Clouds and sunrises

Now that Hanna has to be at school by 7:30! I see a lot of sunrises.. I am also a cloud freak- I love pretty clouds. Here are a few snaps I've taken with my phone for your viewing pleasure. :) The first one includes some crows or blackbirds of some sort- we've seen scores of them lately!!

A finish, some birthday mail, and some park pics!!

A busy busy day! Started out the morning with breakfast then off to zumba class.. came home, ate lunch, did a little housework(Mom and Dad will be here next Friday!)then off to do a zumba demonstration with some others from my class.  Took my kids to the park after dropping off the library books-

I had a picture of Hanna too hanging from the monkey bars-but realized her undies were showing and wasn't sure she'd appreciate me posting it for the world to see.   lol

My birthday is Tuesday and I got a lovely birthday gift from my dear friend Mark in Washington state- the new double CD set by Loreena McKennitt- I love her music!And last but certainly not least, I finished the final ornament kit for my MIL!! Happy dance!!! Now to begin assembling them all..Now on my lunch hour I'll begin working on a birthday card for my grandma, whose birthday is next month.  The design is from a 2004 issue of the UK "Cross Stitch Crazy" magazine. :)  Well, off to stitch on my Linen Flowers bookmark, which sadly I can't post progress on, as it is a gift for someone who may see it if I post it on here!

Free chocolate and some progress

Parsley is having a chocolate giveaway!! Click here for details. :)

And now for my progress on my LK flip-it.. not as much as I would like but it's my own fault for trying to do things on the computer (read blogs, facebook, etc), watch tv, and stitch at the same time!!  Sorry for the dark pic!
Tonight I'm going off my rotation to finish an ornament kit I've been working on.. I tried to finish it on my lunch break at work today but didn't have quite enough time.
OH and if you're a Sampler Girl fan- be sure to stop by her site for a $5 sale! All patterns except booklets and brand new patterns are only $5!! But only til midnight tonight!

Does anyone know...

Where I could find a complete list of Blackbird Designs out-of-print charts/books? I looked on their website and didn't see anything, and didn't see a way to contact them except via the blog(which I would have to leave a comment on as there is no email link.) Thanks!

Yet another great giveaway- two, actually!

Kathy is having 2 thank-you giveaways on her blog! Click here or the post title to check it out!

a prayer request

Hi everyone-  please keep in your prayers my friend's sister Amber- her 7-week -old baby passed away this week, of SIDS they think.  I can only imagine what she is going through right now..

And the winner is....

And don't worry ladies, David didn't cheat, he can't read yet! I tried getting a picture of him pulling the name but he was too quick! Hmm... is that a samplar.. I see?

Terri of Dixie Samplar Designs!!

Terri, please email me with your address and I will get the pattern out to you asap! You can email me via my blogger profile. :) Congratulations!

Oh, and here is my progress on my flip-it thus far-

A fun and free way to raise money for breast cancer research

Just click the title of this blog or click here. Create a patch and Propel Water will donate $1 for every patch you make!

Tonight is the Winter Wonderland giveaway (click here if you haven't signed up yet and want to), and will also post progress on my flip-it. Last night was a crazy night and I didn't get to stitch until late..

Birthdays, please!

I would like to *try* to keep track of my blogging friends birthdays, if only to just pop in and say "Happy Birthday!"  Could you please click here and add your birthday? You don't even need to put what year, and if it asks for anything you don't feel comfortable giving, just skip that part. I think it may ask for an email address but I don't think it's mandatory if you don't want to leave it. Thanks!

A giveaway in honor of Breast Cancer Awareness month

Karen is having a great giveaway on her blog- Click here: Feathers in the Nest for a chance to win some wonderful stitchy stuff!

"The Proposal"

I am a big Sandra Bullock fan... Rob rented this from the Redbox tonight and it was so good!!  And not overly mushy which I liked. lol  The only bad part was there was the cutest dog in it- and he looked just like our Wolf when he was a puppy.. sniff...   Anyway, I really recommend this movie, it was so cute! Got a little stitching done on my flip-it, will post progress in a couple days when I change to something else in my rotation. :)

Winter Wonderland finished and a chart giveaway! :)

First, let me share with you that my little one wrote his name tonight without help! Though I am sure he has done this at preschool, it's the first time I'd seen it firsthand. I'm one proud mama. :D

Here is "Winter Wonderland", ironed but still wrinkled.. sigh..

And because my mom was generous enough to buy the "Winter Wonderland" pattern for me, I am going to PIF to someone else. If that person wants to keep it going after they stitch it that would be great! I know this is an older pattern but I also know I don't go out and buy every pattern I want, so hopefully there is someone out there who still wants this. lol As for finishing, I love the Thread Pal that Impie, Hattie, and Bea has made for this design, but money is a little tight right now.. so maybe I will hold off on finishing til I can get that.. I don't know. If you are interested in the giveaway, I'm keeping it pretty straightforward- just comment on this post. You don't have to post it on your blog unless you want to, don't have to become a follower or anything, though of course I would love it if you would. ;) I will draw a name Friday the 16th. Have a great Monday my dear friends and readers!

Charts and old magazines for sale/trade

Just click the link to the right. Prices listed include U.S. Postage, if you are out of the country and are interested in anything I can calculate the postage for you. Or we can make a trade of some sort. I am really looking for a piece of sky blue fabric-anything but aida- 11x13 or so- to do something for my daughter for Christmas- just to throw that out there. lol I really just want to get rid of these so after postage most of them are only a dollar or a dollar and a half. There are a few For the Love of Cross Stitch mags as well as some old Cross Stitch and Country Crafts magazines, among other things. Thanks for looking!
I finished "Winter Wonderland" last night- will post a pic after I iron it as it is REALLY wrinkled.

I love library book sales!!

Today was the start of our library's semi-annual library book sale- they have one once in the spring and once in the fall.. 5 paperbacks for $1.00! I got several that were on my goodreads "to-read" list.. want to know what I got? I'm gonna tell you either way so... lol.. here they are:

Inferno by Karen Harper
Left to Die by Lisa Jackson
Anne Frank: The Diary of a Young Girl
Silver Bells by Luanne Rice
The Virgin Blue by Tracy Chevalier
Killer Dreams by Iris Johansen
Shoot the Moon by Billie Letts
Hide and Seek by Fern Michaels
Me & Emma by Elizabeth Flock
Almost Dead by Lisa Jackson
The Friday Night Knitting Club by Kate Jacobs
Shopaholic Takes Manhattan by Sophie Kinsella

I also got a few books for the kids- for Hanna, a Nancy Drew mystery, Never Been Kissed (based on the movie-which I will read first), and a Judy Blume book- I think it was called The Luckiest Girl- I think it was the first romance book I ever read!! We also found an actual script from the play Grease, she was pretty excited about that! For David I got some gaming magazine with the Mario Brothers in it(which I will also look at first, since it is geared toward older kids/adults), The Very Hungry Caterpillar, and Caps for Sale. Also a little pop-up book of some sort I think..

I just love the library book sales.. I may check back before the weekend (and the sale!) is over.. ;)

Another kit done....

Just one more to go! I finished this one before work this morning. Sorry for the less than stellar picture, I took it with my phone. I'm surprised it's so dark with all the flourescent lighting here!

under construction...

Please bear with my odd colors until later today- I wanted to use this beautiful picture my mom took as my background, and for some reason when I use the "easy" way to edit font colors it's not letting me change them- so I have to go into the html and do it and I don't know all the codes. I will mess with it after work today. Thanks for your patience!

Blog layout question..

I see alot of blogs that have a picture of your choice behind the header at the top- I see where in the layout setup you can add a picture, and I have done so, but it's not showing up. How did those of you that have blog layouts other than blogger work this out? Thanks for any help!

Travelling Stitcher Giveaway..

Click here. She said she was going to draw yesterday but I don't think it's too late yet..as far as I can tell a name hasn't been drawn! Thanks for the chance Sandra! :)

UPDATE: This giveaway is closed. Congrats Teresa S!

a HUGE giveaway!

I happened across this blog today and WOW! You won't believe all the stuff Annette is giving away. Click here. You can enter until the 18th of October.

Another update!

Two in one day! Amazing! Here is my progress on "I Love Candy Canes" since I haven't posted for a couple of weeks. :)Monday nights are my "Christmas" themed stitching night- the past couple have been pretty busy so I haven't gotten as much done as I would like, but I'm getting there!

Let's try again..

Well after I blogged last night I got a bit of a second wind and stitched a little more.. so here is my progress! Not much longer now!

almost but not quite...

I was really hoping to finish this today- but I am nodding off while stitching and watching tv so I am calling it a night. Just a few blue snowflakes and the top border and I believe I'll be finished! :)

Well- scratch that.. evidently blogger is having some issues, can't upload any photos! Will hopefully post one tomorrow.

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!:)