Em's Funny Farm

Hey Bob!

2011-10-26T13:57:00.002-05:00

Last Sat. Floyd & I and Harry & Lynn went to Kalamazoo to see.......TA DA.........

He was hilarious!! We were invited to the Meet & Greet after the show so we got to meet the man himself! Also had a photo taken with him. Haven't gotten it from Tracey yet. I told Mr. Newhart that the best part of his show is how he enjoys it! I don't know if he's laughing at us laughing or if he also thinks he's funny! He said he did enjoy doing it.........he's 82!

Guess What This Is !

2011-06-12T11:36:00.004-05:00

I just spent a week in the U.P. with Floyd. I had never been there and he was a wonderful tour guide! I had a wonderful time!! We spent one day with a map of antique stores and we visited all we could find. I picked up this treasure at one of them. It is beautiful and I love it. Problem is, I have no idea what it is! It's sitting in front on my freezer which is about the size of a washer or dryer.

Any ideas or suggestions? Help is appreciated!

Kadee and Kami decided this looked like a good use for it! Although she is much too long for it!

What I've been up to lately..........

2011-04-21T11:02:00.006-05:00

Patched Hearts is for Kate & Adam's baby........due soon. (Linda's son if you didn't know.)

I just gave this to Angel, the waitress at 'The Coffee Cup' where Dad eats lunch every day. Due even sooner. You're right about that double stitching of the feathers. They look so fancy & flaws don't show at all!!

Not quilted yet.......can I send this to you to take to Brandon & Laura? Otherwise I'll need an address.

This is where we found Kami the night she went missing. Loni & Don still won't let Jenny watch the girls!

Our newest addition, Aiden Miles.........looks like one of ours, doesn't he?!

Odie's latest addition, Chelsea. She's living with us until Odie gets a place of her own. She's a fun pup but is in that chewing stage.

New Doors!

2011-03-09T14:20:00.002-05:00

I don't know why it took me so long to realize I could make these of 2 different sizes! The curtains I had hanging had a small panel in the middle to close the gap. This was a genuine "duh" moment! I don't know how they'll wear but they look cute for now!

A Day at the Beach in Ludington

2010-07-19T10:25:00.005-05:00

WoW!! Look what Kami caught!! That's a whopper!!

Kami loved the sand!

Kadee didn't get out of the water long enough to get a closer photo of her! That's Jenny with her.

Sarah......

Me (they let me come cause they needed a driver.)

Having a ball!

Kami enjoyed getting buried!!

Jenny at the wedding. Sarah went to her friends birthday party, so she wasn't there.

Guests at the wedding.......

2010-07-19T10:00:00.003-05:00

That's Jaycee, Tommy's little girl. And Kadee. Jaycee & Kami. The girls are dancing on the firepit!

Tom just to the left of Vicki (That's Tammi next to Tom) , first blue shirt to the rt of her is Tim, Katie's 1st hubby. The next blue shirt is Pastor Ron, from Vickies church.

Some of the grandkids....... MY grandgirls!

My daughter!!

Dave and Linda.......

I was the entertainment........I signed "Love of My Life". No, there were no deaf people there. Donny Osmond sang & Jim Brickman played the piano. Vicki just wanted something for the guests to watch since the music was canned.

The Re-Wedding

2010-07-19T09:40:00.003-05:00

Same man, same woman on Porter Rd....again. Here's to the next 50 years!!

Vicki walked Dad down the aisle this time. (He didn't cry this time!) Katie & Dean

Kathy & Lenny.......almost missed.

Kim & Larry

Kristie & Russell

The Bride & Groom........

Exchanging rings

The Kiss.............

Stepping into the future.......

Happy 50th Vicki & Allen!

2010-07-19T09:28:00.002-05:00

This is the snippet I made for Vic & Al. I pictured it hanging in their hall but she'll put it where she wants it! I did some beading on the flowers, which I found quite fun!! I used the foiling on the watering can too. That was a fun experiment!! The butterflies are there because I just like them and the lady bug is for luck!

A Bit of This and a Bit of That.......

2010-06-03T11:16:00.003-05:00

Kami doesn't take naps anymore, but some days she needs just a bit of one! Jenny and her strings class. The tall young man is her love, Ryan. They make beautiful music together!! (Couldn't resist.)

Kadee and her fitting. I took 6.5 " off her dress. They are ready for the wedding!!

Brandi getting her alterations!

Melodie's Graduation night!

Odie and Sarah........

Us girls.........

Odie and her love, Anthony .................

Our first weekend at camp. The girls just relaxing. Even Leilani came up for a couple of days.

Kamies' Fitting

2010-05-17T13:21:00.007-05:00

This is Kamies' "before" fitting. She didn't want that dress on but as soon as I put it on she knew she was beautiful!! She loved it! I ended up cutting 9" off the bottom. Kadee has one just like it........for Uncle Seth's wedding in June. They are the flower girls. Heidi wanted mid-calf length and the dresses only came in even sizes. Kadee wears a 7 and got an 8 and Kami wears about a 2 and we got her a 4. Hopefully they can wear them next year for Easter or something. It also came with a wrap! They have sparkley necklaces to wear and I think they'll have a bow in their hair and maybe bare feet!! The wedding is at the Little Stone Church near Silver Lake. Reception here.......down the hill next to the pond. Pray for good weather!!

Odie's open house was yesterday and had a Hawaiian theme. Jenny was the token Hawaiian!

Here's Odie and her boyfriend, Anthony (or as Kami says "Ant-knee"!) Mom and Evan got in on it too~

Kami was exhausted after a long day and didn't want me to go home for some reason! I'll bet she slept good last nite! Today is Sr. skip day so Odie and friends went to the movies. Graduation is Fri the 28th. She's going to become a CNA and hopefully start her nurses traing at MCC in the fall.

The latest quilt projects.....

2010-05-09T18:44:00.006-05:00

My 3 youngest grand kids didn't have Christmas Stockings so I made them for Gage, Kami and Skylar. They have a picture of Santa on each side. This is both sides of Gage's. The girls already have theirs.

I finally came up with a project for the hand dyed/painted fabrics that we did so long ago. I love how this turned out!! I needed something for my knitting.

This is the quilt I made for Seth and Heidi.......Don's brother who is getting married in June. I gave it to her at her shower yesterday.

It starts out as 9" sqs, sew them into circles (including a layer of batting), trim then slit the front and turn right side out. When the assembly is done, so is the quilting! It's a great design! I'm not sure where she is going to wash it tho!

It is actually square and fits a full bed like a spread. A queen or king will use it like a comforter size. It's quite heavy! Heidi loved it. She said she liked blue and/or green when I asked her what color. This was allot easier then trying to guess what shed like!

Here's the label.......

And the Winner Is...........

2009-12-21T21:12:00.003-05:00

Deb Hardman.............Anchorage, AK!! The odd part of this story is that Deb's check arrived today and I got it when the kids came home from school. All the money from ticket sales was turned in today but they sell tickets at the concert up until the drawing. I bought her 10 tickets when I got there and after filling them out discovered there were only 9. They gave me another off another set of 5.........totally different number group while the others were all in sequence. Wouldn't you know, that lone odd ticket is the one they drew!!
Congrats Bee! I'll try to get it sent this week. Probably Wed.!

Thanksgiving Day

2009-12-02T19:06:00.002-05:00

Thanksgiving at Grandma and Grandpa Taylor's. Jenny and Kami....... Kami using Uncle Cody's phone.................

Odie, Cherokee and Gage..................

Samantha and Chris..............

FOR SALE !!

2009-12-02T19:01:00.002-05:00

Nolting "Quilting Bee" seldom used..........come and get it!! $2,000.00

See, it's really me!!

2009-11-29T11:14:00.008-05:00

Kami is going for a horsey ride. She is getting quite talkative. Be careful what you say..... she repeats everything!! This is the wall hanging I made for Kailin (Jeannie's grand daughter). She loved it. Apparently I didn't take a picture of the story on the back!

A closer shot of the angelina fiber wings.

I made this quilt from repro fabrics.......it is the raffle quilt for the Hart band . It'll be raffled at the concert on Dec. 21st. It's about full/queen size. Tickets are $1 each and you need not be present to win!!

Kadee, Kami and Gage. They are sure growing fast!!

That's it for now.........I'll try to get on here more then once every 6 months!

Summer

2009-06-26T11:26:00.003-05:00

We've been camping lately.......and leaving again today for at least a week, maybe two! We've taken Kadee & Kami with us for a week at a time and had a ball with them. Kadee goes out and finds friends, brings them to the trailer to introduce them to her family and then off to play!

Kamryn is just so much fun to watch.......discovering new things. Even Brandi had a new experience ........ she met a frog face to face! She was excited!!

I'll post some photos when I remember to bring my camera home!

Jeannie is looking frail, thinner every time I see her. She's getting scanned again this week to determine if she is going to try another chemo. Floyd is looking exhausted.......poor guy.

Memorial Weekend

2009-05-26T07:52:00.003-05:00

Every year we see this sight at a union hall just south of Fremont on Rt 82. It is awesome to see. I stopped on our way home from camping. Apparently there are names attached to each flag because I saw a couple of men walking thru the flags and reading what was attached. I didn't get that close........I had an impatient child in the truck! Sarah, Odie, Kadee & Kami went camping on Fri. with me. Loni picked up 3 of the girls on Sun. Kadee didn't even want to come say hi to her! She was too busy playing with her 'real friends'. (That came from a discussion her and I had when she told me she wanted some real friends, not just pretend friends.......like Pablo and Austin and Uniqua........they are Backyardigans........a cartoon she watches.) She had a ball!! One of the grandmas took a golf-cart full of little girls to the frog pond and Kadee got her first polywog!!

Kami liked the little bathtub. She had fun once she got used to Harry. He was the only one she seemed to want to pucker for.

I got to spend some time with Jeanne. She's looking thin and frail and she sleeps allot. She said she feels better since she stopped the latest Chemo. They're going to keep her off it until July then try a new one.

We had a good time, ate too much and the weather was gorgeous! Not too hot and we had a breeze most of the time. Lynne and Harry are leaving for Nova Scotia the end of this week. They'll be gone for a month visiting her family. We're hoping they'll bring back some lobsters again!!

April Fun

2009-04-11T08:44:00.006-05:00

This picture is just for the fun of it! Kami is so much fun......great personality......great sense of humor already!!

Happy Birthday Sarah! Aunt Leilani made the cake for her! (She's into wolves)
We went to Comfort Inn with a bunch of her friends, for a pool party!! They had a ball!

I finished a quilt for Marsha, Leilani's Mom-in-law.......a sweet lady who works full time and still insists on making the huge holiday dinners for anyone who wants to show up!! I machine quilted it ......free hand.......using a little leaf design. You can see it on the black block.

It fits the top of a full bed with about a 4-6" drop. Big enough to use as a cold weather cover, over the bed spread!

Here's the label. Marsha did like it! It was fun to make too!

Kamryn Grace turns 1 !!

2009-03-20T06:16:00.008-05:00

Her Happy Birthday cake........made by her Mommy. (at work) She got her own cake for free!!

And she knew exactly what to do with it!

She ate all but what ended up on the floor (and in my hair while I was trying to clean up the floor!)

Then came clean up time!

And then PRESENTS!! She really got into this part.

The swing came from Nana and the girls. (Cute outfit, huh? Aunt Lorie got her that a while back.)

I think she likes it!!

Just a Little catch-up

2009-03-07T21:26:00.004-05:00

Kami had fallen asleep.......folded in half!! I don't know how she could breathe!

The oh so infrequent sink bath! It looked like so much fun Kadee had to join Kami!
We did some mopping after this bath!

This is Lovely Odie.......Valentine dance nite I believe. I did her hair, make-up and nails for the occasion. Surprized some of the girls that the old Nana could do such good work!!

We made the Papers!!

2009-03-06T07:34:00.001-05:00

This is what kept us busy all weekend. The show was a riot!! Dad, Dave & Linda, Loni, Odie & Kadee, Grandma Marsha & Aunt Lorie all came on Sat nite. Rob, Kim & Skylar came up on Fri.
Sarah had a fever all weekend and is still home. She performed beautifully Fri & Sat nites and 2 shows on Mon. She needs the recovery time! Her throat is still swollen and sore and she still has that nagging cough.
By Sat nite I had the crud. The kids have all had it as has Odie & Loni. I had a follow-up appt. yesterday for the sleep apnea and since I'd be in town I thought I'd get my B-12 shot. I called the Dr. on my way in to town and made an appt for the UTI that was back again after a couple of weeks. While I was there she noticed my cough so now I'm on another pill and an inhaler. Seems to be a touch of pneumonia.

I'll try to get some of Sarah's photos on here when she gets her camera from school. I was busy helping with costumes, makeup and hair and never got a shot. It was fun!!

2009-02-07T14:04:00.003-05:00

I went to put the photo on I promised and my computer is doing weird things! I managed to get it done with Sarah's computer!

Turned out kinda cute!

2009-02-07T10:14:00.008-05:00

My new CPAP machine must be working.........I woke up at 8:30 this morning. The kids are at friends this weekend so I know it wasn't them that woke me.
I've been fighting a UTI the last couple of days so I broke open my bottle of cranberry capsules and they have helped. My doctor isn't in her office on Fri and of course today is Sat. I was there Thurs but didn't know this was coming!!
I'm trying to stretch my creative arms (just can't keep up with Deb and Kathy). Loni switched the girls bedrooms around putting Odie and Kadee in the big room and Kami in the little room in her crib. The room is blue (Odie's fav) and she wanted to decorate it for Kami (without painting). She added shear curtains with delicate designs, suitable for a baby girl and Winnie the Pooh and friends stick-ons to the walls. The room has a vaulted ceiling so there's lots more room. I suggested we use some of the 'HAWLEY' pictures I've collected!! I told her I had an idea and not to do any more to the room until I finished this project.
Well, I actually framed them with fabric! They are a rigid material. I made a quilt and the 6 pictures slide into the corner pieces (which are squares folded on the diagonal so they have some give due to the bias.) I forgot to take a photo before it went home with Kami (also didn't get it labeled).....I'll post it later today.
After I finished it, I discovered I had 7 picts, not 6 so I had to come up with something else. This one is the only one with words on it too! It says "Good Night". I finished it after 10 p.m. so it's still here:

New Quilts

2009-01-31T09:37:00.004-05:00

We call this our 'Eye Spy' quilt. All the squares are a different print. We play the game daily! Even Kamryn likes looking at it as she crawls around on it.

I don't think I ever posted this one after I finished it. Kami likes this one too! I had it on the crib, but yesterday I rearranged my bedroom and hung it from the quilt hanger over the crib.

Is There a Doctor in the House?? (or Dr. House?)

2009-01-30T13:00:00.002-05:00

This one is for you Bee....... Kami had a spot on her chest a while back and the Dr. said it was a fungus from drooling. It spread to her back (needless to say we were pretty sure that wasn't from drooling.) It look light pink, kinda rashy and felt dry to the touch. A trip back to the Dr. and got a Rx for an anti-fungal topical. Lei applied it once and Kami back turned the color you see here. Bright red and almost welted looking. And it has stayed that way. At times she acts like it itches and drives her nuts! Lei applied a cream for......the word slips my mind at the moment......but it seemed to give her relief from the itching.
Don took her back to the Dr. this a.m. and they referred her to a derma guy in Muskegon. Have you ever seen anything like this? I expect to add a couple of quilt picts tomorrow!!

B-r-r-r-r

2009-01-18T18:48:00.002-05:00

It has been snowing non stop for 2 days. Don has plowed non stop too. Too bad the county isn't as dedicated!
I'll bet Kathy is glad to be home from FL!! We've tried to keep the deck cleaned off so it doesn't end up on the ground.

Jenny, Sarah and I shoveled today. Their mother stayed the weekend to visit with them. She slept thru the shoveling. Until about 1 p.m.!

Good Night

2009-01-10T20:09:00.002-05:00

I drove to Muskegon again yesterday to meet Dad, Dave & Linda for dinner. Also picked up some paperwork at Walmart for Leilani. After dinner I went to the Hampton Inn to spend the night in a Sleep Study.

That was an interesting experience! I got ready for bed and Betsy glued wires all over my head, neck, chest and a couple on my legs for good measure. After which Betsy wrapped 2 straps around me to keep all the wires in one place. I turned on Monk, my favorite detective and settled down for sleep.

Betsy went into the room with all the computers and we did some tests. There was a voice activated intercom in the room so she could talk to me and I to her. I was just dozing off when Betsy came in and had to reattach one of the leads for my heart. I think she came in again later and then at some point she came in and put me on the CPAP machine. (I guess my snoring was keeping her awake!) That machine is a trip!! If you don't keep your mouth closed, it has a wind tunnel effect! I slept with it on the rest of the nite. She woke me about 6 a.m.

She said I'll be hearing from my doctor in the next week or so and then I'll be told when to pick up my machine. I guess I failed the test? I knew I should've studied!!

Oh well, if I can get some good sleep and wake up with a little energy, it'll be worth it!!

What's new

2009-01-06T21:24:00.003-05:00

Did I mention, my DDiL, Kim, rolled her car over on her way to work the first of the week? She's fine but the car is shot. She drove Rob's truck down south where she's training for her new job. (management at Walmart). Rob borrowed Leilani's Neon ........so they don't have to rush into buying a car.
Then Don's sister, Lorie, messed up her car on her way out New Year's Eve!
I tried to fall leaving Don & Marsha's on Sunday evening and caught myself on the mirrors of the vehicles I was between! So Monday I had an appointment with my Dr. to follow up on my blood pressure. We've been having a bit of trouble getting it controlled. It was really high when I went in! I had a headache that I woke up with in the nite. I told her about the slip and she said my back was in spasm.....which she figured was the cause of the headache too. So there's another Rx for muscle relaxing! Then..........on top of everything else, she was listening to my lungs and heart and told me my heart beat was irregular! She did an EKG on the spot and told me I have atrial fibrilliation. I believe I've had it for years but it comes and goes. This was just the first time I had it while in her office. But now I get to be on blood thinners (so I don't clot and stroke from the oddball rythum). I had 8 vials of blood drawn today and chest X-rays. I'm scheduled for an echo cardiogram and I have a date with a cardiologist!
2009 isn't starting out like I had hoped!!!
The kids have had their Christmas break extended by 2 more days, so far, due to icy back roads. They aren't complaining.
Lei is getting her breast lift tomorrow! If the kids stay home again, I'll go with her and Don........(so the big kids can watch the little kids......not to get away from them!!)
Tonite I went to see Kimmy to get my hair cut and afterwards I stopped by Meijers to see what they had that I needed. I picked up a few things I'd missed while grocery shopping earlier this week and then I found a 42" plasma TV that was $400 off! I called Loni and asked her to either talk me into it or out of it! She did and we have a new TV. It is actually going in the girls room for their new game system. The Wii is a tiny little thing but when you play you need enough room to swing a bat or bowling ball or tennis racket.........you get the idea. They've been using the sunroom and my couch keeps getting pushed further and further back. I'm wide enough that I keep bruising my hips on the couch trying to walk between that and the bookcases. It'll get really bad being on a blood thinner! The men next door will have to bring it up for us.
So that's the latest from the north cabin~

Happy 2009

2009-01-02T12:56:00.003-05:00

The girls went to friends houses for a couple of days and I have been busy de-christmas-fying the house. I think I got it all but the tree. They can help with that when they get home. All the stuff is off of it.
That process always puts me in the mood to simplify and clean, which I've been doing for 2 days.
I was still up at midnight on New Years Eve.....which I haven't done in years! After I got ready for bed I read a couple chapters in the latest Demille book then crawled into bed. For some reason, thinking about it being a new year, I wondered if I'd die this year and who else I'd lose this year. Rather morbid new years thoughts.......I must be getting old. I even check the obits every day. I have seen the deaths of several parents of classmates. Not so many friends fortunately!!
On a more cheerful note, some of my favorite things:

Reading in her toy basket. She is such a joy!! That should've been her name!

Kami enjoying a Christmas tree version of a Peep!
They loved the Wii!

Cleaning Up

2008-12-22T11:53:00.002-05:00

Leilani spent the night at the hotel at the corner of the Walmart parking lot due to the weather. I told her to give the bill to Walmart since they refused to let her head for home early. That job is just not worth a life!! Today is clean-up and I hear they are threatening us with a big one tomorrow some time. I keep telling Don we need to get a snow blower. He's sure if we do it will stop the snow from falling. That's worth the price of a blower, isn't it??

Winter is here! Happy solstice!

2008-12-21T15:46:00.005-05:00

This is what we woke up to. I'm hoping Leilani stays in Muskegon tonite! She went to work but things have continued to get worse as the day went on. It's snowing sideways now and we can't see across the road!

Well, we had Christmas with the kids last nite. Rob and Leilani and their families. Dad came up too. Dad headed home fairly early to beat the storm that was predicted. Rob and Kim decided to head home too so they didn't get stuck up here until Mon. The kids liked their quiltlets I made for them. They aren't really quilts because they don't have 3 layers. They are the top and have sherpa on the back (kinda like lamb fur.)

Merry Christmas time!

2008-12-14T12:51:00.004-05:00

We are doing fine! Jenny went to her Christmas dance and Sarah is at a slumber party this weekend.

I am getting so much sleep that my Dr. is putting me in a sleep study. I could use a nap all the time and I'm never rested. Apparently it isn't just getting old!

Kadee and Kami come over almost daily. They are so much fun! I thoroughly enjoy them! Kadde likes to help me cook and bake. We made Rocky Road Fudge yesterday with the intension of sending it to Selem (her brother in the service) but I'm not sure it would survive the trip. So we took it over to her Dad.......he loves it too and calls it "rocky road pudge" for obvious reasons!! (Sorry Selem......any other holiday goodies you like that might hold up better in the mail?) We just might try the fudge anyway.........have a spoon handy!!

This little lap quilt I sent to my sister, Vicki, who is spending her first winter in FL. I wanted her to remember what MI looks like in the winter!! When I talked to her, she was using it because the temps had plumetted to 60 down there!!

Kami motors all over the place these days. Here she is just resting. Learning all the stuff a baby has to learn is exhausting!!

I found this rocking horse at Goodwill for $8! Kami loves it! You have to help her stay on but she sure enjoys the ride! Soon she'll be saying "Yee-Ha!"

Have a safe and happy Christmas season if I don't get back here before!

Back to the machines!

2008-11-15T16:48:00.008-05:00

I finally got a burst of creative energy and decided to make use of it before it disappeared again! So here is some of what I've been working on. Most are for gifts for the holiday.

2008-10-17T11:06:00.002-05:00

We're in full color here. This isn't a good example of it but trust me, the trees are gorgeous!!

Leilani is on vacation next week so I am too. (Don is on his annual Colorado Elk hunting trip.) I'm working on small quilts for Christmas gifts. School is in full swing.....both girls are honor roll so far, the first band concert is Monday nite. Sarah is playing clarinet this year and Jenny is playing bass clarinet.

Every class seems to be selling something. I just picked up a stack of boxes of Krispy Kremes and their brand of coffees. I've been making a habit of sending and note back with order forms and a donation. I just hate to impose on people when it's so hard to make ends meet as it is. I should have done that with the doughnut sale!! What was I thinking?! They sure are good!

I made a trip to Muskegon yesterday to go to the doctor and got in a little Christmas shopping. I don't want to have to do it when it's snowing! Had dinner with Dad at AppleBee's. I had a quesadilla burger......YUM!

The weather is crispy and beautiful today! My favorite time of year.......perhaps because it's so short, there isn't time to get tired of it!

Our early Sept camping.

2008-10-08T14:51:00.002-05:00

Dad and us girls.
Aunt Vicki entertaining Kamryn..........Aunt Vicki was having the most fun! Aunt Bee entertaining Kamryn......she did like the bubbles!
So did Kadee! Aunt Bee is a favorite with the kids..........
Kamryn entertaining Nana!!!

Ramblings

2008-09-20T09:55:00.003-05:00

I guess you'll have to wait to see my vacation photos. The computer isn't co-operating.
We had a great time but didn't get to spend near enough time with Bee. I took one of her classes and had allot of fun! Learned allot too! She is a good teacher.

I'm back to the fall routine of school and Kadee and Kami spending days with me. Jenny and Sarah are having a good time in school. Don is looking forward to the hunting season (he's hunting this weekend in southern MI somewhere.......not far from Cabelas!) Leilani is looking forward to her Oct. vacation time and Selem D coming home in Nov.

We tried the new hybrid apple grown locally......Sweet Tango.......it is fabulous!! There isn't much crop this year......the trees are so small.......$12 for 1/2 peck! (that was about 8-10 apples) They are sweet, tangy, juicy, crispy and are supposed to keep their firmness in the cellar! They are designed to be as good in the spring as in the fall. Since the crop was so small, how will they know!?

I'm trying to think toward Christmas........after 60 of them, it has lost the allure. That and what do you buy for people who seem to have everything they want and allot of stuff they don't! Perhaps I'll have a star named for them.......although they'd probably rather have cash.

Why is this such a threat?

2008-08-21T09:08:00.004-05:00

Dad sent this to me today.
The song you are about to listen to is from a Las Vegas Diamond Rio concert. They received an immediate resounding standing ovation, and continue to do so every time they perform it! Everyone who loves America should be thrilled to hear this song! Although Diamond Rio has never before done a statement song, they felt compelled to record "In God We Still Trust." But guess what?

Sadly, major radio stations wouldn't play it because it was considered "politically incorrect". Consequently, the song was never released to the public. So America , see what you think. If this offering speaks to your heart and you feel to share it with friends and loved ones, please do!

Western Tough Girls

2008-07-23T16:37:00.003-05:00

The girls were treated to a day at MI Adventure as a reward for being on the Honor Roll all year. They spent a ridiculous amount of money on these photos so I thought I'd post them. Aren't they cute~!

Melodie & Jennifer Susi & Sarah

SPOOKY

2008-07-18T09:40:00.003-05:00

Did you ever have things happen around the house that you couldn't explain? I think everyone has...... there are 3 people that live in our house, Jenny, Sarah and myself. Most of the time I think the girls just don't remember leaving half a bottle of soda in the window sill........they both swear it isn't theirs.......I don't drink the stuff.

This morning this carton was found at the end of the couch........with spoon in it. It was in the freezer yesterday. Sarah doesn't like that flavor and Jenny wasn't home last nite. I don't remember eating it! Could I be a sleep-eater! Lord! No wonder I can't lose weight!! I might even give the cats the credit but I'm pretty sure they can't open the freezer and I've never seen either of them use a spoon!!

Sewing Room......

2008-07-06T12:38:00.004-05:00

This was, at one time, going to be a king size quilt. HA!! That must've been before I started it! I figure, with 2 more rows of blocks, it will make a nice little coverlet for the antique crib in my bedroom. I've been working on it for years now! All that hand sewing makes my hands hurt.

Do you see my faithful kitties in this picture? They like my fabric!

Here they are up close. That's Tia on the left and Sebastian on the right.

My best girls.........

2008-06-19T19:40:00.002-05:00

Three of my best girls!!

Kamryn likes this musical toy!

Look Familiar?

2008-06-19T19:29:00.001-05:00

The signature on this is 'Pete Hawley'......both names. The 'Hawley' is in the same hand as the other prints I have. Is it or isn't it?

Mirror. mirror

2008-06-15T18:30:00.000-05:00

Don't you love the new mirror??

Our Adventure

2008-06-11T08:47:00.010-05:00

I asked Kadee out for an adventure one day.......her Mom and Kami went too! We went to a local produce store that has a petting farm! Oh what fun! They've only been here a short time. This is their 2nd season. In the fall they have a corn maze........
This is the BooBerry Express in the background. Kadee and a new friend on the seesaw.

I loved these vehicles!! They were so detailed!! I have lots of photos of them if you want to build your own!

Here's the 4WD.........Kadee put Kami in the bed of the truck so she could ride too.

I love this guys eyes........they look so alien!

Looks like twins! They were actually checking out Kami!

Kadee fed the critters.

Such a cute face.

Makes me smile.

Awww, these guys were sooo small!

The bunny neighborhood was so cool! These guys were resting on the porch out of the sun.

Awwwww........Poor Kami......

2008-06-06T18:18:00.000-05:00

Just for fun

2008-06-06T15:37:00.000-05:00

Brandi is bummed since her sister disappeared.

Cancer's latest victim

2008-06-04T06:40:00.002-05:00

This is my dear friend and "sister by heart", Jeanne. She started having problems with her shoulder a little over a month ago. After many trips to the doctor, an xray finally showed the collar bone disappearing! Many tests later, they determined she had bone cancer that was NOT primary. It is also affecting the left side including the left femur (which makes her worry about falling.) After many more tests, they found a mass in her kidney. They plan to put her on an oral chemo, possibly remove the kidney and maybe radiation for pain control. Her husband pressed for a time line and was told she could live 6 mos to 2 yrs.
She seems to be pretty upbeat considering....... She was one of the healthiest people I know. Always doing all the right things. You just never know, do you.........?

Wanted to share a photo or 3 ~

2008-05-11T16:35:00.003-05:00

The girls come to visit me often. Awwwww! Kadee being the best big sister!
The dogs love the baby too!
So does Nana! We talk allot!
Kadee took this picture.......Mama, Nana and "Kamryn Grace Taylor"!
Dodger and Brandi in the antique crib!!

It's Mother's Day.......

2008-05-11T15:41:00.003-05:00

My Happy Mother's Day gift from my Taylors!

I've finished reading another DeMille book this weekend and just started another today. Been trying to lay around like I've been told to do. It sure isn't easy! Doing nothing gives me lots of time to see all the stuff that should be done!!

The girls are helping where they can .....Sarah offered to make me breakfast. I wasn't hungry! She gave me bath salts that smell wonderful! And Jennifer gave me some hand crafted flowers!

I got a lovely cards from Sam & Chris & Jenny, a call from Marcy and Leilani & Don & kids stopped by with a card and gift. They got me a "Remedies Cabinet" that I had admired in 'Victorian Trading Co.' catalog. They have some neat stuff! I don't know where I'll hang it yet. It fits well in my rustic cabin! They were on their way to the other Mom's house.

I'm feeling rather dragged out today for some reason. Just sort of blaghg. I guess I should be glad I don't feel good! I'd want to be doing stuff I shouldn't!

Jenny and I went over her paperwork for Blue Lake Fine Arts Camp that arrived yesterday. There were lots of forms to fill out and lots of checks to write! She is going to have a fabulous time!! We have some shopping to do.....new shoes, underwear and a music stand. Sarah and I will have to make plans to do something while she's gone!

Talk to you soon!!

Back home again!

2008-05-08T06:14:00.006-05:00

I spent the night in the hospital and am home now. The worst part, for me, when I have surgery, is the IV. I have lousy veins these days. The first try was a hit! Woo Hoo! We got lucky! I was in my room after surgery and my arm was itching.......then I realized it was hard! Swelled! They called the IV Team (which in reality is one guy) and I got a new one. Swell. My arm is sore and bruised where the first one had been. The second one probably would've lasted a while!

I had eaten lunch before I came home (at about 3:30 p.m.) and when I went to bed that nite I took 2 Vicoden. At 3:45 a.m. I was throwing up. Don't take 2 of them on an empty stomach!! I continued with this routine until about 8 a.m.

Alysha (my grandson's girlfriend...........that's her up there/\) had spent the night again and got the girls up and took them to school.

I'm not having allot of pain except for my left hip! I'm sure it's due to the position I was in during surgery but I can't seem to get any relief from it. When I sit in a hard chair the pain shoots thru the joint to to front of my hip! OUCH!! Last nite my lungs would hurt when I cough (which I was told to do frequently.)

I got up and ate a bowl of cereal this morning before taking pills. My stomach feels like it has a lump of something laying in it. Oh well, no place to go but up, right?

Surgery again

2008-05-04T12:37:00.003-05:00

Tomorrow is another surgery. Yes, I've been hit hard by gravity. This one is for the baggy-bladder syndrom. Although it isn't a particularly hard surgery, the full recovery sounds like it takes forever! Dr. D. said it'll be a year before I have no weight lifting restrictions. Hmmmm, who's going to carry in the groceries?? Oh well, I'll just have to suffer and let the kids do it!
I have a small window of opportunity before Leilani goes back to work and the Dr. was able to get me scheduled real fast! So we're off!
Yesterday Leilani and I went to lunch with my friends Toni & Sheryl. We had a great time! Grma Marsha watched Kami and Kadee stayed with my girls. I was allot of fun. Tonies' sister, Rita has a shop in Pentwater called 'The Secret Garden' so we went there too. She has so much cool stuff! Geeze......I wish I would think to carry my camera like my sister does!! Next time I'll try to remember!!
See you after the hospital stay!

Latest Project

2008-04-23T09:38:00.002-05:00

Ok Bee......your the Pro! Since this is a fused project, I heavily quilted it with monofilament (which I hate using by the way!) My edges are wavy and I'm afraid when I put the binding on it will resemble a ruffle. What should I have done differently? I have 2 more patterns that are done the same way. Don't want to have this problem again!
I figured the monofilament thread was the answer to the light/dark extremes of the fabric.. The dark (which is cut out in one piece) has some extreme points and the needle on the Nolting is so big, I was afraid I wouldn't be able to secure all the 'scene' the way I thought I should.
What do you think??

A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood

2008-04-20T08:32:00.003-05:00

Yes, another beautiful day! It has been abnormally warm and dry for this time of year..........the trees should be turning green any minute now.
Don is getting my trailer ready to move to a new location so maybe it will sell. The battery is dead so the slideout can't be closed for travel down the road. (Speaking of dead........there were a ton of flies in there too!)

All's well in Hartland.......I'm not very creative lately.....don't know why.
I get to watch the girls from time to time. Kamryn stayed with me yesterday while her mom shopped. She's so sweet and cuddly! Kadee comes over pretty much every day.

She came in one day when I was at her house and plucked the Guinea Pig's hair out! Not all of it but she has some real thin areas!! I told her it was wrong and she can't do that. Then I asked why she did it and she told me it was FUN!!

While climbing on her backyard playset she told me "I can climb very well!" I'm just floored by this 3 yr olds vocabulary. But then, she was the only one I had to talk to while her mom was to work! (Leilani keeps saying she wants me to home school her girls!)

Jennifer is all signed up for Blue Lake Fine Arts Camp! She goes June 25th. She's so excited! She will major in Clarinet/Band and minor in Theater. It's a 12 day session with no phone calls home! (She says that Claire Annette will be the name of her first born girl!!)

Sarah hasn't decided what will be her plans for the summer. Probably lots of swimming in the ponds and some archery/rifle shooting.

I should have the girls (Kadee & Kami) starting June 1st. So I'll be busy!

Happy Birthday Girls!

2008-04-05T15:53:00.006-05:00

It was Skylar & Sarah's birthdays this weekend. (Skylar's the 4th (she turned 2) & Sarah's the 5th (she turned 11)). We decided to have one party for the 2 of them. Aunt Vicki & Uncle Al were here. (That's Rob standing)
Really cool Uncle Cody showed up!
There were lots of presents..........
For both girls.....!
Aunt Loni & Kamryn,

Uncle Don........ (there's Uncle Al back there at the table)
TWO Grandpas!
There's Elise, Remington, Kaden, Jenny and Grandma back there......
(Mel)Odie came too.

It was fun!

Kaden and Skylar share a hug!

The theater

2008-03-29T16:55:00.002-05:00

We are becoming real socialites! Sarah and I went to a stage production of "Beauty and the Beast" last nite. It was put on by Hart High School kids. It was fabulous! I'm going to watch the Taylor girls tonite so Leilani and Grandma Marsha can go see it. Don has a big game dinner to go to! Oh yes, Jenny went to but she went with a friend. She's getting too old to hang out with relatives!!

Happy Easter!

2008-03-23T19:02:00.009-05:00

Kadee & Skylar:

Brandi liked the baby.........she laid on her .......to protect her I think.

Kadee is taking care of her baby! She says she is going to have twins, a girl and a boy (just like Dora's mother!). Every time you ask her what their names will be, the answer is different.
Skylar playing in the girl's room. The girls spent last nite and today with their cousin, Kristy.

Don and Don at Easter dinner (or rather dessert).

Grandma doing what grandmas do best.

The new Mom........

Rob & Kim were here too.......just didn't get them in front of the camera! Kristy brought the girls home just before everyone cleared out. They had a fun weekend and Jenny was thrilled to finally get to meet Kallie!!

Congrats Cherokee!!

2008-03-21T09:53:00.002-05:00

Cherokee was collecting money while they were here and it paid off! She was the top collector!! YEA!! (She got a really cool medal but it wouldn't let me upload it.......don't know why.) Good job Cherokee!!

Kamryn comes home......

2008-03-17T19:14:00.005-05:00

Leilani was moving in slow motion when she came home. She had developed an infection at the site of the surgery. Today she's doing better. Moving better and not quite as sore. I fixed dinner and took it over last nite after they got home and we passed the baby around! We cleaned up and annoyed them for a couple hrs. I think they were all in bed by 9 p.m.! Kamryn is eating more then the little bottles the hospital gives you, at one sitting. She'll be 12 lbs in no time! She's sleeping 4 hrs at a stretch and says very little.
Tomorrow we make a Dr. run to Muskegon. Jenny, Leilani and I all have appts.

Aawwww.......

Kadee and 'Kamryn Grace Taylor' as Kadee says.

The cousins must be boring (that's Skylar and Sarah holding her.) Kamryn looks remarkably like the "reborn dolls" I bought!

Kadee holds her new sister.........

HAPPY BIRTHDAY !!

2008-03-14T15:23:00.012-05:00

Kamryn Grace Taylor decided she was going to choose her own birthday. I got a call at
5 a.m. this morning (March 14th) and it was Leilani telling me her water had broken! The call
woke up all of us so the girls got up to get ready for school. I actually left here before Leilani and
Don. (He had to find something plastic to put on his cloth upholstered seat. Oh yeah, and wait for
his mom to come get Kadee, who had been up since 1:30 a.m.) I picked up Odie so she could
watch her sister be born! She did very well.......not only didn't faint, she actually helped with cold
wet washcloths!

She was born at 10:38 a.m., 9 lbs 5 oz, 21.5" long and she has Kadee's face! See for yourself:

Leilani was having surgery at 4 p.m. (tubaligation). She'll be napping until tomorrow!

How Sad

2008-03-13T10:51:00.003-05:00

My grandson sent this to me (his little sister is 3 so it hit him in his heart). There was encouragement to pass it on. I'm not sure how that will help children in this situation but here it is.

My name is Sarah, I am but three,
My eyes are swollen, I cannot see
I must be stupid, I must be bad,
What else could have made my daddy so mad?
I wish I were better, I wish I weren't ugly,
Then maybe my Mommy would still want to hug me .
I can't speak at all, I can't do a wrong
Or else I'm locked up all the day long.
When I awake I'm all alone.
The house is dark, my folks aren't home.
When my Mommy does come I'll try and be nice,
So maybe I'll get just one whipping tonight.
Don't make a sound! I just heard a car
My daddy is back from Charlie's Bar.
I hear him curse, my name he calls
I press myself against the wall.
I try and hide from his evil eyes
I'm so afraid now I'm starting to cry.
He finds me weeping. He shouts ugly words,
He says its my fault that he suffers at work.
He slaps me and hits me and yells at me more,
I finally get free and I run for the door.
He's already locked it and I start to bawl.
He takes me and throws me against the hard wall
I fall to the floor with my bones nearly broken
And my daddy continues with more bad words spoken.
"I'm sorry!" I scream, but its now much too late
His face has been twisted into unimaginable hate.
The hurt and the pain, again and again
Oh please God, have mercy! Oh please let it end!
And he finally stops and heads for the door,
While I lay there motionless sprawled on the floor.
My name is Sarah and I am but three,
Tonight my daddy murdered me.

Latest

2008-03-07T06:58:00.003-05:00

I survived another surgery.........touch up surgery to even out the breast reconstruction and to give me some cleavage. I can't say I see any definition between the breasts, I'm hoping there is some swelling there and it'll show up later. They are the same size now. Of course now neither one will fill the bras I have.

I feel good, since most of my front was numb from the previous operation, there is very little pain. I do, however, have a sore throat and my lungs feel like I smoked too much. I don't know yet, if it is effects of the anesthesia. It doesn't seem to be getting better so maybe it's part of the bug my kids have had.

Kadee is feeling better. I guess Leilani is too, she spent her birthday taking me to Muskegon for surgery while Don & Uncle Cody took Kadee and Grandma out to lunch. Leilani is still very preganant. The midwife and the specialist are supposed to be talking about taking the baby early but by the time they decide, she'll be here! Last measurments put her at almost 9 lbs. She'll be 12 lbs if she goes full term. (she goes in today to be checked on)

Jenny will be performing in "Pollyanna" at the Hart Middle School on March 14th & 15th at 7 p.m. If you're in the neighborhood come see it! They've been working really hard......they even have rehersal this Sunday.

The girls are excited about spending Easter weekend with their cousin Kristy this year! They have a movie planned and maybe tie-dying Easter eggs! They'll be going to church with her too so we're going dress shopping this weekend!

The Surprise Party

2008-02-24T13:28:00.002-05:00

A foot note..........This was a wonderful birthday gift! (Not to mention the computer some of my kids got me!) The only complaint or suggestion I have, the party didn't last long enough!! For my 100th, I'd like it earlier in the day so I can visit longer with everyone!! Thanks Kids!!

Happy 60th!!!

2008-02-24T12:44:00.016-05:00

My daughter decided I needed a surprise birthday party for my 60th birthday!! She almost pulled it off too!! The party ended up not being a surprise but the location and especially the guests were certainly a surprise!! Good friends Tracey and Kailin came Kalmazoo, son Chris and family came from Nebraska and my sister and hubby came from ALASKA!! This is my daughter, sister, granddaughter and maybe someday granddaughter-in-law!

Sisters by heart........Jeannie & Lynne (hubbies too)

Son Rob, my Jenny, me, DIL Sam and the back of son Chris' head.........

I didn't know that I knew this many people!

Son-in-law and daughter..........special people!!

Leilani's Mom-in-law.........she is truely special too!! She worked really hard ........I seldom saw her!

Lisa and her gang (Leilani's good friend and co-worker)

Sheryl, me and Toni.........we've been friends since the beginning of school!

My dear friend Linda, sister.....Bee & Me

Dad and ALL my siblings and spouses!! It is really rare for this to happen!

Me, Dad and Dave, Deb & Vicki.........all together in the same place!

My boys......Christopher & Rob

Marcy.......another rarity, all 4 of my kids in the same place at the same time!!

And........My Sweet Leilani !! Thanks so much Sweetheart!!

A Weekend at the Condo

2008-02-24T12:29:00.006-05:00

We took the kids to the condo for a week-end while Selem Dan was still in town. He'd never been there! The girls enjoyed the jacuzzi tub.......

Kadee enjoyed the fire and the big TV.........

Dave and Linda skiied down and joined us in a game of Phase 10. Dave didn't like it.

It was a cold week-end. A good one to stay inside and enjoy the pool and fireplace!!

Another year

2008-01-15T06:57:00.000-05:00

Happy 2008! We had a lovely Christmas..........I received 2 quilts this year!! One from my son-in-law (he loves me!!) and one from my brother and his wife! What great guys!! The girls got some small stuff that didn't thrill them, then, at the end, they got their Nintendo DS's......which they loved!! Dad spent Chrstmas Eve & morning with us then went to Dave's for Christmas Day. (I got him some Benny Hill DVD's this year!)

After Don left for Taxidermy school, Loni & I took the kids to the condo for a week. We did some shopping, saw a movie, went to dinner with Dad and the kids went skating. That was in between all the swimming in the pool. It was fun! I read a couple of books while enjoying the fireplace and we did spend an evening with Dave and Linda. Kadee played on the floor with Linda and Leilani and I ate popcorn and watched TV with Dave.

I read "The Notebook" then watched the movie of the same name. I couldn't believe how much they were alike! Then I finished "Nightfall" by Nelson Demille. Great author. Then I read his "The General's Daughter". The movie, which I borrowed from Leilani, (with John Travolta) was a faint copy of the book. It was good, but the movie is too short for the much needed detail, which was lost in the short time allowed. I'm not sure I'd have known what happened if I hadn't read the book first.

The kids are back in school, I'm trying to jumpstart my creative side while watching DVD's of "Remington Steele" and knitting a sweater for a tiny little boy. I'd like to be doing allot of quilting while I have all this kid-free time! I wish I could get moving!!

What's New?

2007-12-02T09:33:00.000-05:00

We made it thru Thanksgiving.......Dad, Dave & Linda, Leilani, Don and kids, Rob, Kim & Skylar all came. We had a nice dinner. Dave & Linda hit the road before dark to head up to the old farm for hunting over the weekend. Rob stayed and hunted here over the weekend.
Skylar wasn't feeling good and now Kadee has it. (Skylar's doctor said it was croup, the next visit they said it was bronchitis.)
Selem made it to NJ to start boot camp. Haven't heard from him..........his quite busy no doubt. Poor boy!
We got our first good snow over the last few days. Lots of wind along with it. My new house has the nicest howl when it's windy! It's wonderful!
Sarah started piano lessons last Tues. She did really well. Yesterday she said she didn't want to do it anymore! I was nagging her to practice at the time. She said she knows the song!! She doesn't understand the concept I guess. Also when I told her to say the notes as she played them (like the book says) she said she didn't want to..........It's too hard!! I was going to give it 6 weeks to see if she really wanted to do this. I was hoping to get both girls involved in music in some form. Oh well. Jenny loves band and is doing well on the clarinet.
Sarah has a love of hunting and the weapons that go along with it.
Our tree is up and the house is decorated. The gifts are under the tree. I have one left to buy for a name drawn at Grandma Marsha's. (That's Don's mom.........we have been adopted by that family! Wonderful people! I miss Lorie tho.)
Sarah and I are working on a batch of peanut butter balls today. We'll roll them then chocolate dip them. A kid favorite! (Uncle Don too.......he loves anything with peanut butter in it!)
I'm looking for a new computer........desk top this time I think. Any opinions on the Windows Vista?
Have a good week!

I forgot these!!

2007-10-14T18:53:00.001-05:00

My cat tail arrangement.........in an antique urinal! The 'log' just to the right is the lock for the bathroom door!

This is the pussy willow arrangement! Lovely, aren't they?
(Both arrangements are artificial.)
Just to the left, in the other bathroom, you can see antlers (they are not artificial) that are for hanging towels.

Update

2007-10-14T14:19:00.001-05:00

I guess I should add........after the fact, that we are all doing well! Lei is getting more pregnant by the day, Don is getting ready for his Colorado hunting trip (there are 12 of them going this year.) They go for Elk but settle for mule deer and bear if they have to!
The girls are honor roll again and I am baking and cooking for the boys hunting trip.
The girls and I went to the early movies yesterday. I saw "The Jane Austin Book Club." I liked it..... the girls saw "The Seeker". I had a private viewing.......the girls had a semi-private. They were the only ones in the theater!! It was kinda creepy! They loved the movie although it only got 2 stars.
I've got my Christmas shopping almost done and Jenny is busy making plans for her birthday. This will be the last of the non-teen birthdays for her. I can't tell you how I'm looking forward to those teen years again!! Although I feel I have a closer relationship with these girls then I did my own. Odd but it is just us, no brothers or husband or job.........they are smart and I am allot more comfortable in my skin then I was 30 yrs. ago. They can talk to me about anything and everything, and they do! And I can talk to them about anything and everything without blushing! In the car the other day, Sarah asked how you have sex! She kept saying she had a question but she really didn't need to know .........ummmmm.........ummmmmmmmm. I finally convinced her to ask and I explained it as simply as possible! She was satisfied. (I believe what she said was " OH Gross!!"
Anyhow......after the movie we went shopping and then visited Dad. It was a fun girls day out.

The Cabin

2007-10-14T14:13:00.001-05:00

I can't believe I figured this out!! I thought it might be easier to visualize my cabin if you had the floor plan! Keep in mind, this is the 2nd level. The main floor from N to S (also left to rt.) are Don and Leilani's garages, Taxidermy/banquet room and then my garage. The deck doesn't have that landing in the upper rt corner. There is no outside access from outside. Also, the dumb waiter isn't in the corner of the sunroom yet.

2007-10-14T13:41:00.000-05:00

After losing dozens of photos from my camera card over the past couple of months, I knew I had to find a new way to down load them. Finally I came upon something that didn't tell me my card needed to be re-formatted (which in the process of doing it deleted all my pictures.) So here's the experiment and it worked!

So here's some updated picts of the cabin!!

If you look really close at some of the windows, you can see hand made 'rods' made from hickory, thanks to the generous nature of my son-in-laws Dad, Grandpa Don. Thanks Don!!

2007-10-14T13:29:00.001-05:00

My brother's first brainstorm.......this is the under-stair space. Dave suggested it would make a good mud room! How'd he do that?? There is stuff stored behind the curtain, pegs to hang coats on, shelves to put shoes or whatever on and a bench to sit on to put those shoes/boots on! The wainscoting on the walls hides concrete blocks that had to be there due to the soil that backs up against it.

Entering from the garage.

The first landing.

Looking up at the first landing.

More of the gallery.

Looking down from upstairs.........the family gallery. This entry was my brother's idea! And labor, he did my tile work. Thanks from the bottom of my heart Dave!! (Are your knees healed yet?)

This is the quilt that was on the bed in my trailer.

Selem Dan made this shelf/hanger and gave it to me for Christmas last year. It hangs just inside my upstairs door, just outside the closet.

2007-10-14T13:19:00.001-05:00

I got the curtains done under the sink. Notice the little nine patch table cloth? It's done with the fusible grid and not backed or quilted. I put a layer of 16 ga. vinyl over it (Bee's idea!) Lot's of my cabin is thanks to picking my Sister's brains.....Vicki too!

I purged the pantry of things I thought I'd like looking at daily. It will disappear again if the clutter gets on my nerves! For now, I love it!! This hutch is one I want to refinish... kind of a creamy white with wear marks.

Great Grandma Feil's sewing machine. The clock & phone are new.

A more casual display on the mercantile display cabinet.

Update of our Cabin

2007-10-14T12:56:00.000-05:00

I finally found a coffee table I liked! It comes from the Log Carpenter in Newaygo and is actually a bench. That is great because the kids can't hurt it and I can even stand on it to clean the ceiling fan!!

This is the 3rd arrangement of the sun room. The feng shui is much better with this arrangement!!

Sebastian is very interested in S'mores, Sarah's "minnie pig" (Kadee's name for her). (guinea)

A Week Out

2007-08-11T07:48:00.000-05:00

I went to the doctor yesterday, after a little grocery shopping, and he removed 3 of the 4 drains and all the tummy stitches. I'm wearing an elastic wrap around my belly that is allot like the girdles I wore as a teen (WHAT WAS I THINKING!!) I just found out I have to wear it for 6 WEEKS! Pitts! Although it has decreased my appetite and I have lost 10 pounds! In the hospital the only thing that sound good was cold.......so I ate allot of fruit. The surgery didn't remove any flesh, it just moved it so it's not from that. I'm thinking I should keep this wrap and wear it at meal time!!

I'm feeling good, moving good (reaching the floor is a bit f a problem) and eating good! All in all, I believe I will survive! I wasn't too sure the first day or so after surgery..........say NO to morphine!! Sure clouds your brain! I'm taking Tylenol now.

Hear from me soon!

I'm Home!

2007-08-05T20:00:00.000-05:00

I'm home a feeling pretty good. The first couple of days I wished I hadn't done it but once I realized the way I felt was from the pain drip of morphine I was getting, and had them remove it, it was all uphill from there! Then I took Vicoden at nite to help me sleep and Tylenol during the day, so I wouldn't. They must be short staffed too because everyone that came in said the Dr. wanted me to walk, then they'd leave. I was so drugged I couldn't stand up alone!
Changing the meds made such a huge difference, he offered to let me go home Sat. I asked to stay one more nite which was still a day sooner then he had originally told me. I have an elastic wrap on my abdomen and a tube top covering my new boobs (both have dry dressings under them.) I also have 4 drain tubes......which are such a joy~~ I may lose some of all of it when I see him on Fri. I'll keep you posted.........maybe even with a photo!!

Here's some I realized I missed!

2007-07-30T06:52:00.001-05:00

Kadee's bed in the corner of Nana's room.A full shot of the kitchen .......
A couple of individuals........
Elmira........she's a beauty!

.

Dodger & Brandy

2007-07-21T10:30:00.001-05:00

Just too cute not to include!!
.

Home Sweet Cabin

2007-07-21T10:09:00.000-05:00

Well, we are finally in our home! Take the tour.........

Our tile work in the stair well isn't done, stairs still have to be stained and varnished, curtains for under the sink and for my bedroom window still have to be made, hutch near the bath/bedroom doors is going to be refinished. The round table in the sun room/library needs the top refinished. (Oh yeah, son-in-law who wants to remain nameless, is going to make a rod for my shower.) ((He doesn't want anyone to know the extent of his talents.........it'd cause more work for him!!))

All in all, kind of minor stuff considering what we've gotten done already!! I give a huge pat on the back (and cash if I had any) to Rob (my dedicated son) and the nameless one........both of which worked their tails off to get this project finished (and me out of the house!) My daughter and sister helped hang wallpaper.........it's different hanging it sideways! (the logs are really paper).

Rob is still going to build a unit for the end of the girls room consisting of storage on both sides of the window and a large window bench.........Jenny is looking forward to curling up there and reading. It has a nice view of the ponds across the street!
This is the view from the window (mirror) over my kitchen sink!

Please! Come in!!

2007-07-21T10:07:00.001-05:00

The living room

2007-07-21T10:03:00.001-05:00

My bath

2007-07-21T10:02:00.001-05:00

Shower is to the right of the sink.

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Bathroom #2 (no pun intended)

2007-07-21T09:59:00.001-05:00

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My bedroom

2007-07-21T09:28:00.001-05:00

The sewing room!

2007-07-21T09:22:00.001-05:00

It's not near as cluttered as it looks, it's really quite workable.

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Girls room (they are under those blankets)

2007-07-21T09:13:00.001-05:00

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This is the kitchen....

2007-07-21T08:56:00.002-05:00

The curtain at the end is the pantry.

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Have you seen these Bee?

2007-06-12T11:12:00.001-05:00

Our 5 generations.......taken summer 2006.

A few of the house......

2007-06-12T11:04:00.001-05:00

My favorite brother is doing the tile work for me .......he is awesome!!And here is some of his work!! The bathrooms.
My bedroom. Rustic oak flooring and cool log walls!

Rob & Kim Jabrocki

2007-06-12T10:48:00.000-05:00

June 8th & 9th:

Gorgeous kids!

2007-06-12T10:44:00.000-05:00

Skylar Jean.........she is a doll~ She and Gage have birthdays just 12 days apart.

Isn't he about the most beautiful boy you've ever seen? This is our Gage!! (His Dad is slow at posting, even worse then me! So I thought I'd show him off!!)

Lion's Gate

2007-05-10T06:31:00.000-05:00

Kadee and I watch movies at nite in my bed. Some of them start out with this set of new, shiny gears........meshing perfectly.......then the castle like doors open and the words "LIONS GATE" swoosh onto the screen. I describe to Kadee what's going on and then read the words.
Yesterday she's sitting on her Mom's lap in front of the computer where Mom is loading a DVD and the gears come up. Mom yells for Evan to "watch this"! When the words come up she says, "Kadee, what does that say?" And of course Kadee says "Lions Gate".
Boy! Was Evan ever impressed!!
It was impressive when she knew the alphabet at 18 months, and now she can read at 2!! She is BRILLIANT ..........and she'll tell you so~!

It's ME !

2007-05-03T18:20:00.000-05:00

Yes, I'm back! I have no excuse for not dropping on now and then. Just me and Kadee hanging out. The kids are getting busier as the end of the school year approaches. Jenny is off right now on a 2 day trip to Greenfield Village with the 5th grade.

I'm hoping to get the new Granny Flat organized and livable before I have surgery (which I have postponed until Jly 25th.) Wish me luck!!

Home Sweet Home

2007-05-03T18:09:00.000-05:00

It's coming along!! I hope to start painting within a week!!

Relaxing

2007-05-03T18:07:00.000-05:00

Mom's are just made for resting on!

The Season's First Picnic!

2007-05-03T18:04:00.000-05:00

Jenny and Kaden enjoy a sunny day by eating on the front deck.

I'm Back!

2007-03-30T05:50:00.000-05:00

Once again the computer is back from the shop. My advice to you is 'Shop Around!' Best Buy Geeks wanted $616 + to replace my optical drive when it went out. They said half of that was probably labor. I've since learned that it takes the removal of 1 screw to remove it, slide the new drive in (plugs itself in), replace the screw. Hmmmmm.........$300 worth of labor?!!

My son heard about a little independent shop which put in a new drive, fixed the corrupt hard drive, cleaned it up of viruses and loaded an anti-virus program......all for $178. Now that's a deal!

Jenny, Sarah and I are going to spend Spring Break at the condo on White Lake! We'll use the pool, learn some math at 'Uncle David's Math Camp' & go ice skating! And whatever else we can find to do! (But especially, SLEEP IN!!)

See you after Easter! Have a hoppy one!!

I Have a New Toy Bee!!

2007-02-10T16:36:00.000-05:00

When I brought this home, Don questioned why I thought I needed another sewing machine. I said, "You know how you are with guns?" He said, "Enough said!"

Father/Daughter Dance

2007-02-10T16:29:00.000-05:00

The dance was postponed due to snow day so it didn't happen until January. They all looked beautiful! (We borrowed dads!)

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Two weeks later...........

2007-02-03T12:14:00.000-05:00

Well, I'm still kicking. I finally found the balance between the pain and the pills. I cut my dosage in half so it takes the edge off the pain and I can be awake!
I saw the surgeon on Thurs and had a pocket of fluid drained and had the port removed.
At this point I'm feeling really good! The worst time is first thing in the morning when I haven't had any drugs since bed time. My lower back hurts the most...........from arthritis Dr. says. When it starts to hurt, the muscles go into spasm and oowwwwwwie! I have trouble breathing normally when it does that. 40 min after the pill I'm good!
I may get thru this yet!

Dr. visit

2007-01-24T17:46:00.000-05:00

It seems the pain in my back is because it's broke! No Wonder! Duh..... It is T-8 if you know where that is. I do now! Actually, she said they think it is an old break! Just like the heart damage they found was an old heart attack. How does that happen?! The lower back hurts due to the arthritis.
She seemed more concerned about the cough that I've had to long. She wants it gone in a week and gave me an inhaler toward that end. She showed me the x-rays and the lungs look slightly fibery.........she thinks may be very early emphasema...........due to 26 years of smoking. I did quit some 15 years ago but smoked long enough to do some damage I guess.
I feel great for the shape I'm in!!