Thread Keeper

Our sweet Mouse celebrated her blogoversary with giveaway prizes and I was one of the very lucky winners! Just look what arrived in my mailbox:

Mouse (knowing how much I love my ORTs) stitched this lovely design and sewed it into a fabric bowl thread keeper for me. I opened it up so you could see. I also received these great finishing goodies and a pretty piece of pale purple fabric.

Thank you, Mouse! Happy blogoversary and wishing you many more to come!

Thank you for visiting my blog today!

xox

Presents

I got presents! We are having a very quiet Christmas this year. With Sheba being ill and so many vet bills we agreed to not go crazy this year. So I wasn't expecting any presents. Then I picked up the mail ~

From Myra came this lovely threadcatcher. This will be so handy when I stitch in the living room. I am always saving those ORTs for the TUSAL, ya know. Thank you so very much, Myra. I will treasure this! BTW, Myra's house must smell heavenly...

Then came this pretty wrapped package from Shirlee. It "says" jingle bells on the wrapping. AND it jingles! *squee* What could it be?

I thought about saving this to open on Christmas morning but greed got the best of me and I opened it:

Oh, my. Isn't it pretty? You wouldn't believe how carefully and perfectly this ornament is finished. I LOVE the jingle bell accent too. Thank you so much, Shirlee. This will join my treasured stitched ornaments on my tree every year!

No stitching of my own to share yet. I started another project on Sunday and very nearly completed it! I want to wait until I'm done before I show it off.

Sad news. Sheba's biopsy indicated a malignant cancer. This means it can easily spread ~ to the other thyroid and to the lungs most likely. Our vet is researching our options with an oncologist and we will see. She did say it was a 50/50 chance of recurrence and it could be as long as two years or more before that happens. Of course, Sheba will not be allowed to suffer no matter how much we want to keep her with us. For now, we will enjoy her company and work on keeping her happy and healthy. Thank you all for the good thoughts and wishes in my posts on this subject. You have helped us so much. *hugs* to all.

Thank you for visiting my blog today!

xox

Meet My Mummy

There was an mysterious fat package in my mailbox last week. It was very heavy. What could it be? I was a little grim thinking maybe this was a donation for the Totally Useless giveaway, oh dear! Surely nobody sent me a two-pound pincushion? That package is going to be heavy enough as it is!

Imagine my glee when I opened it and discovered this darling *squee* mummy inside. Last year, I had admired Tanya's Halloween decor and truly coveted the mummy she had made. Tanya knew I loved her so much she sent her to me! Mine! My own mummy! Sweet Miss Mummy is residing spookily on my bookshelf for the holiday season. I love her to pieces. Thank you Tanya!

I also received another package last week, this one expected. Every now and again I see something from the UK I just have to have and I'll call on my good friend Lindsay to get it for me. Then, in return, I'll do a favor when asked. Of course, every now and again one of us will open our mailbox to find the other has filled it with something unexpected and awesome. (wait, on second thought, Lindsay probably has a door slot for mail deliveries *giggle*) Anyway, I saw this Margaret Sherry magazine on Bec's blog. Ooo, Margaret Sherry! I could not resist, so an email to Lindsay was in order. Thank you Lindsay! You too, Bec, you shameless enabler you!

According to Sharon, I've been teasing you with hints about my new project. Okay, I'll stop now! I finished kitting up and started stitching yesterday. I'm going to stitch Prairie Schooler's Twelve Day's of Christmas. Each square as an individual ornament. I've been looking for that perfect "12 Days" chart and have even bought several but they were either too big (I don't want 5x7 inch ornaments) or charted as a group only. I was so pleased to find this design.

 

One of you "out there" is stitching this too but I'm sorry, I can't remember who you are. If you've been blogging this design recently it was probably you, speak up! You were my inspiration ~ thank you!

So, I snagged one Prairie Schooler chart off eBay. I've pulled my colors. Some I didn't like (copper red? For Christmas? Ewww!) and some did not match the model close enough and those were swapped out. I measured out enough 32 count Lugana, tea-stained it and cut it into 12 ornament sized pieces.

 

And here is my start! Wow, this is a really fast stitch. I started last night and only had a short time for stitching. It would be nice to have these all done in time for the Christmas tree this year but I know it won't happen. I'm not a fast stitcher or finisher. Plus, I work full time. I thought about making this my 2012 project and stitch & finish one ornament each month, very doable for me. But I couldn't wait to start. I just about went insane the weeks I waited to start Crabby All Year, that time. I'm not set up for waiting, I guess. I want it NOW!

I still need to find fabric for the backing. I figured I'd wait and get a couple of them stitched so I could color match. Darn, I have to go to Joann's Fabric store. What a shame. I can't wait! I hate waiting!

Thank you for visiting my blog today!

xox

I Get By With A Little Help From My Friends

It's been kind of a crappy few weeks. What with two major snowstorms and dealing with several problems that have cropped up at work ~ I'm left feeling glad February is such a short month! Then, last weekend I come down with the flu. The real honest-to-goodness flu. Fever, chills, body aches and it put me flat for several days. I'm seldom ill enough to stay home from work. Indeed, when I checked, I found I've only taken three sick days in four years!

It was so nice to find a sweet package in the mailbox for me. Valerie of Fog City Dweller, had a blogoversary giveaway and I won! And boy did I get spoiled...

It was all I could do to stop and take photos...

I just wanted to RIP RIP RIP!

Oh what fun!

A close-up of the gorgeous fob.

Isn't it the yummiest?

Oh my, I keep picking it up and caressing it. I will treasure this fob, Valerie. Thank you so very much! I am so blessed with friends of such creativity & kindness.

Thank you for visiting my blog today!
xox

Ouch! Oh no!

It was just a teeny kitten. White and grey. I could hear him calling and calling outside the garage. I caught a glimpse of him as he dashed into the bushes when I stepped outside. No amount of calling could coax him out nor could we even see him under the bushes. But when Rick went past with the lawnmower out he ran! And (not thinking) Jessie grabbed him. And he bit her. Of course, she promptly let him go and he disappeared under the bushes again. Ummmm, now...we need that cat! Jessie has ten days to find and capture a very tiny white and grey kitten before she has to undergo treatment for rabies exposure. Our Animal Control department brought us a live trap and it is set and baited with a can of cat food. We actually spotted the kitten again earlier this evening near the trap so our hopes are high for success! Wish us luck?

Happier news: I received a package from Kathy today. Inside, I found this gorgeous beaded froggie scissor fob and a little frog fabric pouch. Kathy said, "If I must have frogs at least they can be useful ones!" A precious gift and one I will treasure. Thank you so much Kathy!

Thank you for visiting my blog today!

xox

Ceremony of the ORTs

I'm a little late with posting but I assure you, the ceremonial dumping of the ORTs went off on time!

Here is my little monthly jar next to my big ORT container. Reluctantly, I included the dreadful Ball of Shame.

The little jar is now clean and ready to be filled with the next month's offerings. I think I'll offer the Ball of Shame to the birds. I really can't stand looking at the little sucker anymore! If you'd like to save your ORTs and show us the results every new moon there is a link in my sidebar for the TU SAL (Totally Useless Stitch-A-Long) We'd love for you to join in!

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I had the nicest surprise in my mailbox last week from Karen. She made these darling little note cards & folder and sent them as a thank-you gift for the RAK I sent her. Aren't they precious? She is obviously very talented at papercrafting! Thank you so much, Karen!

Thank you for visiting my blog today!

xox

Spring Chicken

I think my eyes actually bugged out when I saw the chicken potholder that Annie crocheted. I know, for a fact, I gushed over it in the comments. The next thing I know Annie is offering to send him to me! OMG! Mine? All MINE??? Now, I know the mechanics of crochet and I can follow a pattern but it's the doing it that kills me. It makes my hands ache and fall asleep. So creating a Spring Chicken for myself is impossible. Isn't it great that stitching bloggers make the best friends to have? Thank you so much Annie. I adore this silly chicken with all my heart!

Thank you for visiting my blog today!

xox

Snowed in!

I will never wish for a white Christmas again! A blizzard snowstorm hit Oklahoma on Christmas Eve. It began in the morning with sleet that turned to snow with 45 MPH winds that cut through you like needles. I've never seen snow blowing like this before! In the city, they were closing the malls and cancelling Christmas services at churches. By the afternoon most highways were nearly impassable and those ended up being closed as well. We ended up stuck at home for Christmas day, even though my parents live less than an hour away. The highways were still closed and there was no going out.

It wasn't even a pretty snow here as the wind whipped the snow into tall drifts that left the grass still peeking out in places.

But the wind was nice enough to blow it away from the truck into drifts a couple of feet high.

It left my froggie on the front step exposed as well!

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We had a nice Christmas even if it didn't go as planned. It was a good thing I had a ham in the fridge or we wouldn't even have had a Christmas dinner! Jessie, and her BF Matt, stayed the night and after Santa came we opened gifts and played like kids.

Rick looked up my wish list and bought me loads of fabric and patterns I'd been wanting! Jessie gave me this cute design book with lots of fun, snuggly animals.

Here is what was in my package from Lisa! Thank you so much Lisa, you are an angel.

Still working on Crabby. Hoping to have it finished soon. I'll be back with an update as soon as I've finished! Be prepared for major happy dancing when this occurs!

I wanted to thank you all for the merry Christmas wishes this year, you all helped make my season happy!

Thank you for visiting my blog today!

xox

Birthday mail, part two

My dear friend, Lindsay, was working on a birthday present for me but time got away from her. We all know how that goes! Today it arrived, a little late but well worth the wait! I had this tiny button tin, a gold plated sewing set from Madeira with darling stork scissors and the most gorgeous beaded tassel for a fob.

The tassel is amazing, Lindsay, you are so clever! It's in my favorite colors too!

Thank you Lindsay! I treasure these pressies!

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Thank you for visiting my blog today

xox

Really want to cry

It's the middle of The Week From Hell at work. Things aren't going to get better very fast. I come home exhausted from the stress of what is going on and all I want to do is sit and cry. And maybe scream obscenities at a few really stupid people. You know I don't ever say much about my work (the smart thing to do) but this week really takes the cake. I will say this...my job is not in jeopardy but it really sucks to be in management and know what is really going on.

Imagine my surprise and extreme pleasure to open my mailbox and find this RAK from Jill of Purple peacock. Jill wrote she saw I needed new scissors so... Completely gobsmacked, that's me! Jill, I can't thank you enough. Your thoughtfulness and generosity are phenomenal. I think you must be a touch psychic too, your gift could not have come at a better time. I needed cheering. ***HUGS***

Here is Ranae's ladybug fob on my darling new scissors. They fit together just perfectly!

Thank you again, darling Jill.

You really made my week!

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Thank you for visiting my blog today!

xox

Birthday Mail

There was mail in my box today. Birthday mail! First up here is a birthday card & package from my dear friend, Joan, in London. Joan and I are long-time snail mail pen pals. Every year she sends me something from Red Nose Day. It usually shows up around my birthday. This year it is a pin badge and a charm. The charm will probably end up on my cell phone! Cute, cute, cute! Thank you, Joan!

Next I opened this lovely Post Box Floss Tag from Rachael, along with birthday greetings and some ribbon and Kreinik braid. I adore the post box...Rachael knows how much I love all things British. Thank you, Rachael, for thinking of me!

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Finally, some WIP pictures. While waiting for March to arrive, I stitched a teeny bit on Peacock Cypher. There isn't a great deal of progress (not a lot of stitching time) but I was able to stitch the two butterflies and row of over-one lettering at the very bottom.

Then on Sunday, I was finally able to get out Crabby All Year and begin Wind for the month of March. Again, not a lot completed but it is a start.

Thank you all for the wonderful happy birthday wishes on my last post, and the emails too. You are such dear friends and I cherish you.

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Thank you for visiting my blog today!

xox

Angel Mail

A Peace Angel has arrived from Sandra! Sandra had a goal of sending 50 angels flying to friends all over the world. This one landed yesterday but I had to go pick it up from the post office after work today. Worth waiting for! Sandra made me the cutest Angel pinkeep! Look at her sweet dress and the heart on her wing. Adorable. She even personalized the envelope, how creative!

Thank you, Sandra! I love her!

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Thank you for visiting my blog today!

xox

Two finishes

What, with it being Christmas and all the goings-on, I completely forgot to share this little finish with you. Here is a precious Hanukkah ornament I made for my dear sister, Carol. I created this using Mill Hill's Tiny Treasured Diamond kit Star Of David. These little ornaments look so complex but are insanely simple...and I am not one that easily follows written directions. From start to finish, this was one evening and one morning. I highly recommend these for a super fast and easy finish. Oooo, and all the bling!

Last night I watched Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix on my laptop and finished Summer Joy! It was true satisfaction to put that last stitch in! This was such a fun piece to work on. I must have taken a zillion pictures but this was the best I could get. The fabric color is acually much richer. I still can't decide how I want to finish-finish it. Any suggestions?

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After I finished Summer Joy, I unkitted it and put away all the floss I recived for Christmas. (No, Cindy, they were just the 3000's!) By then, Harry Potter was over and LOTR The Fellowship of the Ring, extended edition was going...yes, I was up past Midnight! Then, I got out the floss for the Crabby All Year stitch a long and played with it. I have it all sorted but still need to cut the threads. (I cut all DMC into 8 equal lengths.) Maybe I'll share a photo shoot of the kitted SAL next. I seriously thought about converting the DMC to GAST and WDW but with 46 colors, sheesh! Plus, I already have les Moutons going in GAST.

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Thank you for visiting my blog today, your comments make me smile!

xox

Zzzzz

Yes, it's that after-Christmas lethargy settling in. I just feel like lazing around, playing with my presents! We had a very nice Christmas. It was quiet; which was exactly what was needed this year. I am very glad it is over though. Working in a grocery store during holidays can really suck!

I had some very nice presents! My dear friend, Lindsay emailed me a couple of weeks before Christmas saying I had a package coming and to have Rick hide it if I wasn't able to resist opening it before Christmas. I was good...when it arrived it went directly under the tree. I didn't even unwrap the mailing paper which I discovered hid lovely Christmas wrap when I opened it. I was very excited when Christmas morning arrived and I found this beautiful etui!

Thank you, Lindsay! You know me so well!

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Rick bought me lots of DMC and some fabrics. Plus, a gift certificate to The Silver Needle.

Jessie gave me this a pretty notebook filled with page protectors for my patterns.

She also gave me two matching ORT jars, one for ORTs and one for DMC bands. Don't ask me why I save 'em...OCD symptom or something. I really needed larger jars as my old ones were nearly full, so these were really appreciated! Do you have any idea how difficult it is to photograph clear shiny glass?

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Rick received a ginormous bottle of Jack Daniel's, a photograph of him on his motorcycle and really nice hair clippers. Jessie had gift cards, DVDs & lots of clothes. Santa didn't forget the pets either! Taco received a tiny stuffed catnip tiger and Sheba had a squeaky stuffed penguin. Sheba promptly ripped the pompom off her penguin's hat and Taco plays with that pompom instead of her little tiger, go figure!

I haven't gotten much stitching done, as it has been busy around our house! Christmas Eve morning, as I was headed off to work, I sprayed the window washer on my truck and had to stop and scrape away the resulting ice. Friday, it was so warm outside, Rick and I went for a motorcycle ride in short sleeves! Wacky weather!

Thank you all for the happy Christmas wishes!

xox

Mail day

Jessie texted me, "Ooo, you've got lots of mail!" When I got home I found packages!

Michelle from Little Rabbit Miniatures had loads of giveaways these past few weeks. I won this chart. Michelle included a really awesome Christmas greetings card and a pack of Mandarin orange chewing gum.

Thank you, Michelle!

Then a total surprise from my friend, Marie-Hélène in France, no blog. A lovely card and sachet she made for me with lavender from her own garden. The sachet smells heavenly; lavender is my favorite scent!

Thank you, Marie-Hélène!

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The rest of the mail was Christmas cards and buttons for Crabby. I am slowly warming up to the seasons festivities. I just really don't feel like it's Christmas time. Jessie got fed up with me and she and Matt (her boyfriend) put up the tree this week. It looks great too and there are presents wrapped underneath.

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I actually stayed up past midnight last night stitching away! It is really rare for me to stay up late. I watched an entire disc of Supernatural, season 2 and Summer Joy is nearly ready for a happy dance. I'm trying hard to finish up WIPs instead of starting another new project! The urge is strong though...

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Thank you for visiting my blog today!

New start, finish and a Christmas surprise

It has been getting unnerving waiting for the New Year and the Crabby SAL. I just want Christmas to be over and it to be 2009 and let me begin stitching! ROFL I desperately needed something new, so yesterday I started a little ornament for a somebody special. She sometimes reads my blog so I can't post a photo...but I can give you a hint:

Yes, my new start has loads of beads! Here they are in my Tacky BOB. Do you use a BOB? That is the handiest thing for working with beads! Click the link and scroll 1/2 way down the page to lookity. I never lose beads now!

I finished up the ornament in no time flat so my new start is now a finish. It turned out so nice too. Hum, now what to do?

A Christmas Surprise!

Look what was in my mailbox. Wow, it is a Christmas present from my floss kid Lisa, in Scotland! She sent me a beautiful stitched kitty ornament, a box of fudge (nearly GONE already) and a kit from my wish list! I love those hieland coos! Can you see how the fabric on the ornament is sparkly? Oh, I just love everything!

Thank you so very much, Lisa. You are such a sweetie!

Bedlam football Saturday

It's bedlam time! Rick is a OSU Cowboys fan, my dad is an OU Sooners fan. Rick scored tickets to the bedlam game and invited Dad to go with. Seriously, these two should be mortal enemies but they are best buds instead. Rick smoked BBQ ribs and grilled stuffed jalapenos. I dropped them off so they could avoid the crazy football traffic and outrageous parking prices. I saw they only wanted $50 to park at the convenience store...and they looked pretty full...OMG! The game starts in an hour. The boys have a standing bet on this game every year. The loser buys the winner dinner out. Unfortunately, Rick usually ends up buying...

There was a surprise in my mailbox from Lisa. She sent me a darling ornament and a reindeer teatowel with my Christmas card. Jessie has called dibbs on the towel, already!

Isn't this the sweetest ornament? I really need to get my tree up!

Thank you so much, Lisa!

Good night, I completely forgot to tag people for the Bookworm meme. ***blush***

I was able to remove a few blogs from my following list (ones that don't use Blogger) to make a little room. I also requested to Blogger to give us more room!

I am nearly finished with my second snowman exchange so I will finish him tomorrow. Then, I think I'll work on my regular (and long neglected) WIPs.

Thanks for reading my blog today!

Sweet cheerleader

A BIG thank you to Lindsay for this little Mouseloft kit. Lindsay has been such a cheerleader for me in my quitting smoking campaign. This celebrates my four-month anniversary tomorrow. Go me!

Thank you, sweet Lindsay...you are a dear!

Stash in the mail

My new floss kid Lisa sent me this surprise package in the mail as a thank you for adopting her. Egads~I love stash!

Thank you, Lisa! I'll have fun with all this!

Woohoo mail!

Yesterday, I found a package on my front porch...inside was this lovely gift from Cathey via the giveaway on her blog. It's a chart and charm pack from my wish list...Pansy Sampler: Hope by Sisters and Best Friends. The shop she had it sent from included a huge bundle of freebie patterns with it. Ooo, I love stash! I am going to have such a great time stitching this.

Thank you, Cathey! This is wonderful!

Readers, please note, you simply must visit Cathey's blog this week; she has finished the most beauuuutiful project...