May 8th, 2009

What a week this has been.  Finished my three week Granny job with little Justin. This has caused me to reflect a lot about Moms and all they do.  Now I can consider myself to be a retired Mom who only responds when called to action, or when a volunteer position arises.

But I have to say at this point in life the ones who deserve the glory are my daughters.  They are the ones who are changing diapers, burping, wiping messes, functioning on little sleep and they are just at the beginning of this journey.  A journey that won't end for a long time.  There will be days when they will feel invisible, unloved, perhaps overlooked in the scheme of life as so much now is about the babies.  As these children grow they will still be the focus and in the supporting roll is the Mom.   Like the person who holds the ladder, never getting as much praise as the one who fixes the light.

These girls also have jobs, husbands, and parents to spread their attention.  Their first role in life was as our daughters, and they did that outstandingly.  Not to say there was never a challenge, but there was so much pride and joy as there continues to be on a daily basis.   They are hard working, responsible and loyal employees to their jobs.  And those traits carry over into their marriages as well.  They choose wonderful, hardworking men for husbands, who in turn have grown into great Dads for these precious grandchildren of ours.  They help out when they can, knowing that many hands lightens the load.   Our family has been through a lot, but we have traveled it together.

So my darling daughters, now the job comes down to raising loving, thoughtful, respectful children who will continue to go out into the world and make it a better place.  It isn't always easy, but it is worth it.  Follow your heart, let your common sense come through in your decisions.  Know that you won't always be loved for what you do or the parenting choices that you make, but always, always do what you feel is right.  Instinct and intuition will help you along the way.  And of course, I will be there to help if I can.  I love you both so much.

So on this Mother's Day, my heart goes to the Moms who are in active service.  Your rewards come in the grins and giggles of your little ones and the joy and gratitude of your parents.

And to my Mom, many thanks and much appreciation for the years of giving.  It does not go forgotten.  I know that you are still there willing to help at anytime.

Well, this has been an interesting week.  I spent three days with my grandson Justin.  It has been a very long time since I spent that much time with a baby, and I know why children are given to the young people.  He was very good, and of course as sweet as sugar.    Now you may know that there are two boys, Justin is three months old and belongs to Jennifer and Zach, and then there is Collin, who is six months old and belongs to Janelle and Brennan.   They are very fun and growing so quickly.  Makes me feel old.

Our shop hop fabric arrived at the shop this week, and hard to believe that it is just eight weeks away.  So much to do to get ready.  Besides all the fun quilting projects there is a chunk of yard work to do, but with the weather we really only have to deal with that one or two days a week.  Here's to more sunshine so there can be afternoons spent on the deck stitching away.

Hope to see you in the shop soon.

Happy spring and happy quilting.....

Greetings everyone,

Greetings,

Don't know where the time goes, but I do know it has been most 
interesting and unique summer.  The store is packed with such amazing 
new fabrics that it is really hard to know where to start.  We have 
been enjoying visitors from all over the country.  We so enjoy 
visiting with people finding out where they are from and what brings 
them to Chehalis.

As many of you may know my husband and I are so thrilled to be 
expecting grandbabies in the next few months as both of our girls are 
pregnant.  Everyone tells me that grandchildren are the best, but my 
daughters and son in laws are so wonderful it is hard to imagine 
anything better than what we have right now.  Which brings me to tell 
you that you may see some new faces around the shop in the coming 
months, we are so happy to have Karen, Teri and Virginia ready to 
help us out.  As you know, new faces, new smiles and new quilting 
ideas are always a good thing.

On a more serious note, our family has a nephew who is battling 
aplastic anemia and will  undergo a bone marrow transplant Aug 1. 
This brings me to encouraging everyone to donate blood.  There are 
many ways to donate, you can give blood at any blood bank, you can 
donate platelets and also be typed to be a bone marrow donor.  All of 
this gifts are ways to help save lives.  You really never think it 
will happen to someone in your life, but it can.  It is easy to get 
busy and forget that we have the ability to help others in a very 
profound way.

The farming is coming along, the peas will be harvested soon and the 
beans are blooming nicely.  Corn is getting tall and so are the weeds 
in my garden which I attack on a semi-daily basis.  Also have painted 
my kitchen and made a new valance which makes it look like a brand 
new room, love it.  Quilted a new throw for my bed and am trying to 
spruce things up a bit.  It is a busy time of year and it is 
certainly going quickly.

Speaking of time going quickly most of the holiday fabric is in the 
shop now, watch our website for our upcoming "Christmas in August" 
sale.  There are
new paper piecing shapes for more new project.  Lots of new patterns 
for layer cakes and jelly rolls, so stop in and check them out.

Hope you are enjoying today, it is the most important day.

Bobbi