So, I have been in Michigan helping Nick and Julie with Caleb while Julie works and Nick attends OCS. As you can see, there are no pictures. I don't know how to load my pics from the cd to the computer and Julie is too busy to help. Besides, her sister came to town from Florida and she is meeting her new niece and showing off Caleb. So, you will have to do with my visit in words only and use your imagination.
I arrived on July 4 at my Moms and many family members came over to see Caleb. Nick would be attending OCS in VA and I arrived early to help with Caleb and to sew some items for him to take with him. So, on Friday, July 9, I went on Caleb duty at 6am. Whew...that is 3am Oregon time and I was not yet used to EDT. But after Julie went to work and Caleb was ready for his nap, this Mimi took a nap with him....actually for two weeks, every day until I got used to the time difference.
He is a joy. I don't know how else to put it. He is so adorable, cute, handsome, precious, etc., etc., etc. Night times are Julies although I have offered enough that if she needs me, I can take care of him. Weekends we sleep in. When Momma comes home from work, Caleb is hers, I fix dinner, clean up, prepare bottles, fix Julie's lunch, etc. Yes, I am trying to spoil her as well as Caleb. I think she likes it. :-)
Caleb is 4 months old tomorrow (Aug. 5), and a schedule is starting to happen. There are a few habits that are starting to change as well - like sleeping in his crib. He has outgrown the bassinet and is starting to take good naps in the crib during the day. He is sleeping through the night, a bit restless sometimes, but no feedings after 9 pm and before 6 am. Makes for good rest.
He has not begun to roll over but is trying. That darn left arm just gets in the way though. He sits up well in his bumbo seat (will share pictures of this later - when I figure it out), smiles and giggles alot. He is such a happy boy, changing before my eyes. He has a bouncer seat and gets going to town in that thing. That right hand makes a fist and those feet just kick and kick. A few weeks ago he made a noise and scared himself. Now that noise is just habit and he doesn't even flinch.
Phil was able to come to MI a few weeks ago for five days. We went to Paradise, MI - past the Soo Locks in the Upper Peninsula. An eventful trip to MI via Minneapolis - not a good eating schedule, but all turned out well. We left on Friday and stayed at the Paradise Inn - no outdoor camping for us. Had a great visit with his brother Lou from CA; sister Susan from Florida; sister-in-law Dianne, her granddaughter Stephanie and nephew Aaron from Wisconsin; sister Ann and her granddaughters from Ohio; plus brother Chuck, wife Ruth; brother Gil, wife Nancy; brother Tim, his daughter Jan & her fiance, Steve; nephew Luc, wife Kadren & Amelia, Cora, Suzanne and Emmit, all from Mi along with his nephew Chris whose house we were at. It was great visiting, sharing memories and making new ones. Phil also went to my Moms and helped clear out her garage with Mary Ann and Jerome. Having a big party in September so we are starting early to get things ready.
I have not been doing as much sewing as I thought I would. I have finished a table runner, binding a Redwork Quilt for my niece and have material for an apron but that is about it. I am also meeting up with the Home of the Brave Coordinator for Michigan tomorrow so we will see how much more sewing I will be able to do. Also going to see friends, Sue, Sandy and Kris for dinner. I am also going to my second Livingston Lakes Chapter EGA meeting next week and plan to see my nieces the following before I return home on the 25th.
Nick is doing well at school and has had a few phone calls to Julie and Caleb. Caleb lights up when he hears his daddy's voice. He sounds good and is accomplishing what he has set out for well. We are all anxious to see him on the 21st.
All in all, it has been a wonderful trip. Yes, I do miss Phil very much and I know he has been whining and fussing but he is actually doing well in OR. Just a few more weeks and I will return to my sewing, quilting friends and my household. I can't believe it is coming to an end soon. But, ,I would not change it for anything. I have thoroughly enjoyed my time with Julie and Caleb and am so grateful to Our Lord for being in a position to be able to help as well as for having a very understanding hubby.
Gotta run. I have much to do before the little guy gets home. I will try and get pics up soon...just haven't had the time I thought I would. I know...you told me so. :-)
Wednesday, August 4, 2010
Tuesday, June 22, 2010
Wooly Wednesday
Last week was our Wooly Wednesday class. We never know in advance what we are going to make and teacher, Debbie Busby, of Wooden Spoons Designs, comes up with more ideas than we can think of. So this month we did doing flags for the upcoming July 4th Holiday.
They are all so nicely done and we had a great time picking out buttons, trying to do stars, getting the word "Liberty" straight. These are Debbie's examples from the class.
Here we are with our finished designs - as you can see, Marilyn, Donna and I have one finished, but we had fun doing it. Thanks again, Debbie, for a fun wooly day. 
They are all so nicely done and we had a great time picking out buttons, trying to do stars, getting the word "Liberty" straight. These are Debbie's examples from the class.
Here we are with our finished designs - as you can see, Marilyn, Donna and I have one finished, but we had fun doing it. Thanks again, Debbie, for a fun wooly day. 
Thursday, June 17, 2010
Caleb and his Baptism
On Monday, Memorial Day, Mary Ann and Jerome took me for my visit with Caleb. BUT...somehow, when doing all the pictures below, this one got deleted, so I had to repost it and now it is out of order. Oh, well.....a great way to start the blog.
While at Nick and Julie's for Caleb's Baptism, Great Gram was able to hold Caleb and did some serious talking to him. Those were precious times that we got to share with them. He did enjoy his Great-Gram.
This "Cutie on Duty" wasn't to sure who these people were, but he was happy to have them visit him.
They were able to visit with us in between storms.
We don't think Nick likes Caleb too much. :-) He seems really comfortable in his daddy's arms as you can see by these two pictures.
He is starting to smile and make great faces as you can see by these next few pictures. Weighing about 11 pounds, he has filled out nicely and is a happy baby...unless you wait too long to feed him, then he gives you the dickens. 
An almost smile in the making. :-)
One of his favorite positions to get that burp out. Great Gram had the touch. Do you think you can fold in half like this??? See his toes near his head just below Gram's arm??
His cute fishy outfit.
He was trying to talk to me - well at least he wasn't crying.
Trying to figure out what this Pipi was doing to him.
Waiting with Mom and Dad to be baptized at St. Gerard Catholic Church in Lansing.
With the Deacon after the ceremony.
Mom and I waiting for our turn to get photographed with the little one.
Parents and God-Parents after the ceremony.
Nick, Pipi Phil, Mimi Teri, Great Gram, Julie, Grandma Rita and Grandpa Mike.
Doing what grandfathers do best.....sit back, watch the happenings and guard the desserts. 
He liked Erin and Uncle Greg.
With his little friend, who was born abut 10 days after he was...just enjoying all the attention.
Caleb received his own teddy bear from Uncle Greg.
Gram and Greg discussing......... well whatever it was, they had a great afternoon talking together.
Ah,..... another comfortable person to be with for a nap.
Ok, everyone take a nap now. The only one really sleeping is Caleb. :-)
Monday afternoon, we went back to the house to take care of Caleb while Nick did some more Marine Corp stuff. So, Caleb decided to take a nap with his favorite Pipi. 
So, while everyone was taking a nap or enjoying Caleb, I was hemming Nick's uniform pants for his trip to VA for Officer Candidate School. My sewing machine made the flight just fine. More pics to come soon. Hope you enjoyed our visit with Caleb as much as we did.
While at Nick and Julie's for Caleb's Baptism, Great Gram was able to hold Caleb and did some serious talking to him. Those were precious times that we got to share with them. He did enjoy his Great-Gram. 
This "Cutie on Duty" wasn't to sure who these people were, but he was happy to have them visit him.They were able to visit with us in between storms.
We don't think Nick likes Caleb too much. :-) He seems really comfortable in his daddy's arms as you can see by these two pictures.
He is starting to smile and make great faces as you can see by these next few pictures. Weighing about 11 pounds, he has filled out nicely and is a happy baby...unless you wait too long to feed him, then he gives you the dickens. 
An almost smile in the making. :-)
One of his favorite positions to get that burp out. Great Gram had the touch. Do you think you can fold in half like this??? See his toes near his head just below Gram's arm??
His cute fishy outfit.
He was trying to talk to me - well at least he wasn't crying. 
Trying to figure out what this Pipi was doing to him.
Waiting with Mom and Dad to be baptized at St. Gerard Catholic Church in Lansing.
With the Deacon after the ceremony.
Mom and I waiting for our turn to get photographed with the little one.
Parents and God-Parents after the ceremony.
Nick, Pipi Phil, Mimi Teri, Great Gram, Julie, Grandma Rita and Grandpa Mike.
Doing what grandfathers do best.....sit back, watch the happenings and guard the desserts. 
He liked Erin and Uncle Greg.
With his little friend, who was born abut 10 days after he was...just enjoying all the attention.
Caleb received his own teddy bear from Uncle Greg.
Gram and Greg discussing......... well whatever it was, they had a great afternoon talking together.
Ah,..... another comfortable person to be with for a nap.
Ok, everyone take a nap now. The only one really sleeping is Caleb. :-)
Monday afternoon, we went back to the house to take care of Caleb while Nick did some more Marine Corp stuff. So, Caleb decided to take a nap with his favorite Pipi. 
So, while everyone was taking a nap or enjoying Caleb, I was hemming Nick's uniform pants for his trip to VA for Officer Candidate School. My sewing machine made the flight just fine. More pics to come soon. Hope you enjoyed our visit with Caleb as much as we did. Monday, June 14, 2010
Sewing and Memorial Day
I recently headed back to Michigan to be with Nick, Julie and Caleb for a few days of Mimi time before his Baptism on June 6th. On Sunday, May 30, my sister Mary Ann wanted a sewing lesson on making a small purse. So, we pick out the material and went for it. Here is her finished project.
My Aunt Nancy and Uncle Mike stopped in for a short visit and to check out the purses. She ended up purchasing the one that was "hot off the sewing machine". Now I just need a picture of her and the apron I made for her.
Carolyn & Frank and Ginny stopped in as well with dinner and we had to help Mary Ann finish the seams on her purse.
A fine day at Moms with my brother and sisters. 
Mary Ann took me home with her so I could hitch a ride to Lansing and so that Mary Ann could see Caleb before her surgery. Cooper and Garek came for the evening and posed nicely with their Grammy.
On Memorial Day, Jerome dressed in regalia as a Knight of Columbus to march in the Saline Memorial Day Parade. He looked pretty sharp with the American Flag behind him.
They marched approximately 1 1/2 miles with the sun shining brightly on the parade. Here they rounded the corner to enter into the cemetery.
There was a fly-by with some of the local military jets.
We entered the cemetery where the Knights stood during the hour long ceremony. A local man, who is a surveyor, was the main speaker and told us about their mission to bring home all the KIA service men who are still on Vietnam soil. A great mission for these men. The cemetery was colorful with small American Flags on the tombs of all the soldiers laid to rest. A beautiful sight
Jerome was one of the Knights who laid a wreath at the Memorial for all of the fallen service men. A great day in Saline honoring those who protected and still protect our freedom. Well done, gentlemen.
Check back soon when I post my next blog of my Grandson, Caleb. He is soooo handsome!!
My Aunt Nancy and Uncle Mike stopped in for a short visit and to check out the purses. She ended up purchasing the one that was "hot off the sewing machine". Now I just need a picture of her and the apron I made for her.
Carolyn & Frank and Ginny stopped in as well with dinner and we had to help Mary Ann finish the seams on her purse. 
A fine day at Moms with my brother and sisters. 
Mary Ann took me home with her so I could hitch a ride to Lansing and so that Mary Ann could see Caleb before her surgery. Cooper and Garek came for the evening and posed nicely with their Grammy.
On Memorial Day, Jerome dressed in regalia as a Knight of Columbus to march in the Saline Memorial Day Parade. He looked pretty sharp with the American Flag behind him.
They marched approximately 1 1/2 miles with the sun shining brightly on the parade. Here they rounded the corner to enter into the cemetery.
There was a fly-by with some of the local military jets.
We entered the cemetery where the Knights stood during the hour long ceremony. A local man, who is a surveyor, was the main speaker and told us about their mission to bring home all the KIA service men who are still on Vietnam soil. A great mission for these men. The cemetery was colorful with small American Flags on the tombs of all the soldiers laid to rest. A beautiful sight
Jerome was one of the Knights who laid a wreath at the Memorial for all of the fallen service men. A great day in Saline honoring those who protected and still protect our freedom. Well done, gentlemen.
Check back soon when I post my next blog of my Grandson, Caleb. He is soooo handsome!!Monday, May 24, 2010
What have I been doing???
It has been a while since I blogged. I have been a little busy with Embroiderer's Guild of America (EGA); Home of the Brave project; Hugs project; $5 Quilt classes; 2010 Sandy Quilt Show; Wooly Wednesday Club; besides family life and watching the Chicago Blackhawks beat the San Jose Sharks. (Note: The Sharks deserved to lose as they beat the Detroit Red Wings in the playoff games. Enough said!). So, I am taking time to let you know a few things that I have been doing.
At the last EGA meeting, we were to have a beginning class on Brazilian Embroidery. I was not going to take the class (notice I said "was not") as I really don't need one more thing to do. However, almost everyone at the meeting was taking it and as my friend Patty said "You can just say you learned it...you don't have to do it ever again". The teacher had an additional kit prepared so I decided to join in.
Everyone began by preparing their fabric in the hoop and looking over their fibers.
We then looked over our instructions to learn the different techniques being taught: satin leaf stitch, stem stitch, bullion, cast-on bullion, couching, colonial knots. Doesn't seem to hard yet.
Patty had to transfer the technique into left handed terms.
Lisa shared her bullion with me. Now just to stitch it the right way so it lays like it is supposed to. We enjoyed the hour long class and left with some techniques mastered and homework to finish before our next lesson on June 14th. 
A few months ago, I told you I would share with you the blocks I am making for this year's $5 Quilt Class. This is Month three, a little tricky but so far my favorite.
Month Four is fairly simple with Half Square Triangles added to the center block.
Month Five is easy - a break before the next months block. I attended class last week and next month I have to do 8 blocks - all the same design. A little tricky in the technique but with chain piecing it should go fairly quickly. Need to do them tomorrow - going to see Caleb soon and want my homework done before I leave. 
This suitcase always has wonderful wools for us to choose from to do our projects. So much fun digging through to find just the right color.
Donna decided to do the blue flower May Basket but changed her flowers to red so they would look like berries.
Dixie chose the blue flower basket, daisy flowers and did them in purples.
I did my May Basket in the traditional pattern.
Donna and I pose with Debbie for our class picture. Thanks, Debbie for another fun Wooly Wednesday Class. See you next month.
The Great Red Truck
After Wooly Wednesday Class, we met at Becky's to do our sewing as she lives close by the Quilt Shop. Gordon had dropped Marilyn off at Becky's and when it was time to pick her up, he arrived in his spiffy Red Chevy truck. He rebuilt it with the help of a few friends a few years back and it is a beauty.
The outside as well as inside were immaculate.
Two "youngsters" going cruising in their '54 Red Chevy. Thanks for sharing it with us, Gordon. Hope to see it again when our husbands can drool over it as well.
Embroiderer's Guild of America (EGA)
At the last EGA meeting, we were to have a beginning class on Brazilian Embroidery. I was not going to take the class (notice I said "was not") as I really don't need one more thing to do. However, almost everyone at the meeting was taking it and as my friend Patty said "You can just say you learned it...you don't have to do it ever again". The teacher had an additional kit prepared so I decided to join in.
Everyone began by preparing their fabric in the hoop and looking over their fibers.
We then looked over our instructions to learn the different techniques being taught: satin leaf stitch, stem stitch, bullion, cast-on bullion, couching, colonial knots. Doesn't seem to hard yet.
Patty had to transfer the technique into left handed terms. 
Lisa shared her bullion with me. Now just to stitch it the right way so it lays like it is supposed to. We enjoyed the hour long class and left with some techniques mastered and homework to finish before our next lesson on June 14th.$5 Quilt Class Updates
A few months ago, I told you I would share with you the blocks I am making for this year's $5 Quilt Class. This is Month three, a little tricky but so far my favorite.
Month Four is fairly simple with Half Square Triangles added to the center block. 
Month Five is easy - a break before the next months block. I attended class last week and next month I have to do 8 blocks - all the same design. A little tricky in the technique but with chain piecing it should go fairly quickly. Need to do them tomorrow - going to see Caleb soon and want my homework done before I leave. Wooly Wednesday Class
On May 12th I attended Wooly Wednesday Class with designer/instructor Debbie Busby of Wooden Spools Designs. We always have a great time sharing techniques, laughing and getting to meet new friends. Debbie has triplet granddaughters who are about 6 1/2 months old and we had a fun time sharing our Grandma stories.
This suitcase always has wonderful wools for us to choose from to do our projects. So much fun digging through to find just the right color.
Donna decided to do the blue flower May Basket but changed her flowers to red so they would look like berries. 
Dixie chose the blue flower basket, daisy flowers and did them in purples. 
I did my May Basket in the traditional pattern.
Donna and I pose with Debbie for our class picture. Thanks, Debbie for another fun Wooly Wednesday Class. See you next month. The Great Red Truck
After Wooly Wednesday Class, we met at Becky's to do our sewing as she lives close by the Quilt Shop. Gordon had dropped Marilyn off at Becky's and when it was time to pick her up, he arrived in his spiffy Red Chevy truck. He rebuilt it with the help of a few friends a few years back and it is a beauty. 
The outside as well as inside were immaculate. 
Two "youngsters" going cruising in their '54 Red Chevy. Thanks for sharing it with us, Gordon. Hope to see it again when our husbands can drool over it as well. So, that is it for now. I have lots to do before I leave for my trip to Michigan for Caleb's Baptism. Am looking forward to my "Mimi time" with him; seeing our sons/wives and my Mom. Going to be a wonderful beginning of summer.
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