Whew!

We'll start with a picture or two and then I'll explain that "Whew!"

Awhile ago, I blogged about how MammaBear and I took a paper piecing class, here are our results. Mine (above) is not done - of course- because I decided to change my border fabric at the last minute.

Here is MammaB's. finished. Which I think turned out lovely.

Explanation of the "Whew!"

Today was my first day back at school after being off for 10 weeks with my back surgery.

It went okay however-

1. It took me 1 hr.and 45 min. to get to work because of the winter weather.
2. I walked into my room and music was in piles organized/unorganized- everywhere!
3. There were student folders laying about that had not been put away.
4. I walked into my office and it looked like a bomb had gone off around my desk. I just stood there looking at it trying to figure out where to even start - I won't go into more detail here as I'm likely to use some not so nice words.

Side note: I am so grateful to my sub for covering me for that amount of time, and I will be the 1st to tell you that I am not the most tidy person in the world, but.........!!!!!

All of that, and the stress of not knowing exactly what I'm going to be doing with my students this week, royally tensed me up. That and being on my feet longer than usual led to upper back spasms - NOT NICE!!

Needless to say, I think jumping straight into a full day of school may have been a little over zealous on my part. I should have started off with half days and worked up towards full. Thankfully, it looks like I can do half days for the rest of this week if I need to!

We shall just have to take it one step at a time!


And last but not least, here are my crochet pincushion teacups!

The one on the far left is cocoa with mini-marshmallows, next is tea w/ tea bag, then the teacup I made my mom for her B-day, and then my teacup (which was the 1st experimental cup as part of the design and handle is different than the others.)


Well, thanks for stopping by!

Take Care - Elizabeth

ps - You can click on the pictures for a bigger view :)

Sewing!

I know it's a miracle - it's been over a month since posting anything sewing/quilting related!

Here is a Christmas Tree ornament I did, all by hand I might add because I wasn't up to going downstairs to use the sewing machine. The pattern is from a tutorial I found online and it actually starts out as a circle!

Front

Back

This next picture is a table mat I have made for a Christmas "Grab-Bag" party tomorrow. Went together nice and slick - think I'll be doing more of this pattern!

I do have some other sewing projects to add (eventually) of items that I have done recently and this past summer. For some reason they just never made to the camera and then to the blog!!

Thanks for stopping and have a great day - Elizabeth

It's My......

BIRTHDAY!

Nothing big planned for the day. MammaBear and I are going to join the madness of "Black Friday" shopping. We go more for the fun of it rather than the "must have deals". So, we usually avoid the places we know will be swamped! Then it's off to physical therapy in the afternoon. I'm pretty sure that a conference with my pillow and ice-pack will be in order after all of that! (if not between shopping and PT!).

Speaking of physical therapy, the back is getting stronger, but much slower than I had anticipated. So, I have decided, after conferring with my PT and Dr's., that it would be in my best interest to take another 2 weeks off from work. I just do not yet have the consistent strength or stamina it takes to teach a full day/week of PreK-8th grade!!

It's hard to believe another b-day has snuck up on me. You know how when you're "younger" and you "think" you have your life all planned out? Well, by now, I was to be happily married with at least 2 children. So much for those plans!! But I'm still holdin' out on hope with a "wing and a prayer"! All in all though, as stated in my last post, I am still very blessed!

Well, take care, thanks for stopping by, but I'm off to enjoy MY day :) - Elizabeth

Happy Thanksgiving!

I'll admit it, it has been a rough year, well....a couple of rough years. There have been definite times when it has been very hard not to dwell on or make lists of all the negatives, hardships, and worries, that life has dealt out.

But, today was not designed for us to gorge ourselves on good food (a nice perk!), but a time to reflect on what we are truly thankful for. So, here are some of mine; not necessarily in order of importance:

My health - even though I just had surgery, things could have been/be so much worse.

My parents - who are my best friends!

A warm home with a good roof over my head and plenty of food in the pantry.

My friends (including you bloggers!) and family who make life so much more interesting :)

My God - who always gets me through; even though I may not always like or understand the "process".

For the members and pastor of the church I play piano for once or twice a month. Even though I am not a "member", they have encompassed me as part of their "family". I have truly been in awe of the compassion I have received from them, some of whom I don't even know!

So, to all of you reading this, including my overseas/cross the border friends - where it may not be your "designated" Thanksgiving Day: Have a Blessed and Thankful filled day!

Take Care - Elizabeth

To Dad:

You went through a hell that, others may be able to relate to, but that no one can ever truly understand. And, for a cause that is just now starting to receive recognition/acknowledgement.

Unlike so many others, you came home, and I thank God every day for that. For without you, there would be no me!! There would not be some of the great memories of pulling a tree down with a garden hose, singing the "nothin" song, starting the back of the pickup on fire, feeding corn chips to the fish at the golf course, the margarine tub full of bells and clothes pins for a Christmas present, and one of my all time favorites - the "I love Elizabeth" song.

We've had our rough patches (like any normal kid and their parent), but I love you and I am proud to be your daughter - in so many ways! - Elizabeth Ann

Happy Birthday MammaBear!

For those of you who don't know, MammaBear is my Mom and today is her day!

Happy Birthday MammaBear! Love You - babybear

Need a Hug

You know how a person sometimes just needs a hug?

Well, here you go - and then you see, I get one in return :)