A Few Things Before I Unplug for the Day

Tomorrow is Sunday, and I'm going to do my best to "unplug" from the interwebs. It will take a great amount of effort, but I want to do this. My reasons have been listed a few posts ago.

So, since it's Saturday night, here goes...

First, I'm reaching the home stretch of my Irish Chain.

I had a little meltdown last night, as I found that I was missing five blocks I thought I had. (I am doing quilt as you go) And the worst of it was, I tried my hardest to find more of the fabric I used, but two Walmarts in the area didn't have it any more. The quilt is really a good size as it is, but SR and I wanted it large enough to tuck under the pillows and fold back over them because we are going to use it just like a spread. What was I to do?? Or worra worra worra. I was blessed enough a while back, to have bought an extra yard and a half of the dark color, (God at work) and I thought I would figure something out using it. I went to bed all in a tither, and God spoke to me in His Still Small Voice. He told me what to do, and today I found another fabric that I can add to the dark to finish it up. No, there won't be more blocks, but I have a plan. Stay tuned.

Ok, you Sewing Veterans, I have a question for you. Since I began to get serious about my sewing, my thumbs and index fingers are sore, dry, peeling and split. Even to the point of bleeding.  And I haven't been hand quilting either. Any suggestions? 

I visited the cemetery today. It's been five months since my Mom left to join my Dad with the Lord. For a long while, I would cry when I was at the graveside, but otherwise, I was doing pretty well, for the most part. I have mourned, but about two weeks ago, I began to really grieve. I'm told this is normal for someone who was a caretaker. Thing is, I'm grieving for my Dad and my grandparents. Oh, I miss my mother, and mourn her too, but this grief it focused on them more. I can barely talk about it without crying....well, no I can't talk about it without crying. I sure hope and pray the intensity lessens soon. It's really cramping my style. *wink*

Next, I have to end the week with a video of my joy. He's reaching for something he knows he's not supposed to have. Funny kid.

As for May for Me tomorrow...the unplugging is my start. But until after LMW's first birthday party next Saturday, I won't really be able to focus on me much. The rest of you, PARTY ON!

May For Me Extra

Marcia is giving away these bee-you-tee-ful note cards in honor of May for Me. 

 

 Aren't they gorgeous? Just the thing to send a line or two to someone special. Flip on over to her page and check it out.

 

 

 

A Head Start

Ok, here is one of my May for Me items. I wanted to do a little creative gardening. And even though it's not May yet, and not much, it qualifies to me. It's pretty much all I can do on my own, and although he will help, my husband is really not into the gardening thing, so I have to keep it simple.

I'd planned to put a Crepe Myrtle here. But, when I found this Oleander, on sale for $10.00 no less, I changed my plan. And I really like how it looks.

You can see in the background that I've also planted some Marigolds and Periwinkles. You may have to look hard to find them, since they are very small right now. Last year, the periwinkles were amazing in this bed. First time I ever had a really good result. So, I tried to find the same kind again this year. I hope I succeeded. Maybe that Miracle Grow Garden Soil I put around them will help. *wink*

I bought myself a pretty garden flag, and some fresh mulch, and now it's looking much better in the front. Gotta start on the back now, before the rain sets in again. Storms are expected again this weekend.

My heart goes out to all the folks in AL that lost their home or a loved one. I saw a news report of a woman whose baby was whipped away by the tornado. They found him in someone else's yard, and the mother decided to donate his organs, since she was an organ recipient. It's so heart wrenching. I'm praying for those folks. May God comfort them as only He can.

May for Me Revision Addendum

Heather has a wonderful idea to UPLUG! Everyone has mentioned it, and I checked her out again. (I follow her already) It's a great idea and I want to try it. I'm not going to commit to being 100%, but I'm going to give it a shot. I just have to figure out what days to do it....

Go check her out if you haven't already and let me know what you think.

A May for Me Revision

Ok, one of my May for Me things was to start an online Bible study. And another was to relax. These two things don't go hand in hand in my world right now. So, instead of doing it online, I'm going to do something offline.

I've been spending WAY too much time on the computer. Time I should be in my Bible. Time I should be sewing, time, time time. I find myself sitting with my chin propped in my hand, just sitting there looking at insignificant things. I catch myself wanting to check my email countless times a day. So, I decided to spend less time on this thing and that means, no online Bible study. I'll find something I can do in the quiet moments of my day.  I read Dr. Stanley's daily devotional, and rush through it, and I feel bad about that because I'm always in a rush! . So, I'm going to stop rushing, (one of my other May for Me items) and find something I can relax and pay attention to. Wish me luck!

Wordless Wednesday

Photo by Beverly Leopard

More Wedding Fun

Ok, those of you who are interested....here are a few more pictures from the wedding.

 The arch where they were married.

The view from the seats.

J and K out back.

 Some of the decorations.

The hall where the wedding took place.

K walked down this staircase.

From the second floor of the hall.

  

Photo by Beverly Leopard.

Candid shot by my sister.

  Photo by Beverly Leopard.

One of my favorites!

And the final picture today......

 Photo by Beverly Leopard.

Our family portrait.

Hitched

The wedding weekend was hectic, stressful and wonderful! The ceremony was just beautiful and kinda sweet. Short and sweet to be exact. J and K had a good time throughout the whole thing too. We all enjoyed a great reception and as soon as I have some decent photos to share, I will. In the meantime, here are two to wet the appetite.

Photo by my sister, Beverly Leopard.

LMW had a rough weekend. He was away from home in a strange place, couldn't play and expel any energy so he was fussy. He did ride well in the wagon, but there was a snafu and the wagon didn't go up the aisle before the bride. So, it only went out after the couple. Not a big deal really.

And the shoes we bought him a month ago or less were too small. So, he went barefooted. No one cared. :)
More to follow about the weekend happenings.

Quick "May for Me" Post

Ok, the minutes are ticking by and in just a couple of hours, I'll be heading out to Russellville to see the boy child marry his love. But I just HAD to connect to all the other May for Me girls. I finally commented on each blog and started following them. You all look sooo interesting and fun! I can't wait until I have time to really explore your blogs. I'd love to check out Tonya's tutorials too. So much to do so little time!!!

Happy Easter everyone!

HE IS RISEN!!!!!

I'm Ok Now

Pity party over. Time to celebrate!!! I'll catch you all after the wedding festivities are over. Woooo Hoooo!!!

Me, K, and her Mom, K.

A Short Sad Post

I've been missing my Mom and Dad today.

They won't get to see their oldest grandson walk down the aisle. In person where I can see them, see him walk down the aisle.

It hurts.

My Mom would have been so happy, she would have loved all the hooplah.

My Dad would have been so proud of J, and taking every opportunity to brag on him, even going as far as to follow someone around to continue sharing his pride.

It's normal to feel this way. And I'm not going to feel guilty about it, or try to push it aside. I'm going to delve into it and wallow. I'm going to grieve and mourn and then, when I'm done, I'll be ok. I will then be able to move on, and enjoy it all.

When I return Sunday or Monday, there will be a much happier post.

May For Me Month

My new bloggy friend Hillbilly Handiworks is "sponsoring" a May For Me Month and I'm in baby. I'm in!

 What does that mean? It means that I take the month of May and do more for myself. Of course, I'm a selfish person and I do a lot for myself already. I am eating better, working out almost every day, trying to get my weight and my health back in order. And I sew every free minute I have, much to the downfall of my clean house. But, I go at everything like someone is chasing me. I get that from my mother. I catch myself running through my day and through my house like there is a deadline for everything. Sometimes there is, but most times not.

So, one of my things will be slowing down and enjoying what I do. Regardless of whether it's sewing, taking care of my LMW, or cleaning. I do enjoy a clean home.

Another thing will be trying to get my bedroom redecoration finished. It's been hit and miss, even though I'm working on it. I'd like to have it finished by the end of May. (I can dream can't I?)

The third thing will be to start a new online Bible Study with Miss Hillbilly.

The last thing will be that I start a new personal ministry for the Lord. I have a definite direction and plan that I've already set in motion.

All this right after LMW's first birthday party on May 7th. Which is my 34th wedding anniversary. Can't think of a better way to celebrate!! Maybe next year on my 35th, SR and I can do something really special. And I'll need suggestions for that friends. :P  I hope I don't forget May is for me in my craziness!!!

Wordless Wednesday

A Random Memory

Funny how sometimes conversations will trigger a childhood memory? I was sitting in the dentist's chair, getting my teeth cleaned this morning. The lovely dental hygienist is very friendly and talkative and we always have really fun conversations. Today we talked about how children cope with being moved from one town to another, when their parents relocate the family for whatever reason.  We discussed how you fear to allow your child to go to another's house, when you haven't known their parents. And thus, my memory popped up.

When I was very young, my Dad was a Marine. So, we moved frequently. I have countless memories of that time but the memory that surfaced this time was about moving to a small rent house, after selling our home. We sold it before we were ready to move out of town, and so had to find a place to rent for a short time. My parents never seemed to worry much about our friends, or their parents. Maybe they did behind their bedroom door, but I never felt the worry. This one time, I walked to a new friend's house with my brother. I don't remember how or what we played there, but I remember their family was very large. It must have come upon meal time, and back then, you didn't run home for dinner/lunch. You ate at your friend's house, and so we were going to eat. Some of the kids were old enough to cook, and they prepared something. I can see the plates, but can't remember the foods. Anyway, there weren't enough plates and utensils, and no one wanted to wash. We were offered food, but we had to eat it off someone's dirty plate, and use their dirty utensils. I didn't eat, but I remember my brother did. Nothing phased him, funny brave guy.

Well, this is not a mega memory, just a short funny one, that I thought I'd get down in writing, before my aging brain loses it.

The Week in Review

Started out the week on a sad note. Lost a dear cousin to cancer, but he is rejoicing in Heaven now.

Started a new Quilt-a-Long. Well, I say new, but I've never done one before. It's challenging, but fun.
 Here are the few pieces so far...

Doesn't look that hard does it? But I would never have gotten all that even if not for the help of the paper piecing tutorial.

 Kept LMW more than usual due to his other grandmother's new grandchild being born. She keeps him the days I don't. You can see new little EG on LeLe's blog.

LMW is trying his best to walk. Unfortunately, he's still trying to do it on his toes.

 We moved the coffee table down from the middle of the window in the living room, so he could look out the window. We moved it first from the middle of the room so he would have plenty of playing space.

Spent some time on the computer going back and forth with J's future mother-in-law, trying to sort out wedding issues. One more week.  I spent a day or so fretting about finding someone to alter my gown for the wedding. Thank goodness there is a lady in town who does alterations and comes highly recommended.

Recovered a stool and added some fabric to the bottom of a pair of store bought curtains for my bedroom.

Entered several blog giveaways. And like always, some other lucky woman won. Bummer.

The week really isn't over and I have a full day planned for tomorrow. Cleaning, sewing and some gardening are on the schedule. Wish me luck!!

A Special Someone

I write this post with a heavy heart. Someone very special to me, has flown away, to the land where dreams never die, tears are always joyful, and the Son is always shining. His name was William T. Wilson, "W.T." to my family and he was my mother's first cousin.

He was a retired Baptist preacher, had a unique sense of humor and a dry wit. He married my husband and me, and believe it or not, was the photographer as well.  I remember his visits to my Mom when I was a teenager, and then my visits to spend time with his family. His daughter is not only my cousin, but my friend.

Funny how you remember strange things, but today I was thinking about how when he would stay the night at our house, I would get up to fix his breakfast before he left. Why that sticks in my head, I have no clue. The last visit I had with him was a bit strained, as he was in the last stages of cancer, and a bit disoriented. But he still had his funny bone. I knew when I left that day, I wouldn't see him again this side of Heaven. He passed away peacefully, his son tells me. That is comforting, especially since he had suffered so much in the last several months.

I loved this man. And I know he loved me. I will miss him greatly. I mourn even though I know he is in Paradise. Good for him!! Great rejoicing took place last night as he entered the Gates. I can picture my Mom and Dad greeting him and all of them having a high old time. There is a bit of comfort in that, but at this point, not enough. My human heart and mind just can't get past the grief yet. It will lessen with time, and God will give us all a peace about it in time.

"When we all get to Heaven, what a day of rejoicing that will be! When we all see Jesus, we'll sing and shout the Victory!"

I love you W.T.
I'll see you soon.

Good News and Bad News

First the Good news.....
I finished LMW's outfit for the wedding. Hallelujah!!!

Now the Bad news.....
I think I threw out the cable to my digital camera, with an old broken camera. So I can't show you a picture. I'll have to find one or buy one before the wedding!

A little more Bad news.
I searched and searched my meager wardrobe and there is nothing in the closet appropriate to wear to rehearsal and the dinner afterward.

Good news.
SR and I drove to PB yesterday afternoon to try and find me something, and I came home with a little summer dress, a cute little black and white gingham shirt and a pair of white slacks. The slacks came from the "old lady" section, and have elastic in part of the waist, but you do what you have to in desperation. One of the problems of being so durn short. All the cool clothes are too long in the torso and length.

More Bad news.
The sweet sweet lady who was going to alter my dress for the wedding is afraid she will mess it up, thus I must drive back to PB to pick it up this afternoon.  Even if I decided to wear it full length, it is too long, so I'm going to check with a local seamstress to see what can be done. Time is very short and I hope someone can do it for me. If not, I'll have to wear shorts to the wedding.

Another Week Done Gone

Where does the time go? Time flies when you are having fun....the older you get, the faster time goes....I could go on with all those old sayings, but I won't. *grin*

It's exactly two weeks to the wedding. I've spent a lot of time on LMW's suit and I'm almost finished. Oh please oh please oh please God, let it fit! I think I can honestly say, it has been the hardest thing I've ever made. Even when I was making all the little frilly girly things for LeLe when she was tiny, it wasn't that hard. Or maybe after all this time, it just seems harder. I've had to improvise a bit, unfortunately. Shorten it, and create my own placket for snaps, since Hobby Lobby nor the local walmart had snap tape. I've laid it down and walked away a couple of times and just when I think I'm almost done, I see a little glitch that drives me crazy and I have to rip seams and try again. So, I have one pocket left to redo, the zipper to sew in, and the snaps to sew on by hand. Again....oh please let it fit. I did try the top part on the boy before I started the bottom. (The top is made separate from the bottom, and then joined.) LeLe and I held it up to him today to judge the length, and he was not very cooperative.

It sounds like I'm complaining, and I don't mean it that way. I'm simply stating the way it's been going. I don't mind that it's hard, and I will be pretty happy when it's done. I am just so OCD about every little thing. If it weren't for a wedding, I'd be less so.

On a lighter note, I found a gorgeous dress for myself. My second trip to Little Rock proved fruitful. Thank goodness my sister came along to tell me yea or nae on things. And thank thank goodness I didn't buy any of the dresses I tried on when I was alone. I will give you a sneak peek.... ready?

You didn't think it was going to be a picture of me did you?  Since it is way too long, and since I don't "do" formal alterations, I took it to a sweet lady who is shortening it for me. And she is going to tweak the neckline just a bit, since it's a little too low for my taste. (A little too low for SR's as well.)

As soon as I finish LMW's outfit (hopefully tomorrow) I am going to work very hard to finish the Irish Chain. I have sooo much sewing to do and I'm soooo behind. But that's ok. I'd say job security, except I don't have a job. Maybe we could say happiness security? I love having projects going. I'm just really ready to be finished with at least one of them. I'd say it's about time.

Wordless Wednesday

Opinions Please...

Hello dear readers,
I'm trying to decide on a place to move my lovely little concrete girl. She's been in the front of my house in the flower bed, directly in front of a bedroom window for 9 years.

It's time to move her since I decided to put a bush there. Scraggly looking little thing, isn't it? It'll perk up when I get some of that really tasty Miracle Grow Garden Soil around it. Yummy! And it will look very nice with some fresh, new mulch. Oh yeah!

I'm undecided as to where to move her lovely little self though. Should I leave her on the front porch to welcome folks? 
Place her in one of the other flower beds? ( J finally brought me some cool rocks to finish this one.

Put her in the birdbath?

Paint her a color or leave her au naturale?  And if I leave her on the porch, where exactly would she be most welcoming???

Decisions decisions.... I'm so glad I have you to help! Tell me what you think.