into art . . .

It was a different week.  One that mostly, I didn't chronicle with pictures, which is rather unusual for me.  Todd and I spoke about our multiple ministries, to the Women on Mission at Whitesburg Baptist. I really enjoy speaking to women's groups ... and this introvert knows it's really a God-thing! Tuesday evening we had an associational VBS team meeting. So it was a long day.  But Wednesday was an unexpected day off, due to the impending threat of severe weather, so there's that. Thursday was long just because it's the last day of my work week, and I had several things that needed to get finished (that I didn't get to work on Wednesday -- gotta pay the piper), and after work Thursday, I headed to the contractor's shop for whom I keep books ... it was tax prep night. The good news is that I *did* have time off and on to work on my hexie project . . .

I got the first flower completely whipped together; now I'm working on the second flower. That may need some Slow Sunday stitching!  :)

Needless to say, when Friday morning broke fair and pretty, I was anxious to get my craft on. My craft of quilting, that is. I've been wanting to do a mini that had palm fronds in it, ever since I saw this post on Debbie Kratovil's blog. 

But I got out in the Nook and decided I didn't want to foundation piece a frond. So I went back inside and google searched "palm frond template" hoping to come up with something I could maybe fuse.

That was when I got saw Julia Graber had a new blog post.  Have you ever visited her blog?  Life as a Quilter -- Julia Graber. She creates some beautiful quilts. Anyway, a look at this post and I realized that was kinda the *look* I wanted . . . only with a palm frond and the word, "Hosanna!".  Her prior post had loosely walked through the steps for creating this pretty thing, so I got busy! Mind you, this is definitely an art quilt and definitely out of my comfort zone and it was definitely a lot of FUN!

Tah-dah!  I'm so, so pleased with how this turned out! And I really enjoyed the process, which makes the finish all the sweeter!

Saturday I spent the day with Jocelyn, helping her prepare freezer meals for after the baby was born. We got over 35 meals put up!  It was a looooooong day, but well worth it.  

Less than two weeks before Baby E is due!  And I can say that because both the boy and girl names they've picked begins with E.  :)

Whew! Glad it's Sunday . . . a day of rest. A day of stitching. A happy day!

:)

whirlwind weekends . . .

Y'all . . . whirlwind doesn't half describe the past two weeks! I was completely absent last weekend . . . but for very good reason!  Joc, Ellie and I traveled to the Northern Neck of Virginia for my niece Cecilia's wedding!

She was a beautiful bride and she had a very handsome groom, too!

The whole affair wore Miss Eleanor out.

LOL! This is post-wedding/pre-reception, while we waited for all the family pics to be taken. She perked up for the "party". . . she was very interested in the wedding cake. Her mommy was interested in the cream cheese mints we carried to Virginia for the party . . .

Poor Joc.  she had to travel 750 miles to get some more cream cheese mints!

We drove up on Friday, the wedding was on Saturday, and we drove back on Sunday. I'm telling you -- whirlwind. Monday was my baby girl's 30th birthday!

She is such a beautiful young woman -- I'm so proud of her! Speaking of which, I've been a little remiss in sharing something here. Joc has started up her own business called Pearl's Pegs.

Aren't these just darling? She does incredible work.

Ellie and Evey love them -- and already she's 4-6 weeks out on orders!  Yes, very proud of my girl!

Yesterday, Todd and I headed down to Shocco Springs -- the Baptist Retreat Center outside of Talladega, Alabama, for our annual Mission Service Corps Missionary Retreat and Training.  

We enjoy the beautiful grounds of the center *and* the great fellowship! Yesterday was also Kim's birthday . . .

She celebrated waaaaay far away in California -- the first of their birthdays to be celebrated out there! But Sawyer was not far behind . . .

He turned SIX years old today. Gosh, look how grown up he looks! Sweet fellow! Todd and I sang happy birthday to him and enjoyed some FaceTime. It was a bittersweet day . . . as much as I'm happy he's six and happy it's his birthday, it was sad to me that for the first time since he was born, I didn't get to at least give him a hug or kiss on his birthday.  *sniffle, sniffle* :)

I chased my blues away by doing a little shopping with Todd at Bass Pro Shops on our way home from Talladega. I got my first pair of Crocs!

LOL! These are so comfortable--why did I not know that?? Plus, they don't hit the scars on either side of my right foot, which are still (even after six years) very sensitive. Aaaand, these Crocs are really CUTE!  I may have to invest in a couple of more pairs. Haha!

I haven't done anything quilty in I don't know how long . . . and my stash report shows it, too.

Aaaah well . . . sometime in the next month or so I may get a free weekend to do something of significance!

I did manage to sneak enough time to cut out some Christmas fabric for another yo-yo ornament. I loved the tree so much, I'm going to do another one of those. I have the charms all ready to go, too.

This will make for the perfect slow Sunday stitching project!

Spring is finally making its way into the camp. As we drove up the drive today, I was happy to see that the daffodils were out in full force.

They have such sunny, sweet faces! We have one rogue yellow flower in the midst of the paler variety . . .

The little purple flowers are blooming all over the turtle sanctuary . . .

And the Lamb's Ear is starting to make sporadic appearances, as well:

And I do believe that about does it for me. A lot of pics and a lot of words...that's what happens when I don't blog for two weeks. I'll link up to Patchwork Times and Kathy's Quilts tomorrow! Don't forget to change your clocks tonight . . . Spring Forward!

:)

a happy wrap . . .

I think I mentioned in my last stash report post that I had accidentally stumbled upon a HUGE deal on a fat quarter bundle of Kona solids.  Seriously, it was a *huge* deal -- $26 for the bundle of twenty luscious colors that arrived yesterday . . .

Isn't it purdy?!  The colors for our guild's swap block this month are "solids" on a grey background, so I'll put this to use right away!

I wanted something for St. Patrick's Day for my little quilt stand and finally, after looking around through my patterns and online, decided to sketch out my own little something . . .

I'm thinking I'd print the blessing off on fabric and then outline stitch it and then use a combination of wool applique and embroidery to do the floral design that frames it.  Did I forget to mention I'm wanting it for St. Patrick's Day 2015?!  ;)

March is a big month of celebrations in our family, kicking off with Jocelyn's birthday TODAY!  I can hardly believe my beautiful baby girl is twenty-eight years old.  Where did the time go?!  It seems like just yesterday she wasn't any older than Eleanor Pearl!  

Happy birthday, my sweet Jocelyn!

After my walk yesterday morning a little flutter of color caught my eye behind the RV.  Some past caretaker had planted a nice little plot of daffodil bulbs and so each year they continue to herald Spring.  

This is the first bloom of the year ... it made me cry I was so happy to see it!  (And maybe my hormone levels *do* need to be checked.)

And finally, Leia says . . . 

TGIFF (Thank Goodness It's Feline Friday) !!!!

:)

my birthday baby . . .

How happy I am to be celebrating my darling daughter's twenty-sixth birthday today!!  From day one she's been a joy and a blessing in my life.

Joc has always ... always ... been very expressive.  To say the least.

Full of wonder and awe . . . 

With an easy smile and a loving disposition . . . 

And a nature that makes the best of whatever her circumstances!

Flash forward a score, and since her birthday lands mid-week, we got together on Sunday to celebrate her special day with a family lunch at Terranova's (and local Italian restaurant which is wonderful), followed by presents, cake and ice cream at her home afterwards.  She had some fun gifts!

 Aren't the owls sweet?  From her sister-in-law, Jenna (pictured), who's such a darling!

While Jocey opened presents, Jason's parents and his other sister, Julia, kept Ellie entertained.  Or would that be the other way around?  I think so!   Joc got a neat book from her in-laws on biblical holidays which looks quite fascinating, actually!

After presents--and with much ado--Jason brought out the birthday cake (which rather resembled an inferno) . . .

And we all sang "Happy Birthday!" and watched while Joc blew out the candles.  Ellie was mesmerized by the flames!

And this, folks, is what blowing out twenty-six candles looks like!

Haha!  She took out half the room with the smoke!  Pretty good trick, huh?  It was a sweet afternoon and  we all had a great time.  The cake was from Peggy Ann's Bakery -- the best in Huntsville!  They make the best petits fours -- and a petit four cookie that's marvelous!  Joc and I both like our birthday cakes from Peggy Ann's.  Funnily enough, our guys both like ice cream cakes.  

Today I'm headed over to spend the day with my birthday girl and Ellie -- I hope there's a little slice of cake left!  

Happy birthday, my beautiful Jocelyn!!

:)

slow to go . . .

That's me today . . . slow to get moving, slow to get motivated.  Todd and I worked hard on administrative stuff yesterday, to ensure everything (budget, minutes, financial reports, etc.) was ready for Friday's board meeting.  We also got a call yesterday evening ... Cornerstone Baptist Church in Fayetteville, TN, will be our next church assignment!  Yay!  But today I'm just taking it easy. 

I may be having a slow today, but Joc sure didn't yesterday.  She sent me an e-mail that had me laughing for hours (I'm still chuckling about it)!  I responded and told her she needed to cut and paste that e-mail into a blog post, without changing a thing.

She did.  It's right HERE.  *Definitely* worth a read -- especially if you need a laugh for the day (or two) . . .

Or a reminder of how sassy a sweet little bundle like this can be!

:)

november's daybook . . .

I'm going to say something different this month: October should be longer. Maybe another two weeks? There's way too much pumpkin loveliness for a mere thirty-one day month! I know, I know ... pumpkins translate into November too, but let's face it, November is really more for pilgrims, turkeys, and cornucopias. :)

Outside my window... what a lovely, lovely morning. The birds are twittering and rustling around in the leaves. I hear crickets trying to keep warm by rubbing their legs. The sun is peaking up over the hill and it's promising to be a another glorious autumn day.

I am thinking... about our Thanksgiving for this year. We'll have my sister and her family here -- staying here at the camp. So it'll be a pretty huge crew! And we're having dinner under the pavilion on picnic tables, surrounded by God's glorious creation! Should be memorable!

I am thankful... for my darling husband, my children, and family and friends who continue to be so loving, caring, encouraging and supportive. Essentially I just put in the same thing I had last month. Because thankfully it hasn't changed; God is so good!

From the learning rooms... I'm still taking the EQ7 Tutorials. I learned a lot about adding quilt borders last week. I also got a new book on faux applique and have been studying that process. I think I'm ready to put that into application!

In the kitchen... I'm back in the saddle. Sometimes. I'm making dinner most nights, for which Todd is grateful! He's still getting breakfast. Today I'm making potato chowder for Jocelyn and I, and I need to get an apple pie into the oven.

I am wearing... yet another cast. My third this month. For another seven weeks, at least.

I am creating... Christmas stitcheries (from the Christmas stitch along over at Sew Happy Me). And I'm kind of sorta helping Joc with a button craft. Mostly I'm just lending my opinion and telling her how great it looks. Because it does!

I am going... no where this week, until Sunday when we're heading to Neeley's Chapel Baptist Church. Todd and I may tool around in Easy in the campground, too. If the weather holds . . .

I am wondering... when Jesus will return. Please, Lord don't tarry.

I am reading... re-reading Jaye Martin & Terri Stovall's Women Leading Women: The Biblical Model for the Church. It's wonderful. Jaye has been blogging excerpts from the book on her blog, Jaye Martin & Leaders. I'm also reading Beverly Lewis's The Mercy, from The Rose Trilogy. It's been an awesome, awesome series; but I love Amish fiction! And I've been studying out of Romans. Heavy stuff, that. :)

I am hoping... to catch up on laundry today! Gracious it piles up if I don't stay on TOP of it!

I am looking forward to... Lots of things ... baby Ellie's birth, Jocelyn getting here today, Kim and Sawyer's visit after lunch . . . Oh yeah -- and I put my deposit down for our Stitcher's Retreat! It's not until February, but it's so much fun, I'll just enjoy *looking forward to it* for the next four months!

I am hearing... all the critters that I listed under "outside my window". Morning's sweet nature song!

Around the house... it's quiet. It's just only me, for now. :)

I am pondering... these things in my heart. Which means I'm not ready to share them.

One of my favorite things... apple pie with a slice of sharp cheddar and whipped cream. A steaming cup of tea in a delicate China teacup. Quiet evenings at home with my darling husband. Feeling Ellie rabbit kick, fast and furiously, through her mommy's tummy. Sawyer's sweet little kisses. Oh, whoops -- only one thing?! Well darn.

A few plans for the rest of the week... not too many, really. Joc is coming by to spend the day today. We've got no one in the camp this coming weekend. After that we've got groups up here every weekend through to Christmas! This is a first -- until this year the camp's closed in November for the season. I'm so excited that's not the case this year! Oh, and Todd is taking off for a little bit on Saturday to come home and watch the Alabama vs. LSU game that evening. Roll Tide!!

Here is picture for thought I am sharing...

E is for Eleanor "Ellie" Pearl! This is the button craft that my beautiful Joc started here on Sunday. I think she pinned it on Pinterest -- it's based on a project she saw listed on Etsy. Hopefully she'll be able to finish it today, and I'll have more "process" pictures and a finish pic tomorrow. How sweet that will be on Ellie's nursery wall. I cannot wait for January!

As always, I'll be linking up to The Simple Woman's Daybook.

:)

a fun pumpkin day . . .

Oh my! My daughter and I really did make it a pumpkin day -- and such fun we had playing with pumpkins and PAINT! It was really quite lovely, but before I get into that, I wanted to show you the *marvelous* ruler Joc got me for my birthday. It was late getting shipped, so she brought it with her yesterday. This ruler has been on my list for a while . . .

The June Tailor Fancy Fleece ruler!! Isn't it fun looking?! All kinds of slots and grooves. I decided I wanted it after watching a tutorial on its uses, HERE. Take a look at the demo video and tell me I won't have blast making fun fleece hats and garments for my grandchildren!! :)

Anyway, we got down to the business of decorating pumpkins. It was kind of wet and dreary outside, so we opted to stay indoors, which meant no carving for the day. Joc had picked up a plethora of pumpkins and gourds. I decided to start playing with small things. Joc decided she needed to get a picture of me playing.

Me: No, no, don't take a picture of me!

Joc: Mom, your peeps need to see you.

Me: No they don't!

Joc: Yes, they do. Don't argue, smile!

LOL! I figured I'd do better to just publish the photo than deal with the wrath.

My Jocey (isn't she cute?!) painted one of her light colored pumpkins a creamy white and decided to do an argyle pattern on it.

She's very involved in her work.

And she's doing a very good job of ignoring the fact that I'm taking her picture!

I continued to play with little pumpkins. I love the little pie pumpkin that I painted with the black strips and silver glitter!

And polka-dots. I do love polka-dots. That little squatty pumpkin was the perfect backdrop for colored polka-dots :)

While we played, we watched/listened to Finding Neverland. What an enchanting movie. It generally makes me a little misty-eyed at the end. But I adore watching the children watch his play. So precious! I wonder if it really happened that way? Besides all that, I think Johnny Depp is a tremendous actor. He's come a LONG way from 21 Jump Street! Anyone else remember that show?!?

Next I worked on a Crimson Tide pumpkin. Roll Tide ROLL! Haha -- I'm so silly!

I got a great base on it, but it was still too wet to work on the white A. I'll have to go back over that later.

Jocelyn's argyle pumpkin turned out GREAT! I love that look - so classy!

This one is going on her front porch. I think she was going to hot-glue some potpourri for a make-shift stem.

Before we knew it, the afternoon had slid into early evening and it was time for her to get ready to go. She make us each a Pumpkin Latte (a recipe she'd found on Pinterest). It was so yummy! I sat and propped my foot and drank my latte, while she cleaned up paint and brushes.

There were pumpkins, pumpkins everywhere . . .

In all stages of decoration (or not). When you live in a small space like I do, it doesn't take too many pumpkins to fill it up!

Joc found it *very* amusing that the wax paper she used under her pumpkins was virtually spotless . . .

While the wax paper I used was covered in paint and paint and more paint. What can I say? I am a messy creator! I like to feel and experience the paint. And I'm not a color-in-the-lines kinda gal, either. LOL!

There's my cute little striped, pumpkin. I thought this was the perfect place to display him.

He looks like he fits in there perfectly, all shiny, glamorous and glittery!

Joc didn't want to leave any of the pumpkins in her car, to roll around and get bruised, so since we'll be at this again next time she's over, she went ahead and brought the rest of them in. I couldn't help but snap this shot -- she looked so darling!

And I hope I don't get in trouble for this little jack-o-lantern graffiti on her belly! I really don't think mini-Merkelette will mind. Like I said, she just looked so darned cute!

So this is what's left for us to work on Tuesday . . .

It should have been Saturday, but Todd's taking off for part of his shift to give the kids a break over the weekend. Yay, I'll have my darling man for the day!

And then there's these three big 'uns -- the biggest of which will definitely be carved, by me! I have a couple of days to consider what I'm going to do ... something fancy, or a traditional jack-o-lantern face. Hmmmm. Then I think we're going to try doily stenciling on another. That looks so cool! Joc bought some adhesive spray to make the job easier.

I'm under strict instructions NOT to play with pumpkins until Jocelyn comes back. *sigh* I'd love to get my hands back on my Crimson Tide pumpkin in time for Saturday's game. But I'll behave -- I promise!

:)