tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20449160514819943602024-03-05T15:03:13.054-05:00The Adventures of Stinky SweetPSIrwinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07659400160794895517noreply@blogger.comBlogger1024125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2044916051481994360.post-1612244373614454502019-01-14T18:04:00.000-05:002019-01-14T18:04:32.297-05:00Dad.It seems I only stop by this place to offer some piece of bad news but I suppose I need to write it down and this seems as good a place as any.<br />
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My dad passed away last Tuesday. He had been diagnosed with stage 4 lung cancer that had already spread other places but that was just the latest pronouncement in a long line of health issues. What I knew was that his body wouldn't be able to do both chemo and dialysis for long - you name a chemo symptom, he seems to have gotten to experience it. He went quietly surrounded by all his children and his wife, my mom.<br />
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This seems to be a kind of sorrow that buries itself deep in your bones, stretches your marrow, and makes your whole body ache. I think I'll carry it with me always, ever stretching, aching. I wonder if it will seem lighter with time - that the ache will be less, that someday I might get through an entire day without tears. I'm told I might.<br />
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Here is where I find joy: a friend, who is exactly 7 months ahead of me on this journey, reminded me - you will have a hard time getting past what you've lost. But think of what he's gained. What joy! What unspeakable, un-nameable, unimaginable joy in this weighty sorrow. To think - of heaven and Jesus and bodies that work and maybe even a round of golf. Do you think God will grant him a game or two of blackjack? He doesn't have to bet anything - just to let him enjoy the game.<br />
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This year - before 2019 became the year I lost my dad - I chose "brave" as my word of the year. Try new things, go on adventures, get healthy and now, keep going, making your dad proud. Ann Voskamp put it in words better than I could, as always:<br />
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"Sometimes doing hard things<br />
looks like doing the next everyday thing<br />
like putting your running shoes on<br />
like turning the screen off<br />
like breathing<br />
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Breathing is brave.<br />
Hoping is brave.<br />
The next step is brave.<br />
This is how Rome was built, Everest was scaled, and your battles are won.<br />
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This new year, we refuse to write<br />
the same old story:<br />
We are Staying in the Story,<br />
the Word,<br />
who guarantees to make us new.<br />
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Exhale.<br />
Forward."PSIrwinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07659400160794895517noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2044916051481994360.post-31973575714999733722018-01-15T15:46:00.000-05:002018-01-15T15:46:31.574-05:00Holy Ground.I spent the weekend with my mom in Virginia and felt really strongly that I needed to write about it. I haven't been here on the blog in over two years but no better place I guess.<br />
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Mom's brother - my uncle - Tom was diagnosed with a brain tumor less than a month ago. Some named mass that I can't pronounce or spell that is slowly stealing him from the life he loves. He had surgery two weeks ago and it didn't go as expected - those angry tendrils are still reaching further into his smart, healthy brain - a brain that has guided this man through a life of projects, work, raising a family, and meeting adored grandchildren. I haven't posted about it much other than a vaguepost because it isn't my story to tell but we covet your prayers all the same.<br />
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But, I didn't come here to write about a brain stolen. I came here to tell you a story about Holy Ground in a hospital room.<br />
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Tom and his wife Eutanaha have been married 46 years today. I know they never thought this year's celebration would take place in a hospital room but I want to tell you about what I saw, born of those years. He told the story of how they met and how she ignored him at college graduation. He told the story of getting married in record breaking cold in Birmingham, Alabama and claimed my mom was his best man. He talked about moving to North Carolina and then Virginia, always side by side. He spoke a lot about his children and grandchildren and all the things he still wants to do with them.<br />
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And then he told her that he would still choose her all over again. That she's still the only one for him.<br />
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I jokingly asked her if he was always so romantic and she laughed and said "No." And you know what she did? She served him. She fed him. She loved him, guided him, and spoke calmly to him in his frustration with being dealt a hand he cannot win . She was love with hands and feet.<br />
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There are moments in our lives when we don't realize that we are being allowed to glimpse the ground where Jesus has walked. You wouldn't think that room - full of wires and beeping and needles and broken hearts would be but let me tell you --- it was Holy Ground. To bear witness to their lives, filled with love and joy and grief - and watch them stand firm in a peace that passes our understanding and to know that in the midst of this storm, there is still a good Father. Oh friends, that is Holy Ground.PSIrwinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07659400160794895517noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2044916051481994360.post-73834296956425687422016-10-06T11:35:00.001-04:002016-10-06T11:45:09.029-04:00Welcome back. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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It has been over a year since I blogged.<br />
Nothing to say I guess?<br />
Just stopping by now to do a dump of England pictures from my trip this summer with my mom and my sister. I like saving things like this for posterity, I guess in case my hard drive gets destroyed or something? <br />
So, welcome back is two fold - a new blog post and a second trip to England for me. It was a lovely, fun week full of map reading, subway riding, scenic pictures, some great food, and sweet time with my family.<br />
(Also - forgive the pictures being all in a wacky order. I got tired of trying to rearrange them from a weird upload.)<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghL_cEOOlZz1-bhV14XSKscAej5Tg_ncYzf9QDYW3HBzZe4m8mYIOEfSNJ3npCEiZgMrn2ZjVVK_YsicUCiFH-dbg15FaGr85HGayOzv_YS5y6nOWTaa0ZaHoYqJEuw59YGITh3Ttgub0/s1600/IMG_2959.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a>The first day there, Mary picked us up from the airport and on the way to her house, we stopped at Stonehenge. After flying all night basically and being awake for too many hours, it was so nice to see these wide open spaces, beautiful skies, and amazing scenes. <br />
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My favorite little barn in all of England. </div>
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A beautiful little country church and cemetery up on the Moors. The weather could not have been more perfect. </div>
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Little kneeling pillows in the church. I imagine someone's Mema did all the needlepoint on these so you'd have a soft place to put your knees. </div>
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We all nearly melted over this little cutie. Wild horses on the moors. </div>
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And so many sheep!</div>
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Sheep!</div>
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Mom and Sis on the train!</div>
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Old school locomotive. See the fire burning inside right behind the guy?</div>
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Our sweet, gracious host - cousin Mary. </div>
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I think Mary said this building on the hill was part of the Royal Naval College.</div>
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I loved this little colorful seaside town and its delicious brie baguettes!</div>
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Mom and I on the train to London.</div>
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The three of us at the Exeter Cathedral. Always so windy!</div>
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Inside the Exeter Cathedral. </div>
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Hello Big Ben!</div>
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We went on a walking tour as part of our tour bus tickets with a super knowledgeable, friendly little guide. Watching the Changing of the Guard was on mom's "don't miss!" list so we actually got to see most of the stages of it from the old palace to Buckingham and everything in between. </div>
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Gargoyles on Westminster Abbey - for Mom. </div>
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Westminster Abbey. </div>
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Part of the Changing of the Guard.</div>
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Yeomen of the Tower. And us. </div>
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Mom and I at the Tower of London.</div>
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Mom and Sis at the Tower. Mostly just wanted you to notice the faux monkey over their heads. </div>
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Tower Bridge - not to be confused with the London Bridge. </div>
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Mary was a genius and got us tickets for a play at the Globe Theater. It was a Irish version of the Taming of the Shrew. We all enjoyed it and our seated, in the shade tickets quite immensely!</div>
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Inside the Globe Theater. </div>
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This is us being thankful for our seated/shaded seats. </div>
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Westminster Abbey.</div>
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The Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace, with our 2,000 closest friends. </div>
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For mom. </div>
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For mom. </div>
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My sweet Momma - who can't pass a flower garden without enjoying it - a trait I hope to carry on. </div>
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That's pure joy. One of the highlights of our trip was having a proper high tea at the Lanesborough Hotel. So posh. We were totally out of place but had a hilariously good time and the food and tea was delicious!</div>
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Watching their flowering tea bloom. </div>
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My favorite little hazelnut chocolate. So they brought me three more. </div>
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I'm so thankful for this woman - and apparently catching my sister off guard. I'm thankful that she wants to make memories and go place and enjoy life. </div>
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And for these guys humoring us with photo in the park. </div>
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<br />PSIrwinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07659400160794895517noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2044916051481994360.post-89128164107402530122015-08-29T16:08:00.000-04:002015-08-29T16:08:14.128-04:00Gift quilt.I mailed off my first gift quilt last Friday and hopefully the new owner will open the box before she reads this! You've actually seen this quilt here before because I made two of them (thanks to bad math when cutting out all the pieces) so I was excited to have a reason to give one away!<br />
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Sweet Baby Ryelle (a.k.a. the unnamed, unborn, they-are-keeping-the-sex-a-secret child of <a href="http://sniderlove.blogspot.com/">Dani and Ryan</a>) will hopefully have a snuggly first winter with this quilt. Since I don't know the sex, I thought it was safe to do something that wasn't so "baby-ish" and though it is mostly blue, there are some fun pops of red and yellow in there too so it should work (I hope!). This is also a design that I came up with pretty off the top of my head after seeing something mildly similar somewhere else.<br />
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This is the whole quilt. It is a square...about 45 or 50 inches on each side. </div>
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I decided to sew a stripe of material on the back too to give it a little more dimension. While this quilt isn't perfect (don't look too closely at the quilting!), I'm pretty proud of it. </div>
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I hand sewed the binding on which takes forever and makes my fingers tired but it is so absolutely worth every single stitch. I love the way it looks so finished on the edges. </div>
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Baby Ryelle, you are so loved and hoped for and prayed over!</div>
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I can't wait to meet your sweet little face. </div>
<br />PSIrwinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07659400160794895517noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2044916051481994360.post-31735882772114832015-08-29T16:07:00.000-04:002015-08-30T18:35:58.412-04:00Chicago 2015Why not make it three posts in one day?<br />
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Chicago!<br />
I got to go back for work again - a training - and it was just as lovely as the first time!<br />
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<br />PSIrwinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07659400160794895517noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2044916051481994360.post-13707528541310155292015-08-29T16:01:00.000-04:002015-08-29T16:01:29.343-04:00PNW 2015Well, now that I'm back and settled down from a few crazy weeks of travel, I've remembered to post pictures from our adventures. This is mostly for posterity (and my mother's) sake since I've moved them from my phone to my external hard drive. So, phone dump it is...<br />
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I think this might be my favorite photo of the trip. Haystack Rock at sunset...it was incredible. </div>
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Of course we had Voodoo Doughnuts...and mom had a fritter the size of her face. Literally. </div>
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I have about a million (ok...fewer than that but whatever) pictures at the International Rose Test Garden but here are just a few.</div>
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Toes in glacier water...</div>
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Skeeball break!</div>
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Windsurfing in the Columbia River Gorge (not any of us, sadly). </div>
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Mt. St. Helens is just above the treeline on the right half of the picture...</div>
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We had a lovely trip and were hosted by my mom's lovely friend Ellie and her family. She was the best hostess and chauffeur and we saw so many great things. I'm thankful for the chance to travel with my mom and my sister, as that never happens anymore these days. Sweet memories were made!</div>
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<br />PSIrwinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07659400160794895517noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2044916051481994360.post-91395769296383979242015-08-29T15:51:00.001-04:002015-08-29T16:07:55.687-04:00Mt. LeConte 2015Two posts in one day, like I've lost my mind (or maybe making up for lost time)...<br />
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We crazy-people hiked Mt. LeConte again this year and survived. We forgot to take the requisite picture in front of the Lodge with the date on it but we did OK. Its a pretty strenuous hike but we keep doing it. I think this was our third time...I might be willingly giving up my spot to someone else next year. I say that now but I also tell myself that I am going to be in better shape the next year, every year too. It rained all the way up the mountain the first day but I actually have zero complaints about that. I have good, waterproof shoes and a waterproof pack cover so I stayed pretty cool and happy.<br />
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As always, we celebrated our survival with a stroll to the brewery, beer cheese and warm pretzels, and a cold beer. You'd think we'd never want to walk again but it is nice to keep moving after coming off the mountain - or you are so stiff that you can't walk for days. I generally felt pretty good by the next day but my calves and ankles were sore for 3 or 4 days afterwards. Old age (ok...and out of shapedness) will do that to you...<br />
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Either way, I think fun was had by all.PSIrwinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07659400160794895517noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2044916051481994360.post-9860912829163746982015-07-12T17:49:00.003-04:002015-07-12T17:49:49.431-04:00Busy summer.The only place it has been quiet and calm this summer is right here on the ole' blog. It's been a crazy summer so far and the next few weeks are going to bring about more of the same. <br />
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I'm still doing lots of pottery. Trying to get to the studio one afternoon per week and I've already gifted a couple of mugs that were meant to be Christmas gifts but I got too excited and gave them to their new owners already. I'm still quilting too. In fact, I did both pottery and quilting yesterday so I'd call that a good day. I volunteered with the pottery studio at the local Creative Discovery Museum while they did some hands-on wheel demos for the kids. It was awesome seeing the kids - of all ages, even some teenie ones - try their messy hands on the pottery wheel. Faces lit up and all kinds of muddy excitement - but then, I feel the same way!<br />
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Finished my 4th quilt this morning after sitting under it sweating with a cat on my lap while I finished sewing on the binding. Hand sewing binding is a pain in the rear (and the fingers for that matter) but it looks so nice when it is done that it is absolutely worth it. I'd take a picture but there is a corgi sitting on it right now and I'd hate to disturb her. <br />
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More crazy coming: in the next 4 weeks, I'll spend one weekend at camp for an event, a couple of days in Knoxville, make a 2 day trip to Columbus (dad is having his pacemaker replaced), make a 3 day trip to Chicago for work, and then make a 6 day trip to Portland and Seattle with my mom and my sister. I'm looking forward to most of those things...the one I'm not should be pretty obvious (always worried about my dad). <br />
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For now, I'm relishing in my third department budget being finished...and in record time. I finished it the same day I got the spreadsheet which is pretty incredible for a team that has at least 22 unique events coming up in the next year. I'm learning a lot about managing a team and writing budgets and made some improvements this year to make it easier on myself. It'll go for approval this week and I'll have to make some edits but in general, it's mostly done! <br />
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Talk to you all again in...2 months or so. Kidding but not. <br />
<br />PSIrwinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07659400160794895517noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2044916051481994360.post-25031387611968186132015-05-22T11:10:00.000-04:002015-05-22T11:11:57.958-04:00ProjectsSorry for the long absence but kinda not. Blogging comes and goes as does all of life and I've been too busy for it to be a priority.<br />
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However - I haven't been sitting around doing nothing! Work, life, more work, and then some fun side projects along the way. For example, pottery class! I took a wheel pottery class with my friend Elizabeth and have some pretty fun things to show for it.<br />
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Apologies for the messing dining room table too. Ha. </div>
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I picked these up from the studio on Saturday and glazed, I think, 8 more things that had finally dried enough to be fired the first time. If you didn't know, items get thrown on the wheel, allowed to get "leather hard" in drying, bottoms cleaned up and trimmed, then dry completely, then get bisque fired once, glazed, then fired again. Its a process to be sure but i am pretty excited about how things have turned out and it has been loads of fun. </div>
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I took my class at the Scenic City Pottery Studio in Tiftonia (near Lookout Mtn.). I highly recommend. David, the guy that runs the studio, is awesome. Patiently helps you and answers a million questions, gives you lots of practice time between classes, and is generally very friendly and knowledgeable about all things pottery, in addition to being a pretty talented potter himself. </div>
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I think morning coffee tastes better when you drink it out of a mug you made!</div>
PSIrwinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07659400160794895517noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2044916051481994360.post-5098144836994051272015-04-03T12:43:00.003-04:002015-04-03T12:43:34.523-04:00Len Foot Hike InnBoth my mom and Chad's uncle Jay asked for time - not things - for Christmas. They wanted to DO things with us and how could we argue with that? Since they are pretty hilarious when gathered together in the same company, we decided that it would be fun to pick something that the four of us could do together.<br />
<br />Enter: The Len Foote Hike Inn at Amnicolola Falls State Park in Dawsonville, GA.<br />
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Mom suffered through a hike to Mt. LeConte with us a couple of years ago when we all swore we'd never go again and Jay suffers through that hike most years, with us in tow at least once more and probably again this fall. We knew that hiking would be something they would both enjoy as long as it wasn't too strenuous (me neither!) and it was something that was on my mom's bucket list.<br />
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Off we went last weekend and enjoyed a hilarious, cold, invigorating hike up the mountain!<br />
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Good fun these folks are. </div>
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I would HIGHLY recommend this hike to pretty much anyone. It is about 4.8 miles of rolling hills. There were only a couple of places that made me lose my breath or where we needed to take a break. It is generally very flat or gentle slopes, crossing a couple of little creeks, and hills. </div>
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The Inn itself is SUPER nice...think hot showers, great food, mostly comfy beds, and an incredible view of the GA mountains. Quite a shock to our Mt. LeConte hiking systems. </div>
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The cost includes a bed, dinner, and breakfast - plus snacks and hot/cold beverages all day. Lots of games to play in the Sunrise Room or you can hike around nearby. </div>
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Go make some memories with folks you love!</div>
<br />PSIrwinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07659400160794895517noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2044916051481994360.post-49508468524423365072015-03-22T09:50:00.001-04:002015-03-22T09:50:42.166-04:00Not a post about quilting. I found <a href="http://birchfabrics.blogspot.com/2013/08/tutorial-fabric-bins-featuring-fort.html">this tutorial</a> a while back on the Birch Fabrics blog and thought to myself..."keep that! you'll make one someday". Well, that day came today!<br />
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I made myself a little fabric bin to hold all of my essential oils and book. Since oils shouldn't be kept in the sunlight, the window sill of the kitchen where they lived for a hot minute wasn't the best place for them but I didn't want to just put them in the cabinet to roll around.<br />
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Sorry for the lack in quantity of pictures. I got really excited and wanted to post about it immediately. The tutorial was very easy to follow - it probably took me just an hour or so including making my own pattern out of a cereal box and cutting out the pieces. The tutorial has 3 sizes and this is actually the smallest one. It was the only one my cereal box would fit so I gotta go find more pattern materials so I can make a bigger one for my fabric scraps!</div>
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Here it is full of all my EO stuff! Yay!</div>
<br />PSIrwinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07659400160794895517noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2044916051481994360.post-15163577039070567302015-02-26T12:18:00.000-05:002015-02-26T12:18:07.013-05:00#snownooga<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
We have been having wintry type weather for nearly two weeks now. I fully realize that there are folks in other parts of the country who have it WAY worse than us but I was getting a little tired of rescheduling things, having to work from home, hearing people complain...and yet, we didn't actually get any snow (or enough to really matter). </div>
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Well, things have changed! </div>
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It snowed!</div>
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Started snowing last night about 5:30pm and didn't slack off until around midnight. I am like a little kid so I was pretty much awake all that time checking out the window. I'm actually a little thankful that it stayed cold enough to stick around until this morning. </div>
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We got out in it - while it was very actively snowing around 8:30 last night - and played some...even taking Gwen on a 3 block walk. She loved it...lots of snuffling and digging. </div>
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We ended up with about 7 inches in the yard which is pretty much the most snow I've ever seen. We got about 6 inches two Christmases ago but this is pretty stellar.<br />
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My favorite back yard tree...lots of snow on the limbs. </div>
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Just now - about 3 hours after this picture was taken - this tree is mostly free of snow. Its been falling off and melting all morning which is both beautiful and sad. </div>
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This is i the back yard!</div>
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Our street this morning. I love that you can see all the way up to Lookout Mtn. in the background. Thankfully there wasn't too much traffic needing to head out. Chad was supposed to be off today but went in anyway - nice guy that he is - which was a good thing. Most of 3rd shift didn't come so he was relieving folks from yesterday's 2nd shift who have been at work for 16 hours.</div>
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Nice snow hat on the mailbox. </div>
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Won't be having a fire in the fire pit and lounging any time soon. </div>
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And now it is blue skies and warming up! It'll all be gone by tomorrow I'd guess.</div>
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<br />PSIrwinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07659400160794895517noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2044916051481994360.post-9138640583165517032015-02-21T11:59:00.003-05:002015-02-24T10:42:59.913-05:00Be brave.Not sure I will ever sell it - or ever sell anything to someone I don't already know - from my Etsy shop but I just posted my last quilt there!<br />
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I wanna be brave and see where crafting - something I love - might take me in a direction that someday could provide some extra income for us. So, someone needs to buy this quilt. :)<br />
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<a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/StElmoSweetness">St. Elmo Sweetness on Etsy</a></div>
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PSIrwinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07659400160794895517noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2044916051481994360.post-78585947194861799522015-02-18T16:22:00.002-05:002015-02-18T16:22:48.104-05:00Quilt #3. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I finished my third quilt! This one is a bit smaller than the first one I made but would be perfect for a baby quilt! It is a little masculine but I spiced it up with some red and yellow to mix it up some. I really like it because it is the first quilt that I "designed" myself by drawing it out on graph paper and then figuring out the layout. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhL5w24w6FFixkLIPGTlOF1Q32aTM9nrr5nLHeFL0oJXA8GugCZjYHMF5U20V9Z3RBDK2MYwJsmGcaQqXOsG3X9ca_kD3yU6JMZkSRbuEp3-2o58QDh8ilQ_k775ValYn7Xl1oDAc8OzoY/s1600/quilt+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhL5w24w6FFixkLIPGTlOF1Q32aTM9nrr5nLHeFL0oJXA8GugCZjYHMF5U20V9Z3RBDK2MYwJsmGcaQqXOsG3X9ca_kD3yU6JMZkSRbuEp3-2o58QDh8ilQ_k775ValYn7Xl1oDAc8OzoY/s1600/quilt+2.jpg" height="640" width="360" /></a></div>
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Here is a closeup of the fabrics. A yellow hounds tooth, a small red floral, solid light blue, a really simple dark blue circle print, and the veggie print which I am absolutely crazy about. If I could find more of it, I would totally make a veggies skirt. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJIVzk5Xn3pOrv2B_K2ELOAFwvZ2f6vGbgivrAKyS2w04w12M81rVp4cVhA7lnX260r78efZoBICiDH6OJAuEH3By5N5gH18ukOB921BZoZvhymFsTKydKn1R22pOUGZ16qcAzs-ua38U/s1600/quilt+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJIVzk5Xn3pOrv2B_K2ELOAFwvZ2f6vGbgivrAKyS2w04w12M81rVp4cVhA7lnX260r78efZoBICiDH6OJAuEH3By5N5gH18ukOB921BZoZvhymFsTKydKn1R22pOUGZ16qcAzs-ua38U/s1600/quilt+1.jpg" height="225" width="400" /></a></div>
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I sewed the blocks together and then quilted in a primary red so it would show up on the back really well. I quilted diagonal lines across in both directions and I am really glad I took the time to go both ways. </div>
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The edges of the squares don't meet up perfectly all over - lots of quilting lessons continue to be learned around here - but overall it looks pretty good. I'm proud of it either way because I'm learning so much and finishing projects (a.k.a. burning through my fabric stash so I can buy more!). </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9GNAm8lm6DIAlh2oGfqbD_aBWKebMZe-MluWEJSKFs86FNO_kv413v3fhvEypJ9u-fp8IEtw_BP509t2JVjvAmVSNflGHmJK0MHI7PlyHYJ6S0hV7G_aUnCcNX4dQeyphma9MbXq0skI/s1600/quilt+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9GNAm8lm6DIAlh2oGfqbD_aBWKebMZe-MluWEJSKFs86FNO_kv413v3fhvEypJ9u-fp8IEtw_BP509t2JVjvAmVSNflGHmJK0MHI7PlyHYJ6S0hV7G_aUnCcNX4dQeyphma9MbXq0skI/s1600/quilt+3.jpg" height="400" width="225" /></a></div>
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I hand made the binding out of a bright yellow multi dot fabric and I'll never go back to buying store bought bias tape ever again. If you make your own, you have ALL the choices in what it will look like. </div>
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I love the binding color and print. I am not incredibly pleased with the way I sewed the binding on. I think that I probably twisted it a bit as I was holding it to hand sew the back so it looks like it twists all the way around. While it isn't intentional - and I will figure out how to not make THAT mistake again - it looks OK now that it has been washed and dried. </div>
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I really like how the quilting turned out like diamonds on the back. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivY6fw3I2eq7tjXC8U-Y4dxWo4eAZHAi8WcpPmvaxHdswsgwHAXOeP4gFA7a-OMIn9DMJtQ4xRhQtwRtSh91M23pUfbn7B6Vadj0H4vsp-EW96VvfVv45q2XE2IcsXZV7LlUeOMV_d458/s1600/quilt+5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivY6fw3I2eq7tjXC8U-Y4dxWo4eAZHAi8WcpPmvaxHdswsgwHAXOeP4gFA7a-OMIn9DMJtQ4xRhQtwRtSh91M23pUfbn7B6Vadj0H4vsp-EW96VvfVv45q2XE2IcsXZV7LlUeOMV_d458/s1600/quilt+5.jpg" height="225" width="400" /></a></div>
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If you know someone who is having a baby anytime soon, this would make a great quilt for them! I'd be willing to sell it if someone was interested. Otherwise, I'll just give it to the next baby that I know coming along...or keep it for myself and snuggle under it on the couch. </div>
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Just some details:</div>
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cotton fabrics</div>
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100% cotton batting</div>
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finished size is about 46"x46" square-ish :)</div>
<span id="goog_1877890178"></span><span id="goog_1877890179"><br /></span>PSIrwinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07659400160794895517noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2044916051481994360.post-22144413716195400812015-01-24T16:27:00.000-05:002015-01-24T16:27:18.674-05:00First twin quilt!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Since I started quilting - just a mere few months and 1 quilt ago - I wanted to make two twin sized quilts to replace the ones that cover the two twin beds in one of our guest rooms. I've had the same store-bought, "bed in a bag" quilts on them since probably middle school and hated them for years....but never took the time to find something else. And now, I've realized that I can do it for myself and they can be loud and bright and fun and not match anything else and eclectic and just perfect. So I quilted!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMapiWx6b18ZoGA50kbiJw601TshweBNbLMqm8KiULWH6-SleHrD0tMtMSd9O8VM83tupThYng9_Yi7Ba2K0nSzcVSLRyAsgY6snh7ProsjzK4XMZteXON8zf02zJVgYzeUPMZuSMJp-w/s1600/IMG_2648.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMapiWx6b18ZoGA50kbiJw601TshweBNbLMqm8KiULWH6-SleHrD0tMtMSd9O8VM83tupThYng9_Yi7Ba2K0nSzcVSLRyAsgY6snh7ProsjzK4XMZteXON8zf02zJVgYzeUPMZuSMJp-w/s1600/IMG_2648.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
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Thanks Mom for being my quilt holder in the sunshine today. And you are welcome for the gratuitous shadow shot. Figures. </div>
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Fabric is Miss Kate by Moda and Moda solids as well. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6QwqwNprDwb0tvXTFYWoQmr57KlxHj-VtR1WrLssbYepVrYBfSGvFrZbZNx5HTgLtCUh2WOsYSRhABh3w3hejpCPG8C4qVIBlj0SgzzOgvN228tP331fpiT_oQ8k_4KSLdlaH_5b9-OM/s1600/IMG_2649.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6QwqwNprDwb0tvXTFYWoQmr57KlxHj-VtR1WrLssbYepVrYBfSGvFrZbZNx5HTgLtCUh2WOsYSRhABh3w3hejpCPG8C4qVIBlj0SgzzOgvN228tP331fpiT_oQ8k_4KSLdlaH_5b9-OM/s1600/IMG_2649.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiGkO5LtPDHv95D9xNMea3dK_BYryKeQZf1drO8CAv2UKQaHksL4d-WDnMAGZHlfxd0Cv09xiqwo9DKFblhobsRKUtb8nV5fV7D5hgXuA5Mrh8nxru6RZvDqQ-KMnMDIuW0Rn8qYXG65A/s1600/IMG_2650.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiGkO5LtPDHv95D9xNMea3dK_BYryKeQZf1drO8CAv2UKQaHksL4d-WDnMAGZHlfxd0Cv09xiqwo9DKFblhobsRKUtb8nV5fV7D5hgXuA5Mrh8nxru6RZvDqQ-KMnMDIuW0Rn8qYXG65A/s1600/IMG_2650.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
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Straight line quilting through the stripes them free motion quilting on the wide border. There are some places on the back where the backing fabric got gathered a little but for my first time making a quilt this size and first time using FMQ, I am pretty darn proud of this thing and prepared to overlook all the imperfections!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdqI-I1YtWHF4Pu7HuWuPVYAxFfSRMkqf31Gtre7CiXIYUfaswvlLtunchcrtP3mylroFBth_vUn7QiOw1jjOe2y_OTCjYOfto9JNZEohBvylVpLa4Uc3wPFduuMOmvrfF0VoxWLaN_ss/s1600/IMG_2651.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdqI-I1YtWHF4Pu7HuWuPVYAxFfSRMkqf31Gtre7CiXIYUfaswvlLtunchcrtP3mylroFBth_vUn7QiOw1jjOe2y_OTCjYOfto9JNZEohBvylVpLa4Uc3wPFduuMOmvrfF0VoxWLaN_ss/s1600/IMG_2651.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
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I also hand made the binding and sewed it on by hand. A labor of love for sure but I'm super pleased with the results. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggBx0IL2XKfMG6WZzil0417gV_GWp6EgZbIRdNxmnmVe2coKPIRydfz5eUbBmw0TZngI0gwdtgyTW-gACrwXGlBFZoOslJW5dKaF-IaT06g5jgcDtiAaaCDdJ9cVxn3iA8I2mgDWqCKL8/s1600/IMG_2652.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggBx0IL2XKfMG6WZzil0417gV_GWp6EgZbIRdNxmnmVe2coKPIRydfz5eUbBmw0TZngI0gwdtgyTW-gACrwXGlBFZoOslJW5dKaF-IaT06g5jgcDtiAaaCDdJ9cVxn3iA8I2mgDWqCKL8/s1600/IMG_2652.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
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And finally, when I got into quilting thanks to Danielle, I remembered that lots of my grandmothers quilted. I called my mom and asked her if she had quilts that they made and she passed me FOUR! Two twin sized quilts and two king sized quilts including the double wedding ring pattern on top. The two on top were made by my Grandma Sanders (dad's mom) and the two on the bottom of this stack were made by my Great Grandmother Benson (Granny B - my mom's grandmother). I'm so thankful to have them. I'll probably display more than use them because they are OLD and weathered a bit but I am so happy to have them now!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiip4rLIfr82dTC2LXyIBvW05xO8ajPkS6ALiZuasZDOETJRbuIvgNW_XtTt45PXY0oEnF6q_VrHmapF2HKxq_L5XeryGFNDuNHDHgHMs6G1UpYAvBYwDh5BmGiCduhGUK3_qcQ1aK7lDg/s1600/IMG_2653.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiip4rLIfr82dTC2LXyIBvW05xO8ajPkS6ALiZuasZDOETJRbuIvgNW_XtTt45PXY0oEnF6q_VrHmapF2HKxq_L5XeryGFNDuNHDHgHMs6G1UpYAvBYwDh5BmGiCduhGUK3_qcQ1aK7lDg/s1600/IMG_2653.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />PSIrwinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07659400160794895517noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2044916051481994360.post-20201750232585676512015-01-21T09:58:00.001-05:002015-01-21T09:59:25.475-05:00#irwinbuns update - 2 weeks 3 days<p dir="ltr">Just a little photo update. They are really starting to look like rabbits. And they are hoppy and bouncy and crazy. </p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiNZlBO_GFiiDNjBIKpZe7qcCUM01kQamad5DFpw-iuzuf5TIBYYxjxiK2fwucF0BxMEbNMKQ18GxcS8HsxUxko_ANIeEzcIEZA8XKq6dZyjbaPFcCFns6Hjvdf7bSkUaYTbMoAhURhEw/s1600/IMG_20150121_074043.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> <img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiNZlBO_GFiiDNjBIKpZe7qcCUM01kQamad5DFpw-iuzuf5TIBYYxjxiK2fwucF0BxMEbNMKQ18GxcS8HsxUxko_ANIeEzcIEZA8XKq6dZyjbaPFcCFns6Hjvdf7bSkUaYTbMoAhURhEw/s640/IMG_20150121_074043.jpg"> </a> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUcvwYJTixu8Wjhc0JGgHsB0A7-Uv13ko51Ju1zNjIIEA_vbzrawC4A3aKFVolKPs3pd6mnXUSOPIA2WuiCQ9UKIMng13F5BijmyJkL7V_cBLviosJhGJ0Cl9rP1iDRQn3cA61IOv7VI8/s1600/20150121_074017.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> <img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUcvwYJTixu8Wjhc0JGgHsB0A7-Uv13ko51Ju1zNjIIEA_vbzrawC4A3aKFVolKPs3pd6mnXUSOPIA2WuiCQ9UKIMng13F5BijmyJkL7V_cBLviosJhGJ0Cl9rP1iDRQn3cA61IOv7VI8/s640/20150121_074017.jpg"> </a> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_eGKx729SorNNcaviJsb6boAngAMowDx4pwHVEB6huHtvHv01hLgmmjiXPNVoNccwg3OhmBRwXhYu22VNEWWXrpFa1Uo5b0ND675XfpfRNAsnkf73ytYllRledJcyhXPQHbeyzhTin7g/s1600/20150120_203601.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> <img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_eGKx729SorNNcaviJsb6boAngAMowDx4pwHVEB6huHtvHv01hLgmmjiXPNVoNccwg3OhmBRwXhYu22VNEWWXrpFa1Uo5b0ND675XfpfRNAsnkf73ytYllRledJcyhXPQHbeyzhTin7g/s640/20150120_203601.jpg"> </a> </div>PSIrwinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07659400160794895517noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2044916051481994360.post-1855071022109712782015-01-20T09:26:00.001-05:002015-01-20T09:26:34.293-05:00#irwinbuns update - 2 weeks old!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Yesterday the #irwinbuns turned 2 weeks old. This first picture is a perfect representation of what is going on right now. Lots of sleeping and lots of moving. Sometimes they even accidentally jump themselves out of the nesting box and need a rescue.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRlkPCgCxI09fWJxNucXPDItYLn8wWqvUWaY5vlfZryNhFB-2oUV38EJBBgqgihAihgrCqTHLs9X6kx2KIO_9QO0crdnuAUYvrnpc-zQYaPi2_PzWexQhI7OUQ4-R6l71nhj3En9GEYIw/s1600/bun+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRlkPCgCxI09fWJxNucXPDItYLn8wWqvUWaY5vlfZryNhFB-2oUV38EJBBgqgihAihgrCqTHLs9X6kx2KIO_9QO0crdnuAUYvrnpc-zQYaPi2_PzWexQhI7OUQ4-R6l71nhj3En9GEYIw/s1600/bun+1.jpg" height="180" width="320" /></a></div>
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Top right of this picture - we have two that look like they will have a lot more grey on them. </div>
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You can see in this picture that there are two little grey buns but mostly it is just a pile of white wiggly goodness. </div>
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And this is a perfect example of snuggling a new-ish bunny. They get sort of panicky when you pick them up and then I guess they get exhausted and fall asleep in your hands - which is pretty darn cute. We've handled them some to just get them used to us but starting next week (once they are 3 weeks old) to get them really used to being held so that they will make good pets! And - please let the weather support this - they can move outside too! :) </div>
<br />PSIrwinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07659400160794895517noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2044916051481994360.post-14725420233387898802015-01-15T10:59:00.002-05:002015-01-15T10:59:35.111-05:00#irwinbuns updateTook some pictures yesterday to share with mom - since, you know...no Instagram.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJFipE0O8QqVeV643IB7PPJYVsPadnWeYMY8GCzPWYxyzMtXMbp7tmVUizfG7JF6F-ScqWuvhPJQ8EBQZji_NmT86q3kzlPfiy6n8wjgK6fWoInH80VqiDiGGaSRB7sjup2M075RkCJ64/s1600/rab+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJFipE0O8QqVeV643IB7PPJYVsPadnWeYMY8GCzPWYxyzMtXMbp7tmVUizfG7JF6F-ScqWuvhPJQ8EBQZji_NmT86q3kzlPfiy6n8wjgK6fWoInH80VqiDiGGaSRB7sjup2M075RkCJ64/s1600/rab+1.jpg" height="320" width="180" /></a></div>
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Sorry, they are all a little blurry - something with my phone camera. </div>
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And, since they live in the guest bathtub, there are some funny bathroom photobombs in there. </div>
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Like TP in ^ that one.</div>
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And the toilet in the one below.</div>
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Look at those teeny ears!</div>
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They should be opening their eyes - maybe even with a little help today. </div>
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And then...things will get crazy...and they will start jumping soon. They already have strong little back legs!</div>
<br />PSIrwinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07659400160794895517noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2044916051481994360.post-58290241036851910762015-01-09T23:18:00.003-05:002015-01-09T23:18:40.105-05:00Shhhh...don't tell.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Don't tell Chad that I told you - it isn't really a secret because my mom told any way - but one of our bunnies had babies. Chad was nervous about telling folks in case something went wrong but we are on day 5 and I'm feeling pretty good about it.</div>
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This was the day she had them. The babies are in that fluff in there. </div>
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This is today. They are super wiggly, starting to get peach fuzz, and they have the cutest faces you have ever seen. Tiny ears and long back legs make me want to snuggle them but thankfully - they smell. I know, sorry, no segway there. Well, momma bunny smells - like a rabbit? And they live in the guest bathroom because they decided to be born in what feels like the coldest week in history. So, there you go. We're gonna need folks to come handle them lots in a couple of weeks. Anyone want to? :)</div>
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Gotta go sneak to mom's blog and post a picture so she won't yell at me for keeping them all to myself. </div>
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<span id="goog_1908410726"></span><span id="goog_1908410727"><br /></span>PSIrwinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07659400160794895517noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2044916051481994360.post-51480688196405235092015-01-09T11:35:00.000-05:002015-01-09T11:35:06.193-05:00Only for mom.My mother doesn't use social media. None of it. Well, unless blogging counts as social media (I guess it does) and I got her hooked on that a few years ago. She's now far surpassed the total number of blog posts on <a href="http://www.acupofstonesoup.blogspot.com/">her blog</a> that I have around here so congrats Mom. Anyhow, since she doesn't have social media, doesn't troll my <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/StElmoSweetness">Etsy store</a>, and doesn't text - I know, I know - I thought I should post pictures of recent art postings so she can keep up. So, pretty much, this post is only for my mom. Apologies for folks that have seen these other times - elsewhere.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhi2hdDyOtwNrVpjHaDoBvviCsmrYTO0UacLuf121KGq7xbRj9EzBlCKnlLD-eQy3MdDVpta8MGd_fdfoA3czVUcwUqhDwUCGXlbekZDQ_JWr1JEY0txxfGNQSL1aBs2z2iUiwBCo-ED5Y/s1600/blue+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhi2hdDyOtwNrVpjHaDoBvviCsmrYTO0UacLuf121KGq7xbRj9EzBlCKnlLD-eQy3MdDVpta8MGd_fdfoA3czVUcwUqhDwUCGXlbekZDQ_JWr1JEY0txxfGNQSL1aBs2z2iUiwBCo-ED5Y/s1600/blue+1.jpg" height="640" width="360" /></a></div>
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I have a couple more to post but they weren't dry enough last night when I took pictures to peel off the relief liquid. </div>
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I'd take custom orders - or at least consider if I am able to do them - if anyone is interested. Just use the Etsy page contact info. (Link above). </div>
PSIrwinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07659400160794895517noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2044916051481994360.post-83601900578404250722015-01-05T11:01:00.001-05:002015-01-05T11:01:16.162-05:00Handmade + Christmas + QuiltingI made a depressingly small number of handmade gifts this Christmas and I am determined to do better next year. I know some people don't "get" or appreciate handmade gifts but I personally know how much time, effort, and heart each one takes so I will continue to give them!<br />
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Entertainingly enough, the thing I think I like the best is this big spaghetti plate that I painted for myself. Our staff got to go to one of those paint your own pottery places as a staff appreciation day and I picked out this plate. After scouring Pinterest for something that I could easily replicate, I picked this dotted paisley idea and I am pretty proud of the way it turned out!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZYTt-kE848o3kd3PlZxz3zp9l14lmUuuMmhEps8gYLK7D1UKhF7DgT4qCaXT6TjhAe33Ewn0B_UBYyeHzDaK6Deh7rZ8bd-e2wzQc1zYnPUKSzI_xB9an3bmzXkQhRHT9ciBegPqS91k/s1600/2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZYTt-kE848o3kd3PlZxz3zp9l14lmUuuMmhEps8gYLK7D1UKhF7DgT4qCaXT6TjhAe33Ewn0B_UBYyeHzDaK6Deh7rZ8bd-e2wzQc1zYnPUKSzI_xB9an3bmzXkQhRHT9ciBegPqS91k/s1600/2.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
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This is technically not handmade - or even a gift - but it is always a gift to myself when I decorate the front porch. I always love the house being decorated for Christmas because it looks so festive and loved. And of course, the guard corgi doesn't hurt either. I'm committing to making my house be a place that I love in the new year - instead of tolerating the mess or leaving projects half finished. Stay tuned for updates there...</div>
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This is a possibly too short but awesome none the less sleeve I made for my sister's glass french coffee press. I just measured it while at her house before Christmas and made this from estimates. I will try to make her another one that fits a little better soon but I loved the fabric!</div>
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I also made her some placemats that I am pretty proud of even though they were my first try. I forgot to snap a picture so I've requested one from her. I'll put it in here once she sends it.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyt5d8apjUOONa8Q8mWD1ZnBQN6zmK7-b6fP-_nxy_e0m7FjNtkS8Pp1jqwFeyDXYPaBp2BjrFVpIyeKrX2KD5TQNJyJk-Np2eeUomSXrDRRFsKtK8_HQH9yGvPvsvk-JFmW-QjppG-oU/s1600/back.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyt5d8apjUOONa8Q8mWD1ZnBQN6zmK7-b6fP-_nxy_e0m7FjNtkS8Pp1jqwFeyDXYPaBp2BjrFVpIyeKrX2KD5TQNJyJk-Np2eeUomSXrDRRFsKtK8_HQH9yGvPvsvk-JFmW-QjppG-oU/s1600/back.jpg" height="180" width="320" /></a></div>
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I volunteered to make a friend at work some placemats when she was bemoaning that she couldn't find any Christmas ones that she loved. I actually used a pattern for these so they turned out pretty good though I obviously have the final pictures on my regular camera, not my phone so they aren't here either. The upper pictures is the back - I wanted them to be "every day" use so I used some fabrics to match her house.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEIGx4sBn1IjTMDVx9iNgoQFHBMvyvFi1ZzdZnqbTlwlIpUguC87yIaAcHuOwytaJXLlD8gs5V3lD_qYusyB1cIDjBHJgFVBmTlmQVdKoRcQqTARi-cVACz05d1F88pscp1nRWhpl91jM/s1600/front.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEIGx4sBn1IjTMDVx9iNgoQFHBMvyvFi1ZzdZnqbTlwlIpUguC87yIaAcHuOwytaJXLlD8gs5V3lD_qYusyB1cIDjBHJgFVBmTlmQVdKoRcQqTARi-cVACz05d1F88pscp1nRWhpl91jM/s1600/front.jpg" height="180" width="320" /></a></div>
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This is the Christmas side of the placemats and I love them. So bright and fun. I made a set of four and even taught myself how to hand stitch the binding on the back so they look really awesome and finished. </div>
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Chad got a couple of handmade mugs from me, though not made by me. I've broken a couple of his over the last few years so bought some replacements. If we had a cabinet full of mismatched pottery mugs, I'd be a happy girl. One is from an art student at Covenant and the other was from a little lady at his parent's church. I love them both and I'll take a picture to add later. :) I know - worst blogger in history. </div>
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I've been working on two different quilts - for us! - since I'm not quite ready to make one to give away yet. I've been aching to replace the two quilts/coverlets on the twin beds in one of our guest rooms. Eventually - not an announcement of ANY kind - this room will become a kids room and we'll stack the beds back into bunk beds to make room for a crib/rocking chair, etc. I wanted to make quilts that were we a little more "youthful" without being too kiddie so that room can be used lots - if we never have kids too.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3OwfyYlMLq7KmBOX1Viwbp_w2BxvLV_P7rzU7CCRouvdrSuavYubKYy7Hz5xY1X63bOZiL_6LS3i-AJYZZmbwN0c_W9NXu51VA0e0chUbsU9ZGyLGx08gEuIMqx3l3lhXuD6Qi_Xz4Eo/s1600/quilt+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3OwfyYlMLq7KmBOX1Viwbp_w2BxvLV_P7rzU7CCRouvdrSuavYubKYy7Hz5xY1X63bOZiL_6LS3i-AJYZZmbwN0c_W9NXu51VA0e0chUbsU9ZGyLGx08gEuIMqx3l3lhXuD6Qi_Xz4Eo/s1600/quilt+1.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
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These two pictures are some of the half square triangles that I'm using to make one quilt. The fabric is called "Forest Friends" and it is by Moda. There are lots of foxes, rabbits, bears, skunks, cute little mushrooms, leaves and trees involved. Lots of sewing, cutting, and ironing too. This is one stack of 84 squares and the twin size will require nearly 5 stacks. Sigh. Work in progress - maybe this is why i didn't make many homemade gifts? I've had quilting on the brain instead. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg648U9BUxtrFODFnFy2_T68X7SLdn_zSjwdpO22tVrCv7Y6VbaeghC9gLUfZOB0KNhbG_ufsIoBXkBDnC1tYksdqU1vK0eByOBFvZp8-6SaPrtDhVOEPXD_eImJsbwKONfLKClU0dj4eg/s1600/quilt+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg648U9BUxtrFODFnFy2_T68X7SLdn_zSjwdpO22tVrCv7Y6VbaeghC9gLUfZOB0KNhbG_ufsIoBXkBDnC1tYksdqU1vK0eByOBFvZp8-6SaPrtDhVOEPXD_eImJsbwKONfLKClU0dj4eg/s1600/quilt+3.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
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This quilt I am pretty excited about because it is a little more simple and feminine. Chad doesn't like that it is "random" like the last strippy quilt I made but I love it. I've since added a wide pink border to make it a twin size and I purchased the fabric for backing and making the binding yesterday. Making your own binding is also a pain but it opens up a whole different world of binding colors and patterns and will totally be worth it. This is the "Miss Kate" fabric by Moda as well. </div>
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<br />PSIrwinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07659400160794895517noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2044916051481994360.post-43345680134763474782014-12-23T18:32:00.001-05:002015-01-09T11:39:41.644-05:00No apologies.I won't apologize for being too busy and not having time to blog. You make time for the things you want to do and this just fell far down the list recently among the making of time for other things. But now, I'm staring down about 12 days off work before I have to go back on Jan. 5th and I am making time for all kinds of things. The list for tonight and tomorrow shouldn't include blogging at this moment because it <em>does</em> include things like: clean both bathrooms, make cinnamon rolls, wrap last 3 presents, buy LAST present, clean off dining room table, vacuum up Gwendolen tumble weeds, steam clean hardwoods, fold and put away a giant pile of laundry, change sheets, etc. <br />
Why you ask? Cause the folks I love - in addition to the one that lives here - are coming up tomorrow night and Wednesday. <br />
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We'll "do Christmas" with my family on the morning of the 25th and then with Chad's family that evening. I'm so thankful that my family is willing to travel because Chad only gets one day off (which, thankfully, is luck-of-the-draw Christmas day). I haven't made nearly as many Christmas gifts this year as I have in the past/would have liked to. But I've made a few that I am pretty proud of so I'll show them once the receiver gets them. So, expect pictures some time this coming week! PSIrwinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07659400160794895517noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2044916051481994360.post-40466666106062820412014-11-16T14:24:00.000-05:002014-11-16T14:24:05.480-05:00my first quilt.When I went to #nccraftweekend at Dani's house, she taught us all the basics of quilting while making our table runners. I've now put those skills to good use and basically made a larger version of the same thing. I used <a href="http://www.heirloomcreations.net/sewing-tips/the-jelly-roll-1600/">this tutorial</a> from Heirloom Creations which sounds a lot more confusing than it really is. You basically take an entire jelly roll and sew it all together in one long strip, on the diagonal (which was the most difficult/time consuming part of the whole thing!). Then you sew the ends together, again and again, about 5 times. I know - watch the video - it'll make more sense. <br />
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This is the only picture I took of the finished product and it is the dryer at the moment so I'll try to take more later.<span id="goog_257112816"></span><span id="goog_257112817"></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRx4WF4YMknE9CPFUnOoJJt7_VlZboQY6SBvvZ_dfLKXHNlg_Vi9IhMRxsDaHcDJD_T_VnnI_JYI6sKos9Eu0noWTFc-y5MT2aDyn1ZA4eBhYdlCWTfdxeOgKYlN4F0UQaElk0F8hvNz0/s1600/quilt.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRx4WF4YMknE9CPFUnOoJJt7_VlZboQY6SBvvZ_dfLKXHNlg_Vi9IhMRxsDaHcDJD_T_VnnI_JYI6sKos9Eu0noWTFc-y5MT2aDyn1ZA4eBhYdlCWTfdxeOgKYlN4F0UQaElk0F8hvNz0/s1600/quilt.png" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
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My original jelly roll(s) were from Hobby Lobby and didn't have as many different fabrics as the ones shown in the tutorial above but it worked out pretty well. Chad had the nerve to say "I'm not sure I like the way there isn't a pattern" but I guess he didn't realize there weren't supposed to be. I did a simple straight line quilting across every other stripe and backed it with some plain blue fabric that my mom sent me forever ago!</div>
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I am so happy with it and can't wait to snuggle with it on the couch! Yay for a new skill and putting it to work. I can't say that you won't see some quilted Christmas presents show up here in January when I can post them! :)</div>
PSIrwinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07659400160794895517noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2044916051481994360.post-43414238355506432692014-10-28T22:36:00.000-04:002014-10-28T22:36:06.046-04:00life changing. Theodore Roosevelt is often quoted as saying "Comparison is the thief of joy". I don't know if he actually did because - well - I wasn't there but I get it. I really get it. I try hard to look at my life and be happy - and I usually am. I recognize my blessings - a job I love, a beautiful home with plenty of space for more people, a husband who loves me and serves me and puts "us" first, family and friends that care about me and are too numerous to count. I could go on and on. But there are those moments of doubt. The unhealthy, stealthy, slimy thoughts that bring on comparison: if I was thinner, as pretty as her, if we had kids and could afford for me to stay at home, if we had more money, more stuff, vacations when we wanted to...more, more, more...different, different, different. <br />
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And then a friend at work said something that changed everything. <br />
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"I'm jealous of your life."<br />
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I was shocked speechless. I even laughed it off next. We joked about how she even wants a husband like mine except for the turns-off-the-air-conditioner-whenever-he-can-to-save-money part. <br />
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Then I laid in bed and thought about it for hours. <br />
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Someone - who is beautiful, funny, smart, dedicated, passionate, with a smile the can light up a room, full of life, surrounded by people who love her - noticed MY life. I'm not faulting her for looking at me and being jealous, falling prey to the thief of joy. Please hear me clearly here.<br />
I am using her words to call out my blindness.<br />
Am I'm too busy looking at everyone else's life that I forgot to love my own?<br />
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My life. <br />
She is jealous of my life. <br />
Doesn't she know about the extra pounds and the dirty dishes and the dog hair tumbling down the hall? Did she not notice the unending To Do list and the bills that need to be paid and the half finished projects and the mess that is in my closet and in my heart? <br />
But she saw something I haven't seen in a while. <br />
My life - loved. <br />
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And then another thought:<br />
Was it me? Could I have done something to make <u><em>her see</em></u> that <em><u>I see</u></em> my life as worth loving? What an unimaginable dream. Could I have built a life so full of love and beauty and surrounded myself with people who are passionate, caring, and loving, and been so loud about my happiness that she saw something in me that I didn't even see? Oh Jesus, please let this be the case.<br />
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Don't be like me. Don't let comparison thief away the beauty, the pleasures, the blessings - all meant for you. Don't let the feeds, the boards, the wanna-be-like-anyone-but-me's steal away your life. Live a life that YOU are jealous of; fill your days, your minutes, your seconds with a love of YOUR OWN LIFE. <br />
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I'll get to see her in a day or so and I can't wait to hug her. I want to thank her for helping me make a promise to myself that I will not let the beauty in someone else's life diminish the beauty in mine. <br />
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<br />PSIrwinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07659400160794895517noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2044916051481994360.post-90060794830668399502014-10-21T12:08:00.002-04:002014-10-21T12:08:39.340-04:00SLC.I know I talk a lot about loving my job and I hope that never changes no matter where I work. It is weeks like this that remind me how blessed I am to be doing something that I love and believe in and that it also affords me the opportunity to get to do some really amazing things. It is almost funny how we talk about giving girls amazing memories/life experiences/"firsts" when in reality, sometimes we are getting the benefit of all the same things. I've been in Salt Lake City for the last 5 days for the Girl Scout National Convention. I went to the last one <a href="http://theadventuresofstinkysweet.blogspot.com/2011/11/gearing-up.html">back in 2011</a> (it only happens every 3 years) in Houston, Texas, and this one was in Utah. I'll be passing to torch to someone else for the next convention in 2017 so this might have been my last one for a while.<br />
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We took 10 high school aged girls to participate in the Girl Scout Leadership Institute (GSLI) as a part of convention plus we had 2 girl delegates to represent our council. I am always thrilled that we have girls who are still interested in the Movement when they are in high school and it was a great trip. My co-chaperone - MPT - is always a riot to travel with and we get along just fabulously. We missed doing any sightseeing back in Texas so we weren't going to make the same mistake this time and got permission to stay an extra day. We filled that day with a trip over the mountains to Park City for a ride up the ski lift and then a trip over to Antelope State Park (in the Great Salt Lake) to check out the views - and free roaming buffalo!<br />
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I've never been to this part of the country before - flying over mountains, farmlands, the Rockies covered in snow, and deserts to arrive here. It was incredible. The scenery was amazing, the weather was perfect, and I am so thankful for the experience. So, ready for some pictures?<br />
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The Rockies.</div>
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Somewhere west of the Rockies. </div>
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Salt flats around the Great Sale Lake.</div>
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MPT and myself with the outgoing National Board President, Connie Lindsey.</div>
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The Temple in Temple Square. The building to the right is the administration building that also hosts the twice annual LDS conference. Pics of that later but it is the building that we got a tour of on Saturday.</div>
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We pretty much missed the fall leaf changes over there but there were a few beautiful trees in downtown. </div>
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This is the organ in the assembly hall for the LDS church. Might look familiar if you've seen any of their choir or Christmas specials. The auditorium seats 21,000 people. It was shockingly huge.</div>
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A view of the temple and city skyline from the roof of the administration building. </div>
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Utah State Capital Building.</div>
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Our group with the giant trefoil. It was a little sunny that morning so we're all a bit squinty.</div>
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Headed up the chairlift in Park City. I said on FB that I throat punched my fear of heights and it truly feels like I did. I won't be going skiing anytime soon but that thing was much higher off the ground than I thought it might be!</div>
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View coming back into the resort.</div>
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Don't think I'll ever need these folks.</div>
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The Great Salt Lake from Antelope State Park. </div>
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A herd of roaming buffalo on the island at the state park. </div>
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The views from here were unreal. </div>
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It was an amazing trip full of memories and firsts and laughter. I always wish that my guy had been able to travel with me but I am even more happy to get home to him. I rolled in about 12:45am this morning and crashed, happy to be in my own bed. Back to the real world tomorrow so doing lots of laundry today. :)</div>
<br />PSIrwinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07659400160794895517noreply@blogger.com0