still here. . .

I haven't had a moment to slow down since my last post, and I only have about 5 minutes before we are headed out of town again. I have so many thoughts I need to put down, but for now I'll just say it's been a wonderful week. Busy, busy, but worth all the trouble. My husband is big into triathlons, he completed an Olympic distant tri in Chattanooga. It was tough. He said it was as difficult as the Ironman he did last year. I'm so proud of him and his commitment. I admire him so much! He is such a great inspiration to lots of folks.

Next, my daughter & I spent the past 4 days at the barn, in the hot, hot, hot, sunny, humid weather- preparing for a big show. She shows in Hunter-Jumper, and this was our first BIG show. The first day she did OK, there was a storm the night before, so a number of the horses were spiked. During the warm up, one horse threw the rider and ran wild in the ring for about 5 minutes, then charged the fence and broke through. That kind of added to the stress of the first day, but she still did OK. Then the 2nd day-- she 'rocked' as my oldest son said. She won 4 places, from 1st to 4th, and then won Grand Champion for Hunter-Jumper!!! I am still in awe. She was competing with much older girl- in fact she was one of the 3 youngest, these other girls are so good, and so my daughter and I kept practicing the phase- "It's not the ribbon- it's the fun". I thought I'd try to prepare her in case she didn't win a ribbon. As we drove home, she said she thought she has a great life. I asked her what she meant, she said "mom, how many girls get to spend 4 full days sitting on a horse? Plus I got that big slushie when the show was over!" I think she really did have fun, more than focusing on winning a ribbon. The picture above is my little girl jumping a cross rail fence- she's so little, I still can't believe she loves it like she does.

The next wonderful thing- my dear friend has finally decided to get her own long arm machine!! Could this week be any better?! I'm so excited, because we work so well together, and I get to "help". I haven't ever done long arm, but I've been dying to try.

Well, everything else is in good order- I'll be back in a few days and then I'll have my life back- I love routine, and summer is hard for me, so next week is back to some sort of routine and I'm excited. But like I said, this week was worth all the work.

Last thought, I can't tell you how much it meant to read your e-mails & messages checking on me. I couldn't stop smiling thinking about my blog friends who noticed I wasn't "here" for a while. It was the nicest feeling to know you thought about me. I am so glad to have you as friends. Thanks for the e-mails, and posts.

Thought of the day
"Actions may not always bring happiness, but there is no happiness without action."
---Benjamin Disraeli

Gratitudes
1. Shade trees
2. Sunscreen
3. Ice coolers
4. Snow cones
5. Horses & happy little girls

Thank you :-)

Well, I love the summer. I get to spend time with my kids, and do a little traveling, and swimming, but the thing I hate is my lack of keeping a schedule. I am a very routine person. I love having a schedule, even if it's not the same day to day, I want to know what is planned for the week for each day. I can not seem to get that done during the summer with the kids at home. This morning I had planned on getting things cleaned up and then have a little sewing time while the 2 babies were asleep. After waking up to a screaming baby, who had a messy diaper (which I should ask for my money back on the quality- since the entire crib needed to be clean since the diaper didn't do it's job). To helping my daughter who was accidentally kicked in the face by the 11 yr old, causing a tooth to be knocked out (luckily a baby tooth!). And then the 2 yr old decided an 30 min. nap would be good enough for the day. Needless to say, sewing wasn't in the cards today- I still have a messy house, I was at the breaking point, so we all went outside and blew bubbles.

It was so relaxing and I think I enjoyed it more than the kids. We have a few neat bubble machines, and bubble guns, and toys so we had fun making tons of bubbles. This morning is one of those days where I have to give myself one of the pep-talks about 'what's more important- my time, or their time?' I'm glad I made the right choice today. My mom always says, "if you want to make God laugh, tell him your plans." I know what she means. I always say, 'life keeps getting in the way of my plans'.

At least I can spend a few minutes talking quilts and reading others posts about their quilt time. It does sort of fill that space in my heart. I'm so glad there are so many neat blogs that help me fill that space. So thanks to all of you who's blogs keep me inspired and help me fill that quilt fix I need, so I am able to be a good mom- my kids thank you too! :-)

Thought of the day by Albert Einstein;
'Life is like riding a bicycle. To keep your balance, you must keep moving."

Hopefully I'm moving forward instead of backwards each day :-)

Gratitudes
1. Blowing bubbles
2. New flowers blooming
3. Reece's cups- right out of the refridge
4. Other peoples blogs that inspire me
5. swimming last night with the kids

Paducah !

Well today was wonderful, not because I worked my tail off with kids, laundry, bills & errands, but because I received my confirmation for my hotel room in Paducah! Yea!! I have been going to the AQS quilt show for the past 7 years. I am really strange about this one event- I always go alone. My mom is a sewer and creates wonderful and beautiful things, but she is not a quilter. She asked why I never invited her. I have also had a few friends who sew, every so often ask about it. I always tell them, like my mom, they are welcomed to come and stay, I'll share the hotel room but I go to the show by myself.

Here's why- I've never had friends that are into quilting as much as I am. Not even 1/2 as much as me. I've gone to other quilt shows with friends, and I feel like I'm rushed along, not getting to just sit and study the wonderful quilts. I feel like they don't appreciate the quilts and the opportunity to see these works of art in person- up close! I don't want to feel like I need to entertain them or they are bored if I stand there just staring in awe of a quilt. Plus, I love to take lots of classes, so my days are usually filled with classtime. This is my one week that is just for me- and only me. I can do what I want and go when I want, without coordinating and planning with others. I don't have to worry about baby bottles being packed, and keeping up with kids or their toys. It it the ultimate selfish week for just me! But in exchange for the week, my family gets a happy and sane mom and wife. This one week a year is lots cheaper than years of therapy.

The first year I went, I lived in Atlanta & I didn't know anyone who even quilted. When I got to Paducah, everyone was so nice. I would see the groups of ladies on the bus, or in the exhibits, or eating lunch, and they would just include me in the conversation. I felt like I was there with tons of long-distant friends. I actually never felt alone. I think that's one of the best things about quilters, they are so friendly & welcoming (for the most part ;-). Anyway, I really enjoyed it. We have moved a lot- the first 11 years we were married we moved 9 times. So each year the quilt show rolled around, I was some place new, and didn't know anyone to go with, so I just kept going alone.

Since we have been here, I have actually met someone who I feel so connected with through quilting. I never had anyone I could just sit and talk with about quilts and what's going on, and talk about how beautiful or ugly fabric and patterns can be. My friend actually came up this past AQS show and stayed for 2 days. I will admit it was fun to talk about the quilts with her, and compare notes. She'll come up for a few days this next year, and it will be fun.

I guess when you have someone to share the love and passion for quilting, it makes going to a show fun to share that event with someone else who has the same love. I'm glad my friend will come up again. I will also enjoy some time with all my 'new' long-distant friends.

To any of you who have been to the AQS show and talked to someone who was by herself- I want to thank you for helping to make me feel so welcomed and included.

Thought for the day- while thinking about a 5 day quilt show. . .

"Too much of a good thing can be wonderful!"
--Mae West

Gratitudes
1. A nice long bike ride with my 11 yr old.
2. Hearing my 2 1/2 yr say 'sorry', without being told to say sorry.
3. Watching the 8 month old's first hand clapping, while watching the 8 yr old squeal with delight while watching the baby's 1st clap (hard to explain- me, watching her, watch him)
4. a large diet Dr. Pepper with crushed ice
5. My dear husband mopping all the hardwood floors :-)

I'm still here. . .

I have had the good fortune of being whisked away to the beach for the past week & half. My parents took my daughter with them, ahead of the time I was to leave. After they arrived, they called and said 'the drive was horrible, don't even try it with the other 3 kids' (2 of which are under the age of 2 1/2). It took them over 14 hours to drive down to Tampa, and they had 3 drivers, while I had only me and the 3 kids. I was disappointed, but knew it was a wise decision. So Sunday rolled around and they called and said they had bought airline tickets, and I needed to pack for the next day. We (the 3 boys & me) hopped on a plane the next day, and enjoyed a wonderful time at the beach with my folks & my sister. We really missed my husband not being there, and the rest of our family. We still managed to have a fabulous time, and I'm so grateful my kids had the chance to build great memories with their grandparents. I did have to drive back with my sister and 2 older kids, but it was fun. My sister is pregnant, so between her and the 11 yr old we made lots of pit stops and saw lots of interesting people- it was an adventure!

I will admit, I went into a blog withdrawal. I love reading peoples blogs, and since I only had access to a computer one day and I could log in to my blog so I wasn't able to post anything. I realized how nice it feels to post something, and document my feelings and activities. I also missed checking on other people's progress and accomplishments. I gain such inspiration from so many people's blogs. I feel like I lost touch with old friends being gone that long.

I hope those of you who have read my blog, and those who have posted anything, haven't gone. I am still trying to get my life back in order from being gone- the laundry seems to being multiplying by the minuet. Once I'm in order, I should be up to speed on catching up on my reading of other's blogs, and posting my quilting activity.

Thought of the day,

It's not what we have, it's who we are, that really matters.
(I'm sure someone famous said that, or I read it somewhere, or I just made up a wonderful quote :-)

Gratitudes
1. Home
2. Generous parents
3. Warm sandy beaches
4. My camera & how it freezes time
5. My freedom- because of other's sacrifices

Booboo is better

For now, good news about Booboo. We went back to the vet and after some new medicine, he seems to be back to the playful & lovable Booboo we all know. He is does seems to sleep more often, but I suppose after a week of illness, his body is still recovering. The vet still doesn't know why he was so sick for so long. She will keep checking with us and keep an eye on him to make sure he continues to improve.

It's been busy than usual around here, scout camp is over (which means lots of laundry), sent my daughter to Tampa with my parents (13.5 hour drive), son #2 is out of sorts with 2 yr molars coming in, and son #3 learned to crawl this week. WoW!

I did manage to get the quilt shop, and bought Lori Smith's Heirloom Stitches. I am really excited to start it. I feel guilty because I so many other projects I should finish. I need to take an inventory and make a list of priority projects. When I see other people's blog, with their lists of 'to do' or 'done' or 'working on', I am inspired. But at the same time, it's a little depressing because my 'ufo' list would be so long, and it makes me realize how many things I start but don't finish. But it's really not all my fault- I default the blame to quilt shows! I go and see everything, buy tons of stuff, start it and then get excited to start the 'other' projects, and then the vicious cycle begins. OK, I should remember to be glad to have attended quilt shows and have the opportunity to buy quilt stuff, even if it is not being used to it's full potential at this time. It will be used one day!

Quote of the day,

"Mental attitude is more important than mental capacity"
--Walter Dill Scott

Gratitudes
1. Seeing Booboo wag is long furry tail
2. Watching what seems to be a million lighting bugs in the yard
3. Enjoying long talks about how great scout camp was, with my son, who still thinks it's OK to tell mom everything (this won't last much longer! :-( !!
4. My soft, soft pillow
5. The little quilt shop I visit & the friends who are there.