The green eyed monster and a sneek peek

Seems like we spend a lot of time wanting what other people have. I have been jealous of Ruth's facebook and blog posts of Christmas baking. Oh how I look Christmas goodies. Doesn't look like there will be much time for baking this year. I have been busy at the sewing machine trying to get Christmas gift made.

We did run off to Sedona last week-end. It snowed on Saturday morning, The grand kids thought it was the best trip ever.

Ruth asked for pictures of the quilts I am making. Well because they are Christmas gifts, all you get is a little snippet of what is to come.

So disappointing...

for you not me. I bet you were expecting a new post and all you get is a new background. No post. I'm busy decorating the house for Christmas.

The Wheels on the Bus

We have a "Sunshine" Committee at work. They buy plants and cards when someone has a death in the family. They also put together food baskets for Thanksgiving and Christmas for employees that are having a hard time. The Sunshine Committee has a fund raising bake sale and raffle every month. This month I made a School Bus card table playhouse for the raffle. The playhouse is made from felt and fits over a standard card table. (The card table is not included in the raffle) Here is a little tour of the school bus.

Ashley cut out the letters and numbers for me on her silhouette. 3 windows on the drivers side.

The front of the bus. Our buses have 4 digit numbers. I gave this on 2011, because that is the year I made the bus.

Passenger side of the bus has two windows. The door velcros together in the middle. Madie had no trouble fitting thru the door.

And last but not least the back of the bus.

Madie fell in love with the bus. She thought it was for her. I had to tell her it was a Christmas present to get it away from her. At which time she gladly said she would help me wrap it. So we wrapped the bus. Then early Monday morning I took the bus to work. So now here is my dilemma. I either have to make another school bus before Christmas, or I have to buy enough raffle tickets to win the bus. The raffle is Friday. I'll let you know how it turns out.

Where have I been?

I know it has been months since my last post. So what have I been up to, you ask. Well let's take a quick tour.

I spent went to a lot of races with Ron. Since June we have been to Salt Lake City, Utah, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada, Grand Bend, Ontario Canada, and Martin Michigan. We had a lot of fun. It didn't hurt that Ron was crowned IHRA Fuel Altered World Champion of 2011.

I made Molly's blessing dress. I did post a picture of her wearing the dress on my Facebook page. She looked so precious.

I finished the signature quilt for a lady at work that retired. I even managed to the signature of the Superintendent of the district.

We took Curtis and Hayden to Disneyland during October break. The boys had a lot of fun.

Ron and I went to Sierra Vista and did the Bisbee 1000 with Ruth and Randy. 4.3 miles and 1034 steps. Had so much fun that we plan on being there next year.


Then I made Abigail a playhouse for her birthday. We had a party last night for Abigail and Curtis.

Now get ready for November birthday's and then it's Holiday season. I guess I better get busy.

Sew what

I ordered some batiks on-line last week. The box arrived yesterday. The tan background is one of the fabrics. I am making a signature quilt for Cheryl, our dispatcher at work. She is retiring after 32 years. I'm hoping to get the top done before bid day on July 20th. That way I can hang the top in my office and get all the drivers to sign it . I'll keep you posted on my progress.

Not all the fabric is for the signature quilt. But just thought I would share what I got.

I also went to Joann's yesterday in search of fabric for Molly's blessing dress. I found a real pretty embroidered organza, and a white satin for the lining. I'd show you the pattern, but I'm combining several to get the look I want. I need to get busy on her dress. The blessing is scheduled for July 3rd. Last week while talking to Kristi about the dress for Molly, Jenny asked me to make her baptism dress. She is planning ahead. She doesn't turn 8 until February. Sounds like a trip to the fabric store with Jenny early next year.

You can see the pattern better against the brown fabric.

Music to my ears

I was given a box of peaches from a co-worker earlier this week. I knew they wouldn't last until today. So I peeled, pitted, and froze them on Monday. 2 gallon size ziplock bags of ripe sweet peaches. This morning I ran (literally) to Safeway to get some lemon juice so I could make the jam. I made a batch of traditional Peach Jam and a batch of Cinnamon Peach Jam. When processing jam I always worry that it won't seal. Before I got all the jars out of the water bath I started to hear that beautiful high pitched pop that means the jars are sealing. To quote Barry Manilow "Beautiful, Beautiful Music".

Summer break

Yesterday was my last day of work for the 2010-2011 school year. I am off work until July 5th. So what are my plans? Racing. Next Thursday Salt Lake. A week after that Edmonton, Ontario, Canada. Wow that break went by fast. After we get back from Canada I need to make Molly's blessing dress. I guess I better go shopping and get some fabric. Hopefully I'll have some fun pictures to post in the next few weeks. But if last week-end is any indication, don't hold your breath. The camera never made it out of my purse.

No good deed...

The last few months morale has been really low at work. I decided it was because no one feels appreciated. So I decided, on the sly of course, to give everyone a little thank you. I printed little cards that said "working with you has been a treat" and planned to attach a little piece of candy. Well I left the cards at work on Friday, and by Sunday had pretty much talked myself out of doing anything. Then we went to Sacrament meeting with Lori and Justin. The talks were all about service. One lady even said just a smile or a even a compliment was service. That you never how much someone might need a little boost. So after that I decided I better go through with my plans. So yesterday I went to work and got the cards I had printed. On the way home I stopped at Walgreens and got 8 boxes of Andes mints. I needed to make 215 cards. After an hour of double stick talk I had all the cards done. This morning I got to work early so no one else would be around. I put the notes in every ones boxes, including mine. I didn't want it to look like I was the culprit. Everyone seemed happy, and spent most of the day trying to figure out who was the candy bandit. Someone even said she thought it was me. Before I had time to come up with a response, another driver said that it couldn't be me. I would have given out M&M's.

So while all this is going on, a driver accused me of saying some pretty mean things last week. This all started on Friday. When I was approached by one of my bosses last week I said, does that even sound like me? I thought it was over until this morning when the director came into my office and wanted to know about a conversation I had with a different driver last week. She wanted it written out and given to her. Also wanted to know if the girl that helps out in my office was present during the conversation. She wanted her version of the conversation as well. So now I feel like it doesn't matter how hard I work, or have jobs I cover when other people are gone. One person accuses you of saying something and all your hard work just goes out the window.

So there you go. No good deed goes unpunished. I guess I better make sure I don't do any more good deeds.

Beautiful Sunday

We have had a wonderful Sunday, and it is only 12:45. This morning Ron and I went to Sacrament Meeting with Lori and Justin. The talks were good. The company was better. It is always fun sitting in the middle during the Hymns. Ron and Justin sing bass, Lori sings Alto and I sing Soprano (most of the time anyway). But my favorite part was the closing hymn. I smiled through all 4 verses of "Praise to the Man". I thought about Benjamin and how much he loved that song when he was little. I'm not sure how much he really loved the song, or if he just liked saying the name. When ever he was at the piano playing his songs (just hitting keys, he was only 2) and you would ask him what he was playing, it was always "Praise to the Man". Only he said it so fast it was one word, Praisetotheman. It brings a smile to my face just thinking about it.

After Sacrament meeting, Ron and I hurried over to Chris and Wendi's building. Luke was ordained a deacon today. It was nice to see all his family there to support him. We filled up the
bishop's office. What a beautiful day. And there is still more to come.

There is time for a nap before dinner at Kristi and Cliff's.

Everybodies ready for the week-end

Hard to believe that memorial day week-end is upon us. Seems like we just had Christmas. We are having our BBQ today. That gives us Monday to relax before we go back to work.
Wednesday evening Ron and I mowed and trimmed the backyard. That made less work for this morning. Last night we went shopping and meat for the BBQ. Ashley has been in the kitchen most of the morning making potato salad and other goodies for tonight.
Ron planned a little progressive dinner for our celebration. We start at Lori's for appetizers. Then back here for swimming, dinner and fireworks. The grand kids love it when Ron sets off fireworks. We were going to go to Kristi's for dessert. They have a Chandler High reunion at 6:00. So she is just bringing dessert to our house. Dustin will be joining us. He is a bachelor this week. Sarah and the kids are in Washington with her family. Dustin will be joining them later the week.
Ron and I have started jogging. I want to join Ruth and Alison for the Bisbee 1000 in October. So I started training about 3 weeks ago. I really enjoy the time Ron and I spend together jogging through the neighborhood. You can get a lot of talking time in during a 40 minute jog. My last day of work in June 9th. So I plan to go with Lori to ASU during my break, and practice running stairs. There aren't many stairs in Chandler. If something happens and I don't get down to Bisbee, at least I'll be getting in much better shape.
Off to the store to get last minutes fairs for the BBQ.
To all my family, from Phoenix to Honolulu, Happy Memorial Day. Love you lots.

Water Issues

We have had big water issues at our house since Easter. I might have posted how the hose going from the wall to the ice maker sprung a leak on Easter Sunday. Water all over the kitchen floor. Then a few weeks later on a Tuesday the hot water heater blew. Once again water all over the kitchen floor. It came under the wall and made a slippery mess.
Then just when you think it is safe to go back into the water, the pool filter cracks and you end up pumping water all over the cool deck. Well at least it wasn't the kitchen floor.
I'm beginning to think we live in a water vortex. Spooky!!!

What came first? The baby or the quilt.

In this case it was the quilt. I finished binding the quilt yesterday around 5:00. It took a while to figure out the scallops. I had to make sure the size worked it both directions. I had to fudge a little to make it work. But only and 1/4 inch on the long side. So you can't really tell. Molly Grace Tolman made her appearance at 1:35 AM April14, 2011. She weighed 8 lbs 7 oz, and was 21 inches long. She has a head full of dark hair. Not as much as Jenny, but a lot more than Katie. Mom and baby are both tired, but doing great.

Love the bubbles.

Lost

I'm feeling a little lost these days. I really have no reason. For the most part my life is great. Kristi should have baby Molly anytime now. Zach just got a job. Justin got a great summer internship. So everyone is employed. Everyone is healthy. I went with Ron to his last race in San Antonio. I don't know, maybe that started it. The last, and only other time, we were in San Antonio was for Nick's graduation from Basic training. It brought back so many memories. Don't get me wrong, I think about Nick everyday. It is just weighing extra heavy on my heart right now.

I love the new Hawaii 50 TV show on CBS. I guess it makes me feel connected to Nick. I always check out the back ground shots, and wonder if Nick and Lindsay have been there.

Then my mind wonders, does he think of us? Does he miss us? Does he wish he could just pick up the phone and hear our voice?

Or is it just me?

Up-date

We went to San Diego with Ashley, Zach and Madie during my week off. Madie loved Sea World. She loved everything about it. Since a picture is worth a thousand worlds, I'll let the pictures tell you how much she loved it.

Starting off the day. Let's follow the map. Guess who is in charge?

Madie loved holding the Star fish. She didn't care how cold the water was. She loved the Shamu show, or was it the popcorn? Maybe both.

Saturday morning we went to Mission beach. It was over cast and cold. But Madie didn't mind

After the beach it was the video arcade with Grandpa and Daddy.

She loved the carousel at Balboa park.

This past week I worked more on the quilt for Baby Molly. I wanted to add a stripped border. I cut the strips in 3 different widths. Then I put the border together in a random order. That was the hardest part. I ended up putting all the strips in a bag and stitching them together as I pulled them out. The only rule I followed was I put it back if I just used that color. I think the border is fun.

I'm using a pink dotted flannel as the backing. After I get it quilted I am going to scallop the border. But that is on hold for a while. Wednesday after work I am driving to San Antonio with Ron for a race. Someone has to keep him in line.

Thanks, Much better.

This is the original picture. Randi Sue and Ruth both suggested adding an outline on the folded ear. Paula started the idea of adding a little pink on the folded ear. Everyone was in agreement. Besides the ear issue I also hated the right hand.

It was to flat on top.

So I added a little pink and outlined the fold. Then I took out the stitching on top of the right hand and gave it an arch.
Much improved.
After the quilting I will be adding a ribbon tie around his neck. It will look something like this.

Thanks for all the great suggestions. Sometimes it just takes a new eye to see find the answers. Now onto the stripped border for Molly's quilt.

Constructive criticisim

So I finished the applique on my Easter wall hanging. Something about the bunny isn't quite right. So I need your help to figure it out. He is going to get a ribbon on his neck. Just haven't got that far yet.

Spring Break Progress

My Spring Break officially started Friday afternoon. Saturday I went to the Mesa Quilt show. I always enjoy looking at the beautiful quilts. Unfortunately I forgot my camera. So nothing to show.
Sunday we went to Casa Grande. Ron had the opportunity to ordain Dustin to the office of High Priest. Then he got to stand in while Dustin was set apart as 2nd counselor in the new Bishopric. Kristi and Ashley are their families were there as well. Lori was not able to make it. After church we had a nice lunch with Sarah and the kids. Dustin was busy with meetings. That will be their life for the next few years.
This morning I decided to work on my Easter wall hanging. I got things cut out and fused to the background. But things came to a stand still when I didn't have the right color of brown thread. Sounds like a trip to Joanne's is in my very near future.

Waiting for thread.

So I set the bunny aside and started working on Molly's (that's the name Kristi and Cliff decided on for the new baby) quilt. I got all the blocks sewn together. I also got the pink border on. Now time to make the stripes for the outside border. No real hurry. I can't finish the border until the new templates I ordered get here.

Waiting for a striped border.

Not to bad for a Monday. I might be able to almost everything done on my list. Oh one more thing to add to the list. Get the oil changed in my car.

Applique & 9 patch

Today I got quite a bit done on Molly's quilt. I need 17 of the 9 patch blocks. They are all done and ready to go. Here's 2 of then. They are all the same. There are 5 colored squares, purple, yellow, green, blue and pink. The colors don't stand out very well against my carpet. The white has little colored dots.

This is one of the applique blocks. There are flowers and hearts. I needed 18 of these.

Got them all finished today.

That's all I'm going to get done on the quilt today. Now I need to get a sub for Nursery on Sunday. Going down to Casa Grande to visit Dustin and Sarah.

New background

I changed my background, so I guess I had better post something. So here are my plans for March.

1.Make Miss Molly's quilt.I have everything cut out. Even started the applique. Miss Molly will be making her appearance in mid April so I better get cracking. Thank goodness for spring break.

2. Go to the Mesa quilt show next Saturday. I'm looking forward to seeing all the great quilts, and spending time with my SIL. That is if gas prices don't keep her from coming.

3. Make an Easter wall hanging. I signed up for the Online version of "Party with Patrick".It is a quilt club that sends whimsical patterns each month. I had major problems getting my March packet (which I never got). Well long story short, I realized I don't need Patrick Lose to make cute whimsical wall quilt. I have a vast imagination. My Easter wall hanging will the first creation in my line of whimsical wall quilts. Stay tuned.

4. Lunch with my Mom during spring break.

5. Keep everyone posted on my progress. With pictures.

February Finale

Can't believe tomorrow is March 1st. This year is flying by. We had our family February birthday party yesterday. Lots of food, presents and just plain fun. I made Jenny a dress and a skirt for her birthday. Not sure how excited she is about getting clothes, but Kristi's says that's what she needs.
We got Dustin 2 new books from Deseret. Pres. Monson's biography. And a book by Boyd K Packer (he is Dustin's favorite). We got Lori the complete works of Han Christian Andersen, and a cutting mat. I think they were both happy. Awe and for dessert, brownies, peach cobbler and cheesecake. It was quite an evening.

Noooooooooo!!!!

I finally got motivated this morning and started on Jenny birthday present. I am making her a skirt. Got really cute fabric at Joann's. Added some more from my stash. Cut the 2 1/2 strips and started sewing then together. About half way through the 3rd strip the machine started slowing down. I checked to make sure the foot pedal had not slipped . No still making full contact. Try again. Slows down even more. Then just stops. Can't hardly turn the handwheel. Up plug the machine, re-thread. Plug back in fire it up. Still won't move.
I got the machine from Amazon. So went on line filled out the return. The machine is now back in the box waiting for UPS. Now don't know what to do for Jenny. Maybe I'll take her to the book store.
What a week-end.

My New Jacket

There is a driver a work, Chester, who is retired Air Force. 2 years ago on Bid day I mentioned that I like his hat. I told him I have a son in the Air Force, and showed him Nick's picture from Basic. He took off his hat and gave it to me right then and there. I protested, but he said he could get a new one at the VFW. So I gladly took the hat and wore it the rest of the day. Around Thanksgiving, when got really cold. Chester had on a nice Air Force Jacket. I complimented his jacket. To which he said that the sleeves were to short, so when he was done with it it was mine. Today was my first day back at work. Deb, our trip coordinator, came into my office this morning and handed me this jacket. She said that it was from Chester, and he said he won't take no for an answer. It think it was his way on telling me how sorry he is that I lost my little brother. I will proudly wear this jacket as a reminder of my son, and the caring friend that was offering comfort.

A life too short

My little brother Dean died Friday February 4, 2011. He was only 48. Dean had a sweet spirit. He loved his family. He loved his parents and his brothers and sisters. He loved his nieces and nephews. He married Sharon 16 years ago and received an instant family. I always thought she was the best thing that every happened to him. He loved her children and grandchildren as his own. To him they were his. I found out yesterday that loved went both ways.

Dean spent 48 years on the earth loving his family. His legacy is that they loved him back.

We'll miss you little brother.

It's Alive

Isn't that what they say in horror movies? Well the monster closet is alive. Ron was worried that the closet would make it look like we didn't have very many clothes. I think it looks like, how on earth did we get all of this is the old closet. Okay so down to the facts.

The old closet was 26 sq ft.

This is the best picture I could get standing at on end of the 13X2 closet.

I had to move everything into boxes before Ron could knock out the wall.

The new closet is 127 sq ft of closet heaven.

This is Ron's end of the closet.

This looking toward my end of the closet.

That's my Christmas shelves in the back.
I am very very happy with my new closet.