Adam's Request

I got a text from my 10 month old grand son asking for something special for his 1 year old birthday photo shoot.  Well, actually, the text was from his mom, my daughter Amy, but I think my girls have figured out that if the text sent to me starts out "Gigi, will you..." I will do it if at all possible.  Here is the picture I got. She had seen it from the photographers website. So, I got on Etsy and sent her a link to one and she said, "yeah, I saw that, but they can't have it done by the time it was needed for Adam's pictures.  Well, then, I guess it's Gigi to the rescue.  I had a class yesterday at a quilt shop and just happened to find the perfect red and white polka dot fabric needed for this project and found the pattern on Etsy which I could download the .pdf.  So it took about an hour to complete, and then I had to hunt up a suitable model.  So, I got another project out of the way.  

Bella B-Day Present

My granddaughter's 2nd birthday was coming up and I didn't know what I was gonna get her until I ran across this playhouse idea on Pinterest from Parties and Patterns.

Then I thought, do I dare start something like this. Well, yeah!!!!!  Might as well go for it. I worked on it off and on, gathering fabrics and supplies a little at a time. I tried using a lot of what I already had on hand, but really didn't have a lot. Anyway, I got it finished.  Here are my final pictures before delivery.  As soon as her mom can get her still enough to take pictures of her with it , I'll post them.

This was one of the bigger projects I have tackled lately, but really loved doing it.  There was a variety of techniques I had to use on it, so it wasn't boring.  That's all this time, but I have started a new project and will post soon.

I'm Back!!!!!!

I'm so excited to get back to blogging. It's been almost a year and a half. I started a new full-time job and totally have been trying to get my life organized to where I can work full-time and be able to have the time to do what I enjoy. I've missed my blog.  I have been doing some quilting and sewing when I could. I still have to deal with my Fibromyalgia flare-ups sometimes but I believe my doctor is on track to having me on the right medications.  So here we go....

I really don't know where to start. I have so many things to tell you. I guess it's best to start where I left off.

I was telling you that I had a new grandson on the way. Well, he made it. He was born on July 11th, which means he has his first birthday coming up. Meet Adam Logan. He is one precious little boy.  He smiles all of the time.

Is he not a cutie?  Of course, I'm not prejudice. We love him so much. We don't get to see him, or the other grand kids nearly enough lately. Seems like everyone is so busy now-a-days.  Speaking of the other grand kids, let me go ahead and give you an update on Luke and Bella.  Luke just graduated Kindergarten last week. He is now officially a 1st grader. 

Now Miss Bella just turned 2 years old and had a fun birthday party.  Her mom found some fun ideas from Pinterest for the kids to have outdoor water fun. Wish I had pictures, but nobody seems to have any. Really??  Where was I with my camera?  Gigi is slacking in the photo taking department lately.  Is she not just precious?  You should look back at some of the last posts I did on her. Boy has she changed..

As for my oldest grandson Jordan, today was his last day of 5th grade.  We normally get him the last day of school for a few weeks to start off the summer, but he decided to change it up this year and go to his other grandparents first this year. We will see him soon.  His mom sent me this picture of him at his school field trip a couple of weeks ago.  Can you say, "Cool Dude"?

Okay so that updates you on my grand kids.  At least this is a start to get back on track. I'll be back soon with some posts on what my sewing machine has been up to lately. 

Take care and have a fun and safe weekend.

Not Much Happening here on the Farm

Whew!!!  The last couple of months have flown by.  With working full-time again, the days just seem to pass without me even knowing it.  We haven't been doing much of anything lately anyway, hence no blog posts.

I haven't been cooking much, Bill has done a great job of helping with dinners at night.  I get him set up with a crock pot recipe and he has done great with them.  He has starting throwing in a few Hamburger Helpers lately I've noticed, so I need to get back to planning better meals.  I got burnt out on the Hamburger Helpers a long time ago, but he likes them because they are easy to do.

Sewing???  Quilting???  Crafting???  

Hummm, not much of that going on either.  I regretfully had to resign my position as 2nd Vice President at my quilt guild, Wise County Quilt Guild, as I felt that I was overwhelmed with things going on around me, and I was stressing too much with making sure I got the newsletter out on time and making sure it was a quality newsletter.  A fellow member, Peggy has stepped up and volunteered to take my place.  I am so thankful for her.  Working has sure put a kink in my life, but I know it will get better.

I did get to purchase a new "used" L-shaped desk for my sewing area.  It is going to be great.  I've been cleaning out and rearranging my sewing spot in hopes of getting to start sewing soon.

I have been gradually trying to clean out my scrapbook room to make room for some of my sewing things.  For those of you who know me and knew my scrapbooking obsession I had for many years, you know just how much stuff I have.  I hate to say it, but since getting the quilting bug, I have totally lost interest in my scrapbooking hobby.  It's sad, and although I'll go in the room and look at stuff and see things that I had plans to do, I just do not have the interest in it anymore.  I am cleaning out and selling a lot of things that I will no longer use.  Here I come, Ebay, Craigslist, Wise County People to People Facebook page (a great place to sell things you no longer want locally).  So, if your looking for anything that I might have, let me know, I'll try to accommodate.  I used to sell Stampin' Up! products also, so I have a lot of those items laying around too.  I may create a page of things I'm selling and link to my blog for future reference.  I need to pull out and take pictures.  Lots to do and so little time to do.

Family

BTW, for those of you that haven't heard (earlier post), I have a new grandson on the way.  My youngest daughter Amy and her husband Aaron are expecting their 1st baby in July.  We are so excited for them.  Hence, the hopes of starting to sew soon....  I have several baby projects in mind for this new little one.

My daughter Mandy and her family recently got to take a fun snow trip up to Colorado last month.  The kids really enjoyed the snow.  Lucas got his first chance at skiing and loved it.  Well really it's his second chance.  We went a couple of years ago, but he was not ready at age 3.  But now he is 5, he was loving it.  Bella even got in on the action.

Air Force Bound

My only nephew, Seth is leaving for Air Force Basic Training on Monday.  I so respect what he is doing and what he is giving up to serve our country.  I know he will make us all very proud.

My sister held a going away party for him a couple weekends ago.  It was a fun party, with BBQ and cake and lots of family and friends came to wish him good luck on the new phase of his life.  He even sang and played his guitar for us.

That's about all for my update for now.  I'll try to post a little more often.  Hopefully with some pictures of a few sewing projects.

Meet Fannie Mae

Isn't she Bea-U-ti-FUL!!!!  She was born in 1949.  She was my Christmas present this year.  I couldn't believe when we found her on Craigslist. She looked good, she sewed great, the case was amazingly in great condition and she came with several accessory pieces.  And, the price was right.  I promptly ordered bobbins and needles for her.

You may wonder about her name. My first memories of quilting are from my Great-Grandmother Fannie Mae King.  I remember her really small living room that she had quilting frames hung from the ceiling.  I want to say I remember playing under the quilt while she and her friends hand quilted.  That could be my imagination, but seems like I remember something like that.  I still have the baby quilt she made for me.  It is a little ragged out, I must have really used it a lot.  I don't even think it is restorable at this point.  Someday when I get it out again, I'll take a picture and post.  It also had hand-embroidery on it.  I believe my mother helped with the embroidery.

I have only gotten to play on her a little bit, but hope to start my first quilt on her soon.  Fannie Mae will accompany me to quilt guild meetings on work days and possibly on retreats.

Happy 2013!!!!

Happy New Year Everyone!!!!

Boy, this new year has already started with a bang.  Many things have been going on around the farm.  Changes are good, right?  I'm going to cover everything, but will probably end up being in several different posts.  I'm going to start with Christmas Eve.

We enjoyed 2 Christmas celebrations with our families this year.  On Christmas Eve, my kids and grand kids came down to spend the night and celebrate.  This is a new tradition my girls decided they wanted to start this year.  We are kinda going back to the way our family used to celebrate Christmas when my kids were small.  And then the next weekend, Bill's kids and their families came down for our 2nd Christmas celebration.  (later post).

This is my living room prior to the arrival of the kids.  I promise, you don't want to see it after the invasion.  You can see Miss Palyn resting in one of her favorite spots.

You gotta have pictures of kids
playing at Christmas time.

I asked the girls what they wanted me to fix for dinner that night (being used to having hot ham sandwiches, potato salad, and baked beans), I knew this is what they would want.  Oh no, not my girls, they wanted my chicken fried steak, mashed potatoes and ball beans (English peas).  Yes, in our house we refer to English Peas as ball beans.  So this is what we had, but I also threw in a platter of Chicken Fried Back Strap for the son-in-laws.  As for the dessert, we didn't have anything other than all of the goodies (will post about later) I made the day before while I was stuck here without a car (Bill's truck was in the shop) while he went down to Laredo with son Trent, and grandson Patrick deer hunting (will post later).  This was a last minute trip, so I stayed here and cooked.

Here I am mashing my famous mashed potatoes.  I say famous because this is one thing that my family and Bill's all enjoy.  They are very basic.  I just use Yukon Gold Potatoes, lots of butter (or margarine if that's all I have) and some Pet milk.  This combination just seems to make them so creamy and good.  I don't think there were any left.  I think everyone enjoyed their Christmas Eve dinner.  Total there were 9 of us here plus the GrandDog Piper, Libby and Palyn.

But WAIT!!!!  Let me tell you.  While I was sitting at the table fixing to get up and start clearing away the dishes, I was told by my daughter Amy that I couldn't get up until I see what was in my stocking.  I'm thinking what is in my stocking? NO IDEA!!!  So they went and got it for me to see.  Inside was this picture of Piper (Amy and Aaron's chocolate lab) and a small lime.  

This is my Grand Dog Piper with a very interesting sign around her neck.  If you can't read it, it says, "Only Child, Expiring July 2013".  In other words, Amy is pregnant!!!!  I'm gonna be grandma again!!!  I was so happy.  They had been trying for quite awhile.  I am so happy for both Amy and Aaron.  Oh yeah, the lime.  That was the size of the baby at that time.  Such a cute idea!!!!!!  

Okay, so after the excitement calmed down, we got the kitchen cleaned and the kids ready for bed to await Santa's arrival, Mandy got the french toast ready to go in the fridge to soak up it's goodness for breakfast the next morning, and the guys played a few hands of Cribbage.

(l to r) Aaron, Larry (Bill's brother), Bill and Ryan

The only one without a picture is Amy.  I took some of her, but she would probably disown me if I posted them.  She was feeling so bad that night with her sinus infection as well as being in the hospital the day before being dehydrated and throwing up (pregnant you know).  So maybe I'll catch a good one of her later.  I know we have a gender reveal party in the near future coming up, so I'll post then.

Again, Everybody, HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!!!

Christmas Goodies

I've been working on a few Christmas things this year.

First, here is a picture of my paper-pieced Christmas tree wall hanging.  I worked on this during our quilt guild retreat we had a few weeks ago at the new Sunset Retreat.  I got it quilted last week and got it hung this week once my hanger came in the mail from Connecting Threads.  I had a spot picked out on the wall that needed something.  I believe it is going to be the ever-changing wall hanging block spot.  Well, let me say the "ever-changing" if I get different blocks done for different seasons and holidays.  I have high hopes, but we shall see.

Next, also I completed this Twister Wreath while at the retreat.  I had been wanting to tackle a twister project for awhile and I finally got around to it.  This was using the Lil Twister with 5" blocks of fabric.  I haven't had the time to quilt it yet, but hope to get to it soon.  Will probably be a new addition next year.  Since that was so much fun, I have now purchased a mini-twister that I can't wait to try out.

And today, I made Santa a key so he can get in our door Christmas Eve to bring them grandchillins lots of toys and goodies, since they are staying here this year.  I'm so excited to see them wake up Christmas morning to see what Santa has brought.  Well, Bella may not be too excited, but I know Lucas will.

And, speaking of grandchillins, I just happen to have a picture of them with Santa this year.

This will be my last post until after Christmas, so I would like to say to everyone,

"Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas!"

New Babies...

We had 4 calves born in one week back in October.  I didn't get pictures of all of them, but here are the first two babies.  They are so sweet.

Here is #3 with her heifer calf the day it was born.

Here is Dash with her heifer calf the day it was born.

I didn't get around to getting pictures of Boo's or #5's babies yet.  They have grown quite a bit.  Maybe I'll make the rounds today and see if I can get a couple of pics to put on here.

Vanilla Wafer Cake

I found this recipe on Pinterest and just had to try it.  It turned out to be very good, especially with a cup of hot coffee.  Just saying....

Vanilla Wafer Cake

I was going to type in the recipe, but thought I would just send you the link to where I found it.  You might just find some more great recipes on this site.  Enjoy!!!  We did!!!

I WON!! I WON!!!!

I like probably many of you enter giveaways all of the time at different blogs for free goodies.  I received an email from Michelle Foster who runs the Quilting Gallery blog about a Blog Hop that was going on a few days ago.  There were 175 different blogs participating.  

So one evening, I went to several of them and entered their giveaways while watching television.  And I found out yesterday I actually WON something from Denise Panter from her Count it *all* JOY!!!! blog.  Thanks so much Denise.  I can't wait to receive my goodies.

If you are a quilter, you might want to check out her blog.  She quilts some great projects and has a lovely family.  

My how time is flying by....

Christmas is a little over a week away.  I can't believe it already.  I have been so busy around here trying to finalize gifts, getting shopping lists together for Christmas Eve dinner and Christmas morning breakfast.  I am so excited this year.  My kids have decided they wanted to bring back the Christmas tradition and all of us being together on Christmas Eve and waking up to Santa on Christmas morning with a big family Christmas like we used to do years ago before things changed.

Thank goodness I have been able to take a little time between jobs to enjoy this holiday season.  I hope to start my new job after the 1st of the year.  I really don't know how I would have been able to complete all of these projects I start.  I used to be able to move a little faster and get more done, but now I find myself stressing because I can't move and get as much done as I used to.  Hummmm, is this a sign of aging??  Yes, I think so.  But I push and push and always get it done.

I'll have some pictures of the projects I have been working on after Christmas.  Can't spoil the surprises.

But, I do have a picture of the newest stocking to join the fleet.  This is my granddaughter Bella's first Christmas, so I (Gigi) had to get busy and get her special stocking made.  It was so fun doing a girly stocking this time.  It has PINK on it.  !!!  Here is a picture of the completed stocking.







Now, what's been going on around the farm since my last post:

Miss Palyn celebrated her 4th birthday.  She got to blow out a candle (really I think she sniffed it and singed the end of her nose).  Sorry Palyn.  We sung Happy Birthday and she got a new squeaky toy.  And, no she didn't get to eat the chocolate cupcake.  That was just for the picture.

I realized I had never posted pictures of the finished bedrooms after the remodel earlier this year.  Remember, this is an old farmhouse that we gutted mostly the interior and added insulation and new electrical and carpet.

The first 3 pictures are of Bill's "game" room/office.  One goal of mine, was to get all of his mounts into one room.  It took the biggest part of one day, but I did it.  I really like the way they look too, especially now that they are all in one room. :)  The next two pictures are of the two other bedrooms.  Bring on the company.

I'll end this post for now, but I do have a few more things that I will post about later.  Have a good day!!!!

Update

You ask?  Where my blog are updates?  Yeah, I’m still trying to find them too.  I know I put them somewhere.  I can’t find them, so guess I better rewrite, right?  NOT!!  I have just not been able to get my stuff together around here since starting work.  There is just so much always going on here at the farm that I have to prioritize and my blog has definitely been put on the bottom of the list.

Me

As I’m sitting (at least I’m not laying now) here trying to get my strength built back up from my long week of this illness I have had, I thought I would reflect over the last couple of months.  I took off work last Wednesday with sore throat and fever, plus I couldn't talk, therefore, you can't answer phone if you can't talk.  I went to Dr. De Leon on Thursday because I wasn't feeling any better, but worse, and he said that it was upper respiratory and sinus infection and gave me drugs and told me to rest.  Well I didn't feel like doing much else, anyway.  It just seemed to gradually get worse.  I tried to start moving more on Saturday morning, but my body said no, not yet.  As I tried to get up and do somethings around here, I got dizzy, light headed and nauseous.  I called my sister, 'the nurse', and she could tell that I was hyperventilating.  I think I was scared being here alone and feeling this way.  So, I did what I was told and got the paperbag out and breathed in it and slowed my breathing down.  I finally gave in and called Bill to come home.  I thought I might need to go to emergency room.  We called and Dr. Holloway was still in the office so he rushed me up there. They took blood and flu test.  Good news, I don't have the flu, but was very dehydrated.  He threatened me with drinking LOTs clear liquids vs hospital stay and IVs.  He gave me a shot of phenergan and told me to go home and do nothing but drink clear water.  I was ready to just tell Bill to just shoot me.  But I didnt' say it too loud, he might of if there had been a gun close.

 

Bill had his 50 year class reunion going on Saturday and I hated calling him home in the middle of it, but you do what you have to do.  Once he got me back home and settled back in my bed, he went back up to reunion.  I think he still had a good time.  I hate I had to call him away though.  How many times do you actually make it to your 50 year High School Reunion.?
 

My plan today is to gradually get myself moving again and getting my strength back.  I’ve GOT to get back to work tomorrow.  I’m sure I have been greatly missed.  Well, probably not, but just hoping.  I know it causes my boss to have to juggle others schedules and I hate having to cause more problems for her.  She has enough on her plate.

 

Here We Go!

Now, onto reflecting back over the last few months.  I say a lot has happened around here, but that doesn’t necessarily mean I took a lot of pictures.  I’ll see what I can scare up since July.   

New Water Well

On July 22^nd, Bill had a new water well put in on the back part for the cows.  With the lack of rain we get around here in the summer months, the creek doesn’t run, therefore the cows have to make their way all the way back up to the front for water.  So now they have a fresh new tank to drink from.  I was amazed at how clear the water was.  I think the cows are probably drinking better than I am now.  Here are a few pics of the process.

Here is the drill rig and when they actually hit the water.  Bill took these pictures because I was at work.  He got some pretty good ones I think.

He took me down to see the whole set up after they put in the tank and solar panel.  Pretty impressive I might say. 

 

 

We are high class here now.  I asked Bill what happens to the solar panels when a hail storm is coming , he showed 'me' how to get a BIG wrench and unloosen the screws and tilt the panel straight up and down.  Yeah, right, let me get right on that.  Let's hope he is here when it hails.

 

Painting the Living Room

Rene so graciously offered to come help and paint the living room.  We had grown so tired of the green and yellow that we had put up back in 2003 when we did the first remodel here at the farm.  She came down on August 8-9 and Bill and her got with it and got the new color up while I was at work.  I only hope she knows just how much I appreciate her help.  I'm loving the colors we chose. 

 

 

Bella Visits

Actually, the whole Duncan clan came down the next weekend to visit, but the only pictures I took were of Bella.  Mandy was showing me how she was turning herself over now.  She is just growing too fast.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

School Starts

I love iPhones.  The kids send me cute pictures off and on of the grandkids.  It makes it so nice since I live so far away and don't get to see them near enough.  
Jordan and Luke both started on August 27th and Patrick and Will started on August 28th.  So here they are.

Jordan is going into the 4th Grade (just happens to be the grade that Amy is teaching for her first year of teaching, and Lucas in starting Pre-K.  Wow, how time flies.

Patrick is starting his first year in High School (9th Grade) and Will is going into the 2nd Grade.

 

One Last Topic

I haven't been doing alot of sewing, but have been getting a few things done here and there, a little at time. 

First off, I had volunteered to make a quilt for the new Sunset Retreat place that is opening in Sunset.  I got a free weekend for it.  It was one of the tougher quilts I have made.  I'm really not for sure why, but it just seemed to take me alot longer and caused me a lot more frustration.  But I finally finshed it.

Something else I did, was took a class on making Snap Happy Bags at the Denton Sewing Center. I learn so much when I take these classes. I just wish more of them were on the weekend. I would probably take a class every weekend if I could. I learn how to use my machine and all kinds of helpful ways to do things. As you will notice, it is made out of some of the scraps I had left over from the quilt.

 

  

Then, while watching TV at night I finished up this wall hanging I purchased the kit for at the Alford Inn Quilt Shop in Van Alstyne when I went on the bus trip with the quilt guild a few months ago.  It was made by making yo-yos and inserting a bottle cap in the center before closing up.  Then I glued the caps to the black felt provided.  Bill cut me a board to attach it all to.  I used some of the Quilt Across Texas fabric I had left over from Jordan's quilt to make the hanger.

 And the last thing I have got to complete is my Block of the Month from the July quilt guild series.  I owed this to Phillis since then.  So I finally finished and get to give it to her at the October meeting.  Better late than never I guess.  Hope she likes it!!!

 

So, this is as much getting caught up as I'm going to do today.  Time to sit back and watch the Cowboys do their 'thang'.  Whatever it is that their "thang" is nowadays.  Take care, and I'll catch you next time.