Hemma

My darling grandson began calling me Hemma when he was just a little guy.

He's nearly twelve.......still calls me Hemma.

My daughter and I spelled it Hamma until he started writing... he always spelled it Hemma...... so Hemma it's been since then.

I was delighted to find this darling little needlework on Pinterest with my name on it... right there on the WWW! Ok, yes, I know it wasn't personally for me, but stilllll...... :-)

But, the bestestest part? It's Swedish. Hemma means HOME.

How precious is that?

I hope he calls me Hemma forever and ever.

I love it.........and I ADORE this boy.

Hope you're having a great day. We have bits of sunshine here! Whoopppeeee!

Huggies and Lovies!

Spencer

xo

How Precious

I am CRAZY about my grandson.... He's so much fun, very smart and artistic too.... He made little snowmen at school last year....so I asked him to make me a snowman nativity..... honestly, isn't it the cutest thing ever? I will treasure it forever...

Thank you so much Honey Lamb... You're the bestestest.

I love you!

Hemma

(He wasn't here when the clay finally dried, so I added the faces and sparkles).

In A Nutshell... :-)

Oh my goodness..... I've been away for far too long.

I've missed all of you so much!

But, I've been one busy girlie....

First of all, that sweet little cup in the middle of the stack? That's the darling gift Marydon brought to me when she came to visit in August. Isn't it just adorable?

Thank you so much, Marydon. It would be lovely if everyone got an opportunity to meet this wonderful girl. She's just the sweetest 'lil thing evah!

Can't wait to spend some REAL time with her... our visit was way too short.

As I've told you all many times, my VERY favorite thing to do is to spend lots and lots of time with my grandson. :-)

He's 11 now and time is going by way too quickly. He comes to our house for the summer.... well, mostly. His Mum comes to pick him up on the weekends, and sometimes in-between.

I so look forward to having time with him. What a great boy he is.

I've mentioned before that he has Asperger's Syndrome. His particular area of interest is animals. I'm not kidding, this boy lives and breathes animals and has since he was a little, bitty guy.

He learned to read by looking them up on the computer. He'd find the animal he was interested in by looking it up in a book so he'd know how to spell it.... then he'd type it into the search box and go to virtual zoos all over the world. Many have live cams and he'd be fascinated for hours watching them.... :-)

So we spent many days going to feed stores to see the baby chickies and ducks. Oh my.... I've been to a LOT of feed stores. A LOT!

To the small fair in our area....

He's the little guy in the middle looking at the owls and eagles.

This is a really rural fair, so lots of 4H kids and loads of animals. :-)

And, to the big fair .... he loves chickens. He's determined to have lots of them.....and knows so many different varieties. He studies the Murray McMurray catalog like it's a textbook.

Yep, in his glory!

And, for the third year I made the 90,000 (ok, not realllly 90.000) mile trek to The Olympic Game Farm in Sequim.

He'd really like to camp out and stay for days.

Those little prairie dogs are hilarious.

It's a drive through zoo of sorts. The bears really don't look all that fierce.... they're sort of lazy, actually. I wasn't going to hop out and go pet them though.

Aren't they pretty? They say not to feed them though.... they bite. YIKES!

And, the llamas. See my rear view mirror there? Yeah, they surrounded the car and would NOT let us pass. It took about ten minutes to get through the herd. They're so funny.... you're allowed to feed them wheat bread and they know you have treats for them..... they won't let you by until you feed them.

I spent quite a few afternoons lunching with the family....

And, a wonderful afternoon with my BFF.... she has the most beautiful home in the country. It's so peaceful there, I never want to leave. This little bird let her pick it up... it kept falling out of that little "nest".... So cute!

We went to the orthodontist to talk about getting braces.

We painted pottery.

I am crazy about his boy's artwork. It's so much fun to watch him create.

Just look at this treasure. :-)

It's on top of my fridge and makes me smile.

Went back to the orthodontist to actually GET the braces. He has lots of stuff in there you can't see. Poor kid. He's one big canker sore.

We went to his favorite pet store. Now, this place is really interesting.

There are lots of cats and chickens walking around.

Poor kitty's looking for LUNCH!

And, turtles and ducks too.

And, while I really did miss blogging, I LOVE spending time with this kid. It's time I can never make up. I'll only ever have one grandchild and I want to make sure I don't miss a thing.

And now..... he's back in school.... regular blogging can resume!

I have stalked many times, but mostly on my i-touch... it's had to leave messages though. I get so frustrated with how slowly I can type on the darn thing. It really pays to be young, right? Those kids can text a message in two seconds flat.

I'm happy to be "back in the saddle"... :-)

Much love and blessings to all!

xoxoxox

Spence

Pink Saturday.....And, A Birthday

Hi chickies.... and Happy Pink Saturday!

And, as a matter of fact.... It's my BIRTHDAY too! :-)

My daughter's taking me out for the day... We're going to do a bit of thrifting, hit some antique stores and have a nice lunch... Then, on Sunday, the Hubbs and I are going to have a day out. Hey.... gotta stretch these special days out, right?

Isn't the pink box just perfect for Pink Saturday?

I've been going to post this for Pink Saturday for so darn long. My daughter, grandson and I went to Portland for the weekend several months ago..... My daughter had heard about this doughnut spot called Voodoo Doughnut. Well, I have an aversion to anything with Voodoo in the name, but we decided to go check it out. Yep, I'm a nice Mum like that. :-)

It's just about the funkiest place you've ever seen......

They only accept cash.... so they have this ATM inside....


Worth the Weight.... :-) I'm doing really well in that department right now, so it wouldn't be to me.





Well, darn it allllllllllll........... I have pictures of the LONG, LONG lines you have to wait in to even get inside this tiny place.....and for some reason they've disappeared.... but trust me. We waited about 1/2 hour for our turn.




My beautiful daughter and cute-as-can-be grandson..........waiting, waiting, waiting.





This is the one I chose.....Cocoa Puffs on top.... I wasn't all that crazy about it.

They have some really weird flavors. I can't even remember all of them, but the selection is unlike any doughnut place I've ever been in.





My daughter is more adventurous than I am. She bought several of these........I thought it was the most disgusting looking thing ever.......but it was YUMMMM-O! Just like breakfast......maple and bacon. Next time I'm getting this flavor!


So if you're in Portland, you may want to pop by for a nice BaconMapleBarBreakfast!


Have a wonderful weekend dear ones........and thank you so much for all your kind words on my studio. I'm trying to get to visit each of you, but it's taking a while to get down the list.



Joining Beverly @ How Sweet The Sound for Pink Saturday

xoxoxo


Spencer

White Wednesday

I'm sure there isn't a blogger who doesn't already know Kathleen at

Faded Charm

but, just in case.... Kathleen does a meme.... White Wednesday every week. It's always sooo yummy, but I can rarely join.



Although I LOVE, love, LOVE the whtie/ivory look it seems that I'm a "colorlove" chickie... :-)




But, today I have an all-time favorite. Beeee.u.ti.ful WHITE lilacs.




They totally remind me of my Mum. Lilacs were her favorite flower and I was always looking for lilac scented items for her. They are just yummy.




I have a Tuesday "date" every week with my little grandson. It's the highlight of my week. I pick him up at school, we go to dinner and do whatever else his little heart desires. We're just finishing up our fifth year of Tuesdays. It's our time together to catch up and just "be".



When I dropped him off at home, my daughter had this lovely bouquet for me.



She is the dearest girl. I love her to bits.



There are loads of lovelies at White Wednesday.



Pop on over!




Huggies and lovies,


Spencer

xoxox

Beautiful Capitols....

Hey Chickies!




I had so much fun touring our Washington State Capitol, it made we wonder what other State Capitols were like.... Oh my goodness....we have some absolutely beautiful architecture here in the US of A! Wow!


I got several messages from chickies who visit capitols of states they visit. Isn't that a grand idea? I want to see alll of them.


My Hubbs' best friend has been to every single state. I would love to do that. Wouldn't that be great? So many things I'd love to see before I go to be with Jesus.



So, in the meantime, I did a little internet search. Here are some of my favorites.


I must say, there were a few that were none too attractive....but they shall remain unnamed.....I'll just share these lovelies.



The one above is Wisconsin. So pretty.

I sure hope I haven't messed up the order here.... and given New York to Kansas or something. :-)

That's exactly why I've procrastinated on doing this post. Yikes!

Vermont

South Carolina

Pennsylvania

Ohio

New York..... I really think one is amazing.....

Mississippi

Massachusetts

Maine

Kentucky

Kansas

Iowa

Indiana

Indiana



Georgia

Florida

Wasn't that fun? Aren't they amazing? Are you inspired to take a little trip to you very own State Capitol??


My darling Hubbs was out of town this weekend so I had a sleepover party with my daughter and grandson.... I LOVE spending time with them.


My daughter and I sorted and organized her scrapbooking room. Lots of walks down memory lane.....and some tears.

Now, let me tell you.... I RARELY cry. I don't know where my tears went, but they just don't come anymore........well, they sure did this weekend.

My little grandson is ten.... TEN! That went by soooo quickly....it was so sweet to revisit all those sweet little baby pictures.... Oh my gosh, he was such a cutie.....some notes from my Mum to my daughter and pictures of my son-in-law and grandson together. My son-in-law was killed in a car accident when my precious little grandson was only 2 1/2.... it's a sad thing to see him want a daddy...... and that shows up in his artwork sometimes too. Bless his heart. I love him so much.....and that WILL make me cry.



Ok chickies!..... off to start another busy week. I'm having a day with my BFF tomorrow. We're just a smidge behind....we haven't even done our Christmas together yet. Brother....



Huggies and lovies!!!


Spence



All photos nabbed from various sites on the net.

Favorite Things!.... And, Don't Forget The GIVEAWAY!!!

Hey chickies!

I hope you've had an opportunity to enjoy this sweet season.... I'm trying so hard to take a moment during the day to remember what we're celebrating... It's so easy to get so caught up in the hustle and bustle....



I'm joining Laurie over at Bargain Hunting with Laurie today. This sweet and fun little chickie hosts

A Few Of My Favorite Things Saturdays



Pop on over.... There are quite a few girlies sharing some great things.... And, you're going to LOVE the nativity Laurie found at an estate sale....for an unbelievable price! I'm crazy about it and sure wish it was mine!



As I've said before, I have a little ten year old grandson.... He is the joy of my heart.... Oh how I adore this child.... He LOVES art and can whip out a picture so fast, I can barely believe it.... They always make me smile.... I think he's AWESOME!


I shared awhile back that he had won first place in an art contest for the ENTIRE school district....oh how proud we were.


I found this monkey picture on a notepad the other day.... It just cracks me up. He really gets the details in there....

And, check this one out.... just some random doodles.... YIKES.... he has one dinosaur eating another... Woooops. :-)


I always have art supplies here at the cottage for him.




I also want to remind you about my giveaway!

Check it out here.



I'll close the post on Sunday evening at 10:00 pm PST so hurry on over and leave a comment...





Lots going on this weekend... And, I'm spending some time with my sweet daughter.......ahhhh....how I love to do that!



We went to see White Christmas with Bing Crosby and Danny Kaye last night at an old theater... I've seen that movie a gazillion times, but this is the first time I've ever seen it on the BIG screen. (YES, it WAS before MY time). It was sooo much fun... Don't you just love it when they burst into song? Don't you do that in REAL life? You just never know when the Hubbs is going to jump up and grab me so we can dance all around the house either... And, I wear a party dress EVERY day. :-) ..... edited to add..... just kidding about the dancing and the attire.....I did always dream of being Donna Reed though. :-) Some of you took me seriously... The Hubbs actually WOULD dance me all around the house, but my legs don't like dancing.



I tried to get some shots of the Christmas decor today, but the light just wasn't going to cooperate...that's how things are here in the Pacific Northwest!


Huggies sweet ones!


Spence


Thanks for letting me join the party Laurie!

OUCH!

Hey Chickies...

Well, it was not a good day for this 60 year old girlie.


If you've been to my bloggie for awhile, or have read my story, you know I took a spill and broke my femur about 6 1/2 years ago. Part of my bone didn't heal properly and it's pretty darn fragile.... and the doctor told me many times.... DO NOT FALL....


Yep, you guessed it. I was at my little grandson's school for his open house and pizza night.


SPLAT.


Face first.


Dang that hurt.


Thankfully, nothing broke, but when you're SIXTY it's a whole different thing than falling when you're a SPRING chicken.


This time I had the good sense to put my hands out, but man that does some terrible things to your shoulders........hips.........back..........and my hands.....ouch. I'm feeling like I've been beat up.


My sweet little fella went into a panic...he was on the ground next to me in a flash....He kept telling me it was like a nightmare.


On a happier note... I did get to meet my little grandson's teacher. He is VERY nice and my little fella really likes him, so that's just awesome.


And, I've shared before that this little fella has Asperger's Syndrome and that we moved him to this new school at the tail end of last year. He had no friends at the last school and the faculty really didn't encourage him in any way..... or any of the other kids for that matter.


Well......it's a whole different story here. Lots and lots and lots of kids talked to him, said hi and wanted to play with him. He is such a different child.


Ahhhh.... This grandma couldn't be happier. I adore this boy.


Have a wonderful Friday.


I'll be on ice. :-)



Huggies and Lovies...

Spence

Yippeee! I'm Going To My First Cloche Party!

Oh my gooooodness..... I'm soooo excited to be included in this party.... And, thank YOU so much for coming...


I've wanted to do one of these yummy little shin-digs so many times, but I've been in the midst of the house re-do for was seems like forever now and didn't have anything to show you.



Ahhhhh...... BUT progress is being made here at the little cottage so I finally have something to share.


Have you been over to visit that sweet little Marty at a Stroll Through Life? You probably have... EVERYBODY knows Marty. She's a doll.


Click HERE to attend the party. Isn't show and tell so much fun???


Oh YES, I am a chickie who LOVES LOTS.... I mean lots of things and an abundance of those things. No one will EVER call me a minimalist. Nope, ain't gonna happen.


Oh how I love these jars...not only the contents, but look at all of that stuff that I NEVER have to dust!

They're on my kitchen counter right there in front of my faux tile. I've told ya'all (oh my gosh I so LOVE that expression) that our little cottage is one of those handy dandy you pick 'em and we'll put it all together type of homes. You know.... You go to the showroom and pick your options? Well, they DID NOT have anything I liked for countertops so we opted for the standard white formica... and plan to do some changin' here at some point.


Left jar.... Airletters from my great aunt and uncle in England. We LOVED getting them....so many years ago.....eggs covered with sheet music and a couple of pieces of china.

Middle jar.......nest, posie and vintage postcard

Right jar......Oh yes....that would be my very favorite....a gazillion years worth of collecting little cups and butter pats. That jar makes me happy every time I look at it.


I changed out all of the handles on these little Target jars and painted the lids.


Vintage tole tray.....one of MANY.... remember I said I like LOTS of STUFF.

One of my very dearest friends bought this adorable little display do-hickey.... I LOVE it....

I'm so sorry the glare is soooo bad, but it has tea cups and vintage ephemera inside. :-)

I bought this old birdcage at the Goodwill for FIVE dollars... Believe me you'd have cracked up seeing an old gal doing the Happy Dance in the aisle..... Guarding my find with my life....

Inside... Vintage bibles, a little motto from my daughter and a little bird.....


****All of these pictures can be clicked on for a bigger shot****

HOW CUTE IS THIS?? It deserves to be under a bell jar, don'tcha think? My precious little grandson made this cup for me.... It is SO me... Pink and on a little base. Just how I'd have made one for myself. I was soooo tickled. :-) I just love it. He's the most thoughtful little fella and I'm crazy about him.


And, the bell jar is, of course, one of those things from the '90's that used to go the other way and hold a candle. I glued a button and a glass egg to the top. Tightwad Tilly strikes again! EASY PEASY....


I can't wait to zip on over and see all of the other ideas for decorating with cloches.


Haven't you gotten some of the bestestest ideas from blogging? I can't tell you how many times I've said.... "why didn't I think of that"??


Have a great time at the party sweeties!


God bless you allll abundantly.


He is so good.



Lovin' you.



Spencer