Update on the Family Jewels

Back in August I told you about the little marble hearts that my Granddaddy had made and how I wanted to let my cousins know that I was willing to share my stash when I found out not everybody in the family had one. What a kind and noble thing to do, don't you think? Well, I sure think so.

During my formative years, I was surrounded by nothing but brothers and boy cousins. The picture above shows Christmas at Grandmomma and Granddaddy's circa 1959 or 1960. You can see all the stinkin' boys. This picture was actually taken before any of the Luther girls this story is about were even born. I guess I'm just throwing in this photo because I have it and I think a post with a picture is much more interesting. And it shows what a fun, jovial family I was surrounded by! You can click on the shot and enlarge it to clearly see how much Christmas fun this group was having.

Santa must have delivered everything I asked for...at least according to my silly grin. And there is an ever-so-slight smile on Grandmomma's face...she was probably thinking, "Surely, after these blasted pictures are done, they'll all pack up their kids and get out of here." The rest of the family looks like they've had all the holiday excitement they can stand. Isn't that hysterical?

And by the way, don't you think my Grandmother was one trendy chick? Look at that Christmas tree. Not that traditional and boring green tree I bet your grandmother had. I never knew she was so with it! I do remember in later years she had an aluminum tree complete with the multi-colored revolving light wheel. Remember those?

But back to the girls...I heard from my cousin Sandy, my sister Joyce, my cousin Tina, and my cousin Diane. They have all received their hearts by now and are hopefully enjoying the sentimental little treasures. One cousin I didn't hear from is Madeline. But I did hear through the family grapevine that she typed up a long comment after reading the post, but couldn't get it to go through. Such a disappointment. I guess I'll just always wonder what she had to say. I also heard she has three hearts of her own. I don't know why I had six, she had three, and none of the other girls had any. I know Granddaddy didn't play favorites, so maybe he just forgot who he'd given what to...

I received more comments and emails about that post than any post I've done yet. I even heard from one person who volunteered to join the family just to have a heart. Of course, at that point, she'd not seen that picture! Despite the dour faces, we really did have fun when we got together. We laughed at ourselves and each other, unwrapped lots of fun gifts, and always had those stellar meals my grandmother and aunts put on the table.

It was good to be back in touch with my "little cousins" and my "little sister." And sweet to think it was a heart from Granddaddy that prompted us. I just wonder why we're all too busy to stay in touch...and I'm just as guilty as the next relative.

And, Madeline, you could always go to my profile and find my email address if you're out there! Guilt trips...isn't that what families are for?!

"Move Over, Martha!"

Tickets go on sale tomorrow for "Move Over, Martha!" It's a four-hour seminar and luncheon about entertaining at home for the holidays benefiting Habitat for Humanity.

Gary Homan, Debby Brock, and I will present easy and original ideas to duplicate whether entertaining weekend guests or planning an elaborate party. We guarantee this event will get you pumped for the upcoming holidays!

Mark your calendar now to attend on Saturday, November 14, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the First United Methodist Church of Corpus Christi at 900 South Shoreline...in the Fellowship Hall overlooking our beautiful bayfront.

Tickets are $65 per person and will include morning muffins with tea and coffee, lunch, a chance to win door prizes, and a live auction. Rafffle tickets for great prizes donated by local businesses (including two round-trip tickets from Southwest Airlines) will be sold at the door and you must be present to win...which means your chances of winning are greater.

We will sell only 100 tickets and they are available at the following locations:

Four Chicks in the Park, 22 Lamar Park Center

Stitch It!, 4333B South Alameda

Or by calling me at 361.854.8484

I'd love to see your smiling face in the audience to help us raise oddles and gobs of money for Habitat for Humanity...hope to see you there!

When the Stars Come Out

These are easy-to-make, three dimensional stars that look great hanging on a wrapped package. With all the wonderful scrapbook papers available you have lots of options to choose from for the perfect star to match your wrap. Trace the shape of a 5-point star onto card stock. Score it with a bone folder right through the middle of each point. You'll end up with 5 score lines.

Then cut it out and fold and crease each scored point making a "mountain" on the top and a "valley" below the center. That will cause the star to pop and create a 3-D look. You might have to manipulate it a little to make it work, but when you do, it's a great looking little embellishment. You can punch a tiny hole in one point and attach a name tag with twine or metallic thread.

I have to warn you...once you start making them, you can't stop. You can string some together and make a garland...apply glitter to make them sparkle...just let your imagination run wild. Start now and by Christmas, you'll have enough for all your packages and some to hang on the tree! A perfect piddlin' project...