Bigger is better, in this case!

As many people know, we (word used very loosely) built this house that we live in now.  Sometimes things don't always work out like you hope they will when you are building.  Because of numerous "things", our mantle was not what we wanted but it was what we got.  I won't go into details but we were not happy and the maker of the "mantle" told us he wouldn't make another one.  I live in an area where it is not easy to get replacements of stuff you aren't happy with, so we have been living with this "uck" for a couple of years now.  Here's a before pic.  I can't believe that I actually have items on top of the mantle.  With the rock, the ledge ends up being only about 3" wide.

And here is the "after" picture.  I can hardly wait to find some things to put up there.  The picture on there now is just to show how massive this mantle is.  It is also taller than me and I am 5'4"!  It would be an understatement to say how excited I am now about this room!

Now that the chaos is over....has not been fun living in this room for the past two weeks....I can get back to some sewing!  I have some Christmas projects to work on now.

Girls like their fire

Middle child had a pine tree that devoured by pine beetles this summer.  We watched it die a slow death from starting at the top and making it's way down to the bottom.  It stood very close to their house so her mountain man hubby got on the roof last week and started chopping it down.  Since we have the fire pit now, middle child brought over some limbs and pine needles to burn tonight.
Look at that face!  She is loving this!

We especially liked the huge flames when the needles first caught fire.  Not something to try at home unless it is contained.

And then I had to take this picture of the house next door with the full moon coming up over it.  We have a house being built next to us.  It seems like it is very slow going.  A couple of weeks ago they started digging this hole that takes up most of his yard.  Bets are on as to what it is going to be.  We never seem to catch the owner to just ask him but we are coming up with some good creative, wild ideas.  :)  

Mess

Don't adjust your screens.  It isn't the computer that is dusty....just my house.  What you are looking at is dust flying everywhere in my family room.  Last week was busy with some remodeling.

And see this big thing in the middle of the room?  Can you guess what it will be?  Will reveal after I get my carpet back in order.......

Happy Halloween!

From a very cute lil' giraffe!

While we were sewing.......

The lil' guy and his mommy came over today.  We played and played with puzzles and his train.  Then he asked for milk.  And cartoons.  I guess gramma doesn't have very good cartoons on her tv.  This is what happened while I went to help his mom cut out some fabric for her purse class she is taking on Thursday.

Here's a picture that will keep reminding me to put those cuttings of aloe vera into a pot!  I gave middle child cuttings and then I killed my plants so she reciprocated and gave me back some cuttings.

It's been a very busy week!

I flew home Friday from meeting Junior Miss so I could gather my sewing supplies to attend another quilt class on Saturday at the LQS.  Middle child wanted to make this Elanor Burns quilt so she signed us up for the class.  I don't know about you but sometimes it is more fun to spend the day sewing with ladies with the same likes as you than to read the instructions and sew by yourself!  Plus if we sign up for a class, we are more prone to finish the project than not.  Classes are only $10 and if I don't have to open the book while I am in class, I feel it was worth my time to attend!
Here's middle child posing for me.

Here are some of her blocks.  No wonder she is smiling!  Look at her points!

A pic of Bobbi (owner of LQS) and our instructor for the day, Lisa.  You can see the book we followed is one by Eleanor Burns called Day and Night.  The quilt reminded me of some patterns that use the X-Block.  After you make your original quilt, you have pieces left over that will make other things.

This is how far I got during class.  Now to find time to sew on my borders.

Trip to see Junior Miss!

Of course when I got there it had to snow! I think that happened the last time I was there too!

I helped the new mommy make a diaper cover while I was there.  We used the pattern "Smartie Pants 2" by Two Sisters at Squirrel Hollow.  Very quick and easy pattern to make.  Now all that is needed is the elastic.  (And probably a bigger bottom on baby)  It was the first time new mommy had appliqued so I was proud of her!  She did a great job!

Here's Junior Miss getting a bath while I was there.  Ummmmm....not too happy.

But here she is in her bed sleeping so peacefully.  This is called a playard.  A very beautiful bassinet.

It was hard to leave this lil' one behind when I left!  I don't like being gramma and being so far away!