Thoughts and Mutterings....

Happy Flag Day! Did you know today was Flag Day? I knew it because my oldest turned 23 yesterday and I almost had her on Flag Day! Memories...

Well, I haven't been sewing lately, have been busy with being busy! So, what does that mean? I don't have the slighest idea, honestly, one day just bounces into another around here...

Have been a little sad lately over a lot of things but not anything I can point my finger at exactly. I guess just live in general. Teenagers growing into young adults with their own ideas, thoughts, feelings and that is what should happen, but where does that leave a Mom? Lonely, frustrated, confused, really confused, exasperated at times, but most of all Alone. Have you ever felt like that?

And then the money issue thing...when is this economy going to get better? And then the oil thing happening in the gulf - my heart goes out to those that are affected and you know we will all be affected somehow by this disaster - I love to visit Florida and the gulf, some of my most cherished memories as a child I have down there with my Mom, Dad and sisters and to think those beautiful beaches and wildlife are going to be ruined - well, it just makes me sick!

I know, I am a little depressing here (a little, do you think???)

Well, for great news, atleast for my Husband and kids, The Hawks Won! Glad the season is over to tell you truth!!!! I have been to way to many Hockey Games this year, need a break! Here is a picture of them in the parade in Chicago - Angie (Mike's girlfriend took it and sent to me). All my kids were down there, but Angie thought to send me a pic - Thank you Angie!

When I get reallly disgusted with Life, this is what I do...plant flowers, lots of them! Some of these came up from last year, some I just planted, aren't they pretty? I just like to sit and look at them and all the beautiful colors...

Well, hope all of you are having better days!

Hugs,

Mary

BABY WENT TO PROM!!

Youngest went to Prom last Friday...her bestfriend's brother needed a date soooo of course she said yes! This weekend she is going to her boyfriend's prom who she met after the first boy asked her, confused?? I am, but here she is...

And now this weekend will be another one - but this new boyfriend is really nice and we like him alot - so that is what I have been up to!

Oh, and last weekend oldest daughter moved into her first one bedroom apartment - so we had one prom on Fri and move in on Sat and Sunday - WOW what a weekend!!!!! I am totally drained today. Had a small meltdown Saturday at her apartment, but shook it off and began cleaning and cleaning and then more cleaning, but she is in!

My son comes home next week from college so the house won't feel sooooo empty - but I will miss my oldest tremendously, but you got to let them fly - at least that is what everyone says. I just wish it was easier..it is so weird the things you think of as I said goodbye to her over the weekend, like the first time she took a bus to school in first grade with her Barney backpack and now...she is all grown up and on her own. WOW - time really flies when you have kids. One minute they are holding your hand and the next they are waving goodbye, where did all those years go to?

Cooper News - he is getting better with each week - he wants to run and jump and run some more but am keeping a very long leash on him so...I wish these weeks would go faster for him - June 1st is when he will be up and running, so to say! He is watching me right now type this so had to take a pic of him... he is waving to all of you and thank you for all the good wishes you have all sent!!

Well, better run - youngest has a dress fitting!!

Lots of Hugs,

Mary

ANNUAL INTERNATIONAL QUILT FESTIVAL/CHICAGO

OH WHAT A FUN DAY TODAY WAS!!!

Went to the International Quilt Festival today at the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center in Rosemont, IL with my Sister!!!! Oh what a fun time we had - took a lot of pictures of some of the most amazing quilts I have ever seen and then went to look at them before we left and somehow DELETED them - So had to backtrack and I just took a few of my favorites...Enjoy the eye candy...

I especially liked the yellow one - that is why I took so many of that one. You would never know we were in a recession or whatever we are in there were soooo many ladies buying fabric and patterns and kits - Yes, I was one of them - I couldn't help it, every booth was just so much fun to look at and see all the creations that they were selling - This was my first Quilt Festival and it was fantastic. Some lady told me it is the last one in Illinois - next year it is going to be in Cincinnati - so am glad I finally made it!

And a word on Cooper - he is recoving very quickly - so all of your prayers have surely been answered - Now to just be able to keep him in a quiet mode - not an easy task - but Monday will be 2 weeks down and 5 more to go! We are getting there!

Many Hugs,

Mary

COOPER IS HOME AND RECOVERING!

This post is not about sewing or my quilting, this is about my furry buddy, COOPER. Last week Cooper has surgery on his left hind leg - he tore is acu tendon so they had to repair his knee and he is on lots of pain meds and antibiotic and anti-inflamatory drugs. He can't run for 8 weeks or go for a walk - i have to keep him on a short leash to go outside to the bathroom and am putting ice on his leg 3 times a day for 15 minute intervals. He is being very brave and kisses me everytime I apply ice on his leg - what a trooper. I just love Labs - they are the sweetest most gentle dogs that I have ever had the honor of owning. Cooper is truly my buddy! Tomorrow will be one week down, 7 more to go...so will keep everyone updated on Cooper's recovery.

Lots of Hugs to all of you and your "special" furry friends,

Mary

HAVE A SAFE AND HAPPY EASTER EVERYONE!!

HAPPY EASTER!!!! HUGS MARY

Red Valance Finished!!!

Hello Everyone!!!!

This is what I have been up to for the last several weeks....making a valance for my sister's condo. Not a hard job - but the material she picked up at IKEA was very hard to work with and well, life got in the way a bit, so finally, finally finished it late last night and put it up for her today.

She has all Scandanavian furniture so it looks really good with her red chair and other items, not my taste but everyone is different I guess.

I do have so bad news, my puppy - Cooper has torn his ACL muscle in his leg - so has to be operated on next week - he has been limping so took him to the vet and they took xrays and well, next week he will be operated on to fix the torn muscle and then home to get better. They want me to crate him for 8 weeks - which I can not do, but will keep him on his leash and will limit exercise - walks. Oh I am so sad for him as he just loves to run in the backyard with the little boys across the street...he is such a sweet dog! sO PLEASE say lots of prayers for him next week!

Youngest daughter, received her class ring last week - here are some pics of her! This is my Mom with her - mom looks good for 87 yrs old!! And here are some with her friends...

And of course, I am especially proud of this one....

This is what happens when you lend your camera to her because she forgot hers!!!! Don't know why it is sideways - oh the fun of High School Days!!

I hope all of you have a wonderful Easter Holiday and Spring!!!! It is 60 degrees today - YEAH!!

Many Hugs,

Mary

Borders on!!

Hi Fellow Bloggers,

Last week I added the borders to my Missouri Daisy Quilt....here are some pics...

the border is purple and yellow and I really liked how it turned out. Now to quilt it - I have to quilt this one by hand not machine so will let you know progress. Went to the quilt store today to get backing for quilt and picked out a pretty purple/brown/yellow small flower.

Also have some cute pics of Cooper...I just couldn't resist, and my computer is up and running and so am very happy!! It's faster now too!! Just loving it,

Hugs to all,

Mary

YELLOW SASHING ON!!

HERE ARE SOME PICS OF THE YELLOW SASHING SEWN ONTO BLOCKS. I REALLY AM PLEASED WITH HOW IT LOOKS! THANK YOU ALL FOR ALL YOUR KIND AND HELPFUL SUGGESTIONS....NOW FOR THE BORDER!

HUGS,

MARY

I THINK I HAVE A WINNER!!

First of all, many thanks to all you ladies to have commented to me about the sashing possibilities for the Missouri Daisy Quilt...after many auditions with different colors, I think that some of the sashing fabric was taking away from the Daisy Block itself. So I switched gears and found this yellow small print that I think looks much better with the blocks. I just layed out the blocks on the fabric, have not cut any fabric strips yet and I liked what I saw... sorry for the quality of the photos but I think you can actually see the blocks better with a more muted yellow small print. Do you like?

Thank you all again for all your suggestions,

Many Hugs,

Mary