Thanks for your kind words during my pity party. Ack. I appreciate it so much. It is amazing how much it helps to put things into perspective. Lots going on here. Mother in law still real sick. Husband at the end of his rope trying to deal with aged parents. Beloved son leaving home, maybe forever. Sigh. Get a grip Nicole. This too shall pass and be replaced with a whole new set of problems. That is the thing with families, things do have their ups and downs! Take a deep breath and move on.
So, what did I do this weekend besides hold my head in my hands? Well, I sewed. To be more precise, I FINISHED. I am only showing one thing per day, so I can spread it out for blogging material this week!
I actually ended up loving this quilt, even though I agonized over it. The pattern is "Kitchen Sink" by Kim Brackett, from her wonderful book Scrap Basket Surprises. Make this quilt. You will not regret it. Definitely buy the book if you don't have it. You will be so happy that you did. It is full of terrific scrappy patterns, many of which use jelly rolls.
The fabrics I used were Morris Garden and Morris Workshop. I edited the colors very heavily, ending up using only the browns, peaches, blues and greens. And a gazillion different lights from stash. The Morris fabrics were rather challenging to work with to tell the truth. So many choices, and so many of the prints and colors ended up not getting used. From the get go, my issues with this quilt were all about the fabrics, not about the pattern in any way! The little buzz saw blocks were a complete kick to make, and since the quilt is smallish, it goes together fast.
The inner border and outer border are a stripe and a large floral made by Timeless Treasures about three years ago. I got mine eons ago at Prairie Queens, along with a backing that was on sale for a song. Even though these border fabrics are not from made by Moda to go with the Morris fabrics, they work splendidly. I am seriously chuffed with these borders. That quirky striped inner border adds a certain je nais se quois that is spot on to my eye.
The quilt does have a kinda sorta Deco feel to it, which I like. Ahren loves it and thinks Mary Ann will too. Now to have it quilted and give it to them for a housewarming gift for their first place together. I can just see it tossed over an easy chair in their "lounge".
As I write, I hear Ahren reeling off great lengths of packing tape in the background, as he packs his boxes to be shipped off to Dublin, to his new home. He is whistling and humming under his breath while he works. I think he is a mighty happy man to be finally joining his love and moving on with his future. Forgive me if I wipe away a tear or two. I am trying to deal with it in a mature fashion…. It is just way harder than I thought.
102 responses to “Families, the Good and the Bad”
Oh Nicole, I can really relate to what you’re saying – it’s a hard time and you wouldn’t be human if you weren’t feeling like this…..but as my mother (who has 2 children, neither of whom live in the same country) always says ‘the world is smaller than you think and with the phone you can always stay in touch’. She doesn’t do email or Skype but I think they make it easier too – and then of course you will have somewhere lovely to go on vacation…..and maybe they will give up on Ireland’s terrible weather and head back to California…I know I would!!
Oh Nicole, I can really relate to what you’re saying – it’s a hard time and you wouldn’t be human if you weren’t feeling like this…..but as my mother (who has 2 children, neither of whom live in the same country) always says ‘the world is smaller than you think and with the phone you can always stay in touch’. She doesn’t do email or Skype but I think they make it easier too – and then of course you will have somewhere lovely to go on vacation…..and maybe they will give up on Ireland’s terrible weather and head back to California…I know I would!!
Oops..I forgot to mention that the quilt is GORGEOUS!!
Oops..I forgot to mention that the quilt is GORGEOUS!!
I love your latest quilt, Nicole. Thanks for sharing it. It sounds like your last weeks somewhat mirror ours. We just had a funeral for my father-in-law and all the family dynamics on top of that. I too have a son that lives in another country, China. He and his wife have been there for six years and both of our grandkids were born there. It’s hard to see them so far away but when they are happy with what they are doing it makes it worth it. And the best part it is the travel opportunity. I’ve been to see them many time and now if only they would move to Ireland so I could visit another country!
I love your latest quilt, Nicole. Thanks for sharing it. It sounds like your last weeks somewhat mirror ours. We just had a funeral for my father-in-law and all the family dynamics on top of that. I too have a son that lives in another country, China. He and his wife have been there for six years and both of our grandkids were born there. It’s hard to see them so far away but when they are happy with what they are doing it makes it worth it. And the best part it is the travel opportunity. I’ve been to see them many time and now if only they would move to Ireland so I could visit another country!
Morris’ Kitchen Sink is just beautiful! Well done!! You say you made lots more progress than this completed quilt top??? Did you take to heart that saying, “When life gives you scraps, make a quilt”?! I can’t wait to see your creations!
I’ve suddenly noticed that the two UFOs I’m finishing are both pink,red,green,and cream. I gotta get out of this delightful rut.
I hear you about the pangs caused by a child leaving home. When DS1 moved out to go to college, I was suddenly profoundly grateful he wasn’t leaving in a wagon train or on a ship to be gone for a lifetime. How did mothers of the past cope with that?
Big hugs!
Morris’ Kitchen Sink is just beautiful! Well done!! You say you made lots more progress than this completed quilt top??? Did you take to heart that saying, “When life gives you scraps, make a quilt”?! I can’t wait to see your creations!
I’ve suddenly noticed that the two UFOs I’m finishing are both pink,red,green,and cream. I gotta get out of this delightful rut.
I hear you about the pangs caused by a child leaving home. When DS1 moved out to go to college, I was suddenly profoundly grateful he wasn’t leaving in a wagon train or on a ship to be gone for a lifetime. How did mothers of the past cope with that?
Big hugs!
Hi, Nicole – Here’s another great quilt! Your eye for color and pattern continue to inspire me! There is no way to prepare for this natural progression of life. If there was, we might not sign up.
Feeling your pain,
Karen L.
Hi, Nicole – Here’s another great quilt! Your eye for color and pattern continue to inspire me! There is no way to prepare for this natural progression of life. If there was, we might not sign up.
Feeling your pain,
Karen L.
I understand what you are feeling. My oldest is leaving for college in a few short months and I am dreading it. Trying not to let him know how I am feeling though. Love your quilt.
I understand what you are feeling. My oldest is leaving for college in a few short months and I am dreading it. Trying not to let him know how I am feeling though. Love your quilt.
Stunning quilt. It absolutely sizzles, and the borders really make it.
We all so much in common – aging parents, children leaving – life changes in general, yet we often hold it all in, thinking we are the only ones. I’m dealing with all this too.
Stunning quilt. It absolutely sizzles, and the borders really make it.
We all so much in common – aging parents, children leaving – life changes in general, yet we often hold it all in, thinking we are the only ones. I’m dealing with all this too.
Nicole, your quilt is gorgeous, as always!! I love, love love the striped border–it’s just great! It’s hard to put on a cheery face to wish someone well when you’re flinching at every rip of the packing tape, isn’t it? But Ahren will be happy in Ireland with Mary Ann and that’s what it’s all about. Everything will be resolved–all you can do is wait, which is difficult!
Nicole, your quilt is gorgeous, as always!! I love, love love the striped border–it’s just great! It’s hard to put on a cheery face to wish someone well when you’re flinching at every rip of the packing tape, isn’t it? But Ahren will be happy in Ireland with Mary Ann and that’s what it’s all about. Everything will be resolved–all you can do is wait, which is difficult!
Hi Nicole . . .
I love the new quilt . . . as always, great pattern, great choice of fabrics !!
I so know how you are feeling these days . . . we have 4 sons . . . 2 live here . . . the one with 2 little precious girls is in Calif . . . and the one with 2 wonderful early teen boys is in Virginia . . .
I know we are missing out on so much in their lives . . . luckily we talk with them every week and skype a lot !!
I know Calif and Virginia are still in this country . . . but they might as well not be . . . because the distance is still so great . . .
but I know they all have to make their own way . . . and mine seem so happy that how could I want anything else for them . . .
and I love love visiting both places . . . !!
and then we’re dealing with the elderly/sick parent thing too . . . daily visits to the nursing home for the last 18 months . . . some days are hard . . . some are not so hard . . . but somehow we all make it through . . .
thank God for quilting . . . !!
Hi Nicole . . .
I love the new quilt . . . as always, great pattern, great choice of fabrics !!
I so know how you are feeling these days . . . we have 4 sons . . . 2 live here . . . the one with 2 little precious girls is in Calif . . . and the one with 2 wonderful early teen boys is in Virginia . . .
I know we are missing out on so much in their lives . . . luckily we talk with them every week and skype a lot !!
I know Calif and Virginia are still in this country . . . but they might as well not be . . . because the distance is still so great . . .
but I know they all have to make their own way . . . and mine seem so happy that how could I want anything else for them . . .
and I love love visiting both places . . . !!
and then we’re dealing with the elderly/sick parent thing too . . . daily visits to the nursing home for the last 18 months . . . some days are hard . . . some are not so hard . . . but somehow we all make it through . . .
thank God for quilting . . . !!
I don’t know if you have vonage but we have and our calls to the UK don’t cost anything. I think the monthly rate is about $40. Something to consider since you will be calling that part of the world in the future. And if you haven’t been to Dublin before it is a really nice place to spend some time. Good luck with your week.
I don’t know if you have vonage but we have and our calls to the UK don’t cost anything. I think the monthly rate is about $40. Something to consider since you will be calling that part of the world in the future. And if you haven’t been to Dublin before it is a really nice place to spend some time. Good luck with your week.
The kitchen sink quilt is truly lovely. I’m sure MaryAnn and Ahren will treasure it. So sorry that life has dealt you a number of “blows” recently. My children are not yet old enough to be leaving, but it will be just a couple of more years…… and I’m dreading the feeling. Hugs to you and best wishes for all your family members through all these transitions.
The kitchen sink quilt is truly lovely. I’m sure MaryAnn and Ahren will treasure it. So sorry that life has dealt you a number of “blows” recently. My children are not yet old enough to be leaving, but it will be just a couple of more years…… and I’m dreading the feeling. Hugs to you and best wishes for all your family members through all these transitions.
You’ve done a great job of managing those pesky Morris fabrics and getting them to play well together. And your add-ons are spectacular. Bravo!
You’ve done a great job of managing those pesky Morris fabrics and getting them to play well together. And your add-ons are spectacular. Bravo!
Life is pretty interesting,we have our babies and our lives become consumed with them and their lives. They spend their whole childhoods working towards independence from us. We try to raise them to have wings and become who they are meant to be…..
Then my eldest marries a Texan, gives birth to the most adorable little man ever and they move to Texas a 23 hour drive from here. exciting for her but hard on my heart.
Now my 3rd daughter is expecting in November so far they’ll be staying here…
but still all 4 of my girls want to be independent and live their lives and my place becomes the cheerleader
Its a good thing we have our quilting and quilt friends.
I hope things get worked out for your in-laws soon….and Nicole make sure you are taking care of yourself!
I love your latest quilt 🙂
Life is pretty interesting,we have our babies and our lives become consumed with them and their lives. They spend their whole childhoods working towards independence from us. We try to raise them to have wings and become who they are meant to be…..
Then my eldest marries a Texan, gives birth to the most adorable little man ever and they move to Texas a 23 hour drive from here. exciting for her but hard on my heart.
Now my 3rd daughter is expecting in November so far they’ll be staying here…
but still all 4 of my girls want to be independent and live their lives and my place becomes the cheerleader
Its a good thing we have our quilting and quilt friends.
I hope things get worked out for your in-laws soon….and Nicole make sure you are taking care of yourself!
I love your latest quilt 🙂
Bravo, Nicole! What a fantastic quilt you have made for those two special people in your life. You are sending your love for them in this quilt. It’s gorgeous!!!
Oh my. It is sooooo hard to let our children go. I have two sons – one in New York City and one in Denver. We talk at least once a week (that’s about as much as I can get out of a boy!)and I am so grateful for that. We visit them both at least once – maybe twice a year. Skype is a good thing to get and will ease those pains you feel. I’m sure you are looking at vacation time in Dublin already!!!
Older parents are a chore at times – and frustrating. I have been caring for my Dad for four years now and it is painful to watch his decline. Support your husband as much as you can as he goes thru this. I would not be sane if it were not for my husband. Just be there for him, trying as it sometimes may be. Take care.
Bravo, Nicole! What a fantastic quilt you have made for those two special people in your life. You are sending your love for them in this quilt. It’s gorgeous!!!
Oh my. It is sooooo hard to let our children go. I have two sons – one in New York City and one in Denver. We talk at least once a week (that’s about as much as I can get out of a boy!)and I am so grateful for that. We visit them both at least once – maybe twice a year. Skype is a good thing to get and will ease those pains you feel. I’m sure you are looking at vacation time in Dublin already!!!
Older parents are a chore at times – and frustrating. I have been caring for my Dad for four years now and it is painful to watch his decline. Support your husband as much as you can as he goes thru this. I would not be sane if it were not for my husband. Just be there for him, trying as it sometimes may be. Take care.
Hi Nicole…I hear you loud and clear about family issues. We all have ups and downs and you are so right…once these pass there will inevitably be something else around the corner that we will overcome and makes us all stronger. Nothing is ever picture perfect for long. The quilt…OMG I think your kitchen sink is absolutely stunning! I love what you’ve done with that!! Gorgeous!!
Hi Nicole…I hear you loud and clear about family issues. We all have ups and downs and you are so right…once these pass there will inevitably be something else around the corner that we will overcome and makes us all stronger. Nothing is ever picture perfect for long. The quilt…OMG I think your kitchen sink is absolutely stunning! I love what you’ve done with that!! Gorgeous!!
Looks great with the borders! It is a fun design and I enjoyed making that pattern as well. We are like twins, as my quilt is going to a new home too, but only to Fresno!
Sorry to hear your MIL is still so ill. That is scary when her age is advanced. Hope things can work out so care is arranged with the least amount of distress for both in laws.
Ahren will be far away but aren’t we lucky there are things like Skype and email for instant communication. Lucky man.
Looks great with the borders! It is a fun design and I enjoyed making that pattern as well. We are like twins, as my quilt is going to a new home too, but only to Fresno!
Sorry to hear your MIL is still so ill. That is scary when her age is advanced. Hope things can work out so care is arranged with the least amount of distress for both in laws.
Ahren will be far away but aren’t we lucky there are things like Skype and email for instant communication. Lucky man.
Sending lots of hugs! You’re a good mom because you feel this way! I hope you can skype or set up some other video chat. Your quilt is beautiful! I love the Morris fabric but thought them too difficult to cut up!
Sending lots of hugs! You’re a good mom because you feel this way! I hope you can skype or set up some other video chat. Your quilt is beautiful! I love the Morris fabric but thought them too difficult to cut up!
I love that quilt, everything about it–the pattern, the colors, the fabrics, and especially the border. So sorry to hear that Ahren is moving so far away. But hey! Now you’ll have a good excuse to go to Ireland often. I’ve always wanted to go.
I love that quilt, everything about it–the pattern, the colors, the fabrics, and especially the border. So sorry to hear that Ahren is moving so far away. But hey! Now you’ll have a good excuse to go to Ireland often. I’ve always wanted to go.
Hi Nicole. You got so much good feedback about family here, there is not much else for me to say on that, except that men have a natural instinct to fix things and become very frustrated when they can’t.
Love your quilt, as always! I got to take a class this weekend from Kim Brackett! We made Island Chain. The class was fun and she is so incredibly nice. I have both the books now and am looking forward to making so many of them!
Hi Nicole. You got so much good feedback about family here, there is not much else for me to say on that, except that men have a natural instinct to fix things and become very frustrated when they can’t.
Love your quilt, as always! I got to take a class this weekend from Kim Brackett! We made Island Chain. The class was fun and she is so incredibly nice. I have both the books now and am looking forward to making so many of them!
First of all, this is one of my favorite quilts you have done. The colors are spectacular. I know how you feel about your Ahren leaving. My Aaron’s in the Navy. His current duty station is in Colorado and has been wonderful since we can visit often. His next three years are going to be far away again. I feel like I’m losing him all over again. My advise? Concentrate on the grand baby coming. Oh, and plan a trip to Scotland!! Sending you warm hugs!!!
First of all, this is one of my favorite quilts you have done. The colors are spectacular. I know how you feel about your Ahren leaving. My Aaron’s in the Navy. His current duty station is in Colorado and has been wonderful since we can visit often. His next three years are going to be far away again. I feel like I’m losing him all over again. My advise? Concentrate on the grand baby coming. Oh, and plan a trip to Scotland!! Sending you warm hugs!!!
Oh, I do understand the “tear or two” as Ahren happily packs his boxes. Not an easy time for a mom; nor for a dad, especially added to his worries about his parents. This too shall pass. Lean heavily on your faith.
Oh, I do understand the “tear or two” as Ahren happily packs his boxes. Not an easy time for a mom; nor for a dad, especially added to his worries about his parents. This too shall pass. Lean heavily on your faith.
The quilt turned out very pretty. I really like the striped inner border. It will look beautiful in Ireland. And be such a sweet reminder of “home” for Ahren.
Aging parents…*heavy sigh.* I don’t know what to add to what’s been said. Patience, perseverance, lovingkindness…they don’t mean to be the way they are. And when the end comes, you’ll be surprised at how fast it came. Just like how our children grow up.
So excited for your move to where Sara is…when is that happening? And when is baby due?
Life is full, as they say.
The quilt turned out very pretty. I really like the striped inner border. It will look beautiful in Ireland. And be such a sweet reminder of “home” for Ahren.
Aging parents…*heavy sigh.* I don’t know what to add to what’s been said. Patience, perseverance, lovingkindness…they don’t mean to be the way they are. And when the end comes, you’ll be surprised at how fast it came. Just like how our children grow up.
So excited for your move to where Sara is…when is that happening? And when is baby due?
Life is full, as they say.
Just stunning, Nicole! All your agonizing over the fabric was so worth it for your fantastic finish! You put more than a little bit of yourself into it for Ahren to take with him!
Cheers!
Just stunning, Nicole! All your agonizing over the fabric was so worth it for your fantastic finish! You put more than a little bit of yourself into it for Ahren to take with him!
Cheers!
That is amazing…. I LOVE it! That fabric is gorgeous and I would have agonized over a pattern to show it all off…… what you picked was perfect (I have that book– I’m making that quilt out of halloween scraps). Really– I’m in love! So very pretty!!! 🙂 Things are stressful in my family, too. I’ve learned something very important– sewing is an amazing form of medicine for stress and heartache 🙂 Here’s to “more medicine” in that case! My thoughts are w/ you and yours.
That is amazing…. I LOVE it! That fabric is gorgeous and I would have agonized over a pattern to show it all off…… what you picked was perfect (I have that book– I’m making that quilt out of halloween scraps). Really– I’m in love! So very pretty!!! 🙂 Things are stressful in my family, too. I’ve learned something very important– sewing is an amazing form of medicine for stress and heartache 🙂 Here’s to “more medicine” in that case! My thoughts are w/ you and yours.
Fabulous quilt…again! Mind if I copy you? Striped containment borders have become my trademark. I’m ahead of you by a few years. Cared for aging parents and my girls have left and now live close enough to see regularly. This includes my wonderful grandchildren. My cup is full again. Yours will be soon as well. New beginnings are right around the corner.
Fabulous quilt…again! Mind if I copy you? Striped containment borders have become my trademark. I’m ahead of you by a few years. Cared for aging parents and my girls have left and now live close enough to see regularly. This includes my wonderful grandchildren. My cup is full again. Yours will be soon as well. New beginnings are right around the corner.
Nicole, your new quilt is so lovely. Your children will love it, and use it up in Ireland. I marvel at the turn of events of children going home to where many of our grandparents came from in the first place. In Out of Africa, Meryl Streep says, it’s a good thing the world is round, so we won’t know what is coming next. Get’s truer every day. Your life will soon be joyously graced with a new little one, so there’s wonder ahead. If Ahren has found true love, he has found happiness and it will spill back to you from Ireland.
Nicole, your new quilt is so lovely. Your children will love it, and use it up in Ireland. I marvel at the turn of events of children going home to where many of our grandparents came from in the first place. In Out of Africa, Meryl Streep says, it’s a good thing the world is round, so we won’t know what is coming next. Get’s truer every day. Your life will soon be joyously graced with a new little one, so there’s wonder ahead. If Ahren has found true love, he has found happiness and it will spill back to you from Ireland.
Great job on this quilt – don’t you love this pattern?? It was one of my favorites and I gave it away to my sister – sigh. But she loves it! Interesting what happened when you took the red out. You do have a great eye for color!
Great job on this quilt – don’t you love this pattern?? It was one of my favorites and I gave it away to my sister – sigh. But she loves it! Interesting what happened when you took the red out. You do have a great eye for color!
**GASP**
This quilt takes my breath away…
**GASP**
This quilt takes my breath away…
Take care! Families are wondeful, but difficult at times. I’ll keep you in my thoughts and prayers!
Take care! Families are wondeful, but difficult at times. I’ll keep you in my thoughts and prayers!
Don’t forget, you have that grand daughter coming soon! That will surely distract you and start saving for the visit to Dublin. I love my sons and will be sad when they move out (first one will likely go in several weeks) but I keep telling myself it is the way life is supposed to work. He sounds happy which is what we want, right? The ailing parents are really a strain and that on top of saying goodbye to your son is tough to take. But, again, there’s that new grand daughter!
Don’t forget, you have that grand daughter coming soon! That will surely distract you and start saving for the visit to Dublin. I love my sons and will be sad when they move out (first one will likely go in several weeks) but I keep telling myself it is the way life is supposed to work. He sounds happy which is what we want, right? The ailing parents are really a strain and that on top of saying goodbye to your son is tough to take. But, again, there’s that new grand daughter!
What a great quilt! Agonizing over the fabric was certainly worth it. I understand your agony over your son moving to another country. Two of my good friends have married children living in another country–one in Japan, one in Wales. It’s tough, but with today’s technology, it’s not as tough as it once might have been. Skype is something you will want to become familiar with if you aren’t already.
This too shall pass….
What a great quilt! Agonizing over the fabric was certainly worth it. I understand your agony over your son moving to another country. Two of my good friends have married children living in another country–one in Japan, one in Wales. It’s tough, but with today’s technology, it’s not as tough as it once might have been. Skype is something you will want to become familiar with if you aren’t already.
This too shall pass….
Remind yourself that you will see them every year by traveling to Ireland!
Remind yourself how happy you were when you found love and started your new life. The alternative is way more sad.
I LOVE the quilt pattern! ;0
Remind yourself that you will see them every year by traveling to Ireland!
Remind yourself how happy you were when you found love and started your new life. The alternative is way more sad.
I LOVE the quilt pattern! ;0
beautiful job matching those borders. The quilt is lovely.
beautiful job matching those borders. The quilt is lovely.
I feel your sadness/happiness for your son. We are helping my daughter move to Vancouver, B.C. on Saturday and have to leave her there makes me sad even though I know this is what she wants. I have the same book and am waiting to make some of the patterns, in the meantime I thumbthru and think about what colors I want for which quilt. take care.
I feel your sadness/happiness for your son. We are helping my daughter move to Vancouver, B.C. on Saturday and have to leave her there makes me sad even though I know this is what she wants. I have the same book and am waiting to make some of the patterns, in the meantime I thumbthru and think about what colors I want for which quilt. take care.
Beautiful quilt! I always think of the quote ‘children, you hold them in your arms for a while and in your hearts forever’ as ours flew the nest. You’ve raised him well, now he needs to spread his wings. Its hard, but it opens a new chapter in your relationship. {{hugs}}
Beautiful quilt! I always think of the quote ‘children, you hold them in your arms for a while and in your hearts forever’ as ours flew the nest. You’ve raised him well, now he needs to spread his wings. Its hard, but it opens a new chapter in your relationship. {{hugs}}
Lovely quilt as always.
Parents are tresures and sometimes not.
I’ve already apologized to my daughter for problems that I might cause her in the future.
My huband keeps me grounded with my 97 year old mother. When I roll my eyes, he reminds me that I no longer have to drive 150 miles to get her and that I only have to walk down the hall to her room.
Practice smiling.
Hugs.
Lovely quilt as always.
Parents are tresures and sometimes not.
I’ve already apologized to my daughter for problems that I might cause her in the future.
My huband keeps me grounded with my 97 year old mother. When I roll my eyes, he reminds me that I no longer have to drive 150 miles to get her and that I only have to walk down the hall to her room.
Practice smiling.
Hugs.
Another gorgeous quilt! I will definitely look lovely in Ahren’s new place. There’s been lots of great advice and great words of wisdom so not much left to say except you make me grateful I still have my oldest at home. I always kid I’m going to have to blast him out of his room to get him to leave, but then I know I would be feeling like you are…bittersweet. New grandbaby is around the corner, and a girl!! Double yeah 🙂 2011 will definitely be a year of new beginnings and changes for you, I feel honored to be along for the ride 🙂
Another gorgeous quilt! I will definitely look lovely in Ahren’s new place. There’s been lots of great advice and great words of wisdom so not much left to say except you make me grateful I still have my oldest at home. I always kid I’m going to have to blast him out of his room to get him to leave, but then I know I would be feeling like you are…bittersweet. New grandbaby is around the corner, and a girl!! Double yeah 🙂 2011 will definitely be a year of new beginnings and changes for you, I feel honored to be along for the ride 🙂
Really a beautiful finish on your quilt – I really love this pattern. Life goes on – and so do the children – I wish you strength in sorting out the things you have control over and those you don’t. Judy C sends you her best.
Really a beautiful finish on your quilt – I really love this pattern. Life goes on – and so do the children – I wish you strength in sorting out the things you have control over and those you don’t. Judy C sends you her best.
They will always be our babies no matter how big they get. I have two boys with my last one leaving home last year. My oldest will be moving to Germany with my two grandchildren in July. So I know what your going through.
They will always be our babies no matter how big they get. I have two boys with my last one leaving home last year. My oldest will be moving to Germany with my two grandchildren in July. So I know what your going through.
The quilt is beautiful! It, and the love it was made with, will be treasured. Although you won’t see your son so much, it’s easy to be in touch, and fun to travel. And you’re gaining a lovely daughter-in-law. And your son is so happy. A mother’s lot is difficult at times. But think back to when you were leaving home, and how excited and happy you were. The world turns. You will feel sunny again soon. And in the meantime if you get lots of sewing done, all the better. Hang in there, Nicole.
Debbie R.
The quilt is beautiful! It, and the love it was made with, will be treasured. Although you won’t see your son so much, it’s easy to be in touch, and fun to travel. And you’re gaining a lovely daughter-in-law. And your son is so happy. A mother’s lot is difficult at times. But think back to when you were leaving home, and how excited and happy you were. The world turns. You will feel sunny again soon. And in the meantime if you get lots of sewing done, all the better. Hang in there, Nicole.
Debbie R.
I had a twinge when I read your tearful response to your son’s happiness. All four of my children left in the same year and although I had raised them to be independent, I was not happy that they left with such joy and didn’t look back. It took me almost a year to get over feeling left behind but I held back my words and they never knew. After the year I was able to look ahead to better and fun things that we wern’t able to do when we were responsible for our children. Now we can enjoy them as real people and watch them as the raise and say good-bye to their children. Life comes full circle.
I had a twinge when I read your tearful response to your son’s happiness. All four of my children left in the same year and although I had raised them to be independent, I was not happy that they left with such joy and didn’t look back. It took me almost a year to get over feeling left behind but I held back my words and they never knew. After the year I was able to look ahead to better and fun things that we wern’t able to do when we were responsible for our children. Now we can enjoy them as real people and watch them as the raise and say good-bye to their children. Life comes full circle.
Hi Nicole – the quilt is WONDERFUL!! Very good job on the selection of fabrics and the border is amazingly perfect. Give your husband lots of support as he struggles with his parents. It’s a tough piece of life we all have to go through. Let yourself feel the loss of your Ahren . . . just for awhile. And then you’ll be able to rejoice about your granddaughter.
Hi Nicole – the quilt is WONDERFUL!! Very good job on the selection of fabrics and the border is amazingly perfect. Give your husband lots of support as he struggles with his parents. It’s a tough piece of life we all have to go through. Let yourself feel the loss of your Ahren . . . just for awhile. And then you’ll be able to rejoice about your granddaughter.
I understand, Nicole. Hubby’s parents lived with us, mom for 18 months, dad for 8 years. Then we took care of my mom. I have a vulnerable sister we have to help out. And a son who moved to Alaska after his third year of college, and he just turned 40. In Alaska where he has made his home. He’s my heart… I miss him so much! But with the internet, cell phones, and texting we can stay close.
I understand. And I love the new quilt! Great job!
I understand, Nicole. Hubby’s parents lived with us, mom for 18 months, dad for 8 years. Then we took care of my mom. I have a vulnerable sister we have to help out. And a son who moved to Alaska after his third year of college, and he just turned 40. In Alaska where he has made his home. He’s my heart… I miss him so much! But with the internet, cell phones, and texting we can stay close.
I understand. And I love the new quilt! Great job!
It’s hard when your children move on with their life, but you’ll always be there for them…and they don’t forget that.
It’s hard when your children move on with their life, but you’ll always be there for them…and they don’t forget that.
I hear you Nicole – I hear you- perhaps we should have a good cry together. My son is moving to Charlottetown PEI in August to be with his girlfriend. He is a grown up and has to do what he has to do, but my heart hurts and my eyes tear up as I think of his move. She tried living here and did not enjoy it so they will try there. This move will take him 5000 miles from us-
Hang in there- I hope that some of life’s challenges get easier.
Sending you a big hug and a tissue or two,
Warmest regards,
Anna
I hear you Nicole – I hear you- perhaps we should have a good cry together. My son is moving to Charlottetown PEI in August to be with his girlfriend. He is a grown up and has to do what he has to do, but my heart hurts and my eyes tear up as I think of his move. She tried living here and did not enjoy it so they will try there. This move will take him 5000 miles from us-
Hang in there- I hope that some of life’s challenges get easier.
Sending you a big hug and a tissue or two,
Warmest regards,
Anna
beautiful job I love what you did
beautiful job I love what you did
I do love love love how that turned out!
I do love love love how that turned out!
I can relate to craziness! I just love your finished top! I really love how it turned out!
I can relate to craziness! I just love your finished top! I really love how it turned out!
Beautiful quilt. Love the kitchen sink pattern. It is so hard when the children grow up and move out to live their lives. Our older son lived away while in school for 7 years. We were so happy to have him back home. I do not think I could take it if my grand babies lived far away. Now they are only 30 minutes away!
I know you will miss him very much.
It is so hard to care for our parents. My inlaws are getting older and more fragile every day. They live across the street from us so my husband can. Check on them every day. I lost my parents in the early 80s. My mom lived with us for two years before she died. My boys were both under 10 years old at the time and my husband and I had busy jobs. It was a terrible time in my life but i realized then thet life goes on and we have to
let God take over.
I love your blog. Your quilts are in inspiration to me. I am self taught so I am not to good at this quilting yet. Come by my blog one day when you have time.
Beautiful quilt. Love the kitchen sink pattern. It is so hard when the children grow up and move out to live their lives. Our older son lived away while in school for 7 years. We were so happy to have him back home. I do not think I could take it if my grand babies lived far away. Now they are only 30 minutes away!
I know you will miss him very much.
It is so hard to care for our parents. My inlaws are getting older and more fragile every day. They live across the street from us so my husband can. Check on them every day. I lost my parents in the early 80s. My mom lived with us for two years before she died. My boys were both under 10 years old at the time and my husband and I had busy jobs. It was a terrible time in my life but i realized then thet life goes on and we have to
let God take over.
I love your blog. Your quilts are in inspiration to me. I am self taught so I am not to good at this quilting yet. Come by my blog one day when you have time.
My hat is off to you on this one. I think you did a great job with the colors you chose.
My hat is off to you on this one. I think you did a great job with the colors you chose.
That is *beautiful* Mom! OMG. Wow, the William Morris print fabrics are great. Mary and I love the colors too. Super! We feel so lucky.
That is *beautiful* Mom! OMG. Wow, the William Morris print fabrics are great. Mary and I love the colors too. Super! We feel so lucky.