Quilts and Thoughts…

margaret | December 29, 2011

How about

or

These opportunities are self explanatory; however if you want an
exceptional New Year resolution and suggestions on how
to get involved,
visit each of their websites!

http://www.randomactsofkindness.org/ 

http://www.payitforwardfoundation.org/

And by the way, even Benjamin Franklin participated!

The concept was rediscovered and described by Benjamin Franklin,
in a letter to Benjamin Webb dated April 25, 1784:

“I do not pretend to give such a Sum; I only lend it to you.
When you [...] meet with another honest Man in similar Distress,
you must pay me by lending this Sum to him; enjoining him
to discharge the Debt by a like operation, when he shall be able,
and shall meet with another opportunity.
I hope it may thus go thro’ many hands, before it meets with
a Knave that will stop its Progress.
This is a trick of mine for doing a deal of good with a little money.”

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Random_act_of_kindness

And don’t forget:

30 Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and
with all your mind and with all your strength.’
31 The second is this: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’
Mark 12:30-31

Happy New Year!

Category: General | No Comments »
Tags: new year resolution, pay it forward, random act of kindness

margaret | December 24, 2011

I only make this candy once a year, on Dec. 24 with the help of grandchildren.

It is our tradition on the day before the big day.

Skillet Balls
(have no idea why they are named Skillet Balls)

2 sticks margarine
1 1/2 cups sugar
1 lb. pitted dates
2 eggs
2 tbs. cream or half & half (I use milk)
1 tsp. vanilla
1 tsp. salt
1 cup puffed rice cereal
1 cup pecans
16 oz. shredded coconut

In a large pan, melt margarine, sugar and dates. Bring to a boil for 2 minutes and cool.

Beat eggs, add cream, vanilla, and salt.

Add 2 tbs. of the egg mixture to the cooled date mixture, beat well.
Add it slowly so you don’t end up with scrambled eggs.
Add remaining egg mixture a little at a time and bring to boil for 2 minutes.
Remove from heat and add rice cereal
and pecans. Cool. Drop by teaspoon into shredded coconut.
Roll in coconut to cover all areas.

We make about 15 minutes worth and take a “testo” break.
Just to be certain they taste wonderful! Then back to work to
complete the task. They will quickly disappear!

Merry Christmas!

Category: General | 1 Comment »
Tags: Christmas candy

margaret | December 23, 2011

How about ringing in the New Year with
your children a bit early that evening.

Set the clock back to midnight before their bedtime, and celebrate
ringing in the New Year.

For a fun 2012 craft, print the glasses onto card stock
and have the children cut them out.

The glasses are in two sizes, and if neither fit, enlarge or reduce when you print.

The free pdf file is at www.patterns2quilt.com

 

Category: Free | No Comments »
Tags: just for fun

margaret | December 12, 2011

Our Christmas Wish

for you!

Merry Christmas

Category: General | No Comments »
Tags: Christmas Card, video

margaret | December 2, 2011

Yep, you still have time to make each of these for Christmas!

Oldest granddaughter (whose birthday is today) asked me to crochet
Alice in Wonderland and the white rabbit for her Christmas Gift.
I had not picked up a crochet hook in quite some time, but
you know what happens when a grandchild requests!

She found the pattern at  www.kandjdolls.etsy.com and I
surprised her by making them for her birthday. They were both easy to make,
and you still have time to make and give them!
By the way, the mad hatter and the cheshire cat are also in the pattern.

 

Above are two easy to complete Christmas quilts.
Both patterns are at www.patterns2quilt.com

This is the fourth season we have offered fun patterns
for the children to make ornaments for the Christmas tree.
Lower right is the new one for this season. All are free.
They can be printed on card stock or on fabric.
Ready for the children to color and decorate.
Find them under free patterns at:
www.patterns2quilt.com 

Category: Free, Free patterns, General, Patterns | No Comments »
Tags: applique patterns, Free patterns, just for fun, Patterns