Beth's Blog

Crazy week

2012-01-31T17:22:00.000-08:00

Sorry the blog has been so quiet. There has been many goings-ons around here.
But I have been working on a few things.
Here's the little baby afgan I have been working on.
Found a new crochet stitch on youtube. Thank youtube, for teaching me everything I know.

And here's that quilt I was working on.

Looks better with some borders, yes??

And I have been wanting to show you this scarf.

I made it a while ago, but I want to make more in different colors, and perhaps throw some in my etsy shop. Yes?

Hope your week is going well!

Current Projects

2012-01-21T17:34:00.000-08:00

Good evening friends.
Major current project:

Drinking tons of this stuff. Pioneer Woman's iced coffee. Sooo good. Go get yourself a cup.

The dots quilt (above) is a quick project for a friend of mine who just had a baby girl.

I love the little dots in pink and grey. And I appliqued some circles to the quilt top. I backed it with a soft pink flannel with tiny stars. More pictures of this when completed.

Has anyone ordered fabric online, waited patiently for the package in the mail, ripped it open on the way into the house (the house you are headed back to at rapid speed because you left the house and entered the frozen tundra without a coat or boots - just your slippers - 'cause you watched the mail lady put the package in the box, so you had to run out real fast... sorry, I digress...) anyways, you open the package and "that's not what I thought it was... at all." Yeah, that's this project posted below:

It was a great deal, someone de-stashing. A honey bun and a tiny charm pack (anyone know what those are?) I saw the deal, was running late already to get the boys to school, so purchased it quick and headed out the door. It's a line called Fairy Tale Friends. I eliminated any print that had a cat in it. Not sure how this one will turn out, but I have to get some border fabric for it while I'm out Monday. I liked it more as I cut it into strips... not so much when I pieced it... Off on a tangent again: As I lay in bed a few nights ago (my honeybun already sewn into rows of 5), I had some great little projects spewing in my head for it... pin cushions... little pillows made with 25count patches, but I forgot all those in the morning. And worked quickly to throw something together so that I didn't end up throwing it all in a drawer, and I could get it out of the way 'cause I didn't really like it. It may still grow on me... we'll see.

Havilah Grace

2012-01-17T16:53:00.000-08:00

My pretty girl.
I was going to do a post on you at 6 months. And then at 7.
And I've decided not to wait until you are 8 months or I might forget.
So you are now 8 months, minus 4 days.
And you are wonderful.
You started clapping last week.
For a while you clapped everytime we put a bite of food in your mouth.
(That's your Irish side.)
You love to eat rice krispies. You love how they stick to your hand.
You really love little bits of bread.
Your two bottom teeth also popped up this month.
You give big giggles if we kiss your belly.
You are finally sleeping through the night.
I still love to nurse you.
You go all crazy happy when you see a bottle, though.
You roll and you scooch.
You love your little bear. And you kiss her.
With wide, opened-mouthed kisses.
You are good natured, and rarely get upset.
And when you do cry, you seem to act like it's just too much trouble, and soon stop.
Which cracks us up - you don't put much effort into it.
Thank you for being such a good girl.

Waiting on God - The Coffee House

2012-01-16T04:59:00.000-08:00

Photo Credit: Etsy: Key Lime Designs

So this little apron kinda sums me up. Coffee. Mommy. Almost two different worlds.
I woke up this morning to a very quiet house. My husband has one of the boys, the other one and baby are still sleeping.
I looked out the window, saw the pretty sunrise, and was struck with a little feeling from the past. An urge almost; to go, get dressed in nice clothes and head to a coffee house and start making people their coffees. To become a barista again.
Perhaps this feeling was coming on simply because I had been recently reminded of, and told a few people of, what I feel called to do. And now, I share it with you.

Several years ago, Nick and I felt called to open a Christian coffee house. There were several distinct things I remember about this idea being planted in my head, this idea that kept growing, and growing with prayer... that sent us to business classes, and to investigate and look at other coffee houses... I remember that this idea/vision was a very pretty, very relaxing place. It appealed to almost everyone - it was easily accessible - not in the basement of a house or church - but for everyone. We were planning on a teen night with wii and guitar hero and xbox competitions. We were planning products we'd offer, food allergies we could accomodate...
And then as we rushed forward, we felt it.
The sudden urge to stop moving forward.
And as we prayed, and searched for what we were suppose to do: wait. Wait. This is not for now, this is for later. Wait.

Someone once said that often the hardest answer to hear from prayer is not "no", it's "wait." And so I try to savor this time home with my children. Remind myself how blessed I am to be home with them and not work. But sometimes, I wish them to hurry and grow old enough to attend school. Sometimes, I wish I could call a babysitter to watch them while I head off to go make coffee. Oh, I enjoy sitting and relaxing in a coffee shop, but sometimes I wish I could be back there, behind the counter, working again.
My kids are lined up to be in school within the next four years, and other things, like financials and commitments, are lining up to make this coffee house easier to create... God willing all will continue to fall in place. Until then I try to wait... patiently. I would appreciate your prayers as we look forward to what God has planned.

2nd time is the charm

2012-01-10T15:35:00.000-08:00

I've been gone a long time.
And blogger welcomed me back by deleting my post when I hit "Publish Post".
Awful nice of them.
Anyways... Missed blogging. I thought of it often.
Thought of the things I wanted to share, and of the things I wanted to write just so I could look back at them. You know, when I'm old and grey, and I'll really miss this time...
So again, New Year, same resolution: Blog more regularly.

It's been a really mild winter her in NY so far. And nothing weather wise to report on.

I did however, think I might give you a little update on the goings ons of the last bit here in Rose land.

I finished Havilah's hello kitty quilt. She's uses it bunches. (Obviously becuase I choose it more often, as she still at the point where she gets very little say so in anything. *grin*) I found that hello kitty fabric, thought of my childhood, and bought it. I thought my daughter would be so original, no one has this stuff nowadays! False. Hello kitty is everywhere. I just didn't notice, til now. Will try and post pictures of that quilt soon.

Anyways...

I started this little dots quilt for a friend. I want to applique more circles on it, I just ran out of my fusible web... to be rectified tomorrow at the quilt store.

I have become a full fledged Pinterest addict.
I can claim that I am more than a pinner, I am a do-er.
I have made bunches of things that I've pinned. Including these lovelies:

And I won't make them again for a long time, as my family thinks that these were made for breakfast, lunch, dinner, snack time, and when-ever-the-mood-strikes-time.

My little Havilah, my tiny baby, is now 7+ months. So fore-warning, my next post will be a super sappy one, just about her.

Hope your Christmas and holidays went well.

See you soon.

The end of November

2011-11-28T16:57:00.000-08:00

It actually doesn't look this snowy in NY right now. It did... a few weeks ago. When I snapped this picture. I actually remembered to bring my camera with me somewhere, and it was so pretty, I pulled to the side of the road and snapped a picture. I may see how this looks in a large print and hang it over my mantel. Maybe.

So does anyone not know about Pinterest yet? Really? Get on top of this folks... it's the biggest thing since facebook! Anyways, I am addicted to pinterest. Not gunna lie. And there are so many awesome things you can find on it... go... I'll wait while you see what all the fuss is about. Anyhow...
I discovered these yummy cheese crackers pictured above.
And this crazy good chocolate chip cookie pie pictured below:

So while you dream of eating that, I'll recap you on my silent few weeks:
I went to VA with a friend of mine to visit with my brother and his new wife and daughter.
I finished Havilah's quilt.
I've sold some stuff on Etsy.
I'm rearranging some rooms in my home.
I've decorated for Christmas.
I've had Thanksgiving with my family.

And that's a wrap.

2011-11-01T18:55:00.000-07:00

Happy November to all of you.
It's a lovely time of year.
Time to pull out sweaters. (I have a terrible sweater fettish!)
Time to turn on the Christmas music. That's right. I'm one of them.
Time to get out your up-cycled sweater bags!

Oh, you don't have one of those??
Head over to my Etsy shop. I have 2 of them for sale... more on the way.

I also listed some cute belts. A bargain at $8 each. Hopefully have more of these listed soon too! Think of those people on your Christmas lists.

How was your Halloween? Do you celebrate it? Did you have trick or treaters or go trick or treating? We took the boys to 2 houses. Yeah, we're not big on the holiday, but some people were expecting us, so we went. I didn't, however, buy any candy to pass out. I didn't remember getting kids coming to the door... then my huband reminded me of our friendly neighbors. So I ran to the kitchen and made some milk chocolate yummies:

Just little round disks with sprinkles. I put them in little baggies with my business card (is that lame or what?) and set them in a bowl on the porch. Several were gone when we got home... so somebody had some! I hope they enjoyed them!

Be back soon with some Christmas card ideas.

Tim's Wedding

2011-10-27T07:19:00.000-07:00

Do any of you have a Tim in your family?
You know, the brother who walks into a room full of happy family members and creates chaos?
Yes?
Oh good, there is one in every family.
This post is to tell you there is hope for your "Tim." =)

[Let's all hope my brother doesn't read/get offended by that.] *Giggle*

Well, our Tim joined the Marines. Met his true love, and her beautiful daughter, in CA. And soon decided to marry her. To say we are happy is an understatement. We.Are.Thrilled.
Here is Tim's new daughter playing peek-a-boo with Havilah:

Here is Tim's bride {Isn't she georgeous?!} with her sister.

Here are my parents with my brother right before the ceremony:

(He looks so young!)

And my two boys with their uncles.

Hopefully soon I'll have some better pics. But that'll have to do for now!

It was a good trip to VA, but we are glad to be home again.

My Coffee and Other Important Things

2011-10-25T16:40:00.000-07:00

Things have been going soooo well here. I finally have been feeling like my old self. My "before I got pregnant with Havilah" self. I have been productive without having to "pump myself up" first. I knew I had been out of sorts, but I didn't know how badly until I started feeling better again.
Ok.
Enough with that.
Do you know what it's like to blog with children?
With a baby?
Asleep?

It makes for awful heavy typing fingers. But it's awful cute.

So onto the purpose of this post. Good coffee. I went on a quick run to the local grocery store.
(Which I usually avoid at all cost. People who shop there regularly must hate money.) Anyhow... I got looking at those delicious looking creamers in the dairy section. I really was there to get half and half, but those creamers always catch my eye. Once in a while I give in and buy one ---- and it's never as good as I hoped. And often down right gross. Not to mention, never as creamy as half and half. So, I resisted the urge to try some gingerbread flavored creamer, grabbed my half and half, and thought about gingerbread coffee all the way home.

I decided, why not flavor the coffee while it's brewing? It turned out (in my humble opinion) very well. And I still got to use half and half. (Perhaps I should re-name this post: Half and Half, and other important things...)
Ok, here are your ingredients:

Good coffee, vanilla (real or fake, I'm not here to squabble folks), cinnamon, ground cloves, ginger, and nutmeg. Measure in your coffee and amount of water as you normally do. I brewed a 5 cup pot. Then I added - on top of the grounds - about a half tsp of vanilla, 2 good shakes of cinnamon and ginger, and one good shake of cloves and nutmeg. Then I hit the brew button.

Let her do her thing, add sugar and cream to taste... Voila! Gingerbread coffee. This goes perfectly with fresh baked pumpkin cookies:

(No - you are not getting the cookie recipe, what do you want me to do?! Go out of business?!)

So between feeling great, great coffee, and a sunshiney morning, it was a good day!

Cha..cha..cha..Changes

2011-10-13T09:34:00.000-07:00

Lately I have had a lot on my mind. I want to create a lot of changes. Changes in the way my house is run. Changes in the way we worship, and where we worship. Changes in my Etsy store. Changes for my cookie business. Lots of change. Even changes in my home: where we do school, where I sew, where Ben sleeps. (When Ben sleeps)

And all these changes lead to much prayer. And even lead to more questions. Am I doing the right thing for my family? Can I homeschool my kids and still maintain sanity? Can I push enough of my own desires away to homeschool? I mean, Nick and I felt really certain that God was calling us to open a coffee house... once the kids were all in school. But if the kids aren't going to school? Then when? Or are the kids suppose to go to school? And where?
Thankfully, I know God has it all under control. He will continue to lead us, as He has done. We have found a new place of worship, where we were welcomed with open arms. Where they gather to help each other... chop fire wood, paint a house, have a hay ride. Where they reach out in love... and really sing in true worship. My husband and I leave church on Sunday already looking forward to the next week. We love it. And as much as we feel that God guided us in our search for a new church family, we feel He will guide in our search for how to grow our family.

And I know a lot starts with me. On how I use my time. For business, for my children, for my house. My house needs alot of help right now. My husband and I have recently pinpointed a major problem that affects how I get things done... or don't get them done. And now that we know what the problem is, it's working with it and around it. I think I'm getting there. Learning to be a mom and a house keeper and a teacher doesn't happen over night. But slowly... I accomplish one task at a time...

Like this quilt that is pictured. For my Aunt Colleen. (My absolute FAVORITE aunt.) It's made from shirt pockets of my late Uncle Bill's shirts. I finally finished it. And she loves it.

(My Aunt Colleen and I at Ben's dedication celebration.)

So I search for change, and pray for guidance, and try and do my best to do what is asked of me.

Camping

2011-10-12T05:11:00.000-07:00

I took my kiddos camping for a night with my parents family & my aunts family. It was really a lovely time. But by far, the most exciting part of our 2 day, one night stay, was our friendly bear cub. Who came to hang out by our campsite right after dinner. This picture is my little guy leaning off the porch of our cabin to get a better look at our visitor:
Here is a blurry (but amusing) picture of our bear sniffing out our camping chairs:

(My boys were very afraid the bear was going to make off with them.)

And here's our little friend headed off to terrify some other poor campers:
He was pretty small, but I will tell you, when he walked right up to the steps on the porch we were on, I got a little nervous. We were mere feet from him... and my camera had shut off so I missed that awesome shot of him looking right at us.

A nice part of this camping trip was the lake and beach. The kids had a blast! (See the man with the big beard? Guess what he does for a living?? He's my uncle, and he's a logger. Totally looks the part doesn't he?)
And last but not least, a snapshot of my other two kiddos, Danny is asking grandma Kim for the hundreth time, when the camp fire was going to be started =)

It was a lovely weekend, and we can't wait to go back next year.

My Marriage Soap Box

2011-10-06T06:10:00.000-07:00

"And above all put on love, which is the bond of perfection. And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to which also you were called to live in one body, and be ye thankful." Colossians 3:14-15

These verses have helped me in my marriage more than any other verses. I feel that the keys to marriage are in these verses. Yes, in other places, Paul rights about the roles of man and wife, but I don't feel that defining roles is the key to keeping a marriage together. Important, yes, but not the key.

What has brought me to writing this post is a recent explosion of our friends and family getting divorced. In about 5 weeks we have heard of 7 couples splitting up. It's crazy. And it makes me wonder: When we (my husband and I) are having a hard time in our marriage, is anyone going to be left to tell us: "Stick with it, it's worth it, don't give up!" Or will everyone say: "I just moved on to the next best thing... you need change... it's not worth the trouble." Anyways, this is what has brought me to sharing these verses with you all today.

Here are the points I pull out of these verses, that remind me, what love towards my husband should look like:

1) "Put on Love" notice it doesn't say: feel the love, feelings of love, be in love... it says: Put on Love. Put it on. Choose it. I can choose not to have it, or choose to have it.
2) Perfection comes from love. I am not going to have a perfect marriage, because it's made up of imperfect people, who forget to love. But the more we love, the more perfect our marriage will get.
3) "Let the Peace of God reign in your hearts" Sometimes, ok, alot of times, I let anger, or bitterness, or discontentment reign in my heart. But peace should. If we are not striving for peace and peacefullness, havoc will reign. I know from my own experience, days when I choose to be discontent are days that are full of havoc. I didn't put this together until I read these verses, but I can spot it right away now. If things aren't going smoothly - do a heart check - that could be the problem.
4) "And be ye thankful" This is the crux of it all. The big mama. There are 10 million things for which I can (and often do) complain about. However, equal and usually greater in number are things for which I can be thankful about are always infront of me if I choose to see them. Often, and I can be a part of this sometimes, I hear complaints about husbands. Usually silly things... garbage not being taken out, clothes in the living room. And sometimes much bigger things - very valid complaints. But what happens when we choose to praise our husbands, not only to them, but in our day to day conversations with other women? Or in our prayers being thankful for him... that he comes home to us at night... that he loves us... that he's a good dad... that he we are not widows like so many others... for the table he helped me clear... for the time he took the kids outside to play so I could have a half hour to myself... for the spattering of his items throughout the house - becuase they are there due to the fact that he's busy, running here and there to help others, to help me, to work hard.
I highly recommend reading One Thousand Gifts by Ann Voskamp to get a better handle on thankfullness. It was an amazing book.

So thats my soap box for today... because everytime we get the news of another marriage failing, my heart hurts, and I wonder... do they know these verses? These secret keys?

Pictures of my Day

2011-10-05T11:48:00.000-07:00

Hello friends.

Did I tell you about this little missy? This puppy? That is final piece of evidence in proving that I am crazy? Yes, there she is. I am buying a gate for her. Soon. Maybe online as soon as I'm done with this post.

We got apples at the market today. Aren't they pretty? I mean, does anything taste better than apple crisp?

Oh yes, and a snack of yogurt with honey. I know, that's an obscene amount of honey. But, I could have eaten the honey without the yogurt, so I feel that this is a compromise.

Things I've accomplished this week (as in the last 7 days, I realize it's only Wednesday):

My aunts quilt. (Yes the one that was suppose to be done a year ago.)

Listed new items on Etsy

Made plans to go to my brother's wedding. *More on this to come

Made a healthier shopping list

Finally wrote a list of blog posts that I want to do, before they escape my mind.

Made a crazy amount of pumpkin cookies, and plan on doing more.

And that's a wrap up.

Fun With Words

2011-09-27T17:11:00.000-07:00

Danny (to his sandwich): I'm going to rip your big butt off.
Me: ?! We don't talk like that in my house.
Ben: I will say big butt outside. Not inside. Not nice inside. Only outside.
Danny (To me): Okay mom.
Danny (to his sandwich): I like your big butt.
Me: ?! We don't say "big butt" at all in this house.
Danny (to me): Oh, that's what you mean.
Me: I'm glad we've had this conversation.
Danny (to his sandwich): I'm going to rip off your big crust!
Me: ?!

The Computer = Relax

2011-09-26T13:56:00.000-07:00

The boys are down back on the property with their dad. ('Cause he is awesome.) And the baby just fell asleep. So my mental list went to work: Laundry upstairs, laundry downstairs, laundry on the couch, magazines need sorted + tossed, floors need picked up - vacuumed - swept. Dinner needs to be made. Not bought. Made.

Not gunna lie, I started getting a wee bit overwhelmed. Where do I start? What's most important? And you know where I started?
Here.
Here online. I read some uplifting blogs. Some things to make me know: You are not loosing your mind! You can do this.

I took a few minutes to really relax. It'll get done. I have the energy and time (kinda) to do it. Deep breath.

Also, I've decided: I need to organize this house (you've heard that before?) I have a plan though. Starting tomorrow - my Tuesdays, my day off, I am staying home. And my kids are leaving with the babysitter. Not going outside (they only come back in to bother me.) Actually leaving. And I am cleaning - organizing - finishing -ridding - completing - perhaps relaxing. And saving money. 'Cause I'm not out shopping. Which means on Thursday - I will have to take the kids shopping with me while I'm out. Still working on a solution for this. Perhaps my husband and I will revert to grocery dates like we used to do. We do have a good time shopping together. (And I tend to be more frugal and less extravagant with him around!)

Thems the plans.

(Photos are of a special order quilt I just recently completed.)

Friday Ramblings

2011-09-16T05:05:00.000-07:00

It is rather cool this morning. Thankfully my computer is in close proximity to our electric fireplace. My husband asked me if I wanted him to turn on the furnace this morning. [It is 62 degrees in our house, in winter I like a balmy 72.] But ya know that smell... that "just turned on the furnace for the first time this season" smell? I didn't want that while our little pre-school buddy was over doing pre-school with us. [Yes, I'd rather freeze the poor little thing...] Don't get all crazy, I moved the little school table in front of the fireplace too!
This morning I got my coffee and turned the computer on... figuring I'd finish the cup while the computer booted up and found the internet. It is that slow. We did though, decide that with some Christmas money, we'd get ourselves a new one. Anyways, I sat down, got baby comfy on my lap, took a sip of coffee and realized I hadn't put enough cream in it. Don't you hate that? It's little stuff like that... makes me crazy. Or family genes. I don't really know.
Did any see the new show "Up all night"? My hubby thought it was going to be awful. But he laughed harder than I did.
Oh, and I totally had a dream last night that my daughter started talking at 8 months old. Talking talking. Just want it on the record incase it really happens.
I have some awesome stuff to show you soon... pictures of what I bring home from auctions if I am left at them unsupervised... a cute fall quilt... awesome Christmas wreath... it's gunna be good folks!

Good Wednesday Morning

2011-09-14T05:01:00.000-07:00

I don't think I've hidden from you the fact that I am a big fan of coffee. I'd look up a post [that I think I did] with a picture of my favorite, giant coffee mug, but I'm a wee bit lazy this morning. Anyways, that awesome coffee cup is no more. *Insert moment of silence*

As I opened my cupboard this morning to choose a cup from which to drink my coffee, it occured to me: I don't want a set of all the same coffee cups. I like all different ones. Some mornings I like to drink out of a nice tall dark mug [like the one that is no more], other mornings I like something prettier, or vintage. Or whatever. So, I bring you: this post of awesome coffee cups listed on Etsy. Beware: Searching coffee cups on Etsy is dangerous. I could have bought at least 10 without even going more than 2 pages into my search. *Yikes*

Mug w/Coffee

Vintage Dunkin Donuts

Vintage Blue Flower

Hand Made Pottery

Cooking Good Food

2011-09-08T05:07:00.000-07:00

Ah yes, good food. It's hard in July when it's 87 degrees to cook a hot meal. But with Fall blowing in, a nice warm meal is what's needed.

So I cracked open a jar of my home made pasta sauce. (Recipe from my husband's Italian family.) And threw a handful of shredded ramano cheese in it.
Fried up some grass fed beef from my aunt's Scottish Highlander cattle farm.
Boiled some noodles and...

Oh yeah! Garnish with some more shredded cheese on top. Delish!
Side dish: Guacamole and chips. (Don't judge! This isn't your house! I'd eat quacamole with every meal if I had an avacado tree in my back yard!)

Any ways, I always like to sprinkle some crushed red peppers on my pasta. Give it a little kick.

And for dessert:

Peach bread, sliced warm and topped with Mascarpone cheese.
I love cooking and baking in cooler weather. Who's with me??

Playing with Picnik

2011-09-05T11:03:00.001-07:00

I was enjoying myself the other night, sorting through some photos my photographer friend took of Havilah and I.

And went onto Picnik and played around with their photo editing.

It was entirely too much fun.

I actually have no idea how I got the color change in this next one, but I like it:

Added a verse to this one:

And I am watching them to arrive in my mailbox any day now since I uploaded and ordered them from Shutterfly. I don't know who created shutterfly, but thank you for saving me from the long lines and anti-helpful staff at wal-mart's photo center. One less thing I need to go to walmart for. (Can I get an Amen?!)

Vintage Lovelies

2011-09-02T10:58:00.000-07:00

Earlier this summer, as I was off on another errand,
I passed these lovelies at a garage sale. Stacked up in a similar fashion:

I was headed somewhere though, (In a rush, I'm sure) and so I didn't stop.
I did mention to my husband a few days later though:
"Hun, I saw these yellow suitcases. A set of them! They were awesome. And you know, if we travel, no one could mistake them at the airport... just not what you see nowadays."

Well, my sweet darling husband filed that information away. And about two weeks later, he was driving along, and happened passed a garage sale. With a lovely stack of suitcases. The.Same.Ones. What?! How is it that someone didn't already nab them?!
But he got the whole set for me. And he haggled on the price (not his style, but I'm working on him. I'm proud of him for getting a screaming deal.) Check this out: $35 for the whole shebang!

He had the boys bring them into the house and show me. And they have all the keys for the locks too. (I totally would have stored such a gift away for Christmas or something, but he didn't. Cause he's awesome.)

So there they are. Now, where can I fly so that I can use them? =)

One more thing:
How cute is my little leprechaun?

Dilly Beans

2011-08-30T10:26:00.000-07:00

We made dilly beans the other day. Sooooo yummy. If you have never had a dilly bean, think a spicey dill pickle that's a bean instead of a cucumber. Got it? Yum. Moving on...
Dill. You need nice big yellow dill flowers. See picture:

(Not pictured: Garlic, sugar, vinegar, ground red pepper.)

Warning: You may get sick of stuffing beans into jars. Re: Picture:

But, recruit lots, and lots,
And lots of children:
And just rotate them as weariness sinks in.

Once jars are filled with beans, add a garlic clove, a dill flower, a sprinkle of ground red pepper, and fill with vinegar/sugar/salt mixture.
Cap and get ready to process.
Process for 10min in boiling water.

Let cool, make sure all tops have sealed properly.

And Voila!!! Dilly beans. Chill in fridge before enjoying!

The Camera is Awesome

2011-08-09T04:47:00.000-07:00

I mean, Hello! How adorable is this little girl?!

Thank goodness I got my camera! I could stand around taking photos of her all day. (Yes, she has this thing, with her tongue... she likes it I guess.)

Anyone for some cut fabric covered clothes pins?

Or some garland for a party?

Been busy. Things are slowing down though.

Actually just wrapping up a few last items before I forfeit my sewing room for a school room.

Yup, we are going to try homeschooling. If you lived in my school district you'd understand.

Can't wait to start posting more often, with awesome pictures.

Soon.

Troubled Soul

2011-07-18T15:39:00.000-07:00

It's been a little crazy around here lately.
A little too much change to quickly.
A little too much heat - in a literal sense and in an internal sense.
Of coarse, baby is only 8 wks old, so we are still getting used to that new little dynamic in our family. And our foster son of almost 2 years went to live with his mother There has been an upset at my husbands work, which ended up in a promotion for him, but has caused worry and trouble in almost every way from his work, to our home, to our friendships. All this in a 2 month period, and I'm having trouble figuring out how I feel from one moment to the next.
It's been hotter than the dickens here in NY too, and I think the heat may be making me cranky =( The grass is all dying because there has been no rain this month.
It's just not pretty outside. Weeds seem to thrive in this weather, my plants not so much.
We had tons of honey bees all over our yard today going after the clover flowers Both my little boys got stung, so we then locked ourselves inside and let the bees take over.
But there are cheery things going on too.
I'm getting my new camera this week.
My husband went out and bought me a 4-piece yellow vintage suitcase set. I LOVE IT. He's too sweet.
And we got a vintage bamboo lawn furniture set for the lawn.
Perhaps vintage is growing on me.
That's probably due to reading this blog: Oh hello friend!
And this other blog over here, has been a source of cheer as well.
Hope all is well, my blogging friends. And I'll have some pictures for you soon.
BTW - what do you all do to get out of a slump???

Random Thoughts

2011-07-11T13:40:00.000-07:00

1.) I ordered my new camera today. Can't wait to get back to taking pictures!

2.) I've been thinking deep thoughts about our (Americans) demand for cheap goods, and God's orders to give to the workers a fair wage. It makes me wonder - Do I keep buying cheap items like plastic juice pitchers from big stores, or purchase a lovely expensive hand made one from a small shop or etsy store and choose to value it more. A plastic pitcher my children can drop, shove, and kick, but could I not manage to keep something lovely safe and valued??

3.) I bought some soap on etsy for my husband. He's a fan of sandalwood. I went to purchase some sandalwood oil to scent my own soap with and found it highly expensive. If you're bored sometime, google sandalwood and read up on why that is. Kinda interesting - In the 'late night, need to sleep, not sure why i'm still online' kinda way.

4.) I have to make cookies tomorrow. And its rediculously hot out.

5.) I keep forgetting to do important things: Like call our insurance and ask some questions, call the dmv, and order baby pictures of Havilah that we had taken a over a month ago!

6.) I'm setting up at a street vendor sale at the end of the month and I'm busy putting items together for that.

7.) I'm contemplating wall art for my living room and sewing room.

What are you guys up to??

So Sad No Camera and an Etsy Sale!

2011-06-24T10:32:00.000-07:00

My camera died. Did I mention that before? I think I have.
So these two little guys are the ones I have been eyeing up online.
(Pictures curtesy of Amazon.com)
This first one is the Samsung TL240 listed new on Amazon for around $220

And this little gal is the Olympus SP 800 Uz. Listed on Amazon new for $295

Now, here is the question my friends: Which one would you advise me to get? Or do you know of a better one in this price range?

See, I've never bought a digital camera before and it's kinda like me ordering food from a French Menu, I have nooooo idea what anything is. I read reviews... these both have great reviews. That's about all I got...

So somebody come to my rescue!

Also in other news... as you can see from the side of this blog, I gave up my 21 day challenge (I think it ran it into 21 months!) Anyhow, I replaced it with a little ticker from my etsy store. And in honor of my birthday being this month, everything in my Etsy shop can be purchased at 15% off. Just use this coupon in checkout: June2011 I will leave that coupon active until the end of July. So happy shopping!

The Theory

2011-06-08T16:39:00.001-07:00

So the theory is...

Items sell better on Etsy if there is a baby in the picture.
What do you think? I think my little rug looks much cuter with the baby on it. (Although she does look a tad uncomfortable in this particular picture, I'll have to retake it.)

That's just me though.

Speaking of pictures, my camera officially died. It's been on its way out. Randomly deleting pictures - like the first time my husband held baby Havilah, and other pictures I'd like to have kept. And now, it's just not taking pictures correctly... they are all dark and yucky... anyways...

Not up for buying a DSLR, any good point and shoots out there?? Advice appreciated!

Okay, I promise, I will come up with some new projects.

And stop doing baby posts.

Well, at least my next post won't be about the baby.

Baby Havilah

2011-05-28T18:35:00.001-07:00

Where does one begin?
Well, this is Havilah Grace. She is perfect. Her birth was perfect! I got my wish, I didn't have to fight with the doctors about getting induced, she did finally come on her own and before the doctors had me arrested and brought in for and induction. (Okay, that wasn't really what was going to happen, but I'm pretty sure they were thinking about it. They definately thought I was nuts for deciding *on my own* whether I wanted to be induced or not.)

The hospital and staff we accomodating to my husband and I. The anesthesiologist who gave me my epidural is currently on my "All Time Favorite People" list.
My boys love her sooo much. Although, this one below has stated several times that he really wanted a baby named Chance. But I'm pretty sure he wouldn't be any happier than he is right now!

I didn't have any of the complications that I had with my first two deliveries. (This only makes me more certain that those complications were caused from the pitocin I received for hours on end...)

Some personal thoughts and feelings:

I love how this baby girl has made me feel. I don't know if I felt this way with the boys and have since forgotten, or that I didn't feel it at all... but I am so in awe of my God,the giver of life. That He has blessed me so immensely. I hope I don't loose this sense of awe.

And of nursing, I love that in this fast paced, go-go-go world, nursing still naturally slows us down. Now, I didn't always appreciate this. Especially with the birth of my first son, when I went from working full time and going out all the time - to being at home with an infant. The time it took to nurse made me frustrated... it interrupted everything! Now I treasure it. I use that time more wisely, to talk to my baby, to pray, to relax. It's good.

So, my world has slowed once more. And my boys are getting used to it. Learning to be more patient with everything. Learning to be more gentle. I am learning all over again. Trying to take it easy. I do get frustrated looking at things that need to get done that I didn't get accomplished or won't be able to do for a while. But still, I am so thrilled about how well my labor and delivery went. About how I am feeling so good so much faster than with the recovery from my other deliveries.

SMS Winner

2011-05-28T18:32:00.000-07:00

And the winner of my giveaway was number 12. Generated by Mr. Random.org! So, Living in LaLa Land, you will be hearing from me soon!

Thankyou for everyone who participated, even though my give away wasn't listed til Tuesday. Thanks to Sew Mama Sew for understanding!

Look for my next post as to why things are sooo slow around here!

Giveaway Day

2011-05-22T23:30:00.000-07:00

Hello there SMS readers! How many giveaways have you entered so far???
Mine is easy! Just leave a comment. One comment per person please! =) We all like to play fair.
My giveaway is this:

My "Grab and go pouch." This is the second one I have made, and I love them. They are perfect for just a wallet and car keys and an afternoon snack. Or a small book and a journal and head to the park. (Or, in my case, a diaper and small pack of wipes...)
It's coming filled with some goodies!

(You can untie the straps which are nice and long, and it will fit nicely cross-body.)
Packed with some fabric, ribbon, and an awesome button. And I'll probably throw some more stuff in there too. So it's really nice 'n full!

Now, if you are still with me, and didn't jump right to the comments, I have a favor to ask.

A non-profit group I volunteer with is having a fundraiser. If you sew, and have extra items made up, and really don't know what to do with them... will you consider donating them to us? We pay shipping on all donations, and your donation is tax deductible. If you'd like more info, or would like to donate, just say so in your comment and I will contact you after the give-away ends! Thank you so much fellow sew-ers and bloggers! =)

My New Favorite

2011-05-18T12:16:00.000-07:00

Etsy. Good ol' Etsy. If you haven't been over there spending your money... well please go ahead and do so. So I don't feel all alone.
See, you go to www.etsy.com and right there on the front page, every time you visit, are collections of random things you can buy.

Like candy.
Like glorious, odd flavors of candy - just wave them in front of the pregnant woman's face.
Honeydew melon and coconut?! Seriously?
One should explore that shop and see what else they make...
And after a week of ho-humming about shipping and other things, I purchased.
And I should have bought more at once (makes shipping more reasonable...)
But finally, my pretty package arrived in the mail:

Darling little hard candies. So pretty. So yummy.
So I hid them, from my children. Because, well, they can't tell the difference between these and your hard candy from the bulk section in the grocery.
Right now they are residing in my "go to hospital bag."
And Fusion Sweets sent me samples of the caramels and gourmet marshmallows they make too.
Soooo yummy.
I see myself buying more this week... perhaps even today...

Anyways... anybody out there a fan of Sew Mama Sew? Hop on over to www.sewmamasew.com and go to their blog. Give-away day is coming up on Monday! And I will be among the *HUNDREDS* of giveaways listed. So... free up your Monday morning to enter all the give aways, and hop back here to see what I've got brewing!

Our Living Room

2011-05-07T10:54:00.000-07:00

Before we begin: I am terrible at taking "before" pictures. I am usually 90% done with something when I think: Gee, I should have snapped photo. So, I am going to try and help you visualize my "before" living room.

Imagine: 80's cream wallpaper plastered with wierd pink and blue tiny tulips. Everywhere. So odd. Two tiny little lights on the ceiling. My living room "cut in half" by a couch so we could have a "toy area." Random photos on the walls with no real direction... random "cute" objects here and there...

And then one night my husband finally said it: We have been here three years, and still haven't touched this room, and it looks rediculous.
Yup. It did.
So here is the results of our little renovation:

Gotta love a quickly snapped crooked photo. But, anyways, here is the completed fireplace mantle that my husband built out of salvaged wood trim. Our Willow Tree statue collection on top of it. The painting on the wall we found at a favorite store of ours: Lantz's Bulk Foods in Warsaw, NY. Then I crocheted a small rug for infront of our faux heater =) You know, for a puppy to snuggle on... except we don't have a puppy either!
Here's the two windows that face the front of the house. We purchased 2 new light/fans online, and love what they do for the room.

A little closer look and you can see my husband made some cute shelves out of rough cut wood that still had bark on it. If you look towards the top of the photos, you'll see we took a different approach to hanging the curtains. We hung them from the ceiling with chain, and we also used chain as curtain tie-backs. We thought for weeks about how to do something "different" with the curtains, and I think we nailed it!

Then, just a quick snap shot of (half) of the couch. We love our couch. Comfy, soft, didn't want to replace it. But spent the last 2 years searching for a slip cover for it. The original maker of the couch sells slip covers that fit it, however, we didn't want to pay $600 for a slip cover! A slip cover folks! That's insane! I finally found one, and though it's not perfect, it matches, it's soft and most importantly with children: It's machine washable.

I found the little foot stool at an antique store in Boston, NY for $25. I thought it was a great deal. Painted it with matching paint from the fireplace mantle and re-covered the foam seat. I used fabric from my LQS, and also recovered the couch pillows.

I honestly have to say I wish I took before pictures of the livingroom, it's a crazy amazing difference!

Spring is Here!

2011-05-07T10:34:00.000-07:00

Spring is definately here. We may hit the 70's this week NY! Yeah!
Still waiting for our spring baby to arrive, but I am getting alot done during this waiting time.

Here's a look at some boy-ish gift tags I got made up just recently. Still need to throw some ties onto them and they'll be all set!

I also managed to finish this quilt top that's been in the works for a while. I slowly made up a bunch of those four piece squares with a whole bunch of pink fabrics from my stash. I threw in some Kona Muslin white and this is what I got. Now just to purchase some kona muslin for the back and some batting!

I am trying to beef up my home-made stock, and looking to do a few craft shows this summer. I'd like to finish up some quilts, hand bags, gift tags, and other things and have a great variety. Then to get my husband to help me build a cool looking booth that would be easy for me to put up and take down...

And how about we say hello to my new favorite fabric! Saw this sweet panel at my LQS and walked away... that's right... didn't buy it. It was only about a week later that I drove back to the store and picked it up 'cause I couldn't get my mind off it! Love it! Love the potential! Right now, I just have a few squares cut out and layered. I'm hand quilting around the pattern and plan on doing some neat bags with them. I'm also thinking they'd make an awesome apron pocket... I am secretly planning on going and grabbing at least 2 more panels of this stuff (6 different star patterns on each panel) and making a quilt.

I'm not sure what it is that grabs me about this fabric, but I'm in love, and may be for a long time.

So that's it.

I have done some projects, and our living room is finally complete!

Another post on that soon!

Coffe, Soap Box, and a Blanket

2011-04-14T05:14:00.000-07:00

Well, good morning all! Did you know Godiva makes coffee? Yes, indeed. And becuase of this, you can pretend you are in a coffee house. Pretend that you are not trying to pour your own coffee around a phone, to-do list, and someone's plastic saw. You can just sip coffee... I'll pause here and allow you to go refill your cup... Go ahead... this post will delete itself in 5 min, so you don't have that long... Okay, just kidding... Anyhow... Here is where we will insert the "soap box" part of this post. And I'm starting to think that perhaps it's less of a soap box and more of a question. Right now, as I am, as they say, great with child, I seem to be developing some severe questions. Questions about our food. You see, my husband and I are starting to do more from the land we live on. Plant our vegetables, freeze our own food stuffs, and buy local. We are tantalizing the idea of getting some honey bees. Now... the more we look into doing these things, the more we hear why we should do this. Like: Grocery store honey has up to half hi-fructose corn syrup and it's not labled... pea production in the area is down becuase its cheaper to buy peas from China... ammonia in your ground beef products... I mean, seriously? But... how far does one take this? I'm sure there is enough info out there to keep me locked in my house never leaving. Can one go overboard caring about food? So far that one cannot care about say... the people that have no food? And if you care about food, surely you must be overly concerned about the enviroment... and surely you'll start buying organic clothing... and I just feel like if you do one thing... everything snowballs. Does this make sense? How does one choose the important things and sort out all of the information over load? We are going to be much more conscious about what we eat. That being said, I'm still having hotdogs this summer. I'll still grab the occasional soda filled with artificial this and that. Is it ok to care "most of the time"? I cannot care about everything all of the time. I'd have no time left to wipe my kids noses! I do not have the energy for it. Where does one draw the line? So that's it. That's my current dillemma. And if you survived that rant, here is the afgan that I have finished. I crocheted it, then I ran strips of batik fabric through it. I love the way it turned out. I seem to be on a green yarn kick. I'd say the last four or five projects I've done with yarn have green in them. Anyways, this little guy will be posted in my etsy shop soon. Hoping you have a wonderful day!

Keeping Busy

2011-04-04T11:41:00.000-07:00

It's me. I don't know why, but I'm just not good at putting up blog posts! I'm terrible. I read blogs often during the week, and do other online work, but posting... Yeah, not so good at keeping up on that. Kinda like that little sticker or whatever you call them--------> see it over there? 21 days to get organized. Alright, all at once now, we will collectively laugh at me. Ready? Bahahaha! Bahahaha! I know you all are just about peeing your pants knowing just how well I did on that darn challenge! But none the less I have been busy. I made new business cards for my cookie business. I made them so the top orange part could slide up, but I don't know what to put on the manilla part under it. A stamp that says "thank you" or what??? Ideas welcome! Then we have this little crochet number that I've been working on imbetween evening reading, and children's movies =)

I have another crochet blanket that is just about finished, and I'll show that to you soon!

Then, I did manage to finish this baby quilt, and it's listed on my etsy shop. No, the handsome man holding it does not come with the quilt ;)

One shop apron done, one cut and ready to be shown. And it's nothing personal, but the guys around here are not very happy having faces in pictures. This guy down here below was scowling due to the fact that I wanted to take a picture of the apron on him before it went to the shop and got destroyed. I'm such a mean mama. So I just chopped his head off so you didn't have to look at his scowling little face. =)

So again, will try posting more soon.

Oh- and for anyone who cares: I just got a Land's End magazine and they have bathingsuits that cover more than 1/20th of your body! And they are cute! Not "hey, I'm a grandma now, so I have to wear this obnoxious bathing suit." No, really cute covering suits. It's good stuff. Go check them out. And no, they didn't pay me to write this, I'm just over excited.

Getting ready for baby - Sewing Edition

2011-03-19T16:50:00.000-07:00

So, despite the fact that we have chosen not to find out if we are having a boy or girl,
I have given in to doing some sewing for the new one anyway.
I mean, just in case we get a girl... she's going to need something cute to come home in, right?
So, I threw together this flouncy little dress:

I'm thinking a long sleeve white onsie under it, and some cute pink leggings or something.

Then I made a couple sets of burp cloths with some cloth diapers. Most of the burp cloths I have were completely destroyed by my first two children. So I tossed them and made some more.

I did try and make these gender-neutral. But I still have some cloth diapers and very girly flannel and very boyish flannel for when our little one arrives, and I'll make a few more. =)

Spring Fever

2011-03-13T11:30:00.000-07:00

I'm not sure that "Spring Fever" is exactly what happened to us.
But the whole family has just gotten over a coughing, oozing, snotty, gross sickness.
And this dreary spring half rain-half snow weather isn't helping.
I have, however, been productive!
I finished quilting this baby quilt:
Feathers going one way, whimsy hearts the other way.Now I just have to put the binding on. It just so happens, that our local quilt shop had a
25% off of everything for 1 hour sale. On the day I was suppose to stay home and clean.
But my husband told me to go, and off I went. Did I get the fabric I needed for the binding?!
Of course not! I got some cute children's carpenter fabric to make "shop aprons" for my little guys. And some cute Thimbleberries fabric that I want to make a skirt out of. (I know, cute and Thimbleberries really don't go together, but it's true! And I got it for $4.99/yd!)

Anyways, I've also been makeing some more tags for my etsy shop.
These ones would be great for kids birthday party invite or thank you notes.
Aren't they cute?!

Last night, I couldn't keep my littlest guy happy, so I enticed him with a sewing project.
I don't sew clothes. (Other than the one style of skirt I can make.) But I heard, you could
Trace a pair of kids pants and sew some new ones up fast. And, it was true.
Two new jammie pants for the boys! (Please ignore the mess on the floor in the background of the pictures.)

The last thing is, this lady wanted one of those cool baby carriers that hold the baby snuggly to you. But I was resistant to pay $50 for one, when I realized they were just a long piece of knit fabric that came with "wrapping" instructions. So I scoured JoAnn's clearance racks, found a lovely grey spandex-knit, and made a carrier. Of course, little Benny wanted one too. So he got one:

That's a wrap for whats been going on here!

What have you been up to?

A long time coming...

2011-03-02T10:14:00.000-08:00

6" squares. Some with shirt pockets.
Odd?
Not to me.
See, this actually goes back a couple years.
My cousin, Beth Ann Kushner, died on Flight 3407. (Yeah, I know, we have the same name.)
It was tragic. Terrible. And her mom asked if I'd make a quilt out of her clothes.
Of coarse.
But it wasn't a good time for her. She wasn't ready to let go of Beth's clothes just yet.
Not long after that, my Great Uncle Bill, Beth's grandfather, found he had cancer. Again.
So about a year after Beth died, so did Uncle Bill.
And then Uncle Bill's sister, Babe, also died.
And I wasn't sure just how much more my Great Aunt Colleen could handle. Her granddaughter, her husband, her sister in law.
My Aunt Colleen is a favorite. See, I didn't really have grandparents, she was as close as I got.
And she loves my kids. And they love her.
And she asked: Will you make me a quilt out of Uncle Bill's shirts?
Of coarse.
And she handed the shirts over. And I put them in the closet... Just til I wrapped up a few other projects.
And then we got a phone call. Aunt Colleen has cancer. My wonderful Irish Aunt. So I whipped those shirts out, and cut into them, ready to get that quilt done.
And now I've got a deadline: March 17th. She goes in for surgery on St.Patty's day. So ironic.
I cut the shirts, and prayed, and wept, and begged God, please, not her. Not the closest thing to a grandma I've ever had. Not the one that my children cry for all. the. way. home. when we leave her house. Just a few more years...
I weep. And pray. And piece together this quilt she has asked me for.
And I ask my God, my Healer, my Comfort... please, just a little more time.
I'm not ready for her not to be here.

Changes

2011-02-09T18:19:00.000-08:00

Moving on...
I see many changes coming this year.
Obviously, the birth of our 3rd child.
Our foster son leaving. Perhaps even before our new baby arrives.
Choosing to step out of the roles of being foster parents, to close our home.
Choosing (this one just applies to me, not my husband) to walk away from the fire company.

I have questioned whether I am doing the right thing.
If I have failed.
And I feel that these moves are right, and that I haven't failed.
I feel, in the case of our foster son, that the "system" has failed him.
But I also feel that because I was unable to change that,
my heart has lost the desire it once had to be a foster parent.
That it was just too much, and I have no more to give in that area.
I feel that these things are preparing us/me for something.
Something that God is preparing us for. That is yet to be revealed.
And I'm nervous. But I know my God is BIG.
And I know He won't give me more than I can handle.
But I know I have had these feelings before, that change was coming.
And it was life altering then.
And I have no reason to believe this will be any different.

Somehow I thought typing out my feelings would make me feel better.
And it may have, but not by much.
Perhaps- it's just the hormones. And I'm a little crazy.
But I doubt that.

Gift Tags

2011-02-05T10:36:00.000-08:00

I thought these were fun to make.

They are now listed in my etsy shop.

I'm currently working on some with quilting/fabric.

What do you think??

The Mantle

2011-02-02T11:22:00.001-08:00

Hey, guess what?!
Our mantle is done!

And Nick wired that little gas heater for tiny light bulbs. It actually has room for 3 more bulbs, and we are planning on getting bulbs that flicker, but right now, you get the idea. We are still working on doing something more for inside the mantle.

We are looking for a mirror or painting to hang on the wall above the mantle. For now, the mantle itself will probably just hold my Willow Tree statue collection.

The top color on the wall was called: Peach Preserves. At the store it definately looked more peachy/orange than it does now. Now I'd call it peachy/rose. (Which is ok, 'cause I had wanted a pink living room from the start...)

We are still working on antiquing-down (get it? instead of hunting-down? I crack myself up!) some end tables and a mirror for above the mantle. We also are going to be doing something a little different with the hardware for hanging curtains.

Can't wait to give you final pictures.

What do you think so far???

A Plug

2011-01-30T15:59:00.000-08:00

So, I am the secretary for a non-profit youth organization.

It's called the CYC.

And they do incredible stuff.

Like renovate a house for a dying soldier and his family.

And help out a set of conjoined twins get housing and equipment they need

to have a better life.

And help build the elderly lady down the street a handi-capped ramp she can't afford.

This is what we do.

And more.

Want to know more?

This week, we have -$75 in our account.

So, abnormal to me, I'm putting a plug in for them.

To all of you my 15 readers.

You can check out our website: http://www.christianyouthcorps.bfn.org/

You can donate right there through paypal if you like what you see?

Money tight?

Me too.

Do you have something you could donate to a Chinese Auction to help us raise funds?

Do you make anything? Know someone who makes things?

All donations are tax-deductible.

How about a gift card, partially used, unused, that you got for Christmas?

We could probably use that.

'Cause we want to do more good.

And we need your help.

Know someone who might donate something too?

Forward this.

Tell about it.

Email me: bethscookieconfections@yahoo.com

That's the end of my plug.

Thanks for reading this.

Thrifting

2011-01-23T18:22:00.001-08:00

My husband and I got to go on an all-day date the other day.

Not a normal thing.

To cut down on babysitting cost, my mom watched the kiddos

in the morning, and then we had a sitter watch them in the

afternoon. Complicated? A little, but worth the savings.

We planned out our date a few days before.

Mapped out a route of some neat places that sell things

that have been salvaged from

houses. We were ready to go.

The first place we went was great.

Got an awesome hanging lamp for $15,

and a large mirror for the same price.

(Pictures coming soon.)

On our way to the next place we stopped at my

favorite place to shop in Buffalo: Lexington Co-Op.

Stocked up on some frozen burritos.

(Look, I'm pregnant. Don't judge!)

And some vitamins.

(To supplement the burritos.)

I crack myself up.

The last place we went to in Buffalo was not heated.

At all. Freezing freakin' cold!

And they had like 700 doors.

They also had tons of old trim and mouldings.

Which my husband bought and is building something:

I know you're skeptical. But wait.

It'll look awesome when it's done.

He can make miracles.

Promise.

I'm not just saying these things to convince myself.

Really.

And to stall our date ending after an afternoon snack at
Louis' Texas Hots,

We stopped at a local antique store and picked up this beauty:

It's going to go under that thingy in the other picture.

Nothing completed yet,

But we're getting there.

2011-01-18T10:04:00.000-08:00

You know whats funny?

Watching your kids get themselves ready to go outside!

It's hysterical!

You know whats not funny?

Having a crazy messy house.

But, 3 of the 4 recessed lights are in the kitchen.

And the whole living room has been spackled and primed.

And the bathroom has its first coat of paint.

And we are doing good.

I leave you with a fun fact of the day:

Did you know???

My husband owns his own firetruck.

For real.

45' long, with an 85' ladder on top.

Ugh!

2011-01-11T17:38:00.000-08:00

Tore my living room apart.
Doing a re-do.
and preparing a:
Tutorial.
Hopefully soon.
As soon as living room
is back together.
Thanks for your patience.
=)

A quilt and a table runner

2011-01-04T16:00:00.000-08:00

I had this quilt done a while ago.

Just getting ready to throw it on my etsy shop.

I'd say this second (flash-less) picture is more true to

the actual colors.

They are Whimsy fabrics from Moda.
Love'd that line of fabric!

And then for fun, I appliqued some hexagons
in different sizes on the back.

I just recently sold one of my table runners

that I had in my Etsy shop. So,
I figured I make another one to
put in my shop.
I love these browns.

(Sorry about the blurry picture, just noticed it now.)

The center block is also a star,
but you have to look close to see it.
So the table runner is waiting to be quilted,

but I've been stalled with this darn head-cold.

I am a head-cold wimp folks.

I can do anything with a chest cold, but a head-cold

knocks me flat out.

Don't even ask about the organizing challange. =)

Vintage fabrics for Garland?

2011-01-02T12:29:00.000-08:00

Some pictures of vintage fabrics, possibly going to make some garland with them.

What ya think?

Mommy, you're belly is huge!

2010-12-30T09:59:00.001-08:00

Yes, D, yes it is.

20 weeks and counting, my friends.

D's old enough, that I get questions like:

How does the baby come out? Out of your belly button?

Down by your toe?

My answer: God brings the baby out.

I mean really, do I need to go further than that with a 3 year old?!

I think not.

And the answer seemed to satisfy him.

Whew!

(And though his comments about the size of my belly don't bother me,

I do hope that when the belly gets smaller again,

he feels the need to point that out to the world too!)

Merry After-Christmas!

2010-12-28T16:11:00.000-08:00

Did you get everything you wanted for Christmas??

My husband got me a Kindle.

I was on Amazon the next day, and there was an ad

that started with: "Are you one of the people who opened

up a brand new Kindle for Christmas?" And I actually

talked the computer screen: "Yeah! I did!" Those words

may have been followed by a giggle or two.

Anyways, the best was having all 7 of my siblings home

for the celebration of Christmas. Loved that.

Here at my house, my hubby and I worked our butts off

trying to make some home-made Christmas gifts.

Combined effort we made each of the kiddos a chalkboard:

Inspired by this DIYer Blogger.

This barn was my husbands doing. I asked for a 3-sided open bay thingy

that my 2 year old could put his animals into.

This is what my husband did:

He's amazing. Oh - I primed it. =)

And I have no idea why there are loaders and

rollers parked in the stalls.

And the silo roof is on a hinge so the kids can drop stuff in it,

(still looking for fake corn or something.)

And there is an access hole on the inside right of the barn to

get whatever they drop inside back out.

And remember those hexagons that I was making this summer?

Well, they turned into tree ornaments.

My dad asked if I was going to make a quilt out of them. Seriously?!

(See the "faLa" in the white ornament? I'd buy yardage of that falalala fabric!)

I also did up a quick snuggle fleece blanket for my foster son,

and a flannel blanket for my 3 year old.

It was a good Christmas.

Any home-made gifts at your house?

Quilty

2010-12-18T20:33:00.000-08:00

Just thought I'd show some recent finishes:

I pulled these blue fabrics out of my stash to make a

quick small baby quilt for my friend who had her baby.

5 weeks early.

5lb baby.

I got to hold him, he is so healthy even though

he's so tiny.

Smallest baby I ever held!

Beautiful!

An upclose on the feather quilting I did on the one border.

The whole quilt (on top of other blankets.) Not a great pic,

but I didn't want to pull it back out and try for a better one.

Folks, this is definately not a photography blog.

Maybe someday, just not today.

Anyways, this quilt has no home.

I guess I may try and sell it again.

Baby size as well.

Christmas-y

2010-12-18T20:20:00.000-08:00

I have, despite the drama, been being "crafty". And it does help keep me sane.

So here's some of the things I've been working on:

A Christmas-y brooch. I like it.

I may wear it shopping tomorrow.

Some Christmas garland. I actually made tons of this.

My mom asked me to make some.

A stranger at a craft show bought some.

It is kinda cute.

And then there's these guys.

My little Japanese santas. I bought the fabric they

were printed on sometime last year.

And as a quick fast-to-complete project,

I just recently whipped them up.

And my husband told me they look like

something a grandma would make.

I did admit- they'd probably make my MIL cringe.
But I like them.

And there are 2 more smaller ones,

but I'm pretty sure they are upstairs,

being snuggled by my santa theives.

What have you been up to??

S's Story

2010-12-01T11:04:00.000-08:00

I haven't posted, because I have nothing nice to say.
I don't want to post pretty crafts that keep me sane.
Or quilts I'm working on.
I want to post about how dysfunctional CPS is. How they preach about how "its all about the child." Even though, the child actually means NOTHING to them. Their careers matter. Keeping the judge happy matters. Keeping other people happy so they aren't bombarded with phone calls they don't want to return matters. But the actual child they are "working" for, no, he's just one more box to check off the list.

S came to us 2 summers ago. From a house he was left at by his mom, who then went to another state. He wasn't related to anyone in this house. Then, CPS removed him and another child from this house and placed them both in foster care. S's mom hoped he would go back to that house eventually and therefore did nothing. Finally, after it appeared that S wouldn't be moving back to that home, his mom decided she may want to work to get him back. See, CPS had said he couldn't live with her because she allowed people into her life that hurt S in crazy scary dispicable ways. CPS kept telling us that S would never go back to his mom. That he would go up for adoption. Not ready for that step, for many reasons, we hoped he would soon be placed in another home that would eventually adopt him. Fast forward to now. Now S has been on 2 long visits to another state with his mom. It appears that he will be moved back with her this winter. Which is odd to me, because she has no job, no drivers license, no car. She lives with her boyfriend at his house. But apparently, that's ok. That's not a big deal to anyone. That she has no way to provide for her son. That if she and her boyfriend break up, she has no where to go. You would think that S's lawyer would care. Do you want to know what he said in court last time we were there? Try this: "S is really good at art." Thanks buddy! That was sooooo helpful. Sooo relevant.
We felt good about the situation back when we thought S would be adopted. We could still maintain contact, our kids could visit with him sometimes. See, our kids are little, and I doubt recall life before S was with us. And now, he is just going to dissapear from their lives. The guy they call brother will be gone to another state never to be seen again. How do you explain that one to a 2 and 3 year old??
After S goes, to wherever the judge sends him, probably back to mom, we are closing our home. I can't do this to my kids. My kids who wait for S to get off the bus everyday. Who can't wait to play with him all weekend. And I can't keep making happy faces at judges and case workers and lawyers who are just plain dumb and lie. And I may just tell them all that when we close our home. I'd rather send money to orphanges in Haiti, than continue to support our dumb system her in NY that should have already had S adopted by a loving family. It's not complicated folks: if you leave your child, and he needs a home, we are giving him one, a permanent one. How can something that simple be so darn complicated??? You want a "do over?" Fine. Make another baby. But you lost this one. Or should I say, you gave this one up?
*End of Rant*

The REAL "What to Expect..." Story

2010-10-29T08:53:00.000-07:00

So, you have kids. You read the books. They tell you to expect pain in labor. To take your vitamins, so your baby is born healthy... and all that good stuff. But somewhere along the line of childrearing, you start to say to yourself: "Well, they didn't tell me about this!" And you start to say that to yourself more and more often. So I'm going to just fill in some of the empty blank spots that they miss. *Note, just SOME of the stuff. I can't really write a whole book ya know!

They don't tell you:

That you'll scrape things like smushed snicker's bars, and gum off your kitchen floor. Items that you didn't buy, nor give to your children.

That that your children will say things that you have never said. I mean, we all have had embarrassing moments when our children repeat something we've said, and we just want to crawl in a hole. But what happens, when your child blurts out: "You come in here or I'll get a knife and cut your head off!" You don't watch violent movies, much less does your child. Yet here you are, and there he said... and you just gotta wonder...

They don't tell you that your laundry will triple. I advise keeping the laundry in a well lit place, as I feel it tends to breed when left alone in dark places.

And as much as the financial geniouses preach budgeting, it's impossible when one week your child eats like a pigeon, and the next week you are sure you are feeding a t-rex. It's just impossible to budget for groceries, let alone anything else!

Did they mention the house fund you should start? Forget college folks. They should be paying you by then! The house fund is important -you know, for when they are wrestling and knock each other into the china cabinet, and every glass pane on it shatters. Or when they sneak the baseball inside and it goes right into the front of your tv screen. Juice box into the dvd player. Your coffee upended on your white sofa. Your laptop permanently damaged from baby bum cream smeared between the keys and into the speaker, and dvd burner. The permanent marker on your wallpaper.

Or how about a page of "handy tips" like: when shopping for a new kitchen table and chairs, DO NOT purchase chairs with fabric seats! Don't do it! Nice solid bottoms, that can be wiped off.

Maybe they don't say everything, 'cause if they did. No one would have children. I mean, holy guacamole! have you had to deal with a 9 year old? Let me give you an example, and be warned, things like this go on in my house every 5 minutes! Me: "Ummm, why aren't your clothes put away. They have been folded and sitting there for 3 days. I've asked you 10 times." The response from the 9 year old: "Oh, I didn't know you were serious." You see, because they don't think you are serious unless you are yelling right at them, your face is all red, your blood pressure is wayyyy too high, and you are on the verge of tears. Then, and only then, might they take you seriously. That doesn't however, mean that they will actually do what you want! But they will believe you are serious!

However, when your three year old comes up to you unexpectedly, plants a kiss on your cheek and says: "You want to go on a date with me? It's my favorite thing ever going on a date with you!" You think that you just may have 6 more just like him!

Well, Hello There!

2010-10-18T18:10:00.000-07:00

So, Yeah. I've been gone. And the longer I was gone, the more guilty I felt. And it made me not want to post all the more. Crazy huh? So here I am, and I have bunches of things to show you. 'Cause I've not said anything for a month. *Sigh* Do you forgive me??

Speaking of forgiving... Well, I'll save that for a different post. 'Cause it's kinda long. But here's some photos for you faithful readers!

My in-laws are gifting me this beautiful camera. Can you believe it??? Sure, it still uses 35mm film, and AAA batteries. But it's gorgeous! And it also comes with an even stupendiously longer lens. I will admit - I have no clue how to use it - yet. My mother in law is going to teach me. But it's free- so why not learn how to snap some awesome pics. Right??

And in case you can't read the sign above, it says happy birthday. I made it for my foster son's birthday this Aug. He turned 10. Now... teaching him how a 10 year old should behave... that's been tricky.

Anyways, I'll be back soon with more.

Thanks for staying with me.

Missing...

2010-09-21T06:14:00.000-07:00

So sorry I haven't been around.
Or posting.
Or giving you photos!
And I've been working on stuff!
I have lots of projects - some even finished!
But my card reader that attaches to my laptop is missing.
I have the cord, just not the reader itself.
So, until it turns up (unlikely)
or I get to the store again (next week)
There shall be no photos. =(
But like I said,
I have lots to show you!!
So here's to next week!!!
Beth

POWER!!!

2010-09-08T12:11:00.000-07:00

So sometimes,

when we have lightning and thunder storm

so strong that it shakes the house

(Like it did last night.)

I just want to climb on my roof

and yell at the top of my lungs:

Behold! A small glimpse

of the awesome

power of the Almighty God!!!

Disclaimer: I make no apologies if you think I'm nuts.

Dear Rediculous Court System,

2010-09-03T03:56:00.000-07:00

Attn: Catt. Co. Family Court Judge

*Clearing throat*

I am sorry Mr.Judge, that you got in trouble and got demoted, and now work in family court.
And I'm sure you hate listening to all sorts of "I need more money from him." And "I can't afford to pay for that 6th woman I just got pregnant!" and all manner of stuff like that.
And I'm sure you think that you are just one smart cookie for not making any decisions in any cases... just sitting around making everyone hold their breath waiting for you. Perhaps you are just trying to make us appreciate the judge we had before you, and it's working.
Well I'm here to remind you that CHLDREN AREN'T PAWNS FOR YOUR AGENDA! And my foster son's case has been waiting on a decision for A YEAR! And his life, my life, my husband's life and my children's lives, will all be affected by the outcome of your decision. So if you could go ahead and make a ruling because YOU ARE NOT FUNNY ANYMORE!!! And if you ever read this, those really dumb and inappropriate remarks you make during court, could stop too. You're not as funny as you think you are.

Thank you.

Beth

I said I wouldn't do it...

2010-08-27T11:49:00.000-07:00

I said I wouldn't be a part of this maddness.

That they were just too old fashioned.

That I didn't really like them.

And that the concept of them be "addicting" is craziness.

And yet, here I sit.

Making up piles of hexagons.

Because they are so portable.

And I can take them outside while I watch my kiddos.

And my Moda Christmas charm pack cut up into 2.5" squares so nicely.

*sigh*

Emma's Quilt - Completed!!!

2010-08-24T03:34:00.000-07:00

So here's what I finally decided to quilt Emma's quilt with. See, the quilt is more brown on top than green, and the back is mostly green.
So against everything that I've been told, I used a green bottom thread and a brown top thread.
And I like the way they are varigated. Alot.
So, here's the quilt, all put together, quilted, and bound.
And then the back -
Now, before you say anything I can explain...
You see, it started with that Echino fabric.
And I got the green grass fabric (directly above and below the echino) to go with the glasses fabric. (The colors match better in "real life.")
But I cut the grass fabric wrong.

So I had to add the stuff on the sides.
But my sister loves it.
So that's all that matters.
And it'll keep her warm while she's on the otherside of NY.
We'll miss ya girl!!

Progress on the Emma

2010-08-19T10:45:00.000-07:00

So...
Worked on making my blog look better.
But there is still that darn dark red border behind my header.
Anyone know how I can get rid of that??
And...
I made good progress on Emma's quilt:

Now, folks, she picked out the fabrics and the pattern...
And it's coming along.
Now I just have to find border fabric and backing fabric to go with her
Echino fabric she picked out.
That's it for now.
What have you been working on??

Catch Up

2010-08-11T11:51:00.000-07:00

Did I tell you my brother Tim got back from Afganistan?? Yuppers. Safe and sound. A couple weeks ago actually. And my whole family was home. And we did some pictures. Here's my whole family! Now, I would just like to take a moment to point out a few things in the picture. Like: the giant gap imbetween Jeff (tall, purple/blue shirt) and Shawn (beard, maroon dress shirt.) Now... can you see me? My little head to the left? Right there imbetween Emma (furthest left) and Tim (Marine, white t-shirt.) What the heck guys? I hope you had enough elbow room! Anyways. Danny is to the far right. Then seated are my mom and dad and my two adopted brothers J and A.

So, that's my immediate family members. Wouldn't be a picture of our family if everyone was looking at the camera and smiling. That's just too much to ask of 10 people.

Anyways... I was putting some fabrics away and these kinda popped out - and wanted to be made into something. Hmmm? Any ideas. Help!

I know I'm suppose to be working on my sister's quilt, but this is calling me...

And we went camping this last weekend. To Hamlin Beach State Park. We had such a great time!

And on our drive up there I made a camera case for our video camera. Which I got out several times, but never used. Crack me up! But hello: hand sewn camera case!? Not too shabby.

That's it for now.
Got the binding on my blue and yellow quilt for a friend, so hopefully that will be finished up by Saturday.
Then for real- working on Emma's quilt like I've got a deadline.
Oh, that's right, I do.

The Best People Ever!

2010-08-09T11:34:00.000-07:00

Lisa and illenion!
You commented.
Just 2 kind people.
Kinda makes me sad.
*Sigh*.
Even after i was like: "Please more than two people enter this..."
It's like the universe is laughing at me!
But...
Lisa you win the giveaway.
Because you commented first.
And the first comment never wins.
But you do this time.
And illenion, You get a consolation prize!
I'm getting a whole bunch of scraps together to send to you.
Because you are awesome too!
Thanks so much!

Giveaway!

2010-08-03T20:13:00.000-07:00

Well folks it's Tuesday.

What better day than Tuesday for a giveaway??

Lookee here at all these leftovers after I cut out the blocks for Emma's quilt:

Whatever shall I do with all of that?

Well I used some of the greens to start this:

A baby quilt for some friends of mine! (Oh, yeah, I did say I was going to work on Emma's quilt exclusively, didn't I?!) Well, let me explain. We are still waiting for some fabrics that we ordered online. SO I couldn't start sewing 'til they got here and got cut. I did cut everything that had though:

And I probably should have worked on Tim's quilt:

Or my quilt for a friend with cancer:

In my defense on the yellow and blue one, I ran out of white thread to quilt with. Crazy, right?! Who runs out of white cotton thread?

Me.

Right here.

Oh yeah.

On top of things.

So anyways, back to that giveaway thingy.

So I have that extra fabric. And I'm sure I could dig up more from my stash.

So you want it?

Here's the rules:

2 ways to enter: 1. Leave a comment. Tell me how you would never make a quilt out of such a mismatched bunch of browns and greens. Or tell me anything. Whatever. Just comment.

2.Blog/Facebook/Give.a.shout.out about this giveaway.

That's it folks.

Max 2 entries per person.

Winner to be pulled on Monday.

When I'm back from camping.

Please make me happy and more than 2 people enter this!

Thanks!

Emma's Fabric

2010-08-01T13:14:00.000-07:00

Here's the thing.

I like 3 or 4 coordinating fabrics in a quilt.

Or at least that's what I'm brave enough to work with.

I love looking at awesome quilts full of all different fabrics.

I'm just a scardey-cat.

In walks my sister Emma.

She wants a brown and green quilt for graduation.

So we go fabric shopping.

And we buy brown and green.

Tons of brown and green.

*So, don't judge me, my sister picked them out!*

So far, in these pictures, there are 7 browns, and 10 greens.

There are 3 more browns on the way.

And, a whole yard of Echino, that we will put a border on for the back.

Yup, wouldn't buy any Echino for me.

At $17 a yard, I just couldn't do it.

But I would for my sister.

Cause I love her.

Time to start ironing and cutting!

Quilt With Me

2010-07-30T11:04:00.000-07:00

My sister is leaving for college in less than a month.
So starting this coming monday, I am working on her quilt.
And her's alone.
Join me on this journey.
I'm going to do a little posting journal about how I do it.
From start to finish.
And tomorrow I am going to finish getting the fabric.
We have most of it.
Need a little more.
Hold on tight,
Here we go!

Rut

2010-07-27T17:03:00.000-07:00

I spent 2 weeks at a children's camp.
With my three kids.
Without my husband.
Nursing a bajillion other people's kid's injuries.
And tummy aches.
And bug bites.

Then I was home for less than 24 hrs,
got my hair done,
deposited my children at various loving people's homes,
and went to a wedding.
With my husband.

And there was a tornado.
Right. At. The. Reception.
So there was no....
guess,
c'mon now, you know this...
Electric! Right!

But the reception was nice anyways.
Albeit candle-lit, completely.
And I had to pee in the dark.
Cause the lights in the bathroom weren't on.
Obviously.

And we came home.
On the way home we saw:
Little calf houses strewn accross the highway.
Pieces of roof hanging from trees.
Like bad decorations.
And a bajillion trees uprooted, broken off, and other wise destroyed.
That's right.
A BAJILLION!

And now,
I'm in a funk.
A Rut.
Got my cranky pants on.
And forgot to change them.
Don't want to clean.
Don't want to sew.
Don't want to bother uploading pictures to this post.
That picture one - that's mainly because I didn't take any pictures at camp.
Not a single one.
Or at the wedding.
You can however, look up a video for yourselves on youtube.
Of the tornado.
I am relatively sure that there is only one of the actual tornado.
And it was taken from the parking lot of where we were for the reception.
Try searching: Tornado in Mayville, NY, or Tornado on Chataqua Lake.

That's all I got folks.
There's more to these stories, but for another day.
And photos. Of no cookies.
Don't even get me started on that.

and my coffee grinder is still at camp.
so i have had no coffee.
since the 22nd.

*Rant over.*

Now send me good types of tea you drink.
Or whatever you do to get out of a rut.

I need some of all of it....

2010-07-06T10:52:00.000-07:00

I don't have extra money to spend this week/month/until further notice.
I'm trying to "beef up" our savings.
So, in my free moment online...
I looked at the "Coming Soon" section of the Fat Quarter Shop.
(Reasoning: if it's not available yet, I can't buy it...)
Seriously?
Really!?
I need some of ALL of it!
It is all looking awesome!
So, once I'm done beefing up the savings,
I'll take some money out, and buy fabric.
Maybe enough to get that free shipping.
Did you see how much you need to spend to get that free shipping?!
I've never spent that much at once on fabric.
But I just may.
Next May.
Maybe.

Sorry, I digress...
Well, I hope that link leads you to looking forward to all the goodies coming out!
All the dots!
All the cute plaids!
The argyle!
Oh my!

Off to sew to make room for incoming fabric!

Completed Table Runners!!!

2010-06-29T16:59:00.001-07:00

I'm so glad to have finished some items!
Hows this little number for the 4th of July?!
Isn't she patriotic?!
Oh - by the way- my brother is back from Afganistan!
We haven't seen him yet, but he's safe in the States again!
I quilted this one with stars on 1/3 of it, then waves.
So it'd make a great wall hanging too!

I kinda like it, but it's a little short for my extended table! It measures 55x20"
Interested in it?
It's going to go on my etsy shop.
www.bethyscreations.etsy.com

This next table runner I quilted with feathers. I am just learning feathers, so they aren't perfect, but I feel that such imperfections prove that it was made by a human, and not a machine!

She's perfect for my table. So if she doesn't sell on my etsy shop, that'll be okay.

She looks awful nice.

Have you all completed any projects recently??

Much to show you

2010-06-24T17:37:00.001-07:00

I was at my mother in laws the other day. And she pulls out this big cardboard box. She tells me it's full of fabric from Grandma Nat. I gleefully tear into the box. Here are just some of the treasures I found within:

These first two pictures are on a cut of fabric I figure is about 1.5 yds. I have noooo idea what to do with it! Any suggestions??

Dots! Love it! Of coarse my favorite, the red with white dots is the smallest piece!
Sorry about the blurry picture. My normal camera is MIA! But aren't these ginghams cute?! They are really bright. I'm thinking picnic blanket!

This is my newest project. I'm thinking... Etsy shop??? Yikes!

My question is: Is it good enough? (Clearly not as is, I have to finish it...) But I mean the quilting? The piecing?

Would you be willing to pay, say $35 or $40 for said table runner???

I really like this end of the table runner. It's my favorite part.

I have more projects to show you in another post. That's it for tonight,

But let me know what you think, k? Etsy shop? Need to get better first? I'm okay with honesty. Honestly. I am. =)

I want

2010-06-14T14:02:00.000-07:00

I have a few "wants."
Or shall we call them desires?
A few thing I would like to acquire.
Here's what I'm looking at folks.
That way, you can share in my eye-oodling longing...
I am a fan of this little number.
I may have to purchase it soon.
But lookie down here:

This one has little yellow stones on the side of it too! And it comes with a band.

Now, in justifying this "desire," I need to get an "everyday ring," so that I can put my original ring away. The ring I where now was my husband's great grandmothers. And I have had to have it repaired. Twice. It is far to fragile for this clumsy girl. And I feel that one of the above photos would work just fine.

Pictures of rings from FantasyJewelryBox.com

Onward...

I want my own house.

My own ranch-style house with a finished basement.

And laundry on the main floor. A whole laundry room. Not just laundry closet.

It doesn't have to be brick like this one. But I want one without a stupid gate accross the driveway that has to be shut and locked every night. One that is mine. So I can leave the toys in the yard if I want to. And I can paint the trim whatever color I desire. And knock out a wall if I so choose. I just want a house of my own. Picture compliments of Yahoo Photos.

And I neeeeeed one of these really soon:

Hello Pottery Barn. Would you sell me the floor model for say... $350?

Oh, it's only available online and in catalog? Okay, how about the model in the picture. That would be fine too! I have to have something to put all my sewing supplies in. And I want that something to be fantastically beautiful. Like the armoire pictured above. How about a coupon for this awesome advertisement? No? Bummer.

So those are some of my wants.

What's on your list?

Been gone so long!

2010-06-13T17:42:00.000-07:00

Dear readers,

I have been busy.
Promise.
And I have a lot to show you.
None of it quilting.
I'm venturing out.
Yikes!

This is my most recent project. Finished for all of... lets see... 2 hrs, as of the time I write this post. Now, I will give credit where credit is due. The shape of this skirt, I used Amy Butler's Barcelona Skirts pattern. The first time I used her pattern, I did everything as said in the pattern, with a friend of mine who is an amazing seamstress. She even helped me put a zipper in! However, that was a year ago. But this time I was wanting to make a skirt with some awesome sale fabric I got at Joanns, and do it quick. So I fudged my way through.
First thing I did was eliminate the lining. No need for lining. It's summer time kiddos!
Then, I eliminated the zipper. Two reasons: A. I didn't have one. And B. I was scared to do it on my own. (No fault of the Amy Butler pattern! She has drawings and excellent directions. I'm just a scaredycat!)

So the above picture is the whole finished product! And it fits me great! I love skirts! They make me feel so girly! And perdy!

Anyways, the important part: How I got away without a zipper! Shocking... the way they did it before zippers existed: buttons! I searched my cute little antique button collection my great aunt gave me and found these neat green ones! (Pic below.) Cute aren't they!? Then, it's hard to see, but I added an extra little flap of fabric on the one side of the inside of the split; so that if the seams didn't close perfect you wouldn't get a glimpse of any skin! (I know, I'm crazy genius!) Okay, does that make sense?

So that's my "makes me giddy" skirt story. Now...

Onto my sister's prom.
Oh, to be young again.
Long story short: My sister got an amazing deal on a wedding dress and I told her we could totally make it into a prom dress! (Make a note of the fact that the most complicated clothing sewing I have done is shown above!) But we did it!!
This is the back of the dress. It is a halter style, so that green v at the top is part of the front...

Okay, so what I did:

I cut off most of the train. And bustled some of it. At the bustle points I put little green rosettes I had made. I personally, didn't like the flowers, I would have taken them off, but my sis loved them. (B.t.w My sis picked out the green fabric.)

So onto the front. More green around the neck. Another green rosette near the waist where there is a split. Green down the split and round the bottom hem.

She was gorgeous!

And I made her comb. Never did that before either.
Didn't turn out like I had it planned in my head, but awesome nonetheless.

Anyways, that's why I haven't been posting. Prom was Friday. Now I'm back in the saddle. Working on more stuff!
Hopefully by Tuesday I will post a picture of the dress on my sister!
Now off to catch up on my blog reading!

Been outside...

2010-06-02T08:20:00.000-07:00

We have been staying super busy here in our small town. My little two year old turned three.

Where did those years go?

My little pumpkin! 3?!?

As you can see in the above picture, Grandma and Grandpa got him a fire hose attachement for the lawn hose. He L.O.V.E.S. it! (Thankfully little brother can use it too, so it's all fair!) See the rainbow right behind Ben?? Cool, huh?

And I have a new look to my back yard. My husband took it upon himself to run electric over to our old silo base in the yard, wire in a light, build a flag pole, and put a flag up. Awesome huh? He actually built the pole from some scrap - welded it, put the attachements on himself, made the rope pulley... crazy! Anyways he did an awesome job. Then, if you look to the left of our sheds- you can see a new picket fence.

It actually isn't new "new". My uncle made it for the garden that Nick and I were married in. Now, it borders one side of my garden.

And here you can see my garden. At least the start of my garden. Nick ran fencing around the other three sides that don't have the picket fence. I have little leaves poking up through the soil more and more every day. So excited to see how much I'll be able to get out of this garden!

That's all for now!

New Winner

2010-05-24T11:18:00.001-07:00

Since my first winner didn't contact me...
I have to pick a new one!
Aren't you excited!?
And your new winner is: 192! Manuela! She said: Hello! I love linen! Great give away! Thanks!
I am going to make contact (hopefully) by email.
If I dont' get a response by Wednesday...
That doesn't matter.
Manuela will contact me.
I know it.
Right?

Give away ends!

2010-05-20T05:44:00.000-07:00

Wow! I can't believe the great response to my give away! Awesome! And thankyou to my new followers! I'm excited.

Just a friendly reminder that my give-away ends today at Midnight, EST. I know, I didn't mention that in my original post. But that's it folks.

And, if I contact you as the winner... You have to give me some info. For that suprise, you are going to have to tell me what color of fabric you are looking for, or theme, or cottons or linens. Give me some info, and I'll try to see that you get something that you'll like!

So thats it!

Will post winner tomorrow!!

Good luck!

Give-Away Day! )

2010-05-16T10:30:00.000-07:00

Hello!

It's May 17th!

SewMamaSew's Giveaway Day!

And I am in on the goods!

Aren't you dying to win some linen dish towels?!

Made by me!!

And in the package I'll include some other surprises. (Like fabric, candy... you know how it goes!)

Yeah!

So leave a comment, and a way to contact you (like an email address!) and a random number will be drawn to choose the winner on May 20th.

Only one entry per person, please!

And head off to SewMamaSew to check out the other blogs in on the give-aways!

Grandma Kate's Basil Lemon Water

2010-05-14T04:19:00.000-07:00

Do you like something refreshing to drink in the summer? Something more than just plain water??
(Side note: in just trying to type the word plain, I first typed: Palin, and then I typed Pain. Funny right?!)
Anyways...
Sometimes plain water is good. Sometimes it's just boring. So...
Here's something yummy you can do for your water.
And your water will thank you.

You need: A lemon, and a nice sized sprig of basil. You'll want to wash both of them. Then, rub the basil imbetween your hands for a few seconds, give it a couple of squeezes. It should have a nice "just got smushed by a power wheels" look to it. (Thats what my almost 3 year old offered to do... run it over with his power wheels. He insisted it would work...)
Right. But you don't want it in tons of pieces, cause you don't really want to drink chunks of basil. Leaf it intact. (Get it?)

Anyways, cut your lemon in half, and then half of it cut into quarters.

Now go get a pretty bowl or pitcher. I didn't have a pitcher, so I used my perdy bowl. Except you can't see the perdiness from this angle, but it is perdy.

So fill it up with water. Then Drop in your lemon quarters and basil... give her a stir.

I let her sit for a few hours before drinking, let those flavors really work thier way through the water.

And then pour over ice and enjoy!

It's great to use this for summer gatherings - you're friends will be impressed!

Distracted...

2010-05-10T18:28:00.000-07:00

I am suppose to be working on 2 quilts. No. Three quilts. *Sigh* But I've been distracted. First, let me show you:
Check out this retro fabric!
I got it from my m-i-l's collection of fabric from her mother.
So this isn't re-make 60's fabric, it's the real deal. And I think, 'cause everybody's doing it, I'm gunna make a skirt for myself out of it. What do you think?
Then, check out this little ones with umbrellas!!! Can you say: Darling?!?!
I'm nervous about using it because once you cut it, that's it. There's no re-ordering of this fabric.
Makes it a little more serious. What should I make out of it? It would make darling curtains, but I wouldn't know where to put them. Again, *sigh*.

Then, how about these?! Aren't they the most darling little shoes?

They are for my friend's new baby. I am going to try and make the pattern larger, for my little guys. I got the pattern here.

Oh, I just can't wait to give them to her!!!

What have you been up to this week?

Perfect love casteth out all fear...

2010-04-30T16:23:00.000-07:00

So I have recently confessed to a friend that I have an unreasonable fear.

A fear of the dark.

Really.

Now doesn't that feel better? Confession.

I don't really know when or how this fear started, I always remember it being a part of me. And I am trying to keep it from growing, getting worse. Often I have found myself saying, "Perfect love casteth out all fear... Perfect love casteth out all fear..." And I took a look back at that verse and the surrounding verses in my good ol' King James version. The whole verse is: "There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out all fear: cause fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love." And the surrounding verses continually point to the fact that God is love.

So here's my point. That perhaps, if I continually draw closer to God and His love. And allow Him to love me, my fears will get in check. Perhaps I will be able to conquer them, with the love of God.

So here's to experiencing the love of God. Stronger. Better. More of Him, and less of me.

Working Through... a mixed post

2010-04-29T10:17:00.001-07:00

Here's more of the quilt I'm working on for my friend. I made my windmills a little too big and had to cut them to size once sewn. But look how nice and even everything looks once trimmed (photo above)! Compare the left one to the right one! So nice and square looking... I may be onto something here...

It is however, alot of work trimming up all those squares! But soooo worth it, I think they are going to look a lot better in the quilt now, than if I had just tried to make them work at the size they were.

That's it for the sewing world for right now.

However, have I ever confessed my love for antique furniture? There are certain things I like... shhh... don't tell my mom, I swore I wouldn't be an antique lover like my parents! Anyways, I have a soft spot for dry sinks... This first picture is actually a dry sink that my father made. And I love it.
This second picture though, was a $5 find at an antique auction! 5 bucks! You can't go wrong. It's actually not an antique though. Someone built it with mixed woods, and left it unpainted. Well, when no one bid on it, I snatched it right up! Some paint and a few pieces of new hardware later... and (I feel) she's a beauty!

You can't really see, but I painted her to match the walls in my sewing room. I have more antiques in my house, maybe that will be another post later on.

*Beth*

Quote of the Day

2010-04-26T16:24:00.000-07:00

And the quote of the day is brought to you by DannyBear:
Upon Daddy requesting something yummy be brought home from the store, Danny adds:

"Yeah! Some poptarts, and ummm, food, and hot sauce! Meebee some Chinese!"

Okay, Danny! You got it!

Sew much sewing!

2010-04-23T18:56:00.001-07:00

I'll start with some waffle weave wash cloths that I made for my aunt-in-law who turns 50 soon. I am dying to make some more for my house...

Do you like these blocks? They are for a quilt that I am working on for wonderful lady I know that has cancer. I hope to finish the whole quilt very soon and get it to her. I think so far that this is the best fabric/color combination that I have put together yet.

Ahhh yes, and I found a chocolate cake recipe on www.allrecipes.com that I just had to try, and let me tell ya, it's good cake... feast your eyes on that baby...

And these little yo-yo button brooches I made from a collection of antique buttons that my great aunt gave to me. In the collection are also some buffalo nickle buttons. I will post pictures of them soon.

The top left one is mine, and I made the bottom right one is for my Aunt-in-law who turns 50 soon.
Sew thats it folks. What have you been up to this week??

*Beth*

New sewing room!!

2010-04-17T20:22:00.000-07:00

Hi all! So many things keeping me busy...
This nice door has been on my sewing room wall for a while.
I love it. We salvaged it from a house, threw a coat of paint on it, and stuck pictures in the panes.
And to get the pictures to there, we used photo corners, so we can just pull these pictures out and stick new ones in whenever we want. (I know, its awesome!) My idea? Yup, but my husband did most of the work!

Today, I had an awesome day. I went to my friend's house to pick up the red kitchen aid mixer I purchased from her. (Soooo excited to use that!) Then I went home to complete a re-doing of my sewing room. My husband built me a table out of this counter top... check out the holes in the back for my cords to go down...

And we went shopping to get me some kind of gigantic cabinet to put all of my sewing items in. (Sorry, totally forgot to take before pictures, but you would have been horrified, so it's okay.) We didn't find what I was looking for. Well, correction, I did, but it was already sold. =(
So some of my sewing stuff is in the china cabinet pictured below. We temporarily moved it into my sewing room till I find exactly what I want. (Watch out garage sales, I am coming for you...)

So that's what is happening here. I am very excited about how much more functional my room is... and it's only going to get better!

*beth*

New Purchases.

2010-04-16T16:50:00.000-07:00

I had a day off the other day. Kids were at the babysitters. I was enjoying shopping for a friend's birthday, and getting some groceries. Then, look what I found at Wegmans! A cute little gardening tool set. I didn't have one, and this set with the wide wooden handles looked great. And guess how much it cost?? 5 bucks! Hello good buy! I will take 4! Just kidding. I only got one. But I might go back for another set so my son can have his own. (Note the little hands as I'm trying to take the picture... already reaching to get some tools out of the box!) Then, on my way home, I had to stop at the Quilt Barn in Boston, NY. I needed some fabrics to match the flowered one on the far left. I ordered that one from Fabric.com while it was on sale. The fabric on the far right is much darker in the picture than it actually is. But I think they will turn out cut together in the quilt. Which I am making soon.
And so, I leave you with a picture of my son's cute little feet. I went to make a snack in the kitchen for us the other night and came back into the living room to find him fast asleep. With little toes sticking out. Cuuuuuute!

Oh, and BTW - we are doing a mini-makeover on my sewing room this weekend... look for a post on that next! I am soooo excited!!!!

Busy Day!

2010-04-13T18:02:00.000-07:00

Its been a busy day at my house. I had a lot I wanted to get accomplished, and I did. There is going to be a fundraiser for FARA at my firehall soon, and these lovely Italian Mustache's for that. Aren't they scrumptious looking? Think chocolate, butter, cinnamon and walnuts. Yummy!
Feast your eyes on them...

Then, my seeds came in the mail! Yeah! And so taking the advice of some other gardeners, I didn't purchase little pots to plant my seeds in, I used what I had. Egg cartons first. And when I ran out of those (I didn't have many, 'cause I kept throwing them away and forgetting I wanted to save them!) So then we took to making our own little pots out of newspaper.

Like my little helper? And his eye gear? Protecting his forehead!

My wonderful husband brought up nice rich soil from down back on our property for me to plant them in.

I will keep you updated on how these are growing. Right now they are down in my basement under my fluorescent light that my husband rigged up for me. (Isn't he a dear??!!)

Now I just have to mark out my garden and get my hubby to till it up.

Are you growing anything this year??

Just some thoughts...

2010-04-12T17:33:00.000-07:00

I finished reading a book today. The third and last book in a series. It was awesome!! I'm considering sending the set to my brother in Afganistan. I think he might like it. It's got guy stuff... gladiators, temple prostitutes... you know, guy stuff. It's got a wee bit of love in it too. Anyways the set is called The Mark of the Lion series and are titled as follows: A Voice in the Wind, An Echo in Darkness, As Sure as the Dawn. Written by Francine Rivers. I'm just saying, read the first one and you'll want the rest. Definately read them in order. It sends your emotions from one roller coaster dip to the next. It's sweeet!

So that was my first thought...

My second thought is:

I don't like combining parts of my life. I like my CYC stuff to stay with the CYC, and my kids to stay at my home life, and my firehall to stay there... you know, I don't like mixing. I realized this on Saturday when somehow CYC collided with the firehall and then on Sunday when my kids collided with the CYC. It was wierd, juggling these different worlds at once. I am not ready to wear 2 hats at the same time. I definately have to switch. They don't look good on at the same time.

And my third thought:

I need to sew. I haven't sewn since returning from TN! But I need a sewing cabinet to put all my stuff in. I can't work through the chaos anymore. So off to search for one...

Easter!

2010-04-04T17:49:00.000-07:00

Our Easter was awesome. We started on Saturday with a Messianic Passover dinner. And the Hubby's parents brought baskets for the boys then. (Thankfully no candy! Go in-laws!) Those pictures are above. That was awesome. Then of coarse, Easter morning with some more Easter baskets. Ben of coarse, didn't bother looking anywhere, and guessed right when he figured mom would have her basket on the table

This is our biggest guy, who enjoys cuddling in blankets in the morning still... =)

Found it! Near the tv! (Like how that lock on the cabinet we keep our movies in is working?! Wonder why movies still go missing!)

Hope your Easter was awesome... and this week, I will share a few vacation photos...

*Beth*

And look what happened...

2010-04-01T18:48:00.000-07:00

So I was up in the city today, going shopping with a friend. We of coarse, headed to Spot coffee to nab a great coffee before shopping. Innocently enough there was, in the little display case, a red velvet cupcake. A sitdown was required, and we behaved, we split the cupcake.

But...

There was this guy. Grrr! Guys! Who looked a little familiar, but since I was quite a ways from home, I wasn't sure. He could have been anybody. But he wasn't anybody... he was somebody. A good buddy, growing up pal, went through high school, friend of my husband's. (And I happen to be fond of him.) So once we got through that little awkward "Are you who I think you are?" part, we had a little chat. Anyways... he says I have to update my blog more. Keep it current. *Sigh* Okay, I can do this. Then of coarse, he points me to his fiance's blog... which of coarse, is
AH-MAY-ZING!! Check it out: www.decoradventures.com. Awesome. Awesome. Awesome.

So this is me saying I will update the blog more. Promise. Things to look for coming up on my blog:

1. My first ever Messianic Passover Celebration
2. My garden (I ordered seeds today!)
3. My regular random stuff!

Here's to posting at least twice a week!

*Beth*

A Finish!

2010-03-28T19:14:00.000-07:00

So these pictures are clearly of the quilt un-finished... but I did finish it! And I will have pictures (not great ones, 'cause I snapped them real quick after I gave my friend the quilt at her shower!) I made the quilt kinda double sided. These little sqaures are for the back.

And here is the front... a little embroidery of some little animals...

I really like the deer. And the little birdie on the tree. I got the ideas for this quilt from a crib bumper I saw somewhere... So not completely my idea, but lovely none the less!

Anyways... I have also started a sailboat quilt for my son, pictures of that coming soon. And hopefully a mini renovation of my "sewing room." Yeah!

Hope all is well in your sewing worlds!

Ponderings...

2010-03-11T10:10:00.000-08:00

I've recently been trying to be more content. A song I like says: "Somewhere between contended peace and always wanting more... somewhere in the middle, you'll find me." (Casting Crowns.) I feel that contentment often goes hand in hand with gratefullness. The other night, when I had my cinnamonbun and coffee, it hit me like a ton of bricks. That if I can enjoy something sooo good, late in the eveing, after a day with my kids, and having had 3 other meals, then I am truly blessed. And I should be content. And at that moment I was. It seems though, that for me, contentment comes and goes. Paul said: "For I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content." (Philippians 4:11) Now, if only that statement was followed by a 10 step, in-depth program... Okay, just kidding. But, what is the way to constant contentment? Is it putting forth more effort into be grateful? Is it a combination of things? I feel like I'm getting closer, but then again, I'm still in the middle. And another line of the song I referenced above says: "Just how close can I get Lord, to my surrender, without losing all control??" Perhaps part of the answer lies in that... ultimate surrender to find ultimate contentment... that I know how to do, it's just the doing it that is scary.

*Beth*

A Good Feeling

2010-03-09T18:19:00.001-08:00

I made a finish today! Yeah! I have so many little projects "open" at this point that to finish one feels good. My 2 year old was so helpful... helping mommy sew the binding on by holding my arm, helping spread the quilt out nice and smooth...

Oh yeah... coffee break... and a home made cinnamon bun. I actually made two pans of them. One was for a meeting tomorrow that was apparently cancelled. Hmmm... whatever shall I do with that second panfull?

Anyhow... back to work... He shook all the wrinkles out for mommy...

And after all that hard work, immediately laid claim to the quilt. The darling cherry covered, pink quilt, so cute, sooo pink... and my son wants it! Ha! I have purchased sail boat fabric for a quilt for him, he is not getting this one. Although I am unsure what to do with this quilt.

It's a little wonky, one side being a little longer than the other, and a few mistakes on the backing, so I can't sell it. But still I love it. I want to keep it. But it's too small for any bed, it's just a lap size. It would make a new mom happy and a new baby sooo cute if I donated it... but greed is taking over... Hmmm... I'm undecided. Perhaps we will just let it hang around for a little bit.

Easily Distacted

2010-03-02T18:36:00.000-08:00

I'm easily distacted. I quick get on the computer for a recipe and I am soon looking at cooking blogs... I start cutting pieces to a quilt and stop so I can move onto something that has caught my eye... I start cleaning and run into an old photo album... Or, I start anything at all constructive, and a child needs me (does that count as a distraction?)...

Anyways... Back to that cutting one...

I was cutting fabric the other evening. Bound and determined I would get all the pieces cut so I could finish this one quilt top. I was just cutting some leftover scraps from another quilt that I couldn't bear to throw away. I was planning on putting together a simple baby quilt. It was a little after ten p.m. when I looked at the clock and thought: "I better stop before I do something stupid." (Two things: One, don't tell my son I said stupid, he will remind me all day 'not to say that whord!' And two, in my mind, a 'stupid thing' would be to cut the fabric wrong and ruin what little scraps I had left.) Well, guess what, I continued to cut, and low and behold, I did a stupid thing. Who knew that there could be something worse than ruining a little piece of cute fabric!?(That in fact, no one sells anymore, and you really can't find more of... So in my defense, it would be reallllyyyy bad to ruin that last piece.) But oh yes... I did something far worse... I ran that rotary cutter right up the tip/side of my finger. (Warning... this may get a little descriptive for some people. If you are squeemish... skip down a paragraph or two...) I didn't feel pain at all, at first, but because I had felt that blade touch my finger, I knew I was cut. I announced to my husband in the adjoining room: "I have cut my finger!" And his response: "How bad?" Now of coarse, I have to look at it... "Pretty bad" I said as the blood ran down to my wrist... (Gross, right?) So after much pressure, and ice, and elevation, the bleeding slowed. Due to lack of anything to sew together (thats right, I cut a piece right off!) we opted not to go to the ER. I had my husband check on the fabric... he found no blood. (Yeah!) He did however find the missing piece of my finger! So finally, we applied some ointment and wrapped it one last time and went to bed.
Who knew?!
Who knew?!
That guaze would stick to that gash?!
Who knew?!
So, in the morning, after cutting off everything I could from around my wound, I contemplated what to do with the gauze in the wound. Would it really be a problem to let the wound heal around guaze? Would it just biodegrate eventually? After seeking advice from someone who might know... but really isn't quilified to advise, I put as much ointment on it as I could, wrapped it, and waited for it to moisten - and then I would try and take it off... (Gross right?!) So after a few hours, I opened up the bandage and had a look... Nope, not ready to just pull that gauze off... Off of someone else's hand, sure! I'd whip that baby right off! Just not off of my hand. No sireee! After a little more contemplation, this wounded solidier realized... gauze is woven! So I proceeded to pull it out of the would strand by strand, sliver style. (Gross right?!) And after the last piece was out, and whatever healing had gone on was reversed, and it was bleeding freely again... (Gross, right?!) I laid my hand and head on the table and got my pulse back down to normal...

Want pictures? I was just going to post some, but I decided to ask first! (Really, I'm an Emt, I kinda like this stuff...)

On a good note... even injured I can still type decently, and I'm already roto-cutting again.

A fun time

2010-02-16T08:03:00.000-08:00

So I'm working on several posts at once. Right now, I'm in the process of forming a post inspired by my friend Julie: 101 goals in 1001 days.

I had a wonderful Valentines date with my husband. We went with another couple to a local restaurant and had all you can eat crab. It was awesome. I mean really... can you put a price tag on eating crab and butter until you need a fork lift to bring you to the car?? I think not! (And in case you read this Jordan - Valentines night we filled the rolladex.)

I'm currently planning on flying to Florida on Thursday. My aunt passed away from cancer after a long battle. The sad part is that she just adopted her three grandchildren. My aunts daughter passed on several years ago and the children have been living with her ever since. So keep these three children in your prayers as they go through yet another major transition. My dad is driving down to Florida right now... so I will be flying alone. Have I ever mentioned that I strongly dislike flying by myself? Maybe I'll meet someone fascinating on the flights... About six months ago I flew to Florida to visit my aunt and on the plane ride I met this amazing lady from Israel who was touring the east coast of America with her family. That was an awesome flight.

So no pictures for this post. Maybe some when I come back from my trip. Off to the store today to develop the ones on the camera so there is room!

Will post again soon!

My Etsy Shop

2010-01-22T19:41:00.000-08:00

So I did it. I started an etsy shop. There are only 3 things listed, but hopefully I will have a few more listed soon. We will see what happens with my shop, I would appreciate any advice any one would like to offer! So I leave you with a picture of two of my cuddly guys. And I encourage you to hop on over bethyscreations(dot)etsy(dot)com. Thanks!

WIPS

2010-01-05T03:51:00.000-08:00

Here are some pictures of what I have been working on:

I am not sure how my two yarn projects are going to turn out. I think that the green one is going ot end up with my desired look of a country/cabin throw. The blue one however, I am now convinced is the wrong color, thickness of yarn, and, well, it's just not making me giddy.

This is one of my first tries at applique. I did some raw edge applique on my machine over the summer, but was looking to do something nicer with this sweet black blendables fabric I had. And the green leaves and pink berries looked sooooo awesome when I layed it out. However, I am not sure how to proceed with my berries - they seem too small to fold their edges under, we shall see. That part is going to have to wait until my kids are at the sitters on Friday.

And this is a quilt I have been working on for one of my friends who just had a baby boy. I want to put a blue star in the middle square here shortly. It's taking a little longer because I am hand quilting it but I had better hurry up or the kid is gunna be 5 by the time it's done!!

Thanks for stopping by!

The New Year

2010-01-01T07:30:00.001-08:00

Ah yes, time for the ever famous, and often annoying question: What is your New Year's resolution?
I actually did put some thought into mine this year... and I came up with a few of them. Here they are:

1. To be honest about what I believe and don't believe... and live out those things. To choose what I know is important in my head and heart and make my life reflect that. To choose to not put my energy into things that I truly don't believe in.

2. To put my money and time where my mouth is. To truly be more giving. More generous. To act on the knowledge that sometimes what God asks me to give doesn't always make sense, but to trust in the One who asks it of me, rather than trusting in earthly wisdom.

3. To love my husband even more. To be less selfish, to try harder to do more of what he wants to do, to remember that he works hard to allow me to stay at home with my children, and to be more grateful for all he does.

So there they are.

What are your resolutions??

So Good to be Back!

2009-12-28T08:42:00.000-08:00

Well, I have been gone a longgggg time.

But we now have a computer... and I'm ready to reconnect to the cyber world.

Our Christmas was fun this year. Albeit, we didn't go anywhere, and a few of us were either sick, or recovering from what we have dubbed "the sickness." But it was nice. Quietly enjoying the celebration of the birth of our Lord.

Soon I will have pictures up of our Christmas, and current sewing projects.

So keep watching, more will be coming, and thanks for your patience!

*Beth*

So sorry...

2009-07-29T10:16:00.000-07:00

I am still computer-less. Join me on another computer rampage...
Remeber my last rampage? About the process of buying a computer? Now here's my new one about replacing a computer...
First, I called my insurance agent. Who told me to take it to a "computer place" and make sure it was ruined. (Because clearly, I am an idiot, and can't tell when my computer no longer functions at all...)
The first place I take it wants $45 to look at it... not to fix it... to decide if it needs fixed. (Which, as I have already pointed out... I know it cannot be...) So I leave that place...

I find... perfect computer guy in cuba (that is cuba, ny; not cuba the country...) who will give me a free estimate and mail me a paper estimate to give to my insurance agent right away, so I don't even have to wait till I can manage to get back down to cuba... That was three weeks ago... And he has supposedly mailed me two estimates... wonder if when I get down there to pick up my dead laptop, if he'll tell me he mailed that too... seems likely doesn't it??

So now I am off to call my insurance agent, plead my case, and hopefully end up with a check in a few weeks in order to buy new computer...

Been gone...

2009-07-08T14:37:00.000-07:00

So I got the news today.
My laptop is officially dead.
Good bye laptop.
I left it plugged in during a lightning storm a week or two ago.
Thus my non-existance on blogger.
So I must claim it on my insurance and go insearch of a new computer.
Sigh.

It's been a rough few weeks.

We also buried a fellow fireman on Monday. I didn't know him personally, but my husband and all my fellow firemen in the company did. (I haven't been a member long...) So for me, the saddest part was seeing the men who I consider to be some of the strongest guys ever, literally break down infront of me. It makes me consider... if something happens to my husband... will they be as strong as I would need them to be for me??? This fireman left behind a wife and toddler son... in case him dying in a tragic accident wasn't sad enough...

In other news...

My brother Tim is a Marine stationed over in California. He is waiting deployment to Afganistan sometime in September. He was bit by an awful dog in the K-9 unit this week.

Like I said...

It's been a rough week.

I have been sewing though...

Just no pix yet.

Anyways, you probably won't be hearing from me for another two weeks as I am headed off to work at a camp. I'm gunna be the camp nurse. Hopefully this will give me a reprieve and some distance to these last few weeks.

Signing off...

Package Number Two

2009-06-23T05:13:00.000-07:00

Yeah! Package number two arrived in the mail. I got some awesome fabrics, again! yeah! I particularly love the red one.

In other news... I have been sewing like a mad woman. I got the top done to my Old red barn quilt along. But I shouldn't say it's done, because I feel like it's missing something, I haven't decided yet.

I also started a project for my cousin, that I am hopefully going to complete by this weekend.

Oh yes, and my skirt. I've worn it twice already... there will definately be more of these in the future!

And as far as packages go, I can't help but brag: I helped deliver a baby in the back of an ambulance early Tuesday morning! I am an EMT with the local fire department, and I finally got the call I had been waiting for! It really was the most exciting thing. I felt bad for the mom though, I can't imagine what it's like to deliver in the back of an ambulance. Nope... that's definately not for me. I was in the hospital and highly drugged when I delivered both my boys. And as much as I try to buy organic and natural things for my children to eat, I will admit, "natural" child birth has no appeal to me whatsoever, and my children are born under the influence of drugs. That's just how it is. We all compromise somewhere don't we? =)

And my challenge:

I broke down day before yesterday. I had a bad day at the allergy center with my son. I drove an hour to get there, and then waited in the waiting room for an hour only for the doctor to ask me if my son had any promblems recently. Seriously?! So being as I was just down the street from a favorite shopping place of mine: Lexington Co-Op; I decided some shopping would make me feel better. So into the cart went these infractions: Boylan's Rootbeer (if you haven't had it, you haven't had real root beer); fresh Ciabatta bread; fair trade breakfast blend whole bean coffee 3/4lb; a freshly baked blueberry scone, chocolate chip cookie, and cherry chocolate cookie. Everything else I bought I feel were okay groceries and needed dry goods (fruit, wipes, etc.) *Sigh* But I'm back on the straight and narrow... I swear it!

I have learned a trick to keep me from buying fabric though: I shop online - put all sorts of stuff I want into my 'cart' and then I don't check out. I tell myself when my month is over, I will wean my carts and then purchase only what I truly and really need...want...need...want...

Wonderful days of sewing...

2009-06-19T06:35:00.000-07:00

I got my first package from my fatquarter swap in the mail! It was so exciting!!! And it came from Australia! (My husband was actually impressed, saying how cool it was that someone from Australia sent me a package!) Yup, I know. It's cool. She sent me some sweet farm print fabric, a swatch of cute kaola fabric, and a candybar that Cadbury makes, but you can only get it in Australia and New Zealand. Interesting huh?? And so sweet. Although, sorry no picture of the candybar, it was gone to my boys before I got a chance to charge the camera and snap the shot!

Yesterday, my dear brother and cousin took my boys for a few hours, so that I could spend sometime with my friend Jordan sewing! I had recently bought the Barcelona skirt pattern from Amy Butler, and having never before made a piece of clothing to wear, I decided to call Jordan, (who according to me, is the go-to professional on anything that can be sewn... or drawn... or built...) So she took me step by step through the process of making the skirt. And it turned out sooo cute! I still have some finishing touches, so you are going to have to wait a wee bit for a picture.I think I will make some more, bravely altering the pattern and switching some fabrics... I really enjoyed it! Thanks Jordan! (I think thats two lunches I owe her now...)

What else? Hmmm... Oh yes, my challenge. I recently discovered Wolfgang Puck coffee. I am an admitted coffee snob. And so when I saw at the store coffee by Wolfgang Puck, I asked myself: "What could be better than that?" Well, the answer would have been, whole bean Wolfgang Puck coffee, since all I could find was ground. But, for ground coffee this tops all! IT IS AWESOME! Now, I ran out of my W.P. coffee this morning. And the sad part is, I have different kinds of coffee to use still at the house. So, I can't just go to the store and buy more W.P. coffee, becuase I feel that would be a breech of the challenge since I am not completely out of coffee here at the house. *Sigh* So if you are out, and evidently not taking part in this challenge with me, try some Wolfgang Puck coffee and let me know what you think. The kind I purchased was his columbian.

Well, I do think that's it. I am off today to purchase some father's day gifts. (No that is not a breech of the challenge! Fathers should receive gifts on fathers day! Honestly! I didn't swear off shopping altoghether!)

So many things

2009-06-14T19:45:00.001-07:00

I have been quilting... alot. It's been great.

This is where I am with my Oldredbarn quilt along.

Although, my squares are very wonky, and I think I am going

To put white sashing imbetween the squares...

Here is the Spiderman throw that I made for my cousin.

She loves it.

Here is the quilt I did for a fundraiser for the CYC. I machine pieced it, and just finished hand quilting it. I love the way it turned out.

And I've been reading alot. It's also been great.

I read the book: A Bride in the Bargain. It was great. (Yes, I am a hopeless romantic.)

And my monthly challenge has started, no extra putchases. It is going well. Perfect, in fact, since my husbands boss gave me a Tim Hortons gift card for my birthday, so I can still get my coffees... for a while!

Here are a few purchases I made before my time started:

Don't you just love that alphabet fabric!?! I am going to use it to back a

quilt - I think... I also thought it would look cute as little letter blocks... spelling

out something cute like a little boy's name or something. I guess that one

is going to have to sit and 'age' before I'm going to be ready to use it! =)

And don't lie - you are ::loving:: that argyle print... I know you are!

Discovered by my dear friend Jordan, thank goodness she didn't buy the

whole boldt! I got a nice three yard cut after she was done with it. But mark my words,

I know I will be purchasing more of that print. It is too cute!

What's going on in your world??