Mahogany Blue

Happy New Year!!

2011-01-01T00:02:00.002-06:00

Merry Christmas!!

2010-12-25T14:38:00.004-06:00

From our house to yours!!

Winter Break!!

2010-12-18T09:39:00.004-06:00

WooHoo!! So I'm out of school for winter break, along with the kids, and I'll be out till Jan 13th. I am too excited about that, my brain could really use a break. I've been super busy getting ready for Christmas though (as I'm sure most of you probably are as well), and then my baby celebrated her 7th birthday Friday before last. I have a project on the table for Justin, the plan is to get it finished before I go back to school. Oh, and we have a new puppy that's giving me fits, his name is Max. We're a big dog family but we rescued Max, who's a Yorkshire or Silky Terrier depending on who you ask, from my mom. This little dog is like having a little baby in the house, he's all over the place. The picture below is a bit fuzzy, and he really looks like a Chihuahua in this pic to me. He had just come from the groomer's getting his hair shaved down super low because he was matted terribly. We tried to keep the shirt on him so he wouldn't shiver too much, but he tore that thing off. It lasted about two days and I can't find anymore in his size. On to a different subject, Justin has graduated from the Bear level in the Cub Scouts onto the Webelos level. Yeah for Justin!! Anaya is a Daisy in the Girl Scouts, super exciting for her, and she'll be selling cookies soon. They start on Dec. 24th, crazy to me with the holiday and everything, but I'm told they always do it that way. And we're not allowed to sell door to door, didn't know that either. Alani is our super reader, reading a new book every couple of days. I love, reading is fundamental! Anyway, that's what's going on in our little world lately. Will be back shortly.

~Tootles!

OMG!!

2010-11-03T16:19:00.002-05:00

Oh My Goodness!! I can't believe how long it's been since I've posted. Things have been so busy in my world. I'm still taking classes to become a Special Education Teacher. I'm doing various things with the children's schools, as well as their extracurricular activities. I'm actually on my way to take a nap before we go to church this evening. Just wanted to stop by and say hello to everyone. I did manage to sew something while on break from classes. I made a cute fall wall hanging. I'll have to come by and post a pic when I get it hung up. I need to first go by Hobby Lobby and get a dowel rod for the back of it. See you all soon.

~Tootles!

Surprise!!!

2010-08-22T19:32:00.002-05:00

Hello everyone! As you know my husband is an Army soldier and was deployed not too long ago. Well, I've been asking him repeatedly if he'll be coming home for RandR. The children and I really miss him and really want to see him. He would reply that it's just too hard on the children and so he would just do his full tour without coming home. He called us on yesterday and of course we were happy to speak to him, it's been a few days since we last spoke to him. Again I asked him if he was coming home, and again he said he didn't think it was a good idea. He then asked me to go look in the garage closet for a book of his and he would call me back in 5 minutes. Okay. So we hang up and I head for the garage to get this book of his. I open the door, and there my husband is, in our garage! What a pleasant surprise!!!

~Tootles!

First Day of School!!

2010-08-05T06:42:00.003-05:00

Hey everyone, long time no blogging!! Been busy as a bee over here in my world. Something had to take a back seat, and unfortunately blogging and crafting was it. I'm sure we all go through the busy spells at times. Anyway, today is the first day of school for my babies. It feels like our summer has been cut in half, but they did get out of school the end of May so I guess it's time. My oldest will be going to middle school. I am so nervous for her so I've been praying night and day. She wants me to take her this morning and will be riding the school bus after today. Poor baby said she didn't get to sleep till almost 3 this morning. Those first day of school jitters are something else. Meanwhile, my son who is very excited to go back to school has changed his mind about walking and would like me to drive him as well. This of course will make the baby very happy because she really doesn't like walking to school. So, that's a quick note on what we're up to over here. Now I must go make sure the children keep it moving or they won't be leaving on time.

~Tootles!

Tank Dress Giveaway!!

2010-06-26T15:32:00.002-05:00

Hey everyone, I'm going to have to come back another time to tell you all about our trip to NY. We had a fab time! Today I want to tell you about a giveaway over at ruffles and roses. She has made this cute little tank dress for the summer and if you use the link to go to her blog, you'll find out all the info for the giveaway. Good luck!

~Tootles!

Road Trip!!

2010-05-27T23:10:00.002-05:00

Today was the last day of school. The children gave their teachers little gifts, had their yearbooks signed, and end of school year parties. Now we are packed and ready to go to NY tomorrow. Talk to you all soon.

~Tootles!

Friday Night Sew In Results

2010-05-22T17:49:00.002-05:00

Good evening everyone! So yesterday was the Friday Night Sew In, and out of my two lists of things to -do I managed to get two baskets done for two of the children's teachers. I have one left to do. What a shame! But the children and I had a blast watching our Friday night movie. We watched the movie 17 Again with Zac Efron and Matthew Perry. Very funny movie, we actually watched it twice. Anyway, below is a pic of the baskets I made up for the teachers. I'll fill it with a few goodies and let the children give it on the last day of school this Thursday. Hope you guys got to get more sewing done than I did last night.
Oh, I had to take my cutting mat back to the store today because every time I made a cut, the cutting lines will come off. What good is a cutting mat without the cutting lines to guide me? So once again I am without a trusty mat. Adding that to my wish list.

Now I'm off to see what the other FNSI participants worked on last night.

~Tootles!

Friday Night Sew In

2010-05-21T11:59:00.003-05:00

Hello everyone! Tonight is the Friday Night Sew In I was telling you all about yesterday. While watching movies and eating pizza with my babies, because today is also family movie night, I have a few projects on my list to sew up. I actually have two lists, a to-do list and a want-to-do list. I will start on the to-do list first because school is over next week and I want to put some baskets together for my babies' teachers.

So let me tell you about the pic below. As you know Earth Day was a few weeks ago. Well my children are still talking about it because they are always thinking of things they can do to save the earth from man's destructive habits. So when Earth Day rolls around it really gets them going. In an effort to reduce our use of paper products, we have put our last roll of paper towels on the spool and once it's done will begin using cloth napkins. So below are a few of the cloth napkins I sewed up earlier this week.
That's just the beginning. I will attempt to make some re-usable snack and sandwich bags. Yes I know school is almost over but we still like to carry snacks around, and with us going to NY we will definitely need them. I am not trying to spend all my money buying food from the street vendors. Some for the childen's experience, but not much.

It's not too late to join the FNSI, just click on the link down on the left and sign up. You could win a cool prize, and get some projects finished as well.

~Tootles!

Rain Delay and Friday Night Sew In

2010-05-20T18:13:00.004-05:00

Today's field day at the children's school, and tomorrow's as well, has been postponed till next week because of rain. And when it rains down here it really rains. The children were disappointed to say the least. This makes for a very busy week for me coming up with volunteering at the school on Mon, Tue, and Wed; Thurs being the last day of school; and our trip to NY on Fri. I'll be driving by myself with 3 children to NY, a 15 hour drive. By myself. With 3 children. For 15 hours. Pray for us! LOL.

Anyway, so this will be my last weekend for about 2 weeks to get some sewing time in. Tomorrow is the Friday Night Sew In with Heidi and Bobbi as well as family movie night. So my plan is to sew some items while eating pizza and watching movies with my babies. Big Fun!!

If any of you have some sewing you want to catch up on, and want a chance at winning a few prizes while doing it, go to Heidi or Bobbi's blog and sign up for tomorrow's Friday Night Sew In.

~Tootles!

Giveaway

2010-05-19T19:00:00.002-05:00

Twiggle box is offering a chance to win a $40 gift certificate to any CSN store. Go to twiggle box blog for more information.

~Tootles!

From shirt to capris

2010-05-19T16:46:00.005-05:00

Tomorrow is field day at the childrens' school and I was asked if I could make sure Anaya wore shorts for this day so she could participate in the activities. Anaya wears a skirt or dress 95% of the time, always with shorts or leggings underneath. She only wears shorts to go to bed or to the pool over her swimsuit. So I decided to follow this tutorial to make her some capris. I made a pattern using these shorts that are a bit too big in the waist along with these capris that are the right length but too snug in the bum (why are my pics sideways?). I then took one of dh's old and holey t-shirts

and made these cool looking capris for my lil angel to wear on field day.

Re-purposing is so much fun, and the best part is she loves them!I tried a little reverse applique and made what I thought was a flower. LOL, like I said she loves it, so I'm good.

~Tootles!

Re-purposed shirt dress

2010-05-16T17:44:00.003-05:00

Hello everyone! Okay, so remember I told you guys I wanted to use the material below to make this dress for Anaya? Well it's finally finished, and I must say the pleats gave me the hardest time. Here's the back of the dress,

and here's the front. It looks really cute on her and has lots of twirlability.

I can see me making more of these but would have to find an easier way for me to do those blasted pleats.

~Tootles!

Hapy Mother's Day!!

2010-05-09T07:03:00.001-05:00

~Tootles!

Time to play!

2010-05-08T08:02:00.003-05:00

School's over for me so this weekend I get to play. Of course life gets in the way of my play time with so many other things to do that I'm going to have to play in spurts. But this is the t-shirt and material I will be using to make this dress for Anaya.

I'm going to have to make my way to the store while I'm out and pick up some fabric for the cute chunky bow. I don't see that being a problem though, you know, fabric shopping and all. I'll come back and post the finished products for you all when I'm done.

~Tootles!

School is coming to a close

2010-05-03T21:30:00.004-05:00

and I am so happy about that. I took my final exam in Music Appreciation today, and I have my final in Am. Hist. II on Thursday. I really don't like that class and have been struggling with it for some time. I'm praying that I pass the final and pass the class so I won't have to retake it. I really don't like that class, I can't say that enough. Anyway, in anticipation of having free weekends again, in between spending time with my babies of course, I have a new project in mind. First I want to show you all a pic of the desk and hutch I bought at a yard sale the other day for my sewing room/closet. I should've took a pic of what the closet looked like before this, but just imagine the black totes from the bottom pic in place of the desk and hutch with my sewing machine on top of it, and me sitting on another tote in front of it to sew. Remember all my sewing goodies are in storage in NC. So this is my new sewing room. It's actually a closet but I love it more as my sewing room.

Okay so now here is the project I plan to work on this weekend for my baby, I am so excited too. I fancied up some socks for her and made a few headbands, but I haven't really gotten into my sewing since we moved here, and I'm having symptoms of withdrawal. I must sew something, soon. I already have some fabric on hand and an old t-shirt just begging to be re-purposed. Will show you all the finished product.

~Tootles!

Blue Monday

2010-04-26T06:06:00.003-05:00

Good morning all. It's been a long time since I've done a blue Monday post, but here it is.
This is one of the gifts Alani got for her birthday yesterday, a Blue Nintendo DS. She actuallly received it at her un-birthday party on Saturday. The look on her face was priceless when she saw it, as she and all her friends squealed with glee saying ' ohhhhh!!!'. LOL, it was too funny and rather suprising as Alani doesn't show much emotion. Have a blessed day!

~Tootles!

Happy Birthday Alani !!!

2010-04-25T07:27:00.003-05:00

Good Morning Everyone. Today is my baby's birthday, yeah!!! Alani is 11 years old today, can you believe it? I can't. My she's grown so fast. We had an un-birthday party for her yesterday at the bowling alley and she said 'it was a blast!' She had 5 girlfriends from class party with her, a few little friends for her lil sis and bro to bowl with, and my friend and her husband stayed and bowled with me. It's so funny to see my once extremely shy baby, who's only started peeping her head out of her shell in the 4th grade, play and laugh and really enjoy herself with her girlfriends. It's really good to see because we've only been at this school for a few months, and it hasn't been all peaches and cream. But she seems to be handling things very well and it showed yesterday. I just can't stop smiling, thinking about all the fun those children had at that party. Anyway, just wanted to share. Have a blessed day!

~Tootles!

This is weird!

2010-04-22T05:58:00.002-05:00

Good morning all! Okay, so at 12:57 this morning the phone rings. I rush to it thinking it's my dear hubby who I haven't spoken to in days. I really miss him, gotta get this phone. Who is it? Paypal, or so they say. There was a recording saying that they were Paypal calling for phone confirmation number. I'm like, what?!! So the recorder repeats itself. Please enter your phone confirmation number. Well, for one, it's almost one o'clock in the morning. What in the sam hill is Paypal going to be calling at this time of the hour for? And two, I don't know what they're talking about. So I hang up, disgusted that I had to wake from my sleep and dash to the phone for some nonsense. UGH!!! Anyway, I thought that was kind of weird and wanted to share with you all. Have a blessed day!

~Tootles!

Snatch Joy!

2010-04-07T07:40:00.003-05:00

Today is Wednesday, otherwise known as humpday, and boy am I glad. That means the weekend will soon be here, which always flys by, and the children will be back in school on Monday. WOOHOO!! I love being with my babies, but me being in class while they're on Easter break has not been easy. Instead of coming to my quiet home where I can study in peace, there's laughing children and playful noise. LOL, don't get me wrong, I love it; but there are some times when you need a little peace and quiet. Well, not this week. So I decided last night that I would not worry too much about studying for the test in American History II that I have tomorrow, and just enjoy spending time with my babies. We must snatch joy whenever possible. You all have a blessed day!

~Tootles!

Happy Easter!!

2010-04-04T08:55:00.003-05:00

~Tootles!

New projects

2010-03-30T05:39:00.002-05:00

Good morning everyone! I've been up since 4 this morning so I figured what better time than to let you all see what I've managed to do get done lately. My littlest angel is a BIG fan of Fancy Nancy, I'm hoping you all know who she is. She's a little girl in books who always dresses and speaks fancy, which to her is French, while her family does not. Anyway, Anaya being the girly-girl that she is, loves to be fancy as well. So in the below pic you see the socks I bought her on the right, and the pretties I bought to make them more fancy. So here is the before,

and here is the after. Aren't they adorable?

She wore the ones with the big pink bows on them to school yesterday.

And this headband is the Valentine's headband I told you guys I made. See what happens when you purchase a new camera. You get to share things you were trying to share eons ago. LOL.

Anyway, I hope you guys have a wonderful day!!

~Tootles!

Hello

2010-03-20T08:04:00.002-05:00

Hello everyone, so glad to be back. I've missed talking to you guys. My hubby left on this past Tuesday, boo hoo :( we miss him so much. Wednesday I slipped down the stairs in our house and fell on my back, bumped my head and hurt my neck somehow. Had to go to the ER and get an x-ray. Found out nothing was broken, thank God, but I bruised my ribs. They hurt like heck too. I'm feeling better than I did a few days ago, but to sneeze and cough, is very painful. And wouldn't you know I've been doing a lot of that because I'm sick with a cold or sinus infection or something.

Wednesday night we also realized that we couldnn't get our front door to open. Serious fire hazard. So we called maintenance for that and they came out at 8:45pm to fix it. They have to come back because the windows in two of our bedrooms won't lock. This couldn't have gone on while hubby was here right, of course not. Let's wait till he leaves and then wreak havoc.

Anaya has decided she will not eat her food in school. I've been sending lunch and snack and she just will not eat it. Not that she's talking or anything, but she won't eat. So I may have to go sit with her after my class one day. She may be going through separation anxiety or something with her daddy gone and all.

I started school again this past Monday. Going for my bachelor's in special education.

I don't want to make this post any longer than it already is but I want to show you all a picture of the beauty my hubby got me for Valentine's Day.

Isn't she gorgeous!! Hubby found her at a thrift shop. We googled her, and believe she's a 1908 model. I'm going to have her restored.

I want to show you all the pics of the childeren but after another blogger having her daughter's pics taken from her blog and used for advertising w/o her permission, I'm kinda scared. If anyone knows how to put a watermark on the pics for me to post on here, please let me know so I can share.

~Tootles!

I'm Still Here...

2010-03-06T06:50:00.003-06:00

Just very busy. I've been spending a lot of time with my family instead of blogging and crafting lately. My dear husband will be deploying very soon, so we've been spending as much time with him as possible. I'm also trying to register for classes which start next week. Having trouble with the school I went to while in Korea sending my transcripts over. What a mess. Anyway, wanted to let you all know that I have not left blog land, just need to be with my hubby right now. Oh, good news though, I have a new camera and we found my daughter's charger. After I bought her a new one of course because that's always how it goes. So, the next time I get on, which won't be too long becuase as I told you hubby is leaving very soon, I'll have some pics to share with you all. And hello to my new followers :D

~Tootles!

February Project

2010-02-08T18:23:00.002-06:00

I still can't find the charger for the digital camera, and I really dislike having to post without pics, which is why I haven't been posting. But, I have to post my project for the Charming Girls Quilt Club. This month, thanks to our new family pet, I will be making some throw covers for my couch and loveseat. Seems she thinks that dogs are suppossed to be on the furniture. Well, that's a big no-no for me. It drives me bonkers actually! I will be going to Hancock's or maybe Hobby Lobby on tomorrow to get some fabric and commence to protecting my couch from the dog, and the dog from me for her being on my couch. I will also look for a charger for the camera so I can post pics because I still have to show you the cute things I made for Valentine's Day. Till then.

~Tootles!

Valentine Sewing Party

2010-01-23T09:52:00.002-06:00

Well today is the Valentine Sewing Party, and woe is me. The camera battery is dead and we can't find the charger. So I won't be able to share any of my work today. But I will be working on a felt heart purse and valentine's headbands. Can't wait to see what everyone else will be making today.

~Tootles!

Giveaway

2010-01-17T07:52:00.003-06:00

Cath is having a giveaway for her 200th post. A raggedy like this one to the left will be the prize. Click on the link to be entered, you have until next weekend. Good luck!

~Tootles!

Project Complete

2010-01-16T07:47:00.006-06:00

Good morning everyone!! So, we had the Friday Night Sew-In last night, and I had a wonderful time. I was holed up in my little sewing room/hall closet, and was able to finish one project. This is the country hearts candle mat. Still haven't figured out why some of my pics are posted sideways, but anyway this is it. I think it's cute. This is not the candle that will be used as we have a no open flame policy on post. We actually use a candle warmer, and it looks just as nice.

I have some fabric left over from this project so I will be joining Kelly, Joan, and some more wonderful people for a Valentine Sewing Party on Saturday Jan. 23rd. We will be staying in to sew something fun for Valentine's Day, sharing our work periodically throughout the day. So if you're not busy that day, come join us!!

~Tootles!

Our New Baby!!

2010-01-14T20:40:00.002-06:00

I don't normally make two posts in one day, but I wanted to share with you all the new addition to our family.
Isn't she beautiful! She doesn't have a name yet but my neighbor found her roaming around our neighborhood and brought her in. They already have two dogs so my dh and I decided we'll keep her instead of letting the MP's take her. The MP's said they'll have her put down. We could either keep her ourselves or find an ASPCA that doesn't euthanize. So we're going to see how she works out. But my DH and the kids have fell in love with her. I of course fell in love when I first laid eyes on her this morning. For those that know me, she looks exactly like my Ivory. He was a good dog. I'm sure she will be as well. Seems she may have been abused though so once she gets past the skittish, getting to know these crazy people stage, she'll be just fine. If you guys have any name suggestions please send them along. We've been calling her Lily, but DH says that just won't do. LOL

~Tootles!

Friday Night Sew In

2010-01-14T10:18:00.003-06:00

Okay, so I have two projects to get done in January. One is the country heart candle mat for the CGQC and the other is an apron for the black white apron challenge with Tie One On. I have started on the candle mat, but my energy level has been a little low lately and I'm not doing as much as I would like to. Anyway, I have decided to join the Friday Night Sew-in which is going on this Friday, January 15th. I will be taking this time to get one, if not both, of these projects done. Wish me luck! If you guys have any projects that are just not getting done and need a little push, join us this Friday. You'll not only get some work done, but your name will also be entered in a drawing for a free gift. Click on the button to the left to go to Heidi's site for more info.

~Tootles!

Giveaway

2010-01-11T16:24:00.003-06:00

Crafty Vegas Mom is having a giveaway for her 99th post. It ends on this Thursday the 14th so hurry, and good luck!

~Tootles!

2010-01-10T12:19:00.003-06:00

So, to the left is the sideways pic of the fabric I'll be using to make my country hearts candle mat. The solid pink fabric will be the backing, and the pink fabric with the black dots is an add on I found in my stash. The other 3 prints I bought from Hancock's the other day. Was suppossed to buy 4 prints but was not about to go all the way back to Hancock's so I'm glad I had some pink in my stash. Now to get started.

~Tootles!

Snow Day

2010-01-07T05:36:00.002-06:00

We've been having reports of snowing possibly coming in for today and tomorrow. Well I wake up this morning to... 2 inches of snow. So the schools are closed down. Are they serious?!!! Where I come from, NY, 2 inches is more like a dusting of snow. Definitely not enough to close down the schools. Goodness gracious, I've got to get used to living in the south. So I sit here twirling my fingers, what to do, what to do. I could have the children do some work out of the many workbooks I have in the house. Naw, I think I'll let them have their snow day. Go in the yard and play in the 2 inches before it melts. Which may be around noon if it lasts that long. I'll be watching from the window as I'm used to the snow and 2 inches is not enough for me to get my feet wet.

~Tootles!

CGQC January Project

2010-01-06T05:09:00.003-06:00

It's time to submit my first project for the CGQC. So I decided my first project will be a country heart candle mat. This is also a project for another group I'm in. I figured I'll combine the two since my fabric stash is in NC. I'll have to make it to the quilt shop by this weekend. Oh, and I found out there's a Hancock Fabrics about 20 min. away. I need to go by there and get some notions. I really dislike having to buy these things over again. But, it's cheaper than driving 10 hours to NC to get them out of storage. Anyway, that's my project for the quilt club. I'll have to come back and post pics of the fabric once I get to the quilt shop.

~Tootles!

Happy New Year!!!

2010-01-01T07:41:00.003-06:00

I hope you all have a prosperous New Year! A friend sent me these little trivia facts about New Year's so I wanted to share them. Enjoy!

1) Baby New Year Tradition: The tradition of using a baby to signify the New Year was started around 600 B.C by the ancient Greeks, who, at the start of a year would carry a baby around in a basket. The purpose of it was to honor Dionysus, the God of Fertility and symbolize his annual rebirth.

2) Hogmanay: The New Year in Scotland is called Hogmanay. The people in Scotland follow a ritual that appears nutty but actually has a great significance. One can find barrels of tar set afire and gradually rolled down the streets in the villages of Scotland. This ritual symbolizes that the old year is burned up and New Year is going to begin.

3) Burning "Mr. Old Year": In Columbia, Cuba and Puerto Rico families stuff a life-size male doll with things and then they dress it up in old clothes from each family member. At the stroke of midnight, this 'Mr. Old Year' is set on fire. This is done with the simple belief that a doll thus stuffed have bad memories or sadness associated with them, and that the burning of these will help one to do away with all past grief's and usher in happiness in life with the coming year.

4) Eating Noodles: Late on the evening of December 31, people of Japan would eat a bowl of buckwheat noodles called "toshikoshisoba" ("year-crossing noodles") and listen for the sound of the Buddhist temple bells, which were rung 108 times at midnight. The sound of these bells is said to purify the listeners of the 108 sins or evil passions that plague every human being.

5) Eating 12 Grapes: In Spain people eat 12 grapes as the clock strikes midnight (one each time the clock chimes) on New Year's Eve. This peculiar ritual originated in the twentieth century when freak weather conditions resulted in an unseasonable bumper harvest of grapes. Not able to decide what to do about so many grapes at Christmas time, the King of Spain and the grape growers came up with the idea of the New Year ritual.

6) Gifts in Shoes: In Greece children leave their shoes by the fireside on New Year's Day (also the Festival of Saint Basil in Greece) with the hope that Saint Basil, who was famous for his kindness, will come and fill their shoes with gifts.

7) Carrying a Suitcase: In Venezuela, Argentina, Bolivia, and Mexico, those with hopes of traveling in the New Year carry a suitcase around the house at midnight. Some even carry it around the block to ensure traveling at greater distances.

8) Burning Crackers: The people in China believe that there are evil spirits that roam the earth. So on New Year they burn crackers to scare the evil spirits. The doors and windows of every home in china can be seen sealed with paper. This is to keep the evil demons out.

9) Times Square Celebrations: The first Ball Lowering celebration atop One Times Square was held on December 31, 1907 and is now a worldwide symbol of the turn of the New Year, seen via satellite by more than one billion people each year. The original New Year's Eve Ball weighed 700 pounds and was 5 feet in diameter. It was made of iron and wood and was decorated with 100 25-watt light bulbs.

10) Foods: It was thought that one could affect the luck they would have throughout the coming year by what they did or ate on the first day of the year. It is still held in some regions that special New Year foods are the harbingers of luck. For that reason, the Dutch believe that eating donuts on New Year's Day will bring good fortune. The hog, and its meat, is considered lucky because it symbolizes prosperity. Cabbage is another "good luck" vegetable that is consumed on New Year's Day by many. Cabbage leaves are also considered a sign of prosperity, being representative of paper currency. In some regions, rice is a lucky food that is eaten on New Year's Day. The ancient Persians gave New Year's gifts of eggs, which symbolized productiveness.

11) Black-eyed peas: Many parts of the U.S. celebrate the new year by consuming black-eyed peas. These legumes are typically accompanied by either hog jowls or ham. Black-eyed peas and other legumes have been considered good luck in many cultures.

12) Rings: Many cultures believe that anything in the shape of a ring is good luck, because it symbolizes "coming full circle," completing a year's cycle.

13) Wearing new slippers: In China, many people wear in the new year a new pair of slippers that is bought before the new year, because it means to step on the people who gossip about you.

14) Sealed doors & windows: During new year , the doors and windows of every home in china can be seen sealed with paper. The Chinese think that this will succeed in keep the evil demons out.

15) Jewish New Year: The Jewish New Year is called Rosh Hashanah. It is a holy time when Jews recall the things they have done wrong in the past, and then promise to do better in the future. Special services are held in the synagogues, children are given new clothes and New Year loaves are baked to remind people of harvest time.

16) Japanese New Year: On New Year's Day in Japan, everyone gets dressed in their new clothes. Homes are decorated with pine branches and bamboo, both of which are considered to be the symbols of long life.

17) American resolutions: 40 to 45% of American adults make one or more New Year's resolutions each year. And these range from debt reduction to giving up bad habits to what not? But the ones that are the most common deal with weight loss to exercise to giving up smoking.

~Tootles!

I'm Back

2009-12-06T10:25:00.001-06:00

Hello to all my followers. Sorry I've been MIA, we've been going through a long moving process. My dear hubby has PCS'd from Alaska, and the children and I are now with him as a family again at his new duty station. We've only been in the new house for about a week, so we're still unpacking and trying to get situated. Half of our things from the old house are in storage in NC. I want to apologize for missing projects. This new house has smaller rooms than what we left so I had to really make some hard decisions as to what could come and what had to stay. I do have my sewing machine though. No fabric or notions, had to leave it behind, but I made sure to get the workhorse.

So now we're coming up on my baby's birthday this coming Thursday, she'll be six years old. I plan to have a little something for her at the school since we don't know anyone yet. And right behind that is Christmas, yippee!! My dear husband said Christmas was cancelled for our house this year because of the move we just made and money is a little tight. I don't know about that. My baby believes in Santa Claus and she just doesn't understand what the problem is because Santa brings all the presents in that big bag he carries on his back. They're so cute at this age. So I'm going to have to write Santa a letter to make sure he gets our new address. Don't want him to go to our old place and not know where to send at least one present for my 3 lovelies.

Anyway, the children are finally all dressed so we have to make a quick errand run. I just wanted to give you all a quick update and my apologies on my absence. Will get back in the swing of things after we get a little more settled.

~Tootles!

I've been Tagged!!

2009-07-16T09:24:00.007-05:00

I've been tagged by the club and so I need to share 5 things about myself.

5 Things
1. My Favorite Fabric is: Most anything by 3 sisters for Moda.
2. The pattern I'm most looking forward to sewing is: I don't use patterns, but I would love to try the dresden plate quilt block.
3. The food that is my weakness: I love cookies. Especially choc. chip cookies, and white choc. macadamia nut cookies.
4. If I knew I couldn't fail, I'd: Start my own business.
5. The Best "Life" Advice I know is: Comes from the movie Ratatouille, 'If you focus on what you've left behind, you will never be able to see what lies ahead' -Chef Gusteau

~Tootles!

Mini Quilt Monday

2009-07-13T07:40:00.006-05:00

Happy Monday everyone!! Have you all heard of Mini Quilt Monday? There's a flickr group that makes mini quilts and showcases them on Monday's. I thought I'd get in on the fun and show a mini quilt of my own. Mini quilts are fun to make because it helps you get your quilt fix without having to put in the time on a big quilt. It's also good for trying out new quilt blocks and quilting designs. There's talk about what size makes a mini a true mini and mess like that. I don't worry about following the rules. As I mentioned before, I like to quilt outside the lines. Doesn't matter to me that my points don't match, or my blocks are off. As long as the quilt functions as a quilt, I'm good. This mini measures 12" by 14". I love the colors, especially the bright orange and yellow. The pic below is the back, my son's favorite part of the quilt. He likes the stitch pattern.
And this is the front. I think the block is called Market Square, or something like that. I found it on my new quilt design software. I like being able to put the colors together on the computer before actually making the quilt. For some reason it helps me to see the colors better on screen than actually having the fabric in hand. Anyway, this is my Mini Quilt Monday.

~Tootles!

New Project Complete

2009-07-10T08:34:00.006-05:00

I have completed the table runner I started the other day. The pic is grainy (thanks to my DD learning new tricks with her camera, but not learning how to set it back to it's original state), but it's complete. I did some stippling on it, my first time, and I should have taken some pics to show that. Maybe later. Anyway, the stippling was fun, not as hard as I thought, and easier the more I kept at it. My thread broke three times, don't know why, I changed the needle before I began quilting. I used red thread for the stippling (Amanda Jean's recommendation) the same color as the backing and sashing. This table runner was made with scrap fabric I had in my stash. Well, except for the backing. I had to run to Hancock's for the backing, they had a sale going on so I only paid 72 cents for the backing fabric! The binding is pieced from the same scraps I used on the blocks. So with this done, I have completed my OPAM, and can enter the runner into the Charming Quilt Girls' Club.

~Tootles!

A new project

2009-07-07T11:03:00.007-05:00

I have been neglecting my WISP's and the OPAM challenge. I blame it on the summer vacation. I have started a new project though, a table runner, that I'm submitting to the Charming Girls' Quilt Club which I joined on yesterday. So per the club rules, I have until the end of the month to complete this project, and get my name put in a drawing for a $25 GC to Cotton Charm. The fabric I'm using is from my stash, and I'm so sorry that the pic below does not show it as clear as I would have liked. It's not even straight, but it's a square in a square type of block so I don't think it really makes a difference. This is the first table runner I've done so I don't mind playing with scraps. They have to be used somehow. So, in finishing this project, which I intend to do, I will be able to fulfill my OPAM challenge, and this one for the Quilt Club. And, maybe get myself back on the crafting track.

~Tootles!

Giveaway Time with Quiltqua

2009-06-16T07:43:00.004-05:00

My, how long it's been since I've blogged to you all. Hope you're enjoying the summer as we are. I have been invited to have MahoganyBlue on the blog list over at quiltqua . In case you don't know, quiltqua is this cool website that has just about everything related to quilting. They have patterns, listings of guilds and quilting blogs, suppliers, articles, shows... I mean the list goes on. And as the title of this post says, they have giveaways. Lots of them, going on right now. One is specifically called Tell a Friend, and that's all you have to do. Spread the word about quiltqua through your blog, emailing your friends, whatever. Then send an email to quiltqua letting them know that you've done so. You can enter as often as you want, and the drawing is to be held the end of July. You can win 1 fat quarter bundle of "Frosted Memories" by Holly Taylor for Moda Fabrics! So I'm telling you, my friends. Quiltqua is a great site for all things quilty and they're having a fantastic giveaway. So head on over there, check it out, tell your friends, and enter to win. And hopefully I can eek out some time this summer, or school will roll back around faster than I think it will, and I can actually quilt something again to show you all. I'm working on a table runner pattern for my table. I desperately need one.

~Tootles!

Does it bug you too?

2009-05-30T00:49:00.003-05:00

I was listening to the car radio today, and heard a song that I briefly heard once before. So I'm all excited because I finally get to hear the entire song, YIPEE!! I think it's a lovely song and I wouldn't mind having it, I must know who sings it. So, when the song finishes I wait for the jockey to let us know who the artist is, but he doesn't. That really bugs me. I guess they think maybe we listen to the radio often enough to know by now who are the artists of the songs they play. But I don't. So when the children and I made it back home, I did an extensive search to find out for myself who the artist of that song was. And I did. He's a young man from Detroit named K'Jon. The song is called On The Ocean and is playing on my playlist. So if you have the volume on the speakers turned off, turn them on so you can listen to the muse for my drawing below.

I really like this song. The beat takes me back to when my husband and I were stationed in Korea together. That was a very special time for me. Anyway, when I heard this song I just felt a need to draw it. So I did this drawing, nothing spectacular, but it's something else that I enjoy besides sewing. And I really needed a break from the sewing machine. Until tomorrow that is.

~Tootles!

Alani's Chinese Coins Quilt

2009-05-23T06:57:00.002-05:00

Do you all remember the monster quilt I started for my oldest baby? It began as a strip like this...

and is now starting to look like a quilt. The pic doesn't look as good as the quilt. I guess it was the not so bright lighting last night. But there are 6 strips of coins with sashing and outer border. I still have to put another border and the backing and you know the rest of the stuff that goes into it, but I have made some progress. And I must say, we are in love with it.

I also wanted to share some postcards I made for a postcard swap. These were already received by other swappers. This one is my favorite. I didn't realize how crooked the card is. I'll have to work on that for my next swap.

This wedge shoe and handbag is a close second to the little black dress.

~Tootles!

Oh My Goodness!!!

2009-05-05T21:04:00.002-05:00

I am outraged!! Lil Kim was just voted off Dancing with the Stars. She was in the bottom two along with Ty Murray. The judges votes, and the viewers votes were not enough to send her to the semi-finals next week. Now, Ty has come a long way, but come on!! He truly can not out dance Lil Kim. I think the viewer votes he received was due to the fact that he's married to Jewel. The audience was shocked when her name was called. I'm sure Ty himself thought he was going home. But, it seems the viewers loved him more than Lil Kim. It's not the dancing that gets you through it seems, but your stardom, as was seen in this case.

~Tootles!

New BOM and a give-away

2009-04-27T12:31:00.003-05:00

Two posts in one day, so not like me, but I had to tell you all about this. Elefantz has a new block of the month called Shabby Roses. They are beautiful, and oh so feminine. In celebration of the BOM, she will also be having a give-away. The drawing will be held on May 3rd. So head on over there, let her know I sent you, and leave a comment for your chance to win. And don't forget to download the first two blocks of the Shabby Roses BOM. Good luck in the drawing!

~Tootles!

I've been Tagged!!

2009-04-27T11:41:00.007-05:00

Yesterday, Molly tagged me, but I was too sick to do anything about it. I have to tell you all 8 things. So today I'm going to tell you the 8 things, but when you read this first bunch of 8 things, they were actually done on Saturday, because I was too sick yesterday to tell you what I did on Saturday. Ok, so here goes:

8 things I did yesterday:

1) Celebrated my baby's 10th birthday.

2) Took children to the zoo. Justin invited his friend, so in all 4 childen.

3) Patiently waited 20 minutes while these 4 children colored, cut, and glued an Earth puppet.

4) Scavenger Hunt

5) Saw a solar panel being used to pump water. Cool !!!

6) Rode a train.

7) Sang with a Pirate.

8) Wore myself out!!!

8 Things I wish I could do:

1) Free motion quilting.

2)Swim.

3) Work from home.

4) Lose 20 pounds.

5) Speak a foreign language.

6) Take a trip to NY.

7) Clean the house by twitching my nose.

8)Be allergy free.

8 TV Shows I Love to Watch:

1) The View

2) Martha Stewart

3) The Closer

4) Monk- which is coming to it's final season, waaahhhh!!!

5) Psych

6) America's Next Top Model

7)Supernanny

8) My Wife and Kids

9) Dancing With the Stars

Yes I do know that's 9 shows and not 8 but I couldn't leave out Dancing With the Stars. I love to watch Giles and Lil Kim!!!

Okay, so now I have to choose 8 blogs to Tag. And I hope they don't mind being tagged. You know some people are really funny about that. They be like, 'No Tags or Blog Awards Please'. They are a great bunch of people so hopefully they won't mind.

But the 8 blogs I'm tagging are:

1) Melissa - threeprincedesigns

2) Priscilla - priscillacraft

3) Terri - sew-fantastic

4) Purple flower patch - elefantz

5) AmandaJean - Crazy mom quilts

6)Stina - kviltstina

7) Amanda - busy little quilter

8) Amy - diary of a quilter

~Tootles!

Happy Birthday Alani !!!

2009-04-25T07:10:00.002-05:00

Today is my baby's birthday. She is 10 years old now! I can't believe, that 10 years ago, I gave birth to a beautiful lil princess. Today is going to be a very busy day, and I shall enjoy every minute of it.

~Tootles for now!

Bloggers Quilt Festival

2009-04-22T09:12:00.006-05:00

I don't know if you all have heard about this, but Amy over at Park City Girl, is hosting the First Annual Bloggers Quilt Festival. So I thought it'd be fun to be a part of this event. We were told to choose our favorite quilt to share. For me that was easy because I've only done three. For those of you that read my blog, you've seen this before, but I hope you don't mind seeing it agin. This scrappy pinwheel quilt I did with the ladies at youcanmakethis is my favorite. I like this quilt because I can look at each block and tell you what the fabric in that block was used for. There is fabric from some from purses I've made, a pillow, and even a pair of shorts for my son.

This pic shows the back of the quilt. I had to buy extra fabric for that part. But if you look closely, you can see the binding had to be pieced together because I didn't have enough fabric.

So there you have it. My addition to the First Annual Bloggers Quilt Festival. Pop on over to Park City Girl when you get a chance and check out the other 500+ bloggers that have shared quilts in this festival.

~Tootles!

Finish for April

2009-04-18T18:11:00.003-05:00

I was over at Priscilla's blog yesterday, and she made the cutest little skirt for her daughter using this tutorial. So, following her lead, I just had to make one for my lil angel. This skirt was so easy to make. I love how the ribbon is used for the hem of the skirt. I'm also following her lead by adding this to my finishes list for April. Remember the One Project a Month I committed myself to? Especially since I got absolutely nothing done during the month of March. Thanks for sharing this Priscilla!

~Tootles!

Quilt Preview

2009-04-16T19:50:00.004-05:00

Okay, so I mentioned in an earlier post that I was making a chinese coins quilt for my oldest daughter. While cutting out the fabric I had no real idea how big the quilt would be. Below is a pic of one strip of coins.
Did you hear me? One strip!! There are still 5 more to sew together. Then when you add the sashing and outer border... OH MY GOODNESS!!! This quilt is going to be a monster!!!! I don't know what I was thinking about, but I'm almost sure it's too late to turn back now. Wish me luck.

~Tootles for now!

Fabric Post Card

2009-04-14T13:39:00.004-05:00

Okay, I can't even begin to tell you how I got started with fabric postcards. All I remember is seeing one, maybe on a blog, I'm not really sure. I started thinking, I know just the right person who would so love getting one of these in the mail. I must learn how to make those. The next thing I know, I've joined a new yahoo group where we'll be making and trading fabric postcards. Now in this group there are a few people that have made these in the past. Our seasoned pros, I would call them. So I feel a little bit intimidated trading with them when I'm but a novice in this area. I figure, practice. I need to practice while the group is still young and we're still trying to finalize the details of the trade. Below is the pic of my first fabric postcard. I made it this morning while watching The View. I kind of like it, except for the pen mark going down the left side of it. I always keep the first item of whatever craft I start, so this one is mine. So the pen mark doesn't really matter, and a lesson has been learned. I shouldn't see any pen marks on the others. So, what do you think?

~Tootles!

Long Time, No Post

2009-04-11T15:23:00.003-05:00

My how long it has been since I've blogged. I promised my next post would be all about me. So if you're interested, read on. Since my last post, that is the post before my giveaway posts, I have been let go from my job. That was a bummer because I had hoped to work up until the kids got out of school for the summer. With that happening, the creativity was sucked right out of me for a while. I got over that, and have started looking for houses because my dear hubby is moving us back to NC this summer. Yeah!! We are doing the happy dance. Louisiana is okay, but I've always felt like a visitor in this state, and long to go back home to NC. I'm a NY'er born and bred, but love NC. So anyway, I'm looking on the internet for houses, schools, doctors, and so on. Lots of work, little time for crafting. Then I have to start packing. I'm a procrastinator so I've been just thinking about packing, not doing any of it all. And then since I'm not working I thought what a great time to go on some field trips with the kids. In the past two weeks I've gone to see the Wizard of Oz with Anaya and we also went Easter egg hunting. I've been to the zoo with Justin, and a LEAP ballgame with Alani. I'm hoping that you all know what LEAP is. It's a series of tests the children have to take at the end of the year, starting in the 4th grade. It was pretty serious business for the children. If they fail the test, they fail the grade. Something I'm not happy with because some children just don't do well with tests. So an honor roll student will have to go to summer school or repeat the grade if they fail the LEAP/ iLeap test. Even though they've done well all year long. I think that sucks. Anyway, we'll see how well the children did in May. So the LEAP ballgame was a way for the children to let out some energy from wracking their brains with testing for a week. Now, the children are out for Easter Break. What fun, what fun!! But what was not fun was the tooth that broke while I was brushing my teeth. My husband asked have I been brushing my teeth with brillo. You would thinks so, huh? I go to the dentist who works on my tooth and puts a temporary crown on it. I got an infection from that and was in so much pain I had to actually take medicine to get relief. I don't like to take meds and will often deal with pain and discomfort instead. Not that time. I went back to the dentist, got my antibiotics and pain meds, and proceeded to be pain free. Two weeks later, and I now have my permanent crown. And no pain. Whew. Then I've been having knee pain. My sewing knee at that. So I went to the doctor for that, and he sends me for an MRI. Well, I knew I had a little issue with claustrophobia, but I had no idea just how much until I went into that death chamber they call an MRI. I was crying, praying, breathing heavily, and trying my best to keep that machine from moving me any further into the chamber. Finally, after 45 minutes, I'm set free. And I tell you, I will not be doing that again. The next time I'm asked if I'm claustrophobic I will not say, ' it depends on how small the space and how long I'm in it'. I will say YES!!! The MRI came back, and it turns out I have a fractured ACL in my right knee. My sewing knee. I was offered surgery, no thank you, and drugs, I don't think so. So instead, I have to do some exercises to try and strengthen my hamstrings which is suppossed to help my knee. Specifically, cycling for 20 minutes a day, walking, and definitely no lunges. Aw shucks. So, in between all of the goings on in my life, I've eeked out some time to do a little quilting. Not much, but I did manage to finish the quilt that was started with youcanmakethis. The pic below shows the front with a little bit of the backing. You can see on the binding, which I love to do while watching television, I had to use two different types of fabric becuase I ran out of the backing. I've been on a fabric buying freeze, gasp!! I know, because of not having a job anymore and trying to move and all. I like the way it looks though.
This is the front of the quilt. I love the scrappiness of it. I can look at each pinwheel block and tell you what the fabric from the block was originally used on. Cool!!

This is a doll quilt I did with the ladies from sewmamasew. The pic below is showing it sideways for some reason, but you get the gist. It was made from scraps as well.

This pic shows the backing. I was able to use the same fabric for the binding on this one.

With both of these quilts I did some stitch in the ditch quilting. I totally suck at that. I've been practicing my stippling but still do not feel comfortable enough to try it on a big quilt yet. On my table now I have some fabric cut to make a chinese coins quilt for Alani, and I have a quilt for myself in the works using Civil War Crossings fabric by Moda. Then I'll start on Justin's quilt. Can't leave him out. So, there you have it. The reasons I've been MIA from blogland. But I'm back now, and will be blogging a bit more. At least this week while the kids are out.

~Tootles for now!

Are you ready for another giveaway? How about Two?

2009-04-01T16:29:00.004-05:00

I'm going to post this give-away because it's cool to get free stuff, but also because Judi has some really great stuff on her blog and her site. Judi is from Green Fairy Quilts, and she is having a jelly roll and pattern givea-away. The pattern is the cutest, using strips of fabric from one jelly roll. So head on over and leave a comment to get your name entered in the drawing. Answer a few more questions that she has and get your name entered multiple times. Also, Darci , who makes a lot of pretty things as well, is having a fat quarter give-away. She will be giving away three fq's from the new line Wonderland by MoMo for Moda. Really cool! So head over to both of these blogs for your chance to win. Good luck!
~Tootles!

P.S. I know it's been a while since I've blogged, and I pinky promise the next blog will be all about me!! LOL, that is if you have the slightest care at all.

~Tootles!

Give-away Time

2009-03-19T15:14:00.004-05:00

I have been unable to get in touch with my lil handbag give-away winner, Ms. Donna, so I'm going to pick another winner. In the meantime, the wonderful people over at youcanmakethis are having a super fantastic give-away. They will be launching a new site dedicated to quilting, and will be giving away the Marie Osmond Quilter's Companion sewing machine by Janome. All you have to do is sign up for the newsletter to get your name in the pot. There will be other ways to add your name multiple times so head on over there and get your name in the drawing. And if the sewing machine is not enough, you will also receive two free quilt e-patterns for signing up for the new quilting newsletter. So you've already won even if you don't win the machine, but I would really like to win the machine. Good luck to ya!

~Tootles!

Time to pick a winner

2009-03-12T17:04:00.004-05:00

It's Thursday evening, time to pick a winner for my first give-away. I am so excited! I used the random generator to pick the winner, and here is who they chose. Okay, so I can't figure out how to work the html to post the winner they chose, so I'll just have to tell you. The random generator, chose, the number 5. Yeah to number 5, who is, hold on let me go back and check, Donna. Congratulations!! Email me your snail mail address and I'll send this little cutie right out to you. Thanks for participating. Will be having another giveaway soon.
~Tootles!

Bend The Rules Sewing Chic Handbag

2009-03-10T06:03:00.004-05:00

Good morning all. I've been up since 3 this morning, unable to sleep. So I thought, what better time than now to finish this bag that's been troubling me. Now, I've made handbags before, plenty actually, but this one gave me fits. I couldn't figure out, what turned out to be an even simpler step than I first thought it was. Wait, let me back up. I am in the Bend The Rules Sewing Chic Handbag Swap. You can click on the link to learn more about it. Anyway, as always, I like to try a pattern first before I use it to make something for someone else. So, this is the bag I've been working on. There was a step to the bag making I just couldn't figure out (glad I wasn't the only one though or I would've felt real crazy), but Adrienne ( the swap hostess) explained it to me (thanks Adrienne), and this is the end result.
I would have liked the straps to be longer, but I just wanted to be done with this bag so I can move on to making one for my swap partner. Luckily straps are threaded through the casing only and not sewn to the bag itself. So I can just take it out later and make a longer strap.

As you can see I put a pocket on the inside and magnetic snap closures. I also added a little key holder strap. I'm always searching for my keys no matter how small a bag may be. Whew, now I must go wake the children and get ready for work. Have a blessed day!

~Tootles!

Daylight Savings Time Already

2009-03-08T16:47:00.004-05:00

Hello everyone. Let me start by saying that I totally did not get the memo about turning the clocks ahead before I went to bed last night. The children and I woke up much later today than normal. Then, Anaya's tooth finally fell out, thanks to her messing with it so much. So I decided to make her a tooth fairy pillow. What better time to use the little angel pattern I found. We are calling her a tooth fairy instead, and I sewed a little pocket to the front of her where we will put the tooth in tonight. Anaya just loves her.
Next I want to show you all the cuff bracelet I made for Anaya. Acutually I've been making lots of cuffs lately. They're a good way to use up scraps of fabric, and so easy to make. This one is pretty simple. Just a rectangle of fabric, fleece lining, and backing, and some ribbon I sewed to the top of the main fabric. I sewed them right sides together, leaving a space for turning. Clipped the corners, turned it and sewed it closed. Then I added these snaps. Cool!

These cuffs I made for my boss. The pattern is one I found at jchandmade. I made the pink one for myself and my boss liked it so much that she wanted one just like it. She then asked me to make some for her and her daughter to wear today for the daughter's baptism. So the big white one is for my boss, and the little one is for the baby daughter. It closes with velcro. The other two close with a button and loop.

I have some more things to do before the day ends (like cook dinner, make sure everyone bathes, LOL, you know, things like that) so I must go.

~Tootles!

Give-away Time

2009-03-07T11:23:00.005-06:00

My, my. Seems lately I've been posting about nothing but give-aways. But I'm sure you all enjoy them as much as I do, so I'm going to tell you about two more. The first one is mine. Yeah!! I'm having my very first give-away. I told you guys a few days ago about the lack of participation for my Pay It Forward. Well, I have this cute little bag that I made( see pic below) and I will be giving this bag away Wednesday evening. Oh no, scratch that. I'll be watching America's Next Top Model on Wednesday. Let's make it Thursday evening. Okay, so you have until Thursday, March 12th, to enter for a chance to win this cutie.(edit- just leave a comment on this post to enter) I use my little bag to carry the essentials when I'm out with the children, like when we went to the zoo during Mardis Gras. Big enough to carry my car keys, wallet, and hand sanitizer.
Okay, so the other give-away is a Round Robin give-away by the lovely Barb. Barb always has such lovely things on her blog, so to win something from her would be wonderful to me. I especially liked the "Ugly Quilt" that Shelly won not too long ago. Anyway, Barb is giving away a cute little bag, actually 5 of them, and then the winner sends one of the remaining four bags to someone, and so on and so on. The rules are best explained by Barb, so go by Barb's and enter for your chance to win. And don't forget to come back here on Thursday the 12th to see if you won the little bag pictured above. Good luck!!

~Tootles!

Another Great Giveaway

2009-03-03T18:05:00.003-06:00

I have another great giveaway for you all. The quilted pig is giving away some of her Japanese fabric. Being in Japan she has tons I'm sure. She's so lucky. Anyway, a winner will be chosen the evening of March 6th. So pop on over there and enter to win. Good luck!

Tootles!

Pay It Forward

2009-03-03T06:53:00.002-06:00

Good morning all. It's been almost a month since I told you all about the pay it forward movement I have become a part of thanks to Shelly. Well, after all that time I only have one participant, the crafty Priscilla, and not the three that I needed per the movement rules. So, I will be having two give-aways this month. I'm not sure yet what I will be giving away, but they will make up for the two participants I'm lacking. So stay tuned, give-away's ahead.
Tootles!

Last two projects for February

2009-02-28T23:39:00.006-06:00

Life has certainly gotten in the way of my blogging time. But I was able to eek out a few hours today to finish these two projects. Below you will find the apron I made from the new e-book pattern that Melissa from threeprincedesigns made. It is a reversible apron,and it was so easy to make.
Sorry for the fuzzy pictures, but we've had a long day.

Below you will find Anaya's doll baby laying in the doll carrier I made for her. The pattern is what I decided to get with the gift certificate I won from one of threeprincedesigns giveaway.

Anaya picked out the fabric all by herself. And now Alani likes it so much, she needs to have one for her cubbies. Will have to show pics of the fabric she chose when that's done.

So long for now, I am beat.

~Tootles!

Giveaway

2009-02-21T16:49:00.002-06:00

I love giveaways, don't you? Well, Judi from greenfairyquilts is having a giveaway for one of her beautiful Posh Quilted Bags. To enter, you just have to tell her which of the bags you like the best. So click on the button in my sidebar and head over to Judi's for your chance to win. You have until the 27th of Feb. to enter. Make sure to tell her I sent you. Good luck!
~Tootles!

Bushfires in Australia

2009-02-11T22:29:00.002-06:00

I'm sure everyone has heard about the devastation going on in Australia. Many have lost their homes, and sadly, many lives have been lost. Tons of people in blogland have made plans to help with this situation. Mrs. Martin's Quilt Shop is asking for people to donate quilts, quilt blocks, fabric, and batting so that quilts can be made and given to those in need. Also, thinking of the little children, if you can make teddy bears or other stuffed toys, it would be helpful. Auntie's Quaint Quilts has a list on her blog of other bloggers that have different ways you can help out. I'm sure any little bit that we can do will go a long way and would be greatly appreciated.

~Tootles!

Pay It Forward

2009-02-06T05:50:00.004-06:00

Thanks to Shelly I am now a part of the Pay It Forward movement. I have seen this around before, but had no clear idea about what it was. Well, it's actually quite simple. The first three people to sign up will receive, within the next 365 days, some handmade goodness from me. The only catch is, to be one of the lucky three, you must agree to continue the chain of handmade goodness to three people of your own. Who doesn't like to get little goodies in the mail? I know I do. Just leave a comment saying you want to sign up, pinky promise to continue the chain, grab the button, post about it on your blog, and start spreading the Pay It Forward love. So what do you say, are you in?

~Tootles!

2009-02-05T20:09:00.002-06:00

WooHoo!! I am up to date with the ycmt quilt. I must say I am quite pleased with this quilt and am already thinking of new quilts I can make with this pattern. We still have the borders to figure out, and things like that, but overall I am pleased.

~Tootles!

Thanks Melissa!

2009-02-04T17:49:00.005-06:00

Melissa from threeprincedesigns has bestowed another award on me. I am not worthy, but boy do I appreciate it. This award is a "Thank You" award because Melissa enjoys reading my blog. How sweet is that!! I love her blog as well and visit it quite often. As a matter of fact, Melissa has lots of cool stuff going on at her blog that I'm sure you all will be interested in. Melissa shares tutorials, Fun with Family Friday (my favorite), and just recently, Monday at the Market. That's the day she shares different sites that are having giveaways, coupon deals, sales discounts and other things that we can buy to help stimulate the economy. So you all go check out Melissa's place when you get a chance. And thanks again Melissa, it's much appreciated.

~Tootles!

February is Black History Month

2009-02-03T19:40:00.004-06:00

Every year, since I could remember, February has been called Black History Month. When I was in school, our teachers would dedicate this month to teaching us all about the contributions African Americans have made, African American culture, and African American history. Well, imagine my surprise when my baby tells me that they're not being taught anything specific for Black History Month. I try not to get on a soapbox about things, but if the children are getting out of school for 5 days to celebrate Mardis Gras, and are giving and receiving valentines to one another, then I believe some recognition should be given to the many African Americans that have contributed to the history of this great country. So, with that said, I will be sharing with you all some of the Black History facts that I'm going over with my children.

Black History Month began in 1926 when Harvard scholar Dr. Carter G. Woodson, made it his mission to show the public that Black History wasn't only about slavery. It's first recognition was during the second week of February. Dr. Woodson chose this time because it also marked the birthday's of two Americans who greatly influenced the lives and social conditons of African Americans, former President Abraham Lincoln, and abolitionist Frederick Douglas(wikipedia.org).

Okay so now that we have the origin out of the way, let me share with you a black history fact. I'm sharing this fact with you because my babies often ask me why Native American's are called such, and if they were here first where did the other people in America come from. Good question, so I'll start with this bit of information that I obtained from Black-History-Month.net.

~Quote
The first Black Americans were the 20 blacks that arrived at Jamestown, Virginia about the latter end of August in 1619. Surviving evidence indicates that the first Black settlers were not slaves. It appears from the record that they were assigned the same status- indentured servitude- as most of the first White immigrants. At the time of the first detailed census in 1624-25, the 23 Blacks in Virginia- 11 males, 10 females, and 2 children- constituted some two percent of the total population of 1227. Among the Blacks identified by name were Angelo, Edward, Antonio, Mary and John Pedro ( Black-History-Month.net) ~End Quote

Whew!! So that's what 's going on in our house lately. Hope you enjoyed this Black History fact.

~Tootles!

Quilt update

2009-02-03T05:22:00.003-06:00

Happy Tuesday everyone!! Today I want to share the quilts I'm making for the quilt challenges. This one is for the ycmt quilt. We're making this quilt up as we go so every couple of days Kim, the host for this challenge, will give us a new step to add to the quilt. For this step we had two options in which to lay our quilt, and I chose option 2, the not so easy one of the two. It looks kinda wonky because it's not sewn together as one piece, and squared off yet. Can't wait to see where we're going with it next.

This is the quilt for the calendar quilt challenge that Rachel is hosting. The bigger piece is for the month of January. I started out doing strips but decided I wanted to do something different, which is why I have the rectangle piece below it. That is the first piece of February's block. It's leftover from an apron I made for the Amy Butler Apron Swap that Holly is hosting. For this block I'm thinking of making it kinda log cabinish. Actually, I have no clear idea what I want to do with it yet, except that I don't want to do just strips like January.

Okay, so I have to get ready for work. Have a great day!

~Tootles!

Blue Monday!!

2009-02-02T05:50:00.015-06:00

Happy Blue Monday Everyone!! Thanks Smiling Sally for hosting Blue Monday. After going through my contribution, head on over to Sally's to visit the other Blue Monday participants.

Today we'll start with Justin's NC Panther's pillow. I started on this pillow way back in December while my dear hubby was home visiting. He sort of suggested I make some Panthers stuff for ' the boy', as he calls him. I made the applique myself from a pic I googled. This pillow is lucky enough to also be a part of the One Project a Month Challenge, and gets on my finished WISP's list. Yeahhh!!!

Okay, so the next item also gets on the One Project a Month board and finished WISP's list. It is a hanging Sunbonnet Sue Quilt. I love Sunbonnet Sue and all of her friends. This started out as a child's quilt, but being self taught I had no idea how hard, but fun, quilting can be when I started it. So since I wanted to go on to something else, but wanted to finish this as well, I decided to make it a hanging quilt. I did the binding last night while watching The Closer marathon. Boy was that hard.

Here's a close up of the blocks. The stitiching on her hat is a stitch I just recently learned on my sewing machine that I had for over 6 years. I have 17 stitches on that machine and have been using only 9. I couldn't figure out how to get to the other 8 stitches until I started on this quilt a few months ago.

She is made out of scraps that I had from other projects. The back of the quilt is made from the dress above.

The background is muslin.

I love the orange dress. So that's my Blue Monday. Hope you enjoyed it, thanks for stopping by. And don't forget to go by Sally's and visit the other participants.

~Tootles!

One down, one to go, and another project complete

2009-01-24T19:05:00.004-06:00

I am such a procrastinator. I have had the info on both of my swap partners for the apron swaps that I'm in (see sidebar to refresh memory), and today I decided to get started on them. I have finished one, and I pray that my recepient likes it. Of course I can't show it to you but I like it, and think it came out pretty good. I may start on the other apron after church tomorrow. I also have my calendar quilt up to date, need to take a pic of that. And I'm anxiously waiting for the next step of the ycmt quilt (again, see sidebar). Now I must get started on another project.
~Tootles!

An Award ? For Me ?

2009-01-22T04:48:00.010-06:00

GASP!! That was all I could say yesterday when Melissa, from threeprincedesigns, awarded me with not one, but two blog awards. I started blogging to keep family and friends up-to-date. Never did I think I'd meet so many wonderful people, or that someone would think my blog worthy for an award, or two. Thanks so much Melissa, I'm honored. Okay, now on to the awards.

For the first one I need to list 5 addictions. Ha, that's all, just 5? Okay here they are, in no particular order.

1) fabric

2)the internet

3)crafting, sewing especially

4)Ben&Jerry's pistachio pistachio ice cream

5)my family

For the honest scrap award the rules require a little more digging than that.

The rules are:1) Honorees are to list 10 honest things about themselves - and make it interesting, even if we have to dig deep! 2) We are to pass the award on to 5 bloggers we feel embody the spirit of the Honest Scrap.

So with that said, here are 10 honest things about myself.

1)I wish I could win millions so I could spend my days sewing and crafting.

2) I am an introvert, and have very few friends outside of family.

3) I have so many allergies (indoor, outdoor, pet, and food) that my husband jokes I should live in a bubble. My allergist would prefer I walk outside covered head to toe, and wear a face mask. Honest!

4) I love to read and to learn about history.

5)My favorite tv shows are The Closer, Monk, and Psych.

6) I have so many crafting interests I often start something new before finishing the first project.

7)When I first started college I majored in Mortuary Science. I figured working with the dead would be the best job because they can't give you any problems. I ended up with a degree in Business.

8)I'm not only an Army Wife, I'm also an Army Veteran. I served proudly for 12 years.

9) Every night before going to bed I turn on the weather channel. They have some good shows on that channel.

10)My ideal job would be to work with small children (shaping the future), the elderly (could learn a lot from the stories they'd share), or as an art teacher (get paid to craft all day).

Whew!! That was difficult. Okay, now that I've spilled my guts to you all, I have to pass these awards on so that others can gasp and spill their guts as I did.

My honorees are:

1) Claudie of Tickled Pink

2) Cheryl of Peaceful Blessings

3) Aby of Abyquilt

4) Holly of MommyHolly

5) Molly of Molly's Place

Congratulations ladies! And thanks again to Melissa, and to my readers. Thank you.

Tootles!

Finished WISP's

2009-01-19T14:16:00.003-06:00

Yeah for me! I have completed one of the items on my WISP list. As you may remember I have joined a challenge to complete one project a month. If you don't, that's okay. Just look on my sidebar and you will see a button that you can click on to learn more about it. Anyway, I have committed myself to so many projects, that it seemed I could not get my WISP's done to complete one project a month. But I eeked out some time and got one done.

This is an apron I made out of 3 bandana's. Peeking her arm out behind me is a trashbag lady I made. She still doesn't have any hair so she couldn't make a full body guest appearance. I may have to add her to my WISP list as well. Hmm, well back to the apron. The bodice part I learned from a fellow Apronista. Still didn't get it quite right to fit my small bodice, and I do mean small, but I like it and think it came out pretty good. Check back again for more of my completed WISP's as I'm determined to get more than just this apron done. Like Justin's Panther's pillow, and Alani's purse, and...
Tootles!

Happy Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day!

2009-01-19T07:01:00.005-06:00

Happy Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day! And Happy Blue Monday!This little boat is a picture holder. A good friend of ours gave it to Anaya over the Christmas holiday because she loved it so much.

I got this vase from my boss. She was cleaning out her office and was about to throw it away. She asked me if I wanted it. Well of course I would take it, and thank you very much. This blue beauty did nothing to warrant being thrown away. I know it will make a wonderful addition to our house somewhere. To see more wonderful pictures of something blue today, head over to Sally's.

~Tootles!~

Make-as-you-go quilt- Step 5

2009-01-15T20:50:00.004-06:00

Wanted to update you all on the make-as-you-go quilt I'm doing. We are on step 5 of the quilt, which is a fun step, unlike step 4. My goodness, step 4 had us squaring off our triangle half squares. I think that's what they were called. Anyway, lots of cutting involved and I didn't think I'd ever finish. Finally, I got to my last square and could move on. Now comes some fun. Step 5 has us sewing 4 sets of the triangle half squares together to make a pinwheel block. How cool is that! I am learning so much and having so much fun. I have lots more blocks to finish, but I wanted to share one of the blocks with you.

Tootles!

Calendar Quilt Up to Date

2009-01-13T05:26:00.003-06:00

My calendar quilt is up to date you guys. This is a pic of the strips I've sewn so far. I have had some change of mind about this quilt though. I think that instead of the 1"x10" strips I have now, I will make the strips a bit larger. Or maybe not use strips all the time. I may want to use a square every now and again. I know for sure that once I finish using the strips I've already cut, I will start adding some variation to this quilt. Stay tuned.

Tootles!

Blue Monday

2009-01-12T06:16:00.006-06:00

Good morning all. Are you ready for another Blue Monday? I am. Today my contribution is this lovely blue vase that I bought to decorate the new home we're moving to this year. I'm not sure where I would put it, actually I have two of them, but I'm sure it will not be too hard. Don't forget to go to Sally's and visit the other Blue Monday participants.

Tootles!

Make-as-you-go quilt

2009-01-10T20:51:00.001-06:00

I am participating in a quilt along with Kim over at youcanmakethis. We're on step two of the quilt, sewing our fabric square pairs together and cutting them on the diagonal. And being the procrastinator that I am, I waited till today to get the 64 fabric squares cut, which was step 1. So, I've been pretty busy today cutting and sewing fabric. Above is a picture, although sideways, of the half square triangles that I spent all day cutting. I'm so happy to be doing this quilt with others though, because to be honest, if I was doing it alone it would be on my WISP list. Now I have to get started on my calendar quilt that I'm doing with Rachel. I have the strips cut out already, just have to get them sewn together. Oh, and did I mention that I'm also doing a BOM with Anne Sutton . It's called A Tisket A Tasket 12months of Baskets. This is going to be the most fun I believe because with this quilt along, we receive a new quilt block each month. At the end of the 12 months we'll get instructions on how to put the quilt together. The button for this fun project is on the left if you want to join in. I better get going while I still have the energy, lots to do.

Tootles!

Blue Monday

2009-01-05T05:17:00.000-06:00

Today is Monday, back to work day, and thanks to Smiling Sally, Blue Monday. Sally hosts Blue Monday, and on this day participating bloggers share something blue on their blog. Doesn't matter what it is, as long as it's blue. My favorite color just happens to be blue, so I decided it would be kinda fun to participate. Today I'm sharing the Overalls Bill pillow I made for Justin. The background is blue and the button on his overalls is blue. So now that you've seen my contribution, head on over to Sally's blog to visit the other participants.

Tootles!

A Challenge

2009-01-04T07:44:00.000-06:00

As you all know I love to craft, all kinds of crafts, and am always learning a new craft. That means I normally would start something new without finishing what I previously started. So, I have a few WISP's (Works In Slow Progress) that I need to get finished. To get these WISP's done, I've joined a challenge with a lot of other people (whew, glad I'm not the only one) who have unfinished projects also. The challenge is to finish one project a month. That shouldn't be too hard right? Hmph, we'll see. I already have two aprons I need to finish for the apron swaps I'm in and they are not part of the original WISP list. Anyway, each month I will attempt to complete one of my WISP's and post a pic of it on my blog. If you have any in your craft room, basket, closet, that you need to get finished and would like to join in the challenge, just click on the button in the sidebar. It will take you to Aby's blog where she has posted some info on the challenge. As for me, I need to get started. I know you're probably thinking, well you have till the end of the month, but with 3 children and having to go back to work tomorrow, I need all the time I can get.
Tootles!

Happy New Year!

2009-01-01T12:06:00.000-06:00

Happy New Year everyone!

Most people start the new year off with a resolution or two, and I'm no different. This year, my resolutions are, one, to be the best I can be. The best wife, mother, daughter, grand-daughter, in-law, friend, sister, cousin, niece... You get the point. And my other resolution is to do the best I can at whatever I may be trying to achieve at any given moment. I figure, why go with a resolution like, I'm going to lose 15 pounds by Spring, that I know will be too hard to keep? So I'll stick with something that's easier to keep. Hope you do the same.
Tootles!

My Newest Project

2008-12-27T19:22:00.001-06:00

Hello everyone. I had a few hours to spare today, with my husband feeling better and spending time with the children. So I took the opportunity to sew a little accent pillow. It is a pattern called Wind-Swept Sue that I found on http://www.sunbonnetsue.com/ . I wanted to put a border around it but didn't have enough material as I made it using scrap fabric. Now I have to make one for Justin named Overalls Bill, I believe. Just wanted to share my newest project with you all. Still haven't finished my apron, but I'm working on it.

Tootles!

Merry Christmas!!

2008-12-25T19:46:00.000-06:00

Merry Christmas everyone! I haven't been MIA, just really busy with the children being out of school, and my husband home on leave. We drove up to North Carolina last week Friday, and just returned back yesterday. We had a wonderful time though, always nice to see family and friends. Now my dear hubby has come down with some sickness and has been laid up in bed all day, poor fella. Anyway, just wanted to give a quick hello to you all. Hope you have a very Merry Christmas and I will chat with you again real soon.
Tootles!

My Baby Placed First!!

2008-12-07T13:06:00.000-06:00

Justin is one of Rapides Junior Runner's, and had a race on yesterday. He ran with other 6 and 7 year old boys and girls. He placed 1st of all the 6year old boys. We are so excited for him.
Tootles!

2008-12-02T13:19:00.000-06:00

I am finally able to share these pics with you guys. I try to blog when I get a free moment, but then the computer acts up and won't let me upload any pics. Anyway, here are pics of the crafts the children and I did over the holiday.

At the very top is the door sign I made for Anaya's room. It's still not hung yet, but at least it's done. Below that is the clothespin christmas wreath we made. It's used to hold Christmas cards, but we decided it looked best on our coffee table with a few candles in the middle.

I actually managed to take pics of the children as well.

So we have Alani and Anaya posing for the camera. And then Justin. He wouldn't smile any more than that because he doesn't want anyone to see the space from his two front teeth coming out.

Tootles!

Holiday Apron Giveaway!

2008-11-29T09:41:00.000-06:00

Yes, you read that right. There is a holiday apron giveaway going on. I am a member of The Apronista, as you can see from the button on the right of the blog stating so. Anyway, my friend Jan, also an Apronista, is having an apron giveaway on her blog. So, check out Jan's blog, http://maplelane-jan.blogspot.com to see the beautiful aprons she makes and the complete info about her holiday apron giveaway.

Happy After Thanksgiving!

2008-11-28T16:42:00.000-06:00

Hope you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving day.

Haven't had any time to take pics this week like I thought I would. Three children at home keeps me plenty busy. I did manage to make a door sign for Anaya's room, and the children and I made a Christmas wreath out of clothes pins. Will try and post some pics before I go back to work on Monday. Till then. Tootles!

Yo-yo doll it is not

2008-11-24T22:01:00.000-06:00

Okay, so I said that I was working on a yo-yo doll, and here are the yo-yo's I made up for the project. But, I grew tired of making the yo-yo's and wanted to start on something else. I do that a lot. There are just so many things I want to do that I often lose interest in what I start, and move on to something else without completing the first. Well, instead of having another incomplete project sitting around, I still have a purse in the works for Alani, I decided to use the yo-yo's to make this little critter. I saw a vintage pattern, sold out of course, that had a pic of a similar critter. So I thought, instead of the doll, I'd try to make something like that. Now, had I been able to get the pattern, I'm sure I wouldn't have had so much trouble trying to figure this out. But, none the less, here it is. Alani says it looks like a caterpillar, so that's what we're calling it. I haven't decided what to use for the antennas yet, and knowing me it'll probably go without just so I can start on my next project. And yes, I know that it's sideways, I don't know why that is though. It wasn't that way when I uploaded it. Anyway, just crank your head a little to the right, and it'll look just fine. So, with that done I'm off to start my next project. I'm not going to say what it is because I may change my mind again midstream.

Enjoy! Tootles!!

P.S. I haven't yet figured out how to fix the time on this thing. It may not be important to you all, but it's driving me nuts. The time now is 10:28pm CT

~Tootles!

Pics of my babies

2008-11-22T20:39:00.000-06:00

Okay, so I've been trying to upload these pics for some time tonight, and I must say it has not been easy. I don't have any recent pics of the children, but these were taken this past summer which wasn't too long ago. This, of course, is my baby boy Justin. He's hanging in a tree we have in our back yard.

Just look at my angel Anaya. I must admit she's not looking too angelic in this pic. She actually looks a little divafied(okay, I know that's not a word but you know what I mean). This was taken after church one Sunday.

Here's Alani one Sunday after church. She was actually playing on the computer, one of her favorite past times.

I will be taking some more pics during the holiday, but for now these will have to do. Enjoy, tootles!

TGIF

2008-11-21T16:44:00.001-06:00

WOO-HOO, I'm so glad it's Friday. I like my job, but sometimes, I'd rather be home crafting. And speaking of crafting, I have started a new project today. I am in the process of making a yo-yo doll. I have been at work today making yo-yo's using my new clover yo-yo maker, and I must say that little tool makes it so much easier to make a yo-yo. I'm off all of next week for the Thanksgiving holiday so I will be able, hopefully, to upload some pix for you all to see. Can't wait to start sharing with you guys. Till then, tootles!

And so it begins...

2008-11-19T18:47:00.000-06:00

I have decided, after countless months debating with myself, to start a blog. So here I am, Mahogany Blue. I will be using this blog to keep you all, my family and friends, updated with the three ring circus that is my life. At least that's the plan. I'm new to the blogging world, but luckily you all know me enough to put up with my incessant rambling. There are so many things I want to share with you , but it's going to have to wait till another day because America's Next Top Model is coming on in 6 minutes. So, tootles!