Soul Searching

So I have been gathering up tons of stuff to have a yard sale. I have spent time folding, cleaning, reminiscing, regretting and wondering who I am. I am letting go of some of the baggage that is cluttering my soul. I know, that sounds so dramatic, but that is kind of how it feels. I have projects I didn't get to, ones I started and didn't finish and now I don't know why I started in the first place.

I keep evolving. Sometimes I know who I am and other times I know who I am and not happy with it, but don't know who I want to be. Thank the Lord that my husband knows who I am (better than I know) and loves me anyway! Because of this lack of knowing, I don't have the motivation that I should.

The weather isn't very good today (rain coming). So, I didn't start the yard sale today. I will have it rain or shine Saturday when my hubby can be around to help if it starts to downpour. The weather is like how I feel about me these days. I have worked for two weeks to prepare for this sale and then it rains, or seems like it is eminent. I cancelled for Friday and now it is trying to clear (a little sun even) and it's too late to have it today - OY! I have to overcome it and do it tomorrow - for sure!

Sorry for the downer post - just soul searching...SUE

Prayers for my Father In Law

My father-in-law, Jim, had a silent heart attack 2 days ago and is in the hospital. He has always taken good care of himself and eats right, so this came as a bit of a shock. Hubby is going down to stay with his mother on Saturday. His dad wants him to mow the lawn and get the trash out for Monday pick-up. I guess we know where his priorities lie! Anyway, please say a prayer. SUE

Weekend Projects

Scott fixing the stairs. Jake in the pool and some pretty petunias from my neighbor, Frank!

What a nice weekend my family had. We took a family outing to IKEA - our first time, swam in our pool, weeded the flower beds - that don't have flowers, and repaired our front steps - Scott actually did those; I supervised. First, the trip to IKEA. Wow! What a great place for inspiration. Now, personally I am not a modern fan; I am more country cottage. But I was in awe of all the great stuff at such ridiculously low prices. I watch alot of Clean House on Style channel with Niecy Nash and now I see how they can redo whole rooms and houses on such a low budget and have them turn out. We ate at the cafeteria and it was yummy. We all had dessert and it only cost $34!

Scott fixed our front steps Sunday. A couple weeks ago one of the risers fell under the front porch. Then, each step started buckling and coming up. It was dangerous just to go down the stairs. I didn't think Scott would really know how to retro-fit new stairs without taking everything on the porch apart - but he surprised me! He did such a great job - and they are more sturdy now than they have ever been! Thanks Honey!

Thank heaven for our pool. We have air conditioning, but that just keeps everyone inside. The kids and I love to swim. It is an above ground, 16 foot, 42 inch deep pool - it is still refreshing and fun.

We are getting some much needed rain. I hope it comes down all day - everything is dry.

Have a wonderful day! SUE

Wonderful Weekend!

This is Lake Michigan at Stevensville, Michigan. The kids got to swim each evening as the sun set at the Lincoln Township beach. When I was growing up my dad used to take my brother and I down to the beach nearly every evening so he could watch the sunset and we could swim. It was a spectacular way to spend every evening in the summer. It is definitely one thing I want my kids to experience. My in-laws still live in Stevensville so when we visit setting at the beach at sunset is a must.

We had a cookout at their house on Saturday with my husbands sister and her kids and their children. It was a beautiful, clear day on Saturday. But when Sunday came the heat and humidity were back. We didn't stay too long on Sunday. We did go to Big Boy with Scott's parents. It's a funny thing - Big Boy. Scott worked there when he was 17 and got fired for calling the head waitress a naughty name. But, he still loves to eat there. He even once had aspirations to visit every Big Boy in the country -- Not gonna happen! I am trying to get more pictures to post and it isn't working - I will try more later. Have a great 5th of July! SUE

Finished Finally!

I finally finished my pineapple rug - and it has it's place in the living room. I seem to always look at the clock so I hung it on the wall next to my favorite clock. I live with simple

men who don't understand primitive concepts - I know, that is ironic. But each one of them questioned my simple pineapple and my color choices. The 1991 is for the year Scott and I were married and pineapples represent hospitality - very simple. The colors match my house - again, very simple. Any hoo...

I have been busy at work. I spend a month doing nothing but blogging and then this busy time comes and I don't even get to sit down to read emails - very crazy!

Summer is slipping by fast. We get to go away this weekend for the Fourth of July - maybe hit the beach. I am looking forward to some stitching time!

Happy Day!

I saw an old friend today at one of my favorite quilt shops. She just got a job there - to "help feed the addiction." Oh I know, Sister! I go on my lunch to fondle all of the wool. Anyway, Cheri used to visit me at Calico Corners when I worked there; she makes the most beautiful purses. Oh it was a nice surprise to see her.

My mom and dad are coming from Huntley, Illinois tomorrow to watch the boys in their soccer championships. My parents have not been here in over a year and I have much to do - laundry, clean, clean, clean... you get it. I have been so busy lately that I neglected to work on the sweatshirt for my mom. I guess now I can get here opinion on it and make it "custom" - yeah, that's it!

We are all staying in a hotel this weekend for the games. It will be like a mini vacation for my family - about the only one we'll get. There is an indoor pool too. My Uncle John may come up too to watch the games; I hear there may be thunderstorms on Saturday - great.

I have been making progress on the pineapple rug - pics to come later. And, I drew a pattern for a fallish rug that I will start after the pineapple one. It has a pumpkin, crow and stars.

Have a great weekend - I will write on Monday - Go TNT Dynamite!

Pineapple Rug

Well, I finally got going on my pineapple rug. Once I got started, I could hardly put it down. I found it so relaxing.

Ok, so I have some issues. I don't have a cutter so I have to use my 1/4" cutting mat and straight edge. I have a hard time getting consistent strips - some are quarter inch, some are less and some are wider. I hate that. I want a cutter!!

I have to take Syd to the babysitter - I will fill you in more. Have a great day!!