Wednesday, March 31, 2010

Future Home


Today, Kurt purchased our future new home.  Actually he is moving in tomorrow.  My children and I won't move in until June.  Our stuff will move in the weekend before our wedding, and then we will move in after the wedding.  It's such a perfect home for us. It's everything we could want and more.  It's in the perfect location.  It's got a great set up and plenty of room for all of us.  The yard is very pretty too.  It feels like it is our castle.

Kurt's realtor was amazed that I had not seen the house until today.  I had seen pictures and driven by many times, but had not been inside it.  I didn't need to.  I trusted that Kurt would find the perfect home for us and he did. 

Tuesday, March 30, 2010

The Battle Costume

My church is doing a sermon series that cullminates with a drama presentation called, "The Battle" in April.  They had volunteer opportunities for everything imaginable, including a "sewing team."  I've never done sewing for church, but was excited because this was something I knew I could do.

As it turns out, most of the volunteers were not familiar with sewing from patterns or doing anything like garments/costumes.  While I had never done a costume before, I had made garments and followed patterns, so I got to do one of the three main character's costumes.  Mine is the bad guy's costume (it's black).  The shirt was a challenge because it is a silppery, shiney fabric.  It slipped and slid all over the place, but I got it done.  The robe part was much easier!

I had to say that I am very excited about sewing the drama presentation and being able to see my work on stage.  It felt good to be able to help out my church in this way,

Sunday, March 28, 2010

AQS Lancaster Show



Wow - what an experience this was!!  I've never been to a quilt show or anything like that before, so this was all new to me.  I was first amazed at just how many women were there.  They estimated about 20,000 women attended the event.

After a few minutes of standing there in awe, I began to walk up and down the isles of vendors.  There were vendors selling everything quilting related.  They even had quilt-themed socks.  That was definitely tempting because I just love socks, but at $8 a pair, I had to pass.

Landauer books had a booth with some great sale tables.  I got two $5 books.  One was for me and one was for my mom for mother's day.  They also had a special where you got a free quilt-themed calendar when you spent $10 or more, so I got the free calendar too!

Then it was on to admire the gorgeous artistry of the quilts.  Oh my, they were amazing!!  I took lots and lots of pictures, and I wish I could share them with you here, but while we were able to take photos of the individual quilts, we are not allowed to post them on the internet.   One of my favorite quilts was an "I Love Lucy" themed quilt. 


I didn't take any of the classes offered, but I did attend one of the many lectures.  The lecture I attended was called, "Amish Women and Their Quilts".  It was taught by Rachel  Pellman.  She has written several books on the subject - including one that I have "The World of Amish Quilts".  She even autographed my book for me!  :-

Her worshop consisted of a brief lecture about the Amish in general - what they believed, how they live and why they do the things they do.  Then she began explaining more about their quilts and her experiences from interviewing Amish women about their quilts.  I have always been fascinated by the Amish, so I found this to be very interesting.  Then she shared a slide show of actual Amish quilts and explained them in detail.  After the slide show she acttually had some reproduction Amish quilts to share with us in person.  The Amish are most known for just a few particular patterns.  One of my favorites was "Sunshine and Shadow".  I also like the simple, yet often dramatic because of color choices, "Center Diamond" quilts.

It was really a great experience.  I am already looking forward to going next year. 

Tuesday, March 23, 2010

Quilt Show, Here I Come!!

In addition to asking me to marry him and giving me a gorgeous engagement ring for my birthday, Kurt also booked me a hotel room for tomorrow night so I can go down to Lancaster a night early for the big Lancaster Quilt show.  I've never been to a quilt show before and this one is a doozie!   I am so excited!!  Kurt is going to take care of my children tomorrow evening and Thursday so I can have a little mini-vacation at the quilt show.

On Thursday, not only am I going to be at the quilt show, but I am also attending a lecture called, "Amish Women and Their Quilts."  That sounds sooo interesting.  I can't wait til that lecture.  I am looking forward to visitng all the booths/vendors and seeing all kinds of new quilting products/patterns/techniques. 

Thursday, March 11, 2010

We have a date.....

We have set a date -- June 18, 2010!!  The above link is to a dress that I adore.  I am going to see if I can find a comparable dress at a lower price.  It is the perfect style that I want.
Our color scheme will be purple because purple is the color of royalty and Kurt treats me as though I am his princess.

More details to come.....

Sunday, March 7, 2010

Proposal Night at the Pagoda in Reading, PA

Yesteday was my birthday.  I received the best birthday present in the world from Kurt.  He asked me to marry him. 

He had a very romantic evening planned out.  He first took me to the Pagoda - a beautiful landmark in Reading.  It rests on a mountain high above the city of Reading.  It was quite windy and freezing, but we enjoyed our time of taking pictures and enjoying the beautiful views. 

While waiting for the sun to set, Kurt suggested we go back to his car and wait.  When we got back in the car, he handed me a beautifully-wrapped box.

My first gift was a hotel reservation for the night before the big Lancaster Quilt show.  He wanted me to have a night away to be able to enjoy the quilt show.  I am so excited.  I will have complete peace and quiet for that night.  Ahhhh...

Then, I had a smaller box to open.  In that box was the most incredibly gorgeous engagement ring I have ever seen.  I was speechless - something that doesn't happen very often.  I gave him a kiss and he asked if that meant yes.

We then went back outside to watch the sunset and take a few more pictures.  It was a beautiful sunset -- absoultely perfect for a romantic night.


When we left the Pagoda, we went to "Austins" a very nice restaurant.  We had a wonderful time.   Our waiter recognized our goofy grins and asked if we had just gotten engaged.  I guess we were both so excited that the whole world could tell.  It was very sweet.   I am very blessed to have a man like Kurt in my life, and I am excited about spending the rest of my life with him.