Happy 14th Birthday to Jackson!!!

Today he got ice-cream!!!

Our ol' boy continues to be our constant companion. 

He still enjoys our daily walks, always taking the lead...though the distance is shorter as his bones hurt, his legs shake, he tires quicker, he WON'T miss it!

Yet, as long as he is with us, he is happy! 

For example, trips to the department store...where he even enjoys a nap. 

As long as he can come along...he IS HAPPY!

He has doggie dementia which produces separation anxiety...so we just take him along. 

He continues to love "his boys".

They know to be gentle with him as they know he can't hear well anymore.

They are always kind and caring to "their Jackson".

And Jackson's smart, as they DO  make the BEST napping companions as well.

We love you buddy and are so grateful for the many years we have had with  you!

Here's to a few more.

With Smiles,

Val:)

"May the Force Be With You"

Like most four years old's right now, our youngest grand guy just loves Baby Yoda.

For his fourth birthday (last month) he got Baby Yoda Jammies:

He got a "big boy" twin bed so of course, we bought him Baby Yoda sheets:

 

And....finally...Meme got his birthday quilt DONE!!! 

(Yes, a month later!!!)

I love the flannel green & black check backing and "bubbles" pantograph I used:

It's just the right size for that NEW twin size bed too!!!

And here he is opening up his "Happy Mail":

SWEET DREAMS Little One!!!

With Smiles! Val:)

Birthday Quilts Ready to Gift!

Not one...

...but two birthday quilts.

 These were quick and easy strip quilts that happily filled our grand guys request of  a 

birthday quilt in fabric of his favorite football team. I used a soft flannel backing and 

made them to be twin and crib size to fit the beds at their dad's house.

Hard to believe these two are going to be four and eight!

These are their traditional quilt labels and I finished the quilts with a fun football pantograph.

More quilty hugs...

...for the two that call me Meme.

With Smiles. 

Val

Busy Binding....with a little help!

My grand guys birthday quilts are almost done!

I'm busy sewing the binding...and Jackson seems to think these are for him?

Such a funny pup!

Who by the way just turned twelve!

Finished quilt pictures coming soon!

Hope this post finds all my quilty friends doing well.

Sending smiles your way! V:)

My Word for 2021: Committment!

Today I completed my 100 day challenge!!!

I wrapped up the last One Hundred days of 2020 with a commitment to self.

To complete 100 days of something changes you.

For me, I gained a new confidence in myself. 

I learned to prioritize my own commitment to self...with no excuses. 

I remember when I first started I read: You have to have a Day One to have a Day One Hundred! Then pretty soon, I was on day ten, twenty...soon not wanting to miss a day, not wanting to break my '"trend". This in itself increased my sense of purpose and self. 

I gained a sense of control during a time when we feel like we have no control.

So what fuels you? What is your Bliss?

I begin 2021 with a continued commitment to self.

This intentional effort to exercise and be healthy fuel me.

I handle stress better. I handle loneliness better. I handle our ever-changing world better.

Isolation, social distancing, distance learning as an educator have created an independence and freedom like I've never before experienced.  I tire of daily ZOOM meetings and do not like spending so much time on a computer. I walk on my lunch hour and workout when I get home to keep my body active and strong.  I have learned over the past nine months to nurture my faith and vision of self.

What are you taking control of during these uncertain times?

What are you being intentional about?

I've come to realize blogging is not in my Wheel Well right now.

As I personally move into 2021, I wanted to leave some words that will hopefully inspire you to take control of that which you can during this Coronavirus pandemic we are experiencing.

 I have no New Year's Resolution, yet choose to move forward 

continuing my wellness habits and just breathing through so much that we can't control.

Instead of thinking "I'm giving up this and not doing that" think about replacement.

Success requires replacement:

So far, I've:

Replaced complaining with gratitude.

Replaced toxic people with mentors.

Replaced junk food with nutrition.

Replaced overthinking with action.

and now, I'll focus on replacing alcohol with water.

Hoping 2021 finds you inspired to become the best version of yourself as the world needs more strong, healthy, happy people that are non-judgmentally kicking-ass in their life!

With SMILES! Val

Happy Day and a Yummy Recipe!

Just loving everything Pumpkin right now....

...and enjoying afternoon walks through the Fall leaves.

How about you?

Here's one of my Fall Favorites:

A LIGHT RECIPE, RIGHT FROM OUR COOKBOOK, FOR YOU TO TRY.

With Smiles! Val

A New Baby Quilt!

Nothing like the anticipation of a new baby to get one's sewing mojo back!

Pattern used: Summer Song by Villa Rosa Designs.
Quilt measures 44"x55".

I love watching a fat quarter bundle turn into a wonderful quilt. 

For this one I used a Purples Bella Solid pack. 

I've never made a commissioned quilt. But this was for a work friend who wanted something special for her new little niece. She requested solid purples with grays. 

I don't think I've ever made a quilt from solids...and this one has quickly become a favorite!

I used my Beautiful, Colorful, Butterfly pantograph to add a girly touch.

I found a fun "Love You To The Moon and Back" gray backing...

...and I was sure to create a tag that our friend could personalize for her new niece.

I had some backing left over so made a matching receiving blanket too. 

I love the texture of the pom-pom trim, don't you?

I have more baby quilts to make before December and may use this pattern again??

Between the cooler Fall weather and the anticipation of babies, it feels good to be sewing again.

With smiles. Val