Great Giveaways!

If you've seen Sew Mama Sew's blog... you'll know May 27th is giveaway time! Run on over and check it out!
Good Luck!

Renewing My Commitment... Again

Okay... so I just got home from the gym. {BIG SIGH} I felt wimpy today...well wimpier than usual. Maybe it was because I sheepishly admitted to the PT Matt that I maintained at WW last night.

Now Matt is the eternal optimist. He said that maintaining was good since it was a holiday weekend and I did attend 3 graduation parties. But I also exercised 6 times last week. Hmmmm... maybe I better be more diligent in using my food tracker {if you bite it, write it}.

Last night's topic of discussion at WW was renewing your commitment. So, here we go again! Carolyn and I agreed we will track everything, exercise, and drink our water (not real tough if you exercise). I want to try and get in all my milk, and veggie servings too.

Wish me luck... or willpower. I'll let you know how the week goes.

Now I am off to Quilts Plus to buy more fun pillowcase fabric. Three more graduation parties this weekend - all boys.

I Needed a Makeover...

Do you ever feel in need of a makeover? I have been tired of my blog appearance so I decided it was time for a change. With the help of Smitten Blog Designs, I came up with this freebie template design. I have a few little glitches I am trying to iron out and I am not sure if I like it yet. In the transition I lost my quilting blog roll {YIKES}. What do you think?

Memorial Day 2009

Our Gift to the Fallen

A Short Poem by Charlie Gragg

For each soldier that has fallen so that many may stand

We honor their spirit as they pass to God's hand

For without their sacrifice we would live forever in fear

We pray for their loved ones and provide a salute and a tear

God help us heal the wounds of hate and the misery of war

That is our gift to our fallen heroes that are amongst us no more.

On this Memorial Day, peace be with you.

Well we're living here in Allentown...

WOW! The Billy Joel/Elton John concert on Tuesday at Conseco Fieldhouse in Indy night was fabulous. The two Piano Men opened by singing a handful of tunes together on twin pianos.


Next they delivered 2+ hours of solo performances with their own bands.



The finale featured the two together again. The night was totally awesome!

Graduations and Birthdays...

I am not sure when I decided homemade gifts are the best. Maybe because my sister tells me that when she receives a gift from me... and maybe I shouldn't apply that theory to all people. Nonetheless, I am finishing {yes, it does happen people} several projects for May celebrations.

I bought this small quilt kit at The Back Door while on my way to a quilting retreat in February. I pieced the top at the retreat and recently had my friend Juna quilt it for me. It took little time to bind - it is only 24 x 24. Now it is now ready for a label. This is for a friend in Iowa who likes antiques and loves blue. She can use it as a table topper or a wall hanging.

For graduation gifts, I like to make pillowcases, put a towel set inside, and tie it up with a bow. On Sunday I made this collection of pillowcases for the girls on my list.

I need to busy myself with pillowcases for the boys. Here are a couple I have cut out. Another trip to the quilt shop is in order - twist my arm!

I am still working on hand stitching the binding on this quilt. Again, Juna {the Quilting Queen} did a fab job! This is for Sue's {Raisin Bran Muffin friend} daughter Ginny for her high school graduation.

Lots to do this morning and then off to the gym for some cardio. {I know those of you that really know me are laughing right now...who do I think I am speaking in fitness lingo!} Have you noticed I haven't been blogging about my weight loss success? I feel like I have increased my activity 1000% but the weight is coming off slow - what ev! I would like to report I seem to have a waist again. That is encouraging!

Hey, tonight I am going to see Billy Joel and Elton John in concert. Should be a good time!

XOXO

In a Jam...

My friend Cheryl brought me some rhubarb from her Mom {thanks}, so the time has come to make Rhubarb Jam. My sweet MIL Charlotte used to make this yummy freezer jam recipe and have it on hand when we visited. You can whip up some freezer jam in 30 minutes…or less.

Rhubarb Jam

5 cups chopped fresh rhubarb
3 - 5 cups white sugar (I use 3 cups)
1 (21 ounce) can blueberry pie filling
2 (3 ounce) package flavored gelatin mix (For this batch I used blackberry fusion but strawberry, cherry or raspberry are all good)


Combine the rhubarb, sugar and blueberry pie filling in a large pot. Bring to a rolling boil over medium-high heat, and boil for 10 minutes longer. The rhubarb should be tender. Stir in dry gelatin mix until dissolved. Transfer to sterile jars or freezer tubs, and cool. Freeze any jam you don't intend to use right away. Freezer jam can be stored in the freezer for up to a year or in the refrigerator for up to three weeks.

I have enough rhubarb to make another batch of jam. I think I'll make Strawberry Rhubarb next time.

Happy Spring Giveaway...

Quilt Qua is sponsoring a neat giveaway on June 1st for one of three Moda Jelly Rolls.

To enter, post your quilt picture on the Show and Tell Page, making sure you note your name with the title of the quilt. Each posting is one entry in the giveaway. Three winners will be drawn at random from the Show and Tell postings on May 31st.

Go to Quilt Qua and show your quilts!

Blog-A-Versary Giveaway...

Julie at

Tattered Threads & Willing Hands

is celebrating her Blog-A-Versary

with a 'sweet' giveaway.

Just bop over and leave her a comment and you'll be in the running. You can also blog about her and become a follower for additioanl chances to win.

The giveaway ends on Friday the 15th at 9pm (pst) and the winners will be announced by Saturday at noon.

You gotta love this! What's not to love?

To my Mom and all Moms...

Somehow we always say the least

to those we love the best

And hope our thoughts are understood

Although they're unexpressed

That's why it means

so very much,

when days like this are here

To say how very much

you're loved

each day throughout the year.

Happy Mother's Day

Author Unknown

XOXO

What a Novel Idea...

Do you ever check out Moda Bakeshop? If not... run...don't walk, and check it out. This site publishes oodles of really neat tutorials using Moda pre-cuts.

Kim from Bitty Bits & Pieces has published her first tutorial and it is SOOO CUTE!

Congrats Kim on you first tutorial - you did a super job!

Happy Cinco De Mayo...

Here is a delish family favorite I'd like to share.

Tijuana Train Wreck

3 to 5 lbs pork loin roast
1 lb dried pinto beans
3 to 4 cups water
1/2 large onion, chopped
2 large garlic cloves, minced
1 tablespoon salt
2 tablespoons chili powder
1 8-ounce can chopped mild green chilies
1 tablespoon ground cumin
1 tablespoon oregano
1 16-ounce bag corn chips

Garnishes:

shredded Cheddar cheese
shredded Monterey Jack cheese
chopped green onions
chopped tomatoes
sour cream
shredded lettuce
guacamole
black olives
chopped celery

Soak beans overnight. Place all ingredients in crock pot. Cover and cook on low for 8-10 hours, or until meat shreds easily with a fork. The mixture will be a little thick. Place corn chips on plate, then add your Train Wreck and all the other garnishes.

I like to place the Train wreck on shredded lettuce, making a taco salad. It is also good served on warm tortillas.

This recipe is originally from the Colorado Quilters' Cookbook. I have revised the recipe for the crock pot.

Enjoy!

Graduation Invites...

My busy friend Carolyn has a daughter, Sarah, graduating from high school. Instead of the usual graduation party, they have invited the teachers that most impacted Sarah's education to dinner at their home. {Really Neat Idea}

I helped Carolyn with these cute (if I do say so myself) invites.


The square envelopes are stamped with a graduation cap.

The inside of the invite was designed using Publisher. (I have removed the personal info.)

Congrats Sarah!