"For my part, I have concluded that the quality which set one man apart from another-the factor which lifts one man to every achievement to which he reasonably aspires while the other is caught in the slough of mediocrity for all the years of his life-is not talent, nor formal education, nor luck, nor intellectual brilliance, but is rather the successful man's greater capacity for self-discipline. All you need to do is this: Beginning this very day, stop doing some one thing you know you should not do." Benjamin N Woodson

This quote was taken for "The Message Go For it" by Elder M. Russell Ballard, New Era, Mar 2004.

This is something I am going to strive to do in 2009. Also, I am going to each day my best to add something I know I should be doing even if only for that day. Things like not eating sugar. Maybe it could be not starting anything new in my sewing room, even if just for a day. Concentrate on finishing up all the things I started over the years and then I was interrupted with a move or life and put it aside. It's great fun to finish projects so I need to concentrate on that. This year my goal for sewing is to be a frugal quilter. Work on finishing projects, work on creating patterns and marketing them in the local quilt shop so I can once again earn money by teaching the patterns. Not spending on fabric unless it is something I need to complete something I am working on.

For knitting I plan on trying to do new things with the socks I knit, try new patterns and new techniques and keep working on it until I can accomplish whatever it is. To this end I will be participating in a couple of knit-alongs via Yahoo groups. That way I can work with others and ask questions if I need to.

I am getting a new nephew soon (any day in fact) and I made him a "Boys will be boys quilt" . My sweet husband Dave is holding the quilt. He also was kind enough to quilt the quilt for me so that we could get the quilt to his sister sooner. I had taken the quilt along with 2 others to Everlasting Stitches in Holt Michigan to be quilted. When on left the quilt on 3 September I was told it would be less than 8 weeks. I called at 8 weeks to see when it would be done and was told she would be getting to it the next week. I was in Holt the Saturday before Thanksgiving and went to the quilt shop. Now in excess of 12 weeks of when I dropped off the quilts and was told that she could do one the following week if I wanted. I brought all the quilts home and have decided to quilt them myself. I do realize that life happens with quilters as with anyone but if you can't make the commitment don't you think she could have called and let me know?? Fortunately it only put me behind in my Christmas presents just a bit because I have a quilting machine that I can use, I feel sorry for those who have to depend on outsiders to finish their quilt! Our family is celebrating Christmas on January 16th because my oldest son is in Germany and won't be returning home until the 15th of January so that gives me lots of time to make Christmas which is good because my husband is unemployed and there is no money for Christmas. We are having a homemade Christmas. It is so good that I have such a stash of fabric with which to work with!

Dave's First Quilting Project!

Dave decided to help me get some quilts finished up this Christmas season. He spent one day getting my grace quilting machine running smoothly and then quilted this quilt that I made up for one of the Sisters I visit teach whose baby is due in January. He is now loading a quilt to quilt for his sister's baby which is also due in January! What a great way to get caught up on my Christmas projects. I guess his being laid off is truly a blessing. At least it will be until our money runs out! It's a scary time to live in Michigan with the highest unemployment in the country. He is a very talented man but that is not relevant at this time.

Merry Christmas Everyone!

http://www.joytoeveryone.com/

Check out the above link for a wonderful Christmas video. It's a beautiful song and it will make your Christmas! Have a great Christmas

Our New Snow Fall December 1st 2008

My children's prayers were answered this morning, "NO SCHOOL" What a beautiful morning to wake up to! Snow covered trees, all a glistening white. Today will be the perfect day for a no school party which my daughter has planned for noon, coco, cookies and lots of games!