Hendrixville

Another Doll Swap

2012-02-13T18:02:00.001-07:00

Before I knew that I was going to do the DSQ12 I signed up for the Quilting Gallery Doll Quilt Swap. So I now have two doll swaps I am participating in! But it's all good because I get 2 new doll quilts to hang up in my room so I am excited!

So this past weekend I designed the doll quilt that my secret partner wants. She asked for any type of holiday type quilt that she can hang up. I wish I could do one for all the seasons for her, but alas...I have settled on an Easter quilt so that she can use it right away!

I probably won't use these exact colors because I don't know what I have on hand, and will use something that I already have, but you get the idea. I found the bunny block online and someone had made a paper pieced one, well she didn't leave a copy of it, so I had to create my own. I will sew on buttons for the eyes and then a little pink felt nose.
I like this quilt so much I might actually make one for me! But who knows! Here is the doll quilt that I will be making for the DSQ12...

I am really liking this quilt, and might make me a copy of it too...

My partner really likes curves, which is something that I have avoided since starting to quilt. They look really hard and I just haven't had a desire to do them yet, so this quilt will be challenging me to 2 learn 2 new types of blocks, the New York Beauty block (sun) and a Dresden block (tree). I think I have found a good tutorial on the tree, and maybe on the sun as well...but I am having a hard time figuring out what size they will be. I mean this is a doll quilt so I can't make them too big, but we will see.

If you have any suggestions on a good place to look at that has a Dresden tutorial and pattern as well as the New York Beauty block, I would LOVE to see it!

Now let the ~~games~~ quilts begin.....

Siggy Swap 2 - Finished!!

2012-02-12T06:31:00.000-07:00

So sometime ~~last year~~ I just checked and it was 18 months ago! I joined the Siggy Swap2. We made a siggy block and signed them, then mailed them to one person and she divided them up between us all....want to know how many of us there was? 100!! It was fun to see where everyone was from, well the quilters in the blogger world. I have had it on my WIP list for a long time, and finally FINALLY finished it!

I decided to do a simple block pattern, and since there was so many different colors from all the siggy blocks, I thought black would make them pop....so I took out my black straps and viola!

I had 3 extra blocks that didn't fit, so I thought I would add them to the back...hopefully these three ladies don't mind.

I also did a very simple lines for the quilting, and since it's not one that will be used as a blanket and just a wall quilt, I didn't think it needed tons of quilting. (Plus I was being lazy that day and just wanted it done!)

It is hanging in my room over the wall by my treadmill....I moved the treadmill so that I could take the original picture of it finished. Now I can look at it while I exercise!

It ended up being 65.5"x50.5". I was going to make it longer, but I'm glad I decided on this! Oh it's beautiful! I am VERY pleased with my work!

9 Patch I-Spy Quilt

2012-02-11T06:40:00.001-07:00

Yeah I have another quilt finished! Don't you get so excited when you finish a quilt? I am always amazed one how fast some quilts go together and then then others take you YEARS to finish! This was one that took me about 3 days total!

I really like how this quilt turned out! I wasn't sure about the border and just added it to make my quilt a little bigger, but I am LOVING it!

I think after you stare at the quilt for awhile the 9 Patch design pops out....a LONG time staring....

When I was at the store grabbing some fabric for the back, I forgot how much I needed, and of course I didn't have enough! So I improvised the rest!

I never plan out what I do for the back patchworks, but just go with what I have, until it becomes the right length...I actually had to cut quite a bit off the "patched" area side because I made it too large and didn't have enough room to lay it out properly in my small living room.

I love how bright this quilt is! Now do you think I can call this a "boy quilt"? I only have a few blocks that have pink in it, but the rest are more "boyish" colors.

I couldn't resist, I LOVE this binding job with the sewing machine, I usually do a zig zag for the binding, because I like the reinforcement it gives, but on my Juki only has straight stitch, so I worked with it, and I just LOVE how it turned out! I think that I MIGHT ACTUALLY be getting better at this quilting/sewing thing!

Remember...

2012-02-10T06:25:00.002-07:00

Remember last year when I made a quilt for the Moda Bakeshop called Bird Love? Well I was going through my scraps at the end of last year and I stumbled across some left over blocks, so I decided to make myself a Mini quilt....

Just a simple little mini quilt that I have added to my room wall! I will have to take a picture of all of my mini quilts some day.

I had originally made the Bird Love quilt for my Mother in Law, which she still loves! Now I have something to remember my creation by too....I think I need to do this with all of my MBS quilts!

Finished in time!

2012-02-09T06:07:00.000-07:00

Well I will be the first one to admit, but I did manage to finish Jared's wife's quilt a day early! It came together really fast and even though quilting it was a bugger, it went faster because it was a smaller quilt!

I had Trav help me take pictures right before Jared came to get the quilt, so unfortunately the lighting is bad.

The "special" spot that was needed.

The back is fleece, which made it very hard to quilt.

I didn't quilt on the jean stars because I thought it would be too thick.

I am told that Jared's wife loved it! Another job well done.

Doll Quilt Swap 12 (DQS12)

2012-02-08T13:21:00.000-07:00

Well I was able to make it this time around! I am apart of the Doll Quilt Swap 12 over on flicker! I am so excited! I haven't been apart of one since DQS9! I loved it so much so I am thrilled to be apart of it again!

So for my swap partner, I have created this little mosaic to show my interests and thinks that I LOVE! One thing, I LOVE the map mini quilt! I have been admiring it on pinterest and fell in love! So just a hint!

1. DQS11 Package Received, 2. DQS11 received!, 3. "Love to Sew", 4. My DQS 11 Treasure!, 5. The matching angel pillows, 6. dream doll quilt, 7. fabric map in progress, 8. "Love the Beach", 9. You can call me Owl., 10. Charisma Quilt, 11. Hushabye Stars, 12. DQS9 Angel Quilt #2, 13. Sparklers 2, 14. Persian Garden, 15. X Rated Schnibbles Quilt, 16. Renaissance Garden 2, 17. IMG_548317, 18. Prairie Paisley quilst, 19. Basket Case Quilt, 20. DQS7 Finished 1, 21. Quilted, 22. Rainbow Half Square Triangles, 23. Pretty Little Wonky House WIP, 24. All Around the Town Quilt, 25. Tanner's Treeline

I can't wait to share my quilt that I will make for my future swap partner, I haven't found out who it is yet, but I can't wait to find out who it is and discover her/his likes and dislikes!

Another Top Done

2012-02-05T20:46:00.000-07:00

Well I was able to finish another quilt top! Remember when I was making some i spy 9 patch blocks? Well I had a 5 left over, so I decided to make another 7 so I could make a twin size quilt for the craft show in May. I ended up adding a strip for a border and I 'm rather pleased with the look.

Now my stash of i spy blocks have been reduced severely, so I will be needing to host another i spy swap so I can gather more! So far Nathan and Kimball have an ispy quilt, so now I need to make one for Brandon and Nathan!

After looking at the blocks, I decided it is kinda hard to see the different colored 9 patch blocks, so I labeled a few.

This shows the different blocks better, although I think in the future I will add some sort of border/sashing to the blocks in the future so you can tell a lot more. That is if I decided to make this type again, although I rather like it. Now I need to quilt and bind it!

Honey Do Lists

2012-02-04T09:39:00.000-07:00

I know us wives always have honey do lists for our husbands and pray and nag to make sure they all get done. Well does any of your husbands give you honey do lists? Mine does! I guess it's fair game but still....
Trav was so kind to offer my serves to his friend and make him a quilt for his wife's birthday. Little did I know he needed it done within a week! And he wanted me to use some jeans that he had that his wife loved! So I performed magic (well okay maybe not magic but started working).

The one good thing about this quilt is that it's not too big. Just a smaller lap quilt. so the blocks came together rather quickly. I was able to find some jean impression fabric that works great with it.

It's also a rather heavy quilt too, I used fleece for the back of the quilt. But here it is laid out on the living room floor (excuse the toys) while I sprayed it. (I started using a spray basting can now instead of pins! I LOVE IT!)

What was so important about the jeans was this hole. She LOVED this little hole that grew as time went on. So it needed to be in the quilt. I put another layer of jean behind it so that if it continued to grow, it wouldn't tear a hole in the quilt.

Nathan's Finger Update Gross Pictures Warning

2012-02-03T09:37:00.000-07:00

Well we went to the doctor for Nathan the other day to check out Nathan's poor little finger.....yeah it looks TERRIBLE! I was able to squeeze in a few shots because everyone has been asking me what it looks like! So BEWARE!!!

His poor finger is so swollen! Then when we were unwrapping the bandage, it got stuck and we had to soak it off for awhile.

This is the closet that I could get....the doctor couldn't even find the 2 stitches that were put in, so we will go back in another week to see if he can't find them again and to see if the swelling has gone down more and to make sure it's healing properly.

Nathan cried a little bit, but later when I asked him if it hurt he said it didn't. So I asked if he was just afraid and he said yes. So he was afraid of it hurting bad again. But since he was so brave and did well we got an ice cream cone afterwards!
I have prepared him to loose the entire finger nail, so last night when I was changing his bandage he asked if it had fallen off yet! My poor guy!

Family Picnic Quilt Progress

2012-01-31T18:20:00.000-07:00

So most know of my different I Spy Swaps that I have hosted, well with those and other swaps that I have participate in, I decided that I needed to make an I Spy quilt. So I came up with a 9-patch block idea.

I took my 4" squares and sorted them by color and then sewed them into a 4 block set. Then took them and made a 9-patch with 2 of the different colored 4 block set.

When I asked Trav if he could see the pattern in the blocks, he said no,but then I pointed them out and then he got it.

Some blocks are more noticeable, but I am hoping that it will be fine.

Each block measures 21"x21"

Here is a stack of 30 blocks! I am planning on only using 25 blocks for the quilt, and I decided to use it as a picnic quilt! Something we can take with us all over to parks, camping, etc.

So after the quilt is all put together, it should be approximately 103"x103". I think that will be big enough for a family of 5!

With the left over blocks I am going to make either a twin or full size quilt with them. My Mom and Sister in Law are doing craft shows this year and has asked me if I want to sell any quilts there, so I am in the process of making some quilts. So I will be making another quilt like this for the craft show! Now the tricky thing, what do you sell quilts for? After you calculate what it cost for the materials, how much do you charge for the labor and then just in general? Any suggestions?

Worst Mother of the Year Award...

2012-01-30T18:20:00.000-07:00

and it goes to.....ME!

So yesterday we were getting home from church and I am shutting the van sliding door behind the kids, I start shutting it to only slam the door on Nathan's poor hand! At first we just thought it was smashed a little but then after looking at it again, we noticed it bleeding....

So off runs Travis with Nate to the ER. Come to find out, Nathan chipped his bone, lost his finger nail, got 2 stitches and has a plastic thing between his skin and nail bed to allow his new nail to grow! Poor kid! He was screaming as they went to the ER, and I guess he was VERY brave when they gave him a shot to numb his finger, but when they were removing the nail he started to freak out again. The doctor was very nice and paticent with Nathan.

Two hours later, Trav gets Nathan a Happy Meal and he is much happier! He was happy for the rest of the day with only a little pain. The best part of it all is that he is 1)no longer in much pain and can EASILY handle the 6 hours between medicine and 2)he still loves his Mommy to death!

We have no pictures of him in the ER, Trav didn't think of it until later, but I think it is for the best, it was gross and bloody! But I do have a picture of his little cast finger.

Front

Back

My brave little guy!

Are you Redneck?

2012-01-27T17:51:00.000-07:00

I will admit, I often get annoyed at people who say that they are "redneck" when they actually have NO IDEA what redneck is. But I came to the conclusion that everyone has their "own level of redneck" and unfortunately most people's redneck level is not MY redneck level. My level includes a LOT of duck tape and "jimmy rigging". So I ask, what is your level of redneck? Here is my example of redneck....

Where our computer/craft area is, we have roll chairs (from the thrift store) and unfortunately one is dying. It has ripped a big whole in our carpet where Trav sits (I am dreading when we move out and have to fix some of the stuff we have ruined). We had put a rug down over it, but it keeps moving so I got my duck tape and got my redneck on. Now I wonder how well it will be to vacuum around it.

Then since there is a metal piece that sticks out the end of the chair, I put another patch on the bottom to hopefully stop it from coming out (I am not 100% this will work).....

Then duck taped around where it was sliding on the main part of the chair. I have no idea how well this will hold but I sure put enough duck tape on it!

So here is an example of my redneck.....duck tape fixes everything! From fixing carpet holes to keeping chairs together! What is your level? (Also I must add the extra redneck geek level....only us would have 5 different old PC's that Trav collects for spare parts around the house)

My Artist

2012-01-26T17:40:00.000-07:00

Nathan's school had an inspiration art competition this month. They were to create something in 9 different categories (can't remember them all) and were separated into age groups. Nathan ended up in K-2 and his project ended up in the 3D art section. Here is his project:

The theme was "My favorite things" and of course we did something with dinosaurs! We took an old cutting mat (I have lots of those) and he took scrap fabric from my stash (I have lots of those too) and then hot glued it onto the mat. I did give him the idea of using the fabric and the mat, but he came up with the design all on his own! He actually did most of it all by himself too. I just helped a little with filling in all the spaces with fabric (he chose all the fabric) and I helped with the yarn.

We went to his school today (after school) and looked at all the different art projects entered and.....

found out that we won first place in his category and age group! We won a medal and a certificate telling him that he won!

Now we go onto Regional (not 100% sure of the date) where he will compete with a few other schools in the same category and age group. I am so proud of my little artist! He was also very excited and happy as well! Congratulations Nathan aka Nate!

Surprised

2012-01-26T03:27:00.001-07:00

I have been a little bummed lately, it seems that I have the touch of death to my sewing machines! I have a total of 4 in my home and they are all broke in some way! I swear I am very gentle on them, I just USE them A LOT! Well the other day I decided to take out my Juki to play with and see if I can't get it to work. (It has some bottom bobbin problems, a screw comes loose or something is rubbing....not sure) well much to my surprise it started to work again! So I started working....

I started to work on my sister in laws quilt...I made this block a little over a year ago, and just have kinda left it. You know how it is when you have a LOT of tedious cutting and sewing, you just kinda avoid it.

Well....now I have 48 large pinwheels (9") and 156 small pinwheels (5"). I use all of these to make my different blocks. I ended up with extra large pinwheel blocks, but I had to make 10 more little pinwheels.

It always amazing me how much my little scrap (throw away) pile grows! This quilt is done all in different purple hues (April's favorite color) although I have two prints, one ended up looking more pink and one more brown.
All I need to do now is sew all of my blocks together to make the quilt top (42 blocks) and then make my backing for the quilt and get to work on it. I'm so excited to be ALMOST done!

Rapunzel, Rapunzel let down your hair!

2012-01-20T10:00:00.000-07:00

So I have another Christmas present that I made, but since I wasn't going to see the receivers until after Christmas, I didn't make them until after Christmas.

I have a new hobby and it's called Pinterest. I LOVE That site. I get so many cool ideas! So I found this, and knew my nieces would love it!

So I made them!

I think they liked them! You can take the braid out and it will still hang and be a little longer. They both have been putting a sheet on their head to make "hair" so I thought they would like this.

It took about a skein of yarn for each wig, and the best part....washable!

New Years

2012-01-19T07:52:00.000-07:00

Can it be? Am I almost caught up with all past events? Almost!!

For New Years we went to Trav's brothers house to spend the evening. We got there around 2 and the ~~boys~~ men went shooting.

We watched tv, ate, played games, ate, chilled and ate.

Of course Daddy/Uncle Trav had to play with the kids. They all had fun playing with him. He is so good with kids.

James had a lot of fun with the other kids as well.

In the kitchen they would jump from rug to rug, pretending that the floor was "lava".

We had some yummy dips and pizza and of course some more junk food.

Since Brandon's birthday was a few days away we decided to do a little celebration for him.

Afterwards we let the kids lay down in the living room at watch movies while us adults went into the family room to play games. Everyone fell asleep but Brandon and Nathan.

So when it was 10 mins to midnight we let Brandon and Nathan get up to ring in the new year with us.

I got some pictures of me! I was so tired, you can tell by my eyes....

We all had a good time. We left shortly after the New Year to go home. We had church early the next morning. But of course when the morning came around, I was too sick and tired to get up! (I couldn't get to sleep until 5am!)

Wordless Wednesday

2012-01-18T07:50:00.000-07:00

(You can't tell where I like to relax can you?)

Christmas Day

2012-01-17T07:43:00.000-07:00

Surprsingly enough I barely got any pictures on Christmas. I gave Trav the camera that morning and told him to take pictures of the kids while they open them up, and this is what I got...

Wonderful eh? Thankfully I took a few pictures the night before.....

Then can you believe it, I forgot to bring my camera to Grandma Walker's house for dinner! I took a few snaps with my phone....

We ate crackers and cheese and played games while the boys had fun in the living room. We played "Logo" and "7 Wonders". Both games were a lot of fun.

That morning we chilled (okay so I napped!) and then went to church and then went to Cindy's. James spent the afternoon with his Dad and Grandma.

Cowboy Up

2012-01-16T15:53:00.000-07:00

This past weekend I have been sick, so I am a little late in posting this. I have the pleasure to share with you all another Moda Bake Shop Quilt!

This line is called King of the Ranch by Sara Khammash. I love this line and the beautiful colors and just the way fabric is showed, it truly shows what a "cowboy's" life is like.

I want to thank my SIL, Jacque for the use of her house and yard! She had better colors in her home than I did!

I originally was going to give this to my dad, but then decided that I wanted it. Well because of different people's comments on the Moda Bake Shop, I think I have decided to give it to him now. I know I am very fickle.

I love this back, it is of cowhide, and I just LOVE it!

It measures approximately 94"x94". And believe it or not, I assembled it all in ONE day! So it's a fast one!

My Mom has bought some layer cakes of this line and has been bugging me to give her the instructions to it! Well finally she can have them!

I love this quilt! It is so warm and cozy too! I don't know if anyone out there has made any of my "designed" quilts, but if you have I would love to see them!

Another Quilting job

2012-01-16T08:37:00.002-07:00

Here is another quilt that I quilted before Christmas. It wasn't a Christmas present, but it was for my friend's baby. She was due in January but at a doctors appointment they said she would come earlier so I made this for her before Christmas.

I once again finished right before it was time to hand it over, so I only had time to grab a few quick pictures and they weren't turning out right, but even then I didn't have time to take better pictures. I wish they were better, it was a very pretty quilt!

She asked for 1/2" lines, I have only done a 1/4" line so this was a little harder, I had to lay the quilt out and mark lines. I am not sure if there was a better way to do this, but if there was I didn't know.

I first started with a 1/4" line but I wasn't liking how it was looking, so I that's when I decided to go to the 1/2". I left the 1/4" lines to take out later, but when I had the quilt done and was ready to take them out, Trav said he liked it and it showed some of "my style" in it. She said she liked it so I am guessing she liked it too!

More Christmas Presents

2012-01-15T08:29:00.000-07:00

Have you ever been in one of those situations where you are given a present from someone and you didn't get them anything? Then you feel obligated to make/get them something as well?

Well this was me! Trav's friend at work got the boys a DS game and so I felt obligated to make his daughter a little quilt.

When my Mom visited, she brought me some of her scrap fabric and more....these blocks were from a quilt that I made at her house, but since I was combining different fabric lines, these didn't quilt match.

I am kinda glad I had to make this, I really wanted to use these pretty colors. I also had to add a few different fabrics that I had as well.

I wanted to use this fabric on the front but it didn't quite go. So I was glad that I could use it on the back. (Which FYI after this quilt came out of the dryer it was wrinkly and I even tried to iron it, but it refused to be straight)

I have used this type of quilting before and I really like how it turns out when it is done. And it was quick too!

I want to say that all of the fabric pieces used had some sort of poka dots of them but I am not 100% sure. This turned out to be about 36"x36". I thought it would be bigger once I made it, but oh well, it looks good the way it is!

Kimball's Christmas Program

2012-01-14T07:25:00.000-07:00

Here are some pictures from Kimball's Christmas program at school. He did really well, but when I was at his school volunteering he sang MUCH better (louder) in class instead of in front of a LOT of strangers!

There was this poor girl...she cried during the whole thing! I felt so sorry for her, and her parents! If it was Kimball I would want to go scoop him up and hold him the whole time!

I can't believe how big this guy is getting! I was just looking at past pictures of his brothers when they were this young....I can't believe that he is now in preschool!

Angry Birds

2012-01-13T07:10:00.000-07:00

So since I am still behind in all of my postings, here are some more Christmas presents that I made. ANGRY BIRDS!

So I started out by finding a pattern and made it for Trav at work. Well I found that I could make my own patterns for some and found all that I could find. Well Everyone at Trav's work LOVED them and I even had a request to make some for someone. So I began making......

Red Bird: After researching this is the pattern that I liked the most. Red Bird

Yellow Bird: I ended up making this pattern up as I went. I tried really hard to write the pattern as I went along. I will post instructions for this as soon as I finish making them more "official".

Black Bird: Here is my favorite patten for it. Black Bird

Blue Bird: I again made up this pattern. I was trying to think of a way to combine 3 of them in one like it is in the game but no idea came to me. Once again I will post a pattern for this one when it is done.

Green Pig: This turned out really ugly. I don't like it at all. I used a patterned I didn't really like and it was written really weird. But since I made these I have found another one that I like much better. Green Pig.

White Bird: I again made this pattern up as I went. I found one where someone made their bird like this before, and so I tried to recreate it. Once again I will post instructions once I am done making them.

For the ones that I had to create, I searched and searched for any and all crocheted birds that I could find and just took different ones that I liked parts of and made my design from that.

I think these could have turned out a little better, but I was REALLY rushed!

For Christmas I made 4 of each of these guys! They are all gone now too....It took me so long to make them all!

So now of course that I am sick and tired of making birds, Trav's best friend has asked for a set.....grr doesn't he know the hours it takes to make them?? Of course not, he's a male. So I have started working on some more sets, but I warned him that I would take my time! But as I make them I am making some extras too. So I am prepared if someone else asks for some and for the boys. For some reason the boys think they should each have their own set!

Slave Labor...or is it?

2012-01-12T06:24:00.002-07:00

My Nathan or Nay Nay loves to do whatever his Mommy does. So when I am ironing TONS of little pieces of fabric, I am more than willing to let him help me as much as possible.

So I ask....is this really slave labor or labor of love?

Wordless Wednesday

2012-01-11T06:49:00.000-07:00

Crochet Christmas

2012-01-10T08:09:00.000-07:00

While my Mom was here taking my sister to the MTC, she brought Christmas presents for the kids and I sent her back with my HARD workings to my nieces and nephews in Colorado.

Here is the lot!!!

For my twin brother and his family:

For Dallie...a little horse. She loves horses like her Mommy and Daddy.

For Mason...a set of Angry birds (more on this later)

For Wyatt....a little tractor. I got lucky and he got some other presents with tractors on it too.

Then for Morgan....a Zebra. She said that she liked zebra since her bridal and other things have Zebra print on them.

One family down...2 to go.

My little brother's family:

For his daughter, Payton....this is a horse that looks just like her Daddy's.

Only one kid in this family

Lastly, my older sister's family:

For Cade....Spongebob...He LOVES him!

For Zayne....a little caterpillar for him to play with.

For Zoey...a little doll with a few outfits.

For Calli.....a doll with some outfits too.

And that is all....

9 crocheted objects.....I would say it took me about 14 days to make all of these....and when I say says I mean about 18 hours of crocheting for each day! Fortunately I didn't do it all in two weeks! I started a little in August.

I am proud to say that all of my gifts were well received! It makes me VERY happy!

Playing at the Park

2012-01-09T08:47:00.001-07:00

Trav helped a friend move one day...he took the older two boys for me to help me out, and so I decided to treat the boys with a trip to the park...enjoy a last day of semi nice weather.

While they played, I worked on crochet projects.

Then they wanted to swing.....

It was fun to enjoy the nice weather and to get out.

Some Reasons

2012-01-08T21:09:00.000-07:00

One reason why I was so busy right before Christmas was due to these quilts...(Warning, these were taken with my camera phone and weren't the greatest)

Trav's work bought some fabric for me so that I could make them a quilt with their logo on them and I had two other quilts that I was doing for a friend in Colorado. It's the same person I did these other quilts for.

She needed them done before Christmas. I cut it a little close with having my sewing machine broken. I had to wait until my Mom came to bring me a sewing machine I left at her house earlier in August.

I didn't feel as nervous quilting these quilts as I was before, I think I was getting used to the idea.

Here is Trav's company's quilt. The company is called PcCareSupport. I designed it awhile ago and showed it to one of the owners that shares the office with Trav. He kept bugging Trav to when I would make them, and so I finally told him that if he wanted it soon get me the fabric, so he did! I wanted to keep it simple, but patchworky...is that a word? I think I pulled it off.

I had extra fabric so I made the main owner his own little quilt for his office. He was pretty impressed, but like always I saw MANY mistakes. You know, those mistakes that only you could see?

I will show pictures of the company's quilts quilted later. Trav gave me little notice as to when he wanted them done and so since it was for a meeting that was at the end of the week, I didn't have time to get pictures of them quilted but will once they are hung!

I have a favor to ask everyone....Trav's work is having a competition....they just changed their company website to add more information about their employees. And like everything now a days, there is a like button. Well the person who can get the most likes, gets a prize! So Trav has asked me to "beg" for likes! Go ahead and click on here, and find Travis. Thank you all!!

Christmas with Grandma Longan

2012-01-08T08:33:00.000-07:00

So when Grandma Longan was in town to take Catie to the MTC, she brought presents for the kids.....

first she made me decorate for Christmas...it was after December 8th and I hadn't done anything, I knew I would decorate but just didn't want to was all.....So we got a Christmas tree and started the process of decorating.

Our first real Christmas tree since we were married.

I love this crazy man of mine....we make a good pair!

We were thinking of waiting until Christmas for the boys to open presents, but we decided to do it with Grandma there.

Lets just say they were all VERY happy to receive their presents!

Saying thank you to Grandma...she was pleased.

Both Brandon and Nathan got a DS 3D. They were excited but then got didn't really know what it was....

Here is what Nathan looked like when he realized what he actually received!

The boys have been playing it every day since they received them!

The boys also got an apron from Grandma too! Grandma didn't have one for James at the moment but after the kids went to bed she made him one too! What a nice Grandma we all have!!

Missionary

2012-01-07T07:59:00.003-07:00

On December 7th, my little sister reported to the LDS Missionary Training Center (MTC) she is serving an LDS mission to the ASL (American Sign Language) people in Anaheim California.

Before she left, her and my Mother came to my home and stayed a few days. It was nice to see her before she left, she will be gone for 18 months.

I gave her my Diamond Lattice Quilt to take with her, and for her to keep. I think she was a little happy.

She has told me that she has received numerous compliments on it...okay that makes me a little HAPPY!

Packing all her things in the car....she has some AWESOME poka dot bags.

Ahhh....my Little Sister all grown up!

Out of all of my siblings, her and I look the most alike...I can see it when we aren't standing right next to each other....but here, kinda...

Her and my Mommy.....I feel really bad for my Mom, they have been really close. Also my Dad really doesn't completely understand why she left, and is really sad about her being gone....she is his baby.

Festival of Trees : Part Three - Quilts

2012-01-06T07:49:00.000-07:00

Over the last few years there has been a lot more quilts that have been donated. I of course LOVE this! So here are the BEAUTIFUL quilts that were there and I think someday will make.

Out of all of them, I think this is my favorite. I love the colors and the triangles. Now I need to figure out how to make this....what kind of block and if it is paper pieced or what. But oh, I would love to make this quilt.

Now during this coming year my goal is to make one and donate it, although it would be very hard to submit something, there are ALWAYS nice work donated!

Festival of Trees : Part Two - Trees

2012-01-05T06:57:00.000-07:00

Here are the trees and things that interested me or Trav.....

Raider's tree....

Nathan was very happy to get his picture with daddy with "his" tree.

I saw these cans and they are so cute! They were LARGE tin cans that were painted and then stacked and glued to make snowmen. A definitely cute Christmas project for the family as presents.

Trav and I saw this cute tent with that was made simply! We thought that the boys would really like something like this.

Very simply made! Had to take pictures of it to make sure we could "reproduce to them"

I can't remember what the theme of this tree was, but I LOVED this pig! "When pigs fly!"

Here is the tree themed from the movie "The Christmas Story", so cool.

I love this picture! Some day I want this painting.

Then we have this Harry Potter themed tree.

I love these hour glass points things...so cool!

A cool Angry Bird Ginger Bread thing.

I love this tree! It was a sewing tree!

I mostly loved this tree skirt! My favorite part of it.

Brandon is in a big Angry Bird kick, so we had to take picture of this tree.

Then lastly I loved this tree set....the Raiders and Broncos! Love the combo! Trav and I always like to go to heads with them with each team.

There were tons more trees but these were the most "favorite" ones.

Festival of Trees : Part One - People

2012-01-04T07:26:00.000-07:00

At the very beginning of December we made our annual trip up to Sandy, Utah to see the Festival of Trees. It is a family tradition and I look forward to it every year.

Here are different shots of all of us....

All those that attended were : April, Brittney, Sierra, John, Jacque, Carson, Riley, Rose, Derek, Wayne, Melissa, Cindy, Trav, Brandon, Nathan, Kimball, James and Me

Brittney so cute!

We had a little family picture taken - then right after James and I left to run to Target....James had an accident! And of course I have no spare cloths or anything.

Carson (John's son) he was showing me what he wanted for Christmas his "two front teeth"

Carson, Sierra and Nathan....I hope when they get older they become good friends like their parent.

Poor James was so tired and cranky the whole day - Thankfully he got to spend most of the time in the stroller.

I love this picture with Kimball....love his look! But the problem is he LOVES his little MOMMY!

Poor Brandon....of course he wasn't the happiest...walking all day....tons of people...loud noises.....large area!

So we felt like doing this to him!!!

But then we stopped and gave him loves instead! (Trav was just joking with Brandon if you didn't hurt him at all!)

They had a kiddy corner there - and so the kids got to go spend tickets there to get things....Kimball with his face painting

Very cute.....

The kids made reindeer hats...

Nathan decided to have his tattoo on his forehead...

Always towards the end of the day all the kids got tired and had issues....crying and cranky...

But overall we all had a GOOD time!

Birthday Presents

2012-01-03T09:16:00.000-07:00

Still reporting from last year.....

This year I turned 28 years old on the last day of November. We didn't do anything special (umm, lets say I was having issues with medication) but Trav got me a WONDERFUL present!

A LARGE hot chocolate mug! I always keep a look out for big mugs, because come on, if you are going to drink it, you need a big cup!

He found a little combo of this large mug and hot chocolate packages and cookies. The hot chocolate that did come with it didn't even fill the cup all the way up!

The cookies were yummy too, but I was more thrilled to have the cup.

Besides being used for a LARGE mug of hot chocolate I have used this mug for cereal, ice cream bowl and I am sure I can find other things. I love it! I just measured the volume (the packaging never said how much it holds) and it is 40 oz. or 5 cups!

Thankgsgiving

2011-12-30T07:35:00.000-07:00

For Thanksgiving this year we went to Trav's Sister's house for dinner.

Rose has a nice house for this type of event.....

She had a room set up for just the kids, with toys and video games and movies that they could watch.

I made these two shirts that morning, so we could all match in our Turkey Tshirts! Although the day got away from us before we could take a family picture with them on.

Brittney

Then Rose had bought some cool little toys for each of the kids to play with, although I think they got some help playing with them as well.

Then us "women" were in the kitchen cooking. I must say I did VERY LITTLE, but was willing to help wherever I was needed. But April and Cindy had everything under control.

Rose (Trav's sister)

Derek (Rose's husband) he had some drink mix, although I forget the name now...

April (Trav's sister)

The only picture of me from that day, as the camera woman....I am willing to make that sacrifice!

Rose and Derek's dining room is the PERFECT size for all of us! We had a kid's table set up and an Adult table, then off in the other corner a buffet of all the yummy food!

While we women were in the kitchen, the men were suppose to help "watch" the kids! I must say that they did a good job! No fighting and no one got hurt!

While waiting for dinner I helped the kiddos make "placement" cards for their spots.

Brandon was mostly concerned with eating and playing....Brandon, Sierra (April's daughter) and Nathan

Kimball, Brittney (April's Daughter) and James.

After dinner we all retired to the living room to watch a movie, I believed we watched the Sorcerer's Apprentice. It worked out good, the kids played in their room and we chilled on the couch and floor.

After the movie we had our YUMMY pies and then retired for the evening. It was another wonderful holiday! I do hope that we continue to have Thanksgiving at Rose and Derek's place, it was a lot of fun!

James

2011-12-29T08:20:00.000-07:00

So here is Mr. James.

He is officially my second Cousin on my Mom's side, and Trav and I are offically his Foster Parents.

We started off by watching him daily for a month then he started to stay with full time.

I can't say it's been WONDERFUL - I think the hardest of everything is getting all the boys to get along. Take a child where he was the only one and had his own toys to a house full of boys and having to share everything. The worst is James and Kimball fighting. Since Kimball is only 4 months older, they are constantly competing with each other.

So we have been together for about 2 months now and I think James is starting to get the hang of our rules and how things go. But I am pleased with his progress.

I am not 100% sure how long James will be with us, it will depend on how much process his parents make and how long it takes them to do everything the courts want them to do. It could be as little as 6 months to a year. Regardless we are happy to have James with us.

Halloween

2011-12-28T05:25:00.000-07:00

Still back in October....

Nathan was invited to his first friend's birthday party! It was a Halloween themed mask party. I rushed to finish his costume and we got a small mask to go with his costume so he had a mask.

The poor guy fell asleep before the party! I was busy working on the other kids' costumes but was able to get a few snap shots of him! He had a lot of fun there, which makes me VERY happy!

I had to share this, the boys wanted to decorate our front door, so took a trash bag that I had cut up for another party and put it on our front door. Nathan was very proud of his decorating.

As we do every year, we went to Grandma Walker's house to do her ward's Trunk-r-Treat. So before we went I tried to get some pictures of the boys before it got dark.

Yes I made all three of the boy's costumes. It wasn't took hard but the feet! Holy cow, I couldn't understand the instructions worth beans! Then when I bought the fabric they didn't have enough so I had to be a little frugal and cut some corners in areas.

Here are the boys "acting as dinosaurs for me".

They were good sports for me as I took pictures....I think they are getting used to the fact that Mommy wants "lots" of pictures.

We then did the trunk- r- treat, there were TONS of people there and unfortunately we didn't get very much candy. With the economy no one can afford to spend $$ on candy to hand out.

When we got home we went to a few houses in our area, not many but enough. Since we weren't home most of the night, we didn't get a since trick - r- treater! Oh well, Trav took the candy we bought to work and shared it. Overall a good Halloween!

Playing Catch Up

2011-12-26T11:33:00.000-07:00

I don't know about many people, but I like to consider my blog as a type of Journal. So I try to put everything that has gone on, whether with me or my family. Since the last 3 months have been busy and out of control I am now trying to play catch up! So let's step back in time and go back to October again!

Brandon's 3rd grade class was able to go to a local pumpkin patch. I was able to go (which made me so happy) and was in charge of 3 other kids during the field trip. It wouldn't have been so bad but another Mom was there and I got to listen to her complain about her "love life" the whole time. (Seriously, to a total stranger!)

Spiderman!

I love his tongue sticking out!

Overall we all had a great time. I was glad when it was time to go home, for being the in the mid- October range it was sure hot!

Change

2011-12-21T12:52:00.000-07:00

Things have been changing in our home as of late....It has been keeping me EXTREMELY busy! So much in fact, that I just BARELY got my Christmas shopping done last night. I still have 2 projects that I need to finish before Christmas as well.

A few things that have changed in our home is Brandon is now doing homeschool. It just got so out of hand at school. It doesn't help that they didn't have a proper resource teacher who knew how to handle children with autism, but Brandon was running from teachers, trying to escape through windows and was just miserable! Being home for a month now, he has become happy again! We will have to work at his social behaviors soon, but as of now I am pleased to have him working on school work. We are using the K12 program. We have all our supplies from them now (including a computer and printer) and are waiting for term to begin again in January. I am very excited for him.

Picture done by a food friend, Dora Workman

The other change has been a new member of the family. James! We have gained temporary guardianship of my little cousin while his Mom and Dad work things out. So we aren't 100% sure how long he will be with us, but whether permanent or temporary we will take him. I wish I could say that it has been wonderful but I can't. Struggling with my own personal feelings and then trying to help James adjust to our home, it has been leaving me exhausted. I do have hope that things will get better, but so far the boys love having him in our home though.

With everything going on, I haven't gotten as much quilting or sewing done as I would have liked, but I am hoping after Christmas that will change! I can't wait to share pictures of some things that I have finished soon!

Pumpkin Patch

2011-11-12T06:21:00.001-07:00

We had an opportunity to go to a pumpkin patch with Grandma Walker.

We were on the lookout for the "perfect" pumpkin! Kimball started out good, but then had some issues later.

They had an area that was filled with corn kerrnals....it was really cool and the boys had a lot of fun playing in it.

They had some mazes made out of hay, they had some large bails that people climbed on top rather than finding their way through them.

They also had a little animal area....the cages looked so small, I felt sorry for them.

Cute little donkeys (they looked cute even though there were donkeys...I prefer horses)

They also had a kangaroo. I don't think I have ever seen a kangaroo so close up!

Kimball and Nathan were fascinated by him.

Right before we left I was able to convince them to hold still for a few minutes so I could take their picture. (Okay I did give threats)

Ahh the perfect picture of my boys!!

(dis) Abilities and the Gospel

2011-11-11T06:01:00.000-07:00

As many of you know who have read my blog for long, know that I have 3 little guys with Autism. I am not sure what is worse, when we first found out about the diagnosis or now, it just seems that the challenges change instead of get easier! But one thing that was VERY hard and still is, is taking your child to church!

My boys are so much better than they have been sitting for an hour at a time and not disrupting EVERYONE at church, to only a few on certain Sundays'. But its hard to leave them with their Primary (Sunday School) teachers when they don't know ANYTHING about your autism diagnosis and has never had any experience with children with Autism.

A friend of mine has written a book to help those caring for our loved ones a guide to help them better serve! Although some may not take their children to church or attend, but this book I found is not only aimed for church settings, but anyone who is put in charge of those with autism, whether it is a gathering of friends to a school teacher. So I encourage you all to find this book and check it out!

Danyelle has a son with Autism and has also help found Friends of Giant Steps which coincides with Giant Steps Autism Preschool, which her son and all of mine have attended! I believe she knows her stuff!

Here is her blog:
Danyelle Ferguson Blog
And where to buy the book:
Where to buy

"Each day, parents and Church leaders struggle to teach individuals with special needs. Using real-life stories and a touch of humor, this inspiring book guides you to teach effectively, overcome communication barriers, and build strong relationships with people of all ages with disabilities. Discover each person’s ability to learn and grow as you help them feel like a valuable part of your life."

I Spy Halloween

2011-11-10T05:58:00.000-07:00

I was able to finish my I Spy Halloween quilt before Halloween! Yeah! It was one of my goals and am VERY happy that I was able to finish it!

I did a very simple quilting style...Just simple lines....

I love the scattered orange blocks....

I also love the purple surround it.

Then at last....my Lazy Mon Binding!! I just did a zig-zag around the edges. My secret is out at last!!

Diamond Lattice

2011-11-08T06:35:00.002-07:00

I would like to present another Moda Bake Shop quilt....Diamond Lattice!

It is made with Terrain by Kate Spain and measures approximately 70"x 90".

I don't know if you can tell by the picture, but I did straight lines on the white lattice lines and did a stipple stitch on the squares.

Here is the back of the quilt, Love the print!

Then I was able to make a second quilt with all of the scraps from the first quilt. I don't have a nice name for it, so I named it Diamond Extras.

All I did for quilting this one was sew a 1/4" on all the seam lines. It has a NICE effect. I have always wanted to try it and really like it.

I love how the white shines on the back, and love the back fabric.

I just love this colorful line! She did an amazing job!

Head on over to the Moda Bake Shop to get the tutorial so you can make your own!

I want my Baby BACK!

2011-11-07T10:35:00.000-07:00

I want my Baby BACK! I have been plagued with misfortune with my Juki. It seems to have a VERY persitant bobbin problem. I am not 100% sure what is causing it, I just know that within in the last year and a half it has been broken 3 different times!!

Since money doesn't grow on trees here, I have had to wait MONTHS to get it fixed each time! I just want my Baby to be fixed and have her back with me!

I finally have her with a guy who is good with machines, I explained him the problem (2 1/2 pages, front and back!) Her history, so hopefully he can get the root of the problem and fix her!

My pile of quilting is rising rapidly as is many many deadlines! So I want to know if anyone has this Juki T98Q and their thoughts. I know Amanda Jean from CrazyMomQuilts has one and we have discussed hers, but I want to know if anyone else is plaqued with their Juki.

In the meantime I will keep up my crochet projects that are causing very bad carpel tunnel in my left hand!

Some current Crochet projects:

- Angry birds (I have made them all but for one, and am now combining my own pattern for each one, that I will in time share with EVERYONE for FREE)

- Dinosaurs

- Hats

- Cowls

- Little boy slippers

- Little doll dresses

- Tractor

- Horses

See how my carpel tunnel came?

Also does anyone have a gender for their sewing machine or even a name?? I am tried to find a good name for my Juki....since I have finally decided that she is a girl!

Super Saturday

2011-11-06T05:50:00.000-07:00

In Relief Society we have activities called "Super Saturdays". These days are usually filled with tons and tons of crafts! I am sure you can have one that doesn't require crafts, but I haven't ever been to one!

So we gathered our things and set up in our cultural hall (gym)

We did blocks, that we then put matted scrapbook paper and then vinyl letters of your last name...

Nathan stayed with me to help, and he took a quick snap shot of me....

Then we did a christmas countdown...here are the number blocks.

We also had a station to make some fabric totes....This is Jenny and she made and awesome bag!

She forgot her fabric, so I let her go with my scraps and this is what she made! She is so creative!

I can't wait until our next Super Saturday which will be in June....we have an awesome lady who puts them together!

Kimball's Dinosaur Quilt

2011-11-04T05:28:00.000-06:00

Here is Kimball's Dinosaur quilt. I had quite a few dinosaur squares left from Nathan's quilt, but they were too many that were the same, so I couldn't use them all. But decided if I could add some colored squares to them I could get a good sized quilt.

My math is ALWAYS off, and for some reason I kept messing up my measurements!! I hate it when I do that! So when it came down too it, I thought it needed some more width, so I went to the store and grabbed some flannel dinosaur print that matched the dinosaur squares.

The back of the quilt I was able to get a small patchwork on the back, and then was able to use other dinosaur prints and colored fabrics.

Kimball LOVES the quilt! Which of course makes it a complete success!

Nathan was pretty understanding about Kimball getting his dinosaur quilt before his, although he has been reminding me quite a bit to finish his.

I hope that this quilt will last Kimball a long time and that he can look back on it with fond memories.

My Baby's Birthday

2011-11-02T17:27:00.000-06:00

Last month my little baby turned....

FOUR!! I can't believe how old he is....

Now the timeline...

Isn't he a cutie??

For his birthday cake, I made him a cupcake dinosaur! He loved it! I liked it because it was easy to put together and I didn't have to cut the cake!

He had fun opening presents and we had to constantly tell Nathan to back off, and just let Kimball open them. His favorite presents were his Thomas the Train pillow pet (he has slept with it every night!)

And then of course my dinosaur quilt that I was able to put together for him! I finished that day while he was at school and it was ready just in time for his birthday.

Pictures of his quilt will come soon....

I think I might be hungry....

2011-10-30T18:13:00.000-06:00

Okay so I have been on the hunt for some really good pumpkin recipes that I can use to make something delicious and bring to our Relief Society Meeting this week. I am surprised at how many GOOD cooks there are. Now I define GOOD as someone who is down to earth and uses simple ingredients to make delicious food. Lets face it, we don't all have dry sherry in the cupboard or heavy cream in the fridge all the time.

So while looking, I found some awesome blogs/websites I want to share with everyone.

Our Best Bites This site is ran by Kate and Sara. They are stationed here is Utah (what can I say us Utahns are AWESOME!) I love how they have TONS of pictures and take the time to explain what they are trying to say! Here is some of just my fall recipes that I HAVE to try....(These are all of their pictures)

Candy Corn Cookies

Sugar Cookies (what drew me was how it looked like Grandma's Big Cookie....)

Carmel Corn (this is the same recipe that I use, but she cooks the carmel in the microwave!!)

Cinnamon Bun Popcorn (Trav wants me to make this without the almonds though)

Easy Pumpkin Chip Muffins

Ginger Spice Cookies

Homemade Pumpkin (A great way to use those pumpkins we decorate our front porch with)

Single Pie in a Jar (I think I might make some for my Father in Law for his birthday...something that he would LOVE after a long day of work!)

Then the second site that I found that has AWESOME recipes is Taste and Tell from what I have searched on her blog and whatnot, she is from Utah as well! We have some AWESOME cooks in Utah. Here are some that I have tried and can't wait to try as well! (These are her pictures as well)

Baked Creamy Chicken Taquitos

Puffed French Toast

Homemade Jordan Almonds (These are some of my Mom's favorite candy, when she visits in December I plan on us making her a batch to eat on the way home)

Zucchini Cobbler Bars

Halloween Popcorn Cake (I have made this already....so dang good!!! But I didn't do it in a bunt ban or add peanuts...but just as good! It is now my Halloween Popcorn!)

Lemon Candy Corn Bars (I can make these after Halloween right?)

Pumpkin Chili

Caesar Pockets (I remember when Wendy's used to have these when I was a teenager, oh how I LOVED them! But so excited when I found this! I am definitely going to have some for my lunches!)

Check out these ladies' sites and find some good stuff. If you make something and try it, let me know! I am always on the look out for EASY and YUMMY recipes...now I am a lazy cook...so SIMPLE is very important!

General Conference Weekend

2011-10-23T18:32:00.000-06:00

I have been a wee bit behind on my blog posts yet again but not too far behind this time. The first weekend in October we had General Conference. For those who aren't aware, I belong to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, aka LDS or Mormon. Every 6 months we have a General Conference where our leaders speak to us. It's a wonderful Conference lasting 2 days where we can get inspired and receive comfort. If you are curious about it you can go here.

During this time, Travis and I sit and listen/watch it on our computers- love technology, and play either games or sew. I took on the project of cutting out 2 1/2 inch squares. I don't know how many I cut, but I took quite a bit from my scrap bins.

I also was able to get a whole quilt top done too! I can't share pictures of that one just yet, but I was thrilled with how much I got done.

There were amazing talks given and I can't wait to read through them again once I get my Ensign next month.

Colored Ribbons

2011-10-13T14:46:00.000-06:00

I am PUBLISHED!!! I am so happy that I can now share this!!! Remember when I made this post?

I complained how long it took me to guilt this....43 hours....

Well this is what it made....

I present Colored Ribbons!! One day while I was visiting my Mom last year, I just created a block and just started to fill in....and this is what it became!

This is the back of the quilt. I changed thread color to match the color of the block.

This quilt and instructions appeared in "The Quilt Pattern Magazine". They contacted me and said that they were creating a new online quilt magazine and needed designers and asked for me to submit something.

At first they weren't going to be able to pay designers at all, but as the magazine got more advertising they said they could now pay their designers. I am not sure of the amount yet or what it depends on, but if you are interested I will let you know.

This is about 90"x90". So a nice queen size quilt, although it's not really easy to keep it tucked in! (We have a really tall footboard).

Can you see why it took me 43 hours to quilt it? It's actually a really simple quilt design, the block is just a maverick star/sawtooth star block!

I used scrap fabric (okay so I went and bought fabric for this quilt) but it's designed to be made with scrap fabric that you have.

This is my very first colored quilt that I have made, so I hope you all enjoy it! I am planning on making one with white background....but I personally love the black...just makes all of the colors POP!

To-Do List

2011-10-13T09:47:00.000-06:00

Okay I am making a to-do list to help me organize my life...(see last post!) I have a lot of craft things that I "need to-do" and things I "actually need to-do". So if I write it down and try to keep myself organized, I might not be so stressed....theroritactly anyway.

1. Make Kimball Dinosaur Costume
2. Make Nathan Dinosaur Costume
3. Make Brandon Dinosaur Costume
4. Finish Recent MBS (Moda Bake Shop) tutorial
5. Baste and Quilt "Cowboy Up quilt"
6. Finish my Halloween skirt
7. Quilt I-Spy Halloween quilt

Not too bad for the month....Too bad I need to have all the Halloween costumes done by the 22nd! The rest by the end of the month.

Life...

2011-10-12T09:46:00.000-06:00

PLEASE tell me that I am not the only one that finds life frustrating and terrible all at the same time?? Okay so I will try to be positive...life goes up and down and right now is a DOWN time.

Okay I won't be that negative, not all of life is negative - just most parts of the day are negative. Mostly having to deal with ALL of the responsibilities that I have (want me to name them?) and with this little guy...

(And yes, this is his school picture for the year)

Okay now if it was just the picture, which everyone thinks I need to lighten up about, but is it so wrong to want a nice smiling picture like all the previous years? I am also told I will laugh at it eventually..not yet.

This year has been such a struggle with him! We are only in the 2nd month of school and lets see....

1. We have gotten a total of 3 citations for the bus (4 total are allowed for the year) and is now suspended from the bus for this week. The first 2 weeks of school he got his first 2 citations.

We have most of the kinks worked out on the bus now, and frankly strike 3, was him mostly being a stinker compared to the first 2 were just him having problems adjusting to the bus.

2. We have already punched a little kid at school in the nose and gave him a bloody nose. He almost got suspended from school for that for a day, but the Principle in his wisdom and experience with Autistic children let it slide. We were also very lucky to have the kid he punched and his mother were understanding and laid back enough to let it go.

3. I receive on average a phone call a day from Brandon from school with a problem. They let him call me when he wants just to appease him, which is NICE because talking to me helps him calm down.

4. The resource teacher, who we LOVED had to quite, which lets be honest, I cried! She has an older son with Aspergers and understood Brandon SO WELL!! She was a great mediator for him and helped him cope so well!

I don't know what this little boy's problem is this year, or what is causing him to be so anxious this year. It has been more stable this year at school ( last year was the very first year for this new charter school, so it was a complete work in process). But it has caused my stress level to sky rocket!

I used to think he was a "high functioning" aspergers kid. But what did I know when he was younger. It was a LOT easier when he was younger, but now as he is getting older and you get the "normal" expectancy of 8 year old boys you find that he is quite severe! I mean simple little things that you would think was just "natural" just doesn't register with him! He just plain doesn't know. That has been a big struggle. What is the difference from him just "not knowing" and him being a "stinker and playing the system". Cause this little boy, is just SO SMART! Just has the social capacity of a 4 year old.

Now that I have that out of the way....there are some MAJOR positives with him too. He is so loving and is always willing to give me a hug or a snuggle at the end of the day! He is so smart in math that he is working on PER-ALGEBRA! 7th grade math! It comes so easy for him! In fact the Math Department asked him to be in the American Math Challenge this week (starts today) for a few days! Which means he just gets to do math all day for two days! He LOVES it! Since Math and Science are his favorite subjects he is happy. They have asked kids in all grade levels, but only 40 out of the whole school (several hundred) were asked!

Also he is doing so well in Cub Scouts and has progressed so well! He has accepted that he won't like everything in Scouts and has dealt with that and just has stepped up! SO PROUD OF HIM!

So out of all the "stress" there is some positive. But just add this to everything else a "typical" mom has to do, you can see how life just sucks for awhile right?

I do know that no matter what, my Heavenly Father will NOT give me anything that I cannot handle and that is some comfort to me. So I know that I can handle ANYTHING that comes my way.

I also think that good times are coming, I am a FIRM believer that things get really bad before things get really good. Just the way Satan works and tries to get us down. So I know that there is a light at the end of the tunnel even though I can't see it just yet...but I KNOW it's there!

Thanks for listening to me vent, and I definitely wanted to write this down so I can look back on what life is like right now with Brandon.

Also if there are people out there (I know of some) that have kids with Aspergers or kids with Autism, drop me a line! Tell me your horror stories so that mine don't seem that bad! LOL But also any advice with an 8 yr old Aspergers!

Patience

2011-10-05T06:00:00.000-06:00

I have the best husband in the world. He is VERY supportive of my crafting/quilting anbissions. He doesn't have much input to what I do, meaning the designs or colors but always gives the right answers and tells me that I am the best in the world....The very best sort of support any self consiouse person needs!

The one thing he CAN'T stand is when my stuff starts to crouch his side of the desk...this lately has happened a little too much. Even though he doesn't like my things on his side of the desk, he doesn't care where it creeps else where. So where our computer desks/ crafting area is (main dining room area) I have almost taken over the entire room!!

I have all my stuff piled up on the other side of our desk area. And by our counter area to the kitchen and stools.

Just SOME of my "in process" projects right now....

A sample of my scrap pieces. I am using some to make a new quilt design....hoping to finish soon! It's a last minute project!

A pile "need to quilt" and quilt top you name it!

I am in the process of organizing my fabric area upstairs, and so unfortunately I can't put these all away for a bit, but I am very lucky to have a hubby who doesn't mind much! (Well at least until it gets in his desk area!)

Special Powers

2011-10-04T06:00:00.021-06:00

Often times people who are not aware of Autism, or just don't know a lot about them think that all kids with autism have "special powers" like Rain Man.

This is NOT true. There ARE people out there with Autism that has "special powers" but not EVERY child with autism has them. Now my personal thought that when a child with autism - they have a lot areas that they have trouble in...A LOT of problems, and the areas that they actually are good in, whether it is a "normal" level or slightly higher level we go all nuts with it, and we think it is their "special powers" which is true in a way, for them it is their "special powers".

So with that said, IF Nathan would have a "special power" this would be it...

Okay so it's not making super paper airplanes, it is making things out of paper. He LOVES to make things out of paper, 3D forms out of paper. He has made guns, airplanes, claws, card holders, nativity scenes and dinosaurs.

Some are very lucky to receive some of his "master pieces", and if you are me, you will love them and cherish them, but feel free to send them on their way either in the trash or the recycle bin....don't worry another one will come along shortly.

I joke around with people saying that I should take stock in the tape and paper because we go through A LOT of it in our home!

Giveaway Winner and I-Spy Swap Annoncement

2011-10-03T18:52:00.000-06:00

I want to thank all of those that entered the giveaway! I had 20 diffferenty entries and let me tell you, I wish I had 20 charm packs because I would send one to each one of you all! But alas I only have 1!! Maybe in the future I can try and do some more giveaway for my followers, and then hopefully you all will be able to win!

So here are the results (most important thing right? :

Chiska said...
I love the charm pack! Cool spiders. I love admiring my stash too. Sometimes it helps me curb my fabric buying habit. Sometimes.

Congratulations Chiska!! I will go ahead and send you an email asking for your address and get it off to you this week!

Second I wanted to announce an I- Spy Swap....

Sharon over at Sew in Peace is hosting an I-Spy Swap. It's a little different from mine, a 5" block and prewashed fabric. I have participated in one of her previous swaps and I was very pleased and happy with it! So feel free to head on over and sign up! She is aiming for 40 swappers and has a little under 20 now.

Are you done yet?

2011-10-03T06:00:00.036-06:00

I have finally started compling all of my collected dinosaur fabrics. Well this was mostly due to the fact that Nathan was tired of waiting. We waited until we received all of the free Spoonflower dinosaur fabric samples that our family and friends were kind enough to get for us.

So what is the end result??

Nathan's Dinosaur I-Spy Quilt!

I can't remember how big it is, but it is big enough to fit his twin size bed.

I decided not to add any borders or sashing, as in I had plenty of squares to make the quilt.

I only had about maybe 10 different prints and the majority of them were all of the same fabric.

I used all the dinosaur I spy squares I had...so the squares I had were 4"...so I cute the rest to be 4" squares as well.

I tried really hard to make it so not two of the same squares matched, but who knows how it ended.

Here is the back of the quilt...I had quite a bit left over, mostly of the same ones...so I used the last of them on here.

But while making it, I had a feeling I was adding things wrong or something, so when I laid them out to acutely baste them, I realized that it was WAY too small!! Oh well! So I need to add a little more, about this wide on the back. I thought I just had extra, I guess I should have gone with my gut and recalculated everything!

I now get constant requests as to when it will be done....so I better get going on it...

Who is this??

2011-10-02T06:00:00.002-06:00

This week Kimball got off the bus and it wasn't Kimball! It was.....

a doggie!!! He was so cute! He was insistent that it was in fact Kimball and not a stray dog!

He was so cute! He didn't like to actually to wear his ears, but loved his face paint!!

Nathan was so inspired that he created some "bunny ears". If that is what he wants to call them, then okay. We got some carrots from Grandma Walker's garden (which the boys loved!) and he thought it was very important for bunnies to eat them.

I am so glad they give me these little moments...keeps like simple!

Finally

2011-10-01T06:00:00.002-06:00

Okay so we know my feelings about some of the Online Quilting Bee's that I have participated in.

Well during my very first I-Spy Swap I had TONS of packages, well somehow I accidentally threw away my last bee block! I felt so terrible! So after talking to her, I got what type of fabric she needed and then having it for several months, I finally made her blocks this week! I know I am such a slacker!!

As a "sorry please forgive me" gift I am giving her ALL of the fabric that I ordered for her, although I wish I could keep them (my conscience wouldn't let me) I am giving them to her. Hopefully she can put them to good use.

It was really hard to find this fabric, and I only was able to find 1 of the the type that she had. It's Alexander Henry Lorenzo print.

I really like the look and effect that it gives. We used Kona Ash for the edges.

I hope she forgives me and likes her blocks!

I would like soon.....maybe start another online quilting bee. I think my break was nice and I feel like I have my life in order enough that I want to do another one. So if you are interested let me know!!! (12 people are needed....11 actually-forgot me).

Cub Scout Fun

2011-09-30T06:15:00.000-06:00

Brandon was so excited when he started cub scouts. He had a few problems with participating in all of the activites, well the ones that involve being in a group. I understand his reserves and his dislike for it, but we made it VERY clear from the beginning that if he was going to be in scouts he had to participate in EVERYTHING. Even though he may not like all of it, he still had to do it.

I am proud to say he has improved so much! I am very proud of him and all of his hard work!

One thing that he HATES to do and has a hard time with is skits and performing in front of people.

His Den Mothers are so wonderful and understand his reserves so for their skit that they did, he got to take his scooter, and be the "Scooter Boy". He did so great!

Even when he had bumped into people and things he handled it well. He normally would have gotten really upset because he didn't do it right. But he just went along with it.

Here is his little Den Pack...a good set of boys!

Brandon received two belt loops, one for archery and bee bee gun shooting. He was asked if he wanted to say anything, and he said "Ummm no". So cute!

Grandma Walker was able to come watch and support Brandon. We are VERY lucky to have family members so close to come to these events like this.

They then got to play a game with a new Den (they are combining two Dens). Brandon did very well working with basically complete stranger. They had a game with cooperation and with helpful inputs from me and Grandma he got it down.

We are working hard with his scouting and hopefully by January we will have it all done! I also want to really try and get Brandon to do as many extras that he can. I think once he realizes how fun scouting can be, he will LOVE it all and want to do it on his own.

Halloween Giveaway!!!

2011-09-29T11:15:00.000-06:00

Okay I am going to admit it.....I am a follower junkie! I get so excited when I see someone else is following me....it makes my day. I know, I am pathetic, but hey, let's be honest. It has taken awhile, almost 2 years to get to 200 followers but I will take it!

To celebrate this little monumental milestone for me, I have decided to do a little giveaway. I have been going through my fabric, organizing and sorting and whatnot...(okay so I am admiring my stash!!) and I found a perfect giveaway! I will be giving away a charm pack, Haunted Mansion by Sanae to one lucky follower! This is perfect for Halloween and just in time!!

To enter just leave me a comment and make sure your a follower! Please make sure you have an email attached or it's on your profile, otherwise you will be disqualified. International entries are welcomed!

Giveaway will end on Monday October 3rd at 6pm MST. Good luck everyone!

First Field Trip

2011-09-23T06:00:00.015-06:00

Kimball had his first official field trip the second week of school. We accompanied me MANY times over the years for Brandon and Nathans field trips, so this was his official first field trip!

We went to a local pet shop. It was fun to look around, Kimball loved the fishes! (Just like his Daddy). The lizard he is looking at was so silly, he kept trying to get out and standing up. Then for HIPPA reasons I can't show the kid's faces in Kimball's class....something about privacy or something!

Then afterwards we did a few errands and then stopped by Menchie's. It is a new frozen yogurt place by our house. It is self served and let me just say...AWESOME! You get to make your own, so you choose how much you want and what you want to add! Mine is the top right while Kimball's is the bottom left...they were so good even Kimball's dinosaur wanted to eat some!

He is getting so big so fast! We also got these cool spoons. They are a hard plastic so you can use them again and again!

They had a chalk board on a wall so Kimball took time to play. He did a lot of scribbiling until I drew my awesome dinosaur (top right). He then made a T-Rex..all of the squiggles coming out is the meat that he is eating....that's what he said anyway.

I completely recommend Menchie's to anyone...find out if they have one in your area! Reasonably priced, lots of flavors and toppings..so good!

What I do....

2011-09-21T05:57:00.000-06:00

What do I do now that my kids are gone all day??

Besides taking a nap, exercising, checking blogs and email, playing facebook games....I do a lot of these sort of things....

My goal is to get my house clean keep it that way. So far I have been so-so....but I do have to admit that the house hasn't stayed this clean for a long time....if ever!

Then once I do chores around the house, I get to spend a lot of time quilting....I think I might actually be able to finish all my WIPs before the end of the year!

Helper...

2011-09-20T05:54:00.000-06:00

I have the best helper in the world!

I had to sort some triangles that I needed sorted, and they were all bunched up in a tub, I needed to lay them out so I could iron them and then sort.

He was so sweet and when I asked, didn't want to but did it for me. He is such a good helper! He also supports me in my quilting and crafts so much! He has LOVED everything that I have made....my kind of man!

My Baby....

2011-09-19T05:45:00.000-06:00

My Baby is growing up!! After many times of asking, he won't let me put a rock on his head to stop him growing...in fact none of my boys will let me!!

Kimball started at Giant Steps Autism Preschool this year. Both Brandon and Nathan attended. It is a full day program 4 days a week. Needless to say....I need a dog!

Kimball was so excited! He started 2 weeks after his brothers which made it harder for him! He helped picked out his new school cloths (of course Thomas is there) and wanted to take his brother's old backpack.

He will be 4 years old next month, but it just seems like these last 4 years FLEW by! He was such a brave and good boy...

Here he is getting to school....he checks in....puts his card with his name and job chart....hangs up his backpack....and then goes and plays until it's time to start the day.

He already loves his teacher Janeen (Brandon had her too). He also gets to ride the bus to and from school which according to him is the highlight of his day.

The second and third day of school didn't go as well. The second day I had to literally peel him off me and leave him screaming! Now that was HARD! It's so weird to have a kid that is clinging, Brandon and Nathan would run away from me, not stay by him. That day I cried, I hadn't cried at all until then. I left him and went to Trav's work and hung out with him for a bit...everyone thought it was cool that I wanted to be with Trav at work, but he was my support.

Kimball is doing SO much better now and is excelling really well in school now. Although he says he doesn't have any friends, but insists that he doesn't want any. Okay....note taken.

Messes.....

2011-09-18T05:40:00.000-06:00

I have a hard enough time keeping my house clean (okay liveable) so I am a mean Mom and don't let my kids play and do certain things....

1. No playdough
2. No silly putty
3. No paint (I have slacked in this area a little)
4. I don't let them make sugar cookies
5. Decorate Easter eggs

Get the idea? I mostly HATE cleaning up after them once they do it. We have done some of these things at other people's home, but a place where I don't have to clean up! See I am a mean/lazy Mom!

The other day, I made a mess....and I must say that I had a great time making it!

This is the ONLY mess that I enjoy!

( Notice the M&M's and Diet Coke? A common diet for me these days....chocolate and pop)

Birthday Boy

2011-09-17T05:32:00.002-06:00

This month Trav turned the big 35 years old! It seems so old to me, being only 27 (okay I will turn 28 in 2 1/2 months, but still). We did a VERY low key birthday. Trav just wanted to stay home and wanted Papa Murphy's pizza. I ordered two stuffed ones, and it lasted us for 4 different meals!

I love my MAN!! For his birthday, Nathan wrapped tons of different things around the house! It was so cute! Then we went to the store and got him a few gifts, a Large glass mug, a Raiders lanyard, contanier of candy corn and pumpkins and lighters. Nathan insteaded on getting him something scary because, Daddy loves scary movies....so he got him lighters! Was a silly kid! He also is getting a new computer game that is coming out in November, we pre-ordered it. I can't remember what it's called and he has told me SO MANY TIMES! Oh well.

Kimball isn't in the pictures because he had fallen asleep, he had had a long night before and got up early.

Please ignore the dirty counter

He got a store bought cake from Smith's (Kroger), it turned out to be really good! It was super moist! The next day I made him some spiced cupcakes and brownie cupcakes (turned out weird, but everyone loved them). We took them to his Mom's for his birthday celebration with his family.

Springville Quilt Show

2011-09-16T22:14:00.000-06:00

A few weeks ago I was able to attend the Springville, UT Quilt show. I was going to enter a quilt of mine, but I didn't make it in time! Darn it! Next year.

There were tons of beautiful quilts, but not many that were my taste....but here are some that I thought deserved mentioning....

This was a small beautiful quilt, although my camera didn't do a great job, in fact all my pictures are VERY lacking, but alas....no money to buy a better camera...but I am VERY tempted to save for a new one!

I love this, each block was about 2"! She used scraps from friends from all over. She also hand quilted, very pretty!

I noticed a very popular theme, quilt art. Also stitching art. These were so pretty! I loved them and I think one of these will be in my future! I want to try one, just once. If you can do a close up on it, do it, you will see all the different fabric! The one of the temple, each tree had about 10+ pieces of fabric on it.

I really liked this yin-yang look of this quilt. I also liked the colors. I think it would be awesome to make a more prominent pink and brown one. Does anyone know what this block is??

Loved this quilt, it was probably a queen size with all of these different blocks, all scrap. I loved the cool colors! Right up my isle! Although how would one make this? Just make different size Dresden blocks? The middle is a yo-yo. Does anyone know what this block is??

These are some cute one...the top left was made to put in her children's room. So cute! I think it would be awesome to do a quilt along and do each different block! Then the cats for my aunt who just loves them! Then the top right, I have a goal to make one of these one of these days, definitely need to get better first. Then the bottom right is from V&Co! Love the different pink in it!

The top left was made in a quilt guild, each took a letter of the alphabet and made something featuring it, and had to use 3 different types of stitching, IE applique, patchwork and something else. I really liked this one. The then the bottom left, it was a large quilt, but this one block was all.LOVED it! I definitely want to make one some day. So pretty to just feature some colors. The top right used just two different leave pedals, it is so pretty! The the bottom right, thought it was an AWESOME modern quilt, and a GREAT idea to do in a modern quilt guild meeting.

Then every year there is Halloween quilts. These were the two different ones. I love the different blocks and jut the variety that it shows! Awesome quilts!

Next year I definitely want to enter at least one of my quilts, if not two....any suggestions???

Down to Business....

2011-09-16T17:09:00.001-06:00

Wow I have neglected my blog for too long!! Sorry everyone....so down to business....

1. Ronny the Robot Winner:
Out of 18 people who entered, we have a winner....

Congratulations Caroline!!

Caroline said...
Okay, I'll be honest: I don't pay much attention to who writes the patterns for the quilts, and I was AMAZED to see that all of the quilts that I've bookmarked as "To-make someday" are yours. But I have to say this little robot one is quite cute. We love robots in this house (I was the finalist in the last Moda Bake Shop contest with the Robot Toothfairy pillow) so I know that this quilt will be on my SON'S "Mommy's needs to make for me" list. :)

I will be emailing you to get your address to send it to you!

Overall the favorite quilt from Moda (that I made) is #1 Robot Love, #2 American Pinwheel and #3 Hidden Stars.

I wonder if people think my quilts are too hard, what do you all think?

2. Do to lack of interest there will be NO NFL square swap. WAHHHHHH!!! I was really excited to do this but only one person signed up! Oh well...if anyone gets interested in the future let me know!

My little scout...

2011-09-08T07:05:00.001-06:00

***If you are looking for the NFL Square Swap, Click here***

This summer I (with Nathan and Kimball) got to go with our ward's cub scouts to a cultural museum at BYU.

Brandon was SUPER hyper in this small museum with about 50+ other cub scouts and parents....

sometimes his fellow scouts have little patience with him, but for the most part they like him.

We tried looking at all of the different facts about our state and the American Indians that were in Utah....but they just didn't hold their attention....

So we spent a lot of time making crafts....

Then we got to make hieroglyphics...Brandon made a REALLY cute saying....he was rather creative....(I couldn't find where I put it....somewhere around here...)

In this picture...he looks like me...instead of just Travis...

We then had an area were we could try to build a hut like the American Indians did (I forget who they were, thankfully I'm not a history teacher!)

Nathan just made a teepee....

Kimball and his friend just liked to dig...

After the museum we went to a duck pond over at BYU....it was all fun and games until the boys started throwing rocks at the turtles!! We put a stop to that right away....

For this activity Brandon earned a lot of different achievement awards and earned a badge too!

Robot Love on the Moda Bake Shop

2011-09-07T00:12:00.000-06:00

Yeah another one is finished! Robot Love! The tutorial for this can be found on the Moda Bake Shop.

I am just in love with this quilt! I have had this design in my head for it since FEBRUARY! And it has taken me well over 6 months to get it finished!

I did make this one for Brandon, and he LOVES it. Although at first he told me he wanted a dinosaur quilt instead of a robot quilt, but once I told him that was fine I could find another boy who like robots, he said he wanted the robot quilt!

For the quilting I did pebble stitching around the raw edge robot on the front, so on the back you would get this awesome outline, and then for the sashing I did just a 1/4" line.

I am so happy this quilt is done and am VERY happy with it!

When I was stewing on the idea in my head, I found this Robot guy pattern at Material Girls. I had to buy him!

I decided that I would have a giveaway for this little pattern, since this is my 7th Moda Bake Shop quilt!
This pattern makes this cute little guy, Randy the Robot, which goes GREAT with this quilt! He measures little over 20" tall.

Giveaway details:

So if you want to win him, here is what you can do...

1. Leave a comment telling me what is your favorite of my Moda Bake Shop Quilts.
2. Giveaway ends Saturday September 10th at 10pm MST.

Easy isn't it? I you do like my blog, I would love to have more followers! I love to see that people like my different quilts and my babbling! Lets face it, I like being popular!

Moda Bake Shop Quilts:

1. All Stars

2. Field of Tulips

3. American Pinwheel

4. Framed

4. Bird Love

6. Hidden Stars

7. Robot Love ( I know I have such amazing quilt names! LOL)

Thanks for stopping by!

Failed....

2011-09-06T06:49:00.027-06:00

***If you are looking for the NFL Square Swap, Click Here***

A couple of weeks ago, we tried to go as a family to a mine (Trav has been promising the boys all summer). It started out GREAT!

We had to run a few errands around town- but the boys and I took it well...we were just excited to experience what Daddy is always telling us about.

I would have to say that the boys were a little bit WILD waiting to get there...

Then we get halfway up the mountain and what happens....the transmission went out of Trav's bronco! Thankfully we were able to roll most of the way down the mountain....with only a few times where we had to get out and push....I ended up pushing it mostly since Trav was still battleing a head cold. (But it was okay....felt good to get a good leg workout in!)

Then as we were waiting - calling to get help from family and friends- the boys got out and played on a nice dirt hill....

Trav was really calm during the whole thing - didn't get down- which was good because I had to have some "moments" alone. (Okay so I had a small pity party)

Man I love this guy - I will gladly take all the bad that goes along with the good just to be with him!

Brandon did have some moments where he was getting mad - it was a hard thing for him to handle...I mean we had a BIG change!

Nathan and Kimball didn't loose any time trying to find ANY rocks....

We walked around alittle in the town of Stockton....until our rescuers came.

A nice little momument for Stockton (monument, or I don't know)...it is a mining town and I really liked how they reconized all the hard working miners who started this town and worked in the mines.

We didn't have to wait too long, expecially since the closest person was only an hour away. Trav' sister Rose and her husband, Derek came and picked us up. Too bad we had to break down to have some nice chat time with them!

If I would have had a straight head on - I would have taken a picture of us where we lost our transmission, us pushing the truck and then Rose and Derek coming rescuing us! But oh well....we have memories!! Now the hard part is saving the two grand to fix the bronco....Trav thinks it's worth fixing!

Father's Day tradition...

2011-09-04T06:41:00.001-06:00

***Looking for the NFL Square Swap? Chick Here***

I realized that I have never posted about Travis's father's day present.

We have a family tradition that every year we make a Daddy's shirt.

This one is a little bit of a teaser for Trav...ever since we started dating we had a rivalry between our two favorite football teams....The (better team) Denver Broncos and (lesser team) Oakland Raiders. So basically Trav HATES any blue and orange combo....

I found this polo on sale and just had my crazy idea of the blue on it. He was concerned at first when he saw his shirt, and didn't know if he could actually "wear" it. But he has and even though the colors are not his favorite, he likes it!

Also notice my little goof up on the back?? I tried to peel it off...but decided to bag it. I think it adds character!

Travis also turned 35 years old yesterday! Happy Birthday to my dear Man!!!

Look what came for me....

2011-09-03T07:37:00.001-06:00

***Looking for the NFL square swap? Click here***

I received some of this in the mail this past week....

fabric for one of my Moda Bake Shop projects!

It is called King of the Ranch by Sara Khammash

I originally planned to make this quilt for my little brother, but now I am not 100% sure....either I will give it to my Dad for Christmas or heck.....just keep it for myself!!! I really like this fabric!

NFL Square Swap

2011-09-02T23:15:00.002-06:00

Does anyone know someone that LOVES football? Know someone that is COUNTING down the days until the season starts? Well I enjoy football, I wouldn't say I am a fanatic or anything, but I enjoy watching a few games.

I was thinking that it would be awesome to have a NFL quilt that showed all of the different teams. I had an idea of a quilt that looked similar to this....

I was thinking then with the back, I would take fleece or flannel of my husband's and I's favorite teams and put it on the back, that way we have one side that is showing our team spirit, and the front showing the whole NFL. In our case the back would be half Oakland Raiders and half Denver Broncos.

Since you only need about 2 blocks of the same fabric, it made sense to me to have a swap!

After a little research....(yes I had to do some research) there are 32 teams in the NFL.....

1. I need at least 31 people to join in order to have at least 32 different blocks (1 for each team or we could double this so everyone can have a least 2 from each team)

2. We can have 63 people join and we can assign 2 people to each team

Everything depends on how many people are interested in joining. Also I don't mind if someone takes more than one slot...each slot will count as 1 person, so if you choice to sign up more than once that is fine, you will get double.

So if this is something that you are interested in please please pass the word along! I need everyone's help in spreading the word to make this a success!!

I am trying to do this swap and have time to get a quilt made for a Christmas present. So I think in order to have enough time to order fabrics (online if need be) we need to have this sign up end by Sept. 10th. Hopefully we will be full by then, but that date will decide if we can continue with the swap.

So if you would like to join, please comment below, and please only those SERIOUS and willing to CARRY OUT this swap sign up.

Thanks everyone, and don't forget to spread the word!

Dinosaur boys.....

2011-09-02T13:22:00.000-06:00

My boys like dinosaurs....

so much so.....we talk about them all the time.....like to wear dinosaur tattoos....

even become dinosaur heroes!

We also know their "real" names. You can't always understand them, but they know what dinosaur is what...

even Kimball can spout off their correct names....

Dinosaur Heroes and future paleontologists.

Another Done!

2011-09-01T14:13:00.000-06:00

Here is another quilt that has been done for some time, but isn't DONE until I post about it!!

This is the Summer Quilt Along from Amanda Jean from CrazyMomQuilts.

Here is the back....

I ended up doing a 1/4" quilting around the whole quilt...when I began it, I didn't realize that it would take as long as it did.....

See the back....cute how it started out!

But then somewhere along the way I got it crooked, so I ended up having to add pieces to the bottom of the edges on the back...I just used scraps, as this whole quilt is a scrap quilt....

It's a nice twin size quilt, and SUPER comfy!

Boys Starting School

2011-08-31T13:20:00.000-06:00

Brandon and Nathan started school again last week! I have mixed feelings....VERY happy that they are in school now and out of my hair, but then sad that I won't see them as much anymore. Then I feel very guilty for having them gone and being happy they are gone! Going into the second week now, I am feeling better.

This year they are riding the school bus too and from school! I am so excited about this because I don't have to spend 2 hours in the van each day dropping off and picking them up from school now.

So far they are loving school. Nathan has made some new friends, which I am so proud of him!

In Math, since Brandon is so far ahead of everyone else, they have him on the computer now doing some harder math. This is great because Brandon would get so bored!

Even riding the bus, things aren't perfect, Brandon has received 2 citations in the first week! You are only allowed 4 for the whole school year! Apparently the bus is pretty crowded and Brandon has lost his temper with people. He has major sensory issues and people being too close or too loud drives him nuts!

Thankfully the school if VERY understanding of Brandon and are actually working with me to help him instead of just getting mad. So we have come up with a few ideas that should help him. Only time will tell.

I can't believe how big my boys are getting! Brandon is now in 3rd grade and Nathan in 2nd! Where has the time gone?

Star Sample Quilt Along 2010

2011-08-30T13:16:00.000-06:00

It's done!! Okay so its been done for some time now, a few months...but the important thing is, it's not OFFICIALLY done until I post about it!

I ended up editing it quite a bit. First because I couldn't go back to the ladies blog and actually finish it, I had waited too long and then had to pay for it....no thank you.....

But I also have some left over blocks that I am going to turn into pillow covers!

But this bad boy is going to go in my living room! It will go very nicely with the quilt that is over the couch right now.

In February, my sister Catie came up with an awesome design for my living room, because I also have 2 other larger frames I need to put up, but I have forgotten the layout! So I need her to come visit me again to help me out! Or have my awesome cousin, Amy come help me again!

I must say I feel good to be able to put this on my "finished" list now!

Productive Weekend

2011-08-29T18:59:00.000-06:00

I have had a very productive weekend! Because of my newly found motivation I was able to whip up a quilt top already. I was then able to short through my scraps!! So after 5 hours, they were all sorted into color and then little projects that I have.

I did make a quick run to Hancock Fabrics to get some black and orange fabric. I surprisingly didn't have any of those! Scraps yes. but enough to actually do this, no.

I am thinking of adding another row to the bottom, but I will have to see if I have enough fabric in my scrap bins ( I saw some as I was tossing them in the right color bins, but not sure how many)

There is all of my Halloween i spy squares.

I don't have pictures of my bins yet, mostly because I need to fold and sort all of my other fabrics. But I will post one when I am done with it....

Now with that done, tonight I am going to start Nathan's dinosaur i spy quilt.

Nathan has been bugging me to do it for awhile now and I think I have enough different variety saved up, well as variety that I can do.

I needed to wait a few more days because since Spoonflower had their free sample day I asked people to get me a sample of any of their dinosaur prints. Not a ton but any extra square I can get, is another square!

Hopefully this quilt top will be done soon, and then I can start my next Moda Bake Shop quilt project. I just finished one and hopefully it will be posted in the middle of next month.

Never fails.....

2011-08-26T13:29:00.000-06:00

It never fails to get me motivated.....

Today I was just chilling with Bubble, and relaxing and doing nothing. Now doing nothing is playing computer games and watching movies. I decided to catch up on all of my blogs....and this is no small feat...I mean I have TONS of different blogs that I follow and read to get inspired and whatnot.

Now I did plan today to sew, but just wasn't in the "mood" until I started checking my blogs. Now I am all motivated to start sewing again and then the worse of all....start "new" projects!!

Let me show you what has inspired me today....

From L'Fair Quilts - Go To Quilt
She is always making fun and interesting quilts. She has a more traditional style of quilts....she is also very sweet!

From Film in the Fridge - This is her Kites in the Clouds quilt
She has a modern style and she is always bursting with cute quilts!

Then again from Film in the Fridge - Gradual Rainbow Quilt.
I really like her twist on the rainbow style quilts.

Then of course at CrazyMomQuilts, she always has something fun she is working on! Here is one that I have been seeing a lot lately everywhere, her 9-patch quilt along quilt....This is on my list for sure!!

Then CrazyMomQuilts is finishing another quilt along right now, it's a 36 patch quilt. I love the color combos and just how pretty it is!!! I think I can use a LOT of my scraps on this too!

Then LASTLY from Reil in Canada, The Q and the U she is making a Halloween I spy quilt! Now this is what I am going to start making today!!! I am going to go through all of my i spy squares (and boys is it growing!) and decide on a pattern and start working. This sounds REALLY fun and exciting!

All of these fun ideas, and I am not even half-way through my blog list!! I like to add to my "to-do someday" list and then never do them! LOL But we will see since the kids are in school I am planning on getting a lot of my WIPs done- all in time to add more!!

What do you get?

2011-08-25T07:03:00.000-06:00

What do you get when....
1) Your kids have started school
2) Avoiding quilting projects
3) Have a LONG time desire to use scraps
4) Avoiding the house work you need to get done

It started out with a pillow case...then ended up being a good size lap quilt approximately 67"x54"

For the back I ended up using ALL of my scraps! Like the fun little design? I ended up only using a small scrap rectangle!

I just added pieces together over and over and over.

I have everything ready for it, so all I need to do is baste it, quilt it, and then bind it! THEN ALL DONE!

Not So Wordless Wednesday

2011-08-24T04:56:00.000-06:00

I can't keep this wordless today....But here are some FABULOUS pictures that my sister took while we were in Colorado!

Zayne:

Zoey:

Kimball:

What can I say....I am more partial to Kimball! So adorable!

Little Zayne and his Lion

2011-08-23T04:31:00.000-06:00

I have been trying to make my children, nieces and nephews some crochet animals. Trying to cater to their tastes and whatnot. So the first one I made something for was Zayne (no particular reason).

This cute little lion (with detachable mane) is so adorable and goes with Zayne so well

He sleeps with it every night...although he doesn't really realize it's there, or maybe he does....it's not really special to him right now, but I bet it will be when he gets older!

Isn't he adorable? He is now 5 months old.

I am making dinosaurs, giraffes, dolls, spongbob and patrick for the kids....all getting whatever they are liking. I find that I am enjoying making these animals rather than making an afghan....maybe because they are smaller and easier to do and faster!! The website that I have used a lot lately is Free Amigurumi Crochet Patterns. Tons of awesome patterns all in one spot, and they are FREE!!

7

2011-08-22T03:47:00.000-06:00

Ahh my baby is getting older!! My little Nay Nay is so old now! While we were in Colorado we celebrated his 7th birthday! His request for a cake was a dinosaur.....so after searching the web for some dinosaur cake inspiration, I found this betty crocker dinosaur cake demonstration.

By the time we were ready to actually eat the cake, the neck had melted! Mostly just the icing oozed down...so it looked like it had a skin graph! But no worries, it was still delicious!

Aunt Jenni with her boys...Zayne and Cade

Uncle Joe (the one he looks so much like) and his daughter Payten

The MANY faces of Nathan

Opening Presents.....Dinosaurs

Getting ready to blow out candles....he couldn't wait for his cake, and I got his 100% approval!

Lighting of the cake and making wishes....

Uncle Chris showing him how to eat his piece.....

3 generation picture with Grandpa Longan

Cousins- Dallie and Wyatt waiting for their piece of cake....

Eating.....(notice Joe's pretty princess plate)

Mommy finally sitting down and eating her hard work!

What a fun day of food and family!

Happy Birthday Nathan! I love you!

Hendrixville

Another Doll Swap

Siggy Swap 2 - Finished!!

9 Patch I-Spy Quilt

Remember...

Finished in time!

Doll Quilt Swap 12 (DQS12)

Another Top Done

Honey Do Lists

Nathan's Finger Update **Gross Pictures Warning**

Family Picnic Quilt Progress

Worst Mother of the Year Award...

Are you Redneck?

My Artist

Surprised

Rapunzel, Rapunzel let down your hair!

New Years

Wordless Wednesday

Christmas Day

Cowboy Up

Another Quilting job

More Christmas Presents

Kimball's Christmas Program

Angry Birds

Slave Labor...or is it?

Wordless Wednesday

Crochet Christmas

Playing at the Park

Some Reasons

Christmas with Grandma Longan

Missionary

Festival of Trees : Part Three - Quilts

Festival of Trees : Part Two - Trees

Festival of Trees : Part One - People

Birthday Presents

Thankgsgiving

James

Halloween

Playing Catch Up

Change

Pumpkin Patch

(dis) Abilities and the Gospel

I Spy Halloween

Diamond Lattice

I want my Baby BACK!

Super Saturday

Kimball's Dinosaur Quilt

My Baby's Birthday

I think I might be hungry....

General Conference Weekend

Colored Ribbons

To-Do List

Life...

Patience

Special Powers

Giveaway Winner and I-Spy Swap Annoncement

Are you done yet?

Who is this??

Finally

Cub Scout Fun

Halloween Giveaway!!!

First Field Trip

What I do....

Helper...

My Baby....

Messes.....

Birthday Boy

Springville Quilt Show

Down to Business....

My little scout...

Robot Love on the Moda Bake Shop

Failed....

Father's Day tradition...

Look what came for me....

NFL Square Swap

Dinosaur boys.....

Another Done!

Boys Starting School

Star Sample Quilt Along 2010

Productive Weekend

Nathan's Finger Update Gross Pictures Warning