Quilt Progress...

Today was a good day of working on the quilt. Since I last posted, I have ironed all my material, matched up all my selvege edges (the non-cut edge of the fabric--I just learned what that was!) measured and trimmed them all up into the size of squares I need, made the "fabric sandwiches" this consists of a fabric square with a square of batting inside and then another fabric square on top of that. (the batting squares are cut about 1/2 inch less than the fabric squares) and then just today I sewed all my "X's" on my fabric square sandwiches!! It was really fun! I learned about threading the machine and spooling a bobbin to load (for those of you who are wondering---YES I am a total beginner at sewing--so I'm learning everything from scratch!! And as soon as I got the hang of that...I was obsessed! I worked most of the afternoon and then took a break to take Roscoe to the park, then tonight I worked on it again for a few hours and just now finished...it's after midnight! I loved it! And it was a lot of fun to create something. I still have a bit more to do before I see the finished product--but I think it's gonna be great! And I'm having fun learning and making things myself. It's a good feeling! More updates to come!

5 weeks down!!

Hi! It's been awhile since I've posted and I had to write because yesterday marked 5 weeks that Steve's been gone. In a way it seems like he's been gone forever, but then to think that it has already been 5 weeks feels pretty great too--like we are finally getting some time ticked down! He is doing well and thanks to everyone that has sent letters or packages--I know he loves hearing from you! He is adjusting to the clinic there and has 3 assistants at the moment, so they are helping him out. For the last day it has been raining constantly near where he is so he is taking advantage of the cooler weather and cleaner air. Things are going good. I am keeping busy here in San Diego. With daily trips to the dog park, hanging out with my brothers and sister, doing crafts with my Mom (hopefully I will have another quilting post on here soon!) and sampling frozen yogurt at every place I can find! Thanks again to all of you for your support and encouragement--we so blessed to be so taken care of by wonderful friends and family!
HAPPY EASTER EVERYONE!

Sewing Project #1

I have decided that to maximize the time I have while Steve and I are apart, I will learn and do some new things that I have been wanting to do, and now have the time to. Plus it's another great way of staying busy and also getting to accomplish something!

One of the things I have always wanted to get into is sewing. I remember my mom trying to teach me to sew when I was younger and I had no interest in it. Now I do, so my mom and I are going to start by making rag quilts. I am really excited to get going on a project! And to learn a new skill that I can use all throughout my life. We went and picked out our fabric today for our quilts. I am going to try and post my progress on the blog for 2 reasons:

1) because it's fun to show what I'm up to and

2) to keep me motivated to work on it often and keep moving forward!

I always enjoy seeing what fun projects everyone else is up to so here I go on my own.....

He's There!

I wanted to give a quick update on Steve. He spent the last week in Georgia for some training and then flew to Kuwait last Friday. He was there for a couple days and then flew to Baghdad. He was previously assigned to be working at a clinic at Camp Victory, but they are deciding to close that clinic down so he will now be stationed at Camp Prosperity. Camp Prosperity is mostly in and around Al Asad, one of Sadaam's old palaces. He got an orientation to the clinic, and everything seems good. The clinic where he will be working is very nice. He will have an assistant who is an civilian dental assistant deployed with the national guard, so he should have all the help he needs. He will also be the triage officer for any emergency mass casualty situations. For any of you who want to send letters or packages his mailing address is:

Steve Horne

550th ASMC, Ortiz Clinic

APO, AE 09348

You don't have to put Iraq, because it is an APO address through the U.S. and therefore much cheaper and quicker.

I will post more updates as I get them. For now, thing are good. We have been able to talk on the phone and/or Skype almost everyday, except the ones where he was traveling. So it makes it easier being able to communicate with him. Hoping the next 6 months will fly on by!