WELCOME TO THE WORLD...

What a glorious morning we have had. The sun is shining, even though it's a little cool. Dick and I got up early and headed up to the hospital. We arrived just after our 8th grandchild was born. No matter how many we have, each one is a little miracle. I'd like you to meet Peyton Drew. He weighs 7 lb. 7 oz. and is about 21" long. We haven't had a chance to hold him yet, but we will get back up there soon to take our turn. Mommy (Val) had a c-section, so there was quite a bit of settling in, although she looked great when we finally got to see her.

Son Rich is a very proud daddy. Can't you tell by that smile??? Big sister Sydney will be arriving soon to have her first look at the "competition", but I know she will be crazy about him. Congratulations Rich and Val, I can't tell you how much I love all of these babies!

When we left the hospital, we ran on up to the nursing home to visit Dad for a little bit. He seemed to be a little more alert today and we actually had some conversation. It sure does my heart good to be able to still converse when he's able. Nothing is better than seeing him smile from time to time.

Now it's time to get on with the rest of the busy day. Carol and I are going to pick up a load of goodies to bring into the shop for tomorrow. I think we're even going to try to get some pansies planted in the window box outside. Nothing says spring more than flowers!

Hope you all have a great day!

Until next time...

MINI ADVENTURE...

What a fun night! After I closed the shop, I headed over to Sharon's house to go on a little adventure. When I got there, she and Jim had dinner all ready! Yummy fried chicken, potato salad, cantelope... It was delish! Then we headed to Earlene's house - http://primitivepassiondecorating.blogspot.com/ - which was in the spring issue of 2010 of Country Sampler. I've always loved the pictures, but to see it in person well surpassed the pictures! Talk about PRIM PERFECT!!! Everywhere you looked was more eye candy than you can imagine. Her kitchen is adorable, I especially love the old dough box as her island.

At the other end of the kitchen is this wonderful walk-in pantry FILLED with antique goodies. There was a child-size table and chairs along with a little dry sink in there for her grandchildren. I'll bet they are in heaven when they come!

Her living room is outstanding! Love how she put these shutters in her bay window.

OHHH, and her new couch! Just beautiful!!! The material is fabulous and oh so cozy.

There were gorgeous displays everyplace you looked!

This end of her living room was the perfect spot to read, visit with a friend or just sit and listen to some beautiful music.

Oh my goodness, then there's the dining room - and the most beautiful cupboards. Wish you could see this mustard cupboard in person - it is beyond prim!

You just keep turning and around and it gets better and better.

I love breadboards and Earlene had the best collection - everywhere. Wish we would have had time to take more pictures, but you can visit her blog and see more and more. And then...

she took us to visit Old Mother Hubbard (Jane) and her little log cabin shop. More prim heaven! She had just done a show and a lot of things had been sold, but there were still great items to behold. All in all, it was the most fun evening. Almost too much stimulous for this brain to take in - you know when you get home and you can't shut down from thinking!! I can't wait to have a couple of days at home to putz and play. Thank you Earlene for a wonderful adventure.

Until next time...

RECOVERY...

Well friends, just though I'd show you what you do with crutches when you don't need them anymore! We took our Gannon up to The Little House over the weekend for some much needed R&R and had a great time. After he was hit by the car, the hospital put an immobilizer on his leg and gave him crutches. They wanted him to try walking and see if it was just bruised. HOORAY!! He's done with the crutches and all set to have some fun on his spring vacation.

SOOOOOOOOOOOO - you turn your crutches into a microphone and sing! What a goof ball! We got home late this afternoon and he was overjoyed that the ice is gone from the canal and is already out there fishing. Way too cold for me!

On Saturday, I had a fellow blogger visit the shop. Fran from thebagglady blog and her hubby stopped in and it was so nice to meet in person.

The weather sure isn't cooperating and Mother Nature must not have been told that it's supposed to be spring! Yesterday, up north at our cottage, it did everything! We had rain, sleet and then huge snowflakes. The roads were bad before it was over. Sure was grateful that we had our little house to go snuggle in and keep cozy.

Thank you so much for all of your kind wishes and thoughts for our Gannon. I can't even fathom what driver's must be thinking when they hit and run, but thank goodness he is fine now.

Time to get back to the real world and start sewing again. Talk to you soon.

Until next time...

BLESSINGS...

Is there anything more precious than grandchildren? Well, maybe our children, but still... We are so blessed to have 7 little ones and another one on the way in about a week. Jack spent the night with us the other night and couldn't wait to have his turn to "go to work at the shop". He was a big helper turning on lights and putting everything outside. He especially loved going to Zanie Janie's to get his hot chocolate!

When his mommy came to pick him up, our other daughter showed up too, so we have 5 out of 7 there to visit. Ellie, Abbey, Lucy and Caroline all love each other so much. The two little ones are only 6 months apart and they are pretty fascinated right now.

What a face Miss Lucy! She kept touching Caroline and saying, "Oh Baby."

Caroline says, "I yuv yucy!"

Ashley had two of their baby rabbits with her after taking them to Abbey's school. Isn't this guy adorable? His name is Hot Shot. Abbey is now in 4-H and they are showing them at local rabbit shows.

How's this for some red hair??? I had faith that I'd get a red-headed grandchild one of these days - and FINALLY! Our Lucy is such a ham and so much darn fun.

Yesterday was a LONG day!!! I went to Ashley's house early in the morning and they loaded poor Abbey up to take her in to get her tonsils out. Lucy and I played and played and had so much fun. Abbey was only at the hospital for 2 hours and 20 minutes total!!! The poor little sweetheart was sure hurting when she got home though. After seeing our Abbey for a bit, I went on in to the shop. (Thank you for filling in Sharon!)

As the afternoon progressed, I got a phone call that our oldest grandson, Gannon, had been hit by a car while on his skateboard! Talk about panic!!! The car hit him and threw him into a driveway and mangled his skateboard - THEN TOOK OFF!!! Now mind you, they live in a beautiful neighborhood with only two dead-end streets. Who would do such a thing?? His dad came home from work to stay with the little ones and Amanda took him into ER. We went to meet them at the hospital and found out that "maybe" he tore some cartilege in his leg. They put a velcro immobilizer on his leg and sent him home with some crutches. Thank God it wasn't worse! He will be with us for a few days as his family had previous plans to go to TN. I think we are going to take it very easy for the weekend - maybe even take him up to the Little House - and we'll probably see a few movies. All other plans are put on hold until we see how he is doing. I'm just so thankful that it wasn't worse.

Well friends, that's about all the excitement I can stand right now. Time to get ready to open the shop and have some fun with my customers. Have a great day and we'll talk again real soon.

Until next time...

DAILY GOODIES...

Is there anything that says spring more than tulips? Our Carol brought these tulips into the shop for our open house - along with other live flowers - and they added so much color and fragrance. As I've said before, we just keep getting more new goodies - almost daily - so I thought I would share the latest.

Is this little old wheelboro just the cutest? Wouldn't it be adorable as a centerpiece on a big old farm table or front porch?

Big old Hester hopped in yesterday carrying her bag with a baby chick.

She is holding her so carefully.

This little Easter chick came in too, he would be so cute in a big old wooden bowl and grass.

This sign is another favorite sign - just in time for growing season.

This funky rooster would be perfect for your kitchen door - especially you rooster collectors!

Isn't this the most unique garden angel you've seen in awhile? Love her wire hair and burlap dress.

Oh boy, hope I can keep from bringing this lantern home.

BIG old tin sign for your garden. Of course, I love crows.

Our Bonnie brought in these adorable handmade gift tags. SO UNUSUAL! Some are tulips, spring boots, bonnets, mason jars, rolling pins and more. What a special touch to a sweet gift.

Beautiful Easter wreath - especially for you "shabby" gals. Could also be used for the Christmas holidays - double duty!

This has been another crazy week around the homestead. Our Gannon was with us Saturday night thru Wednesday morning, then Jack came to spend the night last night. He is going to the shop with me today for a couple hours and he's so excited to "help" Grandma. Tonight I am taking Abbey to pick out a special stuffed animal - she has to have her tonsils out tomorrow morning. What the heck would we do without grandchildren??? (Maybe sleep??) Love 'em all and wouldn't know what to do without them.

Well friends, time to get ready for work and another fun day at Holly Hills Primitives. Hope you enjoy your day too!

Until next time...

SPRING HOE DOWN A SUCCESS...

Hi friends! We had such a great time on Saturday for our Spring Hoe Down Open House. Lots of old and new customers came in and it was so much fun to see everyone. The music was just wonderful! Everyone stuck around, had some lunch (which was fantastic) and listened to Dan sing for a long time. If you ever need a singer for an event, this is the guy! He has a beautiful voice and did all kinds of music - a little country, James Taylor, Elvis and some very inspiration Christian music. You can contact Dan at www.danhaysministries.com for more information.

Zanie Janie's was decorated for our Hoe Down with cowboy hats, boots, bandanas and all. It was adorable! Our cake was baked by Surre Cakes and we ran out of her business cards - so I'd say it went over quite well (it was delicious)!

I couldn't have pulled this off without our Carol and Sharon! They helped so much and we had lots of fun while we worked. The quilt show was at the Hadley House Museum and they sent us lots of new customers too.

I've added more new goodies since the open house, so be sure to come in and find your prim Easter goodies before they are gone. We are going to start opening on Sundays from noon until 4 p.m. now that the weather is leaning towards spring.

As much fun as it was, last week was so crazy! I was exhausted by yesterday. After Dick and I went up to visit my Dad, I slept on the couch from 8 last night to 8 this morning. I think I just totally passed out!

Well, time to keep sewing and finish up some things that were really meant for the open house.

Hope to see you all soon!!!

Until next time...

COUNTDOWN TO OPEN HOUSE...

WOW!!! Am I ever tired, but we're ready for our customers and friends to come first thing tomorrow morning. Old man Tobias rabbit is ready and waiting at the front door to greet you.

There are so many prim goodies for you to choose from!

This guy is carrying his berry basket full of carrots.

This make-do bunny has his hat filled with eggs and carrots.

I'm crazy about this antique wheelboro - it would be great for any season!

Need some prim Easter grass?

This potting bench is adorable and would look great in the middle of your garden.

More garden goodies!

And garden signs.

This crow peg rack is my very favorite - I'm having a hard time leaving it at the shop!

Do you do an Easter tree? Cute, cute, cute ornies!

We even have lots of things for you gals that aren't so into prims.

This box is so sweet, the nest is attached to the lid.

These light bulbs are a hoot - especially the chicks.

This sign is just beautiful!

Our table is all painted and waiting to go home with someone. Got the idea from a blog, but forgot which one. (Sorry!) I'll add that when I figure out where I found it.

Great old shelf to go with the table.

This old race car is so unique! Wouldn't it be great in a little boy's room?

The old sleigh is full of sunflowers, crows and birdhouses.

And there's lots!

From every direction!

We have antique parasols everywhere - you know April showers are coming.

Sweet little old hat and glove sets too - Sunday Best!

This rug is just stunning!

Of course this one is too.

Our Sharon painted some great pieces with sunflowers - everyone's favorite.

More sho-flies are in too.

And this window is precious - another piece by Sharon.

So, if you're in the area tomorrow, stop in and have some fun at our Hoe Down Open House. We will have all kinds of "chuckwagon" food and music in Zanie Janie's and you don't want to miss her fabulous coffee. We will open at 10 a.m. and be there until 4 p.m. - or until everyone decides to go home! See you then!

Now I'm ready for a little down time with my hubby.

Until next time...