Tuesday, December 29, 2009

Freebie Finish


I started this freebie back in Nov. or very early Dec. My friend Jennie & I were working on it together. We have not been able to get together to stitch because of the holidays, but I picked this up yesterday & decided it needed to be finished. And...that is what I did. About 9pm last night, I put the final X's in it. I am real happy with how it turned out & I cannot wait to see how Jennie is doing on hers!
Now, to decide what to work on today. I have so many projects that I want to finish & so many, many more that I want to start!!!!! Decisions, decisions......

Monday, December 28, 2009

Package mailed has been received




I just received word from Mylene, that she received the birthday gift that I sent her. I know it arrived late, but I know Mylene understood WHY it was late. I am so very thankful that it arrived. She & I have had trouble with the mail service between the two of us!
I made her a scissor case. This was the first time for something like this & it was challenging, but I think it turned out pretty good.
Happy Birthday Mylene!!!!

Friday, December 25, 2009

MERRY CHRISTMAS/Christmas Eve Finish




Merry Christmas to all! I am an early riser & cannot sleep in for the life of me. Sooo....decided I could post an early morning greeting & show a couple pictures.
I babysat for a dear family all day yesterday. She had major surgery, so I had to be at their house at 5 am. Yes, 5 am!!! It is amazing how much stitching you can do when the kiddos are still sleeping!
I started & finished this piece yesterday. I had to finish it up last night, but that was not a problem.
After we all got back home yesterday, we decided to go to town, just for the fun of it! We were all done shopping, but we were bored!!! So, we went to Kohl's & Walmart. Neither store was overly busy! We then stopped & got pizza to bring home for supper! Yum!!!
I am also posting the rest of my 12 days gifts. Kathy did a super job!!!! I love each & every gift! Thanks so much Kathy!
Thanks to all for your friendships! I truly appreciate you!!!!!
Merry Christmas!!!

Tuesday, December 22, 2009

TRIPLE FINISH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!


As most of you know, we had our triplet grandsons with us from the 6th thru the 18th. Daddy & Mommy got back late on the 18th. So, the evening of the 19th, after things settled down around here, grandma started stitching baby ornaments.
I just got done putting the final touches on them! I am happy with how they turned out & I think their daddy is pretty happy with them too.
Merry Christmas to each & everyone of you!
Thank you for your kind comments & friendship thru the year!!!

Monday, December 21, 2009

Gifts Received, 12 days exchange, baby update










I received a very tasty gift in the mail today!!! My friend Carol sent me some of her homemade caramels. They are wonderful!!!! I am being nice & sharing with everyone. She also included a yankee candle tart that smells wonderful!
I have now opened 8 days worth of gifts in the 12 days exchange. My partner, Kathy B. sent me wonderful gifts each day. I am not certain which gift was which day, but I will add the pictures so you can see my wonderful gifts!
We are no longer caring for the babies. Daddy & Mommy arrived back late Friday evening. They stayed here, with us, until yesterday afternoon. They are now over at her parent's house for a few days. Our son is spending quite a bit of time over here thou, enjoying playing games with his brother! (game system games...not sure what they are called!!!!!)
We thoroughly enjoyed our time with the boys...bonding!!!!!! What a special gift our family has this holiday season. Babies make the Christmas holiday all the more meaningful!
I am working on the ornaments for the babies. I have 2 totally stitched & am working on the 3rd tonight. I will post pictures after I get them all finished!!!!! (the next day or two!!)
Also, almost forgot to add....I received the second ornament exchange package last week in all of my busy-ness!! Sally sent me a stitched ornament & also a wood one. I love them both & have them on my stitching tree!

Tuesday, December 15, 2009

12 days of Christmas





I am involved in a 12 days of Christmas exchange in one of my yahoo groups. Yesterday was day one of opening gifts.
My partner, Kathy, sent me a real pretty apron. It is perfect, because I do lots of baking.
Today, I opened a bar of goat's milk soap. It is perfect too, because I love the smell of goat's milk products. I use their lotion all the time!!!
In honor of the apron, I baked some strawberry bread this am. The babies were sleeping in & the kids I babysit were eating breakfast, so I utilized my time wisely!
I also finished stitching a gift!!!! Woohoo!!! I know it is going to be late, but the person receiving it knows the situation here at my house right now & I am sure she will understand!
Have a great day!!!

Monday, December 14, 2009

A Day in my Life with Triplets


good morning! A few people have asked why I haven't updated my blog lately. Well, as some of you know, we have our triplet grandsons staying with us for a couple weeks. Yesterday marked an entire week. I thought I would take a minute to give you an idea of what my days are like, in the life of triplets.

I get up at 4:45 each day. (that is our normal get up time. I get up with my husband) As soon as he is out of the shower, I get mine. I come out to the kitchen & start my coffee & get the boys cereal/fruit ready. By 5:30, they are starting to wake up, one by one. (usually) As I type this, one is awake, but I am trying to hold him off a few minutes.
In any given day, I feed 15 or so bottles. One of the boys is a slow eater, so the bottle for him may take nearly an hour sometimes.
I change an average of 21+ diapers per day.
I bathe all three of them.
I do one or two loads of baby laundry.
In between feedings, I have to wash the bottles they have eaten. And then, the bottles need re- made.
They eat cereal & fruit with the breakfast bottle. They eat cereal & veggies with the evening bottle.
We try to have them in bed by 9 each night. By ten, we are both totally wiped out & we hit the bed. Some nights, a little sooner.
I have found I get about 5 or 10 minutes per day to stitch. I am so far behind on my stitching, it isn't funny!!!! but, you know, I don't mind. These babies are worth the lost time. They are too precious & before I know it, they will be going back home & my house will be quiet again.
Oh! Forgot to add, that besides caring for these boys, I am still caring for my normal day care kids. So, 2 days a week I have 2 here, the other 2 days, I have to go pick up a kindergartener & bring him here. On those 2 days, my husband is working from home, so he can care for the boys while I am gone.
He is a big help with the boys.
Ok, I have stalled this baby long enough. (he is on my lap now)
I hope to have a stitching update sometime soon, but it may be a while!!!!
I am busy being grandma!!!!!!!

Monday, November 30, 2009

Exchange Received & New Work from my dad



Hi all,
over the course of the holiday, I got so busy, I didn't get a picture posted of the exchange I received.
Michele had my name for an ornament exchange in one of my groups.
What a nice surprise I came home to one day last week. Not only did Michele send me an ornament that she stitched, but she also included some floss tags that are fantastic, 3 Christmas-y skeins of floss & a package of sticky notes. All of this was in an adorable snowman tin. She didn't know I love snowmen & tins!!!!!!Thanks so much Michele!
Next, I told my dad about a needle case I saw on someone's blog a while back. I thought it was something he might could do for craft shows. (they go to craft shows nearly every weekend in the fall & early winter)
I am attaching a picture of what he came up with! He said these will hold about 20-25 needles that are up to 2 1/2 inches long. He is going to sell them for between $12.00 & $15.00. If anyone is interested, let me know & I will put you in contact with him.
Have a great week!!! thanks for all the kind comments!!!!!!

Sunday, November 29, 2009

Holiday weekend recap


Wow, have I been busy!!! I babysat on Mon, Tues & Wed. as always. But, on Wed. I also did my normal Thurs. errands, since Thurs. was a holiday. I was on the go from before sun up til after sun down on Wed.
Thurs. I did the Thanksgiving meal. Since our family is now 3 generations, we were at my house. Our college son was home & our son & DIL & the triplets were here as well. We had a real nice day.
Friday we got up dark & early!!! DH, DIL & I went shopping. We were at Kohl's at just after 5. We got some real good deals, everywhere we went. We were back here by 10 am. She went back over to her parents house, where they were staying. DH & I went back to town. We had a couple places that weren't open in the early hours!
They all came back over here late afternoon. They asked if we would keep the boys in the evening & over night. Of course we said sure!!!!! It gave us a taste of what we are in for!!! We are keeping the boys for 2 weeks later this month.
Yesterday, we were all here all day.
Today, the house is quiet. Son & DIL left early to head home. College son headed back to college. Now, it is just DH & I. I am catching up a little & then I am going to do something I haven't done since Tues. I AM GOING TO STITCH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I hope everyone had a great weekend!

Tuesday, November 24, 2009

Jennie's Rudolph


A new stitcher is born!!!!! Two weeks ago today, I taught my friend Jennie how to stitch. She took her project home & had it done before I saw her again that following Sunday. We were not able to get together last Tues., but she was able to come over today.
She brought along her finished project. Not only did she finish the stitching, she finished the stitching into an ornament. Her backing fabric is PERFECT!!!!!!!!!! I like how hers looks better than mine!!!! GREAT JOB JENNIE, since I know you read my blog!!!!!
I had printed several freebie patterns for her to look at today. We picked out the one we thought we would like to do. (I do the same thing as she does, along with her!!!!) We then went in to find a piece of fabric. She saw this piece of opal. aida & said it was perfect. She asked if it was big enough for both of us. I measured & it was close enough. Not quite 3 inches extra all around, but close enough!!!
So....we both started working on this project. Mine will take a back seat for a while, since I have so many other things that MUST be done before Christmas, but next time we get together, I will pull it out!!
Happy Thanksgiving one & all!

Monday, November 23, 2009

Stocking SAL, Part 4


good morning! Wow, third post in just a few short days!
We got part 4 of the Stocking SAL yesterday, so I worked on it right away. Well, actually, I worked on Christmas Village first, but then I worked on this one. I knew it wouldn't take long!!!! I actually took it along to a business meeting last night. I knew I could listen & stitch at the same time. The hardest part was the lighting. It was a little hard to see, since the floss is light colored & I am stitching over 1 on 25 ct. But...alas, I got it!!!!
I haven't decided if I am going to add the words to the side or not...that is part 5. SO...this MAY be done, ready to be finished!
Have a great day!!!
SO APPRECIATE THE COMMENTS & VISITS FOR CHRISTMAS VILLAGE!!!!

Sunday, November 22, 2009

Christmas Village---Half way point!!!


I do believe I have hit the half way point, or maybe a little beyond!!!!! I just finished the lace part on the bottom!!!!! Now, it is time for the lace of the top part.
I am putting this away for a little while thou, to work on some small stuff between now & Christmas. I want to catch up on & finish the Christmas SAL piece. I am also keeping up on the stocking SAL. I printed part 4 & am getting ready to work on it. It should be done yet today.
I also need to work on my B. Potter for the month of Nov. yet.
I told my husband that I promise Christmas Village WILL be done in plenty of time for next Christmas!!!!!!
Happy Thanksgiving to everyone!!!!
I am so thankful for online friends who read my blog & especially those who leave comments, as then I know who to be thankful for!!!!!

Friday, November 20, 2009

Christmas SAL progress


hi there! I am WAY BEHIND on this one, but I just finished parts 3 & 4. I may just keep working on this over the weekend to get more caught up. (part 10 came out yesterday)
I am loving how it is coming together. I am stitching this on 25 ct. white opal. lugana. My very favorite fabric for so many projects!!!!
Thanks for all the comments on my last post & for your private emails giving me your opinions. I was worried I was too harsh, but I was convinced I wasn't!
I would like to wish everyone a Happy Thanksgiving, incase I don't update again before then!!!

Tuesday, November 17, 2009

SAL Progress & exchange received



I finished part 3 of the stocking SAL. I am loving this piece more & more each time!!! The colors are so pretty!!!!
Also, I received word that Wendy received the Christmas ornament I sent her. I am involved in 2 ornament exchanges. One was to be mailed by the end of Oct. The other I had more time on. (Wendy's) Well, I got them both done, so I sent both of them on Oct. 31st. I have not heard anything about the other one, but Wendy got hers. I have not heard BOO about the one I am to receive from the first exchange. (Wendy's is the reindeer one!!!)
I am really getting frustrated with exchanges. The group moderators set mail dates for a reason. I don't think in all the time I have done exchanges, I have received something in a timely manner. Mine are always late. What ever happened to being timely??
Ok, off my soapbox & back to my stitching!
Thanks for visiting & have a wonderful day. Looks like a great day to stitch here!!!!!

Friday, November 13, 2009

Stocking SAL progress


I just finished parts one & two of the Stocking SAL. I am now ready for part three, which comes out on Sunday or Monday!
I am loving this piece!!! I am stitching it on 25 ct. opal. lugana over 1 with a dinky dyes floss. It is so delicate----I love it!
Now, the rest of the weekend goes back to Christmas Village!!!!
Have a great weekend & thanks for stopping by & for letting me know you were here!!!

Tuesday, November 10, 2009

quick and easy finish


I was working hard on my stocking SAL today, but took a break this afternoon to teach a dear friend how to stitch. I have taught many different ages of people how to stitch. I started with a little girl when she was in kindergarten. She basically pulled the needle when I put it thru the holes. Then, I taught a bunch of high school girls. They basically could have cared less about learning. (it was required of them at the time) Today, I taught a dear friend who could be my mom! Well, guess who caught on & did a great job!?!?!? Yup!!! She got the idea right away.
We both sat down with our projects. I chose the Rudolph freebie by The Stitcherhood. I decided 14 ct. aida would be best for her.
She had to leave before she could finish, but I sent everything home with her. I told her I would be finishing mine tonight. At first, I was going to 'finish' it into an ornament, then I changed my mind. I decided it would be a great pin cushion, so that is how it is finished!!!!!
Now, this evening, it is back to the stocking SAL. I need to finish parts one & two.
Have a great evening & thanks for all of the comments on my recent posts. They are so appreciated!!!

Monday, November 9, 2009

Productive Weekend



It is amazing how much can get done if we stay home on the weekend! The only place we went this weekend was to church yesterday am.
Friday night, we hosted my parents over night. They did a craft show in our area on Sat., so they stayed here, to be closer that morning. I got a little stitching done that night.
Sat., we got busy after mom & dad left. First on the list was tilling the garden. DH used the big tiller & got the bulk of it done. I then took my mantis tiller to it & got it ready for spring.
He mowed the yard while I was doing this.
I came in & stripped & remade 3 beds. Did lots of little clean up things.
In the afternoon, I got busy in the kitchen. It is time to start on my Christmas goodies!!! I made 2 1/2 batches of my Choc. Covered Peanuts. I also made a batch of cookies, which went in the freezer.
In between everything else, I was working on my Christmas Village. I was getting quite bored with it, since it is all white stitching right now. I can only do so much of that without a break!!!!
Yesterday was another gorgeous day. We took advantage of the warm temps & got my car washed & waxed.
I started my Stocking SAL yesterday. I am behind on it, but hope to catch up today. I have parts one & two, so I have combined them & am doing both parts.
I also made another batch of cookies last night & put them in the freezer right away as well. My freezer is looking very Christmasy!!!
Have a wonderful day!!! Thanks for stopping by & for your kind comments!!!!!

Friday, November 6, 2009

Sew Autumn Finish


I just put the finishing stitches in my Sew Autumn piece. I had fun stitching this... I love to stitch the alphabet. This floss was so pretty that it was fun to watch the motifs develop. Now, I have the rest of the weekend, so I am going to devote the stitching time to my Christmas Village. I won't say any names, but someone who lives in this house, that got it for me for Christmas a couple years ago, would really like to see me work on it!!!
Have a great weekend & thanks for visiting & for commenting!!!

Tuesday, November 3, 2009

Crow Pillow Finished!


My little pillow is finished! I am real happy with how it turned out!!! This will look cute setting with my other autumn decorations!
I used the fabric that it is laying on for the back of it!
Thanks for looking & I really appreciate those of you who take the time to leave a comment! It means so much to me!

Monday, November 2, 2009

A finish, a progress picture & update






I finished Crows today! What a FUN stitch!!!!!! I am going to make this into a small pillow with the cracked walnut shells as the filler. I bought this bag a long time ago & it is about time to use it!!
I worked on my B. Potter a little more in the month of Oct. I don't work on it a lot, but I love it every time that I do!
I gathered my supplies for the Christmas stocking SAL today. I need to start it real soon. I think it is going to be so pretty! I will keep you in suspense as to what color scheme I chose!
I hope everyone had a great weekend!!! We did!!! We went to Hobby Lobby & got a mat board cut for my Bethlehem piece.
We took a walk yesterday afternoon, so I am attaching a couple of those pictures too! Mr. Cardinal is in my bird bath.
Have a great week!!!!!

Tuesday, October 27, 2009

Three New Starts




Since finishing page one of my HAED design the other night, I have worked on my B. Potter piece (pictures later this week). I have also started three new projects. Have I lost my mind??? No, I just found 2 wonderful freebies online & a dear friend sent me a pattern after she finished with it.
First, I started a Christmas SAL piece. This SAL started a while ago, so I am behind, but I am determined to catch up with everyone else. You can see the SAL piece here:
novalee02.over-blog.com
Next, I found some adorable freebies here:
istitchcharts.blogspot.com
I decided to start with sew autumn, to be true to the season we are enjoying right now. I found a wonderful silk floss in my collection that is perfect! It is even called an autumn name.
Lastly, I have started Crows by Bent Creek. Sweet Julie sent me this chart when she finished it. I had offered to buy it from her & she was kind enough to just give it to me.
I am working on these three during the day time hours & then working on B. Potter in the evenings this week.
Thanks so much for having a look at my blog & for commenting! You are all great!

Saturday, October 24, 2009

Feels like a Finish!


Well, this feel like a finish & technically, it is!!! You see, this is page one of 49 pages. I think I have a little more stitching to do before this is finished!! Wow, it is really going to be beautiful, but it is going to take a little time!
For those who haven't seen previous posts about this one, it is Little Drummer Boy by Heaven & Earth Designs. I still love this pattern, even knowing how much I have left to do!!!
Now, time for some B. Potter for a day or two & also a pattern I was gifted with today!!!

Friday, October 23, 2009

Merry Christmas!!! ok, maybe not but a SAL....


who is up for a SAL that will start in Nov. & be finished by the first week of Dec., if we keep up with it???
I discovered this SAL the other day & it is gorgeous!!!!!
Here is a link to the blog, so you can see for yourself!!!
http://labrodeusebrode.blogspot.com/
Have a great Friday!!

Thursday, October 22, 2009

Thankful Thursday


Just one, (or should I say three) things I am thankful for today!

Monday, October 19, 2009

Apple Sampler Framed & Hung!





We had a very productive weekend! Friday evening, my husband & I got my sampler laced & ready for the frame! Sat. am, he went down to his workshop & got started. He had my frame made by noon time. He also made me the first of several floss boxes. Thanks Cindy for the great idea!!!! Originally, I wanted these for my Victorian Motto Sampler flosses, but as I have been working on my Little Drummer Boy by HAED, I decided it would be nice to have all 90+ colors neatly arranged. So..you can see by the picture, I have started putting the floss on cards & filing them in my new storage box.
Sat. afternoon, we had errands to run & our last stop was Menard's for stain. My frame is made out of cherry wood. So.....it has a pink cast to it. We decided on a traditional cherry stain & oh my! We both love how it turned out! He stained it yesterday afternoon & this am, I put the backing on it & it is hung!!!!!!!!
I also am posting a couple more beautiful fall pictures. I pass the tree on the left every time I go into town. I admire it every fall. It is just gorgeous!
I hope to have a progress picture of Drummer Boy at the end of the week.
Have a great week & thanks for stopping by & for commenting!