Amish Circle Quilt Project - # 73 - "Bathhouse"

Block # 73 - "Bathhouse"

Started on 9/2/11

Completed on 9/3/11

Technique: Applique'

No, I didn't fall off the face of the earth. Our road of life has continued to develop bumps and potholes (okay ... sink holes really) and we've been having to take detours and do road repairs. I'm telling ya ... spiritual warfare is afoot for the Brassette family of Colorado.

I haven't worked in my quilt room for forever. Not much hope in sight either seeing as how I lost a week of holiday prep time making an emergency trip down south. You see, almost two weeks ago my step-dad's mom was killed in a car accident. Her funeral was on December 20 so we headed down to Texas to be with family and say goodbye to Grammy. She was such a wonderful person and I will talk about her in this blog entry.

This quilt block is about a bathhouse. That's a topic not too many of us these days can fully relate to. I know I'm thankful for a tub (and toilet) in my house! Actually, we are blessed to have a tub, a shower, and a combination of both, as well as three toilets in our house. I can not imagine having to trek out to a separate building to bathe or potty. I could warm up to bathing in a big tub in the kitchen but that's not my favorite idea either.

Oddly enough I think of Grammy when I think about bathtubs and bathing. She had the most beautiful claw foot tubs in her house. Taking a bath at her house was one of the highlights of visiting her. And she always smelled like she'd just come out of the tub or shower. She smelled so nice. Always.

She had a gift for hospitality. She knew how to treat guests, whether they were family or not they got the royal treatment. Often ironing sheets for the bed and cleaning in such a way as to pass any white glove test she let you know she was glad you were there.

I read in a devotional recently that it was more important that a guest feel the love when they visit you than that they be served a perfect meal in an immaculate setting. Grammy was fantastic at the feel the love part and I will aspire to be that kind of hostess in the future.

When people are visiting, give them your time and attention. Don't get bogged down in keeping the house perfect looking or cooking a seven course meal that keeps you in the kitchen away from your company.

Let yourself off the perfectionistic hook this Holiday season. Enjoy people ... let them leave your home feeling loved, not merely tolerated.

Father, thank You for sharing such a wonderful human being with me. Thank You for her love and for what I learned about love and family from her. Thank You for my bonus Grammy.

Blessings Y'all!

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Amish Circle Quilt Project - # 72 - "Softball Game"

Block # 72 - "Softball Game"

Started on 7/13/11

Completed on 8/16/11

Technique: Applique'

This is cute block. If I knew a young softball player I'd be inclined to repeat the block a few times for a nice little throw!

So, here's the shocker. I am SO not baseball fan. I know. I know. The favorite American past time that so many devote their hearts to ... it isn't for me.

I remember going to a Texas Rangers game with my family when we lived in Garland, TX. I do remember that being fun. However, as an adult, I attended and LSU baseball game. Once. I have never been so bored in my life. Totally not fun.

I suppose I'd not mind watching one of my children play. That would be a vested interest of sorts so I could probably manage to stay awake. But I don't think I would be one to sit in the rain (which would be cold rain in Colorado) or in the baking hot sun for said match up. Isn't life too short for that??

Okay, so you've got me. For my babies I would endure rain (cold or not) and sun. But I wouldn't like it. At all. Have I been in any way unclear here?

Father, thank You that neither of my children have discovered baseball or softball. Yet. I hear tell you don't place more on us than we can handle. I praise You and love You for knowing me so well.

Blessings Y'all!

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Amish Circle Quilt Project - # 71 - "Jacob's Ladder"

Block #71 - "Jacob's Ladder"

Started on 9/2/11

Completed on 9/3/11

Technique: Pieced

I like this block just fine. I might would go for a little more contrast between the two aquas next time so the triangles would pop out a little more.

I find myself having not been in my quilting room for a couple of weeks now. Between the kids each being sick and me taking a turn, a short trip to Salt Lake City and of course the regular calls of motherhood and home manager I just haven't been able to get in there.

Everyone seems well enough now. A cold (or I guess it would be a couple of colds) cycled through me and the kids. One of us would have it, get well, and then it would start with another one of us. It went through most of us twice!

The trip to Salt Lake was so fun. It was a birthday celebration of sorts for me. We did a little bit of something for each one of us and it worked out that we all had a great time. We drove up to Park City which was a neat little town with beautiful scenery. On Tuesday I took the kids to Farm Country at Thanksgiving Point while Mark went to his training class for the day. We had such a lovely time.

I've begun working on some projects at church. I'm finally getting involved here. It has only taken 4 1/2 years! I'm trying hard to listen to God's leading and I've prayed over this for months (okay, so maybe I was hoping He would change His mind). I'm going to ease into things and see what happens.

About quilting: I have a handful of quilts that need the binding hand stitched on. I've got a handful that need piecing, and a handful that need to be started. Never a dull moment or a lull in action needed when it comes to this rewarding craft of mine!

Father, thank You so much for the cool days of Fall; for the glorious golds, oranges and reds on the trees that beckon a leisurely walk. Thank You for your creativity and for sharing it with the humans You so love. In Jesus' Name, Amen.

Blessings Y'all!

Amish Circle Quilt Project - # 70 - "Fruit Roll"

Block #70 - "Fruit Roll"

Started on 7/13/11

Completed on 8/16/11

Technique: Applique'

So I have to admit that when I saw the name of this block I immediately thought of a fruit roll up. I pictured an Amish mother vigilantly cooking, pureeing, gelling and somehow rolling out a fruit based dough of sorts. Yes, it seems ridiculous now as I type it to share with others, but I thought I was going to learn how the Amish made their own, homemade fruit roll-ups!

How tickled I was to read the letter that went this block explaining what a fruit roll actually was. All of the children take a piece of fruit to school on a particular day and unbeknownst to the teacher roll it to the front of the room as they are getting their lunches out. Moms show up and put it all together in a fruit salad. Is that not one of the coolest things you've ever heard?

Okay, so maybe it is just me but I was intrigued and impressed and well, pleased to learn of this tradition and activity. Too fun.

If we still used one room school houses I would send my kids to school. So I guess that means I need to be Amish if I ever decide to quit homeschooling.

For those few of you who follow me, I am sorry I have been spacey on my posts. There's been a spell this last couple of weeks where I was rushing through my mornings and too exhausted in the evenings to tackle writing at all. I've missed it though and I'll try to get back on track. We are taking a short trip to Salt Lake City in a couple of days so I don't know if I'll blog from there or not.

Father, thank You for the sweetness of life. Thank You for your consistency and your trustworthiness. Thank You for your guidance. In Jesus' Name, Amen.

Blessings Y'all!

Lesa

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