Wow I opened my blog and was shocked how long it has been since I have updated things.   With everything that has happened I feel like it is was a life time ago.  Life has certainly taken some strange twists lately but God has straightened out the kinks along the way and we will be better for it.

December 17 Shannon had emergency for a cyst but she wouldn’t let me take pictures.  We can thankfully say that not only did she come thru with flying colors but the doctor was kind enough to her that she even scheduled follow ups for annual visits and tests.  That itself was a miracle and God knows how thankful I am.

2 days later Robert (Shannon’s husband) had a massive heart attack and barely survived.  The doctors lost him twice for 10 minutes, they put 3 stents in and told us there was the possibility of brain damage, physical limitations, etc. A week later we left the hospital  with almost no lasting effects.   While there is a long road to recovery, God gave him a second chance at life.   Just found out today he can look for work.  Assholes he worked for fired him while he was out recovering from surgery.

 

 

Every year I adopt a family and get presents for Shannon and Robert so this year I decided to include myself.  I have hated that glass top stove since I bought it 5 years ago so I sent it to one of the members of the jeep club that needed a stove.  I had gas company come out and install my propane and this was my present to myself.    Picture is a tad blurry but she’s beautiful.

I found this awesome cabinet on craigslist for $90.   Now to get organized after the 1st of the year.

This year I decided instead of adopting a family for Thanksgiving and sending over the food, that I would invite the neighbors (Tammy and Bo) over to join us for dinner.    We went a little traditional and a little untraditional.    Made a small turkey breast and mashed potatoes but the focus of meal was a grilled tenderloin and grilled veggies.    Was so much easier.  Robert grilled outside and all we had to wash prep wise was the potato and turkey pan.    Everyone seemed to enjoy the meal.  Shannon even baked us a loaf of bread from the left over dough we used to make dinner rolls.

I finally got this quilt quilted and we hung it on the dining room wall.  I need to move the clips over a hair so I can make it level but it looks nice in there.    It’s a French braid and this is the first one I’ve made with the center squares.    Book was a little confusing but once you figure it out, it’s all up hill.     Can’t wait to make another.

I love all my pups but look at this face.  I love this little emo dog.  He’s become so emotional.

I have all my pieces cut and ready to sew.  Gonna start it this weekend so I can get my sexy muffin sister and brother in laws quilt done.    I love the colors she wanted.

With someone using my big bedroom, I haven’t been able to get in there and actually quilt a top since June.  I finally decided this weekend I just needed to work on her.  I forget how relaxing I find it to tune out and just meander around with a design.    Unfortunately the pups are still in puppy stage so you have to check on them every 5 minutes.

After a lot of thought, I decided I will likely move my long arm to the empty corner of the living room and store my bike and such in the back room.  Kinda makes it easier to take it in and out the back door and I can quilt while watching the pups.  I can also quilt the firefighters quilts as I complete them since it will be easy to get to.  Looking forward to using her more often as soon as I move.

My pet sitter always does a little extra for the boys and I know they’ve had a hard year and some help from her in-laws so I offered to make a quilt for her to give her in-laws for Christmas.   I usually don’t post until they are finished but she will be doing the binding so I won’t get another picture.    I think it came out very pretty.  I hope they enjoy it and she enjoys gifting it.

I love this picture.  I meant to take a photo of the new rocks but the dogs ran by.  You can barely see the grey of Merlin on the right.   They look like ghost running in the yard.