It Takes a Child to Raise a Village

We've accumulated a lot of really nice village pieces, but I knew that between the two of us they weren't going to be brought up from storage and set up.  So I made a plan.  Invited the two local sons and their families to help out.  For food.
The plan was to have the kids come to help their Pop Pop get the village set up, feed them lunch and then have the parents join us later for dinner.
It worked out beautifully!
Here are the tables I set up the night before.  Doesn't look like much yet, does it?

But then the first wave of helpers arrived...bringing us a fresh door wreath from Ian's Cub Scouts, and lots of energy!

And then the teens got here to lend their support. (The Littles had already done all the running up and down the stairs with the buildings!  I think that was the plan!)

We had lunch, hot dogs, beans and mac and cheese and then added the finishing touches.

Followed by dinner with the parents later in the day.  Missing our Virginia contingent....the kids would have loved to share this day with their cousin, Jessica. 

And for dessert....we celebrated a few days early .... youngest son, Pat's 40th birthday.

On the Day After Christmas My True Love Gave to Me.....

On the day after Christmas two of our sons and their families gathered at our house for brunch.  It was so doggoned much fun that I'd love to do it every year!  The night before I prepared Baked French Toast which sits in the fridge over night, Li'l Smokies wrapped in bacon and rolled in brown sugar, and cheesy hash browns in the crock pot.  So this morning I had only to pop the french toast and sausages into the oven, scramble the eggs and we were good.  And I think every dish was well received...especially the sausages - little cardiac time-bombs - which got some rave reviews!

 Lar got a complete beer making set up from Larry III's family - looks like he'll be needing some expert assistance 'til he gets his Master Brewer certificate!

 Again, I'd call the picture above "What Christmas is to me" and if Jessica were here it would be complete!  God bless them, they made the day perfect!

Ian the Builder

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 So that's Christmas 2012 for us - and we are sending out our very best wishes to you and yours.....may you have a peaceful, healthy and prosperous New Year!
Love, Ann and Larry

 

Hallelujah

It's been a while, I know - I just have to wait for something that gets me inspired to write, and that is what happened this morning.
If you will notice, at the right of your screen, I've posted Scotty McCreery's Christmas song - if you stop and take a listen, I feel it might inspire you too!  If nothing else, the old photos are a delight and bring back such memories!
So, here we are, once again, preparing for, and anticipating the "Holiday Season" - whatever your particular holiday might be.  If you are anything like me, you've got lots going on, lots in your head and lots for your hands to do!
Since it's been a while, let's start my catch-up with October...
dear hubby gifted me with an awesome couple  of days in Lancaster - and there isn't a prettier time to go than when the trees are in their autumn glory.  Not to mention the fabric is ripe for the pickin'!  ha ha!

 
 We had such a good time - eating, meeting great folks, taking walks, eating, shopping for fabric, eating - oh, wait, am I repeating myself?  Well, when it comes to Amish country, one of the drawing points is the food!

Some of the fabric haul!  We picked up some clearance fabrics to cut up and donate to Love Apple Charity quilts - those three at the front made up really interesting 2.5" squares! Below is a top I made up for the group - looking closely you can see some of those "cheater's panels" cut up.  Once the top was complete, I donated the remainder of the fabric for them to use as they wish.

Little sister living the Pirate moment!

Mom - don't ever remember having her kind of energy - and certainly not her creativity!

Darling Birthday Boy

 Next up was Grandson Ian's 5th birthday.  His frighteningly creative and energetic mom had come up with the most amazing Pirate themed party.
Then we're on to Halloween.  Having been inspired by friends who are making little wall hangings for each holiday, I came up with my first.

 Went to another quilter's yard sale and came away with fabulous deals - including some already made items I'll find fun to work with!

 Lar and I walked over to check out our garden site - it happened to be the day the Township was mowing.  Sure does look different....but next Spring we'll be ready to do our part in getting the growing going.

 Next up - setting my Aunt Martha's roses....this won't be the next quilt in the frame - but it will be ready.

 

 Our quilt guild had a Fall and then a Thanksgiving pot holder swap at the last two meetings.  Above you can see the two candle bowls I made on the left.  In exchange I received that strange sock-figure to the right - green stripped and weird!

 Second row from the right, second down is the potholder I made.  I received the round one on the left - very pretty, tho' only decorative.  
Next up, a visit from sister and her husband....we took them to the Barclay Farmstead for Holiday House.  I always find it an infusion of holiday spirit and I think they enjoyed it too.

 Carol and I each made a Thanksgiving wall hanging - Turkeys!
 Carol brought her most recent quilt tops to show us...the first one was made up of Aunt Martha's squares I gave her.

 I wanted to keep up with my plan for a hanging for each and every holiday - so obviously, Santa was next.

 Made one for Amy and Pat, too!

And now, getting ready for the December meeting of Love Apples, the Charity Quilt Luncheon and various Christmas things.  Needed a Holiday ornament for the swap for Tuesday evening, I first tried this clear glass ball filled with over 100 scraps of 3o's era fabric, various buttons and papers ...not sure of this one - so found a You Tube video click here which taught me to make the one below.  Really love this one and plan to make more for us!  Just need a 3" styrofoam ball, some 2.5 " squares of pretty fabric and some silk pins.  It was fun to make and I love the finished product!  Do you?

 We took a quick ride to JoAnn Fabrics to get some lovely Holiday/Winter themed fabric to take part in the fat quarter swap....

and a sale tee shirt to decorate for the meeting and/or the holiday luncheon the next day. I worked out the design I wanted to do for the front - LAQ for Love Apple Quilters, cut it all out, laid it out with iron on fusible web...and then, as usual, my rushing caused me to go awry! 

 Once the front was nicely ironed, I picked up the shirt....a what to my wondering eyes should appear....
a mass of glue stuck all down the back!  I'd inadvertently  ironed it over a big piece of the webbing!  What to do?!  So I cut out more fabric, ironed it onto wherever the glue had been, added a phrase - and yeah, yeah, "I meant to do that!"  (not a bad save, huh?)
I tried some paper piecing for a snow man block but I realize it's been too long...I've really forgotten how to actually do this and am glad I've hooked up with my muse
because she also has a video for that!

  And finally!  Want to share these items that I am in love with.  First, see the Magnet-ficent...the best thing since - I don't know what!  Attached to the wall with Command damage free hangers, it contains very strong magnets.  One places metal containing bars such as old fashioned curtain rods into the placket in the back and the quilt snaps snugly to the wall.  Want to make a change - you just pull the stretchy stuff down and the whole thing comes away - no holes, no damage to the wall!  I find it very convenient and very secure for these little wall quilts I've been making.
Meanwhile - I came up with another use for these hooks - applied to the window sill, they hold  window candles securely - a marriage saver for sure, since I am constantly knocking them off and breaking the bulbs.  This one is for you, Lar! 

 Off now to finish up a little wall hanging I will give my sister for Christmas, it's called "Sister's Choice" and I'm hand quilting it, tho' that was a really bad choice - two of the fabrics are "horrible" to get the needle through!  Never been one to do anything the easy way!
Until later - Hallelujah - it's Christmas time again!