Catch Up!

We were so busy preparing for my BIL's benefit that I forgot to post birthday wishes for our grandson, Nate!!  We had originally planned to celebrate Nate's birthday and my birthday on the 20th, but when the benefit was scheduled that changed things.

 We haphazardly celebrated Nate's birthday at Grayson's birthday party.  (Sorry Nate!)  

Nate turned four on February 17th.  He is quite shy and REALLY doesn't cooperate when we get out the camera.  But, he loves Cuddles, so he was happy to pose with her!

Another thing he loves is the buns at Texas Roadhouse!  We always take the boys to the Sportshow to look at the boats, campers, fishing/hunting gear, see the presentations, and fish in the trout pool. 

The boys had a great time, as always!

I just have to post a few photos of Grayson and his birthday cake.  He didn't hesitate to dig in!

 Since this is turning out to be  a grandchildren post I would be remiss in not including the other two!

Two of our redheads together!  Chance was "helping" Aunt Tasha prepare for the benefit.

Clara was enjoying herself at Grayson's birthday party.

Until next time.....

Happy Valentine's Day(Yes,over a week late!!)

Yes, Valentine's Day was over a week ago, I know.  BUT, I went to bed feeling a little queasy the night before and got up in the night with the flu.  So, I stayed home from school and certainly didn't feel like going out for supper to celebrate.  Bud was sweet enough to bring me flowers.

We managed to go out for supper this past Monday night.  Better late than never!

I was in a  Valentine Swap and I received a beautiful handmade Valentine.

The ribbon flowers are exquisite.

Thanks, Laurie!

I hope your Valentine's Day was everything you wanted it to be!

For Dale's Benefit

As some of you know, my brother-in-law found out he had esophageal cancer in December of 2009.  He then had radiation and chemotherapy which was followed by an esophajectomy.  After surgery more chemo followed.  Through it all he continued to hold down his full time job even if that meant coming home each day for a nap and being exhausted at the end of every day.  Unfortunately he had to relinquish his job the end of January.  So his family, our family, and some of his friends and co-workers have quickly put together a benefit to raise money to help with medical and living expenses now that they are without Dale's income.  You can check out the blog I developed for more information.  http://daleholtapp.blogspot.com/

This has been a hard year and a half and we have some hard times ahead too.  If you are a praying person please keep my sister, brother-in-law, niece, and nephew in your prayers.

“To us, family means putting your arms around each other and being there.”  Former First Lady, Barbara Bush

Happy Birthdy Grayson! & Valentine Prep

A year ago today we welcomed our grandson Grayson into this world!

He has now grown into an active little guy.  

Happy Birthday, Grayson!!

We'll be there to party with him today.

Last year for Valentine's Day I made this table topper.  But my sister-in-law showed up while it was on my table and she liked it.  So, nice person that I am (right, Gay!),  I gave it to her, which means I didn't have one.  So I ordered more L'Amour by Moda and made myself a new one!

Add some hearts in a bowl, and Wa-la!  A Valentine looking table!

I have a few other Valentine things mixed in with my snowmen, but winter is still the theme at my house!

Yesterday I was busy making little treats for my students and grandchildren.

First, I put some marshmallows on candy sticks, then I melted some almond bark in a coffee cup and dipped the marshmallows into it.

Then rolled them in a little decorative sugar.

 Let them cool and harden.

Then wrap them in cellophane.

I then added a Valentine tag (but forgot to take that photo).

I also dipped pretzels in almond bark and sprinkled them with red sugar for the adults.

Have a great day!

Valentine Exchange

Laurie from Buttons and Lace hosted a Valentine exchange which I decided to join.  Sometimes I wonder why I do things when I am already feeling overwhelmed with things to do, but I'm sure I'll be happy I did it when my Valentine arrives!  Anyway, I decided to make a mug rug to say Happy Valentine's Day!

What is a mug rug, you ask???  It is a miniature quilt just the right size for your mug and a snack.

I packaged it all up and sent it in a red envelope off to North Dakota.  I certainly don't think I have to worry about the chocolate melting!!

I hope she enjoys her little Valentine's package!

Snow Days #1 & #2!

We were predicted to have 10"to 14" of snow between Tuesday afternoon and Wednesday noon.  Many times we prepare for "the big one" and it never happens.  BUT, this time the meteorologists were absolutely right!!  We got out of school early on Tuesday, and we stayed home Wednesday and Thursday. I really was thrilled about Tuesday.  I can always use a break mid-winter, but I didn't really need Thursday.  Hopefully we are done with snow days now.

Staying home gave me some time to work on the benefit we are having for my brother-in-law who is dealing with esophageal cancer and can no longer work.  I've been busy contacting many businesses looking for things to donate and make some money to help them with their living expenses.  I've created a blog about it.  If you are interested you can view it here, or click on it in my sidebar--For Dale's Benefit.

I also got in some sewing time.  I've been working on a few Valentine's Day projects.  I have two things to sew binding on, and another thing to finish.  I did finish one little project.

It combines two things I love to do--embroider and sew!

And it just fits on this little stand I just bought.

Back to the real world tomorrow!!
 (On hard surface roads only.)