a little different around here..

We had Wolf put to sleep yesterday. :( Rob originally was not going to come because he knew it would be so hard for him, but he showed up just in time and had a chance to say goodbye to Wolf. We cried many tears, and words cannot express how glad I am that he was there, not only for support but also because I knew he would regret it if he wasn't there for the end. The kids are doing fairly well with it- Hanna had been trying hard to be "strong" but gave in and wept for him tonight. Every time I wonder if we made the right decision I just think of how his life was these last couple of months or more and know that we did. He was in so much pain and could not get around like he used to, among other things. He is missed.

On the stitching front, I didn't get much done yesterday, just a few stitches on I love Candy Canes. I really am starting to get frustrated at how long it is taking me to finish this simple piece!

And an update on my Jane Austen Challenge- I have finished "In the Kitchen with Jane Austen" ( a few posts down) and that's it so far. I have just started reading "Emma". Or should I say re-reading as this has been read more than once. I understand it so much better than the first time I read it- I had never seen any Jane Austen movies, or read any of her books- I was a little lost in the language.. and now I am so familiar it's an easy read! Now if I could just find the time...

More morning glories and some finished finishes. lol

First of all, thank you all for your advice and support, I think I have an idea of how I am going to handle things with little man.

On a happier note, I got off my bum today and got out my framing stuff and sewing machine, and finished off a couple of things. Also took some more pictures of the beautiful morning glories in our backyard, they are in full bloom now. Enjoy!

Need support and advice...

After much pain and discussion my husband and I have decided we need to put our dog to sleep. He is not well, and is 15 years old, becoming mean and snappish with us at times, among other things. He is just not happy anymore. My 10-yr-old daughter knows of our decision and understands, but how do I deal with it with my 4-year old? He is not especially close to our dog but I am sure he loves him nonetheless. Do we tell him ahead of time? Or do we tell him after the fact, that Wolfie was sick and now he's in heaven? I just want to make it as easy on him as possible. I don't know that he is old enough to really want to "say goodbye" or anything like my daughter might. Has anyone been through this? What did you do? Any help/advice would be so appreciated. A link to my email is on my profile page if you prefer to email me privately rather than leave a comment.

Just added..

The Blackbird House pattern on ebay- link to my items for sale to the right! I'm also selling "In The Kitchen with Jane Austen."

Blackbird House finished!

I finished this up last night- I am thinking maybe a rustic-looking frame-not sure yet.

weekend stuff

Not much to report actually- I have gotten some stitching done, will post a pic! Also posting a pic of some beautiful pumpkins. We went to Sam's Club yesterday to pick up a couple of things, and they had these gorgeous, huge pumpkins(though not as big as Hagrid's, as my mom pointed out. LOL). Didn't pick one up yet, but maybe a little bit closer to Hallowe'en! Otherwise the weekend consisted of running an errand here and there, and housework. Oh, and zumba class! I can't rave enough about zumba. If you ever take a class you will never want to go back to your treadmill again!! I have another class tomorrow and I can't wait! If you don't know about zumba, check it out at zumba.com or look up some zumba classes on youtube. You can burn more than 1000 calories in a class! Sorry, I'll get off my infomercial now. lol If there's no picture of my stitching progress when you read this, check back in a bit, I'm not done stitching yet.

Progress on "I Love Candy Canes" and some pics of my little man :)

I worked on "I Love Candy Canes" yesterday for a little bit.. but I was so tired I didn't get too much done. Although I haven't posted progress for a couple weeks so it will look like alot! lol

Yesterday David and I went outside for a bit since the night was cooler, to blow bubbles and draw with sidewalk chalk. Here are a few pictures of my little funny man.

Progress on Winter Wonderland.. and another "take my kid to work day!"

Here is my weekend progress on LHN's Winter Wonderland..

Little man is doing better, no fever today but still has a bit of a cough so I am going to take him to work again tomorrow I think. I am fighting a little something myself.. I felt pretty bad earlier but am doing better.. still have a tickly throat. Not much happened this weekend since I was trying to keep the little one at home. I am hoping I will feel well enough to go to zumba class tomorrow!

Progress on "Blackbird House"

This is what I've done so far on Blackbird House- when I picked it back up I had already done the house, without the roof. I really like this piece!!

Today I had to take David to work- he had a low temp yesterday and can't go back to preschool til he's been 24 hours without one. I guess he must just have a little bug, he has a cough and a bit of a stuffy nose. It's not affecting his mood at all, he's still acting as crazy as ever! Anyway there was no one to watch him, because all my friends nearby have kids too, so my boss let me bring him to work. He was pretty good for a 4-yr-old being cooped up in an office all day. We did close up the office and come home for lunch to give him a break. Anyway, that's about it here.. am wishing that tomorrow was supposed to be a little cooler- it's supposed to be 88. :P Oh well, if little man still has a fever we'll probably be sticking around the house anyway..

Owl on an Egg finished

I finished the stitching but had to get the button and sew it on- got it speedily from Ehandcrafts, and attached it last night. What do you think of my placement? I think it looks cute that way. :) This pattern is still online- the link for it is http://www.geocities.com/jnbsmom/BentCreek.html

Signs of fall...

Brach's Autumn Mix- LOVE this stuff.. no other candy corn will do!!

Morning glories-- they grow wild behind our house.. I look forward to them every year! They are so beautiful...

And..

A couple of weeks ago I saw some leaves that have already turned- there are a few of these trees all in a row near my church. I was so excited to see them!

On the stitching front- I have not heard from Bent Creek regarding the placement of that button.. so I am going to stitch it where I want. And tonight I picked up my UFO - Blackbird House by Bent Creek. I can't wait to see it done! I think it will be a quick stitch. I'll post my progress on Thursday or Friday after I am done with it for the week. :)

In the Kitchen With Jane Austen finished!

I didn't get it finished Friday as I had wanted to, but I did get it finished. Now I need to let my dad know the measurements so he can make me a frame. It will look really nice in our kitchen! Have also finished "Owl on an Egg" but I need to sew the button on. There is no "x" to mark the spot so I have emailed Bent Creek to double check on where it should go. I have only seen one pic of it with the button online.

Oh, and I am selling this pattern-In the Kitchen w/Jane- on ebay if anyone is interested- ID is hannasmom1198. I would love to hang on to it but I rarely stitch anything more than once, and don't have the room to keep things I probably won't stitch again!

Blueberry Goodness

I made some blueberry pancakes this morning with fresh blueberries. Come on over!:)