Monday, August 30, 2010

Stash, A Visit, and a Story

First off - thank-you for your well wishes! It's not broken and is looking better. I just couldn't believe a butter knife dropped from 3' could bruise your toe. My husband laughed when I told him I posted a pic of my foot. He also called me a whiner. How can you argue with the truth?

I went to Canton Saturday. Many years ago I had stopped at a store called Inn Stitches. That day the store wasn't in the best of conditions. I am not going to describe it but, pleasant wasn't one of the words I would use. Fast forward to a few weeks ago. I needed some Twilight floss and didn't want to go clear to Akron. So, gritting my teeth, I stopped by Inn Stitches. They were closed. BUT, the store looked different. I saw spinner racks and LOTS of patterns. Hmmm...

Time to try again. I walked in and WOW!!!!! Light bright store, patterns everywhere, a public stitching area, and Dallas. I'll start with Dallas, the shop greeter, half black lab and half rottie. You must pay attention to her and get doggy kisses!

Oh my, the stash! Insert picture of Pavlov's drooling dogs here. Needless to say, I came, I saw, I bought!




This bottom pic is a close-up of the pillow on the right. The fabric with Ghostie Manor is a hand dye purple/gray. The colors washed out with the light. My wonderful picture taking skills again. The gray/green fabric is for all the other patterns in the second pic. I plan to put all 4 gloves in one project. And the top right snowman pattern might get a makeover. I am thinking of redesigning it into a rectangle with the prayer around the snowman. That is the thought now - when I actually get to stitch it (how many weeks/months/years from now)who knows what I may do.

I got another visit in with Miss Alivia. She was very sleepy. I wanted to hold her, but didn't want to disturb. Mom is doing well and Dad decided to spend the night last night to get some "Daddy Time" as he called it. In this picture - she is getting ready to eat - hence the bright eyes and bushy tail. Oh, this outfit, is too dang cute! She had a pink ruffle on her butt and lamb 'slippers' on her feet.

While I was shopping, an old friend came into the store. Sue, from Blueberry Hill, stopped by while dropping her son off at college. She asked me how things were and for some unknown reason I launched into the situation at work. I told them how I wasn't getting any stitching in, grinding about work, and how I went off because DH folded my pants wrong.

Kim, the store owner, stopped me and told me I was doing it all wrong. First off, the grinding was because I wasn't stitching. I need to take an hour for myself and decompress after a bad day. She's right. (Again, how do you argue with the truth?) And then she told me the story of the "Pebbles in my Pocket."

Now, I know I am not getting it completely correct. But, the message hit me square in the face.

Once long ago, there was an Indian chief. Everytime some one slighted him, did wrong by him, or in some way angered him, he would place a pebble in his pocket. When the pebbles became to much for the pocket it would tear open and the Indian would go to war.

Kim explained to me, that I was placing pebbles in my pocket. Each aggravating thing at work or home, each frustration, or unkind word was a pebble. And when my husband folded those pants wrong, instead of just being thankful he did it, I erupted in anger because my pocket had torn. I wasn't directing my anger correctly and DH took the brunt of my day.

How many of us do this? How many hours have I wasted being angry? There have been countless times DH has had to take it on the chin because I had a bad day. I did apologize to him several times. I also told him the story and explanation. But, I can't help but to think, why? Why, am I carrying this when I know it is wrong?

I think I need to make sure every pocket I have already has a hole in it so the pebbles never accumulate. No. That's wrong. I need to never place pebbles in my pocket to begin with. That is going to take practice!

Oh, I did stitch this weekend. But, it is 4 am and I am NOT going to post another lousy picture. Next time - I promise!

Smiles - Denise

Sunday, August 29, 2010

Beware of the butter knife...

Or this could happen to you!


Look close -- there is a bruise at the base of my second toe. And no comments about having short stubby toes!

How can a butter knife dropped from 3' cause a bruise?

On another subject completely...is there any one else out there in bloggerville addicted to the stupid show American Pickers? The History Channel seems to be doing a marathon today. How am I supposed to stitch now?

Smiles - Denise

Friday, August 27, 2010

Absolutely Nothing...

 I have absolutely nothing to show you yet again! I did get to stitch for a few hours the other day. But, the dismal progress isn't worth showing. Where, oh where did my stitchy mojo go? See that's what I get for bragging about my progress a few weeks ago!

On the Alivia front - if you notice I added a gadget on my right sidebar. As I learn of progress - I'll post it over there. I'm sure you don't want to read constant posts about baby. Although, I would like to say yet again - Thank-you. Your thoughts and prayers are much appreciated. And I thank all of you for your comments/email, encouragement, compassion, and most of all the offer of friendship.

Work has been stressful this week. If you remember back to June - I posted then about a situation that had come up. The company higher ups had decided to 'save' money by cutting hours for janitorial work. In turn, that employee was transferred to my shift. They (the company) dovetailed his seniority into our seniority list instead of having him take the lowest position. He has since used his seniority to push another employee out of their coverage work.

This week, said employee is working directly across from me. It has been tense to say the least. Today was a bit better. But, there is next week...he will still be covering a vacation until Thursday. Big Sigh!

I have found that the mental stress makes me shut down when I get home. I start grinding on it and won't let it go. DH is taking the brunt of it yet again.

The kids start school on Monday. DD is taking classes Mon-Thurs. And DS only on Mon and Wed. DS stopped by his HS the other day and was pleased that he could leave whenever he wanted. Let's see how this semester goes.

Here's hoping my weekend is filled with stitchy news! Maybe I could go shopping. That really isn't a bad idea. Then maybe I could show some pictures.  We'll see.

But, I hope that all of you have a wonderful weekend. May you have stress free days and stitchy filled days!

Smiles - Denise

Monday, August 23, 2010

Busy, busy, busy...

Once again - no stitching to report. :(

On Friday evening we had Garin here. Mommy was with Alivia and Daddy had to work. So, he spent the evening with us. Garin's toys are kept in my living room cabinets. When I looked up to see what he was doing - I saw this ~
                        

We decided to go for ice cream after he ate dinner. My husband was concerned that the dairy may close before we would get there. Garin picked up on this and asked me to put his carrot sticks in the fridge and let's go, "The ice cream factory is going to close and I want ice cream." So, off we went. When placing his order he told them, "I want white ice cream in a pointy cone." Never thinking I went ahead and let him have the cone and didn't put it in a cup. Oops! Needless to say, he wore some. Later I found out Garin hasn't had a 'real' cone before. When we returned, it was bath time. He wanted to use DS's shower gel again. He likes smelling "Manly man!" After the bath, Garin wore one of DS's t-shirts and complained the whole time. He fell asleep waiting on Daddy to come pick him up.

On Saturday, I worked non-stop on the quilts. I didn't think I would finish them with enough time to get them up to Keri by evening. But I prevailed! By 8pm we were on our way to the hospital. The pics of the quilts are not the best - it was pouring rain -


Keri was thrilled with them. She wanted to get her paws on them while we washed our hands before entering the NICU. Nope - wouldn't allow that. So, finally I went to hand them to her and it was like feeding hungry sharks! If I had gotten my fingers in the way I would be missing some now!

And we got to hold Alivia! She is up to 2 lbs 12 oz! And she can regulate her body temperature. That means she had clothes on! When she weighs 1500gms (or about 3lbs 3 oz) she will be put into a big girl crib.


I wanted to get a picture showing my thumbnail beside her hand. She held her little hand beside mine until the picture and then she startled at the flash. You can kinda get the jest of it though.

Sunday - we did ABSOLUTELY NOTHING - all day long! I didn't get my shower until nearly 2 pm. The most I did - make dinner.

I hope this finds you happy and healthy. Please put a few stitches in for me. Who knows if I will get to my stitching this week.

Smiles - Denise

Friday, August 20, 2010

Does Quilting Count?

It seems like I have been off the internet for weeks! I have been a bit busy these last several days. I tried to check the blogs before work - sort of skimmed through. Not enough time to even comment on anything. :( Hopefully, this weekend I can finish some things up and get back to normal. Garin, my sister's boy, will be here in two hours. He will be staying until his daddy gets off work!

But, I do have pictures...

On Tuesday I got to visit Miss Alivia ~


What I have learned - babies do not develop the ability to suck, swallow, and breathe until about the 34th week in utero. Preemies should not be patted or stroked. The nervous system causes them to feel pain. They add 1ml per feeding. Her stomach is about the size of her fist. It is easier to regulate a babies temperature in an isolet by the baby wear nothing but a diaper.

So how is Alivia? She's doing absolutely wonderful! She has gained an ounce and now weighs 2lbs 10 oz. Her IV has been removed. She can wear  a onese now - clothes! Her body temperature is holding well. Hopefully this weekend she can begin to learn to nurse. And that means maybe sometime soon she could have the feeding tube removed! She is now 1 week old! Oh, and when it comes time to feed - wow - she can kick and get upset! She's going to be a pistol!

Keri had plans to have me help her make a couple of quilts for Alivia. On the night she had to go to the hospital - she had the fabric in the car. It got  to ride to the hospital and finally came home this Monday. Well, some one needed to make the quilts and it sure isn't going to be Keri. So, She asked me to go ahead and make what ever I wanted. She had considered 9 - 7"x10" blocks. Making one large 9 patch. I changed that up a little...

Here's where I went with it ~
I still have to dig out the batting and add the pastel pink flannel to the back and then finish. It's not cross stitching but, I think it counts.

I think I feel a nap coming on.
Smiles - Denise

Monday, August 16, 2010

A Quick Post ...

No stitching updates today. I felt so accomplished two weeks ago - and now nada! I have worked on Grace, but not enough to bother with a picture.

But, I did want to also let you know Alivia is doing pretty well. She has gained a few ounces, dirtied her diaper, and is quite the frisky little girl. I guess when she is awake - all kinds of kicking and flailing around. I haven't been back to see her since Friday morning.

Keri is still recovering and doesn't need a bunch of people there. Although, yesterday, others apparently didn't see things as I do. My brother-in-law is on of 12. Six of whom are married with their own children. And it sounds as if most of the family came to the hospital to visit. I believe there were some family friends there too. She felt the effects of so many visitors last night.

So, no new pictures of Ali (we're still deciding to call her Alivia, Livi, or Ali). Hopefully I will get some new ones later this week!

Smiles - Denise

Friday, August 13, 2010

I Would Like to Introduce...

Miss Alivia Marie


Born August 13, 2010
at 12:30 am
2 lbs 9 ozs
15" long

Now I know Friday the 13th isn't such a bad day at all! Isn't she precious?
Today also happens to be my mom's 60th birthday.
As it happens my mom was born in the same town, same hospital, and ready for this
10 minutes apart. Mom was born at 12:20 am.


Here are the birthday girls ~


My sister had some problems late in the evening and it was decided not to wait until this morning to have her. But, after the rush of delivery everything turned out fine.

Alivia had to have oxygen for the first few minutes but, has not needed any help to breathe. The medical staff is very pleased with her size and progress. And Keri is progressing towards normal. We are waiting for test results on Keri before saying she is out of the woods.

Thank-you again for all your thoughts and prayers!

Have a great weekend! Smiles - Denise

Thursday, August 12, 2010

We're gonna have a baby...

Tomorrow - Friday the 13th. One the up side - it's my mom's 60th birthday!

First I want to thank all of you for your thoughts and prayers. I have told my sister she has people all over the world praying for her and the baby. She was very touched. I will later print your well wishes. That way, they can go into Alivia's baby book.

In case you remember - her name was going to be Gabrielle Angelique but, they decided added with their last name that 26 letters was a bit long.

Here's where we stand - as the doctor said - my sister is doing great, the baby is doing good, but the babies environment sucks! The placenta is showing signs of weakening but it is still working - the question is for how long. My sister's bp and other signs are ok for now.

So, check back on Saturday - I should have a picture of our newest edition to the family!

Again thank-you to all for your thoughts and prayers!

Smiles - Denise

Wednesday, August 11, 2010

Could you do me a favor?

My sister is having a bit of a problem with her pregnancy. Without going into too much detail she has pre-eclampsia. Her blood pressure has sky rocketed and she is now in the hospital until the birth.

((Editted to add - she will be 32 weeks on Saturday))

Please add Keri and baby to your prayers. I figure any and all prayers will help.

Thanks - Denise

Sunday, August 8, 2010

Finishes, Finishing, and Progress

Tomorrow is back to reality land. Vacation is over. :(

Since my mojo is still going strong - I thought I would share the rest of my results.

Eagle & Robin on an Egg
Bent Creek
28ct linen (provided in kits)


4 of the 6 Eggs finished


And since I rarely show that I finish finish my projects -
                              


DH and I went to Canton in search of frames. There just weren't any that the bill. DH found these. They were pre-framed pictures. Well, the dimensions were close. Yippee, they worked! My mom was very pleased last night when I took them to her. Now, she wants to go through my finish drawer to see what else she can have. ;0)

Grace is back into rotation! I got page 8 completed -


It might be done for DS's Christmas present. It definitely won't make it for his birthday in September.
Hope your weekend has been good to you. Thank-you for stopping by!

Smiles - Denise

Thursday, August 5, 2010

Stitching Mojo is in High Gear!

I am feeling accomplished! Another finish! Sort of... this is the first quarter of a larger project. Decided to take Heart in Hand's Monthly Mania and do them in seasons. Then DH will make a frame to hold the entire year. Hmm, guess I should tell him I need another frame.
June-July-August
Heart in Hand
14ct hand dyed aida

Look what the mailman brought me today! My very first order from 1-2-3 Stitch! I must say they have a great selection, quick shipping with reasonable shipping costs, and wonderful customer service!




But, I have a question ---- Is that a little face in profile?
                              

I think I will change that -- to white star buttons. Any other suggestions? Not to sure why there are faces on this. Hmmm??

Smiles - Denise

Wednesday, August 4, 2010

Merry Winter Finished and TUSAL

It's starting to sound redundant around here! As the title states Merry Winter is complete!

Merry Winter
 Homespun Elegance
28ct creme evenweave

I should say thank-you to Drs. Burns and Browning for this. DS had his last orthodontist adjustment on Monday and I tagged along since there would be shopping to do. And yesterday I had an appointment to get test results. I must say after my appointment - I strutted out of her office. Yes, STRUTTED! My kidneys, thyroid, sugar, cholesterol, and triglycerides are all within normal range. TMI, but I was quiet thrilled! I even did my 'happy' dance!

The doctors weren't so slow that I got it all done. Nope, couldn't sleep last night and stayed up until 2am and got another large portion done. I put the last stitch in maybe 30 minutes ago!

I also wanted to share my version of the TUSAL. I found this on Bronny's site several weeks ago. I have been collecting my orts for years. But, I do things a bit different than most. What else is new? I then roll them into balls and put them into a dust free container. Since I have been doing this for years I didn't feel I could participate in the TUSAL.




The wooden bowl - DH made! I'm telling you he is a talented man! It was his first attempt ever at using a lathe to turn wood. And I got it!

Well, that's all the news I have going for me today. Hope this finds you happy and healthy!

Smiles - Denise

Monday, August 2, 2010

Found a home for Bright Summer!

Yesterday was DH's "Happy Birthday Party Day". Yeah yeah, corny, I know. But, with him working 12 hour days - after work is just too late for him to eat cake and have a good dinner with family. So, yesterday the kids were here and my family stopped over. His dad happened to be here too. So, we sang to him and ate cupcakes. Later though, we made T-bones on the grill, baked potatoes, corn on the cob, and rice. Yummy!

Now what does this have to do with Bright Summer? Mom was here. Courtney was showing Grandma her stitching and explaining all her stitchy things. When Courtney was done with her show and tell - I showed Mom my recent finishes. I told her that I didn't really care for Bright Summer since I finished it. The words weren't even out of my mouth and she was saying she would take it. I showed her Merry Winter. She loved it too. So, Mom will be getting these pieces when I finish them and get them framed.

That means she will probably get the Homespun Elegance I love Spring, Summer, and Fall that I have too. No, idea how I will finish those. I had considered pillows but, both my parents smoke and there are 2 cats and 1 dog in the house. Framing again - I guess.

After I finish with the patterns - maybe I should have my first giveaway. Don't get too excited though. This could take months. :(

Smiles - Denise

Sunday, August 1, 2010

Promoting a blog!

Pumpkin over at Pumpkin Patch & Co is looking for followers. She is up to 150. If she makes it to 200. She will have a month long giveaway! Just like Susan did at Afford your Passions. By the way Congratulation Catherine - you lucky dog!