Saturday, March 31, 2012

Behind the Times...

Oh my gosh, how did we get to the end of March?  I am way behind on everything!  Especially the posting of my March Tusal.
Did you catch that I displayed my jar in front of a timepiece?

Let's play catch up, shall we?
Brett and I once again met with Peggy Lee from the Kentucky Sampler.  She had the camera that day, so if you'd like to read all about our crazy adventures, just click on the link!  It feels like we have known each other forever, it's hard to believe that it was this time last year when first we met.

Angela, from Hooked on Stitches, surprised me with one of her beautiful finishes.  It was one of "those" days and when I went to my mailbox, everything was suddenly brighter!
Angela's beautiful stitches. 
Isn't this little bow the sweetest? 
The lovely trim and candy cane charm. 
And what beautiful fabric on the back! 
Thanks again Angela!  Your RAK really made my day!

On top of the various illnesses, of which I will not go into detail, school conferences, etc., it is also the start of spring baseball.  Last weekend found the boys and I in Flemington, NJ for a tournament that my oldest son's travel team was participating in.  Bear with me for a minute while I share some pictures.
Can you tell from how the little brother is bundled up, that it was a bit on the chilly side?
The oldest lives for this!
Up to bat. 
I just love the intensity on his face in the next pictures. 
His job is done. 
He had a tremendous pitching weekend, throwing around 100 pitches and only one run scored during his stay on the mound.  He even had a nine pitch inning, getting all three outs himself - you gotta love when that happens!
The middle guy was supposed to have a tournament this weekend, but some rain and wintry temps decided to show up and interfere.

What happened to the warmer temps and sun shiny days that allowed for the following photo shoot?
Some visitors.

Yesterday was a very important day in my house.  My baby is now 8!  He requested a home-made ice cream cake ~ complete with home-made chocolate ice cream and candles that he placed himself!
I know this one is a bit blurry, but I love the smile on his face!
An after shot.
And what does an 8 year old want for his birthday?
Dino Legos!

There has been a little stitching.  Not much, but enough to complete my Stitched With Love ~ Spring Exchange.  Of course, I can't show that yet!
And just enough more to get the stitching done on my March ornament.
I decided to stitch the outline of the snow and just do a half-stitch for the inside.  I wasn't sure if I liked the effect at first, but it has grown on me.  It sort of reminds me of falling snow, rather than snow that is already on the ground.  I have to pick my April ornament yet. Perhaps another stocking, then I can just spend one day finishing them all together.  I'll share my choice on my next post.

I recently purchased one of Myra's totes and I couldn't be more pleased.  I had asked Myra if it was possible to add a set of longer handles, making it easy to just throw over my shoulder on the way to and from the ball fields.  I was going to post a review after using it this weekend, but then the tournament was cancelled.  I can say, I had it all packed and ready to go - all my needs for the weekend fit perfectly.
Her packaging and sweet note.
The longer handles are attached with Velcro, making them easy to remove and store in one of the pockets.  One pocket on each side, inside and out!
A zippered pouch, containing her card and a little extra something - a thread catcher.  Now all those threads will make it home and into my jar!
Myra's sewing skills are wonderful.  I wish we lived closer so she could teach me a thing or two!
Here's the link to her blog, Gr8dame's Place, the page where she shows some of her goodies that are for sale.  Thanks so much Myra, I love it!

Phew, are you still with me?  I have to try and post a bit more often so I don't have such long posts!
In looking back through my post, the picture of the birthday boy with his Legos all about made me chuckle, because somehow, he knew where every piece was!
“Organization is what you do before you do something, so that when you do it, it’s not all mixed up.”
―A.A. Milne

19 comments:

Margaret said...

What a newsy post! Happy belated birthday to your youngest! Enjoy him and every one of his birthdays. It goes soooooo fast. Love all the stitchy goodness. And that tote! How cool is that?! I have to go take a look at Myra's blog now. lol! The colder temps are so sad -- our magnolia's blossoms were destroyed and are just sitting there looking blasted. :(

butterfly said...

Wow Catherine what a lovely post ,you have been a busy girl.
Love the pics on your day out with friends looks fun oh yes you must buy a hat.
Happy birthday to your son, and well done to the older one.
Love all your nature pics.
Your cake looks yummy please save me a bit.
Love your RAK and your bag for carrying your stitching in from Myra.How lovely is that.
Your stitched stocking is beautiful.
Well done Catherine . Forward for the next one.
Have a great weekend.

Mouse said...

cooo think I need another cuppa after that read ..lol
mmm where to start Happy birthday to the wee man .. gorgeous cake and oooo lego ... love that stuff :)
well done on the baseball match too to slightly older wee man ..lol :)
stitching as always gorgeous and lovely rak you received and Myra's totes are just lovely :)
and coooooo those photos are gorgeous ....
hopefully going to start something for you today .. once i've got organised hehehe :0
take care and happy stitching :)
love mouse xxxx

Vickie said...

Great post! Great pictures! :)

P.J. said...

Your post is awesome, love the picture of you son bundled up. I always liked it when I snagged some action shots of my daughter on the soccer field, seeing that concentration face. I have to tell you I absolutely love, love your misty spider web picture!!! That there is a framer! Reminds me of mornings with my mother when we worked at Gunston Hall, Lorton, VA.

Debbie said...

Belated Happy birthday to your adorable son. Thank you so much for your sweet comment, it made my day!
By the way, you take the nicest photos!

Sally said...

Belated Happy Birthday to your son. Love the photos of him. Fantastic photos from the baseball match.

Love the RAK you received from Angela and your stocking is gorgeous.

Carol said...

At least you have an excuse with not knowing where the time has gone, Catherine! I don't even have kids at home any longer and still seem to be short on it lately :)

What a sweet RAK from Angela--I adore that little bunny. Looks like you're really into the "swing" of things with the baseball season now... The guys sound like they're already off to great seasons. How sweet that your youngest wanted to decorate his own cake--and wow, they have dino legos now!! How cool :)

Lovely stocking and your Myra-made tote is just wonderful. I would be right there with you in taking sewing classes from her, too!!

Have a wonderful April, Catherine...

Christina said...

What a fab post Catherine! I loved looking at all of your photos. Our little men 'almost' have the same birthday...Isaac's is March 31st. He missed out on April Fool's Day by a matter of hours!
I'm green with envy over your bag from Myra. It looks like it's going to be super useful for you.
What is it with boys and Lego? My God-son still asks for it every birthday and Christmas and he's nearly 12!

Krista said...

What a great post, Catherine! Lots of lovely pics. That tote is an awesome idea, perfect for stitching on the go! And that bunny is so sweet on that RAK!!

CalamityJr said...

Beautiful photos, lovely tote, and yummy looking birthday cake! Thanks for sharing. Happy birthday to the pitcher.

April said...

I love your post. All your pictures are great and I love the tote.

Veronica said...

Don't worry, Catherine, we're all behind at one point or another. Angela's pinkeep is pretty!

Beautiful photos. I really like the ones with the spiderweb. It shows up so well with dew drops glittering on it.

Hugs,
Veronica.

Denise said...

Enjoyed your catch up post. Angela's RAK is super nice! Great Job Angela. You have taken some very cute pictures. I like one of your son all bundled up and the spider web one is cool looking. Love your new bag, that will keep you organized while you are at the ball games.
Happy Stitching
Denise

CATHI said...

Beautiful present! And wonderful pics! :o)

Cathi

Julie said...

Happy birthday wishes to your son, super pics of him.
Congrats on the game to your older son too, he certainly has a talent.
Lovely RAK gift, I do love that design.

Melanie said...

What a lovely post!!! :)
And Belated Happy birthday to your son!!

pam said...

Thanks for sharing all of that! WOW you are a busy lady! Great tote, cannot wait to see the exchange and hello ball park. Be sure to take your stitching along.

Anne said...

Lots to ooh and ah over Catherine!! Lovely RAK from Angela! It's so sweet! Gorgeous pictures of the flowers too!! Happy Birthday to your youngest boy! Your sons are so darling!!! That tote is amazing!!!!!Perfect project bag!! I like you have been horribly behind in doing any sort of post/commenting etc!!