Winner Announced Tomorrow!

Okay, my first blog giveaway is officially closed! Thanks to all you who commented. It was really fun for me to read all your great comments. I'll announce the winner tomorrow morning. Dustin will be choosing the name, so if your name isn't chosen, you can blame him. I will have to exclude the Alexanders (since she asked me to), but I totally understand that mail tends to gets stolen when traveling to Latin America. When I was in Ecuador, one of my friends sent me a package with Lucky Charms, cause that was the thing I missed the most, and it never made it. "Someone stole my Lucky Charms!" How rude is that!?

Look what else Dustin has been up to besides choosing a winner for my giveaway. He has made a little home for Roxy to have her kittens in. She is super pregnant and looks like it will be any day now. Just look at that belly!

Just for fun, look what me and my friends did for our lunch break today. Yep, we totally pampered ourselves today and went and got a pedicure.

100th Post + Giveaway!

I can't believe that this is my 100th post! Crazy how fast time flies.

I originally started this blog just for me. I didn't plan on telling anyone that I knew that I had it. I guess you could say that I felt really sheepish about the whole thing. Seriously, I already make everyone tell me how fantastic my projects are in person (yes, even my boss but mostly just because he doesn't quite know what to say when I show him stuff), and now I was doing it on a blog. I was really quite nervous to start one and wasn't sure anyone would even read it. After a few weeks of posting, I started to get a few comments and I was so excited! So I kept going. A few more posts and more comments. Then, a slip of the mouth to someone I knew (you know who you are, no worries I still love you), and everyone I knew was reading My Blog. Now I really felt weird... but I secretly loved it. (Who wouldn't love praise over their silly projects.) It really has been a nice way for me to keep up on my projects and even finish a few once in a while. If only I could get past the "oh, I could make this... and this... and this..." I'm sure I'd finish a lot more things. After a few more posts and projects, I was asked to be interviewed by Carina of Craft Blog. What an honor! Now you could say my confidence was really blooming.

I guess what I am trying to say is Thanks to all you out there who do read this blog and comment. It makes my day and inspires me to keep making stuff to show off. I appreciate it... very much!

So to show my appreciation I have decided to do a giveaway for my 100th post! And not only that, but I have decided to part with something that I love to keep in piles and piles. Yep, you guessed it... A Receiving Blanket! When I was thinking of what I could possibly give away that some one would like, I went through many ideas. Dish cloths, an afghan (sorry not enough time or energy), homemade cards, a quilt.... I thought of many things. Then I thought of my favorite thing to make and decided that for this to be my first giveaway I wanted to give away something that would remind people of me. And what do I love to make more then anything else, what do I fall back on time and time again?

Receiving blankets!

And I'm sure you are all thinking "what am I going to do with a receiving blanket?" Honestly, I don't know. But you will think of me when you see it. Maybe you could give it away to someone having a baby, or your daughter, or grandchild, the stray cat, or the local hospital. What ever you feel is best.
It is a lovely lavender color with stars on the front and stripes on the back. I used a simple shell stitch around the edges, nothing too fancy but yet very girly!

Also included in this package is a burp cloth and a homemade card (just in case you want to give this away at like a baby shower). Now, the rules for entering. All you have to do is leave me a comment on this post by Thursday the 31st at 5:00 pm mountain time. Then I will choose a random winner using a random number generator or maybe I'll just make Dustin pull one at random out of a hat, and announce the winner on Friday. Easy right! Just leave me a comment. Oh, and if you really don't want this give away at all, just comment on a different post if you feel the urge.

Thanks again for all the comments, it really makes my day! Good luck!

Mini Vacation...

July 24th is a State holiday in Utah... so me and the hubby went on a mini vacation to St. George, (about a 4 hour drive from where we live) for the weekend. Since the 24th fell on a Thursday, we took of Friday from work and spent the weekend in extremely hot weather. I'm sure you are dying to know what we did all weekend. I will tell you. Absolutely nothing! It was fantastic! We (mostly me) slept in, watched way more TV than we should have ( I love the Deadliest Catch and the Next Food Network Star and conveniently enough they each had marathons going), played some Nintendo, I put together a puzzle all by myself, ate lots of food, went to a movie, went shopping (yippee for new fabric!) and went swimming where I worked on my sunburn because I don't tan. It was a very nice relaxing weekend and I think just what we both needed. We went to see the X-Files movie. I must say I was very disappointed. Dustin bought the complete season on DVD and has been watching them, but I get too scared (yes, I'm a wimp) so I haven't been watching them. But this new movie wasn't anything paranormal at all. I guess I was just expecting something more. Anyone else seen it?

We also stopped by my hometown to see my mom on the way home. Guess what she has? Baby Kittens! Four of them to be exact but only two would let us hold them. They are so super cute, I really wanted to take them home but I think two cats is enough for us. Sorry mom, you'll have to find someone else to take them. One has a orange stripe down it's face, they call it Harry Potter. The other tabby one is Tiger Woods. Cute hunh? My dad also has new kittens at his house, but I haven't seen them or got any pictures to show (Dad this is a hint for you to send pictures).

Oh, and guess who is pregnant!? Nope, not me. But the adopted stray cat, Roxy. Yep, told you she was a foxy roxy. Soon we will have some baby kittens on our doorstep, and then she if off to the vet to be fixed.

I also got my replacement sewing machine! Just in time too, I was starting to go a little stir crazy. Good thing I had the TV to keep me entertained all weekend. I should have been crocheting but I didn't get much done. Hopefully I will have some projects to post soon.

P.S. I'm still a firm believer that Millard County has the best sunsets! Anyone what to challenge me on this one?

Recent Happenings

This past Friday (yes it has been a long time since my last post but I have been busy) we went with some friends to see "The Dark Night." Absolutely loved it! A++ Must see! Ledger gives an amazing performance and Mr. Bale isn't too shabby either. So many things I loved about this movie, so just know that it comes highly recommended by me! If you end up hating this movie, I am requesting a one page essay as to why you disliked it.

Saturday we went to the Rocky Mountain Review! Yep, that's right. Basketball season is coming up and we want to be prepared, as do the teams. It is just a bunch of d-league teams and international teams that come together to play and show off their talents for scouts and coaches. We even got to see the Iran team play, seriously how many chances will you ever get to see them? I'm so excited for the new Jazz season I can hardly wait. Plus, bonus for the Jazz, Deron Williams (the best point guard ever!) just signed a four year contract extension with the Jazz so he will be around for a while. Phew! Glad that is settled.

Yesterday, I was able to hang out with Anna, so that her parents could go see the fantastic film mentioned above. They loved it by the way, as I knew they would. So me and the little lady spent the evening taking naps (that was her, not me), eating dinner, dancing, playing on the swings, and shopping. I even kept her up past her bedtime because I am the fun aunt. Can I just tell you what a fantastic girl she is? She is so well behaved. What ever they are doing, I'd like to know so that my kids turn out half decent. She walked around all night saying "hi" to the cats, she just loved them. When I asked her to put her shoes on, she did (well, she sat down so I could put them on) (PS. Chardell I think her shoes are a little tight, cause boy did I struggle, or maybe they are just difficult because of that strappy thing). When I asked if she wanted more dinner, she said "more" (too cute!). When I put her down for bed I said "night night" and she waved and said the same. Then I gave her "bob" (her stuffed doggy) and she says "bob"! No screams, no cries, just "ok". Darling. She even gave me loves at the end of the night before she went home. She is so adorable, I think I might end up stealing her when her mom isn't looking. I took her shopping to Costco and totally pretended she was my child when the cashier asked me how I got her to keep her bows in her hair.

When I set her up at the table for dinner, her chin hit just below the table so there was no way she was going to be able to eat. So look at what I rigged up. Pretty inventive! Yep, I used Dustin's Nintendo chair, and the footstool. It worked great and she had her own little table to eat on. She loved it. The only bad part was that she was in reaching distance of the cats, and I think she might have swallowed some cat hair. "Sorry !" Just pretend I didn't confess that to you.

"Night Night!"

I've also been working on another receiving blanket, but no pictures because it isn't finished yet. Hopefully soon. I've also been making a lot of cards because my stash was running low. I forgot to take pictures of these too, sorry. I did manage to return my sewing machine and purchase a new one. It is being mailed to me as we speak so hopefully it won't be too long before it gets here. I have projects to get done!

Hi!

I really wanted to get the complaints off the front page. Sorry for that. I guess I just needed to vent a little (or a lot). Yes, mom, I will be a careful pedestrian and not do stupid stuff just to prove a point.

On a better note, look at what we have adopted.

Yep, it is the neighborhood stray kitten. She is super cute. Dustin really has a soft spot in his heart for stray cats and at every where we live he finds one to adopt. This one we have named Roxy. I like it cause she is like Foxy Roxy, and everyone wants to be her! She just had kittens, which, I am told, the owners sold.

Okay, that is a contradiction I realize but let me explain. Her so called owners don't feed her or take care of her at all. They just ignore her. I don't think people should have pets if they can't take care of them. Roxy is almost to the point of starvation, she is so skinny. She can eat more than our two cats put together. Yesterday she had four meals, and was still begging for more. She waits on our doorstep for us to come home. She loves attention and is really quite pleasant so I don't really mind having her around. But Sophie and Dimitri do! Talk about jealousy.

I think it is funny in the picture is says on her makeshift food dish "Lose 6 lbs in 2 weeks!" We are actually trying to do the opposite of that. Dustin was so proud of his bowls that he made for her. He used a cereal box to make a dish for the food and a milk carton to put water in. Very inventive but if we would have had paper bowls, that is what I would have used. Note to self - buy paper bowls.

Also, look what else I have been up to.

My sister helped (Thanks!) me make these blankets for a humanitarian project my church is doing. They are going to tie these quilts and wanted them sewn together first. I guess it is easier that way, but I think I would disagree. I volunteered to help, and then passed the buck to my sister. They are all crib size with the same blue flower print for the front but different backs. So my sister made two and I made one! Yep, I'm the slacker but it is really hard to make them when YOUR SEWING MACHINE IS BROKEN!!!!! Yep, (sniff, sniff) you heard me correctly. It is so sad and I'm about ready to cry. I can't fix it . I've spent three days and exhausted all my resources. This is where I praise Costco profusely. I love Costco! Yes, I LOVE COSTCO! Seriously, I think this store is the greatest thing ever. I bought my sewing machine from them online. But the best part is, they will return anything. So, I am going to return my broken sewing machine (I've only had it for a few months) and get a replacement. Thank you Costco and 25 year warranty! This means that I will be without a sewing machine for a while until a replacement comes. Hopefully soon. I'm sure I have a lot of other projects I can work on to keep me occupied.

That's All I Have To Say About That.

*Complaints below! Beware!*

Apparently, your driver's license expires every 5 years on your birthday. Apparently, I forgot to renew my license this year. Oops! An even bigger oops is that it was 5 months expired. Thank goodness for the car rental place that helped me to notice this error on my part. No worries, I didn't have to take a test. That is required when you let it go expired for more than 6 months. Phew, missed that one. I now have a current license, after an hour of standing in line at the DMV this morning.

This got me to thinking about driving. Here is my say on the matter.
I sold my gas guzzling 4-runner a few months ago and have since become a pedestrian. I spend approximately 20 minutes a day walking to and from work. More if I decide to go to the craft store or the grocery store. Utah does not have the best reputation for courteous drivers and in fact, we are kinda known for our crankiness on the roads. Can I just say that I really don't appreciate it; as a pedestrian or as a driver.

I don't appreciate that people pull out into the crosswalks when they are going to make a right hand turn and don't bother to stop before it and look for pedestrians. I have almost been hit TWICE because of this. It is also really rude to make me have to go around your car because you have decided to pull out into the crosswalk thus blocking my walking path. My sister was hit by a car because she had to do this, and then the idiot driver reversed and ran her over (and drove off, nonetheless). So, I patiently wait for the driver to move. This is probably not the smartest idea since I am standing in the cross walk, staring the driver in the face, waiting for them to move. Just trying to make a point, I guess. I think I almost made a lady start to cry the other day because I just stood there waiting for her to go. I didn't go around, because I don't feel that I should have to. It is rude to pedestrians, so please take into consideration our right to the road and crosswalks.

I also don't appreciate that people are very impatient when making a left hand turn and having to wait for pedestrians first. Excuse me! But if I want to take my time, and not run, across the crosswalk, than that is my business. There is no need to curse at me and yell at me to get across faster so that you can make the turn (yes, this lady really did this to me the other day). It is really uncalled for to rush out into the intersection and start to turn as I walk past, nearly taking me out in an attempt to get around me. I'm sorry, but where ever you are going and where ever I am going, you are going to get there a whole lot faster than me. So let me take my time, or hurry, whichever I prefer. And if it really ruffles your feathers, then stop and give me a ride across the street if you think it will be faster.

I also am quite angered by the amount of people who chose to speed up for a yellow light (thus running a red light in most instances) instead of stopping. I was nearly run over the other day because some careless driver (on a cell phone) decided to run the red light after I had started to cross (in the crosswalk). I don't want to have to risk my life just to get to work, so please be courteous and don't run red lights. It is really dangerous.

Also, I understand if there is an emergency and you need to talk on the cell phone. But really people, does it need to be plastered to your ear as you are driving. I'm just curious as to why people don't use the speakerphone or hands free headset? Is it too much to ask that you at least try to pay attention to the road as you are driving? I honestly heard some guy (who obviously thought he was being cool) tell his friend not to worry, "He will master the skill of texting and driving one of these days, just keep practicing." Honest! Okay, talking on cell phones I can understand. Sure I get annoyed and wish that people would cut it down, but TEXTING!! That is downright insane! Are you trying to kill everyone including yourself? Please, from the bottom of my heart, stop texting while you are driving. Just take the two seconds, make the phone call, and get on with your life before you end someone elses.

All I am asking is that you try to show pedestrians, and other drivers for that matter, some respect and courtesy on the roads.

Okay, I feel better! I have ranted and raved about stupid drivers and I'm sorry for posting this (this is not the intended use of my blog) but I really just needed to let that go. And now I can. I'm going to walk home now. Hopefully, I will make it safely.

I Passed!

I finally found out that I passed my state licensing test to be a licensed appraiser. Yippee for me!! I'm so very excited. It has been a long time coming. I barley missed the deadline for December to take the old test, only two hours, and had to take the new test, 6 hours long, and boy was it brutal. Nonetheless, I'm done and don't have to worry about it any more.

So after I found out, we spend the weekend celebrating! What else could we do!? We went shopping! Yes, I did purchase more fabric, but I totally needed it ;-) I saw this quilt that Rebekah made and I knew that I just had to make one. So I bought some of the Amelia line by Timeless Treasure. I have had my eye on this for a long time but haven't found a store that carried more than one or two of the fabrics. That all changed this Saturday, when Quilts Etc in Sandy had all of them but one. I will have to order this one for the backing anyway so it wasn't a big deal. I probably won't get around to it for a while since I have so many other project in progress right now, but I couldn't help myself. Plus, Dustin said if I passed, he'd spoil me rotten. I couldn't pass that up, now could I.

We also went out to dinner at Tuscany, this fantastic restaurant in Salt Lake. It was so yummy. I didn't think about taking pictures until after I was done eating, so sorry, no pictures. Just trust me, it was fantastic! Plus, they have valet! I really must be a small town girl because I was super excited about this. This cute guy open my door for me! And all I had to do was pay him. Wait a second...

(I had to be sneaky about this photo in order to get the valet guys so I took one of Dustin. Hehehe)

Anyway, it was a fantastic weekend. I even got some crafting time in. I got the borders put on my dutch pinwheel quilt top. Any ideas on how I should quilt this?

I also basted another quilt top to practice machine quilting. I think I need a little more practice before I attempt it on one that I've worked long and hard on.

Just Incase You Forgot...

My niece is the cutest thing E.V.E.R!

Dear Grandma...

Dear Grandma,

I wanted to thank you for the yummy kitty treats. Mom finally opened them for us and they were tasty. I even shared with my sister. Sophie did get to choose the bowl first, and I think she took the one that had more, but I don't mind. Because mom gave me the other treats you sent. Usually, I am really picky and will only eat the soft Wisker Lickens brand of kitty treats. I like to have them after mom clips my claws. She brought home this "other brand" of treats trying to fool me into thinking they were Wisker Lickens. I didn't buy it. So I had to go without treats. Until... you sent some really yummy ones. Thanks so much! You are the best grandma.

Dimitri

Dear Grandma,

Dimitri said it all. I got the most of the treats. I let him have a little. I made mom take this photo of me enjoying my treats so you would know to send more. Plus this is my good side. Loves to you for the treats. There will be more loves to come if you send more.

Sophie

Dear Grandma,

Thanks for the treats. But please don't send any more. Your grandchildren are spoiled enough. Dimitri won't eat the treats I bought. He refuses. I have to get out the special ones you sent just for him. Sophie isn't very good at sharing and special treats only make it worse. Lots of loves and you don't even have to send me anything!

Cami

One Semester of Spanish - Love Song

For any of you who have mastered a second language, tried to learn a second language, or heard someone who was learning, this video will hit home.

I remember when I was in school, very anxious to learn a new language until the first day of class that is. After that first class I wanted to go home and cry, it was just way over my head. Then the language started to come a little easier. I started to enjoy it and kept taking classes. Eventually I had to use my "class room Spanish" to speak to people in the real world. Let's just say there are somethings they just can't teach you in a classroom. And at BYU, they don't teach you the bad words. You need a true friend who is willing to enlighten you. Sometimes I felt just like this guy saying "no remembro how to say eleven" and "vivo en una casa roja." With the classy accent and all!

One Semester of Spanish - Love Song
Video sent by pocatinta

Provided By:runawaybox

Download the exclusive mp3 at http://www.runawaybox.com

Weekend Fun!

I hope everyone had a wonderful 4th of July. I certainly did. We went to my mom's to watch the parade and join in on a small town celebration. It was a really nice day. My darling niece was there and I got to spend lots of time with her. This little girl is the cutest thing ever and she knows how to use it to her advantage! Our house is right along the parade route so we get front row seats every year.

It was also a very crafty weekend. I managed to get quite a bit done.

I decided against giving away the green monkey blanket. I just couldn't part with it. You know how some people hoard stuff like money, or food, or books, or yarn? Well, I apparently choose to hoard receiving blankets. I don't have a lot of them but I do have more than a person without children could need. I just can't part with them, they are too cute. So over this weekend I purchased more fabric, that I will be able to part with. There was a huge sale, so I didn't feel to guilty getting more stuff for receiving blankets. This way, when I need them, I will have some handy and won't have to part with the ones I'm hoarding. So on Thursday, I purchased more fabric for a blanket to replace the one I didn't want to let go. I just sewed a fancy stitch around the edging, and presto!~ a blanket to give away. It was super cute, with green turtles. But in my rush to get it done, I forgot to take a photo. Next time I guess.

Thanks to a few "helpers" I was able to get this blanket basted. Remember when I finished this top? Ya, that was back in January ... I'm finally getting around to it. I bought a marking pen to draw the quilt lines on with but I think I bought the wrong kind. It is the kind that disappears with the air. Does anyone know how long these last? I hate to open it if it is not going to stay on long enough for me do to the quilting. At some point I lost my helpers, and had to take the pictures by myself ;-) Sophie loves to play hide and seek. Only she is not so good at hiding all of her. "Where's Waldo!" anyone?

I also managed to get most of my Dutch Pinwheels quilt top done. All I have left is the border, and of course the quilting. These yellow pinwheels go in each corner with a white border. I can't wait to see it when I get them added. I am so pleased with the way this has turned out. I really like it. My points on the pinwheels are getting better as I go. Granted they are still not perfect, but they are improving.

That is about how much excitement I could stand for one weekend. It was nice to get a three day weekend and have time to spend with family celebrating this great nation. I hope everyone had a safe and fun holiday.

New Baby Blanket

Our friends just had a baby so I had to hurry and whip a blanket up for them. For some reason I stock pile the girl blankets and ever have any boy blankets. I am kinda sad to see this one go because I love this fabric so much. I had picked this one out with the specific purpose that I would keep it for me (I do hope that one day I will have children and I'd like to be prepared). I still might, because I really am having a hard time parting with it. I used a green pokadot for the back side.
Since I needed this done in such a hurry, I just edged it with a simple v-stitch. It only took me about an hour to go around. Super fast, that is my kind of stitch. I am headed home for the fourth of July. I hope everyone has a wonderful weekend.

Dear Mr. Gardner

Dear Mr. Gardner,

Thank you so much for planting this beautiful rose garden. I know you must have put a lot of effort and thought into this particular garden. I appreciate your time and energy. I enjoy this garden every day as I walk to and from work. The roses have such a beautiful, sweet smell that drifts to the sidewalk to greet me as I pass each day. I enjoy it. Every time I walk past I think of my grandpa and how he spends his day manicuring his gardens until they are absolutely perfect. He has a similar rose garden. I'm assuming you planted this garden just for me knowing that it would remind me of my grandpa and make me smile each day. So...Thank you!

Cami

PS. Could you please help out the neighbors? The weeds they are growing don't compare to your roses.