Latimer Lane

Weekend Updates

2012-02-12T22:24:00.000-07:00

I got a few things done this weekend...

- quilted and bound a cheater quilt for Mike for Vday
- Sewed, quilted, and bound a table runner for a client
- Sewed, quilted and bound a robot quilt for Jake for Vday
- Sewed, quilted and got binding on a pirate quilt for Sam for Vday (will finish binding before Tues)
- Quilted a table runner for a client
- Sewed, quilted, and stuffed the cutest little pin cushion
- Quilted THROUGH my finger - yes all the way through it - multiple times
- Rotary cut the top of my hand-
- Cut out fabric for this month's Schnibbles project
- Cleaned house
- Fun dinner and ice cream with my little family
- Sang a tribute to Whitney Houston (I LOVED her all through grade school - know every one of her early songs by heart).
- Dance party during the Grammy's with my boys

Fun filled weekend - Got a lot done and only left the house for about 2 hours - love those kind of weekends! Pictures of all the finished quilts coming this week.

For the Love of Pinterest

2012-02-10T10:28:00.000-07:00

I didn't get much sewing/quilting done this week like I had planned - but I did cook - nearly every night. This is why I love pinterest - and this is why Mike said last night - "I love the new cook book you've found" because Pinterest is a virtual cookbook.

The other thing that makes me happy is that sometimes I feel like I'm wasting time when surfing through pinterest - so if I'm actually using recipes, tips, etc that I'm finding I feel like it is knowledge I'm consuming instead of wasted time.

Here is what I've made this week -

Source: bricelife-gabrielle.blogspot.com via Abby on Pinterest

Loved these! They were pretty easy to make - can make in large quantities if needed. Flavor was great!

Source: kitchengirljo.blogspot.com via Abby on Pinterest

Thanks to Whit for the idea - this cheese danish was Mike's pick of the week.

Source: brooklynlimestone.com via Abby on Pinterest

My mom made this and brought it to the super bowl party - it was delicious!

Source: momathonblog.typepad.com via Abby on Pinterest

We had these for dinner last night - along with these..

Source: kalynskitchen.com via Abby on Pinterest

Which I changed up using deli ham, spinach, egg and cheese. I made enough of these to have for breakfast also.

If you aren't seeing a theme here - I've been using my cupcake tins a lot this week! I love the portion control that comes from individual cups. I can also figure out the calories pretty close so I can watch what I'm eating - yet still feel like I'm eating some decent food.

I love Pinterest - a few more recipes I will be trying this weekend...

Source: familyfeedbag.com via Abby on Pinterest

Source: running-foodie.com via Abby on Pinterest

Source: cookinghealthyforme.com via Abby on Pinterest

Happy Pinning!

Quote

2012-02-09T06:52:00.001-07:00

Source: Uploaded by user via Abby on Pinterest

WIP Wednesdays

2012-02-08T06:22:00.000-07:00

I love WIP Wednesdays!

I didn't get nearly everything I had hoped accomplished - but some progress was made.

Since last week I completed the following:
- Going Coastal
- Full House Table Topper

Currently in Progess -
- Swoon
- Route 44
- Nottingham Star
- Lincoln

All of which no progress was made. I did however manage to get a few things done. As I've been cleaning my sewing room I found these strips of fabric ready to go - so during the Super Bowl I cut them to even sizes and started sewing a few runners up.

Half way through this one

I have also fallen for a new line (this seems to happen a lot). I ordered a few yards (12 I think) and a couple charm packs (4) and a fat eighth bundle.... (do I really need this many quilts from one line? YES)

I started cutting out the bundle into little squares to join the Made in Cherry Quilt Along

I have loved this quilt ever since I first saw it. I'm a little behind the others in the quilt along, but I'm excited to get started on it!

I also did a little quilting for a client - need to get that done as I've got a few to complete this week.

Lets hope the rest of the week goes better than Tuesday - which is my night to sew - I laid in bed and watched TV - not so productive....but I got caught up on my shows!

Full Houses Finished

2012-02-07T19:47:00.000-07:00

Its done! FINALLY after all the mistakes I made and lack of being able to follow simple directions! I've gotten it quilted and bound now.

I love this piece of backing - cute little flowers and flags - can't go wrong.

I really love these houses and they are addicting. I can't wait to make a few more projects using this pattern - maybe I'll even remake this one right! With the checkered board and all. I think a Christmas one is in order and I keep leaning towards my hometown and reunion fabrics - I think mixed together they could be a cute little neighborhood!

The binding is my favorite piece from the Prairie Paisley wovens. I love how it turned out. It's amazing how a little quilting and binding can change the whole look of the quilt! I really love how it turned out.

Menu Mondays

2012-02-06T14:05:00.000-07:00

I went to the Dr a few weeks back....had to stand on the scale - why do they really need to know your weight? I've decided to make some small goals for myself in hopes that I can feel almost comfortable wearing a swimsuit again on my next vacation....

8 pounds this month - starting today - you think I can do it? I'm going to do it! I'm going to watch my portions, drink lots of water, eat lots of fruit and salads and chicken and see what happens. Oh yea - and I got my butt out of bed this morning and worked out!

I am not one for diets - the second I tell myself I can't eat something that is the only thing I can think about. So I still want to make some fun food items each week - they may not be the healtiest, but I'm going to go for portion control. Even making them with the idea of portions in mind.

Monday - leftovers from the party yesterday - Turkey meatballs, and this w/fruit salad
Tuesday - Taco Cupcakes
Wednesday - Grilled Chicken and salad and fruit (potatoes for the kids)
Thursday - Shrimp Pasta
Friday - Chicken and Orzo
Saturday - German Pancakes w/fruit

I'm starving! First few days are always the hardest - right!

Going Coastal Finish

2012-02-05T13:34:00.000-07:00

I am so happy to say my 10th quilt of 2012 is completed! I love how this quilt turned out. I am a beach girl at heart so these fabrics speak to me.

I practiced my straight line quilting (which needs a lot more practice) and I'm ok with how the quilting turned out. I think once its been washed it will puff the blocks a little and I'll like it more.

The backing bottle cap tops may be as cute as the front. I just wish I had the beach house to throw this quilt in now! I think I'll be throwing it over a rocking chair or couch outside this summer to add to the beachy feel I want to create on my patio. We shall see.

I am so excited this is my 10th finish and its just barely February! I realize all my projects so far of have been table runners and baby quilts - but still - I'm on a roll and I hope it doesn't slow down!

Friday Finishes

2012-02-03T08:06:00.000-07:00

This week my goal was to complete a few projects. I have been dying to start some new projects (do I have ADD when it comes to quilting?) but swore to myself, no new projects til a few blocks of have completed!

I cleaned up my sewing room a bit - have a little bit more to go there, but am feeling better about the room in general.

I quilted and got the binding on my Going Coastal quilt! I quilted straight lines 1/4 inch from all the seams. SO MUCH HARDER then I thought! Although I love the look, I've decided straight line quilting on a longarm is hard! Good thing is I got some practice, and I have just some binding to complete and a quilt is done!

I also quilted and got binding on my Full House project. Again crosshatch quilting, which is just straight lines (what was I thinking) but a little smaller and easier. Love how this turned out. I have been saving this plaid blue woven fabric for binding for a few years! I decided to cute the whole yard up and make binding. You'll be seeing this binding on a few more quilts!

My goal is to get both quilts completed this weekend.

I also added some blocks to my Lincoln project. This simple pattern from this book -

using this pattern-

= these blocks

I'm loving how its turning out and am anxious to get it done. I've got all the rail blocks done and I'm working on the stars. Got 6 blocks down - 7 more to go. I've got some quilting for customers to get done this weekend, so the blocks may have to wait. My goal is to get 3 more stars done this weekend.

Hopefully that will leave me enough time to iron a bundle of lovelies for a new quilt a long I'd like to join and get at least 1 swoon block added to the bunch. We'll see how productive I can be.

Tonight we are dropping the kids off for a few hours (so nervous how Sammy will do) but they get dinner and play with a bunch of other kids. We'll see how it goes. We are going to hit a movie, is it wrong that I really would love to come home and sew for 3 1/2 hours alone? But Mike and I need a night out so hopefully we'll see a movie of my choice this time! Sunday is the big game - maybe I can get my bindings done durnig it....I have a feeling there will be some late nights this weekend to get all this completed!

Linking up again this week to Whoop Whoop and Finish it up Friday - Love seeing what everyone else is working on too!

Table Runner Palooza

2012-02-02T14:33:00.000-07:00

Towards the end of December I gathered up a bunch of table runners I had quilted, but had yet to bind. One day I made binding for all of them.

Valentine Pinwheels

I then got busy making some Valentine table runners - so those got thrown in front of the others.

Valentine 4 Square

But finally I got all but 1 done - and wanted to keep my 2012 list going!

Fandango Runner

I love the Fandango fabrics and this will be so fun and springy! I got to practice my crosshatch quilting too which is always good, as I need the practice!

Fall Plaid Pinwheels

The fall plaid pinwheels runner is one of my favorites! I was so worried about how these country looking plaids would be against the white back ground - but I LOVE how they turned out.

One goal for 2012 is to try and use up all my small scraps when cutting out a quilt - so you'll see a lot of runners being made for each of my projects this year. I love a quick project - love to give them as gifts - and love changing them out in my house. They add the perfect splash of color to any room!

WIP Wednesdays

2012-02-01T08:39:00.005-07:00

Another work in progress Wednesday.

I've been cleaning my sewing room this week and I have come across so many projects - I'm going to start listing them out to keep better track of them.

Completed - Another Year of Schnibbles project - Full Houses

I completed the quilt top my version of Full Houses this week - So many things went wrong with this quilt! To complete this you have to look at 3 different patterns to get all the different size options - I've decided I am not good following directions when in multiple places. First I made my houses too big (for the pattern I was doing) then to make the patchwork center I would have had to do more squares and rows which I didn't think about until after half of them were done. Then I should have just made the squares bigger....one things after another. I finally just threw a piece of fabric in the middle and called it done!

I do love the color scheme and the houses went together so fast. I will be making the Full House pattern and make the original pattern very soon.

This is what I threw together with the patchwork center I had made - I'll make it into a table runner or something - practice my cross hatch quilting.

- Going Coastal - quilting done and binding on - hope to have it completed this week

Currently in Progress
- Swoon - joined the Swoon Along in hopes to get me going
- Route 44 - I need to take pictures of my progress!
- Lincoln - a Miss Rosie quilt from Another Bite of Schnibbles book - I'm doing it with the Panier de Fleurs from French General layer cake
- Nottingham Star - 17 stars done - 13 more to go!
- Quilt my Strawberry Field brick quilt

Hope to make a dent in my Lincoln quilt this week - and at least 1 swoon block...we'll see as I have a custom order and 2 quilts to quilt for a customer. Here's to being productive!

Sam My Man

2012-01-31T08:26:00.001-07:00

This little guy keeps me smiling from morning til night - he also is what makes me hit the pillow and fall asleep so quickly each night. He is a ball of energy and is learning new things every day. I wanted to document a few things so I can remember them for years to come.

- Instead of saying yes he says "I do"
- loves hot dogs
- gets Mike his hat each morning so that Mike will take him to McDonald's for pancakes
- says hi and bye to everyone he see's (even at drive thrus)
- says thank you whenever I get him what he is requesting
- when we go for a ride in the car, if we drive by Little Gym and don't go in, he says "wrong way"
- loves diet coke, cake, chocolate, and bottles
- gives the best, tight hugs of any little two year old I know
- loves to play games, pretend he's a ghost, see's imaginary ghosts, and pretend sleeps
- when he wants something he says "come here" or "Jakie, come here"
- I love how he plays with Jake and wants to do everything Jake does
- knows what he wants, what car he wants to drive in, what show to watch, food to eat - knows what he wants in life
- doesn't seem to need much sleep (I hope to forget about this sometime soon)
- loves to be spooned and snuggle in the middle of the night
- calls Grandma Grammy, and Grandpa Popee

Sammy is a bundle of joy and energy in our home and I often think of how boring my life would be without him. So grateful to have this little guy in my life.

Love you Sammy

Menu Mondays

2012-01-30T08:20:00.001-07:00

As always I started the week strong and fizzed out....here's another try.

Monday - Tacos (with leftover roast)
Tuesday - French dip sandwiches w/fruit
Wednesday - Turkey Meatballs w/salad
Thursday - Chicken and Spinach shells (frozen last time I made them) w/garlic bread
Friday - Walking Tacos

Swoon ALong

2012-01-29T13:39:00.001-07:00

A few months ago I started my Swoon quilt. I am using Hometown fabrics by Sweetwater and I am in love with this line! It is bright fun and cherry. I kind of put my swoon quilt to the side when I started up on fall table runners - then Christmas hit and I haven't gotten back to Swooning just yet.

In an effort to feel motivated I started following the Swoon Quilt Along and viewing all the amazing and different swoon quilts in the flickr group. If that doesn't motivate you to make a swoon quilt, not sure what will! What I love most about this quilt along is that it is stress free. Nothing to be done weekly - it can take you a month or a year to complete the quilt. There is just pictures and tips galore to help you through your quilting journey.

Here is a quick look at my current blocks that are done.

Block #1

Block 1 is so far my favorite color combination - yet it was my very first block so as I went on realized some tricks etc. So although it may be my favorite in color - the quality not so much.

Block #2

Block #3

Block #4

Playing Together

Clearly I need to break away from the red and add in another color or two....

Going Coastal - a Love Story

2012-01-27T01:07:00.002-07:00

I had seen the Going Coastal line before - but I was browsing blogs the other night when I saw this pattern here which lead me to the designers blog here and to this pattern.

I love these colors - the Going Coastal pieces - I HAVE to make this quilt. So I set out looking for some of the fabrics. Hit a local quilt store that has most the line but no plaid, which in my opinion is the best part. But they did have these cute little 17 piece charm packs they had cut out of the line. Which I bought 3 off.
That night I quickly found several pieces from the Going Coastal line online and submitted my order - but what do to that night (this is last Friday) to get my fix. And let me tell you - it was a serious fix.

So I started this - and got the front minus the border done on Friday night...ok Saturday morning round 2am. (Mike...fabric bought on Friday and used in the same day - new record).

On Saturday it was raining here - what better way to use a rainy day then to finish up a quilt, right? So I got Sammy down for a nap - and Mike was laying with Jake. Jake didn't want to take a nap, but Mike did. So Jake and I went downstairs to quilt. As soon as Mike was asleep we snuck out to find a red stop border for the quilt. We are sneaky - no one ever knew we had left the house....

On Monday I received the plaid in the mail. The perfect plaid - 5 yards of this plaid. I have to make sure I don't run out anytime soon.

Tuesday I quickly turned the quilt into this....

I LOVE this plaid! I even got the back sewn together (its the cute bottle cap print) and have it on the quilting machine - which is where it has been since TUESDAY! No time to sew this week. So this long story short - this will be my Friday finish as I am going to get it quilted today....or maybe early Saturday morning like 2amish....

I'm still jonesing to make the Jack's Block quilt - so I think I'll buy the pattern since I have all the fabric now!

Linking up again this week to Whoop Whoop and Finish it up Friday

WIP Wednesdays

2012-01-25T04:08:00.001-07:00

I had fun looking at all the projects people are in the middle of last week, so I decided this may become a weekly thing for me.

I decided that I would like to try and participate this year in the Another Year of Schnibbles. I've been collecting these patterns since they first came out, yet I've never made one. So I decided this is the year. For the month of January they picked Full House as the pattern. I love this pattern. The blocks go together so quick and easy.

I decided instead of making the one of the pattern, I would try making this one, seen on Miss Rosie's blog

Picture taken from Miss Rosie herself
http://lavieenrosie.typepad.com/

So today I laid it out to take a picture, finally realizing that my star blocks and my house blocks are not the same size.....I went back and reread the pattern found here called Around the Neighborhood. It looked like I did everything right, so I looked at the picture again - I had to be off somewhere. Low and behold you are also suppose to use the Tiny Town pattern to make your houses smaller for this project....I missed that step. So my houses are the same size as the Full House pattern....how to make it work? I'll figure something out as I just have the checkered board and border to do now....my goal is to have it done, and quilted before the end of the month so I can submit it for the schnibbles parade!

Lets hope I get some sewing time this week!

Menu Mondays

2012-01-23T13:00:00.002-07:00

This weeks menu ...

Monday - Lemon Grilled chicken w/spinach salad
Tuesdsay - Tomato soup and grilled cheese
Wednesday - Chicken over toast (this one keeps getting away from me each week)
Thursday - Fish Tacos
Friday -Chuck roast w/mashed potatoes
Saturday - Walking Tacos/chili

Some Thoughts

2012-01-23T04:58:00.001-07:00

A lot of people the last year or two, myself included, have picked a word for the year. To be honest I don't even remember my word I picked last year - so really what is the point if I'm not going to follow through?

Over the last few weeks - without even realizing it I think a word picked me. Organized. As in my life needs some organization. The last 2 weeks I have changed a few things - listed out what we should accomplish certain nights of the week, started a menu back up, cleaned my house - and it has actually stayed clean (that hasn't happened in 4 years!) I've given myself a few easy tasks each day or over the weekend and said to myself, "if I don't accomplish anything else, this will get done" and it has worked. For example this weekend it was to get a quilt hanging back up on my rack above the stairs. I have been staring at a blank wall far to long. It might be 8pm on Sunday - but it got hung!

I don't like to clean (who does) and I get really ornery when I clean. Folding clothes is even worse. So I've started with a concept - fold clothes as they come out of the dryer....what? I know...what an idea. Clean up nightly so each morning the house is in some kind of order. And now I've made Sunday mornings my cleaning day - We ran through the house to pick up, did a little vacuuming, dusting, hit the bathrooms, mopped the kitchen floor...who knew I could get the whole house cleaned in under 2 hours when it started out fairly picked up?

What a difference the last week has made with me sticking to my schedule. Game night on Monday was fun, spending time with the kids throughout the week did us all some good. Clean house, means happy mom - who knew? I've had time to sew and didn't even feel guilty about it this weekend!

I have even started cleaning out my sewing room. Oh that is a task I'll tell you and won't happen over night. I clean a little then have to stop and sew. I keep thinking I can sew my way out of the mess. If I start on this project on the floor - I'll be able to see it again, right? Not so much, so even though no one but me can tell it is a little cleaner this weekend - it actually is. Give me a few more weeks and I'll have this place in top order!

Organized - I'm usually fly by the seat of my pants kind of girl - but I'm kind of liking this scheduled change of pace.

Valentine Wall Hanging

2012-01-22T12:59:00.000-07:00

I saw this quilt on pinterest and decided I needed to make one of my own.

I had bought a jelly roll of Chemistry by Cosmo Cricket for Moda and wasn't disappointed. There are very few prints in the line - and redone again in 3 different colors - so you have a ton of repeats in the jelly roll. I was worried I wouldn't have enough variety in the heart - but I love how it turned out. I think this is the perfect project for repeat fabrics as you barely notice.

I stippled through the white and did an outline in each square. I really like how it turned out.

The backing was a red/red tonal print and the quilting stands out a ton on it! I love how it looks, yet I can see every flaw....

This was a fun semi quick project and will add wonderful pops of color anywhere you put it. The original pin I saw was done in French General fabrics, and I think I'm going to have to make one of those next. I think this one will be hitting the etsy shop.

Maybe its because I love red and white so much (my wallpaper when I was little was red and white striped) but I love adding red pops of color all over the house during the Valentine season. There is a cute Moda line out right now of all red and whites that I haven't looked at much until I was making this - then the wheels got turning and I was thinking of all the cute possibilities for it - may have to grab me some of that line too!

A New Family Favorite

2012-01-21T12:52:00.000-07:00

This is what Jake and I ate for lunch on Tuesday - it is quickly becoming a new family favorite - as we had them again for lunch today.

I first saw this recipe on Pioneer Woman or Tasty Kitchen a year or so ago - and made them then and love them. But for some reason forgot about this little sandwich.

I found them again on interest and I'm so glad we did! Jake said while eating on Tuesday - "this is the best sandwich in the whole world"

Give them a try - you'll love it!

Valentine's Runner

2012-01-20T20:58:00.002-07:00

I spent a few hours binding last night and finished up a few table runners - two of which are Valentine ones.

I love this quick and easy table runners using jelly roll strips or half a charm square and white fabric. The white border makes it for a more modern feel which I love.

I also made another strip runner to put on my island - again, and easy quick project to add a little color throughout the house.

I am linking up this week to Finish it up Fridays and Whoop Whoop for my first time. Trying to stay productive and having something to show each week!

WIP Wednesdays

2012-01-18T12:54:00.001-07:00

This is my first time linking to WIP Wednesdays - but I'm so inspired and loving seeing what others are working on, I thought it would be fun to submit a few of my projects and help motivate me to get something done each week!

This last week I have been trying to get some Valentine's runners done for my Etsy shop and a few to have at my house also. I got two done this week from start to finish! Along with one ready to bind, another one to be quilted, and a fun heart wall hanging that just needs borders. Gotta love pinterst for those great ideas! Now if Sam would just stay alseep at night I could get things done. Also, I wouldn't recommend sewing with the Kardashians on - its like a train wreck I can't look away from. So slowed me down last night!

This is the runner I finished on Monday - its long for my entry way table - love how the white border makes this a more modern feel.

I need a long runner to use on my entry table - fits perfectly!

Also finished up this runner, which will go nicely on my kitche island. Making the house look a little more festive for Valentine's day!

Now I just need to get the heart wall hanging done - its coming together so much cuter than I had thought. Don't you love being surprised!

Menu Mondays

2012-01-16T10:14:00.001-07:00

Last week was HORRIBLE in the cooking department. After Tuesday I don't think I cooked again - HORRIBLE I know. So this week's menu - may look a lot like last weeks. For as lazy as I was with cooking this week - I have to say I got a lot accomplished.

A few Valentine's runners to show you this week, a heart table topper that is almost done, and a new love affair with this line - which I bought a few charm squares on Friday and whipped up a quilt that night! Just waiting for my yardage to come to finish up the borders now. I am so excited about this line I can hardly stand it. I'm coming a little late to this party as its been out for some time - but now I have several quilts in the works that I feel have to be made from it. More coming this week.

I also got my house cleaned - as in took all day clean! I love the feeling of a clean house.

On to the menu....

Monday - Southwest Chicken Wraps w/ fruit
Tuesday - Tater Tot Casserole w/salad
Wednesday - Leftovers
Thursday - Chicken over Toast
Friday - Turkey Meatballs w/ fruit

BTW the chicken spinach shells from last week were a hit! Give them a try. They are a great meal for the kids, to take to people, freezer meal. So good!

A Day of Firsts

2012-01-12T18:57:00.000-07:00

Being a working mom sometimes sucks. Today - my little guy Jake had a big first for him - he went skiing for the first time! It sucks because I stayed at home to get some work done and missed his first big day. As we were getting him ready to head out - he said to me (sitting in the bathroom so cute in his little long johns) "I'm kind of nervous mom". His nerves must have faded quickly because once he was at his lesson he was asking the instructor when he get on a lift.

Here is is walking to the slopes with his instructor. Note to anyone wanting to take a lesson - go to Alta, during the day - midweek - he basically got a private lesson as there was only 1 other kid who left the lesson before it even began.

Luckily I Mike was around to take a few pictures, some video and give me a few play by plays.

It was a beautiful day to be outside - sunny and not crowded at all. Jake loved it, so we will be heading back out real soon.

Back at the ranch (Tal do you remember that reference?) This little guy had a first of his own - he told me he had to pee - went to the toilet pulled down his diaper and peed all by himself. Too much info? But we are proud - we jumped around screaming "I did it!" He was very excited.

It was a big deal all round - whether it be skiing our peeing my boys had a few firsts!

First Finish of 2012

2012-01-10T15:52:00.000-07:00

Mike would be so proud. I bought these fabrics December 26th. I had the quilt completed by January 2nd or so. That may be my fastest turn around yet. He gets upset when I buy new fabric, because he wonders why I like to waste money and let it sit in a closet....

I love these colors - love the border fabric - I wanted to make something, wasn't sure what so I went for a quick and easy baby quilt. A charm pack (line is Circa from Moda) 1/2 yards for borders and some solid red binding. But the backing - the back is what drew me to this line...

Don't you just love the numbers? How cute would this be for any baby quilt? The only problem I found is there isn't a lot of different prints - just a few redone in the different colors. I think the pattern Can't Cut It Up that uses 5 fabrics would be so cute from this...may be one of my next purchases!

Love this cute line - and fun finish for 2012!

Menu Mondays

2012-01-09T11:40:00.001-07:00

I did pretty good until Friday - still cooked, just not what I had planned so a few meals are carrying over from last week.

Sunday I took dinner to my sister and a cousin and I have to say this meal was a hit with my kids also. May just be the best dinner night we've had with Sam. He's so picky and eats hot dogs for nearly every meal. I've been trying to get him to branch out - he finally did - eating two of these shells. The exciting part for me is they had both chicken and spinach in them - actual healthy ingredients! Its like a dream come true. Hopefully he's turning a corner and we can slowly add in a few new items.

Sunday - Chicken and Spinach Shells
Monday - Pork Roast and mashed potatoes
Tuesday - Southwest Chicken Wraps
Wednesday - Tater Tot Casserole
Thursday - Leftovers
Friday - Chicken over Toast
Saturday - Meatball Wontons

Quilts for 2011

2012-01-08T23:15:00.002-07:00

I look back at my completed list for 2011 and I'm so excited I got so many things done! I think 2011 was the year of the table runner. I really got into runners.

I have to say fall brought in the most runners for me this year - I went crazy for pinwheels!

I went through a swoon phase - and made a fall swoon table topper, a baby swoon quilt, and am 2/3rds of the way through my big Hometown Swoon quilt. My goal is to finish up my swoon quilt by March.

I made a few baby quilts that are some of my all time favorites.

And the zig zag....

I made several larger quilts that have yet to be quilted. So I haven't add them to my completed list yet. My quilting goals for 2012 will be a little different from last year. Instead of giving myself deadlines, as I don't seem to follow through with that due to life... I'm telling myself once a quilt is finished, it gets quilted and binding added to it all at the same time - before starting something new. At least this way the quilts won't continue to pile up in my closet waiting to be completed. The other goal is to quilt at least 1 a month that is hanging up staring me down every time I walk into the room. My goal this year is to focus more on quilts I want to make for me - and less on quilting for others - and quilts for the etsy shop. I don't want to give that up - but it seems whenever a holiday rolls around I start projects for my etsy shop and then I have nothing new for me. I'm going to do it the other way around this year - make a project for myself first - then move onto the shop. I've been wanting a 4th of July quilt of my own for years now - I think this is the year! I also want to complete a few UFO's I have laying around. Swoon, Route 44, Grace Star quilt and a few My 3 Stars quilts I have in mind.

I'm excited for all the projects I have waiting for me - and most of all trying to use up a lot of my stash this year!

Fandango Turning Twenty - Christmas Quilt Project

2012-01-08T18:14:00.000-07:00

This was my final quilt from my Christmas Quilt project I started about December 10th or so. This quilt was for my sister and was done out of Fandango by Kate Spain. I used the Turning Twenty quilt pattern as she loves the big block look in quilts.

This was the only quilt I bought a back for. I felt like the fabrics were different enough that I couldn't just slap on some random back.

I love this fabric line and my sister does too - so it worked out great! I finished binding it on Christmas Eve - just in time to give it to her Christmas morning. It was so fun being able to give so many quilts this year.

I had one for Mike that didn't get quilted - but I think I'll save it for Valentine's Day and do one for all my boys! Gotta get started on that now.

Menu Mondays - on Tuesday

2012-01-03T19:36:00.000-07:00

I know I'm late - but I've spent the last day or so researching recipes, making grocery lists, going to the store in hopes to help keep me on the straight and narrow. So here goes my menu planning again.

Tuesday - Steaks and Pear and Blue Cheese Salad (the salad was delicious)
Wednesday - Pork chops, green beans and cooked apples
Thursday - Tacos - I may even turn mine into this
Friday - Chicken over Toast
Saturday - Turkey Sandwiches
Sunday - Pork Roast, roasted veggies, noodles

Bliss Zig Zag

2012-01-01T19:53:00.000-07:00

Awhile ago I made this quilt and had it sitting in my "to be quilted" pile for a few months. I finally got around to quilting it because Marta decided she needed a quilt on her wall in her new cheery office - and this quilt was auditioned and won the part.

I love this quilt. LOVE this quilt - the fun colors from the Bliss line by Bonnie and Camille - the modern look of the zig zag or chevron style quilt mixed with white. The polka dot border. It was one of my favorites from the moment I laid eyes on it through someone else's blog and new I had to have one. This is my first zig zag and I loved working on it. I had decided I wanted some clean line quilting for this quilt and thought it would take me forever! I was so happy with the results and so glad I stuck with the line idea.

I did little lines about an inch apart in the outer border - outlined the inner border - and did a zig zag motion through the zigs and the zags. I'm so pleased with how it turned out.

I knew if I let this quilt go it would have to go to someone who would appreciate this quilt and love it as much as I did - and Marta is that person. I was counting the number of quilts and table runners she has at our cousin party in December and I think she may take the prize for most Abby quilts in one location. So I was happy to let this one go to live with her. She will take excellent care of it and I can't wait to see it at home on her wall.

Thanks for sending the pictures Mart - can't believe I forgot to take them!

Happy New Year

2012-01-01T19:45:00.000-07:00

Sure hope everyone had a lovely Christmas and is ringing in the New Year. We had a wonderful time with both of our families. The kids loved their new toys, and I have been lazy most of the week. Worked a little more than I wanted, didn't clean nearly as much as is needed - but it has been nice to be at home this last week.

Mike and I took our first little getaway together this weekend. Can you believe we have never left the kids together before? I've gone on a trip or he's gone out of town - but we've never gone together. We ran up the mountain to Park City for some alone time and I took my first skiing lesson. Can you believe I've lived in Utah all my life and never skied before? It was fun. I'm still sore 3 days later - but it was fun. I hope to make this a family affair and start going often. I can't explain how beautiful the mountain is later at night, when its almost empty. Going up the lift looking at the mountain - I wish I had a picture cause it took my breath away.... or that could have been from the boots I was wearing the the way my legs were shaking.... but it was a fun time either way.

I'm excited for 2012 and what is has to bring. Tonight we went to dinner and I watched the kids race back to the car. I think this is going to be a fun year for our little family. The kids are FINALLY playing together. Sam has turned into a little person instead of a baby. We can get out of the house and go places and he behaves himself (most of the time). My goal for 2012 - to sit in a movie theater with both my kids and watch the whole movie.... we'll see how that goes.

I was reading my posts from last January - the goals that were set and not kept. I would say I did sew a little more then the previous year so that was good. Eating and working out went out the door in January... I'm so fat right now I don't want to leave my house! Clearly that needs to be priority #1 on my list this year. Starting tomorrow - work outs will start - healthy dinners will be made - less eating out - no coke - YOU HEARD ME - NO COKE! I've been cheating on coke with another man - Red Bull - so I'm going to allow myself a Red Bull now and then - but I'm done with the coke. We have a tripped planned in April and I plan to allow myself to be seen in public in a bathing suit - so I've got to get my butt in gear!

I've got my Jillian Michaels DVDs ready to go, a new nano with some great play lists, the couch to 5k in mind - and I'm going for it. Stay tuned to see a healthier me this year. That is my only goal - I'm not even going to give myself a number I want to get to weight wise. I just want to be healthier - like what I see in the mirror cause I've been very down on myself lately and would like to change that.

The other few things I'd like to do more of this year - finish a few quilts - which I think after doing 5 in 2 weeks I can prove I can get things done. I have tons of kits and have been working to buy backs when I feel the need to buy fabric. So I should have plenty to keep me busy this year!

The other goal is to find us a babysitter and try to go out more. Mike and I have definetly let this part of our lives slide away since having kids and I think its important to bring it back. At least once a month we are going to have a date night.

I've also implemented a new weekly night schedule - here's how I see it playing out. Obviously if we sign Jake up for anymore activities my life will be overtaken by karate or baseball or soccer - but in the meantime this is how its going to work:

Sunday night - hang out
Monday night - Family night - focus on the kids, playing games, reading, an occasional movie night etc
Tuesday night - Abby night - I get to disappear downstairs and not do a thing once Mike gets home
Wednesday night - hang out
Thursday night - Mike's night - to do whatever he wants while I take care of the kids
Friday night - Family night - go out, stay in, but do something fun together
Saturday - Date night or hang out doing whatever

I think by having specific nights set aside for family time - and nights off for both Mike and I we will be a happier family. Its something I've been thinking about for awhile now and feel its important to focus on.

Anything else???? This is a random post. I'm excited for 2012 and all that it brings. Hope you all had a wonderful holiday season and are ready to dig in to the new year!

Fa La La La Star Quilt - Christmas Quilt Project

2011-12-24T12:03:00.000-07:00

Fa La La La by French General is quickly becoming one of my favorite Christmas lines. I have been buying bundles and yardage the past few months and have several quilts to go out of this line.

For this quilt I tried to use less Christmasy fabrics in hopes the quilt could be used all year long. I used the Country Threads Big Star pattern. I love this pattern as it looks great finished - but is very quick to throw together.

I love this line and thinks it looks very classy. Love the greys French General comes out with.

For the back I used a gingham cream and red from my stash. Sticking with the idea of not having to buy anything new. The colors went together perfectly.

This is one of my favorites and I enough enough to make myself one...gotta get working on that!

Chocolate Bars - Christmas Quilt Project

2011-12-24T11:46:00.000-07:00

This may be my most favorite quilt I've made so far. I had originally thought to give it to Mike, but the longer I worked on it - the more it was screaming someone else's name. It is going to be hard to part with.

I used the Chocolate Bars pattern by Cotton Way. Copied the front pattern to a T. The line is by 3 Sisters called Chocolate. It was my all time most favorite 3 Sisters line. I loved the prints, the wovens, even the border is from that line and is a very almost flannel like brown color. The only issue I had is working with the wovens and the soft brown everything was stretching! Makes it hard to get my sashings to line up.

For the back I used a small plaid/gingham and used a blue and brown stripe on the bias for the binding. I quilted it in a simple stipple design. This screams my brother's name and I think he'll be excited to have a warm blanket to take home.

This is a quick and easy pattern and I think screams boy - which is hard to find sometimes. I think I'm most excited to give this quilt to him than anyone this year. Hope he likes it!

Christmasing

2011-12-23T01:42:00.000-07:00

Note to self - next year have everything done by December 1st!

We've done a few fun things this month with the kids - and I'm sad to see it end. I wish we had time to fit in more.

Here are a few of the memories we've made this season.

Jake and I made Christmas brownies

Jake making Christmas cookies - look at the mounds of sugar...

Jakes first Christmas program at school

Sam and Jake meeting Santa - Sam not so thrilled with the idea

Sam eating his first chocolate marshmallow Christmas tree - he loved it

Cousins girls night out party at Marta's- Whit taught us a great Yoga class

Christmas drive through lights at Thanksgiving Point

Sam looks at the window saying WOW and LOOK through the whole drive

Jake drove us through the lights this last time

Kids loved it so much, we've been twice!

We've had a fun December - and have parties galore the next few days. Stayed up late tonight to get a quilt done and most my wrapping - have a house to clean, clothes to fold, and some binding to get on tomorrow....turning down the home stretch now.

Hope you're all enjoying the season.

Adoring Star - Christmas Quilt Project

2011-12-21T05:07:00.002-07:00

My 2nd quilt is completed in my quilting project. LOVE how this one turned out. I love this pattern as it is quick and easy - yet still looks like a pattern. I've actually made two of these as part of my project.

This is the only quilt I made using actual Christmas fabrics. This is Adoring by Sandy Gervais and was her Christmas line a year or so ago. I was at the house of the recipients of this quilt a few weeks ago and felt like their couch was missing a little something - this would look great added to her already green and red Christmas decor. I am going to delivery this one early so they can enjoy it for a week or so before the holiday season ends.

Above is a close up of the fabrics - polka dots, pine boughs, holly berries, ornaments - all fun holiday prints.

I had a piece in my stash from a previous Sandy Gervais line that goes along great. Nice to use some of my stash!

For the binding I used cream plaid with green and red - cut on the bias. I think it turned out well. I don't usually use lighter colors for my binding so I was a little nervous - but liked how it pulled all the colors together.

This one is hard to part with - isn't it fun when a quilt turns out better then you had hopes for? Exciting thing is - I have enough to do another star with these fabrics - so I might get a little table topper to keep myself!

Two down - 4 more to go!

Peace on Earth 9 Patch - Christmas Quilt Project

2011-12-20T18:51:00.000-07:00

A few weeks back (2) I decided to make a few quilts for people for Christmas. MADNESS I know. This was a quilt top I had made a few months ago - trying out the disappearing 9 patch using layer cakes. I tried it once before and loved the outcome so I had wanted to make another one.

I love this fabric and had bought of ton of it when it was out a year or two ago. This line fit perfectly with whom I had in mind - so I added the textured border and quilted this baby up. It is my first of hopefully 7 quilts to be completed in just 5 short days....

My goal for these quilts is to use kits I have - but still holding true to the people receiving the quilt. I want these to fit the personality and decor. I think this one will go great in the family room of the person I have in mind. Hope they like it - this fabric line was one of my favorites.

I was even able to pull the backing fabric from my stash - and from the same line.

I used a green and brown polka dot fabric as the binding to pull it all together. Love how it turned out. The textured border may just be my favorite part. Hope they enjoy!

Christmas Quilt Project

2011-12-20T13:06:00.000-07:00

About very short weeks ago I decided that I was going to give quilts for many of my gifts this year. Wish I had thought about this a little sooner....to say the least I've been busy the last 2 weeks!

My goal has been to find quilts that fit the person in mind - using my stash. So far I have only bought 1 back - you'll see why when I debut that quilt.

I've got 4 quilted - 2 bound - blocks done for 1 - and 1 to start....ummmm 5 days to go.

I'll share pictures as I finish! Wish me luck...

Weekend Updates

2011-12-12T06:11:00.003-07:00

Early weekend started on Thursday night - I went to a sweet play with a few of my in laws. It was a beautiful play with great music. Came home at 10:30pm to a sleeping house - all 3 boys were snoring away - so what better time then to flip on General Hospital and finish up Whit's quilt .

Friday night the whole Latimer clan went to dinner to celebrate my in law's 55th wedding anniversary. It was fun to get together as we don't do it often enough. Whit was nice enough to tend (thus the bribe of having the quilt done) so Mike and I went out for a little date night. After dinner we - drove around - couldn't find a movie - hit up one place which was closed - Mike didn't feel like shopping - so we hit a quilt store - he said to keep me happy....does he know me or what? Once we got home and got those boys in bed (their new bedtime seems to be 9:30 - 10) I had a late night sew. Didn't come up til 2:30 AM! I got this little quilt done. Forgive the messing sewing room - and middle of the night iPhone shot....

I've recently - like in the last week decided its going to be a quilty Christmas - meaning most my gifts are going to be quilts. Don't know what I was thinking - but here come the late nights!

Saturday we woke up and went to swimming lessons. My little Sammy finally jumped into the pool without a tear. He laughed, splashed, and swam happily - has never done that yet during lessons. Its amazing at how different Sam has acted over the last week - could he really be aware that he is 2 now and he's growing up a bit mentally???

Jake and I spent the day watching shows (he watched, I bound quilts) making Christmas cookies and holiday hearts (his words). We had fun decorating and eating dough together. Before grabbing some take out we drove around and saw some lights. It was a perfect family day together.

Today I finished quilting a quilt, got it bound, cut and sewed together yet another quilt, and finished binding 2 table runners. Went to church with Jake who had a little talk and did so well, had lovely seafood dinner and did my nails.

Can I just say how much I love productive weekends!

Quality time with my family - check
Quality and quantity time for quilting - check
Completing a quilt that I started 5 years ago - check
Cleaned my house .... 3 out 4 ain't bad right.... at least I got 1 load of laundry in the dryer....that is progress.

Hope you've started your season with Christmas cookies and holiday hearts!

Snow Kissed Star - Aqua

2011-12-12T00:10:00.001-07:00

Another Snow Kissed completed (my version is here) this quilt was pretty easy to cut and sew double blocks at the same time. I actually completed the quilt top for this one first - and was just waiting for the back fabric to quilt it.

Since Whit dibs this quilt her own - she bought the backing - a super soft white minky. I quilted the snowflake pantograph on it and stayed up late on Thursday night to get the binding on.

I think she liked it....now we have twiner quilts!

My Bundle of Trouble is Two

2011-12-03T11:05:00.000-07:00

Can you believe this guy is two? I can't believe how quickly time passes.

No longer my baby - (you'll always be my baby), but a little toddler you've become. Still the bouncing bundle of trouble - but what a cute ball of joy you've turned out to be. Wild and crazy, getting into everything, understanding what NO means - and doing the opposite. You are my handful in life - but I don't know what I'd do without you.

You are so close to speaking in sentences at this point....let me rephrase - sentences the rest of us can understand. I love how you come get me and say "come ere" then we go running to the location of your choice and you say "look" to show me. Your first full sentence is "Wow, Wow Wubbzy right now" meaning you want to watch your show right now. You are so hard to resist with your cute words and smile. When you want something, you want it now!

I've loved watching your love for all things cars and balls evolve. You are pure boy and seem very natural in your abilities. We spend Wednesday nights at Little Gym and you have become quite the athlete. Hanging on the bars, walking the beam - playing with the balls - you're favorite. I have loved watching you become familiar with the schedule of the class, the songs, the tasks. So much fun to see you get excited and know what is coming next.

You are stubborn and know exactly what you want - and I know that will serve you well as you grow up. Always stay you cause you are strong and know exactly what you want out of life.

You are such a fun little one to have around - I am blessed every day to have you in our family.

Happy Birthday buddy! Can't wait to see how you learn and grow over the next year.

Motherhood

2011-11-30T23:37:00.000-07:00

Do you ever feel bogged down by motherly duties? I sometimes feel sorry for myself when I have a full day of kids running around, full time job, dinner to be made, dishes to be done, clothes to be folded. I don't know why I feel sorry for myself as I know most mothers have these same responsibilities.

Today at work I made a list - of everything I was going to get done when I got home. Workout, dinner, take Sam to Little Gym, kids in bed, quilting and sewing to be done. By the time I got home I was wondering how I would get everything done and did I really have to take Sam to Little Gym tonight? Can't I have a night to myself?

Needless to say I had a bad attitude when getting us ready to go and walking into the class. By the time the class ended - I was so glad I had taken him. Watching Sam in his class and how much fun he has, how he knows the routines, he gets excited to walk on the balance beam and hang on the bars. Something so easy for me to do once a week, that has been so good for Sam. Has been so good for me to spend some quality one on one time with him - and I had wanted to miss this weekly event?

I was reminded tonight what life is really all about. Not work, or sewing - its about family and spending quality time with my kids. Nights like tonight is what my kids will remember growing up - what I want them to remember growing up. It didn't matter that I didn't get one thing on my list accomplished but dinner for the kids - what mattered is that I spent some time with Sam.

Tomorrow I think we'll make a date to go see some Christmas lights. I hope to stay in the moment with my kids and not get so caught up in what needs to be done or what I want to get done.

Kids only want to be with their parents for so long - I gotta remember that next time I have a bad parenting attitude!

I Am Thankful

2011-11-28T19:28:00.000-07:00

We had a wonderful relaxing Thanksgiving weekend. We headed out Tuesday evening for the long drive to St. George. Trust me - if you don't think that is a long drive - head down with my two kids! We arrived around 11pm - and hit the sack.

We spent the weekend with my wonderful in-laws. My mother-in-law pampers us with great meals, playing with the kids, and I barely have to lift a finger....what could be better? My father in law runs around after my kids the whole weekend. I am sure he is grateful for a little peace right about now.

The kids and I hit a few quilt stores and took an afternoon nap on Wednesday while Mike and his parents golfed. I love that it was 70 degrees! As soon as they got home my MIL shooed us out the door for a little alone time. That evening we began making our Thanksgiving feast - and what a feast it was!

Thanksgiving was low key - with a great meal - yams are my favorite - fruit salad was Jake's. It couldn't have been nicer. The morning was spent watching a little football, making crete paper chains, Christmas trees and mini ornaments with Grandma, a little soccer on the patio, and a nibble here and there of a great turkey.

After our feast we headed out in the wonderful weather to a little park with the kids. I am so grateful for what a cute relationship my kids have with their grandparents. Every morning I would hear Sam fly down the stairs looking for "Pappe" as he calls Grandpa. Or Jake crawling into bed with Grandma on Friday for a little nap. I love watching their individual relationships grow.

We came home and visited with Mikes brother Steve and his wife Patty and they brought over McKinley their little grand daughter. Jake was in heaven! Sam pulled her hair once - but loved her every other minute she was there. She is so cute.

We hit up the Twilight movie on Friday which was great! I can't get her red eyes out of my head at night! I also got a little shopping in that morning. I am almost done with the shopping!

We had such a wonderful weekend and I am so lucky to have great in-laws that I love so much and are so good to us.

I hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving holiday!

Snow Kissed Star - Finish

2011-11-27T19:17:00.001-07:00

Remember this quilt? I made two - one with an aqua border one with a red border. I kept the red one for myself - and my sister called dibs on the aqua border one. I finished mine up got it quilted - and even bound on our way home from St. George this weekend (more to come on Thanksgiving weekend soon).

I switched things up this year and hung it on my quilt rack - using my usual Christmas quilt as a table cloth this year. I love having a full quilt hung to be seen in all its glory. I think this one turned out great. I'm a sucker for stars - and this is one big star.

I quilted a loop and snowflake pantograph which worked great with these fabrics.

I'm thrilled that I actually got a quilt completed before the season started. I've been a little late to the party these days, so I couldn't be happier that I have it done and have it on display even!

I hope you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving weekend and have started the Christmas season in full force!

Weekend Getaway

2011-11-14T00:49:00.000-07:00

This weekend my friend Ann and I drove up the mountain to Park City for a little girls sewing retreat.

There was a snow storm on our way up - and this was the veiw from our room this morning. Aren't those mountains beautiful?

Here is the view from within our room...on a little quilt I completed during my stay.

This pattern is called Starry Eye Pattern from the Moda Bake Shop. It was a fun festive quilt to put together. Took a little longer than I had thought - but well worth the effort.

I also started this quilt. I've got 9 blocks down - 21 to go. I'll share pictures soon as its going together fast. I love how the blocks are looking so far.

What a fun weekend - of eating and sewing. Nice to get away from it all.

Milestones

2011-11-05T13:32:00.001-06:00

This little guy...

The one who looks curious and guilty.... has always had a love for learning. He came out of the womb practically talking, he has always loved looking through books. When learning new words he'll say what does that mean - and asks questions all the time. Just the other night he said "Apparently, you'll be putting me to bed tonight mom" What 4 year old uses the word apparently? And where did he learn that word? I don't walk around saying it. So not sure why I'm surprised when my little guy started to read.

Yes you heard me write - my guy is reading and I couldn't be prouder. What I love more than anything is that he loves it and is so excited! A friend suggested I get the Bob Book series which I highly recommend. Before the end of the night he could read the 1st book all on his own. We were both so excited for him. He was so excited to read to his dad - and the next morning to Grama Polly and to Ty and anyone who will walk through our door. Today Grandma Sharon and Grandpa Ken got a book read to them. I love that he is so excited for this new skill he has learned. For the last 3 nights he has wanted to practice his reading and move onto a new book in the series.

I don't know if there is anything more exciting then watching your child learn - and knowing that he loves it. The feeling I got the first time he read the book all by himself I will never forget. What a wonderful moment in my parenting world - one I'm sure will always stand out.

So proud of my big boy!

Snow Kissed Star

2011-11-02T12:46:00.000-06:00

I saw this pattern out and about blogland and knew I had to make this quilt.

I searched far and wide for the magazine and was having no luck finding it - when it was delivered to my house! Who knew I had a subscription? I should check that out in the future before searching for a magazine.

Remembering I had a jelly roll of 12 Days of Christmas by the fabulous Kate Spain - I quickly whipped up my first quilt. You can get 2 of these out of 1/2 a jelly roll. (Pictures taken late last night, sorry for the dark display). I threw on the red and aqua border because that is so in right now. Love how it turned out.

So Sunday I whipped up my second one - cause like I said you can get two out of 1 jelly roll. I went back and forth for a few days on what borders to add to this one. I'm more of a traditional Christmas decorator - and usually stick with red and green - so I decided to go with a traditional border with thoughts to actually keep this quilt.

The two of them together - can't decide which one I really like more....thoughts?

I'll be quilting them this weekend and then I'll decide which one will stay and which will go....

This pattern was fun to make, went together fast and yielding 2 quilts! What could be better? I also got 6 table runners from the left over strips. That is one great use of a jelly roll!

Grace Table Runner

2011-11-01T11:16:00.002-06:00

Earlier this year - I first saw this quilt made out of the Grace line by 3 Sisters. I fell in love and counted down the days til the line went on sale. I bought all the fabric to make that quilt. A few weeks ago I cut it all out - its sitting in a bag waiting for me to start it. Goal is to have it done before Christmas.

We'll see how that goes.

In an effort to use up all my scraps I had a few leftover after cutting up the quilt. I had to make something with this beautiful line.

I pick this quick little table runner to display this great line. I'm loving these runners with a pop of color in the middle surrounded by a solid fabric. They are quick and easy, yet bold and fun! Available in the shop and more to come in Christmas fabrics...whipped up a few more this weekend!

Baby Boy Swoon Quilt

2011-10-31T05:57:00.002-06:00

I knew when we were in Hawaii - I would spend a lot more time than I actually wanted to in our room. That is what happens with a almost 2 year old. So I took a few quilt projects with me. We hit Costco up and I bought a sewing machine. I used it for 12 days - taking very good care of it - and returned it on day 12....it wasy the only way I could think of to stay sane without having to lug my sewing machine all the way to Hawaii. It worked like a charm. I got several projects done. One being this cute little quilt.

I was throwing a shower shortly after returning home - so my goal was to get the swoon block done in Hawaii - which I accomplished. Came home, threw a big white border on it, quilted it, and had it bound with about 12 hours to spare. This quilt turned out better than I had hoped. I was a little nervous with the smaller square sized quilt as the gift - but love the end result.

I used Sweetwater's Hometown line which I am loving right now. The blues and greys are perfect for any little boy. This was a very clean very, classy look, which is exactly what I think of when I think of Eliza who is about to have baby #1! I loved the back polka dot almost as much as the front.

I'm glad it matches her nursery so well. If you haven't gotten the Swoon pattern yet - run out and do it! I'm still working on my big size swoon out of Hometown, but have had fun making a baby size and a fall table runner using just one block. Its a great pattern.

Thanks Eliza for sending me the pics! Can't wait to meet T3!

Bloggers Quilt Festival

2011-10-30T16:28:00.000-06:00

I have visited Amy's blog often and have always loved looking at the quilts posted during the Bloggers Festival each year. I decided this year to be brave and post my own. Thanks for stopping by to see my quilt - and thanks to everyone who posted one of their own. I have LOVED looking at them all.

The last festival I spent a whole afternoon marking the pages of quilts I had to go back to awe over and even make. My Bliss Zig Zag quilt was inspired (copied) from a quilt I sew during the last festival.

Every day I'm so excited to jump back on and see the new ones added! I'm so glad Amy created this venue for all us quilters to enjoy!

So on with the show....

The quilt I chose was a pattern from the book Laps from Fats. I used Shangri La by Moda's 3 Sisters. This quilt was fun for me to make for several reasons. I loved the fabric line, the reds, creams, browns, and greens are so me. I loved each step of the piecing. I don't do a ton of more time consuming quilts and this was a fun challenge for me. I also started this quilt before Jake was born, and it was the first one I finished up once I was a new mom. It was my outlet and my way of getting back into the swing of things.

I had a bigger border on it originally and used my favorite print from the line, which was a small flower. Once it was on the quilt, I felt it was way too busy and took away from all the piecing, so I just left the little stop border on the quilt and bound it up. I LOVE the stripe bias binding.

This was a fun quilt for me to make, and makes me happy every time I pull it out. It will be on display over my stairs come January for a few months. Can't wait to bring it out again.

Thanks for stopping by! Happy quilt hunting.

Conversations with Jake

2011-10-23T00:50:00.000-06:00

Going cross eye while channeling the force

me: I have another call I have to get on so I'm going to...
Jake (interrupting me): Blah blah blah, same as last time we know....

a) how does he already have the attitude of a teenager?
b) I obviously worked from home too much this week

Happy Birthday Jake

2011-10-21T00:50:00.000-06:00

Happy 4th Birthday

I can't believe my baby is turning 4 today. How you've been counting down the days. The hours spent on youtube looking up toys and telling people what they should give you. I am so excited you are at an age that you help plan and prepare for big events like today.

The last four years have been the best in my life. I have loved watching you grow. I notice more and more each day how you aren't my little baby anymore. I marvel at all the strides you've made, lessons you've learned, things you say in your short four years. It seems like just yesterday I woke up at 4am with my water broken and spent a day waiting for your arrival. You arrived 3 weeks early and have been early to the party ever since. You seem to excel fast at everything you put your mind to. So curious about life, always wanting to learn new words, new games, go to new places.

I have no idea how a child of mine says things like "I'm going to invent a medical transport" or "When I get big I"m going to find a way to get into the iPad" (he literally wants to be in the iPad or tv). You are so smart and your vocabulary continues to amaze me. You often use bigger words than I do, and a few I don't know how to spell!

Jake, you are the light of my world and bring such joy into our lives. You are the best big brother Sam could ever hope for. You are sweet and kind and make me laugh every day. I am so grateful you were sent to me.

Happy Birthday!
Love, Mom

Family Vacation

2011-10-06T08:22:00.002-06:00

Laying at the pool
Naps during the day
Sand Castles
Soccer on the grass
Eating
A little sewing time
Cut the rope games with Jake
Six O'clock bed times
Eating
Walks holding Sam's little hand
Shopping
Happy news
Lazy days of doing whatever we want
Nearly perfect weather all 12 days
Kids playing together
Eating

Couldn't ask for a better time. Diet is going to start as soon as I get home!

I Wonder

2011-10-05T00:21:00.000-06:00

I've had a lot of thoughts about my little one on this trip....

I wonder...will you always have the same energy and excitment for life?
I wonder...when your little baby breath will go away.
I wonder...when our conversations will become more than one word and pointing - and will I miss that?

I wonder...when you will give up naps completely - as you fight sleep like no baby I've ever met.

I wonder... how you can wake up running - literally

I wonder... if your diet will ever be more then milk, coke, chocolate, fries and hotdogs.

I wonder... when you will stop wanting to cuddle

I wonder... when I pick you up will you stop tucking your arms in

I wonder... when I get home and you run to me, when that will stop

I wonder... will there ever be a time that you and Jake are best friends, without the fights?

I wonder... will you ever sleep through the night.

I wonder with so much fun to look forward to, with hopefully easier communication and the baby stage of crying coming to an end (please let the crying come to an end)...I wonder if I will miss my little baby. He is my last little one - and I'm amazed at how quickly time goes by. Each day we find ourselves saying - "I can't wait for this" or "In another year we can do that". This last week I have found myself watching and wondering - how many of these little traits will change as he gets bigger and bigger - and how much I will long for the days when our conversations were "look" as he pointed, and that is all that needed to be said.

The sweet, devilish little one I have now is slowly but surely becoming a toddler before my very eyes.

I wonder...how much longer I have to hold onto my last little guy....

Beach Days

2011-09-30T00:24:00.000-06:00

We're having a blast - getting some sun and I'm playing with Instagram on my phone - fun pics to come!

Happy Birthday

2011-09-27T06:54:00.002-06:00

Today Mike is 40 years old....SO OLD! Happy Birthday to the best dad and husband out there. Couldn't ask for a better guy - or a better location to spend your big day.

Love you - Happy 40th!

Pure Bliss

2011-09-26T10:45:00.000-06:00

After a really crazy, long week at work - a really long LONG flight - we landed in heaven.

I get homesick for Hawaii. I dream about ocean sunsets, the sand in between my toes and the sound of the waves crashing against the shore. I am a beach person at the core of my soul. No matter where I am - cold or warm - if the beach is nearby I have to get my toes buried in the sand - and my feet wet in the water. Its just who I am.

Yesterday we spent the morning walking the beach. We saw the new Disney hotel that just opened, ate some breakfast, and watched Sam wave wildly at Mickey who was also visiting the Disney Hotel. It was so much fun to see him get so excited. He stood - leaned over a chair starring at Mickey or trying to run into everyone's picture with Mickey all morning long.

All through breakfast Jake asked if he could go to the beach, "I need to get my toes wet" he said over and over again. Made me smile to know my little guy feels the same way I do about Hawaii. As we landed the night before he had been asleep, it was late, he woke up and said to me, "Mom we're here, I'm so excited to be in Hawaii." Over the last 36 hours he has repeated that numerous times and told me how much he loves Hawaii.

We walked til we were sore yesterday, filled up the car at Costco, bought a few beach toys, napped, hit the pool and then the beach.

I felt the sand on my toes, the waves move me through the water, a little sun on my face. Watched Jake swim like a fish, watched others comment on how good a swimmer he is. He played in the ocean for the first time, chased after fish, created science projects of how the water moved his toys. Laughed as Sam screamed nervously as the sand moved from underneath him, was curious of the ocean and how it all worked, buried toys in the sand, and chased after birds.

Unplugged from the world - no laptops, phones, or ipads.

Today we'll actually take the camera with us.

A day with my little family, in the sun, at the beach, making new memories....pure bliss.

Fall Pinwheel Nine Patch

2011-09-19T06:43:00.001-06:00

Changing gears from stars to pinwheels - I've completed a few projects this last weekend. This one being my favorite so far.

I love plaids and wovens - and pinwheels - adding the white I was little worried - I would have normally gone with a tannish color - but I am love the white. I think it makes the pinwheels pop - and then scrappy binding stands out so much more around the white!

Pirate Quilts

2011-09-18T11:41:00.000-06:00

I saw this fabric Skulls by Emily Taylor for Riley Blake Designs and fell in love. I actually bought it in multiple color ways because I couldn't pick my favorite. Jake too has fallen head over heels in love. Asks me daily if I've gotten all the pirate quilts done yet. I've decided to make one for him and one for Sam. This one will be sold on my Etsy store and I think I like the blue and red and black and red colors for Jake and Sam.

This was a fun diversion from all the fall and star mania that has been going on in my sewing room the last few weeks. I used minky to back it in which makes this quilt so soft and perfect to wrap those little ones in.

This line of fabric has turned my head just like the All Star fabric did a few years ago. Where I feel the need to buy bolts and bolts of it. So far I have resisted the temptation - after I get the other two quilts completed, I might have to give in and buy some more. Isn't this fabric perfect fabric to give for little boy gifts! So tempting to buy more!

Swoon - Fall Style

2011-09-14T12:40:00.000-06:00

I'm loving the Swoon pattern by Thimbleblossom. I've started a quilt a few weeks back using Hometown by Sweetwater and I'm loving it. The past 2 weeks though, I've taken a break to give tribute to all things fall - and clear out a bind or two of fall fabrics I've had laying around.

I ran across these fabrics at the quilt store and couldn't resist. I loved the brown with the little flowers on it - the green baby gingham - the pop of orange. I had to make my own little version of Swoon for fall.

I LOVE how it turned out. This block has endless possibilities. Baby quilts, table toppers, how cute would four blocks be for a wall hanging? Before I get carried away I'll work on another Hometown Swoon block. Love this pattern!

Fall Star Mania

2011-09-13T10:13:00.000-06:00

On Sunday Mike wanted to watch football all day -- literally ALL DAY -- so we spent a good amount of time downstairs and I quilted and quilted. I got 5 or so table runners quilted! A few bound - and lots to share this week.

I'm on a fall kick with fabrics - and a star kick with patterns. This is a Country Threads pattern called Glory Star which is a pattern for a baby quilt. I didn't add as many orders to this one to make it a table topper. My favorite part is the scrappy binding.

I have to say working with woven type fabrics is harder than I remembered. They sure stretch and pull a lot! But I think this turned out cute - so cute I made another one and added a little border on it. Just need to bind it.

Every weekend I say - this is my last weekend of fall runners - yet ideas just keep coming. I have a cute pinwheel one on my quilting machine right now. Hope to get that one done tonight! I'll be using the scrappy binding again.

Two of my favorite things - stars and fall - couldn't be more fun to sew!

Mothers

2011-09-09T06:51:00.001-06:00

Source: ow.ly via Abby on Pinterest

School Days

2011-09-08T10:51:00.000-06:00

Is it wrong that I still get a little lump in my throat and have to hold back the tears whenever I drop him off at school? Its been over a week - you'd think I'd get use to it, especially because he loves it. But its still so hard to just leave him each day. I'm so grateful that he loves it and is having fun. I've got to get over my own issues and insecurities for him - and just let him live his life and realize this is the first step to growing up. Who knew it would pull on my heart so much?

Mini Star Fall Quilt

2011-09-07T07:41:00.000-06:00

I know, I know - 3 days in a row and yet another star table runner. The difference here is I used the scraps from the star points from the Big Star Table Runner - to get my star points for this one. Like I said - I'm trying to use every ounce of fabric!

I like the size of this runner - and the simplicity of the border. Measures 13 x 25 so a bit smaller than the larger ones - this is just the size I need for my Halloween runner.

The back is from my stash also - Harvest Home which was an older Moda line. The border and binding I did buy recently - but everything else came from the stash.

This was a fun pattern variation from the larger version. I'm on a table runner kick!

Halloween Star Table Runner

2011-09-06T07:35:00.001-06:00

I warned you I was on a star kick.... my version of the Halloween Star Table Runner. What I like about this runner is that the stars are fairly simple in the fabrics that were used - which I think pulls the eye towards the border, which is fun and festive.

I had fun quilting spider webs in the star centers on this one. I LOVE how they turned out.

I did a little loop and pumpkin quilting in the border - such a fun and festive table runner. I was thinking about keeping it - but I think I need a little bit smaller one for my island - so that will be my next project I start! This one finishes 24 x 48 and is currently for sale in my etsy store.

Jake is loving these candy corns - I'm lucky there was any left for this picture!

Big Fall Stars Table Runner

2011-09-05T14:28:00.002-06:00

I think I'm on a star kick. Star table runners, star quilts, buggy barn stars, I can't get enough of stars. This is the first star table runner I whipped out this season - and there will be many more to follow. I love this pattern, and love these fabrics.

What I love most is that I used everything from my stash - these were some of the first fabrics I ever bought! I love when I can say a project was made 100% with STASHED fabric!!!

Practiced my custom quilting designs using a leaf pattern for the border and doing some stars and free hand in the middle. The solid backing shows off the quilting pretty well.

I had so much fun making this quilt - I had to make a few more. I'm liking how this design is turning out.

Fandango Easy Table Runner

2011-09-04T23:22:00.000-06:00

I've recently decided that I'm trying to use every ounce of fabric I can. So as I cut the Turning 20 fabrics for Whit's quilt I took all the left over pieces and cut them into strips or squares.

With the strips I made this little runner. I have to say I love how cute and little it is - and perfect for a little end table or coffee table. I think I may have to find some more scraps to make me another one - cause this one has a home - Whit has a friend she wanted to give it to. This is a fun quick project that I'll have to keep in mind next time I need a quick gift!

Labor Day Events

2011-09-04T22:22:00.000-06:00

I love the first week in September. The air feels a little cooler especially in the morning and evenings, school is back on, the leaves even start to see a little color in them - by far, fall is my favorite time of year. This weekend has been full of events.

I took Friday off and stayed downstairs in my quilting room all day. It was so much fun to get caught up as my machine has been in the shop. The kids didn't even know I was here until 3pm! I got a few quilts quilted, a block or two completed - and Whit's turning 20 blocks are sewn and ready to be put in rows. I'd say pretty eventful!

Saturday we have a little swim party with Jason and Whitney which was tons of fun. The kids love it when Uncle Fun comes to play. We laid in the sun and relaxed. Mike and I even watched a movie last night - we haven't done that in ages!

Today I started getting all the fall decor out - I love transforming my house with Tribute to Fall as we call it in my family. I'm even getting out the Halloween decor early - (is it too early?) but my kids are so excited I thought why not? Can't wait to get it all done tomorrow.

I'll be sharing some pics of finished projects over the next few days so I can add them to my side bar of completed projects. I love making that list longer! Go check it out. Hope you're all having a great long weekend.

Menu Mondays

2011-08-29T06:37:00.001-06:00

Monday - Steak w/noodles and salad
Tuesday - Southwestern Chicken Wraps
Wednesday - Hot Dogs w/fruit
Thursday - Spaghetti w/salad
Friday - Chicken over Toast
Saturday - Shrimp Tacos
Sunday - Chicken Curry

Think we can go a whole week without eating out? We're sure gonna try...I'll let you know how it goes.

Weekend Updates

2011-08-28T16:36:00.000-06:00

Stayed up til 2:30am on Friday night/Saturday morning. I got the following completed.
- Binding on a fall table runner
- New fall table runner completed
- Borders on a square fall table topper
- Loved the square table topper so much - make another one with an extra border on it
- Sewed the first portion of the turning twenty blocks for Whit

I even woke up at 8am Saturday and wasn't tired or complaining! We had a fun Saturday of shopping, eating out, kids took 3 hour naps! It was a joyous day. We swam late intot he night, roasted marshmellows, and had adventures with the tree ghosts (something Jake has made up).

Sunday has been a lazy day at home - a little grocery shopping - a little sun - and I started sewing together my next 2 Swoon blocks. How I'm loving this quilt. I can't believe how many pieces are going into one block. Good thing they are so big!

Hope you're having a wonderful weekend.

First Day of School

2011-08-25T08:55:00.000-06:00

Jake -

Today is your first day of school, yet another milestone of how big you're getting. A few weeks ago we went to meet your teacher and walk around the school. As we drove up you said "this is a big school mom" and I had to hold back the tears. Its so hard to watch my little baby grow up. You made me a mom - made me, me - and now our Tuesday's at home together are being cut short by the adventures of school.

I'm also excited for you - as you love to play with kids. Meet new friends, learn everyone's name. You are a very friendly, happy kid and I know you are going to make so many friends at school. I always worry that my kids are going to be treated unkind or be the ones to treat others unkind. Always remember to be nice to everyone. Be the kid that everyone wants to be friends with because you are so kind. You have such a sweet kind heart I know this will be easy for you. Remember to share the toys and use nice words and you won't have any problems.

My little Jake, you are so smart. I marvel everyday at the new words you're using. You have always talked well and talked a lot. You want to know what words mean, you ask questions, you want to learn and you soak everything up. School will be your time to shine. I know that little brain of yours will gather everything being said and taught.

I'm so proud of your for taking this big step in life. I know you're going to love school and have fun each time you go. You make it easy for a mom to let you grow up as you are always excited to try new things. My heart aches a little to see you go - and its hard for me to know you are so big you can spend a few hours away from me all on your own. But I am so proud that you are independant and brave.

Have a fun day at school, a fun year - this is the beginning of your life in school! I hope you always have the desire to learn, grow, and make new friends.

I love you so much -

Mom

Source: thewillcuttgirls.blogspot.com via Abby on Pinterest

Swoon

2011-08-24T08:11:00.000-06:00

My friend Ann and I decided to start the quilt pattern Swoon by ThimbleBlossoms. It is a fun star pattern and the blocks are big! It tooks us about 2 hours to get the first block done last night. May second one went a little faster. I'm kind of addicted and went to get this quilt done!

We are doing this out of the Hometown line by Sweetwater, and I'm loving these fabrics. The wheels are turning of what else I could make using some of these colors!

These blocks are so big - how cute would one star be in the middle with a few borders for a baby quilt or table topper! I'm loving this quilt!

It's Fall Y'All

2011-08-18T11:49:00.000-06:00

When August starts to wind down and the kids are getting ready to go back to school (sniff - Jake is going to preschool this year!) I get excited for fall.

This weekend I started cleaning out my sewing room and pulled out all my fall fabrics. Needless to say it is now a bigger mess than when I started because it looks like fall exploded in my room!

I have started a new quilting process of cutting out multiple quilts so I have projects available and ready when I have time to sew. So far I have a few projects cut, and only a little sewing done. BUT - its progress.

Two runners I finished up last night. Just need to quilt and bind. I've decided if I'm going to make a few of the same pattern - might as well cut and sew at the same time - so I'll be whipping a few similar items out. Trying to get some of my stash cleared up! Both of the fabrics used in these runners are a few years old. Makes me feel good when I can get something cute done without having to spend a dime!

Happy Fall!

Pumpkins Gone Wild

2011-08-15T06:04:00.000-06:00

I have a great customer who ordered some custom table runners for each season. This is the fall one.

I love the bright greens and oranges

The back fabric may be my favorite in the line. I love that fall is just around the corner. What a great way to get ready for it! Hope she likes it.

Simple Little Table Runners

2011-08-14T09:50:00.000-06:00

In an effort to be better about updating my completed projects - I have a few posts in store with projects that I had forgotten about.

Using this great tutorial I have made several of these cute little table runners over the last year. These 3 were actually made for our boutique last year -

I love the fall one best - it sold out quickly though. I still have the Halloween one available in my Etsy store.

I tried to get this once completed for Valentines Day, and didn't quite make it. Its been done for while now, but had never shared it yet.

I love the pops of turquoise in this one. Makes it happy and springy!

This table runner is a fun change to squares with a little ric rac to spice it up! This is a great pattern for that charm pack you don't know what to do with.

This Week

2011-08-11T13:57:00.001-06:00

- I spring cleaned my house (a few months/years late)
- had dance parties with the kids
- played with my nephews
- spent the day with my sister
- threw a shower
- finished a quilt
- had 2 family parties
- swam in the pool

If only work wasn't a factor, it would be a perfect week!

Conversations with Jake

2011-08-10T23:47:00.001-06:00

Putting Jake to sleep - laying in his bunk bed, me trying to pinterest on my phone while he falls asleep.

Jake: Mom - I can't sleep with that light on. (the light being my phone)
Me: laughing - hiding the phone under the covers
Jake: Its not funny mom - turn it off
Me: laughing again
Jake: Mom, turn it off and go to sleep - NOW!

I forget - who is the parent in this relationship?

Baby Boy Quilt

2011-08-09T13:45:00.000-06:00

Last night we had a baby shower for my cousin Brooke who is due any day now with a little boy. Brooke is extra special to me - I spent a lot of time babysitting at Brooke's house when I was younger (and she was in high school). While I was sneaking off to parties (while tending) she was having parties (and cops came). Brooke also helped me out a few summers back when my mom had surgery. She tended Jake for a 6 week period and Jake loves her, and her dog Millie.

So when I found out Brooke was pregnant, after trying for awhile, add to that its a boy - I was so thrilled and excited for her I had to plan the shower. It was so much fun getting the house and the yard ready for the big day. I think it all looked great, although I took not one picture. Brooke looks so cute with her belly about ready to pop.

I loved watching her get so excited about the little clothes and the fun gifts she got. We passed around "Mother Knows Best" advise cards and read them to everyone. I loved that not one person said "Do this, or Never do that". All the advise was "listen to your heart", "enjoy each stage", etc.

I love watching mom's become a mom. Brooke has always been so good with kids, and this is her calling to be a mom. I can't wait to see her hold the little one and feel that "I'm a mom feeling" that you only get with your first baby. Last night I remembered that feeling - through my whole pregnancy with Jake, and then how it was so magnified once he was actually here. The love, the need to protect, the worry, and more love. I can't wait for Brooke to have this little bundle of joy. She now just needs to work on a name!

This quilt was so much fun to make, because I had Brooke in mind the whole time I was sewing. I bought these fabrics when I was pregnant with Jake, wanting to make this quilt, but sadly never got around to it. Once I got the binding on this quilt - I was in love. Its navy bind, hard to see in the picture, but I love the white with all the blue colors. Very clean and classy looking. I may just have to make this one again as I still have some fabrics.

This is my little helper. Anytime there is a quilt on the ground (completed or just the blocks laying there) he has to jump on it. This pattern is New Arrivals by Two Peas in a Pod. Very easy to put together with great results.

The back was polka dots - need I say more. Such a fun quilt to make. I hope Brooke enjoys it as much as I enjoyed making it.

Words to Remember

2011-08-07T11:23:00.000-06:00

Source: etsy.com via Abby on Pinterest

Trouble with a capital T

2011-08-06T11:15:00.000-06:00

I already knew I was in trouble - but the fun just keeps coming....When do they grow out of the "need to get into everything" stage? Sam is now scaling walls and opening up the pool cover (and breaking it).

Mrs B Quilt

2011-08-04T23:13:00.000-06:00

Last week I attended a funeral for a dear sweet lady Mrs B. She was a mastermind who helped shape and mold the company I have worked for over the past 16 years. She was also the mother to a friend of the family. Instead of sending flowers - my family opted to send a quilt. I looked through the quilts I had completed and none of them seemed to fit the family - so I decided to start a new project. Problem was we wanted to have it finished by the viewing - 3 short days away.

I got busy - using the quilt pattern 5 and Dime from All Washed Up I pulled some fabrics from my stash and got sewing. On the back of this pattern it says "5 minutes to shop, 10 minutes to cut and you're sewing your quilt" -- they ain't lying! This quilt goes together so fast. It is an easy pattern, but I think if you pick the right fabrics, you still get a beautiful quilt. In those 3 days - I actually made two. The first one I started didn't end up being big enough - but it is beautiful. I'll show pictures soon.

I don't think this picture does the fabrics justice. The line used was one of the Collection for a Cause by Moda and it is very pretty. Kind of old civil warish looking.

This is a great pattern to make if you're in a hurry - especially if you have a pretty focal print to use for the sashing.

I hope our friends wrap themselves up in this quilt and think of Mrs B as if she has her arms around them. She was truly a great woman and will be missed.

Conversations with Jake

2011-07-26T07:14:00.000-06:00

Outside playing - trying to get him away from the new passion he has called you tube...

Me: "lets play a game."
Jake: "I have a game we can play. Its called shoot mom."
Me: looking at him funny as we have stayed away from guns for the most part here
Jake: "Mom, your the target -- I'm serious - You are the target."

Luckily for me - the shooting was from his toy boat that shot out life perservers. But where does he learn words like serious and target???? Way too smart for his own good.

Project Updates

2011-07-23T21:40:00.000-06:00

I have been sewing and quilting this week and have much to report.

I finished my zig zag quilt top. I was a little worried that the border would take away from the zag effect, but I have to say I'm loving how it turned out!

I also finished the Easy Bricks pattern top.

The one on Moda Bake shop doesn't have a border - I'm tempted to add one - what do you think?

I finally got some quilting done too - of my own if you can believe it. I made this quilt about 2 years ago. I wanted to get it done by the 4th to display - but that didn't happen. Better late then never.

A close up of the quilting. I did stars in the blue, and cross hatching through the flag part. I like the way it turned out.

For this weekend I've got two client quilts to work on. I'm doing pantographs on both, so they take me a little longer. I also have a cute baby quilt in the works that I'm so excited to give at a shower in August. Pictures to come soon.

I took Tuesday night to myself, went downstairs at 6pm, came up at 9pm, went back down around 10pm and worked til about midnight. Got all the above projects done - including binding on the flag quilt. I love a productive night. What a mom can accomplish with no kids around is amazing!!!! Good to get back in the swing of things!

What a Wonderful World

2011-07-22T13:13:00.000-06:00

Last night I watched both my little butterballs fall asleep. I have to say there is nothing better in this world then my little sleeping Sam. He is so cute - whenever he turns over he smacks his lips over and over again, making the cutest little sounds. He is such a bundle of energy day in and day out, that to watch him be so still and peaceful is a small miracle all in itself.

Source: None via Alyssa on Pinterest

Today I spent the day with my kids in between emails and conference calls. Sam has a little airplane that plays What a Wonderful World as one of the songs. Everytime this song goes off, I immediatley think of my Grandpa Jiggs. He loved this song, loved Louis Armstrong, and lived by the mantra of that song.

I think about Jiggs often and all the great times we had together. So much of my childhood is wrapped up in times spent with Jiggs. I worked for him from the time I was in middle school. Spent nights playing cards and dominos, going to Jazz games, having sing a longs with the family. I think of how different life would have been if he was still around (and had stayed frozen in time as the grandpa I grew up with). How I would have loved for Mike to have met him, for my kids to have spent time with him. I would love to see Jiggs watch Tyler, Benji, and Bud all become fathers. He would have loved to see these boys he was so close to turn into fathers. And he would have loved all these little boys we all have - and the little girls - he would have loved the talent shows and singing those girls can bring!

I love that a little tune from my kids toy can take me back years and remind me of such a wonderful man. And that his mantra in life is something I try to remember every day.

Sure miss ya Jiggs.

San Diego

2011-07-16T07:13:00.001-06:00

A few pictures from our weekend in San Diego.

Jake wrote his name in the sand

Sam burying his feet

Jake


San Diego from the Coronado shore

Jake at Legoland

Fun at the Zoo

something to use as leverage on getting a new pandora charm

Tree Elephant

Hydrangeas were everywhere and beautiful!

Jake and Sam not having fun on a turtle

Sammy petting a goat


My boys on the sky ride

Last night at the beach - perfect ending to a perfect trip!

Oceanside Wrap Party

2011-07-15T07:45:00.000-06:00

I wanted to post a few pictures of our trip to Oceanside. It was so much fun and I never want to forget this trip! Lots of pictures, that I'm sure only the Latimers will appreciate...

Sam didn't love being buried alive

Tyson digging a hole for the kids

Me and my boys

Jake in the hole


Sam in the hole

Riding bikes

Lacey, Jake, me, Sharon, Patty

My cute nieces and all their kids!


Sharon and Patty

Keira, Hailey, and Alysa

Keden, Jake, JJ, Alysa, Hailey, Keira - Jakes new BFFs

Sam on the stairs - I should have lost 10 pounds from chasing him up and down

Sharon my MIL playing poker gangster style

My in laws - LOVE this picture


Jake and Sam playing in the sand

Quotes to Remember

2011-07-14T07:37:00.002-06:00

Source: None via Abby on Pinterest

Pinned from here

Note to Self

2011-07-12T19:28:00.000-06:00

- When making grilled pizza's DON'T throw the dough on the grill while talking to your sister on the phone, responding to work issues via email, and chasing around your kids - Dough BURNS

Not a very good picture - but can you see the black? We still had pizza - it was just Papa John's....

I'll have to try again.

Sewing Updates

2011-07-12T07:03:00.000-06:00

I've been working on a few projects lately. I've never been one to start a project while working on another, but I've thrown that theory out the door.

The week before I left for Oceanside I made a couple of baby quilts for Whit and Marta who both had baby gifts to give. I have to say - I LOVE the girl quilt we made for Marta. I didn't snap a picture, but I bought fabric to do it again. Turned out so cute. We used the quick method to get them done, but they still turned out so cute.

This last week I quilted a few quilts for people. This applique quilt is so cute! Not necessarily the quilting but the actual quilt. It was so much fun to do.

Sunday night I stayed up til about 1am finishing the quilt top of my Blissful Zig Zag quilt. I love this quilt! I am so excited to get the borders put on and get it quilted. No idea what I'm going to do with it, but I am loving it.

I also have all my blocks sewn together for the Easy Bricks quilt. Now I just have to start sewing them together. Hopefully I can find some time this week.

I also have a quilt to do for my mom - prepping work to start before the weekend - and cut out a quilt for Whit and a baseball one for my boys. Most importantly I have a cute little quilt to get started on for a shower in August. I'm excited to see how its going to turn out.

I use not let myself start on a new project til the other one was completed - I think I've gotten over that. I really like having a few going on in different stages so if I have a minute here or there I can pick up something and feel like I'm making progress. Is that a theme in my life? Making progress - I feel like I've got to be productive....wonder why.

It feels good to get a few things done!

Menu Mondays

2011-07-11T19:01:00.000-06:00

After taking a break from cooking for the last....month or so - I've decided to get back into it. Mike and I are both trying to lose some weight for an upcoming trip and so we have really been watching it. I'm not watching calories - not saying no to anything, but with limited calories per day - one really has to think before eating. I made enchiladas last night - which the pan had 2400 calories in all - but I portion controlled them and make sure to get 12 servings taking it down to 220 calories per serving...pretty good for cheese covered enchiladas.

Monday - Pork Roast, corn on the cob, melon
Tuesday - Grilled Pizza
Wednedsay - Tacos
Thursday - Hamburgers (I'm going veggie style) w/ grapes
Friday - Cheese Tortellini w/ salad
Saturday - Cereal - hitting up Draper Days!
Sunday - Lemon Chicken - Jake asked for more chicken last time I made this - so good!

Old Friends

2011-07-10T09:43:00.009-06:00

Source: weheartit.com via Abby on Pinterest

A few months ago I went to dinner with 3 of my oldest friends. Courtney - whom I've known since I was 9 months old and she was born. Emily who I don't remember when we met, but it seems like we've always been in each others lives. Our friendship blossomed around the 7th grade. And Angie, who I have known since 6th grade and spent all my middle and high school years running around with.

I cannot even begin to put into words how much fun we had. Courtney and I drove together and it amazes me how even though we haven't talked in months even a year sometimes we pick right back up as if we talked on the phone yesterday. I was in tears from laughing by the time we got to Angie's house.

Source: cherrybam.com via Abby on Pinterest

We met Emily at the restaurant and we ate and laughed and talked for 3 hours. We closed down the place went outside and talked some more. I had told Mike it would be a late night, I don't think he realized I wouldn't walk in the door until nearly midnight. (It was a Tuesday for crying out loud). I don't get together with friends often anymore. Everyone gets busy with work, family, kids baseball games etc. But this was one of those nights I will remember forever.

I love the feeling of getting together with old friends who know you so well, even after all this time and space. I love the feeling nothing has changed no matter how long it has been since we last talked. I love talking about old friends from high school and Courtney pulls out her phone to her facebook page so we can all get a glimpse of so and so's life. I love laughing til it hurts and tears are flowing. I loved coming home that night and falling asleep with a smile on my face because these girls will be my friends for life. I love writing this post and remembering the night with yet another smile on my face - I love those girls!

images pinned from here
http://pinterest.com/pin/58735571/
http://pinterest.com/pin/59758629/

Pefect Beginnings

2011-07-09T09:41:00.000-06:00

Friday I left work a little early.
Came home to catch with my sister
Play with my kids
Quick dinner of hotdogs and fruit
A swim in the pool
How to Train your Dragon was the movie of choice
Popcorn + energy drinks

= Perfect way to start the weekend.

The Very Thought of You

2011-07-03T20:06:00.000-06:00

I saw a movie once that talked about moments in peoples lives. You don't have those moments on video or in pictures, but those are the moments and memories that are thought about for years to come.

In the movie they play back these memories to the song sung by Nat King Cole - The Very Thought of You.

This last week we spent the week in Oceanside CA at a beach house with Mike's whole family. I think there was 34 of us in this beach house. It was a huge 5 level (lots o' stairs and an elevator) house. Each family got their own room and bathroom which was nice. There was two LARGE kitchen and family room areas, 2 balcony's, a patio with access to the beach, and 2 hot tubs. It was dreamy to say the least. I did take many pictures and they will be coming soon, but my thoughts keep going back to all the moments I don't have pictures of.

-Late night walk on the beach with Jake. Running away from the waves. Watching him fall in love with the beach just like I am.
-Sam hiding his feet in the sand.
-One AM laughing session with Gina, Brandy, and Brittany (Brandy get a blog)
-Talent Shows (I may have a few pics of this one)
-Sharon (my MIL) playing poker in a hoodie and sun glasses - gangster style
-Jake with the girls (he LOVES playing with his new to him cousins)
-All the little kids circling an ipad, taking turns and watching each other play games
-Mckinly - may be the cutest little girl ever!!!
-Lacey doing everyone's nails - I got a pedi too.
-Riding bikes up and down the beach

Needless to say we had a week full of fun memories. We have never done anything like this with the Latimer family before - and I hope this isn't the one and only. We had so much fun spending time with all the families. I am sad to say 2 of Mike's nieces I have barely met til this trip. TEN YEARS into our marriage and I'm still meeting people in his family. And they are who I spent the most time with on the trip! This trip opened my eyes to how important it is to make an effort to stay close to your family. It was so much fun to watch my kids interact with the great grandkids (who are closer to their age) and watch Sam who goes to no one, run into Grandpa's arms every morning when he saw him. By the end of the trip he was running around with the kids and letting Gina take him on walks. We sure could have used a few more days!

It was so much fun - and I can't wait to get together with the family again. Even if it isn't at a beach house - although that sure was a beauty!

Thanks Sharon and Ken for a wonderful vacation!

Conversations with Jake

2011-06-29T07:20:00.002-06:00

Jake at the kitchen island playing with his Star Wars Legos.

Jake: Mom - does Darth Vader have the good force or the bad force?
Me: He has the bad force until the end of the movie, and then he switches to the good force.
Jake: What does the bad force do mom?
Me: It pushes people around.
Jake: What does the good force do?
Me: It helps people.
Jake: Mom, I think I have the good force and Sammy has the bad force.
Me: (laughing) Sammy doesn't have the bad force.
Jake: Mom, he pushes me around all the time and pulls hair - I think that is the bad force.

What is a mom to say to that?

T-shirt Surprise

2011-06-27T15:49:00.000-06:00

I call this quilt a T-shirt surprise because that is what it did for me. It was a big fun surprise. I have a friend who has had me make t-shirt quilts for her kids as they graduate. She brings me t-shirts and has even printed out art work, or graduation announcements on t-shirts. We look through colors and she picks out the look she is going for, and then I begin the process.

The reason this is a surprise is because I just start sewing. No pattern, an idea, which usually changes as I get going, and at the end this is what we get.

What I love about making these t-shirt quilts is that it doesn't just look like t-shirts and nothing else. I try to incorporate quilting blocks, fabrics, textures to make this a keepsake treasure.

I have done 2 quilts like this for girls previous, and when I got the opportunity to do a boy version I was so excited. I had a vision - blues, reds, browns, plaids, stripes etc. Shelia had another vision - bright greens and blues. I have to be honest, I was a little worried - I love these colors myself, but its hard to change the version I had in my mind. The more I sewed the more I fell in love with this quilt. I think it turned out so bright and fun.

I wasn't home when Shelia picked it up, so I didn't get to see her expression or hear first hand what she thought of the quilt. That is always a fear I have - that the customer won't love it. After reading this post I was thrilled to hear it went over well - and her son said this was the best gift he'd ever gotten! I'm so happy they like the quilt and that it all ended well for everyone.

There is so much time, effort, and money that goes into a quilt - its so nice when someone who doesn't quilt appreciates and loves the end result.

It was so much fun to make this quilt - I can't wait to start this tradition with my own kids. Thanks for the idea Shelia!

18 Months

2011-06-25T14:49:00.000-06:00

Is this not the cutest little guy alive? (I say that about Jake too.) I can't believe 18 months has come and gone. My little Sammy is the craziest, most loving, cuddling, biting, pulling hair, laughing, crying, cutest smile out there little guy.

Sam - you go all day long. With little sleep, and you love to play ALL DAY. Anyone who spends anytime with you is lucky to get any down time. First thing in the morning you wake up with a smile, and crawl right out of bed. I often worry you're going to fall because your eyes are still closed, but from the moment you wake up you're on the go. You are such a happy boy (as long as you're doing something) and you smile and laugh all the time. Playing outside is your favorite past time right now, and I can't get enough of your beautiful blue eyes and white/blond hair.

You have brought a craziness into our lives I never expected, yet we needed. You keep us on our toes. You have a determination to do everything and get into everything, and you find a way to do it. A trait that may be challenging for a mama to deal with right now, but I know with time that determination will get you everything you want in this world. You don't give up on anything - which will serve you well in the future.

Right now you are still learning words - you only say a few, but somehow you manage to communicate exactly what you want when you want it. We know when you want to eat, play on the computer, swim, go outside, watch a show. Pointing at airplanes and running after dogs. You would be the best at playing charades and I would certainly want to be on your team. I am so excited to see you form sentences and have conversations with you. I have watched that little brain of yours think and try so hard to talk for so long now, that once it happens I think you will speak in sentences and be able to tell me all the things you've been thinking. I can't wait to have little talks about your day, and your dreams, and plans for tomorrow.

Sam, you've got the cutest little smile and laugh. I love getting your open mouth kisses and how you come running to me when I walk in the door. Every time I pick you up you lay your head on my shoulder and pat my back. So sweet and loving. You still have a few issues with hitting, biting and pulling hair but we're working on those and you're growing out of that stage. I hope you will always want to hug and cuddle with me. I treasure our nights together when you cuddle into the nook of my arms and hold my hand. I know these moments won't last forever. I always smile a little (even at 3am) when you have lay your head on me to go back to sleep. For as active as you are, there is nothing sweeter than snuggling up with you at night.

I love watching you play with Jake. It is so fun to see you both get excited when the other one wakes up in the morning. I love how you kiss him and hug him. I also love how you body slam him. It is fun to watch you give back to Jake everything he gives to you. I love that you aren't afraid of him and you get right in there with him to play, even if he isn't welcoming you at the moment. I hope you two will grow up and love playing together. Love spending time with each other, and realize you have to be there for each other growing up. No one knows you like a sibling does, and I hope you remember that and stay close to each other as you grow up. My brothers and sister are my best friends at this point in my life, and I hope as you grow you keep Jake close by. He will always protect you and love you like no one else will.

Sammy, you have been a light in our home - a menace and crazy, but so much fun. You are a mamas boy right now, and I secretly love that about you. We have a special bond and I hope you will always remember how much I love you. As you grow up stay you. The mischievous, curious, determined, stubborn, fun loving little boy that you are. Those traits will serve you well over time and bring you all the happiness you can imagine.

Always remember that Mama loves you.

Love you,
Mom

Feels Like Forever

2011-06-21T10:21:00.000-06:00

I've been slacking in the blogging arena as of late. Here are a few things to catch everyone up on what we've been up to...

Our first mowing day of the year consist of sweats and sweatshirts.

But there were still happy faces - playing outside is Sam's favorite.

We have returned home from trips where the boys got to play in the sun and have a day full of fun (before the flu of 2011 hit us all along with anyone who stepped foot in our house)

Jake hit a little amusement park and went on rides all by himself!

He looks scared in this picture, but loved the ride once it was over.

I went on a business trip and this was the view from my room. It was a nice little get away. A walk on the beach - a bed to myself. Lots of work was completed, yet when you're at the beach does it really feel like work?

Makes me excited for our next adventure. A trip to Oceanside CA with the Latimer family. Thirty four people (yes I said 34) all in one house. Should be a fun few days!

The sun has finally started shining around our parts and summer is finally here. We have had BBQ's and swam, flowers are planted, umbrellas are up - everything is happy here. Nothing is better then summer days and warm nights!

Back on Track

2011-05-31T13:12:00.000-06:00

Hope everyone had a great Memorial Weekend. I had an extra long weekend taking Friday off. We spent the morning at Little Gym, road bikes in the park, played at the park, lunched with Whit, quilted with Ann. What better way to start off my weekend?

The previous weekend we decided at 6pm on Sunday night to convert Sam's room into a playroom. He has refused to sleep in his crib recently, so why have a room devoted to his crib? We spent the last week or so, looking for bunk beds and bedding. On Saturday the beds were deliveried and the transformation began. We spent the better part of the weekend putting together furniture, rearranging rooms, decorating, and cleaning. Although not the most fun way to spend a holiday weekend - it is like a weight has been lifted and I'm so excited to be able to see the floor in Jake's room again. It was being overrun with toys! It is so nice to have the playroom and the boys room seperated. I'm not ready yet to let Jake sleep on the top bunk, but its been fun watching the boys get up there and play. Yesterday Mike made a fort for them throwing a blanket over the opening to the bottom bunk. Hours of enjoyment.

I also spent the weekend sewing. Til 2am! I'm working on a custom quilt order for a graduation present and I'm so excited with how it is looking. A mixture of t-shirts, blues, greens, and white. It is turning out really cute. I hope my client likes it. My goal is to get the borders on it tonight - quilt it tomorrow - bind it on Thursday and have it ready for pick up on Friday. Hopefully the kids will cooperate!

I've also been working on a little Moda Bake Shop project and a Bliss zig zag project. When I saw the Bliss quilt I knew I had to have one. How to people come up with such cute ideas?

I have lots of pictures to share - just need to get them downloaded. Be back soon!

The Quilt Store and the Liquor Store

2011-05-20T07:00:00.002-06:00

Ever had one of those days? Yesterday was a rough day .... I feel a pattern here.

I work from home on Thursdays - and it is turning out to be a challenge. Sam had recently decided he doesn't like his crib. As in SCREAMING hysterically anytime you walk into his room when its close to nap time or bed time. If I lay him in his crib with his bottle and blankets he starts screaming and throws everything out of the crib. I leave him to cry it out - yet he doesn't ever stop crying. HOURS could pass. HOURs I tell you! He gets louder with time - he never lays down to fall asleep. Just stands there screaming.

Anyways - yesterday in an effort to get him to sleep so I could get some work done we went for a ride. My thoughts were to run a quick errand and hit the quilt store. I need a bella solid white charm pack. So we drove out to Material Girls - they didn't have any - so I continued onward to Pine Needles at Gardner Village. All the while - Sam was WIDE AWAKE in the back seat. Mind you - I was in sweats - Jake was dressed, but had chocolate all over his sleeves (he uses his sleeves as a napkin) and Sam was in his pjs and no shoes. (We don't get dressed on Thursdays). I was thinking by the time I got to Pine Needles he'd be sound asleep - I already had the charm packs on hold - I could pull right up front, run in and buy them leaving the kids in the car. Which of course didn't happen. Jake had to pee, Sam was wide awake - so we all hit the village running. I'm sure people looked at me like I was an unfit mother. Kids not dressed, no shoes for Sam, no makeup for mom...it was a pretty picture.

I got the charm packs, got the kids in the car and sat there thinking - I need to start drinking. The liquor store was going to be my next stop. What else can a mom do? I'm overwhelmed with mothering the kids, cleaning my house (or not cleaning my house in my case), clothes piling up to be folded, a full time job, a quilting job on the side, and actually taking a minute for me? (which I'm using to blog instead of sew). I mean drinking has got to be my only alternative right? So the quilt store and the liquor store...it was going to be my next stop. We drove around the parking lot and I saw the bakery....cookies, eclairs - oh a coke in a can.... so I ran in and loaded up (do you think I'm an emotional eater??? ummmm something to think about). I had a coke and an eclair. Jake and Sam had some honey boys, I even picked up a maple bar for Mike. We were all happy - so I guess I could forget about the liquor store. My need for coke and eclairs saved me from becoming a drunken mom. Who knew emotional eating could save us all?

BTW - Jake fell asleep on the way home - SAM not so much....HELP ME!!!

The Invisible Mom

2011-05-19T18:59:00.000-06:00

My friend Talia sent this over to me in an email this week and couldn't believe what a nerve it hit in me. Its been a rough few weeks/months trying to balance out life and this rang so true. I had to share it.

It all began to make sense, the blank stares, the lack of response, the way one of the kids will walk into the room while I'm on the phone and ask to be taken to the store. Inside I'm thinking, 'Can't you see
I'm on the phone?' Obviously not; no one can see if I'm on the phone, or cooking, or sweeping the floor, or even standing on my head in the corner, because no one can see me at all. I'm invisible.
The invisible Mom.

Some days I am only a pair of hands, nothing more! Can you fix this? Can you tie this? Can you open this??
Some days I'm not a pair of hands; I'm not even a human being. I'm a clock to ask, 'What time is it?' I'm a satellite guide to answer, 'What number is the Disney Channel?' I'm a car to order, 'Right around 5:30, please.' Some days I'm a crystal ball; 'Where's my other sock?, Where's my phone?, What's for dinner?'

I was certain that these were the hands that once held books and the eyes that studied history, music and literature -but now, they had disappeared into the peanut butter, never to be seen again. She's going, she's going, she's gone!

One night, a group of us were having dinner, celebrating the return of a friend from England . She had just gotten back from a fabulous trip, and she was going on and on about the hotel she stayed in. I was sitting
there, looking around at the others all put together so well. It was hard not to compare and feel sorry for myself. I was feeling pretty pathetic, when she turned to me with a beautifully wrapped package, and
said, 'I brought you this.' It was a book on the great cathedrals of Europe.I wasn't exactly sure why she'd given it to me until I read her inscription: 'With admiration for the greatness of what you are building
when no one sees.'

In the days ahead I would read - no, devour - the book. And I would discover what would become for me, four life-changing truths, after which I could pattern my work:
1) No one can say who built the great cathedrals - we have no record of their names.
2) These builders gave their whole lives for a work they would never see finished.
3) They made great sacrifices and expected no credit.
4) The passion of their building was fueled by their faith that the eyes of God saw everything.

A story of legend in the book told of a rich man who came to visit the cathedral while it was being built, and he saw a workman carving a tiny bird on the inside of a beam. He was puzzled and asked the man, 'Why are
you spending so much time carving that bird into a beam that will be covered by the roof, No one will ever see it And the workman replied, 'Because God sees.'

I closed the book, feeling the missing piece fall into place. It was almost as if I heard God whispering to me, 'I see you. I see the sacrifices you make every day, even when no one around you does.
No act of kindness you've done, no sequin you've sewn on, no cupcake you've baked, no Cub Scout meeting, no last minute errand is too small for me to notice and smile over. You are building a great cathedral, but you can't see right now what it will become.

I keep the right perspective when I see myself as a great builder. As one of the people who show up at a job that they will never see finished, to work on something that their name will never be on.The writer of the book went so far as to say that no cathedrals could ever be built in our lifetime because there are so few people willing to sacrifice to that degree.

When I really think about it, I don't want my son to tell the friend he's bringing home from college for Thanksgiving, 'My Mom gets up at 4 in the morning and bakes homemade pies, and then she hand bastes a
turkey for 3 hours and presses all the linens for the table.' That would mean I'd built a monument to myself. I just want him to want to come home. And then, if there is anything more to say to his friend, he'd say, 'You're gonna love it there...'

As mothers, we are building great cathedrals. We cannot be seen if we're doing it right. And one day, it is very possible that the world will marvel, not only at what we have built, but at the beauty that has been added to the world by the sacrifices of invisible mothers.

Conversations with Jake

2011-05-18T07:44:00.000-06:00

Jake taking a bite out of a giant marshmallow today and dropped it on the floor.

"There is a marshmallow on the loose!"

Where does he come up with these things? Love this little boy.

Menu Mondays - on Tuesday

2011-05-17T15:53:00.000-06:00

Its been a rough week. Vegas turned into a nightmare with both kids getting sick! Once we got home Mike and I both got sick. Last week was spent getting past this horrible flu - and passing it along to anyone who walked into our house -- sorry bout that.

In an effort to get back into the swing of things - I've put together a menu for this week. My mother-in-law who has an addiction to the ipad found a great Betty Crocker recipe app. I used it this week to make Sunday dinner. It was delicious. Thanks Sharon for sharing!

Sunday - Mexican Pasta Bake
Monday - Crock pot rump roast and cinnamon yams
Tuesday - left overs
Wednesday - Turkey Sandwiches
Thursday - Chicken and Black Bean enchilada bake
Friday - Meatball hero sandwiches

I have to say in the cooking department I've been overly active this week. I've also made homemake applesauce and this morning we had scrambled eggs w/cheese, bacon, strawberries, and freshly squeezed orange/grapefruit/kiwi juice with a little spinach thrown in for some veggies. My goal is to use up what I have at home without having to spend so much at the grocery store - so I'm trying to use things up before they go bad. We'll see how long it lasts!

What are you making this week?