The best kind of sleep beneath Heaven above

 Is under a quilt, handmade with love!

Teddy Bear Rag Quilt

I am a very sentimental person.  I love to scrapbook and keep memories of all the places and things we have seen.  I also love all my family heirlooms that have been passed onto me.  Granted none of the things I have very much monetary value, they are worth more than all the riches of earth because they once belonged to people I dearly love.  I never met my Grandma Rose because she passed away long before I was even born, but I have many things that were hers; a pearl ring, dishes, hand crocheted doilies and a quilt that she handmade.  I also have a quilt from my Grandma Crawford and one from each of Carson's Grandmothers.  I proudly display these and love them very much. 

When we got the referral for Scout, I decided I was going to make a quilt for him, something he could pass on to his children someday.  I found a really cute pattern that looked pretty simple and did not require a lot of precision.  I got a gift card for Christmas to Hobby Lobby, so I waited till material went on sale and then I spent what seemed like hours trying to find 12 different materials that coordinated.  I spent a day off from work cutting out the pattern and material before sewing it all together.   It took a couple days to complete and I think the finished product is pretty cute.  It is also much larger than I anticipated.  In the photo above the quilt is hanging on my french doors and covers them both.

Pattern and Material

Susie thinks it is for her :) lol

May/June Update





We have received two updates in the past month!!  One update is wonderful, two updates is indescribable.  Granted they both said basically the same thing, but it was still welcomed information.  We received a total of 6 pictures.  He is adorable!  Here is a little info...  At twelve months of age he weighs 22.6lbs, is 31 inches tall and has two bottom teeth.  He is taking 8oz of formula twice a day and is eating solid food.  He likes rice, bread, fruit, whole milk, it says he eats "everything".  He goes to sleep between  8-9pm and sleeps till 6am.  He is walking and running!!  He uses single word sentences.  He likes to scribble with a pen and dance to music.  He can hold a cup.  He has a bit of a temper. 

His 13 month update did not list his weight and height, but talked more about his nature.  It stated again he loves to dance to music on TV.  He is very animated but has a bit of a temper and doesn't like to share his toys.  Carson will be very disappointed if Scout won't share his toys with daddy :) 

Love them dimples!

Modeling the bib and flip flops we sent him.

Looking at the AquaDoodle we sent him.

 "Family ties are precious threads, no matter where we roam, they draw us close to those we love, and pull our hearts toward home."  - anonymous

 Over the past several weeks Carson and I have attended several family reunions.  It has been great seeing our families.   Over Memorial Day weekend we had the Crawford and Blackwood reunions and the second weekend in June we had the Carson reunion.  We had a wonderful time at all three visiting and showing off new pictures of Scout.


Jill and Shawna

 The Crawford reunion was at the home of my cousin's Johnny and Joyce James in Formosa.  The Crawford's are well known for putting on a spread!  There was enough food there to feed a small country.  I love this time we have together because it reminds me of my childhood and the summers that my cousin (Shawna) and I spent together.

The Blackwood reunion was at Morning Star at the home of my great-aunt Maggie.  We enjoyed an afternoon of sitting outside, eating, visiting and admiring her beautiful flowers.

Mom and Jill

The Carson reunion was at the Dayton Community Center.  Again, more food there than necessary.  We had a fun game of Carson family trivia.  After 5 years of being married into this family I am finally remembering how all these people fit together.



 We are looking forward to next years reunion's, we will be getting to show off our little man in person!  I can't wait for that.  We are so thankful for all the love and support all our families have shown during our wait.