surviving the festivities . . .

Whew, what a weekend!  Two of my sisters came into town to celebrate my mom's 80th birthday.  It was a lot of fun and also a little (a lot) exhausting.  You know how that goes.

I gifted my sisters each with one of the Christmas table runners.  I hope they enjoy them! I picked them both up at the airport and we headed to Chicken Salad Chick for a sister lunch, before heading to my folk's house.

They're so beautiful! We had a good time celebrating the birthday girl . . .

Joc and her crew made the festivities, too!  Julia made manicotti and we got the most divine cake from Edgar's Bakery . . . 

Delish!

What would a sisters/mom weekend be without a crafty little project??!!! In keeping with the incoming season (spring/March/St. Patrick's Day), we put together cute little wool shamrock mug rugs . . .

All four finishes!  I drew up the pattern and kitted it before going, to make it as easy as possible.  They did great jobs, considering none of them have done a lot of wool work or embroidery before!  Here's mine which includes a peek of my new petite violet . . .

Did I mention jelly beans?  The perfect spring food.  LOL!

I continue to [slowly] move forward on Hospital Sketches . . .

Decided the this block needed a little "umph" to the stitching.  It's actually finished now and I've started blanket stitching the next one.  I like the pretty little Spanish feather stitch on the paired leaves.  It was the first time I've used it; it creates a lot of eye interest.

February 23 was Everett's day.  Joc and her family spent time at the cemetery, cleaning up his gravestone and talking about him.

They had a beautiful, clear and sunny day for their visit!  It's hard to believe Everett would be ten this year.

This is such a precious family.  I love them dearly. 

The days continue to break earlier, and end later.  In less than two weeks we'll be "spring"ing forward again.  I don't mind too much ... I love the light later in the day (and not driving to and from work in the dark) ... and making it home in time for the sunset!

Peace!  :)