Autumn fun

It was a beautiful day here in NC- some friends of ours hosted the church picnic at their home. We had a great time! I am so envious of their yard- here are a few pictures from today.


A beautiful centerpiece on the food table, carved by our hostess. I wish I had such talent!



Another table centerpiece on one of the outdoor dining tables..



Some of the yard decoration..




I didn't get a good picture of their koi pond but there were many of these little guys in the plants next to it.. isn't he lovely?



I so hope to have a yard like this someday.. we sat outside for hours. I told Rob if we had a yard like that I would be out there all the time! They also had a lovely shaded patio off the back of the house with lots of windchimes hanging. There was a nice breeze today which made it just perfect. A lovely day! Tomorrow check back for progress on Winter Wonderland..

a scaaarrry finish!

Well, not really. lol Actually I think he's kinda cute! I'm going to make him into a pin! My husband thinks I'm crazy-- hee hee!

Blackbird Designs giveaway!

Jolene of Dip Diddly Designs is having a great giveaway at her blog for a new Blackbird Designs pattern and so much more! Check it out!

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!:)

One last post for August 2009..

Here is my progress on "I Love Candy Canes"- not very far yet I'm afraid but it's getting there! I may re-do the french knots for the eyes.. I will wait and see how they look once I stitch the mouth.

Not bad for a Monday..

Wow, posting 3 times in one day! I myself can't believe it. I started off the day right, first blogging of course, sharing the weekend's accomplishments, then after dropping Hanna off at school, was listening to the local radio station. They had a trivia question, winner gets a free meal at Zaxby's. The question was -"x % (don't remember the percent) of people do this at least 3 times a year. He gave a hint- usually after Super Bowl and holidays. I knew right away but he was taking callers- 1st caller: "Gain weight?" That's a good one, but no, he said. Caller 2: "Go on a diet?" Another good one but no.. keep the calls coming while we play some Taylor Swift. So I call, keeps ringing and ringing and he finally picks up- "What do ya think?" he says. "Call in to work because they don't feel good?" "That's it! Call in to work"- he says. He asks me if I have ever done that- I can honestly say no, I am not much of a partier. He says" Better for you, I suppose!" Or something like that. Anyway, I have to find time to go pick up my prize at the radio station this week.
I went to the quilt store but they are closed on Mondays - will have to go tomorrow to see if they have my thread.
I had a zumba class tonight. This is the most fun I have ever had exercising. The YMCA has great instructors, unfortunately one of them is stopping her night class on Mondays. Fortunately another instructor is taking over but I will miss the other one, as she really works you hard! They are introducing a new teacher though on Thursday nights. I am looking forward to meeting her as she taught my daughter and her class some zumba over the summer. OK, off to work on "I Love Candy Canes." Will post progress later! (4 posts in one day??)

Giveaway time!!

Debbie is having a great giveaway at her blog! So click the title of this post or here, to head on over. You won't be disappointed!

A productive weekend

I had a lot of stitching time this weekend, and almost finished this Bent Creek freebie. Of course I ran out of WDW Onyx last night! I am hoping the local quilting store has some as the carry a limited supply of Weeks. If not I will have to order some. Also need a candy corn button, I didn't realize it called for one til I had already started. Oh well.. it's cute without it in the meantime.

Attention Precious Moments Stitchers!!

I have three PM cross stitch books for sale on ebay- I believe they may all be out of print. Here are the pics. Ebay ID is hannasmom1198. :) I hope y'all don't think I'm too tacky for posting my ebay stuff!

a small finish

I finished up this ornament kit for my MIL tonight.. only two to go! Then to assemble them all.. sigh.. this one was a quick stitch.

As promised..

Here is my progress on "In the Kitchen with Jane Austen." I apologize I have not been better about posting progress on my projects! Now I will be working on LHN's "Winter Wonderland" for the weekend..:)

16 years ago today...

I embarked on the adventure of a lifetime...ha ha! Nope, 16 years ago today Rob and I got married..lots of ups and downs but we've made it this far! Sometimes it seems like just yesterday, and sometimes it doesn't...lol. Thought I'd share some pics with you (though if you've been to my webshots you may have seen them there.)

Glorious Giveaway!!

Just look at all this stash!! Hop on over to Melissa's blog for a chance to win.

Dixieland Sushi

Dixieland Sushi by Cara Lockwood


My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This book was great!! It was a fun, easy read and the 80's flashbacks were spot-on. There aren't many romance books I can say I'd read more than once, but I think I would this one.

View all my reviews >>

on ebay again

Selling these two older items.. if anyone's interested ID is hannasmom1198. :)

Getting organized...

We got Hanna's supply list for school today, so we have started taking inventory of what we have and what we need to buy-my father-in-law has sent her some basics already. Thankfully we only need a few things, but it is a generic list and once we go to the open house next week the teachers may have some additional things to add to the list. I can't believe my little girl is starting middle school! Granted if it were back in the day, she would still be in elementary where I lived. Middle school starts in 5th grade in this area..but wow. She is growing up so fast. Where does the time go? I do love this time of year though, I think I get as about as excited as her when school starts.. it brings back memories of my school years and the unknowns and excitement of the school year to come.. who will my teacher be? Will my best friend be in any of my classes? Who will the cute boys be this year? lol Sometimes I wish I could be a fly on the wall the first day of school!
OK enough of my rambling.. hopefully everyone will be settled down for the night soon so I can get to stitching. ;)

Another great giveaway!!

Lori is having a fabulous giveaway on her blog! Check it out!! Prairie Schooler patterns and much more are being given away!

Another finish!

It is really pitiful how long it took me to finish this. I have been working on it on my lunch break for I don't know how long. A few stitches here, a few there.. it's another kit that my MIL asked me to stitch for her. I got tired of it being a WIP so I sat down and finished it today. Only 3 ornament kits to go, and Hanna (my dd) is going to try to do one. She likes stitching but it doesn't quite captivate her as it does me, so I may end up finishing it to get it done in time for Christmas. We'll see..

And surprise of surprises, when I was getting ready to post this, dh was actually asking questions about blogging/my blog and seemed interested! Wonders never cease. LOL

Again, I apologize for the terrible lighting in some of my photos. My light is strong enough to stitch by but not for taking pics evidently. I really need(?) an Ott-lite. Maybe at tax time..

Finally a finish!!

I finished this Val's Stuff freebie yesterday.. I would post a link but the freebie was one from my LNS... what do y'all think of this frame for this design?

Thanks everyone for your advice on the fleas. Dh did buy some flea and tick home spray last night.. so far so good. I still have gotten a couple of bites I think but I haven't seen any jumping on me so that must be a good sign. We'll see how things go. Treatment we're using on the dog must be working ok too as I haven't seen him scratch much. We did find out that Tractor Supply had decent prices on flea prevention so we may check them out when we run out next time. Thank you all for listening to my moaning and groaning in my last post, and for your help and support! You all are the best!

At my wits end.. and.. my giveaway winner!

First I will post the winner.. which is 'anonymous' but she left me her email address! So congrats whoever you are! lol I will call you dal2 for the beginning of your email address. :) Sorry I am 3 days late posting the winner!

Now, why am I at my wits end? you may be wondering. I usually try to keep this blog pretty upbeat but I don't know what to do. We are having a major flea problem in our house and my daughter and I are getting eaten alive. We slacked off flea-treating our dog during the colder months(will NEVER do that again) and now the fleas are back in full force. We have started treating our dog again, and also giving him brewer's yeast and garlic pills. My husband is not being very supportive otherwise in my efforts to get rid of the fleas. They don't bite him. And he is under the mistaken impression that when the weather gets colder the fleas will go away. First of all, if our house is nice and warm I am sure they will stay. Secondly, I DON'T WANT TO WAIT THAT LONG. I AM ITCHY!!!! My daughter's bites are not as frequent as they were thank goodness but she is still suffering a bit. I, on the other hand, am ashamed to show my legs/feet in public! I haven't even tried to count all the bites I have. But enough of my complaining. I need help, advice, whatever has worked for you if you have ever had fleas in your home. We used flea bombs once before a while back and I think they worked but I really don't remember. The problem we have too is that our dog is old. He is 15 and his back legs are not working very well so it will be hard to take him anywhere- getting him in the car is feasible but where do we take him? It is very hot outside. Plus it is very humid here and I don't know if opening the windows after we bomb would work well. I have tried salt in my carpets. I am trying to vacuum more often. I am just a little nervous about using chemicals due to my kids, and the fact that we will have trouble keeping the dog out for long periods. The 'natural' products that I have found kill fleas on contact but do not continue to kill them for prolonged periods, and I don't think an exterminator would fit into our budget right now, especially if they have to make routine visits. I am just really getting depressed about all this. I feel like we will never get rid of them. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Just a reminder...

My drawing for "Big Bee Little Bee" is the 31st- leave a comment on this post if you'd like a chance!

Yet another wonderful stitchy giveaway!

Stitching bloggers are so generous! Please check out Bev's Wee Stitchy Blog (love that name!!) for a great giveaway!

Crape Myrtles and my silly boy

I apologize for the not-very-good photos.. I took the picture of the crape myrtle with my phone, and I was laughing so hard at my little one I kept shaking the camera! lol Anyway, the crape myrtle, along with the magnolia tree, are two of the bright spots in the long summer of the south. I love these beautiful flowering trees! And my youngest made these super-cool Elton-Johnish sunglasses for "Tropical Day" at his daycare. I tried to get a re-take of the pictures but he refused and took the glasses off. hee hee!

Another stitchy giveaway..

but I can not take credit for this one, and it is much better than mine! ;) Go see Jan at her blog for all the details. Happy Stitching!

a little bitty giveaway..

I am giving away my Just Nan "Big Bee, Little Bee" pattern-kind of a PIF cause I think my mom gave it to me. :) It doesn't have the bee charms though, it's just the pattern. Post a comment here if you're interested and I will draw a name on the 31st. :)