Friday, August 29, 2014

TRUE JOY ~ AND A FINISHED QUILT TOP!


Well a 3 day week-end is upon us and honestly it feels SOOO good!  I am kind of tired of being so busy and having things we "had" to do.  These 3 days loom ahead with nary a plan in them.  Well, I guess that isn't totally true as it is my middle son's 38th birthday on Monday, and somewhere in this week-end we will have to find a time to get together and have dinner and celebrate him.  You would think I would have this nailed down by now, but if you knew this son you wouldn't be so surprised that we don't, lol.  Hopefully we will fix a time soon.  And then this IS our week-end to clean house (not looking forward to that I am not going to lie) and I also intend to drag out all the Fall decorations and get them put up.  Really shouldn't take too long. I remember from last year that I had it built up into this LONG chore, and it took maybe a half hour or 45 minutes at the max.  Not too bad.  But other then that....I am seeing LONG hours of relaxing, sweet uninterrupted conversation with my hubby, maybe a lunch or two out, and probably a movie.  Who knows, maybe even a nap!  Sounds good to me.  On the other hand it seems totally amazing that September is here and the kids are back in school, and summer is but a memory.   I have a feeling I will blink a couple of times and it will be Halloween, and of course quickly followed by Thanksgiving and Christmas.  Time continues to fly by at horrifying speed.  But I am determined to do my best to savor and enjoy every moment that the Lord grants me here.  My brother asked my husband one day this week, "what" is it that makes you happy? Really happy?  Are you happy?" And I have been asking myself those questions ever since.  And the answers for me are simple.  Yes, I am definitely happy.  I have been blessed by many things that make me thank God everyday for His many, many blessings in my life.  A family that means everything to me, with the sweetest grandkids any woman could ever hope for.  A husband who is definitely my best friend and with whom I still want to spend most of my free time with, and one I can count on to ALWAYS have my back, and shares my constant joy in our children and grandchildren.  Whatever I would do without this man is not something I ever want to know.  Time in my day to enjoy this season in my life doing what I enjoy.  Sisters and friends who bring me amusement and womanly companionship.  Life is full of it's ups and downs, it's good times and it's bad, sickness and health, times of abundant finances and time where every penny is counted and squeezed.  I won't pretend that everything is always as I want it to be, or that we haven't had our fair share of life's dark moments.  But over-all I've been blessed.  Which lead me around to thinking that at the end of the day my "true" happiness comes in knowing Him.  He is the one who holds my very life in His hands, brings me peace when the world around us seems about to crumble apart, and whose mercy and grace make it possible to know my eternity is secure.  He is the one who brings me true joy.  What about you? What brings you true happiness or joy?  Think about it.  Dwell on it...Focus on it.  To do so will bring you peace, comfort and joy.

Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy ~ MEDITATE on these thing!  Phil 4:8

When I originally started this post it was to tell you I have finished the Civil War quilt top.  It was LOTS of work.  I am very pleased with how it came out.  Again, NOT perfect, but honestly especially because it is for me I really just don't care.  I want to get this to the quilters asap.  I have not totally decided on the backing yet for this quilt either.  I would LOVE to make it out of Minky, or maybe a nice snuggly flannel.  I intend to drape it on our family room couch and USE it during the winter to keep warm and cozy.  With today's weather I can't imagine ever needing it though, lol.  Almost 100 degrees here.  But it will come and I'll be ready. I have enough hour glass blocks left over to make 4 big pillows for the couch as well.  Should be quick and easy.  Then I am going to start on a Christmas quilt, and I really need a new Christmas tree skirt, and I'd really like them to match.  I've also got curtains to make for my DIL, and a birthday shirt for Sam.  And then of course I really need to get busy on some Christmas gifts.  Lots to do as you can see!

GOOD CAMERA AND COLORS STILL NOT REAL TRUE TO WHAT THEY ARE...BUT BETTER THEN MY PHONE.  DOESN'T LOOK ALL THAT BIG LAYING THERE EITHER, BUT IT IS THE BIGGEST I HAVE MADE BY FAR.  THE BLUES ARE A LITTLE MORE NAVY THEN THEY ARE SHOWING HERE,,,

JUST ANOTHER ANGLE.  COLORS OFF EVEN MORE IN THIS ONE..SIGH


ENJOY your LONG week-ends ladies, and hope you find and dwell on MUCH that brings you joy!  Debbie

Some more cute grandkids pics...sorry, but I can never resist!

LUKE'S FIRST RIDE IN THE TRACTOR WITH HIS OTHER GRANDPA.  HIS LITTLE BODY SITTING ON HIS LAP WITH HIS LITTLE HANDS ON THE STEERING WHEEL IS JUST PRICELESS...SAM IS SITTING BESIDE HIM CHEERING HIM ON.  HE IS A REGULAR ON TRACTOR RIDES, LOL

SAN DIEGO GRANDS FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL...SOO CUTE!  (THEY ARE HOMESCHOOLED BUT GO TO A CHARTER SCHOOL TWO DAYS A WEEK)




10 comments:

  1. Those grands are looking mighty sharp! Love the dancer's pose.

    And those Texas grands are living a great life!

    Your Civil War quilt turned out beautifully. Don't forget that we'll want to see it after the quilters. Never even thought of having such a nice warm backing except now that I think about it my quilt has a lovely soft flannel backing.

    Loved the pep talk! It is true that our joy is in Him.

    Have a happy weekend!

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  2. The quilt is just beautiful, really love it!!
    Glad you don't hold back on the grand kid photos. It's so fun to watch them grow and change :-)

    Hugs!

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  3. Love the man's questions about being happy and certainly something to think about. Thanks for sharing!

    And, your quilt is just gorgeous!

    Enjoy this long weekend and have a great celebration for your son!

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  4. The quilt top is lovely Debbie!!!! I vote for flannel on the back. Minky may shift during quilting.
    I am happy too! Truly happy!
    XO Kris

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  5. Your weekend sounds just about perfect...lots of time to relax, a little family celebration, a nap even...and three days for it all!

    Your quilt is looking beautiful; you'll really enjoy that this winter!

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  6. A perfect reminder that if we choose to find our joy in Him who is in control, everything else (good or bad) will fall into place. ;-)

    I just LOVE seeing your quilt! I LOVE how it turned out! Not only is it your quilt, but it's your design as well. I can't wait to see it after it's back from the quilter's!

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  7. very good thoughts today Debbie.
    I think all in all it really is a nice life. We have so many,many things to be thankful for. It sounds like a nice weekend. I am hoping to have the same kind. Nice and quiet.
    I love the pictures of the kids. Oh, that quilt is wonderful you did such a nice job!
    I am tired today. I hope we have a quiet weekend too. I am so ready for fall.

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  8. Love the quilt....very nice! Your grandchildren are adorable and I hope they have a great school year.

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  9. Love, love, love the quilt! The pictures of the grands are darling, as always, especially the boys with Daddy in the John Deere!

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  10. HI Debby, Happy Labor Day weekend! I loved getting caught up with you here; we are blessed women indeed.
    I am always blessed by your love!
    Your quilt is beautiful-I knew you were a natural born quilter. I am so drawn to Civil War fabric and designs; this summer I just got another kit and really wanting to finish my Alaska quilt so I can start on the new one. It is another Autumn quilt with marbled fabric.I think it will be great for the fall. I would suggest talking to the person who will quilt yours, in case they don't work with flannel or minky fabrics. I know(I'm sure you do to)that hand stitching those are very difficult. Hope you have a fabulous weekend. It is 85 here but the wind is picking up and the clouds coming-so we could have rain later.
    Hugs,
    Noreen

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I am so glad that you would take the time to comment on my thoughts and feelings, it is such a blessing to me!