...another hat

I'm stepping w.a.y. out of my comfort zone and donning a new hat.............let me back up some and explain...........I love to make quilts. I am a member of our local quilt guild. For the past nine years we have sponsored a quilt show in connection with the "Delta Snow Goose Festival". I have helped set up and even "taught" a couple of very small demonstrations. Since our show last February the president of our guild has reminded us regularly that no one had signed up to "be in charge" of the quilt show. The past three months at meetings have been a little uncomfortable because no one was willing to step forward and do it. I have felt the need to contribute to our guild--I have a little in the past, but with the things going on in my life for the past five years I felt I had my plate full. Well............I was just so afraid our show would die, I began thinking of how I would accomplish this task IF I were to volunteer. I thought about it for a couple of months even! While waiting for the play to start in Cedar City last month...........WHAT!?!?!??? Did I forget to tell you that we went to the Shakespeare Festival in Cedar City??? Sorry............we saw "The Music Man" and "Midsummer Night's Dream". So much fun!!! Now back to the quilt guild saga..........While waiting for the play to start I was telling Roger how I hated to see the show die for lack of someone saying "I'll be in charge." He shocked me by replying, "Why don't you do it?" I told him that was all I needed.........I needed to have his support.........Sooooooo, I'm "in charge" though I am the very newest kid on the block!! I've never been involved in the planning of this thing!! I show up the day before to set up chairs and tables and climb ladders to hang the quilts! Now.........with all that..........I have created a blog for our quilt show..........remember, it is in the beginning stages and I'm learning as I go......I hope everyone will be patient with me--so far they have been very kind and encouraging--we will have a great show! I have some wonderful people to help me............and I'm EXCITED!!!! Here's the link to the new blog, if you are interested............goose festival quilt show. Let me know what you think, please..........and pray for me..........I've never done anything like this before in my whole life!!! AGH!!!

...some of my favorite things...

Yes, it's been a while..........there are times when I feel I don't have anything to share and other times when I feel I don't have time to sit down and write something. That doesn't mean that I don't spend time doing other things on the computer--like read someone else's blog. I have a favorite heirloom designer. She has a blog and she's faithful. I wish I lived in her town..........or better yet, that she lived in mine! We had a talk with our 17 year old the other night about making things happen instead of making excuses. (I know, you've never had such a talk with your child.) But afterward, as I was looking at the exquisitely lovely little clothes Jeannie makes and reading of her classes, I decided I'm going to make something happen! I'm going to save some money--don't really know where it's coming from--and go to one of her classes! I can read directions and decipher illustrations as well as the next gal, but there is nothing like being right there and watching as she embroiders........so I'm going to make it happen! Tell me, if you dare, that this is not one of the sweetest, most beautiful dresses you have ever seen.......

...or this one...

See why I want to go to at least one of her classes????? So beautiful they make my heart ache.....and I need to be getting started on a little white something of my own. We have a new grandson!!! He's still a wee little thing, but so perfect in every way. Mother and baby are doing well..........

And we had a wedding in the family two weeks ago! As per the standing arrangement with my sister, I made a quilt. I love to make quilts! And I hope that someday I can be as happy with my machine quilting as I am with my hand quilting..........it's going to take some work!!

 And I want to share some pictures of one of my favorite buildings in all the world.....(there are about 150 of these "favorite" buildings) it was absolutely and totally beautiful that day...........one that could not be improved upon.....one to "fill my reservoir"....

And now! I think I will go and make something happen! Goodness knows, I have enough to do!

...absent but not forgotten

I've been thinking about a friend today.......I'm not sure "friend" is the right word.........a woman in our little town that I greatly admire. She "graduated" a week ago and I find I'm still sad that I'm not going to see her at the grocery store or the beauty salon. Kay was a teenager in World War II Berlin......survived the Allied attacks, the shortage of food, and the invading armies--in East Berlin. Amazing story! Her daughter wrote a book, "We Were Not Alone"........sold through Deseret Book. Kay shared her faith promoting experiences and testimony whenever asked. I don't know what brought her to our town, but shortly after arriving her husband died, leaving her to provide for her children--five, I think. Through it all her testimony never waivered. She made me think that every day was a gift. Her laugh was contagious and made her eyes sparkle. She would probably be surprised to know that she has influenced my life as she has--that I think of her in this way.........without guile, presumption or self-importance.........she lived quietly and was always kind and willing--thinking of others. One Christmas when she and her children received two turkeys, she gathered them around her, explained they couldn't use and didn't need two whole turkeys, and asked them to help her decide who they could share with!!..........she is the kind of woman I want to become. I want all of you to know her too. I give her high marks..........in my book, she graduated with high honors!!

...empty nest.....(ers)........

Our hummingbirds have flown...............we are sad but glad..........you understand..........I went out the other day and the nest was empty. I've seen at least one hummingbird flying around since then, but I have no idea if they are momma or baby. I'm just glad they made it!!!!

This was taken the day after the last one (with Dan in his red shirt standing behind them). They were head to head this time instead of head to tail........(sorry, you probably noticed that already). The next two are two days later.................they are gone..................we wish them well...........I wonder how far they migrate? Anyone know? and where? ....hmmmmm.......lots of things to learn.........

...hummingbirds #3

They are looking so big and alert..........and there really are two and they are both doing well! Such fun to watch them. We see the mother now and then flying around, but I've never seen her even sitting close to the nest much less feeding them. That would be fun to watch!!!

Aren't they beautiful???? Such perfect little beaks, eyes........and just a little down left. They will probably be gone in another week............another testament of the Creator..............

...reunion 2011

We had our family reunion last week................a joyful, noisy four days with too little sleep, too much to eat, jam-packed with fun things to do!

We built and launched rockets...

Fueled--ready for launch

.....hummingbird update

Our two baby birds are doing well! I was afraid they might not survive the grandchildren, but they left them entirely alone after I told them how skittish hummingbird mommies are............I don't know how they fit in that nest! It almost looks like they push themselves out! And one did stick it's wing out for a little stretch. They certainly grow fast! There were even feathers on it! 'Course, I wasn't fast enough to get a picture.........but here you can see their little beaks.........so amazing and miraculous!!

Close by I found our lilies in bloom...........I love lilies...............

And our "flag" at the front door...............Hooray!!!!! for the U.S.A.!!!!!!

J