Tawse-Smith Family

That's right!
Monica is no longer on vacation, so I get to go back into retirement and play with the babes.
I didn't mind working for her, but, I did notice that my back was much more sore this week, as I was doing some filing and computer work.
It will be nice to get back into a routine. I love being organized and I find that it makes life so much easier. Not only for me, but I have notice that the children do much better when they are on a schedule also. I know it certainly makes it easier to follow who has what game or appointment and at what time, when things are organized.
I began working on a patchwork quilt this week. I have most of my squares already sewn together, so I will soon be putting the batting and the backing together, then tackle the task of doing all the quilting design by hand. I will post pictures a little later.
I have some of my Christmas shopping completed for the grandkids. I still have a few things to get, but I should be done with their shopping this weekend. Then all I will have to worry about is the grownups.
Derek has been doing some renovations around the home. This past weekend he began replacing the stairs going from the front door to the living room with oak stair treads.
It was time to rip out the ugly carpeting. The oak stairs is so much nicer and cleaner. His next task will be to replace the stairs going down to the family room, and finally, replacing the carpeting in the family room with laminate flooring. We are also planning on taking out the laminate flooring in the living room and hall and replacing it with real hardwood floors.
Renovations are taking some time as we are paying cash as we do them.
Joe and Alberta will soon be celebrating their wedding anniversary, so Happy Anniversary from us to you.
Derek has been working the night shift last week and this week. The guys at the shipyard each take turns doing this, so he only has to do a two week shift every three months or so. He really doesn't like working from 3pm to midnight.
Monica and Mike had a wonderful visit with their father, David Marsh, and his two young sons, Wesley 10 and Bradley 6. They leave to return to South Africa this evening. David and his wife, Michelle, are planning on retiring to Nova Scotia, and they will begin that process next summer. David thinks it will take about two years to transition from there to here. They are thinking of moving to the Valley or South Shore area.
I am looking forward to Henry, April and the children's visit at the end of the month. I love having the little kiddies around.
Joeye asked me to make a new nightie for her and one for her friend Maddie, so my quilt project will be on the back burner for the next couple of days as I do what all good nannies do, and make a couple of nice, soft, comfy, flannel nighties for a Jojo and her friend Maddie. Josh and will may even get a couple pair of flannel jammies out of the deal. I will have to wait and see how much pain my back gives me. I am able to do some sewing, but I am very restricted on the amount of time I spend at each sitting. I usually only sew for about 20 to 3o minutes at a time before my back begins to get sore.
Not much more happening around here. Hope everyone is well.
Later,