Birthday Girl!


Joanna is 2!



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Grandma's Quilt

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One Summer I visited my Grandma Lydia Gingerich in Middlebury, IN and I remember her showing me her Friendship Quilt that she had made the year before she was married.  She would have been around 23 when the quilt was made.  I was fascinated by this quilt and all the work that was put into it, but also the memories of the sweet friends and family who so lovingly took time to embroider a square for her quilt.    When my Grandma died last year, I knew that of all of my Grandma's things, I wanted that quilt the most!  It was connected to memories of spending time with my Grandma and the creativity that was passed down from her to all her daughters(five of them!) and granddaughters(all two of us!)  On my last trip I picked up the quilt and brought it home with me...I am so happy to have a piece of my Grandma!  I miss her still!  Enjoy these snapshots of the quilt...(click on the picture to see up close)   I have thought that making a qu...
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Valentines and Other Fun Stuff

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 It's always fun to make things in the shape of hearts!  Especially for Valentine's Day! The brown icing was specifically made for my hubby, not only to be more masculine, but because it is Peanut Butter Frosting !  He adores Chocolate and Peanut Butter anything!   It's also fun to make things for my new nephew (coming in march)!  I decided to tackle the Faux-Chenille Blanket as seen on my friend Jeni's blog. First I layered 5 pieces of snuggle flannel in a variety of bright colors (imperfectly as you can tell).  The bottom layer has to be 6-10 inches larger than the other layers.  I wanted my finished product to be 36x36, so the bottom layer was 42x42.  Then I pinned it with safety pins, so I wouldn't get continually poked (an idea I got from Jeni), and then I started sewing!  I marked a line diagonally down the center of the back and used that as my guide.  The rest of the seams I did by eye and tried to get them 1/2 inch apar...
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My Stress-Free Christmas List

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After attempting to take Christmas photos with a dead camera battery, we tried again the next night and got this sweet one, among others! Every Christmas I have to remind myself not to fall into the "Perfect Christmas" trap.  I have to focus on what is truly important and weed out the rest.  Here is my list to remind myself what's important: My Christmas List 1. It's okay to say no.  2. My kids aren't going to suffer if I don't make Christmas candy. 3. My house doesn't need to look like Martha Stewart or Pottery Barn. 4. I don't need to stress out so much about picking out the perfect gift.  It's the thought that counts. (right?) 5. No one is going to hate me if they don't get a Christmas card from me. 6. My super-mom status won't change if I don't make cut-out Christmas cookies. 7. I don't need to attend every Christmas show and activity in town. 8. It's okay to stay home and enjoy quiet evenings with my family. ...
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