King Quilt pt. 3

I have been working at cutting strips for the king quilt; But it is going slow since the only working iron I have is a small travel iron.

I am hoping to buy another iron next week when I go to town.

Crochet Success

For quite some time I have been searching for a crochet sweater pattern for the American Girl Doll. But, during my search I kept running into the same problem......reading and understanding the instructions! To me reading the pattern is like trying to read another language. However, I have finally managed to find success thanks to my mom!She has tried to help me over the phone and through e-mail but it has been a little hard. So, yesterday, my mom made up a doll sweater and wrote out the instructions along the way. Then she e-mailed the instructions to me and last night I made my very first doll sweater!

Thank you grandma; now Elizabeth has a sweater for her doll!

IHOP

Today Elizabeth and I took advantage of the free pancakes offered at all International House of Pancakes restaurants; Jonathan had class so he missed out.This location is my favorite;

Because they have the old fashion cooking area where you can see the people at work.

Even though our breakfast was good I have now had my fill of pancakes!

Death of an Iron

Several years ago I purchase a Rowenta iron that I instantly fell in love with. I liked it so much I purchased a second Rowenta iron. Then, several months ago, my first Rowenta made a horrible burning smell, got very, very hot and died.Then today my second Rowenta iron did the very same thing; a horrible burning smell and then death!

So now I am on a search for a replacement iron. What brand of iron do you use? What do you like and dislike about your iron?

King Quilt pt. 2

Out of 26 shirts I only have 4 left to cut up.All the cuffs, collars, front bands and yokes have been put into one box;

And all the cut pieces are in another box.

As soon as the last 4 shirts are finished it will be time to begin cutting lots of strips.

Pancake Festival

Each year we meet with friends to eat dinner at the annual Lions Club Pancake Festival.It cost 5-dollars per ticket for all you can eat pancakes and sausage.

The event is very large and perfect for visiting with family and friends.

This year the Lions Club was trying to set a Guinness World Record for making the most pancakes in an 8-hour period.

While we were eating it was announced that the festival did in fact set a new record; the amounted reached today was 66,459 pancakes in an 8-hour period; the old record was 34,818.The festival provides margarine and syrup to go on your pancakes;

But I always bring peanut butter from home; pancakes just don't taste right without peanut butter!

A Big Decision

Yesterday Elizabeth made a very big decision; She has been thinking a lot and asking many questions. Then yesterday she said to me "mom, I think it is time for me to become a Christian".

What a day! Jonathan was around this age when he made his decision too.

King Quilt pt. 1

Each time I complete a quilt the desire for a very large king size quilt, just for me, grows. So, in January I began collection men's shirts.
I have been searching for shirts made with quality fabrics that have a nice feel to them.

After collecting 26 shirts I wrote out a plan. I would need a total of 90 blocks that are 12.5 inches square to make a king size quilt.

Once I had a nice collection of shirts I began cutting them apart.

My blocks will be made from assorted strips;

Which will be cut on an angle.

This is how each block will look; I only have 89 more blocks to go.

I am not sure how long this project will take but I hope to work on it at least twice a week.

Valentine Package

I received a package in today's mail;From Grandma in Missouri.

Thank you grandma, Elizabeth and I will be using these in the kitchen when we are cooking.

A Second Hidden Nest

Today we found a second hidden nest in the tall weeds. Elizabeth has been thrilled getting to gather all the eggs.

It sure feels good having fresh eggs once again!

While Taking a Break

This afternoon, while taking a break, Elizabeth and I decided to search for eggs again; I had seen and heard one of the hens under the windmill earlier in the week and wanted to investigate.

Under this clump of vines...We found these.

Elizabeth picked up each egg very gently and placed it in a basket.We collected 11-eggs in all.

Can you guess what we will be eating for breakfast tomorrow?

Taxes, Taxes, Taxes

Each year in early January we begin the very big task of doing our taxes.It usually takes several weeks, working a little here and there, to compile all our totals.

For some reason I am having a hard time focusing this year.

But thankfully I do believe I am beginning to see a light at the end of the tunnel.

If all goes well I'll be back in the sewing room by next week!

Cast Iron

I love using cast iron...It makes cooking foods more fun!

Valentine Gifts pt. 2

All the zipper pouches are completed;And packed in a basket for easy delivery.

I really like how they all came out.

Valentine Gift

Elizabeth wanted to give her friends from dance a Valentine gift;After some thought I decided to make personalized zipper pouches;

Filled with candy.

I think the girls will be happy with their gift.

Country Boy

I love how Jonathan has lived all his life in the country;Enjoying country fun.

A Down Comforter

Elizabeth and I have been taking turns being sick the last several days; yesterday we ventured into town so she could have some ballet photos taken and then we visited the thrift store where I found Jonathan a wonderful down comforter.I washed it today in the washing machine; even though the tags says to "dry clean only".

It flapped all day in the sunshine and wind and now smells good and feels very fluffy. I am very pleased with my $4 bargain!

Early Morning Surprise

Today as Pat was opening the chickens he found this wonderful treasure.

I had suspected the hens were laying but this is the first egg to be found. Elizabeth and I went out and hunted for more but so far we have not been able to find the main nest.

Sunday Drive

Today the kids and I decided to take a drive; the destination was White River.

It had been more than 20 years since I visited this place. We brought a lunch so we could have a picnic but it was too chilly.

Elizabeth played for few minutes at one of the small playgrounds.

We had wanted to walk along the water but it was virtually impossible to reach any water, let alone see the water up close. The only good view of the lake was from the dam.

The lady at the lake office/grocery/cafe said there was a small beach area but this was all we found; a dry area overgrown with brush.

We were also told there was wildlife such as deer and wild hog; but the only wildlife we saw was on the side of the road as we left.

It was nice going for a drive but I sure wish we could have walked near the water and tossed rocks.