New Years 2012

Cliff, Courtney, and I started the new year right with a hike in nearby DuPont forest. AWESOME!

Daughter's Quilt Completed

Way back in July 2008, I took a class and started making a quilt for my daughter.
So almost 2 years later, she informed me that she wanted to take it to camp with her this year. I had gotten as far as partially quilting it and had just set it aside. Anyway, during the last couple of weeks, I spent every spare minute working on it - during my lunch breaks, before bed, etc. And I finished it one week ago - last Tuesday, just in time for her to take it to camp on Wednesday.
Here it is. As you can see, Bueller likes it.

And DD wrapped up in it...

Notice the bear tucked behind her head - she has had that bear since she was about 4 to 6 weeks old and has slept with it ever since and she's 14.

SNOW!

We live in the mountains of North Carolina but closer to the SC line and very seldom do we get any snow - maybe a couple of light snowfalls each year, most often just flurries. And usually we get an ice storm or two. However, yesterday we were hit with a storm that left the area covered in a white blanket. We were actually suppose to leave to go to my sister's who lives on the east coast of NC. We travelled about 15 miles from the house by interstate and decided it wasn't worth the risk. After we got back home, my husband and daughter decided they were going outside to play. After about 15 minutes they asked me to go for a walk with them. Now, I walk a lot and trying to get them to go with me is like pulling teeth so when they asked, I couldn't say no. So, I donned one of my husband's motorcycle wind suits, which by the way is a men's 3X. I know I looked ridiculous but it kept me warm and dry. And off we went to see the neighborhood. Here we are, my daughter is on the left.

Brewster

Brewster, my Yorkie-Poo Baby was laid to rest today. He had been sick for quite a while and he had issues with his hips. It was the toughest decision that we have ever had to make but I know now that he is in no pain.

I found this poem and thought I would share it in Brewster's honor.

If it should be that I grow frail and weak
And pain does keep me from my sleep,
Then will you do what must be done
for this - the last battle -can't be won.

You will be sad I understand
But don't let grief then stay your hand.
For on this day, more than the rest
Your love and friendship must stand the test.

We have had so many happy years,
You wouldn't want me to suffer so.
When the time comes, please, let me go.

Take me to where my needs they'll tend,
Only, stay with me till the end.
And hold me firm and speak to me
Until my eyes no longer see.

I know in time you will agree
It is a kindness you do to me.
Although my tail its last has waved,
From pain and suffering I have been saved.

Don't grieve that it must now be you
Who has to decide this thing to do.
We've been so close - we two -these years,
Don't let your heart hold any tears.

(author unknown)

Here are a few photos that I would like to share.
This one is from Halloween 2008:


Brewster taking a nap:


and Brewster with my other favorite man:

Visitor's Day

Sunday, the 19th was Visitor's Day at camp and I was able to see my Baby Girl. Here she is in her cabin:


And with Daddy by the lake:


Less than 2 weeks and she'll be home - I can't wait.

My Grandbaby

My stepdaughter gave birth today to the most beautiful baby girl. Here is the proud grandfather and Aunt CJ looking:

Last Day of School

Today was the last day of 7th grade for DD. We made a couple of gifts for her core teachers. We made brown sugar scrub and eye pillows filled with flax seed.

I hope her teachers like them.

Her Homeroom teacher called me at 8 am to let me know that DD was receiving a pretty big award - Most Outstanding 7th Grader. Unfortunately, I had to be working at our Charity Golf tournament and could not get away to attend the awards. And not only did she win that award, she came home with a total of 4: Most Outstanding 7th grader, A Honor Roll, Duke TIPS program certificate, and Most Improved in Jazz Band. I am SO PROUD of her.

DD's Quilting Class

My Dear Daughter decided that she would give this whole sewing / quilting thing a try and signed up a couple of months ago for the Kid's Club at the local Quilt Shop. They meet once a month for 2 hours. They work on small projects and if they have time, they are also working on a large quilt. So far, she has made a small rag quilt and a patchwork / rag bag. I don't think she's been delighted with the projects - the fabrics were picked out for her - but she has really enjoyed the class and has fallen in love with sewing!!! Here is a pic of her quilt and bag.

Last Friday

OK, I know I am a few days behind but I've been busy. I took last week off of work (actually I'd been off since Christmas day) to do some cleaning and sewing and a little relaxing. DH took off for a few days to visit family and friends in WV so DD and I were able to spend some real quality girl time together. We spent one whole day shopping and caught a couple of really great deals.
DH got home Thursday evening and we decided to do "family time" Friday morning. We called some friends of ours and headed to Fun Depot. Fun Depot has all sorts of video games, a climbing wall, laser tag, etc., etc.. Here is DD and DH playing Skee Ball:

We also played laser tag - the 4 adults versus the 5 kids. The adults WON!
Friday night, DD and I met up with a friend of mine, Sonya and headed to our local Scrapbook store for a Friday night crop. We had a great time. Here is a pic of me and Sonya.