Please Help!

Awhile back I asked for all quilters, knitters and crocheters who read my blog to help me assist some blind orphans by making them blankets. All they had to be were twin sized easy to make quilts.

I was so blessed when my dear friend (second mom) Shirley Honey from Arizona stepped up and not only made 1 but 2 quilts thus helping me to close the number gap a bit. I still have 47 more quilts to make and our missionary will be returning sometime this year to head back to the orphans in the spring or early summer.

My blog readers are the best and have reached out and helped me in so many ways so I can continue this quest:

• Dayna sent me a new sewing machine
• Paweis sent me lots and lots of fabric
• Someone donated to me not 1, but 3 rolls of batting
• Sulky donated thread to keep me going

I have one quilt on the couch I am waiting to finish, I am making one for a baby who is ill in the hospital and one for my granddaughter. All are needed very much.

I am once again reaching out and asking you to help these blind orphans in Sierra Leone have warmth and something that belongs to just them by calling all my friends to make a small twin sized quilt for these who need them so much.

The ministry is called Rescue Ministries International and there is an icon on my sidebar. All you need is to make one, send it to me and I will see to it that Lindsey and John receive it and you will get a letter from them as well as a tax write off.

Sew 6 or 8 fat quarters together, add some batting and a back and voila, a quilt!

I am so blessed to be able to do this and so blessed to have so many that support me as I try to support and reach out to others!

Deer Apples and Other Unknowns

Have you ever heard of Deer Apples? I never had until yesterday morning at our local produce stand. I had run in to pick up some oranges for my juicing machine when the lady just put a sign on this box (which was full) of pears and apples.

What are deer apples? I asked and you may be asking...
They are simply apples they may have come to them with bite marks from deer, bruises, etc.

I snapped up the giant box for $5 because in our home, we cut off the bad spot and shoot the rest into our juicer where it removes the skin, seeds, etc.

The kids loved coming home from school to a large pitcher of ice cold apple pear juice and when it was gone, I made a second batch.

So, if you have a juicer and hate paying high prices for fruit. You might want to ask your local produce stand or even produce manager at the market if they sell Deer Apples. Can't hurt and it will save you lots of money!

Also, coming from Arizona where washing ones car is second nature and living in Washington where you might have only 1 day out of the month to wash it, I admit I wasn't thinking Monday after the doctor when I stopped by the car wash and rinsed my car off.....in 30 degree weather.

Yesterday, I couldn't get the doors open. You guessed it, they all froze shut!

Oh well, live and learn, I now have a clean car on the outside anyway!

Have a blessed day!

Sooooooooooooooo Cold In Here!

Sooooooooooooooo Cold In Here!

It is so cold in the house right now, 60 degree's and I can't seem to get warm. I am wearing long johns and sweats because I just came in from running errands.

Why can't we get some insulation assistance? It is such a mess around here. I called our local Grays Harbor PUD and here is what I was told:
In order to qualify for their grant for insulation, I must have electric heat. I explained that we used to have oil, the tank leaked and it was extremely expensive so we got rid of it and are using wood heat with portable electric heat as back up.

That isn't good enough, I must have baseboard or cadet heaters. Well, my neighbor just had brand new Cadet heaters and thermostats installed in her home and you know what? She is freezing to death, they don't work, so why waste all that money to install heaters that will be pulled out anyway? Makes no sense.

What would make sense if I could qualify for any program to get help insulating this 1926 home and then, I could get electric heat and use my fireplaces as back up or to pre-warm the house. No, you must have electric heat physically installed first.

Now, here is why it makes no sense. First of all, Grays Harbor PUD offers 2 programs...1 for insulation and one for heat pump....you must have insulation to qualify for the heat pump grant and that makes sense. But in order to qualify for the insulation grant, you must have electric heat already installed.

Forget gas, while there is gas in our area, it would mean having to run lines, drilling holes in our house, running lines and the isn't feasible either.

Where oh where is Extreme Home Makeovers when I need them?

Well, gotta run, the fire place needs more kindling and I am starting to chatter!

BTW....I still love living in Washington, only wish I hadn't sunk my entire life savings into a house that soaks up money like a sponge!

Thanks to Hip Chick

I found these questions over at Hip Chicks and I hope she didn't mind that I answered them as well!

*What did you do in 2010 that you had never done before?

Flew in a little tiny hop plane.
*Did you keep your new years' resolutions, and will you make more for next year?
Some I kept and others I didn’t fare at too well and yes I have 2 for 2011 instead of 10 in 2010.

*Did someone close to you give birth?
yes, my daughter-in-law
*Did anyone close to you die?
Both my mom and dad (Breast Cancer and Lou Gehrigs) and 2 wonderful friends!
None
*What would you like to have in 2011 that you lacked in 2010?
Centralized heat
*What date from 2010 will remain etched upon your memory, and why?
Feb. 10, the day my mom passed away…no explanation needed!

*What was your biggest achievement(s) of the year?
Destashing a ton of fabric and seeing people smile at work more!
*What was your biggest failure(s)?
not losing and keeping weight off
*Did you suffer illness or injury?
Both

*What was the best thing you bought?
My treadmill
*Whose behavior merited celebration?
My son Adam who has Aspergers
*Whose behavior made you appalled and depressed?
If I told you, I would have to kill you!
*Where did most of your money go?
Bills, firewood, food
*What did you get really, really, really excited about?
A new job!

*Compared to this time last year, are you...i. happier or sadder?
Sadder in so many ways…depressed actually

*Thinner or fatter?
about the same.
*Richer or poorer?
about the same.

*What do you wish you'd done more of?
Listening to my heart and mind and not let others mold me into their idea of who I should be!

*What do you wish you'd done less of?
Driving
*How did you spend Christmas?

At home with family and our best friend John, watching the kids and being lazy!
*Did you fall in love in 2010?
I fall in love everyday

*What was your favorite TV program?
As a retired police dispatcher…Criminal Minds and Without A Trace.
*Do you hate anyone now that you didn't hate this time last year?
I still don’t hate anybody. Dislike a few people….
*What was the best book you read?
Joyce Meyers, Eat the Cookie, Buy the Shoes

*What was your greatest musical discovery?
My granddaughters can play and are exceptional at guitar and piano
*What did you want and not get (yet)?
Good Health

*Favorite film of this year?
Toy Story 3
*What did you do on your birthday, and how old were you?

54. Went to Oregon with the family and had a great time!
*What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying?

Better Health
*How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2009?
Business boring and wrapped in barbed wire1

*What kept you sane?
My family and friends
*Which celebrity/public figure did you fancy the most?
None, they are fancy enough without my admiration
*What political issue stirred you the most?
Healthcare bill
*Who do you miss?
My mom and my son Justin
*What do you miss?
Having room to move around in and a yard
*Who was the best new person you met?

Lorna
*Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2009:
That no matter how crabby or ugly I can be at times, my family loves me in spite of myself

*Quote a song lyric that sums up your year:
Baby Why Don’t We Just Dance, because when all is said and done, if you don’t dance, you’ll just feel sorry for yourself, so dance through life at your own pace!

Studying The Bible

Today is Sunday and I believe the best day of the week to discuss Bible studies. My oldest has challenged herself to read the entire Bible in the month of January...WOW!! Its a challenge just to read it from cover to cover in a year, but she is pushing herself.

Of course, she is reading it for the challenge and not for the studying at this point, but how does one study the Bible and why would we?

First of all I believe in my heart that studying the Bible will make me a stronger Christian the more I read it. It will give me more confidence in the power of prayer and help produced in me peace and calmness. It will also help me to focus on Jesus Christ and the purpose I am here for and lastly, I believe if I study the Bible, it will add to my success as a person!

So, you want to know how to start? Here is my quick guide:

1- Read Daily
2- Set a regular reading time & stick with it (15 minutes of reading and 15 study works for me)
3- Set a goal for reading...I will do this for the next 365 days
4- Set a place....mine is my desk in the early morning (I am working on getting a small shower or mediatation chair so I can resume my prayers in my prayer closet!)
5- Read with a pencil or highlighter (I use colored pencils**) and when you see something underline it or write your notes in a notebook!
6- Keep a daily spiritual journal.

A few years back, I received a Bible Marking Legend from Dr. James McDonald and I follow his guide:
Green- God's word calls for me to grow.
Blue- God's word tells me about who He is and about His word.
Purple- Wow! God has given me a special insight here.
Brown- God's Word describes the spiritual realm or spiritual warfare.
Yellow- God's Word gives me a glimpse of heaven and my eternal hope.
Orange- God's Word brings comfort.
Red- God's Word reveals Christ's atoning work.
Pink- God's Word Instructs me about relationships.

Of course, you can use whatever colors work for you, but the point is, read the Bible, make notes and refer to them often.

Still confused and wondering where to start and Genesis isn't exactly what you are looking for ?

Why not try this:

• Read 1st John 7 times and write daily notes on what you read. Use a different page and when you are done read through all your notes, you will be amazed at how differently you write each day.

• Gospel of John twice:
  

4 Chapters everyday and list 7 miracles.

• Gospel of Mark Twice
• Philippians, Galatians, Ephesians, Colossians, 1&2 Thessalonians, 1&2 Timothy, Titus and Philemon. Read one per day.

I think this is a great place to leave you for today, if you get through all of this before I continue, send me an Email and I will give you more.

Have a blessed and relaxed Sunday!

Organizing The Bathroom

I know, many of you are thinking: 'has she lost her mind, why organize the bathroom?'

First of all, I am very good at tossing out expired food and medication, however today I was shocked to realize all my over the counter (OTC) meds were not just expired, but almost expired a year ago.

So, I bagged them up and will drop them off at a local pharmacy or hazardous household waste in our area that will take them. But Wait...!!

I also found nail polish that was thicker than cement, tweezers I thought I had lost and in organizing, I realized I need a new moisturizing lotion, mine is almost done, my favorite mascara had become flaky since the last time I used it and, it was time to wash and disinfect all my make-up brushes.

Then it was into the kids bathroom where I realized we have far to many towels for one family and the only way to fix that problem is to have each child choose 2 sets and donate the rest. Of course, I will keep extra washcloths and bar towels on hand as we use them in place of paper towels when something spills.

I then emptied out a basket of shells we had on the back of the toilet and cleaned it all up, put in a new ribbon and placed all the hairbrushes and combs inside the basket. I am hoping with them where everyone can see them, they will use them a bit more often. Before, they were buried in with the towels.

Barrettes and girls hair things have their only short shelve, but you could use an under shelf basket as well. The key to keep things organized is that people have to be able to find what they are looking for and have easy access to putting things back.

I also check the shampoo/conditioner/toothpaste/floss/mouthwash/bandaids, etc. this is the time I list how many we need and ensure I pick up the entire years supply at Costco and call my local Avon lady for shampoo.

So....the kids rooms, drawers, closets are organized, the master bed and bathroom are organized and that my friends is where the 1st of January finds me.

Tomorrow will be a run to the laundry mat to wash our comforter, working on my sewing closet and I have some pretty cool ideas for the kitchen. When that is done, hubs and I are going to tackle the basement as a team.

Happy New Year my friends!

Giveaway 2011- The Rest of the Prizes

Here is the rest of the prizes for the first Quilting Ranny giveaway of 2011:

Now, for the rest of the prizes:
2nd Prize: In celebration of their first child, Rachelle and her husband over at Christian Shirts.net are offering $1 shipping on all orders plus, they have generously offered to give one winner a tee shirt from their shop!

You may remember that last year, Rachelle offered readers the opportunity to win a free tee-shirt and she has blessed us again.

Rachelle has thousands of designs, you can pick your own, that is how special she is, she doesn't stick you in a shirt that won't fit your personality, she lets you choose from her many designs.
Go over to Christian Shirts.net:
1- Look around come back and tell me which item in her shop is your favorite- 1 entry.
2- Like them on Facebook and let me know-1 entry
3-Follow me here or let me know you are a follower 5 entries
4-Blog, twitter or facebook and leave a link to my giveaway 10 entries
5-Leave comments on any post after today and receive 1 entry for each post.
6-Someone tells me they came via your blog you get 5 entries.


Third Prize is this Dymo Letratag label maker. It is slightly used, but since I have a brand new one and am working on the one in and one out in my home, if you are chosen 3rd, you get it.

It is very easy to use and while I don't have the box anymore, I will ensure it is wrapped safely when you win it.

Just leave a comment to win!

Think 2011 organization rocks!



Fourth prize is this wonderful Prayer book for Moms.


Fifth prize is a mailing envelope of fabric, ribbons, fabric paint.


RULES:
1- If you enter, I must have a way to let you know if you are the winner. If there is no way to contact you, I will choose another winner!

2- All winners must contact me within 2 days of sending you the winning Email.

3-If you are already a follower, please let me know when you comment the first time so you don't have to make 5 separate entries.

4-Please make separate entries for each thing you do...Twitter #1, #2, etc. it is much easier for me to track entries.

Giveaway goes from Today until 1/15 at 5PM PST. All winners will be announced and sent Emails before the end of 1/16.

Have Fun!

Giveaway -2011 Get The New Year Started!

Giveaway 2011

If you are a quilter or crafter like I am, you don't want to miss my first giveaway of the year. It is going to be off the charts with prizes for quilters, readers, crafter's, moms, etc.


Lets start with the first prize, a wonderful $15 gift certificate from Vicki over at Shasta Quilts.
Vicki's store is exclusively on-line, but she has lots of great fabrics and tons of fabrics on sale and now until tomorrow (Jan. 2nd) all fabrics are 10-40% off.

I got to know Vicki a little better thru her posted interview, she is a very sweet lady and you will enjoy her shop.

In order to win this $15 certificate, you must go to Shasta Quilts, look around the store and come back and tell me what you would purchase with your gift certificate. That will get you 1 entry into the giveaway.

However, if you purchase something from Vicki and come back and tell me what you purchased with a confirmation or order # you will receive an additional 10 entries. Of course you want to know how to earn more entries don't you?
- Twitter, Facebook or Blog about this contest with a link back to this giveway and you will earn 5 entries for each. If someone lets me know they came via your post, you get an additional 5 entries.

Shasta Quilts Interview with Vicki:

1- You live in El Monte, CA, how did you come up with the name Shasta quilts? - It is the name of the street I live on.

2- How long has Shasta Quilts been in business? - I opened in 2006.

3- Are you an on-line store only or do you have a store front as well? - Yes, we are an on-line store only. However, I dream

of having a store front.

4- Do you yourself quilt? While this may seem like an odd question, I have met several shop owners who love fabric and sewing, but they have never quilted! - I do quilt, I started quilting in 2005 however I have been sewing on and off since I

was 12. I do love fabric and I think it was my love of fabric that drew me into a quilt store one afternoon, She was cutting

fat quarters for a Christmas collection from Robyn Pandolph (can't even remember the name of the group) and I just decided

then and there I had to have it. I bought a fat quarter of each fabric along with other fabrics and patterns and I have been

hooked ever since.

5-Have you ever had one particular fabric that completely bombed and didn't sell? Yes, I do have a group that hasn't

moved very well. I think it is because it didn't scan very well. If I has a store front I think it would have sold well.

6- What do you do with left over fabric lines that don't sell? I markdown them and they usually move out eventually. I also

use these fabrics as give aways and charitable donations to quilt guilds and etc.

7-What is your busiest time of year for the shop? Spring thru fall seems to be the busiest time for me. Although actually

each month seems to be about the same.

8- Tell us more about yourself...

I was originally born in Kansas and them moved to California with my parents when I was 9. I am married and have a

daughter who is now 29 years old. We have a German Shepard/Akita mix and she is the best dog ever. I love to spend

time with my family and sisters and their families. I love to host all of the family and holiday parties. When I am not

quilting I love to read.

9-What is your favorite movie of all time? I think my favorite movie of all time would have to be "You've Got Mail"

10-Living is Southern California, if I or my readers were to visit, what one place should we visit (non-amusement park) that we simply shouldn't miss? Wow, this is a hard question for me, because I have never thought about it. I love the Aquarium

of the Pacific, or Dana Point or the Art show at Laguna Beach. Oh and let's not forget all of our wonderful museums.

Now, rush on over and visit Shasta Quilts and remember these giveaway rules:

1- I must have a way to contact you via Email, so if you aren't going to leave me your Email address you must disable your anonymous setting in your posting so I have a way to contact you. If I do not have a way to contact you, someone else will be chosen.
2-Contest runs from now until January 15th at 5PM PST and winners will be announced and notified by January 16th.
3-Follow me for 5 additional entries -or- let me know you are a follower
4- This prize is coming directly from Vicki, so I will send her the winning name and she will notify your directly.
5- Post here or on any post from today to the 15th and receive one entry.