Thanksgiving!

We had a really wonderful Thanksgiving this year.  The visit with The Maddison Family made it an extra special holiday for us. 

Evan is so fun and adorable.

I think Nathan and Evan will grow up to be good friends. 

waiting for..... Dave, Autumn, new TV shows

I sure have been busy.  Keeping up with Nate all day everyday is a task i tell you!  I've always appreciated the help Dave gives me everyday.  And I can hardly wait until he is back and we can be a team again.  I know Dave is really missing Nathan.  The little squirt is changing everyday.  He is fun and happy and sneaky and still wont speak to me in English!  I know he understands me.

Dave and I are really excited about the new fall season of TV shows.  I know this sounds silly. But we were so out of touch for all those years, it is nice to be starting with everyone else. 

I made Chicken noodle soup today for dinner, and I made extra to freeze.  It makes me happy, like fall is going to be here soon, and I am ready!  Hahah

Summer Fun

 

We have been having a really wonderful summer!

 Its been full of swimming...

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

bonfires, fair festivities...

 

...sandbox digging, and all that other stuff that makes summer great. 

 

Our new pop up has made this trip even more exciting.  We have already found tacky lights for the front porch!

We went to Bronner's today, since I had never been.  Holy Cow it was so fun!  I found a pop up ornament and had it personalized with our name and the year 2009. 

I found lots of other exciting stuff too, but finding this years ornament was the highlight of the day.

More Family!

We have three new family members!  Ben and Sarita's wedding was really wonderful.  It's exciting to have new additions to the family.

 

This is Nathan's new cousin Veronica....

 

 

... And this is Amber!

They are both sweet girls

Another Year Older

We celebrated my 26th birthday yesterday.  David made me an awesome cake, and he gave me a nice sewing box for our trip.  Its smaller than my current box so it will be easier to travel with.  It was a nice day and I got lots of really great presents.  AND I don't really feel any older. 

We have finally been working on hammering out some of our trip plans.  We still need to figure out how to buy Dave's plane tickets, but we have a little bit of time for that.  I think we have both been enjoying the fact that traveling home this summer is so much more relaxed than last year doing the long flights with an infant.  I am happy that we can drive now.  Even though most don't consider a 24 hour drive a blessing, we sure do.  Especially since its 10% of the cost of our previous trips home from Misawa.  We definitely enjoy that!!  

 

Lots of projects for me right now.  I counted the other night.  I have 10 quilts in various stages.  Some are waiting for the binding to be closed during our roadtrip(like my Dazed and Confused Quilt, seen here <--), some are just tops, some are partly cut out, some are just piles of washed fabric waiting patiently.  I am about to jump into another quilt along, not because I need another project, but because they are so darn fun.

Happy Independence Day

We were complaining about the heat this past week, so of course today it was rainy and gloomy.  Go figure.   But it ended up being a nice day for us.  

We grilled burgers and I made beans and potato salad.  Then we took our cranky Nathan to the fireworks in downtown Clovis.  It was supposed to start at 8:45 which is our tot's bedtime.  But I don't think it started until well after nine.  We had just got up and started packing our chairs up thinking they would never start, when BAM BAM.  It was funny.  The town's show was really impressive.  I was surprised.  Nate didn't mind the noise really, but he was so cranky by the time it was over we were packing up to go.  Once we got the chairs folded up the finale was shooting off. 

Scary stuff when fireworks are legal for any joe idiot shmoe to buy.  Really frightening!

Nathan kept lifting up his shirt to show us his belly button today.  Its a new thing.  He makes me laugh. 

Nearly July already?

 

 

Boy its shocking July begins tomorrow!  June went so fast. 

We had a nice visit with Chuck and Ruthann.  Although we didn't do touristy things since Clovis is lacking in that department.  But it was nice for them to get to know Nathan better.  Dave and Chuck got to go golfing.  We went to the little zoo here in Clovis.  And Ruthann cleaned the stove top after dinner one night, and it maybe one of the nicest thing anyone has ever done for me. 

Dave had to leave early Sunday morning for a quick TDY.  He should be back tomorrow night.  He is kind of in the middle of nowhere.  I spoke to him really late last night.  These TDYs are so different from the TDYs he went on as a crew chief. 

Just about two weeks until we head out on our summer trip.  Geez, I guess I could start thinking about packing lists. 

Big Celebration

 

We have a lot to celebrate..  Dave is getting another stripe!  The Tech Sergeant Promotions list came out this morning and Dave made it this year.  While last year he passed the test with enough points, he didn't have enough time in service, and time in grade to get the E-6 promotion, and it was a toss up if this year he would have enough time in to make it.  But he did!  This is really great for him.  He will be an 8 year Tech, I think he said the norm was 13 or 14 years to get Tech. 

His promotion certificate says this.... "Your promotion carries with it the obligation that you exercise additional authority and willingly accept greater responsibility.  Your every action must be governed by a strong sense of personal moral responsibility, pride in yourself, leadership by example,excellence, and commitment to the Air Force Standards.  We, the undersigned, take deep and sincere pleasure in clasping your hand congratulating you on this important milestone in your career." 

Way to go DAVE! And he was awarded a metal too.  Whoot whoot!  I am going to throw him a promotion party while we are home so we can celebrate with family!  More details to come...

 

Big one and a little one

I got the little quilt finished for Nate's room.  I'm very happy with both of the stacked coins quilts.  I took a pic of them together I think they look cute .  Nate used the little one at nap time today. 

 

 

Digging for Big Treasure

....makes a dozen!  Whoot-whoot.  I'm almost finished with "Digging for Small Treasure"  I love this pattern and I'm glad I picked it for the beds in Nathan's room. I have quilts #'s 13,14,15, 16,17, and 18 going in various stages. Me-Oh-My!

Link

The pic is from last weekend playing in the sprinkler. 

AND our A/C is functioning! Hallelujah!

June 6 2009

We had an exciting day.  We went to watch the parade downtown this morning.  It was HOT and I got burned.  But Nathan liked the horses and we all enjoyed it.  Nate played in the sprinkler this afternoon and we had a lazy rest of the day. 

I basted the toddler quilt...

...and I got a little bit of it quilted.  I think I can bang it out tomorrow since its so small.  I have the curtains done for Nate's room, one throw pillow, and I am nearly done with a second throw pillow, the quilt for the twin is almost finished I just have a few hours of hand sewing the binding left.

 

 

 

 

 

It has been so exciting for me to work on this set for Nathan's room.  I love the way the curtains look during the day, they cast an orange glow in the room, and it reminds me of Jolly Rancher candy.  When Nate goes in the room his eyes get big and he ooooohhhhh's

 

 

 

 

 

On top of the pillows and quilts I have been working on for Nathan's room I can't help but squeak in a bit of work on a throw I am making.  I have half of the top together.....

....I want it to be a bit larger, right now it will end up 52x52, so i ordered some fabric to add a border. I am very excited.  I love this fabric.

On top of the Christmas throw and the stuff for Nate's room I am planning on joining an online "quilt along". I ordered the fabric I need and they are really girly modern funky prints.  SO EXCITING!  So much on my plate and I LOVE it. 

Another gift done EARLY

I have started my list of Christmas gifts I am planning to make.  Most of them I can't post on this blog since the recipients view it... But the gift I just finished I can share.  I am very excited about this one. Its a pretty tricky quilt block pattern but it turned out SO well.  And Its only June and I have 2 of the 6 gifts done so far.  Wahoooo.

Its called a pineapple block. I think since the three for the table runner came together really well I might slowly attempt a whole quilt of this block. 

Nate sure has us running around to keep up with him.  He is always climbing up on stuff that he would surely fall from if we don't intercept in time.  He has started shaking his finger back at me when I tell him No.  He dances when he hears music.  He loves pushing the swiffer mop around.  When he helps empty the dryer he shakes the clothes out like I do before he puts them in the basket.  And he has started running arms stretched to us when something scares him, he gives us a quick hug then he goes back and checks whatever it is out again. SO CUTE! 

 

Happy Memorial Day

We had a really wonderful weekend.  Sunday went really well.  The BBQ was great all the food was delish if I do say so myself, and the Wings WON!  Can't beat that! 

Today we drove to Lubbock because Joann Fabric was having a huge sale.  I bought several quilt books, 12 yards of fabrics, a stack of fat quarters and some other odds and ends.  Very exciting for me. 

We stopped at Toys r us and got Nathan a bubble blowing lawn mower.  Then at Old Navy Dave picked up some cargo pants for work this summer.  We checked out the bargain bin at Barnes and Nobles, and ran to Petsmart to make new ID tags for the doggies.  It was a lot of running around.  Oh and we stopped at the mall and I ran to Children's place and bought Nate some new Pjs for the next size group 24 months...  he won't wear them for awhile but when I see good deals I plan ahead a bit.  I also picked up matching rompers in Evan's size and Nathan's size.  I thought I would be cute if they could match when we go to visit next month.  I love looking back at photos of Erin and I in our matching yellow duck sweat outfits. 

It was a long day but it was great.  During the 4 hours in the car I finished the "Juki Jungle Love" quilt.  I love it.  It will be our back of the sofa quilt during the fall months.  Check it out..Link

May 23, 2009

Our house has been busy getting ready to have a BBQ tomorrow.  A dozen folks Dave works with are coming over to watch the Red Wings game and eat.  We are making BBQ Chicken thighs and drumstix, hot dogs, Taco Salad, a Macaroni Salad, Deviled Eggs, Baked Beans, Watermelon, Pistachio salad and ambrosia salad. 

Hopefully the wings will win and our canines will be good.  LOL 

Monday we are going to drive to Lubbock we desperately need to get Nathan a climbing toy of some sort.  Joann is having a big Memorial Day weekend sale and I need a couple more fabrics for Nate's stacked coins quilts.  Also, we need to stop at Old Navy and Petsmart. Maybe I will be able to finish the binding of the quilt I am working on like I did the last time we made the drive.  I am almost finished with the quilt I am calling Juki Jungle Love.  Its the first quilt I quilted with the Juki.  Haha

We hope you all have a wonderful weekend!!

P.S. this is the fabric I am using for the backing of the Stacked Coins quilts for Nathan's room.  Its got so many great colors the tops will be really fun.  Its called 'Tot Town Dig It'.  It arrived yesterday on a huge roll as I ordered 12 yards of it.  It was the most wonderful package I have ever received.  I am planning to make a pillow sham and curtains too. 

 

A whole lotta sewing going on

 

 

There has been a big change in my craft room!  I got a new sewing machine.  Its much larger that my Singer.  As you can see in this pic.  Through the throat of my new machine you can see my whole singer!  Its a lot easier to machine quilt!  Its called the Juki TL-98Q  Who knew I'd come back to America and fall in love with a Japanese machine?!  I am sure I'll still pull out my Singer from time to time if I need zig-zag stitching, but the Juki is a work horse.  Thank goodness the sewing machine will be doing most of the work now! 

I finished another baby quilt this past week.  Link  I am anxiously expecting a lot of fabric to arrive this week.  25 yards or so!  Next on my to do is is a Christmas throw for the living room  I bought a cute fabric pack called Figgy Pudding. 

 

After the figgy pudding quilt I'm going to make matching quilts for Nathan's room.  A twin and a toddler size.  I think they will look really handsome. 

 

 

 

Dave thinks his volleyball team will make it to the finals.  How exciting eh?     

 

 

Happy Mother's Day

Happy Mothers Day!!

We hope you all have a really wonderful day.  Nathan gave me a bobbin winder and some new curved pins for basting.  I'm really excited about the bobbin winder.  Its really quiet.  I like to work on quilting projects during naptime but I won't rewind the bobbin for fear it will wake him up.  But now I can quietly wind them and keep working.  YAY Isn't that thoughtful? 

Enjoy your day!

It was a hot one

Today was very hot here in New Mexico.  I pulled out the twirly sprinkler, tossed Nate in his swim trunks and let him run around in the water.  It took him a little bit of time to get into it, but eventually he mastered walking through the spray and even drinking the water.     Its supposed to be hot again tomorrow... YAY! More sprinkler!!

front flowers

This weekend we put a few hanging baskets on the posts of our carport.  We put some pretty flowers in them and they are really great.  I cannot tell you how different it feels driving up to the house now compared to a couple weeks ago.  Its really nice coming home to a pretty house.  The grass is turning green with our evening sprinkler time. 

The backyard is really turning green.  I can actually take Nate out now to run around.  We have plans to add a few plants and flowers to the backyard too.... so our yard work is to be continued...

Snowballs, Volleyballs, and Green Grass!

This week went by fast.  Its been super warm here all week!  In the high eighties and low nineties.  We have been watering our new plants every evening and they are doing great.  Our lawn gets an hour of sprinkler every other evening, and its really turning green. 

I got a snowball quilt finished this week.  Its got bright colors in it for summer.  So I'm calling it A Summer Snowball.  LOL 

I have been on a real roll lately.  Turning quilts out left and right.  I think it's because wanted to work on stuff in Misawa, but not having easy access to fabric kept me from it.  Now that I have great fabric stores nearby, I've just been getting the hang of it again.  I am looking over the quilt magazines I have bought the last several years, and checking the patterns that caught my eye but never had a chance of coming to life.  It is really wonderful. 

Dave's evening volleyball games have been all wins this week.  Go QA!!  They beat out Security Forces one of their biggest rivals.

Home improvements

We had a busy weekend.  Saturday I worked on the wedding invitations for the upcoming Wackler-Hoisington nuptials.  Dave kept Nate occupied(watching the NFL draft) while I worked and I got a lot done.  Now I just need to wait for a couple of the supplies to come in at Hobby Lobby.  It feels good to have so many finished now. 

Today we went to Lowe's and the Bx for dirt, rocks and plants.  We planted 12 hosta plants along the driveway and sidewalk to our front door.  There were old wood chips in the front, so we took them out.   Outside the front door we also put in a pretty rose bush.  Its wonderful.  We filled in between the plants with red lava rocks.  They look really fantastic.  We need to go get atleast 10 more bags of rocks, but they aren't expensive at the BX.  We've gone through 7 bags already.  On the one side of the walkway I planted 5 red and green Caladium plants.  They look really nice.  I am excited to see how big everything get this year. 

I bought five little plants for inside the house as well.  I put one in the big bathroom tonight(the photo above).  For the others I need to head to Big Lots for pretty pots.  The baby jade will live in the kitchen, the dracaena will go into the guest room, the Hypoestes will reside in our bathroom, and the Sansevieria will hang out in our bedroom.  I don't really want anything in the living room while Nate is so small.  I could just imagine the messes.

 

I will take photos of the front tomorrow after we get the rest of the rocks in. 

play bag

 

Last week I made a cute tote bag to take toys and snacks to the park and beach.  Its so exciting. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Update... I made a matching caddy to keep in the play bag.  It holds a couple diapers and a small supply of wipes..