A Good Day

All in all, a VERY good day.

I painted a $20.00 lamp I found on Craigslist a couple of weeks ago.

It is made of iron (yes, very heavy) and has a marble table. I love it painted white, don't you?

Just need to find the right shade.

Earlier this week, I was in my favorite quilt store and Suzanne gave me a pattern and fabric for a new model for the store. It's been awhile since I've made a cute little dress. It's been hats and vests for quite some time.

Today I had some time to get started.

Ruffles, and bows and cute little pockets (guess you can't see them.)

Fun, fun, fun.

Laundry for the first time in my laundry room after 3 months of  laundry mats.

More fun...no, really.

I decorated our Christmas tree and emptied shelves in our entertainment center getting it ready for my Snow Village. We replaced the wood shelves with glass, which I got today too.

On our rare rainy day earlier in the week, I got to have my Emmy Lou for cuddling under a quilt on the couch,

and for hot cocoa and toast with homemade apple butter.

Now after such a good day today, in the morning we leave for a two day getaway to the coast. Mr. SS is putting in a new front door for our friends in Grover Beach.

We didn't make it to their house for our usual summer getaway, so this is a treat.

Then back here to get the rest of the decorating done.

Goodbye Thanksgiving...Hello Christmas

We spent Thanksgiving at my cousin's house in Sacramento. It was so much fun. We sounded like a couple of kids in the kitchen laughing and cooking together.

I only got a few pictures. (Much to busy having fun)

 I made 7 pies, these along with 3 cream pies. Pumpkin, of course, pecan (which was a flop...didn't set), raisin (Mr. SS's favorite), two chocolate and a coconut cream. Can you tell I love making pie.

 Cousin Judy found this idea on Facebook and we really had fun with it. When the guests arrived, it was quickly gobbled up. It helped that we had a big bowl of Ranch Dressing to go with it.

Along with my brother-in-law and his wife, we were joined by my Tehachapi family.
Kyle, Stefani, Madi, and my oldest son Scott.
So, we only had 10, but we cooked for 20.
Hard to believe that two old ladies like us can still put on a spread like we did.

Tonight, Mr. SS got out our Christmas Tree. It's up and lit, but won't be be fluffed and decorated for a few days. We both agreed right where we wanted it. You will have to come back for that the rest of the story decorating

I can't tell you how excited I am to decorate this year. 2009 was the last time we decorated and had a tree.

I had a few things for the RV small cottage, but we're getting it all out this year. One of the few things I kept was all my Christmas decorations. Just couldn't part with them yet, I guess.

So...let the decorating begin!!

Birthdays and Halloween Fun

October 31st. brings double fun for our family.

We get to celebrate the birthday of our number 3 grandchild, Drew, who turned 14 today.

She is a joy to all who know her. She's smart, beautiful and loves life and her family.

We are so proud of the young lady she has become.

Our middle son Eric's birthday is October 30, so growing up we always had a Halloween birthday for him too.

Before we took off for our church Harvest Festival we had birthday dinner and cheesecake and I got a few pictures of the kids. My two in Tehachapi weren't with us, but I got a good one of the others.

(Although a little blurry)

Kobi  as Dorothy and Cade, the rather "injured" baseball player.

Camy, one of the 4 who went as girls from the 50's with there poodle skirts.

Cade and Jack our "real" baseball players went as baseball players.

They remind me so much of their daddys when they were that age.

After the birthday celebration, we were off to our church Harvest Festival where these four twirled and posed in their skirts.

There was a little face painting going on...isn't that just the cutest face?

Mr. SS and I were privileged to get to pose with the winners of the best homemade costumes for their age groups.

Of course to me...they are all winners.

God is Good!!

Life is Good!!

It's All About the Red and White (and pink, too)

For the last week, I have been lovin' red and white.  I am really in a Valentine's state of mind.   Maybe it's because I sewed on blue and silver for weeks before Christmas,  but I couldn't wait to put out my little Valentine's Vignettes and did so on New Year's Day.  Valentine's and Christmas both use red as the main color scheme, so it is easy to transition by leaving a little red and white out from the Christmas decorations.

I will post pictures of my little Valentine's vignettes next time, but today it's all about

fabric and my sewing projects.

Of course, I made a trip to my favorite shop for some

fabric love.

I brought home these six pieces to play with.

The love and kisses had some lovely lingerie (bras and panties)

on it, but I managed to fussy cut around it since I'm sewing for little girls.

This red with the little heart is a favorite.

It goes so well with this one

I really love the pink with red lips. It reminded me of the big wax lips we used to get as kids (probably for a penny)

My inspiration was a special order for a Valentine's purse.  So of course I made 6.  I took some down to Strawberry Patches and I'm going to put one in my Etsy shop.

I always have scraps left over from the purses, so I made 6 of these flower hair clips for my granddaughters.

My oldest granddaughter is 15, so she gets a zipper make-up bag.

Staying with the red, white and pink theme, I have to show you my two favorite magazines.

I have read these both cover to cover. There are so many beautiful pictures and ideas galore in both.

Just a sneak peek...

But even more than the pretty pictures, I wanted to point out that one of my favorite blogger friends  was featured.

Her blog is just so pretty and she is so sweet and genuine. If you get a chance, go visit Patty and tell her I said Hi.



Tomorrow, in keeping with my red, white and pink theme, I get to make a Strawberry cake for one of my granddaughter's birthday. Not only is it "pretty in pink" and red, it is delicious. You can find the recipe here.



I am linking to Cindy's Romantic Home for Show and Tell.

I'm also linking to a Handmade Valentine Party@ Summit Street Joy
Click here or on the button on my sidebar.

God is So Good!!

Life is Good!!

A Little Costume Fun and Another Birthday Dinner

Sweet Granddaughter Drew Ann was born on Halloween 12 years ago. 

After her requested dinner of Tri-tip, and birthday cake (I'll share the recipe tomorrow), the 6 kids got ready to go to their Church Carnival by putting on their costumes.

Drew chose one of her Mom's prom dresses and heels and went as a Homecoming Queen complete with Tiera.

While the little ones got their costumes on (no small task for Mom Olivia to get 5 more dressed), Drew opened her gifts.

(Sorry for the dark pictures. Someday maybe I'll have a grown-up camera.)

Lexi went as a West High Cheerleader (the HS where Daddy Brandon teaches and coaches)

Camy dressed up as a dancer with a Black Tulle twirly skirt and new ballet shoes.

Jack is the town sheriff complete with badge and new Cap Guns (I didn't know they still made Cap Guns)and of course his hat and boots.

Brooke is a sweet little princess (of course, she is three).

Emmy Lou is a Hershey's Kiss (Oh....I made this for Drew when she was 2. Where does time go?)

The hat only stayed on long enough for a picture because I bribed her by popping M&M's in her mouth.

(If you see this, Suzanne...is that face her Dad's or what)

Here they are all ready  to go!!

Emmy is none too happy with this costume thing...especially the hat.

Before they go, one of Drew's requests was to dance with her Daddy for her birthday. They danced to a Taylor Swift song. (What else?)

Then they all joined in on the dance, and off they went  for some fun at their church.

Leaving me sitting with camera in hand and tears in my eyes...I ask you...is it any wonder. I am so blessed!!

God is Good!!

Life is Good!!

Birthday Month

In our immediate family, we have more birthdays in October than any other month.

I've already shared with you that the 10th was my birthday.

October 30th is my middle son's birthday and

October 31st is my younger son's daughter's birthday.

I'll start with mine. Warning... this post is picture crazy, but it will be worth it. You'll see..

We were out of town for my birthday, but the following weekend, my sweet friend, Gail hosted a party for me and our friend Sandi, whose birthday is two days after mine. Our group of 7 has celebrated our birthdays together for more years than I can count.

Gail had a special cake made for us.

These cute little napkins just fit our group that night.

You can click on any picture to enlarge.

My fellow birthday girl, Sandi and me.

Our "Hostess with the Mostest", Gail. Her shirt with the spiderweb complete with spider fit the occasion.

Six of our seven. Cindy we missed you.

From left to right...Me, Ruth, Linda, Sally, Sandi and Gail.

 Love these paper lanterns.

 As is the custom at Gail's house, the table was decorated in style.

 A little closer look and maybe you can see the backside of a rat.

Pumpkins of all shapes, sizes and colors.

My place at the table. The bowl has a chocolate covered Oreo that went home with me for Mr. SS's sweet tooth.

Under each bowl was a different Skeleton plate.

 Even the iron handled flatware and woven place mats fit the theme of the occasion.

After a tour of Gail's beautifully displayed decorations, we finally sat down to enjoy our dinner.

 Sally brought the most wonderful salad

Gail and Ruth collaborated on the soup. It is called 2X4 soup. I will share the easy recipe one of these days.

Doesn't it look like a black cauldron full of witches brew?

Linda brought Ciabatta rolls with lots of garlic butter. Yum!!

Now, I will take you on a tour of some of the decorations. Believe me when I tell you. This was by no means all...I just got a few photos.

 This pumpkin, cut from a book really caught my eye.

Thanks, Gail for making this birthday girl feel special.

I haven't decorated for Halloween since my kids were growing up and since I didn't even get to decorate for fall this year, I really enjoyed the fun Halloween decorations.

Today I had my son Eric and his family over for a late lunch for his birthday.  When he was growing up, his favorite birthday dinner was Tacos, and Chocolate Cake with Chocolate Frosting, so that's what I fixed today. We had the family that lives in my front yard (my younger son, his wife and 6 kids) come join us. The weather was so beautiful that we enjoyed our meal outside.

We are so proud of the men all our sons have become. They know the Lord, are great husbands and fathers, and they have a great work ethic that came from their Dad.  But, I must say, Eric had the farthest to come. He had problems from early on. I won't go into them and have my theories as to why he was the way he was.  ( I could write a book.) He rebelled in high school as many kids do and I kept a tight reign on him for which he hated me at times and let me know it.  But he came around after he was married and had kids and  we respect him so much for all he has become. (As we do all our sons, but it's his birthday today) He has let me know over and over that he is glad NOW that I "ruined" his high school days and understands why. Whew!!

Anyway, tomorrow is birthday # 3. Drew Ann will be 12 and I will let you know how that goes without the hundreds of pictures (well, maybe) and without the book (well, maybe).

I have a few posts in mind for this week, so you may just see a new one every day. When Mr. SS is working out of town, I tend to stay at the computer till all hours.

God is Good!!

Life is Good!!