Friday, December 25, 2009

Christmas 2009





The long awaited day has come and is almost over. What a wonderful day we have had! Everyone made it here safely, the food ended up being good, and we all got wonderful gifts.

My girls were thrilled with their quilts and the little ones with their "snuggies". There is a story that goes with the "snuggies". My youngest granddaughter wanted a zebra snuggie so bad, but they don't make them in kids' versions, the zebra ones that is. So grandma thought she would be clever and make her one. Could I find a pattern online that made sense? No. Could I find a pattern in one of the catalogs? No. So, I made a double layer fleece blanket that we have to call a snuggie. At first I couldn't find the zebra fleece in any of the stores. I finally found it online but wasn't sure it would come in time. It did come though and I got the "snuggie" made in time and she loves it! Contained in this post are photos of all the children with their blankets. Little grandson liked his "roads" snuggie. Especially when he found the wide satin ribbon loop I attached on the back for him. The moment I showed it to him he started rubbing it and the other thumb went right in the mouth. So cute!

I got everything I wanted for Christmas. My family home, loving each other and peace reigning in my home, (now that little grandson is in bed, tee hee). I hope everyone had a wonderful holiday!

As a final note, youngest granddaughter just said "my snuggie doesn't have SLEEVES". So much for little kids not being aware of things.

TTFN
Ginny

Tuesday, December 15, 2009

Don't Faint





Don't faint! But, I have completed both quilts! They are far from perfect; the bindings are not the best, but they are completed. This has to be a first for me. Finished and on time. I think I am going to faint. Now I can hardly wait for Christmas!

I still have to sew two fleece blankets for the babies but that I should be able to do in a day or so. And they will be sewn instead of tied. I can just see the little guy untying them just for fun.

This past weekend I went to Chicago to babysit the littlest ones. My DD and her hubby went to the Bears/Packers game. DD is, of course, a Packers fan and had to sit in the middle of a group of Bears season ticket holders. They had a great time and I really enjoyed watching the babes.

I will post photos of the quilts here and then I am going to sign off until after Christmas. I hope everyone has a happy, healthy holiday season.

TTFN,
Ginny

Thursday, December 10, 2009

Getting There

So, I actually finished the purple quilt! The binding was a little harder than I expected and I'm just a little nervous about binding the second one. Procrastinating royally is more like it. I really need to get going so I can finish in time. But, I have until Christmas evening, so....! LOL I am waiting for an order of fleece to come in so I can do a blanket for youngest granddaughter's gift. Of all things she wants a zebra snuggie! It was impossible to find the zebra fleece locally so I had to order online. Sure hope it gets here in time!

Mom had the surgery a week ago to remove the hardware from her elbow. She is doing well and I take her in tomorrow to get the staples out. She is using the arm very well and we hope she'll be able to finally put the accident behind her.

I had the most wonderful chat with DH tonight. He told me that he thought I was "gorgeous" when he met me. If he weren't sick with a cold I would kiss him to pieces. I love that he felt that way as I have always thought of myself as plain.

Okay, enough smarmy stuff. Don't have much else to say except goodnite!

TTFN,
Ginny

Friday, November 20, 2009

Cheating

So, okay, I cheated a little on the quilts. I have taken them to a shop to be machine quilted. It was really intimidating at the thought of trying to put it all through my short arm machine. This way, I at least know they will be done in time for Christmas. Somehow I erased the last photos of Emma's quilt. Darn it! Oh, well, when I get it back from the shop I will take more.

We're all doing well. Mom continues to improve. We took a trip to the mall yesterday and walked from one end to the other and back. She did remarkably well! We even got a little shopping done.

Tomorrow she and I are going down to DS the elder's home for my granddaughter's birthday party. She is 7 today and getting so grownup. I can't wait to see everyone. All my children and grandchildren will be there and we'll be together again on Christmas Day. Love it!

Guess that's all I have to say. It's been almost a month so I thought I had better check in. Have a wonderful Thanksgiving!

TTFN,
Ginny

Saturday, October 24, 2009

Moving Along

I am almost finished with the next quilt top! Unreal...me? I want to post a photo of the next quilt, but I am waiting until I have added the borders. I hope my middle granddaughter likes it. She declared herself a tomboy and the quilt has a blue and yellow floral fabric as the main fabric and inspiration. Blue and yellow are one of my favorite color combinations. Cool, sunny, serene...all at the same time. There is also quite a bit of white.

Life continues to improve on a steady basis. Mom is feeling better and stronger now. Her strength is still weak on the left wrist but the elbow is flexing good as new.

The children and their families are well. We are about to celebrate my middle granddaughter's 7th birthday. They are growing up so fast!

Our holidays are shaping up to be fairly quiet this year. And for the first time, I am okay with that. I think I am finally over the empty nest thing...my youngest is only almost 30. Took long enough.

Okay, until I have the new quilt ready for photos I am signing off.

TTFN,
Ginny

Thursday, October 8, 2009

I DID it!



Here of photos of the quilt top. I finished it tonight! I am so happy I'm dancing on air. Can you tell things are going well? No more chatter, I just wanted to say hi and get these photos up because for once in my life I am actually finishing a project.

Tuesday, September 22, 2009

New Project


On to a new project! I am actually sewing a quilt for one of the granddaughters. I wasn't sure about all this when I started, but I am having fun! How can is it possible that I can cut crooked strips when using a grid ruler and rotary cutter. Even my best strips seem to be off. But, when I sewed them together I actually got a cohesive looking result. Photos will be posted.

Everything is going well here. My mom got her cast off yesterday and is a little disappointed that it still hurts when she moves her wrist. I keep telling her that it takes a long time to recover from injuries as serious as hers, but she's impatient. We found out they didn't perform surgery on her wrist because of all the skin missing on her hand. It would have increased her risk for a serious infection. As it is, even after 7 weeks there is still a large scab on her hand it isn't ready to come off yet.

Going to spend time with my older granddaughters this weekend. Their parents are going to a wedding so we get to spend a whole day together. Can't wait!

Okay, photos and then I am off.

TTFN
Ginny

Friday, September 11, 2009

Creating Again!



So, I have been making cards again. Not great cards, but making them anyway. Attached are a couple of photos. For everyone's information, all supplies are Stampin Up!

Things continue to get better and better. Mom is feeling better, I am feeling wonderful! My car has been under the weather but has now been fixed; so I am all set to babysit in Chicago this weekend. Woohoo!

I am going to post my cards here and then I am done for tonight.

TTFN
Ginny

Wednesday, September 9, 2009

Finshed!





I am done with all the sewing for the craft room!!!! I can hardly believe it. The valances, the sewing machine cover, the cushion and pillow covers. The pillow cover is made using Stampin Up ribbon and buttons. Who knew SU supplies were so versatile?It was an interesting journey, but a fun one! So, until I get a quilt made there will no more photos of the craft room. My next sewing project is a quilt for my oldest granddaughter. Wish me luck as I am horrible at cutting straight strips. LOL

Okay, I think that is enough for now!

TTFN
Ginny

Saturday, August 29, 2009

Working On It!



Rats, I just wrote an entire post and hit a wrong button. Poof, it was gone. So here goes again!

I have indeed been working in my craft room. The piecing for the front of the sewing machine cover is done and now I have to put the rest of it together. I have also been making cards for a great-niece and great-nephew's birthday party today. They aren't fancy cards, but I like them anyway. I will post them with this entry. Let me know what you think, okay?

My poor mom. In addition to being broken and battered, she developed a horrible sinus infection and can't hear worth beans. If anyone were to listen in on our converstions, they would think we're angry all the time. Sometimes she and I just look at each other and go "hanh?" for giggles. But I know it is very frustrating for her. On Monday she gets her cast reduced from a full arm length to a wrist/forearm one. I know she is looking forward to that!

All the grands will be here later this morning. They are coming to the birthday party. I love it!!!

Okay, 'nough said for now.
TTFN
Ginny

Thursday, August 20, 2009

Update on Mom



Mom is doing better! She's getting around much better and is no longer swelling so much. They put a full cast on her yesterday so it has stabilized everything so she feels a little more secure. Posted here is a photo I took after we came back from see the orthopedic surgeon. She looks much more comfortable now!

I am still enjoying the craft room and have even started working on the sewing projects for decorating it. Several hours have been spent over the last few days on making "prairie points". They are the decoration on the machine cover etc. and involve cutting 3" squares and folding twice to get smaller triangles. I have over 70 of them ready to go. My plans are to make the sewing machine cover, an organizer, pillow cover for the chair and valances for the windows and all will have the "points" on them.

On Monday of this week DD and her two littles ones arrived for a very short visit. Whew! If only we find a way to bottle the energy of toddlers so we could dose ourselves with it, someone would be a gazillionaire. LOL! Also posted here is a photo of the babes with their beautiful mom spending some time together. Little granddaughter stayed with me while her mom went to get her hair done, (she took the little man with her...thank goodness). She was pretending to use my PC while I was working on my "points". I was using the iron on the burst of steam setting with my back to her. As I let loose a burst of the steam she politely said, "Excuse you, Grandma! At first I didn't understand why she was excusing me; then it hit me that she thought the steam was me sneezing. What a character she is! I had to show her the steam before she would believe that it wasn't me.

TTFN
Ginny

Sunday, August 9, 2009

Mom

Mom is home from the hospital but she is having a rough time. I feel so bad for her. She hurts and her breathing is not what it was. They sent her home on oxygen for a while, but I can't see that it is helping as much as it should. Her left hand has almost no skin left on the top and it has started swelling again. It worries me so much. She sounds like she is giving up. Ever wish you could turn back the hands of time? Me, too!

Wednesday, August 5, 2009

Bad News!






I was on my way home from my daughters home on Sunday when I received a call from my husband. My Mom had been badly injured in a fall while they were trying to reach a favorite fishing spot of my husbands. Things got pretty wild as it took the police, emts and fire dept to get her safely up the slope. She is bruised everywhere plus she is in surgery at the moment for repair of her crushed elbow and thumb. Poor Mom, she is trying to keep her spirits up, but absolutely hates being in the hospital.

On a happier note, my visit with DD was wonderful. We spent part of Saturday at the Chicago Botanical Gardens. It was SO beautiful! I also enjoyed spending time with DD's MIL. Everywhere you turned was a new view full of color and harmony. I loved all the beautiful flowers and watching the grandbabies running so fast. Too fast almost. Danny was hard to keep up with. Ashley kept saying, "Take my picture, Grandma!" and of course, I obliged. I couldn't get Danny to stand still long enough to get good individual photos of him.

After the Gardens we went to lunch at another Garden (Olive Garden). Ashley and Danny picked the olives out of their salad and put them on their fingers to wave at us. While I was sitting there, Ashley reached out, grabbed my hand, and put it next to her cheek. "I'm loving you Grandma! Take a picture!" So, I took a left handed/one handed photo with great difficulty. Turned out so cute!

Sure do wish we would hear something about Mom. This waiting is hard.

TTFN
Ginny

Wednesday, July 29, 2009

Final Photos of Craftroom





I took some last (maybe) photos of the craftroom. It is so nice to have everything right there when I am ready to make something. I can't believe that I have filled as many boxes of things to out as I have unpacked and put away. There is still stuff in the garage, but I am actually thinking I have almost everything I NEED as opposed to want. It has given me a sense of freedom!

I get to spend a few nights in Chicago this week. My daughter asked me to babysit on Friday night. I can't wait to spend time with her and her little ones. They are growing so fast!

Another decision that I have made to get back into serious photography. As a hobby, of course, but still important to me. I even used to enter my photos in the local fair. That might be fun to do once again.

Thanks for reading!
TTFN
Ginny

Saturday, July 25, 2009

Wonderful Week!






This past week was our annual week-long visit from our two oldest granddaughters. What a wonderful week it was. We did most of the things we had planned and some we didn't. Went to tea at a lovely little tea shop, shopping (of course), a Big Cat Rescue center, a trip to the Midcontinent Railway Museum for a ride on the train, more shopping, lunch at Sonic, made several neat crafts and they baked cookies with their great-grandma (very memorable experience for all concerned). What do two little girls with $10 each buy at Toys R Us? Well, that was a hard decision until we reached the stuffed animal section. Older granddaughter decided on an adorable Husky dog and younger on a bright blue snake. A big, bright, blue snake! The visit ended with a second cousin who lives down the road from us spending the night. Do you know how silly three little girls can get when they get together? Very, very silly. I am going to miss those two so much!

DH even went with us on our cat and train adventure on Thursday. The girls were so pleased by that. They especially loved the big cats. Unfortunately, we were there during nap time for the cats. Only a couple of them were moving at all. There was a baby white tiger that was sooooo cute! All of us wished we could play with it and it obviously wanted us to. It was the last cat we saw and it yowled really loudly when we left to go to the car. Poor baby!

The craft room is still coming along. DS and DH moved more boxes of stuff for me to go through. I am working on sorting my stamp set right now and how I am going to store them. I am using baskets right now that I hope will fit into one of the white cabinets. The holiday sets will probably be stored in a less accessible location, like on a top shelf. I love having all my inks, markers, pencils, etc. right out where I can see them. I have two file drawers with my SU paper sorted alphabetically. My goal is to fill all the folders if possible so I can work with any color whenever I want. Some people have said that they think SU is too expensive. Well, I disagree! I have found SU products to be of the highest quality and I love their papers and inks.

Last Sunday we went to Herm's sister Lucy's father-in-law's funeral. We will all miss Frank Dunn. He was such a nice man and wrote the most wonderful Christmas newsletters. I looked forward to our exchanges each winter. I didn't get to see much of Frank and Cathy over the years, but I felt as if I know them anyway, They raised a wonderful family and we are proud to have their oldest son, Michael, as a part of our family. God speed, Frank!

I am dying to see the new Harry Potter movie. No one wants to go with me, though. I just may go on my own. Harry Potter movies are so much better on the big screen! I especially love watching Quidditch on the big screen. Anyone want to go along?

TTFN,
Ginny

Thursday, July 16, 2009

I Finally Made a Card!


I am so excited! The card posted here is the best I have ever done without copying someone else. All products are Stampin' Up except the ribbon which is from Michael's. Let me know what you think, okay? The new craft room has had a wonderful effect on me! I am also posting a photo of the fabrics to be used in the craft room for various items; a sewing machine cover, a sewing machine apron, a cushion cover and pillow cover for the chair. Can't wait to sew!!

Tomorrow my two older granddaughters come for their weekly summer visit. I am looking forward to this so much. There are things to do, places to go and people to see. And it is all more fun when the girls are here. The list of possiblities are endless; the zoo, shopping, an amusement park, Circus World Museum in Baraboo, Chuckee Cheese, going out for tea at a shop, making cookies, etc. We even have craft to do when they get bored. And food, OMG, I spent a fortune at the grocery store today. But I really wanted to have food on hand that they enjoy.

Well, I had better go. I need to be well rested when the darlings arrive. I love them SO much!

TTFN,
Ginny

Tuesday, July 14, 2009

Where Am I?






I'm still here, just busier than I was when I started this blog.

I had a couple of invasive tests in the last week and I am sick of them. Don't think they'll find anything, but they couldn't complete the first one so I had to have a different one only 7 days later. I will stop with saying both involved nasty preps and awful procedures. Glad that is over with.

Update on the craftroom! It is nearly finished. Well, all the work is done and I am slowly moving back the things I am going to keep. I made my first project tonight in the revamped room; a card of thanks to my loving DH for all the work he has done to get the room done. It is amazing to have a place for everything and only have the things you will use. I was actually able to leave the room in the same condition as when I went in there. I like it!!!!!!!!

We had a terrific July 4th with our entire family, minus only our DSIL who had to work. The day was perfect, the food was tasty although basic, cookout fare. We had hot dogs, hamburgers, potato salad, pasta salad, chips, etc. At the end of the day my youngest DS set off the fireworks that he and DD each had brought. Pretty impressive for a private celebration!

At the beginning of the post are a couple of photos from the 5th and of the craft room makeover.

TTFN,
Ginny

Thursday, June 18, 2009

Quick Update

My mom had her last cataract surgery today and things went really well! Yea! She can't even use her old glasses anymore...she sees better without them. Woohoo!

DH took me up to our "new" hunting cabin on our upper farm. Very interesting! The guys were given an old mobile home and they pulled it up on top of the hill. We sat there for an hour or so and saw two deer! With some work it could be a nice little get-away spot. They found DD's old futon and stuck that up there for a sofa/bed. They also pulled my in-laws old table, complete with two benches and two chairs and stuck them in the kitchen. A generator was moved up there, along with a barrel on the roof for water. Interesting!

Still scraping paint in the craft room and DH is still working on the electric. I really need more outlets up there. Let's see, there is the sewing machine, two undershelf lights, a light box, an embossing gun and all the computer gear. Currently there just aren't enough outlets to go around and I am tired of the inadequate extension cord.

I am getting excited to have the older granddaughters here next month. I have already been working on some fun things for us do. I think I will put together some kind of puzzle/activity packets for times when they may get bored. If anyone has ideas for ways to entertain them I would be more than happy to hear them.

Oh great! We are under a tornado watch now. That means not a lot of sleep until it is over. I don't feel comfortable if the whole house is sleeping. Who will know if we are in danger? So...I stay up. I hope it doesn't last too long!

Okay, I'm done rambling for the night!
TTFN
Ginny

Saturday, June 13, 2009

He Rocks!

Okay, I may complain about my DH sometimes, but he really, REALLY rocks! While I was gone for the four days to Texas, he did the most amazing thing. He emptied out my crazy craft room!!! I have totally unable to get started there and he gave me this wonderful gift. Honey, I take back every bad thing I have ever thought about you, really! Love you! Now I have to get the walls ready for painting so we can paint and put in the new flooring. I can't wait to finish it! I will post photos as soon as it is done.

Obviously, I am back from Texas. Graduation was hot, but wonderful. I spent a day helping my DD get ready for the birthday party for her little ones which was earlier today. Mom and I drove down just for the party and even made it home before dark! It was great to have my whole family (my mom, my kids, and my grandkids)in one place! Even my youngest son and my newest daughter-in-law made it! It was so much fun and even some of DD's neighbors came with their children. I am so glad they have nice neighbors! Out of all the families on the block, I think my granddaughter is the only girl. But they all seem to have fun.

I wish I had photos to post from the party, but...I forgot to put the memory card back in my camera after downloading other photos. Talk about feeling like a dummy! At least I was able to use DD's camera and she will share the photos with me later. This is SO me, I forget everything!

TTFN,
Ginny

Sunday, June 7, 2009

Yup, a second post!






I am late with this post. A month or so ago, I went with my DD and her babes to the zoo. I don't think I posted any photos so I am fixing that. We had such a good time! I am keeping this particular post short as the photos will pretty much explain themselves.

TTFN
Ginny

Graduated!





Well, my nephew, Kent Taylor Childress, is officially a graduate. That was one wild ceremony. Unfortunately, we were seated on the eastern side of the stadium under the wild Texas sun. It took about 2 hours for it to set enough that we weren't croaking from the heat. I finally had to go behind the bleachers for a while to cool off. My mom ended up feeling sick today, part of which had to be from all the sun. But, it was worth it!! We were able to see Kent from where we were sitting. The photos above are Kent, Kent with my mom, and Kent with his mom (my baby sister).
Afterwards, we went out to dinner at a cool Mexican restaurant. Yea, Kent!!!!! He is headed off to Texas A&M in the fall. Go Aggies!

Saturday, June 6, 2009

In Texas!

We had an uneventful flight yesterday and arrived in Houston about 8:15. After going to my sister's home for a while we finally got to the hotel about 12:45 am. The hotel is nice and the bed's are extremely comfortable! Slept like a log until 10:00 am when my mom decided it was time for me to get up. Shades of chilhood!!

Met a really nice young man on the plane. His name is, and this is stab at spelling it, Ahmash. We discussed families, books, games. I guessed that he was about my youngest son's age, 29 or so. He said that he is 40, but he got good genes from his mother.

I am being called to lunch! I'll post more tonight.

Wednesday, June 3, 2009

Sleep Needed!

I woke up really early this morning, for me anyway, Went to bed pretty late, for me, too. I feel like I could sleep for 6 more hours...ugh! I got caught up in an odd, but touching movie just before I was ready for bed and ended up watching the whole thing. The movie was set in London and the main two characters were actually childhood buddies that reconnect as adults. The quirk to the story is that one of them has since had a sex change operation and become a woman. In case you want to watch for it, it's called "Different for Girls" and I caught it on either IFC or Sundance channel.

Friday Mom and I leave for Texas to attend my nephew's high school graduation. We won't be gone long, just until Tuesday. Can't wait to see Kent in his cap and gown. He is such a smart young man and a fabulous musician. Pretty handy with a computer, too. The last time I was in Texas they were still struggling after Hurrican Ike. Many more businesses are open now and we will get to go to the Kemah boardwalk!

My DD and her hubby are struggling with an invasion of what we think are carpenter ants. She said it is really starting to "bug" her. I thought was a perfect comment even if she didn't realize it until I started laughing.

Watching Oprah last night was...interesting. Dr. OZ was on and they did a segment on erectile dysfunction. Apparently a gas is released inside the vessels that causes the arteries to open up to allow more blood flow. It sounded a little like nitrous oxide which is laughing gas. So Oprah say, "Laughing Penis?" Cracked everyone up including Dr. Oz. Doesn't look so funny on paper, but the audience had a really hard time quieting down and Oprah nearly fell out of her chair laughing. It was the first time I have ever seen Dr. Oz at a loss for words.

Gotta run, errands you know!
TTFN
Ginny

Wednesday, May 27, 2009

Kids Say the Darndest Things

So, my DD and her family went to his family's cabin on a lake for the weekend. Today I did email about what Ashley did while they were there. It was too cute not to share.

Email from DD:

Subject: forgot to mention a cute "Ashley" this weekend

BTW: I forgot to tell U: The kids & I were out in the yard at the cabin... they were pulling itty bitty branches off the trees. Ashley was then rubbing htem all over the trunks of the trees. She started crying, and when I asked what was wrong: she said "I tickle the trees, Mommy! And... THEY DON"T LAUGH!!!"

Ha HA HA HAAAAAAAA! :) She actually was upset that the trees didn't laugh at her tickles!!!! Funny too funny! Seriously, she cried REAL TEARS over that one! You gotta love it~

I did love it! Can you just imagine? Now I know better than to waste my time tickling trees!

I recently joined Facebook. Oh my goodness! What a wonderful way to find old friends. I am back in touch with so many people; and not only my friends, but the kids' friend and relatives. WOW!

I might post more later, but I just HAD to share this one.

TTFN
Ginny

Wednesday, May 20, 2009

Missing in Action



I cannot believe how long it has been since my last post. Shame on me!!!!!!! Part of my excuse is that I have had a heck of a time logging in, but now I have that fixed. Also, I have been out and about quite a bit more, so less time to blog. Darn!

Okay, let's see, what has happened since I last checked in? I finally started volunteering! I worked at two small concerts at the theater venue at our high school. One was the Dave Bennett Sextet. They did a tribute to Benny Goodman that had the place jumping. Sitting still was not an option. Needless to say...loved it!! The second was the Minneapolis Guitar Quartet; a group of classical guitarists who were wonderful. They performed some amazing pieces and were accompanied in the second half of their performance by a flamenco dance. Really neat! What made it even more interesting was that the dancer is from Japan. She was terrific!

On May 2 our oldest grandaughter made her first Communion. She was so beautiful in her white dress and veil! I will post a photo in this entry, but you probably will already have seen it since they always post at the top for me. LOL!

Our two youngest celebrate their birthdays this month...2 and 3! My poor daughter is being run ragged by her 2 year old son. Danny is non-stop motion right now! They spent three days here this past week and I sleep for 4 hours after they left on Sunday morning. Whew!