THE BACK PORCH QUILTERS

Can't Believe What I am Seeing

2011-12-05T19:57:00.000-08:00

We have been talking for quite a few years about the fact that "someday" we would be buying a car because Autumn would be driving---someday. In a flash, it is here. Russ, Autumn and Brooke checked out a sweet little ride today.

Check out this beauty. This is our latest creation. Jovial by Moda. Impressive. Guess it's just gonna have to wait to be quilted. Still trying to dig our way out of the Christmas rush. We will just add it to the collection of quilts waiting to be done. Remind me..what is the story about the cobbler's children having no shoes?

Happy Thanksgiving

2011-11-23T12:35:00.000-08:00

Wow, it has been a while since I have written anything. So, I thought I would start off with some updated photos of Autumn, Brooke and the other two lovlies, my nieces, Shania and Sarah.
I have so much to be thankful for. A wonderful family with two great children. This has been a really good year for the Adams family and we have nowhere to go but up.
By the way, aren't these photos great?! My really super good friend, whom some of you know very well, Dana, over at Old Red Barn Company, took these pictures a few weeks ago.
Autumn, featured here, is now 15 and is driving. I remember what seemed like not too many years ago, Russ and I would joke about how one day she would be driving and we would have to buy a car. At the time it seemed like light years away and in a flash, I turned around and she is all grown up. Time really does fly. Such a lovely girl, inside and out.

A beautiful picture of the four of them. They are like stairs, all in a row.

I remember well the day in late summer that I brought little Brooke home from the hospital. Autumn was only four and not quite sure what to think. Now look at them. Brooke is 10 now and starting to look very much like a teenager.

Brooke always has that look that gives you the impression that you never know what is coming next from her. She is so full of life and always keeps us laughing. Always very much aware of what is going on around her and idolizes her older sister. Brooke, you will always be so special to your Mom and Dad. We love you girls so much! Thanks for being such great kids!

Rhonda :)

New Patterns

2011-09-11T07:27:00.001-07:00

Fain Family Reunion

2011-07-20T19:01:00.000-07:00

Every year about this time my family gets together for an old fashioned family reunion. This has been a tradition for us for many years. It is not as much fun as it used to be because my grandmother and all her brothers and sisters are gone now. My Granny Fain was the glue that held it all together. Even though we miss her very much, we still try to carry on the tradition of good food and fellowship. This year we had a pretty good turn out of about 50 people. It is so great to see everyone and see how much all the kids have all grown. There are many of us that have grandchildren now. We are no longer the little ones in the family

This year we were fortunate enough to be able to have our reunion at the beautiful Mill Race Farm. It just so happens that is sits right on the property where my mother grew up. We were able to reminisce about all the great times my mom and her siblings and cousins had running the fields of this beautiful property. This is a picture of me Autumn and Brooke at the entrance of the farm. You can't see it because I am standing right in front of it, but the center of the sign is made with the old stone out of the grist mill that used to operate in the 40s on the farm. Family is a wonderful thing. It is one of the few things in life that are free and I am so blessed to have had this opportunity.

This beauty belongs to our friend Libie who lives all the way out in Washington state. We do quilts for her all the time and we are always so excited to see what interesting fabric and design she is going to come up with for her latest piece of work.

If you like what you see, it just so happens that Libie has an Etsy store if you would like to cruise on over and take a look. Doesn't cost a thing to window shop. You can see this lovely fabric and many many others at www.etsy.com/shop/craftygaltoo.

Our friend Rena who is a long arm quilter, as well, was kind enough to share some of her pantographs with us. Thank you so much, Rena; we really appreciate your generosity and will put these to good use. This one is called Swan Song.

This one is Meandering Geranium

This one is Hybiscus.

And last but not least, Crepe Myrtle.

All these patterns will be posted on the website in the next few days. These patterns will all be priced at .015.

Hope everyone is enjoying their summer as much as we have been.

Rhonda

Quilts of Valor........Are You Up For the Challenge??

2011-07-10T09:38:00.000-07:00

These pictures look like just random pictures of people in a hospital with a quilt and that these are either close friends or relatives visiting them.

But there is more here than meets the eye. It just so happens that the quilts that appear in the photos were pieced by the Cherohala Quilters. This group of ladies is a small "bee" from Robbinsville, NC, who graciously give of there time to piece quilts for the Quilts of Valor program. (It was an honor to Long Arm Quilt for them.) For those of you who haven't heard about Quilts of Valor, it is a foundation that began several years ago that donates a quilt to each veteran soldier who has served in the many conflicts our country has faced in years past. The mission is to give a quilt to every soldier t. I don't think we need to be reminded about the sacrafice these brave soldiers have made for the blanket of protection we rest under.

This quilt was made by a group of ladies from Bless My Stitches Quilt Shop, the local shop in town. 12 ladies from the Block of the Month Club each made a block and I assembled the quilt and quilted it. It is on display at the shop right now and will be given soon to a soldier soon. A special thanks to Betsy Miles, a veteran herself, for her help with these project.

So, please, if you are looking for a worthy cause in which to donate time, please consider this one. If you are interested, we would like to send kits to 12 willing quilters to complete a quilt for this worthy cause. The completed blocks would be returned to The Back Porch Quilters and we will make sure the quilt gets complete and ready to ship to a worthy soldier, via the Cherohala Quilters. If you are interested, please contact me at this address: russ@thebackporchquilters.com. Let me just say in advance, thank you, thank you, thank you for everyone everywhere that donate to Quilts of Valor!

Below is a video that gives a brief description about people who ar participating in this effort.

Russ

Katy Perry at Atlanta The California Dreams Tour 2011

2011-06-10T04:39:00.000-07:00

Tuesday we went to see Katy Perry in concert. I have to say what an AWESOME concert!!!!!

Here are some acts from the concert

Stars and Strips & New York City, NY

2011-04-23T19:02:00.000-07:00

Autumn and I recently took a school "field trip". I use the term field trip loosely, because it was kind of an extended trip. A normal school field trip is usually for just one day and normally within the confines of a 7 hour school day. But this one was a extended by just an eentsy bit. Yeah...five days. We had such a blast! Oh yea, I forgot to tell you where we went. We went to New York City. Two country mice went to the city.

I have to admit, I was more than a little apprehensive about being able to navigate the city and not get swallowed up by just it's sheer size and the masses of people. But what we found was just the opposite. We found people to be very friendly and helpful. Anytime we found ourselves trying to figure out which train to get on at the subway station, someone would always, without us asking, come up to us and say, "Where are you trying to go?". Sure enough we would always reach our destination. A testament to what it means to be an American. Always lending aid and assistance in any form. This quilt makes me reflect on American spirit and pride.

Taking pride in helping others. It's what sets us apart from the rest of the world.

And so I say to you, in these days that sometimes seem very troubled in the world we live in, give yourselves a pat on the back for being the Americans we should all be. That is what Asiyah did with this quilt. She proudly displays her American spirit in each and every block.

This picture in Times Square reminds me of just how small but "significate" we are. That's me, Janie and Autumn in the middle of Times Square (right at the bottom of the jumbotron). Kinda like "Where's Waldo?" I will give you a hint...navy jacket, teal sweatshirt and then navy jacket again.

Probably the most moving thing we did while we were there was visiting the museum at Ground Zero. Autumn is standing outside the firestation, Station 10, specifically. This firestation is directly across the street from where the World Trade Center once stood. They, of course, were the first to respond on that tragic day. We spoke with the firefighters. They were so friendly and welcoming. Looking at their station today, you would never know some of them had witnessed and experienced. This plaque serves as a reminder of "their own" who gave unselfishly.

Our visit to the Museum of Natural History. She offered him some "gum gum", but he wouldn't take any.

This is Janie and Autumn leaving their mark on New York City. Again, in Times Square. It turns out that if you go to the American Eagle store in Times Square, they will put your picture on the jumbotron for the world to see. The caption reads, "Aren't we boss?". They think they are, but then again, don't we all when we were 14. Shhh...let's not tell them any different.

Outside the Good Morning America studio. Our poor roommate showed up at the Today Show with signs for GMA. We won't go there.

M&M World

I had only seen Lady Liberty on tv or in pictures. I always thought she was so much taller!

The ball that drops every New Year's Eve in Time's Square. Janie's little sister, Lanie, is in picture also. She hailed every cab we took while we were there. She would throw out that little are and say, "Taxi!!"

"My feet hurt."

It was so great and we had a really wonderful experience, but there is no place like home.

Rhonda

Sleeping with the Sharks

2011-04-23T18:49:00.001-07:00

I know it seems like we have just been on the road all through spring. But, I swear, we have been home too! It just all seemed to fall over a two month span. This is a picture of Brooke and her classmates. She is the cutie in the front (white tshirt and denim shorts.) We got the opportunity to go to the Ripley's Aquarium in Gatlinburg, TN and sleep in the shark tunnel. I don't know why they call it "Sleep With the Sharks", because you don't sleep. You just lay there all night long and watch the fish swim overhead. What a serene sight. They are amazing creatures, indeed.

We had the entire aquarium to ourselves! We got to play games, have a scavenger hunt, eat pizza, and pet the stingrays!

This ball is in front of Ripleys Believe It or Not! It is being held up by a very small amount of water---believe it......or not!

They did this really neat craft where you make an imprint of a fish. They gave a great history lesson about the technique of fish printing. She made a pillowcase with her fish print. She is giving it a little kiss.

We toured downtown Gatlinburg before settling down for a night with the sharks. We had dinner at Bubba Gump's. Brooke is trying out Bubba's shoes. We didn't get much sleep, but we had so much fun. I highly recommend this field trip for anyone of any age!

We have dance recital, 8th grade prom, and another field trip to Dollywood all within the next two weeks. Wow....I need summer break to get here so we can take a much needed rest! The Adams family wishes everyone a warm and wonderful summer!!

Rhonda :)

NEW PATTERNS

2011-04-21T05:19:00.001-07:00

Dasmask FeathersTechno
Orange Peel

Fresh Flowers

Flames

Bush Berries

Blast Off

Belladonna

Atlanta Expo

2011-03-19T18:07:00.000-07:00

These are exciting pictures of the Atlanta expo in March. I was fortunate enough to be able to be able to assist the Gammill team at the expo, which meant I got to be in every class! The pictures that you see are samples that have been quilted by Dusty Farrell. He is making a name for him self in the long arm quilting community with his exciting and innovative designs. He used the bottom of a pot to make the circle and them quilted all around it. Isn't it beautiful?

This is a vest that he quilted and layed inexpensive netting material over the fabric before quilting it. A unique look for sure. (also on the butterfly quilt)

Dusty uses "glow in the dark" thread and puts a black light on it to really make it pop. Kids love this look. Our girls are already asking for a quilt sewn in glow in the dark thread.

A picture of me and Dusty at the expo. He really knows his stuff

This is Regina Carter. She is a fabulous long arm quilter that I was fortunate enough to work with in the classes. I was able to pick her brain and get lots of new ideas. I have plans to take some classes under her instruction. I am very excited about that upcoming event!

Russ

Quilting in the Dark

2011-02-13T17:46:00.000-08:00

This is one of the classes I plan on taking at the Atlanta Sewing Expo!!

Russ

Happy Smiles

2011-01-29T16:39:00.000-08:00

Boy are we behind on our blogging. We haven't posted since right after Christmas. I guess we have been distracted by all the bad weather....or we consider it bad. There are some around "these parts" who think this weather is fun. I say, "Bring on spring." David (in the above picture) is most pleased with his Pineapple quilt. He spent a great deal of time on this project, but isn't it beautiful? He was here for Christmas vacation and had to spend a few extra days here in North Carolina with us because of all the snow we had!

Great job Christy! This was a huge project for a first quilt. Hats off to you. I notice you are wearing short sleeves...is it warm where you are?? I am so jealous. Thanks for sharing with us and we hope you enjoy it for many years to come.

The next picture is Russ with our friend Reta. Her Underground Railroad blocks look gorgeous set as a log cabin quilt. Russ and Reta worked together on this project. Good job, guys.

These are a couple from show and tell at our local quilt shop. It looks like everyone has been very busy this winter.

Russ is a little wet after his run. He went to Atlanta and did the Resolution Run on New Year's Day in Atlanta. Never mind how he placed, he was just happy to finish. It was pouring rain that day. Congrats Russ! Way to go!

Think Spring!

Rhonda

$5 Shipping and A Super Duper White Christmas

2010-12-26T10:52:00.003-08:00

We are offering $5 shipping on any full size quilt or larger for the month of January. Dont wait two years like I did...finish your projects now and send them to us!

Two year later I am finished with this project !!! Our Christmas guest this Year... Harley!!!

We are bird sitting for our friend Susan while she celebrates not only Christmas, but the birth of her first grandchild. Congratulations, Susan..we wish you all the best.

Our Church........Murphy Presbyterian Church...it looks beautiful in the snow.

We braved the elements to my parents' house yesterday to spend Christmas afternoon with them. This is a shot on the highway..a picturesque snowfall.

I love how it all sticks to the trees like cotton.

A pretty deep snow.

Ginger loves to play in the snow.

Autumn rocking out with the Paper Jamz guitar at NanaPeg's house. From my family to yours, we wish you blessings throughout the year.

Have a Happy New Year!!!

Russ

The Christmas Rush!!!!!!

2010-12-08T06:02:00.000-08:00

We are always so busy at the holidays....not only rushing around shopping, baking, parties at friends' houses and so on. It is difficult sometimes to just stop and enjoy the moment for just what it is. It is about family and friends and giving, but most of all and most important!!...the birth of our Lord and Savior, Jesus. He gave the ultimate gift to us...the gift of love and life that allows us the freedom to enjoy all those moments with family and friends.

Recognize this? Still bringing in those Old Red Barn Co. "quilt along" quilts. If you haven't finished this project now might be a good time. Send it to us and we will quilt it up nicely for you.

Kathy has been working hard finishing up some projects . These beauties all belong to her.

When you look at this quilt, can you see the "wonky" looking trees? Arlene from Florida sent this one to us.

I had previously posted pictures about this one. But I thought it deserved one more look. Alana is giving this one to her daughter...isn't she lucky? We are beginning to see a few flakes on our mountains these days. Definitely puts you in the mood for Christmas.

This log cabin quilt was Shelley's first quilt! She did a beautiful job. We put a brand new pattern on her quilt called "Bubbles". She pieced this for her son in college to go on his bed to keep him toasty warm this winter. Shelley, do you knit socks too?

Rhonda

Let it Snow

2010-11-26T20:07:00.000-08:00

Brooke just can't seem to get enough. This is her latest project. A rag quilt that she pieced with Roxanne at Bless My Stitches. Won't she be snuggly warm this winter with her rag quilt?

Love this quilt! This beauty beongs to Alana. This is a technique called "redwork". I think she is giving this to her daughter for Christmas. Isn't she lucky?

You can see that Russ is quilting snowflakes on the quilt. This one is going to be spectacular. Something to really put you in the mood for the holidays.

Rhonda

Following in Dad's Footsteps

2010-11-23T19:53:00.000-08:00

We all have aspirations that our children will someday follow in our footsteps...you know keep the family business going.

Well, today, that dream might be well on it's way to being realized. Brooke decided to try her hand at the long arm. She had already spent the better part of the afternoon piecing doll quilts together for all the girls in our family for Christmas. She went to her Dad and said, "Can I quilt them myself?" Music to his ears.

Not bad for her first try!

Dana from The Old Red Barn Co. with her latest quilt. She cares for each quilt just like they were her children!

Proof positive that some legends go on and on forever! Earnhardt lives! Russ was so excited to do this job. Proof positive that he is not the only Nascar fan. Me...glad the season is over until February!

A sneak peek at an upcoming project that is currently under construction. These blocks belong to our friend Reta. She meticulously pieced each and every one in a block of the month class at Bless My Stitches quilt shop. She and Russ are putting their heads together to make it come together. The next picture is an example of what the finished product will be.

What do you think?

Rhonda

New Business Cards

2010-11-17T15:58:00.000-08:00

What do you think of this? Russ and I have been pondering for two weeks now about the design of our new business cards. We wanted something that was simple and not overstated. In our effort to support local business, we made a trip to the local printer and gave him some ideas about what we would like and he came up with this. We go today to view the final draft and I have to say I am quite pleased.

Rhonda

Back in the Saddle Again!

2010-11-12T13:11:00.000-08:00

How many of these do you have in your house? It seems like we are all so busy these days...always on the phone for one reason or another. Our two daughters seem to have hands that are always busy on the keypad of a cellphone. You can hardly tell where the hand ends and the cellphone begins. I am always asking them, "So, who is blowing up your phone today?" If it was up to me everyone would have two cans and a string...now that's communication at it's finest.This beauty belongs to Alberta, one of our customers. She pieced this quilt because they are redecorating her granddaughter's room. With this one she can enjoy the colors of spring all winter long. Something to brighten those dreary winter days.

Russ is back! Back in the swing of things and working hard. A pound or two lighter, I might add. We are so proud of him!

This quilt is being donated to the elementary school to raise money for a new playground. Thanks Susan Guzman for donating the fabric and double thanks to Karen and Roxanne for the piecing work, backing and Warm and Natural batting. We hope to raise lots of money on this one. The line of fabric is Kids Go Green. All about recycling and being kind to the earth. We could all take a few lessons on that subject.

Rhonda

Happy Thanksgiving

2009-11-28T16:37:00.000-08:00

A sign of the times. Thanksgiving is now over and moving on to Christmas. These lovies belong to our neighbors. We can see them out our living room window and we get to enjoy them too.

We put the tree up on Thanksgiving afternoon (post feast). I love this time of year. The kids get so excited and us adults get a little extra gleam in our eyes, too. Did anyone score any good deals on the Black Friday sales? We got a TomTom nagivation system, $59! Score! Merry Christmas to me.

This is Tink's best friend, "Grizzlie". He had a tiny plate all to himself at the dinner table on Thanksgiving. He said he was really full after dinner.

Rhonda:)

Kickin Off Christmas!

2009-11-20T16:05:00.000-08:00

Been a while, where have all you guys been? Just kidding. I am the one who has been absent. Our camera broke and it is not much fun to blog without pictures. My friend, Tami, gave me a camera and we are back in action.
Pumpkin (left side) kickin' off Christmas season with the tree lighting ceremony in town. Lots of caroling, dancing and hot chocolate on hand.

Quilting is going well. Russ, we miss you and will be glad when you are back with us full time. We are very busy for Christmas season and looking forward to some turkey next week!

Rhonda:)

Cats And Water Don't Mix!

2009-10-13T18:12:00.000-07:00

This week's giveaway. I know this isn't a great picture. Pumpkin had to take a picture for me with the webcam---it seems our camera is on the fritz. This is three blocks from a block of the month. Does anyone like to do Redwork? This will get you started. You know the routine.
"Sew It All Up" won this week's giveaway for the black and batik blocks. Sorry I never got the picture posted for that (I am such a slacker!). "Sew It All Up" just needs to email me with an address and I will mail your package right out.

This is our cat Lily. Isn't she beautiful? She doesn't look very happy, does she? I have been telling her for some time now that bad things happen when you walk around the edge of the bathtub, which she does early every morning when Tink takes her bath for school. Well, this morning, she took an unexpected dip. Don't worry Lily, you will dry soon.

Rhonda :)

And The Winner Is!

2009-10-07T18:00:00.000-07:00

Greetings to all. I have been out of the loop for a few days. Trying to get settled in to a new space and playing catch up. It is starting to come together. Love the new space and love having it away from the house. My house cleaning is much easier to keep up with now without all the dust.

A quick apology to those winners who have not received their prizes yet. I am a little behind on my mailing. I promise to catch that up by early next week. Crystal Hendrix..if you are reading, can you please send me your mailing address again. I think I accidentally deleted it. Oops!

Now on to picking a winner for this week. Random.org says that this week's winner is Dana of
The Old Red Barn Company. Yeah Dana! You now are the proud owner of 100 batting squares. Aren't you dying to make a rag quilt?

For this week's giveaway...I think it is going to be 6 kits to make beautiful black and batik blocks! Very nice! Give you a sneak peek of them tomorrow. Stay tuned!

Rhonda :)

Batting Squares and a Move

2009-09-23T16:40:00.000-07:00

This week's post is a few days late. We have been very busy at the Back Porch Quilters this week. We moved our shop away from the house into a lovely space just down the street from us. It is just the perfect size for the long arm machine and we are settling in nicely.

This is the first post I have had that didn't include photos. Just haven't had time, but I promise not to disappoint next week.

In case you hadn't noticed---you got a couple of days to post a comment to win the watercolor quilt books. I just didn't have time until now. So, let's get on with it and pick a winner for the week. The lucky winner this week is Crystal Hendrix. So, Crystal, if you are reading this, email me with your address and I will send out your books.

Since things have been so crazy this week and I haven't had time to do much, let's go with batting squares one more time. Post a comment for 100 five inch blocks of Warm and Natural batting. Thanks for being supportive.

Rhonda :)

I have so much to be THANKFUL for!!!!

2009-09-10T05:55:00.001-07:00

These last few fleeting moments of summer. Short sleeves, bare feet, green grass and all the wonderful things that go with this season.

And don't forget those flip flops and stunts on the trampoline. We have to remember to cherish these moments as the seasons come and go. They turn into months and then years and before you know it, they are grown up and thinking about other things. But hopefully, they will always think about summertime with each other.

Latest giveaway! You know what to do,

Rhonda :)

Winner of the Kit

2009-09-08T04:57:00.000-07:00

Sarah G was the winner this week.

Still have not heard from Debbie (Dear Mom without you).
Need to hear from you by Sept 9th.
One of the winners of Candy Bar Road.

Email me at russ@thebackporchquilters.com

Garden Friends Kit Give Away

2009-09-01T18:09:00.000-07:00

FYI to all who care to know! This latest edition of McCall's Quick Quilts features a table runner that has been quilted by none other than our own Super Quilting Man. Check it out!

Latest giveaway to the next lucky winner. "What do I have to do to win this lovely gift?", you ask. Just post a comment on our blog this week. Winner to be announced on Monday, (Russ' birthday). The big 40 this year!

Rhonda:)

This weeks winners and Happy Birthday to my wife Rhonda

2009-08-31T18:28:00.000-07:00

First I want to wish my wife a happy happy birthday tomorrow!!!

The winners are
John
Sarah
Debbie

I have sent emails to everyone except Debbie (Dear Mom: Life without you).... So Debbie email me at russ@thebackporchquilters.com

Since tomorrow is my wife birthday I will giveaway something big

How about a Quilt Kit!!! and we will tell the winner on my birthday on Labor Day

Russ

SuzGuz Design Give Away

2009-08-24T18:21:00.001-07:00

Well, it's finally here. The first day of school. They are so clean and polished in their new duds!

I can't believe that Tink is already in the fourth grade. She asked to walk in by herself this morning when we dropped her off. So, we did (tear, tear, sad face). I am so glad they were excited to be going back. It makes life much easier.

Pumpkin and her friend goofing off. Way too much free time on their hands.

And the most exciting thing of all, at least for Russ. He talked Pumpkin into taking tap again this year. Ms. Shelley will be so happy to hear this news.

Oh yeah, I almost forgot. This week's giveaway is the pattern for Candy Bar Road from Susan Guzman at SuzGuz Designs. This pattern was designed for Dana at the Old Red Barn Co. for a previous giveaway and was inspired by Russ. And here is the best part of all. This week we will be choosing not just one but three lucky winners!

Have a wonderful day!

Rhonda:)

Winner of the Fat Quarters is ????

2009-08-24T18:15:00.000-07:00

You are the winner Susan !!!! You were comment number 65

Stay tune for the next give away in a few minutes

Russ

Drum Roll, Please

2009-08-17T18:30:00.000-07:00

We have a winner! Nancy, if you are reading, you are the winner of the Warm and Natural batting squares. Contact us so we can get your mailing info. Congratulations! This week's giveaway is these lovely fat quarters. I know three of them don't match, but we wanted to give away 10. The first seven are Marcus Brothers, Metro Blue, and the others are just from our stash. I am sure you would take them off our hands, won't you? How do I win, you ask? Just make a comment on our blog this week, and we will pick a winner next Monday, August 24th.

This is the last of the puppies to reunite with. Click on the video and watch them play together. I think Ginger recognized her. Her name is Bella, but I have been told that her new family has nicknamed her "El Diablo." You can tell from the video that she is a real firecracker!

What do you think of our new sign? We have it at the end of our street.

Rhonda:)

GIVE AWAY

2009-08-09T14:48:00.000-07:00

Does anyone like to make rag quilts? We are going to start hosting a giveaway every week from now until Christmas. Just make a comment on this post and you could be the lucky winner of 100-5" Warm and Natural batting squares. A generous start on a rag quilt. So, keep watching every week to see what we are giving away next! Winner to be announced next Monday, August 17th!

Isn't this adorable? Our buddy Bonnie from Alabama made this cutie. She made one for her granddaughter and she liked it so much that she has made another for her great niece. Keep up the good work Bonnie!

Look at our little construction worker. He wants to be just like his Daddy.

I know, I know what you are thinking--another dance video. But, I just can't help myself, she is just getting so darn good. This was at the Kid's fair in a neighboring county. It's hard to see on this video. Pumpkin is the second from the right.

Don't forget to comment. Happy posting!

Family Reunion

2009-08-03T19:44:00.000-07:00

You can tell it's almost time to go back to school. The girls are starting to get bored. This picture--Tink and Ginger playing beauty parlor. You should see what Ginger did to Tink's hair.

Russ took a moment out to do one of our own quilts--a rare occurence. A nice scrappy looking quilt with some of his favorite Tula Pink fabric.

I wonder who will end up with this quilt? Maybe we will get to keep this one.

Ginger and the girls had a family reunion this weekend. We had a chance to visit with Dino. Ginger just can't believe how her little boy has grown.

And Pumpkin is being lavished with hugs and kisses by Harpo and Scout.

Tink was so happy to see them all doing so well in their new homes. We are so glad we were able to give these special dogs to our special friends.

Pumpkin went to the UFO class last week to finish her Maypole quilt. She is planning to enter it in the local quilt show in the fall. All we lack now is the quilting and the binding. The smile on her face is a look of relief that she has finally finished this project. Didn't she do an awesome job?

Rhonda :)

Field Trip #2

2009-07-29T06:48:00.000-07:00

Russ and I took a break yesterday to mix a little business with pleasure. We have been talking for quite some time now about going to the Warm Company to purchase batting. So, we made a couple of phone calls, dropped off the kids with Grandma and climbed in the truck and took off. We drove to Hendersonville, about 3 hours from home, and pulled up to the dock and the nicest people in the world loaded the back of the truck and sent us on our way.

We took a little extra time to visit a couple of our favorite quilt shops along the way and had a nice lunch together.

Here are a few pictures of the warehouse, which by the way, just sits in the middle of a neighborhood.

I think next time we are going to ask for a tour of the plant.

:) Rhonda

Babies, Blocks, and Boo Hoos

2009-07-21T19:12:00.000-07:00

Ginger is certainly basking in her "child free" livin' again. Back to her old self, she has spring in her step and has taken her rightful place at the dinner table once again. I don't know if you can see it in the photo or not, but she is sporting a bib in keeping with proper table manners.

Check out this beauty. This quilt was on the frame today. We have made a regular practice of making quilts and giving them to Pumpkin and Tink's friends. This quilt is going to Pumpkin's friend, Vandana. Russ and I made a pact that we would no longer wait so long before completing our projects. It's kinda like having children, if you wait until you can afford it or have time, you will never have any. Thus, if we wait until we are caught up to quilt some of our own projects, then we will never quilt anything for ourselves. Busy, busy is a good problem to have and we are eternally grateful to all the people who send us their lovely quilts.

Okay, I promised you a "boo-hoo", so here goes. The above photo is the magazine,Quilter's Home. Russ did a quilt that was featured in this issue. Unfortunately, we did not get a mention as we were promised. Boo to them because they did not mention any of the long arm quilters in the magazine. I was reluctant to mention it, but we were very disappointed when the magazine came out and we were not given credit. Oh well, not the end of the world.

On to what is really important in life. These are the moments that are cherished. This is our new niece, Danielle Paige, aka, "Dannie". She is very beautiful and we are so proud of her and look forward to many fun times with her and her sister Gwyneth, who by the way, was insistent on naming her Sweet Butterfly. Maybe she was on to something, she is very sweet and is as pretty as a butterfly. Out of the mouths of babes!

This is our friend, Susan and her beautiful Candy Bar Road quilt. This is the pattern that our other long distance friend, Susan Guzman wrote the pattern for. A very popular pattern that is very easy to make. You can visit Susan's website to find out how to purchase the pattern. It's definitely a keeper.

Same quilt, just a different color. Getting an early start on some Christmas gifts.

Connie proudly displaying her hard work.

These ladies are part of the Eleanor Burn's Victory Quilts club. They come together once a month and make one of the blocks from the book. Russ teaches this class.

Look how proud she is!

Sue is just so proud that her points matched!

So there you have it. Everything I promised--babies, blocks, and a boo hoo! These are the things that make life all worth it!

Rhonda:)

Afternoon Getaway

2009-07-09T07:04:00.000-07:00

We made a quick trip to the mall yesterday to get some early school shopping done. Everything was on sale! Score! The girls were like, well...kids, only not in a candy store but in Aeropostale. Big sale going on right now. If you have one near you and that is your taste--hit the 70 percent off rack. We got some great deals and got away from home and work for a few hours.

Oh yeah, and did I mention that we went to the Little Debbie Thrift Store?

For those of you who have squash running out your ears, here is a great Squash Casserole recipe that we have been making for years in my family.

Steamed Squash with onions

8 oz. sour cream

2 cans cream of celery soup

grated raw carrots (maybe 1 or according to taste)

2 tbls. butter, melted

1or 2 sleeves of Ritz crackers

After you have steamed your squash and onions and drained it very well, add the sour cream, soup and grated carrot. Mix well and place in a casserole dish. Add crushed crackers to the melted butter and use as a topping for the casserole. Bake at 350 degrees until bubbling through.

This recipe makes a 9x13 casserole, if you need it smaller, just cut the recipe in half.

Bake and enjoy! Delicious. This is one of my favorite late night snacks lately!

Rhonda:)

Quilts and Then Some

2009-07-06T19:15:00.000-07:00

We asked our new friend Sarah Pead to do some graphic design work for us to snazz up our website and look what a fabulous job she did! Some people are so talented. We are so happy to have her among our list of new friends. Thanks Sarah!

Check out this gorgeous quilt from Jilliene Isaacs. This was just one of the many quilts we are getting from the quilt along that has been going on for a few weeks now at the Old Red Barn Co. Jilliene was so gracious to mention us on her blog. There are so many good people with so much talent out there!

Look at this beauty! This came to us from Chase Wu. An original that features her daughter's foot prints and hand prints. How absolutely original and scumptious! It was a delight to quilt this one!

Finally, something edible! I think we will make some refrigerator pickles. They taste so much better when you know that you grew them yourself.

Check out Tink. She finally got her front hand spring and can land it on her feet.

Totally awesome!

Can't wait to see who wins the Janome 6600! Maybe it will be me! If not me, I hope the most deserving person out there! Good luck everyone!

Rhonda:)

Empty Nest

2009-06-28T18:36:00.000-07:00

Score! We just harvested the world's largest radish from our garden. The first vegetable we have taken from the garden. I am embarrassed to say that I forgot that I planted radishes and didn't pull them in time and now they are so big we can't eat them. So, now we are just going to have to name them, I guess. I think we will call this one Fabio and my daughter's request.

We are looking forward to some green beans and corn, though.

We are so thrilled and privileged to be receiving some of the beautiful quilts from Dana's quilt along. We cherish each and every one. Great job on the quilts, you guys! Hats off to Dana for doing such a great job instructing.

Alas, it was time for the puppies to go to their new homes this weekend. We gave this little cutie to our dear friends Bob and Marge. His name is Dino. Very appropriate--they already have a Barney and a Pebbles at home. I know he will bring them years of joy and pleasure.

Do these guys look familiar? Yep, you guessed it. These two beauties, Scout and Harpo, now live at Dana's house. I know they are as happy at Dana's house and they could ever possibly be!

Ginger is getting back to normal. Catching up on some much needed rest--you know, mother of newborns and all those sometimes unpleasant things that go with motherhood.

Rhonda:)

Dance Dance Dance

2009-06-14T04:42:00.000-07:00

See My babies Dance!!!!

Tink getting ready to go out on the stage.

Pumpkin (right) and her friend getting ready to tap!!!

Tink dancing to Jazz

Pumpkin in Jazz

Tink in Tap

Pumpkin in Tap

Our Instructors dancing together

Pumpkin in Contemporary

Tink in Hip Hop

Tink in Ballet

Can you tell I am proud of my girls!!!!

Dad AKA Russ

The Class Quilt

2009-05-20T10:49:00.000-07:00

We have been promising all year to do a quilt project with Tink's class. It is becoming a semi tradition. I say semi because we actually skipped a year and didn't do one last year. But we are back on track for this year and we have almost waited too long to complete the project because the year is almost over! Our school mascot is the Bulldogs, so we made raw edge appliques of Bulldog paw prints. Two large ones for the teacher and assistant and smaller prints for the students. The kids traced their own paw print and cut them out then we ironed them on the fabric. This was a little break from their countless hours of preparing for their end of grade testing, which takes place next week. Here is the class with their project.

This is Russ ironing on the appliques. The kids were so excited to see how it was going to turn out.

Now I have to stitch around all the paw prints, then borders and then on to the long arm it goes. Stay tuned for the finished product!

Rhonda :)

An Assortment of Chocolates

2009-05-15T18:51:00.000-07:00

They're here!
Ginger had her puppies today. She surprised us with five little ones. Aren't they so cute? I am always so amazed by how nature just knows how to handle things. They are natural born mothers, always just knowing the right thing to do at the right time. I wish people could take lessons from them about parenting and childbirth. We had all the neighbors and friends stoppingby all day. It was quite a neighborhood event. All week long, everyone kept saying, "Do we have puppies yet?"
Now Russ no longer has to ask how many puppies Ginger is going to have, we now know that the magical and perfect number is "Five."

Rhonda :)

2009-05-12T11:15:00.000-07:00

Finally a little sun. We have had so much rain I was beginning to think we were going to all be moldy.

It was nice to go to the mailbox yesterday and find a package that contained one of the blocks from our virtual bee. We also received a quilt from the giveaway we did last month. Amber we love your quilt and we will take very good care of it while it stays for a visit.

Here are the blocks we have received thus far from our virtual bee.

We can't wait to see the rest. Russ was excited to be able to do something for a boy this time. We love the pirate theme.

Rhonda :)

A Sign of the Times

2009-05-08T16:52:00.000-07:00

Ahh, definitely a sign of the times to come. Ginger Michelle is nesting in preparation for the blessed event. Russ asks her everyday, "Ginger, how many puppies are you going to have for us?" And every day it is the same response---a pitiful brown eyed blank stare that just screams, "Why did you do this to me?"

Nonetheless, she will be very excited when she has lovable babies to attend to. We are patiently awaiting the day. We think sometime around the 13th of May--just next week. We will keep you posted and have a birth announcement when the time comes. Boo and Liscious--I hope you are paying attention and have a name picked out because the puppy stork is flying over your house very soon!

In the meantime, we are hoping for more sun so that we can get our garden started! Boy are we behind.

Rhonda :)

Presenting the Fabulous Tink

2009-04-23T04:55:00.000-07:00

What would life be without having the opportunity to brag about your children? This is Tink trying on costumes at the dance studio for the upcoming recital. This is her ballet costume. What do you think? Once the hair is done and a little makeup--precious. She really surprised us a couple of days ago. She is always the one who fights about homework and her disinterest in it. She never writes down her assignments and rarely brings home the correct book for nightly assignments. Any other parents have one of these? She surprised us the other day when she got in the car and announced that she had scored 100% on her benchmark test! This is the pretest for the end of grade test that is given each year. I knew you had it in you all along, Tink!

This is her at dance in her hiphop class. This was a few months ago. She has gotten so much better since this was taken. I can't wait to see the recital!

Rhonda :)

FUN FUN FUN IN THE FLORIDA SUN !!!

2009-04-21T07:27:00.000-07:00

Well, we finally made it back from sunny Florida. I apologize for not posting for so many days. I came back to a mountain of new packages outside our door and brought home a mountain of laundry. So, I am just now digging my way out. We had a FABULOUS time at Sea World. I highly recommend it to any and all.

Pumpkin and Tink had such a great experience and got to spend some time with their cousins that they don't get to see very often. They all got along so well. SQM called them the "Fantastic Four". We got to pet the dolphins and feed them too. What a wonderful opportunity. Something us "mountain folk" don't get the chance to do very often. We also had a chance to spend a bit of time with our quilting buddy, Bonnie. Bonnie if you are listening, thank you so much for your hospitality. You opened up your home and your heart to entertain us while we were there.

The giveaway seemed to be a big hit. Thank you SOOOO much to all who took the time to post a comment. It was nice of you all to take time out of your very busy lives just to read the little snippets that we call our lives.

And now, for your viewing pleasure, here are some photos from our vacation.

Russ & Rhonda :)

Amber!!!! You are the WINNER

2009-04-09T08:20:00.000-07:00

Random number 63 is the winner.

So Amber of One Shabby Chick is the winner.
So Amber Please Email us!!!!!

I do want to give a special thanks to Dana, Joy, Susan and Paula for mentioning us on their blogs.

We are officially on the road going to Orlando to Seaworld!!!!

Russ

Ready, Set, SEW!!!!!

2009-03-26T18:48:00.000-07:00

Just like we mentioned a few weeks ago, we are now preparing for our first giveaway. Ours won't be nearly as exciting as Dana's over at the Old Red Barn Co., but we aim to please. We are giving a free quilting service away. This will be an edge to edge quilt, any size, any pattern that we have in our pattern library. That's right folks! So get those sewing machines out of the closet and dust them off. Sew up your favorite pattern and get it ready to send to us, 'cause you could be the lucky winner. We will run the giveaway for two weeks. All you have to do is post a comment. At the end of two weeks, we will randomly draw for the winner. Sound like a good idea to you? Well, don't just sit there in front of your computer (make your post)--start sewing!

Look at some of our other work for McCalls Quick Quilts and SuzGuz Designs:

Nature’s Gifts April/May 2009 Issue Quick Quilts‏

Moderne Bliss February/March 2009 Issue Quick Quilts‏

I do want to give the Susan Guzman from SuzGuz Designs a special Thanks!!!

Russ

Candy Bar Road FREE CLASS

2009-03-15T18:14:00.000-07:00

Is everyone looking for the perfect quilt project that takes minimal time? I know we are always looking for the perfect pattern for the last minute gift. You know the one--"Honey, what's for dinner, how was your day and by the way, I need a quilt for a birthday gift at work for day after tomorrow? I meant to tell you, but it just kept slipping my mind."

Well, hold on to your rotary cutter--we found it. It is called Candy Bar Road. It is so easy and so beautiful. Makes a lap quilt in a snap! (Wow, I should be be doing infomercials!) Our friend, Susan Guzman from SuzGuz Designs has come up with the easiest pattern. Russ is teaching a free class at Bless My Stitches and Mrs. S Fabric featuring this pattern. All you need is one jelly roll and one layer cake. Here is a picture of one of our samples.

Rhonda ;)

I have to show off My Pumpkin!!!!

2009-03-01T17:00:00.000-08:00

This is Pumpkin's contemporary class. All the girls have 4 to 10 years experience in dance and this is the first full year for the boy. Choreography is still in the planning and reworking phase.

You know you have it made if you have three beautiful girls right there to catch you!!!!!

Coming soon-- Tink's hip hop class!!!

Russ aka SQM

Where would we be without FRIENDS?

2009-02-25T16:28:00.000-08:00

This is our dear friend, Rhonda Lovingood. She got the "virus" about a year and a half ago. I ran into her one day in WalMart and we started talking about what we had been doing since we had talked last. Of course, the conversation gravitated to quilting. I gave her one lesson and the rest is history. She is now officially fully "infected" with the disease called quilting. Rhonda and her husband Bobby are going through a very difficult time in their lives right now. Bobby is having some health problems that could potentially change their lives forever. Please keep them in your thoughts and prayers. Two nicer people you would never meet. In spite of every pitfall that comes their way, they still make time to encourage and speak to everyone they know about what God has done and is doing in their lives.

This is TINK and her "Friend" Abbi -- Buds for Life!!!

We do have one other request for thoughts and prayers. Our friend, Cheryl, is also having some health issues. She has just been told that she is signing on for another round of chemotherapy--her cancer has returned. I don't think I have ever met anyone, fighting cancer, with such a courageous outlook or with a more positive attitude. We should all appreciate and embrace life the way Cheryl does. I have only known Cheryl for a few months, but this is a friendship that I plan to keep for many years to come. You go, girl!

Couldn't you just smell spring today? I can't remember a time when I have wanted spring more. Maybe my age is telling on me! Russ and I are planning a garden this year. (Notice I said planning not planting--do you think we can pull it off?) We started some seeds about 10 days ago. Aren't they beautiful? I can't wait to put them in the ground. Mark and Dana, are you reading this? We are counting on your help. We are clueless! We just subscribed to a new magazine--Organic Gardening. There may be hope for us after all.

Stay tuned--details to come for our first giveaway.

:) Rhonda

Rainy Day Dumplings

2009-02-18T06:43:00.000-08:00

It's raining here today. I really don't like rainy days in the winter. They make me lazy. This is what I am supposed to be doing today.

And this is what I feel like doing today.

But instead, I will do the "right" thing and make the beds and do the laundry and all the things I am privileged to do. My mom is always telling me to enjoy these days, that I am going to miss them when they are gone. I know that she is right and that one day when my nest is empty I will be longing for those days of laundry and dance practice and cooking. So, in the mean time I will take a deep breath and enjoy all those things that make life what it really is.

Because, she makes it all worth while.

I am going to make chicken and dumplings for dinner tonight, just for Pumpkin. It is her favorite meal. The smile on her face will be priceless, when she comes home from school today and says, "Mom, what are we having for dinner, tonight?"

Here's a picture of the January block for the virtual bee. We hope Amy likes it.

Here is the February block for Amy#2. She wanted a wonky log cabin block for her quilt.

This beauty was pieced by Lisa Briggs of Phoenix. Isn't it beautiful? The above picture shows the quilt on the long arm and the below is an up close shot.

This "lovely" was pieced by Roxanne, or "Rock Sand", as she is affectionately referred to by Pumpkin and Tink. I remember them asking me what kind of name is Rock Sand?

Rhonda :)

Who is Ginger Michelle????

2009-02-12T05:58:00.000-08:00

Wow, it has been quite a few days since our last post. A lot has happened in a week. Sadly, we lost our next door neighbor, Sarah Patton, who was very near and dear to our family. We feel the emptiness already. We are trying hard to keep a good eye on her husband, Mack. He is lost without her. They had been married for a little more than 65 years and I can't imagine what he must be going through. Please keep him in your prayers.

I took Tink for a haircut and I thought Rhonda was going to have a heart attack when she saw it. But after a few days, totally loves it. I guess there will be no bun for ballet this year.

Who is the other "person" in this photo, you ask? This is another member of our family. This is Ginger Michelle, our one year old miniature Dachshund. The most common remark we get when people see her for the first time is "Oh, how cute, is she a Jack Russell terrier?" She kinda looks like one, doesn't she? But, I assure you she is all Dachshund. She is my partner in most everything I do. Apparently, someone forgot to tell her that she is a dog. She thinks everyone loves her. When someone comes by to pick up a quilt she greets them with a wag of her tail and if she gets the chance, a lick on the face. Actually, that is being quite modest. She really doesn't discriminate with her tongue--if she happens to get you in the mouth or nostril or ear, she doesn't care.

Her favorite toy is a tennis ball. Whenever she can't get anyone to throw it for her, she throws it herself. At Christmas, she threw it up and it landed in the Christmas tree--just stuck there--hanging like an ornament. Just the other day, Rhonda was walking by and looked over and guess where she had thrown it? She had tossed it in the toilet--guess we don't have that ball anymore!

Russ AKA SQM

Zachary's Quilt

2009-02-01T19:04:00.000-08:00

This is the quilt that Linda made for her grandson, Zachary. We at The Back Porch Quilters thought it would be nice to talk about someone else for a change. We have so many wonderful people that we have had the privilege to work with. Here is Linda's story and another wonderful recipe to share. Thanks Linda for sharing your life with us.

Linda Gaskins Spannagel wrote the following: I was born in Norfolk Virginia in 1948 with a twin brother, who we unfortunately lost after our 25th birthday. I have spent almost my entire life in this area with the exception of three years (1995-98) when Robert (my husband of 42 years) and I moved to Southern Spain while working for the government. We have one son, Brandon who is 38 yrs old, our daughter-in-law Kristen and one grandson, Zachary who is 6 yrs. old. The quilt that is pictured was made for Zachary on Christmas of 2008. It has photos of him and his family taken during his two years of playing T-Ball. We included pictures from all of his teams so that he could remember them in the future. It truly was a labor of love from his Granny.

My mother bought me a sewing machine while I was in high school after taking Home Economics, but I really never got interested in sewing at that time. I enjoyed looking at material in the material shops and have done some cross-stitching, knitting and making rag dolls for fun. I began quilting in 2004 when my husband bought me a new sewing machine for Christmas as well as signing me up for a beginners quilting class at one of the local schools. I have always had an interest in quilting, but did not know anyone who quilted. My mother, Hattie Riggs Gaskins who died in 2007 at the age of 93, passed down to me two quilts that her Great Grandmother and Grandmother had made for her, one in the late 1800’s and one in the early 1900’s. I guess it was in my blood to quilt and my grandmother Bertha Brinson Riggs was a wonderful seamstress and made clothes for her three daughters. I know they both would have been very proud to know how much I really enjoy my quilting and to see some of the quilts I have made. The first quilt I ever made was named “Patches Pete”. My husband gave me the class certificate for my Christmas present. He had attached a piece of material to it along with a letter. The letter said, “Hello, my name is Patches Pete and I am part of the Pete family. All my brother and sisters have already been included in other quilts. I guess I haven’t because I am so ugly. I promise you that if you include me in one of your quilts, I will keep you company and warm at nights.” Well, I made a Lone Star quilt using Quilt Smart which was new at the time, but it did make it an easy quilt to put together. In the middle of the Lone Star Quilt is the swatch of material called Patches Pete and I included a copy of the letter in a cloth envelope on the back of the quilt. Needless to say, it has been quite a conversation piece. The thing I like about quilting is how relaxing it is for me. My favorite quilt shop is “What’s Your Stitch ‘n Stuff “ in Virginia Beach, Va., but I also enjoy visiting all the quilt shops all over and chatting with the girls. My favorite quilt patterns at the moment is Buggy Barn and I love Henry Glass Pumpkin Spice fabrics and Garden Inspirations by Kansas Trouble Quilters for Moda Fabrics and 3 Sisters for Moda. I attend our annual “Quilt Shop Hop” in the area which consists of eight to ten local shops. They design a quilt and each shop you stop at gives you a pattern block to complete the theme for that quilt. Some of the shops offer kits. They give away baskets of goodies and have dessert socials at the end of the week. It is a fun day for my husband and me. I don’t live close to any particular quilt shop, so I do my quilting at home which I find very relaxing. I take some classes at the local quilt shops and enjoy visiting with the group during the class. My husband enjoys taking me to the quilt shops and helping me pick out materials for my quilts. He is my partner during the shop hops and quilt shows I attend. He enjoys it as much as I do and I enjoy his company. My husband’s mother’s family is from the Smokey Mountains and that is where we both enjoy vacationing, sometimes as many as two to three times a year. We visit all the quilt shops in the mountains and have made friends with the owners and it would not be the same without seeing them all on every visit. I buy a lot of my materials at these quilt shops and I am receiving Block of the Month patterns at this time. I hope everyone enjoys my grandson’s quilt, and I know he will treasure it as much as I treasure my quilts that were passed down to me from my family. I really enjoyed sewing it for him and looking at the pictures and thinking how proud I am of him already at such a young age. It is one of those gifts from the hearts that should last forever. Zachary is very special to us, and I wanted him to have something special from his Granny Linda to remind him of how much he is loved.

My mother gave me this dessert many years ago and I use it almost every Christmas and Thanksgiving. By the way, cooking used to be my favorite thing to do until quilting took over the #1 spot. Hope you enjoy this

A Jewel of a Dessert

This beautiful gelatin mold has the color and sparkle of garnets, the indescribably delightful flavor combination of Bing cherries and pineabble and cola, the crunchiness of slivered almonds. Add a garnish of dairy sour cream sweetened to taste and you have a handsome, unusual and delicious dessertthat will long be remembered.

Cherry Cola Dessert
1 can (1 lb) Bing cherries
1 can (1 lb) crushed pineapple
1 large package (6 oz) cherry or black cherry flavored gelatin
1 can or bottle (12 oz) cola beverage
1 cup canned or packages blanched slivered almonds

Drain cherries and pineapple; measure syrups; add water, if necessary, to make two cups. Heat syrups to boiling; pour over gelatin; stir untilgelatin is dissolved. Add cola beverage; chill until consistency of unbeaten egg white. Combine cherries, pineapple and almonds; fold in. Spoon into eight-cup mold. Chill until firm. Unmold. If desire, garnish with dairy sour cream sweetened to taste with either sugar or sugar substitute. Makes 8-10 servings.

Seriously??!!

2009-01-28T18:03:00.000-08:00

Are you kidding me? This is what happens when you turn a man loose with an iron. SQM was trying to do something really special and this is the result. Two words...low heat! One would think that he should never be trusted in the kitchen. But then this is the lovely meal he made to make up for the assault on the iron.....

I think I'll keep him.

Recipe for one of our favorite meals as follows:

Spaghetti Pie

Cook a 1 lb. box of spaghetti according to the directions on the box. Drain and place in the bottom of a 13x9 pan. Beat one egg with 1/2 cup of milk. Pour this mixture over the pasta. Prepare your favorite spaghetti sauce with meat (our family prefers ground turkey) and spread over the pasta. Generously cover with shredded mozzarella cheese. Top with pepperoni slices and bake at 350 degrees for 30 minutes. Quick, delicious and very satisfying.

Rhonda :)

Winter Bliss

2009-01-22T08:51:00.000-08:00

We don't get much snow in this neck of the woods anymore. When I was a child, it snowed all the time, or at least it seemed that way. I can remember when we would miss what seemed like most of the month of January. Well, maybe I am exaggerating a little. But even still, Pumpkin and Tink only get to enjoy the occasional flurry or snow shower. Here is a picture of them doing just that. We have to always encourage them to get right out there when it is actually snowing because it is gone in the blink of an eye. We still keep hoping for more than a flurry! Be careful, what you wish for...

Some exciting news from The Back Porch Quilters! Russ always said that he would know that he had "made it" if he was published in McCall's. Well, guess what? We have arrived. Russ is in the March/April 2009 issue of McCall's Quick Quilts. Page 46, specifically,for those of you who care to know. We have several other publications coming out in the near future. We are so grateful to Susan at SuzGuz Designs for this wonderful opportunity. We are truly blessed.

Rhonda :)

Let Me Tell You About My Girls

2009-01-17T16:01:00.000-08:00

I told you that I would introduce the rest of my family at a later date, so here goes. We have two daughters, ages 12 and 8. Let's refer to the oldest as Pumpkin, since she was almost a Halloween baby. She was born two days before Halloween. She was my little goblin. Pumpkin is a quiet gentle soul that is always considerate of everyone else's feelings. She is the person I aspire to be. She never questions why or why not, she just quietly accepts what is handed to her and is just happy to be. This photo was taken by our friend, Dana of the Old Red Barn Co.. Isn't she a great photographer? Pumpkin is becoming quite the quilter. She has made quilts for all her friends and they are so loving her. For her birthday this year, we got her a reconditioned Singer featherweight sewing machine. Maybe she will take over the family business...someday. I chaperoned her middle school dance last night and it is so interesting to watch how mature she is becoming, but at the same time so much still a little girl. To see how they keep a watchful and safe distance from the boys, but just close enough to let them know that they (the girls) are in control. So cute!

Now, I was never fortunate enough to have a sister, just two older and very protective brothers. I would have never thought that I could be instrumental in bringing two such opposite people into this world. They are polar opposites. My 8 year old, which we will refer to as "Tink" is as vastly different from Pumpkin as she can be. First, let me explain the name Tink. Tinkerbell has always been her favorite Disney character and since she was born in August and has red hair, green has always been her color.

Pumpkin and Tink have similar interests, same kind of movies, same grades in school, both love to dance and so on. But their personalities are so different. Tink is a deep thinker and what ever emotion she is feeling at the moment, she feels it to her very core. I guess a short fuse goes with being a red head--so she is kind of a hot head, at times. She is very sensitive and can't bear the thought of an animal being hurt. So, we don't watch many animal movies. Let's just say that Bambi would put her over the edge! Tink is hysterically funny at times and makes us laugh all the time. Can't you just see the mischief in those eyes? I just know that she is going to make a great impact on the world someday.

So there you have it. My Pumpkin and my Tink. I love them so.

Rhonda :)

It's "virtually" delightful

2009-01-13T17:40:00.000-08:00

We received a small package in the mail today. Not that we aren't used to getting packages in the mail. We get those all the time. The boxes are usually filled with someone's carefully pieced treasure just waiting for Russ ("SQM") to transform it into something even more beautiful. So, it's usually a considerably larger package than we received today. Today's package, was a small unassuming little thing.
Would you like to know what was in it?

It's the first block for our virtual bee. For those of you who don't know how this works, it goes like this. In the month that has been designated "yours", you send enough fabric to everyone in the bee to make a block for you. In this case, there are 12 people in our bee, so at the end, we will get 12 different blocks, including the one that we make for ourselves. An exciting opportunity to get fresh ideas from fellow quilters. I can't wait to see what the others come up with when we send our fabric. Hmm, I can't wait to see what we come up with for this block!

Rhonda :)

My First Entry

2009-01-11T17:01:00.000-08:00

Time to start a new year and a new chapter in our lives. It has been a whirlwind two year adventure for us since we started this business. We are "The Backporch Quilters", which was "born" for two reasons. #1--Out of necessity for a new career and #2(and certainly not second because it was less important)because of our love for quilting. We are a family of four trying to make our mark on the big wide world. Dad (which we will refer to as "SQM", which stands for Super Quilting Man, which was a name affectionately given to him by one of our dearest friends at the local quilt shop in our town.) More about the quilt shop later. Mom, part-time worker, full-time taxi and dancer mom, (four days a week, thank you very much) and two lovely, lovely and did I mention lovely daughters, age 12 and 8.(To be given an "on line" name at a later date.)

Most of SQM's days are spent in the quilting room working on the projects that our customers have carefully and lovingly pieced together to become heirloom treasures. My day is kind of all over the place, between work and taxiing the girls to dance class, (did I mention four days a week??) and did I mention that I like to on occasion remind my family just how hard I work for them?

Our intention for this blog is not to just wile away the hours telling your about our days and nights, but to keep you well informed about what is going on in our corner of the quilting world and possibly to occasionally pass on a great recipe that I have stumbled upon. I do like to cook! However, in order to get the free recipes--you will have to endure viewing the occasional picture or video of our girls at dance. Just kidding. Not really--seriously, you will have to see the photos!