Catching Up!

First of all, I hope you all had a Merry Christmas! I know it's difficult to read, but this banner was made by my granddaughters Quinn and Sadie today, and they had help from my niece Claire. I think it's fun and wish you could see how many of the letters were colored in a patchwork pattern. It sure make me one proud quilting grandma/aunt.  :-)

 

 

We celebrated our Christmas today and had a wonderful time. My sister Ann and family joined us for the festivities and we are so glad they're here.

 

For a number of years now (I think it's been 12 years), we've celebrated Christmas on December 23rd with a special dinner that consists of crab legs and various other fun side dishes. This year, because of work schedules, other family obligations, etc. we decided to celebrate today, Dec. 29th. It really doesn't matter what day we pick, it's just fun to be together.

 

Here's the picture I sent Nikki and Lynn yesterday while they were at other holiday parties. I just wanted them to know that I had begun the preparations for our party. Can you see the crab legs and shrimp. Yummy!!

 

 

I know it's been a long time since I've posted, but I've been very busy.

 

My family had our Thanksmas (Christmas and Thanksgiving combined) Celebration in Middletown and it was wonderful to spend time with my siblings, their spouses and children. It was the first year without Mom and I missed her terribly. There were a lot of youngsters there and I love how they interact with each other. Ronan REALLY wanted Avery to try the pretzel.  :-)

 

 

I had my first cookie order due on December 12th. This year, I also made a few different kinds of candy to go along with the cookie orders. They were simple candy to make, which is why I chose to make them. Back in September, I had made the decision to reduce the number of orders I would take for Christmas cookies and as it turned out, that was a very wise decision.

 

 

Crock Pot Crack!

 

Turtles

 

Although I like most of the cookies and both kinds of candy, I think the turtles are my favorite! 

 

I continued to substitute teach until December11th and then I spent the next five or six days quilting for the shop.

 

 

I was so happy that Ann was able to spend a long weekend with me. She was amazing and so helpful. We were able to get a lot of quilts done in a very short period of time. It was amazing how quickly we could load a quilt, and while I was quilting, she was making the binding, trimming quilts and attaching the binding. She even hand stitched the binding on three quilts. I'm sure I could not have finished everything that needed to be done without her help!

 

Unfortunately there was also sadness during my blogging hiatus. My brother-in-law Ray suffered a massive stroke and died on December 17th. It was a shock to everyone and we all miss him. Ray loved to fish and I think this a wonderful picture!

 

Even though it was rushed, Jack and I were able to spend a day with Sheryll and family, and David stopped over on Christmas Day. I look forward to a time when we can spend time with our ENTIRE family. It doesn't have to happen on a holiday. Any day will do. I don't know if and when that will happen, but I sure hope it will be soon.

 

Nikki and family will be leaving tomorrow and Ann and family will leave some time Tuesday afternoon. It sure will be quiet around here. I think I'll sew and I'm sure Jack will spend some time on the radio.

 

Neither Jack or I work this upcoming week, but we both return to our busy schedules the following week. I will be teaching English 10 and 12 for another four weeks (all of January) and then be heading to Tennessee for a week-long workshop with Judy Niemeyer. I am looking forward to that, but I have some work ahead of me to be prepared. I have to get a little more fabric and then get it cut. I plan to work on the Prairie Star while I'm there. If you aren't familiar with the pattern, you should click on the link above and check it out. I love this pattern and will be using red and white fabrics.

 

So much for the quick rundown of my recent whereabouts. Thanks to those who have e-mailed asking if everything was ok. I know you were worried because I hadn't posted recently. I'm sure things will be back on track soon and you'll be wondering why I post so much.  :-)

 

As I stated in my last post, I'm participating the a new blog hop that starts very soon. It's the Wake Up to Kona! hop and I'm really looking forward to it. I wish I could give you a sneak peak at my project, but you'll just have to wait. I post my project on January 9th so be on the lookout.

 

Have a wonderful day and a Happy New Year!