Tag: life

Quilting and Football

Posted on January 11, 2016 by Mama

Who says quilting and football don’t go together? It was Second Saturday Sewing at church this weekend, so I dragged out my quilt, on hiatus throughout the holidays, and began again the laborious task of quilting by hand. It’s slow going, but I’m doing it as tribute to my grandmother, Nannie, with whom I was lucky enough to quilt on occasion. I’m even using her quilting hoop for the task — somehow I just feel a bit closer to my grandma with every little (some smaller than others) stitch.

So I’m sure you’re wondering where football comes into all of this. . . Shortly after returning home from quilting, the Wildcard playoff games began, with my Kansas City Chiefs (notice I’m wearing red) kicking off the first of several weekend games. I do love me some football, especially when the home team is playing, but that can be three hours of accomplishing little else while the pigskin gets tossed about. So I decided to set up my quilting rack, now at hand, right in front of the TV and knock out two kinds of fun at the same time.

My husband gave me a hard time and called me granny more than once (maybe it was the reading glasses), but the Chiefs won (breaking a 22-year playoff win drought), so he better hope I’m up for quilting again next weekend.

Simplifying My New Year

Posted on January 1, 2016January 2, 2016 by Mama

In bed by 1 and out by 9 — not a bad way to start my 2016. My son did decide it was time to get out of bed about 7:45, but I managed to shoo my boys out of the room, plop a cool pillow over my head and grab another hour’s sleep. When I woke, it was to bacon and breakfast burritos, nice kisses and warm new year wishes. It’s good to be me.

Unfortunately, other than leisurely enjoying a bit of the Rose Bowl Parade, my day moved pretty swiftly as I cooked and cleaned for our family Christmas 2.0. It was a nice family gathering, dinner was simple and I think we all had a good evening. . . especially my son who obviously enjoyed a whole new round of gifts.

Anyway, other than the duties that had to be done, I did manage to give some thought to my goals for this new year, since that’s apparently what one does on this day. I have noticed lately that there seems to be a trend to simplify all of one’s resolutions into one meaningful word. I gotta tell ya, I’m digging this idea because when I make a list of dos and don’ts I inevitably leave out a few good ones here and there and never know what the proper resolution etiquette might be. Does it count as a “real” resolution if it’s not on the list by January 1?

So I’ve decided that I like this new simple way of doing things so much that I’m fully embracing this approach and choosing my word for 2016 as “simplify.” (Is that cheating?) Well the way I figure it, so many things can come from simplifying my life: more time to enjoy my family, more time to enjoy the hobbies that really make me happy, more time to read a few books, more time experiencing God and more time not feeling guilty that I didn’t do the many things I put on my platter while wading through clutter and old shoes.

I plan to clean out closets, get rid of “skinny girl” clothes I haven’t worn in years, donate crafty crap that I’ll never use, say “no” to more people, file family paperwork on a regular basis, shred stuff, say yes to quiet moments, read my Bible more because it calms my Spirit, and spend more time playing childish games, reading books with and listening to my son. See, simplify.

So as I think about my goals for the coming year, I leave you with a visual interpretation of how an over-committed, complicated and cluttered life makes me feel (courtesy of my five-year old’s playtime with his newest toys). Happy New Year!

Find Your Magical Moment

Posted on December 10, 2015 by Mama

Here we are at the tenth of December, just a mere 15 days from Christmas, and I’m still trying to figure out where November went. In fact, we just put up the Christmas tree last night. It’s not decorated, mind you, but it is out of storage and in plain sight. (Ashamedly the above picture is a visit from the ghost of Christmas past.)

Yes, I’m seriously behind most of you when it comes to decking the halls, but in the sprint to the 25th I know I will eventually finish with the berries and ivy, trees and gifts, shopping and wrapping, and baking and bundling. . . it may take me to Christmas eve, but somehow I’m okay with that. I guess I’m so far behind, that I figure stressing would only make it worse.

While the chaos of Christmas can be a bit overwhelming, it’s also one of my favorite times of year. I love the crazy crowds, memory making and gift giving with my husband, son, extended family and friends. But as much as I love the frenzy of it all, some of my favorite moments of Christmas are enjoyed completely alone. On those cold early December mornings when everyone else is still in bed I love to light a fire, turn on the Christmas tree lights and enjoy a hot cup of coffee in complete magical silence. It’s a wonderful indulgence and a perfect way to start the day before dawn breaks, the family wakes and mommy duties ensue.

Merry Christmas to all, and may you find a magical moment or two.

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