"The Good Ole Days of Yore" or Something Like That.

It's 1971. We were young (very young---just 19 & 20). We had no money. We had no Christmas decorations. We had no ornaments. We decided to make our own. We worked diligently every night after work---at the kitchen table.

When I think back on it now, it surprises me that we didn't work in front of the television. I guess nothing good was on. That was back in the day of only 4 channels and one of them was educational tv. Or maybe we just liked each other's company. Yeah, that's it!!

Anyway, we made tons of ornaments---from a kit---we just had to follow directions. Today, they are some of my most prized ornaments. I wonder what happened to all the rest. We have very few left.

The kits were really cheap---maybe 2 bucks for---like---50 ornaments. Each year, we did one set.

Decoupage was all the rage in the 1970's. You had to cut out the paper pictures. You glued them to a piece of wood. If I recall, you had to figure out on your own which piece of wood went with the picture. Then the glaze was applied over the top of it all.

Each one had a back. In storage, some had stuck together so are a bit ratty and torn. Still, I love to have them as a reminder of the "lean" years. They are simple ornaments. But our life was pretty simple then too. Well, maybe not. Butch was working full-time and going to college. I guess our lives were just simple in the money department. We didn't have any. We barely scraped by. If I spent $1.00 too much at the grocery store, that meant I couldn't pay another bull in full for the month. It's kind of hard to remember how we really had to keep track of every nickel. I think Butch would like it if we returned to those days of NO spending. Me, not so much!

I think we did the painted wooden ornaments the second year. I'm no artist, that's for sure, but there were lines, so I did okay. Compared to what I have in my scrapbook room, the paints were your very basic colors. We didn't try mixing to make new ones. I'm not sure why---maybe we just didn't think of it.

Our last year of making ornaments were the plaster of Paris. I have no idea where that term came from. I guess Paris invented plaster. I do know that many of these were broken over the years. Plaster is much more fragile than ceramic. In fact, this is the only ornament we have left. Maybe the girls have a couple. At least I hope so.

What I remember most is how much fun we had making them. Or maybe it was just doing something together. We don't do that much these days. He doesn't stitch, cook or scrapbook. I don't golf, bike or watch football. Soooooo, I decided to plan a Christmas activity for us this year---the Legos project. Since I've already blogged about that (remember the double gin and tonic---you have to skip down the post?), I'll just show you the finished results.

Our little village is the centerpiece on the table in the rec room. It can be moved if we need to use the table. It turned out pretty cute. At least the girls got a kick out of it. They think everything we do is "cute." You, know in that "our parents/grandparents are so old" kind of cute!

After 44 years, we've settled in to a comfortable pattern together. Still, it does't hurt to shake things up now and then!!

The Elf on the Shelf

Victoria has taken over the "Elf on the Shelf" duties this year. She's doing a great job and making it fun for Elizabeth. Sandy is grateful for the "break"---if you know what I mean. There's that little thing going around Facebook---you know the one---everyone can relate. It goes something like this:

You know that moment when you go to bed and are all comfy and snug? Then comes the thought, "oh crap, I forgot to move the d**n elf!" Yeah, that one. Well, Victoria's got it covered. She's come up with some pretty clever ideas---some she's found on Pinterest.

I had to jump in here. This thrills me to no end! I made all of my grandchildren---5 of them---these Christmas stockings years ago. They are cross-stitch. You can't tell it from this picture, but there are dangly ribbons and charms hanging off of them.

When Sandy started sending me the photos every day, I was like a little kid too---couldn't wait to see where he'd be next. So, I decided to get in on the act.

Stay tuned until tomorrow for that!!

Don't You Just Love it When...

...your granddaughters want to do what you do? I think that means you're cool!!! Here's the story:

A couple of years ago, Jordan asked me if I would needlepoint something for her. That was the same year that I gave Elizabeth---then 8---her first needlepoint project. For Jordan, I made a christmas pillow that I gave her last year. She then asked me if I would teach her to needlepoint. Of course, my heart skipped a beat and did that pitter patter thing to which the only response is, "Oh yes my darling girl---anything you want!"

I got Jordan all set up with her first project---a little animal scene with a mother and child giraffe. That girl does love animals.

It took her a year, but she finished and did a beautiful job. I'm going to have it made in to a pillow for her. For her next project, I told her that, this time I would take her shopping and let her pick it out for herself. Morgan overheard and asked why I never taught her to needlepoint to which I responded, "well, you never asked to learn." A few days later, she texted me and asked me to teach her. I told her that I'd get her all set up, but it would be her big Christmas present. Needlepoint is an expensive hobby. Those hand-painted canvases are just the start. All of the fun fibers can get pretty pricey too. Then there's the finish work. If you've ever had even a regular pillow made, you know what I'm talking about.

Nashville Needleworks has a new owner that has brought the most gorgeous things in to the store. I took Stephanie and Mindy there a couple weeks ago and let them pick out something new. I told Sandy that I would take her, too, when she was in town. That prompted Elizabeth to get out her piece that was nearly finished.

She did finish it over the Thanksgiving weekend. It turned out really cute. She did a nice job too---considering she was only 8 years old when she started it. This will also be a pillow. I'll find some fun fabric and trim. So, now Elizabeth is ready for a new project. At this point, I decided to make a family "event" out of it. I let everybody know that we'd go shopping at Nashville Needleworks on December 23rd and then have lunch afterwards. Sandy told me that Victoria also wanted to learn. I don't blame her---no one wants to be left out.

Last week, I went in to the store to pick up something I had ordered. There was a sign on the door that all of the canvases were 35% off. Now that's a BIG deal!! The previous owner ran her sale the week before and week after Christmas to reduce inventory for counting purposes and to make way for all the new things coming in. This new owner is running the sale all month. Everything was already so picked over. I knew there would be nothing good left by the 23rd. So I made the executive decision that everyone was going to have to trust my judgement. Luckily, I was able to find something for each one of the girls.

 This will be Victoria's first piece. It will be a Christmas ornament when it is completed.

Elizabeth's next project is full of fun colors for her. Plus it is a larger size canvas---perfect for children. She's going to be excited as I teach her a "fancy" stitch to use on that border.

 This will be a 3-dimensional Halloween house for Jordan.

I also got Jordan this little sweater Christmas ornament. It's about 4" tall. I can just see it on a little hanger.

That leaves Morgan. I picked this colorful gingerbread house for her. It's about 6" square.

I informed the girls of the new plan and texted them each a photo of their projects. They were all happy with their pieces. I got all of the canvases on the frames and pulled fibers from my stash. Smaller things make it easy to use what you already have on hand. I do have a few things to pick up, but for the most part, I've been able to save a LOT of money on the fibers.

Fast forward to yesterday. Morgan texted me and wanted to know if she could stop by for me to get her started. She was all excited. My first words to her were, "Now, Morgan, you are going to want to spend all your time needlepointing. You really need to wait until after your exams." Turns out she has straight "A's" and only one exam left. She's good to go. It only took about an hour to teach her everything she needs to know for now.

As Morgan was leaving, she said, "Grammy, thanks for letting me join the club!" That made me smile because that's exactly what we have going here---7 of my girls carrying on the tradition! That makes me so happy. I can just see us now---the membership dues are spending time together, stitching, talking and watching movies. I have a pretty good feeling that when I'm really old and gray, it will not be a chore to visit me if they can multi-task. And, I'm just young enough to think that I might even be able to teach another generation to stitch. Wouldn't that be cool---stitching with great-granddaughters??!!

As long as they finish their projects, this club president is happy to provide the materials. About the expense---when you consider the hours of enjoyment you put in to the project and the satisfaction you get from creating something yourself AND the family togetherness--this hobby of ours is truly priceless.

Here's to these girls starting their own family heirlooms! Can you start too early? I don't think so. And I just love that!

It' s All About Mindy

What else is new? She's the baby. She's always been the center of attention. She likes it that way. We're okay with that. What's not to love? Today is her birthday. So this post is all about her.

 She loves presents. Always has. And she's not afraid to show it.

Years ago, I did a scrapbook page and titled it "Open-mouthed enthusiasm." That says it all. The girl is full of excitement and notices everything---and is a bit of a snoop. She came by on Friday and happened to notice the 2 little things I hadn't wrapped yet. She was all over it. Then she started snooping at the presents under the tree. Butch was all over her!

This was her First Communion portrait. We plan to get the same shot in her wedding dress. This is the grotto on the St. Cecilia Campus---where all the girls went to high school.

I've included this photo because she made her dress. She took a sewing class when she was 5. It's the last thing she's made. But, she is pretty crafty---especially when it comes to food. She likes making fun treats.

This is her high school graduation picture.

Here she is today---or I should say---at Steeplechase. She does love her fascinators!

That leads us to this. The wedding is about 6 weeks away. I can share this full view now. It's the typeset used for the invitations.

Mindy and Justin want their guests to get the full Nashville experience. Most people NOT from here won't really "get" the invitations. Hatch Show Prints was founded here in Nashville in 1879. The letterpress style of printing is still ongoing and widely used in the music business. Although they no longer do wedding invitations, employees that got their start here do. Each invitation is slightly different from the next. What some might see as flaws in the printing are actually what give them character. Hatch is downtown and open to the public for tours.

Speaking of the wedding, everything is going smoothly. There are a lot of last minute details, but so far, so good. We're all looking forward to it. So for the next few weeks, it will still be all about Mindy.

When her sisters see this post, they are going to be like---"What? Mom didn't do a post about us on our birthdays!" Well, girls, I didn't think about it. I will this year. For now, it's all about Mindy! I do love my girls!!

What's Happenin'!

Outside my window: Chill has definitely come to Nashville. We're in the 30's these days. I'm very happy that my garden girl, Sara got my planters decked out for the holidays. This is the first year she's done it and I love it. There is one on either side of the front door.

Lots of stuff from the garden. I think she brought those red sticks. I'll have to look around and see if I have something like that when you strip off leaves.

I am thinking: About how far behind I am on the holiday decorating. I have no idea when I'm going to get it all done. I had planned that today would be the day. But, we went to our first Christmas party of the season last night. I never considered the standing around factor of the party. We had only planned to stay an hour. At about an hour and fifteen minutes, my feet were really starting to bother me. I signaled to Butch that it was time to go. We sought out the hosts to say our good-byes. They insisted we stay just a few more minutes as the entertainment was going to start. Well, if you know "music city," there is incredible talent here. A young girl---maybe 20 at most---started to sing---some of her own original songs and she was fabulous. Unfortunately, she was also seated right where I needed to get by to retrieve my coat. There wasn't really a good time to do it. Sooo, another 45 minutes later, we said our goodbyes and left. I hobbled to the car---honestly, nearly in tears. When we got home, I checked my emails and went straight to bed. I couldn't get to sleep for the throbbing in my feet. All that to say that I need to take it easy today. The decorating is going to have to wait another day. And I need to go to the grocery store. Don't know when.

I am thankful for: Good health---despite my comments above, I'm happy to be healthy. Last year at this time, I was sick and stayed that way through most of December. I had my flu shot last week, so I'm good to go!

From the kitchen: I made a huge pot of chili that I put in the freezer for Jordan's birthday dinner. I tripled the recipe and am not sure that's enough.

I'll start making some breads and cookies in the coming days too. Just trying to prepare for the family.

I am wearing: In years past, I would start wearing Christmas clothes on December first. Not so much anymore. I don't even have that many sweaters anymore. Seems like ANY Christmas sweater is deemed "an ugly Christmas sweater." I have a couple that I do not think are ugly, so I will be wearing them at some point. Just not every day.

I am hoping: To finish up the wrapping today---or at least by tomorrow. I know I still need just a few more things. I'll know better when the wrapping is done and I can go over the completed lists.

I am reading: Comfort and Joy by Kristen Hannah. It came as an offer via email from Kindle. It was only $1.99. I've grown leary of these cheap boos as they are usually what I consider "fluff!" But, since I love KH, I'd already decided that I was going to read everything she has written. This is an older book. I'm nearly finished. So far, it's been pretty predictable---entertaining, but not surprising. I have a feeling that something surprising is coming. Still, it's been a fun read.

I'm watching: OMGosh!!! I am SOOOO in to Breaking Bad. The meth cookers are so inept at drug dealing. A high school science teacher finds out he has cancer and not long to live. He is "breaking bad"---slang for cooking meth---to make a lot of money to pay for treatment and provide for his family. His young "dealer" sidekick isn't so good at the business side. They bought an old rv as their portable lab---they drive it way out in to the desert to cook. My favorite line---and there have been many: cooker to dealer----"You brought a meth lab to the airport?" Response: "Well, I had to pick you up and thought it would save time."

I am busy creating: I haven't done a thing lately. I need to "get on it" as we have AYM on Monday. Not only have I not started my page, I can't even remember what the topic is this month. Maybe Sunday---if the wrapping, decorating and grocery shopping is done. We'll see....

I'm bummed: That the whole house seems out of control right now. That's another thing to add to the list. The dining room is full of wedding stuff.  The library is full of wrapping stuff and gifts. The family room is full of wrapped gifts---no tree to put them under. Butch plans to get the tree today so that will help.

I am hearing: I'm listening to Christmas music. It's only been a few days and I'm already getting sick of it. Basically, it's the same 25 songs---just sung by different artists. I might need to get out some of my old cd's: Transiberian Orchestra, Mannheim Steamroller, Amy Grant, The Carpenters, Johnny Mathis...

I appreciate: Free medicine! What??? 

Yep, I went to pick up---not one---but two prescriptions. When I went to pay, the pharmacy tech said, "there's no co-pay today." I replied, "I never have a co-pay, I just have to pay for it." She said, "well,  not today." I said, "It's FREE??" Yep, it was. I don't get it. Of course, due to Obama Care, our monthly insurance is going up 25%---from $1000 to $1250 a month, so maybe that's why. Still, my prescriptions are not that expensive. Remember last month? I only paid 27 cents for one of them. I guess with a $250 monthly increase, I AM paying for those prescriptions---and a pretty penny at that!

Speaking of "free stuff"---Mindy and Butch got their Maker's Mark Ambassador Christmas present.

Last year, we got the scarf for the bottle. This year we got the ear muffs. Butch hasn't re-stocked the bar yet for the holidays. They will look better on a BIG bottle!

I regret: I don't usually have regrets---so I'm not even counting this as a regret. I just regret that we didn't finish in one sitting. 

t planned a special activity for Butch and me---reminiscent of our early marriage---44 years ago when we made all of our Christmas ornaments. This year, I bought this:

I thought it would make a nice centerpiece for the game table in the rec room. I actually bought two things.

Having NEVER---yes, never---done Legos before, I had no idea how long it would take. Butch was always the one who "played" with the girls. I was more of the cuddler, reader type of mom.

I figured I would work on this cute train. When I opened the very little box, there were all of these little pieces---nearly 300!

I gave Butch the big box---nearly 1000 pieces. Within the box, there were two sets of 6 bags with 2 huge instruction books.

Butch started to complain right away. It said "expert" not he box. I stopped him with, "it says 12 and up! Come on, this is supposed to be fun." He said he'd need a gin and tonic for that. I said, "you better make it a double!"

 He mellowed out quickly and started in on the fun!

I finished the train and said, "uh oh, are there supposed to be pieces leftover?" He said no. Sandy said they always give you more than you need. We'll finish it up this weekend.

And, it was fun!!

Here's hoping you have a fun and productive weekend yourself!!!