happy birthday baby . . .

We had a blast celebrating Olivia Mae's first birthday, yesterday!  All the grands were in good spirits (all had taken afternoon naps, which makes a HUGE difference) and Kim had decided to keep it just family, so it was cozy and casual. The birthday girl was all smiles . . .

Isn't she precious??  She also enjoyed her first taste of CAKE!

LOL!  She pretty much demolished her piece of cake.  Such fun!  She wasn't quite so sure about her birthday present from us~

But her mommy was!  Sweet little bonnet pattern that Joc purchased. This is my first go at it. Here is is with out the beautiful baby . . .

It's cuter with the baby in it! Once I worked through the first one, it'll be a cinch to make more.  And though I used the 12-month pattern for Olivia's, I'll probably go back and make another bill (it's in two pieces, buttoned together) more the 18-month size.  Fun days!  Joc is now imagining bonnets for Everley for every occasion!  LOL!

Our tiger lilies are just spectacular this summer!  Look at all the pretty colors . . .

They make me smile every time I step outside!

I'd seen a cute little quilting motif online somewhere (I've looked and cannot figure out where it was), but I immediately saw wool potential.

It translated nicely!

Now I'm trying to decide if I like the tips of the leaves floating free, or if I want to back it with a second, larger piece.  Any thoughts?

Due to several little finishes here and there over the past (mumble, mumble) weeks, I've got a little something to report stash wise:

And I will have some time for a little slow, Sunday stitching today, too!  Todd is being ordained this afternoon and before the ordination service, he'll meet with a counsel of six pastors for a time of prayer and questions. I'm so proud of him!! And while he's meeting with the panel, I'll continue working on my tea piece . . .

I have to finish outline stitching the 'n' and then I'll move along to the cup and saucer.

Linking up to Patchwork Times and Kathy's Quilts this morning.  Y'all have a wonderful day!

:)

slowing down . . .

In all manner of things, it would seem.  I've obviously slowed down in posting . . . I've slowed down physically, due to one of my notorious sinus infections which leaves me lethargic, coughing and voiceless. Which in turn slows down all other aspects . . . shopping, gift-wrapping, and crafting! Ah well, to everything, turn, turn, turn. 

In other words, my afternoon of slow Sunday stitching turned into napping on the couch with White Christmas playing in the DVD player! So instead, I thought I'd show off Ellie's dress . . .

Which I finished in the nick of time for the ballet!

She was thrilled with it . . .

Isn't she precious??

She, Jocelyn and I all had a marvelous time watching the Nutcracker.  Ellie was totally enchanted by it all!

This week, my stash took some very minor hits . . . 5 fat quarters, to be exact.

One was used to wrap an ornament for my Stitcher's Group, and the other four were gifted to another quilter.  None purchased.  It's been a while since I actually *bought* fabric!  Linking up today with Patchwork Times and Kathy's Quilts.

We have two Christmas cacti at work and both had tons of buds.  One of them finally burst forth in glorious bloom this week . . .

Isn't that marvelous?!

And finally, we had our December guild meeting on Thursday, which is our holiday dessert fellowship.  I was so tickled with the table centers, which were also door prizes:

I was even more tickled when my ticket number was called and one came home with me! Isn't this just precious? One of the hostesses' husbands made the trees ... and then the ladies on the hostess team made the sweet little ornaments to hang on it!  Perfect for a quilting/sewing/crafting room, I'd say!

I have a lot of catching up to do if I'm going to be prepared for Christmas Eve with the family, so things will probably continue to be quiet here on the blog.  But as we all gear up for all the festivities of Christmas week, let me leave you with a thought from this morning's Advent devotional, which kicks off the week of peace:

True lovers of peace are those who, in all their sufferings upon the earth, remain at peace in mind and body for the love of Jesus Christ. - Francis of Assisi

Or as Paul put it in his letter to the believers in Philippi:  Do not worry about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.  And the peace of God, which surpasses all understand, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:6-7

May your week be peace-filled!

:)