Wednesday, June 16, 2010

New Beginnings Day 1


As in all things, when one thing comes to an end, there is usually a new path to enter. When we started schooling our children, it was with the intention to do it one year at a time. There were times when it was a challenge, but mostly it was full of fun and learning on their part and mine. My children very quickly overcame my abilities, and so entered tutors, and classes to complete the required areas. The progression was one of mother, teacher and now friend. I have learned along with them (but they are still much smarter then I will ever be!).

So now we graduate our youngest son. He has hopes of entering college in the fall. And as time would work out, we are moving from the home we have lived in all these years. One that has been loved and filled with memories, to a new one. It is only about 10 miles from our present house, so I am hoping the move will go quickly and smoothly.

As I mentioned yesterday, I want you to help me celebrate! With a big move ahead of me, it seems like this would be the best time to have a celebration giveaway. Celebrating my blogiversary, which was at the beginning of the year, graduation of my son and ME! And the move to a new home :-)

It is always much more fun to have a giveaway where more people can win a prize. So for the next five days, we will celebrate! For Day One I will give away a copy of "365 Foundation Quilt Blocks" by Linda Causee.


Day One giveaway -I would like to know a little more about you, my bloggy friends! To be entered, leave a comment on this post telling me a little bit about yourself. Start with where are you from? If you have children, what are their ages. I'd love to learn more about all of you out there in blog land! If you are a winner, please be sure I have a way of contacting you. If your email is set for no-reply, be sure to leave an email addy. Remember to write it out with "at" and "dot".

Okay! Let's celebrate!

40 comments:

Nancy said...

Hello, I am Nancy from (near) St Louis, MO. I have 2 girls..Karen is married and lives with 3 of my grandchildren and Kristin in married and is responsible for the other 2 grandchildren. We also have a son, 17 (18 tomorrow!) that will leave the home for his first year of college this fall.
I love to quilt and joined my first quilt guild a couple of years ago. I started doing more traditional quilts and have now branched out and am starting more modern looking quilts...
I would love to win this book as I learned to paper-piece this year while doing the Civil War Love Letters quilt with a group. We are halfway through and I am enjoying myself so much....
Good luck on your new house and new freedom..

and I'M FIRST!! First NEVER wins!! :-(

Jocelyn said...

Hello there!

I'm Ida from Central Pennsylvania, USA. I live in a little town
called Port Matilda, but the largest body of water we have is the
creek (pronounced "crick" in our area) running through town.

We're just a few miles from a large university (Penn State), but it's
over a 'mountain' (1,200 feet passes for a mountain here), so once we
cross the ridge we're generally in for the night because it seems like
such a chore to have to drive back up that hill. ;)


I have one son, who is 22. He is the pride and joy of my life. He is
an Eagle Scout, and served for 2 years in the US Navy as a Culinary
Specialist. He now lives in Keene, NH -- a 7-hour drive from home.


I tend to say that I'm a quilter, although other titles probably are
better suited. Titles such as: fabric collector, quilt top piecer,
Queen of UFO's. ;) I fully enjoy the piecing part of making a quilt
-- the actual quilting part -- not so much. :)


I love reading your blog, and wish you much luck with your new
beginning. I had one of my own in February 2009. I had gastric
bypass surgery -- to help w/ my insulin-dependent Type II diabetes.
The goal was to help w/ the diabetes -- to get off of the insulin.
The 125 pounds I've lost is PURE BONUS! :) I'm happy to say that not
only am I off of the insulin, but also off the oral diabetes meds, the
high blood pressure med, and the high cholesterol med. New beginnings
.... rebirth .... refresh ... a chance to start over. Embrace it.
Enjoy it!

Blessings!

Ida

Anonymous said...

Originally from Bay Area, California. I became a military spouse and moved many places with my husband. My biological clock didn't start ticking until nearly 30 years old. My first son was born in The Netherlands and he will soon be 21. My 16 year old was born in NM. Quilting has been good for me. It saved my insanity many times during husband's deployments and moving to meet to friends (you can always find a new guild). During my husband's last deployment to Iraq and while we were stationed in England he decided he was retiring and said we needed to pick a place. SO with a swirl of our finger on the map, no job, no family, and no friends....we bought a home in NC. We've been here four years this month. Life has a way of working things out I guess.

Crispy said...

I'm happliy living in North Dakota with my SO Bob (we've been together for 32 years), but my heart is in my home town Seattle, along with my one son Sam (35), his wife Melody and of course my beautiful granddaughter Saige (2). I've been quilting around 20 years and I can't imagine my life without it.

Congrats on all of your new beginnings :0)

Crispy

ritad said...

Hi!
I'm Rita from West Tennessee (not too far from Memphis where I grew up). I am retired, have three children, and four grandchildren. Two of my grandchildren graduated from college this year. But, I was a child bride so it's not as bad as it sounds. I'm married to my high school sweetheart, who I was reunited with after 43 years. Life if good. I enjoy reading both your blogs, but I'm a lurker, I don't have a blog. I enjoy quilting, reading and gardening. Usually don't sign up for give a way, but thought I'd have a go at it this time.

Sewn With Grace said...

I'm Renee, I live in Portage, Michigan. I have a son who will be a sophomore in college in the fall and a daughter who will be a sophomore in highschool. I met my husband in the 7th grade but remained friends until the summer after graduation from highschool. We have moved a lot because of my husband's job and we have lived in our current home for 7 years this summer - the longest stay yet. I pray that your move goes smoothly and that you have much peace as you go. Be blessed!

Susan said...

I'm Susan and I live in Wellsboro, Pennsylvania. It's seems as we have more than quilting in common because we just recently decided to move from our home of 30 years. It's exciting, scary and sad all at the same time, isn't it? Wishing you many happy years in your new home!

Mary on Lake Pulaski said...

I'm Mary from Minnesota and I have two children, ages 29 (Daughter) and 32 (Son). Our first grandchild was born two months ago and is the light of our lives! I have only lived at four addresses TOTAL my whole life and have found my dream location - on a lake near all of my family.

marlene@ByTheSeam said...

I am Marlene, I have been following your blog a long time now, don't always leave a comment but I always look. I have two grown daughters with 8 grandchildren. I wish you many blessings in your new home.

Barb said...

Please be sure to show pictures of your new home...

You know about me... yawn..yawn...five kids, Amerika Samoa...yawn some more....no married sons, no grandkids....yawn.....

Julia said...

Hi, I'm Julia and a regular reader and commenter on your blog. I love it. I am from SE TN. I live in the same small rural town that I grew up in. We moved back here about 8 years ago, but we were only about 15 miles down the road even then. We have 3 grown daughters who are all married, live at least 1000 miles away from us. Our oldest daughter has 3 daughters. Our middle one has one daughter and is expecting daughter no. 2. Our youngest has our one grandson and is expecting ?? before the end of the year. That'll make 7 grands in all. As you know, I mostly sew for these loves of my life. I am the one of my siblings most responsible for taking care of my mom and my husband is most responsible for his dad. That's what we get for coming back home.
I am excited for you and the changes you are getting ready to make!

JoAnn ( Scene Through My Eyes) said...

I'm from Bellingham, WA - we moved here in 2001 so we could be a part of our oldest daughter's wedding. We have three kids - all in their early 40s - and two grandsons - ages 5 and 7 - and we live near them.

I have been quilting since I was 8 years old - learned when we lived in Alaska and had long winter nights to fill up. I started with quilts for my dolls - and have moved up to bed size quilts now. All of our beds are covered in quilts and our children and grandchildren each have several. I love quilting - the whole process - and especially the binding - as it means the quilt is almost ready to be slept under.

Before I give a quilt away I sleep under it for one night - this brings good luck to the recipient.

We bought a "new to us" home 2 years ago - my wish is that you will love your new home as much as we love ours.

Lis Harwood said...

Hi, I live in Lincolnshire, near Boston in England, but am originally from Essex in the SE of the country. I followed a variety of crafts - cross stitch, beading, embroidery etc etc before discovering that P&Q is my absolute passion. My beloved is starting to worry about my addiction! I have two grown-up children and two wonderful grandsons. Sam, who appears on my blog from time to time, is 2 and a half, Wills in nearly 6! I love blogging and have made some great friends, some of whom I've been delighted to meet in real life. Enough for the time being, thanks for these giveaways and many blessings for your new life and life in your new home. Lis x

free indeed said...

I'm Shelley from norhtern Maine. I commented on you last post saying I finally have an empty nest after 30 yrs! I had six (three of each) and now am grandmama to almost 10! THat is with only the oldest three married...Yikes! Now, the youngest two do come home for summers...or several weeks in the summer, so I've got anywhere from 1-3 houseguests...we have a hobby farm, so their help is much appreciated by hubby. We raise beef, corn and pumpkins for sale and have chickens and other veggies for personal use...always something going on here.

Amy Friend said...

Hi there! That book looks great. I fear that you already know more about me than ou want to from reading my blog! :) I will give you one interesting tidbit for fun. My college roommate and I had the same last name though we were not related and had never met. It was through her that I met my husband. Funny huh?

Carrie P. said...

I am originally from California. Moved to Florida with my parents when I was 17 and met my husband in high school. We had 3 kids there and then moved to NC when our youngest was 1 yr. NC is home and it is where we will stay. My oldest son is married 3 yrs. and my 2nd son will be married in July and my daughter just graduated college. So we will have an empty nest as soon as she can find a job and move out. We are very proud of kids. You should be very proud of yourself too for your dedication to teaching your kids. Well done.
And if you should draw my name for the book, please draw another only because foundation piecing is not my favorite thing to do so it should go to someone who likes to do it. Please don't be offended.

Anna said...

First off I enjoy reading your blogs very much. I'm from eastern NC about an hour from the coast. I have three daughters 35,29 and 28 and one son 22. I am Mimi to JoAnna(12) and Jesslyn(8 months) and have another grandbaby on the way. I enjoy quilting,sewing,reading,trifting and the beach.

sewfunquilts said...

Hi..I'm Judy, aka sewfunquilts & sewmeow. I am a retired former business owner, live in San Antonio, TX near my oldest sister. I have 3 grown children and 4 grandchildren. Seems sewing has always been a part of my life & my dolls were the best dressed ones of all my little girlfriends, thanks to two older sisters & Mom to help me. I started quilting almost 20 years ago, and haven't looked back. It's the bestest.....ever.

Wendy said...

Congratulations on your retirement and new home!!!

Hello, my name is Wendy. I live in Southern California with my amazing husband and our four beautiful daughters. Our daughters are 14, 9, 8 and 6 years old. We are homeschooling our daughters.
I am learning to quilt right now. I completed my first lap quilt last year. Thanks for letting us celebrate with you!

Wendy

richshelpmate at yahoo dot com

Anonymous said...

Hello! I'm a quilter for almost 20 years now, but only a quilt blog reader for about 2 weeks. I live in souther middle TN, am home school Mom of 6 ages 13 down to almost 2. The descrition of yourself could have been me, collector of fabric and tea cups! Thank you for this give away...how fun!

Kristen
kvogel at davisp dot com

SheilaC said...

Congrats to your son (and you!) And good for you for moving.... I am still in the house I raised my 3 kids in and can't imagine moving yet even though it is too big for just me :)

I live in NH have 1 boy and 2 girls all in their 20's now and living on their own. Still pinch myself to think they made it into successful adult hood. That is our ultimate goals as parents, right?

I have worked in middle school as a teaching asst for the past 12 years and now with my degree hope to find a position in special education.
Working with kids every day keeps me young!
SheilaC

Kristy said...

Hello! My name is Kristy and I'm addicted to fabric. If only there were a 12 step program out there? lol!

Happy Many Achievements :0) Ok, I made that phrase up! I live on an island in the NW corner of Washington State. We are approx. 3-4 miles away from Vancouver Island, BC. I'm married to a wonderful man that not only allows me to go into quilting shops, he walks around with me AND doesn't flinch at the register! I also have a beautiful step-daughter who is age 9, but going on 50. (I sure don't remember being this emotional at that age? ;) Oh, and Daisy the dog and Tigger & Jazmyn the cats - who are all so helpful in my quilt room!

I've been quilting for 11+ years and have worked in or taught in quilt shops in my past. This has to be the best addiction in the world to have!

Bunny said...

Happy New beginnings. I am in Canada have four grown children and 7 grandchildren. I am happily married for 48 years to the same wonderful man. I am a quilter, and am going through a sad time as my best friend passed whom taught me all about quilting.

Joanne Lendaro said...

good luck on the move!! Joanne from New Hampshire, transplanted from Indiana last fall. Four kiddo's 21 dd, 20 ds, 18 ds and 16 ds. Married to the same crazy guy for 24 years, love to cut fabric-beyond that it's just luck, have an HQ16 that I use to help others finish their tops/quilts. Love that!!

Kim said...

Hi, I am Kim from Lake Havasu City AZ. My blog is Creating by The Lake. I am married have 4 children. 32-G, Twins-G, 20-B. I love quilting and I am learning to applique.
Congratultions on you new adventures!
www.azkimbo at yahoo.com

Sandie @ crazy'boutquilts said...

Packing is my least fave part of moving. We live in WA now, but have lived in 5 or 6 other places and some places twice, but different parts of the states. Have fun in your new beginning! ;-)

Nicole said...

Hi, I'm Nicole from Southport, NC. I've got 2 kids and I'm 20 weeks pregnant. (girl- 4, boy 16 mo. I've been married for almost 6 years. My husband and I met while we were in the Air Force stationed in Germany. We got married in Denmark before meeting each others' families. :) Our witnesses didn't speak any english. I'm really new to quilting, but I'm hooked!! So many beautiful fabrics and quilt designs out there. I've been following your blog since the SMS giveaway and I'm really enjoying it!

Loris said...

What a fun thing to read all these 'answers'. Great idea for your contest! I love reading about what part of the country 'we' all live in :-) My 'group' hails from the central coast of California. I am happily married to a sweet man that supports me in just about everything I put my half of a brain to! We have 5 furry creatures that we love like children. 2 cats and 3 dogs. I've been quilting about 16 years and still feel like a beginner in many ways. Fabric and the joy of making things is probably my biggest draw to it though the connection it brings to other quilters is a close second.
I enjoy reading your blog and hope your move and kid launching both go happy and smooth!

Anonymous said...

Hello I'm Linda,quilting away in Montana, where I reside in my Rocky Mountain home with my husband.We are retired and I am at last finding the needed time for quilting. I simply love machine piecing and hand or machine quilting! I love all the bright new fabrics that are coming out this spring. At the moment, I'm planning a new basket block quilt,probably in spring colors.Thanks for sharing,love,Linda

Becky said...

I am originally from Lafayette, Louisiana (Cajun Country) We have lived in the suburbs of Atlanta for 23 years. This is now home. We have two sons. Jason, my stepson, just turned 30. He is divorced and has begun a new stage in his life. He has a new lady friend. We met her Sunday. Liked her lots. Our son is 19 and just finished his first year of college. He is home for the Summer. Like his Dad and brother, he also likes to cook. He made a pot of spaghetti sauce for dinner tonight. I am trained by my dachshund Rusty. He has me just where he wants me. I have just retired after 33 years in public education. It's a transition time for me, too. I'm excited about the freedom and opportunities to do new things. Good luck in your changes! I've so enjoyed getting to know you, blogging friend!

Sandra Henderson said...

Your new home is going to be so wonderful!
I am originally from Bogalusa, Louisiana, live on Cumberland Island, GA. It's a barrier island on the FL/GA border in which you have to travel by boat to and fro 45 min. ea way. We have no stores, mail, nothing.
I have a daughter and son. My son is in college for nursing. My daughter had my first grandbaby in Jan, a boy. Now she found out she's expecting my second! :) They live in upstate NY on the Canada border in the Adirondacks :(
My husband is a retired lawyer. I had an int.des business w/my own workroom for 15 yrs. and we are just enjoying where we are planted for now....
LOVE your blog! XO

Cindy said...

Oh goodness, how exciting!!

Hubby and I are both born and raised in Olean, NY (60 south of Buffalo, NY). We both graduated together in 1973 and married a year later.

We were blessed with three children, Katie ( our firstborn who went to be with our Dear Lord in Heaven at the tender age of 12 1/2), Kelli who is currently 30 and our son who is now 24.

We are continually blessed through friends and family, now having two wonderful grandchildren who brighten my every day.

My passion is and always has been sewing - since I was old enough to thread a needle. I never get bored because a needle is never far away.

ledamewood said...

Hi, I'm Lynn. I live in NC and my husband and I are empty nesters and have been for a year. It was shocking at first, but we're really enjoying it now. Though we miss the boys and wouldn't trade all those years for anything, the time for focusing on each other has been a nice reward. I've lived quite a few places OH, NJ, VA, NC, FL, IL, IN, some of those states more than once and in more than one city or town. I hated moving as a kid, but now my philosophy is enjoy wherever you are, so I do. I travel quite a bit with my job, and often 'live' in other cities so we have frequently had a commuting marriage. We make it work. I've been married for 28 years and we have 3 boys ages 40 (yes, he's my step son, but I claim him) 26 and 24. We love them all and they each lead extremely different lives, but are all happy, healthy, and independent. We are very proud parents.

Good luck on your move and your life changes. Embrace them with good spirit.

Lynn D

SewCalGal said...

Gosh, I love your new home. You are going to be sew very happy there.

SewCalGal
www.sewcalgal.blogspot.com

Mandy said...

Hey I'm Amanda... aka that's sew Mandy.

I'm 24 and have been quilting for only a year. I'm still in university but will be finished in August :)

My boyfriend and I don't have any children yet. We'd like to wait until we're both finished university and have a home/jobs/get married. I'm not sure we'll wait for all of that but it would be nice!

I visit your blog almost daily. I've had you on my blogroll for almost a year. I hope you find lots of enjoyment in your new home!

Cheers!

Amanda

Kim said...

I have been a regular reader of your blog, but I'm not sure I've commented before. I tend not to comment because it interferes with reading blogs! I'm from Iowa. Close to Iowa City and the home of the Hawkeyes. Go Hawks!! I'm a teacher and we have four children--daughter 35 has 3 of our grandsons, son 32 has one of our grandsons, daughter 29 is due in July with ???, daughter 27 has one of our grandsons. I love to have my family together. I began sewing at 13. I toyed with quilts when my children were young and then sporadically after that. The last several years I've started branching out, but really I am a beginner. I am in awe of all the beautiful quilts and quilting I see on blogs. I hope to be that good some day. Thanks for the giveaway!

Micki said...

I think you know this..I am originally from Philadelphia, and now live in Ireland. You probably don't know that I am a radio operator.
Love your new home!
Micki

Darlene said...

My name is Darlene and I am a fabriholic. If I am felling sad or just having a bad day i can go in my room where my fabric is and just touch and smell it,get lost in its color and texture.
I also live in a home with my mother, husband and two of my grown kids. We also have a 100 lb chocolate lab and a 7 lb mini dachsand. Live at my house is interesting at the least! Thanks for the giveaway!

Wendy said...

Good day to you! First, I love your inspirational blog. Thank you for sharing :)

I'm a stay-at-home mother of two wonderful preschool daughters, living in rural Western Montana. I believe they are the reason God put me and has kept me in this life. I've worked in banking, legal, and computers for over 20 years until my babies were born. I'm the wife of a hardworking fireman who provides for our family and enables me to stay home with our girls.

I remember my first sewing machine at 5 or 6 yrs old. My grandmother used to gift me with fabric and in fact, I used her old Singer machine until it gave up the ghost. Purchased a used Bernina off ebay and started quilting with the help of a friend while pregnant with my first daughter 5 yrs ago. Fell in love with it ever since. At the urging of the friend who taught me to quilt, I entered a Fons & Porter contest for original baby quilts. While I didn't win the contest, I did manage to get the quilt published on the front of their Easy Quilts Summer edition, either 2007 or 2008, don't remember now. It was called "Happy Flowers".

I purchased a used Gammill, again off of the internet, and my husband is now completing a studio for me to quilt for others once the girls are in school full time.

At the encouragement from another friend, I started a blog recently at why-knot-kwilt.blogspot.com. I'm having fun with it.

I'm very blessed and thank God for every step along the way to get me where I am today, good times and the bad.

Kim D. said...

You're an inspiration for homeschooling your kids. Thanks for the great giveaway, love the book. I live in AZ with my hubby and two maltese dogs. No kids. Our busiest work season is in the winter months so we can getaway some in the summers. Our favorite escape is to the mountains in our RV. We formerly lived on a lake, so it's hard not being on the water. I'm another fabriholic and almost like collecting it more than sewing with it. LOL