A Quick Update

Just a quick blog today-  

My precious mama had open-heart surgery on December 1.  Gary and I have been camped out at this huge hospital since that day. Here is a photo of what I've been working on. Right now it looks like a huge doily with armholes! :) When I finish, it will be a beautiful, full length bohemian wrap for our granddaughter.

I love crochet and adore working with variegated yarn.   I hope Hailey loves wearing her wrap as much as I'm enjoying making it.

Also, just to let you know, Mama's surgery was an overwhelming success. Drs. say full recovery will take three months, so by March 1 she will again be able to do the things she loves to do. Hallelujah!

My Thanksgiving

   Here we are again, that time of year when leaves start changing into beautiful golds, browns, and deep reds. The air is light and crisp and the world is beginning to cool down. All this could mean is one thing, Thanksgiving is almost here! For many, the meaning of Thanksgiving usually includes feasting, football games, four-day weekends, family reunions, or a forerunner to Christmas festivities. For my Thanksgiving, we enjoy most of those traditions. We get together with our kids, grandkids, and now great-grandkids. We have a big dinner, my son-in-love watches football with his son, and of course we all love the day off work. But I especially love to count the blessings of God throughout the year. 

  Here are a few things I'm very thankful for:

   1) God/Prayer - Without knowing that God is there for me through all the good times and the bad, I don't know where I would be. Several times throughout my life I have felt lost. Having the ability to pray, and knowing that God is always listening, provides me with comfort. Then I have faith that His will will be done in my life. I have no complaints, and for that, I am extremely thankful. 

   2) Gary- My husband, Gary, is my best friend! He is my peanut to my butter, the crackle to my pop, and the skip in my step. But more importantly, he is the reason I have a smile on my face. I am grateful that I have been blessed with a husband that lets me follow my dreams and he is always right beside me holding my hand. To have a husband like Gary, who loves me unconditionally is more than I could ever ask for. 

   3) My children/grandchildren/great grandchildren- Michelle and Scotty are my pride and joy. I am beyond blessed to have children that have grown into such wonderful Godly people. Seeing Michelle with her husband, children, and grandchildren fills my heart with so much joy. Seeing how Scotty and his wife are leading their beautiful lives brings me much happiness. Then for my grandchildren and great grandchildren, I couldn't be more proud of. Kyle and his wife Jenn and his daughter Lily. Hailey and Lucas and their children, Jude, Ezra, and Harper (Harper who is our angel baby.) If every person in my family represents a single blessing, then my heart is running over.

Michelle and Scotty with Gary

Kyle, Jenn, and Lily

  

Hailey, Lucas, Jude, and Ezra

     

   4) Inspirations- I am thankful for all the inspirations in my life. Whether it be from my family, a clipping in a magazine, a scripture, or even a daydream.

   5) Aging- Weird, I know. But I am thankful for aging. Looking back at all the follies of my youth, I am thankful for all the knowledge and wisdom I have obtained throughout my years. I am thankful to have so many experiences to be able to look back on and pull lessons learned from.

   6) Second Chances- Who knows where many of us would be if no one believed in second chances. I, for one, am thankful to have had second chances in my life!

Theses are just a few things amongst the many blessings in my life that I am grateful for. I hope that this year, when you and your family are sitting at your beautifully prepared Thanksgiving meal, you take a moment and count all the blessings in your life and be truly thankful for each and everything. 

I have also read about a great idea to be able to look back on your blessings. On January 1st, take a jar and each time you are blessed throughout the year, write it down and place it in the jar. Then, on December 31st, sit down and read all the amazing events that took place in the year just passed! 

I am thankful to each and everyone of you and I pray everyone has a beautiful, relaxing Thanksgiving!

Blessings,

 Tricia 

My Eventful Weekend

Hi everyone!

  If you have been wondering what I have been up to lately, I can safely tell you that I have been as busy as a bee! Along with working on getting ready for market, I have been working late hours into the night getting my barn and house all organized and clutter free. 

Sewing corner

Glimpse of my fabric stash

Fabric scraps

Cutting board

I know it still looks like A LOT, but believe me when I say, this is the best my barn has ever looked! Decluttering is such a hard task but it definitely makes your life seem less stressed and you sleep better at night knowing everything has a place.

Along with decluttering, our grandson Kyle's fiance had a lingerie party at our house this past weekend. They are getting married on November 15th, and we couldn't be more excited!! 

Here is our sweet Jennifer, isn't she beautiful?!

Of course, I don't think she would want me to share with everyone her gifts that she received, but I do want to show what her amazing party looked like! The shower was a pink and black paris theme. 

We served a very classy snack of delicious cheeses, wines, grapes and crackers. 

Hailey made up 3 fun games for all of us to play! But here is an example of our favorite, bra pong, and I am proud to say that I came in second place :)

Along with all the fun and games, Hailey had the idea of everyone writing down fun, cheap, or stay at home date nights for the bride and groom to randomly choose out of the jar throughout the year! What a great idea?! I might make one for me and Gary ;)

Only 28 days until they are married! The shower was a success! 

To end a busy weekend, we had the pleasure of attending our great-granddaughter's 3rd birthday party! 

It was the perfect day for a birthday in the park!

Lily was SO excited about her TinkerBell birthday and that she was turning 3! Can't you tell?

Gary had his share of fun as well!  

Drinking his juice pouch

Channeling his inner child! I love this man <3

Even though this has been such an eventful weekend, I wouldn't trade it for the world! My life is a little less cluttered, we are getting closer to the day our grandson and his fiancé tie the knot, and we were able to enjoy some family fun at the park for Lily's birthday. It's in these moments, that you can stop, take a deep breath, and thank God for all the blessings he has given you.

-Tricia

P.S.
Our newest great grandson, Ezra, had a fun time at Lily's birthday party as well ;)

"Burning" Twenty

For those of you that follow our Turning Twenty FaceBook page, you'll remember that I promised the story behind some of my quilts catching fire!

We just had a disaster that would have been HUGE if Gary hadn't been in the house!

I have a big black glass front cabinet in our dining room that I had taken china out of and filled with quilts.

The cabinet has lights on the inside across the top. Gary smelled smoke and couldn't find it anywhere because his eyes can't see smoke. He called me in from the barn and I saw smoke as soon as I entered our back door. 

I then ran to the front and smoke was rolling out of the black cabinet. A light had obviously shorted out and my quilt was smoldering. I then proceeded to yank the quilt out. The melted light was embedded in it. 

I ran to kitchen and put the quilt under water. Unfortunately, while I was busy doing that, the smoldering light remains dropped onto the next quilt in the stack. The second quilt wasn't destroyed, but sadly, the first quilt was.

  
 I'm so thankful we were home!  It would have consumed all the quilts in the cabinet and then burned the house down!

So, moral of our story. 

1. Lights can still short out even if they aren't turned on

2. Don't put your quilts in a quilt cabinet that has lights

3. Always keep your husband inside the house just in case something bad happens ;)

Speedy Vegetarian Cheese Tortellini Soup

Hailey here! :)

   I snuck on to my Minnie's blog just to share with you this amazing recipe that has now become a family favorite. Now that the weather is finally starting to cool off and you're starting to crave some yummy soup that is also very healthy and hearty, this is the go to recipe!

Introducing: Speedy Vegetarian Cheese Tortellini Soup!

First let's start with the ingredients:

1 tbsp. olive oil

1 large carrot, peeled and chopped

2 celery stalks, chopped

3/4 cup sweet onion, chopped

1 cup sliced mushrooms

2 large cloves garlic, chopped

3 spring fresh thyme

1 (15 oz.) can organic diced tomatoes and juice

4 cups low-sodium organic vegetable broth

10 oz. fresh tortellini

a handful of fresh parsley

Salt and pepper, optional

Grated Parmesan, optional

Directions:
1. In a large pot heat the olive oil over medium-high heat.  Add the carrots, celery, and mushrooms and cook for about 3 minutes, stirring often.
2. Add the onion and cook for 2-3 and then add the garlic and cook for another minute.
3. Toss in the thyme, tomatoes and broth and bring to a boil. Add the tortellini to the pot and cook according to the manufacturer package directions. Remove the soup from the heat, mix in theparsely and season with salt and pepper if necessary. Grate some fresh Parmesan on top for the finishing touch.

This soup is simple, fast, and healthy! What could be better?!

Leave me a comment and let me know if you made this recipe and what you thought about it. Also, let me know if you added anything to make it your own! I love suggestions :)

Staying Connected

I hope everyone had a wonderful Labor Day and was able to spend a day off with your families! I was wanting to make just a quick blog about how all my followers can stay connected with myself and Turning Twenty. Of course, there is our blog but we also have a Pinterest, Twitter, Instagram, and a Facebook! 

By following us on these specific social media sites, you will stay in the loop with everything that is going on with our business and even what's going in my life! As of right now, on our FaceBook page, we are having a giveaway for when we reach 550 "likes"! Our prize is our Sugar Dumplin' Pattern and pre-cut kit for the October block!

Pattern

         Block

                                         

       Pre-cut kit

If you'd like a chance to win this giveaway, like our Turning Twenty page on FaceBook and share the post about the giveaway that is on our page, then comment and let us know you liked and shared! Pretty easy, huh?!

A Few of My Favorite Things

Hello!

   I have been busy designing and creating new things for Fall Quilt Market, but I've had requests from followers who want to know more about me. Most everyone I meet at market, shows, or classes see me in a professional setting, so let's stir things up a bit and I'll tell you 10 things that make me happy! Of course, Turning Twenty makes me very happy but let's get more personal :)

1) Babies

This is our sweet Lily Grace. There is just something about babies that make me smile more than anything! They are so sweet, innocent, and loving. My great grand babies don't worry about finances, stress, or relationships. All they have to worry about is being happy and giving big kisses! When I hold a baby, I am just like a sponge. I soak up all their happiness, carefree ways, and love. That refreshes me! Babies are truly a miracle sent straight from Heaven, that's why I think they smell so good (have you ever sniffed the top of a babies head? Heavenly!) We are allowed to mold our babies and help them to become amazing grown ups. What a gift!

2) Falling Rain

"Rain, rain, go away.." That's not something you'll hear me say. Just look at our precious baby Jude, how he loves to splash in the puddles! I love rain and savor when we are blessed with showers! Rain is God's way of cleansing the earth and bringing new life. It's rejuvenating and brings so much peace. The smell of a thunderstorm that is just about to break from the clouds, the sound of rain hitting the roof (which is also romantic), and how the world looks green and new just after it rains. It's truly beautiful.

3) Chickens

Just a pleasant preschool memory from my childhood that always makes me giggle.

When I was a little girl, we had a chicken pen in the backyard. I loved going in the pen and talking to the chickens, but so scared of our mean old rooster. Not crazy about roosters, but chickens make pretty great friends when you are three years old! 

4) Real Hugs

This picture of our lovely Michelle and her baby boy, Kyle is a perfect example a "real hug." A real hug involves both arms lovingly wrapped around someone and being squeezed in a loving way :) It's not a one armed little squeeze from the side, a handshake, or a pat on the back. Real hugs are warm and full of love, they make you feel all happy inside. Real hugs come from people who truly love and care about you. When you receive a real hug, you just know it! 

5) Belly Laughs 

Speaking of belly laughs! This is our silly little Hailey. She's always good for a belly laugh! She tried  "no heat" curls by rolling her wet hair up and tying it with yarn. Kinda like in the good ol' days when there was no such thing as a curling iron ;) But look how it turned out the next morning! Hehe :) I doubt her husband was impressed!

The Bible says laughter is good like a medicine. I've also heard it burns calories, what a great added bonus! A really good belly laugh just makes my day and our granddaughter sure knows how to do that! 

6) Traveling

I haven't traveled in a long time and honestly, I really would love to have more time to travel. When Gary was in the Army, we were stationed in Germany. We visited France, Austria, Switzerland, Spain, and Luxembourg! Flying to Germany was actually my first time to fly. I turned 18 on May 23rd, graduated high school May 25th, married my high school sweetheart May 26th, and was in Germany on May 30th!! Talk about a CRAZY week in our lives! But it was worth it, and I am looking forward to when Gary and I can travel more of the world together.

7) Good Food

Food... I try so hard to eat healthy, watch my calories, and drink a lot of water, but sometimes you just need some GOOD food! I have always loved cooking. I love sitting down with my family with a big dinner, enjoying each others company, and eating. Food always seems to bring people together, which is another reason I love to cook for my family. It warms my soul when my whole brood is together at the same time. Food is good, especially when it's Hailey's German Chocolate Coconut Pecan glazed cake! Everyone needs comfort food sometimes, right? ;) 

8) Christmas

Christmas is my favorite holiday. It's the time to remember the birth of Christ, putting up the Christmas Tree and decorating with lights and ornaments! I love the beautiful Christmas hymns and special time spent with those we love. I love that so many people are talking about the most historic event in the world when they say, "Merry Christmas!" They may not realize it, but by even saying that, they are bringing Him glory! Christmas just puts the right amount of love and joy into the air, and I can't get enough of it :)

Wish I could scoop it up in a baggie and take a whiff every now and then!

9) Family

My sweet, sweet family. Here is a picture of Gary and our 2 babies, Michelle and Scotty, back in 1976. Family means everything to me. God blessed me with such an amazing husband, who is also my best friend. He makes me feel like I'm his one and only! I was also blessed with 2 amazing children that I couldn't possibly love any more! My children are the best things I have ever done and I am so proud of them. They have both turned into amazing adults! Even though they are both married and Michelle has made me a grandmother twice, they are still my babies! I am also a great grandmother to 4 great grand babies! I love my family <3

10) Worship

I lived the first 29 years of my life not knowing God. That all changed in 1979 and my life has never been the same. I worship because there is nothing that compares to the goodness of God.

Our first Q&A!

Lately, I have really been wanted to connect more with my followers on FaceBook, and couldn't think of a better way than to open up a questions and answer post! I allowed any and all questions, even if it had nothing to do with Turning Twenty. I believe when we connect with other people, even through social media, we begin to have more positive emotions which lead to a greater happiness. Who doesn't want to be happier?! Connecting with people begins an "upward spiral" of well-being and happiness, which is what we all want.

  I only received a few questions, but I believe this will pick up. Here are the questions and my responses!

Julie- I'm new to quilting and purchased the book to do the stained glass quilt (Book # 5) I also purchased a TON of different colored material..but the instructions state to use fat quarters...so now IDK how to do this. Do you have any video tutorials?

A- Julie, video tutorials are something I've felt awkward about doing, however looks like I will be doing video tutorials in the near future. To help you with your dilemma right now though, let me explain.  My Turning Twenty book series are patterns written specifically for fat quarters. If you can cut 18" x 21" rectangles from your assorted fabrics, you can then cut according to the pattern for Stained Glass.  Hope this helps. By the way, welcome to the wonderful world of quilting!

Kim- I would like to know what you do with your fabric scraps. When is a scrap small enough to throw away? I get so overwhelmed with my box of scraps. Sometimes I think I should just donate it. I somehow feel that could be a freeing experience. 

A- Scraps, scraps, scraps! How they pile up.  Kim, two or three times a year I box up scraps and yardage and donate these to be used for charity quilts.  However, as you might guess, I have a huge, gigantic, massive scrap stash. If it's 2 inches wide I keep it, regardless what length it is. I've purged so many times throughout the years, but doubt I'll ever be without a hefty scrap stash. Donating fabrics is very rewarding. I guess what happens when we give it away....it comes back to us a hundredfold!  :)

Leslee- Can't help but wonder if you remember my mama, Bo Burkett. I think of her and you every time I see one of the quilts she pieced and you quilted. Such treasures!

A- Leslee, not only do I remember your sweet mama, but I remember you!  Your mama talked about you and Dana all the time! God truly used Bo in my life to help instill the confidence I needed to do what I'm doing today. Seriously, from the very first time I quilted for your mama, she became my own personal cheerleader. Hiring me to quilt for her, helped tremendously toward paying off my first quilting machine, she was a very prolific quilt top maker!  The last time Gary and I visited with your mama was at her big birthday party!  I think of her so often and love her still. Thank you for writing. I hope all is well in your life.

Peggy- I have heard that writing a pattern is tough because you don't know of the reader's skill level. Did you find this true for your patterns? (which I love)

A- Peggy, here comes the truth....I despise writing pattern instructions! I love every aspect of quilting except for that. Writing an accurate pattern requires discipline, mental focus, good math skills and ability to communicate. I CAN communicate, although sometimes my grammar isn't quite correct. My math skills are fair. Mental focus and discipline are not my strong suits.  I try to write as if the person following my instructions has minimal sewing/quilting experience.  I've been told that I write 'too much' instruction. I've also been told the detailed instruction, with photos and diagrams, have helped many succeed in making a quilt when they didn't think they could!  That's what makes me happy.  Now, here's my secret....I have skilled family and friends who can take my writing, make sure it's accurate and make me look like I know what I'm doing!  Thanks for loving 'my' patterns. :)

Thank you SO much for the interaction. I really enjoyed hearing from everyone and can't wait to do this again. Let me know if you enjoyed this as much as I did! Hoping to doing it again soon :)

Blessings, 

Guild Meeting? Don't forget your T-Shirts!

I've started sharing this idea with quilters as we travel to lectures, so I thought I'd share it here with you as well.

When we head out for a lecture, I take a big pile of quilts.  The first thing I fill is a large suitcase....

Then I stack quilts

   

and slide the tall stack into an XL mans T-Shirt. 

Oh no!  Forgot a quilt?  No problem...s-t-r-e-t-c-h that guy and push it inside!

It's amazing how many quilts will fit inside a stretchy shirt!

Another big plus is how easy it is to carry the quilt filled shirts.

I just hug one up against my chest and off I go!

Try it the next time you are carrying multiple quilts to guild for Show and Tell!!

Leave me a comment and let me know what you think!

Blessings,