tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10430032840827705042024-03-13T02:13:13.654-04:00My Quilted WorldUnknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger153125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1043003284082770504.post-58707160898491929002011-05-10T12:51:00.000-04:002011-05-10T12:51:23.320-04:00This Image Speaks For Itself<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrbpH0oVKI_OvNl_BdcutlGD-WpQ9IiqWHp4XxUt-BL4-fda1rCUe_cLEa2zeNpy-Gvu5DugJF2bx_AClFWAW0z1uI04IkciP3dMM-1FxvRalEFSg-6mlo1tcX2ow_aXLJP4_HaGRHwN3c/s1600/time-flies.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="227" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrbpH0oVKI_OvNl_BdcutlGD-WpQ9IiqWHp4XxUt-BL4-fda1rCUe_cLEa2zeNpy-Gvu5DugJF2bx_AClFWAW0z1uI04IkciP3dMM-1FxvRalEFSg-6mlo1tcX2ow_aXLJP4_HaGRHwN3c/s320/time-flies.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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Good grief. How did it get to be May already when the last time I was here I was whining for Spring? Yikes. <br />
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While I haven't been posting, obviously, I have been lurking blog land and I've been watching you all. lol. And I'm jealous as heck. That's another reason I haven't blogged, got nothin' to show. ha hah. I've been busy though. I've been some lazy too but more busy lately I'd say. lol.<br />
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I've wanted to come on and post for awhile now with some good news and sadly it has taken me this long to pass it on. A few posts back I mentioned that my sisters cancer was back. Well, I am happy, no, that's not the word, elated to say that she is again cancer free. Already. She had taken 3 sets of chemo's and a cat scan has revealed that there is nothing present in the liver or lung at all anymore. Praise the Lord!! A big huge Thank You to those of you who prayed and thought of her during this last round. We are firm believers in God answering prayers. She will still have to have two more chemo's just to be sure but she is a champ. She said she can handle it because she knows she's got it beat now. Thank God. I had to share that with you all. Thanks again.<br />
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I should have my tail in the sewing room but I can't do it. Not even for a minute. I don't know what's wrong with me but I have no motivation in that area whatsoever. And I need to. I really do, trust me. lol. What has my attention right now is the great big beautiful outdoors. Oh, I love Spring and watching the earth spring forth it's bounty and glory. Especially after the long, ugly Ohio winter we've had. I've been planting and transplanting and the guys put up the rest of my fence for me on Mother's Day so as soon as I can get some equipment in here, I'm ready to move and plant my vegetable garden. The flower beds should be done but you never know what I might find along the way to add. lol. I'll have pics later but it's taking my phone forever to send them to my email for some reason. When I get them all loaded up, I'll post them too.<br />
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Hope you all get some good sewing time in today. Send vibes my way that I'll get my tail motivated to get in there and do what I need to do to finish a project and start some more. And take time to get some fresh air today too. Take care.<br />
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Happy Stitching,<br />
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ReneeUnknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1043003284082770504.post-78173462300397463062011-03-13T12:43:00.000-04:002011-03-13T12:43:14.430-04:00Can't Wait For SpringHello There. Happy Sunday to everyone. I hope this finds everyone well. So far, so good here in my little corner of the world. <br />
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I can't talk long today because I have major, major work to do. I've had a friends quilt for 2 years and still haven't finished quilting it and she showed up the other day to check progress. Yikes. So now I am planning on spending a huge portion of the day today belting out some stitches on that beast. Not really looking forward to diving in but I am excited to do it too. Doesn't make sense does it? lol. Anyway, those are my plans today. How bout you all? Anything exciting today?<br />
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I also can't wait for Spring. I mean Spring like weather anyway. The rains last week melted most of the snow finally but it also flooded alot of areas unfortunately. I usually get my cabin fever in February real bad but I am proud to say I was pleasantly surprised to see it was March already before I began to whine about it. lol. I'm ready to get outside and garden/yard work. I have iris and resurrection lilies coming up already. Couple more weeks and the plum tree should bloom. Love that time of year. It's so pretty right outside my back door. I'm already seeing signs of things in bloom through other folks' blogs and now I want that here too. Particularly in Alabama I've noticed that Spring is showing it's head. Too bad I'm in Ohio. lol. <br />
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I'd also like to mention before I go, please, please think of the people in Japan and say your prayers for them today. It's so devastating what has happened and I am so deeply saddened by the coverage in the news. Seems like prayer is all I can do about the situation. And God bless those going/sending aid.<br />
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Hope you've had a great weekend. Enjoy the day. Happy Stitching.<br />
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ReneeUnknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1043003284082770504.post-79107186558417395872011-03-01T12:54:00.000-05:002011-03-01T12:54:31.289-05:00Rockin' To Pandora RadioFirst of all, Hello everybody! I hope everyone is doing well. Not too bad here. I apologize that it's been some time since I posted last but it's been quite hectic here and it is starting to settle down some. I want to Thank everyone very much for thoughts, prayers and well-wishes for my sister and our family. That means so much to me. She is having her second day of round two today. She sounded wonderful last night. I continue to pray that this won't take a terrible toll on her. It's easy for me to say but so far, so good. One prominent lymph node under her arm is already gone to the touch. They will do a PET scan probably within the month to see if anything has shrank, etc. I think that happens before her 3rd round of treatments this time. If not this month, next month I'm sure. I always am eager to hear good results from those scans. Too bad those are the ones that confirm the bad news as well though. But Thank God for that technology. Again, thank you for all your thoughtfullness.<br />
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And now, for what I'm currently raving on: Love me some Pandora Internet radio. I first discovered it a year and a half ago on my smartphone. Spent most of my time last summer outside wearing headphones and listening while I gardened. It was very hard at times not to bust out in dance while raking or something when a good beat came on. lol. Can you imagine what my neighbors would think of me out in my backyard cuttin' a rug and air guitaring my rake all by myself? lol. I'm listening to <em>The Hustle</em> right now. And let me tell you, what I do in the privacy of my own home while listening is a different story. lol. I'm not doing so much actual physical dancing as I am rockin' this chair I'm sittin' in at the moment, but you know, it's movement. Right? lol. My favorite music I've found so far is mostly, don't laugh- Disco. Yeah, I said it, disco. I put in KC and The Sunshine Band and I've not been disappointed in a selection yet. I also like what I get by putting in AC/DC. I search by artist, not genre. Does anyone else ever use it? Today's actually the first time I've used it on the desktop. What are some of your favorites?<br />
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I haven't been doing a super, duper big lot of anything major at all on the sewing front. I have managed to finally finish my son and daugher-in-laws comforter for them. They bought a brand new bedding set and one of their nice little doggies forgot he was chewing on his butt and chawed on the new comforter. Ugh, I would not have wanted to be the doggies when that situation was discovered. Anyway, amazingly the offended area was right on the edge. That was the good news. Too bad it was on one of the long ends. I had some fabric that was like one shade away from matching the comforter and wanted to just patch it but Nooo. Sonny boy thought maybe I could just cut it off past the hole and re-seam it. That's what I ended up doing but I didn't like it and it was not good work at all but it was the best I could do because I put it off and put it off until they were almost desperate for it. Lesson learned. They were super happy with it but still. lol. <br />
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My son got a job working with my husband in a fab shop and let me tell you, them boys are hard on the britches. I'll be dad-gone, I've been sewing patches on top of patches. I just got hubs talked in to getting uniforms so I could take a break from weekly mending. Well now my boy is picking up where his dad left off. I have a small basket full of jeans to patch here so I'm gonna find a spot on the floor and get ready to do some mad patching while I watch <em>The Waltons </em>on t.v. My chair has seen better days and is not comfortable for sewing so I sit on the floor in front of it and lean on it with my back and I'm more under the light of the lamp that way and anything that helps me see better works for me. Hopefully as soon as Shawn has his 90 days in at work, he will take them up on the uniforms himself. They cost a little out of their pay checks but they mend, they wash, they iron, etc. See what I'm gettin' at? lol.<br />
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I hope everyone is having a great day. I have to say, today is one of the better ones I have had in a long time. I feel good today. Not at all hateful or anything. lol. I'm trying to work on my sweet countenance. lol. If you knew me, you'd know that might be a long row to hoe for me. lol. Take care. Happy Stitching today.<br />
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ReneeUnknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1043003284082770504.post-37965681371142998142011-01-21T18:38:00.000-05:002011-01-21T18:38:21.038-05:00Prayers PleaseI don't know if anyone remembers me saying last week was a rough one or not but it was and to be honest, this one hasn't been the best either. But I couldn't say nothin'. Hate being put in that position. But I understand completely why. And now we all know what we've been waiting to hear pretty much. It hasn't been all bad news but what's bad is plenty bad enough, trust me.<br />
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Let me explain. Last Wednesday I called my sister because we hadn't heard much from her since Christmas. Older brother and me joked that she sure must be enjoying her new computer she got because we hadn't heard from her. My husband said maybe I should call on her cause we were right, none of us had heard from her but for an email or two. So I called her and she's been going through some medical procedures that ended up in a biopsy Monday and the diagnosis today. I was asked not to talk about it because she didn't want our one brother to worry unnecessarily if she didn't need to say anything. She has been in remission from Non-Hodgekins lymphoma for a year and a half or so. The lymphoma is back in her liver and a small spot on her lungs. I still have to tell my kids but she is calling the brothers tonight to talk to them herself. The prognosis is good but it involves massive chemo and all the related procedures. Just please pray for her please if you wouldn't mind. For strength to battle this again and strength for her husband who is her rock. This is not what we wanted to hear. I'm very sad right now.<br />
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Last Thursday, on my husbands birthday, he had a sort of routine doctors appointment. To check and see if the blood pressure meds he has been on are working. Well, he had a cough because he smokes and we were just sick not long ago and because he has lost 12 pounds in 2 months, he was ordered blood tests and a chest x-ray. He didn't ask any questions and told me he guessed he was getting the x-ray cause he was coughing. Well, that's not how I roll. I gotta know how, what, when, where and why of all things. lol. The weight loss friegtened me. I have been standing on my head with worry between him and my sister. We went for his results yesterday and thank God he is fine. He does have high cholesterol but nothing came back irregular anywhere including the chest x-ray. And of course, we didn't tell our sons this either so as not to worry them. I'm glad I don't have anything bad to report to them. As far as the weight loss, he was weighed once with his work boots and the next with his tennis shoes. He had on boots again yesterday and gained 2 pounds so we account that for some of it. The blood pressure medicine does contain a diuretic and he says he has been peeing more so maybe that's some of it. And he just don't eat like he should plus he runs his tail off at work about 11 hours a day. They recommend a low fat, low cholesterol diet for awhile before they put him on cholesterol meds for that. Now my question is, how do you fatten somebody up if you gotta feed them low fat food? lol. <br />
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Last Friday, my Mom's cousin and his wife were in a terrible car crash which ended up claiming the life of my cousin Oscar early Sunday morning. His poor wife Carole sustained major injury and I do not have any information as to whether she is even out of the hospital yet and this concerns me. She is so sweet and I know her heart is broken. Maybe another prayer request please for her family during their loss.<br />
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Two nights ago a long-standing factory in town here caught fire and burned almost to the ground. About 40 people are now out of work in this already badly hit town. Our friend's wife worked there and they don't know anything yet as to what they are going to do. It's so sad.<br />
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I have been diligently trying to finish up my sister's quilt. I've gotten side-tracked picking fabrics for my next project though. Then I'm really feeling drawn to do some Bible Study and I just decided yesterday and again this morning that I had to put it all down for a minute until I heard today from my sister. The worry/anxiety renders me mind boggled sometimes and these past few days have been doozies. lol. Now that I know what's what with everyone, I can move forward and hope to do so starting in the morning. I want to finish the quilt top, I have to "reduce" a comforter for my son about 2 inches which should be real fun. Not!! lol. I am gonna need to keep busy and keep my mind as busy on trying focus as I can. Thank you for being a great bunch. I'm sorry to report so many woes as of late but a girl's got to do what a girl's got to do. Thank you for any prayers you can send out for my family right now. <br />
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Take care,<br />
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ReneeUnknownnoreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1043003284082770504.post-17156309563132852182011-01-18T19:48:00.000-05:002011-01-18T19:48:46.253-05:00Sisters Quilt<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhf5-zWRBmpjRSDn3LRwJWReyA19pvILmKud8xaGHnE2TEwpeEifdxp4_z1op23J-lXdr760eF7d9UbElMkwLF1SQhW_WiziepybKb4EtkKsH0vV7H2URBfRExxKys-DTO-4i0jVz70xN1S/s1600/IMAG0994.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhf5-zWRBmpjRSDn3LRwJWReyA19pvILmKud8xaGHnE2TEwpeEifdxp4_z1op23J-lXdr760eF7d9UbElMkwLF1SQhW_WiziepybKb4EtkKsH0vV7H2URBfRExxKys-DTO-4i0jVz70xN1S/s320/IMAG0994.jpg" width="275" /></a></div>I think I've decided to put three-2 inch strips on the top and bottom of this and call it a quilt top. I think I'll just run the strips longways across the width and leave them solid. No more piecing. lol. It's about 47 inches wide now but only 55 inches long. So I figure putting the extra 6 inches on top and bottom will put it around 67 inches long. That's long enough. My sister's short. lol. <br />
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This next picture is just a clip of the backing fabric she sent me. She told me tonight just how to piece the back and it doesn't scare me so much now. It is flannel though. Grrr. I haven't had lots o' luck with the flannel in the past. This looks like good stuff though so we'll see how it quilts. It will certainly be colorful for sure. But she'll love it. <br />
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I got sick to my tummy today and didn't do any sewing like I planned. So far, four of five of us have had some sort of stomach junk since Sunday. Yuck. I think I'll do some block cutting tonight though for my next project. It's already a vision in my head. It will be baby blue, lavender and yellow. Some solids, some florals and I want it to be really dainty. But it's still at this moment only a figment of my imagination. And since I don't feel like sewing I figure I can at least cut some blocks. I need to keep busier. That will do it, won't it? lol. <br />
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Everyone take care. Have a good night.<br />
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ReneeUnknownnoreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1043003284082770504.post-28475842309962692032011-01-18T08:17:00.000-05:002011-01-18T08:17:56.555-05:00Okay ThenWhile I haven't been around here that much, I have been sewing. Not making huge progress but sewing none the less and it feels good. I'll post photos later but for now I wanted to just write.<br />
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Last week was rough. There were just times where I needed to get out of the rut of everyday and do something. So, I sewed. I finished making the last pieced border on my latest quilt. The one I'm giving to my sister. I had four rows all done but they needed sewn on and then I did this final pink border. Now I have it plenty wide enough but not quite long enough and not sure where to go from there. I have to piece the backing which I've never had to do and that frightens me a tad but I'm up for it. <br />
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If I never have to make or look at a pieced border again, I will be thrilled. This quilt is surely an example of my imagination getting the best of me. lol. Somebody kick me if I don't start learning how to use patterns. lol. It's not that I can't use one, I just don't like to. I like unique but sometimes I think my idea of unique is a little off the wall. haha. But I'm gonna head that way and get started. Wish me luck.<br />
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Hope you all have time to do some creative things today as well.<br />
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Take Care.<br />
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ReneeUnknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1043003284082770504.post-87148210081334355692011-01-08T14:37:00.000-05:002011-01-08T14:37:14.767-05:00Easiest Clean Up Evah!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I started putting away all the house decorations from Christmas on Thursday evening. Yesterday morning, I took the decorations off my little bitty tree and just left the lights on it again like I did last year. So easy. I got this industrial sized trash bag from work last year and stored the tree so since I didn't harm it in anyway, I re-used that stinker again to store this year too. Again, so easy. Pics for proof! lol.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">This one little ole box now contains my entire Christmas Tree decorations. Next year, watch out. I'll have a tree up and decorated in under an hour. haha. Actually, going through that one little box and getting the tree fixed up could last me a week or more before I got it all on there. I can milk a project. hehe. </div><br />
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Here it is then, all ready for the next time. Considering the sq. footage of my house, I am so tickled with this compact set-up. I'm sure there are some of you who don't see the big deal in this. lol. Trust me, every inch matters here.<br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Now, here's the kicker. You had to know there'd be one, right? Too bad that this is all the rest of the stuff from the house. lol. I somehow ended up with two extra boxes this year. What? I don't know how that happened. Actually I do know how it happened and even though it added a few more boxes, I did sort my stuff from all the Christmas's past and I know the two new one's won't even need taken out unless we use our big green tree. My sister started making me photo Christmas ornaments years ago of the kids and family and I even jumped in and made us some and they are very precious too me but too big for the little tree. I boxed those all up safe and sound all by themselves. Then, all the things the kids have made and we've used for years are now sorted according to who made them and stored safe and sound. Some I had to guess actually. lol. Hopefully I done good. lol. One more box and this stack will be taller than me though, don't ya think? All of it should fit in the linen closet at the top of the steps on one shelf. The tree and shop vac box will have to go somewhere in the disasterous spare bedroom. That's on my list too. Don't worry. lol</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7v9jysi7iRoBrVkoJfJefwa-11uGmQbPnsW7vruNWTwzsdBaImAtJAVKOh3khnDdsaKbmHLhvzs7UzfsM8qW7m048SOf0PD3vYuqTU9kDwJ4Ql8NL0xrbcd6TWmFJs3NCszbXvBpR07LW/s1600/IMAG0992.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7v9jysi7iRoBrVkoJfJefwa-11uGmQbPnsW7vruNWTwzsdBaImAtJAVKOh3khnDdsaKbmHLhvzs7UzfsM8qW7m048SOf0PD3vYuqTU9kDwJ4Ql8NL0xrbcd6TWmFJs3NCszbXvBpR07LW/s320/IMAG0992.jpg" width="212" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">My sewing room became a total wreck over the holidays. That's also on my list to organize and spruce up. It seems maybe my New Year's hopes of a fresh start maybe leading me to actually want to get these rooms back in shape. I went ahead and told my sis on Christmas day that my latest quilt in progress is for her. She was tickled to death. I showed her all the pics on my phone that I had of it in various stages so far and told her that I just have a pink border to throw together and put on it and it's ready to be put together. Bless her heart, she asked me what I was going to back it with and I told her I wasn't sure yet so she offered a piece of flannel she had bought and decided not to use. She said she thought it would look awesome considering all the colors in the quilt top and especially since I was putting a final pink border on it. Well, thanks to and via big bro's pony express, he dropped it off for me the other day and it's so cute. It's all colors of butterflies. Perfect for this quilt and if you knew my sister, you'd know this is also so totally going to be her. So bright and vibrant. I love that girl. I'll get some pics of the backing fabric she sent. I just hope the flannel don't give me fits. It kinda <em>scurs </em>me. lol. Anyway, I need to at least get a corner cleaned in my sewing room to get that going for her. Now, I can't let her down. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I also wanted to share this that I almost forgot about. I didn't know it but apparantly I am a secret Santa. Yep, can you imagine? Only, I'm not such a secret one anymore. If I'd known, I wouldn't a blown my cover. lol. My oldest brother bought one of the no sew fleece blanket kits for my sister-in-law Beck. He asked me to put it together and finish it up so he could give it to her for Christmas. Well, I put it off and put it off a day or so and then I got it out and took a whack at it. I so wish I had read the directions and looked at the fabrics first cause I had put it off due to the fact that I thought I'd have some precise measuring and cutting to do and certainly didn't want to mess it up since it was a gift. I worried for nothing. This was so easy peasy. Everything marked and so clear cut. It could have been alot easier for me had I had a working table surface to work on but as usual every square inch of space was covered so I had to spread it out on the floor. My only complaint was the pain I was in for about 4 days afterward. lol. Wow, does crawling around and reaching while on your knee's give the old gluteous maximus muscles a work out. Anyway, I blew my cover when I went and fetched it from under the tree to show my sister and cousin. That's when Beck speaks up and says, "Oh, so you're the secret Santa, eh?" Well, I guess I am. How bout that? I guess Mike told her a secret Santa put it together for him. Thanks for the head's up bro. That'll teach me to leave things alone that aren't mine. lol. I'll post pics of that later too.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Well, I could yack all day but I got stuff to do starting with a shower. You all take care. And thanks to those who left uplifting words when I was whining the other day. Sorry bout that. Sometimes we all just need an outside ear. Thanks for being that for me on that day. Happy Stitching.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Renee</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1043003284082770504.post-18487871567413354272011-01-03T15:56:00.000-05:002011-01-03T15:56:03.394-05:00First Monday Of The New YearSo now that the holidays are over and a lot of folks are heading back to work today for the first time since New Years, I gotta wonder how they do it and wonder why I can't anymore. I'm sitting here whining to myself about having had to do some running around today and making phone calls. The thoughts of at least two more trips out don't have me doin' cartwheels right now either. If I had to work right now in my state of "funk", I know I would crack up. <br />
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I wanted to come on here and talk quilting today. I would have liked to have had a plan to do some today and maybe lay out a weeks worth of sewing time/goals for the week. I just can't get motivated. I think I have to have tons of time to sit down and work and it always seems to be some sort of hub bub going on and I can't muster it up in me to just seize whatever moments of time sewing that I can and let the planning go. Then I kind of realized that letting the planning go is maybe why I am where I am at today. If you aren't in the mood for a downer, best stop reading here maybe.<br />
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In a nutshell, I feel like I've given up. It's like if I can't control a situation down to the wire, I just can't function like normal folks. I think it's why I don't seize the moments. If it's not what I had planned or wanted, it's just not worth the effort to do it in a manner in which I can't accept in my mind. So I give up. Looking back I've caved alot. I'm not whining and storying when I tell you that it has been no bed of roses for either my husband or myself since childhood. Our married life has been full of events. But we've always picked ourselves up, dusted ourselves off and went on. Together. I've always been not a leader but definately a take the bull by the horns kind of girl. Get er done type thing. I'm not dissing my husband at all but I think I have done a lot of leading in this family and have led through some fierce times. We've weathered some doozies that's for sure. And I've noticed that when I give up, kinda everyone around me gives up too. I'm not faulting anyone as I don't know if this is the way it goes or if some of my people are lacking their own motivation and have relied on me to provide it. <br />
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I have anxiety and depression and I have never been this lowly before. I don't want to do anything, go anywhere, etc. But I also don't want to see my family fall apart so to speak so I find myself wanting to move forth again to that strong, dominant person I once was who fought hard for what was right and what was mine for my family. But I can't do it. I'm feeling desperate with the way things have gotten that if something doesn't happen soon there may be no turning back and we'll be without anything that we've fought so hard for in the past. That would probably devastate me. I'm in a rocky spot right now and when I see my hubs, my rock looking torn over things, it almost breaks my heart.<br />
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I've kinda shut myself off from people and things. I hurt my back in August 2010 and I did not return to my job. The job itself was driving me insane to begin with and then when I got hurt, I just felt like it was time for me to just stop the craziness and take some time for myself cause no matter how hard we fight, it's never enough and I thought I'm going to take myself some time be damned. Then I got so weak from being laid up that I didn't have the energy to blow my nose this fall seems like. This depression I have doesn't rear it's ugly head too often so bad but it is there and it's just such a sense of dread. The anxiety is what is the worse for me. The symptoms were getting out of control before I left my job and I just wasn't strong enough to keep enduring that everyday, day in and day out. Now we're suffering the financial consequences and that isn't hardly enough to make me want to pounce into action and run and get a job just to pay the bills. I'm really scared of ending up someplace I can't come back from anymore. I'm afraid one day I'm just gonna snap and my body is gonna lower the whamie on me.<br />
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My doctor says no amount of medication or time off from things is going to change the anxiety and depression for me. He said I needed professional help and needed to see a counselor. There are alot of times that I believe he is right but due to the expense and the fact that I don't know what makes me this way so how would I possibly know where to start talking to someone about anything? Then I wonder if it can get any better or worse and where I'm left at in between. I absolutely hate having to take my medicine everyday to keep the symptoms from being full blown but I hate how it's made me numb. I used to be a water bag and I bet I can count on one hand the number of times I cried last year. And not bawling spree's, just tears coming to my eyes, stinging until a few eventually fall.<br />
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My ultimate dream once I had my oldest son was to be at home with him. All my desires went out the window and I wanted to live for my children. Unfortunately the economy and things out of our control often interuptted that dream for us. I had times of unemployment where I just stayed home with them but when needed I worked 3 jobs at a time too. And I still don't have enough money. lol. I never had the career woman urge once I became a mother. Maybe I was wrong and should have worked full-time all those years. Maybe we wouldn't be so poor all the time but what is money if you can't enjoy it? I know at times it seems like I only have myself to blame for the choices I made in that regard. I just feel like I still missed something the times I was away from them and dependant on my mother for their care alot while we worked. I just feel like maybe everything I"ve done is wrong and I"m reaping what I've sown. I don't know. I originally had ideas of making some money for the household by making and selling my quilting stuff but Christmas came and went and I didn't make one Christmasey thing to even try to sell. What the heck? lol. I still hold hope that a dream job will come along that I can do from home and save the day because when I'm home I am empowered and confident way more than out there in the real world. I just need some motivation and maybe someone to cry baby to once in awhile. If I had a job I would think it would at least pull me out of the stupor long enough to gain some momentum and once I gain some confidence in myself again, I can start addressing other issues in my life I've given up on and caved at. And before you know it, I'll be right back on track. Right? Right. Hmm. We'll see. <br />
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Sorry for the rant. I admire all of you who stay so busy and participate in activities outside the home. That's why I thought I could come here with my worries today and maybe find some uplifting, encouraging words from the real deal, the people who actually participate in their lives and are happy to do so. So if you ever thought of a blog buddy in need, maybe think a thought of me and offer a small prayer up that I will come to my senses soon and iron this stuff out. Til then, carry on!! Happy Stitching.<br />
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ReneeUnknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1043003284082770504.post-19125079038670031792011-01-02T10:48:00.001-05:002011-01-02T10:51:17.355-05:00House DecorationsI don't have a huge house so most of the Christmas decorating happens in the living room of our place. Not too many spare spaces otherwise. Every inch of the living room has been covered though I can assure you. lol. We have a big green aritificial tree. Tons of decorations, most of them things the kids have made over the years and such. Last year a small 6' white tree caught my eye. I wanted it but had to settle for a 4' white tree. We didn't even dig out decorations last year. I bought about 8 dollars worth of mini decorations and slapped on it and called it Christmas. Not this year. I dug my stuff out and and just put some of our smaller favorite ornaments on the tree and it's so cute. Very, very bright but cute. lol. I'll probably use it as our only tree now at least until I have grand babies and then I'll revert to the big old green monster again. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi78LvRNRp57ntUUGdJWY4hrHX1CTBGhjHK9eMNYTP-2X17dVcdaFcK53fEvIjAAS3rCCAOlD-Q-7XQy59LrdiFDBvt-VAfOXvlYR9aMhPo1gt8CcL2GDoYpKnFqwWkX663bs2pDXqMpcRv/s1600/IMAG0945.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi78LvRNRp57ntUUGdJWY4hrHX1CTBGhjHK9eMNYTP-2X17dVcdaFcK53fEvIjAAS3rCCAOlD-Q-7XQy59LrdiFDBvt-VAfOXvlYR9aMhPo1gt8CcL2GDoYpKnFqwWkX663bs2pDXqMpcRv/s320/IMAG0945.jpg" width="280" /></a></div>Here are some of the decorations on the tree from the good old days. There are things from my family, hub's family and some things the kids made and such.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJmlrcp2Hqz2t-qo3s3oPV44bTuItsZiwOg8r3uImCxREVxR8mDj3iUKtueZFQMZgvod_TFvWf2BRYGoqvKKV1E1Q2QGfqnfF8GFcGfyz2Wt46HKSOlCQHuD3pdeHHHj29sJygv4Brb5FU/s1600/IMAG0917.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJmlrcp2Hqz2t-qo3s3oPV44bTuItsZiwOg8r3uImCxREVxR8mDj3iUKtueZFQMZgvod_TFvWf2BRYGoqvKKV1E1Q2QGfqnfF8GFcGfyz2Wt46HKSOlCQHuD3pdeHHHj29sJygv4Brb5FU/s320/IMAG0917.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-sD_bMH2V8UoBaucsagsmtV55WxC1xF5B0-tQ_1_GODovwtX8NyQwODeU-n4HmoOEOWg7wLhXBkhVRYsAYz3RB4VjaEjSftjwS8cEFB1pJqgb7q7n97FfFoNU3RyLnEQzgCzB14u0JIrG/s1600/IMAG0918.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-sD_bMH2V8UoBaucsagsmtV55WxC1xF5B0-tQ_1_GODovwtX8NyQwODeU-n4HmoOEOWg7wLhXBkhVRYsAYz3RB4VjaEjSftjwS8cEFB1pJqgb7q7n97FfFoNU3RyLnEQzgCzB14u0JIrG/s320/IMAG0918.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj29UtgFFgEk58VoC9iDsRIp7hlojxjzfN3jgMhB5iiYQIL5apx-Yxcl3EpLWUCiyTudv23maIaUnzwGp8jxSKMjkLwt59untunwDg3j2D1O2261DtU9iEQ_7ps9J9b4tiQ8uqQRoDwiwM/s1600/IMAG0920.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj29UtgFFgEk58VoC9iDsRIp7hlojxjzfN3jgMhB5iiYQIL5apx-Yxcl3EpLWUCiyTudv23maIaUnzwGp8jxSKMjkLwt59untunwDg3j2D1O2261DtU9iEQ_7ps9J9b4tiQ8uqQRoDwiwM/s320/IMAG0920.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCUt3jJK2Evz0VKu9AF5XMopz_JtUj7s3EJHFLoxVmhJnO05YoOxN1zat88sLfMgOyDtjKo_dZYCBdisEYT_9tNItsA3Hhe7BWtuDOTzxSaftgI1UxkJakKktr8iH5RKGHhysO5T8bb9ZL/s1600/IMAG0922.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCUt3jJK2Evz0VKu9AF5XMopz_JtUj7s3EJHFLoxVmhJnO05YoOxN1zat88sLfMgOyDtjKo_dZYCBdisEYT_9tNItsA3Hhe7BWtuDOTzxSaftgI1UxkJakKktr8iH5RKGHhysO5T8bb9ZL/s320/IMAG0922.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsbgWiQ6kwCQEcYy6QLU_Bow05Yn2m5wwViW1uKEWq5bIn7KpMx4t-Lc8DqKvx8bOCpkbbKXZgz2O_hoRfQEhLaUXTKbptk39CG1MGcNlNN6XNpan4XCVObBRiSnZfqQRT3iAE05qevEv_/s1600/IMAG0930.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsbgWiQ6kwCQEcYy6QLU_Bow05Yn2m5wwViW1uKEWq5bIn7KpMx4t-Lc8DqKvx8bOCpkbbKXZgz2O_hoRfQEhLaUXTKbptk39CG1MGcNlNN6XNpan4XCVObBRiSnZfqQRT3iAE05qevEv_/s320/IMAG0930.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Here is Some of my snowman/snowbear collection and just knick knacks because I'm a pack rat. My brother Mitch is to credit for the large ceramic pieces I have. I just can't get rid of anything Christmas. My oldest son will be 25 this year and I still set out the Santa jalopy and Rudolph he got on his 1st Christmas. lol.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjX5Bu-OLKSgA8H1q4wxIS8f78tB4SCMSB4Lg7o9i9TEIDr3_ur0RdigHTiMS16XxvA-Mkyf1WNZLd3zQ6N6479AcggGktWw4utvmslkNhspAN0Hlrmce4wAiDkondpv5uoNNmao5ksC7rQ/s1600/IMAG0931.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjX5Bu-OLKSgA8H1q4wxIS8f78tB4SCMSB4Lg7o9i9TEIDr3_ur0RdigHTiMS16XxvA-Mkyf1WNZLd3zQ6N6479AcggGktWw4utvmslkNhspAN0Hlrmce4wAiDkondpv5uoNNmao5ksC7rQ/s320/IMAG0931.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZrt_7IZJd9TwKYBV2s6uzhPxA2vagXDYOlM6f0ApwJ5eJ-Ern-i451O6p5aw06vSJFwG3hd8xVR9Ppcid1o4yKO72DzEThmNR_1fnNDG6fX5eyjvfUFfamiAWAGc5WpwTa3aiW_JLsCPM/s1600/IMAG0933.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZrt_7IZJd9TwKYBV2s6uzhPxA2vagXDYOlM6f0ApwJ5eJ-Ern-i451O6p5aw06vSJFwG3hd8xVR9Ppcid1o4yKO72DzEThmNR_1fnNDG6fX5eyjvfUFfamiAWAGc5WpwTa3aiW_JLsCPM/s320/IMAG0933.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiJjqRKXt4STxQ539yTQ45jydbRvJFKmlOQHbT9JqW-zmbX1A06mCtF7hKX7cls_CkZwEQiZXVNiUApmNpwDimjVLdjkGxol13KsMdjYvA3i7wFD2V9Hj4O6jbA03ETJgOlhubmpq2amWM/s1600/IMAG0936.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiJjqRKXt4STxQ539yTQ45jydbRvJFKmlOQHbT9JqW-zmbX1A06mCtF7hKX7cls_CkZwEQiZXVNiUApmNpwDimjVLdjkGxol13KsMdjYvA3i7wFD2V9Hj4O6jbA03ETJgOlhubmpq2amWM/s320/IMAG0936.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizcCKVIFQhiA8Hrex_tR89eA_31dzKG4hSyMmzG1LFa2VWGp5-VieaRdSkAiNMOhvXFQhJ-tvl_5nvNmGN42mgr429MGhI41SMJba-QrE-NhBTGxc7sUeGAfG2eiDbyY3a4ugWese9H9sm/s1600/IMAG0934.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="108" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizcCKVIFQhiA8Hrex_tR89eA_31dzKG4hSyMmzG1LFa2VWGp5-VieaRdSkAiNMOhvXFQhJ-tvl_5nvNmGN42mgr429MGhI41SMJba-QrE-NhBTGxc7sUeGAfG2eiDbyY3a4ugWese9H9sm/s320/IMAG0934.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Sorry for the cruddy pics. It's the camera again. And my living room is dark to start with cause of the paneling but now I have blankets and dark, dark curtains over the windows so we can see the television that we have. It's an old, old big screen and if the lighting isn't right, you can't see it for nothin'. We call it the cave. lol. Anyway, thanks for letting me share my holidays with you all.<br />
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ReneeUnknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1043003284082770504.post-19755025026170727092011-01-02T10:10:00.000-05:002011-01-02T10:10:55.289-05:00A Little Late But Still Wanted To ShareMy sweet neice Michelle sent me these photos from Christmas this morning and I wanted to share them with everyone. <a href="http://luannsloosethreads.blogspot.com/">LuAnn</a> kinda prompted me to decide that it's still not too late to post my holiday memories. I've tried for two days to send mine from my phone to the computer and finally got it accomplished only to find out that once I got the photo's up here on the screen where I could see them that they are raunchy pics. lol. My smartphone has a camera but there is no flash and you have to be statue still to get a non fuzzy picture off the thing anymore. I need a real good digital camera. (Hint honey for next year!!!)<br />
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Anyway, here are the best family pics thanks to Michelle. I will post some of my decoration photo's later. Receiving these pics of our family this morning really made my day. Here they go!<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5JgP89x-if-Hxx3KyTltqd2No3JIAd1de9-Aw9vPbOezY6PPpboJc9IWS2W2qCxtm99sdTZUeXLuV28KyKNIJfPLWKGgaVlScpS2i_SPYg_vGGmRy0zaKnvf513wbqAwNCipuuRuokevS/s1600/100_8689.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5JgP89x-if-Hxx3KyTltqd2No3JIAd1de9-Aw9vPbOezY6PPpboJc9IWS2W2qCxtm99sdTZUeXLuV28KyKNIJfPLWKGgaVlScpS2i_SPYg_vGGmRy0zaKnvf513wbqAwNCipuuRuokevS/s320/100_8689.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My Family<br />
Behind me from left to right are:<br />
Jerry, Shawn, Tony & Steph</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCvV3yf0A_N2BnhesMqVugUFY1VcfyyMhkirRvKEA2gNvfCF0Ziywv3nvvIcE3LX062zjlgAqL8KZOw-hzfNwH2uM_mM5KwpYDGkt2EIikrT6McKDeHr1pPtE_m5ZR0POZ4IEoRQL9YE0W/s1600/100_8691.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCvV3yf0A_N2BnhesMqVugUFY1VcfyyMhkirRvKEA2gNvfCF0Ziywv3nvvIcE3LX062zjlgAqL8KZOw-hzfNwH2uM_mM5KwpYDGkt2EIikrT6McKDeHr1pPtE_m5ZR0POZ4IEoRQL9YE0W/s320/100_8691.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sister Becky and Hubs Rickster<br />
</td></tr>
</tbody></table> <br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXG5pFmHCBr2awCfX943IXiEEqE13HL7CQ1vr2KxgLkTon4-HupJmHtVvlxWILkbomLazLjGFOF-D6GxoNqJrWCJ13GsPIT7mEvLgc_RLmHFNx-aniA7AZ_N7zH6Qk0zGbM_KSpXDSZuZX/s1600/100_8694.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXG5pFmHCBr2awCfX943IXiEEqE13HL7CQ1vr2KxgLkTon4-HupJmHtVvlxWILkbomLazLjGFOF-D6GxoNqJrWCJ13GsPIT7mEvLgc_RLmHFNx-aniA7AZ_N7zH6Qk0zGbM_KSpXDSZuZX/s320/100_8694.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Brother Mitchell<br />
What A Smirk!</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZRlLHts2QnVQQ1KxkPHurR3tJ-aZV7YSkBR9u8BPo-PED1JBKUu88PB6xq68CdK750n4c-e0tgzTsC80bygnWaqKucSBTw6bZMZoF2BuSj2DULcs9r5IPbCc6c8tYRcw41JBatuu3fqCU/s1600/100_8695.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZRlLHts2QnVQQ1KxkPHurR3tJ-aZV7YSkBR9u8BPo-PED1JBKUu88PB6xq68CdK750n4c-e0tgzTsC80bygnWaqKucSBTw6bZMZoF2BuSj2DULcs9r5IPbCc6c8tYRcw41JBatuu3fqCU/s320/100_8695.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">From Left To Right:<br />
Sister Becky, Oldest Brother Mike, Brother Mitchell & Me</td></tr>
</tbody></table> <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEha8pCylDEnIL28nZrg6Nit3GBOcMGzW1iEXS5JFUvjor4vXtIobOx-sgI83bq38nnWHsSWB2vqhgpoH54jRGTHFWxfLXpGpIMsgNMlY9Mc7ohZFM3wWvTAbgOP_37GAOSjgEqOU3n1w-NI/s1600/100_8696.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEha8pCylDEnIL28nZrg6Nit3GBOcMGzW1iEXS5JFUvjor4vXtIobOx-sgI83bq38nnWHsSWB2vqhgpoH54jRGTHFWxfLXpGpIMsgNMlY9Mc7ohZFM3wWvTAbgOP_37GAOSjgEqOU3n1w-NI/s320/100_8696.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtQUM72IY3rqnjiJvn3H2k5BvD06VgE4XgNvzlbmaSDPbC5fJa3N-EcJCXPkA3vZhuzK9UaOPscSXIyMdP0714ylmA0jrKy5rbOIbnRbLN6ajStC3Ozw-23n8rTa6oiFHXVlhi7-0nF571/s1600/100_8698.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtQUM72IY3rqnjiJvn3H2k5BvD06VgE4XgNvzlbmaSDPbC5fJa3N-EcJCXPkA3vZhuzK9UaOPscSXIyMdP0714ylmA0jrKy5rbOIbnRbLN6ajStC3Ozw-23n8rTa6oiFHXVlhi7-0nF571/s320/100_8698.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">When I tell you we had alot of fun that day, I think this pic proves it.<br />
We were really cutting it up at the moment. Mitch was being nasty and it tickled the rest of us so bad we couldn't handle it. lol. </td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWqVBRDnnCxBoB903FOKgB5aHUXzgDeXoQBjP_q_VzGCBJiNsD7ODvEhOZ7FkWAivSUWmiXlfPHHhSocIMjn2ixJCX3Hzt85r-ACOEQzP8Xgvi_OwbWvuNaGKsktZIlHQ1fxOYAvUcp3jp/s1600/100_8703.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWqVBRDnnCxBoB903FOKgB5aHUXzgDeXoQBjP_q_VzGCBJiNsD7ODvEhOZ7FkWAivSUWmiXlfPHHhSocIMjn2ixJCX3Hzt85r-ACOEQzP8Xgvi_OwbWvuNaGKsktZIlHQ1fxOYAvUcp3jp/s320/100_8703.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Can you tell I wasn't getting it? I'm going the exact opposite of the kiddo's.<br />
I didn't feel well at Thanksgiving and couldn't play so I told the kids it was on Christmas day. lol.<br />
Turns out the joke was on me cause that's hard work!!!! lol.</td></tr>
</tbody></table> Hope everyone is having a great start to the New Year so far. Tah Tah<br />
<br />
Renee<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1043003284082770504.post-28220215855998851872010-12-30T22:14:00.000-05:002010-12-30T22:14:53.731-05:00Bring It On! A Farewell to 2010Helloooow to everyone. I hope this finds everyone out there still basking in the Christmas glow and gearing up wholeheartedly for a grandiose New Year. I knew I'd mess around and miss out on wishing everyone a very Merry Christmas and sure enough I did. My apologies to all. I didn't even get around to posting our holiday pics or anything. I suppose it's too late now anyway. It would kind of be like being the house in the neighborhood that left it's decorations up until February. Enough is enough. lol. Plus I look really, really fat in our pictures this year so I don't mind not sharing those ones. he he. We had a really good Christmas and loved every minute spent with family and friends.<br />
<br />
Actually the last month or so hasn't been the greatest on earth but I have to say it's certainly not the worst either. I don't make resolutions but I always look forward to a New Year and associate it with a fresh new start. Like a chance to do better, work harder, accomplish more, etc. Don't know why that is but I do. We don't have any plans for tomorrow night. My oldest son and his wife are having a party. A friend of ours invited us down to another friends place for a party and we just don't know if we'll go anywhere. I certainly don't have to go anywhere but I think it would be kind of neat to go do <em>something</em>. But in the end I know I will pull my usual stunt and chicken out of doing anything anyway. lol. I just hate that for hubs. He still likes people. lol. <br />
<br />
First, only and last minute Christmas shopping did not freak me out this year like it has the last two. The pressure I have felt in years past to spend and splurge on the kids is virtually all but gone this year. The youngest was only 18 last year and I had this hang up about it being maybe his last Christmas at home and I didn't want him recalling it as "cheesy" so I put a lot of pressure on myself last year. But this year I have watched him grow as a young man and get a job and take care of his own needs and I just don't feel like I have to provide him with the world anymore. He does still stay at home but his staying at home usually consists of sleeping and showering. lol. Plus, I don't care if he's here until he's 70 anyway. That's my son. But that doesn't mean I don't want to eventually see him sprout his wings and fly either. The time will come but it's rough in this economy and I'm not throwing him out there to sink or swim. I wasn't (and probably should have been. lol.) and I will eternally be grateful to my Mother for her role and support in my life. It "scurs" me to think where we'd be without her.<br />
<br />
I'm really happy to report that my husband and I have both gotten over our sickness. Finally. It took a good 3-4 weeks to be back to top notch. I never though my nose would dry up. I was so bad I thought about praying for boogers. lol. And if that was the flu then I'm glad it's over with and hopefully my immunity is better for it. I hope no one else gets it out there in blog land if you've managed to escape it thus far. Here's to all of us a healthy New Year too!! <br />
<br />
Before I go tonight, I want to wish everyone a Happy New Year. May it be wonderous and safe.<br />
<br />
God Bless,<br />
<br />
ReneeUnknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1043003284082770504.post-43319277559199659162010-12-16T21:50:00.000-05:002010-12-16T21:50:28.218-05:00Again-Merry ChristmasI liked this one better. I can't help myself. lol.<br />
<div style="background-color: #e9e9e9; width: 567px;"><object data="http://aka.zero.jibjab.com/client/zero/ClientZero_EmbedViewer.swf?external_make_id=jBwc6TY4NDgXSlTG&service=sendables.jibjab.com&partnerID=holidays" height="319" id="A64060" pluginspage="http://www.macromedia.com/go/getflashplayer" quality="high" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="567" wmode="transparent"><param name='wmode' value='transparent'></param><param name='movie' value='http://aka.zero.jibjab.com/client/zero/ClientZero_EmbedViewer.swf?external_make_id=jBwc6TY4NDgXSlTG&service=sendables.jibjab.com&partnerID=holidays'></param><param name='scaleMode' value='showAll'></param><param name='quality' value='high'></param><param name='allowNetworking' value='all'></param><param name='allowFullScreen' value='true' /><param name='FlashVars' value='external_make_id=jBwc6TY4NDgXSlTG&service=sendables.jibjab.com&partnerID=holidays'></param><param name='allowScriptAccess' value='always'></param></object><br />
<div style="margin-top: 6px; text-align: center; width: 435px;">Personalize funny videos and birthday <a href="http://sendables.jibjab.com/ecards">eCards</a> at JibJab!</div></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1043003284082770504.post-26107217856411617712010-12-16T21:33:00.000-05:002010-12-16T21:33:08.072-05:00Merry Christmas From Our Family To Yours<div style="background-color: #e9e9e9; width: 425px;"><object data="http://aka.zero.jibjab.com/client/zero/ClientZero_EmbedViewer.swf?external_make_id=WBYFXdPL31avXX20&service=elfyourself.jibjab.com&partnerID=ElfYourself" height="319" id="A590625" pluginspage="http://www.macromedia.com/go/getflashplayer" quality="high" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="425" wmode="transparent"><param name='wmode' value='transparent'></param><param name='movie' value='http://aka.zero.jibjab.com/client/zero/ClientZero_EmbedViewer.swf?external_make_id=WBYFXdPL31avXX20&service=elfyourself.jibjab.com&partnerID=ElfYourself'></param><param name='scaleMode' value='showAll'></param><param name='quality' value='high'></param><param name='allowNetworking' value='all'></param><param name='allowFullScreen' value='true' /><param name='FlashVars' value='external_make_id=WBYFXdPL31avXX20&service=elfyourself.jibjab.com&partnerID=ElfYourself'></param><param name='allowScriptAccess' value='always'></param></object></div><br />
<br />
My good friend Rhonda sent my family one of these about five years ago and I've been hooked since. My family is sick of them. Lol. Just wanted to show the goofy side of life. heehee.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1043003284082770504.post-27070038806711809392010-12-06T20:01:00.000-05:002010-12-06T20:01:38.470-05:00Phew-What A DayI've been at this stinker for the bigger part of the day and I had to piece borders and press and repeat til I can't think straight. lol. The yellow borders aren't attached yet but hopefully they will at least be on before the night is up. I am tired. I feel like I've done something today. Here is the latest progress with the new pops of color I've mentioned earlier. Never dreamed this thing would turn out like this but I am having loads of fun. Can you tell I don't use patterns? lol.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVtcntuZrP7n7vXPeoh5ynDySKps_Niua2a6E_RdovUbZecVWScdGNGtlORiY3vNqRMdtE81IxADD2exBxW5JlCVrpK9tFbMXOCUhO40jVulN5KWKfhoc5J6BFM_PLPAaDgnfU2_6SrozH/s1600/IMAG0912%255B1%255D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" ox="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVtcntuZrP7n7vXPeoh5ynDySKps_Niua2a6E_RdovUbZecVWScdGNGtlORiY3vNqRMdtE81IxADD2exBxW5JlCVrpK9tFbMXOCUhO40jVulN5KWKfhoc5J6BFM_PLPAaDgnfU2_6SrozH/s320/IMAG0912%255B1%255D.jpg" width="266" /></a></div><br />
If I don't make it back tonight, hope everyone has been busy today. Have a good night.<br />
<br />
ReneeUnknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1043003284082770504.post-36838693997837487232010-12-06T10:09:00.000-05:002010-12-06T10:09:41.420-05:00What Now?Well, I had to sew an entire new row of red for the border here. I didn't have enough made up so that took some time but I got all the red borders on and now I'm wondering what to do next. Still have that new splash of color to put in it but it needs to get longer and not wider so I really have to think about what I am going to do here. Here's the latest:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUD9beGmMKc0ke-Fy6kbQZYk_NS4aQYSwvmtPmf3UVvpv9riXY6uHuv3QevllQCQ43VSNUe2hJ_faFqzPB83F0-kUArPhRJ4a0Kp-_QX9Bis957EJAqq25LZn2XHiewzUj1jwu7LSGoXtZ/s1600/IMAG0911%255B1%255D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="281" ox="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUD9beGmMKc0ke-Fy6kbQZYk_NS4aQYSwvmtPmf3UVvpv9riXY6uHuv3QevllQCQ43VSNUe2hJ_faFqzPB83F0-kUArPhRJ4a0Kp-_QX9Bis957EJAqq25LZn2XHiewzUj1jwu7LSGoXtZ/s320/IMAG0911%255B1%255D.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
Have A Good One!<br />
<br />
ReneeUnknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1043003284082770504.post-72476700970627979622010-12-06T07:36:00.000-05:002010-12-06T07:36:23.864-05:00Bright And Early<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYLZsoPr-V0_RxabM8Amc04K9dNKGaQ8h0XQIk3z0WYbaEq-vsC07CAjpBB4-zS-xTcw-q1x-qxZQP8d5VV95af2a5Nu_u6ocQQMXpivnjKGAM9ZEqMtboFl0kRsjY_IqlAfyuRXnefpqX/s1600/IMAG0909%255B1%255Dfixed.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" ox="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYLZsoPr-V0_RxabM8Amc04K9dNKGaQ8h0XQIk3z0WYbaEq-vsC07CAjpBB4-zS-xTcw-q1x-qxZQP8d5VV95af2a5Nu_u6ocQQMXpivnjKGAM9ZEqMtboFl0kRsjY_IqlAfyuRXnefpqX/s320/IMAG0909%255B1%255Dfixed.jpg" width="212" /></a></div><br />
Yep, by 5:30 I was at it this morning and I'm not getting very far. lol. But some progress is better than no progress right? Right. Hope everyone gets in some sewing time today. Have a good one.<br />
<br />
ReneeUnknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1043003284082770504.post-52380817613721376512010-12-05T22:33:00.000-05:002010-12-05T22:33:59.779-05:00I Just Can't Stop MyselfHee Hee. Boyz, I'm on a role now. lol. If I could just get my phone to send my pics through the email fiasco I have myself in, I'd be all set. I got wayyy too many email addresses and this just might prompt me to see about consolidating some of them. Crazy. I'm too old to remember so many passwords and usernames and such. lol.<br />
<br />
Here we go, I got them finally. It's been about ten minutes. And it's late so I think I may stop for tonight. I made some different colored borders to throw in it too but I'm saving that for tomorrow. It's a surprise. lol. Stay Tuned!!! lol.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiw1RxKSTVqE-e182TmFXBBZ7X1iieTNwxDpF5ubNM1vSOWrlApxj4uTIktzFLdHKxRliQnrosUZfA-Wu8q5JB7oZt6YLb0uwcaFsa_bf8AFzfN9ooTyjOzOp5Xxlkx6HA5T5wQuXI8x6D/s1600/IMAG0907.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" ox="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiw1RxKSTVqE-e182TmFXBBZ7X1iieTNwxDpF5ubNM1vSOWrlApxj4uTIktzFLdHKxRliQnrosUZfA-Wu8q5JB7oZt6YLb0uwcaFsa_bf8AFzfN9ooTyjOzOp5Xxlkx6HA5T5wQuXI8x6D/s320/IMAG0907.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
It felt good to do this tonight and I'm looking forward to tomorrow to start all over. Good Night.<br />
<br />
ReneeUnknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1043003284082770504.post-25657133470112699742010-12-05T20:07:00.000-05:002010-12-05T20:07:41.066-05:00Slowly But Surely<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqb3r6yF45IUtJgG-9kqPLKXjTCaT0yUUwQBcDH4CXLoeT6O6blIVRzS07Xi-TUMvt1TOfKD8Aj6sbiMOnVR_G-mhK7If6qISys7NJXTbSQqLQFnDcP9IevX7ixIT4b6P0r4qUJ4YM1onc/s1600/IMAG0906fixed.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" ox="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqb3r6yF45IUtJgG-9kqPLKXjTCaT0yUUwQBcDH4CXLoeT6O6blIVRzS07Xi-TUMvt1TOfKD8Aj6sbiMOnVR_G-mhK7If6qISys7NJXTbSQqLQFnDcP9IevX7ixIT4b6P0r4qUJ4YM1onc/s320/IMAG0906fixed.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>I'm getting there. I had to pause for a supper break and I'm about to get back at it. I have to walk thru my sewing room to get to the back of the house where the second bathroom is, the laundry room, and our bedroom. Well, since I added that last row, I've been traipsing back and forth with laundry and going to my room and I am just at the point now that I can't wait to put on the next batch of color already. There may be some green end up in there as well before it's over. It is a scrappy project and I've never made just a plain old colorful quilt before. Usually two or three, maybe for prints/shades and that's been it really. I'm thinking awful strong about giving this to someone dear to me as a gift and the more I think of giving it to her, the more I think she'd like all kind of colors. So, I'll let you all go this evening and get back at it.<br />
<br />
Hope you all are working on some goodies tonight too. Happy Stitching.<br />
<br />
Renee Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1043003284082770504.post-78529392111418538402010-12-05T17:41:00.000-05:002010-12-05T17:41:14.696-05:00Progress<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcpqaKDpAxYAQmjldJ7j5u0pDV_7oqsJwuPioz3uWJqIiPPQf6aZ3e6EhQOl8rhgJzBE3AkJ4xSeIKEWmvIkPbmiavi-NYrcSpOsWXQYLNEHvXFGvwsxK7SvcYxgZsFPlzJB2f93hLHG49/s1600/IMAG0904fixed.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" ox="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcpqaKDpAxYAQmjldJ7j5u0pDV_7oqsJwuPioz3uWJqIiPPQf6aZ3e6EhQOl8rhgJzBE3AkJ4xSeIKEWmvIkPbmiavi-NYrcSpOsWXQYLNEHvXFGvwsxK7SvcYxgZsFPlzJB2f93hLHG49/s320/IMAG0904fixed.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBW5k5k2I5JQKPWSNws9s0Stsnck_emZtRnnV0MNYed5kHDc2ikyJEn0mfwKGJwKscqjRALpAyBXnJaQvQBxiPih2B9KQ9HSznPFghA9y0OMlCZRQ4K2eCiO7Gyo6fMYH7NVwl82qjmeVS/s1600/IMAG0905fixed.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" ox="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBW5k5k2I5JQKPWSNws9s0Stsnck_emZtRnnV0MNYed5kHDc2ikyJEn0mfwKGJwKscqjRALpAyBXnJaQvQBxiPih2B9KQ9HSznPFghA9y0OMlCZRQ4K2eCiO7Gyo6fMYH7NVwl82qjmeVS/s320/IMAG0905fixed.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"></div><div style="text-align: left;">In the top picture it doesn't look bad but look at it close up here in the bottom photo. That's just off. Way off. I never have been good at that but I thought I could better than that. So, even though it's progress, it is not without problems. I'll be ripping that out and trying again here in a bit. Wish me luck.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Renee</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1043003284082770504.post-6850774187188706182010-12-05T15:38:00.000-05:002010-12-05T15:38:10.756-05:00Me So HappyI'm currently in a text convo with my neice Mel and I think she is going to order two crayon bags from me. That would be awesome. It's extra money and motivation to do something. I'm actually going to go over and try to do something with those blocks on my wall in just a few minutes. I wanted to drop a quick post since it's been almost a week again.<br />
<br />
I'm seeing everyone starting to do their Christmas decorating and I love it. We are supposed to do some here this afternoon but I'm going to sew a spell before I do anything else. Those blocks seem to be calling my name here today especially when I walk by so I should take heed. lol. I love seeing all of the holiday quitls and mini quilt/wall hangings out there is blogland. I need to make a tree skirt for my little white tree. I drapped a sheet of fabric around it last year but thought I'd try to do a little better this year. lol. <br />
<br />
One last thing before I go. I haven't been around again this past week because I am still sick. I mean raunchy sick. I've used an entire large box of kleenex myself in two days. I am getting sick to my stomach from all of the draining. We';re on our third over the counter product for it but I'm thinking if I don't snap out of it by mid-week, which will put me at 9 or 10 days sick, I may go see the doc. I have no energy, sleep 12 hours if I can and just junk like that. That's why today I decided I may never "feel" like sewing or doing anything else so I may as well just do it. So, on that note, I bid you good day. Hope everyone had a great weekend. Happy Stitching.<br />
<br />
ReneeUnknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1043003284082770504.post-83662987330569143362010-11-29T21:16:00.000-05:002010-11-29T21:16:46.645-05:00No Bakes At 8:30?Yes indeed. I had almost forgotten about making them and when I remembered it was pretty late. I looked at hubs and told him if he'd help me, we'd make a batch and well, without hesitation he says, "okay". Wow. Told you they like them. I've had this recipe for probably 20 years and if you follow the directions exactally, you can't go wrong. This batch won't be here this time tomorrow. We were going to make a double batch and had everything ready and we were one cup short of oats for it. Darn. I suggested putted in a cup of corn flakes and was shot down right away on that one. I suppose you don't mess with a good thing. We could have wound up with a double batch of nasty had we done that. lol. <br />
<br />
I'd be happy to share the recipe if anyone is interested. If you've never made them before, you have to have a good heavy stirring spoon and work quick when you make these. If you've made them, you know what I mean. That's why I like hubs to help so he can stir and mix them all together real good. He's a pretty good guy to be my muscle, huh? lol. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDJgu01YV0IEzPSA4n7trsvIGJLtZ5VTvMybIr4leA_2uHC3-Mp7tziUEZBD03YMG8Ag0isYdYXBe77kGqrHSX9awtEzWkcIcG4Uy6h6ZUYSzDemiktEla8j09vzgSBfAheq-icqBdfjZP/s1600/nobakes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" ox="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDJgu01YV0IEzPSA4n7trsvIGJLtZ5VTvMybIr4leA_2uHC3-Mp7tziUEZBD03YMG8Ag0isYdYXBe77kGqrHSX9awtEzWkcIcG4Uy6h6ZUYSzDemiktEla8j09vzgSBfAheq-icqBdfjZP/s320/nobakes.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div align="left">Well, I just wanted to get that in today. Nothing else much but everyday house stuff. Catching up a little from feeling so yucky and thinking about Christmas decorating. I have to move a bunch of stuff to decorate. We'll see what tomorrow brings. Have a good night everyone.</div><div align="left"><br />
</div><div align="left">Renee</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1043003284082770504.post-75821720165942162422010-11-28T19:07:00.000-05:002010-11-28T19:07:20.735-05:00Good Old S.O.S.<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifWOl_SoZYnOTXGd1Fsi1jyPdx9Hbi1wUGg5LGbk4mNGsBMSPFnR6vUgwQET3W9z0hvZGXPbj906hNpBMp2QgXRSNRB0JQs30cPW58Dte23Wki4o_NkStfxDYruyemEZ89CiTbEes44xRq/s1600/sos.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" ox="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifWOl_SoZYnOTXGd1Fsi1jyPdx9Hbi1wUGg5LGbk4mNGsBMSPFnR6vUgwQET3W9z0hvZGXPbj906hNpBMp2QgXRSNRB0JQs30cPW58Dte23Wki4o_NkStfxDYruyemEZ89CiTbEes44xRq/s320/sos.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My step-dad used to call it by the long version of S.O.S.<br />
(You knnow what I mean) lol.<br />
We'll call it hamburger gravy over toast.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
Every once in awhile I can get away with serving this to the fella's and they don't complain. It don't look so good but it tastes way better than it looks in my opinion. The only thing that could have made this better would have been some fried potatoes. I wasn't thinking in time to put some on. And they were starving of course so I had to get it together with a quickness and this is what they got. lol. I don't feel like I've cheated them out of anything because this is so filling and it sticks to your middle for awhile. lol. I was thinking of making them some no bake cookies but I'm waiting til tomorrow now. Shhh, just the mere mention of those cookies and they'll have me in there fixing a batch. I secretly bought some cocoa at the store the other day just so I could make some. They think I'm out of cocoa. lol. My lips are sealed. haha.<br />
<br />
Has everyone used all of their left-overs yet? We're done. I still have some turkey but we're turkey and hammed out. Tomorrow cleaning out the fridge will be fun. haha. I have my cold pizza in there still from Wednesday. Plus all the other little bits of leftovers like the stuffing and gravy. I had a couple of deviled eggs that didn't get eaten. And some cheeseball that's seen better days. I'll have a dishwasher full. Oh the joy of it all. lol.<br />
<br />
Take care,<br />
<br />
ReneeUnknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1043003284082770504.post-81146427625332795142010-11-28T15:35:00.000-05:002010-11-28T15:35:25.586-05:00Oh ManI'm not very good at this blogging game am I? I was doing so good too. lol. I'm not giving up though. It's just been one thing after another. I feel bad for not making it back to wish everyone a Happy Thanksgiving beforehand. I've done my blog roll today though and it looks as though everyone enjoyed themselves and were truly blessed with family and friends for the holiday. Me too!<br />
<br />
Since my brothers house has a family room the size of my entire first floor, he graciously extended his home as the gathering place for our holiday get together. I'm only sad in that because we didn't have it here at home as planned, I lost the motivation to properly clean my house for the occasion. lol. Was looking forward to a spiffy place for a day or so. lol. Due to oven space at bro's, I used an electric roaster this year to cook the bird. I never have but my mother-in-law always did and I never had any complaints about her turkeys, ever! The only thing I worried about was cooking time but it all worked out and I believe I made the best turkey and stuffing ever this year. It was definitely the moistest bird I've ever made. And with some tweaking my homemade gravy turned out yummilicious. I don't usually have so much success with that but the gravy gods were with me this year. lol. We always do potluck type and everyone brought something and it was so good. The time with family was wonderful. Wish we could have stayed longer but were pooped and had to come home to rest. lol. <br />
<br />
The week leading up to Thanksgiving was uh, hectic to say the least. Monday Hubs and me went to our friend's funeral and we spent the whole day with them. Turns out here in Ohio, Monday was a pretty decent day for late November and we thought we'd skip the jackets. What were we thinking? Not that that is the reason but him and I both got so sick this week. He started coughing at that funeral Monday and by 4 p.m. he was plugged up, red-eyed, coughing, sneezing, and wheezing. Oh No's. He went to work Tuesday and I went up to my sister's to work on her computer. Just as we pull in to sister's he calls and says he's heading home sick. Not good. He gets sinus infections at the drop of a hat anymore and we try to avoid those as much as possible. Well, I felt fine Tuesday morning. If I hadn't I would not have gone to my sister's. She has no spleen which compromises immunity plus chemo on top of it so she is like susceptible to everything. She hibernates alot during winter. Well, don't ya know, late Tuesday I started feeling it. Wednesday, I knew I had it. Grrrr! Even though I felt raunchy, Honey felt worse so I drove him to Mansfield to get his paycheck and he growled at me the whole way. Not fun. I don't like driving anyway, let alone someone hollering at me just cause they're sick and grumpy. <br />
<br />
We had all of our shopping to do except for the bird which we did run out and grab Monday night. And guess what? I had to do it by myself. No way I could make him go out in that mess feeling like he was and missing work and all. I wanted to get an early start so I could see my kid before he went to work. Well, that didn't happen. As soon as we got home from getting his check I thought I'd head out to shop. But because I'm blind and need all the help I can get driving, I thought I'd wash my glasses real quick. Again, what was I thinking? I'm standing there drying them and I hear a ding, ding on the floor. Crap! There went my nose piece. Which meant I had to wake grouch up to fix it for me. I couldn't see the screw if I wanted to to find it so I got my little kit out and it had some screws. He tried and tried and could not get the screw started. So, in addition to my grocery shopping and picking up medicine at the drug store, I had to stop at the eye doctor. Thank goodness they were in. The lady there tried for 25 minutes. I'm silently sitting there convincing myself to be thankful they were open and I didn't have to wait maybe til Monday even to get them fixed and when I was just about to run out of thankfulness for the situation and when I realized I wasn't seeing my kid before he went to work, she asks me if I bought the glasses there. Um, yes ma'am I did. Five hundred dollars I paid you directly for those glasses. lol. (I didn't say that out loud, just to myself). Well she was checking to see if they were under warranty because the original screw had actually broken in half and part of it was still stuck in the glasses part. She rigged me up one that is barely in the spot but it works til they get me new frames. Can't believe it requires an entire new frame but she said she could not get that out for the life of her and I guess after 25 minutes of trying, I'll believe her. Wow, just wow is all I have to say to that.<br />
<br />
I wanted to do my food shopping at Save-A-Lot but I had to go to Drug Mart to pick up honey's prescription meds and more cold medicine for the both of us. Hawkins is right next door so I thought I'd just go there. They do have some good sales and I didn't need much so I thought I'd do all my stuff in one location and head home. Yeah, whatever. I still had to go downtown to Save-A-Lot. So one eye doctor, one pharmacy, two grocery stores and $95.00 less later, I made it home. I knew I had hours of slicing and dicing ahead of me so we ordered pizza which was cold when it got here because everyone else in town ordered pizza Wednesday night too. lol. That was just a day I don't care to repeat. I loathe going out, let alone going out by myself. And driving to boot. Oh my. I almost took the xanax. lol. <br />
<br />
Thursday morning I called Sister to tell her we were sick but we felt like going to dinner and wondered how she felt about it. I was going to suggest we stay home if she were scared of catching something instead of her and her husband missing out on account of us being sick. They have stayed home alone when bunches of people are sick and it stinks. I told her if she was going to catch anything she probably would have by me being there Tuesday. We didn't have fevers or anything, just good old fashioned colds. So she said she figured she had gotten all the shots the docs suggested and they told her to go live her life so we all got to get together after all and hubby and me kept our coughs and wheezes to ourselves and washed our hands alot. It just makes me feel terrible thinking one of us might have made her sick. I'm calling later to see how she is today. She's been good so far so hopefully nothing will get her. <br />
<br />
This weekend has been spent just doing nothing. We just don't feel grand and the shopping thing doesn't excite us so we've watched some movies and ate left overs and picked up the house and such but nothing major. Tomorrow it is back at it so I hope everyone is feeling better and ready to go in the morning. lol. <br />
<br />
Sorry to ramble. Hopefully the next post will be sewing related and I'll have something to show. Happy Stitching.<br />
<br />
ReneeUnknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1043003284082770504.post-49300637434023944952010-11-21T15:00:00.000-05:002010-11-21T15:00:56.320-05:00Forgive Me For The Absence<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKYc23LVTYVMdiXTKOR74UtFU5FWdQFKfMjvleJHTHmDJ5isxp1KIPfXlrLDg8zXnzueOROjpJJbCzwjvYBrTLW2UltZzGVXxaIxDEWG_7-1ALyk9dBNWvgFykgJyIESyctVNwBB0FtQGq/s1600/red-roses-flower-rose-pictures-393.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="214" ox="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKYc23LVTYVMdiXTKOR74UtFU5FWdQFKfMjvleJHTHmDJ5isxp1KIPfXlrLDg8zXnzueOROjpJJbCzwjvYBrTLW2UltZzGVXxaIxDEWG_7-1ALyk9dBNWvgFykgJyIESyctVNwBB0FtQGq/s320/red-roses-flower-rose-pictures-393.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">In Loving Memory<br />
of<br />
Rose Brinker<br />
1939-2010<br />
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>My apologies again for my lack of posts. Just before I hit publish on my last post here, I received a text and my husband received a phone call within seconds of each other to tell us that a long time family friend had passed away. I was so flustered that I just hit publish and walked away from this computer and haven't really looked back yet. It wasn't really a shock to know that she had passed because she had been so sick but it still hurts no matter how much you think you're prepared. Even as only a friend of the family. Her children are deeply hurt and her dear husband is being so strong. Her services are tomorrow and even though they aren't my thing (funerals), my husband and I are going. We are best friends with one of her sons and close with most all of the other kids. Her granddaughter Melissa is very near and dear to me and I think the world of her and her family. They're like family to us and Rose will be deeply missed by more than she knew. Please pray for Rose's family for strength and guidance during this difficult time in their lives.<br />
<br />
Seems like this world is losing several of it's gems lately. I used to work in a convenience store across the street from my house. I've worked there five different times over a course of 22-23 years and trust me I've gotten to know alot of the locals and they've gotten to know me and where I lived and such. Just real close little neighborhood place and good people for the most part. Mostly old timers were the devoted ones you saw everyday rain or shine. Just two weeks ago one of my favorite old timers was laid to rest and it saddened me deeply cause if there is one thing the world needs, it's more people like good old Jim. He'd always make you smile, most often belly laughing was more appropriate to describe what he would make you do. lol. So sweet too. Loved his wife more than life itself. I just shake my head and wish so bad that we wouldn't lose anymore of these wonderful folks that God has put into our lives when they are needed today so much more than ever in this ugly old world we live in. <br />
<br />
Tuesday I have to go help my sister again with her computer. I hope I find some time in between now and Wednesday anyway to catch up with everybody again and wish everyone a Happy Thanksgiving. I know it will be a busy week for alot of us so if I miss anybody this week, I hope to be back at it next week after the holiday. Everyone take care. Enjoy your Sunday afternoon.<br />
<br />
Happy Stitching,<br />
<br />
ReneeUnknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1043003284082770504.post-72090869875468110662010-11-17T17:55:00.001-05:002010-11-17T18:17:15.322-05:00Has It Really Been That Long?<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTvfZ6743sN7jUqMnY0FMJpeYg-K7D7JuPG8y3sBolaaBu29VjK7W1_0UAj8Jsty5OyOfZ-5Jy3R8OHfJnXWT9-IlvTSLWuXKGc5AD0OA38PLLPoIzXkawk0Dn1BEAn1mD0RBIardoZ9qY/s1600/IMAG0895+fixed.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" px="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTvfZ6743sN7jUqMnY0FMJpeYg-K7D7JuPG8y3sBolaaBu29VjK7W1_0UAj8Jsty5OyOfZ-5Jy3R8OHfJnXWT9-IlvTSLWuXKGc5AD0OA38PLLPoIzXkawk0Dn1BEAn1mD0RBIardoZ9qY/s320/IMAG0895+fixed.jpg" width="267" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I changed from a yucky white sheet to this navy blue one on my "design wall".<br />
I think it makes stuff more visible maybe, kinda like dramatic. lol. </td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />
Good Grief. I am sorry I haven't posted in so long. Phew, has time just gotten away from me here the last few weeks. And I really have no excuses. I guess I'm in one of my funks right now and having a hard time shaking it. But, as they say, this to shall pass. I haven't been sewing anything. I cleaned my room the other day and put up a new sheet for a design wall but that's as far as I got. I cannot get off my duff and do the stuff I need to do, let alone the stuff I think I'd like to do. I just hate it. I'm worried about having to make another trip back to my friendly doctor. I'm overdue for some blood work and just putting it off for financial reasons but the cruddier I feel, the more I know I need it and should just go get it done and see what he suggests from there. I'm worried about going back cause I know he'll holler at me because I haven't started any counselling. He thinks that is my cure. I am scared I may need my medicine dosage upped and who likes that crap? lol. One's as bad as the other. I'm not going to counselling because I don't have anything to say to anybody. It would totally stink to up my med's but I'd almost rather. I don't know. Enough of that. If any of you who pray out there might say a little one for me pretty please that this "cloud" will pass, I'd appreciate it. <br />
<br />
I'm forcing myself into action by throwing the family Thanksgiving dinner next week. I seem to thrive on deadlines and under pressure so what better way to motivate yourself to clean your nasty house than the thoughts of about 20 people coming to eat with you. lol. I hope that maybe that motivation might lead me to be motivated elsewhere in my life too. Like towards sewing. lol. And then I guess I might get inclined to look for a job. I so do not want to. I am just not ready but with bills to pay, there isn't much choice. I'd work from home tomorrow if I could find the niche but venturing out into the work force again has me scared to death. Panic attack mode isn't how I like to roll but I gotta do what I gotta do. <br />
<br />
Anyway, good news on a couple of fronts. Praise the Lord for all the kids. First of all, my youngest son Shawn has gotten his first real full-time job since he graduated last year. Yeah!!!! He's been working since he's been old enough and he's been a cook at a local restaurant for two years now but he wasn't getting the hours he needed and certainly not a very good wage. He's 19 now and I know he's chomping at the bit to get a place of his own and buy nice things fellas his age like to have and I'm real happy for him to get this chance to dive in to the working world. I knew a long time ago that going on to school wasn't an option for this one so I've decided to support him in whatever he does pursue and this really seems like a good solid job for a young guy. He's been working 50 hours a week. Doesn't mind the work but he's not crazy about his hours. He works from 3 p.m. until 1 a.m. The regular shift is 3-11 but they don't see a let up in sight on the overtime so that's a real good sign. Hopefully it means job longevity.<br />
<br />
This second bit of news is also just wonderful in my opinion. My daughter-in-law, Stephanie, just today got her very first full-time nursing job. Of course this position will definitely make a difference in their lives. They have worked very hard during the course of their relationship and marriage and I am very proud of both her and Tony. Such drive and goals for younger adults. I even admire them. Steph went into nursing school right out of high school and just graduated this June. She tested, passed and was licensed as an RN in August. Bub (Tony) went to school for two or three quarters just out of high school but he had other aspirations at the time and decided to quit school. He's worked like a hound ever since and has gained himself a pretty nice spot within the company he's been with for 3, maybe 4 years now. He does mention maybe going back to school himself now that Steph is established but he's uncertain as to what to pursue. That's something he has to decide on and then just go for it. <br />
<br />
Well, geez I guess I've rambled enough and now it's supper time. After that I want to blog cruise to catch up on every one's pretties. Take care. Happy Stitching.<br />
<br />
ReneeUnknownnoreply@blogger.com1