sixteen blocks done . . .

"Sixteen blocks done," you say,  "how many more are there?"

None.

!!!!

Yes!  That means I'm finished!!! 

And do you know what's more exciting than having all sixteen blocks quilted??!??

Having all sixteen blocks quilted *and* trimmed to size!!

Yay! Yay! Yay!

And this is what the back will look like.

Leia gave me her seal of approval when I was over there the other day.

Actually what she's saying growling is, "Don't try and push me off these blocks." Mmmmmokay.  Linking Leia up to *Feline Friday* over at Sarah Did It!

Unfortunately, for now my precious MOC blocks will stay like this . . . 

For a couple of days at the very least.  Because Ellie's dress still looks like this:

Ummmmmm . . . yeah.  And I need to make several dozen cream cheese mints, too.  Oh, and 1099's, 1096's, and contribution statements for the ministry.  But still, I think we're looking good for a February finish!!

Oh yeah, and before I forget . . . Sarah of Feline Friday and HeLP fame is starting a new linky party -- a reading challenge!  *YOU* pick the reading challenge(s) you want to follow and then link up monthly to Sarah's blog to share about your choices and progress!!  I had to think long and hard about this, but then it just clicked.  Here's my self-challenge (incredibly loosely based on the "something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue" line of thinking):

One book a month recommended by someone else.  This month that book would be:

Recommended by Angela over at Tea With Friends.  It had a teapot on the cover!

One book a month (any type) borrowed from the library (either online or hardcopy).  This month's selection:

On my kindle!  I love that I can borrow book from the library for my kindle!  I've enjoyed several of Parr's prior works, so I know this will be a quick, easy, and light-hearted read.

One book a month as a review.  For this month:

This is a softcover copy that was sent to me by Moody Press.  I also got several other copies to giveaway when I post my review!  I'm about a quarter into this one and so far, it's very good.

And finally, one book a month that is a faith/walk strengthener.  This month I've chosen:

I love Beth Moore and was thrilled to find that her publisher had released several of her publications as *freebies* on Kindle, Nook, and iBook.  If you're a Kindle user and want to check them out, click HERE. But you'd better move fast -- who knows how long they'll remain freebies!

And if *you* are interested in participating (you know you are), check out Sarah's blog and the 2014 Reading Challenge linky party!!

Have a fabulous weekend!  And HAPPY BIRTHDAY, ELLIE!!!

:)

spoiled and loving it . . .

I was thoroughly spoiled this Christmas.  Thoroughly! A little bit of this and a little bit of that and a lot of another!  Want specifics?  Hahaha ... I'm happy to share!

I got some fun *quilty* things . . .

Todd got me a full pack of Clover's Wonder Clips for binding!  I'd won twenty-five (a half pack) from a guild meeting several months ago and *loved* them--but twenty-five wasn't near enough!  And Joc, Jason and Ellie got me the Easy Angle ruler I'd wanted for quite some time!

Sawyer, June, Kim and James also got me a quilty thing . . .

It was on back order from Nancy's Notions, but it should be here relatively soon! I'm so excited -- this has been on my wish list for AGES! I can't wait to display my first little piece on it (hopefully I'll have it by Friday, January 11!)

I got some of the DVDs that were on my wish list, too.  Todd hates getting me DVDs, but I so love my DVD collection and the ability to watch the movies I like when I want to watch them!  He did a great job of mixing it up . . . 

The Lion King is going back into the Disney vault soon and I wanted to add it before it was unavailable.  And one of my Disney favorites, 101 Dalmatians!  I had all of the Disney classics on VHS, but when we moved to the RV, we didn't take the videos ... too bulky.  He also got me two classics, My Fair Lady and Bringing Up Baby (I adore Cary Grant and Katherine Hepburn together in this!), along with two from Chonda Pierce; one of my all-time favorite Christian comedians!

Also off my list was this title, one thousand gifts.  

I'm already one-third of the way through it ... soaking it in--it's a wonderful read ... from my James and Kim.

Todd got me another title off my list . . . 

I'm so glad to get something tea-related, too!  I've wanted this one for quite some time; it's filled with lovely illustrations, sweet stories, and must-try tips and recipes!

And believe it or not, I really do consider this next piece of technology a *quilty* gift . . .

A scanner!!!  Joc and Jason gifted me with this (and as Jocelyn noted to Todd, it was HIGH priority on my amazon wish list).  I love that I can now scan my favorite patterns and articles from quilting magazines and not have to keep the whole bulky magazine!  YAY!!  

My mom and dad, along with the darling birdhouse/feeders, sent Todd and I this darling little ornament for our tree . . .

Totally appropriate!  I can't believe we didn't already have one -- this was our fourth Christmas in the RV at good ol' Camp MACOBA!  Isn't it sweet?  I love these Old World ornaments!

And finally, the pièce de résistance from my darling husband . . . 

Whoot, whoot!  Sunday, January 6th ... one week ... I'm *so* excited!!!  Boy, boy, crazy boy -- get cool, boy!

And of course there were stocking stuffers and little things tucked in here and there.  Told you -- I was/am totally SPOILED ROTTEN!  :)

Okay, so if you made it all the way down here to the bottom of this post, how about something for you?  It's not from me ... I'm just re-directing.  Instead, it's from Beth Moore and her blog at Living Proof Ministries.  In her Christmas Eve post, she shares a link to three free audio downloads . . . A Country Christmas, Mary's Reflections, and The Shepherds' Story.  All three are marvelous, sweet pieces, read by Beth herself, speaking to the heart of Christmas.  And while they all made me laugh and cry (I am a hormonal jumble ... 24/7), The Shepherds' Story was absolutely fabulous!  I'm not sure how long they're available for free, but they are today.  Read toward the bottom of her post to find the link ... and the promotion code you'll need ... and ENJOY!

:)

it's been . . .

. . . way too long!

But gosh, I've been so, so busy!

So, Joc and I headed to Atlanta on Friday night. We had a great drive down and got to talk about all sorts of things that moms & daughters talk about. We were late getting to the hotel --it was about 9:30-- and the lobby was filled with women who were obviously also checking in for the Beth Moore conference! There were two staff at the hotel counter, and you could tell they were feeling a little overwhelmed. The hotel was booked full, and those guests waiting to check in were the last of the occupants! I admit I was just a tad anxious as we waited, but I had spoken to Lisa (who happened to still be there) to confirm our reservation earlier in the day, and had called and spoken to her again when I realized we weren't going to make it by 9:00 pm. We finally got our turn, and we were checked in without incident! And we had a *beautiful* room on the ground floor! Joc & I were so excited!

Anyway, we dropped our bags and headed back out to grab some dinner (which we'd skipped in the interests of getting to the hotel as soon as possible). We went to Arby's and as we were leaving, Joc suggested that we get the two hotel employees a dessert turnover. So we did. And when we got back to the hotel, we dropped them off, just thanking them for all their hard work.

We went directly to bed. With books. Joc had one she's reading and she'd brought one for me -- a new one by Francine Rivers, called Her Mother's Hope. I hated putting it down to turn off the light! The next morning, I got up first (and pretty early), took a shower, got some coffee, and proceeded to read the book until Joc got up at 7:00!

When we went to check out, both of the same workers from the night before were still at the desk. (??!!) They were both really appreciative of the turnover gesture; Lisa mentioned she'd skipped dinner and so it was really good! :)

We drove over to First Baptist Woodstock and got parked and settled. It was a super-great conference!!! First we worshiped with Travis Cottrell, and then Beth came up. She alternatively had me laughing and crying and laughing. She so cracks me up! I had read the book coming into the conference, but there's something about hearing Beth live that is just good to me.

We headed home (after sitting for close to two hours in the PARKING LOT) and managed to drive into one of the worst storm systems we've had in a year. But we managed. Joc talked me through it. Luckily (thankfully) she got herself a caffeine-laden drink on the way home, so she didn't sleep through the drive. I needed her awake!! :)

Sunday was church and afterward we invited some friends out to the RV, after picking up some BBQ. It was a lovely and quiet afternoon. Later that evening I got a call from Kim...

And so I got to watch Sawyer on Monday! We had a fun morning, he and I, and then I came home and, um, finished that Francine Rivers book. Which made me *really* angry, because I turned the page expecting to see a new chapter, and it was the END! And the sequel isn't due out until the fall!!!!! Argh!!!!

Weight-wise I'm doing very well. I was very well-behaved over the weekend, even though we were traveling!! Yay!!

And...on a quilting note...I had a surprise in the mail!!!

Well, perhaps I'll blog that in its own sweet little post.

:)

this and that . . .

I haven't referenced my new, healthy lifestyle in several days, and I think it's worth a mention. I'm so excited at how relatively easy it's been! I think, for me, the no sugar, no breads (starches) has really paid off in these first two weeks. The cravings have noticeably gotten less maddening, and the time between them increases. Yes!! The vending machine has not had any pull on me this week, even when I was stressed. That, my friends, is of God! As is the weight loss . . . and it's happening! Whoohoo! That's definitely His; I'm giving Him the glory for it all.

Speaking of which, I shared a couple of weeks ago my desire to be involved with the women's ministry at our church. Sure enough, they brought me on board. And what's first?? I had to laugh, God does have such a sense of humor . . . they asked me to lead or co-lead a Bible study on weight loss! I'm not quite sure what it's called; just that I've been called. :)

My camera broke. Pooh. Luckily, when we bought it, we went ahead and got the extended warranty! So Tuesday evening I ran it over to Best Buy, where they told me it would be 2-3 weeks before I'd get it back. Pooh again. There have been so many things I'd have gotten pictures of in the past couple of days! Yesterday morning, for example, in the platform bird feeder out the picture window, there was a blue jay, a cardinal, and a goldfinch! All *three* primary colors in one feeder!! That is incredibly rare and I would have loved to have shared the moment with you. Alas.

I also *really* wanted to take it with me this weekend!!! Joc and I are going on a ROAD TRIP!! Tomorrow evening we're headed to Woodstock, Georgia (right outside of Atlanta) for a Beth Moore conference, So Long Insecurity! I have *never* been to a live Bible study of hers--although she did make a personal appearance with Kay Arthur and Priscilla Shirer when we went to see a simulcast of them--but this is *different*! I believe she is filming this one for a new weekend Bible study. Yay!

The event itself is long sold out, according the website, but it's being simulcast all over the place. Joc & I are going down Friday night and staying overnight so that we can be out there bright and early when the doors open, so we can get great seats! I'm so very excited. I got the book when it was released and read a long through it with the LPM's Blog Bible study.

So anyway, big things planned, no camera to post photos, life goes on . . .

:)

one more from the weekend . . .

I just *knew* I had sampler photos of the B&B where we stayed this past weekend. Time didn't afford us to take all the pictures we would have liked to have taken, but this is a good start. The bed was HUGE and very comfortable!

The room was "The Wheelhouse" and there was a water view from every window. Even at six thirty in the morning it was beautiful! Our room sported a coffee maker, a fridge, and a microwave. The bathroom was *wonderful*! Roomie and comfortable; since living in the RV, I'm all about getting away for a shower experience. LOL!

The downstairs room, "The Fantail," is a bit bigger with a full kitchen. It also opens up to the deck, and has a very short jaunt to the hot tub. The bathroom is smaller, but the shower works just fine, I'm sure.

The picture at the top, right corner of my collage is the view from The Wheelhouse down to one of the gardens. This patio garden had a nice fire pit and overlooked the waterfall. Simply gorgeous. I can't imagine how pretty it all is when things are green and blooming. Only one way to find out . . . !

On another note, the Living Proof Ministries blog is doing a roll call for their online walk/Bible study through Beth's latest book, So Long Insecurities. This book is what the conference that Joc & I are going to in April, at Woodstock, is based on. I've never done a Bible study through blog before; I'm interested and excited to see how it works.

Not feeling great, but certainly not feeling worse. I guess it just takes time for the antibiotics to work their magic. But no mind, this too shall pass. And I am counting it all joy!

:)

FABRICS . . . YUMMY!

Oh how I love Saturdays! I regret to say that I didn't finish as much on the quilting end as I would have liked, but I *did* have a day of accomplishment, nonetheless!!

I started out this morning by stewing and freezing all the tomatoes Todd had picked from our wonderful garden! I also added some peppers he picked yesterday as well. I was able to put up a couple of quart containers. I put about 3 quarts of tomatoes in brown paper bags, so they could ripen. 'Maters freeze better when they're mostly red!

I also baked and put up some acorn squash that Jeff had brought into work from his garden. I didn't know this, but they have seeds like pumpkins - and you can roast them just the same way! I've got the seeds soaking in salt water for roasting later.

After that, I cleaned up the kitchen, and Kim came over! I wanted to take her to Hooked on Quilting, so she could look at baby fabric with me! I think we decided that we need to wait until we know the baby's sex; especially since she definitely wants to theme the bedroom! Gosh there were lots of beautiful fabrics -- fun and darling and precious and soft. Yay for babies!! Then we headed over to look at the holiday fabrics. Whoa! Kim found some really cute Moda fabric for stockings for James, her and the baby. I found lots of beautiful things, but brought home a sampling of just a few. I also got a Moda panel for a table runner that was *so* cute! It goes with a kit I already have for a wall-hanging. So darling!

I noticed that three of the four fabrics I got today have the glittery gold in them. Really, I don't do it on purpose. I'm *drawn* to it! I do believe I'm becoming a fabric collector. I guess there are worse things! Gotta stock up while I can!

The fourth fabric I got was the chicken coop wire. Isn't that great? Oh, so much fun!

Kim and I had cake, ice cream, chips & dip while we were at the quilt shop. Both the shop owner, Cindy, and Mrs. Martha were there today, so we got chatted up and down both sides! I really do like giving my business to local small business owners. They are personable and remember my name, and that goes a long way with me. And they said sweet things about my Kim. Kim is definitely one of my "joy to love" people.

Finally we were able to head back home. I think Kim went on to do some grocery shopping, and I stayed PUT! :) I finished watching Matilda, then headed for the quilt room. Time passes so quickly when I'm working (on something I truly enjoy)!!! Next thing I know, it's after six! But, much to my delight, I have finished piecing the top of BBS quilt, with the exception of the outer sash! Whoohoo!!! I still have to cut and sew that, and then I can send it off for quilting! What a JOY! I'll post pictures of that later, after batteries are charged. Six sets of batteries, and not a stinking charged set in the bunch!

This was Day 6 of Week 1 of the love Bible study. She asked that I name some folks that I needed God's help in loving. I listed the one name that I knew from the get-go belonged there, but then another name popped into my mind. This was a person I'd thought about all week and how difficult they had been and how hard it was to get near them. BAM! You think I was supposed to make the connection earlier? I am so thankful I serve a patient God. One who waits for me 'get it'. Father, help me to remember Your patience with me the next time I am dealing with someone who's having a hard time 'getting it'. Allow me to think back on this day and how lovingly You waited for me to see it as You wanted me too!

Can you believe that Monday marks the end of August? September and fall are almost here! And tomorrow I'm tackling the chocolate cake!

Sweet dreams!

:)

The cake . . .




Gosh, it really was pretty, but I was *so* disappointed in the taste!! I had so geared myself up for this OUT OF THIS WORLD cake -- and it fell short. I wouldn't even put it in the top 10 I've done. It was good, don't get me wrong, but it sure wasn't worth the time, effort, or money that went into it. Lesson learned. I have to say, though, I wonder if it's something I did? The frosting was very good and a great compliment to the dense cake and sweet marmalade filling. But the cake itself was a little on the dry side. And that really surprised me, because you pour this orange juice syrup over it, before it's cooled, to soak in. I was very careful to follow the ingredients and directions to the tee. I dunno.

Poor Todd -- I had really built this bad boy up. He didn't hardly eat anything during the day, so he could afford to go back for seconds, he was prepared for it to be so good! He ate it; but again, it wasn't his favorite. We'll see if the guys at the station eat it.

I will try the chocolate cake next. Let's see what Lew Boyd brings to the table. Hahaha!

We finished up The Return of the King in the RV last night. Todd had figured out how to change the picture so that it covered the entire screen. That was nice! I took a hand towel and some soap over. I really am ready to be there. I want to start moving in. The thing is, we're only taking the bare minimums; the stuff we use on a regular basis. We can't take that stuff over until we're ready to be there all the time! It's quite funny. And truthfully, we can't live in it until we get it leveled out. I think that's very important for the well-being of the RV. Todd is going to split the cable so we can hook it up over there. Fun!

I really want to be able to cook and function in our new space. I need to remember, though, that God works ALL things in HIS perfect time. What is it He's teaching me during this time of waiting? I get ahead of Him *all* the time. So okay, now that I've acknowledged it, I need to be content where I am, and use this time in a way that pleases Him, instead of wasting it wanting something who's time hasn't come!

Easier said than done, but I shall persevere, nonetheless!!

This is a busy week. Tonight I'll go to Stuckey's, tomorrow night Todd's on shift, Thursday night we're going to the Mission Firefly informational meeting, and Friday is open. Saturday, Todd is on shift, so I believe I will be quilting, quilting, quilting!!! Yay-rah! I will work on the 4 BOM squares that I've got, and probably on Ben's quilt. I need to remember to pick up some black thread so I *can* work on Ben's quilt! :) Also, Saturday is the July/August birthday party at Hooked on Quilting . . . I was supposed to go with Tina (she's a July birthday), but I don't think she's going. Boohoo. I'd really like to get some baby quilt fabric, and the backing fabric for Ben's quilt! Plus, Christmas is right around the corner! Ah well; my birthday is coming up too -- I'll take advantage of the discount then!

I'm doing this four-week follow-up study by Beth Moore called Loving Well. I'm enjoying it immensely. God IS love. Love is His very being; His character. God is love, just as I am woman. No emotion I have or circumstance I face changes the fact that I am woman. Same thing goes for God -- nothing changes the fact that HE IS LOVE! What an amazing realization to make and understand!

I celebrate; God is love and He loves me!

Hurrah!

:)