New Hairstyle

   I've always been proud of my daughters, but they just keep surprising me! Jessica had Kelly cut her hair for her and she is donating it to Locks of Love. It is really short because she had to have ten inches to send in. I was a little apprehensive at first because I haven't seen Jessica with really short hair in a long time. But as you can see in the pictures that she looks really cute! Or as she says I'm really "rockin" this short style!
   She should be nice and cool for the summer months!
   Well, I just had to share.
Blessings to All ~ S~ The Quilted YaYa

Growing Up...

   Kelly has had extra time on her hands this last couple of weeks. The Tuesday after Mother's Day, she was let go from her job. I won't go into the reasons why, but I will say that I know God is in control and that He works for the good of all who love Him and call on His name. There has actually been much less tension around our home the last couple of weeks. *sigh of relief* 
   She has used this time to get back into scripture. *My heart is doing somersaults!*  She has put in applications, attended a style workshop to keep up with her cosmetology education, and spent time with her sisters. She did what they call editorial work, on her sisters' hair this week. Kind of 30's and 40's looks. Then they went outside and took some pictures.
    I was amazed at how much my little girls had grown up. I know that you've heard people say that they need to lock their daughters up in the house and sit with a shotgun. Well, I think that I understand that phrase more than ever now. Thought that I'd share a few of the pictures with you.  : )
Blessings to all ~S~ The Quilted YaYa

 

 

It's Done!

       WooWhooo! The Monkey Quilt is done. I will turn it over to it's new owner today!
       There always seems to be a certain amount of stress that comes with making a quilt for someone else. Especially if it's one that they requested and are paying for. I love making quilts, so much so that I wish I could make it my living to share the beauty of taking scraps of fabric and turning them into something that is warm, comforting and filled with love. The stress is ok though. I work pretty good under a little stress. Too much and I tend to shut down. But when one is working on a quilt you can't be stressed for too long. There is just something so relaxing about putting the pieces together and seeing how they take shape. In my little quilting corner I can work and create and pray and draw close to Jesus. One of the verses from scripture that has been with me the last several months is: Make it your goal to live a quiet life, minding your own business and working with your hands, just as we instructed you before. 1 Thess. 4:11
      Each quilt that I create is a part of me. Much like my own child, some of the quilts go to my children and some go to dear friends. Parting with them is much like watching a child take steps out the door. I pray over each quilt and hope that the recipient loves it as much as I do.
     So here are a couple of pictures of the finished product.
  Blessings to all ~ S ~ The Quilted YaYa

Gatlinburg

   This past week, we went on a vacation. It was the first one we've had in about three years.
   We went to Gatlinburg. So much fun. I absolutely love the mountains. There is something so very peaceful about being in those mountains that just draw you back in time and slow everything down. You can go and stay busy if you want to. There is so much to do there. We did a lot of things, including putt putt golf, Dixie Stampede, the Ripley's Aquarium, and horseback riding. We also shopped and went swimming, and went to an art gallery. The only thing that we wanted to do but didn't get a chance to was, go antique shopping. But that's OK, we still had a great time. I really didn't want to leave. At least not after one week. Two weeks would have been great.
    Horseback riding in the Great Smokey Mountain Park is really fun. I was very glad that we didn't see any bears, but we did see some wild turkey while we were riding. There is something so peaceful about sitting on the back of this big horse and riding through the woods and next to streams that are rushing along. Of course it made me realize just how old and out of shape that I am. ^.^
    While we were there, Jessica and I were both offered jobs. I was offered one at an art gallery and one leading horses on a trail ride. Jessica was offered a job at the Dixie Stampede in the stables.
     Of course we also just spent time sitting on the balcony of our room and looking out at the mountains. Words just can not do justice to what fills my heart when I sit there reading my Bible and looking at the splendor of what God created.
      So, we are home now and I am glad. We have all of our stuff around us and fun memories were made while we were there. Life will be back to the old grind beginning next week. I don't think that I want to wait three years before we go back again. Also there are many other places that I'd love to visit.
      Que Sera Sera, God is awesome and we had a blast on our vacation. I am at peace in the mountains but even there the bills, and the busyness of life will eventually catch up to you again.  So God has me here and that is a good thing. He will take care of us and teach us to not get too busy.
      Praying that God will be with you and give you a peace that passes all understanding.
 Blessings to all ~ S ~ The Quilted YaYa