High Flyin'

Today Mr. Ate was in Dubai.  He was up up up very high.  This was his view this morning. The highest building in the world, I believe.  The Burj Khalifa.  aka The Dubai Tower. Mr. Ate had to make a reservation to go up on the observation deck.  I'm sure he bought a t-shirt or other trinket to add to his collection.  And now Mr. Ate is on his way home.  Yay!  Merry Christmas!

Quilting....again!

WAAAAAYYY back in 1999 I took my first quilting class.  It was at a shop in St. Anthony Park, St. Paul-- of course I can't remember the name of it-- that is now closed.  It was a beginning quiliting class.  When I took that class I had no idea that that was the beginning of a lifelong hobby for me.  It was such a great class and the instructor was wonderful. 
I did not grow up in a home with a quilter.  In fact, no one in my family quilts.  I just thought quilts were beautiful, loved how the fabric felt after it was quilted, and wanted to experience it for myself.
It was a 9-block sampler that we hand-pieced.  I made it for my son who was born in October of that year.  I chose some bright fabrics, the theme was bugs.  Since then I've tried out many methods of piecing, methods of quilting and types of projects.  I've done applique with freezer paper and fusible web.  I've done paper piecing (that is FUN).  I've made hand bags, rag quilts, placemats, wall hangings, lap quilts, bed quilts. 
Quilting is addicting.
But then I had more babies.  Got divorced.  Got remarried.  Had another baby.
Time went by.  One year, and then another, and then another...
Last month I decided my fabric stash and UFO's had sat neglected long enough.  So I took another class.  This time a Binding Basics class at Silver Lane Quilting.  A refresher on binding.  And boy did I need a refresher. 
And it was good.
Finished a Christmas wall hanging.  Ahhhhh......

Thanksgiving 2010

This is a picture of our Thanksgiving table this year.  It's not "finished", but I had a spare moment so I figured I better take a picture while I can/have time.  It's now the-day-after-Thanksgiving and I'm perusing the internet, looking for some good deals.  Can't find much I'm interested in.  Baby is on my lap, trying to eat the power cord (don't worry, I'm removing from his reach as we speak!).  I'm reflecting on all that has happened this year and how blessed I am.  I just can't help to feel overwhelmed by how good God is.  And I can't help but remember the scripture that reads "You meant it for bad, God meant it for good".  It just speaks to me.  No matter what is going on in our lives, how bad we might think things are, or how people may offend us/sin against us-- how tragic things may seem-- God is GOOD!  All things good come from above.  And although we may not always know His reasons, we can trust that if we believe in Him, he will definitely take care of us.  I have to remind myself sometimes... this life is only a short stepping stone to the one after :)

November 13, 2010

Well, it's now undeniable. Uninevitable. Un....summer? Yes, here in the land of 10,000 lakes we can't escape from the white stuff. But... who would want to? At least, not yet. The first snow fall is so beautiful, so surreal. The way it sticks to the trees making them beautiful dark extensions outlined in white. And the kids... oh how the kids LOVE the first snowfall. They wake up early, run to the window and hollar, "Mom, mom! It's snowing out!" Their eyes light up and their smile is from cheek to cheek. I remind them they need to eat breakfast before going outside. Before you can blink an eye, the empty cereal bowl is going in the dishwasher and snow gear is flying left and right. Boots, hats, mittens, scarves, snowpants... all were ready a day or two before in anticipation of this glorious moment. It's probably the one and only time of the winter that I DON"T have to ask if they would shovel the sidewalk-- they just do it on their own because they are so excited.
The snow is still coming down... going to enjoy this while it lasts.

Grandmas

This is not my Grandma.  This IS my mom.  Who is a Grandma.  And a pretty darn good one, at that.  This is her youngest grandson, who happens to be my youngest baby.  Look how she's looking at him.  Enjoying every minute of him.  That's because she knows she gets to give him back to me and send us home later so she can enjoy her sleep and peace and quiet.  And freedom.  And I guess she deserves that.  She has paid her "dues".  Being a grandma must be lots of fun.

Gorgeous Blondes

I am in love.  In love with 3 gorgeous blondes.  They are in perfect shape.  Heck, they are HOT!  I'm not usually attracted to blondes.  I usually go for the darker ones.  But in this case...

Okay the jigs up.  My "blondies" are the lovely loaves of home made bread I made today using my husband's prized recipe.

Some butter... honey.... oh boy....

Just look at them... makes your mouth water doesn't it?  Hello beautiful!