Another Binkley Sister Blog

Anonymous Gift-giver

2011-05-27T23:18:00.003-04:00

When I got home from work one day last week there was an Amazon package on my front stoop.

Inside this package was a wonderful gift, a package of things I would have ordered myself...except that I didn't.

I didn't order it, Kevin didn't order it, mom didnt' order it...and there was no name on the package receipt. It had my name on the package, so I know it was meant for me, but I just don't know who to thank for it!

So to this anonymous gift-giver...

Thank you so much!

We have used and enjoyed it already...and are looking forward to all the memories we will continue to make using it!

My Wonderful Valentine

2011-02-14T22:57:00.006-05:00

My wonderful hubby of over seven and a half years!

Kevin and I with our adorable nephews!

My sweet valentine even danced with me at the wedding reception on Saturday. It must be a Valentine's weekend miracle!!

Click here to read my sister's blog and see more pictures from the weekend wedding.

Here is what my sweet Valentine did for me the weekend before.

He put new flooring in our master bath. Now I just need to find some time to caulk and paint the new baseboards and quarteround.

Sister's Night Out Fun!

2011-02-10T10:52:00.004-05:00

Tuesday evening I met two of my beautiful sisters for movie! (They graciously drove over to my side of town to meet me for a movie that was in limited release, and happened to be fairly close to me!)

We did a bit of shopping, (But I didn't spend a dime, even though I found an adorable jacket for ten dollars at TJ MAX-I am trying to get better about spending money unnecessarily...I just LOVE finding a good deal!) then headed over to the theater where the movie was showing.

We went to see From Prada to Nada. It is a modern take on Jane Austen's Sense and Sensibility. There were a TON of changes, but I think it made a nice updated version of the story. It wasn't Austen, and the acting wasn't great, but it was a cute story and it was perfect for a girls night out! (Especially since we found out Tuesday is $5 movie day at the theater we went to! Yeah Baby!!!)

Some of the changes in this movie included the fact that there was no Mrs. Dashwood or Margaret, Nora (Elinor) was very opinionated and didn't mind sharing her ideas with whoever she was around, and Mary (Marianne) was just a spoiled little rich girl with no idea of reality. There was a long lost half brother Gabriel (John Dashwood) they never knew about until at their father's funeral (who turns out he is actually a good guy, just married the wrong girl in Olivia.) We have an Edward Ferris (Edward Ferrars) brother to Olivia-their long lost brother's wife who NO ONE likes! He is a lawyer and although looks too young, apparently is pretty far up on the food chain at his job. (Where Nora gets a job to help make ends meet after their father's death.) An Aunt Aurelia, sister to their long deceased mother (kinda takes the roles of Sir John Middleton and Mrs. Jennings) who provides the girls a home when they move out of their home that Olivia has taken over since their father was actually bankrupt at his death and they couldn't afford to keep anything. Bruno (Colonel Brandon) their Aunt's neighbor (played by Wilmer Valderrama-Fez from That 70's Show!) Willoughby's character was there in the form of a teacher's assistant in one of Mary's classes who gets Mary excited about learning-because she is infatuated with him! I can't remember his character name in the movie, he was a rich foreign "hot" guy and smooth talker (turns out married man!) so was a good representation of a modern Willoughby. (Although in my opinion, Wilmer Valderrama is way hotter than this guy was!)

To make it modern, things are done a bit differently, but you still get the basic storyline from Sense and Sensibility and so I was pleased. I would say it is worth a rent for a girls night, especially if you go in not expecting too much from the acting, but a nice little happy ending story. I was glad it was only $5, but I wouldn't have been upset having paid full price for it, because it was a fun night with my sisters!

We went out for dessert after the movie at a little place called Stella's in the same center as the movie theater. We had a good time, and enjoyed our girl time...we missed Kels though, wish you could have been there!!

Austen News

2011-02-08T12:39:00.006-05:00

Although my life as been a whirlwind of work, travel, sewing, emotional roller coaster, wedding planning fun, sickness and general busy-ness I have been able to make some time for Austen lately, and have loved it!

If you remember I signed up for two reading challenges for 2011. One of them was all about Sense and Sensibility since it is the 200th anniversary of this book this year. I was able to finish my first book in that challenge last night. I read "Colonel Brandon's Diary" by Amanda Grange.

I really enjoyed it. I have been wanting to read this book for awhile, so when this challenge came up I knew it was the perfect chance to actually get around to reading it! I have Ms. Grange's other "diary" novels still on my to read list and after reading this one I am excited to read the rest! (Edmund Bertram, Mr. Knightley, Captain Wentworth, & Mr. Darcy) I think she did a great job sticking to the original story but seeing it with new eyes from the Colonel's perspective. I loved hearing more about Eliza and was very pleased with how it all turned out. I would recommend this one for sure! It was an easy read since it was written in a journal style, so that I could easily pick it up and put it down as I was able.

In other news, I am hoping to catch "From Prada to Nada" tonight with my sisters! So excited about that. It is also part of my S&S challenge!

Also, keeping with the Austen theme, here is another book I am excited to read. Jane Goes Batty by Michael Thomas Ford.

I read the first one, Jane Bites Back, last year and LOVED it!!! So I will HAVE to get this one soon!

One more Austen note...this one VERY exciting! I won a book!! I had signed up to try to win a copy of The Perfect Bride for Mr. Darcy by Mary Lydon Simonsen over at Austenesque Reviews and I won!!!

How exciting it is to be a winner! Don't worry Amazon, Barnes and Noble and Borders still get plenty of my hard earned money...but I am trying to get into the idea of using the library again. I need to learn how to budget better...but more on that later!

When a cold has taken over...

2011-02-04T12:54:00.006-05:00

Life has been a bit of a whirl-wind lately. Traveling, sewing, taking classes, working on expanding my wedding coordinating business. Life is extremely busy, but good.

Or at least it was until I couldn't really function anymore.

(image found on Google-can't remember where)

Colds have a way of taking over.

(image found on Google-greatlibraries.org)

I am functioning again, not quite at full capacity, but getting there. I have now passed my lovely cold along to my hubby and one of my sisters. (I am truly sorry, I know how miserable it is!!)

(image found on Google-weepingcherries.wordpress.com)

Of course, now that I am functioning again, it is rainy and just plain yucky out and I have about a million things to catch up on.

(Image found on Google-youngdoo.net)

Hopefully you are having a wonderful, cold-free week!

A sew night with my sisters

2011-01-31T11:53:00.007-05:00

One of my sisters and her husband are going on a mission trip with their church. To raise money they were doing a silent auction. I thought some homemade items could make some good money in an auction, so I made a baby quilt, and mom and I bought some fabric and Betsy, mom, Kels and I put together some scarfs (similar to the ones I had made for them for Christmas) and donated them all to the sale. I will have to ask Kelsey how much they ended up bringing in!

Here are some pictures from our evening together!

An Austen Giveaway

2011-01-21T15:16:00.003-05:00

Believe it or not I actually do read books other than those by Jane Austen or some Austen continuation/variation. In fact I finished this one last week. Kevin and I have read the whole series (I am a few books behind right now) and have enjoyed it. (I know it is a children book series, book they are good, clean, entertaining and a fast read so I love them!)

But back to the reason why I am posting something right now. There is a giveaway going on over at Laura's Reviews. There is an interview with the author of the book "The Perfect Bride for Mr. Darcy" and you can read Laura's book review here. I think it looks like a great read and you can get the chance at winning a copy yourself if you go check out the interview and leave a comment.

Go check it out and good luck! (If you win, you can always pass the book along to me after you finish reading it!)

In other news...I have a million things to do in the sewing room, a good amount of which needs done BEFORE tomorrow, so I will have to stop putting it off and actually get some sewing done tonight. I don't know why I do this...I really do love sewing, but I always put it off until the last second!! Maybe some sick part of me likes being stressed to the max!?!

A call for help for a good cause...and some recent sewing

2011-01-14T21:36:00.006-05:00

A blogger friend, Rene at Rene Creates, recently asked for help from any quilting friends out there for a really good cause. I put a link to her blog post on the side of my blog.

Please take a few minutes to check out her post, and the web site for the cause. Even if you aren't a quilter yourself, there are ways you can help...check out how here.

I haven't been great about sewing lately...but I did get a few things done recently.

One thing on the list was the duvet cover for our master bedroom. I have had it on my to do list for over a year...but finally got everything I needed and took the time to do it earlier this week. Here is the final product.

I also made a few bookmarks recently...

I also put together a little bit of fabric for a swap the Atlanta Modern Quilt Guild is doing this month. I got Ellen's bag of fabrics...now I have to decide what I am going to make for her.

(Also pictured is a bag of 3" squares I put together for Nicole. She is working on an amazing project...a KING sized hexigon quilt. Here is a picture of her progress so far. She shared this with us at the Jan 9th meeting.)

I also got several bags of scraps at this months meeting...my quilting friends are so good to me...sharing all their scraps with me!

I will share more pictures from our January meeting soon! (We had special guests with us this month and really had a great time!)

Snow Day 2011

2011-01-11T12:08:00.005-05:00

Well, for some reason my computer is not wanting to upload the pictures...so here are two. That is all that I have been able to get on here in the past 30 minutes...which is already more time than I wanted to spend on this since I am really wanting to go sled before all the snow melts away!

My finished NYR list on 1-11-11

2011-01-11T10:14:00.005-05:00

We have snow again here in GA, and yesterday was like a dream...I did absolutely nothing I had to do, and just played in the snow, watched a movie or two, read some...it was perfect! But now, with another day off (since several roads are still closed) I really do have to get down to business and use this time wisely and check some things off my to do list. Clean house, do some paperwork and filing, finish my NYR's list, and go sledding again!! (Yes, that is a MUST, here in GA you have to take full advantage of any and all snow fun opportunities you get!!)

Since Kevin is busy with work this morning (in a way I am sad that cell phones and internet still works during a snow day, because that means hubby still has to work!!) I thought I would get to my NYR list and make it official. A snow day seems like a perfect time to start anew. So here is my final list. I am thinking I will try to do a few at a time, I don't want to overwhelm myself and quit altogether, but I don't want to be too easy on myself either!!

1. learn better
2. live better
3. work better
4. love better
5. be better
6. eat better
7. play better
8. communicate better
9. worship better
10. organize better
11. relax better

Explanations for each of these resolutions:

1) learn better: I have always wanted to dig a little deeper into my Bible. I have done the "read thru the Bible in a year" program for awhile now, and I want to do more. I want to dig in and really examine things that I am reading, and reference people and places. I think part of the reason why Rome was my favorite stop from our trip to Europe in the Fall of 2009 was because I saw places where Peter, Paul and other early Christians had been. I felt like I was really taking a step back in time and visiting a different world. I want to do that with my Bible study program this year, I want to look up people and places when I read about them, and see where things happened. I would really love to visit some places as well, but that would be a huge surprise and blessing, not something that I really expect to do this year! I also want to be open to any and all learning experiences as I see them. Since I was homeschooled, I grew up that way, and I want to stay that way. I want to remember to take the time to make any new or interesting thing I see a learning experience. I want to be a constant student of life!

2) live better: This NYR is all about my inability to stick with an exercise program. I don't know why I hate physical exertion so much, I just do...but I don't want to be that girl anymore. (The one that hates to sweat!) I was a tomboy growing up, I enjoyed getting dirty, running, biking, hiking, etc. I want to remember the joy I used to find in these activities and try again. I want to live a long and healthy life, and I know that getting the proper amount of exercise is important! I want to be open to trying different things, until I find something (or many things) that I enjoy...and then my NYR is to actually stick with it! I want to make it a habit, instead of a chore!

3) work better: My parents raised us to do everything in life, as if we are doing it for God. Which means you should give it your all, and not just do it half-way. I feel like recently I have been distracted (by good things, but still they are a distraction if they are keeping me from what I should be doing) and not doing the thing I know I should, or at least not with my whole heart involved. I want anything and everything I do, to be done to the best of my ability. I don't want to add stress to my life, making every little thing as perfect as possible, I just mean that I will take on each and every project with joy and with my full attention. Then I will give it all I have, for the amount of time I can put aside for it. After that, I will need to just let it go and know that I have done my best.

4) love better: This one is for my husband completely. I was raised in a home full of love, and was taught to love everyone equally and with the kind of love that was shown to me by my Savior. So, of course I do want to continue to love everyone and share God's love with those around me...but this resolution is different. It is one my husband jokingly requested, but I feel like it should be a goal of mine. Since our wedding night, loving my husband has been something of a chore. Well, not loving him, but making love to him. About 2 years into our marriage, I was diagnosed with IC(PBS) and although my wonderful husband had been good to me even before then, after that time he has been even more supportive and wonderful. Sadly, you could probably count the number of times we were "together" during our first few years of marriage on your fingers and toes. It has gotten better over time, but I want it to continue to get better. After dealing with the IC issue for a few years, we decided it was time to think about adding another member to our family and started trying to get pregnant. After four years and many tries (and lots of money) we were left in exactly the same place we were at the beginning. A couple, however we have become closer through all of this, and therefore we are grateful for it. I am a strong believer in looking for the good in any situation. Now we are excited about our family growing in other ways. I love & appreciate my husband so much, and I want this to show in every way that it should. Especially since we are at the point in our lives when we are trying to become a family and not just a couple. This is when most men say their love lives go downhill...I want ours to improve. To show my wonderful husband how much I appreciate him and his support in all that we have been through.

5) be better: I am making this one an overall statement to continually try to improve myself in any and all aspects of my daily life. If I see myself doing something I am not sure why/saying something I know I shouldn't/not doing something I probably should, I want to catch myself and change my ways. All those little things can stack up and I know I can become a better person (wife, daughter, friend, employee, neighbor, stranger) if I am consciously trying to improve.

6) eat better: This one mainly has to do with my life with IC. I have been on a very restricted diet ever since I found out what I had. My life improved immensely when I changed my diet, but I know that I haven't been as good as I should about trying to introduce things back into my diet since then. When I got to a good point, I didn't want to ruin it by eating something wrong. But I can't live life in fear, so I am wanting to be better about trying new foods this year, and also balancing what I eat. When I find something I actually like, I seem to go overboard. I want to be healthy and wise in my food choices.

7) play better: I am sure this one sounds weird as a resolution, but I only have so much free time a day and I want to spend it doing things I really want to do, rather than zoning out in front of the TV. After a long day at work, I just want to cook up some dinner, watch TV, and then go to bed. Then I am sad that I didn't use that time to work on some sewing or organizing, that I know needs done, and I really want to do. I want to make better choices with my play time this year!

8) communicate better: I love to talk, but this isn't really about that...I want to be a better all around communicator. I want to listen better, and respond to emails better. Last year, I found myself overwhelmed at times, then I would forget who I had or had not spoken to, emailed, etc. I don't want that to happen again. I want to be sure that I take the time to communicate as I should and to really listen to who I am talking to, so that I am able to keep up with everything properly. I guess this really goes with my #10 NYR which is to organize better.

9) worship better: I put this one on here because I really do want to find a home church this year. I grew up being the daughter of a pastor turned missionary. So we always had a "home" in a church or home group of some sort my entire childhood. I loved learning Bible verses and cute little songs in Sunday School and VBS. As I got older, and especially once I got married, I just stopped going to church. Work and life got in the way of finding a new church base in our new home. I know the importance of meeting with fellow believers, to help encourage you in your walk and I especially miss the praise and worship time, since I grew up in a family that loves to sing. I really want to get back into the search this year, and be consistent in the search until we find a place.

10) organize better: As I mentioned in #8, being organized, in all aspects of my life, is important to me. I already try to do this, I just want to improve this, so that I hopefully don't miss something important because I wasn't organized! This goes for all aspects of my life; personal & professional! Now that my love of Wedding Coordinating is turning into something that is bringing in an income, I want to be sure that I am keeping as organized as possible, so that I don't miss out on an opportunity, or stress myself out!!

11) relax better: This is similar to the play better resolution, except this one is all about taking 15-30 minutes to do something for me that is relaxing. Paint my nails, put on makeup...just because, write a letter/email to a friend. Something that I can do to tune out of the busy-ness of life and just relax for a few minutes.

Well, there it is. Now that is is actually written down I guess that means I need to get around to it!

NYR's for 2011

2011-01-06T17:51:00.004-05:00

I haven't forgotten...

I remember I said I was going to actually make some New Years Resolutions for 2011.

In fact, I have a list going. I just don't have it all looking how I want it to yet...hopefully I will soon.

Here is a sneak peak of what I have planned:

1. learn better
2. live better
3. work better
4. love better
5. be better
6. yadda
7. yadda
8. yadda
9. etc.
10. etc.
11. etc.

You get the idea...there will be 11 things I am hoping to do or improve in my daily/weekly/monthly life during 2011!

Oh...and I have a plan for another fun list (for all you list lovers out there) that will be coming up in the middle of the year. It has to do with my age...there is a big birthday this year and I want to make the most of it!!

A New Year, Two New Reading Challenges!!

2011-01-04T15:54:00.007-05:00

Wow! 2011 is here y'all and I am ready for some new challenges.

I am planning on doing an official "New Years Resolutions" post on my goals for this year, but I wanted to go ahead and get signed up for some new reading challenges for this year and share them with you. (Plus, let's be honest, the NYR's are pretty much always the same every year...and I pretty much never stick with them!!)

The two reading challenges I am participating in this year are both Austen themed. (Let's face it, I am a HUGE Austen fan, so although I get some other reading time in, books that are continuations of Austen's beloved books are my fave!!)

The first one I am doing is called:

The Sense and Sensibility Bicenterary

It is hosted by Austenprose and here is the link to read all about it yourself.

Although, I hope to do more, I am only committing myself to be a Neophyte (meaning I will complete 1 – 4 selections within 2011)

Books and movies count, and I am planning on reading two books and watching two movies.

Books:
1) Willoughby’s Return, by Jane Odiwe
2) Colonel Brandon’s Diary, by Amanda Grange

Movies:
3) I have Found it (Kandukondain Kandukondain) 2000
4) From Prada to Nada 2011

There will be prizes given at the end of the challenge, so that makes this even more exciting, and hopefully I will be sure to actually complete the challenge since I may have a chance at winning some great prizes!!

The second reading challenge I am participating in is:

Being a Jane Austen Mystery Reading Challenge 2011

It is also hosted by Austenprose and you can find all the info here.

I will also be doing the Neophyte level (1 – 4 novels) in this challenge and I plan on reading:

1) Jane and the Unpleasantness at Scargrave Manor (1996)
2) Jane and the Madness of Lord Byron (2010)

(This may change, it will all depend on which books I can get at my local library, and how much time I have!!)

I read "Jane and the Man of the Cloth" (by Stephanie Barron) a few years ago and was always interested in reading more...now that there is an extra incentive, since I can possibly win a prize, I am really excited to read more!!

Christmas Sewing & Some Christmas Pictures

2010-12-30T11:32:00.007-05:00

I didn't really get any Christmas sewing done this year. I had great intentions of working on the quilts I had started last year, and making a new one as well...but time flew by and Christmas has come and gone without any sewing.

The only thing I finished was the mug rug I did for the AtlMQG swap in December! (Which you have already seen, but I am so proud of it...so here you are again!!)

At the very last minute I did get some Christmas presents made...a baby quilt (which I didn't get any pictures of) for a very special little girl.

I finished the Owl Quilt for my sister.

Made a camera strap cover for Betsy.

And I made scarves for my mom, sisters, mother in law and Grandma Micki. I took the basic idea I had seen online of a few different scarves and made what I wanted. (Here is one of them.)

Hope you all had a wonderful Christmas as well!! Here are a few pictures of my Christmas day.

I am very excited about 2011...I may even make some New Years Resolutions this year...keep an eye out for them. (However, I have a wedding on New Years Eve and New Years Day, so I may be a little late in getting a post up about them!!)

Oh, I also have seen a book challenge or two I want to do in 2011...even though I lost steam on this year's challenges halfway through the year, I still did a TON of reading at the beginning of the year and I am glad that I was able to get that much done. Maybe this year I will stick with it and get some books read in the later part of the year as well!! (I have plenty on my bookshelf to keep me reading for ages!!!)

Not just dreaming of a white Christmas!

2010-12-25T13:19:00.003-05:00

I don't think there has ever been snow on Christmas Day in GA, but we have it today! I would post a picture, but I can't figure out how to on my phone. (Updated with some pictures of our White Christmas...I also found out the last time it snowed on Christmas day in the ATL was in 1881!!)

I hope everyone is having a fantastic Christmas with lots of love, joy, peace, family, friends and yummy food!

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas...

2010-12-21T14:05:00.002-05:00

Happy Birthday Jane Austen!!

2010-12-16T14:43:00.003-05:00

So as I was browsing blogland today I saw this post about free ebooks in celebration of Jane Austen's birthday today! (Also here, here, and here)

Check it out if you are interested...not only are Jane's classic six books (Emma, P&P, S&S, Northanger Abbey, Mansfield Park & Persuasion) on the list, there are several Austen continuations that are there as well! I got three that I have been wanting to read...now that they are on my iphone I may actually have a better chance of getting them read, and soon! (And all for FREE in celebration of JA's 235th bday!!)

So, Happy Birthday Jane Austen!! I may have to make a cake tonight in celebration...doesn't a lovely carrot cake (or maybe zucchini) sound like the perfect way to end the day that is celebrating an amazing women and author!?!

Mary's birthday party

2010-12-15T15:27:00.009-05:00

Last Saturday my baby sister had her 23rd birthday party!!

Yikes! It is crazy to think that she is 23! (Well, technically she won't be 23 until next Wednesday, so I can stay calm for one more week!)

Here she is wearing little Emily Ann's bow (which she had left at my parent's house last weekend when she was there for Zion's birthday party. Zi, do you remember when Uncle Kevin pretended like he was going to throw you into your awesome Panda cake?
Which Zion's 5th birthday is actually today! Happy Birthday Zi!! I love you!!)

Back to Mary....she has recently become obsessed with owls, so I bought some felt and brought stuff to make little owls during her party. (Yeah, we still like to have activities at our parties like you did when you were a kid...we are cool like that!)

I think everyone had fun making them.
(Well, actually there were a few of us that did the main cutting and sewing and then everyone else joined in on the final decoration part!)

Here are a few of the final products.

One of her best friends, Kelli, made owl cupcakes...they were too cute!

And here is one of Mary's best friends Emily with her little boy Dallas...who is just adorable!!

Overall it was a great night, I didn't get home until around 2AM! It was great to see everyone, I hadn't seen Joelle since I can't remember when! (Lauren and Kristy, Thanks a million for your help with the owls! Love y'all!!)

Flowers for me!

2010-12-08T14:36:00.004-05:00

Monday night when I got home (I ran a few errands after work, so I didn't end up getting home until around 10pm)Kevin had flowers for me.

Just because.

What a sweetheart!

He has been extra loving lately. We are like those teenage couples you see at the mall who are so annoyingly glued to each other at all times.

Super random side note: If I was living a Lifetime channel movie I may need to be worried...there would only be two options for how overly sweet he has been lately. 1) he is dying and doesn't want to tell me or 2) he is cheating on me...thank goodness I am not living a Lifetime Channel movie!!

I think it is just because we have been getting closer and closer as a couple with all that we have been, and still are, going through as we try to become a family, rather than just a couple. (Or maybe it is just the cold weather we have been having...it makes us want to cuddle to keep warm!)

AtlMQG December Meeting

2010-12-06T17:26:00.007-05:00

Yesterday we had our Atlanta Modern Quilt Guild December Meeting. So I have some pictures to share.

We talked about our inspiration, welcomed another new member, Hazel, had our regular "show & tell," shared a potluck style brunch and swapped mug rugs.

It was a very full and very fun meeting.

Enjoy the pictures....

Here is my finished Mug Rug...I am so proud of myself on this one, I really went outside of my comfort zone and work extra hard on this. I love how it turned out!

Here are all the wrapped mug rugs ready to be swapped.

Here they are opened. Everyone did such a great job, they are all different! I think it was a successful and fun swap!

Here is Andi's finished "quilt as you go" quilt that she showed us the start of last month.

Here is some Christmas sewing Karin had done.

Here are Hazel and Karin's pumpkin bags they made at a class they took together.

Here is a butterfly quilt Hazel had made.

And an Italian themed quilt.

And another one...(I think I actually have some of that fabric!)

Here are two of Krystina's most recent quilt tops she put together.

Here is the progress Nicole has made on her hexagon quilt...it is coming along so fast...for hexi's that is!!

Here is Rae's Spa quilt that she has ready to quilt.

Here is Melinda's Christmas quilt she made.

Here are the first blocks (which Melinda designed) for the Tiny Stitches quilt-a-long next year. If you live in the area and want to join in, it is only $10 to start...go by Tiny Stitches for more info!

Some sewing and a small Christmas miracle

2010-12-01T17:19:00.005-05:00

I love to celebrate the little miracles in life...so let's start with the good news!

The lost Santas finally made it to their destination!!!

Yipee! I am so relieved!!

Praise God from Whom all blessings flow....(can you tell I went to a good old fashioned Christian church on Sunday that sings the doxology every Sunday. Love it!!)

Now on to the sewing.

Thanksgiving week was busy and full and then I was gone all weekend (I will try to post a few pictures later this week) so I didn't get a chance to sew until last night. I ended up finishing my Precision Piece Block,

started some Christmas trees, (maybe a runner?)

and made the mug rug top. It still needs quilted and some finishing touches to make it special and ready to be wrapped up for Sunday's meeting!

(Sorry, I am not sure why they are upside down!)

What a wonderful evening. I miss sewing when it has been awhile since I have been able to get to it!

Have a lovely Wednesday evening y'all!!

Precision Piecing Class

2010-11-23T12:44:00.007-05:00

First a little note about my Saturday. After a full morning of baking, (I made zucchini bread and chocolate chip cookies & cookie bars!) I had two wedding meetings in Cartersville. I was looking at the location (with the Brides mom) for a wedding in May, and going over some details about flowers, decor, etc at 4, then at 6 I had a meeting with a bride about final details, etc. for a Dec 31st wedding at Stonewall Manor.
As I am leaving my first meeting (with 30 minutes to spare) my car wouldn't start! This happened to me a few weeks ago, so I replaced my battery...then it happened again, but I was at work, and my boss just jumped me off and all was well. That weekend Kevin looked at it for me and said a connection was loose, he tightened it, and showed me how to and that was that.
Well, I completely forgot about the whole tightening the loose connection thing and just sat there dumbfounded and a bit angry. Then I got my act together and checked to see if I could find my jumper cables...nope they aren't in my car, great! So then I called my family (since the don't live too far away) to see if they could come jump me or pick me up, thankfully Mary was close by and came over.
However, in the meantime I looked up the second brides number to let her know I would be a few minutes late to our meeting and saw that our meeting was actually at 5, not 6!!! How did I do that, I am not sure, but I called and apologized and let her know I would be there as soon as I could, and she was sweet and said she had met with Penni and gone over most things, and was going to look around with her photographer and would see me when I got there.
Then I called Kev, who in turn yelled at me for not remembering about the tool he gave me and the whole tightening the loose connection thing (He says I am irresponsible since I forget everything, I just say I have too much going on to remember everything I am told!!)
The good news is, as Mary was pulling up, I got my car started...which means I went on to my meeting (I was super late for) and she went over and bought the HP7 (part 1) movie tickets so that Kev, Mare & I could all go see it that night after my second meeting!! (Thanks again for the tickets Mary, you're the best!!)
By the way, HP7 (part 1) was fantastic! There was a good amount of time spent setting up for the finale, but I think they did a great job at getting us some action in this film as well. As usual, there is so much missing from the book, but it still tells the story, and I am going to be waiting in anticipation for next July when the final movie will open!!

OK, now on to the point of this blog post...

Sunday I took a Precision Piecing class at Little Quilts in Marietta with a few other ladies from the AtlMQG.

Wanda was our teacher and she was fantastic! (Especially, since she didn't yell at me when I was a few minutes late to class since I had to run by Joannes and pick a few things up, and of course got stuck in a super long line, and the register I went to stopped working so we had to move to another one...which then ran out of receipt paper so I had to wait for it to reboot...on and on until I was late for class!!!)

The block we made (or at least started) was a finished 12" block made up of 9-4 1/2" blocks. (talk about some tiny pieces!)

It was from 12-5, which I thought seemed long for a class, but I didn't even finish my block! We really learned about the importance of measurements...for cutting & sewing so that your block comes out the correct size!!

I had to make 3 center blocks (which should have been the easiest block out of the 9, but I found the hardest!!) and still just had to go with the one that was the closest to being right!!

The corner blocks I didn't have as much issues with, and got all four of them done. I got to use paper templates for that, which I had never done before and thought it was pretty cool!! The last four blocks (which appeared to be the hardest looking, but turned out to be the easiest for me) went together perfectly the first time! I only got two of them sewn together, but I got it all cut, so I was close to being done!

After the class Kev and I met my cousin Sarah and her hubby Colin for dinner. They are in town for the Holidays with his family (they live in Colorado) and later my sister Betsy and her hubby Andy showed up and we all had a great visit.

Lost Santas

2010-11-21T09:23:00.003-05:00

I am nearly sick to my stomach.

Apparently my Santa Blocks have taken a wrong turn somewhere and have not arrived at their destination.

All that time spent deciding what to do and picking/creating a pattern...

getting the fabric picked out...

cutting the fabric...

sewing and ironing the fabric...

hand sewing on the little eyes and hat pom-pom...

and now they are lost somewhere out there in the mail.

I was asked if I want to just make new blocks and send them in, and I hate to be the person who didn't get their blocks in and ruined the swap, but I just don't have the energy (or the time) to do them all again!

The sewing part took an entire day, an entire day off, which is rare for me, was spent making these little guys, and now they are gone. (Because I stupidly didn't ask for tracking, I have NEVER lost anything in the mail before. It wasn't going overseas, and I sent it priority mail, so I thought it would be fine, but I was wrong!)

Now to see if I can fine the time and energy (and money) to start over and get 12 blocks made and mailed out...they are due 11/27, which seems impossible to me at this moment since every day is booked up between now and then!
If you are in my group for the swap, I am so sorry if I don't get them done, and if I do I apologize that they will be late, because I really have no idea how this is going to get done (for a second time) at all, forget on time!!

So here is my letter to the good ol' post office...

Dear post office and postal employees,

I know this is the start of a really busy season for you, but could you please look into a really important matter for me? It appears my Santas have been lost in your system somewhere. Where did you send my Santas? They were important little guys, and now they are lost. This is such an important time of year for Santa, and he can't afford to be lost in the mail right now. PLEASE find him and send him along his merry way to the address I requested. I would really appreciate it!

Many thanks and Happy Holidays,
Emilee

8 Random Questions Tag

2010-11-16T10:38:00.003-05:00

My sister tagged me...so here are my answers. I will not tag anyone else for two reasons: 1)I am not sure if I know 8 other people who blog consistently, and 2)I don't want to have to come up with 8 random questions. (Hello Ms. Lazy, how are you today!)
If I get the motivation by the time I get to the end of this post, I will type them out at the bottom and you can consider yourself tagged if you are reading this and want to respond. (Or just leave it in my comments if you don't want to do an entire blog post.)

Here are the 8 questions:

1.) What is your favorite childhood memory?
I am one of those annoying people who feel like there childhood was as perfect as could be. I could not have asked for better parents or siblings. I grew up in a home with two loving parents and 3 sisters who I still consider my best friends, so I am not sure if I could pick just one memory.
I love all of my childhood, but if I have to pick only one thing, at least at this moment, it would be living in India for three months when I was a teenager. I know that is more than one specific memory, but I can't pick one moment in time. Our lives changed forever, and for the good, in that experience. We were always close, but this made us even closer. I hope that I am able expose my children to such meaningful and amazing experiences when I become a parent.

2.) If you could have any job, what would it be, and why?
My answer is two part. I would be a part time wedding coordinator and a full time mother. I am at least part way here, hopefully the rest will come soon!!!!

3.) What is your favorite sport?
I am really not a sports person. I try to show at least some interest, for my husbands sake, but in reality, I could care less. I guess I like football, because that means Fall is here and the Holidays (my favorite time of year!) are approaching.

4.) Have you ever done something "dangerous" - and how do you define that?
For me daily life is dangerous because I am a klutz, but as far as something daring and adventurous, I am not sure. I had no fears as a child and would try anything. (Climbing just about anything and everything, plus I had no notion of strangers or danger, so I felt safe and comfortable anywhere and everywhere-which could put you in dangerous situations-thankfully I was always with someone else who would keep me from walking right into trouble!)
After breaking my back in a car accident during the summer after my freshman year in college I became a different person in many ways. One of those things that changed about me was my adventurous spirit...I became much more cautious person. (And now that I am approaching the milestone of leaving my 20's and entering my 30's I am becoming even more cautious!!)

5.) What is your favorite holiday?
Christmas, hands down. I love pretty much all of the Holidays, but Christmas is my absolute fave without a doubt!!! I love everything about it, the music, the baking, the time with family, the kindness that is felt in the air. I even enjoy the craziness at the malls and on the road, because I know that is a part of the Holiday season here in the US, so even though it can be frustrating to be stuck in traffic, I can't help but smile!

6.) When is your average bedtime?
I normally am in bed between 11-1 each night. I know that is a 2 hour window, but that is the best average I can give you. I like to be in bed by 11, but that doesn't always happen.

7.) What is your favorite song (right now)?
I don't think I have just one favorite song, but I have already started listening to Christmas music. (I know it is before Thanksgiving, but I can't help it...I love Christmas music!!!)

8.) In one word, describe yourself.
Since I am a wordy person, I am not sure if I could describe myself in one word, that would be a juxtaposition. However, if I must...I guess I would say I am

Happy

because, I really am, most of the time, a super happy gal! "I like life, life likes me"...(song from Scrooge) and another song "Happiness" (which we would always fast forward as children watching this movie, because we found it boring!)

OK, So I have answered all of the 8 random questions I was given, now lets see if I have 8 for you...

1) What is the most recent thing that made you smile?
2) What are you craving at this exact moment?
3) Is there a movie you are looking forward to watching in the next few weeks?
4) What is your favorite Thanksgiving (or any holiday) food?
5) If you could go anywhere this weekend, where would you go and why?
6) Who is the last person you said "I love you" to?
7) If you could visit any time in history what time would you choose?
8) What color are your eyes, and does anyone else in your family have the same color?

There you go...I think those are pretty good if I do say so myself!! Hope you find them interesting and random enough! If you answer them, please link it back here so I can read them. (Or just put them in my comments.)

A few projects

2010-11-11T16:38:00.008-05:00

Last month I was able to take a bit of time to do some spray painting, and I don't think I ever shared the pictures from the changes I made.

Here is the mirror, it was gold and I painted it black. (Since then I have changed my mantle decor, (I separated my tiny elephants into two different locations and just kept some books, and added some larger elephants to the mantle) but I don't know if I will get a picture of it, since it will just be changing again for the Christmas decorations soon!!)

I also painted this gold elephant lamp black and moved it from the living room to my bedside table.

Did I ever show you my finished pillows for the master bedroom? I may have, but while I am at it, here they are. (However, I want to make covers for the pillows already, along with new curtains for the bathroom and a duvet cover for our down comforter. It is about time to pull that out again!!)

I am working on framing some other artwork and changing things around in the house, I am tired of pretty much everything right now, I will try to remember to get some pictures up sometime.

While I am posting pictures...here are a few from the Masquerade/16th Birthday Party from last month.
The Birthday girl

Kels, me and Mare

Eva, dad (Gandolf) and mom (Mrs. Bennett)

Emily, me, Kels and Mare dancing the night away (We are great chaperons!!)

The entire group

Pictures from the November AtlMQG Meeting

2010-11-10T18:02:00.006-05:00

Here are a few pictures from the November Atlanta Modern Quilt Guild Meeting on Sunday, November 7th at Tiny Stitches in Marietta.

Andi's current project-a quilt as you go process-she was wanting our opinion on how to make it larger since the pattern wasn't going to make the final product as big as she wanted.

The finished Ga Textile Museum quilt top. We decided what pattern of quilting and color of thread we wanted.

Heather (a new member this month) showed us her first quilt she is working on for her daughter. She was wanting help with the binding process so she can finish it once and for all!!

Karin shared a purple quilting project she needed some inspiration to finish (I actually took it home with me to see if I have something I can trade her for it, I am in love with one of the blocks especially!!)

Kathy (another new member)shared her grandmother's quilt top that she needed help decided how to finish it. Her grandmother's birthday is in January and she wants to have it done for her by then.

Krystina shared some blocks she was working on, along with a quilt she had nearly finished and two quilt tops she had made.

Stacy showed us her current project, a quilt she is hand quilting for her niece for Christmas. (Which she is giving to her at their family Thanksgiving get together.)

Rae shared her sister's quilt that she is working on, and needed some inspiration on how to complete the layout for the quilt top/border/backing.

Nicole has become addicted to making hexi's (thanks to Andi) and so she showed us her progress so far...she plans on making a bed size quilt this way!

I didn't take this to the meeting (and you will have to turn sideways to look at it because I am too lazy to turn the picture right side up at as I am posting this) but here is a picture of what I did all day on Saturday. I made the Santa blocks for the second Holly Jolly Swap that I am doing with APP. I LOVE how they turned out!!

I think I'm in love

2010-11-04T13:51:00.003-04:00

Seriously...

This has got to be one of the greatest bikes EVER!!

Don't you just love the color and awesome bucket in the back!!

(I could totally rock this look heading to Target right up the street.)

Click on the link above or just click here to see how you can buy (or maybe even win) one yourself!!

Halloween 2010

2010-11-02T16:42:00.005-04:00

I had a busy weekend...Kev and I watched ACT 1's production of Dracula on Friday night.

I spent the night at mom and dad's because Saturday morning I had a meeting with a bride and her mother about a wedding next May (this is a mother who has two daughters getting married next year...one in May and the other in November!) I am so excited about working with this family because the daughters names are Bethany and Amelia...which is my older sister's name and one of my nicknames!! I think we were meant to work together!!

Saturday afternoon I ran a ton of errands, and spent a few minutes at one of our neighbor's Halloween party. (I didn't dress up, but Kev did-this is the one holiday he actually likes to participate in!!)
Here is Kevin with the hostess of the party, Windy.

I borrowed a little hat and broom for the photo so I could try to fit in with all the costumes!!

Sunday I finished getting things together for our neighborhood Halloween Event. It was a good turn out with some happy little princesses, Iron Mans (he was a favorite this year for sure!), Super Mario Brothers, Alice in Wonderland characters and more! The kids all looked adorable and I wore my mom's plaid shirt from the 70's with some jeans, cowboy boots and a straw cowboy hat, to feel a part of the holiday! (Sorry, I don't have any pictures to steal off fb, that is where I was hoping to grab some, like the ones in the upper portion of this post...come on neighbors-post your pictures online so I can use them!! =) Please!!)

After break down the trick-or-treating started! Kevin dressed up as Michael Myers to see if he could get some good scares in, so as I was handing out candy, he came out of the bushes by our door and scared this one kid (had to be around 10-11) so bad he just left without any candy-the other kid he was with grabbed the candy I was handing him and they ran!! So funny!! Later, Kev was just standing there in the front yard when another group came by that had a little tiny princess with them. She just walked right up to him and asked "What's your name?" So cute!!!

I woke up Monday with a sore throat and it is still with me today, so hopefully I am not getting sick!! I am just keeping a throat lozenge handy and trying not to talk unless necessary. (Which I answer phones all day at work, so this isn't working out too well, but so far it isn't worse so that is good news...it just isn't getting any better either!)

P.S. Check out my adorable nephews and sister (and crazy brother-in-law) in my sister's Halloween post! She and her friends that they went "Happy Halloweening" with gave out thank you notes!! I hope I am that great when I have kids to take trick-or-treating!! (Sounds like a lot of work to me, but it would help teach your kids about being appreciative for gifts they receive!)

Emotional Me

2010-10-28T14:59:00.015-04:00

Another week has gone by without a chance to catch you up on my daily happenings here in Emileeville.

Life continues to stay busy, and I am sorry to say I haven't been great about getting pictures and details to share with you.

The wedding on Saturday was for a wonderful couple with the sweetest families. There theme was starry night with Midnight blue and silver.

The wedding cake was actually blue velvet cake (yes, I sad BLUE velvet...such a fun idea to make it blend in with the color theme-too bad I didn't get a picture of the inside!) The groom's cake was a Coca Cola themed cheesecake since that is his thing. I always love to see what a couple does for the groom's cake!

Sunday was a sew day with the AtlMQG...of course I was lame and didn't get any pictures! I did a little bit of work on my Halloween wonky log cabin blocks that I started forever ago, but most of my time was spent working on another block for the Georgia Textile Museum quilt we are working on as a group. Here is a link to two of the other blocks I made. I ended up making five blocks for this project, but we took one of them out in the end...the pale yellow just didn't go with the rest of the blocks. I am really excited to see how this turns out...I think it is going to look great!

I have spent a few minutes working on a few sewing projects as well, nothing finished to show, but a few in progress.

Here is a moving blanket that I saw had a rip in it and discovered an amazing quilt underneath! (Now to decide how to fix it and use it!)

And here is the back for the tye-dye project I did awhile back. Now I just need to decide how to quilt it. I am thinking this would be the perfect size for a sewing machine cover.

The weather has been rainy and overcast every day this work week...(maybe that is why I am emotional-rainy weather can do that) but the good news is I think we needed the rain and it has made all the beautiful fall colors and bright green that is left on the trees and in the grass really shine through. This makes the commute to and from work beautiful each day!

I have had some highs and low emotionally these last few days-well, this whole month really. Although I wouldn't consider myself a very emotional person, I have been feeling pretty emotional lately. I find myself nearing tears more often than ever before. (Which means AT ALL, since I normally don't cry about anything except sappy commercials or a good movie!)

I am wondering if I can blame it on the fact that I am so past the point of being ready to join the league of mothers! I think the stress of being who I am, and realizing I can't just imagine this infertility problem away is trying to get me down.

I want to be that perfect little stay at home, crafting, singing, all around amazing mother and domestic diva...instead I am still the infertile working woman-pulling in overtime at one job (although being distracted the whole time), while taking on another job on the weekends, and volunteering to do anything and everything someone asks...can we see a pattern of trying to fill a void here?!? (However, don't think that I am complaining about my work or activities I love what I do (especially wedding planning) and although it means I don't have a weekend, it is so worth it! I absolutely LOVE it!! And I like being a part of things, so taking on a million and one projects isn't horrible either...I just want to be doing them with a baby happily attached to my hip in a super cute carrier.)

Obviously, my ideas of mother-hood are becoming a bit delusional. Although you couldn't tell it from what I have said so far I do realize that being a mother isn't all smiles and cooing and cuddling. I know becoming a mother isn't going to magically take all my worries away and transport me to a world of rainbows and butterflies...yet then again, it does change you into someone you weren't before, and you can't ever go back. There are the wonderful moments when you know that little person you love more than you can say, loves you back unconditionally. You can see hope in their eyes and are excited (and scared) beyond belief that you get to help this little person develop. You wonder what it is they will do with their future, who will they become? Will they fly to the moon as an astronaut, or share their passions with kids as a teacher? Will they build amazing skyscrapers as an architect, or build a loving home for their own children with their spouse?

I know that these wonderful moments are only part of the package...the other half is the many sleepless nights from baby cries to teenage/adult worries & tears that need comforted, the constant pressure of expenses from feeding, caring, clothing, educating, and entertaining their young bodies and minds, the hours upon hours spent praying for the strength to carry on after hard days of the "terrible two's tantrums" or "I don't need your help" announcements, when all you want is to hold them close and call them your baby forever...well would you listen to that...here I am dealing with emotions of letting my little ones fly to coop, when I don't even have any chicks to raise yet.

Silly,

sad,

emotional me.

Ok already, enough with the sadness...let's take this to a happier place!

I know that someday I will get the chance to be a mother, I believe it. I just really hope it is sooner rather than later. Patience is not one of my best virtues and I feel like I have been waiting such a long time already.

Whew...that feels good to get that off my chest. Sorry you had to be my sounding board.

Or maybe you were smart and just browsed this post and looked all the pretty pictures...probably something I would do! That way you just get the fun parts!

Either way, thanks for stopping by and I hope you have had a wonderful week so far.

I won a book!!

2010-10-21T12:59:00.003-04:00

If you read my blog often, well, basically if you have read it ever, you know that I love all things Austen. So when I saw a giveaway going on at Laura's Reviews had to sign up...and I actually won!!

Yeah!!!

I already got it in the mail too!!

Talk about fast service!!

(Now I just need to find the time to read it!)

It looks like a great one! Here is an interview with the author.

You can read a review on it here and here is another interview & a giveaway!!

Also...since we are talking about Austen...here is a link to AustenBlog which has a trailer up for the newest "modern take" on an Austen classic. The movie is called From Prada to Nada (in theaters Jan 2011) and is an updated version of Sense and Sensibility. I am looking forward to this one!!

Pictures from the October AtlMQG Meeting

2010-10-21T12:26:00.009-04:00

Since I am having issues getting this pictures to load unto our website...I thought I would just put them here and then put a link to this post on our website. (I am sorry I am not computer savvy enough to make this easy, so we just have to go with what I can do!!)

Here is a quilt that Beth made

Another quilt by Beth

Here is Beth's art quilt (Sorry for the reflection-it was framed!)

This is Andi's current quilt project (a quilt for her bed)

Some blocks Ellen collected in an online swap...there are some AMAZING ones in there!!

Here is a picture of the group as we are getting ready to start the meeting

Here is a pictures of Karen's most recent art quilt, and she showed us the process that she went through when putting it together. (Karen's month to lead the meeting is going to be a fun one, with tons to learn, I can feel it!!)

Here is Karen's fall table runner she made

Here is Pam's art quilt that she did for her work

Here is Krystina's quilt she made while participating in the sew-a-thon at WhipStitch. (So cute, and all made in one night!!)

Nicole's Color wheel quilt...I LOVE this and want to make one so bad!!!

Here are the other two yellow blocks I did for the Textile Museum Project

Here are all the blocks that we collected (there are a few more coming) for the Textile Museum Quilt we are doing...so excited to see how this turns out!

Beautiful Fall weather is here again!

2010-10-19T14:06:00.006-04:00

So the cooler weather has come back (With a nice warming up in the middle of the day...so pretty much the perfect weather for Fall!) and I have, as usual, been keeping crazy busy.

All I have to remember this full Fall weekend is the sniffles and a slightly sore throat (from lack of sleep and the cooler weather I wanted) and a two pictures (one of which I stole from my sister's blog)...so I will just share with you a few of the great memories I made during this event-full weekend!

I spent the night at my parents on Thursday night (and got to see my nephews and older sister who were in town visiting) then spent Friday morning helping to set up Stilesboro Academy for Hannah's 16th Birthday Party. Friday afternoon I got a few hours in at work before changing and heading into Atlanta for a good friend's 30th birthday party! (Happy Birthday Mary Beth!) I left the party early to head back up to the 'rents because my third sister was there as well, so all four Binkley girls were together at mom and dad's on Friday night! It was great! I love my sisters more than words can say and it was so wonderful to spend a night all together!

Saturday I ran some errands, finished setting up for the party, did a wedding rehearsal, and still made it back out to Stilesboro Academy in time for the big birthday party. I wish I had pictures...the set up was great, the cake was awesome, and the birthday girl was pleased with the end result so it was a great night! (I do have a close up of my costume...you can't see the full dress, but you get to see my mask, which was pretty fan-tab-ulous if you ask me! I am so glad to have a mom involved in theater so that anything I need is only a trip to the storage unit away!!) It was a late night, but worth it, and a total blast!

Sunday was the wedding day. It was a lovely Fall wedding with pumpkins and fall colors...truly beautiful and a perfect day for it! I was even out the door after clean up before 10:30 so that was nice because I was able to spend a few moments with Kev before falling asleep and starting a new work week Monday morning.

Where did the Fall weather go?

2010-10-12T12:42:00.003-04:00

Today I am willing the wonderful, cool, crisp, fall weather to come back.
It has decided to be hot here again, and I was ready for the Fall!!

Here is to the hope that pretending like it is cool weather time (I am listening to Christmas music today on Pandora, and wearing winter boots.) will trick the weather into getting cooler again!!

(Although, I did take advantage of the beautiful and warm weather on Saturday...I will share more on that later!)

Georgia Textile Museum Quilt Project

2010-10-08T12:17:00.003-04:00

I wanted to share my 12 1/2" blocks that I finished last night for the AtlMQG project we are doing for the Georgia Textile Museum, before I turn them in on Sunday.

I had fun with them, and may try to get another one (in pale yellow) done if I have the time before our meeting.

Lots going on here, even more than usual, but nothing I can talk about here. Please just keep Kev & me in your prayers-that we will have the wisdom and strength needed for whatever happens.

(I know that is annoying to ask for prayer and not say what for, I always thought when people had a prayer request they should give all the details so we would know how to pray, but I really can't on this one!! You can always call me for details if you want. I just don't think I should put them online! Sorry world wide web, I love you and all, but there is a time and place for everything...and this is not one of those things that you can be a part of!)

Fall is here...

2010-10-05T15:25:00.005-04:00

It has finally started to feel like Fall here in GA!!

The weather has cooled down and it feels wonderful!

Friday evening Kev and I went to Atlanta to watch the Braves!! It was fun, but cold!! (I had on shorts, but thankfully had a little sweater with me to at least stay kinda warm!!)

Saturday I put out our Halloween decor, took Kevin to the airport, (He is hiking the Grand Canyon and then visiting Zion National Park with his best friend from grade school!) ran a few errands, did a wedding rehearsal and then hung out (and spent the night) with Mare. (It was fun, but I have got to remember to get some sleep before I work a wedding, I was exhausted on Sunday!!)

Sunday I worked a wedding for an adorable couple: Caleb and Amy. The wedding had a Fall/Vintage theme and I loved it. (The cake toppers were two too cute owls, my sister Mary would absolutely LOVE them!!)

Monday night I worked on the quilt back for the baby quilt top I had finished Thursday night. (I didn't end up making it to the shower because I had to be at the wedding early, but I guess that is a good thing since I hadn't finished the present yet!!) Now I need to decide how I want to quilt it and deliver it to the mom-to-be!!

Another busy weekend and week....

2010-09-30T12:19:00.013-04:00

On Friday afternoon I got off work early and drove up to Cartersville to meet with Hannah and Eva as we work on the plans for her 16th birthday masquerade party. I think this is going to be a fun one!!(Check out the cool old building she is having it at! I love it!)

After that meeting I went by the civic center where they were having a quilt show (I went right as they were closing, so all I had time for was to quickly run through and get a few pictures.) There was a wide variety of styles and patterns on display. I just love quilts!!

Late Friday evening was the rehearsal and then all day was spent at Stonewall Manor for the wedding of Erin and Justin Gravitt. It was a beautiful day! (Here is their cake!)

Sunday my mom came over and we did some rearranging and clearing out of "stuff"...I still have more to do, and I need to hang some of the artwork we rearranged, but it feels good to have a change.
(Friday I found this pillow at TJ Maxx, and I wanted to buy it something fierce...but it was pretty expensive & I had already blown the budget on a gorgeous gray winter wool coat! (I will show pic's when I have the weather needed to wear it!!) I need to find some similar fabric, so I can make some pillows for our couch!)

Monday evening on my way home I saw this beauty! (It was amazing, so bright and you could see it all the way from one side to the other-with a faint double in there as well!! I had stopped at the grocery store on my way home and everyone was in awe and snapping photos with their phones! It really made me smile, not only because of the beautiful & amazing rainbow, but also because of the reaction from everyone-young and old alike-when seeing it!)

Then I worked on getting some fabric cut and sewn together for a baby quilt...I need it for a shower this weekend! Yikes! We will see if I get it done in time!!

Tuesday I went to Andi's for a "Girls night in" party and we dyed some doilies that Nicole had picked up, and did some Sharpie tye-dye. (We all got a little high off of the fumes-but it was fun!!) I did my tye-dye work on a piece of white fabric...I am not sure what I want to do with it yet..maybe a mini quilt back, or I can fussy cut out the designs and use it in a quilt!

Life...& what has been keeping me away!

2010-09-24T11:08:00.007-04:00

I don't mean to be bad at this whole blogging thing, I really do have great intentions, but apparently I just don't have enough time to get everything done that I like to think it possible!! (Just check out my wedding blog...I haven't posted ONE THING since my first post-I really have so much to say, just no time to type it up and post it!!)

Life has been keeping me really busy, with some fun times enjoying our "vacation", some long drives (see uhaul pic below), work, saying yes to even more projects that are added to my overcrowded "to do" list, fabric shopping (I just can't say no to a good deal!!), tv watching (So excited for all the Fall shows that are back-Glee, Vampire Diaries and The Big Bang Theory are my 3 favs!!) and of course weddings!! (Fall is a big wedding season!!)

I love my life, but I could really use more time-I just don't know what it is that I would give up to make more time!! I like everything that I do...and really just want to keep adding more on!! I wish I could give up some sleep, but I can't function if I don't get enough sleep, so that one can't go by the wayside!!

Over the 2nd weekend in Sept, Mom, Dad, Travis, Kevin and I drove up to Indy and back to move some of my grandparent's furniture/etc. down here since they are moving into a small apartment. (We left around 7:30AM on Saturday, and got back to C-ville and returned the Uhaul trailer by 6PM on Sunday-I think we spent as much or MORE time in the car than we did in Indy!!) (There is a too funny MIRACLE story that goes along with this weekend as well. Friday night we loaded up our living room furniture and drove it up to Kelsey & Travis' house near Chattanooga. When we got there around 11PM we saw that we were missing a couch cushion. Kev figured we just left it at our house, but I was pretty sure it was on the side of the road somewhere. There wasn't really anything we could do about it at this point, and we had to get up early the next morning and drive up to Indy, so we were just PRAYING it was at home!! Mary called us Saturday morning on her way down to Marietta and so we told her to keep an eye out for it just in case...she was in a hurry and said she wouldn't have time even if she did see it. A few minutes later she called back to say she had found the cushion!! She had seen it nearly immediately after getting off the phone and so she went back to get it. (She was on I75 mind you, so she had to go around to the other side of the Hwy to get it and then loop back around to go back the way she was needing to go!!) It truly is a miracle that she happened to call right before driving by it, so that she would know and remember to look for it, that she saw it, and that it was perfectly fine! (It spent the night on the side of the Interstate, but thankfully it didn't rain that night!) Kels sprayed it with Lysol and Fabreze so that she wouldn't be weird-ed out about using it!! Praise God for the little miracles that come our way!!

(My green fingernails!! I painted them green last weekend because green was a big part of the wedding I did last weekend at Stonewall Manor. I thought it was a nice way to blend in with the wedding!!)

Fabric scraps I stuffed into a bag from Tiny Stitches in Marietta.
(It was $5 a bag for as much as you could stuff in there of these little scraps!) I needed some yellow and brown scraps for one of those extra "to do list" projects I added recently and then just stuffed as much of the other cute fabric scraps I could in there!! I really love a good challenge!!
(I also went over to Hancock Fabrics and got some great fabric from their sale rack as well. Now I have been busy washing it all...I am not looking forward to all the ironing I now have to do!!)

Loss

2010-09-15T08:11:00.005-04:00

Yesterday evening, I found out that my husband's great aunt, who I met on our trip to Germany last year and immediately loved, unexpectedly passed away.

She was such a sweet and wonderful women, full of life and joy. She helped make me feel so comfortable when we were there, like I had been a part of her family forever!

She will be missed by many, and we send our love, thoughts and prayers to all of her immediate family dealing with this tragic loss.

Dr. Suess

2010-09-09T15:03:00.002-04:00

I sooooo want this fabric!

Isn't it too cute!?!

I can't believe it...I won!!

2010-09-09T11:20:00.003-04:00

I signed up for a giveaway over at Fat Quarterly and I won!!

WooHoo!! Robert Kaufman Fabric!!

I can't wait to get the fabric and get started on the project!!

Plus they are having another giveaway, so head on over and see if you can be the lucky winner this time!!

Busy, busy Labor Day weekend!

2010-09-08T15:09:00.003-04:00

Well, I wanted to post some pictures from our full Labor Day weekend, but I am having camera/computer connection issues...so I will just talk about it for now and hopefully post some pictures later.

I did get the baby quilt finished Thursday night and gave it to Keith on Friday morning at work. (I did the binding by machine...Let's just say that I really need to practice that process. It wasn't horrible-I didn't pick it out-but that may have had to do with the fact that I had to have it done that night!!)
Friday night after work I spent HOURS at Joannes shopping their Labor Day sales and getting some quilting/sewing goodies for my sister Kelsey. (She got a sewing machine for her birthday from Mom, Dad, Betsy and Mare!)

Saturday I met my sister Mary in Marietta Square for some shopping (they have a farmer's market on Saturday mornings, and they were having an art show) Mare ran to dance practice and I ran a few errands, then met Kevin at REI and Dick's Sporting Goods to check out their end of season sales. We each got a wet suit (on clearance) so that we can hopefully enjoy our jet skis even as the weather starts to cool down. (Since they haven't been working for the warm weather time!!) Mare met us there and we walked to Borders (I got Kevin a new Bible he thought looked interesting) then we all met the 'rents for dinner here and some more book shopping at Barnes and Noble. (I just can't get enough!!) Saturday night Kev picked up the wood I needed at Home Depot and we finally got a headboard made for our king size bed. Now we just need to get it attached to the wall! (We were up until after 2AM!)

Sunday we got up early and drove up to TN (we picked up Mare and the 'rents) and met Kelsey and Travis to go down the Hiwassee River. It was nice to have our own life jackets so that we didn't have to use their stinky ones (I always forget how nasty those things smell until I get there, and then I wonder why did I want to do this again?!?) After a run in with a huge tree branch (I think Kevin was trying to get rid of me, but I survived and came out with only a few scrapes and bruises) we made it down the river (It really is a lazy river, so we try to make obstacles for ourselves so that Kevin has fun, which is why we then got caught in the one place there was a bit of rapids and pushed under a big tree growing over the river and I, being in the front, got the tree branch in the arm-thankfully I did get down flat so that I didn't get it in the face!!) and helped Kelsey and Travis load up their canoe and went to their house for a cookout and to celebrate Kelsey's birthday.
After dinner we helped her work on the final design placement of the blocks for the quilt she is working on for Travis. (It was funny when she told me about the fabric for this quilt because I bought some of the same fabric as well ages ago, but I haven't made anything with mine yet!!) That was a fun day, but it was another late night since it is a long drive home from Ringold!!)

Monday we got to sleep in a little bit, but then we were up and getting everything together to go out on the jet skis. We were able to spend about 2 hours on the water and with no major issues! What a relief!! It was so much fun!! Then we went over to Kevin's mom's house for dinner and a nice visit. (And we ended up playing canasta, I didn't do very well, but that is a fun game!!

Tuesday morning came too fast and I was not ready for work, but work was ready for me, so now we are back to the regular daily schedule after a full and fun long weekend! (Although I am working the early shift all this week and next since my boss is out of town, so maybe I will actually get out and hike a couple times over the next week or two and try to get my energy level back up...I am tired all the time lately!!)

I hope to get some pictures on here soon!

A baby quilt

2010-09-02T13:43:00.003-04:00

I did the quilting on another baby quilt earlier this week. (I am thinking baby Ava will get this one. She is one of my co-workers brand new little grand-daughter! She is so tiny-she was quite early-but is at home now and growing every day.)

Now I just need to get the binding ready and sewn on. (Hand sewing the binding down is a love/hate thing for me. I really enjoy doing the work by hand, but my neck and back are always killing me when I finish because I slump over while I am working on it-and I pretty much always end up drawing blood or scratching myself pretty bad on the pins holding it all in place!) I think my goal is to do that part tonight when I get home from work so that I can get it to Keith tomorrow before the long weekend.

My body is actually already sore today (so this may not be a realistic goal to get that quilt binding done) since I ACTUALLY exercised yesterday!! I think it has been literally 6 months since I have done ANY form of physical activity that would produce sweat!! (Scary, I know!!) My mountain walking partner text me on Tuesday night, and so we hiked Kennesaw Mountain yesterday after work. It was wonderful and miserable at the same time! I really can't let myself get that out of shape...I thought I was going to black out for a moment near the top when I got light headed and super short of breath! She is doing a 5k run the first Sunday of next month, so I think I am going to have to see about joining in on that and so it will keep me motivated to keep exercising and get into better shape!

The Flag Quilt is Finished

2010-08-31T14:16:00.007-04:00

I did all the hand sewing of the binding yesterday when I got home. It took pretty much all night...I went upstairs to read in bed for awhile when I finished it and fell asleep instead!!

I love how it turned out. A part of me wishes I would have had time to hand quilt it, I love the look of hand quilting-especially in a quilt with "country" style fabric, but I still love it and am quite proud of myself for how quickly I was able to get this project turned around. (I have OVER a week to spare from when it HAD to be completed by!)

I hope G&G Binks like it! After I finished it Kevin asked if I was sad to give it away, I am a HUGE fan of all things Red, White and Blue, but I am excited to give it to someone else who loves RW&B nearly as much as me!

In other news...here is some more fabric I recently picked up.

I am in LOVE with this animal print! Isn't it adorable!?! I am going to try a pattern similar to this one from Allison Harris at Cluck Cluck Sew.

I just love picking out beautiful new groups of fabric and dreaming up wonderful ways to use them...now I just have to work on actually getting some of these projects done!!

Weekend sewing

2010-08-30T14:18:00.009-04:00

My weekend was busy (as usual) but really fun!!

I finally got to visit with my fried Rachel and meet her little boy Jonah! He is four months old already and an adorable little guy! (With some scrumptious little rolls in his arms and legs-I love it-too cute!!) It was great to catch up with her (and her mom) for a couple hours.

Then I got some info I needed from Stonewall Manor and saw everyone. They were catering a reception at the Booth Museum in Cartersville. I wish I could have been a part of that one, I haven't been inside that museum yet! I've got three weddings coming up in September, so it is time to get to work on the details of these and make sure the brides are ready for their big day!

I did some shopping and errands and did some sewing that night when I got home. (Kevin spent the afternoon and evening out. He had worked on the Jet Skis and so he took them out on the lake with Tim and they seem to be doing better...still not where they should be...but at least both of them were actually running!!)

Sunday morning I went to my first ever sewing class. It was at Tiny Stitches in Marietta. It was the first class that the AtlMQG set up and we had a pretty good turn out. It was fun sewing with everyone and although I didn't get a block completed, I was working on several at a time, so I have a few blocks in different stages.

Melinda taught the class...she is showing off one of her amazing quilts here:

Here is my start...

moving right along...

My messy work station! (That awesome half cutting board/half ironing board is one of my purchases from Saturday...I had a Michaels coupon so I picked it up! It was nice to have it right there at my station where I was sewing!)

My fabric (I picked it up the night before...I decided to go with a fun Halloween theme for this project!)

Some of the scraps from today's class-I sifted through these and took a bunch home!! I just love scraps!!

I also got some FANTABULOUS scraps from Nicole!
I LOVE them and I am so exited to work with them!!

Mary came over to hang out Sunday afternoon and we watched some movies, visited, sewed and had a great time together just chilling!

Here is the owl quilt I am making for her from all the blocks I got in the owl swap I did.

And here is my flag quilt I am making for G&G Binks. It is almost finished! All I have to do is hand sew down the binding and I am done!! Yipee!! I hope they like it! It is one of the biggest quilts I have ever made...even Kevin was impressed with this one!

A Quilt Giveaway!

2010-08-25T21:36:00.003-04:00

Wow! I can't believe how generous this lady is! She is actually GIVING AWAY one of her hand-made quilts online!

How sweet is that!?!
Her blog is called Craftopotamus! (So cute!!)
Check her out here and you can have a chance at winning it as well!

2010-08-24T12:11:00.003-04:00

I wasn't home much this weekend.
Saturday we decided to drive up to North Georgia and look at a few mountain homes. It has been a dream of mine to own a lake or mountain home for a long time...so we thought we would see what was out there with the market being in the slump that it is right now!) Kevin's mom went with us, and then we all went to my parents for dinner so it was a full day, but I really loved one of the properties we looked at! It is super cabiny (do you like my made up word there?) and has a homey feel to it. (A tin roof and everything!!) So cute! We will see if the dream becomes a reality or not...purchasing a second home is a HUGE decision so we will have to think long and hard on this one!! (But wouldn't it be so much fun to decorate!?!)

Sunday we took the jet skis out...one of them was working great, until we hit the major wake from a boat...then it decided it didn't want to get to full power anymore...the second one (the one that hasn't worked since we bought it) still wasn't working properly...at least it started-that is an improvement! We did still have fun being out on the lake together and just took turns on the one that was working better!
(I am trying to decide it I want to write the name of the place we bought these at on here. A big part of me wants to write about how corrupt they are everywhere I can...I feel it is my responsibility to warn others about their lack of a moral compass-tricking the unsuspecting (those who are not knowledgeable in the mechanics of jet skis) into buying CRAP...but I don't want to do it while I am feeling angry, because then it will just sound rude. (ie: see what I just said...so NOT me to be so hateful...I probably should just delete this post!)

On to other news:
Here is a look at what I did end up finding time for in the sewing room over the weekend...I started the quilting on my flag quilt! The photo shows the seam ripping action going on when I tried to "guesstimate" a straight line...(Really what was I thinking?)...after one line I quickly learned my lesson and used some blue painters tape to help make actual straight lines, or at least as straight I as I am going to be able to get them with my patience level! I got a few lines done, but have a long ways to go still. This is a pretty big quilt for me since I normally just do small baby quilts! (Machine quilting it may be a challenge since it is bigger, but so far it is still small enough that I haven't had any issues with it in my small machine!) I only have a few weeks to get it quilted because I want to give to to G&G Binks when we go up to Indy on the Sept 10-12 weekend. (They are moving and it is my housewarming gift for them.)

A bit of sewing

2010-08-19T13:18:00.005-04:00

I got the chance to spend a little bit of time cutting and sewing earlier this week. (Although most of my time was spent looking through my fabric stash and sewing books/magazines dreaming about the projects I would like to take on!!)

Here is a peek at what I was working on...

*ADDED NOTE*
I have done this quilt a few times lately, which is from this amazing quilter, and have never put the white border between the "waves" in it. I think I would like to try it that way...here are some others who have done it properly, and it looks so great...I guess I am just too lazy to cut and sew all those extra pieces!!

New Dress A Day

2010-08-18T12:43:00.003-04:00

I was going to check my email at yahoo this morning, when I saw an article I had to read!

Check this out!!

I LOVE it!!

Marisa is amazing!!

I have added a link to her blog on my sidebar! What a fun and creative challenge! You go girl!!

Be sure to check it out, some of her re-creations are absolutely fab!!

Vacation all I ever wanted...

2010-08-17T13:18:00.005-04:00

Since Kev decided to spend our vacation money (plus some) on these...

(Which we bought used and so far still haven't gotten one of them working-it has been over a month-so frustrating!!!) We didn't really have money to spend on a vacation this Summer. Therefore, we decided to spend a few days camping at St. Andrews Park in PC Beach, Florida. ($28 a night, can't beat that price for a beach stay!!)

It was perfect! Time to escape from the rest of the world and sleep, read, play in the ocean and spend time together. I didn't take but a few pictures, and none of the beach (sorry!) but here are a few of how we spent our time!

On the trip down I quilted my mini quilt for the Mini Quilt Challenge from the Atlanta Modern Quilt Guild. (I love it!!-I will have more pictures soon, because I got the binding sewn on last night and I think it looks pretty good if I do say so myself!!)

We did a bit of shopping (and Kevin bought me new "nice" sunglasses-I don't think I have ever owned a pair of sunglasses that cost more than $10-and that was when I was spending the big bucks too!! Most of my sunglasses have come from the dollar store!!) I will have to be extra careful that I don't drop these in the toilet. (That is how a lot of my sunglasses have been retired. I put them on my head when I go inside and then they slide off into the toilet when I am putting down paper at a public restroom! Oops!!)

One of the places at Pier Park we saw was the Beer Garden, which reminded us of our wonderful trip to Germany last Fall!!

Kev ate at this BBQ place that had this too cute pig out front that I had to get a picture with!!

Mini Quilt Challenge

2010-08-06T10:44:00.004-04:00

At our July 10th AtlMQG meeting at Whipstitch we were given a new challenge.

It is to make a mini quilt by our Sept 12th meeting, which will then be put on display at the store.

What an exciting challenge!! I am a bit nervous though...that means, a little piece of me and my artistic expression with fabric will be hanging up for all to see right next to some other amazing artists work.

I have never made a mini quilt before, but I have been seeing them online in the blogging world a lot lately. So the question is what to do? Wednesday evening I finally set down with some scraps I had organized (from some recent projects I had made, or cut out to make) and starting sewing whatever came to mind. It was so relaxing, and exciting all in one!!

Here is what I have so far...now to find the time to finish this up so that I can get to work quilting it. I am really excited about my plan for the quilting!!

My wedding blog...

2010-08-02T18:58:00.003-04:00

I started another blog this evening.

This one will be for my wedding coordinating information.

I have just set it up, so it is a little bare at the moment, but if you want to check it out...please do!

It can be found at EventswithEmilee.blogspot.com

This made me smile

2010-07-29T07:05:00.004-04:00

My husband is a big fan of this stuff.So when NPR did a report on a museum dedicated to it...I had to smile and thought I should save a link to the site, just in case we are ever in that area of the country, we will have to stop by! Plus I will have to tell Kevin about August 7th!!

In other news...we were without water for awhile because of a crack in one of our pipes.
I had to brush my teeth and wash my face with bottled water. It was kinda like camping...except you were able to sleep in your own bed!
Let's just say I truly do appreciate the comforts of having clean running water coming into my home!! You don't realize how much you use that nice clean running water...until you have to cut it off! We did turn it on in the evening so that we could take a quick shower and flush the toilet!) Thankfully we aren't normally home all that much anyhow. Still it was weird to not have running water readily available!
After the pipe was fixed yesterday evening we did three loads of laundry (Which my older sister is going to say that is probably what she does every day, but we are just a couple with no kids or pets, so laundry isn't an everyday occurrence in our house!)

Also, I have been dreaming up some great quilting plans in my head...hopefully I will get the time to get some done soon! (However, I have a super busy weekend ahead...so probably not for awhile!!)

A little update on life in Emileeville...(sorry no pictures)

2010-07-20T13:52:00.004-04:00

I have been carving out time in my schedule to fit in a bit of sewing lately.
(I made 5 pillow covers for Mary's futon on Friday night when I spent the night there after the wedding rehearsal...and one more on Sunday at the AtlMQG sewing day at Rae's.)

I had been really missing it....

However...

this means that something else had to fall by the wayside
(So that I could have time to sew!)

Most of my reading time was already on the "I'll get back to that when I have a vacation" pile yet somehow I cut it out even more and got even further behind in what I was supposed to be getting read this summer. (Sorry Mary, I am a horrible book club person!! I am ready for chapter 5...we are supposed to be through chapter 10 by tonight's meeting...which I am skipping!)
And I can't seem to catch up on my daily bible reading. (It's not really that hard, if you're behind you can't just keep reading one day's worth and then miraculously be caught up!!!)

Blogging (at least regularly) appears to be another casualty in this Summer schedule of mine!

Also, I still haven't met my friend's new baby (I am not sure if you read this, but in case you do I am really trying to work something out Rachel, I do love you and I am really wanting to meet little Jonah!) or one of my sister's best friend's new little guy. (Who actually lives super close to me...and yet I still haven't met him either!!)

In all honesty Kevin and I haven't seen a ton of each other since the Summer began...and I think he was getting a bit jealous of all the other things that have been keeping me away, but we are getting better about making the most of what little time we do have together with our busy schedules!! (And we are one of those couples that are normally just as happy apart doing our own thing as we are when we're together-but we were seeing THAT little of each other!!)

Kev is keeping himself busy working on our "vacation" (more about that later) and I am finishing up things with the youth theater group (the play is at the end of this month) and more weddings...of course!
I had another wedding at Stonewall Manor this weekend and met a new photographer that was fun to work with. His wife is out on maternity leave, but his temporary helper, Kat was super nice as well...(I should probably hold off judgment on how nice they really were until I see if they actually did ERASE all those pictures of me dancing Cupid's Shuffle...)

I am REALLY excited about the plans for this Sunday! One of my lifelong friends is home for a few weeks this month (she lives in Hawaii right now) along with her sister (who lives in England) so my sisters and I, along with another set of sisters that we have known since we were little, are all getting together while everyone is in town! (Actually I think we will be missing two girls, Lauren and Betsy, but otherwise it will be an Aschmann, Binkley, Monson girl reunion!!) I am sure we will have a blast hanging out and catching up!!

Keeping busy and getting older...

2010-07-14T10:04:00.006-04:00

Last week I celebrated my 29th birthday!
I've started my last year in my twenties...wow!!

Over the 4th we celebrated with our families with swimming, cooking out, some wave runner action, of course fireworks, and I even ate some of the yummy birthday cake my MIL Barbara made for me!!
(I didn't feel too terrible afterward...so it was worth it for sure!!)

Jan (one of my co-workers) bought me the lov-er-ly flowers for my birthday...I couldn't have picked out flowers that were more "me" myself!!

I finally found a little time to sew and put together my flag quilt top.

(It has been on the project list for awhile!!)

I really like how it turned out!
(Now to just find the time to get it quilted before September! I am wanting to give it to my grandparents as a housewarming gift when they move into their new apartment!)

I got some goodies in the mail from my good friend Amazon.
(Who I must say I LOVE right now!! One of the items was missing from the original package, I was panicked that I was going to be out of luck, but when I contacted customer service they got back to me within an hour and sent another one next day!! I really love Amazon!!)

Kevin's birthday gift to me was 2 tickets to see The Phantom of the Opera at the Fox Theater.
My MIL Barbara and I went on Thursday night. (My actual birthday.)
It was fantastic!!

I finally got around to mailing out a package to my dear friend Abby. She moved into a new place awhile back, and I have been meaning to send something her way for ages!

Saturday we had our AMQG meeting at Whipstich.
(We had two new members come and I actually met a third new member, who joined in June while I was away!)

(And I did a bit of shopping...bad me, but I just can't help it when there is so much beautiful fabric all around me!!)

Chicago (Part 3)

2010-07-07T15:14:00.015-04:00

Here are a few pictures from Mary's camera from our wandering around Chicago!

We love to get pictures with random sculpture.
(The moose reminds me of my summer in Norway!)

These street performers were fun and had some mad skills. You should see the video Mare got on her camera...I will see if I can figure out how to post that!

Here is that weird fountain-thingy in the park.

Now on to the wedding pictures...

Mom and I, dressed up and ready to head to the wedding!I LOVE this shot of Mare and me!
We are on the double deck bus they had for us to go from the hotel to the church.
(The tour-guide on the bus was entertaining us on the way over by asking some questions, and made fun of Mare & me for shopping at not one, but TWO Payless shoestores while we were staying right next to the famous shopping on Michigan Avenue!!)(I didn't realize my camera was zoomed in, but I think this is actually a fun picture!)Dad on the bus, with the Knickerbocker in the background.
(This was where we stayed, it was CRAZY expensive, but it was nice to be right there where the reception site was!)
The wedding party got to ride on a trolley!!

The Beautiful ChurchGoofing around while waiting out front
(the ceremony was in-between to Mass services, so we had to wait for it to let out before we could go in, and there were people ready to go in for the next service while we were coming out after the ceremony)
The amazing details inside the church (reminded me of our trip to Europe)The Wedding Party at the alterMare and I decided to walk back to the hotel after the ceremony
(and stopped for a bit of shopping as well!!)The reception Hall at the Millennium Knickerbocker.The tables (there were 18, plus a big one for the wedding party!)The place settingI made a bracelet out of the ribbon on the chocolates (which Mare ate right away because it was already 8:30 at this point...9:30 at home) and the flower from my napkin!Mare and I at our tableMom and DadThe Cake (there were two flavors, white and carrot cake...yum yum!!)Couple's first dance...her dress was custom made!!!Marcia and Mom!Me and Ellie (Elizabeth's little bundle of joy!)Elizabeth and meThe dinner (served around 10:30-11:30 our time)The walls were mirrors....Mare and I had fun with this!On the dance floor!Me, Christina & Mary

Chicago (Part 2)

2010-07-02T14:51:00.009-04:00

We tried to spend our 24 hours in Chicago wisely, and after checking into the hotel we set out for some lunch, shopping and touristy fun!

After eating pizza at the suggested famous eatery (it looked DELISH!!)We headed out to find a map (I am my father's daughter, and love to be the "map" girl!!) and see some sights.

The main thing mom wanted to see was the American Girl Company Store, so we all went there first, then after browsing for awhile (and picking out everything I am going to want my little girls to have someday-because I am positive I WILL have little girls someday!!) Mare and I split off from mom and dad and did some sightseeing on our own. Here is a picture over view of our afternoon...(well, from my phone, Mare took some great pics, but she hasn't emailed them to me yet!)

Can you find Mare & me in this picture?This was taken after Mare and I had walked 10 blocks in the wrong direction-not because we were lost (hello, queen of maps here), but so that we could get to another Payless and pick up a pair of cute sandals that were on sale...yeah, we are Binkley's!! We go to Michigan Avenue in Chicago and shop at not one but TWO Payless Shoestores! (Bargain shopping is what we do!!)

SYTYCD

2010-07-01T12:26:00.002-04:00

We interrupt your regular programming for this

You MUST check out this video!

It is no secret that I LOVE SYTYCD,
and this was a FANTABULOUS performance!

This one was good to!

Y'all go check it out now. I'm serious, you will not be disappointed!

(I will write more about our Chicago trip soon, but I had to post this ASAP!!)

Chicago (Part 1)

2010-06-30T11:28:00.006-04:00

Last weekend Mom, Dad, Mare & I drove
(yes, I said DROVE)
up to Chicago for a wedding.
(We were in the city for 24 hours!! Basically 24 hours of driving for 24 hours in Chicago!!)
It was for my mom's best friend (since she was a teenager) Marcia's son.
It was another weekend FULL of driving...but it was FUN!
I tried to catch up on my Bible reading...
(I have gotten a bit behind schedule the past few weeks!)
I listed to some tunes...and slept...when Sleeping Beauty wasn't hogging the seat!!
I loved passing all the farms, neat old barns and homes, etc. Somehow I didn't end up with any pictures except of the Windmill farm we passed!We got off work early on Friday and made it up to G&G Binkley's in Indianapolis to catch some ZZZ's. Then we got up and going early on Saturday morning and drove into Chicago!!
(I have only been to Chicago once before, and that was to meet Marcia, and two of her daughter's, for a girls weekend. That was also during Taste of Chicago-which was going on again...and will be until 7/4!! I love it...more to come about our 24 hours in Chicago soon!!)I also finished this lovely book over the weekend. I would recommend it for sure! It is a tearjerker, but it is good!!

On the road again...(I'll try to update soon!)

2010-06-25T14:13:00.004-04:00

Weekend at the lake house

2010-06-21T14:51:00.007-04:00

Actually, let me make that phrase more accurate...

21 hours at the lake house.

(With about 13 hours on the road!!)
Mom, Mare, Kev & I drove up to my Aunt Jan and Uncle Ron's lake house in Kentucky Saturday afternoon. (We left around 2pm on Saturday and got up there around 9ish.)

Once we got in we had a late dinner and stayed up until after 1AM visiting.

Sunday (which was Father's day, but our daddy is in India, so instead we spent the day with our Aunt and Uncle) we got up and going (well, it was early for Kevin as least!) and got to spend the day out on their boat. Kev, Ron and Mare went out on the jet ski's also...mom, Jan and I stayed inside at that point to visit some more-and because mom and I were already BURNT! Why is it that I always seem to get burnt these days? (If I get the chance to get in the sun at all that is...most of the time I am just whiter-than-white!!)

Here are a few pictures from our time on the lake!

Mare & Mom-so cute in her Brazilian hat!!
Mary skiing!
Uncle Ron-the captain!!
Kevin tubing
Me skiing
(It has been awhile...I can feel it today!!)
I think Kev was trying to get us killed when Mare and I were tubing, you can see how the story goes...

We start off smiling
still having fun at this point...
starting to get thrown around some, but still smiling...
AHHHHH!!!!
OK, really you can slow down now...

OMG we are going to die...
Mare help me I am holding on for dear life here...

I think Kev enjoyed this WAY too much...he was at the back of the boat-watching us and laughing his butt off the entire time!!! (I hope he enjoyed the laugh-fest while it lasted because when Kevin's turn came...the tube (and Kevin) flipped over twice and then he flew off!! Too funny!!)

7 Years

2010-06-18T14:29:00.003-04:00

Monday was our 7th wedding anniversary!
7 years!!
We just went super low key this year, with a quiet evening at home together after work. (Although I think we should have gone all out, we have made it past the 7 year itch mark, that is something to celebrate right!?!)
These (and all pictures above) are the lovely flowers Kev brought home to me.

Mr. & Mrs. Scott Hardin

2010-06-14T01:04:00.005-04:00

I need to get to bed, since I have to be up in a few hours for work, but I wanted to share a shot or two of what Kev and I were up to this weekend.

I was the wedding coordinator for our "sister" Kelli's wedding this weekend and Kevin did the photography.

(Picture of us in action stolen from Aubrey's facebook page...Thanks!)

What a gorgeous bride

and a handsome groom.

They make such a fantastic couple!

It was a pleasure to be a part of their special day! We love you and are so exicted for you as you start your new life together as husband and wife!

(Now we just need to get to work editing all the pictures. Hopefully we will be able to get to it soon so we can get the pictures to the happy new couple!!)

Party fun

2010-06-08T17:12:00.010-04:00

I didn't work this weekend, but I kept myself really busy!

Saturday afternoon (into evening) we went to a triple-celebration birthday party for Betsy, Canaan and Ani at Dane and Ellen's.
Mare came home with me that night and helped me prepare for the Shower we hosted for Kelli Sunday afternoon.
Then the whole family came over and we went to Lance's wedding. (It was weird being at a wedding that I wasn't working at...I kept thinking about everything that needed to be done next!) It was at a really quaint place in Douglasville. I would love to work there...such a beautiful setting!Hope you had a wonderful weekend as well!

I miss sewing...

2010-06-03T12:45:00.003-04:00

I am having so much fun working every weekend.Weddings truly are my passion and I love every

stressful,
musical,
crowded,
blissful,
busy,
memorable,
overwhelming,
beautiful
minute of it...

but now that all my free time is spent on weddings
(and the youth summer play I am helping with)
I miss sewing.

I see some of the beautiful things being made in blogland...
or sneak a peak into my sewing room closet full of yummy fabrics
and I want to stay and play.

But, sleep
(or zoning out with Criminal Minds on)
calls to me louder
and I slip off to my pillow-filled bed
and rest my tired feet and mind with some zzz's.

It's good to see you smile...

2010-05-27T12:05:00.004-04:00

This is what my sweet hubby whispered in my ear this morning when I hugged him goodbye as we were each heading off to work.

We had been talking about yesterdays bible reading, the news, etc. (our regular morning discussions as we are getting ready) and I guess something made me smile.

Apparently, it has been awhile since I smiled. That would mean it has been quite noticeable that I haven't been myself as of late. But thanks to all your encouraging words, heartfelt prayers, and a thoughtful gift from my Mr. last night, I feel like I am starting to be myself again.

Here is what Kev came home with last night.He said when he saw it, he knew I would want to read it since I loved Little Women so much.
(He also said it would be better than what I am reading right now...I started Wuthering Heights-I am only 2-3 chapters into it so far, I find myself too tired to read at night lately!)

How did I get blessed with such a thoughtful guy!?!

Last weekend's wedding was wonderful,
the play tryouts were fantastic,
this week is full again...
I have play practice tonight,
and two weddings this weekend,
so I may not have a chance to write again for awhile....

Therefore,

before another moment goes by I wanted to say

Thanks

for all your sweet and encouraging words of wisdom and your prayers!

It has been felt by me, and I know that I am blessed to have you all in my life!

You are all so wonderful!!

(P.S. check out this post, it is an encouraging read!)

Something is not right...

2010-05-21T14:24:00.002-04:00

Something's very wrong!

(I used to love reading Madeline books, I even remember watching a Madeline cartoon that had this song at one point, I think the nun sings/says it when Madeline is sick in the night or something, that comes into my head every time I think/say "something is not right!")

I am not normally an emotional person.

Just ask anyone who knows me, and they will tell you. I am pretty much happy all the time, and I don't really get emotional about anything. (Except Hallmark and Publix holiday commercials, those things bring tears to my eyes every time!!)

Along with the fact that I don't really get emotional about things, if I do get upset about something, I am over it in about 0.2 seconds and forget about the entire matter in another 3.

So lately, my tendency to get overwhelmed/frustrated/annoyed is getting to me.

What is my deal?

I am like a ticking time bomb at work, and

every

little

thing

annoys the heck out of me.

I feel like I am constantly overwhelmed.

This morning on my way into work I nearly cried, and after getting there I had a minor melt-down (luckily it was witnessed only by my dad) because of a simple matter.

I don't like being that girl who is so easily annoyed/angry. The only thing that used to annoy me (and more in a funny ha ha that's annoying kind of way) was when other people were so easily upset!

As I was thinking about this a bit more today here is what I came up with...

I think it is all finally getting to me:

So I have IC...no big deal...change my diet, deal with the issues, laugh it off or just ignore it whenever possible...

Still happy-go-lucky me!

So I have PCOS...no big deal...spend a ton of money, while exposing myself to more people than anyone should, have everyone you know pray for you, just try forgetting all about it for awhile and living life to the fullest...

Still happy-go-lucky me!

Fill my schedule WAY TOO FULL, have a few bad days (IC-wise), come to the realization that although we are over 4 years into this reality, I am still no closer to being able to do to what every women naturally is supposed to be able to do (I am pretty much a failure as a women!), and you get...

Overwhelmed-easily annoyed-tired all the time me!

I want the happy-go-lucky me back!

I miss her.

Wedding Fever

2010-05-18T11:39:00.002-04:00

Lately I feel like I eat, sleep, and breath weddings.

I LOVE it, but it can get a bit overwhelming.

I feel bad for Kevin, I can barely get anything done around the house (Kev had to do most of the cleaning over the weekend) because I am gone all the time. (This last weekend it was actually for tryouts for the play I am helping with this summer. ) When I do have a spare moment, all I want to do is zone out in front of the tube.

Which brings me to my latest obsession...

Criminal Minds.

Does anyone else watch this show?

I don't know why, but I love this show!

I especially like Matthew Gray Gubler's character, Dr. Spencer Reid.

I only recently found it and Kevin is getting worried about the amount of time I have spent watching this show over the past two weeks. But there are years and years that I have missed that I need to catch up on!! (And I just read when I was finding a link for this post that it is on three nights a week on A&E!!)

In other news...Mom took Kels and I out to see "Letters to Juliet" last night.
I was so sweet, and I loved the girl time!! (Thanks marmee!!)

Graduation Day

2010-05-13T16:04:00.004-04:00

My sister Kelsey is graduating from KSU today.

I am so proud of her.

College was not an easy road for her, she ended up going to several different schools, and was interrupted by a one year stay in Africa when she first got married, but she came back and got to work and finished her degree with top honors.

(Magna Cum Laude-way to go Kels!!)

I have been so busy with weddings lately I haven't really done much sewing, (and I am missing it!) but I did spend my evening in the sewing room last night and made something for my little sis.
I purchased this fabric online ages ago. Kels collects license plates...I knew I had to have it and make something for her as soon as I saw it!Congrats Kelsey!

Writing Jane Austen

2010-05-11T11:21:00.003-04:00

I finished my new book yesterday evening when I got home from work.
I had started it earlier last week, but I was so exhausted when I got home from work every day last week, and had a wedding Saturday evening, so I was only able to get a few chapters into the book until Sunday, when I was able to get some nice reading time in. (I read in the car while Kev & I went to visit his mom and grandma, and then later met my mom, dad, sister, brother in law & one of their friends to watch Iron Man 2.) I was up late Sunday night reading away, but had to put it down since Monday morning's work alarm was quickly approaching.

It was a nice read, fairly quick and easy. It was the first book from Elizabeth Aston (at least that I have read) that was set in modern times.

It is about a young American author, living in London, that has to take a job that her agent gets for her, even though she REALLY doesn't want to take it, because she needs the money to be able to stay in London. She has been hired to finish a book that was supposedly started by Jane Austen and had been lost all this time.

The book could have been longer in my opinion, I wanted to get to know the characters a bit more, however the book only covers a small time-frame, because that is all the young author has to finish this commission, and so we follow along with her as she takes on this challenge she is in denial about.

I don't think I liked it as much as the 6 Darcy books that Aston has written, but it was cute and light and easy. (Which I love...especially after the last one I read, which was quite a different story altogether!) I am (obvi o us ly) not one that has any problem with all the Austen spin-offs. In this book the author is doing a ton of research on Austen and meets some of the wide variety of Austen fans along the way. I enjoyed that. Someday I would like to make a trip to England and visit some of the spots that Jane Austen lived and wrote.

Catching my breath!

2010-05-06T15:23:00.004-04:00

I have finally done it.

I knew that this would happen eventually...

I pretty much always say yes to everything.

It is as if I don't know how to say no.

Now I have reached a point where I think I have officially overwhelmed myself.

I like to stay busy, but I think I may have pushed the envelope a little too much.
(And my weekly responsibilities haven't even all started yet!)

It is CRAZY busy as work (like I just want to quit busy-but that is better than being slow-it is just that I can feel the stress pushing down on me constantly and it wears me out!)

Wedding season has begun, which means most weekends are full.
(Don't get me wrong, I am not complaining, I absolutely LOVE it, I am just tired from being so busy!! Or maybe I am getting OLD!!)

Starting next weekend, I will also have play tryouts/practice/etc. twice a week that I am completely responsible for the music portion. -YIKES-

And I am still trying to fit some sewing time in there whenever I can.
I really need to work on some projects for upcoming events (graduation, birthday's, babies, etc.) and some basic sewing that I still haven't done for the house. (bed ruffle, duvet, curtains, etc.)(I finally got around to quilting mom's sudoku quilt and gave it to her!)
(and more fabric...I know, I know, I was just saying I had enough...but apparently I can't say no to a good deal on cute fabric!)

Last weekend I actually had some free time (since it didn't work out for me to go up to Indy with my parents to visit my Grandparents) so I worked in the sewing room pretty much all day on Saturday and then went to the AMQG May meeting on Sunday at Whipstitch. (We went to Flip after the meeting and met the owner!!)

Then Sunday evening Kev & I ran up to Home Depot and finally checked another project off the to do list! He bought and installed a new kitchen faucet for me!!In case I don't say it often enough
(like when I am thinking how much I want to kill him since he has me doing this horrible INSANITY workout!!)
I sure do LOVE my guy!!

Another bright point...
After a long day at work I do have something to help me relax...
before I fall asleep from exhaustion!
I bought a new book by Elizabeth Aston last week.

Beautiful flowers (In MY yard!?!?!)

2010-05-04T14:12:00.004-04:00

I don't have a green thumb.

In no way, shape or form does anyone (in their right mind) consider me a gardener type.

I can't seem to keep anything alive when it comes to plants,

I am like the grim reaper of plant life...when they see me, they know their time is up!

Yet somehow, there are beautiful flowers on the side of my house!

My neighbor gave them to me ages ago.
(They were splitting them up and moving them around and had extra, so they sent them over to me.)
I planted them in my yard and pretty much forgot about them. They have been there for years, and I don't remember them flowering before, maybe I just missed them, but last weekend Kevin called me outside and said I HAD to come look at something.

This was my beautiful welcoming to the side of our house!Wow!God amazes me with the simple things sometimes!
How beautiful!

(Just don't pay attention to the yard in that last picture! Yuck! I am not sure why the grass doesn't want to grow there!)

Are you in middle school?

2010-04-30T20:15:00.005-04:00

No, I wasn't asked this by a stranger. (Although I was often asked if I was in highschool after my graduation...from college!)

This is what my husband asked me when he saw the newest fingernail polish I had purchased and applied. (Of course, I am TERRIBLE at putting fingernail polish on, which is one of the reasons why I normally stick with just painting my toes. I think fingernail polish looks a little strange on me, plus it takes effort to put it on and take it off and I am lazy about that sort of thing!)

But, yesterday on my way home from work I decided to run by Ulta and use my latest coupon to pick up a few new nail polish color choices. Since I don't wear it much I don't have a lot of choices-mainly a few shades of pinks and reds.

I decided on three new shades from China Glaze. (They were buy two get one free.)

I used the dark purple, called Grape Pop on my toes

and the pale lilac, called Light as Air on my fingers.

(I am saving the dark grey/charcoal color I bought, called Awaken, for another day!)

After I had painted my fingers and toes last night, and I was looking them over, (trying to decide if I liked it) Kevin came upstairs so I asked him what he thought.

K: "Why did you pick that color. Are you in middle school or something? "

E: "Purple is all the rage this season so I am giving it a try."

K: "It looks like you were painting a wall and got it all on your fingers."

(I would be the first to tell you that I am not that great at putting on fingernail polish, but I am not that bad either...it is only on my actual nails...I promise!!)

I didn't really have anything to say at that point.

It is a very different color, and since it has a matte finish and is such a pale color, I could see it on someone's wall, so his statement made sense.
In reality, at this point I still hadn't decided if I even liked it.

But now, after wearing it all day today, the color (and the general idea of nail polish) has grown on me. I have decided it is a fun to have color on my nails, especially such an out of the ordinary color.
However, I don't think I will make it something I wear on a regular basis.
I am too used to my plain old naked nails.

It's the little things...

2010-04-28T08:56:00.003-04:00

Sometimes I think I have the sweetest husband.

Last night when he got home from work my Mr. tossed a Target bag my direction
and guess what was inside?

What a wonderful guy I have...he actually does pay attention to me when I am rambling on about things.

It was the newest edition, so there was a bonus chapter...which I read immediately!

It was like Christmas morning!!

I would just re-read the whole thing right now, but I think I have decided to let mom borrow it instead! (Take care of it please marmee dearest!)

Oh! and in the notes on why she wrote the extra chapter, Stephanie Meyer talks about how she was working with the producers on the film version of this book and she thought this chapter would be helpful.
Wait, hold the phone...a film version!!!
I am so excited, and yet a bit nervous as well...
since I loved this book so much,
I am not sure if a movie will be able to live up to my expectations!

A sew-filled weekend

2010-04-26T20:37:00.003-04:00

Kevin and I didn't really have any plans this weekend (well one party that we skipped on since I was running behind schedule, and it was raining and I dont' like going out in the rain, we stayed home instead!) so we stayed home and I got a ton of cutting and sewing done.

I finished cutting and sewing the house blocks for Victoria's Block Party.

I ended up getting 25 house blocks sewn together, and around 40+ 10 1/2 inch squares.

(Now I just need to get to the post office and mail them to her!!)

I cut and sewed together two star blocks for our AMQG June Challenge.

I cut out and sewed together a quilt top for a baby quilt (following the basic directions from Oh, Fransson! (And cut out the pieces for another one, I just need to sew it together.)

And I washed and ironed the fabric I had purchased a while back.

(As I put it all away I decided I really do need to stay away from fabric shops for awhile, I have so much fabric!! I wanted to purchase some online over the weekend, but I quickly deleted my cart and got off line so I wouldn't be tempted anymore!!)

Thursday Night Sewing

2010-04-23T11:49:00.005-04:00

Yesterday when I got home from work there was a lovely package waiting for me.

The blocks from the Owl Block Swap arrived!!They turned out so great! I am excited about putting them together into a finished project!! Thanks APP for being the swap mama for this, you are so sweet!

Mandy, Rachel & I had planned a sewing night for Thursday evening, in the end Rachel wasn't able to come, but Mandy and I had a great time sewing and chatting. (Sorry you couldn't make it Rach, we missed you!)
Mandy worked on piecing a quilt and I finished sewing together my PWG blocks from the No Sew Block Swap.Now I just have to decide how I want to piece all of these together into a finished product!

The Allure of the Automobile

2010-04-21T12:22:00.010-04:00

Grab something to snack on because this is going to be a long post...

Last weekend was crazy busy, as I mentioned earlier, but I wanted to share a bit of the fun stuff that we got to do!

After a long day on Saturday...

visiting with Kelsey while we shopped at a weekend craft/antique show in downtown Adairsville (where I purchased some adorable antique hankies we are going to use for an upcoming bridal luncheon, and saw this guitar case that I want!),
prepping for and having a pre-production meeting for a summer play I am going to be helping out with (which I watched growing up),

and of course the wedding,

I came home, put my feet up and watched a movie with Kev as I fell asleep on the couch. (While receiving a foot rub, what a fantastic hubby I have!)

Sunday I met up with some of the ladies from the AMQG at Rae's house (Thanks so much for opening up your home to us, you and your husband are too kind!) and was able to get some sewing done. (Finally!!) I worked on my PWG blocks from the no so block swap I was a part of. I got several of them sewn up before I had to head off to meet Kev.
Kev and I met up and went to The High Museum of Art in Atlanta to see their newest exibit.

The Allure of the Automobile (It was the open version of the car above (550 Spyder) that James Dean crashed on his way to sports car race and was killed.)

Kevin was actually interested in this one, normally he just gets dragged along if I can't find someone else to go with me to these sort of things, but this one was all for him!!

I also got some more cutting done for the house blocks and 10 1/2 inch blocks I have been working on for Victoria. Hopefully I will be able to get those sewn together sometime this week or weekend so I can get them sent off!

And the most exciting news from the weekend, Kev surprised me by putting the tile on the fireplace hearth that he built forever ago.It looks so fan-tab-u-lous!!!
I am so relieved to have it finished!

BTW-I got an email today about this beauty! Isn't it fab! I want it!!

Wedding season begins...

2010-04-20T12:30:00.003-04:00

I'm so excited!
and I just can't hide it...
(Seriously, I can't say/type anything without thinking of a song-and this one goes well with a wedding theme-or as least the wedding night!!)

Wedding season has started and I had my first wedding of the year at Stonewall Manor last weekend!(Sorry, this is a horrible photo that I snapped on my iphone-I will say I am so glad to have my iphone though. I totally saved the DJ's rear when I got a song request from itunes for him that he had forgotten about!!)

I absolutely love wedding season!

Now if I can just catch up on sleep somehow I will be good!! (Wedding season takes pre-season busy weekends and makes them look boring and slow!!)

This weekend was great, but extremely full! With the rehearsal on Friday afternoon, and a full day on my feet on Saturday it is a big job, but I LOVED every minute of it!!
(I am so excited about all the upcoming weddings in the next few months!!)

More to come on the rest of our busy weekend...

Insanity (part deux)

2010-04-16T20:09:00.003-04:00

So today is the 11th day since I started the Insanity workout program...
and I have only done 4 of the workouts.

(I know I am super lame and slacker!)

At this rate I will be finishing this 60 day program sometime in September!

Oops!

If I was home I would do day 5 tonight (really, I am not just saying that!) but I am up at Mom and Dad's.

Hopefully I will get home in time tomorrow night to do it, and then maybe I will get on track a little better and try to get myself in shape before the END of swimsuit season 2010!

In the sewing room...

2010-04-15T11:12:00.004-04:00

I haven't done any sewing in what seems like forever, but I have been busy cutting things out when I get a few moments everyday.

I have been going through my scraps cutting out 10 1/2" squares (from the big pieces) and house blocks.
Victoria over at Bumble Beans is collecting house blocks, 10 1/2" squares, binding and backing for charity quilts she is making.
(I sent her some 10 1/2" squares and binding last month)

I have been listening to my new cd as well.

I loved the 1234 ipod commercial, and have wanted this cd since I saw it. (I couldn't find the actual commercial video, but I found this MadTV parody on you tube just now.)
When I was at Borders this weekend, with a coupon burning a hole in my pocket, I thought I would go ahead and pick it up!(And just look at the inside of the cd case, Gutermann thread, my fave!)

I also spent a good amount of money on some more fabric...I know I have a problem, no matter how much I already have on hand, I keep finding more that I need (you can translate that to want)!

AMQG Meeting #3

2010-04-14T12:57:00.006-04:00

Last Sunday afternoon we had our 3rd Atlanta Modern Quilt Guild meeting. We are still small with only 12 (well 13 if you count little Aaron!) of us there,but it was nice to be able to meet some new members.

We had our first demonstration (by Melissa)
some great show and tell (everything was great but here was my fave...Andi was working on this fabric portrait of Ronald Reagan. I think the idea of a fabric portrait is amazing, but not sure it I could ever have the confidence to do it myself!! Here is one that Victoria at Bumble Beans did of herself! Amazing!)
and our first challenge! (by Nicole)We are making any star block (finished size 8 1/2" square) out of these fabrics! I took two...because I am crazy!!

I feel so blessed to be a part of this fun group, and I am excited to see what all we can do together!

What I just finished reading...

2010-04-13T14:16:00.004-04:00

I finished a library book yesterday evening after I got home from work...ok I'll admit it...and while driving home from work. (Gimme a break, I was stuck in traffic people...and I was at the end of the book!! It was REALLY hard to put it down when I started moving again!! The ONLY time I can remember being glad about traffic!)

I had to recheck this book (and a couple others) twice because...

1) I had too many books at once
2) I had way too many projects going on (normal me)
and
3) lets be honest here, I am a slow reader!

But, once I started the book (a giant one at that...over 600 pages!) I REALLY enjoyed it!

At points I was smiling with joy, and then tearing up and crying in heartbreak. It played on my emotions like a Lifetime movie!

Here is what I just finished reading:

The Host
by Stephanie Meyer
I absolutely loved this book!

On my way back from dropping it off at the library I wanted to stop at Target to see if they have it and pick up a copy to own. So I could hold it in my hands and read it all over again!

I am serious when I say I loved this one!

Wanderer is one of my all time fave heroins now!

*******

I am a loser at book reviews, so I won't try to do a review, I will just say

Stop whatever you are doing right now and go buy this book and read it!!

I am not kidding,

stop now and go buy this book.

Well, first finish reading this post, it is almost done I promise it won't be a long wait!

This isn't a book to be borrowed, or checked out from the library, because then you have to give it back...like poor, sad me!
(FYI: If you want to send The Host to me, you are more than welcome to. You know the saying about giving is better than receiving...well I want to bless you with the joy you feel when giving a wonderful gift by letting you get me this book! I will love you forever! Is anyone listening? I am putting it on my wish list on Amazon....Oh, who am I kidding, I have no restraint...the next coupon I get emailed to me from Borders will be begging to be used for this exact purpose! I know a sign when I see one!)

So enjoy your afternoon,
get your book ordered, or preferably picked up so you can start it NOW,
then call me in the morning...after you have stayed up all night reading because it is so good and you can't put it down...and tell me how much you loved it too!