Yesterday I was working at one of the school desktop computers when I heard a loud crash in the hallway.

"Are you hurt?" was my response.

"Yeah."  ....followed by unusual silence.  Usually, this child dances and wails loudly when he has a mishap. 

Suddenly my suspicions arose to a high pitch.  Something was wrong.

Oh no!  He had tripped over a Tonka truck and had dropped the laptop.  Groan.  

It seems like this laptop is rather ill-fated.  Not so terribly long ago, this same youngin had accidentally gotten the laptop wet while doing dishes and shorted out the keyboard. 

He had just wanted me to type in the password so he could go on Super Charged Science site for some neat experiments.   Not to mention that he had failed to ask my permission first. 

Well, upon inspection, the computer still ran but it looked like this:

Usable but very unhandy. 

Call Matt.  The computer tech up the road.  That's the advice I got from the family. 

I had another idea.  Why not try changing the screen from our old laptop?  Remember it had a heart attack last May and we just bought another one just like it on Ebay and switched the hard drives?  So, I had the extra computer just waiting to be used as parts.  Maybe I could save some money.

Should I ?  But----what if something went wrong?  Was it worth the risk?  I goggled on the Internet how to change the screens and watched a couple of videos.  Didn't look too complicated.  Still sort of scared so decided to wait and see how I felt in the morning.

This morning I woke up more confident.  So I started dismantling the 2 computers. Here's the 2 laptops scattered all over my kitchen table:

In an hour or so had it back together with this result:

Guess what?  It works.  I FIXED IT!!!  I feel like a million dollars.  What else can I tackle?   

"I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me."  Not sure if that's out of context but its a verse that came to me anyway. 

Until next time.  KimM

They say that some things are self explanatory.  Apparently I am not, so I thought it might be of interest to those who wondered, if I explained myself.

As you know, I am a mother of 9, grandmother to 3, (the newest 3 days old).  My oldest is 29 and my youngest is almost 4.  Two are married.  Two daughters no longer live at home.  I homeschool 2 children, and try to keep up with the youngest who is in a very busy stage of her life.  (Seems like she makes more messes than my others, but I have to remind myself that I had a hired girl when the others were little.)

I love writing and did write some for Tea Leaves and More Tea Leaves devotional books published by Christian Light Publications. 

I learned to crochet and knit at an early age.  I had a sweater business when we sold thousands of sweaters, etc.  Dabbled in counted cross stitch, embroidery and tatting.  I have a rug loom and make rugs.  I had a store for several years.

I am also an artist.  Or at least I am interested in it.  Yes, I did oil painting, but my best art is in quilt piecing.  So when I piece a quilt or do something of that sort, the reaction is:  "I just don't know how you do it!"

Here is my self-explanation:  I need to keep my hands busy or I'd go bananas.  Some people love to garden or do flowerbeds, or cooking or keeping their house spotless, for their outlet, and are good at it.  Unfortunately, I do not enjoy any of the above.  My forte is sewing, knitting, etc. and I love the artistry of piecing a quilt.  (My family may go hungry but they won't freeze.  )

So, hopefully, this sums it up.  I am not a superwoman.  I don't even pretend to be.  But in the meantime, I just a Mrs. Sew 'n Sew.  (I'd say a Stitch Witch but don't like the sound of the last word).

Tootle do!

 

Jim Kauffman.  There are a few people in this world that are the epitome of gentleness.  When we met our next door neighbors here in Conrath, my first reaction was Jim was one of the gentlest men I have ever met.  Another one is Leon Yoder from Gladys, VA.  I just wanted to tell everybody that.    God bless these 2 men and their families.

I got an email from DaySpring cards and it had these questions.  I thought they were interesting for reflection on 2011.  I finally got them all answered.

 

20 Questions for a New Year’s Eve Reflection

1. What was the single best thing that happened this past year? That's hard to say, but our trip out East (VA, MD, PA) was a highlight but having Mark and Norma Gingerich, Mervin Kuepfer, and Mama Doris here in our home was a BIGGIE.

(I later thought that perhaps finding about Agave....a sugar alternative that actually tastes good, doesn't leave an aftertaste nor is it strong like honey or maple syrup.  Within 2 weeks, my blood sugar dropped to almost normal levels.)

2. What was the single most challenging thing that happened?  Trying to work through a broken relationship

3. What was an unexpected joy this past year? Getting to see Mark Gingerich's family in ND

4. What was an unexpected obstacle? Rolling our van

5. Pick three words to describe 2011. Tough, emotionally draining

6. Pick three words your spouse would use to describe your 2011 I am not sure what Vernon would say, he is such an optimist, but he would agree that we had some unpleasant things mixed in with our good times.  He really helps me keep a good perspective.  

7. Pick three words your spouse would use to describe their 2011   Oh he would probably say: Not too bad.  

8. What were the best books you read this year? Besides the Bible, I Lift My Lamp by Anna Balmer Myers, The Death of a Saloon by Pablo Yoder and Out of the Depths by Rachel Lofgren

9. With whom were your most valuable relationships? Vernon, and a couple of ladies at church....especially Joyce

10. What was your biggest personal change from January to December of this past year? having to lose weight and change my diet due to diabetes

11. In what way(s) did you grow emotionally? I learned to see how that a domineering and critical spirit can be so painful and hurt relationships.  I learned from the being bullied end of it so I really could take a look at how I treat others.  Although I was hurt, I feel the experience has helped me be more compassionate and less critical of others.

12. In what way(s) did you grow spiritually? Learning to trust in God to supply our needs.  With over $80,000.00 in unexpected medical bills this year, there was no way we could meet these. 

13. In what way(s) did you grow physically? I hope I didn't but I decreased in size by 17 lbs.

14. In what way(s) did you grow in your relationships with others? See # 11.

15. What was the most enjoyable part of your work (both professionally and at home)? I enjoyed piecing some quilts this past year.

16. What was the most challenging part of your work (both professionally and at home)? Homeschooling, fixing meals and keeping the house presentable. 

17. What was your single biggest time waster in your life this past year? Probably Facebooking. 

18. What was the best way you used your time this past year?Making sure I had my quiet time with God.

19. What was biggest thing you learned this past year? Trust in God

20. Create a phrase or statement that describes 2011 for you.  All things work together for good to those that love God.

Happy reflecting! And pass over that bowl of popcorn.

 Papa left us.  I still miss him.  Need I say more?

This picture was taken at MAM in the early '90's.  Glenn and Vernon Martin

The other day I pulled another bunch of Christmas mail out of the mailbox.  Most of them were pictures which we enjoy, but the letters are interesting as well.  But what warmed my heart was a little surprise note tucked into one.  It was very unexpected but VERY appreciated.  Sometimes its the littlest things that can be the biggest encouragement.

Reflecting back on this past year, I have to say it was one of those years that you wish you could somehow erase it.  1997 was one of those years:  It started out with a gallbladder surgery for me, then my parents' house burned (my childhood home), to multiple health issues, to misunderstanding and misjudging by our co-missionaries, to Vernon getting his finger smashed off in November.  I do not remember how the year ended after that but I do remember "reeling" from hurt emotions, etc.

Especially the misunderstanding and misjudgment.  I remember crying and asking Papa Glenn Martin "Where are our supporters?"  How many of those who were critical had even taken the time to ask us why instead of flinging accusations.  It didn't make sense.  I somehow felt betrayed.  How my heart ached over that time.

But Praise the Lord, things got better and we survived the attack.    No hard feelings toward anyone and I think in the end almost everyone got a better understanding of where we were coming from, thanks to the gentle spirit of Papa.  He definitely had a gift for working with people....how I wish he were still around, I could use his advice right now! 

Back to 2011.  I have to say, its been tough, really tough.  With Lavina having her stay in the hospital with pneumonia and our recent wreck in October when we rolled and totaled our wreck and Jonny breaking his leg.  Being officially diagnosed with diabetes.  (I already knew I had it but having it affirmed by the doctor makes it so that I cannot deny it.)   There were other disappoints and heartaches as well that I am not free to tell about.  But my heart is aching with a huge ache that only time and prayer will heal. 

As I was reflecting, I thought of the little note of encouragement from one of our daughters' friend.  Also other letters and cards I received from friends  that encouraged me.... have I looked for ways to encourage others like this?  Have I become so calloused that another's burden means nothing to me?  I hope that I have learned something this year through all we've experienced that will help me be more sensitive others' burdens and heartaches.  If I can learn that, then this year will not have been in vain.

PS  I am in no way, trying to downplay all the good things that happened to me over this past year.  Maybe my next post should be counting all my blessings from this year.  Starting with this:

We are all alive and sane.  (At least I think so.  ) 

We have a nice warm house to live in.

We have never gone hungry.

I have been able to do a number of projects on my to-do list.

The list could go on and on.....it sums up to this:  GOD HAS BLESSED US RICHLY.

I want to take this time to thank all of you, my friends, for your love and encouragement over this past year.  You will never know who much I appreciate it.  What would I ever do with out friends?  God bless you all and I hope you have a great new year.

 

I had to scramble to get this one done.  I had planned on a Christmas Log Cabin quilt but didn't even get that all cut out and could see that I wouldn't be able to do it either so I grabbed a "kit" that I had cut out earlier using my Accuquilt Go cutter....Dresden Plate.  I hadn't realized how tedious those petals would be!  I doubt I will ever use the rounded petals again.  I like the pointed ones as they were self-faced.  Anyway, I was pleased with the final results and I was able to use up a lot of scraps for the patchwork borders.

Vernon's parent's came on the 9th to help Lily and Delvin on their house.  They want to stay until the house is ready to move into.  Grandma says they'll be here all winter.    That would be fine with us!  So, we will be having Christmas dinner together here.  Its nice to have family around.

Kendra Lily, our daughter who has been studying nursing in Guatemala, graduated the 10th and flew home on the 11th.  Its so good to have her home even if its only for 5 weeks.  She plans to return to do 3 more years of schooling.  Its only on the weekends though, so she'll be working in the mission clinic in El Chal.

Not too much other stuff is going on so I'll close.  Our sympathies go to Jerrel Good's family over this time of intense grief.  His wife is from our congregation so it affected both of our ministers families: Lewis Martin's and Ted Miller's.  Jerrel's death was such a shock and a blow to everyone.  Please remember them in your prayers.

Here are the year's collection of quilt tops that I got done:

January:  Wedding Memories

February:  I don't have a name for this one.

 

March: Nancy's Fancy

April:  Kaitlyn's Butterfly Garden

 

 

May: Tulip Watercolor Table runner

June: Swirly Gig's

July: Swedish knit comfort top for sewing

August: Log Cabin

September: Scrappy Stars Plaid Lap RobeOctober: Tropical Breeze Nine Patch

Synchronized Spinning

Virginia PinwheelParalellogram pinwheelsNovember: Poinsettia Watercolor Table runner

December: Dresden Plate

 

A total of 16 quilts for the year. 

 

The last 4 are some of the ones I'd pieced the year before.

That's all folks.  Its been a great project for the year but don't think I'll try it for the next year.  I need to get some knitting done but I do have 2 more quilt projects for next year.  Orca Bay Mystery Quilt and the contest from Japheth Stauffer's store:  Fall in the Northwoods.

I think I'd better hurry up and do my posting for my November's project before everyone thinks I've cheated and did it in December!  This is a Whims Watercolor kit for a banner but I chose to make another table runner instead.  I am not sure why I did that either....I don't use table runners any more than I do a banner but I think the runner is more practical.   

I love the poinsettias on the it.  It turned out pretty but I guess quilting it on the sewing machine isn't the best way.  I am not sure what happened but after I got it all quilted it looked sort of wrinkly.  I can't take it out so I'll have to live with it and see if I can master the technique or quit.  Anyway, once there's a candle or plant on it, it doesn't look so bad.  I had fun doing it and I suppose that's what counts.

I also made an apron for my daughter-in-law who happens to love chickens.  I thought this was too cute.

November was a full month.  Dr appointments seemed to take up a large part of my time but I can report that we did see a lot of healing in that time.  Jonny ditched his crutches and brace and began walking on his own with an exaggerated limp.  But each day, he got better and now his limp is barely there. 

Kaity loves playing with the crutches, walker, wheelchair and brace:

My stomach had some very severe bruising from the lap belt and it felt like two summer sausages in there.  Very painful to say the least.  But after I took a couple of muscle relaxants there was immediate relief.  A few weeks later they were reduced to the size of hotdogs.  Later I made the comment that they went from sausages to hotdogs to little smokies.    Yesterday, I realized they are no longer there although there is still slight pain to the touch on my left side.  It was from trapped blood, I guess. 

I still have a sore wrist.  There seemed to be glass still in it, so the doctor numbed it and tried to find it.  Finally, he just cut a hunk of the damaged tissue out and stitched it up.  So, it was pain all over again.  We aren't sure if we even got the glass out at that, but I am hoping we did.

I had been needing to go to the chiropractor 2 or 3 times a week but now we are down to once every 3 weeks.  I am so thankful for His healing hand. 

Then Lavina started with pneumonia all over again.  Fortunately, we could see the handwriting on the wall and hightailed it to the doctor before it blew up.  Some medicine and a nebulizer did the trick.  PTL

For Thanksgiving our family went up to Silver Bay, MN to our son-in-law's family; Herb Lattin's.  They said they were just doing the basics but still ended up with at least 18 things on the menu.   Hmmm....wonders me what the full treatment would be like.    It was so good to be there again.  We enjoy being there with them.  Too bad Adam and Susana couldn't be there too.  Elv and Arla Graber and family were also there.  Just the right size crowd.  The food was scrumptious, I especially enjoyed the Chutney.

Susan, Arla and I worked on a puzzle but we had to leave before it was finished.  I enjoyed seeing Adam's cabin that Elv's are finishing out.  Looks good.  Wish I had taken some pictures but my poor camera is definitely on its last leg.

We endured the 4 hour ride there and back each way crammed into our Cutlass Cierra.  Certainly a come down from our Ford maxi van but the gas mileage is heaps better. 

Here's a picture of our cute little dog Pixie:

Now this week we are looking for Grandaddy's to come and our daughter Kendra Lily is planning to come for a month from Guatemala.  I am soooo excited!!!

Well, until next time, may God keep you in His care.  Keep looking up!

I have finally decided what makes Thanksgiving Day right and perfect. 

In our pre-Guatemala days we got together with Vernon's family and the Wilmer Layman (Grandad) extended family.  A few times we got together with another missionary family when we lived in Guatemala but for the most part we didn't do too much. 

After we moved here we didn't really celebrate the day until about 5 years ago when Herb Lattin and Susan Lattin invited us up to spend the day with them.  We have tried to go up every year since then except one. 

Yesterday, we again were there....enjoying the day with the Lattin's, Cathy Carlson and Elv Graber's family.  It was then that I decided that to really enjoy Thanksgiving Day you need family to spend it with you.

I am thankful for "family" away from family.  Just wish that Adam and Susana could've have joined us!

All of a sudden I thought of Gracie.  Why I don't know.  I accidentally called Kaitlyn "Gracie" this afternoon.  It just slipped out.

Oh dear, I haven't thought of that little girl for a LONG time. Not that I was missing much.  Just ask any of our 4 older girls about Gracie.  I can almost guarantee the name would evoke a face before they'd answer.  ( I asked #2 son if he remember Gracie....his response: "Ye-ah." and a face.) 

Gracie was the oldest child of one of neighbors in El Novillero.  I don't remember her age but probably about 4 or 5.  Her poor parents thought she was the best thing that walked the face of this earth and that little girl knew it! Every time she opened her mouth to say something, she'd look around to see who all heard her and tried to make sure that we all duly appreciated her wittiness.  We got tired of her extremely fast to say the least.

NOW--I think that Kaitlyn was one of the best things that ever happened to me......God spare us from having another Gracie.  Looks like I have a BIG job ahead of me.  I DO NOT WANT TO SUFFER THAT FATE!!!!!!

I know this is just rambling, but those are my thoughts this evening. 

Blessing to one and all, KimM

PS....KL, this post is dedicated to you.  I know just how much you loved being with the above mentioned brat.