Slow Start

Happy New Year (again) :) .  I needed a do over because my DS had a terrible week-end.  My poor baby caught a cold, his lip in his teeth, and a miserable start to the new year.  So, with that in mind, I am going to cheat on my challenge a bit.  I am using a bunch of UFO's from over the years.  Since they are already started, I am going to consider them my "starts":

Jan 1) Stoney Creek's: No Greater Love (Jesus with Angels)
Jan 2) Brooke's Books: Madonna and Child ornie
Jan 3) Self Designed: Alphabet Blocks

I can't find my bag with the New Year's Fairy, so I am off to my local stitchery to resupply and begin that today.  Although I will keep up with my starts, I plan to concentrate on my Love Quilt Square.  I am already behind schedule.  I need to get it mailed by the end of this month.  Its due March 1, and I want to be early so they have plenty of time to do what they do best.  I will add some pics later today.

I also wanted to say Thank You to my readers.  I don't consider myself all that interesting but I can admit that I have some rather funny and unique situations.  For example, on Saturday (the first day of my DS's cold), we sat up in my bed cuddling for a bit.  He felt so bad, that he kept crying.  I also have two yorkies that sleep with us, so we have a full bed.  Well, Fletch (my boy doggie) couldn't take the crying after about 15 minutes and began howling from his hibernation under the goose down comforter.  He sounded more like a cow complaining than a dog.  Right then my eye began to itch or should I say my fake eye.  So I scratched, and then it fell out into my glasses.  My DH just started laughing because of our howling dog, crying baby, and
falling eyeballs.  I am not doing the situation justice, but it was really funny.  And the clink in my glasses did get my little one to stop crying and giggle a bit.

Well folks, that's it for today.  I'll get some pics up tomorrow. :)

2011 Challenge

Good Morning and Happy New Year!!!

I published my list on the up4achallenge.blogspot.com website.  The list is as follows:

1) Brookes Bookes: New Years Fairy freebie with some additions.  I am stitching this for Peyton's Love Quilt square,
2) Stoney Creek's: No Greater Love (Jesus with Angels): I began this years ago when I was just learning to stitch.  Its my goal to finish this year and give it to my Mom.
3) Stitch Graffiti by heather Holland-Daly: Home is Where my Bed is.  This is a gift for my friend April.
4) Sue Hillis Designs: The Beatings will Continue When the Morale Improves: This is for my blog title.  Its been put together for a while, but just never got started.
5) My Big Toe Designs: Serenity Prayer: this has a special place in my family,
6) Brookes Books: December Cake freebie: for my Mother's birthday.
7) Janlynn: Bear Collector: plan to use this as a sampler for my cousin's baby.  They are due in May.
8) Plum Street Sampler: Coffe Tombstone freebie: for my kitchen
9) Janlynn: Water Dragon: bought this years ago and its still lovely,
10) Brookes Books: First Christmas Ornie: A bit late, but for my son
11) Raise the Roof Designs: Nickademus (Sock Monkey): for my son's second Christmas (Also a bit late)
12) Bookes Books: Madonna and Child (JCS 2010 Ornament Issue) - for my Mom
13) Brookes Books: Summer House freebie (Plan to add the wedding date and names for some friends and make it into a photo album.  (It too is a bit late) - maybe an anniversary gift this year,
14) Self Designed: Alphabet blocks for my son (I started "A")
15) Chatelaine's: Manuela's Sunflower freebie (something pretty for me)

A bunch of these are freebies.  It turns out that a new eyeball is quite expensive.  So are the doctors.  The good news, it was worth it.  No one can tell unless I say something.  I also have a bunch of smalls because having a toddler makes it difficult to stitch.   I have hope and renewed energy.  Wish me luck. :)

I spy with my one eye :)

I began taking a walk with my little one this week in my neighborhood.  I have been intimidated by my limitations for so long that I stopped looking for things to do outside and alone. 

While walking the day before yesterday, I began to regret leaving my camera at home.  The neighborhood was beautiful.  Front yards were covered with the most amazing flowers and there were trees literally hugging the lights (I am going to take that picture today).  I am not sure what the name of the flowers are, but I couldn't help but take pictures yesterday.  The periwinkle blues reminded me of some fabric I am using right now for the Summer House freebie by Brooke Nolan. 

There were also a few homes decorated for Halloween.  So naturally, I am inspired and will be doing the same thing this week-end (3 days - woo hoo).

Here is the beginning of my Summer House.  There was a contest that I missed, but I love it and will be adding the names of some friends and their wedding date.  I plan on mounting it to a photo album for a Christmas gift.  Finishing isn't my strong point, so wish me luck.

Till next time.......

A Finish

Yeah me!  I have a finish.  I made the scarab from Teresa Wentzler's Egyptian Sampler into a floss tag.  Since I have lost my depth perception, judging size is a bit difficult.  I originally set out to make a tissue holder where the scarab was going to be the back design and edge the borders of the opening in hieroglyphics, HOWEVER, it turns out the scarab is a bit tiny. (he he he).  Its times like these that I have to laugh at myself (I ran out of water proof mascara so crying wasn't an option).  I need to take a better pic once I change the ring stud.  I don't like the flower for this particular subject matter.  But, the colors are wonderful and I plan on completing the sampler one day.

I have a huge list of projects that I am going to get done first.  They are all kitted up and ready for stitching.  I am praying that I have the discipline to work on only the projects I have supplied.  I have a few ornies for family and friends included in the pile. 

I have to take a break from Lovely You because I miscounted and have to frog half of my second bird.  I am devising a plan to only frog the few squares I am off.  I will be greatly impressed with myself if it works.  Till next time........

Three Acts

Ok, so its been a while. I have had a three act drama go on in my life but its finally winding down. Not over, but almost. :) Yeah for me (he he he). I am trying to get back on track with some stitching and getting used to trying to do my nails with one eye. No french manicures for now (thank goodness short, dark nails are in style). I am amazed at the things that are affected and thank God eveyday for the blessing he gave me (including a spare eye ball).
I am currently working on getting my stitchy stuff organized. I went through my stash last week-end and noticed I have some WIPS from 17 years ago just gathering dust. I am so ashamed. So, I am going to take the advice of some savy stitchers and start working on each piece a week at a time. This way, I hope to have some ornies done by the end of November, and some finishes for this year. Wish me luck, bright light, and a steady needle. Until tomorrow.

Its been a while

Its been a while since my last post, but I have a bunch of new things going on. First, I was given the OK by my surgeon to get my prosthesis. I am really excited. She told me I could have it by April 17Th. Really excited!!! I have a baby shower to go to for one of my oldest friends the next day and would love to debut it. I also can't wait to stop wearing this silly patch. I can't wear browns because its black and I refuse to clash.
I also started driving today. It was scary, liberating, and totally necessary. I feel like I'm closer to being me again. I drove myself to my first interview in 13 years. My current job is just not producing (financially) and I am afraid I will be left with nothing. I am the main source of income for our family, so my having a job is really important. Its a lot of pressure, but I can handle it. Wish me luck.

Update

Today has been difficult because I have had some pain. Not sure why its happening, but I am bit nervous. Always nervous when something that isn't there hurts. I am still not driving, but I am working on gaining my confidence. It doesn't help that I never have any time to myself. Its weird, but I feel like I have so many obligations. I never used to care, so I guess its a sign that I am starting to get back to normal.
On the brighter side of things, only two more weeks till Easter. Being a semi-good Catholic girl, I gave up soft drinks and sweets for Lent. Its really been difficult this year. Normally I am through with the cravings in a week, but this year I am really wanting. Can't wait till the Easter Bunny delivers this years goodies.