heart attack...four times over

After picking Jose up from school, me and the two boys went to Kroger to get a few items and a bag of dog food. When we got home I asked Jose to feed the dogs, but he needed to open the new bag bc we were out. Look at what I caught him using in order to get the bag of dog food open. I had a heart attack! Seriously!!! I couldn't believe this child. I nearly died! I ripped those suckers out of his hands (not really but I felt like it) and told him to get the kitchen scissors, not my embroidery scissors...EVER!!!! Ahhhhhhhh...

Today me and Cameron were at mom's house. We haven't been there in nearly 3 weeks so it was time for a day-long visit. I mentioned awhile back that me and mom are participating in a mother-daughter round robin. This is my first one. We decided to share-stitch Shores from Carriage House Samplings.

We are using 40 ct and I'm really excited! I haven't stitched on that high of count before; mom has though. We're using Needlepoint Silks and I've not used those before either; mom has though. Mom's done everything I think. She's such a precise stitcher. Her work is beautiful! If it weren't, she wouldn't be fortunate enough to work for Hoffman. I learned everything about stitching from her. I get to take my stab at this piece and I'm anxiously waiting until I put my needle to fabric on this one. Since I haven't added it to my current rotation I will add this as a "daily stick." I will stitch on this piece at least 1 hour per day. I have the next block to the right.

My mom recently stitched a birth sampler for Cameron's room. The design is from Sisters and Best Friends. It's so precious! I love it! I love how the frame hugs the piece, and I love, love, love that sweet little verse.

While at mom's I went through her quilting fabric stash and she allowed me to borrow some rather large pieces to cut my own from. She's so nice!

Here's where I had heart attack #2. These are full yards of fabric. The red fab belonged to my grandmother so there is no telling how old it is. My Aunt Pam might know the answer-Pam? The sampler fabric feels so soft ~ almost a sheen cotton or flannel; not sure. They are both so pretty. I can't wait to use a piece. :D

These are fat quarters she had. I was really looking for something similar to the red plaid, but came out with so much more. LOL The printed fab is so unique. I might make a pincushion out of this. The style is sewing so how fitting, ugh?!

And heart attack #3...

These 3 containers of "stuff" belonged to my grandmother. My grandma was quite the creative gal. She did everything besides quilt, but she had a ton of fabric. There is a lot of crochet supplies and a nice little collection of needles. I don't crochet, but I think I'll learn. The far right container is bunches of lace, ribbon and whatever else you can think of. This isn't all my mom has either. My mom will never get rid of this stuff, but my mom won't use it either. However, I will find some use and I too will NEVER give this away or get rid of it. It means too much to us. Anyway, the reason for the 3rd heart attack is that my mom let me have ALL this. I'm touched that she was able to part with it. She is so sentimental and it's difficult for her to part with anything that belonged to those that have passed. I am warmed that I get it!

The 4th and final heart attack (well, the first of four) was yesterday morning. We actually got snow! What the ____?!?!?! (pardon me) I was absolutely floored when we woke to this. We never get snow in March ~ not in Nashville, Tennessee. Anyhoo, it didn't last long enough for anyone to enjoy it though. The snow only stuck around for 2 hours and then puff, it was gone. This is about as much enjoyment as we got. Jose got creative for Cameron's sake.

Just a dusting really.

It's been freezing lately. Tonight's overnight low is 18 F and our high was only 35 F. Stay warm where ever you are and stitch til your heart's content. The kiddos are warmly tucked in and I think I'll head to bed and stitch on Monday's piece and maybe squeeze a little Shores in there too. :D

Gnight!

loooooong overdue (post)...and some funnies

I am 8 days overdue from posting our family fun-filled day getaway to the Tennessee Aquarium on Saturday, February 21st. There was ups and downs. There was crazy and calm moments. There was 'take me out back and shoot me' moments. There was sweaty moments (more of that later) and crappy moments (I can't even share this story with you). And lastly, there was moments we'll never forget and sadly I'd do this ALL over again! (Lord, what is wrong with me?)

First, a few things. Before starting this one-day road trip we had to drop my DH's truck off at Firestone for a diagnostic - it's acting funny. Then we needed to put oil in my car before making the 2-hour car drive so we stopped at the auto parts store to make a purchase. During our trip Cameron lost his pacifier in the back seat and Jose wasn't cooperating in finding it so DH almost turned the car around, but Jose changed his ways. We finally get to Chattanooga and by this time it was our lunch time. Chili's it was! We had a major episode there that we just cannot discuss, and if we did, I'd have to come to your state or country and kill you. (Not really, but lets assume so for my sake.)

Mommy to the rescue and we headed off to Wal-mart for a solution. Thankfully we had GPS and found one. And wouldn't you know, I found this awesome patchwork purse in the meanwhile and I just had to get it. (I bought that wooden bird as a souvenir from the aquarium and it was fitting for the occasion. I mean, after this trip I was a little coo-coo. You know 'one flew over the coo-coo's nest'.)

After purchasing our tickets we entered into the first building. Try to understand this, it was windy that day and a little chilly. We were herded in the doorway like a bunch of cows for one. Then we were forced to stand in front of a green screen and have our photo taken. My DH asked, "Do we have to?". My question exactly! If they had known what we just went through for the last 4 hours, and I wish you all could have known to the extent that we know), you would have felt the same way. This picture was horrible, but DH bought it anyway. I looked like a rock star with my hair over half the side of my face (wind blown) and my glasses didn't have enough time to go back to being glasses. I have the kind that tint with sunlight. Chris looked like he was on drugs. Jose looked "relieved" (can't tell you why), and Cameron looks like a deer in headlights.

Continuing on...Cameron had his first (of many I'm sure) meltdowns in front of the frolicking otters, among dozens of thrill seeking families. No offense, but while wrestling to get Cameron back in his seat I felt like Cameron was Travis the chimp that was shot by the police; only we didn't shoot him. No, we stuck a bottle in his mouth to shut him up...and it worked. Whew!!! It took me and DH 5 minutes to get that boy fastened into his stroller. We were sweating something terrible afterwards and our next stop ~~~ tropical world. Yay!!! (not)

Heading east through Tennessee is breathtaking. The mountains and hills are gorgeous and relatively it's an uphill drive a lot of the way. I took photos of us driving up the mountainside. Sorry for the dirty windshield, but the mountains were to0 nice to pass up.

Up, up, up we go!

There was still ice on these cliffs. It was so pretty! But watch out for falling rocks.

The most beautiful part about driving up is that it winds several times. It's just really lovely when the mountains break apart and there is open valleys. Just stunning!

Once at the top, there are several different signs. There is a 6% grade downhill and it is dangerous if you're not careful. Trucks have to be on the right side and they go really slow.

Weeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee

The brown raised dirt on the side of the road is called a "Runaway Truck Ramp". No need to explain that one to you. Scary stuff.

Weeeeeeeeeee

Whew! Finally made it to the bottom and we're just about to downtown Chattanooga.

We had Chili's for lunch when we arrived in Chattanooga and this was the first time Cameron sat in a booster seat. He usually sits in a high chair. He had a great time in a big boy chair. Jose didn't have such a remarkable time at Chili's. I've promised him I wouldn't divulge his little mishap. (Just between you and me, it wasn't so 'little'--shh!)

In warmer weather the small rocks are filled with water and kids really enjoy trying to pass over them without getting wet...and of course, it never works. They get wet. Jose doesn't care though; he'll go dry or wet. Hey Mom!

DH: Jose, look! It's a meteor coming our way!
Jose: Nawwwwwwww! Hold me, Chris!
Dude in yellow back pack: Ugh, where?

Mr. Puffer fish - I was in love with this little guy!

ALL MY GUYS!

A view of the Tennessee River from the aquarium.

My big baby! The rocking chairs were made from recycled milk cartons.

These sting rays were so cool. I have never seen any sting ray like this. They were fresh water sting ray, and I didn't know they even existed. Learn something new everyday.

We didn't know this kid, but this giant butterfly landed on his head before he was leaving. I didn't like this. I scurried out the door. I don't want that Sasquatch of a butterfly landing on me. What if it spits? LOL

These little penguins were one of my highlights. I loved this exhibit. They were popping up everywhere and then leaping back into the water. It was freezing inside this place too. Duh!

JAWS anyone!?!?

Jose being Jose. He's such a Joker!

Since no flash was allowed, I had Jose turn his camera's red light on and then I took my picture with my camera. It's an octopus if you can't tell. Imagine that thing sucking on your face!!! OMG!

Yummy - wanna come home with us Mr. Crab?

I know this is difficult to see but there was no flash photography allowed and I wanted to obey the rules and not hurt the fishes. What I'm trying to photograph are the 5 tanks of hundreds of jellyfish inside these tank tubes. The tanks changed colors every few seconds and it was really fascinating. After I took this, I felt like I was in the movie Alien. It was a bit creepy actually...and I have a fear of water. (Ahh...where's my flame thrower, honey?)

WARNING!!! Excuse me???

I took this photo of the shark and the sting ray (photo below) while underneath the giant tank they were in. It was really really neat and a first experience for all of us.

This was the quietest they had been ALL day long.

C'mon...gimme a wet fishy kiss!

What does Cameron do best??? Climb obviously!

When we were leaving, outside was a horse drawn carriage with a Dalmation, of all things, purched up on the seat. It was really cute! They stirred quite the audience from the street.

Jellyfish video below...please click to start.

Thanks for putting up with me and my family and sticking around for ALL these photos. Believe me...I could have wasted even more of your time by posting all 150, but I'll let you get back to stitching and crafting. :D Wished you could have been there! LOL LOL LOL LOL (not)

real quick...

...I wanted to post my finished punchneedle piece called Family by Erica Michaels. I punched this years ago, but never finish-finished it, and now I have! I like how it turned out. I wanted to keep it simple because my idea is to place this in the center of a wall and then get a picture of every person in our family to surround it. I think it'll look neat. I was even thinking about making all the photos in black and white or sepia - what do you think?

I used a reproduction cotton sheen fabric and cut it an inch larger than the mat board. Once I had that set I used Mod Podge to stick the Family in center. I bought that frame at Michaels for $3.00 and I didn't want or need the glass. As we all know, photos never do a piece any kind of justice, so please use your imagination. The fabric is also very soft to the touch.

Well, that's it for me. I'm off to sit in bed and watch an old classic 80's movie: Peggy Sue Got Married. I love this movie! This was one of the first movies that Jim Carrey was in; when Kathleen Turner was gorgeous, and Nicolas Cage was scrawny and nasely. LOL The movie makes me cry every time. Family is all we have, you know. How fitting for my piece, ugh? I didn't plan this, honest. :D

Goodnight!

finishing fridays

I haven't put in one stitch into Friday's rotation project which is Hallow's Eve Pillow by Stacy Nash (the night is still young and I'm an owl - HOOHOO). However, my last post was very productive and today I've been a tad bit more productive. I have two complete finishes. I am more than happy about these pieces! I'll start off small.

This is Twisted Oaks Designs Needle Nanny stitched with Dinky Dyes stitched over one. I stitched this at least a year ago and never assembled it. So today I just had to get it out and finish the sweet little thing. Normally I don't stitch things like this, but the subject hits home and my purchase of the kit benefits breast cancer research so what better reason is there. My MIL, Barbara, died of breast cancer after a 9 year struggle and journey. She passed away June 1, 2006 and things have not been the same without her. Ever since her death numerous changes have occurred and they continue to change. I, for one, quit smoking shortly after her death and haven't smoked since; not a puff ~ Nada! I'm not sure what it was, but her passing changed something in me and today I still can't put my finger on it. Maybe it has to do with watching someone die...Anyway, I had to finish this up. Besides, I bought it because of Barb. Okay enough heart-touching stuff...onto one of my favorites!

Sarah's ABC Pincushion (Thank you, Sarah Tobias booklet) - Blackbird Designs

I took several different photos. Some with flash, some without. This little gem is probably one of my favorite works I've done thus far, other than my mom's birthday present I made for her last year. I could not be happier on the way this long pillow turned out. I worked real hard at finishing this with as much perfection as I could muster. The seams are perfect and my measurements are to my liking because the design didn't call for additional quilt-like piecing and that's what I did ~ I thought outside the box! I had soooooooooo much fun machine sewing and assembling. There were a couple of times I had to stop and think about my direction, and I made a mistake once and had to bring out the trusty seam ripper, but I prevailed and alas this was my result. I took a piece of lacey material that I cut from an old place mat I had and attached it using a couple of vintage buttons. That old key belonged to my grandmother and I'm lucky to have it. I filled the pillow pincushion with corn cob bedding I purchased at the pet store. It is a good filler too!

Anyway, I am far behind in my post about last Saturday. I took 144 photos of our trip to the Tennessee Aquarium in Chattanooga. I will eventually post snippets of that trip. (Don't worry ~ I won't post all 144 photos LOL!)

I have made a list, a giant list, of projects I'd like to get to. And I will in due time, but baby steps to the finish line. I have some really cute things I'd like to attempt and I'll post about those later on too. I'm leaving you now. Jose wants to watch a scary movie.