I can't believe I'm sitting here! I've missed chatting with you all!
Hello?
Is it just me and the crickets?
I was asking on Facebook a few days ago who out there checks designers' blogs or designers' Facebook pages for new release updates, and it appears that most people prefer Facebook for the convenience of it, but they like blogs for the details - and only if a link is posted, in many cases. I really appreciated hearing everyone's feedback, although I had not really been thinking of giving up my blog; I simply have allowed my time to be consumed by other things, which has crowded out blogging (and I've always truly enjoyed blogging).
Isn't it funny how modern technology has made daily tasks so simple that you are able to squeeze in many more tasks, which only ends up squeezing out daily living?
I have been so busy in such a good way around here though (technology aside). I've had such a nice summer with my last chickadee at home, Miss Sophie, and I am trying not to think about school starting up again. I always missed my girls when they had to go off to school again. :( I've also been very busy with new designs, kitting, filling orders, traveling to stitching retreats, and even stitching on some fun things just for myself.
The fourth of July was so much fun, as it always is! It's always been one of my favorite holidays because it is spent at my parents' home, in their beautiful back yard..
Have you ever played ladder ball? It's also known as monkey ball, and I believe I mentioned it last year on my blog as well. It's truly the only time I've ever seen my mother get so highly competitive, that we all have to let her win.
(I'm only kidding - you can't "let" someone win at ladder ball!)
Here are Bre and Mike, taking their turns - and Bre scored a whopping 3 points when she landed on the top wrung!
My dad is patiently waiting for his turn, while silently suffering through the smack-talk my mother is giving him on the side.
Sophie prefers to be in the audience while the game is going on..
I love it when my mom repurposes a fountain..
This is a huge whiskey barrel full of marigolds.. my mother saved all the seeds last year, and there were enough for about 20 whiskey barrels! But she gave me a bunch, so now I have a barrel-full too!
Here is the beautiful window box that is behind Sophie and my dad in the above photo..
When Breanna was little, her favorite series was Power Rangers, and she would not allow a photo to be taken of her unless she was in her best Power Rangers pose. So for old times' sake, we all tried to strike her favorite pose. Except for Mom, who has never seen an episode of Power Rangers in her life, and except for Sophie, who would only watch Power Rangers if there was a makeup review included in a segment.
And that was our July 4th annual cookout!
Now that the summer is in full swing, I'm trying to figure out what my fall design schedule will be.. a little late as far as most designers are concerned, but I've always been an eleventh-hour person. I have more energy that way it seems! (I usually don't even have any Christmas design ideas in mind until the calendar page says "December" on it.)
Hopefully I'll be seeing some of you at the Tomorrow's Heirlooms retreat on the 17th-19th of this month in Chicago! I can't wait.. and I'm really looking forward to seeing old friends and meeting new ones, as always.
I'll see you all SOON!
Great update! See you at the retreat next week.
Posted by: Nataly K | July 09, 2015 at 12:19 PM
As someone who is not on Facebook and who has no intention of even trying to figure it out, I have really missed your posts to your blog. Please don't forget us! I'm sure I'm not the only person left who doesn't do Facebook.
Posted by: Karen V. | July 09, 2015 at 02:08 PM
Mom's backyard is amazing--I want to spend the summer there! Always enjoy your beautiful photos of her gardening efforts (and I suspect Dad's)
Posted by: Betty | July 09, 2015 at 02:15 PM
That yard should be in a magazine. Gorgeous.
As a NON Facebook person I am so glad to see you post again. Missed you!
Posted by: Charlene in PhxAz | July 09, 2015 at 02:51 PM
Marsha looks fabulous. Good to see this photo of her. I miss chatting with her.
Posted by: Bonnie Ingalls | July 09, 2015 at 03:19 PM
I have missed your posts too!! I come here at least every other day just to check for anything new. It doesn't have to be long to make me happy. I'm another one who is not on Facebook, but depending on what you decide I may have to change my ways. Not sure you can teach this old dog any new tricks, but for you?? I'll try 😊
Posted by: Laurel Mannen | July 09, 2015 at 06:20 PM
I'm on FB but things get buried so far down with all the groups I'm a member of, that I do prefer blog updates.
Wonderful pictures!
Posted by: Monica Goodreauy | July 09, 2015 at 07:24 PM
Have really missed your blogs! And OMG Sophie is all grown up!
Posted by: Ann | July 09, 2015 at 07:46 PM
What a fun post to read and see this evening! It looks like you had a fabulous 4th. I'm another in the non Facebook camp, so I was thrilled to see your new post.
Posted by: Robin in Virginia | July 09, 2015 at 08:53 PM
I much prefer reading on blogs to reading on Facebook
Posted by: Denise Aboushoushah | July 09, 2015 at 09:31 PM
I too prefer and miss blog posts! I love your photography and updates. Happy to see this post today; glad you are happy and busy.
Posted by: Linda | July 09, 2015 at 09:59 PM
Ohhh, Paulette, so nice to see you again. I missed you so much.
I am happy that you are all happy.
Liebe Grüße von Anja und Lutz
Posted by: Anja | July 10, 2015 at 02:15 AM
Oh my gosh , Sophie looks so grown up ! And so beautiful .
Good to see you back . A lot of people are turning to FB / Instagram and Twitter , but I still love looking at blogs .
Posted by: Cath | July 10, 2015 at 04:08 AM
I am so glad to see your post!! I "do" FB, but much prefer blogs. Blogs are like sitting at the kitchen table having coffee with a friend. You have a beautiful family and take the most amazing pictures. And your patterns, I LOVE to see them here. Thank you so much for sharing!
Posted by: Angela Tucker | July 10, 2015 at 07:00 AM
I had wondered about you. Glad to see you will continue blogging. I don't do FB.
Such fun with the family. :D
Posted by: Vickie | July 10, 2015 at 08:04 AM
Looks like lots of fun ;-)!!!!!!!!!!
Posted by: Katrina | July 10, 2015 at 08:32 AM
See you next week at TH.
Posted by: Pat | July 10, 2015 at 09:46 AM
I'm not on Facebook and never will be, so I'm glad you'll continue to blog! I can't believe how grown-up Sophie looks; where does the time go? Enjoyed the peek into your family fun on the 4th!
Posted by: Vicki | July 10, 2015 at 12:35 PM
I love your 4th of July posts! lol! So much fun! Can't believe how grown up Sophie is. Your mom looks so young! I rarely go on Facebook. I just can't get involved with yet another thing, as you were saying. I can't keep up with blogs anymore either!
Posted by: Margaret | July 10, 2015 at 06:16 PM
Another stitcher who isn't on Facebook so I hope you do continue to blog. Your mom's flowers are amazing too.
Posted by: karen | July 11, 2015 at 11:29 AM
I really look forward to your blogs; so I am so glad that you are giving it up! Love all of the pics of your July 4th with family; it brings back memories when my family wa larger and we got together. I am looking forward to new patterns from you, as always. Enjoy the rest of your summer with your girls, and happy stitching and designing.
Posted by: Pam Lacey | July 11, 2015 at 03:48 PM
UPDATE: Sorry, I should have said "I am so glad that you are NOT giving up your blog". My previous comment had an error in it.
Posted by: Pam Lacey | July 11, 2015 at 03:49 PM
What beautiful pictures and such a beautiful family!!! Looking forward to seeing you this weekend at the TH retreat.....so many fun people are coming!!! Very exciting!!!!
p.s. Even though I have not updated my blog in a while; I still love blogs better than FB.
Posted by: Laura Duet | July 12, 2015 at 10:53 AM
Great update, fun pics. If you ask on Facebook, naturally the response will be Facebook preference for news and updates. Not all are on Facebook. I will be looking forward to new designs and updates on your BLOG. :-)
Posted by: Olivia | July 12, 2015 at 12:41 PM
I love your blog, darling!
Hugs and kisses.
Posted by: Trini | July 13, 2015 at 06:01 PM