Did Someone say Snow??

We were very late getting any winter weather at all this year.  And now that Spring is just about to arrive, we got about 8 inches of "powder" a couple of nights ago.  I must admit as badly as I want Spring to be here, this is a beautiful sight.

 There is something so calming about snowfall.  It makes you feel as though you don't have a care in the world.  And for a few hours, it was nice to have a reprieve from the hustle and bustle of a busy day.

 Autumn's little car doesn't fair too well in the snow, so we left it parked for a few days.

 Slippery back steps!  I steered clear of these.  I'm pretty klutzy, so I can just imagine what it would have been if I had used these steps to get to work. 

So for a couple of days...all was white and wonderful.  So Amber from Alabama...if you're out there and want to still see some pictures of the snow......ENJOY!



 

Late Winter Snow Days

Well, it has taken all winter and I thought we might escape it but it has finally happened.  We got about 5 inches of snow today. 
The girls missed several days of school last week because of the bitter cold temperatures we had.  But this time it was all because of snow.  Good thing they have some snow days banked.  We won't have to lose any days from Spring break or go any extra days at the end of the year.  And there is always that dreaded Saturday school.

It was a beautiful snow and from what I hear, we are expecting more tomorrow night.  Might as well make the best of it. 
I could show you some really pretty pictures of the snow but let's face it...you've seen plenty of those I am sure.  People always posting pictures of themselves making snow angels and building snowmen.  Been there, seen it, done it. 

This is what we do with our spare time around the Adams' house on a snow day.  Brooke's cat Callie was quite intrigued by a box of Robin Eggs.  We had a great time watching her trying to figure out how to get a piece of candy out of this box.  I don't think she ever actually ate it. 

 

Of course, Russ and I worked today.  Snow days are good quilting days.  We can usually work undisturbed and get a lot done.
We are coming to the end of our Annual 20% sale so you still have until the end of this week to turn your quilt in and cash in on a 20% discount on any edge to edge quilting. 
For now we will just keep quilting and be thankful for family, a warm cozy home and all the blessings we enjoy. 
Think Spring
Rhonda :)

Catching Up!!! and a lot more to come !!!

 This is Russ' latest obsession.  He has spent every waking available minute working on this quilt.  He has used all of his Tula Pink scraps to build this beauty.  Brooke gets every Tula Pink quilt that Russ makes.  This pattern takes 13 pieces per block. That doesn't really sound all that challenging. 

 I probably forgot to mention that he had to make 120 blocks!  I hope Brooke appreciates the labor of love. 

 I know that she will...one day.  Right now she is only thinking about what she is going to watch on TV or what she is wearing to school the next day. 

 Russ has also started refurbishing furniture.  Something to do as a change of pace from the grind of quilting all day.  Don't misunderstand...we love to quilt...but it gives him something new to think about.  Just a few days ago he have me a bench for my living room that was made from a headboard and footboard.  I love it so much.  And this is the pillow that he made to match it.  But right now it is on loan to Bless My Stitches as a display.  This is a free pattern from Moda Bake Shop.  He used my favorite fabrics.

 This is a bench Russ and his friend John made for our friend Roxanne.  I love the classic black.

 He has been quite busy.  Russ made the quilt above.   He just drew it out on some graph paper.  I think it is a stunner.  It is made from Lilly Ashbury fabric.  We are going to be posting the free pattern in the near future if anyone would like to make it. 

 The girls are so grown up.  Brooke is 14 now.  A freshman in high school.  Full of life and energy. 

 And Autumn is 18!  A senior in high school.  Leaving for college in the fall.  She is planning to attend Young Harris College.  Ready to make her mark in the world. 
As always...our good friend Dana from Old Red Barn Co never fails to impress.  She always takes such beautiful photos of our girls. 

 They are sisters and best friends.

  The last picture is a remake of the exact same pose taken 7 years ago.  They really haven't change all that much.  Brooke still has that same devilish twinkle in her eye.  Beauties.

Rhonda

First and Last

There are many "firsts" and "lasts" in this life, some more pleasant than others.  And, often times, it is all in how you look at it as to whether they are pleasant experiences or not. 

Today we had a first and a last all rolled into one.  Today, Autumn, our oldest, had her LAST first day of school and Brooke, our youngest, had her FIRST day of high school.  And just like I have done for 12 years, I had them pose for a picture to document their first day of a new school year.  All pretty and pressed with new outfits on, brand new notebooks not worn and tattered from being thrown in the back of the car or on the floor in their bedrooms. 

Somewhere in the recesses of my mind, I knew the day would come when Autumn would be all grown up.  But, somehow, you are never prepared for it.  Now matter how hard you try, you just can't keep them little.  I can only take comfort in the fact that I still have Brooke for four more years and they sure have come up nicely!  Beautiful, bright young ladies. 

A very pleasant experience, indeed.

Rhonda

Fun with Georgia Stull

Since the last post we did have the long arm (Statler Stitcher) retreat.  Georgia Stull and her husband Ivan made their way through the mountains for their first trip to North Carolina to teach.

This was our first retreat so it was a time of trial and error.  I think things went pretty well.  We had about 12 people over the course of 3 days.  They were all very different.  Some were husband and wife teams like Russ and I and some were just casual quilters that quilt just for fun.  I think the greatest thing about it, with the exception of Georgia's excellent instruction, was the intimacy of setting.  We held the retreat at Bless My Stitches quilt shop and it was just the perfect size for our event.  Karen was a very hospitable host and we appreciate her so much for that.

Georgia gave some really fun and informative classes.  I think everyone walked away refreshed and ready to try some new tricks on their quilting machines.  It's good to learn something new or just to be reminded and refresh some things that you might already know.  And that is what this retreat was all about.
Here is a picture of our group.  This is the purple bug that represents the Row by Row Experience at Bless My Stitches.  It was a fun photo opportunity.

So glad we were able to do this retreat.  Next we will be having a retreat for hand guided quilters, like myself.  Looking forward to having another retreat sometime really soon.

Rhonda