The Sewing Mom

What a weekend!  We began Friday evening heading out to the softball fields for the opening ceremonies of the PFX 2009 Tour.  This is where professional and amateur softball players come together for an amazine round of events.

There were 110 amateur teams registered for the 3 day tournament which began with the teams being introduced at opening ceremonies and being greeted by the professional players.   Then, the pros put on a wonderful 7 inning exhibition game that was a lot of fun for all of us to watch, particularly since north Texas weather was finally cooperating and it was a beautiful evening to be outdoors.

We came home straight after the game because my daughter and her team had their first game scheduled for 8 a.m. on Saturday and the 2nd immediately following at 9:25.  Following those 2 games, we returned home again and my daughter and one of her teammates spent some time in the swimming pool, it was by then in the 90’s and the pool was very inviting!  We returned to the fields around 2 in the afternoon for autograph sessions with the pros.  Each and every team was given an alloted time to visit with the pros (about 10 minutes per team), the girls loved this part most of all I do believe.

Once again this morning, we were up early for yet another 8 a.m. game (yes, I’m asking why our team always seems to draw that time slot in every tournament).  It was a single elimination championship tournament today, and, unfortunately, our girls lost this morning in a very well played game.  So, the tournament was over for us, but I do believe they all had a great time.

So, how did you spend your weekend?

There are so many reasons to have home security, and there are so many types of home security available, everything from a baseball bat to exterior lighting to home alarm systems. I’ve even heard that planting hawthorne bushes, or any kind of bush with thorns, under home windows, can deter potential burglars.

We live in a pretty safe neighborhood, but that’s not to say there aren’t break ins to people homes and their vehicles. Our own van was plastered recently with food products, probably by some drunken teens, and we’ve had neighbors who experienced stolen personal property. Unfortunately, the neighbors who live behind us have chosen exterior lighting, motion sensor lights to be more specific, to aid in their own version of home security. Normally I wouldn’t complain, but Dallas is a very windy area and whenever the wind blows, their new, ultra super bright lights go off and they’re facing our bedroom windows! To give you an idea of how bright these lights are that are waking me up almost every night, there is almost a 1/2 acre of lawn in between our bedroom windows and those lights. There are also several trees and bushes that the light has to pass through, not to mention the 2 inch wood blinds covering my bedroom windows. And yet, through all of that, the light shines through, bright as the sun, waking me up.

What I’d really like to do is recommend to my neighbors that they take advantage of a wireless security system for their home and give the motion sensor lights a rest! They could get a platinum package for under $150 that would include 15 entry points, 1 motion detector, and even 1 garage door sensor. The only thing they need to do is call this toll free number, 877-470-2751, and they’ll be on their way to a safer home and I’ll be on my way to a better night’s sleep. As a bonus, if they call the toll free number, they’ll even receive 2 keychain remotes with their order. My bonus will be not feeling so tired every day.

So seriously, for those that have neighbors, stop with the bright lights at night and take advantage of wireless security system instead.

Girls softball., originally uploaded by Firefighter with a camera.

We’re heading out this evening for the Opening Ceremonies of the big softball tournament that my daughter and her team are participating in. We’ll be out at the fields all weekend, so not much blogging or EC dropping will get done.

I hope everyone has a fabulous weekend!

Branson, Missouri in the summer is an awesome place to be. Branson is in the Ozark Mountains, which covers more than half of the state of Missouri. The area is filled with all types of activities, especially if you love the outdoors. There is plenty of boating to be found on the White River and Lake Taneycomo. There are other smaller lakes as well, plenty to explore.

Of course, if it’s relaxation you’re looking for this summer, there are all sorts of nature trails and parks to be found, great places for a nice family picnic. Then again, maybe laying out by a beautiful swimming pool, especially the one at Hilton Branson Convention Center Hotel. I mean really, who could possibly resist this:

Just bring me an ice cold mud slide and I’d be a happy camper!

How about having a hotel room overlooking Lake Taceyomo, or this beatiful fountain at Hilton Promenade at Branson Landing?

The fountain provides nightly light shows, isn’t it gorgeous? I’d love to sit out on my balcony and watch that every night!

Then again, if you’re looking for action, take in one of the numerous shows going on daily and nightly in downtown Branson. There really is so much to do, it’s hard to decide what to do first! What’s your favorite thing to do in Branson?

I have actually finished some sewing in recent weeks, in between all the chaos that seems to be our current schedule! I saw this fabric when I was in Paducah, KY in April and knew I just had to make a purse from it.

I cut 52 2 1/2″ squares of 100% quilt quality cotton fabric and machine pieced them all together to form the front, back and sides of this purse. The bottom is crafted from the same fabric as the lining and straps, while the pockets coordinate with the top band of fabric. I machine quilted the bag with a layer of soft cotton batting which provides excellent support for the bag. There are multiple interior pockets, including one with a flap to keep thing extra secure.  For even more security, I added a coordinating button and closure.

This fabric purse measure approximately 10″ tall x 10″ wide (at the bottom) and 4″ deep. I am selling this bag for $45, plus $5 shipping anywhere in the US.