Prayers Needed!

My sister, Stacey, started having some hearing loss a few months ago and after getting it checked out found out that she has an acoustic neuroma (benign brain tumor).  Stacey is having the tumor removed today.  The surgery is a 6-10 hour process and she will probably have some balance issues afterwards along with a long recovery period. 

Please keep Stacey in your thoughts and prayers. 

Send lots of positive thoughts to her!

I know she will appreciate it and I definitely will!

Thanks!!!

If you would like to read more about acoustic neuroma, check out this site: http://www.anausa.org/ .

Making Rag Rugs

I've been making rag rugs lately.  There fun and inexpensive to make.  Earl and I have been going to thrift stores and buying old sheets.  I bring them home, wash and dry them, make slits in the fabric and then we rip the sheets into strips for me to crochet.  Earl and the kids have been a huge help with the ripping of the sheets.

Ezie and Mallory are helping with their own technique of ripping.

I guess you have to make it fun!

and hey, whatever works and they're getting along is fine with me!

and here are some of my end results....





I think they're turning out really pretty!  It's been a fun way to be creative and recycle, reuse and go green!

My Mallory Turned 11!

Mallory turned 11 last week.

Our neighbor gave her a certificate for her birthday to drive his red tractor around his backyard.

Mallory was so excited and nervous,

but she did a great job and had fun!

 Mallory with Bill our neighbor

and Jace riding the little tractor around the yard.

He has his mouth opened because he's showing Bill that he

lost his first tooth.

My babies are growing up way to fast.  Mallory and Ezie will both be in Middle School this year and Jace starts Kindergarten.  Earl got his job back at the bus garage and I am going to go full force into my sewing and crocheting business now that I am home by myself all day.

I did tell Jace that I need a "Pillow Pet" to snuggle with while I take my nap since he won't be home to be my snugglebuddy. 

I sure will miss my baby!

although Jace says,

 "I'm not a baby Mom!  I'm big now"

sniff....sniff

little tears in my eyes

What I Received From the Brown Paper Bag Swap

Sorry I know I'm a late posting this, but I left the charger to my camera in Maine and was waiting for it to get mailed back to me.  Now if I could just get all the beach sand out of it so it won't be tempermental.

I received this gorgeous and super creative art piece from Ellen. 

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Ellen came up with a wonderful idea....I would have never thought of doing this in a million years.  Check out the people sitting under the tree.  So cute!!  Ellen you did an amazing job and I really want to thank you for participating in the Brown Paper Bag Swap and for being my partner.