A Christmas Miracle and Happy 2010!

My miracle took the shape of my husband this Christmas (see last blog for the reason). After 10 days in the hospital, 2 surgeries, and almost 100 staples holding his arm and the top of his head together, he came home. He still has a lot of pain and very little use of his right arm because of nerve damage during the first surgery but the bones are healing, thank God. He's on the mend, to the point of driving his (automatic) pick-up truck! I'm not sure this is a smart idea but since when did he take my advice? Hope you all had a wonderful Christmas!

My decorating is pretty simple, but I thought I'd share a few photos with you.

I made this Santa from a Pineberry Lane pattern this year.

And this little wallhanging from my Celebrate the Seasons pattern.

This is the Santas and Rudys candlemat I designed.

And my Ho Ho Crow stocking.
I made this nativity scene years ago out of crepe paper.
I think the design was in Better Homes and Gardens magazine.
Hubby made the stable.

And finally, a little look at my living/dining room, renovated this past summer.

We're having a late Christmas family gathering this weekend,
so I'll gather fresh greens for the mantle then.

I wish you all a new year filled with joy.
Happy 2010!

Ups and Downs

First, the ups! On Monday I received a package containing the proofs of my upcoming book, "Country Comforts" due to be published by Martingale on May 3, 2010! It will contain 12 patterns--some brand new and some old favourites. How exciting to see it finally taking shape! So, just the last bit of proof-reading before it's sent back to the publisher. It will be out just in time to debut at Quilt Market next spring.

Another up--I received a wonderful note in the mail from a lady I'd never met but who had purchased and made my "Amish Country" pattern. Thanks Jacklyn, for taking the time to send this to me. She says the quilt is her treasure and I agree--it turned out gorgeous. Makes me feel all warm and fuzzy when my patterns get such rave reviews. I scanned the picture to share with you but my scanner doesn't do the colours justice.

Now for the "downs". On Monday my dear (almost 60 years old) husband decided one of our birch trees needed topping so he waited until I was out grocery shopping (since he knew I wouldn’t want him to do this) and climbed 30 feet up the tree and then fell. This is the tree.

He was knocked out but when he came to he managed to crawl to the house and call 911. I came home to find a firetruck parked in front of our house. They told me what had happened and that Ben had already been taken to the hospital by ambulance. He’s got a broken right arm, a bruised lung, and 7 fractured ribs and is pretty banged up but it could have been much worse. He was in ICU for a couple of days and is now in a regular room awaiting surgery and hopes to be home next week. He’ll be off work for at least 2 months. I hope now he’ll listen to me but I'm not holding my breath. Anyone out there who has a similar crazy husband story and can empathize with me?