Bird Nest Cottage

5 year old Jedi Carson...

 

Carson blowing out the candles on his 5 year old birthday cake.  He's 5, the cake isn't 5 years old.

 

Lauren, Elizabeth, Carson and Chris.

 

Cousin Chloe, her daddy Rick and Lauren. 

 

Chris, Elizabeth, Nicolas and Carson.

 

Opening the presents.  His special present is a trip with his Dad to see the "Blue Angels".

 

I told you he was a Jedi warrior.

 

Look at all the Star Wars stuff.  His other Grandma "Gigi" got him lots of Sar Wars clothes.

 

Chloe thinks Lauren is her baby.  I caught her trying to feed Lauren cake and ice cream.

 

Even Star Wars coloring paper.

Well, the party was a hit.  Papa and I were the first to leave.  I just seem to get more tired every day and I'm behind on my blogging and replying.  I get back to everyone soon.

Thanks for reading,

Gretchen

5 year old Jedi Carson...

 

Carson blowing out the candles on his 5 year old birthday cake.  He's 5, the cake isn't 5 years old.

 

Lauren, Elizabeth, Carson and Chris.

 

Cousin Chloe, her daddy Rick and Lauren. 

 

Chris, Elizabeth, Nicolas and Carson.

 

Opening the presents.  His special present is a trip with his Dad to see the "Blue Angels".

 

I told you he was a Jedi warrior.

 

Look at all the Star Wars stuff.  His other Grandma "Gigi" got him lots of Sar Wars clothes.

 

Chloe thinks Lauren is her baby.  I caught her trying to feed Lauren cake and ice cream.

 

Even Star Wars coloring paper.

Well, the party was a hit.  Papa and I were the first to leave.  I just seem to get more tired every day and I'm behind on my blogging and replying.  I get back to everyone soon.

Thanks for reading,

Gretchen

A sunny day...

 

After several gray days, we are finally having sunshine.  I filled all the feeders and within 20 minutes there were birds everywhere.

 

Do you see that little tiny bird on the feeder?  

 

He's getting ready to take off.

 

This bird looks like he's saying "you filled up my feeder, now get out of my way.

 

These pansies just look beautiful.

I even think the leaves look great this time of year.

Now for my news.  I went to the orthopedic surgeon yesterday and he'll be transplanting my right knee on Monday, March 30.  I've got lots of yard work to complete before that happens.  Tonight I'll start a list.

Thanks for reading,

Gretchen

 

Changes in the Library/T.V. Room...

   

I've framed some additional prints and rearranged these items on the library wall.

 

This is from Susie Harris.  Isn't it cute and it's the perfect addition to my other 2 letter G's?

 

It's so much fun to have bright colors in any room on these gray winter days.  The sunflowers make me smile.

 

Usually, when I buy cheese plates in 2nd hand shops, I throw away the wooden bottom but the last two times I've kept them.  I painted the bottoms black and my cloche's fit perfectly on them.

Thanks for reading,

Gretchen

Happy 39th Birthday Rick...

 

We stopped by Rick and Noelle's house today to drop off homemade chocolate chip cookies for Rick's birthday. 

That's right, 39 years ago today (on a Sunday) Rick was born.  I went to the hospital that day, spent about an hour there and he was born.  He's moved at the speed of light ever since then. 

 

Chloe may be the hunter in the family and Nicholas the basketball player.

"Sunday's Child is Full of Grace".

Happy Birthday Rick!  I love you. 

Thanks for reading,

Gretchen

Birds and Birdhouses...

 

This birdhouse used to be in among the river birch we had cut down this fall.  This morning Mr. Bird Nest offered to get a post and put it in a new spot. 

 

We agreed it would look good beside the hemlocks.

 

Once the concrete hardens and the weather gets a little warmer, we'll paint it.

 

I got this bird house for Mr. Bird Nest for our wedding anniversary a few years ago.

 

This was a bird house I bought unfinished a few years ago.  I just repainted it and had Mr. Bird Nest move it to a new post.

 

It's supposed to look like a watermelon.

 

It took me forever to get pictures of these birds at our big feeder.

Thanks for reading,

Gretchen

Another Hobby Lobby Bargain...

 

I found these this morning at Hobby Lobby in the Christmas section.  They were originally $14.99 and were 90% off.  That means I paid $1.50 for these bulbs that look like apples.

 

I tore off the leaves so the apples are all red.  For $1.50 I couldn't resist.

 

I thought they had kind of a Valentine look in some apothocary jars.

 

Thanks for reading,

Gretchen

The year of the diamond...

   

I've been telling the kids and Hud that I wanted a gold cross for about a year or so. 

I should have known the one person who was listening was Noelle.  She and Rick got me this beautiful gold cross with a diamond in it.

 

Next is my daughter-in-law Elizabeth's story.

December 30, 2008

Little Blue Box...

A few weeks ago, Chris called me about 4:00 on Friday afternoon and told me that he was leaving work early and he would not be home until about 9:00pm. He said he was going to go get a Christmas present for me and it was going to take him a while. WHAT?! Most of you know I can't stand surprises. I like them...it just kills me to not know! What was he doing and where was he going?

On Christmas morning Chris gave me a small box to open. The box had a green paper loop in it. It was one that Carson had torn off of his Christmas countdown chain and given to me a few days before. Carson had said it was a gift from his heart...a new earring for me. I was puzzled. Chris explained that he wanted to do something for me that was really special. Something I would be able to give Lauren someday. Then he gave me a small blue box with a red bow. I KNEW that box!!! I just could not believe that I was actually holding one.

I tucked away my old silver hoops in the little blue box and replaced them with the gift my husband and children gave me. He could have given me anything in the world and I honestly would have loved it because it came from his heart (the best kind of gift). He amazes me at how thoughtful he is.

Someday they will belong to Lauren...but she can't have my box! :)

 

I don't have a picture of her gift but Noelle got a diamond necklace from Rick for Christmas.  She totally deserves that and more.

Obviously, the girls in our family had a great Christmas.

 

Thanks for reading,

Gretchen

 

My Valentine to my grandchildren...

 

Since this Valentine is made out of wood it's a Valentine they can keep for many years.  They will still get the Valentines I send in the mail with dollars inside because that's the fun stuff.

Thanks for reading,

Gretchen

Chicken Renewal...

 

These three chickens I bought in Franklin, NC about 5 years ago.  Normally my memory wouldn't allow me to recall exactly where and when I got them.  Hey, I'm 61.  I have trouble remembering what day it is.

When I bought my sewing machine (that cost six times as much as my first car) in a small fabric and sewing store, I also bought these chickens.  After all this time, they just needed refreshing. 

 

Yuk!  This wasn't the way to go.  Let's try something else.

  

Now my secret is out.  You are all going to know where my artistic talent really lies.  DOTS!  DOTS!  DOTS!  That's it.  That's about all I can paint.

 I just thought these needed lightened up a little from the all black.

  

Of course the grandchildren will love these!

  

Thanks for reading,

Gretchen