Family

My family is the best. Any of them would give you the shirt off their back if you needed it. We are a very close knit family and we always cherish every moment together. My family has never been rich, never even cared for worldly goods if you will, but we do care for each other. Recently, we cherish moments even more so. My grandfather has been through the ringer this past year and it has taken a toll on him. The most recent diagnosis is lung cancer. Along, with his dialysis three times a week it pretty much leaves him drained.

I want to give you a briefing on my grandfather or as I call him, Paw. From the time I was just a toddler he has been the most precious thing in the world to me and I like to think I am to him, although I know he doesn't play favorites. I used to go everywhere with pawpaw. He would take me with him "to the country", which is where all his buddies hung out and played guitars. Nothing like good ole blue grass gospel picking! We would always stop by the store first to pick up cheese crackers and coke in a glass bottle (the best). Up until I was 18 that was my breakfast. He is also the reason I love coffee! I remember sitting in his lap taking sips from his cup.

He played in a band called the "Christian Voices" for the longest time and you can only guess who was always with him. I stuck by him like peanut butter and jelly. He is the sweetest most caring man I know, aside from my amazing husband. He is soft spoken, doesn't complain and never says a foul thing about anyone. If you go in my grandparent's house you will not leave feeling discouraged or hungry. If you do, it's your own fault.

There's just something about the simplicity of my grandparents that I want to carry along. My grandfather can't even read but he's a happy man. I want to carry on the love that him and maw have to graciously gave. They hold the savior in the highest regard and that is a legacy in and of itself.

With all that said, I recently asked my good friend "Chewy" or Jonathan O'Brien to do a photo shoot of this marvelous family. It has only been two years since our last shoot but I thought it was important to get this one in. I wanted it to be simple and sweet and I think he captured it well. Here are a few of my favorites….

…father with his only daughter and my little family

…the whole clan

...great and grand kids :)

…now that's love

…one of 3 sons (uncle Tim) and great grandchild Nate

…here we are again in color

…There are many more great pics from this shoot that I'm sure you'll be seeing on my facebook soon enough. I hope you all get to enjoy your family as much as I do.

Also, check out jobrienphoto.com and book your shoot today.

My favorite so far

My friends Craig and Mandy are having a baby girl! Eden Victoria is due to be here on January 25th, which also happens to be my birthday. So, when Mandy asked me to make her a quilt I was more than happy to. Although, I must admit that I was a bit nervous because I am surely not even close to being the best at it and I had only made 3 quilts prior to this one. Mandy picked out all the patterns and we talked about her vision for the quilt. I would describe Mandy's style as victorian lacy vintage. Her style is so unique in her clothing and in her home. I really wanted to bring this into the quilt. With Mandy's permission and trust in my judgement I added my own special touches. I did the brick pattern to break up some of the colors and the ribbon all around the border makes it all the more girly. I used some leftover cloth to make flowers to go on each corner which I think just make the quilt. The back is one of my favorite patterns, toile. I can't tell you how many hours I put into this quilt. Lots of headaches and stressful moments but it was all worth it. It was absolutely made with 100% love. Love for my dear friends and love for this precious miracle that will soon be here. When I took them the quilt I was quite anxious of what they would think but when I saw there maternity shots it made it clear that they were just as happy with it as I am. I really wish I could just make quilts all day everyday, especially for people who mean so much to me.