Wonderful surprise in the mail, a new pattern designer and new pin keep.

Blogging has been a wonderful experience for me. I have met so many wonderful people that I would
never have met if it weren't for my blog. I have made so many friendships that I cherish and now consider
my dear friends.
 I have started cross stitching, which I enjoy if only I could see better, I did get me some over the counter reading glasses and a large magnifying glass. Which both help greatly. I am wondering if it is worth the investment to buy an Ott lamp? Does anyone use an Ott lamp?
 I have met a wonderful girl through blogging Tanya "Friendship Crossings"
she always goes out of her way to help me with any questions I have about cross stitching,
quilting, books she has read, just anything. If you don't know Tanya you need to stop by her blog
and say hello.
Well today she sent me some aida cloth and fiddlers cloth for my cross stitching projects.
Thank you so much Tanya, I will be able to make many pinkeeps with this wonderful cloth.
Now for a photo of my wonderful cloth.

As many of you know Jean "Prim Crafts"  and I met through blogging.
We only live about 8 miles from each other and never knew each other before meeting through
our blogs. I love Jean dearly, she is like family to me. She has also been such a wonderful
friend and has helped me so much with crafting and has given me so many pointers and hints.
If you don't know Jean is now designing patterns and selling them on etsy.
Please stop by her blog and there is a link that will take you to her etsy shop.
I asked her to design something prairie and she designed a prairie doll pattern, which I will
have to get, and I love that garden angel she has designed also, well heck I love all the patterns she
has in her etsy shop. She is loaded with awesome talent. I am blessed to have Jean as a friend also.

I just finished another cross stitch pin keep, even with working I am able to cross stitch a little in the
evenings when I set down to unwind a little. I love how this pinkeep turned out.
I will share it with you. I know it isn't perfect, but I am learning.

New Pin Keep and a few Christmas photo's

I didn't have to work today due to the weather, so I decided to try making a pin keep.
The pattern is by Country Rustic Primitives. I used 14 count aida cloth, but think I will try the 18 count the
next time. I don't know if I will ever be able to stitch on linen or osanburg. For now I will stick to aida cloth.
I know my pinkeep isn't perfect, but I am quite proud of how my first one turned out. Thought I would
share some photo's. With all that has been going on I have kinda lost my desire for crafting, so
I am happy that I was motivated to try making a pinkeep.

With my brothers passing my Christmas just wasn't the same, but as I looked in my grandchildrens
eyes and saw the sparkle and their little smiles it gave me joy. I enjoyed seeing them have so much fun.

Remembering a very special man!

I usually am a big kid and really love Christmas, but this year the joy is gone. My brother passed
away unexpectantly from a blood clot this past Sat. My father was married before  and
 had two children. As children we didn't get to see each other very often.I feel like
we we're all cheated.
 I will always remember the summer that David and Becky got to come to our house for a week, Did we ever have fun, We all still laugh about that.
I remember David's special laugh, that he never outgrow. He liked to do little pranks like putting a bunch of salt on Becky's eggs when she turned her head. I just remember the fun we had.
 As adults we would occassionally get together, but not enough. This is a lesson for me, never put off
getting together with the ones you love, because you  never know when you will get the chance again.
I remember the other year David had me and my sisters for a cookout/birthday celebration for my younger sisters. You could see the pride and joy on his face when we were all at his house laughing and having a good time. He was so happy to have us all there.I will cherish that time forever.
 He was an avid hunter, he loved spending time outdoors in the woods.
He leaves behind two children and five grandchildren.His mother, brother, five sisters and my dad.
Remember us all on Friday when his Memorial Service is held. Say a little prayer for us all.
  My heart is saddened and Christmas will never be the same,  I love you David and will
miss you so much. RIP my brother.

Wonderful surprises!

I have been working so hard and am so tired.. But now I can finally breath and enjoy a few days off.
I love to watch Christmas movies, but usually don't have time until after Christmas and the day after Christmas they are usually off TV. But my husband has been taping some for me.
  Sweet Jean "Prim Crafts" stopped by my house the other day. I was on my lunch break, so I didn't get to
visit with her as long as I would have liked too. I really have to watch what I say around Jean, I had asked her awhile back if she would be making any standing Santa's for her booth. I should have known better,
well what did that girl bring me for Christmas but a standing Santa. He is so adorable! I love him so much!
I will cherish him for ever. Jean is one of the sweetest persons that I have ever met and she has really been
an inspiration to me in crafting. One day I want to learn to cross stitch and she offered to help me. So that is
on my "Bucket List". I am so honored to know Jean and have her for a friend.
I am really excited, she is going to start designing patterns, and I know they will be awesome. If you don't know Jean stop by her blog and check it out. Thank you again Jean, I love, love my Santa P.S. Jean,
I am glad I hinted. he he

I also received a surprise package from one of my customers that has bought bonnets from me.
 Her name is Sandra and she is so sweet. I was so humbled when I received her package.
She sure made my day.She sent me a wonderful primitive bear and a primitive star.
Words can't express my gratitude and thankfulness to her and Jean for being so kind to me.
Here is the bear and star aren't they adorable.

As many of you know my daughter is insulin dependent diabetic and struggles with an eating disorder
Diabulimia.
If I had one wish for Christmas it would be for her to be better and have a long life.
So when you say a prayer remember my daughter. Christmas is a hard time when you are dealing with
an eating disorder.
 I hope each of you you have a wonderful Christmas with friends and family and remember that
Jesus is the Reason for the Season.

Getting Ready for Christmas

My crafting has been on hold as I am working both jobs everyday, in between I am trying to get ready for Christmas. I was able to make a snowman for a swap. We had ice storm yesterday, so school is canceled for today, so I need to get off the computer and clean my house and I think I will bake some cookies and put the in the freezer and save for Christmas. I do have my tree up, but I probably only put a forth of my ornaments on my tree. I do have my Christmas cards fixed up, I need to finish my shopping and some baking. So I am getting there. As I put up my Christmas decor, many of my things are from fellow bloggers,
I didn't mention names, because I don't want to forget anyone. And my tree has many ornies from fellow bloggers. I cherish each and every item from you and smile and think of you as I look at them.
 I met my sisters and two friends at Cracker Barrel for our Christmas get together Friday, but forgot to
take some pictures, We had a wonderful time, then Sat. I went to WV to the farmhouse. Ronnie and I put
up our tree there and built a fire and watched two Christmas movies, such an enjoyable time. And I forgot my camera to take pictures.
Now for some pictures of some of my Christmas decor. WARNING-Picture overload!

Snowman I made

The true meaning of Christmas!

I took a class and painted this years ago.

My new Arnett Santa

Swap Goodies

My great friend Tammy from Tammy "NC Primitives from the Past" and I decided to do a Christmas swap. Tammy was the first person that I ever swapped with and we continue to do at least 2 swaps a year.
Tammy has been very inspirational in my crafting and is always giving me encouragement and advice.
I know that one day we will meet in person and I am looking forward to that.
Tammy always sends me the nicest things and certainly knows how to spoil me.
Thank you Tammy, I love everything and most of all I cherish our friendship.

Look how pretty everything is wrapped.

Snowman Bob, isn't he so cute!

Santa in a sack, I love him!

Candy cane boy

I had told Tammy that I had a candy cane girl, but no boy,

 she made me a boy.

 They match perfectly!!!!

Yummy tarts, mini candle holder and lovely prim postcards.

                                      She also gave me a note pad that I forgot to take a picture of.