I celebrated Mother's Day yesterday in a most special way. Mama requested that I make new kitchen curtains, a tablecloth and stool cover for her gift this year. I gladly jumped on that opportunity. I loaded my sewing supplies, stopped by and picked up my Nana (91 years young)and with my children in tow, headed to Mama's for the day. When I was growing up, it was a huge treat for us when my Mama would say, "We are going to spend the day at Mama's (my Nana)." I knew that it meant a great meal, a great visit and warm, fuzzy emotions. Sometimes there would be a sewing project involved or the putting up of new wallpaper or a session of canning vegetables, etc. The most excitement came not from the project involved but the idea of spending the day at Nana's and back then the days seemed much longer than now. Yesterday I was transported back to those warm, fuzzy emotions as we ate, sewed, visited, laughed and enjoyed the presence of each other. My children found fun things to do at their "Mammie's" house and it was perhaps the greatest Mother's Day ever. Four generations of us under one roof for an entire day. I know how blessed I am!

A Simple Thank You

I have always been grateful to the veterans of our country for their service. However, only recently was I made aware that maybe veterans are not always aware of the gratitude and what I am thinking. My husband recently challenged each of us to thank a veteran the next time we have the opportunity. My opportunity came this week as I was caring for a patient. I noticed that her husband was wearing a jacket with his VFW patch. Upon talking with him in the hallway, I told him that I noticed that he is a veteran of foreign war. I extended my hand for a shake and said, "I want to thank you for your service". I was caught off guard by the tears that welled in his eyes and the look upon his face. It was at this moment that I gained a deeper appreciation for what serving our country means to veterans. I was blessed far more than he in that encounter! I challenge each of you to "Thank" a veteran the next time you have an opportunity.

This may seem like just an ordinary watermelon to you but when I bought it last night from a local produce stand, I was flooded with memories of my G-Daddy Froggett. When I pulled up to the produce stand, the owner excitedly met me at the trailer that contained four large cartons full of watermelons that he had just hauled from Indiana. It was his excitement that triggered the memories of my grandfather and watermelons. G-Daddy raised watermelons solely for the purpose of selling them at the "Third Sunday in August" celebration at Sulphur Well, Kentucky. He was renown for the melons in a multi county radius. As a grandchild, I remember watching every stage of the process of raising the melons and many conversations that included the watermelon patch. He spent many hours making sure the melons flourished. He tended the patch, picked the melons and placed them on straw in the bed of his pick-up truck which, mind you, was never fancy or new. At the celebration, he stood beside his truck in order to talk with anyone and everyone that came by to purchase a melon or just visit. He would also offer advice on which melon was best at each time of purchase. The method involved "thumping", a technique that I never quite fully understood since the thumps all sounded the same to me. Another fond memory that I have of watermelons is how all the Froggetts would gather at Bigmama and G-Daddy's house in the summer to eat them. Keep in mind that all the Froggetts lived within a 5 mile radius--and most still do. I was the first one to "move off" when I went to college in Louisville (I'm surprised that I wasn't disowned) LOL. We would get a phone call that the gathering was going to occur and we literally ran to their house in order not to miss any detail. The watermelons were always good, but the family time together was better. Maybe the excitement that arises within me each summer when I see watermelons growing or for sale is not just about the taste of the melon!!

ETSY

New items in my ETSY shop!!! Good time to Christmas shop!!!

Back-to-School Bargains

People often ask me since we homeschool do we do any back to school shopping. Oh yea! My children look forward to it. The lists, choosing just the right color folders and notebooks, whether to get trimming pencils or mechanical, the new binders and rulers.

We did our shopping yesterday. While I do not have to buy clothing, it is a good time of year to find great prices on clothing and shoes. For example, two of my clan did have a need, no a desire, for new athletic shoes. My goal was to find both pairs for under $100. One of our local sports stores had a special on athetic shoes, buy one, get one for half off. I also had a rewards coupon to use on my purchase. BONUS!! We were able to buy a pair of New Balance, a pair of Nike shocks, a sports bra, and two bundles of socks (18 pairs) for--------$78.00. Yes, and I have the receipt for you non-believers.

The "latest"

These aprons are the latest of my creations in the sewing room. They are patterned from an apron that my great grandmother made in the 30s or 40s that I have the honor of possessing!!! They are "girly" with the pleats in the front and the daintiness of the fabrics. Each is for sale for $17.00 **free shipping. If you are one of my local customers, cost is $15.00. Each is machine washable and dryer friendly! Each tie is 34" long.

This one is one of my favorites with the contrasting fabrics that compliment the main fabric.

Cheerful with the pinks and blue dainty flowers and contrasting blue band.

Nothing says summer more than sunflowers. This apron has two pattern of sunflower fabric, both complimenting the other.

Seeking Treasures

"A man's real possession is his memory. In nothing else is he rich, in nothing else is he poor." ---- Alexander Smith

I have not posted for several weeks because I have been busy seeking treasures. Those treasures are memories with and for my children. Treasures of activities and events to create lasting and positive memories for them. I believe that no amount of material possessions will ever substitute for a mind full of good childhood memories!! So, if I post sporadically for the remainder of the summer, just keep in mind that I am out seeking treasures!! Have a great summer!

Summer Break

At last, Summer break!!! Such big plans: waterpark, horse shows, swimming, fishing, canoeing on the river. Can't wait!! What are your plans for the summer?

Prom Princess

Here is proof that you do not have to live in Britain in order to be of "royalty". One of her favorite things to do when she was little was to dress up. We even had a prom at our house when she was 8 because she was so fascinated with watching her teen neighbor leave for prom. It consisted of formals from her mom's and my "past", dancing, a "limo" (really a Lincoln town car), punch and cookies.

Our princess at her first real prom=BREATHTAKING.

P.S. You will get to go next year Sunshine!!

Where You Lead Me

Where you lead me, I will follow. One of the most fascinating things within motherhood for me has been observing the interactions of my children with their siblings. Our order goes girl 16, boy 13, girl 9. The brother acts more like the "big" brother with his protective nature. The 9 year old follows the 16 year old and wants to be just like her. This statement is beautiful from both sides; wanting to be like someone and being so that someone wants to be like you.

A PERFECT Day!!

Every once in a while there are days that are perfect all around; the weather is good, we feel good and all seems good. Yesterday, which happened to be Mother's Day was one of those perfect days. My three amazing children each made homemade cards (the best kind if you ask me) complete with their own thoughts, art work and penmanship.
After church we went to a town not too far away, walked around the local university's campus and then to a park in the downtown area. At this park was a beautiful white, horse drawn carriage complete with a cowboy in a tuxedo! Of course we rode!!!! I even received a pink, long stemmed rose as part of the ride.
It felt so good to have all three safe with me, happy to be with me and having a good time with me. PERFECT.

Dogwood Winter

The older generation calls this time of year Dogwood Winter. It is named because after a period of sunshine and warmth in the early Spring, and the dogwoods bloom, we will have a period of cooler temps and rain. Early Spring weather gets us excited for warm sunshine, but don't put your long sleeves away just yet!

Spring Twirly Skirt

This simple skirt is so cute for Spring. It is elastic waisted and is fully lined with unbleached muslin. The bias trim is hand made to coordinate with the fabrics. The matching tee is store bought and appliqued with coordinating fabric. I love making these. This one is for sale. Size 5-6.

Frugal Friday

Sometimes being frugal does not pay. This is the case at my house with flour. I bought a 25# bag of no name flour, to be frugal, but the biscuits were terrible and the gravy was unspeakable! My family thought I had lost my ability to cook. Never again will I do that. My family deserves great biscuits and gravy!!!! Brand name flour-here I come.

Another Birthday

We celebrated yet another birthday this week. This one was a huge milestone (in her eyes). Sweet 16, driver's permit in hand, full of knowledge and wisdom, ready to take on the world!!! I want her dreams to come true!

Navigating on her new Kindle.

Birthday time

It was birthday time this weekend at our house!!!! The youngest turned 9. Here she is with her polka dot gifts. Children are such fun creatures. At the end of the rug shown in this photo is the spot where we have put our Christmas tree every year since we moved in. My children always put their birthday gifts in the spot as they would be under the tree for Christmas. I guess to them it is the "gift" spot. Sooooooooooo precious!

The Tree House

This is the tree house that my son had dreamed of forever! Well, it is sort of a "treeless" house since we do not have any trees in our yard mature enough to hold a house. It sets between two trees for the effect of being in a tree.

We had enough lumber left over from a barn addition. He and I set the posts and he designed the entire thing. We got a friend of ours to construct it and put the roof on. I must say it is a fancy tree house.

My son envisions covering the outside with license plates from all across America. He has a good start!

It is his refuge and source of such joy. How I wish we would have done this years ago!!

Embellished notebooks

These are photos of my newest craft project. Steno pad notebooks embellished with ribbons and cut outs. This is an easy project. First you must remove the wiring from the notebook. Then cut paper (I used cardstock) to fit the cover. Return wire and cover to notebook. Embellish. The possiblities are endless!!

I have blues and browns. This one has a tag that says "Happiness".

This one is black and white with dainty pink ribbon holding a flower cut out. It is a pocket sized notebook. $2.00

This one has different shades of blue wistera type flowers with pink satin ribbon wrapped around and tied in a bow.

These make great gifts at $4.00 each. I have many other styles, some with matching pocket sized notebooks and bookmarks. Email me if you wish to order or they may be viewed locally at Tammy's Closet.

Frugal Friday

We needed some roofing shingles for a small project. While at the lumber yard, I noticed a pile of shingles with torn packaging. I inquired about the price, they were one third the original price!! BINGO-tree house roof completed on a frugal budget! Pictures to follow one sunny day soon.

Pillowcases

Full/Queen 100% soft cotton; $15.00 plus shipping

I have been craving French seams and pillowcases are perfect for them. I have become addicted to French seams.

I have these for Spring and they are for sale. I am now selling stuff locally at Tammy's Closet and I plan to put them on ETSY. These are $15 per pair or two pair for $25. I am in love with the cream and green ones with the tiny leaves.

These are Queen size, 100% cotton (has the feel of percale).$15.00 plus shipping. (I will calculate shipping to where you live, so you will not pay more that it costs me)