FREDERICK - FINAL FINISH FOR 2009!!!

Here it is December 31st, today marks the last day and last finish for 2009. But more importantly it's my niece's daughter, Aryanna's 7th Birthday! Happy Birthday Aryanna!!!!
This is the end of my first year of blogging and I have had so much fun meeting new friends, exchanging gifts, and hosting giveaways (my fav). I am looking forward to a new year of fun, stitching and laughter. I have decided that if I make a list of "goals" and actually write them down I will be better at accomplishing them, unlike making a new year's resolution that usually fails by the end of January. Does anybody else feel the same way?

Frederick
by Carriage House Samplings
Stitched with DMC
32 count Lambswool Linen


Tonight I will be staying home with my family for New Year's eve. We'll light the fireplace and get settled down a bit, then we will probably start scarfing down some Robintino's sausage pizza while battling our skills against each other at the game of Chinese Checkers. I love all the beautiful marbles, it is such a fun game that doesn't seem to get the recognition it deserves. Then maybe we'll play some Yahtzee and Idiot. We will pop open the sparkling orange juice and have a glass of bubbly and watch the latest Terminator movie. Maybe I will get some stitching time in, then again, maybe not. Then we will watch Dick Clarks New Years Eve Party on tv and watch the ball drop at Times Square in NY ringing in the new year 2010. Then I will be serving my hubby some more bubbly with some homemade clam dip,wavy potato chips, cheese ball and crackers. Gotta have that food!! It's tradition!



With the new year beckoning, what new designs will you be working on? I am finishing up a Sisters and Best Friends Design and I have a few projects in line when I am done with it.





We have had alot of snow here lately. Lots of shoveling followed by more shoveling! lol I'm hoping I can persuade my son to help me make a snowman. I haven't made one of those for years!!! I better find a carrot, some eyes, buttons and a scarf, oh and maybe a black top hat so Frosty can come to life!!! Sounds like a fun day don't ya think? Then of course we will have to make some hot chocolate with milk and marshmallows to warm us up when we're done.




I wish you all a wonderful and safe New Year's Eve and I will catch ya next year!! Enjoy!

RECIPE FOR A HAPPY NEW YEAR

Take twelve whole months.
Clean them thoroughly of all bitterness, hate, and jealousy.
Make them just as fresh and clean as possible.
Now cut each month into twenty-eight, thirty, or thirty-one different parts,
but don't make up the whole batch at once.
Prepare it one day at a time out of these ingredients.
Mix well into each day one part of faith, one part of patience,
one part of courage, and one part of work.
Add to each day one part of hope, faithfulness, generosity, and kindness.
Blend with one part prayer, one part meditation, and one good deed.
Season the whole with a dash of good spirits, a sprinkle of fun,
a pinch of play, and a cup full of good humor.
Pour all of this into a vessel of love.
Cook thoroughly over radiant joy, garnish with a smile,
and serve with quietness, unselfishness,and cheerfulness.
You're bound to have a happy new year.


~Author Unknown~


P.S. Check back soon, I have something fun in store come the 1st of the month.

A GIFT FOR SHARLOTTE

Ewe & Eye & Friends
Petite Exemplary #3
DMC - changes made

Today I am sharing my first "real' floss tag I made for Sharlotte . What a crazy story, I made her one very similar to the one I am now posting, as the first one I sent to her was lost in the mail. So, I started round "2", I guess a little practice never hurt anyone, right? (I am just realizing I forgot to take a photo of the pretty paisley fabric I put on the back.)

Actually I took these photo's sitting in the truck trying to put together her package while my husband was in line at the post office saving me a place. It was the Saturday before Christmas so the post office was really busy. I guess in all the hurrying I was doing trying to get her card signed and the package already to go, I just forgot to snap a photo of the back. Darn it!! I was trying my hardest to get it to her before Christmas, but it didn't make it to her until yesterday the 28th.


On the original floss tag that was lost in the mail I put some velvet rick rack around the edges. This time I did the finishing a little different. I purchased some hand dyed wool and cut it into 1/4" strips and then I cut each strip into 1/4" pieces by snipping it from side to side creating almost little 1/4" square pieces of wool. Then I took some thread and wove them back and forth pulling it into a twisted edging. Then I hand stitched it to the edge. I hope that made sense. This way it kind of made a frame on the edges rather than just something to cover up the edges of the two pieces that were glued together.

All in all, I think it turned out ok. I really struggled on trying to put the hole for the eyelet in this piece. I guess I was just scared of actually cutting the fabric and ruining it. But everything turned out good. Whew!!!

Thanks again Sharlotte for the beautiful strawberry pincushion/scissor fob, I LOVE it!!! I hope you enjoy your floss tag. Until next post, thanks for visiting my blog and happy stitching!!!

Christmas Memories 2009

Christmas came and went so quickly, but the memories made will last forever. I hope everyone had an enjoyable day with family and friends. Below is a photo of "Joy to the World" by Shepherd's Bush, I stitched for my sister as her gift for Christmas 1997. I still think this is a beautiful finish and I love the way it is framed.

Next up is another photo I took at her house of a little "cupid" I stitched for her as a gift several years ago. I made it thinking it would be nice to display for the month of February for Valentines. Story goes that she loved it so much it hangs in her kitchen all year long. It's so funny to me that I love to stitch, hence the needle and thread, and she runs from it!!! How can two sisters be so different??? I don't know what I would do without my needle and thread. It seems that over the years, some of my styles have changed but I still love the choices of framing I had these two mounted in. They are so breathtakingly gorgeous to me still to this day.

Below are some photos taken Christmas Eve. We had lots of good food, entertainment, giggling and rough housing going on. What would Christmas be like without the magic of children? They make the magic of Christmas come to life.

I love this photo, you can see my hubby, Mike, and my son, Brayden in the mirror. It looks so peaceful, and the warmth from the glow is so embracing to me.

A beautiful "Angel Boy" stands watching on the mantel. I love the glow of the Christmas tree in the background.

This is my BIL, Dave, entertaining us with his talents on the guitar. I hope someday I will be able to learn how to play as good as him.

This is the beautiful Aryanna playing her pretty little violin. She has such talent at a tender age of six.

These are my two rugrats, Brayden and Mike.

The young violinist "Aryanna".

My handsome brother, Kerry, and his son, Preston.

The mardi gras girl, Reign, I can just hear her giggling, can't you? She loves to take her clothes off just like her Mom did when she was little, I guess a chip off the old block as they say.

The three musketeers, Mikey, Aryanna, and Elisa (aka Snowy).



And look at this cute little angel, Kita, she looks like she has a halo above her head.

My tired son, Brayden, after a long day with his family.

Below are some pictures I took at Gardner Village a few days before Christmas. It was soooo freezing cold that night and I struggled with my camera/batteries to capture any photos.

This picture was taken on Dec. 22, 2009 in Fruit Heights, UT. I love antique tractors and I have several photos of ones from all over. Whenever I get a chance to spot a tractor I have to stop and capture it especially if it has time worn character. I guess I am just a country girl at heart.

Thanks for stopping by and commenting on my blog. I have some fun projects I have been working on, but just haven't taken the time to sit long enough to blog about them. Once the holidays are over I hope I can get you up to date on my dabblings.

On the day after Christmas, a Christmas wish is granted to "Berit" so she will have a Happy New Year project for 2010!! She chose "Redbird Sampler" by Bent Creek as one of her wishes to stitch. Congrats Berit, please send me your address so I can send you your "wish".

Now, for some after Christmas humor I though I would share:

The 12 Days AFTER Christmas

The first day after Christmas
My true love and I had a fight
And so I chopped the pear tree down
And burnt it, just for spite

Then with a single cartridge
I shot that blasted partridge
My true love, my true love,
my true love gave to me.

The second day after Christmas
I pulled on the old rubber gloves
And very gently wrung the necks
Of both the turtle doves
My true love, my true love,
my true love gave to me.

On the third day after Christmas
My mother caught the croup
I had to use the three French hens
To make some chicken soup

The four calling birds were a big mistake
For their language was obscene

The five golden rings were completely fake
and turned my fingers green.

The sixth day after Christmas
The six laying geese wouldn't lay
So I sent the whole darn gaggle to the
A.S.P.C.A.

On the seventh day, what a mess I found
The seven swans-a-swimming all had drowned
My true love, my true love,
my true love gave to me.

The eighth day after Christmas
Before they could suspect
I bundled up the
Eight maids-a-milking
Nine ladies dancing
Ten lords-a-leaping
Eleven pipers piping
Twelve drummers drumming - well, actually I kept one of the dancing ladies -
And sent them back collect
I wrote my true love
"We are through, love!"
And I said in so many words
"Furthermore your Christmas gifts were for the Birds!"

RECIPE FOR A VERY MERRY CHRISTMAS

Recipe for Christmas All Year Long


Take a heap of child-like wonder
That opens up our eyes
To the unexpected gifts in life—
Each day a sweet surprise.


Mix in fond appreciation
For the people whom we know;
Like festive Christmas candles,
Each one has a special glow.


Add some giggles and some laughter,
A dash of Christmas food,
(Amazing how a piece of pie
Improves our attitude!)


Stir it all with human kindness;
Wrap it up in love and peace,
Decorate with optimism, and
Our joy will never cease.


If we use this healthy recipe,
We know we will remember
To be in the Christmas spirit,
Even when it's not December.

May the wonder of Christmas fill your heart and bring you peace. Thank you for sharing your talents with me this year, you are all an inspiration to me. I have loved visiting your blogs and have enjoyed your friendships. May we all have a Happy, Healthy and Prosperous New Year in 2010. I hope Santa treats you well this year and brings you everything you wished for and them some. God Bless you and yours this Holiday Season.

Please leave me a comment and let me know one of the items on your wish list that you would like to stitch in the year 2010. I will be granting a wish on December 26th to one of my blogging friends. You can leave your wishes on this post until midnight Christmas Day. Good luck!

A LITTLE CHRISTMAS HUMOR

12 Days of Christmas Correspondence

Dearest John:

I went to the door today and the postman delivered a partridge in a pear tree. What a delightful gift. I couldn't have been more surprised.

With dearest love and affection, Agnes

***

December 15th

Dearest John:

Today the postman brought your very sweet gift. Just imagine, two turtle doves.... I'm just delighted at your very thoughtful gift. They are just adorable.

All my love, Agnes

***

December 16th

Dear John:

Oh, aren't you the extravagant one! Now I must protest. I don't deserve such generosity. Three french hens. They are just darling but I must insist.... you're just too kind.

Love Agnes

***

December 17th

Today the postman delivered four calling birds. Now really! They are beautiful, but don't you think enough is enough? You're being too romantic.

Affectionately, Agnes

***

December 18th

Dearest John:

What a surprise! Today the postman delivered five golden rings. One for each finger. You're just impossible, but I love it. Frankly, John, all those squawking birds were beginning to get on my nerves.

All my love, Agnes

***

December 19th

Dear John:

When I opened the door there were actually six geese-a-laying on my front steps. So you're back to the birds again, huh? Those geese are huge. Where will I ever keep them? The neighbors are complaining and I can't sleep through the racket. PLEASE STOP!

Cordially, Agnes

***

December 20th

John:

What's with you and those birds???? Seven swans-a-swimming. What kind of joke is this? There's bird do-do all over the house and they never stop the racket. I'm a nervous wreck and I can't sleep all night. IT'S NOT FUNNY.......So stop with those birds.

Sincerely, Agnes

***

December 21st

OK Buster:

I think I prefer the birds. What am I going to do with eight maids-a-milking? It's not enough with all those birds and eight maids-a-milking, but they had to bring their own cows. There is poop all over the lawn and I can't move into my own house. Just lay off me. .

Ag

***

December 22nd

Hey:

What are you? Some kind of sadist? Now there's nine pipers playing. And do they play! They never stopped chasing those maids since they got here yesterday morning. The cows are upset and are stepping all over those screeching birds. No wonder they screech. What am I going to do? The neighbors have started a petition to evict me. You'll get yours.

From Ag

***

December 23rd

You Creep!

Now there's ten ladies dancing - I don't know why I call them ladies. Now the cows can't sleep and they've got diarrhea. My living room is a river of poop. The commissioner of buildings has subpoenaed me to give cause why the building shouldn't be condemned. I'm sicking the police on you.

One who means it, Ag

***

December 24th

Listen Idiot:

What's with the eleven lords a-leaping? All 234 of the birds are dead. I hope you're satisfied, you rotten swine.

Your sworn enemy, Miss Agnes McCallister

***

December 25th (From the law offices Taeker, Spedar, and Baegar)

Dear Sir:

This is to acknowledge your latest gift of twelve fiddlers fiddling, which you have seen fit to inflict on our client, Miss Agnes McCallister. The destruction, of course, was total. All correspondence should come to our attention. If you should attempt to reach Miss McCallister at Happy Dale Sanitarium, the attendants have instructions to shoot you on sight. With this letter, please find attached a warrant for your arrest.

My Winter Weekend

Happy Monday everyone! Here is a photo of a beautiful snowflake we have hanging in our front yard. The new fallen snow makes it twinkle even more. We got quite a bit of snow over the weekend which will be nice for Christmas. I did some shopping for a few relatives and sold one of our vehicles this weekend, so it was a busy one and as always went way too fast.

Every friend is like a snowflake, unique in beauty and design.

Each sparkles in a different way—some are playful, some refined.

But, unlike fragile snowflakes that fade when the sun appears,

Friends grow even more beautiful with every passing year.

Frederick
by Carriage House Samplings

Here's an update on dear Frederick, I love him and his colors are so fabulous!!! Between stitching and working, I have put him aside for just a bit so I can work on this

Patons "Harvest" wool yarn

fun and colorful scarf for my niece for Christmas. I love to crochet, too. Actually if it involves a needle and some sort of thread/fiber I am addicted to it! I purchased two skeins of this yarn (because it was the last two) but as I am flying along with it, I think I will be needing more yarn than I have. I hope I don't have any problems with finding the dye lot I need. If I do, I may do a stripe here and there with maybe the green to help me along. I will be adding some twisted fringe to the ends. I hope it turns out awesome and she loves it. She is really into scarves this year. Maybe I should put a "peace" logo on it, she would love that.

Sorry for such a short post, I am at work and lunch is drawing to an end. Hope you are enjoying the chilly weather we are having. I have been trying to keep up with your blogs, but have been a little behind lately. I am sure you are all making some beautiful designs for Christmas and having lots of fun. Enjoy!

BIRDS, BABIES & ORNAMENTS

My rustic "fish" tree.

Seasons Greetings!!! December is flying by, work is crazy, crazy, crazy busy!!! No time to put up the tree yet, boo hoo!!! But, I do have a tree I keep up all year round in my "fish" room. So, all I have to do is plug in the lights and wa-la, ta-da, the tree comes alive. Not quite the exact thing I had in mind, but it works! (At least for this year)!

Carriage House Samplings

"Frederick"

I would like to introduce you to the newest addition (work in progress)(sneek peek) of my cross stitch addiction, my beautiful bird "Frederick". I love him and I have decided that I must stitch his beloved "Fredericka" to keep him company. Isn't he just gorgeous??!!!

Next is a picture of the beautiful baby set a dear friend of mine, Ellen, crocheted for me. Actually, for my future granddaughter......don't take that wrong, my son is only 14 years old, but I really, really, really hope that I get a "girl" someday to cuddle and love. (And even if I don't, a daughter-in-law would be great). Maybe in 10 years or so..... Ellen surprised me with this because she "knows" how badly I want a daughter so she made this for me to put in my hope chest for future use. The soft pink yarn she chose is so dainty and the pretty silk ribbon and flowers are a really nice touch. The flowers have pretty pearl buttons in the center if you look closely. She was so kind to make this for me.


Next is a photo of a little ornament I am making (sorry for the crummy photo). I wish I could get the lighting right so you could make out the true colors, it looks vintage or nostalgic looking. Now I am trying to decide exactly how I want to finish it. Sometimes I really have a hard time making decisions when I come up with too many options. Maybe I will just stick with something simple.

Happy stitching!

Golden Santa Scissors

Good evening my friends, I wanted to share a fun find for all you scissor collectors. I found these clever 3" antique reproduction Santa scissors on Needlework Corner . They have Santa's face on the front on one side with his back on the reverse. They are gold-plated and $20.00 a pair. I "had" to have a pair and thought they would make a fun gift for yourself or a friend. Unfortunately they aren't available in other colors, but who wouldn't want a pair of these little lovlies???? Hope you are enjoying your December and I will post some fun things in a couple of days when I get caught up with work.

The Older I Get and Hoe Hoe Hoe Update

Ok, I love turkey, but did we have to make it twice??? I just finished yet another helping of left over turkey dinner. I know, I know, I shouldn't complain, but we had Thanksgiving dinner at my mother-in-laws and everything was really yummy. I didn't over eat so I felt good about that. As a kind gesture my hubby's boss gives us a turkey with "ALL" the trimmings every year at Thanksgiving time. So I fixed round two yesterday which was Sunday. So, what I'm saying is "where's the beef"!!!! lol

I hope everyone who celebrated Thanksgiving had a wonderful holiday. Now it's on to Christmas. I can't believe that 2009 is almost over, it will seem weird to write 01/01/10 for the new year. We watched the movie "The Most Wonderful Time of the Year" with Henry Winkler (remember the "Fonz" on Happy Days?) over the the weekend, in fact I watched it twice! I love the "redbox" greatest movie rental system for only one buck per night!!!

I am getting closer to having "Hoe, Hoe, Hoe" done and then I can do the happy dance. I have enjoyed this one, maybe because it has to do with Santa and the anticipation of things to come. I took two photo's one with the flash on and one with it off, just wasn't sure which one I liked best so I posted both of them.

Notforgotten Farm

"Hoe, Hoe, Hoe"

***flash on***

Same photo....."flash off"



I Love Christmas

The Older I Get…
the simpler my holiday preparations become…
the closer I feel to old friends as I write my Christmas cards…
the more I cherish the oldest ornaments…
the more fondly I remember Christmases past…
the longer I hold on to a holiday hug…
the more I realize Christmas is a matter of the heart…
the tighter my throat gets when I sing “Silent Night”…
the more I enjoy giving than receiving…
the more I try to see Christmas through the eyes of a child…
the longer I sit at night in the glow of the Christmas tree…
the more wondrously beautiful the Christmas story is…
the deeper my awe at God’s infinite love…
the More I Love Christmas! The older I get…
the more I enjoy sharing Christmas greetings with wonderful people like you!

BLESSINGS OF THE SEASON

HAPPY THANKSGIVING EVE

May each of you have an abundance of love, time with family, yummy food, good health, fun and laughter this Thanksgiving.

I hope this post finds you all well and you aren't suffering with the flu that so many people are experiencing nowdays. My son was home from school for three days last week with it (this being his 2nd round with that darn bug this year). Yesterday we were able to get the H1N1 vaccination for him, hopefully this will help in some small way, but he still needs to get the regular flu shot also.

I have a few things I would like to share today. First off, my Aunt and Uncle are serving a mission in South Africa so we won't be able to see them during the holidays this year. I did receive an email from my Auntie just the other day and it included this poem I thought you might enjoy reading:

TWAS THE NIGHT OF THANKSGIVING,
BUT I JUST COULDN'T SLEEP.
I TRIED COUNTING BACKWARDS,
I TRIED COUNTING SHEEP.
THE LEFTOVERS BECKONED -
THE DARK MEAT AND WHITE,
BUT I FOUGHT THE TEMPTATION
WITH ALL OF MY MIGHT.
TOSSING AND TURNING WITH ANTICIPATION,
THE THOUGHT OF A SNACK BECAME INFATUATION.
SO, I RACED TO THE KITCHEN, FLUNG OPEN THE DOOR,
AND GAZED AT THE FRIDGE, FULL OF GOODIES GALORE.
GOBBLED UP TURKEY AND BUTTERED POTATOES,
PICKLES AND CARROTS, BEANS AND TOMATOES.
I FELT MYSELF SWELLING SO PLUMP AND SO ROUND,
'TIL ALL OF A SUDDEN, I ROSE OFF THE GROUND.
I CRASHED THROUGH THE CEILING, FLOATING INTO THE SKY,
WITH A MOUTHFUL OF PUDDING AND A HANDFUL OF PIE.
BUT, I MANAGED TO YELL AS I SOARED PAST THE TREES....
HAPPY EATING TO ALL - PASS THE CRANBERRIES, PLEASE.
MAY YOUR STUFFING BE TASTY,
MAY YOUR TURKEY BE PLUMP.
MAY YOUR POTATOES 'N GRAVY HAVE NARY A LUMP.
MAY YOUR YAMS BE DELICIOUS.
MAY YOUR PIES TAKE THE PRIZE,
MAY YOUR THANKSGIVING DINNER STAY OFF OF YOUR THIGHS!!
HAPPY THANKSGIVING TO ALL!

Here is the first photo I took of my progress on Hoe, Hoe, Hoe by Notforgotten Farm. I really love the shades of green on the tree. They have been fun to stitch with. I will post more photos after Thanksgiving. I still have pies to make, apple, pumpkin and cherry cranberry (my fav) before I get any shut eye tonight. Tomorrow is going to be a long day but I am looking forward to spending the day with family.

Happy Thanksgiving to my friends in the USA!!!

BOOK PHOTOS - CAN YOU IDENTIFY THIS?

Happy Friday friends!! I posted a photo of this book I got last week and I have had a few requests to see what it looked like inside. I am not sure what the language is, but if you know what it is I would love for you enlighten me/us with your knowledege. It's obvious it is some type of religion book, but I am not convinced this is a bible.

If you are able to identify anything about this book, I would love to hear from you. Thanks.

SHOW & TELL & MANY BELATED "THANK YOU'S"

Wow, I have so much to post today. I have been the lucky and fortunate gal for some giveaway winnings and private exchanges, not to mention the treasures from the "captains" I've received. I have been wanting to post all my goodies for sometime, but am just now getting around to it. I appreciate all the hard work and dedication that was put into the making of each beautiful item I have received, but mostly the friendships that have come along with them.







First of all, the "captains" of our Sail Away SAL, Terri and Loraine, both made some fun gifts to commemorate our SAL for Terri's 50th birthday. Captain Terri made each of us "sailor's" a beautiful blue fob with a daintly little turtle dangling on the end. And Captain Loraine made us each a fun little needle case with a little sail boat inside. They are both so fun and I appreciate all their efforts of making the SAL a fun time for all of those who participated. (Just as a side note, I am still sailing on my project......but I have a goal to finish it before...........) Go Jolene!!


Look at the beautiful strawberry pincushion I received from Sharlotte. I love it, it is so pretty and I collect pincushions so this is a great addition to my collection. I am thinking it would look really nice as a scissor fob also, so I purchased a pair of red scissors and I am going to attach the berry to them. She also sent some delicious chocolates and check out those sweet little handmade strawberries she made into pins for me. Thank you so much Sharlotte, I love everything you sent me and I will cherish your gifts always my friend. In fact, I actually just finished your floss tag and I will be putting it in the mail for you tomorrow!!!

I won a giveaway from Pumpkin and she sent me this wonderful package filled with nautical themed items. Check out the cute bag, it's a Pumpkin original, handmade and signed by no other than Pumkin herself. I received a pattern for a lighthouse with fabric and thread to boot! Not to mention the pretty postcard. I was so happy when I found out I won a giveaway from her and I sent her an email and told her I was soooo excited that I didn't know if I was doing the hokey pokey or the monster mash!! Whatever it was, it was definitely a "happy" dance!

Check out this beautiful needlecase....it is from Kellie. Her father made this beautiful turned wood needlecase especially for me. Thank You Kellie and Kellie's Dad, I was so thrilled to receive this in the mail. You are such a talented craftsman "Dad". The picture just doesn't do justice to it. The wood is so smooth and appears to be cherrywood in color, so I have named this case "Cherry". You are probably thinking what is this girl doing, but don't laugh, all things deserve a name.

Look at those pink scissors!!!!! I won the Breast Cancer Awareness Giveaway on Jennifers blog. I received everything in the picture, a cute basket, fabric, threads, scissors and the LHN pattern. What a wonderful theme for a giveaway, thank you soooo much Jennifer.

In closing I would just like to mention that today, November 15, marks my Mother's Birthday. If she were still alive today she would have been 73 years young. Happy Birthday Mom, I love you and miss you!!!!