A Little Sew and Tell

I can't believe I haven't shown this little quilt yet. A few months ago, I did the Above All Fabric quilt-a-long for this cute, and super easy, picnic quilt.

I used DS Quilt fabric from Joann's. It is really pretty in person and feels nice. I mean, it should feel nice because it is way more expensive than the other offerings at Joann's. Thank goodness for coupons. Am I right, ladies?
I love the blue floral print the most. It just reminds me of summer in the South for some reason.
I had to piece the back, so I added a stripe of the dots bordered in the green check for a little interest.
We used it on the 4th of July, and Curly used it when he took Mini-me on a date to Wolf Trap. It's the perfect size for just a couple of people to sit and eat al fresco.

I'm having a bit of a celebration letdown today. I mean, it's not a birthday or an anniversary. There were no presents or cards or packages. What a lame Wednesday! Luckily we have a wedding this weekend. I have been looking forward to the cake all week, only to be informed that there wouldn't be any. Oh well. San Diego has cupcake shops, right?

My Wish List

It's my birthday today. I feel old. Before Patch's birthday, he and I were having as sweet little moment snuggling in bed. I reached out and touched his little cheek and said, "Oh, bud, I can't believe you're going to be 5!" He smiled, put his hand on my face and said, "And I can't believe you'll be 34." That makes two of us.

If I were to blow out candles on a cake this year, this is what I would wish for:

• That I reach my goal weight at 34. There is nothing worse than being 35 and overweight.
• That I can learn to be organized.
• That I finish all my quilt UFOs. Thanks to the floods of '11, I only have 3.
• That my kids continue to grow and learn. Well, except Ginger. She can stay this size.
• That I can care less what people say about me, and care more what I say about them.
• That I feel as content with my life a year from now as I do today.

I have big plans today. I have a quilt to finish binding and some shows that need watching. Curly has to work, which is no fun for anyone, so my dinner plans are to be the cool mom and get Happy Meals for the kids and Chipotle for me. I didn't bake a cake. We had some last week and Lieutenant Boo is getting married on Saturday, so more cake there. Remember wish one? It doesn't happen if you eat cake every day. Not that I would turn down a cupcake if someone brought one. You know, if someone were to feel so inclined.

Someone?

Anyone?

Happy Birthday!

Hands off, ladies! He's all mine. Happy Birthday to my Curly. It's his last year in his 30s. He's a great dad and a terrific husband. I love him so hard. He may not like this years photo, but you should see the one from 2009. Or the one from 2008.

Sleepy

My Curly

He's so handsome.

And my sunglasses rock.

Celebrity Chef

Last night I had dinner with a celebrity chef. Well, he was there and I was eating dinner. And, well, he was there because it was his restaurant. Frederick was put on the map 2 years ago when Bryan Voltaggio and his brother appeared on Top Chef. And by appeared, I mean dominated the show. In the end, Bryan came in second to his brother. It was amazing television.

Bryan opened his restaurant Volt 3 years ago. I have been wanting to eat there for 3 years. It's fancy. And by "fancy," I mean my first dish was frozen gazpacho with heirloom tomatoes and baby basil. So fancy. And it was delicious. The flavors were sophisticated, but not inaccessible. Volt has tables in the kitchen, where you eat a tasting menu of little dishes. It was two hours of bliss. Not only that, but it was a good show. It's fun to watch a restaurant behind the scenes. Bryan was nice enough to chat with us after dinner and wish us a happy anniversary.

So to say Curly outdid himself this year is an understatement. He won't ever be able to take me to Outback Steakhouse again. It was an evening I won't soon forget.

Weight Loss Wednesday

Oh yes, my friends. This weekly feature is back! I feel like I took the month of July off. My waistline felt it, too. But now I'm back. This past week I have lost my vacation weight (a little over 2 pounds) and I am back on track. August is our celebration month at our house. We started with Patch's birthday yesterday, today is our anniversary, next Monday is Curly's birthday, and next Tuesday is my birthday. Then we go back to school, which is always a celebration! I have a new rule for myself this month, and I'm sticking to it through October. It's that I will not eat things that are made from a box. This is not difficult when it comes to a main meal. For example, I don't like mac-n-cheese from a box. Treats are another thing, though. Brownies from a box are pretty darn good. But brownies from scratch are better. So I'm going to save my treat allowances for the really good stuff.

Curly has a special anniversary surprise planned for tonight. I'll tell you about it tomorrow. I know what it is (he fessed up when I was trying to nail down a time with the sitter) and I'll share tomorrow. He's a special guy, that Curly.

The Big 5

Can you believe it? He's 5. It's an important age. In just a few weeks, Patch is off to Kindergarten. He will leave me at 8 and not see me again until 2:50. He will eat his lunch without his mommy. I don't know how I will survive it.

Patch has a hollow leg. I know this because he is always hungry. Either that, or he's hungry because he's always in motion. He has some great observations about life, so I'm not so sure that he's just a jock. I think there might be a nerd waiting to burst forward.
Patch loves to dress up. He insists on wearing a tie to church. He really doesn't like it that I make him put it in his vest. He thinks it looks best on the outside of his vest. He has a point. If it's on the outside, everyone can see it.
One thing is for certain, our family is a lot more colorful and fun with Patch around. Whether he's making up future movie plots for his beloved Cars, playing with his Lego guys, or just bugging his sisters, he does it all in style.
Momma loves you, Patch! Even if you can't be 4 for another year.

A Great July

I had a very productive July, quilting wise. I can hardly believe it. My sewing room is nice and cool and July has been, well, hellishly hot. If August is more of the same, then I think we can expect even more finishes.

Just as a reminder here's what I did:

"Everything Nice" quilt for my Quilted Fish tutorial. It has become my favorite quilt. I have to admit to using another quilt last night. I was afraid it felt left out.
The quilt I made for Curly's cousin's daughter's wedding. I haven't named it. Perhaps I should. Maybe "Bridal Blues." You know, because it's blue. Not because she's sad. I would love suggestions in the comments, if you feel so inclined!

3 More Days

Someone will be 5 in just 3 days. We can hardly wait.

My Turn!

Now that you've had a moment to take in the bald patches in my back yard, head over to The Quilted Fish for my tutorial. This quilt has become a much fought after quilt. Flower keeps stealing it from me! You'll have enough leftover to try one of the other tutorials that have been featured in the past few weeks. Enjoy! And if you try any of the tutorials, or just make something out of The Quilted Fish fabric, please upload your photos to our flickr group!

Tomorrow, for Real

Tomorrow is my tutorial. I promise. I also promise that I am in love with this quilt. I have snuggled with it every night for the past week. It makes me happy. It prompted Curly to ask where his quilt was. I told him to get in line. I'm supportive like that.

My new dishwasher is so pretty. So is my new toilet. My life has changed for the better since Tuesday. The kids even want to get in on the dish washing action. I am only too happy to oblige. We also moved some of the furniture around in the living room and dining room. Our house looks bigger. I like that.

Ginger

Ginger is mostly a sweet, gentle child. She loves to hold hands and give kisses. She repeats a lot of what I say and has a rapidly growing vocabulary. She also has the worst temper in the world. Case in point: On Sunday after Sacrament Meeting, I said "Okay, let's go to nursery!" She started to cry. She said "No!" as forcefully as she could. When she saw that she could not change my mind, she decided to lay down in the middle of the aisle, kicking and screaming the entire time. Several people took pity and the poor mommy who had a temper tantruming toddler and offered assistance. Like Cousin Eddie's dog in Christmas Vacation, I have found that when she gets in one of her moods, it's best to just let her finish. Her temper is one reason I love her afternoon naps. It's also why I'm grateful I don't drink.

My dishwasher arrives today. Could it possibly get any better?

The Pool

Our favorite summer activity is going to the pool. It's really awesome. Ginger is in and out, out then in. In this picture, she's making the mermaids "go nigh-nighs." There was lots of adjusting and kisses.

Mini-me passed the diving board test this summer. Her favorite part of the pool is the deep end. She has a pre-dive routine where she stands at the end of the board with the ladder and shakes each leg. She saw a big kid do it, and now does it every. single. time. Then, she just jumps off the end. She wanted me to take a picture of her practicing her dive, so here it is.
Patch is nonstop motion at the pool, as he is in real life. I love this picture because you can see every single muscle in motion.
Care to join us for a dip?

Wedding Gift

Curly's cousin's daughter got married in North Carolina. All of Curly's siblings pitched in on the gift. We gave the happy couple a picnic basket.

Inside were plates, bowls, a tiffin box, and silverware.
Oh, and a quilt. Made by me. I'm so nice.
Curly's feet are so nice, too.

Breaking News

Because Amanda is the bomb.

Because my computer is broken. Just like everything else that could possibly break in this house. Just put it on my tab.

Because I had to drive through a thunderstorm with cloud to ground lightning all around me and broken tree branches in the road in order to pick up Flower today.

Because I am so beautiful.

Because Elmo is the best babysitter ever.

Because it got to 106 today, but felt like 122.

Because I still have a toilet on my back deck and a fridge in my living room.

Because Mini-me spread her sickness across 3 states.

My tutorial will be next week.

Here's what we'll be tuting on:

That is all.

Tomorrow and Tomorrow and Tomorrow

Tomorrow is my turn to share my Quilted Fish project. It's not quite finished yet. Oops. I'm quite proud of my progress, though. You see, while we were on vacation, our basement flooded. Again. This time the culprit was a flash flood that raced down our street. Thanks to some good people, we didn't have to come home early. Also while on vacation, the floor renovation from the first flood began. To say we have come home to a mess is a little of an understatement. I'll deal with it tomorrow.

Here are some other thoughts on this hot July day:

• It's too hot to go to the pool. Ginger is in and out too much. If she'd just stay in, I'd probably take the kids.


• Mini-me refers to "Nilla Wafers" as "Nillas." I don't quite know how I feel about that.


• I called the school yesterday to find out what time Patch needed to be there for his Kindergarten assessment test. The secretary said "You mean the test that was yesterday?" Yeah. It's been like that.


• Gracie returned from the vet and, like Tigger, has lost her bounce. I don't mind.


• In my head, I have been referring to my upcoming tutorial as "sick" and "stupid." I think I have watched too much "So You Think You Can Dance."


• I love Ikea.

It's That Time Again!

The O'Kigins are hitting the open road in the morning. Nothing is packed. Am I stressed? Heck yes. Our wonderful contractor (who I love like a brother in law) decided that today was a good day to start the post-flood work in the kitchen. I have a toilet and dishwasher on my back deck, and a stove and fridge in my living room. The last load of laundry is in the drier, and then packing will begin in earnest. I'll try to blog from our mountain oasis. We'll be somewhere in North Carolina, near Tennessee. It should be cool, temperature wise. And when I get home? I'll have a lovely new kitchen floor. I can't wait for the trip to be over.

Holiday Hangover

It's so hard to get back into things the day after a holiday. Sometimes all you want to do is wear your onesie and an eye patch. But not for us today. We have a lunch date. And perhaps an appointment at the doll hair salon. We'll lounge next week.

Happy Independence Day!

Every year, our family takes part in a very patriotic breakfast. Curly dresses up as a Founding Father. This year, he was asked to be Thomas Jefferson. Patch does not like it when he has to dress up.

He was also King George.

Our cousins are usually there with us.

This year, Curly was in costume as people came. He had everyone sign the Declaration of Independence. It was really neat.

The program was amazing. Our Congressman spoke, they honored those who were currently serving, and they honored the vets who were there. Several World War II vets were asked to share some experiences. The label "The Greatest Generation" is well deserved.

Thank you to those who serve. We are grateful.

Gratitude

Today during church, I felt an overwhelmingly grateful. I am grateful for my kids, who are hilariously adorable. I am grateful for my Curly, who works really hard but also likes to play. I am grateful for my Grandma, who reads my blog every day and gave me really good genes that allow me to look 20 instead of 33. I am grateful we had a flood. I'm just very grateful. Amen.

Wrap Up

A big thanks to everyone who participated in Halloween in June. Unfortunately, I didn't finish my project. So, we're going to continue all summer long. Sound good? Don't forget to head over to the flickr group and upload your projects.

Don't forget this week's tutorial over at The Quilted Fish. It Julie's turn, and she has come up with the cutest runner. It's perfect for this weekend. I need to whip one up! If you make any of the Design Team projects, or anything with this fabulous fabric, be sure to put your photos on The Quilted Fish flickr group!

Halloween in June Idea

For those who are new to my life here on the internets, you may not be aware that I love Harry Potter. Wait, that doesn't seem like a strong enough statement. I don't know that what I have is necessarily an obsession, but it comes close. I have used the phrase "Dumble-dork" on more than one occasion. I have seen all the movies on opening day, the last 2 were seen at midnight. The first movie I was working for a Congressman in DC. I told my boss I had an "appointment." Technically, it was true. I had an appointment to see Harry. It was worth all the teasing when the truth was outed.

I have read the books more times than I care to admit. My pregnancy with Ginger was fraught with morning sickness for the first, oh, 18 weeks. I spent an entire week on the couch reading all 7 books. And then moved onto the Twilight series, which is post for another day. When we were at a family reunion on Cape Code, book 6 came out. I had one of the Spinster Sisters watch my kids while Curly and I went to get the book. At midnight. In fact, I have gotten most of the books at midnight, or had them delivered to my door first thing in the morning via amazon.

To sum up, I am a fan. The fact that the movie comes out while we are going to be on vacation has not escaped my notice. I doubt I'll be able to go at midnight, since the closest theater to us will be 40 miles away. It makes me sad. One thing I'll be doing with my kids before that is making wands. If that makes me a Dumble-dork, so be it.

Baby Quilts

This Spring, I had two new nephews enter my life. They are both handsome fellas. I thought they deserved a quilt for being born.

First up was for baby Hank. He lives in Canada. I got a little carried away when making his quilt. It's not so much baby size as it is lap size. Hank and big brother Rex can cuddle up together, read Skippyjon Jones, and know how much Aunt Jana loves them. For those who care about these stats, I used a Buggy Barn pattern found in American Patchwork and Quilting. Fabric is Pure by Sweetwater.

The second quilt was for baby Caden. It's really a baby size. I had a Pure charm pack, and used a pattern from Camille's book.
I really like how it turned out.
I just wish I had gotten better pictures of both quilts. I'm still figuring out my new camera. Apparently I have a lot to learn!

Are You There, Blog? It's Me, Jana

I've been quiet this week. Forgive me. With the excitement of Cars 2 (we bought our tickets ahead of time, thankyouverymuch) and the first full week of summer break, there's been a lot going on. And also, there's been a whole lot of nothing going on, too. Today I am being very productive. We woke up and went to the YMCA. After I finish typing this, I am going to put a load of laundry in. Then, it's time to hit the pool. We'll come home, get dressed, and go pick up Flower. We have tickets to the 5:15 showing of Cars 2. It's a very exciting day.

Today is also Candace's tutorial. Is this calendar not awesome? It's amazingly cute and creative, just like Candace.

The Final Countdown

Patch is a fan of Cars. He loves everything about the original. We have a fine collection of die cast cars that he uses to recreate scenes from the movie. He loves it so much, that one of Ginger's words is "Lightning." He woke me up this morning, asked me to open the new box of Cinnamon Toast Crunch, and then said, "Only 3 more days until Cars 2!"

He's a little excited.

My Dad

Seriously, this was the only recent picture I could find of my dad. It's from last summer. He's doing what he does best: directing and getting it done. My mom is either sneezing or laughing. I think she's laughing. My dad is the greatest dad in the world. I'm lucky to be his favorite child.

Happy Father's Day, Dad. Suuuuuuure love ya!

Friday Tutorial

This week's Quilted Fish tutorial is brought to us by the amazingly multi-talented Stephanie, PhD. Go here to learn how to make it. I can see myself making several of these. Wouldn't they make great shower gifts? Or Christmas presents? I need one for my kitchen and for each of my kids.

Also, this post is brought to you by the number 1000. Yup, it's true. I have blathered on in this forum 1000 times. Thanks for listening. A reward will be forthcoming.

Weight Loss Wednesday

Usually I relish summer because it's a time where I can let go of schedules. I like not having to go somewhere at a certain time, other than the pool of course. But, this summer I have plenty of motivation to stay on plan, which includes scheduling time to work out and planning ahead our meals. First, we have a wedding in July for Curly's cousin's daughter. Then, in August our very good friends are getting married. And finally, last night we received a text that Curly's baby brother Lieutenant Boo proposed to his girlfriend and will be getting married. Soon. Lieutenant Boo is in the Navy and has to do his patriotic duty again. We got to meet Miss Nora last week. We love her, too.

Frankly, I'd like to look hot at all these events. I'll be purchasing a new dress from Shabby Apple. I don't know which one yet, but I'm excited to choose. And, I'll be getting a new pair of heels of the super high variety.

So what's keeping you motivated this summer?

It's Still Spring!

The weather outside is delightful. We're living it up, pretending summer isn't just a heat stroke away. Flower is at her first year of Girl's Camp, Mini-me is at her last full day of school, Ginger is sleeping off our morning play-date, and Patch and Curly are on the back deck having lunch. Ah, this is the life. Tomorrow we'll talk about our weight, Thursday we'll talk about Halloween, and on Friday I'll show you a fabulous new tutorial. But for today, let's just bask in the loveliness of it all.

Preschool Graduation

A note came home on Tuesday saying there would not be a graduation this year, but instead the preschool would just be having a brief awards ceremony. Imagine our surprise when this walked in:

I am so glad I had my camera. The teacher asked if anyone knew why they were celebrating graduating. Patch loudly answered: "So long, preschool!" It was complete with a hand wave. This picture was taken right afterward. He looks pretty pleased with his joke:
But, most of the time he felt like this:
He and one little girl are moving up. They will both be at the same school for Kindergarten, which is pretty fun.
So there you go. Preschool cap and gown graduation. Now I've seen everything.

etsy updates

Finally, I have added things to my neglected etsy shop. It's about dang time! I have a few new pencil rolls, and then a couple of my other best selling items. Thanks for looking!

Curly took the older three kids camping this weekend. I was supposed to go, but as I surveyed the growing stacks of laundry, I opted out. Ginger and I have had a delightful time. We ordered pizza, took a tubby, and then I had my girls over to drool over Edward and Jacob. It was great. The campers return sometime tonight. I have 3 loads of laundry to go, plus some dishes. And then, if there's time, I get to work on Curly's super secret Father's Day gift. That he asked for. And picked out the t-shirts for. At least I know what he wants, right?

Friday Tutorial

Head over to The Quilted Fish to see this week's Design Team tutorial. Jackie specializes in 3D quilted art. She has some amazing pieces. Go check out her tutorial!

Temper Tantrums

She may look harmless, but her mood can change in less than 2 seconds. Tonight I have had to reaffirm my administration's stance that we do not negotiate with terrorists. Her argument that she was not at all tired lost all credence when screamed in my face. When she realized her tactics were failing, she quickly switched to claiming an indifference on my part. Her demands? Being able to stay up and watch Gnomeo and Juliet. I held firm, and now she is asleep, less than 15 minutes after the battle began. Score one for Mommy.

Let's Share!

Here is the part of Halloween in June that I am pretty excited about: the part where we share. Leave a link with your project. It doesn't need to be completed, you don't even need to have started it yet! Little confession -- I haven't started mine yet. Ooops. But, here is a photo of one of things on my list:

It's the Creepy Countdown from Crazy Old Ladies. She doesn't have any patterns in her shop right now, but I'm sure if you contacted her she'd be able to hook you up.

A Little Inspiration

While Ginger naps and the other 3 are outside playing, I thought I would share some spooktacular and bootiful things I found while surfing the web.

First, I found this shop on etsy. She has some great paper piecing patterns for Halloween. Love it! Amy Bradley has some adorable quilt patterns. Look at this Halloween one. Her patterns are all fusible applique, so even beginners can give them a shot. For those who enjoy knitting, Danger Crafts has some adorable monster patterns. I think Penelope the Empathetic Monster is my favorite. If easy crafting is more your thing, go to Say it on the Wall. She's even offering a discount this month through her blog. It's worth a look.

Second, I want to share my favorite thing I decorate with in October. It's Department 56 buildings. Seriously, they are awesome. I have them in my dining room. I cheat a little and put them out during the last week of September.

I think I have room for one more. And this one would just be perfect.

When I Said

When I said we would do a fun linky party today, I forgot that the next round of tutorials for the Creative Consultants Design Team started today. Silly me! We'll link up on Monday, m'kay? So today, go over to Amanda's blog to see the adorable mug rug tutorial from Brooke.

I am thrilled with the response so far to Halloween in June. We are going to have us a good time! I wanted to clarify the rules, if that's alright with you. Please take out a pen and paper. I'll wait. Just kidding! Your Halloween projects don't need to be quilts. They don't need to involve a sewing machine. You can scrapbook, you can cricut, you can knit, you can sew, or you can put together some costumes. The sky's the limit! I'm excited to see what everyone comes up with. Don't forget to join the flickr group and upload some photos.

Also, I am so close to 1000 posts. I have almost lost 50 pounds. I bought a new camera. I have two brand new nephews. I think it's time for a giveaway. Come back next Tuesday for that. Up for grabs: Mini-me.

I kid, I kid.

Sort of.

New Flickr Group

I created a Flickr group so everyone can show off their Halloween projects. Go here and join!

Halloween in June, Day 1

Happy June! It's a hauntingly beautiful day here. Well, not really. It's as hot as Hades and probably more humid. I've got the crisp days of October on my mind. I'm ready for some creepy crafts. How about you?

I wanted to have a photo of the projects I'd like to do this month. But, my camera is not cooperating. It was in direct line of fire during the flood, so we need a new one. I have my eye on a lovely point and shoot over at the WalMart. Hopefully by Friday it will be in my hot little hands and I will be able to provide some pictures. For those who are playing along, Friday we'll have a little linky party to show what you plan on doing.

In my perfect world, I'd complete a project a week, giving me four new things for Halloween. I have a few pillows to make, a quilt kit to assemble, and maybe a vinyl project or two. In fact, there are several things here I'd like to make!

So grab the button and leave me a comment letting me know you're joining in the fun!