Ramblings from my treehouse

From Me to You

2012-02-14T11:24:00.000-06:00

Have a wonderfully sweet Valentine's Day!

♥♥Lynette

A Walk in the Woods

2012-01-31T15:52:00.000-06:00

If you're sitting and wondering what kind of quilt you want to start next, check out Moda Bake Shop's Patchwork Chevron Quilt recipe by Jeni In Color Order. It's a lap-quilt size, so it should be very doable in a short amount of time.

Isn't it beautiful!! This quilt uses 4 charm packs from Aneela Hoey's, A Walk in the Woods that you can find in my shop. The recipe also calls for Moda Bella White 9900 97 that can also be found in my shop. I'm expecting yardage from the A Walk in the Woods in the shop sometime this month. I have 1 charm pack and 2 charm pack bundle listings made up right now. So, you will want to convo me for a custom listing with the 4 charm packs. And, if you need the Bella White to go with the charm packs, just let me know, and I can add that to your custom listing.

Now, how easy is that!

I look forward to hearing from you and...

Encourage One Another!

♥♥Lynette

New Fabrics for a New Year!

2012-01-12T20:39:00.000-06:00

The new fabrics that I ordered from Quilt Market are starting to roll in, and I am so excited!

Backyard Baby by Patty Sloniger for Michael Miller Fabrics just arrived, and I am in love! Michael Miller had a new designer contest a few months ago, in which we could go on-line and vote for our favorite. Well, Patty Sloniger won the contest, and it just so happens, that I voted for her! When I saw her fabrics in person at quilt market, I knew I had to have them in the shop. I particular love the soft colors of the aquas and grays. And, then to liven it up, there are some great designs in lime greens and tangerine orange. I could definitely see these in a sweet baby nursery, or as some darling spring and summer clothing for the little ones. These fabrics are moving quickly, so be sure and make your order soon!

There are some great coordinates to this collection also.

And, for all of the Lecien Flower Sugar fans, you'll want to be sure and visit the shop to see what you'd like to add to your collection.

I'll be sure to keep you posted as more fabulous fabrics begin to arrive:)

Be sure to encourage one another,

xoLynette

Happy New Year!

2011-12-31T11:33:00.000-06:00

I hope all of you are able to welcome the New Year in as happily as we have, as we were blessed with a new little granddaughter that was born this week!

May 2012 be a great year for you, and I wish you a year of good health and much happiness!

"For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." Jeremiah 29:11

Encourage one another!

Lynette

Giving Thanks

2011-11-24T20:26:00.000-06:00

Oh give thanks to the LORD, for He is good,

For His lovingkindness is everlasting.

Psalm 107:1

I hope everyone has had a blessed Thanksgiving Day with loved ones and friends. And, that you've had a few laughs and full tummies, and a day of giving thanks to the ONE who gives so generously, including the gift of His Son. His Grace is immeasurable!

***************************************************************************************

Now, that the "gobble, gobble" is gone, you might want to stop by my shop and "gobble" up some savings on fabric and patterns. You will receive a 10% discount when you use the Discount Code HB2011 when you check out. This sale is for full yards, continuous yards and patterns only and does not apply to shipping charges.

I just wanted to show my gratitude to all my customers for their continued support of my little shop. I'm so thankful for each and every one of you!

Please don't forget to type in the Discount Code HB2011 at checkout.

Encourage One Another,

Lynette

Sarah Jane's Children at Play

2011-07-14T20:20:00.000-05:00

Hooray! It's on it's way!

I know everyone has been anticipating the new Children at Play by Sarah Jane for Michael Miller Fabrics. And, it's finally on it's way to my shop.

Something for little girls.

And, something for little boys.

And, if you're really "itchin'" to start some embroidery...

Something for you:)

So, keep checking in at the shop. I'll get it listed as soon as it arrives.

But, in the meantime, you might like to browse through my shop and see some of the other new fabrics, including charm packs, that I've recently listed.

And, always remember...

Encourage One Another.♥♥

Strawberry Fields Is On It's Way!

2011-06-09T22:22:00.000-05:00

Okay, I know I've been a little AWOL. I've actually driven over 3400 long distance miles since the beginning of May. I will have to share all my travel adventures with you in a later blog.

Anyway, Fig Tree's Strawberry Fields by Joanna Figueroa is shipped and on it's way to my front door. It was supposed to arrive in May, but there was some kind of shipping problem from the printers.

Just like all of Joanna's collections, this has a soft, vintage look that you will love!

You, also, might like to visit a darling, new Etsy shop named Little Ticket with her vintage-inspired girl's dresses. Here's just a sample of what she has in her shop. So cute! There's nothing better than handmade and I love to help support these shops:)

Also, if you've visited the shop lately, you might have noticed that I have listed a lot of older fabrics from some of your favorite designers. My daughter closed out her Etsy shop after having another little one to care for and with their move from Arizona. So, I bought what she had left in her shop. If you don't see what you're looking for, keep checking back as it's taking me awhile to list everything. There are some hard-to-find fabrics listed that you may have wished you'd bought when it was easily accessible. So, you have another chance to buy:)

I hope you're staying cool in this very unusually hot "Spring"!

Encourage one another!

♥♥Lynette

2011-05-30T10:17:00.000-05:00

Thank you to all the men and women that have served and sacrified for our freedom!

♥♥Encourage One Another!

May Day and Rain, Rain Go Away!

2011-05-01T16:53:00.000-05:00

I want to wish everyone a Happy May Day!

We actually had some sun a few weeks ago, and I was able to capture a bit of Spring in Arkansas.

Our Rock and Roll roses were blooming.

Our Japanese Maple had budded out.

Unfortunately, this beautiful Spring weather has been short lived.
This is what things have looked like this week.

Clouds were beginning to look pretty ominous.

Then, the wind began to really blow. I decided to go to the basement, when the weather sirens went off.

This picture was taken from our basement window.

I wish I'd been able to capture the water from the pond blowing in one direction. It could only mean one thing.....a tornado!! Actually, the spotters saw it before it showed up on the radar from the tv weather station.

We had hail the size of a quarter. Something I just learned...When there are threats of a tornado, it usually hails!!

We were so fortunate not to have any major damage or anyone hurt in our little town. But, others in Arkansas, Mississippi, Alabama and Georgia were not so fortunate. Please be in prayer for those that have lost so much from the tornados that touched down. Also, please pray for those that have been flooded out of their homes in Arkansas, and for the farmers that have lost their newly planted crops. The flooding is the worst ever recorded in Arkansas history. Weather predictions are for more rain for the next 2 days. We may be building an ark fairly soon.

In the meantime....

♥♥Encourage One Another

2011-04-24T14:30:00.000-05:00

                                                              "He is not here;
                                                                 He is risen,
                                                             Just as He said." Matthew 28.6

                                   May you know the Blessings of HIS Resurrection!

♥♥Encourage One Another!

Photo used under Creative Commons francesco sgroi, dorena-wm

It's Here, It's Here...Sherbet Pips is Here!

2011-04-07T17:22:00.000-05:00

Now, don't faint! I know this is a record for me blogging 3 days in a row! But, I just had to let you know that in the dead of the night....OK after 8:30 p.m., the UPS man snuck up on our porch and delivered the boxes that I had waited for all day. I was getting a little edgy, as I didn't think they were going to be delivered....but

There they were. I guess they deliver rain, snow or sleet AND after hours:)

Anyway, they were filled with my order of Sherbet Pips fabric by Aneela Hoey for Moda Fabrics. As soon as I saw the fabric swatches at Quilt Market last Fall, I knew I had to have it.

You will have to check out Aneela's blog to learn the creation process and the sweet stories behind the designs and development of this wonderful fabric line. She also has some great projects and tutorials that she provides.

There are 27 different fabrics in the Sherbet Pips collection, and I have all 27 in my shop.

With color names such as Vanilla Ice Cream, Pink Lemonade, Cotton Candy Blue, Bubble Gum and Cherry, who can resist! Also, I've had so many customers requesting grey fabrics...Did you know that grey is the new black. Anyway, Aneela has also included Scooter Grey they looks just "yummy" with the sweet pinks and blues of the other fabrics.

Here are a few samples of what you will find in my shop:

Girl in a Tree Swing in Pink Lemonade

Puppy Dog Tails in Cotton Candy Blue

Scoot in Scooter Grey

Scarf Stripe in Cherry

There's also some wonderful coordinates like Square Dot in Bubble Gum, and

Square Dots in Blue Grey.

You better shop soon, because I think this fabric is going to sell quickly!

Until next time...which may be soon now that I'm on a roll:)

Encourage One Another♥♥

Customer Showcase

2011-04-06T13:13:00.000-05:00

I want you to meet Helen. You may have seen her shop on etsy named Jack and Eleanor. If you haven't, you really need to check it out. Helen has the most adorable little girls dresses and outfits that she's sewn with meticulous workmanship. And, to top it off, her prices are so reasonable.

Helen has had plenty of practice sewing for little girls. She has 4 grown daughters, and is a young grandmother to 11 (yes, I said 11) precious granddaughters. Yet, she still has time to sew all these precious little girl dresses.

If you are in need of a sweet little Easter outfit for a little girl in your life, stop by Jack and Eleanor and just tell Helen that I sent you.

Here's only a few samples from Helen's shop.

Have fun shopping:) And, just to let you know that Sherbert Pips by Aneela Hoey for Moda is due to arrive today!!

Till next time...Encourage One Another♥♥

2011-04-05T22:13:00.000-05:00

It has been a busy few weeks for me, personally.

Mr. T and I flew to Arizona over a week ago to help our daughter's family pack up and move to Oklahoma. I actually was born and raised in Oklahoma and my family still live there, but never did I think any of my children would go back to my roots. I can't tell you how excited I am to know that I can just get in the car to go visit...I don't like flying!

Good-bye Arizona.

Mr. T and LJ (our son-in-law) got to drive the trucks. That dinosaur on the big truck is there for a reason. It was a dinosaur to drive! Between driving the mountains of Arizona and through the windy plains of Texas, they were both pretty white-knuckled by time we got there.

Here are the beautiful mountains. I had to shoot these pictures while we were driving.

And here was Mr. T and LJ driving up those beautiful mountains. They were much prettier to look at before we had to start maneuvering the curves and the inclines and descents!

Oh yes, I forgot to say we also had our 2 grandchildren ages 3 and 1 that were traveling in the van with MJ and myself as we followed the moving trucks for 2 very long days. They were pretty happy when we first started out on our journey.

Here they are by the second day.

They were, actually, real troopers on this trip.

We were never so glad to see this sign! I was ready to start singing the musical rendition of "Oklahoma", but nobody would let me. Hmmmm...I wonder why??

Of course, once we arrived, the unloading and unpacking had to begin, and Mr. T and I then headed back home to Arkansas. Pure exhaustion!! I think we are finally feeling our age:(

One more piece of good news that we received while on our trip:) Our son and his family are moving from Minnesota to Arkansas!! Yeah!! His company will be moving them:) I cannot tell you how long I've been praying for our children and their families to live near us. GOD is SO good!!

Till Next Time, Encourage One Another♥♥

Max and Whiskers

2011-02-28T21:31:00.000-06:00

For all you animal lovers, Max and Whiskers by Basicgrey for Moda just arrived in the shop. I can see this fabric in so many projects...quilts, children's clothing, dog collars, and bags to name just a few. This fabric is available in yardage, half yards and fat quarters and comes in wonderful colors like Blithe Blue, Fandango Orange and Fur Brown. And, if you're not so much into the animals, there's some wonderful non-animal (if that's a word) coordinates that would look really great, also.

Encourage one another♥♥

When It's a Snow Day...

2011-01-20T16:20:00.000-06:00

If your day looks like ours today,

You might want to check out this Quick and Easy CrockPot Carmel Apple Cider recipe by Stephanie O'Dea. Ummm....delicious!

Encourage One Another!

Lots of Dots

2011-01-12T17:09:00.000-06:00

My UPS man just brought me some new bundles of Ta Dot fabric by Michael Miller in some wonderful new colors.

We have been in a deep freeze here in Arkansas, and these Spring-colored Ta Dots definitely make me happy.

With names like Candy, Berry and Minnie Red, this grouping could fit the bill for that Valentine's Day dress or project that you may be getting ready to work on.

So, grab your cup of hot chocolate, sit by the fire, get comfy in your sweats, and stop by the shop and see all the wonderful new fabrics that I've got listed. You don't even have to leave the comfort of your home!

And, think Spring!

Encourage one another!

Birthday Surprise!

2011-01-08T23:02:00.000-06:00

You can only imagine my surprise when I saw that my sweet daughter "hijacked" my blog yesterday. As a mother, I couldn't have asked for a better birthday present... to have such sweet words come from my grown daughter and, of course, my picture with my precious granddaughter.

I was, also, really surprised by the new look that my daughter gave my blog:) I have to say, she is pretty talented, even if I am a little prejudice. I know it took a lot of time that she doesn't always have with 2 toddlers...so it is SO appreciated. I hope you all like it as much as I do.

I usually don't let birthdays bother me, but this one was a little tough. It's the last year before I enter another decade. I'm not going to tell you which one...I'll just let you guess:) But, I started thinking, hey, Moses was 80 years old when he led the Israelites out of Egypt!

We also have a friend that's 89 years old, and he quite often drives a Red Cross van to pick up blood from the blood bank in another city, when needed. Now, I'm not quite there, in age yet, but it definitely gives me hope.

I've decided, as long as the Lord allows me, I'm only going to let age be a number, and not let it limit me to what I can do. So, overall, I had a wonderful birthday with lovely wishes from family and friends. How blessed I am!

I saw this poem, recently, and I got quite a chuckle from it. I thought it might give you a smile, and I certainly thought my daughter and son might enjoy it..hee hee!

When I'm An Old Lady
by Joanne Bailey Baxter

When I'm an old lady, I'll live with each kid,
And bring so much happiness just as they did.
I want to pay back all the joy they've provided.
Returning each deed! Oh, they'll be so excited!
(When I'm an old lady and live with my kids...)

I'll write on the walls with reds, whites, and blues,
And bounce on the furniture.....wearing my shoes.
I'll drink from the carton and then leave it out.
I'll stuff all the toilets and oh, how they'll shout!
(When I'm an old lady and live with my kids...)

When they're on the phone and just out of reach,
I'll get into things like sugar and bleach.
Oh, they'll snap their fingers and then shake their head,
And when that is done, I'll hide under the bed.
(When I'm an old lady and live with my kids...)

When they cook dinner and call me to eat,
I'll not eat my green beans or salad or meat.
I'll gag on my okra, spill milk on the table,
And when they get angry...I'll run....if I'm able!
(When I'm an old lady and live with my kids...)

I'll sit close to the TV., through the channels I'll click
I'll cross both eyes just to see if they stick.
I'll take off my socks and throw one away,
And play in the mud 'til the end of the day!
(When I'm an old lady and live with my kids...)

And later in bed, I'll lay back and sigh,
I'll thank God in prayer and then close my eyes.
My kids will look down with a smile slowly creeping,
And say with a groan, "She's so sweet when she's sleeping!"

Encourage one another:)

To my mom on her birthday

2011-01-07T01:02:00.002-06:00

I've managed to hijack my mom's blog today to wish her a very Happy Birthday! Don't worry mom, I won't share how old you're turning.

While searching for a photo of my mom to share, I discovered just one I have of her by herself from this past year. And since I think she'd kill me if I shared it, I thought I'd be nice on her birthday and instead share this one of her and my sweet baby girl from this past summer.

During childhood I think one barely realizes the blessings they've been given. While I've always been thankful for my mom, it wasn't until I entered the adult world that I realized not everyone had it as good as I did.

I had a mom who wanted to be a mom. That's what she was meant to do.

I had a mom who sewed beautiful clothing for me to wear, often topped with a matching bow.

I had a mom who paid attention to what I was interested in, and encouraged me to pursue those interests.

I had a mom who stayed up half the night helping me with school projects while I was fast asleep.

I had a mom who taught what it means to have a relationship with Jesus, and how that relationship will be the most important relationship I'll ever have.

I had a mom who came in an instant when my world would seem to be crashing down.

I had a mom who taught never to settle. To pray for the man that God had for me, and wait for him.

I had a mom who I could call to talk about anything. Even if it was nothing.

I had a mom who flew across the country to be there for the birth of my children. And I am forever grateful.

I have a mom who is my best friend. I love you Mom. Happy Birthday.
Love, Marianne

HAPPY 2011!!

2011-01-01T13:41:00.000-06:00

Glory to God in highest heaven,
Who unto man His Son hath given;
While angels sing with tender mirth,
A glad new year to all the earth.
~Martin Luther~

Encourage one another in this new year♥♥

2010-12-22T21:28:00.000-06:00

Mr. T and I recently attended a Living Christmas Tree production at one of the churches in our town. Here is what the front of the sanctuary looked like before the program began.

Here is what it looked like when it began.

There are 40 singers in the middle tree. Yes, I counted them:) The Christmas carols were just beautiful, and it was just what we needed to get in the spirit of Christmas.

We also got to attend the Rockettes Radio City Christmas Spectacular while we were in Florida recently. The last scene is The Living Nativity with live camels, sheep and donkeys and beautiful costumes. The Living Nativity upholds a tradition begun by St. Francis of Assisi in 1223, and has been a revered part of the Radio City Christmas Spectacular since 1933. It was just fabulous, and I wish I could share pictures with you, but photography wasn't allowed. But I can share the wonderful poem that they read that was written by Dr. James Allen Francis in 1926. I definitely had a lump in my throat and a tear in my eye when it was read.

ONE SOLITARY LIFE

He was born in an obscure village
The child of a peasant woman
He grew up in another obscure village
Where he worked in a carpenter shop
Until he was thirty

Then for three years

He was an itinerant preacher

He never had a family

or owned a home

He never set foot inside a big city

He never traveled two hundred miles from

the place He was born

He never wrote a book

or held an office

He did none of the things that usually accompany greatness

While He was still a young man

the tide of popular opinion

turned against Him

His friends deserted Him

He was turned over to His enemies

and went through the mockery of a trial

He was nailed to a cross between two thieves

While He was dying

His executioners gambled for the only piece

of property He had--His coat

When He was dead

He was taken down and laid

in a borrowed grave

Two thousand years have come and gone, and today

He is the central figure for much of the

human race

All the armies that ever marched

and all the navies that ever sailed

and all parliaments that ever sat

and all the kings that ever reigned,

put together

have not affected the life of man

upon this earth as powerfully as this

"One Solitary Life"

May each one of you have a very Blessed Christmas!

Encourage One Another♥♥

Customer Showcase

2010-12-17T22:56:00.000-06:00

If you're like me, and you're needing a last minute gift to make for someone special for Christmas, check out Marie's tutorial for a pleated zipper pouch. She has wonderful instructions and pictures to guide you through the assembly of this pouch.

Like this fabric? It's Vintage in Beach and Dot in Milk Red from the Whimsy collection by Joanna Figueroa, Fig Tree & Co. for Moda. It just so happens that you can find it in my shop:)

You also might like to check out Marie's Etsy shop . She has a 10% coupon code discount sale going on til December 31st.

Have a wonderful weekend and encourage one another!

Little Menagerie--So Cute!

2010-12-09T19:22:00.000-06:00

I just received the whole collection of Little Menagerie by Melanie Hurlston from Melly & Me in the shop. I have to say I fell in love with this fabric and with Melly's booth while I was at Fall Market in Houston.

As Melly puts it, "This collection was inspired by childhood memories, my love of bright and contrasting color, and my desire to create things that evoke a simple, carefree and fun mood in a too busy world. I have combined images of some of my favorite softie designs along with clean and bright co-ordinates that make me think of simpler days and the joy of childhood. This collection would be perfect for use in any sewing medium for the young and young at heart; from my softies, bags, quilts and clothing. Or think about a complete re-decoration a child's bedroom."

Little Menagerie brings to life the lovable Softies which are the adorable little characters created by Melly's patterns.

You can even download 2 free quilt patterns from Windham using fabrics from Little Menagerie.

There are some wonderful coordinating fabrics that go with these darling prints. So, if you're like me, and can't resist, head on over to my shop, and I'll be happy to set up a custom listing for you.

Encourage one another,

Lynette

2010-11-28T20:38:00.000-06:00

2010-11-26T23:42:00.000-06:00

So sorry that I missed wishing everyone a Happy Thanksgiving. Actually, this is how Mr. T and I celebrated our Thanksgiving Day.

We spent most of the week before Thanksgiving in Florida visiting Mr. T's mom. Our plane trip was uneventful until we were ready to arrive at our destination in Memphis. It was raining cats and dogs and the wind was really whippin' around. Now, I have flown quite a bit, but I never had a ride quite like this one. We had a little warning from the pilot when he told us that the plane ahead of us had quite a bad time, and he was going to circle around to try to miss some of the storm. I don't think that worked! I then started praying as I left nail marks in Mr. T's arm. When the plane landed, there was a simultaneous applause from all the passengers. So, this Thanksgiving, I was especially thankful to God for landing that plane!

We, then, headed home but first had our Thanksgiving dinner with our Cracker Barrel family. We had turkey and dressing with all the fixin's and I didn't even have to wash dishes. Mr. T and I were stuffed and ready to take a nap (you know turkey will do that to you). Not a good thing to eat when you still have another hour to drive before arriving home. It did give me some time to reflect on all the things I am thankful for. Of course, I was especially thankful for the safe arrival on solid ground, so that I could continue to enjoy being with my wonderful husband of over 38 years, 2 terrific children, and 6 simply perfect grandchildren. No, life isn't always perfect, but I am truly blessed beyond anything I can imagine.

I am also thankful for my fabric business and all the wonderful customers that I have had the privilege to serve the past couple of years. I thank so many of you for your kind words and encouragement.

And, since I want some of you, who are wearing your Snuggies trying to keep warm, to enjoy a little warmth from our week in Florida, I thought I'd share some of our pictures. Try thinking 80+ degree temps as you're looking at them.

It was so peaceful to walk the beach in the mornings when the tide had gone back out.

You don't see these graceful palm trees in Arkansas!

The following pictures show the Gulf tide rolling in and some of the sea life along the shore.

We walked the pier.

We also found some wildlife in the pond near my mother-in-law's house. We tried to make friends and I wanted to get a little closer, but Alli looked a little hungry and I didn't feel like being his lunch!

Then this little guy didn't seem to mind Alli at all. We saw him everyday sunning himself by the pond.

And, lastly, we would go back to the beach and see the most beautiful sunsets!

I hope all of you had a wonderful Thanksgiving. That you are now recovering from Black Friday, and that you have a restful weekend!

The Best is Yet to Come

2010-11-08T00:27:00.000-06:00

Please forgive me, some how the previous post got posted before I was ready to post! You know, after a year, I still don't get this blogging, nor am I very technical. Anyway, I thought you might get a kick out of seeing that Quilt Market is not just sitting and looking at sample after sample of fabric all day.

So I hope you enjoy the You Tube video from our friends at Michael Miller:)

MichaelMillerFabrics FallQuiltMarket2010

2010-11-08T00:17:00.001-06:00

Fall Quilt Market 2010 in Houston

2010-11-04T20:37:00.000-05:00

Mr. T and I got back from the Fall International Quilt Market this week. The weather was absolutely beautiful! Not like the rainy weather we got last year. The Market seemed a little more subdued this year...maybe because of the economy. Got the same vibe from some of the other shop owners. Needless to say, we still had a great time and ordered some wonderful fabrics that will be in the shop in the upcoming months.

I just wanted to share some of the things I saw at Market. Hope you enjoy!

George R. Brown Convention Center in Houston

I'm prepared with my walkin' shoes this time.

Yep! Me and Mr. T waited for 2 1/2 hrs. to get into Sample Spree!

Still waiting.

On your mark...Get set...

The rush to the Moda table. This looks more civil than it was!

Ty Pennington introducing his Impressions line for Westminster Fibers.

Anna Maria Horner - Innocent Crush

Anna Maria's Cute Shoes!

More cute shoes!

Amy Butler - Soul Blossoms

Love this decoupaged table in Amy Butler's Booth!

Pillow & Maxfield - Gypsy Bandana

Kaffe Fassett

Tina Givens

Tina's Golden Goose from her kitchen.

Melanie Hurlston (Melly & Me) - Little Menagerie for Windham.

I love Melanie's new line! So cute!

Joanna Figueroa (Fig Tree) - Buttercup

Sandy Klopp (American Jane) - Le Petit Poulet

Check out this bicycle!

Australian Pattern Designers - Don't Look Now

Eleanor Peace Bailey - Doll Designer (Also, Heather Bailey's Mother-in-Law)

Be sure and stop by my shop and see the latest fabrics that have been added. I'll even leave the light on:)

Dreamy Dream On

2010-10-03T23:44:00.000-05:00

"Chiklet was so tired. All she wanted was to fall asleep. But the bump in the bed was keeping her awake. "What to do" she thought. "I know...place all my beautiful quilts one on top of another." Sweet dreams all night!"

This was the short story for Urban Chik's Dream On collection that was presented in Moda's Dream On fabric preview catalog at the Spring Quilt Market in Minneapolis.

I was so excited to receive this long-awaited collection this week and couldn't wait to get it listed in the shop. This collection was inspired by the look of those "dreamy" vintage sheets of the "good ole days". And, I'm already invisioning a fabulous quilt (or quilts) made out of this grouping.

Be sure and visit Fabric Bee soon, so that you can get started on your dreamy new "Dream On" project. I'll be sure to leave the light on:)

Bliss

2010-09-15T18:15:00.011-05:00

Merriam-Webster's definition of BLISS:

1: complete happiness
2: paradise, heaven

That's pretty much how I felt when I received the mother and daughter team, Bonnie Olaveson & Camille Roskelley's new collection for Moda named BLISS. The colors are some of my favorite and mix and match so well.

Also, if you want a Christmas fabric that doesn't look like your traditional Christmas fabric, Bliss may be what you're looking for with the soft pinks, deep reds, lime greens and aquas.

And, if you're needing a fast project for a gift, this cheater quilt fabric might just be the answer!

Stop by the shop soon and get your order in, as I can see this fabric going fast!

I'll even leave the light on:)

Tu Tu Too Cute!

2010-08-27T12:22:00.005-05:00

I recently visited my daughter and decided to make a tutu for my granddaughter. For those of you who don't sew, you will love making this no sew tutu...no sewing machine needed:) I used this link http://www.youtube.com/user/CraftyGuides from youtube that gives very good directions. Actually, I should've watched it 2 or 3 times before I started and I would've learned not to crowd my ties as much...hmmm. I did have to make some adjustments, but as you can see, it turned out wonderfully. And, our little "ballerina" looks tutu too cute!

This cute little face makes this tutu look even cuter.

And since I made one for little MJ, I had to make one for our other granddaughter, that is only 3 months older than her cousin, for her 1st birthday. Unfortunately, I had to mail it to her, so no pictures of her in it. But, I'm sure she looks tutu too cute in her tutu, also:) I made it in a little brighter pink tuille`.

I used the pre-cut tuille` (so much easier) that I got at Hobby Lobby. You might watch for their tuille` to go on sale or use their 40% off coupon that they run every other week, as it can be a little pricey.

If you have a little ballerina in your life, you will definitely have fun making her a cute tutu. It's a great weekend project!

29 and Holding

2010-08-16T23:27:00.003-05:00

It seems like only yesterday Can it really be possible that our little girl is 29 years old today?? Her dad and I were so blessed when she came into our world...fast and furious. She only took an hour to deliver!! Anyway, she is many miles away from us now and raising her own little boy and girl with her husband. But we wanted to say HAPPY BIRTHDAY, MJ! We are so proud of the woman you've become and love you SO much!

Customer Showcase

2010-07-20T19:26:00.009-05:00

I have the most talented customers and I love it when they send me pictures to show me what they've done with the fabric they've purchased from my shop. You might want to check out their shops on Etsy and tell them I sent you:)

Crazy Crafty Carrie joined Etsy in January of this year. She's a 5th grade school teacher....and I say bless her!! We really need to help support the school teachers in our community. They have a really tough job with very little pay, as far as I'm concerned. Carrie has camera straps for sale in her shop and she has the cutest little girl, toddler and infant dresses with matching bloomers and hats. And you can even double your money for the dress outfits...as they're reversible!

Here are a couple of dresses from Jane Sassaman's Prairie Gothic fabric:

Meadowsweet collection by Sandi Henderson...so cute!

I love my customers, and I love Etsy!

2010-07-08T20:52:00.006-05:00

I just received Pretty Bird by Pillow & Maxfield for Michael Miller fabrics in the shop. I love the beautiful limes, aquas, pinks and blues in this line. I also love the whimsical designs of things in a garden with names like Bloomies, Twirling Tendrils, Meandering Vines, Dancing Flowers and Ground Cover. And, what would a garden be without a Pretty Bird!

I have these listed in yards and bundles. So stop by the shop and take a stroll through the garden.

Red Hot Summer!

2010-06-23T12:43:00.011-05:00

I don't know about your part of the country, but it's definitely HOT and HUMID here in Arkansas! So I'm staying cool by staying inside my nice, air-conditioned shop listing lots of new fabrics.

The color, red, is one of my favorite colors. Red and white makes me think of summer picnics, a beach cottage and Fourth of July. It makes me happy:) And, I just listed some wonderful, new red and white fabrics from the Sketchbook collection by P & B Textiles. These fabrics are listed in my Sale section at a price that will make you happy:) And, if you're wanting some ideas about what to make, check out the BEAUTIFUL Red and White Coin Quilt that Rita from Red Pepper Quilts just finished and posted on her blog.

So grab a glass of cold lemonade and enjoy!

Spring Market 2010 Continued

2010-06-05T13:56:00.022-05:00

The Moda booth completely brought out the child in me with their 2 HUGE dollhouses.

Here's a miniature version. Some of you might have had one of these when you were a young girl.

The box insets were so creative with their paper cut-outs.

Each of the designer's booths were designed like a room in the dollhouse. One of my favorites was Sandy Klop's booth from American Jane. Sandy's Noah's Ark quilt is a Block of the Month quilt named Ticket for Two. It was fabulous and would be wonderful to make for a child, or in my case grandchild, or maybe for the child in you! This pattern was made with Sandy's new fabric line, Punctuation, that will be arriving in the shop sometime in August.

I fell in love with these adorable elephants. Sandy said she was able to get them at Ikea. Of course, she dressed them. She said they weren't the easiest things to dress. They fit in so well with her booth theme. I may just have to make a trip to Ikea when I go to visit my daughter soon!

Here is Sandy Gervais' booth previewing her new, fun fabric called Lollipop. There is a panel that measures 24"x44" in this collection with every delightful critter than you can imagine. Be watching for this to arrive in my shop in October.

New to Moda is Anne Sutton from Bunny Hill Designs with her precious nursery line, Lily & Will. The fabrics are in those sweet baby colors of blue, pink and brown Her booth won Best Double Booth design. This will be in my shop in October.

Also, new to Moda are Bonnie & Camille with Bliss. The colors are wonderful, and even though it's not a Christmas fabric, I think it would make great Christmas decor. It will be coming in the shop in September just in time to get an early start on those Christmas projects you may be thinking about.

Okay, can you tell how much fun I had at all the Moda booths?? I hope you have, also. There will be more fabric from other Moda designers coming to the shop that I hope to show you soon.

Now, so that you don't think that I just purchased fabric (lots and lots of fabric), here are a couple of new pattern designs that I just recently got in the shop that I know you'll enjoy.

This first pattern, Little Monsters, is by Kellie Wulfson for Don't Look Now. She is a Melbourne, Australia designer who was new to Quilt Market this year. There are even bonus pillow patterns with this "monsterously" delightful quilt pattern.

I also got in the shop the easiest dress patterns to sew that you can imagine by Barbara Brunson for Vanilla House Designs. These super easy dresses make up quickly with no set-in sleeves and clever neck facings. The sizes are 2 to 8.

There were many other designer booths to talk about, but I'm just about as tired now as I was at Quilt Market! I hope I've peeked your interest in all the wonderful new fabrics that will be arriving soon.

Be sure and stop by my shop and take a look.

I'll be sure to leave the light on.

Spring Quilt Market 2010

2010-06-01T21:03:00.026-05:00

We stood in line for 2 hours to get into the Sample Spree on Thursday night. Some people had waited for 4 hours!

The Spring Spree was more of a frenzy than the Fall Spree in Houston, needless to say! I was so glad I had Mr. T along to carry all the bundles that I grabbed, especially at the Moda table. Sorry I don't have pictures of this wild escapade, but I do have a picture of the stash I was able to carry away (or should I say Mr. T was able to carry away).

The Michael Miller Booth won in the Best Multiple Booth category with their romantic white on white theme, as they presented their new Antiquity collection.

I really loved the Pillow & Maxfield booth. It was so enjoyable visiting with Valerie and Anne about their new full-time job as fabric designers and their new Pretty Bird collection. Be watching for it in my shop.

The birdhouses are made from hobby store birdhouses and decoupaged with the Pretty Bird fabric.

Sandi Henderson debuts her Meadowsweet 2 for Michael Miller. Her new colorways will mix in so well with many of her fabrics from the first collection of Meadowsweet. She also came out with her new book, Sewing Bits & Pieces with 34 projects using fabric scraps.

Here are those wonderful chairs that were such a hit in Sandi's booth at the Houston Fall 2009 Market.

Patty Young came out with a sweet new collection called Playdate. She has also introduced a new line of knit fabrics with Michael Miller.

Stay tuned for Part 2 with more Quilt Market news.

Summer Song

2010-04-11T20:09:00.007-05:00

Okay, summer isn't here yet in the United States, but I can already hear the frogs croaking in the pond and the mosquitoes are already out in droves here in Arkansas. And, the Summer Song collection by My Mind's Eye for Riley Blake showed up on my doorstep this past week to really prepare me for the summer season. It also reminded me to stock up on the sunscreen and bugspray.

I have this whole collection in my shop. It comes in 3 gorgeous colorways with luscious oranges, hot pinks and wonderful greens that mix and match so well together. If you love polka dots like I do, you will love the dots in this collection. And, what would a summer collection be without a songbird! You can almost hear the beautiful music they make when you see the musical notes coming from the songbird's beak on the Songbird fabric.

I have the fabrics from this collection listed separately and in bundles in my shop. It will surely bring a smile to your face and put a song in your heart:)

Just in Time for April Showers

2010-03-23T10:32:00.020-05:00

This is how the skies have looked recently here in Arkansas.

So, it seemed only fitting that I should receive a box filled with fabrics from the Rainy Days and Mondays collection from Riley Blake Designs. This line was created by 2 new designers that happen to be sisters, Melissa Synder Wood and Rebecca Snyder. Their designer names are Melimba and Beccabury.

I fell in love with this collection at the Houston Quilt Market and loved it even more when it arrived. Here's an example of what is in my shop.

There are also some great fabrics that go along with these that I have to sell separately or as a bundle.

I just received a phone call from Riley Blake and their new collection, Summer Song, is due to arrive next week...the whole line in 3 colorways! Can you tell I'm definitely ready for Spring and Summer to arrive!

Here is a sneak preview of what is due to arrive in my shop, so be watching for my listings.

It's Daylight Savings Time here and it takes me forever to adjust! It stays light out longer now, but for you night owls, I'll still turn my porchlight on for you:)

Till next time.

A Little Whimsy

2010-02-23T20:24:00.005-06:00

Anyone that knows me very well knows that I like anything that's whimsical. Some of the words used in the dictionary to describe whimsical are: playful; light-hearted or amusing; quaint; fanciful.

That's one reason why I was so excited about Fig Tree & Co. ,Joanna Figueroa's new fabric collection for Moda.

Joanna featured her first retro kids line at Quilt Market in Houston. She said, " I have been so excited to do a kid’s line even though my munchkins are mostly a bit too old to enjoy the fabric and the goodies we’re making from it… the youngest of our brood is in heaven! If she thought it was all for her before, now she is actually right!

The collection is called Whimsy. And although it is a kid’s line, it is also versatile enough to be a fresh, stand alone Fig Tree line, blending perfectly with all the other lines before and after it. If you remove the 2 more clearly “kid” prints-the rest of the line is classic fresh vintage Fig Tree! So really it is like having 2 lines in one."

This fabric has the most wonderful feel and has the soft fabric colors in beach, milk and light reds that are so classic Fig Tree.

I guess I better quit talking about it and actually show you this wonderful fabric. Of course, I had to add a little bit of whimsy!

You can find all 19 of these fabrics in my shop. I also have 2 new Fig Tree & Co. patterns that I'll be listing called Jelly and Jam and Sunwashed that look beautiful with the new Whimsy fabric.

So, head on over to my shop to view all the new lines I've gotten in this month. I'll be sure to leave the light on.

2010-02-15T21:34:00.005-06:00

If you are a fan of Denyse Schmidt and her Katie Jump Rope collection by Free Spirit, then you will like reading Jaime's informational and fun blog called Room for Young Ones. Her recent post is featured on Denyse and some of the inspiration from her collection. The Katie Jump Rope fabric has been one of my shop's best sellers, especially since it's discontinued.

Jaime gives many ideas for children's rooms from wall art to furniture to floor coverings and gives information on where to find items shown on her blog. So, if you are needing some design inspiration for your child's room, you might find just what you're looking for at Room for Young Ones.

2010-02-10T17:40:00.010-06:00

The UPS man has become my new best friend lately. He brought me another box from Moda. I absolutely adore everything French country, so I fell in love with this collection when Mr. T and I were at Quilt Market in Houston. It's American Jane's, A Breath of Avignon by Sandy Klop. The colors are in fabulous blues and greens, with warm yellows and reds that are true to the French country style.

The latest edition of Quilt Almanac 2010 shows the border fabric used to make a tablecloth and napkins designed by Sandy, and the pattern can be purchased from American Jane. Wouldn't you love to have this to cover your table this summer?

Or, how about a quilt like this one that we saw made from A Breath of Avignon fabric at Quilt Market.

I have the whole collection....yes, all 31 fabrics in my shop.

I hope you've enjoyed your "tour" through the South of France. Alright, we can imagine, can't we?? Anyway, I hope you visit my shop and see all the newest fabrics I've gotten in. I'll even leave the light on for you:)

Spring in a Box

2010-02-08T12:19:00.009-06:00

I don't know about you, but I am definitely ready for Spring! This is our second go-around with snow here in Arkansas. An inch or two may not be so unusual, but 8 to 10 inches is NOT normal for here!!

Here are the views I saw outside our door this morning.

I'm a sunny day type of person, and I was just about ready to go for some light therapy!! when this box arrived on my doorstep.

I call it my "Spring in a Box" because it was filled with bolts of the most beautiful Spring fabric, Verna by Kate Spain for Moda. It was just what I needed to lift those winter time blues away.

You can find these fabrics already listed in bundles and individually in my shop. Here, you'll see just a sampling of what I have in the shop. I hope it gets you ready to anticipate the arrival of Spring, also. Enjoy!

I'm Famous!

2010-01-05T22:29:00.004-06:00

Well, almost. A fellow Etsy shop owner e-mailed me this evening to let me know that her fabulous wedding is featured on-line with Martha Stewart Wedding Magazine.

And, guess what, my shop (Fabric Bee) is listed in the resources that was used in Sam and Ian's wedding.

You just have to read about Sam and Ian's wedding and all the wonderful details that were put into the preparations before and on the day of the wedding. You can also get to their site by The Bridal Guide Blog by Darcy Miller from Martha Stewart Magazine.

Thank you, Sam, for letting me be just a small part of your BEAUTIFUL day. And, to Martha Stewart Weddings Magazine, for a few seconds of "fame". Who would've ever thought it!!

2009-12-31T22:08:00.011-06:00

What a year 2009 has been! So much happening in our household.

This was a big year for births.

First, I birthed my new business on Etsy. It has been quite a successful year, and has kept me busier than I thought I'd ever be. I'm so grateful for all my customers and the wonderful people that I have met through my business.

We also had 2 new granddaughter's born this year. Miss P was born to our son and daughter-in-law in July. And Miss MJ was born in October. As both live in 2 different parts of the country, we have traveled quite a bit to spend time with these 2 new little ones and the rest of our grandchildren that now total 6! I ask myself...is it possible for me to be old enough to have 6 grandchildren!! I am glad that I'm young enough to enjoy them though.

Christmas was a special time for us this year, as we had all of our family home with us, for about a week. It just seems that all is well with the world when we are all able to be together. Mr. T's mom also came to spend Christmas with us this year, so she was able to see all of her great-grandchildren.

We actually were able to get this whole group together to have a Christmas family picture after Christmas Eve church services. It's not easy to get little ones to cooperate for a picture, but I think they did really well:)

Ever since our children were little, we always had a birthday cake for Jesus. I used to decorate it more, but this year I was lucky to get candles on it! We always put candles on for each person in our family to remind us that Jesus came to earth for the salvation of each one of us.

There is nothing better than seeing the wonder of Christmas through a child's eyes.

"And the stockings were all hung with great care."

"With hopes that Saint Nicholas soon would be there."

I definitely think that Santa Claus arrived with packages this year!

But, after everything was opened, there seemed to be more fun playing in the wrapping.

I hope all of you enjoyed your Christmas holiday with loved ones as much as we did.

And, now as the countdown to the New Year begins in our part of the country, I want to wish everyone a healthy, happy and blessed New Year 2010!

xoLynette

Shop News: Meadowsweet Is In!

2009-11-30T13:03:00.009-06:00

I just wanted to let everyone know that Sandi Henderson's new fabric line Meadowsweet is in my shop.

Sandi has produced this collection in 2 beautiful colorways...peach and pear. Both of these colorways play off of each other and can be mixed and matched beautifully. She is going to be coming out with another colorway?? in a few months that will also go with this collection.

I will be setting up bundles soon, but here are some pictures from Sandi's blog that will give you an idea for groupings.

Nicey Jane by Heather Bailey has also arrived and will be listed soon.

I'm expecting more wonderful fabric this week. So check in my shop often.

Happy Thanksgiving!

2009-11-25T22:30:00.003-06:00

More Market

2009-10-19T06:50:00.023-05:00

Here's a sneak peak at some of the fabulous, new fabrics that will be coming out the next few months, that I purchased at the Samples Spree.

I really thought Mr. T took more pictures at Sandi Henderson's booth but it appears that he only took a couple. And she had such a lovely set up. We had a nice time talking to her husband, Dustin, while Sandi was away from her booth. He did a great job explaining things about Sandi's new patterns and fabric line, Meadowsweet, that will be arriving soon.

Here's a quilt made from the Meadowsweet line.

Here is a chair that Caroline from J.Caroline covered for Sandi from her Meadowsweet fabric that I absolutely adored!

A couple samples from Sandi's new patterns that will be out soon.

Here's Paula Prass' sophisticated booth with her new Woodland Delight collection and wonderful new patterns. I especially liked the Mother/Daughter look alike patterns.

Here are some new pattern designs from Patty Young's new Flora & Fauna collection, that will be out soon.

So cute.

Mr. T and I were getting ready to ride the shuttle to the Convention Center when we met 2 delightful ladies from Australia. We got to talking and guess who they were?? Yes, Melly and Rosie from Melly and Me

With much duress, we were able to get Mr. T in a picture of us together. A nice couple that I believe were reps in Denmark for Melly and Me took this picture for us.

Rosie has a new fabric line coming out, around December, called Grandmother's Flower Garden from Lecien. It has a vintage feel to it, and I love the colors.

I loved this quilt from Rosie's Grandmother's Flower Garden.

And, of course, the whimsical patterns of Melly and Me.

I spent most of my time at Moda setting up my account (FINALLY) and getting my order in for some terrific new lines that will be out.

Quilt from American Jane french-inspired fabric. I love it!

Freebird by MoMo.

The wonderful Whimsey by Fig Tree. I've always loved Joanna Figueroa's fabrics and patterns.

New Designers Lauren & Jessi Jung's Botany for Moda.

Love the color's in Kate Spain's Verna collection.

And, lastly, a display from one of my favorite quilt magazines.

10 Things I Learned from My Weekend at Quilt Market

2009-10-14T21:21:00.016-05:00

Mr. T and I got back from Quilt Market in Houston late Sunday night. We were exhausted, but had a fabulous time.

I do have a list of 10 things I learned from my first time at Quilt Market that I hope to remember the next time I go.

1. Have a good talk with George (our GPS). We had a few detours on our way to Houston!

2. Get lots and lots of sleep BEFORE I go. I didn't sleep much before leaving as I tried to get orders filled and shipped out, and needed to get packed and ready to go. I also think the adrenaline was running through me, and I was "pumped up" and ready to get going. I don't sleep well away from home, so I was exhausted by Day 2!

3. Don't take a brand new camera that I've never used! Remember, I'm not quite familiar with the terminology. (See previous blog!) My goal is to learn to be a better photographer and learn this camera this next year! I hope to see an improvement in pictures at the next Quilt Market.

4. Lose 20 lbs. for those pictures....oh, OK maybe 10! We'll see.

5. Take food with us to the Convention Center. We were starving and the food at the center was SO expensive!

6. Head directly to Moda during the Sample "frenzy" on Friday night. Honestly, I think they were wiped out of everything in less than 15 minutes! I did get to spend plenty at their booth though:)

7. Take a small rolling suitcase to the Convention center. Actually, I was going to, but Mr. T said I wouldn't want to deal with it on the shuttle bus. Boy, was that a mistake! Some of the distributors did provide market bags, but by time you collect freebies and purchase fabric bundles, you're really loaded down! Believe me, I reminded Mr. T that I wanted to bring the rolling suitcase as I loaded him down with my bundle:)

8. Spend 3 days and not 2! On Saturday, I spent most of the time meeting with the reps to order many of the fabulous new designer fabrics that will be coming out in the next few months. I really needed one day to just relax and take in the details at all of the designers' booths.

9. Have more money to spend on more new fabrics next year:)

10. Have a wonderful time visiting with the designers, shop owners, and the friendliest quilters ever, just as I did this year!

Here's a picture of people waiting for the door to open on Friday night at the Sample show. They brought chairs into the room from different places in the Convention Center, and some of these people had waited up to 5 hours to get in! After we saw the room starting to fill, we thought maybe we needed to get our own chairs and wait. We sat next to some really nice ladies that have brick and mortar stores in Nebraska and Tennessee. It's so fun to talk to other shop owners and find out the latest things they're doing in their shops.

This is after the doors were open and the "frenzy" began! I heard that someone got hurt last year. No incidents that I know of this year. Mr. T just stayed out of the way and took pictures. It was actually calmer than I expected.

I think I was starstruck by all the wonderful designers. Here I am with Heather Bailey.

Her booth was wonderful, featuring her new Nicey Jane fabric. Her booth won best double booth prize. That is real grass in the background!

Here's a peek of her new fabric line and her new Turtle pincushions. They are so cute! Her fabric will be in my shop somewhere around December.

Of course, I had to have a picture with Amy Butler. Amy is just as sweet, and kind in person as I expected her to be. I also wouldn't mind having that model body! She's wearing one of her new patterns. I think I must've been giggling like a school girl from the looks of this picture. Mr. T just shot the picture. He didn't wait for any posing.

It was really a toss up, for me, between her booth and Heather's for best of show. Amy's booth is displaying her new LOVE collection. I have all 26 of her quilt-weight fabric in my shop right now. It is absolutely beautiful. I fell in love with the purse in the far right of this picture. It is one of Amy's new patterns that will be out soon. You know where I'll be headed as soon as it can be ordered! Also, look at those pillows with Amy's new LOVE fabric. They are fabulous!

Here's more LOVE.

This has to be the longest blog in history, especially for me! Anyway, I will catch you up on more Quilt Market news next time.

Bound for Houston

2009-10-08T00:04:00.005-05:00

Mr. T and I are bound for Houston tomorrow to the 2009 International Quilt Market. This is my first time to go to Market, and I'm so excited to meet some of the designers and to see what new things that are going to be coming out soon. This is the George R. Brown Convention Center where the Market is held every year.

I also got a new "toy" to take to Market yesterday.

I know I really need to improve my photography skills. And, I have to admit, this camera intimidates me a little bit, but Mr. T thinks I need something more than just a point and shoot camera. This is the Canon Rebel XS 1000D. It's supposed to be a good beginning SLR camera. I honestly think they need to provide a Camera Dictionary for people like me. I read the instructions, and they think I really know what resolution, shutter speed, and aperture mean! I really hope to have some great pictures to show you when I get back from Market. But, I think I might just buy one of those disposable cameras as a back up...just in case my aperture doesn't work:)

LOVE is in the Air...Oops I Mean Shop!

2009-10-04T15:07:00.006-05:00

Just arrived in the shop is Amy Butler's whole new collection called LOVE. In Amy's words..."I couldn't be more excited about LOVE! My newest fabric collection for Rowan has me reeling. I've gone over-the-top with prints and color to make a luscious and yet "bite-sized" collection of 26 quilting/fashion weight fabrics and 12 Home Dec weight fabrics. A marriage by design coming from a love affair of rich, soulful, organic florals and architectural prints passionately inspired by my recent trips to Indonesia and England. Rich tropical colors with ethnic imprints, and elegance found in over the top florals like full roses and exploding peony blossoms join together in an optimistic celebration of print and color."

I have all 26 fabrics in my shop and each and every one of them are bee-utiful!

The Big Reveal

2009-10-03T15:35:00.016-05:00

I guess I pretty much marched out of blogland with the March of the Tools! Well, I do have a good reason for staying away so long. My dream has always been to have a fabric/sewing room. And, this past year, my dream finally came true. I actually found this paper weight in Target one day, and I bought it for my almost finished room.

And, NOW, (drum roll please) for the BIG REVEAL! "MOVE THAT BUS!"

This room is over our garage. It was my favorite place to go as we were building our house. I called it my treehouse. We really didn't know if we would ever really finish it off. But, after I started my Etsy shop, I definitely needed space to keep my fabrics.

I love these windows. And this is the view. I actually feel like I'm in a treehouse with the view of all the trees. I also was able to put all of my Cat's Meow houses on display that I had collected years ago.

Mr. T (my husband) built all my fabric shelves. Obviously, I don't have enough shelves!

I saw this bench in an antique shop when we lived in Texas several years ago just a little while before Christmas. I fell in love with it, but the owner wouldn't budge on the price. Well, Mr. T went back to the shop several days later and the owner must've needed money, because he was willing to deal by then. My neighbor kept it in her house, so that Mr. T could surprise me with it as a Christmas gift. I've always loved it and had to have it for my new room.

I felt that it was only fitting to show off some of Anna Griffin's Mackenzie Christmas fabrics from my shop on my favorite bench.

We are so fortunate to live only about an hour from a Pottery Barn Outlet, and we were able to pick up the sideboard and coffee table there for a great buy. I'm hoping to find a small sofa. But haven't found anything I like yet, or can afford, or one that can fit up the narrow stairway. I'll keep looking.

Here's another Pottery Barn Outlet find. I love, love, love this chair!

I wanted to keep the walls a creamy white. With the slanted ceilings, I didn't want to feel enclosed by putting a color on the walls. Also, I wanted the fabrics in the shop to be the color. I still want to put some extra touches in the room, and I need a desk. I'm using a folding table and my sewing table right now. And since I'd really like to be doing some sewing on my sewing table, I hope I find something soon.

We also put in a bathroom upstairs. I will show that in a later reveal.

In one of the closets, I even have a little dorm fridge that our daughter had in college, to keep bottled water and soft drinks. Actually, all I need is a bed and a microwave, and, of course, Mr. T, and I'm set!

So, now you know where I am spending most of my time. And, I want to thank my dear husband for all the work he put in to make my dream a reality. I also want to thank Mr. C (our son) for helping his dad put in the flooring.

I am really going to try to keep you updated on all the latest happenings in my shop, so stay tuned.

xoLynette

March of the Tools #3

2009-03-30T08:30:00.004-05:00

March is about to blow out of here, so I thought I'd better get one more of my favorite tools in before it does. It's my KitchenAid mixer!

I had to wait till I was married 25 years before I finally got my KitchenAid. Honestly, my baked goods improved tremendously after I started using it. Everyone thinks I have the best chocolate chip cookies, and I just say, "It's because of my KitchenAid!" I haven't changed the recipe, so that has to be it.

I gave one to our daughter and daughter-in-law when they got married, because I didn't want them to have to wait as long as I did to get one. Mine is 300 watts, and that seems to be enough power for anything I usually make. There is one that has 275watts that is alittle less expensive, and is probably sufficient for everyday mixing. But, if you want to mix bread dough, or something pretty stiff, you might want to get one with more power. They also come in some great colors now. So, if you're trying to think of a great wedding gift, I highly recommend the KitchenAid mixer. The groom will love you for it! And, if you don't have one, you might just want to buy one for yourself, too!

March of the Tools #2

2009-03-14T21:11:00.004-05:00

I got the SideWinder from my daughter, Marianne, at Christmas, and I love it! It's such a drag when I'm sewing along on a project and I run out of bobbin thread, and I have to stop and rewind the bobbin and rethread my machine. The SideWinder makes it so easy and saves me the headache of going through that whole process by letting me wind several bobbins ahead of time without using the sewing machine. It can be run on a power cord or with 2 AA batteries, which makes it very portable.

When I opened it, I didn't think I would be able to use it with my Bernina sewing machine bobbins, but, alas, I was able to use my bobbins with it! It makes sewing even more enjoyable!

March of the Tools

2009-03-08T21:11:00.004-05:00

This is one tool that really gets my day started right. It's the 5-in-1 Power Blender that I bought at JC Penney, for a fabulously low price.

I like to begin my day right away in my store by checking on any in-coming orders and answer any convos, and I tend to forget breakfast once I get started. With my blender, I just add some fat-free yogurt, frozen sliced strawberries, a sliced banana with a little bit of raw honey, blend it in the drinking glass, and I've got myself a yummy, healthy breakfast milkshake! It comes with several drinking glasses of 2 different sizes, so you can make them for the rest of the family, also. I love making smoothies for my grandkids when they come to visit, and they think it's great! The clean-up is easy..all you have to do is put your glass and the power blade in the dishwasher.

I'll be posting some more of my favorite tools, so stay tuned!

Heather Ross Fabrics

2009-03-04T10:54:00.017-06:00

A wide selection of Heather Ross fabrics are now in my shop. You might want to snatch up some of your favorites, as, due to a contractual agreement, Heather will not be producing any new fabric lines for awhile. See True Up and search Heather Ross for more information about this disappointing news.

For more uplifting news, Heather also has a wonderful new book out called Weekend Sewing. I love the detailed instruction she gives to her patterns and the fabulous ideas she gives for using her fabrics.

Many of the fabrics featured in Heather's book, I have in my shop. Here are a just a few samples of what I am offering:
West Hill Ponies in Green.

West Hill Riding Clothes in Camel, Grey and Beige.

Wildflowers in Tangerine - Lightning Bugs and Other Mysteries.

Frog Pond in Moss Green and Olive.

Dots in Orange, Blue and Beige.

Like I said, this is only a sampling of what I have in my shop, and all of these are being sold at a very reasonable price. So come check them out at Honey Bee Humble.

2009-03-01T22:17:00.008-06:00

This is the wonderous beauty that we woke up to this morning. My husband photographed these views before we left for church this morning. It's so unusual to get snow like this in Arkansas. Of course, it was all melted by time we came home. So glad we got it captured on film. I hope you enjoy looking at these wonderful scenes.

That's My Nana

2009-02-28T15:11:00.006-06:00

I just recently got back from spending a week with 3 of our grandchildren in Minnesota, while our son and daughter-in-law went to St. Lucia, and much warmer weather, for a short vacation.

Here is somewhat of a picture of our grandchildren. Their parents weren't really excited about me posting their pictures for all of webland to see, so this is the best I can do.

D, our granddaughter, age 8, is definitely our "drama queen". She was our first-born grandchild and loves to read and write. Her parents have caught her with her light on at 5 a.m. trying to read a book before she had to get ready for school. She is an early bird. She was up and getting ready in the morning almost before I was. There are only 14 months difference between she and her brother, G. They were at school most of the day and had after-school activities to go to, so they weren't with me as much as their 3-year old brother, C.

My first day there, C reminded me of why I was ready to put a "give away" sign on my own 2 children the day they turned 3. He definitely decided to test me. I was just about ready to call Nanny 911 after a few tempertantrums and time outs in his room. It was definitely a battle of the wills the first couple of days, but I finally won out. Or at least, he made me think I had.

One morning while I took C to his room at pre-school, his teacher asked him if I was his Grandma. He proceded to tell her that "That's NOT my Grandma, that's my Nana!" I felt like that was a bonding moment for us.

C has had trouble sleeping in his own bed for some time now. He starts out there, but in the middle of the night, he would slowly creep into my room and say, "Nana, can I sleep with you?" Now, how could I resist. Of course, I didn't get much sleep, as he had to be right next to me, and would reach his hand over to touch my face to make sure I was still there. He did stay in his bed one night, however. He goes to sleep with a CD playing in the CD player in his room, and he usually doesn't have any trouble when the CD is finished. However, on this particular night, at 4 in the morning, I heard him calling, "It's not playing". I proceded to go into his room and turn the CD on. It must've played for about an hour, and I heard, "It's not playing" again. There I go again to turn the CD on. So much for sleeping in his own bed!

If you look closely at the hands in their picture, you might notice a bandaid on C's thumb. He had taken a good chunk out of it with a pair of scissors the day before I came. I was SO glad it didn't happen on my watch!!

While we were watching a Ninja Turtle movie one Saturday night, G asked me what "dominate" meant. I guess one of the bad people had dominated the Ninja Turtles about 4 times. I told him that the meaning was more like being more powerful than someone else. He said, "Oh like when Jesus comes back, He will dominate Satan." It's so nice that all the devotional times my son and daughter-in-law spend with our grandchildren hasn't gone to waste.

Oh, by the way, did I mention our son and daughter-in-law are expecting their 4th child...our 5th grandchild? After they came back from St. Lucia, they had a sonogram, and I got to find out we're having another granddaughter! I don't think they'll mind me posting a picture of her.

This picture reminds me of Isaiah 139:13-16 "For You formed my inward parts; You wove me in my mother's womb. I will give thanks to You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; wonderful are your works, and my soul knows it very well. My frame was not hidden from You, when I was made in secret, and skillfully wrought in the depths of the earth; Your eyes have seen my unformed substance; and in Your Book were all written the days that were ordained for me, when as yet there was not one of them."

Life is such a miracle!

I was tired after getting back home. I forgot how much energy it takes to be a mom, or could it be that I was younger and had the energy? It makes me wonder what in the world these women having babies in their 50's must be thinking!! Anyway, it was precious time spent with grandchildren that I enjoyed and wonderful memories that I'll cherish. Just don't grow up too quickly, little ones. xoxo Nana

New Patterns

2009-02-15T10:04:00.007-06:00

I just wanted to show off the new patterns I just received in my shop from Sew Liberated. They would make wonderful gifts! And all for a great price!

The Lola/Lolita aprons are so retro and would be adorable for a mother and daughter. You might even like to make one for Grandma!

Here is the Emmeline Apron. What a deal..it's reversible! Two aprons for the price of one!

Here is the Mischievous Gnome Messenger Bag for all those goodies you carry. It features a large rear pocket and two front pockets for easy access, and a generously-sized zipper pocket on the inside. It's even roomy enough for large laptops and other stuff you need to stash!

And for that new arrival in the family, who can resist this Mei Tai Baby Carrier! I saw a lady carrying her baby with one of these in the store the other day. And that baby was as snug as a bug in a rug! This pattern features a unique internal "X harness" for extra safety and back support for the baby.

The other deal is that the shipping is FREE when purchased with a fabric order from my shop, Honey Bee Humble on Etsy!

Happy Valentine's Day!

2009-02-13T18:03:00.003-06:00

"But now faith, hope, love, abide these three; but the greatest of these is love." 1Corinthians 13:13

I just want to thank all of you for your business and support, and I wish you much love today and always!

XO Lynette

"Wabbit" Addiction

2009-02-11T04:26:00.043-06:00

I never thought I was one to be a collector, but it has been brought to my attention, more than once, especially by my husband, that I have a lot of animal objects. I don't know if it stems from my desire to live on a farm or if it was my French country phase that I went through awhile back.

I guess that is why I just love the new Garden Friends by Jay McCarrol, that you can find in my etsy shop. Here is the whimsical Funny Bunnies fabric in teal.

I also carry more of the Garden Friends collection in my shop like Ivy League Bees in mint.

And the whimsical Love Birds in mint.

And here are some wonderful coordinates like ZigZag Zoo, Strawberry Sunshine, and Love Tomatoes.

And so today, I decided to talley up how many rabbit objects I actually have, and one might say I really like rabbits! Well, maybe the ones that don't eat up my garden at least!

Gee, I wonder if there's a recovery group for "wabbit" addictions?? If any of you have the same problem, be sure and stop by my shop and help yourself to some delightful Garden Friends fabric.

Oh yes, I also carry a wide array of other fabrics for those with fabric addictions!

A Sweet Deal!

2009-02-06T15:45:00.005-06:00

Here is a sweet deal without the calories!!! See my Sweetheart fabrics that are on sale now at my shop. Here is a listing for 4 fat quarters on sale for $5.95! Now how sweet is that!

Also, listed is a fat quarter bundle of 3 on sale for $4.65. Sweet!!

Just go to the SALE/CLEARANCE Section on the front page of my shop to purchase. Of course, if you need a different yardage, I cut off the bolt! You can view the different yardage after you click on the fat quarter bundles. Just convo me and I'll set up a Reserved Listing for you!

XOLynette

The "Children" are Altogether Now

2009-02-04T13:00:00.005-06:00

Okay. I know you must be thinking that our kids have come home. I wish. But my long-awaited back orders of my Paula Prass Flights of Fancy and the rest of my Patty Young Andalucia came yesterday. Hooray! You know how it is, if you're an empty-nester, and you have your first family picture of just you and your husband. It just doesn't seem complete. Well, until the rest of the collections came, they just didn't seem complete.

Here is a picture of my Paula Prass Flights of Fancy in Spring. Believe me, after our past week, I think I need something to remind me that Spring is coming! (See previous blog)

And here is the Andalucia collection by Patty Young in Earth and Kiwi. It has such a warm feeling. I also needed to feel that way last week!

So, now, the families are altogether. AND, I'm ready to start shipping them out!

What a Difference a Day Makes

2009-02-02T22:36:00.008-06:00

Remember that beautiful winter wonderland picture in my last blog?? Well, here is what it looked like the next day.

It sounded like gunshots going off all night long, as the trees fell and limbs broke. There was over an inch of ice on the tree limbs. Needless to say, I didn't sleep a wink, wondering if one of the trees you see would fall right through the roof in our bedroom.

Oh, did I happen to mention that we also lost power during one of the coldest weeks Arkansas has seen for awhile! You may think this next picture looks so romantic with the fireplace and candles and all. Well, it wasn't, especially after 5 days and wearing about 4 layers of clothing to keep warm. We were very fortunate to have a gas fireplace. It helped some, but it did get down to around 45 degrees in the house as the days rolled on. My husband said to think of it as camping. Well, believe me, my idea of camping is the Holiday Inn!! I really can't complain, there are still some people who don't have power. Please pray for them.

This was the line of trucks outside of Sam's Wholesale, as they waited in line to get generators from a shipment that had just arrived.

Anyway, now the cleanup has begun, and we're feeling nice and cozy in our WARM house. I will never take that for granted again. I think God has His way of reminding us that He's in charge and we aren't!

I hope to have some fabric news tomorrow. So be watching.

Winter Wonderland

2009-01-27T15:20:00.013-06:00

I don't know about your part of the country, but this is a picture of what we woke up to this morning.

It is beautiful as long as we can stay indoors, and as long as the power stays on. And we are praying that the power stays on!!

I know I've been away awhile. Who knew how much work it is to have an on-line store! I've been ordering fabric, unpacking fabric, and listing fabric. I'm still learning the ropes. One, is to get new fabric ordered as soon as possible. A lot of my Flights of Fancy by Paula Prass is on backorder and my order of Andalucia by Patty Young is slowly trickling in. Check out Patty's blog for some really cute things to make with her new Andalucia line of fabric.

I've kind of had baby things on my mind lately. My husband and I were surprised Christmas Day by the announcement from our son and daughter-in-law that we were expecting our 5th grandbaby (their 4th child). Now, how exciting is that! Of course, we don't know if it's a girl or a boy yet, but I saw these darling little baby booties and it makes me want to make a pair..maybe. But I thought I'd share them with you. Michael Miller Fabrics had a bootie contest and these are the winners of the contest. I can see why.

This pair was made by Bridget Baxter. Some little baby girl is going to already come into this world in style!

This next pair was designed by Rebecca Alkem. I love the little buttons.

And look at this darling pair made by Grace Mayorga.Don't you love the soles!

This last pair of booties was designed by Stephanie Leigh Sabbe. Who wouldn't want their little baby girl wearing a pair of these!

My last blog talked about the new policy that Westminster/Free Spirit had announced on MRSP pricing. It seems that they have delayed the implementation of that policy, so they can review it more thoroughly. It also seems that it is inevitable, but at least we get a break for awhile. If you want to know more about it go to http://www.trueup.net/?p=2327.
I hope to be better at keeping everyone up on what I'm doing. Until then....

Westminster/Free Spirit Change in Policy

2009-01-17T18:35:00.002-06:00

As I announced in my fabric store, Wesminster/Free Spirit has made some changes in policy that affects A LOT of on-line shop owners. You can visit this blog to get a gist of what most of these changes are all about: http://www.trueup.net/?p=2327.

If there are any lines of fabric that you have really been wanting that are manufactured by Westminster/Free Spirt, I would suggest that now is the time to get it, before the price increase! Designers that will be included with this are Amy Butler, Tina Givens, Anna Maria Horner Jay McCarroll and more.

I'd love to hear what you think about all this!

I'm in Business!

2009-01-14T15:13:00.012-06:00

Some of my new fabric finally arrived from Free Spirit, and am I excited!

Here is Garden Friends in mint by Jay McCarroll. They're so cute and whimsical. They'd look so cute as a little girl's dress or even for decorating a child's room.

Here is the beautiful Treetop Fancy by Tina Givens in brown. I think it would be beautiful made into a handbag.

I really hit the jackpot when my business cards showed up at the same time as my fabric. I was ready to hug the UPS delivery man, but I restrained myself. My talented and creative daughter designed the logo on my cards. I love the buzzing bee on the back, also.

And the cherry on top of the "ice cream" is my arrival of some of Sandi Henderson's new patterns.What little girl wouldn't want to wear something made from one of these!

All in all, I feel like a little girl in a candy store. Now I've got to get busy and get all the pictures taken and get this fabric out in my shop.

Be sure you come by my shop, make yourself comfortable with a latte or hot cocoa and drool over all these wonderful new fabrics.

I hope to show you my newest Michael Miller fabrics that should be arriving this week. So keep posted.

2009-01-10T14:51:00.002-06:00

(Stop)
Oh yes, wait a minute Mister Postman
(Wait)
Wait Mister Postman

Please Mister Postman, look and see
(Oh yeah)
If there's a box in your truck for me
(Please, Please Mister Postman)
Why's it takin' such a long time
(Oh yeah)
For me to hear from that order of mine

There must be some word today
From my fabric distributor so far away
Please Mister Postman, look and see
If there's a box, a box for me

I've been standin' here waitin' Mister Postman
So patiently
For just a card, or just a letter
Sayin' my fabric's returnin' home to me

(Mister Postman)
Mister Postman, look and see
(Oh yeah)
If there's a box in your truck for me
(Please, Please Mister Postman)
Why's it takin' such a long time
(Oh yeah)
For me to hear from that fabric company of mine

So many days you passed me by
See the tears standin' in my eyes
You didn't stop to make me feel better
By leavin' me a card or a letter

(Mister Postman)
Mister Postman, look and see
(Oh yeah)
If there's a box in your truck for me
(Please, Please Mister Postman)
Why's it takin' such a long time

(Why don't you check it and see one more time for me, you gotta)
Wait a minute
Wait a minute
Wait a minute
Wait a minute
(Mister Postman)
Mister Postman, look and see

(C'mon deliver the box, the sooner the better)
Mister Postman

Some of you may not be old enough to remember this song. I changed up the lyrics a little. Okay, you can see I'm a little frustrated that my new fabric orders haven't arrived. I put one order in the day after Christmas, and I called to check on it this week. And, guess what?? It hadn't even been sent yet!

I should've been as smart as my daughter and ordered BEFORE Christmas. I was just afraid that my box would come before we left for Christmas and would be sitting on my porch for a week. Oh well, patience has not been one of my virtues.

I know that the waiting will make it all worth it! You'll be sure and see me hoopin' and hollerin' when it comes and I'll be sure and let you know.

Happy Birthday to Me

2009-01-07T15:55:00.008-06:00

Well today is my birthday. Honestly, it's just a day to me and sometimes I even have to stop and think, how old am I? Or, maybe, I'm trying to forget how old I am! Or, maybe, I'm just so old, I don't remember how old I am! Whatever. This day comes whether I want it or not. A friend of mine recently sent the following clip, and I thought it was perfect for, this, my birthday.

Old Age, I decided, is a gift. I am now, probably for the first time in my life, the person I have always wanted to be. Oh, not my body! I sometime despair over my body, the wrinkles, the baggy eyes, and the sagging butt. And often I am taken aback by that old person that lives in my mirror (who looks like my mother!), but I don't agonize over those things for long.I would never trade my amazing friends, my wonderful life, my loving family for less gray hair or a flatter belly.

As I've aged, I've become kinder to myself, and less critical of myself. I've become my own friend. I don't chide myself for eating that extra cookie, or for not making my bed, or for buying that silly cement gecko that I didn't need,but looks so avante garde on my patio. I am entitled to a treat, to be messy, to be extravagant. I have seen too many dear friends leave this world too soon; before they understood the great freedom that comes with aging. Whose business is it if I choose to read or play on the computer until 4AM and sleep until noon? I will dance with myself to those wonderful tunes of the 60 &70's, and if I, at the same time, wish to weep over a lost love ... I will. I will walk the beach in a swim suit that is stretched over a bulging body, and will dive into the waves with abandon if I choose to, despite the pitying glances from the jet set. They, too, will get old.

I know I am sometimes forgetful. But there again, some of life is just as well forgotten. And I eventually remember the important things. Sure, over the years my heart has been broken. How can your heart not break when you lose a loved one, or when a child suffers, or even when somebody's beloved pet gets hit by a car?&nb sp; But broken hearts are what give us strength and understanding and compassion. A heart never broken is pristine and sterile and will never know the joy of being imperfect. I am so blessed to have lived long enough to have my hair turning gray, and to have my youthful laughs be forever etched into deep grooves on my face. So many have never laughed, and so many have died before their hair could turn silver. As you get older, it is easier to be positive. You care less about what other people think. I don't question myself anymore. I've even earned the right to be wrong.

So, to answer your question, I like being old. It has set me free. I like the person I have become. I am not going to live forever, but while I am still here, I will not waste time lamenting what could have been, or worrying about what will be. And I shall eat dessert every single day(if I feel like it).

Even after reading, this, I feel SO much better about my birthday. I pray God grants me many more years to spend with family and friends, and to enjoy being old!

Thanks for sharing it with me:)

"What's in a Name?"

2009-01-06T13:26:00.005-06:00

"What's in a name? That which we call a rose
by any other name would smell as sweet."..Shakespeare

This is the name of my new internet business on Etsy.

My daughter, Marianne, my husband (the Accountant) and I wrote down possible names for 3 days!! It was actually the last name that we came up with that I used. I thought it was appropriate. I looked up some information on honeybees and the definition for "humble" and this is what I came up with:

More has been written about honeybees than any other species of insect. They're social insects. Female bees in the hive (except the queen) are called worker bees. The worker bees do all the different tasks needed to maintain and operate the hive. They take care of the hive! They remain active in the winter.

"humble" - not proud, haughty or arrogant.

Proverbs 16:18 says, "Pride goeth before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall."

I hope my business lives up to these definitions. I hope to always be working hard to provide a quality product to my customers. I hope to always be humble in all I do, knowing that hard work and determination is how I want to operate. Also, I hope to have a teachable spirit and listen to the wisdom that others are willing to share.

I hope you all like my new business name and that you visit my site soon.

I hope to have my new designer fabrics from Paula Prass and Patty Young arriving soon!

2009-01-01T21:45:00.006-06:00

Hello 2009!

The New Year has started and that means organization! I don't know about you, but I like things in their place. You know the old saying, "A place for everything, and everything in their place." Unfortunately, I have a husband that NEVER puts anything back in the same place twice. I guess we balance each other out.

Anyway, here is a project I did several months ago that I put above my desk in our laundry room. It lets me put photos, memos to myself etc. in one place. It's a memo board. I'm sure you've seen them in the stores, such as Hobby Lobby, but I needed one that was bigger. I bought an inexpensive bulletin board from Wal-Mart. Mine is 35" x 23". I wrapped it first with a medium loft batting and a fabric cut large enough to wrap around to the back and staple. I then took ribbon, measuring it out to slant from one side to the other. I placed upholstery tacks where the ribbon crisscrosses. I can change out and update pictures very easily.

One of my other favorite things are Command Hooks. I should have stock in that company. I use them for everything. I even hung up my memo board with one. I use them on the backs of bathroom doors, and even used them to hang up my wreaths on our front door. They're so easy to remove, and you'd never know you had anything on your wall. I wish I'd had something like them when I lived in the dorm in college, or in the apartment as newlyweds. You know, when you weren't supposed to put any nail holes in the walls.

This is on the back of our bathroom door.

I hope these easy projects might give you some ideas with some things you may need to organize in your home. January is a good time to get started.

I read a quote from Ralph Waldo Emerson recently, and I thought it was so appropriate to remember as we begin the New Year. It says,

"Write it on your heart that every day is the best day of the year."

I think I may even put this on my memo board to remember! I hope today was the best day of the year for you!

Good-Bye 2008

2008-12-31T21:18:00.005-06:00

I hope everyone had a wonderful Christmas. Our car "skiied" through the snow to our Minnesota kids for Christmas, and then we slid on ice through Iowa on our way to Nebraska for a wedding. It was a good reminder of why we moved from Nebraska to a warmer climate about 3 years ago.

It was fun seeing Christmas through the eyes of 3 of our grandchildren. The last present of the day was opened by all. And what a surprise!

Our son and daughter-in-law (C & B)announced that they are expecting our 5th grandchild! They had kept it a secret from all for about 7 weeks. It was a wonderful Christmas gift and such a fitting day to announce it as we celebrated Christ's birth.

It was also fun to see and visit with friends that we hadn't seen since we left Nebraska, as we attended one of our daughter's best friend's wedding.

As we, literally, walked into the door of our home after driving 11 hours, we received a call from my husband's mom telling us his dad had fallen from his bike and had broken his hip. He had his hip replaced yesterday and seems to be doing very well. What a way to end the year!

I honestly don't know where 2008 has gone. It doesn't seem possible that we'll be writing 2009 tomorrow. I do know that 2008 was a busy, busy year for me. I hope to write more about what 2009 has in store for me, but for now I just want to wish everyone a happy, wonderful New Year!

I don't believe much in New Year's resolutions, but I will definitely try to work on my photography skills for the New Year!!

Table Setting Time

2008-12-18T10:46:00.008-06:00

Some of you may be having a dinner party this weekend and need ideas for decorating your table. Our ladies from our church just had a Christmas dessert/coffee where tables were decorated by individual women. It was so interesting how each table was totally different. Each table had a theme that it was based on.

For a more modern touch, this was done with black, silver and gold. This one was themed "Jesus is King".

You might recognize this one as mine. I used the same decor in our home this year. My theme was "Jesus, the Ultimate Gift!".

Some of you might really like this one. Most everything on the table could be thrown away after entertaining. She used decorative paper plates and a clear, decorative wrapping paper over the tablecloth. Her theme was "Jesus, the Light of the World".

This last one was Christmas on the Farm. She used a patchwork quilt as her table topper, and Spode Christmas dishes for her place setting.

I hope you've gotten some ideas from this. Just remember, to enjoy your family and friends no matter how simple the decor. That's where the memories are made.

2008-12-16T18:28:00.015-06:00

My name is Lynette and welcome to my blog. It's not like I had anything else to do at this time of year, but my daughter said, "Mom you've got to get started!". So, here I am. It's icy, snowy and cold outside, in Arkansas, no less. This is very unusual for this part of the country. This is what our house looked like today.

Okay, I know you Northerners are laughing, but things stand still here in Arkansas at the threat of snow.

Anyway, I thought what better day than this to figure out this "blog thing". I'm not very tech saavy. The most I usually do is e-mail and Google. But, I'm willing to try anything.

I've been into table decorating for the holidays this year. Our Minnesota kids were here for Thanksgiving, so I decorated a fall table. I thought you might get some decorating ideas for next year by sharing some of mine.

Here is our Christmas table.

Here is some more of my Christmas decor. I kind of had a green and brown theme going this year.

Here's a picture of our carolers that we bought at a craft fair a few years ago. They are actually made of sawdust! I love them!

My husband has wrapped our staircase with greenery and red ribbon every year for the past 17 years. He is very proud of it, so I had to show it off.

I even decided to decorate our kitchen mantle with greenery.

I hope you have enjoyed our Christmas Open House. I love this time of year, and even though I can get wrapped up in the decorating and the shopping etc., I try to remember what this season is really all about, and that's God sending His Son as Savior to the world. What a gift!

Merry Christmas!