Merry Christmas

Earlier in the month I reviewed the events of my year for our family Christmas letter.  I've mentioned sometime in the past that our Christmas letter is unique.  Years ago... I was the sole writer/author of our family letters.  But there was one particular year that I was overwhelmed with the task I was facing and needed help, or the letter was not going out.  

The girls were in high school and more than capable of writing a short piece about the highlights of their year.  That was the beginning of a beautiful tradition.  I was freed of the sole responsibility... each person was able to share whatever they liked.  It was an interesting peek into their priorities and if we had similar "favorite events".  Whether it was sports, school, friends, summer camp or vacation, or relationship status... it was up to them.

There were years that boyfriends or even more serious relationships were mentioned... and then the following year the topic was suddenly dropped like a hot potato or just was not mentioned.  I was often the person left to "clean up" all the things they avoided... and I knew we would have people ask about "so & so".  It wasn't a very fun job, but I would gently rip the Band-Aid off and then move on to the highlights of MY year.

As the girls have matured (one is 37 years old and the other 34... how did that happen???) I no longer "clean up their messes" (they are now fully responsible for that!) and am able to fully focus on MY year.  Here's what I what I had to say...  Some pictures are included in our family letter, but I can share a lot more here - and include links.

It would seem that as the days tick by, they have increased in speed.  2024 seems to have flown by, but as I reflect back on the year, I realize that was packed full to the brim.  I’ll hit the highlights.     

        After a deep freeze in January that caused issues with the water system, we anxiously awaited spring and made a run for warmer temps to the south as we traveled to Arizona and New Mexico.  We saw many sunny days and explored several national parks/sites, including Tonto, White Sands and Bandelier.  

In the Tonto National Forest

Sadly, we had very few opportunities to make short camping get aways because there was a lot of work to be done in making a smooth transition for Mom as she down-sized from the house to a 2-bedroom apartment in town late June.  Once move in day came, we got her settled fairly quickly and then focused on getting the house ready for listing and selling off the remainder of the items she could not take.  A 3-day sale over the holiday weekend took care of 90% of it and if not for the help of family, it would have been much harder and taken a lot longer.

Our summer was kicked off with a week of Emma and Maggie staying with us to attend Vacation Bible School.  Their mornings were filled with Bible songs, Scriptures, crafts, fun and friends.  There were embroidery and sewing lessons as well as popsicle breaks in the afternoons, games following dinner and bedtime stories.

We all enjoyed time together in July at “Family Camp”.  It was filled with games, crafts and activities and plenty of outdoor time. (We really should remember to do a group picture earlier in the weekend, rather than when we are all worn out from having so much fun. ;) )

        We made a fast dash to Illinois to celebrate the 50th wedding anniversary of Dave’s oldest sibling (picture on Page 1).  The siblings of both Linda & Carlton trusted me to make a special quilt that included messages of love and congratulations to commemorate the milestone.

We returned in October (pulling our camper) to celebrate the marriage of a nephew and his bride.  Of course, they also got a special quilt.  We traveled Route 66 on our return trip.  It was fun and interesting as well as a learning experience.  

With the completion of the fall trip, I was able to complete the Camping Journal Quilt that I have been making over the years.  Each trip is recorded with a sign telling the location and date along with one block for each night’s stay at each location.  I am excited that it is ready for quilting and am already looking forward sleeping under it next spring when we begin the camping season again.

I had the opportunity to display a few quilts at the local library ~ “Storytelling Quilts” that included the Pieces from the Past quilt (2020), the Santa Fe Trail quilt (2021) and the Garden quilt (2022).  It was well received, and I had the chance to take the “show on the road” in September when I visited a quilt guild in Greeley.  I hope to have similar opportunities in 2025.

 

May you be blessed with the gifts of faith, family and friends this Christmas and in the coming year.   

Keep Piecing,

Melva

I would be remiss in mentioning that I appreciate all of my followers and readers. 💕The love and support you offer as I share my quilts and life events is touching.  Sooooo... as a special gift to you I will make all of the pages of the Pieces of My Life "Memory Book" FREE for a short time.  Go to my Payhip store and use the code Memory24   If you missed any of the downloads during the sew along, now is the time to get them, saving $3/each. ;)

MERRY CHRISTMAS 🎄

A Quilter's Night Before Christmas

(author unknown)

'Twas the night before Christmas,

And the quilts were not made.

The threads were all tangled, the cookies delayed.

The stocking weren't hung, the pantry was bare.

The poor weary Quilter was tearing her hair.

Stacks of fat quarters, tipped over in streams.

Visions of Log Cabins had turned into dreams.

When what to her wondering eyes should appear,

But a bus full of quilters with all of their gear.

They went straight to work with just a few mutters,

Sorting and stitching and brandishing cutters.

The patterns emerged from all of the clutter,

Like magic the fabrics arranged in a flutter.

Log Cabins, Lone Stars, Flying Geese & Bear Tracks

Each quilt was a beauty-even the backs.

Her house how it twinkled, her quilts how they glowed.

The cookies were baking, the stockings were sewed.

Their work was all done, so they folded their frames,

And packed up their needles, without giving their names.

They boarded the bus and checked the next address.

More quilts to be made, another quilter in distress.

She heard one voice echo, as they drove out of sight,

Happy quilting to all and to all a good night!