Well, mostly finished.
Yesterday I finished Rachael's quilt top and it looks really good! I have to get the backing together and get it to the quilter. She's notoriously slow so who knows when it will really be finished.
I'll try to remember to get a picture and post it later.
I also started a Texas wildflower tablerunner yesterday. I got the blocks put together after having to rip out a couple of seams because I'd sewn them together wrong. I have to put a couple of borders on it then I'm going to attempt to machine quilt it myself. This is my donation piece for the silent auction at the Mushroom Festival so I hope it comes out OK. If not, I'll do another one and have myself a not so great tablerunner. :)
Tuesday, March 31, 2009
Thursday, March 26, 2009
I'm Spoiled
and love every minute of it. :)
Jenny, Bailey, Emily and I are heading to Houston tomorrow to the Museum of Natural History so Bailey can see the dinosaur skeletons.
In order to do that, I have to get up at 6:30.
Steven is gone to Tres Dias and doesn't have his phone.
Steven always wakes me up either by crawling back in bed with me or by calling if he had to leave early.
I'm not sure I remember how to set my alarm.
Don't you feel sorry for me? :)
Jenny, Bailey, Emily and I are heading to Houston tomorrow to the Museum of Natural History so Bailey can see the dinosaur skeletons.
In order to do that, I have to get up at 6:30.
Steven is gone to Tres Dias and doesn't have his phone.
Steven always wakes me up either by crawling back in bed with me or by calling if he had to leave early.
I'm not sure I remember how to set my alarm.
Don't you feel sorry for me? :)
Tuesday, March 24, 2009
Spring in Texas
Spring makes me happy - all ~ 2weeks of it.
Actually, it's a two-edged sword. I love spring but I hate it too. I hate it because it means that heat and humidity is on the way. I do try to enjoy the really short spring we have before the heat settles in for good.
I took a road trip to Elaine's this weekend to get the reunion invitations taken care of.
I had worried that there wouldn't be many bluebonnets since the winter was so dry but I guess the rain came at just the right time because the wildflowers were amazing.
There were tons of bluebonnets, indian paint brushes, wine cups, buttercups, bitterweed and probably others I don't remember. I'm pretty sure I even saw some yellow indian paint brushes - haven't ever seen those before.
Elaine had lots of bluebonnets in her yard including some maroon and pink ones sprinkled in amongst the blue ones.
The multitude of greens in all the trees was beautiful! I love spring when there are so many shades of green instead of the same tired green that they change to when the heat hits.
Some trees didn't have their leaves yet and those looked really strange amongst the other trees.
Did I mention that I love spring?
Actually, it's a two-edged sword. I love spring but I hate it too. I hate it because it means that heat and humidity is on the way. I do try to enjoy the really short spring we have before the heat settles in for good.
I took a road trip to Elaine's this weekend to get the reunion invitations taken care of.
I had worried that there wouldn't be many bluebonnets since the winter was so dry but I guess the rain came at just the right time because the wildflowers were amazing.
There were tons of bluebonnets, indian paint brushes, wine cups, buttercups, bitterweed and probably others I don't remember. I'm pretty sure I even saw some yellow indian paint brushes - haven't ever seen those before.
Elaine had lots of bluebonnets in her yard including some maroon and pink ones sprinkled in amongst the blue ones.
The multitude of greens in all the trees was beautiful! I love spring when there are so many shades of green instead of the same tired green that they change to when the heat hits.
Some trees didn't have their leaves yet and those looked really strange amongst the other trees.
Did I mention that I love spring?
Thursday, March 19, 2009
1 More Day
till school is out for Spring Break!!!
Friday night, we're going grocery shopping.
Saturday, we're going to watch Bailey's soccer game and spend some time in my classroom getting things organized.
Sunday after church, I'm heading to Elaine's to help her get the reunion invitations in the mail. I'll head home Monday afternoon.
Tuesday, after I wake up when my body tells me to, I'm heading to Stitching Hens for the day and will probably stay until 8.
The remainder of the week, I plan to wake up every day when my body says its time to wake up.
I'll do some spring cleaning, get Chris' room ready, organize my quilting stuff and quilt to my heart's desire. I plan to get the borders on my quilt and Rachael's and get the backing pieced and get both of them to the quilter. I also plan to start and finish a table runner to donate for the Mushroom Festival.
Saturday, I'm heading to Tyler for the day with the Stitching Hens for a quilt show and shopping. Steven will be at Tres Dias that weekend so I'll be all alone.
Monday, the 30th is another day off. Right now, there are no plans for that day except quilting.
Sounds like the perfect Spring Break to me!
Friday night, we're going grocery shopping.
Saturday, we're going to watch Bailey's soccer game and spend some time in my classroom getting things organized.
Sunday after church, I'm heading to Elaine's to help her get the reunion invitations in the mail. I'll head home Monday afternoon.
Tuesday, after I wake up when my body tells me to, I'm heading to Stitching Hens for the day and will probably stay until 8.
The remainder of the week, I plan to wake up every day when my body says its time to wake up.
I'll do some spring cleaning, get Chris' room ready, organize my quilting stuff and quilt to my heart's desire. I plan to get the borders on my quilt and Rachael's and get the backing pieced and get both of them to the quilter. I also plan to start and finish a table runner to donate for the Mushroom Festival.
Saturday, I'm heading to Tyler for the day with the Stitching Hens for a quilt show and shopping. Steven will be at Tres Dias that weekend so I'll be all alone.
Monday, the 30th is another day off. Right now, there are no plans for that day except quilting.
Sounds like the perfect Spring Break to me!
Wear Your Seatbelt
please...
Not only is it the law, it also saves lives.
Yesterday, one of Stephanie's friends was driving to work on 75. She was passing another car, hit the unimproved shoulder, overcorrected, flipped her vehicle and was killed. She was not wearing a seatbelt.
She leaves behind a baby that's close to Rowdy's age as well as her parents and 2 sisters (I think).
Not only is it the law, it also saves lives.
Yesterday, one of Stephanie's friends was driving to work on 75. She was passing another car, hit the unimproved shoulder, overcorrected, flipped her vehicle and was killed. She was not wearing a seatbelt.
She leaves behind a baby that's close to Rowdy's age as well as her parents and 2 sisters (I think).
Monday, March 16, 2009
Blogrolling
How cool is this?
I used to click on every single blog I read at least twice a day - once in the morning and once in the afternoon. Usually more often than that in reality...
Now, all I have to do is click on my blog and see who's updated their blog. So much easier and faster.
The only problem is that I can tell it's going to be hard to break the habit of clicking on each one.
I think I need to check out the other gadgets Blogger offers...
I used to click on every single blog I read at least twice a day - once in the morning and once in the afternoon. Usually more often than that in reality...
Now, all I have to do is click on my blog and see who's updated their blog. So much easier and faster.
The only problem is that I can tell it's going to be hard to break the habit of clicking on each one.
I think I need to check out the other gadgets Blogger offers...
Saturday, March 14, 2009
Chris is Really Coming Home!
I mean, I know he's coming but I hardly dare believe it.
But, it's official.
I know it's real because today we got his first piece of mail.
If his mail is coming here, that means he's coming home, right?
But, it's official.
I know it's real because today we got his first piece of mail.
If his mail is coming here, that means he's coming home, right?
Judging Food
Today was my first experience with the County Fair. None of the kids were ever interested in the fair so I've never even been to the fair.
Today, Steven and I judged the food portion. We both judged different age groups so our opinions wouldn't influence each other.
It was a great experience and I can't wait till next year to do it again.
I tasted some really good food and some not so good food but kudos to all the kids who entered and really big kudos to those that made their own food instead of mom making it.
There were a couple of things I'd love to have the recipe for, I'm thinking I'll find out who baked them and see about getting the recipe. One was a delicious pound cake. I've been looking for an awesome pound cake recipe for years and haven't found one. This one won Grand Champion in its age group and was really, really good.
The only drawback is that it's all sweets so my tummy was upset for a couple of hours after we finished.
Today, Steven and I judged the food portion. We both judged different age groups so our opinions wouldn't influence each other.
It was a great experience and I can't wait till next year to do it again.
I tasted some really good food and some not so good food but kudos to all the kids who entered and really big kudos to those that made their own food instead of mom making it.
There were a couple of things I'd love to have the recipe for, I'm thinking I'll find out who baked them and see about getting the recipe. One was a delicious pound cake. I've been looking for an awesome pound cake recipe for years and haven't found one. This one won Grand Champion in its age group and was really, really good.
The only drawback is that it's all sweets so my tummy was upset for a couple of hours after we finished.
Mollie's Home
Mollie got out last Monday and didn't come home. That means someone picked her up since the dogcatcher was arrested and there's no dogcatcher right now. We knew that unless she was chained up, she'd take the first opportunity to escape.
This has not been her first foray into another world. One time when she came home at 2:00 in the morning, her toenails were painted red.
This time we figured she was pretty much gone for good.
Last night when Steven got home, she was on the front porch. She'd ripped part of the screen door trying to get in.
She was skin and bones, her ribs were showing. That means that this foray into another world was not a good one.
She crawled onto her cushion, curled up into a ball and didn't move. Steven says she was despondent. She wouldn't even eat when Steven held food up to her mounth.
I called her and she wouldn't come to me. Steven brought her to me but she acted like she'd rather be anywhere else. She didn't respond when I scratched right above her tail, her favorite place to be scratched.
We were worried about her.
Rachael's home for the weekend so she slept with Rachael.
Today she seems much better and is getting back to her old self.
Hopefully she learned a lesson and will stay in the fence and quit destroying our house but I'm not holding my breath.
When will Chris have his own place?
This has not been her first foray into another world. One time when she came home at 2:00 in the morning, her toenails were painted red.
This time we figured she was pretty much gone for good.
Last night when Steven got home, she was on the front porch. She'd ripped part of the screen door trying to get in.
She was skin and bones, her ribs were showing. That means that this foray into another world was not a good one.
She crawled onto her cushion, curled up into a ball and didn't move. Steven says she was despondent. She wouldn't even eat when Steven held food up to her mounth.
I called her and she wouldn't come to me. Steven brought her to me but she acted like she'd rather be anywhere else. She didn't respond when I scratched right above her tail, her favorite place to be scratched.
We were worried about her.
Rachael's home for the weekend so she slept with Rachael.
Today she seems much better and is getting back to her old self.
Hopefully she learned a lesson and will stay in the fence and quit destroying our house but I'm not holding my breath.
When will Chris have his own place?
Tuesday, March 10, 2009
It's Official
I don't have time to work.
There are entirely too many things I want to do.
Too many quilts to make.
Too many books to read.
Too many thing to stitch.
Too many pictures to scrapbook.
Too many things to knit.
Too much genealogy to research.
Too many things to do.
I wonder if Steven would notice if I quit my job and stayed home doing all the stuff I want to do?
There are entirely too many things I want to do.
Too many quilts to make.
Too many books to read.
Too many thing to stitch.
Too many pictures to scrapbook.
Too many things to knit.
Too much genealogy to research.
Too many things to do.
I wonder if Steven would notice if I quit my job and stayed home doing all the stuff I want to do?
Monday, March 09, 2009
Bird in the House
Yikes! Steven opened the back door and a bird flew in the house.
It hung around a few minutes, scared me a couple of time but fortunately, it was a very intelligent bird and found its way out the front door pretty quickly.
Guess that's what happens when you have 3 bird feeders set up not far outside the back door.
It hung around a few minutes, scared me a couple of time but fortunately, it was a very intelligent bird and found its way out the front door pretty quickly.
Guess that's what happens when you have 3 bird feeders set up not far outside the back door.
Wednesday, March 04, 2009
Nice Surprise
Steven hit a rabbit on the way to work last Friday. It tore out some kind of lining under the car.
The estimate was $300. Well actually, it was $299.95 but that's $300 to me.
Today, I took it in (parts had to be ordered) during my break. We picked it up and it was only $240 and change.
Not often that happens and it was a nice surprise.
The car was at the back of the lot and the nice lady wouldn't even let me walk back there and get it, she sent one of the guys to drive it up for me. How nice was that?
Steven took the bike to work today because Jenny needed the truck to take Emily to get her first shots :( so we rode the bike to the shop. It's been a long time since I've been on the back of the bike and it sure felt good.
I'm thinking I need a long ride really soon.
The estimate was $300. Well actually, it was $299.95 but that's $300 to me.
Today, I took it in (parts had to be ordered) during my break. We picked it up and it was only $240 and change.
Not often that happens and it was a nice surprise.
The car was at the back of the lot and the nice lady wouldn't even let me walk back there and get it, she sent one of the guys to drive it up for me. How nice was that?
Steven took the bike to work today because Jenny needed the truck to take Emily to get her first shots :( so we rode the bike to the shop. It's been a long time since I've been on the back of the bike and it sure felt good.
I'm thinking I need a long ride really soon.
Monday, March 02, 2009
Going to England!
Getting out of debt is officially slowing down a bit because we're going to England next summer!
Just got off the phone with David who has gotten orders for Croughton, England. He reports September 30.
We've wanted to go back to Europe ever since we went in 2000 and now we have a good reason. :)
Can't wait!!!
Want to go with us? Start saving your pennies now!
Just got off the phone with David who has gotten orders for Croughton, England. He reports September 30.
We've wanted to go back to Europe ever since we went in 2000 and now we have a good reason. :)
Can't wait!!!
Want to go with us? Start saving your pennies now!
Sunday, February 22, 2009
Tin Roof
No, we didn't put a new roof on our house even though we will do a metal roof when we either build or flip.
Blue Bell Tin Roof
One of our very favorite flavors.
Almost never available.
Our rule is that whenever we see it, we buy it because it may not be there the next time.
Saturday, there it was in all its chocolate, vanilla, peanutty glory.
Of course it came home with us.
I guess my tastes have changed because it really wasn't that good to me even though Steven said it was delicious.
Of course, I'll eat it until it's gone.
Blue Bell Tin Roof
One of our very favorite flavors.
Almost never available.
Our rule is that whenever we see it, we buy it because it may not be there the next time.
Saturday, there it was in all its chocolate, vanilla, peanutty glory.
Of course it came home with us.
I guess my tastes have changed because it really wasn't that good to me even though Steven said it was delicious.
Of course, I'll eat it until it's gone.
Saturday, February 21, 2009
Trendy
I don't think I've ever bought anything trendy in my life.
Today I did.
Have you seen the adorable zebra bags with the red trim?
I own one.
I also own a zebra print wallet with red trim.
Most of the zebra stripe bags are too big for me but I found one that was smaller and a great shape. It only has one compartment and I don't like that (I need a divided purses so I can find stuff) but I'm going to do my best to learn to like it.
I also got a red leather purse that is much more my style.
We'll see how this trendy thing goes...
Today I did.
Have you seen the adorable zebra bags with the red trim?
I own one.
I also own a zebra print wallet with red trim.
Most of the zebra stripe bags are too big for me but I found one that was smaller and a great shape. It only has one compartment and I don't like that (I need a divided purses so I can find stuff) but I'm going to do my best to learn to like it.
I also got a red leather purse that is much more my style.
We'll see how this trendy thing goes...
Friday, February 20, 2009
Bitten by the Quilting Bug
I've been bitten by the quilting bug. Steven says I have it bad.
I think he's right.
I have a quilt top for my bed finished except for the border. I had fabric for the border but I didn't like it so I got some more. I need to finish this one.
I made a wall hanging quilt top for Jenny's stairwell. It needs to be taken to the shop and quilted.
Tonight I finished a Christmas quilt top. I love, love, love it! I've got to get the backing fabric bordered because I didn't buy enough. I'll probably get that done tomorrow. Tonight I'm too tired.
I have fabric for Rachael a quilt. Hopefully I'll start cutting it out this weekend.
I'm doing a Buck a Block quilt that will take a year to complete (one block a month for 12 months). I've made 12 samples of the outer square to try and decide which one I like best. I'm still not sure.
I've been perusing lots of quilting blogs.
I'm about to begin a Calendar Quilt. I need to get this caught up before any more of the year passes by.
I'm watching a book on ebay for selvage quilts because I can't figure out how to make them but I love them. If you sew and throw away your selvage ends, please save them for me!
This weekend is an online retreat for making an orange quilt. I don't have many orange fabrics but I'm wanting to do one.
The quilt shop here in town has some retro fabrics that will make great backs for my great-grandmother's quilt tops that I need to get from Mom.
There are many other quilts I want to start from my already large stash of quilt books and magazines.
I'm going to the Quilting Hens group on Tuesday evenings. I can't wait until summer when I can go all day long.
I'm going on a shop hop with the Quilting Hens at the end of March.
Yep, I think I have a bad case of quiltitis.
I think he's right.
I have a quilt top for my bed finished except for the border. I had fabric for the border but I didn't like it so I got some more. I need to finish this one.
I made a wall hanging quilt top for Jenny's stairwell. It needs to be taken to the shop and quilted.
Tonight I finished a Christmas quilt top. I love, love, love it! I've got to get the backing fabric bordered because I didn't buy enough. I'll probably get that done tomorrow. Tonight I'm too tired.
I have fabric for Rachael a quilt. Hopefully I'll start cutting it out this weekend.
I'm doing a Buck a Block quilt that will take a year to complete (one block a month for 12 months). I've made 12 samples of the outer square to try and decide which one I like best. I'm still not sure.
I've been perusing lots of quilting blogs.
I'm about to begin a Calendar Quilt. I need to get this caught up before any more of the year passes by.
I'm watching a book on ebay for selvage quilts because I can't figure out how to make them but I love them. If you sew and throw away your selvage ends, please save them for me!
This weekend is an online retreat for making an orange quilt. I don't have many orange fabrics but I'm wanting to do one.
The quilt shop here in town has some retro fabrics that will make great backs for my great-grandmother's quilt tops that I need to get from Mom.
There are many other quilts I want to start from my already large stash of quilt books and magazines.
I'm going to the Quilting Hens group on Tuesday evenings. I can't wait until summer when I can go all day long.
I'm going on a shop hop with the Quilting Hens at the end of March.
Yep, I think I have a bad case of quiltitis.
Wednesday, February 18, 2009
I Refuse!
I.will.not.turn.the.air.conditioning.on.in.February!
It was 77 degrees in my house when I got home this afternoon. It is February 18. Something is wrong with this picture.
Please bring on some more winter. I am not ready for hot weather. Not even remotely ready.
It was 77 degrees in my house when I got home this afternoon. It is February 18. Something is wrong with this picture.
Please bring on some more winter. I am not ready for hot weather. Not even remotely ready.
Wednesday, February 11, 2009
It's My Birthday!
and it was filled with surprises!
There was a card from Steven, one from mom, one from Mrs. Harper, a balloon with a Hobby Lobby gift card and truffles (not the yummo, delicious ones I'd requested but truffles nonetheless) in my chair this morning.
At school, there were lots of birthday greetings, yummy chicken salad and delicious frozen strawberry dessert, Mary Kay lotion and mini makeup brushes and a cupcake. There was also a voice mail of one of my parents singing Happy Birthday. There was an email from the First Place coordinator (a high school teacher), an email from my former First Place leader (head of food services), an email from my superintendent, a card from PTO (done by Stacy B.), a message on the faculty blackboard, a shout out on morning announcements, a few cards made by kids (one was a total surprise - left on my desk at the end of the day - didn't find it until the kids were all gone)
After school, there were the yummo truffles but they were stale so really not so yummo. :(
I knew Jenny was cooking supper but I didn't know that Stephanie, Rowdy and Rachael were there to eat it with us! I was sooooo surprised to see them! There was yummy steak and gravy and rice, veggies, garlic bread and sweet tea with chocolate cake and cream cheese frosting with Blue Bell ice cream. In the bag were a couple of "real" knives and a cookbook holder.
There was a call from Stephanie (little stinker!), a call from Rachael that I missed because I was talking to a parent, a text from Layne (I'd have texted him back but I've never sent a text before and am not real interested in learning now), a call from Robert that I missed when I left my phone at home while we were at Jenny's and a call from David.
A really awesome day in spite of the parent conference in the parking lot this afternoon and the call I had to make to explain the 50 something on a progress report. Turning 48 wasn't bad at all!
There was a card from Steven, one from mom, one from Mrs. Harper, a balloon with a Hobby Lobby gift card and truffles (not the yummo, delicious ones I'd requested but truffles nonetheless) in my chair this morning.
At school, there were lots of birthday greetings, yummy chicken salad and delicious frozen strawberry dessert, Mary Kay lotion and mini makeup brushes and a cupcake. There was also a voice mail of one of my parents singing Happy Birthday. There was an email from the First Place coordinator (a high school teacher), an email from my former First Place leader (head of food services), an email from my superintendent, a card from PTO (done by Stacy B.), a message on the faculty blackboard, a shout out on morning announcements, a few cards made by kids (one was a total surprise - left on my desk at the end of the day - didn't find it until the kids were all gone)
After school, there were the yummo truffles but they were stale so really not so yummo. :(
I knew Jenny was cooking supper but I didn't know that Stephanie, Rowdy and Rachael were there to eat it with us! I was sooooo surprised to see them! There was yummy steak and gravy and rice, veggies, garlic bread and sweet tea with chocolate cake and cream cheese frosting with Blue Bell ice cream. In the bag were a couple of "real" knives and a cookbook holder.
There was a call from Stephanie (little stinker!), a call from Rachael that I missed because I was talking to a parent, a text from Layne (I'd have texted him back but I've never sent a text before and am not real interested in learning now), a call from Robert that I missed when I left my phone at home while we were at Jenny's and a call from David.
A really awesome day in spite of the parent conference in the parking lot this afternoon and the call I had to make to explain the 50 something on a progress report. Turning 48 wasn't bad at all!
Saturday, February 07, 2009
Cleaning House the Flylady Way
We have allowed the house to become a disaster area again so today we're cleaning, the Flylady way.
15 minutes at a time. We're working in different rooms and switching rooms every 15 minutes with 15 minute breaks thrown in occasionally.
Using the timer and switching rooms really helps me stay focused on the area I'm working in but I'm not overwhelmed with one room because I only have to work there 15 minutes and then I'll come back to it later.
If I would just do 15 minutes a day, the house would never get like this but somehow I can't seem to get those 15 minutes done every day. :(
We turned th TV to the Jukebox Gold music station while we work and mostly, they're playing great oldies music that we love with quite a bit of disco thrown in which makes me happy. Right now, it's Prince - I could really do without him but it'll be over soon. :)
My timer is about to go off, I think my next 15 minutes will be in the dining room...
15 minutes at a time. We're working in different rooms and switching rooms every 15 minutes with 15 minute breaks thrown in occasionally.
Using the timer and switching rooms really helps me stay focused on the area I'm working in but I'm not overwhelmed with one room because I only have to work there 15 minutes and then I'll come back to it later.
If I would just do 15 minutes a day, the house would never get like this but somehow I can't seem to get those 15 minutes done every day. :(
We turned th TV to the Jukebox Gold music station while we work and mostly, they're playing great oldies music that we love with quite a bit of disco thrown in which makes me happy. Right now, it's Prince - I could really do without him but it'll be over soon. :)
My timer is about to go off, I think my next 15 minutes will be in the dining room...
Thursday, February 05, 2009
Gobsmacked
I am in shock. I had no idea any one person could do such a thing. 9 instead of 3. How could they? Absolutely unbelievable. I'm not sure I'll get over this one.
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