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Showing posts with label family. Show all posts
Showing posts with label family. Show all posts
Sunday, May 2, 2010

For my Sister!

1:25 AM | Posted by Mel
My sister Marianne and her son, Mekhi in 2008
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Wednesday, April 14, 2010

A Visit from Lori & Scotty

10:34 PM | Posted by Mel
Be Aware, Be Thankful
1. Jose
2. The other guy
3. Jumper cables
* * *


Last week, Lori - one of my sisters-in-law, and her son Scotty visited us from our home town in Utah.




A while ago, Lori sent me a link to make a darling car mat.  I suggested that we make some while she visited - and so we did!




The Diet Coke is in the picture so you can see the size that the car mat rolls up into.  Yes, I just so happened to have a few cans lying around!


We had our mishaps and unpicking which resulted in LOTS of laughing! 



I thought I had made it clear to Lori that she shouldn't use the scissors, but before I knew it, she was cutting notches into the tracks!  She's better with the chalk liner and unpicking!


The boys had a great time!
  


SUCCESS!


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Monday, April 12, 2010

A Crazy Quilt

3:24 PM | Posted by Mel
Be Aware, Be Thankful
1. Content of my blog wasn't lost
2. Ease of finding info online
3. Diet Coke.  Lots and lots of Diet Coke.
* * * 

Getting back to the quilts that were made by my ancestors, here is a wonderful Crazy Quilt.

I had no idea there was one in the family - a fun treasure!



This quilt has worn areas, mostly where fabrics are breaking down due to time.  But on the whole, it is a great specimen!




Silk, corduroy, lace, wool, cottons - all seem to be represented.  There are butterfly appliqués here and there.


See the other family quilts I've featured:
An Afternoon Visit
Morning Glory Quilt
Scrappy Applique Flowers


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Tuesday, March 23, 2010

An Afternoon's Visit

10:10 PM | Posted by Mel
Be Aware, Be Thankful
1. Children's enthusiasm
2. Home
3. Transportation
* * *
While in Utah, we visited my mother's only sister, Susanne; pictured below.


She and Uncle Thale were happy to see us and we spent a good while with them.  Like any good aunt, she baked chocolate chip cookies and allowed Urban and I to eat as many as we wanted!!
Aunt Susanne and I pulled out the quilts her mother and grandmother had made and took pictures.
I took around 75 pictures in all of just four quilts, but since nearly every block was made from different fabrics, I HAD to!  I don't need to explain that to you!
Beginning tomorrow, I'll make one post per quilt so you can see, and I can properly document, the detail of each treasure.


The Quilts:




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Friday, March 19, 2010

This and That

10:57 PM | Posted by Mel
Be Aware, Be Thankful
1.  Hometown
2.  Safe trips
3.  Family
* * * 


Urban and I have been in our beloved hometown, Tooele, Utah for a couple of days now while my husband interviewed for a job in Irvine, California. (He got it!)
This is a random pic of some little pins I bought at a boutique a while ago. Aren't they cute??

If you are a frequent reader, you may remember that Nathan got a job in Denver, moving the family in a horrible snow storm last November.


Well, I've come to LOVE Denver and have been anxiously anticipating spring and summer weather to better explore Colorado's bounteous outdoor activities.
Meanwhile I've been enjoying indoor activities like art groups, craft nights, 


Now, my husband has a new job in California!  The job he took in Denver proved not up his alley as the job description was misleading.  We'll leave it at that.


While visiting here in Tooele, a friend and former business partner died tragically.  I am glad that I'm here during this time, but it has put a damper on the visit.


I'm working on my blog makeover while I enjoy watching Urban play with all his cousins.  I noticed I've reached over 200 followers and am a few posts shy of having completed 400!  I should have a party - perhaps when things slow down.


I'm discombobulated, torn, and have a headache!


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Monday, December 21, 2009

Lissa Update

4:41 PM | Posted by Mel
Lissa (who?) has an intestinal infarcment in her small intestine, which means a part of the small intestine has died.  She also has a blood clot by her liver.  


They are moving her to the surgical ICU and will be doing surgery to take out the dead part of the intestine and fix it up either tonight or tomorrow.  They aren't able to give any blood thinner for the clot until after the surgery.


They have had to give her anti-anxiety medicine the past few days and had to increase her oxygen again.





She has been less responsive the last few days.  She will open her eyes when they say her name but won't respond in any other way.  The nurse said that she's not following commands anymore, like squeezing their hands. 


Her stomach and intestines are not working so they had to put her feeding tube right into her vein
The picture here of Lissa is during one of our many, many Hand and Foot games at our parents-in-law's.  She always wins, and she always drinks Pepsi.  I don't think there's a correlation.

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Tuesday, December 15, 2009

Update on Lissa

4:25 PM | Posted by Mel




Lissa is still on life support in the ICU. She has been able to make some good steps forward, and things are looking more promising. 


Hopefully she will be able to be removed from the ventilator in the next week. 


She is not out of the woods yet but she is definitely headed in the right direction. 


We know that all of the prayers on her behalf have helped tremendously.




They have stopped the antibiotics now and feel her pneumonia is pretty much gone. YEA!!





* * * * * * * * * * * * * 


Urban and I returned (flew) to Denver on Sunday.  We are thankful Lissa is making progress even if it is slow.  




As far as Christmas is concerned, we are totally unprepared.  I'm just exhausted with the stress of Lissa and the back and forth traveling we've been doing.  


Urban is such a good kid and is a trooper through it all.  We may push our Christmas back a month, we'll see.


Thinking of all of you and hope you are enjoying the holidays!

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Thursday, December 10, 2009

Lissa's Hanging in There!

6:24 PM | Posted by Mel
Lissa had a good day in that she didn't have any incedents or fever for the last 24 hours +.  She's responsive (nodding/opened her eyes) if we wake her up and talk to her.  

Read more »
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Wednesday, December 9, 2009

Concern

3:56 PM | Posted by Mel
I hate to bring up such terrible news, but I'm hoping for some prayers.
Most of you who read my blog know about my darling nephew Brock.  Well his mother, who is also named Melissa is fighting for her life.



She went into the hospital Sunday evening with terrible back and abdomen pain.  Tests and ultrasounds have shown that due to numerous gall stones, her pancreases got severely infected.  This somehow caused both of her kidneys to fail.  She also quickly developed pneumonia which turned into Adult Respiratory Distress Syndrome and has been put on a respirator to assist her breathing now that her lungs are also in failure.
You can imagine the pain she must be in, but they aren't allowing her much aid with that since her blood pressure is so low.  
The doctor advised that family members come to the hospital today as it is not looking good.  They have had to do CPR and shock her heart twice to bring her back. 
I'm just sick being so far away and not being able to be with the family!!
Thank you for allowing me to express my sorrow here with you and please keep Lissa and her family in your thoughts and prayers.

{UPDATE}
Urban and I are flying into SLC tonight so we can be close to Lissa and the rest of our family.


Lissa has had to have CPR and has once again has had to have her heart shocked to start.



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Thursday, December 3, 2009

I'm a proud daughter!

12:00 AM | Posted by Mel
Aren't my parents CUTE?

They are in Argentina serving an 18 month church mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints.  I'm very proud of them, they have always been a great example to me and my son.




I miss them so much, but I'm very proud of them!!





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Thursday, October 29, 2009

Goodbye Utah

8:13 PM | Posted by Mel

It's very sad, but we've moved from our hometown, Tooele, Utah two days ago.



We drove (two cars) to Denver, Colorado during one of the top 10 worst storms in their history.  That meant that our top speed here was 45 miles per hour.  It was a long, long, drive.  We left Tooele at 2:30pm and arrived in Denver at 6:00am.  We didn't even stop for dinner.  






Nathan and Urban spun off the road and had to fix a flat in the dark storm.  


I also found out that my computer's hard drive is DEAD.  A new one will be installed, but there is no retrieving the info that was on there.  I'm most sick about loosing several quilt patterns I was in the process of writing. 


This weekend we will look for a condo, home or apartment and try to get settled in.


THANKS

to Marianne (sister) Miles (brother-in-law) and father-in-law Steve for rushing to our aid in getting our home packed and in shape for selling!!  We could not have ever done it with out them - it was all done in less than 1 week!


GOODBYE 
to my dear neighborhood friends; Jen and Stephanie.  Basket Girls; Kathy and Cheryl.  My quilt shop family; Marta, Becky, Sam, Carol, Laura and Valyn. And to extra special family members Mari, Lori, Lissa, Deanie.  


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Sunday, October 18, 2009

Cozy Flannel Snuggy

9:00 AM | Posted by Mel



It was so fun and fast quilting large random circles all over this flannel split 9 patch quilt I made for my nephew. 


I made the 9 patch from 6 1/2" squares, then split the blocks twice and sewed them back together as shown.  Real fast, real easy.


I usually try to make my nephews a quilt when they are born, but two years ago I had a 2 year old so I didn't get quilts made for Logan or Grant.  So they get one when they turn 2!  


I don't think they'll mind the wait!

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Wednesday, October 7, 2009

Visitor

10:55 AM | Posted by Mel
EWW! Look what dropped in for a visit in my parent's garage!!
Glad it wasn't my house!
My mother in law is in to photography so Marianne called her up when she discovered this creature.
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Tuesday, August 11, 2009

Can't stop making stamps!

6:34 PM | Posted by Mel
OK, I should be sewing and I have - really! But I've been cutting up my foam placemat for more stamps too!
I've wanted a simple sewing machine stamp with a whimsy style. I've been doodling here and there and am happy with this one that evolved from a few of my sketchings.
It is one of the larger images that fits onto a peanut butter lid. I had to take my exacto knife to the edges of the lid because the raised rim interfered with getting a good solid image when I pressed the inked shape.
When making the sewing machine stamp I had to remember to reverse the image so an accurate portrayal would be achieved, which got me wondering . . . Are all the sewing machines out there made for right handed people? I think they are!
Have you ever seen a sewing machine made so the foot adjuster is on the left had side of the machine?
The inspiration for this witchie hat below should be obvious, I'm making a pieced witch hat for Jane's Spooktackular Block Swap.
The stars were made for business cards I had with my personal family's blog address written on it (below) then stamped with the stars.
The M is a stamp I made to sign some of my artsy work or packages.
And cupcakes are pretty popular, so I made one of those too!
* * * * * * * * * * * * * *
To my family that may swing by my blog:
Hey! It was fun to see you all at the reunion this past weekend!
I look forward to our reunions every summer especially now that I have a child. I love my family and want to make sure Urban gets the same great childhood I had by being close to family.
Love you all, keep in touch and see you next year if not sooner!
Mel aka Reigning Kroff Jeopardy Queen!!
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Monday, August 3, 2009

Weekend Report

10:54 PM | Posted by Mel
WOW, my little family had a GREAT weekend - and it was all fairly local and mostly FREE!! {NO pictures though! ??!!}
Thursday we went to the county fair. Lots of fun entertainers and Urban loved seeing the animals this year. In the past he's been quite indifferent.
Friday Urban slept at Auntie Mari's which allowed Nathan and I a nice quiet evening!
Saturday was really loaded with fun! Nathan and Urban went to Home Depot's Kid's Workshop in the morning. Then we went to a play in Salt Lake City at The Desert Star. It's a satirical playhouse where you can cheer, sing, boo and hiss at the actors as well as eat yummy pizza while watching the show. We have season tickets thanks to Nathan's parents - a traditional Christmas gift for our family.
After the play, we went to a nearby park. I sat on the grass doing some embroidery and Urban introduced himself to some kids and played for a good while. As a child, I would NEVER introduce myself to new people, heck I STILL don't! I'm glad he is confident with such things.
After the park we spent an hour or so at a bookstore and read lots of Spiderman books. I got to look at a few quilting magazines too, of course!
After the bookstore we went to a toy store to pick up a gift for Urban's cousin who had his 4th birthday today. Urban scored a Speed Racer Mach 5 car too.
THEN, yes, we fit more into our day - we went to the fairgrounds to watch the fireworks.
On Sunday we spend a few hours up Middle Canyon, about a 15 minute drive from our house. Nathan and Urban built a fire and we had sandwiches and just relaxed with books, hand work and trail walks. I love the mountains!!
Today we went in to SLC for Mekhi's (nephew) birthday dinner at the Red Iguana, a famous Utah restaurant. Afterwards we went to Gateway (an outdoor shopping plaza) and played in the water fountains.
Weekends like this remind me to take advantage of being with family as friends. To be involved in the community one lives in and to enjoy nature.
Simple things, when recognized, can be the most gratifying.
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Friday, June 5, 2009

Basket Weaving Day

10:26 PM | Posted by Mel
Today was basket weaving day!  We held it at my parent's backyard on the patio since it was such a nice day.  It was overcast which kept it from being too warm.
Everyone but me worked on the melon basket.  I have two unfinished baskets so I decided to work on them instead.
My sister Marianne made a wonderful chocolate bunt cake . . ummmmmmm!
Kathy and Cheryl wanted to play after they got their baskets done.
My cat head basket is still unfinished!
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Saturday, May 16, 2009

We're going on Vacation!

4:11 PM | Posted by Mel
Yesterday, Nathan and Urban decided to go camping. Four hours later we were in our 1984 red VW Pop Top Camper van and headed south.

Where are we going? Dunno.

When will we be back? Dunno.

Don’t worry though, you are coming with us! I hope to take pictures along the way; it will be fun for me to show off the beautiful state of Utah.

So, go potty, grab your pillow and some hand work! We’re going on a road trip!

By the way ABBA is on the iPod right now.

This is what I'm working on while Nathan is driving, putting a label on Grandma's gift.

* * * * * * * * *

Camping Trip Day 2 (May 16th, 2009)

Slept in Grandma’s driveway, 60 some odd miles south of home.

Well, we didn’t get far, but we didn’t set out until near 5:00pm. Then we forgot jackets, then we had to find the cables for the camera, then we had to go to the store, then we decided to get the oil changed but they were closed, then . . .

We were able to wish Grandma a happy 80th birthday and give her a quilted gift with hugs and kisses!

Grandma received a new kitchen faucet for her birthday from her children. Nathan and Urban installed it for her and she rewarded us with some yummy breakfast! We’ll have to remember this great camping stop for next time!

Later this afternoon, there is a surprise party for Grandma with all her family and friends. We won’t be there, but I think we wished her a “Happy Birthday” in a more personal way.

Funny kid rhymes from Grandma Williams: Picture little dirty freckled faces with their thumbs in their ears and fingers wiggling.

Gopsey, Gopsey, sittin’ on the fence. Tryin’ to make a dollar outta’ fifteen cents! (I have no idea, and neither did Grandma, what Gopsy means! )

Another taunt:

Bawl baby titty mouse, laid an egg at Grandma’s house! It was rotten, so was he, bawl baby titty mouse! (A tit mouse is a type of bird)

The Bawl Baby tease still gets under the skin of Nathan and his brothers; it’s fun to through it out there every once in a while!

Ahhh. Out on the open road, Hwy 89 toward SR 50.

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Saturday, May 2, 2009
1:34 PM | Posted by Mel
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