I Love Christmas

I am one of 'those' people who put up their tree before December.  I start playing Christmas music about now.  When I saw this I was thrilled.  I love to give and feel that I am spreading the real meaning of Christmas to all.  So if you see this consider taking this challenge yourself.  If you feel that you are not super crafty than perhaps you stretch yourself by trying something new- there are TONNES of great ideas and tutorials out there- just do it.

My Second Birthday Charity Celebration November 3 @noon

Another birthday is rolling nigh
So rather than groan or have a big sigh
I have decided to host another charity fling
Bring a potluck item to share and a few other things.

We will be donating to those who have less
Diapers, wipes, toiletries and non-perishable food would be best.
We will be donating to those who live in the city,
Giving to others always helps to feel 'giddy'.

So write down the date and make sure to attend
We'll have such a great time that you won't want the party to end.
Please let me know if you will be there
So I can know how many with whom my birthday I'll share.


Please let me know if you can attend- I am excited to share this day together!
Dara

Leave of Absence

Our family has had a pretty exciting time this past month.  We had an incredible 2 week trip to the east coast and were able to discover some wonderful new places in the world ( Boston, Maine, Nova Scotia, New Brunswick and PEI).  We put 5014 km on the van!

When we got home we had just over a week to get ready for school, host two birthday parties and prepare for my 10 year anniversary trip to Iceland.  This also meant preparing the house etc for my parents in law to stay and watch the kids.

Here are some photos of our trip.  I really fell in love with the country and the people.  My husband's great grandparents came from Iceland and we had the opportunity to meet with many of them.  It truly was a trip of a life time.

original Icelandic horse- brought along with the vikings when they settled Iceland

60 m waterfall

there was a real shortage of wood so this is how they built their homes

some more traditional homes

beautiful photo of a fisherman's home right beside the ocean

the world famous Blue Lagoon- it was quite amazing

Since we have benn home from our trip I did two presentations on how to write a family history blog at a geneaolgy conference (my other blog www.myfourgenerationsproject.blogspot.com).  I was selected to do an 'I Am Mormon" ad (see www.mormon.org) and so I have been getting the house ready for a camera crew (curtains, pictures on walls, autumn decoration).  I got a call a few days ago that plans have changed and they aren't sure when they'll come!!  This was a great push to get me in gear and I have been grateful for the schedule I have made.

I have a FABULOUS motivation to get this house into order-

Yep- baby number five will be arriving sometime at the beginning of April so I want to make sure that I have everything in order.  We are so excited for this new addition to the family and I want to make sure that I can hold this baby as much as possible instead of painting walls and renovating bathrooms.
So there you have it all my many reasons for a leave of absence.

A Star Gift

This fabric was a gift from Lesly over at http://pickledish.blogspot.com/.  I have never received fabric in the mail as a gift and I was so touched by her generosity.  As I am working on the Summer Series, I came across this block and loved it so much that I decided to do it for my quilt.  I was very lucky that I had enough fabric.  It was pretty close in the end, but I squeaked by.  Now I will purchase the border and backing because I have zero batik in my stash.  This is the first time I have ever worked with batiks- they are fun.
 Thanks Lesly, this was a fun project.

Update on Summer Series

Here is the fourth block.  

I had a great idea.  I am not sure who else has thought of it, but I am storing all my blocks in a scrapbooking case.  The case was given to me and when I saw it I knew it would work.  I do not have a design wall yet so this is awesome.

What I love about it is that my 2 year old can not open it and make a total mess.

Catchy and Inspiring Quilt Film

http://blog.nfb.ca/2011/02/17/quilt-fever/

I was amazed at this fabulous quilt video.  It is only 6 min in length.  I was inspired by what was done with traditional quilt blocks put to music.  It was a great watch.

What I thought was funny was the blogger of the NFB (National Film Board) could not believe this video had more than 13000 hits within the first week.  Quilting is very popular.

Have fun.

My Quilt Along- Skill Building

I am so impressed with myself because I have built some very nice blocks.  They are not perfect, however, I attempted them and they resemble the original.  I did make an error on the first one- but I decided that it didn't look too bad that way.  It is supposed to be the star on the right-

Day One: The Virginia Star























Day 2
Ta da






















Day 3

























I have always wanted to make a red and white traditional style quilt, so I am very excited about this one. I hope I have enough fabric.  I am really trying to use my stash.  I am enjoying the challenge of following directions and taking the time I need to learn new things- this is opening up new possiblities.

I am loving the process.

As a bonus:  I received these lovely batiks from Lesly over at     I am going to make Virginia Stars with these amazing rainbow colours.  I have never worked with batiks before so this will be a great outcome I am sure.