Sewing and Grandbabies

It's been a busy week, but I did manage to get some sewing time in today.

I made this little mug rug/ mini quilt for a friend from church.  This sassy knitting lady is part of a panel by Loralie.  I have more sewing ladies that I plan to make a wall hanging with someday.  Loralie also has a nurse panel that I really need to purchase.  I can think of some fun gifts for some of my nurse friends.

 I finished the quilt top made from an Amy Bradley quilt panel that I purchased years ago.  These little faces make me smile every time I look at them.  I let Avery see this quilt yesterday and he decided the babies were all boys, even the one with the pink hair bow.... 'somebody put a hair bow on that boy's head.'

I spray painted this week, too.  I bought this wooden toolbox at Goodwill for 2.99.   It was flat brown and I painted it black. Now, what to put inside of it???  My brain is thinking embroidered mini pillows  and mini quilt block pillows.  Or fake fruit??  Ideas??

I watched the boys for a couple hours yesterday while their mommy worked on the zip line.  This was Avery's new trick....he decided  the cookie was his new mouth.  We spent quite some time yesterday, renaming our body parts.... our noses were rocks, our eyes were marbles, our ears were flowers, our hair was spaghetti, our feet were bricks, our arms were sticks, etc. etc.

This  little fellow is seven months old already!  This picture was taken just before he fell asleep in Grandma's lap.  Chandler truly lights up a room with his smiles and sweet nature!

Here he is just a few minutes later.... one precious baby!

Thank you for the kind words when I mentioned I had not been feeling well in January.  I had a little scare with my labwork and was worried about what elevated liver enzymes might mean for me.  (being a nurse, I always think the worse...over the past 29 years I have taken care of plenty of hepatitis and HIV patients, not to mention accidental needle sticks along the way)  However, I went back for repeat labs this week and all were normal.  I am feeling much better and hope whatever it was, is all behind me now.  Thanks again for your kindness. Bloggy friends are great!!

February already?

I don't know where January went, but here we are ... Feb. 8, 2013.  I was sick most of January, saw several doctors, had a wacky test result or two, medication changes, and am finally feeling better.  I hope this isn't how 'the rest of my life' will feel... hoping it's just the big  M (enopause).  But enough of that....

I finally got all the flowers sewn on this top and added a little blue border, and I"m calling this quilt top finished!  I hope the quilting will bring it to life, as it still looks kind of drab to me.

I bought this quilt kit several years ago while on a beach trip.  I swore it would be my first grandchild's baby quilt.  I have two grandchildren already and I"m just now getting around to putting this one together.  This one looks kind of 'girlie' to me, so maybe that's a sign.  I'll just put it away and wait patiently.

And this is my sewing room today.. a huge mess.  (I didn't even show you the floor... the worst part.) Can you see what's in the background, crowding up my tiny room?  Yes, hubby and I purchased a used Grace quilting frame and a Pfaff mid arm quilter just before Christmas.  I convinced him it would fit in this room.....and technically, it does fit... but there is no room to use it.  So, hopefully, this monster will be moved to my garage soon, before I start having a serious case of buyer's remorse.  :((

This big guy is going to be THREE years old tomorrow.  We are celebrating his birthday tonight at his house.  I called him on the telephone this morning to see if he was excited about his party.  He seems to be pretty excited and I am sure we will have fun tonight.

And this picture is just too funny not to share.  The boys' mom and I took the boys to have their pictures made just before Christmas.  By the time the photographer got to us, this little guy was tired.  He is usually such a happy and smiley baby, but he wasn't too interested that day.  (five months old here)

This one was taken the same day and this was probably the biggest smile we got during the session.  He is such a precious little one and is quickly catching up with his big brother in size.

Off topic:  What do you do with extra milk in the house?

We ended up with an extra gallon of milk in our house this week and I have been determined to use it before it spoils.  Neither of us drink much milk, so it has been fun to think of ways to use it.

Wednesday night, I made cook and serve chocolate pudding for us to eat while watching tv.  I like the warm pudding so much better than the instant cold pudding.   I don't think I've ever made pudding for just the two of us before and we had plenty for each of us.... almost too much to eat at one time.  (when the kids were here, there was never enough and everyone would be licking their bowls for that last little taste)

borrowed picture, but it looks like mine

Today I made potato soup.  This is one of the easiest things in the world to make and I love it!

another borrowed picture...yummy

And I have a 'no bake' cherry cheesecake in the refrigerator for later.  And I still have a half gallon of milk left!!  Maybe just a good ole mug of hot chocolate this weekend??? Or maybe I'll finish off the cereal.....

Having fun

I am having the most fun making this quilt top:

It is made up of dolls cut from a panel and some old hexagon flowers that I made back in the 90's, when my children were small.  The more I work on this quilt top, the more I'm loving my Brother sewing machine, which is now almost two years old.  

Another fun thing for me is looking for thrifty quilt fabric.  I found these two 100% cotton pillowcases at Goodwill yesterday for 50 cents each.  I figure I have approx. a yard of pretty fabric for $1.  (oh yeah, the white fabric for the quilt top above, is also a cotton thrift store sheet)

And look at this little fun thing that's joined our family.   Chandler is almost 6 months old and such a sweet baby.  We teased his parents that this child would be a terror, because his big brother was such a good baby.  But guess what?  This one is even sweeter....if that is possible!!  Full of smiles and such a good boy!

And Chandler had fun rubbing Papa's 'retirement' beard.  I mentioned before that my husband retired from his 'real' job back in November.  As a law enforcement officer, he was required to have short hair and a shaved face, all the time.  (when I married him, he had a beard)  Of course, the first thing he did after retirement, was grow his beard back out.  It's a lot whiter than it was before and what hair is left, is also a lot 'lighter' in color.  :))  He is so much busier now that ever before, and claims he hasn't had time to get a haircut...I think he's had one haircut since he retired!  We definitely have to sneak that one in on his calendar, soon.

*It's only Jan. 11, but so far,  my secret new years resolutions are coming along pretty well.  How about you?

2013 * Happy New Year * 2013

It's been over a month since my last post, mainly because I didn't have anything to 'brag' about. :))

We had a great Christmas and a very happy new year (watching the ball drop from our couch) and 2013 is here. Of course, I have goals and resolutions, but I am not brave enough to post them. I'll keep them to myself, because we all know how resolutions go...

Underground Railroad Quilt

 

Since it is 2013, I will share my almost completed quilt top that I started last year this time.  (I have since added the border, not seen in this photo) This was definitely an on again, off again project, using Eleanor Burn's pattern for "The Underground Railroad".  Her instructions are so easy to follow and I may use a few of these blocks again one day in a different project. 

 

I'm excited to have this quilt top finished and hope to finish up another one that is on my 'to do' list, before I start something new.  Yes, I already have the fabric for the 'something new' project.  :))

 

I hope everyone had a wonderful Christmas and here's looking forward to a very happy New Year for all of us!

The baby dogs and random stuff

I would love to be able to say that the dog babies 'posed' for this picture, but they didn't.  They are at the door, watching Avery and Chandler drive away with their mommy, after spending time with us.  They look pretty sad, don't they?  Random:

*Hubby RETIRED from his job last week.  He is a happy man and I am a jealous woman!   Actually, he has big plans and is looking forward to pursuing his dreams.  He will probably work harder now, than ever before.

* I had LASIK eye surgery a few weeks ago and I can see like a hawk. Happy me!  I almost chickened out and didn't have the procedure done.....so glad I did! After 30 years of wearing contact lenses...I  can say 'no more'!

*I've been doing a lot of reading on pantry stocking and being prepared.  I am not worried about the Apocalypse or anything on Dec. 21 (If I was afraid of that, I am way behind....LOL), but I do think it is important to be prepared... and it's Biblical.

*I love,love, love my Kindle e reader.  I'm amazed at all the free books that are available.  Hubby asked me if there is some kind of 'prize' for a large book collection.  He said 'you'll never read all those books'.  He is probably right, but I 'have' them if I decide to read them.  And I can always delete those books that I decide I won't read.  Right??

*I'm almost ready for Christmas.  I have a few gift cards to pick up, and I need to wrap gifts, but I think I have most of it under control.

So, that's about it in my world.  I hope everyone is having a relaxing holiday season!

Decking the halls

Christmas is almost here again; can you believe it?  When I was growing up, I always looked forward to Christmas, loved buying presents, loved wrapping presents, couldn't wait to put up the tree and decorate, ... I just loved it all.



2012 tree...yes, it's leaning!

Now that I'm older, and I have more time to do all these things, I don't seem to enjoy it as much as I used to.  Maybe it's because I know I will have to pack everything back up in just a few short weeks.

Nativity...has a few new animals this year (quilt box made by Charles)

 

Maybe it's because I'm wiser and I have realized that Christmas is way more than a season of decorating and buying frenzy...stressing ourselves to the max to please others, to try to fulfill unrealistic expectations.

new angel piece....goodwill... love her! (need candles)

I enjoy looking at all the pretty decorations and would be sad if everyone stopped decorating.  But when I go out shopping, so many of  the decorations I see are cheap and tacky, and  it throws my brain into overload.  I just want to go back home.



New Magic Attic doll....goodwill.... $3...she has a $12 Christmas dress on the way from ebay

 

Yes, there is Santa Claus and now Elf on a Shelf....but where is Jesus?  Do children even know that Christmas belongs to Jesus?  Or is it all about 'us'? 

goodwill... I keep this out year round

 There is no place like home for the holidays....Tis true...but where is home?  I grew up in a small town in eastern NC...I've always called it home.  However, I've been gone from that town for over half my life.  Is it still home?  We still drive there for the holidays.  It's very exhausting, but we don't want to 'miss anything'.  I miss the childhood memories of Christmas....church plays and Christmas caroling... I guess Christmas is for kids. :)  When I was in the midst of making  childhood Christmas memories, my parents were the ones who were stressed and trying to please.  ha ha   Dear Lord, help us to remember that Christmas is about YOU, your gift to us, your son, Jesus....our gift of salvation.  Merry Christmas!

Just thankful....

Just so much to be thankful for;  don't you just love this face? God has been so good to us.

 

And now there are two.

We have been blessed with two grandsons and life just keeps getting sweeter and sweeter.

 

Having more time to reflect on what really matters, I have always known, but really really know now, that God is so good to us. I have so much to be thankful for....I think it is sad that so many people only see Thanksgiving as the day before black Friday.  I've not heard very many people talking about family, Thanksgiving dinner, fellowship, fun, God's blessings.... it's all about black Friday.  So sad.

 

Thank you God for salvation, your mercy and GRACE, your protection, your provision, your forgiveness, your COMPLETE forgiveness, your comfort, your wisdom, your healing,  your joy, your peace... just so much to be thankful for.  Happy Thanksgiving to all! 



My New Favorite Blog

Have you read any Jon Katz books?  I just finished reading his book about  his dog, Rose, and I have identified so much with this man.  He is teaching me so much about animals. 

I invite you to go over and read his blog:  Bedlam Farm.   I've linked you to a funny post that I really enjoyed. (it's sort of  political)  If you like it, I hope you will hang around and read more of his blog.  I look forward to his daily entries and check my email each morning to see them.  His wife, Maria, is an fiber artist and I enjoy reading her blog, too.

Let me know if you visit him.

Nov. 6. 2012

 

November 6, 2012  A very important presidential election.  I am praying for CHANGE!  But if my candidate doesn't win, I know that Jesus is still King.

Halloween 2012

It was fun!  Papa and Grandma went to High Point to help pass out candy.  We had to turn off the porch light about midway through the evening, as we ran out of candy!!  Note to self:  buy more next year, because it sure was fun passing out to all the trick or treaters!. 

Avery and Chandler

Here's our two little trick or treaters, all ready to go out into the cold, to collect candy from the neighbors!

Halloween 2012

This is the whole group that went out...Mommy, Daddy, Aunt April and the boys.  It was sooo cold!

 

Daddy brought Chandler back after a few stops because  it was so cold and windy.  Avery didn't think he wanted to go out at first, because he thought passing out candy was a lot of fun.  But when he came back with his bucket full of candy, he was glad he went.  I convinced him to go trick or treating, by telling him that Grandma needed a green piece of candy.  He came back by the house shortly after they started going door to door, so proud that he had Grandma's green candy!  (<3 p="p">

 

When they decided to stop going door to door,( as mommy had to go to work at Spooky Woods), Avery continued to help Grandma pass out candy.  He really enjoyed checking out the costumes of all the trick or treaters.  I remember him saying about one person "he's not nice, he has a scary mask".  His face lit up with delight when he yelled out "there's Spiderman".  The scariest mask we saw belonged to a teenager.  His mask had a built in 'blood pump'.  He reached behind his back and squeezed something and blood poured down his face.  Avery backed away and it was visibly clear that he didn't like that mask.  However, Avery was a trooper and had a great time!  (as did Grandma and Papa)  

Avery at Andy's

This is a picture from the night we went to see the bullriders.  I was excited for Avery to eat at Andy's because I thought he might enjoy having his food served in this car.  He really wasn't that hungry and enjoyed pretending that his chicken nuggets were mommy and daddy in the car.  :))

Avery feeds Grandma

 

I am having more and more fun with these boys. I love being a Grandma!

 

Popping in...

Hey everybody!  We are still here.  I've been busy, it just seems I can't see much accomplishment from all the busy around here. 

This is my fall arrangement for my new farm table.  Hubby is painting the chairs for me, so the table stands alone right now.  This enamelware pan is one that I 'inherited' from my granddaddy after he died.  He used this bowl to make biscuits.... impressive, huh?  I still can't make a decent biscuit.

I found these old sewing machine drawers at an antique show back in the spring.  Hubby has a friend who is talented in woodwork, who made the little cabinet for me.  Not sure what these drawers will be used for.  Avery has discovered them and I'm thinking 'treat drawers for the grandchildren'.  :))

The fall fireplace with the creepy eyed portraits on display.  (they are my favorite)

A picture that Avery took of his little brother, sitting in his great grandma's lap.

 

Not sure what happened, but I can't figure out how to fix or remove this pic...this is a sideways shot of Avery helping his great grandma blow out her birthday candles.  (he picked out the cupcakes)

 

 

And this is one of my favorite things:  Avery is enjoying playing with his daddy's fisher price barn these days.  It has the original 'little people' and accessories.  He will ask me each time he gets it out to play, "did my daddy play with this when he was a little boy?"  

 

So, that's about it....not much sewing, but lots of grandbaby sugars!!

YUM! Mock tuna salad (chick peas)

Thanks to Pinterest, (my latest addiction), I found this yummy recipe and tried it:  Mock tuna salad made with chick peas!!  I'm not a tuna salad fan, as tuna is just a little too fishy tasting for me; however this recipe is delicious and doesn't taste at all like fish to me.  It reminds me more of chicken salad or egg salad or potato salad.  If you love any of those, I think you will love this!  And it's sooo easy:

This recipe comes from The Apron Archives:

 

 

And check out the ingredients in the next picture:

 



Now, can it be any easier??

hint:  My husband does not like celery, so I chopped mine very tiny, very very tiny...and he loved this spread as much as I did!  I also chopped my purple onion much much finer than the ones shown in this photo. 

We ate some of this using honey wheat bread and some of it using Triscuit crackers.  OMG... I hope you will try it... you may never need to make chicken salad again!

Link for recipe here:   The Apron Archives