Winter in October

My dad sent these pics to us to show my 4 year old son the chicken coop he has been building. I don't think he finished as much as he was hoping to before the first snow storm! We have not seen the chickens since July (only a week after they had arrived) so when he saw these pictures, S exclaimed "The chickens are huge"! I love the one with the long feathers over it's face...looks like she could use a trim!

S also thinks he should go visit Grandma and Grandpa to see how much snow there really is. The Hills look beautiful behind their yard...but it's just too soon for snow!!

Projects Galore

I finished my second block for the Sis Boom Pow block gather....the other blocks are looking amazing. I like how my second one turned out. It seems appropriate to have raw edges for the bird feathers and nest. I actually finished the block on Sunday as well as 4 tote bags. 3 are for Christmas gifts (for friends' kids..thought I'd tuck a book or two into each bag). I'm particularly pleased with the Firefighter fabric and coordinating book!!

I also want a tote for C to keep her dance things in and one for each S and C to keep gloves/hat/scarf for ice skating lessons. S was so pleased with his tote..he promptly filled it with toys. I'm hoping it won't be hard to convince him next Wed that the toys will need to stay home.

I was pleased how productive I was on Sunday. I also figured out my stippling on a "practice" quilt. It must be the thread I was using though, as I was so close to being finished and the thread started breaking. I changed threads..then no problem, but didn't have enough to finish with. I moved on and basted 2 other quilts. I'm hoping I have time to quilt them this weekend. We do have a Fall Carnival to go to Saturday afternoon, then friends over for dinner after trick or treating. Sunday is hopefully ALL MINE so I can be a quilting fool. Already have ample thread purchased!

Happy Birthday

I was a little irritated because I tried to post this Friday morning before we left town, but I could not get any pictures to download. My girl turned 3 on Friday!! We left town for the weekend...went south and visited a zoo, a childrens' museum and an air/space museum. Both kids are becoming huge aviation buffs just like their dad! Friday was a bit of a rocky start but the rest of the weekend was great. We rode the Skyfari at the zoo (just like a ski lift). At first I was thinking that was a huge mistake...but both kids loved it! The childrens' museum is all hands-on so the kids had a blast. I did a little shopping (no fabric!) and we had good meals. Now back to reality. My hubby was up at 0430 to get ready for work and I work tonight.

I Won!

I actually won a drawing from one of my favorite blogs! Not only is winning (for the first time) exciting, but the fabric I won is beautiful! Some (Amy Butler) fall colors from Amy at Diary of a Quilter! If you don't already read her blog, you should start. I am always so inspired by her beautiful pictures as well as creativity. It's a source of motivation and inspiration to see projects done by other busy moms!

Just a short post today...I have pants to hem, suitcases to pack and laundry to do. Tomorrow is going to be a BIG special day for us!

Autumn....no sewing

No, I didn't get any sewing done this weekend. I worked a suprisingly short shift Saturday night. Since I was so well-rested Sunday morning, I baked pumpkin bread, made rhubarb/blueberry jam and took the kiddos to the Pumpkin Festival. It was chilly out there, but they had such a great time! I've never seen such a huge smile on S's face as when he was riding the pony! We didn't go for a hay ride (I was too cold by then) but they were very pleased with the adventure. Grandma was able to come along with us so it was a very special day. The kiddos and I changed into jammies when we got home and took a 3 1/2 hour nap!! Perhaps I'll get some sewing done this week.

Sis Boom

My package of fabric arrived from V for the Sis Boom Pow quilting bee. I would love to sit and play...but I have to finish laundry/pack/organize for the week because I need to leave tomorrow morning for Minneapolis. I am taking a class (for work) all day Monday and Tuesday. It's tempting to bring my sewing machine along to be able to do a little quilting in the motel each night...but I have a few projects that will fit better in my suitcase than the Singer will! My mother is on her way to our house to stay w/ the kiddos while my husband is working Monday and Tuesday. I still need to get the sheets on the guest bed. Oh, I'd better go!