February and Grandbabies

My February was a very special month spending almost four weeks down south with Sarah and her family. My newest grandson was born on Feb. 13th and I had forgotten how much energy is needed to care for three little ones. I kept trying to remember what it was like when my oldest three were that age and I can't. I am so glad I got to spend so much time with the kids and to get to know them better. There are a lot of challenges to being a long distance Nana.      
               So here is a picture overview:)

Making Valentine cards for Mommy

Outside the hospital room.

Meeting our new little guy.

Kate stirring the playdoh.

Playdoh fun.

I made some felted bowls to match my granddaughter's room in all my spare time:)

Our Daughter Martha

A breath-taking view.

 Our daughter Martha is in Mexico for a year working with a ministry that helps churches build homes for local families.

http://marthakeese.blogspot.com/

We enjoyed our time with Martha during our family Christmas celebration. Our prayers are with her as she seeks God's guidance for her future in missions work.

Merry Christmas!

Joy to the World, the Lord is come!

Making Wet Felt Coasters

Dyeing the wool.

I am getting so I really enjoy making these coasters. Color combos will pop into my head and I can't wait to make them into something. The red and brown ended up reminding me of chocolate covered cherries.

Off to cut them. I hope someday to use the scraps for ATC's.

Our trip to California

Finally made a trip to visit my Mom in California with an added bonus of also visiting Martha who is down in Mexico with Caravans Ministry. It was just Katelin and I - we left the guys at home, Theodore finishing up his semester and John was working. 

My Mom just before her Christmas Luncheon on Friday.

She had everything beautifully decorated.

A highlight of our visit was a trip to Christmas Around the World
in downtown Bakersfield.

Just a few of the over 600 Nutcrackers

There were 40 countries represented with Christmas trees
decorated with traditional ornaments.

A fast overnight trip to San Diego to see Martha.

This was an unexpected sight. We took a little detour and walked around near
the museum for the Midway Aircraft Carrier.

Bob Hope entertaining the troops.

Kate is enthusiastic.

Lunch with Martha just before we said goodbye.

Back in Bakersfield - I had promised Kate a trip to Sweet Surrender for
some cupcakes. Fun store.

Another accomplishment was finding a new 'old' couch for Mom.
This was just so unexpected to find just about exactly what she
wanted and to find it so quickly and at the right price too!
It looks perfect in her home.

One project done and another to begin...

I just finished making my first ever felt birthday crown. This is for my grandson Kaden who loves everything about cars. He will be having his third birthday this month and I am feeling a little pleased that I got it done in time. I then realized to be fair maybe I should do one for all my grandkids. Do you think a little seven year old boy and a nine year old girl would like a birthday crown? Hmmm! I may be doing a lot of crowns in 2012.

But first I need to work on a baby blanket for our new grandson. I loved the colors and cuddly softness of this yarn and it made me think it would be perfect for a Teddy Bear Blanket. I found a pattern at Michael's that I thought I will try.

Christmas Decorating-Done!

Love it when the tree is up and everything is in order. 

Each ornament has a special memory.