New Sampler

 It has been snowing here all day so I didn't have to work at school. I worked some on getting my tax
papers ready to take to an accountant, such a dreaded job. ( I let everything in a folder and just do it once a year, making it a big job.)
I did want to show you my latest cross stitch project. I am really having fun cross stitching.
I have a ugly thermostat on my dining room wall that is an eye sore to me, I had a brain storm and
covered it up with a beautiful enamel pan, more country looking I think. Who would know a thermostat is underneath hiding.

Prayer request!

Hey blogger friends, hope everyone is staying warm and cozy this Winter. I am waiting patiently for Spring.
I love the different seasons, but am pretty much done with Winter after Christmas.
First I do want to let you know that I have 3 Dark Blue Bonnets left, they are $22.99 plus shipping,
inspired by a Drakestone Primitive pattern. Email me at  Lecia123@verizon.net   if interested.

As most of you know I have a double career. I have been a hairstylist for many years and have a hair salon
in my basement. It is the American dream to be able to have your own business. But not perfect,
no benefits, no retirement, no guaranteed income, but it is something about being your own boss.
And when my daughter and my mom were ill I could change my appointments around to suit my schedule.
  And you know that in 2005 I graduated from nursing school and received my LPN degree, my nursing job
is substitute nurse for our county schools. I have really fallen in love with this one little country school and have always thought if a full time position came available that that would be my school.
  Well I had no idea that it would happen so quick, I have been offered the full time position but just don't
think I am going to take it. I have prayed and prayed and prayed and honestly in my heart, I don't know
what to do, I feel like whatever decision I make will be the wrong one, I just feel no peace.
I love those little children and when they see me out somewhere they come running and talk to me, and
they just melt my heart.I want to take them all home.
 Working full time though would most likely put an end to my hair business, physically I just don't think I could do both. And it would pretty much put a damper on my crafting that I love to do.
And I would probably take the job if the pay were more, the pay is horrible for a nurse, and with the responsibility of the children it is a disgrace to even consider paying a nurse such a salary, I would probably make more working at McDonalds, not that it is anything wrong with that, I just spent two years of my life
studying to become a nurse and deserve nurses pay. I can't believe that our school systems don't have
anymore respect for a person that really has their childs well being and care in their hands.
But on the other hand I would do it in a heart beat if I knew that the Lord wanted me to, no matter what the pay.
I am just so confused, say a little prayer for me that I will make the right decision and be at peace about it,
Lord just talk to me and I will listen!!!!!!!!

Valentine Sampler and new bonnets.

 I decided to make myself a Valentine sampler. I am quite proud of how it turned out, this is my third
cross stitching project. It seems to get a little easier with each one that I make.

I was able to make a few bonnets. I get alot of requests for Dark Blue bonnets.
I am asking $22.99 each plus shipping.
Bonnets are approx. 26" long and inspired by a Drakestone Primitives pattern.
Email me with any questions or to purchase. Lecia123@verizon.net
I have 4 of these dark blue bonnets available.

I did make 2 black bonnets, sale pending on both of these. Thanks!

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.