Veteran's Day

I wanted to post a quickie one tonight to say Happy Birthday to my son. He will be 14 Veteran's Day!

Nov 11.

He was born 11/11.

Neat!

And his name is Marcus, the one who had the brain surgery this summer.

He is already telling me he's going to be a marine...Make a momma cry .

I had him ON my due date.

He was my largest baby at 8 pounds, 3 oz, and now he's my skinniest! I cannot get him to gain weight!

This is the most recent pic I have of him.

Of course, what did he want for his bday??? MONEY!

So, that's what we'll do.

Oh and I will make a cake for the big day!~tomorrow :)

Next quilt for Christmas~!

This is for my babysitter, a nice older lady Barb who watches my son and daughter after school. We met Barb as the crossing guard last year. She's just been a gem to our family. So this one I made for her (she has no idea!) and I'm sure she'll be surprised. I'm going to spend the $$money and send this off to a long arm quilter to quilt. Her favorite thing for her home decorations is frogs...so I will buy some frog fabric for the backing. Sorry the pics aren't great. This is what I did this weekend. I'm pooped, not ready for 2morrow.

Friday YA!

I made it!, barely!

Joe my 8 y.o. is sick now.

Marcus and Joe share the room.

So he will be home today sick.

I've been studying like mad for a mid term exam. The

exam has to be taken by 12/5, so I have some time.

But I have to get a B or better in the class for the credit for the

teaching program.

Not much else going on.

My 16 y.o. Alex is on the wrestling team now.

Funny, but tonight he has to stay after school for practice and then

sleep over in the gym with the team. Must be a weed out type event.

He's not very happy about this, but he's participating.

He's never wrestled in his life. So it will be interesting for him.

He said he gets so exhausted doing it, but figures it will keep him in shape.

Oh ya, so we had to buy his $60 wrestling shoes the other day, and then the

coach says they need $100 for the hoodie, the shirt, outfit, whatever. OMGosh!

What the heck! I'm not that rich. and IMO to play school sports you shouldn't have

to shell out much.

So Alex talked him down to $40 (he's a good negotiator), telling him his mom does

not have $100 bucks to give him. The coach said he could do without the hoodie and

something else. Sheesh! I make under 10 bucks an hour as an aide and am going to

school. My husband doesn't make that much more than me.

4 kids, time is tough, and rough.

Anyways....

that's all 4 now.

Have a great Fri!

edited to add: A blogiversay you won't want to miss!

Let's Talk Birthdays!

So this is very simple...tell me what month and day your birthday falls on.

Mine is Dec 29.

Yes, I always get ripped off on my bday, it's too close to Christmas, and everyone usually forgets or runs out of money LOL.

Birthdays have never really been special to me.

But I was curious when everyone's birthday falls on!

You never know when you'll get a surprise in the mail!

:)

Tree Skirt Freebie!

HERE is a great tree skirt tutorial!

Wed

So at least the week is half way gone.

Today will be a LONG day for me.

I have work til 1:50 pm and then tonight I have a class for my schooling.

The class is from 6 to 9 pm pretty far from here.

Oh ya, and Alex my 16 y.o. is staying after school for practice (wrestling).

He's joining the wrestling team.

So I'm sure I'll have to taxi him here or there.

Marcus is feeling the same, maybe a bit better.

They did the testing for the H1N1 and we'll know the results Fri.

He is taking Tamiflu. I have heard this doesn't work that well, but we'll see.

Thank you for all the kind comments and emails about my feeling tired.

I will try echinacea, that seems to be a good thing.

I bought that EmergenC at Walmart and cannot stand it. It's the pink lemonade

kind. It fizzes when you mix it.

And does not (IMO) taste like pink lemonade.

I'm giving it to the little ones to keep them healthy .

Pray pray pray we all don't get sick ...

Cannot afford to keep doing this.

What's everyone been up 2 lately?

On a side note...Google has Big Bird's feet as their logo today. I tried to google Sesame Street to see if there is an anniversary today. But the anniversary show won't air til Nov 10. I guess it's been on 40 years! I was just thinking about this the other day when I came across some you tube videos of "Free To Be You and Me." Remember this fun show? I watched a you tube video with Michael Jackson. And the one with "It's all right to cry". Classics! I remember when I was a kid Elmo didn't exist. I'm not sure what year he came in and made the show so popular, but he and Zoe weren't on the show. Hmm. Memories.

The 70's were definitely good.

Here's a youtube link for that show:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7LNwUjd0gLo

Tired

So it's only Monday and I'm so worn out.

I thought taking Friday off would help me recoop.

This school and work and kids is just kicking my butt.

My 13 y.o. Marcus is now sick, with flu I think. He's been running

a fever for 2 days now. Taking him to the dr tomorrow.

How do I get my energy back!!!!!!!?????????

I'm so worn out!

Happy Halloween!

So my kids are going as a witch and a transformer bad guy LOL.

My dad is coming over around 4 pm to eat pizza and then around 6

he and my husband will take the kids out for trick or treating. Me and the

older 2 stay back and pass out candy.

What's everyone doing today?

Anything fun?

I know lots of people don't celebrate.

Oh, I might do some homework, quilt some. I still need to bind the

quilt for my dd for xmas.

Happy Halloween! Stay safe tonight!

Library run

I played hookey today and ran a bunch of errands.

One was a fun one, the library!


So I picked up a few books.



The first one is called "If You Come Softly" by Jacqueline Woodson. I'm already half way through this wonderful little Young Adult Fiction book. Here's the description from the author's site:





If You Come Softly is about Jeremiah who is fifteen and black and Ellie who is fifteen and white. They meet at a private school and fall in love and then have to deal with how society treats them because they’re an interracial couple. It was inspired by a poem by Audre Lorde that begins: If you come softly as the wind within the trees you may hear what I hear see what sorrow sees.

Where it takes place:
In the Washington Heights section of Manhattan
Where I wrote it:
Whidbey Island which is off the coast of Seattle, Washington and in Olivebridge, NY
Why I wrote it:
I wrote If You Come Softly because I wanted to write about first love—how hard it can be and how great it is. I also wanted to write about being fifteen because I remember that age very well. As I was writing it, I came across some lines from Romeo and Juliet and realized this story was a modern-day Romeo and Juliet. The enemies to Jeremiah and Ellie’s love are racism, police brutality and people’s general stupidity. I also wanted to write about Time—about how fleeting it is, how important it is to love who you want and be who you want in the moment so that you don’t look back and think “I should have…” or “I could have…”


The next book is an older classic book called "The Heart is a Lonely Hunter" by Carson McCullers. I cannot wait to read this one. Here's the description:

Published in 1940, The Heart Is a Lonely Hunter is considered McCullers' finest work. The focus of the work is on John Singer, a deaf-mute in a Georgia mill town during the 1930s, and on his effect on the people who confide in him. When Singer's mute Greek companion of 10 years goes insane, Singer is left alone and isolated. He takes a room with the Kelly family, where he is visited by the town's misfits, who turn to him for understanding but have no knowledge of his inner life. The book's emphasis on individuals who are considered outcasts because of race, politics, disability, or sensibility placed it squarely within the Southern gothic tradition of American literature.

Oh ya, and did you ask me when I'm actually going to find time to read these???

Hmmm, haven't figured that out yet. Actually I started reading the one today, half way through.

I'm truly neglecting life today..

Meet Donetta

So it's interesting how blog land connects people...

A couple years ago I remember surfing blogs and coming across Donetta's blog. Thinking back, I'm not really sure how I found her. Must be fate. So I realized she is also living in Arizona and I could relate to a lot of her experiences in her childhood. Her experiences were more serious than mine but I remember being attracted to her blog, wanting to read more, understand her pain, understand what a beautiful person she's become due to her circumstances...very familiar to me. We spoke a few times thru the blogs and have lost touch somehow, as we all do in blogland I think. Then out of the blue I get an email and some comments on my blog from some Arizona gals planning a lunch for this Friday. I researched further and found out that Donetta was part of this group! How interesting how God brings us back to people. Unfortunately, I cannot attend the luncheon, as I work on Friday during the day, but I quickly got back to Donetta's blog and started reading. Halloween is her worst time of year, and I wanted to send some hugs and love for her on this trying day for her. *Beth, I think you'll really enjoy her blog*

So anyways, if you want to visit her I'm sure she'd love to have you...

She is such a special person, and all she's been through....I just can't imagine.

She really should write a book.

Another Wednesday

Cannot believe the week is already half way through!

Well I've been a little down the past few days.

I thought I was all finished with my Arizona Constitution online class and the instructor is just not very nice.

I turned in an assignment worth 30 points and she only gave me a 2!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I thought it was a type-o at first.

Nope.

She said I didn't use complete sentences and I didn't understand the material.

That is absolutely false!

So I decided to contact the dept head of the school in charge of the history department.

We'll see what he says.

The college says you can make complaints to the dept heads and ask them to review the assignments.

You know, I know I'm not perfect. No one is.

But I spent 3 hours on this assignment...not even for half credit!!!!!!!!

So I am in tears and felt like quitting Monday.

I'm trying to keep my spirits up. But I guess because of what I went through as a child I just don't take things lightly.

I have a hard time saying "oh well".

I wish I could take a pill and just BE NORMAL!

There's no cure for what is put in our past.

All I can do is change my attitude I guess.

I just got very hurt about the whole thing. I took it personally. I know I'm smart. I feel so stupid though.

Ok, thanks for listening to me vent.

On a lighter note, it's going to be 64 degrees in Arizona here today. Yipeeee!!! Jacket weather!

Quilt quilted

The quilt for my daughter Annalise is finally quilted. I need to square it up yet and bind. But it's almost complete. My machine, so far, is being good and doing it's job. Thank goodness! I think she'll really like this one (this one is for Christmas).

Study weekend

So I have 4 classes total, and I am trying to get 3 of them knocked out by the holidays, because I'd like to not have to stress over classes at my best time of the year!

So I will go to the library (my favorite place in the world!) today and study most of the day. I really LOVE the library! I read books now all the time. When I was a little kid I used to despise reading. Now I love it!

I will be having a small online shop (about 5 items) starting Oct 26 for the holiday online boutique thru ezshoppes (where I have my website thru) since they are offering members a free shop for 5 items. Not sure what I will sell. I guess I need to make up some nice Christmas goodies to sell. Funny to think back, I have had my site since 2005. I went through periods of high selling to now, almost nothing. But I enjoy it, and it's pretty cheap to own a shop. So I keep it going, since my traffic is higher now since I've had it for a while.

What is everyone up to today?

Wednesday

Well the week is half over and I'm ready for the weekend already LOL.

I started classes Monday and am skipping along nicely.

There was one 'surprise' that I'm not too happy with though. Found out for the one class that I have to take an exam to make sure I know all my core subjects, reading, math, spelling, english, etc. Well at orientation this was never mentioned to me. For this class they made it seem like there are NO exams, NO homeworks, just read the stuff, sign off, and go. It's a class to let you know what the teacher program is all about at that college. So I have 3 chances to pass this entrance type exam. I know I'll do fine on everything but the math. Even tho I went through pre-calc at the college level for my bachelor's I forget everything, it's been 15 plus years! I think the highest math they test you on is algebra, but who remembers what a coefficient is? What about a variable? What about....on and on...So if I fail that part of the exam, I will just retake a basic basic algebra class...then I can opt out of the test. I hate tests! Who likes them? Not many I'm sure.

I'm taking 4 classes, 2 are quicky classes, and one will end in Nov (Arizona Constitution....BORING!) and then my Ed Psych class will be the long one, will probably go the full 14 weeks.

Work is good. I am hired for one particular student. Problem is...the mom does not like me. Then again, she doesn't like anyone. So I'm not sure how this is going to work out. If she pulls her kid out of this school and into another, I won't have my job anymore at this school. I'm sure the district can find me another p/t position, but still. I pray I can work til at least Xmas break with no worries.

I finally got my sewing machine up and running (sort of). Enough to do my dd's costume. I have a quilt of hers I need to get quilted too, since I will be giving this to her for Xmas. I think I'll make Joey a quilt too. They are still young enough to appreciate a quilt for a gift. LOL.

Well I'm gonna run...What's everone up 2 today?

Cheap sewing machines

I hate to be a sewing machine snob, but I seriously think if you are a quilter, or sew often, that you should own a nice Bernina or something comparable.

Here's a little background. I had my first sewing machine out of college when my mom gave me her old green Kenmore. Great workhorse. I'm not sure what happened to it, now that I think of it. LOL. Must have died some time ago, or she took it back, possible, knowing my mother LOL. I sold my house about 5 years ago and got a LOT of equity money, so I purchased a 2,500 dollar Bernina. Nice. My family got into a bind and I felt horribly guilty. Sold it after 5 months. :(
So I then bought a Husquervana cheapy, maybe $150 dollars. That motor wore out...Yes, I quilt A LOT! At the time I was sewing almost every day of the week. So I purchased a Singer cheapy a couple years ago. Now that one is acting up. That is the machine I own now. Hubby finally figured out that some WD-40 helped it run a bit smoother, but he says he thinks the motor is going and that's why it's so tough to spin the knot/wheel on the right side. Well it is working FOR NOW...but I'm here to say....

I'm a sewing machine snob. This is the only nice thing I own...Well, used to own. Money doesn't buy happiness right???? Hmmm...I always questioned this phrase. If I had all the money in the world I would own a long arm sewing machine, and several other Berninas just cuz.

Well there's the sewing machine story...If you got thru it.

I finished my daughter's costume. I purchased some cool scary web fabric from Joann's a couple weeks ago and made her a cape for her witch costume. Also sewed some of the webbing to her witch hat. I'm not sure else I"m going to doll her up for the costume, as she hates anything on her face. I was going to at least paint it green...hmmm. We'll see.

Joe is being a transformer, the bad guy...His name is Megatron. He insisted on the bad guy.. pretty nice looking store bought costume LOL.

In past years they have been lady bugs, Ninja Turtles, Buzz Lightyear. I finally have a girl after 3 boys and do you think she'll wear a princess or pretty costume!? No! She has all brothers! lol. She is definitely NOT a girly girl...hardly will wear barrettes in her hair LOL.

Ok, I'm done with my long post, for now.

Back to work I go....

Oh ya, and on a side note...I'm starting online classes today towards my teacher certification...the program will last around 2 years...all online, a postbacc (i have my bachelor's already in science). I am going to be a special ed teacher, if I can get B's or better in all my classes. Wish me luck!

Happy Monday!

Cookie Site

So I was browsing blogs this a.m. and found a great cookie blog.
I love to bake when the weather gets cooler and the holidays come around.
So check out THIS site for tons of recipes and ideas for making the best cut out cookie!

Here's the recipe that caught my eye and might just use:

Basic Rolled Sugar Cookies

• 1 cup butter, softened
• 1 cup superfine sugar, or granulated sugar, processed in blender or food processor for 30 seconds
• ½ tsp. Salt
• 1 large egg
• 1 large egg yolk
• 2 tsp. Vanilla extract
• ½ tsp. Almond extract or emulsion, optional
• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour.
Cream butter, sugar and salt until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes with mixer set at medium speed (see Dough Preparation and Baking tutorial for more information on creaming times). Add yolk, beat well. Add whole egg, vanilla and optional almond extract and beat until well-incorporated. Add flour; beat at low speed just until flour is mixed in; do not overmix. Divide dough in halves or thirds and wrap in plastic wrap. Refrigerate until firm, at least one hour and up to 2 days.

Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Dust work surface and rolling pin with flour. Roll dough to 1/4" thick, sprinkling with additional flour as needed to prevent sticking. Cut into desired shapes and place on parchment or silicone-lined pans. Bake in preheated oven until cookies appear dry on the surface and are light golden brown on the edges, about 10 minutes (very large cookies may take up to 12 or 13 minutes). Remove from cookie sheets to cooling racks and cool completely before decorating.

Cute free tutorial

Click HERE for the pincushion tutorial. I probably wouldn't fiddle with using selvages, but you get the idea...

TGIF

Well Friday is here already! I cannot believe how this week flew, that being my week off and all from school/work.

Last night we rented "The Proposal". Very dumb movie. LOL. It came out on the RedBox. I love that, it's only a dollar! At least I didn't pay 9.50 at the movies to see this one. Has anyone seen it? Horrible.

Ok, and yesterday I starting quilting the quilt I took a snapshot of and my sewing machine is on the fritz! I'm so upset. My husband is trying to grease it up and fix it. But I think it's not going to work. It is running very hard, hard to turn the wheel, etc. It was a cheapy, $150 dollar Singer. But still! It's definitely not a workhorse. I had a Bernina at one point but had to sell it...the dumbest mistake I ever made. So needless to say, I have no pics of the newest quilt. Pray I don't need to buy another machine just yet.

Today I will enjoy my last day off going to a Mexican food lunch with my friend Darlene. We only see each other like 3 times a year. She lives in Phoenix and I'm about 25 minutes from her. I rarely get into town. I cannot stand the pollution! It's definitely getting worse, especially since I moved from there in 1996.

What is everyone up to today?

Oh ya, and a side note...The weather here in Mesa is supposed to be like 98 or something ridiculous! Yes, I've had my air on since April!!!!!!!!!

Give me a B.R.E.A.K.!

Toodles!

*Allie* Just Cuz

My loyal commenter, my friend...

I have a surprise to send you.

Email me your home address.

HUGS!

A sneak peek

So here is a shot of what I've been working on today. The quilt top is DONE and I'm going to show you a better pic of the whole top once I get it basted tomorrow or the next day.

I survived the dentist today. It was a horrible experience. Not for the reasons that I thought it would be. I had a filling replaced and am usually a huge baby about this. But that part went just fine. The dentist (he's new to me) was a huge sleeze bag! I don't know how many times he had to tell me he needs a girlfriend. And at one time he jokingly said to the assistant "Niki will be my girlfriend". WHAT?????? Sexual harrassment! This was after I asked him how much out of pocket (no insurance) a crown would be. He said "Oh like 1,000 dollars...and then went on to say how much he needs a girlfriend. Sounded to me like a sex proposition. I was dumbfounded. The assistant didn't say anything! And my mouth was occupied with tools, I could not reply. Ugh. Of course I won't go back. But still! I was actually laughing all the way home at how inappropriate he was. I don't feel violated that much, just surprised! What a P.I.G!!!

Ok, so that's my newest story. LOL.

I will get a snapshot of the quilt tomorrow...Promise!

Ok Sandy

The quilt top is on it's way.
;)
I also sew for Project Linus and some other odds and ends organizations, but for some reason I just DON'T feel like finishing this one LOL.
I guess it's not UGLY, but just disappointed with the colors.
Anywho, it's on it's way to ya!

Any quilters who donate? FREEBIE HERE!

I am giving YOU this top for donation. Well if you quilt for a cause, for kids, email me or put your contact info here on comments section and I'll get in touch with you. I started this quilt. It's about 35" square. I don't like the way it came out. I will mail you the top, to finish, for donation. LOL. I don't think I'm making much sense. But either way, if you are interested post here ok? I like the pattern, but the dark red is too much for me. So it's yours!

Are you a Quilter???????? Stay connected ;)

Then join my Just Us Quilters blog list!!!!!!!!

I finally found a great LINKY site that helps everyone get listed, EASY, not the hard way.

So click HERE and get listed! No charge, of course, just a bunch of quilters wanting to enjoy each

others blogs thru an easy to use quilt ring!

Make sure if you join, to grab the code to add to your sidebar ( listed on the site )

Movie and Coffee

So this morning I am going to see Couples Retreat with my dear friend Marlene. We will meet at the Bucks for coffee and talk and then head over to the theater for that new movie. Anyone see it? I have not seen a movie in a very long time. Will be nice to get out and be a girl, not a MOM lol with responsibilities.

So here is a great giveaway that is going on for FABRIC! What better!

Thanks Allie for the heads up!~

Toodles!

TGIF!

Yes, I made it to Friday!

Today is an early release day for the schools here in Mesa, AZ.

I work in a junior high. And we get out at 1:50.

This week was SUCH a long long week.

Next week is FALL break. So I will be relaxing...much much needed relaxing.

Have a great Friday everyone!

Halloween Winner!

Piwicket, my 2nd comment. She won my contest! So I'll email her now to let her know. Congrats!

paperback swap!

I have been using this site for quite some time and love it.

If you are a fan of reading books, you have to check out the site.

It's free to use. All you do is post books you don't read anymore, then ship to those people. You will then get a book credit. You then order a book, for free! And if you sign up under me by clicking the banner on my side bar, I will get a book credit! You can do the same on your blog. The reader just has to post 10 books for you to get the credit. Try it out. I love it...we all have books laying around we don't read anymore. A cheap way to recycle and read!

Lots of Free Patterns

Love THIS site I found. Lots of great craft ideas.

Check out this cute mouse bookmark! What a great gift this would make.

SAturday Stitching

So I think I will get myself to the quilt shoppe today to buy a yard of some nice solid color fabric for my triangles quilt I'm preparing. I've not quilted/sewn in over a month it seems. The weather is getting nicer here in Arizona and it's time to start sewing!

If you haven't signed up for my Halloween contest yet, you still have time. I'm including everyone and will be using the computer random generator for fairness. This will be in the mail Friday for the lucky winner! (see below for contest).

What is everyone up to today? Any fun happenings around the world?

The state fair is coming to Arizona in a couple weeks and I think we might try to actually go this year. Because of the economy they are having great deals, like FREE admission days and such. I love going and seeing all the exhibits, quilts, cakes, etc. Fun fun. Plus, the younger 2 only went to the fair one time before and they were very little...they probably don't remember it.

Oh, and I've been trying to get better about leaving comments for my fellow bloggers, as I love them too, and notice after YEARS of having a blog, seriously, I get very little comments still. So I'm working on that. (wink)

Have a great day everyone!

It's October!

I just love October in Arizona. The weather instantly turns from HOT HOT to nice and cool.

I'm feeling a bit better. Antibiotics are doing their job.

I think I'm going to try to get some sewing time in this weekend.

I also have to catch up on my medical transcription at home. I've been falling behind with that due to being sick.

My 13 year old son went with my dad to New Mexico for my cousin's wedding. Jason and I just could not go, due to finances. I'd have to put everyone up in a hotel and most likely everyone would want to go to the Balloon Fiesta.

What an awesome event Albuquerque has every year in October. Has anyone gone to this? We've been many times and it's so fun. I especially love the Balloon Glow!

Anywho, I better get ready for work...At least it's Friday! YA!

What's everyone up to this weekend?

P.S. Thanks to everyone so far that have followed me and joined my contest!

Halloween Contest Right Here!

I am holding a Halloween Giveaway for this lovely little cross stitch that I made. Reads "Treat Time" and measures approx 5 inches tall and 4 inches wide. This will come as is, unfinished, so you can make into a small pillow, frame it, or whatever. Presently it is backed onto a sticky board, ready for a frame, but then I thought I would let it be up to the winner to decide how they want to display it.

So the only catch is this...become a follower and leave me a comment. If you mention it on your blog I'll put in an extra one for ya. Spread the word! This contest will run through Oct 8 , so hurry and get posting! :)

I haven't had a giveaway in a while...thought I'd surprise y'all.

Quilt with me

Won't you make this cute baby quilt with me?

You will need white fabric and some scrappy cottons.

These with be half square triangles.

This is the planning of the quilt stage.

The quilt will measure approx 36"sq.

Nice pattern

I was surfing the blogs this a.m. and found THIS wonderful pattern as she calls 'seeing red'. Well I was thinking to make this quilt, baby sized, with white and scraps. So it's not ALL red. I love this simple look. I think it would make a great baby quilt. Too many of those little triangles might drive me batty, but if it's baby sized I don't think I'd mind the efforts. What is everyone working on lately?

On a side note...I need a few good book recommendations. Read any GREAT books lately that you just cannot put down? I read The Shack recently and am looking for another outstanding book like that. Something of a page-turner.

Anywho...We have a big day ahead of us...My 16 y.o. son i taking his girlfriend (cheerleader) to the Homecoming Dance tonight. So we are picking up her corsage this afternoon. The 2 little ones we are taking to sign up for soccer teams. We didn't have much $ back in the summer when we found out about these teams forming, and we applied for their scholarships. We were awarded 2 scholarships for them. In the amount of about $250 total. So that saves us a bit, and the kids can still participate. They are very excited. They've never played soccer before but I think they'll enjoy it...the weather is getting really nice lately. The little ones are 6 and 8. They will be on separate teams, however...i hope Annalise (6) doesn't hate that too much. Her and Joe (8) are so connected to each other lately...the best of buds.

Anywho, have a great day everyone!

Cute Halloween Applique

SHAPES!

Found these and thought they were perfect for this time of year.

How many are working on fall projects?!

October around the corner

With it being almost October I thought I'd start baking and cooking more. I found 2 pkgs of frozen winter squash in my freezer and found THIS recipe for squash bread. Sounds yummy. Add a few bananas and YUM! you have winter squash bread. I'm going to try it. Never had it before, but I love pumpkin bread, so it can't be that different.

Happy Thurs!

Hi there everyone.
Thank you for all the kind comments on my last few posts.
The weather is getting nice now in Arizona, where I live...and it puts me in good spirits.
This weekend is a big weekend for us...My oldest son Alex is going to take his girlfriend to the Homecoming dance at their school on Sat night. Sat morning the two little ones (6 & 8) are starting their new soccer practice teams. So that will be fun for them. Sunday I think I'll head to a new church to see how I like it. I've been doing my homework on churches in the area, non-denominational Christian churches, and found one close by that I think I'll enjoy. We'll see how it goes. I've been doing absolutely NO crafting or quilting. Last Sunday I got out some fabric and thought, ah heck, and then put it all away. The motivation is just not there. Not sure why. I have more to write, but I have to get off to school now. Have a great day!

Great book site

Have you seen this place? She does awesome giveaways. I won back on 9/2. Just realized it today LOL. cliick on graphic to enter:

Halloween fun!

Here are some great Halloween tutorials:

Click HERE, HERE, and HERE

Cute!

What's everyone working on today? Anything Fall-ish?

Yes, It's true....I'm a die-hard fan

Every since this show started in 2007 I've watched it...and love it!
If you have not seen it I highly recommend it...

The nerd gets the pretty girl story. Great writing....
{just a die hard fan..that's all lol}

"A pair of brilliant theoretical physicists meet a woman who shows them how little they know about the real world"

HAVE YOU SEEN IT???

season 3 starts Monday! CBS

sheldon, leonard, penny {kaley cuoco}

Sheldon and Leonard {jimmy galecki}


Sheldon Cooper {jim parsons}


What the lyrics say in the start of the show:

Our whole universe was in a hot dense state, Then nearly fourteen billion years ago expansion started. Wait... The Earth began to cool, The autotrophs began to drool, Neanderthals developed tools, We built a wall (we built the pyramids), Math, science, history, unraveling the mysteries, That all started with the big bang!"Since the dawn of man" is really not that long, As every galaxy was formed in less time than it takes to sing this song. A fraction of a second and the elements were made. The bipeds stood up straight, The dinosaurs all met their fate, They tried to leave but they were late And they all died (they froze their asses off) The oceans said, "Pangea, See ya, wouldn't wanna be ya!" Set in motion by the same big bang!It all started with the big BANG!It's expanding ever outward but one day It will pause and start to go the other way, Collapsing ever inward, we won't be here, it wont be heard. Our best and brightest figure that it'll make an even bigger bang!Australopithecus would really have been sick of us, Debating why they're here; they're catching deer (we're catching viruses) Religion or astronomy, Descartes and Deuteronomy It all started with the big bang!Music and mythology, Einstein and astrology It all started with the big bang! It all started with the big ... BANG!

My Very Own RAG QUILT Instructions

So you want to make a rag quilt do you?

Please read all instructions once before beginning, just to get a feel for what it is we are doing here….

The rag quilts I enjoy the looks of are made from either flannel or homespuns. I like to use quality fabric, as the quilt is going to fray, that is the look we want, but we don’t want it to completely unravel in the next 2 years right!?

You are buying enough fabric for the front AND back of the quilt, as this is a ‘quilt as you go’ process. I always find this part kind of tricky. I like to make my squares 10-inch blocks finished, so I cut them 11 inches square for the ‘fringe’. So if you are good at math, you can pretty much figure it out from there…how many squares in whatever size quilt you want. Here is a chart of typical bed sized quilts:

Twin 63" x 87"
Double 78" x 87"
Queen 84" x 92"
King 100" x 92"

You can always make lap or crib sized, and that I just usually eyeball. Just remember this when doing a rag quilt…..I do not recommend these types of quilts for babies under the age of 3 OR if the child is still putting things in their mouths. Remember, there is a lot of frayed edges, and you never know when one can get into the child’s mouth and cause complications.

Calculating yardage for fabrics. This link might help in calculating: http://www.quiltindex.com/ATQF/q_and_a_single.asp?QAID=7

I do not pre wash my fabrics when doing rag quilts. You want it to ‘fray’ at the end, so wait to wash it.

CUTTING: Once you have decided how many blocks you are going to need for your quilt you will start your cutting. I use a rotary cutter and quilt ruler (can be purchased at WalMart in the fabric dept.). You will sit there cutting squares of 11 inches square (times 2, remember, we’re quilting as we go). So if you need a total of 24 blocks for the front you will need to double that number (48) for total squares of fabric to cut.

BATTING: Batting is optional. This really depends how heavy you want the quilt to be. Flannel quilts will be a lot heavier than homespun quilts. I once made a king sized flannel rag quilt for my bed, and if I could go back and NOT use the batting I would have. It is so heavy, takes so long to wash and maintain. Just my honest opinion there. However, IF you chose to use batting, you will want to cut the batting 1-inch shorter than the blocks. So, in our case, 10 inches square. You will only need one square of batting per block (not doubled). So like the example above, just 24 squares of batting. This you can also use your rotary cutter for OR simply cut by hand, either way will work.

CONSTRUCTION OF QUILT BLOCKS: You will take 2 pieces of fabric and layer the batting in between. Make sure the wrong sides of the fabric touch the batting, not the right sides. So when the block is complete you will see the right side of the fabric on each side. This is called a quilt ‘sandwich’. You can either eyeball it when going to sew, OR use a ruler, and draw an “X” from corner to corner with a pencil (the markings will come out in the wash). I usually just eyeball it and go for it. No pinning is necessary, but if you wish to, you can pin. Start at one corner and sew a straight line from corner to corner. Do the same, making an “X” shape in the block. BAM!, your done with one block. Continue process for all 24 blocks.

ASSEMBLING THE BLOCKS: You will be making columns of blocks. In our example, we will make this a 4 x 6 quilt. I usually make the longer columns first. Sew 6 columns of 4 blocks (hence 24 total). You will be sewing the blocks together using a ½ to 1-inch seam allowance. Remember, all seam allowances will be on the top/front side of the quilt. This makes the raggy edge. Once the columns are done, assemble the columns to each other, making the rows. You can pin the corners to make sure they match up. Once the whole quilt is together BEFORE cutting/clipping the edges (seam allowances), you will want to stitch around the entire quilt outside to make sure NO batting is showing. This, too, will be about ½ to 1-inch seam allowance.

CLIPPING EDGES/SEAM ALLOWANCES: Grab yourself a cup of coffee for this step. Turn on some music, and have fun. This is the time consuming part. Using utility, heavy-duty scissors (Fiskars has the easy grip rubber handled ones, love those, easy on the hands), clip all seam allowances almost, but not quite, to the seam. Make clips 1/4" apart approximately. This is what makes the fringed look.

WASHING TO FRINGE QUILT: You will then put the quilt in the washing machine, full cycle, with fabric softener and a bit of detergent. I like to take my rag quilts, especially the first few times, to the Laundromat. This is hard on the machines. Wash fully. Dry fully. You will want to change the lint traps OFTEN during the course of drying. Once dry, fully shake the quilt good once or twice outside, removing any loose threads. If you want a wider "fringe" or rag-appearance, make seam allowances wider---such as 3/4" or 1". Adjust the cut size of the fabrics for the blocks accordingly. For example, 10" finished size blocks would need to be cut 12" x 12" for 1"-wide seam allowances.

WALA! You’re done. Enjoy your quilt. If making the quilt as a gift for someone, I always recommend attaching a nice label, with your name, and a sweet message. If you have any questions on construction of the quilt, don’t hesitate to E-mail me