APRIL IN ALABAMA

Addiction, A Gift And A Framed Finish

2012-01-31T11:14:00.000-06:00

Hi, my name is April. I am a Pinterest Addict. lol Yes, I have fell victim to Pinterest! Forget Facebook... There are so many craft idea on Pinterest, I can't stop looking. It is an addiction!

Speaking of craft ideas... My lovely SIL yesterday gave me a present. It is wrapped so cute and full of Kisses! She is the greatest! She is the one who gave me all those bags of craft stuff !

So cute candy jar!! I had to make hubby stay away last night. I wanted to get a picture for me blog. Sorry next one is blurry.

She was making these when I went over to her house yesterday. I am thinking about making some for the Grand kids for Valentine's Day. There is one painted black on Pinterest I want to make for them. Zoe's may be black.. But Josh's will have to be Orange and Blue. His favorite colors.. lol

I did get my BOAF framed before Valentine's Day. I painted the frame a Watermelon Color. I went through 3 paint colors before a stayed with this color. I first painted it Ballet Pink.. To light, the color of the fabric. I then painted it a fluorescent pink. The color of her shoes. Real Bright! lol Nope on that color.. Then I found this can of Watermelon Spray paint. That was it!! It is now hanging in my sun room.

Speaking of Josh.. Say a prayer for him please. He is having his tonsils removed tomorrow. They have headed out today to stock up on jello, ice cream, and yogurt. I will have little sister Zoe tomorrow. I am planning some crafts with her. Of course, I got the ideas off Pinterest!! lol

I am trying to add a button to my bar to follow me on Pinterest, so please bare with me. Like I said I am addicted! lol

Till later.....

Springtime In The South

2012-01-28T18:25:00.001-06:00

I do know that it is January...

I don't think that the shurbs and buttercups know it is still Winter.

They are blooming away. We have not had a freeze yet. It has only been below 32 degrees 2 times this winter. The yellowbell bushes are also blooming. The buttercups in the 1st picture usually bloom about the end of February. They are thinking it is Spring here in the South. Is anyone else having an early Spring where you live? Or is it just Alabama?

Till Later....

Stitching & Tornadoes

2012-01-23T14:59:00.001-06:00

This is January 23rd isn't it? Once again Alabamians have been in the path of tornadoes. I was up all night watching our area newsman, James Span. I mean from 11:00 pm till...he is still on the air with the destruction pictures. It is 73 degrees outside. Nice spring day IF, it was Spring.. It is Winter! It was scary last night, The wind was howling and James (weatherman) was saying where these tornadoes were hitting and what damage they were doing! It is something how much feedback they get now from their Weather Watchers out in the field. I mean as soon as he is saying that that tornado is bearing down on a town, someone on twitter or facebook is letting him know it hit a house or building and if anyone is injured. I was hoping everyone was awake and aware of what was going on.. They gave a Tornado Warning for the town my mom lives in.. I picked up that phone so fast and called her.. Get in your closet! She has this little closet in her hall, center of her house. Now she has to round up the cat, ( who weighs about 50lbs pounds!) get her purse, and cell phone.. But first she has to empty that closet out!! In the mean time I have hung up with her so she could get it together and Raeanne ( my daughter) has called her checking on her. I think Meme needed to get off the phone in get in her closet!!! lol We called back and she is fine, came close.
I have been watching the TV all morning. Only 2 lives so far.. 2 too many... They are thinking everyone else has been accounted for. It is sad with lost lives and destroyed homes and business. My prayers are with them.
I did get a lot of stitching done of the model stitch design.

I got this in the mail from Michelle at The Raspberry Rabbits, Home of Harrington and Hannah Bunnies. I am going to be trying to quilt my first ever quilt project with her. I do model stitching for Michelle also. I have never quilted.. She has started a new craft called Folk Art Fusion. She is designing Blocks Of The Month (BOM) This year they are all about Harrington and Hannah, her Bunnies. I call it the Bunnies Of The Month Club! lol Check her web site out! She has cute designs!!! http://www.theraspberryrabbits.com/
Going to wrap this post up.. My neck is killing me.. I think I had my neck all tensed last night while stitching. Ouch.... Till later....

* COUSINS & AUNTS *

2012-01-17T19:49:00.001-06:00

Please stay with me here... I am stitching on that model for Brenda and I don't have any stitching to post.
So today... My cousins have been on my mind.. all of them, even little Matthew.. He is not little anymore - former Marine and 30 years old.
Our family is close. We all grew up together. We each have our own families, kids and grand kids.
With Valentine's Day coming up. Last year I posted about the Valentine's I received when I was little from my cousins here:
http://aprilmechellesdulllife.blogspot.com/2011/02/happy-valentines-day.html

Today I found these pictures, my cousins.....

Andrea, Donna and me ! I am in the print outfit. I have skinny legs and knee caps.. I almost didn't recognize myself!! lol This was taken in 1970 in the Old Cahawba Cemetery. Yes, we are in a cemetery... When family comes to visit with us, no amusement parks or water parks for this family!! Remember back then.. I bet there is even packed sandwiches and Golden Flake chips to eat, in the back of Aunt Gloria's station wagon. You know the one... the back glass goes down in the door and we were all piled in the back hanging out!! lol Oh.. What fun we had!

Here we are at Aunt Judy's Birthday lunch this year 2011. 41 years later! I am in the middle. Where did my knee caps go? lol We had just finished eating Pasta and Cake! What is better in life! lol
I need to mention I have 4 boy cousins and 3 girl cousins. I will now introduce you:

These are my cousins Todd and Toby. Year is 1970. Toby is the young one on the right. There is a story to go with this picture. See him pointing to those Love Beads? Those were Todd's beads. He had to give them to Toby. Why? He pitched such a crying fit! He cried a lot as a child.... lol Ya'll keep looking at how my hair is in these old pictures. I have a surprise at the end...

This is the First Born cousin Fritz and me one Christmas. I have called him Fritzie since I was little. His dad is Fritz.. others in the family say Big Fritz and Little Fritz. But he is Fritzie to me. My dad loved the outdoors and Fritzie would come fish with him some. I guess Fritzie still loves the outdoors.. We missed him at Christmas, he was down hunting in South Alabama.

Isn't he handsome? Matthew is my baby cousin, but him and my daughter Raeanne are the same age. They grew up together. I still see him as the blonde little boy with glasses. So proud of him! He is in San Diego now. Having the time of his life!! He has a right to.. He is young. Did I say he is also Smart and Handsome? He is single too! lol

...And these ladies are where we began! We are the people we have become, because of their love and guidance. I think we are a special family.. why? Because we have each other through good and bad times. Each one of them was there when my dad had his heart attack. Stayed with my mom and us when we needed family most when one life ended and we were left to continue without daddy. I now know my whole family will be there for anything...

This beautiful lady is Frances Duncan. She is Grandma to me... I guess it really started with her. All those Rememberence pillows I stitched for the aunts and uncle Phil is to remember her by. She had 8 grandchildren. Fritzie, Donna, Andrea, Todd, Me, Toby, Trey and Matthew.

This is my brother Trey. See that bowl haircut? I think my mother had a passion for this look. Girl or boy, her two children had the same hair! lol Go back up to the top.. See me!! Yep! Same hair as this picture of my brother, some 4 years later... after my do! I can remember several times ladies commenting on him. That sure is a cute Girl!!! hahahaha
Well, I hope I did not bore you to much? It was raining here today and I could not think of anything else to blog about.. I do have a picture of my organic eggs in a carton. I bought them at the grocery store.. I say they are fresh! Why... They still have chicken poop on them! How fresh is that!! lol I didn't think ya'll wanted to see a picture of chicken poop on an egg.... Till later.....

I BLEW IT!!!

2012-01-15T17:56:00.000-06:00

WELL...... I blew it!!! Yes... I did it big time!!!!

I had lunch at OUTBACK.

It is hubby's fault!

He ordered The Bacon Cheddar Fries right off the bat..
I was good till they brought them out of the kitchen hot and cheesy!
Then they sat that bowl of Ranch Dip down! I lost it!!! lol

I don't know if the bread was wheat... But it was brown and so good! I was so bad!!!
Of course... When we were finished and to stuffed to move.. I declared that there would be NO MORE EATING OUT!
I can not be temped! I failed the test!

So back to detoxing my body of The White Stuff!
I was feeling so good! Had so much energy!
So back on the wagon I go.... Till later.....

MY STAND AND FALL!

2012-01-11T15:59:00.000-06:00

I decided this morning I needed to get my Stand out of storage. My hubby made this stand about 10 to 12 years ago. At the time I couldn't afford those stands so he made one with leftover shop wood. I just showed him a picture and he went to work. This is what he came up with.. He even cut out a groove in the top holder thing to hold my Q-snap frames. It works great when I use it... Now I have more reason to use it.....
Guess What?
I went to get the stand out of the storage shed over at daughter's house. After visiting with her.. walked out on the porch to go around to the back steps.. Took that first step.... WHOOSH --- That is all I heard before I felt the steps with my butt, back, and neck... Of course I was trying to hang on for dear life to the banisters! After bouncing down four steps I finely came to a complete stop... on my back. I got up adjusted my jacket and walked on to the shed.... Came back into house and told Raeanne what had happen.. She told me she heard a noise... duh!!! She is used to me falling down the steps.. We used to live there.. This was not the first time.. It hurt more this time.. Last time I was on my way out to work... All dressed up in a skirt and nice sweater. Had on my gorgeous black slick bottom boots.. (slick bottom boots are killer ladies!) I was looking Good!! lol I took that first step and whoosh---- out into the gravel and landed in a pile of Dog Crap! lol My family still laugh about that one... So you see I am a pro at falling down steps.. I may apply to the Professional School For Stunt Women... This happened about 3 hours ago.. I have a stiff neck, middle of back across my shoulders, and top of butt checks are hurting. oh yeah... Left leg in three places is bruised not to mention inside of left wrist has a bad scrape.
After the fall I decided a trip to the Dairy Queen was in order.. Josh and Zoe wanted ice cream and I wanted the grilled chicken sandwich. Yes... I caved and eat the white bun.. I will just do better tonight..
Right now my shoulders and neck is hurting.. I can at least use my stand to stitch. Do two handed stitching for awhile.
Aunt Judy... I did say a prayer this morning to the Lord to help me with the cravings and eating... He listened, I know! I just forgot to ask him to watch over me and keep me safe.... My prayer will be longer tonight.

VALENTINE FINISH!

2012-01-10T15:36:00.002-06:00

This is my BOAF finish. Valentine Holiday. I have not decided how to finish it off. Frame or pillow? I will put it aside till this weekend. I received my Model stitching from Brenda. It is so Cute!!

If you liked this design? You will also like the one I am stitching. I can't give anymore clues.. Just to darn cute! I will be a busy bee for awhile. That is ok, because it is raining here in Bama.

Thinking of Bama

ROLL TIDE ROLL !!!

I heard that the LSU team was still in New Orleans - Someone had painted a 50 yard line in the front of their bus! hehehehe

If you did not see the game, LSU only once got to cross the 50 yard line. Bama has the best defense.

Cute joke from my friend Jane, we went to CVA together for the 1st and 2nd grade. I reconnected with her through facebook. FB is good for some things, like finding old friends!

I need to get back to stitching!! Till Later.....

CROSS STITCH !

2012-01-07T15:13:00.000-06:00

This is the what I am stitching on at the moment. It is designed by Birds Of A Feather. Called Valentine Holiday. It reminds me so much of being in Elementary School. We would decorate cigar boxes, shoe boxes, and paper bags for Valentine's Day. ( different containers for different years in school.) When the day came we would bring in our Valentine's and put them in each other's boxes. Then it was time for the party!!! Cupcakes and snacks!! Sugar High Time!!! lol

These are some boxes I got after the Holidays at Hobby Lobby. The silver is a music box. It cost all of 1.79. The little box was 1.29. Can't beat those prices for future cross stitch. The minute I saw the silver box, I thought Blackbird Designs - Joyeux Noel. The big design would not fit, even if stitched on 48 count... I guess I will try the Love Letters with the bird in the blues on white linen. The box is a music box and plays The First Noel. I had not thought to try stitching over one! It just came to me!!! I sure would like to be able to stitch Joyeux Noel and mount it in that box!! I will see...

These are some frames I purchased at Michael's. I can already see something Valentine in that red frame!! I need to stitch all I can this weekend. Brenda, With Thy Needle and Thread/ Country Stitches has put a design in the mail for me to stitch!! All she said was Spring!!! I can't wait to see it!!
I did get front porch cleaned up today and Christmas put in shed. Still a little winded from the Pneumonia, but feeling alot better. I am taking breaks.. It is now lunch time!! I love lunch time!! This New eating 2012 is going great!! I need to weigh today. It has been one week. I am getting the hang of this proportion thing. I checked out 2 books from the library by - The Biggest Losers Tv people. I have read both and they will not let the people on the show eat White (starches) too! The cookbook has exercises and recipes. Has stories of the Year 1 thur 12 people. Real interesting that almost all contestants have Type 2 diabetes and other health issues. Shows me that it all goes together, heart disease, blood pressure, cholesterol, and diabetes. I can know add Thyroid problems to mine. Got call from nurse at doctor's again today. I am now on thyroid medicine for an under active thyroid. All my medicine will not fit in those little Monday - Sunday pill boxes!!! lol I will fix that!! I will Lose weight!!!

I will leave yall with a picture of my grands! My inspirations!

Till Later......

Wally World/China Mart Hates Me !!!

2012-01-06T16:33:00.000-06:00

and here is why..... Folks I can't make this stuff up. I have had another incident at Wally World.. Hubby did laugh at my other incident but, his words were" Keep you A$$ out of China Mart and things like this would not happen!" Duh... So I can't tell him about this one.. Only me, does these things happen to!

I went back to China Mart.. They do have the cheapest olive oils and salad dressings.. Well, I had picked up my olive oil along with some Bran cereal.. I see the dressing and think I need to look at how many carbs, sodium, and other.. Yes... I have read every label on every thing in Publix before I hit The China Mart. I am doing really great with my eating and label reading. I may go for a Masters in Label Reading!

I start picking up the dressings and looking at the backs and reading that good little label. Then I spy this pretty label on a dressing bottle! Don't ask me what brand? why?... because I became so mad, I don't remember!!!
You know when the oil separates from the inside things floating around in the bottle.. Well, I pick up that pretty little bottle with the cute label and Shook It!!!  Don't ask me why? .... Guess What? SOME ONE had taken the cap and loosened it.. You guessed It!!!
Salad Dressing all over the side of my head and onto my shirt. It was my Bama Girl Shirt!!! There will be a picture at the end of this post to prove, I can't make these up!!! I was standing in the aisle starting to smell Vinegar. My family knows that I hate the smell of Vinegar - (Sunburn days sitting in front of the fan with vinegar on my back from bad days swimming) I do maybe need to explain why I would've thought to try Raspberry Vinaigrette? I thought the bottle had a cute label and it said Raspberry! Nope... Not for me! It is still vinegar. I am still smelling it as I type this. It is in my hair.. In my ear... down my neck... and on my favorite Alabama T-shirt. All I can hope is that the smell will come out of my Bama Shirt!! Big Game Monday!!! If not... I will not stand close to a Salad Bowl!
I think I will keep my SELF out of China Mart for a while!!! I am sure they are comparing my security pictures from the panties incident, with these new pictures and laughing there heads off and pointing at the screen, as they turn toward each other and say at the same time... That's the Panties Lady!!! lol

I can only laugh at myself. I do have a sense of humor.. I just hope that this is not how the rest of my year is going to be!

Now to go take a shower and make hubby take me out tonight..I already have the dressing for my salad!!! lol

My Favorite Bama Shirt! Front with Raspberry Vinaigrette on it!

Till Next time!!! I just know something else is going to happen!

Wally World Mishap or Underwear Incident Of My Day !!

2012-01-03T19:40:00.003-06:00

I just have to tell yall about my trip to Wally World (wal-mart) today. If you happen to spot my picture on this web site.. http://www.peopleofwalmart.com/ Please don't let me know about it!!!
It started with, I had to go get hubby his Prevacid and a gift for the son-in-laws Birthday. I threw on some yoga type sweat pants and tshirt. Stepped outside.. It is freezing... I go and put a scarf and jacket on. Had to with this pneumonia.. I get to Wal-Mart. Walking all around the store.. First day of feeling good. I am thinking..eating is going great, getting much needed rest, taking all my meds... But... What is up with these pants??
I start shaking my leg.. and walking at the same time... It's like my right leg has static electricity and my pants are not doing right.. I keep on shaking and walking.. I reach down and see something black sticking out of my pant leg.. I shake my leg and pull it out... It is a pair on my black panties!!! OMG!!!! I grabbed them off the floor and stuffed them in my purse!!! OMG ..What did I think of next??
They (people behind security cameras) think that I am stuffing panties up my pants leg and then putting them in my purse to steal..... Then I start thinking:
1 - I have a pair of panties in my purse!
2 - I can go on the game show.. Let's Make A Deal!
3 - At least they are not white!
4 - Does this mean I am getting Old?
5 - Will they arrest me for stealing my own panties?
6 - Can I use Pneumonia as an excuse?
This was all running through my head.....
Needless to say.. My shopping time was over... I went into Wal-Mart on a high and left with my head down in embarrassment.. I think I will just spend the rest of my week inside my house... Why couldn't those panties have been a dryer softener sheet?
I told the story to my mom.. Her reaction was, It least when you opened your purse at the checkout, they were not sticking out! Lord, how would I even try to explain that? lol
Now that I think about it... Losing my panties out my pants leg is not as bad as some of those pictures of People Of Wal-Mart.. Some don't even wear Panties!!! Till later...

What A Start To A New Year!!!

2012-01-02T11:12:00.000-06:00

I want to thank everyone for the Get Well Wishes! Just a start update.. Hubby took me to the doctor Saturday morning. My doctor did blood work, came in and said I had pneumonia.... She wanted to make sure about how my diabetes was doing and kidneys.. More blood and a urine sample later.... She was not happy with me.. On top of having Pneumonia, My diabetes AC1 was not good, my cholesterol was out the top. Aspirin was added to my pill collection along with a pill for high cholesterol. I explained my father passed away at 59 with a heart attack.. Then she really got upset with me. Asked me if I wanted to live? I said of course! Well, long story short.. I have to lose 60 pounds. She said NO MORE WHITE FOOD! Do yall know what foods are white? Everything I eat? She explained to make it simple for me.. Nothing White! I have to check back in with her every month! So, I guess I was assigned a New Year's Resolution! Lose weight! I started trying to eat right, right away... I had a grilled boneless chickin breast yesterday with turnip greens, and black eyed peas. Breakfast is hard to find something to eat. I ate cereal about everyday...This morning I hard organic oatmeal made with Wheat.. and an apple. It was good..
Lunch will be a salad.. dinner is anyone's guess! lol
I received a blow from the doctor.. But, it did wake me up. I do want to be around to see my grandbabies grow up. Wishing myself a Happy Healthy New Year!!!

Happy New Year's Eve and New Projects For 2012

2011-12-30T22:12:00.000-06:00

Happy New Year !!!

I want to thank everyone for the get well wishes.. I think it may be working!! Hubby did say something about me going to the doctor if not better by in the morning. Chest and back are hurting.. I may as well go....

I have been putting together my basket of projects to finish in the year of 2012. So far, it is a basket full! So far, I have 11 projects that have been started and need to be finished this year. Here is a look at them:

Blackbird Designs - Anniversaries Of The Heart - I am only on the second one!!!

Blackbird Designs - Sailing Home and Special Delivery - Both birth samplers for Joshua and Zoe. I need to finish these.. Josh is 4 and Zoe is 2.

Midsummer Night Designs - Memorial Sampler. I am stitching this one for my dad. I keep putting it aside. Maybe this will be the year.

Blackbird Designs - Blessings and Kind Wishes - Not much, but a start!!! lol

Hands To Work Designs - This Is The Day

The Stitcherhood - Magic Bus - I love VW buses and Hippies!

Historic Stitches - Sarah Hartley 1827. I love the deer and tree, reminds me of the Old South.

With Thy Needle & Thread - Miss Lapin - Hopefully before Spring!

Glory Bee Freebie - Liberty

Primitive Needle - Hornbook Angel

The Scarlet House - Jingle All The Way - I didn't get it finished before Christmas...

This is just some of the projects in my basket.. Not even the things that I have kitted together to start. I need to finish these first.

Time to turn out the light and lay down (or back) nose is still running... lol Till later... Have a Great New Year's Eve !!!

Quick Update

2011-12-29T21:08:00.000-06:00

I am still here in blog land.. Honking like a goose. I hate being sick!!! I can't get that shot in the butt that makes you feel good by the next day. I am allergic to the steroid or the other stuff. I'll just say I had a bad experience of not being able to breathe after that shot about 2 years ago. The cold meds I am taking is OTC stuff for people with high blood pressure.. Doctor said that would be ok. I have taken it before.. But I don't remember it making me this loopy before... I told daughter on the phone a few minutes ago that my mom said that I needed to run the Vapouriser tonight... I said something else instead of Vapouriser.. Word came out wrong.. Daughter got a laugh out of that... Oh Well, I need to go lay down, but hubby is in the bed snoring the curtains off the windows.. I may just sleep sitting up in the chair. I will, of course, have to stick tissue in each nostril hole to hold back the flow...
I need to get my cross stitch stuff out and look what needs to get finished in 2012. I can already tell you, I have 4 samplers that I am going to try and finish this year!! Since it is only 9:07 here.. I may go through my stash... I need to find that basket to put them in, so that I can pull them out to stitch on when the mood hits me.. I may just look for the basket... I am drained enough from just typing...
Till Later.....

Short And To The point!

2011-12-27T17:46:00.000-06:00

Rainy and finely cold here in Bama! Just that everyone is sick now!!
Be back blogging when my head doesn't weigh 100 lbs.. Till Later...

Merry Christmas!!

2011-12-23T21:46:00.000-06:00

I want to wish all my readers, followers, friends, and family a very Merry Christmas ! Hope everyone has a wonderful holiday!

I will be back blogging in full force after Christmas!

Merry Christmas !

Computer Cable And Christmas !

2011-12-20T18:21:00.000-06:00

Merry Christmas !!!
Happy New Year!!!

I keep saying this and smiling. Just got off the phone with cable company. I kind of lost it with them.
But First... My laptop has been infected with the Vista Security 2012 Virus. Yep... I thought since I have Windows Vista, it was something my laptop did. It keeps telling me I have 234 infections and 6 bad Trojan thingies.. I am not computer savvy. Well, I have McAfee Security. This Vista Security 2012 Virus will not even let it work.. I have switched to my little Acer Notebook for blog reading and cross stitch looking. My HP Desk is used for email. So I had to go and change my windows mail to Taylor62 address. This will get fixed no time soon. I just got my HP back from IT shop. It cost an arm and leg to fix.
On to Cable... Two weeks ago, I called the cable company. I wanted to cut back Internet and cable. They are combined. Well... I opened bill today and it was doubled! WHAT THE.... I had the price locked in for 2 years.. I got on the phone.. they were charging me for HBO, Cinemax and wire protection.. What!! I got that all handled and let them have it!! I now have a headache, but no HBO, Cinemax or digital cable. Only the BARE TV stations.. Trying to save money.. I was told 89.98 a month. That is still to high for some TV watching..
I Know... Everything is going up.
Post office charged me $5.20 for the little VCR tape size box to mail yesterday.. Didn't it cost $ 4.95? She explained to me all postage was going up on Jan. 1st. No again.... Just since this weekend has the prices of things bothered me.. Is anyone else affected by these prices that keep going up.. I stood in the cereal aisle looking around at cereal Saturday... My Multigrain Cheerios (12oz) were $4.97 a box. You add toilet tissue, paper towels, shampoo and conditioner and my total was $42.34, and this was at Walmart. Only thing to eat was Cheerios!! Oh, by the way I forgot the milk.... lol
I will quit ranting now... Christmas is coming!!! I will smile and talk sweet to my dear hubby.. I need a Honey Baked Ham for Christmas Eve... What will that cost us?? I do have a $5.00 coupon off! Think he will go for it!! Yall keep your fingers crossed!!! till later...

Cookie Making And A Surprise

2011-12-18T16:41:00.000-06:00

Let the cookie making begin!!

And we are making cookies in our PJ's!!

I am working with Pros!!!

Let the cookie decorating begin! See all those jars of sprinkles!!

Oh... The cups of colored icing!!

One just wanted to eat the sprinkles!! Wonder who that was?? lol

Green trees with sprinkles, red Santa's with sprinkles, White snowmen with red hot buttons, blue bells with silver sprinkles and colorful stars. Who could ask for anything else? Maybe me!! I need someone to get all this flour and sprinkles up off my dining room floor! lol I loved it !! We did have a great time!!

My stitching friend Bonnie (no blog) sent these to me! I just love them!

They are ornaments she made with pictures of her stitching and she mounts them on wood!! Great idea!! I love the Ornaments Bonnie!! I know she reads my blog. If any of yall are in the Samplermakers Group by Lori, you have seen pictures of Bonnie's beautiful stitching and finishing ideas!! I just love everything she does! Bonnie is a great inspiration for me. We also love the same designs and designers!!

I have swept my floor and get up most the sprinkles.. Now I will rest till tomorrow. I will mop then!

To tired... Till Later....

My Life One Day To The Next!

2011-12-16T17:11:00.000-06:00

This is the tale of popcorn kernels and a 2 year old.

This day at the park was so nice. Sun shining, grands getting their Vitamin D, and some hard playing going on.

Next Day.. I am taking my mother (meme) to her cancer doctor for a checkup. Get a call for daughter (raeanne)....I am taking Zoe to the doctor...

Me: What is wrong? ( all kinds of stuff going on in my head, I don't do emergency stuff very good!)

R: She has a popcorn kernel stuck in her nose!

Me: What?.... In her nose!!!

R: I have already pulled 3 kernels out, but I can't get to the one stuck way up in there!

Me: OMG!!! Do you need me to get Josh?

R: No, He is worried about his sister... I will call when they get it out.

How in the heck could she get 4 kernel stuck up one side of her little nose?

Well... from what I learned from Raeanne, it took her, a doctor and a nurse to hold Zoe down to remove the kernel, which had gotten stuck in a bunch of mucus.. Zoe and her brother Josh, both left with stickers and popsicles. I guess she was given a treat for letting them remove the kernel, he was giving a treat for watching it all!

As they left and drove out of sight... The doctor was heard saying," Don't put anything else in your nose!" Raeanne didn't want to mention that just Tuesday she had a small garland of beads stuffed in her nose.. Good thing they were all attached when pulled out!! lol

As of today her little nose is sore! Maybe, just maybe she has learned a lesson.. then again.. Her finger will not stay out of her nose. Till another day in my life...

O Christmas Tree

2011-12-14T17:54:00.002-06:00

This is my O Christmas Tree! The Santa and Mrs Claus, I made back in 1996 for my Mom at Christmas. Mom has passed them back to me. They are made from wooden 4 x 4s.

This garland was also gave to me by mom. She bought new for her fireplace mantel. I have no mantel so.. it is hanging over my mirror in the sun room. Went to the park with the grandkids today.

Nothing much happening here... Till Later.

Half A Tree And Bad Haircut

2011-12-12T14:25:00.000-06:00

I have 1/2 a little tree with some ornaments I finished this morning. I am typing and pulling hot glue off my fingers.. It is coming off my skin better than my nails that has polish. lol Here are some close up shots:

Blackbird Design. I stitched on green linen in 2009. Finished 2011.

Blackbird Design. I stitched in 2010. Finished 2011. Are you seeing a trend here?.. Stitch one year, maybe finished within 2 years. lol

This next design is by: Daffycat. I stitched this one this year and finished this year!! WOW!!! lol This pattern is available here : http://itsdaffycat.blogspot.com/2011/11/snow-hop.html . She also has some cute reindeer freebies!
Our cocker spaniel Rebel is in need of a shave bad.. I have left messages with the girl that does her haircuts for us. I have not heard back from her yet. So... you see where this is going? I decided to try it myself with the clippers that hubby uses. Well... Rebel is now sitting with her back up against the heater.. Why? Her momma cut her real short.. Can you say Scalp? lol Only on her back.. I didn't finish her haircut.. So, she is embarrassed! Yes, as in Bare $ssed!
hahaha... I know it is not funny to her.. Hubby asked If I could at least cut her hair from in front of her eyes so that she can see that her backside is Bare..lol I think she feels the draft back there, that is why she is backed up to the heater... lol I know... get it fixed! She is 15 years old and has back problems, she can't stand for long periods on time. The pet shops, Petsmart, ect.. Will not cut her because of her age. Something about stress and they don't want to be responsible.. if she goes into a seizure or dies. Our regular girl comes to our house to cut her.. Less stress and I am there with her. Oh please let her answer her phone today!! My baby looks bad! I would take a picture, Rebel said NO!...
Till later......

A QUICKIE !!!!

2011-12-08T17:14:00.000-06:00

This is a little cross stitch quickie I finished. I have been working on my stitching at night and model stitching for Donna during the day. These frames are so cute!! Guess where they came from?? Wally World... This one is a gift.... The design is part of the Lizzie Kate Snowman 10'. The trees at the bottom of the design. Stitched on 28 off white linen with DMC colors. I did change the green color on the right side tree. I also bought 2 more frames in white and a greenish/blue. They have a retro look to them with the glitter.

This was Josh decorating my ceramic tree. My grandmother made this tree years ago. He wanted to put all the lights in their holes!! Hey... It kept him busy for about 30 minutes... He put all the Blue and Orange colored lights next to each other and all the Red and White ones next to each other. Can you tell we are a Family Divided? His family Auburn and us Alabama!

This is sister Zoe.. She is still in a PJ's in the afternoon. Yes that is a DVD player in front of her... Also the tv is on Nick Jr. The DVD player is on also. She is a multi-tasker already! lol She is eating MM's out of that desert cup. Those were my grandmother's too. Great for Jello or pudding.. Zoe likes MM's in hers.
Time to start cooking dinner.. Till Later.....

Lonely Tree And Treats

2011-12-06T11:58:00.000-06:00

This is my lonely second cross stitch ornament tree. I just finished this ornament this morning. I stitched it about 6 years ago. I have just now put it together.. WOW... Took 6 years to finish... lol I have about four more ornaments to put together for this tree. I do have this Cross Stitch ornament tree below:

This is the tree I decorated last year.. It is put together again this year. Sorry for blurred picture. But the next picture will make up for blurred picture:

All I can say is Reindeer Poop !!! YUM !!! About to take this platter down to the grands. They have already ate one platter full. Ready for this one now! lol It is made with Capt. Crunch Holiday Cereal, Marshmallows, and Rice Crispies, And White Almond Bark. You can add peanuts to it. I can't because Josh has a nut allergy.

I am feeling a whole lot better now. I found this kit at Home Goods. I put it together last night. You can't tell by the picture.. but, it has glitter all over it. I need to get to greenery to put in it.. I need to go out in the woods this weekend and cut my greenery.
Well, I need to get back to my model stitching. I am about to watch Harry Potter Deathly Hallows 1 & 2. That should take up most of the afternoon. I have packages that need to go to the post office. I will try to get them mailed tomorrow. Rainy today and will get colder by tonight. Sounds like a Homemade Chili Night!! Till Later....

I WON !!!

2011-12-01T16:34:00.001-06:00

Look what was in my mailbox today !! Isn't he the cutest snowman.
I won him from the TDIPT web site. They have a giveaway each year that their artist donate items they made. Please check out these great artist! http://tdiptmercantile.com/

Mr Snowman Shelf Sitter is One Of A Kind. He is made by Karen Brady Of Brady Bears Studio. You can see her creations at this link: http://bradybears.com/ Karen has been featured in PRIMS magazine and also Early American Life magazine. Karen wrote on the back of his card that He is One Of Kind with Mohair Head and Old Shoe buttons as eyes. I have fell in Love! If you were a reader of my blog last year.. You may remember....

I won Noel from the TDIPT site that was made by Karen too! What is the chance of me winning 2 items in two years from the same designer. It is fate I tell you!! I love her creations! Please take a look at her creations. Here is a link to her Blog: http://karenbradysblog.blogspot.com/ and if you have not visited the TDIPT ( To Dwell In Primitive Thymes) site, please check the artist web site by link at top. They also have a blog. http://todwellinprimitivethymes.blogspot.com/
The artist who showcase their creations at the first of the month are all showing their Christmas Creations!!
I know where I will be in a little while! Visiting to see what is being offered! My Mr Snowman is grinning away in his happy home by my little silver tree! Till Later......

Still Coughing In Alabama!!

2011-11-30T17:49:00.000-06:00

I want to thank everyone for the get well wishes! I started coughing yesterday morning. It is real bad when I talk a lot or get real hot. Don't have to worry about getting hot here in the Mobile Home!..No central Heat!!! Yes, It is still a work in progress. I think I forgot to say my hubby is running new duct work through out the trailer and in the sun room. Last year we heated with little stand up electric heaters, I have never been so cold since we lived in a old house when I was a teenager. That house had 2 fireplaces and a floor furnace. I have always had central heating since I have been married... Till last year. I would feel like it is a big adventure if I was younger. lol My bones hurt in the cold and I have been sick the past winters. Hubby is putting in new ducts and it decided to only get in the 40's during the past 2 days.. and me sick too!! Today, I went to Wally World and bought another heater... The new one we bought last year, quit on us. I hope to have vents installed this weekend and heat going by this coming Monday. I did say HOPE... Hubby called me yesterday checking on me.. I said I was freezing! He asked, What are you doing?. I responded by saying I was getting a cool drink out of the refrig, and it sure was warmer in the there than it was in the kitchen!.. I made it back to the bedroom with my drink and took my meds and went to sleep. Bedroom was only room that was warm and toasty. lol
I made for my uncle this memorial pillow for his mother, my grandma. I had made 3 for the sisters and now his. I have my mom's to stitch.

Blackbird Design - Remember Me. I stitched it on cream linen with the called for hand-dyed thread, Aged Pewter. Buttons and lace are from FPD's ( grandma) sewing box. Well, I need to go rest before I start cooking dinner. Till Later......

O Christmas Tree O Christmas Tree

2011-11-28T16:28:00.000-06:00

I got my Christmas Tree put up today!! Even with this bad head cold... I had to take breaks to rest. Raeanne came over with the grands and Josh helped me decorate it. I love my little Elf under the Tree. He is over 46 years old! He is my favorite Christmas decoration! My mom passed him on to me. We started our Christmas celebrations together, with me as a baby.

Just taking some pictures of my ornaments. This one is a favorite, I guess I can say that about them all! They all mean something or I have a memory of when bought or given to me... This one says, " Dear Santa, It Taste Just Like Candy! Love Lucy

If you live in the South, you need a Cracker Barrel Ornament for your Tree!! It is a Must Have!! lol

Ober Gatlinburg Ornament from a trip years ago to Gatlinburg Tennessee.

Ornament made by Donna Bayliss of By The Bay Needlearts. I stitch models for her. She makes the cutest Ornaments and doodads. I got this one last year off her Etsy Site.

This one was bought because, Well.... It was just unusual and too darn Cute!!! lol I purchased it at a local shop called Chelsea Lane near where I live. The Owl in the next picture also came from Chelsea Lane.

My See Rock City birdhouse ornament came from Rock City. I took a bus trip with my mom and Aunt Judy a couple of Winters ago.. If you ever get a chance to go to Rock City in Chattanooga Tn before Christmas.. You need to. It is so beautiful lit up at night.. Did I forget to say the night we went it was like.. 28 degrees and the wind blowing on top of that mountain! But oh so pretty!!!

It might be time for another nap... I have taken 2 so far today... I think it is the meds I am taking. OTC stuff. The thing that will help the most is Campbell Chicken Noodle Soup! Yep... That is what I had for lunch... If anyone finds any chicken in the chicken noodle soup.. Please let me know.. Mine did not have any. Carrots and noodles is all I had!!! lol Tonight will be Scavenger Hunt supper tonight. I will tell hubby what is in the refrig and cabinet and he will have to go find it!!! This should be interesting....Till Later...

THANKSGIVING & SHOPPING WEEKEND

2011-11-27T16:22:00.000-06:00

One table of desserts!!!

Second table of Desserts!!!

My Zoe Bug enjoying a warm Thanksgiving Day !!

Josh is having a great time!!!

(Left to Right) Raeanne, My Mom, Me and SIL - Kelly

I did Black Friday shopping... which was on Thursday night... lol First time ever.. It was not bad at our Walmart. I will tell you... It was the first time ALL check out lanes have ever been open! EVER... lol

Hope everyone had a great Thanksgiving!!! I now have a cold and it is rainning so bad here in Bama. I had to get out and go get me some meds.. Hoping it will not turn into something nasty! I don't need Broch or Pnem at this time.... Till later, going to lay down.....

What A Day !!!!

2011-11-23T18:55:00.000-06:00

I went to the mailbox today and there was a package in it from Shell and the Bunnies. I thought, hey... Shell is sending me some stitching to do for her.. But no... LOL She sent me this wonderful gift for the gal who has everything!!! lol. Mr. Frosty has found his home in the kids bathroom!! He is so cute!! She put a note in the package that she could not resist and just had to get this for me. Merry Christmas from Michelle and the Bunnies!! If you miss the post about what to get me for Christmas.. here it is: http://aprilmechellesdulllife.blogspot.com/2011/11/getting-in-christmas-spirit.html

He is just smilin' waiting on grandson Josh to pee on him!! lol Josh is only 4 and does not aim so great!! Wherever he is looking is where it goes!! lol Sorry for the bad bathroom humor... I have not told him their bathroom has Mr. Frosty. It will be a surprise.

This is the table in my craft room. I went on a small shopping spree for Zoe. The fabric and shirts on the left are for her some Christmas Outfits. The Thomas Fabric is for Josh a Tree Skirt. The Charlie Brown & Cars fabric is for Christmas Pillow Cases. I had better get busy! The Pants I am making for Zoe will have pom poms around the hem. I can't wait to get started!!

This is her Thanksgiving Outfit. I finally got it finished and took it down to her house. We are all ready for Thanksgiving! Are You?

I have boiled some eggs for deviled eggs. I will make homemade Mac and Cheese tomorrow morning. Then we head off to Aunt Judy's house!! I have to finish my Uncle Phillips pillow tonight. I know I will get no sleep tonight! My family will know why... It is how I have been such childhood.. If there is a family event, trip, or anything happening the next day.. I get all hyped up and can't sleep. I get over excited and Mr. Sandman will not come see me... lol

So that has been my day!! Thank you so much Michelle!! You had me laughing so hard!! Brightened my day!!

Hope everyone has a great Thanksgiving! Till Later.....

Is It Summer or Fall ??

2011-11-22T18:33:00.000-06:00

I know it is Fall but, it has been in the 70s here in Bama for about a week now. Watching the news right now. Weatherman just said chance of SNOW Monday.. What!!!! I guess weather in Alabama is like a box of Chocolates, you never know what you will get! But Snow!!! I have not put up my shorts and tee shirts yet.
Nothing to show in pictures. I have bought fabric to make Zoe some Christmas outfits. I need to take a picture of the turkey shirt and pants I made her.. I will show it tomorrow...I also bought some fabric to make them each a Christmas pillow case.
I have been stitching on my Uncle a Remembrance Pillow for my Grandmother. I have done each aunt one.. I still have my mom to stitch one for.. I am stitching on a model for Donna at By The Bay Needlearts. I am stitching on a ornament for me and a couple of ornaments and gifts for stitching friends. I am busy stitching! lol
Hope everyone is getting ready for Thanksgiving! I will post some pictures tomorrow...

Getting In The Christmas Spirit.

2011-11-15T17:15:00.000-06:00

Hard to believe this box put me in the Christmas Spirit today. I did a Wal-Mart trip for razors, shampoo, shaving cream, and reese cups. Reese cups are for DH. My buggy pulled me over into the Christmas stuff...

I just thought this was the cutest box. I just had to smile... Then I got to looking at all the other boxes.. Everyone my get their gift in a box this year!! Only paper for the grand kids... and niece Hannah.

They are all so cute!! Round ones, square ones, and oval ones. I went down the next isle and look......

Cute blue boxes and those tinsel bows!! I just started humming Christmas Carols!!! lol Then I thought Oh oh oh... I need some new Christmas Cds.. But I turned around and....

Seen these so cute bags!!! Bags and boxes will my presents be in!!! I started thinking... What do I want for Christmas? I know I what a new on of these:

This one will be just fine.. I only use for popcorn, heat left overs, and cook soup for the can.. So remember MOTHER...This will be your only hint of the season...... hehehehe

Then I got to looking around in the Housewares dept.. Yep... I would love to have one of these. My garbage sits out in the kitchen.. This would look so much better... I just know those grands children would love stepping on that peddle all the time.. lol
.... And for the person that has everything....

A Toilet Seat Cover and Rug Set!!! I am not kidding you.. I don't have everything.. so, no need for anyone in my family to get me this for Christmas. lol I am sure there are other things that I need beside this set.... hehehehe

I am about to fix some sausage in the blankets with cheese.. Nice Christmas party finger foods.. It will be our dinner... Glad I got in the Christmas Spirit today! Is anyone else feeling as I do??

Till Later....

COTTON PICKING POST

2011-11-08T14:22:00.000-06:00

The Cotton is ready to be picked

To me, cotton is a beautiful plant. It has a clean scent, and is so soft to touch. Yes, I did smell cotton for the first time yesterday...

It has a hard shell that holds that fluffy bloom.

This picture is how cotton used to be picked.. I used to have one of those cotton baskets like in this picture.. It was so old, it fell apart. I sure miss it... I don't know what it was made of.. but it was grayish white in color. The south is known for it's cotton. Some may think of the Civil War stories.. But, Sharecropping was big in the south from 1870 to the 1950's. There were white and black families sharecropping. My grandmother picked cotton growing up. I was told she said that the machines wasted more than the people picking it. They picked it all. Piece by piece. If you travel over our highways during this time, You will see fluffy white all over the sides of the road. It is Cotton that has blown from the 18-wheelers that haul the cotton.

Then the machines came on the scene. Looks like a giant vacuum. This one looks like.. the person could pick faster than that machine.

This machine seems to be almost like they use today but, smaller. I think the men in the suits are funny.

These are our machines of today. They harvest, and compress to get the cotton ready for travel. There are still cotton gins around. Not as many as years ago.

Here is the cotton ready to be transported. Trucks.. usually 18 wheelers come to pick these up. Better than a mule and cart.

So.. This month is a big month for cotton picking in Alabama.

Fields will go from this...

To This....

My uncle Don did explain that, they will sometimes go back over a Field to get the remaining cotton. This field looks pretty clean compared to some I seen.

I hope you enjoyed my Cotton Picking Post. I drove all over my county yesterday taking pictures. I tried to pull up some of this White Gold.. (cotton) I could not get it to come out of it's dirt.. I wanted some of the plants to put in my old wooden box.

Plus... those farmers were watching there fields like hawks!! lol

Pictures is all I could take....

YUCK

2011-11-04T16:38:00.001-05:00

This is my stomach on Candy!

It is not feeling so good!

Candy is not good for Diabetics!

I should know this!

I do know this!

I just can't turn down candy!!!

So this is how I look today!!

Instead of a steaming cup,

I am holding a bottle Pepto Bis! lol

Please don't feel sorry for me,

I did it to myself!

I will try to eat better!

I will TRY to eat Better!

I will keep saying this...

Over & Over!

Hope no one else ate to much Candy!!! lol

CANDY HOARDING

2011-11-03T14:37:00.000-05:00

I held off till today to get any left over Halloween Candy. Wally World was the pit stop for left over candy. Hubby said to buy snicker bars.. guess what? No snicker bars! Well... I did find some in with a mixed bag of Twix and Sunburst.. I also picked up some Halloween things. Black flameless candles, black goth tray, and 2 standups, a tree & pumpkin. I also got some cute note cards.
Tomorrow, Josh and his mom are heading to the Old Baker Farm. I will be keeping Zoe. We will be heading out to Michaels and Hobby Lobby for sales.. Not much else happening here. I am stitching on some models for Donna at By The Bay Designs. I do need to get back to stitching... Till Later....

Halloween Is Over...

2011-11-02T14:01:00.000-05:00

This was the last thing I put together before Halloween. The Vampire is from the Special Halloween Issue of Just CrossStitch.
It is designed by Jemini Designs.

His coffin home was manufactured in China... and bought at Michael's Store last Halloween season. I didn't see any this year.
It was spray painted black and the cross is painted red. I think he likes his new home..

Here he is saying Good-Vye.. He is going to rest in his coffin till next Halloween Season. Don't worry about him... He has a lot of room in his box... He was put in the totes with the other Halloween stuff.
I am cleaning up that messy craft room today. Till Later.....

HAPPY HALLOWEEN

2011-10-31T02:31:00.000-05:00

I hope everyone has a fun and safe halloween.

Drinking Happy Bird ?

2011-10-27T00:26:00.000-05:00

This memory popped in my head tonight... Don't know why? My Mamaw Whitaker had on of these at one time.. Guess what? It kept me entertained for a long time. lol Box says Non-Inflammable... If I am not mistaken.. his head was covered in a felt like substance...
I never did figure out how he worked.. Box say, Once he starts drinking he won't stop! WOW !!!

You know what.. It was true.. I remember we came home one weekend and stayed with my Mamaw & Pappaw. I started him up before I went to bed.. I kept getting up during the night.. I said it was to check to see if he was still drinking.. I was just thinking that.. I was and am, still afraid of the dark.. Their house was always so dark.. Only light was when cars went by on the highway.. I still sleep with a light on.. TV Light... lol Oh.. Back to the Drinking Bird... Next morning got up, went in the kitchen. He was sitting on a ledge between table area and stove in the kitchen and you know, he was still drinking away!! I just had fun watching him..
Don't know why this popped in my head at 12:00 am... Maybe it is because I had a stomach bug today..I have not ate anything since lunch.. That may be it.. I am hungry...
I have also been watching Old Ronco commercials on YouTube.. Smokeless Ashtray and Handy Dandy Dicer. I always think about these old commercials around the Holiday Season.. Let me tell you, I have seen one of those smokeless ashtrays in action.. It is so loud and vibrates itself. You better be glad it came with something to mount it. lol I had a friend back in the 90's who, must have had one left over from the 80's. It was bad...
I think I have talked enough.. Going to bed with dreams of ashtrays, dicers, and Ginsu Knife!
I leave you with this. How much would you pay for a KNIFE? but Wait- We will throw in.....

This knife is still available!!! Till Later....

Halloween In 6 Days!!!

2011-10-25T15:02:00.000-05:00

This is my most recent finish.. I took an old piece of limb with moss on it and sprayed it black. Added the little planks I made.

This is the little Pumpkin Man I finished. It is a punch needle pattern from Brenda at Country Stitches/With Thy Needle & Thread. He was to have painted black feet.. I like the sticks better..

I made this wreath yesterday. The ghost I bought at a yard sale for $2.00. The Candle my sister-in-law made for me! She somehow shrunk the tissue paper on to the candle and cut on the middle and put a flame less inside. So Cute! I made the Lizzie Kate pillow years ago.

I finished The Wicked today. I bought the cutouts in a package for .49 cents at Michael's.. I think Michael's is getting all my money lately!! I mounted the words on a painted piece of board and trimmed it with Black eyelash trim. This is my Halloween wall.

This is The Halloween Card my Sister-in-law made and sent to us. So Cute.. She does a lot of paper crafts. She needs to start blogging.. You hear that Billie!

When I cleaned house yesterday. I cleaned off my side table in the sun room. This is where all the stitching goes on!! Of course, Pickled Pumpkin stays in here.

This is how the old desk is looking now.. I needed some flowers.. The old fruit crate holds my fresh cut greenery during Christmas.

I did finally decorate the other set of cabinets in the kitchen. I put a stuffed Pumpkin, Buzzard, and a Pot Of Acorns.

This bowl is only a 1/4 of the acorns I have. They are so big too! Deer love them! I think I beat the deer to them this year!

This is the bag I finished last year. I finally put a pick of flowers in it this year! Well, I have been really busy.. Now is the time to clean the Craft Room.. Now don't any of you pass out when you see this room! or I don't want to hear.. OMG!! LOL I know it is bad.. I am the type of person that Grabs and Makes! I put up later.. Well.. Now I don't want to go clean this room... (whining) lol

This is the way it looked a few minutes ago... I need to get better organized that is for sure!! I had to move all that stuff next to sewing machine, just to sew up another hole in the favorite jeans!! That subject is for another day... I am off to clean that dungeon. oops, Craft Room..

A Halloween Gift To Share!

2011-10-24T14:38:00.000-05:00

I have some gifts to share with you.. My friend Bonnie made this hang-tag and magnet. They are so great!! She cross stitched the I Love Halloween Skeleton for a coffin I sent her.. I just love this Hang tag! She somehow puts the pictures on the hang tag and magnet. I use the magnet to help hold my chart on my board. The hang tag I have right beside to to look at! I love the Card with the black cat! I have a great friend in Bonnie. We love the Halloween Season. We also love the same designs!We usually email each other a good bit through the week to see what each other is working on. I met Bonnie through the group Samplermakers. She has put a lot of her finishes on the photo pages on the site. She has wonderful ideas on how to finish her stitching. I keep on to her about starting a blog! She could show all her stitching and how she finishes them!

I have been working on some more finishes and making some new things!! I have also been changing all my decorations around.. Just trying to get the right Look!! lol I hope to have some more to show this week! I want to thank Bonnie for the wonderful Friendship gifts!! Till Later.....

Some More things Made!!!

2011-10-23T16:01:00.000-05:00

I was reading around blogland and seen Viv On A Whim, had a girl skeleton.. Hers does look better than mine.. lol Sheila Skeleton is modeling her Halloween Party wear. She is wearing an Apryl Original.. Fuzz Skirt, with pumpkin ribbon belt.. she has decided to wear the orange ribbon on a bald head.. Sam Skeleton is wearing the latest in skeleton wear.. A spider web ribbon and Coke Cola Bottle cap that has Enjoy on the top.. They are all ready for the party... They did come on an rope with a noose around each of their necks. I sat them all free. lol The remaining group was what was left on my table last night...

This cross stitch is a design by Primitive Needle - Crescent Angel. I decided to stain a cut board.. yes, I did cut the board without cutting my fingers with the saw this time.. You know when you tell kids something several times.. and then you say... Hey, If they get hurt.. Maybe they won't do it again! That is me.. It hurt the last time I sawed through my 2 fingers... That won't happen again !! lol
I stained the board and mounted the stitching on it and put some trim around it. TA DA!!!

I cleaned up the sun room this morning. Some old Lizzie Kate pillows I made years ago of 7 Count . They were Freebie patterns. Bug Off Baby and Don't Bug Me. I have to keep some sunny colors in this room.. Yellow pillows do the trick..

I made this Vampire last night.. I was on a roll. He didn't have the wings of the bat till I added them to him with some fasners. They bend now.. He needed something.. I think he turned out great! He is made of paper. He looks a little like Vincent Prince. Instead of printing him out on white cardstock.. I used a light brown color.. Made him look more evil...
I have not done much of anything this afternoon. I woke up this morning a little dizzy. I guess it is sinus.. But everytime I get up or bend over.. so dizzy..I want to lay down. I have been watching the Talladega Nascar Race.. Not to far from where I live. We used to go to the races.. But now I perfer the comfort of my recliner and my own bathroom! lol
Going to stitch some more on my Dracula from JCS Halloween Issue. It is by Jemini Designs. It is turning out cute!!
Till Later...

9 More Days Till Halloween!

2011-10-22T20:35:00.000-05:00

Nine more days till Halloween! I love the Disney story of The Headless Horseman. I kind of look like Ichabod Crane's Horse with that Headless Horseman chasing him!! I think they came through my craft room today!! Maybe that is why ribbons, skeletons, cross stitch, and everything else is all over the room.. He doesn't have a head to see where he is going or what he is doing!!

See what I mean!!! I just got up from this table.. I am not even going to show you the sewing machine area or the desk area.. I did have to move to the iron board to do some things...
Rebel is just laying around.. I know that antibiotics will make he feel bad.. She is taking her meds good.. Tonight we slipped them in some left over Bar-B-Q. She ate with such gusto!! I think she will not go back to eating for regular food... lol
Till Later....I will have pictures of finished things tomorrow!!

Busy Day and 4 Finishes!

2011-10-21T15:53:00.000-05:00

This is what I had been working on this morning! Acorn pillow by Prairie Schooler and 3 Pinkeeps by Lori - Notforgotten Farms. I love the little tombstone that says, "I told you I was Sick!" lol
I want to thank you all for the comments and well wishes for Rebel. She is doing good. I had a time getting her meds down her this morning. She figured out the hide the pill in the cheese plot yesterday. This morning, I had to cut up a hot dog, carve out the middle of a piece.. put the pill in the middle of the piece.. and put it back together.. lol What I will do for my baby... Tonight may be another trick..if she figures the hot dog out...Thank you for all the kind comments and for uplifting me during this time. Here is a picture of baby girl and her paw...

Till Later.....

12 More Days Till Halloween!

2011-10-20T15:35:00.001-05:00

Here is my skeleton! He is enjoying his coffin. He was a little to big for the coffin so, I put him sitting up on a bed of velvet. I am working on some more finishes. More pictures will be coming tomorrow. I have some little bowl fillers, a tombstone, and a needle punch pumpkin man to show off.
I took my little one Rebel (15 years old) to the vet today.. She has not been able to hold her urine or other. I just knew it was time to say goodbye.. I had myself all worked up for it.. I started crying on the way.. I got myself together before I went inside.. She was looking sad at me. Doc Kelly checked out her bladder. He knew she has back problems.. thinks we may control bladder and other with meds.. He wanted to see her walk around.. She got down in the floor and started running around and jumping up on me.. lol Like she was saying.. Hey! wait a minute! See Me!! I can still act like a puppy!! Even though her back end was coming around like a jack-knifed 18 wheeler.... It was passing her front!!! lol Doc Kelly put her on 3 different meds.. they are not expensive.. He says she is just a spunky Senior Citizen. We will try this for a week if it helps.. She can take the meds.. If not... He mentioned Quality Of Life.. I am so relieved to take her back home with me.. I put her in the back seat of the tahoe.. Guess what she wanted.. Window down.. lol She had to ride up front with me to have the window all the way down!! She was riding and smiling in the mirror all the way home. She did have the dewclaw taken care of while we were there. It was infected and they took care of it and wrapped her little paw in a Bright greenish yellow bandage.. So, she kind of glows in the dark...lol God gave me more time with her.. What started out as a sad day, ended with a car ride with the windows down, baby Rebel by my side and joy in my heart! My family will know when I say... I now have a headache and am so drained! I think I may have to lay down to recuperate from this day.. I do not do stress well!..
Till tomorrow and more pictures... Maybe working on finishing will wind me down... I hope...

13 Days Till Halloween !!

2011-10-19T13:24:00.000-05:00

13 Days Till Halloween. I am counting down the days. I have finished stitching on some things, but I do have to get pictures of them. Camera is charging.. I will have pictures up tomorrow for sure.. So stay tuned...

Dissection Of A Chair

2011-10-14T21:33:00.001-05:00

Has anyone ever lost scissors in a chair? I did.. I real cute rabbit pair that Michelle sent me. They have been in the chair for awhile now.. Hiding from me. I turned the chair over on it back.. I don't hear anything... Hmmmm. I looked for them when I dropped them down the inside of the cushion while stitching a couple of months ago. I didn't find them.. I just got another pair to use.. Tonight.. I thought. OK... I will do a dissection on the bottom of the chair.. That little dust cover that is on the bottom, I will just put a little slit in it and out them will come! That is not what happened. I cut down the middle.. I thought.. Hey just a little slit, it would not hang down if I do it this way.. I put my hand in.... Felt around.. No Scissors!... Sat back... I will have to cut down each side.. That is where they fell. Right? I did that... still no scissors! Ok... I just got my big sewing scissors out and cut out a big circle.. Guess what no scissors!. I dropped them down beside me and they had to fall between the cushion and inside of chair.. I took the chair ( not a little chair) Big Club Chair and chunked it over on it's right side... Didn't hear nothing drop... Chunked it over on it's left side.. No Scissors.. urghhh Of course, I removed the big padded cushion before I did all this.. I now have a headache and NO Scissors to be found! I give up!! The chair is back in it's spot and looks none worse for it's dissecting and tumbling.. Me, on the other hand.. My face is red..hair is all over my head... head is hurting.. and I may have thrown my shoulder out... Now, I am wondering if I just imagined they fell in the chair. I give up.. I will try again another day to look for them in that chair. Maybe they will just turn up, as everything else does when something goes missing around here. Till Later...
PS.. I finished my skeleton and now I will put him together. Pictures to come later...

Busy Week!

2011-10-12T22:58:00.000-05:00

Where has the week gone? It has been busy at my house since Saturday. That was when Joshua had his 4th Birthday Party. I feel like all I have done is eat Birthday Cake.. That is OK.. I love cake!
I have pictures:

Joshua and his Cars Cake. He seen the movie and had to have a Cars Cake.

Hubby's Birthday is This Saturday... Josh wanted him and his Poppa to have a party together.. See what I mean about eating cake? That little cake is Poppa's Cake. It is in my refrig.. I am still eating on it!!! lol

This is Josh and Poppa about to ride the Go-Carts.

This is sister Zoe with Momma and Daddy. Daddy got to party with them Saturday. We all had a great time.
I finished 2 model stitchies for a designer and now I am trying to finish my Halloween things.. Just Maybe....
Took mom into town today. She got me a OttLite. Michael's has them marked down for $89.99 to $19.99. Mine is Pink & White. If you are needing one now is the time to buy. This one is the tabletop one. I will show it off tomorrow with I hope a new Finish of Stitchery. Till Later......

Mr Pickled Pumpkin Lantern

2011-10-05T12:52:00.000-05:00

Let me introduce you to Mr Pickled the Pumpkin Lantern. He is new to the family. He started with assembly yesterday and was completed today. He has that silly grin because he is pickled! lol
I caught myself smiling every time I look at him. Can't help but smile when he is grinning that big!!!
I am doing some stitching on a model for a designer this week. I am almost finished with one and will start the other tomorrow. Just two small projects. I just had to stop and put Mr Pickled together. Hope ya'll enjoyed meeting him !!! I know he did enjoy y'all.. He is still smiling!!! BIG !!! lol
Till Later....

The White Tree is Black Now !!!

2011-10-03T15:13:00.000-05:00

This is the white tree painted black and the balls painted Halloween colors. I have delivered it to Josh & Zoe earlier today. They seemed to like it alot. The broom is in the background. I have been sweeping and cleaning off the front porch.. So nice is this weather. I am ready to enjoy the Fall!

Just some random picture of my stitching in the sun room. These two are on top of the TV. At least I see them when I watch TV.

This is a little table I covered with Muslin and Burlap this morning. Guess it is the Halloween corner in the sun room. I still need to clean up the kitchen and do some laundry. It was a busy weekend here at the homestead.. Metal roof is finished. I will take a picture as soon as I clean some of the yard. I still have the triming to do and pull the morning glory vines out of my roses.. Those vines are taking over everything. Beautiful flowers though! lol
Till later.....

Halloween Ornaments Finished !!! YEA !!!

2011-09-28T19:17:00.000-05:00

This is my finished ornaments !!! I am so glad they are done. I was going to make a tree for them, but I remembered.... I had this one for the CEC Christmas and Carrot Ornaments. I am going to paint it black. I went outside to do just that.. But guess what? No black spray paint. In all this remodeling and crafting I have no black spray paint.

This is just a closeup of some of the ornaments. I have gave them to the grand kids... I sounded like my mother, when I told Raeanne these were for Josh and Zoe.. Please don't let anything happen to them.. They may want something I made when they get older! lol

I had the hardest thing finding the right trim for that Candy Corn. I had bought some black ball fringe. I wasn't happy with it.. I found the yellow in a drawer in the craft room.

I wanted to do four ornaments with funky trims and 4 with regular piping trims. Now that this 2 year project is finished, I can move on to other stitching...

Till Later..... I didn't get around to taking pictures of other parts of the house... Later on that....

A Productive Day

2011-09-27T16:29:00.000-05:00

This is what I finished today... It was stitched 2 Fall's ago... I started finishing last Fall. Finally, this year I bit the bullet and completed the finishing. It is the Design - The Familiars by Cricket Collection.

I won a giveaway over on Parsley's Blog. http://seasonsofmymind.blogspot.com/ I beautiful Big piece of 28 count of Monaco fabric from Sassy's Fabby called Mountain Majesty. Just beautiful for Fall Stitching!! This is the first fabric I have seen from this company. It is great. I also received the Lizzie Kate Halloween Rules, Carve A Pumpkin and Stay Up Late. I can't wait to finish my other stitching and get started on this.. Thank you Parsley!!! I just love them both!!!

I have been trying to decorate a little.. This is my bar.. It will change again soon. I keep moving stuff around... lol I will post picture of dining area tomorrow. Table is piled up with magazines and books...

This is a desk that is in the living room. I mainly stay in the sunroom. I will put pictures of it tomorrow also. It needs to be cleaned of toys..

I put Fall Garland up on the tops of my cabinets. I still have more to put out... Maybe this weekend.. Oct 1st!!!

I got my Witches Hat on clearance at the end of the holiday for $1.00. I also had to add my crow's around the house....

I also got this Vulture the other day for 1/2 off. He is so cute!!

This is a bag I made last year. I am looking for those leaves that look so realistic and feel so real to put in it. It is just hanging around for right now... Well, I am back to stitching on Skeleton. Need to get it done.. I will show a picture of all the CEC Ornaments tomorrow. I will been finished for sure with them.. They are glued right now drying under all those stacks of magazines on my table.
Check back tomorrow for more pictures!!!
Till Later.....

Work In Progress

2011-09-26T21:36:00.000-05:00

This is my progress so far on the Skeleton By Samsarah Designs out of the JCS Halloween Booklet. Not much stitched. I have been cleaning the house all day. Not much else happening. I'm just stopping in to give some kind of progress report. I have so much more I want to stitch before Halloween. Just think October 1st is this Saturday.... Till Later......

Busy Little Baker !

2011-09-23T00:42:00.000-05:00

Doesn't this look yummy! My mom's Birthday was yesterday. I found some cake mix and a tub of icing in the cabinet. I called up my little baker and asked if he wanted to help.. He couldn't get across the street fast enough... lol

Here he is, whipping that cake mix up! He pulls a 2-step stool up to the counter and begins working away. We had a fight over the eggs.. I was showing him how to break them open and he just grabs and crushed it.. I hope no one found any shells in the cake. lol

He had to lick to beaters. While the cake was baking. We watched cartoons and he ate a pack of M & M's. He doesn't get sweets at home.. When he comes to Gigi's he gets to eat some sweets... and boy did he yesterday. Once the cake cooled, I frosted it and told him to throw the sprinkles on it.. But first he had to lick the frosting off the knife and the last bit out of the tub.. You seen that it was chocolate. Well, later I looked around and he was no where to be found.. I came in the kitchen.. Guess What? That little finger was going all around that cake, eating the frosting. I had to make him come sit in the living room.. Next thing I knew he was laying across the top of my head, jumping all over the furniture, running in a circle and that mouth was talking 90 to nothing.. lol His mom came to bring more clothes because he was all chocolate covered..... He informed us, he was strong and he would carry the cake and hold it on the way to Meme's... Oh No Boy! No more cake for you... lol
You will be glad to know I left the cake for my mom to eat.. We will be partying again this weekend. My Mom's Birthday was yesterday. My niece Hannah's Birthday is today.. and her party is this weekend. I think we have had enough cake for a while, with Zoe's being 2 weeks ago.. Josh's Birthday is in 2 weeks and Hubby's is the week after that.. All I can say is.... I Sure Love Birthday Cake & Ice Cream! Till later... I may be out buying all new pants with elastic waist bands... lol

A FINISH....

2011-09-19T18:54:00.000-05:00

I have finished the Cricket Collection Ornaments. Finished stitching them that is.... I will get a picture up tomorrow. It is already dark here. I hope to get them made into ornaments this week. I need to get all my wood bought to make the tree this weekend. I am going to make the tree per Vonna's instructions. It will be a dowel tree and I will paint it black. I am saying all this.. I guess ya'll just want to see the pictures after it is finished! lol Till later....

My Breakfast Buddy !

2011-09-15T16:10:00.001-05:00

I was on my way to pick up Josh today from Pre-School. I thought I would swing through Burger King's drive-thur. This blackbird was at the drive-thur window placing his order very loudly. lol He moved when I drove up to the window. He took with him a packet of ketsup. The girl at the window said he had been standing there hollering at her before I place my order. She did not know where he had found the ketsup packet.. We laughed about it it. Well... I got my drink and what I thought was a chicken biscuit and pulled around to the back. I thought I have time, I will back in the parking space and eat and watch the bird..

Mr. Blackbird spied me sitting in my car and here he came hopping down the payment till he got to my window.. Then, he started yelling real loud to get my attention. I powered the window down and opened my biscuit and picked off pieces of the top and throw to him. Well, about that time... Ms. Blackbird showed up.. So, I threw her some.. I was busy watching and taking pictures of them, I didn't look down at my biscuit till then.. Guess what? My chicken biscuit was a sausge biscuit! lol I had fed the top to the birds.. I wrapped it back up... I put the car in drive and drove up to the drive-thur again. Guess What? So did Mr Blackbird. I explained to the same girl I had ordered chicken and not sausage. She said she picked up the wrong one.. I told her that one had no top.. I gave it to the loud Blackbird Family. I told her they seemed most appreciative.

I think he is so handsome!! Girl at the window said don't look now but he is back.. We had a good laugh.. I told her, that he is following me. He wants some more biscuit. She said she would give them rest of that sausage biscuit.

This is him right before I drove off. Waiting on his biscuit.. Funny how animal of all kinds adapt to their enviroment. He has learned where he can find his food.... Go fly up to BK's drive-thur window and yell loud... It got him some biscuit today... lol

Just a Road in The South.. Cotton is coming in! Won't be long and the field will be all white!!! Till later.....

I Am Still Here !!

2011-09-13T15:42:00.000-05:00

This is what I have been working on.. The Kisses in the candy bowl! lol No.. I have been trying to get this one last ornament finished. This is progress on Baty.

I did get some of my Halloween & Autumn decoration out. I was just going to decorate with the fall stuff.. well, that would not do. I seen my email friend Bonnie's pictures of all her decorations in her home and I just had to go ahead and put the Halloween things out.. I love Halloween, so I will sit and enjoy all the decorations.

We also had Zoe's Birthday. She had a Max & Ruby Cake. She was all excited about her Birthday. She turned 2.

I think the boys had more fun with all her gifts. Zoe is in the middle, Josh is to the left, Lance and Aiden are on each side of her. They all had a good time and left with a goodie bag. My niece Hannah was there too. I think she was somewhere playing with a pink remote controlled car... lol
Well, back to stitching on Baty... Till Later.....

Timber! Trip Pictures and Bought Stash

2011-09-08T19:33:00.001-05:00

This is what we came home to Wednesday. Tropical Storm Lee took down the only shade in the front yard and it landed on our porch roof. Just a little dent.. Anyone need firewood? This weekend will be spent cleaning up limbs and this tree. It will also be Zoe's 2nd Birthday. She was going to have a big Birthday Blast, but Joshua has came down with pneumonia and she has bronchitis.

This is the scenery we seen on our trip. Cades Cove in the Smokey Mountains. Park Rangers said there had been a lot of deer & bear sightings. Did we see any? Nope.. We did see a crow with a piece of bread in it mouth. After sitting in traffic for over an hour we took a shortcut and left. Cars were not moving at all. We have been to Cades Cove about 4 times.. I don't think it has changed.. lol

This is the Little River that winds through the park and Gatlinburg. It had hardly any water in it. People were trying to tube this.. lol Hubby and I started laughing when we seen that they would ride their tubes for about 20 feet, get off, pick their tubes up and walk over the rocks to the water and get back on their tubes. lol I didn't get a picture of it after the rain from TS - Lee. But it was rolling big time.. No tubes.

This is a new attraction in Pigeon Forge. The Titanic. It was great. We could not take pictures inside. It is decorated on the inside to look just like the real Titanic Ship. It has displays of the artifacts recovered from the wreckage. I had to hurry and that this picture.. Sorry it is blurred. It started pouring rain.

We had to tour the Aquarium in Gatlinburg. We always do this. It has something different every time. The new thing was Penguins. They were real cute.

This is a roadway through the Great Smokey Mountains Park to Cherokee. We drove over the mountains one morning. This was taking on the way back. I just love being on the mountains. I don't need amusement parks and attractions to do.. Just give me a road, trees, streams and mountains. I am in Heaven.

The Old Mill at Pigeon Forge. No, we did not eat there.. We have before and it is wonderful!

On the way back we stopped by Desoto Falls on Lookout Mountain between Ft Payne and Mentone Alabama. This is my favorite place to go. Our family has been coming here since I was 12 years old.

This is the bottom of the falls. If you ever get a chance stop by and see Mentone Please do. The Mentone Springs Hotel was built in 1884 as a hotel to come and enjoy the spring water for health purposes. Here is a link to the Hotel. http://www.mentonesprings.com/ Ft Payne is as Home of The Little River Canyon National Preserve. The biggest Canyon east of The Grand Canyon. http://www.nps.gov/liri/index.htm

I did some stash shopping at The Dixie Darling shop in Pigeon Forge. As you can see I bought some linen. It is hard to find 40 count. I seen these and snatched them up.

I also got the new JCS magazine with the Christmas Ornaments. I could not past it by. There is a funny story behind shopping at this shop.. We are on Central Time in Alabama. They are on Eastern Time in this part of Tennessee. Well.. I noticed that they closed at 5:00.. I happened to remember this at 4:31 driving in the car. We were near. I whipped in the parking lot .. Hurried inside, thinking I had only 29 minutes to shop... I was greeted warmly by the owner Cindy and employee Tina. I talked with them while I shopped.. Hubby noticed that their cash register was open. He looked at his phone, came over to me and said," I think they are closed?" What?
He said he phone showed 6:15. Oh no.. I told them I was so sorry. We were still on Alabama Time. lol She was so sweet. She was working on a kit for a show that was up coming and was there at the shop putting it together. They are both super nice and I had a wonderful shopping time with them. If you are ever in Pigeon Forge Tn, Please go by and see them. They have their fabrics already cut to size for the popular charts. I was real glad to see that. I just gabbed those precut ones. So handy not to have to measure and cut. Cindy says they ship all over the US and Overseas if you need anything. http://www.dixiedarlin.com/
I guess I have talked and showed ya'll everything...
One more thing... I am thinking about ya'll in all the flooded areas in the east. Been seeing the pictures on TWC.
Take care and keep safe my friends. Till Later....

IN THE SMOKIE MOUNTAINS !

2011-09-05T22:59:00.000-05:00

We have in Gatlinburg for our 30th Anniversary. We drove up on Sunday. Nice day Sunday. This morning we awoke to rain. TS Lee has made it this far today. We are having a good time in the rain.
I will have a big update on Mini Vacation when we get back!
Till then... right now I am feeling like a duck!! lol

Creative Day !

2011-08-30T12:45:00.000-05:00

This is what I was making yesterday. I seen the idea at Michael's. It has Martha Stewart glitter paint on the T. Below is a better picture.

It is real easy to do. Buy the Bright Copper Charger. One sheet of Fall looking scrapbook paper. Letter and Paint. Wal-La!! My one Fall decor item so far.... lol

These came in the mail yesterday. I can't wait to get started on the Blackbird design. I am waiting on my Grey Linen and Floss to get here. I order a lot of my stash from Anita - http://www.anitalittlestitches.com/index.html
She gives new updates on hand at her blog - http://anitalittlestitches.blogspot.com/
I like that she discounts her items. So go take a look.. She also has fast shipping.

I also ordered this. A Stitcher's Purse - Brenda at With Thy Needle & Thread. I now need to order those Shell Purse tops. That was my day yesterday.. My creativity is gone today... lol I am back to stitching.

Hope everyone weathered Irene Ok. I have been watching the pictures on The News Channels while I stitch. Hubby is upset with me because we got a promotion deal on our cable for 1 year free HBO & Cinamax and I have been watching HLN, CNN, and TWC. lol I have watched some movies at night. I watched Robin Hood with Russell Crowe.. I liked it. Chitty Chitty Bang Bang comes on at 3:00. I will be sitting in front of the TV stitching.. lol

Hope everyone's week is going good and if those with no power will have it back ASAP!! Till Later....

Some Finds Today !

2011-08-26T16:57:00.000-05:00

These are some thing I picked up this week out looking around in stores.. I found these 2 magazines at Hobby Lobby & Books A Million. I was kind of disappointed in this years Halloween Tricks & Treats Magazine. A lot of Pumpkin Carving and a big spread on Alice & Mad Hatter's Tea Party. The Craft's & Things magazine had more my stuff. Needlepunch, Rug Punch, Cross stitch and multi-media art - Paper/fabric things. I thought is was a better Magazine.

I also got this box from Hobby Lobby. It is for me to use with the Casting Spells by Blackbird Design. I will stain it first.

I am going to try and do a black stain.. Not just painting it Black.. I want it where I can see a little of the grain.. So hurry down to your Hobby Lobby. They only had 2 on the shelf in my area.

I can't wait to get my chart I ordered. It should be here soon.

I had bought 2 of these Coffins at the end of last season at Michaels for .99 each. They have them again this year. $2.99 So.. I bought another one. Can't have two many coffins! lol

I seen this Kit by Fern Ridge Collections called - A Coffin To Die For. I thought is was so cute, til.... The price $ 46.00 for 28 count Cashel, Sullivan floss, Batting, Needle, & Coffin. OK... NO Scissors included.. I thought I might do my Coffins with a Vampire in one, laying , and a padded top with RIP cross stitched in the top. I seen someone last year on a blog, did a Skeleton and put it in the coffin. That was so cute! I might just make the other a Pin Keeper.
My mind is going 80 miles an hour with ideas.. Now to try and stop it so that I can stitch ! urghhhh

A Finish And A Stitching Progress

2011-08-25T13:46:00.000-05:00

This is one of the Cricket Collection Halloween Ornaments finished. I call him Ghosty..

Here is the last one.. I call him Batty. He is stitched with Thread Gatherer's silk & colors and Sheep's silk. Let me tell you. I have dry hands and the thread just keep getting snagged on my ruff hands.. lol I love the feel of the thread. He also is made with Kreinik #4 Threads. Snagging again!! Maybe I just need to keep lotion on my hands.. but then I am afraid of it getting on the linen.

I am still stitching on the Model Stitching.

To my blog friends on the east coast - Please stay safe this weekend. I have my tv tuned to the weather channel. Ya'll have had a eventful week, earthquakes and now a hurricane. Seen on News that there have been 4 earthquakes in 3 days.. Colorado, Virginia, San Francisco, & Peru. That is alot of Earthquakes. Heard from some of my blog friends that they have felt aftershocks.. Just stay safe friends and do you have a generator to keep those computers up and running? lol

Turn fans toward my state of Bama and blow that rain this way. We have not had rain in the month of August at my house. All around me.. but not at my house! I thought I heard Snap, Crackle & Pop the cereal guys, but no, It was my grass underneath my feet.

Headed to eat my Chips & Salsa. Yum Yum Lunch!

Till Later......

Model Stitching

2011-08-24T15:28:00.001-05:00

That is what I have been up to. I am stitching 2 models for Michelle May over at The Raspberry Rabbits. They are great to stitch. That is about all I have been doing. Met my BF Diana for lunch at the very elegant Burger King... lol It is new.. so it has not had time to because messy or be abused yet. They are still learning to get the orders right.. They do have a problem with the ketsup dispenser.. That is all I will say....
I am watching a whole day of Ghost Hunters on Sy-Fi channel. I love ghost stories.. So I am stitching and watching about Ghost. I like to hear the history of the places and then watch them try to find something. I have always been fascinated by the stories that go along with the un-natural. There is always a story.. that is what is so great. Can you tell I love History?
I am reading on my Kindle, 100 True Stories That Happened During The Civil War. It is a great book. The stories are short and to the point. I mostly watch History Channel during the day. I have been watching the Earthquake & Hurricane News. That is all I have been up to.. Hope everyone else is having a great week. Till Later...

Where Old Malls Go When They Die ....

2011-08-20T22:04:00.000-05:00

I am writing tonight about my favorite Mall and the memories. Eastwood Mall had it's Grand Opening on August 25, 1960. It would have been 51 years old this month. It is no more... I love this advertisement of 73 degrees Year Round! . It was a first in Alabama inside stores. This is a quote from the news and advertising for the 1960 Grand Opening ,A New Era of Shopping in Birmingham Alabama.
"Living comforts of the next decade have become breathtaking reality in the Heart of Dixie. These are sights of the 1970s about which other cities talk. In Birmingham, they exist. A masterpiece of shopping luxury never before seen in the Deep South."

It had a Bowling Alley with a Giant Sphere on top of the building that lit up at night. It had a lounge called the Boom Boom Room.

Great Wagon Ho Restaurant in the parking lot. It did change names through the years but still had the mule driver and wagon. You knew you were at Eastwood mall when you seen this landmark...

The Mall also had a Krispy Kreme in the Parking Lot. How many malls have one of these?.... Not our new malls!

This was The Spot in the Mall.. I remember it being bigger for some reason.Look at those Ultra-Modern Lights... lol When my mom and aunts would shop, this was the place to met back at.. The Money Fountain.. People would throw change in the fountain and make wishes.. We being kids would play in the water.. I remember many times waiting at this fountain.. You know.. Way before cell phones... I remember all the aunts taking their little ones.. (US) you have to remember we were in the age group of 1 thur 10 years old.. 6 of us kiddies..( before my Brother) and 3 aunts. And saying to each.. " Meet ya'll back here at The Fountain at whatever time!" Loved Aunt Gloria Big Station Wagon, It hauled us all!

That cage on the right was a giant Bird Cage! I loved looking at it. This mall had it all. No rain hitting you, 73 degree temp all the time, and main department stores like: Aladdin Cleaners, Bell Brothers Shoes, Colonial Stores, Duane's Shoes, Eastwood Barber Shop, Gordon's Quality Jewelers, Happy House Shops, Hill's Food Store (later to become Winn-Dixie), Kinney Shoes, S. S. Kresge (dime store chain which evolved into the present-day Kmart), Kroger, Lerner Shops, Liggett Drug, Kiddieland, Mall Record Shop & Appliance Center, J. J. Newberry's, Olan Mills, JCPenney, a Top Value Stamps redemption center, Wendy's Sportswear, and an Alabama ABC Package Store ... It was also to have had a Heliport for Helicopters to land.. But that never came about.. I wonder Why?

Oh... Across the street was the best McDonald's ! It had a bridge that went over a creek where there was a playground. That is were we kids always wanted to eat. My daughter's first shopping trip at 2 months old was to Eastwood Mall and this McDonald's in 1982. Had to go baby shopping at Parsian's Store!

The Theater opened on Christmas Day 1964. It had a breezeway connecting it to the Hill's Winn Dixie and new Pasquale's Pizza. There as also to be.. A Go-Cart Track.. Now that would have been something back then... Well.. it was not to be. A Birmingham Retailer - Pizitz came in and they built a big department store at one end. End of Go-Carts. I never knew any of this.. I was not even born when it opened. I was born in 1965. My family had shopped for most of it's 46 year run.. I found a site about landmarks in Birmingham. It is a great site to look at pictures and read about the city I grow up on the outskirts of.

Demo 2006

This was the end of Eastwood Mall. No more inside Mall. It had a great run. At the time the Best Mall In The South and we did not even know it!!! It did change over the years. Updates and remodeling went on.. Boy, it had it's Neon going on in the 1980's.

I better not forget to mention it had the Pioneer Cafeteria, that is where the little elderly ladies went to meet their friends for lunch all dressed up. When I was older, I got to go see them.. lol I didn't care to much for the Cafeteria style food. Get a tray and move down the line .... where you pointed at what you wanted slopped on your plate... Reminded me of the Vegas Vacation movie.. buffet scene were Eddie says, Give some of that green stuff and don't go skimpy on me".... lol

I guess change has to happen.. I don't have to like it. All the shops and malls have moved out of Birmingham. Everything is in the suburbs. I still have Brookwood Village Mall - Built 1975 and The Galleria Mall built 1986. The Galleria is going down fast.. Shops are moving out of it and into they call " Open Air Malls".. Give me a break.. I do not want to have to get out of my car and go inside a store to come out and walk two stores down to go into another store to come out of it get back in my car to drive to the other side of the street to go into another store. All while it may be raining, freezing, or 102 degrees. I want that 72 degrees year round. lol I guess it is what is the "IN THING" now... I don't have to like it.. I just don't go to those places.. Well, I have shared enough tonight... Now you know how I feel about Malls... I still have nothing.... lol I better get back to stitching soon... Till Later...

I HAVE NOTHING....

2011-08-19T19:36:00.000-05:00

I have nothing.. I don't even know where the week has gone.. What have I done all week? Nothing... Absolutely nothing... I had great ideas bouncing around in my head.. Did I do them? Nothing.. Absolutely Nothing... Maybe this weekend... Check back with me this weekend.. I may have cleared the cobwebs from my head by then... lol

Till later... Sorry I had nothing....

SCREAM !!!

2011-08-13T17:26:00.000-05:00

SCREAM HOUSE - JUST NAN

This is what came in my mail box Thursday! I can't wait to start stitching. It may be like that Halloween Ornaments from Cricket Collection.. Take me years till I finish!

Silver Needle Still has these Kits. http://www.thesilverneedle.net/exclusives.php?Reloaded=True&osCsid=f36760a0

I have not been doing anything but stitching and sitting under the air conditioner in this heat!

I hear Thunder in the distance! I hope to see some rain. My roses are still blooming but they need water bad.. I could just go out and turn the sprinkler on for them.. I am sure they would appreciate it!

of course... They are the only plant things that has survived this heat! I also have a big fern.. It is resting under the big oak.. It seems to be doing OK.. I will go check on him tonight..

Till Later.....

NEW FINISH !

2011-08-08T14:15:00.000-05:00

This is my latest finish! The lighting is not that good.. I took it last night in the sunroom. It is in the mail headed to a good friend of mine. It is from designer, Brenda at With Thy Needle and Thread/ Country Stitch. It is from her 3 design leaflet called Bunny Tails. I cross stitched the pillow one night watching a tv show.. really fast stitch. The tail on the bunny was to have wool. I didn't have any, so... I used some angora yarn I had in my stash.

I tried to get a better picture in the light this morning.. but it was so hot and humid, my camera lens fogged up. I did get to use the new sewing machine. It is great! I am now stitching on Primitive Needle - Hornbook Angel. I am using the called for threads and Days Gone By 40 count linen. Buying a new sewing machine made me have to go through my drawers and straighten up all my ribbons, trims, and sewing misc.. Why is that? I now have found all my trims I had lost.. In the back of a drawer full of loose ribbons. Now I have to roll on cards to sort... Funny how getting one small thing leads to a big clean out and sort job.. Well, back to those drawers....

FRAMED PICTURE AND MY NIGHT

2011-08-07T14:29:00.001-05:00

It is finished and in it's new home. Halloween Garden by Lisa - Primitive Needle. I swapped some of the colors. I had only 3 of hand-dyed the chart called for. So... I went digging in my stash and found ones that I could use to make it more colorful. I love that little Toad and his toad stools. The linen I used is more greenish than the pictures shows it to be. Of course, there is a glare on the grass. I used glass because I will be storing this and plan on using it for decoration for years.

This is a better detailed picture of the frame. I got the frame at Hobby Lobby last year.. I got 2, they match.. I did paint it black and ruff it up some with sand paper. They were on the clearance isle for $2.80 each.. I threw them in my cart real fast.
Every time I go in Hobby Lobby my cart automatically goes to the clearance! I don't know why... lol

Let me tells ya'll about last night.. I have been wanting a new sewing machine... Grandson has messed with my tension knob and I can't get it back right.. either top is to tight or bottom tension is to tight. Well... I had been eyeing this Brother machine at our Wal-Mart.. It was $199.97.. It also has everything to quilt , all attachments, even a longer little table thingie.. and hard shell carrying case! I read all the reviews on it.. Got great reviews. Oh.. It had 80 different decorative stitches also.. Great machine! I thought.. I will have to order it.. I found out our Walmart had it. It was marked down to $159.97. Wow.. 40.00 savings.. This is where you may now kick me in the @*S... lol I seen they had 2.. You know me thinking.. I need to ask Hubby.. It is a purchase that is big for me... I thought.. Hey, This is Friday.. What is the chance 2 people would buy both these machines.. I go home.. Of course, Ding Bat me forgets about talking to hubby about it. We get up Saturday morning go to visit some friends.. I remember about it driving home.. It helps that he wants a back massage machine at Walgreens.. We stop get it and then head to Walmart.. I go down that isle.. All excited!!! My family knows how I am!! I am dancing down that isle!!! WHAT!! Where is my Machine? Both boxes are gone! I get upset.. Found a employee working the floor. He brings his little hand thingie that scans the barcode to see if they have anymore... ZERO.
get this... He then says," Yep we don't have anymore, they were $90.97, we discontinued selling this model." WHAT! $90.97. I was really upset... He said another store may have them. I didn't give hubby time to turn around. I jerked him by the arm and out we went... Next stop. You guessed it, Walmart 13 miles away! lol Hubby keeps repeating that he has not ate since noon and it is now 7:00 pm.. I am on a mission.. Food is the farthest thing from my mind... I say just pull up to the door.. I will get out and go check.. NO.. he wants to go in.. I get a buggy.. Go in.. NO Machine at this one. Back out in the car.. Hubby says something about spine caving into his backbone.. I didn't hear all of it.. I said OK..., Next stop walmart 7 miles from this one. Guess What? They had it.. I got excited!! Only the display model.. $90.97 They could not found the box.. No power cord, No hard shell cover, No speed peddle, No extra quilting attachments, and No long table thingie. WHAT!! I don't think so.. No power cord!What good is it!!! By this time, hubby has pulled me aside and is trying to tell me If I will agree to the model that is replacing this machine.. He will gladly buy it at full price If... I will just get it and Let's get the H3ll out of these walmart's so that he can eat! That is the way it was put to me.. I Did Agree.
So... I learned... forget about a great bargain if hubby is with you and no food has went into his mouth since Noon!
So at 8:56 we sat down to a great steak dinner at O'Charley's where, hubby said, " I hope that eating this late does not keep me up all night." Me - No comment... grinning from ear to ear.. thinking... I have a new sewing machine....

Continued From Last Fall

2011-08-05T22:36:00.000-05:00

I have picked up the Halloween Ornaments by The Cricket Collection/Cross Eyed Cricket. This was as far as I got last Fall.
I hope to finish them this year..

Ghostie needs to be finished. I hope to finish him this weekend. Then I will be on to Batty. Cute bat.. Then it will be time to finish them off as ornaments. I bought a cute Black Halloween Tree after Halloween last year! Can't wait to finish them and put the little tree up with my ornaments on it.
I painted my frame for the Halloween Garden. I hope to get it framed in the morning.. Considering it is 10:28 pm central time. I painted the wood frame with a brush.. I am wondering if a spray paint might be better for frames.. Any tips from bloggers will help alot. Just trying to figure how to cut time...and what might work better. Please let me know from your experience. I am trying to make it kind of rustic. I will sand around lightly on it before spray sealer on it. I will post picture when it is in it's new frame..
Till Later.....

The Grandkids And Stitching

2011-08-02T17:14:00.001-05:00

Today was Library Day! Josh & Zoe love going to the Library. Zoe found the computers today. Now we know to put her in front of the computer while Mom hunts their books to check out. Josh even has his own library card. They love for Raeanne to read to them. We go to the library about once a week.

I came home and started back stitching on Primitive Needle's Halloween Garden. I changed the colors to ones I had in my stash. I love Lisa's designs. She will be missed in the designing world. I'm also working on a pinkeep by Brenda - With Thy Needle & Thread for a friend. I can't show the picture yet. I will when I send it off to her.
Trying to stay cool in this 100 degree heat. I needed to clean out my car.. It is a wreck on the inside.... All I did was put gas in it and parked it and ran in the house where you can hang meat because I have it so Cold in here... lol I ate a bowl of cold fruit for lunch, all I crave is cold things to eat. I had Cheerio's last night... lol I was going to grill out some steaks... Hubby told me to just throw them up on the roof and they should be done in no time at all.... lol I thought fire in grill and oven hot for baked potatoes.. I don't think so......So may be Salad Night here.
Oh... by the way, Billy The Exterminator is coming back on A & E tonight. All new shows!!! I have been watching all the reruns this afternoon while stitching.
Till later....

The Winner Is.......

2011-08-01T12:44:00.000-05:00

This is the surprise I made and added to the giveaway! A great summertime necklace!

And the Winner Is:

Pam - http://confessionsofasouthernstitcher.blogspot.com/

Congratulations Pam !!! I have left a comment on Pam's Blog. I didn't have an email address for her. Pam please contact me with your address and I will get these 6 items in the mail to you!

Thanks everyone who entered.

Try and stay cool this summer...

Till later.......

SUMMER GIVEAWAY

2011-07-28T11:10:00.000-05:00

I am having a giveaway!!! A Thank You for all my readers and because it is HOT and Summer. There is an Antibacterial Hand Set with lotion and gel. 2 Emery Boards. The best smelling hand soap called Wild Flower. A set of Glass Magnets- I use these to hold my chart on the metal board I use. Last but not least... A Notebook or Journal. Everything a Lady Of Leisure would need on a hot summer day!! Oh and there are some surprises..... How do I enter you ask?

Just leave a comment that you want to be entered in the Giveaway.
Anyone can enter, Ladies living over the seas are Welcome.
Please enter before midnight on Sunday, July 31st.
I will have the drawing on Monday, August 1st.

If you don't have a blog, Please leave your email address so that I may contact you if you win!! GOOD LUCK!!!

HALLOWEEN LIST STARTS EARLY

2011-07-22T21:41:00.001-05:00

Batalphabet by: Glendon Place

I have been online this afternoon... You will not believe it... but, I have a little journal type book that has my list to buy, in the future charts, patterns, and books for stitching . I have a problem.. It is called Not enough money for my WANTS... lol I have charts listed from years ago... why because designers keep coming out with all these new charts I want before, I can purchase the ones I have wrote down in the Little Floral Book. lol Will It ever End? I hope not... These are just some I wrote down today....I love that Batalphabet by Glendon Place.

Goblin's Parade by Blackberry Lane Designs

Spider Banner by Allessandra Adelaide Needleworks

Which Witch's Boot - Crabapple Hill

How I wish I could quilt....

Funky Flower by By The Bay Needlearts - Donna

It is not Halloween, but I love it and it's ORANGE!!!

Bats Cats & Witches by Prairie Schooler

I want to make me a wooden cat like this one!

That is just the start of adding to my I WANT list! Does anyone else makes list? or is it just me..... Can I get all this bought.... Can I even stitch all these in my lifetime.... What will I do..... How will I do it....Tune in each day for The Days Of My Life. Did you happen to hear that Days of our Lives and other soaps are ending..

Just a Thought........ I think the heat is getting to me!!!

Stash Swap Received!!!

2011-07-18T16:56:00.000-05:00

This came in the mail Today !!!

Look at all these goodies. I am in the Group Samplermakers. We did a Stash Swap. Something that you would stitch, then you gather supplies up and mail out to your partner. Sandy was my partner. Great chart by The Workbasket, Quaker Acorn. I love the GA and WDW threads. I always love linen. Her note was so funny! She included some Fall Stickers and needles. She is from Georgia. It is as hot there, as it is in Alabama. She sent Fall stuff!! Boy, will she be surprised when she opens mine!! It is a Cold Season!! We must both have cooler temps on our mind!! lol I am ready to get to stitching on Fall & Winter stuff !! Thanks Sandy!!

This is some fabric I got at Hancocks. It is off their $1.00 a Yard table. Recycle and the other 5 prints are travel places, - M' Liss - Houston, Hollywood, Hong Kong, London, and Las Vegas.

Now if I can find a VW Van like this to start traveling in, I will be so happy! I may make it to Las Vegas, Hollywood, and Houston. I will not be able to go to Hong Kong or London... Hubby does not do Boats or Planes.... Just my luck!! MEN !!!! urghhh lol

Take care and keep cool out there!!

I FEEL LIKE A SLUG

2011-07-12T10:41:00.000-05:00

HEATWAVE

This is how we have been keeping cool! Below are pictures of us at my friend Dawn's Pool in her neighborhood. Yes we believe in life jackets... In our area there has been a lot of drownings in swimming pools and lakes. More this summer than ever, and it is only JULY!
As for the heat!! IT IS ONLY JULY!!! lol

Beautiful 8 year old is my friend Dawn's daughter, Savannah. We call her Sav. yes... I have 2 grandchildren and Dawn has an 8 year old daughter..She got started later in life. Or did I just start earlier! lol

The heat is so hot . What did our forefather's do in the South without air condition? I always thought I would loved to have lived in the south during the 1800's.. I am rethinking that now. I love air conditioning to much!!!

I am going to go stitch now.. I have 2 designs from Michelle I need to work on!!! As I put my hand to my brow in my best southern voice say," Ohh... It's so Sticky! "

Stay Cool today!!! Till Later.....

ALL MY NEW STUFF !!

2011-07-08T10:45:00.000-05:00

I have unloaded my bags!! This is what my wonderful sister-in-law gave to me!! Isn't she just great! I don't even know where to begin with all this stuff... But I will be trying!!! lol Hope everyone has a great weekend. I will be crafting away!!!! I see you may have noticed the Book- Scrapbooking For Dummies!! That is me!!!
Till Later.............

WHAT A HAUL !!!

2011-07-07T15:44:00.000-05:00

I came home with all this in the back of my car!!! Where did I get it? From my sweet sister-in-law!!! She was cleaning out her office/craft room.She has stuff I have not even heard of... lol She has all the Crickets and other stuff! She sent home with me all these bags of dyes, stencils, scrapbook papers, stickers, and stuff I have not even looked at yet. I will be going through all this tonight! I can't wait !!! It is like Christmas!

I will post a better picture tomorrow, after I unload it from the bags and boxes. There is so much stuff!! Thanks to my great SIL I can now start on Josh & Zoe a scrapbook.

Till Tomorrow.....

BUSY BEE

2011-07-06T21:48:00.000-05:00

Thank you all for the wonderful comments on the new hair do! I am really enjoying it! Is was kind of shocked at first.. It is short, but now I love it!
I have sent the finished cross stitch design off today in the mail to Brenda!! It is so cute! The name is Witch Hazel ! Please check out the sneek peek on her blog. http://withthyneedleandthread.blogspot.com/
I see Lori at Notforgotten Farms has 3 new design: http://farmhousenotforgotten.blogspot.com/
Michelle is working at her designing desk:
http://theraspberryrabbits.blogspot.com/
Chicks are hatching on The Mobile Home Women's blog: http://themobilehomewoman.com/
Jayme - The Coop Keeper is losing weight and making changes in her life: http://talefromthecoopkeeper.blogspot.com/
Everyone seems to be so busy and doing all kinds of neat things.
Can't wait to see what turns up on other blogs !!!
Till Later.....

2011-07-03T11:28:00.000-05:00

Happy 4th Of July !

You know me... I am all about the Cake!!!

New Do Today !!!

2011-07-01T16:15:00.000-05:00

Old Hair Do !!

New Hair Do!

I just had to cut it all off today !!! To Hot Here in Bama! Just giving ya'll a view of the new do!!!

I have been just stitching away and watching season One & Two of True Blood !!! I am hooked! Or should I say.... I have been Bitten! lol

Have a great 4th Of July Weekend !!! Till Later.....

Peacock Class

2011-06-26T21:52:00.000-05:00

This is what me and mom did last night!! We went to a painting class... We all painted a peacock. It is funny how everyone paints different from the same picture ! Mom has been going every Saturday night. It was a lot of fun.
I have not been doing much else, beside stitching projects for designer's Brenda and Shell. That has been keeping me so busy, but I enjoy it alot. Hope everyone is getting their Summer stitching done in this Hot weather...
Till later....

SWAP PICTURES

2011-06-20T14:29:00.000-05:00

Here is the long awaited mystery of What Is Under Those Daisies?
These are the Patriotic Strawberries I made. I put the daisies on after I took this picture. These went to Viv house for an exchange I signed up at her blog. All the ladies in the exchange are so talented. Here below is what I received:

Look at all the Patriotic things !!! I am so excited. I ran out to meet the mailman. I nearly knocked him over grabbing the box. It was like: Give me! I don't even think I said thanks. !!! lol Here are close up pictures:

This was the Daisy Box my strawberries were in.

These two are from Kim - Old Bingo Card and Jill - Patriotic Disk. So Cute!!!

This one is from Viv. How does she get that icing to look so yummy?

Upper is from Cindy. Heart and Hip Hip Hooray is from Linda. I love them!!!

This one is mine and Viv's. Pinwheel was in with Kim's package.

Ta Da !!! This is my Patriotic Tree! I have added some of my stuff to it. I can't keep my hands off this tree. I keep re-arranging.. lol
Thanks to all my wonderful exchange partners!! I am so excited and I love everything!! Thank you Viv, Jill, Sandy, Linda and Kim ! Thank you Viv for having the Swap!
Till Later.... I am back to looking at these so cute ornaments!

Stitching Update !

2011-06-13T15:17:00.000-05:00

So this is it ! 4th of July stitching for this year... A freebie for Glory Bee. Here is a link: http://www.glorybeestitch.com/free.shtml

This is my memorial for Will & Cate's Wedding. Yes, I did finish stitching as the wedding was going on... Nope.. It is not made into a pillow yet... Maybe before their 1 year anniversary...

This is a tease picture for the gals in my swap group over at Viv's Blog. You just don't know what is under these daisies !!!

I am moving furniture around today in the sewing/craft room. It is clean, I'm just putting a chair in here to sit and stitch. It is a small room... I may have to use the window sill to lay my stitching threads, scissors and chart. The grandchildren love to try to run with my scissors and re-arrange my threads that I have laying around the sun room. Right now my tension on my sewing machine is all messed up... Somebodies little fingers likes to turn nobs! I have been working on getting the tension just right.. It is not working!!! I gave up and said I would try again another day when I am in a better mood. This way I can just close the door and no one will mess with my stitching... lol

Oh... I got a new design from Brenda ( With Thy Needle & Thread) It is a Halloween one !!! That is all I can say, other than GREAT DESIGN !!!

Till later.... and we need some rain!!!! Someone please send some our way !!!

JUNKIN MORNING !!!

2011-06-11T13:33:00.000-05:00

Hey Everyone !!! I went Junkin this morning to our local junk sale store called - J & J Junk. I had not been in a long time. They still have the same junk they had years ago. We were looking for doors. Old wood doors. Nope... They didn't have any, but it was the grave yard for all things no one wanted. Just take a look:

These are the tubs of old curling irons. Please pick you out one !NOT.... Now.. why would I want to buy a curling iron that had been in someone Else's hair?.. yuck

Yes ! Here we have a Spa Treatment item.... A BaByliss. Is it called Baby-lis or Ba-Byliss. Sauna Facial. Why would you want just your face to have a Sauna? I don't want it!! I want a whole body Sauna!! Next Item-

My mom used to have one of these suitcases.. OH... It is a hair dyer? I am so glad we have blow dyers now.. I would not want to share that cap with anyone!!! If I was a hairdresser, I might consider buying the yellow hardhat one for a fun conversation piece... Next item-

Oh... This is pitiful... Death Row of old sewing machines.. They are Laying In State as hubby passes by viewing them. Sad....Next Items-

I always wanted one of these Easy Bake Ovens growing up. My mom would never let me get one... Now is my chance... but I.... think I will pass.. I need more than a light bulb to cook now-a-days!
Do they still use a light bulb ? Or are they like micro waves?

That was my morning of Junkin!!! I didn't buy one thing.. Is that bad? oh...
If this show would just come back on TV. Junkin With Val & Dave. It was on for 4 years and I got to see them in person in Alabama. They both were very funny... Where are all the good decorating shows anymore.. HGTV has Zillion of House Hunters Shows. What happened to the shows they used to have, that would show different homes and how they were decorated. I miss those... Or at least bring back Junkin With Val & Dave.. They did win 2 daytime Emmy's!!! Watch Val & Dave here:

Have a great weekend!! Mine will be junkie!!.....

WE HAVE BABY BIRDS!!

2011-06-07T17:50:00.002-05:00

I think we have 3 babies in our house!! If you don't remember me telling about Mom moving in within one day of erecting their new home check here: http://aprilmechellesdulllife.blogspot.com/2011/05/more-work-in-yard.html

Correct me if I am wrong... But I think they are Eastern Bluebirds. This one just left the front door of their home and flew up to these wires. I checked a site on the web that had a picture.. Looks just like our bird. Now to keep the neighbor's cats away!

I built this house a couple of weeks ago. I have it where the Old Homestead used to be. It is under a big Oak tree and stays shaded all day. That is why the fern is hanging there.. It is a 4 room duplex. Newly Painted, Lush Fern Yard, Wooden Roof and Brass Perch. Spacious Living at it finest. Move-In Ready.. call ***-***-nest.

This is about all the annuals I have left. This tropical heat wave is killing all my pretty flowers. My grass is just about dead. Having these upper 90 temps (sometimes 100's with heat index) and no rain for over 2 weeks is taking it toll. I am watering everyday. I might have to run the sprinkler tonight on my grass.
I have been getting together my items to make for my Patriotic Swap over on Viv's Site. I can go ahead and make two. There is 6 of us swapping. I had to order some more fabric today to complete the others. I can't give any hints to what I will be making. Viv makes cutest things.. I love reading her blog! Check it out :
http://vivs-whimsy.blogspot.com/
She has the cutest little grand baby. He is all the time smiling. Speaking of grand baby... I have a picture of GS - Josh.

Josh is trying to stay cool. I know.... He has swimmies on in 3 inches of water... The pool is leaning downhill. His poppa told him to stay out of the deep end unless he had his swimmies on. So.. that is why he is wearing them... Little sister Zoe came over later. I can't put her pictures on here. She was not dressed for picture time.. Mom forgot suit.. She took off her clothes and she jumped right in Naked. Don't get between her and a pool of cold water on a HOT day. She will mow you over to get to it!!

Till later.... STAY COOL !!!

FAMILY SUMMERTIME LAKE PICS!!!

2011-06-03T16:09:00.000-05:00

Well, I promised to let ya'll see inside my family !!! This is a picture of me and dad. August 1970. I was 5 years old and we are at my grandparent's place on Lay Lake in Alabama. They had an Airstream Trailer, we would all stay in it and that metal shed in the background on the right. My Mawmaw (as I called her) had 2 twin beds and a nightstand in there for company. Now... She had the right idea, don't put them in the trailer with you... It was a small trailer...

Now, this is my Mawmaw & Pappaw. The more I look at this picture.. I see me in her. I do have the same taste in things.. The more wilder the print the better !!! The more outrageous it is, I love it more!!! They always made sure everyone had a great time while you were visiting with them. I say they.. But it was my pappaw that kept things going. My mawmaw called him Doodles.. She would yell" Doodles get the grill started!, Doodles, they need more gas for the boats! Doodles, where is so in so! I love it !!! I still hear them!! Hot summer days and fun on the lake !! My dad could also ski like no one else.. Lay down on those ski's till his shoulder would touch the water! and then pull that rope up and let it catch back and fly across that water till he was up beside us in the boat!!! Can I say... I want a place on the Lake now!!! lol

Now, here we have the Lake Queens !!! Aunt Judy on the left with cousin Toby beside her.. Aunt Gloria on the right side. I just love those head scarves ladies!!! Hopefully they were watching us children in the water!!! Toby, I don't think ever went into the water the whole time. He was a momma's child...lol My Raeanne has one of those in Zoe... She never lets mom out of her sight.

Yes, Here we have The On The Lake Pier poise from Aunt Judy ( Marilyn ) Check out those shades and that Boy Cut 2 piece bathing suit!! This was in 1971!

Here is my Uncle Phil. He is smiling big! Just got back from paddling that canoe. That was an unsinkable canoe.. Why.. It was made out of Aluminum. Believe we tried many times. We would turn it over to fill with water then go out over our heads and then get inside of it and stand up. We would also turn it upside down and get under it in the water and have that air pocket.. That is fun !!! Canoe Sinking 101 .. Try It !!

I will explain about the over sized Donut in a minute !!! My cousin Andrea is on the left inside the inner tube. I am on the right, behind her. !!! I just love the ponytails!! Ok, now. My Papaw worked for Sinclair Gas, Drove a gas truck and delivered gas to stations. He would get these inner tubes from work.. Patch them.. bring them to the lake and blow them up for everyone to bob around on! That big one was my favorite, we would take it out into the deep part and try to climb up on it and jump off. Rule #1 - when coming up through middle of hole... watch out for that valve stem! OUCH !! It would leave a scar.

This picture is the cousins in 1971 !!! Toby of course.. Hanging on to the Float. That is Uncle Fritz holding him. Andrea is in the Boat poise, I am the little one in the red Bikini ( only time I have been able to wear one), Cousin Todd smirking, and Cousin Donna, ( she was getting on into those teenager years) is acting like we don't exist. The Pontoon boat in the background was one that my Pappaw made.. Very resourceful man.
My Pappaw die from a brain tumor. I think it was from working with the gas that goes in our cars. They have warnings at the pumps to not breath in the vapors.. But he had to everyday. I think it is linked to those flumes.
Now you have met some of my family.. even if it is pictures from 1970 & 1971. By the way... My brother was not born yet, and I was an only CHILD !!! hehehehe. I got to be an only child for 7 years!
I will have more next week. till then.....

SUMMER IS HERE IN ALABAMA

2011-06-02T12:24:00.000-05:00

Don't those peaches look good?

Yummy!!

This is want I have started out doing this morning. I cut up peaches to put in the freezer. I have a bunch of strawberries to cut up next. It is so hot outside!

I think the strawberries will be cut up inside in an air conditioned climate. lol I did cut some grass this morning. Wearing my bathing suit was the closest I could get to being NAKED... It was 88 at 7:30 this morning and humid. So see... Summer Is Here In Bama!!!

till later........

I'M BACK !!!

2011-06-01T20:17:00.000-05:00

I 'm Back !!! We are home sweet home... I did have a wonderful time, but glad to be home. I missed the grand babies. I have pictures of the beach but they are on my phone. I don't know how to get them over to my computer.. So ya'll will have to look at my pictures of Ft Pickens in Pensacola Fl. I love history. I had no idea that Geronimo and 15 of his braves were held there as prisoners. I read a book about Geronimo. He was very smart and knew how to work things around to his way. He and his braves had the run of the Fort. They were not kept as prisoners, confined or chained. They played cards, worked on the fort, and sold autographs (he did learn to sign his name) to people who came to see him. It was also used during WWII. Very interesting place. Some more pictures:

I tried to get online when I was away. I had to use hubby's computer. His will pick up anywhere, even going down the interstate. I tried to leave some comments on blogs, but I think Blogger was acting up again. I kept signing in and it would not let me leave any comments. I could just read. My computer picked up Wifi but they all had to have passwords to log on.. So mine went back in the suitcase. Lets just say I read alot on the Kindle and leave it at that...No sun here... It was beautifull for the six days. I came home yesterday and it feels like 100 degrees here.. Oh .. I forgot it is near 100 here in Bama.
I signed up for an exchange on Viv's site. Patriotic Swap. I can't wait to get started. This is my 2nd exchange with Viv.
Well, I am tired.. Been with the Grands all day.
Thank you for hanging in with me on this blog.. I have some great pictures and stories coming up this week and next.. Come back and see me... bye for tonight.

MEMORIAL DAY WEEKEND

2011-05-24T12:21:00.006-05:00

My mom is running over to her end table about now, saying" That girl has been into my pictures again!". They are safe in an envelope mom!!! ... I don't have good pictures... Like These.....

This is my dad's family camping. The Whitaker's!!! That is my Grandmother - Dot in the yellow & orange bathing suit. the other lady is her sister... Ummmm Lily? or Helen? I can never keep them straight. The young girl in the above picture is my aunt Gaynell. Don't you love that old truck? I can just imagine it full and stuff hanging all over it,'s on it way to Whitaker's Lake. They also pulled a boat there. They loved to water ski....They would go and camp for weeks... In Tents!!! We, as a family started off tent camping. Then my dad bought a VW van.. We camped out of it in the 70's. Can we say HIPPIES!!! not really..... When Raeanne was little we started out with a couple of different pop-ups. I miss these Weekends

That is Raeanne when she was 9. Year was 1991 in May. We were at Cheaha State Park. One of our favorite places to camp. This is 1st real camper trailer. My dad bought it in a divorce sale. Cheap....and the guy threw in a Weber grill too. We laughed about that a lot.... Not much stuff accumulated so far.....

Trailer #2 was the most fun !! We pulled this thing everywhere. Bigger with bunk beds. This is the final place this trailer was pulled to. Mom & dad rented a lot in a Park. Had a beach, swimming pool, boat launch, store, bath houses, and other places. Our pulling from place to place was over.. Because they got this:

Yes... Trailer #3... In 1999 , they decided we needed something with more room. Can we say slide out room. During this time me and hubby decided we wanted to do some pop-up camping again. We purchased a good fixer-upper pop up. Fixed it up and away we went on our first Back To Camping Trip... All I will say is Daughter tried to lean against the walls.. ( which they are tent canvas) many times and almost ripping the walls of canvas out.. Hubby says" did you bring the popcorn?" which I take to mean Microwave popcorn.. That is what we are used to... No microwave-No popcorn.. then there is the absence of the TV... I will not go there.. Yes I will... Dad had a tv in the big trailer.. Raeanne always brought have VCR with her tapes to keep a teenager busy.... Pop up... No TV. Needless to say... we came home and sold the pop up! Re-fabbed pop up.. used once !! someone got a great deal!! lol

This is mom with Sadie... As you can see, by 1999 we had accumulated a lot of stuff. Those party lights hanging from the swing are from the 1970's VW days !!! I still have them. That Weber grill, in the background is the only thing left from Camper #1. (divorce camper) I miss camping on Memorial Day Weekends.. It is so fun. We get together and start talking about camping and the funny things that have happened over the years. We do have some stories...... I could remember and talk all day about them.. Our friends we go to the beach with each year Debra and Wayne. We met them camping at Cheaha, some 20 years ago. I need to start back camping to show my grandchildren what camping is all about. My mom booked us a cabin at one of our favorite state parks one year when Hannah, ( brother's daughter) was about 4 . She said we were camping!! we laughed at her.. We might be at a state park but we were in a modern cabin.. Hannah will now get to see what camping is about now.. She is 10 years old and her camping raised dad just bought this:

Her Summers of fun are just beginning!!! Hope she makes as many great memories as we have !!! Hate to end this camping post... Watch out for the mosquitoes this weekend !!! I hate the smell of OFF !! BYE...

JCS Magazine Halloween Book !!

2011-05-23T15:35:00.001-05:00

NEWS NEWS NEWS !!!
Just Cross Stitch Magazine has a new 100 page Halloween Edition. I guess enough us Halloween Lovers were heard! Will Release on 9-1-2011. New design from 50 designers in one issue !! I can't wait!
Here is a link to order - http://www3.mailordercentral.com/hoffmanmedia/prodinfo.asp?number=JCS-HALLOWEEN-11
Or check with your local Needlework shop. I don't have any local ones. They closed years ago. Thread Bear Shop was the last one that was close by in the Birmingham area.
Just thought ya'll would like a bit of Great News !!!!
Till Later... Sunbathing in the sun trying to work on this WHITE skin before I leave for the Beach Thurdsay!!!

Yard Sale !!!

2011-05-21T21:53:00.000-05:00

YARD SALE ! That is what I have been doing the past 3 days. I have a little change jingling in my pocket now... I spent some on a new printer/scanner, since the one I had would not scan.. print yes... scan no... I am so tired. I can't think... I have been putting things down and I can't remember where I put them.. Does anyone else have that problem of MIND LOSS? I keep wondering, if I have something wrong with me or if I am just to tired to think. We leave out on vacation this week and come back next week. Headed to the beach again with our friends. I am looking forward to just relaxing, talking and having a great time! Well... till later... I can't think of anything else... lol
Bye :)

Happy Birthday Daddy!!!!

2011-05-19T20:55:00.000-05:00

Today would have been my dad's 70th Birthday. I am still in shock at this time. I was thinking 69th. Mom informed me that he would have been 70. I am still in shock. I can not picture my dad at 70. He still looks like this to me.. I had pictures to post but my scanner decided not to work. I then decided to take a picture of a picture.. You can forget that.. I had the shakes so bad... They were all so blurry. I guess that posting pictures was not to be today. I just want to say that I have the best two parents. I have always felt love from them no matter what was handed to me in life. I lost my dad to a heart attack when he was the age of 59 and almost lost my mom to cancer nearly 2 years ago. The Lord has blessed me was wonderful memories and Love. Love from them has made me who I am today. Nothing can ever take that away. I hope that my daughter and grandchildren have warm memories and know that I love them with all my heart, because.. you know that is all we have in life is each other, Family. It doesn't matter if we are rich, poor, have a degree, live in a trailer, live in a fine brick home, or what we wear or how many cars we have..... I will have Nothing when I see my Daddy again... JUST ME....and that is a day I will Rejoice with The LORD.
No one will remember you for how much money you have.. What you have accumulated on this earth. They will remember you for the kindness and love you have shown. I still catch myself saying of someone that has past on.. Oh, they was so kind and sweet. Why? because, they shown me kindness and I felt love coming from them.
Please show some love this week.
LOVE IS FREE !!
Till Later..... LOVE YA'LL

Craft Room Cleanout Sell

2011-05-18T12:04:00.000-05:00

I am selling some thing on my selling blog. I have finally got that room cleaned out!!! You can go through by the button on my sidebar. April Mechelle's Selling Blog. You can just click this :
http://aprilmechelleselling.blogspot.com/2011/05/craft-room-cleanout.html.

If you see anything please just contact me by email. I will never be able to stitch all these great things, with all the New Stitching Stuff coming out everyday. I accept Paypal. My Email is : taylor62@charter.net
Thanks for looking, April

**Tomorrow would have been my Dad's Birthday...so, tomorrow is his day on my blog !!! **

MEMORIES OF YESTERDAYS

2011-05-17T21:00:00.002-05:00

I was reading a blog that really touched me today. Kathleen at : http://eggsinmypocket.blogspot.com/ She was baking an applesauce cake. The smell had her remembering other times when the cake was baked. It triggered some memories for me. When I was writing in her comment section, I was putting some Avon Vita Moist lotion on my hands. I always keep it around. I have lots of it. It reminds me of my grandmother-Grandma... So today, I lathered up my hands often and smelled Grandma... Thank you Kathleen!

It is funny how smells and sounds trigger memories. I always think of my dad when I smell Aramis Cologne.. or hear Three Dog Night or Creedence Clearwater Revival (CCR). I was cooking a big supper tonight.. Meatloaf, Creamed Potatoes, Fried Green Tomatoes W/Squash, .... Made me think of going in the back door at Aunt Judy's. Her house always smell like she is cooking up all these great vegetables from their garden! But... Boy, am I tired from all that stove cooking!!! I have decided that I might share some things in the next couple of post about my great family!!! I know some of them read my blog... So ya'll (family members) don't just scared, nothing bad or SECRETS !!! Like we have any secrets.... lol Like. I will have to show my brother off.. He has lost a lot of weight. YES I am jealous !!! I will throw in some stitching news and pictures too. I am working on the Heirloom Afghan...

The Famous Kettle Farm Set in Hollywood

Till Later.......

THE WINNER IS........

2011-05-15T16:58:00.000-05:00

This is the complete winnings for the Birthday & Blog Anniversary Giveaway. And the Winner is:

Joy at: http://countingbitsofjoy.blogspot.com/ Congrats to you Joy !!! Just email me with your address. I forgot that in my email to you!!! lol

It has been a working weekend again. I have dug holes for post with post hole diggers.. I have made a birdhouse. We went to the same Estate Sale 3 times. Once each day. These place mats below is what I got Friday:

Vera Wang placemats and round napkins to match. $4.00 Still have the tags on them. (new) I also bought a bag full of thread all on wooden spools. (old) Today we went back for 1/2 off day. All the furniture was already gone. I did get 16 of these:

Green glasses!!! All 16 for $14.00. Mom here are your glasses!!! No chips! Like brand new!! They do look good with my new placemats..... hmmmm. So that was my weekend !!! How was yours? till later........

Saturday Addition To Giveaway !!!

2011-05-14T11:51:00.000-05:00

This is today's addition to my Birthday and Blog Anniversary Giveaway. 50 Floss Tags that I made. Packet of notecards, and DMC #s 369 - Pastel Green, 3761 - Baby Blue, and 612- Light Tan.
Don't forget to let me know if you want to be entered. I will draw from the names Sunday afternoon and post Sunday night winner.
Hope everyone has a great weekend !!!

Where Did My Thursday Post Go !!

2011-05-13T12:51:00.000-05:00

Well it seems that my post a wrote and posted on Thursday has disappeared into space. I seen it all yesterday and last night. I also tried to comment on my blogging friend's post and it said " Read Only" .. duhhh. Well, here is the Thursday addition to the giveaway:

Nail Files and a Fizz Ball. Also DMC #'s 677- yellowish tan, 640- grayish, tan, and 993 - Teal. Here is Today's addition:

A necklace that I put together with components from Industrial Chic. Also DMC #'s 3806 - Burgandy and 3371 - Dk Brown.
I am still cleaning up the craft room. Hubby has not put the doors up. He has been working out in the heat ( 90's) and I didn't want to ask him again after, I mentioned something about it the other day. I still have my head, But... Boy did I get a look!!! lol
So I am putting all the stuff back in the closet.. He will just have to work around it.
If you want to be entered in the Giveaway. Go here to comment: http://aprilmechellesdulllife.blogspot.com/2011/05/birthday-blog-anniversary-giveaway.html
By the way I have been battling a little field mouse.. He must have decided to come live with us here in the big house after we tore down his house... He is smart. Will not get on the glue traps, will not that the bait traps, (the ones where they go in and don't come out), So... I am going back to old school Brain Buster Traps. I will win !!
Unless he is like this mouse:

Till Tomorrow....

2011-05-12T14:53:00.000-05:00

Today's added things are for relaxing and working on your nails. 2 emery boards, a bath ball fizz and 3 colors of DMC. #'s 677 - yellowish beige, 993 -teal, and 640 - grayish brown
Stay tuned in for tomorrow... I have something I made with all the parts from Industrial Chic necklace. Whoops... I think I gave away the surprise...
While I have been doing this giveaway, I have been still cleaning out that craft room. Today I had the grandchildren while their mom went for a MRI. Good times went bad on the porch when Josh decided it would be a fun thing to dump a whole 96oz bottle of bubbles down sister's tike slide and onto the porch. That action called for us all going inside.. Last time that happened... yes, he did it before! He thought he was going to play slip and slide... yes, he had a fall and his clothes were a sudsy...I learned from that experience.

Zoe happened to find, out of all my cabinets, the one that had the glue trap for a little field mouse that I have been doing The Battle Of Whits. I spent a little while cleaning her up. Her fingers kept sticking together. That made me more mad at the mouse. I have one of those Bait boxes, where you don't see what happens to them.. He keeps going around that thing and ate on my loaf of bread last night. Had it on top of the microwave... urgghhhh No more Ms Nice Gal!!! I am going to go buy some Brain Busting Traps tonight. Old fashioned wooden base with great metal bar that gets him in the head!!! Unless I have a mouse like this one:

Rocky Balboa Mouse clip is so funny !!! Till Tomorrow....

Today's Addition To The Giveaway!

2011-05-11T16:38:00.000-05:00

I have some more stuff to add today. I will be adding stuff each day till Sunday, when I draw a name. It will be a variety of things. Not just cross stitch. Here is today's things:

It is some cupcake papers and picks for this Memorial Day or 4th Of July!! I also added some DMC floss, #'s 3842- blue, 304-red and B5200 white. Brightest White. I use this one alot...

These pictures below are the famous craft room... where on MTV Cribs.. They say the Magic Happens!! Oh... That was to have been a bedroom on MTV Cribs.. Oh well..... My magic happens here!!! Crafting Magic!!! I am cleaning it out!! Hubby is coming in today to hang those closet doors. Woohoo!!! Finally!!!

Can you get this excited about closet doors. I do !!! I will go tomorrow and look for fabric to make gathered inserts on those doors. I was out and about today, but got tired and came on home.
We started AGAIN... Eating healthy. I had a salad today for lunch. I don't eat dressing. I guess that is good, because I heard the salad dressing is where all the calories come from.. Tonight we are having vegetables. Fresh Vegetables.. Hubby may have a problem with this. He is a meat and potato guy.
If you want to enter the Giveaway before Sunday. Just comment at the Post here: http://aprilmechellesdulllife.blogspot.com/2011/05/birthday-blog-anniversary-giveaway.html
Till Tomorrow with More Stuff To Give Away !!!!

Birthday & Blog Anniversary Giveaway

2011-05-10T16:46:00.000-05:00

Today is my 46th Birthday and Friday is starting my 3rd year to Blog !! So therefore, I am having a giveaway ! All you have to do is leave a comment that you want to be entered. Come Sunday Night I will draw a name from the pot and notify the winner. It is that easy!! This is just some of the things:

La-D-Da's Sweet By & By, Blackbird Designs - May Flowers, because it is May. and a 13.5 X 18 piece of 28 count Sandstone Linen.

I am also including these goodies.... 28 count White Evenweave, An American Freebie from Prairie Schooler, and 2 pieces of fabric. One is Republican and the other is Democrat. Is great for making something for the upcoming Election in 2012. I will be adding stuff day by day. So keep checking back to see what will go in the winning package.

Don't forget to just leave a comment.. Anyone can enter! Just be sure that I have a way through email to contact the winner !!! GOOD LUCK !!!

A FINISH & BIRTHDAY LUNCH & GIVEAWAY

2011-05-09T15:01:00.000-05:00

Here is a finish that I did last week. I forgot about posting it with all the yard work going on. It is the Carriage House Samplings - Phoebe Brown. I painted the little old wooden frame I had and she fit just right.

I went and met with the girls today for Birthdays lunch. There are 3 of us that still hang together from high school. There was a group of us girls, about 7 that were real close.. Well only me, Diana, and Tammy are still close. I guess that happens a lot as you get older. We have children about the same age. Also I guess you change... Three of the old high school group waited till their late 30's to have children, so we have nothing in common with them now.. Us being 46....Diana had a Birthday Friday. My Birthday is tomorrow, so we celebrated at the local Mexican place. Tammy's Birthday is in Sept. We call her the baby of the bunch!!! We had a great time. I went by my old workplace today to see my friend Wendy. She is still working there. Had a great time visiting with her. She is going to start meeting us for lunch once a month. I need to get out more. We gossip of course... Found out all kinds of stuff about our old school buddies. We also cry .. Tammy lives in Tuscaloosa, she lost 1/2 her house.. Sorry we laughed, how do you lose 1/2 a house?.. lol It is a total lose! Her husband's truck is totaled. It had a big tree on the back of it.. She showed us a picture, they had to cut the limbs so the insurance could see the damage.While it sat there with a tree down on the bed on the truck, husband says he wants her to list it on Craig's List as Good Truck Loaded With Firewood... They both have a great sense of humor. She said all that matters is that her family is still alive. We completely understand. They had another house, so they are doing ok. That was my fun filled day. Back at home and ready to clean.... NOT.... Till later.......

UPDATE - 4:58 Pm - Check back with me tomorrow!! I will post about my Birthday Giveaway and how to enter!!!!