Happy New Year!

I want to wish each and everyone of you who reads my blog a very Happy New Year!! May 2010 be your best year yet!

John & I have a very busy day today....we are doing something we have wanted to do for 1 1/2 years and weren't able to do until now!!! (I'll reveal it tomorrow) We are going out to dinner with some of my best girlfriends & their husbands.
Goodbye 2009.....

I leave you with photos from our Christmas Eve Waffle House tradition. Remember to always
....live well, laugh often & love much!!!






If it didn't bring you joy
just leave it behind
Let's ring in the new year
with good things in mind

Let every bad memory
that brought heartache and pain
And let's turn a new leaf
with the smell of new rain

Let's forget past mistakes
making amends for this year
Sending you these greetings
to bring you hope and cheer

Happy New Year!

Block #1

I made block #1 for John Bons quilt.

I think it came out pretty darn cute!

Except for the square in the upper left corner....as I was pressing the seams down my iron decided to spit out some crap that was the color of rust and this black rocky substance that left marks on the material. I'm sure it's just mineral buildup and all I need to do is clean it with some vinegar. But it was irritating none the less. It's also slightly crooked but hey it's my first one...I'll be more aware when sewing the next ones.

I'm really excited about this quilt...mostly because I don't have a deadline! Oh and because I truly enjoy making things with my hands.

stitch by stitch

The girls loved their quilts!!! They said they slept very warm. Tori liked that I sewed a tag on the back.....they say "handmade with ♥ momma"


I also made them these "spa wraps"...they are perfect to wear after your shower while you are getting ready for the day. Sometimes a big robe is just to hot and bulky. I even made John one and he loves it!

John has been going around the house saying, "I wish I had a quilt to sleep under"...."I love sleeping under quilts"....**hint hint**. So we went to the fabric store yesterday and picked out some fabric....I'm going to make the man a quilt!

Here is the material we chose. Our bedroom is teal, blue & brown so we stayed in that color scheme. I thought the gold/yellow color would be lovely in it. I'm really excited about this quilt. I'm itching to go sew now....but I really need to start packing up Christmas decor.

Merry Christmas

22 years ♥

Today John & I celebrate 22 years of marriage!

How many 38 & 40 year olds can say that?!!

How do I explain how much this man means to me..... He is my best friend, my soul mate, my lover, my hero, my All. He rocks my world!!

I love the way he loves our daughters.... I love the way he loves our little dog and carries him around like a baby.... I love how he can fix everything and anything and loves doing it! I love his laugh, when he gets the giggles at the dinner table, when he laughs at my jokes or at me because I screwed the joke up. I love how he can be silly in front of a crowd and not get embarrassed.

(like the photo below which was taken at his Christmas party)

I LOVE this man!!! ♥ ♥ ♥

The day after Meg graduated I was reflecting on the past 22 years....unbelievable that it flew by the way it has. Thinking about how long John & I have been together (23 years last October) and about everything we have been through. How we have beat the statistics several times.

Being emptynesters for the last year and a half has taught us a lot about each other. We had to learn to live together in a way we never had to before. After we got married we didn't move in with each other until that March (after John finished Tech school) and by then Meg was already a little over a month old. So we always had a child in the home with us....then when Tori moved out, we were alone for the first time EVER! What an adjustment! We have since learned each other and have grown closer and more deeper in love. ♥

Now, don't get me wrong, our marriage isn't always blissful. We are human, we're two individuals who are in a relationship; fights are always going to happen; that's a given.

We have our disagreements and debates like any other couple.

We have our smackdown, dragout fights, too---where we are mad as hell, saying words that cut like a razor...knowing all to well we don't mean them the minute they come out of our mouths. We are vocal fighters----we scream, we cuss, we scream some more. I know not every marriage argues/fights this way...but we do....it's us!

We have had our share of ups & downs and managed to stay strong in our relationship and learn from our mistakes.

The one good thing about these kinds of fights is the make up sex afterward, it is more intense, stronger, hotter, sweeter and better!!! We forget everything we had just argued about and it leaves us feeling physically and mentally relaxed and rejuvenated. It brings us closer, understanding each other. The depth of our relationship is a beautiful thing.

And when it's all said & done--our love is still there.....our relationship stronger than before.

One of the best description of love is from the movie Captain Corelli's Mandolin:

"Love is a temporary madness. It erupts like an earthquake and then subsides. And when it subsides you have to make a decision. You have to work out whether your roots have become so entwined together that it is inconceivable that you should ever part. Because this is what love is. Love is not breathlessness, it is not excitement, it is not the promulgation of promises of eternal passion. That is just being "in love" which any of us can convince ourselves we are. Love itself is what is left over when being in love has burned away, and this is both an art and a fortunate accident. Your mother and I had it, we had roots that grew towards each other underground, and when all the pretty blossom had fallen from our branches we found that we were one tree and not two."
-St. Augustine

That's US!

Mission Accomplished ☼

I. Am. Done!

I can honestly say that my Blood, Sweat & Tears are in these Quilts!!!

I started the first cut of material on October 24th....I worked mostly on Sunday's cutting, pressing & sewing. I finshed the last stitch on December 21st.
This is the second quilt I've made. Actually it's the first one I've quilted...I tied my 1st one.

Here is the back of quilt #1.

After that last post where John was helping me.....he quit helping me! Ugh....pressure was all on me then.

Quilt #2
The feeling of accomplishment I had when I took that second quilt out of the dryer was the best! I held it and cried!

The back of quilt #2. John helped me pick out the material for the backing & binding. I love the color contrast.

I am by no means a seamstress. I am a self taught quilter. I usually just sew basic, easy patterns....this was a challenge. I have criticized my work...but we are our own worse critic after all. As I sit here and write this post I've realized it doesn't matter that some of the stitches are crooked.....that that is what makes it unique & homemade! These quilts are a piece of Art made with l♥ve!!!

I'm proud of them!! I know my girls will cherish them forever!!!

When I give to you what I make with my hands, I share my heart!

Snowy Bonbons & Bubble Gum Jar

I tried a new recipe out last night and it is oh. so. delicious!! I just had to share it with you.

SNOWY BONBONS

Cookies:
1 1/2 cups all purpose flour
1/2 cup butter, softened
1/3 cup powdered sugar
3 tbsp. milk
1/2 tsp. vanilla
1/2 pkg.(8 oz) almond paste

Almond Frosting:
1 cup powdered sugar
1/2 tsp. almond extract
4-5 tsp. milk

Decoration:
Edible glitter, jimmies or coarse sugar

1. Heat oven to 375*. In large bowl, beat flour, butter, sugar,3 tbsp. milk & vanilla on medium speed. Cut almond paste into 1/2 inch thick slices; cut each slice into 8 pieces.

2. Shape 1-inch ball of dough around each piece of almond paste. Gently roll to form ball.

3. On ungreased cookie sheet, place balls 1 inch apart. Bake 10-12 minutes or until set and bottoms are brown. Cook on wire rack for 30 minutes.

4. In small bowl, mix all frosting ingredients with spoon until smooth. Dip tops of cookies into frosting. Sprinkle with glitter.




I was visiting Merri Melody a few weeks back and saw this cute bubble gum jar! I just had to make it! Isn't it adorable!? Pretty self explanatory....clay pot & saucer spray painted, wooden ball spray painted, glass jar (in floral section), ribbon to hide the glue mess. I added Christmas M&M's to mine. I plan on making 2 more sizes...both smaller. I think it would look cute with the 3 of them in the corner on the counter. Kids would love these!

Well there you have it ladies...
2 things for you to make! Enjoy!!!
I'm so excited, this is the last day of school for 2009!!

Ella ha terminado (she is finished)

Saturday December 12th,2009 1:30 pm

It was hard to believe that this day was here. I know it's cliche' to say this...the phrase "time flies" but it is oh. so. true!

She induldged her momma and let me take as many pictures as I wanted! It was very hard for me not to break down in tears as she was getting ready.

When she finished getting ready she turned around and gave me the thumbs up! She has done this since the day she discovered she had thumbs...including making this face!!

As I was watching her get ready it was like her entire life was in fast forward in my mind. The day she was born, when her daddy first held her in his arms, when she saw her baby sister for the first time, kindergarten, elementary school, middle school, Jr. high, High school....softball, basketball, musicals & plays, tournaments and on and on.

Now she is dressed in her cap & gown about to walk across a stage and recieve her College Diploma!!! Amazing!

I couldn't help but choke up as I took this picture. Where did my little girl go?

(click to enlarge)

As she was about to walk across the stage and become an Alumni of UCA she turned around and waved at us! That is the moment that her Daddy & I cried!

She graduated Magn Cum-Laude with a double major in Spanish & Creative Writing! She did it in 3 1/2 years!!!

Us! The three most important people in my life!

Family that came to celebrate (from L to R) Bagel, Granny, (John's parents) John, MEG, Me, Tori, Grandma, Timothy & Flynn (My mom, brother & his son)

My girls!

Hillary & Meg....Hill's parents came to watch Meg graduate...I thought that was very sweet of them, I'm sad I didn't get a picture of them with her.

We went to Mike's Place for a celebration dinner! We ordered a bottle of Pinot Noir....I wanted to say a few words and toast but it totally skipped my mind. In the picture above Hill, Meg, Nick & Tori were acting snobby.....you know there has to always be a goofy picture when it comes to my clan!! :~}

It was truly a memorable day in more ways than one! I am extremely proud of my girl!!!

What's next for her you might ask? (like everyone else has been)

First she is going to just breathe....enjoy not having to wake up and go to class after working until 4 am....or pulling an all nighter writing a 10 page essay.

She plans to continue waitressing at the Flying Saucer until September.

In September she will be moving to Spain to teach English for a year.

(we have already been saving up because I can not go a year without seeing my daughter!)

She then plans to return to the states to attend Graduate school (possibly in Austin, Texas) and get her Doctorate in Spanish!!!

Meg~ Estoy orgulloso de ti! Te quiero para siempre, siempre, y no importa que'! Mama Osa!

I'm still here

I'm still here....just been SO busy!! Working, Sewing, Cookie Swaps, Christmas parties, Birthday parties & a College Graduation!!!!! I have another Christmas party tonight with John's work & then another cookie swap & birthday party Friday night.

Whew....December can wear a girl out!!

I hope to blog Tuesday night about Saturday's graduation! :) & I hope to visit each and everyone of you and catch up!! I've missed you all!

Here are a couple pictures of Quilt #2

Layering before basting (you like my little helper)

Quilt Sandwich

See you all soon!

Yard Sale FInd

Last month on my way to the gym I saw a huge sign...it read, "Yard Sale....Come See Us". So I thought, oh why not....I turned around and am so glad I did!

I saw this Coca-Cola Razorback tray first....for $1. I bought this for John.


I turned around and spotted this this vintage 1950's Camel back love seat.

The tag said $20. I thought I read it wrong so I asked the sweet old lady if it indeed was for sale for $20. She said, Oh yes dear.....I said, SOLD!

Yes, it was very nasty! But I stepped back and visualized the couch all cleaned up. It could be a beautiful piece. I was so excited to go home and wake up John so he could help me pick it up.

We headed back over to the sale....as we were talking to the two women (mother & daughter) I spotted a chair. I couldn't believe it hadn't sold.....it was waiting for me! :-}

The mother (who is in her 80's) said she has had that chair forever. It has a stamp on the bottom that says, Kemp Furniture. I believe this might be from the 50's or 60's. The seat has been reupholstered.

So John tried to clean the love seat but couldn't get all the stains out with our cleaner. So he called a company and they came out on Wednesday and for $85 he cleaned and treated it with a stain treatment. All the stains came out!!

Not bad for a total of $105!

We moved my sewing machine to the upstairs bedroom and put the love seat in the craft room....which is now the sitting room. It gives the room a more cozy feel and looks so much more appealing when company comes over.

I did some research and these couches sell for $350-$500. So I think I did really good!

I'm so glad I made that detour that day!

Thankful

I am thankful that I got to spend 3 days with my husband and both my daughters this week!

We ate so much food I need to pull in double time at the gym.

We didn't shop on Black Friday....first time for me in many years. Instead the girls slept in, John went to the deer woods and I pulled out the Christmas decorations. The girls were rested, John didn't get a deer and the decorations are about a 1/4 done! I hope to be finished by Sunday.

We got ready and went to our favorite Mexican restaurant. They were excited to see the girls....and spoke spanish to Meg.

We stuffed our bellies once again and then went to the theater and saw "The Blind Side". It was SO good! It was quite long though so be prepared if you go see it. It was humorous & touching. As I was watching it I couldn't help but think of some of the children that ride my school bus....they are born into that life....it's their parents choice not theirs.....I pray for those young ones that they will be strong enough to get an education and walk away from that life and not be influenced by others to stay.

Thankful

Quilt #2

I am so far behind in sewing it isn't funny! At this point I'm just praying I get it all done by Christmas. I am good under pressure so I'm sure I will...
**fingers crossed**

I have all my strip pieces cut out...now I have to sew those together.

Here they are all laid out on my dining room table.

Here are a few strip pieces complete...waiting to be pressed and then cut again just to be sewn into a block. I thought I was making it easy on myself, with the pattern I chose, I think it's just as many steps as some of the others. Oh well, it's going to be beautiful!

I was getting frustrated with my sewing machine. It isn't a crappy sewing machine....just not as advanced as I need/want. So after losing a bidding war on a 1974 Singer model that I really, really wanted on E-bay.....I did some research on newer models and found a machine that was perfect for me! I drove to Joann's and bought her.

It's my early Christmas gift.....a gift so I can make others gifts. :~}

It's all digital.....fully automatic......it does 98 different stitches.....letter applique.....7 style button holes.....twin needles......and on and on! It came with 4 bonus feet, so I have 9 in all. I am in love! It sews so smoothly.

I'm off to sew & then this afternoon I'm going to see "New Moon"!!!

Quilting is cheap therapy.

Mongolian Beef

John & I played around with 2 different recipes and feel that we have come up with the best one for Mongolian Beef.

Mongolian Beef

1/4 cup chicken stock
3 tbsp. hot chili oil
3 tbsp. hoisin sauce
1 1/2 tbsp. oyster sauce
1 tbsp. dry sherry
2 tsp. sugar
2 tsp. soy sauce
1 tsp. crushed red pepper flakes

1 pound flank steak, thinly sliced
2 tbsp. corn starch

2 tbsp. peanut oil
2 tbsp. chopped garlic
3 bunches of green onions, cut into 2 inch pieces
1 white onion

1. Toss steak with corn starch-let sit for 10 minutes.
2.Whisk together first 8 ingredients. Set aside.

3.Heat peanut oil in Wok till hot- fry meat for 3 minutes. Remove & drain on paper towel.
4. Drain all but 1 tbsp. of oil from Wok-Add white onion, cook for 3-4 minutes then add garlic & green onions cooking another 2 minutes. Add meat & sauce....continue to stir until sauce forms a glaze (about 2 minutes)
Serve over brown steamed rice.
Enjoy

#1 Quilt Top

Quilt top #1 is finished. Thanks to my wonderful husband for helping.

I showed John how to sew the squares together.

He hasn't sewn since he got out of the military 12 years ago. He use to sew all his patches on his uniforms. I think he enjoys sewing these quilts with me. I welcome all his help. And the girls are gonna love the fact that daddy sewed some.


Also thanks to Reeses....tehehe... he is always right by me when I'm sewing.

When not in my lap he is behind me sitting cozy in the chair.

or on the table

Can you tell he is our baby?!

Here is the quilt top all pressed out. I have to buy the fabric for the quilt back. I'm contemplating on a dark or light brown. I hope to have a quilt sandwich by the weekend. For now, on to quilt #2.