Quilting? Me? Not!

In  November 2018 we sang in Vancouver, Washington at St. Johns.  It was Quilt Sunday and these photos do not come close to capturing the warmth and beauty.  At one point in the service, everyone touched the quilt nearest them and prayed that it would bring warmth and joy to whoever would receive it.  Some quilts went to Lutheran World Relief, some to homeless shelters, and some to other smaller missions of the church.  
I have friends who are quilters and I find their gifts inspiring!  It is with a joyful heart they have shared quilts with me, and as the recipient of such a gift, I know a little of the joy a quilt can bring.
Lord Bless the hands who labored over these wonderful scraps of fabric to bring about such beauty and blessing to others.  

We have visited many churches with an active group of women who intentionally use their gifts to bring joy to others. Thank you from those of us who can't or do not quilt.

Only in Wisconsin

I am not going to lie, it was really fun.  Following the outdoor service at church, there was a potluck and Bloody Mary bar!  So, here I am saluting my hubby as he laughs at me and sings.  I think Thrivent has nailed the "live generously," slogan at this event. 

Yes, you could also have a beer with condiments. Not everyone feels comfortable with any kind of alcohol at church, save for communion. I find that I did not have a problem and I LOVED sharing the experience with others just to gauge their reaction. :) Ahhh Lutherans.

Well done ladies.

The condiment table for dressing your bloody mary.  

Roswell, New Mexico

We camped at Bottomless Lake State Park, just outside of Roswell, New Mexico, for a week. The bridge making the trip to town about 6 miles had washed out in heavy rains the week before; the trip to town was 36 miles, needless to say, we stocked up and did not make the trip as often as we would have liked.  

This little alien showed up at the lakeshore, I am counting it - alien.

All over town the signage when gracefully possible (or not) had an alien motif. Please note the lamp post. :)

Driving around the park we spotted an alien, but upon closer inspection, it was a dead bug on the windshield. :( 

Helen Horn

Yesterday, early in the morning, my grandma was freed from her earthly body - no more suffering. She had Alzheimer’s and was trapped in her body for years. I will always remember her as a kind, loving, God fearing and best grandma a person could ask for. ~ Juli Lattner

Grandma died on December 10, 2018.  She is the person who taught me how to be a grandma.  She was vibrant and kind. As a daughter-in-law, you hear comments about their difficult or hard mother-in-law, but not in this case.  As Juli said we really lost her to Alzheimer's about 13 years ago.  She left us by inches and it was hard. Thankfully, the Lord gives us memories that happily trigger all the good stuff, and there was a lot of good stuff! Baking, a game of cards, gardening, walking, shopping, playing, sewing for everyone, workday break with a can of Coke, painting, ceramics, church, travel, she was a busy gal.  Grandma loved to crochet, she patiently passed that creative skill along to my daughter who has turned out some pretty fabulous stuff including a blanket she crocheted for her grandma. :)  Grandma allowed me the opportunity to be who I was without "fixing" it.  I have yet to get that one down.  She was not perfect by any means, but she was always ready, willing and present. There are so many people who loved her dearly. 

It has taken nearly a year to get is posted, but she is worth the wait. 

Daughter in law, Jane and her son Benjamin

Some of the grandkids.

Cherries in the Snow a staple of ALL family gatherings. YUM