That time I fell in my rollerblades. Goals.

So, I had major plans for the new year as far as getting healthy again.  Seriously. Last year I lost 15 pounds in the first month of running - then I let myself go and gain 20 pounds back on.  I think it was a combination of my first year of teaching and the lack of time I felt I had.  Priorities though, right? Oh, also - I like food. 

So, for Christmas Clint bought me rollerblades.  I was a kid again and exercise sounded fun.  I took my kids down to the running path and we had a fabulous time.  Me on my rollerblades, and the kids on their bikes.  There is a hill down to the running path and the first time I went down I felt like I was going to fall, but I didn't.  The road is not smooth and I was hauling down pretty darn fast.  Fast forward to a few days later - the actual day of my new life with exercise involved and we were going as a family down to the running path.  I was afraid to go down, so I asked Clint to help me.  He was trying to get me down by having me hold onto his bike, but my daughter Lili was also in rollerblades and she needed help too.  So, stubborn me - I decided to just go for it.  

That was pretty much the worst decision I could have made.  I knew I would fall - I was scared of the hill and it was a dumb decision to do it on my own.  But, the ironic thing is that the butt that I am trying to trim down is the thing that saved me during the fall.  I hit down hard, I am still wearing a bruise and it was a week and a half ago. I can laugh about it now, but it was a lesson that I guess I needed to learn.  So, I will be running.  I am happy to say that I will rollerblade, but I will drive down the hill and put my rollerblades on when I am there.  Also, I have gone running two days in a row.  I couldn't feel better. 

So, my goals this year are simple enough.  They are the goals that I make for myself every year, but I am hoping I will do better.  I want to exercise.  I want to eat healthy.  I want to read more. I want to spend each moment I can with my husband and children.  I want to quilt better. I want to choose to be happy and optimistic. It's funny how easy it is to let yourself be drug down by all negative crap in the world - so, to help with that - I took my news apps off my phone.  When I need words of encouragement (like everyday), I will read scripture.

I realize that 2014 was an amazing year, but I am hoping that 2015 will be even better and I will be a healthier me. I wish you all the best as you are making your goals for the new year.  

      

Eclipse!! Finish from last year.

Picture from Sharon McConnell - Color Girl Quilts

I worked on this beautiful quilt called "Eclipse" by Sharon McConnell last July.  I wasn't able to share it because it was being published in a magazine in the UK called Quilt Now. It is always fun to work on beautiful quilts, especially this one.  I had a lot of fun with it.  Sharon asked me to keep the quilting simple and I did.  The quilt design is just beautiful and I am thrilled to have been a part of it.

Since I love straight lines, I had a lot of fun with the straight lines within the curved pieces.  I think it gives the quilt texture of fun look.

It's been so long, I can't remember what thread I used.  But, I think it looks fabulous. I hope you like it as much as I do.  

I am keeping busy and I am almost finished with my second project for my next book.  I have this year to finish my projects, then we have to go through the editing process.  I will be a while until my next book comes out, but I think the designs will be worth the wait.  I am really excited to share it with you.  Stay tuned!
Also, it looks like the class descriptions are up for Paducah - not sure if registration is working, but you can see the classes I will be offering on this page.  I look forward to seeing you there! 

December flew! Merry Christmas!

So, I always have this feeling of guilt when I look at the date of my last post on this blog.  As good as my intentions are at keeping up with my blog, it seems like time is moving so fast.  It has been a fabulous December.  Really.  I happen to love my tree - call me a little crazy detailed though, there are a ton of ornaments on this tree.  So much so, that recently the stand broke and Clint had to wire the tree to the wall. ;-)

Because this is our first year in this house, we don't have room for our ginormous tree from the last couple of years.  That means I had enough ornaments for two trees, this one is in my entry. I admit I did buy more red and gold ornaments - I have a thing for those colors this time of year.
 

I had a lot of fun with my railing as well. 

I spent a lot of time in my studio this month.  I wasn't able to share all that I have been working on, but I did have a lot of fun. 

I had the chance to see this incredible view from my studio windows.

I love being able to step out onto my roof and enjoy the sunset.  I feel so much closer to God every time I take the time to enjoy His creations.

We took a couple of trips up to Salt Lake City (4 hours north from here) and had our own Hallmark movie moment ice skating at the Gallivan Center.  We have watched our share of Hallmark Christmas movies as well.  Have I mentioned I love this time of year?

A trip up to Salt Lake isn't complete without going to see the lights at Temple Square.  It was so beautiful and thankfully, not that cold. 

I found this incredible tree silhouette after a beautiful Christmas concert here in Saint George.

We have had time for walks to the river and of course my boys are all over throwing rocks in the water. 

Red happens to be my favorite Christmas light color and main street in Saint George did not disappoint.

One of the funnest parts about this time of year is watching the excitement and anticipation for Christmas through my children's eyes.  My son Micah wrote this incredibly hilarious note to Santa. I couldn't stop smiling at his honest - almost reverse psychology approach.

This picture was taken on Sunday before church.  I can not believe how grown up these little munchkins are getting.

It's been a crazy busy time and I feel exhausted like my little boy here sleeping on a restaurant floor.  This time of year is busy, but it is also wonderful being able to focus on family and friends and most importantly the birth of our Savior.  I want to wish you all a Merry Christmas! I wanted to share this beautiful video with you about the true meaning of Christmas.  I wish you a safe and wonderful holiday. Merry Christmas!

Patchwork Professional and another finish.

 

Okay, first things first.  I had a happy mail day this week when I received my copy of Patchwork Professional. I was asked a few months ago if I would like to be featured in their magazine. Of course I would!  It's a beautiful magazine and they did a fabulous job with the article.  Now, I just need to brush up on my German to read it. ;-)  The title of the article is Judi Madsen - The Queen of Quilting.  Wow, that's quite the title and honor. I certainly wouldn't call myself that, but I thank them just the same.  I still have to pinch myself every time I think about where quilting has taken me.  An article in a German quilting magazine?  That is totally cool and it makes the quilting world that much smaller.  I love that quilting brings a common interest to so many of us throughout the world.

   

 

Okay, so I have finished this fun quilt.  Jan asked me to quilt this before Christmas so that she could give this Simpson's themed quilt to her son as a gift. What a labor of love.  I know he will treasure it forever.  He better!  Jan - I have a sister who would love it if he doesn't. ;-)

I have to apologize that I didn't get better pictures of this quilt.  It was raining and foggy when I finished this quilt and it's the same today.  I grabbed a couple quick shots with my phone and then headed off to the post office to ship it off.  

 

Anyway, the thread was Glide - love that stuff.  I used Magna-glide for the bobbin and I love the combination.  The tension was perfect throughout the quilt.  I used two layers of batting - 100% cotton and Hobbs 80/20 blend.  This gives the quilt a wonderful texture.  

The quilting was a lot of straight lines and I did what I could to keep it simple.  I had to refrain from quilting too much so that this quilt would be able to be cuddled with. 

 

Pretty sure this is my favorite border design that I have come up with.  I really love how it frames out the quilt and compliments the flying geese throughout the quilt design.  

I love it and I hope you do too!