jennifer, Author at Hopeful Homemaker

Spectacular Sunset

January 26, 2011 jennifer Musings on Life and Beauty

We enjoyed the most incredible sunset last week… the cloudy haze overhead created amazing effects.

The color was everywhere. In fact, the sky was so ablaze with light and color that our driveway and house looked pink. The beauty of it drew our entire family outside to marvel at its wonder.

I often constantly worry about all the things we’re not getting to, all the lessons I’m not teaching well enough, all the ways I’m falling short of being the mother my children deserve to have. As I looked around at my family during this impromptu pause in the evening’s activities, I thought that at least I’m doing this. At least they’re sensitive and appreciative of such beauty. At least we paused to appreciate it together.

As I studied the changes in light and color during the ten minute masterpiece, I couldn’t help but think about how I’ve kind of resisted some of the current color trends (perhaps I see it most in fabric and quilting) including oranges and grays together. But here it was, the very combination I’ve been turned off to, in such gorgeous display that I couldn’t help but love it.

Heavenly Father is so many things. He’s my Father, my God. He’s perfect, omniscient, omnipotent, loving, and on and on. But he’s also the Master Artist, Master of light, color, shape, form, line, symmetry, balance. I never tire of the art lessons I receive in just looking around. I know it may be silly, but I love Him for that. I love Him for nurturing us with such beauty.

Once again, through a sunset, I marvel that He loves us that much. That he loves us enough to send little gifts of thoughtfulness by painting the sky just before dark.

I am so indebted to Him!

Hopeful Homemaker

Quilt Along Progress

January 25, 2011 jennifer Quilting and Sewing

For the postage stamp quilt along….

One block done, forty seven left to go.

Question to self: “You thought you had time for this project because…..?”
Answer to self: “I know, I know. But this year we’re going to finish all our projects, remember? So we’re committed.”

I’m not sure why these strips of fabric are intimidating me. It’s very easy sewing, but it takes time. I think I’m looking at that stack, looking at the clock, looking at the calendar, and wondering when I’ll fit it in. A few at a time, that’s where.

Now this is where this post (and the inner workings of my brain) will get even more confusing. I started a second one. Now that makes sense, doesn’t it?! It’s the Bloggers Block-A-Palooza quilt along. The first block was available yesterday and there will be two blocks each week, each block designed by a different blogger. I’m intrigued to try it, partly to see what kinds of blocks are involved, partly to see if I learn something new.

So I sat down for a few minutes this afternoon and put together the first block. I’m all caught up and it should be rather easy to keep it that way if I give it 20 minutes twice a week.

It’s a twelve inch block. Instead of going with the fabric collection that the quilt along is using, I chose one that appeals to me a little bit more. Since the entire quilt design hasn’t been unveiled, it’s kind of a stab in the dark to choose fabrics for each block but I decided to go for a quilt that will have its own look to it instead of making the exact same one that so many others are making. I hope it turns out well in the end. I love the fabrics, so I really want to love the quilt.

I’m using the Delilah fabrics by Tanya Whelan and will supplement from my stash if needed. I am NOT buying fabric for either of these projects.

Off to get the children to bed…

Hopeful Homemaker

“Nothing to Wear”

January 25, 2011 jennifer Musings on Life and Beauty

My three-year-old daughter received mostly clothes for her birthday and for Christmas.

The fact that she wanted them is a big hint that she’s got older sisters.

I could only laugh when the little girl who has a dresser full of new, clean, adorable clothes, who wears jammies like this:

lay in a heap on the couch crying, “There’s nothing to wear!”

“OH MY,” I thought. Talk about being a product of placement in family! She’s definitely the 4th girl in this house. This was only the 4th outfit for the day.

Yeah, we’re in for it. But she’s so cute. Even cuter than her clothes. I love this little one.