Two Grandmas and Many Quilts

My husband was one of "49" grandchildren. Can you wrap your mind around a fact like that? And, to make it even more difficult for you to grasp, his grandma handmade quilts for each and everyone of her grandchildren. Pictured here is the one she made for my husband. This one is cut and appliqued, then quilted many years ago. As I was looking at the detailed workmanship on this quilt, I thought to myself, just how different I am as a grandma today. I now have six grandchildren and I have never made a quilt. I have been told that this dear lady never had a driver's license. She loved to quilt, making close to 100 quilts in her lifeftime, enjoyed making afghans, tending to her flower gardens,lots of laughter, and loved being around little children. We feel quite blessed to have this lovely quilt in our posession, knowing the time and love that went into each stitch. His grandma passed away when he was in his early twenties.

My grandma made quilts also, and she too made one for each of her "19" grandchildren. She also made each one of us afghans. I remember when she made this daisy one for me and how fortunate I felt to receive it. She also loved to quilt and thought it crucial for me to learn. I clearly remember one of her quilting parties, where I was invited. She patiently showed me how to make the stitches, evenly and in a straight line. I remember quite well, how the day seemed to last forever, and quickly I realized quilting just was not for me. Poor grandma. I am sure she was disappointed that I did not learn to love what she did. Both of our grandmas seemed to enjoy similar pasttimes, and fortunately for us, they left us with visible reminders of their care and love.

I look at this afghan so differently now than I did when she gave it to me. Now, that I am a grandma and I know how much I love my grandchildren and how happy I am to create for them. Funny how that is. I now treasure this piece. By the way, I was the 75th great-grandchildren when I was born. My grandpa was one of 13 children. In today's world, this info seemed so difficult to comprehend.

Yes, my world is totally different than their world, but the similarity is that we each treasure the precious little ones that we were given.

Unexpected Joy

Every once in a while, some unexpected joy can come your way. It doesn't have to be anything big or monumental...it can be small, like a new green motorcycle on a Sunday afternoon, but it can make your whole day. If it has a kickstand on the side that makes it be able to stand by itself...well, that is a double blessing. A big thank you to the relatives that sent this my way!

Unexpected joys...what God gives us throughout our daily lives. Sometimes we recognize them, and sometimes we don't. My prayer... the ability to recognjze them, and to be thankful for them, whether they are tiny or more significant.

Saturday Afternoon Fun

Today is a beautiful, cool Fall day. I am trying to get my many chores done, but I am being distracted...

...here is the reason for my distractions. Two little sweethearts have been staying in our home for the last few days. They distract me, over and over again. I don't mind it though, not one little bit. Here they are with Banjo. Banjo was purchased from a second hand shop, a few years ago when their brother was quite young. His grandpa had the idea that he would teach his grandson early on in life, to ride horse. The reactions were different than he had hoped, so Banjo spent the first few months in our attic, waiting and hoping to someday be rode again. Now, Banjo has come down to the living room, and is actually quite popular. All three now want their turn. Funny how things like that work. This afternoon, only two are taking their turns with Banjo.




I have not learned to master my time, the time for hair, make-up and dressing. Here is what happens immediately when I get up from doing my make-up...this little one crawls right up on the chair, and copies me. She copies so many of my moves that it surprises me. I was not aware that she was studying my moves. I watch her as her actions lead her from one area of make-up to the next. How precious!

Her younger sister copies both of us, in her own unique way. I realize that she has not gotten a real grasp on the make-up sponge thing, as I watch her rub it over her head. But she is watching her older sister intently. Yes, I am holding her as she is sitting on the bathroom counter, just in case her mother is reading this blog.




The eye shadow comes next...now, where does that go? The little wand goes up and down her cheeks and nose. I wish I could have captured the lines she had up and down her face. She was concentrating and totally immersed in what she was attempting to do.

How do I get this lid off of the bottle? She knows it has to come off, but how???

Just need to finalize the make-up application, and then it is off to play. Am I advocating make-up for the young? Absolutely not. Am I reminding myself and perhaps you, of the way they copy us, the way they pick up so quickly the routines we practice each day, and the words we use around them? Absolutely!

I am thoroughly enjoying this Saturday afternoon (distractions and all), and I do hope you are, too!

Caramel Apple Pie

I am a fan of Rhodes products. I use different products of theirs and I am always happy with the results. This is a unique recipe for the ever popular apple pie. I baked this dessert a few weeks ago for my oldest grandson and his friend. They hesitantly asked for small slices, not sure what the taste would be. Before I knew it, they were back for big second slices. My grandson told me twice in two weeks time, that this was the best dessert that he had ever had. Oh, I 'm not sure I believe that claim, but I am sure that he and his friend really liked it. Personally, even though I am not a big desssert fan, I find this "warm out of the oven" dessert, very difficult to resist. It is so quick and easy to make. First of all, you need a pack of these "anytime" cinnamon rolls. Make sure they are the "anytime" version of Rhodes cinnamon rolls.

Above are pictured the other necessary ingredients along with cinnamon.

Since the photo of the recipe did not copy clearly, I will give the easy steps along with each picture.

The package of cinnamon rolls must thaw on the counter top for 45 minutes. On a cutting board, cut each thawed roll into six pieces, and put those pieces into a sprayed 9 inch round pan.

In a bowl, combine apples, sugar cracker crumbs, chopped walnuts or pecans and cinnamon. Stir together, and sprinkle over the cut up rolls. Bake in a preheated 350 degree oven for 25-30 minutes.





In a separate bowl add the cream cheese from the package of cinnamon rolls and 4 Tablespoons of caramel ice cream topping. Whip together with a whisk, and drizzle over pie, immediately after removing from the oven...

...which will give you a mouth watering dessert that looks just like this. This can be served with a cup of coffee or tea, and if you are really in the mood to splurge...with a scoop of vanilla or butter pecan ice cream.

Tonight, the guys in the family will be finishing up the painting in the house where my daughter, son-in-law and family will be moving. I think this will give them a needed boost in their work.

I think this would make a special gift for someone. Maybe a great Christmas gift for someone...


...when it is baked in a new ceramic plate like this one from TJ Maxx, and then topped with a festive colored ribbon and a sprig of greens. Whether it is for dessert, breakfast, or a gift, I think it may be a hit in your family, especially in this cooler Fall weather.

Surprises

"While she was enjoying a transatlantic ocean trip, Billie Burke, the famous actress, noticed that a gentleman at the next table was suffering from a bad cold.

"Are you uncomfortable?" she asked sympathetically. The man nodded.

"I'll tell you what to do for it, " she offered. "Go back to your stateroom and drink lots of orange juice. Take two aspirins. Cover yourself with all the blankets you can find. Sweat the cold out. I know just what I am talking about. I'm Billie Burke from Hollywood."

The man smiled warmly and introduced himself in return. "Thanks," he said, "I'm Dr. Mayo of the Mayo Clinic."

~Bits & Pieces

Sometimes life does have it's surprises, and sometimes we find out we just don't know as much as we think we do. This short happening made me smile. Hope it does the same for you on this beautiful Fall day.

The Pages Of A Little Golden Book

It was one of the many little Golden Books that I had for my girls when they were small. I would read the books to them often. The simple prayers in the particular book, she chose to have copied, enlarged, and framed for the new room she is creating for their daughters.

This is the book. I took it to the office supply store and asked them to enlarge four of the pages, into 8 x 10 inch matted finish. She chose shabby chic white 8 x 10 inch frames and the project was completed. I thought they turned out so nicely, that I wanted to share them with you. Don't you think they will look so cute on the softly painted green walls of their little room?

She might use clear glass knobs on the wall with pastel colored ribbons to hang the pictures from.

However, they are hung, I think it is a clever way to use a childhood book or childhood photos, to decorate a child's bedroom. The glass causes a bit of a glare on these pictures, but I thought I would share them anyway.

Are You Tired?

How about you? Do you feel tired this Monday morning? Was your weekend a busy one? Did you get enough sleep in order to face this new week? Well, just in case you are not aware of what is really taking place in your life this Monday morning, I thought I would share what I read recently, with you...

...If you are an adult of average weight, here is what you accomplish in 24 hours;

Your heart beats 103,689 times.

You blood travels 168,000,000 miles.

You breathe 23,040 times.

You inhale 438 cubic feet of air.

You eat 3 1/4 pounds of food.

You drink 2.9 quarts of liquids.

You lose 7/8 pounds of waste.

You speak 25,000 words, including some unnecessary ones.

You move 750 muscles.(unless you are helping to take care of five small children, then it has to be more than this).

You nails grow .0000646 inch.

Your hair grows .01714 inch.

You exercise 7,000,000 brain cells.

...do you feel tired?

info from Paul Lee Tan

It might encourage you today, to be reminded of just how amazing your life is.