Merry Christmas!

1965

Although I don't remember the details of my conversation with Santa, a good guess is that a baby doll, a game, and art supplies were mentioned.

Merry Christmas from all of us at Creations by Michie'!

Thankful Heart

A season of thanksgiving.  Wouldn't that be better than just one day set aside.  I am embracing a heart of thankfulness that although his health declines my husband still enjoys an afternoon drive, visits with family and friends, and loves for me just to sit with him.  We have had to adopt a quieter life this past year which has actually made us feel a bit more grounded and settled.  These life changes reminded us of how simple things were when we first married and our only goal was to be together.  We are thankful that we can both see God still working in our lives and recognize the gift He has given us in each other.

"Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise, give thanks to him and praise his name."    Psalm 100:4

Michie'

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A Few Years Back...

 

A few years back, 36 to be exact, we welcomed a 9 lb. baby boy into the world.  We were really young, but we figured it all out as we went along.  Not having a second car, and a husband who worked all day and took college classes at night, there was always more time than money.  Not long before the baby arrived my brother-in-law surprised me with a sewing machine that he had bought for $7.00 at an auction.  Yes, that is right....$7.00!  Never mind that it was about 30 years old at the time or that it only did a straight stitch, I could now make curtains and other things for the house and our new baby.  When I was desperate for a zigzag stitch or buttonholes, we visited grandma's sewing machine. 

Just a reminder that we don't have to start with the biggest or best. 

Michie' 

Mother's Day

Sweet little girls all dressed up, how proud their mother must have been.  They were the first of 10 children, 5 girls, and 5 boys.  The picture was taken in 1914 and the baby was my maternal grandmother.

Michie'

Easter

Easter 1962

Family and friends have been invited, the menu is being planned, and the house will be prepared.  And the count... 14 adults and 2 toddlers in our small house.  But isn't that what it is about?  I hope that you too will be able to celebrate our risen Lord with those you love.

Michie'

The Weekend

We have been celebrating Spring, glorious weather, and most of all God's creation by working in the garden this past week.  Typically in the south, garden refers to hoeing corn and picking beans, but doesn't "garden" sound better than "yard"?  With that being said, the garden is taking shape and I am hoping for rain.  Not so much that we need it, but I need the rest.  :)

Michie'

The Boy

 

Yes, he is still around.  A big boy now, almost 3 years old.  He loves music and likes to sing to his Nana and Grandda.  Such a good boy, he is rarely in trouble, it seems that his stuffed puppy is usually the one to blame....

 

Michie'

Merry Christmas

I'll be taking a Christmas break in order to have more time for wrapping, baking, hugging, and laughing.  Maybe a tiny bit of knitting or quilt piecing, but nothing demanding, only relaxing.  We hope you and your family have a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

Michie'

The Sunday Drive

We are staying close to home these days as Rex recovers from a mild stroke, but the weather is much too lovely to stay inside.  We have made it our goal to rediscover our area. Our roots run deep in North Alabama.  My family moved back to the area in 1972, while both sides of Rex's family have been in the same town for over 150 years.  I never get tired of the family stories that he tells on our drives. 

A Sunday afternoon drive was just what we needed to appreciate God's creation.

Michie'

Farmer's Market

Something new I noticed this summer.... our local farmer's market has become extremely popular.  Partly due to more publicity, some fun tasting events, and many of us no longer have home gardens.  I'm seeing a "Back to basics, natural, and organic" trend in our area.  The young families are also consignment and thrift store shopping like I have never seen before!  I love that some of old ways are becoming popular again and am waiting to see how it impacts the sewing industry.

Michie'

A Bit Unplugged

As readership for the blog increases so do Facebook friend requests.  I just wanted to let you know that although I do want to be your friend, I do not Facebook, so it is not personal. :)  Yes, I do have a Facebook presence, but I have not posted pictures or information in about 2 years.  I have found that the blog is as much personal information as I care to share and you can always contact me through the blog or website if needed.

So, now you are not surprised that I also do not Tweet or have a smart phone, although I love Pinterest and can spend a bit too much time there.  I find that if I am too "plugged in" that it cuts down on the creativity that I would like to think is going on in my mind.  And when I am around others I want to give them full attention and not be tempted to check on the status of the rest of the world.  Sounds a bit old fashioned, but I raised my family when there were 4 channels on TV and the internet was still new.  I find that being a little less connected is still a comfortable place for me.

Michie'

In Just One Year......

In just one year, we went from this to this.

A reminder of how fast things change and to cherish the moments we have.  :)

Michie'

Summer

What are you doing this Summer?  We are taking advantage of free concerts at the park right on the Tennessee river. And for Mother's Day/Father's Day a fence building party was held at our house.

No explanation is needed for why a fence was needed between our house and the woods.

Michie'

A Finished Project

The quilt for the newlyweds is finished.  With a goal of completion before hot weather, the desire to move on to another project, and our new lifestyle which gives me a lot of time at home, this might be a world record for a quilt.  Right now the quilt is in my guest room for the next year while the newlyweds finish up their last year overseas.  I must say that I am enjoying looking at the "fruits of my labor."

*The ironing board has nothing to do with the quilt.  It just happens to be where it came to rest while I was cooking dinner. :)

Michie'

Vacations Past

Silver Springs, Florida  1960

We probably never expect when we buy those vacation photos that are pushed on us that they will become such a family treasure 53 years later.  Rex was about 5 years old at the time and still remembers what a thrill is was to take the boat ride.  He is the little guy on the 6th row.  I would like to think that they also got a burger and shake from the stand in the background. :)

I hope you are planning some fun family memories this summer and consider buying the photo!

Michie'

Happy Birthday Big Boy

Hard to believe that our boy is two years old today!  I am often asked how long I sew for the boys.  Most importantly is the fact that this is my grandson, and not my child, so I respect what the parents want.  So although I wasn't quite ready, I quit sewing for the boy several months ago.  Fortunately, I enjoy playing cars and trucks every bit as much as I enjoy sewing!

Michie'

The Journey

We were thrilled to finally take a little road trip with very good friends last week.  The perfect day for a drive on the Natchez Trace Parkway.  A picnic happened, the Dogwood trees were still in bloom, and we stopped at all the "scenic views" listed in the brochure. The speed limit is low, the road is curvy as you go north, and although I promised we would see deer, wild turkeys were plentiful instead.

Much like our life right now, our pace is slower and we don't know what is around the next curve.  Many of you have asked lately how we are doing.  Rex's memory is a little worse and he is a little more unsteady.  We have good days and bad days.  But, he is still able to enjoy the family activities and the grand kids.  I told someone yesterday, "We don't like the journey that we are on, but we are thankful for where we are on the path."

Michie'

Are You Sewing?

Are you sewing?  I would like to say "yes", but I must be truthful.  I've been doing a whole lot of....

this,

and this,

and this.

In my quest for a well balanced life, I think I have it just about right.  :)

Michie'

Happy Easter!

Happy Easter!

Every Girl Needs A Hat

Every girl needs a hat. You know the one. Your Daddy let you pick it out yourself at Target and it was such a bargain at $1.00.  And although you can't stand anything on your head including hair bows, you love this hat because it is really you and you knew it the second you spotted it. Best of all, it goes with everything including your Christmas PJ's!

Michie'