NANA NOTES

MUMC BAZAAR WAS GREAT!!!

The MUMC Bazaar was tremendous.  Not a huge crowd but enough to have a wonderful day.  Here are a few pictures to show you what was there.  For those of you who will be at church on Sunday, you still have a chance to purchase the items that are left.  Thanks to everyone who helped make the day such a great one!!

Cakes, pies and peanut brittle!

 

Chocolate cashew clusters that even had samples!!  Yummy!

 

 

 

Treat filled decorated paint cans for special occasions. Very cute!

 
  

 

 

Beautiful homemade aprons!!  I thought of that last year after the bazaar but forgot about it.  I'm glad Suzie did them. They were gorgeous!! 

 

Heritage Candles--smell good! Sold well!

 

MUMC Coffee Mugs--perfect for my Peppermint Mocha Hot Chocolate Mix!!

 

Ms June and Mr. Mark did a  wonderful job with biscuits and sausage and the awesome "West Burger" for lunch.

 

Those wonderful "Pot Scrubbers" are back!!  Cute blankets and burp pads too.   

Grandma's attic was in the pavillion.  What a wonderful place for that.  Barbie did a great job.  Maybe we should move the whole Bazaar out there if next year is as beautiful as today was!

 

Thanks again to everyone for making the Annual Fall Bazaar a good one!

And Doc, you took my Diet Dr. Pepper!!

**The report at church today was that we made over $4000.00 for the Building Fund.  AWESOME!!

BAZAAR ITEMS BY NANA

It's almost Saturday and the Meadville UMC Bazaar is going to be a good one.  Here are some of my items and I can't wait to see everyone elses.

 Tacky Yard Art Flowers made from cooking utensils!  They are adorable. Limited quantity--early bird gets the worm!!

Monogrammed towels--have lots of these in lots of colors and patterns and initials. They are adorable and wrapped already!!

Peppermint Mocha Hot Chocolate Mix--so good on a cold night. Makes a perfect Teacher Gift!!

Very limited number of pendant necklaces--another good Teacher Gift.

The Bazaar will also have baked goods (homemade bread, cakes, pies, candy, casseroles)

Breakfast--sausage and biscuits

Lunch-Mr. Mark's hamburgers

Woodworking, Candles, Pot scrubbers, Grandma's Attic and much more.

Saturday, November 7 from 8 until 2 in the Meadville UMC Fellowship Hall.
 

 

CC's tutu

 
CC's birthday was a few weeks ago and I made her a "tutu" that I had seen on Martha Stewart.  Now I surely don't claim to be MS but I did print out the instructions off her site and for a first effort it turned out ok.  Ryan and Haleigh finally brought her by here and she wouldn't have any part of it. When she did put it on, she loved it.  Of course, it didn't really match her Halloween shirt and jeans but you get the idea.  Haleigh called me today and wanted one for a little friend of theirs.  I had enough material to make another one and I "did my own thing" with it.  I might have to remake CC's to look like the one I made today.  I think it turned out very well.  I'd show you but it's a gift and they aren't giving it to her until tomorrow.

SURPRISE FOR LEIGHA!

My friend Leigha took part in the Brookhaven Little Theater Drama Camp for the last two weeks.  Their production this year was "Alice in Wonderland"  Libby and I enjoyed hearing her tell us each day what she had done at camp each morning.  She came home one day telling us she needed a costume--right up my alley and her Mom is a very busy lady.  Megan (her Uncle Sonny's girlfriend) and I came up with just the right "stuff".  She wanted to be the  "Ten of Diamonds".  How easy could that be!!!  My scrapbooking materials were all we needed and a couple of pieces of foam board with some red ribbon.  Oh, yea, it's coming together.  It took all of thirty minutes from start to finish and after Megan had fixed her makeup I have to say she made a perfect "Ten of Diamonds".  I didn't get to see the production but I heard she did a great job.  Daniel Youngblood was the Madhatter and I heard he was terrific too.  I believe there were others from FC but I don't remember who they were. [I'm sorry.]  Here are some pictures I "lifted"off of Sidney's Facebook.  It's better to ask for forgiveness than it is permission.  Thanks, Sidney.  

SCRAPFEST WEEKEND

A huge room filled with 200 scrapbookers-each one with tons of "stuff"-you have NEVER seen the amount of scrapbooking accessories and equipment some of these women had!  I hate to think of the amount of money in that room just in supplies!  It was way over the top!!  Talk about collectors and addiction--this was a convention of addicts! And I thought I had a lot!!  There were 11 at our table and we had arranged to sit together-all friends or friends of friends---now all friends! :)

Two were missing from this picture but this is the majority of our group. The girls in blue are from Petal [Hattiesburg area] that met Pat and Melanie in Natchez. They have all scrapped in Jackson together. 

We finally rounded up Treasure for a picture. Don't ya just love our "Scrapping Sisters" shirts??  We had lots of comments about them-especially the fact that we had scripture on the back. Everyone liked them.  AND, we were easy to see! 

The first day I entered a challenge--not something I usually do. They gave the first 25 women who came up a package of "stuff" [awful stuff] and they had to make something with it.  It had to be turned in by a certain time and all of a sudden I realized I had about 30 minutes to get it done because we were taking two classes back to back and wouldn't be finished until 6:00.  I hurriedly took pictures of a lot of "stuff" and did this page. "It's all about the stuff"--I came in second.  My friend Treasure beat me. I told her a naked baby will do it every time.  Her layout was beautiful and she altered everything.  That always does it too. I'm learning everytime I go.

I probably should tell you that it rained all day Thursday and over ten [10] inches on Friday.  Saturday was an absolute bluebird day but cooler. I also should tell you that that building was the coldest building I have ever been in and I carried in a blanket and wore three shirts.  I also probably should tell you that going off with these two women (Pat and Sharon--we missed you Libby!) is one of the most fun things I can do. There is never a dull moment.  We truly are sisters-scrapping or not!

SLOW SATURDAY

Ed left early this morning and I stayed in the bed.  I watched a couple of movies I had Tivo'd that I'd been wanting to watch.  It was rainy and cold outside so I thought I'd made a pretty good choice.  When he came in we were going to fix breakfast.  I thought I was preheating the oven BUT---our Thermador Professional has gone on strike.  The electrician came and it's not an electrical problem although something has shorted out.  Ed and I got on the web and ordered a part for someone to put on.  Guess there won't be any cooking around here for a few days!  :)  :)  :)

We have lunch at church tomorrow with a baby shower for the granddaughter of some of our friends.  I got really creative and made a couple of sweet "Taggeys".  Hopefully the girls I'm giving them to won't be looking at the blog before they get them.  I saw these at a major craft market during the holidays and they were pricey.  My first thought was, "I can make that."  So I did.  And I think mine is as cute as theirs. Now I have lots of ideas for different types too!    

  Now, guess I'd better get in the kitchen and fix us a sandwich!!

CHRISTMAS TOUR [better late than never!]

   

Welcome to the front door! I decided to go with traditional red and green this year-my favorite!  The "JOY" mat was in honor of my friend Charlotte.

 

 

   

This cute little snowman greeted you as you came up the walk. Can't leave him out!!

As you turned to the right into the library you saw the portrait of our children over the mantle.  Over the baby grand piano hung this beautiful Christmas tree made from antique costume jewelry by my mother almost 50 years ago. It's displayed on red velvet and something I had always wanted.  I had it framed for her when she moved to Meadville.

  Both dining tables were set alike.  Of course, they didn't stay like this the whole time. :)  The cake dome was something I saw in a magazine. Cute!  Coming into the den you see the "little gold trees" with the stockings.   

Over the mantle in the den hangs the beautiful new portrait of our "grands". We finally got one--everyone has hair because the youngest is five years old. They are all gorgeous.  The mantle is covered in funky Santas and Snowmen with candles and greenery and "Merry Christmas" letters given to me by HGC employees a long time ago. I still love them.

 

"My" tree has always been "my" tree and I say that with a smile! :)  The ornaments have been being collected since Hallmark formed the Ornament Club and I am a charter member.  This year was a first-I let the children decorate the tree.  I usually hang each one and relive the memory of why I bought it as I do.  My enjoyment this year was watching them (and praying that none got broken!).  One day I'm going to stop buying them--I don't have room for a bigger tree and we already put up three!  [two I forgot to take pictures of!!]

 

 

 

 

Next to the mantle in the den is a bookcase where some Santas, my "Moni" angels, the Fontanini manger scene and some village pieces sit.  They stay out all year. I never tire of looking at them.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The "Santa Cabinet" is running over!  I started collecting Santas when the children were young.  Some were gifts and one was even especially made just for me [Ed had it done!]. No one will ever love them like I do!

 

And it wouldn't be Christmas without a poinsettia!  There were several around the house to brighten the corners.

The next best thing to Santas is Snowmen and we put them right where they are the center of attention!  Some of them sing and dance.  The grandchildren love them! They especially love the reindeer that plays "Grandma Got Run Over By a Reindeer"! 

The side door looks pretty much like the front door except that it has a lighted grapevine cross on it.  This picture isn't very good but you get the idea.  Out the door, down the driveway to the barn--  

I love driving up at night and seeing the lights on the barn (although this picture is made in the daytime). It reminds me of the manger with all the animals watching over Baby Jesus. 

 

 

  Brother David did a children's sermon one Sunday in Advent and gave out buttons and car stickers that said, "It's OK to say Merry Christmas!"  You know I've never been shy about saying what I believe and I decided we should make a statement.  A couple of friends helped me with this 4' by 8' sign that we lite at night.  Since we live on a major highway I think we got our point across!  I love it!! 

Well, it's finally done--Christmas Home Tour--late but none the less done. Thanks to my two dear, sweet friends who urged me to do it anyway. I hope you enjoy it.  Happy New Year!!

HOMEMADE GIFTS ARE SPECIAL

I was cleaning up one day this week and found an invitation for a shower for a friend that I had overlooked.  A friend and I had seen these cute monogramed towels at a shop and had discussed how "we could do that".  I decided to give it a try.  I was pleased with how they turned out and I even tied a little bow on one of them to show it was "hers".  I delivered the gift today so I felt like I could post it since she'd probably opened the gift by now.  (She probably doesn't read the blog anyway!)   I can definitely see some funky initials on some pretty towels for graduation gifts coming in the spring.

"LITTLE BOXES. . ."

On a recent trip to Mistletoe Libby and I saw some adorable decorated boxes for Christmas that were outrageously priced.  Me being "me", of course, I said, "I can do that!  All we have to do is get the stuff and it will be easy. Well, off we went to Hobby Lobby and Libby purchased the "stuff". Then I had to step up to the plate.  She bought the beautiful candlesticks at Mistletoe that these will sit on and we have her mantle all planned out.  I spent Saturday morning having a great time with the glue gun remembering how much fun I had owning the Flower Shop.  I'm more excited about her mantle than ours.  I even did her door wreaths. And yes, our door is still in the fall mode.

This week I'll start making cookies and candy.  I'll do the mantle and the door.  I'll wrap what shopping I've done.  I'll sing in the Christmas contata and go to the Christmas services at church.  Cards are still "iffy" but being able to not be stressed is a good feeling.  I'm loving that Christmas feeling. I'm having my first Christmas in 60 years without my Mom.  She loved Christmas.  I've done a lot of praying about being able to handle the emotions of the season this year.  (I'm always "weepy" anyway this time of year.)  There are lots of ways that she's let me know she's there for me.  Share yourself with others; give your time; love, hope, peace and joy. Those are the real gifts.  You'll probably hear it again from me, but just in case I forget--Have a very blessed Christ filled holiday season. 

ANNUAL FALL BAZAAR at MUMC

After months of preparation the time has finally arrived--the Annual Fall Bazaar at MUMC.  Debra and I spent the morning setting up the Fellowship Hall and this afternoon lots of ladies came and helped finish up.  People began to wander in bringing their crafts and goodies.  We even had a few "early birds" who were scouting.  The Christmas tree is lovely thanks to Lugenia, Ms Betty and Debra.  The crosses that Debra made with beads are truly beautiful.  I know they will be a big success. Steve's birdfeeders are awesome and I know I want one. I don't know who made the calendars but they are adorable.

The Youth Group has wrapped shoe boxes for "Operation Christmas Child". All you have to do is fill the box and return it to the church.  The forms are right there with the boxes.  Much too easy, right!  :)

I can't wait until tomorrow.  I can smell the fresh bread, the pound cakes, all the flavored coffees brewing.  We're going to have so much fun!  I hope you all come!

10--2--4; SEWING SOME; AND A RIDE WITH RYAN...

Meet the newest member of the Cotton Branch Family.

I call her "Dr. Pepper" because she has to be penned up and her mother haltered and watched to make sure she eats at 10, 2, and 4 each day.  This is the filly that Jennifer wrote about in her blog a few days ago.  I think she needs to be bottle fed because she is so skinny and the mare has no patience with her.  Shelly and Ed on the other hand tell me she will be fine.  Is that my "mothering" instinct coming out--just wanting to bottle feed so I can get some pet loving time in? 

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Being closed up in the house has not been a fun thing. I haven't felt like doing anything but I haven't wanted to NOT do something. ?? :) I decided to knock out a project that I had promised Ryan I would do ages ago.  Here are the John Deere pajama pants I made for his friend Elaine... CUTE, FUN AND OH, SO EASY... I am thinking church bazaar here!!

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Tuesday afternoon was sunny and pretty-not too cold.  Ryan LET me ride with him to put out corn for the camera survey.  He's a pretty cool guy to hang out with sometimes. We rode around the farm and enjoyed the time together.  All we saw was a rabbit.

That was one lucky rabbit!!

CRAFTY NANA

Why did I wait until I am nearly 60 (don't read that!!) to start enjoying crafts!!  I used to get panic attacks when I walked into a craft store.  I didn't do sticks, glue or material and stuff!! Counted cross-stitch WAS my only craft.  You can only use so much of that!  And doing it makes me nervous. Now, since I started back scrapbooking, I am addicted to "making things".  Two years ago Traci gave me a beautiful lighted block that she had made. I loved it so much that after Christmas I bought TONS of stuff (all on sale--cheap, cheap) to make some.  I just got the time to make one. What do you think?  Isn't he cute?  Don't you just love snowmen?  I do!  I hear the power drill calling--hot glue is dripping and the ribbon is rolling!  "Crafty Nana" is at it again!

I'M READY, I'M READY, I'M READY!!!

Saturday, November 4, from 8 AM until 2PM the Meadville United Methodist Church is having its Annual Fall Bazaar. ( I think I told you I was announced as "chairman" in church one Sunday--the preacher said I had the "deer in the headlight look"!) :)  I have taken my job very seriously and everyone has been very cooperative.  Plans are going too well (something may be wrong here) but I'm expecting a great day on Saturday.  Sam and I have been working away getting our things ready for the big day.

We've made Creme Brule Hot Chocolate Mix, Toffee Nut Hot Chocolate Mix,

some cool clocks { MS State, Ole Miss, FHS, and Flowers}

some warm fleece blankets (Raggedy Ann, "Cars", Camouflage, Cats {hoping Tammy will see this one}, and beautiful flowers)

awesome cute and cool altered clipboards,

and our latest adventure has been some "No Knit Scarves". Lots of funky colors!

That little gem required some carpentry to make a "jig" (whatever that is!)  Anyway, we're ready--the signs are up around town, it's going to be in the newspaper and on the weather channel, and we're spreading the word--COME TO THE BAZAAR AT OUR CHURCH IN MEADVILLE!  SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 4 FROM 8 AM UNTIL 2 PM! We'll have breakfast, lunch and lots of goodies for you to buy.  The proceeds go to the "Steeple Fund". You have heard those beautiful chimes, haven't you!?