Stirring a bit...

     The weather is starting to turn a bit.  A bit more like Spring every week.  Although we have days when Winter does not want to let go, Mother Nature tells it otherwise.  It is a welcome change here.  We are getting outside more.  Hikes along the river.  Time just spent sitting along the banks listening to the water moving by.  Sitting in spots that will be underwater within weeks when water is released from the dam for irrigation.  It's so wonderful.  Especially when you have made a bad habit of hibernating too much during Winter and sitting at home in the warmth of it all is so addicting.

     Daylight savings is not a friend of mine.  I much prefer to wake up early in the morning with the sun peeking over the hills watching all the beautiful colors that come with it.  Boo to the pitch black that lingers around much too long for my liking.

     I finally got my hands on my Christmas/very early anniversary present (the spinning wheel) after patiently finishing it.  It is so addicting after getting the hang of it, of sorts.  I'm not by any means a pro at it yet but it is so relaxing to sit for long periods of time working with the movement of it all.  I can't wait to get my hands on more wool just so I can sit and watch something colorful come together.

     Cooler mornings have me working on several things.  A quilt for hubby.  Helping a little one work a little more on her quilt.  Crochet Easter presents for the grandsons.  And early morning tea with knitting while watching the sun peek through the darkness.  Then after lunch and school work it is out to the yard for as long as I want or as long as the weather permits.  I can't wait to get seeds planted so that everything will spring up and show all the colors there is to show off.  The patio has been cleaned off and bouts of knitting with very pretty yarn, listening to the birds and just sitting in the warm sun are happening here and there.  I might even go outside today and mow the grass.  Just because I am itching to start doing it.  I absolutely love it.  I know, I have issues.

~*~

Kar

17...

     My childrens birthdays tend to be an emotional thing for me.  I am so happy to see them grow, learn new things and improve on who they are.  But then there is the very emotional side where I miss those chubby little faces, the squeaky little words that were mispronounced, the stumbly little steps that followed me every where.  The little person who would wait the whole 10 minutes at the oven door to watch the cookies bake, every time.  The little eyes that would be staring at you first thing in the morning while a little person would be on tiptoes to see over the mattress so they could tell you "Hi my little Mommy".  It's just plain hard.

     Today is such a day for my oldest daughter, my second born.  I am ever so proud of who that little person of days gone by has now become.  She is strong willed, a go getter and very goal driven.  She is not afraid of learning new things but loves to continue on with the things that she loves most.  She is kind but firm.  She is loyal until you show her that she should not be.  She has common sense that is not seen in most kids today.  That I am so very thankful for.  She is a very hard worker, at home and at her part-time job.  If things aren't done right, it bothers her.  She has an old soul which we adore.  She has respect for herself and those near and dear to her.  She has a sense of style that is beautiful.  She gets giddy about making her own clothes.  She loves traditions which include her favorite meal and dessert for her birthday that I will continue to do for her for as long as she asks.  She has an infectious smile and laugh.  Happiness just flows through her.  She is going to accomplish big things.  She said so.  I have no doubt.  She has a list and she's checking that thing off.

     For all of that and more, I am so glad she is our sweet little girl.  Forever.

~*~

Kar

Mom's Christmas quilt...

     This quilt.  What do I say about it other than I really LOVE it!  It was definitely a work of love for sure.  

     When we convinced Mom back in September to come up for Christmas I just couldn't think of anything that would be a good gift to give her.  After a few days it came to me.  A quilt of course.  Being that she loves all colors I couldn't pick just one.  So all the scraps bags were pulled out, sorted through, some very specific fabrics were added in and extra bits were cut just in case.

     I was so intent on getting this quilt finished well before she arrived.  Everyday for a few weeks were spent working on squares after the girls schoolwork was finished.  Everyone kept staring at what had been completed so far and kept saying that it was fabulous.  I was feeling it also.  Then the top was finished, hanging on the wall for all to look at every time they passed by it.  Being that I can't just put a plain backing on a quilt I make, a plan was made, specific fabrics were pulled out of the stash and a couple more were bought to make the design work.  Love the little bees next to the flowers.

     The quilt was finished with days to spare.  Washed, dried, crinkly and wrapped up waiting for Christmas Eve to come along.  I was getting impatient.  Finally the day arrived.  Mom was given her present first.  The anticipation of the paper being torn apart killed us all.  Then her face lit up as she ripped the paper and saw what it was.  Perfection!  The moment was all I hoped it to be.  She sat on the couch wrapped up in her quilt as she opened the rest of her presents with the biggest smile on her face.  Mission accomplished.

     More pictures were taken of the quilt just before it was mailed back home for her.  I might have made a statement or two that if she really didn't like the quilt she could always leave it here and I was sure that someone would put good use to it and love it dearly.  The quilt was quickly removed from my bed, folded up and placed in the box to be mailed.  I guess she wasn't having any of the nonsense.

     At least it is well loved and being used every night.

     I think I'm going to have to make a similar one to have around here.  Ugh.  This thing with quilts will never end!

~*~

Kar