Needlebook for Mom

My gift for mother. Mom is not a CQ stitcher, but she does take pride in her counted cross stitch. She makes special gifts for children and grandchildren.
I thought she might enjoy having a special book to keep her needles and thread.
The picture in the center is of her and Daddy on their wedding day.
I also added an extra pair of scissors with some bead work attached. My plan is to get it mailed today. I know, didn't I already see Mom on her Bday?
But alas, I did not have it finished to give to her in person.
She loves to show the other ladies in her building... that she received a package, when she goes for her mail. I believe they may be abit jealous, as we have a large family and she receives much fun mail.
Now on to the next projects...

Searching for Spring...

Wow, received 4 inches of snow this past weekend. I find it is not as exciting as when receiving snow in the month of December.
Let's get "out like a lion" over now and move on to spring!
I find town squares can be so beautiful. When you look up, you can see the blue sky giving a promise of Spring to come.

Alexander's Night Out

It was my Mom's 77TH Birthday week. Mom's loves to celebrate birthdays. So the sisters traveled to help celebrate the year. One sister was unable to make it...
But we constantly had texts and photos to our phone. Beverly was close to our thoughts and celebrations. It was a weekend of eating out and enjoying the sights.
This was one of my favorites. It is located on the river in downtown Peoria. It actually has been a steakhouse since 1974. Very clever concept for a restaurant. An old riverside warehouse turned into an unique eating experience. It has the best salad bar in Peoria. Room size grills, where you pick your own choice of meat cut and grill yourself. Much conversation as everyone stand by the huge grill and watch it sizzle to your satisfaction. If that is not your desire, you may have the men in your family or Alexander's grille attendants do the job for you. Mom chose my brother to do the job as " he is the best at the grille" !
I can report the salad bar was wonderful and my kabob was perfect!
The birthday dessert was served with a warm chocolate chip cookie in a personnel skillet topped with melting ice cream and whipped cream! Mom was willing to let us all try a delicious bite.
Great food goes well with all the laughter we shared.

Spring???

Such a beautiful day to have sunshine on my face. The winter skin eagerly soaked up the Vitamin D. I saw those shamrocks peeking out, letting me know it is St. Paddy's Day. I enjoyed watching the ducks on the pond. So good to see the the ice gone.
I saw a turtle sunning his back and a few frogs. It must be Spring!
www.simplepleasures-bb.blogspot.com
http://simplepleasures-bb.blogspot.com/2009/03/st-patricks-day-parade-2009.html
A dear friend's blog I followed enjoyed the celebration of our small town.
Love the pictures, Brenda
Many blessings to you all.

Happy St. Patrick's Day to Family & Friends

A day of remembering our Lord, wearing of the green and remembering our Irish roots.
Today, you may see the shamrock displayed everywhere. The churches of Ireland used this leaf to explain the trinity to the children. The Father, Son, and the Holy Spirit are one...
St. Patrick did not chase the snakes from Ireland, but did spread the faith across the Island. I do not think that any snakes were ever found on this beautiful island.

The Blarney Castle where the stone lies can be kissed for... luck.
I hear tell you...sit with your back to the stone and your legs are gripped.
You lean backwards and down, grabbing onto iron rails with your hands until you kiss the stone! Was the King giving the gift of Blarney to his Queen or was he full of Blarney?
My sister married into a large family of American Irish. Her family has spent several trips visiting this beautiful island. I know my niece and nephew have kissed the stone. Did it bring them luck?? I believe they have very rich and full lives and strong love for family ties.
Beverly, did you know that our family as well has some far distant Irish heritage also?
I will be thinking of you all and of the green. It sounds to be in the 70s today!!!
I do like the green theme as it makes me think of Spring. The vultures have been spotted on the ranch. So I know it is here. My next wonder, i search for is the return of the hummingbirds.
Enjoy the many parades and celebrate the Green!

A Day On My Birthday

Fog and dreary weather was my greeting upon rising today. But I was wonderfully cheered with
phone calls and messages from my sisters. My eldest daughter Kristin and granddaughters.
The flowers from my eldest daughter, such a beautiful cheerful bouquet on this day.
She knows, I crave the greenery and blooms this time of year.
Then the UPS man brought a big box from my SIL. What a another wonderful surprise!
Isn't the jar great eye candy? It was filled with all the treasures I love to play with... Lovely spools, barb made with buttons and lace, beautiful silk threads, beads, Handkerchief along with dollies and more...
A Magazine called "Stitch" from Surrey, England.
Look closely at the crazy quilt pendant hanging on the jar. The handwork is very delicate and so very talented. Pat Winter would be proud of you!! I know I am!
I then relaxed and enjoyed watching the movie, "Australia"
Becoming lost in the troubles of Sarah Ashley and sitting by the warm fire was quite
enjoyable.
My Youngest son, just called he is stuck in Florida traffic, but happy to be home from duty in the Bahamas.
So now I am off to a dinner at my daughter's Rebecca home, where I plan to enjoy a meal with my son Jared and the rest of my great family members.
Thank you for all the love I feel around me.

Barbie turns 50!!

1959
Hard to believe Barbie is 50. How can that be?
Maybe, because I am aging as well.
My one and only Barbie was an original first Barbie. I kept her in mint condition as I played with her very little. My mother had a dear friend name Pat, who loved to make Barbie clothes. So I was the receiver of very nice outfits for Barbie and Ken. The wedding dress was one of my favorites.
I rescued my Barbie in her case when my Parents moved out of their home.
I had long ago left home and all my childhood belongings. Barbie was at the mercy of many children, who were in my parents home. Unfortunately, she is no longer in mint condition. But I treasure her just the same as she brings memories of childhood.

The designer of Barbie was Ruth Handler, co-founder of Mattel.
She loved the way her daughter Barbara, played with paper dolls. The mother had to be thinking of her daughter on the creation of Barbie. Not knowing the creation would last 50 years.
Ruth later became burdened with breast cancer and had a mastectomy in 1970.
Frustrated after surgery on the availability of bras, she designed a prosthetic.
Named "Nearly me" in 1975. Interesting....
Happy Birthday Barbie

Happy Birthday Joella

It can be such a wonderful joy to see a granddaughter grow to be a young lady.
Thank you for the blessings you have given to my life.
Happy 14Th Birthday.

Wedding gift

My gift to my niece. Also a box with her Grandma & Papa's Picture.
Placed in the box was...
Something Old, something new, something borrowed, something blue.
I probably should of mailed the gift before the wedding. To hold true to the tradition, for it was a wrapped gift on the wedding table. It is now waiting to be opened, when the couple returns from the honeymoon. Hopefully, the meaning will bring her joy all the same.
Many blessings to Kaeli.

Louisville Wedding

A cold with a bit of snow flurries were seen on my southern visit to my niece's wedding. It was a beautiful Christ centered union with many touches from past weddings, that we all have shared.
A sight of many Gerbena daisies were found as her special flowers everywhere.
Her dress was beautiful and I particular enjoyed a solo from Seth, her brother.
Reception time was held downtown Louisville University. Sight of a School of Medicine built in 1837. The architecture of the building was so ornate and beautiful.
Weddings can be great for family reunions. It is always a joy to be with your families at their special times.. My sister, Barb was very busy visiting with everyone who came share in her daughter's wedding. she looked very beautiful as well. My red-headed sister, who reminds me so much of my grandma Oda Jackson.