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.