Brunch and a Break from Life


Hello friends.  I do not have a Bitten By the Bug 2 post to share with you today, just a little life story.  As most of you know, we are the full time care providers for my mother, who has Alzheimer's.  My mother's memory fades more and more each week, and sometimes that can be a challenge.
This last week we had two particularly difficult days. I am not sure what causes the bad days, if indeed there is a cause.  I just know that some days mom is less cooperative, more stubborn, and/or less aware of reality, all of which create a perfect storm of difficulty.  

After the two difficult days, I decided that Doug and I needed a day away, without my mom, and without the constant awareness of where she is and what she is doing.   We decided to have an early, private, Valentine's date


Our oldest son and his precious wife came over to "Granny sit" for us on Sunday.  Doug and I went to the historic Willcox Inn and enjoyed their fabulous Sunday Brunch.  I had to laugh because I was completely finished with my food before I remembered to take a photo of my plate.  I had Eggs Benedict with shared side dishes of hash potatoes and bacon.  Doug had the Cinnamon Chocolate Chip Waffles, with Almonds, Mascarpone, Bananas, and syrup, with our shared side dishes.  I had the (spicy) Blood Marys and Doug had the Wheat Stout.

The piano player was live in the lobby.  We dinned on an antique backgammon game table sitting in comfy high backed chairs.  And we relaxed.  And talked.  And breathed.  It was an ideal getaway.  


My empty plate, ha.  Followed by an action shot of Doug finishing his brunch.


We ran into two dear friends at the Willcox, as well as a group of like minded people with whom to discuss politics.  And we just enjoyed our time alone. It was a perfect adult way to destress.   

The other stress reliever in our lives, our grandchildren, continue to delight us.  Avaleigh had her first Daddy-Daughter dance last week.  He father's school had a Daddy-Daughter dance, and Avaleigh went with John.  She was so cute, and so excited.  She had no idea what to expect, but that did not stop her from excitedly talking about it on Friday before the dance!!


My sweet little grandson, Jude, is growing and learning so much.  He is now six months old.  Jude is very affectionate and has the most charming smile. He is trying to crawl, but is currently on scooting around.  In this photo he is wearing his, "Heyyy me*" shirt.  Down below it says *Jude.  Yes, a Beatles reference.



Even though I took a day off and did not join the weekly Bitten By the Bug 2 Cricut challenge, I hope that you will go by the BBTB2 blog and view the design team's projects.  I know they would love to have you join in this week's Red and White challenge.

Thanks for stopping by today.


Jude's New Apex Designed SVG Shirt


Hello friends!  How stinkin' cute is this little Superhero shirt I made for my grandson, Jude?  I used heat transfer material (aka iron-on vinyl) and one of the Superhero Baby Boy designs from Apex Designs.

Are you familiar with the Apex site? I have used other of their designs and really like them.  I thought this baby boy Superhero set was perfect for Jude. Apex has two design specialties, SVG files and Embroidery Machine files.  I have purchased some of each, but find myself intimidated by my embroidery machine.  (Soon, my friend the embroidery machine, soon, you and I will have a date to become better acquainted).

I cut the Captain America type character at 4.3 inches tall to fit the chest of this size 12 months infant shirt.  I added the phrase Little Hero under the figure.  Layering the heat transfer material and ironing one layer at a time worked wonderfully.  Jude's little shirt is going to look adorable on him in no time (because he is growing like a healthy little weed)!


For more information on Apex Designs and their collection of SVG files and embroidery files, visit the site HERE.  I am truly enjoying working with their files and I know you will love them too!!


Thank you for dropping by today.  I will be back soon with another project to share!!

Hey Jude! Welcome to the Family


Hello friends!  I would like to introduce my new grandson, Jude Declan.  Jude was born just after noon on the 27th, weighing in at eight pounds, three ounces.  He is a little sweetie.


I stayed with Avaleigh at her house while mommy and papa went to the hospital.  After her nap, Granny, Avaleigh, and I went to the hospital for Avaleigh to meet her baby brother.  We think she approved, though she did swipe Jude's teddy bear!!


Avaleigh was delighted to see her mommy too. Bethany could hear Avaleigh walking down the hallway at the hospital.... "Mommy!  Mommy!"


I love this little family and am so pleased to welcome my new grandson.