Author: Karin Haynes

Well it’s been a fun week!

Tuesday night, the 4th, we went to watch the fireworks. Even my brother came with us. The kids jumped on bouncy houses and then we had Italian Ice. That stuff is delicious!

Wednesday we needed to start the quilt. The hardest part is just picking the pattern and then the colors. My mom is very much a follow the pattern kind of person where I like to make things my own. I think I made her a little nervous with my design but I’ll admit, I’m proud of it. For being my 1st quilt it doesnt look too horrible. Of course, I had a great teacher. I want to make another one for me haha! My mom is hoping that I’ve “caught the sewing bug” now. I just hope the little girl loves it!

Most of Thursday and Friday I spent sewing. Friday was Kaleb’s 4th birthday. I can’t believe my baby is 4!!! We had a small cake and a few presents for him. That night, after the kids were in bed, I got to spend some great quality time with my brother. I really do miss him. We stayed up until 3am talking. I feel like we reconnected.

Saturday morning came WAY too early haha! But the kids dont care what time I went to bed. Ryan slept all day, lucky dog haha! After dinner, while it poured, we played Rummikub, a family favorite game. I’m happy to say that I kicked everybody’s behind! 🙂

Sunday we went to the Marbles Children’s Museum in Raleigh. The kids had the best day ever! Im hoping this will be a day they’ll always remember. Ryan was witn us today too. Since he has to go back to work tomorrow we all hugged him goodbye. I’m so glad that the kids got to know their uncle.

Now I’m stitching the quilt to the batting. All I have left is the binding. Whew!

We only have 2 whole days left here so I’m going to try and soak up every last second with my family. Hopefully it’s not another 5 years before we are back. I wish Fellicia were here too. I know Nathan is always with us….just in a different way.

Well, we made it to NC. I was worried about several things: the kids getting car sick, getting to the airport by 530am, getting into the airport with just me handling 3 suitcases, 1 carry on, 2 kids with backbacks, and 2 booster seats, then switching planes with a 30 minute window, the kids getting sick in the plane, or in my mom’s car on the way to her house……but Ray prayed for all of these things to go smoothly and they did! It warmed my heart to see my kids yell “Nana!!!!!” and run to hug my mom as soon as they spotted her in the airport despite the miles between them. Our first full day here was great! The kids actually slept in. I drank my coffee out of the deck with this beautiful view. My mom lives in a beautiful log cabin tucked back in the woods against a little pond. This is my happy place. The kids swam while my mom and I just relaxed. After a great dinner (that I didn’t have to cook, yay!) we picked out what fabric I want to use in the quilt I’m going to make for Project Linus. Now we just have to decide on a pattern. The only thing that was disappointing was my brother, Ryan, was supposed to be here at 1 but kept pushing the time back stating he “didn’t feel well”. This is code for his depression. I was really disappointed because I’ve been looking forward to spending time with him. I was concerned that this would also be the case for today but he’s here!!!! We went out on the paddle boat before it got too hot. Then I took a peaceful walk by myself around the property. I’m grateful for the time with my family. It’s been 5 years. I love that my children are getting to know their grandparents and uncle. Tonight is fireworks!

Karin