Craftsy T-Shirt Challenge

Help!!! I am looking for some inspiration, Craftsy has challenged the instructors to create something with these T-shirts. I have two XXLs to use. I am not excited about the colors(I am more of a blue/green gal), but I am open to thoughts and suggestions. The deadline is approaching fast!-Linda

My Last Post for 2013

Well this is the last post for 2013.  I can’t believe the year is over, as you can see it has been another eventful year for my family and my business.  At this time I would like to spend some time remembering those who have touched our lives, but are no longer with us.

Anton Jelinek's Family, Richard is in the center back.

This year my uncle Richard passed away.  I’m sure it was exceptionally hard on his family since they had just gone through the pain of losing a sister.  My Uncle Richard and Aunt Donna live on the farm that my father and his father were raised on.  I always enjoyed visiting them (they were a family with five children, which translates to always someone to play with!)  I guess the historian in me appreciated knowing that they lived on the “family farm”.  My thoughts and prayers to all of you as you heal from your loss.

On a personal note our family has taken several losses with our furry family members.  Our beloved dog, Brady, passed away early in the year.   

Brady

Then this fall we lost our family cat, Chance Lee.  Both were loyal to our family; helping our sons learn responsibility and love.

Chance Lee

Now that we are officially empty nesters, I can’t wait to see what 2014 has in store for us.  We have added a new furry family member. 

Rudy

However, he is not as loving as the others, and is 17 pounds of  attitude when it comes to what he thinks is his.  I guess we all are adjusting to changes.

I guess he was cold.

May you all have a great start to the New Year, and may you have plenty of blessings to count.  Good Night-Linda

Love Makes The World Go Around

When you watch two people fall in love, it makes the world a better place.   

They spent all day smiling at each other.

This year we celebrated the marriage of our son, Nathan and his wife, Jessica.  

Generations of handsome guys!

It was a busy and joyous week for our family. 

The Jelinek girls.

My parents came on Monday, Brayden was born on Thursday, and Nathan and Jessica were married on Friday.   

Scott and Randi were able to stay and play for the weekend.

Brooke and Jacob enjoying the weekend!

This left us the weekend to spend with family and friends that traveled to see us!  

I am truly blessed to have a family that I love to be around, and good friends to share them with.

I Feel a "Par-Tea" Coming On!

I don’t know if you noticed that my profile has changed a bit.  This year there were several additions to our family!  One that I am particularly excited about is my new daughter-in-law, Jessica.  So to celebrate, I hosted a tea party in her honor.  

The new addition to our home became a tea house for the day.

It was a fun time, and the guests arrived in style.

Thanks to all who helped to make the tea party a success.  You created some wonderful memories, and gave the new couple a fabulous start.  

Rocked by Rocky

During February, Winter Storm Rocky hit our area hard.  We were without power for two days.  Fortunately, we still had running water, our propane stove to cook with, and a fire place to keep us warm.   

But having no electricity slowed down my sewing opportunities.  So I spent some time researching and dreaming of various sewing and quilting techniques I would like to try. My husband kept the bird feeders filled, and the birds arrived in flocks. I guess Rocky was hard on them also.  But it provided me with lots of photo opportunities.

The cardinals always remind me of my Mother, since they are her favorite bird.

All were welcome at the Bratten Buffet.

It was an adventure for a while, but in all honesty I love my modern conveniences.  The experience has fostered in me a new respect for the quilters of the past who did everything without electricity, but still produced beautiful items.  Appreciating all I have been blessed with, Linda

Down in the Country

Last week, my husband and I were able to escape to a wonderful little place that I want to share with you.
We spent the night at Julia's Shady Rest Bed and Breakfast. It has a rustic appeal, with big city pampering. It is about 45 minutes East of Kansas City, MO, and only 6 minutes north of I-70.  It is located between Odessa and Lexington.

Julia's Shady Rest Bed and Breakfast

We arrived early in the evening, and realized our mistake.  The place is gorgeous!  We regret not being able to explore the lake and surrounding area more than we did.  Here are a few of the things we found appealing.

Imagine watching this while relaxing in the country.

These guys were pretty interested in us.

 

The view of the lake from our room.

In addition to being able to spend some time in the beautiful surroundings, you may want to explore the local points of interest.  They are located near wineries, orchards, and if you are a interested in the civil war, you will need to visit Lexington, MO which has a historic battle site.

Did I mention that it was a bed and breakfast?  The breakfast spread was wonderful.  Julia is a fabulous cook, and when I come back I am definitely requesting her homemade cinnamon rolls! (You can't eat just one!)

So pick up the phone and make your reservations for a relaxing weekend get away--just be sure to arrive early enough to enjoy the beauty of the place.  Tell them Linda sent you!

A Sew Day!

Yesterday, we finally got our first snow of the season!  Maybe it is the teacher in me, but I really enjoy a snow day where you need to stay inside.

I love it when a snow day = a sew day!  Sending warm thoughts your way, Linda B.