Down on the homestead

It is raining this morning, and I'm almost disappointed. Yesterday's weather made us think we might have a snow day from school!
If I could have spent the day home, I could have finished up a couple projects, including doing the taxes. I know, does not sound exciting, but am ready to tackle it and 'git er done' for the year.
Of course, I'm in the middle of a huge project at work also and need the time on it. What I really could have used was a day AT work but no kids!! We are in the middle of our annual Battle of the Books, with our school competition next week, the district one the following week [top two teams from both elementary schools face off] and regional the following week. Regional is new for us, and because there was not one last year we offered to host it to get it going. Then the regional winner can attend state. These kids have to answer questions from 16 books that [hopefully] they have read, plus know titles and authors on all of them. I read each book as well.
Now how does this relate to the Homestead Store? Doesn't really, except that I have kids in my group that are much like we were as children; good readers, inquisitive, full of energy, embracing new concepts, coming up with crazy ideas.
They are both fun and challenging to work with.
Best thing you can do for a child is encourage them to read and be a life long learner. [of course, as a parent, there is a lot more to the package, but I mean any child whose life you touch.]

And the rains come down

Well yes it has been raining, but this is western Oregon and I would rather have rain than snow. At least on the road when I have to drive 25 miles to work. So yes it is almost the end of January, my oldest son will be 39 the end of this week. Don't have any idea how that happened. I thought he was just a kid. Well, guess it is all relative, in more than one way. Even though it isn't spring yet, this time of year makes me yearn for spring. We are starting little plants in the greenhouse and planning a spring full of beautiful pots and baskets of flowers. Which will be followed by lots of yummy veggies and altogether lots of work. Neasie and I are working on some new ideas for Oh My Gaudy designs that will fit wow everyone in the new season. And Rhett and I are slowly learning how to use our new (to us) embroidery machine and software. We are slowly getting the hang of this and plan a lot of CRON shirts and hats for this year. Of course I have other plans for beautiful Quilt blocks and embelishments for garments also. My mind is so way ahead of my body on most of this. Am starting to do a little sewing again, as I slowly recover from my health issues. But now, I must get ready for work, so have a great day, and my the snow only fall on the mountains in your world. Linna

And we thought winter was leaving...sigh

Here it is nearly the end of January already...wow time is really flying by. We got 6 inches of snow during the night and it is still coming down. Very pretty outside but I am more than ready for spring!

Our new embroidery business is coming along nicely and keeping me busy when I am not at my 'day job'. It is a fun and rewarding business and allows me to let my creativity run rampant which is an important and a necessary part of my life. I can't quite imagine not sewing, crafting, knitting, crocheting and the like....that would just not be fun.

So, heres to winning at least a part of the lottery to enable me to spend more time being creative and less time working for someone other than myself!!!

Well hey , it sounds good right?

A new year

Here we are beginninga new year, and possibly a lot of new challenges. Personally I have chosen this year to be a year of wellnes, of body, soul and spirit. Starting with body, I have had some health issues taken care of and am now looking forward to a healthier physical year which should help me to achieve more wellness of soul and spirit. So, with that in mind, I shall try to focus on all those small important things that make this life worthwhile. I wake up each day with the opportunity to choose how the day will effect me. This year I choose to be as positive as I can and try to face each day and challenge with grace and confidence. OK there is my resolution. Now the hard part, trying to actually live up to that. Well we all set goals and if we didn't set them, we could never reach them . So that is my bit for now. Talk again later. Linna

Goodbye 2008, Hello 2009

Thanks sister Nancy for being more on the ball than I am! At least someone gets things posted now and then.

Where have we been?

Good question! Yes, I know, we went off on our annual retreat and that was it. No newsletter, no emails, no stories, nothing. Anyone curious as to why? We each have our reasons, but the bottom line falls to me [Denise] because I put the materials together that each sister sends, and do the web work on the newsletter. So slap me with that wet noodle, because I did not 'git 'er done', obviously!
The good and the bad; most of this fall I have spent my 'free' time working on bears! Each morning before going to work, each afternoon/evening after work - creating bears packed with memories from the boxes of clothing and stories folks sent me. The upside is that my business did well, topping last years, and helped many with their memories in a special way. The downside is .... no newsletter.
Let's hit the high spots: we had an awesome retreat (see Nan's report) and wish we could win the lottery so we'd have more time to work on our projects without the daily commitment to the 'day' job. Of course, that does require buying tickets, and then the chances are still slim to none!
Veteran's Day: Thumbs up to all our veterans, and those who serve for us now. We will never forget.
Thanksgiving: Linda and Rhett trekked over to Eastern Oregon to spend it with Mother Teresa, and Ruth & Jerry. Nancy and George were able to visit while they were there, and had a great time going through boxes of treasures helping Ruth get things into her new house, sewing room, office, etc. Lynn had to work, so couldn't go with them. Clyde & Chrysta came down and spent a restful weekend with us. Yes, I kept working on bears!
Christmas: We're all getting ready for this special time of year, each in our own way. Snow has hit most of us, and it looks like we'll have a white Christmas for sure. Our biggest Christmas wish is that everyone be safe, whether staying home or traveling.
New Year: We wish everyone a healthy and prosperous year. We'll try to be consistent again! Oh yes, at our corporate meeting we resolved to continue our production of handcrafted, often one of a kind, definitely unique custom made heirloom quality gifts and useful things for the delectation of any interested parties. Now did that sentence confuse you? Good! Bound to keep you tuned in to see what additional craziness we manage!!

God Bless you all, and if you want to sign up for the newsletter, send an email to newsletter@homesteadline.com, subject: Sign me up!

October gathering

Our annual Ocotber retreat/gathering/corporate meeting was once again a resounding success. This picture is but one of many taken during our stay on Whidbey Island, Washington. We were hosted by sister Linda's youngest son, Erin, who graciously let us take over his house and also served as an excellant tour guide. The absence of stress, the wonderful company, and the creative conversations, along with some shopping at some very quaint shops was enjoyed by all of us. Somehow this annual retreat refuels our creative juices and gets our brains recharged so that we may continue to expand our businesses.
The most important part, though, is the fact that just being together for this short time is a balm for our souls. One Mom, four sisters - how much better could it get!!!! Watch for more news in our monthly newsletter. Go subscribe at www.homesteadline.com.
Now its back to work on our embroidery business which is underway. Have a great weekend.

New "toy" great embroidery to come!!

Good morning everyone. My husband & I have just purchased a commercial embroidery machine. It arrived yesterdery and is set up and running beautifully. We look forward to creating some unique and beautiful items for our customers. I am totally impressed with the ease of operation for this 12 needle machine. Also it is quiet and very well made. Now we must become students and learn about all the wonderful options and nifty things one can do with this machine.

We have just relocated our sewing/craft room and along with that put in new flooring in that room and the adjacent room as well. Whew! Lots of moving stuff around and sorting and pitching (well some pitching anyhow) as well as aching backs.

Fall is coming soon it appears so we want to get these projects finished up so we can settle in for the winter and make beautiful things.

Happy Fall all!!!

Nancy