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!)

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!

lunch, quiet time, & afternoon blogging

My little one is napping. My big one is playing games in his room. And I'm having a cozy little lunch of tomato soup and hard salami with cream cheese. It is really hitting the spot. Instead of one can of water, I use one can of milk ~ much more creamier. I also have the backdrop noise of one of my favorite Christmas movies: National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation with Chevy Chase. I just love this movie! So right now, I am having an intimate moment with myself and loving every moment of it. I decided this be a good time as any to submit a post.

It is 3 days until Christmas~~Ahhhh! I have only a little shopping yet to be had, but nothing major - thankfully! I've noticed that all the blogs have slowed down and I have to admit that I'm missing each and every one of you already. But it warms my heart that you all are with family and loved ones and I know you're enjoying the season. In a previous post I mentioned my Grandmother's angel not yet making it to the top of our tree. Well...she made it! First, it gives my heart a hug everytime I pull the angel out of the box. Grandma would be pleased that I cherish this keepsake so much. She sits atop our tree every year. My Grandma made the angel herself out of plastic canvas and yarn. The wings and star detach which is great for storing her. Grandma made a few of these angels for everyone in the family and I'm so blessed that I got one. Here she is...

Not sure if anyone remembers our tree dilemma. We had to opt out our standard 6-7 foot tree because Cameron is quite the monkey-face these days and it would have been a lot of trouble keeping him "out" of the tree. It would have been a mess and not worth the headache. So reluctantly we purchased a 2-3 foot tree and we weren't thrilled, but we remembered what was truly important. I didn't know how I was going to adorn the little tree. I think my Mom might have felt bad about our dilemma and while we were at Joann's in the beginning of the month she was gracious and loving and bought us a 4 foot pre-lite tree that was on sale. We figured we could put it on top of a table and Cameron wouldn't have it so easy. I had to carefully pick which ornaments were to adorn the tree bc of lack of size and room. These will probably be the last Christmas decoration photos I'll post...maybe! lol Here is our 4 foot tree all done.

Here's what I did to our 2-3 foot tree. Nothing much, but better than the alternative. It has little red hearts and very small fiberfilled ornaments such as gingerbread boys, presents, drums and so forth. There's a tiny strand of gold garland and teeny-tiny clear angels. I put a small silver bow for the top because both my angels are way too large for this Charlie Brown Christmas tree. :o)

Here are some more photos of decorative items. Enjoy!

This was a make-it and take-it at my LNS a couple months back. I finally tacky glued the silver and red cording to the back last night. It's meant to hang around a large glassed candle, but I decided to use it as an ornament for the tree. I cut that snowflake myself too. :o)

Jose made this hanging photo frame of himself in 2002. He was so little then!

I stitched this many years ago. It was one of the first things I stitched and had finished professionally. The back is a green velvet and is sooo soft. The design is The Artists Collection. The linen was Raspberry and was difficult for me to stitch on at the time. I wasn't used to stitching on dark linen then. I don't have any problems now. :o)

I purchased this framed chalk board/cork board from Goodwill months ago for only $4.00.

Santa is checking on the 5-day weather report. This little guy is so precious. Squeeze his hand and he says, "Remember..the magic of Christmas lies in your heart."

I must leave now. Cameron has woke from his nap and we have to meet DH at Firestone. Something is wrong with his vehicle. And at 3:45 I have to take Cameron back to the doctor. Poor baby has the runniest nose I've ever seen and he can hardly eat because of the drainage. Well, this makes 6 times to the doc's office this month. Enjoy your afternoon!

for me???

I am absolutely stunned and my heart couldn't be more content right now! Betty of Primitive Bettys has just granted me my first Blog Award. I've received the Butterfly Blog Award because of having a "cool" blog. Thank you so much, Betty, for thinking of me!!! Thank you! Thank you! I will display it proudly!

Now I must pass the torch to 10 blogspots that I think stand out and are cool. (If you didn't make the list of 10, you are still in my thoughts and one I admire just as much. :-))

Here are the rules that apply:

1. Put the logo on your blog.
2. Add a link to the person who awarded you.
3. Nominate 10 other blogs for this award.
4. Add links to those blogs.
5. Leave a message for your nominees on their blogs.
6. Give a reason why you consider their blogs cool.

And the award goes to...

1. Tanya of At The Honeysuckle Tree
2. Beth of The Twist Family
3. Lori of Farmhouse Notforgotten
4. Mary Kathryn of eHandcrafts Stitching Room
5. Kathy of Carriage House Samplings & Mo Jewelry
6. Staci of Snippets and Stash
7. Petra of Time To Stitch
8. Barbara of Grannies Blog
9. Betty of Primitive Bettys (Betty is excused from the rules :-)
10. Marte of Boggy Creek Primitives

Instead of posting an individual post to all 10 recipients, I've decided to sum up what their blogs do for me and just tell you right here, right now why they deserve this Butterfuly Award. The blogs that I've listed are inspirational on so many levels. Each lady brings their own wisdom to our table of stitchers. All of you help motivate and inspire me in lots of ways and make me a better stitcher, a better finisher, and even a better blogger. Thanks Ladies!

Thanks again, Betty, for awarding me this Butterfly Award!