Helen 'n Jack

On Labor Day afternoon, Helen and Jack got married at Helen's sister Mary Ann's house.

The ceremony was outdoors on the porch, the weather was perfect.

What is it about cake that makes kids so happy? Nora and Ella (center) were flower girls.

Congratulations and many best wishes to Helen and Jack.

Birthday Party

Aaron's birthday party, chapter one, Chuck E Cheese. I got there at the very end, when it was time to pick out the prizes.


Back at home were the lunch decorations. Lots of Buzz Lightyear, Aaron's favorite. And, later, Buzz Lightyear toys from Grandma and Pap.

There were hamburgers and hot dogs but the kids REALLY loved the birthday cupcakes.

Ever since the day that Aaron first saw the hitch on Bridget's truck, he's been crazy about hitches. Every parking lot is an adventure because there are more hitches to be found. Bridget found a toy truck with, what else, a hitch and trailer. There were motorcycles from Uncle Bobby that got lots of rides on the trailer.

Raggedy Andy joined Nora's Raggedy Ann from Gran B. Note to Steph: Upon reflection, I really don't think it's a good idea to wash Raggedy Ann. While she would survive it quite well, she wouldn't smell the same or look the same and she's loved lots just as she is.

Jacobean Christmas

Jacobean Christmas table runner from HolleyBerry

Pretty colors -

lots and lots of metallic.

I only had one thread issue in thousands and thousands of stitches, which is pretty amazing.

I'm hoping for rain today, seems like forever. All the grass is brown, the plants barely holding on. I thought long and hard about getting a Reds ticket for tonight, was all ready to press the button, then decided against it at the last minute. It's sunny now, though. The Reds won in the 12th inning last night, my co-worker and I will be happy when we rehash, which we always do.

As for tonight, I think I'll stay home and listen on the radio while I'm sewing, hope there isn't a rain delay.

Focus Shift

Yesterday was all about Nora as she started off to kindergarden. And today was all about Aaron as he turned 3. What I remember about Aaron's first day: The sturdy, unlike a newborn, feel of him wrapped tightly in his receiving blanket. At 9 pounds, 10 ounces, he was never a teeny baby, not even on his first day.

There were cupcakes for school and a few left for home. The real cake comes on Sunday.

A card from Aunt Sarah and Winnie -

with a fire truck in their package. And from Mom and Dad, Buzz Lightyear cowboy boots that light up with red flashes.


The Buzz Lightyear costume from me was somewhat less than a hit, but Nora liked it just fine. I'm sure that when Halloween approaches Aaron may take a second look.

Happy birthday, little buddy.

First Day

The first day - a success.

Credit to Steph for the picture I took from her facebook posting. In all the pictures, she looks so happy. And so does her mom. It does Gran G's heart proud.

Tribute to Nora

Tomorrow night after work I'll come home and turn on the computer to check facebook to see pictures of Nora's first day of kindergarden. She will be going in the mornings so I'll be thinking extra much about her then. I hope her first day, in a brand new school, is a good one for her.

Today I'm thinking about the first time I saw her, early on a Saturday December morning. And the physical zing I felt when I first saw her, because there she was, that anticipated baby, with tons of black hair that I had known would be red. And I fell instantly in love with that black-haired baby, who did in fact have red hair later.

I'm telling myself that she's gone to school for years now and this is no different, but of course it is. A rite of passage. Good journeys, Nora. I love you.

The Big Package

Little Raggedy Andy is finished and I'm hoping that Aaron finds him to be a good companion, sleeping buddy, and friend willing to play 'most any game.

I opened the box of fiberfill for this project and it's obvious that the fiberfill will not go willingly back into the box. I actually have two of these boxes, purchased for half off and waiting for whatever project that needs them. Five-pound boxes.

I am blessed to have the space to buy the things I use in bulk. Even though there's only one of me, I want the huge packages of toilet paper and paper towels. Wonder Under and batting and muslin for dyeing by the bolt. It aggravates me to go to the store for a little of this or that because I've run out or need just a little. It seems like such a waste of time and time is so precious. I've read that there are two kinds of shoppers: those like me and those who enjoy the shopping trip out because the paper towels are down to the last few sheets.

Then there's the matter of getting notions and other sewing supplies on sale. I have a good idea of what I use, what colors I'm apt to use, how my supply is. And I know what I will NEVER use. I like to think that it will all work out.

When I went to put ties on Raggedy Andy's outfit, there was red dotted ribbon in the basket, left from another project. I wouldn't have been happy to have had to go to the fabric store (even to the fabric store!) for ribbon. I knew just where it was. I like to work like that.