A Spring Break Finish

Years ago I had tried to get my daughter started sewing. She had seen a boy get his finger or hand caught in a factory's sewing machine on the Samantha movie so she had no interest in sewing with me. I was a little annoyed because my house is full of fabric and that is just about all I know how to do anything with. I am not that creative. I can't do anything with paint. I am all thumbs with a hot glue gun...etc. So I didn't push it and I was happy that she did a few cross-stitch projects last year.

This spring break we are kind of grounded at home. I asked the girls if they would like to do any sewing. I was shocked when said daughter M suggested making some pillowcases! We cut them out this afternoon and she did the sewing...on my machine. It was an enjoyable afternoon. She did a great job!

I should mention that at the end of last year I read the book Not Buying It: My Year Without Shopping by Judith Levine. This was the second time I had read the book. Even though there is a great chasm between what Judith and I hold near and dear to our hearts, I enjoyed her documenting her year long experience/struggles with this topic. I thought I would try to put it into play in my life this year. In early January I stumbled a little but got back on track. I know that this is not a good plan to help our economy but it is a good plan for my family and myself. On the other hand though, is consumer debt good for the economy? It is not good for families. I am not apologizing for what I am trying to do. It is absolutely essential with all of the medical bills, job uncertainty for my husband, etc. My point with all of this is that as far as my crafting is concerned, I am trying to just use what I have for this year. No new purchases except maybe just to buy what I would need to finish something, but I still am not certain about that. So today's pillow cases were made from only what I had on hand and they are cute and the girls love them.

I am also trying to go with Dave Ramsey's list of goals. We have no household consumer debt. (AWESOME!!!!) We have $1,000 for emergencies. I am trying to save 6 months worth of income in case it were to be needed. After that I would try to start chipping away at our mortgage. God is so good to us. He has provided us with all that we need. Thank you Lord!!!!

Awww...she does care.

Yesterday I asked my husband if I need to start looking for a job. I was a bit shocked that one of my DD almost had herself a little heart attack. I was very shocked by which daughter this was. Maybe she was more concerned about how this would affect her, but I will take it as the fact that she really does love me even during this "difficult age". :)

Another Old Finish

Tsk, tsk, tsk, I peeked at the back and found another old finish without a label. I say it was done in 2004 or 2005. This is Crow's Foot quilt by Cheri Saffiote from the book Wednesday's Best by Indygo Junction, Inc. It was another great quilt kit from the shop in Cedarburg that is no longer there.

I am counting down the days until my surgery. "8". It will be really great to get this health crisis, insurance problems, medical bills, and everything else associated with this large bump in the road behind me and my family! Maybe someday I will write more about it. I never wanted to be one who wrote all about my health problems in letters, facebook, or here. I want to hear about how others are doing and not talk about my problems. My hospital stay last month was really the stuff of fiction. I tried to keep my humor about it. I tried to be strong and brave for everyone. I tried to be happy throughout it all as best as I could. I never really mentally dealt with the nightmare of it all. When my health improved I tried to get busy and with children you honestly just have to move on and there is no time to wallow in self pity. This is a good thing. I just hope that my upcoming surgery will turn out fabulous because I just don't know if I could go through all of this again. God was so merciful to me though and I know that with Him on my side I can endure a lot, but is it selfish to just wished to be spared? :) Enough! Time to get busy! It is cold, damp, and raining here but I am snug and warm in my wonderful home for which I am so thankful! I hope that you are snug and warm today too!

Powerful

Yesterday I had the provilege of hearing Christopher Yuan's amazing testimony. His parents story was equally inspirational. I want to be like his mother. I want to have the endurance to stand in the gap and be able to be an intercessor for my loved ones, whatever it takes, and for however long. Christopher spoke of desiring a life of holiness. In my own reading in James, the word pure keeps appearing. I want that. I desire a pure heart and mind. And I too want to run this race and at the end hear that I have done well. I need to turn my thoughts to how I can do well today and even this week. :) I had better get out of this chair and get to it! Although it is bitterly cold here today, it looks beautiful outside. I hope that you enjoy your day!

christopheryuan.com

Let It Snow!

It's snowing outside but I am oblivious because I am amassing a small army of these sweet bee skep candles. They smell wonderful. Now it's time to work on some banana bread. I hope that you are enjoying your day whether it is snowy, sunny, or something in between!

An Old Finish to Share

I found Pat Sloan at Pat Sloan's Place on Facebook. I thought I would share with her one of her quilts that I made. This is Rose Medallion by Pat Sloan from her book Vintage Blooms. The great fabrics were chosen by someone else. They were in a kit at a wonderful quilt shop in Cedarburg, Wisconsin which is unfortunately no longer there. I love kits because I am not always confident when it comes to picking out great fabrics. I looked behind the quilt and I didn't label it so I forget when I finished it. :(

In the picture is Uncle Sam carved by my father, a very talented wood carver. The framed cross-stitch is called I Pledge by La-D-Da. I finished that a long time ago also. The dresser was lovingly made by my wonderful husband from butternut wood to match our bed. We are all so crafty.

Have a great evening!