I may resurface

So... I took a very extended vacation from the blogging world.... but I'm slowly planning my return. I've been busy with good things though, so it's ok that I've been MIA for so terribly long.

These two cuties have been keeping me pretty busy!! How could I possibly resist these two??

Giveaway

I have been MIA...only because I've been busy/productive/preoccupied and away from the computer. I'll get back to blogging soon. I'll have updates of finished quilts (for Christmas and for myself!) as well as exciting news about a trip coming up for us.

In the mean time, register for this great giveaway!!

Ice Skating

Sorry for the picture quality...taken on my phone. My hubby and I took the kiddos to their first ice skating class...they both loved it!! Notice in the first pic that S is staying upright (for a few seconds anyway)!! I think C did get tired by the end of the half hour, however, as at one point she was just laying on the ice...making snow angels!! That's my girl. I may dress them a little warmer next week, but C was fabulously accessorized!! We found them their own skates today so they're all set for next week.

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!