My most sincerest apologies

So sorry to my blogland friends for leaving you so high and dry. It's official I've been back at work full time for a month. It's been quite the adventure getting back into the swing of things, full time that is. I really like my new job and company, I mean really! It took alot for me to make the decision to go back to work full time. But not only is it a great job at a great company, it provides my family some additional financial security in these crazy times.

On top of my creative time being slashed, the Munchkins requested hand knitted scarves from their Mommy. Mommy guilt goes so far....so in a matter of 30 days I've whipped out two scarves for the Munchkins. All they need is fringe. Both Munchkins are so excited.

On the quilting front, I started making raw edge yo yos out of the remaining hundreds of 5" squares from my Quilt Guild's fabric exchange two years ago. One day it will become a spectacular wallhanging. It's a nice long term project of handwork that I can focus on while watching tv with my family. I've decided that I'm going to start another wall hanging project soon. It's one I bought from my friend Colleen at the beginning of the year. Basically, it's the fabric cutting that has me stumped. I hate cutting fabric....peanut gallery? Anyone else hate cutting fabric?

And of course, Happy Thanksgiving! It was so nice having a long weekend and relaxing (and sleeping in). The Christmas decorations are going up later than usual and I have to admit that I'm alittle overwhelmed by it all. I'm trying hard to fight my natural personality and stop working on them when it isn't fun anymore. The 14ft tree goes up this weekend, or not. I learned this weekend I don't need to set too aggressive goals...cause frankly I'd much rather spend time throwing a frisbee with the family than making sure the tree goes up in two days. It will get done.

So hopefully y'all had a wonderful and happy holiday with family and friends. Can't wait for the Man in the Red Suit to arrive...I'll have some fun pictures to post soon...stay tuned.

Workin' 9 to 5

Just a quick post to say, I went back to work full time this week. Workin' for the man, again. Not much sewing done, but I did start knitting a scarf for the oldest Munchkin. Yay! Weekend update on creative exploits on Sunday....stay tuned.

My mom gave me a penny....

Bazooka is DONE! It was delivered yesterday to my niece for her birthday. She loved it. It was a great feeling knowing that this quilt came entirely from my stash and scraps except for the Kona pearl pink cotton.

The pieced back made it a two sided quilt.
On a different note, our Halloween dinner was delicious. The roast had alittle too much Rosemary(I'll cut down on it in the future), but everything was nummy.

The Munchkins had a blast trick or treating in the misty, rainy, cold of the night.
And finally, I swore I would never be a person who dressed up my dog, but with such a cute Chihuahua how could I resist. My mother and niece say Evey has the "devil in her," so this costume was a natural choice.
Y'all have a good week!

An Autumn Dinner

So I rarely post about cooking, because there always seems like something else to write about, but today is different. I enjoy cooking and before there were other hobbies and distractions would often cook full and various meals. But life gets busy and the creative cooking falls to the wayside for quick and easy dishes that me, Hubbie, and the Munchkins all enjoy.

I truly consider today, Halloween, the kickoff to autumn. Living in the South has taught me that my fall usually starts around now, cool mornings, changing leaves, and dark evenings starting earlier and earlier.

In an effort to celebrate MY start to the season and to give the Munchkins full bellies for Trick or Treating, I'm cooking dinner.

Asian Salad - spinach, red peppers, carrots, green onions and Asian sesame dressing
Maple Glazed Stuffed Pork Roast (stuffing includes apples)
Roasted Vegetables - eggplant, mushrooms, onions, garlic, and zucchini
Cresent Rolls (for Nugget)
Pumpkin Bread for dessert

I'll be sure to let y'all know how it all turns out. Happy Halloween!

My newest addiction....

....playing with clipart and customizing it for myself. It's almost as fun as actually creating real life quilts.
Bazooka is in the sewing machine now. I started quilting it last night. Niece's birthday is Sunday so I have a hard stop!

A Shot of Quilting Mojo

After I found my Quilting Mojo, I decided I needed to create my version of a shot of Quilting Mojo. This is more my speed.
Ok, you can say it,"You've got too much time on your hands." I know. But I can't help myself from playing with clipart and photos! Quilting update to come shortly....

Quilters in Stitches - What a grand time!

Well I did it. Last night was my first paid speaking engagement to a guild. Colleen (you remember my going-out-of-business-online-fabric-store friend) and I trekked across three counties to join the lovely quilters of the Quilters in Stitches Quilt Guild. My program title, Oh My Blog!

After numerous conversations with many members of my own guild, Chattahoochee Evening Stars, about blogging and all the fantastic resources for crafters and quilters online, my friend Sheila invited me to come speak to her guild. After spending more than a year online, I love sharing all the "finds" I've found and getting other quilters excited about joining the blogsphere. These ladies were very nice and friendly, and very interested in my adventures online. So "Thank you" QIS, y'all were a great audience and I hope to find you online soon.

And on a side note, I'm admitting here that, yes, I did buy more fabric from Colleen. I swear I see something new everytime. These are some 1950's reproductions....another quilt to make, sigh.