Tales at Wayne Manor

So Proud

2012-01-29T11:47:00.000-08:00

Avery and six of her fellow classmates went to Las Cruces this weekend to perform in the All State Choir. They were part of a 150 member choir chosen from all over New Mexico. The sound they produced was AMAZING!! We are so proud of all of you.

Winner

2012-01-25T05:23:00.000-08:00

Congrats to Sue Nivan. You won the DS QUILTS fabric and it is lovely. Email me your address or comment here if you cant get through to me. Although I am very thankful for the internet sometimes my email chooses not to work:)

My thankful list

1. God, Jesus and the Holy Spirit

2.My family- my husband of 17 yrs who has been with me for over 19yrs.

3.Friends- the ones I get to see face to face and the ones I haven't met yet but get to communicate with through Flickr or this blog

4.A roof over my head and food on the table- simple I know- But I have been overlooking that one and I shouldn't

5.Opportunity and freedom to choose and guidance to go where God wants me to do which brings me back to #1

This happened yesterday

Walked to the busstop to get my youngest off the bus. She wasn't there. Race back home, going through my mind trying to remember if I told her I would pick her up, don't remember but don't think so, get in the car, drive to the school, look for my youngest, don't find her, try not to panic but my chest is getting tight, start praying, go back home, look for youngest, call husband at work to tell him I don't have her and get " oh she got off the bus here I thought you knew"

ARE YOU KIDDING ME?!?

I am thankful that God keeps my family safe even when they forget to communicate with me.

Good thing I had an hour to cool off and calm down before they came home.

Have a great day and thanks for visiting my blog.

Dena

Thankful Giveaway

2012-01-18T09:10:00.000-08:00

I am thankful for you. Tell me what you are thankful for. Leave me a comment.
Follow my blog and tell me. Blog about this giveaway. All ways to win this DS Quilts Fabric 1/2 yard each.
Will annouce winner next Wednesday January 25th.

Box of Gifts Quilts Done

2012-01-16T08:51:00.000-08:00

Quilting it on Saturday and did the binding yesterday watching football. Man, there were some good games this weekend.

A up close view.

This year I am bound and determined to be organized with my scraps and fabric. I won't even show you what the work room looks like- AND I share the room with Soulmate. I'm sure it is driving him crazy. I took all the the scraps from this quilt and immediately cut them down to 1.5 inch blocks and am storing them in jelly jars. I am going to get the scraps under control this year.

A Friday Finish

2012-01-13T12:56:00.001-08:00

A Plus Christmas Quilt. Lap size and done all done. Yippee.

This was my fabric find yesterday. I couldn't say no. It was just too cute and what a sweet baby quilt it will make. By the way, if you love fabric like me, head over to www.fabric.com and get designer fabric for 4.95 a yard. I even found some Heather Bailey for 1.95 a yard. It's a no brainer.

This is my weekend project. Just have to quilt it and bind her up. Maybe I will have something to show you Monday. Also I haven't forgotten about that giveaway. What would you like? Quilt or fabric to make your own? Let me know what you think?

Works in Progress and a Finish

2012-01-11T12:58:00.000-08:00

A finish- yippee. This is my Love Birds Table Runner. Made from some extra blocks I had from one of the three Christmas Quilts I'm working on. Quilted with loops and hearts and backed with the Love Birds fabric. It will make the perfect gift for my Valentine's Birthday Girlfriend.

This week I'm working on getting the Christmas Quilts I had cut out put together and complete. With my quilting ADD I'm hoping to get them finished by the end of the month.

These are the two tops I have done so far. Christmas in January.... It's not to weird is it? At least the tree is down right?

Beginnings

2012-01-05T11:03:00.000-08:00

It's a start of a new year and a new quilting group. I joined a group that is a spin off of The Old Red Barn Quilt Along that is called Across the Pond and Around the Bend. This round I am doing the free form round and above is my starter piece. My theme for this quilt is Scrappy Stars.
How does this work?
Glad you asked:)
I am going to send this piece to Krista and she is going to add on as much as she likes however she likes and then she is going to mail it on to Trudi who is going to do the same thing and it goes on to four more women and then back to me. By the time it comes back to me I will have a quilt top. Each month I will be getting someones quilt to work on and add to. I will keep you updated as we go. I'm really looking forward to it.
What are you working on this new year?

When gifts are used

2012-01-04T10:15:00.000-08:00

and appreciated.... Fills my heart up full. Sweet Danica with the scarf I made her for Christmas. Isn't she so beautiful? It is so great to watch her grow into this beautiful woman. loving the haircut. Stay warm my sweet.

Recycle

2012-01-03T15:39:00.001-08:00

Recycle- what a wonderful idea. These bee blocks are made from discarded men's shirts. The solid is charcoal. Thank you to Shari for introducing me to this and for being so patient. The block make up is 2- 4.5 x 12.5 strips, 2- 4.5 square and 1- solid 4.5 square

Look out for some fun giveaways coming soon.

A year of quilts- 2011

2011-12-31T14:38:00.001-08:00

A year of quilts- 2011, originally uploaded by denawayne.

Kind of fun to look back and see what was made this past year. I hope each and every one of you have a wonderful New Year and may 2012 bring you many blessings.

Merry Christmas

2011-12-24T15:13:00.001-08:00

Cookies have been made.

And tasted:)

Christmas quilts in the works.
Might get done before New Years, but probably not.

Snowing in New Mexico- again.

Puppy Jack having a party and being naughty.
A night in the hospital for him but he is A-OK.
Puppies shouldn't get into the girls stocking bags.

And Daddy and boys resting on Christmas Eve.

Merry Christmas to you all. May you enjoy your families and experience God's love.
Sending you lots of love and well wishes.

Dena

Handmade Christmas

2011-12-15T10:54:00.000-08:00

Teacher gifts this year are handmade scarves with 3D paper snowflakes. The school nurse taught me how to make the snowflakes and you can goggle the many tutorials on making these. Very easy with a pretty result.

Both girls asked if we were going to do Christmas cards this year and I really hadn't had time to think about that. At first I thought that I probably wouldn't send them out. Then one day earlier this week I was like " I can do this" I got cards half off and when the girls came home I plopped them in front of the Christmas tree and made them smile. They are teens and preteens so it took a good 50 takes. But I got one. Ran over to Walgreens and printed off prints in black and white and the next day sent them off. Yippee!!!

Now off for some cookie baking.

EMS Craft Fair

2011-12-15T10:52:00.001-08:00

EMS Craft Fair, originally uploaded by denawayne.

This last weekend was the EMS craft fair. This opportunity kind of fell into my lap. I really feel like God has called me into the PTA and that is where he wants to use me. I saw that there was a craft fair happening this past weekend. I called the event planner and asked to raffle off a quilt to benefit the PTA clothing bank. That snowballed into selling drinks and then baked goods. It was a wonderful event where parents and kids could work together for a greater good. We reached our goal of $500.00 for the clothing bank and raised an extra $450.00 for student support. Thank you Lord for giving us this opportunity.

Let it Snow!

2011-12-05T09:58:00.000-08:00

This is pure bliss right here. SNOW!! And a snow day to boot. She prayed for this last night and was so pleased when she woke up. She was up early and has been out playing in the white stuff. Not the snow of New York or Virginia for sure. It is like sand and blows in the wind and makes it really hard to see. No matter. She is thankful for it.

Red Converse and no coat- too cool to be cold. It's all about looking good.

Gumdrop tree and balls. We made these over Thanksgiving break and the house is shaping up into some holiday cheer.

The tree is no longer naked. There are even some presents under the tree. I dread going to the post office. It scares me!!! 20 more days- that scares me too.

Now off to bake a whole bunch of cookies- YUM!

Wow- Bye November

2011-11-30T09:25:00.001-08:00

Been getting some presents done the last few days

We played lots of board games, puzzles and made gingerbread houses.

Yep and watched lots of football.

And loved our time with family.

Holiday Spirit

2011-11-21T07:54:00.001-08:00

The Weather's getting chilly

The gifts are being made

and family is here. Time for some holiday spirit.

Choir Camp

2011-11-21T07:41:00.001-08:00

I admit, I was scared. Didn't know what to expect hanging out with 45 teens. But I have to tell you- I loved it!!

We got to see a part of New Mexico we haven't seen yet. Inlow Baptist Camp is up in the Manzano Mountains south of us by an hour and a half.

Summer fires wiped out much of the forest as we drove in. It looked very much like a Tim Burton forest and had its own beauty.

Our Cabin, where 30 girls, myself and two other chaperions stayed. Thank the Lord for wood pellet stoves because it was cold up there. The wind was wicked.

They had these signs everywhere. No bear sightings- just some skat left behind.

Where we didn't sleep. This is probably why it has taken me 10 days to post something. I've been recovering. Loved it though. Great experience and memories.

I enjoyed getting to share this with my girlie. We have another trip in January planned for All State Choir. Did I brag about this already? She was one of 8 to be chosen from her school to sing in the State Choir. This is HUGE! So proud.

Tribute and Thanks

2011-11-11T12:52:00.001-08:00

The kids are off school today. Yesterday I got to be part of a wonderful tribute to our veterans. There were stories that were told about friends, family and servicemen and how that shaped the people they became. In the right corner is one of the veterans standing as the girls sang to them.

The Jazz band played some great jazz music that got the crowd going.

Overall a wonderful tribute to say thanks. So glad I got to witness it.

Now I've got to pack for the mountains. 30 teenage girls, wilderness, and bear country- Say a prayer.

Mug Rug Swap

2011-11-10T06:42:00.000-08:00

This is what I made for Krista.

This is what Krista made for me. Pretty cute huh?

A Single Rose

2011-11-07T07:18:00.000-08:00

Everyday for the last week this is what has greeted me home. A single rose. I had to share.

I got a little sewing time this weekend. Very little. But I got these bee blocks done for Tammy.

And I got another wall hanging done. Is it a bit busy? I'm not sure if I like it. What do you think?

Thankful

2011-11-04T20:06:00.000-07:00

To wake up to beautiful sunrises. To have a place to call home.

To be blessed with sunsets that are truly gifts.

For my family and friends.

For a God who loves me.

For my cup of hot tea at night while I write this post.

Just really thankful.

Works of Art

2011-11-01T14:03:00.001-07:00

I am loving this round at OLDREDBARNCOQUILTALONG group on flickr.

I have made three wallhangings so far. Waiting for the circle instrustions, but while I wait I will make a few more. Christmas is coming you know.

We had a great Halloween. We had friends come for dinner and the girls got lots of candy. They both carved pumpkins. Avery did the Moustache Man.

Riley did the Howling Wolf.

And now let the candy bartering begin......

We had teacher conferences today. Both girls did really well and made us proud.

Welcome November!

On a Roll

2011-10-28T08:13:00.001-07:00

Fall is in the air. It is time for jeans, sweaters and boots. Warm drinks. Comfort food. And Quilts!

In my garage was a box full of UFO's ( unfinished projects). Yesterday I took the opportunity to get this Bliss quilt done. The squares are called "All Squared Up" by Jaybird Quilts. The border is 2.5 inches wide and the quilt measures 42 inches square. I stipple quilted it and handsewn binding. I love handsewn binding. It kept me warm last night- my hands were busy-watching t.v with the family and what a World Series Game!! I normally don't watch baseball, but wow. Super Fun.

Next up- Old Red Barn Co is having a quilt along on Flickr. Great place to learn how to quilt if you have the hankering. We are learning Dresden plates and this is my first wall hanging fabric pull. I also found a great link on dresden plate journal covers at SEW WE QUILT. Christmas is coming! At Rapid Speed! Must make Gifts! No, I'm not having a panic attack. It's 8 weeks. Not freaking out. I promise.
Have a great weekend.

Dena

ps. it helps to edit posts before you hit the post button. I need some serious help.

New baby blanket

2011-10-26T06:47:00.000-07:00

This came from the leftovers of the previous quilt. It is 38 inches square and I did my very first circle applicaes. The print fabric is from Dena Design- love her and not only because we share the same name(and spell it the same). I finally found the tub that had a few UFO's in it so I am hoping to get those done while I wait for our next Round at ORBQA to start. The sewing machine and I are having fun.

Getting it done.

2011-10-24T16:14:00.001-07:00

First of all this weekend was our 17 year Anniversary. Yeah us!!!! We had a great weekend with a date for just the two of us, horse show, wedding show, great Itailian dinner. Super nice. 17 years is nothing to squeeze at. Good thing I love him huh?

Next, I got to sew this weekend. Yippee! The machine was calling to me like an old friend you haven't had a good chit chat with for a while. We got along just great. I quilted and bond the 100's of Squares Quilt. It is 53x64 in size. I am working on a baby quilt today and have zipped right along. Hopefully pictures soon. So nice to reconnect.

And finally, My fabric pull for the Old Red Barn Quilt Along. We are going to learn how to make Dresden plates. So excited to learn this. It has scared the "you know what" out of me, but with this group I am eager to learn. Love my ORBQA ladies- ( and men). Come join us.

All through the Night

2011-10-19T18:04:00.000-07:00

Avery's Solo and Ensemble

Just click on link below to see Miss Avery in action.
[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0U_UPh4AtY4]

What I've been up to

2011-10-19T07:56:00.001-07:00

I have been filling my time with the PTA of the girls school. After the results of our last fundraiser, I've decided to take on a larger role and head up the fundraising for the rest ofthis year. We are kicking off a Spirit Wear Drive in November as well as Dinner Night Out events. More stuff to come after the Holidays that will include Trivia Night, Bingo, Game Night etc. Fun painless fundraising.

I have experienced that one of the ways to a persons heart is through their stomach, so for the teachers I baked 100 cookies to sweeten them up on the idea of fundraising. They are SOOOOO important and I really need them on my team.

I found these great embossed envelopes in the stationary section at Target on clearance(love the little red tags makes me happy), added some ribbon in our school color and filled them with cookies and a flyer. Wouldn't that make you want to be on board? Wish me luck! Better yet pray for our kids and teachers.

Now I also have a the square quilt just waiting for me to finish it. I just have to quilt and bind it. I'm also pulling fabrics for the ORBQA dresen plate round. I think a lot of Christmas presents are going to get made on that round. I'm thinking many wall hangings. So excited!

So now that I've told you what I've been up to, What have you been up to?
Hope you are enjoying your fall.

Much love,

Dena

New Mexico Fall

2011-10-18T09:01:00.000-07:00

More to come......

Our Saturday Balloon Fiesta

2011-10-14T06:32:00.000-07:00

These were all taken from my bedroom balcony. There was snow dusting the mountains, a chill in the air and the winds blowing the balloons up by our house. I got to stay in my PJ's and drink my coffee and stay in bed until 8am.

{love} you dresden plate

2011-10-14T06:25:00.001-07:00

{love} you dresden plate, originally uploaded by ImAGingerMonkey.

This is what I'm thinking for mine. I love this quilt and I love Hope Valley Fabric.
Thank you ImAGingerMonkey for the inspiration.

another dresden

2011-10-13T21:22:00.001-07:00

another dresden, originally uploaded by ::amylouwho.

Guess what is next for the Old Red Barn Quilt Along Group........ Scrappy Dresdens. Think about how awesome a quiltful of these would look. I'm super excited.

This one was made by Amy Webb at the Sewing Summit and I hope there is one next year because I really want to go.

My People

2011-10-13T12:36:00.000-07:00

These are my people. This is where I come from.

This is where I learned love.

This is where I get my funny

Smiles and dimples to live for -
my heart is full of love for these people.

And our firstborn..from baby to young lady.

Winner #46

2011-10-12T06:42:00.000-07:00

And the winner is...........#46 Michelle who's favorite thing about fall is "For me, fall is the perfect time to drink hot apple cider." Me too. When we lived in upstate NY I loved picking apples and eating doughnut holes and drinking cider all bundled up.

When we lived in Virginia my favorite thing to do in fall was to drive and look at all the trees along the BlueRidge Mountains. Amazing color.

I'm looking forward to see what traditions we set for ourselves in New Mexico. Thank you for sharing your fall favorites with me.

Congrats to Michelle!!!

Balloons, Borders and Giveaway

2011-10-04T15:02:00.000-07:00

Balloons in the sky. They start at 6:30 am and fill up the skyline

My quilt so far. I'm adding borders to it and loving the look.

And lastly, a giveaway for you all. Leave me a comment about your favorite thing to do or make for fall and you could win these four coordinating fat quarters. Winner will be choosen in one week -Tuesday, October 11th. I'll be enjoying my parents until then. Good Luck!!!

2011-10-04_09-44-06_587

2011-10-04T14:53:00.001-07:00

2011-10-04_09-44-06_587, originally uploaded by denawayne.

I'm sure this had to be a "Oh crap" moment. The wind was not behaving this morning. One balloon landed on the public golf course, one in a parking lot and this guy is over I 25. Hopefully he found an empty field.

40th year of Balloon Fiesta

2011-10-01T10:12:00.000-07:00

Front my balcony. Balloons dotting the skies and heading north. Can't wait to see them up close.

Albuquerque Aloft

2011-09-30T07:27:00.000-07:00

Today is Albuquerque Aloft. Ballonist take off from different area schools to show the kids a bit about ballooning. What a wonderful idea. The Balloon Fiesta begins tomorrow. Starting time is 5:30 am- no joke. Insane hours. Ascent is at 7am. For those that typically don't see that time of day they do a balloon glow at 5:45pm. Fiesta is a week long so expect lots of pictures. My parents are coming TUESDAY night, K Dad TUESDAY. I talked to him eariler and he said "see ya Wednesday". TUESDAY Dad.

Queen 1 is doing a "gotta sing, gotta dance" program today after school and tomorrow.

Queen 2 got first place in the handstand contest and won a shirt last night- she gutted it out.

It is going to be a nice, busy, fun weekend and on TUESDAY when my parents come I will annouce a giveaway for you all.

Love to you all

Dena

Just a few blocks

2011-09-28T19:09:00.000-07:00

Look what I've been doing this week. ....Quilting.....I was feeling it again. Wahoo. 80 blocks done.

This is what it will look like laid out. I'm gonna put a border around it too. It will be a good sized lap quilt.

We had a visitor too. She came back. Must have heard Queen 2 out there jumping around.

She does some amazing stuff. Took 3rd in the hand stand contest at the gym.:)

It's been a week

2011-09-22T08:12:00.001-07:00

It feels more like a month. I've had one of those weeks that makes your head spin. OK. It doesn't take much to make my head spin. I hear ya, don't be unkind. We will start with my next sewing project. Remember all these little 1.5 inch squares? Well I have a plan. It might take me until the end of the year to finish, but I have a plan.

I started sewing these little boogers together and chain piecing, but I can only do that for like an hour before I go brain numb and need to do something else.

But I have a cute stack of 5.5 inch blocks with an alternating block to come.

OK now on to life stuff.

It is so different here than Northern Virginia. DUH! No kidding, right?

I joined the girls PTA at the school. We just finished one of those brain numbing fundraiser - you know the one- door to door- selling magazines, wrapping paper etc. The one that very few people like to do. One of the biggest differences I see here is the amount of money or lack thereof that the schools/ PTA has for the school run programs. The last fundraiser didn't do very well for the reasons previously stated so it is time for something new.

This week I have been setting up " Dinner Nights Out" at local restraurants for the school. These are fundraisers where the families of the school go to a restraurant on a certain night during certain hours and a percentage of sales goes to the school.

The other thing on my radar has been getting a spirit wear proogram set up for the school/PTA.

Hoping to launch that in November.

I went to the Humane Society to see about volunteering to walk dogs. That is a process. First a interview, than a background check, then 3 - 4hr classes before I can even touch a dog. Next orientation is when my parents will be here so we will see.
Mom and Dad come in just a few weeks and the balloon fiesta will be going on then. Each morning there is at least one balloon in the sky. I can't wait to see all of them. Don't worry - I'll take pictures.

If you have any ideas on fundraising or community events for the school please let me know. I kind of feel like this is a calling. I would love to see more of a community feel and bonding within the students , teachers and families.

have a great weekend.

Dena

A New Day

2011-09-15T07:32:00.000-07:00

I've been hibernating from blogging I think. Do you know how it is when your brain is so busy you don't know what to do with yourself? We had a slight disappointment this week. Our contract on our house fell through because the buyers contract fell through. I had a moment that first few minutes of learning about it when my heart sank and I felt huge disappointment.

What do you do when you are faced with disappointment?

I shook it off fast and then I started to pray for faith. There is a saying "Today I choose JOY" and I think we have a choice about how we handle difficult things is life.

That said, my saying today was " I just want to sleep more. It is dark outside". HA! Fall is here and it is cooler and dark in the morning. Rough to get going.

This is how I get my revenge on the little monsters, I mean queens.

Smile.

Good Morning Sunshine.

It's evil I know. Can't help myself. Bwah ha haha.

Meet the newest Wayne family member-

Chili Pepper.

Isn't he a handsome? His red looks great in my kitchen. This is probably why we don't eat fish.

Chili Pepper says "HI"

Patriot

2011-09-11T08:03:00.001-07:00

Patriot, originally uploaded by denawayne.

Patriot passed on 9/11. When I'm done being sad over the loss of our little friend I will marvel at his timing.

Love 3 day weekends

2011-09-06T19:35:00.001-07:00

My boys took a nap. Look at how cute they are!!! I think I'm in love again. Anyone wearing a dog as a scarf? "Don't bug me Mom. I'm sleeping on my Dad".

I had time to bake. Love to bake. Baking in high elevation is taking some getting used to. Chocolate chip cookies and banana chocolate chip muffins. See a theme of chocolate here? I may love chocolate. No, I'd say it is a definate. I love chocolate. So cute boys and chocolate so far.

Then I had some fabric to do something with. Lots of 1.5 inch blocks were cut and put in a plastic bin. I have a plan. Now I just need a window of time to make it happen. Love fabric, petting fabric, looking at fabric, cutting fabric, sewing fabric. So that is cute boys, chocolate, and fabric. Mmmmm.

And I finished off the weekend by making another little quilt with another little saying. I like this one too. This is going to a special little honey that needs a pick me up. Be joyous little honey.

So True

2011-09-03T19:22:00.000-07:00

This is what I did this morning. I love the saying. Moving around we have the chosen family. I used the scraps from the Cross Quilt. It's 14 inches by 20 inches. Hope you have a good weekend.

Cross Quilt

2011-09-02T05:56:00.000-07:00

So this is the quilt that I was working on and cussing at when I was ripping out the quilting. I opted for straight line quilting instead of the freee motion of my first attempt. This is much better. My quilt holder wasn't in the mood for a photo session so sorry for the bad photo. Hope everyone has a wonderful and safe weekend.

Doll Quilt Swap Complete

2011-08-27T20:22:00.000-07:00

The two were done by me and sent to Alissa in Austrailia and the third is the one I recieved from Flossieblossoms. Pretty awesome huh?

What Happens

2011-08-27T10:51:00.000-07:00

This is what happens when you rush through quilting a quilt and decide you hate it. During the giveaway week I have been working on a quilt that I had hoped to have done by now. The middle quilting turned out great and I thought I would try something different for the sides and I HATED IT. Those quilts will talk to you alright. They say stuff like " OOH put me with that fabric" or "What were you thinking doing that?" or " You're kidding right? This is So not happening". So I listened and spent a day- yes a whole day -don't tell Soulmate- sitting on the couch and picking all the little stitches out of the outside quilting. So to redeem myself I made this............

Meet yumm. For those of you that haven't been over to www.thepioneerwoman.com GO NOW! She just had her first show in the Food Network. So exciting. Anyhoo -This is the whiskey BBQ peach chicken. It was so good people, so good. I put in some fresh peaches too just because I had them. Did I mention it was yum? Yum! Skin off the thighs because I didn't want to add to my thighs. Brown rice instead of mashed potatoes, again because of thighs. And a butter leaf salad. Perfect.

Oh and some of you have asked why our Virginia house is still on the blog header. Well, because we still own it. God has a buyer picked out for us and when that happens I will change it to our New Mexico house. Keep praying! I hope you have a great weekend. Girls have homework, Avery wants a pink streak in her hair ( I'll take a pink streak over a boyfriend anyday) and we are having our Virginia friends (met them at school registration- Thank you God) over for dinner. I'm making the World's Best Lasagna by allrecipes.com. It's a whole day adventure.

My Doll Quilt Arrived

2011-08-24T13:51:00.000-07:00

Susan aka Flossieblossom sent me this beautiful quilt. Words cannot express how lucky and loved I feel. She put so much work into this quilt and it is amazing.

Winner!!!

2011-08-24T06:27:00.001-07:00

Natasha You Won!!!!!! I would put down what your comment said but my copy paste is not working and I have given up coffee. You will just have to take my word for it. Shoot me an email with your address and I will get the fabric out to you. Congrats to you and thank you to all who commented.

Giveaway

2011-08-17T09:07:00.001-07:00

You thought I forgot about you huh? I promised a giveaway 10 or so posts ago because, well, why not. Maybe it's celebration of new move, school beginning so I have sewing time again, or maybe because I have over 500 posts on this little humble blog.

Up for grabs is one yard each of these two prints of Joel Dewberry's Deer Valley.

Leave me a comment telling me whatever you would like ( how you would use the fabric, what you are doing for the rest of your summer, last movie you saw or book you read, your favorite dinner to cook. etc)
Second chance to win- become a follower or if you already follow leave me two comments telling me so( you get an extra chance)
Third chance- blog about this giveaway and leave me a comment with your blog. I love reading new blogs.

I promise to temper the overwhelming need to take a picture of every beautiful sunset. Winner revealed August 24th. My parents anniversary. High school sweethearts and still sweet:)

It's their first day

2011-08-16T13:09:00.000-07:00

Up early and ready to go. Yes, I made them take the bus. Does that make me a bad mom? My thinking was we would meet some kids right? Wrong. I was getting texts that went like this, "Mom you are so driving us to school tomorrow. We are the only kids on the bus and we are going to be late because this lady doesn't know what she is doing!!!" She may have called herself and sister loosers for riding the bus too. I pray today goes well. I will let you know.

Meanwhile, last night was amazing. The skies are like gifts. So beautiful. So breathtaking. Everyone should want to see this right? Wrong

It went something like this.............

"Avery, you have got to see the skies!!!!"

"Hello, what are you doing in my room?"

Avery, some look outside."

"Um Mom I'm like skyping with my friends in Virginia. I can't"

"OK just smile nice and I"ll leave"

Say cheese. Good enough.

Can't believe she pasted this up. Pray for a good first day and plenty of nice girls for friends.

Old Town Albuquerque

2011-08-15T07:37:00.000-07:00

I'll let the pictures do the talking.

A different kind of crown

2011-08-14T13:40:00.001-07:00

for the queens.... We had fun today in Old Town . More pictures tomorrow.

Rain is a good thing

2011-08-14T13:33:00.000-07:00

When you live in the desert rain is something to celebrate. There is a sweetness in the air and you can smell water. Everything seems to rejoice at getting wet, children included.

We had our second good rain here where you could actually measure the water. Thank you Lord. Could we please have a few more?

Scrappy 9 patch

2011-08-13T09:09:00.000-07:00

I got a bag full of scraps from a friend and I have been making my way through them. I have four huge bins full of fabric that I won't let myself touch until I get these baskets of scraps under control. This is a scrappy 9 patch- irish chain. It is 43 inches square. Good size for a kiddo or lap quilt.

I sewed the scraps together to make the border also.

And the back. Straight line quilting. and tada a finished quilt.

Outdoor Living

2011-08-09T13:08:00.001-07:00

It was Smores las night with our new gas firepit. So completely awesome. Vacation at home.

We eat lunch every day out here. I love having outdoor space that is so useable.

Above the patio area is the girls balcony where they can see for miles.

And most of the time are treated to amazing sunsets and skies. At night its city lights twinkling like jewels.

That is some of our outdoor space. To see more of the indoor space click on my flickr button on the right side of my blog.

One week until school starts.......wow.

Reason #52

2011-08-07T16:46:00.002-07:00

I find myself falling more in love with this place day by day, moment by moment. And who would have thought? I feel so blessed. Found a great church today. Enrolled my kiddos in school this past week. Encountered kind people everywhere. Blessed I tell you.

I don't know if you can see that little strip of green down there? We live there. Soulmate manages the 27 hole private country club there. We see these mountains everyday and they make me happy.

Finding beauty in each step and watching the bees have a feast on these flowers.

Blessed.

Reason #52 I love New Mexico because..............see above.

Most beautiful

2011-08-07T16:46:00.001-07:00

Most beautiful, originally uploaded by denawayne.

We went for an adventure today and headed up the mountains we see everyday.

Cutting into Scraps

2011-08-05T16:06:00.001-07:00

I find that when I cut into scraps they muliply, they breed, they expand. Does this happen to you? I started with the plum tree, made a mug rug with some embroidery and am now moving on to a 9 patch quilt. Which leads me to my next question....... how do you 9 patch?

This is a stack I've made so far... but back to my question of how do you sew together your 9 patches? Do you chain piece them? Do you get up and iron each one? Do you seperate them in there own block pieces?

I seperate them by blocks, chain pieces 1-3 to pieces 4-6 and then sew 7-9, iron the three strips and sew them together. I would love to hear how you put your 9 patch blocks together.

The Plum Tree

2011-08-02T07:09:00.001-07:00

I have had this idea for a few months now, just needed the time to do it. This quilt is traditionally pieced on the sides and then I used the ticker tape approach for the tree and leaves. Lots of fun to do. Ok I won't lie, I was cussing at the machine a bit sewing down all those leaves. The result was worth it. I used a glue stick to hold the leaves in place. That helped too along with the cussing. Fabric was scraps given to me by my friend Dolores. She also led the ticker tape round in the Old Red Barn Quilt Along Flickr group. I love the end result.

So what are you working on?

A bit of sewing

2011-07-30T11:15:00.000-07:00

My second or should I say first Doll Quilt. I started with this and then went to the Owl quilt and then came back to this. I'm fishing to see if my partner will comment on either.

I also worked on Bee blocks. These are for Heidi. She wanted beach huts for the border of a string quilt she is making. These were so fun to make. I can't wait to see the finished quilt. On a sad note, I had to send back a unfinished block because it was beyond me. In all of my 6 bees I've been in this is the first time I have had to do this and it sucks. I hate failure. Hopefully I will be forgiven. Only one more month to that bee.

A Good Day

2011-07-27T07:36:00.000-07:00

Fabric and Pyrex- Oh my- It was a good day of shopping. Found some of my favorite fabric by DS fabrics and then next door at a thrift store ran into some well love pyrex.

Getting some work done on the sewing room/ office. I also got the quilting done for the Doll Quilt I'm working on. I just went over 500 posts. I think it's time for a giveaway so stay tuned. I even know where the post office is. Tee hee. Here's to you having a good day too.

Dena

Just a little

2011-07-25T11:00:00.001-07:00

Just a little, originally uploaded by denawayne.

Spent a little time last night doing a little stitching. Off to Joanns to get stuff to finish this.

2011-07-23_19-40-00_444

2011-07-25T10:54:00.001-07:00

2011-07-23_19-40-00_444, originally uploaded by denawayne.

This is the second day in a row of beautiful rainbows. Big fat ones. The colors are so vibriant.

Second attempt

2011-07-22T10:58:00.001-07:00

This is my second attempt at the Doll Quilt Swap. I wasn't feeling the first one. I'm not sure what I feel about this one. I think a detailed embroidery in the center linen and then boxed quilting in the other linen boxes. That's the plan for now.

Look what was in the skies this morning? How cool is that? So fun to wake up to.

The ABQ ZOO

2011-07-21T08:53:00.000-07:00

We went to the ABQ zoo yesterday and walked around for four hours in the 90+ degree heat. It is a lovely zoo and just what the Wayne girls needed. The peacocks are allowed to roam free.

This lady was coming up for a Hello. I think hoping for a cracker. The girls were a wealth of information on all the animals. I didn't know that the female ostriches are gray and the males are black.

Baby burrowing owl. I loved it! So sweet and cute and it's yellow eyes.....be still my heart.

This guy was a character. Trying to cool off and entertaining the people. Every now and then he's give the crowd a tooth.

And my favorite animals! Although hot we had a good time. To view more pictures taken yesterday click the flickr button at the side of my blog.

Have a great day and survive the heat!

Dena

Got a little sewing done

2011-07-20T20:03:00.000-07:00

I got into the flickr group Doll Quilt Swap 11. I love this swap group and have met many friends in this group. They are inspiring and talented. I found the sewing machine last night, (yes there are a great many boxes that need a home) I also found a box of scraps and decided to play around with a liberated block framing a log cabin. It felt so good to get sewing again. Not sure this will be the quilt top I send. I usually have to make a few and will feel what is right. But it is a start right?

Pet Day

2011-07-16T19:42:00.001-07:00

It was Pet Day for the Wayne pups today. They got to go to the spa and boy are they handsome.

They also had new name tags made. Although I had to do them twice because I didn't get our new phone number right. Silly me. I think I've gone brain dead through this moving experience.

And look who came for a visit. Not in the house a week and have already attracted a cat. We don't know who this girl belongs to. She has tags and phone number for the Animal Control. No name. But she is keeping Riley good company in the back yard.

Kitchen is getting close

2011-07-14T19:15:00.000-07:00

We are still waiting for the stove and refrigerator and
I have been playing with my big red wall. I didn't realize I
have quite a thing for chickens. Maybe by the end of next week
I can cook a meal in it. Loving all my mini quilts above the cabinets.
The Mackenzie-Childs doesn't hurt either.

Little bit at a time

2011-07-13T16:30:00.000-07:00

I have to keep telling myself that we only have been in the house three days.
I think I'm waiting for the magic fairy to come and take all the boxes away and all the tons of STUFF we have and find homes for it all. So it's a little bit at a time each day.

The mini quilts make for great wall art and are nothing but a couple of pins to secure them to the wall.

I'm finding little spaces that have become my favorite. This chair in the family room being one of them. Little by little, day by day, this house will become a home. Oh magic fairy where are you?

Worth the Wait

2011-07-12T19:56:00.001-07:00

Hey, did you hear we moved?

The Queens checking in boxes-moving day

It was so hot that Jack wrapped himself around a cool bottle of water.

My first piece of mail was blocks from Kelly.

How awesome are these? I love them. Thank you Kelly!!!

Amazing sunsets from both balconies and master bathroom.

I see why it is called the Land of Enchantment.

More pictures of the house to come

Hope all is well with you.

Dena

Waiting

2011-07-07T21:00:00.001-07:00

We are still living in a hotel!!!!! The truck that was suppose to be here on the 5th didn't make it. We are not sure what happened to the driver. I think he wanted a vacation, because he was convinently stuck in South Carolina with his family on the beach. Sooooooo.. The moving company has sent another driver to pick up our trailer full of Wayne manor and has promised that he will be here Saturday morning.

I am not holding my breath.

So far nothing has happened that they said would. Soooooo I am learning patience and going with the flow. The girls and I are scouting the area, but can't really be tourist because we have appointments with the house. Today we had new carpet put in the office which is going to be my sewing room that I am sharing with Soulmate and his piano. I don't mind that at all. I used to love to sew at the old house with him playing above me.

We have ordered barstools, a futon and trampoline online that will probably arrive before the truck does. I went to the HOA and filled in our form to get the trampoline approved and then have to go to the property manager to have him approve it. Say prayers that happens. Queen 2 has her heart set on it. We went to the gym and set up an appointment to have her evaluated to see what class she should go into. That will be tomorrow night. We ordered a refrigerator and stove that will be in the week of the 19th.

Family is chopping at the bit to come for a visit. We can't wait to get settled so they can come. School registration is the 4th of August and the queens start school the 16th. Short summer -but I think that will work out and help them make friends faster. The dogs, fish and plants are all hanging in there. The girls are great and right now we are all just waiting.

2011-07-02_10-54-06_624

2011-07-03T09:12:00.001-07:00

2011-07-02_10-54-06_624, originally uploaded by denawayne.

We made it to Mew Mexico yesterday . We will be in a hotel until our stuff arrives. Internet is iffy and my verizon email is now non existant. I have a new gmail address. If you need it leave me a comment I will get you the new one. Today we are going to make sure the house is cooling down. It was 90 degrees during our walk through. That is not going to work. We are also going to shop for a new stove and frig. We've been checking out a few tourist sights and are looking forward to exploring our new home and area. have a wonderful safe relaxing holiday.

Dena

Taking a break

2011-06-26T18:53:00.000-07:00

Living in the land of boxes. It is good to know the queens aren't so old that they still enjoy box forts and mazes. We are counting down until our move and I will not be blogging for 2 weeks. I will have my smartphone and making updates on facebook.
Wish us luck and I will be thinking of you. See you on the other side:)

It's winner time!!

2011-06-21T08:04:00.000-07:00

The winner is SewLindaAnn. Congrats to you my sweet. Email me your address and I will send it out to you.

So this is what I've been up to ....... lots of packing, a few trips to salvation army, and the trash pick up. Rinse and repeat. I'll be doing this a few more times before the week is over.

This is what is waiting for us.

I sooooo love this food.

Look at my babies. Does this give you an idea why I call them the queens?

Riley had her 5th grade graduation. She is a going to be a big middle schooler now.

And the oldest had a "going away" party and I survived. Yippee!!!

It's that time again.

2011-06-14T05:20:00.000-07:00

Oh my goodness time is flying by me. I have been surrounded with boxes- packing, purging and donating trying to get my leesburg home to fit into my albuquerque home. I'm loving it. Simple life. I feel the weight lifting from my shoulders. This week will be more packing and more saying goodbye to friends ( that is not my favorite at all) So while I have my head in the boxes it is giveaway time for you. Another box of fabric. Lots of yardage. I'm sure some lucky winner would put this to great use.
So here is the deal.
1. leave me a comment and tell me what your summer plans are
2. become a follower of the blog or tell me you already are:)
3. blog about this giveaway on your blog

I will annouce the winner on June 21st. The summer solstice.
Good luck and thanks for the distraction.

Dena

bookshelf block for Stephanie

2011-06-13T06:38:00.001-07:00

bookshelf block for Stephanie, originally uploaded by denawayne.

Got another one done this morning. I think I'm all caught up for June. Yippee. This is called a bookshelf block and is a great way to use strips and scraps. More ideas of how to use this kind of block found here.

A little sewing time

2011-06-11T12:04:00.000-07:00

This is for Amanda in my Nittany Bee Block group. It was so nice to get a little sewing time in between packing. My goal is to get all the bee blocks done and mailed this week. You can find the instructions for this block here.

Our New House

2011-06-08T06:20:00.001-07:00

2011-06-05_11-05-25_393, originally uploaded by denawayne.

Don't mind the cars out front. Those are Shari's. She getting ready to move and get married in Colorado and so graciously let us see the house. When we went out to Albuquerque I had a whole list of homes to look at that I got off the internet that week. I kid you not 80% of them were already rented and the few on the market had 5 or 6 appointments to see them. So when Soulmate walked in and said " I like this" We called the agent immediately. We are going to put in a new stove/oven and refrigerator and they are going to take some off the rent. Win/Win. Every time I see the mountains it makes me happy. It is super different from where we are now, but I'm excited. Lots of packing ahead!! Thank you God for our new home and thank you friends for your prayers and well wishes. I know that made the difference.

Albuquerque New Mexico

2011-06-03T05:38:00.000-07:00

This is where we are going. We leave tonight to see it for the first time. Soulmate has already been there, but for the queens and I, a first. Excited to find someplace to live and explore the area. I've been doing lots of reading on the internet and looking at maps so to have feet on the ground is going to be a treat. We will also be closer to family with only a one hour time difference instead of three. Short southwest flights to see them in California and Nevada, maybe even a car ride. You can learn more about Albuquerque here. I will take pictures and tell you all about our trip when we get back.

We were blessed to have a choice of five different job offers. Lots of praying. When I said this was a test of faith in my earlier post I meant how I would handle things. Our move to Virginia was not a graceful one on my part. I think I went over the stateline kicking and screaming. Not because Virginia is bad but I was in Upstate NY for 7 years and had some pretty firm roots. But things happen for a reason and God has a plan. I am thankful for the people I got to meet and the friendships I have made. I am a different person than I was when I first moved here and have 4 years of growing under my belt. I found Flickr in Virginia and learned how to quilt.

To new beginnings.
Have a great weekend

Dena

Today is the day

2011-06-01T06:08:00.000-07:00

Today is the day that I announce the BOX O FABRIC giveaway. And the winner is ................................................................................( drumroll please)..........................................................................................
Nichol . Pretty unbelievable really. I had to go back and count like 10 times to make sure I got it right. What can I say? God knows what he is doing. You see, Nichol is my friend. I've never met her or had a cup of coffee or given her a hug, but though the wonderful world of computers and flickr and crafty on line groups Nichol has become my friend. Not only that, she started a group on flickr for the victims of the recent tragic events to send quilts to- so I say again " God knows what he is doing" followed by a God is good.

Speaking of how God is good..... The beginning of the year we found out that my husbands job had an expiration date. This is the nice way of saying you no longer have a job after ............fill in the blank. Things happen for a reason and I knew that there where lessons to be learned and that my faith would be tested. We have had several job offers and I will tell you where we will be ending up in my next post. It will take me a while to write and I don't want to be late for work.

Last, thank you, thank you for the distraction of reading your comments. Thank you for letting me into your lives and telling me what is going on with you and what projects you are working on. You made this week much more bareable. By the way, after I tell you where we are going I'm having another Box o Fabric giveaway. I'm somewhat of a fabric hoarder I have discovered. So Win- win. Pay it Forward. Share. It's all good.

Until next time.
Take care
Dena

Box O Fabric Giveaway

2011-05-25T13:28:00.000-07:00

There is so much going on and things have been so busy. I have things to tell you. I just can't tell you yet. Driving you crazy? It's driving me crazy!!! "Crazytown" is my new word. "I'm too blessed to be stressed" is my new chant. Both are repeated often throughout the day.

So while we wait....... A box full of fabric to one lucky winner. The winner will be picked June 1st.

To enter tell me what going on with you, could be anything really .

For a second entry become a follower or just tell me if you already are.
For a third entry blog about this giveaway. Let me know your blog so I can visit you.

More Box O Fabric giveaways to come so you will want to stay tuned.

Bye for now.

Want to learn how to quilt?

2011-05-21T06:55:00.000-07:00

Just click here

May Bee Blocks Done

2011-05-17T04:19:00.000-07:00

dessert word for Wendy

Flying geese for Holly

half square triangle square within a square for Frieda

A sock monkey done.

Sewing for me..... not so much. I have three quilts that need to be out together, quilted and bound. I have tomorrow off- maybe then.

We got to have a normal weekend this past week and it was wonderful. Normal week means not cleaning house to perfection and then leaving it for hours. Next weekend open house.

Taking life day by day and just getting things that I've committed to done.

Great "were all together" Shot

2011-05-13T10:45:00.001-07:00

Great "were all together" Shot, originally uploaded by middlesista.

So the gal in the middle is the " middlesista" as in MY sister. She just graduated from college and I am so proud of her. This is her cute family. Go Sister- you rock!!!

Mug Rug Done

2011-05-06T18:52:00.000-07:00

I finished this guy today for my partner. Now to put together some goodies to send with it and I will be done. I quite like how it turned out. Not what I thought I was going to do, but that's OK.

On a side note, had a fabulous lunch with the hubby for a pre- Mother's Day treat at the most wonderful Lightfoot Restaurant in downtown Leesburg. One word- YUM!

Mayday sewing

2011-05-01T14:20:00.000-07:00

For the 3x6 sampler bee - beehive 24 2nd quarter

For Nittany Bee Tracy asked for these blocks which were a wicked pain in my ass, mostly because they required thinking, but I got them done, now I'm off to medicate myself with chocolate.

Mug Rug time again

2011-04-27T06:02:00.001-07:00

My creation, originally uploaded by denawayne.

I love this swap for a couple of reasons.
1. my good flickr friend started it all and who doesn't love Flossieblossom?
2. the inspiration of this swap and the people in it are off the charts
3. it doesn't take you all month to make a mug rug- most can be done in a day
4. instant satisfaction.

Fabric finds

2011-04-25T06:28:00.000-07:00

Joann's is carrying some of my favorite designers now. Above and below is fabric from the new Denyse Schmidt line. As I was looking I also discovered some Dena Design stuff too.( not me- I wish)

This is my Mod Mosaic quilt so far. Just waiting on a few more blocks. It is fun fun fun. Great way to use up those scraps.

Lake Mohawk - New Jersey

2011-04-25T06:22:00.000-07:00

Up in the mountains of New Jersey is a quaint little place along one of the many lakes and ponds in these hills. Was a land unknown to us.

Where the deer lay in meadows or walk across your front yard

Where golfers can test themselves on a corky course that goes here there and everywhere

Although our stay wasn't long, and I'm not sure how I feel about this place, you only have to look around you to see that it is a beautiful place indeed.

Some Sewing Done

2011-04-17T08:52:00.000-07:00

Got to hang out with my sewing machine last week and it was great.

Finished some bee blocks for my follow gals

Got two out of three done and I hope to get some more time this upcoming week.

Also made one of two sock monkeys for birthdays.

We have a public Open House today so we won't be around all afternoon. We are going for a picnic or shopping or hiking- something fun and much needed.

The up side

2011-04-11T10:38:00.000-07:00

Because I am a "glass half full" kind of girl. I wanted to share the up side of having your house for sale.
1. Your house is always clean and picked up
2. The laundry is always caught up
3. You get to explore new places as a family- dogs and all

This is Upperville, Virginia.

It was like going back in time. So sweet and quaint. And for the times when I'm not feeling so up- Charlie is to the rescue with a raspberry

PSTHTHTHTHTHTHST!

ps. I think I might get to sew something today. tee hee

Bloomin'

2011-04-06T06:49:00.000-07:00

Trees are bloomin'

Flowers are bloomin'

Girls are bloomin'

Opportunites are bloomin'

katie and sam

2011-04-05T05:35:00.001-07:00

katie and sam, originally uploaded by denawayne.

This was taken by my youngest with her itouch. Katie and Sam got married April 2nd. Welcome to the family the newest Mrs. Wayne. We love you both and wish you all the very best!

My goodies

2011-03-26T13:52:00.001-07:00

My goodies, originally uploaded by denawayne.

I love love love happy mail. Probably one of the many reasons I do these swaps. This was made for me by Leila (flickr name needleanddime) Aside from "happy mail" you really get to meet some wonderful crafty people you would never have the experience meeting. Inspiration at the artistry of ones work to name another, but you get what I am trying to say. Thank you Leila. It really is the best.

Coming to you?

2011-03-25T07:16:00.001-07:00

Coming to you?, originally uploaded by denawayne.

This is the package put together for the 10th Doll Quilt Swap group from Flickr. Handpainted mug, peacock journal, fabric fat quarters and quilt all for ............. Can't say. It's a surprize!

blocks of bliss

2011-03-24T06:41:00.001-07:00

blocks of bliss, originally uploaded by denawayne.

My "work in progess" piece. Will end up being a crib size quilt. I got to have some sewing time yesterday and it was awesome. Fabric line is Moda Bliss. The gingham is going to be the backing and its going to be sashed in white. At least that is the plan for now. Subject to change.

Great Falls Virginia

2011-03-20T17:01:00.000-07:00

"So what do you want to do this weekend?"
"We've never been to Great Falls Park"
" OK let's do that"
" Where it is?"
"I don't know- Great Falls?"

I hate to keep comparing BUT after living in upstate NY and seeing Niagara I think it is cheating to call these falls. But it was a pretty day and we had a good walk.

It got us out of the house in case anyone wanted to see it, which they didn't because it was too beautiful to go looking for homes. Maybe next week. Better yet- In God's Time. Have you heard that song yet? Country station. Loved it. Heard it for the first time Friday on the way home from work. It is perfect for us.

Did you have a good weekend?

OOOO It's another giveaway

2011-03-16T06:12:00.000-07:00

sang to the tune of "she's a little runaway"

www.jaybirdquilts.com/2011/03/treasures-tidbits-giveaway.html

Things I Love

2011-03-16T06:06:00.000-07:00

Sun Kissed Morning skies

Sweet neighbor kitten who loves us so

Baby boy who loves his babies

Girls who have laser focus

Sleeping sitting up

working hubby

Girls that try and fly a kite with no wind

Giveaway

2011-03-15T05:38:00.000-07:00

Go to http://www.wheretheorchidsgrow.blogspot.com/ to enter a giveaway for some yummy fabric scraps. Talking my language baby! Who knew fabric could become an addiction?!