mylene's blog

Wishing you all a Merry Christmas...

2011-12-10T14:09:00.000-08:00

...and a Happy New Year!!!

We are leaving early tomorrow for Asia, so we'll be spending the holidays with my family and friends at home!!
Kind of hectic lately, glad hubby was able to get home the other night after 8 weeks away from home. So sorry wasn't able to visit blogs and wouldn't be till we get back the first week of January.

These finishes were completed a long time ago, heard most were received except one. Actually, i had planned on making more for friends but haven't had much spare time lately, hope next year for the others. I do feel guilty....

Taken yesterday afternoon with some of Chris friends who came earlier for his b-day party.

Hope my new plants will stay good while we are away...

Went out to dinner last week with the kids.

Thank you all for visiting and the kind comments!!

couple of ornaments...

2011-11-21T12:45:00.000-08:00

hanging ornaments
Design by: Sandra Longan Miller of Log Cabin Needlework's.
stitched on 32ct. linen
DMC threads

((you can click on all pics to enlarge))
One of our friends turned 50 "Sarah" last weekend so off we went to place the doll at midnight(friday)...

...celebrated it the next day with a singer so lots of dancing...

Saturday afternoon..just a get-together, a family came from the mainland and staying with friends for the weekend.

Sunday afternoon, at another venue here on the island...

...so it was a busy busy weekend, from one party to another but LOADS of fun!!!

Many many thanks to all who took the time to leave a message on my last post. Your kind words meant so much.

2011-11-09T01:05:00.000-08:00

Rest In Peace Apo Joaquin.....
'Apo' means Grandpa...

The season's SAL..."Autumn"

2011-11-01T13:25:00.000-07:00

WOW! I can't believe i haven't posted at all for the month of October! The past months actually has flown by so quickly. Since i started working last May, it has been crazy busy at work as well as at home caring for the kids and house, that no energies left for hobby! First time in years that i haven't join any exchanges which i am glad i didn't sign to any at all, only the prizes for the monthly ornament SAL on one of the yahoo group...which i am way behind!

First time in months that i got a day-off on a monday, yesterday...so i took the chance of finishing the Autumn season SAL. I've manage to stitched bit by bit during my off days and when hubby was here a few weeks ago. He's away for 8 weeks this time, really long but hope he'll have a longer off too when he comes home.

Hope the receiver of the flatfold will like it. I am not really satisfied with the ribbon but couldn't find a better one...

Thanks to all who visited especially to all who had took the time to leave me a comment. I really really appreciate it.

The season's SAL..."Summer"

2011-09-21T10:13:00.000-07:00

First of all, a huge thank you to each and everyone of you for all the lovely comments on our anniversary. I really appreciate them all!!

Actually, these both pieces of the SAL was stitched a long time or just after i received my copy from Carole last May but i've waited till i've completed the flatfold one which i've finally made this morning. It's been on my mind lately as i know Carole will send the next season this week. Just received it this afternoon, Thanks so much Carole!! The flatfold finish will be flying off to a friend later this week, do hope she'll like it.

No new finishes or stitching to share but i am working on it though not as fast as i've wanted. Our daughter celebrate her 16th birthday with her friends here this coming friday evening and she's expecting about 25 young girls and boys. So quite busy with preparations of what they needed, tomorrow after work for a couple of tarts and the next day for some small snacks and then me and hubby will be off for the evening or atleast partly and be back around 11pm. Hopefully, they'll take care of the place or themselves not to get tooooo drunk. We had bought quite some heavy drinks/alcohol which they've asked for and we will be calling a few parents tonight if their children are allowed for the said alcohol.

I hope everyone's having a good week!!

Happy 17th Anniversary to us!!

2011-09-16T14:35:00.000-07:00

Found this 'gorgeous' bouquet of flowers in our bedroom late this afternoon when i came home from work. Thank so much, lief!!
Was allowed to get off work earlier to go out for dinner, just the two of us and had a lovely time together!!

Many many THANKS to all who stopped by and all the kind comments on my latest post. I really appreciate it so much. Have a GOOD weekend to all!!!

Greetings from Texel!!!!

2011-09-14T13:58:00.000-07:00

Hello!!!! It's been a while since my last post... i really apologize for not visiting blogs and being behind answering mails. I've been very, very busy working so i haven't touch a needle for the last months. Last night, was able to pick up a small design and thought to look up a few pics i've completed last June to share.

Prairie Schooler ornament
32ct linen
DMC threads

Scissor fobs
from the Cross Stitcher(U.K), january 2011
Designed by: Lesley Teare
32ct linen
DMC thread 115

This is the design i started last night, printed a while back and forgot to write down who's freebie is this? Anyone know??

The living room getting filled in...the dresser for the tv, but mainly for the front living room with the arm chairs and tables.

Since working long hours, i haven't had much time for the garden, also we haven't had a good summer this year. Very windy, wet...on and off so my plants are quite a mess. Took a couple of pics this afternoon in between periods of rain.

Do hope everyone's having a good week. Things are doing well here, my two off days over and back to work for the coming days....

PS ornaments!!

2011-06-30T13:44:00.000-07:00

Finally completed these ornaments! Actually stitched a while back but haven't had the mood for finishing 'till i realized yesterday that it's the end of the month again and i am way behind sending the promised prizes!!

Prairie Schooler Design
..both freebies
32ct linen & 28ct evenweave
DMC threads

The 'Summer' part of Carole's SAL...

...a bit more progress on the Tulip design.

I sure miss my stitching but been pretty tired lately, working long hours these days...so i prefer reading than crafting especially in the evening.

I noticed these flowers a couple of days ago behind our fence, i don't know how they got to grow there as before were small tress we've removed end of last year as we planned to built a barn here one day. I did saw these flowers before but i cannot figure it out how they called. Anyone knows???

Thank you all so much for your continued visits on my blog especially to those who takes the time to leave me a comment. I truly appreciate them all.

scissor fobs, WIP's, plants/flowers...

2011-06-12T13:21:00.000-07:00

Fobs that were sent out since March till June. I ran out of the light cream ribbon and couldn't get the same at the shop where i bought it last year, i think the red one does fits too.

Here's my progress on the Jane Austen Sampler...

...and started a new project, though this is the second time i am stitching these serie, ordered by one of my cousin's.

Wonderful surprises from the mail lately. Thanks so much Nia!! It smells lovely!!

Lovely fabrics, threads and charts...Thanks so much, Nita.

Been to a Garden Center with a friend last wednesday, she had booked us a worksop for an hour but our main purpose was to buy some pots and plants.

Above pic where the plants i've bought for outside and inside and a big pot also for indoor.

Was able to arrange the plants for inside and for ones outside...still have to do,
been working long hours since thursday and though off day today we were out to a birthday party and visiting family.

Hubby is home and be staying for 3 weeks and he'll be off following a course for a week. The same place as last february if it's not of my work i can go with him but summer vacation started so it's gonna busy here on the island!

Thank you all so much for your continued visits on my blog especially to those who takes the time to leave me a comment. I truly appreciate them all!!!

Mattress pincushion!

2011-06-01T13:00:00.000-07:00

Mattress Pincushion
Prairie Schooler Book No. 144
32ct linen
DMC threads
This was actually completed the beginning of May...recently, i am more into reading than stitching. Reading keeps my mind from thinking of my love ones who are far away, hubby now 5 weeks away..expected to be home end of next week. My constant worries about my parents...and quite busy here too with work and voluntary work for the children at school and other activities. Honestly, can't wait for summer vacation, still a couple of months away!

..cut some peonies from my garden and brought inside!

A few potted plants outdoor, would like to buy a few more but i am not sure what kind, perhaps next week as a friend had booked us a day joining a workshop which is in one of the garden center at the mainland. Just got a text message from her so i am not sure yet of the details.

Near summer vacation the kids have ussually a few different outdoor activities...school football was the first which they had to play against different school here on the island. Chris group won after 5 different games! I wasn't able to watch all the games as i had to work a couple of hours at the canteen, somebody had too(all voluntary works are quite a lot here...which is sometimes very frustrating especially now that i am back to work. Quite lots of parents are working so you really notice almost the same parents who are present when help needed! These are not common from where i came from...i wonder how is it in other countries....about voluntary works at elementary schools!!

Many thanks to all who stopped by and all the kind comments, they are very much appreciated. I know i am behind reading/visiting blogs...i am sorry, do hope to catch up soon.

The season's SAL...

2011-05-17T10:38:00.000-07:00

...stitched two, which i finished one into a flatfold and the other will be all seasons in ONE piece. This flatfold one will be a gift for a friend. (( you can click on all pics to enlarge))

A huge package arrived last week all the way from Canada....

...see all the goodies! Infact the back fabric of the flatfold is from this package. I LOVE everything!! Thank you so much, Suzanne for your generosity!

Last friday, our new neighbour had a couple of friends visiting from the mainland, and the man works on guitars, they know Chris have guitar lessons so they asked Chris to try and play with him, so he took the instruments out to the front...

As Gillie mentioned before..it wouldn't be a post if it didn't have flowers somewhere in it....so while i still have some blooming flowers around to show, these are from my garden which i've taken last week while it was sunny. Some spots needed more plants but haven't had time to go and buy some. Forgot the flower pots though. Today is so dark and very windy so hopefully this weekend we will have a better weather. We sure glad of the rain but cold winds came along with it so temperature dropped down.

Thank you all so much for your lovely comments over the Tulip fields. It's just a pity season's over, just too short actually. Oh well, something to look forward too again next Spring!

I hope everyone's having a good week!!

ornament, new WIP's & Tulip fields!

2011-05-06T14:34:00.001-07:00

Ornament SAL for March and only completed it recently while we are now into May...stitching is quite slow for me these days, especially now that i finally landed a new part-time job, a couple of days a week for a start...
(all pics can be enlarge)

Noel ornament
Gazette 94 freebie
32ct. linen
DMC thread

Started this sampler a couple of days ago, before i went for a job interview...I've been in love with this Sampler Girl for a long time and i am so grateful, Lesleyanne kindly lent me the pattern.

...and saw a new SAL at Carole's after the Easter SAL and wanted to stitch it too, glad we have a few weeks before the next block so i have to start that too...
plus a couple of small birthday gifts this month which i am afraid will reach the celebrants way after their birthday as i haven't completed them yet!!

These pictures were taken a couple of weeks ago, Easter sunday actually when we went for Chris football tournament at the mainland. Saw lots and lots of Tulips fields along the way, North Holland are known for their Tulips fields!!

I really appreciate everyone's comment, thank you all so much. I might be late visiting blogs so please do forgive me. Have a wonderful weekend and Happy Mother's Day weekend too!!

pincushion, LK & 'meierblis'....

2011-05-01T14:51:00.000-07:00

I feel like i haven't stitch for a long time, actually about 4-5 weeks when hubby was home. He went back to sea, to Scotland a few days ago and be back after 5-6 weeks.
This pincushion was stitched sometime last March and now finally arrived to the new owner so i can show a pic. It is a freebie from "Gazette94".

Joined a LK SAL which we are going to stitched one every month, this was for the month of April. Managed to stitched it in 3 days, not really on time as i had done the last stitches today. I don't know yet how to finish it of, thought into another flatfold but it is quite big.

Was Queen's Day yesterday! Viewed most of the happenings on TV, i mean where the Royalties were, it was in Weert-southern part of Holland.
There were lots of activities in every village here but i wasn't in the mood to join all the crowd, just too busy...been only here in our village but wasn't much, mainly for small children.
In the evening i had to join the rest to the 'bonfire' which was outside our village as Chris really wanted to go, can't leave him alone out there.

A 'Meierblis' is a bonfire, is lit on April 30 on the island. Incidentally, this fire has nothing to do with the Queen's Day that celebrated on the same date, the 'meierblissen' are infact part of a much older tradition. Meierblissen are great fires of waste and wood waste, these fires are lit at the beginning of the night . Some roast their potatoes in this fire. Also, become more popular use to blacken the faces with the ashes. According to folklore experts meierblis is a remnant of a Germanicpractice of firing the spirits of winter to dissipate. (source.. Wikipedia)

Thank you all for visiting and all the lovely comments. I really appreciate them all. Weekend is over... and the kids have Spring break. Chris have a friend staying over for the night, hope they will sleep in...

"Keukenhof" the garden park of Holland!!

2011-04-24T15:06:00.000-07:00

Been there with friends last week. My first visit was 1994 and this was my second one and sure see some new changes. I cannot remember seeing so many different "orchids" then. ((you can click on all pictures to enlarge!))

I hope you all enjoy viewing the pics. I had to make a collage of them otherwise it just too many. I will post them separately on my FB account soon.

Thank you all so much for your continued visits on my blog especially to those who takes the time to leave me a comment. I truly appreciate them all. Have a lovely week to all!!

Wishing everyone a "Happy Easter"!!

2011-04-23T14:13:00.000-07:00

Such a lovely surprise came in this week from Annette. A very cute cute crocheted piece!!
Thank you so much, Annette. You are very creative and i feel so honored to receive one of your creations.

A coincidence actually that one of my spring finishes was on the way to her too.

So glad to hear it has arrived safely and that she loves it. It was a freebie from:
mausimoms freebies. Isn't this a cute one and love the backing fabric too...went to the shop where i bought it last year for more but they don't have it anymore.

It's been lovely weather over here, more like summer than spring so we've been for walks almost every evening with dh...i sure gonna miss it as he is leaving next week to Ireland.

Thought to show a pic of a few snacks i made for sister-in-law's birthday last week. Prepared these too for hubby's b-day but just haven't had the time to take pictures. Placed it unto tupperwares so SIL can arrange it the way she wanted.

...flower pics will be next....a happy and blessed easter to all!!

The "Easter SAL" into a flatfold!!

2011-04-21T12:38:00.000-07:00

I sure love how this turned out, though it took me a couple of days to really decide with the backing fabric as i had in mind to use some kind of green but i don't have the appropriate color green that was used with the stitching so i opted out with this pink one.

Many many thanks to Carole for sharing this lovely design. I really enjoyed stitching and making different finishes with some of the designs from it.

I hope everyone's having a lovely week and enjoying the spring sunshine. Thank you all for visiting and all the kind comments.

...a few more pics of hubby's b-day!

2011-04-18T14:04:00.001-07:00

It sure was a lovely SPRING day! ((all pics can be enlarge))

Asked Grace to take a couple of pics while we were preparing one of the last salad..sorry about the mess...and then friends from the mainland came in. From then on i forgot to take pics of the 'buffet' we prepared and all the tarts/cakes i've made.

Tried to take pics here and there, this from the living room...

...this from the kitchen, i think more people standing in the kitchen than in the living room. The couple of friends who came from the mainland were the one helping me for the buffet and we had to work in between the people around the kitchen.

One of the main food available were fried fish, which were prepared outside. We were very grateful to one of our friends who provided the fish and borther-in-law with the huge fishpan as well as doing the works(frying...)

After the meal, a couple of friends did an 'act'....

It was busy but FUN!! There were 38 adults and 10 children that day and we were very lucky the weather was lovely so the children were able to go and play outside. Adults had been on and off outside too especially those who were smoking. It was after 3am when the last guest left.....

Hubby was spoiled with gifts, here's just a few...and lots of different bottles of liqour, coupons and cash!

...and i received these lovely flowers!!!

A HAPPY WEEK to all!! Thank you all so much for visiting and all the lovely comments. I really appreciate them all.

Easter SAL & mattress pincushion

2011-04-16T06:51:00.000-07:00

The 7th part of the easter SAL made it into a mattress pincushion, completed it just in time for the last part which we had received yesterday. I really enjoyed stitching this design and kind of sorry it is over but hopefully not the last.

Many many THANKS for all the birthday greetings for hubby's birthday. It was a great success! I will show some pics later as i haven't sorted them all out yet. TOO busy here...socially, i'm not much home the last days. Have lots to show as i went to "Keukenhof" flower park yesterday with friends. This weekend...more activities to go too so hopefully next week will be back to normal schedule...i hope!!!

Everyone a "Happy weekend"!!!

Happy Birthday dear "Abraham"!!((hubby))

2011-04-08T16:29:00.001-07:00

A quick post before going in as it is 1:33am, friends just left and see what they had placed on the front door!

...when i let one of the couple out i've seen another 'doll' place by hubby's brother and sisters.

Will show more pics from daylight later.
Been the whole day in the kitchen, forgot to take some pics of what i've made but this is the reason why it is quite busy here...

A happy weekend to all!!

Flatfold, easter SAL a few flower pics.

2011-04-07T14:22:00.000-07:00

Actually stitched this before the end of March and completed it into a flatfold the very last day of March! The finishing always gives me problem as sometimes can't decide which kind or i don't have the needed materials for it. Well, this is done and i Love it!!

Here is a current pic of the Easter SAL with a bookmark finishing!! Just bought that book last week when i couldn't find any english ones that i wanted to read at the library..they haven't taken any new ones yet. I think they take in a few every 3 months and sometimes not my favorite.. I do read some books in dutch, have too but i still miss english ones and do them alternately!!

Lots of Daffodils along the roads these days, crocuses are gone!! Took these while hubby was driving last sunday when we went to one of his nephew.

Saw many fields of Daffodils along the road when we were on the way back from Amsterdam last tuesday. If we weren't rushing to catch the ferry going home we could have drove over nearby one of the field for pictures but Chris was waiting to take him for his guitar lesson.

Just took a pic today of some flowers here inside...

Honestly, i haven't touch the needle this week...too busy. I am sorry i haven't been visiting blogs or groups too, just don't have time lately.

Many many THANKS to all who stopped by and all the kind comments. I really appreciate it so much. I hope you are all having a good week.

fobs & Easter SAL

2011-03-30T12:45:00.000-07:00

I love stitching these alphabets and finish them off into fobs, aren't they cute!!!!
These was for the March birthdays at ESC yahoo group. Glad they were all arrived safely and in time for the birthday celebrants.

Scissor fobs
from the Cross Stitcher(U.K), january 2011
Designed by: Lesley Teare
32ct linen
DMC thread 115

Stitched part 5 last friday and made another fob/ornament out of the tiny design.

I so love the first part too so i made another one, actually two as you can see on the picture. One will be send out to another blogfriend and the other i'll keep it for myself.

Took these pics from my garden earlier this week. Quite some crocuses here and there. The garden needs some cleaning and new plants which i had intended to do this afternoon but the sun didn't show up, it had rained instead. So it was pretty cold oustside today!

Quite happy this morning as the 'mortgage' thing had some good news after 7 months. We sure need more things to follow up but atleast the big amount were all taken care off. WHEW!!! Really did a couple of happy dance around the empty living room or more like Zumba dance!!

As always, i really appreciate your visits on my blog and THANKS so much for taking the time to leave me a comment. A happy week to all!!

spring pincushion exchange and the easter winner...

2011-03-29T10:59:00.000-07:00

The first exchange i joined in this year, one of the yahoo groups...Friendly Stitchers and it's a 'Spring exchange' finished into a pincushion. Both were received so i can show a pics. Here is what i made for my partner, Niina(no blog). I forgot to take a pic with the threads i included as this exchange we are asked to enclose threads which cost about 5 pounds.

Spring pincushion
Prairie Schooler design
32ct linen
DMC threads & beads

Here is the pincushion i received from my partner. Such a cute spring design. Thanks so much Niina.

I should have picked the winner last friday but hubby just got home i haven't had much time for hobbies as well as coming online. Since he has only a couple of days here at home and then left last sunday to the other island for a week following a course.
Some unexpected papers to arrange yesterday with regards to the mortgage which we had thought it was all done with...ah, seems like unending headaches....Hoping for a good news later this week!

Anyway, the winner picked by Chris this afternoon is....Suzanne from Australia. Congrats and please let me know your address and will send it right away. Thank you all for visiting and to those entered the giveaway, i wish i could give a prize to all...

I hope everyone's having a lovely week and enjoying the spring sunshine.

The Easter SAL & "playbackshow" pics of Chris.

2011-03-23T15:17:00.000-07:00

Completed part 4 last saturday plus another scissorfob with the same design.((click on the pics to enlarge)).

Chris and his friends joined the "playbackshow" here at the village which was held earlier this month. They did a song from one of the groups here locally which was about "teenagers". They had their own interpretation of the song or how do you call it "dance moves" and did it very well. They won the "originaliteit's prize", just as last year! The same group of friends and same prize. Quite a lot of children, 15 in all in their categorie so we didn't expect they will have a prize.
Picture below was when they were practising here in the living room.

Pictures taken during the show doesn't look that good. I don't know if it is of my camera or th background.

Finally, hubby is coming home tomorrow after six weeks away this time. He just arrived in Aberdeen today! He has to bring the new ship from Italy to Aberdeen and i think it took them 12 days. I am really glad they arrived safely and will be home soon.
He will be home a couple of days and off again, to the next island as he has to follow a course for a week over there. Not happy, he has to leave again but it is needed for his job.

Thank you all for visiting and all the lovely comments. I really appreciate them all. I might not be around much these few days but hope to catch up next week.

Amaryllis, Tulips & an ornament!

2011-03-21T14:16:00.000-07:00

Isn't this a beauty!! I bought a couple of stem last week, exactly a week now and they are looking beautiful!! Took these pics last friday but they still looks the same till now, do hope they stay a bit longer...
Thought to show some flower pics from inside as it was misty and cold outside today. Not spring-like at all!! ((click on pics to enlarge))

I am very disappointed today as i thought the weatherman said last night it will be sunny today just like the last two days, but the sun didn't show up here on the island, isntead it was misty all day. I had planned to drive around for some spring pics...should have done it yesterday, oh well maybe later this week.

An ornament completed a while back but always forgot to show a pic, it is on the way to the new owner. I hope Karen will like it.

I hope everyone is having a good start of the week. Thank you so much for stopping by and all the lovely comments. I really appreciate them so much.

crocuses!!

2011-03-20T03:45:00.000-07:00

Just wanted to show a couple of pics i took yesterday. It was a beautiful sunny day so the crocuses have opened! Aren't they gorgeous!!
((you can click on the pics to enlarge))

You can see lots of these along the roads too, was just too busy where i drove to bring Grace to one of her friends to stop to take pictures. So turned on to not a busy one but wasn't too many...

I hope you are all having a lovely sunday!

Easter SAL & looks like Spring is on it's way...

2011-03-14T14:41:00.000-07:00

Received the third part of the Easter SAL from Carole last weekend and started it right away...can you see my mojo is back. In between baking, promised to make appeltart for MIL's birthday last sunday and going out for a walk...while Chris on the mainland for his football match and Grace doing her homework....this is quite a pretty quick stitch. ((all pics can be enlarge))

Such a cute design that i started another one and finished off as an ornament or can be use as a scissor fob.

Thanks so much Carole for sharing your design. I am really enjoying stitching each part and looking forward for the next...

I haven't had my camera with me when i saw these, about 45 minutes walk from our house, so went home and took the car since i had to pick up Chris anyway and i can stopped at the place and took some pictures. Aren't they lovely!!!

After picking up Chris we pass by through the woods, (another area where the snowdrops are), were the crocuses are from my previous post.

Young lamb with mother enjoying the sunshine!!

I hope everyone is having a good week. Thank you so much for stopping by and all the lovely comments. I really appreciate them so much.

A beautiful surprise!!!

2011-03-12T15:25:00.000-08:00

When i saw the package delivered and no return address though i know it is locally, i was quite nervous thinking had i forgotten an exchange from the dutch group to do and send out...When the package finally opened and saw the cute cute design which i had admired earlier at Annette's, blog and read the card....tears started streaming down my face. Knowing she is thinking of me and sending these beautifully finished ornament. Thank you, thank you so much, Annette. ((pics can all be enlarge))

"opkikkertje" means 'to cheer you up' in Holland. ussually people send cards with frogs on it when people need a little bit of cheering up.

Completed the seccond part of the sal Pasen 2011, also the third part but will post a pic another day.

I went to the hobby shop this week intending to buy a skein of floss DMC 420 so i can contineu working on this LHN piece but i was surprise when i saw the prize that it increase, i mean 1 floss which was 1.30 euro(1.81 U.S dollar) a piece last year, now is 1.35 euro(1.87 U.S dollar)...that was tooo much so i didn't buy any. Thought, i have other projects to work on....

An ornament completed last month. For this very small one, it took me almost a month to finish it off...haven't had the mood for stitching...

It's been sunny this week here, so i went off for a walk with my camera.
With the spring sunshine, the lambs are out...though i see these are a bit older now, saw a few this afternoon that were really young but haven't had the camera with me.

Beautiful crocuses too!!! Took these pics at the small forest nearby here.

The mortgage thing was finally signed this week. It is all in working now and hopefully everything will be covered and finalize next week. A couple of weeks more then hubby will be home...really a long period that he is away this time, six weeks!!

Thank you all so much for stopping by and all your lovely comments. I really really appreciate them all.
I hope you are all having a wonderful weekend!!

...mojo's back with a giveaway!

2011-03-03T02:41:00.000-08:00

Oh yes!! Stitching mojo is back especially when i've seen this ongoing SAL through Shari's blog earlier this week. Isn't it a cutie!! So, i thought of making one into a pincushion and offer it as a giveaway to all of you my loyal followers. I am so grateful of all your visits and leaving me comments, really appreciate them all and it does help me to get on here....

((all pics can be enlarge)). Please note in your comment if you want to be included and leave an e-mail address especially to those who doesn't have a blog. This will close on March 25, so there's plenty of time to send out before Easter.

About the mortgage is still not finalize..unbelievable!! But we are glad the insurance co. who is proccessing the papers had almost covered all the cost we had, atleast he has trust in us.
So, as you can see it is a bit empty....The walls are all white, nothing hang yet..it seems i prefer it this way...i am not sure if i will hang any stithcing, maybe if we have more furnitures later. We would like some new ones but have to wait....

The added room is full of boxes yet...have to wait if we can build a new barn besides the garage, also need a big cabinet in the kitchen...

...bought some tulips almost every week, from one along the road going to town-it is cheaper, but this is not for long!

Some more pics from my visit home. My parents had given us a small space so we decided to build a simple house, which is on top of a hill! I miss the place and my family & friends. If only we can afford to go home every now and then.....

One of my Sis-in-law have lots of flowers! Don't know how she does it as she works six days a week. I think i'll ask her to bring some in our house...

I hope everyone's having a good week. Atleast here is dry after days of fog and rain...hope the sun appears soon, still windy though so it feels so cold outside!

...i just can't seem to find my stitching mojo!

2011-02-20T12:38:00.000-08:00

But found this pinkeep on my photo's from last december which i haven't shared it yet.

Christmas Greetings pinkeep
Cross Stitch Crazy Magazine, issue Dec.2009
Designed by: Rhona Norrie
25ct evenweave
DMC Threads

Did tried to pick up a project and unfortunately don't have the needed-just one -thread to continue, it is the LHN "Home of a Needleworker" so i put it back into the box. Pick up one of the PS ornament designs but after 15 minutes...kind of bored and put it away again. Ussually, i can stitch for 2-3 hours in the evening.
I think too much going on here, hubby being away for six weeks, the mortgage we've been working for the renovation haven't yet finalize which is now more than six months and renovations were completed. The bank kept on sending new papers to follow up instead of giving it the very first time!! We were really, really disappointed with all these regarding this bank! Plus, my youngest who is 11 has been in a couple of problems at school and outside school activities. Honestly, just not in the mood for anything, even reading which i do love too before going to bed. I am on facebook sometimes when i get the chance to chat with my family back home and in other countries. Since we got back here, we only have one computer instead of four so we have to share these days and the kids are on Spring break now for a week.

Thanks everyone for stopping by and hope you are all having a good weekend.

...more gifts rec. last December.

2011-02-18T06:40:00.000-08:00

A few gifts received last december that i haven't had posted here yet. A huge THANK YOU to; Shari, Suzzane ,Lillie, Jacky, & Karen for all these lovely lovely gifts.

Thank you all so much for visiting my blog especially to those who takes the time to leave me a comment. I really appreciate them all.

flatfold, pinkeeps & other pics.

2011-02-12T05:47:00.000-08:00

The last couple of gifties of 2010! The flatfold arrived after 5 weeks to the U.S.A while the pinkeep a couple of weeks to Norway. So both were received way over christmas. ((pics can be enlarge))

A few asked about the LHN piece i stitched on my previous post so i thought to share a pic of the proverb series. I just don't know when they were published. Think a couple of years now or is it more...??? I love these designs and have a couple, hope to buy the others one day.

...a few pics during my visit home.

Thank you all so much for visiting my blog especially to those who takes the time to leave me a comment. I really appreciate them all.

I wish you all a Happy Weekend!!

A huge Thank you...

2011-02-07T12:58:00.000-08:00

...to all who stopped by and all the well wishes for my father. Called home yesterday and glad to hear a good news from Mom that father is doing better and working around the house which suppose to be NOT but he is one who cannot SIT all day! Here is a pic. of my parents i took just before i left. See how old he looks while he is only 66 years old. The little girl is the daugter of my youngest brother. Really hope father is on to recovery. I´ve taken lots of pics but not yet sorted out, will share some later. ((all pics can be enlarge))

The first weekend when i got back here has been off to a friend´s son birthday at the mainland. Back home with the last ferry in the evening...

...and the next day off to another friend´s birthday celebration but without the kids.
One of our friends turned 50..Abraham! The next in line is hubby this coming April!

From the birthday party, we went to another island-Terschelling for hubby as he has to follow a course. It is smaller than Texel and since it is winter..NO activities going on. I slept, read and did a bit of stitching.

Ive started this design during my flight to Hongkong and didn't touch it during my flight back. I had a terrible headache that time i slept for nearly the whole flight-10hours straight and had only waited for the left 2 hours before arriving in Amsterdam. I finished this design but haven't taken a pic of it yet, also completed a couple of small designs for gifts.

Back home thursday evening and then friday been busy preparing for next day's belated birthday celebration for me & our son Chris. Was able to prepared 4 meat dishes plus 3 different tart and then more the next morning before visitors came. Lots of snacks, too busy to think of taking pictures. These were snapshots of hubby whenever he get the chance as he was too busy serving drinks. friends had helped a lot too. Lots came as they were curious about the house and so glad we have enough space now as it is not a weather to go out! Too windy and COLD!!

I hope everyone had a good start of the week.

A short note....

2011-01-29T14:43:00.000-08:00

I'm back a couple of days ago but been sleeping a lot. Had a good visit at home and were able to see everyone. Had a few days with my sister before they went back to Canada. My father's health still not good despite the different test made at the hospital. Almost everything came out fine so it is still a wonder why he is getting very thin and weak. We do hope he will be fine.

We've been to a friend's birthday at the mainland today and tomorrow(sunday) we will be off to another birthday and then head off to one of the wadden island, Terschelling. Hubby has a course to follow over there for nearly a week, kids will be staying at one of their friends as they have to go to school.
Here at home, still boxes all around....

With stitching....i haven't done any for a long time!!!
These scissor fobs were finished last December and were received recently.

We will bring hubby's laptop so i hope we have internet at the hotel we are staying, i can try to catch up on blogs and groups.

A happy weekend to all!

This will be my view for....

2011-01-08T13:02:00.000-08:00

...this coming two weeks! I'm leaving Holland tomorrow afternoon and arriving in the Philippines mid-morning monday. For the first time travelling or going home alone. Hubby just arrived yesterday afternoon and be here for the kids. We've been for a visit a year ago and it is quite expensive for all of us to go again but due to my father's health i really want to go for a visit.

Also to meet my sister and her family who is visiting from Canada and whom i haven't seen for 5 years. They've been there since the beginning of December and i'll see them before they leave third week of January.

The move went well, still a lot in boxes and will remain till i get back the end of January. Still some works to be done here but we are really happy with how it all came out. Hubby fixed the internet connection last night but i've been out all day today so i wasn't able to catch up on blogs and groups. It will be in February when i can visit and do some stitching too. I had received some wonderful gifts recently and will share the pics when i get back. I better continue packing and see you all end of this month!

Thank you all so much for visiting my blog especially to those who takes the time to leave me a comment. I really appreciate them all.

I won't have a computer for a while...

2010-12-28T13:23:00.000-08:00

First off, THANK you all so much for all the Birthday wishes! AS i mentioned on my last post we haven't celebrated it, instead been too busy at the house. Hubby being away and the place where we are staying is quite small for having people around so we postponed it end of January.
This GORGEOUS bouquet of flowers was a big surprise though, hubby arrange it with Grace..Thanks so much, dear hubby!!

I really didn't expect anyone as i called all family and friends that it won't be celebrated that day but still a couple of devoted friends stopped by with these lovely, lovely flowers!!

A big big surprise from Julianne too that day is this beautiful ornament and when i got log on my pc that night the first message appeared was from Julianne with a Gift Certificate to order some stash, quite a huge amount-oh my i feel so lucky and spoiled!!So generous of you, Julianne ...Thank you so much!

Received this lovely ornament from Tiinna( no blog), Thank you so much.

So glad to hear this pinkeep arrived safely in Canada after a week while a couple of gifties to the U.S.A still haven't been received while it is nearly three weeks now. Just hope they will turn up eventually!

A couple of pics of last weeks works at the house. Painting still going on till today and probably tomorrow too.

I had started transferring some of our things today and more on tomorrow, might be everything too including the pc...then we won't have internet until hubby gets home the 7th of January!! Sure gonna miss it but i don't know how to connect it at the house.

Until then...HAPPY NEW YEAR to all and best wishes for 2011!!!

Holiday Greetings!!

2010-12-23T15:55:00.000-08:00

These are all the ornaments completed for the x'mas SAL ornaments 2010!!
All in the same kind of finishing. Still wondering what type of finishing
will i do next year......

I hope that each of you have a wonderful CHRISTMAS holiday!!

It's over midnight and DD came in from a party with her schoolmates and greeted me HAPPY BIRTHDAY...whew!!!can't believe i am a year older again today and a mum to a teenage girl who went partying with mum's high heels! Her excuse she haven't had time to go shopping and hadn't expected to go to this christmas party.
Nothing special today, infact i have to go and start cleaning at the house while the painters finishing their work in the living room. We will celebrate my birthday and Chris end of January, hopefully we are a bit settled then.

Thank you all again for visiting and leaving such nice comments. I really appreciate them all.

Christmas ornaments!!

2010-12-22T10:37:00.000-08:00

Finally completed the Dec. x'mas SAL ornament!!

Santa's and Snowmen ornament
Prairie Schooler design
32ct Zweigart Belfast Naturel linen
DMC threads

These are some ornaments completed a while back and now finally arrived to the new owners.

Frosty Fun ornament
Prairie Schooler design
JCS 2009
32ct evenweave
DMC thread

'December' needleroll
Birthstone & flower samplers
From a booklet of The World of Cross Stitching
(no designers was given)
Stitched on 28ct white evenweave
DMC threads

Christmas Eve Deer ornament
Prairie Schooler design
November 2009 TGOS
28ct Belfast linen
DMC threads

Merry Christmas ornament
Little House Needleworks design
32 count linen
DMC Threads

Hope you are all having a good week. Thank you all so much for visiting my blog especially to those who takes the time to leave me a comment. I really appreciate them all.

..i've been spoiled & more progress pics...

2010-12-20T08:09:00.001-08:00

Lovely surprises were delivered here latey.
Here's all the way from Poland! So pity the cookie ornament didn't reach here in whole so we had eaten it and hmmm it taste really good. The ornament is so neatly stitched and perfectly finished, you had done a great job, Anna.

Here is from Spain! Edit, your sewing is sooo neat and the color of the fabric fits perfectly with the design.

...and a lovely self-made card by Nia from Portugal.

Such GORGEOUS ornaments as well as all enclosed goodies. LOVE them all!! Thank you so much; Anna, Edit & Nia for thinking of me.

The house renovations are progressing well. Only, the underfloor heating will have to wait...after six weeks, before we can turn it ON! That is sometime in FEBRUARY.
We had expected the painters to start today but they didn't turned up. That's actually one of the last to be done inside and then when it dries up we can start returning the things. Hopefully, after Christmas. Where we are staying have underfloor heating system so we are glad we could stay here till the end of December.
((click on all pics. to enlarge))

I hope everyone is having good start to the week. Thanks so much for visiting and all the kind comments. I really appreciate them all.

....this & that.......

2010-12-15T04:36:00.000-08:00

First, i'd like to show these ornaments which one is left here for me and the other two were sent out. I love how they turned out. These were actually stitched up a few months ago and was able to complete them lately. The flat ornament still on the way to the new owner...

((click on pictures to enlarge))
The only exchange i signed in this Christmas and here is what i received from my partner. Love the sea shells design stitched unto the towel and look at all the cute goodies enclosed plus the stitched santa x'mas card-lovely finished! Thank you so much Wendy!!

Last weekend, we had 'Ouwe Sunderklaas'. This tradition is celebrated here on Texel every year on December 12. The children go out on the street in the afternoon, the adults at night, all dressed up and with masks to expose certain matters that have taken place on the island in a humorous way. For this, signs with text are used and voices are disguised to prevent recognition. Every villages have their own acts as it pertains ussually to what happened in that area. We stayed or Chris and i stayed here in our village while Grace went to a couple of other villages as she wants to see her friends for their acts. Hubby is away, in ITALY for his work.
These were some pictures i've taken... Chris played with a couple of his friends and won second place of group category.

These were the adults!

After this so-called 'speulen' (playing) the party is continued to the small hours in the pubs--the adults! The small kids ussually till around 10pm.

Progress is being made of the ongoing renovations....

Hubby's 8 weeks off was over, he left thursday last week, so he won't be able to see the upcoming progress. The kitchen was put back yesterday and tomorrow the workmen will start on the floor tiles and expected to be done by saturday.

Thank you all for stopping by and all the kind comments. I have't visited blogs lately, i am sorry...just that been quite hectisch lately. I hope everyone's having a goo week!!

"My Little Heart" SAL & more updates on the house!

2010-12-03T15:04:00.000-08:00

After dinner last night while both kids took turns on the computer i stitched on the december block. Finally this SAL is completed! Thanks so much Sylvia for your generosity in sharing this lovely design.

More pictures of the ongoing works at the house...((pictures can be click to enlarge))

Today, all workmen are free due to "Sinterklaas celebration" we decided to go to the city(Amsterdam) for some shopping but after half an hour driving after the ferry we decided to turn back as the roads weren't really safe, wasn't cleaned at all and we were driving very slowly. It will take us hours to arrive to the city and back.

I am feeling guilty here... although i bought a few boxes of Christmas cards a few weeks ago but haven't had the energy and time to write on and send them out. It is too late now to send out....i am so sorry NO cards this year!

As always, i really appreciate your visits on my blog and THANKS so much for taking the time to leave me a comment.
HAPPY WEEKEND TO AL!!!

...still CHAOS over here!!

2010-11-30T11:12:00.000-08:00

NO STITCHING update at all!! Too busy and too tired to sit and stitch. I had planned on making a couple of christmas ornaments to send out to friends before the end of November but it is now the last day of November and i haven't made any at all. Looks like not much stitchy gifts to send out this season.

Here's a few pictures of what's been done here the last two weeks. Pictures from yesterday haven't uploaded yet.

Hubby is nearly done with all the electricity wirings especially for the living room and the barn...the 'barn' acually will be turn into a guestroom.

The door from the living room to the kitchen.

The workmen are really working hard, even took overtime last night till around 10pm as they had to remove the kitchen, the wall connected to the playroom and the old cement floor as they had to place the new cement flooring early this afternoon. It was planned for thursday but because of the expected frost the next coming days the cement mixer wouldn't be able to come.

It means, i can't do baking anymore till the kitchen will be return, hopefully after two weeks if all goes well as planned with the works.

CHRIS 11th birthday tomorrow and he wants some sausages wrapped in puff pastry for treats at school so i asked one of my friends to use her oven for this. Chris is a bit disappointed that we aren't going to celebrate it as we are too busy and too small place for visitor's where we are staying so we promised to celebrate it end of January when we are settled back to our house and hubby is back from his work as he is due to leave sometime next week to Italy.

I hope everyone is keeping warm and having a good week.

...tiny finish, a b-day party & renovation pics.

2010-11-17T14:31:00.000-08:00

The only stitching i could share, finished the November block of Sylvia's SAL.

...another of our friends turn '50' next week but he will be leaving this week to Brazil for work so his wife and kids organise a surprise party for him last weekend. So friday midnight we went & installed the doll at their frontyard.

They had celebrated it at one of the pub with live music. We sure had fun, lots of dancing...

Here are some progress pictures of the ongoing works at home. These were of last week works on the house.

And as always tried to make something for the coffee break. Also, always made some extra for their lunch break like soup or snack. It is sooooo cold over here so they does need something warm to eat.

As always, many many thanks for stopping by and all the lovely comments. All are very much appreciated. I hope you are all having a good week.

LK stamp, the winners... & work continues...

2010-11-09T11:21:00.000-08:00

We don't have oven and washing machine here on the rented house so i went sunday evening to our house to make the apple cake and do the washing, while waiting for the cake i stitched on the LK December block and now the piece is done. Will have to wait for the buttons probably sometime next year, i am just glad it is done and can be store away.

I am so sorry this took me a while to pick the winners of last month blogoversarry. Finally here are the names: ,
Maggie, Cath, Nia, Sally Irene
Please do let me know your address info details and hope to send the ornaments beginning of next week. Thank you everyone for the blogoversary greetings!!

Work continues and here are some pictures taken from last week progress. Worked on the barn, filled in the footing with concrete as well as the flooring.

Last friday they started working on the timber wall frame inside for the living room.

Took a couple pics of some of the cakes i've made lately. Just simple ones as i am not good with decorating the cakes. Sometimes the whole cake is just enough for a day, as they have twice coffee break.

I hope you are all having a wonderful week. Many thanks for stopping by and all the kind comments.

Nov. x'mas SAL ornament & other pics.

2010-11-02T13:37:00.000-07:00

This was my first finish last January this year and just finished it off into an ornament last weekend. I haven't stitched for a while now but i have a couple of small stitched designs that needed finishing so i am working on them bit by bit in the evening if i am not that sleepy.

Frosty Fun ornament
Prairie Schooler design
JCS 2009
32ct linen naturel
DMC thread

Concrete floor were put in last week wednesday, thursday the workers went somewhere as the concrete have to get dry. Friday they are back and the living room is full in working again as you can see on the picture below.

Late friday afternoon hubby worked on the barn trying to get rid of the old concrete flooring but it is too hard so he gave up and asked for a crane to help with the job.

The crane was provided yesterday and as you can see the barn tottaly removed by the end of the day.

Hereś what was done today, started placing the foundation for the barn which will turn into an extra bedroom. The weather isn't cooperating though, raining on and off amd expected for the coming days.

I've had helped whenever i can especially shoveling out the dirt/debris yesterday and then went to my Zumba lesson(every monday evening) in the evening....i had difficulty getting up this morning. I still feel sore until now, i think i better skip the Zumba dance after a hard days work next time.

I haven't had the time to pick the winners yet, hopefully before the weekend.
Thank you all so much for visiting my blog especially to those who takes the time to leave me a comment. I really appreciate them all.

An update of the works over here...

2010-10-27T13:56:00.000-07:00

((click on the pictures to enlarge))
....but first a very small stitching finish, the November block of Lizzie Kate Stamp.

I let the pictures show how we progressed with the renovations. Last week was mainly removing all the old stuff out of the living room and the office room(with the window). Nobody knows when was the last time this was renovated, i mean the basement floor. Kees parents bought it year 1958, and hubby bought it from them year 1990. A couple of newspaper print that we found from the wall going upstairs dated 1912, that was probably the last time they've added the upstair's bedrooms. It is a pity thereś no pictures at all from then.

Also came across some old tiles probably more than 100 years old. I haven't clean any yet, perhaps i can find a date or any indication when they were made. We haven't taken all out as they were quite deep and we are really in a hurry to get the place ready last monday for the contractors.

Monday, the contrators remove the dividing wall so it is now a big living room.
Tuesday, was ready to filled in with sand, styrofoam and reinforcing bars.

This morning was the concrete floor was done for the living room.

A coule of days to dry and then they'll get forward to work on the wallings.

...while we are going to work on the next room, that was the barn but we would like to turn that into a bedroom. Had to remove the old concrete as we would like to put an underfloor heating like the rest later on. We aren't done yet as after this one we would like to expand the kitchen too and put an underfloor heating. Ohhh, and not to forget upstairs...but that will have to wait for next summer!

Thank you everyone for all the lovely comments on my last post. All are very much appreciated.

5th blogoversary giveaway & taking a break....

2010-10-12T12:34:00.000-07:00

..... from blogging & groups!

After posting my update this afternoon i went and look back on my first ever post here on this blog and to my surprise it is my blogoversary TODAY!!. I thought it is tomorrow the 13th...am i glad i've completed all the ornaments yesterday which i had planned as my giveaway. so only to take pictures of them all this afternoon.

In celebration of my 5 year BLOGGERVERSARY I would like to offer these five ornaments, thus there be five winners. The giveaway is open to absolutely anyone, please simply leave a comment on this post only. I will pick the winners at the end of this month(31st oct.)

Regal Red Christmas flatfold
Milady's Needle design
JCS magazine 2010
32ct linen
variegated DMC 115

Happy Skater ornament
Little House Needleworks design
JCS magazine 2010
32ct Belfast dirty linen
DMC threads

Christmas 2010 pinkeep
Glory Bee design
JCS magazine 2010
32ct linen
DMC threads

December needleroll
Birthstone & flower samplers
From a booklet of The World of Cross Stitching
(no designers was given)
Stitched on 28ct white evenweave
DMC threads

Sing Noel Ornament
Primrose Needleworks
The Gift of Stitching Magazine, December 2008
32ct linen
DMC threads

Going to be taking a break from blogging and the yahoo groups for a while, i don’t know for how long. Hubby will be coming home on thursday so everything will be out here including the last 2 computers. Hubby have a laptop but with the 4 of us it will be very limited time for each. We were really spoiled having each one, the kids are getting use to it now but i sure miss visiting all your blogs and the groups, not to forget facebook!
Thank you all so much for visiting and for taking the time to leave me a comment. Best wishes to all!

Flatfold, oct. LK, award and other pics.

2010-10-12T05:23:00.000-07:00

An autumn design finished into a flatfold. It's a freebie sometime last year but i couldn't find who the designer of this one, i hope somebody knows it and share the name.

Also completed the oct. LK block.

A while back i was the lucky winner of Christine's giveaway. A couple of decorated bangles, arent they lovely!! I love them all as well as all the goodies enclosed. Thank you so much, Christine.

A while back i recieved this award from Amarins, thank you so much for passing it on to me..it sure made me feel special. Amarins works more on big projects and on and off small ones as you can see on her stitching blog. I also admire her cards as everything looks gorgeous and so neatly finished which you can see on her other blog(cards).

Now I must do the following things:
1. The award to pass on to 5 persons
2. List 3 things that i love
3. Post a picture that you love.
Here we go....
1. I am supposed to pass this on to five fellow bloggers but i have to break this one as i cannot definitely pick only 5.
2. I love my family, my friends and stitching!!
3. Below is one of my favorite family picture, when the kids wants to come along everywhere especially going for a walk.

Last weekend, we've been to a friends birthday at the mainland. While the Mums busy in the kitchen my kids were taking care of baby Desley and taking pictures. Aren't these pictures beautiful! I was surprised when i uploaded the pictures as i didn't expect Grace will be on them, lately she doesn't want her picture taken. I wasn't able to use the camera as it was too busy, had to help with the preparations mainly for dinner so i really miss cuddling the baby too.

Thought to post a couple of pictures of the first "Abraham" of the group who celebrated it last May. Luckily, hubby was home then, he was the one who made the placard and provided the costume for the doll.
I have pictures of our yearly outings too and hope one day to compile it on to one album. Just the same with the "Abraham/Sarah" celebrations. Another "Abraham" is celebarting next month and the rest will be next year.

I hope you are all having a wonderful week. Many thanks for stopping by and all the kind comments.

Oct. x'mas SAL ornament, lovely RAK & other pics.

2010-10-05T09:55:00.000-07:00

Happy Holidays ornament
Little House Needleworks design
JCS 2010
32ct linen & DMC threads

Received these lovely RAK goodies from Shari last weekend which prompts me to stitch the above ornament for my october x'mas SAL ornament. Love it! Thank you so much, Shari! It was really a great surprise to see the magazine enclosed as i know over the fabrics.

Thank you all so much for the well wishes for my father, recent news he is improving and i really hope he contineus.
I am way behind on blogs and groups and hope to catch up the coming days.

The next pictures more for hubby as i know he visits my blog when he can in some areas where they are working. But i better attach a short explanation about the said special birthday celebration. It is one of his friends who turns 50 today!

"Abraham & Sarah tradition when somebody turns 50. When somebody turns 50 in Holland people say that they have seen Abraham or Sarah. If it’s a man who turns 50 they say he has seen Abraham and when it’s a woman they say she has seen Sarah. To celebrate b0th birthdays the Dutch decorate the front yard of the house of this person and put an Abraham or a Sarah doll in their front yard. These dolls represent something that the birthday person is attached to or does. Like when somebody is a carpenter they dress up the Abraham doll as a carpenter. The front yard is mostly decorated by family members when the person who’s turning 50 is not around so it’s a surprise."--((source: TravBuddy))
In the case of this friend he has no big family so friends who made the doll and all.
We were there 15 minutes before midnight and silently place all the things infront of his house as you can see on the first pictures. And then exactly midnight began to sing Happy Birthday...

We went in and had a drink before heading back home.

Took another picture this morning... the friend next to the doll.

There will be lots of our friends celebrating this next year so there will be quite some parties/celebration.

Again, many many thanks for stopping by and all the lovely comments. All are very much appreciated. I hope you are all having a good week.

"My Little Heart SAL" & Lk stamp...

2010-10-01T08:46:00.000-07:00

A couple of small finishes to show, Sylvia's SAL came out early last night so i was able to print it out and took with me at the other house and manage to finish at once. It's a pretty quick one and so cute!!

Also completed the September LK block earlier this week.

And see these goodies... thread, chart and aren't these fabrics gorgeous?!? I love them all!! Thanks so much, Anita.

I had a bit of stressful week, what with my father being so sickly at home so been calling almost everyday since last weekend. Yesterday, i was about to call again when i saw my mother came online so was able to chat through yahoo. One of my brother had installed a computer at my parents place lately and tried to teach Mom how to use it. With the help of our nieces and nephews they were able to chat with my sister in Canada too and was able to see her kids(through webcam). As of yesterday, father begins to feel better and started to eat something.

Aside from that, i've been dealing with the contractor, architect and then relay it all to hubby to finalize the papers for the renovations. This morning, i had signed in the papers and the Architect took it to the city hall. Luckily, my signature is enough otherwise it will have to wait till hubby gets home. Actually, this is the second time as the first one that was already approved by the city hall for the renovations(actually re-building a new house) was too expensive so we had to change the plans and just do some renovations but still need permit for it.

Time is up...better head off to the other house again (my third time today), Kids will be home soon for dinner.

As always, i really appreciate your visits on my blog and THANKS so much for taking the time to leave me a comment.
HAPPY WEEKEND TO AL!!!

Aug. LK stamp & we are moving out...

2010-09-21T14:12:00.000-07:00

First of all, a huge thank you to each and everyone of you for all the lovely comments on our anniversary. I really appreciate them all and sure helps me a lot as hubby being away...(works in Spain)!

I've finished the August block of Lizzie Kate stamp before the weekend but always forget to take a picture to share so this afternoon while it was still bright and sunny i took my chance and also a few pics outside. ((click on all pictures to enlarge))

What lovely surprises came in recently....Margaret, Ellen, Sue, thank you so much. I am truly humbled by your generosity!

After days of winds and rain, today is bright and sunny. Looks and feels like summer and expected for a couple of days. Love the colors of the sedum...seems i have lots of them on my garden.

I've started bringing boxes at the rented house since monday and we could have stayed or sleep over there too since monday but i had "Zumba" last monday evening and this evening been to Grace parent's info night and that lasted till 9:30pm. I think they won't be happy all alone on a strange house for the first evenings. So tomorrow(wednesday), we are going over. So i could start to remove and wash all the curtains and try to pack everything ready to be transferred when hubby gets home. Have to try and remove the carpets and other things from the attic.

No computer at the rented house so i will check my mails on daytime when i am here at work, so not much time as ussually i am online in the evening. When hubby gets home he will try to fix one over there as this one will have to be out.

I hope everyone's having a wonderful week!!

Happy 16th Anniversary to us!

2010-09-16T10:42:00.000-07:00

Honestly, i wasn't thinking on posting about our anniversary today but when these GORGEOUS bouquet of flowers delivered here after 4pm i want to share a pic. This is a huge bouquet, glad there is one vase that wasn't packed.

A friend stopped by and we're having a cup of coffee and catching up on news when Grace opened the door to received these amazing bouquet of flowers. My friend doesn't know so i had to say it's our anniversary and since hubby left yesterday and now in Spain...he sure didn't forgot to arrange something. Thanks so much, lief...ik hou van je en ik miss je al!!!

I hope you are all having a wonderful week. Many thanks for stopping by and all the kind comments.
((Click on pic. to enlarge))

Sept. x'mas Sal ornament & other upd.!

2010-09-14T13:17:00.000-07:00

((click on pictures to enlarge))
A pic. of the ornaments i did each month. I haven't packed these to put away but will take with me when we go to the summer house next week.

Here's my september ornament. Work lots on it last friday when i wasn't feeling well to help hubby with some heavy works.
Santa's and Snowmen ornament
Prairie Schooler design
32ct Zweigart Belfast Naturel linen
DMC threads

Saturday, we've been to a birthday celebrations on one of our friends at the mainland. Sort of get-together as we haven't seen each other for a while. See that adorable little boy, sure had hold him for quite a while! Just upon they arrived the mother gave it to me at once and i've been dancing with him a lot!! We live quite far to just drop in for a cuddle.

Here's what we've done...partly, the barn. Remove the roof tiles and then see all the debris we've thrown on the ground from the roof?! The plan is to turned the barn into a bedroom. For now, it will remain open.....

...hubby is leaving tomorrow to Spain for his work. Hopefully be back half way of october. I will be moving with the kids next week and NO computer at the summer house. Connection can be fix when hubby returns nearly end of october. Atleast, i can come home and check my mails once a while here.

We just got home from visiting a bestfriend of hubby..thought better stop by as he will turned 50 early next month and hubby isn'nt home that day as turning "50" is a big celebration here ...we got there, his wife crying as they've just heard a sad news her brother died. Her brother lives in Germany and it is very far to just pack and go. Only 66 years old. Had found lung cancer earlier this year but didn't expected the end so quick. So we didn't stayed long. She's so unhappy as she's been operated with her knee a few months ago (may 2010) and it is not yet good. Had to go for the fourth time to the hospital for more check-ups later this week.

Thanks so much to all of you for the kind comments and i sure appreciate your visits. I hope everyone's having a wonderful week!

flatfold, LK stamp, flowers & others...

2010-09-09T01:53:00.000-07:00

Cottage Garden flatfold
Country Cottage Needleworks design
32ct. linen
Crescent color threads
((...click on the pictures to enlarge!))

Stitched and finished this one last July and sent it out the beginning of August so i hope it reach Canada by now and that the reciever likes it. Haven't heard from her yet, probably they are still on holiday. I am sorry the pictures were blurred. I haven't checked it out before sending the piece away.

July block was done which took me nearly a week to complete instead of two evenings. I can only stitch a few minutes in the evening these days...

See what the strong winds had done to my flowers the other day. Took a few pics. a couple of days ago wanted to share how lovely they are and the next day...was ruined!

Only the sedums and the fuschia remains well.

A few said, me and my sister Jane looks alike so i went to look for pictures of us together but i've found only this one which was taken during our last visit together at home last december 2004. All the albums were all brought to the storage room so i couldn't find more as i know we had some during her visit here years ago.

These pictures were taken during one of our outings with some of our family.

Breaking was started...hubby has been stripping off the walls and floor of the playroom, next to the kitchem room. He wanted to find out where the leakage comes from as it sometimes wet and it smells. It sure is getting empty here, both kids computer were packed away and mine will be next this weekend. He will be leaving for sea next week, so just me and the kids to go to the summer house we rented a few days after he leaves. He wanted to ask the owner if the house has access to the internet he wanted to bring his computer over there but we still have to find out later this week. We had booked the place till Christmas so it will be a while before everything goes back to normal!

Thank you all so much for the lovely comments over my last post. I really appreciate them all.

A card & sept. "my little heart sal"!

2010-09-04T11:19:00.001-07:00

I so love this cute design, it's the fourth time now that i made this one into a card. I know my sister was expecting a baby boy but i don't like to start stitching it beforehand so when i heard the news early this week i work on it and finished it within 2 days in between sorting and packing.

Here's a picture of my sister's family, living in Canada. The last time we met was when we were both visiting our parents in Asia year 2004, she's single then. So i haven't met her family yet though seen lots of pictures of them on facebook. They've booked to visit our family in Asia this coming December but we couldn't make it to join them. It will be a while for us to meet each other...

This very small design took me a couple of days to finish. Really don't have much spare time to stitch these days. But atleast we are nearly done with sorting and packing as hubby will be off to sea in less than two weeks.

Thank you all for stopping by and for taking the time to leave me a comment. I really appreciate them all.
I wish you all a wonderful weekend.

pinkeep, LHN wip's & a lovely RAK!

2010-08-30T13:23:00.000-07:00

"Enjoy the summer" pinkeep
Romy's Cross stitch pattern
32ct. linen
DMC threads
Think i am late with this one as it looks like our summer is over..a long time over actually. We haven't had much of a summer this year, on and off rain and strong winds which is really a pity for all the tourist who had booked their vacation to here on the island. They expected to go to the beach, or go cycling otherwise there's not much here especially for young children. NO amusement parks!!
Love this simple design so i stitched one for myself after sending the first one to Shari. It's a freebie at Romy's blog for anyone who likes the design.

Here's an update of the LHN i started earlier this month. I am enjoying stitching this one and don't like to take a break but i have a couple of items i need to start for gifts. It will be a while for the next update...

Last week i've received a lovely RAK all the way from Canada! Suzanne is really spoiling me as this is not the first one. Look at all the lovely goodies! Thank you so much, Suzanne. I know you are still away on vacation but hope you've seen my note earlier.

Thank you all so much for your continued visits on my blog and for taking the time to leave me a comment. They mean so much to me!
I hope you are all having a wonderful week.

..another flatfold finish & LK stamp!

2010-08-25T13:12:00.000-07:00

"Goodwill" flatfold
Little House Needleworks design
32ct linen
Gentle Art Sampler Threads

(pictures can be enlarge)
I haven't stitched much these past two weeks but i had sent out a few pieces before DH came home so atleast i have something to show whenever they reached their destination. Just heard Nita received this one, actually two different flatfold finished sent to Nita but one had a mistake so i have to change that first. I am so sorry Nita. Happy to hear you like the design i've chosen.

This June block took me nearly two weeks to finish as i only work on it a few minutes in the evening while watching the news. I love how these LK stamps turning out.

Finally the renovation is scheduled to start half way of october. We would like it now but the contractor doesn't have time for it yet. So we have to rearrange everything like the place we had hired to stay and probably dh is going off to sea soon instead of waiting till october. It means we have to try and empty the house so not to be in haste when he gets back and it will be ready for the contractor to start.
In between packing, we've been visiting friends and attending parties too so instead of stitching we are out socializing. I am sorry, i am way behind on reading blogs and groups. Do try to catch up bit by bit but whew...you are all too quick in updating your blogs. Everytime i thought i've catch up, it appears several new ones!

Anyway, thank you all so much for visiting my blog and for taking the time to leave me a comment. I really really appreciate them all.
I hope you are all having a good week!

simple flatfold & our day at movie park germany!

2010-08-19T14:36:00.001-07:00

Schoolgirl flatfold
Little House Needleworks design
32ct linen
variegated thread DMC 115
I am glad to hear it made safely and on time for Sue's birthday this month. I love this design and hope to make one for myself & do love this red color too but don't have it anymore, think i have to ask for help for a couple of skeins.

((All pictures can be enlarge))
We left monday to Dorsten, Germany where we had booked a hotel for a couple of nights. From the hotel was about 20 minutes drive to the park which we had booked for the next day....as you can see on the picture below, arriving at the park... so dark and rainy.

We were not prepared for it so we had to buy raincoats at the park which they have plenty! It has rained on and off the whole day sometimes heavy so a few of the attractions are closed. Most attractions were outside ones and very few indoors.

Here's one of the 5 different roller coaster were hubby and Grace were in, Chris was a bit afraid of this one so he didn't joined in. Roller Coster is not for ME!! Can't stand it--i get dizzy!!

Side Kick is the name of this one, Chris wasn't allowed in so only hubby and Grace.

I'm afraid i haven't been in to any of these attractions, i am really glad hubby can take it all, although a few the kids joined in without us.

It was after 12pm on this picture and as you can see the park looks like deserted! Here's hubby and Grace while Chris on the Jet Ski Ride.

Took a last picture before leaving the park, it was 5pm and it was finally DRY!!

The tickets we had booked for the park can be use for two days so after checking out from the hotel wednesday morning we drove to the park, thought we can go in for a couple of hours before driving back to Holland but when we arrive at the park's parking area the one who was directing the cars send us or directed us to the very end of the parking area while nearer the park was not even half filled. We asked why we have to park so far away and he said because our car is big! (It's a Chrysler Voyager). It started raining and we had to walk about 7 minutes or more to the entrance...we were angry and very disappointed so we decided at that moment to just go HOME! We really didn't expected that as the day before wasn't a problem at all with the one who was doing the job.
Oh well, that was our outing...not much of a succes because of the weather but it cannot be helped.

Many, many thanks for stopping by and for taking the time to leave me a comment. I really appreciate them all. I hope you all are having a good week.

..off to Germany for a few days!

2010-08-15T23:43:00.001-07:00

Finished this LHN design for my August ornament SAL. A pretty quick stitch but i am not happy with the beads around it, don't have a better one though than this and would like to finish it off before hubby got home.

Made this Floss ring tag for Debra's, birthday this week and so glad to hear it has arrived on time. I am out of ideas to make for Debra as i had sent her quite some different finishes before but i know i haven't made and sent a tag yet and remember this freebie as I know she's collecting anything pertaining to July the 4th. It is a freebie of LindaMc and can be found on her blog.

Took these picture during our morning walk saturday morning. Chris even joined us for the first time. 'Buks' was now collected by the owners as they're back from there vacation.

We are off for a few days to Germany this morning...to one of the parks the:
Movie Park Germany

Hope it stays dry as most attractions are outside.

Thank you all so much for visiting my blog and for taking the time to leave me a comment. I really appreciate them all. To the winners, the fobs will be send out later this week, i am sorry i thought i could post it before we leave but i wasn't organised as i had expected. I am so behind on blogs and groups too but hope to catch up when we get back. I hope everyone have a wonderful week.

Scissorfobs & the winners!!

2010-08-14T11:34:00.000-07:00

These were the scissor fobs that was sent out last month. Till now, i am still waiting for two who haven't sent a message if they receive it. It's more than three weeks now since it was sent so i hope by now all were receive or else maybe two were lost. These were all a surprise so noone were expecting it.

This is a pic. of the magazine where the designs came from.
((all pictures can be enlarge))

With my last post i am really surprise so many had signed in which i am really grateful to know that you want one of my finishes even if it's a little one. I really enjoyed making them and hope all the reciever will love it. I only feel guilty as i can only pick 4 winners as one was sent out the same day i posted the picture on my blog and one for me. Anyway, here are the winners: Terri~Boog, Carol, Margaret and Anita (no blog). Congratulations to all!! Please send me your address info. and will send it by next week. THANK YOU you to everyone who entered and stopped by!

Thursday evening, while waiting for hubby's phone call if he can make the last ferry to the island i started this design. This is an hour stitching and i am loving it but much as i love stitching i am more than happy to received the said call that he's on the last ferry at 9:30pm.

As you can see i cut a couple of blooms of the Hydrangea and took inside. It looks gorgeous on my kitchen table.

"Buks" is the name of the dog, here's a pic of where i took him for a walk three times a day. Whew! With all that walks for the whole week, sure had helped losing a bit of weight!! I think he has enjoyed his stay here with us. He listens quite well and follow me everywhere.

Only, i am a bit disappointed of what he did to my flowers. The owner doesn't have a garden so he has no idea what these lovely flowers are.

Again, i really appreciate all your visits and for taking the time to leave me all the kind comments. To all my new readers and followers, WELCOME! hope you will come back and take time to say hello.
A happy weekend to all!!

A little giveaway!

2010-08-06T13:38:00.000-07:00

This month's block from Sylvia is so cute and thought to make one for a scissor fob but i got carried away and finished a few more. I would like to offer one or two for anyone who wants to have one of these fobs.

((all pictures can be enlarge))

Aside from these fobs and block, i have stitched a few smaller designs but will have to finish it off first and send out for birthday gifts before showing it off. I just don't have the inspiration to do the finishing i wanted like flatfold as i discover i haven't the right fabric color in my stash.

My only hydrangea is blooming so beautifully! I so love this color.

As you can see, the dog isn't happy..he was looking at the family leaving for a week vacation. I have to take care of him. It's been a while, i think last summer, when he last stayed here for a couple of weeks. It will be fine he'll just have to get use to our place.

Thank you all so much for visiting my blog and for taking the time to leave a comment. I really appreciate it and love reading them all.

Happy weekend to all!!

The last RR is done!

2010-08-03T11:04:00.000-07:00

Just finished stitching the middle part! This is the last for now, can be wash and be pack away. This is one of the four series that has appeared on the World of Cross Stithing magazine a few years ago. I love it and hope i have the other three(Spring, Fall Winter) and will stitch it one day...

Completed the May block though it doesn't look complete without the buttons, but i would like to finish stitching all the blocks before adding any buttons.
Edited: Thanks Annie! I really haven't seen it till i read your comment and i remember i had put this piece aside the other day because i was lazy to find the lacking thread. Now, i had too...so it's done!

((all pictures can be enlarge))
I hope everyone is having a good week and enjoying the summer. Thanks so much for stopping by and all the kind comments. I realy appreciate them all.

How Udderly gorgeous!

2010-07-27T11:56:00.000-07:00

I don't know what for title to use so i just pick the wordings on the block i've just finished! ((all pictures can be enlarge)).

The last block of my rr Margaret Sherry design. Now, this RR can be wash and join the rest to be pack up soon. Will complete this into a bellpull one day.

These designs of Margaret Sherry came with one of the U.K magazine The Cross Stitcher years ago. I am not sure which issue and year, all my magazines were all packed so can't have a look.

Completed this Lizzie Kate freebie into a pinkeep for Kay's birthday. Just heard it has arrived and less than a week to the U.S.

Received these lovely RAK goodies from Sue. A couple of Little House Needleworks design and piece of 32ct linen. Thank you so much, Sue!

I've won Olga's giveaway on her blog and look at all these wonderful goodies that she had sent. Aren't i the lucky one!! The stitching piece on the box is on one over one..is so delicate and neatly finished. I Love them all. Thank you so much, Olga!

Nothing much happening over here, the weather is cooling off so kids aren't happy as they can't go to the beach. As i am sure all the tourist around haven't expected too. Most comes on the island to go to the beach. Me, feeling down...missing hubby so much as well as my family back home.

As always, i really appreciate your visits on my blog and THANKS so much for taking the time to leave me a comment.

...all these fobs has been sent out today!

2010-07-22T08:53:00.000-07:00

Been working on this small designs on and off in between other projects or while watching movies with the kids. I just hope all the reciever will like them.
((you can click on all pictures to enlarge if you want))
Here's my x'mas monthly ornament SAL for July!

Visited the Prairie Schooler site yesterday and saw this freebie, printed and stitched it right away. Hubby isn't home so i can stay up and stitch the night away...not really i finished it around 1:30am.

It's a pretty quick stitch and with this kind of finishing is an easy one too.

I've lost about 5 rr's a few years ago so i decided not to join anymore but when one of the yahoo group had asked if i can join her round last year i couldn't say no, atleast with her group everything went well in the past. Now, all pieces were back to the respected owners, just received mine yesterday.

I've chosen a summer theme which was from one of the magazine, The World of Cross Stitching.
I haven't had much time to stitch my block before sending out last year which was the one on the middle. Hope to work on it soon.

Thank you all so much for visiting and leaving such lovely comments! I really really appreciate them all. I hope you all are enjoying the summer!

April block is done!

2010-07-19T13:35:00.000-07:00

Thank you all for the input over these Lizzie Kate serie. I thought of finishing it into a bellpull when all the blocks done so i chose the 3 across and 4 rows down.
Just finished the April block last weekend, now can put this aside until after two weeks.

I don't have the buttons needed for each block but hope to hunt for those when all the blocks are done.

I've completed this needleroll and sent it to Anna in Norway end of May. I don't know if she receive it as i haven't heard anything till now. I did sent out a few e-mails but haven't recieve any reply's.

I've stitched it on a smaller count of fabric as you can see the difference with the one i had stitched for myself which is a bit bigger.

These pictures below were more for hubby as he is outside the country exactly a week now and hopefully be home second week of August.
A picture of Chris of last week where he joined "bouwdorp"--soort of summer day camp from monday to friday. Where about 140 children(6-11 years)where they are entertained and do some fun and other activities. Only, the weather wasn't really cooperative as it rained on and off and since this was an outside activity they weren't able to do much outside. Atleast they had some fun and full of stories each day. The day before it ends parents were invited to go and have a look so that is why i was able to get these pictures.

Many thanks for stopping by and all the lovely comments. I hope you all have a good start of the week. We've spent the whole afternoon on the beach and if the weather stays warm we might go there more often.

Tiny biscornu's!!

2010-07-15T13:34:00.000-07:00

A small quick finishes. These two tiny biscornu scissor fobs for the Yahoo group monthly ornament prizes that i offered to provide for 2010. When i offered to do this for the group i thought to make different small finished pieces but until now were all tiny biscornu's. Haven't had much time to be more creative for other finishing techniques.

Just finished the march black today and now...i wonder if i do the April one next to it or under the January block. Does anyone have done these serie into one piece? I am curious for any picture of this serie if it is finished or stitched into one piece.

A few weeks ago i sent out a couple of boxes of some older crafts but mainly cross stitch magazines, i've only asked for the postage to be paid but if possible not in cash, just any crafting materials like threads or fabrics. Here's what came to my mailbox recently. Thanks so much Carine and Janina. I love them all!

I hope everyone is having a good week. Thanks so much for stopping by and all the kind comments. I realy appreciate them all.

Today's outing.....

2010-07-09T16:20:00.000-07:00

The last day at school for Chris-- rather morning as they are free after 11:30am, while Grace went to get her grades at her school.
It was quite warm so we decided to go to the beach again, Grace went earlier with her friends just after receiving their grades.
We arrived at the beach after lunch and took a couple of pics...This time i went in for a swim, water temperature is around 17 degrees celcius!!
((you can click on all pics to enlarge if you want))
Only stayed a couple of hours at the beach as we had to visit MIL and then off to town for Chris swimming, for getting his "diploma C".

The children had to do lots of diferrent swimming strokes and one of them Chris wasn't really goed at so we were a bit afraid he didn't made it. He was asked to do it again the said swimming stroke and it seems it was alright so he got his certificate. On the last picture, one of the examinator had whispered something to him...i think Chris favorite teacher during his swimming lessons.
Been stitching but very very slow and not much to show for progress. The card below was completed a while back as well as the summer pinkeep and the Hardanger for a friend's birthday.

It is Shari's big day today. Happy happy birthday, Shari!! I do hope you will have a lovely day!!

Many many thanks for all the lovely comments on my last post! I hope you all have a wonderful weekend. We sure have a busy one...saturday--to a birthday party and then to friends place for BBQ. Sunday--visiting family and then out for dinner as hubby is leaving monday to sea. He just had two weeks off this time. Hopefully, next will be longer...

While everyone's watching the World Cup...!

2010-07-06T12:48:00.000-07:00

Edited: 3-1...wow! are they really winning!! Chris is here screaming.... 3-2, "oranje team" made it! Congratulations to all our players!!

Finished this ornament a while back, only forgot to add picture with my last update.

"Noel" ornament
Olenka's stitches design
28ct linen
DMC threads

The July block of Sylvia is done! A pretty quick stitch while watching the serie "Bones" last night after a long day drive at the mainland.

One of the new built platform supply vessels has arrived from India and the captain of the vessel had invited hubby to go and have a look, hubby hesitated at first as it's too far away from us but his curiosity wins so we went yesterday. This is the first of the four series that are built in India, another on the way and the last two, they are still working on it. Afterwards, he said it's worth the long drive which took us the whole day.

As you can see my eyes closed. I cannot count how many taken pictures of me that my eyes closed. The flash wasn't even used in this one!! Oh well, any tips on how can i stop my eyes being closed on photos??

Last sunday, we were able to go to the beach. It was bright and sunny but it was a bit windy. A cousin of Kees with her family joined us. The boys went in for a swim, on the picture below you can see hubby and his cousin's husband swimming. The water temperature is about 16 degrees celcius. Way tooo cold for me, although i did thought of going in too but because of the wind which was getting stronger i really find it toooo cold!

Right at this moment is the World Cup semifinals between Netherlands-Uruguay. It was just 1-1 so everyone's tense for the next round.

Thank you all for visiting and for taking the time to leave me all the kind comments. The missing stitch is the red bird's beak, I think only Carol had noticed it. MIL came home end of last week and recovering well. While our renovation issues....we've asked another two contractors on their opinions and hope to hear more from them in a couple of weeks.

Peace Inside, flowers and wayyyy behind....

2010-06-30T14:12:00.000-07:00

Peace Inside
Midsummer Night Design
28ct linen(sorry, don't know what kind)
Sampler threads
I so wanted to finish this one so it can be packed, i've worked on it everytime i get the chance even if it was bit by bit. With all the rushing, i can see on the picture right now that i miss one stitch.....can anyone see it...? I think it is too obvious for everyone to notice. (( all pictures can be enlarge if you want))

I've taken these two height chart down to wash before packing in and thought to take picture of them. Since my old album were deleted i think i'll try and take pictures of the older pieces before packing and putting them aside.

As of yeterday, here's how my flowers at the side and back of our house. Still haven't bought new ones, no time! And even no time to really sit outside and enjoy them but do have to water them almost everyday as it's been sunny and quite warm the last days except today-cloudy and a bit windy.

I am wayyyyyyyyyy behind on my blog reading! Been out most days, attending parties and other activities. I've picked up hubby last monday and he will be home for 2 weeks only for this time. Now, it is way tooooooooo warm to continue with packing and we are having issues with the renovation-the contractors and all...way toooo expensive it seems not worth it. So we are still thinking if we will continue...we are waiting now for one contractor and then have to decide if we will push through or look for another house. We even think of going out of the island and sure we can get a good house(much, much bigger than what we have now) at the mainland but the kids really doesn't want to leave and us as well, so we have to pay the prize for staying here.

My MIL is still in the hospital, i know i didn't mentioned it here on my last post but to a couple of the yahoo groups. She had knee surgery last week(monday) and suppose to be home by friday last week but the doctor found out a problem with her lung so they keep her their and suppose to be out today but heard from DH's sister who visited her late this afternoon that she have to stay longer. The knee surgery went fine and recovering well but still her lung issues aren't fine. So, we do keep turns to go and visit her.

I will try to catch up on everyone's blog though it takes a while.... Enjoy the summer everyone and Thank you all for visiting here and all the lovely comments. I really appreciate them all.

Weekend stitching was a waste!

2010-06-22T14:49:00.000-07:00

Last saturday, thought a break with all the packing and sorting for the weekend and do some stitching, finished off the January LK stamp and started the february block as you can see on the picture below....((you can click on all pictures to enlarge))
Sunday, noticed i had made a mistake with the counting, thought at first to just go ahead and might not be noticed but i know where the miscounted one is and i don't feel well about it so i frogged it all out! I do hate it it when that happens.....

Finally, finished both blocks. This a new SAL on one of the Dutch yahoo group i am in and do love these series. I am not sure though how shall i stitched them all together.....

Received this wonderful RAK from Lindsay-ann a while back. Thank you so much. The bag is sure very handy and have it with me all the time.

Isn't this gorgeous!!!! It's been bright and sunny today and these peonies looks gorgeous. One of the group on yahoo mentioned about drying the flowers so i might try to do that with these. I never did it before so i hope it work work out fine.

The petunia's are doing great too....

...but i think time to change the pansies! I know i haven't taken care of my flowers lately but hopefully with the weather getting better might go out more often in between packing.

I started this post after dinner(7pm) but a friend stopped by and we had a good catch up with everything...and she just left half an hour ago, it is now nearly midnight. Better off to bed and will catch up tomorrow on blogs and groups.

Thank you all for visiting my blog and all the lovely comments. I really appreciate them all. Have a good week to all!!

..packing..stitching..sorting..stitching..packing....

2010-06-18T15:19:00.000-07:00

...spending time on the computer, oh yes i am keeping myself busy! And the weather isn't that good for walking so i did Zumba for about half an hour every evening except tonight as Chris wanted to watch the football game U.K versus Algeria!!

Here's my finishes so far, the june block for the RR-Margaret Sherry designs.

And a PS design for a quilt, will be assembled later this year for one of the yahoo member. This is a pretty quick stitch compare to the block above where lots of backstitching.

Took this picture of the pion rose a few days ago, the flowers are blooming now.

With the strong winds last week some were bend down so i cut a few for inside.

Here's how they look like today!

Boxes are piling up in every room. I still have lots to do and have a week before hubby comes home. He sure expect most are ready to be transfered to the hired container or space when he gets back.

Please take a look at Olenka's blog as she's having a lovely giveaway! She has also some gorgeous designs!!

Thanks for visiting and HAPPY WEEKEND to all!!

A few Hardanger pictures!

2010-06-13T12:06:00.000-07:00

I know i had pictures of most of the hardanger pieces i've completed the year 2000-2005 and was searching for it today but i just couldn't find it. Now, i remember they were on my old website(mylene's hobby), that hubby had deleted earlier this year. That wasn't a free website and because i haven't work on it for a few years now he asked if he will delete it, i said it was okey. I didn't realise some pictures there aren't on my album anymore.
A few hardanger weren't pack yet so i took these pictures of them this afternoon, ((you can click on all pictures to enlarge if you want))

most were already packed away-i didn't want to put it all in one box. The last two dark pink table runner are in used here in the living room and in the kitchen table so that will be the last to be pack. Now, i really regret over the deleted website as i don't have pictures anymore of all the hardanger pieces i had given away as gifts before.

Yesterday was the last football tournament. Am i glad the football season's over for a while, as saturdays most part of the day were spent at the field.
We were lucky the weather was fine although very windy. It has been raining most part this week and i think these coming days too.
Here's a few pictures of the boys and at the field. Chris team finished third out of 10 teams.

No stitching update! Although i did stitched on and off in between packing but not much to show off.

Thank you all for stopping by and for taking the time to leave me a comment. I really appreciate them all. I hope everyone is having a wonderful weekend.

A Happy Dance!..Edited-thanks Cath and Julianne

2010-06-08T04:14:00.000-07:00

Edited: I went out to visit a friend just after sending the post and when i got home thunder and lightning started so better not get online. Glad it didn't take long. Thanks so much Cath and Julianne for the scan-of the Margaret Sherry design.

What would you do in between packing and sorting with no internet?? Stitching!!!

Summer Breeze
Prairie Schooler book no. 137
32ct belfast linen
DMC threads

While sorting, i had found one of the unfinished RR and thought to do the two blocks.

I had only added my printed copy with the piece when i put it aside before, now i cannot see clearly the different colour for the purple flower.

I don't like to go and open up boxes to see where the original copy is. Does anyone have this design and can scan it for me? I really appreciate it.

Also found an unfinished hardanger which i nearly threwn away before when i made a mistake pulling out the wrong thread. I was nearly finished with it when it happened.

As you can see below where i went wrong. I decided to finish it off and will use it one day, i think not everyone will notice the mistake....i hope!

I hope everyone is enjoying their summer. Thanks so much for stopping by and all the wonderful comments. I really appreciate them all!

The last tulip fobs!

2010-06-03T12:54:00.000-07:00

These were all stitched and finished last April but it took a while before i sent it out and also quite long underway to the new owners. But glad to hear it has finally arrive to Suzanne and Jackie. The other one, i just hope it has been received haven't heard anything yet.

I took a few pictures when i assembled the fobs, hope it helps for anyone who wants to try it with beads. ((you can click on all pictures to enlarge if you want))

Recently i've joined a bookmark exchange on one of the yahoo group here in Holland. Both were now received so i can show the pics.

Took a few pictures of some of my potted plants scattered all around in the backyard. These were planted early April.

I needed to go out to get some summer plants but been too busy here sorting and packing. Now, hubby just called this afternoon that he will be home end of June for a couple of weeks and then off to sea again for a month. I wonder if we can manage to get most of the stuff out of the house and the needed arrangements for the contractor and all. The expected date for pulling down the house is August 15 and he hope to be back around the 12th. They are shortstaff so it continuosly changing over their working schedule and where are they going to be posted.

I hope everyone is having a wonderful week. Thanks so much for visiting and all the lovely comments. I really appreciate them all!!

I've made it...

2010-05-31T12:26:00.000-07:00

...finishing my May x'mas ornament SAL. Weather was dark, wet and windy yesterday so it was really a good time to sit and stitch.

He's a flake ornament
LHN design
32ct light green linen
GAST and DMC threads

Here's the last picture of all the ornaments 2010, will be packing them all soon and hope we can display them on the new house this x'mas.

Sylvia was early with her June block so i finished that one too yesterday.

It was sunday and ussually i sleep in but i had to take back Chris at 7:30am to the football field. Sleeping in the tent were cancelled early saturday evening as it was been raining continously and very cold so all the kids had to go home for the night. Still they had fun for both days even if the last day had to be indoor activity beacuase of the bad weather..they all went to the cinema.

Saw a few pictures of Grace while she was working on her computer last night and ask if she can send me a couple and if i can put it on my blog, was ok. I have to ask permission as she doesn't want to see pictures of her here. This was taken just recently with one of her friend.

These were taken during their performance earlier this month for the Liberation Day in town.

I hope everyone is having good start to the week. Thanks so much for visiting and all the kind comments. I really appreciate them all.

ps..
I've added a few pictures of some old issues of Anna magazines on this blog: trade items. I prefer these to send locally as the postage will be very expensive for outside Holland. They are free for anyone who wants to have it except the postage.

some flower pics. & aren't i the lucky one!!

2010-05-29T08:39:00.001-07:00

I am sure spoiled here lately. Winning a couple of giveaways and a RAK!! A huge THANK YOU to Lisa, Cath & Kay.

Here's the stash i've won at Lisa's blog. Now, how i wish i don't need to sleep and just get on with stitching!!

Look at these lovely goodies from Cath. The design of the floss holder is a freebie at GOS for anyone who is curious for this lovely design.

And finally the RAK from Kay.
((You can click on all pictures to enlarge))
Took some pictures of my flowers here yesterday while the weather is still bright and sunny!
Aren't the peonies lovely!!

These another kind of peonies, i think still a while before it blooms and i do hope they will not break soon especially with the weather now-very windy!

I am not so sure right now if this bush name 'Weigela'. I've planted the new one last april on Max's grave. Thought i've bought the red color one then but it looks like the same with the older one. oh well, both are blooming beautifully!
It's a pity we can't go and sit outside to enjoy the view. Sure looks rainy right now.
Took Chris to the football field this morning as it's their camping weekend. Put up the tent and all...now we are waiting for a message if we are going back to break and take the whole package back home. That was the last e-mail note this morning, they will try perhaps the weather will change and it will stay dry but looking outside now it is dark and windy- it is now 5:30pm.

As always, i really appreciate your visits on my blog and THANKS so much for taking the time to leave me a comment. Wishing you all a happy weekend!

floss ring tag & other updates!

2010-05-25T05:07:00.000-07:00

It's been over a week since my last update, been crazy-busy over here lately. Still haven't much improvement over the upcoming renovation, though we did start packing a bit. We had also booked a summer house for 2-3 months starting the end of August, we had too before it gets fully booked for the season. What a price each week but we need a place to stay. We just hope all papers and other stuff gets settled soon.

Not much stitching done the last weeks except this one that was completed the beginning of May.

Floss ring tag
PS Garden Alphabet
Book No.61
32ct line and DMC threads
((You can click on all pictures to enlarge))
Remember the wedding sampler i've finished last April and the girls stitching small pieces for the quilt which will be given for their teacher's wedding. The wedding is over so i can show a few pictures...One day last april when the teacher was out for a day, with the help of a few mothers the children got a piece of cloth to draw/write something on to be put into a quilt.

There should be four of these pieces where a stitched piece attached but it seems i haven't seen the other one to take picture of it.
The children did a wonderful job on each piece...here are a few pics.

The couple was really surprise to see her class when they got out of the city hall. They are a beautiful couple!

Here's the quilted piece.

A few a months ago, Chris move on to electric guitar with his lesson. We borrowed one from the school and now he does wants to continue so we bought a new one for him as they needed the one back for school.
Here's the new one just arrived a few days ago.

Will returned back the brown one on thursday when we go for his lesson.

Thank you all so much for visiting my blog and for all the kind comments. I really appreciate them all. I hope everyone is having a good week!!

small finishes & last tulip pictures!

2010-05-14T08:36:00.000-07:00

Just finished this "I" butterfly alphabet, love how it turned out now but i wasn't happy with all the backstsitching. So glad it is now done and will be on it's way to you Betty by next week.

Also completed the month of May of Sylvia's SAL on her blog.

Again, we've been out for a drive last sunday, probably the last...not much Tulips flower to see anymore. Lots were already cut off! As you can see here on a couple of pictures.

I truly appreciate all your visits on my blog and THANKS so much for taking the time to leave me a comment. Wish you all a happy weekend!

"Rozen Alfabet" is done!!

2010-05-07T14:06:00.000-07:00

Finally finished the "Pioen Rose" alphabet. It's a SAL with Tinna(no blog) which we started last january and should be finish end of April. I know Tinna made it for the end of April and i....a few days late.

I had used 2 different camera and taken at the same time... see the different of the picture.

Rozen Alfabet
from the magazine "Borduurblad #32"
25ct evenweave
DMC threads

Taken a couple of pictures of my two different pioen roses this afternoon. Can you see the buds....so many! I think the red one won't take long and they'll start to open up.

Also completed a couple of biscornu scissor fobs for the monthly prizes at ILCS yahoo group.

These will be the choices for the month of April, was late with this one as well. I just hope the winner still would like to pick one.

Thank you all so much for visiting and all the lovely comments. I really appreciate them all. I know i am behind on blogs and groups, kind of busy here as we started packing though we still haven't decided who is going to do it as the third contractor haven't showed his prizes yet. He said end of next week but hubby is going away the middel of next week so we are on a difficult situation at the moment as we have to reserve a house for three months(sept. to Nov.) and container for all the stuff....ah, headache!

Hope everyone will have a wonderful weekend and HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY to all mothers out there!!!

Tulip fields!!

2010-05-02T14:13:00.000-07:00

It has been our planned to drive around this sunday in search of Tulip fields, what a dismay when we got up quite late actually and it's been raining. Still we went out as i know soon all the flower heads will be remove. And yeah, we've seen a few that was already started removing the flowers as you can see below. (( you can click on all pictures to enlarge if you want))

Growers top the tulips about three weeks after blooming for two reasons: First, they must remove the flowers before the petals fall in the foliage. If they were to ignore this step, the dropping petals would cause the tulip plants to rot and die down before the new bulb(s) had a chance to grow. Topping also removes the seedpod from the plant, which if left would rob some of the energy that would otherwise go to the new bulb. Six to eight weeks after removing the blooms, growers usually dig the tulips and the process of drying, cleaning, grading, and temperature treating takes place. ((copied from tulips.com))

I am really glad we went out...aren't these AMAZING!!

Isn't it appropriate to stitch tulip designs....a very small finish lately. I am working on the Rose alphabet which should actaully completed last month. Too busy with other things though...

Thank you all so much for your continued visits on my blog and for taking the time to leave me a comment. They mean so much to me! Hope everyone's having a wonderful weekend.

The Needlerolls!!

2010-04-29T10:25:00.000-07:00

The whole serie are done!! I do love how all these designs finished into needlerolls. ((you can click on all pictures to enlarge if you want))

These were the last two-April and May completed.

Birthstone & flower samplers
From a booklet of The World of Cross Stitching
(no designers was given)
Stitched on 28ct white evenweave
DMC threads

Here is the picture of the booklet where the designs are. It came with the magazine "The World of Cross Stitiching" a couple of years ago. It wasn't stated though who designed these charts.

Evchen, many thanks for the lovely comment about me and hubby. Can't find your e-mail address so hope you visit here again, we have our ups and downs but Yes-we do have quite a good relationship and we love spending time together.

I hope everyone's having a wonderful week. Thanks so much for visiting and all the kind comments. I really appreciate them all.

some flowers and updates

2010-04-26T14:38:00.000-07:00

Been out for a drive here on the island the other sunday in seach of fields of Tulips but we had only seen a few fields of daffodils, think the Tulips aren't in bloom yet.

Yesterday, we went to a friends birthday just for coffee and saw this field of tulips on the way.

The kids are with their friends so after the coffee we decided to stopped at one of the restaurant along the small forest here for lunch.

A small finish from the Cricket Collection for Lynda's RR. This is the last of the RR's and i am so glad it is now all done, though later than it was planned.

Look at this lovely threads that i've won at Jackie's blog contest. Thank you, thank you so much, Jackie.

And this lovely card, a very nice surprise from Gerda upon returning a chart she've borrowed a while back. Looking at it...sure miss making cards!

I would like to say a big THANK YOU to all who come and visit my blog. All your comment are very special to me.

X'mas ornament with beads! (how to..)

2010-04-19T22:56:00.000-07:00

Thought to share a few pictures how i made my x'mas monthly SAL ornaments. I am afraid they are not clear as i had expected but do hope it can help for anyone who is interested to try this kind of finishing. Please, feel free to ask any question. ((you can click on all pictures to enlarge if you want.))

Santa's and Snowmen ornament
Prairie Schooler design
32ct Zweigart Belfast Naturel linen
DMC threads

Thanks so much to all of you for the kind comments and i sure appreciate your visits. I hope everyone's having a wonderful week!

Wedding Sampler is done!

2010-04-17T13:26:00.000-07:00

The Wedding bells Sampler
designed by: Lesley Teare
featured at Cross Stitch Crazy, June 2006
14ct Aida
DMC threads
I am glad this is finished, i can move on to other projects which is very slow...Bright and sunny here last days so been out for walks and try to work in the garden.

When i went to pick up hubby last wednesday, we took another route back to the ferry, i had expected to see field of Tulips but had seen mostly fields of hyacinths and Daffodils. Can't get closer to get pictures. I think we have some flower fields here too on the island, hope to drive around later this week before it's all over.
Chris with a wet hair as he just out from the shower after the football game. With all the catching up for football games and at the same time for Chris guitar lesson we had ask the other players if they will have the game earlier so Chris can join the group and be able to attend his guitar lesson too afterwards. We would rather not skip the guitar lesson as that is more expensive than the games.
Practising here early this evening. He started taking the lesson last September with Acoustic guitar and this year he's allowed to use electric guitar. He likes it though not wanted to sing, which is really a pity....

Thank you all so much for your continued visits on my blog and for taking the time to leave me a comment. They mean so much to me! I hope you are all having a wonderful weekend!!

I am so spoiled!!

2010-04-13T13:52:00.000-07:00

Such great packages came in here lately. They did mentioned they sent packages for me but not the contents so still a wonderful surprise to open and see all the lovely goodies.

First, this one from Suzanne all the way from Canada. Can you see the 2 lovely flower pins on the rose purse-sort off purse as i don't know how you call this. Thank you very much, Suzanne.

Next came the package from Anita, with a couple of designs from my wishlist and lovely handdyed threads...plus a couple of her crocheted dishclothes, aren't they lovely. Many, many thanks Anita.

And last came Julie's giveaway. I also expected the beautiful pinkeep but this.....
adorable bunny was a total surprise! I've admired her bunnies ever since she started doing them and i am really thrilled to actually own one. Thank you so much, Julie.
I do hope you all got my e-mails.

The girls came this afternoon after school except one as she has the flu. Suppose to be only thursday but it's their last week now to complete the design they started as they have to deliver it on monday to one of the parent who will fix it to the quilt they are making.
Took these pictures of the girls during our first session. And one of the piece they were working on was left here as i promised to finish the backstitching for her-she find that very difficult. They will be here on thursday for the last session.
Here's a picture of the sampler i am working, sorry as it looks crumpled- i've shown it this afternoon and was in a hurry to set it aside....The girls were very chatty while i did most of the frogging they did at home and the hours pass by.....
Next time i know, it was 5pm and had to hurry up for Chris football match at 6pm. They had missed lots of the games last winter because of the weather so they are now catching up twice a week!

Another surprise i got today...hubby called i am going to pick him up tomorrow. The ship is back from Scotland yesterday and there were some rearrangement made for the crew. So after two weeks away he's coming home for 3 weeks and then he'll be joining another ship probably one outside the country. Actually, he's finally got back his old position, as Captain. More than 15 years ago, he had to stopped working in the dredging business due to health reasons and never expected to return again so he didn't bother to renew his papers. A couple of years ago he re-studied with the help of the company he is now working and got back his papers or certificates.

I might be slow visiting everyone's blog as it's been pretty busy here this week and need to work on the sampler when i get the chance but will do catch up...
Thank you all so much for your continued visits on my blog and for taking the time to leave me a comment. They mean so much to me! I hope you are all having a wonderful week.

NO internet for a day...& WIP's

2010-04-09T11:09:00.000-07:00

We haven't had internet connection for more than a day and i heard some parts of North Holland too. There was a broken cable somewhere in amsterdam mid-afternoon yesterday.

Anyone waiting for a message from me-don't think i am ignoring the messages, i just don't have connection...
...so what have i done instead, stitched...stitched!

Here is my progress on "Peace inside". The left picture is the new update. Thought, i better add where i had stopped before so you can see the progress made. ((you can click on all pictures to enlarge if you want))

Finished 'April' on "My little heart" SAL. This SAL can be seen at Sylvia's blog.
This is a Wedding Sampler i just started for Chris teacher who is getting married next month. I hope to finish it sometime next week, so this is my priority for the moment. It doesn't stitch quick as there were so many colour changes but i love the design. The backstitching were not many but lots and lots of frenchknots!
I am teaching four girls of the class too as they wanted to stitch a small piece for their teacher, they've been here three times now for a couple of hours and they are getting better and better, the first and second meet up were lots of frogging though- i have to do it. They are only 10 years old but they are eager to learn.

Before i end... A Happy Birthday to my wonderful husband! It's his birthday today. He is currently away for work and be home end of this month.

Thank you all so much for your continued visits on my blog and for taking the time to leave me a comment. They mean so much to me! Wishing you all a lovely weekend!

monthly ornament-march & a needleroll

2010-04-06T23:33:00.000-07:00

I've stitched these last february and only done the finishing sometime last month.

Santa's and Snowmen ornament
Prairie Schooler design
32ct Zweigart Belfast Naturel linen
DMC threads

March Birthstone & flower samplers
From a booklet of The World of Cross Stitching
(no designers was given)
Stitched on 28ct white evenweave
DMC threads

Took a picture of the booklet where i got the designs for the needlerolls as a few had asked where i got it.

"A" Tulip Alphabet
Designed by Susan Bates
featured-TWOC issue 71 May 2003
32ct zweigart linen
DMC threads

Also a picture of the magazine where the Tulip Alphabet was featured.

Thanks so much to all of you for the kind comments and i sure appreciate your visits. I hope everyone's having a wonderful week!

A bit of stitching update.

2010-04-03T07:28:00.000-07:00

I haven't done much stitching last month, the two fobs/ornaments were finished last february for a couple of exchanges and now both are safely received.

This one sent to Pascale in Belgium for the Easter exchange from the Dutch Yahoo group.

I received this one in return from Ingrid all the way from Belgium!

Sent this one to Ruth for our private exchange as we agreed on a small spring ornament.

With the Alphabet i haven't fully finished the block i should accomplish for the month of March. The whole bloom along with the backstitching. Hopefully, will get to finish the whole piece by the end of April.

Thank you all so much for visiting and all the kind comments especially regarding my post about Max. It really touches me and hubby too as he had been reading my post lately-being away from home.

I wish you all a very happy and blessed Easter!