round and round and faster it goes

I did not fall off the planet – it’s been a bit busy, with Niek not home as often as usual, and to “save” time, I’ve been totally offline for a couple of days. Hopefully, our normal programming will now resume.

There is so much to tell and share that I’ll need at least two posts cover it all (and avoid writing an entry roughly the length of War and Peace). Today I’ll share some stitching and a wonderful gift box from Tanya.

My partner, Wendy Jo, received her squares for the Independence Day exchange at Fair and Square and thank heavens, she liked them. I couldn’t find exactly what I wanted to stitch – I wanted a subject that made me feel very patriotic, but that was neither too primitive nor too fussy. I’m one of those people whose hair stands up whenever I hear The Star Spangled Banner – it makes me feel intensely American – and being from the New England region, I have a special fondness for the Liberty Bell. So here is my square, using a freebie from Erica Michaels and some text from The Star Spangled Banner. I was quite pleased with the result.

I’ve also been working on Thine Forever, but the Monday deadline that I set for myself has passed. I didn’t stitch over the weekend, being quite tied up with the kids, and had no opportunity on Monday, either. I got the turbo needles out yesterday and nearly finished it – I would have, except I didn’t know the maiden name of the bride-to-be so I couldn’t stitch her initials (which meant I couldn’t keep the rest of the text centered till I could figure out the count for that line). I’ll finish it today and take to to the framer tomorrow – that should still be sufficient time to have it ready for the wedding. Sorry for the wonky colors – it’s a very gray day here and my camera is being temperamental.

And now onto the really fun stuff – a box of goodies for Arden! Tanya had apologized for being “late” in sending a gift to Arden – which of course is completely silly of her, as gifts are neither required nor expected, and therefore cannot be late. Yesterday, the mailman brought two packets, one of which was from Tanya, and Max and I had a lot of fun opening it after we put the wee beasties to bed. Arden quickly chose his favorite item from the gifts – a ring with beads inside that make a lovely noise when shaken. Just look at that happy face!

But you really should’ve seen my face when Max and I had unpacked everything! Tanya, you are too generous! Arden now has a wonderful selection of clothing from sizes that fit now, up to 18 months. Thank you!

This morning I had fun dressing him in his little Osh Kosh overalls (I attempted to wear nothing but Osh Kosh overalls when I was a kid – I even had a little denim cap to match). Here he is, right after his breakfast bottle, full of smiles.

And for tomorrow, pictures of our weekend! The younger three kids and myself enjoyed the Goudse Hofstedendagen here in our neighborhood while Max and Niek indulged in some sailing up in Friesland. Stay tuned!

And a contest!

There’s still time to head over to Stitch Pink and enter your name for the drawing of a beautiful M Designs Survivor Tree ornament!