We're Off!!

We're on our way to Seattle to visit with my mother- and father-in-law, extended family and friends! The photo is from 1985, on the ocassion of my in-laws' 40th wedding anniversary. This October, they will celebrate 63 years of marriage. What an incredible milestone...one I hope my husband and I can emulate!

My husband (third from right) is the 7th of 10 children born to Andy and Bertha!

And Here's The Second Tote!

Today, the mailman was gracious enough to bring me the fabric I had ordered! Which means I was able to finish the second tote that I was working on. Ta-da!!


I used Moda's "A Day in the Country" charm pack that my sister sent me a while back. It really is a pretty tote...pinks and browns! And the lining/handle fabric is pictured behind the charm pack...what I had been patiently waiting on!

Not sure why my pictures tend to come out on the dark side! Maybe I need more lighting.

All My Bags Are Packed...

...well, not quite, but they will be very soon! My husband and I will be heading out to Seattle in a little over a week. Just had to get this purse done so I could fill it with handiwork to take along. I bought the "Freshed Squeezed" charm pack while on the way to retreat this past May, and have been anxious to sew it up! I have another one started, but had to order some lining fabric, so I'm waiting on the mailman.

Braggin' Rights

Since my Dad retired a few years back, he has been busy making "things"! I've been blessed repeatedly to be the recipient of his handy work. As he is the son of a carpenter, perhaps he comes by this naturally. Today, I found this adorable picnic table on my front porch! It's a "little" version for my grandchildren.

Here's a few more pictures of his creations! This is a mission style chair he made for my husband's 50th birthday this past May (note the hand carved duck decoy on the table...yep, Dad made that, too!)And here's a little table and 2 chairs he made for the grandkids when they come. Allyson and I have been hosting tea parties with it!



And, finally, here's a bench that Dad made for me! My daughter made the pillows.

Happy Birthday, Dad!

Today is my Dad's 73rd birthday! May God grant him many more!

Terry Dean, born July 7, 1935 in Flora, Illinois, the 3rd of 4 children born to Darrol and Mary Owen.

A Little Bit of This, and a Little Bit of That!

I've been working on some charity blocks for an online group. July's theme is "Red, White & Blue". Any 6" or 12" block in the theme colors will do! Blocks collected this month will be used to make blankets for veterans. I've been making these paper pieced stars, using fabrics from my scrap drawers.

Also, this past week, the mailman brought me these 2 great patterns and a packet of charm squares.

And, finally, I finished some blocks for an online swap. The picture is dark, but the fabrics are really very pretty...yellow and white...refreshing!