There is a First Time for Everything

Don has been sick for the past week and used all of his willpower to keep from holding Ava. Today he finally got to hold her. Of course she loved being held on his broad shoulder just like all girls babies do.

My New Sewing Room

I still have to have Cippy build some shelves. I need  blinds and curtains but other than that it is finished.  I might even do some sewing this weekend.  Thought I should take a picture before I start to create and thus make a mess!

Family of Five...Jackson's Five

Maybe their first family portrait....look at all those smiles!

Little Ava

Such a little sweetie!

Chalkboard Rocks Say Boo!

I saw these chalkboard rocks at Pottery Barn and decided to make my own.  What better time than October?

Giving Grandma Love

I got to hold Ava this afternoon. Oh what good medicine that was for my heart! Notice who is also VERY close in the picture.

Proud Papaw

Here is Papaw seeing his new granddaughter for the first time.

Big Brother and Big Sister

Two sweet kids waiting for Ava.

Ava's Birthday

What a wonderful day for the Shoemaker family that lives on Williams Road! Baby Ava made her debut at 10:25 this morning.
Her mom did a great job! Her dad is beaming from ear to ear. Proud grandparents are blowing up their cell phones with the news.

While we were waiting for Ava to be born, Bradley said "I remember the day that Leslie was born. Great Gandma was with me. I miss her." Oh that boy can bring tears to my eyes! Yes we miss her but she is smiling from heaven over the latest of her "dividends."

Going back up to the hospital later so we can all hold her. She was doing some skin on skin with mommie when we left.

New Entry

Well.... one room is complete.  The entry way looks great! I wish we had done this years ago.

Fall Colors Couscous Salad

I needed a quick, easy lunch this weekend while working on the finishing touches in the "new rooms." I didn't want to go to the grocery store so I visited my pantry and had this salad ready in less than 15 minutes.

1 fresh tomato, chopped
1 can whole kernel corn, drained
1 can canellini beans, drained
2 servings cooked couscous
1/4 cup sun dried tomato dressing
salt and peper to taste

I think it would be good with black beans and cilantro.

Wrinkles,Sprinkles and Frinkles?

One day this week I was working with a group of  four kindergarteners.  Here is how the conversation went. "What are those things on your face?  Are you old?"  Me, "They are wrinkles and yes I am old."  Another student chimed in, "You are old like my Granny.  She is 35."  "Yes I'm old just like your granny."  "My Granny has frinkles on her face."  Another child said " I like frinkles too.  I had frinkles on my birthday cake!"  Me,  "Were the frinkles pretty?" "Yes...your frinkles are pretty too Mrs. Williams."  Gotta love 5 year olds!!!!

Sunset of a Life

Goodbye old friend.

Owl Cookies

Check out the adorable owl cookies at Oopsey Daisy.  I'm going to try them!
http://oopsey-daisy.blogspot.com/2010/09/owl-cookies.html

It is almost done!!!!

Cippy is here today putting down the wood flooring in the new rooms. I am SO excited! Don and I have worked the last three weekends with painting, sanding, caulking. Don has been trying to get this finished before my birthday (really before hunting season.)
I can hardly wait until it is all done and I can put the house back together (really get back to sewing.) See... people ARE motivated by the things they like to do!!!!