A Quilt Block & Sweet Visits

Today was a visiting day. It started with another Thursday lunch with my "sweet best friend" Vicki. We don't normally have lunch or even see each other that often but this makes 2 weeks in a row. It was so nice because we are usually in such a hurry that we tell parts of stories and never finish. Thanks to Vicki, we have another lunch planned for next Thursday. Hhhhhmmm... Maybe this will become a habit. I love it. I hope so - at least once a month!

I left there and went to my "sweet granny's" house and visited with her for a while. She wasn't her normal self today. She just acted like she was really tired, which is very unusual even though she is 95 years old. Her door is never locked so I walked on in and found her on the couch doing one of her word search books. She says that keeps her mind active. I sat down next to her and just talked for a while. I looked up at the sewing machine and there was a quilt in progress. I asked her why she was not working on it and she said she was just worn out. Normally when I take pictures she will always say I take too many or she will tell me that is enough. Today she didn't even say that. She just wasn't her usual self. Will you help me pray for her?

Then I left there and stopped by my dads house and took him some potato soup and cornbread. I didn't take any pictures there. I did stay a while and talk. For years I have dreamed of having a dad that I could sit down and talk with. "Life" took him away from our family for a few years but I get to see him and talk to him all the time now. It means the world to me!

My mom & I always go to a class at our favorite quilt store the first saturday of every month. When you attend this little 10 minute class you receive a package with the block of the month. My mom challenged me before we go in Feb. to have January's block done. You see at the end of the year you have enough quilt blocks to make a quilt. We did this last year but didn't make any of the blocks so we are determined to make these as we go. In my mind, I was thinking that this coming Saturday was the day we go. I rushed home after all of my visiting, cooked supper, picked up a little around the house and then started cutting this block out. It is called "Prairie Star." Every seam didn't line up perfect but I am a beginner so I am proud of it anyway. I love the fabric choices. Isn't it pretty? All I need is another project!!!!

It was a good day. Don't forget to pray for my little granny. I am going to cut her some quilt squares and go back over in a couple of days and take them to her. Maybe that will cheer her up and make her feel better. She is more than precious to me.

Oh yes, I almost forgot. You need to go to my Mom's Blog and see what she is giving my "sweet grandaughter," Triston. I called Tris to tell her to go and look at Moms blog and the next thing I knew..........Tris had done her own blog about it. You can read Tristons blog here! It just made my day when I read what she wrote about me and my mom. It was a gift to us just to know that she wants to sew.

Siggy Blocks

I am so excited. Now remember..... I am just a beginner. I joined Connie with her International Signature Block Swap. After I joined up, I got so nervous, but I knew this is the only way to learn. 60 people joined this group. I wonder if there are any more that are beginners like me. I worked on some blocks today and I think for a beginner they are not too bad. My "sweet honey" gave me a new sewing machine for Christmas. It is not an expensive machine, but it does a little embroidery. I am just learning all about it too. The embroidery is not as straight as it needs to be and I haven't clipped the strings or put the dots in. I thought that I would have to do the dots by hand but I just figured out that my machine will do that for me too. I loved doing this today. It was so much fun. I definitely have a lot to learn but I am still proud. I have done 4 blocks so far. I hope that I am doing them the right way. Thank you, Connie for answering all my questions and helping me. You are an angel.

A Little Bit of Everything

We had a great weekend with the grandchildren. We kept 2 of the grandchildren on Friday night so my "sweet daughter and SIL" could have a date night. I thought it was so sweet for my SIL to plan this. On Saturday, we went to my grandaughter, Alyssa's basketball game. She did so good. We were so proud of her. Then we went to one of our favorite restaurants -Pappasitos- the best Mexican food you will ever eat. It is in Atlanta, Ga. which is about an hour & a half away. My SIL Bryan says he would'nt drive that far for a burrito.......the funny thing is that he is the biggest eater in our family. But I do understand - they have 3 children so I probably wouldn't like driving in a car that long with 3 bored children either. Triston, my oldest grandaughter begged to go with us and she usually gets her way with me so she ended up spending the night and staying most of the day today. She put a few pictures on her blog about our trip to Atlanta. After church she wanted to sew...... she made a pillow and a small siggy block. I was actually trying to tweak my siggy block and the next thing I knew Triston was on her sewing machine making one. She really does do good at sewing. She catches on really fast. Alyssa gets to stay overnight with us next time and then little Brett. I have to space them out because Gran gets very tired!!!! I do like getting one at a time though. It is a lot easier than all of them together. Its funny - I raised 4 children and never thought that I wouldn't be able to keep 3 children all at one time but it really wears me out. I love them so much though. I love spending quality time with them. Did you notice how my newest grandson has grown? He is over 10 lbs now! Wonder when he will get to stay overnight?? I bet not too soon! His Mommy & Daddy are pretty attached. My SIL, Dusty (Baby Davis's daddy) told us that he never imagined you could love this deep but since this baby has been born that he is amazed. It was a great, but very busy weekend. Grandchildren are blessings from the Lord.

Heart Connected

There is nothing like having lunch with my "sweet best friend," Vicki for my birthday. We never get to see each other much anymore. Life gets in the way. When our children were small, we talked everyday. We actually would talk so much on the phone that before we knew it the day would be gone and it would be time for our husbands to be home. I am almost embarrassed to tell that but it is the truth. I always thought that as we got older & our children were grown that we would get to spend more time together but it isn't that way. We do go to Helen, Ga. the first week in May every year together and we have a great time. We have been best friends for 30 years and I wouldn't take back a minute of it. She gave me the birthday card above and it tells it all-"Our story." This woman never ceases to amaze me. She does it all. She taught me to crochet years ago. She taught me how to make cornbread. She works 2 jobs, takes care of her family & home. She even has game night at her house once a month with all of her children and grandchildren & they stay up most of the night playing games! I could go on & on about her. I have always told my children that if you are ever blessed to find a friendship like I have with Vicki...........hang on to it for dear life & cherish & nourish your friendship. I know that if anything ever happened to me that Vicki would be there for my children & grandchildren. I have no doubts about that. My "sweet daughter," Shannon told me today that outside of our family that Vicki is the best woman she knows. I couldn't say it any better. I am so thankful that I am blessed with her as my "life friend." We are "heart-connected" forever. She is the best of the best!

Splish Splash My Grandson's First Bath

Simple Things Make The Best Birthday

When my children were younger, they would ask me what I wanted for my birthday and I would always tell them PEACE. My teenagers would get so mad at me about that. They just wanted to buy me something. I guess that was easier to give than peace. Ha! But that is truly what I wanted and at that time with teenagers, there wasn't much peace in the house if you know what I mean. That is still my hearts desire. I don't need anything. Oh there are a lot of things that I want but don't we all have those lists. So far, my "sweet honey" took me on a weekend trip to Gatlinburg and pampered me like you wouldn't believe. We didn't do anything except relax and it was so nice. We are home now and My "sweet daughter", Maranda brought me a coke while I was still in bed this morning with a "happy birthday." (she knows how I love a coke in the mornings-actually her or my "sweet honey" do that a lot). My "sweet dad" made me a Sweet potato cobbler and I put it on my cooking blog. My 13 year old grandaughter, Triston called to wish me a Happy Birthday. She was at a friends house and called when they woke up. It meant a lot to me for her to think of me while she was with her friends. My "sweet daughter", Mandy called and let "little bit", my new grandson, Davis talk to me on the phone which was actually a lot of grunts and moans! It was sweet. So precious! My "sweet daughter", Shannon & my other 2 grandchildren, Alyssa & Brett called and sung to me. It was priceless. My "sweet son" told me happy birthday today and didn't even realize it but he gave me something really special when he was on the deans lists at college this past semester. I was very proud. My Mom called and sung her annual birthday song and she also did a post for me on her blog. It was so sweet and meant the world to me. My "sweet son in law", Dusty called me and asked me if I was 33 or 34 years old today. I think he was trying to make me feel good. It gave me a good laugh anyway. I had several friends call & email and wish me a Happy birthday. Then it started snowing here. I don't know if you can see the snow much in the pictures but I loved it. When Maranda came home from work it was really snowing hard. We got out and pretended to throw snowballs even though there was not enough snow. My "sweet honey" drove up & we were laughing so hard we were crying. I think he thought we were crazy even though he is the one that took the picture. (sorry about the picture being so dark). It doesn't take a lot of money to make a birthday special for someone. Simple things are the best, especially PEACE. Thank you all for making my day special.

Cades Cove In The Smokies

Ice & Snow In Gatlinburg

I just thought you would enjoy seeing some of the things we have seen today here in the mountains. It warmed up some today, but it is still so cold. We are having a great time and as much as I love home, I really wish we would just get snowed in tonight. We are in walking distance of restaurants so we would be fine!!! BRING IT ON!!!

Pay It Forward

I have always wanted to do a "Pay It Forward" like I have saw on many blogs and never have ventured out. So when I saw that my good friend, Connie was doing this on her blog, I thought to myself that I can do this, so I signed up. I am so excited because I will receive something made by her sometime during the next six months. The following two paragraphs I did a copy/paste from Connie's blog which explains it:

"It’s based of the concept of the movie “Pay it Forward" where acts or deeds of kindness are done without expecting something in return, just passing it on, with hope that the recipients of the acts of kindness pass it on. So here’s how it works. I will make and send a handmade gift to the first 3 people who leave a comment to this post on the blog requesting to join this PIF exchange. I do not know what that gift will be yet, and it won’t be sent this month, probably not next month, but it will be sent (within 6 months) and that’s a promise! What YOU have to do in return, then, is pay it forward by making the same promise on your blog.
Now remember you have to be in the first three that sign up to do this (you can comment without signing up!) and you have to pass it on. Be sure I have your e-mail or your blog address so I can get in touch with you."

I am very excited to participate in this. I have decided that 2009 is my year to venture out and do some things that I haven't ever done. I also joined Connie's International Siggy Swap! These 2 things will probably be all I will get done for a while but I look forward to doing both of these. So if you would like to join in this Pay It Forward, please leave me a comment and tell me that you would like to join in the fun. The first 3 people will receive something made by little ole' me within the next 6 months!!!

We are in Gatlinburg, Tennessee this weekend. My birthday is on Monday and this trip is a gift from 2 of my "sweet daughters" & my "sweet honey." I thought you might enjoy a picture that I took on our way in this afternoon. The mountains are covered with snow. I hope you can see it in this picture. It is beautiful. Gatlinburg is a favorite getaway of ours. We had a very nice dinner tonight and now are relaxing in our condo. The temperature is suppose to be 7 degrees tonight. It is so cold outside but we are inside with a nice fire in the fireplace. It is so cozy. I am sure I will have many more pictures soon!

Warm Chili or Cold Milkshakes?

My 3 oldest grandchildren just love to come to my house. As a matter of fact, they love anything we do as long as they are with me. I picked up the 2 little ones (Alyssa 8 & Brett 5) from elementary school and we stopped by the car wash. You would have thought we were at a carnival or something. Then we had a few minutes to spare before picking up Tris (13 year old)from middle school so we stopped by to see what Granny was doing. I bet you will never guess. Yes, quilting. She had finished one quilt today and started on another. When I got there she said let me finish this row and we will talk. I told her that she didn't have to stop but she said she was worn out and wanted me to put the sewing machine away for her. She said tomorrow is "wash day" and I won't sew again until Monday. I was telling Granny about my neighbor (54 years old) passing away and she looked at me and said, "I often wonder why God don't take me instead of someone like that." Then she told me how she wakes up everyday and can hardly move but once she prays she feels better. She said that she was reading her Bible today and she felt the Lord right with her. She got tears in her eyes and said "I have no doubt that HE is with me everyday." She actually shivered as she talked. I could see the spirit of the Lord all over her. While I was having this serious conversation with her, Brett & Alyssa were playing with her walker. Granny hates when I have to leave but she understood. We left there and went & picked up Triston and headed home. The kids love to go to my house. Don't ask me why, but they do. My "Sweet daughter," Maranda came home from work & she gathered all the kids and made milk shakes for them. They loved it. Now I'm making a pot of chili to warm us up from the cold and she makes milkshakes!!! Chili & milkshakes.....what a combination! It was a hit with the kids though. We had a good afternoon with them.

BABY & ME

What can I say? There are no words. Our newest addition to our family is just so precious!

In Memory of......

We went to a memorial service yesterday that actually was a celebration of my brother in law's life. Tom had been in the Air Force and was buried in a beautiful Veterans Cemetary. They presented a flag to my sister which was an honor for her to receive. I have never experienced such a sweet spirit in a home as I did yesterday. My sister wanted to give Toms friends and family a chance to honor him by speaking. Toms nephew gave a beautiful introduction and shared his heart. It was precious. I don't want to really call this a service because it wasn't. As my sister told everyone, Tom was not a church going man and she thought this gathering at home would make him happy. Some of his co-workers and hunting buddies were there and were the first ones to speak. Normally when someone passes away you hear all the good and it almost sounds as though they led a perfect life. But as the different friends and family spoke they talked about the good and the bad. Tom was an 'in charge" kind of guy. He wanted everything the way he wanted it. His way was the right way & according to his coworkers he was usually right. As different ones spoke it was evident that everyone saw that. I loved it because none of us are perfect in everything we do. Different ones told funny & serious stories. Tom was a great business man & provided well for his family while he was here. He was an awesome hunter & fisherman and had a great love for it. All over the house were trophies he had killed. He traveled all over the world. We saw 2 Boone & Crockett awards-one for a grizzly bear & one for a Caribou. The caribou was on the wall and the grizzly bear was a rug in his den. I took pictures so you could see some of this. It was unreal. Anyway, as the different ones spoke about him, it was so touching because most of them ended by telling my sister and her children that Tom might not had shown them with his emotions that he loved them but that they were all he talked about. He has an older son that was also there from a previous marriage that has been precious to Brenda & the kids. He looks just like his dad. Tom also has 2 more grown children that weren't able to attend. I would have loved to have met them though. Tom's 2 sisters were there and their families and were so very nice. I could go on and on about yesterday. It was a great experience. I was proud of my sister, Brenda. She carried herself with grace and dignity as she talked to everyone that honored Tom by coming. I told my sister today that my husband & I would have loved to had said something but we are not ones to talk in a big crowd. Tom was always very nice to us even though we didn't know him as well as we should have. One time when we were going through some financial problems with one of my children, Tom sent us a $150.00 check to help us. We will never forget that. It was a blessing at a time when we needed it. He had a giving heart. Brenda's best friend took charge of the food that her church had provided. She kept everyone served and everything cleaned up. She was an angel. She said she is a servant to whoever God puts in her path. Tom's nephew ended the memorial by telling us that as much as Tom loved his hunting and his cars, etc, none of that matters now. He shared with us to tell the people in your life that you love them NOW. Don't take them for granted and don't put it off because one day it could be too late. But the icing on the cake was the fact that 6 months ago Tom had been baptized and came to the Lord. He shared with us that this is what is important and is between you and the Lord. He told us this is all that matters in the end. It was such an honor to be there. I would not have missed it for the world. When we left this gathering, we went away knowing we were better people. Through my brother in laws life & death we were reminded to cherish each other more. There is a poem that reminds me of the theme of this gathering and this is my gift to my sister and their children and this is in honor of Tom.

The Dash

I saw a man who stood to speak

At the funeral of a friend

He referred to the dates on her tombstone

To the beginning and the end

He said first came the date of her birth

And spoke of the following date with tears

And said what matters most of all

Was the dash between those years

For that dash represents all the time

She spent alive on earth

Only the Lord, the Creator

Knows what that dash is worth

For it matters not, how much we own

The cars, the house, the cash

What matters is how we live our lives

And how we spend our dash

So think about this long and hard

Are there things you need to amend?

You never know how much time is left

Your dash may be nearing its end

If we could just slow down enough

To consider what's true and real

And always try to understand

The way other people feel

And be less quick to anger

And show appreciation more

And love the people in our lives

Like we've never loved before

If we treat each other with respect

more often show a smile

Remembering that this special dash

May only last a while

So when your record is clearly shown

With your life to rehash

Would you be proud of the things it says

About how you spent your dash?

Author:Linda Ellis

My Mom will be doing a post on the actual memorial service soon.

5 Generations, Pictures & Quilt Squares

I have 4 grandchildren now, so this is not the first picture of 5 generations but it is the first one with "little bit", Baby Davis. This was his first outing except for the doctor visits. My "sweet daughter" Mandy and I met my dad over at my 95 year old "sweet granny's" house. She hasn't saw the baby until today. He is 12 days old today. Granny said she was in love with him. She was so happy that we brought him to see her. My Mom had sent Granny some white fabric and she just loved it. Granny had asked me to cut it into quilt squares from a little cardboard template that she gave me. Along with the baby and the quilt squares, I had also fixed a photo album of some pictures of my visits with her. I think there are 80 pictures in the little book. She was so tickled. I told her she could look at it later when we were gone but she could not stop looking at it. She loved it. I will probably start her another album now that I see how she enjoyed it. I told my dad if anything happens to Granny that the photo album was his. He loved it too. We enjoyed our little visit and I was so glad that my daddys brother was there to take the 5 generations picture. That picture includes Granny, my daddy, me, Mandy, & Baby Davis! So Precious! How blessed we are!

Prayer Request: Please remember my sister as they are burying her husband today. We will be attending his Memorial Service tomorrow.