Work in Progress

I've gone a little hexagon crazy. I was looking for a new project (even though I have plenty of unfinished ones), and I kept seeing hexagon ideas. This is a great project for me in so many ways. Since I've never done paper piecing I get to learn something new. I also get to practice my hand stitching, which can use some work, and I get to use up a lot of scraps.

I love that this is going to look like a crazy jumbled mess. Something about that just seems fun and appealing.

Although I am toying with the idea of putting a solid color between the my hexagon groups. That might make the colors stand out a little more.

But then it might make the quilt look a little too orderly. Any suggestions would be appreciated.

First Grade Stress

Things seemed to be going pretty smoothly so far this school year. The boys have been getting up and ready for school on time. They seem to like their teachers, and have been almost complaint free. I let out that breath I've been holding since the night before school started.

Yesterday when I went to pick up Rowan he latched right on to me, and pretty much hugged me all the way to the car. I asked him what was wrong. He said sometimes at school he feels nervous. And that he forgot how to make a small g.

During the afternoon and evening he was his normal crazy self. Then about a half and hour after we had tucked him in when heard noises up stairs. Paul went up to find him sitting in the bathroom sobbing. He said he didn't know how to make the "monkey tail" on his g and he didn't want to get in trouble for not getting his work done. He said he didn't finish his paper yesterday and he still had two rows of gs to do. He said his teacher yelled that they should already be done. He said he never wanted to go back to school, and he might get sick so he can stay home.

He's such a sensitive little person sometimes, I'm sure he felt like she was yelling at him, even if she was just saying it (at least that's what I hope.) So we turned the lights on and practiced some gs, until he felt sure he could do them. Then he clutched me for dear life until he fell asleep.

This morning when I got up he was sitting on the living room floor, practicing his gs. He didn't cry this morning, but he was very serious. He said he thought he could probably finish his page of gs, and then he went to school.

I don't know what exactly is stressing him out so much at school, but I doubt it's really the letter g. Hopefully it's just adjusting to all the change, and the longer school day.

100

Labor day weekend we took a lovely trip through the wheat fields of eastern Washington, so we could attend a very special event.

On Saturday, my grandma Beulah turned 100 years old. She is still the wonderful, sweet and witty woman I've known my whole life. She has set quite an example for all of us on how to age gracefully.

We arrived in town the afternoon before the party, which gave us a good opportunity to visit with Grandma before everyone else got there. I love hearing Grandma tell stories of her life. It seems like she's always got one I haven't heard before. This time she told me about the brief time when she had a badger for a pet.

My parents organized a lovely party for grandma, which was very well attended and enjoyed. She was surrounded by many friends and relatives who love her, including not just immediate family, but also her sister, some cousins, nieces and many others.
Two of Grandma's three surviving children were there, my dad and my Aunt Kay.

Nine of us ten grandchildren were there.

And 12 of her 14 great-grandchildren.

I'm so thankful that we were able to share in this special day with Grandma. You don't get too many opportunities to attend a 100th birthday party in your life. It was great to see Grandma laughing and smiling and enjoying every minute of it.

The boys had a great time at the party.
Rowan liked hanging out with Great-Grandma.

And Alyssa and Noah.

Grayson and Rowan both enjoyed the cake.

So did Fuller and Noah.


It's amazing to think about how much the world has changed during Grandma's life, and how well she's kept up. Grandma still has a computer and checks her email and her grand children's blogs. I am so blessed to have this lovely lady as a part of my life.

First Day of School

Last Tuesday the boys all headed back to school. This is a year of big changes for everyone. Fuller is off to the big, scary middle school. He is really liking it so far, but I think it's been a bit stressful for him. He really wants to do well and has goals for himself, so he takes things very seriously.

Grayson is in third grade, and in a new building this year. He seems to have a fabulous teacher, and he says she's the best teacher he's ever had. She must be good because his daily complaints about how "school is the stupidest thing ever invented" have not resurfaced this year. He also likes that he sits between two girls who like to chase him.

This year Rowan has made the big jump from half day kindergarten to all day first grade. He likes his teacher, having two recesses and getting to have hot lunch with chocolate milk. He's been a little tired and needy when I pick him up, but seems to be adjusting.

Looks like we've got all the signs for a good year.