Today was a first for .........

Ethan.  He got his very first haircut.  No more curls or hair in his eyes.  He looks so 'grown-up'.  He didn't want his picture taken today so it was hurry up and snap a pic before he runs off.

Daddy holding him in one place

Grandpa trying to get him to look at me

I found that Bill had taken some pictures (3) when the kids started to open their presents.  Here are 2 of them.

Ethan asking grandma - 'Is that all there is?'

'Let's find some more presents to open before Tanner gets them'

I did do some sewing today.  On Christmas day, Sharla (daughter-in-law), asked me to make her some more towels for the kitchen.  The ones that she had my Mom had made for her back in the early 90s.  She brought some towels over and I cut up 3 of them to make 6 towels.  I used my Go! cutter to cut out the tumbler block.  I still need to put buttonholes on them and sew buttons on.  I still have 5 more towels to make 10 more kitchen towels.  Maybe next week I might get them done. 

Since the towel was a one-way design, when I cut it I had to put a binding on the cut part on the left side towel.

The towels on the right only had the one design.  I added a strip of fabric to the other one.

Last night I did some cutting and sewing for my Orca Bay Mystery quilt.  I needed 700 - triangles (small ones),  I cut 500 only 200 more to cut.  I have my strips ready to cut out 350 pairs of brown and white triangles for a different block.  I am starting getting confused.  Tomorrow another clue comes out.  I'm not ready!

If you have your sound on, I did change the Christmas music.  A little Dino and some country.

Peace and Quiet

It feels so good to RELAX.  After having the 2 little kids for 7 hours and the 2 bigger kids for 3 hours today it is so nice to hear - nothing.  I didn't realize that 4 kids (1 1/2, 6, 13, and 17 years old) could make so much commotion.  But they were all very good.  All were very happy with all the gifts that they received.  The ham dinner turned out okay.  Everyone seemed to enjoy it very much.  I will post some pictures when I get them.  I had my camera all ready to take pictures and then I forgot to take them. 

This picture of Tanner was taken yesterday afternoon.  He's taking his afternoon snooze.  The couch is not for people, it is for dogs only (that's what Tanner thinks).  That is his quilt that stays on the couch.

I hope all my family and friends enjoyed this day as much as I did.
Jean

Christmas time is a comin'

Christmas is getting here just to darn fast.  I've still got some more shopping to do for the 2 oldest granddaughters.  Bill and I shopped a little bit for them but didn't get all that we wanted.  Maybe within the next couple of days.  We couldn't go yesterday or today because we had 2 little sick monsters.  Their dad had final exams both days and couldn't miss them.  The granddaughter has strep throat and the little rug rat has a double ear infection.  Considering how sick they were, they were really good.  This picture doesn't look like they are sick.

Little brother loves big sister

Needless to say, I didn't get much sewing in. After they left today, I did get some red string blocks done for my step 4 of Bonnie Hunter's (Quiltville) Orca Bay Mystery Quilt.  I need 65 blocks that are cut in half to make triangles.  I got 10 done!!!!!!!!!!!!  I didn't even start on step 3.  Maybe when the holiday season slows down I'll get caught up.

Step 4 Red string blocks cut in half for triangles.

I did decorate - if you want to call it that - the tree and mantle.  I was looking for a simple look.  I think I got that - real simple.  I did make the tree skirt this past weekend.  I used a 9 degree wedge (which I borrowed from my friend) to cut 40 wedges, sewed them together, and lightly quilted it.  It will do.

My simple tree

My simple mantle.

I couldn't put anything in front of the fireplace because that is Tanner's sleeping area.  I did the best that my non decorating skills will allow.

Looks better showing the mantle and tree together.

I wish that I had been a good girl this year but I think Santa is only going to leave me some coal in my stocking.  Do you think if I'm good for the next 11 days I might get something under this tree???  We shall see!