CELEBRATING advertisments...Are you MAKING love today?

Some nights I just get too excited to start my day...Roxy and I played before dawn to create this suprise love card for Sean for when he awakens....

Happy Valentine's Day! 

(February seems so far away....)

The advertisements on this care are from the SUNSET magazine and turned out really fun.  Below are closeups.

 

Are you making love today?

 

 

I love this line, "A handful of your hearts desire." next to a very large bowl of nuts. 

But remember, size doesn't matter....

 

Love to you on this Thursday!  Thank you for visiting my post today.  Now spread the love!!!!!

(And to think that Trevor said that quilting is "anything but sexy!")

 

Springdale, Utah was our destination last night...CELEBRATING a night on the porch at Bit and Spur

Start the day with a map and it can't help but happen to inspire a trip for dinner....SPRINGDALE, UTAH is fabulous!!!  A favorite restaurant of ours is BIT AND SPUR and sitting on the porch....Arden and Becky, thought of you both as we sat at the table we had eaten at with you both last dinner there.

CELEBRATING hummingbirds drinking- live entertainment!  Sean has taken to photography!  Karate quilter, thought of you as I loved the hummingbirds!

Noah's photo as we drove to Springdale...such a gorgeous drive!

Lanterns reminding me of the many weddings that they have lighted at this restaurant...

Expansive green space outside of the porch at the BIT....apples getting more juicy...Simple moments with Noah are the cherished ones.

Noah enjoying the porch to himself before the dinner rush....

Raiden did not sleep a wink, he knows when a good time is happening!!!!

HAPPY WEDNESDAY!!!!!!!!!!!!

"Do you know where you're going to?".....A favorite song of mine from choir years ago.....

May your travels through today be safe and have a fun destination!  If this was your map, what would be the magic place he is pointing to?

Speaking of leaving the nest....Want to clip his wings selfishly but know it's not about me...

Never gets easier.....Saying Good-bye until the next visit....What a joy to have 2 children in such different age categories yet the closest I could ever dream of!!! Pic is perfect of their relationship.

Up with SP at 4:30 AM and grateful to take care of Malleck while he showered. 

Ever scared by what you see in the mirror?....Malleck discovered a friend or foe in the reflection of the sliding glass door and needed some calming....What a sweetie and a whole new world seen through puppy eyes. 

And now for the next parenting role in another hour when Noah awakens...... listening to Noah and loving him as he talks of sadness with his bro and the pup gone back home.....Wouldn't trade how I did the spacing but definitely a heartbreaker as we all struggle with good-byes each visit. 

Today is that "SOMEDAY".....Knight and Day, you are the one!

What a lovely finale to the weekend, Malleck and SP falling to sleep on the couch with Sean and me finishing the top for Halloween Village after a fabulous date night with Sean at the movie.  He golfed at a spectacular golf course in 105 degree heat today while I took the twins and fam to dog park, boy can the little heads get sweaty!!!!!!!!!

My favorite line from the movie tonight was today is "SOMEDAY". So....If you have said that "someday I will do that for myself or a special loved one or a secret wonderful person..." The time has come to have fun!!!

I love to push the limits when my work is quiet and I am returning to the office in  a few hours SO....I looked at Roxy tonight and said, R u in- Let's Quilt this thang!!!!

Left side of Halloween village

Right side of Halloween village...

and when Roxy has done her job I'll be excited to CELEBRATE the finished item with you all.  The look on my friends' face when they get this will be very fun!!!!

Splash of color!

Splash of color for your Sunday!  the single strand of leaves and flowers are the color amidst the "beige".  I am so grateful for the people in my life who know when I need a little splash of spice!  Going to have to make another one of these, so much fun!

Speaking of babies....

This special twin is named Timmy.  We were buds last night and an angel....He is named in remembrance of my husband's baby brother who died from a heart condition...CELEBRATING the story behond names....

He went to sleep after being told that my snack shop no longer is in business :)!

I'm a Grandma!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! A Godwink................................

I was telling Kevin last night that each morning I get excited wondering what will transpire that day and yesterday was a one of those miraculous days!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!  As you know, I started the day CELEBRATIMG St. Francis and people who love animals and highlighted rescues....

Meet Maleck, My sons went on a trek yesterday while I was at work.  Sp has been wanting a dog since leaving our nest and they went looking for a sweet dog....

He is beyond adorable!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!  and potty trained!  I am in love!

CELEBRATING the "St. Francis Assisi's" of the world

A favorite painting of mine in Sean's man cave of the patron saint of animals.

 In 1224 St. Francis Assisi wrote "The Canticle of the Sun" in which he thanks God for Brother Fire and Sister Water and a praise of creatures.  Thought to be one of the first works of literature written in Italian.  Do you wonder why I review this fabulous man? and eyes are moist with tears with a Godwink that interrupted this post?  .

I took the above photo, walked into my laundry room where I am typing and the phone rang...Group 1...Tim.  Remarkable about this phone call is that I was speaking of him last night with a friend of his loss of his dog this past year when he fell out of a truck.  Yesterday another pup in my Entrada family was seriously injured after being accidentally drug behind a car down the road and was loved by a dear vet....he will be ok.....

As Tim spoke to me of a client's eye and not wanting to wear glasses, I was distracted and told him of my post and the love I was sending last night as I grieved for his loss of his dog and a dear prayer for Cassidy. A moment that reminds me of the CELEBRATION of friendship both in time of giggles and grieving.

I CELEBRATE the "St. Francis'" of this world who have careers in helping animals, people offering their homes as rescue shelters, the magnitude of love at BEST FRIENDS SANCTUARY, and the businesses that offer dog cookies at their banks, drive up windows and delivery drivers!!!!!!!!!!!!!!  Thank you for putting your heart out there!

The TWINS are here!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Noah's first time meeting his new cousin and.....THEY LIVE HERE as of tonight!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!  I got twins!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

"Nice to meet you, Uncle Sean!"

THERE ARE 2 OF THEM!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

CELEBRATING my sis and all of your votes!!!!

My sister, Sharon, is in a contest for McCalls quilting.  The above quilt is stunning and in the running and was a design that she created.  I put out a request yesterday for votes and I am so appreciative of all of you that were willing to take the time and CELEBRATE her talent. I felt better when Mary Lou asked me if "it could be any harder"?  I had the same experience!

 Keep in mind you can vote daily :).   I hope to have a fabulous announcement when the voting is through...but for now, 

THANK YOU FOR VOTING!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

"And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, and be thankful...."CELEBRATING Colossians

Isn't it amazing how buying a beautifully saturated line of fabric can bring a scripture to mind....The "peace" is in the top block below.  I had a nap at 8 pm then was up to stitch in the middle of the night and almost.....almost....went to Walmart for batting to do the quilting....but instead I sent a little note to a friend and said "sweet dreams" to my DH.  SO....off to the field today then hopefully some quilting, my goal is to be able to gift it tomorrow  to my favorite barista, Julie, who returns from having dear Savannah.  I have missed her!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!  Brings back the memory of returning to work after having taken 6 weeks to spoil little Noah.....Who am I fooling...he went to work with me and was known as the "turtle" for always riding in the backpack.  Another fabulous reason to be a nurse outside of the operating room :).

 I love this fabric, "KNOW PEACE!" 

And then my brain thinks of the talent of "Piece of Cake" designs....how do our silly brains do it?!

Thank you to all of you have posted crisp quilts on your blogs using color as a splash and white as a main canvas.  I always love them and so I tried one last night.....Could do them often!  If you think of a blog you want to celebrate, go for it in the comments! 

Ready for Roxy!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!  I sent my dear Green Fairy a pining love note last night.  As I neared the end of this baby quilt I could envision ideas of what she would do to transform this into a masterpiece....I can dream of her being my personal quilter....SHHHHHH! Don't tell Roxy....

And since I mentioned her, if you haven't been to Green Fairy's blog this week, go there right now.....YOU WILL DIE AT HER NAVAJO RUG QUILTING!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! and the Sunflowers and  EVERY OTHER QUILT SHE TOUCHES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Have you ever spied on your sleeping child and felt like you had rose colored glasses on?

Can you tell how I am much more into CELEBRATIONS today then working....Love my job but when slow I want to hobby.....so....

Crystie created this gorgeous cross for me and it is hanging in my office where I can see it at all times. I meant to blog it a couple of weeks ago and spaced it. so....HERE"S TO CRYSTIE!!!! Lots of prayers are sent its way throughout the day.

and then there is Harley....Classic photo.  I thought he was napping and went to check on him and I laughed out loud.  1 bag of chips gone and a very happy dog!  Do you have a funny story when you thought your child was sleeping and you peeked......?

Celebrating....GODWINKS- 2 stories of birds leaving the nest or visiting a new nest

I just had to share......just started these blocks last night for a new babe but....new meaning they have taken on since hearing from friends this morning....

As I took the photos I thought of moms who are experiencing their children leaving the nest as college and life experiences near.....

I don't love the brown on the top block so will most likely whack but am excited to make more and use lots of cream fabric so that the color is splashes.

And one more celebration....A favorite children's story of mine...

THE BEST NEST!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

CELEBRATING.....Do something for yourself day!!!

Love for your Thursday and inspiration to treat yourself today to a yummy treat such as.....CHOCOLATE!!!

or...

Follow my mom's example and take a moment to stitch just one more row or one more block....OR...Go out and buy that fat quarter you have been wanting!

Do you ever make up a holiday just because?  Fun for kids of all ages!!!!!

CELEBRATING....sketches and my husband's newest project....

How fun is this.....my husband being the tile artist has been planning ideas for months for a quilt he wants to make.....and the next stage took place last night.  From sketch, to template to cutting with pinking shears....

This past spring I realized that after many years of marriage, importance of doing things together is so vital and FUN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!  I went golfing a couple of weeks ago for the first time and Sean played in the stash.....Why is this life so fun and surprising at times?!

CELEBRATING your birthday!

Roxy finished off the birthday card last night and somehow even knew how to spell my name and Tiffany's.   She is a saucy little girl!  This quilt card is for my dear assistant, TIffany, but.....I wanted to post in case it is your birthday or someone's birthday that is dear to you!  Just pretend that "Tiffany" is an exotic word for CELEBRATION!  Don't you love making up rules to fit the context of your life!?

CELEBRATING....more dance parties...and how fun to think of friends when I see fabrics that I have mailed away...

With the stash isn't it fun to create a block or quilt and then think of the other quilts that the fabric has been a part of?  When I see the rainboots as chimneys I think of Jenny with a J and Kelsey....Ever known someone who was married on Halloween- the bottom block is honor of them!

and my favorite....thinking of a friend dancing in a tutu with her daughter.....do youe ever dance and think no one is watching......Love the witches for the zaniness while dancing!

CELEBRATING....the pinup! Godwinks, a little boy's love for his mom, GOD!!!!

I woke up this morning and had so many thoughts running through my mind....Had a fun email come from a friend who talked of her having a thought and then her daughter said it the next day.....Drove to the field on Monday and found myself humming..."How Great Thou Art" for many many miles.....and my date with Noah yesterday...

A moment that a mother treasures....We went on a date to the "Karate Kid" and what a fabulous movie!  The grandeur of the scenery and the celebration of Chinese life and....my favorite....

"Mom, can I sit on your lap?" as the final challenge in the tournament is about to take place.  A mother's hope....that her little boy will always ask, "May I be close and have some love....!"

The colors of Kaffe.....YUMMY!

So excited to start the quilting and sashing with more Kaffe....These are too much fun to make and the colors are spectacular!  Happy colorful Tuesday!

....For purple mountains majesty....Happy Birthday America!

Hello friends, I so hope that you had a safe CELEBRATION this past weekend.  We have just arrived home from 5 days of camping with our village of dear friends.  From huge fish to naps, to 4 more blocks on my wonky Halloween village and 4 Hummingbird blocks for Noah's new teachers Christmas quilt....God is AMAZING!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!  If interested where we were, Google Panguitch Lake and that is us with the huge grins plastered on our faces.  I cannot be more grateful for the dear friends that are such close family for us.  What a beautiful life, What beautiful nature!

A moment in the field I will never forget....the next time I am asked what I do....grab a kleenex

Paper thin, appears to be loosely held together but their is hope in the background....For this blog entry I title it "WRITING ON THE WALL"...

True definition, resolution returns and colors solid as integrity is returned....and take a peek at the horses before continuing to read...

I have been in the psychiatric nursing field for 17+ years and yesterday was the 2nd hardest workday of my life.  The next time someone asks me what I do referring to a career, this will be my picture in my mind....

We teach in the field that journaling is a healthy coping mechanism for processing grief, this is my entry....

As I parked the truck near a rustic corral of rugged tree poles, I was greeted by a therapist assistant.  "There is something very sad happening along the fence so I am warning you.  A horse has died and another is close."  I began to take the long way around in hopes of not seeing the suffering and then I did and it continued for 2 hours and I was ok letting the teenage boys know why I had moments of tears in their physicals.  My assistant quickly thought to go to the truck and give the black and white paint horse her apple and a liter of water then called out on the sat phone to get rescues alerted.  And then I spent time with the boys and the horse in full vision and at times in the corner of my eye.  He was skin and bones, legs trembling as they held him up under the shade of the tree and eyes looked tired with goo.  He would rest and then he would walk to our truck then back to us in the shade.  He had a brand and was domesticated.  It was a quiet reminder of the horses and their loved owners that could not feed them in the time of this economy and how many were shot or abandoned so that children could be fed or the a hot water bill met.....

As I struggled last night driving home in the dusk I prayed to God and this is what he whispered to me. 

Em, the students and clients and their families are this horse.  Children wastiing on drugs, driving drunk, selling drugs amidst gunfire and eyes glossed by hours of computer games.   They are surrounded by resources of love and strength but are unable to see because of being so lost in the wilderness of darkness of life. You are part of a community that offers the apples, the water and one day the sobriety and strength of the return of the little toddler who parents cried when he took his first steps, kindergarten graduation, soccer games and bedtime stories. 

And then I remembered the text I got from a field staff this morning. 
"Just heard Lady Gaga sing "BOYS BOYS BOYS" and thought of you singing with Joe in the field during his physical."  I laughed as she told me how she misses Entrada.

And that is what I do for a career......