A Tiny Happy Dance

I finished stitching the "Jesus: Author of Faith" ornament I'd started last fall. Until a few days ago, it had been a UFO (unfinished object). Now I just need to press it and sew it into an ornament. The fabric is plain white 14 count Aida, which I'm trying to use up.

The design is from the Cross Country Stitching Magazine, Dec. 1992. Here is the list of DMC colors used.

Since I've gotten used to stitching over 2, I prefer linen or evenweave fabrics to the Aida. I think that's what took me so long to pick this one back up.

Harry Potter Freebie!

This past weekend, we visited my aunt & uncle, who live on the lake at Pickwick Lake. DS/10 was given the latest Harry Potter book by his Aunt Linda. Boy, did she score some serious points! He was very excited. (He is on book #4 right now.) We all enjoyed the time spent with family. It was nice to just relax.

Here's a freebie, Hedwig's Four Patch, for all you Harry Potter fans. If I decide to stitch this, I'll change the owl to white, as some other stitchers have done. The gallery of this design is here. Check out the designer's site, The Sampler Girl.

I'm almost finished with a UFO that had put aside for quite some time. I'll share it as soon as I finish the backstitching.

I'm sitting on pins and needles waiting for my Arcchivo that is on it's way. I can't wait to use it!!

I won an Arccivo!!!!!

(photo credit to: Donna Downey)

I am so excited a won an Arccivo!!! All you scrapbookers will love this new product! For months, my homepage has been Donna Downey's blog, Simply Me, because it's so inspiring. She is still giving away 1 Arccivo a day to the 14th commenter, so check it out. She also has a video of it on her blog that explains how to use it. What's even more cool, she is appearing on QVC on my birthday, Aug. 14th, 9pm-12am EST, to demo and sell them. If you don't win one, you can still buy one on QVC below retail!!

I don't know what color I'll be getting yet, but I'll post a photo of it when it arrives.

St. Louis City Museum

Here's some of our trip to City Museum in St. Louis, MO. I highly recommend it if you have child or if you are young at heart! Enjoy!

Cool Slideshows!

Long Time No Blog

I'm still busy dragging out all our belongings! What a process! We painted our master bedroom and recarpeted. Boy, does it look better! We also hung 2" blinds in the windows and trashed the old ones (the old ones were 16 years old). We are hoping to sell our home soon so this is only the beginning. We still have to tile 2 bathrooms, paint them, and maybe replace a tub.

Per Doctor's orders, DH is having to stick to a no sugar, bread, rice or potatoes diet. You would be amazed at the food that has sugar. It has been quite an education to learn what he can eat. In 2 weeks, he lost 8 lbs! I told him I would follow the same diet which can't hurt (especially if the result is losing a few lbs.!) We shall see....

Scout Camping trip to Kia Kima

DH and DS/10 went on a camping trip to Kia Kima in Arkansas a couple of weeks ago. They had a blast! DS is th 4th one from the right. The raccoons got into their snack foods and ate most of it up. DS shot a bb gun and got 2 bull's eyes.

He shot a sling shot and hit 2 cans, went on hikes, crossed a monkey bridge,

and did arts and crafts.
When they returned home, boy, were they dirty and dusty! They had a great time, but were glad to get back home.

We have Too much stuff!

I've been cleaning out closets and it is amazing what can accumulate over 16 years in one house! A yellow and green polka dot purse, a gold fake leather purse (eww!) and red felt hat with a feather are just a few of the items that have got to go. We are having a yard sale next weekend, so we are still rummaging through the clutter. "One man's junk is another man's treasure"....right? I hope so, because we definitely have a lot of junk to sell and donate! I think it would be way more productive to have an unbiased person go through the stuff with me. I know I'd probably get rid of even more. I am learning (and it's about time), that we all actually need very little stuff. I haven't put aside one item for the sale that I've regretted. The deeper I go into the clutter abyss, the more I want to let go of the stuff that isn't useful or has a sad or negative memory attached to it.

Today, in observance of Memorial Day, DS/10 participated, with his scout troop, in a parade and placing flags on 47,000 soldiers' graves at National Cemetery. He's 2nd from the left in the back row. He did this last year, but it takes on a whole new meaning this year, since his brother is in the army now.

Decluttering is a good thing!

I've begun the overwhelming process of decluttering our home. Spring cleaning is next. It's amazing what can accumulate over the years! DS/10 has begun going through his things, also. I haven't missed one item that we've donated to charity. I love having more space, less clutter.

DH replaced our worn-out bathroom sink and counter in the master bath. It looks so much better!

I have stitched a bit on Gathering Honey since my last progress pic. I'll share a new one soon. I really need to finish it. I'm anxious to start a new "big" project.

Thanks to all who read my blog and comment. I enjoy reading each and every one!

Border Stitching

Here is my progress on "Gathering Honey". I haven't backstitched the border flowers or bees yet. You can see that one of the bees on the left border only has wings and no body. I may not back stitch any of the border until I get all the cross stitching done. The photo doesn't do justice to the colors. I am itching to stitch a few other projects, but I'd like to finish this large one first! So much stash...so little time.

Changing the subject entirely....
Our team, Univ. of Memphis, won last night...again! Go Tigers!! What an exciting game! I can't begin to tell you how funny the "happy dance" was that my DH and DS/10 did as we scored the winning point in the final 2 seconds of the game.

Check out the funny photo of my DH with the band he is in. This was taken in the Green Room, before they opened up for Jason Aldean. There were about 2,500 people there! Our son said he wondered if they had a button that said, "Son of the Keyboard Player" he could wear. I almost cracked up! ; )

DS/20 is now assigned to Ft. Carson, CO, in the Army Infantry. If anyone knows anything about Ft. Carson, I would like to hear from you.

I'm Still Here... Really

I know I've been a neglectful blogger. I just haven't been able to "express" myself very well lately. I hope to do better.

My soldier son has gotten his orders to be stationed over 16 hours from home. He may possibly be deployed soon. I can't bear to think about that now. It makes my stomach knot up.

This week was spring break for DS/10. He was sick the whole week. We did get to play UNO Attack a few times. It's a fun variation of the card game we enjoy as a family. We've been busy this past month with Pinewood Derby, Science Fair, Scouts, DH's music gigs, VBS decorations, etc.

I have been stitching off and on. I will share a pic shortly.

Long Ways Down

My Army son called me to tell me he jumped from a 250 ft. tower (with a parachute, of course). He said it was "very interesting". Next week, he will parachute from a plane. The jump next week will complete his Airborne training. Then, I'll find out what's next on his plate.

DS/10 had a birthday in January, entered Pinewood Derby (won a trophy), and had a ceremony to become a Webelo 2 in Scouts. He also completed his first science fair project. He won 2nd place at his school level! He is so excited!

Sorry, it's been so long since I blogged....life just got in the way.

My Hero "Turned Blue" & Graduated From Infantry

Our 20 year old son, a private in the US Army Infantry, "turned blue" last Thursday. The following day, we attended his graduation from Basic Infantry Training. Both ceremonies were very emotional. We also saw 3 different units being deployed to Iraq from the Atlanta airport while we were there, also. They are all sons or daughters. Some are moms, dads, brothers, and sisters of someone who loves them. I kept a lump in my throat both trips to the airport and throughout both ceremonies. Our freedom is being protected by these heroes.

Now, he is in a holding unit until a spot opens in Airborne training. Here's my hero.

Thanks, everyone, for all the comments! I've actually stitched some on Gathering Honey. I just need to take an updated pic. I'll share that soon.

I'll Be Home For Christmas...

Mr. & Mrs. Claus, our elves, and 1 very old reindog. No, actually, it's my husband, children, new son-in-law, and dog. Yep. That's us. Remind me in January to lose some weight for goodness sakes!My two sons (Oldest is in the Army and only home for 2 weeks). We had a wonderful Christmas this year. I hope your families had sweet memories also. Here's a few more photos...
This is our tree before the angel was placed at the top (and before the gifts were added!)

This is a 5-Minute Fudge Wreath I made after hearing from my aunt that it was a great recipe from Rachael Ray. It's very easy! You may have seen her make it on Oprah.Please remember to pray for our troops!

Bunco Night

It was my turn to host Bunco this past Tuesday, so I gave out these ornaments from Old Time Pottery. We had a great time! I served a huge salad, rolls, chicken vegetable lasagna, and cheesecake. I had never tried Stouffer's chicken vegetable lasagna before, but it was really yummy!

I still haven't gotten all my Christmas decorations out yet. I'm still looking for my treetop angel and the stockings. My son who's in the Army, is returning home, on Sunday. He will be here for Christmas Exodus (2 weeks), before returning to Fort Benning. I'm looking forward to seeing him!

My aunt came and helped me clean and prepare for Bunco and Christmas. What a lifesaver!! She's a doll! I haven't stitched any in over a week. We had to rearrange my stitching spot, too, so the tree could stand in the corner.

I will try not to go so long between posts!

Thanks for the comments/compliments!

Thanks to all of you who commented on my DS/20! I appreciate it so much!

I actually stitched a little bit while we were out of town for
Thanksgiving. I worked on a Christmas ornament, Cross Country
Magazine's "Jesus, Author of Faith". I'll share a photo soon. The
progress I made was in white DMC thread on white Aida fabric. So it's
hard to see the stitching, for now. I've been stitching another small
area of Gathering Honey, also.

Check out Trish's blog, Just Another Stitch in Paradise, to see the companion piece to Gathering Honey, called Rose Garden: top and bottom. Her stitching is awesome!

Proud Army Mom

I am so proud of my DS/20. He's my hero. He's in the Army. Please pray for him and his safety. (Currently, he's in the Infantry.)

2 Year Blog Anniversary

Today I have been a blogger for 2 years. Thanks to all of you who have taken the time to stop by and comment and take a look at my stitching. Your encouragement has kept me motivated to finish a few UFO's. I always look forward to reading some of my favorite blogs when I can steal a moment. Obviously, according to my blogroll, I have quite a few favorites!

Happy Thanksgiving!

I wish all of you have a Happy Thanksgiving!
I have so much to be thankful for.
I'm thankful... for my husband, my daughter and son-in-law, and my 2 sons.
... for my faith.
... for my extended family.
... for our health.
... for our friends.
... for our home.
... for our country, USA.
There are so many more things I'm grateful for, too many to list.
What are you thankful for?

Progessing on "Gathering Honey"

I finally took another progress photo of "Gathering Honey". I haven't backstitched the border of flowers I stitched yet. I usually wait until I get a section completed, then I go back and backstitch the area.

I got a phone call from me son, who is in Basic Combat Training at Ft. Benning, GA. He sounded great. He actually was outside, in the tornado weather that whipped through Alabama and Georgia last week. His "company" was on a survival mission with 1 meal per day and no shelter from the tornado, rain, and wind, except for a poncho. He said it was a muddy mess. They were in the elements for 2 days and 1 night. Tough guys! I'm glad he is safe, though.

We had an outing in the woods last night with out Bible Fellowship Class. We had a great time. Every family brought a crockpot of soup. There was a big bonfire and even the movie, "Cars", was showing on a tarp tied to two trees! It was just like being at the drive-in, only way better!!!
(They used a laptop with DVD, powered by a van that had a power cord in the lighter, and a cable that connected to a Epson projector on top of the van. Is that cool or what?!!!!! All the guys were saying they were doing it again for the ball (games, etc. What have we started?

And, back to the soup. Here's the recipe for the White Rotel Chicken Chili that I made. (The original recipe was passed on to me by my DD/25, but I changed it a little.

White Rotel Chicken Chili (serves about 10-12)

2 pkgs. McCormicks White Chili seasoning Mix
2 cans Rotel (mild) drained
4 cans white beans undrained
3 cans premium white chicken breast drained
salt and pepper

Using a large stock pot, mix beans, rotel, chicken, and seasoning mixes together. Add salt and pepper to taste. Bring to a boil covered, stirring occasionally. Then, turn to low and simmer. You can also make this in a crockpot. Top it with sour cream and shredded cheese. (My daughter uses fresh chicken breast, cooked in oil in a skillet, then cubed.) It's even better the next day.

Easy recipe for a crowd.

SBQ of the Week

This week’s SBQ was suggested by Jan and is:

How many different brands of “complete” embroidery floss sets do you own? How do you keep track of it? (i.e., spread sheet program, index cards, palm pilot, etc.)

I have a complete set of DMC , ordered as a complete set years ago. The set includes a yard or two of each color, not near what a individual skein contains. It has been, however, a big help to use for a reference to see the actual color of a number looks like. Also, I do use some of it, if I only need a very small amount of that color.

I also have a nearly complete set of DMC, wrapped on bobbins. I have multiples of some numbers and none of a few others.

I also have a lot of whole skeins or bobbins, pulled from the storage boxes, kitted with several charts.

If I had to give an exact number of sets of DMC, I'd have to say 2 1/2, give or take a few numbers I'm missing.

I plan to use Microsoft Excel to keep track of all my thread stash, but so far, I haven't taken time to do it.

(I have about 20 - 25 spools of metallic Kreinik threads, too.)