Sunday, March 17, 2013

This, That and a Little Bit More

You probably think I left Blogland...well, I did for a bit but now I'm back and hopefully won't be gone again.  I left home March 1st for 9 days in Birmingham with the kids...left Andy and Howie home to take care of each other.  I had tons of fun, and thought I'd have time to post while I was there, but it just never happened.  That is a very busy house...always something going on and by the time the kids went to bed I was too pooped to think.  I went up to be the mystery reader in Hampton's Kindergarten class...it was a complete surprise and absolutely fantastic.  Hampton had no idea I was coming, as a matter of fact I even talked to him the day before and he was teasing me telling me he was on his way to my house.  I flew up, Katie, Camden and Peyton picked me up at the airport and off to school we went.  His teacher gave a couple of hints..."This person lives near Disney World", we could hear through the door that he said something and a couple of other voices were heard...the next clue was "This person makes quilts"...He got it, the teacher told him to go to the door and escort the person in...the door flew open and and he literally jumped into my arms.  He kept saying, "I can't believe it's you Mamie, I can't believe it's you!"  I had to work really hard not to start crying, but I did have a story to read.  It was delightful, the children were so very well behaved, the loved the story and were just precious.  After the story we went to the cafeteria to have lunch with the class.  It could not have been a more wonderful day.  Katie took some pictures, so as soon as she sends them I'll do a follow-up post.  That was the beginning of a great 9 days, dance class with Camden, music with Peyton, the park to swing and play on the monkey bars, an Easter egg hunt, Family Night at Hampton's school, riding scooters, tricycles, and anything else with wheels and lunch at Hampton's favorite burger place, Milo's.  Sunday came way too quickly, and time for me to fly back home...but my boys were very happy to see me and I will be going back the beginning of May for Camden's dance recital.

Since I've been home I've tried to get all of my recurring monthly projects done...I almost made it, I have the Fat Quarter Shop BOM block and my 4 Farmer's Wife blocks to do tomorrow and I'll be done for March.  I also made a sheet with my monthly projects to keep me on track, I'll try to share that with you tomorrow.  Made it a lot easier...didn't have to think about what I was doing next, it was right there...no spinning my wheels thinking.

Here's what I got done this week...Country Threads Anniversary BOM...
Civil War Diaries blocks from Temecula Quilt Company...
Row 2 of Terry's Wiggly Whimsy and sewed the first 2 rows together...
and 4 more rows of what I'm calling Scraps Plus...
designed by Kathie Holland...and look at this incredible fabric that Kathie sent me this week...
I had mentioned that I didn't have any of the brighter fun fabrics that she had used...she said "Oh I will send you some!"  I was so thrilled...I have some of Kathie in my quilt...Thank you Kathie...you know I say..."We get by with a little help from our friends"!  I am one lucky girl!

33 comments:

Cherie said...

Wonderful story of your visit, Carol! sniff

BillieBee (billiemick) said...

Sounds like you had a wonderful time!

Jocelyn said...

What a great story Carol. Making those sweet memories.

Kindred Quilts said...

Your story about being the mystery story teller put tears in my eyes... so sweet. Your nine days "off" are what life is all about. Thanks for sharing.

Melanie said...

What great memories you will have.....and so will that little boy! I've said before---there will always be quilts...but this was really special. Thanks for sharing....

Melanie said...

What great memories you will have.....and so will that little boy! I've said before---there will always be quilts...but this was really special. Thanks for sharing....

Melanie said...

What great memories you will have.....and so will that little boy! I've said before---there will always be quilts...but this was really special. Thanks for sharing....

Melanie said...

What great memories you will have.....and so will that little boy! I've said before---there will always be quilts...but this was really special. Thanks for sharing....

Melanie said...

What great memories you will have.....and so will that little boy! I've said before---there will always be quilts...but this was really special. Thanks for sharing....

Melanie said...

What great memories you will have.....and so will that little boy! I've said before---there will always be quilts...but this was really special. Thanks for sharing....

Melanie said...

What great memories you will have.....and so will that little boy! I've said before---there will always be quilts...but this was really special. Thanks for sharing....

Melanie said...

What great memories you will have.....and so will that little boy! I've said before---there will always be quilts...but this was really special. Thanks for sharing....

Cheryl's Teapots2Quilting said...

I loved reading to the classes when my boys were in school. Glad you had a great trip.

Anonymous said...

Oh what a sweet story!! I have tears for you both :o) That would have absolutely made my year.

Gypsy Quilter said...

They are sooo very lucky to have you as their grandma! Looks like you win on the sewing goals this week. Dolly and I have been busy taking care of 17 bunnies!

Yvette said...

Welcome home! What a wonderful story, it brought a tear to my eye.

I love all your projects. Maybe it's because I am doing them too? LOL!

Anonymous said...

Loved reading your story! What a great memory maker that day was for both of you.

Darlene said...

I missed you while you were away but I was very happy that you enjoyed every minute!

Love your project planning idea - woohoo!!!!

Anne said...

What a wonderful surprise for Hampton. Your time there sounds oh so familiar to my visits with the kiddos. So much fun but always good to get back home to a bit of quiet time. You're on a roll with all your projects. you go girl!

Cheryl said...

I loved that story about you being the mystery reader...yes, it made me cry too. How wonderful for Hampton! Love all you are working on. I am my own special, happy meet up today...Darlene and Carol!

Janet O. said...

What a sweet, sweet story. I'm sure I would have been bawling!
You have made great progress on your projects. I am making a mini version of Kathie's quilt and calling it Small Sums. : )

Sarah said...

What a great surprise. I would have howled at such a heart felt reception! It's great that you get to see your grand kids often.

Cathy said...

How wonderful to visit with those you love. Love your projects. I made Kathy's quilt too. She is great. Hugs

Karen said...

You sound very upbeat after your trip. What a fun time it was for you. I like the story about being the Mystery Reader. Is this a regular event for the class?

Thimbleanna said...

Ohmygosh Carol -- I got tears in my eyes reading your sweet story. What a fantastic surprise for your little guy. I LOVE mystery reader. I did it once for my son's class -- I was reading a story about a pig. I dressed up as a pig with a mask -- even wore gloves so my son wouldn't recognize me. It was so fun to watch my son and his little buddy whispering and questioning each about who it could be. They jumped into my car at carpool that afternoon telling me all about it and then asking "Was it you Mom, was it you?" What fun memories. You're a fabulous Grandma Carol!

Karen said...

this post just warms my heart! I have such a happy visual of the door opening andy
your little guy flying into your arms!
And for all the excitement- you sure are getting a lot done now that you are home :-)
Have a great week!

Sinta Renee said...

Wow, you got so much done... and have lots of fun projects going on here! I really enjoyed your story about your trip also!

Teresa said...

What a cool idea to be the mystery reader. My daughter teaches first grade and I will have to tell her about this one.

Michele said...

What a fun visit! Being the mystery reader must have been so much fun! I can see why you didn't have time to blog! So much going on with little ones :-) Your Wiggle Whimsy looks cute!

Terry said...

What a great story about your arrival! Love your wiggly whimsy too! :0)

Cindy said...

What a very COOL surprise. I bet you saw a BIG smile.

Gretchen said...

What a wonderful visit and I can imagine that it was hard not to cry arriving and leaving those grandkids :) I am so happy you had 9 whole days of fun with them!! Great blocks for your BOMs!!!

Beatrice said...

Hello,
I'm doing the Wiggly Whimsy too. I noticed that you sewed your two rows together but I believe there is a sort of spacer strip (of background fabric) between the rows. It's towards the end of the instructions on the Moda Bake Shop.
Beatrice.