cute little houses

She did it!  Jan finished making her 25 little houses that she needs to make the house quilt for her grandson.  these little houses are so cute.  Under each window there is a little surprise.

This was her first attempt at paper pieceing and I think she is hooked now.  Great job Jan.  I can't wait to see this quilt completed!

Sitting by the fire

It's cold here in South Louisiana... a cool crisp 40 degrees....brrr

I know that is not considered cold in most places, but here,  when it falls below 50, we fire up the fireplace.

It is so nice to cuddle  up with a nice cup of coffee and a good movie with my DH and a warm fire going in the fireplace.

We wish you a Merry Christmas!

This is our grandson, Reed.  He is singing a Christmas song.  I thought it was too cute not to share it!   Grandchildren are the greatest!

enjoy...

Great video of a song about New Orleans

My friend sent me this link to a song done by an American Idol participant.  He was in the top 24 in season 4.
This is a great video about his hometown, New Orleans.
I hope you enjoy it....After you watch it, let me know what you think of it!

http://www.nola.com/tv/index.ssf/2012/12/american_idol_alum_judd_harris.html

A Special Mug Rug

Here is a photo of the mug rug I got from my Stocking Exchange activity!  It is so sweet and I use it all the time now!  I will need to make one that I can use all year round...

I love it.  Thank You Nathalie!!!

Stocking Exchange was so much fun!!!

I participated in a stocking exchange this year.  It was put together by Nathalie over at http://wastelandwallowing.blogspot.com/  

Each month we had to make or buy something for someone in the exchange.

Here are pictures of what I got in the mail this week.   Nathalie had my name.  She sent the following items.

A beautiful table runner and a Christmas mug.  I also got a mug rug that I did not take a picture of...oops

two books and some treats

A bag, pillow cover, pillow cases and a journal cover with a journal

a pin cushion, an ornament, a pot holder, pins, fabric eraser, and a pen and pencil set

And a pretty stocking 

I hope the person who got the box of goodies I sent likes what I sent to her.

Thank you Nathalie for so many nice things.   I really enjoyed particpating in your stocking exchange this year.

Had a great time on our Carnival cruise!

My DH and I went on a 7 day cruise with 2 wonderful friends.  We all had a great time.  Here are a few of the photos that were taken on the ship.

this was taken when we got on board the Carnival Conquest!

This is a pick of us on one of the dressy nights.  I am wearing my first size 14 dress.  I  have not worn size 14 since before I had my children.....37 years ago!!!

Here we are at the dining room table.   I am wearing a dress my dear friend gave me.   Cute polkadots!

This was taken on a formal night.  This is a formal gown I bought at our local thrift strore for.....$5.00  yep, $5.00.  It fit perfectly and it was on the 5th night of the cruise.  I was afraid to put it on because we had been eating such great food all week. I was so sure it would be too tight but, it fit...yea!  I was so happy!

We  had so much fun on this cruise.  Everyone should take a cruise at least once!  We have cruised many times and plan to go again soon!

Another quilt top quilted!

I have been trying to get some tops quilted.  I still have a few to do. I finished this one on Saturday.  It is a lap quilt I made in the summer and never got around to quilting it.  I used it to practice my feathers again.  I am determined to get those feathers done right.  

This is on the back.  I did two feathers on the center block and one on each of the others. I did stitch in the ditch along each side of the white sashing.  My feathers still need practice but I think I am getting better all the time.  It also helps me practice my patience..LOL

More little houses...

I have been keeping tabs on Jan...she is doing a wonderful job making her little houses.  She is determined to make 25 for a special quilt.....Each little house is cuter than the next!

and now there are 10..

Merry Christmas Family Photo

Merry Christmas to all of my blogging friends.

This is the photo I will be using for my Christmas cards this year.  This was special day. We took this in church when Ephraim was baptized on his first birthday.  He was born on 11/11/11.  The year went by so quickly.   Our grandsons are growing up way too fast. It is hard to believe that Alden and Reed are both 4 years old.
We are so blessed to have great sons and daughers in law.

6 little houses all in a row

Jan is making progress on her house project.
Now she has 6 houses...only 19 more to go.

I think they look great.  Jan is new to quilting.  She is doing a great job on her first paper piecing project.