A lot of Stitching and some frogging

I've been working hard on this piece since it is due June 1. It won't be done by then but it will be done next week some time. Somewhere I made a mistake and although I frogged some I could not find it, so I improvised and am hoping for the best. The problem area was in the boy's face. Hopefully the people receiving it won't notice. It is going on a quilt Cross Stitching for Charity is doing from Ruth Moorehead's book Go Team Go.
I think summer has come early, we have 80's this week, then over the weekend upper 70's. That will be nice for Memorial Day Weekend. Anyone have special plans for it? I don't think I do.
Does anyone watch Dancing with the Stars? I love that show. I know who I want to win and I know who I don't want. So far I've been on the mark on who was going off so we'll see tonight. If Nicole and Derrick win then I'll have a perfect score on guessing this season. Tonight is going to be hard though as usually I go back and forth between DWTS and NCIS on Tuesday nights.
Well. until next time Happy Stitching! Thank You for reading my blog.

Soccer Player

After the disaster with the Birth Sampler I started a flower and butterfly piece, but then this piece came up. Cross Stitchers for Charity was do a quilt from Ruth Morehead's book "Go Team Go" published by Gloria & Pat. One of the ladies had signed up for 4 squares and could see she wasn't going to get all 4 done so I took the Soccer Player as it had more color than the other piece did. (White on white just doesn't go with me). Thing is it is due June 1 so I've been spending a lot of time on dit the past few days. Like most Ruth Morehead pieces the hair and face take up half the pattern I think. But he's finally starting to take shape. I also have a little bit of the soccer ball in there.
It's been a busy week. We did have our last BSF meeting this past Wed. Boy this year went by so fast. I'll miss it during the summer months. In the fall we start back up and will be studying the book of Isaiah which should be interesting. We are all looking forward to it.
I just got an invitation to our GRSBM Alumni reunion in June. I wish I could go but not this year. Speaking of which today is the anniversary of my graduation from Grand Rapids School of Bible and Music. Never mind how many years ago! lol but it's been at least 30 but not 40.

A lot of Progress

I think I have over twice as much done on this piece as I had 3 days ago. It is moving very fast. So much easier than I thought it would be yet has enough detail to be challenging enough to hold my interest. I think this will go to Addie but if not if will go to Chelsea then. I'd like to have both thier birth samplers done by the end of summer. I'm also posting a picture of what the piece will look like when it's done. The thing I am noticing on this kit is it really cut me short on the yellow floss. Fortunately I have some here and the shading matched. I'm not sure I like the way the first Princess eyes look. The scan makes her look so much worst than what it looks in person. Usually the scans make a piece look better.
This coming Wed. is our last BSF Meeting for the year. I hate to see it end I enjoyed it so much. Last week was the last time we meet in our own groups. We had lunch together afterwards and tried to get each other's e mails and those on Facebook connect with each other there. We had one person who was visiting from Singapore the last 3 months. She will be returning in a couple of weeks to Singapore. She said she might be back sometime next year (it really depends on if her job sends her here again or not.) We hope so.
Things are winding down for the summer but other things will be going on to be kept busy.
Well...until next time.....Happy Stitching! I'm going to read some more blogs.
It's a couple hours later and I have figured out why it looks so bad. I am not going to frog it as there would be too much to come out. This piece has gone into the garbage. I am so upset I could cry as I've made so many other attempts on Birth Samplers and all failed. Birth Samplers are not for me. Addie, Chelsea, Logan, Nicholas, Kate, and Scott are all just going to get pieces when they get older! I'm so frustrated and upset!

Princess Birth Sampler

I finally decided to get started on a birth sampler for Addie since she just had her 2nd birthday a little over a week ago. It is a Disney Princess Birth sampler. It really is going much better than I contemplated and I procrastanated starting it for that reason. Princess 1 I think is Snow White and is going fast. She looks a little odd here as her one side doesn't have the hair in yet. Honest it looks much better in person then here.
I also found a piece I want to do for the Flower and Butterfly quilt at Love Quilts. Typical of me, I signed up for a larger project then what I have the time to do. This one is still be Stoney Creek, it has pansies and is smaller, I have enough SC books that have butterflies in them I think I can find a couple of Butterflies to go on it. I'm anxious to start that but I want to get Addie's piece going really good first.
Tonight we have WMT Meeting. It's Women's Ministry Team at church. We put together Care Baskets and some of the ladies in the group deliver them. I hope to deliver this month if I can get someone to take me since I don't drive. We have to go in two's anyway so I don't think it'll be a problem.
My brother's fiancee's step father (he raised her) has cancer and has now spread to all his organs plus his brain. They found out in Nov. he had skin cancer on his face and it's been up and down ever since. Now he is on Hospice Care and they are telling the family it's a matter of time. He's ready to go home. He's a christian and knows he is going to heaven so he's at peace. Wendy is going to have to move in with her mother and take care of her as she needs constant care.
We only have 2 maybe 3 more BSF meetings, tomorrow being one of them. I learned so much this year I hate to see it end. Our group is having it's final fellowship afterwards. I made brownines for it.
Well, until next time Happy Stitching!

Bookmark is finished

I didn't think I would get this done today, let alone this morning but I did. So it's washed and ironed and I have started my Birth Sampler for Addie. Finally, it only took two years. But so far it's going good. It's from a Janlynn Kit called Disney Princess's Birth Sampler. Addie is such a little Princess and loves her Princess dolls so this will fit her just fine. I can tell right now this will be an on-going piece. A lot of back stitching etc in it. I know I should have started my piece for Love Quilts but wasn't quite ready to do another difficult pattern, I want to find an easier one for her.
I will have to admit I sort of improvised on this piece a little too much as I could have made it longer than what I did. Using 14 count material I shortened it too much.
Well...nothing has happened since yesterday so until next time Happy Stitching!

Pineapple Bookmark

This is what I have done on this piece after about 12 hours of stitching. I hope to have it done Sunday so I can turn it in. Otherwise I'll just wait until next month to turn the two bookmarks in with whatever ones I have done in June.
I ordered about 5 new bookmark books to give me a variety to work with. I should find enough in them for a few months anyways.
Looks like we are in for a cool rainy weekend. The grass and flowers need it.
We had our end of year Leaders Night Out Wed. night. They presented funny little award certificates. Problem with mine they put the wrong last name on it. I told them I was putting it in Barb Johnson's mailbox at church and she'll never know what it's about or who put it in until she asks around.
I have a question it's a two parter. Are you a stitcher who starts projects and then puts them in rotation? Or do you work on a project until it's finished. I tend to finish the piece before starting a new one unless it is so boring or so large I need to do another piece on the side.
I'm going to read some blogs now. I so enjoy reading blogs. Some of you make me so jealous. There are so many great stitchers out there, so many great projects I want to do.
Well...until next time Happy Stitching

Back to the Bookmarks

Tbis week I am back to doing the bookmarks. This one is in same book as the Blue Floral one and was much easier to do. I really enjoyed it.
I'm going to do something I shouldn't do, but I'm going to looking for some more bookmark patterns and baby patterns and order them. I had wanted to go a whole year without using my credit card on patterns, I should have known I wouldn't make it but I did make it to May!
I have to tell you what 3-year-old Johnny pulled in church yesterday. His SS class was singing. He knew the songs knew the motions. But that's not what Johnny did.....he decided to get in front of the kids and dance the whole time the kids were singing. LOL! I laughed so loud when I read that on Melissa's facebook page and read all the comments. I wish I could have seen it. Later when his dad talked to him about it he says "I can't wait to get the microphone in my hand!" Little ones, you never know what they are going to do or say. I called my mom and told her what her great grand son had done and she too laughed and says, "Well....we created that, he and Addie would entertain us by their singing and dancing so he decided to do it in front of his church." We created a little monster! Of course later he showed his stubborn streak at home, he was told to pick up his toys, wouldn't do it so was sent to his room....That stubborn little boy waited 3 1/2 hours before he would come down and pick up his toys! Battle of the wills there.
Saturday Addie turned two. Sounded like she had a pretty good birthday. She got a tricycle which she loves I'm sure, especially when she masters riding it.
Well....until next time....Happy Stitching!

The Giraffes are Finished! Happy Dancing

I finished them about a half hour ago. Did anyone hear the screaming and shouting! This pattern has been retired! It looked like it was going to be so easy and it was deceiving! Their cuteness lured me in!
Oh no! I just thought of something. I concentrated so hard on finishing these today I forgot to mail Addie her birthday card! She will be 2 tomorrow! I'll call her and tell her her card is coming and she has to make her mommy cash the check and take her to the store! She should get it Monday since they aren't that far from here. Also baby Katelyn will be 2 months tomorrow. Boy time goes fast when you grow old!
Tomorrow I'll start a bookmark in the morning then in the afternoon I'm going to a Pantry Chef party. It should be interesting. I've been to a couple of them a few years ago.
Our weather is so nice and warm! It feels wonderful.
Well---until next time Happy Stitching! I'm going to have a can of Pepsi to celebrate this finish of this piece!

Largest Giraffe is done!

I am so happy to have this giraffe finished. I also got the leaves in the middle in today. Real pleased with today's progress! Now I just have to finish the smaller giraffe. I hope to have this finished Firday, or Sat. morning for sure.
I am sorry this picture is a little dark. I have two scanners, the one I prefer to use for some reason isn't cooperating with me so had to use the other one. I need to figure out why the first one refuses to scan the pictures the way it should, it is getting older maybe that's why .
Not much has happened since last Friday so until next time Happy Stitching!

Progress on Giraffes

Thank you for all your comments to my blog and reading it. I love hearing from people. I am finding more and more blogs out there to read and enjoy. My blogroll is growing!
The larger giraffe is almost done. I am getting anxious to get this piece done but probably won't be for another 10 days. I won't have much stitching time over the weekend, if I do I will be working on the bookmarks again, only doing a couple of them this time.
This morning my sister brought her granddaughter in to see us, and another niece, Melissa, brought her two children. Johnny and Addie get along so well and just love playing together so we thought since Addie was coming in we'd ask Melissa to bring her two. Kate is only a month old so she just mostly slept but was so cute when she was awake. It was a noisy but fun morning. By the time everyone left, mom, Johnny, and Addie were all ready for naps. I'm hoping we can have a day this summer when Heather is off and take the kids to the park. They'd like that.
Well, until next time Happy Stitching!

Back to the Giraffes

I've only stitched on them about 14 hours the past two weeks but have made some progress on them. They are a little monotonous but enjoyable at the same time. I am anxious to get them done.
It is so nice out. Great walking weather. I just called my brother to see if I could walk their dog. He has to come get me. They are down to one car and Wendy has the car right now so we'll see.
Thank you for your comments to my bloggs, they mean a lot to me.
Tuesday the ladies put the Care Baskets together. I don't know if the book marks go sewn in time to get into the baskets. I had to go to a dinner for Love Inc. that night. We heard a really good quartet called Reaching out. It really was a nice evening. The food was good of course.
My niece, Amanda had her first child on Monday. They named him Scott Lucas. He lives in AL so once again, we won't see much of him. That brings total to 12 great nieces and nephews.
Kids club is winding down for the season. Only one more Wed. night and the carvival will be Sat. Apr. 24. I can't go to the carnival as other plans had been made. I was sort of disappointed this year. For one thing we went to new material and I wasn't impressed and the attendance dropped so severaly this year. Last Wed. we had 12 kids, and that was it. 13 adults. Now what's wrong with that picture. My big grip is the story time was a half hour way too long for the 4 th and 5th graders let alone the 4 year olds through 2 nd grade. Someone flunked Christian Ed 101 and it wasn't Tina and Tifany it was whoever wrote the material. Come to find out the use the very same material for adults, there's the problem. So hopefully next year different material will be used or this material will be modified. No wonder the kids dropped out. At one time we had close to 100 kids in Adventure Club. Sad... The church itself is growing so it's not we're shrinking.
Well...I've rambled enough. Until next time....Happy Stitching!

Third Bookmark done

I didn't get 5 done this week like I wanted. I didn't realize they would take so much time, especially this one. I talked to our Pastor's wife as she is in charge of the project and she said someone else was making bookmarks too so 2 or 3 a month would be fine. I had not planned on doing them every month I had planned on other things too but I'll talk to Char about that later. But if bookmarks is what she wants every month I will need to get more patterns won't I? Too bad for me, LOL! Any excuse to buy more patterns. I wish I could go Tuesday night to our first meeting but I'm going to a dinner with Love Inc. instead. They are having a dinner for the volunteers and those who run their food pantries. I committed myself to that without thinking. Oh well....they do have good food and the program isn't that long.

Now that I have these 3 bookmarks done it's back to the giraffes. I'll get them finished off then work on the bookmarks again. Until next time...Happy Stitching!

Second Bookmark done

This one was cute and fun to do. Once again someone else will make it into a bookmark. I had hoped to have 3 or 4 done by tomorrow. Not going to make it. Now I just hope I can get all 5 done by Sunday. I don't know.....

I am curious....Is anyone doing the 50 challenge? Or has that gone by the wayside? Did anyone actually make the 50 challenge? I'm hoping to this time....I've attempted several times but this time I hope to do it. Even if it means doing several small ones like bookmarks to get there.

Until next time Happy Stitching!

First Bookmark done

Well....it will be made into a bookmark, not by me but someone else. Our church is just starting a Women's Ministry, where we will do Care Baskets for those sick or shutin. I saw last Sunday they were looking for Bookmarks so I told our Pastor's wife I would do 5 of them. So the giraffes are laid aside for this week to get these done. I am hoping to have most of them done by Thurs. to give Charlene more time to find someone to make them into bookmarks. I do not sew! I flunked Home Ec in high school because I couldn't sew. And I haven't touched a machine since then.
Happy Belated Easter! I hope you all had a good one. We had a really nice Easter Service at church. A little sadness as a lady everyone liked who helped anyone she could, was in church last Sunday, died suddenly on Monday so her lost was very much felt and mentioned a lot through out the service. Her husband and all 5 of her children were in church and her grandchildren. She'd been delighted to of seen them all there. The music was wonderful. The choir sang and our Christian Ed Pastor sang a wonderful song tracing Christ life from birth to the cross to His Ressurrection. It was great.
After church I came home made my 7 layer bars for our family get together at my brother Kevin's. It was so good to see the kids again. Johnny got an Easter egg hunt. Katelyn smiled a lot. She's only a month old now. So all in all it was a great day.
Well....Dancing with the Stars is on so I want to watch it. You'll be hearing from me a lot this week anyway. Until next time Happy Stitching!

The worst part is done I think

I finally have the heads of both giraffes done. The second one was a challenge but it's finally done. Now I hope the rest of it goes better.

It is a beautiful day outside! It's 60's for us since we are on the Lakeshore but Inland is 70's. Very warm for this time of year. Next week is suppose to be a little cooler, but still above average. Snow is all gone until next season I am sure!


My niece posted a really cute picture of Nicholas in the outfit I got him when he was born and playing with his tools that I also got him when he was born. I just have to share it. A rare smile on his face as he usually is mezmorized by the camera and quits smiling and just stares when you take his picture. I think most babies are that way.
Well....until next time Happy Stitching!

Pictures of baby Nicholas

My sister is out west visiting her daughter-son-in-law and Nicholas right now. My niece posted these 3 pictures and I grabbed them. Nicholas looks like he is pinching my sister. My niece says that is his way of showing love. I love that picture of the two of them. Who Nicholas looks like is unknown. My niece and her husband claim there was a baby swap. LOL I doubt that. I think he has his Grandpa K's face shape and his mommy's big eyes, and I see some of his dad in him too. He just looks like Nicholas!
Our weather is starting to warm up! I think we are done with winter! I hung my winter coat up I hope for the last time. It's suppose to be 60's tomorrow and hit 70 later this week.
I have made some progress on the giraffes. I've had to improvise on the second giraffe as I made a couple of mistakes and refuse to take him out. Too much will have to be ripped out. So improvising I am.
Well....until next time Happy stitching.

Second Giraffe coming in

This is my progress on the giraffes. I really am enjoying this piece. It's going so much better then the Tiger did and yet by a designer that is harder to do so they say. It's detailed but I love Stoney Creek pieces.

Last week I mentioned I was going to hear Ernie Haase and Signature Sound. It was really a good concert. They were somewhat noisy but not bad. They danced around quite a bit. I just clainm they are 4 hyper men that need to dance when they sing. I didn't feel it was out of line though. They are a Southern Gospel group but I'd say with a contemporary twist. I'd recomment anyone to see their concert who gets a chance.

It looks like Spring has sprung here. We didn't have a bad winter like most places in the country did, but it's still nice to have it be spring. I love the spring time even if my allergies don't like it. And believe me I am already feeling it. Last night was awful. So I really overslept. Can't do that tomorrow. I have to be at my parents to stay with my mom as my dad has meetings at church all day.

I can really tell it's almost Spring as our kids on Wednesday nights are having cabin fever and it's hard for them to sit still and be quiet. This past Wed. our group (grades 3 -5) were really good. The week before they were awful. This week we also had a pizza party for the kids which they liked real well. The year is almost drawing to a close. It's gone so fast. It's been a different year as we switched programs. It's had it's disappointments as not nearly as many kids came this eyar it was mostly church kids with a few others. In past there were a lot of neighborhood kids. We need to reach out to them a little better and we will make more of an effort this summer.
Well....until next time Happy Stitching!

An Award

Thank you Deb S. for this award. Sorry it took so long to post. I don't know how to do the blue link so if you look in my blog roll under Deb S you will find her blog.

I am suppose to say 10 things about me.
1. I have 13 nieces and nephews.
2. I have 11 great nieces and nephews and 1 more due in April.
3. I will not cross a busy highway.
4. I am petrified of elevators.
5. I love cats and have 1.
6. I drink way too much Pepsi and am trying to cut back
7. I am a born again Christian and proud of it.
8. I am active in our church
9. I love to Cross Stitch especially for Love Quilts
10. I do not drive

Now to pick 10 people. That's hard as there are so many good blogs. There again I can't do the link but here they are:
1. Ginny
2. Sharon
3. Kathryn NZ
4. Mary
5. Margie (3 cool Pugs & Me)
6. Glenda
7. Dawn (Golden Angel Works)
8. Sue P
9. Sue (Stitcherw)
10. Vondalee

Coming up with just ten was hard. Until next time Happy Stitching!

Progress on Giraffees

I haven't started the second giraffe yet but have the first one well underway. I haven't had that much time to work on it this week.
Tonight I'm going to hear Ernie Haase and Signature Sound. I've seen them on the Gaither Videos but have never seen them in person so I'm looking forward to it.
We didn't get to see baby Kate last Friday as planned as Melissa, Johnny and Kate were all sick. But on Saturday evening we were at our parents and Melissa and John stopped by with the kids. Kate is so cute. Johnny hammed it up of course, and was very inquisitive about everything. Nothing gets beyond that 3 year old. LOL! He's cute though.
Thank you for reading my blogs and your comments. I appreciate them they give encouragement. Also reading all your blogs and seeing your pieces encourages me to keep stitching. Thank you for your comments to Addie's picture. She looks so serious like she has watched her mommy apply her make up and is copying her. I couldn't resist showing that picture.
My brother and his fiancee set their wedding date for Aug. 27 as our family will be in town anyway as we are celebrating our parents 60th wedding anniversary on the 28th. So it'll be a full weekend then. It would be nice if all the grandkids could come in but 3 of my brother's kids say they can't because of college. They said they would try to come earlier in the summer I hope so.

Before I close I want to include a picture of another great niece. Chelsea now 14 months old. This is her first birthday and she couldn't decide between the bows or presents. Looks like the bows temporarily won. LOL!
Until next time....Happy Stitching!

Just have to show this picture

This is a picture of my 22 month old great niece. I think is darling. We have a similiar picture of her mother also applying makeup about the same age. Addie is growing up too fast!

Another New Start

The tiger had an "accident" with the scissors. So I started this piece for the Jungle life quilt. It will be a couple of giraffes. It's a Stoney Creek piece. I know a lot of people feel they are hard and challenging and yes this one has plenty of backstitching. But I love doing Stoney Creek pieces. I find a lot of the easier designs too boring or not chalenging enough or I make too many mistakes etc. I think I've done about 40 SC designs over the years. And this particular piece is from Wild and Free, an older book that I have done several other pieces from. So I'm confidant this will get finished. I will go back to His Eye is on the Sparrow but needed a break from it.
I finally figured out how to follow blogs! I tried several times earlier and failed. I finally discovered the follow at top of blog, klicked that and get to be a follower. How simple was that? Anything simple I have to make difficult you know and that's why it took so long. So I'm going to go read some blogs and click on follow! LOL!
Tomorrow we get to see baby Kate. We're all invited out to Melissa's to see her. Only now one of my brother's and his wife is sick. (Melissa's parents) so we don't know for sure if Melissa still plans on us or not. My sister had planned on coming in to town tomorrow, so I told her we were planning to see the baby. It'll be a busy weekend. I'm excited to meet Katie and see Johnny. They say he is still doing great with his sister. Of course I plan on taking my camera and getting pictures. And yes I will show them, probably Sunday or Monday though.

Well...until next time Happy Stitching!

I'm back. More progress on His Eye is On the Sparrow

A lot has happend since I last posted. First the Big News. Johnny is a big brother. Remember Dec. 11, 2006 I was waiting for Johnny to be born and finally he was. Well it was that way yesterday only I couldn't post. More on that latter. Any way Katelyn Brianne was born at 11:09 am to my niece Melissa and her husband, John. She weighed 8 lbs 11.oz. Johnny is so thrilled with her. We can't wait to see her.
I was off line a few days. Long story. Then today I was talking to my sister in law she was all excited telling me about the birth of Katelyn and how she got to be in the room and my phone went dead. I was so mad! I was angry enough with the company for loosing the internet and the way they handled it. So I went to a friends house and called the company. Same response I got on Friday and Saturday, "we can't figure out what happened." I thought it was because I changed companies and that was to start later this week. I had had it with this company and the ring around I got etc. Anyway. I got home and amazingly not only did I have my phone service back but the Internet! Here I thought I would be without it until Friday. So today I have the Internet I'm taking advantage of it. Who knows tomorrow it may be gone again. Friday I get High Speed Internet I can't wait!
I got a lot of progress on His Eye is on the Sparrow. I did scan the piece and except for the last 2 letters of sparrow it all fit. Next time it won't, so I'll take a picture.
We are enjoying some really nice days here. Our snow is starting to melt and the sun is out. Spring is coming!
Oh I have to tell you something cute Johnny said to his grandma. This noon they decided to eat on their porch since it was so nice out. Beth asked Johnny if he wanted to tell God and thank Him for it and hs said "No you thank God for the sun, I'll tell Him and and thank Him for my baby sister!" Out of the mouths of babes!
By the way How many of you saw the Olympics? Weren't they great?! I love the winter ones. I really enjoyed the skating, skiing, tobbaggoning events. I'm not too into hockey but it was a good game between Canada and USA.
Well until next time Happy Stitching!

Trying out new camera

I got my income tax back so I got a new camera digital today and of course the first picture I had to take was of my cat sleeping in my stitching chair. Best way to get a picture of him as usually if he sees a camera he is gone. He doesn't like his picture taken. Now I have my new camera I suppose the one I lost will show up. Isn't that the way it always works?
Sorry this isn't the best picture of the piece. I have to get use to my camera, but you have the idea of the progress I have made on it anyway. I really am enjoying it and will be done in a couple of weeks I think.
How many of you are ennjoying the Olympics? I sure am. I really enjoyed the speed and figure skating and skiing events! I can't believe how much pressure is on these athletes. Why can't they just have fun with the sport instead of feeling like they have to medal. I suppose the top athletes are the ones that feel it the most and the others probably do have more fun. Too bad the media just doesn't leave the athletes alone until after the performance and not spotlight certain athletes and follow them through their systems so much.
Well enough for my soapbox. Thank you to everyone who reads my blog and to those who make comments. I really appreciate the encouragement and remarks. Until next time Happy stitching!

This piece is Flying!

I can't believe how fast this is moving in such little time. I've only stitched on it about 20 hours and it's 1/4 of way done already. Outside of the bird, I am enjoying the place. I may just keep stitching on it until it's finished. We'll see.
Our Speghetti Dinner was a success. We played Deal or No Deal. My name was drawn to play. Having never seen the TV show I didn't know from adam what I was doing but I listened to the audience and ended up winning a box of chocolates. I'm not a big chocolate eater so it will last a while.
We are planning my parents 60th Anniversary celebration the end of the summer. Yesterday I asked the caterer if he would do it and how much he would charge. He said he would do it for free. I couldn't beleive it. We are going to negotiate with him so he gets paid for the food at least.
Anyone else enjoying the Olympics? I sure am. I loved the skiing and figure skating last night and look forward to seeing a lot more in the coming days.
Oh...before I forget....Happy Birthday to my brother Kevin! Hope he has a great day. I don't think he even knows about this blog so doubt he reads it.
Well...until next time Happy Stitching!

A New Start

Yes I'm slowly working on the Tiger but I kept saying I was anxious to start "His Eye is on the Sparrow." So I finally did. I really am enjoying it. I can see it is going to take quite awhile and will be laid down 2 or 3 times before it's done I'm sure.
Tonight the Olympics begin! I'm looking forward to them. I'm not a big fan of Opening and Closing Ceremonies but I'll watch some of it anyway. I really like the Figure Skating, Sledding, Ludging, Tobagooning, Skiing events. The man carrying the USA flag for the Olympians is from our town so he's been in the news a lot. He's a 5 time Olympian I think they said and has won a bronze medal and gold medal with his team partner in Ludging. He trained on the Luudge run here. It really is a nice set up they have down by the Lake. We use to go skating and sledding there a lot when growing up. His name is Mark Grimmack.
Tomorrow we are having our Speghetti dinner at church sponsored by our Department. It's going to be a busy year for us. We have several outreach events planned this year. I think this will be my last year on the Board then I have to take a year off. I'm presenting a new situation for the church, I was on another board for 3 years but it got dissolved and so transfered over to Evangelism. The terms are 3 years, and you can run again for the Board for another 3 years after that a year off then you can go back on if nominated. So yes I will have been on a Board for 6 years but not the same board so where does that put me. My dad is Elder Chairman and I asked him, he didn't know, but more than likely I'll have to take a year off. Not sure I want to as I love being on this board. We'll see. It gets a lot done.Two of the things I wanted to see happen on this board did happen and the 3rd thing I'm still negotiating for, and might happen this year.
An update on my mom. Well...she twisted her knee and iced it the whole weekend before finally going to the Dr. on Monday. He x rayed it and she never heard anything and finally on Wed I said you call DR or I will, dad called the dr. and then today there is another problem with the knee so she's waiting for him to call back. She did call and tell what was going on. She was told several years ago she would need another knee replacement and last fall was told her bones were so brittle twisting the wrong way would break them. So we'll see what happens. Probably will have a knee replacement sooner than later.
Well until next time Happy Stitching!

A Very Quick Finish

This only took about 8 hours overall. It is so me. I love Chocolate Chip Cookies! There is one cookie missing....I must have ate it LOL. It'll show up and I'll add it on later. This afternoon I'll probably go back to the tiger. Actually I didn't lay it down. I did this in the afternoon when I wanted to stitch but was too tired to work anymore on the tiger.
We did get hit by the winter storm this time. Not so much yesterday but overnight. Several schools around our area are closed though none in our town. We actually were lucky we only got 6.5 inches of snow.
Well...until next time Happy Stitching!

Back to the Tiger

I have gone back to the Tiger and made quite a bit of progress for how detail it is. It is a fun piece to do my kind of piece, small but detailed. But I'm also really anxious to get going on "His Eye is on the Sparrow" so I may be laying it down again in a few days if it's not finished.
We are getting ready for a winter storm that is suppose to come in tomorrow and last through Wed. They already have the warnings out. Our area is to get 6 to 10 inches so that isn't too bad I guess. Further south it goes up. We'll see what happens when it gets here. Unfortunately this system is heading on east where they don't need it.
Wonder if we'll have BSF Wed. I so enjoy it and really am getting a lot out of it I never caught before. We are going through the book of John. Even Mary's sincere love in oinointing Christ verses the acts of Judas struck me how Judas rebuked her and Christ said "leave her alone she's preparing me for my burial" never struckk me before. I never noticed that before I guess. You grow up learning the stories and taking them for granted and go Yea Yea Yea I know that story and not see the little or behind scene things.
I'm waiting to hear what is going on with my mom's knee. She twisted it in going to bed the other night and waited until Monday to see the Dr. She was told quite some time back she needed a knee replacement and may have to do it now rather she wants to or not. She also was told her bones are so brittle that if she twists wrong she could break a bone. So we'll see what happened. She kept it iced over the weekend.
Well....until next time Happy Stitching

Cowboy Dreams is finished

Hot off the iron! I just finished this about an hour ago. I am so happy the Pepsi stains came out so well. I don't think you can tell pepsi spilled on it. Clumsy me!
My sister was here for a couple of days. We had a nice time, playing games and on Wed. we went shopping. It was nice for mom to get out she doesn't get out much these days. I bought a skirt and sweater outfit to wear to church on Sundays and a really pretty slack outfit for spring. I debated and debated on that one and starred at it for a while, talked myself into it as I was afraid if I waited it would be gone as it was so soft and pretty and springy.
This Sunday we are having a chili cookoff at church, just before our annual business meeting. I'm hoping they have labels on the spicy chilli. I don't do spicy foods too well.
I hope those of you on the east coast stay safe and warm. I heard a major storm was hitting you. We've been lucky this year (knock on wood) as we really have had it pretty mild. We have had snow and do have snow but not nearly as bad as last year and not nearly as bad as other areas have been hit.
Now this piece is done I'll go back to the Tiger. I also am dying to start
"His Eye is on the Sparrow" in Best Loved Hymns book 3 by Leisure Arts. So I may start that very soon.
Well...until next time Happy Stitching!

More progress on Cowboy Dreams

I didn't get this finished today like I had hoped. Now it will probably be Thursday unless I'm really lucky and get it done tomorrow afternoon. Wednesday I won't be stitching at all and will some Thursday morning but not a whole lot. I'n giubg ti be naughty Wed. night and skip kids club because of family plans.
My sister is coming into town Wednesday so after BSF I'll go to my parents and spend rest of day there and Thursday will be there too except for the two hours I'm at the food pantry handing out food.
Today I went shopping for the Food pantry, didn't spend as much as I thought I had. We were getting low on some stuff. We've really been picking up business the last few weeks. Not just from Love Inc. but from the people in our church too.
It is a beautiful day outside. The sun is shining so bright. This winter really hasn't been a bad winter for us knock on wood. The south is getting it worse than what we are. Oh we have snow but not like last year and not like the south is. Our pastor is getting a thrill out of the fact his friends in VA got more snow than us so far this year. Don't know that's true but they are getting hit.
Friday was my great niece, Chelsea's first birthday. They poor baby was sick Sat. okay Sunday so they still had her party now her and her mommy are sick. I got to see the pictures on facebook my brother and nephew posted. Cute. Chelsea looked like she enjoyed her cake. It was first time she had ever had it.
Well.....until next time Happy Stitching..

More progress on Cowboy Dreams

I think I'm just going to finish this piece on out before going back to the tiger. At the rate I'm going I should finish it Monday to be honest. At least I hope. I love working with Crescent Colors. Yes they slow me down but I like the effect of them It's just like working with Gentle Arts Threats.

We are having a cold spell right now but suppose to start warming up Monday.

Today is my great niece, Chelsea's first birthday. Happy birthday Chelsea. I'm sure they are having a big party for her with her grandparents and two uncles. She rules them all I think. They live out of state so I told them to post pictures on their facebook page.

I can actually see out my windows now. They replaced my old ones with new ones as age had worn the sealer down and they steaming up.

Well- until next time Happy Stitching. Thank you to everyone who reads this blog and also to those who leave comments. I really appreciate them. They really encourage me to keep stitching when I feel like giving up.

A new start and progress on the tiger

I decided to do this Cowboy piece on the side as it is a very easy piece compared to the tiger. Although using the Specialty threads does slow it down some. It is a cute, enjoyable piece called Cowboy Dreams by a designer I had never heard of this desinger before. I like doing projects by new designers from time to time.

As you can see I have made quite a bit of progress on the tiger. My only problem is my hands are starting to bother me again. So I guess I will have to slow down on stitching again. Tendernitis is something that is going to reoccur from time to time and I might as well face the fact, I can't stitch as much as I use to.
I really am enjoying my new computer. It took a couple of days to straighten everything out and once that happened I took off with it. Works isn't nearly as hard to get use to as I was told it would be. Neither is Windows 7 hard. So I was lucky I guess. Now it's a matter of putting some things back on the computer. I wrote it all out and now I'll slowly type them into my computer.

Well....until next time Happy Stitching.

A new piece, a new computer, a new printer

My old computer started acting up a couple of weeks ago. I could use it somewhat but couldn't go to some sites like here and a few others. Then a week ago it crashed completely. So I went to the store a few days later and bought a new computer. Finally got most of it set up Thursday and then today the rest of it. I'm a happy camper. Now it's a matter of getting to know this new computer. The person that came today showed me a lot of things so I should be okay now.It's been great catching up on all the blogs. I love seeing the other blogs and enjoy seeing their works

This Tiger will be going to a boy at Love Quilts that chose wild anmals as theme of his quilt. It is coming a little slow in that I haven't stitched on it much. But I will get to it more next week I think. At least the start of the week.

We have had some nice weather and got our January thaw. We got spoiled as they say winter is coming back Monday.

Well...my cat wants me off the computer. He needs some attention So until next time Happy Stitching!

Finally a finish!

I finally have a finish! First one in almost 4 months. It's small and whimsical but a finish none the less. This will go to Bailey at Love Quilts who chose under the sea for her quilt theme. If it's too whimsical and cutesy they can give it to a younger child in the future. Now to decide on my next piece!
I want it know Winter is not my favorite season. Oh the snow is beautiful but it's soooooo cold. I am thankful we get all four seasons and we really don't get the worat of them. Well rarely we do I should say.
Thank you for reading my blog. I have appreciated the comments. Now I'm stitching more I plan to pay more attention to the different blogs and read and comment on them more. I've been slack on that myself so can't complain about getting few comments to mine.
Well....until next time Happy Stitching!

I may actually finish something

FInally! This star fish is well underway and hopefully late tomorrow or Wed. afternoon this will be finished! I hope. Then I'll go back to Treble Clef I think and try to finish that out.
I hope you all had a happy and safe New Year!
We had our family Christmas on Saturday. We had a calendar exchange which was differfent for us. It was fun seeing all the different calendars though. Johnny and Addie were as cute as always playing pretty well together. I got two calendars. The one I just love. I knew my mom was getting a calendar with all the Grand kids and Great Grandkids, each month features a grandchild and their family. I didn't know I was getting one. I love it. Something I will always cherish.
Has anyone had an exerience with Vertigo? I suspeceted I had it as there would be times I would be on a bridge and feel like the floor was coming out. Or I would feel dizzy but usually it passed. Friday night the dizziness went on for a long time. I tried to move and felt like I was going to faint. Finally called my sister-in-law and we called another brother asking what to do. My head was pounding and my chest was hurting though I knew it wasn't a heart attack. Finally decided to go to ER. They gave me some pills to take for when I have another attack. They said it can pass quickly or go on for days otherwise. I felt better Saturday though still had the headache it did not destroy my fun with the family!
Well, until next time. Happy Stitching!

Last post of 2009

Since it only has 6 hours and 45 minutes left.
Well....I started this piece as Baylie's Sealife is due middle of January and I can't find the You're a Keeper pattern. I probably threw it away by accident. I needed to find something fairly easy. I just hope it's not too young or whimsical for her. It is going to be a starfish with a pail over his head and a shovel in his hand. It's cute and easy enough to finish by the 15th.
I hope everyone had a great Christmas. Ours was really nice. As usual I made out like a bandit.
I'm not making any goals for 2010 as far as stitching goes as I never seem to reach them. I did get 7 pieces done for Love Quilts but that is only goal I made. I'm just going to see what happens. I had hope to have blogged a hundred times in 2009 too, fell short of that, this is 68. Oh well... Just things happened I had not planned on is all.
Saturday we are having our family Christmas. Hopefully the weather will be descent for those out of town it's not suppose to be though.
Thank you to everyone who has read my blog though 2009 and to those who made comments. I really appreciated them. Have a Happy and Safe New Year!
Until next year....Happy Stitching!

Honest I am Stitching-Some

I've made some progress on this over the past 10 days. It is coming slowly but surely. Mostly bcause I just haven't had the time to stitch on it. But don't have much to show for my time either is the problem.

Christmas at the Lakeshore was a success. We had over 600 people come out for the 4 performances. We swetted that one out as our Board was told the failure or success of this lied within our board and we really didn't get that much time or money to pull it off but after the first night's performance we knew it was going to be a success. Hated the costume I had to wear, and I think I will have a burning ceremony for the cap anyway. I'll keep the skirt, blouse and cape for Halloween next year. LOL.

Last night we had a beautiful candlelight service at church. It was the end of the Advent Series Pastor was having. It was so pretty and really did put me more into the Christmas Spirit. I've been sort of Baa Humbug about Christmas this year. I do have all my cards done and my Christmas Presents are bought so I had some spirit. Just not much more.

My mom came home from the hospital today. We are a little upset with the hospital though as she fell Friday night and didn't tell anyone. An aide mentioned it the next day and my dad and brother were there. They didn't even tell the Dr. my dad told the Dr. this morning so she's having x rays next week when she's a little more mobile. Today my sister is coming in until Thursday to help out. Since mom didn't want to go to a Nursing Home dad is going to need more help from us. We didn't blame her at all who wants to be in a Nursing Home over the holidays and that is just what would have happened. There is a problem though my mnom's back bones are so fragile, if she just turns wrong she can break them. She has a back brace, which she hates to wear but admits that her back feels better with it.

Well-while typing this I see someone has stolen my stitching chair!
This year I haven't made any of my stitching goals except to stitch 7 pieces for Love Quilts. I had the goal of 100 posts this year too. That fell short. If I post one more time after this I'll have 68. I think I can.

Today is the shortest day of the year. Hooray the days get longer. I love seeing the days get longer. I make a game out of it through beginning Feb. Then I just settle back and enjoy the added sunlight!
I hope you all Have a Merry Christmas. Enjoy the day with your families. Well...until next time Happy Stitching!

Some Progress anyway

I think I am finally getting my stitching mojo back. I'm also finally gettng thins piece going again. It took a while and was only a few stitches a day for awhile there. Then today I finally started taking off of it. This is a UFO from about 5 years ago.
Today Johnny is 3 years old. Can you believe it? It seems like only yesterday I posted we were waiting for his birth and then his birth. Melissa and John are having a party for him tonight. Guess I better wrap his present! I hate wrappying presents. Johnny is going to have a brother or sister in Feb. Things will change for him. He's so use to being center of attention, but he'll do fine he's all excited about the baby.
Today is also my sister-in-law's birthday, tomoorrow, Alanis, Sunday my brother-in-law's, next Thursday it'll be 17 years I got Whiskers (just two days after Buffy died), it's also my niece, Heather and Brian's anniversay, next Friday is my brother's birthday next Sunday his Anniversary, also anniversary of our grandfather's death, and anniversary of day I broke my ankle, and the 24th is my nephew Josh's birthday. Think we have enough, there would be 3 more in thee but they all died.
Like much of the country we got hit by the winter storm. All schools were closed Wed. and Thursday, a few opened today but not a whole lot. It does make it seem like Christmas.
This weekend is the last weekend of Christmas on the Lakeshore at our church. Wer were really pleased with the turn out last weekend. Plans are being made for another Christmas production next year.
Well, until next time.....Happy Stitching!

Christmas Stitching

I will go back to Treble Clef after the Holidays maybe late winter early spring as there is some other stitching I need to get done. I'll give it to Shari next year.
I finally decided to get in the mood for Christmas and we know Christmas is about the birth of Christ. This is a piece I started 2 or 3 years ago and never finished so dug it out to finish it.
Friday we went to Rockford to see my niece and great nephew from CO. They were at another niece's house for 4 days. It was fun. Johnny and Addie were adorable. Johnny found a guitar of Addie's and played with it the whole time, Addie would dance as he played, sometimes they would sing. Johnny ran around the house singing "Santa Claus is coming to town" and other times singing "Jesus Loves Me" Addie just sang and danced. Nicholas isn't quite 3 months old and just took in his surroundings. He really liked the Christmas Tree lights.
Friday and Saturday was Christmas at the Lakeshore at our church. The church is all decorated up. Those of us greeting or in the program had to wear Victorian Costumes. My sister made my costume for the most part. We swetted that one out as I wasn't getting it until we saw my sister that day (she lives on opposite side of state), and the weather in Grand Rapids, Rockford area was awful. Ours wasn't bad. So we didn't even know if we'd make the trip until the last minute just decided to go. Fortunately the costume fit. Both performances went well and we received lots of compliments. We were happy with the attendance both nights too. Now we have two more performances next weekend and we're done.
By the way I have gotten my stitching mojo back somewhat. I quit playing the games at Facebook because bugs were getting into my computer. So be careful those of you who like to play those games there.
Well....until next time Happy Stitching!

Some More Progress Anyway

I've stitched some on Treble Clef this week and slowly but surely made progress this past week. It's not that hard of a stitch for it being by Stoney Creek. I seem to pick a lot of their patterns don't I? This is progress after about 20 hours of stitching. The bird is just statting to come in but I doubt you can see it...It's just the beak that is there.
It's been a fairly quiet week this week. My mom is home now and doing okay. She's still having some back pain though. We just hope she gets through the holidays pretty pain free.
Do you have special Thanksgiving plans? We're going to my youngest brother's house for dinner. Their daughter, Tabbi may be working but we'll have Ashton there probably. Also Wendy's mother and step father will be their and Wendy's other daughter, Tara and her two girls might be there.
The 4th of Dec. we are going to see my niece, Michelle and her baby, Nicholas. They will be in the Grand Rapids area for 3 days at her sister's house. So we are having a brunch with them that day, then that evening I will be greeting at Christmas on the Lakeshore our church is putting on 4 performances 2 the 1st weekend of Dec. and 2 the second so I'll be busy with that. They have already put up a lot of the Christmas decorations. A little early but because of the play they really don't have much time after Thanksgiving so had to have a head start. Me not being a Christmas person anyway can't seem to handle the early decorations posted it on my facebook and boy have I been abused in fun! Even our Pastor calls me Scrooge.
Then on Thurs. I came in to work in the food pantry and ended up helping them with the decorations. It was fun but I sure didn't know what I was doing from adam. I don't even decorate my own place! I know Scrooge!
Well, I hope everyone has a great Thanksgiving, enjoy your dinners and the leftovers. Ours starts tomorrow when we have our annual Harvest Dinner at church. Lots of great food! Until next time....Happy Stitching!

Another new start

This one I will stick to the finish. I am enjoying it. It will be a Christmas Present for a friend who rally has gone through the storms this year. First her step sister died suddenly then she found out her own sister had cancer, then the dept. she had worked at at the phone company was eliminated so she had no job, and her mother died right at the same time. She loves flowers, music and birds and this piece has all 3 so I thought it would be fitting for her.
My sinuses started acting up a month ago and for a while I started to feel better than started feeling miserable again. Now I'm starting to feel better again and hope I stay that way. Once winter comes I'll feel better for sure
My mom is home from the Nursing Home now. She was just there for a couple of weeks until she started getting her strength back up a little.
For anyone around Muskegon, Michigan our church is having Christmas on the Lakeshore Dec. 3, 4, 12 & 13. A lot of work is going into it. It's going to be a production like Calvary use to do only on a smaller scale. I'm going to be one of the Greeters. My sister is making my costume for it.
Also the weekend of Dec. 3, Michelle and Nicholas are flying up from CO. Can't wait to see Nick. So we are having a get together Dec. 4. Also Amanda and her husband may be here sometime in early Dec. They were in England for 3 years as Amanda is in the Air Force. She is expecting their first child in April so she's in the reserves now.
Well that's about it for me. Thank you to everyone who reads my blogs. I appreciate it and love hearing the comments. Until next time Happy Stitching!

Three adorable Trick or Treaters

It's been a while since I've posted pictures of these 3. Johnny is the little cowboy and will be 3 in December. Addie the butterfly is now 18 months, and Chelsea the pirate is 9 months. Aren't the adorable? I love them so much I got to see Johnny earlier today, he had his cowboy outfit on to show his great grandparents, grandparents and me. He was so cute.

I'm making some progress on Catastrophe. Maybe later this week I'll post progress on it. Until next time happy Stitching!