Birthday Sewing

It has been another fun week of birthday celebrations in our family.  We had three birthdays on Tuesday alone!   Another one is tomorrow.  Of course that means I have an excuse for sewing - matching outfits.

We made a quick road trip over the weekend.  We were able to experience the tremendous heat that has been stalled over the West.  This was a photo of the start of the brush fire near Brian Head, Utah.  At the time it was 112*.  I cannot imagine those firefighters working in those conditions - even without the additional heat from the fire.

It was so nice to see such full lakes and streams throughout Utah and Wyoming.  It has been too many years without such sights. 

We arrived home on Monday just in time to bond a bit with this cutie in the emergency room for stitches.  (His mom and dad were out of town.)  The tape on his nose was from his wristband used to cover up his freckles that everyone thought were so cute!

Tuesday was jam day.  We have an annual tradition of making jam and bread during the summer months.  The girls have grown up from our first jamming adventures and now they do most of it themselves, but it's fabulous that they still want to keep up the tradition.

Tuesday night was a birthday party and we enjoyed watching the older children giving rides to the little ones.  I had a dear friend stay with us for a few days and she joined us for the party.  It was fun to have her meet so many of the grandchildren as she and I were neighbors when we were raising our own young families.  There were lots of memories to share.   

I am the Queen Bee this month in our Gridster Bee.  My block choice is the Confetti Star.  It has been such fun to have the blocks arrive in the mail.  What's not to love about colorful stars?  I think it will make a great quilt. 

Although my temperature quilt will be rather boring this month with our June Gloom weather pattern, I get to add another turtle to June 26th.  Our momma tortoise laid a second batch of eggs that day.  These won't hatch until the end of September - a late hatching.  The others should start hatching around the middle of August. 

I can't believe that we are ready to put June behind us already.  The summer will be gone before we know it at this rate.  I won't be posting again before the 4th of July as we will have houseguests and a big celebration.  I wish all of those in the U.S. a safe and wonderful Independence Day. 

Well Into August

Here we are well into August already.  The days are getting noticeably shorter and the grandchildren return to school on Monday.  It's hard to believe another summer is quickly coming to an end.

The summer chores continue.  I tried something new this year and am quite pleased with the results.  We have a couple of pinot noir grape vines growing over a structure and it is loaded with grapes this year.    What's a gal to do?  Make wine????  Nah...I'm not good at stomping and getting my toes purple.  How about jelly????  I can do that!!  It made the prettiest jelly - a rosy color and it tastes great.

In about a week we are going to have three little ones with us while their mommy and daddy buzz off to Hawaii for a little getaway.  I decided to make them a couple of soft fleece blankets to give them a little comfort.  They were easy and fast projects, but fun nonetheless.

During the wonderful Christmas Hop that was recently showcased I won a darling Christmas mini from Joan at Moose Stash Quilting blog.  I just love it and she did such an amazing job on it.  I know the little ones will get a thrill when they see it hanging during the holidays.  If you have ever wanted to see an amazing scrap quilt, you need to go visit her blog.  Trust me....it will blow you away and it is reversible!!!

I am officially all caught up on my Just Takes 2 blocks with these last two applique blocks.  The newest ones will keep me busy with MORE applique.  Oh dear!!  I think I have tried every type of applique known now and I am not sure it is getting much better.

I also finished my mini quilt for the ALQS7 swap.  I really liked the aqua fabric in this one.  I wish I had more of it for other things. 

#6 star from the Temecula Summer Star QAL is now added to the bunch.

The newest little one is home and doing great.  She is such a good baby - sleeps well and is so mellow.  I think the other children think of her as a doll meant to be dressed up!

I hope everyone gets a chance to enjoy a wonderful weekend ahead.