NANA NOTES

SCRAPPING SISTERS RETREAT

 

It's always fun when the "Scrapping Sisters" get together.  We usually go to an organized crop and meet up to scrapbook for a weekend.  This particular trip was organized by one of our own at a beautiful lodge on a lake deep in the woods.  We had eight of the "sisters" and three guests. From the look of the room you would have thought it was a huge event. The only thing lacking was venders!! :) BUT--I'm sure any of us could have come up with enough stuff to cover that!!  In this picture everyone wasn't even set up!! Scrapbookers do love their stuff!!  We carried our food and took turns fixing meals. That wasn't a problem for any of us and the food was wonderful. Another thing scrappers love to do is eat!!  This particular night Pat fixed tomato bisque, tomato tarts and homemade bread.  There were several cakes and goodies to share as well. Let's just say that no one went hungry.  We had no agenda, no directions and no bedtime.  Some people stayed up late and some went to bed early. It was so laid back.  Saturday we took time to have pictures made.  For scrapbookers, pictures are always important!!
This is one of the cabins where a few of the girls stayed and the right is the lodge. We had bunk beds upstairs and the big room downstairs, a great kitchen and serving area with plenty of room---and quiet!!!  Three of the original Scrapping Sisters--me, Pat, and Libby (in purple) with our guest Charlotte.  We are all four cancer survivors!!  Some of us got a little crazy with our polish and flip flops!! How fun!! 

It's amazing how different Libby and I look now that we've lost our hair and gotten it back.  We used to look like twins and our hair came back so different.  Hers is black and mine is totally white. What a sense of humor God has.  But he loves us enough to let us survive!!  The girls in the other picture are going to kill me!!  When I saw the picture my first thought was, "does walking up this hill make my butt look big?" I love you girls!! This reminds me of a verse I used on the calendar for this year from the book of Matthew.  "Sit here while I go over there and pray."  I'm sure in our own time and in our own way, we each had our time with God on this trip.  We were in the perfect place to share God's blessings.  Thanks, Susan and Debbie for arranging this weekend for us.

MISSED A WHOLE MONTH OF BLOGGING!!

I can't believe that it's been a month since I blogged. So much has happened yet nothing has been accomplished really.  The end of trapping season for Ed meant the start of him doing training rides for a 500 mile "Ride the Rockies" in June.  He and Josh will be doing this together along with 1998 other people!!  I'll post pictures this summer.

As for me, I finished up with my chemo and was planning on some rest until I started my "maintenance" treatment.  I got to attend a couple of Scrapbook events.  This one in Mandeville started out on a fun note!!  The event hostesses were wearing pink wigs and I fell right into that!!  Ed said, "get it"!

Spring brings the arrival of new babies on the farm.  Here are the four that have been born so far.

Last week one day I was coming home from town and saw something at the Elementary School.  Being the "interested" person I am, I stopped to check it out.  This is what I found.  Jennifer was taking Bunny pictures for the school. She had a dress up bunny and real ones. I was lucky enough to have my picture made with Sam (but I haven't seen it yet!).

A few days after that I spent five days in the hospital with staph infection in my port.  It was removed and now I'm undergoing open wound therapy until it heals.  So far it is doing well but I'm sort of stuck close to home!!

Ryan and Haleigh dropped by and left me a happy.  Cupcakes and cookies~~I love them both.  Here are the cookies. 
So sweet of my grownup grandchildren to do this!!

Update:  Saw the Dr. today; said I was doing well.  See him in two weeks.  Prayers for wound healing are ongoing. I know God hears them.

Happy Easter to everyone!!

PAINTIN' NIGHT WITH THE SISTERS

I'm going to do this and then check; I have the feeling I've already done this post!! CRS has set in!  Last Thursday Sharon, Libby and I went to the Open class in Brookhaven and had a fun time. Of course, we always have a fun time when we're together! Lots of laughs and talk. Painting is incidental--but fun with the Paintin' Sisters.

We look forward to more paint classes with more of our "sisters"!! Fun, Fun, Fun!!

TIME GOES BY SO FAST!

Here it is almost September and I've only blogged once in August.  That's terrible.  Surely I've done something worthy of posting. The time seems to get by me so fast these days.  Having a new puppy and raising two deer take a lot of my time.

Lulu (aka Morgan) is on the left; Lacy is in the house.  They have grown considerably since this picture was taken. 

Ms Piper has learned to climb the stairs and today she climbed down them--with a little coaxing from Graham and me. She will be 3 months old on the 30th.

We took a few days off to the beach and had a good time doing almost nothing.  We did take the boat out one day; first time in a long time. Had a good time and went to LULU's for appetizers.

Ed was our Captain!!  Deb, Libby and I enjoyed the trip.  Good food and great atmosphere!

I have been doing some things for the Toad House. Really need to get busy but my "idea well" is a little dry.  I have these note pads in there now. They are inexpensive and make a cute happy for someone.   

 

 

 

 

 

 

This is an apron I finished for Jennifer today. I learned that I don't do ruffles!!  Hope she likes it! The picture was made with my phone . 

2011 Summer Crop Connection

 

I can't believe that Summer Crop Connection has come and gone.  We've waited six months for the weekend and it went so fast!!  We had 14 "Scrapping Sisters" (missing two) to attend and we had a great time.  The Crop Connection girls treat us royally and we literally go three days with little or no sleep and have a "scrapping good time"!  There were several "newbies" with us who were awesome scrapbookers.  It was fun seeing friends from other towns and meeting new friends.  We really got noticed in our orange shirts. Michael's gave us a discount and a totebag!! That was because we bought out the store!! 

Birds of a feather crop together!  That was the theme of the weekend. Isn't this arrangement cute?  There were birds everywhere!!  There are four cancer survivors in our group. Three of us were there.  You can see who the clowns are!!  Pat and Sharon with me in our green shirts!!  We're always looking for a photo op!! 
LeighBeth, SallieCat and Jessica-three of our newbies!!

Andrea, Nadine and Deanna are the ladies behind Crop Connection.  They plan and work for months to give us the wonderful weekend we enjoy so much.  Thank you beautiful ladies for the great Summer Crop Connection!!

TOAD HOUSE GRAND OPENING/OPEN HOUSE

April 1 is not just April Fools Day! It's the Grand Opening of the Toad House! There have really been some changes going on around there lately. I went in today and lots of new booths have opened and the place is looking good!  We're fortunate to have a "neat" place like the Toad House to share our hobbies and our "stuff"!  As you come in the door Belle's Bliss greets you with this beautiful display.  Sweet Chondabelle can do everything!!  She bakes cakes and does this beautiful work!! The list is way longer and we love her.    

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The burp pads are two of the new ones I've added to my booth. I love the "little birdie"! 
Every girl needs a Towel Wrap!  This cute one has a smiley face sun appliqued on it with ribbons.  They can be appliqued with initials or monogrammed. The pink one has a daisy with ribbons. I've used so many ribbons I need to visit the Ribbon Jar.

What's the old saying, "be there or be square". I'm just saying~~be there or miss Nana's homemade million dollar chocolate chip cookies!!

And Rhonda doesn't pay me a thing for all this free advertising!! :)

 

 

WHEN NANA'S AWAY THE BOYS WILL PLAY!

One afternoon recently I was gone somewhere and when I returned Ed said he had something to show me.  He handed me his phone.  This is what I saw. 

He and Sam had built another bluebird house and it looked so good. 

 
Sam even used the cordless drill to hang it on the fence post.  He loves the bluebirds just like we do and loves the power tools just as much.  Thanks guys, for building another house for our birds! 

2011 CROP CELEBRATION IN HAMMOND

This past weekend nine of our "Scrapping Sisters" group traveled to Hammond, LA to a Scrapbook event to benefit the Restoration House--sort of a Crisis Pregnancy Center.  We started out by donating diapers, formula and baby outfits for this cause. It felt good to be having fun and all the proceeds to go a worthy cause!!  Every penny made this weekend went to the Restoration House. We left early on Friday (Pat, Libby and me) with the Scrapping Sisters trailer and after a stop at PJ's coffee headed south to Hammond.  Immanuel Baptist Church was the host for the crop and we had lots of space and good lighting--real pluses for croppers!!  Regina (one of the girls putting on the crop) had her mother and father in law there preparing the meals.  Talk about awesome!!  For a nominal fee we were fed like queens and didn't have to leave the building!!  Most of our group won a door prize and two of us won raffle prizes.  Several won auction items and everyone came away pleased.  Everyone worked on their own projects and we all took classes and "make and takes" at our leisure.  It was a wonderful weekend.  Here are some pictures of our group.  
Beth, Susan, Debbie, Sharon, Tammy on the back row.  Libby, Melanie, Pat and Barbara on the front row.   
Our sweet friends from Alabama--Gina and Lenore from GiGi's Scrapbooking.  We've been friends for several years and always enjoy seeing them.  

 

Another sweet friend Melanie with her daughter Bailey and one of the girls (I'm sorry I don't have her name.) who helped "put on" the event.

Laura and Ginger who were "Stampin Up" ladies. We did "make and takes" and took a class with them.  Love the 8 x 8 class!!

 

Several of us took the "Close to my Heart" make and take with Connie Arceneaux.  The picture frame was cute and easy to do.     

 

The project I'm most proud of is one that I've been wanting to do since January.  It was for a friend's birthday. I found just the right paper and embellishments thanks to Pat and Gigi.  I hope you like it Charlotte!

 I painted letters for my booth most of the weekend and we laughed that I would paint a letter and take a class; paint a letter and do a make and take; paint a letter--well you get the idea.  Anyway, it worked and I enjoyed myself.  It's always fun to be with the "sisters" and laugh and talk.  We can't wait till we can get together again.

    

 

JENNIFER SAYS "YOU NEED TO BLOG!"

Gosh, I didn't realize I hadn't blogged in so long.  I usually have something to say even if it's just a little bit.  I have to say that I've been busy with "stuff" and the time has slipped away.  My Toad House adventure has been fun.  My things are selling which really surprises me.  I have to make some room in my booth for some things I am working on.  The sign may have to be made smaller! :)                                      

  This is a "door knob accent" made from beads. It has a beaded cross on it with a note that reminds you whenever you pass that door to pray for your family and friends.  It's not an original idea--I borrowed it from someone.
 
These little dresses are so cute. I have made several. 

 The pillowcases are fun to make and are very pretty. 

 

The heart door decorations for Valentine's Day were made from burlap. I have some more ideas that haven't come out yet. There aren't enough hours in the day for me.

I knew I had another dress! I have one with cats on it but I don't think I took a picture of it.  I also made one with bees but sold it before it got there. The sizes are from 2 to 6.

 

 

 

My first "Bulldog Bag" sold so I made another one--not quite like the first--so each one is unique. It's for the State and GA Bulldog fans!!

So--I guess you see why I've not been blogging--I've been crafting!! 

It's just too bad that I've waited so long to find my creative side!!  The days are too short and I've learned that I really like Sunday afternoon naps!!

 

The baby bibs are sweet. These two are for Easter.  Got to love those rabbits!!   

I have no idea why this is so mixed up. I typed the descriptions with the pictures!!

 

TUESDAY NIGHT PAINT CLASS

A group of us went to Paintin' Sisters tonight for a class. Click on the name to see pictures of what we did. This group of girls always has a good time. We missed some of our group and hope they get well soon and can go next time.  I always take goodies and didn't have any tonight. The girls were disappointed. It won't happen again!!  Ms Debbie cranks up the music and the fun begins.  Till next time. . . 

MY NEW ADVENTURE!

It started out as a joke but the more I talked about it the more I began to get excited.  There's a vender's market and resale shop here called the "Toad House" and when I went there the first time I knew I could do it. I started out talking about getting a small space and when I began to make things, Ed encouraged me to get the whole space.  Then I had him out looking for "old" things to use as display items!!  I've been sewing and beading and have woodworking to be done.  I've got so many ideas that I can't get it all done.  Libby has even gotten involved.  She's made some beautiful knitted scarves.  My beaded crosses and Ed's honey are selling well. I can't wait to try some of the other items I have in my head.  Here are some pictures of "Straight from the Heart" at the Toad House.               

These are "Everything" Bags. Can't wait till one sells. I have an Ole Miss one ready to sew up.  They make good book bags for college students or diaper bags.

Being "retired" is fun.  I get to play a lot--doing things I love to do!!

 

PAINTIN' SISTERS PAINTING PARTY

For the second time I've had a post almost complete and the computer cut off. Sam's favorite word is coming to my mind! Last night a group from Meadville went to the "Paintin' Sisters" to paint a canvas. Several of us scrapbook together and others we've known forever.  We laughed, painted, talked, painted and had a wonderful time. Thanks Jennifer, Debbie and Ashton for all your help and encouragement.  Here are a few pictures of our outing.  Thanks Sharon for including me in your group!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

We had so much fun and can't wait to go again. This makes me feel like an "artist"!!  And now you know I'm kidding! But it is FUN!

WHAT?? TEN DAYS AND NO POSTS!!

I've been told that time moves faster the older you get. I believe it. The only time I sit down seems to be for choir practice or to sleep and honestly I can't remember what I'm doing the rest of the time. Got the church bazaar down and went to the scrapbook weekend. The next week was spent doing dr.visits--checked out ok for those of you out of town!!  Been doing some online Christmas shopping and have done some work at the school for the fourth grade so that they can have some raised beds to garden.  I'll spend this week getting ready for Thanksgiving--not expecting a big crowd but will enjoy those who come.  Sam's autographed picture of Drew Brees
that I scrapbooked and framed for him. Sorry it's so small; I made the picture with my phone. 

Have decided that I might want to open a booth at the local craft store, The Toad House. I've had so much fun making bazaar things that I might enjoy doing it for a while.  Ed says I should have it up and going now to get "those Christmas sales" but I don't want to be rushed.  If it's meant to be, it will happen. I love my new embroidery machine and I've developed a new relationship with my sewing machine and serger.  I see painting in my future.  I'm leaving some of the old hobbies behind and picking up new ones. Could this be an after midlife crisis??  :) 

These are the towel wraps I've been making.

I came away from Handworks with all kinds of ideas.

Deer season opened this weekend and I'll have plenty of time for crafting. Have a happy Thanksgiving and I'll post the turkey!!

 

Grandparent Involvement with Sam at School

Jennifer reminded me that this was Parent/Grandparent Involvement Week at the Elementary School. I was on my way to Natchez when I found out so on my back I grabbed a quick lunch and took off to the elementary to do crafts with Sam.  Meme showed up so he had his two grandmothers with him to make a "dog" with paper plates and cutouts.  He colored all the parts and taped them together.

 

He did a great job of coloring and he and Meme cut the tape and we all fixed the pieces to the plates.  I believe the name of the book they have been reading is "Hank".  We enjoyed being there and loved talking to the other children.

 

Our "Hank" looked pretty good and we hung it on the line outside the door. Gotta love making crafts with a sweet little boy!
 
 
 

ON A READING SPREE!

I take reading by spells.  Sometimes I can read for long periods of time and devour books.  Sometimes books don't hold my attention.  I recently came upon a series of books recommended by some friends that have really kept my attention.  They are "light" reading and entertaining. They are based on family and scrapbooking--two of my favorite things.  If you get a chance to read them (especially if your a scrapbooker) I think you'll like them.  There's a bond with scrapping sisters that's hard to beat!!

CROP CONNECTION JULY 2010

The first ever Summer Crop Connection was held this weekend. Four of us from here and two from Hattiesburg got to attend.  There was lots of talking, scrapping, shopping, laughing, a little eating--very little sleeping, talking and did I say shopping!!  We had a wonderful time. The three ladies that put on the event are masters of hospitality and graciousness!  Here are a few pictures.

Pat giving Vana some tips on her pages.  We entered them in the double page layout contest.

Robbie and Tammy shopping the "sale" table.  Robbie has Franklin County connections.

My friends Lenore and  Gina from Foley, AL. Gina has an awesome scrapbook store called GiGi's.

My scrapbook hero, Anna Bess.

The three lovely ladies who organize this event: Andrea, mom Nadene and Deanna.

Our scrapping group: Susan, me, Vana, Debbie, Pat, and Tammy.  We missed Libby, Sharon and Beth.  AND we're looking forward to a September event in Mandeville with a new scrapper!!  Be getting ready girls!!

 
 
 
 
 

PBGC LUNCHEON MEETING 2010 and BEN'S BALLGAME

Today was the last meeting of the garden club for the year. We met at Wilma's and made 'hypertufa' pots. That makes you wonder, doesn't it? It's a strange mixture of peat moss, concrete, perlite and water-kind of like making mudpies.  After we made the pots we had a wonderful salad potluck lunch and enjoyed fellowship with each other.  It will take a couple of weeks for the pots to cure but I'll show you pics of us having a great time.  Two friends from Brandon came to teach us the technique for making the pots. That's Joan on the left.   Wilma and I enjoyed our pot making time. I even made one for Libby! My friend Karen [also from Brandon] worked really hard!

We all finished up about the same time and cleaned up the lovely work area under the trees. Wilma's home is so inviting. Her kitchen is her "domain" and it's beautiful!

 

 

We had a wonderful lunch and finished with a brief meeting. Thanks,Wilma for hosting our meeting. We had a wonderful time! Thanks Joan and Karen for teaching us a new idea!

BEN'S BALLGAME

My day was hectic. The boys came after school because Jennifer was working graduation. I had to get Ben to his ballgame at 4:00 so we all went.  It was tense until the 5th inning and it blew up. Ben's team lost but they tried hard. He made some good throws from third to first for outs but his hitting was off. There will be other games to win!!

 All in all--a very good day!  Blessings abound.

   

LOVED MAKING THESE!!

I loved making the tea towels almost as much as I enjoyed reading the 29 comments. I've never had so many!!  Here are the towels and Betty, yours should have been delivered this afternoon to the flower shop and Shara, yours is in the mail. The rest of you--you never know when a surprise might show up at your door!

 

I'M GETTING BETTER AND LOVING IT!

I took on the attitude that I would not be defeated trying to learn my new embroidery machine.  Well, I almost caved but I pulled it out! I've even downloaded some patterns from the web and loaded them to the thumb drive onto the machine. Oh, yes, I'm excited!  Ryan is excited that I can now do the CB logo on his shirts.  He has a thing about those shirts!  Take a look at what I did today.  One is a gift for a friend (who hopefully won't read the blog!!). I totally ignored her birthday but hopefully this will make up for it! 

 This is the Cotton Branch logo.  I put it on a hoodie for Sam. 

I have more projects lined up and lots to do before next weekend.  Can't wait to show you!!

SEWING CLASS?????????

Ok, so I've been sewing since I was eight years old. I've took home economics from the seventh grade until my sophomore year in college.  SO, I'm taking a beginner class in sewing!!  YES!  Everyone needs "refreshing" now and then and besides--Libby and Debbie are taking it and my skills are rusty!  Once a week for four weeks will be fun and I'll get a pillowcase and a pair of pajama pants out of it!! :)  I've met some sweet new friends who seem to be having a good time too.  I'll post the finish products later. 

 Debbie is the girl in the middle.

 The proper way to use a rotary cutter.  We didn't have those when I took sewing years ago!   Libby and I came home and finished our "homework" and are ready for next week.  It should be fun. We'll be learning the "jellyroll method" of sewing up a pillowcase! FUN!