A Little Sewing for Another Little Blessing on the Way

I'm so excited by the fact that we will be welcoming two more little ones to our family this summer! The first is due to arrive next month, and the second in August. So I've been trying to squeeze in a little sewing here and there to prepare for these grand arrivals.

Here is a diaper bag I made for my sweet daughter-in-law. I hope she likes it as much as I do! I have made several bags by this pattern, and while it's a little tricky to get the bottom panel in just right, they always come out nicely, at least, so far they do.

I also made her a white on white wonky log cabin quilt. I'm not sure how well you can see the pattern in the pictures, but the contrast is very subtle. This it the first quilt as you go I've finished. I have another in the works, but stopped it to work on baby things.

I have a gazillion (is that how you spell it?) other things I want to make for these babies, but since I'm trying to doubly do every thing, this may be all I have time to make before the exciting arrivals!

Who would have ever thought one person could be so blessed, overwhelmed at times, but definitely blessed!

Hanging Around My House

Notice the little nest on top of the wind chimes.

If I were building a new home I don't think this would be my first site choice.

It's a little too unstable...

and loud...

but then, again, it does have a built in rocker...

and automatic lullaby...

the scenery is nice...

and the local social activity isn't too far away.

at least that must be what she thinks.

I think I'll spend a little time hanging out beside her right here.

Her babies started hatching today. It's so sweet to watch her feeding them.

Evidence of Spring

-baby bluebirds nesting in a new bluebird house

-snack time moves out of doors

-things planted in unusual places

I'm sure there is more to come.

New Life for Leftover Meatloaf

My husband isn't a big fan of leftovers, but sometimes we don't finish all I cook.  I'm always looking for creative ways to disguise the fact that we are basically eating what we had last night.  Here's what I did tonight that ended up being a big hit with both of us.  Excuse the picture, I wasn't expecting to blog dinner.  I need a better name for it though.  Any suggestions?

Mexican Cornbread Casserole

leftover meatloaf
taco seasoning
1 can black beans, drained
1 can tomatoes with green chilies
1/2 - 1 cup black olives (optional)
2 cups self-rising cornmeal mix, or Mexican cornbread mix
1 3/4 cups buttermilk
1 cup grated cheese


Crumble meatloaf into skillet, and add the seasoning, beans, and tomatoes.  Stir over medium heat until heated through.  Pour into a greased casserole dish. Sprinkle olives over meat mixture. Mix cornbread mix and buttermilk and pour over meat mixture and olives.  Bake in a preheated 400 degree oven for 30 minutes, then top with cheese and bake for 10 more minutes.  Individuals then can dress their plate with their choice of salsa, cilantro, jalapeno, diced tomatoes, onion, or sour cream.

I'll have to half this recipe next time because I have leftovers again, but it was such a hit he says he'll eat the leftovers tomorrow.  Yippee!

A Beautiful Quilt from a Beautiful Mother

Every year I try to find the words to express the love I have for my mom. I struggle in vain to paint a picture of her life in words. It always comes up out of focus, and not quite what I wanted to say. She is such a beautiful woman inside and out and has such a desire to help others and live for Jesus. She would do anything for anyone if she truly believed it will help them in some way.

She and my dad, who is wonderful too, raised the five of us kids, along with three foster kids. There were other children that lived with us for little bits of time while their lives for what ever reason was out of its normal sync, and they needed a loving place to land for a while. My mom took care of different senior adults, family members, and some that weren't, not because it was her job, or for any financial benefit, but just because she cared.

When she and my dad had a business, she had a way of getting into the heart of a person in a short amount of time. People who just walked in to look around or buy something would find themselves confiding in her, and would often come back just to seek her council or prayer. She is a prayer warrior for sure, and I'm sure there were many times she prayed for people's problems longer than they did themselves.

She can't do everything she would like to physically at this time. She's had a few health problems lately and her body, which has always been strong, is not as quick to back up her intentions as it once was, but we hope that will turn around soon. However, it hasn't stopped her from doing what she can for others.

I've always wanted to be the kind of mother she is. I know I'll never live up to that. I want to be a daughter that makes she and Daddy proud. That's a little easier goal, because they are proud of me without me having to earn it, but still, I want to live up to their ideals.

I am truly blessed and just to show my mom's special kind of love... while she has been feeling very poorly, she's been working to make this beautiful, hand embroidered quilt for me. Isn't it gorgeous?? Not only is it a thing of beauty, but I can just feel her love surrounding me every time I wrap it around myself. It will be like being hugged in a way only a mother can hug you as you drift off to sleep, and I'll bet I'll sleep just like a baby under it, content and full of the warmth only love can bring.

Happiness and Hope

Every time I see a rainbow I feel like I just received a personal love note from God. I know that may seem a little silly to you, but that's how I feel.

Here's my note for today....joy painted brilliantly across the sky.