Snippit Bag and Wallet

Well, today has been quite productive. Aside from an interview this afternoon, I have finished my Snippit Bag and made a wallet.

I purchased this Snippit Bag kit in Galena a few years ago (ok, many years ago) while on an outing with my mother-in-law. She made hers up straight away - I did not. I came across the kit while organizing/cleaning and thought, "Why not, I'm embroidering and have snips of scrap Everywhere!"
When I get my hand on some sand the small bag on the table will be filled (acting as a counter-weight for the bag) and function as a needle cushion. The bag portion is to keep my scraps and strings out of my couch, off the floor, and off the table!      Brilliant!

 I found this beautiful Horse fabric at  Uniquely Yours Quilt Shop in Orangeville, IL last week - I just had to make something. . or a few things. This little wallet is perfect. (I'm working on a purse to match)
The piecing was super easy, quick and fun.

On my next one I will discover a better way to deal with the outside edges. I may use quilt binding but I fear the edges would turn out too bulky. Trial and Error - that is the name of the game.

Hibernating in Good Spirits: Laptop Cover ScrapQuilt

Here it is, almost the end of January 2013, and I'm hibernating along with the horses.
In the grand scheme of things I am holding out for a wonderful career opportunity to make things better for others in this crazy world of ours.

In the meantime, I quilt, cross stitch, and embroider!

This is my hard-cover, zip-up, table-like cover.  FINISHED!!!
I researched how to make a laptop book-like cover and found instructions to be a bit confusing. So, I measured my laptop and jumped right in. It turned out to be 'making-it-up' as I go kind-of project. These, I have found, are the best!
I began with muslin and scrap quilting, hardboard, and a prayer - this is what developed.

Finished Scrap Quilt Laptop Case!

I would have added more embroidery but, my fingers hurt and I have plans for other projects! :) Onward and Upward!

Saying Farewell to 2012

Well, It has been quite some time since I had a few moments to post. . . so here it goes:
2012 Was a GOOD year!

I graduated with my Bachelor of Science degree this past December.
My eldest daughter is doing well in the south.
My eldest son is doing great at Northwestern University (he's just finishing up his 2nd year).
My youngest son has graduated from tech school in the United States Air Force and has just received his first station - he will be leaving for England within the month.
My husband continues to be the glue and support for all in the family.

Our horses are doing great, unfortunately they are hibernating at the moment awaiting warmer weather so we can play.

The dogs are healthy and doing well. They have taken to the barn life quite well.

2012 will remain an important year for many of us - but now, we must Carry On and Make 2013 even BETTER!!!!!!

Koda!!!

Koda is doing quite awesome!!! I've taken him to the park for the first time this past week, and have done so 3 times thus far. He is AWESOME!!! We saw some deer, squirrels, chipmunks, turkey, people walking dogs, kids, etc.. . lol. He is a Champ!!! I am so very proud of him.
We participated in a Team Penning practice recently as well and he was, yet again, awesome! I couldn't as for anything better for a colt only ridden for 4 months!

Koda is coming along nicely!!!

Koda is obviously doing great. I, on the other hand, really need to get into better shape for this season. Mac is next on the refresher course list!!! :)

Post Winter Update

Koda's training is going well. . . well. . . he's quite a handful! I will have pictures and videos soon.
He is turning 4 this July 11th.

Mac is about to begin his 'retraining' after a winter of vacation!

The dogs are doing great! Duke has gained quite a bit of weight, so we will be keeping our eyes on his food intake. Tess is maintaining her figure like a lady should :)

Our kitty (new addition this winter) Schrodinger, is adjusting well to the home. He is such a loving kitty!

The landscaping around the farm is quite sad looking. I am excited for spring and the green and colors to begin peaking out into the fresh world.

Enjoy the next week of 'odd' March weather: an entire week of 60 - 80 degree weather.

It will be an interesting day when we get freezing and snow once again before June. . . . It's almost inevitable.

Till next time, keep the smile on your face and the optimism in your heart :)

Koda's First 'Riding'

Koda was a champ for his first experience with me on him. This is definitely easier with two people!!! We will be back at it in the morning :)

Koda's First Saddling

Koda and I spent this Sunday introducing the saddle for the first time. I took my time because I want it to be a fun and comfortable experience for him. I am very proud of this little one.
He turned 3 on July 11, 2011. I plan on sitting on him for the first time next weekend.

Wonderful Horsey Weekend!!!

Mac was brilliant these past four days. He is calming and leading the trails. He is becoming quite confident and sure footed! I am so proud of my big boy! I think he really enjoys solo rides so he can chase turkeys and deer and keep all the apples to himself :)
The bugs were virtually nonexistent at Lake Le-Aqua-Na this week and the weather was perfect! We could not believe the crowds Friday night through Sunday afternoon. Horse trailers and campers were practically parked on top of each other. Mac acted like a champ! He had this, "been there done that' attitude most of the time. And of course he had never; this was the most number of horses, kids on bikes, dogs running lose (so unsafe), and noise I think we have been riding around for fun thus far. HE WAS PERFECT!!!! BEST HORSE EVER!!! :) Just goes to show you what a lot of work and time result in :).

Summer coming to an end.

Koda has been doing very well with his groundwork. Mac is still a bugger. He can be pushy and disrespectful, but of course, he will take more time as he is little bit older and more set in his ways. I think they are both making great progress.
Unfortunately, I return to University on Sept. 6th so, for the most part, I will only be able to work with them on the weekends. As long as I suck it up and work during the cold winter Koda will be ready to ride in the spring and Mac will be extremely safe for anybody to ride.
That is my ultimate goal!