Long Week-End

Hello All,

I had a super week-end.  We took my DS to so many places to have fun.  I will have to break this post into two since I have lots of pics and tons of stuff.  First, on Saturday, we took my DS to a new park.  It was really nice.  The place was clean and the slides were slick.  His favorite thing in the whole world is to slide.  He loves watching himself slide on the video camera too. 

 This first pic is of Cash and my DH getting ready for a big slide.  He was so excited.  I had to remind him to drink water and get his feet up so he could go fast.  He ran all around the set to get back onto a slide with his little arms up to gain momentum.  I love watching him run.  He had a choice of 4 slides and quickly decided that the one h loved best was the slide that he and I could go down together.  Made my heart melt.

.This next pic is Cash on the go (with daddy following).  I am not sure who had more fun.  We all took turns sliding.  I would add a pic of myself, but I am afraid my hair would scare you (he he eh).  We only stayed for an hour because it got to be 100 degrees by noon.  That's good ol' South Texas for ya.  You have to plan to do everything really early or you could get really really hot.  I also forgot the sun screen.  I really need to keep a small bottle in my bag.  He had such a great time and made a couple of new friends.  It was really neat also because we were close to a military base.  I am sure we owe our thanks to some of the parents there for their service. 



Lizzy Kate "A Sister"

On the stitchy front, I didn't get as much done as I wanted to.  I almost finished the stitch for my baby sitter.  I am hoping to get it done by Thursday, but its looking pretty good.  I will take a better pic tonight.  It rained a bit when I took this pic, so its filled with shadows.  I didn't get a chance to work on my LQ square, but I am on full force for the rest of the week.  I am determined to get it in early.

Well folks, that is it for today.  I have to get back to work so I can earn more stitching money.  A chore, but that darned lottery refuses to cooperate with my winning and retiring to stitch plans.  I will continue tomorrow with another stitchy pic and a trip to the zoo.

Updates and a Long Week-end Ahead

I FINALLY got the chance to take some stitchy pics BUT totally forgot to take pics of my darling little grass fuzz.  Its really adorable.  I have set an alarm on my phone to make sure that I take pics today so I can post them on Tuesday.  Yes, a three day week-end.  I should have plenty of pics and stories to tell.  I have some in-laws coming into town, so we should have lots of fun.  Today is also my DH's birthday.  His mother, step-father, my DS, and I are having a little dinner at our house.  Maybe I will get lucky and get a chance to take some family pics to post.  I am so bad about that.

On the stitchy front, I got a chance to start my ornies for my baby sitter and her family.  I only have one pic, but I am hoping to have at least one done by Tuesday.  I am a slow stitcher due to my vision issues, so any progress is good for me (he he he).



Stoney Creek Reptiles and Amphibians

This first pic is my progress on the Love Quilt Square for Brody.  You can see a bit of the tree in the center and I am still on my first coil of snake.  The colors are soooooo pretty.  I am a sucker for greens.  I know it doesn't look like much, but its coming along.  My goal of finishing page 1 by the end of May was a bit ambitious.  I began with the largest page of stitching, BUT I will have page 1 done by the end of the first week of June.  My hands are just itching for that birth sampler.



Lizzy Kate "Sisters"


This next pic is of Lizzie Kate's "Sisters Forever".  The colors are so pretty.  I am using the DMC alternatives.  Since my DS loves to touch the threads, I have to wash my stitching.  It's tough keeping the hands of a 20 month old clean.  Especially when his best friends are Yorkies.  Who knows what those three get into.  I am using 28 count Lambswool Jobelan.  I am really glad I decided to use the recommended fabric.  It makes that first color really jump out at you.  Too bad I don't have any sisters.  I would love to have one of these for myself.  I may have to break down and purchase "A Brother".  I am soooooo liking Lizzy Kate and U2 right now.  In case I have not mentioned it before.  I am a U2 freak.  I have been since the 6th grade.  I even remember having a crush on the Edge.  He is so my type and ironically does not look anything like my DH.  Go figure.

Well folks, that's it for today.  I will have some stitchy updates on Tuesday with hopefully some fabulous progress on both stitches.  And yes Joysze,  I am one of those who LOVES new starts, but I LOVE finishes even more (LOL).  Hopefully I will have a couple more finishes in the near future.  I have some great coupons from the local craft stores, so I will be gathering supplies for a flat fold finish soon.  Wish me luck and I hope everyone has a wonderful week-end.

Blog Trouble

I hope this makes it into my blog.  I am sorry I haven't posted in a few days.  I am having trouble with my blog, but I should (or am hoping) to be up and running again tomorrow.  I have a few pics of some stitch updates and some grass fuzz pics to share.  Until tomorrow...... keep the frogs away.

What to do....

I did it again.  I am unsure why I lack the discipline to stick on one or three projects at a time, but I got excited about another project.  I noticed a link on the DMC website a few days ago about converting pictures to cross stitch.  Its fairly easy and I received the chart instantly (always a plus for instant gratification people).  I am not affiliated with this company.  I just thought I would share.  Soooooo.....  this is my dilemma.  I totally want to start that stitch now.  I thought I could squeeze it in for father's day.  Its so adorable.  I haven't been able to take pics, but will try to get some in tomorrow.  I chose a picture of my DS at 7 months of age.  Can't wait to get that one done.  Its mid sized so I don't think it will take that long to stitch up, BUT, there is my dilemma.  I have so many others that shouldn't take too long (insert wicked little laugh here).  I am going to publish my list so I am bound by you to stick to it.

1) LQ - snake for Brody
2) Sisters and Daughters for my baby sitter, her sister, and mother,
3) Summer House
4) Picture Stitch for Father's Day

I will get started on my birth sampler once these are done.  I have other projects on the books for this year, so I decided to stitch on the sampler during those infrequent moments of being caught up.  I will concentrate on it once I have my gift projects done for the year.  I rarely keep any stitching, so wish me luck.  I have a ton of gift projects this year. 

New Stitchiness

I received my Mother's Day gift (#2) yesterday.  I am sooooooo stoked.  I have been searching for a birth sampler since I discovered I was pregnant with my DS.  I found a few, but nothing that I just had to have.  Finally, about a month ago, I found it.  Its delicate, cute, and timeless.  Its the Historical Sampler Company's A is for Ark birth sampler.  Here is a pick of the kit.  I had to order it from England (feel super worldly).  I will try to get a better pick of the front of the tote tomorrow so you can see the actual finished project. 

The colors are divine.  They are deep and nature inspired.  The linen is 32 ct. and it even came with a gold plated needle.  I am so excited.  I just can't wait to get my hands on this project.  Its on my list for next year, BUT, as we stitchers know, a few stitches and some prepping may be in order.  Nothing like fresh fabric in need of some color.

The next pic is really nothing that will make sense.  Its the pic of the Love Quilt Square that I am working on.  I did not get to do any stitching last night.  My in laws came over for dinner and a little DS playtime.  It was so much fun.  My DS and his Gaga (grandmother) crawled on the floor playing hide and seek.  They also scared each other.  My DS has a sick sense of humor for 20 months.  He loves to be scared. 

This is a part of the snake skin.  I will have more tomorrow but may wait until the end of the week to update the pic.  Don't want to bore anyone with my super slow stitching.  Wells folks, that it for today.  I will have better pics tomorrow and a yard update.  We have grass fuzz.  So exciting!!!!

Froggy Eastwood

He came back Saturday night.  His husky Clint Eastwood voice murmuring until I finished a section that I was quite proud of.  Before moving onto the next square, I counted to make sure I was on the right track.  Just then...... "ribbit".  I counted again. "Heh heh."  On the thrid count I knew there was no mistake.  I was off an entire line.  "Do you feel froggy punk?"
"Apparently so..."  the voice in my head responded.  Ugggggg.  I had to frog the entire section.  I made sure to secure the thread well because its for a Love Quilt square, so frogging proved to be quite difficult.  I was so mad at myself.  The section incuded multiple colors, which incientally are really pretty together.  It was a section of the snake from the Stoney Creek pattern I chose.  Not my usual bag, but this little boy is soooo cute.
Anywho, after uncompleting my section of stitching, I went to bed.  I decided Sunday would be better to begin again.  I was right.  I will have a pic tomorrow of my progress.  I have to admit that I am really glad I began this stitch in May.  Its due August 1 and I already think I will need till mid July to finish.  Lets hope my eye starts cooperating and that the frog traps work (he he he).

Well folks, I will have a couple of pics up tomorrow with some updates (including my yard).  I wish you a frg free day.

The Sky is Leaking

The sky is leaking.  There is liquid falling from the heavens.  When I was little, my grand father told me that the rain was God's tears.  Everyone needs to cry.  I was always confused by that.  Especially since thunderstorms scare me.  Not sure what it is about lightning, but it is scary.  Its been about 3 months since we have had any rain here.  The ground is sure to soak it up in no time.  I am really glad because my seedling Bermuda grass needs it.  I know its not the best grass, but I am not good with plants and figured since its so difficult to get rid of, it must be for me.  I may try St. Augustine in the back yard.  Its cooler back there because of my oak tree. 
Well folks, that isn't much, but my eye is still having trouble focusing.  I really really really hope that spell check works for me today (he he he). 
Type to ya tomorrow.

Congratulations Elisa

I just wanted to say congratulations to Elisa who won the Traveling Pattern drawing last week.  I am under the weather and snuck out to get on the web so this will be short.  Elisa's blog is lovely and can be found at Old Ragged Threads.  Until I can focus better, take care and keep from frogs away.

Congratulations Carolyn and a Finish

First, give a way news. Edgar drew a winner for his 4th Blogaversary give away!!!!!  Congratulations to Carolyn.  Her blog can be found at http://carolyn-justonemorestitch.blogspot.com/.  Its a really cute blog.

As for my week-end, it was really great.  I got to spend time with my family and I did finish my Mother's Day gift for my mother. 

Plum Street Samplers freebie

I stayed up until 12:37 AM the night before to make sure I wouldn't be late.  My brothers and their family joined us at my house for a Mother's Day breakfast.  I received a Flip Video camera and will hopefully figure out how to upload.  Some short cute takes of course (he he he).  Here are some snaps of the back and the side detail of the pillow.  I used a whip stitch with two different colors to achieve a swirl border and added gold beads to finish up this baby.

The back is a bit plain.  I just signed to bottom right had corner for her.  I am really proud of this one.  Turns out that practice does make perfect.   I plan on expanding my finishes.  I have a 40% off coupon for Hobby Lobby and will be stocking up on some supplies for different types of finishes.  I am hoping to do a flat fold next.

Well, that's all folks.  Here is a pic of my DS on his 20 month bday. 

Its that little smile that gets me through every single day.  Hope everyone has a good Monday. 

Congratulations Sari

I just want to say congratulations to Sari who won Heather's Stitching Story Give-A-Way.  It's a wonderful prize. 
I also have an update on my Mother's Day gift.  I am really starting to stress because I only have today and tomorrow to finish it up.  I still haven't finished the design so I will be staying up really late today and tomorrow to make sure I can surprise my Mommy.  Here is a pic of the update.  I have added part of the Mother's dress since this pic, but now you can tell its two bunny's hugging.

Plum Street Sampler's Freebie

I also need to make some changes to my May goals.  My baby sitter had a tragedy in the family.  Her younger sister passed away.  I found some wonderful Lizzy Kate designs that I want to make as a tiny remembrance for my baby sitter, her sister, and their mother.  I can't imagine a greater tragedy that loosing a child.  They are small but I really want to do something for the family.  They have been so generous and supportive of my family.  Mama Lu is just that to my DS.  Mama when I am not around.  I am expecting the patterns in tomorrow so I will post a pic with the threads on Monday.  Well folks, wish me luck on my Mother's Day gift.

For all of you Mamas out there, Happy Mother's Day!!!!!!  I hope every one's family comes together.

Not Much Going On

Hello All,

Not much to report today.  I did get some stitching done on my mother's day gift, but I will have to take a pic later today.

I was asked about Star Wars Day and really think its funny.  I too can not stand the pre quals.  I love the original episodes 4-6.  The significance of the day is word play.  In stead of "May the force be with you." its "May (the month) the fourth be with you".  Its a silly made up holiday in which geeky nerds like myself get an excuse to take out the DVD's and torcher our significant other.  My DH likes the movies, but not like me.  I began corrupting my DS at about 3 months old (he he he).  He does like the space ships.

So folks, I will bid you good-bye for today and have a much better post with a pic tomorrow. 

TUSAL and Happy Star Wars Day

Happy Star Wars Day!!!!!!!!!!!!!  Yes, I am a closet nerd.  Well, not so closeted (not sure that is a word).  But to all the nerds in the stitchy realm and yonder, Happy Star Wars Day!!!!!!!!!

TUSAL

This is the pic I should have posted yesterday.  I am not planning on winning anything because I missed the first four months (not bright), but I really like my jar.  Its also the first time I have kept up with the extras.



Plum Street Sampler's Freebie



The pic above is an update of my mother's day gift.  I am almost done with the smaller bunny and should finish off mama bunny today.  The colors are really great.  I am sorry the pic is so poor, but I promise to get a better one soon.  Tomorrow I will do the flowers and start the border stitching.  Yes, I am going to do another pillow.  I don't have the funds to purchase any other finishing materials yet, so pillow finish it is.  This budget issue is really getting in the way of my stitching.  I need to start playing the lottery.

Well folks, that's it for today.  I wish you a frog free day. ;)



Part Two - Stitchy

Good Morning All,

First, I want to say thank you to everyone who left a comment. I am touched and excited to meet my new friends.  I was asked if the fabric was linen or even weave and it was even weave. I am about to tackle linen for the first time with the Sue Hillis design. Wish me luck.

Now, onto part two of yesterday's post.  I have pics of some of my projects for this month.  First, an update on Summer House.  Its a Brookes Books freebie that was for a competition last year (a bit late).

I am hoping to have the house and front steps finished this week.  I didn't get any stitching done last night.  My head really hurts and I just can't seem to focus.  I think the Earth is attacking me again.  I plan on retaliating with some Zyrtec.  If so, stitching, here I come.

The next pic is of a Sue Hillis design.  Its my plan to have the pirate picture as part of my blog header.  Its been a plan for some time now, so I hope I actually get it done this month.  You can't really tell from the picture, but the colors are really pretty and jewel toned.  I am not using the fabric listed in the pattern, but its pretty close. 

The next pic is of the Love Quilt square I signed up for.  Its due in August for Brody.  My first snake stitch.  Its filled with really pretty greens and I love the fact that I normally wouldn't stitch this type of design.  I plan on alternating the Summer House and Sue Hillis design every other week.  I fill fit in the LQ stitch every other day until its done.  I have two more project I am working on this month, but I forgot to take the pics.  I will have them up tomorrow along with my TUSAL pic.  I am really bad about those.  I do not plan on winning anything, because I missed Jan., Feb., and March, but I like the jar (he he he).

Back yard and a Finish

Lots going on today.  Since I am not a political genius, I am going to leave the Bin Laden issue alone.  I have my opinions, but do not see a reason to force anyone to read them........

I also want to say that I will have to break up this post into two days.  I have a bunch of stitchy pics that I want to share but I only have one finish, so I will show more pics tomorrow.

As promised, I have the pics of my back yard.  My blank piece of fabric in desperate need of color.

This first pic is taken from half way across the yard toward the house.  We are going to replace the patio cover (its in bad shape) and rebuild it with ceiling fans.  I plan on having out door linen hung from each end and adding some huge pots filled with King palms.  I will have a few other pots filled with passion flower vines also.  They are my favorite flower.
We will be seeding the yard with Bermuda grass and then I will plant various flowers and shrubs that will attract humming birds and butterflies.  My DS really loves looking at all the tiny creatures Mother Nature offers, so I think it will be nice.  I also want a few items that will attract song birds.

The next pic is of the oak tree that towers over my home.  You can see a branch in the first pic.  Its a nice sized yard with tons of shade.  That is helpful in South Texas.  It gets really hot during summer.

The pic on the left is of the left side of the yard.  Lots of space to fill, but I am up to the challenge this year (I hope).

Now for my finish!!!  Yeah me, its number three (for this year).  That is probably the most I have completed in any given year.



Lizzy Kate "C is for Cure"



This is for my sister-in-law in Dallas.  She had a double mastectomy a few weeks ago.  I used the DMC alternatives because I wanted it to be washable.  Its a bit rustic, but I am sure no one will be too harsh to a one eyed gal.  I am really excited that its my first finish with 28 count fabric.  Its also the first finish on a non-Aida fabric.  Who knows what I will be experimenting with next.

I will have pics of my May projects and a list of goals tomorrow.  Tune in for tomorrow when (dun, dunnnn, duuunnnnnn) I actually may have my other April goal done........