tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4932593447088657785.post2921600839349505169..comments2023-10-19T05:06:50.151-06:00Comments on Green Fairy Quilts: Keeping it realJudihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17629927008581474583noreply@blogger.comBlogger42125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4932593447088657785.post-25884075604306152842013-03-18T16:32:48.021-06:002013-03-18T16:32:48.021-06:00What I wouldn't give for a "note of encou...What I wouldn't give for a "note of encouragement" from one of my kids! You are, obviously, a terrific mom :)<br />I do have a note my oldest (now 33) wrote me after a high school dance. She thanked me for "taking time to find out how the dance was and asking about how things were going". Apparently I wasn't being a "nagging mom", I was an interested one. I never thought asking such simple questions could mean so much. :) It is things like that that make every day special. Glad you have that reminder for days that are trying. :) Dawnhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10681559617695725593noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4932593447088657785.post-8678508604958623232013-03-17T08:11:32.801-06:002013-03-17T08:11:32.801-06:00They grow up so fast and nothing is worse than reg...They grow up so fast and nothing is worse than regret or guilt for things we should have done or did do and shouldn't have....the quilt can wait...the hard part is to relax and let it go (the quilt) for that time you are spending with the kids. It is so hard to balance life but you are doing a good job and have a wonderful husband that supports you in your endeavors to be a good mom and a good quilter.Barbhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06622919657309096651noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4932593447088657785.post-82339573122319238152013-03-16T23:34:55.027-06:002013-03-16T23:34:55.027-06:00There are times we need to be kind and understandi...There are times we need to be kind and understanding and patient...with ourselves!<br />:-)<br />You are so blessed. Your children clearly feel the secure love of a very devouted strong family! Daricehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04488690553621985696noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4932593447088657785.post-38115320491477638902013-03-16T01:57:33.231-06:002013-03-16T01:57:33.231-06:00I'm sure you will treasure that note - these a...I'm sure you will treasure that note - these are the things that stay with you when things get difficult. When kids are young there is never enough time in your day, but before you know it they grow up and need you less. I think you are right to put them first, if you didn;t you would wish you had when they are older. The time you put in with them now pays off -it's obvously working when your daughter writes like this.<br />Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14004773603582115683noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4932593447088657785.post-48495383084860202322013-03-15T22:51:59.345-06:002013-03-15T22:51:59.345-06:00What a wise and wonderful daughter you have...life...What a wise and wonderful daughter you have...life is a difficult balance. Sometimes I feel like a bad mother if I have committed too much time to a PTA activity and not too them...but then other times I feel like I do too much and need them to be more self sufficient...everyday we try our best and that is what's important. badlandsquiltshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05518085440075521383noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4932593447088657785.post-35906563958800760082013-03-15T12:05:14.996-06:002013-03-15T12:05:14.996-06:00I had to laugh and cry at the same time! As women...I had to laugh and cry at the same time! As women, I think we are way too tough on ourselves and it's great to be reminded that everything will be ok (God uses even 7 year olds to let us know lol). I have ordered from you on several occasions and you are always super fast. As a customer, I appreciate it, but I also wouldn't care if I got my package a bit later...please, take it easy and enjoy those wonderful kids of yours! Natalya Hhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08750046796482211544noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4932593447088657785.post-80126915256861398592013-03-15T06:46:00.479-06:002013-03-15T06:46:00.479-06:00What a wonderful blog I have stumbled upon! I have...What a wonderful blog I have stumbled upon! I have just begun quilting and somehow found my way here. You make some of the prettiest quilts I have seen....I love your attention to color and pretty details. Truly a sweet note from your little one......they grow up so fast. After reading that I had to read your little bio......love the green fairy story! I thought I was the only one who had cleaning fairies as that is what I named my daughter and hubby when I had to work on Saturdays......when I came home my house was clean and they would tell me "the cleaning fairies" came! Lol amylynnehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16271380904677130979noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4932593447088657785.post-78922773987743427342013-03-13T22:42:02.491-06:002013-03-13T22:42:02.491-06:00Gorgeous post - I enjoy your blog so much and have...Gorgeous post - I enjoy your blog so much and have shared it in my latest blogpostLynette (NZ)https://www.blogger.com/profile/04918157348306619271noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4932593447088657785.post-13716385382770128402013-03-11T16:23:15.998-06:002013-03-11T16:23:15.998-06:00That post brought tears to my eyes! I think, like ...That post brought tears to my eyes! I think, like a lot of mom's, we share the same sentiment. I work from home (accountant/bookkeeper), home school my two boys, my husband is a minister, so I have church responsibilities, and I LOVE to quilt/craft. Balance is tough. Just this weekend I determined to spend less time on the computer and sewing machine while my boys are awake and more time with them. <br />I am so project oriented that if I start something I can't seem to stop until I finish it... I am trying to learn that it is okay to do a little bit at a time and take a while to finish a project. <br />Thanks again for the post, it was so sweet, what a darling daughter you have. Jessica Pyykkonenhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11645494917246910180noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4932593447088657785.post-64677333413002884822013-03-11T16:21:49.519-06:002013-03-11T16:21:49.519-06:00That note from your 7-year-old was just wonderful,...That note from your 7-year-old was just wonderful, and a true testament to what kind of children you are raising. Loved that so very much; thanks for sharing it with us. Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03457689576714850231noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4932593447088657785.post-80723957108021593012013-03-10T23:02:47.405-06:002013-03-10T23:02:47.405-06:00I think many of us can relate on some level, at le...I think many of us can relate on some level, at least to the "illusive" balance! I gave up quilting all together when my kids were little because there was just no way I could do it all in the space we were in, but it wasn't my job either. For you it is a passion but also your job. I think that makes it harder. I had to really work at making my job fit into my life as a Mother. Thank God I am self employed and could make my schedule be what I needed it to be so I could take time with my kids too. But something had to give and it was sewing. However, they are older now and I have time and room to sew again. <br /><br />I absolutely love how you quilt. When someone wants you to quilt their project, I'm sure they would rather have you take whatever time is needed to accomplish what you do, than rush it. Just my two cents!Hands Sew Fullhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15585022067713989253noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4932593447088657785.post-29148918093698879832013-03-10T22:51:17.769-06:002013-03-10T22:51:17.769-06:00Judi, I think your feelings are universal to all w...Judi, I think your feelings are universal to all working moms. I was a work at home mom, and something very positive that my kids remember, was that I was flexible and was there for them. What they are just now understanding is how difficult that flexibility was. Working while they are sleeping, etc. I want to encourage you to allow yourself to make the choices you need to make for you and your family. Your quilting is outstanding, and you have such talent. Your customers will understand. I am now a work at home Grand mother, watching my grandchildren as much and as often as I can, knowing that the time is short, and there will always be another quilt in my future, but my family is now.Estherhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07202672966394490805noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4932593447088657785.post-89259779609912575982013-03-10T22:20:37.698-06:002013-03-10T22:20:37.698-06:00I have very mixed feeling. On one hand, your quil...I have very mixed feeling. On one hand, your quilting is a business. This type of business allows you to stay in your home and work. It also allows you to stay at home with your children. What would you do if you had a job outside the home? Think about how you would balance everything. I think you scheduling looks great on paper, much like setting up a budget that doesn't work out, but things happens and you can't always control that. I love to quilt (I've learned so much from you) and I have an outside 8:00-5:00 job, a special needs 10 year old and a disabled husband, it is always hard to balance everything. You're not the only one this is happening to. I know you want to stay at home with your children, which I would love to do, and it's also important for you to quilt. Have you thought about seperating the two more? I guess one thing I'm trying to say is, I feel guilty when I'm quilting and I know I should be with my family, but then I'm with my family and all i want to do is quilt, I don't enjoy the family time. See told you I had mixed feelings...just hang in there, that little one will be boarding the school bus soon enough. I kind of do like you, I get up early on the weekends so I can quilt a couple of hours and then do family things. I have a couple of hours at night, if I'm not exhausted, to quilt. I don't ever get done what I want to get done. If you quilt to support your family then you have to give it a little more to it, if you quilt because you love it then 2 quilts a month sounds good. I'm not trying to be a Negative Nellie, I hope this comment comes off the way it was intended, I love looking at your quilting, often thinking or trying to figure out "how did she do that" or "how did she come up with that". Love to read your blog and I have learned a lot from you. Thank you. I have a lot of stress trying to balance and sounds like you do too.Diane E Whttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15429408745579450112noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4932593447088657785.post-68377092687591562702013-03-10T22:11:06.569-06:002013-03-10T22:11:06.569-06:00A very wise post! From you and your daughter! I a...A very wise post! From you and your daughter! I always feel my children come first. I don't think I've every heard anyone say that they wished they'd worked more! Keep doing what you love, no matter how long it takes you. As Dorie from Finding Nemo says: "Just keep swimming, just keep swimming..." :)Pattihttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03918572652405076915noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4932593447088657785.post-46395465756100330002013-03-10T20:37:00.913-06:002013-03-10T20:37:00.913-06:00Judy, you daughter is precious!! What an amazing ...Judy, you daughter is precious!! What an amazing spirit in such a young girl!! You are amazing!! You inspire me to keep it all balanced while still striving for my best :)Melissa Corryhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17466540745755929200noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4932593447088657785.post-8122762753316633972013-03-10T16:17:04.204-06:002013-03-10T16:17:04.204-06:00Judi, I love the sweet way you communicate your fe...Judi, I love the sweet way you communicate your feelings. Always put your family first. Our pastor said today the 2 saddest words are "if, only....". You are such a role model for so many young moms, keep up the good work - not only on the quilts, but also in your home. BTW, that quilt is looking amazing!.Karenhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04477948659411074859noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4932593447088657785.post-8313124253334650532013-03-10T14:40:01.749-06:002013-03-10T14:40:01.749-06:00You are an amazing mother to be raising such a wis...You are an amazing mother to be raising such a wise daughter. Stick to your schedule when you can and know that anyone who wants you to quilt for them is willing to wait for you to express your talents in God's time. Thanks for being so open and real. You are a true inspiration to many.Linda Cateshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07081623588425584227noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4932593447088657785.post-810787094701805832013-03-10T13:50:59.450-06:002013-03-10T13:50:59.450-06:00What a heart-meltingly sweet note. :) Yep. You j...What a heart-meltingly sweet note. :) Yep. You just keep giving your kids higher priority and what quilting can happen - happens. :D You're a master artist with your quilting, and that's what folks are willing to pay for - your art - even if this season of your life means very long waits. Don't ever feel bad about that. And when you're feeling antsy of your own account for getting a current project finished, just pull out that note and step back and smile.Lynettehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10424861624240818479noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4932593447088657785.post-28080530189257153512013-03-10T13:25:34.437-06:002013-03-10T13:25:34.437-06:00What a beautiful, sweet letter from your daughter,...What a beautiful, sweet letter from your daughter, sounds like she is very tuned-in to mommy. I remember reading about your new schedule and thought life is not static, especially with children, the schedule will always need adjustments to accomodate the family's needs and that's ok. Mothers tend to carry guilt and usually unjustly. The work you accomplish is extraordinary! Your family, your business, your charity work, many of us would be proud (and exhausted) just to do half of what you do. (Btw your current quilting project is beautiful.)Susan Lawsonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16500464399501817419noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4932593447088657785.post-28347338688390388052013-03-10T12:06:55.349-06:002013-03-10T12:06:55.349-06:00Balance is so darn hard, isn't it? What a gre...Balance is so darn hard, isn't it? What a great note from your daughter, thanks for sharing it with us. She must be a really special girl. I'm sure part of the reason she is, is because of the kind of parents she has teaching her :-)marcellahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11980574317495245466noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4932593447088657785.post-19086009140924296872013-03-10T11:41:23.513-06:002013-03-10T11:41:23.513-06:00Kids have a way of making us feel better and they ...Kids have a way of making us feel better and they are very wise. You are doing a great job raising them this letter shows that.Sandy Dhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13523980665065795854noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4932593447088657785.post-40787729581311166302013-03-10T11:16:04.081-06:002013-03-10T11:16:04.081-06:00I hope you don't see this question as being no...I hope you don't see this question as being nosey but...how can your customers afford quilting that takes that much time. I machine quilt, though I'm not in your league or even close. I charge $.02/sq", Even at that rate, I don't make minimum wage and my quilting is not nearly as dense as yours. I just don't get it. You either earn ridiculously little for your excellent work, or your customers pay 3-4 times the cost of the quilts materials for your quilting. Either way is crazy.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />greelyritahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11337031538589833151noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4932593447088657785.post-69002816015417166522013-03-10T10:15:42.239-06:002013-03-10T10:15:42.239-06:00Wow! Out of the mouths of babes! How very blesse...Wow! Out of the mouths of babes! How very blessed you are to be recognized as the best mom in the "hole unaversaty"! Such wisdom from one so young, to know that when things get rough we just have to say our prayers! You and Clint are doing a great job with your children, as evidenced by this beautiful note from your daughter. Keep up the great work! And remember, those quilts aren't going anywhere by themselves, but your kids are! <br /><br />MGMMary Grace McNamarahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04994668228832105911noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4932593447088657785.post-2147746666314931232013-03-10T09:32:03.495-06:002013-03-10T09:32:03.495-06:00On the hall wall just outside my sewing room (prev...On the hall wall just outside my sewing room (previously a son's bdrm) is the Eccl 3:1 quote, To everything there is a season. It is a stencil in which I used spackle instead of paint. I share the details because spackle is pretty darn permanent and I did not dare do that stencil until my youngest was on his mission. <br />And frankly, I yearned to use spackle early on but I knew that was not going to work in my life - right then. So I waited. And it was worth the wait.<br />I admire women who can do it all. And by "do it all" I mean 2 quilts a month.<br />That's right. Girl, at 2 quilts a month you are a superwoman.<br />But here is my gift to you: 1 quilt a month is SUPERwoman when you have children. Enjoy the children, adjusting your quilt expectations is a sign a SMART woman.<br />Love you and your sweet (and sometimes frustrating) blog about your life.<br />Your talents will continue to develop WITH TIME. Time really is your friend and your childrens' friend. In the 24/7 do not squeeze too much in or there will be no joy in the minutes.<br />Final thought: Do not worry about the expectations of anyone who does not live in your home...<br />Kareehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13064785750925559451noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4932593447088657785.post-55848361254304351842013-03-10T09:17:19.316-06:002013-03-10T09:17:19.316-06:00OH Judi, Your daughters letter to you, is one that...OH Judi, Your daughters letter to you, is one that should be framed and given to her later in life, perhaps for a wedding, or even better after the birth of her first baby. It's a circle after all, and she will someday need to read those words to comfort herself. It was beautiful. Thanks so much for sharing it with us. Big Hugs....Stitched With Prayerhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16223099347614174169noreply@blogger.com