Packages!

Today was an awesome day! I've been on vacation since Friday - we were suppose to visit my sister and her family but were snowed in. So, its been several days of sleeping in late and doing a whole lot of nothing. Today we ventured out to do a little grocery shopping and when we arrived back home, I had not one but two packages waiting on my doorstep.
The first package was my from my White Christmas Flirty Apron Swap partner, Donna. I received this awesome apron:

and all these goodies:
.
I also received my Crafting with Friends ornament swap ornament:

Isn't it cute!

SNOW!

We live in the mountains of North Carolina but closer to the SC line and very seldom do we get any snow - maybe a couple of light snowfalls each year, most often just flurries. And usually we get an ice storm or two. However, yesterday we were hit with a storm that left the area covered in a white blanket. We were actually suppose to leave to go to my sister's who lives on the east coast of NC. We travelled about 15 miles from the house by interstate and decided it wasn't worth the risk. After we got back home, my husband and daughter decided they were going outside to play. After about 15 minutes they asked me to go for a walk with them. Now, I walk a lot and trying to get them to go with me is like pulling teeth so when they asked, I couldn't say no. So, I donned one of my husband's motorcycle wind suits, which by the way is a men's 3X. I know I looked ridiculous but it kept me warm and dry. And off we went to see the neighborhood. Here we are, my daughter is on the left.

Brewster

Brewster, my Yorkie-Poo Baby was laid to rest today. He had been sick for quite a while and he had issues with his hips. It was the toughest decision that we have ever had to make but I know now that he is in no pain.

I found this poem and thought I would share it in Brewster's honor.

If it should be that I grow frail and weak
And pain does keep me from my sleep,
Then will you do what must be done
for this - the last battle -can't be won.

You will be sad I understand
But don't let grief then stay your hand.
For on this day, more than the rest
Your love and friendship must stand the test.

We have had so many happy years,
You wouldn't want me to suffer so.
When the time comes, please, let me go.

Take me to where my needs they'll tend,
Only, stay with me till the end.
And hold me firm and speak to me
Until my eyes no longer see.

I know in time you will agree
It is a kindness you do to me.
Although my tail its last has waved,
From pain and suffering I have been saved.

Don't grieve that it must now be you
Who has to decide this thing to do.
We've been so close - we two -these years,
Don't let your heart hold any tears.

(author unknown)

Here are a few photos that I would like to share.
This one is from Halloween 2008:


Brewster taking a nap:


and Brewster with my other favorite man:

White Christmas Flirty Apron Swap

I participated in the White Christmas Flirty Apron Swap and completed my apron this past weekend. Click here to sneak a peek at what I sent.

National Tie One On Day

November 25th is National Tie One On Day! Celebrate and share the love!

October is...

National Caramel Month! So to celebrate, my daughter and I made Caramel Apples! YUM!

World Card Making Day

Today is World Card Making Day! So, guess what I did? That's right! I made cards! My friend Anna, my daughter, and I attended a card making workshop. We made 4 cards and donated one back to the Cards for Soldiers program. I forgot my camera but another friend did so hopefully I will be able to post pics later.
So Celebrate and Make Some Cards!

October is...

National Breast Cancer Awareness Month. So, I called today and made an appointment for a mammogram. If you need to, please do so.

October is...

Cookie Month!

So go bake some cookies and ENJOY!

Wine Country

Last Saturday night, DH and I watched Bottle Shock. We really enjoyed it and didn't realize that it was a true story until the movie was over. Anyway, after sleeping in late on Sunday, DH suggested that we visit a couple of wineries that are fairly close to home so off we went. Our first stop was Rockhouse. Absolutely beautiful vineyard and the owner took us down to look at the barrels and explained the whole wine process to us. Here is a picture of the "rock house":

We also visited Green Creek.

I love the rows of grapes.
These wineries are only a couple of minutes apart but there was a world of difference between them. It was very interesting visiting them both and we plan on doing it again. Actually, they are only about 30 minutes away and we can't believe we hadn't visited before.

Mama Mia Swap

Val hosted this AWESOME swap using the movie "Mama Mia" as the theme. I had quite a time finding fabric that I thought looked like "Mama Mia" but finally found a red polka dot with a border print. The boarder print was yellow with blue flowers and roosters. I also found a complementary yellow fabric with the roosters and blue flowers. Anyway - I loved the fabric when I saw it and knew I had found "it".
Here is a photo of the apron I made for my partner:

And I must add that that is probably the most unflattering picture of myself that I have ever seen - LOL
I used Amy Butler's Domestic Goddess Apron pattern.
And here is the apron I received from Donna:

and the rest of the package:

Donna also sent a recipe for Cranberry Sangria that I can't wait to try.

Visitor's Day

Sunday, the 19th was Visitor's Day at camp and I was able to see my Baby Girl. Here she is in her cabin:


And with Daddy by the lake:


Less than 2 weeks and she'll be home - I can't wait.

Missing My Daughter

My Baby Girl is at summer camp for 5 1/2 weeks. This is the second year that she has gone and she had such a great time last year that we let her go again. I know she's having a great time but the trouble is, I miss her. Terribly. She's already been gone for a week and we will get to see her on Visitor's Day in a couple of weeks but still - she's my Baby Girl!
Here is a picture of her and her father from Visitor's Day last year:

Award from Val

Val sent me an award.
I am supposed to share 7 things that you may not know about me. I am pretty much an open book so I am having a really hard time with this but here goes:

1) I have an MBA. Now, most people who personally know me, know this; but not my online friends.

2) I am afraid of birds and have nightmares about them - huge birds attacking me.

3) I love to cook and bake but I am no good at throwing things together - I have to have a recipe.

4) I used to draw and paint. I was very artistic as a child and teenager. I know this is very odd for a math / business major - my art teacher in college told me so. Now, I only express creativity through scrapbooking, card making, sewing, and doodling on my daughter's lunch bags.

5) I have always wanted to get my nose pierced. Although, I think I would probably look really stupid. I really don't think I could pull it off besides, how many accountants do you know that wear a nose ring.

6) I did get my belly button pierced when I was 30. I wore a belly ring until about 2 years ago.

7) I love the idea of riding on the back of my husband's motorcycle. Actually, in my dreams I am a biker babe. However, when it comes to actually riding - it really scares me. And I do mean that it really scares me.

Here's my daughter on the bike. She enjoys riding a lot more than I do. LOL


Now feel free to take the award and post 7 things about yourself.

Happy 4th of July

Hope everyone has a safe and happy holiday!

My Grandbaby

My stepdaughter gave birth today to the most beautiful baby girl. Here is the proud grandfather and Aunt CJ looking:

BPB Swap

Val received her package today so I can post pictures of the Brown Paper Bag swap package that I sent her. Here is a picture of everything:



From top left to bottom right, a "paint can", sewing tin, notebook / journal, and a mini scrapbook. I filled the paint can with fun stuff like m&m's and ballons.



Here is a close up of the notebook and tin:





And one page in the scrapbook:



I used the Lime Rickey line of papers from BasicGrey. I thought the papers were way too cute. I just hope Val thinks so too!

How Beautiful - You've got to go and Look!

OK Apronistas, you have got to look at this. I just found the link and had to post.

Brown Paper Bag SWAP

I participated in Sherry's Brown Paper Bag Swap. This was so much fun. Val was my partner for this swap and this is the package that I received from her:

She included a journal, quote book, bookmark, sour candy, straws, mushroom, and a beautiful bird in a nest which is now displayed on my dresser. There were also some lovely cupcake toppers that did not make it into the picture. Val has some better pictures on her blog is you want to take a look.

And since Val has not received her package yet, this is all I'm going to show...

Last Day of School

Today was the last day of 7th grade for DD. We made a couple of gifts for her core teachers. We made brown sugar scrub and eye pillows filled with flax seed.

I hope her teachers like them.

Her Homeroom teacher called me at 8 am to let me know that DD was receiving a pretty big award - Most Outstanding 7th Grader. Unfortunately, I had to be working at our Charity Golf tournament and could not get away to attend the awards. And not only did she win that award, she came home with a total of 4: Most Outstanding 7th grader, A Honor Roll, Duke TIPS program certificate, and Most Improved in Jazz Band. I am SO PROUD of her.

Hot Mama Fiesta Swap

I participated in Val's Hot Mama Fiesta swap. What a fun swap.
Here is the apron that I made for Shawnee:

and the back:


My partner flaked and Shawnee was sweet enough to Angel for me. Here is package she sent me:

And the apron:

DD had a lot of fun with this one. LOL BTW, I fixed Nachos for dinner and wore the apron just for fun!

Packages!

Look what I came home to!

Both my Fiesta Hot Mama package and my Brown Bag swap package!

Apron Swap updates

I participated in a couple of apron swap in the past month or so. One was the Flirty Apron Vintage Linen Remix at http://flirtyapronswap.blogspot.com/ and my partner was Carolyne.
I looked and looked, went to thrift store after thrift and even a couple of yard sales but never found the perfect linen to use. Anyway, I ended up purchasing some reproduction fabric - the minute I saw it, I knew it would be perfect. The pattern I chose was Butterick 4087 , a vintage 1950's apron. Here is the apron I made:

and the back:

My daughter usually models for me and I'm not sure where she was - but sorry for the "flat" photos.

Here is the package that I received from Frieda:

And DD modeling the apron:

Notice the socks.

What a beautiful apron - thank you!

Where have I been?

I can not believe that its been over a month since I've posted. I mean, I'm online like every day. So, where I have I been? Right here - just not posting. Oh, I have plenty of excuses - too tired, batteries dead in the camera, housework to do, had to work late, dinner to cook...
So, here I am to say that I am sorry to my swap partners for not posting pictures. And to my couple of followers - I hope you haven't forgotten about me.
Hope you have a great evening and come back soon - I do have pictures to post.

April 27th Edition

For Today...
Outside my window... dusk is settling in
I am thinking... that I need to be doing laundry
I am thankful for... for my job
From the kitchen... dishes are done from dinner and a cake mix is sitting on the counter waiting to be made into a birthday for husband
I am wearing... shorts and a T-shirt - just got back from a long walk
I am reading... SewStylish magazine
I am hoping... that I can get caught up on housework this week
I am creating... scrapbook pages - Saturday is National Scrapbooking Day!
I am praying... for safety while my family travels this weekend.
Around the house... things are quiet and calm
One of my favorite things... a bubble bath
A few plans for the rest of the week... work, husband's birthday dinner
Here is a picture thought I am sharing with you...
husband and daughter at World's Edge

To share, visit http://thesimplewomansdaybook.blogspot.com/

btrs swap

One of my fav sewing books is Bend the Rules Sewing by Amy Karol so when I stumbled across the btrs swap site, http://btrsswap.blogspot.com/, I was SO HAPPY. The swap was for the Charming Handbag.
The bag I received came from Jennifer at http://twinfibers.blogspot.com/ (BTW, she and her twin sister share this blog and they are both SO Creative - give them a visit if you get a chance). She made this awesome bag http://twinfibers.blogspot.com/2009/03/bend-rules-sewing-swap-2.html (which of course, DD has "claimed" as hers). Here is a pic that I took of the package I received:
And a pic or DD with "her" new bag:
She looks happy, doesn't she?



So what did I make? I made this bag:

I sent it to Pam at http://pam-thebestlaidplans.blogspot.com/. I hope she likes it.
Hope you have a blessed day.

Pay It Forward gift

I received this adorable pin cushion from Aunt Pitty Pat http://auntpittypats.blogspot.com/ a week or so ago as my Pay It Forward gift. (Sorry it's taken me so long to post - I have been very very slack in my posting). Isn't he cute?
I guess I need to get working on my gifts...

The Simple Woman's Daybook April 6

FOR TODAY April 6, 2009...

Outside my window...wind and cold setting in. Are they really calling for snow tonight?

I am thinking...that I really should be sewing or cleaning instead of playing online.

I am thankful for...my family.

From the kitchen...leftover fajitas from last night made into nachos tonight.

I am wearing...my work clothes but I wish I were wearing my flannel pjs.

I am creating...aprons for swaps.

I am going...to work tomorrow but am looking forward to being off on Friday.

I am reading..."Still Alice" by Lisa Genova and flipping through the May issue of Country Living that I received in the mail today.

I am hoping...that it doesn't snow.

I am hearing...footsteps

Around the house...DH and DD just got home from going to the practice at the Masters today.

One of my favorite things...homemade cookies fresh from the oven.

A few plans for the rest of the week: cleaning, taxes, and DD's golf matches.

Here is picture thought I am sharing...from last year's Masters trip...

I found the Simple Women's Daybook here:

http://thesimplewomansdaybook.blogspot.com/

Join in the fun.

DD's Quilting Class

My Dear Daughter decided that she would give this whole sewing / quilting thing a try and signed up a couple of months ago for the Kid's Club at the local Quilt Shop. They meet once a month for 2 hours. They work on small projects and if they have time, they are also working on a large quilt. So far, she has made a small rag quilt and a patchwork / rag bag. I don't think she's been delighted with the projects - the fabrics were picked out for her - but she has really enjoyed the class and has fallen in love with sewing!!! Here is a pic of her quilt and bag.

What I received...

Once again, I have been slow at posting but I wanted to share the awesome packages that I received in the last two swaps that I participated in. Both of these swaps had the requirement that Amy Butler fabric must be used.
The first one was Suzee's (http://typicalandersons.blogspot.com/) Amy Butler Bag Swap. Suzee had me for a partner and this was the package that I received:

Along with a gorgeous bag, she also sent a small makeup bag and a cookbook, which I have already scoured for recipes.
Here is the inside of the bag:

I absolutely love my bag. Suzee is so talented.

The second swap was Holly's (http://mommyholly.blogspot.com/) Amy Butler Apron Swap. Tamy from http://www.3sidesofcrazy.com/ was my partner and sent me this package:

And here is DD modeling once again:

BTW, DD has decided that she needs an apron and has claimed this one. I guess she will have to start cooking.