Beedee's Blog

Embroider a Hungry Turkey on a Tea Towel for Thanksgiving

2011-11-07T08:24:00.001-05:00

Embroider a Hungry Turkey on a Tea Towel for Thanksgiving

Here is a cute little gobbler to put a smile on your Thanksgiving Day guests...or on a baby's bib...or on an apron!!
Compliments of Bird Brain Designs!!
Enjoy!!

Please read all instructions carefully before you begin....

2011-10-17T09:11:00.001-04:00

...seriously??? One would think I would have learned this lesson in college after constructing a beautiful pair of dress slacks...in linen...without reading the instructions. After getting to class and not being able to sit comfortably I went home to look at the pattern. What had I done???? Put the zipper in the front instead of the back. That was the end of those slacks....and of NOT reading instructions. Or so I thought!

Never being a patient person, I'd usually try to figure out how to put something rather than reading the instructions...hmmmm...not such a good thing. So began my attempt at constructing some yo-yo animals quickly for the Jacksonville Quilt Show. The instructions were confusing...so lets put them aside. Make the yo-yos, put them together, make the faces...rats!...how do I put the back of the head together...back to the instructions. Rats!!! made ears that were separate from the head. Supposed to have the ears and back of head one piece...oye!

Really, if I didn't have enough time to make them right the first time how the heck (and other words) how am I going to have time to re-do them?? Well, I found the time.

So 'ear is all I have to say...please READ ALL instructions carefully before you begin..

"I love fabwic..."

2011-09-06T20:09:00.001-04:00

The best part of Hurricane Irene was that we had a visit from our kids who lived in the way of her path! What an unexpected surprise! So while playing with my little Khloe she ran over to a pile of fabric and caressed the fabric saying, 'I love fabwic!!' Now this is a symptom of a much older fabri-holic! Not usually for one so wittle! None the less it thrilled me because my granddaughters share my love of fabric and their mothers still shutter when you mention a fabric shop!!!! This photo was the result of Khloe asking me to cover her in the fabric...so I did. And then she wanted her picture taken. Did that too!!!

Don't get to see baby-girl enough, but enjoy every second with her!

Goodnight, Irene!!!!

2011-08-29T11:46:00.000-04:00

...and good riddance. We never felt the effects of Irene, ceptin for some rain which we could use and some wind...the kids were evacuated from Andros and got to visit us!!! What a great surprise and the best thing of all is that Irene only hit them with sustained 60-80mph winds and minimal damage. Thank Goodness!!!! And we were able to spend some great time with Ms. Khloe! It don't get any better than that!!!

This is a photo of Khloe on the island taken by Kayla...the best photographer ever!!!! Anything she has taken of Khloe just speaks to us. She just has that knack of catching something in her viewfinder that is truely a gift.

So, Happy Monday and here's to a week a health, happiness, and good times!

You Find Out Who Your Friends Are...

2011-08-14T18:40:00.000-04:00

I have to admit that I have more friends than a person could ask for...and I mean more friends than a person deserves. The kind of friend you can call up and pour your heart out to and show all your warts to and they still love you...just for who you are...not who they want you to be. This year has been a year of healing...that is the word for me as well "healing" and mending the bridges I helped blow up, and mend the hearts I put tears in. I actually think it has been 2 years of realizing who will be there regardless of how many times I turn my back. When I turned around, guess what? They were always there. Lessons learned.

One particular friendship just drifted apart...until recently...and I can't tell you how blessed I am to have it back. This song says it all...."You Find Out Who Your Friends Are," with Tim McGraw, Kenny Chessney, and Tracy Lawrence...

okay, sista!!! I've taken your challenge!!!

2011-07-12T06:48:00.001-04:00

This is the project I've been working on for Khloe's 3rd birthday which is in March 2012!! Yes, be amazed! I am on the current block as well as having the 6 previous blocks already sewn together! Several of my sewing buddies are making the blocks too! Some of us are using the fabrics shown (I did) and others used what they had in their stash! Novel idea!!! Here's the site! http://www.littlemissshabby.com/

My dear sister of a different mother (Susan) decided that we both had not blogged in quite a while. How true! She has challenged me to update my blog and I hope to keep a little more current on postings.

Pat has been following quilting scrappy blogs and encouraging us to get rid of the stash of fabrics that could clothe the world at least 4 times over!! So with Pam cracking the sewing whip and finding our patterns we have had a couple of sewing days and the gilrs have made at least 16 quilts which were donated to various organizations. We had such a great time working together...sewing days at Pat and Lee's and then the quitling days at Pam, Ron's and Chico's!! The sewing sisters were Renita, Pam, Linda, Pat, Judy (with our Aiden), Susan, and Roni. We love making these quilts for those who could use the warm hug a quilt provides!

Summer has been busy and not enough time for sewing, but I'm working on several projects. Also, working on a project we're doing at the shop in September...The Farmhouse Quilt (which I don't think is a very good description) by Edyta Sitar for Laundry Basket Quilts. I am also working on some cute little girl clothes for my little girlies Khloe and Kaylyn!! Yeah! Oh, and Bella!!!

So there is the first of many posts I hope!!! back at ya, susan!!!

Off to Camp Blanding!! Road Trip!

2011-02-24T12:45:00.000-05:00

Tomorrow I head north east into the middle of Florida. 5 of my sewing gal-pals and myself are heading to Camp Blanding for a 3-day sewing retreat!!! I can hear the hum of the machines now! We arrive Friday morning around 9 and leave Sunday sometime. We are going to sew, sew, sew!! Now this requires some planning - we are driving in 3 separate cars so as to be able to take all of the 'camping gear' necessary to be successful and complete as many projects as possible. This gear includes SOME of the following: sewing machine, fabric, thread, needles, cutting mat, rotary cutter...iron, ironing board, fabric, snacks, coffee mug, slippers - the floor is supposed to be cold...and we've convinced one of our FRIENDS that the we're camping in tents (orange) and they probably have dirt floors (and we love her so imagine if we didn't what we'd tell her!), sewing projects in case we complete the 42 other projects we've packed, more snacks, bandaids, paper towels, handi wipes...oh, and I can't travel without my droid x and cheese sticks.

Now in discussing this with my driver, yes-I have a driver, we realized that something is wrong when we plan all our sewing projects before throwing in our clothes. All we care about for clothing is that they be squishy and comfy for our sewing enjoyment...after all we are going to be sewing at a camp. And we are a group of women who really could care less what we look like at this time...especially telling is the fact that we voted 'no make-up' and it was unanimous...however, we planned our snacks with much more care! Some of you will not get this part of our trip...you know, the clothes part, however, my scrappin' pals know..right, Becky?? Pack as much stuff as you can, you never know what you'll need, and then see how much room is left for the jeans!

Can't wait to hit the road...I'm sure we'll have some great tunes with us! I love southern rock to travel with...and anything that you can sing loud and sing proud...

Busy start to 2011...

2011-02-23T07:06:00.000-05:00

The first 2 months of 2011 has been busier than usual...how can that be? But it's the same with everyone. This month is birthday month in our family...one sister turned 50 and the celebration took us to Orlando for the weekend courtesy of her hubby, one nephew turned 8, and this past weekend we celebrated one daughter's 35th birthday and one granddaughter's 12th birthday!!! Good thing I'm not getting any older!

Sewing re-organization is in full swing and this weekend is a sewing retreat at Camp Blanding! Can't wait for that. A weekend of sewing, sleeping, and friends!!! All that and we don't have to cook! Who could ask for more. Well, there is always winning the lotto and being skinny without worrying about what you eat, but that is not in my genes or jeans!!!

Please remember to treasure each moment in life and love with all your heart. We are not guaranteed tomorrow or even the rest of today...so appreciate what you have in the here and now.

2011!!!

2011-01-02T21:31:00.000-05:00

So this is Khloe...during the holidays. She found a santa hat that we used on chairs, put it on, and ran through the house. We chased her as she ran giggling...she knew she could see through the hat, but we didn't! So she's 20 months with a sense of humor that fits in with the rest of us. And she's very aware she has a lot of work to do to remain on Santa's 'nice' list and remain off his 'naughty' list!

Pomplamoose does a cool "Up on the Housetop" in a holiday commercial for...

2010-12-18T05:33:00.000-05:00

All right, maybe I'm officially in 'middle-age' but this commercial creeps me out a bit. Can't figure out why but it does. I'm usually for everything Christmas, but just saying...ewwwww-the hairs on the back of my neck standing up creepy!

Drum Roll Please

2010-12-17T21:09:00.000-05:00

Well, we are now the proud operators of the droid x!!! We'll see how long it takes to figure it all out. I missed a couple of phone calls since I didn't know how to answer it...but got it figured out!! Can't wait to become proficient!!!

Just a little something if you have my sense of humor...

2010-12-16T21:50:00.000-05:00

So I just received this on facebook and it made me laugh. Not only did someone have to think of this idea...they had to execute (no pun intended) said plan. So it's a little bid of madness for today.

Good night!

Family

2010-07-30T11:28:00.001-04:00

"Family need not be defined merely as those with whom they share blood but for those for whom they would give their blood.”--from Nicholas Nickleby by Charles Dickens

I have been trying to come up with something to commemorate the 1st anniversary of my Dad passing away. It is something I've thought about constantly all year. Did this really happen? When is he going to walk out of his room? Why can't I hear the cane tapping on the floor? Why are the days flying by? And yesterday marked the first year of my life without him by my side. Easy? NO! Long year? YES, but it flew by...go figure.

Having shared some with others, a lot of us are reaching this point in our lives where people leave and we are caring for loved ones. Right now I'm cherishing this time because it will be over soon and then what? No one?? Not looking forward to that at all.

Anyway, love those you love and tell them so. Lift them up and support them. We only get one chance in this go-round and we may as well make the most of it.

Daddy, I miss you more than I could ever have imagined. But, I still talk to you all the time. We're taking care of Mom, but you know what a tough bird she can be!! LOL Love you and please keep us in your loving, strong arms. Protect us from all harm. And rest in peace forever in the peace that you were seeking. Maybe now you'll realize how wonderful and great man you were on this Earth. Love, your 1st baby girl, me!!

Happy Birthday, Clip It Up!!!

2010-07-06T13:25:00.000-04:00

I've used these for scrappin' however, can't wait to use them for quilting, etc.!!!!

Check out their Happy Birthday stuff!!! They even share a birthday week with moi!!!!!

Christmas 2009!

2010-01-06T14:45:00.000-05:00

This was one of the most bittersweet memories of a Christmas I think I have ever had. So missing my Dad...and so loving sharing Khloe's 1st one! How can you be so excited and sad at the same time. Well, with 14 people sleeping at our home waiting for Santa to arrive, we surrvived it all. Now the last of the decos need to go away...forever!!! Or at least until next year.

Getting kisses from momma-bug!

2009-11-17T06:26:00.002-05:00

Click here to view these pictures larger

You can see why Khloe is so cute! She looks like her momma!!!! Well...she does look like her momma's face when she was a baby except for her hair and eyes...at least she does to grandma!

1st Halloween

2009-11-17T06:24:00.002-05:00

Click here to view these pictures larger

"Wow!!! So you just dress up and smile and bring a container and people give you candy!!! I wonder if I can make this a full-time job!"

Ladybug-Ladybug fly away home...

2009-11-17T06:23:00.002-05:00

Click here to view these pictures larger

Just the cutest little ladybug I've ever seen!!!!

Hello from the real life version of Bewitched!

2009-11-17T06:06:00.002-05:00

Yes, the tv show Bewitched that is...I just blinked my eyes and it's almost 2010!!! What the heck! I'm from the land of 'where the heck did the months go?-land'. I have no idea how we got to Nov. 17th without updating this blog. But I can fill you in on the various parts of me...

work-do more with less, budget cuts, retiring chief and dcs, search for new chief, people retiring, accreditation, and my personal favorite - unhappy people phone calls.

quilting-going full speed ahead - not enough time to quilt everything that I want to - if I quit work (retire) than I can't afford to quilt...Hmmmmm...still working.

home/family - new granddaughter (the cute little lady bug you see) others are 12, 10, and 7! I could squish each one of them!! can't live without any of them!! just celebrated 35 years of marriage to my BETTER half...yes, I readily admit that one! Mark is a saint...trust me on that one. 2 of the best daughters who are now my dearest friends...and 2 of the best son-in-laws who know when to laught with me, at me, or thump me and bring me back to earth. Thought mom was going to leave us in july while we were on the island with family...but she pulled through and God decided to have dad come home to Him instead. By far the worst time of my life and still reeling from the loss. learning to cope. he and mom were there every day of my life and now i wake up with him not here...trying to figure out how to keep mom around forever...she might not agree though. reconnected with family friends who were friends with my parents since they were all kids in brooklyn! that is the best.

friends - still have the best ever!!!! everywhere i look i have the best friends in the world...i have probably the best collection just like in the song 'you find out who your friends are...' all ages, shapes, sizes, temperments, locations...love each and every one of them just as they are..heck, they accept me as i am-well that's what they tell me.

scrapbooking - still love it...way behind...no surprise there.

So that's it for now. Susan shamed me into posting so this is it!!! Okay, Susan, I posted! Now I have to check your blog!!!!

Pretty in Pink (and Brown!)

2009-06-23T22:47:00.002-04:00

So here is Khloe's baby quilt all safe and sound hanging on her crib on Andros Island. It's perfect for our little pink and brown girly-girl!!!

Death by Quilt!

2009-04-05T14:40:00.003-04:00

Phew! It's done! I participated in Pat Sloan's 'Death by Quilt' project this weekend. I didn't think I'd get it all done so quickly, but voila! done! And on the way to my target...which is in DC! Actually the photos are a bit backwards...the 1st photo is of the package with the completed tablerunner...I'm taking it to the post office; #2 is the completed tablerunner; #3 is the planning stage. Anyway, it was a riot to sit and sew all day with the goal of getting it done and out to the target quickly!

2009!!!!

2009-02-15T21:09:00.006-05:00

Okay, so I've not posted since the Andros trip! So we've had Christmas, New Year, birthdays, wedding showers, baby shower...oye!!! And the beat goes on...

Quilting has been keeping me on my toes. We're getting ready for Sandy Bonsib to visit our guild and teach at Country Quilts and Bears! Sandy is a sweetheart! I met her several years ago at CQB and we became instant friends! I can NOT wait to see her in March. I've got one quilt made for a class sample and 2 I'm planning on making during the 2 days of classes I'm taking while she's here!! Yeah! Click on this entry title and you'll go to Sandy's site!

I am going to try and post a little more betterer...well, at least I'm gonna try. I've let too much go by just trying to hang on to Mr. Toad's Wild Ride and 2009 is the year of letting go and enjoying each day a little bit more...yep, stopping to smell the roses. I don't want to wake up when it's too late.

With that in mind I need to make a bucket list. I need to be sure I don't end up with looking back and wishing I had done this and that. More importantly I need to show my girls that you always need to set goals and that you can always do what you want to do regardless of your age!! Rock on, girls!! Oh, so let's get back to the 1st thing on my bucket list...
#1 - Get healthier...I know what that means...loosing the lbs!! I want to be like I was after Megan was born. I didn't look like a beached whale. So that's #1 on the bucket list.

With that I'll say goodnight...and talk at ya later!

A Little Bit of Life...

2008-12-13T07:36:00.002-05:00

So-here is Peyton a couple of years ago, but on Andros none the less. 7 of us headed to Andros Island, Bahamas on Wednesday after work to go to Megan's 'island' baby shower. And ALL 7 of us made the first flight out!!! One amazing feat since we fly on a priority basis as 8s and 9s [visitors] among the working joes here. Let's see how it is getting off-island tomorrow!!

The weather has been picture perfect! We've gone to the beach, taken walks, eaten at the chow hall, shopped [if u can call it that] at the BX, and let the kids run free in complete safety!! That will be a post later on this week.

I will post photos of this trip after returning home tomorrow. This has been one of the best trips ever, although I miss Mr. very much since the HD would not approve the request for extra days off this week. The slow pace, good eats at the chow hall, and lack of affordable communication makes for one stress-free few days before the break neck speed of the holidays kick back in during our drive home tomorrow! So until then we're on ISLAND TIME, MON!!!

8th Day of Christmas

2008-12-08T09:15:00.006-05:00

Well, I'd like to tell you this was our home, but alas, we live in Florida. We do decorate - a lot!! Our neighborhood really looks quite magical sans the snow. We Floridians do get creative - tomorrow I hope to post some photos of the houses in our neighborhood. Some over-do, but they are decorations just the same.

Happy 8th day of Christmas - oh, no bacon today -- just cookies left from the Christmas Cookie-exchange we went to yesterday!

On the second day of Christmas...

2008-12-02T07:22:00.002-05:00

...my true love gave to me...2 slices of bacon!! Yes, Mark made me breakfast this a.m. when he was cooking his own at 05:00 hours!!! Oh, he is the man of my dreams! ...most days anyways.

So Christmas is fast approaching and I've got not one second to breath.

Off to work I go now. Not my favorite addiction, but a necessary one.

To everyone this season...wishing you all peace and joy in your hearts.

WHAT THE...WHAT THE...

2008-11-10T09:44:00.004-05:00

...that is one of my granddaughter's sayings...and it fits!! What the heck is going on??? The year is almost over and I've got a whole lot more to do before it's 2009! But, we'll just have to keep holding on and hope that things quiet down. I am going to try and post a bit more...

I have been busy trying to complete a lot of quilting ufo's - in quilting language that means a lot of fabric bought because you couldn't resist it and then found more fabric you couldn't resist and then added to your stash and on and on until you found yourself so behind that you couldn't find your way out of your sewing room. Well! imagine that!!! I've not got a system that is in 2 rooms and strewn about the house (2700 sq feet I might add) and almost organized! whew! This summer I quilted 15 quilt tops that were ready to go. I can't tell you how many more I have that require a border here...a row there... And then how many more KITS do I have?? Couldn't tell you...well, I could but then I'd faint from the mere thought of the $ I spent - all with good intentions of using for gifts - only to find myself over extended and not completing the gifts!!! Those days are over!

by 2009 I plan on having an organized and more stable year! Reduce is the word for me in 2009...reduce stash, collection of stuff, and more of me! 70 pounds to date and need to do more reductions.

I am really thinking about using this blog to aid in my slash the stash therapy!! So this week I will post the projects I am working on and the progress I've made with them.
#1 - Blue/Yellow quilt - this is from a mystery class the guild did years ago. Pam designed it and I only made a couple of blocks so I could keep it small and finish it. I hope to quilt it tomorrow at Pam's.
#2 - Charlotte's Chritmas quilt - this is almost pieced and should be ready to be done at Pam's tomorrow!!
#3 - Flannel scrappy stars - this quilt top was a class I took from Sandy Bonsib at Country Quilts and Bears in 1999 or 2000. I just need to quilt it and it will be done tomorrow at Pam's!!!
#4 - 1995...YES - 1995 - I won the first quilt block drawing at the Procrastinating Quilters Christmas Party in 1995. Yes, true to the guild name I am finally putting the top together. I won at least 40 blocks...all 9-patch in muslin and Christmas colors. I laid out the blocks yesterday and after laying out 1 big quilt, then trying the blocks as 2 smaller quilts, I decided to go with 1 big queen size quilt! Thanks for the input, Pat.

If I can do that this week I'll be accomplished! Well, I'll have accomplished something! Then there is:
#5 - the Brown Bag Challenge to complete.
#6 - the Secret Pal to gift.
#7 - the Secret Pal I've received from gift.

That's a good enough start to kill me...or stress me out at least...

Now I need to return to my 'paying' job and act as if I'm NORMAL!!! hehehe!

Pat Sloan does it again!!!!

2008-09-18T12:56:00.003-04:00

What a great idea!!! Pre-making quilt labels!! I am so loving this idea!

September 2008????

2008-09-05T10:21:00.003-04:00

R-U kidding me?? It's September???? Megan and Jose are evacuating for Ike. Heading to Inglis first and then on to us. Yeah! They'll be here a week early for a visit. Can't hurt my feelings there!! You can see what Iris is doing by looking at the photo from a previous post. Megan said as soon as the crate came out she got in it and then Abacco (my grand-cat who makes me sneeze and weeze) ran under the bed.

So the scrapping is on hold. The sewing is in full swing. Planning the next session for the shop and next year for the guild. I love it. I love to plan...now I'm working on the follow through and not saying 'yes' to every request.

My studio is still being worked on - photos will be forthcoming...as soon as I figure out where I want to put everything. I'm gonna call in a professional for assistance! I want it to look like it belongs in a magazine, but for f's sake - it's my room...I'm not magazine-people. (that term goes back to the 90's and a comment my mom made to youngest bro...story another time).

So here is my reason for not blogging...a while ago I went to use a longarm quilting machine at a friend's house. Being the efficient person I am, I could not go without my calendar, also known as my Holy Grail. Shortly thereafter I realized I could not locate the HG. High and low I searched and searched...I felt as if I was missing out on a lot because I can NOT function without this calendar. I admitted defeat and switched to another calendar, and then a 2nd one, and then a 3rd one...all to no avail. I missed doctor appointments, hair appointments...I could not get my calendar-groove on without my $4 Walmart calendar! Then one day about 2 weeks ago another friend went over to use the longarm and alas! She found my HG!!! The clouds parted, the sun shone brightly, the angels sang a glorious chorus of ALLEJUAH!!!! Live is good and I am now out of the fog (well, as out as I can be).

Everyone have a safe weekend. Pack up the lawn ornaments in case Ike blows this way...

Work...my real work that pays me...is in a state of flux (or the other f word if you prefer and which works better in this context) with the Ammendment 1 budget cuts. Our new motto is 'Do Less With Less,' which is certainly hard to do with a customer service driven industry and where safety is paramount. Tough times for all of us. I will leave you with a quote from one of my illustrious commanders, "Sometimes you just gotta suck it up." AMEN!!

TGIF!!!!!!

I get by with a little help from my friends....

2008-07-17T15:54:00.003-04:00

I am definately going to ship off a box of fabrics to help along the quilters in the midwest who were hit with horrible floods last month! I can't imagine what they are going through. Just preparing for hurricanes in this part of the country is stressful enough. But, having one hit and having everything you own just wash away is just unimaginable. So if I can ease the stress a little by sending some fabric, well, that's the least I can do!

Guild tonight for we PQ'rs.

Grateful...

2008-06-22T21:09:00.003-04:00

This photo was taken before my new contacts arrived. The following just occurred, but was the only picture I had with glasses on...sooo....

I know it's greatful...but some days it's just grateful...
But...today I am greatful for:
1. Eye Doctors that get in you for emergencies...
2. Eye Doctors who get you into specialists for an emergency...
3. Eye Doctors who have Saturday appointments to follow up on emergiecies...
4. Wal-Mart's $4 prescription.
5. Eye that respond to medication.

So there is a story behind this. I took my contact out on Thursday night because my eye hurt. Friday it looked worse. Thought it was pink eye. Regular eye doctor made a funny Hmmmm sound when looking "INTO" my left eye. Long story short...2 hours later I was in the specialist office with an ulcer on my eye. 2mm in size and just out of the field of my vision. Thank God for that. So drops, eye cream, new eyeglasses, and contacts out for a while until it heals. So I am greatful that I have good doctors and that, although I will have scar tissue on my cornea, it will not be in my field of vision. The End.

p.s. oh, by the way - since Friday I've been wearing magnifiying glasses from Wal-Mart...felt like I was on a boat yesterday - sea sickness to boot!! So tomorrow my new pair of glass will be in...AMEN!

Grateful!! But Behind!

2008-06-19T10:31:00.004-04:00

I hope this is Iris today! She better be getting ready to come see Beedee...even though she has to stay in Inglis with her other Grandma! I'm sure Abacco is ready to travel as well! Ha!

So it's June 19th and I haven't listed any greatful lists!!! But, here is today's...
1. For co-workers who let me vent.
2. For co-workers who have the same mindset.
3. For a boss who suports us.
4. For a Ray's 'W' and Donuts.
5. For the internet.

And I'll do 5 from yesterday:
1. For being directionally challenged - it makes for good stories.
2. For the bestest DH in the world.
3. For a sister I'll miss tremendously.
4. For grandchildren who let me spoil them.
5. For parents of my grandchildren, who let me spoil my grandchildren!

Grateful!

2008-05-27T18:20:00.004-04:00

So how can you not be greateful! I have so much good going on in my life. So I thought I'd start listing 5 things I am greateful for each day for the month of June. And just to get warmed up I am beginning today so I can get into the grove...so here it goes. I am grateful for:
1. the best hubby in the world...kind of corny, but guess what, he's put up with my shenanigans for 34 years (this Nov.) so I'm grateful for that (and I'm sure my parents are too).
2. my sister, Christine.
3. of course my girls, their husbands, and MY GRANDCHILDREN-JORDYN-KALI-PEYTON!!! They are all the loves of my life.
4. Mary and Eddie - my parents.
5. air conditioning

Today is Tuesday-You know what that means...

2008-05-13T06:22:00.004-04:00

...I think it's special guest-star day! ala-the old Mickey Mouse Club. Jimmy Dodd would sing a song each day with his ukulele (I think and excuse the spelling). So I thought my special guest could be the Tampa Bay RAYS!!!! Yeah, Rays! 6 games over 500 for the 1st time in franchise history! Having sat through several less than stellar season, this year has been rather fun! How can you not be thrilled for them and all those who love the game of baseball?

I do have the shocking news that I blogged twice in three days! Does this mean I may be getting a little more organized with completing things? Probably not...hope to take a couple of days this week to complete the studio and be able to create again in a space that feeds the soul. We'll see...you know the best laid plans! Organization has been the battle-cry in our little home and as I trudge through my innate ability to save the most unusual items in case I want to incorporate them into a collage or some sort, I have reach the point in my life that less is beginning to mean more! I'll keep you all posted on how that develops...I'm sure you're all sitting there waiting to hear!!!

So for now it's good-bye to you...good-bye to you-hoo, you-hoo...and off to work I go.

GO RAYS!!!

Mother's Day!

2008-05-11T18:31:00.004-04:00

Happy Mother's Day!!! Here is a picture of my MOM!!! She's the best and she's here enjoying a day with her grandson (in the hat) and 2 great-grandchildren! She has taught all her 8 children to love unconditionally, help each other, and be true to yourself. She is an amazing woman and I can not imagine life without! Even though age has decided to play with her short term memory (and this is true of almost everyone I know regardless of age) and regardless of how many things she forgets...she never forgets to love us all! I love you Mary Bernadette Theresa Ehrhardt Voiland!!! It is she who taught me how to love. When I was little she'd recite a poem to me...can't recall all of it, but I do know these lines, "...you did not grow under my heart, but in it!" AFter 5 years of marriage and no children my parents adopted me...at age 4 months. Then 2 1/2 years later they adopted Jerry. We thought that was going to be it. Well then in 1960 - Edward was born, '61-Bernadette, '62-Mark, '65-Christine, '70(I think) MaryBeth, and '72-Joe. To this day we have children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren all the way to 2 years of age. It was the best family to grown up in, and it's the best family now!!! We still all plan our vacations and holidays together...and we're planning on another summer of visitors!!!

So thank you, Mommy, for the love you have shown me each and every day of my life!

Busy-Busy-Busy

2008-03-23T23:56:00.005-04:00

Hi!!! So much stuff is going on this month...and into April...Shimelle Class, PQ Quilt Retreat being held in Ellenton, FL, Clearwater PD v Largo PD Charity Softball game to benefit Dutch DiAmico, visitors, Spring Break, start exercising, plan quilt guild programs, plant our new landscape after we plan it out, Margie Romney-Aslett http://margieromney-aslett.typepad.com/im_just_a_girl/ is coming to the best place on Earth http://www.rubanrouge.typepad.com/ ! And a whole lot more!!! Hold on to your hats! Mr. Toad's Wild Ride ia about to begin!

There's No Place Like Home

2008-03-23T23:53:00.002-04:00

Of course I totally believe that there is NO place like home, so when Shimelle posted that she was having this class http://www.shimelle.com/classes/304/theres-no-place-like-home#cpreview how could I resist! We start tomorrow, which is in exaclty 6 minutes!!! Yeah!

Vic's BB test (www.realestatelifestyle.com/cashflow)

2008-03-12T19:24:00.001-04:00

Ben's Joe Lewis Black Belt Fighting Program Exam...he was successful..no surpise there!

funny Japanese game show - marshmallow eating

2008-02-22T10:09:00.001-05:00

UBER Mess!!! And Thank You, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.!!

2008-01-21T12:23:00.000-05:00

PLOT: The new year has started off with great things. Purging unnecessary clutter from our home is the big thing for 2008. After deciding to call the sewing and scrapbook room the 'STUDIO,' I'm determined to get the 'studio' in order!!! [p.s. the 'studio' has spilled into all corners of our home!!] I'm sure Mark is thrilled with this. I have taken steps to remedy this out of control behavior. I've obtained every storage container known to man. I suppose I should use the round one more often (aka: garbage can), but if one is to create works of art, one never knows what one will need for any given medium at any given time!! So the room...excuse me, studio continues to gather 'stuff'. Of course it's all important stuff to the trained eye. I liken my studio as a snapshot of my little brain...scary, yes, but I love the creative process!! I can't help myself...I can't pass by an unusual item anywhere---who knows when you can use it for something no one else has thought of. Of course my Mark wishes I'd use that round thing for trash more often...

TODAY: A day off from work...a day to myself...a day to sit and reflect on the life, works, and teachings of Dr. Martin Luther King, a great American!! Dr. King is a hero of mine and respect his life and works totally. However, today I am just glad to have a day to myself to attack....

THE MESS I CALL (DA-DA-DA - ominus background music) MY STUDIO!!!

Now, my family has known, for the 53 years that I have been on this Earth, that I tend to work on deadlines, over book myself, over commit myself (actually at times I should be committed), and am always late. Don't know why although I'm sure I'd be a psychatrist's dream!

In 2007 I began my quest to be better organized, complete more projects, plan ahead, and not be late. You know Rome wasn't built in a day and neither was I.

Thinking that perhaps if I posted the horror of Hunt's Studio, it might motivate me to get this mess cleared out once and for all. [I can not explain how, after moving to a home with an additional 1,000 addition sq. feet, I still ran out of room.] So with adding the 2nd hobby of scrapbooking to the already ample supply of sewing/quilting supplies, my STUDIO is bursting at the seams and has taken over a 2nd room.

RESOLUTION: I need to un-do the 2nd room thingy and go back to a more manageable 1 room studio. Here's a glimpse of the mountain I need to climb!

Okay - this embarassing mess is what gets thrown around when I'm working and I ususally work via deadline and am 2 steps behind so I end up with the uber mess!!!!

When working on scrapping I tend to place things in the sewing side and visa versa. This madness needs to stop! another view of the mayhem....

This happens to be the one clean spot on my scrapping side of the room!!!

This happens to look nice...the scrap side of the studio - some shelving.

So there is no time like the present to begin. My goal is to get this party started and to add to this the Ikea Expedit shelving to store projects, etc., and keep the clutter to a zero! (St. Jude, pray for me!)

2008!!!

2008-01-10T18:51:00.000-05:00

Well, it's here...actually 10 days in!! Can you believe it!!! I have a confession to make - the tree is still up. I just love it too much...but it will be down this week for sure. Now...I need to list my goals for the year. I got this idea to post them after seeing Kelly's blog. She is awesome as a Mom and a great gal! So - here it is...

1. I need to continue my journey to get into better health. Along with my weight loss program, I shall begin the exercise that needs to go along with a healthier lifestyle.

2. I want to be more organized in household chores, outside projects, etc. including me at work. Make a list and work to accomplish all on it.

3. I certainly am ready to be a better quilt teacher...need to keep up with what's going on in the quilting world and improving my beginner class. Very exciting as far as I am concerned...yes, some would not be impressed with my life, but I love it!

4. Read more...I have my 1st book started and I've joined the Pat Sloan bookclub site.

5. UFO Projects - of course the quilting list of ufos is endless!!! I will focus on the 2005 Circle of Friends quilt to start...and then go on to so many waiting Christmas projects. Stockings head up that list.

6. I'd like to try and be really conscious of my spending. Not much impulse shopping...pray for me...

7. Be a better friend. I'd like to be the kind of friend people would like to have and keep.

8. Be a better mom even though the girls are older than some of my friends! I'd still like to think they need me. Lord knows, I need them!! They really are my best friends.

This does seem like a lot of high hopes for me, but I just want to keep the journey going and just to improve day by day.

Here is my wish to you all for a great 2008!

UBER MESS!!!! and Thank You, Dr. King!!!!

2008-01-08T10:27:00.001-05:00

Tequila Christmas Cake!!

2007-12-30T22:16:00.000-05:00

Some of you have asked for the recipe of our favorite TEQUILA CHRISTMAS CAKE

INGREDIENTS:
1 cup water
1 cup lemon juice
4 large eggs
1 tsp baking soda
1 cup sugar
1 cup nuts
1 tsp salt
1 bottle tequila
1 cup of brown sugar
2 cups dried fruit.

Sample the tequila to check quality.

Take a large bowl.

Check the tequila again. To be sure it is of the highest quality, pour one level cup and drink. Lick any spilled tequila from the counter. Repeat.

Turn on the electric mixer. Beat one cup of butter in a large fluffy bowl. Add one teaspoon of sugar. Beat again.

At this point it's best to make sure the tequila is still OK.

Pick the frigging fruit up off the floor-don't know how it got there. Mix on the turner. If the fried druit gets stuck in the beaterers just pry it loose with a drewscriver.

Sample the tequila to check for tonsisticity.

Next, sift two cups of salt. Or something like that.

Check the tequila.

Now shift the lemon juice and strain your nuts. Add one table, Add a spoon of sugar, or somefink. Whatever you can find.

Greash the oven. Turn the cake tin 360 degrees and try not to fall over. Don’t forget to beat off the turner. Finally, throw the bowl through the window.

Finish the tequila and wipe counter with the cat.

CHERRY MISTMAS!!!!!!

"It's a Wonderful Life" by me!

2007-12-29T08:07:00.000-05:00

Christmas 2008 in the Hunt household was once again the best ever! How does that happen? Each year of my life has gotten betterer and betterer!!! I am so truly blessed with family and friends. Ever since I can remember I have had a wonderful Christmas, and life for that matter. Here are a few glimpses.

This is Christmas past...me in 1956...I was 2 1/2 and remember each year we'd put the scenes up on the window with window wax. Then I would be soooo excited to rub off the images! Yes, I can recall what I did at age 2 1/2, but just don't ask me what I had for dinner last night!

Here I am with siblings-Jerry, Edward, & Bernadette...probably 1964ish. My dad must have said smile and I did so! Yes, dorky for sure. And my mom still has the lamp behind us...this was taken in the sunroom of the Brooklyn house (1660 East 31st St., BKLYN NY phne: DE6-4017; and again, don't ask me what I had for dinner!)

Here is our little Hunt family leaving Grandma/Grandpa Hunt's house in Louisville, KY. This should be 1980-ish. How cute are these little girls!!!

2002 - 1st Christmas with the addition of Peyton! Kali still loves Santa!

2003-the entire family working on Peyton's big wheel!!

2004 Christmas Eve at Spa-Noel!

2004 Christmas-Megan and Jose get engaged!!! Jose popped the question right in front of all of us!!

2005 - Kali (6 years old) - Peyton (3 years old)- Jordyn (8 years old)

2006 -

2007!!
Jordyn-Peyton-Morgan-Kali!

Wishes for you in 2008!!

2007-12-29T08:00:00.001-05:00

I found this little poem though google and want to share it with you.
This photo was taken by Linda's Dad on Christmas morning from her backyard. He sure made good use of his time as he waited for all to wake in their household. Quite breathtaking and really a Florida Christmas Sunrise!! 2 things...quite a gift that a man in his 70's enjoys life to the fullest and quite a gift to us from Linda for sharing her Dad's eye capturing God's gift to us with us.

My Wish For You!

Happiness deep down within.
Serenity with each sunrise.
Success in each facet of your life.
Family beside you.
Close and caring friends.
Health, inside you.
Love that never ends.
Special memories of all the yesterdays.
A bright today with much to be thankful for.
A path that leads to beautiful tomorrows.
Dreams that do their best to come true.
Appreciation of all the wonderful things about you.

~ Author Unknown to me ~

Shelley's Snippets: 1977 JCPenney Catalog

2007-11-08T18:19:00.000-05:00

You have to check this out!!! Click on the link!!! Quick!!!!

I am ROFLMAO!!!!!!

I can honestly say that neither myself, my husband, or baby (at the time Megan born in '76) had anything that resembled any of the items shown here!!! Thank God! and my momma
for teaching me mo' better!!! (This is a photo we took of mom 'pretending' to eat the entire box of chocolate my brother sent her this for mother's day---she is diabetic!!! --and, yes, my dad always said we were sick people!)

Thanks, MOM!! ILY!!!!

Let The Season Begin!!!!!

2007-11-07T10:12:00.000-05:00

The Christmas Journal by Shimelle has finally been posted!! If anyone has seen my last year's version will know what I'm talking about! It is the most fun way to take your Christmas Holiday season back and focus on things other than running around like a crazy person! I did this last year and have been waiting all year for it to come around again...and of course, in the mean time, I've been collecting items to use!! So let the Season Begin!!!! Hope you all decide to take part as well...you won't regret it!
p.s. If you click on the title, you'll go right to it!!!

Post Scary Day!

2007-11-03T07:51:00.001-04:00

Let's start the night out with a sugar overload!! Cauldrons from Publix thanks to Amy and Krissy!

So here is glitter girl...can't really see the glitz, but believe me it's there!!!

Kali and Peyton making the 'goodie' bags...

Peyton is 'something with sharp teeth' AKA: vampire boy!

Morgan Summo-man(p.s. the costume finally gave out after 2 years!)
Kali-soccer girl...Mia Hamm watch out!

Old King Cole has nothing on Kali! Here she is doing her annual candy-sort!! Saving the butterfingers for Mommy too! Maybe she can get that gerbil a day earlier with the 10 butterfingers she gave her!

...and here is the end to the night with the ever so popular Uncle Edward's Hayride!

Everyone had a spooktacular night!

P.S. I wish I could take credit for the carving of Jack (see below), but alas, I found it somewhere on the computer. But, now I've challenged myself to do one this spectacular for 2008!!!

BOO!!!!!

2007-10-31T10:45:00.000-04:00

Did I scare you???

Today is a fun day in the Hunt Household!!! We have such a good time on Halloween!! I used to hate to trick or treat as a kid...had a problem with knocking on people's doors and asking them to give me candy...just weird. I used to shove my younger brother, Jerry, in front of me and make him say 'trick or treat'. But Mark loves halloween and so do my kids so that changed after I was able to be on the other side of the door!!! Now it's like a national holiday at our house. We decorate, carve pumpkins, stuff candy treat bags, and plan costumes. This year a friend had us over for Pumpkin Day!! We went over to their house and carved our pumpkins and of course ate!!! We also worked on making decorations. I bought some Martha Stewart bones(at Ruban Rouge)...not Martha Stewart's bones...that came in a glitter kit. AWESOME!!! The kit comes with 12 bones and 2 skulls, glitter (very fine glitter), and a bottle of white glue with an applicator. I had the kids ditch the glue brush and rub the bones with the glue and then moved to modpodge - put the glitter in empty page holder(your clear plastic brand Ruban Rouge gives you to carry your 12x12 papters in), threw in the bone and had the kids scrunch up the bag and then shake. Did a nice clean job. All was well until Kali (8yrs-old) decided to blow INTO the opened bag of glitter with her face right at the opening...haven't looked at the pix yet to see if the glitter shows up...of course, being the scrapbooker I am, I yelled to Mark, "Get the camera! Get the camera!" and wouldn't let her wash off until he got a shot of her. Does that make me a bad gma? No! That makes me a good scrapper...it would have been better if he had been filiming when it actually occured. Oh, well. Used the stamps to decorate our goodie bags...how Peyton got orange paint on his back is still a mystery. But, it was a lot of fun! Peyton will be a vampire! Kali is going as a soccer player. Jordyn isn't coming over...she's staying with Mom. Morgan will be the sumo wrestler again. And I'll be a worn out grandma...no costume necessary!!

Dinner is planned and made already...3 pans of ziti for the 15-20 that will eat with us tonight. Someone is bringing an Olive Garden salad and 4 dozen breadstick!! Yeah! And no dessert tonight as candy is the food of choice.

Can't wait for the little gobblins to show up tonight!! I'll post pix tomorrow!!!

Beware of things that go bump in the night!!
HAVE A GREAT TIME!!!! ...and....

Our Pets...aka: family members...

2007-10-29T10:24:00.000-04:00

A friend shared this via email and I thought I'd share with you all!! It really says it all!

A Dog's Purpose through the eyes of a 6 year-old.

Being a veterinarian, I had been called to examine a ten-year-old Irish wolfhound named Belker. The dog's owners, Ron, his wife, Lisa, and their little boy, Shane, were all very attached to Belker, and they were hoping for a miracle.
I examined Belker and found he was dying of cancer. I told the family we couldn't do anything for Belker, and offered to perform the euthanasia procedure for the old dog in their home.
As we made arrangements, Ron and Lisa told me they thought it would be good for six-year-old Shane to observe the procedure. They felt as though Shane might learn something f rom the experience.
The next day, I felt the familiar catch in my throat as Belker's family surrounded him. Shane seemed so calm, petting the old dog for the last time, that I wondered if he understood what was going on.
Within a few minutes, Belker slipped peacefully away. The little boy seemed to accept Belker's transition without difficulty or confusion. We sat together for a while after Belker's death, wondering aloud about the sad fact that animal lives are shorter than human lives. Shane, who had been listening quietly, piped up, "I know why." Startled, we all turned to him. What came out of his mouth next stunned me. I'd never heard a more comforting explanation.
He said, "People are born so that they can learn how to live a good life -- like loving everybody all the time and being nice, right?" The six-year-old continued, "Well, dogs already know how to do that, so they don't have to stay as long."

Live simply. Love generously. Care deeply. Speak kindly.

Remember, if a dog was the teacher you would learn things like:
When loved ones come home, always run to greet them.
Never pass up the opportunity to go for a joyride.
Allow the experience of fresh air and the wind in your face to be pure ecstasy.
Take naps.
Stretch before rising.
Run, romp, and play daily.
Thrive on attention and let people touch you.
Avoid biting when a simple growl will do.
On warm days, stop to lie on your back on the grass.
On hot days, drink lots of water and lie under a shady tree.
When you're happy, dance around and wag your entire body.
Delight in the simple joy of a long walk.
Be loyal.
Never pretend to be something you're not.
If what you want lies buried, dig until you find it.
When someone is having a bad day, be silent, sit close by and nuzzle them gently.

Saturday Morning at the YMCA

2007-10-24T23:18:00.000-04:00

Once again it is soccer season...our soccer playing began way back around the early 1980's (sounds like a story, huh?) Well, it started with my brother Mark playing and then coaching...then brother Joe...then Megan...and now the grand kids! And they are playing at the very same YMCA that we joined in 1966 after moving here from Brooklyn! Amazing to me! So here are the kids having a ball. I couldn't believe how well both Jordyn and Kali played!! Peyton played the night before and made 2 of the 3 goals for his team. We won't be able to make all of the games, but we'll make as many as possible!!

scrapbookers habitat

2007-10-18T13:42:00.001-04:00

This is too cute!!!!

Behind!!!!

2007-10-10T08:34:00.000-04:00

Well, if you saw my behind, you'd know what I'm talking about...I'm so behind on blogging...will catch up tonight. Busy, busy with Tim Holtz classes all last weekend at Ruban Rouge...lots of pix and lots of great times with some Beautiful, Bodacious Babes...yes, the B girls!!! We had a great time and didn't hurt anyone in the process, although we could have!!

My Little Quilter!

2007-09-23T10:20:00.000-04:00

Kali's first blocks sewn together without me!Sewing the blocks!!
NOTE: The correct hand placement! NOTE: the fly wheel turned the metal thread holder the perfect spot as she cuts the thread!
One serious quilter!

Kali had a birthday part to go to on Saturday so she wasn't able to go out on the boat. She did, however, come to the shop to stay with me. What could she do??? Why - sew, of course!!! She used her 'new' machine and did a great job! She chose her fabric (she's very good at this), listened to directions, remembered the directions, and sewed her rows of blocks. Next she'll sew them all together! I was so proud of my little quilter! We'll post the final product soon!

Today is the Official Talk Like A Pirate Day-Arrrh!!

2007-09-19T08:07:00.000-04:00

Well, today is an awesome day!! It's the official international Talk Like A Pirate Day!!! And, of course, if I had another life to live it would be as a pirate!!!! Arrrgh!!!!! After seeing the 1st Pirates of the Carribean movie I wanted to set sail for parts unknown while wearing those beady things in my hair...and here I've posted some of my favorite pirate stuff. Peyton loves his How I Became A Pirate, I've got Pat Sloan's Pirate quilt going...and shall I mention the ol' Cap'n Morgan!?? I've been to Morgan's Bluff on Andros...legend has it that Captain Morgan and his crew would hide their booty (and I don't mean hiney) there while wreaking havoc doin' what pirates did!

So where ever ye' be - be sure of one thing - today is the day to speak the language of the swashbuckling pirate!!! Arrgh!!!! Enjoy it!!!

A Visit from the Glass Bead Fairy!!

2007-09-18T07:14:00.000-04:00

Okay, I was being tempted by Tina to go visit the Glass Bead Fairy. Mere mortals know her as Megan Ballarini, however those of us who are special know her as the GBF!! I was able to secure 2 items to help celebrated Los Dias de la Muertos! Mine are a little different than those seen here. One is for me and the other one is for someone special! Just wanted to share some happy retail therapy with you guys!!

...And things that go bump in the night...

2007-09-16T15:12:00.000-04:00

The night began as any other to the croppin' folks. Dinner, scrapping, laughing, drawings, glue...and then it happened...a leap, a croak, a paper sleeve to rescue the little tree frog from inside the studio. It was all a blur for Maria (and the rest of us) as she re-introduced the little guy into the wild. All at once froggie lept...on to Maria! Then as quickly - in a blinking of an eye - Maria flew away (screaming and yelling) as quickly as Santa dashes through the night. This was all we saw!!!!! Of course we were laughing so hard this is all we were able to see!!

2007-08 School Year Begins and We Crop!!

2007-09-08T08:35:00.000-04:00

First day of school for the munchkins...was 2 weeks ago, but here are their smiling faces! Peyton-1st day of Kindergarten!! Ms. Kali - 1st day of 3rd grade!!! Aren't they the cutest? Well, I am a little partial to them!

Last night we Ruban Rouge cropped til we dropped...well, we drank coffee so the drop part didn't come until after getting home and after 1:30 a.m. - more like after 2:00 a.m. Steph brought a new scrapper, Mackenzie, with her and we now have another new friend. It is so neat to sit and scrap (or sew) with friends. We laugh, scrap, and sing!! Oh, and add to our scrapping supplies! That's a must and Teresa and Tina were happy to keep adding to our tabs. Great evening, great projects, great friends. Who could ask for more!

To Forgive

2007-09-02T23:07:00.000-04:00

I found the following while surfing the web and thought it was incredible!

To forgive
Is not to forget.

To forgive
Is really to remember
That nobody is perfect
That each of us stumbles
When we want so much to stay upright
That each of us says things
We wish we had never said
That we can all forget that love
Is more important than being right.

To forgive
Is really to remember
That we are so much more
Than our mistakes
That we are often more kind and caring
That accepting another's flaws
Can help us accept our own.

To forgive
Is to remember
That the odds are pretty good that
We might soon need to be forgiven ourselves.
That life sometimes gives us more
Than we can handle gracefully.

To forgive
Is to remember
That we have room in our hearts to
Begin again
And again,
And again.

~~ Author Unknown ~~

Sunday Thoughts!

2007-09-02T08:18:00.000-04:00

To start off with...Happy Birthday, Shawna!!! You deserve a day of honor!!! What a year to have under your belt!

MONDAY-MONDAY-SEPTEMBER 3, 2007 --- Yes...Tomorrow is sale day at the one...the only...the *drum rollllll* RUBAN ROUGE!!! Lisa has decided to put on a mega-humongous-out-lf-this-world-sale! Don't miss out! Thank goodness we're off work tomorrow! Yeah!

If you have never been to RR you are missing out on THE scrapping experience IN THE UNIVERSE!http://rubanrouge.typepad.com/art_and_soul/2007/08/a-sale-you-want.html

2007-08-30T21:36:00.000-04:00

[This Quilt was done by Becky Madasz, Country Quilts and Bears. It's Maggie Walker's Blue Collection. I'm in the middle of getting the top together.]

On Friday I get to take 1/2 day off work...quilt with some wonderful friends...have dinner with my incredible Kali and Peyton...AND then I get to scrap the night away at the one and only Ruban Rouge!!!
What a day I'm going to have!!!!

All this and Salsa Dancing!!

2007-08-20T06:25:00.000-04:00

Friday night we went to the Luxe Girls event at Ruban Rouge! After we made our make it take it card, Lisa gave us all a SALSA Lesson!!! TMJ was the lucky partner for this 'free' lesson and now we all have the steps down pat!! We always have a great time whenever we scrap and you never know what new skills you'll learn! But one thing is guaranteed...you'll be with good friends and make plenty of new memories.

The World Through the Eyes of a 5-year old Boy!

2007-08-19T07:39:00.000-04:00

I often wonder what goes on in this little guy's head! Yes, my 5-year old grandson's little noggin! He's such a doll and is quite the 'lady's' man! Here is his view of Becky's 48th Birthday party. Oh, there are lots more pix, but these are just a few shots...I think he had about 20 more of Adicus on the chair (orange cat) and 20 more of Abby (Ms. Yorkie herself), but I thought I'd share a few on the blog! Once you meet this little guy you are hooked forever. He steals your heart and puts a smile on your face. He starts Kindergarten on Tuesday...little man is growing up!

Bella-Bella

2007-08-14T17:48:00.000-04:00

Is this not the cutest almost 2 year old you've ever seen!!! She is my Bella. Her daddy held Cocoa so she could love on him just a little!! She is so proud of herself. She is my living baby doll...my youngest niece!I just wish she lived closer to us!!

Monday, Monday

2007-08-13T19:12:00.000-04:00

Okay, Monday is not usually my favorite day of the week, but today was the 1st day of scrap book camp for my granddaughters! They were very excited to go to (Don't miss Lisa's Blog!!! It's the best!) I can't wait to see what the girls made. I'll take some pix and show you just how talented they really are!!

Front Porch

2007-08-04T10:09:00.000-04:00

Front Porch

I love this Alpahbet Sampler Quilt by Front Porch! Pat Sloan finds the best stuff...and also designs the best stuff...just another addiction!

American Crafts

2007-07-30T12:08:00.000-04:00

American Crafts

WOW!! Look at their new stuff!!! I'm falling off my chair as I type! Becky and I absolutely love AC!!!! Take a look and enjoy!

Tim Holtz Vists RR!!!!

2007-07-27T13:46:00.000-04:00

Okay, I did it!!! I signed up for all 4 Tim Holtz classes at the greatest scrapbooking store in the world --- Ruban Rouge!!!!!! I can't believe I did it!!!! I hope some of my buddies join me in this! It looks too good to miss!!!

Kaizer-Kaizer-P-Pizer!

2007-07-25T22:45:00.000-04:00

What a love! Mr. Kaizer. He's in doggie heaven, but I miss him so very much. He was a 90 pound American Stafordshire Terrier who thought he was a lap dog! He loved me to take him for his walks...I literally had to hold on for dear life as he drug me all around. One day while visiting I used my Sandy's leash (she was only 15 pounds) to take him outside to use the facilities. He pulled away from me and there I stood with the leash in my hand while he went to visit the neighbors down the street!!! When we played tug-o-war with his toys, he'd pull me off the couch! Then one day he got really ill and Amy had to make the most difficult decision ever and Kaizer went to heaven. This is a photo of the handsome boy at a New Year's Eve Party! He was exhausted from running all around with his other friends ringing in 2007!

Mermaids!!!!!

2007-07-25T22:42:00.000-04:00

I love these mermaids! A friend took this photo while on vacation. I HAVE to get these made and put them somewhere!!! I'm thinking out by the pool!

The Applique Show

2007-07-23T23:24:00.000-04:00

Here I am in my evening gown attending the Applique Society Quilt Show in Tampa. Don't I look enchanting?? I ran into a few of my friends also attending the show and we took photos of each other at this display.

This was one o my favorite quilts on display.

And here is the Maggie Walker "Blue Collection" done by Becky from Country Quilts and Bears. I am also working on this quilt and have most of the blocks appliqued by hand. Becky and I started working on the same quilt together. We made all the backings together at one of our guild retreats. She finsihed it before me becuase she wanted to have it done so Marily could hang it at the quilt shop.

Just a couple of items I enjoy!!

Good-Bye, Georgie-boy!

2007-07-22T09:08:00.000-04:00

Good-bye, my Georgie-boy. Here is my Georgie. His mom, one of my BFFs, lost her little boy and he's now in kitty-heaven with his Sissy. I loved when his parents would leave town so I could feed him and love him. He did have his moments...like the time at the Belleair house when he locked me in the garage for 2 hours...no phone...no tools to remove the garage door into the house...no neighbors around to resuce me...no way to open the outside garage door...I almost had to climb up into the rafters to escape when I realized I could climb out through a jalousie window! No small feat for a 40-something (at the time) woman. After climbing up on top of the dryer, removing glass jalousies, putting a chair out the window to cushion my 5'drop, exiting my prison, and re-entering the house through the front door, I found George just sitting by the inside garage door. Upon entering the house his majesty looked up at me with a look on his face as if to say, "Oh, you found a way out. Pity." But I know he loved me and I know I loved him. He's going to be in my heart forever.

Buzzzzzzy Summer

2007-07-22T07:51:00.001-04:00

This is my summer hangout-a little red farm house with a white picket fence in WI. A view of my brother's house from the back by the barn. I love going to stay there & pretend I live in an environment without humidity!! I know what you're saying, "Wake up!!! You live in FL!!" But, the trips up north this summer have been incredible!

Here we are flying home-note the chocolate on the boys' faces-Midwest airlines serves you HOT-JUST OUT OF THEIR OVEN-CHOCOLATE CHIP COOKIES!!! I just know that they have grandma downstairs baking cookies in her oven just for us! Great thing for us who are trying to loose weight!!

And here is who was waiting in WI for her brothers to return!

And although I wander north, here are some of the reasons I return home...don't know where Jordyn is in this shot-still sleepin? Nope! here she is!

Memorial Day 2007

2007-05-27T18:21:00.000-04:00

God Bless America! Thank you to all those in my family who served our great country - William Francis Ehrhardt, Edward William Voiland, Mark Joseph Voiland, Joseph William Voiland, James Ehrhardt, William Ehrhardt, Albert J. Voiland, Michael A. Voiland. Albert Voiland who build ships in the Brooklyn Navy Yard for 30 years.
And thanks to all the men through history and today who serve to ensure we can celebrate our freedoms.
Flag made by Peyton Lee Noel. He made this at Wilhelm's Pre-School.

Play Ball

2007-05-26T11:01:00.001-04:00

We had great tickets to the Marlins v. Rays! We had KKM come with us! It was country night...we loved it...cowboy hats, posters, baseball, first time at bp for Peyton and Kali-thus the amazed looks on their faces. Peyton was upset at first because I told him we were going to a REAL ball field. When we go there he was so upset because it wasn't like Morgan's baseball field!!! Morgan is in little league, so we had to explain the different baseball stages! He was okay after that.It was a night game and we made it till the top of the 8th inning and then headed home. We had a ball!

How I Spent My Spring Break by Chief Noel

2007-04-07T12:07:00.000-04:00

Here I am at Beedee and Papa's since my family went to the Bahamas and my pawport (doggie-passport) didn't come through in time. I was a very good boy and loved walking with Beedee!! Maybe I can stay with them again soon! I hope so!

Happy paw-prints to you all!

Blue Monday

2007-03-26T18:14:00.000-04:00

After such a great weekend it was time to go back to work. All I could do is dream about the great weekend I had scrapping at Ruban Rouge http://www.rubanrouge.typepad.com/. Tonight it's time for more sewing room cleaning and making my "E" card... http://embers.typepad.com/e/ for #12 challenge!

And this is 2 days in a row I was able to get on this blog! I'm very proud of myself!

Scrappin'

2007-03-25T19:49:00.000-04:00

We spent the weekend scrappin' at Ruban Rouge, Palm Harbor, FL http://rubanrouge.typepad.com

The top pix is Emily teaching us a technique at Ruban Rouge, Palm Harbor, FL!! We sepnt the weekend scrapping and learing new stuff. Emily came to us from Australia via LA!

The bottom shot (L.toR.) is me, Em, Becky!

Scrappin'

2007-03-25T19:33:00.000-04:00

took a weekend full of classes from emily falconbridge!!! ruban rouge, palm harbor fl, hosted her and WOW!! it was awesome...here are some pix. Me, Ms. Emily, Becky!!

Scrappin' Necessities

2007-01-22T22:29:00.000-05:00

http://www.aliedwards.typepad.com/

ali asked what items we couldn't live without in the scrappin' world...there are lots of times since I'm pretty new to scrapbooking...but, I couldn't live without my scissors, old fiskar paper cutter, Basic Gray papers!, my tape runner that Becky got me!It's awesome...and I'm going to think about other things I need. I do love scrapping with friends, and I do love to have my tv available with the remote right at hand!!

2006-12-22T20:28:00.000-05:00

This is a card we received from Aunt Betty in Cave City. I loved it and it went with the colors of the book! So I decided to use it in the book and then journal on the inside...

Here is the card opened and journaled in! I think this might be the most creative thing I've done for this journal.

I'm still surprised that I've kept up with this on a daily basis. This is a first for me.

Day #21 - A BIT OF REALITY

2006-12-22T20:25:00.000-05:00

I planned page #21 and #22 to go together. I've been finding that it's been a lot easier to plan the 2 pages side by side and coordinate them...It's been so much fun. On this page I put my to-do-list as of this date.

Day #20 - TALES OF THE UNEXPECTED

2006-12-22T20:22:00.000-05:00

This post is for the unexpected things we might recieve. I do a lot of on line shopping so I love coming home every day to see what the UPS person or mail person has delivered! And how can we forget FedEx! Becky gave me that tiny box last year and I've been waiting to use it! Plus I am going to add some postal stamps we've received this year!

Day #19 - ONE MORE LETTER...

2006-12-22T20:14:00.000-05:00

This is an important page! The letters to Santa will go into the envelope! How can we have Christmas without letting the big guy know what we want!??

The red truck is from Stampin' Up! and represents me shopping! I love this stamp...notice the button wheels!

Day #18 - DINNER MENUS....PLEASE

2006-12-22T20:11:00.000-05:00

Everyone brings a dish! We've got honey baked ham, potatoes, casseroles, bread, etc. I've save the pull out card for a photo of the real thing!

Day #17 TOTALLY YOU!!

2006-12-22T20:07:00.000-05:00

Shimelle asked us to journal about our gifting. I love to shop and try to find the perfect gifts! I did for all the family! For our family drawings I just get what is on the person's list. This year Mark and I had Isaiah and Morgan! Easy for us!! I only wish we had everyone in one place to see their faces when opening their treasures.

I've added the word 'Believe' to the page. I love it. This happens to be one of my favorite color combinations...the blue dot paper with the red velvet ribbon and bow!! Love it!

Day #16 A MOMENT OF CLARITY

2006-12-22T20:01:00.000-05:00

I think I have a perfect life. I've listed some of the things that I am so grateful for!

Day #15 Over The River And Through The Woods!

2006-12-22T19:56:00.000-05:00

Shimille gave us directions to post a minimal page. She did great! We listed our visitors and followed her directions to plan out the page.

Day #14 Fa La La La La

2006-12-22T19:53:00.000-05:00

Christmas music! I love it. I listen to a radio station that plays it from Thanksgiving until Christmas! And I have a bunch of Christmas cds that are in the car, at work, and at home! I just listed some titles and lyrics on this page. Music makes the world go 'round!!!

Day #13 Tales of Christmas Presents

2006-12-22T19:50:00.000-05:00

Here we are telling the tale of how our gifts are delivered! Santa brings all our gifts while we sleep on Christmas Eve! Santa is very good at his job!

Day #12 Tales of Christmas Past

2006-12-22T19:46:00.000-05:00

I used this post to list the milestone Christmas celebrations...1st together, children's first Christmas, grandchildren's 1st Christmas, Megan and Jose's engagment Christmas, Tara and Jason's first after being married and same with Megan and Jose! Some great memories for the Hunt Clan!!

Day #11 Oh Christmas Tree!!!

2006-12-22T19:42:00.000-05:00

Here is our tree all decorated by the grandchildren. They did an awesome job! I've pointed out an ornament from our 1st Christmas tree 32 years ago.

Shimelle suggested maybe doing the dates the same way to bring some continuity to the pages. So on each page I've used a round tag, with a rub on #, ribbon behind it, and brad to secure it...of course there is a 1/2" glue dot holding the tag on as well.

Day #10 All The Trimings

2006-12-22T19:39:00.000-05:00

This page talks about our gift wrapping plans. I wrap each person with one type of paper, this way the kids don't know who gets what and I don't have to use labels! So far it's worked well for the 32 years we've been married! I haven't added the kids' wrap yet...that will follow when I've completed wrapping the gifts.

Day #9 Year After Year After Year

2006-12-22T19:31:00.000-05:00

On this page I listed our traditions in a 'file folder' .

I love adding layers to the base of the pages. I just keep going until I think it's done. So far I've not been dissapointed. I am so enjoying doing this every day! And I'm staying up to date!!! Quite the accomplishment for me.

Day #8 Do You See What I See....

2006-12-22T19:26:00.000-05:00

Special Christmas sights!! What visions do we see? Snowmen - Florida Style, and the g-kids decorating the tree! They are our visions of sugarplums!

Day #7 I Saw It At That Shop. You Know The One...

2006-12-22T19:23:00.000-05:00

Here I've put the grandkid's Christmas list...

Kali wrote her as did Peyton!!! Jordyn will do hers when we see her very soon! Peyton wrote Heelys himself...not too sure we spelled it correctly...my fault!

Day #6 memories

2006-12-22T19:15:00.000-05:00

Instead of listing both good and not so good memories, I just listed the things that make the day perfect for our family...some of the posts seem to be similar, but when you look at the completed page, the are all different!! Love it!

Day #5 Advent Calendars

2006-12-22T19:12:00.000-05:00

The countdown! We always had a Christmas and Advent calendar as a child and as a mom we had a Christmas tree I made and tied candy canes to it...we still use it with our grandchildren. I made this tree to represent that Advent Calendar.

Day #4 Putting Your Head Straight

2006-12-22T19:07:00.000-05:00

This would be a perfect Christmas - having the kids home with the grandchildren, egg casseroles, visit from Santa, watching movies, enjoing each other!!! This photo is my dad's favorite of me as a child...1957 in Sheepshead Bay, NY - Mrs. Stoufen's apartments. I'm cleaning the wax figures off the windows!

Day #3 The Postal Service --

2006-12-22T19:04:00.000-05:00

This post is for the Christmas Cards we'll send. I usually make them, but this year it's store bought!

Day 2

2006-12-22T18:57:00.000-05:00

This post is about the weather! Well, in Florida right now it's hot and muggy. No cool...well, we had a few cool days but then back to humid! So we sent Santa a post card and told him to bring flip-flops and suntan lotion!