Pumpkin Patch

 We had an opportunity to go to a pumpkin patch with Grandma Walker.

 We were on the lookout for the "perfect" pumpkin! Kimball started out good, but then had some issues later.

 They had an area that was filled with corn kerrnals....it was really cool and the boys had a lot of fun playing in it.

 They had some mazes made out of hay, they had some large bails that people climbed on top rather than finding their way through them.

 They also had a little animal area....the cages looked so small, I felt sorry for them.

 Cute little donkeys (they looked cute even though there were donkeys...I prefer horses)

 They also had a kangaroo. I don't think I have ever seen a kangaroo so close up!

 Kimball and Nathan were fascinated by him.

 Right before we left I was able to convince them to hold still for a few minutes so I could take their picture. (Okay I did give threats)

Ahh the perfect picture of my boys!!

(dis) Abilities and the Gospel

As many of you know who have read my blog for long, know that I have 3 little guys with Autism. I am not sure what is worse, when we first found out about the diagnosis or now, it just seems that the challenges change instead of get easier! But one thing that was VERY hard and still is, is taking your child to church!

My boys are so much better than they have been sitting for an hour at a time and not disrupting EVERYONE at church, to only a few on certain Sundays'. But its hard to leave them with their Primary (Sunday School) teachers when they don't know ANYTHING about your autism diagnosis and has never had any experience with children with Autism.

A friend of mine has written a book to help those caring for our loved ones a guide to help them better serve! Although some may not take their children to church or attend, but this book I found is not only aimed for church settings, but anyone who is put in charge of those with autism, whether it is a gathering of friends to a school teacher. So I encourage you all to find this book and check it out! 

Danyelle has a son with Autism and has also help found Friends of Giant Steps which coincides with Giant Steps Autism Preschool, which her son and all of mine have attended! I believe she knows her stuff!

Here is her blog:
Danyelle Ferguson Blog
And where to buy the book:
Where to buy

"Each day, parents and Church leaders struggle to teach individuals with special needs. Using real-life stories and a touch of humor, this inspiring book guides you to teach effectively, overcome communication barriers, and build strong relationships with people of all ages with disabilities. Discover each person’s ability to learn and grow as you help them feel like a valuable part of your life."

I Spy Halloween

 I was able to finish my I Spy Halloween quilt before Halloween! Yeah! It was one of my goals and am VERY happy that I was able to finish it!

 I did a very simple quilting style...Just simple lines....

 I love the scattered orange blocks....

 I also love the purple surround it.

Then at last....my Lazy Mon Binding!! I just did a zig-zag around the edges. My secret is out at last!!

Diamond Lattice

I would like to present another Moda Bake Shop quilt....Diamond Lattice!

 It is made with Terrain by Kate Spain and measures approximately 70"x 90".

 I don't know if you can tell by the picture, but I did straight lines on the white lattice lines and did a stipple stitch on the squares.

 

Here is the back of the quilt, Love the print! 

 Then I was able to make a second quilt with all of the scraps from the first quilt. I don't have a nice name for it, so I named it Diamond Extras.

 All I did for quilting this one was sew a 1/4" on all the seam lines. It has a NICE effect. I have always wanted to try it and really like it.

 I love how the white shines on the back, and love the back fabric.

I just love this colorful line! She did an amazing job! 

Head on over to the Moda Bake Shop to get the tutorial so you can make your own!

I want my Baby BACK!

 

I want my Baby BACK! I have been plagued with misfortune with my Juki. It seems to have a VERY persitant bobbin problem. I am not 100% sure what is causing it, I just know that within in the last year and a half it has been broken 3 different times!! 

Since money doesn't grow on trees here, I have had to wait MONTHS to get it fixed each time! I just want my Baby to be fixed and have her back with me! 

I finally have her with a guy who is good with machines, I explained him the problem (2 1/2 pages, front and back!) Her history, so hopefully he can get the root of the problem and fix her! 

My pile of quilting is rising rapidly as is many many deadlines! So I want to know if anyone has this Juki T98Q and their thoughts. I know Amanda Jean from CrazyMomQuilts has one and we have discussed hers, but I want to know if anyone else is plaqued with their Juki. 

In the meantime I will keep up my crochet projects that are causing very bad carpel tunnel in my left hand! 

Some current Crochet projects:

- Angry birds (I have made them all but for one, and am now combining my own pattern for each one, that I will in time share with EVERYONE for FREE)

- Dinosaurs

- Hats 

- Cowls

- Little boy slippers

- Little doll dresses

 - Tractor

- Horses

See how my carpel tunnel came? 

Also does anyone have a gender for their sewing machine or even a name?? I am tried to find a good name for my Juki....since I have finally decided that she is a girl!

Super Saturday

  In Relief Society we have activities called "Super Saturdays". These days are usually filled with tons and tons of crafts! I am sure you can have one that doesn't require crafts, but I haven't ever been to one!

 So we gathered our things and set up in our cultural hall (gym)

 We did blocks, that we then put matted scrapbook paper and then vinyl letters of your last name...

 Nathan stayed with me to help, and he took a quick snap shot of me....

 Then we did a christmas countdown...here are the number blocks.

 We also had a station to make some fabric totes....This is Jenny and she made and awesome bag!

She forgot her fabric, so I let her go with my scraps and this is what she made! She is so creative!

I can't wait until our next Super Saturday which will be in June....we have an awesome lady who puts them together!

Kimball's Dinosaur Quilt

 Here is Kimball's Dinosaur quilt. I had quite a few dinosaur squares left from Nathan's quilt, but they were too many that were the same, so I couldn't use them all. But decided if I could add some colored squares to them I could get a good sized quilt.

 My math is ALWAYS off, and for some reason I kept messing up my measurements!! I hate it when I do that! So when it came down too it, I thought it needed some more width, so I went to the store and grabbed some flannel dinosaur print that matched the dinosaur squares.

 The back of the quilt I was able to get a small patchwork on the back, and then was able to use other dinosaur prints and colored fabrics.

 Kimball LOVES the quilt! Which of course makes it a complete success!

 Nathan was pretty understanding about Kimball getting his dinosaur quilt before his, although he has been reminding me quite a bit to finish his.

I hope that this quilt will last Kimball a long time and that he can look back on it with fond memories.

My Baby's Birthday

Last month my little baby turned....

 FOUR!! I can't believe how old he is....

Now the timeline...

 Isn't he a cutie??

 For his birthday cake, I made him a cupcake dinosaur! He loved it! I liked it because it was easy to put together and I didn't have to cut the cake!

 He had fun opening presents and we had to constantly tell Nathan to back off, and just let Kimball open them. His favorite presents were his Thomas the Train pillow pet (he has slept with it every night!)

And then of course my dinosaur quilt that I was able to put together for him! I finished that day while he was at school and it was ready just in time for his birthday. 

Pictures of his quilt will come soon....