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