Patches and Mending- the wrong UFO for January

Sometimes necessity has to take priority over pleasure. Chad needed his jeans patched. So I put aside my UFO for January to sew patches and mend 8 pairs of his jeans. They are coming for Herb's birthday day dinner-so I will send these home with him and anticipate receiving another stack of jeans needing patches.


Where's Kasey?

There she is! She likes her new "big girl" blanket. Of course "blankie" is wrapped up inside of her new blanket. And yes--this is the last you will see of Kasey's Fuzzy Flowers!!

New Experience

I had several new experiences during our week in Minneapolis while Herb was a patient at Abbott Heart Hospital. One involved three "Good Samaritans" who happened to be walking the skywalk, two security guards and three Hennepin County Paramedics . The result was a huge goose egg, one very black eye, black and blue shins, very bent glasses and three concerned family members back at the hospital. The boys hadn't expected to receive a call from a total stranger using my phone. Stress does strange things to your body! Later in the week, one of my "Good Samaritans" recognized me at the Skywalk Cafe in the hospital. She filled in the missing minutes for me. (Herb didn't see my black eye until just before we came home on Sunday--makeup really worked well)

Slow Walk

I just went for a very short and very slow stroll down the hall at Abbott Northwestern Heart Hospital with my boy friend also known as my DH. The new valve is working--a few difficulties-but things are looking up!
Thank you for your thoughts and prayers!
Linda

I'd Rather Be Quilting

Today "I'd Rather Be Quilting". I am attempting to do the things that need to be completed before we leave for Mpls. early Monday morning.

My checklist for school:
Plans for the substitute for two weeks --done
All work graded and grades in computer for the end of the quarter---done
Quarterly Goals reports as required by IDEA for Students with Disabilities---done
Parent Letter describing accommodations, modifications or alternate curriculum-done
Notifying parents I will be gone from the classroom for two weeks---done

Checklist for ME!
*Reservation at the Sheraton which is attached to Abbott Heart Hospital by sky walk--done

*Books --2 Debbie Macomber, 2 Sherryl Woods, 2 Jennifer Chiaverini's quilting books, Kate Jacob's Knit Two and Knit The Season, my small group study book--Calm My Anxious Heart by Linda Dillow and Pearl Girls ( a collection of short stories -"encountering grit, experiencing grace by a variety of authors) I didn't know I would feel like reading so I have a variety--I won't take all to the hospital. Oh! and the latest Country Sampler magazine to dream over!

* My friend, Julie, put together a care package consisting of Bath and Body lotion & body wash, a crossword puzzle book, and CHOCOLATE!

*Now the best--genius on my part----I have borrowed a folding cutting mat from Amy. A tote is packed with my rotary cutter, two rulers, blocks that need to be squared, fabric that needs to be cut for future projects, and quilt pattern books to dream from!! If I really need to escape at night if and I can't sleep.

Seriously, I don't know how much time I will be at the hospital or the hotel-so I don't know really what to take. Todd, Marie, and Chad are coming on Tuesday the day of the surgery. Katie will stay at home with the three grandkids. DH doesn't understand why they need to take off work to spend the day at the hospital. MEN!!!!!

Now--back to cleaning and laundry--and really "I'd Rather be Quilting"!!!!!!

Trusting in Him,
Linda

Every Teacher's Wish

This is a copy of a facebook post that my friend (we claim we are sisters-that's another story) put on her facebook. I am sure it applies to teachers in every state.

"New Year Wish! Every teacher in Wisconsin for one week could just teach their classes. Without any paperwork to fill out for government mandates, grants, programs, WKCE, ELL, Special Education, mentoring, PI-34, and any other testing or assessment program known to mankind. That would be a great week :)."

We found out on Monday that Herb's heart surgery is scheduled for Tuesday, Jan. 19. We go on Monday, 18th to meet with the surgeon and for the angiogram. That means I have to prepare for a sub for two or three weeks. I need to prep for daily instruction for 8 math levels, 6 reading levels, and 5 written language levels. I need to have "extra" material ready for the sub to pull from if she needs extra independent work.

The second quarter will end while I am gone. That means all grades need to posted on Skyward (on line grading for the district), quarterly goals reports written and given to gen. ed. teachers, and accompaning letter for each report card reflecting the amount of pullout services or support given to the student.

I have a LONG "to do" list on my desk at school of things to be completed before next Friday afternoon. Such as scheduling IEP meetings, finish writing an IEP, initial evaluation testing of a student recently referred for Special Education, oh--I need to teach next week also!

HHMMM! No wonder I'm too tired at night work to on quilt projects! I am hoping to finish my UFO project enough to take it to the hospital with me to do the handwork while I am waiting. Has anyone read a good book lately you would recommend I take along?

HERE IT IS!

Kasey's Fuzzy Flowers--It is not huge (48" X 64") --But, just right for a two year old moving into a "big"girl bed before her baby brother or sister arrives this spring! After washing and drying it is fuzzy and soft! I will take it to her tomorrow after church. It involved much more than I had anticipated and I learned a lot doing it. I had never done applique before.

For Christmas we gave Kasey a wooden doll cradle. I bought foam to make a mattress and sewed a cover. Then I made a small doll quilt for her. The mattress cover and quilt back matches the back of her new quilt.

It is almost finished!

I have finished sewing on Kasey's Fuzzy Flowers flannel quilt. WooHoo! It is now in the washer, when it comes out of the dryer I will post pictures. I sewed the binding on by machine--1. I thought it would be difficult pushing the needle through all the flannel and binding--2. I really wanted to finish it today!

Has anyone ever used a time sheet for projects to see just how much time actually goes into some projects??? Kasey's quilt seems like it took along time!!!!

Linda

Santa Makes one Last 2009 Stop!

Santa knew we were having a late Christmas celebration with our family so he postponed his return to the North Pole and waited a couple extra days before trimming his beard. There were two very
excited grandchildren and one who didn't know what to think!

Conner was looking out the window when Santa arrived. He was so excited he didn't know what to say. Santa was hardly in the door before Conner jumped in his arms!

Kasey wasn't quite as sure as Conner, she was more reserved but Santa won out and received a hug from her also. Especially when he brought her a princess bag with a bracelet inside!


Tatum didn't know what to make of this interesting looking person!





After taking pictures of the grandkids with Santa--He asked if he could take a family picture of us. So--Here is our family. Herb and I with Conner, Chad and Katie's son, on my lap. Todd is on the floor with his wife, Marie next to my mom. Kasey, sitting on great grandma's lap, is their daughter. Chad is on the end with his wife, Katie holding Tatum.

Now, I hope to spend some time at my sewing machine finishing some unfinished projects before vacation is over!


Could anyone tell my what I have to do to allow replies on my comment? Thanks!!!
Enjoy the week!
Linda

Good Morning-Merry Christmas

Merry Christmas,
Good Morning--Christmas came even though I am not prepared. However, last night as I sat at the Christmas Eve service with our sons, daughters-in-law and love, our three grandchildren, and Herb at my side, I realized that we have all we need. Following service we all went to my mother's for a light dinner where we laughed and enjoyed each other.

My gifts this Christmas include:
* the doctors were able to remove from the penny from Conner's esophagus
*the doctors are going to repair Herb's heart and he will finally feel better
*I have friends I can count on to listen-Thanks Sis!
*My sons and their families live close to us so we are able to a part of the kids growing up.


Today Todd, Marie and Kasey have left home to spend Christmas and the next few days with her family near Albert Lea, MN. I am praying for their trip with the road conditions. Chad, Katie, Conner, and Tatum are spending Christmas with her family at Hayward , WI. I realize that when you have sons--they spend the holiday with the girl's families. So today--Herb and I are spending a low key day. I will be working on a few projects I need to finish before everyone comes here on Sunday for our day of eating, celebrating, and opening gifts!

Have a very special day!
Linda

Away In the Manger---by Third Day

Merry Christmas

Joseph's Lullaby --By Mercy Me

"For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life."

Merry Christmas,
Linda

Welcome to My World by Michael W. Smith

Four years ago, I attended a Michael W. Smith concert at the Target Center in St. Paul. This was one of the songs he performed. Linda of Linda's World posted this song on her blog--I wanted to share it with you. I hope you enjoy it.
Merry Christmas,
Linda