Lyden, Washington Part II

Today is Rachel's first Mother's Day. David and Doug prepared brunch for us. Rachel wanted waffles and strawberries with sausage. My choice was an omelet filled with veggies and goat cheese and served with bacon. We both were totally pleased with our meals. Just so the family knows it is true, here is Doug working in the kitchen with David. Doug sliced all the strawberries and David did pretty much everything else. But, in Doug's defense, Molly did need to be held and cuddled during the cooking process. So he helped a lot by keeping her happy. He also did most of the clean-up work after breakfast.

This post really should be titled "My Son Is Better Than Your Son." Not only did David fix me a wonderful breakfast but my gift is this amazing tea set and tray WHICH HE MADE!! Okay, now be envious... David is an art major and his emphasis is ceramics. He is getting really good and I'm the benefit of his expertise. This will sit in a place of honor on the console which Jon built for me. I'm more that a little impressed with the talent of my own family.

Lynden, Washington Part I

Each grandchild on the occasion of their birth receives a quilt made especially for them by Grandma Judi. Now, I say on the occasion of their birth but to date Henry is the only grandchild to receive his quilt in such a timely manner. As for Molly's quilt, it was mostly done before we had to leave for Lynden. That meant that I carted my sewing machine to Washington and have spent time sewing whenever possible. The top was finished and the quilting had begun. So, I finished that quilting part, added the prairie points to two sides and then did the binding. It was finished a couple of days ago and I think it turned out perfect. I hand appliqued flowers around two corners. This pictures shows that detail. This is the whole quilt.Here is newest addition to the Hammer clan, Molly Marie and isn't she beautiful. I really need to get Doug to take some pictures with a better camera. When I don't use the flash on my camera I just can't hold it still enough the get sharp pictures with the slower shutter speed. Soft focus is good for Grandma but it really isn't necessary for this beautiful baby.Doug arrived back in Lynden yesterday and is enjoying time with little Molly Marie. She needs plenty of Grandpa and Grandma time as soon she'll be dependent on just Mom and Dad. I'm sure they will do a fine job even without my help. Grandma and Molly Marie, we've had lots of bonding time over the last two week. She is really going to miss me.

David is a full time student but wisely is taking on-line classes right now. That way he can study and take care of Molly. Once Rachel is back to work full time David will be spending lots of time holding Molly and working on the computer. It's going to be fun.

David and Rachel's latest project is to raise as much of their own food as possible. Not only will it be healthier but it can and should save some money. The first step is to get a garden going out back. The second step is to raise chickens for the eggs. As it turned out the chickens came before the garden. Here is David introducing the baby chicks to the dogs. It is making the dogs a little crazy knowing there are birds in the house and they are not allowed to 'play' with them.

There are five different varieties of chicken which will each produce a different colored egg. The shells will be different colors, not the insides, in case you weren't sure.