1-31-2011 Calm before the Storm

It is eerily calm on the main drag of downtown- usually a lot more traffic. Is this the calm before the storm we are expecting? Hard to believe that we may see a quarter inch of ice and then snow in a few short hours. Time to hunker down.

1-30-2011 I Finished my Quilt!

What a thrill! I started this project after learning something new with my sister over New Years. It is a quilt as you go-which in fact makes it a "reversible quilt". I used only the scraps I had on hand (thanks to my amazing aunts and our quilting sessions). I even got in the shot this time. Now I am dreaming of the next one to make. hehe

1-29-2011 Paper planes

Taylor's science fair project -- all weekend. Paper planes and their designs. Flight tests...plane designs...charting and theories. Yuck! I'd rather be quilting lol:)

1-28-2011 My Mom the Quilter

This is a picture of my mom with a quilt she gave me a few years ago. How I wish I could turn back the clock.

My mind is obsessed with quilts lately. As I am finishing up my 4th one, I can't help but think how happy my mom would have been to see me enjoying this hobby. She quilted and gave everyone of us a quilt- 6 kids and many many grandkids. She gave quilts away to charities and enjoyed quilting with her three sisters. She loved to show off her latest work and her eyes would shine with excitement when she talked about her next project. I understand that excitement. I find myself doing the same thing.

I was just learning how to quilt when my mom died so I didn't really get to share the passion.
However, I feel somehow, she knows and she is smiling down at the third generation of "quilters."

1-27-2011 Grandma's Quilt

This is my favorite quilt. I received it from my Grandma C. in 2000 and I used it all the time. It was the first blanket my kids grabbed when we would snuggle and I enjoyed it's comfort many a nights on my bed. Now it is worn thin and shows in wear. I decided to retire my old red quilt so I can hang on to it's loveliness for a long time to come.

Since I have started quilting, I realize the true love behind one of these quilts. Parts of me are sad that I used it so much and feel bad that it is so brittle. But then I think, that Grandma would have been glad that I didn't stick it in a closet somewhere to "preserve it". She would have been glad that it gave me so much warmth and comfort.

I should say my red quilt is Semi-retired because I still use it on days when I can use a little cheer. The small detailed hand stitching hypnotizes me and I wonder about her thoughts and prayers as she worked to make her quilts. I day dream when I work on my quilts too. I wonder who will stay warm and who will find comfort under my heart's work?

1-26-11 Honoring Grandma S.

Honoring My Grandma who would have been 96 today. Spunky, full of life and raring to go until just a few short months ago. I didn't know her as well as I would have liked-that's the bad part about divorce in a family. But I have childhood memories and many cousins to start new relationships with.

1-25-11 Quilting Hands

My Aunt "Skinny's" loving hand as she teaches me her skillful trade. I am so thankful that my (3) aunts have taken me in to teach and guide me in quilt making. More importantly, I cherish the stories they share about my mom and their own childhoods. We are creating way more than quilts when we are together.

1-24-11 Freaky Ice

I had to laugh when I went for coffee this morning at work. I turned the corner and saw this freaky blob of ice growing big on the branch of a young tree. A few weeks ago, my friend Lisa posted awesome pictures of ice sculptures --beautifully hand carved and crafted with precision.
When I saw this, I immediately giggled and thought- "Ice Sculpture- gotta take a pic!"

1-23-11 Brrrr....

That's all I have to say.

1-22-11 Suckers for Breakfast

Dexter found my stash of suckers. Those big blue eyes and I am convinced- Sure-suckers for breakfast- just don't tell mommy---

But look how cozy he is with his elephant and cruising Nick Jr. on Grandmas's laptop

1-21-11 Pajama Party

Guess who's spending the night at Grammy's?

1-20-11 Square 42

Square 42. I think this is the last square I need for my latest quilt. If I am lucky, I'll get to work on it this weekend:) God Willing.

1-19-11 One Guess

This is the first thing I did tonight when I got home from work. One Guess?

1-18-11 Timeless

I was listening to the radio in between appointments and I was reminded of how much God loves us. He does not love us any more when we do "good"- because he does not love us less when we do wrong. He loves us Completely. His love is unique and beyond understanding. His Love is Timeless.

1-17-11 Some Day

I have this cool window frame and a little metal container with flowers that I intend to hang on my bedroom wall--some day. Problem is, I have lived here nearly 2 years and I have yet to hang it. There are so many things I intend to do-- "some day". It frustrates me and scares me all at the same time. Life is so short-what if "some day" never comes? Am I prepared for that? Will I look over my life and wish that I had all those "some days" back? Everyone has 24 hours a day and how we spend those moments is up to us. I decided that today- I am going to hugs my kids and write that letter I've been meaning to write and hang this frame.

1-16-11 Hero to the Rescue

Everyone needs a hero to the rescue. Dexter loves to play power rangers -The red one is the BEST!

1-15-11 Legos

It's been such a long time since Dexter's been here. The boys are playing Legos and I can hear them chatting back and forth. I love these kind of Saturdays!

1-14-11 When You Need a Hand

After small family group tonight, I asked everyone to put their hands together. They are such good sports! The thought behind this picture is what I thought about all day.

When I was thinking about what picture I could take to depict today- this time together came to mind. All of these hands are loving and encouraging. How lucky am I? Thank You Lord for giving me support and dear dear people in my life.

1-13-11 Kiss Me

I know this is a weird picture but it is what I get to see on the days I pick Taylor up after school. Since he has started 6th grade- kissing him in public is a no no-- but he will let me kiss him on the top of his head haha. So he gets in the car and I have my camera aimed ready to fire. Let me kiss your head I said and he humored me:) Love my guy!

1-12-11 A Sweet Surprise

What a sweet surprise to see this pretty bloom on my Thanksgiving cactus. I am always amazed at how nature continues to renew and refresh itself. I am home sick today and need to be quiet in order to bloom again.

1-11-11 Silent Wonder

I love early morning snowfalls. So calm and serene. I know it can be a headache for some, with travel and school. But if we can just take a moment to see the beauty of it all, we may see a glimpse of His Wonder and Love.

1-10-11 A Snow Day Wish

We are expecting snow. I have to laugh when I think about the day Taylor came home from school when he was in the second or third grade. "We have to put an ice cube in the toilet, put a spoon under our pillow and wear our PJ's backwards and we will have a snow day tomorrow!" Then he proceeded to get busy with his tasks at hand. I don't remember if we had a snow day but I'm all for wishful thinking. So... I have the ice, spoon and jammies all ready for tonight!

1-9-11 Sing Praise

I visited Mallory's church this morning. I know how much it meant to her that I shared her new church home. I am so thankful that she has found a place that she loves and can attend weekly. What a difference in the past few years. God brings all things to good. Sing Praise!

1-8-11 Snow Sew day

Cold Snowy day - good day to sew and praise God.

1-7-11 Strength

I have this pile of folders at WORK on my desk-- all the projects coming up between now and May 3rd. After back to back meetings all day, I was feeling a little overwhelmed. Then I saw the book I keep on my desk. I was reminded that I do not have to do this alone.

God is my source of inner peace.
God is my source of wisdom.
God is my source of strength.
Amen

1-6-11 Memphis

O-H-I-O That's how Memphis says it! Little guy turned 3 today.

1-5-11 Study night

Taylor is hard at work doing homework. He is enjoying 6th grade and has stepped up to the challenge of being " more grown up." That is music to this mother's ears.

1-4-11 More Coffee Please

Needed lots of this stuff today!

1-3-11 Back to Work

After 2 weeks of fun, it was tough to get back to the grind. But by mid morning and a few cups of coffee, I was making progress. Welcome 2011 and a whole slew of new projects!

1-2-11 A New Beginning

Taylor received a new Bible today at church. He was excited and I was just so thrilled to see him accept it. He was baptized on Nov. 28, 2010 and is eager to follow the Lord.