A Heavenly Homecoming

My dear, sweet mother-in-law went to be with Jesus yesterday morning. She was at home, baking for her daughter's family, and passed away peacefully. She was 91. She had been battling health problems for some time, a result of old age, but she didn't give up. She still helped with the laundry and the cooking because she was never one to sit still for very long.

I was blessed to have known her for these past 37 years. She was a survivor. Out of nine siblings she was one of the last two still living. Now there is one. She lost a husband and two sons and still maintained her beautiful positive spirit and never lost her sense of humor. An avid hockey fan, the local hockey team called her "Team Mom" and gave her an autographed hockey jersey on her 90th birthday. She coordinated the fellowship suppers at her church for many years and looked forward to going to breakfast at the casinos where she lived. She had many friends, young and old, and kept up with countless nieces and nephews and more than a dozen grandchildren.

She always had a story to tell. The most recent one was about a "younger man in his 70's" who would sit by her in church and drive her to Walmart. She laughed at the thought of having an admirer at her age.

She called me last Friday night and left a message and ended it like she always did, "I love you".

Honeymoon in New York City

It has been a busy summer. My daughter got married. My grandson celebrated his birthday (today) and turned six years old. School is starting next week already. Where did the summer go? My daughter and her husband went to New York on their honeymoon and had a great time. Here are a few photos of their trip. They took over 400 pictures. The highlight was seeing "Rocky" and meeting the stars afterwards (and getting pictures made):)

View from the hotel

Good seats!

I caught a glimpse  of my daughter and her husband

at the end of the show.

Visiting Ellis Island

9/11 Memorial

July Wedding

God blessed us with a beautiful day on Saturday for my daughter's wedding.

She was married to her 'best friend' in the gardens of

a historic home, a perfect setting for a summer wedding.

The house was built in 1819 and was the home

of a famed local poet and artist. My new son-in-law is a graphic artist

and my daughter and I like history, so it was the perfect match.

We chose simple table centerpieces.

The two brothers waiting for the wedding to begin.

The elegant dining room.

Here comes the bride!

Celebrations

May was a busy month. My granddaughter, Mae-Mae, turned three. My grandson graduated from
Kindergarten. My two oldest granddaughters had dance recitals and finished up their ball season. They did great in both. My oldest daughter celebrated her birthday and we had a bridal shower for her. We decided on a burlap and lace theme (in case you couldn't tell);) Thank you, Pinterest, for the inspiration!

I made these little gift bags out of plain brown sacks

(3 for a $1.00) and added cup up lace doilies and twine for

the bow.

My daughter's friend had this old window at home and it

was perfect for a backdrop.

My daughter bought the burlap banner and stamped the hearts on the pendants.

My daughter wrapped Mason jars in burlap and lace and used simple

Baby's Breath for the arrangements.

     

Nature Hike

After a week of freakish storms and cleaning up storm debris I relished the beautiful weather that we have been blessed with these past couple of days. I wanted to get away for a few hours, so my daughter and I took the children on a nature hike nearby. It's a mile and half walk on top of a mountain.

Perfect spot to pose for a picture.

We counted at least nine turtles.

My 3-year old granddaughter explores the old homestead cabin.

A little chapel in the woods.

Easter

I hope everyone had a blessed Easter. Here are some images from my Easter.

I made the cross designs using strips of masking tape.

 

My attempt at cupcake decorating.

 

I bought these little bags at the Dollar General. I

didn't go overboard with the candy.

 

My little granddaughter looking rather glum,

but she cheered right up once she found some Easter eggs.

 

 

What Easter is really about.

 

April Showers (Blessings)

We celebrated my middle granddaughter's birthday this past weekend.

She is seven. She has a big heart and is a little fashion diva. She is a good sister, too.

Everyone loves her.

I made some Black Forest Cherry Cupcakes. They turned out pretty good.

My backyard looks an unkempt bag lady, but that's okay.

She is surrounded by purple flowers.

The downtown park in Spring. I love this time of year, so I

can take pictures of the cherry blossoms.

The Japanese bridge

Feeding the fish

Sunshine and Daffodils

We have had some gorgeous weather these past few days. Sunshine. Spring. 70 degree temperatures. Longer days, thanks to daylight savings. Daffodils blooming.

 

And now the forecast is for rain and cold tomorrow. Darn! I knew it couldn't last!

 

 

A good friend of mine sent me this Lenten cross along with the readings

and accessories. I think it is the nicest gift that anyone ever gave me.

 

 

Last weekend I took my three oldest grandchildren (ages 5,6 & 9) to see a local high school production of "Shrek, the Musical". It was hilarious and so much fun! I was so proud of the

kids because they were very well-behaved through the (almost) three hour production.

One of the characters, who played the midget Lord Farquard (on his knees, in a costume), intrigued my grandson. He asked me, "Mawmaw, is he a grown-up?" This was their first play and they were enchanted  by the elaborate costumes and dance numbers.

 

 

 

 

Breathing

From "Daily Strengths" These simple words are so profound.

"I do not know when I have had happier times in my soul, than when I have been sitting at work, with nothing before me but a candle and a white cloth, and hearing no sound but that of my own breath, with God in my soul and heaven in my eye....I rejoice in being exactly what I am, - a creature capable of loving God, and who, as long as God lives, must be happy. I get up and look for a while out of the window, and gaze at the moon and stars, the work of the Almighty hand. I think of the grandeur of the universe, and then sit down, and think myself one of the happiest beings in it.
(A poor Methodist woman, 18th century)

How to Make a Pillowcase Dress

This is my first attempt in writing sewing instructions. If you have simple sewing experience this is super simple. I am a self-taught seamstress. My husband actually taught me how to sew in our early marriage. He had taken Home Economics in high school. I was not very domestic at that time.
I have collected several pillowcases through the years, picking them up at thrift stores. I prefer 100% cotton, but most are cotton/poly blends. Of course, it goes without saying that you don't want them to be faded or worn and pretty ginghams or pastel patterns work best for little girls.

I found this pretty yellow pillowcase at Goodwill. Someone

has lovingly cross-stitched the trim. This is perfect for a sewing project and

literally only costs pennies to make.

Some people prefer to use a pattern, especially if you are making a brand new dress. If you use a

pillowcase a pattern is not necessary. This pattern uses wide single-fold bias tape

for the arms and casing, but you can also make your own if you have enough fabric.

You can use 5/8 ribbons for the ties (approximately 2 1/2 yards) or make your own ties

from the same or contrasting fabric.

After deciding the length of your dress

fold over the top part of the pillowcase and

cut straight across.

Fold the pillowcase and cut out the arm holes, leaving room

at the top for the casing.

With the leftover fabric fold on the diagonal

and cut your bias strips. I am an impatient seamstress;

I don't like to pin or measure if I don't have to.

Afterall, this is not a formal dress.

Cut tiny notches in the curved arm holes to make

it easier to sew on the bias strips.

Fold down the top part of the dress 1/2 inch and press

and then fold over again approximately 1 1/4 inch to form

the casing. Cut your ribbons 1 yard each or shorter for a

smaller garment.

You can use a safety pin to pull the ribbon through the casing.

Adjust on both sides and tie into bows.

In less than an hour you will have a pretty little

dress to give away to a favorite little girl or donate

to a charity.