Farewell To Our Soldier

Yesterday we bid farewell to our son-in-law, Erin's husband and Shylee's daddy.  He is in the National Guard and is headed to Iraq for the second time.  Saturday was the official farewell ceremony and early Sunday morning was the final good-bye.  There was lots of hugs and kisses.

A little confusion.

Some picture taking.

Lots of waiting.

There was the good-bye.

And then they were off.

We will miss Dan for sure, but we are so proud of him and his willingness to serve his country.  He and his fellow soldiers will be in our prayers everyday.

Have a happy Monday!!!

Sleeping With Monkeys

A while back, I came across a tutorial for a pillowcase and knew I wanted to make one someday.  That someday came this week and I want to share what I made for my granddaughter.  First I bought the fabric.

My first inclination was to buy pink girly fabric but Sweetpea loves monkeys so I opted for the bright greens and yellows instead.  I chose flannel because it's so soft and warm.

The tutorial is one of the best ones I've found.  It was so easy to understand and follow and had plenty of pictures with each step.  You can find it here from Stop Staring and Start Sewing

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I'm sure I'll be making more of these, but I'll make a slight change.  The directions are for a standard size pillow.  All my pillows are queen size, so I will make them slightly longer next time.  I think this one turned out just a little short.

I can't wait for Sweetpea to come visit again and see her new pillow.  I think she's going to love it!

I'm joining My Romantic Home for Show and Tell Friday.

Have a fabulous Friday!!!

Thankful Thursday

It's time for Thankful Thursday again.  Today I'm thankful for the beautiful spring like weather we had earlier in the week.  Abundant sunshine, blue skies, temps in the low 70's and upper 60's....just the perfect remedy for the wintertime blahs!  I was able to go out and take pictures around the yard with my new camera (which I'm also thankful for!)  It has turned cold again but it won't be long til it's spring for real!

What are you thankful for today?

I'm A Winner!

Yes, indeed!  I won this fabulous eyeglass case from Do-Rah! Designs and I couldn't be happier! I fell in love with this beauty the minute I saw her!  She came wrapped in fun polka dot tissue paper with an orange ribbon with a sweet card from Debi and two of her business cards (which are too cute!).

Debi makes these eyeglass cases out of leather, and embellishes them with more leather, or fabric and decorative stitching.  This one is the prettiest shade of red and is sooooo soft!  I absolutely love the flowers with the pearl centers.

Debi also makes the prettiest handbags, reusable lunch totes, clutches and more.  

Clutch - Coral Floral

Medium Tote - Ginko Leaves

You can see all of Debi's beautiful creations at her Etsy shop, Do-Rah! Designs.

Have a magnificent Monday!!!

Silent Sunday

Creeping Up On You from Crystal Gayle Photography

Have a wonderful Sunday!!!

Thankful Thursday

I am so very thankful for the few days this little girl spent with us this week.  She is our only grandchild and the light of my life!  We live 125 miles apart and I get to see her a couple of times a month.  There are many grandmas who live much farther away from their grandchildren, so I know how fortunate I am to be able to see her when I do.  

The house is so quiet and empty after she leaves and I immediately begin looking forward to the next visit!

What are you thankful for today?

Tickle Me Tuesday

At some point this year I will be redoing my sewing room.  I've been thinking about it and saving my money and I can't wait to get started on it.  I've been looking around Etsy for just the right storage solutions and these are tickling my fancy these days.

Cottage Style Paper Mache Pantry Boxes from The Broken House

Vintage Canister Set in Rose and Jadeite Green from Something Charming

Vintage Sewing Drawer in White from Sweetina

Vintage Luggage Blue Samsonite Train Case from flyingace

I hope you have a terrific Tuesday!!!

I'm linking to Tickle Me Tuesday at Yes, Teacher

Happy Valentine's Day

Clip art courtesy of The Graphics Fairy

I hope you are surrounded with those you love today and every day!!!

Bells, Bells and More Bells

Many years ago, shortly after Michael and I married, my mother told me I should start a collection of something.  I had never really thought about this and was at a loss as to what to collect.  After looking and thinking and looking some more, I decided I wanted to collect bells. 

My mother gave me my first bell, which came up missing with two others after our first army move.  She, along with family and friends have given me many more bells over the years.  I bought only a few in my collection but I love each and every one of them.  They're not only beautiful, but the sound is so sweet from some of them.

Have a fabulous Friday!!!

I'm linking up with My Romantic Home for Show and Tell Friday.

Thankful Thursday

Today I'm thankful that these two, Michael and Shylee, made it home safely last night.  We are keeping this precious granddaughter for a long weekend and Michael was making the two and a half hour drive home with her when about half way, it started snowing and he slid off the road.  He hit a clump of bushes in a ditch that knocked out the window behind shylee.  Neither of them were hurt and in fact Shylee slept through the whole thing!  Oh, how my heart stopped when Michael called and told me what happened.  When they came home, Michael was carrying a half asleep little girl and I sent up a silent prayer of thanks.  The Jeep will be in for repairs but that's nothing compared to having them home safe and sound.  

What are you thankful for today?

Hot Tea Tickles My Fancy

I am a tea drinker.  I have never been a coffee drinker.  It's not for lack of trying though.  I've tried it every which way and I just don't like it.  If it tasted as good as it smells, I would be an addict!  Tea, on the other hand, is my hot drink addiction.  

These are my current favorites.  The chocolate mint tea is a perfect blend of sweet peppermint with a hint of chocolate.  It's my favorite tea for relaxing in the afternoon.  The Chai tea is the best one I have found.  It has just the right amount of spice and is the only tea I add milk to.  When I'm craving something sweet, I've found the peppermint to satisfy my craving if I make it slightly sweeter than usual.  I'm not much of a fruity tea fan, but the mango and peach white tea is the exception.  Not only is it full of fruity flavor, the aroma is heavenly.  When you come by to spend the afternoon, you can bet I'll offer you a cup of tea!

What is your favorite hot drink?

I'm joining Sarah at Yes, Teacher for Tickle Me Tuesdays.