And, The Winner's Are....

I had two very special little helper's who were excited to
select the winners for the Give Away.  Each day's names were
written on a slip of paper and then Ian and Kohler each
drew out a name.

However, on the 7th day we selected
the one person who commented but hadn't won and then
tossed all the names of others who had not won and drew
one more name.

Thank you all so much for helping me find homes for this
fabric.  It is wonderful to see shelves emptying and bolts
becoming smaller.  I hope you can find something fun to
do with it.
 
The Winners:

Day 1:
Barb: http://bejeweledquilts.blogspot.com
Fiona: http://bubzrugz.blogspot.com

Day 2:
Winona:  http://catloverandquiltmaker.blogspot.com
http://happycottagequilter.blogspot.com

Day 3:
Terry:  http://terrytreasures.blogspot.com
Mary Grace:  http://www.hookedonneedles.com

Day 4:
Shelley: email address only
Rosa:  http://moramargaritaster.blogspot.com

Day 5:
Barb:  http://sweetheartsinlife.blogspot.com
Karen:  http://kaholly.blogspot.com

Day 6:
Tudy:  http://tudyscraftcupboard.blogspot.com
www.retdairyqueen.blogspot.com

Day 7:  
I just email addresses for these two.
 Kathy H
 Mimi

If you will each send me your mailing addresses I will get
these in the mail to you.

Thanks again,
Nola

The Simple Woman's Daybook

Before I do my daybook entry, let my just say thanks to
each of you who participated in my Christmas fabric giveaway.
I loved reading your comments and appreciate your
sharing.  Winners will be posted tomorrow.  I have two
special "helper's" who will be drawing each day's lucky winners.











 FOR TODAY...Wednesday, October 27, 2010

Outside my window... It is partly cloudy and cold. (Come
on Mr. Sun, don't be shy)  Temperature
is about 40 F.  The roads are still slightly damp from  this
morning's storm.

I am thinking...That I'm going to have to break down and
dig out my winter clothing.  Today definitely calls for long
sleeves.


I am thankful for...  A warm house, a car that runs me
around, that there is always enough to eat, and for good
health.
 
I am pondering..."If you woke up today and you were
breathing, God's greatest purpose for your life is still
ahead." 

From the kitchen...Nothing  much going on out there.
Perhaps this afternoon a little salsa if my tomatoes I
brought in from the garden a while back are ripe enough.

I am wearing...Levi's, white t-shirt and blue checked
blouse and socks.

I am creating...  Nothing really.  Just trying to complete
binding on my quilt and Sunbonnet Sue.

I am going...  To a birthday lunch with some neighbors in an
hour.  We are celebrating a friends birthday.  She just had
double knee surgery and another friend going with us had
single knee surgery a week later.  So, this is also a celebration
for them and getting back on their feet.

I am reading...  Karen Kingsbury's "Between Sunday's"

I am hoping...  That our storms will soon be over and
we can "warm" up to the 60's.  It's too early to stay
this cold.

I am hearing... Pandora radio.
 
Around the house...  Same old, same old.

One of my favorite things...  Warm fuzzy house slippers.
Guess I won't be going barefoot much longer.

A few plans for the rest of the week:
Lunch today
Halloween mystery dinner and party Friday at my
daughter's
Trick or Treating Saturday evening
Church on Sunday

Here is picture for thought I am sharing..
This is what I woke to Monday morning.  Had to grab
my camera and snap a picture as I walked. 

Make it a good day.
Nola

What's that white stuff outside my window?

It's too early for snow!  But, that's what I saw when I looked out
my window bright and early this morning.  Snuck out to see what
the temperature was...32 F...and rushed back to the warmth of
my bed...after I turned up the heat.

The snow is mostly gone from the lawn now, but still lingers on
the roof tops.  Certainly made for a quick and brisk walk.  As
I walked this morning my thoughts were drawn to this being the
last day of the Christmas fabric give away and what I could
do for the last question.

Memories of Christmas seemed to pop into my mind.  I
thought of when my sister and I were little and how we would
drink lots of water so we would have to keep getting up to
go to the bathroom allowing us to see if Santa had come yet.
And of course, each time we got up we had to drink more water.

Then I thought about how we always lined up on Christmas
morning from youngest to oldest with our children to head
out to the living room to open presents.  Memories of the
children's excitement flooded my mind and I could see the
wrapping paper flying off their gifts.

Memories of making cookies for Santa on Christmas Eve
brought a smile to my face especially as my children now
make cookies on Christmas Eve to leave for Santa.  And,
of course I couldn't leave out "Santa Mouse".  Once we
read that story and it became a favorite year after year,
a piece of cheese was always placed on a branch of our tree
and the next morning their was always a little gift left for them
where the cheese had been.

Sweet memories of our children acting out the nativity is
an especially choice memory.  Having grandparents with
us and participating was wonderful.  This is a memory
the kids talk about with great fondness.  Especially now
their grandparents are gone.

I'm sure each of us have a special memory of Christmas
either as a young child or with our family now.

So, today's  question:  What special memory do you
have of Christmas?

Thanks for sharing this past week.  It has been fun to
read your responses.  Many have brought forgotten
memories to my mind. 

Hope it's warm wherever you are...
Nola

Santa's Helpers...Day 6

My father was a building contractor by trade with his own business.
But for a couple of months each year he and my mother became
Santa's helpers or Elves.

They would spend evenings and any spare time they had secluded
in Dad's workshop creating toys to help Santa...doll cupboards,
cradles, doll swings, high chairs, rocking horses, small tables and
chairs and more.

Mother would sand and paint each item.  Left
over wood from his construction business would be cut into blocks.
That was one of his most popular requests.

We never knew who had placed an order or when they were picked
up or delivered...only that with Santa's busy schedule he needed
their help.

My sister and I spent many happy childhood hours playing with
our blocks, doll furniture or playing at our little table.  Today
our children and grandchildren now enjoy playing with many of
these heirlooms.

Today's question for the Give Away is:  Do you recall a
favorite toy Santa left you as a child?

Hope you have fond memories of that special Christmas toy.

Nola

Brrrr....It's Cold

I can't believe how chilly it has become.  We've had light rain off and
on since yesterday and temperatures are in the low 50's.  Quite a
drastic change from what we have been having.  I'm sure that when
the clouds lift, we'll see snow on the tops of the mountains.  I am so
not ready for cold, snowy weather.  But, then it always seems like
the weather changes around Halloween.  Time to get out the hot
chocolate!

Today's post will be short as we are involved in some family
activities.

The questions for today: What is your favorite Christmas Song?

I have several and it seems to change from year to year.
But, my all-time favorite is "I Heard The Bells on Christmas
Day".  Also, love El Divo's version of "O Holy Night" and
then there are the childhood favorites, "Rudolph, the Red-
Nosed Reindeer" and "Santa Claus is Coming to Town.'

Oh dear, I could go on and on.  Needless to say I love
Christmas music.  Perhaps because we only get to hear
it for such a short time.


Have a wonderful, peaceful Sunday.
Nola

I Love Treats!

I love "treat"s...whether they be edible or non-edible!  I love
almost any treat unless it's one I indulge in late at night and
then it keeps me awake half the night!

It was a "treat" for me to observe my grandchildren paint their
pumpkins Thursday evening and see their creativity at work.














I don't know who had more fun...them painting or us adults
watching.  All I know was it was a "treat" to laugh and
giggle with them.

As we finished up the evening each got a special little
Halloween "treat" bag filled with candy and a couple of
toys.

  We had so much fun.  I love these kinds of treats!

During the day yesterday I decided to "treat" myself to
a new project after cleaning house.  Found this Sunbonnet
Sue pattern among my Christmas things and decided to
make her from my 80's fabrics.

Today I will try and get her appliqued and finish the block.
It  will be a small wall hanging.  Guess it's about time I
did her as the magazine was from 1997.

It seems that from Halloween to Christmas we are
inundated with treats...Ghostly treats left on the door step,
treats shared by friends and neighbors clear up until
Christmas, treats of all kinds shared at work, etc.

Even we find ourselves making our share of treats to
give to others.  One of my favorite treats is our
homemade truffles and cherry chocolates.  Yum!
Makes my mouth water just thinking about them.

So today's question is..."What is your favorite treat?"

Hope you "treat" yourself  to something wonderful
today.

Nola

Oh, and before I forget Micki over at"Irish Muses"
is giving away a "Go".   (sorry, I'm having to hand
enter who blog site.  For some reason there is a
problem.  (thedote.blogspot.com)

Sharing and...

It's day 3 of the Christmas Fabric Give Away.

Lately I've been thinking about:

Sharing

And the integral part it plays in our lives.

We share our dreams, sorrows, hopes and joys and good
news (my sister and her husband will be spending the next
18 months in the Texas-Fort Worth area) as well as sad
news.

We share friendships, gifts, talents, abilities and humble
attempts at learning or working on a new project.

(I'm up to row 8)

We share food on our table, clothing we no longer wear,
quilts we've pieced and sewn, donations of money when
possible to help and lift others.

We share our thoughts and feelings, knowledge and wisdom
gained along the way...even secrets.  We share
hugs, smiles, laughter and even a wink or two.

There are so many ways we share each day and are blessed
by others sharing.  I am touched and blessed by each of you
as you "share" on your blogs.

The list could go on and on.

Today instead of answering a question to participate in the
Give Away you will have a chance to win twice.
You may leave a brief comment about "sharing"

  and/or blog about the Give Away (which would be
appreciated).  I really want to "Share" this fabric
with as many as possible!

Thanks for sharing...
Nola

Day 2 and Simple Woman's Daybook

FOR TODAY
Thursday, October 21

Outside my window...  It is a glorious fall day.  Probably one
of the last for awhile as we have storms coming this weekend
and cooler temperatures.  The sky is blue and the sun shining
on the trees that have turned a golden yellow and red are
breath taking.

I am thinking...  That I am late getting today's Give Away set
up.  Just got home from work.

I am thankful for...  My sweet sister and her husband who
are going to be spending the next 18 months serving a
mission for our church.  They will be opening their mission
call with their children and grandchildren this evening.
We will do a conference call so we can be included.

I am remembering... Times from my past as I do this
Give Away.  Yesterday I wrote about reading with my
children which became a  family tradition.
Traditions play a big part in our lives and I believe help to
keep us connected.
A family tradition started by my parents was cutting our
own Christmas tree.  This was always done the weekend
of Thanksgiving before the snows got so bad we couldn't
get in the mountains.  We would bundle up in our winter
clothing, jump in the jeep, and with dad in the driver's seat,
head up into the nearby mountains to search for the
perfect tree.

I am wearing...  Pink stripped shirt, levi's, shoes, and socks

I am creating...  A doily.  It has been a long time since I
have done any crocheting and when I saw what looked to
me to be a simple free pattern thought I'd try it.  If it
turns out I'll  post a picture!

I am going...  To rake/blow leaves that have fallen today.
Of course, there will be more as winds come with the
storm.  Maybe I'll even leave them in piles so the grandkids
can run, jump and play in them when they come for
FHE and to carve pumpkins from the garden tonight
.
I am reading... Just finished a wonderful book and if you
haven't read it, I highly recommend it.  Be sure to have
a kleenex or two for the end.  "Unlocked" byKaren
Kingsbury.  It is a story of faith, hope, friendship and
the power of music for an autistic young man.

I am hoping...  Blogging friends will like the Christmas
Fabric.  One friend told me she uses up odds and ends
of fabric to make bags for Christmas gifts and reuses
them year after year, adding to her collection when
needed.
 
I am hearing...  Peace and quiet.  After being at work,
it is nice to come home to a quiet place.  I'm the only
one here now.

Around the house...  Lasagna thawing on the counter
for dinner this evening, french bread to be warmed later,
salad, cookies for dessert.  Halloween goody bags to
be filled with surprises and treats for the grandchildren
to take home tonight.

One of my favorite things... Carving pumpkins then
roasting the seeds!

A few plans for the rest of the week:
Complete binding on my quilt
Picking last of tomatoes
Yard work
House cleaning
Church on Sunday with my son and his daughter

Here is picture for thought I am sharing.

.
















We found the perfect tree and now just need
to load them up.  How I loved this tradition of
cutting our trees, except for the time we saw
a bear.  But, that's a whole different story.

Today's Question:  What special Christmas tradition
do you have?

Make it a great Thursday.

Nola

 Please be sure you are not  set at "no reply".  

You can leave a email address with your

comment.  If I cannot contact you

you will be deleted.  Sorry!

Day 1 Christmas Give Away

Reading with my children from the time they were small was a
special time for us.  Each child had his or her favorite book which
was read over and over and over and if I ever missed a word...
They knew it and corrected me!

Because we enjoyed reading together we began a tradition
which started December 1 and ended December 24.  Each
evening we would eat dinner by candle light and when we were
finished we would  linger around the table and read a Christmas
book or story.  Each year we would buy one or two new books to
add to our collection.  It was a wonderful time for our family.

So, today's question to be eligible for the fabric is:
"What is your favorite Christmas book or story?"

If you are seeing this post for the first time, check yesterday's
blog for rules and pictures of the fabric.

Thanks for joining in and for sharing this with other bloggers.

Nola

Christmas Fabric Give Away

Reorganizing and sorting through my fabric I noticed 

there were some bolts of red and green Christmas

fabric all from the 80's on the bottom shelf and 

thought it would be fun to do another "80's Give Away".

Four 1/2 yard pieces will be given to two lucky bloggers

each day.

Entering is simple.  All you have to do is answer a

question each day.  You may enter once every day, but

can only win one time.

The Give Away will run from Wednesday, Oct. 20

thru Tuesday Oct. 26.  Winners will be posted Thursday

Oct. 28.  Everyone is welcome.

If you are set at "no reply" you will automatically be

deleted as an email address is required to make

contact.

Feel free to share this with fellow bloggers.  

See you tomorrow with the first question.

Nola

Pillowcase Blessings

As many of you know who have been reading my blog, I have been participating in the "Million Pillowcase" challenge.  It has been a great blessing in my life to be able to use up left-over fabric from my mail order craft business.  Because it uses up larger pieces of fabric than the quilts I was doing I have been able to eliminate many bolts of fabric.  It is wonderful to look at the shelves slowly emptying and knowing that this fabric is going to a worthy cause.

Now, if you'll forgive me may I share an experience with one of our local shop owners my friend Stacie and I had this past weekend.  We took in 45 pillowcases and spent time visiting with the owner of "Quilter's Haven".
She told us these pillowcases would be going to Davis County Family Services and from there to different agencies.  The pillowcases were given to children and/or mother's when they had to be quickly removed from the home to put their few belongings in to carry with them.  Often there is not much time and they just grab what they can.  Then once they are taken to their destination, they can place the pillowcase on their pillow.

I was so touched by this story.  We all had tears in our eyes as she talked with us.  To me it really touched a tender spot because there were many times in my early life that we had to leave home in a hurry with only the clothes on our backs.  How  wonderful it would have been to have had a pillowcase to put a few things in.

l am most grateful to visit with these shop owners and learn where the pillowcases are going and so blessed to contribute in some small way.

NOW onto other things......If  you are not tired of "give aways" and 80's fabrics I will be hosting a "Christmas Fabric" giveaway later this week.  The fabrics are in the traditional red's and greens.

 

Would love to share with you all.  The rules to participate
will be very simple.  So check back later for information
and dates.
Nola

The Simple Woman's Daybook

FOR TODAY...  Thursday, October 14

Outside my window...  It is a absolutely gorgeous fall day with
temperatures in the mid to upper 60's.  It is a cloudless blue sky
I see with lots of sunshine.  A few leaves dot my lawn and
pumpkins are waiting to be picked as are tomatoes.  They
will need to be brought in to finish ripening.  Even my zinna's
seem to be brighter in color with the cooler temperatures.  I
love fall!

I am thinking...  How fast the month is going by and I just
finished  a couple of these Halloween stitcheries for my daughter
and me.

Finished this one that I had started a year ago.

 Also finished "Give Thanks" some time ago but never posted
pictures.  I think I have been working backwards this
fall for some reason.  "Spooky" and "Harvest" should
have come before "Give Thanks".  But, at least they
are done and come November can be gifted.















I am thankful for... My dear friend, Napua, of 40 odd years
who spent a couple of days with me this week.  She is from
Hawaii and is serving a mission for our church in Salt
Lake City.  I was able to take her to a doctor appointment
and shopping.  We met at BYU while working for
Evening Classes in the Division of Continuting Education.
She recently retired from BYU Hawaii as a Vice President.

From the learning rooms...  "How does one  become more
humble?  We don't discover humility by thinking less of
ourselves; we discover humility by thinking less about
ourselves."  Dieter F. Uchtdorf 

From the kitchen...  Minestrone Soup, french bread,
salad, and a yellow cake for dessert this evening.

I am wearing... Levi's, yellow, blue and white plaid
shirt, socks.  (can't believe it's back to wearing socks!)

I am creating...  Halloween gift bags for my grandchildren
to have when we carve our pumpkins.

I am going...  To cut and sew the binding on my quilt
that has been  sitting all summer so I can use it now the
nights are getting cooler.

I am reading...  Just picked up new books today at
the library.  Decisions, decisions!  Which one do I
start first?

I am hoping...  That the sniffles and sneezing that have
been visiting me today do not amount to anything.

I am hearing...  The sound of children playing in the
neighboring yard.  Kids are out of school today and
tomorrow for UEA.

Around the house...  A few new Halloween decorations
added today to the fall ones that have been up for
awhile.

One of my favorite things... Munching on new crisp Jonagold
apples with taffy apple dip!
 
A few plans for the rest of the week:
Cleaning out the pumpkin vines
Going to my son's for dinner Saturday and then to
the annual Halloween Carnival his neighbors hold.
Binding my quilt
And what ever else comes up

Here is picture for thought I am sharing...

Spent last Saturday with my son and granddaughter out
at Gardner Village enjoying all the fun fall activities and
witches.  It was a delightful day and Hailey got such a
kick spotting all of the witches 

Enjoy fall (or spring) where ever you are.

Nola

The Simple Woman's Daybook

FOR TODAY...Wednesday, October 6

Outside my window...  It is pitch black.  Day has passed and
evening is upon us.  The day has been cloudy and rainy until
just before twilight when I looked out my window and noticed
the clouds were no longer a dreary gray but vibrant reds and
oranges.  The setting sun broke through and painted a
beautiful sunset for us.

I am thinking...  How ridiculous it was that I forgot to turn
off my sprinklers this morning and my lawn, garden, trees
and shrubs got a double dose of water today with the
lovely rainstorm we had.

I am thankful for...  The sweet messages of love,
encouragement, etc., that my mother wrote to me.
Today I have been sorting through some of her cards
and notes deciding what to keep and what to discard.
So far, very little has been relegated to the round file.

A thought I am sharing..."True friends don't sympathize
with your weakness---they help summon your
strength."


From the kitchen...  Toasted cheese sandwiches,
veggies and yogurt.

I am wearing...  My p.j.'s.  Oh,so comfy!

I am creating... A binder with letters from my daughter
while she was at college, emails from my son while
serving in the Peace Corp, notes and messages from
my mother.

I am going...  To get a much-needed hair cut tomorrow.

I am reading...  "Shades of Gray" by Pamel Carrington Reid

I am hoping...  To get more pillow cases made.  Have 20
ready to go right now.  Emptied 9 fabric bolts in the
process.  Am trying to use up those with the least amount
of fabric on them.

I am hearing...  The ticking of my clock, the click of
computer keys.  It is very quiet here tonight.

Around the house...  Busy cleaning up scrapbooking
things from my guest bedroom and getting ready for
my friend to visit next week.  Wish I'd get rid of this
fabric so I could move all these things into that room.

One of my favorite things... A rainbow after it rains.

A few plans for the rest of the week:
1.  Hair cut
2.  Tend grandchildren Friday and Saturday nights
3.  Organize guest room.
4.  Attend wedding for a friend
5.  Mop kitchen floor
6.  Lunch on Friday with friend

Here is picture for thought I am sharing...

Make it a good day!
Nola

A Good Day To Be Indoors!

Temperatures dropped over 20 degrees today and it was a
good day to be indoors working on projects.  The wind was
blowing leaves from my Ash tree all around the yard and
dark rain clouds were forming and rolling along the skyline
bringing in the forecast-ed rain storm.  We need the moisture
as it has been quite dry so guess I can't complain and it is
time for temps to begin cooling down.

Spent the better part of the day working on my kids photo
albums, baby books, and memory books that I am trying to
get finished for Christmas.  While working on them needed
to do some computer work and had so much fun discovering
new things on my new computer.  Am happy to say that
things are progressing and I think I'm going to have them
done!

Later this afternoon I took a break and sewed a few pillow
cases that I had cut out this weekend.  Was good to see
a few more bolts used up. 

It wasn't until dinnertime that realized I hadn't brought in
the mail yet.  So, braving the rain I ran to the mail box
and was so delighted to find my order from "The
Raspberry Rabbits". 
It was wrapped so beautifully I almost hated to open
it:

But, being very excited, ribbon was slid off and I quickly
pulled the wrapping paper off  and....

...was delighted to find not only the pattern and
thread, but a special little treat!  Now I just have to
find the right fabric and then I can get started
stitching.  I fell in love with Michelle's new Snowflake
pattern the minute I saw her post.  You can check it
out here:  http://theraspberryrabbits.blogspot.com

Finding her pattern in the mail certainly brought a
ray of sunshine in to my otherwise dreary day.

Well, I'm off to sew a few more pillowcases.
Nola

The Simple Woman's Daybook

FOR TODAY...Friday, October 1

Outside my window...  It is a gorgeous autumn day.  Temps are in
the low 80's, nary a cloud in the sky, golden leaves are beginning
to drift to the ground from my Ash in the backyard.  Flowers are
blooming and are so colorful with the warm days and cool
nights.

I am thinking...  How nice it has been today to eat lunch on
my patio, read a book and relax.

I am thankful for...  My son who helped me finish up a couple
of projects last night before FHE.  So nice to cross them off
my list.  How thankful I am to be getting some of these fall
projects done early.

From the learning rooms...  That we all have fears and doubts.
But we musn't and can't let them overwhelm us.  We must
have faith in our abilities, in our Father in Heaven that all
will turn out for our best.

From the kitchen...  The wonderful aroma of "Salsa" still
lingering from  this mornings canning session.  Probably the
last of my tomatoes except possibly for a few to eat.  That
is if the weather holds out. Also freshly made "Pumpkin
Cream Cheese Spread" and toasted bagels.

I am wearing...  Tan capri's and white shirt.  No shoes!

I am creating...  Some stitching projects to work on while
I enjoy Conference this weekend.
 
I am going...  To finish organizing my bathroom.  Finally got
my towels, shower curtain and rugs.  Well, one rug actually.
The other is being shipped to me next week.  I am also
going to finish organizing and cleaning my bedroom.

I am reading...  A delightful and charming book by Sandra
Dallas, "Prayers For Sale".

I am hoping...  To get my kitchen floor and cabinets cleaned
this weekend.  Also hope to cut a few more pillowcases to
sew.

I am hearing...  The last one of my canning jars sealing.

Around the house...  Fall decorations waiting to have
Halloween added to them.  Grandkids are anxious to
have me get them out.  Guess it's time...October is here!

One of my favorite things...  Gooey Cinnamon Popcorn.
Seems like the only time I make it is in the fall about
this time.

A few plans for the rest of the week:
1.  Listen to conference
2.  Do floor and cabinets
3.  And whatever pops into my mind
Not much since the week is about finished.

Here is picture for thought I am sharing..

For our treat last evening at FHE my daughter
had each of us make our own ice cream.
She prepared each of us a bag with ice cream fixings
and ice.  Then we worked the bag with our
hands  for about 5-7 minutes until we had "Ice
Cream"!  Can't believe how cold our hands got.
Had to grab towels so our fingers didn't freeze!

The boys are already enjoying their ice cream and Hailey
and her Dad are next.















Just perfect!  Adding crushed Oreo's gave it the
finishing touch!

Sweet Memories in the Making!

Have a wonderful weekend!
Nola