Quilts - n' - Horses

Fru-Fru Tutu

2010-10-21T10:40:00.002-04:00

I enjoy a good tutu every now and then.. but this.. this was HUGE! It was so poofy, that even I was a little concerned. But, every little girl needs a little poofy, tulle-(y)?, pink, sparkle in their life.

Cute, no? I hope Becca really liked it. She was having a Fashionista inspired birthday party.

Thanks Laura for taking all the pics of the tutu. What with limited space in the new place, it's hard to get a good photo now.

A little tribute to Fall

2010-10-21T10:23:00.004-04:00

A few months back Laura asked me if I would make matching Fall outfits for her cousin. (If I'm correct it's second cousin?) Anyway, I of course agreed!

Becca is this teeny tiny, rail thin, little girl, and from what I can tell from good ol' facebook pictures, is full of energy! (yes I know this sentence makes no sense, what with all the commas and all.. get over it!) Laura and I found the teal leaf fabric down in Jonesborough one Saturday. I knew that I wanted to slap a pumpkin on something, just once.. and hence these outfits were born!

I found cute little Fall leaf buttons and added it to the pumpkin's stem on her shirt. After making this skirt, I will definitely alter my pattern. It wasn't exactly what I had in mind, but it turned out cute in the end. I just hope it fit Becca! I always get really nervous when it comes down to the actually fitting part. It's hard to make something to fit someone when you don't have them here to try it on. Especially when someone is paying for it!!

So in the spirit of Fall and pumpkins... Bodie, the new baby brother got one too! His however ended up on his butt. Amazing what a pair of plain Carter's baby pants in Brown will get you, no?!

I can't wait to see what they look like in them.. fingers crossed it all turns out to fit!

Oh, and guess how difficult it is to find quality baby onesies in 0-3 months.. ya FRIGGIN DIFFICULT!!!

Life as I know it

2010-10-19T09:46:00.004-04:00

Things have surely changed in the last 6 months. They have changed more than I ever thought imaginable. But, needless to say, I'm alive and kicking. I won't say alive and well, because let's face it, life it hard and has smacked me around a bit.

For those of you who haven't heard from me in the last few months, I have a new house where Tuff and I are decently happy. He has a nice sized yard to play in while I'm at work and school. Ya, that's another thing. Im currently working 30 hrs (3 - 10 hr days) and taking 18 hrs of class. Such a smart idea, let me tell you. Except the only other issue is, I need a second job. Lovely, I know. Wait, this isn't suposed to be about how much life sucks right now, it's a happy post about everything I've done since starting over. So, here goes!

I made a list of the things I'd like to do before the end of the year. Now some of them were totally feasible, others were such a shot in the dark. I have even done a few things that weren't on the list, that I never thought I would experience. I went to a NASCAR race back in July, let me tell you something about that.... It was insanely fun, yet rediculously loud. You have to experience this at least once in your life... preferably in Bristol. But then again I'm sure all NASCAR fans are the same in every town, so your local track will do just dandy. I also was invited to the beach, yes a real BEACH. Not something that looks sandy/muddy on the coast of the Gulf of Mexico (which is what I'm used to). I also spent a few days in Myrtle Beach! It was so pretty and I decided you havent lived until you've layed on a beach ALL day, possible with a beer in hand and did a-b-s-o-l-u-t-e-l-y nothing. This will, from now on, be something I do every year. This weekend I'm venturing out for a weekend in the mountains! 4 days in Gatlinburg is what I need. The leaves are changing and it's perfect weather.

I've tried to stay as busy as possible without really overdoing it. But, let's face it. I've overdone it on numerous occasions. I'm ok with this. It's one last thing I really have to worry about in life. I have since had a 26th Birthday and officially been divorced all in a 7 day span. I am now a statistic, one in which I never thought I would be. But, if there is anything I have learned from this it's that you can't control what someone else does/wants, whether it's right or wrong.

As for this blog, I want to start over with a new one. Quiltsnhorses just doesn't resemble my life anymore. That goes for my Etsy store too. So I'm taking suggestions for a new name. I'll try to continue to post on here until I come up with something new. I have been working on a few sewing orders/projects. I will post them soon. Sewing unfortunately hasn't been priority, I mean what with all the work I have to do now. But, i really do miss it. SO IF YOU NEED SOMETHING OR KNOW SOMEONE WHO DOES, LET ME KNOW... I'd love to get back into it full force.

I will now leave you with this. To make a long story short, Laura entered me into a contest for someone who is oging through some sort of a transition. Well hot damn, I won. What did I win you ask?.... Dinner with friends at a really neat place, hair, make-up, and a limo ride. It was lots of fun, but this photo is down right SHOCKING... and not in a good way. So giggle your little hearts out and enjoy this!

To the friends that I have here, I love you all. I would be a huge pile of blonde mess if it weren't for you all. So, thanks... you're the best.

Festive 4th Attire

2010-06-19T08:56:00.007-04:00

I've been away, to say the least. First of all, there has been a lot going on in my life in the last couple of months. I'm not ready to talk about it.. so in the mean time you can check these out!

With the 4th coming up, I firgured the Twerps needed patriotic outifts.. courtesy of their Auntie! They turned out really cute. Although, I'm a little partial seeing as how I did make them. Riley's skirt turned out much better than I envisioned I'll say that. I'm sure their mommy already has 4th of July outifts for them.. but that's ok.. it eas therapy and it forced me to pull out my sewing junk again.

I am excited to be going home for the 4th and by home I mean Texas. I get to spend the weekend with my entire side of mom's family on the lake. I need to get away. The twerps will be there and you better believe their feet will never hit the ground! ;)

Pink Lemonade

2010-03-31T12:24:00.002-04:00

I love these flowers, they are SO easy to make and not one ever looks the same!

I've made another one. Except this one is on it's way to Florida for Easter. I mean how many 2 month olds do you know that DON'T have a tutu already. Since it's her first Easter, I figured it should be huge, poofy and remind me of pink lemonade! She should be able to really wear it and love it when she's older, so it will grow with her. I like the tieing in the back ideas, MUCH better than any sort of elastic or button concoction.

So Lily, when you're old enough you can call your Aunt T and tell her how much you despise your pink lemonade tutu and she will gladly make you another one! Complete with matching headband, which I didn't get a photo of.

A tutu

2010-03-25T14:23:00.004-04:00

to call her own!

I've wanted to make one of these since I heard I had a niece.. and well that took over a year.
It was very simple and I should (could have) have done it a long time ago. Either way, here's girl twerps new tutu.

My favorite part is the fabric flower! and after seeing it in photos, I'm pretty sure girl twerp will be getting a matching headband. I mean really, don't all tutus come with one?!

I made the back fasten with a bow. It's just easier that way and she'll be able to wear it much longer too. That's if she decides she'll keep it on.

And you're lying is you act like you don't want one. I sure as heck do now!

I bought this

2010-03-23T07:19:00.005-04:00

but not for myself...
It's a bit small, Id say.
I did however buy this for girl twerp...
You see, it's the only way I can live vicariously through my 1 yr old niece.
I had to. I was forced to. I've been eyeing it for her for weeks now, so I took the plunge and just did it!
Sorry Leslie!

I'm Alive!

2010-03-17T11:21:00.009-04:00

I've been absent for over a month now. I know, I've heard it from several people already!!

I've been 'busy' with so many things it seems, and yet most days I feel like I didn't accomplish much.
But... I have thrown together a photo montage of what I did do for the past month...

I flew to Florida to see my best friend from college.. who coincidentally had a baby back in January

Since it was such a tiny plane, we didn't fly very high and I was able to look at the snow on the mountains as we went over.. I left snow, cold and rain in TN....

only to find rain and clouds in FL... bummer. I can however cross seeing the Atlantic Ocean off my list of things to do. Oh, and visiting FL. Bethany and I had lunch at some seafood place on the beach and we would have walked longer, but the wind was SO cold.

(this consists up a chocolate cake, cool whip, Carmel syrup, Chocolate syrup, and crush up Butterfingers... and you have to eat it warm, or else it doesn't count)
We ate lots of junk while I was there.. and by junk I mean so much sugar that my stomach hurt. Since she does have a newborn, eating schedules and everything else was thrown off by 4 or 5 hours, which I was okay with.
She was on a baking kick, so we ate dessert before every meal.. I mean that is how it should be.. if you can hold your sugar anyway. ( I CANT)

And the best part of the trip.. Lily Kay! She's so cute and lots of entertainment while I was there. It was one of those vacations where you stay inside the whole time and do nothing but hold the baby, feed the baby, change the baby and play lots and lots of Mario Kart on the Wii!

Oh, ya... it's like two holidays too late.. but Happy Valentines Day..

After I got home, I had to get started on these.

The TWERPS turned 1 at the end of February and as their auntie, I am supposed to make them (horribly) cute birthday outfits... right???? So, here is my attempt at sock monkey first birthday attire. The skirt for Riley turned out really cute, I thought.

The shirts, however... well the monkey's seem to look like they got their heads stuck in a vice grip.. I'll try to work on that next time!

AND, these two had their first birthday... Wow! a Whole year man!

Don't worry, there will be another post all about them! THEY'RE WALKING PEOPLE!. well girl twerp is anyway!

I made this quilt for Gia, a new baby who belongs to one of Brian's best friends.

Front Back

So Brian, the hunter, decided Gia needed a pink camo dress... I was not about to let him pay $30 for something she probably will never wear. So, I opted to make it. I can honestly say I didn't think it would turn out near as good as it did.

So it looks like girl twerp may be getting one!!

Lastly.... Duke has been getting a little thick, chunky, chubby.. whatever you want to call it... here is the proof.
Also, check out Tuffy... he's such a goober and the devil of the two of them!

Ya, I gave him a halo... it's fitting

Congratulations... you actually check out the entire month I missed!! Wow, you are either a sucker for pictures of my life, have no life of your own or must have a lot of free time on your hands! Either way... you are now up to date!

VROOM.. VROOM..

2010-02-11T11:28:00.003-05:00

These two are ready for Daytona.. they don't need candy and heart shaped paraphernalia for Valentine's Day. No sir... they need racin'!

If couldn't already tell, these two have parents (and a grandfather) who are obsessed with Jimmie Johnson .. Mr. #48

It's going to be a long season folks.

Tiny Love

2010-02-11T08:08:00.004-05:00

Today is the day. The day I get to pack my flip flops and catch a plane for sunny Florida! I'm excited for several reasons. The top 3 being:

1. We have snow on the ground, and I am so OVER IT!
2. I get to see Bethany and pretty much do absolutely nothing for 5 days!
3. Lily! Remember a couple months back when I was making this, well she's finally here! (3 weeks on Friday)

So, of course hubs will be spending his Valentine's by himself. I'm sure he's okay with that. Although he's getting company, don't think I'd leave him to a while weekend alone!!! His parents will be staying til Monday.

In honor of Valentine's day and sweet baby Lily, I made this for her first one!

My favorite part is the little ruffles on the legs! It was entirely too easy to do. And since she's only 3 weeks old and Florida isn't THAT warm, I made her a few pair of baby leg warmers!

So two things I can cross off the list of things I'd like to learn and master. The leg warmers by the way are SOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO easy.

Anyway, I'm off to breakfast with the hubs! With all this snow, ETSU has canceled classes today so Im taking him to a truly traditional college student breakfast! I should know, I was one for 4 years prior to my recent attempt at returning. So off we go to breakfast in our JAMMIES!!

Snow Cream

2010-02-04T07:49:00.003-05:00

This past weekend Brian's brother and his wife stopped in on their way home from a friends house. Since we obviously had snow on the ground, they suggested we make Snow Cream.

Actually we had about 5 inches of snow and an inch and a half of ice on top of that. So technically this could have been called Ice Cream!! Before I show you the goods and how easy it was to make, I'll make you sit through these photos.

Brian and I kept thinking how eerily quiet it was before, during and after this snow storm. The skies looked different and absolutely none of the animals were moving.

It was cool to see the snow falling over the mountain into NC

SNOW CREAM!!

It was like the consistency of homeade ice cream... well to me anyway. We made so much of it that of course Brian was the only one to finish his.

The ingredients were simple:

2 eggs beaten

2 Tbsp Vanilla

1 can Evaporated Milk

1 C Sugar

1 Gal of Snow, CLEAN SNOW!!(which measuring this was awkward)

We took ours off the car since we have way to many animlas running around here

Mix it all together and you get Snow Cream!

John Deere Green

2010-01-20T18:17:00.003-05:00

Well, kind of anyway...

Sara, a friend of mine from when I was a kid, has a little boy who is turning 1. And, he's having a tractor party. I hope this goes along with your tractor theme Sara! If not, well... I'm sorry!!

Just kidding! I hope you like it, and if not let me know. There is still time to change something!

Itty Bitty

2010-01-20T14:01:00.005-05:00

Pieces...

Seriously, I hate small pieces. I never thought this quilt would turn out with such teeny, tiny pieces of fabric. Those little pinwheel things, the whole block is about 3", the other squares are 2" each.. but still, that's small to me.

If and when I'm done, it will go to Gia. Gia Harper... She should be here on the 27th, or so I'm told. Let's hope I finish it in time to get it there before she makes her debut.

So, it's coming along.. I guess.

Tuff

2010-01-19T09:26:00.004-05:00

Meet Tuff.

As in Tuff Hedeman, World Champion Bull Rider.

It was simple naming him really. Tuff 'Poncho' Hedeman Schwartz. See this is why we can't have kids. They will end up with names that either make them look awesome, or completely stupid.. and mostly the latter.

He is suposed to be a Lemon Beagle... which I have my doubts. We were thinking Lemon Beagle mixed with Spaniel.. makes more sense. Anyway, he's 6 months old and totally sweet! Duke didn't exactly LOVE him at first. He stood his ground and stayed on the couch.. and watched from a distance.

Things are getting better though. He now allows Tuff to hang out with him on the couch.. although Tuff is only allowed to play with him unless he (duke) initiates it.. I think it's his top dog in him.

We have nicknamed them Poncho (Tuff) & Lefty (Duke)

Don't worry Duke, you're still king of the castle!

1st Birthday

2010-01-12T13:47:00.004-05:00

with Mickey!

This was taken with the camera on my phone, so it's not so great.

Well, kind of.

I made this for Owen, yesterday. His 1st birthday is next Monday and his parents (Brian's brother and sil) LOVE Disney World. It turned out much better than I had anticipated, but still not perfect. Hopefully he gets it in the mail before the big day, would probably defeat the purpose!

C.O.L.D.

2010-01-07T15:32:00.010-05:00

Today is cold.

Probably the coldest I've seen since moving here.

I mean cold, as in 6 degrees when I woke up this morning, kind of cold.

The snow we received over the weekend is still hanging around, but since it's been below 20 degrees for so long.. everything is ICE.. and I.don't.like.ICE!!!

Duke and I ventured out this morning to show you what cold looks like. See Duke, he doesn't like the cold. He prefers that I turn the heating pad on for him to curl up on.

I went down to see Shiner earlier. He wasn't happy either. On one hand he gets double the hay, on the other.. he has to constantly wear an ice cycle mustache for a while.

Meet Ollie, he's pretty sweet. He's more of a dog than Duke.

Come on Ollie, let's go to the house.. It's WAY too cold out here.

What, you're leaving us? Seriously!!? So this is how it's going to be.

Well fine then!

I wonder if his tongue had any ice on it after this. He kept sticking it out and licking the ice off his lips.
So, until it warms.. Duke and I will stay shut up inside the house. But with all the drafts in this house.. I get the idea of the temperature.

Goodbye 2009, Hello Future

2010-01-04T15:21:00.009-05:00

I want to consider 2009 the year of being crapped on.. But, before that, let's discuss the good things that happened..

Like becoming an Auntie to these 2

Getting married

Another new little boy for quilt making

Realizing you have a daredevil for a husband

Actually selling items in my shop (I was hesitant)

and

Lots of sewing for all my friends/family who are fertile.. very.very.fertile.

It was a long year, or seamed like it anyway. If it wasn't one thing, it was always something else. work, Brian's school stuff, job searching.. more like life searching, the farm, the stress of living with a veteran, medical issues... I could really keep going. But, I won't. I feel like I've added 5 years to my life in 2009. I feel old, really old.

So, with that said.. it's 2010 and as of today I am no longer employed. I've been there since I graduated college and moved far far away from home to TN, which will be 3 years in March. I came to this decision because in its place I've decided to go back to school to get my license to teach. It's something I wanted to do during my first round of college, but never followed through with. It hasn't been the easiest process by any means, but I'm doing it anyway. It's the change I need, because seriously, I needed a change BAD!!

2009 was a whole year of doubts. Lots and lots of doubts. Since moving here, it's been hard for me to get comfortable with the idea of this is my home and now I won't be living in Texas. Well let me tell you, just because your husband tells you it's like a new adventure.. doesn't mean it's easy. It's taken nearly 3 years and I still miss home some days. During our trip home for Christmas, we had lots of time to sit in the airport discuss life. Which never scared me until I moved here.

In the next 2 years we hope to expect the following:
Both of us graduate
See the Farm grow
See Little Dudes grow
Move into a bigger house
Get Duke a sister (which almost happened yesterday)
Travel and have time away
See our friends and family more
Relax
and quite possibly a baby Schwartz... don't email/call/text me and ask me if it's in the 'near-er' or 'near-est' future.. because it's not. but the near future as in 2 years.
That's why this is the plan for 2 years... BECAUSE, I don't do well with resolutions and if I plan for 2 years, it gives me more than enough time to accomplish things!!

With that said, Happy New Year! Since I won't be working as much and will have more time to sew and do things I'd like.. it just might be a better, happier year.

A Very - TWERPY - Xmas

2009-12-31T14:17:00.005-05:00

We went to the great state of TEXAS for Xmas. A friend of our referred to Texas as not a state, but an experience, and I agree! But, then again I'm a little partial. What being a TEXAN and all. BUT, that's not what this is about, well kinda. I spent 6 whole glorious days with the TWERPS!! There is really no need for commentary for the following photos, but I assure you.. there will be.

their xmas outfits, made by their AUNTIE!

Riley liked to lay with Uncle Brian and watch hunting EVERY morning

Princess Fancy Pants in her Baptism getup

Twerps + Spaghetti = Orange ring around the tub

THEIR loot

This piano was one of Nathan's favorites and Riley kept holding the top part down so it sounded out of tune and he was MAD

So, Auntie found these funny white stick on mustaches and thought it would be HILARIOUS to put on them.. IT WAS!

Fishy shoes from Auntie

You can now go back to doing whatever it is you were doing before you were sucked into all that is a Twerpy Xmas!

Mid-Afternoon Shiner

2009-12-21T15:16:00.006-05:00

We had close to 8" of snow on Friday.. it was a complete nightmare! Shiner on the other hand was ok with it, I think.. He wanted his picture taken but the fence kept getting in the way.

These two projects are going to Kelly. She had her 4th boy last Monday! ya.fourth.boy...... Please give her a moment of silence, because she's not getting another one for the next 18 years! We get to see the boys and Baby Kyle when we get to Texas for Christmas!

Baby Kyle's mini quilt

I used satin blanket binding in chocolate brown to finish it. It wasn't the easiest by any means. I'd never used the stuff, and it was such a headache!

Baby Kyle's quilt

Surprisingly enough it only took me 2 1/2 hrs to quilt this one. As long as I can get the binding on it before Thurs.. I'll be in good shape! I will have plenty of time to do it while on the plane!

Merry Christmas

2009-12-18T14:32:00.002-05:00

From the Family.....

If you haven't ever heard this song.. you should be ashamed of yourself. It's basically a classic.. well in Texas, anyway. I was told yesterday that this song reminded someone of my family. and to that I say.. AND???? (Actually by my husband.. but he really can't talk, now can he?)

Don't worry I will be documenting Christmas this year. I mean what with the re-gift gift exchange that's going on.. who wouldn't want to see, right?

Go on the watch the video, then make all the assumptions you want.. it's ok. We're used to it!

Dear Santa...

2009-12-15T10:47:00.009-05:00

I've taken the advice of those over at the Fat Quarter Shop and have decided to write a letter to you. Seriously, it's been probably 20 years since I last wrote you.. but let's face it, you already knew that. I have been about as good as expected I suppose. I mean what with all the stress and all who could blame me.. right? (this is where you smile, and nod in agreement).

Anyway, back to why I'm writing. It's really about the TWERPS.

This year I would like to have my very own copy of Baby Love Quilt Book by Allison Jane Smith. Being the most awesome Auntie that I am... I am really dying to make First Flutter for her and First Flight for him. Ok, I'm not going to lie.. I would also like it so that I can brush up on my applique' techniques. Ok, I mean learn how to applique. And since this is really about them.. THEY have been extra good this year. Well as good as can be expected from 9 1/2 month old twins. Even though they've had their moments of destruction and she's has managed to sit on her brother until he busts, they are PERFECT little angels!

If you can't arrange this request, please leave a note with my husband so that he can actually get me something this year instead of waiting until sometime in mid February and then just considering it a Valentine's gift.

Hope it's not to cold up there and if it is, I can make you a new quilt with the book you so graciously are going leave me.. it may be a little small... but then again maybe it's an incentive to drop a few pounds.. I know it is for me.

Until Next Year,
Tracy

p.s.
She can also see you when you're sleeping.. she's just good like that. We like to think she has a gift and one day may be a part of the mafia.. Just sayin'

Christmas, Little Dudes Style

2009-12-09T13:26:00.003-05:00

Last week was our last week of Little Dudes for 2009. Every year we have a Christmas party for the kids and let them pretty much each as much junk food as they can possibly consume and play random games. Nothing really set in stone other than lots and lots of sweets to hype them up and send them home!

These are their Angels.. it's hard to tel from this picture. They all painted and decorated them just how they wanted to! I highly recommend doing it with your kids!

During the Fall session I set out to make ornaments with the kids. My mom sent me a box of old ornaments a couple of months ago and in it was a soda can angel that I had made in the 6th grade during Art class. I like stuff like that and figured it would lots of fun for them. I never EVER expected the amount of fun they could possibly have with the wing making. It's so simple and I think we will be using it for something else in the Spring. All we did was take two pieces of wax, used scissors to shave crayon so that the wax was flaky on the wax paper. Then lay the second piece of wax paper over it and touch a warm iron to it. It melts the crayon and makes a small stained glass looking thing. I just cut out little wings and we glued them on.

Half of the kids had never seen a candy cane reindeer, so I was glad I made them. It was like a whole herd of deer man! I also made rice krispie treat houses. It was a kit, so don't go thinking I did it ALL on my own. The kit came with the house mold and then i decorated them with the candy and icing it came with. I'm not a huge fan of rice krispie treats, but aren't kids??! It was much better than a gingerbread house and much more edible! Although Im still trying to talk Brian into making a ginerbread house with me.. outcome isn't looking so hot on that one.

Spring Little Dudes starts in January and I've got a whole host of ideas and projects. It's mainly a chance for me to play craft time!!

Mermaids, Fish & Seahorses.. OH MY!

2009-12-09T13:14:00.003-05:00

Several weeks back, I explained how a good friend of mine was having her first baby. I of course volunteered to make the crib bedding. The process was daunting and I am very happy with how it turned out. You see, it would have been completed in a week or two IF I had absolutely nothing else to do, which would be wonderful.

I really hope she likes it and baby Lily doesn't completely abandon her new room because she's not too keen on the mermaid underwater non-traditional adventure. Since we in no way have a crib in our house, due to the fact of 1. we don't have nor do we expect a baby anytime soon and 2. our house wouldn't be big enough for one even if we did... I can't lay it all out in the crib as it should sit. Therefor.... I improvised and used my sewing table.. you get the idea. right?! The set is not so girly what so ever. They wanted something different and modern.. there.you.go!! Lots of blush, golds, oranges, mermaids, fish, and seahorses!

In total when it is all said and done, there is a quilt, bumpers, crib skirt, diaper stacker, & mini pillow.. like she will need it anytime soon. It was fun. I just wish it wouldn't have taken me so long. Making it is one thing.. shipping is a totally different story.

Helga

2009-11-20T16:36:00.004-05:00

I love this, for so many reasons....

1.She's going to be that sister who beats up her brother.
2.That look in her eye is only one an Auntie can love! She's trouble people.
3.And I'm sure she will continue to do this and threaten to fart on him until he gives up whatever it is he may be hording at the moment.

No, her name isn't Helga.. but with a photo and face like that maybe it should be

I hiked

2009-11-16T16:37:00.006-05:00

There is no actual proof, as in a photo of me doing so.. but I did.. I hiked. And let me tell you something, going up... sucks! I prefer the hike down thankyouverymuch.

There is no actual proof, as in a photo of me doing so.. but I did.. I hiked. And let me tell you something, going up... sucks! I prefer the hike down thankyouverymuch.

We went to Grayson Highlands State Park in Virginia on Saturday. It was a much needed day off from everything. He did take me to a quilt store in Abingdon, VA though, so that earned points. I decided that I am not a hiker, nor was I meant to be one. Let's just say the elevation made me feel awfully tipsy and since the park had managed to turn off ALL of its water for the season... we were so thirsty. I mean this could have been straight out of a bad movie. If it wasn't for the wild ponies, I would have called it a bust... No I'm kidding. It was fun, I just don't want to do it every weekend.

Oh, this is basically Christmas Tree country.. those tiny little lego looking pine trees are actually full size trees, we were far away. I think if the Horse farm business ever goes south, we'll move over to Virginia and become tree farmers.

Gobble Til You Wobble

2009-11-11T13:38:00.005-05:00

I did it. I am the Auntie who makes the niece and nephew holiday themed outfits. This of course, was my first attempt. And as sad as they my be, I'm impressed with myself, not gonna lie. I do admit that poor little girl turkey looks a little sickly and little boy turkey has a slight lean. So what, let's just say one of his legs is longer than the other. But as a first attempt, not bad?

Those poor twerps never saw it coming. So, Matthew & Leslie, if you're reading this, please at least take a picture of them wearing these.. and then you can discard however you feel necessary. Christmas is coming and they will be so totally better! Humor me!

I was told to add them to my shop. Uh, I don't know about that. they are a little in the developmental stage, or whatever you want to call it. I'll do it if at least 2 people think I should. Not a huge jump seeing as how there is like a total of 5 people who read this. Well 5 that I know of anyway.

A not so b-day surprise

2009-11-09T16:32:00.003-05:00

This is going to a friend of mine for her birthday, which of course is tomorrow. Go on, ask me when I mailed it.. I know you want to! I mailed it this morning, ok! Whatever!

I picked out the fabric from Amy Butler's new line called Love because she really likes that red/wine color. I saw it and thought it was nice, but after the bag was done.. I REALLY like it. I'm considering putting it in my shop, what do you think? (ignore the fact that the whole shop is lacking in, well everything. if certain friends would ease up on the baby producing I would have time :)

I didn't use a pattern for this bag. I sort-of winged it really. the only thing I don't really love is the strap length, that could be a do over. I'm thinking about going back to Tennessee Quilts on Saturday to get something else from this line. It of course is navy blue, which everything I own seams to follow in that color. I've decided to make myself a much larger version of this for the gym.

Ya, that's right, you heard me. I'm making myself something!! Oh, and we're joining a gym. It's more of a way for us to get away from the farm and so something together. AND because frankly I NEED to go. I think my most favorite part is the fact that the place has a hot tub.. well worth the $40/month just for that alone. When you live with a teeny tiny shower stall and no tub, you'll remember this comment.

Mermaid Escapade

2009-11-05T10:11:00.002-05:00

This is the finished Mermaid quilt. I think (hope) Bethany liked it. I managed to cart it back to TN with me since I was still working on Lily's bedding and she had more than enough to attempt to fly home with.

Brian, he's quite the model, no?!

The back of it is my favorite. You really can't see the actually quilting on here, but the waves on the fabric and the quilting really look good together. I'll say it.. I impressed myself!

This is one of the 6 bumpers for her bedding. They turned out really good and were surprisingly easy. Now on to the finishing the crib skirt. I've got a fear of not finishing it soon enough and Bethany going into labor early. Although she isn't due until late January.. I'm still worried! The kid needs bedding to come home to!

A Couple of THINGS

2009-11-02T16:13:00.003-05:00

Raise your hand if your twin niece and nephew are cuter than this... Ya, I didn't think so!!!
The twerps in their Halloween costumes. If you have no clue what they belong to, you were deprived as a child and should really look up some Seuss.

Fall's Here!

2009-10-30T17:08:00.007-04:00

I made it home from Texas Sunday night. As in last Sunday night. A week ago. I'm way late on posting pics. BUT, it was obvious that Fall decided to grace us with its presence... This is what it looked like Monday morning before work. I swear I was only gone 4 days and everything was green then. Amazingly we had 40mph winds yesterday morning so all the orange ad yellow leaves are now on he ground and things are starting to look like the depressive state of the year.. boo!

When I was in Texas, I had to thing to accomplish... help decorate for the reception and throw Bethany a baby shower. B & her hubby were married 2 years ago and instead of having a big wedding they went to the JP because Jeremy was in the Navy. So, last weekend was the make-up for the reception... AND since she is nearly 7 months prego... we also had a shower! A baby shower at one of our old favorite Mexican Food restaurants where we all went to college! Well worth the wait, I tell ya!

Imagine constructing a diaper cake.. now imagine doing it in a hotel room in 1 hour. It's not all that complicated, I've made them before.. but this one.. it's definitely my favorite one so far! I bought the little sea life wooden cut outs before I left for Texas and drug my paints, hot glue gun, spare ribbon, raffia ribbon and whatever else I could cram in my suitcase for that extra $20 fee for baggage I was going to incur. Everything else I bought at Target in Huntsville. Which, if you've never been to Huntsville, ignore this comment.. BUT, read my lips, Huntsville has a TARGET people!! I was there for 4 years and we drive 30 miles to go to Target, I graduate and move away and BAM.. ginormous TARGET! Whatever, it's not like I'm bitter about it or anything.

The rest are just photos from the weekend, mainly the decorating we did and all my old friends.

Bethany.. nearly 7 months pregnant!!

the girl wanted carved pumpkins, so that's what she got!! I now have some flesh eating disease on my carving hand.. Brian says it's from the pumpkin slime.. we'll see if I loose a limb

CAKE, I love CAKE!

Here is a blurry pic of me attempting to cut the cake.. with no real instructions from the cake lady on how to cut such an odd shape deal. I made it work and people were pleased to have larger pieces that they probably should have.. WHATEVER!

Finally, at 3am Sunday morning after a very long weekend of decorating.. Some of us decided that the popcorn balls that were leftover needed some sort of farewell... into the Trinity River! By the way, don't judge me because I have sweatpants on under my dress from the reception.. it was cold, 3am and frankly I didn't really care. I am however, not a master golfer and will never have the chance to do this again!

Texas was wonderful, even though I ended up with a dinged rental car the very time I ever rented a car. I never thought I'd admit to missing Huntsville, TX.. but I did and still do. It was lots of fun and we're all thinking about doing againg in a few years.

Sneak Peek

2009-10-20T16:50:00.005-04:00

The 'Cowboy' quilt is on its way to its new home way down in South Texas! As always, it took longer than I expected. But really, did any of you honestly think it would happen in the short time frame I manage to give things. I'm not very realistic in the amount of time I give myself to complete projects for other people whether for sale or gifts. (See the Mermaid expedition below...) I did a little more in the quilting of this one than I have previously done with MY machine. I've used mom's to make all kinds of designs, but not mine. I was nervous! I think it turned out alright, better than I thought. You can't really tell from the photos but, there are stars in the corners of the sashing along with long loopy swirls. I stippled each block and the outer border.

As for the Mermaid expedition... I started it on Sunday afternoon and woke up this morning around 5:00 to finish piecing the back and throw it on the Wanda, the quilt frame. I did a wavy line, kind of like water/ocean. It looks pretty cool and I think will make the back look even better. (finished photos to come after the baby shower Friday and after I get home on Sunday..)

Monday would have been a great time to work on it, but my Mondays are occupied by 12- 15 screaming kids on the farm.. so scratch that idea. We usually aren't done with everything until 8, then we go and eat dinner with Jim & Sharon.. so you're looking at 9:30.. but last night was even longer.. anyway it's a long story... So I was up early this morning all because this quilt has to be ready to go come Thursday morning @ 5:00 am. The binding can wait, I can do that on the plane. As long as it's ready by Friday, I'm ok.

So, this evening will consist of:

-finishing the Mermaids
-making a set of burpies to match
-sorting laundry to wash
and
-searching for work...

Because come tomorrow, I've got to pack and well let's face it... it will never go as smoothly as I would hope.

Teamwork

2009-10-15T11:31:00.004-04:00

It's been a while since you have been able to see what these two are up to. Well, I'm no better since I live 5 zillion miles away from them, I have to make do with the pictures their momma posts elsewhere.

They are, from what I understand very happy little twerps. Which is good, because they are trouble with a capital T and have managed to learn the art of crawling. Well, boy twerp has anyway. I think girl twerp gets up on all fours and it looks like she's playing Twister. But, when it comes to trouble, this is what I picture. Actually I see this photo and think TEAMWORK!

It's obvious who started the whole thing, right!? Walker Texas Ranger over there is the instigator. Those poor twerps are just the workings of this operation, Walker is the brains. He knows there is food in there and since they are human, they should be able to open it for him. This should be one of those inspirational posters you can buy, and have it titled TEAMWORK!

As for Uncle Fester, he's nice and warm with his new jacket. Doesn't he look like a creepy little man?? Either way, there will be no need for that jacket come Christmas when we all get to go to Texas! A full 5 days of Auntie lovin! These kids are so screwed!

I'm seriously considering getting over my fear of applique and making them each x-mas onesies. Like little reindeer or snowflakes.. who knows. I mean what else are Aunties for other than to make them things holiday related and then force them to wear them for my enjoyment?! Exactly!

Cowboys & Mermaids

2009-10-12T10:33:00.003-04:00

Two days before our wedding I was informed by my good friend from college was pregnant. She of course was worried I'd be upset that she told me right before the wedding. Seriously, who cares about the wedding, you're having a baby!! I was excited to say the least! Of course I immediately assumed it was a girl from day one, and what do ya know.. it is! Lily Kay will be here sometime in January and how on earth would I let her come into this world without a quilt from her Aunt T!

Bethany and Jeremy live in Florida and decided they wanted a beach theme for their daughter, well guess who's making the bedding?! That's right, me! So, we went with Mermaids and other usual underwater creatures. But not your typical beach theme. The quilt will of course come first because I have to take it with me to Texas in a week for her shower/reception. It's complicated situation, so you won't see the actual quilt until I get back.

This quilt will belong to Cavan, as long as his mommy approves of it. I went ahead and made it after Tracye requested a quilt from some of the fabrics I made burpies out of last month. Here's the problem, I didn't have much of the cow print and knew what little I had of the blue was going to be pieced for the back. Anyway, I used other prints form the same fabric line and this is what I came up with.

It's very busy with all the cowprint on the front, BUT I really like it!! And I hope to God she does too! It was pretty windy yesterday when I was taking these pictures and it wouldn't stay still on the line. As you can see, Shiner decided to grace the photo with his presence... thanks Shiner!

The quilt is in the process of being quilted as we speak. Well not really since I'm obviously typing this, but you get the idea. I know I said I'd have it in the maid today, but really if anyone knows me... it never works like that. There is always SOMETHING that ruins my plans. But, either way TRACYE, I hope you like it cause it's going to be a heck of a do-over!! ;)

Parents, Projects & a 25th Birthday

2009-09-25T11:41:00.005-04:00

It's been a long 2 weeks. I obviously haven't posted anything recently. That's because things have been a little crazy to say the least. My parents came to visit, which was a first for them, I've been working on several projects, and I 'celebrated' my 25th bday yesterday.

Mom & Dad were were here for a long weekend about two weeks ago. They got to see the farm and of course dad tried out the scooter. No pictures to prove it, but believe me.. it was hilarious. Brian & I took them to Boone, NC one day and these are a few of the pics we took. Nothing too special except for the fact that dad wanted pictures, but didn't want to get out of the car to be in any of them.. hence the photo of him with his head out the window.

These are taken at a lookout of Watauga Lake in TN, about 20 miles from our house

We spent a few hours trolling around the Bristol Motor Speedway. Dad has always loved NASCAR, but I don't think he could ever enjoy being at a race. It's hot, overcrowded, drunken rednecks... and Im sure it's a boatload of fun. When the race comes to town here, every spring and fall... it's best to either leave town or don't leave your house.

After browsing the gift shop, dad couldn't find matching #49 Jimmy Johnson onesies for the twins, so he settled on #49 socks and something else, I'm not sure. In the world of NASCAR... you have your favorite driver and you hate everyone else. Especially little Jeffy Gordon.. as Dad calls him.

I guess they had a good trip. they didn't seem to say anything too bad about it here. Brian did everything he could to make them want to move here, which cracks me up. Dad was taking bids from us and my brother and his wife, who live in Colorado, to see who could offer the best deal. I don't think it's likely we will win that seeing as how they have babies and the scenery is much different there. On a side note, a friend of Mom's let them borrow his GPS.. which I might add is HILARIOUS!!! The fact that the machine tells them where EVERY antique/junk store is between here and Texas.. can only spell disaster... or a very long drive. In the time it took them to get here, Brian and I could have driven there and back!!

Do you see this? This took me entirely too long to complete. i had so many complications and frustrations.. But, it was finally mailed out this week and Mandy, I hope she likes it.

Diaper bag, 2 sets of car seat strap covers, 4 burp cloths, and a mini quilt.
(Duke kept following me around and wouldn't get out of my pictures)

This quilt is to be raffled off to support our nonprofit here at the farm - The Little Dudes Ranch Project.

Tickets will be $5 and the raffle will go from Saturday 9/26-Saturday 10/3. My goal is not to make a fortune, but to raise enough to where it's something I can do every year at Horse Days.

The color of it doesn't stand out in the pics. This is what it looked like two nights ago, it's currently being quilted and Im hoping will be complete for tomorrow, when the raffle begins. It's going to be a nice sized lap quilt and is done in Pashmina by Moda. If and when it's complete, there will be more pictures to share. Hopefully that is tonight.

On a LAST side note, I had my 25th bday yesterday... one in which went so very wrong. Nothing was right all day, even the day before was bad. Brian called me just before 5:00 yesterday at work to tell me he needed me to take him to the hospital as soon as I got home. Well, if it'sbad enough for him to call and ask me to do that, then I knew it was bad. I immediately left work and rushed home, only to find him curled up on the bench outside looking like CRAP. He could barely walk and complained of a head ache. After all was said and done the ER doc released him last night saying it was a severe migrane. they pumped a lot of stuff in him and I'm not convinced it was a migrane. I have my doubts and still think this all has something to do with a head injury while he was deployed to Iraq... He's home now, and should be resting.. I say should.

If you have read this far, that means you are now caught up in the last two weeks...

The End

Early Morning

2009-09-05T13:20:00.006-04:00

We had an early morning, this morning. Earlier than normal anyway. Since it's a 3 day weekend for us, Brian decided he wanted to hunt everyday. But, when you have no other place to go at 7 am than you're back pasture, this is what you get.

The dove's however, must have got the memo that Saturday is included in the holiday weekend, so they took the morning off.

Even Duke felt it was a little bit early for all this nonsense.

Total count: 1 bird, but he is off to show them who's boss, just not at our farm anyway.

I've managed to add 2 news set of burp cloths to the shop, and am planning n cleaning/throwing away anything and everything that I consider junk in this house!! Oh thank you long weekend!

Off to a great start...

2009-08-22T08:19:00.009-04:00

So this is about how my day started off.. Well minus the total look of disgust from whatever that is they have in their mouth... Mine was because it was raining and all I really wanted to do was stay in bed. But it's now 7:15 and I'm awake... on a Saturday.

I don't know what it is, but it sure isn't good

A day when I've planned to work on my new Juki to figure out what the heck is wrong with it. Because now I'm pretty angry at it. It won't stitch longer than 15 seconds without breaking thread and I've tried everything.. changing needles, a million different ones and changing thread... adjusting tension. I seriously have no idea.

This is actually how I feel about my machine at the moment..

But hopefully it will get better. Kinda like this! See how happy she is now. It amazes me how big they are now. Pretty much sitting up on their own, probably with a little help. But I'll say on their own.

But then again maybe I should just go back to bed and forget the day even started. I mean technically the sun hasn't shown itself and if I close my eyes who would know the difference anyway.

Even Walker looks a little hesitant about waking up. That dog is Walker, as in Walker Texas Ranger. He's not mine... I promise!!

Now I'm off to Ellipticize, as Brian refers to it. Maybe after that I can find something else to occupy my time so I don't have to look at that dumb machine.
p.s. - you two twerps are the reason I'm cleaning out my bank account. But it's ok, one day you'll have to support your Auntie because she spent all her cash on plane tickets. You're taunting me here.

He feels the need....

2009-08-20T10:03:00.004-04:00

The need for speed!!

Yes, that's right... he's got a moped. A bright, shiny, red moped. One in which he took out on his first real ride this morning to a doctors appointment at the VA. Now, it's not that far, but hey it's a long haul for something that barely makes it to 35 downhill.

He of course loved it and said while on his way to the VA he was worried he'd look like a idiot on a moped. To his surprise, he wasn't the only one there.

And today, I may have slightly, only for a second questioned why on earth I married this goon... But then again, how would I get awesome pictures to blackmail him with for the rest of his life!!!

AND, it gets 100 mpg... so that's like a total of $3.66 to fill that baby up.. oh help him! He figured it's about $90 for a years worth of gas. I'm just sad it's not pink like we previous expected.

The helmet was a bit snug, even for his little head.

What a NERD!

It's like watching a train wreck, it's hard not to stare

The Nature of our Funny Farm

2009-08-13T10:56:00.007-04:00

Over the last year or so, I've noticed that the farm where we live consists of animals who may otherwise have an identity crisis. It's something we honestly haven't tried to fix, because it's pretty funny to watch sometimes. Our beagle seems to think he is to be friends with every creature on the farm... and we have a lot of creatures. I caught him napping with Ollie (Oliver) one of our new little kittens. Before I could take the picture, Ollie hopped up and acted like he wasn't doing anything wrong.

The same goes for these two. They don't really have names. I just call the white one Chubs and the black one Licorice. They belong to the girl who rents from us and she decided to set them free.. on a farm where dogs play and cats roam.. she set them free. They've been out of their cages for nearly 3 weeks now and still no casualties to report. Pretty impressive if you ask me. Duke like to play with them and roll them all around the pavement. It really upsets Brian because he's a Beagle and to him, he should be a rabbit dog... not so much.

They look pretty small here, but believe me they are about the size of Duke.

Last night as I was on the phone with my dad I looked up in a tree and found this little guy. I say little, but really he extended out about 6 inches and was a good inch in diameter. It was pretty neat to watch and wished there was some way to keep it so I could ship him to Texas as a birthday present for Zac!
I resisted, Kelly... you're welcome. Mom said it was a tomato worm, so did dad. But, I of course used my Googling powers and found out it should one day turn into a Cecropia Moth. Go on, Google it. They are really pretty.

As for quilts/ projects, I've been pretty busy with a couple. Hoping to have them ready by the end of the weekend.. and some photos.

Vacation

2009-07-31T17:21:00.005-04:00

We are leaving for a mini vacation to Pigeon Forge and Nashville as soon as I can get everything together. The water park at Dollywood might be a little chilly, but Brian says we are going anyway... he's determined. Oh and his favorite, the Dixie Stampede.

So, Im sure I will have lots of pictures when I get back because of our new awesome camera!

BUT, poor Duke has to stay home with the babysitter... and do this all weekend without us.

Don't worry, no cats were harmed in the making of cheap entertainment.. only a beagle with a wild side.

Be back on Tuesday! I'm sure he will survive the long weekend. Hopefully he won't try anything sneaky, like running away while we're gone.

Twerps

2009-07-22T16:17:00.004-04:00

The thinker and the clown

Such love for his seester

I don't have anything to say really, except that I've got projects coming.. soon.. hopefully.. if I can get my butt in gear. But until then, feel free to drool over these two. I do!

2009-07-17T13:47:00.008-04:00

These are the makings of four new quilts. One will definitely belong to my friend Kelly as her personal quilt, the blue and red Zippity Doo Dah. The pinks, greens and yellows in the middle from the Darla Collection just might go to her as well.. that's as long as that baby she's having is a girl!! The aquas, reds, and whites will more thank likely go to my other friend Bethany, who is also pregnant.. and of course who knows what it is yet. As for the the fourth one, who knows.

See mom, It's working!! took me long enough, but it's working! This should come in handy once the fabric above are actual quilt tops.

This was taken somewhere near Crossville, TN last weekend when we went to Brian's parent's. It's hard to make out, but the gas station was called the Liberty Market and on the awning it said AMERICAN OWNED AND OPERATED. Naturally Brian chose to get his gas there, rather than the Quik-E-Mart across the road. He's planning on buying into the franchise I think.

We were given a new camera as a wedding present this past weekend. Thanks to Brian's parents, we now have a really really nice new Canon Rebel SLR. It's just going to take a while to figure out how to use this bad boy.. until then you get to watch things like this...

Show & Tell

2009-07-17T11:22:00.007-04:00

I've had several weeks lately of being in a funk. I realized it was mainly to do with the whole mess our photographer from our wedding left us in. I say mainly, but not all. We received our wedding 'album' if you could even call it that about 2 weeks ago. At which time I thought I was going to have a nervous breakdown. Here are a few photos of what she felt was worthy of the $ we paid her for her services.. let me remind you she is a 'p.r.o.f.e.s.s.i.o.n.a.l' or so her website states. There is nothing special about the photos, nor do they capture anything different than the things we already saw that day. In a nutshell, it stinks and it's basically a Walmart album with some pictures someone just threw in there....

I finally decided to call her and let her know just how unhappy we were, but nothing we could have said would have made any difference. I mainly wanted to know why she felt it was necessary to choose OUR wedding photos for OUR wedding album and not allow us to see all the photos she took.

Her answer was simple, at which point I knew the conversation ends here..."Well I didn't want to let you look at them to choose because it takes people so long to pick the ones they want. I just assumed you would like what I chose and I didn't want to have to owe anyone anything." These are exact words people.. All I can say is of course you OWE us and you know what happens when you ASSume things.. Not to mention having to turn your wedding album every time you want to look at the vertical ones, just screams CLASSY!

I'm done with it now, I feel better. You can all go back to what it is you were doing before I broke out in my long winded speech.

The book came with a huge stain on the cover and Brian said we should use the lines between the pictures like a year book... just have everyone sign next to there name and write us a note. He such a thinker, boy do I love him!

Mondays

2009-07-06T15:07:00.003-04:00

Aren't they just GREAT...

This is kind of how I feel after a long weekend of monkeying (yes this is a technical term) with my new Juki. It's so aggravating, really. I may even skip supper with Jim tonight to take the whole contraption apart.

Curtains & Post Holes

2009-06-30T10:47:00.008-04:00

See.. I did finish the shower curtain! nothing fancy, just one that is sized to fit our shower stall. I picked out the fabric back in March. I'm considering going back and getting some more for curtains in our living room. Although, that might totally be weird. Please don't mind the green paint, it's not my particular favorite. I'd like to paint it yellow, like a golden yellow... or something like that. But seriously, it probably won't happen!!

I've been wanting matching curtains on all the windows in my kitchen since we moved in. I finally broke down and made this over a year later. I really like them and am somewhat impressed with my curtain making skills! Please don't mind my rooster clock, it never works when it's supposed to. Probably because it came from the dollar store.

and the post hole diggers. See they love it! Well I know Andrea does anyway. In Andrea's words, "4ft deep and 3ft deep are really the same, right?" This is them putting posts in for what will be the new shed for the horses to get out of the weather. I'm sure they will be appreciative, but then again we'll never really know that for sure.

Ask

2009-06-26T11:32:00.009-04:00

and you shall receive..

Got home yesterday afternoon. Walked to the barnlot only to find Brian and his buddy Jake locked in the feed room with a BB Gun 'exterminating' mice. Seriously, it was like watching two of the most redneck guys you've ever seen. "Oh, there's one, quick he's gonna run" Before MY Daisy Red Ryder could even be pumped, it would be gone. I don't think any mice were even harmed. We keep our feed in big metal trash cans so the little critters can't get into it, and yet this is what they do down there while waiting for lessons to end. I think it's the highlight of his day honestly.

Back to the asking and receiving part.. I found our camera!! ya, it was on the coffee table.. with all the other things I couldn't find in the last 4 weeks. I'm pretty sure I will be cleaning it off tomorrow in my weekly Saturday morning cleaning adventures. Now, when I say 'cleaning adventures', it is by no means enjoyable for me. But have realized that if I don't at least pick up things, sweep and wipe down all the counters (which we only really have 2), then everything really just gets out of hand. BUT, I promise to take pictures of a few things I've been meaning to share and post them by tomorrow... sometime.

Oh, and work with my new quilt frame and machine. I've named it Thelma, i figured since I will be spending so much time with it, it needed a name. Just makes me feel better when I decide to shout obsenities at it.. makes it more personal. So Thelma and I will be appologixing to each other and starting over since we didn't get along last weekend while trying to roll fabric on the leaders for the first time. I'm sorry Thelma.

And, I am going to force myself to spend a couple hours with Shiner. I mean I want to, and I need to, but there is so little time after I get home from work during the week. I'm going to the farm store during lunch today to get him a new halter. He broke his last one, thanks to Brian's training session. Will show you pictures of him too! He's so big and has filled out so well!!

Also, if you ask for pictures of your niece and nephew who coincidentally are moving to Colorado today.. You get them! Matthew, if you're reading this.. Thanks Bubba!!

Thing 1 & Thing 2

Baby Tag-Team Wrestling, minus the tagging

Babies look good on ya bubba, who'd of guessed!

Lack of Photos

2009-06-23T11:42:00.005-04:00

This past weekend I managed to completely finish the new shower curtain I planned for our bathroom. I would have a picture of the finished product, but you see... I can't find the camera. It's probably somewhere between here and Texas. The last place I saw it was Lake Charles, Louisiana. Some housekeeper at the Isle of Capri Hotel and Casino is probably taking pictures as we speak with it. and viewing all of our random ones from our wedding trip. Either way, I can't show you anything I've been working on, completed, or whatever. We are however in the process of buying a new camera, a spiffy new Nikon (or Canon) SLR.

But, back to the shower curtain. I picked the fabric out about 3 months ago, with the intentions of making a shower curtain to fit our tiny shower stall. It only took until late June to start/finish it. I will say this, I learned something new while making it. I learned to make a button hole.. holy crap. That's right, I'd never done one until Sunday and well it was so easy, I'm embarrassed. I'm pretty impressed that I was able to completely make the whole thing without one single hiccup!! So, when I can either locate my camera, or the new one finds its way to our house.. I will show it to you. Along with the set of curtains i made for the window over the sink in the kitchen. Oh, and the red, aqua, and white fabric I ordered to make this as well as the Darla fabric I ordered too.

I don't have any new pics of the twins.. because my brother hasn't sent me any.. go figure! Read it bubba, I need pictures.. I'm seriously dieing over here because you won't send me any. I guess I can forgive you because you are moving to Fort Carson, CO tomorrow.. but still. Help your seester out! I miss those little twerps, and your not so bad yourself.

Sewing List

2009-06-10T16:54:00.011-04:00

I've been racking my brain for a long time with all the 'projects' I'd like to do. Most of the time I forget them and never go back to them. I decided that now is as good of a time as any to do them, or at least get them on paper/blog. This way I have to do them!
Now...I'd like to give my self a deadline, like the end of this year, but if you know me, then you know it's not likely. So I will shoot for the end of the year, and hope i make it. If not, that's fine too. Oh and some of these may be squeezed into the same project... And I promise to post pictures once I cross each item off my list!

in no particular order:

-curtains for the kitchen (3 sets) 1 set down
-Zig Zag quilt pattern
-use only aqua, red, white in a quilt
-a quilt for Bethany's baby (due Jan something or other) sex not known yet
-a quilt for Kelly's 4th! :) baby (due Dec18, i think) sex not known yet
-quilt with white sashing
-wall hanging in kitchen with fabric I already bought
-learn to applique, use it on something in the house
-make this ring toy by Heather Bailey
-actually get around to making Kelly's shopping cart cover (sorry Kel, really I am!!! baby #4's gonna need one)
-use the Darla Collection from Tanya Whelan
-make pillows for living room, instead of buying them
-shower curtain for our bathroom Curtain almost finished, needs holes for hooks
-spiderweb quilt pattern
-subscribe to a quilt/craft magazine
-visit other quilt shops in the area, even if it means crossing state lines
-replace the apron I mailed to Bethany, but never made it to her in FL

*I may/may not add to this. But will try to keep it as up to date as possible. If you have an idea for an addition or revision, let me know what you think!

Oh.. and of course what's a post without pics of these two turds!!!

Riley

Nathan
He looks so 'happy'.

I'm a Schwartz

2009-06-04T11:14:00.004-04:00

Once you get married, you start to aquire things. It wasn't until the wedding that I officially acquired these guys. Christopher, Caitlyn, Corbin, & Owen. Christoopher, Brian's oldest nephew will be spending a few weeks with us soon. The kid is in for a rude awakening because Brian plans to work him, hard... He needs it, he needs to get away from his brother and sister who I'm sure drive him insane.

Not to be confused with these two little turds: Nathan & Riley aka 'the twins'.
Both are starting to teeth and Riley has decided she would like to practice her rolling so that one day she might be able to steam roll right over her brother. The little squirts are now 3 months old and well let's face it... I'm already looking up flights and times I can fly out to Colorado to see them next year. I'm hoping for their birthday in February. Bubba (my brother, no that's not his real name, we are from South Texas, not East Texas) and his wife will be moving to Ft Carson at the end of this month, where he will be stationed for who knows how long. Seriously, they should be stationed in Kentucky, it's much closer to me!!

I've made a list of everything I want to accomplish by the end of August. Some of the top priorities are to paint/redo our bathroom. Sew more, actually sew enough to be able to use my new quilter. Completely organize our house.. ya that's sounds like a lot of work. Oh, and add more items to my my shop!! AND, since everyone continues to keep on having babies, I will just have to add making quilts and such to that list.

2009-05-28T11:26:00.003-04:00

We finally made it back to TN. It was a long 9 days away and we did way too much while we were gone.
Hopefully I'll have picture of the the wedding and everything else soon.
This weekend we will have to adjust back to our lives, minus anything wedding related. Which is alright with me.
We'll have to start with Shiner next week, he needs lots of work. I'm ready for it!
Oh, and Duke.. he was so happy to see us he wouldn't quit whining.
and.. I got the best wedding present... EVER... courtesy of my new husband!
It's a Juki machine with a HandiQuilter Portable Frame... seriously what else could I ever want. Oh ya, fabric to make quilts to use on the frame!!

And.. check this out. I consider this one of the best things at our wedding! She made this topper for the groom's cake and it seriously turned out so much better than ever could have expected. It made it back to TN in one piece.. but who knows how long it will stay like that!

now, all i want to do it sleep for like 3 days!

We've been busy

2009-05-25T10:16:00.009-04:00

doing this...

Gypsy Rose

2009-05-18T10:59:00.006-04:00

I just have enough time to show you this.
It's the Gypsy Rose quilt I started but put off finishing a while back, like most things I take on. (Note: I didn't actually quilt this one.. I shipped all the way to Texas for my mom to use her handy, dandy quilter)
I also cheated and machine sewed the binding, rather than doing it by hand.. hey, it worked, didn't it?!
It will belong to Kelly & Mandy's mom, just as soon as I get to Texas.
Which will be tomorrow!
We leave in 5 hours... and plan on driving til midnight... I've never been so excited for a 20 hours rode trip!
Photos to come..?!

We will leave, if I can ever seem to feel like I've packed everything!

Frick & Frack

2009-05-14T15:45:00.005-04:00

I'm counting down the days.

4 until we leave for Texas
6 until I get to see my family
9 until I get to see my 2 1/2 month old Niece & Nephew!!
oh, and 9 until the wedding. But I mean really, that's not what's important here. or is it?

He's going to be a thinker

Bathing beauty.. she's going to be such a drama queen.. no?!

Here's my brother, sacked out with the twins. He always could sleep just about anywhere.

Smiley Riley

What I've Been Up To...

2009-05-05T17:10:00.008-04:00

As you all may know, there's a wedding coming! Or as Brian refers to it.. 'the hitchin'. Rebecca was kind enough to take my bridal photos, as well as our engagement pics. But, I have to say how excited I am about them. They turned out really well!! And for a 90 degree day in April, this is what you can expect... Don't worry, Brian wouldn't even know how to begin to find my blog, nor would because I told him these photos would be on here. He's very superstitious about this hitchin' (wedding)

Look, a veil... who would have guessed

I'm no expert, but this picture is pretty neat!

This is what describes me, not a foofy bride staring out a window!

Brian's horse, Traces

So, I'm very pleased to say Rebecca is seriously awesome, no? You should all go over to her blog and let her know!

The countdown begins, we have less than 3 weeks until the wedding, 2 weeks til Texas. Im excited for the vacation to be honest, we both need it!! AND, like usual, I have managed to take on way more than I should ever have to, but that's just how it goes. Thanks to my mom, I can let some of it go to her to finish... so thanks mom, now I'll be able to crack the whip on you and not myself! kidding.

Lastly, today, being Cinco de Mayo and all I'd like to take a moment and wish Shiner a happy birthday. He's a whole year old today. And I heard a little while ago, he sent his birthday jumping a fence! So he's grounded!

Me and Shiner, he's not much for photos

Remembering

2009-04-29T17:00:00.006-04:00

Tomorrow is a day I would prefer to skip. Not that it would change anything really, but it would be one less day to think about it. April 30, 2008 my Grandpa passed away. It was very sudden and totally unexpected. My Aunt Suzie sent me these pics of him last year right after he passed. I think they are the neatest thing.

Grandpa was one of the smartest people I knew. If you had a question, he no doubt, had the answer. Even if there was no question, he still had a comment. When I got engaged, I really looked forward to having him at the wedding and see me get married. He was always manged to make the 6 hour drive to see us when something monumental in our lives happened.

This sounds goofy, I'm sure, but I haven't seemed to have much closure. I think about it a lot more than I probably should. I really hope the wedding will be that closure. Brian and I have made picture frames and we are planning to put our parents/grandparents old wedding photos on display. Also, I've added a small framed photo of Grandpa to my bouquet. Rebecca took some shots of it during my bridal photo session last Saturday, I hope they turned out. But, what else can ya do, it's like and it's just the way it happens....

On a much happier note...Check out these two!! They are 2 months old now.

I promise.. I will have quilting/sewing coming soon!!!! Life is so hectic right now. If you feel up to it.. check out the Etsy Shop. I have a lot planned for it.. AFTER the WEDDING!

Updates, Pictures.. and Such

2009-04-20T10:56:00.008-04:00

Since I have yet to see the twins, I have to rely on everyone else to send/show me pics. This is really tough because the first time I will get to see and hold them will be the day of our wedding. that doesn't leave much time for their Auntie to spoil them. This summer they will be moving to Colorado, which make me sad. I haven't quite figured out how I'm going to work all this out, but I'll manage. They are now 7 weeks old and are already spoiled rotten!

I know I've said this a million times, but he looks just like my brother, especially with this grin!

Monkey Face
(Notice his new strap covers his Auntie made him!)

Sweet Riley

This past weekend we had our pre-wedding cookout with everyone here in TN. Most everyone who came won't be able to make it to Texas next month, so we decided to have a cookout at the farm. It was a lot of preparation, but went really well. It was good to see everyone at the same time. We're terrible at making/having time to spend with our friends around here. If they aren't regulars to the farm, then finding the time is almost impossible right now. We hope that changes in a few months though. We cooked SO much food and still have tons left. Since my Bridal Portraits are this coming Saturday, I won't be eating any of it! I'll leave that all to Brian. Since Laura and Rebecca brought salad for the shindig and there is still quite a bit left over, I will be eating it all week! It's ok, I love salad!

So.. less than 5 weeks until the wedding. It's now that I wish we could have eloped and gone to Vegas! or Alaska, that would be awesome! We've come to the conclusion that most people at our wedding will not approve of a lot of the things we're doing, but as Brian so poetically put it,"it's my wedding, I paid for it, and I'll do what I want." With that said, I cannot be held responsible for the things he might do!! Just a warning!

I have tossed back and forth whether or not to do the flowers now (artificial) or wait until the Friday before with Mandy and Kelly's help (real). I started working on them yesterday afternoon while I was putting my bouquet together for my Bridal Portraits this Saturday with Rebecca. I think they turned out fairly decent, nothing I'd be embarrassed to ask someone to wear. While in High school I took 2 classes on floral design and then continued to make corsages and boutonnieres for my friends at Prom. I have always enjoyed it and it turns out I still know how to do it! Here are a few pics of what I've done so far.

Mothers/Grandmothers, Groom/Groomsmen, Fathers/Grandfathers

My (picture) bouquet. I added a small silver frame to it that holds a picture of my Grandpa who won't be able to be there. He passed away almost a year ago this month. It looks really nice on there and I think it's exactly what I needed.

I'm definitely not a professional, but hey, I try! I'm the artsy-fartsy type, as my mom always says.

Road Trip

2009-04-13T10:30:00.006-04:00

Don't we look like such nerds!

Friday evening we left for Nashville, well not really Nashville, but it's somewhere south of there.. you get the idea. Brian's best friend growing up got married Saturday afternoon, they also had a baptism ceremony for their little boy Aiden, who is 5 months old. All of this on Easter Weekend!! Great Timing! It was a long drive and we didn't get in until midnight or so, then stayed up talking with his family until 2:00 am. Seriously, we aren't late night folks! By 7:00 the next morning the phone was already ringing for Brian to help Danny pick up last minute things for the wedding. Imagine this, they had to pick up the cake, flowers, 2 kegs and the wine. I don't know if I would trust them to grab my cake, since to them the booze were what was important! Somehow they manged to make it, with everything in order! The wine however was opened before the baptism even began, it was a long day!

This is a picture of Brian and Danny, the groom. You see, they've known each other FOREVER and this is what happens when they get together with music and beer. Seriously, don't judge us, it's just who we are! Here's my question to you, if you know what a Keg Stand is, more power to you, if not you should just stop reading here. I really wish I had pictures of it, but I don't and I can only describe to you what actually happened. When was the last time you were at a wedding where someone did a Keg Stand, I have never been to a wedding where that occured. However, at this reception not only did the Groom's mom, dad Bride's mom, dad and just about anyone and everyone within arms reach of the keg, did a Keg stand. I must say it was a heck of a party and definitly one that I won't soon forget.

All I can say is no matter what my mom will not be doing one at my wedding, and Im pretty sure neither will Brian's. We'd like to keep it that way! We danced and we danced and now I remember why barefoot dancing when alcohol is around, is not a good idea. My wonderful, uncoordinated fiance' stepped all over my feet, but still it was a lot of fun!

Oh, ya. We took duke with us this weekend and boy are we pooped! ...

Going 'Green'

2009-04-02T07:32:00.005-04:00

Do you use re-usable shopping bags?? We do. Now, I know what you're thinking. YOU use re-usable bags???!! Yes, I know, it's a shock that Brian would be ok with this. He is of course totally against the tree-huggin hippy types, which there are quite a fair share of them around here. Actually, to be quite honest, we don't do our Sunday morning weekly grocery shopping without them. Do you realize how much you can pack into them?? We have a stash of mainly Walmart's, a Lowe's, and a couple Wal-Greens.

We aren't completely going all Green and what not. He does however have an obsession with changing out all the light bulbs with the good ones. I know nothing about this. More so because I choose not to listen.

So I participated in a swap recently. I decided on a re-usable shopping bag. The point of this swap was to use at least 2 fat quarters and add something we don't normally use. I added ric-rac, although I haven't used it 'recently', does that count?? Anyway, this bag came together WAY to easy, and then I realized that the stripes were'nt lining up on the sides.. of course! It's not too terribly off, that's why I didn't show you the flaw in it, I'll let you imagine how bad it was.

You're looking at a picture I snapped of Shiner last Sunday. It seems as though My trusted little colt has decided he loves no one else but his little buddy Cipi (who knows how to spell that horses name, I swear!) It has become more and more difficult to work with Shiner, much less attempt to catch him in the first place!! SO, to break him of this, he will be spending a huge chunk of his time in 'solitary confinement' away from Cipi! This is what our little caged baby looks like! He's a cryer man... you can hear him all the way up at the house. But, it's gotta be done.

Doesn't he look so big!! He'll be a whole year old May 5. I've got a Cinco de Mayo horse!

Baby Love

2009-03-29T21:22:00.004-04:00

i don't really have much to say, other than.... mmmmm tastes like baby! I can only imagine the things these two will get into together and the fights they will have!!

This will be the death of me

2009-03-25T11:40:00.002-04:00

Last night, as I was FINALLY sealing up invites... I realized I did a bad bad thing.

I managed to seal nearly 50 invites over the past weekend without adding postage to the reply cards!!!! Holy Crap! So.. last night after realizing this, I spent nearly 2 hours with a hair dryer and butter knife attempting to open them all back up.

I mean seriously, please ignore the fact that your invite may have been one of the ones who by now have been resealed...

Good news, all the boys in the wedding have been taken care of! Thank goodness, I can now mark that off my list. Thanks Kelly! Now if we can just prepare ourselves for a day filled with chaos and the end result of having four ring bearers between the ages of 18 months and 6 years old.

Blue Skies & 4-Wheel Drivin Babies

2009-03-24T13:25:00.007-04:00

This past weekend we got to spend a couple of days with Mike and Becky, Brian's brother and SIL... oh and Owen, their adorably sweet, chubby cheeked little boy. We hadn't met Owen until now, who's 2 months old. Of course what's the first thing Brian wants to show his new little nephew.. the 4-wheeler! Those baby slings are not only good during shopping and what not, but also riding 4-wheelers. They should put that on the packaging. He didn't seem to mind much, he was busy napping anyway. Later that afternoon he also took his first ride on a horse, during which his dad said "Owen you're doing things babies twice your age haven't even done." Me being me replied " so you mean like a 4 month old, right?"

Mike has been nice enough to take the huge task of marrying us come May. We will be the first ones he has ever married and he even brought his little black manual on how to marry people and various other events. We were able to pick how we wanted to ceremony to go and needless to say it will be short and sweet. Straight to the point! There is a part during the ceremony where the bride and groom has the option to do the whole unity candle deal, except I asked Mike if he could write in there that the unity candle has been removed do to the current burn ban in Victoria County. I thought it was HILARIOUS... others obviously didn't.

All in all it was a really nice weekend, complete with lots of blue skies! Something that has been extremely rare around here.

Oh Baby!

2009-03-18T22:06:00.004-04:00

She loves her brother...
If only we could all be as relaxed as he is...

Aunt B's & Bacon Wrapped Pancakes

2009-03-16T23:09:00.003-04:00

It seems as though our fearless beagle managed to make his way down to Aunt B's this morning. Now, Aunt B's isn't too far from the farm.. but in order to get there you must cross the Highway. First of all, I can't believe he crossed the highway!!! Second of all, when the ladies at Aunt B's called Brian ( thank goodness for Duke's dog tags), they said," Boy was he ever hungry. We wrapped bacon in a pancake, but he didn't like the pancake too good." Hey I'm just typing like they talk around here, don't judge me!

So now that Duke has had his taste of bacon wrapped pancakes, it's only a matter of time until he makes his way back down the road to Aunt B's. I for one am NOT happy about this. I mean really, I wish you people who find my dog would not feed him. HELLO, you're just inviting him to come back. Then Brian gets pissed because he's the one who has to go and get him, and more than likely gets really mad and yells at the poor puppy. Then he tucks his 'almost' tail as far between his legs as it will go and then proceeds to do some sort of army crawl move towards Brian. He obviously doesn't do this to me because I just can't scold him like Brian can!!

So, as both of them sleep on the couch behind me, I continue to work on wedding stuff. Seriously, how do I get a job like theirs? Yes mom, that is a quilt you made me. Sorry, Duke really likes it, almost as much as the Ducks!!

I'm out - Goodnight

New Generation

2009-03-11T11:19:00.007-04:00

Now that my brother is a dad, it's strange to think that my parents are grandparents. Not only that, but that my grandparents are great-grandparents. Ya, I know that's how this all works, but I think this means I'm getting old.

Anyway here are a few pictures of my parents being "Grandparents" and my grandparents being "Great-Grandparents" - if that's not totally confusing to anyone.

Nana & Mr. Anders
(hey, it's what dad wants to be called, ya I know)

Great-Grandma & Nathan

Great-Grandad & Riley

And in case you didn't get enough of your weekly dose of baby..

Riley the tree frog - She evidently can always be found in this position

Nathan, who no doubt is my brother's son, Looks and all!

Mod Beads, Sway, & Gypsy Rose

2009-03-11T08:05:00.004-04:00

Finally, the tops are finished and I found the time to take a photo... It usually doesn't take me this long to complete a quilt top. I think it is because of everything else we have going on around here. Either way, they are out of my hands and will be on their way to Texas for quilting. Then back to me to finish up.

The pattern of these quilts are totally made up. I wanted to do something where the blocks looked like they were floating. Excuse the fact that the pics are terrible and look like the quilts are blowing in the wind, because well they were. It's hard to get a non-windy day around here lately. The smallest breeze and this is what you get.

Heather Bailey's Mod Beads, Sway & Swirls

Gypsy Rose
I really do like the way this one turned out. Not the greatest photo - I'm SO not a photographer - but the golds and purples look really neat together.

From Weddings to Tattoos

2009-03-09T10:21:00.002-04:00

Quick update on the wedding, we are just about done with everything! Oh, wait I'm totally kidding, there are still about 18 things on my list to complete before the long trek half across the country to get married. If you're keeping track, which I know some of you are - thanks for caring!! Beginning to feel like a one man show here.

Don't worry, you weren't left off the guest list!! I just haven't mailed the invites out yet, I've got them, mostly all addressed, just have to do that whole stuffing of the envelope deal. Yea, yea, I know I was supposed to do it this past weekend, and then the weekend before that, but I've been working on my Etsy business. Don't get too excited yet, I've still got to put items in the shop. Mandy, if you're reading this, I'll get it all done! Promise! Eventually! ;) I did have my dress fitted on Saturday, I was just happy it actually zipped up and that my boots looked really cool with my dress.

Oh, ya.. speaking of weddings. Brian received a text from his sister last night... it was of her new tattoo... on her back... the size of a softball... of 'Mater' (yes the same Mater from the Disney movie Cars, as in Larry the Cable Guy's TowMater)... Did I mention she is a bridesmaid... in our wedding... with a halter top dress. Please, oh please, someone tell me how in the world do you cover up a Mater tattoo. I can handle a few wedding mishaps, fine.. but how do you fix this.. Any takers?

Wordless Wednesday (Almost)

2009-03-04T11:49:00.010-05:00

Nathan, (Hoping for red hair!)

Riley

Fabric Shopper

2009-03-03T21:03:00.005-05:00

If you love fabric and haven't stumbled on this site:

Then you are like me and have been missing out! It's a blog dedicated to lots and lots of online stores/blogs who sell fabric or who do really cool stuff with it!

Tah-Dah! BABIES...

2009-03-02T11:38:00.005-05:00

So... they finally made it. I wasn't able to get great photos (ones that weren't on a cell phone) until this morning. Matthew has evidently been busy with the babies! Go figure, I'm sure it's just the beginning Bubba!

Saturday, February 28 @ 5:14 & 5:15pm. Riley was first weighing in at 5lbs 8oz, Nathan at 5lbs 9 oz. Leslie is doing fine, now that there isn't two small humans playing soccer with her organs! Oh, and neither of them will require time in the NICU as previosuly thought. They actually came out much larger and healthier than expected, although she did carry them past 37 weeks, which everyone thought may not happen.

I love that their names are on their little hats.

And Bubba, I'm not sure if you read this blog, but I'm very proud of you! You are now a daddy.. (scary) but it's pretty stinkin sweet!! CONGRATS! Thanks for giving me two adorably wonderful babies to spoil rotten and send home to you!!! I can't wait! Oh, and Leslie if you read this, I guess I do owe them a pony. Leslie said if they stayed in past 34 weeks (i think) then their Auntie would get them a pony!!

I love this picture of my brother, all he kept saying on the phone to me was, 'Tracy, they are so cute!' If you know Matthew, it doesn't sound like him at all!

This blog will once again be directed to the farm and quilting.. maybe.. someday! But for now it will be all about the coolest kids I know, my new niece and nephew!! Get Over it!!!

2009-02-28T09:20:00.003-05:00

As you may know (or not) My brother and his wife are expecting twins... a girl & a boy! Lucky!! Matthew was deployed to Iraq for most (ALL) of her pregnancy and was rushed home by the Red Cross a few weeks ago because she was supposed to be in labor. It's been a whole mess/risky ordeal for her. Anywho, he was able to come home and stay past his 18 day emergency leave and he won't have to go back, at least for this deployment anyway, because the rest of the guys are starting to come home next week I believe. It's his third deployment there, nothing new for our family.

If they see this, I'm sure they will love the fact that I posted a picture of them!!

So I talked to him last night and she was supposed to be induced on Thursday, but there were no available beds. So they just had to wait. he called me last night cussin up a storm because if you know how military hospitals work you would get the idea. After 30 min of him venting and a trip to the greatest place on earth.. Whataburger.. (only in Texas can you get one of these by the way) he hung up. Evidentally last night he had to take her in because she was going into labor. IT MUST HAVE BEEN THE WHATABURGER!

So.. I'm sitting here... W-A-I-T-I-N-G to hear if they are here yet... patiently waiting.. Well not so patient, I did wake my parents up this morning to see if they had heard anything yet. In my defense it was nearly 8AM here, can't help it that you live in a different timezone - kidding mom!

Cross your fingers for little redheads!!!

Grandmother's Flower Garden

2009-02-28T08:50:00.005-05:00

My soon to be husband's mother called me last year about this time to see if I could sew a 'few' quilt pieces together for her. I figured hey, it probably couldn't be that rough. Then she described what they looked like to me, I still had no clue what she had or exactly how many. I said go ahead and mail them to me and I will check them out.

Enclosed was a note that said that these pieces were actually sitting in the attic of one of her relatives house and were found when they passed away. None of her family really knew what they were nor did they really want them. No big deal, until I started to look at them and realized there were not only initials on every single finished flower as well as the year in which they were sewn - ALL BY HAND! Ya, I bought hit the floor. I have never actually hand sewn much of anything, well nothing of this magnitude.

So I took them down to Tennessee Quilts to show Sandra and she was amazed as was everyone else in the store at what I had. I had to explain to his mom that this was something that could take me years to finish. I have decided that I am going to continue to hand sew each piece together with the white hexagon border. I feel it would ruin the aesthetics of the whole quilt if I were to use my machine. You read right.. I will hand sew all 92 pieces (most of which are not duplicates) and then hand quilt it all, just as it was intended. She would like a full size quilt for her guest room and two pillow shams to match. Which leaves me with several left over, enough to make another small lap quilt (to be finished at a much much much later date) for her daughter, Brian's sister. Now, I hope one day I will be able to get at least of the the two back to keep and show my kids to pass on. In the end I'm going to make a tag for the bag that will give the names of everyone who has worked on it and the dates, including myself..

Oh, did I mention I have a wedding I've been planning in May.. Ya this is mainly a in-the-car-trip project, for now anyway. Feel free to comment on how much I have gotten myself into!!

What's in a name

2009-02-19T16:58:00.005-05:00

A few weeks ago I wrote a post and shared some pics of our new lamb Fern. Earlier this week we were surprised to find 3 new babies, 2 of which are twins. Around here, animal get names things like: Wilbur the cow, Shrek the mini donkey, Chiquita the lamb. Normal kid friendly names...

Now, one of the new babies is black, the other is white. Naming twins aren't as difficult as you may think, several names were tossed around -Bonnie & Clyde, Frick & Frack, Peanut Butter & Jelly, Black & Tan, my personal favorite Thelma & Louise, probably too many to list and it sort of got out of hand as you can see from Peanut Butter & Jelly.

BUT... If it's left up to Brian and no one else is at the farm at the time of birth.... then they are called Black & Decker... Only one problem there... at the time of naming, no one knew if they were male or female. Looks like we have 2 girls with very rough names!

If you're wondering about the other new baby, she hasn't been named yet. She is by far the smallest of the bunch, but has a funny black line that runs the length of her mouth so it always looks like she's smiling.. Will keep you updated on her naming process and maybe get some photos if it will ever warm up!!

How to waste a good 30 min of your Friday...

2009-02-13T11:19:00.006-05:00

This morning I was browsing other blogs.. as I normally do and came across McCafe Coffee Ring Snowflake Generator on The Great Hexagon Quilt-Along Blog

Go on, do it.. you know you want to!

Burpies

2009-02-08T20:44:00.004-05:00

I've got it down to a science.. 7 min = 1 burp cloth.. not bad. They aren't too difficult anyway. I just wish I had made them when Kelly's boys were babies! These 2 sets are for our new nephew Owen. The second set with three in it happen to match his quilt and blocks I made, but have yet to post pictures of. I mailed them off to him yesterday.

Brian and several other people have been on me about selling burpies, bags, blocks, even baby quilts. I'd like to, but it's all a time factor. I just don't have much extra time right now due to the wedding and everything that goes on around here. I've decided to put a few things on Etsy. Nothing huge, just a few things that I have made, just to see what happens. I'm planning to get more into it if it goes well and after May when the wedding is all done. If you're interested, I'll let you all know when it's all up and running on Etsy

It's been a very exhausting weeked and I'm TIRED! If I could, I would sleep for a whole day! But, that doesn't seem to be anytime soon. I was hoping for a whole day right after the wedding to do nothing but sleep and go no where... turns out I was wrong and our short wedding week just keeps getting shorter and shorter.

Meet Fern...

2009-02-02T21:18:00.005-05:00

Fern is the newest addition the farm. She was a week old this past Saturday. No one else wanted to name her, so I did! She is the cutest thing - she runs and hops like she trying to play. Duke our beagle would love nothing more than to playn with her. He gets to nose her through the stall door for now.

Hopefully by tomorrow morning we will have another baby, if not twins! I'm sure Fern would love to have little friends to play with. Mom just isn't that exciting!

How on earth..

2009-01-30T17:22:00.004-05:00

Somebody please tell me how this is made. It amazes me to no end! I'm tempted to get the pattern, but seriously... where would you begin! i found it here at Picture Quilts by Sharon Malec. It's dimensions are 18"W x 24"L... Mom, anything thoughts?? Want to attempt it?

2-D Zoo Puzzle Piece Quilt

2009-01-26T11:31:00.003-05:00

I never really got to take good pics of Owen's quilt, bag, and blocks. Well I take that back, I took them, just not with my camera. I don't know if Brian's dad has had a chance to get them off his camera or not.

Anyway, Owen was born last Sunday - Jan 18, the same day as his Papaw (Brian's Dad) and Colby's b-day, kinda neat! I made a quilt from the 2-D Zoo fabric in Sage for Mike and Becky because they were waiting to find out what the baby was. Well when it was all said in done, the quilt and bag in my opinion actually turned out more "boy-ish", so that worked out! Mike has been posting picks of Owen on a site for everyone to see and as I was looking at it last week, I came across this. A great shot of Owen with his new blankie and bag, leaving the hospital. I would have to say it might be one of my favorite quilts. No trouble at all. I'm glad they will actually use the quilt! I hate when one isn't used and it's stored to "keep". I say USE IT! I can always make another one when it's been drug through the mud for teh last time!

Quick Update - Gypsy Rose Quilt

2009-01-24T08:41:00.005-05:00

Here is a quick shot of the Gypsy Rose lap quilt. I should have the entire top complete by the end of the day-HOPEFULLY.. I'm actually way behind where I wanted to be. I'll probably spend most of tomorrow cutting the other 2 quilt's pieces out. But, until I can manage to find the time to finish this top, here is a brief view..

When I bought these Fabrics, Sandra from Tennessee Quilts immediately said " those are VERY different from what you normally buy" she must have known it was a gift for someone else, because she was right. Although, I'm beginning to like it more every time I look at it. It's pretty, but not fru-fru pretty at Brian would put it.

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I'm spending this morning cleaning the house... I HATE cleaning. When I was in college, everything was always clean, now... I can't keep anything clean. I'm convinced it's because we live on a farm and let's face it, I'll never be a housewife, nor would I want to! I can deal with dirt, it's the clutter in such a small place that drives me CRAZY! Oh, that and the mountain of laundry that continues to pile up in the chair in our room.

After Laura's lesson this morning, she and I are going to run errands. Well they are my errands. I have to get a few things for a swap that I'm in - Sewing Swap with a Twist. Rebecca has me hooked on swaps, particularly Swap-Bot. Anyway, I need to find 3 sewing related items - a yard of rick-rack, couple spools of thread, buttons, fat quarters, safety pins, etc. - to send to someone else in the swap.

I just received a package in the mail yesterday from my partner in Wedding Day Mini Survival Kit swap. I was very surprised at ALL the stuff in the box. It all came packed in a neat little zipper bag. Brian and I went through it last night and there is a ton of cool stuff. I had to pack it away for the wedding or else Ill end up using it now!

Speaking of swaps, Rebecca has sent me a possible swap for a purse/bag using Amy Butler fabric. I really like Amy Butler fabric, but am finding it very hard to find the time to do it. I don't have very much longer to decide whether or not I'm doing it. I think the deadline is the end of the month and then the bag has to be sent out by Feb 15. Mom, you may want to do this, maybe? Oh - or Sandra.. you read my blog, right? ;)

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And, because this cracks me... he's taking up fishing with Jim evidently... I promise it will make you chuckle!

We've been hit

2009-01-21T17:11:00.004-05:00

We've been hit with snow... Yes Kelly, let your boys know we received lots of snow Tuesday and it's still around. Duke on the other hand is not so happy that I have forced him to wear his jacket.
Its still around and will probably be at least until tomorrow. As for quilts, I will have one to show this weekend.

Eight Degrees

2009-01-17T16:53:00.005-05:00

So, what does eight degrees really feel like? It's hard to explain what it feels like, but this is what it looks like...

This is the outcome of a leaky faucet and eight degrees. Hard to tell in the pic, but the ice has managed to run not only all the way around the pipe on the ground, but also to give itself at least four to five inches think. I'm from TEXAS, this does not happen in SOUTH TEXAS! Ya, there was that time in 2004 when we got 13 inches of now for xmas, but it all melted away by the end of the day and it was 70 again.

Thursday afternoon the temp started to drop, and it just kept going. It's been so cold here that we have canceled most lesson because we don't need anymore sick snotty nose kids running around here. This morning wasn't too bad though, a long as you were in the sun and out of the wind! I'm sure all the animal are happy because since it's been cold, they get extra extra food to keep them warm at night.

Shiner was even happy to see me this morning. He ran from the hill down to me, I was shocked. Normally I have to walk a mile to get close to him and then he decided to run ad hide behind the other colt. I think he was trying to tell me he was sorry for all that and that he should be allowed to come in the house where it's warm. I'm all for that, it's Brian he has to convince - and that's not working out so well. Here he is getting a lot bigger, at 8 months old.

Tonight it's supposed to start snowing. Not so great, cold and snow is just too much. I've been ok with just the cold... Hopefully it won't be much and it won't stick.. as usual.

F A B R I C

2009-01-11T15:48:00.009-05:00

I have a tendency to only buy fabric for projects that I am working on. I've never really been able to just buy a yard here or there, unless I knew what I would do with it. Yesterday I spent over an hour in Tennessee Quilts looking for these. I try to limit myself to only going once a month, which I was dig so well until they decided to take 20% off of everything in their shop for the ENTIRE month of January. My thinking was, hey buy everything you need now, and save a little. Good thinking, because I have taken on a task I may not have been prepared for.

I went ahead and bought fabric for the 3 quilts I'm doing. 2 of them were easy to pick out, the 3rd... not so much. They are definitely going to be 3 very different quilts when it's all done. I don't have a favorite one yet, but I'm sure once they are done and ready to quilt I will. Either that or I will be ready to throw them all out and let Shiner use them.

As for the twins, here are theirs! They ended up larger than I thought/wanted them to be. I still had intentions on adding a 5" border to the outside, but figured they are already so big and I will have plenty of time to make them bigger ones in the next 18 years. They won't be able to use the for a while anyway because if they come early they will probably be in the hospital for a while. So I'm not rushing to have them quilted just yet. I can't decide if I want to finish them on the way to Texas in May or finish them and mail them to Leslie soon.

I've never use a log cabin pattern before and I got the tutorial from here (She's got a lot of really neat tutorials and quilts.) It's pretty simple. I'm happy with the way they have turned out. I don't like frilly baby blue and pink baby blankets.

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If you're wondering, in the past week I was able to not only book a DJ for the wedding, but also a Photographer. It was a really long week and all I can say is some people really value their photography, probably more than they should! We ended up barely over our budget, but I'm satisfied and won't have to worry about it. :)

No Panicking ... Yet

2009-01-05T13:59:00.003-05:00

So I was sitting at my desk this morning trying to get caught up on a few things, when it dawned on me... There is basically 4 1/2 months until the wedding... Here I was thinking I had at least 6 months. I think I totally forgot about it from the time in was in Texas back in November all the way through X-mas and New Year's. No wonder Laura asked me what else I needed to do the other day. I will say that, for the most part, all the major things are taken care of. I do however have to add back to my list

1. find a photographer - sore subject, I just need some pictures, not a lot to ask.
2. do something about reception music

Those are the only major issues, not too bad, right?!

I will have to dig out my trusty agenda tonight and begin thinking/doing what's left. Which reminds me, I should probably order invitations now. Or else it will be nearly April until I remember again. And I'd really rather not address 200 invitations in one weekend. Please Mandy if you're reading this have mercy on me, I really think you should live closer in order to keep me in line. You have your work cut out for you come May 23. Ok, might as well block off May 22-23.

if you're interested.. check this out. Our Knot Page

2009-01-03T17:57:00.002-05:00

This is my soon to be new nephew's quilt. It still needs it's borders and to be finished. As for my soon to be niece's quilt, it could be at this stage tomorrow.

A New Vue

2009-01-02T16:09:00.002-05:00

In my short lifetime as a licesnsed driver, I have never experienced a "new" car. I've had 2 Dodge Neons, both of which were red, go figure. The first one I got my first year in college, the second came my last year in college. Since I'm grown up now, I suppose I need a grown-up car, or one in which Brian can at least fit in. Being 6'4 and then some, it's hard for him to fit in the neon, much less ride for hours on end.

All of this started at Christmas with Brian's family. His mom bought a brand new Saturn Outlook (i think that's what it's called) Really, really super nice! Heated seats, remote start (so when it's freezing outside, all she has to do is push a button and bam it's started. Something Texans know nothing about.) She said I should drive it, and I did. And I realized I needed one. It didn't take much talking into for Brian, because well he hates my car and is in no way going to let me drive it to Texas for the wedding for (20+ hrs).

As of yesterday we are the new owners of this:

It's a 2008 Saturn Vue, not the really awesome Outlook his mom got, but think of it as the baby version. I really like it and it has so much room, so Brian likes it. Now we will be able to make it to Texas for the wedding in May, in one piece! Since the back seats fold down, Brian suggested we save money and sleep in the car on the way. I'm still not so sure about that!

Oh and today there was lots of ice on the road and I was sooooo nervous about driving it to work. Took me 45 min instead of the normal 25.

As for quilting, I have the babies quilts and mostly cut out and the log cabin pieces sewn together. I should be able to post some pics tomorrow.

Western Babies

2008-12-27T12:10:00.003-05:00

My fabric that I ordered nearly 3 weeks ago finally came in yesterday. I decided I needed to go ahead and get all the other fabric I will be using for these baby quilts this morning. After spending almost an hour in Jonesborough at TN Quilts, I've come up with these.

They will be a mixture of log cabin patterns with some sort of neutral sashing that makes them match each other. I wanted them to match since they are for twins, but not too matchy matchy.

I'm going to start cutting them in a few minutes, but not sure how far I'll get today since it's Saturday and that requires me to be out on the farm with all the kids.

I finished the quilt, diaper bag, burp cloths, and blocks I made for Becky, Brian's SIL. She is due in 3 weeks so I made it just in time. I'll have those pictures as soon as his dad emails them to me. I would have to say it was my favorite baby quilt so far.

Cupcakes, Pie, & Shiner

2008-12-20T16:25:00.006-05:00

I finished the first two Cupcake Pincushions. The pattern is very very easy, no real issues. I think they look a little odd though. I did get a tip from the ladies at Tennessee Quilts in Jonesborough though. They suggest using extra fabric scraps to fill them instead of the recommended sand, which of course would be a mess and I don't like to clean up anything, not even messes. So here they are:

I bought one of the neatest books at their store this morning. It's called "Little Stitches for Little Ones" 20 Keepsake sewing projects for baby and mom by Amy Butler. I bought the book for a particular friend of mine who has a new baby but I flipped through all the pages and realized I would love to have one for myself so that I can make gifts for all those babies in my life.. none of which are mine.. thank goodness for now anyway. I've realized that if I didn't have a full time job and a farm to hang around I could sit in my sewing room and sew projects and quilts for all my friends/families kids and babies and be totally content. BUT, I went to college and now have to pay that loan back.. so I work instead and play on the weekends. What a terrible life.

Last Wednesday we did our normal Sunday grocery shopping, of course we were late seeing as how it wasn't Sunday. Lately we have no schedule and everything is all out of whack. Anyway as we are getting ready to checkout at Walmart, Brian says "let's get a pie". So.. we did. I knew as soon as we got home he would do this:

And eat the ENTIRE thing in about 10 minutes, by himself.. Now when that day comes and he can't see his feet because his belly is in the way, I will laugh and say I told you so.. until then I have to watch him devour things like a whole pie while I get one or two bites and have to quit. Feel free to email him and tell him how much you hate him for having a great metabolism.

Oh and because he's so cute.. here's Shiner!

All X-mased Out & Too Many Projects

2008-12-19T17:00:00.003-05:00

It's Friday.. yay. It's been a very long week and yet we haven't done much.

Last night was my office x-mas party.. oh goody. You all know how I feel about it. It was alright, just clicky, if that's even a word (I'm thinking not, or if it is that's not how you spell it) It was like being in high school when everyone had their own groups to hang out with. I'm not the only one who mentioned that about last night, go figure. Tomorrow night is a mini xmas deal with Laura, Rebecca and the spouses. Oh, and Elsa! Can't forget her! I love xmas, it just is crummy because I can't be in Texas and instead will end up traveling to Brian's parent's for 48 hrs. Yes, that's a 5 hr drive each way, so we will spend at maximum 38hrs.. i'm sure this is making no sense..

Amongst every thing else I have going on sewing wise, why not start something else, eh! I'm in the process of creating the mini Cupcake pattern I bought while in Texas. It looks fairly simple and you use old scraps, which I don't have much of.. unlike my mom who says she can make at least 2 scrap quilts from one planned quilt. Anyway, I bought the pattern with the intention of making one for Laura and Rebecca and giving them a copy along with it. Well that haven't received them yet, because I haven't made them yet. Go figure! The two of them have a facisnation with cupcakes and have managed to stop in other cities to buy them. That's dedication. I'll post pictures on here when I get them finished tonight.

I spent most of the day searching for fabric to make quilts for Mandy and her mom Jo Ann for all the help they have and "will" be doing for the wedding, especially Mandy - I seriously appreciate you! So Mandy if your reading this.. you'll be getting a quilt, nothing ginormous. Oh and Kelly helped pick out the fabric.. so blame her if you don't like it!!!

So.. let's count the quilts that are either being planned or in the process:
1. Brian's new niece or nephew - due date Jan 19 - progress: needs binding
2. My new niece's quilts - due date March 17? - progress: haven't received fabric in the mail
3. My new nephew's quilts - due date March 17? - progress: haven't received fabric in the mail
4. Kelly's quilt - Hopefully by the wedding in May - progress: a few pieces of fabric bought
5. Mandy's quilt - Hopefully by the wedding in May - progress: I've planned it and thought about it
6. Jo Ann's quilt - Hopefully by the wedding in May - progress: I've planned it and thought about it

I have 6 quilts to finsih in the next 5 1/2 months and various other projects that are wedding and baby related... Oh and Bethany's apron..

If procrastination was a degree in college I would have earned it a million times over!

Twin Quilts

2008-12-17T15:48:00.004-05:00

If you don't already know, I'm going to be an Aunt.. not just any Aunt, but an Auntie! My brother and sister-in-law are expecting twins - one of each. I believe the names are final, but then again what do I know, Riley and Nathan.

As soon as I found out she was pregnant I immediately started to ponder what I would create for them. As if these kids wouldn't be spoiled enough. Since I love western stuff, and Im not too terribly fond of "traditional" baby quilts or colors for that matter, I've come up with this.

Please ignore the fact that I feel like I need to plan every quilt out thru Microsoft Word as you can see below. It makes me feel better to have a plan.

I liked the cowboy/cowgirl fabric the best and it came in 4 different colors and is called Tumbleweed Tots, even better! I'm not a huge fan of pink, but for some reason, I really am excited to make this one! As for the rest of the fabrics, I haven't chosen them yet and am actually waiting for them to arrive int he mail. I ordered them from a The Fat Quarter Shop which is actually n Texas believe it or not! It should arrive this week sometime.

Since the babies aren't technically due until mid-late March I still need to get them done ASAP. Leslie has had a little trouble and the Dr.s expect the twins definitely before the due date but sometime between xmas and then. So it's really up in the air. I'd like to be able to see the babies when I give them to them, but that won't be until May at our wedding and I may just try to hold off til then. We'll see, anyone who knows me, knows that I have very little will power.

Feel free to let me know what you think. Im open to suggestions before I go and grab all the other fabric to match. Oh.. I really wanted to use a minkie cow print on them somewhere. If you don't know what minkie is, it's very soft, almost furry fabric.

Go Elf Yourself!

2008-12-15T13:37:00.001-05:00

Go ahead... Laugh it up!

Send your own ElfYourself eCards

Quilted Christmas

2008-12-14T16:08:00.009-05:00

This will be our first Christmas in our own house. I DO NOT count last year because let's face it, that was not a "house", it was a a dirty building with walls and a roof. That is a different story I'd rather not relive. So for our first real Christmas in our house, I wanted to make a tree skirt and stockings. My intention was to have these done way before now, but as usual I decided to pick up more projects in between and we're lucky they are done at all.

I found this fabric back in October, you know when stores insist on putting all the xmas stuff out before Halloween and Thanksgiving. Since we live on a farm and we've always loved western things, I made a western tree skirt.

It's not 100% finished because I have yet to sew binding on the center where it goes around the tree. I figured it was close enough to use and then finish after we take the tree down. The brown is a fake leather that I bought several years ago for purses and the wonderful thing about it is that it doesn't fray like cotton! The back is lined with 2 pieces of red felt. Pretty simple.

As for the stockings, they are pretty simple and plain. I found a pony print fabric when I was in Texas with my mom at a quilt store. When I cut them out, Brian said they looked awfully big and wanted to know exactly how much I could fit in his. I had to explain to him that once you add seams, it wont be that large anymore. So when he comes in from work today and sees them, I'm sure he will be sad now. I haven't gotten around to putting names or any decoration on them. I want to and plan on it, but like the tree skirt it will have to wait until after xmas. I bought these two stocking holders at Hancock Fabrics a few weeks ago for $4 each because their legs were broken off... nothing Gorrilla Glue can't fix.

The Snowman's scarf and Santa's beard are the hooks.
Our Tree

Yes, that is John Wayne behind it. After I asked Brian if he though we should buy an angel or a star for the tree, he said we didn't need one because John was there.

2008-12-10T16:39:00.000-05:00

So... I've made a blog, now what?

I think my intentions on this was to post what our lives have become. Not that it's anything bad, it's just getting very difficult to keep everyone informed.

Another part of this is to show finished quilt/sewing projects, mainly to my mother, who of course lives in a completely different state. Now that I think of it, the majority of the people who might read this live in a completely different state. Either way, this is it. Feel free to make suggestions because I know nothing about what I've started!

I wonder how often I can keep this thing updated...