Happy New Year and Winter Blessings!

I want to wish everyone a Happy New Year and Winter Blessings. This has been a great year for me and my family. The children are growing and learning at an amazing rate and my husband and I have to adjust. It is a big change to go from innocent, cute babies to intelligent, head-strong children and pre-teens!

I plan on making many resolutions - as I always do - and I will get those out soon. But in the mean time, I wanted to look back at the year. I learned how to let go of friends who don't want to be friends and depend on my family, who is always there for me. I have learned how to work without letting my job be who I am. And I have learned how to savor the moments that make me proud, instead of beating myself up over all of the things that could have been. Of course, these are things I learned this year but have to practice everyday. These things have been a large part of who I am for so long that changing my train of thought will be difficult.

Blogging and following all of the inspiring people out in blogland has been very rewarding. I intend to do more of it this new year. Of course, I am cleaning out the craft room and refocusing my hobbies...Happy New Year! SUE

Christmas Finishes

I finally got some Christmas things made! I made two of these Santas in Antique white frames that were in my Grandmother's house. Don't tell my dad that we had to remove his old school pictures from 1945 (we saved them though). I gave the original to my mom. This image and all the wools have been swimming around in my head and came out exactly as I imagined. The second I made for my brother Tim.

I stitched up a bunch of quick ornies to give to my mom, sister, and brothers while I was in Illinois for Thanksgiving too. They turned out sweet. I think I made 6 in the hour.

I then sewed up a tableskirt for my mom. I had made the same one - fabric and all - about 5 years ago. She washed it and it shrank. Sew (oops) So, I got the same fabric and sewed up another one. I hadn't sewed in a while so it was fun to get at it again. I wish I had all this energy at home. I guess when I'm at mom's house I don't have all the responsibility of my own home and chores so I can be creative - I love that!

Well, I cannot figure out how to put these paragraphs under the picture - any ideas? Have a super day and stay warm! SUE

Happy Thanksgiving!

Happy Thanksgiving to you and your family! What a wonderful time of year. I am so thankful for my family. I have the most wonderful husband of almost 20 years and three beautiful children. Our life is so full and busy and I am thankful everyday. God has blessed me!

*This is the North pier in St. Joseph, Michigan. We were there a few weekends ago to visit the in-laws. I grew up just a mile from the beach. I would ride my bike there with my friends all summer long. I never realized how lucky I was to be within biking distance of such a Great Lake until I moved away.*

The weather is getting cooler - you can even smell that the snow is coming. Today it is just windy and rainy - but I can tell it's coming!

We are going to Illinois for Thanksgiving - hoping to leave on mid-day Wednesday. I cannot wait to see my parents. It has been way too long. I am also hoping to catch up with my sister over some good wine. The kids have been waiting a long time to finally visit the cousins.

Have a wonderful and safe Thanksgiving! SUE

Mission but in Action!

Hey Blogging Buddies! I am still here; I even get to read a few blogs somedays. It is totally crazy at work and home. Indoor season is coming at work. Outdoor soccer is almost over - this weekend - yay! My son broke his wrist in a game a week ago - he is doing well and out of soccer until December first.

I haven't done much hooking. By the time I sit down at night I just want to veg out. I did end up pulling out 2 of the 3 colors I had hooked on my prim candy corn. I re-hooked and it is MUCH better. I will show pics when I take some (add to list).

This is a cute pic I took at the apple orchard with Sydney's kindergarten class.

Hugs! SUE

Happy Birthday to my October Girl!

Happy Birthday to Sydney Kate - she turned five years old on Monday. She is absolutely the best little surprise we could have ever asked for. She received lots of Barbie stuff and Polly Pockets. He has been so excited. When she received money, she cried because she wanted presents - she just didn't know that the money could buy her more presents!

This is a little rug I am working on - started it on the trip down to the soccer tournament in Indianapolis. I am still having trouble with rounded areas and keeping the loops the same height - just looks more primitive, right!?!

I won a contest! That's right, me! I won the give-away celebrating the one-year anniversary of her blog on the Orange Sink. It is the wonderful pumpkin and crow pattern at the top of her blog; I am planning my colors and will start it this week. Thank you Cathy!

My other October Girl, Danielle of Sew Creepy Confections, also had a BIG birthday; she turned 40 yesterday. We met for coffee at Panera. It is always nice spending time with her. Our lives (mostly mine) are so busy that getting together has become a luxury. She got to go to Ghoultide in Novi, Michigan this past weekend so she was telling me all about it - I was sooo jealous.

Well, it's off to get the kids to school and get to work. I didn't have my head at work yesterday. With all the birthday stuff going on it was just a nuisance to have to go to work - haha! SUE

October!

It's here, it's here! Finally October is here. It is my favorite month. I have had the autumn decorations out for over a month already. I have to do it early because we are so busy each evening there's no time. But now I can get the Halloween stuff out.

I really love blog-land. I haven't been able to craft much lately (at all) but I love seeing everything that all of you productive gals - and guys - have been able to do. Some of the creativity astounds me.

I have been busy getting the kids to school, homework, soccer, soccer and more soccer. We are at practices 5 days a week until 8pm most days. Then when the weekend comes we have 4-6 games in a weekend. It is truly crazy. This weekend we are off to Indianapolis for a soccer tournament with my oldest son's team. We are heading out this afternoon. I think it is a four hour trip from Lansing. I am planning on taking my rug hooking stuff. I would love to visit some shops in the area if I can. I may just sit and drink wine with the girls - yeah, that does sound relaxing.

I had to put the craft show on hold. I cannot realistically be in a craft show when I don't have any time. I may have to wait til my kids are out of the house before I could ever put the time into a craft business. My heart and dreams are there - just have to put the kids first at this time.

Thanks for stopping by! SUE

Autumn Relaxation!

I cut lots of wonderful wool strips to start a new rug. I am in dire need of some evening relaxation. Hooking always puts me in a happy mood. Pumpkins and crows are coming!

We saw some huge, beautiful crows today in a yard across from the school; there were at least six of them. I love how on these cool, sunny mornings we all seem to notice more nature.

Sydney is loving kindergarten! Everyday she comes home with a new revelation about school. She has been singing tons of new songs too. She is very tired though. Most evenings she has been falling asleep at soccer practice. She is even getting used to getting to bed early.

Well, off to work. The days are flying by! SUE

My Baby(s) starts School today!

Jake, Nick and Sydney started back to school today in East Lansing. Sydney started kindergarten, Jake in 3rd grade and Nick in 6th grade. It was just a half day, but it started the routine back in the mornings - thank Goodness!

My baby, Sydney, started in kindergarten today and I went along with her for her orientation. She is going to be just FINE. She was working her way through the stations and eyeing up the play kitchen to play with for another day (free play). Her teacher seems young and enthusiastic - she will need it! Then, it was off for the final school supplies - I cannot believe the amount of money I have had to dole out. Nick even had to have a flash drive - that seems early to me - in sixth grade??!

It was a nice weekend full of home repairs, movies, yard work, laundry and naps. I didn't get to nap - but Scott did. I guess he did do most of the yard work - and put a muffler on his old truck. I got to start alot of craft projects for the show in October. It made me feel like I was getting it done!

I will post more of the show goodies later. SUE

Mom and Dad's 50th Wedding Anniversary - Golden!

My parents celebrated 50 years of wedded bliss this past weekend. The celebration started when my family arrived in Huntley, Illinois to stay with my parents. The kids love going to Illinois. Not only for Gramma and Grandpa, but to see ALL their cousins.

Saturday we all took a stretch Hummer limo from Huntley to Lake Geneva, Wisconsin for dinner at the Grand Geneva Chophouse - very nice! It is always fun to have adult time with my brothers and sisters.

Sunday it was off to Antioch, Illinois for a dinner and pool party at my brother Scott's house. His wife Melanie can really put on a spread. She had a friend even re-create my parents' wedding cake. All the festivities were cloaked in lavender which was the theme fifty years ago. Mel made a DVD of my parents' life together with chapters dedicated to each of us children and our families; there wasn't a dry eye in the room!

Above is the box I found for my parents. I rug hooked the top. I think it turned out nice (not sure why the pic is blurry); it can be an heirloom. My mom loved it and appreciated all the hours I spent. My sister loved it too.

Well, I did finish some Autumn goodies too for the October show - I did spend about 13 hours in the car this weekend - ugh!!

)

Late Night Hooking

I am working on the 50th Anniversary gift for my mom and dad. It is a wooden cheese box with a hooked rug on the lid. I really think my mom is going to love it! I chose an Old English G with the year that they were married. I was going to hook the actual date they were married onto it but to be honest, that is way too many letters. My mom has a French country decorating style using golds, reds, white and black. I think I will do a hit or miss outside border using all her colors. Oh I only wish I started this project last month when I thought of it!

Inspiration!

I got two of my favorite mags today - after the soccer games. I only briefly flipped through them - before my nap (that is why I am still up at 11:35pm). I love when Fall mags come out and I can be totally imersed in my favorite holiday; there are even spooky studios!

Today the boys finished up at the Dewitt Ox Roast Soccer Tournament. It was a long weekend of 5 quick soccer games. We didn't win a trophy but lost it to boys in our Club - so that's ok.

I got some pumpkins cut out last night. I pulled together some good fabrics and wools too. Tomorrow I will cut lots of pumpkins to stitch at practice. Happy Sunday everyone!

Getting my Craft On...

Girls, I am getting back my groove. I am signed up for a Show in October and getting the Autumn ideas a flowin!

I picked up a few goodies from a local yard sale: two cheese boxes and some rusty springs. I think I will hook rugs to attach to the cheese boxes and do pumpkin make-dos on the springs. My goal for this show is to use up my homespun fabric collection. I plan on making pumpkin bowl fillers, doornies and pillows. I am excited.

We have been full-on with soccer practices. The games start September 12. In the meantime, I am going to cut lots of wool and homespun so I can utilize my soccer time to stitch. I could stay home during practice, but I LOVE to go to the practices and see all of our friends. Keeps my tan up too.

I will post more fabric goodies tomorrow; trying to post daily - will keep me in check. HA!

Soul Searching

So I have been gathering up tons of stuff to have a yard sale. I have spent time folding, cleaning, reminiscing, regretting and wondering who I am. I am letting go of some of the baggage that is cluttering my soul. I know, that sounds so dramatic, but that is kind of how it feels. I have projects I didn't get to, ones I started and didn't finish and now I don't know why I started in the first place.

I keep evolving. Sometimes I know who I am and other times I know who I am and not happy with it, but don't know who I want to be. Thank the Lord that my husband knows who I am (better than I know) and loves me anyway! Because of this lack of knowing, I don't have the motivation that I should.

The weather isn't very good today (rain coming). So, I didn't start the yard sale today. I will have it rain or shine Saturday when my hubby can be around to help if it starts to downpour. The weather is like how I feel about me these days. I have worked for two weeks to prepare for this sale and then it rains, or seems like it is eminent. I cancelled for Friday and now it is trying to clear (a little sun even) and it's too late to have it today - OY! I have to overcome it and do it tomorrow - for sure!

Sorry for the downer post - just soul searching...SUE

Prayers for my Father In Law

My father-in-law, Jim, had a silent heart attack 2 days ago and is in the hospital. He has always taken good care of himself and eats right, so this came as a bit of a shock. Hubby is going down to stay with his mother on Saturday. His dad wants him to mow the lawn and get the trash out for Monday pick-up. I guess we know where his priorities lie! Anyway, please say a prayer. SUE

Weekend Projects

Scott fixing the stairs. Jake in the pool and some pretty petunias from my neighbor, Frank!

What a nice weekend my family had. We took a family outing to IKEA - our first time, swam in our pool, weeded the flower beds - that don't have flowers, and repaired our front steps - Scott actually did those; I supervised. First, the trip to IKEA. Wow! What a great place for inspiration. Now, personally I am not a modern fan; I am more country cottage. But I was in awe of all the great stuff at such ridiculously low prices. I watch alot of Clean House on Style channel with Niecy Nash and now I see how they can redo whole rooms and houses on such a low budget and have them turn out. We ate at the cafeteria and it was yummy. We all had dessert and it only cost $34!

Scott fixed our front steps Sunday. A couple weeks ago one of the risers fell under the front porch. Then, each step started buckling and coming up. It was dangerous just to go down the stairs. I didn't think Scott would really know how to retro-fit new stairs without taking everything on the porch apart - but he surprised me! He did such a great job - and they are more sturdy now than they have ever been! Thanks Honey!

Thank heaven for our pool. We have air conditioning, but that just keeps everyone inside. The kids and I love to swim. It is an above ground, 16 foot, 42 inch deep pool - it is still refreshing and fun.

We are getting some much needed rain. I hope it comes down all day - everything is dry.

Have a wonderful day! SUE

Wonderful Weekend!

This is Lake Michigan at Stevensville, Michigan. The kids got to swim each evening as the sun set at the Lincoln Township beach. When I was growing up my dad used to take my brother and I down to the beach nearly every evening so he could watch the sunset and we could swim. It was a spectacular way to spend every evening in the summer. It is definitely one thing I want my kids to experience. My in-laws still live in Stevensville so when we visit setting at the beach at sunset is a must.

We had a cookout at their house on Saturday with my husbands sister and her kids and their children. It was a beautiful, clear day on Saturday. But when Sunday came the heat and humidity were back. We didn't stay too long on Sunday. We did go to Big Boy with Scott's parents. It's a funny thing - Big Boy. Scott worked there when he was 17 and got fired for calling the head waitress a naughty name. But, he still loves to eat there. He even once had aspirations to visit every Big Boy in the country -- Not gonna happen! I am trying to get more pictures to post and it isn't working - I will try more later. Have a great 5th of July! SUE

Finished Finally!

I finally finished my pineapple rug - and it has it's place in the living room. I seem to always look at the clock so I hung it on the wall next to my favorite clock. I live with simple

men who don't understand primitive concepts - I know, that is ironic. But each one of them questioned my simple pineapple and my color choices. The 1991 is for the year Scott and I were married and pineapples represent hospitality - very simple. The colors match my house - again, very simple. Any hoo...

I have been busy at work. I spend a month doing nothing but blogging and then this busy time comes and I don't even get to sit down to read emails - very crazy!

Summer is slipping by fast. We get to go away this weekend for the Fourth of July - maybe hit the beach. I am looking forward to some stitching time!

Happy Day!

I saw an old friend today at one of my favorite quilt shops. She just got a job there - to "help feed the addiction." Oh I know, Sister! I go on my lunch to fondle all of the wool. Anyway, Cheri used to visit me at Calico Corners when I worked there; she makes the most beautiful purses. Oh it was a nice surprise to see her.

My mom and dad are coming from Huntley, Illinois tomorrow to watch the boys in their soccer championships. My parents have not been here in over a year and I have much to do - laundry, clean, clean, clean... you get it. I have been so busy lately that I neglected to work on the sweatshirt for my mom. I guess now I can get here opinion on it and make it "custom" - yeah, that's it!

We are all staying in a hotel this weekend for the games. It will be like a mini vacation for my family - about the only one we'll get. There is an indoor pool too. My Uncle John may come up too to watch the games; I hear there may be thunderstorms on Saturday - great.

I have been making progress on the pineapple rug - pics to come later. And, I drew a pattern for a fallish rug that I will start after the pineapple one. It has a pumpkin, crow and stars.

Have a great weekend - I will write on Monday - Go TNT Dynamite!

Pineapple Rug

Well, I finally got going on my pineapple rug. Once I got started, I could hardly put it down. I found it so relaxing.

Ok, so I have some issues. I don't have a cutter so I have to use my 1/4" cutting mat and straight edge. I have a hard time getting consistent strips - some are quarter inch, some are less and some are wider. I hate that. I want a cutter!!

I have to take Syd to the babysitter - I will fill you in more. Have a great day!!

Hello!

It is another HOT day here in Michigan. Whew! I have been trying to beautify my workplace - adding a flower pot outside the door, weed, clean inside and on the sidewalks. It is a good thing I started early - did I say it was HOT?

Monday I was off work and really wanted to spruce up my house. I have been thinking about it all spring - of course the day I decide to implement it is the hottest day of the year. And, Scott won't let me turn on the air conditioning - yet. Anyway, I had taken down the draperies in the living room and wanted to put a cooler look at the windows - you know, linen, sheer or just a lighter color. I am a fabric-aholic, so I had many options to go with. But, as I said it was hot. So, I didn't really get to making any curtains. After I pulled out all of the fabric, I decided I just didn't want to sew in the heat. LOL! That is how it is. So, I will be putting up the original draperies that I made. They are still my favorites!

I haven't been too creative lately - except in my own mind. But I have been enjoying blog land. So many very creative and inspiring people out there. I do know my dream is to have my own store - primitive, fabric, crafty workroom, antiques or all of the above.

Until the next time... SUE

Where Women Create

I FINALLY got my new issue of Where Women Create - WOW!! I just love seeing the creative spaces that help to inspire such talented women. Some of the spaces are pretty enough to have in the main area of the house - oh how fun it would be to be in the craft room all the time - SNAP - surely a soccer ball would knock over something or someone would leave their size 10 or 13 tennis shoes right in the middle. Oh, but I can dream...

Anyway, I have been consumed by the blog world lately. I am so eager to see each post. I better keep up with my own posts!

I am at work this evening until 7:30pm. It is so slow this time of year at the indoor facility - duh, everyone is outside. I have to pace myself with my daily tasks and chores. Hardly anyone even calls now. So, I use this time to stitch a little. I added a wool button penny to my sweatshirt I finished stitching. I used an old button I had gotten from my friend Danielle (her MIL gave her the most wonderful antique buttons). LOL Danielle just called my cell - weird! I wish I had a job where I felt creative. The stress is gone from my job now, but I feel like my brain is going to mush because it is soooo slow.

I will have to bring another project for tomorrow!

Spring Soccer

We have been really busy with Spring Soccer lately. If you would have asked me ten years ago if I was planning on EVER spending Mother's Day at a weekend long soccer tournament, I would have laughed - ALOT! But, the pride I feel when I am watching them play soccer is amazing. Sydney gets to play with all of her friends when we are at the games so she loves coming.

Both my sons play for the TNT Dynamite Soccer Club. It is a year-round soccer Club so it seems to never end. Last weekend we were at the Midland Tournament in Midland Michigan - Nick's team won the Championship. They didn't get trophies (what's the point of a tournament at this age-haha) but were really pleased with their accomplishment. Their coach, Todd, is my boss at work too. Jake's team didn't fare as well; they lost all three games. You know, they played like typical 9-year olds - unpredictable. They did play much better on Sunday.

After the games, we went to Mt. Pleasant and had our Mother's Day dinner at Big Boy (the boys chose). We were all tired and had gotten too much sun so we went to bed early.

I have been reading a wonderful book series by Debbie MacComber about a knitting store, A Good Yarn, on Blossom Street (in Seattle, WA). It is such a heartwarming series and I cannot get enough. I just finished my second book in the series. With all the rain here today, I think I will start the next one.

Have a great Tuesday!

Back to Work...

So, I am back at work tonight to open the arena lobby for a TNT Coach to have a team meeting. It's not so bad. I spent a great evening at soccer practice for the boys (and the same coach). I had brought a new rug hooking pattern to prepare for starting. I was going to masking tape the edges of my Linen fabric. But... I got caught up in the fun of soccer practice and seeing all of my soccer peeps. I didn't finish but I will when I get home which I hope will be soon...

Good night:)

Hello!

These spring days feel so refreshing! I have been slowly spring cleaning all of the bedrooms in my house. Partly because my dog seems to lay claim to at least two of the rooms and I have had it. I have been closing the bedroom doors and keeping him out. I guess that means he will lay on the sofa in the living room all day instead of my bed - but that I can handle. This is Sydney and Porter hanging out on the sofa.

I have been very creative - in my head - the last few days. I finished blanket stitching around a sweatshirt I am doing for myself. Now I just need to finalize the pattern I am going to applique on it. My husband said,"how many of those do you really need?" It is not his concern! I will have one for each day of the week if I want!!

I love the lilacs this time of year. The little tree we planted in the back yard 7 years ago when we moved in is producing a rich, dark and super fragrent flower this year. The one behind the garage is sparse though, sad.

I am off to work - cleaning day on the field. Have a great day!!

Listen to octobergirlss Playlist

He Can't Be Trusted!

Let me introduce you to Porter. He is our "Brown Dog" and he can't be trusted! Today when I left to take the boys to school, I made sure that any food on the counter top was out of Porter's reach. He has a tendency to eat anything that he can get his mouth on. Well, somehow this dog got not only a new pack of fresh hamburger buns for tonight's dinner, but the practically new pack of Oreo cookies. I am at my wits end!!!

He is known for this. I shouldn't be surprised. What is "out of reach" for me is NOT for Porter. The dog can scale a chain link fence like nothing and he can escape from anywhere. We had to even change the kind of door knobs on our back door because he not only could let himself out (with a door that opens in) but he could unlock the dead bolt! I know! Well he can't open a round knob - haha!

What to do? I love my Brown Dog! But I hate my Brown Dog. It has been like this since the beginning.

Anyway, thought you should know.

SUE

Glee!

Oh, I just watched my favorite show, Glee. I cried, I laughed and I sang. Sigh.

I finished my strawberry candle mat today. I like it. It inspired me to keep stitching.

I started stitching a wall hanging today while at soccer. It will have a Fall theme - funny, since I was sitting outside at soccer on a beautiful Spring afternoon. But I guess I have to take the inspiration where I can.

I took a break from work this afternoon to one of my favorite quilt shops, Everlasting Stitches. They used to have alot more rug hooking supplies - it's where I got my hooking frame. But they seem to be downsizing the wool area. They had patterns and wool off the bolt. But one of the reasons I love this place is because of all of the overdyed wool and wool roving. They didn't have a whole lot of NEW stuff - but I did get a GREAT piece of orange wool - which led me to the Fall inspired wall hanging. I saw pumpkins, orange moons and flowers. Crazy, I know, but I think it will be really cute. I will post some pics tomorrow.

I am finding that sitting at soccer practice is really good for stitching. Not that I didn't know that already. But for indoor practice I was so into watching the kids - because I was so much closer to them. But outside the field is sooooo big and they practice alot further away from where we parents sit. I am sure that is how the coaches like it too.

I have to get to bed - CURVES in the morning - yuck - I mean, Yay!!

Spring Renewal

So, It's been a long time since my last...blog. I am sorry. But I have been thinking about renewal and this is on my list. Not tomorrow, or next weekend, but I am starting tonight. I figure I don't have too much ME time so why waste it (anymore) on putting off my plans. DO IT!

So I put a new "face" on my blog and I will try and update daily. I have loved reading and following all of my cyber friends' blogs - and I will now join on a daily (hopeful, I know) basis.

Have a great night and I will be back tomorrow!!

Happy New Year Blessings!

Happy New Year! It has been a long and trying few months but I think I am coming back. Christmas was wonderful and I have gotten the house back in order. The kids are getting a little stir-crazy on break but head back to school on Monday.

My Husband, Scott, is going in for knee replacement surgery on Monday as well. It has been a long time coming and I am glad it is finally here. My sister, Terri, is coming in from Illinois to help out with getting the boys to school on these first few days and keeping Sydney for me as I go back and forth to the hospital. Scott says he will be fine with a few books from the library so I can hang out with my sister for a few days.

Work has been very busy but I think I finally have a good crew there who can help carry the load. Schedules for the next soccer session are done and on the web - a week early! I will enjoy a few days off from the stress of the job.

I don't know what the new year holds for me and my crafty world. I have been thinking long and hard about my dreams, goals, life and people in it. Life is precious and there is not alot of extra time in my life to waste on things that don't make me happy. With the three busy kids in school and soccer and full time work the moments I spend on me have to count.

So, I have started stitching my wool quilt-of-the-month and have two done. I love the primitive look of it. And the colors so dark and muted -- mmmmm -- love it! Scott built me a new desk in my dining room that I am in the process of skirting so I can hide all my projects in-process in as to not clutter the room. I am thinking about making new draperies too -- ambitious, I know, but I have to get back to basics.

So CHEERS to a new year! God Bless!

SUE