Christmas 2010

Merry Christmas!

This morning was just Rick and me...the children and grandchildren will be here tomorrow.

To the left is ME! In all my Christmas morning glory, holding a gift from my sweetie.

Below are the grandchildren's stockings, prior to Santa's putting goodies in them.

Treva is the newest grandbaby, this is her first Christmas, so of course I had to make her a stocking for Mimi and Papa's house, and one for Mama and Dada's house. I got them done, then as I was hanging said stockings, I realized I had never made a stocking for Vivian...this is her second Christmas. (Last year we went to their house...stocking made for that home...but no stocking made for Mimi and Papa's.) OOPS, hurry and make another stocking!

Tis the season...

This photo was taken during our "snow days" while we were out snow blowing and shoveling away the 18 inches of snow we received.

Merry Christmas from Kent, Ohio!

An outline of the last few days

Brrr! But isn't it gorgeous??? YES, it IS and I love the snow!

Ok, here's the scoop on my life, of late.

A. On November 30, 2010, I worked my last day at Kent City Schools. It was a terribly hectic, sweet-crazy kinda day. Looked forward to starting my retirement.

B. On December 1, 2010, we flew to Las Vegas to celebrate my retirement. Great fun!

C. On December 2, 2010, I came down with a VILE intestinal problem. Continued with the same through December 6, 2010. Not much fun to see _very_ little of Vegas and lots of the bathroom in our hotel room.

D. On December 6, 2010, I was amongst the living again. Thankfully! At least we got 2 good days in Vegas!!

E. On December 7, 2010, we flew back home to over a foot of snow! Now I'm a snow lover, so it's not a big deal and we did get home safely. I went out to clear the driveway and am now back inside warming up. Above is a picture of the "white stuff" we got!

Dear Heavenly Father, Thank you for the beauty you surround us with each and every day. It's so easy to "take it for granted", but you truly give us so much beauty in so many ways. Bless my family, hold them close to your heart and far from danger. Bring us closer as the days, weeks, months and years go by, please. I ask these things in the name of Your Son, Jesus Christ. Amen

Couple of things...

These two cuties...aren't they the cutest?

First thing, retirement! I have 13 more working days until retirement!! Woo hoo!

My job was posted TODAY. It will be on the "block" until Friday for folks who work in the system to apply. One woman (who works at the high school) wants to learn it. She works 2nd shift, so she will come in from 7 until 11 on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays to learn my job. She's a sweet person and I hope she gets the job.

One of the women who substitutes for me wants it, too; and rumor has it someone at the middle school is interested. Of course, we all have our favorites and (chuckle) one big UNfavorite!!

I am looking forward to retirement with a HUGE smile on my face. Going to work is difficult right now...to say the least, it's been a tough year.

Secondly, I won a raffle from the craft fair I went to on Saturday! I won a set of red Fiestaware, some Christmas tea towels with 4 matching place mats and a Fiestaware pitcher. A few other things were stashed in there, too. I really don't need (or want to keep) the dishes, so I'm looking for a new home for them.

I was up in my sewing studio last week and whipped up a pillow for my friend (the school nurse) for Christmas. It turned out really cute (super easy) and I think she'll like it. I have a lot more things planned to make...UFO's...so upon retirement I hope I can be more productive.

Time to close for now.

Dear Lord, it's been a beautiful sunny day here in Kent, Ohio. Thank you. The sun warms my soul. I don't mind the cold, but when you clear patches of clouds in the sky and allow the sun to shine through it brightens my whole day.

Bless my loved ones, near and far.

In the name of your son, Jesus Christ, Amen

Wonderful Wednesday!

This is Anna.

She's a beautiful ray of sunshine in my life. She's such a gentle-spirited child and she makes my heart melt!

What a wonderful day today has started out to be! Don't you just love it when you have the best morning?!

The bathroom remodel (and giant home-repair project) is doing well. We now have a new vanity with sink (ALSO has running water, both hot and cold at this time!!), new toilet (which works great), refinished bathtub (with running hot and cold water, but no shower hookup just yet), a new floor and a beautiful paint job with a really intense spring green. Both Ricky and I shuddered when we saw how intense the green is, but you know...it's growing on us. I think we are really going to like it!

The gas lines and water lines have been replaced, so we have more peace of mind as we remain in an older home. The man we have working on this project(s) is fabulous. He's been a delight to work with. It's not been a continuous job for him...he's fitting us in between other jobs, so it's not been a "quick do", but I'm a patient woman.

I'll be so glad to have this project done, but then I have the large issue of "tossing" crap out! We are really going to get rid of stuff!

Well, I'm off for now, on to enjoy my wonderful Wednesday and all the great things that will be happening!

As my friend Dave just said to me...Love, Peace and Chicken Grease!!

I'm in the market and would like some ideas, please

I've got a little bug. Nothing serious, but I've been bitten by the "thinking about shopping for a new sewing machine" bug.

I have my original (44 years old, now) Singer Touch and Sew that I don't use much anymore at all.

I have a super favorite for most of my sewing and my embroidery. It's a Brother and I love it.

I have a Janome that I use for machine quilting, and that's the one I'm thinking about upgrading. I have folks who tell me that there is nothing like a Bernina. Others have their favorites and I'd like to know what you think. I really want to be able to free-motion quilt with the new baby I'm considering. That is the MOST important thing I think that I want.

I'd really like to hear from you and know what YOU think and why YOUR machine is the BEST machine.

Friday

Ahhh, it's Friday, the second day we've had students at school.

Not a lot to scream about, either good or bad. I'm not terribly busy at work, and that makes my day seem long. Then again, I'm not pulling my hair out being so busy I can't think straight! ;)

Here's a picture of Treva, our youngest g'babe. She makes funny faces!

When Mimi is in charge...

This is Vivi. She's my 10-month-old granddaughter and she was in my care this morning.




I changed her diaper, left her in the family room to go approximately 10 feet to prepare a bottle for her. When I turned around...this is how she looked!!! I thought she was turning into a blueberrry (did you see Willy Wonka?), but in actuality she had buried her face into a very-soft balloon on which her older sister had drawn a tiger face with a non-permanent blue marker!!!

We were all laughing hysterically and my daughter grabbed her camera to capture this! Thankfully, almost all of the marker came of with a baby wipe!

Little update

I'm in Pittsburgh with the babies to help a bit. Four children makes for a busy family and it makes me realize how "out of shape" I am!!

I drove down last evening after dinner with Rick. It's a two hour drive, but it's not a difficult drive by any means. I arrived about 8:45 and got to spend some time with Kelly, Evie and Vivi...the twins were already in bed and asleep.

My knee was getting better, but it's giving me a lot of trouble. I'm not sure whether it is muscular or more involved, but I am in pain with it. Last night it hurt all through the night and it is difficult to walk.

I tried some ointment/balm that some woman swears by. I massaged the ointment into my feet (as she recommended) and then took some tylenol this morning. Then I put Icy/Hot on the knee. Still hurts! :)

Anyway, I think I'll have our trainer at school give it a look-see, then I'll do as he suggests...doc or whatever.

Well, it's back to the kiddos to see how they are doing!

Family time

Ok, ok...I've been horrible about blogging of late. We've been busy as a family with Easter, birth of a new baby, Mother's Day and a baptism. The only sewing that has been done has to do with those important life events. Here's a picture that was taken on Sunday when Vivian was baptised. What a wonderful day!

Dear God in Heaven, thank You so much for all Your blessings and the wonderful life You have blessed us with. In the name of your Son, Jesus Christ, Amen.

BIRTH day!

Today is the birthday of my newest grand darling!!

She was born at 3:59 p.m., weighs 5 lb and 13 oz. She is 20 inches long and is just beautiful. As of this moment, her name remains a mystery, but a mystery to be solved soon!

Dear Father in Heaven, please bless Jennifer as she gives birth to this child. Lay Your loving hands upon her and the baby and bless them, keeping them safe from harm. In the name of Your Son, Jesus Christ, Amen.

Better news

Our Nathan is feeling better!
Kelly has a job!
Evie had a great week at school!
Anna is Anna...sweet with a hint of orneryness!
Viv...well, she's such a happy baby.
It's Saturday and I didn't have to get up and go to the office!
The dryer is NOT broken (just tested it and hopefully it will continue to work...we'll see)
Ricky loves me!
Jennifer's due date is just around the corner!
Todd is being kind to his very pregnant wife!
Hadley is ok after her fall!

Thank You, Dear God...You bless me and my family in so very many ways. Amen

This and that

Jennifer went to the doctor today and he's changed the date he's going to induce her labor. Tuesday, April 20 will be the day of the new arrival. She's very swollen and very tired, but all looks good for this soon-to-be-born darling. No names have been decided upon as yet...!!!

Lots going on in Kelly's family. Nathan is sick. He won't drink or eat and if he doesn't take in some fluids tonight he will be going to the hospital tomorrow. The doctor gave him some medicine and Kelly got him to take it in a spoonful of applesauce. Thank goodness. Hopefully he'll drink something. Poor little guy.

I've been working on lady bugs for Hadley's curtains. They are all put together and Jennifer will have to pin them on the curtains and then I will sew them on. Hadley's new room sounds like it's almost ready to move her in.

So much going on. Today was a horrible day at work, kids forge notes and phone calls. I hate lying. I HATE it. I want to trust kids and I normally do, but when they use me it makes me MAD.

Lots of issues at work, but work is over for today and tomorrow hopefully (scratch hopefully...it)WILL be better.

Ricky's taking a snooze. He's been tired, very tired.

The weather is beautiful...sunshine and warm temps. Just my kind of day, weatherwise! I don't like it real hot, but sun...well, there is nothing like sunshine.

I'm eager to see my grandchildren.

Dear Father in Heaven, I pray You lay Your healing hands upon Nathan and heal his belly. Please help our little guy to feel better and thrive. Bless Evie, Anna and little Vivian, keep them safe, healthy and happy. Raise Kelly and Scott up and bless them, please. Keep them safe from harm and bless their union.

I ask that You help Jennifer as she prepares and delivers this gift of life that You have blessed them with. May all the preparations and plans go smoothly and may Hadley fall in love with this new child. Bless Todd, Jennifer and Hadley and keep them safe, happy and healthy. Bless their union.

I ask that You keep my dear Rick safe from harm, keep him healthy and happy. Help us to keep You first in our lives and to lead the life You want us to lead.

Thank you so much for Your many blessings. In the name of Your son, Jesus Christ, Amen.

Two wrongs don't make a right...

I've been terrible about journaling.

This is spring break from work and I've been so busy.

On Monday I went to Jennifer's to make curtains for soon-to-be-big-sister Hadley's new room. Unfortunately my brain turned sideways in my head and instead of making curtains that were 65 inches wide and 45 inches long, they were 45 inches wide and 65 inches long. DUH! Now that seems like you might be able to make it work, but NO! I put this cute bottom border of black and white check fabric with a red with white polka dot piping. I was SUCH a dork! Oh well, I am making it right by making two more panels and all will be right in the world.

Two wrongs don't make a right, but I think 4 wrongs do!! Hahaha!!!

Monday night I drove to Kelly and Scott's and spent Tuesday with them. I had a wonderful time...the kids are so sweet. I left there about 5 am with horrible leg cramps and drove home.

I went to JoAnn's and purchased enough fabric for two more panels (curtains) and I'll make those probably on Friday when Ricky goes golfing.

No pictures in this post either...I've got to get my camera out of the closet and get "clicking"!

Going to WI at WW...hopefully will be another good week.

No picture, emotion pouring forth

I'm really emotional today.

I've been sick and off work since Thursday. I have some respiratory illness and feel like carp...no, not a dyslexic slip, just a Freudian thingie. I will be going to work tomorrow, but if I can't manage the whole day I will come home.

The sun is shining and it's beautiful outside. I can get up and do some things, but if I overexert I can't keep going and need to rest. This is troubling to me...makes me feel inadequate. Not a rational thought, I know, but being sick often takes the rational out of you.

I was browsing some blogs earlier and read a post by Victoria at Bumble Beans. She had a really good point about "creating" and how she does some of it. I absolutely love to create. I don't have a ton of confidence in my abstract creations, but her post inspired me. Inspired me to comment on her post and her reply (email version) was very touching.

More emotion...
My daughter told me about a movie titled "Temple Grandin". If you haven't seen it, it's a great movie. I am the grandmother of an autistic grandson. He's just 2+ and he's been receiving help since he was diagnosed just before his 2nd birthday. This movie has given me a different and better understanding of autism. The lightbulb phrase is DIFFERENT, NOT LESS. Somehow I need to contact Temple Grandin and express my emotion to her.

As I write this post tears are still leaving tracks upon my cheeks. As I said earlier in my writings, this blog is for me to journal. This post is from my heart.

To those of you who love me, thank you. To those of you who may occasionally visit my blog and leave a comment, thank you. To those of you who might just stop by and read, thanks for you.

Dear God...Thank you for so many things. Today I ask you to help me. Help me in so many ways that only You can know. You know my heart, You know my needs. Please take my hand and lead me. In the name of Your Son, Jesus Christ, Amen.

Bye bye, February

February

For such a short number of days, this was a ... l-o-n-g ... month. We've had MUCH snow and lots of gray skies. I love snow, I really do, but these gray days have kept away the beautiful sunshine that makes snow even more wonderful.

This month is a special one for me...this year brought my 41st anniversary with Rick. Shortly after that was the romantic Valentine's Day.

Friday was a snow day, thankfully. Work has been gloomy (I swear I deal with lots of less-than-with-it folks). We had a late start for teacher in service...now I wonder whose (brilliant?) idea that was? What a mess! Hopefully those with the power have learned that this is NOT a good idea!!

My friend Martha emailed those of us who get together to quilt and talk quilting a "Happy Sew Day" message. She was right! I used that snow day as a SEW day and I loved it! Here's what was created on that wonderful Sew Day, February 26, 2010.

This was fun and it will be given as a gift to someone I love a lot.

PS...yes, Lily had to be part of the photo shoot...such a stinker!!

Not much new, but...

I'm starting a new project. Pics to come soon. (I get SOOOoooooo excited!)

However, I'm tempering my excitement with mundane tasks (laundry, freezer and pantry inventory, etc.) Ugh

Through the Window

This is my newest quilt top. I thought it was all done, but I've decided to border it with the floral fabric.

I just got back from the quilt shop and have the fabric in the washer.

Top Notch Financial Planner for Hire

You may remember that I've been planning to retire in the rather near future. I have a lot of questions, so my good friend, Tiger Lily, has offered to peruse some of my materials and become my financial planner.

Eat your heart out, Dan!! (Our "other" financial planner!)

Did somebody say S N O W ?

I have to admit it, I LOVE snow! It's so beautiful, it puts a clean coat on a dull not-yet-spring view and it makes things brighter! I know it can be difficult to shovel, to clear off your car and to drive. Despite all the reasons to dislike it, I just absolutely think it's beautiful. I like being outside in it. It makes me feel revived.

This picture is outside my door.

This picture is outside my door, looking into my neighbor's

(Mike and Rebecca) back yard.



















Snow!

My darling hubby...

Gracie

Lily

Enjoy winter...it's one of God's gifts!