Extra Day

Today is Leap Day and I am happy to have an extra February day for an afternoon filled with snuggles and smiles. February didn't turn out at all like Dale and I had planned. It ended up being a canceled vacation, an unexpected death in Dale's family and an out of state trip for a memorial service. We did good things, spent time with families and were grateful for the warmer than usual days. Now we look forward to March; time for spring, a new baby in Dale's family and certainly more snuggles and smiles too!

Eleven Weeks Old

I couldn't choose just one...or even three. I got a little "shutter happy" today and thought I would blog a few of my favorites. After three days in Des Moines and a couple of days in Illinois during the last week I was ready for time with Lincoln!

Talk to Me

Lincoln is getting more and more generous with his smiles and conversation. I love the way that he responds and will "talk" and coo back to us now. This third month is full of fun interactions!

Two Inch Squares

I am making slow progress on my scrappy patchwork quilt but enjoying it every step of the way. All 900 little squares have been attached to a block of 100 squares. I now have nine squares laying on my living room floor while I make the final decision about sewing those into one big square that will be 60 x60 inches. Then I will be done with the top and ready to work on the batting, backing and quilting. It will take time but I will have fun with it and know that it is filled with wonderful memories, some attached to the specific fabrics and others to this chapter of contentment in my life. I only work on it when it feels fun. If it's a chore then I turn off the light in the sewing room and walk away until it looks like fun again!

Village

It does sound cliche but it really does "take a village." Yesterday was a peek into Lincoln's village for me. He went to his first hockey game to watch cousin, Jake and the Mason City Mohawks and was surrounded by family. Cousins (maybe second cousins) Aunt and Uncle (well, Great Aunt and Uncle) and Great Grandparents were all happy to see him and he got lots of loving attention. In the afternoon Lincoln was the guest of honor at a baby shower with Ashley's Bible study friends from last year. Eddie has been praying for Lincoln for years. . .yes, years before he was even born. All the ladies enjoyed their time holding and getting to know Lincoln. All this reminded me of how much I loved having people of ages involved with my children. There is so much to learn and so much love to give. I am thinking that Lincoln will have a wonderful village filled with family and friends!

Valentines

Happy Valentine's Day!

Brilliant Treasures

These amazing beads were all handmade by my friend, Kelly. They are intricate, unique, colorful and gorgeous just like friendship. When Kelly and I set up our coffee date I asked her to bring her beads. I like seeing the photos of them on facebook but really love to touch them and play with them. I couldn't resist pulling out my camera then thought of how they are so much like the very rich friendships in my life! Kelly is incredibly creative and it was a joy to sit for hours sharing life and sifting through hundreds of beads. I don't often enough say how much I truly value the deep friendships that bless my life!

Life is Good

I think I have mentioned that I am feeling quite content. Life is good. My time with family is wonderful and this week was richly filled with family time. Last week I was thinking that I had gotten to a point where my projects were slowing down but I was wrong. Visits from my sisters, parents and nephew this week were wonderful. Superbowl Sunday seemed uneventful so I got a little nostalgic and baked football shaped Superbowl cookies. (Sugar cookies with chocolate frosting and white laces) It was fun to deliver cookies to Jay and Briana and send some with Ashley and Travis to the party that they attended. The real projects were the 111 bags of cellulose insulation that was blown into my attic yesterday, delivery of my family room furniture today (after more than two months of waiting) and the arrival of my washer and dryer tomorrow. I guess there are plenty of projects and always time for family, especially the littlest member. Thanks to Great Aunt Cindy for the photo above.

Great Grandma and Great Grandpa

Today Lincoln got to meet his great grandparents! It's funny to think of my mom and dad as great grandma and great grandpa. It was so nice to have my parents come down to see my home and visit. It's been such a joy to introduce family members to Lincoln. This Grammy thing is very cool!!

Mondays Can be Fun

Lincoln is eight weeks old today!
My time with Ashley and Lincoln during this eight weeks has been precious to me!

I also got some very fun Sister Time today! Cindy and Sandi traveled down to visit for the day. We had a great time making soup, talking, laughing, eating and hanging pictures on the walls. Great Aunt Cindy also got to meet Lincoln and get in some good baby time.

Lincoln also got some male bonding time with Drew, his second cousin and my nephew. It's fun to be living in the same town as Drew and Molly. . . too bad Molly was sick today.