Happy Halloween

Happy Halloween everyone! It was a rainy but warm night here and so we still went trick or treating between the bouts of rain. The kids enjoyed carving their pumpkins and dressing up. Ray was John Glenn and Becky was Dorothy Gale. I found it so funny when people didn't know Dorothy's last name was Gale from Wizard of Oz.

Friday night, we went to see Disney on Ice with the Girl Scouts. We had tie-dye t-shirts made for the troop. Everyone had a great time and we have heard lots of compliments on the shirts.

Christmas Exchange Ornament

This year, I decided I wanted to try and participate more in exchanges and in turn, to learn different finshing techniques. I joined a Christmas Ornament Exchange in my one group, Every Stitch Counts (ESC) and this is the fruits of my labors. The design is from the October 2006 preview issue of the Just Cross Stitch magazine by Val's Stuff.

I finished the stitching this evening (I had to finish up the coal eyes and smile of the snowman) and then Beth H. so graciously helped me by working on finishing an ornament she had to finish and showed me the steps. Surprisingly, it was really, really easy to make and we both were laughing about different things while we talked about college, stitching, friends, pets, houses, and other things.

Another first for me was stitching with silk, which I have fell in love with! The multicolored thread is The Thread Gatherer Silk 'n Colors called Belvedere Gardens and I then decided to use the multicolored trim to compliment it. I think the overall finished project turned out really cute and I hope my partner enjoys it as well.

Reading: I completed 'Shades of Earl Grey' and have started another book by Laura Childs called 'Gunpowder Green' which is still continuing the series starring Theodosia Browning. This is my 3rd book in my challenge list and is the 6th book either finished or started since the challenge began in September.

Update on life ~ houses, stash, stitching and giveaways

I have worked the past 2 days getting the house in Stevensville ready for market. The hubby was told that this will be the final (and I do mean FINAL) move in our lifetimes. We are purchasing my mother's house from the the estate; essentially I am buying out my brother's half. I grew up in this house since August of 1978 and there hasn't been a week since then that I haven't walked through that door. When I think of "HOME" it is the house that I grew up in and my kids have the same sentiment. Before my Mom died, George and I had decided to move into that area to be closer to my Mom so we could help out more. Now we are going to be buying the home that I grew up in and doing some renovations/improvements to better suit our family while keeping the feeling of my childhood home.

Part of the renovation of my Mom's house is to make it friendly for when I am not wanting to climb steps to do the laundry by bringing the washer/dryer up to the main floor in a "mud room" in the back of the current garage) and adding a family room in place of the garage. I am planning on a bay window in place of the garage doors where plenty of morning and early afternoon light can be enjoyed for stitching time. Of course, the family room will have a west facing window as well which will give some afternoon light too. The other feature in this space will be bookshelves and a wood pellet stove. I love reading and the pellet stove throws so much heat that it helps cut down on the cost of heating a home drastically. Here is a picture taken this past spring of the house; that of course is my camper out front but the car was my Mom's; my brother now has it.

Of course, Charlotte was this past week and I had to receive a email from Just Nan with all her new releases. In a moment of weakness, I had to call Haus Tirol and order three of the newest pieces although I have been trying not to purchase new cross stitch stuff and to work through my existing pile (mountain range more like it) of patterns and fabrics. Here is the pictures of the items I bought, aren't they darling???

Christmas is right around the corner. I am trying to stitch one more piece before then and I need to add charms to another piece for framing as a gift. I think I might start my Christmas stitching for next year on Christmas Day after the presents and food has been prepared. That way, I might be ahead of the game for next year!

PIF: I am going to be holding off on the PIF at this time until the beginning of the new year. Some folks have contacted me and while they would like to do it, there is so many commitments right now with Christmas being less than 12 weeks (!) away that they have asked for me to do it after the New Year. So please be on the lookout around the first of January 2010 for my PIF to reappear.

In the meantime, I have found a new blog which has a wonderful giveaway. Please go to Annette's site and take a look-see!

Curling Up with a Good Book

Well, the good news is I have read two entire books since my last posting on the challenge and have started another one. The bad news is that none of the books were on my list for the challenge. Don't lose heart however, I am reading the Tea Shop Series by Laura Childs still.

I have read "Garden Spells" by Sarah Addison Allen, "The Lost Symbol" by Dan Brown and also started reading "The White Queen" by Phillipa Gregory. The amazing part is that none of them were remotely alike but all were enjoyable reads.

"Garden Spells" is about the Waverly family and their unique gifts which makes the town feel they are rather odd. Claire has the gift of cooking and Sydney has the gift of beauty. Claire has stayed close to the roots of her family while Sydney went out into the world and tried to forge herself a new life before returning home. Sydney helps Claire to move outside of her bubble while Claire helps Sydney learn that sometimes you need to look back to your roots and inside yourself for answers. I definitely could see Beth H loving this book since it has romance, humor and Southern charm all throughout.

"The Lost Symbol" is another wild, adventure through the mind of Dan Brown. Masons, Ancient Mysteries, Washington DC and Robert Landgon combine once again to provide startling information about the National Capital's architecture, art and design. What I love about these books are how much factual information is interwoven into a fictional tale that leads the readers into discovery about all facets of life. If you are a adventurist, this would be the book for you.

"The White Queen" is a historical fiction on the Lancaster and York War and the marriage of the York king, Edward to Elizabeth Woodville Grey. So far the book has painted vivid images of the time period and struggles of memorable figures which are very well developed. Will provide a complete review when finished but it is an enjoyable read so far.

Now for the book challenge, I have been reading "Shades of Earl Grey" by Laura Childs. Unfortunately my need to read the newest best sellers stepped into the way of the reading challenge. This is another good read by the author that is entertaining set in a cozy warm setting containing steaming tea and scrumptious deserts, and enjoyable characters.

Cubscouts Progression of Rank

Tonight was our Cubscout's first Pack meeting of the year. Boy's are recogized for their achievements which have been awarded to them. Ray received his Wolf Rank tonight since we had not been at the summer graduation last June. That was the weekend of the "Adventures of Sam" which was covered in my June monthly blog.

Ray and I were called up and were "painted" with the tail of the Bobcat, the path of the Tiger and the sign of the Wolf to represent our journey so far within the Pack. He is now a Bear and has already started completing the requirements for this as well. He has received the World Conservation Award patch, the Wildlife Conservation belt loop, along with his Gold and 8 Silver Arrow points.

Scouting is a great activity which the whole family has became involved. Becky is a Junior scout this year and has been in Girl Scouting for 6 years. She has received numerous awards throughout her experience and is working for her Bronze award. Their troop is providing support for the Warfighters by providing care packages and letters of encouragement. I am a trained leader in both Girlscouts and Cubscouts and enjoy seeing the children in each group grow and develop each year.