Just showing you the cute flannel throws I made yesterday. I wanted to use up some scraps or remnants of flannel I had. I am not a real big fan of rag quilts but I like these. But of course, I've ALWAYS been a big fan of The Raggedy's. 
Kaity wants to claim these too. Can't say as I blame her. Have a good day.
Yesterday morning our family sat in the back of Shiloh Church attending the funeral service of Becki Kauffman. (41 year old daughter of Arlie and Roberta, who died after an 8 month battle with cancer.)
The church was well filled and some people were even seated back in the reception hall. By being in the rear of the assembly we were easily distracted by the comings and goings of the different people going in and out. (Its amazing how much activity there is during a service. ) Anyway, as I sat there and watched a couple of flies bother Lavern Martin's family seated just in front of us, and playing with their little girl when she'd reach out from her folding chair to swat at my dress, (sh!), I noticed a little baby, just ahead. Wow! Did she ever remind me of my own little girl some 12 years ago....she was so cute! She looked a lot like Lavina did. Imagine my surprise when her Daddy shifted enough that I could see that he was Chad Miller.
Now, that goes a long way back. Chad was just a little tyke when Vernon served his 2 years of VS in Guatemala 1979-1981). Chad's parents, Vernon and Sue became very close friends of ours after they had served as house parents while Vernon lived in Chimaltenango. Sure was nice to see Chad again.
Then, whoa! Up a few benches was a petite little blonde baby girl.....I suddenly had a flashback. I was back in Carbon Hill again. That baby was Joe and Effie's! Only this time it wasn't Sharon, Marilyn, Brenda nor Janice.. It was Janice's littlest one. But Effie and Joe would NOT be able to disclaim her if they wanted to, which I am sure they don't! My those genes are strong. I had forgotten how cute those little Weirichs were.
Later on that day, we met up with Jerry and Nina Woodcock. I had known Nina in our pre-marriage days as we are only a couple of years apart and were in the same Fellowship back then but had only met Jerry in 1986. We had stopped in Summersville, MO on our way back to Guatemala to visit Joe and Effie (who, by the way, was Mission director when Vernon was serving there.) Jerry's invited us over Sunday evening and we enjoyed ourselves so much. Both of our families were small. We had 2 and they may have had 3 at that time. Anyway, we had always hoped to see them again and when we moved up here to this area in Conrath, WI and found that this was Jerry's home/stomping grounds, we thought we might see them again. After 9 and 1/2 years that finally happened yesterday.
Jerry and Nina are both the type that even after 24 years we were able to pick up and visit like those years hadn't happened. When he asked me if I had ever had Brain Freeze, I waited to see what he meant before I answered. Its going to your old home where you grew up and not recognizing most of the people. In your mind you remember them as they were when you left. Oh, yes, I do know what he was talking about!
A couple of weeks ago, I went "home" to Carbon Hill / Logan, Ohio. I knew the older ones, of course, but had to ask several times who was who among the younger set. I felt like asking for Show and Tell and have everyone introduce themselves. I found myself looking at everyone in the grocery store and Walmart, wondering to myself, "I wonder who that person is? I wonder if I went to school with them?" It kind of bugged me not knowing and wishing that I did. I really wonder how many of those strangers I may have actually known once upon a time. None of them looked even slightly familiar. But on the other hand, I'll be willing to believe that no one recognized me either. Its been a long time ago.....a long time ago.
Well, its time to move on. I called my parents a little while ago. My Dad answered. He sounds so weak. I just wish I could just pack up and go "home" again. If only it were that simple. 
Sorry folks, there isn't any pictures to go along with this post but I needed to write it anyway. God bless your day.
Today, I took the plunge: dressed in my old paint dress, mixed the paint and put on the final coat to the stairway.
Been laying off to do it but it was too hot and then I didn't have the inspiration.
First I started with a flesh pink then splotched it with dusty rose.
I wasn't entirely satisfied with the look so decided to splotch some burgundy over that. Maybe that would take away some of the girlie look.
Oh boy, that is awful! So I took a damp rag and wiped it off.
Not everything came off but I kind of liked the effect so I made more work for myself.
Dip the Walmart bag into the paint. Splotch it on a section of wall, wipe it off and go wash out the rag and wash off my hands. Then repeat the process all over again, and again, and again, and.......... It took hours but it is finally done.
The header above the south windows.
I am so glad this project is finally done. Now for window treatments and wall decorating. I have a few pictures up but inspiration is a bit sluggish.
Last Sunday we were at Hocking Hills Mennonite Church (aka Carbon Hill). At first I was sitting beside Elaine Brunk, my "almost birthday twin" who is 2 days younger than myself. She kindly told me who different ones were when I asked and later in SS class I sat beside her sister-in-law Nancy with whom I feel quite comfortable.
After church I was busily occupied visiting with some of the women when Nancy came up to me and introduced me to her youngest (I think) grandchild. That was sweet....I later regretted not asking to hold him. I was preoccupied I suppose but I'll bet Nancy thought that it was odd that I didn't.....me, the original Pied Piper of Carbon Hill Mennonite Church!
Well, anyway, I wasn't so preoccupied that I didn't think to introduce this lovely lady to my children. "Jonny," I said, "Do you know what I remember about my 6th birthday? I woke up and came downstairs to the dining room and there was this huge all day sucker! All the other children only got regular sized ones." Nancy told us that she had forgotten that but when I mentioned it she remembered. I doubt that I will ever forget, unless I end up with Alzheimer's.
The next day, I thought I'd go up to Logan to Elaine's store and chew the fat awhile. Unfortunately Monday is her day off so I decided to scrap that plan and visit her at her house. She wasn't home. Oh waahhh! But her brother Nolan lived next door. So I went to visit Barb. It so happens that Nolan and Wes Brunk (who happens to be sons of a very special couple, Norman and Clara, now deceased. Norman was our deacon when I was growing up and not a nicer one could you find. Anyway, these 2 Brunk boys married sisters. Barb and Nancy Wray.
Barb graciously invited me in and I sat for awhile having a wonderful chat with her. I have fond memories of sitting beside her in church.....Now let me assure you it WAS a privilege that I took seriously as my parents weren't as easy-going about that as I am. Barb would let me look up songs for her and shared her song with me. I thought she was the nicest of nice grown-ups. She told me how good it made her feel when I had written something about that on Nolan's Facebook wall. So now we went the full circle. She made me feel good when I was small and I was able to repay that years later, even after she had forgotten that it ever happened.
I just want to let everybody know how little acts like that can make a little person's day. Both incidents were trivial but made a huge impact on me. I have loved Barb and Nancy ever since.
There are other incidents, such as my very first trip to Guatemala with Wes and Nancy. Their little girl, Deb, was 19 months old at the time and was the sweetest, cutest toddler. Deb is all grown up now but I have a soft spot in my heart for her and I am sure its because of that memorable trip as I moved away from Ohio soon after and never really stayed home long after that.
I guess the moral of this story is never underestimate your impact on anyone especially a little child. It may make all the difference in the world.
So here's hats off to you two Wray Girls. I love you both dearly.
Wes and Nancy
Nolan and Barb
This is my latest creation. I saw a picture of a similar one and came up with my own version. I thought it would make a lovely one for a future granddaughter, but Kaity is trying to claim it already.
I want to be careful not to invade on anyone's privacy here but I wanted to say that my Dad got sick in July. A few week's later after a gallbladder surgery, he has been diagnosed with stage 4 liver cancer.
He had been diagnosed a couple of years ago with Hemochromatosis which is too much iron in the blood. (Here I was so proud of my high hematocrit. ) This in turn has caused a damaged liver which is now deadly. Also, for your information, Hemochromatosis causes diabetes and arthritis. Both he has and also a number of family members, including yours truly.
So, this past weekend, Vernon and our 2 youngest children crammed into a VW Jetta for the long trek home to visit. Its a long 13-15 hours in such a "tobacco can" as our family has dubbed those size of cars but it was great for the fuel mileage. Anyway, we had a great weekend with my folks and wish we lived closer.
He has lost a lot of weight since I last saw him over a year ago. Here are some photos. One of them is a picture of my Grandpa Glenn. I couldn't believe how much they look alike.
This was in March with a grandchild and great grandchild.
This one was taken Tuesday morning with Mom and our 2 youngest.
My Dad. His parents--my Grandpa Jesse and Grandma Pearl.
My Grandpa died when I was a baby so I didn't remember him, Grandma was my only grandparent for over 30 years....she passed away in 1998 at the age of 96. There is NO replacement for her, she was the sweetest grandmother that anyone could want. (Hey, if you don't believe me, ask any of my siblings. )
Another highlight of our trip was a visit to my dearest Aunt Susie. She is Mom's only sister and for whom I was named. She hasn't been well for a number of years. It's sad to know that some things will not last forever. I hope when the time comes to say good-bye that I can be strong.
My favorite cousin, Charlotte Glenn-Frey and I.
Tuesday morning the cell phone rang. It was our daughter Tiana calling from home in Wisconsin. We were enroute home after a weekend visit to see my parents in Ohio.
"Mom, Charlotte called and said she's at Cracker Barrel and went ahead and got a table."
Oh dear, here we were stuck in a traffic jam close to the Scioto Downs (horse race and casino) on the south side of Columbus. We were a 1/2 hour late and there was no end in sight of all the backed up traffic.
"Call her back and tell her to wait. We are stuck in traffic." I didn't want her to give up and go home. I wasn't really worried. I knew Charlotte wouldn't do that. She wanted to see me as much as I longed to see her. She is that kind of cousin.
Jonathan asked me, "Mom, do you know this woman we are meeting at Cracker Barrel?" Yes, Jonny, I know her! Smiles
* * * * * * *
Since our Daughter-in-law is so interested in family history and is making an effort to record what she can for her children's sakes, I bought a little booklet that is entitled: "Mom, Share Your Life With Me". This book has something for me to write for every day of the year to record my memories, starting out with the day and date of my birth on Jan.1st to other memories throughout my life.
I haven't filled very much but Jan 21st had me stumped. "Relate an experience or memory of a cousin." Hmmm. Who is or was my favorite cousin? I began to think about that one. With all my 25 cousins, I had none my own age. The one that I knew the best was old enough to be my mother. In fact, I think she is older than my own mom, so she doesn't count. Linda? We saw a lot of each other, but she 's about 8 years older and always "hung out" with my oldest sister and brother. Debbie is only a year older than I am but she developed earlier than I did so ditto with her....she was Gwen and Randy's buddy. I don't recall of either of these cousins being stuck up or anything but we never were close. Ruby? She was a sweet girl and I always looked up to her but we rarely ever saw each other and she too was several years older than I. Martha Jean? Same story. Michelle? She spent a couple of summers with my Grandma Glenn, she was 3 and 1/2 years younger but whenever we got together, she, my sister Pam and I were friends. But really none of these are any that I consider a favorite cousin. Sad but true. And of course most of my cousins I wouldn't even know if I met them on the street. I just don't have any favorite cousins, I guess....BUT wait.....Charlotte! Bingo! I started reminiscing and know that that's not true. I do have a favorite cousin. Let me introduce her.
* * * * * * * * *
It was back in the early 70's, I am not sure of the exact year, that I met Charlotte. I was about 10 or 11 years old. Our family went to Johnstown, Ohio for the first Glenn reunion with my Dad's cousins. This was people that we barely even knew existed. I am sure that we probably looked odd to all those Glenns. I doubt they had ever heard of a Mennonite, let alone seen any, but if Charlotte thought we were weird she never once let it show. She was probably 21 at the time but she made sure that we were not neglected and that made a huge impact on me.
I really do not remember much about that day, but I vividly remember Charlotte and her 2 sisters: Janet and Bev. Their dad was my Grandpa's first cousin, making us 2nd cousins, once removed....but we are closer than that I think.
Janet introduced us to the new wonder: Invisible zippers. We were amazed! These new zipper were hidden in the seam. Wow! My life has never been the same.
Beverly, on the other hand, has Down's Syndrome so that was a new experience for us. We knew of another person like that but we had never really met anyone like that up close. Charlotte took the time to explain what her problem was and I was impressed of her love for her youngest sister. We found her amusing, like when she played lawn darts and ended up getting her own leg by mistake but she didn't make us feel uncomfortable so we were all just fine.
After that reunion, Charlotte and I began to write letters on occasion. She was truly interested in our family and made an effort to keep in touch, most of the time. She was there when my brother died in '80. Was there at our wedding in '81, and my sister's wedding in '83. She was the only cousin that bothered to give me a baby gift when Susana was born. (I had lost track of most of my cousins by that time.) I still have the little shawl cape with a hood that her mother had crocheted for her to give to me. I will treasure that always.
She was there for my parents' 50th wedding anniversary do-dah. Yes, she is that kind of cousin and I love her for it.
Here is my favorite picture of her. With my Mom in 1993. Beautiful, isn't she?
* * * * * * * * *
We arrived at Cracker Barrel at noon, Kaitlyn fell in the parking lot on the way in. I bent down to help her up, looked in the window and saw Charlotte smiling back at me. I took Kaitlyn straight to the restroom but soon heard someone ask "Does she need a Band-Aid?" Ah it was so great to hear that voice again. It has been nearly 8 years since we were last together.
Needless to say, our time together was way too short but we needed to get on home so we parted a couple of hours later.
Yes, Charlotte IS my favorite cousin. Hands down, she wins the prize. I have found that age difference doesn't matter if you love someone. I love you, Charlotte. Thanks for being that cousin.
I finally got caught up with my work to be able to do Lanet's quilt top. I had made Ben a froggie one; Sue's has fairies so I decided to make this one with kittens. Their Mommy is a real cat lover so when I saw a quilt with these kittens in a quilt magazine in the library I knew this was it. I bought the (Panels) blocks online but no way was I going to buy any of the other stuff it required so I got busy raiding my stash and this is the results:
Actually I am very pleased with it. Now the chore of quilting it.
This afternoon we spent having a picnic at Jump River wayside with Kurt and Marilyn Shores' family. Their daughter Dalila just turned 14 and her wish was to have a picnic together so she could be with Lavina. Of course, this suited Jonny really well as their Benji is one of his best friends. The children played in the water while we adults visited. A very pleasant afternoon was enjoyed by every one of us.
Kurt and Marilyn 
Kendra, Dalila, Lavina
Benjamin
Jacob
Angela (see "Tears of the Rain" by Ruthann Stelfox
Moriah Sue
Caleb
Anna
Kendra
Vernon and Kurt
Playing with the pump
Well, have a good weekend, folks.
Have you ever seen the hand of God in something that may seem trivial to others, but means so much to you that it almost makes you cry? I would like to share something that makes me feel so small but yet so loved by our Heavenly Father.
Little did we know that we would be the ones that needed the parts. Here Vernon is "Robbing Peter to pay Paul." 
So this helps it seem as if 
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