Monday's Memory--Stitcheries

 At one point, these two stitcheries  both hung on display in the house, the sunflower in the kitchen and the other in the hallway.  As times and tastes changed, they found a new home under my bed.  When I had to clean out the rooms for carpeting, I rediscovered them and decided it was time to get rid of them.  But not before a picture was taken and some memories shared.

At one point, I loved everything counted cross stitched.  I remember the first time I ordered a kit from a party.  It may have been this one!  Anyway, when the kit came, I was shocked because the canvass was blank...no pattern stamped on it.  I discovered that you had to count to know where to place the stitches.  It was so fun and such a feeling of accomplishment when the picture started to appear.  

Before counted cross stitch, there was needlepoint.  I remember being in Las Vegas on time and hit a jackpot on slots...a couple hundred dollars.  I took that money home and paid for a couple of needlepoint classed.  I loved doing pictures that you could get creative with and do different stitches.  This Dresden Sampler was made for mom.  Every section was a different stitch.  I even taught this in RS as a three month class.  I taught them several stitches and then they went home and completed that section before the next class.  I will say it was a lot of work and only a couple of women actually completed the project!

Happy Birthday Emma and Wyatt

 

Happy Birthday Owen

 

Monday's Memory--Tablecloth

 Todd brought this table cloth home from his mission to Brazil.  Every time I look at it, it makes me smile.  It reminds me of his two years away from home and how much he grew.  It reminds me of his thoughtfulness.  It reminds me that no matter where he is or how far away, I'll always be his mom.  How I love him

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Monday's Memory--Todd's Blanket

 As I was preparing for new carpeting, I had to clean out all of the closets.  This task probably took me longer than it needed to because i stopped several times to take a trip down memory lane.  Of of my favorites was the blanket.

This gem was made for Todd by his Grandma Johnson.  It's all patch worked and hand quilted.  A real labor of love.

Another Old Friend

 

The drive to San Diego is longer that LA, but certainly more beautiful.  Driving with the ocean in view is always soothing to my soul.  As I drove this time, I remembered back to when I was still teaching but the Newport Temple wasn't built yet. I would often drive down to San Diego straight from school.  During one period of time when I was really struggling, I went almost every week, fasting all day and then having a late dinner on my way home.  I developed a real love for this temple.

When Amy was in YW, our ward took a bus down to the open house.  As she walked into the brides room, with stars in her eyes, she said, "This is where I want to get married!"  Some 7 years later, she did! 

I remember one time sitting in the Celestial Room, praying...saying something like...let me know it's going to be OK...send a rainbow...or dolphins...A few minutes later, a rainbow appeared on the table in front of me, created by the sun hitting the crystals on the chandelier overhead!  

House Reno-Vinyl Floors

 After our "flood" at Christmas time, I thought it might be time to get new flooring.  I've been wanting vinyl down the halls, so I went for it!!  Rudy and his family took out all the old flooring and carpet going down the halls, exposing some really old floors. More on that in another post.  The next day he laid the new vinyl and baseboards.  That left me with the finishing touchups.  I spackled the nail holes and touched up the caulking.  Realizing that I didn't have any matching paint for the hall, I ended up repainting the entire thing!  A week later, it's finished and it looks amazing.  Next up...mom's room.  Stay tuned!!

Before...

During...

And after!!!