where have i been?

The other day,

I was telling a friend of mine 

that at the end of most days, 

I feel like I haven't really done anything.

She had been feeling the same way,

and said she had started 

making a list at the end of each day 

of everything she had accomplished that day.

She was surprised at how much she had actually done,

and it made her feel so much better to be able to look at her list.

I don't know about you, 

but when I make a list, 

it's usually a "to-do list."

So, I've started making my "did-that" list each night,

and I love it.

I will still have my never-ending "to-do" list as well, 

but it's nice to focus on what has been done

and not just what needs to be done.

So, I know it's been a while,

here's what we've been up to...

a wedding anniversary...

an adoption anniversary...

cupcakes to celebrate...

a sad good-bye...

a first tooth...

sunflowers are blooming...

we ate some cheetos...

entered the world of the iphone...

picked up our csa basket...

(i'll tell you about it later)

a fun play date...

we put our shoes on...

to go outside and plant some basil...

and parsley...

a second tooth...

hydrangeas are still blooming...

(my favorite)

went to see the "big cars movie"...

 remember my army of day lilies...

discovered that i luuuuv greek yogurt...

and skinny girl margaritas...

put together a tube quilt...

(i'll tell you all about this one later, too)

got my hair done...
(this is what i look like, now)

bought a bridesmaid dress...
(get off my back, courtney)

and i finished jessica's scrappy wreath...

one last thought...

my babysitter is out of town for 2 whole weeks...

my next list will probably read...

"pulled hair out"

happy mother's day

I feel like I should warn you before you start reading...

I'm feeling sentimental.

I can't help it - it's Mother's Day.

It's my second Mother's Day,
and already, I don't really remember a life before
our children came along.
It seems like they've always been here with us....
maybe, they have been...
and, maybe, I've always been their Mother. 

When does Motherhood begin?

Could it be when

the first prenatal vitamin is taken,

or a diet is changed,

or a list of baby names is made?

Maybe it starts much earlier 

with a first doll that is

toted around and cared for and loved.

Maybe, we are Mothers all along

just waiting for a child to enter our lives

so we can be recognized 

as part of that special society.

Today, let us celebrate 
all Mothers,

the beautiful assortment of women
who may not even realize the honor due them.

*those who have so many babies they don't know what to do

*those who have one baby they love more than anything
*those who are pregnant,
are trying to get pregnant
*those who are dealing with infertility
*those who have miscarried

*those who have adopted, 

are trying to adopt

*those who have been brave enough to recognize 

that they can't care for their baby

and have given that privilege to someone else

*those who are fostering

*those who are the best aunties

who live to love and spoil little nieces and nephews

*those who are step-mothers and have "stepped-up" 

to the challenges of sharing another mother's children 

and loving them as her own

*those whose babies are kittens or puppies

*those who have suffered the death of a child

and somehow found the strength to go on

*and those who have made peace with a childless future

You are all Mothers, 

and you all deserve honor on this day.

quiltiness

"She...works with her hands in delight." 

Proverbs 31:13

 I have been very pleasantly surprised 
that so many of you guys have shown interest 

in my little creations.

For as long as I can remember, 

I've been making things.
It's what I do.

I have more ideas than I have time,

and most of my ideas 

are way above my skill level.

Therefore, I often find myself frustrated

because the finished products rarely

turn out as good as I see them in my mind.

Then, there's the little detail 

of my being a perfectionist. 

Do you see where this is going?

Anyway, I have found your 
compliments and requests

very encouraging.

Thank you!

Here's a little quilt preview for you.

These will all be available for sale at the 

Strawberry Patch Barn Sale

 on April 28, 29, 30.

a few nicey janes

a little pinwheel action

 central park

more central park

gotta love kate spain

(I just got this one pieced together during nap time, 

and hopefully I'll get it quilted tomorrow.)

And, no, it did not escape me that my fangs come out 

whenever my husband or the kiddos get too close to the quilts,

but I didn't hesitate 
to throw them over this crusty, old fence for pictures.

What can I say, I'm a difficult person.

And, then, I caught my first wiff of these guys.

Have I mentioned just how much

I love Spring?

off to a good start....

 Sometimes in the middle of trying to juggle 

sippy cups, bills, laundry, diapers, making time to take a shower 

(and who knows how long it's been since I brushed my teeth), 

it's easy to overlook the little things that make each day special.  

Today is not one of those days.

Today is off to a good great start!

* The kids slept all night. 

(They almost always do, and I am thankful for this every day.  

Mom says I shouldn't brag on them 

because children like to prove you wrong, 

but my kids are perfect.)

* I got up in time to make it to yoga.

* My sweet husband got up early 

to take care of the kiddos so I could go to the gym.

* I thought I was running late, 

but when I got in the car Van was singing Into the Mystic.  

I realized I was right on time.

* The yoga instructor was 

smoking a cigarette and drinking drinking Starbucks 

on the way into the gym. 

* I survived the yoga, pilates, and weight training classes.

* A sweet, little, old man ran ahead of me 

so that he could open the door as I was leaving.  

(a true gentlemen = an endangered species)

* I logged into my account to find that I have 4 followers!

Thanks guys - I hope your day is off to a good start as well!