.  Its pretty funny.  It is nice to see he listens and does everything Grama Polly tells him to, cause he sure doesn't listen to us!

Love you Grama Polly!

Play mat

I owed Marta a playmat and I'm happy to say I got it done right in time for her next trip out this way.  This was an easy finish has the cute panel does all the work.  Just a little quilting, some binding and it was done!  The perfect quilt for those boys into cars and trains, which cute little Benj is!  This quilt couldn't be going to a better home.

Christmas Presence

I know I know, Christmas is long gone....but this is my first full finish of 2011!!!  This topper was a gift to my mother in law for Christmas.  She asked for it about 3 years ago.  I felt it was time to actually get it done for her.

I didn't get it bound in time for Christmas, but I told myself NO MORE WAITING!  If I didn't get it done right away, it would sit in a closet and not get done in time for her to put it out next year.  So I got it done.  I love the black fabric with the holly berries.  I think I have enough to make me something out of it also.  I love having a project done that has been nagging at me for years!

The pattern used was Nana's Table Topper by Pixie Girl Quilts.  It is a fun versatile pattern that works great for a baby quilt or a table topper.  Measures about 38 x 38.  

Menu Mondays

Staying with low carb this week, here is my attempt.

Monday - Scrambled Eggs and ham
Tuesday - Rump Roast
Wednesday - Crustless Quiche
Thursday - Tacos in lettuce wraps
Friday - Pineapple salsa chicken

The Big Race

Last weekend we took the kids over to the BMX bike races that my friend Talia suggested.  Her kids are big time racers.  She informed me of a cute little Big Wheel race for the little ones.  It isn't really a race, but all the little ones going around a bumpy track and they get a trophy at the end.  Jake was so excited and loved every minute of it.  He now wants to learn to ride a bike so he can be like the big boys.  It was so much fun to see him get so excited about his trophy and want to show it to everyone.  So much fun to see him enjoy himself so much!

Queen of Hearts

Finished a fun little table runner this weekend.  I used a few Buggy Barn blocks as my inspiration.  I love the way it turned out!

I love getting a fun quick project done BEFORE the actual holiday hits.  Check out my etsy store for this runner and other Valentine inspired items.

Quilting Question

Many of the blogs I read have a list of completed projects or flickr groups of finished quilts etc.  Some post when the quilt top is completed.  Some post when the quilt has been quilted and bound. 

So my question is, when is a quilt at a point where it can be added to the completed list?  Once the top is sewn?  Or not until it can actually be used as a quilt? 

Thoughts?

January Progress

So I mentioned in this post I was going to use some Bliss for the Buggy Barn quilt Crazy Little Thing Called Love.  I've made a few blocks.

I made these 3 blocks last week.  They went together easily and quickly.  I was kind of dreading sewing all the pieces but if you chain sew them the blocks sew together quickly.  I was also excited because I didn't have a ton of time and it was nice to get all 3 blocks done.  I felt like I actually got somewhere.  You know when you spend the day sewing little pieces and at the end of the day you don't feel like you got much accomplished.  I get discouraged and fall out of love with those projects.  So getting 3 cute blocks completely done in limited time I was thrilled.  I couldn't wait to continue with the blocks.

I had a few hours this weekend.  Things didn't go quite as smooth....

These blocks should have taken me about two hours tops.  I put the freeze paper on the back of the fabric -- and CUT IT!  Even stopping to think, these won't be reversed will they?  No, cut away...and I did.  And guess what - everything was reversed and they just don't go together reversed.  I was so irritated with myself.  So using pieces big enough (my first picks looked much better) I cut out and slowed down to make sure I was doing everything right the second time around.  A few hours later I finally had these 6 blocks to show for my days worth of work!

Even with the set back, I'm loving this line and these blocks.  I can't wait to get these finished.  I just have the word LOVE to cut out - and than I can put it together.  I'm hoping by next weekend I'll have it done and ready to quilt.  I'm kind of wishing I had decided to make the bigger quilt.  But I think this will make a sweet baby quilt.  If only I knew someone having a girl sometime soon!  If anyone is keeping a secret let me know, you'll want to get your name on this quilt!

Tuesday is the first day of my week

After not working out, and eating not great yesterday, I'm taking the right to have Tuesday be my first day of the week. 

Workout  - up at 5AM - Check
Ate well - stayed around 1000 calories today - Check
Made dinner for everyone - check
Got some sewing done - check
Got some quilting done - check

AND its only 6pm!  I've got grocery shopping, house to straighten, kids to be early, and some more sewing!  I think I've been pretty productive today....considering I worked all day too!  I wish all days could go like today.

Menu Monday on Tuesday

I wasn't going to put together a menu this week, as at my house we are all on different eating diets this week - but I decided I can make it work.

Monday - KFC (great way to start out right)
Tuesday - Steak for Mike, Garden Burger for me, Leftovers for the boys
Wednesday - Taco Salad
Thursday - Shells w/ salad
Friday - Rump Roast
Saturday - Eggs cups

January 2011 Projects

In an attempt to stay more productive I am going to start listing out projects each month I would like to complete.  Hopefully I'll be able to go above and beyond, but if not, I hope to at least accomplish the ones on my list.

New Quilt -

I've been searching for a fun quilt to make from Bliss.  I am loving this line!  I've finally decided to make a  this quilt.

Its a smaller version of the original Crazy Little Thing Called Love quilt by Buggy Barn Quilts.  I have loved my larger version that hangs in my house this time of year.  I think this quilt in Bliss could be my new favorite!

UFO Quilts:
Remember this one?

I had one block in the lower right hand corner that was turned the wrong way.  So I unpicked it.  I now need to sew it back together and get the borders on.  I love this table topper and need one for my table, so I'm hoping to get this one done soon!

Quilting projects:
I'm hoping both of the above projects will be quilted in January.

I am also wanting to get this quilt done in the next week.

I have a cute snowflake pantograph I want to try out.  I have only done a few pantos, so it will be a fun challenge for me.

I also have my new nephew Dylan's quilt all ready to quilt.  That is the next one up, hopefully tonight!

Binding projects:

- Car mat for Marta

- Baby Dylan's quilt

- Bliss Love quilt

- Star runner quilt

I think I've got my work cut out for me!  I'm excited and I think these can all easily be done.  

Menu Mondays

In my quest to be healthy, and to loose a little weight I'm really making the effort this year to NOT EAT OUT!  Mike and I decided we can limit it to once a week.  I think this alone will keep us a little healthier and me from drinking coke.  I am not a dieter.  I want to change my life style for the better, and when I start diets I usually fail within the first day.  Have you noticed, as soon as you tell yourself you can't have something that is all you want and think about?  So I will be watching what we eat as a family.  Try to incorporate healthier choices for my kids and myself.  Here's to a healthier year!

Monday - Spaghetti (a request from Jake) w/ salad
Tuesday - Chicken and rice casserole
Wednesday - Garden Burgers w/fruit
Thursday - Chicken Noodle Soup
Friday - Stuffed shells (frozen a month or two ago, need to eat before it goes bad!)
Saturday - Eat Out
Sunday - BBQ chicken w/salad

Resolutions

Happy New Year!  Doesn't the new year always bring in the need to get organized?  The need to make goals?  I went back and looked at the goals I created last year.  Sadly, most got ignored.  This year I've decided my goals are going to be more general -- and FUN!

General Goals
- Be Healthy
- More Disciplined

Fun Goals
- Complete  new quilt project each month
- Complete a UFO each month
- Quilt an quilt that is hanging in my closet each month
- Bind, bind, bind...always have something to bind
- Hand work - I'm loving hexagons and I have a bag full waiting to be done.

I think if I can keep to my general goals - my fun ones will fall into place.  I am going to post pictures of my upcoming projects each month to get me motivated.  Stay tuned for January's.

Mike also pushed me to clean out my sewing room this week.  (Pushed....or threatened to start burning the fabric that was on the floor).  A clean working space makes for more productive self.  I can't tell you how much I've gotten done in the last week!  I only wish I had taken before and after photos.  No one would really believe what a disaster my room was unless they had actually seen it.

I can't wait to start my life again fresh.  I feel like each new year we get a chance to start over and do it right.  Or at least try.  Here's to a productive 2011!

Final Finish of 2010

I was literally down to the wire with this last quilt.  I was hired by someone through Etsy to complete a quilt for her by the 4th.  She provided the fabrics, I did the sewing, quilting and the binding.  Ask me how I spent my New Year's Eve.... binding.... and to be honest I couldn't have been happier!

I love the way this quilt turned out.  I was also able to finish my own, so that is always an added bonus.

Love the Nicey Jane fabrics.  I've been trying to find the perfect quilt myself for this line.  Still searching.  I'm afraid the fabric is going to be gone before I decide!  This was a fun way to get my fix in for the time being.

It was a great way to end the year.

Time Off

I kind of feel like 2010 was never going to end!  Out with the old and in with the new.

We had a fun holiday break.  I've been off from work for about 2 weeks, and I have to admit it is going to be so hard going back!  I have enjoyed the time with my kids, playing with their new toys, reading books, fun day trips etc.  But let's be honest.  I've really enjoyed some good sewing time!

I have been working on a quilt for a customer this last week which she brought to me cut out.  I happened to have the same quilt cut out also.  So, why make one when you can make two?

I think this may be my "thing" for 2011.  There are several quilt patterns which I have bought multiple fabrics to make it in.  It only takes a little extra time to cut out a second.  Chain sew the blocks and you're golden!  I think this way I can get a few extra projects in this year.  I also have some extra fabric leftover from this line (Figgy Pudding by Basic Grey).  Another goal I'm making for myself is to use up all my fabric.  I have enough left for a small quilt or runner, so I'm going to try and get that done in the next few days also.  We'll see how it goes!