I love reading the posts that join the Ten Things of Thankful blog hop. I love the fact that the things that are mentioned can be deep, tug-on-your-heartstrings things, or frivolous, doesn't-really-matter-but-it-makes-me-smile things. They can be bittersweet, silver-linings things, or outright sunshiny things. No matter what the things are, the underlying attitude is one of thankfulness.
1. I'm thankful for the ease of internet shopping and the quickness of shipping. Thanks to amazon.com, I had Bubble Guppy balloons to decorate for my granddaughters' birthday party. Even if it had been a difficult search (which it wasn't), hearing my granddaughter's cute way of saying, "Bubble Guppies" would have been worth the effort.
2. I'm thankful for books. Years ago, I heard a woman say that she was the Book Grandma. Her grandkids always knew they would receive books from her for their birthdays and Christmas. I tucked that statement away, determined to become a Book Grandma when I had grandchildren. And I'm delighted that my granddaughters are developing a love of books.
3. I'm thankful for a daughter who wielded the camera so I could just be in the moment.
4. I'm thankful for safety lessons learned. My daughter blew out the candles on the cake, because youngest granddaughter was too young to figure out how to do that, and oldest granddaughter knew better than to get near a flame: "Hot! Hot! Hot!"
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5. I'm thankful for treaties and world domination, or in other words, I'm thankful for the fun of playing Risk. Youngest son is home for the Thanksgiving weekend now (which deserves it's own thankful--#6, for those counting) and wanted to play Risk. We've had that game sitting in our game cupboard since day one, but apparently had not ever played it in youngest son's lifetime. That is one l-o-n-g game, and by 11 p.m., when youngest son and I were the only two players left on the board, I was more than happy to co-rule with him and declare the game over.
7. I'm thankful for good-enough talents, and for the opportunity to use them. I'm no concert pianist, but I enjoy being able to play the piano. I also am happy when my skill level can help others. On Monday, I got a call from a woman from another ward (church congregation) in my stake (larger congregation made up of several wards). She needed an accompanist for a funeral on Wednesday. I had the piece of music she was seeking (Amazing Grace), and was able to play for her solo performance at the funeral. Though I didn't really know the deceased, it was nice to be able to help out.
8. I'm thankful for medical advances that can help cure disease. My cousin is now fighting her second bout of leukemia, and is in need of a bone marrow transplant. She is working on getting a drive going, but in the meantime, if you are between the ages of 18 and 44 (I'm so disappointed that I'm too old!), please consider joining the registry. It's a very simple, painless process to join, and you might end up being able to safe a life.
9. I'm thankful for the great worker that Willow is. She is only 11 months old, but acts much older than that when she is in vest. On Sundays, she attends a meeting before church with me, our three-hour block of Sunday services, and an hour-long choir practice. She even sleeps quietly while I play the organ during our sacrament meeting.
Lest you fear she has no fun, let me assure you that while she works hard while in vest, she plays hard at home. She's a great example of one who throws her heart into whatever it is she is doing.
10. As always, I am thankful for John. This week he even helped me quilt.
See how the quilt is in the design of open books? This Book Grandma also gives each grandchild one Book Quilt. On the back is a spot to record the titles of favorite books at various ages.
Despite our best efforts, I did not finish the quilt in time for the party. I am almost done, though, and hope to be able to give it to youngest granddaughter by Thanksgiving. We'll see. I may be just a tad bit over-optimistic. Tune in next week and see! :-)
In the meantime, tell us what you are grateful for this week. Happy Thanksgiving!
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1. I'm thankful for the ease of internet shopping and the quickness of shipping. Thanks to amazon.com, I had Bubble Guppy balloons to decorate for my granddaughters' birthday party. Even if it had been a difficult search (which it wasn't), hearing my granddaughter's cute way of saying, "Bubble Guppies" would have been worth the effort.
2. I'm thankful for books. Years ago, I heard a woman say that she was the Book Grandma. Her grandkids always knew they would receive books from her for their birthdays and Christmas. I tucked that statement away, determined to become a Book Grandma when I had grandchildren. And I'm delighted that my granddaughters are developing a love of books.
3. I'm thankful for a daughter who wielded the camera so I could just be in the moment.
4. I'm thankful for safety lessons learned. My daughter blew out the candles on the cake, because youngest granddaughter was too young to figure out how to do that, and oldest granddaughter knew better than to get near a flame: "Hot! Hot! Hot!"
5. I'm thankful for treaties and world domination, or in other words, I'm thankful for the fun of playing Risk. Youngest son is home for the Thanksgiving weekend now (which deserves it's own thankful--#6, for those counting) and wanted to play Risk. We've had that game sitting in our game cupboard since day one, but apparently had not ever played it in youngest son's lifetime. That is one l-o-n-g game, and by 11 p.m., when youngest son and I were the only two players left on the board, I was more than happy to co-rule with him and declare the game over.
7. I'm thankful for good-enough talents, and for the opportunity to use them. I'm no concert pianist, but I enjoy being able to play the piano. I also am happy when my skill level can help others. On Monday, I got a call from a woman from another ward (church congregation) in my stake (larger congregation made up of several wards). She needed an accompanist for a funeral on Wednesday. I had the piece of music she was seeking (Amazing Grace), and was able to play for her solo performance at the funeral. Though I didn't really know the deceased, it was nice to be able to help out.
8. I'm thankful for medical advances that can help cure disease. My cousin is now fighting her second bout of leukemia, and is in need of a bone marrow transplant. She is working on getting a drive going, but in the meantime, if you are between the ages of 18 and 44 (I'm so disappointed that I'm too old!), please consider joining the registry. It's a very simple, painless process to join, and you might end up being able to safe a life.
9. I'm thankful for the great worker that Willow is. She is only 11 months old, but acts much older than that when she is in vest. On Sundays, she attends a meeting before church with me, our three-hour block of Sunday services, and an hour-long choir practice. She even sleeps quietly while I play the organ during our sacrament meeting.
Lest you fear she has no fun, let me assure you that while she works hard while in vest, she plays hard at home. She's a great example of one who throws her heart into whatever it is she is doing.
10. As always, I am thankful for John. This week he even helped me quilt.
See how the quilt is in the design of open books? This Book Grandma also gives each grandchild one Book Quilt. On the back is a spot to record the titles of favorite books at various ages.
Despite our best efforts, I did not finish the quilt in time for the party. I am almost done, though, and hope to be able to give it to youngest granddaughter by Thanksgiving. We'll see. I may be just a tad bit over-optimistic. Tune in next week and see! :-)
In the meantime, tell us what you are grateful for this week. Happy Thanksgiving!
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I remember you saying you wanted to be the Book Grandma. That book quilt is fabulous!
ReplyDeleteI laughed when you talked about Risk. I can't believe you've had that game in your closet that long without playing it. We play it on vacation and the occasional pajama day. I have to say, I am glad the boys are old enough to play it without me sometimes. :)
The cutoff for marrow donation is 44??!! Wow. I did not know that. They took me off the list when I had my bloodwork done and clotting issues were found.
I think that John and I played the occasional game of Risk when we were first married, but I guess we just never returned to it after the kids were born.
DeleteI was surprised by the low age cutoff for donation, too.
Love the quilt...and so will the recipient!
ReplyDeleteI didn't realize that bone marrow transplants had such a young cut off age for donors. Too old to give, but not to old to pray.~ May@Achieving Clarity.com
Prayers are always appreciated. Thanks!
DeleteI love that you are the Book Grandma! And the quilt is such an awesome addition!
ReplyDeleteMy Mom always gave us books for Christmas - we called it "the Christmas Book" and it often had something to do with what your life was about that year. We have continued that with our daughter and so has my Mom! Books are so important and I just love that your granddaughters are learning to love them!
I am in your age frame, Kristi, but I am unable to donor because of my own health circumstances. I will pray, however, that a donor can be found. It's the best I can offer.
Risk is fantastic. The Hub and I love to play (we've even found an online version in addition to our several board versions). We play together and with friends/family. We are looking forward to when Zilla is old enough to join in!
Much fun and joy unfolds around the game table with family and friends...and conversation. I'm always amazed at what deep conversations emerge around a game.
Prayer and educating potential donors is the best I can offer now, too. The power of prayer can not be dismissed, though. Thank you!
Deleteoh my goodness that is a beautiful quilt! Happy birthday! I will spread the word about donors as well... I tend to do a personal drive periodically... so can do one now instead. Have a good week! Happy Thanksgiving!
ReplyDeleteI was so excited to find that quilt pattern, and each time I make it, I think of ways I could improve the next one. Thanks for helping spread the word. Hope you have a good week and a happy Thanksgiving, too!
DeleteWhat a fantastic way to weave comfort of a handmade quilt and reading into one present! That is awesome!
ReplyDeleteI wish I could claim credit for the idea, but I found the pattern here: http://www.make-it-do.com/tag/reading-quilt-pattern/
DeleteBeing a book Grandma is a wonderful career! No one can have too many books! I am thankful for the ease of internet shopping, too. Our microwave quit last night while warming up some leftovers. I pick up a new one at Best Buy tomorrow!
ReplyDeleteGood thing it decided to quit before Thanksgiving, giving you time to go pick up a new one without having to face Black Friday crowds!
DeleteI plan on being the book grandma. It carries on the tradition of the kids. Even when money was scarce, they would get a book along with another present. I am glad you were able to serve through music. That is a special gift.
ReplyDeleteLove the quilt. I have a few started for the kids, but not the patience to finish them. I get overwhelmed looking at it and put it away. One of these days...
I haven't attempted fancy quilting yet. I just stitch "in the ditch", which goes fairly quickly. The cutting of the fabric and the piecing of the top seems to take the most time.
DeleteThe Book Grandma! How perfect is that? I love it! Your granddaughters are just beautiful. The quilt is an amazing idea. As always, it does my heart good that you always include John in your list. Instead of just knowing it in my heart, my husband made my list this week as well. I'm 46 years old but if I was two years younger I would definitely put myself on that list for your cousin.
ReplyDeleteI hope you and your family have a wonderful Thanksgiving, Kristi!
I'm thankful I could learn from the ideas of others. (And although I think of myself as the Book Grandma, I'm pretty sure the girls really think of me as the Dog Grandma, which is OK, too.) The quilt pattern came from here: http://www.make-it-do.com/tag/reading-quilt-pattern/
DeleteI thought about you trying to get everything done in time for the party and family arriving. I hope you are able to find time for a little rest too. The quilt looks great! Yeah for John giving a hand (and his knees too) :)
ReplyDeleteLook at you, commenting now and with a photo to boot! :-) The quilt pattern I found here: http://www.make-it-do.com/tag/reading-quilt-pattern/
DeleteIf I were really on the ball (which we know I'm not), I would just make a bunch of quilt tops ahead of any future grandchildren. (No more are on the way currently--that was not an announcement.) I also think it would be fun to collect more children's book-inspired fabrics, and have each "book" represent another real book, instead of doing columns of 5 different fabrics.
Your quilt looks great.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Romi.
DeleteKristi, that quilt is amazing. I'd call that a BIG thing. I want to be the Book Grandma - can't be to soon. My grand-dog is smart, but alas, he does not read. My son is a big RISK fan. He and his buddies played for his bachelor weekend. Have a wonderful week of Thanksgiving.
ReplyDeleteThank you. I found the quilt pattern here: http://www.make-it-do.com/tag/reading-quilt-pattern/
DeleteIf you want to give a quilt along with the books, I suggest starting the quilt before a baby is even announced! (Of course, if I were smart, I would follow my own advice and not be frantically sewing at the last minute.) :-)
As a retired teacher, I must tell you that being a Book Grandma is THE best gift to give your Grands! Children who love books and reading do much better in school than one who do not.
ReplyDeleteThank you. My dad is a retired school teacher, too, and books were a huge part of our family.
DeleteYes! Ten Things of Thankful is such an uplifting hop. I enjoy reading all the posts as well. Sounds like you've had a great week! So wonderful that you can play the piano. I love the sound of one. :)
ReplyDeleteLizzi certainly came up with a great idea when she started this blog hop.
DeleteI'm so glad that you let me join in the fun; it is the blog hop that best fits my blog, that's for sure. :-)
ReplyDeleteI haven't heard of Benefactor, but we've been playing lots of other games since our son got home. We tried playing one today, but quickly realized that anyone younger than 45 probably had no hope of knowing the answers--too many references to OLD TV shows, movies, and sports figures. We put it away and got out another instead.
Oh, I've got room for improvement, but I appreciate the compliment and will keep trying to do better. (My running, in particular, has really taken a back seat this month!)
(apologize in advance for this comment being 'from out in left field'….), but when I first read this post (on Sunday but my computer was acting up and wouldn't let a comment stick) and I got to the last photo, I had a voice-over come to mind,
ReplyDelete"why John, how nice of you to help with the quilt, but….. er that shirt you're wearing, do you mind if I just 'borrow' it, I'll buy you new one tomorrow."
I'm not sure where rogers fall regarding fashion, but I'm probably responsible for the purchase of that shirt, and if I were to replace it, the replacement would look much the same. :-)
Deleterogers are, actually, the people who are in touch with fashion (current fashion)!
DeleteAlas… the humor in my mind did not make the journey into the world successfully…. I was thinking 'hey those quilt things* are in a pattern similar to John's shirt in the photo ( I own one similar, except blue is the primary color)… so where do they get those squares…. (stop me if you're laughing too much to continue reading) and so…. in a cartoon we would have seen triangular patches disappear from the back of the John's shirt to re appear as a part of the quilt. that he's. helping with?
(I did laugh in my head, but then again, that is a curious place to begin with)
* whatever the technical term for the things that are sewn together to create a quilt is (quiltrinos… quiltettes?)
Aha! The light bulb goes on! Thank you for clarifying. That is a funny comment. Please forgive my somewhat defensive confusion. The way I was reading it didn't really fit with your typical comments, so I was definitely puzzled. Now that I understand, I'll have to look in the closet--I'm sure I could find more quilting fabric! :-)
DeleteHi Kristi! Aren't grandchildren just the BEST? I am going to see two of mine for Thanksgiving. What a sweetie your husband is to help you with your quilting! And he looks like a loving grandparent too. Ahhh, so many gifts to be thankful for.
ReplyDeleteHave a wonderful holiday :)
Ceil
He's a great dad, and a terrific grandpa, too. Have fun with your grandchildren!
DeleteSo many things to be thankful for. You are so blessed. Happy Thanksgiving!
ReplyDeleteHappy Thanksgiving to you, too!
Delete.... and now I love John even more!!! He helps you sandwich a quilt?!!! Oh my dear, what a most terrific man he is for sure!
ReplyDeleteMy heart melts with ever picture of your grand-babies. How wonderful you make them a book-quilt and give them books. I'm doing the same with all the children in our lifes, with mixed results though....
You're such a wealthy woman, Kristi. Have a wonderful Thanksgiving with all your loved ones surrounding you. Big Hugs xxx
I can't imagine your gifts of quilts and books not being well-received. You do beautiful work!
DeleteThank you. Part of the Thanksgiving crowd arrived today; tomorrow, the rest should show up. Looking forward to the day. :-)