Quilting With Grace

April

2011-04-12T12:39:00.001-04:00

We decided to make the trip to visit DD#1 and her family. We knew there was a Nor’easter coming so I had hoped to leave early Thursday to be there before the storm. Unfortunately Orangeguy doesn’t always go along with my ideas. He did get out of work mid afternoon but by the time he got ready, made a phone call etc. it was 4:30 (I would have liked to have left by 3 at the latest as I was watching the weather reports). We left, stopping for supper at a Subway then a quick potty stop (for me as the ladies room at the Subway was out of order). It was snowing the last 2 hours of the trip. I don’t like traveling in snow-ok it’s a fear that God is really making me deal with. I rode with my eyes closed and PRAYING! I felt bad for my husband as it was that coming at you, dizzying effect snow in the dark. The last 45 minutes of the trip was the worse as the snow was sticking to the road. We got there a little after 10.

The next day I got to take DGD#1 to preschool and see her room. Later DD, DGS#2 and a friend KS and I went to visit a rest home. I do believe this people would be living on the street without this home. Someone goes every Friday morning and takes them doughnuts that are donated and serves them coffee. They do enjoy the treats but I think they really enjoy my grandson! They all know his name! My MIL had sent out some hats and scarves so they were given out while we were there. KS and one of the clients with his “new” face mask and scarf!

Later DD and I did some shopping. We were looking for fabric for DGD#2’s big boy quilt. Here are some fabrics she liked

She saw a madras quilt at either Crate and Barrel or Pottery Barn so this is what she’s thinking. She may get what Mom feels like working with. I have to tell you, it’s very hard to make a quilt if I don’t like the fabrics or pattern. These fabrics are from Joann’s and yes I do tend to be a fabric snob. For the work and expense, I want the quilt to be able to be used and to hold up to whatever abuse may come its way!

We went out to babysit as the Kids were going to a marriage seminar at their Church, Fri. night and Sat. Do love rocking that little boy before he goes to bed and reading stories with that red headed little girl! Watching a video with Poppa!

Late morning we did go outside and pick up all the sticks from the front yard. We got to smell the pulled pork cooking all day-it was so good.

After the kids got back, the boys did the little ones for a walk in the woods then they had a bonfire from the sticks we had picked up –including roasted marshmallows!

DD had made sugar cookie dough so DGD and I could cut them out and bake them but we couldn’t because of the pork being in the oven so we did them after supper. She’s a great worker!

He’s always eating!

We had planned to leave Sunday morning till poor Orangeguy woke up with the stomach bug! I got to go to Church with the kids and spend more time with them. DGD#1 had asked for kites for her and her brother so of course I had gotten them. Got to fly them Sunday afternoon!

He’s eating!

A fun spring afternoon!

There was Bible study that evening so I stayed with the grands. Getting to put them to bed again! Love it!

the big girl going off to preschool. Eating after breakfast! It’s a wonder he doesn’t weigh a ton!

We headed out Monday morning. I even got to drive the last half of the drive. We even ate at our favorite diner though Orangeguy didn’t have much of an appetite. He was several days with a headache and his tummy just didn’t feel right but he was back to his normal routine.

Last Friday night, I got to babysit the newest grandchild while her folks took her siblings to supper and the movies! Yeah!!!!

Little Feet Trying to talk!

Her face and legs are filling out!

Playing with the jacks with Poppa.

Notice the scrapes on her nose and forehead. She was running and did a face plant in the parking lot at school.

Saturday was our Spring Brunch at our Church and the beginning of a new year of Secret Sisters. We had 18 ladies show up for the brunch. It was a lovely time of sharing, fellowship and strengthening our bonds as Christian sisters. PS shared from a lesson we had listened to by Carol MacLeod ending with a time of prayer. Just pure blessing. We are going to try to do this quarterly/seasonally.

At quilt group, we had a new visitor and we are hoping she chooses to join us when time permits! Also talking about a quilt show Labor Day weekend as it will be the 100 year anniversary of the celebration in town. And well may be the last.

Tomorrow is Bible study. Will be a small group as 1 lady is visiting grandchildren in Kansas, 1 is celebrating a 20 yr. anniversary in Florida and our last is hoping to arrive at her son’s in Maine before their new daughter arrives!

Have been reading 1000 Gifts by Anne Voscamp. Being a thankful person will change your relationship with our God. What are you thankful for this day? and the next and the day after that and so on?

Let’s be a thankful people in all things-it helps us to see the works of our living God.

Blessings,

Karen

Nina

2011-04-12T11:37:00.001-04:00

We had to have our beloved Nina put down. It was a really hard decision but the time had come. As I wrote on March 7, I was sleeping on the couch as she could no longer make it from our room to the back door to go out. Every time we went out, I came home and went through the house, checking to see if she had an accident. Sometimes she didn’t and how long we were gone didn’t seem to matter. There were several times that she almost walked into the wall as her eyesight was failing. She even snapped at Orangeguy so it was only a matter of time before she snapped at the grands. Needless to say, it was a difficult day. I still find myself thinking I need to let Nina out before I go somewhere or thinking I’ll give her the last bit of meat that’s left. 11 years she was a faithful friend.

YOOO-HOOO!

2011-04-12T11:25:00.001-04:00

I’m back!

We have a new granddaughter born on a Sunday morning in March. She has my middle name as her middle name and she isn’t named Daisy (I think I may have mentioned that Son wanted to name a son, Beau, from the Dukes of Hazard so a girl would be Daisy).

She looks so much like her older Sister!

During the 48 hours that they were in the hospital, I was there 3x to visit! We went down 1st thing Sunday morning (yes, we missed church but I did call our elder mentor to let him know so he wouldn’t have to call later-He and his wife are dear friends-2nd parents to our college girl). Took the in-laws down on Monday afternoon and we went back down in the evening. They were only 15 minutes away. It takes over 25 min. to get to their house.

Had College Girl home briefly so that she could go to walk-in as she was sick with a horrible sore throat, headache, etc.

The following Sunday, Son and family were here for supper! Riding the horse together.

As you may remember, Orangeguy sold both of his motorcycles last year. This is what he bought- Thought I was going to have to change his name to Greenguy as I thought this was his new obsession…but no, he’s now talking buying a used KTM like he sold last May! He just needs something to trail ride not race-or so he tells me. We will see where this all goes!

The last Sunday in March, there was a party/shower for our newest granddaughter and her 6 week old cousin (also a girl). I had made a quilt for DGD#3-

I made a quilt for the cousin- all left over fabric including the toile.

Here are some pictures from the shower:

DGD#2 Had fun shopping for the new baby!

The grandkids also had their Spring Concert (though it really felt more like winter out!). singing! Dressed so pretty!

Mom missed most of the program due to eating and pooping!

I had the older 2 kids for a whole day and DGD#2 for half a day the following week. I love when I can have just 1 of the kids and enjoy them. I think that they love having ALL of my attention!

Quilt Dog

2011-03-07T11:23:00.001-05:00

This is our beloved dog, Nina. She has been a part of our family for almost 11 years. She was a puppy tied to a park bench that was taken in by our pastor’s niece in NJ. When she moved cross country, we were blessed to get her. Nina was about 2 when she came to live with us. She was a very fast runner but we were able to teach her to run around the house to burn off her excess energy.

She has been the best dog. So good with the grandkids. When our grandson was little he went over and sat on her as she was laying in the sun. She never moved…even while I ran and got the camera to take a picture. And DGD #1 loves to have her sleep with her when she comes to Mimi’s house.

We knew she was getting older. The sight is going due to those cataracts. Arthritis is those hips slowed her down considerably. She doesn’t know when people come into the house. No longer going to “greet” them.

Last Sunday’s magazine section of the newspaper had an article that confirmed what we suspected. Nina is suffering from Doggie Alzheimer's or as they called it, cognitive disorder. They listed 4 things that would tell and unfortunately she has all 4.

We had notice that she had taken to standing at the wrong side of the door to come in. She paces…. She has accidents where she never ever did that. And personality change-she has snapped at me a couple of times. We had a really good week last week-no accidents, even playing a game that she use to love. But that has ended. I’m sleeping on the couch now as she can’t make it from our room to the back door during the night to go out. Leaving for any length of time is questionable and she’s been getting in the garbage!! I wonder if she knows who I am.

Napping this morning.

Nina has spent many hours with me while I sew away. She is such good company. She has been a blessing to us.

Really?

2011-03-07T10:50:00.001-05:00

These are pictures I took this morning about 7AM.

This is what I see as I stand at my sink. This is a drift hanging off our roof. At least we have blue skies!

Yesterday morning we went to church and it was raining. We came out after church (didn’t stay for Sunday School) and our car was covered in ice because it was sleeting. We left the hill and as we drove through the valley, just as we got to our home, it turned to snow. In the evening the wind kicked up and this is what we woke up to….

Where is that Ground Hog Now???

Blessings,

Karen

Winter Isn’t Over!

2011-02-25T10:44:00.001-05:00

It snowed last night! A heavy wet snow. Now this morning it’s been a freezing rain. I have buckets with water in them in case the power goes out (in the country, you lose power –your well doesn’t pump the water. We do stay warm due to a wood stove.)

footprints. Out in the snow.

The roads are slick, the schools are closed. A good day to enjoy being home as the weekend looks to be a busy one!

Blessings,

Karen

Just Thinking

2011-02-24T19:45:00.000-05:00

I was talking to my sister awhile back. She mentioned a church a friend had attended with her daughter and family when they were it town (and the friend wouldn’t be back to). When they entered, the person at the door said that it might scare her. Also she noticed they had “security” at the doors during the service-big guys appearing to be guarding the doors though they were not in uniform. Yes, this was an “older” couple but obviously they weren’t comfortable at this church that is for families. The daughter’s family does go to this church when they are in town.

You know…it’s not about the church you go to or the clothes you wear.

It’s not about religion or what other people think.

It’s about your heart.

It’s about a relationship.

The most loving intimate relationship of your life.

Your relationship with God through Jesus Christ His Son and the Holy Spirit living in you!

A Gift from God to you!

All you have to do is receive it and let Jesus be the Lord of your life.

Not hard.

Not a crutch.

What we are created for…a living relationship with God.

Not Buddha, Mohammad or any other of those gods that religions come up with and no they are not the SAME!

An intimate relationship with the Living God who created heaven and earth. He desires it and loves you more than you could ever imagine.

Seek the freedom that only this relationship can give you.

Get a Bible (there are a lot of wonderful ones out there but if this is totally new to you…let the Word speak to you through The Message). Read it (if you need a starting place, try the Gospel of John).

Let the Word of God seep into your soul and touch your heart.

Let it bless you in ways you have never imagined.

Let the Holy Spirit work in your heart and soul.

It’s up to you now.

Take that first step

and

get to know the One who knows you as He created you (see Psalm 139).

Feel free to contact me, I would love to pray for you!

Blessings,

Karen

Just thinking about…

2011-02-24T16:05:00.000-05:00

On Saturday, I will be going with a group of women to a Christian women’s conference in the town I grew up. In fact, we will pass right near the house I considered my Home (even when we no longer lived there). I thought it was a big house, it seems considerably smaller now (at least from the outside as I haven’t been in it since I was 12).

When I was 12, my Dad, 53 and my Mom, 50 decided to downsize. My dad sold his business, our cottage and our home to move into a 12’x60’ trailer, 5 miles from my home. I was angry for many years about that.

Today, my thoughts went to the fact that it was all about them (my parents). They weren’t thinking of family gatherings, my going through my teen years in a aluminum box and too far to bike to town (and the road wasn’t safe to ride on). Just what they wanted….

I use to be devastated when we didn’t get to spend holidays with my siblings and their families when I was a teenager. We were family and we were suppose to be together!

Now I share my “family” with our kids’ in-laws and it’s ok. We still have family together and that’s what’s important. Family.

And family isn’t just about the relatives but about those that the Lord brings into our lives. Some pass through but some come to stay. Family. People that we love, not just those that are easy to love but those that we love by being a conduit for the Lord’s love to them.

Who are you loving today?

Just what I am thinking about today. What is on your mind!

Blessings!

Karen

I originally posted this on 2/24 in the afternoon then edited it that evening.

2/25 Please know that I know I wouldn’t be the person I am today without the people my parents were. I can see the Lord’s hand through my childhood and I am thankful for the circumstances and situations that He allowed in my life that ultimately brought me to Him. As far as I know, neither of my parents ever came to know the Lord which is a heartbreak for me but again it is a gift that we choose to accept. Freewill.

Amazing Quilter

2011-02-21T11:47:00.001-05:00

Just watched this video and this woman is amazing. Please take the time to watch it!

Blessings,

Karen

Church Update

2011-02-21T11:45:00.001-05:00

From the web.

I can’t remember the last I let you know about our church since the split last spring. That was really hard.

We had an interim pastor for awhile but his workload increase at his “real job” and had to step down. That was sad as he and is wife were so what we needed.

Since then, some of the “guys” have been covering the pulpit and the deacons have been covering the other ministries.

Now we are heading towards having elders and they would cover the pulpit as well as the other ministries. They brought back our “old” minister to mentor and assist in this process.

Personally, I think this is the way to go. With a minister, there is always the risk of the “power” going to his head. Also, rarely is there a minister that does all the areas required in that job well. This way, it is shared by the elders who are bringing their God given gifts which all differ.

I am praying that once we get our “house in order” then we can get on to reaching out to the unsaved which is what we are all called to do.

No matter what the church is doing, I’m called to live for Christ: to let Him live through me. I love my church but my relationship to Christ is what is most important. Everything I do is just a waste as ONLY what I do for Christ will last.

Blessings,

Karen

I Told You…

2011-02-21T11:24:00.001-05:00

The last couple of weeks, all I’ve heard from people was how tired they are of winter. We had 50* weather at the end of last week and I think a lot of people thought that Phil the Ground Hog was right.

I don’t think so!

Probably 6” of snow.

My poor car had to sit out last night! Orangeguy put her in the garage to warm up before he left for work. I will shovel the walks when I go out for the mail.

Waiting for spring to come!

Remember the neighbor’s new house? Here it is with the old house. The fierce winds we had over the weekend blew down several of the trusses…

Inside things are blooming:

African violets!

Christmas Cactus blooming and 2 new buds!

Friday night we had a good time at the Couples Dinner. It was fun looking at everyone’s wedding pictures.

Saturday, Orangeguy put in a lot of time splitting and stacking his wood for next winter. I got some time in the sewing room! Our son brought over his 2 kids for supper and a visit. We had leftover chili, and strawberry mousse. Had fun with the kids. We did a puzzle and played. That night when I showered I noticed that there wasn’t much water in the toilet. Flushed and plunged it but no difference.

Sunday we went to Church and Sunday School. DH worked on the toilet issue off and on during the afternoon. Finally just before we were to leave to go to Walmart and supper, he got it running!!! YEAH!!!

Had a prescription to get at Walmart and baby detergent to wash the baby quilts. They are in the washer now.

Been working on a kid quilt top with soccer balls for quilt group.

Hope to finish putting the top together today. Besides doing laundry, mopping the floor, getting the stuff out of collegegirl’s room so she can come home and get the tax stuff ready for my appt.

How’s your day going???

Blessings,

Karen

From The Past…

2011-02-19T08:59:00.000-05:00

There was a dinner at our Church last night and we were asked to bring a wedding picture.

This is my favorite!

Our bridal party. Orangeguy’s friend and my 13 yr. old niece. She’s the mom to 3 and GRANDMA to 3 little boys! What a difference 34+ years makes!

It was just a small wedding at my sister’s house as we weren’t the type to get in front of a large group! It was just right for us back then.

Our Little Girl

2011-02-18T17:07:00.001-05:00

Happy Birthday to our #1 daughter. She was born __years ago today. I know how long it was but she tells everyone she is 24 (collegegirl will be 24 in Oct.!).

She has been a tremendous joy from the day we found out we were expecting till now! We thank God for the blessing she is to us.

DD#1 is the one on the left.

Love you so very Much!

Love,

Mom

At My House…

2011-02-18T16:03:00.001-05:00

This is what is going on in my back yard…

The neighbors are building a new house. You can see a corner of their present house that the wife and her 1st husband had built. Now it’s too big so they are building a smaller house next door and will sell the big house (I would love to have the big house but am content with my little house).

Inside my house…

My Christmas cactus bloomed and now there is a 2nd blossom too!

My one African violet is blooming!

This one is blossoming now. These pictures were taken on Wednesday.

Just thought you’d like to see my quilt dog. She’s been a lot of company over the years.

Baby girl quilt for the new grandbaby.

Baby boy quilt for the grandbaby! I loved this fabric as I made a quilt with airplanes on it for Grandson#1 when he was born! The airplanes are for Great-grandpa as he still flies radio-control airplanes and used to fly his own plane.

A little hat I knitted…not sure whether this will go to the grandson or the crisis pregnancy care center. I am working on a pink one now.

I did meet Collegegirl at the eye dr. on Wednesday. She is getting some really cute glasses for distance. Then out for lunch and some groceries for her to take back. Then I went and paid a deposit on the new tractor Orangeguy is getting. Got to go to the craft store for some double pointed knitting needles-I have 3 of the size I need but lost 1 so now I have lots!

Yesterday was errands and got to the quilt store. Finally redeemed my 3rd prize from last fall-a bundle of fat quarters. 10-my choice! I picked all shades of white and cream. I picked up a strip from the sale area for another project.

What’s going on your house?

Blessings,

Karen

Winter

2011-02-15T15:56:00.001-05:00

We have had an interesting winter.

When the blizzards would come up the East coast, we’d get a couple of inches. I think the most we ever got was 5-6”. There was a week or so that we got a fresh dusting every morning-just like God’s mercies are new everyday so was our snow. My friend who is wintering in Tenn.. had more snow for Christmas than we did! It is to be in the 40’s and 50’s the rest of this week. Just have to remember where we live and NO spring is not around the corner. Last year my snowdrops were blooming by now….they are just thinking about it this year!

Sunrise

some of our snow

Frosty morning

Feb. 1 by 10am the snow had stopped and it was a beautiful day. The next day we got ICE!

Feb. 8

a wet heavy snow 2/8

In Jan. I made a neutral quilt-throw size and sent to my secret sister for the reveal. They no longer attend our church. I have finished a little girl quilt and am finishing the binding on a baby boy quilt for our new grandbaby that is due next month. Our son and DDIL choose not to find out the sex ahead of time. It will be fun to see if we get another red head! Their dad was a blondie as a baby.

The first week in Feb. was my sister’s 70th birthday! We got snow that day. I did get up there later in the week to take her out for lunch. We went to the Red Lobster where we ran into a cousin!

That was my week to get my teeth cleaned and had a check up with the RA doctor-nothing new there.

Have found out that the new Obama care that extends medical insurance till your child is 26 doesn’t apply to dental or vision (they are optional, and they aren’t carried by Orangeguy’s employer). So an expensive couple of months with college girl as she finally went to the dentist and is going to the eye dr. tomorrow. ALL out of pocket but needed to be done.

One Saturday, we were meeting collegegirl for supper so son and his 2 kids came too.

Watching “Cars” during the ride down.

One and only Son.

the icy river

little hands (they grow up so fast!)

The ride home….

That flame is a gas well on fire about 1/2 mi. from our house. I always hear it before I happen to see it. Sounds like the roar of a jet engine. You might want to think twice before allowing them to put a gas well in your back yard.

My father-in-law build this horse when I was pregnant for this one’s dad. Our daughter was almost 3-29 years ago. It takes up a lot of space so this is the first that it has made it’s way out of the cellar in a long time (we have a small house). The kids would ride it in the cellar up till now when Poppa brought it up.

So now you are up to date in my life. Pretty boring stuff! What has been interesting is seeing people sign up to be followers when I haven’t written in so long! Love it!

Blessings,

Karen

Where In The World…?

2011-02-15T12:58:00.001-05:00

I’m Here!

It’s been 4 months since I last posted!

Just to bring you up-to-date:

I went to Women of Faith-Over the Top! What a huge blessing! Met some wonderful women of God. Also saw my Secret Sister…found out I’m not good at Secret Sister because it took an act of God from me letting on that she was my Secret Sister!

Grandkids spent some time here. By the way, that is really how he fell asleep!

Granddaughter#2 turned 3!!

I made a a “hug from God quilt” for a 19yr. old girl battling Thyroid cancer. Yes it is the same turquoise fabric that was from the challenge quilt in Sept. It also has the zebra binding :-)

We had a visitor! Came home with Collegegirl for a very busy weekend!

My dear mother-in-love celebrated her 80th birthday,

lots of friends and family!

Our 1st grandchild turned 5!! How did that happen!!!

We had a windstorm that blew through our little neighborhood one night. The house just shook from it. We had 2 trees go down in our backyard, 2 trees lost tops between us and my in-laws, and our neighbor’s truck was totaled from a tree branch that fell on it.

Nephew & sister-in-law

Collegegirl, mother-in-law and great-niece (nephew’s daughter)

My sister and her husband

Orangeguy and his dad.

This is the family members that gathered around our table for Thanksgiving Dinner.

Son and wife. Collegegirl with their 2 kids.

They came later to just spend some time during the holiday with us! As you can see, things can become a little crazy!

Got the Christmas decorations up, before these 2 came!

The quilting ladies out for their Christmas lunch!

Ready for the Christmas program! He did his own hair!

Orangeguy with the 1931 snowplow that was given to him. It hadn’t been fired up since the early 80’s. He had it running in no time. He loves it and likes to take it for walks….:-)

Christmas Eve: My sister-in law’s grandkids! Orangeguy came down with the flu the night before. She graciously invited us up as our kids were away or busy. I went alone but had a good time without the old guy!

Our tree-Christmas Eve

Orangeguy felt lousy so we didn’t open our gifts Christmas morning. Our son’s family came for dinner and present’s despite Poppa being sick. My in-laws passed as they didn’t want to risk exposure to the flu.

We opened presents on the 26th after Collegegirl got home! She got her Keruig which she LOVES. I spent those days doing a LOT of reading!

We made the trip to our eldest daughter’s home where we celebrated Christmas again! DGD#1 loved her Barbie car!

Our dear son-in-law has been suffering from some health issues that started right after Thanksgiving. There has been a change in doctors and we are waiting for some definitive answers as to what is going on. We covet your prayers for him.

Orangeguy still wasn’t feeling well but someone loves cuddling with her Poppa!

Such a change since we saw him in Sept.! I love when he calls me “Mimi”. I even got to rock him as they now rock him for bed every night! (we even rocked for naps too!)

This is on the wall in their front foyer. Love it!

Fun with Poppa

So I think he puts them back there so he doesn’t have to worry about where they are!

Reading with Poppa.

The night before DGD and Poppa had watched a movie on TV. They enjoyed it so much that we went to the movies the next day. We saw Yogi Bear! She loved it and it was a trip down memory lane for us!

That brings us to the beginning of the New Year!

The Lord sure used last year to bring challenges and blessings into our lives. We need to recognize His hand in our lives especially if we have chosen to make Him our Savior and Lord of our lives. We can live for ourselves or we can live for Him. By not living for Him, our lives are just a waste. Only what is done for Christ will last.

Blessings,

Karen

Some Encouragement

2010-10-23T10:38:00.001-04:00

Sunday’s Story

As I faced my Maker at the last judgment, I knelt before God along with all the other souls..
Before each of us laid our lives like the squares of a quilt in many piles;
An angel sat before each of us sewing our quilt squares together into a tapestry that is our life.
But as my angel took each piece of cloth off the pile, I noticed how ragged and empty each of my squares was. They were filled with giant holes. Each square was labeled with a part of my life that had been difficult, the challenges and temptations I was faced with
in every day life. I saw hardships that I endured, which were the largest holes of all.
I glanced around me. Nobody else had such squares. Other than a tiny hole here and there, the other tapestries were filled with rich color and the bright hues of worldly fortune.. I gazed upon my own life and was disheartened.
My angel was sewing the ragged pieces of cloth together, threadbare and empty, like binding air.
Finally the time came when each life was to be displayed, held up to the light, the scrutiny of truth. The others rose; each in turn, holding up their tapestries. So filled their lives had been. My angel looked upon me, and nodded for me to rise.
My gaze dropped to the ground in shame. I hadn't had all the earthly fortunes. I had love in my life, and laughter. But there had also been trials of illness, and wealth, and false accusations that took from me my world, as I knew it. I had to start over many times. I often struggled with the temptation to quit, only to somehow muster the strength to pick up and begin again. I spent many nights on my knees in prayer, asking for help and guidance in my life. I had often been held up to ridicule, which I endured painfully, each time offering it up to the Father in hopes that I would not melt within my skin beneath the judgmental gaze of those who unfairly judged me.
And now, I had to face the truth.. My life was what it was, and I had to accept it for what it was..
I rose and slowly lifted the combined squares of my life to the light.
An awe-filled gasp filled the air. I gazed around at the others who stared at me with wide eyes.
Then, I looked upon the tapestry before me. Light flooded the many holes, creating an image, the face of God. Then God stood before me, with warmth and love in His eyes. He said, 'Every time you gave over your life to Me, it became My life, My hardships, and My struggles.
Each point of light in your life is when you stepped aside and let
Me shine through, until there was more of Me than there was of you.'
May all our quilts be threadbare and worn, allowing God to shine through

Copied from Michelle's Patch.

WOW!

This week in Bible study we were discussing quenching and grieving the Holy Spirit. This covers it so completely-when we step aside and let Him shine through. Living so that there is more of Him than me! I went back to the study this morning as the Lord keeps bringing this teaching to mind. Am I quenching the Spirit? Who is in control-me or HIM? I am struggling with this right now but am so encouraged by this.

I pray that you know Jesus Christ as your Savior, have His Holy Spirit living within you and that you are letting Him shine through!

Celebrations and News

2010-10-16T11:45:00.000-04:00

I have picked up my eldest grandson from school a few times since school started. He is now in Kindergarten! He is so much fun! He almost always want to run up to see his “Old” grandparents-his great grandparents. Sometimes he gets to stay for supper, he may get a bath and sometimes his dad forgets him! (his dad picks him up on the way home).

The other week at the supper table he was chatting away. Thought his Aunt is going to have a baby…Mommy too. Seems they had told College girl while we were out of town so she’s smiling and validating what he said. Needless to say, when his dad came, I had to ask him if there was something they had forgotten to tell us. He just grinned. So We are going to be Grandparents Again! Appears to be March.

We went to a wedding reception for the son of friends of ours at the beginning of the month. It was a nice time. They had it catered by the restaurant that we go to almost every Saturday evening. There was cheesecake for dessert-ummm! It was also the evening of our 34th wedding anniversary. We had celebrated the weekend before with going away! Best thing we had done for ourselves in a long time!

Also College Girl has turned 23! That’s our youngest!! WOW! I was going to be away for her actual birthday and she was leaving to go to her sister’s for her next internship. We went out on a weeknight. DGD#1 came with us as I had picked up him that day from school. We went to Uno's. It was fun and a good time. I have found a digital camera to be helpful when the grandkids are getting bored.

Isn’t this a great picture!!!

A wonderful time!

September

2010-10-15T17:13:00.000-04:00

We started Bible study up that 1st Wednesday in September. There are 6 other ladies coming. I am leading it this year. One lady is bringing her 3 year old grandson. One week we had 2 grandsons as another lady brought her 4 yr.old grandson. We are doing Beth Moore’s Living Beyond Ourselves-which is on the fruit of the Holy Spirit. It looks to be another good one!

I’ve been out with my sister-in-love, CE a couple of times. Once to run errands after the wedding. Another day we went shopping at Kohl’s where I got some great Christmas and birthday shopping done!

I did get the wedding quilt back. Got the binding on and took it to the newlyweds. I think they liked it. She really liked that zebra fabric on it!

Isn’t the quilting beautiful?!

I can’t say I want to make another one that big too soon!

We got to attend a surprise birthday party for a friend of ours that turned 90! I can only hope to be that good! You could tell she so appreciated everyone coming. Her Daughter, son-in-law and granddaughter did a great job-the food was delicious. It was a fun time.

I got to go with some friends to Wellsboro. What a great day. Had a nice lunch, then went to the quilt store there in town. Sorry I can’t remember the name but the ladies that own it are wonderful! Talk about a lot of fabric-WOW! We made our way down to the quilt show. It was wonderful! I even got to meet Anya of Hills Creek Quilter!! There were some amazing quilts there. Be sure to click on her blog and go to the Oct. 12 entry. She has the quilt show on there. Afterwards we wandered around town, visited a few of the stores that ladies like to stop at then had pie at the Diner! I didn’t get home till 7pm. The company was great. A missionary from our church was able to join us. It was a great opportunity to get to know her and find out things about where they had been that you can’t ask in church!

That same week my friend, KC, had brought to Bible study the quilt she had made from the kit from our LQS. You were to buy the kit that came with 2 – 1/2 pieces of turq. fabric and a small pillow. You could add any fabric to it but it needed to be a quilt 42”x60” and the pillow needed a removable pillowcase. You had till Sept. 25? to make it. I had forgotten all about it! I got busy as I needed it done before we went out of town for a wedding. Here is my finished quilt with pillow.

All the fabric is leftover from my niece’s wedding quilt except for the turquoise fabric! I did buy the backing fabric. This was for a “challenge” and all the quilt were given to the local hospital for ovarian cancer patients as they receive their chemo. By the way, I did win 3rd prize! I should tell you there were only 6 entries.

The last weekend in Sept. we went to Saratoga Springs for a wedding. The wedding was on Sunday. We went up on Saturday and just had a nice day together. We went to an antique truck show.

This is just a small sample of all that was there. All the yellow trucks and the red tractor are owned by the same guy.

We tried to go to the hot air balloon launch but after narrowly avoiding getting caught in the traffic jam of everyone else going there decided against it. Besides we could tell it was too windy for them to fly.

Orangeguy wanted steak for supper. We had this little tourist map of the area with restaurants on it so we headed for one in downtown Saratoga Springs. We are driving through town looking for the restaurant that I thought we could try. When my dear husband decides that we need to go elsewhere as “it’s too busy here”. Now mind you, we were only driving through town! We hadn’t even found the restaurant! So we headed for another place on my little map that appeared to be closer to our hotel. Got there. The parking lot had a nice view of the lake. Got in and there was a 30 minute wait as there was a regatta in town besides everything else that was going on. I had now run out of restaurants on my map that appeared to meet his criteria-he didn’t want pizza, Italian and he doesn’t eat most ethnic foods. We had gone past a restaurant when we had turned, “The Ripe Tomato”. It wasn’t on the list but it was that or fast food. We went there. It was delightful. Had been there since 1934! It reminded me of the 50’s with all the beautiful old wood and the style of the place. We were seated immediately! We were sitting in the bar area so we got to see that there was wait as we were there. The food was delicious! Just a wonderful place to go!

The next day was the wedding. I knew no one as the groom, JH, had worked for a couple years with Orangeguy. We did have supper one evening with him and his fiancée. DH didn’t know of anyone else from work that was going. We were there early and did have a chance to talk to JH. He only had 11 people coming to the wedding! He is Catholic and his bride,CH, is Jewish. A Rabbi performed the ceremony, she explained the meaning behind a lot of what they did which I would love to share with you as I LOVED it!

First of all, the groom’s parents walk him in and then the bride is escorted by both of her parents. Isn’t that wonderful?!

The chupah, is a covering over where the ceremony takes place held up by 4 poles. It represents the home they will make and it is open on all sides showing it is open to family and friends. I loved that.

Blessing over the Wine-wine is the symbol of happiness in the Jewish culture. They share the cup of wine to represent their happiness but also the unity of their heritage. It was shared 1st with her grandfather, both sets of parents and then the bride and groom.

Vows-are optional in a Jewish ceremony.

There was a “marriage contract” that both signed after answering the rabbi’s questions satisfactorily before the ceremony. It is beautiful and will probably hang in their home.

Breaking of the glass: It glass is broken to protect the marriage with the implied prayer:”As this glass shatters, so may your marriage never break.” As this is done, everyone shouts “Mazel Tov” which means “Congratulations” and “Good Luck”. It also marks the end of the ceremony and the beginning of the celebration.

Yechud- a time alone for the bride and groom after the ceremony. We were told we weren’t to follow them!

The ceremony was outside and it was a beautiful day.

The reception was in the restaurant that was amazing!

First there was a tree in the middle of the floor, festooned in little white lights. The upstairs was decorated like windows, balconies overlooking a courtyard-just beautiful! Over to the side where the bar stood was a Waterfall! At the bottom was a pool that had a bridge over it and koi in it. It was a deep pool-at least 5’. It was like being outside~My battery was low so I didn’t take pics.

The food was amazing. 1st there were appetizers right after the ceremony. Then there was a breakfast buffet with a guy making custom omelets! About an hour and a half later was the “main meal” buffet. Green and yellow beans dish, mashed potatoes with garlic (yum!), tossed salad, a pasta dish, chicken Marsalis, Kentucky bourbon salmon which was wonderful and a cutting station with beef. A lot of times if you have a place with “atmosphere” you don’t get great food, this place had both.

We were seated with the groom’s family. I got to be friends with his one aunt at the ceremony and sat next to her at the reception. We did have a good time. We left after the meal as we had a 3 hour drive home and my dear husband had to work.

It really meant alot to the groom that Orangeguy was there. They had become close while working together. It has been hard for my husband to have JH leave. We were thanked MANY times over for coming and how much it meant to him to have DH there, not only by JH but by his family. It was special!

The bride and groom.

Sunset as we came home

and the traffic….

The Day After

2010-10-15T11:18:00.000-04:00

Some of us could have made it to church but it just didn’t happen so we took off for the town at the end of the lake the wedding overlooked.

First we stopped at the Falls.

It had been dry… I think she needs more coffee

Some of us were happy to be there!

That’s better!

Then we went to the top of the falls. This is the view from there!

We wanted to go on a boat ride but decided to do lunch 1st. The town was busy as the Corvette Club was in town as was the BMW motorcycle club.

Isn’t this fun?

On the boat.

Checking the view.

Leaving the dock

It was a beautiful day!

Some of the cottages

Hector Falls.

Salt plant

When I was growing up, we had a cottage on this lake. I so miss being on the water so any chance I get to be there is a real gift to me.

We came home as the other kids were coming for supper. After we ate we had a bonfire.

Our son with our daughter’s son on the motorcycle. You can see the end of the pile of logs we got for next year’s firewood.

Eldest Daughter and her family left EARLY the next morning to go home. And our lives went back to “normal”.

The Wedding

2010-10-15T08:55:00.001-04:00

I really should name this the 1st wedding as you will come to see.

This wedding was for my niece, S as she married K. Love family weddings as you know a lot of the guests and it’s just a good time.

My kids were all home. College girl was a bridesmaid and her guest/date was my SIL’s best friend, JC. He’s like family so it just added to the fun.

Isn’t he just the cutest on his 4 wheeler? Fits right in around here!

Eldest daughter and I went out the night before so Poppa and Dad were babysitting. Poppa and DGD#1 watched a movie together! Needless to say Poppa was thrilled to have that much cuddle time!

DD wanted a family picture as they were dressed up…only she forgot to chance DGS!

The twins All the guys dressed for the wedding. JC, our dear son-in-love, college girl’s friend’s boyfriend, Orangeguy and of course, DGD#1 had to jump in there!

The bride and her Dad!

Can you see the view?

The wedding took place at a winery overlooking a lake. It was outside! It had been raining, in fact, it was raining when we arrived. The girls took their chances coming into the ceremony in their heels-very high heels! The bride was barefoot as she discovered the dress was too short to wear with the shoes she wanted to! As you can see the sun came out for the ceremony. What was cool was the minister mentioned a rainbow in the service. While we were eating, a rainbow came out! My sister-in-law got a great picture of the couple with it!

My girls

Hubby, son and wife

My sister-in-law with 2 of her 3 sons and their wives. (the other son was unable to attend).

Our family! I just love this picture!

The bride and groom with her parents and grandparents. Doesn’t my sister-in-law look great in that dress?!!!

This started out as a dance with the bride and her mom, then her sister, nieces and grandma. Wish you could have seen my mother-in-law dancing! She loved it!

Cutting the cake. It was beautiful!

Flowers were beautiful!

Tired father of the bride

Instead of throwing the bouquet and garter. The bouquet was given to her grandparents to honor their celebration of 60 years together.

They even got to have a special dance.

It was a wonderful time. We really appreciate that we were able to share in it with them!

Catching Up!

2010-10-15T08:18:00.001-04:00

How did it get to be Oct.????

The last time I wrote it was Aug.!

Am going to take some time and get caught up. Have lots to share and hope you’ll keep reading in spite of my past absence!

Where Did Aug. Go???

2010-08-25T20:09:00.000-04:00

I finally got my pictures to download.

Here are the pictures of the quilt I made for my niece. Need to call C. to see if she is done quilting it and I need to make the binding!

It is the Orion’s Star pattern by Eleanor Burns. It is about 112” x 112”-king size!

Some very contemporary fabrics!

There is a red border, the zebra border and a black tone-on-tone border. My niece picked out the zebra fabric and I did the rest… I really like the black and white. Not sure I would make another one of this pattern the way that Eleanor Burns does her log cabin but it is a pretty quilt.

Hopefully I’ll remember to get some pictures of it quilted! I have to admit that having the blog and sharing the pictures with you helps me to remember to take pictures of the quilts!

Would love to hear what you think of the quilt!

Blessings,

Karen

A Week With The Grands!

2010-08-25T14:53:00.001-04:00

We had 2 of the grandchildren here while their parents were on a missions trip to Canada.

If you don’t like reading about grandkids then you might want to skip this entry!

O learned to climb onto the sofas:

Success!

S loves our dog! She always wants Nina to sleep with her! This is proof that she does.

cousins!

Had a girl from our church come over on and we took the 3 kids to a playground.

We were only there a little while as we had a downpour! She had to leave by 12:30.

In Mimi’s pool. They had a good time in there!

O got to use silverware while he was here and a plate. He got so he didn’t throw on the floor as much. S enjoys coloring.

Coloring the sidewalk!

We did some cleaning while they were here!

We had finished supper and O was crawling on the floor…reached up and helped himself to a peach! He are 97% of it!-peel and all (no not the pit!).

Love that he got up there by himself.

She loves the freedom Boo’s home!

of being able to go up

to great-grams.

Blowing bubbles!

Doing flips on the rings!

Her landings are a little “rough”….

fun with Boo (college-girl).

lazying with Poppa.

I love when he goes “vroom vroom” with the trucks.

I do have an O story…he was in the sandbox and saw Nina walking down from great-grams. He crawled out of the sandbox and looked to see where the dog was…he put his head down and started crawling just as hard and fast as he could! He got about 1/2 way to her and just quit. Guess he decided he had other things to do.

They did really well being here. Though O’s naps got shorter and shorter and he was up for a couple of hours the night before they left. S did great. I am glad she is so comfortable being here.

They will be back with their parents in 1 1/2 weeks for my niece’s wedding.

Monday, I met my Sister and BIL for breakfast, did the banking and went to quilt group! I put the borders on a baby quilt and got it layered.

Tuesday was laundry, had some stomach issues and mopped floors.

Today was errands day…

Life is back to “normal” though I’m not sure what that really is.

I did stop at a LQS today and offered to help if they want. They are offering a double wedding ring class in Oct. Would like to take it-they are so beautiful and it’s taught by college-girl’s other mother who is an accomplished quilter. Will go back on Sat. for the end of their 30% off sale-it was last week except she had no one to cover the store on Sat. so extended it till this Sat. Works for me!!!

Blessings!

Karen

Been Busy…

2010-08-13T23:23:00.001-04:00

Saturday I met up with E bright and early to head to Joann’s. I bought some baskets (50% off) and she was in line to have some fabric cut when I went out to the car. About 15min later she came out without the fabric. The clerk had ended up helping the lady in front of E. with picking out fabrics so she just left. We then journeyed on to the LQS. They were having their dog days of summer sale-20% off EVERYTHING! I got a charm pack(Christmas), jelly roll ( I think it’s serendipity-an older line from Moda), some neutral to go with it and 3 yards of black for the quilt I was working on. Long line to get cut…short line to cash out. They had free hot dogs, chips, and soda so we had an early lunch! Then back to Joann’s as I wanted some satiny material for baby quilts and to see if E could get her fabric. She got some nice Christmas fabric and I did find some fabric that is washable! Home around 1.

I had thought it was Orangeguy’s Saturday to work but when I got home, he told me he had left at 10am and it was R’s day to work. He was just doing some new cars. Between Saturday and Sunday, I did get the blocks sewn together.

Monday was quilt group. P. helped me cut my backing fabric. I got 9 7/8 yds for $4.25/yd-Moda muslin mate. Really nice fabric. I also cut my borders. The new black I had bought on Sat. I ‘m not thrilled with-VERY THIN, like see through! It would have been full price fabric. At this point, I didn’t have time to get more fabric so I used it. At least it’s the last border.

I finished the quilt top and backing on Wednesday. I called my new friend, the longarm quilter, C. She wasn’t home and I didn’t hear back from her. I got it all pressed yesterday. What a job-there is just sooo much fabric!!! Figured I’d take it up to the MIl’s just to get it out of the way while the grandkids are here.

Today ran errands. A jug of juice fell after doing a double somersault off the cashier’s area and crashed to the floor with juice flowing out in Walmart. At the grocery store, I went to pay with my card and the cashier made it for cash! To fix it they have to have the boss come over….I just paid cash. I know what it’s like to make a mistake and they did apologize about it. So coming home, up our road I drive past our house to turn around so I can drive up to the mailbox-yeah, I’m lazy. Coming back down the road, I see a strange car in my driveway! Grab the mail and drive in (was it some one about their car, or seeing if we are home so they can burglarize the place –the many thoughts running through my pathetic little mind). It was C. the longarm quilter!!! She had gotten my message and was coming to rescue my quilt before the grandkids come! She’ll keep it & have it back to me after they leave! What a sweetheart!

Two of the grandkids will be here for over a week while their parents do a missions trip. I have sort of an odd view of this…Due to my RA and the meds I take, I don’t see me as traveling for a missions trip. I feel that my taking care of the kids so they can go is my contribution to the missions trip.

With having the grandkids here, I know I won’t be on here for probably 10 days or so (rest up time included).

Enjoy the week!

Be sure and leave me a comment! I will be checking my email!

Blessings!

Karen

PS about my granddaughter-her culture came back negative for anything so they think it was a “bug”. I just pray they are right.

It’s August!

2010-08-07T07:45:00.001-04:00

When I last wrote, July was winding down.

Went to a “bridal shower/celebration” last week for a girl from our Church. Her mom is part of our Bible study. it was very nice. No gifts as they will be starting life together way down in Texas so gift cards.

On Friday, was my visit with the PA at the RA dr. She is just the cutest little thing. Talked about our dogs peeing in the house. Went to Target and got a few things I needed-like a can opener! I love to go there and wander around. Then to the Christian bookstore. Yeah, I love wandering around in there too! Everything I bought there was on sale or I used a coupon! Then off to Joann’s! I had been given a gift card for there for Christmas and kept forgetting to use it. I got myself 2 baskets for my sewing room and a magazine. I got the latest Eleanor Burns book about barns with my 40% off coupon and that was a gift for my BFF for her birthday.

Saturday I sewed. That evening we met up with the kid that worked with Orangeguy. His last day had been the day before. He is getting married the end of Sept. and is moving to the Philly, NJ., MD. area. My husband is going to miss him as he really liked him. We also got to meet his fiancée whose name is the same as mine only she has a neater spelling! We went to our usual BBQ place and had a nice visit with them.

Sunday, Orangeguy raced and I went to church and Sunday School. College girl was out of town to an overnight bachelorette party for her cousin. I did get to sew! Also E. called as they are back from their travels.

Monday-E. and I met for quilting. I had to leave at lunch time to go get my car inspected (2 days late!).

Tuesday- E and I went up the hill and talked to a longarm quilter. Those big quilts are just too much to do on our sewing machines. Found out we know alot of the same people as she is originally from Ghent Hill area. She does beautiful work and I will be using her for the quilt I’m doing now.

Wednesday was errands.

Thursday I left here by 7am to go get my sister and off we went to take our machines to be serviced. We take them back to the Amish man that we bought them from. We tooled around the finger lakes area visiting a general store, Weavers, ate lunch, the bulk food store and the quilt room before picking up our machines. There are a lot of Amish in the area. It is just beautiful around there. I was surprised the traffic wasn’t bad as it is Nascar weekend!

Yesterday I went out with my BFF. We went to a LQS so she could use her B’day discount but she didn’t find anything she wanted. I wasn’t buying- I didn’t have a discount and I really dislike paying full price for fabric! We also did lunch and a quick stop to see my sister-in-love before coming back to my house and chatting!

I forgot to mention-in all the places we went to on Thursday, I didn’t buy any fabric! I did buy a mini-spatula and salt and pepper shakers at the general store. That was it! My sister bought my lunch and even the 2 coffees I got! Oh! I did pay for the machine service-$53. Less than other places I’ve been.

Orangeguy had to work today. J who left usually worked every other Saturday so the other guys didn’t work them very often. That is changing!

This morning, my husband looked at me and said, “You’ve had a busy week.” And I have but it sure isn’t helping me get this quilt done! And I’m off today!

Hope your August is going well!

Blessings,

Karen

PS Please keep granddaughter #2 in prayer. She had a fever and a horrible stomachache the other night. Her little tummy was hard as a rock. They took her to walk-in who cultured her for a urinary tract infection. Results will be in today. She has a very high tolerance for pain so it takes alot to take her down which is a huge concern. Pray they will find out what was/is wrong.

July Winding Down

2010-07-28T14:16:00.001-04:00

It’s hard to believe that the end of July is in sight!

This past Sunday, Orangeguy raced and College Girl went down to see her friends.

I went to Church and stayed for the business meeting. Got to come home and sew! Can’t show as it’s a gift!

Yesterday got my teeth cleaned then ran errands.

Orangeguy got out of work early and we headed to the Troy fair! I love the Troy fair! Got to see the quilts. Had some beautiful HAND QUILTED ones! Wandered around and ate. Saw people we know. Love that there is a lot of 4H that goes on with all kinds of animals being shown-pigs, sheep, cows, dogs. Love to have the time to see it all. We went because DS was doing the truck pull. Even though we knew his class was last his dad needed to get there. We sat through 1 1/1 hrs. of tractor pulls 1st.

The smoke just hangs in the air!

Can you see it?

A tractor starting its pull.

and the smoke!

Then we sat through all the trucks as our son was 4th from the last! They seem to move right along.

Just starting the pull

Pulling Done Driving away.

Some of the trucks are brought in on trailers whereas some are a person’s everyday truck-like our son’s. We figure it’s a good pull if he can still drive the truck home in the end!

A good time!

Well, you are all caught up with my life. Hopefully I’ll be better about keeping it updated.

Would love to hear what is going on in your life!

Blessings,

Karen

July #4

2010-07-28T13:47:00.001-04:00

Sunday brought Church.

By noon, headed up to my sister-in-law’s –time for another party! Celebrating 60 years of marriage of my in-laws!

There was also the baby shower for my DD#1’s BFF from 3rd grade. I didn’t make it but she did go. I did get the quilt done in time. This friend, K., had a bear that she brought when she spent the night well a little College Girl fell in love with this bear. For her 8th b’day, her grandparents let her pick a bear for herself. She picked that same bear,”Oatmeal”. I tried to find one but it isn’t available any longer. Was able to get a similar bear. Wrapped “Oatmeal II” in the quilt for her. DD said she almost cried when she opened it!

Here’s the pictures from the party:

Oldest and youngest Kunte guys

Jeanne & Jean

Orangeguy and DSIL

Talk about relaxing while you eat!

The cheesecakes!

the Anniversary couple! Don’t you just love their shirts!My DSIL got those-they are like the invitations!

With the great-grands (2 are missing-on their way back to NC)

My 2 oldest grandchildren-out of the pool!

with the newest great grandbaby.

DGD#2 checking out the baby!

Our son-in-law and his kids!

One very tired little girl.

On Monday, we went for corn, visited the pregnant BFF so she could see the kids. They went to volleyball in the evening.

Tues. they left by 5 am! I did up 5 loads of laundry!

Thursday had lunch with my sister-in-law with her mother-in-law, her daughter with her 2 girls, her daughter-in-law and my mother-in-law. That was nice!

Friday was errands. Then the grands spent the night as Dad was doing a truck pull about 1 1/2 hrs. away. Let them play in the kiddie pool in the evening in place of a bath. In the morning we walked up and saw “Old grandma and grandpa”-DGS#1. Eating breakfast…

July Continues #3

2010-07-28T13:10:00.001-04:00

On Sunday, Orangeguy and I went to Cars in the Park-a car show, had chicken BBQ that was good. Missed another Church picnic. In the evening, his cousins and Aunt arrived up to his folks-we did stop in to see them.

I was invited to another baby shower for DD#1’s best friend from 3rd grade on. So started quilting on a quilt for her-pinwheels.

Made some blueberry pies, seasoned 4 cast iron fry pans one morning-those things last forever! I own my great-grandmother cast iron fry pan. Made it to LQS porch sale-only bought 1 fabric-off white with black letters over it.

Thursday afternoon was the viewing and funeral. Afterwards was dinner at a local hotel. In the evening up to say good-bye to the cousins and aunt.

Friday was errands. DD and family arrived that evening in time for supper.

Sat. Orangeguy and DSIL went and got some tables and chairs to take to his sister’s for Sunday. Ate at our BBQ place for lunch. We had been telling our DSIL about the place for awhile now and he was anxious to try it. He loved it!

They went swimming while we ran errands.

That evening there was a pig roast/party for our nephew and his wife as they celebrated their 10yr. anniversary.

Back at Mimi and Poppa’s!

Fun Week

2010-07-28T12:09:00.001-04:00

DD#1and kids were here for the week after the 4th.

Monday- Orangeguy and College Girl both had to work. We just kind of chilled. Took the kids swimming. The girls played volleyball that evening.

Tues. & Wed. College Girl took off. Her friend, D., came up from school. They went swimming-I stayed home –it was just too hot to sit next to the pool. Nest morning-Went for corn, hit Creekside, Country Cottage and D. left. The girls went through their books and came up with a LOT for the Church library. Discovered that after I ate the corn on the cob my knee just throbbed that night.

Thurs. & Fri.: Orange guy took off. We just kind of chilled on Thursday. Did a few things around the house like hang the drape over the slider to cut the heat. Napped in afternoon-we all did. The girls played volleyball in Owego that evening. Friday-College Girl took off and went with us to Ricketts Glen. It was cloudy and a little cool as they had a thunder storm the night before. It was wonderful. We got DGD out of the water to eat lunch and that was it! Picked up the shocks for the motorcycle on the way home. DD spent the evening packing up. Having to cut Mimi’s

brush out of DGD’s hair after she rolled her hair around the brush!

Talking to Daddy Me too!

She keeps us on our toes! Sharing with Poppa

it’s probably chocolate!

Swimming! He really does like

water!

She immediately made a new friend!

Melt down!

Not a good life guard

Don’t you love the knee prints they are leaving?

Playing in the sand!

Making sandcastles with Poppa!

She was teasing Poppa by smashing his castles. He would then throw wet sand on her….She LOVED it!

DGD watching the ducks pass through (they are just in front of the buoy to the right.).

Loving on Nina the night before they left.

DD got up at 5 am and was on the road by 5:30!

DGD was feverish Friday night and when they left. She ended up getting sick to her stomach in the car! She was fine by evening.

Since I got up to see them off, I couldn’t go back to sleep. Did go up and work on the Church library then ran some errands. We went out for supper then Orange Guy and College Girl went to the T. fair to watch our son/brother do the truck pull.

That morning, we got the news that Aunt M. had passed away. She was 91 and in a nursing home. She had made the decision to stop her meds and quit eating almost 2 months earlier. They had stopped her meds but she had eaten as she wanted. She was Orangeguy’s great aunt. The God-thing is that his Aunt and cousins had left that morning to come up not knowing she had died.

July

2010-07-28T11:32:00.001-04:00

July brought celebration and sadness….

July 4-My sister-in-law and husband always welcome us to their home to celebrate. It is also my father-in-law’s birthday. We were also celebrating J’s (my brother-in-law) parents 65th anniversary.

DD and kids had arrived that morning to stay till Sat.

The traditional on the hay bale picture. Some of the 1st pics we have with DD and her husband are on the haybale in the backyard. He was off to camp so they came out here.

swimming

water balloons

b’day boy

egg toss

It was a fun day!

The rest of June…

2010-07-28T10:48:00.001-04:00

It seemed to be fairly quiet…or as quiet as things get around here.

Got to have lunch with the ladies I worked at preschool with. What fun! I just love these ladies!

My nephew’s grandpa D. died so they were all in town. Made a quick appearance at the calling hours then spent an hour with their children so that my sister-in-law could go (she is divorced from their father-over 25yrs.). The kids were fun and creative.

Had a library work day one Saturday-got a church library started. Need to get back up there!.

College girl and I were out on that Sunday-lunch, shopping, ice coffee. On the way home ran over a big thing and injured my tire. 1st time using AAA as Orangeguy was racing!

Made a trip to a local quilt store (Pucky Huddle) with E. to use my b’day discount before it expired.

Son came and got his loft bed for his son to sleep in. His grandpa had made it for him.

And June came to a quiet end.

More Catching Up

2010-07-28T10:29:00.001-04:00

The week after that was when my dishwasher died. I made a trip back out to DD’s to accompany her for the trip back and to leave a car for her husband. Went out on Wed. and we came back on Thursday. My dear MIL fed us that night.

This is DGS looking out the window in the guest room at their house and DGD riding in the car to Mimi’s house. She’s really into Barbie now.

My Niece’s bridal shower:

The bride-to-be and her Grandma (my mother-in-law)

Cousins!

My niece, her mom and her sister (who has gone back to school to become a nurse! Doing very well!)

My granddaughter was so excited to be with her cousins and they had a wonderful time together!

The next evening there was a party to celebrate Son’s birthday and his wife’s brother’s and uncle’s anniversaries.

Father and Son Carrie meeting DGS#2

DGS#1 (his back), DGD#2 and DGD#1

2 of my kids.

Son and wife

DGD#2

Father and son.

On Sunday, there was a baby shower for my nephew’s wife. Again, DGD#1 had a great time with her cousins. They welcomed her into their circle.

After the shower we returned to the house, loaded the car and threw in the kids and headed out for them to go home! I stayed Monday, just to rest up a bit and headed home on Tuesday. Needed to get home as DSD#1 was graduating from preschool that evening.

Entering. Receiving his diploma

Leaving. Love that smile!

Notice what he is wearing? He dressed himself. The pants are corduroy! It was a HOT day! He picked out his sister’s outfit too!

That Saturday, I attended a baby shower – the grandma is my friend and the dad was a good friend of College Girl in high school.

I had quilt tops made for both baby showers and realized that they would be getting lots of quilts etc so put them aside for now.

So….

2010-07-28T09:56:00.001-04:00

Did Ya miss me?

Just a few things going on….

At the end of May, made a quick trip to DD’s for DGS#2’s 1st birthday! They had just done some work in their bathroom-painting almost everything! It looks so nice. My job was to make the window curtains from a shower curtain.

When I first saw it, it seemed so bright in comparison to what it had been and there weren’t any curtains on the window so there was a LOT more light in there. It really looks so cute now. Took these just before the party-got the curtains done just in time!

Here are a few of the MANY pictures I took:

His first cupcake-he really enjoyed it!

Opening presents

Some of the guests

A bonfire for some mores

I got to rock the birthday boy to sleep! I got to rock his sister after her 1st birthday party too! Told DD it’s a new tradition-she was less than thrilled.

The kids friends from college arrived just before the party to spend the weekend.

I left the next morning. Got to spend some time in our nearest Christian bookstore on the way home. Our son had invite some friends to join them at our house for dinner. College girl had run to the store to feed them. They came with all the food!!! It was wonderful! Our former neighbor stopped with his son and joined us too! The kids played volleyball after we ate.

On Monday-it was Memorial Day. I had invited the kids to come back but they were unable to so had a cook-out with the in-laws. A nice weekend.

That week I was out everyday-coffee with a friend, a haircut and meeting with the sister-in-loves, sewing at the church with E and her daughter, appt. with the RA dr. with a stop at Joann Fabrics.

Sat. College girl and I did breakfast out, shopped for my niece’s bridal shower, picked up DGD#2. Later traded her for DGS#1. Got supper at McD’s and Subway then over to the Hickories to meet DS and DGD for supper. Ran into some old friends that we rarely see but are close in heart. Then made a run to Walmart.

A nice start to June!

I Felt It!

2010-06-08T13:06:00.001-04:00

This morning I headed off to Lowes to buy a new dishwasher. It would have to be delivered AND installed either today or Friday. If not, I would walk out. With DD and the grands coming, I need my dishwasher! The kids are so much more fun than doing dishes!

Looked over the models, talked to the salesman, discussed advantages and disadvantages and made a decision-it was white and in stock. Now he was trying to get a hold of the installer to see when he could install it. Doing ALL The Paperwork and the installer called…Friday? Saturday? This afternoon! The God Breeze tickled my face as I grinned and said Yes!!! That would be Wonderful! I was walking on air as I left Lowes and ran my errands.

Now it’s down to work to have the house ready before DD and the grands come!

Did you see the God Breeze in my earlier post about the dishwasher? I am so thankful that I hadn’t gone to bed! Only God knows what that would have resulted in!

Lots of decluttering to do before DGS#2 gets here! Can’t wait to see them! (It’s only been 2 weeks since I was out there for DGS’s 1st birthday! I think I am getting spoiled! Love it!

His 1st ever cupcake and he LOVED IT! He started to cry when I took it to remove the paper! (I also got to rock him to sleep that night!)

Blessings,

Karen

POP!

2010-06-08T09:00:00.000-04:00

So last night, I am all ready for bed. Had put off running the dishwasher until Orangeguy and DD decided not to shower (we have a limited supply of hot water). I turned on the dishwasher and sat down to check my email and turn off the computer. The dishwasher started filling and I heard a POP! and then a smaller Pop. I walked over to the dishwasher and I thought it smelled hot. I went to the bedroom to tell DH, and I turned off the dishwasher. I looked over and the cancel light was on and there was smoke rolling out of the dishwasher!! Hollered for DH so he came out, trying to wrestle the thing out. I went down and threw the circuit breaker. Came up and with college girl’s help we got the racks out and ended up bailing out the water that was in the dishwasher. Orangeguy did get dishwasher out but electrically it is connected to a “box” and there is a water hose. Figure it will be ok until DH can get some tools to disconnect it and I have a boat load of dishes to wash! Will need to see if I can get another one. I picked one out a few months ago at Lowes, waiting on the tax return. Then this one kept running so why replace it though I did have to rinse things well before putting them in! Now I wish I had replaced it as DD and kids are coming out this weekend and I really need to have my dishwasher!!!

Anniversary

2010-06-07T23:32:00.001-04:00

Today would have been my parents 74th anniversary. My dad passed away in 1981 and my mom in 2007.

I don’t seem to have their wedding picture on my computer. This is the only picture I have of both my parents with me. I am thinking this is about 1960. They would have been married 24 years at the time.

Karen

Church Update

2010-06-07T23:22:00.001-04:00

I feel ok about our Church at this time.

Our interim pastor’s sermon and Sunday School this week were right on with what the Lord has been laying on my heart regarding our Church.

I didn’t email the deacon board. I spoke to one of the deacons about how felt about things. I encouraged them to just tell the church body that they were sorry and move on. At that point, we were a month since that horrible night. There was no reason to drag it all up again. We got a letter Memorial Day weekend and they expressed regret over the hurt that was caused. I do wish they would be forth coming on how they see the future of the church-their goals +/or plans but that hasn’t happened yet.

I am encouraged that there is a church picnic this coming weekend but I have other obligations! I am so disappointed!

Our pastor’s wife, CK, approached me regarding a library for the church. She has books to donate and wants those to come help to bring a lunch and for it to be a fellowship time. I am so looking forward to it and am working on donating some of my books.

Right now, I feel at peace about staying at our Church. I do know though, if there isn’t some change and a move towards reaching out as a body to our community then we might as well close our doors. I don’t have a time line but I do know that is where the Lord is leading me. And if not here, then I believe He will lead us elsewhere.

I thank those who have commented. I so appreciate knowing others have walked this way before and survived. Now I know, I will too.

Blessings,

Karen

Church

2010-05-18T09:13:00.000-04:00

We did attend our church on Sunday-worship service and Sunday School. I found it hard to concentrate during the service. During the Sunday School time, our possible interim pastor took questions about himself as he may be there up to a year. I found him to be an excellent choice to lead our family as we seek to recover. He is the my friend’s dad and I just feel “PEACE” when he speaks. I think the Lord has prepared him for such a time as this.

I still have questions for our deacon board regarding the future. I feel there is an email in me for them regarding that.

The Bible study ladies will be meeting this Wednesday for one last time till fall. Summer looks to be a busy time…

Blessings,

Karen

God’s Protection

2010-05-17T23:45:00.001-04:00

This past weekend, College girl and a friend went to visit DD#1 and her family. They traded cars as DD#1’s minivan needed work done-struts(?). It would give Orangeguy a chance to do it and not miss out on time with the kids and grands. College girl took the LONG way home via her college, probably a 7 hr. trip. This morning she took my car to work as suggested by her dad. I had some errands to run so I jumped in it and went to pull out of the driveway-it was noisy and drove like I was on ice. Kinda thought it was due to the struts needing replacing. It sounded like I had a flat tire so when I got to the post office I checked but the tires were fine. Got back in and got on the highway….the noise stayed and as I got up to speed (65) there was a vibration. Drove the 14 miles, by the exit where Orangeguy works. The thought occurred to me to stop but I thought I’d stop on my way back home. Got off the highway and headed for the bank-probably 1-1 1/2 mi. As I’m stopping for a red light this ABS light comes on. Will have DH check that when I stop. Pull into a parking space at the bank and the car behind me, pulls into the space next to mine. I open my window because I could tell they wanted to tell me something. They sure did! My left rear wheel was wobbling and ready to fall off!!!!

The guy offered to fix it but I didn’t have a clue as to where the wrench was, it not being my car. Told him I’d call my husband as he worked nearby. I did, he was busy fixing a car for someone waiting but he’d see if M. would come. I went in and did my banking and right after I came out, M. was there! He ended up tightening EVERY LUGNUT ON EVERY WHEEL! They were all very loose!!! I am so thankful that M. was willing to come to my rescue!

I then continued on with my errands. All the noise I had been hearing was from those loose wheels!!! The kids had gotten new tires a couple of weeks ago. Obviously they DID NOT tighten the lug nuts. DD had thought the noise was the struts which is why she sent the car out. Which is what College Girl thought while driving out.

God’s Hand was obviously protecting my girls and grandchildren. Those wheels could have come off at anytime! Can you imagine if it had happened driving 75 mph on the turnpike?!! What if college girl had driven it the 30+ miles to work? I doubt she would have made it and who all would have been injured when that tire came off!

I’m so thankful God provided that couple who cared enough to follow and warn me of the danger! Their daughter had a tire come off on a 4 lane, fly across the median and hit another car’s windshield!! So they knew the danger! God had tried to tell me to stop and see my husband but I didn’t listen. There’s a reason for that small voice!

I know the next time we are out to my DD#1’s, Orangeguy is planning to visit this place of business and voice his feelings about what happened. I doubt that they will be doing business there again!

Just a warning for when you have work done on your car-make sure they tighten the lug nuts! Also Orangeguy gets very frustrated over tire pressures-they should be the amount as stated for your car NOT what is on the tire! That is just the maximum amount! Your car tips for today!

Take Care and drive safe!

Karen

Update

2010-05-15T10:01:00.001-04:00

I haven’t mentioned what happened at our Church recently…

My heart is still broken.

I really believe that what happened wasn’t about the pastor, the deacons or what was happening.

It’s about our hearts.

If our hearts were where they belonged and our minds were Christ centered, I believe that NONE of this would have happened.

A lot of mistakes were made on both parts.

This Sunday will be the 1st time we will be at Church since that horrendous Sunday evening meeting. I miss them but it will be hard that others won’t be there.

Will we be staying there? As my youngest daughter said to me-you can’t affect change if you don’t stay.

This whole thing has made me aware that I may be looking for something different than what this Church is offering. I want to attend a Church that is reaching out to the community as a whole not just individual members doing their own thing. I do know that change is hard for my dear husband and with college girl home she may not be looking for change (then again she maybe working so much it won’t be an issue). Not that our church has really reached out to the college age/young adult group. A “Sunday School class” had just been started for them. A parent is meeting with that age group at a local deli after the church service. How sad that they weren’t planned for –they are the future of the Church!

Please pray for the Church

and for us as we seek His direction.

Blessings,

Karen

One More Breeze from God

2010-05-11T16:34:00.001-04:00

Early last week, Orangeguy and I were discussing what to do for our birthdays. Visiting a favorite town was discussed but the weatherman was calling for rain. I mentioned I wanted to put in Hydrangeas on the west end of the house.

His mom stopped in one day and we had a nice chat.

Saturday night when we got home from going out from supper, there sat 2 hydrangeas and a pack of petunias-from his folks for our birthdays. I was thrilled! Then I wondered if I had mentioned the hydrangeas to his mom. The next day at dinner I asked his mom. No. In fact his dad had gotten them for us!

I have been wanting hydrangeas for a few years but had never gotten them!

God knows our hearts and what we need (not what we want). I needed to see God working in my life…and boy He sure has shown Himself in the past week. I know with all that has gone on, I really needed it. Thank You Lord!

Blessings!

Karen

God Breezes

2010-05-10T11:15:00.001-04:00

Last week I was feeling a little down. Then God sent some little “breezes” into my life.

This package was in my mailbox, addressed to me in my handwriting. It took me a few minutes to realize it was my “birthday squishy” from a group I belong to on the web. They have a birthday club-you sign up and send in so many fat quarters-in December! (you wonder why I forgot). The person who receives them, swaps them then sends them in time for your birthday. I put mine away to open on my birthday/Mother’s Day.

I opened them last night!

There are 15 polka-dot fat quarters here.

Here are 15 fat quarters of 30’s fabrics! I had forgotten about these! I thought I had only done the polka dots!

I am hoping I come up with a fun idea for this one!

Also on Wednesday I had a “late lunch” with a dear friend. It was so good to touch base with her as she had been out of town seeing family including a brand new granddaughter!

Thursday, I was working on a quilt for my friend, EB. She had said we couldn’t make a quilt for her husband as he has a quilt so we made one for her!

I just love the lightness of it!

PK from quilt group did the quilting on it. There is pink flannel on the back as her home is chilly in the winter which here can last forever!

Then around 10AM, there was a knock at the door and this man was standing there with these flowers. I have to tell you my first thought was he had the wrong house or needed to know where someone lives! (that happens here as we don’t have street addresses-just rural routes) The flowers were for me!!!!!!!!

The 1st picture is the day they came, the other 2 are this morning. That day I was sewing the binding on the quilt so I would move the flowers to wherever I happen to be! I know, I am pathetic! A little honesty here….I had been seeing the commercials for sending your mom flowers for Mother’s Day and a little something inside me yearned to have flowers sent to me. Then my Mother’s German ancestry would kick in – you don’t need flowers, they just wilt and die, waste of money…. What a blessing from God to get these-He knew my heart and used my eldest daughter to touch me when I needed it. These are from DGD#1 and DGS#2.

these 2!

Friday I was able to have lunch with EB and give her the quilt. She loved it! I talked to her later and she had all ready napped under it! I hope she feels the love it holds for her.

Saturday was Orangeguy’s birthday. We had the grandkids.

These 2!

Orangeguy was up to his folks cutting a tree so DGS#1 went up too. He ended up spending the morning and lunch up there. DGD#2 and I had some fun time together. The morning was a little warm and we were out in the sandbox for awhile but the temp. dropped as the day went on and the wind was blowing so we didn’t get back out. They both took good naps as did the b’day boy and myself! Their dad picked them up around 5:30 and we went out for supper. As we were waiting for our dinner there was the most beautiful rainbow out! Came home the back way and weren’t far from home when there was a huge tree limb across the road so we had to backtrack and take the “scenic route” home!

Mother’s Day I didn’t get up till 8am thinking I had plenty of time as we were going to church with Orangeguy’s folks and it wasn’t till 10AM. DS had delivered the newspaper to our door and called. Calls from the grandkids and texts. All of a sudden it was time to leave! We were early for Church – of course! We were there before his folks, sisters and spouses! It was a nice service. We know people from the church from the years our youngest daughter attended the Christian school there. We then went out to dinner with them and college girl was able to join us! We then went to her college to pick up a truckload of her stuff! We headed home as the hubby was tired. We went up to his folks later that evening as I had forgotten his Mom’s gift where we had some dessert. We have more than enough desserts here! The downfall of 2 birthdays and Mother’s Day in 1 weekend!

We changed the day of quilt group so that EB can come and feel comfortable about leaving her Husband.

College girl will be home sometime this week then off to see her sister and family with a friend.

Praise: College girl got the job she desired at the hospital that she interned at this winter!!!

She is hoping to supplement that with a job at the ice cream stand that she worked at for 5 years-evenings and weekends, if you’d like to be praying.

Off to do some clothing sorting-there’s a rummage sale I need to donate to!

Blessings,

Karen

An Exciting Giveaway!

2010-05-04T14:48:00.001-04:00

There’s an exciting giveaway at Mequilter! She’s giving away a copy of EQ7-that hasn’t even been released yet! Be sure to check it out! I all ready entered!

Blessings

2010-05-04T10:47:00.001-04:00

Last night I looked out on my deck and saw my dog’s rawhide bone. It’s a good size one that is really too big for her now that she’s gotten older. It made me smile as I remembered Saturday. The grandkids were here for the day. They were playing “fetch” with the bone! They would throw it and both run to get it. It was so funny!

Here are some pictures from the weekend.

Before –Crazy hair. After-pony tail

Playing in the sandbox.

Picking the dandelions!

Aren’t they cute!

They were here at 7:30am. We got drive –thru for supper and ate at a park. They played on the playground. Their Dad met us there but had his Big truck so we ended up dropping them off at home around 8:30pm.

Orangeguy worked a motorcycle race this weekend and put in some long hours! Now he’s not even sure he wants to race this year.

I finished the quilt top for my friend. Handed it off to be quilted this week. Hope to be able to give it to her next week. Am working on some baby quilts with another to go then on to the wedding quilt!

Need to make reservations for Mother’s Day! Maybe see the college girl this weekend too! Has stuff that needs to come home as school is coming to an end for this year. Just wish a job would come through for her.

Looks like a nice day out.

Blessings,

Karen

EQ7!

2010-05-03T14:45:00.001-04:00

Electric Quilt 7 is coming soon! What a wonderful opportunity to design your own quilts! This one has all the bell and whistles you could want. Go HERE to read more about it!

Karen

More Fabric?

2010-04-30T12:07:00.001-04:00

Look what came in the mail yesterday!

It’s a Christmas line by Kate Spain. It just makes me happy to look at it!

Another Christmas line. These are by French General. I just got their Rural Jardin last week. I just love their stuff!

I got a layer cake and jelly roll in this Martinique line by 3 Sisters. I have seen quilts made out of this and they are just soothing to look at. I want to try the Orion’s star pattern out of this before I make my Niece’s.

I ordered this from Fat Quarter Quilters. They had a fantastic sale of 25% off! I ordered Monday night and they were here yesterday! Great customer service! I highly recommend them!

What a beautiful day here in the Northeast! My windows are open, the birds are singing! It doesn’t get much better than this!

Tomorrow the grandkids will be here!

Have a wonderful weekend!

Blessings,

Karen

Handwork

2010-04-29T10:42:00.001-04:00

Came home with a picture of something DD#1 wanted her Pops to make. He got the picture Tuesday. Today he stopped with 5 of these! I picked out one for me and one for DD. Hope she likes one of them!

The background is some of DGD#2’s artwork that was used to wrap my Mother’s Day gift.

Isn’t my FIL amazing at what he can make?!

Oh, EB’s husband’s surgery was yesterday. Praise God it wasn’t what was expected! Thank you so much for praying!

Blessings!

Karen

Fabric Collecting!

2010-04-29T10:27:00.001-04:00

One day I went out with EB and did a couple of stores and lunch-just some girl time. I got some Popcorn Bear fabric. Thought I might use that for a baby quilt for my nephew’s coming baby.

Went out last week with my sister to a 25% off sale! It was wonderful! There was Dick and Jane fabric all ready on sale. I learned to read with Dick, Jane, Sally, Spot and the rest of the family so I had to get some!

I also got Rural Jardin charms and fabric. I just love that line!

Isn’t this just the best blue?

I wasn’t finding anything to go with my Popcorn Bear though and was questioning that as my nephew and wife are doing jungle with pastel yellow and green-not big in the fabric world right now esp. in jungle prints. They tend to be brights!

We also went to Stitch Works. It’s very retro. She has fabric, linens, lamps, fabric, just very eclectic. I got some a pink hankie and white with pink dots fabric there.

Ate lunch out again.

A few weeks ago, our LQS, Churn Dash had a birthday sale where you popped a balloon to get your discount. I got a “few things”. I did get 28% off!

I just love the colors in this line.

In the store, I thought this was a black and white. It’s a silvery gray. I had wanted it for my niece’s black, white and red wedding quilt. Not going to work….

Yesterday, I was shopping for batting for a quilt I am working on. I went to Stash Attic and got these. It had rained and they are having a rain shower sale in April that everyday it rained, you got 20% off! Worked for me!

I picked this out thinking it would work for my nephew’s baby (they are thinking girl).

Got the pink, yellow and green to go with it. They are just so soft colors.

She didn’t have the batting I was looking for so in the afternoon went back over to the Churn Dash as I did have a gift card I had forgotten to use the other week.

I got batting and the above stripe, thinking it would go with the pink, green and yellow-which it does. Got the fabrics out and like the pastels better with Popcorn Bear!

The other fabric goes with some I brought home from Quilt group!

I’m sure I’ll come up with more to go with it. Or I may change my mind again! Ya never know!

Need to get to work.

Blessings!

Karen

Update

2010-04-27T11:01:00.001-04:00

Our Church situation is hard. I find I’m not dwelling on it like I was though there have been no real answers.

I miss our Pastor and wife.

I do believe that things were handled badly the last few days that he was still our pastor and the night of the “meeting”. But hindsight is always 20/20.

I am sorry for anything I may have done or said to hurt anyone. That is not my heart.

This Sunday, Orangeguy is working a race…not sure where I will be but I also know that God only gives direction for today.

If you pray, please pray for my friend, EB’s husband as far as I know, he is having surgery today.

Time to do something with my day.

Blessings,

Karen

The Weekend

2010-04-27T10:48:00.001-04:00

A week ago Saturday, I got a phone call.

“Mimi! You need to come out see me!”

After conferring with Orangeguy, and he checked with work, we headed out Friday morning to see DGD#2 and DGS#2 along with their folks. What a fun weekend! Orangeguy was happy as he got to get his favorite chili-dogs and chicken wing pizza. They also had things for him to do. DSIL has been busy with his youth groups esp.. since the kids were on spring break. In fact, we didn’t see much of him as they were doing the 30 Hour Famine for Compassion International. The kids raised over $1700! That will go along way to feed starving children.

We had a family trip to Target-got free Starbucks coffee (did you know if you take the package from the ground coffee in you get a free coffee?). How did we ever shop without cell phones? :-) Orangeguy gave DGS his bottle before bed. He fell asleep on Poppa. Our daughter couldn’t believe it as he never falls asleep on someone! Poppa was tired too.

That evening DD went over to Church for the worship service they were doing with the 30Hr. Famine. I went up and laid down with DGD. We giggled and shared. Laying there she goes,”Who do you have in your heart?” She was just making sure her Mimi has Jesus in her heart!

Saturday at 5:30AM, we heard the little guy in his bed. Orangeguy gets up and brings him into our room. As he is walking down the hall, I hear,”Dad, I just gave him a bottle and put him back to bed.” Her dad responds that we are there to spoil them. We kept him in bed with us till a little after 6 then he was tired so he went back to his crib.

We got to go to Joann’s as DD is looking for fabric for her bathroom for shower curtain and curtains. She had thought she wanted toile but once she got looking around she’s not so sure! Then off to the quilt store and consignment store. The quilt store was having a sale and was packed. I found some great fabrics for making a quilt for my nephew’s coming baby but the lines were too long!!! DD had gone to a consignment store with the kids but I couldn’t have them wait THAT LONG! DD did get a blouse and at the next consignment store, DGD got a video (in fact she calls it the video store but it’s a kids consignment store). Had some down time in the afternoon. After lunch, took DGS upstairs and we rocked. He’s a hugger and he just clung to me for the longest time. He would doze off but when I did try to put him in his crib he woke right up. We cuddled for probably 30-45 minutes! What a blessing that was!

We went for ice cream with their friends-it’s at a dairy farm. Really good ice cream! The kids had a good time!

The red headed kids are my grandkids. I love this last picture with DGS crawling after his sister. Orangeguy had gone with the kids’ good friend to look at a jeep while we went for ice cream.

Earlier, Poppa was trying to rest but DGS was on the floor.

Do you think he is a piece of work??? Love when he grasped Poppa’s ear! He is just so cute and a charmer! He’s always smiling and laughing.

Up to now, He didn’t pull himself up because he couldn’t figure out how to get down. If they stood him up and walked away, he would cry as he was stuck! Watch this:

It took some thought…but you slide your foot back and reach for the floor.

Then you get on your knees…

And you are good to go!

Later it was making Poppa crazy that DGS was putting things not good for him in his mouth while crawling around so he put him in the pack-n-play- Where he was perfecting his getting up and down skills. What you can’t tell in the pictures is that he is just shaking the dickens out of the pack-n-play!

That evening we watched the Blind Side. Wow, a really good movie! Worth your time.

We went to Church with the kids then after lunch we headed home.

We were gone about 2 1/2 hrs when my cell phone rang,”Mimi!” Yep, she was calling to see where we were.

Hope to get out the end of next month for DGS’s 1st birthday!!! Don’t dare plan as you know how that goes!

Blessings!

Karen

Broken Hearted

2010-04-20T07:31:00.000-04:00

The past 6 weeks I have been privy to info. from both sides of a break in our church. I have strived to remain neutral. As Christians, we are forgiven but we are still imperfect humans who struggle, unfortunately sometimes with each other. Last night, God must have wept at what happened in our sanctuary. I know I did. Orangeguy walked out.

Today I found out our Wednesday Bible study is over. My dear friend and her husband are done with the church. She led the study with love and enthusiasm. As hard as the church “stuff” as been, this really hurts. I really looked forward to our weekly meetings-a gift of friendship and Scripture from those involved to me. Suddenly my week seems empty…

Don’t know where the Lord is leading right now. We won’t be in Church this Sunday. The following week, Orangeguy has a race and I doubt that I will be going to church alone. Though I know that I will miss the fellowship of other believers. While looking for a Church home 15 years ago, the Lord laid on my heart that this one was “home”. “Home” is where the heart is-now I am questioning where that may be…

Sorry this isn’t about something light or quilty but it is what is on my heart and that’s why I write this blog.

Blessings,

Karen

Please don’t think that I am questioning my faith or my God. I know that nothing happens that He doesn’t allow.

From My Heart

2010-04-19T20:01:00.001-04:00

When Life is heavy and hard to take,

go off by yourself.

Enter the silence.

Bow in prayer.

Don’t ask questions.

Wait for hope to appear.

Lamentations 3:28-29

from The Message

God Is Enough

2010-04-16T08:20:00.000-04:00

Just finished, “I Will Carry You: The Sacred Dance of

Grief and Joy” by Angie Smith.

I really felt that she shared her heart. I would highly recommend this book. She shares her grief, her faith and what others can do to come alongside those that are dealing with loss. I feel it applies not only to grieving parents but anyone that is grieving. How they helped their girls prepare was amazing-tremendous insight into their children (the author does have a Masters degree in Developmental Psychology). Again, I came away feeling God is enough. Let me also say that this family walks with God everyday. They have a personal relationship with their Savior before, during and into the future. They weren’t walking their own way then went running to God when life got hard. It was and is a day by day, hour by hour, minute by minute relationship. They know that Jesus (God’s perfect Son) died on the cross for their sins, rose 3 days later and now sits at God’s right hand just waiting for everyone to turn to Him, ask forgiveness for their sins and allow Him to reign in their lives. A simple and perfect gift that is eternal life in heaven. Because of that gift, we can have a PERSONAL relationship with God. Have you accepted that gift yet? Don’t wait…we only have today, we aren’t promised tomorrow….

Praying that you know the reality of Christ in your life.

Karen

Struggling

2010-04-15T15:35:00.001-04:00

Somethings that are going on-not in my personal family but with people I love that are hard.

Life… Death… Relationships….

Trying get out of the way of the Holy Spirit to to allow Him to work to touch those around me for Him.

The LORD your God is with you,

He is mighty to save.

He will take great delight in you,

He will quiet you with His love,

He will rejoice over you with singing.

Zephaniah 3:17 NIV

No matter what my day, God rejoices over me with singing (and I know he sings better than I do!). He delights in me and loves ME! What more do I need?

He is enough.

Blessings,

Karen

Not Much to Share

2010-04-13T13:56:00.001-04:00

Finished “Forgotten God” by Francis Chan. I think the last chapter was the best. All ready loaned it out… Went back to reading “Spiritual Moms” by Lynn Wilford Scarborough till I went to Arrowhead Christian Bookstore last Friday! Brought home, “I Will Carry You” by Angie Smith (her husband is Todd Smith the lead singer of Selah). Not an easy book to read but truly worth it. It tells of finding out their unborn daughter was “incompatible with life” , decisions made and life lived…. I am still reading but so far I’ve come away with- God is enough.

Life is hard no matter what you are facing.

A couple of stand outs from her book.

“As you do not know the path of the wind, or how the body is formed in a mother’s womb, so you cannot understand the work of God, the Maker of all things.” Eccl. 11:5

“Joy is not the absence of trouble

but

the presence of Christ”

Just something for you to think about.

In Bible study, we are working on the last chapter. It’s exciting to be finishing and looking forward to something new.

Thursday was errand day. Am looking for “butter flavoring” you know like lemon or orange flavoring but butter. Can’t seem to find it. Need it for a Pioneer Woman recipe-yes it does have butter in it besides!

Friday was a doctor’s appt. Nothing new there. Got to Target, Arrowhead Christian Book store and JoAnn’s. Found a quilt pattern book there,”Anka’s Treasures” by Heather Mulder Peterson. Been wanting it for awhile! Like her patterns and with 40% off coupon…

Saturday, Orangeguy had to work in the morning and I had the grandkids. DGD#2 was being a bit defiant in the morning, unfortunately she was dealing with the Mimi she gets those genes from! Didn’t get outside till after lunch. The sun was warm but that air was chilly even then. Got back out after naps and it was warmer. DGD and I walked up and saw great-grandma and Aunt Deb. Then DGS came up too. Fixed a quick supper and the “guys” went outside. DGD was acting like she was tired and we even rocked for a while. Someone stopped so she was looking out the door. It was then she got sick! Needless to say, cleaned that up and stuck her in the tub. Thankfully they had sent pjs for her! Her dad came while she was in the tub. She didn’t get sick anymore but Dad said that she did have a yucky time after she was home.

Showing his dirty hands. Checking out what Poppa’s doing.

Working hard. Giving a push.

Playing hard in the sandbox.

He waited till we were in the house and decided to try out the baby swing. He got stuck and Mimi had to rescue him.

I just love that he’s “reading” to her!

Sunday was Church and Sunday School. I spent the afternoon sewing. Orangeguy worked in the yard then decided he needed some fun so took off on his motorcycle! Went out for supper afterwards. Stopped at his sister’s on the way home. His folks were there. Got to see most of his sister’s kids and grandkids while we were there so that was a huge blessing. Usually don’t see them unless it’s a family gathering! She is so blessed as 3 of the 4 kids live by them (across and down the street)! The 4th will be getting married this fall and they hope to build up there eventually!

Monday was quilt group. Also got to the LQS to get some fabric for a group quilt, a quilt I’m working on and some Nature’s Chorus charm squares with yardage. It was there birthday sale. Pop a balloon and get that amount off. I got 28%! I was thrilled! Saved almost $20!

Some of our quilt group pictures:

There are 2 of these. The blue gingham was donated. We think it came from a factory as it was pieces like a jigsaw puzzle but they didn’t fit together.

Same blue gingham

This bow tie quilt top was donated to us by a local woman, it was from her husband’s family. Most of the blocks are black, some are blue and 1 brown. It is all polyester. The ladies layered,tied, and bound it.It is being returned to the lady that gave it to us. (NO, we don’t finish quilts for people so don’t ask!)

Need to get the house cleaned up for the ladies to come tomorrow. Hope the pound cake turns out ok without the butter flavoring!

Blessings!

Karen

Great Give-away!

2010-04-13T12:30:00.001-04:00

Hop on over to Kelly's Blog –she is having a fantastic give-away every day for a month but the month is drawing to a close. Yesterday it was for an Accu-cut, beats rotary cutting all those pieces!

I Have a Notion store is her business. I got a great deal and she checked with me to make sure there was no error in my order! Great customer service! And she vacations in Wyalusing-not far from my home! Be sure and check it out!

Easter and Before

2010-04-06T14:33:00.001-04:00

College girl came home last Wednesday night! Always enjoy having her home! She went back yesterday afternoon.

My Bible study group went out for lunch last Wed. –nice time of chatting!

Thursday was run errands day with college girl. Late that afternoon, CC came and got my printer and computer talking. I had even hooked up our new printer in an effort to resolve our problems but it hadn’t. She got us headed on the right track!

Friday was so nice and I spent some time on the deck reading and soaking up the sunshine!

Our original Easter plan was to go out to DDIL’s restaurant for dinner. I thought that way if DS was working we could bring the kids home with us. They decided not to be open so the plan changed to going to my DSIL’s! Saturday, I made applesauce and mocha brownies to take. Orangeguy was helping to prepare a track for one of the races this summer. He was gone ALL DAY! Came home exhausted. Not to mention, his allergies had kicked in big time and he was so plugged up (Tree pollen was extremely high according to weather.com). Missed our Sat. night outing (and our restaurant was having another pig roast!). Easter Sunday was a beautiful day! College girl and I went to church. Afterwards off to dinner with DSIL, her hubby, parents and her son and DDIL. It was a nice dinner. Got to sit outside afterwards! Headed to go see the grandkids at our daughter'-in-law’s brother’s home till we realized we really didn’t know how to get there! Came home and later heard from our Son that he had to work and his wife had gone with him. He had a good laugh about us not finding his brother-in-law’s house!

Monday was quilt group. Always a good day. Please pray for EB’s husband and he seeks more medical options than are available locally.

College girl headed back to school. She needs a job for the summer here at home and would be great to have a job for evenings/weekends so she can do that while doing her internship at home. It looks to be a busy summer! She will also need housing for her final semester at school.

I know that God has it worked out but I always want to stand on tiptoe and see what lies ahead. Trusting doesn’t come easy. As Moms, we are so use to being in control and having a plan. As Christians, we are called to trust God and His plans. They are so much better than anything we could ever dream of. They also have the benefit of helping us to be more like Christ!

Some of the flowers around my house:

It rained this morning so hopefully Orangeguy’s allergies will calm down!

She was annoyed that I wasn’t taking her picture, then when I do she looks away!

Have a blessed week!

Karen

This and That

2010-04-06T13:45:00.001-04:00

This is our dog, laying on the register (even though the wood stove was out) and cuddling with her bed!

We had some record setting temps in March-mid 80’s!! Just unbelievable!

We also had some sleet on March 30th!

Out my back door-note the daffodil buds! They have since bloomed and are beautiful!

That’s all sleet in the porch swing!

I just had to take this picture! That poor robin must have been so confused-record setting temps. the week before and now look what is on the ground. It made for some slick roads!

On 4/26, while I was out running errands, I got a call from DS for DGS#1’s “play” that night at 6:30. Got there just at 6:30 and there were only a car or 2 there! Call Ds, the kids had to be there 6:30-6:45, the program wasn’t till 7! Needless to say we had decent seats! It was their spring arts program and cute!

Light dusting of snow that morning!

Grandkids before the program began.

Waiting for the program to start.

She loves to “write”.

Coming in-their 1st song was “Fishers of Men” (he’s dressed as a fish).

He’s on the FAR right.

again on the right.

After the performances (karate, singing, liturgical dance, bells, recorders) there were refreshments in the gym. There were also art displays.

We had the kids overnight the next night as both parents were working. Took them to church with us. DGD kept fussing every time I mentioned going downstairs to nursery. Orangeguy mentioned keeping her with us. Talked to the girl who was in the nursery when she was there before-yes she cried for a couple of minutes then she was fine. So I headed out of the sanctuary with her crying loudly. She stopped as we got to the top of the stairs and was fine. The kids were at the house till 8 that evening when their folks picked them up.

Just so cute!

Playing with the dolly.

Playing trucks

Our Bible study is heading into the last “chapter” of Breaking Free. Have decided to do the Fruit of the Spirit study also by Beth Moore next. Books are ordered!

Been reading Forgotten God by Francis Chan. In the last chapter. In some ways, it would have been good to read with Breaking Free. I don’t see it impacting me like Crazy Love did but I think that might have something to do with having done Breaking Free and the work God had all ready done on me! God is good!

Blessings!

Karen

What Are You Reading?

2010-03-24T17:06:00.001-04:00

Last Sunday, my friend asked me to introduce myself to her mom (her dad was preaching at our Church). I ended up sitting next to her at Sunday School and when we finished I did introduce myself (God has brought me along way from the shy person I use to be!). One of the things she asked was what I am reading as her daughter told her I’m quite the reader. I am not the reader I was in my younger days-lack of focus. On Sunday, I was working on “Lord, I Want to Know You” by Kay Arthur.

from Amazon. I haven’t gotten very far but Kay Arthur has a true heart for God and I do like it.

I was also reading “Breaking Free” by Beth Moore

also from Amazon

The book is good but the workbook is AMAZING! It really gets you to dig into the material. It’s suppose to be a 10 week study…we started it a year ago last month (with 3 months off over the summer) and we are just approaching the last section. I really believe you need that time to get into and allow the Lord to work in your life. I am NOT the same person I was a year ago. I don’t know if we had done it in 10 weeks if I would have been open to the change or would I have been looking to get it done to move onto something else. I finished this book the other night. If you do it and not the workbook be sure to do the questions in the back!

Last night, I restarted “Forgotten God” by Francis Chan. I started it before then while DD#2 was home she started it and it went back to college with her. I just got it back on Sunday.

CBD

I read Crazy Love by the same author. It was amazing and really helped me to realize God’s love for me. This one is about the Holy Spirit. Am looking forward to what God is going to reveal to me in this book.

Last year I read, “So You Don’t Want To Go To Church Anymore” and “He Loves Me”same author. “He Loves Me” was again about God’s love for us. The 1st one was amazing. Yes, I still go to church but it made me more aware of the fact of our need to be a family and to be reaching out into the community. It’s written as fiction. I’m thinking what I got out of it and what the author intended are different. I feel that’s the work of the Holy Spirit working in me where God sees I need to change.

So, now, What are you reading?

Blessings,

Karen

A Give Away!

2010-03-23T16:47:00.001-04:00

Great give away at Green Fairy Quilts Blog. They are giving away a Happy Campers Jelly Roll!!

I gave you the link but don’t click on it as the fewer that enter, the better chance I have to win!

Oh, seeing I gave you the info and link, you might as well enter. IF you win, remember who to thank! :-)

Blessings!

Karen

Sure Felt like Spring!

2010-03-23T12:40:00.001-04:00

Last week was beautiful! We had days in the 50’s and 60’s with lots of sunshine!!!

This past Saturday, DS came over with 2 of our beautiful grandchildren!

It sure looked like Spring!

In the sandbox!

Smoothing out the ground.

He can reach the rings by himself now!

Do you think we have some wood?

Snowdrops and if you look really close you can see a jonquil/daffodil bud.

Riding with Poppa on the tractor, in the background you can see her brother riding with daddy on the motorcycle! At my house, this is spring!

Little green coming up in the flowerbed.

Sandbox time-they love it there!

Raking stones.

I got the back and side flower beds raked. Orangeguy took down the fencing around the front flowerbeds and shrubs (the deer & goats think the shrubs are their meal ticket during the winter). I didn’t get it raked as it was lunch time!

The kids stayed and took naps while their Dad ran an errand. He showed up just as they woke up.

We went to Callear’s BBQ Restaurant for pig roast with some friends. MMM-it was sooo good! It was a very busy place! Afterwards we went to Lowes for some odds and ends. I need a new dimmer in my dining room. I found one I liked but they didn’t have it in the color I needed.

Sunday was Church. We’ve been to Sunday School 2 weeks in a row! I had tore my sewing room apart looking for some fabric, which I did find so I worked on that in the afternoon.

Took a ride to see DD#2 at school as I needed her to sign some papers for her taxes. Went out for pizza-good and ice cream-delicious!

Yesterday was quilt group. EB got to come. She had been busy as her DH was taken to the ER a couple of weeks ago. He has found he isn’t as healthy as he thought. Has been home for over a week but was the first she left him. He is experiencing a complete change in lifestyle. She needed the break of coming to quilting.

Had some rain the past couple of days, the sun is trying to come out! Temps are in the 40’s. That weather last week was just a tease!

I have the blessing of Bible study tomorrow-one of the highlights of my week. Love those ladies!

Blessings!

Karen

What’s Up?

2010-03-23T12:09:00.001-04:00

Not much!

DD#2 spent a week in Miami with a group from her school for Habitat for Humanity. Since she was one of the coordinators, there was some stress involved but that’s part of being leadership. Had a great week, did dry walling and dug out for driveways. They flew back and she came on home to get some rest! Slept 12 1/2 hours that Sat. night! Went back to school Monday morning.

We had the grandkids Sunday evening while their parents went out for dinner.

Playing Legos. Yes, I know that DGD seems to never have pants on when I take her picture!

Building towers.

He was kind of carrying the baby around. His aunt and uncle have a baby….

We hadn’t seen DGS since Valentine’s weekend!

Our DD was there too but she wasn’t looking her best and I knew better than to get her in the picture!

We gave them baths, got them in their pjs, had a snack and read stories till their folks came back for them! Great fun!

What a blessing Grandchildren are! Make sure to take time to enjoy yours!

Blessings,

Karen

Spring-Here or Around the Corner?

2010-03-09T16:15:00.001-05:00

The snow is melting. The sun is shining! Can Spring be far behind?!

Our thermometer at noon today! This afternoon got even warmer as it went on.

My snowdrops yesterday.

They’ve opened up more today! I just love these little flowers!

Daffodils poking through the dirt.

These sure look like signs of spring. Here ya just never know! We could have 2 foot of snow in April or 80*. We are suppose to have rain this weekend so if the snow isn’t melted before, it will melt then.

Another sign of spring-taxes. Gathered my stuff this afternoon to go on Thursday. Someday I may be able to do them myself but with DD in college and numerous jobs, a mistake regarding taxes on DH’s-it’s just better to let someone else do it!

Tomorrow is Bible Study! I always look forward to getting together with the ladies and seeing what the Lord is doing!

What is going on in your life? Feel free to share!

Blessings!

Karen

A Great Give-away!

2010-03-08T16:40:00.001-05:00

V and Co. is having a great give-away-a jelly cake from Moda’s Rural Jardin line!! I think it’s a great prize. So don’t enter so I can win! :-)

Thanks!

Blessings,

Karen

Quilting and More

2010-03-08T16:02:00.001-05:00

Been doing some quilting! Hard to believe. It’s like my creative gene has kicked back in.

I can’t believe how much the RA dragged me down when I wasn’t on my meds! I just was a lump that could barely get around! It scared me as I was afraid I was getting depressed. Amazing what meds to for you!

Thursday I went to Walmart, ran into 8 different people! Some I chatted with twice! I was there probably an hour and a half! Got through the grocery store in no time in comparison! Had run into EB from quilting. She was going to be down to the church working on some things before a meeting at 3:30 and invite me to join her. Gave me good solid time to work on a binding.

Friday: Going to visit DD at college. Niece SE was one of the people I ran into at Walmart, invited her to go and she decided to! We stopped at the quilt store on the way. Asked her to show me what she liked. She saw a quilt she really liked –it was Orion’s Star by Eleanor Burns in black, white and bright pink!

The cool thing is I just bought this book a couple of weeks ago!! Such a God thing!

SE wants hers to be black, white and red. Then she saw some zebra print she loved! So I bought that as I wasn’t sure I would be able to find that again! I am making her a quilt as she is getting married this fall. This will be her wedding gift.

On down to have lunch with DD. She was surprised to see her cousin! We did tour the area a little then the college and back to her townhouse. Visited a while then headed on back. It was late afternoon by the time we got back here.

Saturday: The LQS was having their birthday sale-30% off fabric, notions and patterns. Met my sister at 9:30am then drove to the store. Not open yet so she finally got to open our gift to her. I made her a disappearing 9 patch with a pattern from the Moda Bake Shop (click on it will take you right to the pattern). I had an issue with the original pattern that I had printed off but I believe that she has corrected the problems. It does take 81charms not just 2 charm packs as it originally stated. By the way, it is a big table topper, it is a great size for a lap quilt. (I forgot to take any pictures of it!!!). We got waved into the shop before 10 as we weren’t the only ones sitting there. I was able to buy just about all the fabrics for the wedding quilt and at 30% off-you can’t beat that!

Afterward, Sister and I went for coffee. During the 2 1/2 hours we were together DGD#1 called, DS texted and DD#2 called! Other times I go DAYS without hearing from anyone! Came home DGD#2 was here with Poppa. Got everyone fed, played playdough and then naptime. She barely got up from her nap when her dad came and got her to take her home. We headed out for supper after calling Orangeguy’s sister and making arrangements to meet them. It was nice to get together with them with out the “folks” or kids!

Sunday was Church. Orangeguy decided to pass as he was still snotting alot. Worked on a baby quilt. Got the top together and the back pieced so I could layer it today at quilt group.

My friend, EB, from guilt group, her husband is in the hospital. She had been telling me he wasn’t feeling well but what she told me sounded more like gastric. Well, he finally decided he felt bad enough to see a dr. so Sat. morning they went to walk-in. He ended up in an ambulance and being admitted to CCU! They are doing tests today to see what is going on. Needless to say she wasn’t coming to quilt group!

So I planned on going early and getting things going. Which I did. I did get my quilt layered- I cheat as I spray baste with 505 spray. My friend, ST had brought a quilt she is making her 1st great-granddaughter (due this spring). She had brought some spray glue ( I think it was Elmer’s) and was going to use that. I think PK questioned her about it. When she said it is water-resistant, we had some real hesitation about using it, seeing it wouldn’t wash out esp. for a new baby. She ended up using my 505 as that washes right out. Have never had a problem with it. ST and I had lunch together and then came home. I also got their opinions regarding the red stars with the black and white log cabins in the Orion’s Star quilt.

blacks and the red for the star.

the whites and the red. (I just hope they are too busy! What do you think?)

Again the red with the fabrics that will probably be the borders (unless I change my mind!). Notice the zebra on the far left. If I find something else I like better that may be added later as I am going to another sale at the end of April.

this is the quilt I layered today. Leftovers from DGS#2’s quilt he got for Christmas.

close-up of the blocks. I hope she likes the toile. Both my DD#2 and niece SE like toile so I see it as kind of contemporary.

This is the quilt I was free motion quilting on last week. I have no idea what I was thinking with that yellow inner border! Right now it is keeping the back of our loveseat warm till I decide what to do with it. Have a another one that has a red gingham inner border and the yellow is the outer border. I like that one ALOT more-this one is just too busy!

Just so you know, we are having temps in the 40’s and SUNSHINE!!! The snow is slowly melting. The area in front of our mailbox is a Mud Hole! Orangeguy tried to put some gravel there this weekend but it just sunk in!! You just sink when you walk out to get the mail! I like the days I’m out as I just drive up to the mailbox! The joys of rural living! MUD!

Let me know what you think of the fabrics for the wedding quilt!

Blessings,

Karen

Life Happens

2010-03-03T15:56:00.001-05:00

Talk about blogging overload and then disappearing!

Orangeguy came home from work on Saturday and felt lousy. He spent the rest of the day on the couch. We didn’t even go out for supper as we do every Sat.! I knew he didn’t feel well. That evening he scared me when I was putting clothes away and he was taking some drugs before going to bed or so I thought. He was in on the bed…he just couldn’t be up any longer but couldn’t really tell me how he felt except he was done in. So I got him some meds and water. He got into bed. I decided against going to church as he wasn’t up yet and I really wasn’t sure how he was doing so didn’t want to leave him alone. Monday I did go to quilt group in the morning but he had a dr.’s appt. at 1:30. I knew he felt really bad when he had me drive him! I went in and did the paperwork then waited in the car (being on the RA medicine-it lowers my immunity and I really didn’t want to pick up any other bugs that might be in there.). He was out before 2PM! Dropped him off at home then headed to get his prescriptions. It was a 1hr. 15min wait!!! Which was good so I ran to the grocery store to pick up some odds and ends. Also got him some over the counter stuff. I picked up a chicken at the grocery store for supper as it was after 4:30 by the time I got home. He was home yesterday but decided to go in today. Must be he is feeling better than I thought as he hasn’t come home yet.

Not knowing what he was going to do today, I made arrangements to have Bible study elsewhere. Not to mention it feels like germ city in here! I just sprayed Lysol and opened the windows to air the place out!

On top of that, our internet wouldn’t connect from Sunday morning on. I finally called yesterday-we didn’t have any connectivity (not that I have a clue what that means). The tech/Phil tried a couple of things that didn’t change a thing. We set up a appt for the repair guys to come on Thursday but I ran down to the cable store and got a new box/modem (I didn’t know the box was the modem! See how computer savvy I am!). Brought it home. Had Orangeguy check all the connections upstairs and down in the basement before I went. New box didn’t work either. Then I remember Phil had asked about the router which isn’t from the cable co. I thought the cable went right to the computer but it doesn’t it goes to the router. Asked DH to try unhooking the router and hooking direct to the computer. He found a pinched wire between the router and computer. Unhooked that and we have service!!! yeah!

I finished quilting my latest project and am finishing the binding on that. Pictures will come.

I came out this morning to a world of white. It has continued to snow all day. It doesn’t really stay as it’s in the upper 30’s except on the snow that is all ready on the ground. Hopefully next time I will have pictures of my snowdrops. That are so ready to bloom! It was so neat to see where they pushed through the snow after the storm.

I keep reading on other blogs about them waiting for spring…here some years we get summer in April (like last year) other years spring doesn’t come till late May. I will say I felt like March came in like a lamb in this area. It was mild (30’s), and nothing was coming from the sky! We didn’t see the sun but that’s what this area is known for!

Hope you are having a good week! My is getting better all the time!

Blessings!

Karen

Some Thoughts

2010-02-27T11:19:00.001-05:00

I was working on my Bible study and this is what kept coming to mind. Emailed these thoughts to my Bible Study ladies and thought I would share it here too.

When I think of the heart,

I think of the real thing with chambers, ventricles, wrinkly with lots of places to hide those strong holds, and all those thing I want to hold close and keep control of. God wants me to keep my heart like a bowl. I know, sounds weird. I picture a mixing bowl,

you know the pottery kind that are kinda yellow with bands of blue on them. The BIG one. (I have a lot of stuff in there) It's smooth, with no crevices to hide anything. It's all open to God. The same with our brains-that is so full of wrinkles and good hiding places- it too needs to be a bowl. Nothing hidden from God-all out there in the open. Vulnerable-that's what we need to be before God so He can heal those broken places.

"He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted,
to proclaim freedom for the captives
and release from darkness for the prisoners." Isa. 61:1b NIV
Release from those strongholds!

Our verse this week:
"You will keep in perfect peace
him whose mind is steadfast,
because he trusts in You." Isa 26:3NIV

Our minds need to be on God's Word and not filled up with the trivial. Bringing our cares and concerns in light of His Word and before His Throne in prayer.

Ok, just felt I needed to share. Would love to know your thoughts too.

Blessings,

Karen

Loving taking pictures!

2010-02-26T16:12:00.001-05:00

For some reason, I just am loving taking pictures of the snow!

This morning, I did measure the snow on the deck.

14 1/2” Seeing yesterday it was a wet snow and packed down, drifting etc. probably not accurate but it’s enough.

On the left, this morning right after the sidewalk was snowblown by my father-in-love. On the right, this afternoon after I shoveled it to get the light layer of snow we had received off . Please note, the sun is shining!

Drift on garage roof-the other side is bare.

The front of the house. The pine trees are still loaded with snow. It has blown off the other trees from the wind during the night.

The deck from outside. Notice the drifting on the house roof. Orangeguy has a roof rake and will probably pull that off to prevent problems.

Blue sky-something we haven’t see a lot of this winter. Lots of gray days.

Our old Nina feeling young in the snow! (she only went through the deep snow 2x, otherwise she stayed to the path).

Left: the path to my in-laws. Right: Nina running full force on the path. She was having a ball just running back and forth on that path. I just had to be sure to stay out of the way!

Again through the deep snow. Pretty good for someone who will be 12 in April!

I’m done, let’s go in.

Ok, so I’ve been busy the past 2 days posting. Now I’ll probably go back to my old ways. Never know. I am feeling pretty good. The overall stiffness is gone. More energy too. (Not that I have a lot even on the best days! I am just a slow person!). I do have to admit that the RA drugs out now are real miracles when I think of how bad I felt and how much better I feel now. How stupid could I be to not take it? I just feel this is what is right for me at this time.

Blessings,

Karen

Another Snow Day!

2010-02-26T11:38:00.001-05:00

Yep, it’s snowing! This morning it’s been off and on but we can get up to another 4” I measured the deck and have 14” out there-don’t guarantee the accuracy. Anyway you look at it-it’s a LOT of snow!

I was taking pictures this morning as it had snowed quite a bit during the night and realized that there were snow piles in the driveway. Someone had come and plowed the driveway so my hubby could get out. I’m sure it was our son or someone he sent. Then Orangeguy had to walk through the 2’ drifts on the sidewalk to get to the garage! I knew there was too much snow on the sidewalk for me to shovel so figured I would just be a recluse today. My dear father-in-love just snowblowed the sidewalk and the path to their house and some in the driveway too. He came back down and got my piano stool and mug tree to check over and fix them for me! There are definite advantages to having a woodworker in the family. No he won’t refinish the stool for me-he’d rather build from scratch than refinish! I understand that, I don’t like to mend!!!

The deck from our sliding door 7:30am.

Notice the snow on the garage from the blowing. Also Orangeguy’s footprints.

Out the back door. Out the front window.

Hubby was in snow almost to his knees in the snow drifts. Our sidewalk is under there.

Can you see the snowflakes against the brown-snowing again!

Free motion quilting. I did loops in the center with stippling in the borders.

At least I got some quilting in!

Will update with more pics later from the snow.

Stay warm and safe!

Blessings,

Karen

Still Snowing!

2010-02-25T23:37:00.001-05:00

It’s after 11pm and it’s still snowing out.

These were taken about 2:30 this afternoon. The snow was wet. I had talked to my son (the truck driver) and he said it was making the roads slick. Out at my eldest daughter’s, they were getting rain with flood warnings. All the schools were closed here today. Youngest daughter’s college was closed too. The schools in PA are all ready closing for tomorrow too as supposedly we are to get heavy snow over night. We’ll see….

These pictures are out my sewing room window.

The snow makes it lighter out as it was 4 in the afternoon-no flash and I took these through the window.

The main road near our house was clear as were the local highways. Our road-not a major thoroughfare so remains snow covered. More so now tonight.

Love these. Given to me by my sister! (just in case I forget my name!)

Taken at 3:45pm. Can you see the snow piles where Orangeguy has plowed? Where he works closed so he came home early and did some plowing, put wood down cellar etc. He’s come down with a cold and his runny nose makes him crazy!

Just took these about 10 min. ago. The snow just keeps on coming. Is a little breezy out and they are warning for blowing snow as it is suppose to get windier.

This was this afternoon. I wanted to try some free motion quilting. I finished it this evening. It will look ok once it’s washed. Not the best but I haven’t free motioned in a while. I have a BSR, I go too fast and it keeps beeping at me!! I went too fast when we did the retreat and sewed with the long arm too. I will say I really did enjoy doing it. Wasn’t thrilled with this quilt anyways-not enough contrast with the inner border and the rest of the quilt. Did one with that border as a red gingham and it looks cute. I will bind and wash it then decide what to do with it. Probably a charity quilt. Hadn’t sewed much lately and discovered tonight that my room is dark at night. Grabbed my daylight desk light from our daughter’s room and that helped immensely!

Need to go to bed as I’m sure the dog will have me up so she can go out during the night and I need all the beauty sleep I can get!

Karen

It’s Snowing!

2010-02-25T08:32:00.001-05:00

I just can’t believe it! It really is snowing. They are saying that we’ll get 10-15”! We’ve had forecasts before and been disappointed and have missed the big storms that have gone up the coast. I think Patty at Morning Ramble in north Texas has had more snow than we have!

These pictures are from 7:30 this morning.

These are on our deck.

They are all looking out our sliding glass doors as I am still in my pjs!

They are saying we are at risk for power outages as it is a heavy wet snow so need to go put up some more water for drinking and the bathroom. Then after I shower and do some odds and ends, I am heading for the sewing room.

What’s your day looking like?

Karen

Some Quilts

2010-02-23T11:50:00.001-05:00

Really, I should change the name of my blog as I don’t have near enough about quilting on it to justify the name.

I just stopped in to quilt group yesterday. I woke up with a sinus headache. I can’t hardly see straight when I get one. I have been loving sitting on the piano stool down there and kept threatening to steal it. Yesterday, PK had left and came back in as I was leaving, she had a piano stool I could have!! It’s been stripped as she was going to refinish it but it’s in great shape. Am going to have my FIL check it for me and there is a crack in the seat but most of the ones I saw on ebay had that same crack!.

Took this off the internet-this one is in pristine condition. I love that you can make the seat higher. Now I can sit and cut (I tend to lock my knees when I stand & cut so then I can’t do it for very long.). Also thought the grands would like to sit on it at the table as the older ones don’t like sitting in booster seats anymore.

I took some pictures of some finished quilts last week at quilt group.

Quilts waiting to be wrapped. 2 quilts that were cut from 1 large one.

2 purple quilts that the original fabric came from my sister. The front one was given to a lady from my church who is having a hip replacement today and is 98 years old!

Baby quilt-flannel backed.

guy guilt. and the last of the bubble gum quilt-4 laps from 1 big PINK top.

7 quilts ready to be given to someone who needs a hug from God.

Karen

Weekend with the Other Grands!

2010-02-23T11:26:00.001-05:00

Friday, we left bright and early for our oldest daughter’s to spend the weekend with her and the kids. DSIL was going to be gone to Winter Retreat with his high school kids and her birthday was on Thursday! Got there before lunch so the guys could go to their hot dog place. Both kids were coughing and runny noses but then it’s that time of year. I had both of them while DD went over and helped with sign-in for the kids and Orangeguy went and washed the car. I can not tell you how many books that DGD and I read-PILES!! I felt bad that I’m not much help to DD except to help with the kids some. DH would carry DGS (8 months) up and down stairs for me. Of course, whenever DGS woke up from a nap, stay out of the way as Poppa is getting him! Saturday we hit the outlets as I wanted to get some new Reeboks as I am on my last pair from the last time my sister and I went to Lancaster (I bought 3 pairs!). DD picked up a few things. Around noon, it was getting busy so we left (after we found the car!). Stopped at a couple of consignment shops as she is looking for a mid-size stroller as theirs as bit the dust. Also got lunch at a new place that we took home. Orangeguy had been busy picking up branches, checking DSIL’s chainsaw etc. He likes to be busy! He did take DGD out to ride her bike, hike in the woods and just enjoy each other. Late afternoon, DGD complained of her ear hurting so DD ran to get some earache medicine, gone less than a 1/2 hour. DGD fell asleep on my lap. I evidently disturbed her and she just melted into a pile of whining. Could not soothe her at all. Thankfully DD got back and was able to talk to her and get some medicine in her. Before she left, DGD had a sl. fever, 99.7. In that short time, it spiked! Don’t know how high but she definitely had a good fever. After that she seemed fine, though complained of her “noise” in her ears. After supper, we had a tea party with water and chocolate chip cookies! She was so cute. She had to drink ALL the water in the little tea pot! Then gave her a quick bath and to her mother’s dismay, I told her if she took a quick bath she could watch a show! Which she did enjoy! She slept till 11:30pm when she woke up a mess again till DD got some Motrin in her and she slept till 6:30. DD thought she’d take her to the dr. and I suggested having DGS checked too as he was still coughing and snotty-just to be safe. Orangeguy went with her though he didn’t go into the office-did I tell you he’s a germ-a-phobic? When they got back, DD ran for the prescription. DGD has a double ear infection and a throat infection! DGS has a cold. We had lunch then left.

Stopped in to our nephew’s reception. He got married last month in Vegas so they were having an “open house” to celebrate. Everyone was basically gone by the time we got there. Have a cute house. It was so neat to see them together as he just glows he is so happy. They are expecting their 1st child in July. He glows enough for both of them!

Came home. Another nephew and wife stopped by later to chat and so Orangeguy could show him some of his toys (chainsaw etc.).

Here’s some pictures of the weekend.

having a bath!

us & the grands!

snacking together.

helping Poppa

so thrilled to have the remote!

He’s so happy!

not feeling the best, laying watching the race with Poppa (he’s on the other couch).

our tea party

ice along the road, probably won’t thaw completely till May. Look how thick it is!

The time always goes by too fast! Treasure the memories we make when we are together.

Karen

Comedy of Errors!

2010-02-23T10:40:00.001-05:00

I went to the dr. on 5th of Feb. I spent the next 1 1/2 weeks trying to get my medicines! WOW! I won’t go into all that was wrong but between the dr.’s office, the specialty pharmacy and myself-it was just a bunch of little things that took awhile to get straighten out! Then last Wednesday, I got my “regular” medication in the mail- 3 months worth, yeah! Then the UPS guy, brought me my Enbrel! Have to sign for it or they won’t insure it and then if something happens you are out your medication! It only costs $1400-$1600/ month! OUCH! I wanted it as we were leaving for our eldest daughter’s on Friday. I wasn’t feeling the best-my lt. knee was painful/really it burns. Doing better. Wasn’t as good as I would have liked for while we were out there but I managed the best I could. Glad to be back on the medication and look forward to feeling better!

Karen

Valentine’s Day Weekend

2010-02-23T09:48:00.001-05:00

Whew!

We had DGD#2 here Friday evening. Then Saturday morning, DD#2 went over and got both the local grandkids. Then she fixed them breakfast, once they got home. They were here all day. DGD took a nap but not DGS! There was talk of them spending the night. DD offered to stay with them so we could go out to dinner, as long as we brought back dinner for her! Which of course we did. We did get to keep them over night so when I got home they got quick baths, I made a bed on the floor in our room for DGD and DGS slept with DD. I did not sleep well. Went to be shortly after 10pm knowing that DGD is an early riser, didn’t get to sleep till after 11:30! Then at midnight the dog needed to go out. Felt like I just got to sleep when I woke up, DGD was awake. She laid there for awhile then she jumped up and headed for the door! Grabbed her and got her a drink. Back to bed. She was awake for awhile and so was I. The dog wanted to go out again at 6am…back to bed again! DGD didn’t wake up till close to 7:30 and DGS was all ready up with DD. Orangeguy got up with her. I laid in bed for awhile. Was going to skip Church, as afraid I’d fall asleep during the sermon! DD thought we should go so we did. I made it through the service and Pastor did a great job thought he was sick. He had celebrated a birthday on Friday so had to bust on him about getting older the immune system goes! He appreciated that. Came home and got the kids in for nap. DD went over to help DDIL at the restaurant as they had 40 coming at 1pm!!! DGD had some problems settling down and got caught sneaking into my sewing room!!! Not a safe place for a 2 year old! Finally went in and read the Sunday paper and she went right to sleep. DS came and got them around 3:30. DD got home a little after 5 as things had slowed down at the restaurant. They are not normally open on Sundays-just a Valentine’s thing. Now they are thinking they will do other holidays since it was such a success!

DD was trying to get her presentation together for Monday in the midst of all this. Where she interned for 6 weeks, they require a 30 minute presentation. It’s done during lunch and they really like bake goods. She made chocolate chip cookies on Saturday with DGS. On Sunday, I made sugar cookies, heart shaped which she iced that night with pink cream cheese frosting-MMMM! On top of that she wasn’t feeling the best. She came home Monday and crashed on the couch, throat, ears full, coughing, nose blowing, fever. Needless to say, she went to walk-in the next morning and got antibiotic. She improved dramatically after that.

Here are some pictures from Sunday morning. DGD was just waking up and had some company in her bed.

Note the “crazy” hair! It is just so curly. You have to use “no more tangles” spray on it so be able to get a comb or brush through it! It’s a deep red color as you can see. It was the most time she has ever been here!

Karen