It may be past your mother's birthday (what wonderful gifts you gave her!), but remember that the winter holidays aren't too far afield. There should be lots of fruit available now so you might want to try your hand at jams. Right now it is peach and blueberry season in NC, just past is strawberry, blackberry, raspberry, and cherry (all in the freezer from my garden and farmer's gardens), but coming up is pear, apple, and late peaches, and the oh so wonderful figs. Your area might even have some of the tropical fruits in season? If you don't want to make jams with as much sugar as the usual, you can use the "low or no sugar" pectin. Easier than the other recipes you successfully made. And, there is nothing in the world to compare to a jar of peach jam in the middle of January that tastes like it was just plucked off the tree. Most people don't know how good jam tastes homemade with sugar instead of corn syrup. My personal favorite is seedless raspberry chocolate jam. Congratulations on finding out you are addicted like we all are here. We like newbies. Nancy

Iris City Gardens in TN carries Eleanor's Pride. Macey and Greg McCullough 7675 Younger Creek Road Primm Springs, TN 38476 USA 800-934-IRIS (4747) 615-799-2179 615-523-8399 (fax) email@iriscitygardens.com Here is a link that might be useful: Eleanor's Pride

Sorry to hear about your mom's leg. I'll be hoping she gets to come home soon, too. As for the SB idea, I think it's wonderful! Here's what came to mind as I read your post: In addition to the colouring, you could get the kids (esp. those who can't write yet) to trace the outline of their hands. It will function kind of like a "signature" and will be a neat thing for your mom to touch. You could do themed pages like "Why I love my grandma..." or "Grandma's the coolest because..." and have the kids fill in the blanks. This might give you some interesting journaling. Or maybe do something like "83 reasons why we love you..." (one for every year of her life). You could include all the qualities about her that you love/admire as well as individual memories you have with her. And how about constructing a "family tree" -- maybe for the outside?? It'd be a neat way to include photos of everyone. And don't forget a dedication page saying why the book was made for her and that it was made with a loving touch! :o) These are just suggestions, you sound like you're on the right track anyway. Hope this helps and good luck! Leah

Great picture, and you're both beautiful! Happy 40th to your daughter. If you said she was in her twenties, I'd believe you.