I'm back from my trip to California and must say I enjoyed every single minute. To start my trip off, I left 18 degree weather and arrived in California to 75-80 beautiful sunny degrees for the whole week I was there - can you say "heaven"! My grand babies Evita & DeAngelo have grown so much since I had last seen them in August.. hard to believe they are going to be 4 in May.
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| Yummy treats! |
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| Nana's new little lace helpers |
Every morning these two precious babes would run into my room and jump under the covers with me. We'd build a tent and turn on their little star making machine while naming each and every star. On the Saturday I was there, my DIL came to me with a choice - I could either go to Evita's Ballet Class to see her dance or I could go to DeAngelo's soccer game and watch him play - both were being held at the same time! OMG! No way could I make that kind of decision as they had both come to me asking me to come see them. There's always a solution to a problem. Nana took daddy's car and had him program in the directions from the dance studio to the soccer field. Watched Evita for about half and hour and made it to DeAngelo's soccer practice in plenty of time to see him play.
During the evening after everyone was tucked in I would settle in bed surrounded with all my CQing pretties. It was so nice to just sit and relax with no tv, no computer and no phones. I finally finished my October & November CQJP 2012 and only need a couple more hours on my December block before I can begin CQJP 2013. Even had time to comlete a RR block.
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November CQJP 2013 - Nicki Lee & Rob - Age 2 |
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October CQJP 2013
Now the for the sad part of my post. On Friday, January 25th, I lost one of the most important ladies in my life - my exMIL. Way back in 1975 my parents moved away to Virgina - I stayed here in Massachusetts to raise my two babies by by myself. At the time Rita was already my exMIL but over the years she became so much more. For 40 years she was like a mother to me and told everyone I was her daughter. Lots of tears and laughter came about in those years - I miss her terribly but know that she is at peace now - I'll just hold tight to all my cherished memories and the words she spoke to me a millions time: "This too shall pass - life goes on" I love you Rita.
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I've been thinking about you Nicki. Glad you had such a wonderful time with your sweet grand babies, they are adorable.
ReplyDeleteYour blocks are beautiful and I love the colors.
I am sorry for your loss. Keep those memories tucked into your heart. You were blessed to have each other.
Love and hugs ~ FlowerLady
Thank you Lorraine... I know you know the heartache and pray that you are doing well and your heart is mending. Big big hugs!
DeleteSo sorry you have lost someone so close to you. It sounds like you had a special bond. I guess life does go on but it isn't always easy. Your grandchildren are adorable and it is wonderful you were able to spend time with them and manage to visit both activities.
ReplyDeleteThank you Connie. Yes, Rita and I formed a very close bond many years ago... I leanred a lot about life form her and will cherish the fun times we had.
DeleteAm so sorry to hear of Rita's passing. Do hold tight to those memories Nicki. The grandbabies are growing quickly. Sounds as if your visit was enjoyable for all. I see you are keeping very busy stitching - beautiful! Take care.
ReplyDeleteHi Lorraine, Yes... busy stitching with all your beautiufl threads - what a pleasure.
DeleteOh sweet Nicki, so very sorry you have lost such a dear friend.
ReplyDeleteKathy
Thank you Kathy. What a hard way to grow up...loosing someone so special.
Delete• • • Been missing you and am really sorry to hear Rita has gone on to her resting place. Remember, you haven't lost her as she will always be with you. It may be hard to think of it that way, but she is a part of you and who YOU are. Be happy for the years you shared. Be happy for the beautiful twins and be happy just for you.
ReplyDeleteIf you are looking for another project, the Eighth Annual Scraps to Treasures Challenge just started. :) ;)
Hi Jean, Have missed chatting with you - will be in touch soon.
DeleteSo sorry to hear that Rita has gone on. May she rest in peace. May your heart be comforted with all the great memories that you have of her.
ReplyDeleteYour grans are adorable and I am sure they loved spending time with you also.
Hi Wendy, Thank you for stopping by and you comforting words.
DeleteYour grandkids are so cute...life gives and then it also seems to take away...sorry to hear about the loss of your close friend....I hope your memories will warm your heart....Julierose
ReplyDeleteThank you Julie... as they say "time will heal a broken heart"
DeleteNicki,I'm so sorry to read the sad news, and learn that you have lost a wonderful friend. One day the memories you've shared will outweigh the sorrow. Sending you a big hug.
ReplyDeleteSounds as though you had a nice visit with your grands. Sigh. They do grow and change so quickly, don't they?
Beautiful work on your blocks. I bet they look fabulous together.
Hi Suz, Thank you for your comforting words. Life does go on... one stich at a time.
DeleteSorry to hear about Rita, you have the photos and memories, hold them close to you Nicki.
ReplyDeleteYour time with the grandchildren sounded like lots of fun, good to have you back with us again and to see the beautiful blocks you have created, will be popping back for more looks at these and for inspiration
HI Margaret, thank you for stopping by...slowing I am getting back to myself and been stiching up a storm. Will try and post some pictures soon.
DeleteYour grandkids are gorgeous!
ReplyDeleteYour CQing is perfection!
You deserve to have known and
loved your MIL all these years.
I was blessed with a MIL just like
that.
She's been gone a while now...I still
miss being able to talk to her.
Kathi, You are always so complimentary - love you... thank you.
DeleteHi Nicki,
ReplyDeleteWelcome home! (and just in time for a big snow storm!!! : ) Sounds like you had a beautiful time with your precious grandbabies! They are adroable!!!
So sorry about the loss of Rita. My mother told me how close you were to her. Keep those memories dear to your heart. She is at peace now.
Have a wonderful day tomorrow!
Danielle xo
Hi Danielle, Thank you for stopping by. Loved having your mom come visit last week - I just adore her..you are a lucky girl to have such a beautiful mom.
DeleteOh Nicki Lee. Like you, I'm not sure what to tackle first. Let's start with the good news. Those two babes are amazing. I'm so glad you had time to settle into their world and drink it all in like the thirsty grandmother that you are. Your CQ reflects how happy you were feeling. It's beautiful.
ReplyDeleteI'm sorry to hear that you lost your dear Rita. I send well wishes to her spirit and to you...Big hugs and love, Susan
Thank you Susan for stopping by. It's amazing how sitching can help mend a broken heart and how the hugs from grandbabies can help you forget all the sorrow in the world.
DeleteNick, Nick...I am so sorry to hear of your dear Rita's passing...tough stuff. Sure thinking of your through these days.
ReplyDeleteYour grandbabies are absolutely precious! Aren't they growing up? Such bittersweet times.
Thank goodness we have our stitching and our lady friends through life...sure do need them both! Love you, my friend. axel
Hi Nikci.... I'm so glad you had such a wonderful time with your little munchkins! Oh, how to choose, ballet and/or/both soccer. Glad you made it happen. They are adorable.
ReplyDeleteAnd my heart is sad for your loss of your exMIL. How wonderful that you had such a great relationship.
Lastly, you continue to inspire, with your amazing CQ stitchery! And, you kinda gave me permission to take my time. My Feb. block is way too intricate to rush through.
Much love and sweet blessings to you.
Chris
Nicki, I'm so sorry about Rita, but I know it was her time to leave.
ReplyDeleteThe grandbabies are just beautiful, and as always, so happy and totally adorable!! I'm so sorry we weren't able to get together while you were here.
Much love, Carolyn
C