A Much Needed Change...

Last weekend I decided that my house needed a entry/mud room. When we purchased our (first) house eight years ago, we only had two small boys and didn't have a clue on what we were going to need as they got older. Well, now we have three kids. And, they are growing like weeds. There are coats, backpacks, boots, shoes (oh, the shoes!), soccer bags, training clothes, soccer balls, mittens, hats, did I say boots? Well, I decided to do some much needed work on the front entry way.

I moved in the bottom half of a large hutch from the garage, and filled it with shoes, boots, gloves, hats, etc. I added hooks under the mirror and a red bench to keep my purse on. I moved a lamp and an enamel tray for keys, wallets, etc. onto the hutch top.

I like the way the hutch creates a separation of the entry and the living room. I have many more changes planned too as the weather gets warmer.

Have a good day! SUE

Winter Welcome

Well, I have been working a lot lately. I haven't had too much time to hook or craft, or clean for that matter. One night this week I got to actually clean the main rooms, set the table and make a beautiful dinner. It is amazing how much better I feel when I can accomplish homey things.

The snow is coming down again. we only have a few inches on the ground. I do love how the world looks under a fresh blanket of snow.

I am looking forward to a crafty weekend. Have a wonderful day! SUE

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