Yep, yep, yeppers, here is another addition. Most of these fabrics are hand dyed on Kona cotton - which is absolutely fabulous. I never know when I use my "special" fabrics how much quilting I should do, I don't want to draw attention away from the fabrics. Such a quandary.

Here are a few more quilts, including the one I made for Baby Eva.


And Papa's KU Quilt









There are a few more that I need to get photographed and posted. But I am thinking that I am pretty happy with what I have done. Any ideas or suggestions, please feel free to let me know. Oh, and Jamie, if you send me a picture of Braden's, I would love to add it to the posts.

Oh My! A Quilt Attack

Well, I created a quilt for my friend John (actually, his new baby girl) in Sept, and got rather addicted. At this point, I have made 2 full size, 2 throws, and 3 wall hanging quilts. The goal, besides that it is just fun, is to use up my fabric stash. And quite honestly, 6 quilts latter, and I still have crap-loads of fabric, but I think I have made some fabulous quilts. I even joined the Lawrence Quilt Guild - hoping to learn some new tricks.

I also have 4 quilts in the makings - but I ran out of batting, so I am just completing new tops - I will finish them as soon as I get more batting. I am doing some art quilts using all my hand dyed fabrics, and making applique projects (like Doni's Fosters Home for Imaginary Friends quilt.) I am also taking some of mom's drawings and turning them into quilts - this one is one of my favorites, but its not finished yet, hopefully this weekend.

I have posted some pictures on Facebook - and I am getting offers to buy them, and have one that I am making for a co-worker - She wants one just like Papa's KU Quilt.

And - check this out - I have learned to use a thimble, I hand stitch the bindings, and my fingertips had begun to loose their fingerprints - so I had to learn.

End of an Era

So, on February 13, 2009, Gramma Josephine Denton passed away. She was my mom's mom. This was another hard time for me. I can't really say that I have recovered from Mom's passing, and now I have to say Good'bye to Gramma Jo. She and I had a complex relationship. I knew her when she was young enough to take me to World's of Fun, and she was there as an extra parent through high school and college, and she had become a source of inspiration for my marriage and parenting. And for some reason, I seem to be the only person in the world that she did not fight to pay for lunch or dinner.

The funeral itself was difficult because the topic of many conversations was condolensces for my mom, as well as for Gramma. But I made it through, and really enjoyed the time that I got to spend with my family. I really do have a great support group, though I rarely let them know that I need them. I need to work on that. The attached video is one that I made for the visitation. It shows how alive the woman really was. Well, I need to go for a bit, chat later. J

The Break In

So, in the last 3 months, my car has been broken into 3 times at home at night.... think most people who I have told were beginning to not believe my story. All the perp does is empty out the glove compartment, and take random items. Once they took my work bag that had a binder from school, a few papers, and my calendar. Once they took $4 - and once we found nothing missing. Bill's work truck was hit also, they took random items, and the last time, his work credit card (gas) they also took my CVS pharmacy - no value, its like a Dillons card. The last time, last week, we filed a police report, and talk to the neighbors, they all got hit also.

So, last night about 1 am, the phone started ringing. First Bill's work line, then the home phone - then his cell rang, finally he got up and got them answered (obviously it wasn't for me, so why should I answer it) and it was the police and they wanted him outside....

Apparently crazy robber lady was out again. And this time she was caught in the act. There were 5 cop cars outside and one screaming lady who apparently only spoke Spanish - face down on the concrete. Our neighbor, the one I call "sarge" for many reasons, saw her and called the cops. This time she went so far as to break the glass out of Bill's work van. My car was fine though. She said she saw someone and came down to check it out. However, my CVS card and Bill's work CC was in her wallet, and misc cable tools were in her possession. I think she had someone in a car with her, but either they got away, or I didn't see them. I was certain that the perps were junior high boys, apparently I was wrong...However, now my story about the break-ins doesn't sound so strange though. It was really all very strange. Nice story though....

So, it has been a veryb long time since I have written. Life started happening, we all went back to school, and everything got busy.

I am doing well, I have been very busy at school, on and off I have taken on a few principal type responsibilities. I have done quite a bit of scheduling, and
what I call "surveillance" - and I am enrolled in our Admin Development Series. It takes time, but I actually kinda like it, so it works for me.

The kids are busy with school and friends. Doni has her first dance on Friday, well, the first one she is actually going to anyway. Ian is in Pre-School - and loves it. He is learning about farm animals and presidents - interesting combination, I think. Kati is loving school. Doni moved downstairs, so now Kati and Ian both have their own rooms, they are still sharing a bed though - if you know of an extra twin bed anywhere, let us know.... This is the first time that Kati has had her own room, so it will be interesting when she actually starts sleeping in her own bed.

Ian had his 4th birthday last week. I managed to be completely sick, so he didn't actually have a party. If you have been around him at all in the last several months you would know he was planning to have it at Chucky Cheese....he was said that it didn't happen, but we hit the McDonald's PlayPlace last weekend and seems to be appeased. I think he is still expecting a party though. He told me last night we could have my party at Chucky Cheese if I wanted to, yeah, I don't think so.... He did get a Choo Car tent for his bed (Lightening McQueen of Cars), so he and Kati have been sleeping in style. It is rather funny to see him, Kati, Wendy (the Lab) and the Cat all under this tent designed for a twin bed...They snuggle.

Well, I am checking out for now. I promise to drop a note sooner this time. Love and Kisses...Jen

Enough About Me, So Tell Me, What Do You Think About Me?

Well, school is on a roll, and life has some semblance of normalcy. Ian's shoulder is well on the mend. The sling is off and he is back to full speed, when he runs in to the wall, or the door though, we pull out the Tylenol. Mostly he is in good shape though.

Doni is loving school. Nough said.

Kati is loving school. She has a new teacher, one that is even new to the building. Oh Cool.

Me, yeah, school is good. I have been taking a bit more of a leadership role, and have raided mom's closet for appropriate clothing. She would not be one to waste good fashion I think we can all agree. It was a bit hard to take some of her favorites, many are still left hanging, but papa shakes his head and pats me on the back. He understands the pain of moving on, even when its the right thing to do. He also understands I am in no hurry. These last few days have been very hard. Toward the end of the summer I was actually getting to sleep without crying, but lately its been harder. Partly I think it is because it is the anniversary of so many last moments, partly because she belongs in the classroom, and partly because she is my mommy. I don't actually know how to get through all the sadness, but I also don't think I have much of an option. My family needs me, and I can honor her most by moving on.

Well, this blog has been mostly about me. I have been reading a book about Zen, and it is challenging me to look for the meaning in my emotions and actions. One of the items I have no faced was the openness of admitting my sadness. I have said I am doing okay, and I am fine so many times I almost believe it, until I quiet down and think. The truth is, I am still sad, sometimes. And sometimes I am strong, and sometimes I am happy, and often I am funny...at least I think so. Just in case you were wondering what it feels like to lose your mom about the time she retires and I can fully appreciate the free babysitting...