My father passed away 44 years ago. In part because doctors knew so little about lung cancer back then, but also because he lost a lung to shrapnel during WWII, built and repaired grain elevators, and worked with asbestos. There is no one to blame for this because the dangers were not well known, but on Memorial Day I always remember that my dad served.
For 34 years, I have been lucky enough to have a FIL that is very much my "dad". He served in Korea. His was the forgotten war. We don't talk about it much but we did discuss food and lodging during dinner today. However, I know that he is proud of his service and always pays honor to those who did not return home. This week, he is with us waiting for results from some medical tests; therefore we needed to come up with projects to help pass the time. Again, he went to work making another set of blocks for a quilt. He loves to stay busy and "out of trouble" so while we worked, he sewed. This time, he made a Quilt of Valor to honor his commitment to supporting the troops. I put the blocks together and will put it on the frame this coming week.
All three of his sons have served or are currently serving in the military. They are justified to be proud of their service. Kirk retired after 20 years, Kyle is on year 16. My husband is on his 29th year. They have sacrificed for all of the people in this country and I am grateful to them.
I am also thankful that all of them have returned safely each time. Not all families have been as fortunate, but I hope all who have benefited from their sacrifices will remember to offer up a prayer for those who did not return and the families they left behind. "No greater love has a man than to lay down is life for another." Honor, commitment, patriotism, service, and sacrifice! Thank you to all families who have had to accept this enormous sacrifice. Know that it has been appreciated and honored in our family!
The yellow- centered quilt is from the HeartStrings project for April-May. Two of these quilts were made from the same yellow centers. Both quilts are made using kid-friendly fabrics and feel so cheerful and happy! One is at another person' home being bound. I just finished piecing this top this afternoon. For June-July the project is to use homespun fabrics with a black center. I have quite a few fat quarters of this type of fabric, but I am only going to use what I have and donate the blocks if I can't reach the magic number of 48 blocks. The goal for me is to use up my stash, not buy more fabrics. (At least that is what I keep telling myself!)
With a great deal of help from my wonderful father-in-law, we are making another HeartStrings Quilt of Valor. He has been here for only 2 days and he is almost 1/2 way through the 48 blocks. He will make the blocks and I will put them together, then quilt and bind it. Based on past experiences, I am willing to bet that we will get several quilts made in the next few weeks. It is not a slave camp, he just works fast and stays on task. 
I am also working several projects for my soon-to-be-born 5th grandchild, a little girl. I am using a variety of pattern ideas to make the quilt, but was most inspired by Layer 'em Up. After reading through the pattern several times, I varied it to fit with what I wanted. My take is a little different, but the idea seems very similar. Even so, I guess that I might be buying more magazines and books than I thought because I have several other patterns that seem somewhat similar as well. I also made a valance using the yellow dotted fabric. Great-Grandpa used his embroidery machine to make several blocks that will also be worked into another small quilt for this new little precious child. The picture frame is a mock-up of the ones that I will be making. I got the "Teddy Bear Frame" pattern by Mary Ayres from Quilting for Baby. I am starting with frames for this grandchild and then I will use fabrics from the other grandkids quilts such as baseballs, monkeys and ???? for the others. I can see these as great gifts for many of my friends.
So far it has been a perfect day! We slept in until 6:30 and shared a simple breakfast. Then we went out to buy wood for the linen press that Kevin is building for me. We also made a quick stop for groceries. After putting things away we headed for the Mall of America to see the jellyfish exhibit at the aquarium. Although I know that the stings from these creatures can be very painful or even deadly, there is something that really draws me in. We will be back there in the near future --- during the week when there are not so many visitors. 
