RETIREMENT AND Think Christmas Day 2

HERE WE ARE!

In all our

 RETIREMENT GLORY!

Today marks the official beginning of a new phase in my life!  Yep, #1 Husband's LAST DAY of a 34 yr. Teaching/Counseling career is TODAY, July 31st, 2012.  I retired over 3 years ago in Dec. 2008 and must say it has been some of the best years of my life.  I too, was an educator and by Dec. 2008, I had developed a multitude of physical ailments one of which is Fibromyalgia.  The chronic pain and fatigue were becoming debilitating yet I got up and went to work everyday. Education was changing as it has and always will only I had lost my patience...my tolerance of bureaucracy...my ability to "change"...in other words..IT WAS TIME TO GO TO THE HOUSE! (That's an old football coach term)

Fast forward to 2012... These past 3 years have been stress free and I'm able to respond appropriately to the cues my body gives me such as stopping whatever I'm doing when I get tired, stay home when I need or want, take a nap if needed, sleep (I'm still in need of a sleep study), and best of all...pursue my passion for Quilting!

I was not able to be a stay at home MOM simply because it took both teacher's salary to put food on our table, shoes on the children's feet, and a decent car to drive.  However, at age 59, I'm FINALLY able to be a Stay At Home Wife and Grandmother!  Whoop Whoop!

 I LOVED LOVED my teaching career! Yet, as in everything, there is a time to pass the torch...time to move on...move forward...make new goals...pursue new passions...change your focus.

My FOCUS now is my life with Roger.  Yes, I said his name...not #1 husband or "the mister"...but Roger.  For today, Roger deserves to have his name proclaimed and celebrated as he enters this new phase of life.  His life with me takes a new direction.  Fortunately, we raised our 3 children to FLY so an empty nest is not something I've mourned.  In fact, our Nest continues to grow, change, fluctuate, while still being the HUB of the family.  This Farmhouse has roots and for now we can not foresee moving from this place.  Retirement means not only Just the Two of Us but Hillis Party of 12.  The difference is that WE get to choose WHEN we want it to be The Two Of Us or Party of 12!

Nov. 2010

We NEED a new family Picture!

Roger and I will pursue some travel and our love of estate sales, flea markets, yard sales, auctions, etc...  I will continue to enjoy time in my sewing cave while Roger upgrades his "man-cave" located in a large barn building.  In his fully lighted, heated, cooled, "man cave" complete with TV, fridge Roger can pursue his love of restoring tractors, trucks, cars, etc...  

TODAY IS THE FIRST DAY OF THE REST OF OUR LIVES

Roger and I will live by the Matra

 and 

When all else fails?

Have

Pie and Coffee

**********************************************************************************

Day 2

Go HERE for schedule

Tuesday, July 31 

 Jane's Fabrics and Quilts

Quilting Fiesta

Scrapbox Quilts

From This to That 

Buzzing and Bumbling

No Loose Threads

Deborah B 

Judith Handmade Treasures

Gran-Knot-Y Embroidery Lady

Mrs. Pickles

Susie's World

Blessings

THINK CHRISTMAS BLOG HOP... HO-HO-HO

HO-HO-HO

LET'S ALL GO

HOPPIN' DOWN THE SANTA TRAIL!

Want some GREAT and WONDERFULLY UNIQUE IDEAS

for 

 Christmas Quilt Blocks?

The THINK CHRISTMAS BLOG HOP 

starts

TODAY

MONDAY, JULY 30th.

Here's a Sneak Peek of what I'm making for my day on the Blog Hop...Thursday, Aug. 2nd

Look like Christmas Candy to you?

Does to me!

A Blurry Rudolph??????

I used a brand new technique which reminded me of being back in Kindergarten...Hmmm??????

 For the Entire Think Christmas Blog Hop Schedule and

Our Hostess with the Mostess 

 Santa Lesley

The Cuddle Quilter

GO HERE

JULY 30

Cotton Addiction

Vroomans Quilts

Kris Loves Fabric 

Moosestash Quilting

Paws for Stitching

Threading My Needles 

Just Let Me Quilt

Living4quilting

Doodling in my Mind

Quilt Doodle Designs

7 DAYS

 OF IDEAS 

TO JUMP START 

YOUR CHRISTMAS SEWING

GMAMA'S DAY IS THURSDAY, AUG. 2ND

BLESSINGS

TRACTOR DRIVING

Some Serious Tractor Driving

Hi!!

James Patrick and PaPaw

 driving the just restored 

1954 Massie Ferguson Tractor

I had an entirely different post planned with some quilting sneak peaks but then along came this really cute little boy driving a tractor with his PaPaw out in my driveway and well...what can I say...how can I talk or think about anything cuter than this?

Hey, look at me!

I found the Horn!

Is this how you shift gears, PaPaw?

Hey, Mommie, PaPaw said I could Drive!

A Smile from Our Farm to You!

Blessings

SEW MUCH FUN

Quilt in picture belongs to me.  Photog DD used it as a prop for this engagement picture.  Barn belongs to a neighbor. Fabrics in quilt are from #1 husband's grandmother's House-dresses...so sweet.

I've have been having Sew Much Fun in my sewing cave the past 2 weeks.  I've over committed myself to different blog hops, sew alongs, quilt alongs, swaps, gifts, charity blankets, etc....  Geez Louise..you'd think I would learn!  I get so excited looking at everyone'sewing/quilt projects that I want to jump head first into all of them.. 

I'm not exactly  a *toe dipper* into anything I'm involved in...put both feet in... wade around a bit...  then jump in... clothes on... get my hair wet...That's Me...yes sirree..  no tip toeing around...100%

Fabric Shopping for NICU Blankets...

My friend Celina, Sewing Kit, and I are sewing NICU /Project Linus Blankets

ARE YOU THINKING CHRISTMAS??

NEXT WEEK, A NEW BLOG HOP BEGINS WITH SOME INCREDIBLE BLOGS TO VISIT WITH LOTS OF CHRISTMAS QUILT BLOCKS TO INSPIRE.

MY DAY IS AUG. 2ND!!

*****************************************************************************

Another Project...

Great Granny Along

by Lori Holt over at Bee in my Bonnet

This is Lori's sample.  I bought some of her Sew Cherry fabric that I'll be using.

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 my Newest Blog Hop Project...
I need to round up ALL my Polka Dots
DITTO for YOU!

If you're interested hop over to Corrie at Quilt Taffy, GO HERE,  and sign up!  Hurry, Friday is the Cut Off Date.

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Remember this from the RWB Blog Hop (go here to see post)?

I actually finished it!!  yep, but forgot to take a picture before I mailed it out for my Doll Quilt Swap.

I used this for my Doll Quilt Swap...it's coming Diane!
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Speaking of...

I'm also involved in a monthly Doll Quilt swap!  

Want to Join???  We really do need some more swappers...we only have approx. 32 ...the more the merrier plus more opportunities to receive and make quilts from different quilters.

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That is just a peek into life in Gmama's Sewing Cave.

I want to know what YOU are sewing?

Leave a comment and tell me if you're finding time to sew and if so, Whatcha Sewin'???

BLESSINGS

GOD IS STILL GOOD...ALL THE TIME GOD IS GOOD

PRAYER REQUEST SUNDAY

JULY 22, 2012

Prayer Vigil in Aurora, Colorado

GOD IS STILL GOOD

MAN IS NOT.

GOD IS NOT CAPABLE OF EVIL

MAN IS.

When I am afraid, I will put my trust in YOU.  

In God, whose Word I praise.  

In God I have put my trust, I shall not be afraid.  

What can mere man do to me?  Psalm 56:3-4

When calamity comes, the wicked are brought down,

 but even in death the righteous have a refuge.

Psalm 56:3-4

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This week I received a heartfelt prayer request from Follower Friend Mary, 

 I copied and pasted her request for you to read and pray as God leads

Grandmamma Jane:

   Good Evening. I'm a regular reader/follower of your blog, and follow your prayer requests faithfully. I wonder if I could call upon you to add my Great Nephew to your list.

Caleb is now 9 years old (will be 10 in March as he likes to remind us). His mom has had her challenges through her life, but the very second she found out she was pregnant, she turned her life around, and has devoted herself to Caleb.

About a year ago, our fun loving boy developed a nasty headache & Sarah (his mom) did all the right things. After a day too long, she took him to the local health care clinic. They told her kids get headaches. (NOT!) After another couple of days, she took him to their regular doctor, who made a referral to their local Children's Hospital. 

While waiting for the appointment, Caleb's headache got worse, and worse, and his neck became very sore, and arched to the point he was looking at the ceiling. An emergency trip to Sick Kid's was made, and he was whisked off to ICU. Of course, the first thought was meningitis, but that wasn't the diagnosis. He was many days in ICU (where the wonderful staff rigged up a television to the ceiling so he could watch TV!).

Caleb was diagnosed with AVM (cerebral arteriovenous malformation is an abnormal connection between the arteries and veins in the brain that usually forms before birth.).

This occurs in less than 1% of people, and symptoms can occur at any age, but at            Caleb's age it's very rare. There is a huge risk of hemmorage, stroke, brain damage, etc. 

Because of the location of Caleb's AVM, surgery is not an option. They have operated and done what they can, but they could only go so far. They have now done radiation surgery (This procedure delivers very focused radiation directly to the area of the AVM to cause scarring and shrinkinge.)

He had a CT scan done the end of June, follow ups with his medical team early July, and everything was looking good. 

However, last weekend his head started aching again. He had vomitting with the headache the second day. His mom took him to the local ER (they were vacationing at her parents' cottage), and they said he was OK, to just monitor him, and if he got worse to get back to the city to Sick Kids.

Of course, the worse came. When Caleb woke on Monday, he had lost use of his leg & arm on one side, so a trip to the city ensued. He was admitted (after 36 hours in the ER because there were no beds available), and he has significant swelling in his brain. The paralysis is not letting up, and an MRI shows there is "significant" swelling deep in his brain where the radio surgery was performed.

He was released from hospital today, but things are dicey. Prayers for this young fellow would be greatly appreciated. Although he's on meds to relieve the swelling, his doctors aren't very hopeful, and can't give his Mom anything to hope for.

Sorry for the long winded email, I'm just off the phone with my niece, and she's beside herself. If you could add Caleb (and Sarah) to your prayer list, I would be very, very grateful.

Thanks

Mary Mayhew

I've been sewing hard this past week and haven't posted.  I'll have some sneak peaks to post this week.

Blessings

PRAYER REQUEST SUNDAY JULY 15TH...DEALING WITH GRIEF

PRAYER REQUEST SUNDAY

JULY 15, 2012

DEALING WITH GRIEF

Today's post is a special prayer lifted up for those who have lost a child.  It may be a child that died BEFORE birth, AT or Soon After birth, or during their life here on earth.  Regardless of HOW or WHEN, your loss is one that none of us would ever want to experience.  Parents are just not supposed to bury their children. Nonetheless, many of us are called to minister to a grieving parent and often are at a loss as to HOW.  Allow me to share this story.

My heart is broken for a very dear young mother who lost her 16 yr. old son, J.R., back in March.  

J.R. was driving home after the local High School Golf Team practice when his truck ran off the edge of the road, he tried to correct by sharply pulling the steering wheel and the truck spun out of control ejecting J.R. from the truck.  No, sadly, he wasn't wearing his seat-belt like many young men who at age 16 think they're invincible.

I taught this young mother when she was in 6th grade.  Even then, her quiet spirit spoke of a depth of character and inner strength far beyond her years.  God knew she would go through this *season* of grief and was preparing her to face her greatest challenge.  

Today, she posted a prayer request on her Facebook page that touched me in such a way that I felt I needed to share it with you in hopes that it may help another parent grieving over the loss of a child.  Her depth of spirit shines in these poignant words of grief as well as her need for others to help her in her walk.

Ginger P.

God, You are the divine Connector. You know exactly whom I need in my relational network to help me scale my mountain of grief. You also know who needs me to give them insight and encouragement. Thank You that I am not alone in this journey and that there are those who are willing to walk with me for a season. Show me who they are and give me the courage to ask them to help me. Open my eyes to the needs of others and use me to comfort them as well. Amen.

How Can YOU Help a Grieving Parent?

1.  Prayer:  The effectual, fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.  James 5:16

2.  Prepare a meal or give the family a restaurant coupon such as for Pizza delivery.

     Preparing a meal can be an overwhelming task when you are grieving.

3.  If there are other children in the family, plan a fun activity with them and allow the parents to                

     have some alone time.

4.  BRIEF check-in calls, texts, emails with words of love and encouragement let them know

     that hey are not forgotten.  For them, their world has stopped and watching everyone go about 

     their lives can be painful.  So many forget that grief is a long process and the need to comfort

     can be a lengthy process as well.

5.  Plan a lunch/dinner date or a short outing and encourage the parents to come with you. 

     If at first you don't succeed, keep asking!

6.  Be a good listener by encouraging them to TALK about their child or their experiences.  

     DON'T SAY: "I KNOW HOW YOU FEEL"  WE CAN NEVER KNOW HOW ANOTHER  

     PERSON FEELS ESPECIALLY ABOUT GRIEVING!

7.  A Hand written note of encouragement on a REGULAR basis via snail mail.  I've always found 

     this gesture to be welcomed!

8.  Think of someway to honor or pay tribute to the child.   Locally, our Botanical Garden (for a $25      

     charitable donation) will release a butterfly in the person's name and the grieving family

     receives a beautiful 8x10 watercolor butterfly painting.  A friend honored my mother in this

     way and every time I pass the butterfly painting on my wall, I smile!  Plant a tree, rosebush, 

     or other plant.  

9.  In the child's name:  volunteer for a charitable organization, participate in local 

     charity runs/marathons, donate blankets/quilts for the Hospital NICU, endow a scholarship, 

      etc...

10.  LISTEN, HUG, LISTEN, HUG, PRAY, PRAY, PRAY , PRAY and on and on and on...

My sincerest blessings go out to all parents AND Grandparents who have experienced a loss.

This link will take you to a most appropriate song 

http://youtu.be/xGPS8sa-bRQ

QUILTERS ARE NICE PEOPLE

QUILTERS ARE NICE PEOPLE

As I've been blog hopping in the Red White Blue Blog Hop, it occurred to me as I read through the comments left on each quilters blog site, that everyone received nothing but Praise, Encouragement, Pats on the Back, and a Big Ol dose of "You Go Girlfriend, Job Well Done!"

Regardless of each other's level of proficiency, every one was left feeling they had done a good job and their work appreciated.  How many places can you go in a day and get 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, or 

more"Atta Girls"?  I doubt that many of us get that much validation in an entire year or even 10 years!  I guess women and even some men have known about this mutual admiration society for a very long time,

A Quilting Bee in the 40's/50's

and 

from all over the world

Ladies quilting in India

I had a non-blogging quilting friend ask me about what I was working on in my latest quilting projects.  When I told her I was making blocks for the RWB Blog hop she wondered if I didn't feel intimidated by all the * professional* quilters showing their work in the same blog hop?  I admitted that I did feel that way in my first blog hop but it didn't take long for me to realize I was in the company of some of the nicest people ever!  How many of us novice quilters can get appreciation for our quilting creations from an actual Quilt Designer like Amanda Murphy or such positive encouragement from an entrepreneurial spirit like Madame Samm anywhere else but in our on-line quilting community?

I don't know about you, but I'm a better quilter, more open to trying new techniques, and inspired to put my work out there for the world to enjoy (Not Judge) due to my associations with all of you.  I've even made  lifelong friends with other quilters and had my Faith strengthened through the prayers and kind words left in my comments/emails.

Prayer Quilts

Quilters in the 1940's

Quilters in Younger Generation

I'm so Grateful to know all of you who come here and leave comments!

Thank you for the joy you give to me each and every day!

You make the world a much kinder place for all of us!

Blessings

DON'T FORGET

Here are Tuesday's Blog Hop Destinations!

We REALLY are a NICE bunch of people!

July 10th

Tinks mom

beaquilter

Quilted Sisca (I will Host)

sharon-dancing thru threads

Connie C

 Cate`s Linens

RWB GIVE-AWAY WINNER

I HAVE A WINNER

LINDA

Linda SAID:

Good Morning, Thank you for sharing on the blog hop. The spools are simple, yet they are crisp making the colors stand out. They are great. I love your banner..I hope you are feeling better soon and able to finish the binding..This weather is difficult for joints. Oh--almost forgot..I am a follower.

Linda wins:

1 Fat Quarter Stars Fabric

1 Fat Quarter Christmas Fabric

RWB Pincushion

 Check out these Blogs and More RWB Blocks

July 9th

Home Designs by Amanda

A Stitch in Time

Karen ~ Briarside Lane

Stitching by the Lake

Moose Stash Quilting

HAVE YOU HAD YOURS????

  I'm having a colonoscopy this coming Wednesday!!  Oh Goodie!!

So tomorrow is the *FUN* day...The Colon Prep Day!

If you're 40 or older...HAVE YOU HAD YOURS???

I've lost FOUR very very close friends to Colon Cancer AND AS MUCH AS I HATE the prep for the colocoscopy it is SO worth it!!!

PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE

SCHEDULE YOUR COLONOSCOPY!

BLESSINGS

TODAY IS MY DAY ON THE RWB BLOG HOP

WELCOME

TO 

GMAMA'S DAY 

ON THE 

RED WHITE BLUE BLOG HOP

RED WHITE BLUE  KLOSJES

I'm PROUD you hopped over to my blog to see my 

RED WHITE and BLUE  CREATIONS.

Some of you long time followers may remember my "Klosjes" or "Spools" tutorial in the 

Wannabe a Quilter Campaign 

on 

Madame Samm's Blog, SEW WE QUILT.

(You may search the SWQ blog for the tutorial if you're interested.
Or go HERE)

I LOVE this simple spools pattern and thought it would make a fun RWB Block.  Here is another look.  Unfortunately, I am NOT a photographer and only own a Kodak Share camera so I do the best I can.  Hopefully, Santa may decide to bring Gmama a New Camera for Christmas...*hint*

I Like that I can turn this little block for a different look.

Here is my Little RWB Mini Quilt...gold stars appliqued to center Spool.

I took this picture under my HUGE Maple Tree covered in English Ivy

Door Hanging...Not Bound...My arthritis took over and the binding will have to wait a couple of days.  A Lot of needle work sometimes makes the *old* hands and fingers get a bad case of the 

"Whines...need a little Cheese with that Whine?

a close-up look

AND...

A CUTE RWB PIN-CUSHION

NOW...

To THANK YOU FOR VISITING GMAMA'S BLOG

AND

BECOMING A FOLLOWER

A GIVE-AWAY

1 Fat Quarter Star Fabric

1 Fat Quarter Christmas Fabric

 (to get you started on the THINK CHRISTMAS Blog Hop)

RWB Pincushion

Leave a comment and tell me if you are a follower!

Easy Peasy

I will announce the winner, July 9th, Monday Morning

PLEASE HOP OVER TO JANE'S BLOG HOP LIST

TO SEE MORE RWB CREATIONS

Blessings