Post card from Green Bay

Hi Everyone

Having a great time here in Green Bay! I arrived on Monday morning, it has been going by way too fast!

Yesterday we spent it at Bay Beach - its an amusement park. Great rides for the kids! The kiddos and their mom's went to the zoo, and I headed to a Hobby Lobby, and did a great job of not increasing the stash amount too much.

The kids really enjoyed themselves and the N.E.W. Zoo just north of Green Bay. They even got to see 4 day old Lion cubs.



Today we headed over and watched the Packers Training Camp, and spent some time at the Packer Experience. It was exciting to be there (even without Brett)! The girls (Natalie, Kaylee, & Ally) had a blast too! (For the Packer fans - you really need to experience training camp here in Green Bay - totally awesome! The kids stand along side the sidewalks, and offer their bikes.. and a Packer player will ride their bike back to the stadium from the Hudson Center (where they practice), while the kid runs along side or rides on the back with their player.





We were like 8 feet from Donald Driver (#80) as he passed by!!! So real!














Lot of swimming has been done.. Wizard of Oz has been watched way too many times (thanks to Natalie asking for it all the time). Ive put in about 50 stitches since Sunday - so Ive been getting the chance when I do!

Well, we are going for pizza for supper. Will enjoy the rest of the stay here.

Oh boy..

I think I may have picked up another hobby.. I need help!

Last night, I seen on someone's blog about a site, you can use to alter your photos.. and I just had to go and see. Its bookmarked for future fun!

But here is what I came up with..

This picture was taken over the 4th of July weekend at my grandparents, with my sister, Mom, nieces and my grandma. My sister loves it!

Here .. maybe

Do you feel like this!?!

Can cool you off with this?!?!

Help?

Oh and I can't forget..

I was asked to make a quilt for a stitching friend for her daughter, so I will refer to it as "Dara's Quilt". Its cross stitch designs with a fairy tale feel to it. So last week, I went to the quilt shop and looked at the Moda wall, and I slurped my tongue, and had at it! I love picking out colors for quilts! I just stuck to the Moda fabrics, and I was lucky enough to find each design a different color. I need to make it in to a lap quilt.

This quilt will have a block feel to it, but I'm going to make it offset alittle - not make it up and down.. but kinda start from a size point, and have fun with it. I have the border fabric and I have the backing, so I'm set to go. I have all the fabric washed, and I just need to iron it. Then it will be onto cutting the blocks, and going from there... So stayed tuned for the WIP of that quilt.

Also, about a month ago, while at Karen's Quilt Shop in Rhinelander, I had spied a quilt book I just had to have. So I came home, and I couldn't take it anymore, I had to order one for myself! So, a week or two ago, I had to stop at the quilt shop, so I picked up the fabrics for my Happy Hour quilt! I love the colors!

So, there are quilt tops in my future!! So if you don't hear from me.. assume I'm really busy!

Look what followed me home when..

I came home from work yesterday - 3 quilt patterns, along with the material! Yep! I go to work (at the quilt shop) to play, get myself into trouble, and then come home with 3 quilt projects to make into models! I love that job!

I have only been working at the quilt shop one Saturday a month, and when I'm away, new fabric lines show up with their quilt patterns. Last time I was there, there was a new fabric line called Calais, and I didn't have time to do up a kit to bring home. So yesterday when I was there, I made up 2 kits, one for me and one for sale. These are the fabrics for the Calais. And I'm surprised to find out that they are good sellers.

There were 3 bolts waiting for me when I got there today to open. And wouldn't you know, its a fabric I was searching for back in April to make a pillow with (its almost the same colors and everything). But I saw the quilt pattern by the rest of the fabric that had arrived before these 3 bolts, and I thought, man... I gotta make me one when I'm done with the model. I LOVE the colors! I'm really into this brown/turquoise kick.. and this quilt colors is so ME right now. I'm excited to work on it. The fabric line from Blank is called Marrakesh - and its the Sahara group. We didn't have the turquoise fabric that the pattern recommends, so I just substituted a Moda marble. I think it looks GREAT!

While at work, I was trying to find out what other kind of trouble I could get into.. so I found another line of fabric that we just had gotten, and I asked if a model should be made of the fabric.. Yep.. so I cut some fabric for me. Its called Magnolias.

So, it looks like I cant complain I have nothing to do..

No Longer a HAED Virgin!

Ever seen a chart you just have to stitch!?!

Well, not long ago there was a release from Heaven And Earth Designs - I just had to stitch it! If you aren't familiar with HAED designs - they are huge and over 1 on 25ct. Well I just put the chart on my mental wish list, and I had just gone on with life. A couple months ago when I was requesting donations for the ILCS Retreat - Vickie thought it would be neat to contact HAED and ask for a donation - well they accepted, and asked Vickie what chart she would like. Well she asked for my favorite HAED! I was aware of her asking. She gave it to me as a thank you for helping with the planning of the retreat. THANK YOU Vickie!!

Well, the chart I'm referring to, is called - "Cabin in The Woods" I just fell in love it from the first time I saw it. So, about 2 weeks ago, it arrived with all my retreat goodies, and I got out the chart, and I was amazed at all the charted pages. The DMC is huge! The only item I was missing was the fabric. Well dear Vickie offered to send me some 25ct fabric. And in the mean time I just kinda worked on other projects, but I was getting the urge to start. Well last Friday, I thought - what the heck, I should check my stash. And lo and behold, I found a piece of 25ct ivory fabric, big enough!

So, I got out the Fray Check, and got the edges prepped, and I was off stitching. So this is my stitching progress for a week! I'm amazed as to how much I have gotten done. I'm stitching it in a staircase manner that Vickie suggested would make it go faster. I have appx 3150 stitches in it so far out of the 169,050. Last night, I could have cried... I was off a row, horizontally. So I had to do some ripping, and I wasn't too happy.. spent more time unstitching, than I did stitching. When I'm done - it will be 14" X 19 1/4" ... and its stitched over 1 on 25ct.

So far this major BAP is bringing me enjoyment!

Ive Come to the conclusion...

... I threw it out. Lets leave it at that.

I'm DONE with the searching... Ive sweat too much tonight to not find what I'm looking for. Can I get a big GRRRRR!!

I know exactly where I put it.. but its been over a year (or so), and its not there. I double checked, heck, triple checked. Nope. (I searched for it like I searched for my mp3 player, that I know was stolen out of my suitcase while in Rochester, the first time).

I'm looking for a little brown envelope, and inside the envelope is 21 charms - 3 each of 7.... and dang it. Where the heck is it! I wanna finish up one of the Fireman (Hinzeit) with the charms. Would really help if I could find the charms.

Good thing I got an email saying that a sale was going to be happening soon at A Charming Place

As I sit here and eat my pineapple chunks...

.... I'm reflecting on the day. I wonder, where the heck it went!

Here its almost 9:00pm! What did I accomplish today... not a whole lot, that I can say. I remember I was playing on eBay for a bit. Bid on some charm packs (since Ive fallen in love with them) - they are so easy to make them into a table runner. And that's another thing I did this evening. Got out another charm pack and put together a table runner. I'm at the point where I need to pin the batting and backing fabric to the quilt top. But I'm saving that for another day...

Spent about 1.5 hrs online emailing different printing places in Appleton and Oshkosh area to get a quote on the posters for my Dad's benefit. Gosh, not cheap at all. But I'm still waiting to hear back from a few businesses. So fingers crossed. Talked with my sister throughout the afternoon, catching up on benefit planning news.

I had to scratch the idea of mowing the lawn today.. the belt on the mower is broke. MIL is not too happy about that. So I will have to wait till next week to get a belt.

Now its time to eat my last pineapple chunk, and go and stitch.

Garden Inspirations - Flannel Table Runner

When I was down visiting the family, two weeks ago. I stopped at the Whispering Pines Gift and Quilt Shoppe in Omro. And I did alittle stash shopping. I came across a couple charm packs. (Charm packs are 5" squares of fabrics from the fabric line), and of course a couple fat quarters, and some fabric that was remaining on a bolt.

Last week, I set out to find a pattern for Charm Packs - really, looking for free patterns. So I did alittle search, online. I mostly found patterns for charm packs, but I needed to have more charms. So I thought.. what the heck, I will just make up my own pattern. Simple.

And it was simple! I had 21 - 5" squares. All I did was cut each of the 5" squares into 2.5" squares. And then I sewed them back together with other fabric patterns. I LOVE the results. I quilted the table runner with my walking foot, and it turned out awesome! I quilted the table runner on a diagnoal. So I went from corner to corner. I had to pick up some flannel binding fabric at Wardo's yesterday. And ofcourse, 14 fat quarters, a 1/2 yard, fabric to make another Stars & Stripes... Forever table runner feel into my hands. Oh, and I bought the DMC I needed to complete my set for a future start (stayed tuned for the future BAP!!)

I used the Garden Inspiration (Moda) - Flannel Chart Pack. The table runner is 30" X 13". Im donating this table runner to my Dad's benefit, to be used in a silent auction.

Buttons

A month or two ago, I read on a site about voting for your favorite NBC show, and receive a button.

Well I voted for The Office - and just expected to get the button with "Believe in Steve" on it.

Well last week... a package all the way from California arrived... with the Steve button - but an additional 14 buttons.

Anyone want a button? Please leave a comment, (also, leave your email), and I will get in touch with you.

Buttons gone - Hugh, Law & Order, Heroes

One Word Answer

Rule: You must answer the questions using only one word. Then tag four others.

1. Where is your cell phone? Purse
2. Your significant other? Brian
3. Your hair? Dark
4. Your mother? Sharon
5. Your father? Dean
6. Your favorite thing? Computer
7. Your dream last night? Good
8. Your favorite drink? Water
9. Your dream/goal? Children
10. The room you're in? Kitchen
11. Your hobby? CrossStitch
12. Your fear? Clowns
13. Where do you want to be in 6 years? Home
14. What you're not? Rich
15. Muffins? Banana
16. One of your wish list items? Money
17. Where you grew up? Winchester
18. The last thing you did? Shopped
19. What are you wearing? Shorts
20. Favorite gadget? Mp3Player
21. Your pets? None
22. Your computer? Laptop
23. Your mood? Happy
24. Missing someone? Yes
25. Your car? Explorer
26. Something you're not wearing? Shoes
27. Favorite store? WalMart
28. Like someone? Yes
29. Your favorite color? Browns
30. When is the last time you laughed? Today
31 Last time you cried? Tuesday

I am not going to tag anyone in particular but if you want to have fun - you're tagged!

Check out the MySpace ...

My sister set up a MySpace with info on the benefit - its a work in process. If you would like to be a friend - just let me know, or do an add me as a friend.

Dean Mathison Benefit

Models for Glory Bee

Ive noticed that Nancy from Glory Bee posted my models I did for her on her blog.

So Im going to post them here too.

The first model of the two is called Quaker Alphabet. I really enjoyed stitching it, and it was taken with me to some of my MIL's dr appts. It was a quick stitch! Its stitched on 28ct with DMC floss.

This 2nd model is called Besty - its was a fun stitch, and it was fast to stitch! Its stitched on 28ct with DMC floss.

Long Lake Parade

Last Tuesday - I was at the post office to mail off a couple things, and I was looking at the bulletin board.. and I read the poster about the parade apart of the Long Lake Fireman's picnic., and thought.. hey.. we should do something fun!

The theme was "Christmas in July". I came home and told Brian about my idea - well, we had to go and ask his brother Jimmy if we could borrow his trailer. Well, we got talking and next thing we know, we are planning a float for Brian's church. I offered to drive my truck pulling the trailer. We came up with a float theme - which was "Jesus is the Light of the World" - and we used candles to showcase the "light". Brian and Jimmy sat on the back of the hatch and Brian played his banjo, and Jimmy played the harmonica. They played "I Saw The Light", and the riders (congregation members) on the float were to sing along - but they seemed to get involved in throwing the candy.

Brian made the cross on the back of the trailer. It was amazing to see the people along the parade route.. it was great to see the turn out. It was alot of fun! We all had a blast, and enjoyed the fellowship before, during, and after the parade.

Tap, Tap, is this this working!?!

Well, hello there, I bet you didnt even realize I have been absent, and to those that did notice -THANK YOU!

As you see, the post before is from June 19th - and its been how many days... 1, 2, 3, 4....... 16, 17, 18 days since I even thought of doing a blog entry. Heck, I should rephrase that... even had the time to post one!

Man oh man.. where are the days going!! I'm so thankful its summer, yes - but where is the time going! At the present time, I'm only working 3 days a week at the nursing home, and then one Saturday a month at the quilt shop (cause my hours would be limited to 4 hrs a day - its not worth the gas (at $4.24 a gallon) to make the trip to town to work. So, I'm having all this extra time on my hands.

So, allow me to back up and fill you up to date as what has been keeping me busy. On June 21st, I had to work at the quilt shop, and as soon as I was finished - I headed home to pick up Brian, as were heading to my sister's for the next 5 nights/6 days. While we were down there, we had our first organization meeting for our Dad's benefit. It was well attended, and we got alot done for our first meeting. Some of us went home with a to do list. Mine included contacting the Green Bay Packers, the Green Bay Gamblers (which we got a response last week), and the Wisconsin Timber Rattlers. I was fortunate to pick up a over night stay for the AmericInn in Iron River, and I was very pumped up about it. I'm keeping up on my side of the organizing. We don't have much time, but we are chugging right alot. I have faith that when September 13th comes, we are going to have one heck of a time - FUN time that is!!

While we were down visiting my family - we had the pleasure of joining Natalie (4.5yrs old), and Kaylee (2.5 yrs old) while they took their swimming lessons. I watched for 2 of the mornings (hey.. I had to stop at the quilt shop in Omro and look around.. didnt think I was going to spend the whole swimming lesson in the shop.. but $38 later, I was done..LOL) - Brian went with the girls on 3 swimming lesson. It was a nice time in the morning to just sit and watch the girls swim and soak up a few sun rays - and got the tan to prove it..LOL). On the last day there, we (us plus, Amy, Nat, Kaylee, Jenny, Conway)even all went swimming - including Brian. We all had fun!

My sister Amy, and SIL-to-be Jenny, have been doing a wonderful job on planning the benefit for my Dad. While down state, we went around to couple of the business to ask if they would be willing to have a can to collect money for the benefit. It was alot of fun, and I wished (and I'm sure my sister wishes I was there to help) I was closer to help out more. But I'm doing everything I can on my end.

We had a great time visiting my parents, the rest of the family, and even got to have lunch with my Grandma. I haven't seen her since.... gosh. I think December. Sad isn't it!? The only shopping I did while there was at the quilt shop, and a couple DVDs I found for the girls at a rummage sale. The rest of my $$ went into the gas tank.

Also, while down at my old stomping grounds, I had the wonderful opportunity to meet another stitcher! I met Gail one evening, and we sat in her living room and just talked! It was great seeing her stitching, and spending some time with someone, rather than talking back and forth over the net. We hope to get together in the future. Thanks Gail for inviting me into your home, and for the wine cooler, it was nice and refreshing!

My sister said to me on the last day we were there.. you didn't even take a picture. She was right, I didn't. I have no idea why.

It was great to get home and spend some time with the kids - all 5 of them!

Other than that.. it took me a little bit to catch up on the sleep. I had to work the following weekend - 3 days, and then on Monday, I had to cut the grass. I mow our lawn and my inlaws - takes about 2.5 hrs to do. I love mowing the lawn actually - give me great thinking time.. and I have my mp3 player giving me great tunes!

Since the last update, I have finished up on a model for Glory Bee (which I will post in my next post), and 3 SFEs. I have them stitched - just need to finish them. I also was working on a quilt project, and hope to have it done in the next few days.

There, now you have it.. now if I can only catch up on my emails.. all 1400+ of them.