tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-58021587471515351872024-03-13T15:37:55.981-05:00Pieces From Me"Bits and pieces from my day"~Bren~http://www.blogger.com/profile/14533891842002502385noreply@blogger.comBlogger671125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5802158747151535187.post-63794967604378403362010-05-23T10:18:00.003-05:002010-10-23T16:55:17.810-05:00New Digs<div align="center"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_CU1SaGKG2PE/S_lH5Qxd2BI/AAAAAAAAPSU/WYW6a_zQEjE/s1600/DSC_0082.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 201px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5474485871126108178" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_CU1SaGKG2PE/S_lH5Qxd2BI/AAAAAAAAPSU/WYW6a_zQEjE/s400/DSC_0082.JPG" /></a> Blogging is just such a part of me that I could not stay on a break for very long. I moved to a new place. You can find me at <a href="http://brensnewplace.blogspot.com/">Life With A Little Sass</a>.<br /><div align="center"></div><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img style="BORDER-BOTTOM: 0px; BORDER-LEFT: 0px; BACKGROUND: none transparent scroll repeat 0% 0%; BORDER-TOP: 0px; BORDER-RIGHT: 0px" src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54487/325/7BA1F9E94B784A881108EEE242678994.png" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"></a></div>~Bren~http://www.blogger.com/profile/14533891842002502385noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5802158747151535187.post-60959346527980771112010-03-20T06:33:00.003-05:002010-03-20T06:44:36.045-05:00Stepping Back and Taking a Break<div align="center"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_CU1SaGKG2PE/S6SzF-HpjaI/AAAAAAAAPSE/0fZ7ubxcy6s/s1600-h/DSC_0026.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5450678364180942242" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_CU1SaGKG2PE/S6SzF-HpjaI/AAAAAAAAPSE/0fZ7ubxcy6s/s400/DSC_0026.JPG" border="0" /></a> My sister in law, Sherry, has been here all week and we have had some nice visits. It has made me look at some things and I think I need/want to take a step back from my blog. It is no secret (do I have any of those?) that the last several months have been difficult for me....dealing with constant pain in my jaw from grinding, loss of family, losing Hope, and other losses that are unmentioned. My blog is meant to be a place to share my family and life so that some day my children and grandchildren can look back on all the wonderful times. For now, I think I have shared enough of that. My heart is just not in it right now. Maybe that will change down the road. For now, I will enjoy reading your blogs and keeping up with your lives and quilts. I need a break.</div><br /><div align="center">Here are a couple of cousin pics.....family is so important and I am so blessed that my children have lots of extended family to connect with.<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5450678146804016690" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_CU1SaGKG2PE/S6Sy5UU85jI/AAAAAAAAPR0/mZs3-ajiQiw/s400/DSC_0030.JPG" border="0" /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5450680395045389698" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_CU1SaGKG2PE/S6S08LrdxYI/AAAAAAAAPSM/JrVl-v82lyo/s400/DSC_0024.JPG" border="0" /><br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_CU1SaGKG2PE/S6Sy-zvqwXI/AAAAAAAAPR8/pabG2TH_tNE/s1600-h/DSC_0023.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5450678241136918898" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_CU1SaGKG2PE/S6Sy-zvqwXI/AAAAAAAAPR8/pabG2TH_tNE/s400/DSC_0023.JPG" border="0" /></a> <div><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img style="BORDER-RIGHT: 0px; BORDER-TOP: 0px; BACKGROUND: none transparent scroll repeat 0% 0%; BORDER-LEFT: 0px; BORDER-BOTTOM: 0px" src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54487/325/7BA1F9E94B784A881108EEE242678994.png" /></a></div></div></div>~Bren~http://www.blogger.com/profile/14533891842002502385noreply@blogger.com29tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5802158747151535187.post-82319507155746119692010-03-13T13:33:00.008-06:002010-03-13T13:55:24.006-06:00She Spends Saturday Sewing Sea Shells<div align="center"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5448204648429019410" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_CU1SaGKG2PE/S5vpQw0-YRI/AAAAAAAAPRM/vCn-QVIUHPs/s400/DSC_0009.JPG" border="0" />I am working on the brown border of the Pink & Brown quilt and loving it! It is such a cool design. Very classy.<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5448204563334757362" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_CU1SaGKG2PE/S5vpLz06-_I/AAAAAAAAPRE/dUFY8DU746A/s400/DSC_0005.JPG" border="0" />Here is a peek at the back. It will be a nice finished edge.<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5448204447519096178" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_CU1SaGKG2PE/S5vpFEYUPXI/AAAAAAAAPQ8/cY60b8KFnEM/s400/DSC_0006.JPG" border="0" />I only have 3 sides to go and then on to the binding. Sorry if you are all getting tired of looking at this quilt. I am just so excited about the progress I am making. I plan to spend the rest of today working toward getting a second side done.</div><div align="center">Yesterday, my grand children came for an overnight. It was such a blessing to have them two weeks in a row. TJ had his first "piano lesson". He learned middle C and is learning to play "Mary Had a Little Lamb".<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5448204895647654194" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_CU1SaGKG2PE/S5vpfJyfYTI/AAAAAAAAPRU/XilFS34l15o/s400/DSC_0012.JPG" border="0" />Emerson has forgotten how to walk and <strong><em>RUNS</em></strong> everywhere, which is why I have no pictures of her that are not a blur! She also says "poo" when it is appropriate! She wrinkles her nose and says "icky" while you are fixing her problem. I think she will potty train early. So cute, that little one. TJ pulled a toe nail and was quite freaked out, yelling, "Hurry, Grandma, it's almost gonna bleed!" Grandma hurried and a bandaide took care of everything!<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5448205977828264946" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_CU1SaGKG2PE/S5vqeJOdC_I/AAAAAAAAPRs/Sy0dqRAixlg/s400/DSC_0007(1).JPG" border="0" />He wore his pj's backwards last night, on purpose. Don't ask why, cause when I did, he had no answer except that he wanted to. My type A- personality let him do it and I was not too disturbed! LOL</div><div align="center">Tomorrow I am having dinner for 15. It is Kyle's 24th birthday and Sherry is in town with 3 of her kids and 2 of her grandkids and will bring along her "special" friend. It has been a year and a half since Scott passed away. I am so glad she is finding happiness again. I will try to get lots of pictures. </div><div align="center">If you get a chance, check out <a href="http://www.realwomenquilt.com/">Pam's web page</a>. It is a fun place to visit!!! I want one of the shirts!!!!<br /><a href="http://www.realwomenquilt.com/"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5448204021467210978" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 151px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_CU1SaGKG2PE/S5vosRNoZOI/AAAAAAAAPQ0/rqYpwxDU_Wk/s400/rwq.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img style="BORDER-RIGHT: 0px; BORDER-TOP: 0px; BACKGROUND: none transparent scroll repeat 0% 0%; BORDER-LEFT: 0px; BORDER-BOTTOM: 0px" src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54487/325/7BA1F9E94B784A881108EEE242678994.png" /></a><br /></div>~Bren~http://www.blogger.com/profile/14533891842002502385noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5802158747151535187.post-58800743813716092212010-03-11T07:56:00.004-06:002010-03-11T08:09:51.816-06:00A Quilter is Born<div align="center"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_CU1SaGKG2PE/S5j23sVefmI/AAAAAAAAPQs/ZMHp228hbwE/s1600-h/DSC_0004(4).JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5447375185959091810" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_CU1SaGKG2PE/S5j23sVefmI/AAAAAAAAPQs/ZMHp228hbwE/s400/DSC_0004(4).JPG" border="0" /></a> My friend and neighbor, Cindy, came yesterday and we finally cut and started her first quilt. She is making a Jacob's Ladder which will measure 60X72....not your traditional "first" quilt, which would most likely be a wall hanging or baby quilt. She is a gifted seamstress, so I knew she would do just fine, and she did.<br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_CU1SaGKG2PE/S5j2xylABeI/AAAAAAAAPQk/CsVlyX0QYJI/s1600-h/DSC_0005(3).JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5447375084555601378" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_CU1SaGKG2PE/S5j2xylABeI/AAAAAAAAPQk/CsVlyX0QYJI/s400/DSC_0005(3).JPG" border="0" /></a>She just had to erase all the ideas of anything more than a 1/4 inch seam and pressing her seams closed instead of open. Butting up her corners to make them match was a cinch for her! Her first block came out beautiful!!!! <img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5447374937354451522" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_CU1SaGKG2PE/S5j2pONgukI/AAAAAAAAPQc/aPxOh-XRHkc/s400/DSC_0007(1).JPG" border="0" />Only 29 more to go! Cindy called me later in the afternoon and invited me to come see her new sewing room. It is WONDERFUL!!! A quilter's dream room! I will have to take some pictures next time I go down. She has separate pressing and cutting tables, along with an area for her serger and a nice table for her sewing machine. She has beautiful hard wood flooring with lots of floor space and it is a beautiful room with a fireplace and library, and incredible track lighting. I decided I would love to get some track lighting above my table. Lighting is my biggest problem in my sewing area since moving downstairs.<br />I have so much piecing to do in my near future, and Cindy has helped motivate me to get started on it. Not my favorite part of quilting, but once I get going on it, it is not too bad. It is necessary to do and once done, I can move on to my favorite part.....hand quilting.<br />Have a Blessed Week!<br /><br /><div><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img style="BORDER-RIGHT: 0px; BORDER-TOP: 0px; BACKGROUND: none transparent scroll repeat 0% 0%; BORDER-LEFT: 0px; BORDER-BOTTOM: 0px" src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54487/325/7BA1F9E94B784A881108EEE242678994.png" /></a></div><div><div><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"></a> </div></div><br /></div>~Bren~http://www.blogger.com/profile/14533891842002502385noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5802158747151535187.post-54372252412392941822010-03-09T07:51:00.012-06:002010-03-09T08:20:47.720-06:00Grand Blessings!!!<div align="center"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_CU1SaGKG2PE/S5ZUPrap1YI/AAAAAAAAPQU/SxNxBhQ-YvM/s1600-h/DSC_0002(2).JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5446633427680482690" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_CU1SaGKG2PE/S5ZUPrap1YI/AAAAAAAAPQU/SxNxBhQ-YvM/s400/DSC_0002(2).JPG" border="0" /></a> Can you believe how incredibly handsome my grandson is??? After doing his sister's hair, he asked if I could style his. He was very proud of his new do! I had a wonderful time with the kids this weekend. I had them Friday overnight. TJ and Zach went sledding with the next door neighbors. They had built a hill and had a blast. Emerson watched and waved from the window.<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5446632501781281762" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_CU1SaGKG2PE/S5ZTZyLFO-I/AAAAAAAAPPs/x9dJcI-fH_I/s400/DSC_0013(4).JPG" border="0" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5446632606930960482" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_CU1SaGKG2PE/S5ZTf54uAGI/AAAAAAAAPP0/hVrCxGCJUHs/s400/DSC_0014.JPG" border="0" /> A few days later and all that snow is gone!!! My time with the kids went by much too quickly. They left Saturday morning, but returned on Sunday late afternoon for Sunday dinner. TJ helped me prepare fried chicken tenders. He cracked all the eggs......<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5446632894205346514" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_CU1SaGKG2PE/S5ZTwoERQtI/AAAAAAAAPQE/06ZB_Jd-JRE/s400/DSC_0018(3).JPG" border="0" />.....but when it came time to touch the tenders into the egg mixture, he decided he would rather do the flouring!!! Sorry for the blur.<br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_CU1SaGKG2PE/S5ZUELXDveI/AAAAAAAAPQM/CbboNyHzTF0/s1600-h/DSC_0023(2).JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5446633230096907746" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_CU1SaGKG2PE/S5ZUELXDveI/AAAAAAAAPQM/CbboNyHzTF0/s400/DSC_0023(2).JPG" border="0" /></a>We had a nice dinner. While dinner was cooking, TJ got hungry so he decided to make a sandwich. (he did eat dinner too) He told me he needs a chef's hat. I will have to look for one!! <img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5446632376247589986" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_CU1SaGKG2PE/S5ZTSehhHGI/AAAAAAAAPPk/FDBvmXVkh34/s400/DSC_0032(1).JPG" border="0" />Emerson played hard and was very tired, but not too tired for some "twinkie" time with Paw Paw. She loves her sweets!!!<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5446632230688829554" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_CU1SaGKG2PE/S5ZTKARmsHI/AAAAAAAAPPc/K5r29BM3E3Q/s400/DSC_0003(4).JPG" border="0" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5446632134517591186" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_CU1SaGKG2PE/S5ZTEaAmDJI/AAAAAAAAPPU/T8RxNeEKj9s/s400/DSC_0004(3).JPG" border="0" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5446632039410320402" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_CU1SaGKG2PE/S5ZS-3tQRBI/AAAAAAAAPPM/_9nOIUkWONc/s400/DSC_0006(4).JPG" border="0" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5446631930806452306" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_CU1SaGKG2PE/S5ZS4jIEwFI/AAAAAAAAPPE/fg2SxtgQgQU/s400/DSC_0007.JPG" border="0" />He did not give her a whole twinkie.....just a bit, and she loved it. He was her new best friend!! She says PawPaw quite well. She also says "Grandma" but it sounds a bit like "SpongeBob"!!!! I will answer to anything from that sweetie pie!<br />My friend, <a href="http://all-stitched-up.blogspot.com/">Linda</a>, made a beautiful gift for Emerson. 4 GORGEOUS hair clips. Her hair is too thin for them now, but we can clip them to a headband and make her a movie star!!! Aren't they beautiful??? Thank you, Linda!<br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5446632750501165282" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_CU1SaGKG2PE/S5ZToQuheOI/AAAAAAAAPP8/J3N1k9z3g9s/s400/DSC_0016(4).JPG" border="0" />My son had them until Monday morning and I would not normally see them for another 2 weeks, but since my sister in love, Sherry, will be visiting, their parents worked it out for them to return again next weekend. I am happy for them that their mom and dad are thinking of them first. Even though it had always been that way, you never know what divorce will do. I am so happy that my grandkids are not a weapon and that they have parents who put their own emotions aside to do what is best for the kids. In such a horrible scenario, it is the best anyone can hope for. Can you tell I am not over this yet??? LOL I am working on it!!! I know it is for the best where the adults are concerned, but for the kids, I still mourn.</div><div align="center">On to another subject....I spent yesterday morning in a dentist chair. I do love my dentist, but not going through the procedures. Just a filling, and not the dreaded root canal we thought would happen, yet I am quite sore today. It took 3 shots and I still felt some pain. I have been grinding and clenching again to the point of jaw pain and so I need to learn some relaxation techniques for before I fall asleep.....also I grind while I am awake without knowing it until it is too late.</div><div align="center">In the last 3 weeks of dealing with the jaw pain, I have gotten some quilting done. I am on the 3rd side of the pink border and plan to finish it all up today, then, on to the brown border and binding. So close I can "see" it done!!!! I better get my day going here. Lots to do!!!!</div><div align="center">Have a wonderful Tuesday!!!!<br /></div><div align="center"> <a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img style="BORDER-RIGHT: 0px; BORDER-TOP: 0px; BACKGROUND: none transparent scroll repeat 0% 0%; BORDER-LEFT: 0px; BORDER-BOTTOM: 0px" src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54487/325/7BA1F9E94B784A881108EEE242678994.png" /></a><br /><br /></div>~Bren~http://www.blogger.com/profile/14533891842002502385noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5802158747151535187.post-9641791394975398842010-03-04T17:32:00.007-06:002010-03-04T17:49:20.886-06:00More than 3 Years Later.....<div align="center"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_CU1SaGKG2PE/S5BEc41gBPI/AAAAAAAAPO8/5moR12znSLw/s1600-h/DSC_0002(1).JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5444927212574737650" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_CU1SaGKG2PE/S5BEc41gBPI/AAAAAAAAPO8/5moR12znSLw/s400/DSC_0002(1).JPG" border="0" /></a><strong><em><span style="font-size:130%;"> It's Done!!!</span></em></strong> </div><div align="center">Well, ok, not technically<strong><em> done</em></strong>, but the <strong><span style="font-size:130%;">body</span></strong> of the quilt is finished!!!!<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5444926997876244850" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_CU1SaGKG2PE/S5BEQZBZAXI/AAAAAAAAPOs/iAP-zc500bQ/s400/DSC_0006(3).JPG" border="0" />That is a <strong><em><span style="font-size:130%;">LOT</span></em></strong> of quilting!!!! Whew!!! Three and a half years later......I did put this aside quite often in favor of other projects, but I am so thrilled with the outcome. The borders have already been started and are quilting up pretty fast! In just an hour and a half, I think I have half a side of the pink border done.<br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_CU1SaGKG2PE/S5BEW6YxSgI/AAAAAAAAPO0/PfxoRZL_dxY/s1600-h/DSC_0019.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5444927109911890434" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_CU1SaGKG2PE/S5BEW6YxSgI/AAAAAAAAPO0/PfxoRZL_dxY/s400/DSC_0019.JPG" border="0" /></a>I also wanted to share some of Charlotte's newest projects. She has begun a blanket for her bed. It will be twin size, so she has quite a ways to go, though she just started this 4 days ago.<br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5444926871116957810" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_CU1SaGKG2PE/S5BEJAznyHI/AAAAAAAAPOk/uZQb6nln4mE/s400/DSC_0009(1).JPG" border="0" />So pretty!!!! In that 4 days she has also crocheted 3 of the 6 dishcloths that were special ordered by her Aunt Debbie. She is making one a day and then working on her own project. Great plan! Here are 2 of the dishcloths.....<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5444926777339299842" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_CU1SaGKG2PE/S5BEDjdSSAI/AAAAAAAAPOc/Pz954NWXK9E/s400/DSC_0011(2).JPG" border="0" />She certainly has gotten to be quite the crocheter!! Is that a word???<br />And as for Sass.....the other female in the house.....though she has no skills with a needle, she can certainly appreciate the benefits of being in a family of yarn and fabric lovers!<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5444926658010591186" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_CU1SaGKG2PE/S5BD8m7Gr9I/AAAAAAAAPOU/pIobzwfYiAU/s400/DSC_0015(2).JPG" border="0" />Grandkids are coming tomorrow! WOOHOO!!! See you next week! Have a blessed weekend!<br /><div><br /><br /><div><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img style="BORDER-RIGHT: 0px; BORDER-TOP: 0px; BACKGROUND: none transparent scroll repeat 0% 0%; BORDER-LEFT: 0px; BORDER-BOTTOM: 0px" src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54487/325/7BA1F9E94B784A881108EEE242678994.png" /></a></div><div> </div></div><br /></div>~Bren~http://www.blogger.com/profile/14533891842002502385noreply@blogger.com17tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5802158747151535187.post-45561036243369700712010-03-02T07:13:00.011-06:002010-03-02T07:43:03.936-06:00A Hug From God<div align="center">Has it been a week already??? I have been spending much time with my new best friend....<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5444025679601417570" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_CU1SaGKG2PE/S40Qgwy_PWI/AAAAAAAAPOM/e05KHPoo3Bw/s400/DSC_0028.JPG" border="0" />.....my Neti Pot. It is a freaky little contraption, but I am seeing positive effects, so I will keep him close by! Anyone with sinus problems, really should invest in one. </div><div align="center">Yesterday was Charlotte's crochet class. I go along and hand quilt while they all crochet. Charlotte's teacher, Miss Mary, had a large bag with her this week. She handed it to me and told me not to be "offended". I was puzzled by that, but opened the bag and inside was the most beautiful crocheted afghan EVER made! She made it to look like a quilt. I laid it out to take a picture and instantly a cat and a kid climbed on it!!!<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5444025284227845810" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_CU1SaGKG2PE/S40QJv6lTrI/AAAAAAAAPN8/GZmiGw2iS2U/s400/DSC_0008(2).JPG" border="0" />I could get the kid off, but the cat had other ideas!<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5444025538296693794" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_CU1SaGKG2PE/S40QYiZURCI/AAAAAAAAPOE/mzyBIjcQR8k/s400/DSC_0013(2).JPG" border="0" />Isn't it gorgeous! I cried big-fat-baby tears and hugged her neck. She said, "God told me to make this for you so you could feel his love. It is from Him." More big-fat-baby tears!!<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5444025169300420754" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_CU1SaGKG2PE/S40QDDxv-JI/AAAAAAAAPN0/Nf-0pa7ep-o/s400/DSC_0016(2).JPG" border="0" />It is one of the nicest things anyone has ever done for me. Mary has no idea of the things going on in my life and I barely know her. God knows, though, and Mary hears His voice. I am speechless.<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5444024830877328114" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_CU1SaGKG2PE/S40PvXDZYvI/AAAAAAAAPNk/laajf5qbR2Y/s400/DSC_0018(2).JPG" border="0" />While suffering in silence with my sinus, (say that 3 times really fast!), I have been doing a lot of hand quilting. Between laying with the heating pad on my face and the Neti Pot up my nose, I have managed to get a jump on Emerson's quilt. <em>Some</em> cutting and piecing.<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5444024934089666834" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_CU1SaGKG2PE/S40P1XjIsRI/AAAAAAAAPNs/RTLxMwCqJAs/s400/DSC_0005(1).JPG" border="0" />Mostly, though, it has been hand quilting.<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5444024676737406994" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_CU1SaGKG2PE/S40PmY1k2BI/AAAAAAAAPNc/CDwO_3-qUvo/s400/DSC_0032.JPG" border="0" />That entire cream triangle was finished last night and now I have 2 and 1/2 blocks and the entire body of the Pink and Brown will be finished!!! Once that is done, the borders will be quilted up and the binding put on! I even remember where the binding fabric is!!!! </div><div align="center">I was able to spend yesterday afternoon with my mom, out to lunch and some shopping. It was great to get out of here, and I love my time with her. I think, other than a couple of trips to Walgreens, I have been couped up in the house all week.</div><div align="center">Sassy, though still a bit stuffy in the mornings, is recovering from her sinus infection quite nicely. She was a tad irritated with me yesterday when I disturbed her nap with some picture taking.<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5444024490292327122" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_CU1SaGKG2PE/S40PbiRmstI/AAAAAAAAPNU/Do_M8IKa6sM/s400/DSC_0023(1).JPG" border="0" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5444024390568368354" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_CU1SaGKG2PE/S40PVuxj2OI/AAAAAAAAPNM/af5w3WGZLOE/s400/DSC_0027(1).JPG" border="0" /><span style="font-size:180%;">Today is a special day....It is </span><a href="http://catloverandquiltmaker.blogspot.com/"><span style="font-size:180%;">Winona's</span></a><span style="font-size:180%;"> birthday!!!! </span></div><div align="center">She has taken a blogging break, but I know she reads her emails, so leave a Happy Birthday message on her last post and she will get it! She is a wonderful friend and I count it an honor that I have gotten to know and love her!!</div><div align="center">That is about it for now. Hopefully it won't be a whole week before I get back here. </div><div align="center">Have a blessed day!!! <a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img style="BORDER-RIGHT: 0px; BORDER-TOP: 0px; BACKGROUND: none transparent scroll repeat 0% 0%; BORDER-LEFT: 0px; BORDER-BOTTOM: 0px" src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54487/325/7BA1F9E94B784A881108EEE242678994.png" /></a><br /><br /></div>~Bren~http://www.blogger.com/profile/14533891842002502385noreply@blogger.com17tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5802158747151535187.post-41008003815285677932010-02-23T19:44:00.016-06:002010-02-23T20:10:51.371-06:00Hold Your Quilting Plans Loosely<div align="center"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_CU1SaGKG2PE/S4SGuNCot-I/AAAAAAAAPM0/zNNXhG5lmyU/s1600-h/IMG00013-20091122-1636.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5441622378103224290" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_CU1SaGKG2PE/S4SGuNCot-I/AAAAAAAAPM0/zNNXhG5lmyU/s400/IMG00013-20091122-1636.jpg" border="0" /></a> I need therapy. I am serious! So how do I get it??? I make quilts. I have all my 2010 quilting goals lined up, but because of my need for therapy, I have to change those.....Hold Your Plans Loosely....I do that often, and good thing. I started off with some Fabric Therapy. TJ needs a new quilt from Grandma.<br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_CU1SaGKG2PE/S4SGWaNy3JI/AAAAAAAAPMs/xJw0a2TjQo4/s1600-h/DSC_0001(2).JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5441621969322826898" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_CU1SaGKG2PE/S4SGWaNy3JI/AAAAAAAAPMs/xJw0a2TjQo4/s400/DSC_0001(2).JPG" border="0" /></a>Doesn't that blue look like the perfect "ocean"? I think some sailboats (or pirate ships) will be just the thing!!! Emerson also needs a new quilt. I saw this on <a href="http://karensquilting.com/blog/">Karen's blog </a>and she graciously sent me a copy of the pattern she got from an older magazine. I think it is a perfect quilt for Emerson!! (Those 9 patches are 3" finished!) I may add some flowers to that vine also.<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5441621896974256802" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_CU1SaGKG2PE/S4SGSMsjSqI/AAAAAAAAPMk/SLONv_tE5FE/s400/DSC_0008.JPG" border="0" />All I needed was some background fabric, a nice yellow and a crisp green! I have lots of blues, pinks, and lavenders to add in.<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5441621792923039186" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_CU1SaGKG2PE/S4SGMJEztdI/AAAAAAAAPMc/0embZ8WNu3I/s400/DSC_0006(2).JPG" border="0" />I will still continue with the Hidden Star, and the Pink and Brown will stay in the hoop until it is finished, but all else will be put on the back burner until these quilts are finished and covering my grandchildren! (I think I can squeeze in a Libby Quilt every month too!)<br />PERFECT therapy....though it is NOT cheap!<br />Here are a few Sassy pictures. She has found quilting to be quite fun also. She spends much time chasing my thread as I hand quilt.....it is a race to see if she can catch the loop before it disappears into the fabric! She usually wins!<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5441621343972449762" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_CU1SaGKG2PE/S4SFyAmpXeI/AAAAAAAAPME/K8MLn-Ur24Y/s400/DSC_0026(1).JPG" border="0" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5441620872383871970" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_CU1SaGKG2PE/S4SFWjzKu-I/AAAAAAAAPLc/k_eQ1pHtfpU/s400/DSC_0015(1).JPG" border="0" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5441621463340560002" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_CU1SaGKG2PE/S4SF49SOLoI/AAAAAAAAPMM/GmZEBt9tjgs/s400/DSC_0021(2).JPG" border="0" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5441621564748639746" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_CU1SaGKG2PE/S4SF-3DyrgI/AAAAAAAAPMU/PFFjnl1eUp4/s400/DSC_0020(2).JPG" border="0" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5441621259749657106" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_CU1SaGKG2PE/S4SFtG2XihI/AAAAAAAAPL8/oP2_QhJ7Muo/s400/DSC_0043(1).JPG" border="0" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5441621160768930562" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_CU1SaGKG2PE/S4SFnWHhgwI/AAAAAAAAPL0/CuftCH6MZdQ/s400/DSC_0044(1).JPG" border="0" />Eventually she wears out.....but not before she wears me out!<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5441621059450023730" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_CU1SaGKG2PE/S4SFhcrNrzI/AAAAAAAAPLs/xGiWF3qs8dI/s400/DSC_0056.JPG" border="0" />I sure love that cat!!!!<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5441620957434583378" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_CU1SaGKG2PE/S4SFbgo1mVI/AAAAAAAAPLk/DfOsD22uN_8/s400/DSC_0066.JPG" border="0" /><br /><div><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img style="BORDER-RIGHT: 0px; BORDER-TOP: 0px; BACKGROUND: none transparent scroll repeat 0% 0%; BORDER-LEFT: 0px; BORDER-BOTTOM: 0px" src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54487/325/7BA1F9E94B784A881108EEE242678994.png" /></a></div><br /></div>~Bren~http://www.blogger.com/profile/14533891842002502385noreply@blogger.com19tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5802158747151535187.post-63007005722352513192010-02-22T08:10:00.015-06:002010-02-22T08:42:16.662-06:00Setting things Straight and Kid Pics<div align="center"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_CU1SaGKG2PE/S4KSZDTUTGI/AAAAAAAAPLU/S9SDT87sxIY/s1600-h/DSC_0020(1).JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5441072258897693794" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_CU1SaGKG2PE/S4KSZDTUTGI/AAAAAAAAPLU/S9SDT87sxIY/s400/DSC_0020(1).JPG" border="0" /></a> Isn't that sweet? TJ made that for me in Sunday School yesterday! He was very proud of it.</div><div align="center">My weekend was full, but I made sure my Saturday was a nice "down" day. Lots of hand quilting and movie watching. I did spend some of Saturday setting things straight.<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5441071932174948546" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_CU1SaGKG2PE/S4KSGCKi2MI/AAAAAAAAPLE/q-q4tCaxu5c/s400/DSC_0003(1).JPG" border="0" />Yeah, I could not take that wonky looking border, so I ripped it all out and put in a nice, miniature, paisley print. That right side looks a little off in the picture, but don't fret....I just did not smooth it out before I took the photo. It is all perfectly straight looking.<br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_CU1SaGKG2PE/S4KSM-7YIHI/AAAAAAAAPLM/u32elnW3JKg/s1600-h/DSC_0004(1).JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5441072051565109362" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_CU1SaGKG2PE/S4KSM-7YIHI/AAAAAAAAPLM/u32elnW3JKg/s400/DSC_0004(1).JPG" border="0" /></a>TJ and Zach spent a good part of Friday afternoon making a snow fort. TJ was not willing to pose in it, but he would sit on the porch for a photo op..... <img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5441071246258765650" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_CU1SaGKG2PE/S4KReG7Yf1I/AAAAAAAAPKk/1nmWH3OHtHY/s400/DSC_0013.JPG" border="0" />Zach was more than willing to show you their creation.....it was complete with swords (baseball bats), cannon balls (basketballs), and shields (pop tents and a wagon).<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5441071822390180258" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_CU1SaGKG2PE/S4KR_pL0OaI/AAAAAAAAPK8/6omK9AOHP5o/s400/DSC_0003.JPG" border="0" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5441071461619987554" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_CU1SaGKG2PE/S4KRqpNf9GI/AAAAAAAAPK0/4bjpHxf1hdY/s400/DSC_0011.JPG" border="0" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5441071341821008674" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_CU1SaGKG2PE/S4KRjq7MmyI/AAAAAAAAPKs/iE8xNxr5zrQ/s400/DSC_0004.JPG" border="0" />When they were all done, after a good 2 hours, they came in for some warmth. Zach gave a big sigh and said, "Ahhhhh, it's great to be back in my natural habitat." I agreed!!! heehee<br />Emerson and TJ both loved the doll house and accessories that "Old Grandma" (my mom) brought them.<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5441071080877422386" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_CU1SaGKG2PE/S4KRUe1ZdzI/AAAAAAAAPKc/Zl5qWpHV6xo/s400/DSC_0020.JPG" border="0" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5441070938751017410" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_CU1SaGKG2PE/S4KRMNX0ocI/AAAAAAAAPKU/-qpQ6h1Bqc0/s400/DSC_0035.JPG" border="0" />Their Daddy took it all home for them on Saturday, and they played for hours and hours.....Daddy included. They had such fun!!<br />Sunday we met them for church and then they headed home for the afternoon with their Dad. They came over for homemade Lasagna, and a couple of hours of play, before heading back to their other Grandmother's house. These next pictures are not the best....blurry and out of focus, but you get the idea. I loved this cute little dress Emerson wore to church. (that blur behind her is Zach running)<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5441070764901169954" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_CU1SaGKG2PE/S4KRCFuyeyI/AAAAAAAAPKM/xIe4xRyMuUw/s400/DSC_0008(1).JPG" border="0" />She looks so grown up! Not too grown up to be Paw Paw's "baby girl".<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5441070609944044226" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_CU1SaGKG2PE/S4KQ5EeIYsI/AAAAAAAAPKE/NpC77gAdt0k/s400/DSC_0017(1).JPG" border="0" />We sure did enjoy them. Divorce is not a fun thing. It feels almost evil in how it is played out and my most earnest prayer is that my grandchildren are not affected. I know that is extremely foolish to think, but I pray that God, Himself, would guard their hearts and minds. I know that they are loved deeply by both sides of their family and I know that God loves everyone involved. It is my only thing to hang onto in the midst of all of this loss.<br />Gosh, I didn't mean to end this on a down note.<br />Monday is a favorite day of the week for me....everything seems fresh. Now, I am off to begin my week. Be blessed!!! <a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img style="BORDER-RIGHT: 0px; BORDER-TOP: 0px; BACKGROUND: none transparent scroll repeat 0% 0%; BORDER-LEFT: 0px; BORDER-BOTTOM: 0px" src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54487/325/7BA1F9E94B784A881108EEE242678994.png" /></a> </div>~Bren~http://www.blogger.com/profile/14533891842002502385noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5802158747151535187.post-29363737928657889582010-02-20T07:09:00.015-06:002010-02-20T07:45:47.446-06:00Friday Night Sew In<div align="center"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_CU1SaGKG2PE/S3_g9RUA4SI/AAAAAAAAPJ8/VeDuwdUyYo0/s1600-h/th_Fridaynight4-Page001.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5440314218110837026" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 160px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 160px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_CU1SaGKG2PE/S3_g9RUA4SI/AAAAAAAAPJ8/VeDuwdUyYo0/s400/th_Fridaynight4-Page001.jpg" border="0" /></a> I had my Friday Night Sew In planned from the day I signed up, a few weeks ago. I would head to my sewing room around 5 pm and Sweetheart would take care of dinner<em><strong> and</strong></em> the kids....he agreed. I would spend the entire evening and into the wee hours, pounding out the Hidden Star! By morning it would be a top!<br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_CU1SaGKG2PE/S3_g0eweaKI/AAAAAAAAPJ0/arOvN0-WnvI/s1600-h/DSC_0003(6).JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5440314067101051042" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 394px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_CU1SaGKG2PE/S3_g0eweaKI/AAAAAAAAPJ0/arOvN0-WnvI/s400/DSC_0003(6).JPG" border="0" /></a>Somewhere along the way, I remembered that the 19th was the night I would have my grandkids. This changes everything. I LOVE having my grandkids and would give up a Friday Night Sew In to have them here, no questions asked! Still, Emerson goes to bed by 8 and TJ and Zach could watch a movie with Charlotte. That was the new plan. Then I started getting a sinus infection and knew my plans of wee hour sewing were doomed. That was ok, too. I could hand quilt the evening away! I planned to get a section like this completed.....<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5440313282024744754" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_CU1SaGKG2PE/S3_gGyHspzI/AAAAAAAAPJs/8wYeRRsIknI/s400/DSC_0042.JPG" border="0" />This plan completely changed yesterday when my mail came. A year or so ago, I saw the book "Prairie Children and Their Quilts" on Libby's blog, <a href="http://simplylibby.blogspot.com/">"A Simple Girl". </a>I wanted it right away! It has been on my "list" ever since. I have enjoyed seeing Libby make a few of the quilts and fell in love with them. There are 14 and I want to make them all and do an entire wall in my home of these little quilts. Anyway, I mentioned this desire to Libby....not "Simply Libby", but <a href="http://libby-handwashonly.blogspot.com/">"Hand Wash Only" Libby</a>! Are you confused, yet?? She had the book and wanted to send it to me. I was too excited for words. Yesterday it arrived......<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5440313186073491986" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_CU1SaGKG2PE/S3_gBMrIuhI/AAAAAAAAPJk/GUV8w1DT6v8/s400/DSC_0006.JPG" border="0" />....along with a couple of fat quarters that I plan to use in one of the quilts. Now my Friday Night Sew In plans had to change yet again. Sinus infection aside, I was going to piece one of those quilts!!! I got Emerson to bed and the boys at the computer on Lego.com....my sewing time would not be alone time, but that is ok.<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5440312966107306018" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_CU1SaGKG2PE/S3_f0ZPHGCI/AAAAAAAAPJU/AqV_aK2qSZc/s400/DSC_0051.JPG" border="0" />I picked the quilt and the fabrics and my night began at precisely 8:15!!!<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5440313060671996594" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_CU1SaGKG2PE/S3_f55hFwrI/AAAAAAAAPJc/bl7zVWy2HKc/s400/DSC_0050.JPG" border="0" />I did not think I could do the entire top, but I would put a good dent in it! Cutting is not my favorite part of the process, but it needs to be done and it needs to be done exact! These little quilts call for tiny pieces....2 5/8" squares to be made into triangles.....1 1/4" strips for borders.....all little bits.<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5440312878099793858" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_CU1SaGKG2PE/S3_fvRYfB8I/AAAAAAAAPJM/K7t6A-6d8D4/s400/DSC_0053.JPG" border="0" />By 9:45 I had all the Bear Paw blocks put together and sashed.<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5440312766831758226" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_CU1SaGKG2PE/S3_foy4Hi5I/AAAAAAAAPJE/hIB9dbIyDS0/s400/DSC_0055.JPG" border="0" />In trying to stay true to the colors and style, I pulled a dark blue plaid (which is what they called for) for the first border. I do not use plaids in borders.....and rarely in anything other than applique, or triangles. I don't like "wonky" looking, and plaids can do that even if you are precise in your piecing. That is exactly what happened.....still I am not changing it. It will stay the way it is.<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5440312470631272354" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_CU1SaGKG2PE/S3_fXjcaz6I/AAAAAAAAPIs/jxVXHdtN0tw/s400/DSC_0064.JPG" border="0" />I chose a gold, instead of a brown, for the outside border. I like how it turned out! By 10:30 it was a finished top measuring 19 1/4 X 19 1/4.<br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5440312575393305890" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_CU1SaGKG2PE/S3_fdptolSI/AAAAAAAAPI0/UpbdSqs21_A/s400/DSC_0060.JPG" border="0" />The illusion of a "wonky" border aside, I think it turned out cute!! Maybe I can quilt that wonky corner out!<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5440312397175706610" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_CU1SaGKG2PE/S3_fTRzP0_I/AAAAAAAAPIk/xbfoT-WgJYQ/s400/DSC_0063.JPG" border="0" />So that is my Friday Night Sew In. I think I will call these my "Libby Quilts". One <a href="http://simplylibby.blogspot.com/">Libby</a> introduced me to the book, and another <a href="http://libby-handwashonly.blogspot.com/">Libby</a> gifted me with it. Seems fitting!<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5440312690128025378" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_CU1SaGKG2PE/S3_fkVIhdyI/AAAAAAAAPI8/1SbViHsK1f8/s400/DSC_0058.JPG" border="0" /><br /><div><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img style="BORDER-RIGHT: 0px; BORDER-TOP: 0px; BACKGROUND: none transparent scroll repeat 0% 0%; BORDER-LEFT: 0px; BORDER-BOTTOM: 0px" src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54487/325/7BA1F9E94B784A881108EEE242678994.png" /></a></div><br /></div>~Bren~http://www.blogger.com/profile/14533891842002502385noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5802158747151535187.post-79850494871460855672010-02-16T07:20:00.012-06:002010-02-16T08:13:06.061-06:00Training Daughters<div align="center"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_CU1SaGKG2PE/S3qehLRtPjI/AAAAAAAAPIc/bkFW5nUq2Pk/s1600-h/DSC_0024(1).JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5438833792803225138" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_CU1SaGKG2PE/S3qehLRtPjI/AAAAAAAAPIc/bkFW5nUq2Pk/s400/DSC_0024(1).JPG" border="0" /></a> I admit (OPENLY) that I do not have a clue how to raise a daughter. Growing up a daughter, with a sister, you would think I would have picked up a few things from my mom, but I guess I did not pay attention. Raising boys.....now THAT is something I can do. I read an amazing article the other day. I even shared it with Charlotte.....if you <a href="http://proverbs14verse1.blogspot.com/2010/01/loving-daughters.html">click here</a>, you can read it too. I was majorly convicted during the first part of the article, but the last parts, actually made me think I might just be able to do this after all!</div><div align="center">I thought back to when I was 12 and 13.....I had household duties which included, cleaning up the kitchen, vacuuming and dusting, keeping my room clean, and even doing the families laundry (wonder if that is why I detest laundry?). Charlotte has been given some duties over the last year. She has been in charge of her room for quite a while....she has to do her own laundry....she is asked to put Zach's laundry away....she is to wipe down the kid's bathroom daily and give it a good cleaning once a week, she empties the dishwasher, and she is to clean up the kitchen after dinner 4-5 nights a week. Does that sound like a lot? It really isn't. Her laundry is done once a week, as is Zach's. The kitchen is not a total mess....I clean as I cook (for the most part) so it is a matter of loading the dishwasher and wiping the counters and stove top. The kids bathroom takes about 4 minutes to wipe down and about 20 minutes to deep clean. All these jobs contained training. I worked with her and set standards of work. <strong>She met them in every task</strong>....until recently. Recently she half way makes her bed....there are dirty clothes on her floor AFTER she says her room is clean....the kids bathroom stinks......Zach's clothes have been a wrinkled mess, as are hers.......the counters and stove top never get wiped down after dinner and the sink is disgusting (you all know how I feel about a clean sink!) and I can not count how many times lately I have pulled a dirty spoon, fork, or knife out of the drawer. So.....what do I do? Do I criticize her? Do I make her go back and re-do the job? Do I follow her around making sure she does it all correctly? I really do not have the time, nor energy for any of that. Here is what I did....I pulled all of her jobs, except one....her bedroom. I explained to her there is a "ladder" to chores. You are trained in an area and when that area is mastered you move on. She seemed relieved that she no longer had chores. bwahahahah!!!!! Little did she know the ramifications to that! </div><div align="center">As the days went by, my kitchen sparkled again.....<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5438832396675449810" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_CU1SaGKG2PE/S3qdP6S6A9I/AAAAAAAAPIE/UV54y8v2P_w/s400/DSC_0061.JPG" border="0" />....laundry is folded nicely an put away.....the kids bathroom smells like a flower garden....and I can get a spoon out without picking a dried noodle off of it!</div><div align="center">I did my (her) chores happily, singing and smiling through it all. It was not long before Charlotte began asking, "Mom, can I empty the dishwasher for you?", "Mom, do you want me to clean the kitchen? You can just relax tonight.", "Mom, I can load these dishes up for you." I would smile and say "No, thank you Charlotte. I noticed you are still learning how to clean your room. Just focus on that one job." She would reply, "My room <em>is</em> clean." I could easily come back with, "Sorry, Charlotte, but I saw pieces of paper all over your floor, and your laundry was "near" the hamper, but not "in" the hamper, and your bed looks like your still in it. You need to practice that job before you can move back up the ladder." Her face would drop and I would continue on with my own chores. Speaking of chores....I LOVE THIS STUFF!!!! It cleans great and smells wonderful! I feel like the Biggest Loser show....throwing a commercial into the middle of the post without you knowing!<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5438831520583952146" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_CU1SaGKG2PE/S3qcc6mapxI/AAAAAAAAPHs/wKVXbvz8uMA/s400/DSC_0051.JPG" border="0" /> OK, back to Charlotte. The kicker came when she asked to make dinner....something she LOVES to do. <img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5438831692210125410" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_CU1SaGKG2PE/S3qcm59SOmI/AAAAAAAAPH0/RCnNg70y_tw/s400/DSC_0057.JPG" border="0" />"Sorry, honey, but that is way up the ladder.....you were there once and with some effort, you can make it again." All of a sudden her room was clean daily.....she has been allowed to move up a rung to unloading the dishwasher again. I explained that a dirty item would result in her stepping back a rung. So far, so good. Training daughters....it is no fun and I am not good at it!</div><div align="center">Boys....let's talk boys for a minute. Zach is a master builder of Legos.<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5438832587258694066" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_CU1SaGKG2PE/S3qdbARfibI/AAAAAAAAPIM/rfqCKXYPgs4/s400/DSC_0004.JPG" border="0" />He is also working hard to keep his room clean and his bed made. Since we moved all his toys downstairs, it has made it easier for him. We have also been working on "staying in bed at night" and let me say, he has done great! This kid was climbing out of his crib at 18 months and has been getting out of bed at night ever since. We put his bedtime back to 8 pm and told him when he could stay in bed 7 days in a row, he could have his "age appropriate" bedtime back. It worked....easy. Boys are a breeze!</div><div align="center">Training kitten's is not hard either...."Go lay down, Sassy."<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5438831341481701778" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_CU1SaGKG2PE/S3qcSfZHMZI/AAAAAAAAPHk/FBJnUqvNEOM/s400/DSC_0005.JPG" border="0" />Sassy is doing well....she always uses her litter box. She has not gotten on the counters, and she is willing to play whenever you want. She has a sinus infection and got a shot of antibiotics yesterday. She is eating well and is very playful, but her nose is stuffy and she sneezes alot. Dr. Frost thinks the shot will do the trick!<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5438831250446568306" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_CU1SaGKG2PE/S3qcNMQpS3I/AAAAAAAAPHc/25K49ZULTRY/s400/DSC_0020(1).JPG" border="0" />I have spent most afternoons watching the Olympics and quilting.<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5438831124335355570" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_CU1SaGKG2PE/S3qcF2dY5rI/AAAAAAAAPHU/c1rMnE-UHRU/s400/DSC_0029.JPG" border="0" />I am ready to turn the corner to the 3rd side of the quilt....my original goal was to be done with the body and starting the borders by Feb. 1st. Well that did not work out. Still, I will continue to work hard and cross this quilt off my list soon!</div><div align="center">Of course, my chores will get done first!!! Gotta be that example! If you have a daughter, then you must read Mrs. Fuentes' article....again, you can find it by <a href="http://proverbs14verse1.blogspot.com/2010/01/loving-daughters.html">clicking here</a>.<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5438832241000225906" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_CU1SaGKG2PE/S3qdG2XCnHI/AAAAAAAAPH8/Th6GPDnxe6k/s400/DSC_0063.JPG" border="0" />Have a blessed day!!<br /></div><div align="center"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_CU1SaGKG2PE/S3qdrUGISuI/AAAAAAAAPIU/OGzSdhC0t3k/s1600-h/DSC_0019(1).JPG"></a> <a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img style="BORDER-RIGHT: 0px; BORDER-TOP: 0px; BACKGROUND: none transparent scroll repeat 0% 0%; BORDER-LEFT: 0px; BORDER-BOTTOM: 0px" src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54487/325/7BA1F9E94B784A881108EEE242678994.png" /></a><br /><br /></div>~Bren~http://www.blogger.com/profile/14533891842002502385noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5802158747151535187.post-52373659209461089672010-02-12T07:09:00.005-06:002010-02-12T07:15:22.593-06:00In Honor Of The Olympics<div align="center">The Winter Olympics start today. Here is Kyle lighting the Special Olympics torch....a HUGE honor for him, and one of my most proud "Mom Moments".<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5437343701436882914" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 284px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_CU1SaGKG2PE/S3VTScXaX-I/AAAAAAAAPGs/IsoYJYwR4xc/s400/scan0012.jpg" border="0" />He is a Gold Medal winner many times over!<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5437343959030632130" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 276px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_CU1SaGKG2PE/S3VThb-jDsI/AAAAAAAAPG8/TWjxqMI0NRE/s400/scan0013.jpg" border="0" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5437344036771074898" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 277px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_CU1SaGKG2PE/S3VTl9lUE1I/AAAAAAAAPHE/jZW48KAhtQA/s400/scan0015.jpg" border="0" />LET THE GAMES BEGIN!!!!!!!!<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5437343800319903522" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 397px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_CU1SaGKG2PE/S3VTYMu9hyI/AAAAAAAAPG0/YDtIzqmuGxU/s400/scan0018.jpg" border="0" /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img style="BORDER-RIGHT: 0px; BORDER-TOP: 0px; BACKGROUND: none transparent scroll repeat 0% 0%; BORDER-LEFT: 0px; BORDER-BOTTOM: 0px" src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54487/325/7BA1F9E94B784A881108EEE242678994.png" /></a><br /></div>~Bren~http://www.blogger.com/profile/14533891842002502385noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5802158747151535187.post-11309455488401552942010-02-11T07:57:00.005-06:002010-02-11T08:04:44.767-06:00For Alyssa<div align="center"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5436984790886168226" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 304px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_CU1SaGKG2PE/S3QM3GX4tqI/AAAAAAAAPGU/56_js7vYqSQ/s400/scan0012.jpg" border="0" />It happens to the best of us!!!! The top and back were GONE. All we had left was the sides....since it was just before Easter, we left those sides.<br /><div align="center">HATS...think hats!!!!!!<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5436984880582075714" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 257px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_CU1SaGKG2PE/S3QM8UhDpUI/AAAAAAAAPGc/JQU7aw9IKrM/s400/scan0014.jpg" border="0" />After Easter, we had it trimmed up.....well, that is simplifying things. It was tragic. Still.....it all grew back beautifully, and by the time the snow was flying everything was back to normal!<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5436985015559064498" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 333px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_CU1SaGKG2PE/S3QNELWFC7I/AAAAAAAAPGk/t0Ik4Lc4stc/s400/scan0013.jpg" border="0" /> Remember.....hats!!!!!<br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img style="BORDER-RIGHT: 0px; BORDER-TOP: 0px; BACKGROUND: none transparent scroll repeat 0% 0%; BORDER-LEFT: 0px; BORDER-BOTTOM: 0px" src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54487/325/7BA1F9E94B784A881108EEE242678994.png" /></a></div></div><br /></div>~Bren~http://www.blogger.com/profile/14533891842002502385noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5802158747151535187.post-41983040451054918102010-02-09T14:11:00.018-06:002010-02-09T14:45:28.203-06:00Family and House Work<div align="center"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_CU1SaGKG2PE/S3HD4o96caI/AAAAAAAAPGM/LL6B2HfSbqA/s1600-h/DSC_0013.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5436341603050090914" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_CU1SaGKG2PE/S3HD4o96caI/AAAAAAAAPGM/LL6B2HfSbqA/s400/DSC_0013.JPG" border="0" /></a> We are getting hit hard with snow AGAIN! We had about 4 inches when I woke up at 6:30 this morning, and it is still coming down hard at 3 in the afternoon. They say it will stop tomorrow morning leaving us with a good foot!</div><div align="center">My weekend was good. I had the grandkids on Friday night. They were both sick with colds, so we just took it easy and enjoyed each other.</div><div align="center">On Sunday, My mother in love came and we all had KFC, along with cake and cupcakes for dessert. We played a game of Phase 10....<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5436340869321519602" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_CU1SaGKG2PE/S3HDN7nY8fI/AAAAAAAAPFs/qQlR_V1EOxE/s400/DSC_0016(3).JPG" border="0" />......NEVER "skip" your mother in law! Yeesh! I got a look that would kill! She is serious about her cards, but it did not help her, as she lost COMPLETELY! Her and Sweetheart both! OK, so I lost too, even though I had an incredible partner in TJ.<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5436341144481470114" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_CU1SaGKG2PE/S3HDd8qolqI/AAAAAAAAPF8/IDsKEKqjv9s/s400/DSC_0025(2).JPG" border="0" /> Our son beat us all!<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5436339977765129666" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_CU1SaGKG2PE/S3HCaCTyDcI/AAAAAAAAPFk/3M91A6jjl-c/s400/DSC_0002(1).JPG" border="0" />Emerson enjoyed watching us for most of the game. She led Charlotte around the house the rest of the time. She did color Grandma a picture for the frig....<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5436341371038644402" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_CU1SaGKG2PE/S3HDrIqEuLI/AAAAAAAAPGE/7DnRUECQ6i0/s400/DSC_0040.JPG" border="0" />They LOVED Sassy. TJ thought she was a toy at first and was shocked to see she was real. Emerson said, "niiiiice" and stroked her gently. Sassy was fine with them too! She has continued to be a joy to everyone here. She has her spot where she naps during the day....on the kitchen chair.<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5436339601276698386" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_CU1SaGKG2PE/S3HCEHx8fxI/AAAAAAAAPFM/Qz6DO9K08iQ/s400/DSC_0017.JPG" border="0" />But her favorite place is still on my lap. Here she is waiting for me to sit down....she looks like she wants to say, "I'm waiting.....you can sit down now."<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5436339692913830114" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_CU1SaGKG2PE/S3HCJdJ8KOI/AAAAAAAAPFU/IN4lLJoHOPg/s400/DSC_0020.JPG" border="0" />Once I do, she works her claws in my lap (softly, so it does not hurt), gets her motor going and curls up against me.<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5436339799053992930" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 368px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_CU1SaGKG2PE/S3HCPojug-I/AAAAAAAAPFc/viVE2mIu8PQ/s400/DSC_0039.JPG" border="0" />Our school days are moving along. Anya, the neighbor girl I home school, is doing phenomenal! Charlotte is also doing exceptionally well this quarter. Zach has had some frustration, but I think moving his schedule around to make math his last subject instead of his first has helped greatly. He did a beautiful job today. I have to remind him to "sit on your butt" during handwriting, or he is very sloppy. Today after several reminders to sit on his butt, his workbook asked him to write a word that starts with "b". What did he write???<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5436339487253393170" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_CU1SaGKG2PE/S3HB9fAq7xI/AAAAAAAAPFE/b8_MlUWHBVI/s400/DSC_0019.JPG" border="0" />I have felt the need to get my own schedules back in order. Since Sweetheart has been home they have all fell to the wayside. It makes me feel "out of control". I pulled out my Home Management Binder.....I love that thing. An extended family member once said that only an idiot would need to have a book to tell you when and what to clean. Well. I am that idiot. I am not a cleanie by nature....I need order, but have no natural skills to get it. The binder does it for me. However, the binder is a 2 inch think, very heavy, tool that is awkward to cart around....I decided to pull all my housekeeping pages out and make a smaller binder. I had a 1/2 inch binder and made a new cover. <img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5436339128871311874" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_CU1SaGKG2PE/S3HBon7uWgI/AAAAAAAAPEk/vkmMlnj9ueQ/s400/DSC_0007.JPG" border="0" />Now this is much easier than the heavy, bulky, binder, that I still keep handy, as it hold some valuable pages that I use often. This is my DAILY binder. It holds daily/weekly/and monthly chores.<br />I put a zipper pocket in it to hold pens and paper.<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5436339199912546066" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_CU1SaGKG2PE/S3HBswlRjxI/AAAAAAAAPEs/_XE0Afdmh0I/s400/DSC_0008.JPG" border="0" /></div><div align="center">The first page is my "theme" verse...... <img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5436339382550495506" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_CU1SaGKG2PE/S3HB3Y9jgRI/AAAAAAAAPE8/miiglBw_2OM/s400/DSC_0014.JPG" border="0" />And my schedules are in order after that.<br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5436339277329579922" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_CU1SaGKG2PE/S3HBxQ-7v5I/AAAAAAAAPE0/3efez21cObw/s400/DSC_0009.JPG" border="0" />I am happy to have these schedules back in place. Now I can quilt without guilt!!! And hey!!! ALL this laundry got done today!<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5436339050917492706" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_CU1SaGKG2PE/S3HBkFiFd-I/AAAAAAAAPEc/Po3QXGwipfc/s400/DSC_0006.JPG" border="0" /> <a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img style="BORDER-RIGHT: 0px; BORDER-TOP: 0px; BACKGROUND: none transparent scroll repeat 0% 0%; BORDER-LEFT: 0px; BORDER-BOTTOM: 0px" src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54487/325/7BA1F9E94B784A881108EEE242678994.png" /></a><br /><br /></div>~Bren~http://www.blogger.com/profile/14533891842002502385noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5802158747151535187.post-63445018187463075092010-02-07T08:34:00.009-06:002010-02-07T09:32:48.705-06:00My Sister<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5435510851937080818" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 274px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_CU1SaGKG2PE/S27QUj59lfI/AAAAAAAAPDk/WEBGtlgE14c/s400/scan0016.jpg" border="0" /><br /><br /><div align="center">Yesterday was my little sister's birthday. I did not forget, but just did not get to a blog post about her. I thought I would share some things with you about my sister.</div><div align="center">Debbie was my only sibling and we were VERY close as small children.<br /></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5435511456376922050" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 390px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_CU1SaGKG2PE/S27Q3vnpn8I/AAAAAAAAPD0/bTQdc9_thjA/s400/scan0005.jpg" border="0" /> <p align="center">She was very particular about her dollies. Their hair and clothing looked like brand new<em><strong> forever</strong></em>! I like to brush and cut my doll's hair. She was always terrified that I would do the same to her dolls. I think I did once or twice ;)</p><div align="center">Her favorite Christmas memory was when she was very little. She woke to find dolly clothes on tiny hangers hanging all over the Christmas tree. It was magical to her!<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5435511379837975714" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 305px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_CU1SaGKG2PE/S27QzSfV_KI/AAAAAAAAPDs/Klk0f4pxSBo/s400/scan0004.jpg" border="0" />As teenagers, we were not as close. Many days we were enemies. Our stories differ....I say she use to wear my new clothes without permission, and she says that was me who did that to her. Since it is her birthday I will not share things that put her in a bad light LOL I know once, my dad found my pack of cigarettes in the bathroom (I forgot them there, as it was where I would smoke undetected) and I blamed her. She had to EAT those cigarettes! She got even somehow, I am sure. Also, I hid a PlayGirl magazine (NO I am not a perv...a friend gave it to me) under HER mattress. My mom found it and hung all the nudie pictures in her room to teach her a lesson. When she came home there were naked men all over her walls. She was horrified (she had never seen a naked guy before!) and had no idea why they were there!!</div><div align="center">Her best friend, Lynn, kept up with her in her own make believe world. They had convinced a Jr High school counselor that they were alcoholics based on an Eve Plumb "movie of the week" they had just seen. Using the exact lines in that movie, they had that poor woman up at night worrying about them! </div><div align="center">Debbie and I became close again as adults.<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5435510609850394946" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 266px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_CU1SaGKG2PE/S27QGeD_6UI/AAAAAAAAPDc/GS5QlId_-Mw/s400/scan0003.jpg" border="0" />We both moved away from our hometown, but ended up just 10 miles from each other. We raised our children together and have created many wonderful memories for them because of that. We spent lots of time together while our kids were in school. One day we went out onto her raised deck. It was a small 10X10 foot deck off her kitchen and was on a second story. There was no stairway...just the railed deck. Somehow the sliding door locked and we were locked out there. It was FUNNY!!! We yelled at passing cars....one lady stopped at our cries for help but then thought better of it and sped away. Finally, a garbage man heard our pleas and let us in.</div><div align="center">Debbie is an incredible mother. Her son, Andrew, and daughter, Lisa, were her focus in life.<br /></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5435513751312850978" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_CU1SaGKG2PE/S27S9U7A4CI/AAAAAAAAPD8/pFkN10pVGMs/s400/blog+074.JPG" border="0" /> <p align="center">She is now raising Lisa's children. We both say God created us to raise kids! If not, we missed our calling by a long shot!<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5435517024598745906" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_CU1SaGKG2PE/S27V723L4zI/AAAAAAAAPEU/IimhaizRxgE/s400/blog+123.JPG" border="0" />My sister has some flaws, don't get me wrong! She is a slob! Just like my mother and Charlotte, she can not eat a meal without getting some of it on her shirt. She has a nasty habit of picking. If you have a centerpiece on your kitchen table that you like, MOVE it when she comes. She will pick the flowers until they are bits and pieces and has no trouble, unconsciously, running a finger nail through a candle over and over again. </p><div align="center">She can certainly make me laugh. That is her number one BEST quality. She is hysterical to be around. I have peed my pants more than once because of her! She is the master of "face making"!!!<br /></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5435516758143464050" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_CU1SaGKG2PE/S27VsWPS8nI/AAAAAAAAPEM/_NFcPT4O850/s400/blog+124.JPG" border="0" /> <p align="center">And she will give lessons to any child she meets! </p><div align="center">Family means everything to her. She may tick you off once in a while, or heaven forbid, you make her mad, but she will be there NO MATTER WHAT if you need her!!!!<br /></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5435516030565089266" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 257px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_CU1SaGKG2PE/S27VB_zF__I/AAAAAAAAPEE/P7JuhQHFYDE/s400/DSC_0031.JPG" border="0" /> <p align="center">She is truly one of a kind. I am blessed to have her as my sister, and even more blessed to call her friend!<br /></p><p align="center"><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img style="BORDER-RIGHT: 0px; BORDER-TOP: 0px; BACKGROUND: none transparent scroll repeat 0% 0%; BORDER-LEFT: 0px; BORDER-BOTTOM: 0px" src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54487/325/7BA1F9E94B784A881108EEE242678994.png" /></a></p>~Bren~http://www.blogger.com/profile/14533891842002502385noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5802158747151535187.post-89845178344128723632010-02-06T18:01:00.003-06:002010-02-06T18:07:18.553-06:00Thank You<div align="center"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_CU1SaGKG2PE/S24C_2mk8QI/AAAAAAAAPDU/urDH77V4ri4/s1600-h/anniv1.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5435285096295100674" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 256px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_CU1SaGKG2PE/S24C_2mk8QI/AAAAAAAAPDU/urDH77V4ri4/s400/anniv1.jpg" border="0" /></a> A few days ago, I posted a couple of videos here of the Crimson River Quartet. I loved their sound and put their CD on my wish list. Today my mailman brought me a bubble envelope with Crimson River Quartet as the return address. Inside was a CD of their 10th Anniversary Live Concert (which features all their past and present members). <strong><em>Oh. My. Goodness.</em></strong> It is <strong><em>WONDERFUL!!!</em></strong> I have no idea who sent it to me, but whoever you are, </div><div align="center"><strong><em><span style="font-size:180%;">THANK YOU!!!!</span></em></strong> </div><div align="center">What an incredible blessing it was to me and my family. We have <em>all </em>enjoyed it today and it has brought a beautiful "feeling" into our home. May God pour out 100 fold into your life, that which you poured into mine.<br /></div><div align="center"><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img style="BORDER-RIGHT: 0px; BORDER-TOP: 0px; BACKGROUND: none transparent scroll repeat 0% 0%; BORDER-LEFT: 0px; BORDER-BOTTOM: 0px" src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54487/325/7BA1F9E94B784A881108EEE242678994.png" /></a></div>~Bren~http://www.blogger.com/profile/14533891842002502385noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5802158747151535187.post-37642851562659403392010-02-05T11:34:00.008-06:002010-02-05T11:57:30.623-06:00Fit For A Princess<div align="center"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_CU1SaGKG2PE/S2xZrQPe9yI/AAAAAAAAPDM/5-ny1ZDwYec/s1600-h/DSC_0020(1).JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5434817449958504226" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_CU1SaGKG2PE/S2xZrQPe9yI/AAAAAAAAPDM/5-ny1ZDwYec/s400/DSC_0020(1).JPG" border="0" /></a> Emerson got a new crib. It is just beautiful.<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5434816713884334306" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_CU1SaGKG2PE/S2xZAaJueOI/AAAAAAAAPCs/sOppYDiWBCE/s400/DSC_0018(1).JPG" border="0" />Her Great Grandma (my mother-in-love) bought her the crib, mattress and some gorgeous bedding!!! (It also comes with a side rail for a toddler bed, and converts to a twin headboard)<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5434816912509719570" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_CU1SaGKG2PE/S2xZL-FtVBI/AAAAAAAAPC8/4NoLYnSL9KE/s400/DSC_0021(1).JPG" border="0" />Look at all the beautiful, dense, quilting on the quilt and bumper pads.....<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5434816801317281730" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_CU1SaGKG2PE/S2xZFf3XX8I/AAAAAAAAPC0/QAUAuysT5bc/s400/DSC_0017(1).JPG" border="0" />When I saw the quilting, it reminded me of <a href="http://all-stitched-up.blogspot.com/">Linda</a>, who does similar quilting. It is just gorgeous!</div><div align="center">So our little Princess can dream in a bed fit for royalty!!!<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5434816600899246418" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_CU1SaGKG2PE/S2xY51P-2VI/AAAAAAAAPCk/u7b0PfWdTOI/s400/DSC_0011(3).JPG" border="0" />I am anxious to see both of my grandchildren. They will be here this afternoon. </div><div align="center">Have a blessed weekend!!<br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_CU1SaGKG2PE/S2xZhkvaGEI/AAAAAAAAPDE/ZOjmnXxgwXk/s1600-h/DSC_0021(1).JPG"></a> <div><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img style="BORDER-RIGHT: 0px; BORDER-TOP: 0px; BACKGROUND: none transparent scroll repeat 0% 0%; BORDER-LEFT: 0px; BORDER-BOTTOM: 0px" src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54487/325/7BA1F9E94B784A881108EEE242678994.png" /></a></div><div> </div><br /></div>~Bren~http://www.blogger.com/profile/14533891842002502385noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5802158747151535187.post-81529355913176119402010-02-04T08:12:00.003-06:002010-02-04T08:27:18.159-06:00Crimson River Quartet<div align="center">My Grandmother would have LOVED these guys! What incredible voices. This would have been her favorite....a medley of her favorite hymns. This is for you, Grandma!!<br /><br /><object height="344" width="425"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/BAFQbuAvH58&hl=en_US&fs=1&rel=0&color1=0x234900&color2=0x4e9e00"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/BAFQbuAvH58&hl=en_US&fs=1&rel=0&color1=0x234900&color2=0x4e9e00" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object><br /><br />This one is my favorite....as Charlotte's mom, I get goosebumps when I listen to this.<br /><br /><object height="344" width="425"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/HqzXHS8Ykdk&hl=en_US&fs=1&color1=0x234900&color2=0x4e9e00"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/HqzXHS8Ykdk&hl=en_US&fs=1&color1=0x234900&color2=0x4e9e00" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object><br /><br />I am putting this CD on my wish list!!!<br /><br /><br /><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img style="BORDER-RIGHT: 0px; BORDER-TOP: 0px; BACKGROUND: none transparent scroll repeat 0% 0%; BORDER-LEFT: 0px; BORDER-BOTTOM: 0px" src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54487/325/7BA1F9E94B784A881108EEE242678994.png" /></a> </div>~Bren~http://www.blogger.com/profile/14533891842002502385noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5802158747151535187.post-29359952435833100312010-02-02T08:03:00.015-06:002010-02-02T08:42:05.125-06:00Groundhogs Day<div align="center"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_CU1SaGKG2PE/S2gyv5rHD_I/AAAAAAAAPCc/nbT5x6C5Zwg/s1600-h/282841750_07eba99067.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5433648748939382770" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 383px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_CU1SaGKG2PE/S2gyv5rHD_I/AAAAAAAAPCc/nbT5x6C5Zwg/s400/282841750_07eba99067.jpg" border="0" /></a> It is official.....SIX more weeks of winter. What a treat *said with a hint of sarcasm*. As I type this, it is snowing outside. There is probably an inch or so of fresh snow on the ground this morning and I am not sure how much more we will be getting. Good thing I saw Punksitony Phil on the news this morning or I would not have known what day it is.<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5433647617526057330" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_CU1SaGKG2PE/S2gxuC1JyXI/AAAAAAAAPBU/xRZKJPSO1Vo/s400/DSC_0001.JPG" border="0" />I still do not have a 2010 calendar and have had to use the little January square at the bottom of my December 2009 page. Now that is gone and I have taped a piece of paper to write dates on. I forget to pick one up every time. I need to grab one today while I am out.</div><div align="center">Yesterday Charlotte had her first "at home" sewing lesson. She had went last Tuesday, and will go again today, to Hancock Fabrics for some formal machine lessons. She did quite well on my old White.<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5433647832474299122" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_CU1SaGKG2PE/S2gx6jkzqvI/AAAAAAAAPBk/yeN8qy3p-RY/s400/DSC_0011(2).JPG" border="0" />No thread or bobbin in, but she followed lines on pieces of paper.<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5433647946481459026" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_CU1SaGKG2PE/S2gyBMSO31I/AAAAAAAAPBs/zBwISSU81tI/s400/DSC_0014(2).JPG" border="0" />Ewww. Her nails look dirty, but really they are painted that way. She and Anya did manicures yesterday! Pink and black. To be 12 again! The ovals were a challenge, and by the end she had greatly improved, but look at these sewing lines on the squares....she really did GREAT!<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5433648068787478466" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_CU1SaGKG2PE/S2gyIT6Qn8I/AAAAAAAAPB0/v53L3XvGC9U/s400/DSC_0027.JPG" border="0" />This morning, before she goes to Hancocks, she will do <em>this</em> sheet.....I think I would have a hard time with this one.<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5433648159868101010" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_CU1SaGKG2PE/S2gyNnNkoZI/AAAAAAAAPB8/Ad3ThylfC_A/s400/DSC_0031.JPG" border="0" />Our goal is that she will be wearing the new skirt she made to church on Sunday! A very easy 2 piece pattern with an elastic waist band.</div><div align="center">Zach had a rough day yesterday. He had to make up some math pages he had "skipped" and he was not happy about it.<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5433648253005410354" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_CU1SaGKG2PE/S2gyTCLPMDI/AAAAAAAAPCE/OwpfydvoXzM/s400/DSC_0016(1).JPG" border="0" />He did get it all done and out of 104 problems, he only got 2 wrong. What a guy!!</div><div align="center">His room got a complete cleaning yesterday too. I cleaned out drawers and closet, bagging up clothes that no longer fit and some that had seen better days. Zach will always pull the most ragged article of clothing rather than a nicer choice....now he does not have the raggedy choice!<br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_CU1SaGKG2PE/S2gykKDQg-I/AAAAAAAAPCU/zykT5gApSoo/s1600-h/DSC_0018.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5433648547177202658" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_CU1SaGKG2PE/S2gykKDQg-I/AAAAAAAAPCU/zykT5gApSoo/s400/DSC_0018.JPG" border="0" /></a>We removed the headboard Sweetheart had made. It was just a junk collector. When he is older and has more control over his "collections" he can get it back. For now it is about keeping things as simple as possible for him....he HATES to clean his room. <img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5433648371489013362" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_CU1SaGKG2PE/S2gyZ7j7fnI/AAAAAAAAPCM/VE6yJvbSHKI/s400/DSC_0020.JPG" border="0" />On the quilting front, I have nothing to show....how many pics of the pink and brown can you take??? They all look the same at this point, but be aware that I AM working on it and plan to have it completed in the near future!<br />How could I leave you without a Sassy picture??? I think she is going to be long haired! Heaven help me!<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5433647739931753762" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_CU1SaGKG2PE/S2gx1K08fSI/AAAAAAAAPBc/HYC_eoodRG4/s400/DSC_0006(2).JPG" border="0" /> <a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img style="BORDER-RIGHT: 0px; BORDER-TOP: 0px; BACKGROUND: none transparent scroll repeat 0% 0%; BORDER-LEFT: 0px; BORDER-BOTTOM: 0px" src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54487/325/7BA1F9E94B784A881108EEE242678994.png" /></a><br /></div>~Bren~http://www.blogger.com/profile/14533891842002502385noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5802158747151535187.post-67043848600605776262010-01-30T11:40:00.010-06:002010-01-30T13:38:56.663-06:00Life With Sass<div align="center">Sassy, or Sass, as I call her, has fit right into our family. It was like she was created just for us!! She is very playful, yet she mellows out nicely too.<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5432589504300276610" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_CU1SaGKG2PE/S2RvXv5VW4I/AAAAAAAAPA0/Rca7gwTFtdE/s400/DSC_0006(1).JPG" border="0" />She does not like to be alone and cries if she thinks everyone left her. She curls up on a dining room chair during school and she is definitely a lap cat!!!<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5432589700877664594" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_CU1SaGKG2PE/S2RvjMNCQVI/AAAAAAAAPBE/C_-edVBpDPE/s400/DSC_0016.JPG" border="0" />And what cat would belong to a quilter if she did not like quilts??? Sass loves them!<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5432589611430285778" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_CU1SaGKG2PE/S2Rvd-_HkdI/AAAAAAAAPA8/o6hGssxsfo4/s400/DSC_0009(1).JPG" border="0" />Kyle put it best when he said, "Sassy makes my heart happy again."<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5432589777494059170" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_CU1SaGKG2PE/S2RvnpnzqKI/AAAAAAAAPBM/VAF5W0E4KIE/s400/DSC_0005.JPG" border="0" />UGH!!! I can't believe I have a cat! I am not a cat person....or I should say, I was NOT a cat person, but now I am!! I now know what <a href="http://catloverandquiltmaker.blogspot.com/">Winona</a> knows!</div><div align="center">Today, Saturday, is a slow day here. It use to be that Saturday was a HUGE cleaning/laundry day, but since Sweetheart is home, that all changed. Now Saturday's are more fun days. Movies and quilting....maybe a game of cards or Yahtzee. I picked up "<em><strong>Julie and Julia</strong></em>" and plan to watch that later today. First though, I think I will clean up my sewing area.<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5432589417490683762" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_CU1SaGKG2PE/S2RvSsgUF3I/AAAAAAAAPAs/SJY4-Ly7p8g/s400/DSC_0002.JPG" border="0" />It is a bit messy and my <a href="http://icandoitall-cindy.blogspot.com/">friend and neighbor </a>will be coming over one day next week to cut her first quilt. I am thrilled about that, and can not wait to see a quilter born!</div><div align="center">Thank you all so much for your prayers and thoughts regarding my family situation. I have faith that God's plan will be revealed in all of this. </div><div align="center">Have a wonderfully blessed weekend!!!!</div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"> <a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img style="BORDER-RIGHT: 0px; BORDER-TOP: 0px; BACKGROUND: none transparent scroll repeat 0% 0%; BORDER-LEFT: 0px; BORDER-BOTTOM: 0px" src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54487/325/7BA1F9E94B784A881108EEE242678994.png" /></a> </div>~Bren~http://www.blogger.com/profile/14533891842002502385noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5802158747151535187.post-1048756857593101062010-01-28T15:44:00.007-06:002010-01-28T16:14:29.711-06:00Sharing My Heart<div><div><div><div align="center">I can not begin to express how much your comments and e-mails have meant to me. Thank you all so much. The love we felt for Hope was something I never would have imagined happening. She was just a cat for cryin out loud, but oh how she touched our lives. I well up just thinking of her. We buried her in our garden out back. My son Bud came over and dug up the frozen ground and we buried her in a box the kids made. It will now be called "Hope's Garden". </div><div align="center">I have not shared my life lately. You know I am usually an open book. It has been a very rough couple of months here. No need to share details, but I will share that just after Thanksgiving, Bud and Rachel separated and are now going through a divorce. Rachel and the kids live with her parents over an hour away. It has been like a death in the family and I am, of course, concerned for my grandkids. This will be very hard on them, especially TJ who does not like change at all. Bud has them every other weekend until visitation is worked out through the courts. I do not assume any divorce is easy, and this one is no exception.</div><div align="center">Enough of that. You can, maybe, see why saving Hope was so important to me. I could not save my grandchildren's family, but maybe I could save a cat. Well, that was not meant to be either. I am not sure why God brought Hope into our lives, or if He even did. I know she helped us more than we helped her. Last night was a sad night here. My little kids cried themselves to sleep. Zach sobbed for over an hour in his bed last night. He did not want to come with me or Sweetheart when we asked him. Charlotte was crying too. This morning her eyes were all red and puffy. Kyle was very quiet and spent the evening in his room. He had been spending a lot of time holding Hope in the evenings. I felt very guilty for putting my kids through this. </div><div align="center">What could I do to make it better?<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5431910507803013810" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_CU1SaGKG2PE/S2IF081PcrI/AAAAAAAAPAE/dFoRqWyBtqo/s400/DSC_0008.JPG" border="0" />Meet Sassy. Sassy is a 10 week old kitten who I got from the shelter this morning.<br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5431910918484148754" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_CU1SaGKG2PE/S2IGM2vQQhI/AAAAAAAAPAk/kRCwNzBeZVU/s400/DSC_0017.JPG" border="0" />She is a sweet little thing with a black and pink nose and someone cut off her whiskers and one eyebrow.<br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5431910416753031954" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_CU1SaGKG2PE/S2IFvppO-xI/AAAAAAAAO_8/JGWYlDm1dCg/s400/DSC_0005.JPG" border="0" />This gives her a "misfit" look and I knew she would fit right in here.<br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5431910594411536018" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_CU1SaGKG2PE/S2IF5_eUnpI/AAAAAAAAPAM/OJBpAoXFDzo/s400/DSC_0010.JPG" border="0" />The whiskers will grow back as fast as the smiles came back on my kid's faces!<br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5431910815307168834" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_CU1SaGKG2PE/S2IGG2X8fEI/AAAAAAAAPAc/HTDJ3z2ovQg/s400/DSC_0016.JPG" border="0" />Charlotte said, "Hope would like Sassy, Mom." <img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5431910698580076450" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_CU1SaGKG2PE/S2IGADiCZ6I/AAAAAAAAPAU/sLQVwvO_jEI/s400/DSC_0014.JPG" border="0" /></div><div align="center"> I know there is much love here to be poured out on a little black and white cat with no whiskers and a lot of attitude....which is where the name Sassy came from! I think Charlotte is right. Hope would like Sassy!!!<br /><br /><div><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img style="BORDER-RIGHT: 0px; BORDER-TOP: 0px; BACKGROUND: none transparent scroll repeat 0% 0%; BORDER-LEFT: 0px; BORDER-BOTTOM: 0px" src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54487/325/7BA1F9E94B784A881108EEE242678994.png" /></a></div><br /><div><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"></a> </div></div></div></div></div>~Bren~http://www.blogger.com/profile/14533891842002502385noreply@blogger.com31tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5802158747151535187.post-83573612586855159322010-01-27T19:08:00.003-06:002010-01-27T20:19:10.612-06:00Hope Is Gone<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"></a><br /><div align="center">Though she was only with us for a short time, she touched our lives in a way that will live forever. We loved her very much. I hope she felt that. </div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"></a></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"></a></div><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"></a>~Bren~http://www.blogger.com/profile/14533891842002502385noreply@blogger.com35tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5802158747151535187.post-32014933916698270802010-01-26T08:14:00.005-06:002010-01-26T08:20:21.287-06:00Friday Night Sew In<center><a href="http://www.handmadebyheidi.blogspot.com/"><img src="http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac15/hmichaelle/th_Fridaynight4-Page001.jpg" border="0" /></a></center><div align="center"><br />I am joining the Friday Night Sew In over at Handmade By Heidi. It will be February 19th. My goal is to get the Hidden Star to a completed top that night. It could be a long one!!!! Feel free to join in. Just click on the badge and sign up. The next day, we can all visit each other and see what got done!!!</div><div align="center">For those Hope lovers, she is still with us, though she is having some "episodes" that may be seizures. She is very weak this morning only able to hold up her head. I plan to have a full day of pumping fluids with the needle and lots of holding and loving. I feel like it will go one way or the other very quickly here. I am not giving up!<br /><br /><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img style="BORDER-RIGHT: 0px; BORDER-TOP: 0px; BACKGROUND: none transparent scroll repeat 0% 0%; BORDER-LEFT: 0px; BORDER-BOTTOM: 0px" src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54487/325/7BA1F9E94B784A881108EEE242678994.png" /></a> </div>~Bren~http://www.blogger.com/profile/14533891842002502385noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5802158747151535187.post-90795617421987308602010-01-25T17:57:00.005-06:002010-01-25T18:17:44.338-06:00A Hope-Ful Update<div align="center"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_CU1SaGKG2PE/S14wMEXNxcI/AAAAAAAAO_0/rzbikse51AQ/s1600-h/DSCF3022.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5430831184543073730" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_CU1SaGKG2PE/S14wMEXNxcI/AAAAAAAAO_0/rzbikse51AQ/s400/DSCF3022.JPG" border="0" /></a> Things with Hope have certainly been eventful. The above pic is from last week. Her wound is no longer bandaged and has formed a very nice scab. All closed up and healing nicely. That is the good news. The bad news is, last night she could no more than hold up her head. Once again, I was stunned to find she survived the night. She had 70 cc's of a baby food meat/pedialyte soup yesterday given orally with a syringe in 10 cc increments. That stuff stinks and she is not a dumb cat and soon learned to close her throat so she could spit it out. Still I pressed on, unwilling to give up. This morning she was holding her head up better, but still unable to sit up or stand on her own. When she needs to use the litter box, she struggles to get up and I carry her over to her box and hold her up while she does her business. I got a very welcomed e-mail this morning from a blogging friend who has experience with sick animals. On her advice, I contacted the shelter lady again.....since she is mentioned so often I may as well call her by name.... <strong><em>Jane</em></strong> listened as I <s>asked</s> <s>pleaded</s> BEGGED for more help. I asked for a bag of lactate ringers and a needle. She finally said she would do her best and within the hour, Jane was at my door with a bag of ringers under her shirt (keeping them warm) and some hypodermic needles and a 60 cc syringe. She showed me how to put the fluids under her skin with the needle. We are putting 30 cc's at a time in her and that is wonderful!!! It takes me hours to get 30 cc's of the "soup" in her. Hope is cooperating for the most part, but has some fight in her yet. Jane only got 23 cc's in her before she pulled away and the needle came out. I got the whole 30 the next time, and the time after that I only got 15 before she started to pull away. We will continue to give her up to 180cc's a day of the ringers, sub-q, through tomorrow. I ran up to the store and got some of the stinkiest wet cat food in liver, as she is anemic, and for the first time in a couple of days, Hope ate on her own. Not a huge amount, but she ate. She is able to sit up now but is quite wobbly. She still is unable to walk at all. I am hopeful, as always, that she will pull through. It has been decided that if she does, Hope will stay with us for the remainder of her days, whether it be 1 day or 10 years. She is our cat now!!!!<br /><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img style="BORDER-RIGHT: 0px; BORDER-TOP: 0px; BACKGROUND: none transparent scroll repeat 0% 0%; BORDER-LEFT: 0px; BORDER-BOTTOM: 0px" src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54487/325/7BA1F9E94B784A881108EEE242678994.png" /></a> </div>~Bren~http://www.blogger.com/profile/14533891842002502385noreply@blogger.com19tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5802158747151535187.post-38682398651904835222010-01-24T06:53:00.008-06:002010-01-24T07:42:09.891-06:00Hanging On To Hope<div align="center">I am not sure how many more of these catchy Hope titles I can come up with! I was certain this mornings update would be titled, "Hope Is Gone". On Friday morning, the shelter lady came and took Hope to the Vet. When she left, Hope was walking on her own, eating, drinking and she had even pooped before she left. I would say she was 70% better than when we brought her home. The vet did blood work and assessed the wound. She said the wound would heal, but that Hope was so dehydrated she "could expire at any minute". The shelter lady called me and told me that she wanted to keep Hope over night and pump 300cc's of fluid into her through IV. Yesterday she brought Hope home. She could not even walk. She kept falling down and dragging her hind quarters like a wounded soldier in a movie. She worked so hard to get to the litter box that once she got there she just laid in it. I had to hold up her body so she could go potty and then I carried her back to her box. The lady told me she did not give Hope fluids because her "fluids were dried up". The vet said for them to help her would cost more than PAWS (the shelter) <em>wanted</em> or I <em>could</em> pay, and she probably wouldn't make it anyway. She is eating thimble fulls and I have to syringe water/pedialyte into her. She did not rally like before and I was sure she would be gone this morning. Hope is still alive, hanging on, still unable to walk and can barely meow. Sweetheart is upset. He thinks taking her out and drawing blood and her being in a cat carrier for 30+ hours was too much for her. I have put so much "hope" into this cat....too much I am afraid. I have clung to the process of helping her recover like an obsession. I felt like I could not help all the other things going on in and around my life, but I COULD help a dying cat. Now I am not so sure. Maybe we should have named her Faith.</div><br /><div align="center">Ok, onto other things. My grandkids came to visit and spend Friday night with us. They are a delight!!! <img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5430288921517681602" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_CU1SaGKG2PE/S1xDANLM68I/AAAAAAAAO_U/ovyy2f2aaQs/s400/DSCF3042.JPG" border="0" />Emerson is a busy little thing and since she started walking EVERYTHING is new to her. You can almost hear her thinking, "Hey! I never saw that before....let me touch it!" She saw a picture of her self and squealed in delight saying "Baby. Baby". She enjoyed playing the piano with PawPaw.<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5430291948969835490" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_CU1SaGKG2PE/S1xFwbUCu-I/AAAAAAAAO_s/mfzUKhLyOWQ/s400/DSCF3044.JPG" border="0" />She is so on the move I could only get good pics while she was in her highchair or being held. Since Kyle has moved upstairs, Emerson's bedroom in my house is gone. She slept in Zach's room which meant Zach and TJ slept in our room. TJ had a fitful night of tossing and turning and MAJOR teeth grinding like I have never heard before . At breakfast he seemed well rested, though irritated with my camera antics.<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5430289156945036786" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_CU1SaGKG2PE/S1xDN6NdRfI/AAAAAAAAO_k/46vG-avxRbs/s400/DSCF3052.JPG" border="0" /></div><div align="center">Emerson wakes up all smiles and ready for a new day of discovery.<br /></div><div align="center"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_CU1SaGKG2PE/S1xDHL_sRVI/AAAAAAAAO_c/X0lweQL3ODI/s1600-h/DSCF3055.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5430289041460053330" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_CU1SaGKG2PE/S1xDHL_sRVI/AAAAAAAAO_c/X0lweQL3ODI/s400/DSCF3055.JPG" border="0" /></a> Today, we will spend some time with them again and I will need to come home every hour or so to give Hope more fluids. Luckily my son only lives a few miles away!</div><div align="center">Say an extra prayer for Hope.<br /><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img style="BORDER-RIGHT: 0px; BORDER-TOP: 0px; BACKGROUND: none transparent scroll repeat 0% 0%; BORDER-LEFT: 0px; BORDER-BOTTOM: 0px" src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54487/325/7BA1F9E94B784A881108EEE242678994.png" /></a> </div>~Bren~http://www.blogger.com/profile/14533891842002502385noreply@blogger.com10