Twas the week before Christmas

and all thru the house - not a present was wrapped and the mom was starting to panic!

How did it get to be LESS than a week before Christmas?? I spent the day purging in Jess's room to make room for more loot (LOL!)... I'd go thru her stuffies and purge if she didn't know each by name and love them all - too hard to decide.

This season sure has thrown me some curves ... my mommy announced her trip to Vegas through the holiday (who does that?!) ... which in turn resulted in a full meltdown by moi. I've never in my 40 Christmas's NOT have my mom around Christmas Day - wow! I made her swear to NEVER do it again.

I have THREE more days to work and then I'm off a bunch - woo hoo! Maybe start cutting squares for one of two quilts I am to do... I think Jess's monkey quilt comes first ... as it was the first one to be done.

Just finished watching Julie and Julia and if I had some real food in my fridge I might have just started cooking up a storm ... but instead - I am finishing my glass of vino and going to go climb in my bed (which I'm hoping Jess has heated up a wee bit)... and then tomorrow is Church and hockey!

Night all!

Welcome Lucy

I can finally cross a lifelong dream off the bucket list - and I can even drive her (kinda) - her name is LUCY and she's a 1974 VW Westfalia Baywindow. Isn't she adorable - and with some tlc and a coat of paint in the spring - she will be even cuter!

I know I'm neglecting my blog

but I've been thinking a lot about how to reconnect with the kids - find more things to do that are "together" and "active" ... ie. wii bowling night - or leaf finding expeditions in the park. It's so easy to plunk them in front of the tv and go on about my chores but really - who is that benefiting?

They love spending the time as a family and it gives everyone the "warm fuzzies!"

I had a GREAT trip to Buffalo with my friend Steph and now have enough fabric and yarn to keep me busy all winter (and then some)... wow was it ever fun to get away and just be me for three days - quite the indulgence. And we've got our list of likes/dislikes when we go again next year!

Dreaming of Heather Ross fabric and her new yummy book!

Raggedy Owl (cool name - we all know how much I love owls!)... is having a cool contest on her blog... she was lucky enough to go on a weekend with Heather Ross AND Denyse Schmidt (OMG!!!)

I've been drooling over the pics of my sewingmama friends who went to the Blueberry Hill weekend too - what a cool Inn that looks like - on my wish list too someday!

Wish me luck with the contest and cross all your crossables ... and hope that I'll be posting a pic of a quilt I will make if I win!

Raggedy Owl's website - contest ends on 12th!!

also if you want to see more pics of the fun weekend including pics of my sewingmama friends aka The Ric Rac Sisters (check out Karen's twirl!!)

Heather Ross's Journal

Very cool article in local paper

about the town I grew up in!

http://news.therecord.com/Life/article/588534

My heart bubbles over...

So today I picked Alexander up from "Bible Boot Camp" aka - FBI Camp. He was there for three nights and it was his first overnight camp with our church.

It was so good to see him - wow I missed him. They gave out team awards, etc. His team won overall - and from each team a member got a flag and another got prayers verses... the one kid in AJ's ground who got the verses was very new to God ... kinda cool. Another kid in AJ's group was healed and no longer needs his hearing aids... - he got the flag. Alexander was pretty emotional by the end. He told me they prayed for his godfather Ralph and Alexander was the first one to lead the prayer. He said he cried a lot.

At the end they gave out four or five random awards (tshirts) - to the kids who they see as future leaders at the church ... the one's who showed real heart at camp and a good example. I kept thinking as they handed out one and another - would my son be that kid? I know he has it in him but there's 48 kids and a good majority are from the church school ... anyhow they she said his name - you'd think he won an Emmy - I was all teary and trying to take a picture - and just SO PROUD.

Such a FABRIC geek - good finds and good blessings!

OK - I own lots of fabric - and hardly sew at all lately - what is up with that!

But I got two great deals yesterday ...

FIRST - Heather Ross was having a sample sale (woo!!)

Heather's Website!

I emailed asking about shipping to Canada and then it sold out (boo!) ... but THEN I got an email letting me know I responded in time! I told her I loved camper vans and monkeys and owls (and and and LOL!)

I am SO excited - I will post pics when I get the goodies...

Secondly!!!

I am in love with some owl cord that is at JoAnn's but by the time I get to Buffalo and back ... and find the hours to do it ... I begged and pleaded (LOL!) with some online friends of mine and I got some - going to make a jumper for Jessie for fall - I am so psyched... and I got a coordinating one too!

OWL CORD

AND saving the BEST for LAST!

I have been going thru some tough times and really wanted to make Jessie a quilt for her dollie for her birthday but I just was (and still am) overwhelmed with life... I posted on my great mamas board sewingmamas.com and TWO mothers offered to make her quilts. Another great mama donated some fabric and this mama made Jess the BEST quilt ever... PIC OF DOLL QUILT




I am TRULY blessed!!!

Happy Birthday to me!!!

As long as I can remember I have taken my birthday off work if it fell on a work day and I try to do something special for me...

I tend to set myself up for disappointment I guess because every year it doesn't quite happen as I picture in my head... but this year was awesome!

On July 24th I woke up to Happy Birthday kisses and snuggles from my kids...




Then off to birthday breakfast with a friend and then to my spa appt. for a body scrub, massage and pretty toes!


What a GREAT birthday I had!!! 41 years ago on July 24th - I was born!!!!

Then off to the Blackshop for Creme Brule (my fav!)



My friend gave me awesome indulgent presents! Bath and Bodyworks Goodies, Chocolate and vinyl stickers she cut with owls and birdies (fav!)...

Then the piece de resistance... a "new to me" guitar (on my bucket list to learn guitar)... and a beautiful serenade by my son...

quick video of beautiful serenade


An awesome day - my heart is full!!

Christmas in July

What an awesome concept... especially since it's my bday month too LOL! Day one of one of my fav blogs and pattern makers for her Christmas in July giveaway is up!

http://www.bitofwhimsydolls.com/blog

I've entered as many ways as I can today and am crossing my fingers that I win. Be fun to make myself a birthday owl this weekend!!

Looking in on someone else's life...

As I get older (sigh) - I often find myself peering through the looking glass into other people's lives... picking and choosing the parts I'd like to have. Of course I'm not looking at their health problems, etc. Just the "fun bits".

This weekend I'm in Michigan at my friend Emilie's farm. Even though there's constant chaos with six dogs, two horses and a cat I've yet to see this weekend... it's peaceful. I'd go outside in the very early morning with my coffee and watch the horses grazing (and enjoy it since Pat did all the work LOL!)... such majestic creatures.

Or sit on the front porch and watch the horse and buggies drive by... clip clop clip clop.

Every stray dog know to run away here - take Tequila for instance (that's what I'm naming her for now)... she's been here less than 48 hours and she gets to sleep with Em and Pat - lucky little bugger!!

Her house is amazing - the kind I dream about... a big sprawling house ... screened in front porch... beautiful. (although in my dream world there's a maid LOL)...

OMG sewing and vw bus combined!

LOL - how cool is this!

180/365 - reflection

180/365 - reflection, originally uploaded by mamabluebelle.

It's funny how you see yourself - through your eyes and someone else's too.

I was shopping yesterday and found a shirt that I LOVED! It was funky and me - and when I walked out of the changeroom I could tell immediately my shopping friend wasn't as thrilled as I was. And told me it made me look big. I looked in the mirror and immediately felt big...

I know my weight is not where I want it to be but I am usually pretty sure of myself no matter what and carry myself well. But all of a sudden I was looking in the change room mirror noticing every nook and cranny of my body - tearing myself apart.

It's funny how a comment can make you feel.

Goal - tell someone today how beautiful they are!

My Sears Wish Book wishes

*well it's not the Sears Wish book
*and it's not Christmas....
*and I'm not sending it to Santa
*I'm just dreaming!!

the most amazing yet UBER $$ sock monkeys I have ever seen!

cute retro handmade pendants etc. (although my fav one is sold (wah!!))

these pendants are made from scrabble tiles (go figure) ... for everything I love (well mostly) owls, monkeys, birds

And why do my kids get the gameboys and ipods, etc. Now they come in green!!! (we all know my kiwi green obsession)

http://www.amazon.ca/Nintendo-Limited-Green-Personal-Trainer/dp/B001TOMR4S>green gameboy ds

that game doesn't do a thing for me ... I want Animal Crossing - Wild World I think it's called?!

Wonder what colours ipod touches come in??

And ... the piece de resistance (sp?!)...

the cake

I dream of a volkswagen bus....

and my kids are petrified one day I will make them drive around with me in one (insert evil laugh)... I think I am born in the wrong decade. Oh well - here's some dreamy ones I found on flickr!!

The Argument of His Book by Robert Herrick

I sing of brooks, of blossoms, birds, and bowers,
Of April, May, of June, and July-flowers;

I sing of May-poles, hock-carts, wassails, wakes,

Of bridegrooms, brides and of their bridal-cakes;

I write of youth, of love, and have access
By these to sing of cleanly wantonness;

I sing of dews, of rains, and piece by piece
Of balm, of oil, of spice and ambergris;

I sing of times trans-shifting, and I write
How roses first came red and lilies white;

I write of groves, of twilights, and I sing
The court of Mab, and of the fairy king;

I write of Hell; I sing (and ever shall)
Of Heaven, and hope to have it after all.

I'm reading a book about books...

kind of like the Seinfeld Episode about the Coffee Table book about Coffee Tables...

It's called "Between the Covers: The Book Babes' Guide to a Woman's Reading Pleasures"

I was drawn to it thinking that as a book fanatic I've probably read most of the books in it ... but maybe it would have a few new ones for me to check out.

I delve into it and am completely drawn in by the introduction... (starting on page 1)... and think wow this is perfect! "There's nothing sexier than someone who is well-read and witty" - that's me (LOL!).

Well guess what - I'm lucky if I've read 2 books on the list - incl. one that I only got half through as it bothered me too much (well written - just too graphic for me)...

So I'm going to read through it and make many notes and widen my reading horizons by leaps and bounds.

I'll keep you posted!!

ps. for my one blog reading fan... I changed the background to keep you smiling!

Trying to find the perfect green wool

so on Grey's Anatomy admidst all the good story line ... Izzie was knitting a scarf - a really cool green scarf that turned out to be for Bailey...

I want to find the same green wool ... it's such a cool colour!

Going to put my quilt ideas here so when I'm inspired I'll know where to find my ideas again!!

http://crazymomquilts.blogspot.com/2008/10/how-to-make-ragged-squares-quilt.html
http://www.modabakeshop.com/2009/02/stacked-coins-baby-quilt.html
http://quilting.about.com/od/quiltpatternsprojects/ss/rag_quilt.htm

My little singer

HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY!!

Thought I had royally messed up my blog while trying to change the background theme but (whew) - looks like I'm good to go!

It's amazing what a little pat on the back

does for someone's ego. I've always loved photography. And I must say I am having a love fest with my new digital slr ... it takes the most amazing pictures - and I haven't even scratched the surface I'm sure learning how it works!

My mom's online group suggested a 365 project - a picture a day ... and wow - as hard as it is to be creative ... I am having fun - and sometimes I get a picture that generates a lot of feedback... it's cool that other people who love photography are loving my pics!!!

Look to the right and you'll see the link to my pics... have a look and keep coming back!!!

Another amazing song from church!!

it was one of those songs that left me speechless!!

How He Loves Us - Kim Walker / Jesus Culture

lyrics:

He is jealous for me
Love's like a hurricane, I am a tree
Bending beneath the weight of His wind and mercy
When all of a sudden, I am unaware of these afflictions eclipsed by glory
and I realize just how beautiful You are and how great your affections are for me.
Oh, how He loves us so
Oh, how He loves us
How He loves us so.

Yeah, He loves us
Oh, how He loves us
Oh, how He loves us
Oh, how He loves.

So we are His portion and He is our prize,
Drawn to redemption by the grace in His eyes
If grace is an ocean we're all sinking
So heaven meets earth like a sloppy wet kiss and my heart turns violently inside of my chest
I don't have time to maintain these regrets when I think about the way

That he loves us,
Oh, how He loves us
Oh, how He loves us
Oh, how He loves

He loves us,
Oh, how He loves us
Oh, how He loves us
Oh, how He loves

What do you do when it's cold???

I go to my favourite coffee shop - so creatively captured in this pic I found on flickr. Click here to see cool pic Let me tell you about Grand Cafe. There's no where like it in the world!! First of all it serves my favourite coffee - Seattle's Best javanilla! And they make me feel like Norm from Cheers when I walk in.

For the past few months (feels like forever)... the Main St. bridge has been under construction making it very hard to get my javanilla. I've parked just about everywhere to keep up my addiction to this place. In the nicer weather it's been easy but in the winter can be a bit of a challenge. Let's face it - I'm a wuss and it is COLD out there.

Their soups and baked goods ROCK too! Jessie loves stopping by before hockey for a cookie... they are HUGE! There's nothing like grabbing some soup and sitting in their newly expanded sitting area - looking at the great work of local artists hanging on the walls... I really love it!!!!

In the nicer weather you can go sit in the middle of the square where the fountain is... and look at the amazing churches - so beautiful (see the reflection in flickr pic). This is a cool link to the fountain which until this very second I didn't realize is shaped like a maple leaf?! Click here to see the fountain

Today I'm drinking my javanilla while wearing a warm poncho made by my friend Judy's mom ... makes me feel snuggly... If you look in my 365 pics of the year you'll see Jessie all snuggled up yesterday! She had on a hat, hoodie and her winter coat had 2 hoods - that's four layers on her head LOL!

I had to buy her a new coat last night because she struggles with the zipper on this one... my kids and zippers on their coats - ugh. It is quite a pretty blue though and it's super warm with two coats in one ... she loves it!

So tell me - what do you do when you are cold???????

Just call me Martha

so I've been busy today - baking... and I'm going to make some soup later today or tomorrow too!!

Here's what I made so far...

Peanut Butter Marshmallow Squares

1 (12 oz.) pkg. butterscotch chips
1/4-1/2 c. butter
1 c. peanut butter (smooth or crunchy)
1 pkg. sm. marshmallows

Combine butter and peanut butter and chip bits in a saucepan on low - medium heat until melted. Take off heat and cool mixture before adding marshmallows. Pour mixture into ungreased cake pan. Spread evenly. Refrigerate until cold and cut into squares. Keep in refrigerator.

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this one is from http://carrotsncake.com/2008/11/chocolate-pumpkin-loaf.html

I overcooked mine a bit - not sure why I have such a hard time with loaves either not cooking or overcooking...

Chocolate Pumpkin Loaf

Ingredients:

1 cup all-purpose flour
1/4 cup whole wheat flour
1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1/2 cup sugar
3/4 cup packed brown sugar
1/2 cup liquid egg whites
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 can (7.5 ounces) pumpkin
3/4 cup chocolate chips
Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 325*F. Grease loaf pan.

2. Combine all ingredients in large mixing bowl; blend well.

3. Once mixed, pour batter into loaf pan.

4. Bake for 40-45 minutes, until top is firm and a toothpick comes out clean.

5. Allow loaf to cool for 15 minutes; dust with powdered sugar (if desired).

And later...

Vegetable Bean Barley Soup - mmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm!!!

Fasting... Hump Day!

OK so this is a week of prayer and fasting for my church.

I've never participated previously - but I figured having indulged in EVERYTHING this holiday season - I could choose to do some reflecting and fasting.

The church website said...

January 5 to January 11, 2009.

Together we will be dedicating 2009 to God through a week of prayer & fasting. This is always a powerful time in the life of our church as we grow stronger in our individual walks with God and believe for increased miracles, favour and wisdom for life. While we understand that not everyone can physically take part in a complete fast, everyone can do something. Think about what you can set aside in order to make extra room for prayer this week.

------------

For me I figured baby steps. I gave up coffee (ugh!), sweets, chocolate and alcohol. The kids gave up dessert and my husband gave up coke.

The first day was very hard - I had a bad headache and wanted coffee. But I perservered and drank some herbal tea. Now on Day 3 I am proud of myself that I have lasted this long ... and don't miss things (too badly.)

HAPPY NEW YEAR - Some New Features

look to the right ... and you'll see some new features...

1. Books I am reading - I am going to try and keep track of all the books I read...

2. Project 365 - I am going to try to take a photo a day... why?

Click here to read more

Why do it? (from photojojo.com)

Taking a photo a day is a big undertaking with big payoffs. Here are just a few reasons why you should consider doing it:

Imagine being able to look back at any day of your year and recall what you did, who you met, what you learned… (Often we find it hard to remember what we did just yesterday or even last night, let alone a whole year ago!)


Your year-long photo album will be an amazing way to document your travels and accomplishments, your haircuts and relationships. Time moves surprisingly fast.


Taking a photo a day will make you a better photographer. Using your camera every day will help you learn its limits. You will get better at composing your shots, you’ll start to care about lighting, and you’ll become more creative with your photography when you’re forced to come up with something new every single day.

Some of my friends are doing it too.... wanna see theirs?

Jessica's 365

Kristn's 365

Danielle's 365

Heidi's 365

and I joined a flickr group...

Flickr Group