First Finish of 2013

This little wall hanging really was done in December
with the exception of scarfs, rickrack and buttons.  It took
until today to complete it so I think it must be called my
first finish of 2013 as it is now hanging on the wall.
Is that fair?

Normally, I am not one to set New Year's Goals or
resolutions, but I decided I would challenge myself
this year.  So I set goals for Spiritual, Personal and
Sewing Projects.  Under sewing I have listed 3-4
things I want to accomplish in January and I am
making a chart to check them off when completed.

I really want to work on my relationship with my
Savior and be a more thoughtful and kinder person.
I want to continue losing weight.  I have lost a lot
of weight since September by not dieting but
changing my lifestyle and eating habits.  And
surprisingly it has not been difficult at all. So my
goal is to maintain--the hardest part actually for me--
and lose a few more pounds.  I have some great
cheerleaders and a couple of websites that have
made a world of difference in this endeavor.  I just
hope I have the strength and determination to endure.

I also want to get back to writing.  I have really
neglected doing this this past year.  So I think I am
going to do a "Word a Day" and write something
just to get my mind working and hopefully some
creative juices flowing. 

Now that this is down on paper and made public
maybe I will be more inclined to follow through
and make good on these goals and challenges.

It's Finished!

Finally, it is finished!  I didn't know if I would be able to
complete this stitchery before Christmas or not with all
my preparations for Christmas.  But, I did it and I am so
excited.

I purchased this kit, "Christmas Treasures Wreath" last year
at my favorite quilt shop.  It is from 
rosaliequinlandesigns.typepad.com  I knew I didn't have
time before Christmas, but figured I had all this year to work
on it.  But, I procrastinated as usual.  However, I did finish it a
week before Christmas!

I just love all the details in the wreath.  I chose to frame it
instead of mount in on a canvas board as she suggested.

Now maybe I can get my snowman runner finished to
put out in January!

First Stitching Project

Yesterday my five year old grandson decided he was tired of
weaving potholders on the loom and wanted to do something
different.  He noticed some stitchery I was working on and
asked if he could try that.

While I traced the shape of a Christmas tree on muslin, he
picked out some green embroidery thread.  He couldn't wait
to get started and I decided we'd just doing a simple running
stitch for his first attempt.

He had such a good time "stitching" and was so proud
of his tree.

He did not want to make it into anything---just wanted
to hang it on his wall.

I'm so proud of him sticking with it and finishing
it.  Maybe we'll stitch a snowman next and make it into
a small pillow---that is if he wants to do more "stitching."

A Few Little Gifts

It has been awhile since I last posted.  Have been keeping
busy trying to get things made for Christmas.  Decided this
year I wanted to get back to making more of my gifts.  It has
been a lot of fun and doing many of them with my daughter
has been really special.  Because I am making a change in
my lifestyle and dropping some unwanted pounds, I chose
not to do any baking this year.  So everything has been
sewn, stitched, knitted, etc.

Thought I'd share a few things I've been doing:

I made four of these table toppers or wall hangings,
depending on how the recipients wanted to use them. 
They we really fun and easy to do.  The hand quilting
was the hardest part.  They were given out early so they
could be enjoyed through the month.  The balance of
their gifts will come on Christmas Day.

My daughter and I made a dozen or so of these banners
for friends -- Again delivered early in the month.

I have mine hanging over my bedroom window.  It makes
me happy every time I look at it.

Made this little stitchery from http://www.red-brolly.com
I chose to put it in a frame rather use it as a Christmas
label.

I have also got hooked on knitting these ruffled scarfs. 
They work up in just a few hours and are all the rage
around here.

These are just a few things I've been having fun making.  
Will post some more tomorrow or the next day.

Can You Help Me?

I have recently had my nephew help me with my
computer which was having some issues. And now
when I go to print my page size, scaling that was set
to "none" is gone and I don't know how to get it
back. 

As I recall, there was someone's blog that told how
to set this.  I don't remember who it was so if there
is anyone that can help with directions, I would
appreciate it.

Even when I click on "actual size" it doesn't come
out right when printing patterns, etc.  So
frustrating!

Thanks for any help or website that I can be
directed to.

Nola

Carrying on the Tradition

Spent Friday with my grandson helping him sew
"Trick or Treat" bags for himself and his brothers.
He did a fantastic job.  He was really happy how
they turned out.


















His brother's were really excited
to get their bags.

Then in the afternoon I went with Kerri, Brian,
the grandkids and a couple of their friends to
the J&J's pumpkin patch to find the "perfect"
pumpkins.

Barely made it home in time to get ready to go to
Brian's for the neighborhood Halloween Carnival.

Hailey with her friends

Rob, Kerri and boys!

Hunting for pumpkins and attending the
Halloween Carnival are a tradition that we
have been doing since Hailey and Ian were
small.  It's really a great family outing and
the kids really look forward to this day each
year!

Girl in a Whirl!

Today while attending my Church meetings, this poem was shared as part of the lesson in Relief Society.  We all got quite a chuckle out of it.  Thought maybe some of you might enjoy it also.

 

The Girl in a Whirl
by ‘Dr. Sue’ (a.k.a. Vickie Gunther)

Look at me, look at me, look at me now!
You could do what I do
If you only knew how.
I study the scriptures one hour each day;
I bake, I upholster, I scrub, and I pray.
I always keep all the commandments completely;
I speak to my little ones gently and sweetly.
I help in their classrooms!  I sew all they wear!
I drive them to practice!  I cut all their hair!
I memorize names of the General Authorities;
I focus on things to be done by priorities.
I play the piano!
I bless with my talents!
My toilets all sparkle!
My checkbooks all balance!
Each week every child gets a one-on-one date;
I attend all my meetings (on time! Never late!)

I’m taking a class on the teachings of Paul,

But that is not all! Oh, no. That is not all .
I track my bad habits ’til each is abolished;
Our t-shirts are ironed!
My toenails are polished!
Our family home evenings are always delightful;
The lessons I give are both fun and insightful.
I do genealogy faithfully, too.
It’s easy to do all the things that I do!
I rise each day early, refreshed and awake;
I know all the names of each youth in my stake!
I read to my children!
I help all my neighbors!
I bless the community, too, with my labors.
I exercise and I cook menus gourmet;
My visiting teaching is done the first day!
(I also go do it for someone who missed hers.
It’s the least I can do for my cherished ward sisters.)
I chart resolutions and check off each goal;
I seek each “lost lamb” on my Primary roll.
I can home-grown produce each summer and fall.
But that is not all! Oh, no. That is not all .
I write in my journal!
I sing in the choir!
Each day, I write “thank you’s” to those I admire.
My sons were all Eagles when they were fourteen!
My kids get straight A’s!
And their bedrooms are clean!
I have a home business to help make some money;
I always look beautifully groomed for my honey.
I go to the temple at least once a week;
I change the car’s tires!
I fix the sink’s leak!

I grind my own wheat and I bake all our bread;
I have all our meals planned out six months ahead.
I make sure I rotate our two-years’ supply;
My shopping for Christmas is done by July!
These things are not hard;
’tis good if you do them;
You can if you try!
Just set goals and pursue them!
It’s easy to do all the things that I do!
If you plan and work smart, you can do them all, too!
It’s easy!” she said
and then she dropped dead.