Shannon

Phantom Fans

2011-12-15T14:43:00.002-07:00

Appearing at a quilt shop near you as soon as now....

Knock off the Old Quilt

2011-12-14T21:52:00.001-07:00

Finally a quilt that might interest me....

I saw a pattern that I like. I drafted it in EQ. The quilt was scrappy, but my drafted quilt is all the same fabrics because I didn't want to spend the time making a bunch of block with different fabrics to set into the quilt.

The block could be drafted another way, but I just made it with HSTs.

The One and Only....

2011-12-06T18:15:00.000-07:00

Too funny...

I've had a lot of fun over the years since IPods and ITunes adding favorite songs to my library, especially from my youth.

There has been one song that I check for everytime I remember that has been unavailable. What should I check on today while downloading the Breaking Dawn Score....because if I'm going to buy something, I might as well buy more?????? Yes, The One and Only by Chesney Hawkes and woohoo, it was there!!!

Quiltless Christmas

2011-11-29T18:54:00.002-07:00

Every year about this time I get this urge to make a last minute quilt for someone for christmas.

I don't have that urge this year.....

Maybe I'm cured?

Too Much to Say

2011-11-28T14:58:00.002-07:00

Ever have too much say and are really just too lazy to take the time to type it all out?

Yep! That's me.

Aren't y'all lucky that I'm that lazy?!

It's nothing that good anyway.....

I have been busy virtually quilting. My sewing machine hasn't been on for at least a month, though.

http://www.twilightquilterscoven.com/

That's where I'll be for now....

2011-11-14T15:12:00.000-07:00

Eager to be done with 2011!

I don't have much to say, but that.

I don't seem to be interested in regular quilting anymore. I have started to go through all my fabric and will be taking it somewhere, donating it, or listing it on Craig's List.

I am eager to see the movie on 11/18. I won't be going to a midnight showing for the first time. I'm not eager to sit out in the cold for hours in line to get a good seat. I may play hooky at some point on Friday to see it because I'll only be able to stand waiting that long. I wish I had someone to share it with, but I don't.

I don't foresee getting anything done around the house to end my year, either. I've pretty much given up caring for real, real about it. Hey, it's less work for me..... C is the only one who does her chores to get paid. Z could get paid, but he doesn't care so he never does his chores. S is all caught up in the fact that she doesn't like and want to do what I've suggested she do for chores and an allowance, nor does she think she would get paid enough so says what's the point.

Alex has been classified officially as "disabled" so that he can go down to the nurse's office everyday for uninterrupted bathroom time. I think it's the silliest thing ever....

C is driving..... I haven't had the pleasure of being a passenger. M let her drive on an actual road the other day and about had heart failure after a couple of near misses.

We're done with soccer, but S is playing basketball. C wants to play indoor, but we're having trouble finding a spot for her. She is distraught at the thought of not playing. I think she's addicted.

I had my three year anniversary at work. I seem to be appreciated here with a nice raise as proof. In this economy, I'm pretty lucky!

My mom's health is failing. I'm scared @#$%less about that.

2012? Bring it ON!!!

You know you're busy when...

2011-10-25T11:23:00.002-06:00

You don't have time to think much about how things really are.

Life is keeping me super busy right now. I wish I could say that I'm accomplishing a lot, but I can't. All I do is run around from one activity to another, spend just enough time on housework to keep things semi-clean and everyone in clean clothes, and have just enough time to get the minimum amount of sleep required.

What can I tell you?!

C is changing schools for spring semester as mentioned. M will take her to register on Thursday AND, if time, take her to get her driver's permit. gasp!

We meet with A's school next week for his 504 meeting. He has scheduled times during the day that he goes down to the nurse for private bathroom time. Lord knows in this day and age he can't just do that, but has to be on a PLAN to protect his rights. UGH..... In addition to being an ILP kid, he'll now be a 504 kid. Considering the fact that we aren't happy with Englewood Schools after elementary and will probably have all of them go to a different district from middle school on unless things drastically change, the labeling will make it that much harder to get him in an out of district school. Although, I've heard that schools can extra money for certain things so maybe it could be to our benefit?!

I'll have 3 years at my job in November. Thank you GOD! M just had his one-year anniversary with his new company. He is doing well. KNOCK ON WOOD

Soccer season is almost over! I'd like to take a break for awhile, but C wants to play indoor if she can find a team. S and A want to play rec basketball.

I only have virtual quilting to report on. I'm in a slump....or something. I went through some EQ files last night. I had EQ5 files on my laptop, that is on its last legs, and that we recovered from the old home pc that died months ago. I even had EQ4 files. I only saved about 20 and deleted the rest. I didn't use the program for much quilt designing then, and not much now, and really only to print patterns. I need to go through all the pictures and documents I have saved, but after spending too much time looking for a thumb drive and driving across town to get C from practice, I didn't have a lot of time to work. I found some old New Moon Quilt stuff which still annoys me, but not the pattern I was really looking for.

Add a Phantom to My Bucket List

2011-10-12T19:49:00.000-06:00

I caught some of the Phantom of the Opera (Butler and Rossom movie version) last night. I've never seen it before. I've heard some of the music. I was old enough for all its popularity, but I never got on board as a fan.

Wow! I've been missing out!!

I would probably root for the Phantom......

I would love to see it on stage. I've put doing so on my bucket list.

Green with Envy....Blue with Anxiety

2011-10-11T09:54:00.001-06:00

It would seem that my family is ruled by their emotions.....

Pea green, kelly green, or lime green--pick your favorite shade. C is green with envy. A friend turned 16 last weekend and got C's current heart's desire: an I-Phone.

How far we have come in such a short span of time. I remember that cell phones had just become realistic for the common folk to have when I was pregnant with C sixteen years ago. M was working for a delivery company at one point and I made sure he had a cell phone so that I could reach him.

Now, C thinks she needs to have a device that connects her to everything the Apple way. I'm not knocking the device, but is it a need? I think not.

Don't get me wrong....I would love to have one, too. I don't think I need one, though. I don't think the expense is one that we need....ever....either. I do get a bit envious at times of all my friends who have smart phones, but I'm usually able to let it go.

I think it's only going to get worse after she changes schools after Christmas. We'll have to start paying for her to play sports, drive to this school, and keep up with her wardrobe needs. Remember how I said we were going to have extra money in a few months? I should know better.

My life is typically chaotic. I'm still trying to live with chaos and function. It seems like the more I permit, though, that more and more is added. I'm a bit blue with anxiety. A vibrant shocking blue that stuns my senses.....

I did finish a quilt last weekend which was nice for me. I'm now trying to figure out what to do for the back. I find it hard to edit so I'm thinking about piecing some blocks for the back since I can't make them work for the front. Crazy!

My apologies to those that have seen it on the other blog:

The quilt may look a little wonky....it's not! I can never get a good picture and, therefore, I photo edited it to make it square so I could import it into EQ7 to doodle.

Quilter: Here and There

2011-10-04T12:25:00.000-06:00

Setting triangles needed. Tonight? Nope....well, probably not....I'll be skating with the kids in support of a soccer fundraiser.

Soccer Parents @$#!

2011-10-03T13:38:00.001-06:00

I've got two kids that play soccer and I'm glad because I don't think I could stand much more. (We are trying to get A to play next season, but I'm almost questioning that?!) I enjoy watching my kids play and I'm actually enjoying watching and learning the game--something I didn't think I would ever do. I love sports as a rule, but I wasn't sure I'd ever really get into the game because I didn't think it would be that exciting considering typical low scores, etc.

The soccer parents I could do without....

Actually, I don't think it's just soccer parents..... I think most sports parents are complete butt heads and make asses of themselves on a regular basis. I even find myself going down the wrong road occasionally before I have to tell myself to zip it and zip it good.

I think we all on some level think our kids are the best players ever in their sport and that they can do no wrong...right? I don't most of the time. I'm uber supportive of C, especially, but I do always think that both girls could practice more and learn more so that they would play better. C wants to be a soccer star in some form or another, but she only seems to put in so much time and I think it should be more since she's not a natural talent. I will never question her effort during a game, although she probably has some games where she doesn't for whatever reason put in 100%, because it always looks like she's playing all out.

We decided to let her play competitive soccer this season. She'd played on rec leagues for a couple of years, but there is a distinct fall off in participation in rec leagues for her age. A competitive team was an option so we went with that because of her professed desire to play more than just school ball, the crappy soccer situation at EHS, and more than one person advising us that she's more likely to get noticed playing for a club than at school.

She only tried out for one team.... She was pretty excited to have made the team and didn't think anything of not making the top level team in the club. She was glad to have made the same team with her good friend and daughter of her old soccer coach. We all were pretty naive to the whole thing, but boy did we learn a lot about the whole soccer club scene. There are 17 girls on her team as one girl had to drop out because of illness. The teams play with 11 on the field. C's preferred position is Right Fullback, although she played a Mid position at high school. Her coach has soccer experience having played himself through college and coached boys in some type of league, but this is his first time coaching girls. C has played most of the minutes of her games as the team is light with defenders--everyone prefers the mid or forward positions.

C's team hasn't done very well. They won one game in a tournament that they started their season with. They've scored a a total of four or five goals in five regular games and six tournament games--if you don't count the one goal C scored--an own goal--last Friday night. (Yes, she was devastated!) C's trying to stay positive, but she's disappointed. I don't blame her.

The thing I'm most disturbed about and is so deflating are the parents. I'm going to say that many of them are really obnoxious. After just the first game, I figure out there were people I couldn't stand to sit by. This far into the season, we've taken to sitting by ourselves....or with C's old coach if she's there. The tournament last weekend was the worst. Parents questioning quite vocally ref calls (as if that will get you anywhere besides sitting in your car), coaching from the sidelines, and all out bad mouthing their own kids!!! We sat in front of one mom on Saturday and couldn't believe how awful she was. On Sunday, I got situated and then realized she was sitting behind me so I moved down by myself on the sidelines since M and the coach friend couldn't come. All the other parents sat up on the hill. As I was yelling Go, Blue and being positive these parents moaning, groaning, and all out criticizing.

Awful! The worst mom at one point was yelling at her daughter to get off the field and that she was a waste of space. Are you kidding me? The ref came over and warned all the parents to be quiet or else previously, but she still kept talking. At this comment, the step dad of one of the girls finally looked at her and told her that she didn't know what the hell she was talking about and to shut up.

This is what I was told as I missed all the drama since I wasn't sitting with them. My friend called later that night to ask about all the drama. I'm not sorry I missed it.

C says the girls on the field really can't hear the parents. I would hope not. I hope this woman's daughter can't, but can you imagine what she's like at home?!

Epic

2011-10-01T22:29:00.001-06:00

C follows Epic Tweets....

Epic is right!

One from today

A person hates you for three reasons:

1) They want to be you

2) They don't like themselves

3) They feel threatened by you

We got C's accepantance letter to her new high school today. She will start spring sememster. We're relieved! M only turned her paperwork Thursday. M was pretty confident that she would get in based on his conversation with the registrar because of C's academic record, attendance, and excellent behavior. I was surprised by the quick turnaround, though. She is so happy!

Retail Therapy

2011-09-30T18:00:00.000-06:00

If you need some retail therapy, buy something you've been ~~lusting~~ needing for a long time....within reason, of course!

I bought the download of Maria Elkins Making Faces video today and I'm so glad. I watched the Beginner section and I think I can do it!

The next thing I need is Photoshop Elements. It's on my Christmas list along with a pair of black Fat Baby boots. Hey, it's almost October so it's not too early for a Christmas list.

A Case of the Can'ts

2011-09-29T10:01:00.003-06:00

I don't say I can't a lot, but I sure do think it!

Do You Want to Be Immortal?

2011-09-28T21:56:00.000-06:00

I've always had a thing for vampires even before my Twilight obsession....

Romances with vampires as the part of the story are a guilty pleasure.

I had to chuckle, though, when I started seeing Immortal..............Cash commercials this week.

Immortal Cash

Colorado Lottery Immortal Cash from Cactus on Vimeo.

2011-09-27T13:15:00.002-06:00

You know my name, not my story. You've heard what I've done but not what I have been through....

Perfect!

2012

2011-09-23T10:37:00.003-06:00

I don't think it's too early to start looking forward to the new year? Isn't the world supposed to end in 2012? I hope not because I'm certainly looking forward to it.

I'll be 42. Well, I'm not looking forward to that. There is no avoiding it, though, so I best just make the most of it.

I'm most excited about the fact that we hope to be that much closer some financial breathing room.

Let's all knock on wood while I'm writing and anyone that is reading, shall we?!

We have two more payments on the mini van. Yahoo!!!!!!!!!!!! I'm going to drive that thing until it dies or it makes more sense to get a newer car than repair it. It's got 130,000 miles on it right now so who knows?!I'd like to put toward something else even if its into savings for emergencies. M pays that payment so who knows what he will do. I'm hoping he puts at least part of it towards another one of his bills or some of mine.

I'll be clear of a big bill in two months, too. I'll be able to breathe a little easier and not have to ask M for money all the time. Some of it will have to be put towards some other bills, but not all of it!

Have I learned my lesson? I hope so!!!

Money flies out the door. C's soccer has to be paid for. We've been advised that she has a better chance playing club soccer than just high school. She gets more instruction there and more chance to be noticed for college. S started violin this week. The boys are pretty quiet, but we'd like to get them more involved in some activities of their choice.

I have aspirations, too. Don't we all?

Quilter

2011-09-20T23:47:00.000-06:00

I have been working on a quilt....

Contention

2011-09-16T12:59:00.000-06:00

Headed off to the Rockies game tonight.... club seats!!!!

We're all going. Yes, the entire family. It ought to be interesting. The boys are excited. The girls are hating on each other more than ever right now. They got into a physical confrontation yesterday afternoon and S's phone is broken--it works for calls but the screen is cracked. Who ever heard of a baseball game being punishment? They think it is!

We probably wouldn't have gotten the seats had the Rockies not been totally out of the pennant race. M was gifted to tickets through a work contact.

Yay! Some things you just have to go and do even if you would rather stay home......

The game starts at 6:10. We'll probably miss an inning or two.

I'm bring my camera. I hope to get some pics to share.

Happy Anniversary

2011-09-11T08:27:00.001-06:00

17 years!

A couple of anniversaries this weekend. 9/11..... and M and I on 9/10.

I'll let all the media outlets help us remember 9/11.

M and I met in college in an accounting class. I remember that we just clicked. He was the first male that seemed to be interested in me beyond the superficial. I hadn't dated much at all up to that point.

I think we were both looking for that special connection.

The bottom line will always be that I love him.

I have to remind myself that all the time.

I'm sure he has to do the same.

Bowling for Quilts

2011-09-01T11:06:00.000-06:00

I used to be an avid bowler. I bowled in a couple of leagues, was in a couple of tournaments, and bowled for fun.... Like many things in my life, though, I stopped. It became too expensive, we became too busy, started having trouble with carpel tunnel, and I got tired of dealing with the smokers (although this shouldn't be an issue now because of new laws) and other bowlers who annoyed me. I'm sure I was very annoying, too........ I was never any good. I think I topped out at a 130 average.

Spoonflower's latest contest is for bowling fabrics and bring back many memories!

Bowling

My favorite? Top Left Corner

I drive by a couple of bowling alleys every week. Their parking lots are always empty. Does anyone bowl anymore? We actually have a cool alley in our neighborhood at Moe's. We've never bowled there, but the kids bowled last summer because the restaurant sponsored A's baseball team.

A Good Book

2011-08-31T11:49:00.002-06:00

I've been desperate to find a good book to read. I've given up on a couple of books of late because they didn't hold my attention. The writing was pretty awful. I don't blame the writer as much as I do the publishing companies and the editors. The stories were original, but the plot development, character development, and dialogue had major problems in both books.

I'd probably have the same issues if I ever wrote anything for real, but I would hope that an editor would reign me in and make my book this side of awesome....

I'm reading a pretty good book now called Hourglass. I think I'll be able to finish it. It really just okay. It's a YA novel. I'm not in love with the characters as they seem just a bit too smart and mature, but the story is very original.

In my trolling Twilight sights for Breaking Dawn news, breakingdawnmovie.org helped me find this book. I've read the excerpt and I'm hooked. From only a few pages, I'm enthralled. Wow! The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern. I've asked M to reserve it for me at the library, but I might have to snag a copy for my very own.

Sinking

2011-08-30T23:45:00.000-06:00

I find myself sinking a bit.....okay, a lot.

If you know that you're doing it, then you should be able to stop.....

It would be one thing to be sad about things, like about the dog, but I feel such a sense of despair.

I know despair is a dramatic word, but it totally fits for what I'm feeling.

It's not like I'm not able to laugh and that I walk around morose every single minute.

I'm still getting work done.

I have a lot on the brain....

Putting the dog down. I still forget and look for him. The extra dish.

Possibly changing Z's school because his backpack was put in the toilet yesterday during gym. Just another incident of bullying that the school has no answer for.

S's constant arguing with me. The sky is blue. No, it's not.

M's desire that I change jobs to the one he found for me (probably in response to my routine bitching about my current job) that pays $2.50/hr less.

Finishing a quilt, but having no desire to finish or start another one despite one staring me in the face from the wall every single day.

No need to go on!

All Dogs Go to Heaven

2011-08-29T13:22:00.001-06:00

Marvin, the Martian dog, last photo.....

M and I made the difficult decision this weekend to euthanize Marvin. His health and quality of life had seriously deteriorated the past year and especially the past couple of months. (One of kids stepped on him yesterday afternoon and I think he was hurting more than usual.) Even with the best preparation and good intentions, putting a dog down is one of the most difficult things I've ever had to do and we've done it quite a few times. I was up with him for a good part of the night hoping that we wouldn't have to go..... He could barely eat last night, wasn't taking water, couldn't get up by himself or stay sitting for any length of time. The moaning and strange sounding barking did me in. I made M go this morning instead of waiting until this afternoon because I couldn't bear to think of him languishing in the state he was in alone all day.

Marvin was 17 years old this summer.

He was a really great dog!

M and I got him in 1994 just a few months before we got married. We saw him at the pet store and couldn't resist. For a pet store dog, he came really cheap. We only paid $99 for him. He was a bit older and the store must have been trying to unload him. I think it may have been because of his coloring? He was a Blue Merle Longhaired Dachshund.

He loved to ride in the car. He loved to be outside. He loved to snuggle. His love of jumping and getting around caused back problems when he was three or four years old. We opted for his back surgery after he became paralyzed unexpectedly one day. There was a chance that he wouldn't walk again, but he did!

The vet visit was fairly traumatic as usual. He hadn't had regular care for years and it was decided that we would take him to the emergency animal hospital around the corner from our house so we didn't have to wait for an appointment. (We didn't want to go to Denver Dumb again because you can't be with your dog and can only go in to say goodbye after the procdure is done.) There was some confusion as to whether or not we wanted an evaluation first so we waited unnecessarily for awhile before M checked on things. The vet made things a little easier. I got to hold him during the procedure which was important. The vet put him into a deep sleep and then gave him the drug to stop his heart.

I didn't want to give him up and could have held him forever.

Thank you.....

Sometimes They Come Back

2011-08-28T08:25:00.000-06:00

The boyfriend came to the the first game of C's soccer tournament last weekend. A-ha! An opportunity that I couldn't resist.....you know it! I couldn't resist mentioning that C wouldn't let me put a label on his quilt.

Yeah, she'll hate me forever or at least five minutes.

We had emailed each other before, with permission--C let me email tournament details and season schedule, so he emailed me last week to ask if I could still put a label on his quilt.

He asked C first if it was okay to ask me to do it. She thinks he's a dork, but his reasoning is that he wants a lable on it so it is a fact that someone, his girlfriend, gave it to him and that it was made especially for him.

I think I like this guy! (I almost think, though, that she has met him too early in life. I don't think there's such a thing as high school sweathearts anymore.)

He brought the quilt to C's soccer game yesterday. He had it in a zippered plastic bag--so, maybe there is something weird about this guy?! (or, his mother taught him well?! I'm kicking myself that I didn't think of that. Then, again, I hope he's not keeping it in there and just used it to transport the quilt. We don't want him to store it. We want him to use it!)

I put together label yesterday with acceptable wording printed it on Printed Treasures and sewed it on the quilt yesterday. The first one I made was awful so I got online and got instructions for a better method--I may have been quilting for years and made more than one label, but I don't work with a lot of common sense at my disposal and I also forget from one project to the next. Duh!

I even got to take what I think are better pictures ....

name removed to protect the innocent

Rush Job

2011-08-17T10:46:00.000-06:00

Connie of Top Quilters did a wonderful job quilting the C.U. Boyfriend quilt. She picked it up at Creative Needle after I dropped it off last Wednesday, called me on a Friday to recommend thread and pattern, had it done by Saturday morning, and delivered back to CN. I rushed right over to pick it up along with some binding fabric.

She quilted a geometric continuous Edge to Edge square pattern on the top with monofilament top thread and black for the back. I wasn't sure about the monofilament, but it looks wonderful. It would have been hard to use a colored thread and still have an Edge to Edge design, which is cheaper, with the buffalo applique.

I wanted to start binding it right away, but we were out all Saturday and I had Sarah's bag to finish. I knew it was going to be really difficult to finish it on time for Tuesday because I refused to compromise by machine sewing the binding on both sides. I had 240" of binding to sew...... I'm pretty quick now, but still having only started on Sunday night, working all day but sewing at lunches (ahem....), and then at C's Monday soccer practice, and a bit Monday night, I wasn't done 3 pm on Tuesday! I should have sewed the binding with a lighter color thread, but I was an idiot and used black. Black fabric for the binding, black thread, and black backing fabric..... I use my machine sewed seam line for a guide, matching up the edge of binding, and sewing just below it with a blind stitch. I could barely see what I was doing in poor light and even used my book light attached to my shirt for extra lighting.

I stopped after work to buy a Shout Color Catcher. I never prewash my fabric. C misunderstood me and put the quilt on for a regular Delicate Wash. It wasn't finished drying, lint rollered, and wrapped until 8:15.

She wouldn't let me put a label on it. UGH! Can you say Quilt Sin?! I didn't get any good pictures--no closeups and it was too dark to take them outside. Darn it!

He liked it.... I have her word for it. She was able to tell him in all honesty that she designed it from an existing plaid quilt pattern, cut most of the fabric, and pieced two of the diamonds.

He's off to C.U. today for Move-In Day.

He wants to come see her play in her soccer tournament this weekend. Crazy in Love?!

Back to School

2011-08-15T11:39:00.002-06:00

First day of school for S and A. S is in 5th and A in 3rd. C has been in school since the 11th. Z, 8th grade, went to school on the 11th, but was off on the 12th to allow the 6th graders to have the school to themselves and get settled. They all still have late start at 9 on Mondays. C has first period off--not bad for a Sophomore. (I kept pestering her about it. Isn't there some class you can take?!)

Sarah's bag did get finished. I ended up using a McCall's pattern as a guide that I bought for $.99. I measured the tissue pattern pieces--hate those--and cut the bag pieces. I incorporated the 1/2" seam allowance that the pattern called for. I quilted the fabric for the outside of the bag in a simple meander. The liner isn't quilted and she's annoyed by the polka dot fabric--I couldn't find anymore of the same fabric I used for the outside and wasn't going to run across town to another Hobby Lobby looking for it. The straps and front pocket (I only put one on the front) are stabilized with a fusible interfacing (the same weight I used for a T-shirt quilt). I ended up doing the binding on the top of the bag differently than the pattern instructed, using the same method I use to bind my quilts (no-bump end and hand sewn to the back). I placed heat set rhinestonses in the center of the smaller flowers.

C wants one, too, but a smaller version. I'm racing to finish the binding on the boyfriend's quilt. It's going to be close.....

Breaking News

2011-08-12T12:45:00.002-06:00

The quilter called me today to finalize the pattern she will quilt on the top and thread for the CU Boyfriend Quilt.

Could it be that it will be done in time?!

Funny story......

Scott believes M doesn't like him. Well, that's a given on some level. He's done nothing but date M's daughter.

M took A and S to meet their teachers, be tested, drop off supplies, and fill out paperwork yesterday. Scott's mom came up to M and A at the school. She works there. She introduced herself as Mrs. (insert last name) and M drew a blank. He had no idea who she was as she didn't include Scott's mom and so M just nodded and smiled, thinking she was some teacher or something. She of course told her son and ribbed him a little about C's dad not putting two and two together and him not making enough of an impression for M to remember his last name.

The other thing is that when C makes plans and asks her dad about curfew, etc he always sides on limiting her activities and an earlier curfew. I always let her stay out, etc. because I ~~want her to like me and to think I'm a cool mom~~ trust her and him--they've not shown me I can't. Because of this, I supposedly like him.

If making a quilt doesn't solidify approval of the relationship, I don't know what will. Maybe I should say M made it?

It's in the Bag

2011-08-11T15:38:00.003-06:00

Aunt Flo is visiting this week my house this week for all the girls. S started the other day. She's only 10! She's not ready..... I'm not ready..... Granted, we're not talking a rushing river, but we are talking a bout of major emotions! She was very weepy last night over the whole experience and the other changes she's experiencing. We knew it was coming--maybe not this soon as C didn't start until she was 14--and have talked, but it's not real until it happens. I tried to be as supportive as I could be and I challenged C to be the best big sis there is because of the fragility.

I'm not feeling all that well myself. My associated anxiety that I always experience at this time of the month has hit once again. Paired with the fact that payday is still days away and I'm a basket case. Oh, and I can't wait to see the quilting on the CU Boyfriend quilt and am praying that the quilter can work a miracle and get it back to me....like tomorrow.

I put on a positive face and ~~lied through my teeth~~ put a positive spin on things during our little pep talk.

There's a pill for that. (I wish. I haven't found a really good one.)

You may feel like crap, but activity is the best way to chase the pain away. (Sure, there are days when you just want to lie in bed for one reason or another.)

It's no big thing to deal with at school.

S has insisted that I make her a bag for school. I just wanted to buy her a backpack, but NO! I've decided to go ahead because it may be the pick me up she needs. I have a couple of free patterns bookmarked but, of course, I'm thinking of modifying them for size, handles, and technique.

I know I'll regret it. I'll be telling MYSELF, I told you so! On the other hand, I keep insisting that I'm an experienced enough sewer to be able to do it, right? I am going to put something down on paper first and try to be organized.

Quilting All-Nighters

2011-08-10T12:58:00.001-06:00

I'm a zombie today after being up all night finishing the quilt. My butt was glued to my sewing chair for most of the night. (A sad state since I was even too lazy/involved to changed the channel on the T.V. and ended up watching Borat while M snored away on the couch.) My body is a mess of aches and pains. My brain is mush.

I dropped it off at Creative Needle for Top Quilters--a whole 'nother story that I don't want to get into right now.

The polka dots won. The quilter is just going to have to deal with 5ish" on all sides for the backing instead of the six requested. She's usually pretty quick and I called ahead so she's expecting it. I had hoped to deliver it to CN by Sunday, but.....well, you know!

C says she loves it!

I forgot to laugh when M said that she'll probably break up with him as soon as she gives it to him.

It's a good thing I'm so tired or I'd bore you with more critique of my work. I like the buffalo--I just wish I'd have planned better and it could have been bigger. I used the Upside Down Applique method which I love!

Comedy of Errors

2011-08-09T10:49:00.001-06:00

I've made my last quilt......JUST KIDDING!

I'm almost done with the CU Boyfriend Quilt. I can't finish it soon enough. With the amount of mistakes I've made, unsewing, and resewing....I could have made two quilts by now.

WHY o WHY can't I be more organized?

I started with a bit of a plan. I drafted the quilt in EQ7, but I strayed from the design for some reason trying to make the quilt bigger. However, I bought fabric based upon the design so I ended up going back to original width but adding an extra row in length. The two rows I had added two extra blocks to had to be taken apart which created more problems.....

I didn't have a pressing plan in the beginning. I did one after piecing the first row where it didn't matter, but it still wasn't right and I also got confused by sewing the block parts together in the wrong order.

We added the diamond blocks, but I printed the patterns the wrong size....and pieced them. This error was a result of me not wanting to spend the money to print the patterns the full size at Kinkos.

I have one more row to piece and the darn buffalo to make which I have to fudge because I screwed up the diamonds.

With all this how does the quilt look? Not bad except for the thread mess of fraying blocks on the back. All those seams of the plaid pattern intersected!!!!

Have I learned my lesson? Probably not.....

Why do I quilt again?

We didn't buy fabric for the back. I don't have much yardage in my stash except for black with white polka dots or spiders on silver webs. I don't have time to piece a back at this point.

If You Give a Mouse a Cookie

2011-08-08T13:15:00.001-06:00

I was standing at my sink at 2 am last night doing dishes.....when a mouse ran from one side of my kitchen counter along the space between the sink and the window to back behind my microwave and I assume into my stove. Right in front of me! I think I must have scared it out of its hiding place by being awake at that hour and running the disposal. I let out a scream and M got up off the couch where he was sleeping to investigate. He turned on the oven and we think the mouse ran out along the baseboard and into the space between the dishwasher and the under the sink cupboard.

Ick!

I hate mice in my kitchen. It grosses me out! We keep everything really clean and my counters clear as to not to invite any pests, but we still get an occasional uninvited guest. The cat usually gets them before they get into the house. She's not too good at catching them inside.

I can only imagine that it didn't expect anyone to be up at that hour and came out to look for food, thinking the coast was clear.

It's hard to put a peanut butter baited trap down on the floor because the dogs always find it and set it off before having a chance to catch the mouse.

One more instance that I wish I had a door on my kitchen or no dogs.....

Oh, What a Savings!

2011-08-03T12:13:00.002-06:00

Since I can't give up certain things, I just have to find cheaper things or way to do things.

I have to have my breakfast in the morning. I can't get going in the morning unless I have a McD's $1 Sausage Burrito and Vanilla Iced Coffee or Vanilla Latte, but at $3++ a day, I've had to figure out alternatives. (It's not only an eating thing, but a mental health thing!) I've taken to making my version of the Iced Coffee at home and then stopping by and getting my $1 burrito on the way to work. (I could make these at home, too, but I'm just not there yet.) I've had to work with my recipe, but I've figured it out enough to be satisfied. M's Keurig makes things easier and I've figured out which setting to use to make the coffee strong enough since it gets watered down by the ice. (It's the only coffee maker we have so I know those K Cups are more expensive per serving, but at least we can get them at CostCo.) I use Half and Half and I've found that for cheap using WalMart's brand. I'll be looking for cheaper syrup options, maybe even making my own, but for now I'm working on a bottle of Torani Vanilla Syrup because I found that at WalMart, too. I stole S's Starbucks cup with straw and have been using that. (I love it because it's double layered and doesn't sweat.)

The only thing is that I feel the need to fill the cup up and I'm drinking more coffee per day if I would buy because I usually only got the Medium.

I'll be making a poor woman's latte when the weather turns cooler......

I figure I'm saving a $1+ a day which will add up, right?

I'm making progress.... I used to be a Starbuck's girl, having to get a latte and pastry there every morning at $5.50 a pop years ago.

How do you save money without giving something up entirely?

Driver's Ed

2011-08-02T12:51:00.001-06:00

C talked her dad into registering and paying for an online driver's ed class. She will take the class and then test at the DMV for her permit. Yeah, she IS 15 years and 3 months.

Wow!

Timing is everything. M is sweating the increase in our insurance. We barely can keep up with him driving. We just received notice that our insurance is going up $600.00/year because of the $15,000 settlement in addition to car repairs, etc. our insurance paid to the driver he rear ended in the spring. Maybe we should see if he can take a class?!

(It's a good thing he can't be bothered to read my blog!)

I'm a tad annoyed about the increase for a number of reasons. He never followed through against the driver who hit him last fall in the awful accident that totalled his truck, severely bruised his ribs, and broke his glasses. (The woman that hit him ran a red light and about took off the front of his truck.) He got his totalled truck replaced, but he never pursued medical or pain and suffering. He still has discomfort.

If he had, we might have come out even. But, what do I know?!

His answer? "Well, the guy I hit got a lawyer and the lawyer will take about half of the settlement."

What is half of $15,000?

And Then You Go and Do Something Nice...

2011-08-01T10:59:00.000-06:00

My sewing machine pedal has been acting up and with 48 more block parts to go, I was freaking out a ~~bit~~ a bunch. 48 more block parts and 24 blocks to assemble....gah!

My sewing machine is old. I toy with the idea of replacing it when I have money again, but then I ask myself Why? I love my Pfaff. I would just end up getting another Pfaff and probably a lesser model. I've not taken very good care of it. It's never been serviced. M has fixed the cords a couple of time when dogs have chewed them. I've replaced the power card for the same reason. I can still wind bobbins, but I have to watch it and stop it from winding when it gets too full because a little piece is broken. I don't oil it enough.....

Saturday night I was trying to sew. I had to jimmy the foot pedal after every block and I was getting frustrated so I started stomping on it. Temper! M took it from me to try and fix it. It was touch and go for awhile, especially after a tiny piece fell on the floor and was lost for awhile. I started hyper-ventilating because I'm right in the middle of a project.

He's a genius, though, and fixed it.

It's moments like those when I think about....things. We can both be real poop heads to each other sometimes, but we still try and do nice things for each other every once and awhile.

Boyfriend Quilt, Revised

2011-07-30T12:37:00.001-06:00

C has decided she wants to ditch the buffalo and Colorado University. I'm not sure, but it's her quilt..... even though I'm making it.

I still want a buffalo!

Plaid

2011-07-29T18:13:00.000-06:00

I've been meaning to take a picture for days, but I just got to it today. I actually tried the other night, but I didn't like the picture I had to take with the blocks on my table since my design wall is covered in a Twilight quilt.

Even at this stage, I'm trying to figure out how I'm going to quilt it. I'm going to have to quilt it myself. I'm seriously thinking of quilting it in sections using Nancy Zieman's Column Quilts method.

I figure I can get away with quilting it with straight lines to accent the plaid pattern.

Lifting Weights

2011-07-29T10:36:00.001-06:00

Payday! I enjoyed it for all of two seconds before I logged on or made the calls to pay bills. I'm left with $150.00 for two weeks. Gas, groceries, and incidentals will eat that up quicker than I can blink. I'll be asking for money from M by Monday, stressing over the asking and whether or not he'll help me. He'll have to get the kids' school supplies and anything else that they need for sure.

I'm in quite the pickle, but the end is in sight. I've got six more months of financial misery before I'll be in a better situation. I'll still have one bill to pay another six months on, but then I will be in the clear.

I did the responsible thing by paying these bills today as soon as I got paid. If I don't do this, I get myself into trouble. One of them was past due and I have gotten a letter, email, and four calls a day, two each to my home phone and cell, requesting payment. Calls that I should have taken, but ones I ignored because I couldn't deal.

My stomach in knots and my brain a buzz.....all because I wasn't responsible a month ago and went shopping for a girls day out with Sarah and because I took some days off from work when C had her surgery. How quickly things snowball!

The funny thing is and a truth I wish I could realize is that I feel better even though I don't have any money. I usually spend money, even on needed things, knowing I have bills to pay and then I feel horrible and sick seconds after. Then, I spend whatever amount of time until I get paid eaten alive by stress.

I've gotten into the habit of this and it's hard to break the cycle. It's almost like I don't know how else to live or I live off of these bad feelings.

Crazy!

I don't get much help from those around me, especially the kids. I've been honest with them about how desperate my situation is, but they still constantly ask me for stuff. Kids will be kids and I'm supposed to be able to say no, but its so tough. I remember growing up and my parents not having any money. I knew early in life not to ask for things. If we couldn't get it at the commissary or at the BX, we didn't get it and, even if we did, it probably had to go on layaway first.

The fact that they still ask me and pester me for stuff makes me angry and depressed a lot. I never know when M can help or when he can't. He'll say that he doesn't have any money and then he'll go out an buy something--maybe he just doesn't have any money for me?

I'm positive today, but who knows how I'll feel tomorrow.

Temptation

2011-07-27T12:09:00.001-06:00

I have the devil sitting on my shoulder, but my angel is missing.

I don't deal well with temptation. I usually cave.... My solution is to not have things around to tempt me or put myself in situations where I will be tempted. For instance, I don't buy junk food to be kept in the house (difficult with the kids) or go shopping just to look.

As is my M.O., I rarely deal with things head on. I have to do something, though, because I'm forever eating, buying, or doing something to try to make myself feel better.

My most recent tempation is one of the flesh....(sounds so biblical). If anyone sees my angel, I really could use a voice of reason. I'm finding it more and more of a challenge to resist.

Would You Rather.....Quilting Style

2011-07-26T13:31:00.001-06:00

I was up very late last night cutting all the fabric pieces for the C.U. quilt. The fact that I did so is amazing in itself. I actually did it this time so that C could help with the quilt. She helped for a little while, but then got too tired....or bored. Am I a bad mom if I say that I don't think she will be a quilter and that I can't make her? She did manage to carry on an hour long text conversation with the boyfriend while cutting and didn't make many mistakes or cut off a finger so maybe she IS better at multi-tasking than I am? I went ahead and finished cutting to get it done.....and so I wouldn't have to monitor C.

I've pieced three blocks and am working on the remaining three of Row 1 so at least I know that the blocks are good. I think I worked out my seam direction pressing problems.

I know the best thing to do is to cut all the fabric out for a quilt after I'm sure I'm situated, but I always resist doing it. I'm also the type who finds it very difficult to chain piece and has to grit her teeth while sewing on more than one block at a time.

I wish my brain weren't hot wired as such. I would so go for hypnosis to try to work out my issues.

So, how do you do it? I'm sure most quilters are organized, have a plan, follow a pattern, cut all their fabric out, etc.

Looking Forward to the Weekend

2011-07-22T12:29:00.000-06:00

I'm really looking forward to the weekend. It's been another long week even if I was in the office by myself for most of it.

I have a love/hate relationship with deadlines. Without them, I wouldn't get anything done. However, I still procrastinate and wait until the last minute to start and finish. I routinely miss deadlines for things, especially for quilting. I usually get a pass.

Waiting for the End

2011-07-20T12:36:00.000-06:00

I love Linkin Park! I have my favorite songs, of course, and I loved this one as soon as I heard it. The lyrics were written just for me, you know?! Waiting for the End

Lyrics | Linkin Park lyrics - Waiting for the end lyrics

Bumbling and Stumbling

2011-07-20T10:23:00.001-06:00

I started making blocks for the C.U. Quilt last night. I made a mistake right off the bat..... I'm paper piecing the blocks. I tried to draft them and figure things out so that the seams would nest, but I think I already screwed that up. Quilting is such an adventure!

I was sewing along swimmingly piecing the first section of the first three blocks before I realized that I was using the fabric legend for blocks 2, 4, and 6 to piece blocks 1, 3, and 5.

The mistake isn't devastating as the blocks are the same except for how I had them grouped and numbered for pressing, but I was thrown for the rest of the night. I also didn't take into consideration how the sections would be pressed when sewed together into the whole block. I can make adjustments in the first section because the section below it is the applique section and not more plaid blocks. I need to figure things out for the rest of the quilt, though.

Like I said, quilting is ever the adventure for me.

I would have sewed into the night, but S decided she wanted to watch Secret Life of the American Teenager Season 1 through Netflix. I hate this show for a number of reasons, least of all the really bad acting! And you ask, who is in charge at my house? M wasn't home or he would have put his foot down and I would have been watching the same USA Network shows multiple times instead.

My ~~kingdom~~ for my own sewing room.

I wouldn't have been sewing at all had it not been for the storms that called the boys' baseball games. I don't know how all the missed games are going to be made up?

Overall, it was an interesting night. M was out until after 10 at a meeting for work which wasn't supposed to go that late which left me wondering if that's where he really was. Z pouted in his room all night about the porn incident and the fact that we now have proof that he took $15 from C last week. He had denied it, but C looked at his text messages in which he was going on and on about how he had an extra $15 to spend. Idiot! C is spitting mad and so am I since I ended up replacing the money, we knew he had taken it despite his denial based on previous incidents, and M didn't force the issue last weekend after saying he would take care of it. He let Z's denial be the final say..... Z can't even give the money back because he supposedly LOST it and his wallet on the way home Monday. RIIIIIGHT.....

The thing is that he could get an allowance if he would just do the little we ask, but even that is too much for him. The girls get their allowance regularly. They have to keep their room clean and do x1 thing a day extra, like vacuuming or attending to some of the other build up of dirt around the house. S has taken to cleaning door jams, mouldings, and walls. C and Z are supposed to swap weeks cleaning the bathroom and tidying up the kitchen, including mopping the floor. We aren't supposed to have to pester them to complete their chores and they have to have the bathroom and the kitchen cleaned by Sunday night. Z refuses to pick up his room or attend to his sheets when he wets them, do his weekly job until we threaten him, and would rather steal money from other people than work for it.

The girls want a lock box for their room and I don't blame them.

I'm beginning to think he can't help himself.

Busted

2011-07-19T09:58:00.000-06:00

We busted Z last night for visiting questionable websites. He was at home watching his brother while we were at S's baseball game and C was out. After we returned and were settled, I went to get online to do some more research for a Twilight quilting project and was greeted on screen by a bevy of naked women in a pop-up.

Oh, joy!

It is to be expected, right? He's 13.

We've not had parental controls on the computer. When we replaced the computer that died recently, M went through all the extra steps of setting up an admin account and user accounts for ITunes, me, him, and the kids. The browser and how it displays is also a bit different. You can have a bunch of separate Internet pages open and not really realize it or close them......

I was probably a pretty sneaky kid. I wasn't a serious troublemaker and never did anything really bad, but I had issues with shoplifting, taking money from my parents, sneaking peeks at Christmas presents, hoarding food, etc. I got pretty good at covering my tracks, but never good enough. I'm sure my parents knew a lot of what I was doing, but they never really confronted me about anything. I know I have issues today because of it.

Z isn't very good at covering up and, because of how I was as a kid, I almost always see what he's up to. M thinks I'm being silly and that kids will be kids. Yes, that is true...... but, I also know how things turn out when parents turn a blind eye.

In this instance, he just wasn't smart enough which continues to be a good thing. He's the worst speller in the house. When I saw lesbean and girl on girl actshun, I had to laugh. He doesn't know how to clear history, about pop-ups, or that his brother has no loyalty and will tattle on him about everything.

We know have controls on the computer, the kids can't log on when we're not home, and he can't log on at all for awhile. It's the way of the world.....

Let the Crazy Out

2011-07-18T14:53:00.000-06:00

I don't want to quilt any longer, but every time I think about stopping I freak out.

What the heck is my problem?!

I believe that I am addicted. Yes, addicted.

I have been doing some research about how to overcome addiction.

One of my fears is that I'll transfer to something else.

Fabric

2011-07-17T22:42:00.001-06:00

I went fabric shopping with C Friday afternoon. We started at Wooden Spools. I prayed that we would find all of the fabric there because it's only $5/yd, but no such luck. We only found the gold. We ended up at the store I don't like as much because it's the next closest quilt shop.

She was steadfast in her selections.....

M is a little jealous..... He went to C.U. and doesn't have a C.U. quilt, but he thinks he might need one.

C thinks the boyfriend is getting too clingy, though. She feels smothered.

We went to see H.P. today. I held off seeing it with the girls even though I really wanted to! M and the boys got back from camping today. One of the first things he asked me was if I had seen it. I told him, "Of course not! I wanted to see it with you and the family...."

The movie is awesome! I did a Shannon thing by reading Movie Spoiler's write-up and I'm glad I did. It helped me follow along with the movie and not get too confused. I still haven't read all the books. I think it was a little too scary and complicated for S and A.

With a Little Help from Quiltmaker and EQ7

2011-07-14T22:02:00.001-06:00

What is about college and plaid that go together? I'm not a plaid lover, but I immediately thought plaid for the quilt. I've had the Mad About Plaid by Black Mountain Quilts in my library for-ev-er. I've never made a quilt from the book, but I've always wanted to. My favorite quilt, Scottish Plaid, seemed like a lot of work with all that strip piecing and I wasn't up to it. Quiltmaker July/August '11 has a plaid quilt, too. I was tempted once again.

I'm beginning to think that it would be nice if magazines started making EQ7 files available for patterns..... I took the Quiltmaker quilt and drafted the block so I could audition the color scheme we wanted. I kept shifting fabrics around and made Caroline help me until it looked like she wanted it. We decided to add the grey. The version above is what we settled on. We haven't figured out the buffalo or the lettering, but we can wait on that. I'll make the plaid blocks and leave that section open until we do.

Quilts=Love

2011-07-13T20:56:00.000-06:00

C asked me to make a quilt today.

She wants me to make a quilt for the boyfriend that is headed off to C.U.

She says she knows he would like it and appreciate it because she's seen his room (whole 'nother story) and he's pretty sentimental and likes to keep things. (His grandmother made quilts for him so he knows how special they are.)

In my mind, her asking me to make a quilt for someone special to her carries a lot of meaning.

It's no secret, I'm kind of lost right now.

This is a little bit of a pick me up.

I just wish she'd asked me sooner......

We have a bit of a time crunch now.

Shannonigans

2011-07-11T06:43:00.002-06:00

I've been up to many things of late and so has the family.

I haven't figured anything out. I'm not out setting the world on fire, though.

C had her third molar surgery.

S got hit by a baseball a couple of times.

Z is off camping with his troop.

A is back to having bathroom problems.

School starts mid-August.

2011-06-28T10:14:00.000-06:00

I'm debating whether or not to throw myself back into life..... This would mean forcing myself to get out in the world and maybe joining some type of group...trying to make friends....being more social.

When I was 16, I tried to commit suicide. The memories are blurry in my mind. I don't know if it's because I've killed off too many brain cells or if it's just the way my brain works. (I don't remember anything about growing up or even from when my kids were little.) I do remember feeling that I didn't want to be in this world any more. There was a lot going on in my life. I wasn't adjusting well to school after our move to Colorado. My grades, doing well in school had always defined me, were slipping and I had a couple of Cs. My mom had just had my brother. My grandfather was living with us and dying of stomach cancer. My dad was working out of state. I took a bunch of Advil and Tylenol because it was the only thing available. All that ended up happening is that I got really sick. I didn't even get taken to the hospital.

After that experience, I threw myself into life. I forced myself to make a friend and to be more social. I got through the last two years of high school. I had to work really hard at things. Deep down, though, I was the same person. Passive Aggressive. Not well-liked. A place holder.

In most respects, I do feel like it's too late for me. I usually take the easy road of making excuses and just whining about things. My latest thing to say is that I'll have more time when the kids are older, but I know there will always be some obstacle that I put in my way.

I'm beyond reinventing myself.

Benefit

2011-06-25T09:57:00.000-06:00

There is something to be said for going cold turkey.

I may be losing interest in the computer, checking my email, and using it for quilting. Few people write me just because and the only emails I really get are junk. I have a lot of other things to do besides being on the computer. I don't really need to quilt because not many people care about me quilting either.

Yeah... welcome to another one of my pity parties.

Not having a computer is a good thing.

The End of the World: Close, but not quite....may be I should have said "the end of MY world"

2011-06-22T11:09:00.001-06:00

The home computer isn't working. We aren't in any hurry to fix it--probably because we have a Mac laptop to use and don't ever have to use the home computer. C has a computer in her room, too. It may come down to me using hers--yeah, like that will go over. I can only hope we can salvage the hard drive.

Ugh!

There are many things that I can live without, but I've decided the computer isn't one of them.

On three, ROLL your eyes......

Shocker

2011-06-21T10:11:00.001-06:00

Wow! That's really pink.......... It almost glows. When the light is on, the color radiates like its glowing.

M finally painted the girls' closet last weekend. They compromised and Sarah got to have her pink in the closet. The rest of the room is going to be purple.

I've never painted before. M and I always have this discussion...... He never tapes. It looks very messy at the seam. He says it will be fixed when he paints the ceiling. Is that a backwards way of doing things? We've had this issue in other rooms.

I think I've decided I like white. Sure there are different shades of white, but I don't think I've ever had much issue with not liking a shade. I think we should have gone at least two shades lighter on this paint.

I'd better not say much more. He would never finish........... As it is, we've had the paint for three months.

$11.35

2011-06-17T09:00:00.002-06:00

I visited another one of my favorite quilt shops yesterday, Holly's Quilt Cabin. They are expanding into the space next door. I miss Great American Quilt Factory, but Holly's was my second favorite so I'm learning to adjust. I still visit the other store that will remain nameless because it's closer, but only because of that fact.

I got sticker shock, though!

I saw fabrics priced at $11.35/yd. Ouch! No one has to explain cotton prices, etc. I've heard the news.

How many of us will be changing our fabric buying habits? I may be forced to use my stash! I know I've already started changing my habits for other reasons, but I still like to buy fabric just because. It is a guilty pleasure. I don't think there will be any just because purchases any more.....

I allowed myself to be tempted by a pattern, though. Counterpoint I'm debating whether or not I can use it for my Spoonflower vampire fabric. I may try it out first on the yard of the regular cotton piece that I have first.

Miss Smarty Pants

2011-06-15T13:24:00.001-06:00

We finally got C's transcript for school. Her report card arrived a couple of weeks ago, but it was missing grades for a couple of classes. I was told of some glitch in the Power School online system. Her school just sent me her transcript instead.

She has 108 kids in her class which I didn't know.

She is 14 in her class or 12 in her class when her weighted math and english honors classes, As in both, taken into consideration.

I'm very proud of her! She works really hard....most of the time. There are many things that don't come easy to her. She prefers math because there isn't any spelling involved. She's not a reader so the english grade was wonderful! (She actually improved after I stopped helping her.)

It's a Good Thing I Like Baseball!

2011-06-13T09:44:00.001-06:00

Zach, Sarah, and Alex are playing baseball this summer.

I will be with them at the ballparks M-F. Sarah practices or plays M, W, and F 5-6:30. Zach is 6:30-8:00/8:30 T, TH, and F (or later since the games sometimes run long). Alex practices or plays T and Th from 5-6:30. I can't expect M to come home early all the time so I'll have to be baseball supermom for the most part.

I'm trying to plan which isn't my strong suit. I don't want to and can't afford to eat out every night of the week. I've already warned the kids that we'll be eating a lot of sandwiches, wraps, and salads. I'll just have to make sure I make up for it on the weekends.

We got more info on C's soccer. She has to be fitted for unis tomorrow. I've been told to expect to pay for two and most likely three as well as accessories. Her registration has to be in this week. We're also supposed to have a meeting soon.... NO mention of price for anything. I think its one of those things that if you have to ask, you can't afford it. I'm hoping that she doesn't start practices until after baseball. She is going to be on the same team as her old ESA soccer coach's daughter. I told her we needed to start our own little organization for fundraising so we could sell chocolates, candles, and Butter Braids, etc.

I worked on the Twilight quilt of and on all weekend long. I'm somewhat impaired when it comes to writing directions and including graphics. You see, I rarely use instructions. HA! So, you have someone who doesn't use instructions to make quilts trying to write instructions for other people. I think it's about one of the funniest things.....

And You're Mad at Me Because...........?!

2011-06-10T10:46:00.001-06:00

To say that we are a dysfunctional sort of family is understating even as harsh as dysfunctional sounds to begin with............. The discussions/arguments we have always end up being really about something else.

C's 3rd molars (wisdom teeth) have been seriously bothering her for a good couple of weeks even though she is only 15. In fact, the lower right tooth is a big problem as it's abcessing. Her orthodontist gave her a referral to an oral surgeon after taking new x-rays.

When is there ever a good time for major and costly dental treatment?

M seems to be annoyed by the whole situation, but what can you do?! Certainly don't take it out on me!

She has a consultation next Friday. It's a foregone conclusion that they're going to have to come out even though that is being questioned after the orthodontist said so. I also worked for a dentist for almost ten years so I have some experience with 3rd molars.

We have dental insurance or it could be worse. $75.00 deductible, 40% coverage, $1000.00 max

I'm hoping that the dentist will be the voice of reason for M. If I can get him to go to the consultation apppointment, that is. Otherwise, we'll be in the same boat with him questioning everything I relay to him.

Caught UP in it ALL Again

2011-06-06T12:24:00.001-06:00

How easy it is for me to get caught UP in Twilight doings again.... I guess I shouldn't be surprised at myself since my mood is so shifty with everything else, including over my regular quilting projects. I still have more visitors to this blog looking for Bella's T-Shirt quilt and other Twilight quilt stuff than for any other reason. I had heart palpitations over the Breaking Dawn movie teaser trailer last night. I guess the movie seems more real and not so far away now. I've not been as hyper about the whole Twilight-thing because I've not had anyone to share my excitement with. I still keep the blog up and have worked more on projects of late, but it's not the same.

We're settling into summer quite nicely. I love the warm weather!

Sarah, Alex, and Zach will be starting baseball soon and I'll be running around for that. Caroline is trying to get on a competetive soccer team for summer and fall. Sarah and Alex have three weeks of summer school to get through. Sarah needs help with her math. Z is taking class so that he can be in 9th Grade level math as an 8th grader. He's already complaining about how boring it is.... I cross my fingers everyday when I leave for work that they will just get along enough to not kill each other.

C is still going strong with her boyfriend. She's watching the kids for me during the day, but the minute I'm home she's out the door to some get together. She maintains that it's a summer romance and that it will probably end when said boy goes off to college in the fall. He'll just be up at CU, though. C says she doesn't want to be tied down while he's up at college and she's trying to have fun down here in high school. I don't know if it's just posturing or preparation in case he does break things off. She's decidedly not clingy and I think he likes that.

I've got a couple of projects going, including the Twilight quilt, but I'm still finding it hard to sew regularly. I hope I get out of my funk soon!

Wrapped in Love

2011-05-26T21:09:00.000-06:00

Smile, silly!

Purple Quiltiness

2011-05-26T08:05:00.002-06:00

It's finished! I put the finishing stitches in the label shortly after midnight last night. (I had to have something to do while waiting for C to get home before curfew....)

I washed it last night and dried it this morning.

The quilt has been claimed by Sarah. I'll have to take pictures of her with it tonight. She spent the night at her friend's.

Hey, it's summer!

Quilt particulars:

48x60"

Ruby Slippers pattern, from Kansas City Scrapbook (Atkinson Designs)

Bowtie Block Border is my addition.

Inspired by Patchworktimes Monochromatic Challenge

Quilted by me.....

"I'm bored, but that doesn't mean....."

2011-05-22T18:26:00.000-06:00

Summer isn't even here yet and I'm already hearing, "I'm bored!" The kids' last day of school is May 25th.

Just because they're bored, though, doesn't mean they take me up on any of my suggestions:

Read a book, go outside, take a walk, clean the house....

We had a family meeting yesterday after our difficult week. I really don't think we got through to any of them.

It's a toss-up.

C did clean out the disgusting refrigerator today. Woe to anyone that messes it up.

Needled

2011-05-20T13:34:00.001-06:00

I'm a big idiot.

I like a certain needle for sewing on my bindings. I have trouble with my hands--I know, I know...I've mentioned it a million times before--and so I like a looooong needle because it seems to make the hand sewing not so fatiguing.

You'd think I'd pay more attention then to the type of needle I was using so that I could by more?

I was a that the quilt shop and bought more needles, but they're not right. I knew they weren't right, but I bought them anyway. Milliner needles. I am an extra special idiot because I found another package of Miliners at home. I'm an extra extra special idiot because not only did I buy more of the wrong needles, but I also bought chocolate covered raisins at the quilt shop and two half yard cuts of red fabric that I didn't really need.

I went to the quilt shop to buy thread by the way!

I also am more disgusted with myself because I did all this at the quilt shop I don't really like, but have to shop since Great American Quilt Factory closed.

I'm pretty sure I've been using Beading needles. I looked online.... Back to the store I go... JoAnns this time.

The shopping is a whole other issue. It's not making me feel any better, either.

Twist the Knife

2011-05-18T13:33:00.002-06:00

Did you know that I talk to much?

Did you know that I interrupt and talk over people?

Did you know that I don't listen?

Did I know that it's okay to tell me to shut up?

Did I know that it's okay for my kids to tell me to shut up?

Did I know that I don't matter?

Yeah, I guess I did know. How could I not with you telling me, screaming at me, threatening me.

Did I know? I really do....now

Don't Cross the Streams....

2011-05-16T12:46:00.004-06:00

Remember?

Dr. Egon Spengler: There's something very important I forgot to tell you.

Dr. Peter Venkman: What?

Dr. Egon Spengler: Don't cross the streams.

Dr. Peter Venkman: Why?

Dr. Egon Spengler: It would be bad.

Dr. Peter Venkman: I'm a little fuzzy on the whole "good/bad" thing, here! What do you mean, "bad"?

Dr. Egon Spengler: Try to imagine all life as you know it stopping instantaneously and every molecule in your body exploding at the speed of light.

Dr. Ray Stantz: [low whistle] Total protonic reversal!

Dr. Peter Venkman: That's bad. OK, all right, important safety tip. Thanks, Egon.

For more adventures in Shannon and free motion quilting read on.....

I got tired of looking at the Purple Paisley Quilter Eater Quilt draped over the back of one of the dining room chairs. I decided to quilt it at the spur of the moment yesterday. I stayed up way too late last night trying to finish the last area and ended up finishing it this morning. I spent the last two hours last night after refilling my bobbin trying to figure out why my machine was acting up and I was getting bad thread nests and wrenching noises before giving up. With a little help from the Internet, I figured out what I already knew. I wasn't threading my machine properly. Stubborn is as stubborn does.

It's done. I can't wait until I've quilted another 50 quilts as maybe I'll be better by then. The quilting isn't that much better than what I did on the Remember Whooooo Loves You quilt. My meander got confused in more than one place and I'll accidentally crossed the streams in a couple of places--my meander quilting crossed some other meander quilting. Oh, well.

These things I know:

I don't think I will ever enjoy quiting for myself. I'm sure I will get better, but I don't think I'll ever enjoy doing it. I'll be meandering the rest of my life.

I like Isacord thread.

I still like 80/20 Hobbs batting.

I want a sewing table that fits my sewing machine--one where my sewing machine sits down inside the table so everything is level. I KNOW I COULD BE A BETTER QUILTER IF I HAD ONE.

Things I want to try:

I need a new Supreme Slider or I want to try that silicone spray that is supposed to help the quilt glide across the sewing bed and table.

I should have quilted this quilt on the back instead of the front. I forgot I wanted to try that. I think I would have been able to keep track of my quilting better.

I'd like to try taping off sections to see if that helps me stay focused and not quilt too far. I think it would also help me plan my quilting better.

I need to take the emotion out of my quilting. I get too worked up and don't know when to stop--once I start I don't want to stop and I just want to finish.

Ultimately, Sarah won't care about how it looks. I will also forget and not care.

Next up? Binding, finishing Alex's puppy quilt, and making a quilt I will have longarmed.

Don't Stray

2011-05-12T12:04:00.000-06:00

I'm having a really hard time staying focused on anything. My mind keeps straying. Anxiety creeps over me. I can't keep my mind on my work. I don't feel like doing much at home either.

I'm very frustrated!

Tonight I plan on sifting through my red fabrics for a Twilight project that I'm featuring on the other blog. I know it's not going to go well. I will be overcome with indecision.

Alex is pretty annoyed with me. He's been looking at me with sad puppy dog eyes and asking me when I'm going to finish his puppy quilt. Good question!!!

The purple quilt still isn't quilted. It's hanging over one of the dining room chairs all folded up. I keep saying I'm going to do it....

These spells are nothing new. I will get out of my funk eventually.

It's been raining for two days. I know better weather will help improve my mood.

Be Careful What You Wish For

2011-05-08T22:36:00.003-06:00

I had an excellent Mother's Day. I hope all the moms I know did, too!

I spent the day puttering around the house. I didn't sew at all even though I flirted with the idea yesterday and early on today. I cleaned more in the kitchen, did some laundry, and cleaned my sewing area. The house was quiet and I really enjoyed just doing what I wanted to do, even if it was cleaning, without anyone bugging me or asking me to do something.

Not very motherly sounding, I know.

M took all of the kids except for Z to see Thor. Z went to the mall with a couple of friends--yes, he is finally making friends and is now like Caroline. Friends are more important than going to a movie with family even when the movie is one that really wants to be seen.

I got a Kindle for my gift! I've mentioned a couple of times about how cool it would be to have one. M got it for me yesterday while out shopping with C for her b'day gifts. She got new soccer cleats and athletic clothes. Her school soccer season may be over, but she's going to play in a tournament over Memorial Day weekend with her old rec team.

I was totally surprised and thrilled until I started feeling guilty. I wish I could really enjoy a gift....... I love the gift, truly, but its one of those things that I didn't really need and could have lived without. It's a luxury item and I don't feel like I'm worthy of luxury at this time in my life....if ever.

The Kindle is amazing!! I would compare it to the IPod as far as being one of those life changing pieces of technology.

I've not been buying many books. I've been using the library for most of my needs. It's actually been good for me. I've made myself wait for books which is really difficult for one so used to instant gratification.

I've downloaded about ten samplings of books, but I've not bought anything yet. I guess I'm too used to not buying. M got me a gift card so money isn't the issue. I'm fit to be tied!

Drive By

2011-05-06T10:13:00.000-06:00

This post isn't going to more than a drive by.....

Arms and hands are still killing me. Self diagnosis says its related to overwork and I have an inflammation. I've been taking Advil regularly and icing as much as I can. Ice feels heavenly except on my index finger which is numb and turns white when too cold. I can't go around with ice strapped on my arms, though. I guess I could, but I haven't engineered a way yet. I'm presently typing with an ice pack perched on my forearm and squeezed between my arm and my right breast.

C's last soccer game is tonight. It's actually a make-up game. They lost again last night. The game went into overtime and they lost it in the final seconds 2-1. I wish the season had been longer as I think they are finally gelling as a team. The kids only have a couple weeks left of school. GASP!

I don't have any big plans for the weekend. I have no idea if we're celebrating Mother's Day or not. We're supposed to have C's b'day dinner sometime. S has a soccer game. Z will be at a track meet all day on Saturday. (By the way...still haven't gotten his phone back!)

Finished Twilight Quilt design. It's the only quilting I've done in awhile.....

Happy Friday!!!!

Running on Empty

2011-05-04T21:53:00.000-06:00

I feel like I'm running on empty.....

All I wanted to do today was lay my head down on my desk and take a nap.

I ended up going to C's game. It's the first game I got to early enough to see her announced as a starter. The game ended in a tie, 1-1.

I have so much to do, but I sat and vegged out on the computer instead. It's so easy to do.

The closest I came to quilting today was some doodling for a quilt.

I think I need a day off to recharge.

Meh

2011-05-03T10:20:00.004-06:00

I figured I'd better get a post in while I'm at work. The Internet is down at home. Yes, M paid the bill. M doesn't know why as it was working fine last night. I'm sure it will be up and running soon as nothing gets fixed faster at my house.....

I have tons to say, but not energy to say it. I'm also experiencing a lot pain in my hands and arms. I'm not only feeling discomfort, but they also feel fatigued. I'm sure something is up healthwise, but I'm ignoring it. All I want to do is go home and rest, though.

For now:

C got home from prom safely. She got home a little later than expected and was totally wiped out. I made her tower of chocolate chip cookies, 15 cookies, for her birthday as requested. I stuck a candle in the middle of the top cookie and we sang her Happy Birthday. We postponed her dinner until next week so she could be awake to eat it. She has confirmed that the prom date that wasn't a boyfriend is actually a boyfriend now--it is official as she updated her FB status to in a relationship. I guess they had to go to prom first to see if they liked each other well enough.....

Alex is also a year older so we're done with the kids' birthdays for this year. M is the only one left. He loved his IPod Nano. I want one! I thought I could make do with the one I have, but that was before I learned the new ones have a radio on them.....

Pictures later......

Z will have his phone back in the next couple of days. The school he left it at mailed it to his school yesterday. Fingers crossed.....

Caroline and Scott, Prom 2011

2011-04-30T18:00:00.004-06:00

I'd like to share my Walgreens Photo Center photos with you.

Showdown at the LC Corral

2011-04-28T12:13:00.004-06:00

Troubles brewing more than normal at the LC Corral..... We'll probably have a showdown at 20 paces.

Yesterday is one of those days I'd like to forget.

Z left his phone at a high school in Evergreen. He's had it a little over a week which seems to have heightened our aggravation. He was at his track meet there, apparently running and texting is an event now, and he lost it. He realized it when they were leaving and even went back to look for it, but couldn't find it. A young person called me from it to tell me they found it and would put it in the school office. Thank goodness for honest and smart people! M was livid, of course, and had to telegraph the I told this would happen to me in any way he could other than verbally. I called to confirm that the phone was indeed at the school office and it was. We can't get there today and the school is closed tomorrow. M is busier than hell and we don't know when we can get up there to get it next week. There is a chance that one of the EMS teachers will be there and be able to pick it up. As long as I know it's safe, I don't care if it's a week. It will do him so good to not have it for awhile.

C missed her school soccer team and individual pictures yesterday. I want to strangle her and her team probably does, too!

She didn't have school because the juniors were ACT testing in the morning. She could have gone to school for lunch and the afternoon for study hall or tutoring, but why would she do that?! She tried to get me to take the day off so I could take her to finish shopping for prom and get some waxing done. I couldn't for financial and work schedule reasons. I didn't press either and even try to take half of the day for a couple of reasons. We had every opportunity to do this stuff last Saturday, but she was too busy attending a party for the brother of a girl she is feuding with (another example of how she would rather spend time with people she dislikes than stay home) and then spending the night with someone else that night. Sunday was Easter. No, I didn't tell her she couldn't go and do these things, but I did tell her that I doubted we would have time to go during the week before prom. She went anyway.

She is So living in the moment. We have had talk after talk about issues like this. We've been trying to get her to think things through and to make good decisions, but she can't seem to learn the lesson. She's not very good at living with the consequences of her actions, either, and constantly looks to us to work around her schedule.

Her grandmother offered to take her out yesterday to get done what she needed to get done. They set up the time, but my mom was a bit late and C slept in and then didn't get going herself. I sent a text reminding her of things she needed to do like take her dress with her to make sure the stuff she would buy would go with it. She was specifically looking for undergarments, jewelry, and maybe something for her hair. I also made note of the forecast for Saturday, COLD and WET, and suggested she look for some type of wrap or shawl. Shopping with my mom is difficult, admittedly. She's barely mobile so going anywhere takes three times as long, she likes to express her opinion, and passive aggressively to bend you to her will. C got a bra, but didn't make sure it worked with her dress. She bought a necklace, but they couldn't agree on a bracelet. She refused to consider pantyhose. She didn't even look for a shawl. They went to two places. C had made other plans to go to the mall at 1 with her prom date that isn't her boyfriend and another friend that is also going to prom. She made my mom take her home so she could be picked up by Thing 1 and Thing 2. My mom gave her $5, part of the money she was going to use to take C to lunch, and tried to get C to confirm her plans and asked her if she needed anything else since she was going to stay in the area because it was silly to go home across town and then come back to pick up S and Z for me at 3.

Needless to say, she was late getting back from the mall. I don't think she even considered coming home to allow herself enough time to get ready and get to the high school. She texted me at 3:50 to tell me she was on her way home. I think her pictures were to be taken at 4:30. I told her I was still at work, having got held up, and hadn't even planned on being the one to take her to the high school. She was calling me at 4:15 to see where I was. Duh! Her team captain had called her to see where she was as they were setting up and couldn't wait for her. There was no way she was going to make it walking and my mom wasn't in the area anymore.

I don't know how to get control of this situation. I'm sure someone will tell me.....

I got home at 4:45 and she was on the couch watching T.V. She had nothing to say. I told her I was angry and disappointed, continuing our conversation from when she called me at 4:30 to say she had missed her pictures. We didn't speak anymore. I had called her dad already and I thought we would talk together later that night.

I took S and A and their friends that they had been hanging out with afterschool for $.31 Scoop Night at Baskin Robbins and had ice cream for dinner. It didn't brighten my mood, unfortunately.

M is working all day Saturday since he is supervising some installation of a big piece of equipment. He's had it planned for months.....long before all this prom crap started a couple of weeks ago.

Do you think we'll have made up by then?! She has to get her nails done and her hair done.

Since M is working, I'm going to be the one who has to do it all. A has swimming lessons at 9. S has a soccer game at 11. C's hair appointment is at 12. If we want any pictures of C, I've got to go take them at the friend's house at 4 since M will probably still be working.

I'll have to ask my parent's for help being two places at once--my mom, the one she was rude to.

Maybe I should suggest that the prom date who isn't her boyfriend take her to her appointments?!

Schmoals

2011-04-25T12:07:00.002-06:00

I spent a good part of the weekend in the kitchen going through cupboards and cleaning. I can't believe how much junk and duplicates we have. Somehow I ended up with six loaf pans and two bundt pans. I think some of them must be my mom's. She hasn't baked for years (no oven--don't ask) and so I think she brought them over for me to use at one point. I also had a couple of lids for pans and storage containers that I no longer have. I went through two junk drawers and threw most of the stuff away. I cleaned most of the cupboards and reorganized, i.e. moved stuff from one cupboard to another. I still have a bunch of work to do. I'm dreading the refrigerator. It hasn't been cleaned in a long, long time.

I threatened M that I was going to paint soon. He doesn't believe me and I don't blame him.

Goals....Schmoals! I have to have some. I'm tired--really this time--of waiting for him to help me. The other thing I'm tired of is him being so disapproving. If he doesn't like what I'm doing or, more, how I'm doing things, then he should help or do things himself. I know I'm not going to get new cupboards or a floor anytime soon. I would like to regrout and replace the vinyl baseboard thingies around the cupboards. One of the cupboard doors is hanging by one hinge. The front of the silverware draw came completely off last night. I don't know if it can be fixed. The back door between the kitchen and mud room needs to be replaced because the dogs have almost scratched through the door to the front of it...but, again, why bother as they'll just destroy the new one.

He finally moved the old dishwasher out of the back room that's been there for three months. I've asked him before, but he finally decided to do it. Maybe my plan of guilting people into things worked?!

We had a nice Easter, otherwise. S was upset that for the first year we didn't have an Easter egg hunt with plastic eggs. A asked me at 8 p.m last night when we were going to dye eggs? I did feel awful.... M and I went shopping with C for candy yesterday morning. I came home and threw their baskets together. The only thing we couldn't find was Pixie Sticks. I told the kids that the Pixies were on strike. S and A got stuffed animals. The older two wanted ITunes and Xbox cards. M caved. We finished our day with an early dinner of ham and sides. Oh, and M and I both helped S with her science fair project that is due tomorrow.

And There She Goes.....Again

2011-04-23T16:10:00.001-06:00

I know I've been whiney more than ever lately. Ugh and Ooops!

I'm not any more optimistic today, but I did decide to work a bit on my attitude and the things that have been bothering me.

I've been working on some quilt stuff in EQ7. A boost of confidence and accomplishment can certainly help one's attitude.

I've also been working on some things around the house. I've been doing laundry, cleaning in the kitchen, and cleaning in the living room. I've been focusing on the clutter.

Still no help from the family, but I'm using my last gasp of manipulation. Maybe if people see me working they'll pitch in if nothing but because of guilt.

Sadly

2011-04-22T09:00:00.001-06:00

I've been informed that C will be getting ready for prom with her friends and someone else's mom at someone else's house.

Our house is in too much disrepair. We have too many dogs. We have too many kids. We don't have enough space.

All this should make me....everyone....want to get my....our....act together, right?

Don't make me laugh.

It makes it easier for me to be busy/lazy. Will no one step up to the plate?

I guess not.

It's too easy to be on FB, play video games, watch T.V., play Legos or dolls when not sleeping, school/work, or eating. It's easier to hang out at other people's houses.

I think about taking a week off of work to work my butt off around the house, but I probably wouldn't get much done.

Maybe I'll just run away instead...

The Phones Have It

2011-04-19T21:59:00.000-06:00

Two down with two more to go.....

Zach turned 13 today.

Sarah turned 10 today.

Z is thrilled to be a teenager.

S is thrilled to be a double digit age.

Z asked for my homeade (actually my mom's recipe) lemon cake so I made it.

Sarah decided on a cookies and cream ice cream cake.

We had a nice steak dinner at home before desert.

They were both thrilled to get their phones. Z didn't even mind that he just got his and his 10-year old sister did, too.

Both waived parties in order to get them.

I hope it's all worth it.....

Ignorance is Bliss

2011-04-19T09:22:00.001-06:00

Ignorance is bliss.

When I find out things on my own, I'm twice as upset.

It doesn't take much to get me down in the dumps.

It's too late in my life and marriage to institute change.

I'm living the definition of hopeless everyday.

Now I'm leaving

Any moment I'll be gone

I think you'll notice

I think you'll wonder what went wrong

I'm not choosing

But I'm running out of fight

And this was decided so long ago

It was last night

If I Stay (Gayle Forman), p. 190

I just want out. Out of my existence. I find myself wishing that a lot lately. Not be dead. Or kill myself. Or any kind of that stupid $#@*. It's more that I can't help thinking that if I'd never been born in the first place..... Where She Went (Gayle Forman), p. 69

Quitting's not hard. Deciding to quit is hard. Once you make the mental leap, the rest is easy.

Where She Went (Gayle Forman), p. 182

Too Much of a Good Thing

2011-04-18T18:53:00.001-06:00

I wonder if I will ever get back to quilting. A's puppy quilt is abandoned on my design wall. I'm supposed to be quilting Twilight, but I haven't been.

C got her dress. Her dad took her back to Neiman's on Sunday. We learned two things: even Neiman's can be affected by the economy and they only take American Express.

They have shortened their hours because of the economy. M had to write a check of all things. Who does that anymore?! He didn't have the other option of an AmEx card.

I still love the dress, but definitely know it's not worth it and terribly overpriced. Hey, Shannon...if you pop in an read this post: Do you think about $25 worth of fabric and notions?!

I think my body is out of alignment. My hip hurt like crazy yesterday and today from all the walking I did on Saturday. I am so pathetic!

On another note, after not seeing HP Deathly Hallows Part I in the theater, I've seen it way too many times now. I tried to watch it Friday night without the noise of the kids like M suggested. He was snoring about halfway through so I gave up. I saw it three separate times on Saturday through various points as the kids watched it separately. I saw it a couple of times on Saturday. Too much of a good thing? Well, I am looking forward to the second part. I hope it gets more exciting..... Maybe I can finish the book before it comes out.

M got our taxes done at 1:45 this morning. He's annoyed that we broke even between federal and state. He always loves a big refund. I'd rather use my money during the year and not have the government using it. I guess it depends on how you look at it. I think he was looking forward to using the money, though, and was counting on it. We both made more money last year, but have little to show for it in the scheme of things. I still think there is something he's not telling me....in fact, I know there is something he's not telling me. Oh, well. It's not like he ever actually gave me any of our refunds in cash. I'm not saying he didn't put it to good use by paying bills with them in the past.

He's off with the boys tonight at a Rockies game. The Rockies had a tax day deal. $10.40 tickets that I heard about on the radio this morning. I purchased good seats for them in the lower level outfield. The seats are normally $70 seats. The weather is really crappy, though. They headed out bundled up. I hope they have fun. Z's birthday is tomorrow. One of the things he asked for was Rockies tickets for good seats. The deal was kismet!

It's just S and I tonight. C is off at a lacrosse game with the Prom Date. I still haven't met the kid.

I should get some sewing done, but I'm not feelin' it.

The Rigors of Shopping

2011-04-16T20:22:00.004-06:00

We almost had the dress....

C had a soccer game this morning so the plan was for us to shop this afternoon for THE dress. At half the game was 2-0, but it ended 7-0. C was pretty upset again and I wasn't sure how this would affect our shopping. We came home so she could clean up. M actually wanted to go which was a good thing because he's the one with the money. It would have meant one more step of him coming to our location to make the purchase.

I had heard that David's Bridals was a good place to go from a couple ladies at the quilt shop so that was on our list to visit. We went to Park Meadows first. C didn't see anything she liked even enough to try anything on at any of the department stores or specialty stores. Part of the problem, I think, was that we were battling against the color issue. Greeeeeeeen. riiiiiiight She knew she didn't want a long dress and that was about it. I gently tried to suggest that she might want to look for a black dress and have green accessories.

We struck out at the mall so we headed to David's across the street. Nothin'--not even a try on.

I was getting pretty annoyed at this point. I wanted her to at least try something on.

I suggested we head over to Cherry Creek Mall.

Two malls in one weekend. I can't tell you how long it's been since I've been to a mall.

One of the stores we visited was Neiman Marcus. Ouch! I was standing back at this point, standing in the walkways, and not even heading into the dress racks. I was kind of afraid to at this store. I passed by dresses that had $2000 price tags (I looked).

We decided we needed a snack and to regroup.

I told C that she should at least try something on and wasn't there at least ONE dress she liked well enough?!

She told me there was one at Neiman's so back we went.

I felt so out of place in that store.....

She tried on the dress. Black. Above the knee with a wavy hemline. Strapless. Chiffon skirt with an under skirt. Drawn up at the waist on one side with an indiscriminate bow.

Size 0

The dress fit and looked like it had been made for her. I loved it! She didn't want to come out and show her dad, but I made her. He was speechless.

$315

M didn't even blink.

C liked it well enough, but no sale.

The sales lady said it was because I said I liked it. I don't think so. C and I don't really have that acrimonious a relationship. I've tried very hard to respect her wardrobe choices and not force her into anything (unlike my mom). I've given my opinion, but I've never forced the issue.

She said she liked it but she wanted to try on a dress at David's. YGTBKM!!!!!!! Back across town we went...

Another black dress. She yanked it off the rack and asked for a room. M and I sat. She came out in a fuss. It won't work. She had pulled a dress without looking at the size and it was a 10. I'm like, "We came all this way...go look and see if they have your size and try it on!!!!"

No go. Size 2 didn't fit and she didn't like the dress enough to bother getting it altered.

"I want the Neiman's dress."

Sigh and grumbling from M and I.

I'm not sure if it's because she really liked it or if she was sick of shopping.

We had left Alex at my mom's because Z was spending the night with a friend over there and I knew he wouldn't want to walk around the mall looking at dresses. S was with my sister hanging out after she took her to S's soccer game.

We picked up Alex and headed back to Cherry Creek. 6:20

Do you know that Neiman's closes at 6 on Saturdays? We didn't. Crap

I guess we'll have to go back tomorrow if they're even open on Sundays.

Maybe this dress ISN'T meant to be?

Prom Bound

2011-04-15T12:31:00.002-06:00

I'm sure it's a bad thing to live through one's kids.....

I didn't go to a prom. I wasn't asked. I didn't belong to a group of friends that went. I would have liked to have gone.

The EHS Prom is on April 30, 2011.

C is a Freshman so I wasn't worried about her going to prom. (Nor did I budget....)

Caroline has been crushing on a Senior boy for a couple of weeks now. She asked me a couple of times what would happen if she got asked to go. I honestly told her that I would be thrilled for her, but dread it at the same time.

She got asked yesterday. The asking was supposed to be a big soccer game half-time production. Boy was to enlist friend to hold up sign to ask C to prom during her soccer game at half-time last night, but all students were sent home from school and are off today because of a chemical leak in heating system. Boy asked her yesterday anyway.

She is thrilled!!

I am, too.

M not so much.

I don't think this is the way it's supposed to be, but boy already has his color scheme picked out and, since it's his Senior Prom, C has to go along with it. C's friend is also in the same boat. C got the better color, though in my opinion. She has to find a green dress and the other girl's color is yellow. Green is a good color for C, thankfully. I told her she needs to make sure she knows which shade of green she's looking for, though.

Aiding and Abetting

2011-04-11T14:58:00.001-06:00

C has joined the EHS student protest over the non-renewal of math teacher Cherri Spencer's 2011-2012 contract.

They've even started a group on Facebook!

Any protestor needs a kick ass T-shirt....

I don't know who came up with the slogan?!

She got her dad to buy the T-shirt at Hobby Lobby with a stencil and some fabric paint.

I couldn't let her do that. Her last attempts at decorating T-shirts with fabric paint have been interesting and.....messy.

I made her use fabric letters instead. When she asked for zebra print from my stash, I only felt a chest heave for a second. I mean, I can always get more zebra fabric...

She traced the letters onto fusible. She ironed them onto the fabrics. I cut them out. She arranged them on the shirt. I spent my afternoon sewing them on.

I told her she has to wear the shirt every other day, but not to get suspended or arrested.

I ~~may~~ or may not support the protest in theory, But, like I said, C needed a good protest T-Shirt. I can appreciate her choice to protest.

I am not taking orders.

#%@! Free Motion Quilting

2011-04-09T21:03:00.000-06:00

I think I'm going to make this a regular series.... #%@! Free Motion Quilting

In my neverending quest to become proficient at free motion quilting, I supplied myself with some new materials and watched some more videos. My last attempt at free motion quilting the owl quilt finished with mixed results for me.

I understand all the concepts so they aren't the issue.

These issues remain:

1) I have never been able to draw. It's a brain thing. Free motion quilting is like drawing and, at the very least, doodling so I'm going to always have trouble.

2) Free motion quilting is actually the oposite of how one would draw. The paper moves and the pencil is stationary.

3) I am dealing with equipment issues, thread issues, and the like.

4) I'm too impatient. I'm going to have to force myself to do the prep work, like developing a quilting plan and maybe doing some marking of the top. I also want to see improvement. (No, I don't have to be perfect out of the gates, but I do want to feel like I'm going to be able to get better in the near future.)

I think I have finally solved some of equipment, thread issues, and the like. When I have quilting questions, I hit the 'Net for answers. I found Leah Day's site awhile ago (too lazy to link...you're own your own). I had a Supreme Slider already. I feel that it's helpful, but I've about ruined mine sewing through it when it's come loose on my machine without realizing it so I need to replace it. I purchased Genie Magic Bobbin Washers to help deal with backlash which I don't know if I was really experiencing to being with. I got a pair of Machingers. (I used other gloves and tools to help grip/control the quilt top. The jury's still out for me as to whether or not I think they're better than anything else.)

I think all these things helped me net better quilting results for the owl quilt. My stitch length was pretty consistent. I didn't have many skipped stitches or tension problems.

I wasn't happy with my quilting pattern. I tried a simple meander. My meander looked pretty goofy in places.

I decided to practice using water soluble Sulky stabilizer as a way of marking my quilt. I drew some designs on it with a Sharpie and tried quilting them in numerous efforts. I don't think this method is ever going to help me.

I'm a wild quilter. I can't trace the design. I get too panicky. I quilt too fast.

I'm practicing free motion quilting again because I need to quilt the Purple Quilter Eater quilt. The quilt is a lot bigger than the owl quilt. I don't want to just meander.

I needed more Aurifil thread for piecing. I had to order online because freaking GAQF closed (yeah, still pissy about that!) so I decided to splurge on Isacord thread which is another Leah Day recommendation.

My Singer Confidence Quilter, the machine I use for quilting, likes it! I did have to go buy a thread stand because the thread spool was getting hung up on the spool holder. It solved the problem.

I should be ready to go, right?!

All of this still hasn't solved my problem of quilting a nice design. I guess I should be thankful that I won't have everything else to worry about. I should be able to focus mostly on learning to quilt/draw on my quilts.

Remember Whooo Loves You....Love, Mommy

2011-04-05T20:54:00.009-06:00

See that smile?! It's moments like these that make me glad I'm a quilter and (almost) forget to be so critical of myself.

I made the Remember Whooo Loves You (pattern by Acorn Quilt and Gift Co.) quilt for the PatchworkTimes Monochromatic Challenge. January's color was yellow. I'd had my eye on this pattern and the Lila Tueller fabric (border fabric) forever. When I decided to do the Challenge, I splurged on the pattern and the fabric.

I had planned on donating it, but Sarah claimed it.

It is April 5 and the quilt is finally finished.

I quilted it myself and, of course, I'm trying to be happy with my results. (I used 80/20 Hobbs for the batting and I really like it.) It's actually been quilted for over a month, but for some reason I put off finishing the binding. I worked on it here and there until last Friday when I completed most of it while sitting poolside watching the kids swim. I finished it this weekend watching basketball.

I wanted to make a special label. I scanned the owl applique pattern that was used for the quilt and then printed it in a reduced size. I printed the label on photo fabric and then appliqued the owl on it, machine sewing as close to the edge of the individual pieces with matching thread, and framing this with the same quilt border fabric. (I had a little problem with the label. The fabric discolored with ironing. I did everything I could to get the discoloration out (washing in cold immediately, hydrogen peroxide, and bleach), but it still has some spots. I hand sewed the label down with an invisible applique stitch.

Sarah is so glad it's finally finished. She loves it. I about cried with her when she told me that she was tearing up when I gave it to her finished tonight. Her words, "Thank you, Mommy! I love it! I'm about to cry. It's been so long since you made me a quilt.)

It has been that long....around 7 years?!

Not Your Average Dummy

2011-04-05T11:25:00.004-06:00

There have been so many responses to the topic of the Dumbing Down of Quilting. The blog world really is a small one. Does everyone hop from the same blogs to others? We must.

My response was horrible.

I think it all boils down to the fact that no one wants to be called a dummy or to be made to feel like what they do is so elemental that a caveman could do it even if they are enjoying doing it simply and they say they are happy with their skills and quilts. One immediately gets their back up.

I think quilting is difficult. It takes practice like any other thing in life. It can take a lot of concentration, too.

Sew an accurate and consistent 1/4" seam...no problem. Cut a strip with ruler and rotary cutter that isn't bowed in the middle...piece of cake. Look at a block or entire quilt and see all the individual parts without a pattern showing them to you...child's play. Ha!

I just want to be sure that those that want to improve their skills are doing so and not just giving up and saying that it doesn't matter because they feel like they'll never learn or become better. Are they saying that because it's really how they feel or because they don't want anyone else to think that what they're making has that dorky homeade look?

I also want to be sure that I'm not looked down upon because I like my quilts to be just so and the best that I can make them.....

This has happened. I'm not supposed to sew well because it makes other people feel bad.

Make Me an Example

2011-04-03T20:40:00.001-06:00

Who ordered the snow?! I sure didn't do anything resembling a snow dance so it wasn't me. Even if I expected it, the weather was still a major downer today.

I stayed up way too late last night sewing. I shouldn't have because it messed up my whole day. I had neither the energy or the motivation to accomplish anything today.

I am the worst quilting example.

I'm doing everything I can to ruin the puppy quilt. I had the worst time cutting down the center section down and getting it square. I'm such a dunderhead sometimes when I don't use quilting common sense. I make it a point to sew accurately so that I don't have to square stuff up. It's actually less work to do so and less frustrating! I end up having to think more.

Then, in trying to even out the quilt to make adding the border easier, I added sashing strips larger than called for. I didn't like the way that looked so I decided to trim an inch off all of them. Not only was this wasteful, but on one side I got lazy and ended up miscutting so I had to take the strip entirely off and add a new one.

Ugh!

At least I know the top isn't wonky, because these sashing strips fit the quilt on all four sides without any easing.

Like I've said before. People may not like all the quilting rules out there...... but they really are tried and true AND should be followed. Following them saves headaches later. Whenever I use shortcuts or get lazy, I'm always sorry!

I'm back on track.

I wanted the next border which is striped to be a bit different than the pattern, but I have trouble with random and I want to be accurate so I drafted 4x6" sections in EQ7 as a paper piecing pattern. I know....a bit anal, but it works for me.

I'm also happy to report that I finally got the binding totally sewed on the Remember Who Loves You owl quilt. All I have to do is make the label. S is really getting annoyed with me. She wants me to finish it asap. She's going to have to wait. I can't just put any label on it.

Ghosts I Have Loved

2011-04-01T13:33:00.002-06:00

My 6"x24" Omnigrid ruler is missing. It can't be found. I've torn the house apart looking for it. No one knows where it is. It's a sad day because I immediately started grilling the children under hot lights and with threats that they would not leave the house until it was found. I have a ghost in the house. I know I didn't lose it. I strongly suspect that something ill befell the ruler and the evidence has been hidden.

I went and bought a new ruler today. JoAnns was out of the 6"x24" Omnigrid rulers so I got a Fiskars which I'm not thrilled about. As quilters we do become attached to our tools! ....Or, at least, I do. I've tried other brands of cutters and rulers, but I always go back to Omnigrid.

I'm off to the swimming pool with S and friends. No sewing for me today....

Turd Thursday

2011-03-31T15:07:00.000-06:00

I'm just kidding...... maybe.

I was thinking of joining the Totally Tuesday, Wayback Wednesday/Wordless Wednesday (could never happen)/WIP Wednesday, etc crowd with my very own day. I even thought of making a button to share with code and everything.

I don't think Turd Tuesday or Turd Thursday would take off, though.

I just got back from spending the day out with kids and friends. We went to see Gnomeo and Juliet. I rarely get to see a movie in the theaters and having to spend $36.00 (really rather reasonable in this day and age of movie ticket prices) was a shame. We went to lunch at Colore....another $60 there with tip, but we brought half our food home. (This amount included Z's carrot cake he brought home, too.) Off to Yogurt Land for another $20. This is all for six people, but still an expensive day out. I am justifying the day since it's really the only treat I've given the kids in awhile except for letting them get two On Demand movies this week while on spring break.

I finished sewing the middle part of the puppy quilt. I would have been done sooner, but as I was about to sew the last two rows on, I realized that one of the blocks was sewn the wrong way--my specialty--and so I had to fix it. I was up until 1 a.m. doing unsewing, resewing, and finishing the section. I could have left the block the way it was, but I can't stand to leave a mistake if I can easily fix it. I guess I'll never fit in with the crowd that thinks better done than ~~perfect~~ right.

I still need to measure the section and then cut it down. The unattached block in the corner is just that. It will be appliqued in a dog's mouth.

Whose Idea was THAT?

2011-03-30T21:11:00.002-06:00

We had fun making them.....

You do the math. And, no, at this point in my marriage I had sex more than once a year and my anniversary is in September...but M's b'day IS in late June.

At this time of year, M and I sweat it out. This time a year is almost worse than Christmas.

We have four kids.

Two kids with birthdays on 4/19.

A kid with a 5/1 birthday.

A kid with a 5/2 birthday.

Zachary will be 13 and Sarah will be 10 on 4/19.

Caroline will be 15 on 5/1.

Alexander will be 8 on 5/2.

C was two weeks early. I had just gone on maternity leave. In fact, I was in labor on my first official day off. C was stubborn. I had a very long labor without enough progression and she was sunny side up so I had to have a C.

Z was a week late because the doctor had to let me go at least a week over my due date before he induced. It was a difficult birthing. His shoulder got hung up and he was born blue.

Because of my previous troubles, I wasn't allowed to go later than my due date with S. We scheduled with the idea that if I didn't go into labor on my own, I would be induced. The doctor gave me a choice between a day or two. I thought nothing of scheduling her on Z's birthday. Z will never forgive me for having to have his 3rd birthday in the hospital and every one thereafter shared with his sister.

Troubles aside, the same applied for A. I had to schedule again. Learning my lesson, I avoided 5/1 and C's birthday. A was born on 5/2 during the doctor's office lunch hour...for real!

Birthdays mean gifts and parties. We've not always been able to do parties. The kids have been pretty understanding.

This year we're doing okay....and I'd like to try to do a bit more.

C can't decide. She might be over the choreographed birthday party at her age.

S definitely wants a party! A couple of years ago we took the scouts to a hotel in the DTC for a slumber party to spend our cookie money. The hotel had an indoor pool and a buffet breakfast with made to order omelets. We had pizza, a sundae bar, and did makeovers. We could do the same for S and three friends for $97.00 with tax for the hotel. I think this is reasonable.... I'm talking M into it.

Z doesn't know what he wants to do except that he wants a phone. He doesn't have a posse to have a party with like Caroline. She could invite her high school and probably half would come she is so social.

A is in the same boat. He wants an IPod, though. You'd not think this was so crazy if you saw him walking around the house with Z's borrowed IPod singing Eminem's clean version of I'm not Afraid, Metallica, and Michael Jackson off key. And, we promised him a big gift if beat his Encopresis....for real this time. (He's going to the bathroom without prompting and doesn't seem to be holding at all.)

Books are Like Presents

2011-03-30T12:33:00.000-06:00

I feel like I'm opening a present when I start reading a book.

I usually can find something to like about a book. I rarely discard anything I start unfinished. I particularly like it when I read a part of a book that really speaks to me and that I can identify with.

I up to H in the Sue Grafton Kinsey Millhone PI series. I hope I don't get bored before I make it to the end of the series. I think she's published up to U?

There has been a line in H is for Homicide already that I love. It is so me!

...All of us are subjected to somebody else's power at some point. So once in a while you kiss ass. So what? Either you make your peace with that early, or you end up living your life as a crank or a misfit. ...

Ah, ha! This is my problem. Too much ass kissing and not enough making peace with it. I am living my life as a crank AND a misfit.

The Lucy Brown Effect

2011-03-28T21:29:00.004-06:00

Meet Lucy Brown

1 part Sweet and Sour Drink Mix

1 part Cranberry Juice

1 part Orange Rum Barcardi O

1/2 part Captain Morgan

Slice of Orange

(I always end up adding an extra splash of cranberry juice.)

**************************************

No worries of me becoming an alcoholic.

I love my glass. The stem is so cool!

**************************************

Help me get the word out....

To the teenage boys who have "ding dong ditched" my house the past three nights trying to WOO my daughter:

STOP already!

(The doorbell didn't actually get activated last night. M was napping before coming to bed again. One of the same boys came up on the porch, but one of the dogs actually caught sight of him before he could ring the bell and scared him away.)

Caroline has warned them off, but I don't think they think we're serious.

***************************

Another funny C story.....

She was stuck at home all day with the kids minus S who was at a friend's since last night's sleepover.

I took pity on her when she asked if she could go to a friend's despite her plans not coming together until 8:40 and us needing to give another girlfriend a ride with her to her boy who is a friend's house.

I was hoping she could get a ride home.

No such luck....

her evening almost ruined.....

Until

Boy's mother offered to drive girls home!

My not-so-jokingly comment to M:

Just HOW challenged is this boy that a mother will do anything to help a couple of girls come over to visit?!
(I was thinking of mom's joy about the pretty girlfriend in Transformers.)

C not hearing my comment, but thinking we were talking about her eagerness to go to this boy's house because she had designs on him

says

He's not that good looking. (Please excuse my daughter's comment....but understandable for this age....)

M just look at each other and laugh.

*****************************************************
Off to sew......

9-Patch Hangover

2011-03-27T23:27:00.008-06:00

Happy Hour started at about 3:30 this afternoon. M had made me a half container of Lucy Browns yesterday, but we had wine with dinner last night so I did not partake of the Lucy Browns because I nursed my tumbler-full of wine through the evening post-dinner. I actually had to take some Advil because I drank a little bit into a hangover which is a bit of a shame because without the headache I might have finished the pre-border and applique stage of the puppy quilt.

Talk about being one of those simple quilters, I feel like a beginner again. The owl quilt was full of 9-Patches and this quilt is made of a bunch of 9-Patches. I'm officially sick of 9-Patches for awhile. There goes my idea of getting on that Blooming 9-Patch that is on my quilt bucket list.

One of the 9-Patches will be appliqued so that is why it is in a weird position on the quilt top. The three top rows are sewed together. The bottom three rows are unfinished.

~~Something is up with blogger and uploading photos. My pic is there, but itsn't showing up.~~

Quilt Groupies or.....Minions?

2011-03-27T16:55:00.017-06:00

Despicable Me has quickly become one of our favorite movies.

We even love the music!

The blog chatter this past week has been a buzz with the debate over the dumbing down of quilting. The debate was handled with aplomb by both sides with only a few people getting their panties in a twist. You had those defending the ART of quilting simply and modernly and those posing the arguments for quilters to learn the ART and improve their skills. You had those, with their panties in a twist, calling up the quilt police accusation or asking why anyone should care how they choose to quilt?

I've certainly thought a lot about this subject and briefly touched on it on posts in the past. I've questioned the heavy dependence on pre-cuts and kits that so many people seem to rely on in order to make quilts these days. On the one hand, it's wonderful that so many more people are quilting since these shortcuts supposedly save quilting time so people with a shortage of time can still quilt and beginners can make quilts. On the other hand, I feel the downsides on a personal level. So much of the quilting industry's energy seems to be focused on shortcuts, precuts, and dumbing down quilitng...whether it really needs to be or not. Hurry up and quilt something so more money can be made....

I can get over most of this. The books that are geared toward dumb quilters or time challenged quilters have techniques and ideas that I can still use. I learn something new all the time because, to be frank, dumb or lacking common sense--I still need a lot of help. And, of course, there is the resounding agrument that I don't really need to care how other people are quilting and what they are choosing to make. There will continue to master quilters among us that decide to be really ARTFUL and MASTERFUL in their quilting. Quilting will survive! We shouldn't want the hobby and art to remain stagnant or devoid of improvement.

Oh, and I rarely have to buy a pattern unless it's applique. I love to look at pictures of quilts and to recreate them when needed. I'm sure they aren't exactly like the originals but I don't care. I'm eager to make a couple of these, namely Fast Forward and Hugs and Kisses. Oh, and I'm not going to use a charm pack or jelly roll! I'll probably even make a foundation pattern. Gasp~

There are other things about the industry and the blogging world that strike a nerve more and resonate more with me because of my personality or temperament and because I rarely get to be a part of the group...never part of the popular crowd. I feel like I'm in high school all over again only, this time, I'm making certain quilts instead of wearing certain clothes or fixing my hair a certain way.

I think we're becoming a bunch of groupies and maybe even minions. I'd probably become one in a heartbeat if given the chance. Becoming followers, auto receiving patterns, quilting the xxx way, using the exact same patterns, using the exact same fabrics... A lot of people seem to be acting like groupies.

Although, all this is probably went on before. We all just know and see it now because we're all so plugged in and quilting online.

Don't be a Cupcake

2011-03-26T20:28:00.001-06:00

Today was fine. Today was peachy. I did a lot of laundry, a tiny bit of picking up, some reading, and some agonizing over fabrics for the Supernova quilt that I may or may not still want to make. I don't trust myself at all picking out fabrics to go together for projects like this. The girls spent most of the day at their friends'. A went to swimming lessons this morning and I got threated to a McD's Vanilla Latte--yes, I have successfully weaned myself off of Starbucks lattes to save myself $1/day for lattes and more if I get an iced coffee. Z stayed in his room reading one of the Last Olympians books for the xx time. C finally came home and M and her had their discussion about her activities and how her running around 24-7 affects the family time we rarely get to have, like last night. Tears flowed and she stormed off with a slam of the door with a "I can't do anything right!" (Word to the wise...with the exception of getting hanged up on, slamming doors is the next worst thing you can do to him.)

We ended up having a very nice family dinner tonight. M had repaired the grill and got it ready for the season at my request. Even though it was a little colder than he likes for grilling, we had petite sirloins with roasted red potatoes and asparagus. M even opened a bottle of my favorite red wine, the only one I've learned to like, Cupcake Red Velvet.

We're now watching Megamind on On Demand as a family. I don't know how willingly C is here, but at least she's here.

Fri-Day Sewing

2011-03-25T22:46:00.003-06:00

I'm calling it a night. I shouldn't be as tired as I am and I don't think I am, but my brain is a little numb from the Mandarin Orange Cosmopolitan I had a couple of hours ago at Colore. M took me there for dinner. It's our second visit and was as good as our first. We had planned to go out for a family dinner, but the kids were uncooperative for different reasons. I enjoyed dinner and my cocktail, but I'm pretty sad inside.

I took today off. I was off yesterday, too. S and A had conferences. S is doing really well. A is still lagging behind, but his teacher said he is improving. He seems to be finally interested in reading.

I sewed a bit yesterday on the puppy quilt. I made sure I liked my 9-Patches and the fabrics I had picked out. I also sewed a bit more on the yellow owl quilt binding. I don't think I'll ever finish it. I sewed on it while at S's soccer practice for about a half our. We had the weirdest weather yesterday. It was sunny in the moring, but chilly. In the afternoon, it started clouding up. At 5, when we went to S's practice it was spitting rain. When we got to practice, it was snowing a bit. S's coach called practice, but we stayed at the field as the girls that had showed up ran around some. After about a half hour of that, the sun had come out and they probably could have had practice. It was no big thing. The team has their Bye this week.

I spent today being lazy rather than busy. I had stayed up late watching T.V. last night so I slept in until 9. The Butler vs. Wisconsin game was exciting! M had gone to bed and C was at a friend's. I had to go and get her after the game was over. Then, I came across a Buffy the Vampire Slayer episode--the one where Buffy finds out that Angel is a vampire. I was startled off of the couch when two teenage boys crept up on my porch. I had all the lights off so I don't think they saw me. The checked the numbers on the house, rang the doorbell three or four times, and then ran off. I called C, but she didn't get out of her room fast enough. It woke M up and all the dogs were barking. C finally found out who they were tonight. Two Senior boys she says? And so it begins or continues....

I did manage to cut the rest of the fabric squares for my 9-Patches and the setting triangles. I completed two more 9-Patches and sewed the first two rows together. A is thrilled and thanked me a couple of times for starting his quilt.

Of note, are the setting triangles. I always make them larger than called for and then cut them back. I don't know if the pattern calls for a 1/4" seam for this part or bigger, making this part of the top float a bit. I like things to float so it may not matter what the pattern calls for. I'll probably do what I think looks the best.

I also made multiple trips down to the basement this afternoon to visit my stash. I pulled a ton of fabrics for the Supernova Quilt-a-Long. I only needed four fabrics for each block in addition to the one focus fabric I'm going to use in every block, but I probably pulled 3x that many fabrics than I needed. I basically pulled every fabric I liked in the colorways I could get to in the totes. I'll narrow down from there. I may go crazy in the process because I get so freaked out doing this type of thing second guessing myself, etc. My working with other fabrics freaked A out a bit because he thought I was going to stop working on his puppy quilt. I reassured him that wasn't going to be the case.

I may not have committed to making this quilt had I not been so inspired by the fabric above. I bought it at Hobby Lobby so its not the best quality fabric. I absolutely love the print. I've always wanted to make a grey quilt. I got a lighter grey Kona for the background fabric in the blocks.

Supernova, Freshly Pieced

Soccer Chick

2011-03-25T09:31:00.001-06:00

I'm one proud soccer momma!

EHS is struggling this season, but C has kept her head up. She continues to practice and play hard. She exhibits true sportsmanship and continuously demonstrates her passion for the game.

Englewood Herald

C learned that she was one of the lucky teammates to be featured in a photo in support of a story in the Englewood Herald about the upcoming season. I wish I had known sooner. We're going to try to find a copy.

Writing Tools

2011-03-24T10:54:00.010-06:00

I grew up in a between time. We had computers in high school. I even took a programming class as a senior for an elective. There were computer labs at my college, Metropolitan State College of Denver. One of my English classes the first year met regularly in one of the computer labs and required that our work be done on the computer and the saved files be shared with the instructor. I remember having some type of issue with one of my assignments and being too embarrassed to ask for help. Most of my college papers were still done on a typewriter.

I didn't become fully computer literate until 1999 when I went to work for a Dentist that used a program specifically designed for Dentists which hosted all patient files, the appointment book, and the accounts receivable. He also used Quickbooks. I also was introduced to the Internet at this time through my job. I had just started really quilting at this point and quickly learned the ins and outs of using the 'Net to make online fabric purchases, make connections via the World Wide Quilting site, and join quilting groups at Yahoo Groups for swaps and fellowship.

I would find it hard to function without a computer today. I love email. I love to blog. I love that I'm not restricted to shopping at my local quilt stores. I appreciate that I can get an instant answer for just about anything. The world is really wide open. (I'm fully aware of all the negatives that come with all of this, too.)

I'm not totally with the program. I don't have a laptop, IPad, or Smart Phone. I'm not totally plugged in as one would say. I would love to have a device that would allow me to be plugged in more than I am even if it's just across the room working on my laptop in the comfort of sitting on the couch instead of a hard chair in front of the computer desk. I vow that after this tortuous year of being responsible and paying off my bills that I will be able to get a laptop, at least.

I think of myself as handicapped technologically speaking. I do let it intefer with not working on things. I could easily write a story down with pen and paper. I could easily doodle out a quilt design. I don't have to use the computer or EQ to get it done.

I surrendered the T.V. to M last night after watching Top Chef All-Stars. He channel surfed to a movie I'd seen a million times before and I knew he'd be snoring in minutes so I went to bed. I read a bit more of G is for Gumshoe and then I got inspired. Would you believe that I have no paper in my house? I ended up using a discarded foundation pattern to start writing a story down. The words flowed from my brain and, yes, using a pencil I wrote them all down. I didn't get fussy about arranging them perfectly. I only erased a couple of times. I've got arrows everywhere with sidenotes and added sentences. I'll flush it all out later. I couldn't write by hand fast enough was the only thing. I wanted to keep going, but I got tired after awhile. I worked myself to a good stopping point satisfied with the story, but more by the fact that I'd actually worked on something!

I've created a Page on this blog in my header. It's called A Real Quilting U.F.O. for now. I'm going to put my story there and hopefully keep adding to it until its conclusion.

Bent Out of Shape

2011-03-23T12:35:00.003-06:00

I woke up this morning earl-I-A this morning so that I could do S's hair. I only came away with a couple of burned fingers and S walked away with ringlets galore. She wore her new shirt and shorts even though it was cold this morning at 7 am when she had to leave for choir practice.

It is picture day at the elementary school. The school has two picture days. One at the beginning of the year. The second is around this time of year. Class pictures are taken for $10 in addition to individual shots in more casual poses with a more interesting background than the typical one color backgrounds of the standard school pictures. Pictures are sent home for approval at a later date in a package of multiple sizes so parents can pay for as many as they want and return the rest or all of them.

We didn't spring for pictures at the beginning of the year because money is always tight during that time of year after paying for everything else that the kids need to start school. I also was hoping that the second picture day would happen like it did last year.

A was not a happy camper this morning. He was slow moving and I had a feeling that we were going to have issues. Sure enough.... M trotted off with C this morning, taking her to school, and then headed off to work. I was left to prod, plead, and yell at the boys to get ready for school. Every morning it's the same thing...get dressed, eat breakfast, comb your hair, brush your teeth. I have tried to just let them be and not nag them, but that never works either.

A had put temporary tattoos on his neck over the weekend. I told him that they had to come off but, of course, he didn't want me to scrub them off last night or this morning. I had a bitch of a time getting them off and, according to him, I hurt him unbearably doing so. He refused to wear the plain blue T-shirt I had out for him to wear and instead came out with his Despicable Me Minions shirt on. Now, I love the Minions as much as anyone but not on picture day. He also had on his holiest of jeans which wasn't that big of a deal.

I barely got him out the door. I made the motion of leaving him in the house pretending that I was actually leaving him. He didn't believe me. I would have really left to take Z to school, but I just imagined coming home to the police in front of my house because he hadn't stayed inside to pout. At this point we were 10 minutes behind schedule and I had called Michael--a cry for help and another ruse to get A to shape up in fear of his dad. When we got to his school, he wouldn't get out of the car right away. More begging, pleading, cajoling--all this while the gym teacher looked on offering no help. A wouldn't go into the school and at this point Z was going to be late. I pulled A back into the car, shot the unhelpful gym teacher a look that could kill, called M again, and drove to the middle school to drop Z off.

I took A back home. Murderous thoughts raced through my head.

See, that's the thing. I have no power in this relationship or any others.

In my phone call to M, in which I yelled and then hung up on him (a mortal sin in M's eyes), I told him he had to come home from work and deal with A because I couldn't be late late to work or miss work. I honestly didn't know if I could get A to go to school at that point, although the little poop head was showing a most aggravating sense of calm at this point. Why not? He had won. I was upset.

A sat on the couch and I in my room until 8:30. I was just ready to take A to school and was calling M when he walked in the door. I got the warning, "don't ever call and yell at me like that and hang up." He took A to school....I think he got there. I haven't heard.

I'm bent out of shape in more ways than one.

I actually don't feel all that well today. You know you're out of shape when you wake up with muscle aches because you pinned a quilt the day before on your hands and knees. My butt muscles actually hurt today and so does my shoulder. Pathetic.

I would never give up quilting even if I occasionally consider it. It feels good to be in control of one small corner of the universe. Quilting is my one small corner of the universe. (I must give credit where credit is due. This line is from G is for Gumshoe by Sue Grafton.)

Making Do or Make it Work?

2011-03-22T17:43:00.003-06:00

I finished layering the purple quilt sandwich today at work. I'm not ready to quilt it. I need to buy thread and come up with a quilting plan. I'm going to see if I can talk M into getting my equilter order for me. I want to try Isacord thread as recommended by Leah Day for the quilting and I need more Aurifil thread for piecing.

I'm not really good at making do. I always want to buy new fabric for projects even with my huge stash. Buying fabric is thrilling! The endorphins rush. I associate using fabric in my stash with making do.

I need to get over myself.

I went through my tote of browns to find some more that might work for my 9-Patches in the puppy quilt. I'm determined to make them work.

Experimental

2011-03-21T22:52:00.004-06:00

Sarah's school is having a science fair for the 3rd, 4th, and 5th grades. She's been talking about it for a couple of weeks, but only brought the packet home tonight. I know what we'll be doing over spring break. She wants to grow seeds in different soils and measure the growth to determine the better soil. I remember growing mold for my Honorable Mention in 5th grade.

I took the purple quilt into work today as planned. My boss actually had the carpets cleaned over the weekend so the conditions were even better than I thought they would be. I was concerned about the pieced back, but I actually think I'm on to something. The back seems to very stable and not prone to the distortion I sometimes get with a two section pieced back. I didn't do a very precise job of cutting the too large batting with my crappy scissors. I'm going to take my cutting mat into work and trim the batting flush with the backing tomorrow. After I complete that step, I'll flip it over and place the top on it. I'm going to safety pin the layers together.

I started A's puppy quilt since I had an open design wall. He is so excited! I rarely make a quilt as a pattern dictates. I decided that I didn't want to applique anything but the puppies so I drafted a pattern for the alternate blocks. I'm wishing that I had more light browns in my stash for the 9-Patch blocks. I may want to pick up a FQ or two.

The blocks appear larger in the picture below. They're actually pretty small at 6" finished.

The quilt from the pattern:

Accidental

2011-03-20T17:25:00.002-06:00

My weekend is almost over. I'm ready for a weekend wrap-up post.

We went to C's soccer game Friday. They lost miserably. I say miserably not because of the score, 0-7, but because we're still shaking our heads at the coaching. Coach had the girls in some strange alignment or formation or whatever.... We know this because one of the parents of another girl that played with C in her rec league team is a seasoned soccer player and coach. He couldn't figure out why the coach had the girls playing in that particular formation for the ENTIRE game because it's some type of formation that the German national team uses when they're up a goal or two. I'm all for trying new things and teaching, but maybe after it's apparent it isn't working...?! I guess the 0-1 score at the half was deceptive. I could tell the girls were frustrated even with that score. I'm learning to weather the tears. I've not seen C cry so much and never over soccer. I was a disappointed in her coach's behavior. He threw his clipboard at one point after a score and flounced over to bench, sitting down with legs crossed for most of the second half.

S's game wasn't much better. They also got skunked. I would like for them to win a game at some point. I think they only won one last year. Her team has a lot of new girls. They're only about nine and ten-years old so there's hope.

And, here's the biggie:

M had an accident on Saturday. This one was his fault. He plowed into someone from behind. He was distracted talking to Z on the way to the climbing wall place when the light turned red. No one was hurt. I ran up to get Z to take him to his activity after M called me. The car he hit looked pretty smashed up. The car he hit also hit someone the car in front of them. I've lost track of the accidents at this point. The last one wasn't M's fault. I know he had one or two in the past couple of years. I think those were in his work truck. I'm not supposed to be worried. I guess I'll stick my head in the sand some more until I see how it's going to play out. He hasn't settled with the insurance from the last accident in which someone hit him and totalled his new-used truck. I've stopped asking.

I sewed a bit today. I finally finished sewing all the purple quilt back sections together. My boss will be out of the office Monday and Tuesday. I think I'm going to take the quilt to work and sandwich it there. The quilt is too big for my table. I need a big enough hair-free area to get it done. Quilting is always the question. I'm still really lost in this area. I'm seriously considering getting some wash-away stabilizer to draw on and quilt over.

Supernova Quilt-Along

2011-03-18T20:22:00.001-06:00

I like this one!

I am so tempted...... Uh, oh.

I don't need another project. I can't buy anymore fabric. I'm broke.

I really like this one!

I'm not into the modern thing for the sake of being modern. I'm more tempted by patterns and colors not for making things wonky, using solids and modern fabrics, etc. just to be in the modern crowd.

I'm going to think on it.