Where I've been...

It's been over two months since I've posted! Wow! Where does the time go...

Well, to my credit, I've been a little busy with this:

My little bundle of joy! Those are her newborn photos. She's actually a whole month old now...

Yes, I'm totally baby bragging. She's pretty stinking adorable, in my opinion :). Anyway, she came 4 weeks early (April 7th), so things have just been crazy. I'm starting to get the hang of this mom thing, but she consumes my time. Blogging is on the back burner for now. Loving on her and giving her attention is what's important right now. 

So that's my life. Because she came so early, we weren't exactly prepared and done with the nursery. I'm slowly working on finishing that. I'll get pictures up when I'm done. Just thought I'd let you all know that I'm still alive. I'm just a mom now :)

Rest in peace

Marian Lane

February 1, 1932 - September 23, 2010

A grandmother, mother, wife, sister and aunt...she will be missed so much. I am taking comfort in the fact that I know she's in heaven now singing praises to Jesus with a whole and cancer-free body.

 

 

Lots of hairspray and getting her hair "teased" at the salon
Sweatshirts with the fake collars and embroidered designs
Flowery perfume
Onyx ring
Clip on earrings (she never had pierced ears)
Gospel hymns
Making up songs to silly things just because she loved singing so much
Silly sayings
Idioms
A small giraffe figurine used for scratching backs
Anne of Green Gables and grilled cheese sandwiches
Trader Joe’s
Snuggling in the chair next to the fire
Her naturally long nails always painted with clear polish or a French manicure
Lots of jewelry
Always matching/coordinating her clothing and accessories from her rings down to her socks
Being cold and sipping coffee or hot cocoa during their winter visits to Washington
A silver spoon ring and spoon bracelet that she passed down to me
Money for sleeping in my bed on visits
Running from Grandpa while he chases her trying to tickle her
Gardening and flowers
Thanksgiving meals around the big wooden table

These are all things that remind me of my Grandma. I’ll miss all these things. I’m so looking forward to going down there and being in her house and smelling her smell. I know it will be different and so strange without her there. I’m not looking forward to that part of it. I can’t tell you how many memories I have with her or how much she meant to me despite being two states away. She was a very different person the past year with the effects of cancer and chemo and radiation, but she still had the same heart. She will be missed so very much.

Grandma, I love you. I’m sorry I couldn’t be there with you more. I’m going to miss you so much, but I know I’ll see you again. I’m so glad you’re free of cancer now and in a place of eternal peace and joy.

Almost done!

I thought it was about time I updated you on the status of my quilting project! I'm nearly finished! But first, here is a picture of my adorable niece for your enjoyment:

 

Isn't she just precious?? Well, I think so anyway :)

And without further ado...

I went for the straight line quilting, but made it purposely not totally straight and did them in random increments

More of the straight lines on the quilt top

The backing and my binding, which I'm clearly JUST starting to hand sew to the back

Quilting on the back

The completed quilt top...Tada!

 All that's left on this project is for me to finish hand-sewing the binding to the back and then a good wash and dry to give it that "worn" look. Yay! I'll post another picture of the completed product! It's far from perfect, but I have to say, I'm pretty happy with my very first quilt. I kind of wish I could keep it...


And here is the unfinished banner that my sister-in-law and I made. I have to sew the strips along the top for us to hang it still. The "happy birthday" is in pinks and reds because her birthday party is going to be Minnie Mouse themed (her very favorite character). Her name ("kahla") is in black, white and purple because my sister wanted to be able to hang it in her room later on. Her room is decorated in black, white, purple and green (hence the colors of the quilt). I'll post another picture of the completed banner when it's done.