New Patterns!

Wahoo! I'm so excited to release these next two patterns. One of them you've seen before, but now you can have the pattern yourself and the other one is brand new and I am sooo excited to call it mine! If you're not a black and white fan, I'm very sorry, because I simply cannot resist these fabrics when I shop. This first bag is called Simply Legendary:

It's complete, with a cell pocket, keys pocket, double pocket (for sippy cups and such), and a larger pocket for planners or diapers, etc. Pattern also includes instructions for 43" handles or 53" handles, photos, and pattern pieces.

And THEN there's the Fabulous Bags Pattern, complete with instructions for two different bags. Options are endless: wide straps, skinny straps, two flaps, one flaps, bow tie, buttons, large bag, small bag, the choices are up to you and the patterns come with everything to guide you.Patterns can be found in My Etsy, located on my sidebar or in your local quilt shop!

Grateful

For the first time, we hosted Thanksgiving at our house with Jason's family. We had lots of fun, lots of food, and little black Friday shopping! What more could you ask for? We were even able to sneak in a quick family shot before the boys lost their patience. I'm so grateful for this little family of mine. They keep my super busy and a little crazy.

I'm a fan!

When Ruger was a baby he didn't really like car rides or going to sleep in his crib. I had purchased Carrie Underwood's first album and was listening to it in the car when I noticed that he had stopped screaming and shortly after that he'd fallen asleep. At first I was certain it was all about my timing, but then time after time he would just stop crying and listen to her. One time he was playing in the family room and she came on TV, he climbed into the laundry basket on the floor and just sat and watched until she was done singing. People never believed us when we said her music could calm him down--they'd be shocked to see that she was indeed our saving grace his first two years of life...now he doesn't really care who's on the radio he's going to do what he wants, but occassionally he'll sing along.
For this reason I will always be a Carrie fan. I was going to purchase her new album, but was given strict instruction via text to just be patient. On Saturday Play On arrived in the mail with some seriously good treats. We spent the rest of the day in the kitchen cooking and dancing to "Undo It!"

Thanks Roni!

Benson and Claire

I remember when I was 10 years old and my parents and I were still debating my future with ELL surgeries. I was sitting by my mom in the bathroom while she was fixing her hair and I asked, "How will you pay for it?"
She responded by saying, "We'll sell the house if we have to."
For some families, selling their home just won't cut it. When I read this story I couldn't stop myself from tearing up and I've watched this auction go for the past few days and have been blown away by people's generosity. Just as I was when we raised money for Shriners...those little $5 donations added up quickly! These children need help and the strength of a community to get them through, so stop by and donate if you can or bid if you're looking for a super cute quilt--its the same one I'm working on right now...I love it! I don't know this family personally and I don't know Camille either (I just stalk her ;), but I think they could really use our help.

Team Work!

Around here the only way to get stuff done, is by doing it together. We finished the living room, the boys bedroom, and now we're on to our bedroom! The boys are helping with the texturing here. They love helping daddy!

And then a couple of Halloween shots for the Grandmas!

Fine, cookies were easier!

Sooo...I was so proud of myself for having the preschool treats done early! Days in advance, those little sacks were packed and tied and then...a note comes home that says every child needs to bring candy to share with their classmates...meaning my little candy bags weren't going to cut it for the class treat! Grrrr.... Now I have to make another treat. Can you imagine the cavaties? After a quick google search, I settled on spider cookies. I didn't actually read their recipe, I just made the chocolate cake cookies and added m&ms and licorice. So there's a treat and Ruger will have his little candy bags to hand out to all of the kids. And FOR the record, my cookies took 35 minutes and the candy totes took 1 hour...I guess Ashlee was right!

Halloween? Already?

I keep waiting to catch a breath, hoping my days will slow down just for a little while so I can catch up on everything, but it's not happening. I feel like everything is moving so quickly and my boys are just growing up so fast. Last week was filled with pumpkin patches and costume hunting...we've finally settled on Batman and Spiderman...they are sooo excited! Sawyer said, "I love you mum!" for the first time and Ruger, I think is starting to read (either he's learning or memorizing...I'll keep you posted). Between pre-school and play school, friends and the remodel, we're getting into the swing of things and we can finally count down the days to Roni's arrival for Christmas break....super excited! BTW, received this incredible package from her the other day--packed with chocolate and my favorite Amy Butler bag!We are in charge of treats for Ruger's class and this is what we came up with, it's not incredible, but it's done! That's all I can ask for anymore. I used the scraps from the Hallween totes, it worked out quite nice. Each bag is a 7" by 14" piece of fabric, sewn up each edge, with the corners squared off and then we filled them with candy and tied them with ribbon. Easier than baking cookies!

Cute faces.

It's so hard to catch a good picture of my boys. I always have to chase them down. They like to gang up on me and tease me, silly boys!
I love how completely opposite they are in both their personalities and their looks.

Housewarming Recipe!

I have to start by saying thank you so much Ashley for hosting me on your blog and sharing all of your wonderful readers with me! I just can't believe the response...we've had over 1,000 enteries in my giveaway and I'm just thrilled. Very anxious to find out who the winner will be...BTW, I read all of your responses and read all of those blog posts you wrote...you are all too sweet! Thank you! And more than anything welcome to my blog. If you were all here in my home I would make you some incredibly delicious cinnamon rolls, but since you're not I will share the recipe with you.

I got this recipe from my sister-in-law Betsy and it's simply delightful and simple. It's a 30 minute recipe (or if you're slow like me it will take you an hour). Still not bad for rolls though, right?

30 Minute Rolls:

Mix together and let rise for 5 minutes until bubbly:

• 3 1/2 cups warm water
• 6 TBSP instant yeast
• 1 cup oil
• 3/4 cups sugar

ADD:

• 1 TBSP salt
• 3 eggs, beaten
• approx. 8-10 cups flour

Mix well and roll out. Form into crescent rolls and let rise for 15 minutes. Bake at 400 degrees for 10-12 minutes until the inside is cooked.

You can also use this dough as pizza dough, bread dough, cinnamon rolls, or orange rolls. So many options and so easy to do! It makes a lot...we did 3 dozen large cinnamon rolls!

Thanks for stopping by and come again!

Buy 2, Get 1 Free

Buy 2 patterns, Get 1 FREE!

So here's the deal, go to my Etsy shop, purchase 2 patterns

and then send me an email with your choice for a 3rd pattern

and I'll throw it in your package for FREE!

Way to Easy!

Clearly my hints were way to easy! I should have known that the backyard kitchen would have given it away. I think it's safe to declare Kathy our winner out of the whopping three that participated (thanks girls). Kathy, just email me to claim your prize! She guessed it right away with Paula Deen! Can you believe that? I was so excited, I even told the lady at the post office! Classy, I know. Can you blame me though...it's Paula Deen! She's incredible! I suppose I also haven't been very secretive about my Food Network passion...I can't cook very well, but I do love that channel.
I also wanted to address two questions that I've been receiving a lot of lately.
1.) Where do you buy your fabric?
I buy it everywhere! I've been lucky to have so many quilt shops in my area with high
quality fabrics, but I also love to shop online. Quilt Expressions is a great online store and Etsy is always a winner. If you know your designer just type in the name and the options are endless. I prefer Etsy over Ebay by a long shot! Etsy owners seem to take a little more pride in their shops and the care of their product. The black and white fabric that I made Paula Deen's bag out of is by Free Spirit and then I just found some reds that I loved to go with it.
2.) What's your best piece of advice for someone just getting started?
Never, never, never give up! Be patient and take care of your family...the rest will fall into place.

Play Along!

I've been a little excited these past few weeks and trying to keep my composure and not get too crazy. Recently I had the wonderful opportunity of making this glam bag for someone super fantastic! I just got word back that she received it and I'm as excited as can be! Yippee! I thought it would be fun if we played a little game to see if you can guess who might possible own this bag. I'll start with a couple of subtle hints and if no one guess I'll add more as time goes on. There may be a little prize for the lucky winner in the end so play along and tell your friends too...Also watch for us on the Make and Love It website this week!
Hints:

1.) This person has appeared on Oprah a few times!

2.) She also has a kitchen in her backyard! :)