What's up!

It has been a while since I have posted and I do have so much to share.  First up, I would like to say a BIG thanks to those who voted for my Mariner's Compass quilt.  The response was awesome and my quilt won!! The sponsor for the week was Around the Block Quilters Shop and I won a $30.00 gift certificate to use in the shop.  I already picked out and received my prize!  I chose 3 - 1/2 yards of Woodland Bloom by Lila Tueller for Moda, 2 charm packs and 2 - 1/2 yards of Frolic by Sandy Gervais for Moda.  They are so pretty!  Thank you Christine !

Next up is an update on the Charming Friends QAL.  I am in the process of hand quilting my quilt.  Kelly has given us free range on how to quilt our quilt.  I have never hand quilted an entire quilt before so I thought I would give it a try.  May take me awhile!  

Kelly also opened up the Charming Girls' Quilt Club to new members!  Yes, I went along and joined.  Kelly's QAL was so much fun I couldn't resist.   I hope I can keep up with it.  We are to post goals every 2 months and each month there will be a theme.  July's theme is 

Here are my thoughts on the subject....

Moms (myself included) generally have a hard time with this subject.  It is a part of us to be the caregivers to others, especially our children.  When our children are small, they need us - we drive them to their activities, wait for them, help them, nurse them, feed them, clean up after them, encourage them, cry with them, etc.  You get the picture - there is not much left for ourselves.  Our needs are happily sacrificed. Our identity becomes tied to our children.  

Have you ever been known as [insert your child's name] mom? 

But our children do grow-up and their need for us becomes smaller.  When this happens, our role changes.  Yes, I will always be their mom but the time invested decreases and now there is more time available for me. I tend to find it hard to allow myself 'me time' [other than quilting].  I need to learn to allow myself to relax, enjoy life, be thankful and feel pampered.    

To start, I think I'll get a pedicure this week!

GOALS!

My goals for July and August will include some quilting but I will be away from my machine for a good part of July.  

Vacation - Week 1 - really enjoy our visit with our daughter, Kirsten.  Make it quality time! See and experience her new life out in South Dakota! Visit Badlands, Mt. Rushmore, caves, some quilt stores and more!

                       - Week 2 - hubby and I head to Colorado for some alone time.  Relax and enjoy each other in the beautiful mountains atmosphere.  Outdoor activities may include hiking, biking, hot springs, sightseeing.  

Reading - Summer reading is really lagging behind my usual goal.  Pick up the pace and read at least 2-3 books during July and August.  

Quilting - Finish QAL - hand quilting

              - Red and White - add borders, sandwich and quilt

              - Applique Needle Case Swap

              - Stitchery Quilt - design layout

              - Happy Camper 2 - recut and piece top

Lastly, I wanted to mention that I did have another finish for June.  It is my Happy Camper quilt that I have previously mentioned and gave peeks of here.  I finished the last stitches in the binding and labeled it on June 30th!  I can't show you yet as it hasn't been received by the special recipient.  Pictures soon!