Sunny Day Here

So sunny in fact....I needed some XL-Sunglasses!!!  ROFL

I'm proud to tell you that I only paid 25 cents for these absolutely perfect sunglasses...:)

Smiles,
Kelly

Green Day

Feeling Yucky seems to be a theme around the IHAN clan.  Last Thursday, Aaron was sick and I kept him home from school.  Then on Friday, yep...you guessed it...Zach was home too.  He was complaining about his head and stomach hurtling.

I was fine until this morning....now I'm feeling green.  Typically I don't announce to the world that I'm taking a sick day...but I know my nearest and dearest friends will send e-mails and call all day wondering where I am.  I'm so thankful for loving friends :)

I"m going to turn off comments....no offense....I will just feel guilty if everyone says...feel better soon.  My little green day is really just a little green day....all will be back to normal soon :)

Greenish Tinted Smiles,
Kelly

More Celebrating

Can you believe we've been celebrating all week here at IHAN?  My sister's birthday, followed by our youngest daughter and son's birthdays, today a wedding and tomorrow Mother's Day.  I can hardly keep up with what card goes to which person.

 Maddy and Zach share a May 11th Birthday

 In true IHAN style...we have "get up" for our special events...lol

 Some of us are unique in how we wear our "get up."

Remember Po-Go Sticks?  I had not seen one in years and Zach recieved one for his birthday.  Day one, he managed 6 non-stop hops.  Day two, over 50 and his record to date is 210...he is one hoppin fella.

You know I would not leave you without something quilt related....here is a photo of Waldo's Kaffe Fassett quilt.

You know I'm in love with this quilt.  I'll make one....just as soon as I get the binding on the surprise quilt I made.  I'll shop pix of that one early this coming week.

Hope you are all having a wonderful weekend!!

Smiles,
Kelly

Latest Project

I am on a roll here....this is my third quilt in 2 weeks...oh please...hold your applause :)

These fabrics have been waiting for the right "energy" (meaning I need deadlines to get my butt movin').  Here are some of the lay out ideas I've played with:

I'll be using white between the blocks and perhaps add some red or blue too...have not decided.  Which one do you like the best?

Smiles,
Kelly

Where in the World?

Where in the World are We?  And....who is We?

Here is the Quilt related part of the post...LOL. 

Could not resist laying on the floor....in public....to take these pix.  

More soon :)

Giggles and Smiles,

Kelly

Gone Fishin' ???

Seems like forever and it has only been a few days since I left for my "Fishin' Trip."  Thought I'd give you a few hints....and those who already know where I am....you can't say...that'd be cheatin!!!

A view from the boat?

 

A big ole fish we caught here!  ROFL

Hugs & Smiles,

Kelly & Co-Worker Zachary

What's New at IHAN and Lots More

There was a reader who requested photos of the orange halo....and you know I take photos of almost everything...LOL.

This photo doesn't really do the "Orange Halo" justice....honestly....it was glowing orange!  ROFL still.

A bit of a co-worker up-date:

We have a proud artist on our hands here.  Check out the castle he made at school....

And the frog he made with clay.

You have to look closely....see what is in the Frogs mouth?  Other than his tongue?  I laughed out loud and asked Aaron why the Frog ate his baby and Aaron said with exasperation, "Mom, that is a fly!"

 PEEK!  Look closely....here I am...under the cushions.

Before the co-workers came along, we lived in South Carolina.  We had the pleasure of buying new furniture for our home and we choose a sofa that is almost 8 feet long.  I had a fit if the girls ate on the sofa and every day I flipped the cushions so they would last.  9 years later....the co-workers use them as their personal crash pad and I've given up trying to keep them clean all the time.  If only I could have let the girls take their turn with jumping all over them....Live and Learn!

On to IHAN News:

Did you see that IHAN has a new Category?  WHATS NEW AT IHAN

 

It is right at the bottom of the Catalog on the right hand side of the page...I've got it marked HERE in the photo above.  Just in case you are wondering what is NEW at IHAN...you can always just click on that link and see.   

Also New at IHAN:

There is also a new sub-heading in the Sizzix Fabric Cutters Category.  There is a new link for all dies that are compatible with the Vagabond and Big Shot  Fabric Cutting Machines.  Click HERE if you own one of those wonderful Fabric Cutting Machines :)

 

Now on to packing for the big Fishing Trip...which I hope you all know I'm not really going Fishing...that's my way of saying I'm out of the office :)

 

Smiles,

Kelly

I'm here and we're safe

My sincere thanks to everyone who has sent e-mails to inquire about the IHAN clan.  The tornadoes have not been near us and we are all doing well.  Please keep those less fortunate in your thoughts.

A friend (non-quilting / stitching friend) is visiting and I'm still recovering from this yucky upper respiratory stuff...so now y'all  are up to date on the latest....well almost...you'll have to come back for some yummy pix soon :)

Smiles,
Kelly

A Little Progress

Since having set up the small sewing space upstairs I have made some progress.  I know...a big shock.  I finished all the blocks for my Hugs and Kisses Quilt.  Here they are on my design wall....and I numbered them .... that is what the little white stickers are on the blocks.

I'm going to be adding at least one border....and that is as far as I have planned.  If you have any visions or see something you think might look fun added....feel free to leave a comment and tell me.  I'm always open to hearing suggestions, opinions and anything else you want to share :)

February in OH....and I took these two pix yesterday....almost unbelievable!!!

Can you believe it?  These little flowers are about to open.

A little Flamingo update too...here is how they are today :)

And then there is a stray Flamingo peaking in the window....a peeping Flamingo!

Smiles,

Kelly

Lots to Share

First, I want to say THANK YOU to  Annie's Ruby Slipperz for the kind and unsolicited review of not only the Reliable V50 Steam Generating Iron, but IHAN as well.  AND she is also being kind to all of you..... with a  giveaway. 

Pretty Little Patchwork

Annie is giving away a copy of Pretty Little Patchwork....to read about the details...CLICK HERE.

Honestly...I'm the lucky one because I do get to talk with many people from all over the world and hear about what they are doing.  Just call me spoiled :)

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  .  .

Changing topics now.....and what a doozy of a topic it is too :) or should I say vvvv  LOL

When was the last time you came face to face with a Shark?  A real honest to goodness Shark? 

I have a friend who not only came face to face with a Shark....she even put her face right next to the Sharks face....100% Truth!  I suppose you want proof right?   Ok...here goes...Proof!!!

Barbara Corcoran and Shelly Stokes

This is a photo of my friend Shelly Stokes from Cedar Canyon Textiles and she is literally face to face with a "Shark."  This beautiful Shark also goes by the name of  Barbara Corcoran....the amazing and wise woman from the ABC television show, Shark Tank.  I don't watch much television....but I certainly know about Barbara Corcoran and my jaw dropped when I saw this photo....talk about green with envy! 

I've copied part of Shelly's newsletter (with permission of course) and pasted it below.  Shelly didn't tell me she was going to spend time with Barbara Corcoran....and I might someday forgive her for this one day (she has also been to Africa!!!  I think she's doing my bucket list.).   When I read her newsletter I thought I would share Shelly's excellent news....so here it is:

Shark Tank Special!

If you love bright colors like Barbara does, I just know your mind is bursting with ideas for using these amazing, eye-popping colors -- and I have a very special offer just for you. I've gathered up my "daring dozen" Bold & Bright Colors -- and a separate bundle for the CL Colors. Here's the deal.



Purchased separately, the 12 Bold & Bright Colors sell for $101.00 even. For a few short days. you can add all 12 colors to your paintstik collection for just $70.00. That's a huge savings of 30% off the retail price! This offer will disappear from our Online Store after one short week, so don't be a guppy -- bite now!

Do you really, REALLY love brights? I'll give you the same great deal on the 5 Bright CL colors. The retail price of these fabulous fivthe next week, you can scoop up these colors for just $47.00. Again, that's 30% off the price of buying each color separately.

Barbara's Bonus: When you order one of our beautiful bundles of Bright by midnight on Friday (February 17), I'll add a Pearl White Iridescent Paintstik to your order -- and you can paint up your own version of Barbara Corcoran's fabulous fresh-water pearls. They were magnificent with her dress, and I just know that you'll find the perfect way to add some pearly white accents to your bold bright projects. (And if I've totally lost you in the currents here, scroll back to the top of the newsletter to see the picture of me with Barbara -- and check out those pearls!)

Don't let this special offer swim away -- Order your BOLD & BRIGHT COLORS today! And remember, the Pearl White bonus disappears once the clock strikes midnight here in Minnesota -- that's central time in the US -- so order now for the greatest savings.
e colors is $67.75.

For he next week, you can scoop up these colors for just $47.00. Again, that's 30% off the price of buying each color separately.

Barbara's Bonus: When you order one of our beautiful bundles of Bright by midnight on Friday (February 17), I'll add a Pearl White Iridescent Paintstik to your order -- and you can paint up your own version of Barbara Corcoran's fabulous fresh-water pearls. They were magnificent with her dress, and I just know that you'll find the perfect way to add some pearly white accents to your bold bright projects. (And if I've totally lost you in the currents here, scroll back to the top of the newsletter to see the picture of me with Barbara -- and check out those pearls!)

Don't let this special offer swim away -- Order your BOLD & BRIGHT COLORS today! And remember, the Pearl White bonus disappears once the clock strikes midnight here in Minnesota -- that's central time in the US -- so order now for the greatest savings.

  Smiles,

Kelly

UNCLE

Remember when you were a kid and you said, Uncle...meaning I give up or I quit.  Well....this evening at 11:30 PM...after several hours invested in getting my technology to work....I am saying UNCLE.

This was the only photo that has loaded....so I'm going with the flow....LOL.  I'm not thinking there is anyone on this planet that is holding their breath to see what I'm up to....so I'm just going to enjoy reading in bed and shut this bot off.  I've heard you gotta know when to walk away...and when ya gotta run....I'm running away from this technological frustration....best yet...I'm not even gonna do spell check....oh yeah...I'm feeling the freedom now!!!

Smiles,

Kelly

Have Arrived Safely

Once again I've had some technical difficulties but I'm back on the net.  My IPhone died yesterday..out of no where...and then today it is back on.  Honestly I wonder if I have those strange hormones that has a strange effect on electronics : )

Since loading photos is taking so long...I'm just going to say I'll post later this afternoon or early evening.  I didn't forget to announce the winner for the giveaway.....I just have to get this computer to work faster here in the mountains.

Smiles,
Kelly

Sunday Sunday

I drive by this scene each day on my way to the Post Office.

I laugh or smile every day because these Flamingo's change position and different props are added depending on the weather.  Here they are trying to stay warm by the fire.  They had an umbrella over them when it was raining.  There is even a "black sheep flamingo" isn't that just hysterical?  Definitely my type of humor!

Isn't keeping order in the house with kids tough?  If you have or had children you probably had times when you wanted to gather up every toy and paper airplane and toss it into the trash.  

Back in Nov or Dec this phrase popped into my head: "Are we being good stewards of our belongs?"   It was so easy for me to see all the stuff that belonged to the kids that needs to go and some old things that I didn't know what to do with....but that was as far as it went....UNTIL

I took a look at myself....what do I have that I'm not being a good steward of?  What do I have that is holding up energy in my life?  I've already gotten rid of all the excess clothing and shoes a year or so ago.

I didn't need to look to hard to find that I've  been holding up tons of energy in stored fabric.  Perfectly good, fun, and quality fabrics....and here they sit...and sit...and sit....like a dam to the flow of energy around me.

 

I'm quick to tell people, "What you own, owns you" and this stuff is owning me. The one day projects or fabrics I might need.......really? I already have favorites that I have not had time to get to....

How much time and energy was spent gathering all of this? Then folding it, organizing it....  Sure, there was the time I made things with these fabrics  and I did use quiet a bit of what I bought....but there is always left overs and pieces I don't exactly love...if you know what I mean. 

I feel energized by just going through and letting some of these things go...less for me to care for and what I have left are fabrics I really love and will be excited to work with.

The co-workers have been busy playing in the little bit of snow we have had.

 

Here's a bit of  proof it doesn't take much to have a good time and be happy :)

There are two giveaways that will be announced tomorrow....so I hope you've taken the time to leave comments for the Famore Cutlery Blog Hop and the book reviews I did earlier this week...just click here to leave a comment to win one of the books.

Smiles,

Kelly

Life Imitating Art?

There is nothing quilty about this post....

You know those folks who have the plastic deer in their yards?  I guess it could be considered an art form....of sorts...right?

 I'm driving through Maumee, the next town over....and I see a plastic person (Santa in the background)  standing in a yard with real deer ...go figure!

 Just as comfortable as they could be walking down the sidewalk....moseying along as though they have nothing to do but watch me.  I loved the tables being turned for a change.

Those were some very fun moments....seeing the deer walk through town.  I loved it.  There is a park nearby and that's where they live...well...most of the time anyway. 

Believe it or not...I used my IPhone to take the photo too.  If I were really spanky, I'd be able to take the photo and post it to my blog in two clicks.  I'm not there yet.  I had to e-mail the pix to myself, come home to my computer, download and save, open in Picasa, Export, and then Upload to Blogger.  See all the steps I could save if I had a clue...LOL.

I rounded the corner to find Aaron skating in place holding on to the refrigerator door.....I cracked up laughing.  He was going no where....I can see where I might benefit from this new form of exercise...it would be difficult to get the door open while skating....he may just be on to something here. 

I hope you got a kick out of this pix....otherwise it may be one of those things where ya just had to be there.

Hope you are having a wonderful day too.

Smiles,

Kelly