Sewing Again!

It has been a wild fall, just not at all what I "planned", funny how that works. But the two younger (not the baby who still wears footies, and the older two who don't wear Nanut jammies any more) are getting GLOW IN THE DARK jammies. SO cool. I saw the fabric when I was buying for Hug-A-Bears and decided to ditch what I had already bought to make them their jammies and use this instead. They are also getting pillow cases along with Lulu. 

Mom (daughter-in-law) is getting towels for the boys, who don't seem capable to keeping a towel on the rack. I have watched D wash his hands, basically #1. get hand wet and #2. MAYBE wipe down on the towel to get SOME of the wet off. Basically transferring any "goop" from hands to towel. I have also found them on the floor when I have visited, totally understandable, which probably gave their mom the TOTALLY BRILLIANT idea of the following picture.  She is getting five more. I think this will be a regular gift over the next few years as youngest boy isn't even 2 yet. 

Been making Hug-A-Bears as well. Since we meet in January and these need to get over to the hospital BEFORE Valentine's Day and the best sewer is getting a new hip, so I decided I would take the time to sew a few (about 75) bears for our next stuffing session. So cute. I think Valentine's Day is a favorite "holiday" of mine. Celebrating LOVE! And we all have someone to LOVE, at least I hope so. Wish it wasn't quite so "Romanticized" as love isn't something so limited, but alas, it is. 

I really need to get back working on my Chanel jacket and make a dress shirt or two for a couple of my guys. I also want to learn how to make hats, sew for my sister-in-law, use some of the fabulous fabrics I have bought for specific projects, and try all the new techniques I am reading about in my Couture Books that I purchased recently. Sigh. Next year? 

Lucky Son-in-law

So far this fall, the sewing room has sat dormant, except for company. I have never been so far behind in my sewing for Christmas. It is OK, I will be mailing a box to the son and his family some time around new year. Next week SHOULD produce some items, we'll see. I have been saying that for weeks, and LIFE just keeps getting in the way. 

Son-in-law did receive his gifts already. He was here for Thanksgiving and since we won't be seeing them for Christmas this year, I decided they were done, he may as well start using them. 

He does like his custom shirts.

Thanksgiving

This year we decided to invite my AR brother and sister-in-law to our home for a traditional Thanksgiving dinner. My sister-in-law, who I have known since I was 14, had folks who could cook, and she really likes the turkey, dressing and other dishes associated with Thanksgiving. So that is what we did. We then invited their son and his new wife, who had their little wedding ceremony in our home. They said YES! It was our year to host our girls as well. I think we have a party! Then, to my surprise and delight, my oldest brother and his wife asked if they could join us. YES! YES! YES! Of coarse! So we had a house full. The guest room, the sewing room with the blow up Queen and the sun room with the queen sofa bed were all put to use. We had a dozen during the day and eight at night. I didn't hear any complaining, so I guess everyone was comfortable enough. I know I was one happy camper! It was so wonderful, as we are the ones who live away from every one else, so having folks come this way is a special treat, and this Thanksgiving was a great treat. Fun had by all. 

There were games.

And sitting around with devices

And EATING!

just tilt your head a bit - I tried everything

 And talking.

SO VERY thankful for my family, my friends, my home, and the gifts I have been given from above. AMEN!

Family

It is always good to see family, even when the occasion is not good. Family is what gets us through the tough bits. LOVE.

 A cousin, my mom and my youngest brother.

 My sister-in-law and three of her grandsons.

 Lots of us at breakfast. 

 At my cousins home with my aunt, uncle and cousins. 

 Sis-in-law, me, sis-in-law, cousin and aunt.

 I guess we DO look alike. AUGH!

 Uncle, brother, brother, brother, mom, aunt and mom's cousin.

 Sis-in-law, and oldest bro with their son and two grandsons. 

 Two nephews, brothers! 

Sis-in-law with youngest brother. 

And these are only a FEW in the family, what a lucky girl I am. 

A sad trip

My youngest nephew, the only child of my youngest brother, passed away this November. Such a shock. I am so fortunate to have been able to get a ticket and fly to my mom's, and assist her in getting to the funeral. How sad to lose a grandson. How wonderful to have a family who will rally around our youngest brother in support.  How comforting to know he was welcomed by our Savior and loved ones.

My dad, already in heaven, and our sweet nephew.

A recent picture, how I want to remember him. 

Two homes

These two homes are a big part of my memories growing up. One is the home I lived in from age 3 until about 8, the other is my grandma's house, that was a big part of my life from the time I can remember. I took my mom by them when we were on the recent trip. Stirring up memories.