one strip at a time

I mentioned a while back that my friend and I 

were taking a quilting class.

Well, the truth is I only made it to one class...lots of conflicts...

but my friend has been to every one.

So, she has been teaching me!

I haven't finished the first quilt yet because I took a break

to make one for our new grandson who is due to make

his arrival next month.

I knew I didn't want to try the same pattern...it was too

complicated. It never should have been chosen for a

beginner's class.

Anyway, I found a strip quilt pattern on line and

decided that it was one I might could handle.

So, my daughter and I went shopping for seven coordinating

 fabrics at Joann's...and this is what she chose...

Over a two week period, with a lot of coaching and advising from

my friend, I finished it in time for her shower this last Saturday.

She was happy and that made me very happy!

It wasn't quite as simple as I imagined and there was some

"wailing and gnashing of teeth" and a considerable amount of time 

spent with a stitch ripper in my hand (ha!ha!), but it was all worth it

when I saw her expression as she opened the box!

I can't wait to see the little guy use it!

I learned a lot and have promised to make one for the baby

coming in May!

What can I say...I am a pushover when it comes to my grands...

and I know my friend will come running if (or should I say when!)

 I send out an S.O.S! :-)

# 3 and # 7!

Our older son and our sweet daughter-in-law

are expecting a little addition to their family

in May!

Number three for them... number seven grand for us!

We are so excited and so grateful for this special gift!

"Every good and perfect gift is from above

and comes down from the Father of lights."

James 1:17

an evening with Chris Tomlin and friends

Friday night, my daughter and I made our way to Atlanta...

Gwinett, to be more specific...to see and hear one of our

favorite Christian recording artist, Chris Tomlin, and one

of our favorite speakers, Louie Giglio.

This makes our third time attending one of their concerts

and it is always a wonderful night of worship and fun.

The arena was full and Chris was happy to be playing

to the "home crowd"...he lives in Atlanta. He and Louie are

staff members at Passion City Church.

The words to the songs are always on the big screen 

(although I don't think most folks need them!)

so the crowd sings along.

Several times, Chris stepped back and just listened to 

those thousands of voices praising God.

I couldn't help but think what a thrill that must be for him.

He is man who has committed his life to leading people

into worship and to see the fruit of his labors manifested...

wow! I know that must bless his heart and encourage his soul!

Louie's message is always powerful.

He uses humor to get your attention and then...pow!

he grabs you with this great truth from scripture.

They are both passionate about their Lord and their ministry.

On the last song, an upbeat praise song, they threw out beach balls!

That was quite a surprise!

It was the last stop on the tour and I think

 they just wanted to celebrate!

With a baby due in a few weeks, I was grateful for

the opportunity to have an adventure with my sweet girl.

It will be a while before we can have this kind of

"girl's night" again.

 As she said..."it was a treat!"...for both of us!

he's seven!

Seven years ago today, a sweet little boy

entered our world.

His blue eyes and sweet smile have charmed us.

 His energy and curiosity have kept us on our toes.

His hugs and kisses have warm our hearts.

His silly antics have made us laugh.

And his life has brought us joy!

What a great gift he is to our family...

we love him so much!
And are grateful for the opportunity to watch him grow...
"in wisdom and stature and in favor with God and man."

Happy 7th Birthday, buddy!!

oh, what pretty ears you have!

 

When I was in college, I had my ears pierced.

That was 40 years ago when ear piercing became so popular.

It wasn't a great experience. My ears got "yucky"

every time I put in earrings with posts.

After about 6 months, I gave up, took out the earrings

and let my holes grow up.

I accumulated a number of clip earrings over the years,

but it has gotten harder and harder to find them.

When I started to work for the kind doctor,

I learned that he sometimes pierced ears.

I've talked about it for years, but Tuesday...

I did it!

I showed up for my appointment with

 the Tanzanite earrings that Hubby bought for me in St Thomas

 and the Doc did the rest!

I'm twisting them and cleaning them like a good girl

and hoping that this time I get to keep them!! :-)

a walk to the mailbox

Our grandson and Little L.

Their mom took these and

I just love them! :-)

today's gifts

riding the train at the Fall Festival at First Baptist Church in Haynesville, Georgia

Here are a few of the things I am thankful for today:

241. clouds...they make the sky so much more interesting!
242. police officers...been watching some old Law and Order episodes. It has reminded
        me how difficult and potentially dangerous their job is.
243. the potato soup at Cheddar's Casual Cafe...yummy!
244. the ministry of Adrian Rogers
245. our wood burning stove...keeps our gas bill low!
246. churches who sponsor Halloween alternatives
247. coupons!
248. digital cameras
249. peace in my heart
250. opportunities to help our children

"I will  celebrate your abundant goodness and 

joyfully sing of your righteousness."

Psalm 145:7

our two little 'uns

These are pictures their moms posted on

Facebook...

and I just love them!

 

Little L

(such a sweet expression!)

 Little E

 (such a happy face!)

Whoever said that grandchildren are the reward

for growing old...

was RIGHT!!

Hope you have a wonderful weekend

and enjoy getting your hour back!! :-)

a floating resort...the ship!

 The deck by the pools was nice place to sit, read, 

watch people and eat ice cream cones!!

 This is the adult pool area.

The small round pools are warm water

whirlpools.

The kid's pool below was colorful

and fun with sprinklers and fountains.

 The top deck had a walking/jogging track.

It was the best place to be while departing or entering port.

The Royal Promenade on deck 4 was the main common

area inside the ship.

It was like a street in a small town...

with shops, sidewalk cafes, and street lights.

The bay windows overlooking the promenade

were staterooms. 

We stayed in one on the right.

 

The staircases going down to the next deck were 

beautifully designed.

 

There were balconies overlooking the promenade, too.

 

Another place to get ice cream...but it cost extra...

so we opted for the free stuff!!

This is the entrance to Pharoh's Palace...

one of the lounges. 

It was also used for bingo and port shopping talks .

Another lounge had a sailing ship theme ...

and games of trivia were played here.

The dining room was beautiful!

 

On Friday night, the entire culinary team visited the dining room

to get their well deserved applause!

 

Sat afternoon, there was a Royal Parade down the promenade

with lively music and elaborate costumes.

It was a wonderful week on an amazing ship!

Don't understand how they do it all...

but I'm glad they do and am so grateful

for the opportunity to enjoy it!! :-)