Keep Smiling

Keep Smiling

Tuesday, March 21, 2017

Welcome Spring!


We were blessed 11 years ago on 
 "The 1st Day Of Spring"
with the birth of our first granddaughter.

This year I made her this quilt . . .


and matching pillow case:)


 She is the sweetest little girl
and brings so much joy into 
our lives. 


She loves bicycling,


rollerblading,


reading,


and soccer, among other things,
like camping, swimming, kayaking, climbing trees, and gardening.

She is one of those kids that never stands still, LOL.

   
I think that I nailed her gift pretty well . . .
They live 12 hours away,
so this is how I send her a 
Birthday Hug:)
I just got off the phone with her,
She loves it.
 

That's my post for today . . .
I hope that you are all enjoying a beautiful
Spring Day!

Keep Smiling!
Your blogging sister,
Connie :)  

62 comments:

  1. We are driving to Sacramento on Thursday to take furniture to our daughter for their new home. While Jake is at work, Steve will paint the pieces of furniture we art taking them and Kendra and I will go shopping to find just the right fabrics for a nautical themed quilt for the nursery. I have waited a long time to be able to have a grandchild for whom I could make a special quilt.

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    1. Congratulations! Being grandparents is wonderful. I was 60 before our first grandchild came . . . I was beginning to think it would never happen. I'm very happy for you :)

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  2. She is going to love that quilt, forever! What a special Grandma you are! I would love to have a keepsake like that from my grandparents. I'm so happy spring has finally arrived! we had storms here all day, but better than snow!!! Happy Spring!!!
    Cindy

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    1. She phoned last night and told me how much she loves her birthday quilt :) We have been getting rain and fog, not our normal desert spring, but then we didn't have a normal winter either. I'm looking forward to seeing the sun shine more than once a week, LOL. At least our snow is all gone, too, and for that I am very grateful.

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  3. Hello again Connie , Thankyou for your kind comment..oops ...I thought I had clicked the follow button...any way now I have also found your Strumming and singing blog..which is wonderful and so refreshingly different ! I haven't played my guitar ( badly ...lol ! ) for a very long time and now you've made me want to pick it up again ! Joy to you ! :) x

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    1. Hi Daisy, I am delighted that I could inspire you to pick up your guitar again. If you lived closer we could start our own little two woman band. I love playing at nursing homes and such, it's a great way to spread cheer:) Thank you for following my blog, I truly appreciate it.

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  4. No better feeling than creating the "perfect" quilt!! I'm sure your grand-daughter will cherish it for years to come!

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    1. Hi Valerie you are so sweet. I have never made a "perfect" quilt, but those who love them never look that close, LOL.

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  5. Isn't that the sweetest!?! Who wouldn't love that with the matching case.....even as old as I am! LOL! I finally got some sewing in last week....a project bag and some mending. I told myself I had to mend some things too as I have a pile of that. You must have one of those embroidery machines? So cute how you were able to put her favorite activities in the squares. I have some cutting to do today for my quilt. My grands are about the same number of hours away. I hope she had a wonderful birthday! You have a great week too!

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    1. Good Morning and thanks so much for visiting. She called last night after opening it and she loves it :) I do have an embroidery machine and so I like incorporating embroidery into my quilts. I'm happy that you had time to sew a bit. I went years, back when I was working, that the only time I used my machine was for mending, so I know how that goes. Have a sweet day and thanks again for stopping by:)

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  6. How pretty. I never though much about how a quilt could have such personality and match the one that receives it. You are so talented! Happy Spring and thank you so much for the prayers, girlfriend. Hugs, Diane

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    1. Hello Diane, I do hope that everything is going well. You're a sweet heart and thank you for your kind words, she opened it last night and called . . . she loved it.

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  7. So sweet. A perfect gift for your sweet granddaughter. Happy Birthday wishes for her.
    xx Beca

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    1. Hi Beca, long time no see . . . it is great to have you stop by. She called last night and she loves her quilt :)

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  8. Good evening Connie, your granddaughter sounds like a wonderful girl, full of energy and fun. She will love the quilt you have made for her birthday and it will be treasured by her as when she becomes a young woman the quilt will remind her of all the things she did as a child and of course that her grandmother loved her very much.
    Best Wishes to you.
    Daphne

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  9. That is a GORGEOUS gift and obviously very well thought out and personalized. She willl feel your arms around her everytime she uses it. What a wonderful gift you have given her. A gift made with a Grandma's love.
    Blessings,
    Betsy

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    1. When she called last night to thank me, she says that she wrapped up in it and it even smelled like me, I said that I hope that was a good thing, LOL. It's a lovely way to hug someone you love each night when they tuck into bed, even if there are many mile between you :)

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  10. You make the nicest and prettiest quilts. Great job.

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    1. Thank you so much, I appreciate hearing that . . . I'm no expert quilter, but I try :)

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  11. What a lovely quilt for a lovely sounding girl! I'm so glad she appreciated it so much! I don't have grandkids and I don't know either if it will ever happen... so sad, as I see what joy grandchildren can bring. I love the embroidered girls with matching activities of your granddaughter. She will cherish the quilt for years and years! I'm glad your snow has melted. Ours too, but so many gray days and not much sunshine. I'm so looking forward to seeing some flowers! Have a good week! Marilyn

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    1. Hi Marilyn, it is cloudy, rainy, foggy and grey here too, but about every seven days we see the sun for a while. The best thing is, it's better than snow and it feels so good to not have to worry about slipping on the ice. I have peppers and tomatoes started in my mudroom and as soon as the weather warms up, I will move them to the potting shed for a month or so before planting. Spring may not be ready for me, but I'm ready for it, LOL.

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    2. That is adorable........I love the color combination........and the embroidery is so personal ! Great job, Connie !

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  12. What a great gift. A happy birthday to her

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  13. No wonder she loved the quilt. It is perfect. I did smile at your reply to Betsy that your GD said it even smelled like you.

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    1. She's a sweetie pie. I can't wait to see them again.

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  14. Oh Connie, what a delightful gift for your beloved granddaughter - not surprised she loved it! I love how you've depicted all her favourite activities. It's a beautiful quilt. Thank you for visiting my blog - yes, it's great to be feeling well enough again to do some art, but we are quite worried about the damp in the kitchen - the damp expert is coming to assess it tomorrow and we should know more after that. Also about poor little Phoebe... She ate some supper so we are hoping the vet is wrong!

    Shoshi x

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    1. Hi Shoshi, thanks for stopping by to say , hi. I imagine with all the rain you have that dampness is a problem, but that is why your country is so gorgeous and filled with beautiful woodlands and flowers.

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    2. Thank you, Connie, and for your visit to my blog, too. I agree with you that home ownership has its pitfalls! The damp expert has seen it and agrees it's serious and needs dealing with asap. I've just had his estimate and it's as we expected, but it could end up being a lot more expensive, depending on how far it has spread. He won't know till he takes the floor up. We do live in a particularly damp region of the country, but if a house is in good order, this shouldn't be a problem. We think this problem may have arisen some time ago. It's an old house, and when we moved we had to have a new roof because the old one was in a very bad state and water may have come down the chimney breast and settled under the kitchen cupboard. If this is the case, the insurance won't pay for it, but if he finds that it is a leaking pipe, they will. Strange system! Anyway, fortunately we have a contingency fund but this job will most likely clean it out... At least we'll have peace of mind at the end of it and I'll get my new cupboard. Phoebe seems a lot better and is eating well, and my hubby is going to take her back to the vet after the weekend to see if they can still feel anything.

      Troubles never come singly, do they! At least I am now well and truly over my recent surgery, so I'm not having to deal with major repairs to the house while feeling so poorly.

      Shoshi x

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  15. That is the perfect little girl's quilt. Bet she will always love and appreciate it. It's spring!!! :)

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    1. It is Spring! We have been having rainy, cloudy and foggy days, but this morning the sun is shining, so I'm headed outside to do a little work on the fence and garden. We don't plant until mid May, but it takes time getting things ready as you know.

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  16. That quilt is precious with pictures of all the things she likes to do! I think she must take after you if she is never still a moment! Pretty pillow case too. She will be tickled pink to receive them from her Grandma. A treasure for the rest of her life. Are you enjoying spring? Nancy

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    1. Hi Nancy, she does love her quilt, she called me right after she opened it:) Spring is here, our weather is much colder than last year at this time, but today we are having sunshine and that makes me smile and want to get outside. So that's where you'll find me today . . . out enjoying the fresh spring air :)

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  17. Awww...she is going to love that quilt! My granddaughter loves the ones I have made for her!

    Grace & Peace,
    Pam

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    1. She telephoned right after opening it to thanks me . . . she loves it:) We are having a sunny day, so it actually feels like spring today . . . I'm heading out to working in the yard. I do love Spring!

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  18. Connie, that is the sweetest birthday gift! You are so creative and I love all of the colors that you used. Your granddaughter sounds like a lovely and active young lady.

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    1. Oh, she is a sweetie pie and she loves her gift. Quilts are such a sweet way to hug someone from miles away :)

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  19. That's a lovely quilt and so nicely personalised.
    Thank you for your visit to my blog, nice to meet you.

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    1. Hello and welcome to my blog. I love making new blogging friends. There is so much that we can learn from each other and the world becomes much smaller and personal as we realize that women the world over are doing their part to make life beautiful for the ones they love. I'm proud to be a nurturer :)

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  20. Happy Birthday to your precious granddaughter! I know she will cherish this gift for a lifetime! It is so beautiful! I love the colors you chose and how you personalized it just for her. You are such a thoughtful grandma. Hope you had a lovely day!

    Hugs, Vicky

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  21. What a lucky girl your granddaughter is to have such a talented grandma! I love the quilt and pillowcase you made for her. Such gifts will be treasured forever.

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  22. Oh Connie that is just the cutest ever, I am sure she is going to cherish this for always and so special that you included all those activities that she loves to do into the quilt!!

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    1. Hi Connie, it was fun to make . . . I think anytime you make something with someone special in mind, it is an enjoyable process:)

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  23. Hello, congrats on your new granddaughter. The quilt is lovely, it will be a beautiful gift! Happy Friday, enjoy your day and the weekend ahead!

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  24. Such a special gift that I am sure your granddaughter will treasure forever. So lovely that spring is here and the promise of warmer weather is just around the corner xxx

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    1. Fran, I am so ready for Spring this year. We had the coldest, longest winter that I can never remember having in our area. The sun is shining today and I'm heading outside for some spring clean-up work :)

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  25. Oh, my word! This is just precious, Connie! I'm not at all surprised that she loves it. It's a priceless gift thoughtfully created by a loving grandmother. Wonderful, my friend. Hugs, Nancy

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    1. She is a sweet girl, just wish they didn't live so far away.

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  26. Hi Connie, This is so sweet. Your granddaughter is so lucky to get one of your one-of-a-kind handmade quilts and you are lucky to have such a sweet granddaughter! Your quilt is just wonderful. Thanks, as always, for sharing. Hope you have a fine week ahead! Thank you for your kind words on my blog!

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    1. Good Morning John, here's to the bluest skies you've ever seen in Seattle and a lovely day to explore your fare city. Thanks you for your kind and encouraging words; she loved her quilt :)

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  27. Thank you so much for dropping in and letting me know of your blogs, I just love them! The quilt is such a special gift. I have just started to turn my interest to quilts and just love them.

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    1. Good Morning Nonie, The quilting bug bit me around four years ago and I haven't stopped. They are so nice for making our home feel cozy and warm and they make the very best gifts of all :) Have fun with your quilting adventures and have a lovely week.

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  28. Hello Connie
    That quilt is so lovely, I love how you've bought all the activities she likes into it.
    Great design.

    Enjoy the remainder of March and Happy Spring!

    All the best Jan

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    1. Good Morning Jan, We had a major carb spasm this weekend . . . but yesterday we got back on tract. Our weather is turning warm, lots of rain, but when the sun shines this girl is outside. It feel so wonderful being in the fresh air with the sun on my back . . . and doing a little garden and yard prep work. I hope that you have time to get out and enjoy it, too :)

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  29. What a wonderful quilt, so personalized. I know that it will always be something very special that your granddaughter will treasure her entire life.

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    1. Thank you sweetie, she loves it and if she loves it to death, I'll just make her another . . . for as long as the good Lord allows me to do this. Hopefully my good health will continue for years, like my mother's did . . . but when I look at friends with failing health issues I have to stop and count my blessings. Here's wishing you a marvelous day . . . enjoy! Thanks so much for stopping by and for your sweet words of encouragement :)

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  30. Your quilt and matching pillowcase is such a beautiful gift to your granddaughter. Of course, God's gift of a first grandchild on the first day of spring is a beautiful gift in itself! Happy (belated) birthday to your sweetie!

    Thanks for your visit to Thinking About Home. :)

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    1. Hi Cheryl., thanks so much for stopping by and for your sweet words :) Have a lovely day!

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  31. The quilt is wondeful! Congratulations on your granddaughter's birthday!

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