Sweet Grace Farms

The Easter Bunny Lives!

2011-05-04T06:27:00.000-07:00

My sweet friend Jenna made this lovely Easter basket and then gave it to me. I was delighted. She hand crafted each flower. The girl can really do anything. She is a gift to many.

And the morning of, the Big Bunny made his appearance and crafted a candy Easter parade, such fun.

I believe E.B. might just be an A type personality. Agree?

The main mom crafted the great bunny head basket. Notice the wee little nose and whiskers.

Who would know that a nine, almost ten year old would get such a kick out of the Easter Bunnies deeds!

Theirs and Ours

2011-04-18T08:14:00.001-07:00

We used all the recommended ingredients. I figured even if it went badly, we could eat the ingredients later. We had a lot of salad left over.
Our project. Really a labor of love.

This is what our eggs were supposed to look like. NOT! Peyton Grace said when she looked at the cover again "They mock us!" I thought that was so funny. We had a great time doing the eggs. Did they look even remotely like theirs, not even a little. Sometimes the fun is just in the doing, not in the finished product.

Oompa!!

2011-04-05T06:13:00.000-07:00

We have our own live in Oompa Loompa. PG's school did a production of "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory". It was beautifully done. Their chorus teacher is nothing short of wonderful. Who knew little kids could sing so well.
I am still getting orange face paint out of her ears.

2011 Eggs

2011-03-30T07:42:00.000-07:00

Some of you remember my pitiful attempt at decorating/making paper mache eggs in 2010.
I had a blast doing them this year. Actually bought the eggs from my fav. HobLob. and used "the Paint". It made them really textured. I then printed out free Victorian clip art and modgepodged them on. I have had a stash of my grandmothers lace and buttons for most of my life. I have decided to use it in very fun ways rather than just keep holding on to it.
Hope you like the results. It was fun to see them develop.

More fun images from the paint party!

2011-03-26T08:34:00.000-07:00

Sone of ya'll might recognize some of this furniture from when we had the store Calico Junction. We hearted everything in those days, didn't we.
Even an inexpensive chandelier gets an upgrade. Cute little shades are still on the drawing board.

2011-03-26T08:31:00.000-07:00

Oh yeah! We're having fun now!!

2011-03-26T08:30:00.001-07:00

Old Dogs, New Tricks

2011-03-11T07:41:00.000-08:00

I have jumped in, both feet, to a new adventure with a new friend I met at church. We are having a blast. She took the Country Living course in Pennsylvania to learn the new Caramel Colours paint and techniques. I came on recently as her "apprentice" and partner. We have great plans to do home shows and festivals and whatever else God might show us. We'll be showing and selling the paint, designing and refurbishing old and new furniture using the paint.
I can't say enough good things about this paint. It is a miracle worker. A lot of you know I once made a living doing faux finishes. Hard work as some of you that have done the same know. This paint makes it all easy. There's no stripping, no prep work at all. Yea!!
We're having such fun.
Last night was our first home show. We enjoyed the friends. They loved their projects. We had worked really hard getting ready but felt it all came together delightfully. We're both tired but very satisfied.
Enjoy the pictures. I'll post more later.

The proud bakers!

2011-02-21T06:16:00.000-08:00

We had the delightful opportunity to get to spend almost an entire day with my other grandaughter Gabrielle. This is so rare because she is such a busy lady. She is in culinary arts at her high school and is becoming quite the accomplished chef. Of course we had to do another baked alaska. It was a blast. They even got to flame it with my new favorite toy, a torch. Brie is so wonderful with Peyton Grace and PG adores her. We got to eat a picnic up in the arbor on a beautiful day. Such fun. Two of my favorite girls and baking in the same day. Life is good.

Cousin friends

2011-02-21T06:10:00.000-08:00

Peyton Grace thinks the sun rises and sets over Gabrielle's head. Fortunately, Brie is a fabulous roll model. This sweet girl really has her act together. She is funny and delightful with a smile that will just knock you over.

2011-02-21T06:08:00.000-08:00

2011-02-21T06:06:00.000-08:00

Puddles of meringue wonderfulness.

My lovely Brie

2011-02-21T06:02:00.000-08:00

She is who I want to be when I grow up!

Have A Wonderul Valentines Day!

2011-02-14T05:59:00.000-08:00

2011-02-14T05:53:00.000-08:00

Our wonderful marshmellow goodies. We had such fun making them. Last week we made baked alaska, the week before we did meringues (sp?). By the way she hates eating anything that an eggs passes by, so getting her to taste these wonderful goodies is a challenge.

2011-02-14T05:49:00.000-08:00

PG made all on her own little tiny cookies for her friends at school. She made them wrapped them and they're ready to go.

2011-02-14T05:45:00.000-08:00

Making the mix. We also did a delishious hot chocolate mix and put everything in celophane bags tied with pink curly ribbon in cute little Hobby Lobby boxes. So much fun to do.

2011-02-14T05:40:00.000-08:00

2011-02-14T05:38:00.000-08:00

The amazing Grace at work!

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And the final product all bagged up and ready to go. We love to gift. I gifted her and then she disappeared and came down with the most adorable choker of a painted beer cap (ahem, yes, mine) painted red with a little pink heart on a green ribbon. Who knew beer caps could be used in such a way.

2011-02-14T05:26:00.000-08:00

2011-02-14T05:22:00.000-08:00

Have a wonderful day this valentines day. Don't forget to give a little love to friends and family as well.

Take a peek at these!

2011-02-11T06:42:00.000-08:00

Tell me now, how cute are these!?!

Get a peek at these!!

2011-02-11T06:37:00.000-08:00

Tell me, how cute are these!?!

My Schmittens

2011-02-11T06:33:00.000-08:00

My sweet friend Jenna knit these wonderful hobo gloves for me in the fall. Not only did she knit the gloves but she also crocheted the lace that is attached. My daughters don't call her "the amazing Jenna" for nothing!!
I have about worn them out, especially during the Christmas business. They leave your fingers free but keep your hands cozy.

2011-01-29T07:32:00.001-08:00

These next pictures are for an old friend that contacted me to catch up. She was one of the original owners of my old Calico Junction and a really neat gal. Well she still is a really neat gal, but no longer owns the above. For those of you that have been here, endure the tour please.
I apologize for not being a better blogger. I wish I could say I would be better, but I make no promises.

2011-01-29T07:28:00.000-08:00

This is my kitchen garden in the snow. How much fun is that! For those of us that might be Fracophiles it is a potager. I probably spelled that wrong, but it still is one of those.

2011-01-29T07:23:00.000-08:00

Smow in GA? This Colorado girl loves snow. I love walking in it and tasting it on my tongue and making snow angels and snow candy. I love it. On the other hand, not so crazy about cabin fever. It snowed on Mon. I was out of there on Wed. I fell on my butt getting into the car, thought that wasn't a good sign. I weighed my options, Starbucks, house. No contest - Starbucks!!!

2011-01-29T07:20:00.000-08:00

Family room with my tree that I loved so much it is still up. I put lemons and light green hydrangas in it and it was just yummy to me. It must go today, it must go today. Hmmm, we'll see.

2011-01-29T07:16:00.000-08:00

This is the "dessert room" or the candy room as PG calls it, because that where all the goodies go when we entertain. :)

2011-01-29T07:14:00.000-08:00

Kitchen from the family room. Didn't decorate a lot in here. Ran out of ummph!

2010-07-13T16:13:00.000-07:00

One of PG's favorite things to do, cleaning out hooves. I know! That's a little strange! But all the little girls can hardly wait to do it, that and scooping poop! I know! It's all a little strange. But they all love it so it must be normal in little girl horse world.

2010-07-13T16:08:00.000-07:00

Wonderful playtime at the creek. They found crawdads, baby salamanders, polly wogs and many other creatures, plus it is such a great venue for a child's imagination. Many wonderful princesses and knights have been created at this creek.

2010-07-13T15:59:00.000-07:00

This is our friend Carolyn and new friend Mallory deep in conversation. Carolyn runs "From the Ground Up" horse camp and lessons. It is the best camp I've ever seen. All morning there are horses, horses, some crafts, followed by lunch and a huge playtime in the creek. Afternoon is more riding, crafts, laughter and fun. It is a childs dream come true and we are lucky to have found it.

horse camp 2010

2010-07-13T15:44:00.000-07:00

First day back at horse camp 2010!! Many pictures to follow. Nothing like the sweet bond between girl and horse. Love this quality time that we get to spend with Carolyn and her horses. This is 'Dutchess' Isn't she just soooo beautiful!-

Life on the farm.

2010-05-17T08:02:00.001-07:00

Life on the farm is kind of laid back, ain't nothing a country girl like me can't hack to paraprase J. Denver. Sprayed my old adirondack chairs what was supposed to be a "peek-a-boo" blue. They turned out bluuue! but fun, probably more beachy than farm, but fun.
Second is my little farm girl sidekick Lu. When she was little we called her Lulu Pie, apple of my eye, which has now become Lu. We got up with the birds, she swore a hummingbird was pecking at her window. We drang coffee and watched the sun come up over the farm. Such sweet moments like this you want to hold forever.
She had a party this Sun. for her birthday and got her hearts desire, a horse. I'm sure there will be lots of fun pictures to follow. She and her little friend have already been bucked off, but you're not really a cowgirl until you've been thrown, right Jenna?

Went to a garden party!

2010-05-07T08:48:00.000-07:00

I was honored to be invited to a surprise birthday party for my talented friend Jenna. She is the queen bee of floral arranging. We were lucky enough to have her on board for our Christmas decorating business this year, and she turned out some amazing Christmas tree "toppers". She does beautiful weddings and events which you will be able to see on her blog "ederynfloral.blogspot.com".
This fun arrangement was my gift to her. I water colored a basket, dyed some doilies, put in some cellophane, put in luscious smelling perennials and herbs and voila! Such fun to do. Such bravery to take to the floral queen, if I do say so! To look at the garden that the party was held in check out her blog "allthecloudsrollaway.blogspot.com

The "Browns"

2010-04-28T11:32:00.000-07:00

This is the beauty of living in the country. You just might have wonderful neighbors that have hens they call the "Browns", now I don't know if that is their actual name, like the "Smiths" or their color or the color of the eggs they lay. I just know that these deliciously colored eggs appear, and I take the egg carton back and it magically fills up with eggs again. How cool is that?! I love the country and my wonderful country neighbors.

All in one day someone gave us a horse, another gave us a cagillion day lilies, another came and plowed up a garden area for us, and yet another took my grandgirl horsebackriding. It's just a wonderful place! We are so blessed by our country neighbors!

Easter project and greetings!

2010-03-31T14:58:00.000-07:00

This is a little art from my gran Peyton Grace. It made me giggle. Easter is finally upon us after a very LOOOONG winter. I have an enormously grateful heart. I was actually out working in my farm garden today. It felt so good. I love seeing buds on everything. That along with Easter brings such hope.

I love to give little gifties to my friends and family. This project was inspired by Jeanne D'Arc and M. Stewart. No Martha and I aren't buds, but her mag. does inspire. I never quite got the project where I thought it didn't look like a paper mache covered turtle, so, sorry friends. Maybe this time next year I will have all the kinks worked out, or you'll get a really pretty turtle.

My chief crafter in week end residence. She loves it and is very good at it.

Our supplies ready to go.

All part of the sticky, gooey process.

Three layers, gold on the inside, newsprint on top of that, cut scrapbook paper on last layer. Mod podge all over including me.

Final product, probably not gift worthy, but we had a lot of fun working on them.

I hope this finds you warm where you live. And most of all I wish you a blessed and joyfilled Easter.

Final product!

2010-03-28T11:26:00.000-07:00

Yeah! Here we are, my dear friend Nancy on the left, our wonderful friend Elaina and Me with some of the girls. Are these quilts not adorable. We're so proud of them, those sweet girls.

Mexico at last!

2010-03-28T10:42:00.000-07:00

Those of you who knew I was heading to Mexico to teach sewing are probably saying did she really go? I don't see pictures. Maybe it was all a charade! No, in fact I did go in Feb. and it has taken me that long to figure out how to publish the #*@#* pictures. I am not exactly technology savvy if you couldn't tell :(
The women we go to help live back in time. It is pretty amazing to see. They often don't have electricity and such. We have hoped for years we would be able to teach them skills that would be able to empower them to make a better living and be more independent. There is a strong urge to marry young and have babies. Often the men leave for the U.S. to make a living and only come home once in a while. We're hoping to help change this as they supplement their livings. We're in hopes that more can be done to keep these families together in their home town. We have been trying this for years and determined if they never got the concept that we would continue to go and teach, even if just to provide some creative time for them
Anyway the trip was wonderfully successful. The girls made five quilts. We bought them and took them back to Reynosa where they were auctioned off and then the money sent back to them to buy more fabric. They have since made 10 more which they are sending to Atlanta for us to market for them. We feel like they have gotten the concept at last and now we can build on their skills.

2010-03-28T10:39:00.000-07:00

The church we teach in each year. We set up machines on the altar space. We clear off the tables as they provide us with a delicious home cooked Mexican lunch each day. Yum!

2010-03-28T10:36:00.000-07:00

This is the new church they are building. We were with the team that dug the footholds and poured cement for the footings. It's so cool to see it finally take shape. They are doing all the work on it themselves as they get the materials. The home church in Reynosa, Torre Fuente provides the funds as they can. It has been about a three year project.

2010-03-28T10:34:00.000-07:00

We always have lots of little ones around. They are beautifully behaved, and cute as can be.

2010-03-28T10:30:00.000-07:00

This is the Pastor of the home church in Reynosa. We teach at one of his mission churches in Laguna outside of Vallez, Mexico. Gilbert is a wonderful preacher and pastor, and let me tell you, the man is FUNNY and can sew!!!! His quilt was one of the best and he was very proud as were we.

2010-03-28T10:24:00.000-07:00

Each year we bring down a new project. Since there are so many new babies each year we decided to bring down a baby quilt. We introduce new skills each year. They had to fuse fabric and learn quilting this year. We are so proud of them. They will sit like this all day and some days we don't even have electricity and have to work around that. I love these ladies.

2010-03-28T10:18:00.000-07:00

You can see we set up in a temporary space in the back of the church, fitting as many girls on one table as possible. One of the best part of the trip was a day we were late getting there, our last day and we walked in on them intently working and helping each other finish. They didn't even know we were there. I felt like after three years of working with them they could move ahead without us.

2010-03-28T10:16:00.000-07:00

The girls listen intently as they are being taught. It's been my joy to see their skills increase each time we go down to teach. They are truely a delight.

2010-03-28T10:13:00.000-07:00

This is what happens all day. Young sweet laughing girls. Pastor Gilbert has of course been teasing again.

More tour of Nancy's home.

2010-03-26T06:51:00.000-07:00

Hope you enjoy the new home tour. You can see throughout the love my friend has for her home. She has been rearranging and creating in her front yard, so hopefully, as things begin to bloom we can do tour of Nancy's beautiful yard. Stay tuned. It has been my enourmous treasure to have know this family for nearly 25 years.

2010-03-26T06:46:00.000-07:00

These are a few of the decorations from a baby shower held for one of the daughters. The colors were black, red and white. Jenna, the talented!, made the giant poms out of newspaper. How clever is that.

2010-03-26T06:43:00.000-07:00

Hope you are enjoying your tour. It is just so much fun to visit her home. Each time I go there are new arrangements and interesting items. Many of these items she puts together herself.

2010-03-26T06:42:00.000-07:00

2010-03-26T06:38:00.000-07:00

How sweet is this! It's an image you could put in any home decorating magazine. I have always told her she could do design for a living if she chose.

2010-03-26T06:36:00.000-07:00

2010-03-26T06:33:00.000-07:00

Everything has a sweet place and is so pleasing and leads your eye to the next grouping.

2010-03-26T06:29:00.000-07:00

Sorry the image is so dark. I need to learn photoshop for sure. Just wanted you to see the fabric choices how everything complements!

2010-03-26T06:25:00.000-07:00

Notice the sparkly on the pillow. These are the kind of touches Nancy adds that just make a setting lovely.

Sweetness !!

2010-03-15T07:33:00.000-07:00

This sweetness is courtesy of Debbie Kingston Baker. She was a Christian artist whose work I carried when I owned a store. She painted amazing touching pictures.

The sweetness I carry in my heart today is from the overflow of last night. I had the privilege of attending my oldest daughter's talk to the youth group she helps shepherd. As if my heart wasn't full enough, I also heard my two grandson's give testimonies at their youth groups.

I adore that my daughter and her husband help shepherd a youth group. It makes me feel as if there is a continuance of belief and giving of one's self passed down from my grandparents, who were believers. I was somewhere in the midst of that, and I'm so grateful for that.

My daughter relates to those teenagers in the sweetness way. Joking with them, enjoying them, yet at the same time leading and instructing.

In the room was a cross that my son-in-law had created from raw cut logs. It was tied at the center with rope. Oh my goodness amazing.

My oldest grandson Jake blew me away. I have believed for a long time that he had a calling on his life. I have believed that since he went on a Mexico mission trip with me at 13. It was an amazing experience to watch how natural it was for him. I could sense even when he prayed out loud that the Holy Spirit was at work. He's had his share of ups and downs since then and certainly doubts. He is almost 19 now and trying to figure out his next step in life. One of his options is to go into mission work. I am in prayer for him daily as he walks through these decisions. It will be wonderful to see how God directs his path.

Hearing the three of them speak last night absolutely warmed my heart. Today, I am bathed in gratefulness.

I also had the pleasure of meeting Lauren, one of my "readers". She was as special as my daughter had said, and I am so pleased to know a new reader. It makes me much more conscious of what and how I do my post to know someone cares about it. Thank you Lauren!

2010-03-07T13:10:00.000-08:00

Doesn't this look like a butterfly in motion. It is actually a Chinese performer at the Alliance theatre. Last weekend we took advantage of the Atlanta culture and attended a performance of Mulan by the Atlanta Symphony. They also included in the package Asian performers and crafts of all kinds. It was a blast. The performance by the ASO was outstanding. We enjoyed it so much and all the activities were so well done. It is so much fun to live so close to Atlanta to take advantage of the culture in the city.

2010-03-07T13:07:00.000-08:00

PG and Mia dressed for the occasion. Oh course Mia had to have a designer original for the occasion and notice the chopsticks in both the coifs. We had such fun creating that morning. It all just adds to the excitement. Sorry it's blurry, we were just a little blurry that day.

2010-03-07T12:56:00.000-08:00

There was dragon making and puppetry arts with the crafty dragons. Such fun, such fun.

2010-03-07T12:52:00.000-08:00

How lovely is this!

2010-03-07T12:47:00.000-08:00

Autograph signing with the best Mulan ever. Her performance was amazing as was the rest of the cast. "Mulan" runs through the end of March at the Alliance theatre. So very reasonable and worth every penny. There are about eight people in the cast and they play numerous parts. It was funny, exciting and enchanting. The cast had amazing voices. So much talent in Atlanta!!

2010-03-07T12:44:00.000-08:00

Little sweet girl scout painting a Chinese symbol on PGA. Be very still and by all means, don't smile :)

2010-03-07T12:41:00.000-08:00

2010-03-07T12:39:00.000-08:00

Poetry in motion!

2010-03-04T14:59:00.000-08:00

This is a mini tour of my talented friend Nancy's home. Visiting her home is always a treat. There is always coffee on, good conversation about the Lord, our children and creative projects. Her home is such evidence of God's gifts of creativity. I could look at her home often as there are always new groupings, new things she's made and they are displayed beautifully. I will show more of her home over time. I also want to show you some of the things she's done outside once the weather warms up. I hope you enjoy the tour.

2010-03-04T14:54:00.000-08:00

Nancy is the mom of Kace and 9 others, five girls, five boys. Her God, her family and her home have her devotion and it shows.

2010-03-04T14:38:00.000-08:00

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2010-03-04T14:31:00.000-08:00

I love the way she puts items inside other things. To me it's like inviting your eye in to explore. Notice the little bird patiently looking out, as well as the clock face and teapot. How clever is that!

2010-03-04T14:27:00.000-08:00

Tell me this isn't like looking into "Country Living". Her colors are red and black and green. She has always had a way of putting together colors that make me marvel. It's a gift I think!

2010-03-04T14:19:00.000-08:00

Sorry this turned out so dark. It's so cleverly done. Each time I visit things have been changed and there are more little vignettes in different places. It's like visiting a beautiful magazine. I just love going there. I love to see creativity in people. Creativity is for me like touching a piece of God.

Groundhog forgiveness!

2010-03-02T08:46:00.000-08:00

okay, i get his point
not only do i forgive him
he's my new best bud

i always say
every day at the farm
is a good day
this is a great day

i am covered up in loveliness

i checked yesterday
there are buds, on the
blueberries
raspberries
roses

it won't be long now

i want to enjoy this, be in this moment

2010-03-02T08:43:00.000-08:00

2010-03-02T08:38:00.000-08:00

Yesterday I was in this very spot, face turned to the sun, soaking it in and praising God for how it warmed my body and my soul. Today, I stand here in this beauty just marveling at this world and thankful to be in it.

2010-03-02T08:34:00.000-08:00

I am so very grateful! God is so good. Often I worship through nature, just appreciating so much all He has done for us. His creation is so lovely. I am humbled!

I have an issue with the groundhog.

2010-03-01T08:08:00.000-08:00

First of let me just say enough! Our robins are running around in little snowshoes! And we're in GA for goodness sake. This lady needs some serious sunshine, and I'm not kidding. If I don't soon get some I am likely to look for the first weather predicting groundhog I find and take him out! I'm just saying. Those of you in even colder country, are you with me? Global warming WHA?

More designs by Kace!!

2010-03-01T08:04:00.000-08:00

More Kace cuteness for baby Judah's nursery. That cuteness makes for a very happy baby.

2010-03-01T07:58:00.000-08:00

This stitched wall art was done by the sister Jenna. She is most amazing. I hope to feature some more of her work later. By the way, no pattern for this, all out of the Jenna imagination.

2010-03-01T07:55:00.000-08:00

Kace is a pro at mixing antique with new and making it work. And oh my gosh I love the way she puts colors together. I wish I had that eye.

2010-03-01T07:51:00.000-08:00

How fun is this wall. A sister gave a shower and all the guests did canvases in Kace's colors. I thought that was a brilliant idea for a shower. They turned out so great. More to follow.

2010-03-01T07:49:00.000-08:00

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2010-03-01T07:40:00.000-08:00

Really fun pillows from the sister Karis. I know, you're saying so much talent in one family. And I call them my friends, lucky me!

2010-02-26T07:08:00.000-08:00

Kace, baby Judah, and the amazing bed Kace's talented husband Dave MADE for her while she was on a trip, in a weekend. I'm so impressed. Pottery Barn look out!

2010-02-25T09:08:00.000-08:00

This is my friend Kace's house. She and her sweet husband and new baby Judah live in a house built somewhere in the early 1900's I think. Kace and her sisters and mom have amazing taste and can put together colors in an enviable way. I know my pictures won't do their homes justice, but I wanted to try. She has used teal and tan in a lot of her decorating. I was able to help her do this Ralph Lauren stencil in a silver pearl over the tan. It is breath taking in person.

I have known Kace since before she was born. Her dad was my youngest daughter's first youth leader and we've all been friends ever since.

All the girls in this family are like the girls in my family. We call ourselves the "Cold Mountain Girls" because we will do whatever we need to to get the job done. We are survivors and thrivers.

I have had the blessing of having most of the girls and some of the guys in this family work with us during our Christmas season. There are 10 kids total. We probably couldn't do our business with out them. Their creativity runs deep. They are a blessing to our lives.

2010-02-25T09:02:00.000-08:00

This is Kace's living room. I love the pattern's she picks out and her sense of style. She dresses as cool as she decorates. She is such a sweetie!

2010-02-21T12:20:00.000-08:00

The two girls on the left always look like this, wrapped up in each other and laughing. The two goobers on the right, what can I say. I think they sat for one too many pictures. That's the excuse and I'm sticking to it. Anyway what fun they are. I bet the two on the right aren't too happy they posed like that now, or maybe they are!

2010-02-21T12:00:00.000-08:00

Oh my goodness, precious darlings. We call them the cousins. Peyton Grace lives to spend time with them. They are each one amazing in their own right and so sweet with her. My oldest granddaughter Gabrielle is who I want to be when I grow up, confident, fun, beautiful. My youngest grandson Zach is an artist of the first kind and a scientist and one of the smartest kids I know, and funny, he makes me laugh. My oldest grandson Jake is going to be a man among men. He has a true heart for God. He steals my heart every time I look at him. You know that first born, they are tied to you by the heart. Then of course there is my sweet Peyton Grace that lights up my life every weekend, thanks to the generosity of my daughter. She is probably the sweetest child I've ever known, and teaches me things all the time. As you can see there is absolutely no prejudice here whatsoever. These guys are all my people, and I'm so lucky to go through life with them.

2010-02-18T12:12:00.000-08:00

These are two of my sweet family. They are among the beautiful people, so, for them to let me pop in and take pictures of them all bed head shows their sense of humor.

My daughter Kelly is precious to me. She is my first born and survived me being a first time mom. She is an awesome mom herself to three beautiful children.

The cute boy in the picture is my favorite son-in-law. The fact that he is my only one is insignificant. If I had a dozen, he would still be my favorite.

It is their 21st anniversary today. 21 years in this world today is pretty great. They have built and wonderfully close family of their own. Having them live close these last few years is one of the great joys of my life.

Happy, joy filled 21st!!!

2010-02-02T15:02:00.000-08:00

These are some little things I made/painted for a dear friend expecting a little boy. Hope she likes them. They were fun to do. Fabric is from Hobby Lobby, one of my favorite fabric stops.

I head to a small mission deep into Mexico outside of the city of Vallez. I'm excited!! My friend Nancy and I are on our 3rd trip to this mission to teach the young women how to sew. I will take lots of pictures to show you the women's eager faces as we teach. There are always a bunch of new babies and lots of children playing quietly around. We love going there. This year Nancy is teaching quilting and I will back her up (ha,ha). I will do some of the little accessories that are in the pattern, lots of little lambie things.

We stay and travel with our dear friends Mary and Gilberto. They have the heart of Christ and it is always good to be with them. If you guys could pray for us while we're gone. I would appreciate it, especially for safety, health and pure fun!! I'll be back on the 11th.

2010-02-01T08:39:00.000-08:00

I'm back, no not the gingerbread man, but Susan, the anti-blogger. A sweet friend encouraged me to post some pictures of my valentine decorations, you know who you are!! and you may be sorry!! Please be patient with me as I try to relearn the blog world. I needed to back up a little first and show you some cutie "homemades" from Christmas.

I made this cutie to be part of my annual Christmas card. Just couldn't pull it together with the little girl I usually use, who has become a little shy. So those of you who read this, my apologies, here is one half a card. If I start the other half in June, maybe I'll get them to you be next year.

2010-02-01T08:32:00.000-08:00

Our little sweet angel with her little sweet angel "Mia". I made the big girl dress from a pattern and the little girl dress off of the big one. Peyton Grace was thrilled. She still loves her American girl dolls and we try to do twin dressing for church on Sundays. The sweet thing is, her cousin Gabrielle at 16 will still play dolls with her when they are together. That is the supreme act of love for a teenager, let me tell you. I will try to hold down the grandchildren pictures, try being the operative word.

2010-02-01T08:26:00.000-08:00

Found this look in a mag., not sure which one, most likely Madame Stewart. We have had so much fun lighting the votives at every opportunity. I have had a bad case of the Januaries, so any kind of light, candles, fireplace, please Lord -sunshine- is a boost to my soul.

2010-02-01T08:22:00.000-08:00

Angels watching over you. This holiday be in love with you and the special children in your life. Treat yourself to something sweet.