Spareminute Cottage

Dead Heading

2011-05-21T11:54:00.003-04:00

Hugs
Brenda:)

2011-05-15T18:46:00.000-04:00

Still here:)

This is a picture my daughter Twila and myself .We have on our Jenny Carol 5k shrits,we had ran ealier in day.She did great coming in first in her age group ,me well lets just say I ran the whole thing.I will work on my time the next race.

Hope every one is having a lovely spring!

Hugs

Brenda:)

Butterflies

2010-08-02T19:02:00.002-04:00

Aren't they beautiful:)

Quilt and Cabinet

2010-07-01T18:44:00.004-04:00

Just some thing that I have been doing.

The cabinet still needs a door( I can't decide to paint or to leave as is)an the quilt well it needs quilted.

I am also piecing sister quilt to this one but in red,white and blue.I had had plans on having it done by the fourth ,but I guess that will have to wait till next year.

Later:)

Brenda

Anticipation

2010-05-21T20:05:00.003-04:00

Patiently waiting on the perennials to bloom:)

Even Oreo is waiting:)

Lavender....

Cone Flower.....

and some that I can't even remember their name...

But I do remember that the name of this one is tequila sunrise:)

"Sneek Peek"

2010-05-20T07:00:00.001-04:00

Though the cabinet isn't done I had to bring it in just to see how it would look.

Something Old Something New

2010-05-19T12:00:00.003-04:00

A new cabinet made by my husband ....

and a old window that is being recycled in to a door..

finished pictures soon:)

Saint Augustine Florida

2010-05-15T20:40:00.004-04:00

Just a few pictures of our trip to Florida to celebrate our anniversary.

We Dig Snow:)

2010-02-15T12:17:00.002-05:00

Whatching Grampy dig snow.

See my shirt it says I dig snow.

I dig snow but why does it have to be so cold:(

Love It

2010-01-11T16:33:00.003-05:00

SNOW;)

~Brenda~

Weight Watchers 2 points:)

2010-01-10T20:05:00.003-05:00

1 box 1/2 the sugar cake mix

1 can sugar free coke

small amount icing

1 cherry:) per cupcake

bake according to cake mix

Best Wishes

Brenda

Kittens

2009-10-08T18:31:00.004-04:00

(click on this picture and look at the white kittens eyes)

Want One?

One Ear Four Kittens

2009-09-08T21:40:00.004-04:00

A month ago Little Miss One Ear showed up and I feed her. I never can turn down a stray,see the yellow cat.

Well I got more than I bargained for.

Four adorable Kittens.

What will my soft heart do?

Somebody Turned One Today

2009-09-06T20:58:00.004-04:00

It is hard to believe that is has been a year since Parker was born and we became Grandparents. I guess time flies when you are having fun.

We celebrated today Parke's Mommy made his cakes.

One for the grow ups....

And a little cake just for Parker.

Parker got lots of neat presents even a cozy coupe from Grammie and Grampy.

Keep on truckin Parker Grammie and Grampy love you.

Gunnar

2009-09-03T13:34:00.005-04:00

Hope my Daughter-in-law doesn't mind I borrowed these pictures from her blog.
But sometimes a Grammie just has to brag.Is he cute or what ?

I wish I lived closer so I could see him more.

High Chair

2009-09-01T14:42:00.005-04:00

The old family high chair has found a new purpose .It now sits at my back door and greets our guest.

Sewing Room

2009-08-02T13:09:00.006-04:00

Just like Amandajean I share my sewing space with my husband ,but I got the better end of the deal I have the side with the view.

It is a small space maybe 9x9.this is looking in my husbands desk is to the left as you walk in the rest is mys space.

I use a small sewing cabinet that I bought a Joann's and a folding table that I use a my cutting table.

This is my closet that I use for storage.The door is one we bought a Lowes that was a display .I think we paid all of ten dollars for it.

And this is a little peak inside my closet where I store most of my fabric.

Thanks for looking.

Brenda

My Trip

2009-06-27T08:24:00.009-04:00

This past week we mad the trip to Va. Beach to meet Gunnar while there we took in some of the sites.

Parker did some swimming with Grampy and Mom

Had our picture taken....

With a very BIG statue

Did some car napping after too much sight seeing.

On the way home we stopped at a rest area to let everyone stretch there legs.Parker loves cars and trucks and decided to do some car watching(one of his favorite pastimes).

Next week I will start physical therapy for my back .I have two bulging and torn disc in my lower back.The Doctor said the best way to treat my back now would be a lifestyle change and strengthen my core muscles.

Have a nice weekend
Brenda

Meeting Gunnar

2009-06-26T08:48:00.006-04:00

This week we mad the trip from Kentucky to Virgina to meet Gunnar .This is a picture of the first time I meet Gunnnar.

He is so handsome I can't take my eyes off of him.

Her I am with my two handsome Grandsons I am one very lucky Grammie.

Gunnar is such a alert little baby to be just a little over two weeks old and did I mention he is handsome:)

Brenda

Gunnar Thomas the newest addition

2009-06-11T18:44:00.003-04:00

Look Who arrived into the world at 2:52 am June 10th weighing in at 7lbs 14oz and 21 inches long.

Ahhh sleeping like a baby.We will get to meet him in less than two weeks and we can hardly wait.
Brenda

Maybe the next Michael Phelps

2009-06-07T11:19:00.002-04:00

He is tall and thin and loves to eat,and he loves the water so maybe one day you never know.

Here he is holding on to the side of the pool all by himself.

Swimming from Grammie to Mom.

From Mom to Miss Betty Jo(his swimming instructor.)

Mom helping him float on his back.

Parker and his Mom.

Poky Little Puppy fabric

2009-06-07T10:15:00.003-04:00

I just love this Fabric you can find it here.

Brenda

9 Patch Quilt Along

2009-06-03T23:14:00.001-04:00

So far this is my progress on my 9 patch quilt along.

Brenda

Sewing Machine Meme

2009-06-02T17:25:00.008-04:00

This month is Sewing Machine Month at Sew Mama Sew and to start thing off they are having a Sewing Machine Meme.So I thoug I would particapate I am always wondering about what kind of machines every one else has.

1.What brnad and model to you have?

At the present time I own a Bernia activa 125 and a singer feather weight.

2.How long have you had them.

I think I have had the Bernina about 8 years.

The feather weight I just purchased in January off of Ebay.
3. how much did your machines cost?

I think I paid around $550 dollars for the Bernina 8 years ago but I have no idea what they are worth now.The singer I paid $125 which is fairly cheap but is not have it's original motor.

4. What types of things do you sew (i.e. quilting, clothing, handbags, home dec projects, etc.)?I have sewn everything from clothing,Halloween costumes,curtain and quilts.
5.How much do you sew? How much wear and tear does the machine get?

The Bernina get used about every week but it did sit ideal for maybe 2 years one time.I never use the featherweight but it does sew like a dream.
6.Do you like/love/hate your machine? Are you ambivalent? Passionate? Does she have a name?I absolutely love both machines .

I have never got around to naming them but I have thought about it.

What features does your machine have that work well for you?I love the needle up and down ,the fact that I can slow down the speed to half speed and that i can move the needle left or right with just the push of a button, and that I can drop the feed dogs on the Bernina.

On the singer I love that it sews great and it is just plain ole cute.

And I forgot I also love on the Bernina that the thread never get knotted up and it never eats my fabric and I never have to adjust the tension.(can you tell I love the Bernina)

7.Is there anything that drives you nuts about your machine?

no
8.Do you have a great story to share about your machine (i.e., Found it under the Christmas tree? Dropped it on the kitchen floor? Sewed your fingernail to your zipper?, Got it from your Great Grandma?, etc.!)? We want to hear it!

The only thing that ever happen was one time I had moved my machine to the family room to sew and I had it sitting in front of the french doors.i was using a lamp at night to sew and this lamp had a magnify glass on it well during the afternoon the next day I smelt something burning and I though the house was on fire.I looked and looked and never did find anything until the next day I saw where my sewing machine had a nice burn mark on it that looked like a cigarette burn and she still has the scar today.
9.Would you recommend the machine to others? Why?

Yes because I can always depend on either one.

10.What factors do you think are important to consider when looking for a new machine?Dependability I especially think the Bernina is very dependable.

11.I would probably look into getting a higher end Bernina that had the new stitch regulator.Can you tell I love Bernina?

Brenda:)

One a Day Quilt Along and 2009 DC update

2009-05-04T08:46:00.004-04:00

I have joined a quilt along at crazy mom quilts.The idea is to make a 9 patch every day and by the middle of the summer you will have enough blocks for a 66''x90'' quilt.I have done my first week plus a few more last night

This is Monday so that means that I must update for the 2009 challenge Yeah!!!!

Well I have not gained or lost in a couple of weeks.I have been what you might say suffering from a back injury for about three weeks.I have been on two different rounds of steroids and I am finishing them up today I feel some better but I still have pain a numbness in my leg .

Today you might say I will be begin baby steps and will be walking slowly on the treadmill to build myself back ti exercising again.

Hope you all have a wonderful week.

Brenda

Violets and Orchids

2009-04-20T13:00:00.006-04:00

I Just love them:)

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Loser Monday update.

I am still watching what I eat and my clothes have gotten loser,but because of a back injury I am on a round of prednisone and am retaining water so I will not be weighing for a week or so.

Brenda

More Snippets

2009-04-18T08:32:00.002-04:00

More snippets of a quilt that hangs in my living room.This one was mad by my husbands Grandmother.

Brenda

Snippets

2009-04-17T17:07:00.002-04:00

A few snippets of a quilt that belong to my Aunt, it hangs in my sewing room.I often look at it and wonder where all of the fabric came from?

Brenda:)

Visitor

2009-04-10T12:05:00.002-04:00

While standing in the kitchen I glanced out the kitchen window and look what I saw.This beautiful Tom along with a few hens .

This was one of the moments that makes living in the country grand.

Brenda:)

"Fishin"

2009-04-03T11:34:00.006-04:00

We did A little fishing the other day enjoying the spring like weather here in Ky.

We didn't have much luck with the fish put we did enjoy the view.

I never understood why you have to go this fast to get from one fishing place to another.I thought fishing was suppose to be relaxing.

There still isn't much blooming on the lake still a little early.

The red buds are always the first to bloom followed by the dogwoods,my personnel favorite.

Brenda:)

2009-04-01T15:25:00.009-04:00

Hey Rascal guess what Grammie did!

At first I didn't believe her and I thought it was a April fool joke.

But she made me a shirt!

Can you believe it!

And look how handsome I am.

She said I look like a little man.

Notion

2009-03-31T16:17:00.002-04:00

I am on vacation and have taken the notion to do quite a bit of sewing over the next two weeks.Hopefully I will have some finishes to show in the next day or so.

Brenda:)

Baby Shower For Gunnar

2009-03-26T18:38:00.006-04:00

My son Ben and his wife Courtney were here in Kentucky for a couple of nights .They are in the process of moving from the West to the East Coast.Ben's orders have been changed and he will be stationed out of Norfolk Va.With the baby being due in June now was the best time to move Courtney and their things .So we took this time to give them and baby shower and give family sometime to visit with Ben and Courtney.

This was the quilt that I made for Gunnar it was my first attempt at quilting on the machine I have always quilted my hand thus not turning out many quilts.So I am looking forward to being able to finis more quilts in a short amount of time.

The pillow was mad by my sister Barbara, and believe it or not we had no idea what the other was making .If you click on the picture you will see that they almost match perfectly.

This was the first time that Ben got to meet his nephew Parker.

Myself, Twila,Parker, Ben and Courtney almost a family picture minus Barry(my husband) and Scott(Twila's husband)

Brenda:)

Diet Challenge Update

2009-03-16T05:00:00.005-04:00

Look how skinny my Mom was when she was young.When she was dating my Dad her waist was so small he could put his hands around her waist and his fingers would touch.

Well my waist isn't that small(and never will be) put I have lost 2 inches around my waist and two more pounds.That brings my total loss up to 8 pounds Yeah!!!!

I am still writing down every thing I eat and counting my points but thanks to a nasty bunion and 12 hour shift on concrete I am having trouble walking every day.I think we might have to look into getting a elliptical machine.

Brenda:)

Meet Gunnar Thomas

2009-03-15T19:06:00.009-04:00

This is Gunnar Thomas he will be making his arrival around the first of June.We are all very excited to meet him.He will be the first child for my son Ben and his wife Courtney.

These 3 D ultrasounds are so amazing ,would you have ever thought we would of been able to do this 20 or 30 years ago.I wonder what we will be able to do 20 or 30 years form now.

Brenda

2nd Apron

2009-03-05T10:10:00.006-05:00

Aprons are so much fun!!!

I have a new pattern and some really cute fabric for apron number three,so I am off to sew.

Brenda:)

After The Storm

2009-03-04T18:14:00.002-05:00

After the ice storm this is what is left of the trees that were damaged.I think my Poor husband has worked about everyday cutting down trees and ricking them up in these piles.The sad news is we don't even have a fireplace .

I think everyone will be glad to see Spring arrive.

Brenda:)

I'm Doing thg Happy Dance

2009-03-02T15:39:00.005-05:00

Finally I am a looser!!!!Not only did I loose the 4 pounds I gained last week ,I also lost 2 more.

What finally worked?

I got out my old weight watchers book and wrote down every bite of food I ate .It is amazing how much we eat that we don't REMEMBER eating.Now that I have my eating habits on the right track I need to do the same with my exercising because no matter how thin we are there still is the issue of our hearts that we need to take care of.So staring tomorrow I will log my exercising and my excuses for not.They say it takes two weeks to make something a habit so I hope that I can make walking every day a habit again.

Brenda:)

Diet Challenge 2009

2009-02-23T21:43:00.003-05:00

This will be my motto.
I don't know how it happened but I gained the pound I lost back plus three more:(

Sadly Reporting
Brenda

Diet Challenge 2009

2009-02-16T16:16:00.003-05:00

I am on a roll to loose the belly roll, for the first time I am down 1 pound.I have been trying to exercise more and watch the Glycemic index of the food I eat.
Brenda:)

I Love This Boy!!!!!!

2009-02-14T09:35:00.001-05:00

Look what Parke's baby sitter did,isn't it adorable.

Can you find Parker? He is the tall skinny one at the top of the heart.All three of these babies were born within 11 days of each other.I think Parker is going to be a very tall boy.

Happy Valentines Day Everybody!!!!!

Brenda:)

Newest Addition

2009-02-13T15:04:00.003-05:00

This is the newest addition to my sewing room a 1969 Singer Featherweight.I spotted it on EBay and fell in Love.I have wanted a FW for many years but they were always hard to find and a little pricey.When I spotted this one the white color was unique something I have never seen before . So I watched patiently as the auction progressed and Victory was mine and this little gem and the neat green case belonged to me!!!YIPPY

Don't worry Rascal the Bernina isn't going any where,I know it is your favorite.

Brenda:)

Looser Looser !!!!!!

2009-02-10T14:02:00.002-05:00

Yesterday when I got up I had every intention of doing my looser Monday post but after getting on the scale I was ASHAMED!!!!I had not lost 1 ounce:( .so I hid away from every one else with my head in the sand.Then this morning while enjoying my oatmeal and coffee I hopped on over to Sharon's blog to see how every one else was doing and decided giving up was the last thing I really want to do.So my next step will be to try a little harder.I think my main faults are sweets at night and not exercising .Today I did exercise for about 45 minutes and have been drinking a lot more water.So maybe one step at a time I will eventual get there.

Brenda:)

I'm Back

2009-02-04T19:09:00.007-05:00

The past week has been something I will never forget.Last Tuesday this all started with freezing rain that by early that morning already had the trees and power lines covered.Our electric went out sometime Tuesday morning while we were at work.By the time we returned around 7:30pm it sounded like a war zone .Every time a tree fell the sound was like a gun going off there was nothing to do but sir in the dark and list and hope they don't hit the house.We were lucky only one small tree hit the house, but we were startled by the noise of this tree crashing across our fence and landing on the patio.We were unable to sleep so we finally got up around 3 am tried to get ready for work by candle light.Barry didn't have to report to work but unfortunately I did so he stayed home and I am glad he did because with the rain continuing and no electric our crawl space was quickly filling up with water and reaching our furnace with an alarming rate.Luckily after many phone calls and couple of hours he found a generator we could use to run the pumps to get the water our before and damage was done.Our power returned around 8 pm on Wednesday so we were without electric for about 36 hours.We were lucky most people were without for days and some still are.

After the freezing rain the snow came and turned every thing into a winter wonderland.This storm was pretty but sadly it was deadly ,on the news this morning the death count in Ky was 25.With temps well below freezing and in the single digits people were desperate and did what they could to stay warm.Carbon monoxide poising caused most deaths the rest from hypothermia.
Here are a few pictures taking around my house and surrounding area.

You can click on any picture to see the details of the ice and snow.

I will be having a Giveaway Soon I just need to get caught back up on a few things after such a hectic week.
Best Wishes

Brenda:)

PS Becky is having a Giveaway too so go check it out!!!!!

Ice Storm

2009-02-03T12:54:00.004-05:00

Hello! This is Brenda's daughter Twila just updating everyone on what is going on in Kentucky. Mom wants to let everyone know she is without internet and will back to blogging as soon as she can. We had an ice storm hit last Tuesday and most of central Kentucky was without power and water for a few days. Mom has had electricity and heat from most of the storm but no internent.
The 100th post give away will be shortly!

Apron and Announcements

2009-01-26T13:57:00.008-05:00

What do you do on a cold and snowy Day?

Make a spring apron.This is the first apron I have ever made and it was so much fun I can't wait to make more.So before the ice and snow get worse maybe I should head out and get some more fabric.

But first few announcements .

First for my 2009 weight loss challenge I will have to report a big 0 for this weeks loss:(

Second this is my 99th post so my next post I will be posting a giveaway :)

And Third and most important my Son and Daughter n Law have just found out that they will be having a boy in June.His name will be Gunnar Thomas we are very excited and can hardly wait to great him into the world.

Remember check back in a few days to see what the giveaway will be.

Brenda:)

Second Post

2009-01-21T11:06:00.006-05:00

Two posts in one day because I am running a few days behind.

This is a update on the diet Challenge 2009.I am only a little more than a week into my diet and I have lost only a pound.This is not what I had expected but at least I haven't gained:).Right now at this point I am considering trying Weight Watcher on Line.I have done Weight Watcher before, but with the hours and shifts that I work it is very hard to attend meeting regularly.I have also tried very hard to exercise on a more regular and intense level .It is amazing how much better a person feels when they exercise, aside from the sore muscles everything else is definitely a plus.So for right now I will continue to truck right along and sitck with the plan.

Best Wishes

Brenda:)

Thank You

2009-01-16T11:24:00.010-05:00

I have recently won two great giveaways from two great ladies.

The first was a Christmas ornament from Dollybelle all wrapped up in some vintage advertisement.

Dolleybelle is a very talented artist with a long list of credentials go here to read all about her.

I can't wait to use this on my Christmas Tree next year.

The Next was was one from Penny and she even put in a little extra surprise.Not only did I receive the beautiful pillows and shams she also sent three great books one even had a DVD to go with it.Thanks Penny!!!

Penny is a very talented mosaic artist you should go over to her blog Lavender Hill Studio & Comforts of Home and check her out.She also blogs on the Home Goods Site and always has some neat ideas to share.

Thank You very much to two lovely ladies.

Brenda

Diet Challenge 2009

2009-01-12T09:15:00.005-05:00

This is a picture of my fat Mii.I will be following along with the Diet 2009 Challenge at Sharon's Blog Red Geranium Cottage.She will be doing posts on Mondays about weight loss tips and recipes.Also on her sidebar there is a list of other bloggers participating in this challenge.

My plan is that every monday I will post a picture of my Mii and maybe the real me and hopefullly that little blue arrow will started heading south to the normal range.

These two pictures are the real me 1/13/09.

Brenda:)

Sewingroom and Slipcover

2009-01-11T15:09:00.009-05:00

This is how this story started with a closet I was ashamed of and basically served no purpose.

Thanks to my husband some shelves were installed,then the rest was up to me.

So I painted and go t rid of everything that I didn't need.

Made some curtains and and organised and categorized,and now I have a sewing closet that I am very proud of.I have two more projects to do to completely finish but they require the help of my husband .Hopefully I will be able to post on them real soon.

And behind this door is the fabric for the slipcover ( as seen in the previous post).Tomorrow is the day I plan to make ONE MORE ATTEMPT at finishing the slipcover .

Brenda:)

One Thing on the List

2009-01-06T20:04:00.003-05:00

As I read a lot of blogs I see that people have a lot of list on thing that they want to accomplish for 2009.Me like every one else I want to lose weight ,get healthy,save money ,be green,get more organized.But number one on my list is to finish the slipcover for this couch!!!!This picture was taken about a year and a half ago.I have gotten about this far and I have frozen in fear I am so afraid that I will ruin the fabrics that I have paid a lot of money for.But all of that fabric sitting on a bolt behind my sewing room door is waste just as bad as ruining it.So to put it the best way I can the lolly gagging is over and It is time to @#&* or get off the pot and finally get this UFO finished.So maybe will I am teaching myself a new craft I will forget about those cookies calling my name form the pantry and lose some weight ,save some money,be green and get ride of some of clutter in my sewing room.The best thing that would come from this is I would develop a new a trade and get my self off of the graveyard shift,that it self would be a dream come true.

Brenda

Christmas

2008-12-28T20:13:00.005-05:00

Christmas 2008,

Brenda:)

I Can Play

2008-12-25T22:28:00.004-05:00

More Christmas Pictures to come.

Brenda

First Christmas

2008-12-17T12:22:00.003-05:00

As you can see it is Parker's first Christmas.

He is growing so fast and changing everyday.

This is the tree we will set out in the yard to remember his first Christmas.

After he enjoyed the Christmas lights it was time for a nap.

Brenda:)

Pink Ornament Swap

2008-12-16T11:46:00.016-05:00

Thanks Sharon I received my ornament for the Pink Ornament Swap at Deena's and they are perfect!!There was one for each of my trees.

The Family room tree...

The Snow Baby tree (how did you know?)

And my "pink tree in my bedroom that I have decorated with vintage earrings and brooches that belong to my Grandmother and Mother with a few of my holiday pins added in.

Thank you again so much!!!!

Brenda:)

Santa

2008-12-16T09:15:00.005-05:00

Do you believe in Santa?

I DO!!!!!

Brenda:)

Christmas In Kentucky

2008-12-15T10:50:00.009-05:00

Welcome to our house here are a few pictures of our house at Christmas.

Hope you enjoyed your visit.

Brenda:)

The Newest Member

2008-12-10T20:18:00.007-05:00

Meet the newest member of the Family he or she will arrive in June.We are very exited to be having another Grand baby and are anxiously waiting to find out if it will be a boy or girl.

And here is a picture of the Babies proud parents-to-be My son Ben and Daughter-n-law Courtney.

Anxiously Waiting

Brenda(Grammy)

2008-11-17T18:40:00.006-05:00

Parker: Hey Grammie what is that tree for?
Grammie: Well Parker I am going to bring it inside and but bright lights and decorations on it and if you are good there will be some presents under it for you.

Parker: Ohh...Grammie I can't wait!!!!

Sewing Room Tweeking

2008-11-08T13:01:00.010-05:00

My sewing room is nice and I know a lot of seamstresses don't have a whole room to devote to sewing,but there is one area that is not so inspiring.

My closet !!! It gives me a headache just to open the door.

I also feel that I am not using this little cabinet to it's best possibilities.

If the picture above gave me a headache I think this gave me a migraine.This is the closet a few short months ago.My husband installed some shelves for me a couple of months ago and that helped with this disaster but it needed tweeking.

So with a little paint I have started the tweeking .

And if I do say so myself I thing these colors will be very stimulating (and they match the little couch in the room).

I did have a nice surprise while I was off my Daughter brought Parker over for me to watch so she could run a few errands.It was a nice break from the tweeking.

Brenda:)

Halloween

2008-11-02T09:42:00.006-05:00

Trick or Treat.

My Treat was Grammie made me a quilt for Halloween.

Parker is a little young to enjoy Halloween so I decide to make him a quilt to commemorate his first Halloween.

and as you can tell he enjoyed it very much.

Brenda:)

Nature

2008-11-02T09:06:00.013-05:00

We were on Vacation from work this week and decide to get away from the everyday blahh and enjoy the Smoky Mountains.

I wasn't for sure but I though I could see Penny's house from here.

There was much wildlife to see.

As always we enjoyed the ride through Cades Cove.

The view form the balcony of our room was breath taking

And what a surprise ,there was snow on top of the Mountain.

Oreo enjoyed her romp in the snow and sure was glad we brought her a sweater

Brenda:)

Sleep Over

2008-10-20T08:53:00.005-04:00

Parker spent the night at Grammie and Grampy's house Saturday night so his parents could have a well deserved dated night.This was his 2nd sleep over at our house and went much smoother than the first.

When my daughter was expecting him I had reservations about keeping Parker, it had been so long since I had taken care of a baby.I wondered if I would know what to do and afraid I would do something wrong.Well let me tell you it is just like riding a bike you never forget.

When ever he stays I just can't take my eyes off of him ,but I gues that is what Grammies do?
Brenda:)

Weight Watchers

2008-10-16T19:37:00.003-04:00

Today I started Weight Watchers with my daughter .She is trying to loose those last baby pounds. I am continuing my everyday battle with my weight.
In my adult life I have been every size from 6 to 18 but am happy to say for the past seven years I have narrowed that span in size and have been relatively healthy.Until this past weekend when after feeling kind of bad for quite a while I did a little complaining to my husband and he thought I might ought to check my sugar.He is a diabetic that now controls is diabetes and high blood pressure with exercise and a healthy diet.Well to make a long story short he checked my sugar and it was 150 .This made me take a look at the direction I was heading and it was not where I wanted to go.I have been checking my sugar for several days and it has beenbelow 100.
So this post is my commitment to turn things around and head back to the size 6 and become a poster child for good health that the Doctor use to say I was.

Brenda:)

Rascal

2008-10-06T17:45:00.004-04:00

You want me to do what ???Get in the basket ????
You must be CRAZY I am way to big!!!!

See I am way to big...

Let's see wiggle wiggle wiggle....

OK take the stupid picture.

Happy blogging

Brenda & Rascal:)

Went To See Parker

2008-09-25T16:26:00.006-04:00

When I got there he was sleeping...

I just stared at him admiring how cute he is...

Looking and his feet ....

And then He woke up and I finally got to get a picture of him with his eyes open.

Being a Grandmother is just wonderful!!!!
Best Wishes
Brenda:)

They Grow So Fast

2008-09-17T20:40:00.006-04:00

They grow up so fast and any one who has children already knows this.Parker will be two weeks old this Saturday and I think he changes every day.Some days when I see him I think he looks like his dad and some days I think he looks like his Mom . I might be biased a little but I think he is just plane ol cute.

Best Wishes

Brenda:)

2008-09-09T13:22:00.003-04:00

Dad and Parker

Mom and Parker

and last but not least Parker
I am very proud of all three of them they are doing a great job.
Best Wishes
A very proud Grammie:)

Grandparents

2008-09-07T19:45:00.013-04:00

What a Great way to spend our first Grandparents Day than with our very first Grand baby.

Best Wishes

Brenda:)

Here's Parker

2008-09-06T15:30:00.004-04:00

8lbs 14oz 9/6/08

More pictures tommorrow

BestWishes

Brenda:)

Everything is Ready...and Waiting!!!

2008-09-02T11:47:00.009-04:00

This is the last project I had to do before Parker arrived ,and true to my form right at the last minute.Now all we have to do is wait.

This Cradle is going to Parkers house, his parents purchased it at a auction for the first anniversary.It will be where Parker sleeps the first few weeks while he is still living in his Mom and Dad's bedroom.My job was to make it comfy for Parker.I did this by making a mattress first since it is a little larger than a cradle mattress,then the sheets and finally a bumper.

Now that all projects are done I would like to tell Parker anytime now would be fine with Grammie.

Best Wishes

Brenda:)

Parker's Bookcase

2008-08-20T12:06:00.005-04:00

Parker received a gift from us last night,a bookcase to hold his bookcase to hold his books and toys.My husband (Grampy) made the bookcase.

He also made his name mounted on a piece of wood to go across the back.

Parker also received this lamp which matches his bedding.

Her is a picture of Twila she went to the doctor yesterday ,all is well and progressing as it should .She is less than three weeks away and the doctor said it could be any time.

Notice Zoe in her lap,Zoe does not like women I think she knows the baby is a boy.It looks like she is giving him a hug.

Best Wishes

Brenda:)

This might be Parker's first thoughts.

2008-08-12T18:59:00.002-04:00

Best Wishes

Brenda:)

The Quilt

2008-08-10T19:00:00.002-04:00

I just wanted to share a picture of the quilt I made for Parker.

I pieced it by machine but I quilted it by hand and boy are my fingers sore.
Best Wishes
Brenda:)

A Shower for Parker

2008-08-10T18:24:00.008-04:00

Twila was given a shower Sunday by her aunt Martha.The cake was so cute.

Parker received many gifts.My sister Barbara mad these burp clothes with his name on them (notice the theme)

and a soft blanket with his name across the bottom.

The theme continues on the back of the blanket with flannel that has a nursery rhyme print.

Caroline a friend of the family made this colorful Afghan that I am sure Parker will love.

Martha made this diaper cake full of goodies.

Gwen (Twila's Mother-N-Law)Twila and Me "Grammy"

Twila and her aunt Martha with her son Chase.

We had a great time and are all loking forward to Parkers arrival.

Best Wishes

Brenda:)

Finished!!!!!!

2008-07-19T11:12:00.006-04:00

The painting is done yeah!!!!!Now maybe just a little redecorating.
Let me see hmmm?????
Maybe some new curtains???
To be continued.....
Best Wishes
Brenda:)

A MESS!!!!!!!

2008-07-18T10:32:00.003-04:00

The Family Room is getting a face lift.I hope to be finished today and have the furniture back in tonight.We are having a couples Shower here for my Daughter and Son-n-law in August ,so I thought I would get this little project worked in before then.

Best Wishes

Brenda:)

Tidy Up

2008-07-09T14:57:00.004-04:00

What a mess I am totally ashamed:( of my self...

A little tidying up and some rearranging ...

And I think I can do some creating in here.
Best Wishes
Brenda:)

Sunday

2008-07-06T19:31:00.006-04:00

Aren't Sundays just Great!!!!

Just a Lazy Sunday the last day of vacation before going back to work Monday.

I did finish this quilt for my grandson Parker .I am working on two more projects that I need to get done before his arrival in September.

After Church we went to my husband's brothers house for a cookout then went for a ride on the 4 wheeler and enjoyed some of the Kentucky countryside.

I felt like the redneck paparazzi on the back of that 4wheeler snapping pictures LOL:)

Best Wishes

Brenda:)

Peabody Hotel Memphis

2008-07-05T20:24:00.007-04:00

This Past week my husband and I took a trip to Memphis for a short and needed vacation.While there we visited the historic Peabody Hotel.I had heard of the ducks that lived in the lobby fountain ,so I got on line and read the story of the Peabody Ducks.You can read about the ducks at http://peabodymemphis.com/.

This is a picture of the fountain from the balcony.Look at all of the people that come just to see the ducks,and this picture was taken 30 minutes before the ducks arrived.The lady at the bar in the lobby told us people start to gather 1 hour before trying to secure a "good" spot.

Closeup of the ducks there are four hens and one drake.

Two "Old Ducks" that are not in the fountain....

Here is a short video of the ducks leaving the fountain .Notice all of the people,the balcony goes all the way around the lobby and it is packed also.As you watch the video notice that after the ducks ge about halfway down the carpet they stop and shake water all over the kids sitting on the carpet.

The video her shows the ducks arriving from there home on the roof on the Peabody.When they arrive in the lobby via the elevator they walk down the red carpet and walk up the steps and hop in the fountain.

The Lady in the black dress with the Duck Master is the Honorary Duck Master for the day.You see for a certain amount of $$$$$$$ you can be a Honorary Duck Master.This was her Wedding Day and her wedding was going to be at Graceland(Elvis's Home) later in the day.It was going to be the first Jewish wedding ever at the Graceland Chapel,(I got the scoop from her sister that was standing beside me taking pictures).
I will have more pictures tommorrow of our trip to Memphis.
Best Wishes
Brenda:)

Happy Fathers Day

2008-06-15T12:44:00.010-04:00

Happy Fathers Day to my husband for being a Great Step Father and Uncle.

My Father is no longer with us but this is how I remember him.

My favorite picture of my Dad,he was always a easy going laid back person.

My dad and my three sisters,Elizabeth,Barbara and Nancy.

My Dad with a cocker spaniel pup.

I will always remember how my mother talked about how hansom he was when they were dating.

Best Father Days Wishes

Brenda Wishes:)

Hydrangea

2008-06-12T11:44:00.006-04:00

The hydrangea are just starting to bloom here.

These are a light pink .

The more they open the more colorful they get.

The P H level of your soil has a lot to do with what color they will be.

And some can't decide what color they want to be.If you look real close to this one you will see it is half pink and half blue.

Best Wishes

Brenda:)

Thank You For Stopping Bye

2008-06-06T11:59:00.007-04:00

We would like to thank everyone for stopping bye yesterday, all of your comments were so nice.

Hope every one has a nice week end.

Best Wishes

Brenda,Oreo & Rascal :)

It's a Front Porch Party

2008-06-05T07:40:00.008-04:00

Welcome to My Front Porch

This is the fish pond beside the front porch.

This is where I like to sit and listen to the pond and
read a good book.

And the swing where I could swing away hours of the day.

Hope you have enjoyed our front porch.

Best Wishes

Brenda:)

Flowers

2008-06-02T14:19:00.007-04:00

Here are some bright colors for the Monday Blaahs....

My Mother always called these Tiger Lilies.

A climbing Red Rose withe a purple clematis

A Purple Clematis that grow beside our garage.It is a least 5 ft tall or more which isn't that big but my husband cut it down to the ground this past winter.He will do this every year if I don't remind him.Well it hasn't hurt it yet so no need in nagging .

Best Monday Wishes

Brenda:)

Front Porch Party

2008-06-01T08:26:00.002-04:00

I think everyone enjoys a summer night on the Front porch watching the world go bye.Whether in a Swing or your favorite rocker,it is always fun to sit back and enjoy the view from you front porch.

Rhondi at Rose Colored Glasses is having a front porch party on June 5th.Hop on over to her blog and join in on the fun.

Best Fron Porch Wishes

Brenda:)

Water Lily

2008-05-31T12:50:00.001-04:00

Her is a picture of a water lily in our pond.

Hope every one is having a nice weekend.

Best Wishes

Brenda:)

Isn't She Pretty!!!!!

2008-05-27T14:01:00.007-04:00

This is my Daughter Twila she is 24 weeks in this picture .Isn't she Pretty!

And She is doing such a nice job on the nursery also.

Here is a close up of the bedding.I just love what she has picked out.

Can you tell she is a teacher ?

Enjoy your Summer Vacation Twila!!!!!

Love Mom:) a.k.a Brenda or Soon to be Grammie!!!!!

Rascal the Cat Tries Blogging

2008-05-24T13:54:00.008-04:00

My name is Rascal and I thought I might give this blogging a try. Brenda is busy working this weekend. On her days off I know she was busy working in the yard,doing housework and I saw her sewing something she said was a secret.

Let me see .Password ...think,think ,think,ok got it.

Let me see what picture do I want to show.

Browse ..ok..upload..this is easier that I thought.

Our wheelbarrow broke when we were pouring concrete for the side walk and instead of throwing it away Brenda decided to make a planter out of it.Pretty good idea if I do say so myself and....

It makes a great place to take a catnap!!!!

Best Kitty Wishes

Rascal the Cat:)

Blue Eyes and Rocks

2008-05-23T08:40:00.006-04:00

No I did not get a new dog. But isn't this a beautiful dog?

Just look at his eyes .........

We meet this dog yesterday when we went to a friends house to get some rocks .This wasn't there dog either it was the neighbors.Anyway they had this huge pile of rocks they were wanting to get rid of so we went and got them .

And look what we did ! We lined all of our landscaping withe this rock border.

This was a lot of hard work with my husband doing most(all) of the lifting .

If you compare this picture to the one in my header you can notice how muck cleaner our house is .We had it cleaned with a high pressure cleaner last week,now we have to treat the house o protect it from water damage.This will be a project for another day off and with the price of gasoline we might as well stay home and work.

Best Wishes

Brenda:)

Blooms and the Blue Bird

2008-05-20T12:32:00.009-04:00

The Knock Out Roses are really showing off this week.

How did I end up holding this bird you ask?Well I heard a thud hit the window in our family room.I knew it was a bird because it happens pretty often.When I looked out the window onto the ground I saw this little finch laying on the ground gasping for breath.Thinking I needed to put him in a safe place while he came to his senses I went outside camera in hand.So I picked him up and he seemed quite content sitting in my hand so I snapped a few pictures .

If you click on the picture above you can see that his little eyes are not fully open and he looks a little dazed and confused.

After a few minutes he started to come around a little.

My husband came out and took this picture of me and the little Blue Bird.This was right before he flew off into the woods.

Best Wishes

Brenda:)

I Just Can't Believe It !!!!!!!!!!

2008-05-20T06:00:00.001-04:00

This story starts this past Saturday night when my husband and I were in Lexington for a night out.I had mentioned a few weeks ago that I would like a Hillary shirt,and as we drove by her headquarters my DH said" let's stop and see if they have any shirts".Well we stopped and they didn't have any shirts but they did give me a few yard signs.One thing led to another and as we stood there and chatted with a nice young lady that worked for Hillary we mentioned that we were from the Danville area she proceed to tell us that President or Senator Clinton one would be in the Danville area Monday but they didn't know who, what, when or where at that time.It Seems they keep every thing hush hush until the last minute. Then Sunday morning as I leave for church I received a recorded message form Hillary headquarters saying that President Clinton would be speaking in Danville Monday afternoon.This all sounded to good to be true .Would the crowd be so big I wouldn't get to see him?Would I even be able to get near the house he would be speaking at?These were the thought that kept running through my mind.So we decide to give it a try after all how often is a President in this small town.We got there about and hour before he was suppose to appear,but not quiet early enough to be in the front but close enough he was going to speak from the front porch.

So we waited and waited.......

Even the sound check guy became interesting .

The setting was a historical area of town, the houses there are beautiful.

Then he arrived ,this is his motorcade arriving in the drive way.

And then he finally appeared .This is actually a pinch me moment I still couldn't believe it was actually him.

And we were so close...

All I could think was I will never see a President this close again.

Please Play the video.I think it was funny that I started the video at that moment.

Best Wishes

I Just Can't Beleive It Brenda:)

Backyard Project 2008 Continued

2008-05-19T12:24:00.007-04:00

Above are two picture of the concrete before we sealed/stained it.(Don't feel sorry for the dogs they spend very little time locked up in the "dog lot".

The rest of the pictures are after it was stain/sealed.

I even stained my concrete planter .I saw this idea on another blog, but I can't remember which one or I would mention it.so if it was your Thank You.

I did not use concrete stain I used a wood stain "special walnut".

Best Wishes

Brenda:)

All of Her Hard Work Paid Off

2008-05-16T21:39:00.005-04:00

Remember Mrs. Robin in the nest outside my living room window?Well all that sitting and hard work has paid off...

The little ones are finally leaving the nest.

I guess this makes her and Mr Robin empty Nester's:)

Best Wishes

Brenda:)

One Good Reason

2008-05-15T13:15:00.006-04:00

Here's one GOOD reason for you chicks to go to Cracker Barrel and order yourself a big stack of pancakes or french toast(my favorite).The syrup bottles make great bud vases.

Look at the details on the bottle.Sometimes I will line up 4 or 5 along my kitchen window seal and put flowers from my garden.Once while browsing a high price catalog I saw a set of small vases for about $50.00 and all along I had some for the price of a stack of pancakes,plus it is a great way to recycle.

Best Wishes

Brenda:)

Justa Swingin and Other Things

2008-05-14T08:29:00.006-04:00

We have added a swing to our backyard .This something that we have always wanted but never could figure out where to put it and how we wanted it to look.This is our project in a semi -finished state.I think we will add a roof and I have some large concrete planters that I am going to stain .We will also be sealing and staining out sidewalks and patio.

Our house is cedar siding and it has to be cleaned about every two or three years .We had this done yesterday this is a all day project, now we just have to seal the wood . This we will do ourselves but most of it can be sprayed so it won't be that bad(maybe).

We also broke ground for our first garden that we have ever had here.I have had gardens before and my parents always had one when I was a kid but we have never had one.One reason being that the ground her is pitiful nothing but clay and rock.Any time I want to plant something or start a flowerbed I have to amend the soil ,with peat moss ,manure(yuk) or compost.I would love to have some rabbits because there dropping are great for flowers .They are in little round pellets and all you have to do is scatter them over your flower bed and you have instant organic fertilizer.All I have to do now is convince my husband this is a good idea(fat chance).I would also like to have a couple of chickens ,one because I think they are pretty and two so we could have fresh eggs but I think this will happen when pigs fly or you-know-where freezes over.

Here are a couple of picture of the swing the bottom picture is after I added some "monkey grass" beside the sidewalk and two azalea bushes that I moved from a overcrowded flowerbed in front of the garage.

Best Wishes

Brenda:)

The Godfather of the Chipmunks & New Life

2008-05-05T21:15:00.011-04:00

There is a whole family of chipmunks living in the fence behind our house.I can' t even remember how long I have been trying to get a picture of any of them especially this one .We call him the "God Father" because he is so big.He looks more like a guinea pig than a chipmunk.

Here he is a little closer.See his big ol head.

Out and about in the backyard camera in hand I look up admiring the big oak tree that canopies our backyard.It always amazes me because it is so big ,not only tall but how far it stretches out over our yard.I also think if the wind ever blows it down we won't have a house left .Any way as I was gawking up in the air I notice two little birds.Looking through my camera lens I zoomed in and there they were ,they had built a little nest in a hole in the tree.I sure hope the little ones first attempt at flying is successful it is a long way down.

Here they are posing for the camera.

This is a picture of some more bird activity going on around here.A Robin has built a nest in the Saucer Magnolia tree out side our living room window.She has gotten so use to me watching her she just acts like I am not even there.I took this picture through the window.

Hope you have enjoyed the pictures as much as I have sharing them with you.

Best Wishes

Brenda:)

Fenton Lamp and Flowers

2008-05-04T18:36:00.013-04:00

Just thought I would post a picture of the Fenton Lamp my husband bought for our anniversary.

We had a great day starting out with a couples massage at a local day spa this was my first massage and I didn't know quite what to expect.I think the next time I will enjoy it more because I will be more a ease with the situation.After the massage we drove to Lexington and had dinner and went to the local comedy club.

Many of the plants here are starting to bloom.I always try to add a few thing s every year to our yard and garden.We own about three acres and more than an acre is cleared,with about that much more in woods beside our house.

Above is a picture of a Knock Out Rose that I planted last year this variety is called Rainbow.It is pink that gradually turns to yellow as it fades away.

A white Korean Dogwood that I bought two years ago. The man I bought it from told me it was pink.Maybe this is why he is no longer in business?

An old fashion snowball bush

A Iris I puchase this year called "Lovely Senorita".

This is a little flower we got from the house of a older lady that was a family friend.We have had it for abut 10 years and I do not know what it is but it looks like a clover.It blooms all summer and this year it didn't stop until November.

A pretty little Pansy from last fall that came back.These are my daughters favorite flower.

And this is one of mine the Dogwood this one is "Cherokee Princess".The Dogwoods were blooming when we got married and they always remind me of my wedding.

Best Wishes:)

Brenda

Anniversary

2008-05-03T08:36:00.002-04:00

Today is our anniversary we have were married 11 years ago today.It was Derby Day just like today.I will always remember the horse that won the Derby that year it's name was Silver Charm.

Then.....

and now.....

and I hope we have many more.

Best Wishes

Brenda:)

Here's Parker

2008-04-20T15:47:00.007-04:00

On Friday My daughter Twila and her husband Scott went to the doctor to have a their 20 week ultrasound .This is the one where they can tell you the gender of the baby.When they first found out they were pregnant they did not want to know until the baby was born but my daughter being the planner that she is could not wait until then.To make the revel of the gender a little more exciting than a ultrasound technician saying its a ???.They decided to have a gender revel party.Twila 's BFF Casey held the party at her house .We had a big turn out of about 30 people.

Here they are looking at the ultrasound picture and....

IT,S A BOY

And this is Parker my Grandson:)

Best wishes

Brenda:)