Notes from the Patch

A love letter

My Dearest Nikon:
It's been three long days and I can't wait to hold you and for you to wrap yourself around my neck. I promise to never leave you behind again. I've missed you and have so much I want to show you. See you tomorrow my love.
XO Suzanne

Random act of kindness

Of all days to leave my camera in Ventura!

Patty D came in first thing this morning with the most beautifully made handbag for us to display. All quilted and sporting our new polka dot "leather" handles.

Meticulously made and perfect in every way.

I told her that I'd need an invoice so I could pay her.

She told me to make a contribution to ALS instead.

I bawled.

There are so many really wonderful, wonderful people in this world and I am so blessed to be surrounded by them everyday.

I hope you all will take the time to see the good in people and count your blessings no matter what is going on. Sure makes the ride a lot more comfortable.

Encourage one another,

PS I promise a picture as soon as my camera is back. You are seriously going to love this little bag!

Pork and Gin

 

                                   photo by Pioneer Woman

Bill and I often enjoy a competitive game of gin while eating dinner.

Bill: I really love this pulled pork. Pioneer Woman has nothing on you.

Me: Honey this IS Pioneer Woman's recipe for pulled pork. The salsa is hers too. But the margarita's are all mine and so are the hot cards.

Me: Gin!

Encourage one another,

French cafe

If I had but one obsession (in truth I have many) it would be coffee.

I have a latte first thing every morning. with. out. fail.

So recently I replied to a Starbuck's email and purchased this little gem.

 

What I am loving about it is that it makes a pretty good cuppa joe without all the mess of other latte makers. There are no grounds to clean up since you use these...

Well one thing led to another and before I knew it I found myself having to buy me some demitasse cups.

 

Can these be any cuter...or more me?

 

Not sure what I love more. The coffee on demand or the cute little cups in their clever box.

Encourage one another,

More show and tell

First I want to show you  Pockets to Go from Atkinson Designs.

A great catch all for sewing supplies, all that stuff that seems to accumulate near the phone or for hair products in the bathroom. The pouches keep everything neat and tidy.

The pattern paper fabric can be found here.

This is Heather Bailey's Smarty Girl Book Bag embellished with some of our fabulous new buttons that I forgot to photograph.

Amanda and Kara are making lots of these for gifts.

Cute huh?

These tape measure bangle bracelets are fun worn alone or stacked together with two or three different sizes and colors.

 

We've sold tons of these!

That's all I've got tonight. I hope you all have a wonderful weekend.

Tomorrow I'm sewing and if it turns out there will be pictures. If it doesn't. well. there won't be. pictures. 

Encourage one another,

Show and tell

Wanna see what's new?

Check out these new ribbons and trims...

 

 

 

Yup. That's sixty five cents a yard. Incredible price huh?

You can see all of the new arrivals here.

Tomorrow I'll show you some quick and easy new projects that can be completed in no time.

Until then...

Encourage one another,

Shifting gears, mental health, movies, an update & I love you

Sorry for being absent for a few days.

I've been shifting gears from caregiver to shop keeper.

Seems I've been tired and didn't even know it until I got reacquainted with my bed. and. oh. have I missed it!

If fabric can be good therapy then I'm working in the Mental Health Center of the west. Oh. my. gosh you guys. I don't think this store has ever been better (in my not so humble opinion).

I've spent the last two days discovering all the new stuff that has arrived in the last four weeks and planning some projects.

I'm like a bee buzzing from one sweet thing to another.

Speaking of buzz...have you all seen Toy Story 3? I took the boys to see it and it is so. so. good. Warning: Take a hankie or wear something absorbent  cause it's a tear jerker at the end.

Now I'm off to work to play with all my FABULOUS new stuff.

Life is good!

Encourage one another,

 

Update on Jeff: Jeff is home with assorted medical personnel visiting daily. Cherene has arranged for help to come stay with him a few hours a day so she can get out with the boys some. So for now Jeff is stable and happy to be home.

Thank you for all for the sweet cards, flowers, hugs and prayers. You guys are simply AMAZING and I love you all more than you will ever know!

A very happy Father's Day

This was a Father's Day we hadn't expected to be celebrating, but celebrate we did!

 

Jeff came home on Saturday and is doing well.

The boys start summer enrichment classes tomorrow and Bill and I go back to work.

We're all so thankful to be back to normal for awhile.

Encourage one another,

Going home

We had a wonderfully relaxing few days at the beach.

The weather was perfect for long walks on the beach searching for sea glass

 

and just goofing around.

 

 

We shopped for fabric and made pillowcases

that were. well. dreamy.

 

Thanks boys for a great time. It's just what the doctor ordered!

***********************************************************

Update:

After four weeks on five floors and countless rooms in two hospitals Jeff is finally going home.

We couldn't be more thankful!

Sunday we will take the boys to Danville to celebrate Father's Day with their daddy at home. After a month of hospitals and being away we'll all be happy to be home!

Encourage one another,

Saying I love you without saying a word

When the boys got to the beach house they unpacked their suitcases and got all settled in their room.

I noticed that Jake had brought along the card that his daddy had given him a few days earlier for his birthday.

He placed it on his nightstand near his pillow.

As I tucked them in last night Jake reached over and reread the card.

I wish daddy didn't have ALS in his hands and voice, he said.

I wish he didn't either, I said.

But daddy's legs are strong, I said and he can still walk.

Your daddy loves you boys very much even though it's hard for him to tell you now.

I know grammie, Jake said. I know.

Encourage one another,