Spray Park!

We spent the afternoon at the spray park!

Gross Boys...

Cute girls...

Old Red Barn Co.: Cutting it apart and sewing it back together

A post from Dana at the Old Red Barn Co. I couldn't have said it better myself! (photo from Old Red Barn Co.)

The other day someone asked me what I mean when I say, "I quilt." I explained that I use fabric to sew patterns and designs. He questioned me further and I tried to explain just what I meant. We went back and forth a few times. Questions. Answers. Quizzical looks. Exasperated sighs.

Finally he said, "So in other words, you cut fabric apart and then sew it back together."

And I said, "Yep."

Why couldn't I explain it better? How come he couldn't understand?

I've had a few days to reflect and here's what I've come to realize. . .

I could have explained in a few sentences what quilting is. I mean, come on. Duh. But he asked what I mean when I say I quilt. I mean that I create something with fabric. I mean that I choose colors. Cut colors. Sew colors. I mean that I sketch designs and then realize them in fabric. I mean that I cut and sew and press. I mean that my mind relaxes when I do so. I mean that in that repetition my mind is able to reason and solve nagging problems. I mean that the resulting quilt is something I will enjoy for the rest of my life. Or to whomever I give the quilt will enjoy. I mean that I've found something that is all my own. That is an expression of myself from start to finish. And ultimately will continue to be that expression even after I am gone. I mean that I've got this thing to do with my hands that brings me happiness. Calm. Satisfaction. Appreciation. Sometimes giddy joy.

I mean that when my children were much younger, more demanding and my stay-at-home life made me feel separate, alone and detached from the world I had a means of re-centering.

Re-balancing.

Finding my worth within myself.

Yep. I cut fabric apart and sew it back together.

And I'm so glad I do.

What does "I quilt" mean to you?

oldredbarnco.blogspot.com

Air Show!

We decided last minute to take Lincoln and Penny to the Lethbridge Air Show. It was windy, but pretty cool.

They had this big guy to check out...

And this chopper. That's Linc inside with some other kid, asking him what Lincoln wanted to be when he grows up...??

Lincoln liked it, and Penny did okay out there too. It was fun!

Want some Snow Cone?

The best part of the show was the Snow Birds! DUH! They were wicked!

Epic Fail

Annie and Chad spent the afternoon here at Grandma Wrights house today to play with Lincoln. I came out of my room with Penny and found this...

Each kid had a steel rod in hand...

So my mom said she would "take care of it". (they all got spanked) and not nearly as hard as they would have if it were her own kids. But i think they got the point. The flowers were Alisa's, and LUCKILY for them, Alisa had already gone to work...

Grandma Wright gave them all a broom after their spanks, and made them clean it all up. Later they will have to say sorry to Alisa...

Anyways, they are surely going to remember this moment at Grandmas. In 20 years they will say, "Hey, do you remember when Grandma spanked us for whipping Alisa's flowers to shreds in the pit?" It might be one of Chad's first memories!

Canada Day Fun!

These are some pictures of Xander and Lincoln having some summer fun back on Canada Day...

It's amazing how kids can have so much fun, just playing around with an old garden hose!

The ZOO!

We went to the Zoo! We wanted to do something fun with Lincoln, so that's what we did! So fun. We went when he was 3, but 4 is much better...

Ooooh, fish...

Aaah, lions...

Yummy...

Cameron Falls

Spent a few minutes in Waterton today while we were in the area. The falls were huge from all the rain! Misty!!

Alright!

Lincoln's first driving experience. Awesome grandma!

Sleepy Penners

Playing with the cousins is a lot of work sometimes...

See the fullsize version at: http://s1191.photobucket.com/albums/z480/schowjon/?action=view&current=IMG_1502.mp4&evt=user_media_share

Sent from my iPhone

Hangin' with Pops...

We have been in lethbridge for a couple weeks and Lincoln has been playing with cousins like crazy! But today he got a special tractor ride with Grandpa Wright! Wohoo!

Top of the World!

What is up?

Jessica and her family came to greet us all at the Calgary airport upon our return from our trip. She made super awesome Everest awards for us! Thanks Jess. But what is kinda weird/ funny about this picture? Haha!

Weeee!

First trip to the park! I think she is liking it. What do you think?

I'm lovin' it!

Mmmm... My first meal back to hong kong. Iced coke. Hot fries. Hot cheese burger. Mmm. Greasy mcdonalds.

Fare thee well Kathmandu

Bye bye Kathmandu. You have been awfully good to us!