Wishes #43, #44, #45

These are some special wishes from a very special family. We met the Westbrook family in a Disciple Bible Class at Sunrise Methodist Church in Colorado Springs. And, for lack of a better description, it was love at first sight! Our families just "jelled" and had so many laughs during the good times and prayers during the rough times. I can't tell you how touching it was to open the mail and see these faces and their carefully chosen fabrics for our Ty.

The top selection and picture is of a handsome young man named Reese. The baseballs on the blue background is the ultimate all-American fabric and Reese wrote:

Ty,
I hope you like sports!
Love, Reese

And Reese's sister Caitie put so much thought into her selection and wish. She is such a beautiful girl and her words are beautiful too:

Ty-
Welcome to America! You've got a
great family and I know you will have
an amazing life with them. The love you
so much!

I just wanted to tell you why I chose
this fabric. I was born in Florida and i
have not seen the beach since I moved
away from there. I miss it very much and I
think it is so pretty. This fabric reminded
me of the beach, and when I saw it -
I knew it was perfect.

Hope you have many good memories with
this quilt.
love, Caitie Westbrook

The U.S. Navy will now be proudly stitched into Ty's quilt, representing a very patriotic veteran family that I admire so much -

They write:

Ty-

May you find strength, stability
and support as you become anchored
in the blessings and love of your
new family.

Love,
Kyle, Ann, Caitie & Reese

Love you guys - thanks!

Wish #42

This fabric makes it easy for me to imagine myself walking down a sidestreet near the American Embassy in Guangzhou. My new family of four is strolling along all smiles under a night sky dappled with bright, cheerful Chinese lanterns. We are headed back to our hotel room for our last night in China before we board our flight to the USA and I imagine these lanterns winking at Ty and bidding him a happy life with this family that loves him so much.

Of course, I am also mentally preparing myself for the possibility that he may not like us one bit for taking him away from China. And he may be kicking the ground as we stroll along - or even running like a jack rabbit ahead of us trying to get away...but just wait til we get him home! He'll come around and embrace this love that we have for him - and treasure it as we treasure him. He'll be happy one day - and when he sees this quilt, maybe he'll think back to those brightly, swinging lanterns wishing him well with his forever family. I will.

Thanks Wysner family for this great squish:

"May you always have walls for the winds, a roof for
the rain, tea beside the fire, laghter to cheer you,
those you love near you and all your heart might desire."
Irish Blessing

Debbie & Bobby Wysner
Lexington, SC
Waiting for Presley in Vietnam, 2007

Wish #41

The Cesena family know a good thing when they hear it! I swapped fabrics with this family as both of our families wait for our children in China. Their bright, happy fabric was accompanied by the words to a song that really targets my sentiments for my children and is on the playlist below. Click on that song as you read this wish:

"My Wish"
by Rascal Flatts

My wish,for you, is that this life becomes
all that you want it to,
your dreams stay big, your worries stay small,
You never need to carry more than you can hold,
and while you're out there getting where you're getting to,
I hope you know somebody loves you,
and wants the same things too,
Yeah, this is my wish.

Nina, Gary and Jessica Cesena
Waiting for Baby Grace
LID 1/30/2007
Long Beach, CA

Learning Patience

I haven't posted in a few days because we are very busy learning to be patient people. Let me explain (commonly referred to as "vent"):

Unbeknownst to us, and apparently on Monday of this week, the Alabama Department of Human Resources decided that all homestudies done from October 2006 on would not be approved until the applicants had additional clearances from all states they have lived in during the last 5 years. Several things about this frustrate us:

1. This apparently includes people that are already appoved. What would happen if someone didn't check out? The state of Alabama will apparently revoke those adoptions.
2. This is retroactive until 2006, and we were just notified THIS WEEK???
3. Our social worker informed us that he only works part time and won't be able to guide us on how to accomplish this. I asked a question about one of the forms, after he forwarded a form from ONE of the THREE states we need and he suggested I call that state myself and find out. So...that is what I am trying to do. His boss is now trying to find things out for us - although we haven't heard anymore.
4. I called California and spoke to the "Social Worker of the Day" in their policies and procedures department - and they say that all they would use is the existing FBI clearance that Alabama HAS ALREADY DONE!
5. I have asked from help from our social worker, his boss, my adoption agency and the California and DC and have not really received any guidance yet - surely someone knows how to help us. Surely a state wouldn't enact a policy without the means or guidance to see it through?!
6. I am researching Alabama state code - and House Bill 602 looks promising....as does the Department of Human Resources FAQ page that shows that the State Adoption Commisioner will make exceptions for special needs adoptions - and a special needs adoption is one where a physical disability is documented. Hmmmmm....might be my next step.

Now keep in mind - this is the only thing that is keeping us from being SO CLOSE to done. This is also the ONLY thing that is keeping us from sending Ty letters and gifts from us. We cannot go any further until our home study is approved by Alabama. It has already been approved by our adoption agency.

And so - we are learning to be patient and trust that this is as it should be and according to God's will.

I would like to say that I feel better about all of this after writing this - but I don't.

I do feel better knowing all of our friends are out there reading this and praying for us and for our sweet Ty.

Wish #40

This squish arrived from Frisco, TX from another family on the One Hundred Wishes Yahoo Quilt Group. It is a fabric filled with pond critters. I am so happy that some frogs will be represented in Ty's quilt. Although I would be hard pressed to choose between a good turtle and a good frog!

The Kitchens family wrote:

"It is time for parents to teach
young people early on that in
diversity there is beauty and
there is strength."
Maya Angelou

May your life be filled with
beauty and strength.

The Kitchens' Family
Frisco, TX
2007

Wish #39

This squish arrived via Royal Mail from the U.K. My new internet buddy Janet Oatway found a "Peter Rabbit" fabric! She said that she searched high and low for something that represented children and England - and I think that this is "brilliant!"

Janet got her dossier to China on August 10th of this year and I hope that her wait passes quickly! She also explained to me that some countries don't allow their citizens to consider children on the "waiting" lists. Part of this reasoning is attributed to the inherent costs of healtcare associated with these precious children. It concerns me that limitations are placed on the potential families that could be out there for these special kids - and makes me ever so grateful that our son will be with us soon and that we live in a country that is willing to risk so much in order for everyone to have opportunity!

Janet wrote:

To understand the heart and mind of a person, look not at what he has lready achieved, but at what he aspires to. Kahlil Gibran

Beatrix Potter born on July 28th, 1866
Kensington, London, England.
Author of "The Tale of Peter Rabbit"

Janet Oatway, England
DTC 10th August 2007

Wishes #37 & #38

These are some very special wishes! When we were adopting Caitlin, we needed a place to stay for an extended period of time while we waited for her birth and then while we waited for permission to leave the state. Linda and Ron Ford opened their home and hearts to us and helped us through each step of the way! One of our fondest memories happened the night before Caitin was born - while we all sat around and thought of "names" for her. I think it was Ron that suggested "Buzz" as in Buzz Zucco (Bazooka)....and someone through out Sandy Agoe Zucco (San Diego Zoo-co)...it was a hilarious evening and exactly what we needed.

Anyway - they were there from the beginning with Caitlin and we are so glad that they will be among those that will welcome Ty in this special way.

Wish #37 is the top fabric and they wished:

This was used in our grandson's quilt and comes with 26 wishes and blessings from the Fords:
A- appreciation
B- beauty
C- compassion
D- determination
E- eagerness to learn
F- faith
G- generosity
H- happiness
I- imagination
J- joy
K- kindness
L- love
M- memories
N- nevery ending dreams
O- opportunity
P- peace
Q- quietude
R- respect
S- serenity
T- thankfulness
U- understanding
V- vision
W- wisdom
X- kisses too numerous to count
Y- yearning for knowledge
Z- zeal for life

That is just amazing and so perfect! If Ty has half of these - he will have a richly blessed life! I hope he has them all!




The next wish is #38 and goes with the teddy bears and moon fabric. They wrote:

This fabric was used as the backing for our eldest grandson's quilt. The teddy bears represent warmth and security, which we wish you in abundance. The stars, countless in the night sky, are for all the hopes and dreams in your future.

Frank Bianco wrote: "If you begin to live life looking for the God that is all around you, every moment becomes a prayer." May you feel the love that surrounds you and enfolds you and wraps you in prayers.

Linda and Ron Ford

You all are so special to us and these wishes will be forever treasured!

Wish #36

This print is just adorable and looks like a reproduction print in a way. The Chinese girls on this print look like dolls with their rosy cheeks! Elizabeth Sabol finds some great fabrics! In addition to this Asian Print Swap fabric - she was the individual who sent us Wish #4!

Elizabeth lives in New Hampshire and I wonder if she shops at Keepsake Quilting? When we lived in Boston and were shopping for fabric for my Mom to make Caitlin's crib quilt and bumper pads,etc. we found her fabric at Keepsake Quilting in New Hampshire. That store has an overwhelming array of fabrics - every print imaginable!

This time, Eliabeth wrote:

My wish for you...

Believe in hyour dreams,
follow your heart, and speak
the words of your soul.

Elizabeth Sabol
LID September 1, 2006
For Hazel

Wish #35

This is a yummy piece of fabric from my Asian Print Swap friends. It is gold and honey and kind of woodsy-tiki feeling. I love geometric prints and this one has strong geometry throughout the earth-tone and metallic florals. I love it!

The Miller family sent this:

He who asks is a fool for five minutes,
But he who does not ask remains a fool
forever. -- Chinese Proverb

The Miller Family
Allen, Angela and william
Levelland, Texas

I've asked so many questions during this adoption! And I've learned that "wisdom" takes time - in my case WAY more than five minutes!

Wish #34

The Edmisten Family of Indian Trail, NC gifted us with this squish. It is a red batik print with the chinese characters for love, peace, harmony, wisdom, courage and luck on it in broad black strokes.

I am giving you a tissue alert for this wish - it was like they found a way to write my heart...

The Gift of Life

I didn't give you the gift of life,
But in my heart I know
The love I fell is dep and real,
As if it had been so.

For us to have each other
Is like a dream come true!
No, I didn't give you
The gift of life...
Life gave me the gift of you.
--Unknown

The Edmisten Family - Indian Trail, NC
Waiting for Maia Faith from Vietnam

Wish #33

This is a fantastically exotic print from the Asian Print Swap group. I think I will be very sad when that swap is done. I'm trying to come up with a swap that I can "host" so that the party at my mailbox doesn't have to end yet! There was a nursery swap recently - but that just doesn't fit our almost 8 year old little guy...so I passed on that one. Any ideas?

Anyway - this fabric is a black group print with a river flowing through it surrounded by asian florals and metallics. It was sent by the Pie Family in Colorado and they wish:

(There are the Chinese characters for Friendship centered on the card)
"Friendship"

Friendship is like a sun-filled sky that shines
its warmth on you; flowing like an ocean
breeze refreshing through and through!

May you always have a treasured friend!

With Love,
The Pie Family
Fort Collins, CO

As a "4th grade language arts teacher" (and librarian, bus driver, principal, janitor and lunchlady) I surely appreciate the beauiful similes that compare friendship to a sun-filled sky! I think it is a most appropriate wish from Colorado for many reasons (and you know who you are!)

Wish #32

This fabric is so adorable! Little puppies cover the fabric - and Sparky, Fido, Buster and Woof! accompany the puppies as they frolic across the white cotton.

Tony and I have been thinking that a puppy would be a great thing to help Caity, Ty and us bond as a family. We want to wait to get one until after we travel to China so that Ty can be a part of the selection. It would also be helpful for us to know where we are headed (hate to put a puppy through a quarantine!) We have looked at so many different breeds - everything from Shelties, to Golden Doodles to adopting Greyhounds (they are unfortunately, plentiful here.) If you have any suggestions - please share them with us - and why you recommend that breed. Maybe we will start a poll when we get down to the wire!

This fabric is courtesy of a family in Maricopa, AZ - they write:

Dreams are like stars...
You may never touch them,
but if you follow them
they will lead you to your destiny.

Judy Trees
Tom Golds
Maricopa, AZ

Wish #31

This wish is exciting to receive! It is from another country to add to our growing list! The Rombach-Holland family from Amsterdam, The Netherlands sent Ty a wish for his quilt. It arrived with bright red piece of fabric with chopsticks and fortune cookies all over it!

The fortunes on our section are rather humorous - like "You will meet a tall dark handsome stranger who will mistake you for a valet" and "Your life will be blessed with riches of love, family and tranquility. Everything but money" and "A bird in he hand is worth about $4.85." Then there is "You dance like you've never danced before." I'm not sure what to make of this - but it sounds like chicken is on sale somewhere!

The Rombach-Holland family sent this wish:

To have JOY one must share it. (Lord Byron)

We WISH you JOY,
to DANCE
to SING
to LOVE

from the Rombach-Holland Family
Amsterdam, The Netherlands
LID Nov. 8, 2006

What a long wait for them - I hope that they can dance, sing and love their little one soon!

Wish #30

This wish is from the Yokum Family who are my Mom's neighbors....they take great care of her and really watch out for her. But the best part and what she enjoys most is when the twins come and visit! I am waiting for Mom to get the "wish" part of this squish to us. But I did get pictures of sweet Thomas and Emily to include in Ty's wish book along with this soft blue and white ticking striped fabric.

So this wish is....to be continued! I'll update this one soon but wanted them to get "logged in" (in adoption terminology!)

Wishes We Send

These are two samples of the wishes we have sent. We love the top fabric because it reminds us so much of cherry blossoms. For those of you who have lived in or visited Washington, DC - the trees surrounding the tidal basin by the Jefferson Memorial were gifts of the Japanese government and the cherry blossoms are so lovely and gentle every spring. It is one of our favorite memories of the D.C. area.

The purple colored fabric is what we sent for the Asian Print swap. It features women in kimonos in gardens surrounded by lanterns and bonsai.

On both cards we used the chinese characters for Faith, Hope and Love and then used the scripture that references these three awesome words:

"And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love." 1 Corinthians 13:13

Then we translated that scripture into chinese characters.

With Love, The Zucco Family
Tony, Honour and Caitlin
Montgomery, AL
Adopting Ty, from China

Wish #29

This wish arrives from my dear friend Cleo Gisler. Cleo was one of my many "rocks" while we were living out in California. She is the epitomy of a Christian lady and I admire her so much. She also has the most adorable grandson named Joe - and I am sure that is how she even knows about SpongeBob SquarePants!

Cleo sent the most adorable 9 patch square of SpongeBob and Patrick playing soccer. Patrick is my favorite - well, besides Gary the snail...who wouldn't be too good at soccer now that I think about it!

Cleo is also an excellent quilter and I proudly display two pieces of hers throughout the year. I know Ty will smile in a big way when he sees this on his quilt - thank you Cleo! She writes:

Dear Ty,
May you find joy, happiness and
acceptance with the Zucco family.
Your new family have longed for you
many years; you will be loved and
card for deeply. I pray you find the
Lord Jesus to be a strong, steady
presence in your life as well -
God Bless you --
Love, Cleo Gisler

Wish #28

Another patriotic fabric! This squish tugged at the heartstrings. The fabric depicts the "Heroes" postage stamp and shows the flag being raised by rescue workers at Ground Zero following the 9/11 attacks. The stamp floats on a sea of American flags and it is just beautiful.

My cousin Lisa and her family selected this for Ty. We can't wait to travel to Texas after Ty arrives and share some fun times with the cousins! Jeannie and Colin (and Uncle Michael) are always fun - especially when fireworks are involved!!! You guys are wonderful - thanks for the wish to:

Ty,
Welcome to our wonderful family.

Jesus said," Let the little children
come to me and do not hinder them,
for the kingdom of heaven belongs to
such as these." Matthew 19:14

Blessings,
Lisa, Michael, Jeannie and Colin Lowe

Wish #27

This squish is another that I love! It is an All-American print in navy and red ginghams, checks and bandana prints sent by the Ditt Family. Stacey Ditt is the daughter of Chuck and Diana Chesley and sister of Brian. You may remember the Chesleys from Wish # ....that told how I met Chuck through a "small crash" of sorts. I have always admired the Ditts - Stacey is as sweet on the inside as she is beautiful on the outside and she and her husband Jack have raised 4 amazing daughters. They have prayed for our Ty all along the way and we are so glad to have them a part of this quilt that I know Ty will hold dear. Their wish:

"Before I formed you in
the womb I knew you,
before you were born I
set you apart;"
--Jeremiah 1:5

Love,
The Ditt Family

Wish #26

This was a great squish to find in our mailbox. The Dinkins have been special to us for quite some time. They are a large part of why the United States Air Force is a good place to be. We met them in Oklahoma when we were stationed at Tinker AFB and Tony experienced some of his most rewarding moments commanding with then "Colonel D" as his boss. These are true-blue folks, have supported us throughout our adoption and we are glad that they will be a permanent part of Ty's life through his quilt.

Debby picked out a beautiful red print fabric (like her new red Mini Cooper convertible) with beautiful Asain script characters on it. Their wish:

Dear Ty:
We want to welcome you as you begin your new life in the United States of America. May you always remember your native country of China, but come to love and pledge allegiance to this great country of opportunity and freedom - America!
You and your family are very fortunate to have found each other. We know your life foreer here after will be filled with happiness, security, and love.
Greatest blessings to you, your Mom and Dad, and your big sister Caitlin.

In Friendship and Love,
Rick and Debby Dinkins

This wish made us smile. The sentiments of freedom, opportunity, patriotism and security are spoke directly to our hearts and reflect what we wish for Ty ourselves. Thanks Dinkins Family!

Wish #25

This fabric is just adorable! I love all the creepy-crawlies on it - including the ladybugs. I think I mentioned somewere down the line that ladybugs were a symbol of good luck in Chinese adoptions. The Stewart family sent this fabric from Australia as they wait on their daughter from Taiwan. I love their wish too. Helen Keller is credited with this quote and was from Alabama....making this even more significant!

"The best and most beautiful thins inthe world cannot be seen or even touched. They must be felt with the heart." --Helen Keller

From The Stewart Family
Robyn, Ian, Seb (Korea), and our
little one waiting for us in Taiwan.
Victoria, Australia

Wish #24

I connected online with Amy Beaver through the 100 Wishes Quilt Yahoo Group. They are from Georgia and logged their dossier in China on June 20, 2007. Amy sent this neat fabric that almost looks like a "sun print." Do you remember those? You lay out some paper that reacts with sunlight and then put objects on top of it and leave it out for a bit. You will get these pretty images that could be described as sun shadows. Anyway - Amy's fabric is on an aqua blue ground and has the "sun shadows" of some exotic looking flowers on it. Their wish:

Wishing you a life full of joy and laughter.

The Beaver Family
Acworth, GA
LID 6/20/2007 China

Wish #23

Do you remember me mentioning Wendy Mooney? She lives in Hawaii and sent a great Hawaiian map type fabric early on for our individual swap and then she organized this Asian Print Swap. Today, I received her contribution to the Asian Print Swap and it is another bright print on a black fabric. I love the way these look! They must have great fabric/quilting shops in Hawaii! This print has the Chinese Zodiac on it. My horse does look a bit fiery!

I think that it would be pretty neat to be a Dragon or Tiger as well. (Tony and Caity and dragons and tigers, respectively....lucky (fu) dogs!)

Wendy's wish goes:
We wish you peace, love, and happiness.

Aloha Nui Loa (with love)
The Mooney Family
Maui, Hawaii

Wish #22

This is the coolest fabric - with cool cats! Carolyn and Todd sent this turquoise fabric with Chinese characters and symbols - and kitty cats from Bellevue, WA. Carolyn and I are both in the "gathering" phase of our quilts and had joined that fruitful Asian Print Swap! This family turned in their dossier in January of 2007. I hope they can be united soon with their child. Their wish:

"When the heart is at ease, the body is healthy."
--Chinese Proverb

Wishing you Health and Happiness,
Todd, Carolyn and Vivian
LID: January 4, 2007

Wish #21

We received another squish from our Asian print swap - but this one came from England! By Royal Mail! It is a very exotic red ground print full of fans and lotus blossoms.

The Wong Family wishes:

"Wisdom is the most important part of happiness."
--Sophocles

Wishing you a lifetime of love, good health and happiness.
Suzanne and Terry Wong
London, England
LID 11/29/06

Wish #20

Wish #20 just makes you smile! This black ground fabric is filled with Chinese children in their finery possibly celebrating the Lantern Festival. I love the guys on stilts.

One time my Grandfather built my brother and I a pair of stilts. Joe and I couldn't get the hang of it at first (Joe is probably saying it was me that didn't get the hang of it!). So we challenged my Grandfather to do it - and he jumped there as nimble as a marionette and proceeded to parade all around about 10 inches higher than he used to be! We finally caught on....but we could never get the hang of the unicycle he could ride! Vic Chase was a man of many talents!

This wish is from the Mills Family and goes like this:

If you have love in your life, it can make up for a great many things you lack. If you don't have it, no matter what else there is, it's not enough.
-- Ann Landers

We wish you a life filled with love, laughter and joy. We wish you enough.
--Bobby, Nicole and Sarah Mills
Bartow, Florida

According to the wisdom of Ann Landers - my Grandad was never lacking! He always had enough!

Wish #19

Isn't this fabric delicious?! It is another one from the Asian print swap and is from The Stock-Bordnick family in Atlanta, GA. Their wish:

Wishing you a lifetime of love!

The Stock-Bordnicks
Atlanta, GA
Waiting for Annie
Anhui, China

I'll toast to that! Tea anyone?

Wish #18

Monica Raymer sent us this wish as part of the Asian print swap group. It has almost a hand-dyed look to the red and has the characters and figures of the Chinese Zodiac animals on it. Do you know what animal of the Chinese Zodiac you are? If not, click here and find out! I am a horse with an element of fire. Sounds interesting - maybe dangerous - maybe like a circus act!

Monica's Wish:

If you are in a hurry,
you will never get there. - Chinese Proverb

"May you always take the time to enjoy what life brings!"

Monica Raymer
Mother to Isabella Maron Yusi
Adopted Jan 16, 2007 - Guangxi, China
Waiting for Arianna Maris
LID August 2007 - Vietnam

And then has the Chinese Characters for three of my favorite words: Faith, Hope and Love.

I think I never get there because of my fiery horse!?!

Wish #17

This is another of those beautiful Asian prints for this new swap I'm in. This swap was created by Wendy Mooney from Hawaii (she sent an earlier fabric for an individual swap - did you see that one?)

Anyway - this one is from The Powers Family of Macomb, Illinois. They have been waiting a little over a year so far for their precious child. We love to look on the map and find out where all these folks live. It is just amazing that wishes from around the world will surround our son's shoulders. This fabric is a multi-colored asian floral with hints of gold metallic. There are some architectural interests in the pattern as well. Their wish is:


Patchwork Quilt
Our family's like a patchwork quilt,
With kindness gently sewn.
Eache piece is an original, With beauty of its own.
With threads of warmth and happiness,
It's tightly stitched together.
To las in love throughout the years,
Our family is forever.

Don and Kathy Powers
Macomb, Illinois LID 9-11-06

Ok - this is too beautiful and spoke right to my heart. I hope their family is stitched together soon!

Wish #16

Guess what I did? I joined the Asian Print Swap on the 100 Wishes Quilt Group on Yahoo. And this is our first squish (square + wish) from that group.

Sue and Arlie Williams in Cedar Park, TX sent this beautiful asian print with a tropical spin. It is a matte finish and is a great print! Their wish:

Our wish for you:
May you have lasting friendships, that bring you happiness. Then you will have good fortune and prosperity!

Sue and Arlie Williams

Their note has the Chinese characters for Friendship, Happiness, Fortune and Prosperity on the card.

I should be getting 18 more squishes from my Asian Print Buddies.

Wish #15

We love this fabric from old friends Linda and Jack Williams. We ran into Linda at a Quilt Show in Louisiana at the Red River Revel. She has organized a huge quilting project to get kids involved in sewing and Caitlin colored two squares that will be sewn into some charity quilts by the children! It is a really exciting project that I hope will get national attention.

Linda is a sewing genius and I always marvel at her ideas and how quickly she thinks. (It's easier to marvel than to try and keep up! :) This last time I was with her she got me turned on to some photo software that will "kaleidoscope" my photos. I haven't loaded it yet - but I'm sure you will be able to tell when I do get it loaded.

Tis fabric is so great because it reminds us of fireworks which were invented in China! Their wish:

Ty,
Welcome to Alabama and the United States. We konw you will have lots of fun with your family.
Linda and Jack Williams

Something tells me that Ty himself could be a firecracker! Thanks Linda and Jack!

Wish #13 and #14

My Mom has some regular stitching buddies that are a talented, smart, fun and caring group of gals. On the previously mentioned trip home, we were able to sneak into one of their all day stitching salons at the home of Mrs. Margaret Evans. Margaret is always full of surprises - and surprised us with this adorable plaid fabric. She used it recently to line an outfit she made for her grandchild. Her wish was precious and displays the fabric in a smiley face cutout saying:

We are all so glad you are here!
Margaret Evans
Shreveport, Louisiana

The second treat from that day was that I received fabric from another of this fabulous foursome. Mrs. Jimmie Overdyke is about the snappiest lady I've ever met. I always have the best time with her. She gave us two lovely books on China - one was a history of China through its art and the other was a pictorial book on Peking (Beijing). These sit on our coffee table now and we often find ourselves thumbing through them as we anticipate our trip to China and our life with Ty. Jimmie gave us a bright, happy floral pattern for Ty. Her wish:

A lot of love waiting for Ty
Jimmie Overdyke

Thank you ladies for these gifts and so much more!

Wish #12

As soon as I arrived home my Mom handed me this colorful, tropical fabric and wish from James & Silvia Blewett. The Blewetts are part of my Mom's Sunday school class and Silvia stitches with the embroidery guild that my Mom and I belong to. In fact, at a regional seminar, I played Mah Jongg late into the evening one night with Silvia. She claimed that she was a beginner - but she is one smart lady! She figured out how to play...and strategize! And she is funny on top of that! Thank you all so much for sending this wish and fabric for Ty!

Their wish reads:

"We remember, we expect, but we live now."
St. Augustine 354-430 AD

Dear Ty,
Our wish for you: Remember your heritage. It is a part of you. Expect a great and fulfilling future. Live now in great happiness as part of a wonderful family who love you and konw you will enrich their lives, as they pray they will enrich yours. God Bless, James & Silvia Blewett

Return to our regularly scheduled program!

We have returned from a trip to Louisiana to visit family and celebrate a great occasion with some of our friends. And while we were there, we found the perfect pattern to use for Ty's quilt. So many people have asked me about this and I didn't know exactly what we wanted to do. But Caity found a great pattern while we were at a quilt shop in Louisiana called Material Girl! Love the name!

The pattern itself is called Rails: Love to Mary and it is from a book by Lynn Roddy Brown called Simple Strategies for Scrap Quilts. The cover of the book has a circle in the bottom right corner indicating that it is "fat quarter friendly." I found that interesting and possibly comforting!

We plan on taking the fabric you have sent and splitting it into two strips. Then we found a neutral fabric we liked to go in between the two strips and we will embroider your names on that strip. When completed, each block will have the fabric you sent surrounding your names. It might be hard to see in the photo of the finished quilt - but it will be wonderful! We plan on using similar colors to the quilt in the photo - with a khaki color and a dark navy blue and of course - red! These are the colors of Ty's room and I think it will be a patchwork masterpiece!

Can't wait to get more squares! I am behind on posting those - so they will follow shortly.