cRaZy

Challenge:  2011 Sew More

My sister shared her challenge to sew a project once a month , and since I had set a goal top sew more in 2011, I was delighted to hop on board.

Month #1:  Hot pads.  I started out making three from valentine scraps of fabric I had from last year's Valentine sewing project (table runners), then I caught the bug.  I ran and bought more fabric to make just a few for my visiting teaching sisters.  Then I thought about my daughters-in-law, and my friend, and then another friend....

 Snow day today....sew, sew, sew.  Fifteen hot pads!

It's a snow day again tomorrow.  Sigh.

All Good Things Must End

Sad, but true.  Christmas has come and gone.  We loved, loved, loved having the kids home.  For one day they overlapped and we had them all here (except Elder Hendrickson, of course).  

We did the usual Hendrickson traditions....caroling on Christmas Eve at the old folks home, taking the missionaries out for breakfast on Christmas Eve (all 10 of them!), ice skating, Japanese New Year celebration with loads of friends, and so much more.

Besides talking with our missionary son on Christmas day, which I did not get a picture of, here are a few highlights...

Madelyn gets a ride from a rather unhappy Jackson

The 1st Annual LS 1st Ward Father/Son Basketball Tournament

The cutest Santa in the crowd cheering Nathan on at his b-ball game....

Nathan's the one in red (white guy) at top of the key...LSN pulled off a win.

Our friend, Giana

 One of the blessings we enjoyed in December is Giana.  Her mom, a good friend, was having a difficult challenge.  Giana came over Friday nights and stayed until Saturday night all through December.  What a joy.  She brought a different perspective to our lives.  We enjoyed the Nutcracker together, the ward party, a movie, shopping and house cleaning.  She was a reminder of what really matters most at Christmas.

Ice skating with friends

Garrett and Saryn

We spent a night at a hotel on the Plaza.....soooo fun.  

Some Things are Worth the Discomfort

It's 60 degrees outside in Missouri currently....abnormal but not unheard of according to the history books.  We have had several hard freezes already, but the last few days have been beautiful.

As we are preparing to head north to visit my Mom and family for Thanksgiving, we see the weather forecast is not nearly so appealing.  In fact, there are several NEGATIVE numbers there.  Yikes! We've gone soft.

Feeling the love of family as we play, eat, run (Warner Wobble here we come!), eat, chat, eat will warm our hearts through and through.  What could be better? 

Well, okay, all of that at 60 degrees, but it is what it is!

Have a safe, warm Thanksgiving everyone!  Grateful for your love and friendship over the years.

Screamin' Eagle

It is finished. Kickin' and screamin', well, just lots of complaining, but he did it. Nathan finished his Eagle in May. His Court of Honor was held a few weeks ago (more kickin') with four other scouts from the troop who accomplished the same.



His project was planting over 700 plants for a rain guard at a city park.

Six years ago we couldn't damper his enthusiasm for scouting....Some day I hope all four boys realize and appreciate the lessons learned as they walked down the path to Eagle.

I'd say "congratulations", but it wouldn't mean much, so I'll just say, "Whew!" and can confidently say Nathan agrees.

Hold On

Can't let the day pass without expressing to my sweetheart how much I love him and am grateful for 26 years together. 2010 has been a year of ups and downs and I'm so lucky to have him to hold on to!

Fabulous Fourth

Madelyn's blessing is this weekend, so we're headin' out and will celebrate the 4th of July with all our children:-)

I saw this cute onsie at a baby shower recently and figured "I can make that!", so here's my version....4th of July style...

The ruffle bum:And the front:A girl can't have enough changes of clothes--Here's another version, just in case she needs to change outfits:

Now if those 1100 miles will just fly by tomorrow.....Happy 4th everyone!

PS Wish we could be in two places at once. We'll be thinking of Joanna and Ben!

A Miracle Named Madelyn

Meet Madelyn Lucy Hendrickson, minutes old. She is beautiful! Every proud grandparent says that:-) Now I understand!

What a miracle life is and how grateful we are for all the blessings the Lord sends our way. It's very humbling. With the trials and challenges that is called l-i-f-e, birth is a moment that causes us to pause, catch our breath, and contemplate the REAL purpose of life.

Just call me "Nanna!"