Giving Thanks - Homemade Cloth Napkins

I am joining the ~Giving Thanks~ celebration this week. Monday through Thursday we are sharing as we prepare for Thanksgiving. Stop by Kelli's and see what others are up to this week. Or join in the fun by signing onto Mr. Linky and share how you are preparing for this special holiday.

Here are some things you could share:

-What you are thankful for
-Thanksgiving traditions and memories
-Recipes
-Crafts
-Decorating ideas
-Your menu
-Cleaning/Organizing "before" and "after" pictures
-Anything having to do with Thanksgiving!


For Thanksgiving Dinner I have decided to make cloth napkins for my table setting. So far there will be eleven of us for dinner so I wanted to make at least 12 to 16 in the event that someone else is able to come. The more the merrier, right?:)

In planning for this, I was hoping to find some fabric that would look the same on both sides - no "wrong side" of the material, as it is termed in sewing lingo.
And then I remembered that I have some beige table cloths that I got for free several years ago. Some have permanent stains, so cutting around them to make napkins would be the perfect way to make them useful again.

In an earlier tutorial by Kelli, I learned that dinner napkins are 18" or 22" square. I chose to make the 18" size. So, with the fabric folded double, (and avoiding the stains:) I measured and cut 19" squares to allow for a half inch for the hem on each side.


By folding it double, I was able to cut two napkins at a time. I ended up using three of the table cloths, with enough fabric left to make more luncheon-size napkins later.

Next, I folded the raw edges over twice, pressed them down with an iron, pinned the hem in place and sewed a straight stitch on each side. Most often the pins were not necessary after pressing the edges down.


This is not a difficult project, but does take some time to complete.


Since I was using my kitchen table as a sewing table, I didn't take the time to set the whole table to show. But here is how one finished napkin looks on my plates. I haven't made my napkin rings yet, but here is an idea for adding some color to the setting.


When I have completed all the napkins, I will throw them in the washer and dryer and then do any ironing that is necessary, including pressing down the hems. This is a permanent press fabric, so they should be easy to fold and put away after each use.
I am happy with the neutral color of my "new" napkins that go perfectly with all the color in my tablecloth and plates.

Giving Thanks - Count Your Blessings

I am joining the ~Giving Thanks~ celebration this week. Monday through Thursday we are sharing as we prepare for Thanksgiving. Stop by Kelli's and see what others are up to this week. Or join in the fun by signing onto Mr. Linky and share how you are preparing for this special holiday.

Here are some things you could share:

-What you are thankful for
-Thanksgiving traditions and memories
-Recipes
-Crafts
-Decorating ideas
-Your menu
-Cleaning/Organizing "before" and "after" pictures
-Anything having to do with Thanksgiving!


Today I am sharing the words of a poem, that were put to music, and became a classic hymn.
This special season certainly calls us to pause, to look around us and to count our blessings.

Count Your Blessings

When upon life's billows you are tempest tossed,
When you are discouraged thinking all is lost,
Count your many blessings - name them one by one,
And it will surprise you what the Lord has done.

Are you ever burdened with a load of care?
Does the cross seem heavy you are called to bear?
Count your many blessing - every doubt will fly,
And you will be singing as the days go by.

When you look at others with their lands and gold,
Think that Christ has promised you His wealth untold;
Count your many blessings money cannot buy
Your reward in Heaven nor your home on high.

So amid the conflict, whether great or small,
Do not be discouraged - God is over all;
Count your many blessings - angels will attend,
Help and comfort give you to your journey's end.

Count your blessings - name them one by one;
Count your blessings - see what God has done;
Count your blessings - name them one by one;
Count your many blessings - see what God hath done.

Johnson Oatman, Jr., 1856-1922

Giving Thanks - Pumpkin Plates/Cheese Ball Recipe

I am joining the ~Giving Thanks~ celebration this week. Monday through Thursday we are sharing as we prepare for Thanksgiving. Stop by Kelli's and see what others are up to this week. Or join in the fun by signing onto Mr. Linky and share how you are preparing for this special holiday.

Here are some things you could share:

-What you are thankful for
-Thanksgiving traditions and memories
-Recipes
-Crafts
-Decorating ideas
-Your menu
-Cleaning/Organizing "before" and "after" pictures
-Anything having to do with Thanksgiving!




I found these small pumpkin plates on clearance at Walmart a couple of weeks ago. These were the last two for sale. When they first caught my eye, I immediately pictured them as serving plates for appetizers. Any other ideas of uses for them?



For appetizers on Thanksgiving Day I plan to serve cheese balls on these with a basket of crackers nearby. Our meal will be in the early evening so appetizers will be a must during the afternoon.


I hope that these plates add a holiday touch and make my guests feel special and very welcome in our home:)


My sister, Melissa gave me a great cheese ball recipe. I just called her and received permission to share it with you:) It is great for any get-together.

Cheese Ball (makes one)

8 oz. cream cheese softened
1 stick butter softened
2 cups shredded cheese (any kind - I use mild Colby or cheddar)
(SAVE 1/4 CUP BACK TO ROLL IT IN)
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1/4-1/2 teaspoon minced garlic
chopped onion (fresh or dried) to taste. --I use fresh
1/2 teaspoon parsley
OPTIONAL- 1/2 small pkg. of chopped corn beef (I don't use this)

Mix all ingredients together. Roll into a ball and then roll the cheese ball in the extra shredded cheese covering it. Wrap in plastic wrap and chill.
Serve with crackers.

Giving Thanks- Thanksgiving Day Menu

I am joining the ~Giving Thanks~ celebration this week. Monday through Thursday we are sharing as we prepare for Thanksgiving. Stop by Kelli's and see what others are up to this week. Or join in the fun by signing onto Mr. Linky and share how you are preparing for this special holiday.

Here are some things you could share:

-What you are thankful for
-Thanksgiving traditions and memories
-Recipes
-Crafts
-Decorating ideas
-Your menu
-Cleaning/Organizing "before" and "after" pictures
-Anything having to do with Thanksgiving!



Here is my Thanksgiving Day Menu:


Appetizers:
Cheese ball and Crackers
Veggies and Dip



Dinner:
Turkey

Dressing

Mashed Potatoes/ Gravy

Rolls and Butter

Green Bean Casserole

Corn

Mandarin Orange Salad


Dessert:
Pumpkin Pie/Whipped Cream



This is my original menu and usually additional delicious side dishes are brought in by my beautiful daughters-in-law. I love that because it gives a taste of their favorite foods and we learn about traditions from their families, too. It is all about making and sharing memories with our families and friends during the holidays. The favorite foods become intertwined with our experiences with each other. It brings great comfort to us to remember the love and joy that we feel as we gather on this special occasion to thank God for supplying us with all that we have. Our family, homes, food,clothes, and all the extras that are our bounty.

Antique Butter Churn - Show and Tell Friday

I am joining in on Kelli's Show and Tell Friday. Visit her blog and enjoy all the lovely treasures.


This butter churn was passed down to our family from my husband's grandmother. Her name was Viola Amanda. We knew her as Grandmother. She was married to Clarence and lived her adult life in or near Shelbina, Missouri. She used this to make butter when her family lived out in the country.




Her son, Bob,(Lon's uncle) told us he didn't look at this churn with nostalgia at all. He remembered hours spent as a child, churning butter when he would rather have been doing something else--anything else!:) The lower area of the crock is a darker color. I wonder if this is from being set in cold water after the butter was churned.


This butter churn is a reminder of Grandmother and what the life of the homemaker was like in earlier times. We think that it is near 100 years old. This churn sits by our curio cabinet in our living room and is one of the first things you see as you enter the front door.


The label on the side of the crock reads, "J.L. Cluskey, Lakeman, MO (with a large number 3 below)




Grandmother was a sweet Christian lady. She was a gracious hostess in her home, and loved to grow large hybrid tomatoes from seed, and beautiful flowers.
Our memories of her are precious to us, and our daughter Amanda Leigh has her middle name.

Remembering Dad

This week is the second anniversary of my Dad's going to Heaven. Dad was also a veteran of the Korean War, so it is appropriate to honor his memory for his bravery and sacrifice. Dad's funeral was on Veterans Day (Nov.11) 2006.

Omer Eugene McDannald


Mom and Dad on their wedding day- September 8, 1948



Here are some of my memories of my Dad, Gene McDannald.

He loved to laugh. He loved to make others laugh. He enjoyed a corny joke just as much as an intelligent joke that you had to "get". I think I inherited his love of the former. Throw in a good pun and you've got coffee going the wrong direction out my nose.

Dad usually had a joke or funny story to tell his family around the supper table. It was always a joy as a child growing up, to tell Dad a joke because he would laugh like it was the funniest thing he had ever heard. It built our confidence, and telling Dad humorous stories continued into our adulthood. After hearing something funny, as an adult, I would look forward to calling Dad to repeat it to him, and hearing his laughter.

He worked in the factory for 39 1/2 years. Around the evening meals, made so lovingly by our mom, we heard the names of Dad's co-workers that we would remember all our lives, and would meet some for the first time, in person, at his visitation. I was touched by their kind words and deep sorrow that they shared with us. I have no doubt that Dad talked to each of them at some point about their relationship with Christ. He didn't keep his a secret.

Here are some things about Dad (in no particular order).

He:
Loved our mother.

Loved his children.

Loved his grandkids.

Loved and showed respect to his parents.

Read his Bible.

Loved his church family.

Could fix anything--car, lawn mower, washer, dryer, fridge, bicycle, doll...

Loved to hunt and fish-especially with his kids or grandkids. I wonder how many fishing lines he untangled over the years?

Loved Beagle dogs.

Enjoyed growing a garden and the bounty that was harvested.

Watched cartoons with his kids on Saturday morning--especially the Road Runner.

Helped people in any way he could.

Never complained when he found legos in his shoes.

Did complain when he found rainbows made from a little oil in a mud puddle or his screwdriver hammered into the ground.

Said, "Oh, well looky there!" when he opened up a Christmas gift of a screwdriver from one of his kids year after year. We just thought Dad could always use a screwdriver. (and apparently then felt free to pound them in the dirt!)


When I was a junior in high school, a dress that I had saved for and ordered had not arrived from the catalog on time. Dad took off a half day of work, surprised me by picking me up from school at noon, and took me shopping for my first prom dress complete with elbow-length white gloves.

He also made sure he got home from work early enough to take me to the Home Economics sponsored "Daddy Date Night", when our class prepared the food and planned the evening. We didn't have a dance- we played volleyball:)

When Mom and Dad drove me to begin my freshman year of college, I remember standing there and bravely waving goodbye, when all I wanted to do was to get back in the car with them. I smiled and waved and so did they. As I turned away to walk back to the dorm, it was hard to control the tears.
Mom told me years later, when I was in my 40's, that Dad had to linger at a stop sign up the street and wipe his eyes, too.


This is the only picture of our family that I have in the computer. It was taken at Mom and Dad's 40th Anniversary -about 20 yrs. ago. (Mustaches must have been popular that year:)
Seated: John #6, Tom#5, Loyd#1
Standing: Steve#3, Melissa#7,Mom,Dad,Linda#2,Wayne#4



This is not, of course, a complete journal of his life. Just a peek into it- to share him with you as I remember him.

We miss Dad, but know that he is with his Savior and we will see him again.

Spice Rack - Show and Tell Friday

I am taking part in Kelli's Show and Tell. To see more, check out her blog.


This spice rack was given to me several years ago by my Aunt Shirley. When I look at it, I am reminded of her and childhood memories of time spent with her.



This set is cleverly designed to look like books on a shelf. The shelf is made of wood and each spice container is ceramic.


Each "book" has a hen painted on it and has holes on top for dispensing the spices. The name of the spice is painted at the top and Vol.I, Vol.II,etc. is at the bottom.


There are two ceramic drawers with roosters painted on the front. I assume that the drawers are for storing dried herbs. I don't put spices or herbs in these. I have always been afraid of breaking them. So it sits on my shelf to enjoy.


When I was growing up, Aunt Shirley was always fun to be around (and still is!). One of my favorite memories is when they would come to our house for a visit and stay overnight. She would sleep on the floor with my cousins and me. We would talk and giggle until we all fell asleep. I love you Aunt Shirley-- and I treasure all those childhood memories and this treasured gift from you. Thanks for making me feel special as a young girl... and now:)

Weekend Trip To Illinois

Last Thursday, Amanda and I traveled down to central Illinois to visit family for a long weekend. It was beautiful weather from Thursday through Monday and we had a great time.

Friday Night: Here is the motley crew getting ready to leave Grandma's house to go trick or treating in Concord (my hometown) and Arenzville. They brought home lots of candy- and (small towns still rule) even individually wrapped homemade Rice Krispie Bars! What? No popcorn balls?:)

Missy (my sister and mom to the 3 little ones), Shiloh (precious little flower), Isaac (a cool ninja), Amanda (an "apeeling" banana), and Hannah (a lovely, good witch of the Mid-West).



This little "sprout" went straight for Grandma's bedroom and found something she recognized--maybe her flower was itchy:)


Amanda loves being with her cousins and doing things with them and her fun-loving Aunt Missy. Here she is back at Grandma's, sitting on the floor and checking out the candy.


This banana suit is used year-round by Amanda and her girlfriends at home. I'm sure that I haven't heard the half of it...such an innocent face:)


Oh yessss...the even funner size candy bars.


On Saturday: We celebrated little Shiloh's 1st birthday with a wiener roast. We rarely get to an old fashioned bonfire wiener roast because we live in a city and bonfires are not allowed. So this was a treat for us "city folks". Truly, I'm a country girl at heart.
A great fire pit made by Jeff. Those logs were huge!


Here are the cousins enjoying the fire surrounded by the bales of hay for seating.



Little Miss Shiloh on the move.


Walking around the lawn.


Cake...yum.

Shiloh digging into her personal little cake.


She loved it!


Opening gifts- she loves books...


And dancing with musical dancing bear from Grandma...


Aunt Linda (also known to them as "Lala") wasn't there for Isaac's birthday in October...


Or Hannah's birthday in August... so they got a gift too--High School Musical cereal bowl and glass.


Hannah came home with us to Grandma's house where she and Amanda had a sleepover. And then went to church with us the next morning. This is Hannah wearing Hannah! Ha!

A couple of pictures of Shiloh at Grandma's house on Sunday evening.



Eating a cracker while watching herself in the mirror .


An added bonus for the trip- When we left Wisconsin on Thursday we paid $2.39 a gallon for gas. As we traveled south, we saw the price continue to go down- to $2.19 in LaSalle. The next day in Jacksonville the price dropped to $2.09.

On our way home Monday, this was the price in Lincoln where we filled up! Wonder if it will get this low in Wisconsin soon? Sure makes a trip more fun!
Look at that sky...it was such a beautiful day.