Volunteer Appreciation Luncheon

This afternoon I was invited to the 11th ADA Brigade Volunteer Appreciation Luncheon. Cam had nominated me for an award (much to my chagrin) a few months ago and then forced me to add up all the hours I had spent on Project Linus activities. After trying to remember how many quilts I'd made, estimating the number of hours each took to make and adding in all the extra activities I do for the group (blanket pick-ups, kit cutting, sorting/inspecting/organizing), I came up with a grand total of 215 hours. A piddly amount compared to many of the other ladies in our Brigade, but I sucked it up and went to the luncheon anyway.

I joined about 150 other ladies from the Brigade in a yummy catered lunch (with a chocolate fountain and ice sculpture!) and in saluting several outstanding soldiers and wives in their volunteerism. We all received an awesome gift bag filled with all kinds of spa stuff, a certificate and a brigade pin as a "Thank You" from the Brigade. I even got a giant bear hug from the Brigade Commander! Thank goodness I wasn't his wife who received a big dip and huge smackaroo from him when her name was called!

I really enjoy what I do to help the local chapter of Project Linus and in turn, to help children of El Paso. I also like having an outlet for new quilts/blankets that I make so that I don't have to overwhelm my family and friends with them. So, while I don't do this for the recognition or for any kind of payment, the Luncheon was a fun way to be proud of my work. Thank you, Cam, for "forcing" me into this.

"Loot" from the Luncheon
(L to R) Flowers, Tote Bag w/ TONS of spa stuff, Brigade Pin, Certificate, and Fancy Pen Holder.

Close-Up of Certificate

Close-Up of Brigade Pin

Close-Up of Fancy Pen Holder.

More Craftiness

I've remained busy these last few weeks trying to finish up all the half-started projects that have been cluttering our office/craft room/soon-to-be guest room. I've promised myself that before I get to start on anything fun and/or new, I needed to get everything else waiting in the wings done.

First up, I finished a couple quilts that had the tops done, but needed sandwiched and quilted:


I then attempted to finish quilting and binding a super cute baby blanket for a friend. She was moving to Austin and unloaded a bunch of unfinished projects on several ladies in our sewing group before she left. My goal was to free-motion (AKA "meander") quilt. I had practiced the technique before, but it never turned out well. So, I decided just to suck it up and try it on a real project, hoping against hope that I wouldn't ruin her beautiful work.

Finally, one morning I was up WAAAAY before I should have been (I had even beaten Cam up for PT) and decided that I needed some new jewelry to wear to that afternoon's Officer Spouses Association monthly luncheon. I had beads sitting in the craft closet, bought ... of course ... when they were on sale MONTHS ago. I fashioned a cute little pair of earrings, a necklace and two bracelets out of my stash.
I still have a few more projects to work on, but I see the light at the end of the tunnel. Plus, I have some ACU tops purchased at the Thrift Shop staring, taunting me to finish so that I can cut them to shreds and make a cute "Army Brat" diaper bag!

After the Ultrasound, It's a ...

BOY! ... Or GIRL! After our "official" ultrasound appointment, we still aren't sure if Baby Billy Bob is of the male or female persuasion.

The good news is that he/she appears to be healthy, is super active (must have gotten those Leber-ADD genes), and looks to be done baking around Sept. 21st. The bad news is he/she would not cooperate for the ultrasound tech, no matter how hard he tried to push and prod to get the "money" shot. So it will be a surprise whether Baby Smith is really a Billy Bob or a Bobbi Sue. Either way, it was amazing to go in and see our baby and listen to the heartbeat! All the goop, on the other hand, was not so fun.

As for me, I'm feeling really well! No sickness, no weird cravings, and only slight little reminders of the little guy/gal kicking away inside ... mostly at night!

(Left to Right) Head and Spine

(Left to Right) Two feet, two legs, two arms, one head

The Speed Bump

Athena likes to be right in the middle of everything we do. Last night she was so tuckered out from playing with the dog next door AND going for a walk that she did her best impression of a speed bump...

11th ADA Brigade - Spring Gala

Last night, Cam and I attended the 2010 11th ADA Brigade Welcome Home Gala, our first formal event with his new Brigade. It was held at a very swanky hotel downtown (which isn't so swanky to drive through ... yikes!) in its ballroom with HUGE crystal chandeliers. The ADA colors (red and yellow) were the decorating scheme which made for a very bright and festive atmosphere. We had a lot of fun and got to see several of Cam's new co-workers and former classmates all dressed up and looking snazzy!

Prior to the Gala, I spent the day with Charla Welch trying to get our nails done (too bad the place we had an appointment was closed), having a long leisurely lunch, accessory shopping and finally getting our "hairs did" together by our favorite stylist, John. In the end, we were two gorgeous gals that just needed our dresses!

We ended up carpooling together with our next-door neighbors, Sgt. Wengler and his wife, Heather. Heather had such a good night that she even came home with the Wii door price! Unfortunately, the price for a ride to and from home did not equal the Wii in her mind! :D

Here are some pictures from our super fun evening:

All spiffed up and ready to go!
(Prom-style photo! He-he!)

2LT Smith and 2LT Welch showing off their required red socks

With our good friends, Jason and Charla

Next-door neighbors and carpool buddies for the evening, Darrell and Heather

Aren't we gorgeous?!?