Happy Birthday, Mum...

Mum  2025

 

Happy 88th, Mum!

I hope you have a great day.

Mum's 87th...

Yesterday was my mum's Birthday. Some of our family was able to gather to celebrate with her and my stepdad at their home.

It was a great surprise to learn my eldest niece and goddaughter came to visit for the weekend with two of her three kids, so I spent a little time there Saturday after work. Then I went back yesterday and more of our family had come to celebrate, too.

l-r: Niece/Goddaughter, Jen; her daughter on her lap; my youngest brother's son, Cain; Stepdad; Mum; Niece's son; Cain's son; Cain's wife, Jesse; their daughter on my sister, Jan's lap; me

Me, Mum, Jan, Jen

One of Mum's two little dogs, Jesse, me, Mum, Jan, Jen

 Me, Mum, Jan.

Sorry that my sister, Di wasn't in the photograph. She was home in Minnesota with her family.

Auntie with Goddaughter.

This photo was taken Saturday after a full day of work. It rained all day, and my hair curled up as I was driving to Mum and Stepdad's house, but it's a wonderful photograph of my mother...and well, that's what I looked like. (Jury's still out on this "growing my hair out" thing. Short short is definitely lower maintenance. Opinions welcome.) Either way, I'm happy to have this image of the two of us. It's one for the memory book.

I'm writing this on Sunday night. I'm tired from a full two days, but glad for every moment of it. I'll be back tomorrow, and hoping that I might have a little needlework to share with you. Have a great week!

Tuesdays With Tag - Birthday Boo...

Headin' Into PetSmart

 

Hi, Everybody!

Let's get right to it today, shall we? We're pretty stoked.

It's Bella's Birthday Week!!

What do you think of a ball toy, Mom?

Mom took both of us to town to find Boo's Birthday gifts, and I really had a great time window shoppin'! We started out at PetSmart, but Boo stayed in the car so she wouldn't see our surprises ahead of time. I got to help pick presents.

Definitely Not! Bella Would Kill Me If I Got Those

I looked at these for a hot minute, and then decided against gettin' somethin' that would make her look like a chicken. I value my life too much!

What About A Stuffed Animal With A Squeaker?

Yeah. I didn't really think Mom would go for that either. If Boo left one of these somewhere - even for just a second - I'd have it gutted in no time flat. Mom said we were gonna pass on that idea.

Boo's New Name Tag

 

We found a girly Birthday collar, and then we headed over to Animal Outfitters on the other side of town. We'd never been in their store before, but Mom was sure they'd have awesome dog treats. Then, she saw this... We got a name tag for Bella. This one has a pink heart on the other side, and although it's a little blurry, I'm sure you can read what's on it, except for the phone number, which Mom purposely obliterated.

 

"Bella"

"WMBBD"

(phone number)

Pup Cookies

We did find the special treats. These are bakery made in town, and are nice sized cookies for the Birthday Girl and me. Mom said we have to wait until Wednesday - her official Birthdate - to eat 'em. I can't wait.

 

She also bought some Banana/Peanut Butter, and Blueberry Pupsicles. I'm really lookin' forward to that! Carly's gonna be sorry she missed this party!

  

Liljegren's Suncoast Bella - 8 years old

Happy Birthday, Bella!

(World's Most Beautiful Black Dog)

 

I'll see you again in seven. 'til then... 

"Be A Good Dog."

Happy Birthday, Handsome...

 

Today is Handsome's Birthday...1500 miles away from celebrating with me. I sent cards to surprise him, but there shall be no gifts until he comes home. I hope he has a fabulous time celebrating with our Florida friends in the nice warm weather. (I'm not being facetious. I'm absolutely serious.)

   Happy Birthday, Husband.

(Not) Tuesdays With Tag - An Important Announcement...

She Just Turned Two

 Hi again, Everybody!

It appears I'm in the doghouse this week anyway. Tuesday, I talked about Carly, but I completely forgot to wish The Kid a Happy Birthday! She turned two yesterday!

Mom wants me to make it up to the Birthday Girl by tellin' the actual truth about how we all feel about her. We don't know what we'd do without this pretty girl in our lives. She's funny, silly, intelligent, driven, (annoying. It had to be said), athletic, and vocal. Man, can she tell a story or two! We're very happy you're ours.

I know you're glad to hear from me again, so I know you won't mind me droppin' another two cents' worth this week. See you next Tuesday.

Happy Birthday, Carlita Puppita Mummacita.

Two down...lots to go.

Smooches,

(Mom, Dad, Bella, Claudette and Crystal, too.)

xoxoxo

Special Birthday Wishes...

My Dad - circa 1993

 

Tag will post tomorrow, because I wanted to use today (rather than yesterday or tomorrow) to write this one. I know you understand.

He would have been 89 today. If you're a young person that will seem old to you. If you're his daughter in her late 60's, it means he left us too soon. It's been nearly two years since he passed.

I know many of you have lost one or both of your parents, or someone else you loved deeply. Today, I feel the loss with you. But, I also celebrate the life of the man I knew as "Dad". 

 

Where I Got My Love Of Motorcycles

I'm saddened that I can't call him on the telephone and make plans for lunch. I can't bake a cake for him and load it up with candles you could see from outer space, just to see his smile and hear his laughter as he blew them all out in one breath. To hear him tell me one more time, "Donnie, I loved you longest."

Instead, I'll imagine he strolls the Streets of Gold, watching over me and the rest of his children and grandchildren. I'll imagine he's visiting with Grandma, Grandpa, his brother and cousins. I'll imagine he holds hands with both of my sisters-in-law who were all too young when they went to make a place for him. Finally, I'll imagine the celebrations he shares with the One who gives Life Eternal. 

Imagining all those things makes being here without him a little easier. He's always on my heart and mind, but today, I'll think of him and whisper again how much I miss him. I hope it's a long time before I actually see him again, but I know when I'm called, he'll be there to greet me.

Happy Heavenly Birthday, Dad. 

I love you.

Your #1

Happy Birthday, Handsome...

My Boyfriend

 I can't hang around long today. I'm going to be busy celebrating Handsome's Birthday with him. Some of this day will be spent clearing the snow that fell from before sun up to after sundown yesterday. It's okay. We'll be together. (By the way, Carly is a maniac in the snow. She loves it!)

The rest of the day will be occupied with pampering the guy who inspires, supports and loves me. I want his day to be as special for him as he is to me.

Happy Birthday, Boyfriend.

A.B. & A.

AML,

Happy Birthday, Little Man...

Brynwood Needleworks - Tag Puppy

 

I can hardly believe it's been ten years since my opinionated lowrider was born. Tag was 9 weeks old in this picture, and he captured my heart. He spent the first three months of his life with us in our Airstream, as we traveled that summer. The first time he saw our home in Florida, he thought he was in a mansion, having spent the previous time in a more confined abode.

 

Brynwood Needleworks - Resting Up For His Birthday Celebration

 

Today is Tag's Birthday! 

I was reminding him all day yesterday, and I said he'd better rest up because today, it's going to be all about him. He apparently took my advice to heart because he jumped up into his favorite chair, and caught more than a couple zzzzzz's.

 

Brynwood Needleworks - I Love This Face

 

I did notice that he rallied (at least his ear), so I know he's ready for whatever I've got up my sleeve today. Don't worry. I'll take it easy on my senior citizen, but perhaps a puppacinno or a few french fries are on the agenda. I might take him to the pet store to choose his own treats. We'll definitely take a ride (without the girls), and plan to celebrate with Dad, Bella, and Carly later today.

 

Tag may even write about his day next Tuesday, but you know, I have no control over what he chooses to share with you. I'm always as surprised and delighted as you are. 

 

I love this little dog...even when he's being a typical, bull-headed Corgi. He can also be the sweetest fairy steed when he wants to. So, I'm going to close for now. I want Tag to feel really special on his special day. 

 

I'd love it if you'd leave a short note today to wish him a Happy Birthday. We'd love to know you stopped by.

 

Happy Easter, friends

Happy Birthday, Tag

 

Sunday Scripture...

Brynwood Needleworks - Jude 1:20-21 via Facebook

  Happy 5th Birthday, Bella.

Happy 18th...

Brynwood Needleworks - Our Grandson

 

We celebrated our grandson's Birthday over the weekend. Grandpa and I can't believe he's eighteen already! He's the greatest guy. He studies hard, plays football, and among all his other fine attributes, he has a kind and generous heart. (We can add that he's a Sagittarius, too, just like his Grandma.)

Brynwood Needleworks - Posing With Our Grandson

I think you'll see in this image, just how much we love our little boy-turned-man. It seems we just got back to Wisconsin, and he'll soon embark on his college career and adult life. My how the time has flown by. We cherish every moment we have with him.

Happy Birthday, Handsome Grandson.

Birthday Reflections...

Brynwood Needleworks - Photograph by SCLiljegren ©2019

I come from hardy stock. At least on my paternal side, the women live into their late 90s and early 100s. I hope to join their ranks, which would grant me another thirty or so years on this earth. But, let's face it, I'm in the late Autumn/early Winter of my life. This Birthday is a landmark. This month I became eligible for Medicare.

I found myself reflecting on my life and other landmarks. I remember turning 16, and then 18 (which at that time was the age of majority), 21 which came with all the maturity and responsibility. I remember, most fondly, my 30th, which was the year I married my beloved Handsome. In my 50th year, I made the decision to quit coloring my hair. I decided then that I wanted to age gracefully. I strive every day for that to be the case.

I have always tried to live my life according to my favorite quote by William Rutherford which I share at the bottom of my blog, "The way to use life is to do something that outlasts it." I have only ever competed against myself, choosing to be the best "me" possible, but I've also worked diligently to leave a legacy that would be memorable, noble, and honorable for my family. My grandchildren will know that their grandmother wanted to leave this world a better place for them.

My hair is turning silver now. I'm not completely white, but it's getting there. Yes. I could color it, but why would I? I love everything my naturally silver hair represents. Each silver strand represents a lesson, a love, a laugh, a loss, a triumph, a tear, boundless joy, and deep, wracking grief. Each silver strand represents who I am, where I've been, what I've done, and how I've tried.

I once told my younger daughter-in-law that I considered Botox for the deep wrinkle between my brows. It's a family trait (also on the paternal side of my family), and there's no natural way to escape it. This wise, young woman said to me, "Do you want to look like you never had a serious thought in your life?" See? I said she was wise. I decided the wrinkles are also who I am, and while I wish those might slow down a bit, they're also a part of who I am. My wrinkles come from things like belly laughs with my family, tears of sadness over losses I never thought I could survive, days spent in the garden tending plants, and hours spent in my studio parsing out a sewing problem. They're map lines of my life, drawn across my face.

My eyes aren't as good as they used to be, but they see more than they did when I was a young woman. My hands are arthritic, but they still create beautiful things, and hold the hands of my grandchildren and my beloved husband. I'm blessed to welcome new children into our family, and look forward to the day our grandchildren will bless us with the next generation. I hope to be here to hold those babies, too.

Brynwood Needleworks - Photo by SCLiljegren ©2019

 

In a moment of silliness, I bought this beautiful "woodland" crown, knowing I would put it on for my landmark Birthday. Like the crowns I made for my granddaughters, that they wear every year, I'm going to put this on each year from now on when I celebrate another of my own.

I'm going to continue to live my life with purpose and integrity - to be a good example whether or not anyone is watching. 

Thank you for being here to read my musings...especially this long one today, but like I said, I was moved to be reflective today. You know that I don't celebrate my Birthday for just one day, right? I'm still perfecting (and teaching our grandchildren) the art of the extended Birthday. I'll continue to celebrate, but this is my Birthday post for this year. I'll continue to count my blessings every day. Just know, when I count my blessings, you're always included. Here's to the next year. I'm going to make it a great one!

December 1st...

Brynwood Needleworks - Snow Day

December came in on snowy wings this year. We had rain late Saturday, but in the wee hours of Sunday morning, it turned to snow. It dropped white flakes throughout the day, finally stopping after dark, when the wind kicked up.

Thanks to Andy, we now have snow fence in strategic places, in hopes that they'll interrupt the wind as it blows across the yard. Perhaps we won't get the huge drifts in front of our garage door this year. The weather was nice enough a couple days ago so that he could put it up for us. I swear, he gets the "Neighbor/Friend of The Year" award for 2019 (and every year we'll ever live in the farmhouse!).

Brynwood Needleworks - House Finch

 

I went out Sunday morning to make sure the snow wasn't blocking up any of the bird feeders, but they seemed to like the one closest to the house today. I thought this picture of one of the many house finches that ate here today was pretty. Those pinkish feathers and the stylized scrolls on the post that holds up the feeder right outside our kitchen window made for a sweet image.

 

The weather didn't bother us. We were safe and warm in the farmhouse. I was making up orders in my studio, and Handsome was happily watching football all day. I did miss an annual party with friends in my old stomping grounds about an hour away, but with slippery, snowy roads, I thought it better to stay home. I'm not the adventurous driver I used to be!

 

I have one more order to make up today, and then I'm turning my attention to Christmas gifts for this year. Yep. The elves called and wondered what day they're supposed to show up so we can get busy. I told them I'll be watching for them the end of this week. I'll be sharing all my projects along the way.

 

Well, this last order isn't going to make itself, you know. One or two cups of coffee and I'll be heading back to the studio. Tag's coming back tomorrow. He's being really secretive about his next post. Hmmmm. I wonder what it could be?

   

PS. Don't forget there's a sale in my shop this week! Coupon Code BIRTHDAY15 will get you a nice discount in time for your holiday shopping. Code expires this Saturday!  Just click on the Etsy widget in my sidebar to get to my shop.

Happy Birthday, Tag...

Brynwood Needleworks - Brynwood's Taggart

 

I had many things planned for today, but as I sat down last night to contemplate today's post, a reminder popped up on my computer screen. Today is my beautiful boy's EIGHTH Birthday!

I'm so glad I set such reminders because I'd certainly hate to miss an important event such as this (and seeing as I remembered Bella's Birthday, Tag would never let me forget it if I forgot his)! So, in addition to getting out orders, mailing my anniversary gifts and beginning work on my quilt project, I'll be making a special treat, and giving some extra love and attention to my little, sawed-off dog.

Happy Eighth Birthday, Tag.

Thank you for all the laughter, joy (and sometimes, frustration) you bring into my life.

Love, "Mom"

Sunday Scripture - Happy Birthday, Handsome...

Image via CultureScribe.com

  Happy Birthday, Beloved Husband.

Happy Birthday, Handsome...

Brynwood Needleworks -Handsome

  Happy Birthday, dear husband.   The angels danced the day you were born, and my life began the day I met you.  Thank you for everything we are together (and apart). May your Birthday be all you hoped for, and may the next year bring you your heart's desires.   I love you...Always.

Happy Birthday, Handsome!

Brynwood Needleworks -Birthday Husband

  Husband, you were, are, and will always be, my heartbeat. You bring joy to all my days, so I'll spend today celebrating you. (I'll even make more of those chocolate chip cookies, if you'd like!) I'm looking forward to having a fun day with you today, and hope God gives us many more years together.

Happy Birthday, Husband.  

Starting A "Happy Birthday Table Runner"...

Brynwood Needleworks - Jelly Rolls

I'm making a new table runner. This one is going to be a gift this month for someone near and dear to me. These are the jelly roll fabrics I've chosen to use. The floral one is Moda's "Clementine" from Me and My Sisters Designs. The geometrics are precut strips from Blank Quilting Company. They worked perfectly together.

Brynwood Needleworks - Strips of Color

I've already sewn strips together and arranged them in two rows of fifteen strips. They match and will be mirror image once I sew them together.

Brynwood Needleworks - Birthday Runner Fabric Strips

After all these strips are sewn together, I'll add more sections per the pattern directions. Then there are sections of applique' that I'll apply before quilting it.

I'll work on it in random moments so that it's finished in time to be my mid-month Birthday gift. I want it to be fun and colorful and perfect. (I did tell you it was for a loved one, right?)

Brynwood Needleworks - Shabby Fabrics "Happy Birthday Table Runner" Pattern

In case you're interested, this is the pattern I'm using. It's Shabby Fabrics' "Happy Birthday Table Runner".  (Click HERE to view and/or purchase. It's also available as a PDF file HERE.)

I love the table runner patterns from Jennifer Bosworth (She's the designer behind Shabby Fabrics)! Remember the "Patchwork Pumpkins Table Runner" I made HERE? It's still one of my favorites! (Link HERE for the pattern.)

I know I'll be making more of this Birthday table runner this year, too. I'd better finish this one first, though. I hope you have something creative planned for this week. I'd love to know what you're working on!

Disclaimer: I just want you to know that I receive no compensation, monetary or otherwise, for raving about Jennifer's fabulous patterns. I'm content to be an unpaid fan.