Owen and his Mommy and Daddy

No words really needed here... It was picture day again.

Here's to a new week! Hope everyone is doing well.

Denise

Nordic Needle Closing?

I haven't been to rctn in years. The first post states Nordic Needle is closing after 42 years!? Say it isn't so!!

Lots of Finishes and Family Pics!

I've been busy lately. And I have the finishes to prove it!

Let's go ~

Adjust the Sails - Pine Mountain Designs
32ct Belfast Linen (included) with DMC Floss

I am Only One - Lizzie Kate
30 ct Lambswool Linen (included) with DMC Floss

A Little Beach - Lizzie Kate
Linen included with pattern and DMC Floss

Land of Liberty - Shepard's  Bush
10 ct Tula Beige with threads included

I must have had a thing for buying kits. Worked for me - no thought! Woo hoo!

I am Only One - those with sharp eyes might see the oopsy. Ugh - I couldn't count with it. Started in the middle with the bird. Then I did all the lettering to the right of the bird. Doing well until I started the middle line of lettering to the left of the bird. One stitch too low. And I based the ENTIRE left side on the middle line of stitching. Things obviously didn't match. With the spot of solid stitch on the left - I got lazy and decided to rip out the bird and all lettering to the right of the bird instead of the lettering that was wrong. So, now the entire thing is one stitch too close the the bottom border. Sigh...

And Land of Liberty - It isn't as charted. The stripes on the flag were all different stitches. Decided they needed to be the same and changed out the flag.

Did my sister's family pictures this afternoon. Considering the youngest is 16 months old. We did okay. It's been awhile since you've seen the kids. Hold on because they are growing like weeds!

Garin is soon to be 11!

Alivia is 7!

Bryce is soon to be 4!

Willow is 16 months!

Not looking at the camera, but baby wasn't crying!

The Whole Family! 

No pictures of Rob and I with our kids this year. He's working 7 days and that makes it hard to work around. We're hoping for good pictures at Christmas! 

I've misplaced Owen's 3 month picture. Bad Grandma! Promise the next post will be a little man update. Off to stitch - working on Madame Chantilly Christmas pattern. And it's adorable. 

Have a great weekend!

 

A Finish and Little Man

Sometimes life just keeps on marching regardless how much you'd like to step off the roller coaster. My weeks feel like they are slipping past me and I really need to slow down. Ok, I'm too young to be retired, but I have not had a 'job' in 6 1/2 years. And a person tends to get used to the no schedule thing. And now, I have a schedule...and I'm finding that I hate it! Literally, hate it.

Love being a grandma. This babysitting thing where you are scheduled though...not so much. But, it makes no sense for a 'real' babysitter to watch him for 3 1/2 hours between when she leaves for work and when he gets home. And I am a people pleaser...

And wanna hear another one where I make no sense? I stopped working on the lighthouse because all I was stitching was white. And it didn't show up. So, what do I pick up? A monochromatic piece. Duh!

But, it is finished and I have something to show off ~

E Pluribus Unum  by Heartstring Samplers
28ct Country Mocha Cashel
1795 Olde Blue floss by Victorian Motto Sampler

Kept thinking of Vonna while stitching this one. Wondered if it would make it into her Patriotic Room. The weird things we think of while stitching.

Little Man is just one day past 11 weeks already. And I have to ask how it is possible. Goodness, at his last check up - he weighed 12.5 pounds and was 24" long. He has to be over 13 pounds now and is growing like a bad weed!

When he smiles - he sticks out his tongue.
What a ham!

 And my 'little man' is 24! Again, what?!? He's now working a full-time job while taking his 2nd semester of his MLIS. (Master of Library and Information Science degree) He's preparing to take his GRE (I think it is called) again. So, more test prep courses and books. Next is a double Masters and his PhD. My boy wants to be a professor. And he has the drive. Let's see where it takes him.

All he wanted for his birthday was a new desk chair and books. My little nerd! 

Well folks, that's all there is to report from my little corner of the universe. Ohio State is playing today at 4:30 pm. Crossing my fingers that today's game is better than last week. The new offensive coordinator needs to tweak his plans...just a snooge!

Hope all is well in your corner of the universe --

August - Already?!?

I've been complaining to anyone who will listen and a few who were less than interested in listening - How in blue blazes is it already August?!? Wasn't Easter just a few weeks ago? And what is with all the 'back to school' tv ads? It can not be time for the kids to go back! They just got off for the summer!

Moving on with reality, not my version of what should be. Ha! I'm staying in my own little cocoon and playing by myself here. Let's not try to fool anyone.

Had a birthday in July, got some stash, Owen turned 1 month old, and I stitched! And unfortunately, I think that is about all that happened. Ok, I swam around in the pool, got groceries and cooked, and cleaned the house.

DH can't drive 55, but now he is 55. Which brings me right back to this...I met him in 1986...when he was 24. We married when he was 26. And now he's 55? Our son will be 24 next month. I still consider him a boy. When I met Rob at 24 - he was all man. Of course, I was 18 and 24 was old to me. But, Logan...why is he a boy to me? Ok, young man. Perception.

Is all of this wondering where time gone a sign of something? Impending old age, realization of time NOT standing still, what? Mid-life crisis? OH, mid-life crisis -- does this mean I get to buy something and be irresponsible? DH got a Harley. Do I get to spend that much? What should I get to do?

Sorry - back to Rob's 55th birthday. I got the wife of the year award for his present. He's been searching for a Diamond T pick-up. I not only found one - in the state and half the cost of what he had been looking for - but it was the correct thing. So, that was my present to him.

A complete rust bucket, but that smile is worth it all! 

And here he is on the actual day ~ 

That's Garin in the background - he'll be 11 in November!

Got some stash this week ~ 

Also snagged some needles and Thread Heaven

And Mr. Owen is one month ~ 

His t-shirt says, 'Always Hungry' 

Look at those eyes - they are that dark blue. He's growing so fast. I could be with him 24/7 and it not be enough time. 

And then I mentioned stitching. I completed pages 19 and 20. I've gotten a good start on page 21. 

When I complete pages 21-23 - then that row is done and back to the left of the picture. No more blue skies for me. The pages under the lighthouse are a mess. Water splashing, rocks, and confetti. But, it will have hit the half-way point! I mean come on - there are only 63 pages to this pattern. 

Until next time when I hope to have another page completion!

A UFO, a Finish, and Owen

Just popping in to show my latest and final finish of the 'To the Beach' series by Hands on Design.

If you have the patterns, you will notice some color changes. I just wasn't feeling the cotton candy pink in this stitch. So, I went with a more burgundy. Then as I stitched that color, I felt it blended too much into the oar. Which caused me to change out the color on oars 4 and 8 to blue. And then there were those two yellow oars...the narrow strip of yellow wasn't charted at all. I wanted a bit more umpf to them than just the oar tips colored.

The pattern didn't specify how to stitch the 'fencing' behind the lettering. The photo showed the floss variations running up and down. I went with the side to side variation. After looking at this, I would say I should have stitched it up and down like the photo showed.

Will have to drag them all out and take a photo of the series all together. I wonder how well they will play together since I changed the coloring up. Crossing my fingers!

Now to the UFO. Pulled out the lighthouse. It's just massive. And when I ordered this to be converted from a photo to a stitch I stupidly asked for 90 colors. The lady doing the converting suggested 40. I so so so wish I had listened to her. The confetti stitching on this is terrible. But, I got what I asked for and there is no one to blame but little old me.

I worked on this a bit yesterday and filled in some on the roof. Today I hope to make some headway with all the filling in. The main body of the house is white and it is stitched. You just can't tell it. And there is fencing...it is a pain not fun.

DD and SIL took an evening and went out to eat and a bit of shopping. Guess who I got to see!

I just love how he throws his little arms up behind his head and relaxes. Not a care in the world as long as his belly is full and the diaper is not. The kids will be over this Sunday and I expect to get a few more pictures. You know, there just hasn't been enough photos taken of him yet. lol

Well, we are hurtling towards another weekend. After storms all week, I hope the weather clears long enough to get some pool time. But, I'll take the rain versus the heat being felt in so many parts of the country. 

But, first, a nap. the skies are cloudy and I feel a nap coming on. 

This is How it Begins!

Ok, Grandma mode is on today. May I present Mr. Owen James.

He arrived last Friday at 6:24p. Weighed 7lb 11oz., was 18.5" long and has brown hair and blue eyes. Owen really doesn't have this pronounced of a double chin. It's the way Grandpa is holding him. 

Mommy and Daddy are doing well and splitting the nighttime duties. Doesn't seem to matter to Owen - he wants fed at 1 and 4 in the morning. DD told me even if the tank is topped off at 11p - Owen is up at 1 for more. Oh, and this kid has everyone wrapped around his finger. 

And on the stitching front - 

Oh Whale
Hands on Design

Finished this one this last Monday and am now about half way done with the last of the series. I changed up the colors. They should have been lighter and I just am not feeling these light floaty colors that don't pop off the fabric.

Hope everyone has a wonderful weekend. I am excited that DH will be home all weekend. His last job had him working 7 days and 12 hour shifts. This job is straight 8 and five days. The money isn't as good, but life will be better! 

The Stork is Coming! The Stork is coming!

Sometime tomorrow or Friday. DD is to arrive at hospital tomorrow at 4p. Then we wait to see when Master Owen makes his arrival.

Cross your fingers, cross your toes, and cross those eyes too! Hoping for a smooth labor and delivery!

Next post...I'll be a Grandma doing typical grandma stuff...boring you to tears with pictures and stories of how unique, special, and precious the baby is!

Brace yourselves because I have been practising!

Woohoo, the time has finally come!!

Two in One Week!

Not sure if I am referring to the two posts in one week or the two finishes! 

Surf Life - Hands on Design 

Once again, I ventured out on my own for the colors used. Should say, DD ventured out on her own as she is the one who picked these. The picture really doesn't do justice to the tree bark. Apparently, I can no longer take a photograph. But, did you notice that  I found the iron??

The series of stitches by Hands on Design has been enormously fun. I'm now working on 'Oh Whale.' Just on more to go after that. Then on to the other summery/beachy designs. This bowl will be filled to the brim once these are finish finished.

Hope today finds you smiling!

Birthdays, Babies, and Finishes!

We'll start with the baby. He's being stubborn and refusing to come early - regardless what Grandma wants. I'm ready to hand Courtney an eviction notice for the little bugger. Oh well, guess I'm going to have to wait a bit longer for my cuddles.

I have two finishes to show. Um, I have no idea when I finished this one -

Anchor Down by Hands on Design

And last night I finished this -

Learn Your abz's - Hands on Design

My colors are off on the flag piece. I should have used a more red pink and a less gold yellow. But, I still like it.

Had a birthday the other day. Went to Cleveland and spent a few dollars. Lololol

Here's the stash -

And then there were a few pieces of fabric that came home too.

Courtney picked out some floss for my next stitch. No pictures of those. Already stitching Hands on Designs Surf Life.

While in Cleveland I overheard Courtney talking about something I had forgotten. She has promised me a trip to Maine. All I have to do is complete my large Portland Headlight Lighthouse stitch. I'm about half way done with it. Being that I started it in 2000....I may want to get busy with it.

I hope today finds you with needle in hand!

Baby on Board!

It's been a long time. I come and read every day and sometimes several times a day. Does that count? Life has become a blur lately. This could be the reason...

The grand baby will be arriving in 9 weeks! And we have been preparing.

His little fist is curled up to his chin. Yes, it is a boy and his name is Owen James. Shh...my husband doesn't know the baby's middle name. We are keeping it a surprise that baby will be named after DH. And this was the SIL's idea!

The baby shower was last week. OMG - it's like Baby's R Us puked in my guest room!

The bed is full of clothing that my sister gave them. The basket with the raccoon blanket is full of more clothing.  And then in the upper picture - the wall o' diapers and wipes! And the crib still in its box.

The baby's room is about the same size as this one. I have no idea how they will fit all this and the crib in there.

I have no stitching to show and excuses galore. But, I'll not bore you with those.

Otherwise, life has been going along swimmingly. Just busy. Of course, as they say...no one is ever that busy...it's all about priorities. Hmm, better ponder that one too.

Two Finishes!

Ha, this is not a normal day. I have two finishes to show you.

Grab Life - Hands on Design
28 ct. Toasted Almond
Victoria Motto Sampler Floss

Refuse to Sink - Hands on Design
32 ct Toasted Almond
Victoria Motto Sampler Floss and a DMC

Grab Life has been done for two weeks. I am a bad blogger and didn't come show you this right away. Now, Refuse to Sink...has been done for 10 minutes. 

Not sure what Mother Nature is thinking today. Out of the blue...bam! Snow. I had heard icy mix. We have as much snow if not more than what the 'blizzard' brought us last week. Yes, the weathermen messed up our forecast last week. "Up to 5" total in two days!" Pfft. We had a dusting. What do I have to do to get some snow around here? Well, I'm not belly dancing in a bikini! Yeah, NO ONE WANTS TO SEE THAT! 

Otherwise, it's been quiet around here. Waiting to hear from Logan's college to see if he got his assistants thingy. If accepted....free tuition for the next year and money for housing! No student debt for his first Master's. And he has a job interview next week for a summer job until school starts in August. 

Courtney is chugging along...pregnancy is not her friend. The morning (all day) sickness is going away. But, just when she gets all cocky...guess what she's doing?! Teehee. I can laugh now. I remember that constant wooziness. 

DH and I are fine. Hoping for a genealogy trip to PA soon. But, he needs to finish this job. Cross your fingers for me that I don't have to go alone. What fun would that be? 

Well, time to go pick out the next project. I think I have only 5 more of the Hands on Design series to go. 

Denise 

Good-bye Fluffy Puppy...

Our Bridget passed this morning. The hours have both passed so quickly and incredibly slowly. We are numb. She was an amazing part of our family and it is quiet with out her. No click, click, clicking from room to room. No snoozy naps on the footstool. No big brown eyes wanting your Cheetos, sandwich, chips, and pretty much anything you were eating. 

Feb 21, 2006 - Feb 18, 2017

Here are a few pictures from Christmas.

Rest in peace sweetie - we'll miss you.