Birthday Cloth Pie

Many years ago, when he was young and little, Chad asked for "cloth" pie for his birthday. It took a great deal of mind searching to realize what he wanted was French "Silk" pie. When I asked him if that was what he meant--he said, "Yah! That cloth pie." So to this day it is referred to as Chad's Cloth Pie.

I made four pies this weekend as we celebrated his birthday with our family and his in-law family.

If you are ever looking for an easy and great tasting chocolate pie this will fit perfectly!

Chad's Cloth Pie

1 Cup sugar
3/4 cup butter--only butter*
3 squares (3 ounces--Semi Sweet Chocolate squares, melted and cooled)****
1 1/2 tsp vanilla
3 eggs

In a small mixer bowl cream sugar and butter about 4 minutes or till fluffy. Stir in cooled chocolate and vanilla. Add eggs, one at a time, beating on medium speed of mixer after each addition and scraping sides of bow constantly. (I beat in each egg for two minutes.) It will be creamy smooth. Pour into crust.** Chill several hours or overnight. Garnish with chocolate curls or whipped cream.
* ONLY REAL BUTTER!!
** I use a prepared Graham Cracker crust.
***I always use Semi Sweet Chocolate

School Life Resumes

I returned to school for three days of in service this week--Listening to speakers, administrators, a presentation on Six Traits Writing, and trainings. Finally, today we were given some time to work in our rooms.

I am a Cross-Categorical Elementary Special Education Instructor working with students in grades 3-6. I have 16 students on my caseload starting the year. The students range from SLD (specific learning disability), Mild CD ( cognitive disablity), OHI (other health impaired) , Sp/L (Speech Language), EBD (Emotional Behavior Disability) and add a few ADD/ADHD students. Today I began working on scheduling. The first challenge is to work out how one teacher and one para-educator will be able teach nine students who are on seven different academic levels from four grades at the same time four days aweek from 8:30 to 9:40. Most of the day there are several students from various grades are various levels in the room needing instruction in the academic areas of Reading, Written Language, Spelling, and Math. I also provide support for the students in their general education classroom for social studies and science.

The motto of my classroom: "Blessed Are the Flexible for they Shall not be Bent out of Shape!"

Now you see why I learned to quilt. I need something that I am able to escape into at night. Last week my friend, Julie's son and his girl friend announced their engagement. They are getting married this October--so out came the fabric for a Christmas Tree Skirt. Julie thought they would prefer whimsical rather than traditional. I am using the MODA Bake Shop Christmas Table Topper pattern with a few modifications- and rather than a Table Topper- I will have a Christmas Tree Skirt.

I sewed the nine patch squares last night and have started cutting them into the "disappearing nine square blocks" tonight.

It is a memory day! My baby has his Golden Birthday today, Chad is 27 on the 27th.

Quilt of Holes

Quilt of Holes

As I faced my Maker at the last judgment, I knelt before the Lord along with all the other souls.

Before each of us laid our lives like the squares of a quilt in many piles;

an angel sat before each of us sewing our quilt squares together into a tapestry that is our life.

But as my angel took each piece of cloth off the pile, I noticed how ragged and empty each of my squares was. They were filled with giant holes. Each square was labeled with a part of my life that had been difficult, the challenges and temptations I was faced with in every day life. I saw hardships that I endured, which were the largest holes of all.

I glanced around me. Nobody else had such squares.Other than a tiny hole here and there, the other tapestries were filled with rich color and the bright hues of worldly fortune. I gazed upon my own life and was disheartened.

My angel was sewing the ragged pieces of cloth together, threadbare and empty, like binding air.

Finally the time came when each life was to be displayed, held up to the light, the scrutiny of truth. The others rose; each in turn, holding up their tapestries. So filled their lives had been. My angel looked upon me, and nodded for me to rise.

My gaze dropped to the ground in shame. I hadn't had all the earthly fortunes. I had love in my life, and laughter. But there had also been trials of illness, and wealth, and false accusations that took from me my world, as I knew it. I had to start over many times. I often struggled with the temptation to quit, only to somehow muster the strength to pick up and begin again. I spent many nights on my knees in prayer, asking for help and guidance in my life. I had often been held up to ridicule, which I endured painfully, each time offering it up to the Father in hopes that I would not melt within my skin beneath the judgmental gaze of those who unfairly judged me.

And now, I had to face the truth. My life was what it was, and I had to accept it for what it was.

I rose and slowly lifted the combined squares of my life to the light.

An awe-filled gasp filled the air. I gazed around at the others who stared at me with wide eyes.

Then, I looked upon the tapestry before me. Light flooded the many holes, creating an image, the face of Christ. Then our Lord stood before me, with warmth and love in His eyes. He said, 'Every time you gave over your life to Me, it became My life, My hardships, and My struggles.

Each point of light in your life is when you stepped aside and let Me shine through, until there was more of Me than there was of you.'

May all our quilts be threadbare and worn, allowing Christ to shine through!

Trying!!!!

Good Morning,
I am trying -with my limited technological knowledge--to work on my blog site. I found how to do a signature--but can't download it permanently! Also, I 'm trying to add something special to the sides of the blog! ( Nancy at Patchwork Penguin always has awesome blog sites!) Plus, I would like to be able to add links to other bloggers sites.

I decided to participate in Amanda Jean's Crazy Mom Quilt's quilt-a-long. I am using retro 30's prints. Her plan is to sew a 9-patch square a day for 70 days. I had planned to use these fabrics for my kitchen valances. I started with the squares and found that a finished 6 inch square may be two large for the valance. So I will try cutting each piece 1 1/2 ".

I worked on these yesterday when I had 20 month old Princess Kasey here. (Tuesday has been Grandma and Kasey day for the summer.) She wasn't feeling well. She didn't want to eat and had slept most of the morning. Around 11:00 she asked, "Juice peese Gamma." 15 minutes later her breakfast and the juice came back up. It was frightening for her. As she slept most of the day, I either held her or when she slept sat and sewed on the squares. I learned having a sick grandchild is even more heart wrenching than when your child is sick!!! She is back today rather than going to her usual day-care.

Revised Finished Projects!!!

One more baby girl quilt completed. Our neighbors had a baby girl born the day after our new granddaughter--same hospital! Aria Rebekah was born to Haylee and Jerry on July 17. I waited until she arrived to make the quilt--hoping she was a girl. I had made a retro cowboy quilt for her "big" brother Fane's first birthday in June. She is one busy mommy!

I used Amanda Jean's stipple turtorial (crazy mom quilts) once again for guidance in the quilting process! Thank you!!!!!

I also finished the Christmas Tree Skirt I started earlier this summer. I held off finishing it because I was afraid to quilt it. However, I have more confidence now that I have used the stippling quilting method--and I completed it. It was extremely difficult to make myself cut up the side and cut the six inch hole in the center. It almost stayed a table covering rather than tree skirt.

Next I am going to work on the valances for my kitchen--or maybe I should finish Step 2 of the Mystery Lights quilt or maybe I should finish cutting the pieces for the Maverick quilt. DECISIONS---

NEWS FLASH!!! A VACATION!!!

We really did it!! DH and I went on our first real vacation since our honeymoon 35 years ago. At that time we went camping in a borrowed camper for 4 days at Copper Falls State Park in Northern Wisconsin. DH has gone on a few hunting trips out west with friends and I have had my adventures with my college friends, however we were never able to go together because one of us had to stay to milk the dairy cows. The last of the dairy cows went in the truck in May. We left on July 23 and returned July 29 putting 3299.4 miles on our Yukon.

I have a cousin and his wife, who live near Flathead Lake in Montana. We have always wanted to visit them. So we headed out. It was fantastic. We visited Carrington, N.D where I had lived until I was nine years old. I managed to find the two houses I remembered living in, my church, and elementary school. Even stopped to visit the neighbor across the street who had been my mother's best friend.
We drove the less traveled highways. We enjoyed seeing the crops and machinery. Herb started out our trip stopping are three implement dealers before reaching St. Cloud. So we stopped at 21 John Deere dealership on the trip. He talked with dealers, farmers, and ranchers from here to Glacier Park and back. We took pictures of 19 of the JD dealerships!
Glacier Park was breathtaking. I actually took the picture of the glacier I have added to the post. We enjoyed the montains, the plains, the meadows, and the plateaus! Most of all we actually relaxed! We saw huge fields that see to go forever of blue Flax in bloom and fields of wheat ready to be combined.

We totally enjoyed out trip--we learned many things about traveling--Such has plan your stops and how long you expect to make in a day. And to make reservations ahead of time--long story!

I spent last week doing devotions/ object lessons for the students at our VBS. We averaged 78 students throughout the week. It was a great week! Good prep to going back to school soon!!!!!

SOOO-back to quilting projects. I have only to do the binding on a baby quilt for Haylee and Jerry's little girl who was born the day after Tatum. It is bright!!! I have started a Christmas Table runner to give as a housewarming gift for the guidance counselor at my school. There are a few other UFO's that need my attention!

Questions for blogging friends. I found a valance in The Country Sampler Magazine. I am going to make for my kitchen using retro 30's prints. What size should I make the 9 patch??? All suggestions will be appreciated!!


Thank you!!!!

Linda

These are a few of my favorite things!

Conner wanted to hold Tatum or as he calls her, "Tatumcole". Chad and Katie set him on the bed and placed her in his arms-It lasted about 30 seconds.






The happy new family! Katie and Tatum went home on Saturday. Sunday afternoon Chad did up all the laundry so Katie wouldn't have to climb the stairs. He also had Conner out in the shop with him so Katie could rest while the baby slept. We are so blessed!






Since the dairy cows are gone--Hallejuah! I am not getting the
1 1/2 to 3 hours of exercise a day that I had other summers. However, my knees, hips and elbows no longer ache. Last week I rejoined Curves to make sure I exercise in the correct way. Also-hopefully lose many extra pounds. I look at it at 5 pounds at a time, not quite as discouraging that way!

I made a quick trip to Rice Lake to run some errands this afternoon! What grandma cannot resist a sale, especially when things were 70-80% off the lowest sale price! I found several special outfits for Tatum for this fall and Christmas time all 3 to 6 month size. I am sure she won't mind last years fashion!



I am really going to do it! I found this pattern in the Sept. Quick Quilts--It looks to be something I can handle. So I found the fabrics on-line from three different sites. The final four arrived today!




I am enjoying meeting new friends through the blogging! So until next time! Enjoy your quilting, children, grandchildren, DH, and friends.

Linda

The newest Princess!

Conner is excited to announce that he is a big brother to Tatum Nicole Schrankel. He was very excited to see her for the first time last night. He wanted to show her his monster trucks and thought she should have one in her bed. She looks so much like Conner that the baby pictures will definitely need to be labeled. She has smooth skin and a beautiful complexion with long black hair.

We are so blessed!

Conner and Tatum have 2 sets of grandparents, 1 great grandpa and four great grandma's.

New Grand Baby!! It's a girl.

No pictures yet--Katie (daughter-in-law) called this morning at 10:15. She said she had just called Chad to come home from work. She said, "I think we will have a baby today-could you come to pick up Conner? No hurry." Well- I left immediately and was there in about 15 minutes. Chad arrived home.
At 12:05 we received a text from Chad stating, " Left home at 11:00, arrived at hospital 11:25, baby arrived at 11:50. Interesting ride from home to hospital.) We were able to talk to him for a second-She weighs 7 lbs 5 oz and 20 inches long.
We will head down later today and return with pictures!!!!!

Conner is a staying with Grandma and Papa playing with the new wooden train set he found on Grandma's stairs!

Making New Memories and Remembering Old!

I've learned from reading blogs that it may be a place to express excitement, challenges, accomplishments, and emotions. So here goes!

We were invited by son,
Todd, to accompany them (Todd, Marie and Princess Kasey) to visit the Minnesota Zoo near Apple Valley, MN. We met Marie's mom and dad, her sister and brother there for a day of exploring the zoo with a 19 month old. Seeing it through her eyes was the best. At this zoo you are able to get up and personal to many animals and fish while observing them in their own environment.

It was a perfect day! The little princess fell asleep on the way to the car.


Remembering an old memory:
Today would be our oldest son's 32 nd birthday. He celebrated
4 birthdays with us and today was his 28th birthday in heaven.
We knew that Todd and Marie didn't remember that it was
Travis's birthday today. So-while it was wonderful spending
the day with them. For today--my heart is breaking with the
memory of the joy we felt 32 years ago when Travis was our
first baby! So this mom shed a few tears in the shower this
morning and will go for a walk after this blog entry and let some more tears out. Then dry my tears and move on to return to 2009 and will be thankful for the 4 years 3 months he was part of our lives. I thank the Lord for our two other sons, our wonderful daughters-in-law, and our two precious grandchildren!!
Remembering: "The will of God will not lead you were the Grace of God cannot keep you."

Home Alone!!!!

Being home alone is a rare night for me!!! Son, Todd, and DH took Todd's JD 630 to a farm tractor pull last night. That meant the TV was MINE for the night!
I spent the time quilting a smaller version of "Pinwheels and Prairie Points". It is one set of blocks smaller. The perfect size to wrap a new baby. I had watched the Stipples Tutorial on Crazy Mom Quilts blog (Thanks Amy!) a few times-decided to give it a try. I used the free motion foot to do the outside border. I know I have a long way to go--but I'm learning. I finished the quilting and sewing the binding. The handsewing was enjoyable when I was able to sit and watch "You've Got Mail" at the same time!!!!!

I wasn't ready to quit--so I pulled out a charm pack I had purchased. (Moda-Holly Jolly Snowman) I started on the newest Orginal recipe on the Moda Bakeshop--"Christmas table topper." I finished three blocks--it is so quick and easy.

Frustration!

I finished the top of the soon to be Christmas Tree skirt. I was ready to start on the sandwich when I realized I was short about 6 inches of backing. So I have to wait until Wednesday when I will be going to Rice Lake to pick up backing fabric. DH's comment, "How are you going to get that around a Christmas Tree?" When I responded I would cut a hole in the center and up one side--he looked at me with that "look." I am thrilled with how it turned out. I ran into one problem-I have no idea what I did wrong-but was able to fix. I am anxious to finish it.

My next challenge is to learn how to machine quilt with "stipples." Amy of "Amy's Passions" blog sent the link to a tutorial by "Crazy Mom Quilts". Some day I will learn how to add links to other sites.

I learned today that the little guy I wrote about earlier this summer, after three trips to the specialist, has been diagnosed with "Williams Syndrome." Please keep this young family in your thoughts and prayers as they learn what they need to do as parents.