Patchwork In The Desert

M4H Weeks 3 - 6, Playing Catch Up!

2012-02-11T20:47:00.000-08:00

It's been a little while since I've posted.... life has been full!

Here are my submissions for weeks 3 - 6 for M4H 52 Challenge. You can find the group on Flickr.com

Week 6 - Emotion

Week 5 - Simplicity

Week 4 - Imperfection

Week 3 - Inspiration

Thinking of a shot for each weekly theme has been a true challenge.

I sometimes wish she'd request something like 'child with pet', that would be soooo easy!

I have enjoyed the challenge though and am blown away by some of the submissions entered.

Week 2 / 52

2012-01-15T09:16:00.000-08:00

This is my submission for M4H 52, week 2.

Our old doggie, Scotty, became suddenly sick 1 1/2 wks ago, I think he had a stroke. I took this shot of our new puppy, Bear, sitting by Scotty. Bear new Scotty was sick, and just wanted to stay with him.

It's not a great shot, technical-wise, but it captured a bittersweet moment in our 'life' last week.

Amazing Canon 5D Mark II Give-A-Way!

2012-01-10T00:11:00.000-08:00

You've got to go to

http://www.myfourlittlehensphotography.com/ and check out Sarah's

Give-a-Way!

A Canon 5D Mark II.... woot woot!

A full-framed camera.... what would I do with it? I'd find a give-a-way for a good L series lens and win that too, and go to town with both items, lol!

I have really enjoyed

http://www.myfourlittlehensphotography.com/ ,

it's a great place to hang out. I like her style of shooting as well as her personality. I love when you stumble upon blogs/sites written by people that you JUST know you'd be buddies with if you ended up in the same town.

And I love her reason for doing the Give-A-Way. What a testimony!

I sure do hope I win, but hey, even if I don't, I'll be ok ;-)

New Photography Challenge

2012-01-07T22:59:00.000-08:00

I joined a new photography challenge group this week.

It's sponsored by Sarah at

My Four Little Hens Photography

(www.myfourlittlehensphotography.com/photographers)

She has a group on Flickr you can follow, or else you can follow her on Facebook.

She will be posting a weekly theme. Those who join the challenge will post their weekly photo on Flickr or Facebook.

Her theme for the first week of Janaury was

Resolutions.

Here's my photo I submitted....

My resolution is to be a good steward with the 3 most important gifts we humans are given...

my faith, my family, my time.

It is my goal to post each weekly picture on my blog.

What's your resolution?

Really.... I probably have a list twice as long as last years but haven't written it down yet1

Fun Day

2011-12-28T17:52:00.000-08:00

Well, I guess I cross one more thing of my 'Want to Do' list for 2011.

I didn't necessarily have a 'quilt camp' here, but I did host a craft/sewing day in the desert!

Had 2 girlfriends come over for a craft day, well, more like an eating/crafting day!

Miss C. made pacifier-type clip-ons, and Miss W. made some magical soda can flowers and embellishments with her BigZ and dyes.

I didn't get much done, but here's something I did finish.

It's a wool, yoyo purse/clutch!

I am going to make another one w/ some 1930's fabric.

Snow Day 2011

2011-12-25T21:19:00.000-08:00

Wow, we had so much fun!

Merry Merry

2011-12-23T18:43:00.000-08:00

Merry Merry

Christmas!

we celebrated on the 22nd, with a big dinner and gifts. we are headed to Mt. Charleston on Sunday to go sledding! I can't wait! we're packin' sub sandwiches, hot chocolate, and extra socks!

Here's my gang this year. Sailor Boy came home on the 19th and has been spoiling me by spending lots of time with me.

I hope I get a better picture on Sunday!

We hope you are spending time with family,

remembering the most important gift of all...

Jesus!

Quilt.... from the beginning!

2011-11-27T10:28:00.000-08:00

Bonnie Hunter, of http://www.quiltville.com/ and http://www.quiltville.blogspot.com/ is an amazing quilter and quilt designer. She has a loyal following among the quilters of the world. She generously posts dozens of free quilt patterns on her blog. She donates her quilts to good causes. She is like the neighbor across the street; real, tangible, funny, friendly. She is a 'green' quilter. She likes to recycle fabrics from clothing into her quilts. She has created a system for fabric storeage and usage, so not a piece gets wasted. ' If it's still ugly, you just haven't cut it up enough! '

She has posted on her blog, yesterday, about her first several quilts, and posted photos of some of them. She put a call out to her 'groupies' to do the same. We'll link them up to her blog with Mr. Linky!

So I dug through my cedar chests and old steamer trunks to find mine. I actually found them, which is amazing in itself. I made my first quilt in the summer of 2000. It made my mom cry.

Not because it was that bad, although it almost was, but because I was quilting. She is an incredibly gifted woman with crafts, she can make anything! She has quilted, knit, crocheted, painted, anything you can think of! She designed and made a Bicentenial Quilt which hung in the Philadelphia Art Museum for a year.

I was the (only) daughter who wanted to play football and hockey. The last thing I wanted to do was sit and quilt, sew, crochet, etc., ANYTHING!

So when I told her I was going to make a quilt, she just about keeled over. And I did! And she cried! And now, I've made dozens. I don't think I am near the 100 mark. Maybe 50?

Here is my first quilt I pieced... a railroad fence pattern. It's about 42" x 42".

Here's a shot of the front/back. I handquilted it (yikes) and did the back of the binding by hand. To this day, I dislike bindings immensely!

This is my 3rd quilt. Made of Thimbleberries fabric, which I love. I made it for my (only) daughter, who - by the way, has inherited a lot of my mother's skills and my talent for football.

This is my most recently finished quilt! It is Bonnie Hunter's Smoky Mountain Stars. (see a post a few posts down about this and the design) I have attached the binding to the front, now to the back. I think I am going to have to do that by hand. Ugh.... anyone for a binding party in the Vegas area?

I like to think I've improved a little bit. Still not one for the smaller details.

Resolutions follow-up. Uh Oh!

2011-11-27T09:15:00.000-08:00

Way back in the beginning of the year, I wrote a post with my New Year's Resolutions.

I want to see where I am at with mine.

Does anyone else do this? The downside of posting them on my blog = accountability! Yikes!

Here they are!

Resolutions?

-use my time better for God         (could always improve)

-pray more for my kids                 (yes, as they give me more to pray about!)

- lose weight                                  (oh yes! I was down a total of 26 lbs, now it's 21, but working on it)

-eat 5 servings veggies every day   (failed MISERABLY!)

-be joyful in all that I do                 (yikes.... one that always needs improving!)

-keep my list of 'to do's caught up    (again.... one that needs improving and SOON!)

-be a better wife/mom              ( I have my good days...)

-handle money better               ( could always use improving!)

-keep my home life prioritized and in order     (another could always use improving)

-not get behind in homeschool    ( well, that's the beauty of homeschooling. I set the schedule,lol)

-get up at 5:30 am everyday so I can have my 'quiet time' and get to the gym & back before kids get up for school and...                         (hmmmm, again, no)

-go to gym 6 mornings a week    (not really)
                                                        ( but I did run a 5k!)

Bucket List for 2011

(or things I'd like to do this year)

- start hiking more with my family    (went a few times w/ the kids & friends)

- get back east to see my family there (as of Dec. 7th, I'll have been there 2x)

-get to NC to hang w/ Kim for 2 weeks (give or take)   (sadly, no...)

-get to Reno/Minden to hang with Cindy for 2 weeks (give or take)    (She came here for 2 days !)

-get to Cracker Barrel w/ Tami at least 4 times (been there once w/ her, once w/ McGyver, once w/ Cindy)

-Colorado quilt camp (yes, one actually completed!)

-Ely quilt camp     (sadly, no, not yet!)

-Vegas quilt camp    (nope, not yet)

-Beach/photography road trip w/ Becky & Leslie    (why yes, did this!)

- spend the summer somewhere cooler than the desert   (spent part at the Little Blue House, and had a quilt camp there)

-visit my Mid at the Academy (yes! as of Dec. 10th, will have done that 2x)

-advance in my quilting skills    (well, relatively successful. my bindings are getting better)

-advance in photographic skills    (again, relatively. )

-grow a better garden     (yes, I did this. relatively!)

Well, there's the skinny on my resolutions list. Looks like I'll be busy the rest of the year!

Where are you with your list? Any better than me?

Autumn Stars at Night.... all quilted!

2011-11-16T15:24:00.000-08:00

Kristina @ http://www.froggybottomquilting.blogspot.com/

quilted Hunk #2's birthday quilt! Isn't it beautiful!

The backing is a 100% cotton Ralph Lauren denim sheet. I am making the binding out of the remaining fabric!

ps... Kristina took the pix too!

The original pattern was Smokey Mountain Stars by Bonnie Hunter of http://www.quiltville.com/
She had posted several photos of this pattern people had made, and someone adapted it into this pattern (the border & retangles). I figured out her pattern from the photo and made it. However, the name and photo are no longer on the website, at least as far as I can see. I wanted to give her and Bonnie Hunter the appropriate credit.

And to all those who comforted me as I cried over this .... thank you!
(heehee)

I was so excited when I saw that picture of the quilt adaptation. I had been collecting fall batiks and thought it'd be the perfect quilt to use them in! I was getting the fabrics prepped when Hunk #2 walked in the room (Summer 2010) and said, Mom... can you make me a quilt? I want stars on it. And in fall colors? Huh, Mom? Can you?
'Really?' was my thought. I nodded my head and said, 'well, maybe someday.'

It's November 12th, How Did That Happen?

2011-11-12T21:06:00.000-08:00

I just can't get over the fact it's November already. Really?

Like, really really?

All of the sudden it went from being yucky hot to chilly. Brrr! Down comforter chilly! Flannel sheet chilly! Wow! Amazing!

I was definitely ready for cooler weather. I must be older than I think I am, because I am not enjoying it as much as I used to. I don't want the heat though, so I will be glad to keep the chilly weather!

What's new?

I've been stitching away. Here's a few things I've been making lately...

And, here's something pretty cool! Back on Oct. 22, McGyver and I ran a 5K together! We made it across the finish line w/ out any medical help whatsoever... lol.

Fun & Quick!

2011-10-16T15:33:00.000-07:00

Got the idea for this neat, easy peasy pillowcase from my friend K at http://www.froggybottomquilting.blogspot.com/

She found it on the 'net somewhere.

Cute, huh?

Oh... it took all of 10 minutes, maybe? Maybe less!

But love it!

Busy Bee!

2011-09-27T21:09:00.000-07:00

I've been overwhelmed with busybusy lately!

I don't know how my calendar gets so full. Somebody oughta look into that for me!

The biggest stresser for me lately was the 24 centerpieces I had to make for the Boy Scout Spaghetti Dinner / Silent Auction fundraiser, help on 9/22. I had a few friends helping me look for ideas, thanks Les & Wen! And Pinterest! My new fav. site.

Anyway... 24 were completed. Les came over last Tuesday to help me figure out how the finished product should look. Man... once that was done, I felt so relieved. Until I walked into the Boy Scout Hall and found out I needed 39! Fortunately I had brought some fall decorations & fall fabric, so I was able to get all the tables done!

Here's just a few photos...

Cute, huh?

Little Blue House Quilt Camp

2011-08-30T20:51:00.000-07:00

Chicklet and I drove out to the West End last week for some R & R, quilt-style. We went to Montrose on Friday, for Friday Night Sew-In with Dinner! We had a great time visiting with the gals at Ladybugz Quilt Company, our FAV store!

We spent the night quilting away.... Chicklet made a bag and I worked on a quilt I started last year. We hung out at Kristi's house overnight, and then back to Ladybugz on Saturday for coffee and visiting. We went for a fabulous walk along the Uncompagre River. We hurried back to the quilt store to meet Carol H, who was bringing us Bear Dog. If you haven't been privy to our dog saga this summer, count your blessings! And I'll spare you the gory details now!

Chicklet poses, one more time!

Hello, I am BearDog!

Autumn Stars at Night

Me, Lori, and Krist at the Little Blue House

Autumn Stars at Night, Bed Runner, This 'n That

Kristi and her Paris Bag

Kristi drove back to the West End with us late afternoon, and Lori joined us later on for 2 nights/days of sewing/quilting/eating/seussjuce/laughing, etc, at the Little Blue House and we had a blast. I finished the quilt mentioned above... it will be for Hunk #2's 18th bday coming up. I finally got the binding on the Colorado Kaleidescope too! I layered Hunk #4's quilt and quilted it. All I need to do is add the binding and that's done!

Chicket and I are hanging out at Auntie & Uncle's big white house tonight.... our plumbing is totally messed up at the Little Blue House. The plumbers come early in the morning, woo hoo! It's back to the desert on Thursday! We're missing our Hunks!

My Antique Mall Find!

2011-08-18T17:15:00.000-07:00

My girlfriend Tami tool me out the other day for a belated b-day celebration! We had lunch and shopped at the Antique Mall, not too far away. I found this beautiful, vintage Yo Yo Quilt / Table Runner for $15. Fabrics dated to the 60's & early 70's.

I felt it was my duty to 'rescue' this top!

Family

2011-08-17T17:04:00.000-07:00

Our Sailor came home on July 22 for a few weeks. He headed back to Annapolis this morning, while hunks # 2 & #3 started school. Hunk #4 and Chicklet are blessed to be homeschooled, and double-blessed because I don't have my act together quite yet, as far as that goes! I am working on it though.

Here's 2 pictures from last night... had the camera on timer. It's not great, photography-wise, but it's great because we're all in it!

Here's more of the clan!

That's all, folks!

Little Things...

2011-07-20T07:46:00.000-07:00

It's been a busy week. McGyver is in Colorado working on the house... he took his mom along so she could see the progress made.

I've been here with the 4 kiddos, anxiously awaiting Hunk#1's arrival home this coming Friday evening!

I've been working in my sewing 'area', trying to organize it.

I've been staying up late at night, reading. Living on the edge, I am!

I wasn't too happy at 5:30 am when Mr. Grilled (aka rooster who's supposed to be a chicken) found his voice. I jumped out of bed & hosed him down. Thats usually all it takes, and he's quiet the rest of the day. Not today. He kept going & going. I woke up Hunk #4 at 6:15 and we took said rooster to the animal shelter. They will farm him out. I am sad, as I really enjoy him otherwise!

Here's a few items I've been working on lately... Hope you enjoy!

The top items (yoyo's & pockets) are magnets. Those are for the Farmer's Mkt. booth, as well as the sun glass case. Those are fun & easy to put together.

Have a super blessed day!

New Etsy Store...

2011-07-16T22:35:00.000-07:00

I am opening up a second Etsy store called P31Gal.

This store will sell wool and felted wool items.

10% of all proceeds go to help support Wycliffe Missionaries, Doug & Bernie Campbell. They are friends of ours from the EAA Airshow.

I don't have anything listed on there right now, but will soon. I am also going to be selling items at a local Farmer's Market, Fresh52! They have a few locations around town... the closest being on S. Eastern between Serene & Silverado Ranch, on the E. side of the road. I know they are there on Sundays from 8:30am - 1pm. I am not sure of the location on Saturdays.

A lady from our old church has a booth & loves my creations! Imagine that ;-) . Her booth is Easy To Bee Green and she sells recycled, 'upcycled' items. I am excited at the prospect of making a little extra cash, but more so that others like my creations!

Hope to see you on Etsy and the Farmer's Market!

Weight Loss Wednesday!

2011-07-13T18:23:00.000-07:00

This week's stats...

Down .8 lbs and 2.5 "!

Total... 23.2 lbs down and 23 inches!

I only have 6 to go!

Coffee Mug Rugs!

2011-07-13T18:16:00.000-07:00

Here is a CUTE set of coasters /or coffee mug rugs I've been working on lately! They're so cute and kind of funky! I definitely need to learn some more decorative stitches. These will be for sale on Etsy soon! Keep your eyes open for them!

Weight Loss Wednesday!

2011-07-06T13:38:00.000-07:00

This week's stats

down 3.4 lbs and 4.5 inches

Running total....

down 22.4 lbs and 19.75 inches!

God is good!

Amazed...

2011-07-02T14:27:00.000-07:00

For a long time, I entered pix into the Pioneer Woman's photo contests. I finally gave up, because it seemed one needed to be a professional photographer and have an amazing blog to be chosen to be posted on her site as some of her favs. I was reading her blog before Father's Day, and noticed she was having a contest. So... I entered the picture of my hubby and kids, taken last year, where they are all kissing him. That was the last I thought about it. Last night, I was messing around on the 'net, and decided to look at MCP action photos for the week. I looked briefly, then looked at my account. I noticed my photo of McGyver and kids had a lot of hits (over 600) and a few comments. One of the comments mentioned she had seen this on PDub's site. I'll tell you - it took me a minute to process that! Then I checked and lo & behold, there it was! Not the finalist, but one of the ones featured. ;-)

http://thepioneerwoman.com/photography/2011/06/fathers-featured-submissions/comment-page-2/#comments

Where is my week going?

2011-06-30T22:20:00.000-07:00

McGyver and Hunk #3 left for home this morning... they had a wonderful day for the drive. Overcast & showers, cool temps.

Here on the hill, it was cloudy, windy, and cooler too. The kids & I spent the day at the little blue house.

Weight Loss Wednesday was busy... Off to Montrose for the day for shopping for stuff for the house & visiting the girls at the quilt store. Had lots of fun! However... only down .2 for the week and 1/2 inch! OUCH! That stinks. Must be that lasagna and enchiladas sisinlaw cooked. I cooked tonight & had salad & a few meatballs. Back on track. I hope!

Here's a few shots of the last few days...

Different snakes. Chicklet actually caught the last one pictured. Ugh... where's my princess?

Oink, Oink!

2011-06-26T21:49:00.000-07:00

This is what I feel like tonight!

I hope I don't look like it!

My sister-in-law made chicken enchiladas for dinner. I hadn't eaten all day. I ate like a pig!

I ate starches, dairy, and fats. All no-no's for me right now.

Did I say how delicious the chicken enchiladas were? Oh my, very yummy!

I hope this pig don't bite me too bad when I get on the scale Wednesday!

Colorado

2011-06-24T09:07:00.000-07:00

It's a beautiful day!

Weight Loss Wednesday...

2011-06-22T07:59:00.000-07:00

I have soooo much to blog about, but not the time to sit and do it! This is a quick post from Nucla, Co.

This week's stats...

down 2 lbs and 2 3/4 inches, for a total of 12 1/2" lost and 18.6 lbs.

Very happy!

Now if I could only figure out what my goal weight should be!

Weight Loss Wednesday! Drum Roll please .....

2011-06-15T08:51:00.000-07:00

For this last week - down 4.4 lbs and 3 inches!

Since 5/4/11, down 16.6 lbs and 10 3/4inches!

Praise God!

My goal is to lose 9 more lbs. In the last 21 years, I have only been about .8 lbs lower where I am now, and that was for @ 24hrs. I don't know if this body will put up a struggle or not. I hope not. I hope it gives it up very easily and quickly!

Today is 3 weeks of no sugars, starches, fats, or dairy. I get lots of proteins, veggies, and fruits. The hardest part is bread/pretzels, or lack thereof. I brought back some soft pretzels from Philadelphia and they are in the freezer, along with the TastyCakes. When it is time, I plan to enjoy one, or 1/2, once a week. Maybe.

I can't wait to start adding dairy back in! Right now, my arms are pain free and I don't have to deal with allergic reactions to food. I hope the dairy doesn't add those back in. I think it will be more sugary and starchy foods that are the culprit for me. I will just have to continue to make the right choices and listen to how they make my body feel.

I am learning discipline and obedience!

East Coast Trip

2011-06-14T16:20:00.000-07:00

I went back east June 1 - 7th, visiting my parents & my son!

I am sooooo happy I was able to spend some time with George and his sweet girlfriend, Carolyn. She is also a Midshipman(midshipwoman). But sweet & cute!

Here, my dad is telling everyone some story, and my mom is ready to smack him! Not much has changed in that 55+ yr relationship!

Weight Loss Wednesday!

2011-06-08T12:40:00.000-07:00

So.... since May 4, 2011, I am down 12.2 lbs AND 7 3/4"!

Very excited! And I thank God, and as LT says... every pound loss is evidence of obedience!

I even lost while back east for a week!

baby quilt

2011-05-24T18:52:00.000-07:00

Here's a little baby quilt I quilted this weekend for a baby shower. For a little boy... who's room is going to be decorated in Peter Rabbit. I love Peter Rabbit!

It's made of pastel homespuns and is really cute up close & personal!

Belated Weight Loss Wednesday!

2011-05-20T15:48:00.001-07:00

Week 2 -

no change in weight BUT

down 2.5 inches!

Total 4.2 lbs and 4.5 inches!

It's not all black & white!

2011-05-16T21:09:00.000-07:00

It's Not All Black & White

Designed and pieced by me!

Quilted (extraordinarily) by WithaKQuiltDesigns (www.etsy.com/shop/withakquiltdesigns) and http://www.froggybottomquilting.blogspot.com/

Created for the Timothy School for Autistic Children in Berwyn, Pa. annual Golf Outing/Fundraiser 2011 - and went for $750!! It was a big hit at the silent auction and received center stage position!

Photos by Kristina (WithaKQuiltDesigns)

Grilled or Fried?

2011-05-15T07:54:00.000-07:00

Introducing....Grilled and Fried1

They are twice this big (at least) now, getting on the poor dog's nerves, and loud!

According to Northern Vermont legend they are both females. Let's hope so. MacGyver had a weak moment (obviously I wasn't around) and told Hunk#4 and Chicklet they could each get a little chick while we were in Colorado 2 weeks ago. He told them they could keep the chicks for 28 days.

Now if they are female, I wouldn't mind trying them out to see what happens. But no one is building a coop, cage, henhouse, etc. So I will start calling my local friends to see who wants these little beasties.

Green Grocery Bag!

2011-05-13T10:36:00.000-07:00

I found this cute pattern on etsy the other day and purchased it.

It's at www.etsy.com/shop/keykalou !

Tell her I sent you!

I have this 'thing' with bags. I love them! I search high and low for them! But I can never seem to finish making one!

I finished this one! And it wasn't hard, it was easypeasy!

I had recently purchased this used brightly-striped canvas shower curtain at the thrift store and used that for the outside of the bag. For the lining, I used this cute all-over fliipflop fabric Kristi gave me last year. And the cool thing? It's reversible!

I attached one of my fabric flowers to the bag for more 'oohs & ahs'!

weightloss wednesday!

2011-05-11T16:29:00.000-07:00

down 4.2 for the first week! woohoo for me!

What's the deal?

2011-05-08T22:15:00.000-07:00

I've been trying to upload photos of my fun week and I am not having any luck with this!

Oh, snap!

I have been working on some fun things for Etsy and started listing tonight. I am only listing one a day.

I wanted to upload pix of our little chickens, 'Grilled' & 'Fried', but, alas... no go.

I wanted to upload a snapshot of my breakfast my lovely daughter made for me today, and she served it to me in bed! I love her!

It's been a busy week, guaranteed!

How's your week been?

Colorado and the girls!

2011-05-02T09:06:00.000-07:00

This past week we've been in Colorado working on the house a little. I managed to sneak away for a little R & R with my San Juan Quilt Guild girlies!

Here's a beautiful picture of the aspen tree outside the front door.

Here's McGyver working on the roof...

Chicklet and I relaxing on the porch at Auntie's house...

My friend Pat and her granddaughter w/ a baby quilt Pat made for her new greatgrandbaby!

Ros with her first UFO completed this weekend...

HI PAT!

Leatha messing around w/ a skirt she made for her grandaughter! You can see - she has clearly recovered from our little 'incident'!

Rosella's TaDah!

My first UFO completed...

another quilt done!

Kristi with her Christmas Pickle, which has been renamed

the 'Frickin' Pickle', aptly so...

Ros with another scrappy quilt...

Lori - the proud owner of the new LadyBugZ Quilt Company

My Scnibble's 'State Fair' - completed!

Wendy's UFO... done!

My Smoky Mountain Stars.... another quilt retreat, still not done. If I could only find those other strips, lol!

Still here in the mountains, enjoying the view!

Aweigh goes the scale!

2011-04-25T23:32:00.000-07:00

Tonight I promised to not step on the scale for a month. OUCH!

This one's gonna be tough.

I hope when I get back on, I don't look like the piggie that's on this one!

Another Quilt!

2011-04-07T21:51:00.000-07:00

Here's a photo of a quilt that was given to me last week. My friend Val picked it up somewhere and gave it to me! It needs a little mending but nothing I can't do. As long as I take the time to do it! It's all polyesters and HAS to be from the 70's or late 60's . I love the paisleys in it.

Puzzle Quilt for the Timothy School

2011-04-07T21:19:00.000-07:00

I have been a busy little beaver lately!

Here's a sneak preview of the quilt I am working on for the annual fundraiser for the Timothy School in Wayne, Pa.

I am going to border it with 4 colors, like the Autism Puzzle Piece symbol. Red, blue, yellow, and green.

Then it's off to Kristina @ http://www.froggybottomquilting.blogspot.com/ where she'll work her magic!

Then it's off to the big silent auction!

Hopefully it will bring in lots of $$!

Ladybug

2011-04-02T21:44:00.000-07:00

My girlfriend in Colorado is opening a quilt store soon - I am soooo excited for her and my other dear friend, who get's to work there. I am jealous! There's only a few things I'd rather do than that!

Her store is called Ladybugz Quilt Company because she loves ladybugs.

So today, I made her a nice little penny wool rug w/ a ladybug.

I hope to make a pattern soon and when I do, I'll list it on Etsy!

More from the desert...

2011-03-28T19:39:00.000-07:00

#1 - The computer I use for pictures is down and at the computer hospital. I am bummed. I feel detached from the world. Yet, I feel FREE!

#2 - Mcgyver & 2 hunks worked to clear a garden area for me yesterday. They still have work to do in it, but I will have an additional 4 x 10 area. I am hoping for a 6 x 10. I weeded the side garden area yesterday and also by the peach & almond tree. Filled up a huge container with weeds. Today, hunk #4, Chicklet, and I went to the nursery and bought some plants. We didn't get too much, as we have some seeds here at home we're going to plant as well. We bought 4 tomato plants, 2 summer squash, 2 zucchini, 2 cucumbers, 2 watermelons, 4 marigolds, and one lemon balm plant. I have some heirloom tomato seeds, peach seeds, apricot, red & green pepper, and lemon seeds were going to start soon. Sooner than later.

#3 - Diet is going okay, not great. One part I miss w/ the computer gone is tracking my Fitbit info. I guess I could plug it into this desktop and let it sync. I should do that for sure.

#4 - It's getting hot. Don't like hot. Like a gentle warm w/ a nice, cool breeze. Someone needs to get my order down right!

#5 - Going to go on a quick walk w/ my friend/neighbor. Need to get some more exercise in!

Going a Little Green!

2011-03-22T16:43:00.000-07:00

I've been hearing about homemade laundry detergent lately. I have a few friends who have made it. Some have made liquid and others dry detergent.

I had the ingredients on hand to make the dry:

1 bar Ivory Soap (or Fels Naptha), grated

1 cup Borax

2 cups baking soda.

(the recipe calls for washing soda (use gloves) but I had baking soda here. I had the family size. See one of my original posts re 'burning down the house.))

I picked up a used cheese grater at the thrift store yesterday for grating the soap. I thought it would be harder than it was to remove the soap off the grater. It was easy w/ a brush.

Anyway, I grated the Ivory Soap Bar into an old candy bucket.

Looks like coconut, no?

Then I added the Borax and baking soda.

Then I mixed it up well!

Wouldn't you know it? All my laundry was caught up. How often does that happen?

Anyway, I scrounged up some socks, underwear, and a few t-shirts for my 'experiment'!

I added 2 scoops of detergent. Each scoop measures approximately 1 1/2 TBSP of detergent.

2 scoops! No candy!

The hard part about this is that the detergent doesn't produce suds, probably because there is no phosphate. I read that most detergents that advertise 'Phosphate Free' actually substitute something I can't pronounce instead. It's called nitrioltriacetic acid (NTA), which is actually carcinogenic in small amounts. Can you imagine big amounts?

I feel like I defeated my purpose of saving money. I usually do not wash such a small load, and on hot. Yikes. But... I had to have a picture of it washing! It's all in the name of science! You can see the dirty water. Hey - I have 4 boys, what do you expect?

I will let you know how it performs and how long it lasts. I know it's cheaper than Era or Gain!

** UPDATE 4/4/11**
I love the soap! It seems to get everything clean and it and the clothes smell fresh! I even scored a bottle of the liquid last week and I like that a lot too! I am making another batch of dry, as I ran out this morning. This time I am using the Fels Naptha soap and Arm & Hammer Washing Soda (both available at Smiths in the laundry/softener aisle). The Fels Naptha is harder to grate, took about 10 minutes longer to do so, but it smells good.

Manic Monday!

2011-03-21T17:39:00.000-07:00

It is Monday.

It is manic.

Think I'll write a song about it....

Chicklet and a Few Hunks

2011-03-15T18:20:00.000-07:00

This is my bug. My bug is 12. My bug is sweet!

This is my 14 yrear old. He is sweet too! He loves his mom!

This is my 17 year old. He laughs a lot. He loves his mom's cooking!

Chicklet loves her prairie/colonial style dress! She has done everything by herelf so far. I am proud of her!

Hunk #1 is hiking in the Appalachians this week! I can't wait to get a picture of him!

Fitbit

2011-03-11T21:05:00.000-08:00

This is my FitBit!

This little thing here is the size of a little USB drive and weighs almost nothing. It's purpose is to help track calories burned, track steps/mileage, track sleep patterns, and make dinner. Ok - so not the dinner thing. But I can dream! I keep track of my calories in, and this tracks all burned. It tells me (percentage wise) when I am more active than not, and it's disturbing to see how few calories I burn while sitting here at this stupid computer. What I really like about this, though, is that there is no fee to use the website. Every time I walk by the computer, the info syncs automatically. It offers me accountability. I need that! Ps.... my sleep efficiency is 99%! Love it!

Maybe You Can Go Back Again...

2011-03-02T20:52:00.000-08:00

Many years (and babies ago), a little blue house came into the family. First Auntie & Uncle lived there with baby cousins. It was a magical place!

Then, this family moved in with 3 little hunks and one in the 'oven'! The sky goes on forever and ever, stars abound in the millions, and the snowflakes fall like fairy dust. Along came a Chicklet too.

Magical days.

Then, life goes on, kids get bigger, parents need help, so this family moved to the desert. Almost 10 years ago! This house was sold to a sweet couple with a little girl. Their life was turned upside down and they had to sell it and move on. They sold it to a young couple who were did some nice remodeling. But they gave their lives to the world and they didn't last in this little house. Over the years, this family has seen the price of the house skyrocket, then nosedive. It came down soooo amazingly low, that this family talked & decided to investigate! Grandma made an offer, the bank accepted, and McGyver and I, along w/ Hunk #4 and Chicklet drove out to the mountains to check out the little blue house.

The poor little blue house has seen some hard times. It needs lots of love and attention. We are praying about if we can give it the love and attention it needs. It certainly needs this McGyver!

The picture below is the view out the kitchen window.

This is the house Auntie & Uncle built themselves. It's magical too!

Tonight we sat outback in the hot tub and stared at the gazillion bazillion stars! It makes us realize how little we are and how BIG our GOD is!

More fun with flowers

2011-02-27T13:11:00.001-08:00

Chicklet is busy furthering her modeling career, lol.

The blue outfit is a dress she is in the process of making, a prairie dress! Our dear friend, Mrs. B., is helping us. She is a treasure!

The other is one of our fabric flowers that I turned into a pony tail holder.

Fabulous Fabric Flowers!

2011-02-24T09:10:00.000-08:00

2 of these are made from selvages!

Lots of fun and very easy!

too embarrassing for facebook

2011-02-13T13:31:00.001-08:00

but I had a clue of how my day would go when I realized I sprayed my armpits w/ hairspray and not deodorant, lol!

Water Droplets

2011-02-09T18:15:00.000-08:00

Mcp had a guest blogpost this morning and

she had posted these amazing pix of water droplets, as well as the how - to to get the shot.

I tried. Mine aren't nearly as sharp as hers, however, I did it! I set up my tripod and followed her steps and these are the better ones.

It was a lot of fun!

Weekend Getaway

2011-02-09T10:14:00.001-08:00

Went to Orange County area last weekend with some friends who ran a half –marathon. (As the shirt says… I’m only half crazy).

We spent some time on the pier at Newport Beach and enjoyed taking about 2000 pix of the sunset.

I am soooo proud of Becky & Leslie! They came in under 2 hrs 45min… I would have dropped in 2 min 45secs. Okay… maybe 20 min 45 secs.

Patchwork In The Desert

M4H Weeks 3 - 6, Playing Catch Up!

Week 2 / 52

Amazing Canon 5D Mark II Give-A-Way!

New Photography Challenge

Fun Day

Snow Day 2011

Merry Merry

Quilt.... from the beginning!

Resolutions follow-up. Uh Oh!

Autumn Stars at Night.... all quilted!

It's November 12th, How Did That Happen?

Fun & Quick!

Busy Bee!

Little Blue House Quilt Camp

My Antique Mall Find!

Family

Little Things...

New Etsy Store...

Weight Loss Wednesday!

Coffee Mug Rugs!

Weight Loss Wednesday!

Amazed...

Where is my week going?

Oink, Oink!

Colorado

Weight Loss Wednesday...

Weight Loss Wednesday! Drum Roll please .....

East Coast Trip

Weight Loss Wednesday!

baby quilt

Belated Weight Loss Wednesday!

It's not all black & white!

Grilled or Fried?

Green Grocery Bag!

weightloss wednesday!

What's the deal?

Colorado and the girls!

Aweigh goes the scale!

Another Quilt!

Puzzle Quilt for the Timothy School

Ladybug

More from the desert...

Going a Little Green!

Manic Monday!

Chicklet and a Few Hunks

Fitbit

Maybe You Can Go Back Again...

More fun with flowers

Fabulous Fabric Flowers!

too embarrassing for facebook

Water Droplets

Weekend Getaway

Another New Toy!!

New Toy

I like them both

Cute Prayer Journals

Family

Chicklet in the Park

Resolutions, Schmezolutions!

2010

heartbreaking

Annual Gingerbread House Party, or something like that!

Getting messy in Lightroom

Christmas 2010 at Grandma’s

He's back... !

A little bit of fun…

Roll Roll Me Right Out The Door! Part 3 & 4

miscellaneous

Bunco!

Colorado Kaleidoscope

Sneak Peek For Rosie!

Chabs

Roll Roll Part 2

Hope

Boll #1

Rain Flowers

A little something

Tamron Lens Give-A-Way - Contest - I want to win it!

Or Option #2 ?