Look What Wanda Did To My Chestnut and Vine Quilt

Wanda sent me this photo of my Chestnut and Vine Quilt.  Isn't it lovely.  She did such a great job.  I can hardly wait to see it.  She will mail it next week.  I will add the binding when it gets here. 

I'm so pleased with the quilting designs in the quilt.  Wanda's photos below show the quilting details.  Isn't it the most beautiful quilt!

Thanks Wanda you are the best.

SIMPLIFY / SIMPLICITY

Today I selected my word for the year.  Early this morning I decided the word should be simplify -verb- to make less complex or complicated.   I then attended church and the pastor's sermon was titled "Simplicity".   Simplicity - noun-  the state or quality of being simple.  Now I know I'm on the right track for 2012.  Wish me luck as I search for "simplicity" and attempt to "simplify" my life.

Christmas Past

As we approach Christmas Day, I am reminded of Christmas past.  This is an old photo of my Mama's tree.  Each year she took her ax and saw and went out in search of "the perfect tree".  She often took along one or more of the 20 grandchildren.  The tree was a cedar tree from the family farm.   The tree was placed in the entry hall of her huge brick home.  The home dated to the early 1880's and had high ceilings but Mama always managed to find that "perfect tree". 

Mama bought presents all year so that she had something for everyone in our huge family.  As great grandchildren arrived they too received special gifts.  I remember my son, John, received a toy gun and holster for Christmas 1977 from Mama.  I remember this because he also received a rocking horse and cowboy hat that same Christmas from Santa.  My grandmother had no way of knowing John was going to be a cowboy that Christmas, since she lived in Kentucky and our family was now living in Arizona.  I guess Grandma's must have a special relationship with Santa.

Thinking of Christmas past is a mixed bag.  I remember those great times we spent at Mama's and Papa's house on Christmas day.  All the cousins running in and out the front door with Papa yellling:  "Close the door.  You're letting the cold air in."  Those were the good times.  On the other hand, the photo above was taken by my best friend and cousin, Doug.  He was a wonderful photographer and took photos of many family events.  But a few days before Christmas 1983, he was killed in a traffic accident on black ice.  I remember that Christmas well as I accompanied my father to Kentucky for the funeral on December 24th. 

I wish each of you a Very Merry Christmas. I'm sure each of you have memories of "Christmas Past". 

A New Favorite for Christmas Time

Just last week I discovered this wonderful Mexican Style Hot chocolate Mix by Nestle.  I had never heard of it until my college friend came for visit last week.  She purchases the mix at the Food City in her Southern Arizona hometown and enjoys a cup each morning.  Then I found the instructions for the Snowman Sauna (see previous post),  and  Jessica stated that her favorite cocoa mix was Nestle's Abuelita. 

So I went in search of Abuelita.  I didn't go to Food City immediately as I thought other groceries in town would carry this mix.  After visiting two groceries, I decided to follow my friend's advice and try Food City.  I found a big display in the store and purchased a few boxes.  The hot chocolate is delicious.  It is now "My Favorite"  (just like Michelle and my friend, Veronica).  You should give it a try.  It's wonderful.  I'm enjoying a cup as I type this post.

Wishing you all a Merry Christmas. 

Snowman and the Cabinet Door

I'll be posting Snowmen this "Week Before Christmas".  Our home is filled with various snowmen.  The one above I purchased at a boutique a number of years ago.  He is painted on a cabinet door.  He is one of my favorites.  This year he is displayed on a wall in the dining room. 

Snowman Sauna Mug

Another Snowman Post.

Have you seen these little guys?  I saw them on here on Jessica's blog.  She even wrote a tutorial for them.  I changed mine up a little.  I didn't include candy.  These will be gifts for neighbors and I will also give a plate of cookies so I decided the candy wasn't necessary.  I went to Food City to find the Nestle Abuelita Hot Chocolate Mix that Jessica recommends.  I tried a cup and it is delicious.  I see why it is her favorite.

I think these will be favors at next years Christmas Light Tour in the motorhome.  I will check thrift stores throughout the year for great mugs to use.  I have saved the tags that I created on the computer and the written instructions.  I even have some of the bags left.

There is "Snow" Place like Home!

I have decided to show you some of the many snowmen that inhabit our home during the holidays.  As you arrived at our home you are greeted by snowmen on the front porch.  The snowmen on the bench have been in our family for years.  The largest snowman is missing one eye but we still love him.  The snowman by the porch post was purchased at an after-Christmas sale last year.  He only worked one night and now no longer lights up (guess you could call him a "lemon" of a snowman).  I guess we'll keep him as the "greeter-man"! 

There is even a "Solar Snowman in the Flower Pot.  He was a great find at Walgreen's for $2.99 and he works.  He looks cute in the evening with his glowing head.

A Cowboy snowman gives everyone a "Wild West Welcome". 

Tomorrow I'll share some of the snowmen inside our home.