Wylde Woman

Thank you to Melissa at WhatKnot! She has gracefully bestowed the Wylde Woman Award to me.
Isn't it beautiful? The artist that started the award (recently) painted this beautiful piece to pass around to those who inspire us.

"Purpose of the Award: To send love and acknowledgment to women who brighten your day, teach you new things and live their lives fully with generosity and joy."

I would like to send this award to Jacquie. You have a way of bringing a smile to my face, and spark my creativity often, with your posts and comments here - Thank you!

Let's just say . . .

I'm so thankful that this week is behind me! I won't bore you with lame details but I just haven't had enough time for myself, or to sew or blog this week. I could have posted a thankful post a couple other times, but couldn't get myself to the computer long enough to post. :) But having it on my mind that I need to be thankful has been a huge blessing to me, in the midst of my stress. Oh! And I did manage to loose 1.5 lbs this week too! I have a tendency to run into the kitchen when I get emotional - so that's huge!

I did cut my cancer quilt earlier this week, and I just sewed the blocks this morning! It's super simple half triangle squares. It came with the pattern and fabric just enough.

I love the fabric and the bold colors. As I work with it I think about how it will (hopefully) bring a smile to a very sick child.

I have some major catching up to do in bloglines, sometimes I think I read too many blogs . . . but I can't just weed out people. It would be like cutting friends out of my life for no reason! No way, just little by little catch up!
Hope you have a great holiday weekend!
Amy

I Am Thankful : : 2

For ~

1~Hugs from my kids
2~A loving husband
3~A clean kitchen floor
4~My sling, it allowed #3 to happen :)
5~The sun on my back - it feels so nice.

Hope that you are blessed this evening -
Amy


Explanation here

A Sunday Finish on Monday

My day is finally winding down - I still don't feel like we are in our school routine yet. Hopefully this week will prove me wrong :)

I finished this little beauty yesterday and it made it through the wash today. I know that I've said it before. . . but I love the puckery goodness as it comes from the wash. It measures 32x34 inches, I found that these little quilts are great for privacy while nursing too. They don't collapse on the baby's face.


Here's the back - the entire quilt is scraps, so it's just extra bits sewn together.

I am ready to get started on my cancer quilt - I really need to whip it up!
Have a good night ~
Amy

PS - I almost forgot that I received another award! Sherri gave me this sweet award the other day and I would love to pass it on to anyone that has left a comment recently!Thanks Sherri! Leave a comment if you post it on your blog - I want to check it out :)

Summer Sweets

I realize that I'm usually posting about my quilting adventures . . . this week seems to have taken a turn toward family life. All I have to say is that it's me and what has been on my mind. :) I did get to piece a back and quickly quilt this top. So I just need to trim and add a binding - really it should be that simple but coming up with the time to myself has been a challenge. Day by day - right!? We are all feeling much better, thanks for all the caring words :)

As you have probably gathered, I also love to bake! This is my favorite summer dessert, oddly enough today was the first time I have made it this summer. It could have something to do with all those birthday cakes. . . I call it Strawberry Shortcake Trifle. But I don't use shortcake - it's angel food cake.

Anyway, a fresh homemade angel food cake tastes light years away from the usual cake at the local grocery. It's so fluffy and moist, I could snack on it all afternoon! I just cube it with a serrated knife. Then sliced, and macerated strawberries (you know, sprinkle the slices with a little sugar), I use the egg slicer for quick, even slices. Then top off the layer with cool whip or the generic equivalent, I'm not picky :) I have a trifle dish but this cake was too big to fit, so it went into a large salad bowl. If you don't bake, or have time to it's still great with store bought cake, and easy for entertaining. I'm taking this to my in-laws home for dinner, well dessert after dinner, it's Jenna's last night. The summer has gone so fast, and now Jenna is off to live her life, learn and continue to grow into a beautiful young woman.

Speaking of Jenna: She finished her quilt! Just in time too. She proved her brothers wrong - they all thought I would be finishing it for her. She sat on the couch over here nearly an entire day stitching down the binding. She's so happy with her new abilities and proud of the accomplishment. I'm really proud of her too! It looks great - don't you think?To quilt it, I had her use a walking foot and do wavy lines. That way she didn't have to worry about keeping it straight, just moving it forward. It goes really fast too :) The only problem now is how to get it back to Cali with her! I think she's shipping it - too many new clothes!

I was thinking I should do something special for my 100th post. . . any ideas? Bunches of my etsy inventory has expired, so technically I could give an item away. . .

I'm off to enjoy a little down time before we head out for dinner - Have a good evening!
Amy

Independence

Tuesday. The first day of school. Every year I'm emotional, and Ella's excited. She's has missed her friends, and classroom learning all summer, but sending her into "the world" on her own - it leaves me a mess! We pray as we drive to school each morning that she would be safe and have a great day of learning - on Tuesday I just about lost it, yep, while driving. I quickly regained composure and finished our prayer together. She is all smiles, ready to get on with her day. I give her a kiss and hug as she rushes out of the van. She turns around for one last smile and wave, as the door closes between us. This episode has repeated each morning this week - except for my tears. (But they have come back just now)

The quest for independence begins at the very beginning, and each day they grow a little bit further from us. They do need us, but it changes. I find that I still need the encouragement that I find from my own mother. How about you?

Here's what I've noticed through the week of my own kids independence -
*Owen at 14 months would much rather scavenge the lunch table for his sister's leftovers than eat the same thing when I put him in his high chair. (and you wondered how we all got sick!) But, if he's hungry enough will still eat the baby purees in the freezer, and be very impatient as it warms.
*When running to the bathroom Sophia (3) often tells me "I don't need help" but just moments later is pleading for assistance through the closed door. All too often this results in pee on the bathroom floor. ugh
*Emmalie (4) is a sweet, sweet girl, eager to be my big helper, only to discover that she is unable to open the dryer door, or lift the heavy bag of groceries - "Mommy I need help!"
*At 8 Ella seems to have turned into a little lady overnight. She absorbs every bit of information given to her through the day, and happily presents her new information and interactions at the dinner table. Hoping that we are pleased as she tells us about her adventures.

All the while each is gaining more and more independence. Our prayer is that as we allow them to make choices, and be surrounded by others, that their dependence on Christ would deepen. I know that I cannot be in every moment, every decision, but He is! As we raise our kids with loving discipline they are molded into fully functioning people that are set apart for Christ.

While I write this as a mom the idea of them being independent of me is hard, even a shocking idea right now. In the midst of diapers and laundry, I must live day by day, but looking forward with a long-term goal as well. Do you have long-term goals for your kids?

Have a great weekend!
Blessings,
Amy

Please Excuse My Absence

An innocent summer cold . . . has turned into a bit of a problem. Including 4 sick kids and one sick mama, just in time for Ella to start 3rd grade. :)

As we are working back into our school year routine, I feel busier than previous years and I'm hoping that things will settle here real quick!
Hope you are having a great week!
Amy

Tiny Bits Quilt Top

I have a finish at last! I've been calling this my "Nod to Random" - what do you think?

I'm really looking forward to working on the cancer quilt - it will be a simple and hopefully quick finish :) Did I tell you that they were giving those kits away for people to just bring back? It's a great way to get people involved!

Jenna's working on her binding, with less than a week left here, I'm excited for her to see the finished product!

I am Thankful : : 1

In light of my recent funk, and other stuff that doesn't get posted here. I've decided I need to be more aware of the blessings in my life! I have put a good bit of thought into the idea lately that I need to be content where God has put me, and the best way I can become content is by being thankful for the blessings that He has given me.

I am thankful for : :

1 : My husband, who loves us and works hard to provide for us.
2: My children, who are healthy and love each other.
3: A safe home, with air conditioning (yep, it's hot again).
4: The ability to be home with my kids.
5: Support of our family and friends.

You are welcome to join me in being thankful! I would love to know the blessings in your life - leave a comment and let me know :) Or post your own list.

I'm thinking this will be a regular post at least weekly, maybe more if I feel whiny and need to reflect on the good things instead of the tension. I'm sure there will be silly ones too - anything goes I just need to be more aware of the good :)

Have a great Monday!
Blessings -
Amy

Uh - Oh!

The last couple of days have started to feel like fall!

I'm not ready.

I've woken up yesterday and today huddled under our down comforter (no quilt there, yet) with that cool crisp air that reminds me that it will be cold before I know it. I was just telling you how hot it was here, and now all the sudden I have to rummage through the closets looking for pants that fit all the kiddos. My girls are probably fine, but Owen doesn't have the same hand-me-down ability as they do :)

Oh well! It will most likely be hot again next week, but the nights will continue to be cold. So I need to begin to prepare myself now. This is my favorite picture of all 4 kids outside last winter. They were sitting on top of 2.5 - 3 feet of snow :)

In quilting news - I've been working on my tiny bits this morning I will have more pictures soon, but it is slow going - just because there's so many pieces!

Blessings -
Amy

I'm Truly Honored!

Well Marrdy just made my Friday! I was already having a good day too :) It's quite a bit cooler out and no rain this week, so we packed up and spent an hour or so at the park. Everyone is happy and tuckered out! But Marrdy a fellow Utah blogger has given me this award! This is my first :) I'm so glad that you enjoy reading Marrdy and I hope you do give quilting a try - I really enjoy it!
Oh! and as Marrdy is local she's picked up on my name, Park City is actually just up the hill from where we live. I started using the name parkcitygirl as a sign in and it has stuck! We are up there all the time and feel more connected up there with friends and family, but being a resort town, it's way too expensive to live up there for us :)
As a recipient of this Bloggy Award, I'm required to do the following:

1. The winner can put the logo on his/her blog.
2. Link to the person you received your award from.
3. Nominate at least 7 other blogs for the award.
4. Put links to those blogs on yours.
5. Leave a message on the blogs of the people you have nominated.

So on to the nominations! All friends via blogland, but some I know in "real life" too! All are inspiring in different ways - these are my first reads in bloglines :)

1 - Jaimie is the author of "The Wonder Years"

2 - Katie at " Musings of a Mamma of Many"

3 - Corrina of "No Crying Over Spilled Milk"

4 - Melissa over at "Whatknot"

5 - Dana is in charge at the "Old Red Barn Co."

6 - Beki is the "artsy-crafty babe"

7 - Tipper always has a history lesson at "Blind Pig & The Acorn"

It is so amazing to me how much you can learn from friends online! Each of these ladies has been an encouragement to me, either in my relationships, with my kids, or inspiring me to keep on sewing and trying something new! If you haven't seen these blogs yet or lately go check them out! They are all Brilliant :)

Have a good weekend!
Amy

Nine Years

Today is our wedding anniversary! Nine years ago today, Joe and I were married :) We were both relieved that we were actually married, the weeks leading up to it were hectic and fun. I thought that in honor of our day I would share 9 things about US. . .
1 - We met while on a three week missions trip with our school. I had just finished my Junior year and Joe his Freshman.

2 - We didn't really get along, or even like each other at first, but married just a year later!

3 - We are both the oldest child in our families, which played out in #2, and we have our moments day to day where it is obvious. :)

4- We wrote letters for three months and got to know one another, prior to dating. (He went home to Utah while I was in So. California for the summer).

5 - We decided before we got married that we wanted to be parents within 2 years. . .

6 - Ella, our oldest is our honeymoon baby. Not on purpose - but we were so blessed when she arrived, and everyday since. :)

7 - We love to laugh together, and at each other!

8 - Our favorite movie together is Return to Me.

9 - We look forward to being old together, sure that we will still be laughing!

Jenna is quilting today and will be sticking around to babysit while we get to have a movie/dinner date. Hope you all have a great day -
Amy

Another Project

I was recently searching for local shops online and found Elaine's Quilt Block. While on their site I discovered quilt kits for cancer patients. I managed to get to Salt Lake and pick one up! It is complete with pattern and backing fabric - should be no trouble at all :)
And it is Funky Monkey fabric! Really cute - needless to say I am excited to work on this project :)

Tiny Bits

Here's the mess that I have created for myself! Tons of tiny hourglass blocks :) I really have had fun working with them, there's just lots to work with. And here's the layout:
I had considered making it random, but with only 4 different blocks, it wouldn't end up very random. And I am a concrete sequential and random is hard for me! I believe I have enough to make a baby quilt 36" square. And then I can send it off to a friend with a new baby :)

Happy Tuesday -
Amy

Work In Progress :)

I have spent a good chunk of time yesterday and today pinning. Pinning while watching the Olympics! Good clean fun - now I just need to peel myself away from the tube and get to the sewing machine.
There's about 150 sets awaiting sewing - I like to keep everything at the same stage of "production." I guess it brings a bit of continuity to a project for me :)

Have a good evening and thanks for your encouragement yesterday!
Amy

Off

This week I've just felt - off. No real explanation, just off. My sewing machine was put away for a whole week! That could have something to do with it. . . but more of me thinks it has to do with life circumstances and changes. School is around the corner here (19th) and the summer seems to have flown by! So much that I wanted to do with the kids but haven't done, for one ($) reason or another. I have also felt a bit isolated lately, since January I haven't really had many mom type friends here locally to share life with. My family is my life, I cherish each waking (and sleeping,) moment, wanting to enjoy this time in our lives. I'm not really sure where I'm going with all of this - I needed to share where I am. Looking back it will be good to see where I've come from and through. I know that He is not finished with me yet, unfortunately the unknowns are hard to get past at the moment. Keep me in your prayers as I continue to work through "stuff" - thanks :)

I do know that I am thankful for the friends I have here! Being a part of your life, and having you involved in mine is so fun! I was able to get my sewing machine out today (finally), as we left for the park this morning - it started raining! That rarely happens in the mornings around here (in the desert) but it was a wet day, the second time we left the house, we really got rained on too! No park time today, but we did find flip-flops for .50 for my girls :) I have been working on the tiny hourglass blocks, hopefully I will have something to show for the 3 hours I spent ironing this evening!
Have a good weekend -
Amy

Success!

Jenna spent the day here again - and managed to finish her quilt top! Doesn't it look great?!I have been off my computer the last couple of days so I need to go catch up in bloglines and see what you all have been up to -
See you soon!
Amy

I've Been Baking!

My Joe turns 30 tomorrow! Yes I am about 1 year older than he - this has been the source of tons of jokes. The day that I turned 25, I was over the hump and nearly 30! When I finally turned 30 it wasn't a big deal :) Now it's his turn! We celebrated last night with some family and friends, and we are doing it again tomorrow! Schedules! Deep down I'm really glad to celebrate his birthday twice - it is such a special day why not spread it out a bit. Plus it is more reasons to bake!

For the crowd last night Joe requested lasagna. I have an incredible spaghetti sauce that is a staple through winter, but rarely make lasagna - it's a lot of work! I made that on Saturday along with the traditional rainbow cake, again per his request. Oh and Joe took all three girls camping over Saturday night - Owen was distressed by the quiet house, but I was soaking it up! Sunday I got going right away and started a loaf of bread, to go with lasagna - yum. Made frosting, and a second, alternate loaf of bread. I haven't baked so much in a while! In fact I've avoided it as I'm trying to work off my baby weight :)

When Joe and the girls got home at 2 in the afternoon I was so pleased with myself! The house was ready, the food was ready and I was able to enjoy some time hearing the girls' adventures. They always have a blast camping with Daddy! Next time we will have to go for more than one night - so Owen and I can go too!

Today I spent mostly with the kids, and a light-hearted book. Just having a little down time after all that cleaning/baking. Also today - Emmalie found a pony bead while playing outside, with Ella, and decided it belonged up her nose! About 5:30 she came running inside crying, Ella calls up "Em put a bead up her nose!" Uh-oh! She is such an emotional little girl, so first point of action was to settle her down, "breathe" I tell her. Then find the tweezers and flashlight - the thing was not budging. We tried getting her to blow it out. Nothing was working, and we didn't want to push it up further and cause problems! Thankfully Joe was home (he worked 'til 9, most of last week) I packed up Owen and Emmalie after trying our local office on the phone, to no avail. A couple of months ago a walk-in clinic opened at one of the local dr. offices, thankfully otherwise the other option is ER - uck! The good news is the bead is no longer in Emmalie's nose, the bad news is I paid a $20 co-pay to have the dr. get Em to blow it out! Poor thing was really scared that she was going to get a shot and just wanted out of there!

For tomorrow the girls decided that we should make a chocolate cake, and Joe requested steak, and baked potatoes for dinner. A good and simple meal, for me at least - it's on the grill, and that's his domain :) I'll see you back here later!
Amy

Experimentation

First off - Hello to all of you who have visited via Quilting Bloggers! I will have to go check out more of your blogs :)

I kept two baggies full of tiny triangles from when Jenna was cutting the corners off of her snowballs. I just couldn't watch all those beautiful scraps go to waste! So now I have put together a couple of blocks so I can hopefully decide where to go next with them.

Did I mention how tiny they are? These completed blocks are 3" and 2 1/2" - almost square! Right now I am leaning toward the hourglass. For a couple of reasons, less room for trouble, and I really like the pattern they create when put together. I've been wanting to do an hourglass anyway but I really wanted to experiment with the pinwheels. I think I will save those for a larger set of triangles :)

I have no idea how big of anything I can get with these little 2 1/2" blocks, but maybe they can become pin cushions, or a bag, or placemats. . . any other suggestions?

I am off to collect my sewing from the kitchen, and put it away upstairs for a few days. My Joe is turning 30 next week, and I need all the space I can get in the kitchen while baking, and entertaining :) Have a great weekend!
Amy