4 Millie

For those of you who don't know, Millie is my mom.  It seemed rather natural for me to finally name my sewing business after the woman who has always been my biggest fan.  I could make the ugliest thing in the whole wide world and she would still say that it was beautiful.  When I was very young, she made a couple of beautiful dresses for me and I still have the patterns to this day. I loved those dresses. As I grew older, I finally understood why she only made me just a couple of dresses.  Not only did  mom work full time and run a household, but she also owned, I am sure, the worst sewing machine on the planet.  (Sorry mom but you know it's true.) It was a Sears sewing machine with the worst tension that anyone could imagine.  When I was old enough, I began to sew for myself and all but gave up due to that horrific machine.  When I later married, my sweet husband decided to buy me a sewing machine of my own for christmas.  He purchased a Sears sewing machine.....grrrrr. Rather than say a word of complaint about where he had purchased that machine, I decided to try that new machine out and to my surprise, it sewed like a dream.  Sewing became my new found hobby.  Having four girls to sew for, that machine got quite the workout!  Then one day my dear old dad decided to buy me a new machine... a Bernina sewing machine, along with a serger, a cutting table and a mat.  Words can't describe the gratefulness I had for those incredible gifts.  There was no stopping me after that! Today I sew on a Bernina Artista 730, I'm a quilt maker, sewing instructor, (certified by Martha Pullen) and I embroider just about everything that I can get my hands on. So for today's blog, I felt it was about time that I give thanks to the ones who have made this passion of mine possible and to grow. I love you honey for that first machine... even though it was a Sears. ;-) I loved it. And thanks mom and dad for the support and love that you have always given to me for this crazy passion I have. Hugs to each of you!

Another dress from Kari Mecca's book, that I made for my niece's new little treasure, Milan



Yet another one but in different fabric.


This one is also from Kari's book and is called 'Adorable You' This one went to my Teagan.


Another 'Adorable You' design. Sweet Ashlynnie has this one.

Happy Birthday Keira!

Here's the present that I made for you... your first quilt!

The Seven Wonders of My World

Psalms 127:3 says, "Don't you see that children are God's best gift? The fruit of the womb His generous legacy?.....Oh, how blessed are you parents, with your quivers full of children!" (The Message) So on this Mother's Day dear children, I want to thank each of you. I am blessed beyond measure.
James, my first born, you had to put up with a lot didn't you? Such expectations were laid on you, but you know what? You did well son. How proud I am of you. You had to sift through so many things yet you still came out on top. Why look at you, always looking for the unique side of people. You weren't voted top photographer for Sacramento for two years running for nothing.  I love you son.

And to my oldest daughter Paula, words cannot express my admiration for you.  You are my world traveler.  Taking the gospel to unknown places as well as to unknown people... I'm the chicken, not you, and off you went.  I must say however that I'm so happy that you are now living here, have graduated from college with a degree in graphic design and have a wonderful job.  How I missed your bright smile when you were gone.  Thank you for the times we have stormed heaven's gates together in prayer.  Thanks for being my prayer warrior and my friend. I love you Paula.  

Nicole, you really are my fitness freak!  You know so much about health and diet... you should be getting paid!!  On top of that, all of us agree that if anything ever needs to be said or done, you're our go to gal.  There's no one quite like my Nicole.  ;-) And your boys are precious Nicole, that's because you are such a good mom.  How I love you girl. 

Elizabeth, our 'little bit".  Such a tiny one you were, but look at you now!  You're simply beautiful (just like all of your sisters).  I watch you with your children and it makes me so proud.  I wish I was as tenderhearted with each of you as you are with each of yours.  You make me smile.  And between you and Nicole, I don't know whose the better cook!  Your husbands and children are the lucky ones to be sure.  You have always been my little peace maker... which I know has been hard for you at times.  But you are such a good one!!  And I love, love, that you teach your little ones at home.  Hang in there sweetheart, it will all be worth it in the end. How I love you.  

 Rebekah, you are our own little financial guru.  Who else would be writing a blog to pay off student loans??  Your work ethic is just like your dad's.  Do you ever stop??  Thanks for all of the years you worked for your dad.. how he misses that.  You were so good for him and to him and I never thanked you, so I am doing that now, thanks Becks.  You are beautiful inside and out daughter of mine and you are loved so much.

John, wow son, who would have ever imagined five years ago that today you would be married to a wonderful and beautiful woman by the name of Lindsey and that you both would have these dear, sweet babes.  Amazing!  God is good, is He not??  I love you son.  I am not only believing for you, but I believe in you.  Hang in there.

Michael, my soon to be married son.  When you made your surprise appearance in this world, right behind you brother John, nothing could have surprised me more.  Such a shock!  But it has turned out to be the best of all surprises.  I realized that day that my God has a wonderful sense of humor.  My life has never been the same since you two came into my world.  How blessed I am that God picked me to send the two of you to.  I love you son.

So thank you dear children for making my Mother's Day a happy one... I was entrusted by a great God with each of you.  What joy!  I love you guys, your mom

Paula, Rebekah, Elizabeth, and my fitness freak, Nicole



Michael, James, Chris, (my crazy son-in-law-smooches) and John

Happy Mother's Day to two great moms!

Mom, you're the best! I realize that Mother's Day is tomorrow, but I wanted to thank you today for being such a great mom. My friends all loved you and loved coming over just to see you. You were always so great to my friends as well as John's. How fortunate I have been to have you there for me, and not only for me..... but for my children. You were so young when you had John and me. I can't imagine how hard it must have been on you mom, but you endured.... thank you so much. On the positive side though, you were so young when you became a grandmother. Most people thought my kids were your kids and you treated them as such. Again... thank you. (Sometimes I think James especially, wonders if you're his real mom and not me!) I hope you have a great week end mom. (Of course it would be better if you were here with me!) I miss you heaps and pray that some day, we'll be able to celebrate it together. I love you mom. From the bottom of my heart, Debbie

With the one who 'thinks' he's yours... James




With three of the girls, Becks must have been under the table.. ;-) (Next time get up in time girl!!)




And my favorite picture of you and your great grandson Wes. Love it!!



And now to my mother-in-law. I give you great thanks as well. You raised the man that has been my husband for over 39 years. He is so tender hearted and I know that is because of you. He ADORES his kids... just like you do and always have. He is such a hard, hard worker with incredible work ethic.. and we all know where that came from..... again, YOU! Thank you for your kind and generous heart that you have allowed me over the years to maneuver my way into. You never interfere yet are always there if needed. Happy Mother's Day mom. Love you lots, Debbie

You're smiling.. I love it!!



One of my favorites of you with your great granddaughter, Keira.



"Playing" at John's wedding. Such a great picture.

Logan

I wanted to add these 2 new pictures of my latest grandson, Logan James Hays.  These pictures were taken yesterday by a dear photographer friend of Lindsey's.  Thanks Sandra!

Keira

I just had to add these new pictures of my little granddaughter Keira wearing one of the dresses that I made from Kari's book.  Now how cute is that??

Thoughts....

Proverbs 2:1-5 My son, if you receive my words, and treasure my commands within you, so that you incline your ear to wisdom, and apply your heart to understanding; Yes, if you cry out for discernment, and lift up your voice for understanding, if you seek her as silver, and search for her as for hidden treasures; then you will understand the fear of the LORD, and find the knowledge of God.

Don't you just love those verses? My cry unto the Lord lately, has been exactly what the above verses say. Don't we all need discernment? Don't we all need wisdom and understanding? There........ right there, is where you will find my heart.

There are some in my family who have wondered why I never began a blog before now. I have been so torn because I never wanted another thing to take over a place in my heart over my God, my family, or my time.... yet here I am. I find I do need an outlet to not only express my thoughts but to also share my sewing... so bear with me.

Below is a picture of a dress and purse that I made for Cozy Quilt Shop  to teach a class there. The dress pattern is from Kari Mecca's wonderful book, Sewing With Whimsey. The book is filled with great patterns for little girls that you will love. With Kari's permission, I was able to sell some of the dresses that I made from her book, (pictures also found below) to some pretty wonderful photographers in Kansas. I used bright and cheery fabrics on each dress and I was delighted with the outcome. You won't be disappointed if you purchase the book. Tomorrow I will share more of my treasures and finds. Until then...... Many hugs