Some photos to share...

My three sweet Blessings!
Morgan 15, Nicholas 4 1/2, Ashley 18

Merry Christmas! Downtown San Francisco

Wednesday December 23rd..fun day for the family

December 25th...another beautiful Christmas!

Well it's been a while, a long while since I posted here. A friend asked about my list for 2009..I have been mostly successful but some things just haven't happened or will not happen in 2009. There's always 2010. I did update the list so take a peek and tell me I did "ok"...heehee...
Merry Christmas All!!!

It's been a while...

I'm still alive. Seems as though August flew by. I remember my grandma telling me that the older you get the faster time goes and man is that true!
I have had a day all to myself, granted I'm sick with a horrid cough, but still nice to have an empty clean house to myself. Watched a little tv, browsed the web, lots of email, lots of laundry and now heading to bed early.
I promise to post more often....

Love to all

Best news of the year (for me anyhow haha)

Nicholas is finally at age 4 going to bed in his own bed!!!! YAHOO!!!! 5 nights now. He does wake 1/2 way through but hey it's a beginning.

Just wanted to share :-)

Exciting life of the Carr family....

Well, Ashley quite possibly has the H1N1 flu virus :-( She has been spending time with her best friends family who have been sick and recently found out that a girl their youngest daughter had gone to church camp with tested positive for the virus..ugh. So Ashley was cultured this morning at the dr and home and quarantined to her bedroom. Fever, aches, headache, cough, etc etc. While I have a good feeling that it isn't, ya just never know. All we can do is pray that she recovers quickly and no one else in the family gets it. We are staying home this weekend to see how this plays out. I am feeling achey right now and sorta blah but no fever and no cough.

On the good side of this , having to stick close to home, I get to SEW!! yah!!! Bought a new pattern for a purse yesterday, fabric too with a gift card my hubby gave me for mothers day, was waiting for fabric that really caught my eye and I love the new fabrics out at the quilt shop.

Tonight is a simple cobb salad for dinner. Think I might lay down for a little bit with some motrin and see if I can get rid of this achiness...wish me luck :-)

Graduation photos of Ashley 2009

Ashley and Daddy after graduation

Ashley and her sister Morgan after graduation

Ashley and Mom (me) after graduation

Ashley right after receiving her diploma!!

My baby girl is now a high school graduate. Woohoo!! We're proud of you Ally.

Best of luck in the real world sweetie!!

love mom xoxo

June already

What a month this has been! Still recuperating from family visit for Ashley's high school graduation. At one point we had 13 people sleeping in our little 2,000 sq foot home...no kidding, we were all packed in like sardines...3 per room, the living room, dining room....can you imagine? while it was wonderful to see our families, can't say that I could do that again :-( We have been left with a bad toilet, plumber is coming out today. (138.00 minimum) Puppy was hurt on the leg somehow (288.00 emergency visit) Food (500+.00) Party...(200+.00)...time with family was priceless though. I may sound like I'm complaining....I hope you all don't think so. While we all love family it is nice to have our own homes.
Ashley is signing up for college classes today..yeah! 14 credits...full time. We are sooo proud of her. She has really grown up this past month. She will be 18 on friday. I still remember the day she was born like it was yesterday...sigh....
It's a bit cloudy this afternoon, the weather has been really strange for northern california, not much above 80, normally it's in the high 90's - 100. Not complaining here...I love the cooler weather.
I'm sitting out front on my porch while Nicholas is riding his little bike around, he's really whipping on that thing now, maybe time to take off the training wheels. Can't believe he will be 4 this month :-( Where has the time gone.
I will post some photos of the graduation this evening. Think I'm going to sew for a bit while I wait for the plumber.

What's up & Cell Phone wallets & Prayer request

Life has been crazy to say the least. Ashley graduates in less than a month and we've been busy trying to prepare for that. Many family members will be coming down to celebrate with her and we're all excited for the visit. Nicholas has just a couple more weeks of preschool left and then he's out for the summer. He is signed up for 4 weeks of swim classes and a friday morning preschool class called "circle, story, art time"..that should be fun for him and a break for dear old mom. Morgan is finally feeling better, her poor shoulder was injured back in February and she's just now heeling, praise the Lord she's feeling better. She still has to wait until mid June to be released back to sports.

I have been having fun sewing. I found the cutest pattern for cell phone bags and have gotten carried away with them. Above is a photo of some of them. They are sooo simple, it's a pattern from "quiltsmart". I figure they will make perfect gifts for friends and family, just enclose a little gift card and they have a ready made shopping trip, wallet and all :-) They have a long strap to wear across your chest for handsfree shopping. I plan on using one when I take Nicholas and Sophie to the park or on a walk etc, grab my ID, cell phone and house key and we're ready. One of them you will notice is made into a wristlet.

There is a family in need of prayer...if you feel it in your heart to pray for them their names are John and Danah Jewitt and their little guy Jayden. They recently lost their 5 year old to cancer and then just months later lost their newborn son as well. God Bless them!! This family is a true inspiration of how God works and the Faith that they still have is unbelievable.

Good Night!

Our first HOT day...94+

Ugh...I am not looking forward to the summer heat. At 2:00 it was already 94..don't know what the high was for the day. I knew this morning when it was in the 80's at 9:00 that we were in for a hot day.
Nicholas and Sophie had a great time in the wading pool this morning. I will post photos in a bit...Sophie loves the water, so does Nicholas. Sophie took her first head dive into the big pool yesterday, she did not like it! I think it scared her and the pool is still not warm so it may have been too cold. Patrick had to jump in and help her get to the stairs. Poor baby.

Blessings to all.....

Sophie with her Duck and Nick with his quilt

My precious pup. Somedays she's not so "precious"...but isn't she cute???!!! This is her new Easter Duck...makes the same sounds as a real duck, she couldn't get enough of it. She's 7 months here.

Nicholas under his new nappy blanket. Just a simple shooting stars pattern in batiks and backed with a soft cream chenille...he loves it. Me too :-) Perfect for snuggling at nap time.

Good Morning

Wow..this week has gone by fast.
The girls are on spring break...Ashley flies home today from her vacation and Morgey and I have just been hanging out having fun shopping and eating out etc.
Nicholas is at preschool so I'm heading in to my sewing area...woohoo! Haven't had much time for that this week. Nicholas is going to a little girls birthday party on Sunday, we chose a cute little baby doll as the gift and I'm making some little doll receiving blankies :-) and mini sized burp cloths to match. My girls loved that kinda thing when they were into dolls.
Hope all is well....wish I had more time to chat but my sewing machine is calling me....

Blessings to all.....

All my kids...even the furry one :-)

My two girlies...Morgan is 14, Ashley is 17. This was taken Saturday before prom.

Nicholas, 3 1/2, Sophie 7 months...enjoying the sun and fresh mowed grass :-)

Another, Nicholas and Sophie...they are buds.

Just relaxin' in the sun...both are a handful of energy...put em together and you've got dynamite...no kidding!

Friday Morning

...and the sun is out. I enjoy a rainy gray day every once in a while but lately we've had just too many, today I plan to take Sophie to the dog park to run, she's a wild puppy being pinned up all day. Took her for a short walk yesterday in between rain shower. Nicholas is funny...when I asked him if we should take Sophie to the doggie park he said "yes, she will like to slide"..haha. Crazy thing is, this puppy probably would LOL!!! she's a fruit nut.

Have a great weekend!

Good Tuesday here

Afternoon already :-) Where do the days go?
Ashley is doing well...alot better! Praise the Lord. She's has an appointment with her therapist at 1:00. We both love her therapist, a very special lady that has a soft spot for Ash.
My friend Jill came over this morning and we had a great time talking, drinking coffee and showing off eachothers recent projects. Thanks Jill for a great morning...you're an awesome friend and I love spending time with you. So nice to have someone that shares your interest and you can be yourself around.
Time to sew for a while..gotta love that kinda day. Working on a scrappy 9 patch, I really don't like scrappy but it's time to get out my comfort zone a bit. I like the way a scrappy looks, I just have such a difficult time putting together fabric that just doesn't match...sigh....

Happy tuesday!

Weekend is here

Even though I am home during the week I still love the weekend. Saturday morning is my "sleep in" day, and I look forward to it all week. Sunday is Patricks turn. Today we went to Woodland to watch Morgans soccer game, she's doing really well but hurt her leg badly today :-( Poor girl. Motrin and ice seem to be helping a bit. Those girls are rough! amazing.
Ashley is doing better today too, Praise the Lord for that. The power of prayer is awesome. God is good. Times like this really open your eyes and teach us to trust in Him even more. Sometimes the want to control things ourselves take over and stress begins.
Tomorrow we are trying a new church and then I'm home to sew..I have not sewn since I cleaned my area up. I'm just itching to sit and stitch for a few hours. May do some handsewing tonight while watching tv with Patrick. Keeps my hands busy and away from the snacks.

Blessings to all my friends and family!

Sunny today but still feels like it's pouring rain :-(

Not much good news to report today. Our family has been in chaos for the past couple months and yesterday was the turning point....all I can say is Please Pray for Us!! Especially my oldest daughter Ashley...she really needs it.

Well lets see if this sunshine today can turn my mood around... Was supposed to have coffee with my friend Jill, but instead I'll be visiting Ashley's school etc.

Blessings...and remember God is always faithful and gets us through our trying times...these trying times are what bring us closer to Him.

Tracey

Still Raining :-(

Looks like we're in for a dreary week..not just day :-(
The movie was cute..He's Just Not That into You..sweet ending. The girls liked it too...Patrick said it was OK. More of a chic flic I guess. But Sunday is family day and we must spread the fun for all ages...Nicholas stayed with a sitter today though, he's just not into movies at the theatre yet.
Can't wait for Tuesday, My friend Jill is coming over..for some show n tell, gotta show her my tidy sewing area and my neatly arranged and organized bins..woohoo. Planning to make a puff pancake and coffee...fun morning as Nicholas will be at school. Love that school!!! By the way..he is doing very well in school, much better at following instructions too.

Good night to all...blessings

Rain Rain Go Away ~

Another rainy dreary day here in Northern California. Well at least we won't suffer from a water shortage this summer, at least I can't see how we could, it's pouring rain, gutters are overflowing with water, grass is flooded in the back.
Today we found a sitter for Nicholas so Patrick, Me and the girls can go to a movie together...and...actually enjoy the movie HAHA. What a blessing to have two teenage daughters that have friends that babysit :-)
My sewing bins are so pretty! They are all tidy and organized on my shelves in the garage with room to grow even LOL My sewing room is now just my sewing cabinet with the machine..woohoo..no more clutter. I have grown to despise clutter, makes it terribly hard to clean and makes no sense to have tons of crap around. Less is better I have discovered. Plus it makes the house feel so much bigger.
Time to clean the kitchen, hang up some laundry and clean the downstairs bathroom before we head to the movie.

Blessings to all...

What a feeling!!

Finally was able to finish the huge task of organizing my quilting/sewing fabrics and supplies. Feels wonderful. Looks great too. Now to swap the dining room with the sewing area..that's a task for Patrick HA!! Not sure he'll dig the idea but we shall see...

Another unproductive week :-(

Sunday nights I go to bed with visions of getting things done throughout the week...never happens. I tore apart my sewing area to only have a bigger mess and no where to put all this junk. Today I was just overwhelmed with it all and didn't even step foot in there, I'm sure Patrick will be overjoyed with the never ending mess in there...mind you for those that don't know...it does not have a door, it is a little area off the family room that is designed to be the formal dining room.

Anyhow...I did get to go through about 20 magazines to give to a friend..only about 120 more to go HA!

My hobby has become an obsession and I don't like it anymore...I don't, I don't, I don't...time to scale back so this feeling of being overwhelmed with it will be in the past...

Okay enough venting on one subject.

Blessings...

Mini Shop Hop with Alex Anderson

Yesterday my friend Jill and I went on a mini shop hop. We visited 3 shops, 2 of which I had never been to, they were all great! First was Main Street Quilts in Martinez, CA, then Thimblecreek in Concord, CA, and the last was The Cotton Patch in Lafayette, CA..this is where we were able to hear and see Alex Anderson talk about her quilting past and present. She had many beautiful quilts with fun stories for each, she's a very nice lady! It was just such a perfect day. Patrick kept Nicholas and they had a great time together. The girls of course went to the mall...whatelse is there to do on a saturday afternoon??? haha...
This is a cherry apron panel, it was so cute all made up! Can't wait to get it done :-)

Dinosaur quilt kit for Nicholas of course. It's just adorable in person, the colors are to die for.

Patrick gave me a beautiful tower of fq's for Christmas and I lucked out yesterday to find the fabrics made up in this beautiful quilt pattern at one of the shops. So..I bought the pattern :-)

Signed by "Alex Anderson"...what an awesome lady. So real and genuine, not what you'd think. Be sure to check out her new internet show with Ricky Timms...sounds great!

Jill introduced me to these "thimble it's" and they work wonderfully, used it this morning and not a pin prick or sore to finger to be had the rest of the day :-) Also some needles and two- 1/2 yard cuts of a wonderfully soft woven. Tea towels in my future :-)

Just too cute to pass up! Both Jill and I have this thing for Cherries right now...they're just so cute! I know...like I needed more fq's..but these are very cute! LOL

MMMM....this brown and pink is so yummy! I had to have it. Reminds me of chocolate. 3 1/2 yards total so I can come up with something nice. Might even add a solid shimmer of brown.

Another "have to have" haha...valentine post card kit. Makes a bunch of cards, I've been wanting to try this and what better way to have a kit all ready :-) Gotta love those kits.

Being a mom and Being sick..sucks

Started Sunday with flu like symptoms and woke up in the middle of the night sick :-( Morning came and I thought I was okay..well it hit me hard later in the morning and I spent the day in bed. Ashley stayed home and watched Nicholas for me as Patrick had already left for the city. Gosh I hate not having family here to help us out during these times. While laying in bed with my door locked I could hear my baby crying for me, no sissy was not what he wanted, he wanted mommy. The feeling of guilt that he didn't understand I was sick, I mean he knows what "sick" is, but he always thinks if you're "sick" you're going to die like our puppy Tucker did :-( My poor little guy. I think I will get some kid level books on death, and sickness. Sissy tried her best for hours to occupy him, finally he was exhausted but would not sleep for her so I was trying to come downstairs to rock him..I know he's 3 and should be able to just lay down and sleep on his own but that's our fault as we have always rocked him..anyhow I couldn't do it, instant nausea so Ashley took him for a ride and he was out..slept for 3 hours! Of course he was up at 445 yesterday morning. So I slept for 3 hours and woke feeling a bit better. This morning I hurt all over, Nicholas is at preschool so I am going to sit and watch tv for a while and work on some yoyo's. The house is a disaster but who cares right?? Doesn't seem to bother anyone else but me so why should it bother me? because I'm the mom! right?! Anyhow you don't realize just how much your family needs you until a time like this :-) Gosh I love my family...a true blessing, each and every one of them!!

Blessings,

Cherry Tablerunner for Mom

This is a tablerunner I just finished for Mom for Valentine's Day :-) It was so much fun, I love all the Mary Englebreit fabrics. This line is a "recipe for friendship". The cherries were made from yo-yo's, the leaves are 3D with grossgrain ribbon for the vines. Left the center open so she could have her centerpiece or whatever in the middle. Sure hope she likes it.

Blessings...

GO STEELERS!!

What an ending?!!!! wow. Patrick was on the edge of his seat at the end there, this is "his" team :-) 6 superbowl wins, amazing team.

Quilting news

Tonight I pin basted 2 tablerunners and a valentine wallhanging. Both ready for quilting now, just a simple stitch in the ditch. However, I'm out of white thread :-( Can't believe how much thread I go through. Luckily I still have a coupon for Joann Fabrics, will head there in the morning. Binding is ready for each, it'll give me a nice evening hand project.
Tomorrow night (thursday) I have a quilt class, it's more of a group of ladies getting together to sew a certain pattern with a jelly roll...gotta love those jelly rolls :-) I sure do!

Will post some photos of finished projects by the weekend (hopefully)

On Motherhood

This is just too funny. Was browsing through some photos when I came across this one. Nicholas on his "red" trike and behind you'll see Ashley's "red" car..wow do I have two totally opposite ends of the spectrum or what?? To see them progress from the trike to the car certainly makes you realize just how short of a time period they are young. Ashley goes off to college next fall and that just does not seem possible. Lately I have had the itch for another little baby...but then I think I'm almost to the point where Nicholas will be in kindergarten and I can have some of my life back, is that selfish? nahhh...Plus in today's economy and college to pay for it's just not the responsible thing to do.
Blessings....

bread recipe anyone?

I would love to learn to cook bread from scratch, anyone reading have a good homemade recipe? Not for the bread machine though...I have a breadmaker and while it makes good bread there's nothing quite like "homemade".
Just finished my monday morning housework, nicholas is playing outside..it's nice and warm..with a good wind going though. Back door is open to air out the stale smell from inside.
Off to shower shortly and head to the quilt shop, can you believe I'm short a 12" 2 3/4" wide strip of fabric to complete my blocks :-( Sure hope they still have this fabric.

Blessings....

Making napkins today :-)

Going to make an attempt at being a little more green :-) Even planning on using what I have as far as fabrics go. Save $$'s, trees and the landfills a bit. I know they need to be washed but hey I wash a load of towels every other day so it will not make a difference. I'll post photos later.

Crockpots

Okay...seriously ...would you cook in your crockpot 365 days of the year? Yes, I like my crockpot and it makes for a nice simple meal but don't know if I could do this. Maybe once a week. Anyhow Kim sent out the link to this gals blog who actually did this as a new years resolution for 2008, I have added her link to the bottom of my blog lists. Feel free to take a peek, very interesting. I would have never thought of making punch or desserts etc in my crockpot. And did you know there is a gadget that has 3 individual crockpots? wow.. The one nice thing is dinner is done when it's time to eat. I will definately be browsing some of her recipes. Thanks for sharing the link Kim!

Quilting

Went and signed up for a class today at the local quilt shop. I know I could just do these quilts at home without paying for a class but 1/2 the fun is chatting with others who share your interest and love of quilting. A dear friend of mine will be taking it as well, yeah!
Also...sew and supper is next friday night. The two owners bake a fabulous meal with dessert and then at 10 they bring in starbucks...7 hours of sewing and fellowship, I love this night, generally do it a few times a year. One of my goals this year is to have one of these nights or days at my home, potluck style or appetizers, drinks..what fun!
The new BOM starts in February and I was lucky enough to get a spot this year, I lost out last year as I was too late to sign up :-( Ah well..this years theme is hearts with a space to write in inspirations, I chose the red/white/black color theme. Aren't those colors always so stunning?!!
Gotta run make lunch for Nicholas, Ashley and I before taking Ashley to the dr this afternoon, she's has a really severe sore throat for a few days and fever spiked up at 102 last night, low grade this morning.
Blessings to all...

A few things done on my list :-)

yeah!! I'm finally feeling up to par and have all my energy back..I think plus some. Took Sophie on a long walk this morning, did some sewing (it is tuesday morning), took Nick to preschool, ran and got necessities like laundry soap and such. I have highlighted and changed the text color of things done..

LIfe is almost back to normal

I'm feeling better, however, still not at 100% :-( This bug got a hold and doesn't want to let go.
The kids go back to school on Monday, Nicholas goes back to preschool Tuesday so things should be getting back to normal. Can't wait to get caught up on the housework and meal planning. Anyone have a good recipe for hamburger or boneless chicken you wanna share? I get tired of cooking the same dinners, always looking for something that is a sure hit with a family. Tonight I made pancakes, it was late and they sounded good! By golly Patrick even thought it sounded good..yah! So added some fruit and we were good to go. Not to mention clean up was a breeze! gotta love that. Think I might head into the sewing area and work on a couple of table runners, almost done with the 2nd one, then to baste and quilt them.

Oh yeah....I got a new Dyson vacuum today!! I'm very excited...even though I hate cleaning..HAHA...it's purple :-) Maybe that will add to the fun of cleaning...hmmm or not.

Blessings and love to all

Sick, sick, sick

Tired of being sick :-( Tomorrow I plan to wake up well..yah. Anyone ever taken the cough syrup with codeine? UGH!! is all I can say. Tomorrow marks the beginning of week 3 since this nasty sickness began. Tomorrow will be a good day!! Tomorrow is the last day of antibiotics too. Supposed to be mid 50's so maybe that will lift my spirit and I can take a walk with Nicholas and Sophina Mina
Good night

New Years 2009 Mystery Quilt!

Here is the finished product (well it still needs borders). It was a fun, simple quilt...may even make another :-)
After thinking back this is the 5th year I have participated. Certainly a tradition now, even Patrick begins asking me about it early december, what a guy!

Not sure what lucky person will receive this one....

New Years!

Happy New Years! Hope everyone had a safe and fun time last night :-) Patrick, Nicholas and I were all in bed by 10..this darn sick stuff has me down early. The girls were both gone overnight. My house is a crazy mess, with Christmas and being sick I am so far behind but you know I'm not stressing. Life is too short to stress over housework..agree?! :-) Anyhow, sewing is more fun! Take a look at our front room yesterday afternoon..this was after about 6 hours of me sewing and Nicholas doing what he wanted..he is a mess maker!!