For Memorial Day

The Folding of the American Flag

The 1st fold of our flag is a symbol of life.

The 2nd fold is a symbol of our belief in eternal life.

The 3rd fold is made in honor and remembrance of the veterans departing our ranks who gave a portion of their lives for the defense of our country to attain peace throughout the world.

The 4th fold represents our weaker nature, for as American citizens trusting in God, it is to Him we turn in times of peace as well as in times of war for His divine guidance.

The 5th fold is a tribute to our country, for in the words of Stephen Decaur, "Our Country, in dealing with other countries, may she always be right; but it is still our country, right or wrong."

The 6th fold is for where our hearts lie.  It is with our hearts that, "We pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America, and to the Republic for which it stands, one Nation under God, indivisible, with Liberty and Justice for all."

The 7th fold is a tribute to our Armed Forces, for it is throughout the Armed Forces that we protect our country and our flag against all her enemies, whether they be found within or without the boundaries of our republic.

The 8th fold is a tribute to the one who entered into the valley of the shadow of death, that we might see the light of day.

The 9th fold is a tribute to womanhood and Mothers.  For it has been through their faith, their love, loyalty and devotion that the character of the men and women who have made this country great has been molded.

The 10th fold is a tribute to the Fathers, for they too have given their sons and daughters for the defense of our country since they were first born.

The 11th fold represents the lower portion of the seal of King David and King Solomon and glorifies in the Hebrews' eyes, the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob.

The 12th fold represents an emblem of eternity and glorifies, in the Christians' eyes, God the Father, God the Son and God the Holy Spirit.

The 13th fold, or when the flag is completely folded, the stars are uppermost reminding us of our nation's motto, "In God We Trust."

After the flag is completely folded and tucked in, it takes on the appearance of a cocked hat, ever reminding us of the soldiers who served under General George Washington, and the sailors and marines who served under Captain John Paul Jones, who were followed by their comrades and shipmates in the Armed Forces of the United States, preserving for us the rights, privileges and freedoms we enjoy today.

This information came from Love to Learn Place.com

It was sent in by Russell Maynard of Michigan.

Government schools stopped teaching this in 1955.

The flag is folded 13 times to symbolize the original 13 colonies.

With a thankful heart,

Sunday Scripture

"You did not choose me, but I chose you

and appointed you to go and bear fruit -

fruit that will last.  Then the Father will

give you whatever you ask in my name.

This is my command:  Love each other."

John 15: 16&17

Bunny Hill and Moda

One of my favorite websites and blog are from Anne Sutton at Bunny Hill designs.  Anne recently joined the Moda Fabrics family and has shared all about it on her blog.  She has also designed a new line of fabric and she has wonderful patterns as well.  Currently she has a video on her blog about Moda.  It shows how fabric is made.  You should see their warehouse, it's a quilter's dream!

The Moda website called United Notions is a great website.  It has links to Moda Bake Shop which gives designers an opportunity to showcase free patterns.  Moda also offers free patterns like this quilt above.  Isn't it sweet?

This Verna bag is also a free pattern on the website.  They have all kinds of information from the new quilt books that are coming out to all the goodies you can purchase ready-made for your home.

If you get a chance, check out Bunny Hill Designs and Moda.  I'm all for free patterns and inspiration and both sites won't disappoint.  Have a fun Saturday!

With joy,

Friday Pretties

It's Friday Pretties time again, where did the week go?  Stop on over at I Love Pretty Little Things where Joyce has listed the other participants this week.  Always a fun time visiting the other blogs.  Today, I'm taking you through the garden.  It is so pretty right now that I'd like to just stay here in spring time for a few more months.

Peony

Foxglove

Clemantis and Iris

Iris

Poppie

Okay Maxie, you're pretty too!

Sunshine and laughter,

Cupcake Aprons

My friend, Nancy, owns the Garden Gate Cafe.  It's a charming little eatery in Shipshewana, IN in the heart of Amish country.  Everything is cupcake themed and it's about as charming and whimsical as a place can get.  She was in dire need of new wait-staff aprons and I've been busy sewing for her this week.

After passing the ten hour mark on sewing (a had many aprons to make) one starts dreaming about cupcakes.  So now I've got butter softening on the counter so I can make some this afternoon.  I often tease Nancy that her cupcakes are responsible for my extra pounds and I think I'll blame this baking session on her too!

Have a cupcake kind of day!!

With joy,

A Poem

The kiss of the sun

for pardon,

the sound of the birds

for mirth.

One is nearer God's heart

in a garden,

than anywhere else on earth...

With joy,

Dottie Angel

Recently I came across a website that I just love.  I'm sure it is not new to many of you and I'm always a few steps behind in the blogosphere, but I'm thrilled to have finally found it.  Tif of Dottie Angel is a very talented crafter and writer.  She made this dress above, without a pattern, she just saw it in her mind and made it. 

She is currently hosting a giveaway for this beautiful crocheted pillow that she stitched.  There are many free patterns and loads of inspiration on her blog.  She also has a website with links to her store.

The aprons she creates from vintage pillowcases are amazing.  She has a fun style and many of her pictures are taken up on chairs like the one above.

I got a kick out of her "about me" page.  I thought you might enjoy reading it too.  I hope today brings sunshine, flowers, creating and joy!

Be blessed,

Good Morning!

I spent hours in the garden this weekend moving plants and pulling weeds.  After almost seven years of living here the garden is really filling in.  This is the longest that we have lived in one place and so I can now enjoy a garden that was planned, planted and become established.  It is wonderful to witness.

My Mother became a passionate gardener when I was in high school.  I have a long way to go to create the enchanted spaces she has, but I'm still learning and she is so helpful.

I have gotten so much color inspiration from the garden for quilting.  I learn what colors look good next to each other that I would not normally associate.  Here my favorite Iris sits among the ready-to-burst Foxglove which will range from pale yellow to cream to pink.

I enjoy the mix of textures and pattern as well.  Today I will be putting out the various garden pretties, from the fairy structures to the doll furniture and will show you those this week.

This lilac bush sits right outside my Pretty Room window and when I am doing some hand stitching I can enjoy it's perfume.  I love spring, don't you?

Hugs,

Sunday Scripture

Then Jesus cried out, "When a man believes in me,
he does not believe in me only, but in the one who 
sent me.  When he looks at me, he sees the one who
sent me.  I have come into the world as a light,
so that no one who believes in me should stay in
darkness."  John 12: 44-46

Have a joyfilled Sunday!

A Special Teacher

Today I'm off to the second session of the Beth Moore conference I am attending.  Last night I joined approximately 7,300 women to hear Beth teach us from God's word.  It was amazing!  The first half hour we sang praise and worship and I cried through the whole thing.  Today I'm armed with kleenex and my Bible as I make the hour drive back for the conclusion.

I have been participating in Beth Moore Bible study for years.  It was really moving for me to see the person who has helped deepen my faith in God.  I hope that if you get an opportunity to take a study of hers that you'll dive right in.  You won't be disappointed.

Blessings,

Friday Pretties

A few of my favorite things for Friday Pretties

sponsored by Joyce at I Love Pretty Little Things

Owl Pitchers

Vintage Crinoline

Scripture China

Nicol Sayre Collectibles

Vintage lace and linens

Joyfully yours,

For Baby

Earlier this week I gave you a sneak peak of a project I was working on.  Today I am so glad to be able to show you the finished products.

This special bear is for a baby shower I am attending tonight.  The bear is Simplicity pattern 5461 and made from the wedding dress of the Mommy-to-be.  It is a surprise for her, something she wanted to have done but is not expecting it now.  I've been working under cover with her Mom.  The Mommy-to-be does not read my blog so I do believe we are safe!

I have to tell you, I did have a moment when I made the first cut into the beautiful wedding dress.  I thought I might be sick, actually.  There is enough fabric left over for a few more bears for future wee little ones.

I finished my gift for her also.  She does not know if she is having a boy or a girl so I had to keep it pretty neutral.  

Of course now that the sweater and hat are done, the weather here is expected to be in the low 80's as we head into summer.  There's always air conditioning, right?

I love the shape of this little hat.  Can't wait to see the darling baby that will wear it.  So much fun!

Joyfully,