Tuesday, April 15, 2008

Good Morning --- a friend emailed me that it had been two weeks since I last posted. Life has been so busy. I took a week off of work last week to go downstate with my daughter. She completed her term as FCCLA state president. I enjoyed the time I had with her. Lots of fanfare—she spoke several times. I’m glad I didn’t miss it. They had competitions and workshops during the day. I got out of the hotel room every morning with a standing ritual. I headed to Barnes and Noble for my religious experience of coffee and reading. In my “dream world” it would be like that everyday. An hour and a half later, I come up for air and head to Michael’s Craft store. I had a handful of 50% off coupons. I have a friend that had a birthday yesterday, so I shopped daily for her. The afternoons were spent quilting. Here is the completed birthday gift.
It’s not an original pattern. I saw Dawn made one similar to it for a friend and I was charmed by it. I didn’t have a pattern, but “winged it” and hand-quilted it for her. It’s the first time I’ve done any wool appliqué. The wool was hand dyed. My friend always remembers Chelsey so I made her a gift bag with Chelsey’s fabric and filled it with trinkets from Michael’s--- A rubber stamp with the quote on the quilt, ribbon, charms, markers, and Cuttle kids dies;
Oh and A dragon fly hole punch. We had lunch together… I hope her birthday was special.

Here are pictures from Chelsey’s week.
While I don’t think the year was quite what she had planned--- she learned tons about life, both good and bad.


I can guarantee this will be the only post this week. Saturday night we are hosting a prom dinner for 16 kids--- Chelsey’s senior Prom. I don’t even remember what the Prom theme was, but I didn’t like it, so the dinner has our own theme. I’ve always wanted to put together an evening with a crème and black decorations. So here’s the sign for our Prom dinner.

Complete with invitations.
The furniture is leaving the living room and the tables are coming in with tablecloths and napkins made from these swatches. (Ok--- they will be completed by Saturday night).
We’ve got Birch Tree limbs that we are wrapping in Christmas twinkle lights along with plenty of old windows and grapevine wreaths to fill the corners of the room. In my constant effort to prove to my family and her friends that quilts are cool anywhere I enlisted the help of Libby who has loaned me a crème and black quilt for the occasion. More pictures to come and Black Wooden crows will be sprinkled in.

Chelsey works tonight and Don’s on a maintenance outage so I’m in charge of waiting for her to come home so I’m thinking those tablecloths will be completed tonight.

While life hasn’t been filled with writing lately, it has been filled with friends, family, and quilts – and I’m grateful for all. Thanks for the emails checking in on me…

P.S. A couple has asked about FCCLA, FCCLA is Family Community Career Leaders of America. It's the old Future Homemakers of America. They do projects to promote leadership and healthy choices. Projects this year included:
Trick or treat food drive on Halloween
Dance Lessons for Underprivileged Little girls with donated tap shoes and the girls are even teaching the lessons and making the costumes. A local Dance teacher is helping.
Internet safety campaign
Healthy weight loss program for teenagers.
One group spent the night in boxes outside of walmart for donations and as an attention getter for the homeless.

that kind of thing.

25 comments:

The Calico Cat said...

O.K., I've got to ask, what is FCCLA?

Tazzie said...

No wonder you've been so quiet Mel hon, life has been so busy for you. Wonderful pictures, thank you for sharing. Chelsey is just a gorgeous happy girl, you must be so incredibly proud.
*hugs*
Tazzie
:-)

Doodlebug Gail said...

Chelsey is one lucky young lady .... good luck for the dinner this weekend and please do take photos of the tables. Black and cream is going to be spectacular.

Carolyn said...

Congratulations to Chelsey, what a remarkable girl! I can't wait to see the decorations for the prom dinner!

Beth said...

You are such a wonderful mom. What a nice thing to do by having dinner for the kids. Chelsey is a very lucky girl.

Juliann in WA said...

Your prom dinner will be so lovely. Enjoy these next few weeks as you wrap up this season of parenting. I will be thinking of you.

Stina Blomgren said...

Soo thats what you have been doing...no wonder it has been so quiet in blogland...;D
Congratulations to your daughter...and Love to see some pictures from the prom...
Love your version of Cheris pattern...lovely saying...

Take care...and have a great time

Carol said...

Oh my Mel...I can hardly believe that it's been a year since the last Prom dinner...there must be 2 proms this year...LOL! Have fun...I know it will be wonderful!

Kim West said...

What a great idea for prom... and I am sure the kids will love it!!

Elaine/Muddling Through said...

My, you HAVE been busy! The pre-prom dinner sounds lovely and what a gorgeous daughter you have. I'm sure you're so proud of her. Hope a good time is had by all (including you) this weekend.
~Elaine~

Gypsy Quilter said...

You are a brave woman, 16, whew. Hope the weather warms up for you.

Finn said...

Hi Mel, it sounds like a super busy but very, very happy time with family, friends and quilts *VBS* Just what the dr. ordered after a long winter. I'm sure the Raven's Nest will be the highlight of the evening...memories in the making, I love it! Big hugs, Finn

Susan Tidwell said...

I love that little quilt! Is that attic windows? You are very industrious with your prom party plans, good luck with that!

McIrish Annie said...

It looks like Chelsey is walking in her mom's footsteps by being involved in the community. What a wonderful way to give back! I can't wait to see the "Raven's Nest" decorations!! and Libby's quilt. have a great week!

Libby said...

That little quilt is just adorable - I bet your friend just looks at it and smiles all day long *s*

Chookyblue...... said...

Life is constantly busy......take it easy we will be here when you return but I would love to se pics of the room when you have it ready for the dinner........

Karen said...

The birthday quilt is very special! You did a good job.

sewprimitive karen said...

Wow, you are busy. You must be so proud of Chelsey. Such great photos and love your prom party preparations.

Leanne said...

The quilt for your friend is very sweet. Good luck with the Prom dinner. Looking forward to see some photos.

Sheila said...

De-lurking to say I love the prom dinner plans at your house! I'm anxious to see how it all comes together.

That's twice today I'd seen FCCLA on blogs, so I'm glad you explained it. What neat projects. Too bad more kids are involved in them... maybe they should be part of the senior curriculum!?

Cute quilt and bag for your friend, too.

Perry said...

You have been busy, haven't you? I love the prom idea you are doing. It will be the hit of the year I am sure, lol. All of the kids look very happy, and I am sure that is a lot of your doing. Congratulations Mom!

Fiona said...

You are so creative - it must take a lot of planning and effort.

Carole said...

Oh... busy indeed, but it does sound wonderful! Enjoy!

Quilts And Pieces said...

Oh I LOVE your version of the quilt! It is wonderful! and the bag is adorable!

Laura said...

Great little quilt! I know what a wonderful and special gift it is as I was the lucky recipient of Dawn's little beauty!