Friday Night Sew In

Pictured below are some projects that I sew during the Friday Night Sew In. Now to finish them this week. :)



This was a project that i have had cut out for 4 years. Time to get it quilted and up for the holidays or maybe give it as a gift to my mom.



Not happy with the borders on these two table runners. i think the borders needed to be darker. Oh well.... Maybe dark binding will help or i may applique wool snowflakes on the borders to break up the color. The borders aren't really wavy. Taking a picture on the floor.

Friday Night Sew In , etc

Thank you for the thoughtful comments on our family's loss of Sassy. My son is still struggling with the emptiness in his room but we know in time the memories will become sweet.

Thank you to Amy for the package of 1930's scraps. They are so appreciated and will be put to good use. I can't wait to start cutting some pieces in January and seeing what I still need. I think i like the 30's fabric because it reminds me of my grandmother.

I will be joining in the Friday Night Sew In. i hope to finish my Secret Santa gift and a couple of other projects too.

Elaine over at faithful Quilter is having a Second Annual Quilting Give Away.

Sassy

My son's beloved cat Sassy passed away last night. She was almost 13 1/2 years old. C. had gotten Sassy as a 5th birthday present. They had quite a bond. She would make sure she put him to bed every night and would be out of sorts when he was gone for a night or two. As C. would say Sassy would use her sailor's mouth to let him know she wasn't happy with him.

Sassy loved naps with the kids and was disappointed when they all got to the stage of no naps. She always climbed the back of the bunk beds to get up in C.'s top bunk. She loved to burrow under the blankets, especially the last few months as she was cold a lot of the time.

It always took Sassy three years to tolerate each pet that joined our family. We adopted Sassy and her brother Shadow at the same time. Shadow disappeared a year later. The kids were heart broken. A couple of years later we adopted Molly, a golden retriever. Sassy hoped he would soon leave but after 3 years learned to tolerate her.

Littles, a black and white cat that does not fit his name, joined our family a couple of years later. Again Sassy hoped he would leave but no such luck. They did come to an understanding that she was the top kitty, after 3 years. Sassy always got to eat first and made Littles wait.


Grace, a black harvanese, joined our family three years ago. Just the last few months Sassy would lay on the couch beside Grace. I think she figured if you can't beat them you might as well join them.


Sassy kept many secrets that C, shared with her, comforted him when his two best buddies left for the Marines a few months apart, made a rough day better, dried tears and gave many wonderful memories.

Sassy will be greatly missed. My heart breaks for my son today as his heart is broken by the loss of dearly loyal and faithful friend. I had the privilege of holding her while C. was at youth group last night. Sassy passed away in my arms. C. did not want her to die alone. I know she hung on so long because of her love for "her boy".

Looking for 30's scraps

I am collecting fabric for a 30's quilt. If anyone has any scraps to share, I would love to give them a home. I need all colors but also need quite a bit of red. I would love to be able to make this quilt in the new year. At a local quilt shop, they have stuff a bag for a $1 so I have collected some pieces that way. There isn't often 30's fabric in the bin since they carry mostly reproductions and country fabric but every once in awhile I get lucky.

The reluctant Entertainer

True hospitality is not about being perfect, cooking a fancy meal, or spending a lot of money. Rather, it's about an open door and an open heart. Popular blogger Sandy Coughlin offers a simple but savvy approach to help women break free of the anxieties that keep them from opening their homes. Emphasizing the forgotten goal of entertaining - connecting deeply with others - she shows how women can use the gifts and talents God gave them to reach out in love.

We just don't have the space to entertain anyone but ourselves, and honestly inviting someone into our tiny home is an embarrassment to me. I am a reluctant entertainer. Through this book, Sandy offers encouragement and ideas to help women break free of the fears that keep them from practicing hospitality. This book is full of meal ideas, party ideas, conversation starters and reassurance that it is okay that we are not all Martha Stewart. The heart of the book resounds with the message that people don't care if you or your house is perfect; they long to connect to others just like you do ( friendship is what is important). This book was such a blessing to me and an encouragement.

"True hospitality is not about being perfect" but rather about "an open door and an open heart." This book encourages women to let go of perfection and just enjoy connecting with people. This is an invaluable resource for your home.

I received this book compliment of Bethany House Publishers for my honest review.

Within My heart

Widow Rachel Boyd struggles to keep her ranch afloat and provide for her two young sons, though some days it feels as though her efforts are sabotaged at every turn. When her cattle come down with disease and her sons' lives are endangered, she must turn to Rand Brookston, Timber Ridge's physician and reluctant veterinarian. While Rachel appreciates his help, she squelches any feelings she might have for Rand--her own father was a doctor and his patients always took priority over his family. Rachel refuses to repeat the mistakes her mother made. But when she's courted by a wealthy client of the local resort, she faces a choice: self-sufficiency and security or the risk inherent in the deepest of loves.

It's mostly about letting go of the past, letting go of guilt, and allowing ourselves to be happy in the present. This is a sweet historical western romance that's bound to cause a few tears, but with an uplifting message of hope. I couldn't put this book down. It was very well written

I received this book compliment of Bethany House Publishers for my honest review.

The Vigilante's Bride

Emily McCarty has found herself in quite a predicament. Aldersgate Home For Girls in Chicago where she grew up has decided they needed her room to house 6 new girls. Miss Beecham, the director, made the decision that she would be transported out west in reply to a Chicago Daily Tribune ad for a bride. Much to her discontentment the arrangements were already made, the school already received the money; everything was taken care of. Unfortunately, the only thing Emily knew was his name and that he lived in Montana.

Bart Axel is a very wealthy rancher, but not an honest one. He's made most of his money swindling honest people out of their land, cattle and anything else in order to make a buck and gain the potential for making even more money if the railroad decides to buy the rights to the land. He's even been accused of killing his last wife, but no one has been able to prove that except to say the "accident" seems suspicious. However when he learns he is about to gain an 18 year old wife, he is more than content with his latest conquest.

Luke Sullivan has spent most of his life as an orphan being raised by Miss Molly. Now for the past few years he has joined Grant Stuart’s vigilance committee in order to keep law and order on the open ranges. Whenever cattle are stolen or breaking the law occurs, the committee is the one to deal the swift hand of justice. When Luke Sullivan learns that his family had been swindled out of the land in a bad game of cards, courtesy of Bart Axel, Luke is going to settle the score once and for all.

Upon seeing Axle's banker in Montana taking his latest "treasure" back to the ranch, Luke finds that this is the time to settle the score. However when he learns that the "treasure" is the mail order bride for Bart Axel on the stage, he isn't about to let this one go.

I really enjoyed Yvonne Harris's first historical romance. The Vigilante's Bride is fast-paced and kept me flipping the pages as fast as I could. The author provides a great balance of romance and adventure. While the book is set in the Montana Territory in 1884, the author does a great job of helping you relate to the characters as though they were in the room with you.

I received the book, The Vigilante's Bride by Yvonne Harris, compliments of Bethany House Publishers for my honest review.

In Every Heartbeat

Imagine growing up most of your life in an orphanage? Imagine that each time parents came looking for a child to adopt, you were not the one that they were looking for?

For Elisabet Conley this was her life. She spent time growing up in an orphanage at a time when most people came looking for strapping young boys that they could put to work, so hers was a time spent lonely and searching in desperation for a place to fit in. She did when she made friends with Bennett Martin and Pete Leidig, both boys in the same place as her, friends she made in the orphanage.

Pete Leidig is a cripple missing a leg that was ran over by a trolley when his parents needed money and sent him out to sell papers. Now missing a leg, his parents didn't know what to do with him so they had him sent to the orphanage as a way of solving a problem.

Bennett Martin is a muscle bound boy whose hopes and dreams in life is finally finding a place to fit in. He has always had a fondness for Elisabet or Libby as the boys have affectionately named her. Yet her caring and compassion seem to be only for Pete. Perhaps she feels overly protective of him due to his injury.

Yet when all three find themselves in the same college thanks to the orphanage sponsoring all three, each one has a goal in life to seek. For Libby it's becoming a writer, Pete wants to be a minister and Bennett, wants to join a fraternity and just have fun.

In Every Heartbeat brings a part of American history to life. It’s was not something that a woman did to have a career as a writer. And abuse behind walls make it almost impossible to prove. The three are bound by a friendship of all being the oldest at the orphanage being all three were eighteen years. Libby's parents were killed when she was young, Pete's parents threw him out at the age of seven and he fell beneath the wheels of a trolley while delivering newspapers and lost part of his leg and a foot. Bennett was just left on the streets to grow up and he never knew his parents as the other two remembered theirs

Just how will the trio survive the challenges that each will face in light of the coming World War. Will they seek what they hope to find or will this be the force that drives them apart? Find out by reading Kim Vogel Sawyer's latest novel, In Every Heartbeat

I received this amazing book compliments of Bethany House Publishers for my honest review .

Love's First Bloom

Ruth Livingston is the only living daughter of her father Reverend Livingstone, whose mission in life is to help those that society deems unworthy of help. Caught in the turbulent times of 1800's his life's mission is to help those women and young girls that have been caught up in prostitution, however when one of them is murdered suddenly, the city begins to cry out for justice and right now the only person who was with her last was Reverend Livingstone.

Trusting his daughter Ruth with Lily, the child of the murdered prostitute, he sends her away under the pretense of being the so-called prostitute in need of help along with her toddler child. She leaves her father behind hoping that he will be found innocent of all charges so she can return once more to her home and leaving her assumed life behind her.

It is hard for us to understand the trials our loving God sends us, but how would our faith grow without them? Delia Bloom weaves a beautiful story of faith in God and how God uses negative experiences to bring us to a better time in life. I truly enjoyed Loves First Bloom by Delia Bloom. I hadn’t read anything from Bloom prior to this. i would be interested in reading more by her.

I received a copy of this book courtesy of Bethany House Publishing for the purpose of reviewing. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.

City On Our Knees

Based on the hit song by the same name, the book is a compilation of stories of people who have stepped out in faith to minister to others and make a difference in their communities and, in some cases, around the world. While some of these featured activists are quite well known in the Christian faith (such as John Wesley and George Mueller), there are many other stories of those who you've likely never heard of. The stories range from the 1800s to present day, and cover a wide range of ages, backgrounds and circumstances. The common denominator is a desire to make a difference in the name of Christ.

The book is filled with stories of hope and acts of kindness in making a difference in helping orphans in Africa, victims of sex trade worldwide and so many more. This book is a beginning in a journey of what we might all be a part of.

The author has his own prayers scattered throughout, along with verses from the Bible that fit each story. I will end this review with his:

Prayer of Hope.

Dear loving God,
Help us to remember, when we begin to lose hope,
that all the darkness in the world
is just a speck in Your light,
a light that fills the universe.
when pain and confusion invade our lives,
Let us not rely on our own resources.
Instead, lead us to seek answers on our knees.
Lord, show us Your way,
Lord,lead us to Your destination.
We thank You for being our beacon of hope,
A beacon we can always see, if we will only look.
Amen.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Bethany House Book Reviewers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."

The Last Operative

Jordan Kirkwood wants to go quietly into the sunset. His career as an NSA intelligence officer has taken a significant toll. His two adult children are little more than distant acquaintances. His wife has been patient and supportive, but he knows she has deserved better. That was part of the reason they were going to London. He wanted her to see Europe like a tourist. But that was before he was given intelligence information during the recent mission to Germany. The threat is grave—bigger than 9/11. And the risk is compounded by the fact that someone inside the NSA is involved. The most hidden place in Kirkwood’s past will have to be unmasked in order to meet the challenges of this mission.

I was so involved in the story and rooting for the good guys, even if it’s not easy figuring out who the good guys are! This story will keep you up at night reading. The twists and turns in this book are unexpected. Does not turn out like you think it will. I heartily recommend this book (or any other Jenkins book) with two thumbs up! This book left me wanting more. Tyndale House Publishers has provided me with a complimentary copy of this book. The opinions are all mine. I so enjoyed reading this book. Jerry Jenkins has a way of making his reader feel

Fearless

Book Description

Each sunrise seems to bring fresh reasons for fear.

They're talking layoffs at work, slowdowns in the economy, flare-ups in the Middle East, turnovers at headquarters, downturns in the housing market, upswings in global warming. The plague of our day, terrorism, begins with the word terror. Fear, it seems, has taken up a hundred-year lease on the building next door and set up shop. Oversized and rude, fear herds us into a prison of unlocked doors. Wouldn't it be great to walk out?

Imagine your life, wholly untouched by angst. What if faith, not fear, was your default reaction to threats? If you could hover a fear magnet over your heart and extract every last shaving of dread, insecurity, or doubt, what would remain? Envision a day, just one day, where you could trust more and fear less.

Can you imagine your life without fear?

My review:

Fear. We have all had it at one time or another. Just the word conjures up images of worry and fretfulness. Will I have enough money to pay the bills or buy groceries this month? One thing is for sure, it's not hard to find. Turn on any TV, pick up any newspaper, or better yet, check your computer’s homepage and we are hit with news stories that make us fearful. Max Lucado examines thirteen of the most common causes of fear for Christians and provides a Biblical perspective for dealing with them. After reading Fearless I have a better outlook on what fear is, what it leads to and how to replace fear with faith. This is a good reminder to Christians that we do not need to be afraid if we have put our faith in Jesus Christ. Knowing that the world will continue to be full of stressful moments that can lead to fear, it’s important to remember daily Christ's promises.

review of The Butterfly Effect

The decisions you make and the way you treat others have more impact than you may ever realize.

Speaker and New York Times best-selling author Andy Andrews shares a compelling and powerful story about a decision one man made over a hundred years ago, and the ripple effect it’s had on us individually, and nationwide, today. It’s a story that will inspire courage and wisdom in the decisions we make, as well as affect the way we treat others through our lifetime. Andrews speaks over 100 times a year, and The Butterfly Effect is his #1 most requested story.

Also included with the purchase of the book is a link to view a 9-minute message of Andrews telling The Butterfly Effect story to a live audience.

It is a small gift book with a big message: What you do matters. Tracing the story of Joshua Lawrence Chamberlain, we find that our whole world would be a much different place if he had chosen a different reaction to his circumstances. Pull this one out when you need a reminder that your life matters. It inspired me to remember that, at any given moment, a choice I make could change the world.

Review of Love is a Flame

Love is a Flame

Real people. Real stories. Real love.

Happily ever after. Does it only happen in fairy tales, or in real life? Over the years love may burn strong and steady, but sometimes it grows cold. However, it can be rekindled - and these stories show how. Be inspired by true accounts of how love was revived and renewed.

You'll discover that love can grow stronger and burn brighter through the years as you read more than forty stories from everyday people like:

• Jan, whose marriage was restored despite adultery

• Marsha, who fought pornography and won

• Bryan, who realized his family, not his career, was his most important responsibility

• Emily, who learned that real love overcomes unrealistic expectations

• Jeff, who went from dissatisfaction and boredom to falling in love all over again.

The true stories in Love Is A Flame will warm your heart and show you how to create a new spark in your marriage and build it into a glowing flame. (excerpt from the back cover).

My Review:

In Love Is A Flame by Gary Chapman and James Stuart Bell, you will discover how to rekindle your marriage back into the fire it once was when you got married. It will teach you ways to do this through real life stories of couples and people just like yourself that encountered issues in their marriage that would have caused most people to walk away and show you that you can save yours if you are willing to try.

This book is wonderfully divided into unique chapters that address the common issues like the ones mentioned above so you can go directly to the source of conflict within your own marriage or perhaps help another struggle couple out of their mess with strong biblical insight coupled with real true stories.

I received this book from Bethany House Publishers for my honest review and truly believe that every married couple should have this book in their home for review and for a great resource. You may never need it but it's nice to have to provide sound biblical advice to so many marriages that are going through these issues around us. A great resource to share with hurting people that you may encounter at church, in your own family or at work.

Brown Bag Quilt Contest

Good Morning , up for a Brown Bag Quilt Contest.....if you pop over to the Stash Manicure's post you will see the details for the contest, here. Sounds like a lot of fun. I can't wait to see what fabric I get back. I will be away on vacation from Aug. 14-21 in Maine. It's our happy place.

Looking forward to the Challenge, thank you JoyLyn and Rae Ann for the chance.

Goals for July and August

These are my goals for the next 2 months.
1. Finish bag for the tote bag swap
2. Read Take Four by Karen Kingsbury
3. Enjoy 4 days on Cape Cod with hubby for our 20th anniversary
4. Walk 10,000 steps a day
5. Clean at least one room of the house-purge junk
6. Eat sensibly
7. Spend time in the Word every day.
8. Enjoy my children and look for things to praise them about.
9. Work on quilts for the boys-finish scrappy border
10. Look for a job.

A Guy's Guide to Life: How to become a Man in 224 pages or Less

A Guy's Guide to Life: How to Become a Man in 224 Pages or Less is a teenage guy's handbook to becoming a man with a healthy mind, body, and soul.What does society want of teen guys? To be independent, tough, and macho? To be a sensitive, caring metrosexual? To excel in school and sports and business? The challenges are many, and we haven't even mentioned the most important-and most frightening-topic of conversation: girls. The road to manhood is a perilous one.Guys need a guidebook, one that asks and answers the questions they're reluctant to discuss. They need a book that addresses the myths of manhood with a straightforward approach teenage guys will appreciate and absorb. Author Jason Boyett understands what many fail to realize-that somewhere between the awkwardness and braggadocio, the goofiness and the developing body, there is a real person struggling to make his mark on the world.
Mr. Boyer covers a lot of ground including peer pressure, dating, grooming, sex, sexting and relationships.He writes from a Christian perspective and advocates pre-marital abstinence from sex and encourages young men to be respectful and responsible in all areas of life.The book is divided into three main parts--Mind, Body, and Soul--each of which contains five chapters.The mind deals with peer pressure, communication and dating among other topics. The body chapter deals with grooming, health and exercise a, sex, etc. The soul chapter deals with family, friends, your faith,
The book is probably helpful to young men in their early teens. I would have liked the author to have more spiritual principles in the book. Faith seems to be a little wishy washy. Also the slang could be offensive to some readers. etc. I am not sure i would give this book to a young man to read without some guidance. There are good practical advice in there on how to shave, how to tie a necktie, etc. I see a need for this time of book in today's society. I would just like to have seen more Biblical principles.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishers as part of their BookSneeze.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 25

Quilt Top Puictures

Here finally are the pictures of my quilt top. I am not sure yet how I will quilt it. Probably something by hand. I have never really tried quilting by machine before...hence a lot of unfuinished quilt tops. I had a little trouble with the border but i am very happy with the

quilt in general.

Quilt Along-Assembling the Top

I have finished sewing the top of the quilt. I went to take a picture and the camera batteries are dead. I will try to post a picture in a few days when I get to WalMart to buy new batteries. I try not to go there to often. It seems like I always spend more than I think it will come to. I have enjoyed this quilt along and think the quilt top is very pretty.

Quilt Along-Piecing the Blocks

These are my blocks for Charming Chatter Quilt Along. http://cottoncharmquilts.typepad.com/charmingchatter/2010/06/quilt-along-piecing-the-blocks.html I am loving how they are turning out. All ready for tomorrow.

Quilt A Long Cutting

I have my fabrics all cut for the Quilt A Long. Please join us. http://cottoncharmquilts.typepad.com/charmingchatter/2010/06/quilt-along-time-to-cut.html

Charming Girls Quilt A Long

I am finally caught up with the steps and ready for tomorrow when the next steps are posted. Charming Chatter http://http//cottoncharmquilts.typepad.com/charmingchatter/2010/06/between-charming-friends-quilt-along.html has the steps posted on her website every Wednesday. It's not to late for you to join us.

I chose fresh cotton that I has won in a giveawy from A Stitch and a Prayer. I love the name of her blog.http://astitchnaprayer.blogspot.com/2010/04/200th-post-giveaway.html

May Give Away Day

Sweet P is having a wonderful giveaway in conjunction with Sew Mama Sew's May giveaway. She is offering her hand dyed wool and a wonderful pattern to go with it. i just love the feel of real wool and who doesn't love baskets.? A really great giveaway!

Inchworm Fabrics is having a great giveaway at their site. http://inchwormfabrics.blogspot.com/2010/05/give-away-in-celebration-of-mothers-day.html
We are going to have a giveaway in celebration of Mothers Day. We are going to give away a pattern of your choice and a honey bun of your choice. So that means you will have to go on the store site and choose which you like and leave us a message stating your choice. Then we will randomly pick from all that enter. This will go through the month of May. Have a Happy Mothers Day and don't forget to let your mother know you care.
Please go and take a look.

I think this would be neat to win. I have never used the Electric Quilt- just not in my budget but would love to try it out. Imagine the possibilities!

Special Opportunity for Bloggers
You may have heard Electric Quilt is soon going to be releasing EQ7? There is an opportunity for bloggers to win a copy of EQ7 to keep, plus win a copy that they could use as a giveaway on their blog. For more info on this special chance to win a copy of EQ7 software, check out the EQ blog ASAP: http://www.doyoueq.com/blog/Personally, I'm very excited. What a great opportunity.
http://www.electricquilt.com/

Quilts, Blocks and photosDigital cameras will become a quilter's best friend. EQ7 has dozens of ways to turn everyday photos into quilt ­­art images. Or crop and edit scanned fabrics right in EQ7 in minutes.
New Activation Policy You'll never run out of EQ7 activations! Activation and deactivation is as easy as two clicks of the mouse. Install on as many computers as you like and quickly transfer activations from computer to computer. This new policy gives you complete freedom to manage your own activation.
Easier than ever for new users EQ7 is the most user-friendly full-featured quilting software yet.
Complete user manual
22 printable full-color PDF lessons (115 pages)
Point-and-read info on each tool – now linked directly to Help topics
10 videos targeted for beginners
67 “How do I?” topics: printable stepped-out instructions for doing everything from printing English paper-piecing templates to drawing a New York Beauty
Built-in Help buttons are everywhere, targeted to the task you're doing
New block tools for creating original blocks instantly without drawing
Blocks size themselves – just drag and drop on the quilt
Includes tons of user-requested new featuresExactly the same friendly interface, plus loads of new user-requested features.
5000 copyright-free blocks
5000 new scanned fabrics, plus grayscale textures
120 new pre-designed quilt layouts
Snap blocks to a Quilt grid
Instant border blocks with greatly expanded Auto Borders
Print multiple photos on fabric
Create original fabric designs from photos, then print on fabric
Mirror and use myriad symmetries on photos
Use dozens of artistic effects, making everyday photos look like watercolors or Impressionist paintings
79 new features in all
Netbook compatibleWorks on netbooks as well as laptops and desktop computers

Tote Bags Finished

The above picture is for the lining of the bag below. I finished both bags. They ended up taking longer since I made the bag a bit longer, added pockets all the way around inside and added a closure strip to the top. i thought I would like this bag better but actually like the darker bag better.
Below is the lining and the second bag. I love this one. It is now time for dinner and a movie. Thank you all for letting me sew along with you today. i so enjoyed looking at all your bags. I visited each one of you today and will check in again tomorrow to see the finished ones that I didn't see today.

Tote Bag Saturday Progress

Here is one of the tote bags with the lining sewn. I quilted it some.





Here is the second one that I am still working on the machine quilting. I have the lining sewn. I adapted the pattern so that there are pockets in this tote bag. i have to have pockets for cell phone, keys, pens, etc.

The next pictures are of the bag when it just had the borders sewn on.

The tote bags cut with borders added.

Tote bag Saturday

I am participating in the tote bag sew day. Though I am not a member of the Charming Girls Club, they are graciously letting me participate. So far I have the fabric chosen and some of the fabric cut. Iwill post a couple of times later in the day.

These are the fabrics that I am using. I hope to get a couple of differnt bags made today. We'll see how the day goes with kids, laundry and meals to make.

I am using the pattern from Dandelion. The dandy bag tutorial-not sure how to post a link to it. :(http://dandelionquilts.blogspot.com/2010/04/dandy-bag-tutorial.html

Friday Night Sew IN

I worked on some hand quilting. This will be a Christmas present for someone who likes snowmen. :)



I also worked on 6 crazy quilt squares for my class next Sunday. These always take me longer than I think they will. This is my first adventure with crazy quilting. I love anything vintage and old fashion.

I enjoyed my first Friday sew in.

Friday Night Sew IN

Tonight, if all goes as planned, I will be participating in my first Friday Night Sew In. I have a tote bag that I want to start as well as some crazy squares to get sewn so I will be ready to do the hand stitching in class next week. I also have some handquilting to do. We'll see how much I get done between picking up kids and dropping them off places. Looking forward to a relaxing Friday night. Hope you all have a good night too.

I had an unexpected blessing today while I was shopping at JoAnn Fabrics. I went in just for thread and some lace but found the cutest black and white fabric. Thinking I will make a black and white purse but the clerk saw a nice black and white quilt so we'll see. The clerk said I was always a pleasure to wait on because I am always patient and pleasant. What an encouragement that was to me. Now I know I am not always feeling patient in there but I'm glad it comes across that way. We never know who is watching or who will be blessed by our crossing their path.

Here are some spring pictures I took :

So go check out this blog http://prettiesandposies.blogspot.com/ for chance to win this paiting. AMAZING!! I hope I win!!!

Giveaway:
Three different giveaways to be drawn tomorrow, April 5th, over at Adventures in Alice Land....really some neat things!

A true biblical friend:

A true friend is one
who hears and understands when you
share your deepest feelings.
He supports you when you are struggling;
he corrects you, gently and with love,
when you err; and he forgives you when you fail.
A true friend prods you to personal growth,
stretches you in your full potential.
And most amazing of all, he celebrates your
success as if they were his own.
(Richard Exley)

Isn't this what jesus does in our lives if we let Him? Sounds like Jesus is the true friend that we are looking for, that our heart desires.He is there by our side through thick and thin. God has promied never to leave us or forsake us.

Thank you Thank you for the CROSS Lord, thank you for the price you paid♥ Happy Easter.

Oh that old rugged cross, so despised by the world, has a wondrous attraction for me; for the dear Lamb of God left his glory above to bear it to dark Calvary. In that old rugged cross, stained with blood so divine, a wondrous beauty I see, for 'twas on that old cross, Jesus suffered and died, to pardon and sanctify me.

Writing the first post seems to be the hardest so I am just going to get it over with. looking forward to a glorious Easter tomorrow. Good friday service at church last night and breakfast with a friend this morning. I am hoping to get an easter wallhanging done today that was from TattTattered Threads & Willing Hands. It didn't come out quite the way I would have liked but if I don't keep it, I know a friend that would like it.
Flowers are starting to pop up in NH. Today is suppose to be in the 80's. Gotta love it. Tomorrow is looking to be a great day too weather-wise. We are celebrating Easter with my husband's side of the family. Sunrise service, breakfast, church and family dinner will round out the day. I am so thankful that my Saviour chose to die on my behalf and take the penalty of sin away.I still struggle with letting go of guilt and shame. Seems easy when I am not at our church. People are slow to forgive. Makes me so greatful that my Saviour is not like the Christians that I see around me.
I am working on a crazy quilt, quilts for my boys and three BOM. There is always some new project waiting. Never enough time to sew. I have an old Singer that is over 40 years old. I would love a new machine some day but it isn't in the budget. I am looking forward to getting my first quilt professionally quilted. I have a lot of unfinished quilt tops. I don't enjoy hand quilting to much. Smaller projects are fine but I have never tackled a bed-size quilt before.