My oldest son likes to go to intermurals in the morning before school. It is a great program because middle school around here does not get out until after 4. After school activities are really hard to fit in. Almost all of the clubs meet before school. And on days your club(s) don't meet, they have organized sports for the kids. So every morning, one of us takes our son to school so he can participate. For some reason this morning, traffic just wasn't working right. (Probably a few too many timid left turners...) Now, if I had realized this would be the case, I would have taken my cell phone and calendar, and while I was waiting to get out of the parking lot, I could have scheduled all sorts of dentist and doctors appointments. I could have called my mom and talked to her. But, I figured I would be in and out in a couple of minutes as usual.
While I was sitting there listening to my new cd, I remembered my sister talking about getting back onto the base in Germany after Sept. 11, 2001. My sister did not like the base preschool, so she took her son to the local German preschool. She taught at the base high school. After Sept 11, 2001, every car coming onto the base had to be searched. It took her sometimes an hour to get back onto base. So she took her books with her and did her lesson planning in the car. Here is the funny thing about it... The class she was teaching was time management. And here she was practicing it every morning.
Tomorrow, I will bring my cell phone and calendar, and traffic will flow as usual. However, I don't want to discourage my son from participating in as many things as he can handle. Especially when during the sex ed talk a few weeks ago they presented a statistic that said that kids who are busy and lead active lives tend not to engage in risk taking behaviors like drinking, drugs, and sex. Of course, my parents knew that without any statistics which would explain why I can play the piano and the viola, and I took dance and drama classes for years, not to mention sang in the church choir. There are evenings when I wish my son was taking my sister's time management class. I think they should add that to the middle school curriculum.
One more thing, I really managed to crack up the guy at the soccer store the other day. I went in to exchange a shirt my son's team had bought for my husband, the coach. It was too small, so I just needed a larger size. Little did I realize how much my daughter thought she NEEDED a green soccer ball. My husband coaches two teams, not to mention the neighborhood games that go on in our yard almost every night. So we have a lot of soccer balls, probably 10 or so. None of them are bright green, though. Anyway, I had to drag her out of there kicking and screaming. I finally looked at her and said, "Who do you think you are, Mia Hamm?" The guy behind the counter started laughing so hard he had to lean on the counter to keep from falling over. Glad I could make your day, sir! I really want to go back to the store to get some Christmas presents, but I am afraid to take her back in there.
Thursday, September 28, 2006
Wednesday, September 27, 2006
Quilts of Valor Project
Debra has been asked to make a special quilt for the Quilts of Valor project to be used in their display in Houston. Graciously, Debra is allowing some of her blogging friends to participate in the project with her. Here are my two blocks that I made.
I am proud of myself because I usually only work with right angles. I am more of a square/rectangle type person. But I managed to make these and their points match and they are the right size. And I even managed to change the pattern to get rid of the set-in seams. Note, I took the pictures before pressing, so they don't look quite square.
I am also proud to be part of the Quilts of Valor project. When I was in the quilt store, Tiny Stitches, buying the fabric for these blocks (any reason to visit the quilt store) the ladies who were working (shout out to Barb and Pam who played with my daughter while I searched for fabric) thought they should get the store involved in this project. So I am going to print out some information and bring it by the store.
As some of you know, my brother-in-law has been on two tours of duty in Iraq, and will be leaving again in the next few months. So this project is really near and dear to my heart. In the new year, I will be making time to work on quilts for this project. I have decided that my skills are good enough to participate.
I am proud of myself because I usually only work with right angles. I am more of a square/rectangle type person. But I managed to make these and their points match and they are the right size. And I even managed to change the pattern to get rid of the set-in seams. Note, I took the pictures before pressing, so they don't look quite square.
I am also proud to be part of the Quilts of Valor project. When I was in the quilt store, Tiny Stitches, buying the fabric for these blocks (any reason to visit the quilt store) the ladies who were working (shout out to Barb and Pam who played with my daughter while I searched for fabric) thought they should get the store involved in this project. So I am going to print out some information and bring it by the store.
As some of you know, my brother-in-law has been on two tours of duty in Iraq, and will be leaving again in the next few months. So this project is really near and dear to my heart. In the new year, I will be making time to work on quilts for this project. I have decided that my skills are good enough to participate.
Friday, September 22, 2006
A Visit to the Atlanta Botanical Gardens
Yesterday, my friend Rebecca and I visited the Atlanta Botanical Gardens to see the works of Niki de Saint Phalle. We took our little people with us, as many of these you can climb on. Her beautiful works are made of polyesther. Her many years of breathing the fumes while sculpting compromised her health and she died in 2002 at the age of 72. These sculptures are simply amazing.
I really fell in love with her Totems.
This sculpture is a camel vase and it was in the cactus room at the garden. It has plants growing out of its humps.
Here is another totem. The colors on these are brilliant.
This castle looked fun to climb through. But, it was fenced off so we refrained. I can just imagine the princess who lives in here.
This sign explains why she changed her medium. And below is one of the Skinnys.
I am now fascinated by this woman's works and want to read more.
Saturday, September 16, 2006
This was on Jane Ann's Blog
1. FIRST NAME? Julie.
2. WERE YOU NAMED AFTER ANYONE? My initials, before I got married, were the same as my dad's. Both my grandmas are named Lois, although one didn't go by it and hated it, and my middle name, Lynn, is as close to Lois and my parents would go.
3. WHEN DID YOU LAST CRY? Probably watching TV. I cannot remember.
4. DO YOU LIKE YOUR HANDWRITING? I do like my handwriting. I worked on it after taking a quilt labeling class.
5. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE LUNCHMEAT? Honey Ham.
6. IF YOU WERE ANOTHER PERSON, WOULD YOU BE FRIENDS WITH YOU? Probably not. I don't think I am very friendly.
7. DO YOU HAVE A JOURNAL? Nope.
8. DO YOU STILL HAVE YOUR TONSILS? Yes. I am missing 8 teeth, but I have all my internal organs.
9. WOULD YOU BUNGEE JUMP? I sometimes think I might, but then I come to my senses.
10. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE CEREAL? Lucky Charms without milk.
11. DO YOU UNTIE YOUR SHOES WHEN YOU TAKE THEM OFF? Yes.
12. DO YOU THINK YOU ARE STRONG? Not really.
13. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE ICE CREAM FLAVOR? Moosetracks by Mayfield Dairy.
14. SHOE SIZE? 7 1/2 - 8.
15. FAVORITE COLOR? Turquoise
16. WHAT IS THE LEAST FAVORITE THING ABOUT YOURSELF? That I cannot stick to an exercise program.
17. WHO DO YOU MISS THE MOST? Living--my sisters. I wish they lived next door to me. Dead--my mother's parents. I wish my kids could know them. They still visit me a lot, especially around the holidays. You know, from the great beyond. Oh, and my father-in-law, because my oldest child is the only one of his soon to be 5 grandchildren who ever met him. I am also the only daughter-in-law who knew him.
18. DO YOU WANT EVERYONE TO SEND THIS BACK TO YOU? Yes! I am a very curious person
19. WHAT COLOR PANTS AND SHOES ARE YOU WEARING? khaki and barefoot.
20. LAST THING YOU ATE? Ham sandwich. I told you earlier I like ham.
21. WHAT ARE YOU LISTENING TO RIGHT NOW? Barney on demand is in the other room, and I can hear the washing machine spinning.
22. IF YOU WERE A CRAYON, WHAT COLOR WOULD YOU BE? Azure blue.
23. FAVORITE SMELLS? My husband. Spiced cider.
24. WHO WAS THE LAST PERSON YOU TALKED TO ON THE PHONE? My mom.
25. THE FIRST THING YOU NOTICE ABOUT PEOPLE YOU ARE ATTRACTED TO? Their butt.
26. DO YOU LIKE THE PERSON WHO SENT THIS TO YOU? I love Jane Ann.
27. FAVORITE DRINK? Classic Coke. Alcoholic--margarita on the rocks with salt.
28. FAVORITE SPORT? Soccer.
29. EYE COLOR? Brown.
30. HAT SIZE? One size fits all.
31. DO YOU WEAR CONTACTS? No. I wear glasses most of the time. I can see without them, but not very well.
32. FAVORITE FOOD? Tomato basil soup from La Madeline.
33. SCARY MOVIES OR HAPPY ENDING? Happy!!
34. WHAT COLOR SHIRT ARE YOU WEARING? Blue Denim, which is unusual, but it is my most comfortable maternity top.
35. SUMMER OR WINTER? Autumn.
36. HUGS OR KISSES? Hugs, but I am not much of a touchy-feely person.
37. FAVORITE DESSERT? Birthday cake.
38. WHAT BOOKS ARE YOU READING? I am currently reading the parents' guide to the middle school sex ed program our county uses. I just finished 1776.
39. WHAT'S ON YOUR MOUSE PAD? A giant penguin squishing the Microsoft complex that is saying, "Good morning Mr. Gates. I will be your server today." It is from the makers of Linux.
40. WHAT DID YOU WATCH LAST NIGHT ON TV? That 70's Show.
41. FAVORITE SOUNDS? My kids laughing. The ocean.
42. ROLLING STONES OR BEATLES? Rolling Stones.
43. THE FURTHEST YOU'VE BEEN FROM HOME? St. Petersburg, Russia, when it was still Leningrad and it was still the Soviet Union. So far from home in distance and culture.
44. WHAT'S YOUR SPECIAL TALENT? Listening.
45. WHERE WERE YOU BORN? Washington, DC.
46. WHO SENT THIS TO YOU? Jane Ann.
47. NEWEST THING YOU'VE TRIED? Having children close together in age.
48. ONE THING YOU'D CHANGE ABOUT YOURSELF: More exercise. Learn more history.
2. WERE YOU NAMED AFTER ANYONE? My initials, before I got married, were the same as my dad's. Both my grandmas are named Lois, although one didn't go by it and hated it, and my middle name, Lynn, is as close to Lois and my parents would go.
3. WHEN DID YOU LAST CRY? Probably watching TV. I cannot remember.
4. DO YOU LIKE YOUR HANDWRITING? I do like my handwriting. I worked on it after taking a quilt labeling class.
5. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE LUNCHMEAT? Honey Ham.
6. IF YOU WERE ANOTHER PERSON, WOULD YOU BE FRIENDS WITH YOU? Probably not. I don't think I am very friendly.
7. DO YOU HAVE A JOURNAL? Nope.
8. DO YOU STILL HAVE YOUR TONSILS? Yes. I am missing 8 teeth, but I have all my internal organs.
9. WOULD YOU BUNGEE JUMP? I sometimes think I might, but then I come to my senses.
10. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE CEREAL? Lucky Charms without milk.
11. DO YOU UNTIE YOUR SHOES WHEN YOU TAKE THEM OFF? Yes.
12. DO YOU THINK YOU ARE STRONG? Not really.
13. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE ICE CREAM FLAVOR? Moosetracks by Mayfield Dairy.
14. SHOE SIZE? 7 1/2 - 8.
15. FAVORITE COLOR? Turquoise
16. WHAT IS THE LEAST FAVORITE THING ABOUT YOURSELF? That I cannot stick to an exercise program.
17. WHO DO YOU MISS THE MOST? Living--my sisters. I wish they lived next door to me. Dead--my mother's parents. I wish my kids could know them. They still visit me a lot, especially around the holidays. You know, from the great beyond. Oh, and my father-in-law, because my oldest child is the only one of his soon to be 5 grandchildren who ever met him. I am also the only daughter-in-law who knew him.
18. DO YOU WANT EVERYONE TO SEND THIS BACK TO YOU? Yes! I am a very curious person
19. WHAT COLOR PANTS AND SHOES ARE YOU WEARING? khaki and barefoot.
20. LAST THING YOU ATE? Ham sandwich. I told you earlier I like ham.
21. WHAT ARE YOU LISTENING TO RIGHT NOW? Barney on demand is in the other room, and I can hear the washing machine spinning.
22. IF YOU WERE A CRAYON, WHAT COLOR WOULD YOU BE? Azure blue.
23. FAVORITE SMELLS? My husband. Spiced cider.
24. WHO WAS THE LAST PERSON YOU TALKED TO ON THE PHONE? My mom.
25. THE FIRST THING YOU NOTICE ABOUT PEOPLE YOU ARE ATTRACTED TO? Their butt.
26. DO YOU LIKE THE PERSON WHO SENT THIS TO YOU? I love Jane Ann.
27. FAVORITE DRINK? Classic Coke. Alcoholic--margarita on the rocks with salt.
28. FAVORITE SPORT? Soccer.
29. EYE COLOR? Brown.
30. HAT SIZE? One size fits all.
31. DO YOU WEAR CONTACTS? No. I wear glasses most of the time. I can see without them, but not very well.
32. FAVORITE FOOD? Tomato basil soup from La Madeline.
33. SCARY MOVIES OR HAPPY ENDING? Happy!!
34. WHAT COLOR SHIRT ARE YOU WEARING? Blue Denim, which is unusual, but it is my most comfortable maternity top.
35. SUMMER OR WINTER? Autumn.
36. HUGS OR KISSES? Hugs, but I am not much of a touchy-feely person.
37. FAVORITE DESSERT? Birthday cake.
38. WHAT BOOKS ARE YOU READING? I am currently reading the parents' guide to the middle school sex ed program our county uses. I just finished 1776.
39. WHAT'S ON YOUR MOUSE PAD? A giant penguin squishing the Microsoft complex that is saying, "Good morning Mr. Gates. I will be your server today." It is from the makers of Linux.
40. WHAT DID YOU WATCH LAST NIGHT ON TV? That 70's Show.
41. FAVORITE SOUNDS? My kids laughing. The ocean.
42. ROLLING STONES OR BEATLES? Rolling Stones.
43. THE FURTHEST YOU'VE BEEN FROM HOME? St. Petersburg, Russia, when it was still Leningrad and it was still the Soviet Union. So far from home in distance and culture.
44. WHAT'S YOUR SPECIAL TALENT? Listening.
45. WHERE WERE YOU BORN? Washington, DC.
46. WHO SENT THIS TO YOU? Jane Ann.
47. NEWEST THING YOU'VE TRIED? Having children close together in age.
48. ONE THING YOU'D CHANGE ABOUT YOURSELF: More exercise. Learn more history.
Sunday, September 10, 2006
What I've Been Thinking About
I just stitched down the binding to a quilt. I need to do the hand part over the next couple of evenings. Then it will be done. It is the second of my Pick 4 Challenge. I have decided to change the other two projects to two projects I had forgotten about. The tops are ready. They need to be quilted and bound and sent to their recipients. They are for a friend's twin daughters who are 4, I think. These tops were done right after they were born, so they are appropriately aged. Ok, enough of the quilty stuff...
I have been looking at my to do list for the week. I need to make some baby blankets for various friends and relatives. I buy a yard and a half of flannel and serge around them to make a 45 inch square receiving blanket. They are quick and easy and I used a 50% off coupon on the flannel, and everyone is getting the same blanket. I do know where the serger is, I just have to set it up. Once I get it threaded and the tension right, the blankets should take no time. Since the serger, like my sewing machine, is a hand me down from my mom, I have her copious notes to help me. This time is another of the many times I am glad to have a former college professor for a mom who still writes down everything.
I need to go shopping for a baby shower I am attending next weekend. I know what I am going to get, so it should be easy. And the baby store is right near JoAnn's. I am hoping they have big guys working at the baby store who will happily load my purchase into my SUV. I also need to pick up some stuff for myself at the baby store.
While I am up there (it is only about fifteen minutes away, but I don't get up there very often) I am going to stop in JoAnn's and use my new 50% off coupon for fabric to make NFL quilts for the boys for Christmas. Last year, I participated in a swap, so I have 2 10 inch squares of fabric from each NFL team. I am going to very simply put black squares in between them and then black for the backing. I need to calculate how much I need, but that should be easy enough. Also, I want to figure out what fusible fleece is because I have a number of bag patterns that call for it.
I have a number of things I need to mail. The post office is one of those dreaded places for me. Maybe I will use the UPS Store instead.
Of course, there are the normal soccer practices and things to get the kids to. And then Thursday night the middle school is having a seminar on how to talk to your kids about sex. I think that should be interesting. One of the benefits of being at the wealthier middle school is that they can afford programs like this one.
And, I have guild Tuesday evening. That should be a blast! I want to get a couple more postcards done, but that might not happen. I was fascinated by all the different art forms these postcards were using.
A dad from one of my sons' soccer teams has offered me his late wife's rocker and ottoman. I have always wanted a rocker, but have always decided it was a luxury I didn't need. I was so thankful that I almost burst into tears. (Thank God I didn't. I am sure it would have embarassed him.) My husband will pick that up at soccer practice this week. This dad is a treasure to his kids and to our team. And he is so kind to me at soccer games. Actually, we have really great parents and kids on our soccer teams. We have been so lucky. No one is overly concerned about winning and losing. They all just want the kids to get exercise and have fun playing the game.
I have thoroughly enjoyed reading everyones' blogs this week. I count you all among my good friends.
I have been looking at my to do list for the week. I need to make some baby blankets for various friends and relatives. I buy a yard and a half of flannel and serge around them to make a 45 inch square receiving blanket. They are quick and easy and I used a 50% off coupon on the flannel, and everyone is getting the same blanket. I do know where the serger is, I just have to set it up. Once I get it threaded and the tension right, the blankets should take no time. Since the serger, like my sewing machine, is a hand me down from my mom, I have her copious notes to help me. This time is another of the many times I am glad to have a former college professor for a mom who still writes down everything.
I need to go shopping for a baby shower I am attending next weekend. I know what I am going to get, so it should be easy. And the baby store is right near JoAnn's. I am hoping they have big guys working at the baby store who will happily load my purchase into my SUV. I also need to pick up some stuff for myself at the baby store.
While I am up there (it is only about fifteen minutes away, but I don't get up there very often) I am going to stop in JoAnn's and use my new 50% off coupon for fabric to make NFL quilts for the boys for Christmas. Last year, I participated in a swap, so I have 2 10 inch squares of fabric from each NFL team. I am going to very simply put black squares in between them and then black for the backing. I need to calculate how much I need, but that should be easy enough. Also, I want to figure out what fusible fleece is because I have a number of bag patterns that call for it.
I have a number of things I need to mail. The post office is one of those dreaded places for me. Maybe I will use the UPS Store instead.
Of course, there are the normal soccer practices and things to get the kids to. And then Thursday night the middle school is having a seminar on how to talk to your kids about sex. I think that should be interesting. One of the benefits of being at the wealthier middle school is that they can afford programs like this one.
And, I have guild Tuesday evening. That should be a blast! I want to get a couple more postcards done, but that might not happen. I was fascinated by all the different art forms these postcards were using.
A dad from one of my sons' soccer teams has offered me his late wife's rocker and ottoman. I have always wanted a rocker, but have always decided it was a luxury I didn't need. I was so thankful that I almost burst into tears. (Thank God I didn't. I am sure it would have embarassed him.) My husband will pick that up at soccer practice this week. This dad is a treasure to his kids and to our team. And he is so kind to me at soccer games. Actually, we have really great parents and kids on our soccer teams. We have been so lucky. No one is overly concerned about winning and losing. They all just want the kids to get exercise and have fun playing the game.
I have thoroughly enjoyed reading everyones' blogs this week. I count you all among my good friends.
Wednesday, September 06, 2006
Postcards from...
Saturday, Fiber on a Whim welcomed the Contemporary Quilts and Fiber Arts Alliance to their studio for a sew-in. We worked on postcards for Fiberart for a Cause. There were 8 people working in the basement of this wonderful shop. It was very interesting to see all the different styles of postcards people were making. Rebecca has some pictures on her blog. Here are the two I completed on Saturday.
Pretty boring, huh? Well, if you open the doors, this is what you see...
That's a little better. The bat on the second one is hanging from a string, so he swings around. I had a great time. I have more designs in my head. Now to get them onto postcards.
Pretty boring, huh? Well, if you open the doors, this is what you see...
That's a little better. The bat on the second one is hanging from a string, so he swings around. I had a great time. I have more designs in my head. Now to get them onto postcards.
Friday, September 01, 2006
Outlet Shopping
Yesterday, I went to Dawsonville to go outlet shopping. I hadn't been up there in a while, so I was amazed to see how much the outlet mall had grown, not to mention the surrounding area. Anyway, to my surprise, there was a Williams-Sonoma outlet. Now, I love Williams-Sonoma. Not a holiday goes by where I don't give a number of gifts from Williams-Sonoma. I really just love that store. One of my favorite gifts to give is a set of three melamnte mixing bowls. They come in a lot of different colors and are a ton of fun. However, I never bought any for myself. Well, there they were at the outlet, in red no less, a color I want to incorporate into my new kitchen. Oh, they were beautiful. And, while I think the regular price of $24 for the three bowls is reasonable, they were on sale for $9.99. Another thing I love from Williams Sonoma are their dishtowels. Now these I think of as a luxury item. But there they were for a bargain price, so I got another set. I also got a new set of measuring spoons, because many of mine were lost in the move. I can make chocolate chip cookies with just a 1/2 tsp, but it is easier with a full set.
I also got some new boots to wear with jeans this winter, some clothes for the kids, and shoes for the one kid who was with me. All in all, it was a good day. Now to go back when my husband can come with me. He needs some new clothes...
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