Gingerbread Fun

Here is the first gingerbread house finished out of three. I had bought one for each of my grand kid's and one for my son's girlfriends daughter. After Thanksgiving dinner, I got the kits out and the children started on them, with the help of mom and dad.
My grand daughter is the first to finish and get a picture to me.
I'm waiting for two more pics, one from my grandson and the other from Lillyanna.

Happy Birthday to Me!

When I got to work this morning, Melissa, my sidekick here at work, had this double fudge chocolate cake sitting on the counter in the kitchen. We did have a piece for breakfast. I know, not the best thing to eat early in the morning, but hey, it's my birthday. Don't you get to do whatever you want on that day????

Meet Coach Murphy, hard at work.

Holiday Feast

We had a wonderful time yesterday at church. Susie and I put on a feast, we had a great turnout.
Here is some pics of the tables that we decorated.
We served Dore's vegetarian turkey, we also had mashed potatoes and gravy, dressing, yams (Susie's special recipe), it actually tasted like sweet potatoe pie, delicious, green bean casserole. For dessert I made my delicious pumpkin rolls along with chocolate rolls.
It was a lot of fun.


Can't forget to include our waitresses, Erika, Jessica, Melanie, Alex and Glorianna.
They did a fantastic job.
I am so ready for the holiday's!

Happy Aniversary

Yes, it's been a while since I blogged. Just thought I would share this cute pic of my youngest son and daughter-in-law. They celebrated their 2nd anniversary yesterday. They vacationed in Monterey, which isn't that far from me, so Tom and I drove down there and spent the day.
Weather was gorgeous and the area is beautiful.
Happy Anniversary you love birds!

Time is Money....on FT

Just to let some of you know, I am still around but seem to be spending more time on Face Book than blogging. There is a fun game on FB, Farmtown, virtual farming. I have always wanted to live in the country and live on a "little" farm but fate did not allow. So, I enjoy creating and working on a virtual one. Less work and more money, virtual money that is.
I still check on my blogging friends from time to time, so don't think I have abandoned my blog.
Will be back eventuall, that is if I ever get anything good to post.
Love you all!

Tippee Canoe

This particular quilt pattern is referred to as "Tippee Canoe". It is paper pieced, you pin fabric to paper,sew a seam and cut each piece. It was a class project I was in back in 2003. Half of the women didn't finish theirs, it is very time consuming. Half way through sewing this, I was not liking the design or the quilt, until one of the ladies finished hers, quilted it and brought it to class. It was absolutely gorgeous. I was determined to finish mine. Well, I finished the top but never invested the money in having it quilted. Since I returned to class, I was informed of a lady, that my teacher knows, who does it for a living. She comes to class,picks up the quilt, machine quilts it and delivers. I decided to give her a try and brought this to her.
I hope you are able to see the intricate design, so precise and very elegant.
Tippee Canoe is not my favorite, but I will definitely bring it out to wrap up in during the winter months.

What an accomplishment and such a good feeling to know I did it!!!!

Fun and Easy Pillowcase

Cecelia, Francie, Natalie...this is for you.
Thought I would share this cute idea with a few of you. I promised Cecelia that I would send her the pattern, I am going to don't worry, but thought since I was making one today, I have to take it with me tomorrow, we are going to visit our grandson and I wanted him to have one. He loves the outdoors and I found this cute material a while back. Anyway, I thought I would just take some pics and post how it is done. If your anything like me, I have to see it, not read it or hear it.
Cecelia, this would be a cute project for your women's group, you could make some adorable ones for a children's home or the shelter. I might add that there is some cute fleece material, would be warm and cozy.
Make them for yourself, or for different holiday's. Kid's love them!
So, lets get started.....
This is what you will need to start:
3/4 yard material for the Main pillowcase 26" X 40"
1/8 yard material for the Contrasting Trim 2" X 40" ( if the store will sell 1/16 yrd. that is better)
1/3 yard material for the Cuff 10" X 40"

Trim off raw edge so all the material is the same width.

Place Cuff fabric right side up an a flat surface.
Place Contrasting trim fabric...be sure to fold the trim in half first and iron.
Place Main Pillowcase fabric right side down on top of Contrasting Trim fabric, matching up the raw cut edges. Pins edges together.

Roll Main Pillow Case fabric up into a tube until all of it fits within the length of the Cuff farbric.

Fold up the bottom edge of the Cuff fabric, over the Contrasting Trim and Main Pillow Case fabric.
Line up all the raw edges and re-pin.
Stitch a 1/2 inch seam along the raw edge.

Turn the Pillowcase right side out by pulling the Main Pillow case out from the inside of the Cuff fabric.

Press the Cuff fabric flat.

Fold pillowcase in half with right sides up, sew a 1/2 inch seam along the side and bottom edge of pillow case.


Okay, now turn the pillowcase inside out and sew another seam along the edge and bottom. The seam will hide the outside seam, this is called a French Seam.

Okay, here you have it, how cute is this!!!!

Also, I managed to make four jars of blackberry jam. Thanks Cecelia, the recipe was easy and delicious.

Geez Louise, it took me longer to post this than make the pillowcase.
I gotta go, I still have to make a cake.

Very Busy Tooth Fairy

My grandson was so excited yesterday, he called everyone to let us know of his news. Yes, he lost his first tooth. He is just growing up too fast.
When I was there, a few weeks ago, he made sure I felt his lose teeth. Oh yea, he has more, his top front tooth will soon be missing.
I can remember when each of my kids lost their teeth. In fact, I saved them...now that I think of it....seems a little gross.

Life Couldn't Be Better.

Last week I discovered I have been making a mistake on our quarterly reports to the IRS NOT GOOD and I made a mistake on two of our W2 forms NOT GOOD. After a week of phone calls, I finally was able to get the info I needed to make corrections only to go to work today to find out my computer was on the fritz SERIOUSLY NOT GOOD. It took me 40 minutes to get it going only to discover my monitor went out.
Called our computer guy and he came and rescued me. Nancy bought me a 22" monitor..wowee...it is so big I can't believe it...but, I still need to wear my glasses. Not sure if they make monitors that large???
Anyway, after a hectic week and day of work, I came home and decided to check things out on my blog. I love getting online and checking my special friends blog to see whats new...there hasn't been much activity on any of them, including mine so I thought I would at least share a few favorite pics of my grand kids.
A few weeks ago I got to spend the day with my grandson while his parents attended a memorial for one of the families in the Montana accident.
We went to visit Daffodil Hill. He really didn't want to go because he told me he goes there all the time, and by the look of this pic, well, he looks unhappy but he did have a good time showing me the peacocks, rabbits and different birds.
The flowers were absolutely gorgeous.

Here is a recent "favorite-pic-out-of-the-ones-I-received" from my daughter. My granddaughter helping out as they remodel the laundry room.



Thought I would throw this pic in, its the latest quilt I have been working on. It only took me a few weeks to sew this one together as opposed to five years that it took me to finish the other one, which, I quilted it on the long arm in class and will be putting the binding on for the final touch.

Buzz LightYear

Yes, I am still the champion of BuzzLightYear, well at least in my family. Corey, Ryan, Shelly and I rode this fun little ride. You have a laser in hand, as you move along you aim and shoot at different targets. I had the highest score. Not sure if that is something to brag about???
I was Space Ranger 2, you can see my score on the upper right corner. They take your picture at some point on the ride and when you finish, as you walk out, you can view them and have it emailed to you free.
We had a wonderful time, even tho everyone and their brother was there. Guess it's not a good idea to go when schools are having their Spring Break. I thought we were in a recession?
Oh well...no matter.


For some reason it didn't post Shelly's score, but she got second place.

Spring has Sprung

I'm sure most of you can relate to my lack of blogging. It seems that there isn't enough time in the day to sit in front of my computer and post my pictures. I have several things I would like to blog about but time does not permit.
As soon as I got off work yesterday, I went out in the back yard to admire our gorgeous tulips and daffodils that are in process of developing. Such beauty. I just pray the gophers don't find them. Eventually they manage to eat the bulbs, so we end up planting new ones every year. This year, Tom and I are planning on taking the bulbs, after they have bloomed, out of the ground, for next year. We have to read up on that tho.
I didn't think this post would take that much time, so I chose to share some of God's beauty.

Busy Bee

Well, at least I didn't say busy body. Yes, I have been busy sewing up a storm. I found this adorable, patternless, skirt to make. I made a couple of them for my granddaughter. They look adorable on her too. I hope to get a picture sent to me soon, (hint-hint) so I can post them and you can see for yourself.
They are so easy to make, it is just a matter of a few measurements and you have this darling little skirt.
I am just having too much fun with my Bernina.

My version of Zaccheus

While singing one of my granddaughters favorite songs on the phone, her mommy decided to record us. I changed the words a little to make it more appropriate for her. She loved it. I had no idea that she would be going in circles while listening. Here she is in their laundry room. It is being remodeled.At the end of the song, she is saying "again, again". Hey, at least she likes my singing voice.

Weight Watchers What?

Here we go again. The first shipment of Girl Scout Cookies arrived at our office yesterday. No, I am not in Girl Scouts, but Emily, the doctor's daughter, is. So, we get to keep them here. If we don't sell them all, we just eat them.

All ready started on the first box. These things go down so easy. They are becoming bite size to me.

Won't be going to weight watchers for a while. Just use willpower...what is that?

Upgrade 101

Living in the same house with the same phone number and the same man for 37 years, well, you need to upgrade at times.
I have been wanting to get an over the stove microwave for several years, so I could free up some counter space. Tom and I decided that is what we were going to do for each other for our Christmas gift.
Yesterday we went for it. It took all day and a lot of muscle work, well muscle work on my part because, for some reason, I got the heavy side and neither of us realized it. I think Tom just thought I was being a whimp. He kept telling me that I need to work out more. OKAY...that is good to know.
In order to get the microwave to be flush with the cabinets, we had to remove the cabinet above and cut it 3 inches. So, we had to lift the microwave and hook the bottom on the brackets at least 10 times, nothing is ever easy for us.
About the 11th time, I told Tom to just hold on a second, my arms and back were killing me. Every time we picked that thing up, his side was a breeze, I was grunting and groaning. Finally I asked him to trade sides, maybe it would be lighter, and IT WAS. The whole time, from 11:30 to 5:00, yes that is how long it took us, I was picking up the heavy end. This womens lib thing is ridiculous! Whether we like it or not, women are the WEAKER sex!!!!

Okay...that's "Behind" Me.

Friday was a fun day for me. After successfully getting through a Colonscopy, and I can literally say I am so glad that is "behind" me. Dore', my dearest sweet what-would-I-do-without-her friend, brought over these adorable daffodils.
So, to answer a few questions you might have, yes Cecelia, the 4 liter or 8 pound container of liquid you drink is flavored, it taste like Alka-Seltzer, that's if you consider that to have a flavor. It's really wasn't as bad as I had anticipated. I managed to get all but one cup down.
I did have two very small polyps, which he removed. We didn't receive a preliminary report, so that means they are benign. It really comes in handy working for the GI that did the procedure, wouldn't you say???
So, I am good for at least another 10 years.

Dore' also brought this yummy apple too. She discovered we have a Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory here in town. Only problem is I had to stay on a soft diet all day. Apples are soft aren't they?
Oh yea, I will be munching down and getting my fruit in today.

So, here's to all that still need to drink a gallon of Golytely and schedule their Colonoscopy....Bottoms Up!

Where's the Beef? Or Veggie Meat

Do any of you recognize this jug? Well, if you don't, let me tell you...it is a gallon of "Golytely", they use this now in place of the 1 1/2oz. of Fleet, to clean the colon out. Unfortuneatly, I procrastinated on scheduling my colonoscopy and last month they took the little 1 1/2 oz bottle off the market. Guess it was causing renal failure.
So, today I am on a liquid diet AND I get to go home and drink this tonight.
Yummmm

It Is Finished!

The quilt top is finally finished. I started this quilt back in 2003. Took a break from it due to some health issues. Picked up again last year, and wah-lah. This is called Grandma's Apron Strings. As you can see it has hundreds of squares and blocks. Now all I have to do is get it quilted. We have a long arm in class but I have spent so much time on this, and since I have never used a long arm machine, I am considering taking this to a professional.
There are some ladies out there that can look at a quilt and know just the right design to use. Believe me, it takes talent and a lot of experience to do something like that. It is pricey but worth it.

The border is called "piano keys". I also mitered the corners.

And now, I am off to a quilt show with Dore'. Hope I don't spend too much money. No wonder I have to keep working.

Merry Christmas to Me.

My children are catching on to my love for teapots. Ryan and Shelly gave this to me for Christmas. It goes with the Pfaltzgraff Winterberry dish set I found at a thrift store for $8.99, place setting for four. They bought 4 more dishes and this gorgeous teapot. Can't wait til this Christmas to use them.

Corey gave me a nice warm pair of leather gloves and a Visa gift certificate for Christmas. Well, I had to go down to the local gift and stationery store to pick up some W2 forms and as I walked through the store, heading for the back, I spotted their dishes, and this adorable tea set. Thank you Corey, that gift certificate was perfect.

Delivering through the woods?

How is this for artwork? I had to take a picture of this to share. (OUCH). This guy, won't mention any names, delivers our pathology records. He is so proud of this too. I tell him he is crazy, he just laughs. Sorry, but I am not into pain. Doesn't the bible say something about tattooing the body? YES!

Oh yea, it's not finished.

The Farm Chicks Cookbook

Just came across this cookbook online. It looks adorable. I don't even think it's in the stores yet, you can pre-order though. I thought some of you would be interested in taking a peek so I am adding their blog site:The Farm Chicks

I already took a peek at the site...enjoy!

Happy Birthday Kathleen

We have a very busy month this month. To start off, Kathleen celebrated her birthday. We were up there last weekend. Yes, I- have- a- few- pictures- of- her- party- but- I- am- currently- at- work- and- haven't- blogged- for- a- few- days. These are the only pictures I have on my computer at work. So, I thought I would share them.
She is such a special woman, to us anyway. I am sure lot's of people who know her will agree. She has a great husband, whom we adore, and of course their beautiful daughter.
We are very close, in fact, we call each other everyday. If I don't call her on my way to work, I know I will get a phone call shortly after I arrive.
Not only is she our only daughter, she is my best friend, my confidante. She is such a blessing to our family. She is also known as the other mother, well being the oldest and having three younger brothers, you can see why.

One of these days I am going to get a scanner that works...so I can scan pics of the kids when they were little...but until then...


Happy Birthday Kathleen....we love you....mom and dad.