This past Friday I enjoyed these ladies’ company around the “Tree of Life” quilt at Paul’s folks place.

Kirby & Ashton stood on chairs to watch Great Grandpa Graber on the Gator out at the ponds.

Dustin killed his first deer, a small 5-point buck.

Stacy playing on ‘Noah’s Ark’ bench.

Paul with his muzzle loader.

I joined the other PTQer’s at our annual Christmas Supper at Annette’s house. Here’s Annette on the left with our 2010 president, JoAnne on the right.

We had “Show & Tell” and loved seeing all the quilts that others have been working on. Here is Watana’s from a pattern by Bonnie Hunter.

And CC has her BOMs ready for quilting.

Annette had a surprise for us and had a ‘bed turning’ of some of her quilts. I especially like this red and green one.

This has been a nice relaxing weekend for us. We had our family in for Thanksgiving last evening.

Paul and I enjoy and thank the Lord for each one of our grands.

After supper some of the boys enjoyed a game of Blokus.

Then today there were lots of folks at Grandpa Grabers.

Some of us got to put a few stitches in a quilt that was set up.

Paul’s mom got this top from her mom who purchased it at an auction probably in Indiana.

And then there was the game of buying and selling cattle … along with eating Satsumas (Clementines).

We were saddend by the sudden death of Paul’s double cousin, Ronnie.

Here Paul visits with Ronnie (2nd from the right) and 3 of his brothers.

And here’s Ronnie (top left) with all his brothers, mother, and 3 of his 6 sisters. He is being missed by many, many people.

Paul & I attended the funeral in Indiana. I was so pleased to get a picture of Paul’s Mom with all her siblings.

I’m slowly learning to recognize a few of Paul’s many cousins. Here are some of Uncle Art’s children with Aunt Anna Marie.

We enjoyed yesterday and today with Rick & Leona and their son Clint.

While our husbands were at the equipment auction in Philadelpha, Leona and I browsed the antique, discount, and thrift shops. Later I showed Leona my “Square in a Square Pinapple” blocks that I’m making and she jumped right in and helped me sew them together.

Rick entertained Ashton a bit, looking at tractors, combines, and heavy equipment.

This past Saturday was chock full for us. We attended an Oak Grove Bible School Teacher’s Reunion and a 60th Anniversary Open House for Elmer & Marie Mast. Elmer & Marie were also very involved in the mission work at Oak Grove.

Their boys are Melvin, DeWayne, Mervin, & Paul (deceased).

Joanna & Sharon are the girls of the family.

We took a bus tour around the country where the different Bible Schools were held and places that the children were picked up. At Oak Grove we got out and posed for a picture, song, prayer …

… and then Bro. Elmer had some interesting memories to share.

Sadly, the place has not been kept up very well. Dennis & Vi …

… and Dave & Rachel were also very involved in the church work there.

This painted picture by Margaret Beachy graced the front wall of the church for many years.

Shirley was one of my Sunday School students.

Ramone & Lisa, now married, also attended when they were younger.

These two sisters attended the Bible School at Mt. Holland. They remembered having “to mind” Mr. Mast and Mr. Graber (Paul’s dad)!

I went to town today and took Kirby & Ashton along. They were both so good while I browsed the books at the Thrift Store. And they did very well at K-Mart and Wal-Mart; but I was very ready to get home this afternoon. They played outside for a little and then Paul came home. He read them a story …

…and now all is quiet.

Amy, over at Amy’s Creative Side is hosting a wonderful “Quilt Festival.” Check out all the quilts there along with their stories for a quilt show from your own home. Thank you, Amy. 

I’m number 3 of 7 sisters; so it only seemed right for me to enter a contest New Quilts From an Old Favorite contest. Our Heatwole Family is a strong family unit; and one by one we got married and left the family nest (the bright stars near the center of the quilt), going in different directions (the bright stars flinging out from the center), and settling in different places, hence the name, “Seven Sisters — Leaving Home.”

The quilt top is made from 2 fabrics, a solid black and a large airy print on black. The effect was achieved by strategically placing the brighter stars so they look like they are on top of the more subdued ”cousin” stars in the background.

Look closely, One of the “cousin sisters” has a broken arm. Can you find her?

And now, here is a picture of our mom with her 7 daughters along with our only brother’s wife, Cheryl. Can you pick her out?

When Stacy turned a year old …

… we enjoyed a party at Quinten & Evie’s house.

The “birthday boy” kept wanting to crawl away …

… and needed his mom near by.

Georgiana

Ashton

Kirby

That little guitar was a smashing hit!

Three Mennonite Quilting Sisters
(I wish I knew how to get this link over into the sidebar of my blog, anyone?)

We enjoyed hearing a program at our church by the Barnwell Mennonite Youth Chorale. Many of my kinfolks were on the chorus including my first cousin Don & Betty. We got to host them for the night.

Paul and Dustin had to fix one of the tractors so they could keep working up ground.

Tiddlywinks playing Peek-a-boo.

Welcome to our new school teachers, Jewel & Deb.

We had a fun evening for the teachers to learn to know us. Louise & Alma.

Puppets and those that make them go, Beth, Vi, Josie, Shelah, & Edith.

Last evening we enjoyed the Kiev Symphony Orchestra & Chorus. They are so professional and yet very informal and personal. They gave such a good program. Check out their schedule and try to attend one of their concerts.

June & Jolene talk with Jeff about frying catfish.

The ladies bread the fillets getting them ready for frying.

Lester enjoys showing the children the special features of the”Grand Express.”