Boy, do I feel sheepish.....

to tell you that the "game" did not have it's intended effect. The game meaning what we did to The Rock Star at Christmas.(See previous post.) I was all for drawing it all out...but Hunnybunny didn't make him wait at all hardly.

The presents were opened, and all he (The Rock Star) asked was, "Is this all of them?" I let the question slide. Hunnybunny did, too. And then, a little later, he asked again. Hunnybunny told him to check the closet and the rest, they say, is history. I'll give him this much, he should have won the Oscar for acting surprised when he opened it. I did ask him straight out if he peeked. He said 'no', but the top of his ear turned pink. That's his indicator that he's not telling the truth. But I'll be alot more careful next year.

And to answer a reader who raised a valid question, no, he doesn't even know where to find my blog. Hunnybunny does, however, so I can tell you now what I got him. The picture to the left is the Serenity movie poster, but these characters are from the Firefly series that was short-lived on FOX. It's shown every now and again on The Sci-Fi channel, but I wanted to get the whole Firefly series for him for Christmas. It's sort of a sci-fi western, but it's really good. We've stayed up the last three nights watching until 1:00 AM. Nothing keeps me awake that long, so you know it's good.

As for me, I had a good Christmas, but did miss the Legal Adult alot. Guess it's time to let you all know he left Arizona. The former girlfriend was just that, FORMER, and she didn't bother to tell him before that she had a current boyfriend. So, his dad flew him to his place outside of Nashville. I'm just glad he's with family.

Here's hoping you all had a blessed Christmas!

Spy vs. Spy.....The Christmas Edition

Now, you all remember our friends here from Mad Magazine? I must have spent hours reading it in junior high. Apparently, I have my own scenario going on at my house. My wonderful, completely trust-worthy 12 year old presented his dad and I with a Christmas list. That's not really surprising, is it? The surprising part was that it was only a couple of days ago. Kinda suspicious...most kids get you that info long before the 14th of December. And included on this list of things he wanted were things he DIDN'T want. Things that were already purchased and in hiding at my house. The number one item was, of course, Guitar Hero III, which I was smart enough to get at the onset of the month. Incredibly, he said that was his number 2 item. His number 1 was something we hadn't purchased, (and have no intentions of doing so) The Sims 2. Now, he has gone on and on about Guitar Hero III being the main big present that he gets for Christmas. Why would our sweet, adorable, completely without sneakiness, 12 year old change his mind? Because he probably has been snooping around while we've been out of the house.

I say, let's play the game. My goal is to get him to tell on himself. Said Guitar Hero III has been put away and will not be found immediately under the tree. Let's see if he owns up. We'll do the whole A Christmas Story thing, and not bring it out until later.

I know, I know...cruel and unusual punishment.

The apocalypse is coming.....

because I said it would have to for me to incur another car payment. Yep, I have a new car. And not just a "new to me" car. A real, new car. Why no exclamation marks? Well, I'm still getting used to the idea. Let me spin the yarn of how it all went down.

Hunnybunny calls me at midnight this past Tuesday. He was coming home from rehearsals for the Christmas program at church.
"Hey, my Honda is making a weird noise." How anyone can be this awake at this hour is beyond me.

"It's 14 years old, of course it's making a weird noise." I chirp back, (secretly thinking, "You called me to tell at this hour?!")

"No, this is a WEIRD noise. Like a top spinning out of control. It started earlier today during lunch, went away, now it's back."

"Well, we'll check it out." By this time, I'm awake now.

I heard him pull in, but the engine was still going. "That's just like him," I thought, "checking it out NOW!"
Then he comes in, "Well, I have bad news. Or good news, if you want to think of it that way."

"Yes?"

"The engine just quit, along with a puff of smoke and all the coolant just came out."

I'm thinking, "So, we'll just get it fixed."

"That means we just blew a head gasket."

"Oh."

Now, I'm a little up on engines. I know how to change the oil, the tire, put anti-freeze in it. Heck, I could change the spark plugs years ago. But someone told me a blown head gasket is probably a new engine. So, here it is, Christmas, a down car, the other very old and both of us with obligations that require us to drive in different directions. Believe it or not, I didn't worry about it. I normally would, but somehow, the peace of God came over me and I knew we would be fine.

The next day, Hunnybunny talks to his boss, who has connections, and in one afternoon, we have this:(This is a pic off the Internet. It's been too cold to take a pic outside.
It's a 2007 Kia Optima LX. Folks, the last time I had a car payment was 1992. It was a Chevy Cavalier station wagon. And it was used. I still have "Baby", my 1987 Honda Accord. And I've had her since 1997 with 108K original miles. She just turned over 200K.
Anyway, I've always been thankful for her. And it's amazing she's still around.
I'll get more excited about having a new car when I realize I'm not going to be waking up and finding it's all been a dream.
I'll post some pictures once the freezing rain stops.

Progress on the hobo bag and a Legal Adult update

First and foremost, I'd like to thank you all for your kind thoughts and wishes about The Legal Adult. Your words and prayers have meant much. The Pickle and Rockstar accompanied me to the airport to drop big brother off. I haven't flown since before 9/11, so I wasn't really sure what to expect. We weren't allowed to wait in the terminal with him. That really reeked because we hadn't said our goodbyes. Imagine saying goodbye in front of the security guards and a bunch of people waiting in line behind you...it wasn't the way I wanted to say goodbye. But we did see him through security and I gave him the sign language sign for I love you. He did the same, held it to his heart, and reached out in my direction. I was absolutely FINE until he did that. The next thing I know, the tears finally showed up. Oh, I wasn't sad for him, I was feeling wretched for me. I've done this with him before but this time, I knew it would be awhile before I saw him again. He called me when he landed, and he's doing well. Anyway, thanks again for your support!

I want to show you what I did with my thanksgiving break. It was my first time trying to bead anything, so I read up on it online.




I bought most of the beads from Michael's.



I used fishing line to attach the beads. It's not like from the tackle shop, just check the beading area of your Michael's or Hobby Lobby.







The best thing I found was a needle with a collapsible eye. Really saves your sanity.

Is it true that long-distance relationships can work out?

Because I'm about to find out. My 22 year old baby is moving to Arizona.Sorry I've not been a good blogger since we've come back from vacation. We ended up going from Kentucky, to Nashville, down to Tallahassee, across the state to Jacksonville, and then up to Nashville, and finally back to Kentucky. Total mileage on this trip was 1808 miles!

In between recuping from the trip, I've heard from the Legal Adult. He's leaving. He went to Phoenix about 4 years ago and now he's going back. It's just hard to let them go sometimes. I'm driving him to the Louisville Airport tomorrow, and he connects in Philly. Then, straight through to Phoenix.

I know it's time. He kinda followed me up here from Tennessee and always loved it out west. Think of me tomorrow....I'll most likely be sad.

Just a little of this and that

Well, to appease the mother-in-law in my life, Here are a few kiddo shots from her favorite little man:
He played so hard that day with the Diva that they just gave out!
This is a self-portrait...stole Mommy's camera and took a bunch of "interesting" pictures.

What can I say about this one? He looks so perfect...and thankfully, peaceful!

We are headed for the panhandle for the first time since.....well, I deleted the old blog, so I can't remember. But, it's been over a year. We're driving outside of Nashville first, spend the night and drop off the Rock Star to see his daddy-o for the holiday. Then, we'll head toward Tallahassee from there. It's a lot easier breaking up the trip.In sewing and quilting news, I think my obsession has driven my Hunnybunny nuts. With two kids, (and at times during the school year, 7 kids, and only 1100 square feet, some of my stuff is getting to be, well, messy. With that in mind, I made a crucial decision: one of my machines had to go. I have 4 and can't possibly use them the way someone with only one could. So, I'm parting with the first of my collection: my Singer 201. This was the one I found at Goodwill that started it all. I bought a power cord for it and a cheap cabinet to house it in. I think my friend, Lake, could use a little sunshine that only a sewing machine can give. She has an old Kenmore, but really wanted one of these old Singer's. I still have my 15-91, and 99K. The only thing I'm really going to miss about this machine is that huge space between the needle and base. Lots of room for rolling up your quilt there.

She's a dear friend, and we worked on that very LOUD quilt, "Proud Mama", that you see here.

I'm sort of in a sewing "slump". It's not that I don't have anything to work on, it's simply that I don't find myself motivated to finish anything. Ever get like that?

So,I submit to you my new project: a hobo bag!

Remember that cool Jacobean Rhapsody fabric I bought at Paducah over a year ago? Well, this is it. I was pretty nervous cutting it.
You have to click on this and really blow it up, but I'm trying to embellish it before I sew it together. So, now you can see why I'm trying to give Hunnybunny less to complain about. The beading stuff will certainly drive him the rest of the way nuts!

And last, but certainly not least, my buddy Jane Ann, over at The Jettstream, inspired me to create a cutting table out of a former micro-wave table!I noticed this old, rickety micro-wave table in the garage of one of the kids I keep so I asked what they wanted for it. 0! Gotta love 'em!
A few dry board wood screws later....TA-DA! It's sturdy! Thanks for the inspiration, Jane Ann! Go and visit...she's chalked full of great ideas!

Getting Tagged by Quilt Mommy Quilts

What a nice lady Valerie is over at Quilt Mommy Quilts! She tagged me for a meme...so here you go, Valerie!
1. When did you start to create and make crafts? Okay, don't laugh, but I actually didn't start until I moved away from Tennessee. Not having friends, family or a life will do that to you. I had been trying to learn quilting from my friend Martha before I left..like for 10 years! But never got adventurous enough to purchase my own machine. Simply Quilts changed all that as I watched it everyday and here was Jinny Beyer, hand piecing! So to truly answer that question, 2004.
2. Why did you start creating? I had seen what others could do and wanted to be in their club, so to speak. I've always loved fabric, it was just time to do something with it.
3. Why do you create? It's who I am, I think. My sons are artistic, but that's from their dad. I kind of paint with fabric.

4. What do you create? Mostly lap quilts.

5. Has this changed since you began crafting? Yeah, the whole artistic quilt thing has really changed.

I'm thinking a 12 step group might help with my current obsession.

Maybe a group like, "Antique Sewing Machine Collectors Anonymous. First step: We admitted we were powerless over buying antique sewing machines, that our lives had become unmanageable.

This is a 1956 Singer 99K. It was made in the Singer factory in Scotland. So, I guess between the other machines, my Singer 15-91 is from Canada, my (new)Pfaff Hobby (I think they are discontinued now) was made in Germany, and my Singer 201, (made in the good ole US of A), you could say I'm an international quilter. Nah....I'm just a sucker for beautiful, old machines. You should have seen Hunnybunny's face when the postman rang the bell with this huge package. This is my answer to getting a portable machine.!

I was really too cheap to get the 221 Featherweight. They start at about $250. See, I won this on Ebay. I was one of two bidders. Guess what the winning bid was? $30
It came complete with case.

I don't ever think I've been this tired....

have you?? Poor baby, too tired to finish his icecream. He had quite a day!

Trick or Treating for 20 Years

You look at the title of this post and laugh...but I'm telling you, it's true! I'm sure there are plenty of others who could beat me on this. And I'm not really complaining as just not wanting to get out there with a heel spur. Don't believe me? Let's do the math:

1. Beth goes Trick or Treating at age 3 until age 12. 9 years
2. Beth has first son, The (now) Legal Adult in 1985. He goes Trick or treating (with Mom taking him) for approximately the same amount of time. Age 3 to age 12. 9 years.
3. Beth has second son (The Rock Star) in 1995. He actually started at 6 months! 11.6 years.
The Rock Star as the Grim Reaper for the second year in a row. He went out with his buds, they were ALL grim reapers!









4. Beth has third (and final!) son in 2003. He started three years ago.
3 years.
Here's the black spiderman and the island princess. Her first trick or treat, his third. He just didn't want to leave the mask on.

I was totally off the hook this year as the Rock Star went elsewhere with his buds, and Hunnybunny took the cutest little couple here.

Where I've been is probably not as important as where I am going....

Well, hello friends, neighbors, and some family that lurks occasionally. You're thinking, "Where 'ya been, Beth?" And it's true, I've not posted a blooming thing since the 5Th of October. So in keeping with my personality trait of making excuses, allow me to run down the list of what I've been up to:

1. I went to Chattanooga last weekend. Left on Friday night after the last child went home and came back Sunday afternoon. One of my oldest (literally!) friends is dying in the hospital and I went to see him, perhaps for the last time. He didn't know me, so I told him I was an old girlfriend...which was mostly true. His wife passed some years ago, and I've always doted on him. I think it's okay because he's 95. Pray for "Papa" as he is in a lot of pain.

2. Managed successfully to get sick.....AGAIN! Maybe I just never got completely well.

3. Helped the Legal Adult get situated. He got a new job and needed help with the details, like finding the place, etc. He's been coming by alot more lately, hunger will do that to you. Even force you to spend time with family. I think he's going to be okay if I can just let go.






4. Finished the Quilt of Valor quilt top, (and actually put it in the mail) but you already knew that.











5. Got to see two of my best friends on the planet last week in between visits to the hospital to see "Papa". Martha, who got me started quilting was having a major cleaning spree and look what I got!


Is it Christmas for quilters, or what??? And yes, I've not put them down. Nancy Crow's "Gradations" was really cool








6. I made a mole for Mole Day. If you have a high schooler in chemistry, you will want to read this. But if not, just know I made a stuffed rodent for a young man's science project.




7. And you'll never believe it....I joined a gym! As cheap as I am, I still don't believe it. But after weighing the pros and cons, I decided that I would less likely miss time at the gym because I paid for it. This one is really nice, too. I've been walking on the treadmill, biking, and they have swimming lanes, so that's been really cool. Part of my problem lately is not making time for myself. I babysit approximately 12 hours a day, (all staggered times, mind you) my own son included. It tends to be a little nerve-racking. But I find a walk or swim is just the ticket. Besides, as goal oriented as I am, it's cool to watch the numbers and try to improve them. And don't take this the wrong way, but it's not a meatmarket the way it was back in the late 80's when I went. Plenty of fat people, just like me, so I'm not singled out. I really like that I can be "anonymous".

Editor's Note: Of course, exactly how anonymous can you be as a fat person?

Giveaway at Lara Berch's blog!

Dubiquilts turned me on to this site: Lara Berch Tutorials. She's having a really cool giveaway, so go see her.

For Grandma Hunnybunny

I have been remiss in posting new pictures of the Pickle. My dear mother-in-law, Grandma Hunnybunny, actually GOES to the library to read my blog and see pictures of her grandson. So, I apologize, and here you go:




Here are his buds, the Diva, (in her princess outfit) The Amazing Jo-Jo, and of course, Spiderman himself.

WIP Wednesday: Quilt of Valor (top, at least) ready to mail

Hello, y'all....

I'd bore you with the crazy details of why it's taken me so long to do this quilt top, but let's just say I found a few more of my quilting weaknesses. So without further adio, I give you a Quilt of Valor quilt top.This was a quilt kit from the Quilt of Valor Foundation.


Here's a link to our friend, Quiltfrenzy's webpage for directions. It's called a Faux Log cabin, and had the piecer read her directions, I'm sure it would have turned out better.






But to quote Hunnybunny,"It is what it is...."...(How profound!)





I also won a eBay auction for some quilting software last week! I rarely EVER win, I usually just get the Buy It Now option. But I saw this Quilt Design Wizard, made by The Electric Quilt Company, so I thought I'd at least try it. I'm sure I'll go up to the EQ6, but this will tide me over.

Top Ten Things You Wish My Pastor Would Tell Our Husbands

M.I.A. (Mother in Agony). Actually, it means "missing in action", but that doesn't fit either. Regardless, I have to keep things going around here. Oh, it's just a head cold, but I hate taking antihistamine for it. I'll live, but it doesn't feel that way. Anyway, that's not why I've gathered you all together.


My pastor, Jon Weece, has opened the floor for ladies to tell him what they wish Jon would relate to our husbands. And vice versa. So, I give you

My top ten list of things I wish he would address from the pulpit:

10. Playing the old, "I'm a guy" routine will not make brownie points. You are far too intelligent to use that one.

9. Expecting a parade whenever you clean the kitchen isn't cool, either. Women do that all the time and we usually don't get recognized for it. Oh, wait, we set it up, didn't we? In potty training, you make a big deal out of every effort, so maybe that's where they get it.

8. Ice cream is not a food group. It falls into one, but seriously, we could live without it.

7. Neither is BBQ.

6. Doing taxes ON THE 15Th online is probably a bad idea. Getting mad at the computer won't help, it's most likely bottle-necked from the rest of America trying to file.
5. A Porshe is NOT a family car.

4. Politics is not a taboo subject, but don't think I'm crazy when I have opinions of my own about YOUR chosen party.

3. I honestly don't feel the need to consult Web MD every time our kids get the sniffles. But I'm happy you are so attentive to our kids.

2. Buying my Christmas, birthday or Valentine's Day present the DAY OF is not showing me you thought about me, (especially when you know the date of each Sci-Fi premiere) and the dates in question are locked in.

1. I will never get excited over Halo, paintball, or car shows, but I love you, anyway.

Feel free to leave comments on what you like Pastor Jon to say and I'll pass it on.

Laurel Burch - December 31, 1945 - September 13, 2007

Laurel Burch passed away from
osteopetrosis. I never knew you could actually DIE from it, I just thought it made your bones brittle.

I honestly can't believe it...my first quilt was done in her fabrics.

She is going to be missed.
I don't usually post anything from You tube, but here's a link for a video from a recent interview.