Weekend Update

My friends, I have only been away for a week and a few days but so much has happened.  I can't possibly put all my feelings into words, just know that I had one of the happiest weeks of my life.  My daughter Kristen and baby grand Penny stayed with us before their move into their new apartment in Chicago.  The thing that I missed most, having them so far away, was all the ordinary things...watching TV, taking naps, eating meals together...time to play and pretend...learn each others jokes.  Talking, hugging...covering them up while they slept. Real time to just be together, and that's what we had.  As Doug settled up things back in Brooklyn, we girls had fun...except for the four nights sweet p. had a fever and no one got much sleep.  Still, I was there, rocking, singing, sleeping on the edge of my bed when Penny wanted to sleep with Grandma and Grandpa.  It was the best time.  Soon Sweet p was better, (then Grandma got sick) and it was time to head to the city.

How about this head of hair? She is not just a pretty face, this girl is full of love, smart, polite, friendly, kind, funny and she thinks I am a great grandma.  (She told me this while holding my face in her little hands....waaaaaa!)

She likes to talk, sing and dance.  She loves all my treasures. She wanted me, 24/7.  There were times when Grandma needed a personal moment.  It got to the point when she would ask for me and I was in the bathroom that I wouldn't reply.  Smart cookie that she is, she knocked on the door, when I didn't answer, Penny quietly sang..."Do you wanna build a snowman?"  I cried and laughed so hard! All of you who are fans of the movie Fraozen will understand.  So smart...she won't be three until May!

It is not without some sadness, leaving behind her life in New York.  This book is filled with notes from her preschool class and all the teachers.

I know just how they feel.  Now I can have tea parties, pretend ice skating, chasing and running, cuddles and hugs.  This particular party we had included Pete the Cat, Baby, and Lady and the remains of cousin Baby Bug's birthday cake.

Kris was able to keep her job and Doug is now job hunting.  Their things are still on a truck somewhere between here and there.  In the mean time they have camp chairs and inflatable beds, borrowed linens and the all important TV and Internet.  We are less than 30 miles away, and they are blocks from brother Jon and Charlotte and many good friends and family.  It is a happy time for me, but a time of change and a difficult adjustment for Mom and Dad. The change came much quicker than they had planned.  I hope that being in Chicago will be a comfort to them. It is truly a dream come true to all of us who missed them so very much. I had never imagined they would actually come back home, in fact I stopped hoping.  My dear pal Jean kept telling me, they will be back, and she was right, as always.;-)

Sunday, after a trip into the city, we left the little family to getting settled in.  We had company for dinner, Jon and Charlotte, and watched the last half of the football game. My computer was on the blink and sweet hubby cleaned some things up so I was able to post. Things are getting back to the regular routine.  The house seems quieter, but filled at the same time. Life is good, even when it's not perfect.  My family is my treasure, and I am so very grateful for each one of them.

Now back to my life...I think I remember that... sewing, crocheting, crafting, thrifting...Blogging!...getting my house back in order after the holidays...until the weekend, when I hope to build that snowman, or at least pretend to... with my girls!

Thank you friends for stopping by and enjoy this beautiful day.

Talking about my girl...MY GIRL!

Here's the sweet p's bed and some new bedding I thrifted for her.  In fact all of her bedding I found at the thrift except for the first sheet shown on the bed I actually bought at Target..Some of the toys were Kristen's when she was a baby, Honey and Freddy Bear.  The slippers were part of a pre Christmas celebration called the five days of sweet p.  Anyway, all is ready for the move of this tiny bed into babygrand's sweet new digs in Chicago.

 I just found this sheet...for $1.49.

 I love a fancy label when it's in my price range.

 I paired it with this sweet little quilt, $2.49!  Loved the colors, flowers and butterflies...

 and the back, or maybe the front is embroidered.

 Three D butterflies...

branches and flowers.  Sweet dreams sleeping under this pretty blanket.

I did a little shopping when all the Christmas stuff went to 80% off.  Remember when this used to happen much later, I found these when it was still December! Now to put it away so I can find it when I need it later this year!  That's the trick, right? ;-)

Things are going to get busy very soon, so forgive my absence. We have several things to move for our little one, including a well stocked kitchen, with everything from pots and pans to baking supplies.  She is gonna love it!   I'll be back with wonderful tales of time with my sweet daughter and darling grand daughter. Oh man, this is gonna be awesome, with a side of emotional!

Thanks so much for stopping by and for all your kind comments.  Enjoy this beautiful day.

A Little Show and Tell, Christmas Style/Beekman Style

Kristen went to the Beekman 1802 pop up store in Manhattan for my gifts!  Did you happen to watch the 24 hours of Josh and Brent as they shared their last shipping day before Christmas on YouTube?  This was the second year, so now it's a holiday tradition.  Throughout the day and night they broadcast from the Beekman 1802 flagship store in Sharon Springs, New York as they pack and ship orders from all over the world.  All of the population of Sharon Springs shows up, from the artisans to the friendly and funny neighbors.  So entertaining, I watched for hours while preparing, wrapping, cleaning and cooking.   All I can say is that I love these guys so much!  They are so kind and genuine, mad talented and funny as heck! Kris gave me the concord grape jelly, awesome PB&J sandwiches are coming right up, and this cool tin 1802 cup.  My girl knows what I like and she is also a friend of Josh and Brent.  The great success of Beekman 1802 is so deserved. Josh and Brent have changed so many lives in Sharon Springs by employing local artisans. Thank you Kris,  for supporting our boys by purchasing these cool gifts.  I love my original baby girl!

 As far as deserving, I am not deserving of all the wonderful gifts I received this Christmas. I have the sweetest and most generous family and friends.   This bowl is the prettiest green and has a matching platter!

 Books and Bowls,  French casseroles and ramekins...

A pretty reversible runner. Candles and dishtowels, pump soaps, hand lotions, gift cards, an embarrassment of riches.  How do I begin to thank everyone for their generosity and love? It's overwhelming the love I feel on a daily basis, and it overflows at the holidays.  I am so very fortunate, spoiled really!  Thanks to every one for everything big and small and for all the love and the hugs!

To rap up my Christmas posts I have to mention my dearest.  The generosity shown by my husband is nothing short of astounding.  Without thinking of himself, he made sure that every one's Christmas was amazing. From the expense of hosting the holiday for the whole family to making sure everyone got home. Shopping for our sweet p and all the kids..  Trips to the airport, picking up food and being my constant support. Working early in the morning and late at night to be available to help me in any way. He loved and supported me in all my endeavors.  I don't know what I did to deserve this guy, but I thank the Lord each and everyday that he is mine and I am his! He put the Love in our Christmas, and is so often forgotten. Mom bakes the cookies and decorates the tree, but Dad makes it all possible with his hard work!  Thank you honey.  Love you so!

Not sure I want to see the season go, but since the Three Wise Guys, as our dear friend George used to say, have arrived, it's time to move on to the next happy thought...My babygrand, in sweet home Chicago!

Thanks for stopping by and enjoy this beautiful day!

I am not done with Christmas!

 This weekend brought us the first real winter weather.  Amazing since we made it through Thanksgiving and Christmas without snow or really cold temperatures.  This is my weather!  I am a cold weather girl.  I love to hunker down and bundle up...shovel snow and feel that alive feeling that only comes with brisk cold weather.

 I have not given up on the holiday feeling.  I've left little touches here and there, though the trees are down and the decorations put away.

The setting sun on the snow, so beautiful.

 Looking at my gifts, so many and so generous.  The most special to me...this piece of coral.  Wrapped by my little bird, who is now a first grader.  The card, be still my heart, says, "Little Bird and Peney = Love" with a drawing of us.  She choose the coral because she knew I would just love it, and she was so right.
What a special girl, what a beautiful heart she has.  Love her so!

 Elizabeth gave me these orchids that are still blooming...gifts that keep the Christmas spirit going...

Every candle set the mood for a holiday I will never forget.  Having everyone home, especially our happy wanderer Mike, the memory will keep me warm for a long long while.

 To make this happy feeling linger, I am Christmas crafting in January.  A new concept, true, but sorry I just can't... Let it go!

I found this plastic silver bell and thought it would look great painted and distressed.  Looks like antique tin ceiling tile.  It still needs a ribbon of seam binding and a bit of cedar and berries...  To hang somewhere when December comes again.  (It cost a quarter, all Christmas was 75% off at the thrift)

...This little Church..saw this idea to take a regular Christmas village building...paint it white and then glitter it...

 This photo doesn't capture the magical look of it. I saw one like this in a small suitcase as a display and I  remembered it while shopping for after Christmas bargains. A vignette might just spring up...

This lantern, loved the hearts for Valentine's Day.

Another thrift store find.  

All of the decorations are ready to go into storage, but I'm not ready yet to say goodbye to that warm and loving feeling that is the essence of Christmas.  Hope that you are warm and safe and that you let the warmth and magic of Christmas stay in your heart forever.

Thanks for stopping by and enjoy this beautiful day!

Happy New Year 2015

Happy New Year, 2015.  Where's my flying car?  I got my Dick Tracy two way radio, (aka iPhone) just waiting for my flying car.  Oh well.  Today I have many hopes for the new year.  Resolutions?  No, not really.  If you hit sixty years old as I will in just a few short weeks, you hopefully have most of the kinks worked out. Not to say that I don't have improvements to make, adjustments in my life, goals and things to accomplish. Oh yes, I am a work in progress, but I am content.

I will try to be a better blogger, more consistent... ;-)  It is five years since I started At Home in English Valley.  In fact the photo above was my first header. Blogging has opened up a creative space for me, and I've loved it.   Now to take some time into improving it.  I'll work on that this year.

Having my sweet p. close by will have adventures of it's own.  Seeing things through the eyes of a two year old makes the world all new again.  All the places we've visited and traditions we've started will be so exciting with our amazing little grand daughter. Sharing things with my two daughters...well that's the coolest thing.  Kris and Charlotte are sisters already, and I look forward to spending time with the girls. Jon and Charlotte will be planning a wedding and we hope to visit Mike and Amanda often. Family is and always will be a top priority, with my dearest right there beside me. (Thanks honey!)

To all the friends I've made through blogging, thank you!  Your support and friendship mean the world to me.  Wishing you all... happiness, health, prosperity and love always!

Thanks for stopping by and enjoy this beautiful day. Happy 2015!