*Do NOT vote here*

Thoughts: To me, part of the July celebration is doing a little decorating. My neighbor is quite a character. Years ago, after I had decorated the house, he came over and asked me if this is the place where he votes. Every year since then he says the same thing and gets just as big a kick out of himself as each year before.

Things: Flag garland

I bought the inexpensive flags on the wooden sticks, took them off the sticks and then just sewed each flag onto bias tape or rick-rack. You can space them as close or as far apart as you like. The flags come in a variety of sizes. I used bigger ones for my porch and smaller ones for the pool house.

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Thoughts about things: HIS Space

My hubby loves his garage. He can do whatever he wants in it. He can hang elk heads, tinker with cars, store his bikes, tools and hunting supplies. I try hard not to mess with his space or stuff. One time I thought I was being helpful and tried organizing his stuff. NOT appreciated, he said he couldn't find a thing. Oh yes, the curtains, I guess they need to come down. It's HIS space.

I did spruce up the outside a bit. The trim and shutters were in need of a fresh coat of paint.

I have always wanted a painted flag on the side, instead this cloth one is the next best thing. A beginning to a festive, patriotic, July!

My Friend the Teacher

Thoughts: I went to summer school for a day this week. My own private class. My teacher usually teaches 6th grade kids, so I knew she could teach me too. My teacher taught me how to make darling sundresses for my 2 oldest granddaughters. We did most of the sewing by using a serger. I had never used one before, it was awesome!

My teacher was patient, knowledgeable, helpful, and fun.

She is one of my favorite teachers, along with my second grade teacher Mrs. Harvey.

But most importantly she is my friend.

Thanks Peg!

Things: I wish there was a pattern big enough for me. I'd make one for myself.

Words to remember...

Thoughts: I'm a mother, so that gives me the right to worry, that's my job.

With the unrest in the world, the slumping economy, natural disasters, the attack and breakdown of the family, and every other challenge that faces us in our lives, I find myself concerned, (to say the least), about my children and my grandbabies.

In April of this year, President Thomas S. Monson, of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, said these words:

Though the storm clouds may gather, though the rain may pour down upon us, our knowledge of our Heavenly Father and of our Savior will comfort and sustain us and bring joy to our hearts as we walk uprightly and keep the commandments. There will be nothing that can defeat us.

Be of good cheer. The future is as bright as your faith

Things: I made up this little pattern and am working on one for each of my children and one for myself to always remember those words.

Attack of the killer tomato plant

Thoughts: We have a neighborhood garden. Families have a chance to use their green thumbs and grow veggies . Last year the crop was plentiful. My neighbors offered to me all the cherry tomatoes that I would like. I am sure they did not expect me to fill a bowl to the brim each day. I began to feel guilty...

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This spring I planted my own cherry tomato plant and it has become a backyard monster already...

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It just keeps growing...growing...growing...

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I'll pay it forward this summer

Things: For my love of tomatoes, I made this pillow for my kitchen. It is made out of wool and trimmed in black rick-rack. Backed with red polkadot flannel.

It's Official

Thoughts: With yesterday being the first official day, we are diving right into summer.

Things: I finally finished up this quilt. My daughter will be hanging it on the wall in her home.

My Dad

I wish you could see yourself the way I do.

Happy Fathers Day Dad!

Smart Man

Thoughts: My hubby is a smart man. Years ago I received a beautifully wrapped gift. A darling barbie outfit was inside, with a note attached that read...

Dear Joy,

Someone once told me if you buy clothes for your wife, you should always buy petite and save the receipt. I hope this fits, but if not, the receipt and some cash are in the envelope to buy what you like.

Love, Your hubby

My hubby is a smart man, a wonderful husband, an awesome dad, and loving grandpa.

Happy Fathers Day!

It's a wrap!

Things: I bought this garden planter to store my wrapping paper. It brings lots of color to my sewing room.

The Sky is Falling! Thoughts about things:

"Help, Help, the sky is falling", said

chicken little, and her friend, Joy.

Yesterday, I was caught in a rain and and hail storm

that felt like acorns falling on my head.

Rain, rain go away come again some other day.

She wanted roses

Thoughts: My granddaughter has been preparing for and anticipating her upcoming dance recital.

She wanted to be assured by me that I would be attending and that I would bring her pink roses.

Last night she hopped, skipped and danced around the stage with her little ballerina classmates.

After a performance like that, she deserved pink roses.

Things: I bought a $10.00 bunch of mini pink roses at the local grocery store.

I cut the stems to about 7 inches.

I arranged the flowers into a small bouquet and wrapped the stems with 2 rubber bands as close to the top as I could.

Then wrapped it tightly with green floral tape.

Last, I wrapped it with white satin ribbon and pinned the ends with 2 white ball tipped pins and finished it off with tying a bow around the top, leaving long ribbon tails.

Just a perfect little token of love for anyone, including little ballerinas.

Birds and the Bees

Thoughts: One monday evening, many years ago my hubby and I gathered our 3 kids together for family home evening. This was not just your ordinary family home evening. This one was special. This home evening was about the birds and the bees. The kids and I sat together on the couch. My hubby pulled the kitchen chair in front of us. The kids were wondering what was going on.

"We are going to talk to you about the birds and bees," my hubby said.

My older 2 kids rolled their eyes and squirmmed a bit. My youngest daughter sat still as her eyes got as big as saucers.

"Now, the Dad has ..................

With just one sentence spoken, we all were in shock of what we just heard and began laughing harder that we have ever laughed before. My hubby could not help but laugh too.

We tried to bring some order back to our discussion. My hubby explained a few more facts in between the laughter, but decided he had said enough. No one was listening anyway, we were all still in hysterics.

That was our most memorable family home evening. That was one of our most memorable family moments, for that matter.

Even now, when someone says, "Remember when Dad told us about the birds and the bees," it brings a roar of laughter.

Things: I put a much needed coat of paint on my little bird house, hoping it might attract a mommy and daddy bird to take up residence there. All it seems to be attracting though, are the bees.

Thoughts about baby things:

Sewn, quilted and bound with love for baby Charlie.

*Blessed are the children of piecemakers for they shall inherit the quilts*

Thoughts: Just one simple thought today. Sun! Please!

I know that the fruit trees need water, but they need sun too. Enough already!

Things: I call this quilt "Fruit Salad." I like to put it on my table for summer. The colors are bright and cheery.

The fruit bowls are done in needle turn applique. Many hours of stitching, but worth it.

I made two matching pillows for my breakfast nook. One for each bench.

Thoughts: With my hubby out of town, I found myself sitting on the barstool eating a subway sandwich for dinner and reading the paper. I noticed the little sign sitting on the window seal that has been there for years.

This moms diner has lost most of its customers. There is one handsome man who comes in most nights. He always orders whatever the daily special is.

Sunday is a busy day though. Open most of the afternoon and evening. I take lots of orders from dinner to dessert to more dinner, more dessert, treats, drinks and usually an order of toast with butter cut in 4ths at the end of the night.

I love my sunday customers. I really have a crush on my daily customer though, he'll be back tonight. I'll cook something special.

Things: I have been whipping up some breakfast. Not edible though.

The plate is needle turn applique. I still struggle a bit with the technique, but am slowly figuring it out and enjoy doing it.

The food is out of wool and whip stitched into place.

The trim is crocheted with rick rack in the middle, from moda. Love it!

The pattern was fun to create. The window seat in my kitchen will be the perfect spot for it.

FYI

Thoughts: Did you know that last friday was national doughnut day?

I celebrated by eating a powdered cake donut and did'nt even know.

In 1917, the Salvation Army gave out donuts to the troops fighting in WWI to the boost their morale.

Now, the first friday in June has become this tasty holiday.

This donut sign hangs in my kitchen. It has just taken on a different meaning for me. A reminder to take time to do something nice. As simple as giving someone a donut.

I'll buy a dozen tomorrow.

Things: looks good enough to eat...

This donut is made out of wool and small beads for the sprinkles.

Simple to make, cut 2, any size donut circles. Sew around edge, 1/4 inch seam allowance. Leave about a 2 inch opening. Turn inside out and stuff firmly. Whip stitch opening closed. Cut frosting shape. Whip stitch to donut top. Sew little beads randomly on top of frosting.

Cabin Weekend

Thoughts about Things: Our little home away from home is beckoning for us to come and stay a few days. There is painting to be done and relaxation to be had.