Sunday September 11, 2011- Do You Remember?

Do you remember where you were on the morning of September 11, 2001. I do. Ten years after the fact, I can recall with vivid memory where I was, what I was doing and even what I was wearing. If it hasn't faded in my mind in these past 10 years I don't think it ever will. And why should it fade? September 11, 2001, my life changed forever.
In an instant, as I sat there watching the second plane hit the tower, everything I knew, felt and trusted in was shattered. My country no longer felt like my country, my world no longer felt like my world.
As much as I recall where I was and what I was doing that day, I also recall my first thoughts. How was this even possible, and what did this mean for my boys - then ages 5, 3 and 1. I had the urge to scoop them up and run with them, to where I had no idea. I wanted to flee from the horror of the images that were on TV. I wanted to get away from the terror I felt. Realizing there was no where to go, I sat down on the middle of the living room floor and cried. I, know know I was sitting there waiting. Waiting for the U.S to continually attacked. I waited to hear about Chicago, L.A, D.C, St. Louis, all being hit. I was in a sense waiting for the end of the United States. That, thankfully, never came.
It never happened because of our American heroes that day. The people on Flight 93 who prevented another attack and in the process gave their lives for ours. The first responders who ran into the towers, while everyone else was running out of them. The firemen, policemen and anyone else who had the courage to do what needed do be done that day. So many of those heroes lost their lives that day, and in return helped many others to keep their lives, their families, their hope.
That is what I will honor today. I will honor the people who were warriors, patriots, and true Americans. They lost their lives, they left families behind and devastated. Yet they managed to leave us with something to live on for the coming days, weeks, and years. Hope. Throughout our American history there were many times when all we had left was hope. We made it through on hope before , we can do it again.
In your own way, this day, honor the innocent lives lost, the heroes who were wiling to give their lives for our country, and will continue to do so while the fighting in Afghanistan and Iraq. Remember the families who have lost their loved ones. Remember our American Heroes. Take in the sight of our flag still standing. And most of all , remember we still have hope.

I remember, do you?

SOO SOOO HOT HERE....

Another day over 100 degrees here. Staying positive and starting a new project. My son was a pirate for Halloween last year - here are some things I am going to use on his pages. The tags are probably some of the more favorite things I have made.

Let me know what ya all think!

A New Type Of Project

Okay....the weather is horrible here. It is so hot the boys and I actually fried an egg on the sidewalk! With it being so hot and humid around here that means my TN pain has been off the charts. I am doing well enough avoiding any nasty pain meds but that means I spend a lot of time in a dark, quiet room, laying down. Not fun at all.

Anyway, my kids will often come in and sit with me. This gives me such comfort I don't even have words for how much I get from them just being with me. I started thinking that I wanted to do something to give them comfort, too.

I have wanted to learn how to quilt for sometime now, so I decided that is what I would do. I got books from the library, read everything I could find on the internet, and then took the plunge , so to speak.

I started out VERY basic as you can see. I made some mistakes... but my son loves it!! I purchased the cat themed fabric, he is a cat lover, and then used old, out-grown clothing of his that I had been saving for no real reason...or maybe I was, who knows, to make the other squares.

I found it very theraputic to sew, yes I did everthing by hand! I am already starting a second quilt for my middle son. His will be sports themed. I will again purchase some fabric, but I also have a ton of old sports related shirts I can use as well. I will post when that one is done.

Any quilters out there? Would love some ideas on different styles and patterns.

A Sad Occasion Card....

I hated to do it, but it needed to be done. A good friend lost her unborn baby...so, so awful...I did NOT want to buy a card , it seemed to cold. I kept it simple in design but refused to use depressing colors. My friend later told me the card helped because she actually felt like some one cared enough about her baby girl to spend the time to make a card for her. That made me feel pretty good since that is what I wanted her to feel like in the first place. Mission accomplished. I pray I NEVER have to make another card like this again!

If you ever find yourself in a similar situation, don't be afraid to reach out and let people know you care. You never know how much it might mean to them.

Dragon Art...

Okay, my 13 year old is obsessed with dragons and gargoyles and that sort thing. He asked us to make-over his bedroom for his birthday and being on a budget I am having to get creative. I made this piece and it was not easy! I think it came out ok...just not sure of the colors. I can always make another I just thought with tones of gray throughout the room, it would need a little pop of color. Anyway the finished product will be placed in a frame with a nice mat.

To give credit where it is due: I did NOT make this pattern. I found in online, borrowed it and made some small changes.

Now I am off to start on the quilt I am making for his bed. It should be interesting...I went to all the thrift stores around town and bought all kinds of graphic t-shirts and material in the same kind of theme. I already have the blocks cut. I just have to get moving and putting it all together. I will post it when finished.

Another Card Attempt....

I used my Make the Cut for this one. I needed trees and there was no way I could cut anything like that by hand! I kind of feel like I cheated : )

I am working on some other things......so keep an eye out.....

Finally Back...

I have been MIA for some time . We have been having the worst possible weather here for a person with TN. I have been bad off for most of the summer, at least I can function now. I have a couple things to share today. If my pain stays at this level I will have more.

These guys here are old favs of my sons. We went to see a Sesame Street exhibit a long time ago and I and scrapping those pictures now.

More to come soon.....