Izbzee

2000 stitches!

I can't believe it!  I did it!  I doubled my daily goal and actually accomplished it BEFORE 10 pm last night.  PHEW!  (and on the tail end of a migraine)

Each ribbon of color requires 55 stitches to complete and there are 28 ribbons on each row.  I've still got a long way to go to finish this up by the end of November, but I think I can do it if I continue with completing at least 1000 stitches a day.   

Keep your fingers crossed!

Last night was sort of a fluke, at least for having some extra stitching time.  There was a group of young adults here for dinner and games -- A was one of the people in charge.  They had a grand time and the laughter was contagious throughout the evening.  There wasn't much left in the way of food, although they didn't make it to the popcorn or through the pan of brownies.  I think the Peanut Butter game finished off anyone seeking additional sustenance for the evening! 

Not much in the way of any additional crafting done yesterday, except I did get my table cleared and most everything went back in it's place --  Since the YA's were going to be using the family room and patio area for the evening. 

I did field a few emails and calls about work, which means there may be some additional money coming in for my trip to AZ in January.  And to boot, it looks like I'll have a roomie for the Advanced Training....now which one of us gives up our reservation?  My reservation for the Renewal Training is now definitely on since the room is filled and hopefully, we'll be able to pull off a surprise for the gang! 

Ok, so back to work.  Need to do a little bit of creative stuff to get the card swap stuff ready for next week and have a new presentation put together, studied and all the details worked out BEFORE next Wednesday's before school meeting with the teachers.  Only have 15 minutes -- ummm, this could be interesting!  Oh, and two phone calls to hotels to confirm the last changes on the BEO's.

NEWS UPDATES:  T's eye surgery went very well.  The glaucoma pressure has dropped significantly with the Alphagan.  His only complaint is still light sensitivity and some throbbing.  He'll address that tomorrow at his appointment (1 week check-up)

C (hubby to dd#2) is leaving tomorrow to begin his 15 month stint in Iraq.  Our prayers and more go with him and for our dd and unborn child.  This is his first "real" deployment and although he did basic and specialty training after they were married, this will truly be a test for them.  God Speed and keep him and his unit safe. 

Thanks for dropping by....here's wishing you a day full of recognizing your own GREATNESS and sharing with others!

I know it's a bit early....

but on the other hand, it could be a little late for a few things....and since we have an annual ornament exchange, it's time to start looking and creating!

You Are an Angel

A truly giving soul, you understand the spirit of Christmas.

What Christmas Ornament Are You?

Check out my Slide Show!

lots of ACHOO's!

Late summer and early fall brings on lots of allergies here in the central plains.

Nearly everyone in the household is currently dipping into the allergy meds in hopes of finding at least a bit of relief from the itchy eyes, running nose, headaches and sneezes.  Little ones, medium ones and BIG ones that make our ears hurt!   Even my prescribed meds aren't helping much without the aid of a Benedryl at least twice a day! 

I've been able to knit a bit here and there --- on the skirt and baby afghan.  Been browsing the blogs and mags for some fresh card ideas.  Think I've finally decided on the swap cards I need to make before the 5th of Oct.

T and all the kids are doing well.  We haven't heard from the two oldest for a few days, but I imagine we'll catch up with them tomorrow.   

No new goodies expected this week, other than my order from Amazon.  Just a bit of light reading! 

Been asked to create a presentation for a website.  This could be interesting, but it looks like I won't have to buy any new software --- I think that I've got what we need to make this happen.  I hope I won't have to buy anything new --- I'd hate to fork out anymore on software this year!  It's been an expensive year --- though great for write-offs! 

The hibiscus is still blooming!  And they are absolutely breathtaking.  We've also just planted 5 new roses --- I hope these'minis survive the winter and will be blooming next year.  T had the missionaries over to help get that bed ready and do the planting.  I'll get pictures of the new "bed" tomorrow.  They did an excellent job --- I just had to do a bit of watering, sweeping and raking to finish up.  We also got the fountain running again with a new pump.  T also bought me a really pretty mum -- I have it on the front porch for the time being.  I'm not sure whether to put it in the ground or re-plant it in a larger decorative pot.  Decisions, decisions!  ACHOO!  Oh darn, there are those sneezes again! 

 

Little Things....

Over the years I've often wondered why the smallest of things are often the most incredible and miraculous to me.

It could be a word, a photo, a flower, a blade of grass, a smile, a phone call, a card or message, or the quiet of a still night or morning.  Nothing big, huge, loud or flashy.  Plain, simple, thoughtful.  I'm more prone to watch for these things now --- their message can be powerful!

I promised pictures from our recent trip: 

In the first picture, our grandson is holding Grampa's balloons that were waiting in our hotel room since we were flying in on Grampa's b-day.  The hotel staff also made sure grampa wasn't forgotten and brought him a card, mug and several packets of hot chocolate mix.  Our trip to the zoo was fun, hot and crowded.  I think everyone else on the planet had decided seeing the animals was the best idea for the holiday!  We pass the This is the Place monument on our way out of the canyon and on our way to a family barbecue on our last day in Salt Lake.  We had a grand time and enjoyed our visit.  Of course, we have lots more pictures  and I've got lots of scrapbooking to catch up on.  We even had a few moments at the Family History Library trying to find an elusive ancestor on T's side of the family.  We're still looking!

This past weekend, was Card Saturday! We had such a good time and even had a special "guest" join us during the afternoon. Everyone got 3 cards made and still had a few materials left over to use at home. There are several additional projects looming -- including a card and dishcloth swap besides just the normal everyday stuff. The next couple of months will be busy for sure! We're looking forward to some fun!

and one more picture of a card:

Card stock, ribbon from SU!, stamps: Swirls from rhonna farrer, Sentiment by Studio g. Punch, unknown, colored pencils, chalk

Well, better get back to work.  I still have a few leads to follow up on and a few more things to get crossed off the must do list before I can play.

Thanks for dropping by ---- oh, and if you're in the Boston area on the 24th, be sure to say "hi" to Gabi at the Brookline Holiday Inn!