Giveaway Winner!!!

Congratulations Barb Nessle for winning the $25 gift certificate from Family Christian Bookstore!! Please email me your name, address, etc. at tgnance@gmail.com where I can notify Kristen from Family Christian.

Thank you for participating in the giveaway.

Teresa

A Few More Days Left for the Giveaway!

I just want to remind everyone there are still a few more days left for the giveaway of a $25 gift certificate from Family Christian Bookstore in my previous post here. You have up to three chances to win, so give it a shot.

What have I been up to? Making Christmas gifts for my children is what! LOL After I finished quilting the Day and Night quilt for our DS and DIL's last year's Christmas gift, and preparing the backing for the disappearing nine patch quilt, I started working on Christmas gifts for this year. I believe I will start on them for next year at the beginning of the year. Hahaha!! We will see. I can't tell you what I'm working on exactly, because my daughter reads my blog, and I don't want her to know. :D 

In the previous paragraph, I mentioned the D9P quilt I am working on. I told you about it and posted a picture of the top in an earlier post. Well, I logged in to my Facebook page Saturday was a week ago, and her daughter's post was the first thing I saw. It was a picture of the four children with their mother (the lady the quilt is for) and her post stated that her mom had suddenly passed away the day before! Talking about shock! I was so upset and broken hearted!! I love that lady like a second mother and all of the kids are my friends. We would do anything for each other. Just because we had not communicated except on FB for years, doesn't mean we are not close. At the funeral home, it was just like time had not passed except we all are a little older. The mother and I were getting to know each other again and catching up with the lost years. She had not been sick either! The Lord said it was time, and just took her home. My heart hurts for the family. I know what they are going through. I have lost my mother, my step-mother and my MIL. It is a hurt that can not be healed except through Jesus. I just hate that I did not get her quilt finished in time for her to use it. But, I will get it quilted after Christmas and give it to one of the girls and let them enjoy it. She would have wanted that. Sometimes FB can be a hassle and can cause problems for some, it has been great for me since I have found many of my childhood friends and we communicate again and learn about each other's children, grandchildren, deaths in the family, and so on. It has been a blessing for me. I have made many new friends whom I will never meet on this earth. 

DH and I have also found us a church home. We actually joined a few weeks ago, and love it! The pastor and the church family are great and so welcoming to us and anyone else who comes. I am grateful that God has put them in our lives. We have searched for a long time to find just the right place that we both enjoy going to, and get fed the Word of God, but this church is it. So, I've joined the choir which means I have practice on Sunday afternoons. I try my best to attend Sunday morning, practice and Sunday evening. Plus I go on Wednesday night. I am so hungry and have missed attending church that I crave being there and being around God's people. That takes up some of my formerly free time, therefore, I haven't posted much.

I haven't had a lot to talk about either. Not a lot goes on with DH and me. We don't work anymore, so we stay at home a lot. I have also been going to physical therapy for my hips for several weeks. It has helped, but tonight they are hurting me. I sure hope that when therapy is over it doesn't just start all over again. I really need to exercise more and keep it up. Maybe that would help. Who know? 

Well, I guess I have said enough for now. I pray all is well with everyone. I have also been so busy that I haven't been reading a lot of other blogs and commenting either. Please forgive me. I will get back to it soon. Have a blessed week of Thanksgiving, and enjoy your family time. 

In Christ,  

"At Home for Christmas" CD and a Giveaway!!!

I received a sample of this CD free from Family Christian Bookstore for my honest opinion in this review.
http://www.familychristian.com/


Silent Night, Holy Night, All is come, all is bright. . . . This is one of my favorite Christmas carols and is one of several on this CD called "At Home for Christmas." The songs are played the the Starlite Orchestra and contains two CDs. White Christmas, O Little Town of Bethlehem join Silent Night on Disc 1 of this CD package. On Disc 2 there is The Twelve Days of Christmas, Little Drummer Boy, another favorite of mine, and Rudolph the Red- Nosed Reindeer.  There are a total of 25 beautiful renditions of the best Christmas music ever to be recorded in my opinion.

The Starlite Orchestra does a fantastic job. It is instrumental music, and I have enjoyed it immensely. Even though it is just getting to the Christmas season, I still love listening to good Christmas music that makes me get into the spirit of the season especially when it is excellently performed.

From the back of the CD, and I quote, "Nothing says "welcome" like a merry medley under the mistletoe!" Come home for Christmas when you listen to the beautiful sound of the Starlite Orchestra playing White Christmas  and many others.

I also have a giveaway that will be open for two weeks. It will be for a $25 gift certificate from Family Christian bookstore. What a great time to be able to purchase Christmas presents for your family!

Entry-Form


Thank you all for stopping by! Have a blessed weekend. Share my giveaway with your friends, too!

Teresa

Congratulations!

Congratulations to Carolyn W. for winning the book giveaway. Everyone stay tuned there will be another giveaway from Family Christian Bookstore coming up soon!.

It is Finished!!! I Am So Excited!!!!

Hi y'all! I am popping in to do a new post for a change. LOL I hope you all have signed up for my giveaway of the book from Family Christian Bookstore called Wellness for the Glory of God. It ends tomorrow, so make sure you have gotten all of your chances to win. I will email the winner on Saturday once the giveaway is over. I also will have another review and giveaway coming up soon, so keep a watch!

What I am so excited about is the Day and Night quilt that I have been working on for over a year and was supposed to be a Christmas 2013 gift for our DS and DIL was taken out of the dryer just a few minutes ago. You just don't know how happy this woman is. I am so ready to be over this quilt. It just about kicked my booty. It is king sized, so since I don't have a quilting machine, and I don't have a large table to place it on when quilting it, it was a struggle. I finished it, so I am doing my happy dance all over the house. :D

Here it is: be kind, it isn't perfect by no means.

I also made my first Phoebe purse this past week. Here is a picture of it. I just used interfacing on this one, but I plan to make more and use fusible fleece/batting to give it more structure. I also want to make it a little larger than this one. I just used fabric I had in my stash to make it. The brown/teal floral is duck canvas fabric from Hobby Lobby. I've had it awhile.

Other than having physical therapy on my hips this week and next, I've not been feeling great. I feel better today, so I am getting much more done. Continue to keep me in your prayers.  

Have a blessed day!!

Teresa

Jeremiah 29:11

Wellness to the Glory of God Book Review and Giveaway

***I received this book from Family Christian Bookstore at no cost to me for my honest review.

Wellness for the Glory of God : Living Well After 40 With Joy and Contentment in all of Life was written by John Dunlop, MD. This book is such an inspirational read, that I tended to dwell on different sections, so it has taken me a little time to get through it. But, I want to encourage you to read this very well written book, because it helps us to learn how to depend upon God and His guidance in all the areas of our lives.

Dr. Dunlop discusses what wellness really means: “wellness is the blessed state of experiencing all spheres of life functioning in harmony with God's ordained purpose.” Then he breaks down the term “wellness” into different areas of our life and how God intends for us to be well. He breaks it down into 1. physical wellness 2. mental wellness 3. social wellness 4. financial wellness 5. spiritual wellness and last 6. emotional wellness. In this book, Dunlop, who is a geriatrician (one who treats older adults), shares with us stories of different patients who are going through the various steps of wellness he discusses. He uses them as examples to help his readers better understand each concept.

One thing I really liked about this book, is he uses scriptures to back up his discussion. He also includes at the end a list of the scriptures he used and what page they are on. The use of scriptures made this book more meaningful to me, because I depend on the Word to help me grow as a Christian.

As one who is over forty, this book shows me the steps I need to take to stay well in all areas of my life. He shows examples of his patients, scriptural examples to back up what he talks about and his knowledge of each area as a physician. When one thinks of being well, he or she may only consider physical wellness. I know I tend to do that myself. But, being well means so much more and covers so many more areas of our lives. How well are you? Do you know what wellness in the areas I listed above means? If not, you need to get this book from Family Christian Bookstore and read it.

I am sponsoring a giveaway for this book!! Make sure you comment here and go through the requirements in the Giveaway Tools section and maybe you will win a copy! Thank you for stopping to read my review of this greatly informative book.  You can find this book at Family Christian Bookstore online at http://www.familychristian.com/catalog/product/view/id/273669/

Teresa

Family Christian Bookstore Blogger

#FCBlogger

Entry-Form

Magnolia Market Review by Judy Christie

.

Photo from BookLook Bloggers.com

It has been a year since her life changed dramatically. A year since her husband suddenly died. She thought her situation was about to improve when the final steps were taken in her purchase of the classy boutique where she worked. A place she had brought back from ruin. A business that she had put her heart and soul into and loved. But, events happened suddenly that changed Avery Broussard's life forever.  

She is expecting someone else when this tall, dark, and handsome man walks in and immediately grabs her attention. She is unaware of why he is there or who he is until he says he is there to do repairs on the shop. She has no clue what is going on, but wants him gone before the guest she is expecting arrives. This mystery man becomes more and more important in Avery's life as it turns upside down when her mother-in-law, Evangeline arrives and tells her that she is selling the store to someone else. Avery is devastated when she discovers all that the almighty Broussards have planned for her. 

After accidentally running into a store building with her SUV called, Magnolia Market, she discovers exactly how much her life can change in a heartbeat even more than it already has. This event along with learning she has lost the boutique opens doors for Avery that she never dreamed were there. She is given new hope and challenges that enables her to create a new life. Avery's faith is tested and tried, but God prevails in what He wants for her. Her only family consists of her father who is a missionary and lets her know he is praying for her daily. That conversation leads Avery to open her Bible to Jeremiah 29:11. Two words stand out to her hope and future. These two words helps Avery survive during the next adventures she faces. Such an inspiring message!

Read this book to find out what all happens to Avery, and how God brings about blessings from trials and struggles, and how Avery discovers the plans God has to bring hope and a future for her. Avery shows what determination and hard work can bring into her life. She and T.J. work together to build a new futures. There are laughs, hard times, struggles of all kinds in this story. Neither of the main characters find themselves where they ever thought they would be at this time in their lives. 

Experience a great storyline creative writing, and interesting characters. Each character develops the story line and supports the main characters well. I really enjoyed this book and it was an inspiring story to me. I believe it will encourage any reader by showing that just because life has its struggles and hardships, that if we lean on God, He will make a way to bring happiness and new life.

Magnolia Market by Judy Christie is a book I received from BookLook Bloggers to review for them. I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I was hooked at the beginning! If you love romantic stories, family feuds, business adventures, helping others, etc., you will like this book. This book contains all of the above and more. I really enjoyed reading this book and look forward to reading more by Judy Christie.

I was sent this book free to review for BookLook Bloggers. I received no other compensation for review. This review shares my thought and opinions of the book.

Disappearing Nine Patch Quilt Update

Here is the update on the disappearing nine patch quilt I've been working on. The top is now a flimsy (finished), but I've got to make the backing and then quilt it. I'm working on getting the Day and Night quilt quilted more. I'm afraid it is going to take me awhile to get it done. I'm getting a little discouraged at this point. Sort of wishing I had started the quilted differently, but I've done too much to do something different now. Oh well. LOL I took the top to show the person for whom I'm making the quilt and she liked it! She loves frogs, so as you can see, I have two embroidered on the top. I will put an appliqued frog on the back of the quilt. She collects frogs and these two types she does not have. I hope it turns out as well as I have in mind it will. Keep a look out for the final results on this one and the Day and Night one. I believe that I will stop making large quilts for awhile unless if someone wants me to make them one, they are willing to pay enough for me to send it out to be quilted by someone else. It is just too much for me to do now. I believe I will stick to lap sized and baby quilts for awhile. I want to make me a Christmas quilt. I've had fabric for almost a year and haven't touched it. One day!

Have a blessed day, my friends. I'm sorry I haven't been blogging much lately. It is just one thing I've put aside for a little bit. I will be writing the review of an awesome book I read from BookLook Bloggers today or tomorrow. It is a really good read!

Hugs,
Teresa

Rush Hour Blog Hop

Check out the new blog hop coming on Tuesday, Sept. 23, 2014. Just Let Me Quilt is the cheerleader for the hop.

Studio E has some really amazing fabric called Rush Hour that got a lot of us so excited.

These are just a few of the fabrics in the line...

Red, White, and Black will be stopping traffic!

These bloggers are rushing around right now to get ready to show off what they've made.

Tuesday, September 23

Just Let Me Quilt

I piece 2-Mary

Marjorie’s Busy Corner

Quilt in a not-Shell

The Slow Quilter

The Blended Blog

Quilting Bias

Wednesday, September 24

Stitchin’ By The Lake

Buzzing and Bumbling

Lixie Makes It

Everyone Deserves a Quilt

Living With Purpose

Madly Mid Mod

Coral Canyon Quilting

Thursday, September 25

Sew Incredibly Crazy

Kwilty Pleasures

Selina Quilts

A Stitch in Time

It Seams To Be Sew

Pig Tales and Quilts

Lakeshore Stiches

Tea Time Creations

Friday, September 26

The Quilting Queen Online

Quilting Quietly

Vicky Myers Creations

Grammie Q’s

From This to That

Quilted Delights

Coeur d’Alene

Sew at Home Mummy

Monday, September 29

Grandmama’s Stories

Kris Loves Fabric

Jane’s Quilting

Life, Quilts, and Cats, too

Thimblemouse and Spouse

Creatin’ in the sticks

Bquiltin Studio

Tuesday, September 30

Lily Patch

MooseStash Quilting

Words & Stitches

Karma Willow Designs

Kwilt Krazy

How arT you?

Sew We Quilt

Never Ever Give Up Book Review

Never Ever Give Up: The Inspiring Story of Jessie and Her JoyJars

by: Erik Rees with Jenna Glatzer

Never Ever Give Up tells the true story of a little girl who is diagnosed with a brain tumor. The doctors do not give her parents much hope, due to the location and type of tumor she has. They are devastated, but the family decides to do everything in their power to get Jessie help. This book shares the ups and downs, heartaches, the happy times all while doing everything possible to save Jessie. Instead of giving up and wallowing in their sorrow, the family, especially Jessie, decides to do what they can to encourage other children with cancer. This is where the JoyJars enter the story.

The book also gives details of Jessie's treatments, how she handles the effects, the emotions of the father, Erik Rees, all the while trying to stay strong for Jessie. One finds out while reading how Jessie's siblings and other family members cope with her illness. The JoyJars become a mission for the family and helps them cope with Jessie's diagnosis while helping others.

Erik Rees did an excellent job of keeping the reader's attention and wanting to find out what happens with Jessie. The family's faith is strong and even though it is tested, God gives them the strength they need. This is shown throughout the story. The author shares this story from his heart and guides the reader from one event to the next.

I really liked this book. I have a passion for children with cancer, so I was drawn to this book. I would recommend this book to anyone. It is an easy read, but one that keeps the reader interested. Please, get this book and discover how God helps a family deal with the worst time they could imagine.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookLook Bloggers <http://booklookbloggers.com> book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 <http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/16cfr255_03.html> : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

New Book Review on the Way!!

I am presently reading a new book that I received from BookLook and will be posting a review for the book soon. Make sure you keep a lookout for it! It is a great book and one you will want to read for yourselves. So stay tuned!

Also, I posted a link to Family Christian bookstore Labor Day sale on the right sidebar of my blog. Make sure you check it out. Christmas will be here before we know it, so you might want to start getting gifts while they are on sale!

On the sewing/quilting front, I started the disappearing nine patch quilt on Monday and have made great strides in my opinion. I think this will be a gorgeous quilt! I sure hope it is as pretty as I think it is going to be.  Here is a peek of one of the nine patch blocks.
Isn't the fabric lovely!!!

I pray you all have a blessed day!

Be creative and a blessing to someone else.

Teresa

What Is Going On At My House?

This is what has been going on at my house! LOL I've been working on quilting this king size Day and Night quilt for our DS and DDIL which was their present for Christmas last year, so I guess they will get it this year for Christmas. Hahaha!! I had a follower ask what I meant about my Acufil program on my sewing machine, so I told her that I would post a few pictures where she can see what I'm doing. I sure hope this quilt will look good when I'm finished doing it like this.

The lower picture shows what I did yesterday. I have a commission quilt to make, so I cut the fabric out yesterday. It will be a disappearing nine patch quilt for an elderly lady who I have known my whole life almost. Her daughter and I went to elementary and high school together and were BFFs before there were BFFs. LOL We haven't seen each other in several years, but are in contact on Facebook, etc. She was the one who notified me that her mom wants me to make her a quilt. She is also on FB, and sees my quilts on there, so she wants me to make her one. I said sure! She loves blue and red, so this fabric is what I purchased. The two blues on the left will be the borders. The red will be the center squares, and the blues on the right and the white on white in the center are the side and main focus squares. I sure hope it turns out as pretty as I think it will. I will keep you updated.

I hope everyone is doing well and being creative. DH and I are attending a new church this morning where his cousins attend. I've been once, and I liked it, so we are going together this morning to see what he thinks. We are trying to find us a church home, so here we go!

Have a blessed Sunday and spend time with your family and with Lord.

Hugs,
Teresa

Disney Princess Baby Quilt is Finished!

Good morning friends and family! How are you all doing this beautiful morning? It is stormy here at my home, or at least a storm is getting close. LOL We are up early and feeling blessed.

God is so good to me and my family. We are blessed in so many ways, and I am so thankful for what He is doing in my life. He is showing me ways that I can be more of a witness for Him through my blog, and social media. I am not ashamed to say that He is in my heart, and I am His. God sent His only Son to die on the cross for me, yes, little ol' me. I am not worthy of His love, but I don't have to be worthy, and neither do you.

If you will notice, my blog is slowly changing its format from just my quilting, handbags, and other projects to a mixture of that plus book and music reviews. I am doing reviews for Family Christian Bookstore and just became a member of BookLook Bloggers. You will see both badges on my sidebar. I love to read. Always have loved to read. I don't read as much as I did before I started quilting, but I still get in some reading everyday. I thought, why not use my love of reading to review Christian books, Bibles, children's books, music, devotionals and Bible study books? So, I signed up for Family Christian Bloggers on Facebook. Then, a comment on my last post sent me to the lady's blog where I saw that she reviews for BookLook. I looked them up and found that I could do it, too! I have sent for my first book, so be on the lookout for another book review soon. 

I started working on the king sized quilt yesterday. This is going to take awhile, I am afraid. That thing is so heavy!!! I am using some of my Acufil quilt program designs to quilt in each section of the 12 in. blocks. Plus I am stitching in the ditch around each square. This is not necessarily how I wanted to quilt it, but that is what is working for now. I stitched three blocks and around the six blocks in the middle row yesterday. I will stitch designs in the other three blocks when it isn't storming. I will have to work on more than one project at a time during this quilting project. I can't work on it longer than an hour or so at a time. I have another quilt I will be cutting out after pressing the fabric, so that will take care of the need for another project. I can tell you now, I will not be quilting another king sized quilt. I will make the top, but I will send it to be quilted by someone else. This girl's machine isn't large enough to handle many king sized quilts. LOL 

Here is my latest finish. I was asked to make a Disney Princess quilt for a new grand-baby on the way. I found this panel, and I fell in love! I see some things I will do differently next time, but I think it turned out pretty cute. I had planned on delivering it yesterday, but a storm blew in about the time I was ready to leave. I plan to deliver it today, so I'm hoping it isn't storming when I need to leave. 

I hope the baby enjoys it and the grand-mother who ordered it loves it, too. It has a pretty pink backing with a label the same color as the binding (purple). The embroidery on the label has pink thread. 

I will go for now. Stay tuned and hopefully, I will be blogging more in the future than I have in the past. May God bless you and your family.

Hugs,

Teresa

Gold City Quartet's New Album is Coming!!!

I was raised on Southern Gospel music. I sang with my parents, and we traveled to churches all over to listen to other groups. Southern Gospel music brings God's Word to me in a way nothing else does, and holds such a special place in my heart and life. I want to tell you about one of my all time favorite groups, and their new album soon to be released.

Gold City Quartet originated not far up the road from where I grew up and live today. I have loved their music for many, many years. One of my favorites has been Midnight Cry. It gives me goosebumps every time I hear it. Of course, I have to sing along. When I was given the opportunity through Family Christian Bookstore to review their upcoming new release,  Gold City "Hymn Revival," I jumped at the chance. It's release date is August 19, 2014, and you can purchase it by clicking on the link above and below. This morning as I was working on a quilt, I listened to it for the first time, and boy did I get a blessing! I love the old hymns I sang in church, and there are several on the new album. Songs such as, Power in the Blood, Victory in Jesus, and Farther Along.

Pre-buy Gold City Hymn Revival

According to their press release, this is the first hymn album the group has produced since 1999. Among the songs I listed above, the press release also states, 

"The new project includes such inspirational classics as “In Christ Alone” and “The Power of the Cross” in addition to such traditional hymns as “Great is Thy Faithfulness” and “I Need Thee Every Hour.”

I really enjoy this CD, and I believe you will, too. Listening to this music brings back precious memories for me from my childhood. Please head over to Family Christian Bookstore or go online to their website and preorder the new album. You won't be disappointed.

Teresa

** I received this CD compliments of Family Christian Bookstore for this review. I believe in this product, and this company, and the opinions in this post are all mine. I only review products that are in good taste and make an impact on me or my family.

Be On the Lookout!!!

Be on the lookout!!! What this blog by August 19, 2014. I will be posting a review for Family Christian Bookstore of a CD of one of my all time favorite groups that is coming out soon. Ever so often, they give us an opportunity for a giveaway, so make sure you keep checking in.

On the quilting front, I have been working on a baby quilt for a customer, but my free motion/darning foot started squeaking really bad. Even over the TV, my husband could hear it. My pedal hasn't worked right since I received the newest 11000 SE from Janome, so I took both parts in. The dealer swapped my foot, but it wasn't the right one. So, I've been stopped on that until today. I took it back and got the right one yesterday. On the pedal, she is getting me a new one from the company. Not sure when that will get here. But, I have a button to press where it sews, so, I am not in a need at the moment. I'm still trying to decide the best route to use on the Day and Night quilt. I have it pinned, but haven't started quilting it, yet. I'm thinking of using my Acufil program on my Janome and use a quilting design in each of the small sections of the blocks. That may be the easiest way. I may try one block and see how that goes. If I don't like it, then I can take it out and and start over. What do you think?

I have been hired by the mother of a lifetime friend of mine to make her a quilt. She wants it large enough to cover any bed in her house, so I am making it between a full and queen. Closer to a queen, I believe. I am excited. I struggle at times picking out just the right fabric combinations, but I think I have it figured out. She loves blue most of all, but loves red, too. I have decided to make a disappearing nine patch for her using mostly blue, but with that pop of red as the center block that gets cut into four squares. I will have two shades of blue for the borders, also. The light blocks will mostly be a ivory tone on tone I bought and a variety of blue blocks for the darker ones. Keep fingers crossed. I will share as I get started.

I hope all is well with each of you. I went to my RA doctor appointment last week. I knew it wasn't going to be a good report. After being off my RA medicine for a month dealing with the mouth infection in May, my RA has gotten worse than ever in my opinion. My wrists, hands and feet are suffering. I am now on Prednisone for a month or so, and he upped my RA meds. Ugh!!! If it isn't one thing it is another!! I also received two injections in my left hip for bursitis. I will get better. It just takes time with this mess. I am thankful that I am not worse than I am. Some people are in so much worse shape than me. 

Have you taken a Craftsy class before? I love Craftsy! I am taking a class by Jacquie Gering called Creative Quilting with Your Walking Foot. I am enjoying it even though I don't watch it as often as I should. I want to take some on free motion quilting, and others that I have seen on here. I will as the money becomes available. If you haven't looked at Craftsy, or taken a class and have the opportunity to, then check it out! It isn't just about quilting. They have sewing classes, cake decorating classes, embroidery, and many more.

I want to share a picture with you that I took in Gadsden, AL at the children's museum where they play a variety of adult style-kid size activities. I saw this frog hanging from the ceiling and loved it! Do you quilters see what I see that he is riding on?  

I pray you all will have a blessed day. May the Lord supply your needs and touch your bodies if you need a touch.

Teresa

Family Christian Bookstore

I would like to tell you that I am now a review blogger for Family Christian Bookstore. I am considering starting a new blog for reviews. What do you think? Many of the reviews I will do will be put on their page as a review of a book I read that they send me. Others may need to be on my blog. What would I name such a blog? Any ideas? I am open to suggestions. 

They are looking for some more bloggers, so they are asking us to share this link with you: http://on.fb.me/1tvDKeT If you are interested, please let Kristen know that I sent you. If you are interested in review books for children, teens or adults; fiction and non-fiction; and any other items they desire to be reviewed, please go to the link above and sign up. Let me know if you get accepted to review products for them. I would love to know who jumps in. 

So, what do you think of me starting a blog just for reviews to go along with this blog? Let me know what you think and give me suggestions for names, too. I just may send someone a surprise if I choose his/her name.

On the quilting front, I pinned the princess quilt I'm making for a client. I also have 2/3 of the Day and Night quilt I'm making for our son and DIL pinned. I was going to finish it today, but....... It will get done. 

I have also been hired to quilt a top for a FB friend of mine when we can get together to swap the items from her to me. 

I am also getting back on my Wheat Belly way of eating. My goal is to get completely off anything with wheat in it. I have been suffering too much since I fell off the wagon. Keep me in your prayers as I do this. 

My great-niece was born on Wednesday, July 30th. She is gorgeous! I will be happy when I can hold her and give her some kisses and loving. I have also been sharing the story of a precious baby girl of two of my former students. Lakyn was born last week with some major heart problems. She had her first surgery yesterday, and did very well. Please keep her and her parents in your prayers. They are both school teachers, and school is starting very soon. I am not sure what they will do about this time in their lives and getting to work, but God is in control and will take care of everything. 

Thanks for stopping by! Let me know you did

New Adventures!

Hello!!! I hope and pray all is well with my awesome followers! I am sorry that I have not been as diligent as I should be with keeping this up, but here I am!!! It is a new day and a new start! So, lets get started with my updates.

I have been pretty busy the past couple of weeks. First we had awesome family time as my last post noted with our DD and DGS visiting us. We really enjoyed their visit, but as usual it takes me a few days to get over being so tired. I do more while they visit than normal, LOL, and so I have to recuperate. Of course, their visit involves playing the Wii with the DGS and that is something I need to do myself more often. I cook more when they are here, too. Even though my DD, who is a great cook and loves to do so, helps out, it still tires me out. We picked apples the first full day they were here and over that week, I cooked four apple crisps. I used almond flour instead of wheat flour and Splenda instead of sugar. They turned out tasty! That DGS loved them! We went to Gadsden Imagination Children's Museum. I really didn't see how it was a museum, it was more of a place for kids to play with different scenarios. What I did see that was cool is show in a couple of pictures below. They had a working model train of Gadsden in the 1930's. It was really neat to watch and look like. My husband and I recognized several locations. I lived in the area for a year and he lived there as a child and his grandparents lived there for years. He still has family who live in the area. We had several other plans, but didn't get to do them. It rained a good bit while they were here, so I didn't get to take him fishing or swimming. :(  I took a few snap shots of them while they were here. Love these peeps! LOL

Above you will see a few projects I worked on for them while they were here. I made my daughter an Alabama rag quilt purse seen below, and she wanted a mug rug with the fabrics, too. So as you can see above, I made one. My DGS loves sharks and wants to do his bathroom in them, so I embroidered and appliqued on a towel, washcloth and hand towel his mom bought to put in his bathroom. I also made him a smaller mug rug with fabric that looks like water and put him a shark on it.

Our new great-niece will be here by tomorrow sometime. Yea!!! She is the one that I made the Sunbonnet Sue quilt for. I sure hope she likes it. My sister-in-law and BIL are taking it to them when they head up that way today after lunch. I know they are getting excited, but are not showing it as much as I would be. LOL I am praying that the niece has an easy delivery and she and the baby Ellia will be healthy. 

I am in process of cleaning up my sewing room. DH purchased me some larger translucent totes after I requested them where I could combine the little totes and ice cream buckets I have sitting everywhere into the larger totes, but still see what is in them. Hopefully, that will make it look neater in there. I sure hope so, because I WILL get the Day and Night quilt pinned and ready to quilt before this week is out. 

Hugs and best wishes to you all. May God bless each and everyone of you.

Family Time!!

Hello my friends! I hope and pray you are all doing well. I have been having a great time visiting with our daughter and playing with our grandson. They arrived on Thursday and are staying with us. We hope to get to go fishing while they are here and maybe do something educational for the grandson while they are here. The weather hasn't been cooperating for the fishing adventure, and we are all so tired from activities that we haven't done a lot. 

On Saturday, my niece and her son, my great-nephew came to see us and our daughter. Believe it or not, this is the first time my great-nephew and DGS have seen each other since DGS was six months old. He is now eight. LOL the GN is almost twelve, so it has been a few years. We had them for lunch, and the boys played together very well. It was so good to visit with my niece. We don't get to see each other as often as we would like. She works long hours and her hubby is a police officer/investigator. I am proud of both of them. Then that evening, my DS and DIL came for supper. I fried catfish, okra/squash combo, cooked apple crisp. (I had cooked two the day before) I was so exhausted when it was all said and done, that I couldn't move. It was a lot of fun and enjoyment to hear my children laughing aloud at videos on YouTube, and my DGS laughing with them. That has always been one of my most favorite sounds: the laughter of my children. God has blessed us so much!

Sunday, we had to run to Sam's, so we got to spend more time with our son. He left his car and drove his wife home from our house the night before. He needed to come back to our place to pick up his car. He traveled with us. Another enjoyable day, but tiring. 

My DH got me some larger tubs for organizing my sewing room, so I can combine the little ones and not have so much clutter. I did a little today by combining my Christmas fabric into one of the bigger ones. I haven't done any sewing since the kids are here. It will come later. They do want me to maybe embroider some sharks on some towels for the GS bathroom. Maybe that will get done. LOL

Today, my daughter who blogs at http://bobjenjack.blogspot.com added me to The Family Christian Blogger group on Facebook where I can do reviews for them. Yea!! I am so excited! I have been wanting to do reviews of books or products for someone, but haven't been given the opportunity. So.... maybe I will get the opportunity now. Who knows?

I will share a picture for you of a rag quilted purse I made for my daughter before she arrived. 

TWO FINISHES!!! Wahoo!!!

I finally have something I can show you all that I have completed!!! I finally finished a Christmas 2013 gift for our DD and SIL. It is the Carpenter's Star quilt whose designer is Debbie Maddy. It was an easy quilt to make, but not an easy quilting job for me on my domestic machine. But, I will be so happy to give it to her when she comes up for a visit in a few weeks. Better late than never, huh?

Below you will see the Sunbonnet Sue top that I did on my embroidery machine for a new great-niece due in August. I believe I actually liked the way it looked better before I quilted it. I just have not perfected my quilting, yet even after four years of making them. Maybe one day I will be much improved in my eyes. Next you see the finished top. I did echo quilting around the Sue's and then put butterflies on the top and bottom border. I now wish I had used a thicker batting, but it is all done, so oh well. I sure hope they like it. 

I also made a taggie blanket and burp cloth for a former student of mine and her new baby boy. She loved it and said he did, too. LOL I hope so. I have a few more burp cloths to make for the great-niece and started my daughter's rag quilt purse after finishing the baby quilt. It will be in another post when it is completed. I still have to pin and quilt the Day and Night quilt for our DS and DIL, and the pinning may happen today. Who knows. If not today, tomorrow?? I REALLY need to get it done.

I pray all is well with each of you. I hope to get better with keeping up my blog soon. Please be patient with me. Hugs to you all!
Teresa

I AM ALIVE! I think. LOL

Good morning my followers! I want to let you know that I am alive. I haven't been well, but I am here. God is good to me and has been with me through all the mouth mess I've been through. Given me "some" patience while Janome was getting me a machine back to me. Blessed my husband while he put up with me during this past two months. :D

As you know, I got a new Janome machine in March of this year. Hubby blessed me with this sewing/embroidery/quilting machine for past anniversary's and this years, too. We have been married 36 years. I just wanted an embroidery machine! LOL He had bigger thoughts when he heard about the Acufil quilting hoop and program that came on the machine. The reason I was waiting for a machine, it has a screen that goes up and down and puts the stitches more at eye level, but also gives more room under the harp. Mine did not work as it should and it took the dealer fixing it three times the first six weeks that I had the machine and the district manager checking it himself to decide to get me another machine. I thank my dealer, the district manager and Janome America for sending me a brand new machine that I love, love, love using! So, I got even more behind on my quilting projects and any other projects I have planned. But, I am really enjoying a machine that works as it should.

I have also been dealing with a bad tooth: bruised, infection:antibiotic, more infection:antibiotic, worse infection: more antibiotic.Tooth pulled: one more round of infection. Thankfully I believe it has all cleared up, and now I have to get my bottom partial fixed to replace that tooth where I can eat right! Hahahaha!!! I can laugh about it now. At least chuckle. But I have hurt worse with this with just about anything else ever! For a person who loves food and not able to eat; it is tough.

Now to show you some of what I have been doing since I'm better and have a great machine. I finally finished quilting the Carpenter's Star quilt and I'm in the binding process. One and a half sides left to do. Wahoo!!!!

Please do not take my pictures as your own. They are mine and my projects that I have done. Thank you in advance.