Whirlwind

That's what my days have become! A whirlwind of getting up, getting out the door, breakfasts, lunches, childcare and then a drive through the *snort* joys of New Hampshire summer construction zones. Work is busy (which I love!) but I am never sure when the day is done if I've gotten everything I needed to do done.

Striking the balance between work and family is never something I ever had to do before. It's so hard, and not at all easy to navigate. I love my job, and there's always more to do. More ideas, more improvements--and new products! But the 10 year old also has new ideas, new things, and a whole world of things to share. Stitching time has dwindled to nearly nothing, and as the hobby that feeds my soul-I need to figure out how to fix that. Not to mention ANY sort of quality time with my husband. Note I haven't mentioned housework or laundry--yeah.

My main communication forum has been the telephone lately, and my email responses and things like this blog have suffered. Of course then I feel guilty! LOL It's typical. But things are good-the new car is great, and comfortable and affordable. Tory has made a great friend at camp this summer, and is visiting her summer house in Vermont today. She leaves on Sunday for a week in Ohio by herself :) And then it's just 2 weeks to school-the summer is flying by! I'm looking forward to August 10th however! My husband and I have a date :) The movie "Stardust" is coming out and we have been looking forward to that for longer than most people have known about it even coming. So I'm leaving work early, and we might even get dressed up for a somewhat fancy dinner ;) Or not--but it's date night nonetheless :)

I'm SO glad to see my sweet caffeinated friend is blogging again (and even happier to be talking to her a couple times a week again!)Not sure about that whole sanity thing though *grins*

Take care of yourselves!

Blessed!

That is how I am feeling today!!

My birthday was this past Tuesday--July 3rd, and in recent years hasn't always been the best day. With two children with birthdays in July, typically we're focused on them--as it should be. And face it, once I reached 30, it was really just another day to me. So I should have been unsurprised that Tuesday would be the day I was told by our garage that our reliable Taurus finally had to be let go. There were some major repair issues that would cost well over what the car was worth. So--off to the rental agency we went to get a car, as with two jobs we need two cars. We decided on a Kia Sportage, because I'm really intrigued by the Kia cars at this point, and was seriously considering buying a new Kia. Not the Sportage, unfortunately since it doesn't get good enough gas mileage to justify it! When we replace the van however, in about 2 years, the Sportage is tops on our list! We get the rental, and my sweet husband gives me my gifts. He bought me several DVD's I had had my eye on, and a beautiful princess cut channel set wedding band. When we got married, we didn't have a lot of spare money, so I had a very thin band. I was speechless, and of course in tears not far after that! It is gorgeous! :) However that was not to be my biggest birthday surprise!

My friends, and I am so blessed with my friends--my friends have given me the most AMAZING Surprise!!! Two of my closest friends--Jamie and Dawn--have taken rooms at the Hershey Lodge for HERSHEY CATS!!!!!!!!! They are paying for the room, my registration, and all that. I just have to get there and have stash money!!!!!!! OMG I was so stunned!! I had to figure out the puzzle, which Jamie gave me since Dawn is of course in Arizona :) She first gave me a Hershey chocolate bar--sweet, but confuzzling as she knows I don't often eat Hershey's chocolate (I've been incredibly spoiled by my husband with sweets, when I do eat them these days). The next part of the puzzle was a very cute Beanie cat. I have to say I was doubly confused until my husband picked up one of our furry living cats, and said "it's not a cat, it's CATS" and the light clicked on!!!! I didn't think I would be able to get CATS this year, and since it may be the last, it's fitting that I go! I grew up not far from that area, and in fact my first Hershey CATS show was 4 years ago or so :) I absolutely enjoyed it, and I'm looking forward to seeing a few of the people I saw at the Columbus trade show! :) I will also get to see my oldest and most best of friends, Crystal and my godson Christopher!!! Sneaky sneaky sneaky friends! I love you all :)

My baby girl (not so much a baby) will be home from her two weeks of camp this Friday, and I for one am thrilled to have her come home. I've missed her! I have gotten letters from her already, and I think it's so amazing the things she's been doing--she's gone windsurfing, and has hours each day in the barn with the horses!

As far as the car goes, Saturday I went and did some test driving of cars--Kia, Hyundai, Ford and Honda. We ended up picking out a dark gray 2007 Kia Optima, and hopefully will be picking it up on Saturday. Meanwhile, I've got the Sportage to tool around in! :)

Wow, it's been a while!

My time is quite limited these days, with the commute and the family and the job :) So updating doesn't happen as much as I'd like.

It's been a crazy few weeks. It started the Tues after Memorial Day when my boss told me that yes in fact I was going to Columbus to the Trade Show. WOW! I got to meet Nan of Just Nan and lots of other designers. But the highlight of the weekend (besides the amazing hotel room all to myself!!) was meeting Nora Corbett of Mirabilia designs. I was so amazed, and she is so wonderful and fun to talk to! I got a copy of the new Thanksgiving Fairy signed, and some signed copies of her new free cherub!

Other than that we're just maintaining. Tory has another 6 days of school, and her softball team won their playoff game tonight, which means they play again tomorrow. She's hitting well lately, and you can just SEE her confidence soaring!

I hope everyone is doing well! I hope to get some breathing room soon to do some more blog reading, etc. But then again, I love how busy we are!

Peace to you,

Wow, what a month!

Greetings everyone! It's been a hugely busy month, but I finally have a few days off, and some time to spare from my family!

I mentioned some time ago that I got a job after 9 years of being a stay at home mom. This sorta threw Tory for a loop, since in her entire memory, I've never worked. Luckily, DH is able to work his schedule around that he can pick her up from the after school program, and they are spending a lot of quality time together. My commute to work is an hour and 15 minutes, so I tend to get home about an hour before her bedtime, and I take advantage of that hour to snuggle, talk and spend time with her. She seems to be adjusting now, and this Memorial Day weekend has been pretty important--both in terms of sleep, and time with her. We went to see Shrek 3 yesterday all as a family--what a funny funny movie! We all loved it!

So after a month of teasing references to my job, I figured I should probably reveal where I'm working :) I've been lucky enough to get a job that is perfectly suited to my skillset (I used to be a BellSouth customer service and sales rep--I won awards each quarter I was there) and it is in an industry that is my passion. It does however severely limit my stitch time! :) My job is.... hmm, maybe I shouldn't tell you :) okay okay okay...

I'm the customer service and sales manager for ABC Stitch Therapy! :) Talk about a dream job! I get to see and fondle all the stash before it goes out, I get to help people find things they are searching for, and perhaps some things they didn't know they wanted--happens to me all the time "gee how did that chart just jump into my hands?" But mostly I'm so grateful to have been given the chance to work in a dream come true environment.

The drive however, lol... not so dream come true lately! This past week I've had two things. First, got pulled over for speeding (got off with a warning, thank God) AND... after paying the final payment on the van, of course--I hit a deer Friday night late. It came from the median and my left side, and I'd been working late, so it was dark. Luckily I'm alright, and there was no mechanical damage to the van. We're going to have to replace the entire plastic wrap around bumped though, as that is in pieces. It was so scary, I've never hit so much as a squirrel in my entire driving life. I'm just happy Tory wasn't with me!

So that's about it from here as far as an update--work is pretty fast paced, so I don't have a lot of time to surf, read blogs or update mine as I used to. And when I get home, and weekends are my family time--more of a priority than ever. And my stitch time! Wow do I appreciate that time now more than I ever did!

Speaking of stitching time--gonna run and get some of that before anyone else wakes up!

Peace to you all,

I LOVE my job!!

Well two days into my job and I ADORE it!!! I am having a great time at what I'm doing and my boss seems to be really happy with me. The drive isn't too bad, thank heavens and right now with the lovely weather it's a pleasure! I'm sitting tonight after cleaning up from dinner, and I hope to get a few hours of stitching in tonight!!

Thanks so much for all your comments, well wishes, and thoughts!! They mean the world to me!

Happy May Day!

Happy first of May to you all! Today is my last day before I start working, so I'm in a frenzy of nerves, cleaning, and preperation! Hopefully I can get it all ready and be able to sleep tonight (unlike last night!).

First--Goals!

For April I said:
Goals for April:
1: Stitch & mail JN RR and Spot RR on time! YES!!!
2: Stitch 5 hours on Autumn Faery Spirit NO ! :(
3: Stitch design and mail by April 15 for exchange Yes!!!
4: Meet all mailing deadlines on time. Yes!!!
5: Stitch in PR stitchathon!! Yes!!!

For May my stitch time is going to be very limited, so I'm going to have to be more realistic!

1: Finish Mirabilia RR piece and mail on time!
2: Stitch 5 hours on Autumn Faery Spirit
3: Meet all mailing deadlines on time!

Now for some pictures! I received my PIF from Jenna this week! What a gorgeous bracelet she made me! Thank you Jenna!!

I also received my Mystery Exchange from SBEBB! Karin was the one sending to me, and I love it!! I've posted a closeup as well so you can see the intricate beading!



Have a great day everyone!!

Germs, you have worn out your welcome!

We're slowly recovering here from some sort of NASTY virus--like a bad stomach flu on crack or something. I ended up in the ER Thursday night and even after multiple bags of fluids, was still not hydrated enough for them to be happy! Dan and Tory seem to have gotten milder, yet still nasty cases of it. Tory had to miss her first softball game :( But I am posting a picture of her at the last practice!


I also finished this round of the Spot Sampler RR. This one belongs to Melanie. I'm really enjoying these spot samplers!!



Otherwise we are all on the mend, and things are being set in place for my job to start on Wednesday!

Peace to you!

Presenting Moonlit Orchid

I finally finished it! Took far too long, but I am thrilled with the result. I converted the DMC to NPI silks, and the mill hill beads to Delicas. It is however late, and I am off to bed! Do make sure to click on the picture, the bigger one is much easier to see :)



Thank you for all the well wishes on my job, and also I am so thankful for everyone who reads and comments. It means the world to me!

Ch-Ch-Ch-Changes!

Wow, it's been a whirlwind few days! No I haven't finished Moonlight Orchid yet, though I plan to do that today!! I did finish a few scrapbook layouts that I was working on, and did some work around my house. My BIG news however is... I GOT A JOB!!!!!!!!!!! I got a GOOD Job!!! Making good money, that I can physically do, and that I have the perfect skill set for!!!! *Dances around like Snoopy!!*

So this will cut my stitching time down drastically, but that's okay! I'll be able to help my family get stable and maybe fix this house to sell it!!

Whoooo hooooooooo!!!!!!!!!

Moonlight Orchid WIP

Because Jamie keeps bugging me... *grin* First picture is the last time I worked on it, way back in the fall, the second picture is where I finished up last night.. The second picture is much closer to the real colors..

I missed it!

Having been a Just Nan addict for some time, I don't really understand what was going through my mind the day I passed on ordering the Queen of the Needle Needlecase through The Silver Needle some time ago. I am regretting that so much these days now that the new sampler and ornament have come out.

I keep hoping that somewhere, someone will have bought it, stitched it and would now be willing to part with their chart! LOL Not likely I'm sure, but one can dream!

I need a boat!

Wow the floods in New Hampshire! Honestly I'm not sure if I'd rather the moisture had come as snow or rain--at least with snow there would have been a gradual shift! But a Nor'easter decided to slam into the East Coast and stay for a few days. We had over 5 inches of rain in a little over 24 hours--wild! Dan and I ended up in the back yard, in icy water up to mid calf, digging a drainage ditch so that all the run-off and melting of the 5 inches of ice/snow that was already on the ground could possibly stay OUT of our basement! We're just about at the bottom of a hill, and all the melting from the woods behind us was ending up at the back of our foundation. We'll have to figure out a better drainage system sometime this summer! I have to say I'd rather fix my yard then deal with inches of water in the basement again!

Tory is on her second day of no school due to the flooded roads. I think my husband may have made it to work today--he was having to go miles out of his way though! The road damage around here is worse then even the Mother's Day floods last year. I wasn't here for those ( I was in PA loving on my godson for the first time! :) ) Hopefully T and I can survive another day inside! It's not actively raining now, which is great! I've nearly got my laundry caught up, since I had Dan to fetch and carry the heavy stuff yesterday!

I pulled out an older WIP yesterday to work on--I just didn't want to work on *anything* and really was fighting the urge to start something new. With 44 WIPs, I really don't need to start anything!! I pulled out Moonlight Orchid from Patricia Ann Designs. I converted this lovely piece into NPI silks and had forgotten just how beautiful it was. I had had to pull out the flowers once because my conversion just did not work, but I'm quite happy now!! I got several bands finished last night, and did some work on the everlasting border--smyrna stitches covering just 2 threads (TINY), and in between Algerian Eyelets and Rhodes Squares. Not a problem except it is all done in #12 perle cotton. I HATE perle cotton! So I'm working on the border a little at a time ;)

That's all for me today--off to fold clothes!

Wonderful Weekend

What an amazing weekend I've had! It's been so wonderful that I am not even going to let the nasty weather in NH get me down. I am more relaxed and all the down-time has really given me new energy!

We dropped Tory off with our friends, along with 2 HUGE tubs of my old Beanie Babies. I was quite obsessive about collecting so I had hundreds. They have a little girl and a year old boy that were able to pick out as many beanies as they wanted! We couldn't check into the hotel until 3pm so we went to the bookstore. We spent about 2 hours wandering around there, picking up a few odd books and a thank you card for our friends. We then went to the hotel and checked in. Dan's brother and sister had given him an Escape Romance Weekend for his birthday. When we got to our room there was champagne and chocoate and a vase of roses. The king size bed was piled with pillows and was quite comfy! The package came with a gift certificate for dinner as well. We settled in and spent our time before dinner just reconnecting and chatting. We then got ready and headed out to the resturant.

We picked Radici in Portsmouth, and our reservation put us with the later crowd. I have to say this was the most amazing dining experience I've had in ages. No kids, no time constraints, no pressure. We had appetizers--a roasted artichoke heart dip, and braised short ribs over baked polenta. The ribs literally melted in your mouth, and the dip wasn't bad. Dan liked that one more! We had an imported Italian water since neither of us really drink at all ( I don't like wine). Then it was time for dinner--for Dan Gorgonzola penne with wild mushrooms and sun dried tomatoes, for me Osso Bucco. There are not words to describe the deliciousness of this. I was blown away by both the amount of food, and the incredible flavor of it. We of course did sharing, nibbling off of each other's forks! Dessert was last--death by brownie for me, and tiramisu for Dan along with a cappucino. All in all it took us over two and a half hours to eat, and I think it was the most romantic part of the weekend.

We went back to the hotel and snuggled in together, watching (and not watching) some television! We slept ourselves out--I woke up around quarter til 9 to my husband getting breakfast for me to have in bed. It was so sweet! Lots of talking, giggling , and snuggling later we realized we had to pack and head to reality.

Wow what a reality!! It's another storm for NH, bringing snow, sleet, freezing rain and the promise of more to come for *days*. Right now I don't mind :) I think it's time to go snuggle with my daughter and husband and watch a movie. Spaghetti sauce in the crockpot and the warm down comforter is calling my name!

This-n-That...

Not much of a post title, but it was all I could come up with this morning! :) My back has been giving me problems again, but I didn't let it stop me yesterday! I went to the free "Mom's Crop" at the Local Scrapbook Store. They let you use all their tools for free, and of course that just is an easy way for me to decide--oh I need THAT! I can't justify buying a cutting system yet, but I have asked for one for my birthday! I'm enjoying scrapbooking, it's giving me a creative design outlet that is 'quick'. I can get a finished result in as little as an hour, plus I get to go through and relive some of my most favorite moments in our lives!

Leave it up to my daughter to remind me at the oddest moments why I love being a stay at home mom. She came up to me this morning, so I could wrap her scarf around her neck for her. When she does it, and puts her coat on, it gets all bunched up, so it's easier if I help her. After I did it she said " Momma, I couldn't do that without you." My reply "of course you could honey, it's just easier if I help you." She thought about it a moment and said " Momma, you make almost everything easier! I love you so much." Until she has children of her own, she will never know why my eyes misted up and why I'll never forget it. Being a mom is so challenging, but it's moments like that--they make it all worth it.

I'm also thrilled to report that when she plays the clarinet at home for practice it actually SOUNDS like music now!!! Lemme tell you that's a relief! We're both itchy for softball season to start--although there's STILL SNOW on the ground!!

In stitchy news, I finished the JN RR and packed it off. I got most of what I wanted to do on the Spot RR done--checked in with the owner, and I'm going to be able to put on the peacock I wanted! It involved beads so I wanted to check :) I don't have to mail til the end of the month so I have lots of time! She sent LOTS of fabric! :)

DH and I are going on a romantic getaway this weekend!!! It was a gift from his brother & sister for his birthday and I can't wait! Friends of ours from the Church are going to watch DD--they have a little girl who is 3 who just adores her! So from Saturday at 10am until Sunday at 6pm we are just two people without computers or maybe even cell phones!!! :) We need this so much. I don't even think I will take any stitching!!

Wow, longer post that I thought it'd be! Have a beautiful day!
Peace

Happy Monday!

Great weekend around here--nice and relaxing. We kept Easter low key this year, focusing more on quiet reflection. It was nice! We did Sunday brunch at a great place in Concord after church, so no cooking for me! That was even nicer! Tory was invited to color eggs at a family friend's home Saturday night which was nice and fun!

Stitching wise, I finished the Just Nan RR I had and will be mailing it out. It's hard to believe this RR is nearly over!! I can't wait to get my Christmas RR back though. From the pictures I've seen it's GORGEOUS!!

Busy day today with chores and laundry, so I will leave you with pictures of the kid for Easter!

Stitchy update :)

Well I finished and assembled another of my own designs last night--unfortunately I can't show it to you. I'm also not all that sure I'm thrilled with it :(

But I can show you WIP pics of two of my current WIPs!
Autumn Faery Spirit by Passione Ricamo. Stitching on Snickerdoodles Belfast from Sugar Maple Fabrics:


Cirque de Circles by Ink Circles. I love this piece! I'm using Russian Sage premium floss from Vikki Clayton, 1 strand over 2 threads. The fabric is Meadow Mist Reflections from Silkweaver.


Have a peaceful and blessed week!

Goals...

Welllll, March wasn't as productive as I would have liked it to be..

1: Finish last shop model--deliver them by March 15! Delivered 1, second one clarified and no deadline--picked up last JN Square model--no deadline!
2: Start Ink Circles Cirque de Circles SAL March 4th Yes! Not much progress though!
3: Get Mira RR ready to go! Yeap!!
4: Stitch 5 hours on PR Autumn Faery Spirit Yeap!!
5: Stitch JN RR/Spot RR and mail on time! Yeap!!
6: Meet all exchange/mailing obligations! So far so good!

Goals for April:
1: Stitch & mail JN RR and Spot RR on time!
2: Stitch 5 hours on Autumn Faery Spirit
3: Stitch design and mail by April 15 for exchange
4: Meet all mailing deadlines on time.
5: Stitch in PR stitchathon!!

That's it for this month!!

Happy April!

Well March went out with some wind and chill and April is here and cold and wet! And with April comes something from my husband--I'm sneezy, coughy, grumpy, chilly, achy and a few other dwarves! I'm so tired and blah--but it's a virus and it'll go away soon! We also had a great weekend. It was Palm Sunday at church, and once again it was a great service. Our friend Jamie was up from NYC and on Saturday we went on an adventure of batting cages, mini golf and a driving range! Pictures to follow!

I also got a stash order in the mail from ABC Stitch. I am so excited that I got the Just Nan Lady Scarlett's pincushion! I also got some limited edition Dinky Dyes and The Cat's Whiskers designs. I'm so excited!


Here's some pictures from our weekend! Enjoy!

Wow, what a morning!

It's a chilly March morning here in NH, and so the hunt for a hat and gloves right as the kid was walking out the door was frantic, but productive. Tory went out the door with a kiss, a hug and no fuss this morning. I treasure mornings like this--she is ever her mother's daughter and doesn't do mornings well at ALL. Our mornings (and evenings for that matter) are starting to get less chaotic, less frantic--more organized with much more time for snuggles, tickles, laughs and family time. It has amazed me what one Lenten commitment can bring me.

This year for Lent I wrestled with what to 'give up' and what to 'take up'. There are the tried and true "chocolate, mt. dew, snack foods" but honestly if you know me those make you laugh because talk about setting myself up to fail! As I was driving home from PA in late February, a thought that had been rattling around in my head took hold, hard. When I can't let something go, and it pops into my head at the *oddest* times, I usually realize that's God telling me I'm either right, or wrong! LOL This time, the thought that wouldn't go away was "Give up clutter". I mulled that thought over the entire 8 hour drive home, and realized it was not just clutter of my house I (and God) was referring to, although that was (and is still) where I started.

It was also clutter of my heart, my mind, and my soul. I've used this Lenten season to let go of old stuff--emotions-like anger, hurt, pain, envy--and packed away old memories that did me no good. I am uncluttering my heart from the past struggles with organized religion as I rejoice in the Church and the activities and community we've found there. I am uncluttering my soul of old resentment towards God from ages past. And how freeing and joyful it is let me tell you. But also hard.

Easier is the uncluttering of my house. If it hasn't been used in a year, it probably has been or will be either donated or thrown away. If it hasn't been needed in the entire 4 1/2 years I've lived here, chances are I don't need it! Uncluttering our routines and schedules has helped immensely--all of us. It leaves much more time for the things we *want* to do and not a rush to do what we have to.

Now, if I could just find the strength to unclutter my stitching ;)

Peace to you

Ick, yuck and done!

The last few days have been blah-ish days for me. Not even sure why, but there were a few moments of 'why did I even get out of bed?' for me lately. I think I'm done with it, which is good because there's no earthly reason for me to feel that way!! It irritates me when things are going well--and have been--and then WHAM! I feel like the weight of the world hit me. So, having spent a lot of time in prayer these last few days, I feel a bunch better! Woke up this morning feeling more positive, and more energetic. I even got breakfast together for the hubby and kid before they flitted out the door. As little of a morning person as I am, Tory usually eats breakfast at school (75 cents for a hot, well balanced meal can't be beat!) and Dan scrounges for a bagel and yogurt usually with his morning coffee. It was nice to sit together and eat!

I sketched out a new design by me yesterday. It's for a secret exchange, so I can't give you any details yet! :) I hope to get it started next Monday after I have my RR out.

Today is going to be a quiet day--I'll probably catch up on some laundry and maybe dust my living room. After that it's going to be stitch stitch stitch until it's time to make the homemade mac-n-cheese to take to the church potluck tonight!

Peace to you,