Baby Quilts

Wow, I'm behind in publishing the pictures of my latest two quilts.  I have several friends that I do playdates with on a regular basis and I've decided to make quilts for their kids, or kids to be as the case may be.

I started with a charm pack (40-ish 5x5-inch squared) and the same number of white squares and sewed them together  to make 1/2 square triangles.

I then sewed the 1/2 square triangles together to create pinwheels.

After deciding on how to lay out the pinwheels and adding borders I was able to quilt.  I love this part of quilting.   For me it's very calming.  You can see the stippling that has been done and the plain fabric in front of the needle that has yet to be done.  These two quilts quilted up quickly - almost too fast for my taste.  (That was a lot of "q" words in one sentence.)

The right quilt is for Aria - daughter of my friend Annie.  She received her quilt for her 2nd birthday.  The left quilt is for Piper, daughter to be of the same friend.  Annie received Piper's quilt at her surprise baby sprinkle a few weeks ago.

This is the back of Aria's quilt.  I like to get "artsy-fartsy" and add fun things to the back of my quilts every so often.  Hubby and Bug both say that it looks like I've run out of material and had to add something extra to make up for it.  Silly people.

Here's the back of Piper's.  I like that you can really see where I did and didn't quilt. 

I really like the effect I achieved on the corners of Aria's quilt.  I had a vision in my head of what I wanted it to look like and it turned out just right!

I also played and played with the blocks before I ended up doing a diagonal color stripe design.  That was lots of fun. It took up several days worth of nap times for me to make my final decision.

As you can see, the borders of Piper's quilt aren't quite so fancy.  However, since I figured all babies love tags of sorts her quilt is framed with prairie points.  I love the effect, and it really wasn't too difficult to do either.



Here's a semi-close up of the prairie points.

I'm also pretty proud of their names.  I appliqued them.  I attempted applique several years ago and it was a complete disaster and I swore I'd never do it again.  Ha!  Never say never.  I took my time and, though they're by no means the best applique I've ever seen, it's my best and far far from my worst.

I went to a quilt shop a few weeks ago and they had charm packs on sale for quite reasonable prices, so I stocked up.  These quilts were my first time using charm packs, and I must say I really enjoyed them.  Needless to say, I have bunches more to make more quilts with.  I wonder if anyone would buy one?

Looking forward to completing my next project - a rope bag!  The next baby quilt for play date friend doesn't need to be done til September, so I have time to play with other projects for a while.

Lemonade

Ok, I admit - I love all things lemon.

I love lemonade.

I hate being fat.

I love lemonade.

I hate being fat even more.

It occurred to me 3 days ago that I have been drinking waaaaaaay to much.  This fact occurred to me after I made my second pitcher of lemonade in one day.  I finished off the pitcher from the day before, so maybe there was one glass.  Then I made a pitcher.  By the time Bug was to be home from school I had finished off the pitcher and was making a second.  It hit me - Baby Pie doesn't drink lemonade, neither do Kiki the cat or Sasha Dog.  I, as in me, as in the skinny person trapped in this fat body, drank 2 quarts of lemonade.  All by myself.  I can't do just a little, obviously. 

I have quit lemonade.  I'm day two of water only.  I'm feeling pretty good about myself.  I haven't totally given up sugary drinks.  I allow myself a can of Wild Cherry Pepsi for breakfast.  I don't do coffee, can't stand the taste of the stuff without lots of sugar and cream, so I figure for about the same calories I can drink what I prefer.  I also have a can for lunch.  I was doing this in addition to the lemonade before, so I've not really added anything.

Here is the proof of my lemonade consumption.  The Tang container on the left is the size of the container a normal person would purchase lemonade in.  The industrial size Country Time container is how I purchase my lemonade, in multiples from Sam's Club. 

We were going through one of these huge containers every couple of weeks.  I now realize that it was more like I was going through one of these every few weeks as no one else in the house drinks it in the volume I do.

The bonus is that I don't find myself snacking nearly as much either.  I have found that my normal snacks, white cheddar cheezits or cookies don't taste nearly as good with plain water, so I'm just not munching on them.

Today, as a treat, I purchased a Brita in the fridge filtered water dispenser.  I'd been thinking about getting one for a while.  Yesterday, Bug told me she'd drink more water if it was bottled.  Um - no, I'm not going to purchase bottled water when we can get it straight from the tap.  I think her point was that bottled water is typically refrigerated and colder than what we get from the tap.  Her comment and my "aha moment" led to me sipping my first glass of refrigerated filtered water on the rocks.

Took me a few minutes to get it taken and uploaded.  I need a refill now!

What simple changes are you going to make to be healthier?

Have a great day!



Spring Photos

Ok, here are the pics of my girls by Jason Bafile Photography.  I love them all and am so thrilled to be able to share them!  This is the first time we've ever done a non-studio photo shoot - what a great experience.  I'm sold, we'll definately be doing this again!

The last two are my favorites, what are yours?

Sanity Saver



Dimensions 10.5" x 12.5" x 4.5"

and 18" handles.

For all the wonderful-ness of this past weekend, this week hasn't been all that easy at all.  Looking back to Monday it's obvious that Baby Pie was getting sick.  Tuesday, we went to our last MOPS meeting of the year.  And man, has this year just flown by!  By the time we stopped at the store after MOPS, Baby Pie was looking extra worn out and glassy eyed.  When she woke up from her nap she was burning up.  In went the Tylenol - she does not like Tylenol and is very skilled at spitting for distance.  I didn't add anymore to the dose, but what ever did manage to get down her throat made a huge difference.  She fell asleep again and I sat down to sew.

I started this bag on Thursday night at quilting.  I had 14 extra squares left from making the baby quilts.  I decided to make a bag and left the two very plain squares out - they'll find a home in something else at some point.  I managed to get the outside designed, cut and sewed and the inside cut, so that when I was at home all I'd have left to do was the quilting and the assembly.



4 pockets on the inside.

I was able to completely finish the bag yesterday.  Yay me!  It was a wonderful zen place to take my mind from worrying about Baby Pie, and Hubby working super late multiple nights this week, and what to do with Bug this summer.

Here it is.  I think the colors are wonderful, but really don't have a use for it.  Ok, I can always use another bag, but honestly I need a little income to feed this fabric habit of mine.  I think I'm going to try to sell it for $30 plus shipping if my buyer isn't local.  Any takers?

 I've begun hunting precut "charm packs" online because I really enjoyed this project and can see making more of them if there is interest.





Mother's Day

I think I have had potentially my best mothers day yet, or should I say weekend?  I was able to go quilting on Thursday night.  Friday, the driveway was seal coated and we just had a lazy day at the house.  I did get to go grocery shopping by myself Friday evening, always a treat. 

Saturday, we went to Brookville to deliver computers to a unit there from Hubby's unit.  I got to eat lunch with an "old" friend - we haven't seen each other in 20 years - and we spent a few hours chatting and watching my girls playing and her sons (teenagers) awkwardly watching them.  After we parted ways, Hubby and the girls let me go to the local quilt shop, where I spent an hour or more drooling over all kinds of fabric, and dreaming of projects that I could do.

Yesterday the weather man was calling for only a 20% chance of rain for today.

Today we were planning to go to the Pittsburgh Zoo, however, it rained and rained and rained.  We didn't give up though.  While we were driving there and the sprinkles turned to drizzle and then to rain, we decided to either go to the Carnegie Science Museum or the Pittsburgh Children's Museum.  The Children's Museum won out.  We figured that it was designed better for Baby Pie.  I had a great time watching both my girls explore and play.  Both Hubby and I were able to explore and play with them.

We were able to try out our "new to us" Kelty Framed Backpack Stroller.  Hubby loved it because it's narrower than our graco.  Baby Pie seemed to really enjoy it too, because she was up higher and able to see better, or at least that's what we think.

I am truly blessed.  After needing help to have Bug and being told that we wouldn't be able to get pregnant again, then having Baby Pie, the wonder and perfect timing of God's plans truly amaze me.

I'll add photos later, if I remember to at all.

I remembered to add the pictures!

Hello again...

It has been a loooong time since I physically picked up my Bible and read from it.  I have been doing a daily devotion from Joyce Meyer through an app on my phone.  But, today I felt the call, the need to physically hold my bible, turn the pages and read.

It took me a few minutes to find my old friend.  I knew where it should be and it was there, but buried under a seldom used journal and a box of my husbands computer stuff, on the shelf of my nightstand.

I didn't know what I was going to read.  Hadn't thought that far ahead when I felt the pull to read from it. 

I wiped off a layer of dust, (I'm embarrassed to admit that) and took a quick photo of it to celebrate my reunion.  Since Bug was watching Cars 2 in the living room, and I am quite sure I would have napped had I chosen to read in bed, I decided to read on the front porch.

Our front porch has seen more inviting days - currently with the sand and water table on it, there is a thin dusting of sand all over the floor.  It's quite thick around the table.  That did not deter me.  It's a mild day here - blue sky, white fluffy clouds, mid-70's, a little humid but with a soft breeze.  Balmy.

I stared at my Bible.  Flipped through the pages. They make the most delightful crinkly sound.  Quickly looked at a few of the bits and scraps of paper stuck in it here and there hoping for inspiration.  Nothing.  I then said a quick prayer - "Ok God, the Holy Spirit has moved me to open your book of love letters to me, where should I read."  I then noticed several page corners folded over, from something being shoved against them, and said alright, I'll look here.  The first folded over page was at the beginning of Hebrews 11 and the folds ended at the end of the book of 1 Peter.  I read them all.  Amazed at the profound things I'd read before and underlined.  Wondering what the significance was for me then.  Wishing I'd brought a pencil out to underline things now.  Realizing that I think when I underline in the future, I'll put a date with it to jog my memory.

It was pretty neat to read with a "fresh" mind.  I also enjoyed that my Diakonia education came popping back out at certain points. 

Hoping for a wonderful and peaceful evening with the family!  Grab your Bible and read.  Not for a devotion, not for classwork, just for the joy of reading.  It's a wholly different experience!

Happy Reading!

Sunset, Sand and Sleep

I wanted to share the sunset from yesterday evening with you.  It was really beautiful.  I wish I had a better view, without my neighbors house directly across the street.    Shades of pinks, purples and blues. 

It was an 80 degree day and the evening didn't cool down nearly quickly enough.  I'm looking forward to our next move (date and location to be determined) because our next house will have air conditioning!

Bug came home from school not feeling very well, but she found some energy reserve to play with Baby Pie at the sand and water table.

I added polished aquarium stones and acrylic aquarium gems to it today.  Since Baby Pie has a love for collecting stones from the road, I figured maybe the porch would be just as fun if there were some stones to collect there.

I believe my theory was marginally successful.  However the sand sieve is difficult for her to use because you need to hold it at such a big angle to actually scoop with it.  I think a slotted spoon may be a better choice.  I'll try to find one at the dollar store in the next few days.

Unfortunately the energy reserve ran out and on this 80 degree day, my poor Bugger-boo felt so bad that she actually went to bed and curled up under her quilt.  I asked her if I could open the windows in her room so at least she'd have some moving air and she emphatically refused.  She slept hard for about 4 hours.  I'm hoping she's able to sleep tonight. 

Poor Hubby has a super long drill weekend.  He'll be at work til at least 10pm tonight.  Tomorrow, he's taking off work so we can go to Wheeling for a memorial service for his cousin.  Hope to be home before the wee hours of Sunday morning.  Then he has to work all day Sunday too.  On top of it, he has a paper that needs to be turned in by Sunday night.  I don't know who'll be more happy when he's done with all his schooling (for the near future) in September.

I wilt in the heat.  Needless to say, I have barely done any work today.  I desperately need to get laundry completed and the house picked up.  We have a handyman coming over tomorrow to do an estimate for a repair to the tile in our tub.  Sigh.  I also have a stack of dishes in the sink.  They were on the counter around the sink, til I spilled lemonade and had to clean that up. Ha.

What to do...

My weekend began Friday afternoon, dropping Bug off at church for confirmation camp.  We were excited and sure she'd have a blast.  Friday evening, Hubby arrived home from his week long TDY.  Saturday was just a lazy day.  We watched movies and played with Baby Pie.  I even was given the most awesome gift of a 3 hour nap!

Sunday was different. Hubby had virtually no internet access where he was on the TDY so needed to go into work to clear email and get things taken care of. I took Baby Pie to our church for Sunday School, because I was the substitute teacher. Then she and I went to the Baptist church where our MOPS meetings are held. Baby Pie got to spend some time playing in the nursery and I was able to sit with a friend and fully immerse myself in worship. It was a most welcome experience. 
 
 Later Sunday afternoon we picked up Bug, sure we'd hear lots of stories of the fun adventures she had.  But she was very quiet.  We were a few minutes late and figured she was upset with us.  After a few more questions got monosyllable answers we dropped  asking for a while. 

We found a local walking trail, that I'm looking forward to using.  We walked about half of it and Bug began to open up about her camp experience.  It was definitely not the fun bonding with her confirmand cohorts that it was supposed to be.  She related stories of being picked on and bullied by a pair of boys that she's in Sunday School with.  They didn't respect her personal space or belongings.  They made fun of the little viral bumps that she has on her neck.  They used her duffel bag on rollers as a toy and refused to stop giving each other rides until an adult asked them several times.  They also managed to find a bag of condoms by a trash can behind a building...(this is a church camp) and showed them to the girls.  Apparently one was tangerine flavored.  Bug is only ten years old.  She just had sex ed in school that covered anatomy and physiology of the menstrual cycle, pads and tampons.  I am angered and saddened that at the age of ten I had to explain to her what a condom was, what it was used for and why there are flavored ones.  I am more angry that this happened because she was at church camp.  I would have fully figured something like that would have happened at school or on the school bus.  Silly me.  Anyway, we let the conversation drift and ended up having a decent afternoon.

Looking at Buttermilk Falls

Hubby and Bug at the top of the falls.

We found another state park, then visited Buttermilk Falls.  I really enjoyed the hike into the falls area.  It wasn't far or very steep.  Baby Pie had an awesome time collecting sticks.   Hubby and Bug walked around to the other side of the falls to see them more closely.

Baby Pie collecting sticks.

I thoroughly enjoyed the drive around and through the Laurel Highlands.  I love to drive.  I have often thought that a career as a semi-truck driver would have been very appropriate for me.

My sweet girls!

It wasn't until Sunday evening and all day today that I really began to digest what Bug told us, how I feel about it and what needs to be done.  We've called the pastor and Hubby will be speaking with her tomorrow.  She needs to be made aware of the condom incident, but moreover, she needs to know about the boys.  I just don't know if I'm comfortable with Bug being in class with them every Sunday.  I sure don't want Sunday School and going to worship to become a dreaded experience for her.

As I'm thinking along those lines, the churches here do a lot together with their youth, so even if we went to a different church in our denomination, she'd still be running into these boys at different events.

We are probably only going to be here for another year.  Should we stick it out at this church?  Should we find another in the same denomination? (I think that would be kind of pointless) Should we switch denominations all together?  What message would that send to Bug?  I realize that I cannot shield her from bullying at school, but church is entirely a different matter.  If we went to another church, would it be better for the whole family? 

  Needing wisdom and discernment.  I've been thinking and praying all day.