Who We Are

Monday, December 21, 2009

Super-Secret Project Tell-All!

Woo, everypup and everycat! It's me - Dave! The waiting is over - I have Stormy's permission to tell you the whole scoop about Mom's super-secret project! Are you ready?

It all started with a phone call from Aunt Janet back in... I don't know... a bag of Eukanuba ago. There was lots of chit-chatting but the bottom line was this - our mom's mom's 80th birthday was what is now about a week ago and Aunt Janet wanted to throw a surprise party for her! Mom was game to go (to southeast Virginia), if Dad could get off work to keep us company. Woo. Mom decided she should make a quilt to commemorate the occasion. A signature quilt that the family could sign! And how about a nice, usable size?!?! And... it would have been a good idea to start a lot earlier, but let's face it - Mom has all of us here helping her, so I don't know what the problem was. Woo.

Aunt Janet gave Mom some inside info as to what colors our grandma likes and I got busy helping choose fabric. You should have seen some of the things she tried to put in there! She liked my final choices, and I must say, it was a challenge for me, her trusty Guide Dog for the Color Blind, but it all came together real good. I wanted everything to be just right!

We showed you the quilt top, but mentioned that Mom needed to do some fancy calligraphy stuff, remember? Here's how that came out:

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Once she got it all written, she heat-set it and sewed it onto the back of the quilt:

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I made a final inspection, to make sure it was perfect:

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In case you're like my mom and think I'm "in the way", here's another look:

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Here's the back:

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Hey, look over there on the left. Grandma's quilt has a tail.
Ha woo!

After the photo shoot (thanks for holding it, Dad!) Mom folded it all up very carefully, got a bunch of extra pens and put some "practice squares" together:

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The plan was for everyone to sign the front of the quilt, in those light squares. Since it's different writing on fabric, she had the practice pieces set for the bipeds to get the feel of things.

Before we knew it, there was hustling and bustling and Mom was smothering us all in kisses and telling us to be good for Dad.... and then...

IMG_4876 MHN airport

Mom took this picture out the window of the little plane she took out of Manhattan. She made stops in Dallas, TEXAS!, and Atlanta, Georgia, then was in southeast Virginia!

Once she got to Aunt Janet's, we received some very interesting text message photos. Check them out:

IMG_4906_2 Skyler

It's our cousin Skyler! Good thing we got that photo before this next one:

IMG_4910 Newton

That's our cousin Newton. If we didn't know better, we would have thought it was Marvin!!! Mom didn't get a good picture of beautiful cousin Monroe, but we linked to a pic of her in yesterday's post. Be sure to check it out.

Once most of the bipeds who were getting there that night arrived, they (mom, our uncle and aunt from Illinois, Aunt Janet, her hubby and their oldest daughter from northern Virginia!) headed next door to our grandma's house. Aunt Janet rang the doorbell and they started singing "We Wish You a Merry Christmas!" (Monroe, Newton and Skyler didn't get to join them. I don't know why. We all know how well we canines sing!) When Grandma answered the door, they all switched over to the Happy Birthday song. She was VERY surprised! In fact, very, VERY surprised. Ha woo.

That night and the next day, more of our cousins arrived - from North Carolina, another from Northern Virginia, one from another part of North Carolina (Fort Bragg), and a fiancée from West Point, New York. Mom snuck everyone in to sign the quilt eventually, then borrowed an iron and heat-set everything. Before they headed out to the restaurant for the celebratory (Stormy helped me with that word) dinner, they gave Grandma some special gifts! Aunt Janet made a photo collage of everyone and used a cool birthday plate to frame it! What a special keepsake! Fun cards... And then... Mom gave Grandma our (I mean "her") quilt!

mom's birthday 050

Woo! Surprise, Grandma! We hope you like your special quilt! I hope I got your colors right!!!

It was a very special weekend for everyone - Grandma was blown away by everything! I think she liked seeing everyone best of all!

Our grandma very, very rarely reads our blog, but on the off-chance that she would, we just couldn't say anything. Storm said we needed to practice good OPSEC, and I think we rose to the challenge.

So that's the scoop! A surprise party for our grandma! Pretty cool, don't you think? And fear not, our dad took such very good care of us. He's the one who made the trip possible for Mom. Thanks, Dad!!!

We're getting around to blogs slowly but surely! Thanks for being patient with us.

Luv,
Dave

39 comments:

  1. Anonymous1:58 PM

    Awesome awesome awesome post!!! Oddly enough, my mom received some of those TM photos of puppers too. Hummm. Anyroo... Woo grandma looks AWESOME! We see where woo mom gets her beauty from. So glad the surprise was a hit!!!!! And that lovely quilt (with a tail) was beautiful!!!!
    HUGS,
    Sitka

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  2. Wow, that quilt is really beautiful. It sounds like your mum had a wonderful time with her family.

    We liked the tail edition to the quilt..hehe

    Holly & Zac

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  3. BRAVO!!! Will link yours to mine.

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  4. OMD! The quilt is soooo beautiful!
    That is a great idea!
    I love it!
    Kisses and hugs
    Lorenza

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  5. We love the quilt - it is beautiful and such a lovely gift. We know it will have brought much joy - your mom is very talented but we can see she still needs you Dave!
    We are taking a break over xmas but just wanted to stop by and wish you a very Happy Xmas!
    We have loved getting to know you over the past year and look forward to catching up with you in 2010.
    Best Wishes
    Martha, Bailey & Family xxxx

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  6. How wonderful. I bet your gramma cherishes that quilt and the memory of seeing all her kids forever.
    And I bet your mom hugged your gramma REALLY good .
    What a great thing.
    Hugs
    Sunny,Scooter,Shamus&Jamie
    ps, we sent no cards, but we would like to wish all of you a very Merry Christmas and a most happy new year.

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  7. What a gorgeous quilt and such a heartwarming project. We know your Mom put her love into each and every stitch.
    ECHO

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  8. What a realy nice suprise and a lovely quilt :-)

    Wizz

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  9. w00fs, what a wonderful gift fur ur g-ma...i no she will treasure it furever..

    b safe,
    ~rocky~

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  10. That's a great surprise! Your mom did a fantastic job! I'm so proud of your dad too for holding down the fort in your mom's absence. I'm glad you all survived because I know that even though Dads are good, they are never as good as Moms.

    Kat

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  11. What a fabulous post.. I can see your grandma's face how much she loved the quilt. I cant think of a better present. What a heirloom. Just beautiful.. Glad your dad took such care of you and thank you so much for showing us the beautiful pictures.. Hugs GJ x

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  12. Your post made our mom all leaky! We're so happy that your gram was truly surprised! What an awesome keepsake quilt!

    Love ya lots,
    Maggie and Mitch

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  13. I am sure your grandma loved all her presents and seeing all her family. It could only have been better if you all were there too.

    Huffs

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  14. If I had hands instead of paws, I would clap! Well done, Ao4 & Ao4Mom! (The tail was a nice touch!) What a wonderful surprise!!!

    a-roos to yous,
    jack a-roo

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  15. Wooos! What a great present for a wonderful person. I am certain she was touched by all that woo did in helping to choose the colors, Dave.
    You are all blessed!
    -Kira The BeaWootiful

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  16. What a wonderful post!!! The quilt is so beautiful...I love it!!! I know your grandma absolutely loved it! Talk about a wonderful birthday...wow!!!

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  17. HaRooooo! Dat was Pawsome!!!!!! Dat is a bee-wootiful quilt and such a nice surprise.
    Glad your paw took care of woo too wid out any snags.

    Husky kisses,
    Biloxi

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  18. That's such a lovely surprise, and I'm sure your grandma loved loved looooved it.

    And your momma has such nice handwriting. My Pops' handwriting is terrible!

    Sonic

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  19. What a fantastic surprise and such an incredibly thoughtful gift. While we missed your posts, we think it was a great thing to do.

    P.S. - Dave - great color choices.

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  20. That was a most wonderful surprise for your grandma. She will think of you every time she snuggles up inside the quilt.

    Slobbers,
    Mango

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  21. What a special surprise! Mom sure is talented
    Benny & Lily

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  22. Great surprise!!! Your Mom is Very Talented!!! It sounds like it was a great family get-together, and with wonderful memories. (And good work helping with the colors!)

    *kissey face*
    -Fiona

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  23. Wow! That is a wonderful Memory Quilt for your Grandma, and the colors are good too, Dave. My Mom loves the label your Mom made, with the beautiful lettering and the wheat stalks. Perfect!

    Glad your back!

    Kisses,
    Stella

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  24. Just gorgeous!!!

    What a wonderful gift to give!

    Lots of Luv & Kisses
    Addie, Lucie and Hailey

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  25. That was a super special secret project! The quilt is beautiful and it's so wonderful your mom got to go VA to help celebrate your grandma's birthday! This was a very heartwarming post Dave!

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  26. The quilt is beautiful! What a wonderful surprise for Grandma! I love the idea that you can write on it.

    Sam and Cisco

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  27. Wow!! Your mom did a fantastic job on the quilt (with YOUR help of course!!).

    I'm glad she had such a great time, and that your grandma was so happy to see everyone for her birthday. What a wonderful gift for her!

    Holly

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  28. Wow, the quilt is just beautiful! Cheers to your mom! I'm sure your grandma luvs it, the color's very warm too! Me like it with the tail, especially..!!
    Your mom sure is inspiring! my mommy's starting her project too..hopefully she wont forget me!

    Cheers,
    Maxx

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  29. That's a great gift. What an awesome surprise - I would have considered it a top secret, too, if I was in your position!

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  30. What a PAWTASTIC gift for your grandma. You did a great job helping to pick the colors!

    Woofs and Kisses!

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  31. Woohooo! What a great surprise! You guys did a great job of helping your mom make the quilt. And your dad - well, what can we say -- he did his part to help make grandma's birthday special. Your mom is very talented and your dad holds a quilt very steady.

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  32. oh my, it is like looking in the mirror..........my Twin Brother!!!!!!

    How handsome, oh no, sorry, how 'alike' we both are. It is truly uncanny!

    I hope your Grandma is ok? I was worried you said she may be "blown away", where did she get blown too, and was your Mama doing the blowing? ;0D (pee ess my J says hope your Mama and Grandma take all my jokes in good part, no offence meant - phew, don't want to cause an International Incident or somesuch!)

    Phew, life certainly gets complicated for a dog, like me, and possibly my twin bruv, going for a lie down now.

    Sorry I am late commenting, life been pretty hectic here.

    pee pee ess, the quilt is very, very beautiful, your Mama is surely very clever. If not worn out. By blowing close rellies about and quilting stuff.

    Marvin xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

    oh and Jeannie who hopes you take our jokes in good part.

    Compatriots perhaps?

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  33. We have a saying here in the UKraine

    but I won't quote it here. ;0D

    ha ha

    Thinking of you, and glad all went well with your trip.

    The quilt was really lovely - your Mum looks very good for her age too.

    You are very talented.

    We have Kansas Style Snow here in the UKraine. DaRn the CapS LoCK kEY, i MUst geT it sorTED

    Letty ;0D

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  34. That is a beautiful quilt!! Very good job on surprising Grandma!

    Storm

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  35. Congratulations K!!! Granny is a lucky lady!! Luv C

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  36. Mom's eyes almost leaked picturing your gram opening the door to those very special singers. We love it! What a great idea and what a pawesomely beautiful quilt.

    Good job keeping it under cover, like your Gram will be with her new quilt.
    (that was for Ammy)

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  37. Your mom did an awesome job!!! It's so beautiful and what a great idea!

    Mochi

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  38. Hey Ao4 Gang,
    What a heartwarming post! The quilt came out simply *gorgeous* and you could see on Grandma's face that she was so touched. Glad you were able to pull off the surprise!
    Nice to see pics of you all in the other posts in the snow...so happy and in your element!
    Our snow melted yesterday with rain all day :-(
    Happy Christmas to all of you!
    Your pal,
    Sedona

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