My little silk order from Vikki Clayton arrived and now I’m kicking myself for not ordering Be-Bopped earlier. It’s a really gorgeous shade of pink (from the woman who doesn’t really like pink). But the rumor is, there will be another Be-special price offer in the future, as Vikki continues to develop this line. The other bundle of silks is for Tulips for My Love by Examplars from the Heart – a little something I’ve meant to stitch for about 3 years now. LOL. I also ordered a nifty book over antique samplers from eBay. There are 30 reproduction charts, but the truth is, they are not always very easy to read and there are several that one simply wonders why anyone bothered to reproduce them at all. But there are a few that I love, and they make the purchase price worth it.
The kids are doing so well with their reading. For those who’ve asked, the kids are raised bilingually, but we haven’t taught them to read or write English (they simply speak and understand it). Kids here are taught English at school around the age of 11, depending on the school system and other factors. Max repeated a grade, so he won’t officially begin English lessons until after the summer holiday. This will hopefully give him a leg up. Anyway, as fun is also an important part of the learning process, we’ve also been engaging in that. Yesterday’s trip downtown saw us all coming home with felt, and as it was “C” day, Rowen asked me to make her a cow. Here’s her drawing and the actual felt cow. Her drawing is cuter, but the final product was limited by my skills (or lack thereof).
Unfortunately, Arden’s come down with an ear and nose infection this week and is a sick, unhappy little fella. I took him to the doctor this morning and we have some drops and sprays that will hopefully have him feeling much better by the end of the weekend.
While the kids are quietly playing, the dogs demonstrate why these are called ‘the dog days of summer’. Rough ol’ life, isn’t it? 
Seems like the cyberworld is just jumping with fabulous giveaways this summer, doesn’t it? The latest that I simply had to put my name down for can be found at this new-to-me blog (now part of my bloglines, though!). Go check it out! 
And on Sunday, don’t forget to head over to Paulette’s blog to sign up for her amazing give away of five (gasp!) of her designs, winner’s choice of which charts! I’ve put it in my Outlook reminder!
Annemarie said
Poor little fellow. Mine has finally recovered and I’m on the mend too. Phew, those infections are beastly, especially in this weather!
I see you’ve received some lovely goodies from VC as well. Enjoy them!
Rowen’s cow is indeed wonderfully cute, but I think your work is really quite decent too
KarenV said
Ha! I told you BeBopped is pretty!
I’m having a lot of fun stitching with the Bes at the minute 
Poor Arden – I hope he’s feeling better soon. It’s miserable being ill in the summer.
Nancy said
I hope Arden feels better soon!
The silks are gorgeous, and I’m going to keep my eye out for the next special. I think both cows are very cute! Wonderful that your kids are being raised bi-lingual. The more knowledge the more well rounded.
Annie said
Be-bopped is my favorite color. I wonder why?
Hope Arden recovers quickly. They sure look cute when sleeping, don’t they?
Alice said
I have had the book “Historic Samplers” for a long time but have never done anything more than look at the pictures. You’re right about some of the samplers, they would be very difficult to do.
Your puppas look so relaxed!
Von said
Arden looks like a sweet angel, so chubby and kissable! Hope he’s feeling better real soon. Hugs!
Heidi said
Yummy colors!!! Hope Arden is well again soon. I am taking a leaf out of your dogs book…lol.
Hug en groetjes ~
Heidi
Melissa said
Oh I do love those HDF silks – the colours are fantastic!
I hope little Arden feels better soon. In the photo I didn’t recognize him as his hair looked brown then I realized it’s just the photo effect. Have fun with your projects.
Sharon said
Aww, I hope Arden feels better soon! Great stash-I love those VC silks too-but you are always able to combine them in such great combinations when you stitch!
Nic said
I hope Arden feels better soon…
I have that book, and feel the same. I’m thinking of stitching a few, but adapting them – there’s no way I’m deliberately making ‘mistakes’ or making holes in my fabric …
Maria S. said
I have that sampler book too Barbara. It’s a good one but not a great one. I always felt the kids got sick so they could reach another stage in their development. Ask me about how my oldest became “a flour child”.
anneke said
Love the cows;
but poor Arden, I hope he’s doing better by now. Such things can be so painful.
Have a nice weekend together and fingers crossed for the give aways
doris said
Poor Arden! Hope he’s on the mend quickly. I really wanna pinch his cheeks … gently, of course.
Love, love those new silks. I’ve never ordered from VC (I know, it’s shocking!), and I keep seeing wonderful colors on blogs.
Cheryl said
Poor Arden! I hope he feels better soon
Margaret said
Your new silks are gorgeous Barbara. Bet you can hardly wait to work with them.
Poor Arden – this is not the time of year you want to be sick. We need every ray of sunshine we can get to boost our vitamins for the winter. Hope he feels better soon.
You and the kids must be thoroughly enjoying ‘English Summer School’. Will you continue with the alphabet on vacation?
When are you leaving? Sure hope to see you at Annemarie’s before you leave.
Coral said
Poor Arden, he looks so hot!
I hope he is feeling better already, they do recover so fast when they are small don’t they?
Love that cow of Rowen’s!
Sue said
Wow, the silks are gorgeous. So sorry to hear Arden’s not well. Hope it gets cleared up quickly and he’s feeling all better soon.
Siobhan said
Great new stash!! I’m way behind in my blog reading so I hope this comment finds Arden feeling much better. Poor little guy!
Dona said
Beautiful silks! And your ebay purchase will be fun to browse.
I love Rowen’s cow! Very cute. And Arden looks like and angel sleeping. Hope he feels better soon!
Patti said
My dumb blogroll got it wrong again and has you updating your blog 2 hours ago. Never mind but I do hope that Arden is feeling heaps better now. Lobe your cow! Love Patti xxx
Kim B. said
Sweet little Arden. Poor thing.