Sunday, March 30, 2014
Reading, reading, reading!
Aiden and I recently finished reading the third book in the Mouse & the Motorcycle series. He's been so excited to read the books, loves looking at all the pictures and trying to guess what might happen next. Upon completing each book, we watched the corresponding movie on Netflix and I think he really enjoyed that. I love that we are raising a little man who is excited about reading. We are currently reading another Beverley Cleary book, Socks. I am lucky to have a Scholastic lady in my life and I recently ordered several more chapter books that I hope we can read over the summer.
Space
In an attempt to facilitate some preschool-type homeschooling, I have been checking out books at the library that cover various subjects in which Aiden expresses interest. We've learned about hibernation, winter and the seasons. The last few weeks we covered outer space. Aiden's interest in space began when we bought him a solar system floor puzzle. He seemed to become even more interested while we watched the Cosmos special on TV. After reading numerous books about space and completing the floor puzzle several more times, he is now able to identify the planets. I think that's pretty impressive for a three year old. We FaceTimed with his Auntie Amber this past Friday and he asked that she watch him complete the puzzle and Amber and I quizzed him on planet identification. Amber was so impressed with Aiden that she's offered to buy him a glow in the dark solar system for his room. I love that she does whatever she can to encourage our little guy. And I love that he is so enthusiastic about learning.
Our little swimmer
Almost a month ago, Aiden started swim lessons. He was really excited to start, but during the first lesson his excitement turned into tears. When we took him into the locker room to get changed after the lesson ended he yelled, "I'M NOT A FISH!" After a few weeks, he's gotten much more comfortable in the water. Saturday he did such an awesome job and even jumped into the water (his swim instructor was in the water waiting to catch him). We are pretty proud of our little swimmer and hope to take him swimming a lot this summer.
Tuesday, January 21, 2014
A Year of Quilting- 2013
This was a pretty big year for me as far as quilting goes. Not because of the number of projects that I completed, but because I made my first two commissioned quilts (aside from the Dresden wall hanging I sold before Christmas last year). I love my hobby of quilting. I like that I potentially have the ability to sell the quilts I make. As a stay at home mom, being able to bring in a little bit of additional income to the family feels nice, even if most of the money goes directly to my quilt budget.
The commissioned quilts that I made were for two brothers, whose Momma wanted to surprise them with something really special for Christmas this year. For over a month, we conversed on Facebook about the projects. We discussed the themes she was wanting for the quilts, and I sent her numerous pictures of fabric I had found at local quilt shops. We agreed on fabric and I began to work away on a superhero quilt for her oldest boy and a sports quilt for her youngest. As I neared the completion of the quilts, I worked feverishly toward a deadline that I had set for myself. I had a trip planned to Colorado and I wanted both quilts to be completed to the point of hand stitching the binding. I knew I'd have some extra time to sit and stitch while enjoying the company of family.
I was able to meet my deadline and once I was in Colorado, I pulled out the projects and began working on them. My Grandma commented on how nice the quilts looked. Her complements always mean a lot to me. She even gave up her chair, so that I could be more comfortable and have better lighting while working on the quilts. My Mom later told me that no one gets offered that chair. (Yes, my Grandma loves me a lot). Anyway, we began discussing how I could make money quilting. We discussed short arm machines. I talked to a women at quilt shop in Denver who stated the importance of a machine with a deep throat. I immediately thought of the machine that Teresa has and that Amber recently purchased, a Juki. I talked to my Grandma about the woman's suggestion of a domestic sewing machine with a deep throat over the short arm machine, and she offered to help me purchase the Juki, to "encourage" me.
I guess I should back-track a bit, earlier last year, I had made my Grandma the Log Cabin quilt that is pictured below. My Grandpa passed away in August of 2012, and I had decided to make her something special to commemorate his birthday in January. I think that as she saw the amount of work I was putting into just the hand stitched bindings of the commissioned quilts, she realized the amount of work it took to make the one I gave her. She stated that she wanted to help me get the machine and said, "Make me proud." Now, I'm not saying that my Singer Confidence could not handle commissioned projects, I'm just telling the story about how I became the proud owner of a Juki and how my family, my Grandma especially, helped to encourage me this past year. I also know that I must practice free motion quilting, and that takes time to learn that technique, regardless of what kind of machine I'm using.
I digress. After I got the machine ordered, my Mom and I excitedly began talking of the possibility of starting up a small quilting business. We brainstormed ideas for business names. I immediately feel in love with the suggestion: A boy and a bunny quilts. And so, here is the start to A boy and a bunny quilt co.
I have been attempting to set up a separate blog just for A boy and a bunny quilt co., but because of logistical issues, it just isn't ready yet. I also ordered some business cards but after getting them home, realized that they were printed off-centered. The associate at Office Max wasn't willing to help correct the problem, so I will be looking into other options in the near future. Once I get my quilt blog up and running, I'll be sure to let you all know. I'll also hand out some business cards that you can perhaps pass along for me. I don't know where this road will take me, I don't know how many projects I can take on at this point, but the prospect of making commissioned quilts is exciting. So, until I am able to post on my quilt blog, here are the projects that kept me busy this past year:
Grandma's Log Cabin
2014 is getting off to a good start with another commissioned project that I completed last week and a few quilts that I'm working on now that I plan to keep for myself! I want to thank you all for your continued encouragement and support of this endeavor. And a special thanks to Teresa McMath for teaching me to quilt, always inspiring, motivating and mentoring me.
The commissioned quilts that I made were for two brothers, whose Momma wanted to surprise them with something really special for Christmas this year. For over a month, we conversed on Facebook about the projects. We discussed the themes she was wanting for the quilts, and I sent her numerous pictures of fabric I had found at local quilt shops. We agreed on fabric and I began to work away on a superhero quilt for her oldest boy and a sports quilt for her youngest. As I neared the completion of the quilts, I worked feverishly toward a deadline that I had set for myself. I had a trip planned to Colorado and I wanted both quilts to be completed to the point of hand stitching the binding. I knew I'd have some extra time to sit and stitch while enjoying the company of family.
I was able to meet my deadline and once I was in Colorado, I pulled out the projects and began working on them. My Grandma commented on how nice the quilts looked. Her complements always mean a lot to me. She even gave up her chair, so that I could be more comfortable and have better lighting while working on the quilts. My Mom later told me that no one gets offered that chair. (Yes, my Grandma loves me a lot). Anyway, we began discussing how I could make money quilting. We discussed short arm machines. I talked to a women at quilt shop in Denver who stated the importance of a machine with a deep throat. I immediately thought of the machine that Teresa has and that Amber recently purchased, a Juki. I talked to my Grandma about the woman's suggestion of a domestic sewing machine with a deep throat over the short arm machine, and she offered to help me purchase the Juki, to "encourage" me.
I guess I should back-track a bit, earlier last year, I had made my Grandma the Log Cabin quilt that is pictured below. My Grandpa passed away in August of 2012, and I had decided to make her something special to commemorate his birthday in January. I think that as she saw the amount of work I was putting into just the hand stitched bindings of the commissioned quilts, she realized the amount of work it took to make the one I gave her. She stated that she wanted to help me get the machine and said, "Make me proud." Now, I'm not saying that my Singer Confidence could not handle commissioned projects, I'm just telling the story about how I became the proud owner of a Juki and how my family, my Grandma especially, helped to encourage me this past year. I also know that I must practice free motion quilting, and that takes time to learn that technique, regardless of what kind of machine I'm using.
I digress. After I got the machine ordered, my Mom and I excitedly began talking of the possibility of starting up a small quilting business. We brainstormed ideas for business names. I immediately feel in love with the suggestion: A boy and a bunny quilts. And so, here is the start to A boy and a bunny quilt co.
I have been attempting to set up a separate blog just for A boy and a bunny quilt co., but because of logistical issues, it just isn't ready yet. I also ordered some business cards but after getting them home, realized that they were printed off-centered. The associate at Office Max wasn't willing to help correct the problem, so I will be looking into other options in the near future. Once I get my quilt blog up and running, I'll be sure to let you all know. I'll also hand out some business cards that you can perhaps pass along for me. I don't know where this road will take me, I don't know how many projects I can take on at this point, but the prospect of making commissioned quilts is exciting. So, until I am able to post on my quilt blog, here are the projects that kept me busy this past year:
Grandma's Log Cabin
Valentine's Day gift for Aiden. The first I Spy quilt that I made.
I Spy quilt made for baby Zoey
Rainbow Pinwheel
Commissioned Superhero Quilt
Commissioned Sports Quilt
This isn't the best picture- Maya's Big Sister quilt (this quilt has an interesting story behind it that I will share in my quilt blog)
Grandma's Christmas tree wall hanging
I also made Dresden blocks that were included in two separate baby quilts, flannel blankets, pot holders, coasters, and two table runners.
2014 is getting off to a good start with another commissioned project that I completed last week and a few quilts that I'm working on now that I plan to keep for myself! I want to thank you all for your continued encouragement and support of this endeavor. And a special thanks to Teresa McMath for teaching me to quilt, always inspiring, motivating and mentoring me.
Monday, January 6, 2014
2013
I'm pretty sure that once you have kids, the years start flying by. I cannot believe we have said goodbye to 2013 and are welcoming in 2014.
In 2013:
In 2013:
We bought a new car, got into a really bad car accident and realized how fragile life can be. Almost a year later we are still struggling with the psychological and financial effects of the experience.
Went to an absolutely amazing Wynonna concert
Enjoyed a visit from Poppy and Grandma
Taught Ma to quilt
Enjoyed a visit from Grandma Nancy
Played with lots of Play Doh and Aiden started wearing a watch
Finally had family pictures taken
I completed my undergraduate program. Finally. SUMMA CUM LAUDE.
Aiden got to spend some time with Grandma and Poppy..
while Aaron and I enjoyed some much needed time together, just the two of us.
Wished we had more time to spend with our loved ones
Aiden started sleeping in a big boy bed and also gave up his Paci
Realized that despite our not so ideal housing situation, we couldn't ask for a better view of the gorgeous sunsets here on the prairie. We get to see sunsets like this on an almost daily basis, how great is that?
We enjoyed nature
Aiden joined the undie wearing population
Enjoyed a quiet 4th of July after being cooped up in the house for several days with a sick Aiden
We worked really hard on our back yard and grew some beautiful, thick grass. We played in it a lot.
Celebrated Christopher's fifth birthday
Had fun with friends on their family ranch
Aiden rode his Strider bike. A lot.
Had a blast wading in a creek
Celebrated Aiden's third birthday
Aiden started playing soccer. Grandma Nancy and Amber came for a visit and got to see his very first soccer game.
Aaron re-enlisted, aced a college psychology course, and started coaching youth basketball
We got away for a few days- just the three of us. Saw Yellowstone and the Grand Tetons and marveled at some of God's most beautiful creations. (We realized that we must start taking more family vacations.)
Started working on some preschool stuff
Saw some awesome clouds
We read a lot
Aiden started helping more in the kitchen
Gave each other many "nose to noses"
Got a blizzard in October and lost power for 28 hours. Realized the importance of having provisions.
Enjoyed a visit from Jess and Cass
Had a nice visit in Denver
Loved on our little man
I got a new sewing machine!
Spent a lot of time at the library
So as we start a new year we have a few things that we are anticipating: warmer weather, Aiden starting preschool in the fall, the possibility of expanding our family, the possibility of moving. But for now, I think we will just enjoy the moment and cuddle with our little guy who is growing up way too fast.
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