Bloggy, blog, blog....

I really do intend to blog more often than I do, but time just slips away these days!  I've been busy, but having fun.

We finally moved the quilting machine and the frame into the garage.  Thanks to hubby, we put a practice piece in and the machine seems to run nicely. ( had it been left to me,  you would be seeing the whole setup on Craigslist today!!)   I am looking forward to trying my first quilt, realizing I have a LOT to learn still.  I have an old quilt top that I made when my daughter was a little girl that I am trying to put my hands on... I can't seem to find it this week....but I've decided to make that top my first machine quilted top.  Excited!  (hubby even wrote his name in thread while we were practicing!)

Hubby got a new toy, too.  So far,  he is enjoying retirement with his new lawnmower.  Cute little Butterbean is always looking for a ride.... the dachshunds....not so much.

picture loaded sideways....sorry

I been watching this little guy for a few days (while his  big brother was at the beach with Nana and PawPaw).  I will say it again:  This is a SWEET baby!  Do you think he has Grandma's eyes?  

I bought this sewing machine from a seller on Craigslist this week for $30. From time to time, my daughter will say that she wishes she owned a sewing machine.  Now she has one!!  It sews... I need to sit down with the manuals and figure out how to make it sew 'good'.  

I've been working on this  baby quilt for a friend from work.  It will probably be quilted on my regular sewing machine... unless I get  really brave!

Isn't this cute??  It's a vintage pillowcase....colors perfect....fabric still stiff....and it has a Sears and Roebuck tag on the inside.  I have no idea why I thought I 'had' to buy it.... maybe there will be a little girl in the family one day, who will want it.  ;-)

The  colors are poor in this pic, but I wanted to show you my vintage linen display.  I bought a painted crib rail and plan to hang this on a wall in the sewing room.  People who don't embroider don't  usually realize the hours of pleasure that were put into these pretty pieces.  And I am thrilled to death to snatch them up at yard sales and thrift stores.  

So that's about it for me.... it's off to work for me this afternoon.  I"m still working 2 days a week, but can definitely see  a light shining in the tunnel.... I am hoping to cut back at least one more day very soon!  I am trying my best to work my way into full retirement.  :))))

Happy Spring!

Happy Spring!  It  feels like spring may finally be arriving in our area of NC.  It's been a lo-o-o-ng winter.  

I made a bright yellow wreath to welcome spring... all done on the  cheap, of course. Dollar store flowers hot  glued to a grapevine wreath.  It shows up pretty from the road.  (I love using a hot glue gun...it brings out the inner child in me)

I put out my little Easter flag just a few days before Easter. I had forgotten that I had it; I bought it last year after the holiday from Pier One.  That's the best time to buy holiday items, as long as you don't forget them or forget where you put them. 

Remember the tool box from a few posts back?  I found plastic fruit on sale at Wal Mart today for $5 a bag. It took 3 bags to fill it, and I'm happy with it.  These fruits remind me of my grandma Butler; she had lots of faux fruit in her kitchen.  My favorites were the styrofoam ones that she covered in sequins.  Does anyone remember those?

And I found a cool 'new to me' toolbox at Goodwill today for $3.  This one is pretty large... it measures approx. two feet long.  I am going to paint it and fill with geraniums for my porch.  I just love  treasure hunts when I can find treasures.

Happy Spring to you!

Swiffer tip...short and sweet!

This is probably old news to many of you, but I wanted to share, just in case you haven't heard....

You don't have to buy those boxes of swiffer refills!  My friend, Debbie J., at Homemaking Dreams, mentioned her floor cleaning tools in a recent post.  I started searching on google for the best home made swiffer pad.  

Yep, a chenille sock. I have several of these in my sock drawer and I never wear them. (too hot for my feet) The website that I used says you can buy these at the dollar store for ....yes... $1 a pair.  Anyway, I slid it over my swiffer mop, cut a slit in the back to make the handle stand up again....

And OMG! look!! I thought my floors were pretty clean this morning before I swiffered.   (this is embarrassing... ha ha)  

So, yes....here's to my new swiffer socks! Throw them in the washer and ready to use again!  

(I like the wet mop pads too....now to find a homemade cleaner to try with my new sock pads!)

You are what you eat....mentally, too.

borrowed from internet...not me :))

This is who I have always wanted to be....the happy housewife.  Years of raising children and having to work didn't really make me the 'happy' housewife, though I did enjoy what time I did have at home during those years.

Now that I am 'semi' retired from my nursing job, (my husband told me to start using that term....it sounds more encouraging than working 'part time') I have so much more time at home. I have always enjoyed just being at home, but it seems that  now, more than ever, I tend to waste more time here.  I  blame it on the internet...instant access to anything I want to read.  That can be a good thing...but can be a real distraction, too. It's so easy to get caught up in reading and searching for anything that crosses my mind.  Before I know it, I have spent hours in front of the computer. 

I don't want to look back ten years from now and be disappointed by all the time I've wasted.  I have decided to feed my internet addiction with things that make me who I want to be. It's true, you are what you eat...not only physically, but mentally, too.  I have found that if I spend half a day reading facebook, my mind is then focused on people I know (and even those I  don't truly know) and what is going on in their world.  Oh, they went on a cruise?  I want to go on a cruise.  Oh, they ate at such and such a place?  I want to eat there.  Oh, they got a new car?  I want a new car.  Really???  Why do that to ourselves??   

Truth is:  I really don't want to go on a cruise (right now, anyway) I don't need or really want a new car, and I eat out entirely too much as it is.  My heart really is at home!  For the past few days, I 've been reading homemaking blogs and quilting blogs.  Now, THAT's what I want to do!  (what are your favorite homemaking blogs...I hate to say it, but I prefer the ones written by mature women... I just can't seem to accept that 20 something year old women with 2-3 kids already have 'it' altogether!  LOL)

I want to take good care of my home, enjoy my home..."feeding myself"  more homemaking blogs has renewed my desire to be that person.  I am encouraged to get away from websites that do nothing to 'benefit' my life.  I have started asking myself  before I sit down to read or do something : "how is this helpful?" "how is this helping me to reach my life goals?"  

Today I am piddling around the house.  I have cleaned the floors, I have  cubed steak simmering on the stove, and I'm waiting on my little grandsons to come over to spend the afternoon with grandma.  That is definitely a good thing, no waste of time in any of that!  I hope to spend time this afternoon going through some cookbooks and thinning my collection.  I have always had this thing about cookbooks....I always wanted everyone I saw...but with the addition of internet, I truly don't need all those cookbooks any longer.  Do you still use cookbooks?

I actually enjoy hand washing dishes (as long as I don't let them get away from me).  Why wait two days for the dishwasher to get full?  There are only two of us in the house now.  It takes hardly any time at all to keep the dishes washed up.

not my cake...borrowed pic...looks delicious!!

Last night I had to send hubby to the grocery store to pick up a few snacks for the grandsons for today.  However, I want to be the type of homemaker that can whip something up from the pantry for the boys.  I would love to be the person who can always offer someone a snack, like that yummy looking slice of cake, when they enter my home.  (problem is: there would be more cake than visitors, and you know how that would go....hubby and I would eat way too much cake).  

I think the moral of this story for me is: one day  when I read that book shown above in the picture, I want to see really happy and satisfying things in it....not a checked off bucket list of empty deeds, but a life fulfilled with satisfaction that I did what my heart really wanted to do.  I want my grandchildren to remember me as a grandma who was there for them, who opened her home to them with good food and fun, who worked in her garden and kept pretty flowers, and one who enjoyed every little thing they did.  Not a grandma who was addicted to the internet, who couldn't put her cell phone down, who always took us to McDonalds, who lived in a messy house and was lazy.  I am responsible for writing my own story.  So for now, my focus will be on becoming a better homemaker, a better wife, a better grandma, a better daughter, a better sister, etc.  What about you?  Are you writing a true story of who you really want to be?

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!