Autumn Leaves as of 11/28/06

Autumn Leaves as of 11/28/06
Originally uploaded by nevillen.

I got a little bit more done on Autumn Leaves last night. Mostly lettering and some of the tree branch. I've been cleaning a lot today. We tend to get cluttered very fast in our little room. I'll be so glad when our house sells and we can get our own place. I know my mom will miss me, and I'll miss her, but I don't think she realizes how hard it is for us here. Our room really isn't that small, but it has our computer in it, which is really my office when I'm working for my brother. It also has Matthew's pack and play (that he sleeps in, I still can't get him to sleep in his crib!) and two dressers. The washer and dryer is in like a little hallway that's attached, so my husband says it feels like we are living in the laundry room. It's sad because the living room and family room are rarely used, but I consider it my mom's and don't go in there much. And then the bathroom is actually the hallway to get to the kids room and then out to the kitchen and living room, which isn't very private. I'm not complaining (well, kinda), I appreciate being able to stay here while our house sells especially since we don't have to pay anything. I was paying the electric, but my brother (who is too nice) took over paying it again even though I told him at least five times that I would pay it! Oh and did I mention there are fishing poles on my ceiling? This used to be my brother's office and he left them up there. I don't notice them that much - it's just funny having them there.

Anyway, enough about that - I didn't mean to get into such a long rant about my living situation. It was worse when we first got here because of the adjustment period. My mom and dh weren't getting along too well, but it's better now. The sad thing is I don't think anyone's even looked at my house(click to view). :( Ok, done whining - I promise! :) I'm going to stitch for a little bit and then it's bedtime for me! Write later! :)

Autumn Leaves Progress

I got a little stitching done on Autumn Leaves last night. I was catching up on my soaps and Desparate Housewives. :)



Autumn Leaves as of 11/26/06.


I also got a little bit more done on VOHRH the other day...



Village of Hawk Run Hollow as of 11/25/06.


I'm really enjoying both projects. I'm hoping to get Autumn Leaves finished by the end of November, so I'm really going to concentrate on that for a few days. Hopefully I can do it. I have to leave you with a picture of my silly cat. He's so lazy and won't move once he gets in bed. You can push him out of the way, throw the covers on him and he stays put!



Pumpkin - silly kitty!


Well, everyone is sleeping or being good watching Blue's Clues, so I think I'm going to stitch for a little bit! Write later!

I can never resist a sale!

Elegant Stitch just had a sale and I thought it would be a great opportunity to get some fabric and threads for a couple of patterns I bought recently...



This is why I love Elegant Stitch.
Whenever they send anything out it's like
getting a present!



Fabric and Threads!



Some NPI silks and 40 ct. Vintage Examplar by Lakeside Linens
for Hands to Work Be Not Weary.



30 ct. Old Mill Java by R&R
for Blackbird Designs Sailing Home.



30 ct. La Crosse by R&R
for Blackbird Designs Garland Fair.



36 ct Examplar for Sarah Moon.


Mmm, mmm! Love it all! This has helped me get in a little better mood! :) Matthew has definitely caught a cold - the poor baby. He's all stuffed up. I've been giving him Tylenol about every four hours. He's just miserable.



My first cold, and I'm not happy! :(


I did get a little, tiny bit of stitching done last night. I finished up another tombstone (my dh can't believe I'm stitching tombstones!) and some grass in the graveyard.



VOHRH as of 11/23/06.


I'm going to try to get some more stitching done on this tonight. Well, not much else. Hopefully Matthew feels better soon, and hopefully he sleeps a little more tonight! :)

A teeny bit of progress...

Village of Hawk Run Hollow as of 11/22/06.


Here is my little progress pic. I'm so happy with the fabric. I'm so glad I started over. :) I didn't get any stitching done today. We went to my brother's in-law's house. They're like our family - they always invite us to their get togethers. They're so nice. I woke up in a bad mood though... I was tired and grouchy and I didn't want to go and my mom wasn't letting me out of it. She told me it would be rude for me not to go. So I went - the kids had a blast, which was nice for them. Matthew was very fussy today. I don't know if he's getting a cold, had gas, or teething, but he finally just fell asleep. I gave him tylenol cold, gas medicine and oragel. One of those things, or all did the trick! :) Hopefully he sleeps all night - that would be so nice!! I need sleep!



Dark Chocolate - the sanity saver!


I'm going to have a little bit more chocolate and then try to get a little stiching done before I can't keep my eyes open any longer! Write later! :)

We're Back!

I ended up leaving Matthew with my mom after all. When I started packing everyone up and began thinking about taking all of his gear I realized it would be pretty hard to take him also. She did really well with him and I did really well without him. Although it was good to see him when I got back! I didn't get as much stitching done as I would've liked, but we still had fun. :)



Our Room.



The view out our back door.



Quilt I bought my mom at an antique shop
in Dunedin as a thank you for watching Matthew.



The boat we got married on (13 years ago) in Clearwater.



Hulk Hogan's beach house in Clearwater.



Hulk Hogan's house in Belleair that he has for sale
for about 25 million dollars!!


My husband loves to look at houses, which is why we have the pictures of Hulk Hogan's houses. He watches the show on VH1 and recognized the beach house when we drove by and then as we were going over the bridge coming back from Clearwater beach he recognized his regular house. They're actually not far from each other. I like their house in Belleair so much better than their new one in Miami. It's too modern! Anyway, enough about the Hogan's! :)


I got a little bit of stitching done on VOHRH, but I ripped out everything because I was off a stitch - very frustrating! I fixed it, but I don't have much done at all. I think I may stitch a little on it right now! Write later! :) Before I go I have to leave a picture of Matthew eating his cereal - too cute!



He looks like a little birdie!

I'm Crazy!!

Wow, I haven't gone four days without blogging in a long time! Let's see... I took Matthew to the Doctor Thursday. He's doing fine, growing well, etc. The Dr. said I could start him on rice cereal. I gave some and he liked it - had no problems! I should've took pictures, but I was the one feeding him and everyone else was gone - I'll do that next time! :)


After that I went to my stitch night at Golden Needle. That was a lot of fun! I met a lot of nice people. I got an extra bonus when I got there because they were having a Hands to Work trunk show. I loved everything! It was all so gorgeous and I wanted every pattern, but I narrowed it down to three (along with a few other things).




Golden Needle Stash!


The Hands to Work patterns I got were Be Not Weary (I had never seen or noticed the bunnies before - I love them!), Two Fine Houses (this is actually stitched on 40 ct. Pear, which looks white in the picture), and More of My Favorite Primitive Stitching Bags. I also got a Sampler and Antique Needlework magazine (the one with the Merry Cox Spool Holder) and Blackbird Designs Garland Fair along with some fabric. Which brings me to why I'm crazy...


I've decided to start Village of Hawk Run Hollow over. The fabric I was using (Light Examplar) was just too light. I wasn't happy with it and I probably wouldn't get back to stitching it because of this reason. So while at the Golden Needle I noticed they had the precut Vintage Sand Dune, so I got it. I restarted tonight... I didn't get a lot done, but I'm happy! I also decided to restart at the bottom. I just feel more comfortable stitching from the bottom up, so I'm happy with that change also.



VOHRH restarted 11/18/06 using 36 ct. Vintage Sand Dune.


I also got more done on Autumn Leaves while at the Stitch-In. I love this design - I'm having a lot of fun stitching it.



Prairie Schooler Autumn Leaves as of 11/16/06.


My friend called today to say she had tickets to The Wiggles, and she wondered if my boys would like to go, so I told her sure. They had a blast! It was so nice because it was in a suite. After watching the shows with the kids for years I knew just about every song, so it was fun for me too. :) I hope it's something they'll remember for a long time.





My mom stayed home with Matthew, she seemed worn out when we got home, so I'm going to take him with us on our getaway. I was debating leaving him and then after I saw how tired she was after just five hours I decided to take him. We're going to stay in Dunedin - I can't wait. Supposedly they're having a craft show there, so I'm hoping to check it out. Well, I didn't mean for this post to be so long. Write soon!

I love this thing!

I got this DMC organizer a couple weeks and I just put it to use today. I love it! It's so nice to use while stitching. I just printed out a 50% off coupon for Jo-Ann's - I may have to get another one! Here are some pics...

Outside of Organizer (nice, big pocket).

Inside of Organizer.

Close up of left side - has a felt needle holder and two zippered pockets.

Close up of right side - a big zippered pocket.

And the project it's holding - Prairie Schooler Autumn Leaves.

I started Autumn Leaves last night and I'm loving it so far. I'm using R&R Light Cappuccino with DMC threads. I love the colors! :)


I'm so excited... dh and I may be getting away next weekend. It won't be a total getaway because we may be taking the baby (not sure if I'm ready to be away from him yet). But it will still be so nice to just go somewhere. We'll see what happens. I'm thinking of either Dunedin near the Gulf or Palm Harbor near Tarpon Lake. They both have pretty reasonable rates with beautiful views. I still need to discuss it more with dh about the baby, etc. But no matter what we decide I can't wait! :) Write later!

Baby Shower Fun!

T-Shirt I made.
Originally uploaded by nevillen.

I just got back from my SIL's baby shower. It was a lot of fun. She got a TON of stuff! And it's so funny because it's all PINK! She's not a pink person. I tried not to get her anything pink (except pacifiers). You could tell the thing she loved most was a brown diaper bag she got! :) I won the guess the belly size prize. I just measured myself and added a little bit - she's not very big at all! We all decorated onesies. My brother is going to lose his mind when he sees all the presents!






It was a flamigo themed party - look at her shoes!


Well, dh took the kids to my MIL's house. So I've had a couple hours of peace, which is nice. It will be ending very soon though! :) I should be sleeping instead of blogging! LOL! :) Write later!

Finally!!

Pear Tree Inn
Originally uploaded by nevillen.

I finally finished Pear Tree Inn. I was determined! And I was so sick of it by the time I did finish! I'm glad it's done. Here's the stats...

Started: 10/4/06

Finished 11/11/06

Pattern: Little House Needleworks Pear Tree Inn

Fabric: 28 ct. Light Mocha Cashel Linen

Threads: DMC, Crescent Colours, & Weeks Dye Works.

I had just enough Roasted Chestnut (Crescent Colours) to finish. I thought for sure I was going to run out (would've been a good excuse to go to my LNS), but I didn't Oh well! :)

Baby is fussing, so I'll write more later!! :)

Sarah Moon and Sailing Home

Sarah Moon and Sailing Home
Originally uploaded by nevillen.

I got a couple of charts today! The new Quaker Sampler Sarah Moon and Blackbird Designs Sailing Home. I want to stitch Sailing Home as a birth sampler for Matthew.

I'm feeling much better today. Still a little tired, but not nearly as bad as yesterday. I'm not sure what was going on! Matthew has been waking up during the night again lately, that could be part of it. He must be going through a growth spurt!





Well, not much else. Trying to get Pear Tree Inn finished. I got a lot of the bottom border done last night (found some energy somewhere). Hopefully I can get it finished today or tomorrow!! :)

Bed

Bed
Originally uploaded by nevillen.

This is all I want to do today. At least the sheets are fresh and clean! I don't know what's wrong with me... I'm so tired. I'm not sure if I'm getting sick. My throat is a little sore. I stitched just a little bit on Pear Tree Inn last night... just got the dark brown part of the bottom border finished. Maybe I can get a little done tonight??



Sorry picture is dark.


Here's a couple pictures of my sweet boys...



Bradley kissing Matthew



The beginning of teething!
Matthew 3 1/2 months.


Hopefully I can get some energy soon!! I hate feeling so blah!! Write later!

Pear Tree Inn progress as of 11/6/06

Pear Tree Inn progress as of 11/6/06
Originally uploaded by nevillen.

I'm determined to get this finished up soon, so I can move on to other things! I'm trying to be good and finish up things before I move on, that way I don't have too many WIPs going at once. I have a tendancy to go crazy starting things!


Well, I was a good citizen and voted today. We all did. It was actually my dh's first time voting - I'm so proud of him! :) I'm so tired today - I hope I'm not coming down with a cold. That would not be good! Write later! :)

Mmm... Pumpkin Bread

Pumpkin Bread Loaves
Originally uploaded by nevillen.

I saw this recipe on someone's blog (sorry can't remember now), and I just had to make it! It's so good!! Here's a link to the recipe - Ginger Pumpkin Bread. I love to bake when the weather starts to get a little cooler. I didn't do the icing - If I make it again I think I would add it to give it a little more sweetness.



Can't wait to dive in!


I stitched a little bit last night while watching Grey's Anatomy - I almost got the roof done, which was my little goal. I just have to fill in with Onyx.



Pear Tree Inn as of 11/3/06.


Well, not much else going on here... we're just going to have a lazy Saturday. I plan on doing laundry and maybe squeeze in a little stitching. My goal today is to get the roof done and start on the tree. Write later!

I miss this!

Autumn Leaves - November 2005
Originally uploaded by nevillen.

This is what my backyard in Georgia would like right now if I were there. I miss fall so much. It's (obviously) my favorite season. I want to go back to Georgia! I didn't really want to move, I just did it for my family. I like Florida to visit - not to live. Oh well, the sacrifices we make. One day when I'm rich (ha ha), I plan on having a house in Georgia and Florida. That way I have the best of both worlds. Well, I didn't want another whiny post, guess I'm just feeling whiny lately! :) Thank you by the way to everyone who wish me a happy birthday - you made my day! :)


I worked on Pear Tree Inn last night. I stayed up way too late... hit snooze twice this morning! Here's my progress...





I'm taking a lesson from Diane (the designer for Little House Needleworks) to set little goals. Like finish the house today, or finish the border, etc. So I set a goal to at least get the bottom part of the house done, and I did it! Now today I want to get the roof done.


Speaking of Goals I've never set monthly goals, so I'm going to do so now!

Goals for November...
1.) Finish Pear Tree Inn
2.) Finish October Flip-it Stamp
3.) Start and Finish November Flip-It Stamp
4.) Finish Jillian's Stocking Ornament
5.) Start and try to finish PS Autumn Leaves
7.) Get LHN Pear and Watermelon finished into pillows
9.) Start and Finish LHN Peaches

I think that's enough for now! We'll see how good I do! :) Well, I'm so sleepy today - I think I'm going to take a little rest while the baby is sleeping! Write later! :)

Pear Tree Inn

Pear Tree Inn
Originally uploaded by nevillen.

I got some stitching done last night after the kids went to bed. I could barely keep my eyes open, but I was determined to get a little done. I love this design. I love the colors - they're so pretty. Yesterday was my birthday and I was having a little pity party for myself. Not because of my age. I truly believe your only as old as you feel (or act). But because birthdays always seem like such a let down. You expect to feel special, but really it's just another day. The baby spits up on you, the toddler throws a temper tantrum, husband forgets to call you. It seems by now I'd know better! :) I'm doing better today though. Probably because it's not my birthday! I think I need to go out of town next year! :) LOL!


I did get to stop by Michael's and I got the DMC for my next project Autumn Leaves...that perked me up some! :) Now I'm just trying to decide which fabric to use!





Well, I'm off to feed my brother's cat (he's in the Florida Keys - I'm jealous). :) Write more later!