M I A

It's been almost 2 months since I blogged. It wasn't like there was nothing going on around here. To be honest, I just didn't take the time to blog. 

So let me briefly fill you in on what we've been doing.

November 11th, we hosted 14 members of the Missouri Community Scholars Network. The quilter and the blacksmith each gave a presentation on our craft. The group was broken into two parts, and half way we switched groups. We talked about the love for our crafts, not only blacksmith and quilting, but canning, food preservation, gardening and life.

 It wasn't required but I made a little dessert for them. 

Almost all 17 sewing machines were on display for them. I gave a small presentation of paper piecing. 

 The blacksmith opened his shop and gave a walking tour. He also did some forging for them. 

 Deer season  was good. We filled the freezer with 2. 

We flew to Florida the first week of December. We needed to get our baby fix. Aren't these the most adorable thighs??

Our grand son C turned 3, of which he was not happy about at all. Grandpa told him, there would be days like that.

 Things got better after the crowd left. These two brothers love each other so much. 

One evening our church hosted this group of singers. Their outfits were amazing. I might of paid more attention to the clothing then the singing. Oh the seamstress in me!

Christmas came . . . . our only grand daughter got her first gun!  I love this picture, dress and pink gun!

 Shorts on Christmas day in Missouri?  Yep, that would be "A" man. 

 . . . . where as in Florida, it was flannel pajamas.

After Christmas the flood of 2015 hit. In our area over 10 inches of rain was received in a 3-4 day period. This is the Osage river behind out house (we are high on a bluff). In the top picture you can see just part of the conservation sign showing.  A few hours later it was completely under water. This river is monitored by USGS and the normal level is usually 2-4 feet. On this day the level rose to 29.49 FEET.

Our neighborhood lake couldn't handle all the water. Eventually the lake rose, the river rose and it became one unit. 

While running up and down the road watching the river levels, the grand kids spotted ice flowers. 

 My Mother turned 92, I mean 29 the day before New Year's eve. 

This  quilt I completed for a new great niece or nephew due in February. I machine quilted it. 

 I had a small piece leftover, so why not decorate the back?!

This one is for a special almost-son and wife. They are expecting their first baby in February also. The horse and the horseshoes are paper pieced. Needless to say they are horse lovers and have several. It was a hit too!

 It's always fun to see the back.

We had a lot of company during school break. This was snack day, the last day of school vacation. 

 My kitchen helper will be missed. We were making brown sugar shortbread cookies.

The blacksmith was busy too. There were lots of Christmas orders, including one from Alaska! This is a cross candle holder for a BAM (Blacksmith Association of Missouri) meeting tomorrow. 

There it is in a nutshell. Of course a lot more went on . . . just not blog worthy.

Happy New Year 2016. I hope I get back to a little more regular blogging.

LIG

A few of my favorite things . . . and some so not.

Let's start with the not so favorite thing. Miss Elizabeth got sick Christmas Eve day. She continued it through Christmas day and today is finally keeping things down. This was supposed to be one exciting Christmas for her. It was a chore for her to even try to unwrap any presents.

And now her Grandpa has the flu.

As for favorites, just look at Alex's face when he opened his first BB gun!

Brady's face is beaming too, opening cartoon videos. This is exciting for them as they don't have cable or satellite TV.

At least we got to share some precious moments via the web cam with Sarah and Rusty. They look on as Elizabeth opens her doll.

A family meal together is always a favorite thing.

This is what the little Casita looks like outside now with all the snow.

I love this red granite coffee pot. It is just what I wanted to go in the Casita too. I'm doing the inside with red accents. Thanks Sarah and Rusty.

Jeremy and Lori got us this indoor/outdoor digital thermometer for the Casita. Jeremy thought it through enough that we just have to put a small cable outside to register. That way there is no driving off, with the sensor flying behind.

14 bars of homemade soap arrived Christmas eve from my cousin Mindy in Kailua Hawaii. She makes the most awesome soap. I will share it with my sister too.

A gift from the grand kids via their Mom. Adorable!

For my last favorite thing, it's a new tradition. The blacksmith's Mother has always made Danish Twist for Easter. I asked her if it was a sin if I had made it for Christmas. It's our new favorite thing!

Hope you all got lots of favorite things for your Christmas too.

Scenes from Christmas Day!

Elizabeth wants to tell you how sad she is that Christmas is over with.

Brady said I should show you how an 8 year old helps Grandma set up her new Wii fit plus.

Now that Christmas is over, Elizabeth is ready to go shopping.

What girl doesn't love to shop?

Alex, well he is just enjoying his new BHS hat.

Lori can't wait to get her new monitor all set up.

After that this is what we did. Here Bentley . . . leftovers from the girl in the high chair.

The kids posed for their annual christmas picture in front of their tree.

All this holiday stuff just wore her out.

Mother, Me, with the grand kids and my sister Lona at Mom's Christmas party.

I leave you now, to go reduce the age my new Wii fit plus made me. :(