Presents!

I got so many wonderful presents this year for my birthday that I decided to devote an entire post to highlight each one.

This one I got from Frank, Amy and Ada. Amy wrapped it in this very cute and vintage looking fabric that she had used to make a skirt. I think I am going to use it to make an apron. Now I'll just have to find a pattern I like.

It looked so fluffy and fun! Little did I know that what was inside was even fluffier!

I just wish you could all feel how soft this yarn actually is! I think that if clouds were spun into yarn, it would feel like this. Who would have known that a Peruvian pack animal would be so snuggly! Now I just have to think of what I want Amy or Theresa to make for me with it. Yes, I do knit and crochet. But I do not possess the skills worthy of this yarn.

This gift was like 2 gifts in one! Thanks Frank, Amy and Ada!

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Who would have known that a birthday present could make even a "to do" list more enjoyable? But the gift from the Dorrs actually did! These cheery little chickens remind me of my Grandma's kitchen for some reason. The bright green color and perky hens make me look forward to putting a big line through my completed tasks even more than usual! To top it off, it looks perfect in my kitchen! And I got other cute accessories to go with it: magnets, coupon organizer (which I am going to use to either organize my small scrapbooking stickers or some of my recipe cards) and notecards. While I love the notepad, I think the coupon organizer the best!

Thank you Greg, Amy, Maggie, Charlie and Stella! I will think of you even more often now. :o)

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I knew what I was getting from Dad and Mom. She called me from the fabric store and I sort of shopped by proxy over the phone. But I was still excited! Maybe it was just the anticipation.

The first part of the gift was a set of German Madeira rayon threads in a potpourri of rich, vibrant colors! I am already matching them to fabrics in my stash! Charlie helped me look at each one and said he liked them all except for the red one and the chocolate brown one, but I like them all!

The second part is a Moda layer cake (40- 10"x10" squares) of the Snippets line of fabrics. Like all Moda fabrics, this one is so vintage and absolutley adorable! If you want to see what they all look like check out this link to the Fat Quarter Shop http://www.fatquartershop.com/store/stores_app/Browse_Item_Details.asp?Shopper_id=7870513218557870&Store_id=499&page_id=23&Item_ID=26111&Parent_Ids=

I spent a whole hour when we got home Sunday night just pouring over my quilting books and magazines looking for just the right vintage scrappy quilt pattern to use. I am getting closer...

Thanks Mom and Dad, I love them! Now I just need to start sewing!

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When I saw the present from Theresa, my first question was, "Is my present more of this wrapping paper?" The answer was no, but I saved what I got and have it draped across a chair in the craft/school room just to inspire me. Owls are all the rage right now and I really love them! I am going to attempt to make an applique pattern from the owls on the paper.

While the paper was practically present enough, there was even more treasures inside...

The Can O Mat yellow can opener... (which looks great with the rest of my retro kitchen collection)

A box of Aplets and Cotlets... (don't expect to get any of these babies. They are my favorites! And according to the boys, I wouldn't even share them with Jesus if He came over.)

And two original artwork embroidered kitchen towels... (not only did she draw the cute little guys herself, she did all the embroidery and made the towels to boot!)

Don't they look just sweet in my kitchen?

Thanks Theresa! My kitchen is even cuter than before, but not as cute as yours...

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Not only did Kate and Chad join us for my last minute German food birthday dinner, but she brought me a gift as well. Some really cool fabrics and a beaded bookmark. Now I don't have to use a napkin to mark my place in a book. The boys think I should use the fabric to make something for the living room. If only there was enough to cover the couches... LOL

Thanks Chad and Kate for your friendship and the fabric!

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Last but not least, my piano. It remains to be seen what the fate of my beloved piano will be... But I am thankful that Chris and the boys are willing to see what happens.

Thanks guys! You make not only my birthday a special day, but every day as well! I love you!

Thank you to everyone for making my birthday this year so special!