Being a Mom

To all the moms and hopeful moms who come to this space -

Being a mom is the most rewarding and challenging title ever!  The days are full and full of everyone's needs - and yet I would not trade where I am right now, for anything.  There's something about the spontaneous big hugs, and thoughtfully chosen toys for presents, that makes me love them all the more.  I am blessed.  I pray that you are blessed this day as well - hugs and Happy Mother's Day!

My sweet kiddos :)

Amy
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Little Things

It's the little things that make me happy most days.  Like the five minutes that all four kids get along each day, or a empty kitchen sink (it's not right now).

Or the little tulips gathered from the yard.

And inspiration for, yet another quilt.

I just love the colors in this couples photographs!  They have a gallery in Park City.

All these little things, (and a few more) bring smiles to my face, and my heart over the course of the day.  What's making you smile today?

Amy
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Bits and Pieces & A Winner!

I'm feeling a bit scattered!  I have lots of things that NEED to get done and a few that I really want to get done - isn't that how it usually goes?  I had a couple of hours to myself Friday evening and decided to cut into some fabric for this bag -

The fabrics are Amy Butler Love, and I love it!  Sadly my machine has been overused in the last 6 months, and needs a tune-up. I have no problem piecing, but multiple layers of fabric and interfacing - not happening.  So that's going back on the bottom of the list, until I can part with my machine long enough to have it serviced.  Just imagine no pins holding the lining in place and that polka dot strap attached on the sides :)

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This is the big news in the house!

Owen is growing up!  No more diapers here - YAY!  We've had two dry days, with no accidents - even dry naps!  He's enjoying his M&M's in this shot - I love new diaper-free bums in underwear :)  Now to stalk up on boys undies!

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The winner of last week's giveaway from Reannalily Designs --

Congratulations to Renee of Treasures of Joy!  She won, 3 patterns and Seamingly Accurate from Jen - thank you Jen!

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This week is Spring Break, and spring is finally here - yay! First crocus' are blooming in my backyard, and tulips are up getting ready to bloom too.  My parents will be here for a visit on Wednesday, so a little purging and cleaning is needed.  My girls are motivated to help since they know who is coming - shouldn't be too bad :)  I also have one more quilt to piece, and I'm thinking about/planning for the Blogger's Quilt Festival, coming next month!  Big exhale - one day at a time :)

Blessings~
Amy
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On My Mind

Hi there!  I've been so glad to hear from so many of you, making the move with me easily here :)  I love to know that this space is part of your morning/daily routines, and thanks for the profile pic love!  I had my hair cut and colored by a professional.  A nice treat and I had to document it!

Last week I went to a guild meeting to share my quilts - I had fun talking with fellow quilters, and meeting a blog friend!  Emily invited me to share a while back, thankfully it worked out after my deadline, unfortunately Joe was called for Jury Duty the very same day!  Not wanting to bail on Emily, I packed up the kids and made the drive - I'm so glad I did too!

Emily put together this sweet basket of goodies :)  you should know that all the chocolate is now gone, and one cake mix was put to good use as cupcakes the next day!  But I can't bear to open those fat quarter rosettes - too cute!

Sweet cupcake pincushion - will serve as a reminder of the fun afternoon among quilters :)  Thank you for having me Emily!!
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I wanted to tell you about a slew of giveaways going on!

Kelly at I Have a Notion is celebrating one year of business with a month of giveaways - be sure to add her to your reader and check in daily to see what she's giving away!  I put my name in the hat a few times already :)

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One more thing - a few month back Joe found himself a pair of nice cowboy boots.  I laughed at first, 7 years in a small town and he finally caves, but then he kept telling me how comfortable they are!  I looked online to see what sort of offerings for ladies - just in case. . . over the weekend we were in Salt Lake, and happened on a sale.  I just wanted to try a few pair, but now these are mine!

They fit like a glove!  And don't read too cowboy :)  They have applique, distressed leather, and a nice pointy toe - what do you think?  Are you laughing at me?  Honestly, it's okay if you are :)

Hope you are having a great day!
Blessings ~
Amy
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More About Me

 I have a question for you, but first, I thought I would tell you a little more about me.

Life of a stay-at-home mom (sahm) is not all bon-bons and manicures is it!?  Prior to our move to Utah 7 years ago, I was working full time in a Financial Aid Office at a private university in Orange County, California.  There was always lots to do, recognition for a job well done, and I had a great boss and co-workers. Joe was working through the Master's program and home with Ella.

Moving to Utah was good, but hard.  Our small town has 2 grocery stores, no mall, and snow for half the year - big shock to the system!  Couple that with now being the one to stay home - I was ecstatic, but a little lonely.

Since being home I've always looked for ways to help with the "bottom line" of our family finances.  And done lots to help with the church Joe was pastoring, financial books, bulletins, etc. . . in the midst of having babies, and taking care of stuff - I lost myself.  I was the one taking care of everyone else, leaving no time, no energy for myself.  Sound familiar?

When I started quilting in earnest, I found more and more of myself.  Uncovering the layers, if you will.  I found this amazing online community, shortly after loosing our church community, and dove right in.  I set up this blog, an etsy shop, and began leaving comments everywhere!  There is so much inspiration to be had in the community, and I'm doing my best to soak it all up, and make connections.

As I became more and more inspired, a sketch book started filling up with quilt ideas, stuff I haven't seen online.  In these moments of sketching a goal formed, a goal that supports my desire to help support the family, and find self-fulfillment at the same time!   My goal to sell patterns lead me to writing a book, and the ideas haven't stopped flowing yet!

So my question --

Do you have goals?  Do you have a dream?  Aim high and make baby steps toward it! 

I would love to know your dreams.

 Amy

The pictures are a few that Joe has taken around town this week.

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Super Full Week!

Hi there!  It has been one of those weeks, where everything happens - all at once!!  I've had scheduled posts, filling in the gaps for my busyness, which is great since I have no sewing that I can share with you :( 

Tuesday I had lunch with Natalia and Amy, (I met Amy last year).  Amy came up from Salt Lake, where she's visiting her mom, with her kiddos and we all congregated at my house.  Soup for the ladies, Mac&Cheese for the kids - we had such a blast, talking, talking, talking for 3 hours, while the kids played!   If you have a chance to meet up with a blog friend ever - I highly encourage it!  It's nerve-wracking at first, but the jitters pass as soon as you start chatting :)

With my book my initial plan was to quilt all my projects myself - thankfully Natalia saw the trouble I was getting myself into before I did, and I've been taking them to her (my deadline is getting really close!).  It was hard at first to relinquish that control, but after getting my first two quilts back this week I am SO happy to have her quilt them!  Amazing quilting and she's fast!!  She's quilting them faster than I can crank out the tops :)

Today it's snowing like mad, and I've switched vehicles with Joe again, as he has further to drive in the fluffy white stuff.  I've already shoveled once, and the truck just slid down the driveway a little - ack!!  Guess I need to get out there again!  Of course I'd rather stay in and get more sewing done :)

I have no pictures today a snowy scene out my window from my computer.  Hopefully the plow comes by again soon!

Blessings ~
Amy

PS - there's a book giveaway and fabric giveaway going on!  And tomorrow I will have the first Featured Blogger from the Quilt Festival!  Stay tuned :)

PPS - I've nominated for an award by multiple bloggers!  Thank you!!  But I don't think I will have a chance to play along :(  You guys are the best!

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Goals for 2010 + Big News!

Looking back at the last year, I'm thankful for this blog, and the relationships I've made here, if it weren't for all of you blogging wouldn't be as much fun!  I did manage to do a few things on my list from last year, and the other items remain goals. I'm ok with that!  Thinking up the Blogger's Quilt Festival has opened lots of new doors and taught me that it doesn't hurt to ask, if you need help just ask!


Looking forward to 2010, it is the year of making dreams come true!  Not as many sleepless nights - I have been able to put my sketchbook ideas to fabric. Want to know why?

I'm working on a book!  I submitted a proposal, last spring, and they actually liked it :)  Huge boost of confidence for me!  With this book my desire to inspire others to create continues to be fulfilled and the possibilities are reaching farther than I had ever expected!  I can't share any details yet, but as soon as I can you all will be the first to know!  My deadline is March 5 - so I'm working like a crazy lady until then :)

My concrete goals for 2010 --
1- finish writing my book and creating all the samples, on time!
2- continue the Blogger's Quilt Festival, and do it well.
3- set up a .com for this space.
4- continue to grow as a quilter.
5- inspire others to trust their creativity, and enjoy the process.

I'm really excited about this year - it's going to be a wild ride :)  Thank you to all of your comments and emails over the last year - I love how this community supports each other!
Amy

(The pictures are highlights of my projects in 2009!)

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Monday's Highlights

Sophia, Owen, Emmalie, and Gabriella

Of course my snow bunnies are big part of my highlight! And of course the reason for my constant running to and fro. The day started with a student council meeting for Ella, a half-hour before school starts, then a coffee for me. We stayed in the car and dropped Emmalie off back at the school. Sophia, Owen and I stopped in at home, to check email and grab a snack - you know they are never full - then went back to school for Kindergarten centers. One hour well spent with attention loving Kindergartners :) My little ones play for an hour in the classroom, it works!

That's Sophia walking back to get another sled. Our street is piled high with snow!

Since we had just 40 minutes until Emmalie was done for the day, we went to the grocery store. I needed to restock the dairy department of my fridge! It was a little too early to wait for Em, so we ran home again, kids stayed in the car, while I put away groceries and shoveled the driveway real quick. It was just at freezing yesterday, and I managed to clear our north facing driveway! (Never again, north facing driveway!) Back to get Emmalie and home - I changed in to my sweats, made lunch, everyone ate and was happy, then Owen went down for a nap.

Ella was trying to help Owen go down on the sled with her - he went on his belly.

Em and Sophia played nice together while I cleaned the kitchen floor (our socks were getting dirty from it - eww!) Sadly playing nice together, wasn't quiet - Owen came down within an hour of going up for a nap, but it was almost time to get Ella so - Oh well for naptime :(

Again and again! The sled hill was made by the snowplows.

Off we went to get Ella, and stop at the post office - thankfully the line was not too long. I was in and out in 5 minutes! We got home, and everyone was excited to play outside. I recently outfitted Owen in some small boots for his sister and the purple snowsuit that she out grew too - he was so happy to play with his sisters!


So really the highlights are the pictures of my kids playing outside, the picture of me would have been - tired mama, with camera and tea in hand. But they are always a little more relaxed inside when they have a chance to run around outside!

Later Owen and Sophia were jumping on the bed (they know not too) and Owen got a big bloody nose - it all went downhill for him until he fell asleep on daddy while watching football.
Blessings ~
Amy

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4 Ways to Stay Warm This Winter!

We have had a week of frigid temperatures, I'm not complaining really, but I have to stay warm! So here's a fun post for you --

1 - Wear your warmest down jacket, over your second warmest down jacket, with a scarf from mom too.When we first moved here from Southern California, I needed the biggest warmest jacket I could find - I was never warm! Now I mostly wear the lighter of the two, this week I've doubled up when taking the girls to school at -10F.

2 - Good boots.Those ugg boots don't work for me here - I need traction so I don't land on my bum outside! These are a pair of North Face boots I got on Steepandcheap a couple years ago. They zip up the back, making them a quick and easy boot!

3 - Our wood stove is the best! Today out of desperation I split kindling and built my first fire of the season.
Joe usually enjoys building the fire, but had to get out the door too quickly this morning.

4 - Lots of snuggle time under lots of quilts!

Most of my quilts I fill with cotton batt (warm & natural) but I have one with primaloft - and it is my favorite this time of year! Always toasty warm.

That's my list! What do you do to keep warm!?

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Do It Now

It's assumable that I repeat this phrase to my kids daily (I do), but I also find myself telling me - Do it now!

This is true of the 2 baskets of laundry waiting to be folded, the 2 hampers full waiting to be washed, the dishwasher that needs to clean more dirty dishes, and the floors that never seem to stay clean.

It's also true of the seams that need to be ironed, the few junctions that don't match and need to be unpicked and re-sewn.

There are times when I just ignore it all and work on what's in front of me, but quite often - I just do it! How else is it going to get done?

What should you be doing?

I'm headed back to my sewing station for a few more minutes :)

Amy

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Sew-n-Tell

I must say - your response to yesterday's post has been amazing! Thank you for all your answers and questions, and being so encouraging. I will take my turn after I show you this --

I finished this one off in a mini quilt - it measures 8" square. I love it! I decided my larger colorwheel needs to be put in a frame, I want to protect it from dust and kids! But this one will hang out :)




I couldn't stop doing the embroidery on Sunday when I took the pictures for the stitching tute! Football was on, my self inflicted "homework" had been completed the day before and I just sat, and stitched. It really is that sort of easy project, and seeing the colors come together as I went around is a bit addicting. Especially since it is so small :)

There's a list of everyone making a color wheel on my sidebar if you would like to see how others are approaching this project.


My own answers --

The last book I read, well I have a post about it next week . . . hold that thought! I think I will make a huge list of all the books suggested and compare notes. Do you all know paperbackswap? It's free, and a great recycle project for the books that take up too much room in your house. I suggest searching by ISBN if there's a specific book that you are looking for :)

I usually do 10-14 loads of laundry each week - I am thankful for the large front load machine that we upgraded to when I was expecting Owen. We don't keep tons and tons of clothing on hand for each child, and usually need to wash their clothing mid-week again. It works!

Shopping on Etsy is fun and pretty simple, but I don't do enough of it! I usually look at something and think "I could make it though" and "I don't really have $xxx to spend" so I continue on. I do like to shop fabric prices on there occasionally, and love (like many of you) the beautiful jewelry offered.

Seriously - Thank you - for all of your input yesterday. Be looking for a day in my life on Monday, and have a great weekend!

Blessings ~
Amy

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Wishes

I do my best to be content with what I have each day, and not covet. But some days it is SO hard!

Here's a brutally honest picture for you -- my computer/desk space.I've been spending so much time here - I need to purge again! One of my wishes is a netbook, so I can sit on the couch and browse the quilt festival. Not to mention orchestrate it :) Today I'm feeling a little under the weather with a head cold - making it even more desirable.

My other wish is lots of Amy Butler Love! Dresses, quilts, bags - I would love to make it all with a bit of this fabric - I love the depth of color and those flowers are so fabulous!

So I just wanted to share before I imploded :) I'm going to keep wishing - do you have any wishes? I'd love to know!

Blessings -
Amy

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Please Excuse Me -

While I quickly recover from a case of the sniffles. It seems to happen easily this time of year around here - the daily temperatures flux from 70 and 80 to 30 and 40 on a daily basis, and the body just has a hard time keeping up!

Ella and I stayed on the couch as much as possible, entertained with a good book, cartoons, and the regular antics of the kiddos. I've gotten good about excusing my kids from school, and should do the same for myself and my responsibilities. Thankfully the laundry is mostly caught up!

Hopefully I have the stamina to quilt soon, she's basted and waiting for me :)

Amy

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Our 10th Wedding Anniversary!

We were married 10 years ago today, well tonight. We had an evening, candlelight ceremony in Poulsbo, Washington where I grew up. It was beautiful and just as planned, but more than anything I was so happy that the day had come and we were married at the end of it!

10 years seems like a long time, but I know that they are a small portion of our lives together. Over the years we have laughed together (a lot!), cried together, prayed together, pushed each other to be better people, weathered storms together, and made beautiful babies! I'm so excited to see what God has for us in the next 10, 20 and 30 years!

I love you Babe~
Amy
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21 : : Our Mornings

Since school has been out, I've been working on my own morning routine. Which means going to bed prior to midnight :) Now that everyone sleeps through the night - I have no excuse! A new stroller arrived yesterday, I have been saving for it for a while, and now regular walks are part of our morning routine!

Hope your day is going well ~
Amy
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New Cut!

I've been cracking up with all the comments I've had the last few days! A few of them really are plain gross too - next time I may think a little harder about the sort of comments I ask for :) I was hoping to not get bored - that's all!

Today I finally managed to get a haircut - I've been overdue for a couple of months. It feels really nice to have it all cut off again! I'm not at all attached - can you tell?
Yes, I know there's root's in there - I'd rather buy my color in a box and spend the rest on fabric - Thank you! At least you can't see most of the gray right now :) A fun bob to get me through the coming summer. **Question for anyone that is a beautician - why do some seem to be anti thinning with a razor?? My hair needs it, the thinning shears only thin the ends- it seems. I'm mostly curious :)

Ella had her last day of third grade today, on the way this morning she told me she didn't want it to be the last day. She misses her friends during the summer. I'm looking forward to getting outside with the kids and having fun! Last year Owen was just 1 and a good napper - I'm just beginning to see the benefits of not having a baby around anymore. Now to get him out of diapers . . .


I took a bunch of self-portraits, and I'm thinking this will be in my profile for a while.

Happy Weekend ~
Amy

PS - I haven't gotten any cutting/sewing done yet this week! I've been busy looking through all the giveaways and keeping up with the kids :) I think today is the day!


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Looking Ahead

I'm not one to set resolutions. I do have goals, but they have been formulating much longer than the week prior to New Years'. I'm sure there are many of you that can relate. I thought I would share my goals here and look back next year to see how far I've come -

- First and foremost I want to be the best mom and wife that I can be to my family. Even when it means putting off this post until the 4th :)

- I have many quilt designs that I want to make, and see in reality not just paper.

- I think I may want to learn to crochet. . . maybe with felting yarn!?

- And I want to do more embroidery.

- I need to learn how to take better care of my computer. I don't know/do regular maintenance, to keep it happy.

- I would like to take better pictures. Do you know of a good photog blog?

- I would like to contribute, from home, to our family's bottom line. I need to find my niche on etsy. . . also in that vein, I've added advertising here. I figure it's worth a shot! If it offends you, I'm sorry, please ignore the ads. However, if you find something interesting please click through. My thought is that I need to give it a solid 6 months and then reevaluate. I'll keep you posted :)

- I want to work on writing my posts better too - half the time I'm rushing and come back later to find my grammar/sentence structure a mess! Oops - I'm working on it :)

- I have baby weight to loose, and I'm pretty sure this is the year to do it! I really want pictures with my kids that I can be proud of. So no pop, baked goods, chips . . . I piled in the produce today at the store :) And finding ways to exercise inside right now - our neighborhood looks like a war zone through winter with all the snow piled up. No sidewalks, well at least not stroller - worthy sidewalks. (And it's cold, like -5 right now)

I pray that you are blessed in this coming year, and I look forward to getting to know you more. Thanks for being great friends -

Amy

PS - I did get a quilt top finished! I need to iron it and then I can post with pictures - tomorrow.

I Am Thankful : : 8

It seems I have avoided this place for much of the week. This year has been full of ups (mostly our children) and downs. As you know I am always thankful for the big and little blessings in my life - I AM blessed. But this Thanksgiving was different - in so many ways. I didn't want to be a wet blanket for anyone else, and haven't been sure how to express myself - so I didn't. We were blessed to be with good friends for the holiday, and there was tons of good food too!

I guess I miss our church family most of all. Being around a table of 20+ people, young and old, coming each with something delicious to share. It's been that way for 5 years, and now being here still without that family is hard. I know that God will see us through this time, He continues to provide for our every need, and even a few wants.

I'm not sure where to go with this at the moment - just needed to get it out . . . cherish those around you, never take them for granted, and tell them how blessed you are to have them in your life. I need to make a couple of phone calls myself.

Be blessed~
Amy

I Am Thankful for
~ My husband
~ My children
~ A loving God
~ Good friends
~ Creative therapy

For Me

I know that they could have used it though, they have been at each other's throats since 7:30 this morning. Rest time. I'm sure some of you are thinking "What she hasn't been having rest time!?"

In my defense - for the last 5 years almost, I have had a baby and a napper, who would both go down for a nap in the afternoon. And the bedrooms up stairs are right next door to one another - causing one to keep the other up, if rest time were to go awry. So I haven't done rest time.

Today - I'm losing it and it's only noon. Emmalie and Sophia, only 17 months apart, are both independent and smart little girls. Many days they play together without trouble, other days they are trying their hardest to bug the other. That was the scenario today :)

So I implemented rest time, for me! A little time to clear my head, eat some lunch (while it's still warm) and throw another load of laundry in. As I type, Owen is not napping, but Sophia and Emmalie are quiet, and as quickly as it started it will end - it's nearly time to go get Ella :)

Thanks for checking in on me, I'll be back soon ~ Amy

One Day at a Time

A neighbor (without kids) said to me in the middle of the grocery store with my kids - "I don't know how you do it." She had a smile, but I could see that she was concerned/amazed. Whenever we are together in public, my kids do alright, this day they were two in the cart and two out, and I was fielding three questions at once, as usual. They know that they are to sit, when in the cart, and hold on to the side when walking. We've been very consistent so that they know that it doesn't change. After answering the questions and setting Owen down again (he's still learning) I looked at her and said "One day at a time."

It really is that simple for me, I will say that not every day is easy, or fun. But thankfully I get to start each day new and fresh each morning. Some days I have more time to myself, some days I am just grateful for the 5 minutes in the shower alone. Some days the noise will not stop, and others are peaceful and harmonious. There's time when I could cry just thinking about all that is on my plate and other times I cry because it goes so fast. I am so thankful that in Christ each day is a new day, and He is beside me with every step. All the hugs and kisses that I get each day make everyday beautiful. I love each of my kids so much!

I pray that you are having a good day - be blessed!
Amy