fun with the grandkids

I first saw some of these adorable horses at Annabel's beautiful and generous blog.

I went searching for the pattern and found it here.

I substituted the poster board with scrap booking paper given to me by a friend who was quitting that (rather expensive) hobby.

The scrapbook paper was not heavy enough to handle the buttons and wire that were recommended, but brass fasteners fit the bill perfectly.

I spent a very pleasant hour or more with my big grands, ages 8,9 and 11.  We created a mini herd of horses.

Including one unicorn.  Because, unicorns.

64/100

A while ago (last summer?) I signed up for Patsy's 100 day sewing challenge.

She encouraged her readers to sew 15 minutes a day ( not necessarily consecutively) for a 100 days.

Here is my progress so far:

Since taking on this challenge, I have finished:

• a baby quilt for a new grandniece
• a light saber pillow sham
• repaired a quilt
• did some mending
• made a Christmas stocking
• did some mending
• made 4 tutus for the grandgirls
• made 2 capes for the grandboys

• I'm glad I wrote down what I did or I would have forgotten that I did some of this!

Thank you, Patsy for your challenge!  I have accomplished more than I thought I could - and have hopes of getting even more done!

You can get a lot done just 15 minutes at a time!  Also...15 minutes sometimes stretches into an hour or two!

here a little, there a little

When Patsy at A Working Pantry  announced her sewing challenge, I knew I had to participate.

It is a simple challenge.  Sew 15 minutes a day for 100 days.  She was kind enough to say that they did not have to be consecutive days.

I have, not a large stash of fabric, but a large pile of Things With Which Something Could Be Done.  I make tee shirt bags for a non-profit I at which I volunteer.  There is a bag of wool garments that no one wanted to wear, but the craft ideas for them are endless.

There was a box I scored for free at a garage sale.  I haven't even looked beyond the first layer or two of that.

This challenge would be great motivation to get a move on.

I devised a super simple 'analog' way of keeping track of my days:

See what you can do with just paper and pencil, kids?  No batteries or cords or updates necessary.

To date I have:

• changed a full length sleeve blouse to a 3/4 length sleeve. 
• mended a pair of the resident fisherman's shorts
• made a pillow sham for my grandson
• repaired a quilt for my other grandson

I made this quilt for my oldest son when I was pregnant with his brother.  In anticipation of needing to move him to a 'big boy bed', I wanted him to have something special to be excited about.

I saw a pattern in a Better Homes and Gardens magazine in the early '80's and ordered it.  I was too young and foolish to realize I was in over my head (or skill level).  There was embroidery, quilting and applique.  I had done precious little of any of these. But I kept at it.   That is how you make progress. A little bit at a time.  Rome wasn't built in a day and all that.

  That is what attracted me about the 100 day challenge.  Slow and steady is my speed.

The quilt had some wear and tear, what with raising three boys (pretty much the whole house had some damage - as adults the boys now compare what they broke, bent, busted or tore apart when they get together - I learn something every time).

Boys.

wear

tear

I did it!  I got it mended and will give it to my firstborn's firstborn.  A sweet little red-headed guy ready to go into his 'big boy bed'.

Ta da!

Do you wanna make a snowman?

The answer is, "Yes!"

Laura and I scouted around for some ideas of crafts to do with the grands.

I found this.

Cute, right?

Pardon the poor quality of pictures by this one-armed 'photographer'.

We spent the better part of a half hour decorating these snow guys.  Not bad for a 3, 4 and 6 year old.

Do you want to make a snowman?

free fall

We stopped and talked to one of our neighbors the other day,  I asked about his garden - 'Were those pumpkins, I saw?'

Yep. pumpkins.  And two days later he was on our front steps dropping off some of his bounty.

See the one on the top step?  On one side it is dark green, on the other light greenish/orange (see picture below).  I believe it is a pumpkin cross pollinated with a winter squash.  Or vice versa.  Pretty cool either way.  And so kind of our neighbor to be so generous and thoughtful.

The pumpkins will stay on the front steps until the first frost approaches and then I will bring them in and bake them.  After the flesh in pureed it will be frozen in two cup batches and over the next month or two made into pumpkins pies and bars.

We have not had a frost yet, but it did get down to 37 degrees the other night which was low enough to turn my basil into little black shriveled up leaves.  This was my second crop, but I shoulda harvested it earlier.  Live and learn.

Some other friends went to an apple farm and brought us about 20 pounds of apples.  They would not let us pay for them either.  After tonight's supper of chili, we will enjoy a warm serving of apple betty.

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If you need a break from the sewing machine, but like to have a little handwork to stitch on in the evenings, good ol' Martha has a bunch of cute cross-stitch ideas.  Be sure to look at all the pages!

Martha and Mary moment #16

my little Sonshine choir singing 'Jingle, Jingle Happy Bells, JESUS IS BORN!'

There was a Christmas, perhaps you had one too, the perfect combination of gifts and loved ones. We were at my maternal grandmothers and I recall sitting on the floor under her tree. Around my neck were long coveted pop together plastic pearls, draped across my shoulders was a faux mink stole. A little pink plastic cupboard with dishes completed my wonderful fantasy Christmas. I was June Cleaver in miniature. I looked up at the ceiling and marveled at the intricate patterns the twinkling lights made. I was content and happy.

There was a Christmas, perhaps your children had one too, the perfect gifts combined with time slowing and parents who were completely attentive. Each of the older boys had received their dream Lego sets - one a castle, one a spaceship. I spent the day helping Jon build the castle, Pat helped Nathan with the spaceship. We looked around at each other and the beautiful, fresh, fragrant tree. We were content and happy.

There was a Christmas, perhaps you have heard...a young mother gave birth to her first born son. She wrapped Him in swaddling clothes and laid Him in a manger. She looked at her husband; they looked to their Heavenly Father. They were content and happy.

And amazed. This tiny baby embodied the Creator of the Universe. A child, yet also: Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, the Prince of Peace.

Only through Him can we find contentment and happiness. He is our Greatest Gift, this and any CHRISTmas.

Merry Christmas to each one of you. May you know His joy.
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Here is my last Martha tip for this season.
Hope you enjoyed the projects this month!

I'll be back to blogging sometime next week.

Martha and Mary moment # 15

"As He spoke to our fathers,

To Abraham and his offspring forever."

Luke 1:55

from Mary's Magnificat

"And I will establish My covenant between Me and you and your descendants after you throughout their generations for an everlasting covenant, to be God to you and to your descendants after you.

Gen. 17:7

"But God said, No, but Sarah your wife shall bear you a son, and you shall call his name Isaac; and I will establish My covenant with him for an everlasting covenant for his descendants after him."

Gen. 17:19

"The LORD has sworn to David,

A truth from which He will not turn back;

Of the fruit of your body I will set upon your throne."

Psalms 132:11

"What I am saying is this: the Law, which came four hundred and thirty years later, does not invalidate a covenant previously ratified by God, so as to nullify the promise.

Gal. 3:17

It is amazing to look into these portions of the Bible and see the marvelous plan that God had to redeem mankind. A plan set in place from before time began. A plan involving a young peasant girl. A plan to redeem you. And me.

This post ends my search through the Magnificat in Luke chapter one for the references to passages scattered throughout both the Old and New Testaments.

As I have pondered these passages I am once again in awe of the intricate mysteries of God's ways.

On this bright moonlit (sleepless) night, I consider what happened in Bethlehem centuries ago and worship - Christ the LORD, the newborn King.

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Happy Birthday today to Dad! We are celebrating Dad's birthday today by going to the doctor for a routine appointment. Woot! 81 years old and still walks 3 miles or more every day. You are the best, DOD!
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Here is another cute idea from Lady Farmer's blog.

Martha and Mary moment #14

finished and mailed!

Luke 1:53

"He has filled the hungry with good things;

And sent away the rich empty-handed."

Psalm 107:9

"For He has satisfied the thirsty soul,

and the hungry soul He has filled with what is good."

That would be my prayer for all (both of?) my readers. That your soul would be satisfied with what is good.

So many distractions these days. Take time to stop the noise and fill your soul with good things.

Our Christmas program is tomorrow and I am enjoying meditating on the words to the music we are singing.

Have a wonderful weekend!

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This is a wonderful Christ-honoring way to decorate your tree.

Martha and Mary moment #13

"He has brought down rulers from their thrones,

And has exalted those who were humble."

Luke 1: 52

"So that He sets on high those who are lowly,

And those who mourn are lifted to safety.

Job 5:11

In college, I first became acquainted with the idea that the Kingdom of God is an upside down kingdom. The first shall be last, the last first. The Messiah King came as a little baby. The Savior is the Servant.

Mary's life reflects that as well. A humble peasant maid in an obscure village carrying the Son of God in her womb.

This reminds me of the powerful words in the song 'Mary Did You Know':

Mary did you know, this child that you delivered would soon deliver you?

I hope you will take time with me this season to ponder some of the amazing things God has done. He sets on high those who are lowly. He exalts those who are humble.

And would you please pray for my friend J. and me? She is the one who held the Christmas tea last weekend. We are taking two of the gals out to lunch today. Pray that our conversation would be glorifying to the LORD.

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Two more nativity ideas:

Here is one cute idea for nativity blocks.

And here is the other. This gal will even email you the images if you leave your email address in her comment section. I received mine in less than 24 hours.

I finished the stockings! Pics tomorrow.

Martha and Mary moment #12

Psalm 118:15-16:

The sound of joyful shouting and salvation is in the tents of the righteous;

the right hand of the LORD does valiantly.

The right hand of the LORD is exalted;

The right hand of the LORD does valiantly.

Centuries later Mary spoke of God's strength and power - echoing the sentiments of the Psalm:

'He has done mighty deeds with His arm

He has scattered those who were proud in the thoughts of their heart.

Luke 1:51

This knowledge of God's power and His ability to do mighty deeds, valiantly, gave her the strength to do the incredible task He had set before her.

Awesome to think that same power is available to us.

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We are iced in this morning. .25-.3 inches of ice coat the area. No walking for this girl. Travel is treacherous. Officials are saying 'STAY HOME!'

Yes, sirs. I will. I hope to finish the stockings this morning and them make some fudge for a gift for our 'hairapist' Harriet. All while listening to Christmas music and sipping hot cocoa.

There are widespread power outages in our area. Trees and power lines down. Best get my jobs requiring electricity done while we have power!

Here is a cheery embroidery project. Pattern is free with purchase.

Looks like someone did a good job of thrift store shopping

for an ugly Christmas sweater for his party last night

Martha and Mary moment #11

I'm almost done...

"He has done mighty deeds with His arm..."

Luke 1:51a

"O sing to the LORD a new song,

for He has done wonderful things,

His right hand and His Holy arm have gained the victory for Him.

Psalm 98:1

The Bible contains many examples of the mighty deeds God has done with His arm. Do you think Mary realized to what extent she would be involved ?

Take a few minutes out of your busy schedule and recount the mighty deeds God has done in your life. Prepare to be amazed and blessed!

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Though they are few and far between, my favorite craft/ decorating ideas during the Christmas season are those that reflect our Savior's birth.

Here is a nativity banner that would be great to do with the children in your life.

Martha and Mary moment #10

4 still stitching

"But from everlasting to everlasting

the Lord's love is with those who fear Him,

and His righteousness with their children's children."

Psalm 103:17

What a comfort this verse is to this grandma! And it must have comforted Mary as well, as she realized that God had chosen her to be part of His plan to change the world:

His mercy extends to those who fear Him,

from generation to generation.

Luke 1:50

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Today's craft/decorating idea looks cute and easy. You may as well stock up on terra cotta pots!

Martha and Mary moment #8

our trees in the breakfast nook at night

Continuing on with the discovery of Old Testament passages in Mary's Magnificat, we find that verse 48 of Luke 1:

"for He has been mindful of the humble state of His servant."

was foreshadowed here:

"Though the LORD is on high, He looks upon the lowly, but the proud He knows from afar."

Psalm 138:6

How grateful I am that I don't have to be rich or famous or rocket scientist smart or movie star gorgeous to be looked upon by GOD. He knows who I am, He know my inmost thoughts, He made me, He redeemed me, He loves me. Plain, ordinary little old me.

Certainly, something to be celebrated all year long!

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Got yarn? Here are lots of suggestions for pom poms over at the long thread. Have fun!

Busy weekend here - I'm kicking into Martha mode, but hopefully not neglecting my Mary side.

Friday:

• Set tables for the choir Christmas dinner (setting tables with various ladies' Christmas dishes or china)
• Go early for the dinner, put finishing touches on food
• Direct the evening entertainment for the dinner (more about this later)
• Clean up
• In the afternoon, sew every chance I get and practice piano when I get tired of stitching

Saturday

• morning meeting
• afternoon Christmas tea, bringing a devotional and playing some Christmas carols
• bake brownies for Sunday's lunch for choir kids
• sew every chance I get and practice piano when I get tired of stitching

Sunday

• teach Sunday school with Pat
• bring our angel tree gift to church
• sing in choir
• stay after church for children's lunch
• children's lunch followed by dress rehearsal for children's program
• sew every chance I get and practice piano when I get tired of stitching
• return to church at 4:45 for bell choir dress rehearsal
• 6:00 children's program with the bell choir performing 3 numbers at the end

Praying that none of my little munchkins :

1) pick their nose,

2) lift their dresses over their heads or

3) have a hissy fit.

It looks like a lot, but I am looking forward to every bit of it. .

Enjoy your weekend!

(no blog post tomorrow....)

Martha and Mary moment #5

Mary says, in Luke 1:46:

" My soul exalts the LORD"

or as another translation reads:

"My soul praises the LORD".

Perhaps she was quoting Psalm 34:2:

"My soul will boast in the LORD

let the afflicted hear and rejoice."

alternatively translated:

"My soul shall make its boast in the LORD

The humble shall hear it and rejoice."

Psalm 34 is a beautiful Psalm on which to meditate. I lingered on verse 5.

"Those who look to Him are radiant

their faces are never covered with shame."*

Mary, faced with the staggering privilege and responsibility of carrying the Son of GOD in her womb - and the shame of being pregnant before marriage - looked to GOD. She praised Him; exalted Him. Despite and because of her circumstances.

Based on Psalm 34:5 we know her strength came from the LORD and was reflected in visible, radiant joy. Her soul exalted the LORD. What a wonderful example she has set for us!

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The phone rang yesterday. On the line was a friend from Bible study. She wanted to minister to her neighbor ladies during this Christmas season. Her idea was to invite them over for a Christmas tea.

"I'd like you to come give a short devotional and play a few Christmas carols so we can sing together." she said.

How could I say 'no' to that? (I couldn't.) We had to find a mutually available date and agreed on this Saturday. On my way to choir last night, a detailed devotional outline 'happened' to pop into my head. I love how the LORD works! I fleshed it out during some sleepless moments during the night and will polish it today.

I think her idea of sharing Christ with her neighbors is a wonderful one, that maybe some of the rest of us can copy. Kind of a Martha/Mary moment combo.

And here is another idea, of the crafty variety. Our blog friend Lady Farmer made a cute, cute, cute Nutcracker out of terra cotta flower pots. Go see~

*see also Exodus 34:29-35