winnings received

[I wanted to post this Wednesday night, but our Internet was down.]

Wednesday evening I received a box from UPS and was tremendously excited. I had won a blog giveaway from Suzann right before Christmas. I've taken a couple pictures because I couldn't possibly riddle off every single item in my surprise package. ALL the items were a complete surprise because the contents of the giveaway was unknown. My mouth dropped to the floor at all the thread. Just see for yourself!!!

I'm telling you...I've never in my life received such a surprise before. Thank you so much, Suzann, for such a wonderful surprise package! You are so generous! I can't imagine the amount of your own stash considering the amount of goodies I received! WOW! It totally made my evening!

snip...snip

This is the first time I could post and that's really frustrating. I'm using my DH's work laptop because my laptop isn't working right now. I can't use my home desktop computer bc its in our office which isn't convenient for me and Cameron so I couldn't get to the computer all day. Let's just say I'll be in heaven when the laptop is working again.

Monday, me and the boys went to Mom's house for the day. Jose started school today so I thought Jose would enjoy hanging out at Nana's on his last final day of winter break...and he did! We always have a good time at Nana's. We laughed a lot too. Mom, and myself, talked to my Aunt over the phone. She was working on her sewing machine finishing off a pillow.

Cameron really needs a haircut. He's 17 months old and really could use a snip here and a snip there. When Jose was Cameron's age mom cut his hair. It was his first haircut. In order to cut Jose's hair we had him up on the vanity, looking into the mirror, playing with a vacuum cleaner hose. We have photos, but not on the PC. I took pictures while mom struggled with Jose to sit still and just let her cut. After an hour, Jose's hair was cut, mom was exhausted and I was just tired by watching and assisting. So, keeping with tradition Cameron had his first haircut by none other than his Nana. She did a good job too, and I'm not just saying that! It really turned out cute. Cameron was a much better client than Jose was. :o) Cameron sat in his booster seat, watched the dog pass by, sucked on his own bottle, as well as Nana's squirt bottle, and let her snip away. He never whined or complained. It was over in less than 20 minutes. Here's a few snip... ~ oops, I mean snap shots of Cameron's first haircut.

Before

Cameron just chillin'...and naturally Jose being Jose.

Cameron actually isn't laughing at my mom snipping around his ear. The dog kept walking by and Cameron thought it was funny. Heehee-Haha

Ta-Da!!! Final results.

I think Cameron looks pretty cute myself. When babies have their first haircuts, doesn't it make them mature instantly? In less than 20 minutes Cameron went from baby-face to little boy. He just looks so much older than before.

Today was uneventful. It did nothing but rain, rain, rain. Cold too. I'm just about done with "Emma's Sampler" by Stacy Nash. And I've been literally kept in suspense for days by The Sampler Girl! And the suspense is over. Whew!!! She has 2 new designs that have JUST come out, like right now, so go and check them out. I'm already head over heels in love with the "Clara's Skating Sampler 1891" bc I used to figure skate so anything 'skating' is right up my alley. Tanya's Booklet Two will be released in February so set a reminder for that as well. Oh...I'm so excited!!! The new year has started off great with great designs. Also, Betty from primitivebettys released a freebie design for Valentine's Day. It's soooo cute! It's a must stitch.

Until Wednesday... :o)

first week of 2009

I don't have a whole lot to report so I may just ramble. It's been a lazy and quiet new year so far. I've got a few little projects going on. The boys aren't ill anymore, which is a relief. I have a cold that remains to linger, but it is subsiding. DH is over his sickness as well. Our new year was spent at my parents house. Me and the boys stayed the night at my folks and my DH was in South Bend, Indiana visiting and celebrating with some high school buddies for New Years. The Christmas decorations are finally down and put away...late posting that. They've been down since the first of the year, but I needed to say it. It feels good to have Christmas out of the way and onto something new.

My final finish for 2008 was The Prairie Schooler's freebie from 2002. I haven't finish-finished it, and I'm not quite sure how I will complete it. So far I have stitched an outline, which makes it look like it could be a floss tag or fob, but I just haven't brainstormed enough. I guess time will tell. I'm up for suggestions.

On Saturday I stopped at another LNS that I've only been to twice. There are two in Nashville. I bought some over-dyed fabric and a few charts. I guess I was on a Carriage House Samplers buzz or something because that's what I came out with. Oh...and I bought another chart for a $1.00. It has crows on it so I thought I could do something primitive with that. Here's a snapshot of my items. I'm really excited to use the fabric. One is 35 ct. Havana from Weeks Dye Works and the other is called Relic, and I have forgotten by who. oops! :o)

Afterwards the shop, me and Jose went to the library. Jose checked out one of my school day favorites, Dear Mr. Henshaw by Beverly Cleary. And he also checked out a big chapter book, and I can't remember the name, and a Japanese inspired comic book that is becoming quite popular amongst his age group (can't remember its title either). I checked out 3 books. Two are cross stitch pattern books and techniques for finishing and the other is about quilt basics. I need a refresher. Lastly, we checked out an Elmo's World DVD for Cameron. Jose has already finished the comic, has read parts of Dear Mr. Henshaw and is now reading his chapter book. Tuesday (tomorrow) Jose returns to school and I'm a little relieved. He was somewhat of help with Cameron during the break, but it gets crazy around here with both boys running around ALL day, and they don't always cooperate. They have been getting on my last little nerve.

I've been meaning to go through my stash and plan out by month what I'd like to stitch for 2009; and I still plan on doing so. This is more difficult than I thought. I failed to remember that I need to allow time for my UFO's as well - don't know when I'm going to get those in there. Anyhoo, I decided to borrow Barbara's idea of saying (and hopefully doing :o) I'll stitch project A on this day and project B on this day and I'll reserve the weekends for project(s) C and D, (ahhhh) and so forth! I think this may help get things done around here. I don't belong to any SAL's and exchanges so I'm basically stitching for myself and my family. Quick thought...I started a Stacy Nash today called Emma's Sampler. It's really cute and a quick stitch. I started it because I know I can get it done rather quickly and I really really want to use my walnut crystals I got for Christmas. I've got a terrible itch to try these babies out! And I'll get my first finish in for 2009! LOL

Here are the 2 SN pieces I'm currently working on. There are lots of other projects literally laying around here, but I'll post those at another time.

Back to the quilting topic for a moment...I checked out a quilt book from the library on Saturday because I need a refresher. I know how to quilt, but it's been sometime since I really quilted. I can machine and hand sew so that gives me a start. What I love about Tanya's personal finishing is that she uses a lot of quilting techniques. She makes small table runners, quilt hangings and the list goes on. But what intrigues me most is that she is a cross stitcher by nature and in heart, but she has this innate capability to incorporate her cross stitching with fabric that would typically be used for quilt-making. Anyway, she inspires that old quilting ability within and I am flooded with all types of possibilities for my own finishing. So, with that being said, I wanted to check out a quilt book that I don't have in my own home library, something new to my eyes, for inspiration. There is just so much I want to do with my fabric stash and at times I don't know where to begin. And as I've said in the past, I love fat quarters!

Aside from stitching and crafts, I didn't make new year resolutions for 2009. Not that I don't need any changes to occur, but why a new year to make positive changes? Why not just "do it" just because? Anyway, I've made no resolutions. I have set goals. Don't get me wrong...I'm in full support for anyone and everyone who makes resolutions for themselves. I think it's great ~ fantastic really! But for me, I set myself up for failure and I would rather take my time and let life be as it may. I do things the moment they are perfect and in line with me and my circumstances. I do love planning and routine. I'm compulsive when it comes to this territory, but things are hectic already without setting myself up for rules or limitations. I'm satisfied with things right now.

I lost 55 lbs in 2008 and my goal was to lose weight, and I did. I didn't set a limit on pounds, I just wanted weight to come off. As it started to come off, the motivation kicked in instead of kicking me. Eventually half a person went away and I'm relatively back to my pre-baby weight. I quit smoking on August 8, 2006 and I haven't smoked since, not once, not even close. The only plan for quiting was that I wanted a baby. Simple as that! I haven't had any alcohol since June 16, 2006, not a drop. I wasn't an alcoholic or anything, but around that time I knew I wanted to have more children and I started with getting rid of the easiest thing in my life; alcohol. Then came cigarettes. Then came better eating habits. Next came baby and life was good! Life is still good and here I am!

Recently I had a good little chat with Petra. She really is an amazing person and has this fantastic view on things. More importantly, I have grown to realize she is one of the best mothers I've met without really meeting her. Stop by her website and check her out. She's also quite the busy stitcher...always banging out those quick stitch weekend projects. :o) And her son James is the cutest little blonde!

Movies...I recently watched We Own the Night with Mark Wahlberg and Joaquin Phoenix. Talk about violent. Good, but violent! Check out the trailer above. Has anyone watched Dexter on Showtime? I don't have cable, but my parents own seasons 1 and 2 of Dexter and I HIGHLY recommend you see it. Dexter is a serial killer, but no ordinary serial killer, who works in a crime lab. A serial killer you actually fall in love with. Michael C. Hall (from Six Feet Under) who plays the character of Dexter is so remarkable in this role and is sooooo heavenly on the eyes. I'm almost done with season 1 and my mom says season 2 is even better. Once I stop blogging and submitting this post I'm off to watch my Dexter some more. ;o) He's so addictive!

I've got to run. I'll post more tomorrow. My laptop is sick right now and my DH says he's going to fix it. My reason for absence is that in order to check email and blog regularly I have to use my desk computer which isn't convenient for me while having Cameron with me all day. With my laptop I can sit in the main part of house and have my eyes on him the entire time. Our office is not ideal for Cameron and I to be in right now. I'm off to say goodnight!

Here is my motto for 2009 and for the rest of my life...Progress, not perfection! (Thanks Dad! I love you!)

1.1.09

I wish everyone a peaceful and prosperous 2009!

Many blessings to you and yours!!!

New Year's Eve Song ~ Auld Lang Syne

"The traditional song for ringing in the New Year in almost every English speaking country in the world is Auld Lang Syne. This New Year Song is generally credited to Robert Burns, but earlier versions of this ballad precede his time. Burns combined a common Scottish folk song with his own lyrics to arrive at the version commonly sung on New Year's Eve."

"What is the meaning of this New Year's Eve Song? Auld Lang Syne is about old friends who have parted and meet again. To celebrate their long friendship, they share a drink together and reminisce of memories from long ago. The basic message is that we should not forget our old friends and should celebrate a reunion with them. When the clock strikes midnite on New Year's Eve, gather everyone together at your party or celebration to sing the New Year's Song and remember the good memories of family and friends from long ago."

No matter how hard I try I can never remember the lyrics to this wonderful and meaningful song. The link I provided has the lyrics.

resolutions???

It's the day before New Year's Eve and I've been pondering that big thing that everyone tries to do each year...make New Year's resolutions. I've never been one to make resolutions. One, for fear of never fulfilling them, therefore, disappointing myself and feeling defeated. Two, it's extremely difficult to maintain and follow through with those resolutions, especially ones that have the ability to alter one's life such as weight loss, quitting smoking, etc. Bad habits are hard to quit and change, don't you think? Thankfully, I kicked the smoking habit over 2 years ago so I'm safe there. And after my son was born I had lots of weight to lose which took me a year or so to get off. I lost 55 lbs in one year. I still have about 10-15 lbs left to shed, but I'm not going to worry about it now. I don't exercise...but wait, isn't chasing a toddler around exercise? LOL

I decided that the word "resolutions" isn't for me. Thanks to Suzann, she has inspired a different approach to my new year. I've decided to drop "resolutions" from my vocabulary and add "goals" to my new year instead. From now on I'm calling it New Year's Goals. I like goals. I can handle goals! ...........Now I have to stop and think about which goals I need to check off my list, but first I need a list. :o)

dec 29

Today was a fun-filled day! I just wished I could have blogged about it earlier. My LNS is having an After-Christmas Sale from the 26-31. Great sales are to be had! My Dad was kind enough to watch my boys while me and Mom hit the shop. Besides, we both had gift certificates to spend!!!

All punchneedle charts are buy 1 get 2 FREE. 40% off ALL kits. Vintage/Old charts are 10 for $1.00 ~ can't beat that. There are lots of other knitting and framing sales as well. I was able to find 11 vintage/old charts - tons of primitive, folk art type designs. I got 3 punchneedle charts, but only had to pay for one! Even though the fabric wasn't marked down, I still had to make a purchase ~ I always do! :o) I bought enough fabric for a Stacy Nash design I purchased while there (not on sale though) called 3 Little Pumpkins - Pinkeep Drum ~ so cute! And I believe the little bird pattern is also included, but I'll have to double check. I also purchased a little tote that I plan to embroider, but I have no idea what design that'll be...Maybe one of primitivebettys fabulous freebie designs. :o) I bought a ready-made flip pillow kit, minus the pillow form. All I have to do is stitch it up. It's really cute! The colors of the fabric are wonderful and it'll stitch quick. Me and Mom had a fun time going through everything. We took our time too, which was really nice. Afterwards, we picked up some lunch for all the boys. My parents were headed to Arkansas to visit my Grandparents for a couple days. They were leaving after our lunch.

Cameron took a long, much needed nap: 3 hours to be exact. He was so tired from playing with Papa and Jose. I was able to get some stitching time in. Jose played with his rifle and pistol BB guns and afterwards we played with one of Jose's new toys. Remember those little ovens as a child? Well, they make one for Pokemon. We made Pokemon characters out of mold. It was pretty cool. Jose got the knack fairly quickly. By the end of the evening Jose made 6 of them-all different colors too.

I was able to finish a 2002 Reindeer freebie from The Prairie Schooler, but I don't have photos yet. I'll post them at some point in the near future. DH is leaving town Tuesday to attend a very large New Year's Eve party up in Indiana with his best friend from high school. I could have gone but I just didn't feel like it. Instead, my parents are going to get snacks, movies, games, and sleeping bags together, and me and the boys, plus one of our dogs, are going to spend the night New Year's Eve and welcome in the New Year. It should be a lot of fun and I'm really looking forward to it.

As you can tell I changed my blog background. I am sooo relieved too! I have been tinkering with it for days and I was about to give up until today. Waa-Laa!!! I figured it out. Thankfully, Tanya is always helpful and she lend me her suggestions. She's great! Thank you, Tanya!

I think I'm off to bed. Well...in bed to stitch. Sleeping will come later. I can't wait to get all this Christmas stuff down because I'm soooo ready for my house to look normal again. I'll probably get to the decorations tomorrow. At least most of them anyway. Depending on the weather, I may take the boys out so Jose can cash in some of his gift certificates. But we'll see.

Nighty-night and thanks for stopping by!

more presents!!!

My boys received a wonderful surprise the other day. The mail lady came to our door with a special package for Cameron and Jose. They both were excited! And let's face it, Cameron feeds off Jose's energy and we know what that means...no rest for anyone!

The big box was from Aunt Pam and Cousins Alex and Austin. It was more Christmas presents!!! Yay!!! Cameron got a magnetic barnyard that plays music and has different farm animals to switch around. He received 2 magnificent children books... Where the Wild Things Are by Maurice Sandek and Mary Engelbreit's Mother Goose: One Hundred Best-Loved Verses; both hardback. Of course, fabulous books! Jose sat and read Mother Goose and I read Where the Wild Things Are aloud.

Jose received a Target gift card and a Bruce Springsteen CD. He's a HUGE fan of "The Boss" and so is my Aunt Pam. He also got a doll from Austin and Alex that's called Big Toe. It's one of those Ugly Dolls ~~ and it's far from ugly. It's rather cute!

The most treasured gift was Cameron's quilt from dear Aunt Pam. Like I've said before and I'll keep saying, she does excellent work no matter what craft it is. I was really surprised when we opened the quilt up. It's just darling! It's called Counting to Ten. And it his bright and vibrant. Perfect for Cameron. Here are the boys opening up their gifts.

Cameron was wrapped in his new quilt and motioned "TA-DAA!!!"

Thank you Aunt Pam, Kari & Ray, and Cousins Austin and Alex, for thinking of Jose and Cameron!

family christmas

This is a picture of Jose holding Cameron days after he was born (8/2007). Cameron had to be admitted into the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit after birth so Jose waited patiently to hold his new baby brother. My parents turned this into a Christmas card last year and under the photo it said Peace On Earth. It was perfect!

I hope everyone had a peaceful Christmas Day with family and friends! I've read several blogs and notice that everyone DID have a wonderful day and that makes me feel so happy. I know I had choice words about my reluctance towards this year's Christmas, but I am happy to post that my Christmas turned out better than I had anticipated ~ and I can't complain. I had a nice day, tiring, but really nice. I didn't feel rushed which is how I normally feel.

Our day started as most households with young children begin. Running about wildly! Eyes glazed over mysterious presents and anxiously waiting for 'Ma and Pa' to rise from bed. Cameron was so cute! He did notice that there were toys for him ~ he's so observant.

The broom and the Elmo-talking chair were Cameron's favorite so far.

Jose's favorites were his rifle and pistol (both BB guns) and a DVD player for his room.

The kids played around with their new toys and I cleaned everything up (what else is new?). DH and Jose went outside to test out the BB guns, and they had lots of fun shooting at targets in the backyard. We got ready and headed over to Grandpa's house for brunch. Brunch was delicious!!!

We had pumpernickel toast and Lox. Yum~Yum! It was gooooood! Grandpa can cook.

Look at Cameron's smirk...he kept messing with the fireplace screen and it kept falling on him.

But don't worry...Cameron wasn't harmed by anyway and Daddy was safely by his side...of course in this photo it appears Daddy isn't doing anything to help "Mini-Me" out.

We had a nice visit with Grandpa. Jose got a gift certificate, which he loves getting, and Cameron got some much needed outfits. DH and I got some kitchen aids, which we needed as well. After spending time with Grandpa and eating brunch we drove over to Nana and Papa's for round 3. It's always a big ole' time at Nana and Papa's house. They make everything "fun" for everyone and yet again, they've spoiled all of us rotten.

Jose played "Santa" this year ~ he loves it too! Cameron was a wee bit shy of Jose's new face. :o)

Cameron received the new talking, moving, and interactive Elmo which is so realistic even Daddy loved getting hugs from Elmo. LOL

Jose was so overjoyed by the dart board, Pikachu doll, video games and gift certificates that he could hardly contain his enthusiasm. The kids had a blast! Us 'big kids' had a blast too. DH received a very handsome t-shirt :o) and a HUGE bottle of Gio' cologne (one of the best smells on earth, btw). Take a look at DH supporting that new T...

...and he WILL!!!!

I got some cool stuff too! Are you sitting down??? I got 18 different cross stitch charts, walnut crystals, 3 calendars, 2 craft-type books, and the best is the clock my mother gave to me.

I love this clock!!

After presents we giggled and ate. We had lasagna and it was go-od!!! I took this picture of Cameron while I was standing back observing his actions. He caught me catching him. I was catching him in the act of his usual "cliff hanging" (climbing a BIG problem for us) and here is the face that he gave me.

Lil' Devil, ugh?...and this is what he was up to. Mind you, there is a table in front of him and he's standing on a foot stool that he pushed over to the edge (he also stole his brother's cookie too and was munching on that). His intentions were NOT to look this cute after all...they were to............

...push the foot stool over to the table...climb onto the stool...give Mama my most fabulous grin...climb up onto the table...and use the phone. I have to warn you. He might just be calling you. He called Canada twice. Alabama, New Hampshire, my mother's cell and her house and a friend. So watch out! If you here baby babble, it's Mr. Cameron. :o) Please be kind to this prank caller!

We finished the evening off with some pecan pie. Hey, who ate that one little piece before I could take this picture??? Daaaad!!!!

Thanks so much for stopping by. I've enjoyed sharing our Christmas with all of you! Bring on the New Year!!!

Merry Christmas!!!

Today is a busy one for us. First, we have our Christmas here at home. Afterwards, we'll be heading to my FIL's for visiting and a traditional family breakfast. We'll hang there for the afternoon. Lastly, we head to my parents' house for dinner and our Christmas Day evening. This is like the finale to our day. The kids are always spoiled and the food is always scrumptious. We're having lasagna, garlic bread, salad, and all kinds of pies and tasty treats.

From my family to yours, we hope your day is complete with peace, tradition, memories and love. I know ours will! Merry Christmas to All and to All a special day!

Happy Birthday, Jesus and Merry Merry Christmas to YOU!