A Memory Quilt

Four years ago, after visiting the Bed & Breakfast with the boys, we decided to ask our guests to help us with a special project.
How great would it be to make a quilt, one block each representing our guests. It was a little far fetched at the time to think I would ever have more than just a wall hanging. However, guests responded with so many BEAUTIFUL blocks. I just pieced together the last of this Quilt. It will be our "first four years". It is incredible to look at each of these blocks, to think of the guests, the memories!
I look forward to the next four years with great joy! I am so blessed!!

2020...welcome!!

2020 began wonderfully with sunny skies, time with family and some quilting!!

We are excited for all the new adventures 2020 will bring us and all the new guests and familiar faces too!

Expect to see a few things from us in 2020

• Cameron will head out on his mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints - he reports to the mission on February 19th and will serve 2 years in the Czech Slovak Mission!
• Phase 2 of the Pond Project
• A brand new garden spot and some delicious fruits from our trees!
• A zipline in the backyard
• A dirt bike track (way out back)
• Dakota is hoping to complete a few quilts!
• She is also hoping for a little bit of renovation on a treehouse closet!
• More baby animals-hoping for puppies!!
• Phase 2 of the Missouri Quilt Museum --so excited!

Here we go-join us!!

The businesses in Hamilton have a lot planned as well. Here are just a few of the activities planned:
VISIT HAMILTON MISSOURI 2020

JANUARY    18            “Snowed In” Craft Day- Hamilton Event Center
                       1-31     “Snowed In” Quilt Show- Missouri Quilt Mus.
FEBRUARY 15 th         Lakeview Mouse Races
                      29 th         Men’s Chili Cookoff
MARCH       13th       “Feeling Lucky” Pot of Gold Treasure Hunt
                     1-31       Good as Gold Quilt Show- Missouri Quilt Mus.
APRIL          4 th       Pothole Festival
                     11th       Easter Hunt & Celebration
MAY            16 th           Butterfly Festival
                     1-31       Butterfly Quilt Show – Missouri Quilt Museum
JUNE           11-12 th     Missouri Star Academy
                     10-13th   Chalk the Block -Missouri Quilt Museum
JULY            4 th         Hamilton Celebrates 4 th of July
                     3rd       Old Glory Craft Day - Hamilton Event Center
                    1-31   Land that I Love Quilt Show – Missouri Quilt Museum
AUGUST    14-16 th   NW MO Steam and Gas Engine Show
                    1-31st    Block the Block Quilt Show - Missouri Quilt Mus.
SEPTEMBER 24-25 th     Missouri Star Quilt Birthday Bash
                    25-26 th     J. C. Penney Days
                    26 th     Hamilton .1K Marathon
                    26 th     Hamilton “Anything Goes” Car Show
OCTOBER 1-31     Scarecrow Festival/Contest
                   17-18 th   Steam & Gas Engine Fall Festival
                    5-31       “Pumpkin Patch” Quilt Exhibit
NOVEMBER 1-30       Scarecrow Festival
                    1-14       “Pumpkin Patch” Quilt Exhibit
DECEMBER 5 th Christmas Expo
                       5 th Hamilton Holiday Home Tour
                    5th, 12, 19th Christmas Quilt Show – Missouri Quilt Museum
                    16-20th Hamilton Christmas Creche Display - Hamilton Event Center


Visit Hamilton at: www.visithamiltonmo.com

ATTRACTIONS: Missouri Star Quilt Company – 12 different quilt shops!

J. C. Penney Museum

J. C. Penney Boyhood Home
Missouri Quilt Museum
NW MO Steam & Gas Engine Grounds
Hamilton Butterfly Park
Highway 13 Butterfly Trail
World’s Largest Spool of Thread

Open Sew Day at Hotel Hamilton

Once a month we hold and Open Sew day at Hotel Hamilton & Event Center

This gives all of us an opportunity to get together, visit and work on projects! 

Bring your UFO's

Start a new project

Come and visit with friends

Bring a hand sewing project

Finish the binding

No charge, JUST come!!

And bring a treat to share. No one minds treats!!!

For a full calendar of Open Sew Dates www.visithamiltonmo.com

OR join the group Hamilton Quilters on Facebook 

A gift from the heart!

I have the best guests! FOR REAL!! I enjoy what I do every day because of the people I do it for! My family and I are so blessed to rub shoulders with really good people, every day of our lives, in our own home. They come in as strangers and leave as family. We really enjoy our guests.

This gift from one of our guests, Rae from Colorado Springs, arrived in the mail the other day. This beautiful artwork was custom created for our family after her stay with us. The back says "Made with love for the Redford Family. Love Rae. Sego Lilly-Utah State Flower & White Hawthorn-Missouri State Flower" 

Rae and her husband Nate stayed with us for her birthday. He spoiled her while she was here with cute flowers from Tracy at Twig's Rust & Dust and Chocolate covered strawberries from Nellie's Sweet Shoppe. Then, she spoils me with this beautiful artwork!

I will be completely Honest with you...I cried, a lot. What a thoughtful gift! I am searching for the perfect frame because I will TREASURE IT ALWAYS!

Thoughtful gift

Today in the mail I received this beauty!

This piece of art was designed with my family in mind. The inscription on the back says 

" Made with love for the Redford Family. 

Sego Lilly- Utah State Flower

White Hawthorn- Missouri State Flower"

I have said and always will say "I have the best guests". But, it's not just something I say. I wholeheartedly believe that I do. They prove it every day! They are kind, thoughtful, generous, funny, good people. 

Rae and her husband Nate stayed with us two weeks ago. They are absolutely delightful! 

I am so grateful Rae decided to create this for us. And I am grateful that God knew it would be a good day for me to receive it. He is good. 

Thank you Rae, this I will treasure always, along with your friendship!

Melt my momma heart!

Missouri Star Quilt Company prints a wonderful publication multiple times a year called Block Magazine. Block is AMAZING!!! Not only is it printed on quality paper, it is full color, it has 10 quilt patterns and stories about quilting, life and happiness! 

Every so often, I get a call from the Photography team asking if they can shoot at the B&B, hotel, etc. for Block. I always say "yes!" how fun! There have been two such occasions that they didn't want the location, but my kids!! And of course, that is a resounding YES!

Charlie and Jack had the opportunity to be in the most recent BLOCK. 

I absolutely LOVE how Mike captured their expressions in this picture. 

ABSOLUTELY PRICELESS!!!

Last time they did a shoot they got to eat donuts during the shoot. This time, play video games. They were much obliged! Hard work!!

What a fun opportunity for these boys. Jenny signed their copies of Block and they love them. Thank you MSQC and their photography team! 

Oh and Natalie edits the Block and I absolutely adore her. So there's that!!

Amazed by You!!

Happy Valentine's Day to my sweetheart!!

There is no question that I am absolutely spoiled rotten! Every day he shows me how someone is supposed to be loved. He treats me the way God see's me, and he helps me to see my own potential. I am so grateful to Ryan for taking a chance on the immature, a little bratty, extremely emotional young lady. He has helped me become who I am today. 

A long way to go but look how far we have come!!

This is a picture of our wedding day, February 5, 2000 at the Mount Timpanogos Temple, American Fork, Utah.

So, now I have to brag on him a little more!! 

Fast forward to February 5, 2019

Here we are, 19 years to the day later! Same temple, same spot, same two hearts that have grown a lot larger and fonder for one another and for God.

For our anniversary Ryan asked me to dress in church clothes; he was taking me to the temple. A few days prior he said he was taking me "overnight to the city for our anniversary". So I packed a bag, put on a dress and out the door we went. About 45 minutes from the house I said "oh no, I don't think I brought my wallet and my temple recommend is in there" He responded with "uhhh, you are going to need your wallet...for more than one reason.

Well, he took me to "the city" (Kansas City, Missouri) where we promptly got on a plane...definitely needed my wallet (During the flight he showed me a 1 1/2 hour slide show; pictures of our lives together with our children. He is so the BEST!) and flew to "the city" (Salt Lake City, Utah) and then drove to our temple!! 

He took me back to the place where we were sealed for time and all eternity on our anniversary even though it is states away!! 

SPOILED!?!?! YES!!

Ryan had printed names from Family Search to take with us to the temple so that we could do family sealings. This allows other families to be eternal. And we did it in the same place that we started our eternal family 19 years previous, almost to the hour!!

After the temple we headed to my mom and dad's bridal shop, Veronica Michaels Bridal, to say hello to them! Good thing, if mom found out we were in Utah, albeit 36 hours, and didn't stop to say hello...TROUBLE!

After visiting with my parents for a bit we headed back to SLC to our hotel, Anniversary Inn. For years (as long as I can remember) I have dreamed about staying in this cute BnB. It is so romantic and each room is themed, LOVE!! We checked in and then headed to Cheesecake Factory for dinner. I got my mainstay.. Thai Lettuce Wraps--oh they make me so happy! YUM! We also enjoyed bread with vinegar and oil (my favorite) and then of course a piece of cheescake. Mango something or other. It was so good!

The night does not end there, no it does not! WICKED!! Yes, he took me to see WICKED. This is the second time on our anniversary that he has brought me to WICKED. He could repeat it every year and I would never, ever complain. I absolutely love this show!

As we were moving about downtown between dinner and show, etc. the snow was falling so gently. Beautiful, like out of a movie, or fairy tale. My own fairy tale! 

We awoke the next morning to over a foot of the white powdery stuff. It was incredibly beautiful but the roads were terrible! He then surprised me with a little time with my bestie, Cindy  Lou Who. We got pedicures and ate at Cafe Rio. I absolutely LOVE Cafe Rio and we do not have ONE in Missouri! Then he picked me back up and whisked me away to some shopping before heading back to the airport. It was an absolutely beautiful way to spend our anniversary. 

When we were dating Ryan sent me a CD of Lonestar with our song "Amazed". I was shocked and totally enamored. He did not listen to or like country music, but for me, he made it ours!

Every time our eyes meet
This feeling inside me
Is almost more than I can take
Baby, when you touch me
I can feel how much you love me
And it just blows me away
I've never been this close to anyone or anything
I can hear your thoughts, I can see your dreams

I don't know how you do what you do
I'm so in love with you
It just keeps getting better
I want to spend the rest of my life with you by my side
Forever and ever
Every little thing that you do
Baby, I'm amazed by you

The smell of your skin
The taste of your kiss
The way you whisper in the dark
Your hair all around me
Baby, you surround me
Touch every place in my heart
And it feels like the first time every time
I want to spend the whole night in your eyes

I don't know how you do what you do
I'm so in love with you
It just keeps getting better
I want to spend the rest of my life with you by my side
Forever and ever
Every little thing that you do
Baby, I'm amazed by you

Every little thing that you do
I'm so in love with you
It just keeps getting better
I want to spend the rest of my life with you by my side
Forever and ever
Every little thing that you do, oh
Every little thing that you do
Baby, I'm amazed by you

Want to hear the song? Follow this youTube link to their official music video

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x-skFgrV59A

Ryan I love you so very much! Thank you for choosing me to be the Queen in your kingdom and treating me as such. I love you, my King!! 

Love 2 Quilt Deal!!

From now until the end of February we are running a special on our website. 25% off all rooms booked before the end of the month at

Home Inn Hamilton, Bed & Breakfast, 

with reservation dates before July 31, 2020. 

Take advantage of this great sale NOW!!

Use promo Code: LOVE2QUILT

Home Inn Hamilton

4011 NW State Hwy P

Hamilton, MO 64644

435-849-2564

Quilt Market

My first time to International Quilt Market in Houston was AMAZING!

My brain was full, my heart was even fuller and my feet hurt like crazy! A WIN!!

I had no idea what to expect, but what I found was a world where every arm was open, every person ready to meet someone new, every product ready to hit the market with a bang, and every smile reaching every smile even though we all knew that all were exhausted beyond belief!

One of the things I was looking to the very most were meeting in person all of those from Aurifil that had helped us so much with the World's Largest Spool of Thread. This company went so far out of the way to help us with that project and then also assisted in getting us to market! They are wonderful and their booth!!!!

Look at the flower arrangements. ARE YOU KIDDING ME? Standing anywhere near the booth there was this beautiful aroma that permeated. LOVE!! Leave it to our friends from Italy to bring gorgeous arrangements like that!

There was a meet and greet for all to come and talk to the new Aurifilosophers. Of course, I have a favorite in Karen Miller with Redbird Quilt Co. She is one of the most genuine, loving and passionate people I have met. She pours her whole soul into everything she does. Also, she was our connection to Aurifil and she is one of my biggest cheerleaders.

I didn't take many pictures at market. With all the hustle and bustle I just forgot! It was nice to see faces that I recognized from Hamilton in Caleb, Nancy, Ron and Jenny from MSQC. Also Moda designers that have stayed with us Lynne Hagemeier with Kansas Troubles and Barb and Mary with Me and My Sisters. Crazy as it sounds, Meg was there and I never ran into her. WEIRD!!

One fun story was when I ran into a very familiar face, but why? Then it came back to me... it was Pat Waelder from Hickory Stick quilt shop in Hannibal. I love her quilt shop and loved  (& was a little embarrassed that) she remembered me and my name! I may have a little fabric buying addiction!!

Little Miss

THROWBACK THURSDAY!! 

I was delighted to hear that Miss Montana and her mom and grandmas were returning to Home Inn Hamilton for a retreat week in 2017. The first time they came, I lived in Utah and missed out on this little cutie sitting at her own machine and sewing together a quilt top at four years old. Well she was back and did it again!!

With the help of her family she laid out the quilt on the floor and picked it up square by square and put it together. I was astonished. She is only 5!! I absolutely love this princess quilt and the princess that made it!

Another reason to celebrate was watching these two hit it off! They cracked us up. Hours of play! First thing when Jack woke up "Where is Montana?" Adorable! The played "pretend" and delighted in their joy of hatchimals together. We look forward to Montana's next visit. And Jill you are welcome too!

See, the pond!

The view from the deck is really just stunning. There is a great tranquility and peace in overlooking such beauty. These waters aren't always quiet and serene, more often than not there are kids splashing and playing and laughing as the enjoy the cool water on a summer day.

 We know that our guests will enjoy the pond as much as we do. We use it often, so should you! We have fishing gear and bait. GREAT FISHING at the pond (if there are not kids swimming at the same time, lol.) We have crappie, catfish, bluegill and large mouth bass. They are beauties and plentiful!

We also have paddle boat, kayak, canoes, paddle boarding and life jackets of course!

 

FIREPIT!

What cute house in the country is complete without a firepit? 

None, I tell you, not one!!

Just behind the main house the previous family had cemented around a trampoline. I saw this as the perfect opportunity to create a round fire pit and surrounding area. There is a picnic table that sits along side and large stack of firewood for all guests to enjoy. In the summer months our family enjoys a nice Sunday fireside each week at 7 pm. All are invited to join us! We hold a prayer, small devotional and then roast marshmallows, of course! There is something incredible about God's spirit around a fire. BEAUTIFUL! 

Right now it is winter and I am aching to get out to the fire again. I could do it, but the -1* on my thermostat this morning tells me to hang out inside by the fire instead. I did find an indoor Smores recipe too. Not the same, but it will suffice, for now! Thank you to A Kitchen Addiction for helping me survive the winter!

Oh the romance of a GAZEBO

Spending a spring day here... YES!

I absolutely adore this gazebo. What a great way to spend the day relaxing, reading a book or shooting the breeze with family and friends. Guests at the Bed and Breakfast love to sit here and enjoy a cup of coffee in the morning. Me, I will sit here any time of day!

The gazebo is attached to the expansive deck. Both overlook the beautiful acreage and ponds that we call "our backyard". God loves me, I tell you! There is no greater peace than relaxing with His creations all around you. I love living in the country, and I love living in Missouri.

Here is a back view of the main house with the fire pit at the left, the deck and gazebo. Oh, how beautiful!

What a view!

This deck is expansive, stretching across the back of the house and gives a magnificent view of the back yard. Really, its stunning at any time of the year!
The deck wouldn't be complete without the adorable gazebo to cap it off. (Tomorrows post)




Really though, look at the back of the house with the deck! LOVE!!

Like I said earlier, though, the best part is the view. No matter the season, this deck aims to please and share all the beauty that you are perched above! From watching birds build nests in the spring to them soaring overhead in the summer, squirrels gathering in the fall and snowflakes falling in the winter, this deck is proof of God's beauty all around us. 

Really I post pictures in Instagram and Facebook often from this deck. Great place for taking Sunset pictures too. Oh, the sunset pictures!!

Let's talk about food for a minute.

You may have already learned this about me, but I love food!

One of my favorite things about food is that it brings people together around the table to talk. More specifically, my table. I absolutely love feeding the tummies of those that then sit and build relationships that feed their hearts and souls. THIS is WHY I HAMILTON! This is why I love owning a Bed & Breakfast. This is why I like to make good food.

This picture is taken on a typical weekday around our table. This menu is requested often by guests, albeit quite simple. Breakfast Casserole, Muffins and Fruit and Yogurt Parfait. I make a mean yogurt in the Instant Pot but as a tip, I LOVE (and often use) the Great Value Vanilla Yogurt. IT is delicious!!

Quilters Paradise

In the beginning, this cute condo had a four car garage. However, I knew that I wanted to have a space for gals to sit and sew together. The garage was converted to a Bunk Retreat Style unit that we call Quilters Paradise. Thru the double doors to a wonderful quilting weekend!

The right side of unit, thru the door on the right side, is Carriage House (yesterdays post) They open to each other on the inside with an adjoining door. 

You walk into the sewing room of Quilters. This room has a 50" TV,  and plenty of space to spread out to sew. Tables and chairs are provided as well as ironing stations.

Groups can choose to bring their own machines or rent from us. Each "sewing kit" is $10/day and includes a machine, scissors, rotary cutter, ruler and mat. 

Off of the sewing space is the first of two bathrooms in the suite. This features a walk in shower, sink and stool.

The bunk room is directly behind the sewing room. This is our only suite at the B&B that is fully on ground level. 

It has 8 twin size pillow top beds. Alarm clocks are available so that you don't miss the opening time of the Missouri Star Quilt Company shops! We also provide ear plugs...just in case!!

The second of the two bathrooms is en-suite within the bedroom. This bathroom also has a walk in shower, stool and vanity. 

For a group of more than 8, you can add Carriage House to your reservation. They have an adjoining door and TOGETHER can sleep up to 16.

For even more guests add rooms in the main house or consider hosting a larger retreat at Hotel Hamilton. Hotel Hamilton is just 7 blocks from MSQC and can sleep up to 60! That space is broken down into 13 bedrooms, 22 bathrooms!! It also has the largest sewing space in Hamilton at over 7,000 square feet! This space also includes a full kitchen, guest bathrooms and tables and chairs for the entire group to sew together!!! We will do a future post all about Hotel Hamilton.

Carriage House

Our next stop on the property tour is Carriage House. This condo was the house that the family lived in before and while they built the main house. It is a good size space with an adjacent four car garage (which we converted to Quilters Paradise suite- in a later post).

Carriage House--This cute condo sits on the property about 100 feet south east of the main house and shares an "alley" with the barn. The double doors to the left lead to "Quilters Paradise suite" and the door on the right opens to the Carriage House living room.

The living room is open to the kitchen.

It is a large open space with lots of natural light.

2 beautiful couches and a 50" TV provide for a comfortable, relaxing space.

The first of two bathrooms has a walk in shower, stool and sink. Great lighting in here for getting ready in the morning. This bathroom is directly off the living room.

  

The kitchen has a oven/stove, microwave, full size fridge and coffee pot. It is also stocked with pots and pans, dishes and utensils. A crock pot, skillet, hand mixer, toaster oven and waffle iron. It also has a few basic cooking needs including spices, flour and sugar.

View from the kitchen.

This full bathroom is located just off of the kitchen at the bottom of the stairs. It has a tub/shower combination, stool, vanity and full size washer and dryer. We have washing tabs and dryer sheets for you.

As you walk up the stairs directly in front of you is our twin suite. This room is U shaped, allowing for added privacy of guests. It has 4 twin size pillow top beds.

Also upstairs, to the right, is our double queen room. The only suite at the BnB with two queen beds. 

This suite is great for a family or a small group. For a little larger group (up to 16) add on the Quilters Paradise suite. They have an adjoining door.

Lady of the Lake

What Bed & Breakfast would be complete without an Anniversary Suite? This one will knock your socks off!

This guest suite is undoubtedly my favorite and the one I sneak time in every so often. It is absolutely beautiful. I love that when you get to the top of the slightly turning staircase (wider at the top than at the bottom and curved to the right, just a little) double doors open into this suite. Romantic much?

The canopy bed is exactly what this room was beckoning for. With hints of burgundy and gold, this room sweeps you off your feet.

Large windows guide your eye to the large green backyard and a beautiful view of the water, hence its name, Lady of the Lake. This is our largest suite and boasts a queen size bed and a queen size sofa sleeper in its own sitting room!

The sitting room is large enough for a full size couch, love seat and over sized armchair. The TV is nestled in nicely along one of the walls. My favorite feature of the sitting room, though, is the gas fireplace. What a way to spend a weekend. 

This giant suite would not be complete without this HUGE powder room. Double sinks and large mirror assist in dolling yourself up for the day. The walk in shower has a rain shower head and the stool is behind its own door. The best feature though, is the large JETTED TUB with huge picture window overlooking that beautiful view of the property. (There are shades that pull down, of course!) This suite always make me feel a little full of myself, but everyone deserves to feel like a queen occasionally! This suite will do just that!

Fun & Fancy

I really enjoyed designing and decorating the Fun & Fancy suite. It is sooo different from the rest. This suite has a lilac purple wall color. The young lady who lived in this room before we bought the house had recently painted it to be exactly what she wanted. I vowed to keep it, for a time. I love it! I decided instead of the natural wood work we would go with silver. The headboard and side tables were spray painted to get the look I was hoping for.

This suite is very spacious. It has a Queen Size bed, and a double futon style sofa bed.  A large TV can be viewed from the bed or couch.

After a few months I realized that a suite with a couple twin size beds would be very helpful for many of our guests. The walk-in closet was turned into sleeping quarters. One of these days I will take out the closet shelving, but for now, it easily holds these extra beds, making it our only suite that will hold 5. More than one group of guests has commented that in the twin space it feels like sleeping in a tree house. Maybe I should paint the inside to look like a tree? I am not sure that I am that ambitious!

The young lady I spoke of earlier, spent painstaking hours taping off and painting this zig-zag pattern on the walls of the powder room in turquoise, grey and white and I LOVE IT! So, of course its here to stay. This room is a good size space with shower/tub combination and lots of counter space.

Fun & Fancy is at the end of the hall on the second floor. It's quiet, has lots of natural light and you can see the barn and animals out the windows!