A TUSAL, a Treat and What a Week!

First things first.  It's that time again to post a picture for the TUSAL.  I just keep adding to mine, so all this is from the beginning of the year.

I arrived home the other day to find a package waiting for me!!  I love when that happens!!  I had sent a pattern that I was finished with to Carol from The Polka Dot Chicken  and just look at what she sent to me as a thank you....

                                                          

I love the colors and brightness, so fun - a perfect pincushion for spring!  Thank you so much Carol!! 

It has been a crazy week here.  My husband was out of town and arrived home just in time to attend my middle guy's 1st Year Strings Concert.  He has been playing the Cello this year, although he says he might try something new next year. Apparently his fingers cramp up - the mom in me just told him that if he practiced more, he would build up strength in his fingers! He's also interested in either the drums or the trumpet, which he can start next year.  Time will tell....

I have also been working in the school district as a substitute aide.  This week I have been filling in for someone that is on vacation.  They do not provide much training for the subs, so it's pretty much a learn as you go experience.  Let's just say that I have a greater appreciation for what some of the teachers have to handle, and I'll leave it at that!

My little guy has been celebrating Dr. Seuss this week.  They have had different activities and things to do every day.  Today was wacky hair day and I came downstairs to find that his brothers had done this to him:

I hope you all have a wonderful weekend - thanks for stopping by!

    (I believe this was a pattern from the Sweetheart Tree from many moons ago)

(And Jennifer, I'm now searching for a green frog like your new one - to match my lamp!)



The Bluebird is Ready to Fly!!

Thanks to all that entered my first giveaway. 

The bluebird is finally ready to fly and will be taking off as soon as I receive the landing destination.

I tried something new, a beaded hanger.

And if you opt not to use the hanger, it can be draped towards the back:

There were 49 sweet comments and the random generator picked number 18.

So, congratulations Myra, you were the 18th comment!!  I sent you an email.  I want to make sure I have your correct address and I'll get this in the mail asap!

Thanks again to everyone!!

Finishes and a Giveaway Reminder!

The last two weeks have flown by!!  We've been busy with baseball tryouts, baseball practices, scouting activities, school, etc.  A taste of spring followed by another bout of snow.  Then rain and wind and more wind!  The gardens are really going to need a good spring cleaning (as is the house - but who's keeping track?)

Here are some of the little things I have been working on for St. Patrick's Day.

From Heartstring Samplery:

I believe this next one was from The Sampler Girl:

And the next pictures are from Jennifer at Feather's in the Nest.  She's been so generous to share her designs with us!

I only used one color of yellow on this and added beads to the borders and the flowers.  I am keeping a watchful eye out for my daffodils!

There is still time to enter my giveaway, just see my last post!  I will be drawing a name tomorrow and will post the winner's name in the evening.  Good luck!

Thanks for stopping by!

Truly Thankful Valentine and a 100 Followers Giveaway!!

I made it!  I finished stitching this a couple of weeks ago, bought the frame soon after, and then nothing. Today I sat down and put it all together so I can say I had it finished in time for Valentine's Day!

I changed the year to reflect the year my husband and I were married and I also put in our initials. 

 I just love this white bird!! 

Here is another picture with a little more light. 

I love the frame and thought it was perfect for this piece.  You can click on the picture to enlarge the detail.

I have already ordered Beth's next Truly Thankful edition.  If you haven't seen it, pop on over to her blog and check it out!

I am really in the mood for spring and I thought of this piece that I stitched last year.  It was a freebie that, if I remember correctly, came from Gazette94.  If you haven't seen this site, there are many wonderful patterns!

I love the details on this.  Especially on the bird.

I matched it with this fabric I had on hand: 

I haven't put it all together yet, but I have decided that this is what I want to offer as a 100 (now 100+) Followers Giveaway!  I may add some other little goodies in with this as well.

I'm keeping this simple.  If you are interested in having this little bird bring some spring your way, just comment on this post only.  I will leave this open for two weeks and draw a name on February 28th - my mom's birthday!

Wishing you all a Happy Valentine's Day!

Birthday Boy and Some Small Finishes

Where does the time go?  It was just yesterday that he was a baby.  Now he is 11! 

We celebrated his birthday early, as my parents came down on Superbowl Sunday.  He requested a pound cake and yes, there are only two candles - but they are supposed to be an 11!  His brothers, of course, were teasing him that he was only two. 

On his actual birthday, we headed off to one of our favorite pizza places per his request and headed home for yet another cake.  One must have cake on their actual birthday!  This time, he chose another favorite - chocolate with chocolate icing.  We were joined by some of our good friends.  They have shared every cake since we moved here 7 years ago.  He's trying to keep his brothers and friends from blowing out his candles! 

He's growing, changing and maturing....but there is still enough little boy left to be excited about his birthday Legos!  Wish him luck - his baseball tryouts are on Sunday!

I busied myself today with some small finishes.  The fabric that the pieces are sitting on were used on the backs.  You should also be able to click on the pictures to enlarge them for a better look.

These were freebies from Jennifer.

I added a heart with our initials on one side and the year on the other. 

This one is from Christine.  A fun one to stitch up!

This one is from Carol.  Another quick stitch.

This is from Beth at Heartstring Samplery:

And one more - just because I am anxious for spring!

One final shot of them all together!

I have some other pieces that I finally have the frames for and I will try to get them together this weekend. 

Thanks for stopping by and for all of your wonderful comments!