Halu-Halo

I didn't mean to do that...

...disappear, that is.  I meant to come back to report on the fabulous meeting we had here at my house for the NOVA Modern Quilt Guild, when I drank a couple of mimosas and talked quilting with some wonderful ladies.  I was so giddy that I didn't take a picture - who does that?

But the minutes ran well ahead of me and before I knew it, we were on our roadtrip vacation to upstate New York, to Lake George.  Where the ice cream ran a-plenty along with the magnificent lake views.  It rained for most of the time we were there, so while we didn't get to hit the beach, we marveled at the glorious mist covered lake and the aura it created.  Magical.

And since Hubby is a historian both by education and interest we, of course, were not lacking in our sightseeing.  I can't recall a trip where the kids haven't climbed on top of a canon, or explored the woods.  Upstate New York didn't disappoint.

And yes, we ate.

 

A lot.

But mostly we played.  

Do you love road trips as much as we do?  We have never had a DVD system in our vehicle, so it is always conversation heaven in our van.  I absolutely am convinced that the kids' vocabularies increase by a hundred fold from all of the reading they do during road trips, in addition to our games of "Name a word that starts with the letter __"

But yes, I am glad to be home, to sleep in my own bed and to cook in my own kitchen.

And to top off such a wonderful week, I was greeted by a package when I got home - a mug rug from Dani, who sent it as part of a swap we are doing at Ravelry.  

She spoiled me!  Thank you *so* much Dani for everything!  I was so thrilled to find out that she, too, is in Virginia!  I'm so tickled to know of another kindred crafty soul.

And this is a peek of the back, what cute fabric.  

I think the mug is my new favorite :)

I hope that you all had a wonderful Memorial Day weekend.  And that you have all sent good vibes, sweet wishes, or thoughtful prayers to all of our service men and women, past and present, for freedom is never free.

Have a great night, dear friends.

 

How appropriate

Good morning dear Internets.  At my watch it is a little after 7am. According to Harold Camping, we only have 11 hours left before the end of the world begins.  

I guess, then, that it was appropriate for me to finish this project yesterday.  It is for a friend's son First Communion.  I'm getting better closing up these head pins, that I think I am ready to make a full size rosary.

I am very fascinated by the end of days.  The nannies that took care of me when I was young had tabloids with them that spelled out the end of days, almost monthly.  Pictures of Jesus were all over the front pages, calling sinners to repent before Judgement Day.  Even as young as 7 or 8, I remember starting a bucket list of things I wanted to do before Jesus came to get me. But of course I wouldn't be left behind to suffer, I was a good girl!

I do have to say that despite Harold Camping's absolute ridiculous-osity (because this prophecy deserves its own crazy spelling), it does give one pause to evaluate their place in the world.  Let's admit it, shall we, that even the most cynical person has thought of even for a second of where they think they will be at the end of days (religious or otherwise).  Will you be up/or down/or sideways or where the good people are, or will you be pulling a cart and scrounging for food with a blackened face as Cormac Mcarthy  has depicted in The Road.

I personally hope that I am pulled up to the Good Place, since I have no survival skills except for cooking.  And sewing, as we all know, since this is a part craft blog and all.  That's it - I can sew clothes! And knit hats for when its a nuclear wasteland and it's freezing everyday.

Well, folks, if this is my last day on Earth, just know that it's been great knowing you.  I was planning on showing pictures of our get together here at my home of the NOVA Modern Quilt Guild which is supposed to happen tomorrow - oh, well...

I hope you all have a great day, since, of course, it will be the last normal day ever.

:)

 

Why I love my girlfriends

I received a package yesterday from one of my BFFs.  When I opened it, a flurry of pink tissue paper greeted me. I tossed them all out in a hurry and soon I was again like a little girl on her birthday, sitting criss-cross-applesause half buried in tissue.

S sent me a handmade card with a picture of her eating one of those massive turkey legs at Disney world.  Her mouth gaping wide wide open, though not barely even covering half of the top part of the drumstick.  Her caption, "Soon girl, you will be eating turkey legs! Get well, soon!"

And in the box, among other things...

I was immediately reduced to a blubbering mess.  

She is genius really, because the other day, I had complained/whined/neuroticized (that's *so* not a word, I know) that I would never get the feeling back in my lips and won't be able to feel the glass I was drinking out of.

After crying half a river out of gratitude for having psudo-sisters, I jumped up and washed my new cup and by golly I brought it ever with me everywhere.  I think I drank more water and juice yesterday than I have in the last couple of weeks.  This morning I don't feel quite as parched, and even a little topped off.

Did she know that all of that pink paper that covered half my kitchen floor was like a big hug from hundreds of miles away.  It was like a fleeting memory of she and I eating pastries in the German village we lived in, strolling our first born children.

I don't have sisters. My girlfriends are like my sisters.  My BFFs - my lifeline.  They bring great humor to the mundane, to the absolute ridiculous. They get past the serious when they know I need it.  The call a spade a heart because they know I can tell the difference. 

I will call her today to thank her since she wasn't home yesterday.  I hope I will be able to tell her how grateful I am to have her.  

Have a wonderful day everyone, and give your BFF a call today!  

 

Project Process: Fabric Flowers Tutorial - 3 versions

Happy Monday, friends!  I am feeling that much better, now being able to eat a little more.  Who knew that a slice of pizza contained so much happiness?  Admittedly, I am having some nerve issues on my chin and lip, apparently time will tell if this will be temporary and permanent.  But you all know me, every day is a gift and I don't wait for it to hit me in the face.

I've had some requests on how to do fabric flowers, so I decided to do a quick tutorial for you.  Disclaimer: There are many tutorials out there on the Internets, but this is how I do this project.  I have included a couple of ways of doing the flowers, and included some sizes for you.  

I hope you enjoy it!

Fabric Flowers

 

Materials Needed: Scraps of Fabric, Needle, Thread, Beads (or buttons)

 

1.  Decide how large you want your flower to be.  For my examples above, I used:

8 x 3 scrap of fabric = 3 inch bloom 

4 x 2 scrap of fabric = 2 inch bloom

3 x 1 scrap of fabric = 1 inch bloom

 

2.  Take your scrap of fabric and fold it in half lengthwise.  Thread your needle and make a loop at the end of the thread.  To achieve a bloom that is frayed at the edges, start a running stitch at the fold.  

 

2.  Stitch all the way across the fabric and bunch the folds together, taking note that you have created a bloom :)

 

3.  Secure the bloom by stitching through to where you began your stitch and knot to secure.

 

4.  Sew the two ends of the fabric together.  In this case, I would have used brown thread, but I used white instead for demonstration purposes.

 

5.  Now the fun part!  Take your beads and load your needle up with a few of them, then take them across the center and secure them down.

 

6.  Go a little crazy and do a few more layers.

 

And then admire your little darling!

 

Would you like a couple options?  

 

How about, when doing your running stitch, you do them at the edges instead?

 

And instead of beads, use a button?

 

Makes you a little giddy, doesn't it?

 

And how about that little image from that piece of fabric?

 

The possibilities are endless!

With these blooms, you can attach them (via hot glue gun or super-glue) onto clippies, pins for a pretty brooch for your lapel or your bag.  Or simply, to have them sitting on your table, as I have them now.

Enjoy!  If you have any questions, please ask!

Have a wonderful day!

Famous Last Words

This family has this thing with markers.  We have a ton of them all around our home, many of which have mismatched covers attached to them.  We, for some reason, skip crayons altogether and go for the gusto.

But, if you mention the words "yellow marker" to Hubby, he will visibly shiver.  It is his nemesis, just the thought of it kryptonite to whatever peaceful thought he had previously in his head.

It was because on one Sunday afternoon, a few years ago, while I was at work, Sweet R (who was then 15 months old) stuck a yellow marker up her nose.  The tip broke and lodged itself high in her nostril.  Thankfully, Hubby noticed all of the yellow above her lips and on her cheek, found the marker-culprit and off they went to the Emergency Room.  

I think that Baby J wants to follow in her sister's footsteps.

There I was, so proud of my 13-month-old, who has discovered how to color.

I looked away but for a second.  Are those famous last words?  I do believe so...

And out of instinct I stuck my finger in my mouth to retrieve pieces of orange.  Baby J bit me by the way.  Apparently the foam tip was quite yummy.

Maybe I should really rethink bringing back crayons.

 

Exactly what I needed

Waking from a dull headache this morning, and still tight and round along my jawline, I dreaded saying goodbye to Hubby for the day.  The man has to check in to work; although he will be home mid-afternoon, I am counting the hours before he walks up our driveway.

As if I haven't given birth to 4 children, and have had to brave hubby-less postpartum days, much less...face many a time of Hubby being gone altogether, the countless weeks of being alone with my children while he is deployed or on temporary duty.

Who am I again, aren't I a military wife?  "Sucking it up" is my specialty, my middle name "Flexible", my nickname - "Ms. Do.it.all".

But...I am still allowed to feel discomfort; it is alright for me to complain. Because in the end, the world still turns, my children are still fed, and the house still stands.

I do have to admit though that these last few days have been the best they could have been despite the circumstances.

Aside from the fresh flowers on my table and the crafts made for me by sweet little hands, my Mother's Day present was the great feeling of security.  

Hubby did it all - the cooking, the cleaning, the laundry, the dishes, the shuttling of children here and there.  On time, not missing a step.  The transition of work from me to him was seamless, all he needed was my Hello Kitty apron and I think the children would have not been able to tell us apart.

What an eye opening experience, to see him place healthy meals on the table, and that he can, without a doubt, manage our Four.  So that, I was able to nap, and read, and heal, and enjoy the dreaminess of pain medication without worry.  

And now I am spoiled, so last night I begged for him to come home early, and he will.

He is exactly what I needed.

Stylish Blogger Award!

although I don't feel anywhere close to stylish at all.

Especially since I am post-4-wisdom-teeth-removal.  Get a load of these cheeks!  

  

I've been dizzy and nauseous from all of these medications I am taking, so there hasn't been any crafting for me, but I received a note from Natalie that I've been nominated for the Stylish Blogger award and I was so honored!

Thank you Natalie!  I loved seeing you the other day and am so glad to be able to connect with other local bloggers.

As part of this nomination, I have to share 7 random things about myself.  Although I will have to warn you that since I am under the influence of Percocet, I cannot promise a G rated conversation.

1.  I love, LOVE handmade things.  They make me happy.  I have kept everything handmade that has been given to me.  I am not much of a collector, nor am I a packrat, so at some point, with all of the moving we do, things store given may find itself in the "giveaway" pile....but handmade stuff - no way.

2.  BUT, I do not return gifts.  Not even those too small sweaters, or the hat that doesn't fit my head.  A gift is a gift, and I chuck those gift receipts.      

3.  I'm neurotic.  Like, Bethanny Frankel neurotic, but quieter.  Have you seen Bethanny Frankel on TV?  I love her because she is so real.  It shocks me that some folks think I'm so calm.  I don't think I am.  I suppose that's why I write and blog.  I must get my wiggles out on the page before I face the world.

Didn't I warn you that Percocet is a-flowing over here?  You asked for it.

4.  I love love my children.  And I enjoy them deeply...and because of this, I can't wait to be a grandmother.  I can't wait to have lots and lots of little children calling me Lola, and I can spoil all of them with my cooking.

5.  In 6 years or so, when Hubby transitions out of the military, and when we are in the market for our forever home, I want be in an episode of House Hunters.  I already have our little bio in my head.  

6.  I want to learn how to make mixed drinks.  Maybe take a bar-tending class.  Is there even such a thing?  We entertain a bit here at home and I want to be able to just take orders and whip drinks up in a jiffy.  How cool would that be? 

and finally...

7.  I totally believe that we all get the same amount of love and happiness and good luck.  The key is to how to detect it, how to use it, and how to appreciate it.  

 

As part of my nomination, I nominate 6 other bloggers.

1. Julia  at Simple Truths.  Julia and I went to college together and were co-Resident advisors.  We reconnected through Facebook and was thrilled to find out that she blogs and crafts!  So much in common!  And she is quite a talented lady.  

2. Steph at Paisley's Place Quilts.  Steph and I have a lot in common too.  She is a nurse and a military spouse and quilter.  She is wonderful with color!

3. Tia of Campfollower Bags.  She too is a nurse and a military spouse, and we were both stationed together in Heidelberg, Germany.  Today, not only is she a prolific quilter, but she also makes handmade quilts out of uniforms of military members.  

4. Amy of Made During Quiet Time.  She had me at the name of her blog.  And it's actually amazing what she accomplishes!   She makes beautiful quilts and has quite a few helpful tutorials.

5. Laura of My New Blog Journey.  Laura is an inspiration! She is a wonderful quilter and just an equally amazing person.  Her blog posts are honest and true.  And her quilts!  You must check her out.

6. Pietra  of Homestead Emporium.  Pietra is a phenomenal Work at Home Mom. Her blog is a glimpse into her life of being a mom of 7 and an successful entrepreneur.  She inspires me to stay productive!  She encourages me with her positive outlook.

I hope you all have a wonderful weekend! I was planning on taking an afternoon off to go to the Maryland Sheep and Wool festival, but my cheeks will insist that I stay home, I'm sure.  At least I will be pampered by Hubby, who has taken command of this ever-busy home.  Thank you, honey!

Take care everyone,

Tif

It takes a village

How do you thank people who make a difference in your child's life?  How do you show gratitude to those who nurture, and encourage, and get to know the little intricacies that make your child special; those who, by profession, teach, but by pure generosity, share all of themselves?

I have had quite a few wonderful teachers in my life.  There was my fifth grade teacher who I wrote to even after I was in middle school; her letters consoled me as I suffered through a summer with the chicken pox. There was my high school sophomore Illustrator teacher, who noticed my grades slipping one quarter; she cared to find out that my boyfriend and I broke up and she worked with me to raise my grade.  There was my high school junior US History teacher, who didn't teach to test, but to challenge, and who is still one of my mentors today.  And finally, there was my senior year English teacher, who I still think of daily, who told me that I could write if I wanted to, even after I told her I was going to join the Army and become a nurse.

I am very lucky to have these memories (and more!) of educators that have influenced me.  When my Big G told me that he wanted to play the cello, the first thing I wished for was that he could have met my middle school strings instructor, who sat outside of her building, eating almonds and walnuts in between classes just to catch that San Franciscan foggy-sun.  She gave me the opportunity to play the viola as a higher chair, since I was drowning in the sea of violins and losing my momentum.

So, when I meet great teachers, who not only has an authentic relationship with my child, but who also understands my views on education, I try to do a little more.

I know...bags.  You all know how I feel about making bags.  But it takes a village to raise a child, so all of the effort is worth it.

Although, I do have to say that absence must have made the heart grow fonder...making these bags was pure, pure bliss.

Happy Teacher Appreciation week to all of our Educators out there!  

Tiwala = (n) Trust, Faith, Belief

It's a heavy responsibility we carry as parents.  USDA estimated in 2009 that it can cost parents over $200,000 to raise a child from infancy to age 18.  Quite a hard number to take in all at once, especially having multiple children.

But these numbers don't scare me; in my opinion, the financial responsibility of raising a child is the most straightforward to tackle.  What affects me, and therefore challenges me more, is to guide the formation of their character.  

This weekend was my second son's First Communion.  We dressed him in his shirt, tie and slacks, packed the Church almost an hour before Mass began with probably a hundred other families, and watched him take this monumental Sacrament.  I was anxious and I sobbed during the Homily, along with other parents in the crowd.

The tears were not of sadness, a reminder that our childen are growing up. Instead, they are of joy, and of relief, that the thing, this Tiwala in God, has been passed down, and that he feels it too.  

I want him to know that this life is only a grain of sand in the beach of Heaven.  That the world doesn't revolve around him only and his happiness. That life is day to day, and lived the best way he can.  And that sorrow may come, but Tiwala in God will bring him through.

I made Big C a one-decade Rosary for his special day, with the center actually given to me by the dear lady at the church gift shop.  She had several rosaries that were broken, and she needed a good home for its parts. I jumped at her generosity!

My brother gave each of my children a Rosary blessed by the Pope in Rome, but I made him a more portable one to keep in his pockets.  I grew up praying the rosary and preferred my small thumb Rosary, as it was discreet.  I took it with me everywhere.  So, I thought a smaller Rosary to augment his beautiful Italian beads would be perfect.

I know these are all just first steps, he is only 8 after all.  But I'll take these small triumphs, and have Tiwala in not just God, but in my own son as well.

I hope you all had a wonderful weekend!