This weekend I discovered something new about myself: I am hopelessly addicted to the internet. The realization occurred while we were without internet connection for two days. I felt lost... helpless... out of touch... out of sorts... and most of all... out of patience. What makes me laugh is that two days later Verizon continues to call us with a recorded message saying that they are still working on the problem. Okay. Thanks. The "problem" was corrected on Monday. But we appreciate the interruption three times a day - NOT (talk about lack of communication within a company).
As soon as our internet was back up and running, I did a little happy dance <--- yes, I have one of those and, in fact, several of my friends have actually seen me do the happy dance. My kids, on the other hand, despise the dorky dance, and so I try to limit my antics to times when they are not within the viewing area. It was too bad that immediately following my happy dance, a big storm rolled in with a whole lot of thunder and a little bit of lightening. I quickly unplugged the computer, not wanting a power surge to mess up my recent rekindling of the love affair I have with internet connection. I fear my happy dance may now be referred to as a rain dance since that is what it brought on in full force.
Things seem to have calmed down now, which means all is once again well in my world and I can proceed as planned, albeit four days behind schedule.
So first things first: for the past few weeks I've been working on a project for Fiskars on-line Summer School program. This week, I am the guest designer on the site and the class is up and ready to go. And so for anyone who has ever wanted to try their hand at sewing machine applique on small scale projects, this class is for you: Applique with Fiskars Templates.
In addition to the class at Fiskars, I am also offering my own promotional give-away of the featured projects. The class includes instructions for applique on a denim apron, a medium sized tote, and a festive Fourth of July kitchen collection that includes decorative towels and cloth napkins - these three finished projects are the items I will be giving away via a drawing. To sign up for the drawing, just leave a comment on this post including your real name and true email address (I need to be able to contact the winners via correct information). On Wednesday of next week, June 17, I will draw three names and will announce the winners here on the blog. So that gives you a full week to try your hand at applique as well as to spread the word about Fiskars Summer School classes and this drawing. I hope you enjoy the projects as much as I enjoyed making them!
And finally, another year, another teenager, another prom. These proms just do me in. There is so much behind the scenes work that goes into getting a teenager ready for their prom. With Alyssa, it was much easier (but far more expensive) because she is a take charge kind of girl and did everything on her own. But with John, things are different. I swear - boys are so weird. They just don't care about dances as much as girls do. I had to do everything from picking out the tuxedo (he wasn't interested in looking at the book), to buying the tickets (he almost forgot), to ordering the corsage the night before (his girlfriend reminded me), to printing out directions to the prom (once they got to dinner, they realized they didn't know how to get to the prom). Seriously... it wore me out. But the truth is, I wouldn't give it up for the world and I am well aware that my days with this child are short. And so although it wears me out and does me in, I cherish every single moment that he still allows me to participate in his life.
Following are a few of the pictures taken before the Prom. I was only able to take a handful of pictures because, again, boys are weird and they just want to get on with the show. But the pictures I took are priceless to me, and in the end, that is what matters:
One more year... I only have one more year of being a "prom mom." My hope is that my children's recollections of high school and their proms are every bit as wonderful as mine are because the best things I have done in my life are named Alyssa and John, and Prom Night for John is one more treasured memory I now have to add to the corner of my heart that is reserved for everything wonderful and special.
It makes me happy to see your projects, Kelly. It reminds me of my mom. Also, I completely relate with your emotions regarding your children...so much that it makes me cry. I get so much from reading what you write and share. Thanks!
Posted by: Cathy Johnson | June 14, 2009 at 02:03 PM
Hi, I love a chance! Nice pics! Great projects...Im a beginner so these are good for me to start I think...tyvm for a chance #5859 Cher
Posted by: cher | June 13, 2009 at 03:35 AM
Pinning and graduation are over. Will send pictures later. Michaels brother couldn't make it from Vegas..work load was big this week. Grandma, Grandpa, Aunt Nicole and of course Michael & I made it to pinning. Kelli was thrilled to get her Vet Tech pin. She was the only one in her class to walk (graduation). That was so neat. She was the 6th student to walk (they line up on a first come basis). When her name and degree were called her two instructors came forward and gave her a hug. Very few instructors came forward last night. So it was real special that these two came forward. Oh, I forgot to tell you Kelli made Honors (her grade point was 3.7 she missed high honors by .15 points). We were so proud of her.
We went to the cemetary after her pinning to show Grandma in Heaven her pin (her idea). She wanted my mom to be a part of her day. We took her some pink carnations because those where my moms favorite flower. We also visited an old friend who will be 81 this September. My kids have been told to call her Grandma because when we moved next door to her I was in 8th grade and lived at her house more than at mine. It was real nice seeing Ede again. We don't see her very often. Didn't see my sisters while in Yakima this time. My older sister, Willi, just went back to work after a year of being off due to illness and back problems. My younger sister, Kathi, her pit bull was having puppies. Maybe next time. this time was all about Kelli and doing what she wanted to do. I am so proud of her. She has acommplished alot. She goes for her federal test next Friday. Will let you know how she thinks she did next week, it takes up to 3 months to get the results. Love Randi
Posted by: Randi | June 12, 2009 at 05:13 PM
Oh man Prom photos take me back! Great RAK, thanks soo much!!
Krysti 3943
Posted by: krysti | June 12, 2009 at 03:22 PM
Those are sooo cute...I'd love to win since my sewing machine died.... :( Love the prom pictures...such a cute couple! Thanks for the chance to win!
Posted by: Katie W. | June 12, 2009 at 10:16 AM
I only wish I could do something as nice as those! My machine can't do that and even if I had a machine that could I would need LOTS of lessons first. Thanks for the chance to win!
Jenn J #2219
jensing7316(at)yahoo(dot)com
Posted by: Jenn Jarvis | June 11, 2009 at 09:52 PM
Great projects, wonderful blog! I stumbled across your blog a few months ago, and was instantly drawn in. You are truly a gifted writer--I'm inspired with each and every post. Thank you for being so open and honest about your life and experiences raising teenagers. I'd love to enter your drawing...even though you don't know me, is that OK? My e-mail address is ksmithj5@msn.com. Thank you! Beautiful prom pictures!
Posted by: Janeal Smith | June 11, 2009 at 07:28 PM
The projects are just too cute. We are going to file the information in our
4-H project idea folder. These are perfect for Home Improvement projects for 4-H. Thanks again for being so inspiring with the project idea.
Colleen #2970
cole19@mchsi.com
Posted by: colleen F | June 11, 2009 at 04:03 PM
Some very fun projects. It makes me wish that I still had my USX to use but I am really not a sewer or a fabric type of gal. Great work on showing us how to use our tools on multiple items!!
Posted by: marla-#3291 | June 11, 2009 at 11:04 AM
Just popping in to say hello! Miss you and hope you're doing OK. Glad the prom went well, even though you planned it all!
Posted by: Amy So | June 11, 2009 at 11:03 AM
great pictues! you should be so proud of the wonderful projects that you created! I love the use for the shape templates!!!
Posted by: maryannehoekman5271 | June 11, 2009 at 09:24 AM
Awesome sewing and very creative.
Debby Lewis
Deborahl591@yahoo.com
Posted by: Debby | June 11, 2009 at 08:47 AM
I love the project on Fiskars summer school using the Fiskars templates for applique. Even though I'm not much of a sewer, I though I'd try this. If they come out well, they might end up being Xmas presents. Thanks.
Carol - Fiskateer 6158
Posted by: Carol N | June 11, 2009 at 08:36 AM
The instructions for using the Fiskars Templates for applique are absolutely fabulous. Even though I'm not much of a sewer, I think I'm going to try this project. Thanks.
Posted by: Carol N | June 11, 2009 at 08:33 AM
Great projects & ideas for using the Fiskars Shape Templates. You did a fabulous job! Thanks for sharing your ideas.
Diane aka doverdi Fiskateer #1329
Posted by: doverdi | June 11, 2009 at 07:20 AM
I love all the different projects you do, and these are no different. You may actually have inspired me to try my hand at applique (where did I put that sewing machine?).
The prom pictures are beautiful. I LOVE the dress! You're a great Mom, and someday your kids will look back and realize just how wonderful you are (if they don't already know!).
Posted by: Becky | June 11, 2009 at 12:14 AM
Gorgeous-sure brings back some precious memories. Thank you for sharing.
Posted by: Beth Williams#2906 | June 11, 2009 at 12:04 AM
Your projects for Fiskars are amazing. I am just starting to sew so these projects were a great inspiration to me.
Tona Fiskateer #4437
Posted by: Tona | June 10, 2009 at 11:35 PM
I will have to dig out my stuff and try my hand at the appliques. Yours are absolutely beautiful and I would love the chance to win one. Thanks for sharing.
Posted by: Peg #3675 | June 10, 2009 at 11:18 PM
Well,now that Betsy got me the instructions for my sewing machine I want to try this,You do a beautiful job.Great looking kids going to the Prom,Teenagers,so sweet but such worries,lol.
Posted by: Lisa Simpson | June 10, 2009 at 11:18 PM
They grow up so quickly! Cherish the moments (and cause they only let you get one or two pix they are all the more special)
Kelly your projects were fabulous!!! I got the stuff to try the applique with the shape templates thanks for the inspiration to get them out and use them! I would love to be entered into the drawing (and the 17th is my Birthday so it would be a perfect present!!!....LOL)
Posted by: Betsy Burnett #2572 | June 10, 2009 at 11:05 PM
cute, cute, cute stuff! Very fun. Count me in on the giveaway! :)
I totally understand how you feel about the internet. First thing I do in the morning is put the coffee on then flip in the ocmputer. Then I'm on the internet as soon as my coffee is done.
Kim
KMB10387@aol.com
Posted by: Kim | June 10, 2009 at 06:36 PM
A drawing? Woo hoo!!! You *know* I'm in. I think you have my addy. If you lost it - again (*giggle*), just let me know.
Consider Becky Bray in...
Posted by: Becky Bray | June 10, 2009 at 04:39 PM
Love the photos Kelly! You are so nice giving away the prizes. My mom is gonna show me how to sew soon. I have a nice machine here sitting here with no on touching it. You are so darn talented!
Kasey
xyronts_kasey@yahoo.com
Posted by: Kasey | June 10, 2009 at 02:52 PM
Beautiful prom pictures! Love the projects, too. Although I'm hoping that if I do win, they're actually completed for me since I have no sewing machine or sewing skills. LOL!
Posted by: slammie | June 10, 2009 at 02:04 PM