Quilter in The Gap

Nose to the Grindstone

gap.rhonda@gmail.com — Wed, 07 Mar 2012 06:24:04 PST

I have been busy as a beaver! Nose to the Grindstone! I've been slaving away! Well...I think you get the idea. **snickers**

I am leaving for Michigan tomorrow to celebrate my 'lil Angel's first birthday. I think you need to see one of her pictures, don't you?

It is so hard to believe Callee, my precious granddaughter, is a year old!!!

Ok, now that I have started this post off with something beautiful let me show you what I have been so busy with. Callee's mom is throwing a big celebration for her first birthday and asked for some help. The theme for her party is Mickey Mouse (which Callee adores) with flair. It is all pink, zebra and Mickey. So here is her banner I made (which is very difficult to photograph):

Each pendant is 8" across at the top. Here is a picture to give you an idea as to how long it is (please excuse all the little quilts behind the banner, I didn't want to remove everything on my walls to take the picture - it was late at night):

I think it's about 12' long.

The other thing I made for the party is Callee's cake eating outfit. There is no reason she should get her pretty party going outfit dirty so I made her an outfit to wear while she is devouring her cake. And let me just tell you she is a master at cake eating. Let me prove it to you:

Was I wrong? Me thinks not! I will share that cake eating outfit and the rest of her Party Wears tomorrow. I have scheduled a couple of posts to go up while I am out of town.

I know what you are thinking, "seriously, Rhonda? we don't hear from you for weeks and then you go out of town and you schedule posts? what's up with that??" Well, I have good reason! Things are finally starting to slow down at work and I have a bit of time to post. Woo Hoo. By next week I am hoping to get on some sort of regular schedule. I still haven't had those promised weekends off but there is always hope. I must keep hope alive.

Oh and in the spirit of podcasting (which I miss dearly and am working on getting back to), I must digress for a minute. I was looking for a British phrase today that means the same thing as "nose to the grindstone". While I didn't find it (as you can probably tell), I did find the funniest website full of British phrases. Wow! Y'all talk funny! OK all y'all Brit WannaBeS like me....Check this out. Oh and I have never see so many phrases for having sex. I guess I know what is on the Brits' minds!

Well I leave y'all with that! Cheerio good friends. We shall chin wag tomorrow!

Who's Elated? I AM!!!!

gap.rhonda@gmail.com — Wed, 29 Feb 2012 15:18:46 PST

One website describes someone who is elated as someone who is "very happy or proud; jubilant; or in high spirits" (source). That describes me perfectly! Let me explain...

Today in my Post Office Box was the most amazing package from my Mouthy Stitches partner...the spectacular Judith of Rags to Bags. I am elated....jubilant....doing a happy dance. When I opened this package:

I may have been doing a dance similar to this:

He is so cute but thankfully I am not as "fluffy" as him LOL

Here is what the amazing Judith sent me (these are Judith's pictures):

Judith blogged here

In the above picture you can see the zipper pull kinda peeking around the pouch...well, let me give you an up close picture of it...

Judith's daughter made this and I LOVE it!!!!!

Not only did I get this amazing pouch with that amazing zipper pouch but I got all these great fabric scraps, a Union Jack patch, some chocolate, a tissue pouch, and the sweetest card too...THE MOTHER LOAD!!!!

How blessed am I? More blessed than Trudi! Oh wait....was that a reveal? Maybe!!! Didn't I tell you? No? Oh! Well, yes! She received the pouch I made and since she has it in her hands, I can do a full reveal of what I sent her!

It is a nice size pouch...about 12.5" square. Remember when I gave you a sneak peak of this pouch? During that sneak peak I told you I had "made a tiny mistake". Well if you compare the two pictures above - namely the placement of the zipper - you will notice the back (the side with Trudi's name on it) was put on sideways. While it doesn't render the bag useless, it did frustrate me that I didn't have time to fix it. I love that Trudi called it "quirky, and so me"! Made my day!!!

The only thing left to be said about this swap is that it had the best Swap Mamas there are. I have been in a a few swaps now and this one has been one of my top two! Hadley, Susan, and Cindy certainly rocked it!!!! I will be sure to sign up for any other Mouthy Stitches swaps they do: even if it is brown tea towel one (this podcast will explain that statement).

Wanna hear a little secret? I am in the process of planning a very interesting swap with a great lady. It will look something like this (but this is all we can reveal at this point):

You should be hearing some details in about 4-6 weeks. Fun stuff!!!!

Episode 19 - Fluffy Sheep Quilting

gap.rhonda@gmail.com — Wed, 29 Feb 2012 15:17:00 PST

This episode is soooo very overdue. There is an explanation for this at the end of the podcast. That is all I have to say about that....listen and I promise it will make sense!

I am sooo very sorry about the poor audio in the beginning...it sounds like I am running in place while recording. Not sure what I was doing but it does get better.

This interview is all about Cindy at Fluffy Sheep Quilting. I promise you will love her blog!!!! BTW....thank you so much for brushing Cindy...I really appreciate it!!!

My favorite pictures are of her and her partner on their moped. Here they are:

Cindy & Brian

Cindy's ride!!!!

Here is the picture of Cindy's full quilt:

Isn't it kinda retro in a gorgeous way!!!!!!!

Then there is her amazing Community Quilt...I love this idea...can I steal the general idea? Can I, Can I, Huh?

See that pink fabric? I donated that one! LOL

Here are her studio pictures:

Hello Cindy!!!!!

UGH...the runner!!!

Monster......!!!!!!

Those canisters.....really?

There is that lamp I covet!

I promised a link to the book she read recently: The Shadow of the Wind by Carlos Ruiz Zafon

I think there are other things I promised links to and my notes are at home (this will make sense once you listen too). I will update these show notes at a later time. I just really wanted to get a podcast posted.

If you would like some sneak peak pictures of the pouch. You can read my most recent post about it.
Here is the promised document to the full interview: Cindy's Full Interview

The F word

gap.rhonda@gmail.com — Wed, 29 Feb 2012 15:18:18 PST

Oh you dirty minded thing you....the F word I was thinking about was FINISH...what were you thinking? Oh I know you were thinking Fashion...or maybe Freaky, or maybe it was Finally because you were thinking "It's about time Rhonda FINALLY FINISHED something!!!" Well, I did!!! But...oh yes there is always a B-U-T...do you realize that FINISH ends in SHHHHHH like a secret. Finish! Finish! Finish!! I have a FINISH!!!! Oh, sorry....I got carried away for a minute....I am so very excited.

Before we go any further let me send out a great bit "Howdy" to all y'all that are visiting from TGIFF!! It is great to have ya here today! Sit back...relax...and enjoy the show! Oh and if ya please, take a gander around, I would love to have ya stick around fer a few!

Ok...back to the regularly scheduled program...pure mayhem...

Remember before we paused for a minute, I was sayin' that I had to keep part of my project a secret...so, I can only show you bits and pieces. You see, my finish is a pouch for my Mouthy Stitches partner, but she hasn't received it yet! If you will recall I learned how to do this....

I had so much fun!!!

So...I took this technique and used it on the pouch. Here are a couple of sneaky peak pictures....

I am so pleased with the way my zipper turned out

I did that needle by simply tracing...I printed a picture from the web and then traced onto fabric then with thread...so much fun!!!

Can't show too much it will give my partner away!!!

This is a very big bag! I think the finished size is about 12.5" square. I really love it....except for a tiny mistake I made. Because the mistake is very noticeable (but doesn't render the bag unusable) I decided to whip my partner up a tiny little something extra...a little dumpling. BTW I made the "harder" one and it was sooo NOT hard!!!

Best tutorial EVER!!!! (see link above)

You seriously should make one of these....there are MANY more in my future!!!!!

Ok now it is your turn to show your finishes off....I am here to not only show off my finishes but to host a linky party for Thank Goodness It's Finally Finished. Coincidentally, well maybe it was a wee bit planned, this is the half way point for the first quarter of the Finish Along. Wanna show off what you have finished already? Well, now is your chance!!!!

I can't wait to see what everyone (even all y'all that are not playin' along with the Finish Along) have finally fnished. I have so many things I want to finish!!! I hope to have somthing to link up next week...whereever this linky party takes us...y'all do know this is a travelin' party. Yep, every Friday there is a party somewhere! You can get all the information you need by clicking on their button below!

http://tgiffriday.blogspot.com/

Alright...enough jibberish from me...get to linkin' my friends...I wanna see those Finishes!!!!

Guilt...

gap.rhonda@gmail.com — Wed, 22 Feb 2012 05:36:58 PST

....is a funny thing. I am not sure I understand why but as bloggers, ok wait...let me put this in first person and not speak for all bloggers. Starting over....

Guilt is a funny thing. I am not sure I understand why but as a blogger I feel guilty when I can't post as often as I usually do. But once I read the definition it all became very clear. Check this out...according to Wikipedia (a very reputable source **snickers**), guilt occurs when a person realizes or believes—accurately or not—that he or she has violated a moral standard, and bears significant responsibility for that violation.

So let me break this down for y'all. First, the moral standard comes because I keep good company (Hadley, Susan, Cindy, Michelle, and many others). All my blogger friends are such great bloggers that when I am not able to meet those standards I feel guilty. Second, I can only feel guilty if I "bear significant responsibility" (see above). This means that I can only place partial blame on the circumstances that have kept me from posting - and oh there are many. And since I can't place much blame on those circumstances all I am going to say is this.....work has been crazy (there has been ~~a bit of a~~ major revamp and the hours have been very demanding).

I was going to start this post with something like "yes, I am still alive" but then I read Rachel's post and knew that would be a bit assuming. LOL My last post was on February 8th and I think it was probably before that since I was in my studio. However, this past Sunday I decided I was taking a much needed day off (my first in at least 3 weeks) and I was gonna sew.

I spent all day Sunday working on my pouch for Mouthy Stitches. This Friday I am hosting Thank Goodness It's Finished Friday! and I will reveal my pouch at that time. Guess what....this Friday is also the 1/2 way point of the Finish Along 1st Quarter so it would be a great time to share your finishes for that (killjoy disclaimer: this will not qualify you for any prizes)

Why don't you link up this Friday and share!!

In summary, I would love to say that I AM BACK! but that would probably be a lie and again a bit of an assumption that y'all aren't busy and have been sitting around awaiting my newest post. However, I am working on calming my schedule down a bit. This coming weekend I should get Sunday off again. This means I will get to work on the binding for Callee's quilt and the birthday banner...oh and there is that tutorial I need to write...oh my I am so very far behind!!

I have received some lovely emails and I appreciate every one of them. I can promise you a couple of things: (1) you can come back Friday to link up with Thank Goodness It's Finished Friday! (2) you will finally find a new podcast here on Saturday (might not be early Saturday but sometime on Saturday - and it will be an interview of the lovely Cindy of Fluffy Sheep Quilting and (3) I am working diligently to get back to the three things I love - quilting, blogging and podcasting - I just need to get life out of my way. hehehe

Oh I need to leave you with my Angel's 1-yr pictures. There are so many lovely ones that I will share them one at a time over a bit of time.

my 'lil Angel

There's been a sighting...

gap.rhonda@gmail.com — Wed, 22 Feb 2012 05:37:38 PST

Just stopping by quickly today to let you know FUNC has landed. There is rumor he has finally made his way to Morocco (I really want to be in his envelope). I received an email today from Annabella of Life's Rich Pattern. I am sure we will hear more about her experience with his lovliness (it certainly is something to behold).

Have a great day y'all...I'll be back when I have more time. It is end of the year and for Accountants like me...let's just say...time is not friendly!!

Friday's Fancy

gap.rhonda@gmail.com — Wed, 22 Feb 2012 05:38:10 PST

Today I am copying my posting from Tanesha (a fellow podcaster) at Crafty Garden Mom. I really liked the format so I stole the idea.

Today...
Outside my window... Currently still dark (it is only 6:30 am and I have been up for a couple hours) but it is supposed to be sunny & 63 degrees again today. B-E-A-U-tiful!!!

I am thinking... about how I can be more consistent in my blogging. Things are changing at work...will that help? Maybe some days have formats like this? Ideas y'all?

I am thankful for... my readers & listeners. Ok a secret....my blogiversay came & went and I missed it....but I am waiting for my 18-month blogiversary and we will do something special. Oh and look at my numbers....seriously y'all?! I am so very blessed!!!!

I am reading... who has time to read? Well, I have these books laying around the house just in case: The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo, The Happiness Project, and The Best of Me. Of course this doesn't count what is on my Kindle Reader on my phone.

I am wearing... So glad I don't have to provide a picture....of me in my fuzzy robe over top of my fuzzy penguin pajama pants and black tank. Oh yeah...sexy bed wear!!!

I am creating... a zippy pouch for a secret partner, a quilt for a granddaughter, a quilt for a dear woman, a secret project, and a table runner tutorial (yes... all at the same time - we can only hope they all don't get intermingled together)

I am hoping... the moving of my office today goes smoothly. Oh yes...a small part of the changes at work. Oh and that my application I submitted this morning leads to interviews and eventually hiring...totally different job. Wow now that would be a change wouldn't it?!

I am hearing... my daughter digging though my closet for something to wear...I hate it when she wears my clothes but I guess since I wear hers I can't complain much. I can also hear the birds outside my window I know Punxatawny Phil says 6 more weeks of Winter but I am not sure anyone told the birds at my house....they are singing a Spring song.

Around the house... I realized earlier that (a) I really need to spend some time cleaning my bathroom and (b) one would never know a quilter lived here unless they mistakenly entered my studio. Hmmmm I think (b) needs to be remedied. I will delegate (a) to hubby.

One of my favorite things... to eat...hot tea & Walker shortbread cookies (oh makes me melt just thinking about them). ....to do...kiss Callee's (my granddaughter) face!!!!

A few plans for the rest of the week... well it's Friday so the week is almost over. I know I will work quite a bit this weekend. I know I will get to sew on Sunday (completely uninterrupted) as it is Super Bowl. I am so very excited about that!!! Maybe I can convince my daughter to allow me to use her hands for a tutorial?!?!?!

A picture to share..

Callee....a girl after my own heart....she hates snow!! Mom (my wonderful DIL) said she refused to smile until she took her inside out of the snow!! That's right Angel....snow is good for NOTHING except to look at from the inside out!

I am happy...because I really am blessed but you hear me say that all the time (although my close friends have heard me grumble quit a bit lately - I am sorry) but I do KNOW I am blessed. AND I am happy because my mammogram and the other many tests they did on my already sore breasts (they made me cry many times from PAIN - MAJOR PAIN) came back negative. Apparently it is all hormone related...so today I go and talk to someone about that! Wahoo!!

That is what is going on in my world today...

What's up in your world today?

Learning....

gap.rhonda@gmail.com — Wed, 22 Feb 2012 05:38:02 PST

Harry S. Truman, former President of the United States, has been quoted to say, "The only things worth learning are the things you learn after you know it all."

While I have never thought nor claimed to have known it all, but I have learned a few things in the past week or so. A couple of things about podcasts (more things I am still learning) and a new technique for my sewing repertoire.

Let's talk podcasts first. In my last post, I blathered on about maxing out on bandwidth and storage this month. While that still holds true, Giles and Pam have given me some hints to decrease bandwidth usage in the future. Pam's hints are available here for those of you with these same concerns. Giles' hints I will share after I have had a chance to try them and re-type them (look for them soon).

However, through some trial, error & communication with my readers, I have learned something else that I am not sure I completely understand. BUT I will share with you anyway:

Even when I am maxed out on bandwidth, you can still download and/or listen to the episodes. I was always under the impression that once I was maxed you couldn't hear me anymore. BUT I had one reader who said she listened direct from my PodOmatic site and another who said she downloaded into iTunes. I don't know about the "download" button on PodOmatic. I didn't have anyone check that. It is weird.

I am still checking into all this to learn as much as I can. If there are any bandwidth experts out there please contact me!!! OH and just in case you wondering "what made that crazy lady think we couldn't listen anymore"....It was this email (you are looking at a screenshot):

Yep, it was this email that made me think my listeners couldn't listen anymore! BUT what do I know!!

Now on to more fun things....

Please keep in mind I can only show you one imagine of many because I am working on my pouch for the Mouthy Stitches Swap. I have had so much fun...I sure hope my partner likes where I am headed with this!

I have seen many of you do this type of thing and have admired it! I never thought I would be able to do such a thing but with some encouragement from Nicky I decided to give it a go. What do you think? Of course there are something I would change but I am pleased with it. I can only hope my partner is equally as pleased.

There are other parts done but nothing I am comfortable sharing since it is a secret partner swap I have to say there are some very talented people with some gorgeous work taking place. If you get a minute you should take a look around. A.MAZ.ING!!!

Of course it is a slight step above my original idea....hehehe.

Well, I have bored you enough for one day...later y'all.

This, That & The Other

gap.rhonda@gmail.com — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 04:42:03 PST

Hey Y'all...Just a few things to catch y'all up...

First, this week's scheduled podcast is going to be a week late because I have exceeded my storage limit and my bandwidth limit. I got an email from PodOmatic the other day that said my listeners have heard the over quota recording 157 times. I am so very sorry! I carry the most expensive program I can afford. See below... this is what I see when I have exceed my limits:

They want me to upgrade. Well, to upgrade from what I currently pay would be double. I don't mind tellin' y'all what I currently pay either. I pay 25.00/month. Now, to upgrade is 50.00/month. I cannot justify that. If I had a sponsor that wanted to split that...GREAT!! I would upgrade and offer advertising on every show note and in every episode. Oh and PodOmatic offers a great deal of advertising for my podcast at the Broadcaster level....BUT I don't have a sponsor so instead this happens periodically.

Pam at Hip To Be A Square seems to have some trick to reduce bandwidth. I cannot find that magic button she speaks of. So, Pam, if you are reading this....do you think you can help me out with a little tutoiral. Or maybe we can Skype and you can show me that magical setting???

Enough about yucky-can't-publish-my-podcast stuff...let's move on!!! WAIT!!! Guess who I will be publishing when I can (which is on Feb 4th BTW) Cindy of Fluffy Sheep Quilting and it was a Skype interview! We had so much fun!!! I might share a picture of me in my podcast gear!!! And I might have a picture of Cindy in a helmet...that is all I have to say about that!!

How cute is her banner? Love it!!!

OK remember me telling you about Jennie's new blog? Well, she is having a giveaway for a blog makeover!! Wouldn't it be great to have a makeover. Maybe a new banner? Tweak your buttons...a little refining here and there? Well, get over there and enter!! Y'all are lucky I am not going to enter - she done did her magic here!

In closing, I thought I would let y'all know I did a guest post at Sew Lux Fabric & Gifts Blog. Go check it out. It is all about organizing your WIP/UFOs. Hmmmm.....wonder why Chrissy would choose me for that topic?

Later y'all!!

Mid-Winter Check-In

gap.rhonda@gmail.com — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 04:42:49 PST

Sarah is ~~forcing~~ encouraging us to take a look at our Winter Stitching Lists. Back in October I created this list with a bit of trepidation. I believe my words were "why I would be considering another list? To set myself up for failure? NO! Ok...maybe" Can't you just hear the confidence oozing from my pores in that statement? Well, let's see how I did...

First up, is the table runner I was making for my DUO Quilt A Long. Back in October I called this one a a "no brainer" because I needed it for pictures every step of the way. Well I ended using a small table topper for the pictures because it was smaller and Rachel did the binding part of the tutorial so guess where this beauty is...in the UFO drawer...NOT done!!

Deadline: ~~January 1st~~ 2013

I have since pin basted it and will start FMQ very soon

I completed my Table Runner Swap! This swap had a rockin' mama and I had the best partner ever . Here is the finished runner...

~~Deadline: November 20th~~DONE!!!

Image stolen from Cindy's blog

I signed up to create a stocking for some foster children. Foster children hit close to home for me (for reasons I am not comfortable discussing here). Purple Panda Quilts is organizing the event and I am pleased to be a part. I made and donated 2 stockings.

~~Deadline: December 1~~ DONE!!!

I mustn't forget the ornaments I want to make. One (or more) is needed for the Table Runner Swap but I have other people that I want to make ornaments for. I made one from a book on Folded Blocks but I hated it. I ended up making just the one for Cindy. BUT I almost missed the deadline for that one! UGH!! I made her a house because she had just moved into her house. Here is the complete ornament.

~~Deadline: November 20th (or there abouts)~~ DONE!!

That thread at the bottom is driving me NUTS!!!!

I have a quilt I would like to have done by Christmas. I am not sure how realistic this is but for now, I am going to say "by Christmas". It is my Angel's Kaleidoscope Quilt. It was supposed to be for her when she was born but somehow ended up on the back burner. I only need to add borders, quilt and bind it. All the blocks are done and put together... I have nothing to say about this quilt except that it is done! If you are new here and wonder why I am clamp mouthed about this quilt. Go here.

~~Deadline: December 15th~~ DONE!!!

I have quilt I want to finish by the first of March. The top is all pieced so all I need to do is quilt and bind it. Seems doable. This quilt was made for a dear woman who used to take care of me when I was little. Her birthday is in March so I would like to finish it so that I can give it to her for her birthday. I call it the Amazing Grace quilt for the most gracious woman I know.

This is the one I am working on now as part of my Finish A Long. Here is the picture of the top (its not layered yet)

Deadline: March 1st

Oh, and I can't forget the Embroidery 101 quilt. All the blocks are embroidered now I just need to sew them together and proceed. I am not sure who this quilt is for but I am thinking it is for me! Well, maybe. Here is the last two blocks I embroidered... They are now all sewn together, basted (with the cutest back), and in the process of being quilted. I am uber excited about this one!

This one has become Callee's NEW Quilt and she will get it for her birthday on March 1st.

Deadline ~~February 1st~~ March 1st

Within 24 hours of writing my original list I volunteered to help out Jennie at Clover & Violet. She is about to have her baby and asked some of us to write tutorials for her blog while she is away. So I volunteered to write a tutorial for a baby-sized I-Spy Quilt.

~~Deadline: December 1st - Better get started!!!~~ DONE!!

Finally, I am going to say I will sign up for at least one more swap and one more stitch along. There have been rumors that our Table Runner Mama will be hosting another swap after the holidays so I will leave room for that. AND Jen is hinting at another Stitch A Long so I want to leave room for that as well.

**UPDATE** Mouthy Stitches was born! I am participating and my deadline is Feb 14. Haven't heard from Jennie but I am sure she is a thinkin'!!

Deadline - Feb 14th

So in summary...I had 8 items on my list (the last one doesn't really count because they hadn't started yet - I am sure I will count them at the end of Winter). Of the 8, I completed 5. That is at least half and we are half way through the winter. I count that as a win. Is this a win lose thing? No probably not! Well it is for me because I don't do lists! If you don't believe me just look at this.

Thanks Sarah for forcing er encouraging me to take a look at this. I can continue what I am doing and be ok. I guess lists aren't quite as evil as I thought.

Changes, Blahs & Evil Laughs

gap.rhonda@gmail.com — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 04:43:02 PST

There has been some tweaking here at The Gap...have you noticed? What do you think? It looks great right? I am ever so thankful! Guess who did it? It was the great Jennie...Yep, that's right...Jennie of Clover & Violet. She is ever so talented! Did you know she did blog design? Oh and she has a new blog too. She is not replacing Clover & Violet (Phew!! That is good news!) No, she is just branching out a bit. The name of the new blog is Click, Snap, Swoosh, Laugh (what a cool name!!). Here is how she explains her new blog:

click. - blog and graphic design

snap. - photography of all sorts

swoosh. - my drawing and painting endeavors {okay, I don't paint yet, but I know there are watercolor pencils calling my name...}

laugh. - whatever else I feel like adding

I am sure by following her I can learn a thing or two or ten! LOL Well, she has sure made a difference 'round here! I encourage you to go check her new blog out!

Thanks Jennie!! I really appreciate your help!! You did an amazing job!!!!

Oh and for those of you who are wondering...YES, YES, YES...the purse is complete BUT NO, NO, NO...the drawer is not empty. Not because I don't have a desire to empty it but because I have worked so much that I haven't had much time and I really wanted to baste Callee's new quilt so that I could work on it this upcoming week (when I am not working).I have Wednesday off so I will work on that one final project that is in that drawer on Wednesday.

I didn't work today but I have not felt well today. I have had a serious case of the blehs. I was up well before dawn, 4 a.m. to be exact, and it was all down hill from there. I have been snuggled under a blanket in my recliner all day. Seriously, no drive!!

Oh except for one thing...I did design a zippy pouch for the Mouthy Stitches Swap. I came up with this one. You think my partner will like it? If not I have other ideas. I guess only time will tell. **evil laugh**

You know the drill...no pictures in the post means you get to see pictures of my 'lil Angel. Here she is all decked out in Zebra. She is starting to pull herself up on furniture and such. Her mama is in for it any day now.

Ring Toss & Polka Dots

gap.rhonda@gmail.com — Thu, 19 Jan 2012 05:09:23 PST

With a title like that one might think I was gonna talk dots but I'm not. I am here to talk about a couple of my UFOs. Take a look at my UFO list over on the right. There are a couple of changes.

Notice #11 & #16 have been removed. Not all UFOs need to be completed by me in order to be removed. I have decided to donate these two items to World of Charity because (a) I knew they would put them to good use and (b) I wouldn't - IF I ever finished them at all. So ~~so long dear friends~~ later gators!!

Today, I want to introduce you to #13 & #25. First up is the Ring Toss Quilt. I honestly don't remember when I started this quilt. I do, however, remember who I was making it for. I was making it for my BFF Foo. I have mentioned Foo on this blog on several occasions. She lives in Michigan and I miss her so very much even though we talk all the time. We get to see each other about 4ish times a year but it never seems like enough. But I digress...here is Ring Toss...

The picture to the left of the top is the final border (lighter one) and the backing (gorgeous turquoise).

I absolutely fell in love with this quilt again after I pulled it out. The fabrics are amazing. I purchased this kit from Connecting Threads and I am telling you they have a great hand to them. I wanted to start working on it right then and there...but I am trying to stay focused. I can't wait to work on this one again.

The other project I want to introduce you to is #25 and hopefully the next one to fall from the list. I found this project in my "15 minutes or less" drawer. That means it can be completed in 15 minutes or less. I know, I know!!! I don't wanna hear it! I'm not even gonna offer up any lame excuses.

Here she is...

Yes, I know she looks done and I thought so too but I didn't pull the rope through the handles (I didn't think it would be a big deal. Turns out it is). Since then I have bought the rope I need, I just need to pull it through the handles. 15 minutes or less.....so sad. This is how it is currently sitting on my cutting table...

I am hoping if I don't put it away I will just finish it...I mean really!!!!

Well, today I have introduced you to two of my UFOs. I am so glad I did because first off, I fell in love with one of them all over again and second, I realized how lame it is that one of them is even a UFO! NOT FOR LONG!! Stop hounding me, I get it! Bye!

Resolved to Sew 2012

gap.rhonda@gmail.com — Mon, 16 Jan 2012 20:02:59 PST

Ali at Very Berry Handmade is having an amazing giveaway. You double your chances if you write a post about what what Resolved to Sew means to you. So, lucky you, you get to hear what it means to me....but considering all that has been happening around this blog lately, I don't think you will be very surprised.

Even though I have an extensive UFO list, I am determined to enter 2013 with NO UFOs. I want to learn how start - finish, start - finish, start - finish...in that order. Currently I work in this order....start, start, start, finish. That is not working for me.

So, in summary, Resolved to Sew means to knock out an extensive UFO list so that I can enter 2013 a little lighter. I am going to start with these two projects:

Callee's New Quilt

Amazing Grace Quilt for Skippy

Oh so much further to go....well maybe in the process I can win some great prizes....Ali sure is offering some great ones!!

Thanks for listening.

2012 FAL Flickr Group

gap.rhonda@gmail.com — Mon, 16 Jan 2012 10:19:51 PST

Ask and you shall receive...that is my motto...at least for today. Don't expect this all the time!

One of the participants asked for a Flickr Group so that y'all could show off your finishes as they got done instead of waiting until the end of the quarter. She mentioned that because there were so many participants there was no way she could keep track of everyone else's finishes (maybe this was my thoughts and not hers - maybe there are too many voices). She really wanted to see everyone's projects (again- voices).

I think secretly she is looking for inspiration for her next project because she just got one done. What do you think?

Regardless, the FAL now has a Flickr Group for showing off your projects. I know several of y'all have finished projects so go add them to the group and show them off.

I was going to add a couple of the projects here but I know I would leave a couple of them out. BUT if y'all will add them to the Flickr Group I can feature them here periodically (of course I would ask first - the voices are only a problem occasionally).

Oh and did you know the FUNC is on the move? Yep....sure enough, he has left Canada! Can't wait to see where he lands! Look where he went before he left Canada....

The largest mall in North America! Can you believe it? I am so jealous!!!!!

Well, that is all the news I have for today. Tomorrow I will be back to start introducing you to my UFOs. I think I might have said that before but considering life and moods right now...we will let it slide...**snicker**.

Oh and if my swap mamas are reading this....I want Judith to be my partner because I want one of these...

Excuse me while I wipe the drool off my keyboard!!!!

I leave you with all kinds of Judith's loveliness!!!

Episode 18 - I'm Back!!

gap.rhonda@gmail.com — Wed, 11 Jan 2012 18:43:22 PST

You can find this episode on iTunes and PodOmatic.

I missed y'all, my listeners, so very much! It was so good to be back behind the microphone today. I have to say, it was a crazy busy day. I had an aunt that had surgery, my grandma was taken to the hospital with another infection, and a few other things (which will be covered in the podcast). I know there were a few things I wanted to mention but forgot. As soon as I got the podcast switched over to MP3, I immediately remembered one of them. That's ok...it will wait till next episode.

Here is what you will find in this episode:

The new me....the good and the bad....Here is the good....the hair! Love my new hair cut!!! Of course I had to drive almost 500 miles to get it but it was worth it!!!

Kelly, I do chatter a bit about Modern Quilting. Here is the link I talk about during that chatter: Modern Quilt Guild

You can find all the information you need about the Finish A Long here.
Swell Cloth is overing a discount code for the entire quarter. This discount code will entitle you to 10% off your entire purchase: FINISHGAP10.

Please visit this one and all our sponsors for this event!!!!!! They are all listed on our Finish A Long Page.

You really should take a moment to check out the new swap that is sweeping Blogland....Mouthy Stitches (isn't that a great name??)!! This is one swap you don't want to miss. It is run by three of my favorite ladies: Cindy, Hadley, and Susan - even if they are mean to me - more on that in the next podcast (it really is a funny story). Additionally, it is going to be great fun - you will be swapping a zippy pouch and a FQ's worth of scraps - that's it....nothing more!! Go check it out!!!

Finally, you can see pics of the two quilts I am working on here.

OH....there is one more thing... the kits I was asking your opinion about...I will post pictures of those another day. It got late and I didn't get those pictures taken. When you get to the end of the podcast you will understand.....I don't do well later in the day. LOL

Thanks for listening!

How to Link Up to a Linky Party

gap.rhonda@gmail.com — Sat, 14 Jan 2012 06:59:11 PST

Linking up to a Linky Party can occasionally be necessary in blogland. Hopefully, this tutorial will help those of you that have never linked up before (is that a word? linked up?). Ok...here we go, pictures and all (and for the record....no quilts were harmed in the making of this tutorial).

Click on the "add your link" button

If for some reason you don't see this link then (a) the linky party hasn't started yet or (b) you missed it and it closed already. If either of those are the case then it will generally say "collection closed" or "collection starts in....".

Fill in the part that is now white. It asks for three main items: URL, Name, and email. Please note whatever URL (web address) you put in this top box is the place where anyone one clicks on your finished link will be taken. The name you put in the middle box is the name that will be displayed (I generally put Rhonda aka Quilter in The Gap). And finally the email address is not displayed but instead is used for the person running the linky party (me, in this case).

NOTE ABOUT THE URL: Most Linky Parties require you don't link your main blog page (www.gapquilter.blogspot.com) but instead prefer you link a particular page (http://gapquilter.blogspot.com/2012/01/all-things-relative.html). Do you see the difference? If not, click on them and maybe that will help.

Click "next step"

On this page all you have to do is select the picture you want shown as a representation of your linkup. For the FAL some people chose a picture of themselves, some chose their blog button, and others chose a picture of one of their UFOs. Simply click on "select" under the picture you wish to be shown. In this case I am going to select the picture of Callee.

Sometimes you are required to crop your picture but not always. It is just a matter of moving a box around.

All Done!!!!

Now go here and try your luck. Just pick any blog post and link it up.

Also, please remember Flickr photos are done exactly the same way. Just make sure the URL is to the photo. Let me show you...

Use the URL the arrow is pointing to but be sure there is only one photo open at the time you copy and paste that URL!! Proceed as above.

Please email me if you have questions. I will do all I can to help.

I am linking up with Sunni @ Love Affair this week....

Tutorial Post - More Information to Follow

gap.rhonda@gmail.com — Mon, 09 Jan 2012 18:52:14 PST

I have a couple people request a tutorial on how to link up to a linky party. That tutorial will follow this post - but this post is needed in order to write the tutorial. Also, people that want to try to post can do so on this post.

If you come to the tutorial after this linky party is closed, simply apply the tutorial to the linky party you are trying to link up to, it should work just the same.

Tell Me Again Why Lists are Necessary!

gap.rhonda@gmail.com — Sun, 08 Jan 2012 04:41:37 PST

I have been so excited and overwhelmed with the response from the Finish A Long. If you came here looking for the FAL Linky Party please go here. I have seen a multitude of things during just the very beginnings of this great adventure. I have been able to be the first follower of at least 3 blogs (so very exciting), I have seen the serious overachiever (who just happens to be one of my favorite podcasters), the very ambitious, and the surprised here and here.

While emailing with some of the participants I promised I would list ALL my UFOs. I knew this wasn't a good idea (for me - not y'all). Some of them y'all are aware of but I linked to them for my new followers but some of them you are new to even my long-time followers. Oh heck, who am I kiddin', some of them were new to me. I am not picturing them here but I will introduce you them over the next couple weeks.

Duo QAL Table Runner (the long one)
Vanity Scarf of sorts
Callee’s Quilt (needs a complete make over)
Duo QAL Table Topper (used in the video as a sampler)
Batik Nature BOM (one block shown)
Birdie Embroidery Quilt (a few blocks shown)
Long Arm Practice Quilt
Embroidery 101 Quilt – Callee’s New Quilt
Amazing Grace Quilt
Spring Time Jelly Roll Race quilt
I Heart Quilting Cross Stitch Mouse Pad
Red & White Quilt
Ring Toss quilt
Christmas Lights Quilt
Sock Monkey
Best Friend Cross Stitch
Bright Daisy Quilt
Doll Quilt
Mystery Quilt (it seems I deleted all my pics from Flickr)
PIF Gift
PIF Gift
Modern Basics 1,2,3 Quilt
Large Dresden Wall Hanging (shown prior to any quilting being done)
AAQI Donationo
Purse

Well there you have a glimpse into my ever-growing list of UFOs. I must be honest and say I do have a few items I am due to start. I have a tutorial to write, a couple of pillows (or cushions for us Brits or Brit Wannabes) to make for my mother's room, and a commission purse to make. I don't foresee any of those becoming UFOs because they all have very strict deadlines.

I hope to introduce you to the above projects very soon. To be honest this is my attempt to reunite myself with them and hopefully figure out which ones I want to work on next quarter. Also, maybe it will reignite a love for the projects as well.

Well, you know what they say about blog posts and pictures. So, you know how I handle that....here she is....


Here she is on the bike I bought her for Christmas...can you tell Coo Coo (her new name for Kay Kay) made her mad? If I didn't know different I would swear she was trying to flip Coo Coo off!

Polar Bears & Warm Fuzzies

gap.rhonda@gmail.com — Wed, 04 Jan 2012 06:04:48 PST

If you are looking for the FAL Linky Party you will find it here

Yep....that is how I started my New Year and I am loving it!!!! I supposed some explanation is in order.

Let's start with Warm Fuzzies because (a) they are more fun and (b) it is something y'all can enjoy as well. I received the most lovely email from Sarah of In Stitches and Swell Cloth yesterday. Seriously, if you are not a follower of her and haven't perused her shop, you really should go check her out. But wait till you are done reading this blog because I have something good for you! Sarah has a podcast as well, but she has taken a break for some really good reasons (but that doesn't make us miss her any less)....but I seriously digress.

Back to the email Sarah sent me. She gave me some serious Warm Fuzzies because she had been listening to my latest podcast (the one where I interview Kelly the Vth) and wanted to share how inspired she was by Kelly and then offered to sponsor the Finish A Long. Listen y'all, if you knew how hard I have worked to get sponsors you would know I was just about doing back flips off the sofa that someone contacted me without any effort on my part....**large cheesy grins**...but wait it gets better!!

I decided I needed to run with this and ask if she would do a tutorial (Sarah really is quite the talented young woman and what can it hurt to ask) ....happy dance is approaching....she agreed....**commence back flips**...but wait there is more!!!!

She has issued a discount code that is good for the ENTIRE FIRST QUARTER!!!! Oh and it is good for 10% OFF. I will put the discount code on the FAL page and at the bottom of this page (I want you to stay and finish reading my post). hehehe Seriously, Warm Fuzzies I tell ya!!! Sarah has seriously rocked my boat!!! Thank you so much Sarah, I appreciate you greatly.

On to the Polar Bears....Here in Cumberland Gap we have an odd tradition. Well not "we" necessarily but instead more of "they". I don't have what it takes to participate and this is the first year I even watched because it was oddly warm - 57 degrees. In the years past there was no way I was going to stand outside in freezing temperatures to watch. I know, I know...on with it right?! Running through our town we have a couple of creeks. One of them, at it deepest is about 29". Here are a couple of pictures....

Ok...you can see it isn't a large creek but can you guess what they do here on New Years Day? Anyone? Yep, that's right they have a Polar Bear Dip. This year was the 10th Annual. Can you imagine? That water comes directly off the mountain and it is FREEZING in the summer. I wish I knew the temperature but I do know it is COLD!!! One of our servers from the restaurant decided he would participate in order to try and cure a hangover (I forgot to ask if it worked). Regardless, here are some "dip" pictures for your viewing pleasure...

The young man you see dipping is our server with the New Years Eve hangover who had to promptly leave to return to work and wait tables....poor guy! I think there were close to 20 people who did this and about 100 onlookers. Yep, we are quite the odd people here in The Gap!

Well I have warmed your cockles and froze your tootsies. Which did you enjoy more? Warm Fuzzies or Polar Bears? For me ...the one who hates being cold...I much prefer the Warm Fuzzies...especially since this particular Warm Fuzzie allowed me to go shopping with a discount code. Wanna see what I bought with Sarah's generous offer? OK...

She has quite a few Heather Ross and Echino, Free Spirit, Moda (I seen some Sweetwater, Far Far Away & Hometown), a few patterns.....seriously you need to go check her out for yourself. Use this discount code...

FINISHGAP10

I have rattled on plenty for now. I think in my next post I am going to list ALL my UFOs. One of my readers wanted to know how many I really have but I couldn't answer that question so I think I will list them just for kicks and giggles. So until next time when I totally overwhelm y'all.....thanks for letting me bring my town to yours!

2012 FAL Pre-First Quarter Linky Party

gap.rhonda@gmail.com — Thu, 05 Jan 2012 03:14:16 PST

It's time...2012 is here! how exciting. The new year brings about a feeling of starting over. A time to leave old things behind and discovering new adventures. Well that is true for the 2012 Finish-A-Long but in a slightly different way. We are going to discover new adventures by digging out old things...fun right?

Here are the prizes up for grabs this quarter...

$10 Gift Certificate from Quilt N Bee

$75 Gift Certificate from Fat Quarter Shop

Anne Handbag pattern & charm pack from Clover & Violet

$10 Gift Certificate from ZipIt

Book & Fabric from Quilter in The Gap

A Thread Sampler from Aurifil

At the end of the quarter we will have some fun tutorials from Jennie @ Clover & Violet, Katy @ The Littlest Thistle, Nicke @ kiss kiss….quilt, Melissa @ Happy Quilting, Sharon @ Craizee Corners and Leanne @ She Can Quilt.

A quick run-down on how this works...At the beginning of each quarter you link up your blog post which includes a summary of the projects you intend to complete in that quarter (see mine here). Then at the end of the quarter you link up your blog post (or Flickr pictures if you have more than one project and only one blog post) with the summary of the projects you completed in that quarter. It is the post-quarter linky party that the prizes will be drawn from. Simple huh?

All the rules are listed on the 2012 FAL page so be sure to check those before linking up.

I think that just about covers it. If you have any questions please let me know. I would love to see the 2012 FAL button (at the top of this post & here) on your blogs if you are participating. Please link it back to my 2012 FAL page. I created this page so you will always have the information you need at your fingertips. Enough rambling from me...get linking!! BTW The Linky Party will run for 7 days - hopefully giving you plenty of time to blog about your plans for this quarter and then link up.

My 1st Quarter Plan of Attack

gap.rhonda@gmail.com — Sat, 31 Dec 2011 06:12:52 PST

I am posting my 1st Quarter Plan of Attack a little early (just a day or two before the linky party goes live) so that y'all can get an idea of what the FAL posts are all about.

In order to get my first quarter plan of attack I went to my Winter Sewing List to see what I had started and not completed. I found a couple of projects (three) on the list that still need to be completed. However I need to be realistic. BUT remember you only get prize credit for the projects that are listed in the beginning of the quarter AND at the end of the quarter. Yes, we all know I can't win but I want to make sure y'all understand the rules. So, if I were you, I would list all three even if I thought I could only finish two. BUT since I ~~hate the idea of letting myself down AGAIN~~ can't win here are the items I think I will finish this quarter:

The Gracious Mercy Quilt

I started this quilt way back in March. I cut and pieced it in about a week. While I am not a huge fan of the fabric, it was a gift from my daughter. After piecing it, I knew just who the recipient of this quilt would be....the most gracious and merciful person I know...a dear sweet woman that used to babysit me when I was a wee one. Her birthday is March 17th and I want to give it to her for a pressie! (Gosh, I hate deadlines). This woman introduced me to my Lord & Saviour 34 years ago so it is very fitting! Just look at the words printed on the large squares...

The top is done - it measures 55 x 70. I need to layer, quilt and bind it. I don't have any fabric in mind so I may have to shop for that which only adds to the stress of it all since I am still recovering financially from Christmas (these things are expensive - teenagers & iPads LOL). When I dug out the quilt top I found the backing and binding all in with the top...how clever was that...I guess I was on top of it back then...hehehe

&

Callee's Replacement Quilt

I started this one with the Embroidery 101 Stitch Along at Clover & Violet back in May. I loved working on this project not only because I learned a great deal (so many new embroidery stitches - the only one I knew before this was the backstitch) but I also got to know Jen and she is super sweet! When I started this project I wasn't sure who it was for but now I realize it will be a great replacement quilt for Callee's other debacle.

Like my other project, the top is done - it measures 45" square. I need to piece the back, layer, quilt and bind it. I think I have some scraps left over so I may be able to use those to piece the back for this one with a few other fabrics from my stash...not sure. Or maybe I will use the leftovers for the binding and buy something new for the backing...time will tell.

Maybe I simply need to shop my stash for both backings...I wonder what is in my stash that might work. I will report back on that at a later date.

I also have a tutorial to write during this quarter so I have a great deal of work to do!

OK...so there you have my 1st quarter FAL plans. I plan on layering, quilting and binding 2 quilts ~~(oh geez I hope my machine doesn't start acting up again - I may be forced to shop for a machine and I am not ready for that just yet).~~see below

I am so excited about this event. I can't wait to see what y'all link up!!!!

HINT...tomorrow the first linky party will start so you might want to start thinking about your 1st quart plan of attack.

FOR THE RECORD...After some investigation I discovered no ripples on the back of Callee's Quilt so it appears the horrible mistakes were made in the piecing of those wonderful kaleidoscope blocks. I guess I can't blame it on my machine (which needs replaced regardless) or my walking foot (which probably needs a good cleaning anyway). Instead it was just good 'ole error! But I do have plans for it ... maybe my bloggy friends will all get really cute mug rugs this year **grins**

Blogger Choice

gap.rhonda@gmail.com — Fri, 30 Dec 2011 10:50:07 PST

As many of you know, Laura from Quokka Quilts & The Fat Quarter Shop have an awesome contest going on right now. What some of you might not know is that Kimberly of the Fat Quarter Shop recently sweetened the deal. Let me explain...

When the contest first started, one winner was going to win a Blogger's Choice Bundle of their own making (thus the reason so many bloggers have been lurking around the FQS lately - well that and they have an amazing selection of fabrics). Just yesterday, Laura & Kimberly announced that THREE bloggers will win a Blogger's Choice Bundle of their own making.

There are so many entries I would hate to be a judge. I had such a difficult time just putting together my bundle - I cannot imagine picking winners!

I am not sure where the choices from my bundle came from because I don't have fabrics that look like these in my stash. I do know one thing...My starter fabric...the Rivoli Natural and Grey Girl...is from my favorite designer, Alexander Henry. I just started building from there. This was great fun and I am very proud of my finished bundle. How was that Sarah? hehehe

Here is a list of the fabrics I used:

Rivoli Natural and Grey Girl

L'Amour de la Vie Red Velo Fleurs Tossed Bicyles

Primativa Charcoal Diamond Delight Paparazzi Red and Black Dot Gradient

Riley Blake Designs Red Pepper Solid

Peacock Lane Pink Parade Day

Paparazzi Gray and Black Dot Gradient

Pocket Full of Posies Red Polka Dot

Echo Gray Aneta

Free Spirit Designer Solids Black

Riley Blake Designs Asphalt Blender

Lost and Found Black Label

Bella Solids Weathered Teak

Cape Ann Cotton Sunset Pink Gingko Toss

Tuxedo Collection Black Stripes

The Quilt that Won't Be

gap.rhonda@gmail.com — Fri, 30 Dec 2011 15:28:45 PST

Nope it won't be Callee's quilt...it won't be given to anyone else either...but I don't know what to do with it. Can you help?

Let me explain what happened....because I do know.

Way back in "the day" (yes it was that long ago) when I started the kaleidoscope blocks I had a bit of a struggle but eventually got them to flatten out (or so I thought). I guess now it has been a couple of weeks ago, I added the borders and noticed they weren't flat but instead were a bit ripply (is that a word?). I thought maybe I could quilt it out because it wasn't too bad.

Well, while making Kaylah's bags, I was having problems with my machine but the problems would come and go. I just kept plowing forward. While trying to do simple straight line quilting on Callee's quilt, it was fine in the beginning and then it wasn't. Before I knew what was happening it was a hot mess. And then it was too far gone and we all know how I feel about ripping out stitches - especially in an entire quilt - the day before Christmas Eve!

There are more ripples in this quilt than a yard/meter of ruffle fabric

Ruffle Fabric

See all those puckers above? Well that is nothing compared to this mess...

Let me give you some up close shots. I am very embarrassed by this but sometimes one must admit their mistakes in order to move forward. Additionally, there must be something that can be done with this.

Normally I am very hard on myself but oddly I am OK with this - I don't feel bad just ready to chalk it up as a hot mess and move on. I mean, we all make mistakes right?

So...here is what I need to know...what do I do with it? Before you answer, you need to know...I am NOT going to rip all those quilting stitches out. I have no problem cutting it up and using it for something else. I just don't know what. Any suggestions? I would love to set fire to it but I know there has got to be something to do with it. It is such pretty fabric.

Christmas Gifts I Can Now Share

gap.rhonda@gmail.com — Thu, 29 Dec 2011 16:47:13 PST

OK...so I didn't get Callee's quilt done....well, that isn't completely true! I did get it done (well, all except the binding) but it is so awful that I refused to give it to her. But more on this another day!

I did however get Kaylah (the daughter) a couple of gifts done. As you know, she got an iPad for Christmas. First things first, she would not be pleased that I left you with that "work" image of her in your mind so let me share her cheer picture with you...

Way back at the start of school I made her a book bag & a small makeup bag (never did take a picture of them) but I used that same fabric to make her an iPad case and a laptop bag.

Here is the laptop bag...

That binding was a pain in the butt!!!

See that zipper...I did that!

I used a pattern by Vanilla House. It required installing a zipper which I am getting quite comfortable with. The pattern requires putting binding all the way around it which was a challenge but that is more about me than it is the pattern. Also, it called for Peltex which I didn't have and couldn't find in my area so I just used some stiff interfacing (I actually doubled it) which seemed to work just fine.

Here is the iPad case I made her...

See those dark polka dots on the black ribbon? I ironed it and it did THAT! UGH

I put one of the ties on upside down...oops!

For the iPad case I used a tutorial by Melissa at The Polkadot Chair. Again, I installed a zipper (no problems there!). In the tutorial Melissa suggested using auto liner foam but again, couldn't find that in my area (I mean ~~we only have a Wal-Mart~~ never thought to go to auto store...DUH). Anyway, I used a double layer of batting to replace the auto liner foam. Additionally, the tutorial called for minke to line the case but again...couldn't find it so I used something soft (not sure what it was). I bought it at Wal-Mart.

Sewing all those layers proved to be quite the challenge for ~~my sewing machine~~ me. Regardless, it turned out great and Kaylah was happy with them. She has showed them off to family and friends. You know I waited till the last minute to make them so I was rushing to complete them at the same time I was working on Callee's quilt (more on that tomorrow).

A couple more pictures to close out the post (just because I am proud of these projects)...

How'd that get in here? This is my little Callee and her great grandfather (my dad).

You knew I was gonna sneak one in! LOL Be back tomorrow!!

The Promised Prank

gap.rhonda@gmail.com — Mon, 26 Dec 2011 04:42:11 PST

Yesterday's pathetic post wasn't complete because I had really wanted to share this video with you. Well it is early morning and the people with whom I am staying with are not up yet. This gives me the opportunity to [hopefully] get this posted.

A little background information...my daughter asked for one thing and one thing only this year...an iPad. Every year she is allowed to open one present on Christmas Eve and the rest are opened on Christmas Day. I get to pick the present and usually pick something like an ornament or pair of earrings (you know, something small). Well, here she is opening her one Christmas Eve present (please note the uniform she is wearing - we had just gotten home from work)...

Just in case you can't see the first iPad she opened here is the picture she posted on Facebook...

HillBilly iPad

Personally, I like her pouty face! It was fun. Today is the crazy day...Christmas with my twin brothers and sister and their families. They have 7 children combined - all under the age of 9 - the youngest is 2. And then my angel - Callee. She opened her presents last night when I got here (to Michigan). Here is a snapshot of her on her new bike which you can't see but I love the face - looks like she is about to flip me off.....

I hope all y'all have a great day! I probably won't post again until I get back to Tenneessee but then again...who knows...there might be more cute pictures to share!