January 13, 2026

 Well….

It’s a new year!

 2025 was painful and not what I had anticipated this time last year.

So some thoughts for my 2026.

As I struggled with my hip last year, my mobility basically lost, pain a constant companion I learned something…I’m getting old. One cannot help but think of the state of their soul when faced with a health issue. In 2026, I’m praying harder, fasting more, loving my neighbor better, praying for my enemies, forgiving and forgetting, reading my Bible, listening to my favorite priests on their podcasts, offering my struggles up and carrying my cross better, trying to live full of humility, going to daily mass either by watching online or physically going to my parish especially focusing on attending adoration and the first Fridays and Saturdays, really focusing on walking the walk of my faith. That’s one resolution. 

Another is I’m not buying anything more until I work through some of my stash. I did this in 2025 and it works! Next time I’ll really buy things is next Jingle Bell Ball 2026. 

Finishing WIPS!

Quilting more!

Retiring…yes you read that right, my finishing business is closed.

I’ve always juggled 2-4 jobs my entire life. My first job was at 12 years old, I babysat Friday evenings, all day Saturday and Sundays for a single mother. When I was in high school I worked at the local grocery store, cleaned a couple of houses, tutored high school and elementary school students (I wanted to be a teacher…got into college and even made it through student teaching and could see the writing on the wall with public education), thankfully I was a double major so went the science path to Clinical Microbiology and Clinical Lab Scientist. After marriage, I worked in the hospital lab for 25 years, at 3 different hospitals, 2 simultaneously, while raising my 4 kids. 10 years ago I retired from my lab job, focusing completely on finishing and my family. Now, I’m nannying my grandchildren. That’s important to me. I’m blessed that I don’t have to work outside the home and we can help our kids by my watching our grandchildren. Thank you to my husband who has always worked so hard and has always saved and invested so that we could live well in our older years. 

It’s Vonna time. 

Here’s some things I’ve got slated: 

This I started on January 1, it would be done if I wouldn’t have ran out of Gentle Arts Parchment 🫤

I’ve got it ordered so hopefully by this weekend it will be a finish!

It is “Joy” by Shakespeare’s Peddler 

I’ve got a new small kitted up that was bought last year with good intentions….you'll see what it is later. 

And tonight I started kitting up a large piece I’ve wanted to do for a long time…

You’ll see more about this too 😊

Miss Cora LOVES princesses, her Mama sent me a picture of a quilt

 (Which I’m pretty sure was a hint 😂) 

So ensued a couple of hours searching for the pattern (it’s called Princess Parade) it is Foundation Paper Pieced….😳 it’s gonna be like doing a puzzle. My goal is to get it done by July 8, Cora’s 2nd birthday. I’ve not told Katie, I want it to be a complete surprise ❤️ she doesn’t even know about this blog and really doesn’t care so we are safe talking about it here 😊 

35 colors of Kona fabrics all ordered and on their way! 

Time Machine, rolling back 13 years: I found this old picture of 8 year old Ellie…with her first and only cross stitch piece. After she got it done she told me…never again! 😂 Katie tried once too, same sentiment. 

And here’s a picture of my sweet granddaughter…I could tell she was starting to not feel good yesterday. Today it was apparent she was very ill. Granny did something I’ve not done in 12 years…go to the Pediatrician! 

Granny was right: She’s got a double ear infection. God love Granny’s sweet baby. 

Tomorrow I’ll have to be squirting saline up her nose and sucking out phlegm…she hates it….and I do too because she screams the whole time. Granny is old school though and wraps her up when she’s really congested and all bundled up, we go outside and rock. Nothing like winter air to clear the lungs. My humidifier is dusted off, cleaned out and ready to roll tomorrow. 

Well folks…

I graduated from PT 7 weeks after hip replacement surgery! I’m a free woman again, that’s why I’m back to nannying. 

I’m walking really well….although PT made my right knee hurt 🙄 

I’m slowly building up my stamina by walking 10 feet further every day. I’m almost up to a mile of walking continuously and I’m routinely getting 6-8000 steps per day with running after Cora. Pleased with that too. 

Back on the wagon food wise too. I want to lose 50 more lbs (down 65). I can do it. 

I’ll be back with some finishes soon, I hope 🤞🏻 

Lots of love, 

Vonna