tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-78481195269903691732024-03-13T09:27:12.822-07:00Just d'AndyAndyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11247339910025710341noreply@blogger.comBlogger306125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7848119526990369173.post-14024494892526428382013-08-29T17:16:00.001-07:002013-08-29T17:18:14.468-07:00A Milestone to Mark...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Last September my parents celebrated their 40th wedding anniversary! This is truly a remarkable milestone in today's world. The fact that this couple has honoured each other's vows and treated each other in a way that has encouraged their relationship is truly worth noting. I find it so amazing that my parents continue to be role models for me in my adulthood. I just thought that once I was married I'd find my own way and not 'need' their example as much. Watching them go through life together, through the ups and downs and continue to treat each other with love and respect and to keep growing together, is an added blessing to my life.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I really wanted to do something special for them for their anniversary. They aren't really big 'party' people and I already pulled that on them for their 25th, so it needed to be something unique. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">While I don't claim to have 'arrived' in the world of quilting, it is a hobby I love. It's a hobby that allows me to turn a quilt into a labour of love. This quilt was TRULY a labour of love for my parents. I started in aaaaages ago. In fact there's a few blog posts way back to prove it! ( <a href="http://imjustdandy.blogspot.ca/2010/02/this-weeks-block.html">here</a>, <a href="http://imjustdandy.blogspot.ca/2010/01/here-is-church-here-is-steeple.html">here</a>, <a href="http://imjustdandy.blogspot.ca/2010/01/its-village-people.html">here</a>, and even <a href="http://imjustdandy.blogspot.ca/2010/01/very-cool-school.html">here</a>)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">But finally, FINALLY, it was completed. Not quite in time for their actual anniversary, but not too far behind. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">This quilt is a pattern by a local quilter by the name of <a href="http://cheryl-countryquilts.blogspot.ca/">Cheryl Wall. Cheryl</a> is a wonderful, gentle soul who designs quilts with such character. Thanks Cheryl! This particular quilt pattern is called 'Village Sampler'. I knew it would be something my parents would enjoy. To add my own mark on the quilt I incorporated nicknames, initials, birth dates, and anniversaries of my parents, Rob & I and the kiddos, and my brother, all over the quilt. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">This was the very, very, very first quilt I've ever had professionally quilted! (insert cheering and applause here) This is a BIG moment people! I bundled this quilt and another (I'll blog that one soon) up and headed out to my dear friend Rhonda of <a href="http://quilted-cats-hideaway.com/">Quilted Cats Hideaway</a>. I didn't know what to expect. I knew she'd have to custom quilt it, as there is a lot of different themes going on in the quilt. I had NO idea she'd put endless hours and love into going the extra mile to make this quilt truly unique! I couldn't believe my eyes when I saw the finished product. The amount of long arm quilting on this quilt is phenomenal. Thank you Rhonda! Rhonda did a special post on her blog with some wonderful close ups of her quilting on this quilt...check it out <a href="http://www.quiltnutcreations.com/2013/08/labour-of-love.html#comment-form">here</a>.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Happy Anniversary Dad & Mom. Know that every stitch was made with love for you both. I am truly blessed to be your daughter. Does anyone have a kleenex....?</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>Andyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11247339910025710341noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7848119526990369173.post-34391636849960638412013-07-03T14:35:00.001-07:002013-07-03T14:38:46.733-07:00Happy Canada Day Eh!<div style="text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Long time no blog. I thought I'd start current and work my way backwards (and forwards) if I can!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Summer is here and what better way than to kick it off with Canada Day.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">As per our usual, we met up with friends for the parade and then finished the day off with a BBQ and headed off to the fireworks.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This year I stood in front of my closet and wondered...'what do I have to wear that is red?' I had bought a Canada Day t-shirt only to get it home and realize it had a flaw. I took it back and didn't bother picking another one up. So...I stood there going through my closet and wondering..'what do I usually wear on Canada day?' Then the lightbulb went on! I ALWAYS wear my red Roots hoodie that proudly displays my country's name and maple leaf. Problem: for the first time in ages, it was unusually hot for July 1st! So hot, that a hoodie was out of the question! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">All of that to say that it was a HOT, SCORCHING Canada day! I felt bad for the marching band all decked out in their black marching uniforms and hats!!! On the other hand, I was thankful for the firefighters and their water supply that they shared with us!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Great Country...Great day...Great memories...As usual! </span></div>
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Andyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11247339910025710341noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7848119526990369173.post-31540274608933525942012-07-30T11:32:00.000-07:002012-07-30T11:32:50.475-07:00Till' The Cows Came Home...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">When we had our first child, Rob's Dad gifted her with her very own calf. Now, to a non farming family that may sound odd, but to this farming family it was an honour. When our second daughter was born she too was given a calf. This was an extra special gift since Dad passed away suddenly a few months after his second grandaughter was born. The girls have been able to raise their calves into full grown mamas and been able to see them start their own herd. Often we will ship the girls' calves in the fall and we tuck the money away into a special account for the girls. This year, we reserved one of their calves to give to our son so he can start his own herd. We know Opa would've done this if he had been here. These are his farm grandkids, continuing his legacy. Up until this year our cows have always lived over at the main farm, but this year we have brought them home! We are so excited to have our own herd here at our acreage. Rob spent some time getting all the fencing up and strong as I do NOT enjoy chasing cows all over the neighbourhood! So our cows are here and happy. They are growing nice and fat on the fresh green grass and any compost scraps I throw their way! The best part is seeing the kids run to the fields and call...'Come on, Come on, Come on!' and see their cows run up to greet them. Opa would be proud. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">A big shout out to 'Zomar'..our favourite cattle moving man!</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span></div>Andyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11247339910025710341noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7848119526990369173.post-3047083558880811062012-06-12T07:00:00.000-07:002012-06-12T09:30:50.839-07:00Getting there...<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"></span><br />
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I'm sure ya'll are getting tired of me posting swoon blocks, but hey, I luv em'! Remember <a href="http://imjustdandy.blogspot.ca/2012/01/tuesday-timeout.html">THIS</a> pile of scraps and squares...well I finally transformed them into these. I still have a bunch more to go and I'm not sure how I'm going to lay them all out and quilt them, but I'll figure it out when I get there. I'm not nearly done with these swoon blocks...I'm gonna keep trying till I get the perfect quilt!</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span></div>Andyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11247339910025710341noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7848119526990369173.post-69244674728133210842012-06-08T07:00:00.000-07:002012-06-08T07:00:07.081-07:00Custom Order...<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Although I've somehow wandered away from the 'primitive' type colours of quilting, (there's just too much fun new fabric out there!) I still get an order here and there for creations in the traditional colours. This was a custom order I completed awhile back but it never made it to my blog. This is a pattern by our local quilting sweetheart, <a href="http://cheryl-countryquilts.blogspot.ca/">Cheryl Wall.</a> I've made this pattern a few times now...although if I recall correctly, one time (years ago) I made a set of these for a relative and they all fell apart in the wash!!! I never did figure out what the heck happened, but I think we narrowed it down to faulty thread that time. Anyway...I'm happy to say that these came together, and stayed together, just fine! These are pieced and embroidered one stitch at a time! The embroidery states: 'Love makes a house a home'. How true.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">One of Cheryl's amazing books:</span><br />
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One piece at a time....</div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span>Andyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11247339910025710341noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7848119526990369173.post-44027032021611078192012-06-06T07:00:00.000-07:002012-06-06T07:00:04.153-07:00Mother's Day 2012<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">We had a special time celebrating Mom this Mother's Day. My mom is truly worth celebrating. We didn't do anything fancy, just a supper here at our place. My bro brought Mom a beautiful HUGE bouquet of flowers, and we gave her a huge moss hanging basket! She went home with a lot of flowers! My Mom is continually committed to her family. She prays for us, keeps in close touch with us, defends us, loves us, and always puts us before herself. She loves her children equally and finds joy in her relationship with all of us. She is truly a wonderful example to raise my family by. My Mom is one of my dearest friends. We laugh together, shop together, cook together, holiday together, coffee together, and the list goes on. My Mom is a phenomenal Grandmother. My kids love my Mom (and Dad too..but hey, this is a Mother's Day post!) The kids know that Grandma is always on their side. My mom makes a deliberate effort to make time us and for our kids and it shows in the way our children love her. So Mom, know that you are so loved, and that we treasure every moment with you! You are a beautiful woman. Really, Truly, Beautiful.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">We did a BBQ style meal. I made yummy ribs..they're a 'little' bit of work but SO worth it! We topped it all off with strawberry shortcake!</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span>Andyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11247339910025710341noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7848119526990369173.post-91274844132518302602012-05-31T07:00:00.000-07:002012-05-31T07:00:07.750-07:00An Evening to Remember...<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">A few weeks ago we had the privilege of taking some amazing people out for a night on the town. A year ago hubby had a terrible injury on the farm and nearly lost a few fingers. Through surgery, extensive physiotherapy, and much, much prayer, he not only kept all his fingers, but has regained a lot of use in them! When this injury happened we were at a very crucial time frame at the farm. We had barns that needed to be prepped and birds that needed to be moved. That time in our lives was traumatic and devastating, but we were so blessed by those people in our lives who truly love us and supported us in our time of need. We had more help than we knew what to do with both on and off the farm! You can read a little more about that <a href="http://imjustdandy.blogspot.ca/2011/04/blissfully-unaware.html">HERE</a>. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Well, it's hard to believe that over a year has passed, but we wanted to make sure these special people realized just how blessed we were/are by their love and sacrifice. It took us a long time to find a date that worked for everyone, but we did it! So, we booked a restaurant overlooking the Pacific Ocean and spent a wonderful evening with these folks. The sky was the limit for this dinner. The food was amazing, and the fellowship made for a memorable evening. Once we were done dinner we strolled along the boardwalk and pier. We are so blessed to call these people our friends. So, friends, if you're reading this, know that we will never forget your kindness. We will never forget who was really there for us when it came down to it. We will cherish our friendships with you. I thoroughly enjoyed my meal on this wonderful evening...after all, I worked my butt off both on and off the farm during that crazy time too!</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Here's a few snapshots of the evening...oh, and my must mention note: NO, I am NOT 7 months preggers in these pictures..this was obviously just a wardrobe malfunction! Sheesh..I really loved that blouse when I bought it, but I'm having second thoughts....</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span>Andyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11247339910025710341noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7848119526990369173.post-44482008253391408062012-05-11T07:00:00.000-07:002012-05-11T07:00:04.451-07:00Another Birdie Sling...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Lately life has been crazy. Like-Uber-Crazy. I'm not quite ready to put crazy into words yet, but it's an all consuming-wish-I-could-get-away-from-it-for-awhile crazy. I've neglected the blog a little, but 'family first' is the name of the game.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">It's been nice to continue on with sewing. Sewing and baking and my Bible are what are keeping me sane at the end of each day! </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I have always loved <a href="http://www.amybutlerdesign.com/main.php?fl=0">Amy Butler's</a> Birdie Sling pattern. It's a great pattern and a wonderful bag. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">So...here's my latest Birdie. I love the bright, summer-ish feel to it. Turquoise and Red are such great colours together. Pair this bag with some great flip flops and a pair of sunglasses and I'm ready to call it summer...now if only for a beach and a slushy drink...</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span>Andyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11247339910025710341noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7848119526990369173.post-52296581301908491802012-04-20T07:00:00.000-07:002012-04-20T07:00:02.229-07:00More Blogger's Blocks...<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><div>
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I recently posted <a href="http://imjustdandy.blogspot.ca/2012/03/tuesday-time-out.html">here</a> about a fun little bloggers block of the month I was following. It's a great project for using up scraps. I've completed a few more blocks since then and am anxiously awaiting the next block next week! Here's the latest...</span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span></div>Andyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11247339910025710341noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7848119526990369173.post-17415826867201012512012-04-15T07:00:00.000-07:002012-04-15T07:00:02.991-07:00Spring Break 2012<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Spring Break here got off to a baaaaad start! The weather was horrible! It poured for the first week and a half! We had planned a camping trip with some friends of ours and we were getting mighty nervous about camping in the weather, BUT, we ended up getting the BEST weather possible! The nights were chilly but the days were gorgeous! It reached a balmy 18* celcius for us. The kids even had a bit of a sunburn! We thoroughly enjoyed a break from the rain and the routine of life! We camped close to home in the beautiful Ft. Langley. We were only a quick drive from home, a Starbucks and a movie theatre (for a surprise we took all the kids to see The Lorax). We had a wonderful time relaxing, walking to town and visiting. Our trailer's an oldie, but we sure love it! We have made some wonderful memories with it!</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>Andyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11247339910025710341noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7848119526990369173.post-10534747511432419062012-04-13T07:00:00.001-07:002012-04-13T07:00:11.943-07:00Easter 2012<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We had a busy, but great, Easter Weekend. I worked like a mad dog on the Thursday before Good Friday to get my 2 days worth of work into one. Easter seems to be just as busy a season as Christmas is at the church! Thursday evening a bunch of the hubsters headed out to the auto show in Vancouver to</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><strike>drool over </strike></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">look at their dream vehicles. The girls came over and we baked</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="http://imjustdandy.blogspot.ca/2009/04/first-time-paska.html">Paska</a></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">together. Friday morning both of our brothers came out to join us for our traditional Good Friday breakfast and service at church. The guys always put on an amazing breakfast spread for our church and this year didn't disappoint! We enjoyed the service, and Rob and I had our first experience serving communion. It was a special time and we were humbled to serve and pray with our dear church family. Friday evening we headed to my parents place for a wonderful dinner made by Mom. The kids had a great time searching for eggs in the yard and their Grandparents and Uncle 'Pid' spoiled them rotten. We had such a special time as a family.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Saturday I made another batch of </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="http://imjustdandy.blogspot.ca/2009/04/first-time-paska.html">Paska</a></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> and we spent the day getting a few things done around the house. We enjoyed dinner at the home of our friends '</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="http://fiverachs.blogspot.ca/">The Rachs</a></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">' and had a great time catching up on life while watching our home boys, the Canucks, win the President's cup! (GO NUCKS GO!)</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Sunday I packed up the <a href="http://imjustdandy.blogspot.ca/2009/04/first-time-paska.html">paska</a> and headed to church for a lovely continental breakfast. We enjoyed a great church service. Monday was a gorgeous sunny day here and a few of my peeps planned a last minute get together. Just a few hours, a little window shopping and a lovely glass of wine on the sunny patio was enough to complete a busy but wonderful weekend! </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">What's with the Tim Horton's cups? Well, every time Timmy's has their 'roll up the rim' contest, my Dad (who just happens to love Timmy's) saves his cups for the kids until he's got a huge stack. Once he's ready, or the kids have bugged him enough, he lines them all up and lets the kids take turns rolling up rims! None of us can understand how he can save them. We all have to roll ours up right away! Dad's always been a patient and kind man...this is no exception. The kids had a hoot...</span></div>Andyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11247339910025710341noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7848119526990369173.post-26649277378662484122012-04-04T07:00:00.000-07:002012-04-04T08:07:41.126-07:00Going Retro...<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">There's something about these retro/reproduction 1930's fabrics that just draws me in every time I see them. I've been 'drooling' over them for over a year now and picked up the odd one, but I found this beautiful set of fabric over at <a href="http://www.baywindowquiltshop.com/">Bay Window Quilts Shop</a> and couldn't resist! These fabrics take me back to a simpler time, watching my Grandma bake pies in her kitchen and laying down under a quilt on her spare bed. I have no idea what I'm going to create with these goodies, but I'll keep ya posted! (Not the best picture, I know, but I snapped it with my phone:)</span>Andyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11247339910025710341noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7848119526990369173.post-16064672817753917652012-03-20T08:27:00.000-07:002012-03-20T08:27:08.292-07:00Obsession...<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">My little guy has been obsessed with tape lately. I should've bought shares in 3M apparently! Little Man is having a blast wrapping up everything in the house. He has used up most of my wrapping paper and when he ran out of that he started wrapping things up in blankets. yup. I consider it cheap entertainment for a 3 year old!</span><br />
<br />Andyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11247339910025710341noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7848119526990369173.post-52652098904752887542012-03-13T17:35:00.001-07:002012-03-13T17:36:56.758-07:00Tuesday Time Out<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Ahh..Spring Break is here and snow is in the air. Yup, snow. Ugh. Luckily the kiddos aren't too housebound yet. Kim and I decided that we weren't going to let a thing like kids being home stop us from getting our Tuesday Time Out on! Her kiddos had a craft day of their own at home and mine managed to keep themselves busy for a few hours. Kim and I had chatted last night and decided to tackle the <a href="http://www.diaryofaquilter.com/2012/02/star-quilt-block-tutorial.html">'Bloggers Block of the Month' tutorial</a>. There's a gazillion out there and some of them cost $$ but we found this one and had fun making a few blocks today. I'm working with the leftover scraps from American Jane's 'Punctuation' line that I used in my <a href="http://imjustdandy.blogspot.com/2011/03/tuesday-time-out.html">pinwheel quilt</a>..which, by the way, is still waiting for me to finish it. It's on my not-so-distant-finish-up list...honest! Anyway..here's a few pics of the blocks. Super easy, just time consuming. Fun project for a rainy/snowy/sunny/crazy, but typical weather day here on the west coast. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span>Andyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11247339910025710341noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7848119526990369173.post-70106766785917671732012-03-03T07:00:00.000-08:002012-03-03T07:00:09.605-08:00Love is Always worth celebrating...<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">While I am not a believer in all the marketing hype that surrounds our yearly celebrations, I am a believer in taking every opportunity to celebrate life! Valentines is always a wonderful reason for us to show extra special love to those around us. In keeping with tradition we made oodles of sugar cookies and delivered them all over, Daddy spoiled his kiddos with balloons and treats, and I was the lucky recipient of some gorgeous roses and a lovely, heartfelt card. For the first time in a loooong time, we went on a Valentine's date and had a really wonderful evening together. Love is always worth celebrating...Valentine's Day or not.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span>Andyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11247339910025710341noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7848119526990369173.post-47231087144785477882012-03-01T07:00:00.000-08:002012-03-01T07:00:04.103-08:00Just For Fun...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Last Saturday I decided to throw caution to the wind and have a sewing day! I know, I live on the edge, baby. Hubby had to work and I just didn't feel like doing the ever growing list of housework. I called my partner in crime ( aka <a href="http://www.mybrownbagstudio.com/">Kim</a>) and she enabled me. We sipped coffees and sewed the morning away! I pulled out a purse pattern from <a href="http://www.keykaloupatterns.com/">Keyka Lou</a> that I've been wanting to make. I'd picked up the fabric at Joanne's a few weeks back and was itching to try them out. They were super easy to make and I got them both DONE in the SAME day. (Applause please. This NEVER happens) I'm very happy with how they turned out!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span>Andyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11247339910025710341noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7848119526990369173.post-71555254734576357762012-02-23T07:50:00.000-08:002012-02-23T07:50:07.410-08:00Blissful Swoon...<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I have yet to grow tired of this lovely pattern, <a href="http://thimbleblossoms.bigcartel.com/product/swoon-pattern-142-pdf-pattern">Swoon</a>. I've seen some beautiful fabric combinations for this block. Here's my latest swoon done with some Bliss fabric that I had in my ever depleting stash. I have 3 more blocks all cut and ready to go. Now I just need the time...</span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I made a few swoon blocks last fall...you can see them <a href="http://imjustdandy.blogspot.com/2011/10/final-swoon-blockfor-now.html">here</a>, <a href="http://imjustdandy.blogspot.com/2011/10/swoon-3.html">here</a> and <a href="http://imjustdandy.blogspot.com/2011/10/swoon-2.html">here</a>!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Thanks for popping by today...have a great day!</span></div>Andyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11247339910025710341noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7848119526990369173.post-43972659870037951022012-02-15T07:00:00.000-08:002012-02-15T07:00:12.752-08:00Popular Placemats...<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I have made enough placemats in the past few months to set a table for the masses! I have enjoyed creating different colour combos in these and recently completed a custom order for these black, grey and white placemats with a matching runner. I think they have a fun, contemporary look to them. This order was for a set of six. If you're looking for the name and source of these patterns go <a href="http://imjustdandy.blogspot.com/2011/11/im-hooked.html">HERE</a> to read about it in a previous post!</span>Andyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11247339910025710341noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7848119526990369173.post-46467811289966668102012-02-13T07:00:00.000-08:002012-02-13T07:00:10.499-08:00A Special Gift...<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span><br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TJl8ceXgLUg/TzSyFFh5YqI/AAAAAAAACCo/sAZ9gjpEu-s/s1600/Nana+Harding4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="250" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TJl8ceXgLUg/TzSyFFh5YqI/AAAAAAAACCo/sAZ9gjpEu-s/s400/Nana+Harding4.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">If you read my previous post then you'll know that my Grandmother recently passed away. My mom and her siblings met at Grandma's apartment to sort through her things and pack them up. Each child was given a turn to pick something that was meaningful to them. My mom used her turn to pick Grandma's remaining China. Mom gifted me this China as a way I could remember my tea parties with my Gram. Although I don't remember drinking tea from this particular China, it is such a special gift to me. Thank you Mom. My girls and I will enjoy special tea parties with Nana's China! This particular China is made by Royal Albert, and the pattern is called 'Brigadoon'.</span>Andyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11247339910025710341noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7848119526990369173.post-43839205999736485192012-02-10T07:00:00.000-08:002012-02-10T07:00:09.459-08:00Goodbye Grams...<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Ack, I've been avoiding my blog. Knowing that I wanted to write about the loss of my dear, sweet Grandma, and yet not feeling adequate enough to put it into words. So, I'll keep it simple. This was a tough one for me. My last grandparent, and the grandparent I was the closest to. My mom's mother, Ethel, was a wonderful woman. I have such fond memories of growing up with her and Grandpa in the house next door to us. I remember those summer days where her screen door was open and I could smell her pies baking and hear her whistling as she worked. I remember her visiting with me while she hung her wash on the line. I remember having tea with her all the time. My Grandma always seemed to be happy. Always singing, whistling, dancing a jig. By far I will remember her most for her generosity. My Grandma gave, and gave again. She modeled to me what it is to truly serve someone. She was a wonderful 'Nana' to my children. My kids never left her home empty handed! Grandma would have been 90 in May....a long, and wonderful life. Grieving has been easier knowing that she is now singing, whistling and dancing a jig with her Saviour. Grandma's faith was rock-like. So solid. I will miss her dearly, but she has provided me with a lifetime of wonderful memories. Goodbye, for now, Grandma.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Here are a few pictures from Grandma's memorial service...</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Thank You to family and friends for the beautiful flowers!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Mom and Uncle Larry singing, Pastor Roger paying tribute, and cousin Anthony reading the many notes of love from family and friends...</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">A Special table full of Grandma's favourite things....</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">We'd like to thank all of our friends for their generous expressions of love and encouragement through phone calls, emails, texts, flowers, cards, food etc. We are very touched by your love!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span>Andyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11247339910025710341noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7848119526990369173.post-32982600756278428702012-01-18T08:34:00.000-08:002012-01-18T08:34:58.052-08:00Welcome Winter...<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">We got our snow day yesterday! We had some friends' kids staying with us and we had some more friends come on over and had one big snow day over here. The kids had a blast playing out in the snow. Olivia is my biggest snow girl. She loves to spend hours outside building snow forts and such. She reminds me of me at that age! Today there is an arctic outflow warning. There's whiteout conditions and temps are -24 with the windchill, but there's no more snow in the forecast. I am happy to look at the beauty of it all from my warm house while I'm in my warm pj's! The kids are off to school and Isaac and I have a few chores to cross off our list this morning. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span>Andyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11247339910025710341noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7848119526990369173.post-8147707804827132632012-01-16T09:10:00.000-08:002012-01-16T09:10:55.207-08:00Snow...<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I wanted to title my post as 'Snow Day', but technically it isn't! There's close to a foot of snow here now but the public schools are open! The kids are off to school and Isaac and I are enjoying the beauty out each window. We had a little snow on the weekend, and we're in for a bunch more this week by the sounds of it. There'll be many more snow pictures, but here's a few for now.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span>Andyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11247339910025710341noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7848119526990369173.post-52525120019628637122012-01-11T08:01:00.000-08:002012-01-11T08:01:04.151-08:00A Beautiful Way to Start Our Day...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><a href="http://www.mybrownbagstudio.com/">Kim</a> and I decided to have our regular Tuesday Timeout yesterday because today I'm fieldtrippin' with my Grade 1 girl! So I guess yesterday was more of a Make-it-Monday! I hummed and hawed about what to make yesterday. I have an order I still need to finish, but I rarely use Tuesday Timeouts for orders...they're more of a fun day! I dug out a bag full of cuts I had ordered online from the 'Bliss' line. I got the bag of fabric for uber-cheap but didn't know what to do with it. They're not the exact cuts I would've chosen from the line, but hey, beggars can't be choosers! I decided in the end to cut the fabric for more '<a href="http://www.fatquartershop.com/store/stores_app/Browse_Item_Details.asp?sid=5255176236525&Store_id=499&page_id=23&Item_ID=57040&Parent_Ids=">Swoon</a>' blocks. I've seen lots of beautiful swoon quilts made and although I liked the 4 blocks I previously made<a href="http://imjustdandy.blogspot.com/2011/10/swoon-2.html"> here</a>, I didn't think the fabric was the best for the project. So, I started cutting this bundle today and hope for different results this time! The cutting for these blocks is insane, but I got it done! Next week I hope to start sewing!</span><div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Here's a few pics....not much to look at...YET!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Cutting for 8 completed blocks, here's cut number 1:</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">And...cut number 2: (poor photo quality..didn't realize it at the time!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span></div>Andyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11247339910025710341noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7848119526990369173.post-64576033870928058002012-01-09T07:00:00.000-08:002012-01-09T07:00:10.108-08:00Annual Skate<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">No Christmas Season is complete without our annual Church Christmas skate! Isaac, in particular, had anticipated this event for months already. He was determined that HE was going to skate this year. I, on the other hand, had decided I might take a 'year off' from skating. You know, sit on the sidelines, drink Starbucks, visit with my fellow ladies in waiting....So, off we went with our plate of goodies and our winter wear. We got there, fought the crowds for skate rentals. Side rant --> No, we don't have our own skates. Yes, we live in Canada. Truth is, it hardly ever gets cold enough in our parts for our pond to freeze over long enough for skating so skates would be a wasted investment...especially for the kiddos who's feet grow every time I'm not looking! <--end of rant. Ok, where were we? Oh yes, in line to get our skate rentals and Isaac is adamant that he will NOT be skating. This was, of course, after we'd already paid. Sheesh, 3 year olds. Anyway, long story longer, I got skates simply based on my frugal nature. If they're paid for then SOMEBODY'S gonna wear them! What do you think happened? I was out there, doing my <strike>jumps and twirls</strike> best to stay upright and Rob skates up to me and says, 'Isaac wants to skate'. Of course he does. So....back for another skate rental purchase and alas the Hildebrandts were all skating. Fun night with peeps. I am thoroughly enjoying our church community. Seeing the kids grow up together, seeing the new generation of 'young marrieds' make connections as they start their little families, and feeling at peace with the gift of friendship of so many. We ended the evening with caroling and goodies, then off to home to put some very tired kiddos to bed. Ahhh...another memory made!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span>Andyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11247339910025710341noreply@blogger.com0