It Seems like a Long Time

….since I posted.  Life has been an absolute whirlwind, but no regrets.  I was lucky to spend a few days with my dear step-father last week.  It was nice just to sit and chat or watch movies.  I miss him so very much!  However, the iPad and FaceTime make the miles not seem so many.  We FT at least once a day, sometimes twice, depending on how he's feeling.  I always blow him a kiss when we say 'good-bye'.

LynnB from Happiness is Cross Stitching is having a lovely give away.  Please check it out.  I wanted to send her a huge THANK YOU, as well.  I've been a fan of Lynn's for several years, marveling at her talents and creativity.  I sent her an email asking her is she would be so kind as to design some labels for me I could print on fabric paper and attach to items I make.  I offered to pay her for her time, but she refused.  Here is one of the designs she made for me:

Be sure to check out her Etsy shop, Dreamy Digitals.  Again ~ THANK YOU, Lynn!!

Mii Stitch organized a Christmas Biscornu Exchange.  Here's what I received from Ingrid -

The chocolates didn't see the next day….and the Santa Countdown is on our fireplace mantel in our family room.  Every day when I turn the numbers, my husband chuckles.  Thank you, Ingrid - I love, LOVE it all.

I thought I had snapped a picture of what I sent to Albena, but I can't find it now.  Anyway, it was a Santa biscornu that was so fun to stitch.  Hopefully Albena will post a picture on her blog.

Now - on to Christmas stitching - when my daughter was growing up, I started a tradition of stitching a Christmas ornament for her each year.  So, with a new grandson and two step grandchildren, the tradition must continue - HA!

Here's Ronin's.  I searched high and low for toy soldier Christmas material and FINALLY found it (on sale, no less) at Joann's -  front:

Back…..

Here is step-granddaughter's (from Brooke's Books) - front:

Back….

Hmmmm…..seems like I'm forgetting something - oh well.  Off to stitch and sew some more

Keep yourself surrounded by stitches ~ Cheers ~