The Secret Life Of A Cross Stitch Addict

Moon Dragon Cross Stitch Finish and other things....

2011-11-03T10:10:00.001-04:00

Well, I finally finished Moon Dragon, wasn't easy as I did not stitch any back ground stitches and deciding what to stitch and what not to gave me headaches, but I did it! I will have it framed once I get my tax return this winter. This was stitched for my youngest son, Skyler.

This design below is called All The Works of Mucha, artwork by Alfonse Mucha. You can buy the chart at Patterns Online for $5.99. It measures 12.88 x 18.88 inches when stitched on 16 count fabric. This chart uses 70 colors in DMC. Just click on the picture to take you there!

As far as daily life here, I am waiting for the 14th of November when my eldest son Zack, who is 18, leaves for South Carolina to ebter Marine Corps boot camp. He joined early in December while in his senior year. He has talked about the Marine Corps since he was 5 and knew almost always that it was what he would do once he graduated. So proud and sad at the same time.....

New update on Moon Dragon by Dyan Allaire

2011-09-17T09:18:00.001-04:00

More done since the last time in February! I am trying to stitch at least once a week again. I have other interests so for a while, my stitching took a back burner. Please visit my other blogs to see what could have possibly pulled me away from my first love of cross stitch.
http://www.happilycrocheting.blogspot.com/
http://www.jodisscrapping.blogspot.com/

Thanks for stopping in!

Enter this giveaway for a chance to win!

2011-02-02T21:17:00.002-05:00

Ooooh! This is a very generous givaway indeed! Head on over to Nataly's Needle and take a look!

Moon Dragon Update! Again!

2011-01-22T00:14:00.003-05:00

Okay! So, the moon is now done, all I have left to do are the wings and I thought I would back stitch his beak even though the chart does not call for it....I am going to work on this until it is done...I looked back through my pictures of this and I am ashamed to say I started this in 2004!! lol..how pitiful is that? In fact I started it on February 7th, 2004...maybe I will try to have it finished by then too...7 years later....

Moon Dragon by Dyan Allaire

Moon Dragon Update

2011-01-12T12:41:00.004-05:00

Please forgive this image, I took it with the flash off so as to cut down on the shine. This is the chart! I am stitching it without most of the background as I am using hand dyed evenweave and cannot remember the name of it currently, sorry! This is my progress so far, I took this photo on the 9th and now have much more of the moon finished, I would say 70% of it now. :o) This will be framed for my younger son Skyler who is 14.

And now a more personal update: We have moved, same town, different house. We are living right in town now and it has been wonderful! Love how busy it is and all the company we get now. My oldest son Zachary has enlisted into the Marine Corps. He still needs to graduate but he is now Government Issue. Due to leave August 8th. We are having a huge party for him after graduation. I am trying not to think about his leaving too much and I know come August, I am going to be a walking, crying, nutball. I have lived and breathed for my children since the day he was born, this will be the hardest thing I will ever have to do, to let go and let him fly.....but I am so very proud! I have purchased Lady of The Flag by Mirabilia, as soon as I finishe something...anything...I will start that.

As for my business, I have been lax in that area, I was caught by the digital scrapbooking bug and delved in with both feet. I plan on picking up with my cross stitch business again as soon as I have my desk set up and my computer ready to go so please, bear with me! Thats about it...Happy Stitching!

WIP's To Share!

2010-11-11T09:08:00.003-05:00

Good Morning...I thought I would share two of my WIP's today....This is Fairy Flora by Mirabilia...taking me forever because of all the beading but well worth the effort!

This is Twister, one of my own designs....hope you like!

Thank you for stopping in!

New patterns up at Patterns Online!

2009-01-26T09:52:00.003-05:00

Hi! It has been awhile, I know...I have been obsessed with another craft lately....but I am going to try an balance myself out...

This week at http://www.patternsonline.com/, you can find my cross stitch chart of Seahorse and Moorish Idols. Original artwork is by Heather Bruton. You can download this kit and print it out with PC Stitch, they can mail you the printed chart or you can order the chart as a kit, with fabric and thread. Seahorse and Moorish Idols

Michelle Weibe in Cross Stitch!

2008-11-07T17:19:00.004-05:00

Do you like mermaids and Fairies...I have some lovely ones for you right here..made from the beautiful artwork of Michelle Weibe!

Flower Mermaid-Brunette is made up of 68 DMC colors. She will measure 10 X 14.17 inches when stitched on 18 count or 36 count fabric. This pattern is 18w X 225h in stitches.

Red Hair Bubble Mermaid is made up of 65 DMC colors. She will measure 9.94 X 14.10 inches when stitched on 18 count or 36 count fabric. This chart is 179w x 253h in stitches.

Are they not gorgeous?

Celtic Rose Needlecraft

2008-10-27T08:53:00.003-04:00

Hi Everyone!

If you haven't been to Celtic Rose Needlecraft website....you will be happy to head on over there now! Jacquie carries a HUGE selection of charts and fabrics from many, many designers, including myself. :o) Be prepared for a long stay...grab a cup of coffie and put your feet up while your browse her amazing selections! Don't forget to check out The Golden Hoop charts too!

http://www.celticroseneedlecraft.com

A Mother In Need

2008-10-24T07:12:00.000-04:00

So, I am scrouring blogs this morning, looking for any help I can get with commercial use freebies to help me design. When I came across this blog, http://scrapdoctor.blogspot.com/.

Jeanie is a foster mother, trying to help out another foster mother and her family. The Mom, Mrs. A is fighting breast cancer and has just given birth to a baby as well! Through donations, the needs of the baby are met...but now they are stuggling to pay thier electric bill and much more! The Dad in this family has been laid off from his job and because it is Union, he cannot look for another as he would lose the healthcare his wife desperately needs right now. So...head on over to the Scrapdoctor...and make a donation if you can. I did. It was only $5.00 but any amount will help this family in need. http://scrapdoctor.blogspot.com/.

An added bonus...if you have never been to The Scrapdoctor...in place of lollypops and stickers, she gives out scrapping freebies! I am heading back there now to checkout her offerings!

Jodi

Little Shepherd Boy by Jordanka Yaretz in Counted Cross Stitch!

2008-10-20T09:01:00.005-04:00

I can see this finished stitched piece of Little Shephard Boy in a dining room with a big window overlooking a field or pasture....it has such relaxing colors! Jordanka really outdid herself when she painted this piece. ;o) Now it is available for you to stitch as well!
You can buy this chart from me, the designer...right here! Ignore the mumbo jumbo above the buy button...haven't figured that one out yet, but it will not affect your purchase. :o)

My website is closing due to a lack of traffic. I get all of my sales from my retailers and hardly a thing from my website. You may now purchase the charts here as well. If my website is still up..haven't checked today, you may want to buzz on over there and write down the charts you are interested in as not all charts are up on the retail sites. You can email me from here and let me know if there is one you want at your leisure....but it is good to have a list! Jowa1020@aol.com
http://www.tghcrossstitch.com/

I will be posting charts for sale here on my blog as well....

Jodi

A Cross Stitch Pattern..have you all seen this one yet?

2008-10-07T13:03:00.006-04:00

Hi Everyone,

I am in a slump. No doubt about it....I have not updated my website yet...I will do that today and tomorrow, but until then, I wanted to show you a pattern from my site called Mine. The artwork is done by Wendy Martin, Illustrator. She does the lovliest artwork for childrens books! Please, check her site out! Here is the direct link to Mine on her site.

http://wendymartinillustration.com/mine.html

You can go here to purchase the counted cross ctitch pattern of Mine.

This finished design would be wonderful in a nursery, a young child's room and even a childcare center! Are not the colors soft and soothing? I do hope you all like it!

Free Handbag!!

2008-09-30T08:35:00.002-04:00

Visit Handbag Planet for your chance to win a free handbag! These are truly beautiful selections...I know I have the one I want all picked out!

http://www.handbagplanet.com/

I don't usually post this kind of stuff...but I do get more entries for posting...hope you all don't mind...but hey, it is my blog...right? lol

Peace out....

Promised Freebie!

2008-09-17T15:18:00.006-04:00

Okay...My freebie being offered is an Angel Head. If you prefer to get this chart through a PC Stitch download..just go to http://www.cyberstitchers.com/. You can get it there. If you do not use PC Stitch, well then, you can get it right here!

So, there you have it...send me some love, let me know what you think of it...and Yes! I certainly would love to see finished pictures of this....I would be thrilled to post them right here on my blog too! lol

Before I forget... http://www.patternsonline.com/ has released 4 of my charts between last Thurday and this Thursday. Just go there, click on Whats New on the left sidebar and it will bring you to them...

You all have a wonderful day!

New Layouts....

2008-09-17T15:18:00.004-04:00

Hi Everyone!

Okay...just so you know...I doooo still love cross stitch! I will be working on a freebie for you today and will hopefull post that here tomorrow. Until then...I completed my first two layouts for Sass N Scrap Designs. Link is on the side...right side.

Here they are! This kit is called Rustic Meadow. Available at http://www.havendesignz.com/ under designers then:Sass N Scraps. Same for the image below, called Cotton Candy Mocha. So...go get these kits and make your own fun layouts!

A little of this and that...

2008-09-14T11:16:00.006-04:00

I just had to share this picture of my son Zack from when we were in Lake George! We were enjoying the lake..he had just come from the swimming area and sat down with his book (never without one!). I think I took about 6 shots of this from different angles as I knew I would want to scrapbook it...I think this was the day before he turned 15 as well.

Here is a layout I did of the 4th of July fireworks as well..featuring my son Skyler, and our friends girls whom we went camping with...I had to clip each firework seperately and clip around the kids to make it look like the fireworks were really that great and that close and awesome! They were great...just not as great as it looks..lol

And last but not least..if you keep up with my blog at all..here is the infamous hill I had to climb three times a day to use the bathroom while camping...This only shows half way up..and I am telling you, it is much steeper than this picture shows! You can read the original post to this picture here...http://thegoldenhoop.blogspot.com/2008/07/website-updated-for-july.html#links yeah..and..my knee has been bad ever since I had to climb this dang thing!

In the news for my personal interests! I am now part of the creative team for Sass n Scraps digital designer Diana Miller! What does this mean for me? Fun, fun, fun! And free kits of all her designs. My job is to happily do layouts of my pictures using her digital scrapbooking kits...I am so going to love it! There is a link to her blog on my sidebar here..go check her out! Here is one layout I did using her freebie April Showers. This layout features Skyler and Maddy catching a snooze together. ;o)

Okay..so today, I am going to stitch..it has been at least a week as I have been fighting a knot in the middle of my shoulder blades and for the last three days..a severe head ache caused from the air pressure rising. I get one every time it goes from cool to humid. :o( It is a little better so my body must be adjusting to the change. I just wanted to lop my head off Friday it was oooo bad! It has taken me a few years to pinpoint the cause of these headaches, but eventually, a pattern formed and I was like A-ha! Can't do much about the weather but at least I know what it is not.

The Golden Hoop Website has been Updated!

2008-09-02T17:27:00.006-04:00

To start off, I am offering a first time buyers price for one of my new patterns to be released in October on TGH. The first time buyers price is only good when you purchase from this blog. The price is only good until the end of September! The Pattern Special this month is to be Stained Glass Flower Motif. You can buy it right here, right now, for $3.50 + $1.50 S&H. A total of $5.00. In October, this pattern will cost $5.00 + S&H on TGH.

Stained Glass Flower Motif

Stitches: 85h X 85w

Colors: 13 DMC

If this looks at all wierd after I post this...you got me....But I do see the buy button so hopefully the wierd stuff won't be there! lol Sorry if it does.

The website has been updated as mentioned in the title of this post. This month I have a new artist! yay! Danny Burk takes such beautiful pjotographs and I just knew they would make beautiful cross stitch patterns as well. i do hope you agree. Here are the two new patterns from his work:

Jake's Creek and Ancient Tree. There will be more coming soon. :o) You can visit Danny's site here: www.dannyburk.com

Tell him I sent you!

There are a couple more patterns that are new...so check the Whats New page of The Golden Hoop! www.tghcrossstitch.com

I am also having a sale of Flowers this month! http://www.tghcrossstitch.com/Flowers.html

That is all folks! Oh...before I forget to post this...No-one entered my blackwork contest except Debbie Hill..bless her...bless all of you! But bless her for entering. She loves me. :o) Ok, I love her too. She has become a dear friend! She wins 5 patterns from TGH! Thank you for entering Debbie!

Over and out ~Jodi~

2008-08-24T17:32:00.004-04:00

I won an award for my website from Debbie of Here a stitch, There a stitch! yeah! Thank you Debbie :o)

Here are the rules for this award:

1. The winner can put the logo on her blog.

2. Link the person you received your award from.

3. Nominate at least 7 other blogs.

4. Put links of those blogs on yours.

5. Leave a message on the blogs of those you’ve nominated...

My Nominations are as follows:

http://ginniescrossstitch.blogspot.com/

http://hotfessional.com/

http://cosmichandmade.wordpress.com/

http://frugalinvirginia.blogspot.com/

http://feeds.feedburner.com/momsneedtoknow

http://be-stitched.blogspot.com/

http://charmedcrafts.blogspot.com/

So there you all are ladies! I love reading all your blogs...and now I am heading back over to debbies to see what she has going on. :o)

Wow! I won something very useful!

2008-08-22T15:45:00.002-04:00

I entered a drawing a few days ago on the blog On Our Way to win an envelope full of grocery coupons. I was one of the winners! You do not know how excited I was as I am a huge coupon user. Megan said she would be mailing them out today...I will have them in time for my husbands next payday and I will see if I can get some good deals with them. She said she will be doing these givaways often so you all may want to head on over there and bookmark her site or add it to your reader.

This week I have been cross stitching on Pumpkins 4 Sale but have not made as much progress as I would of liked to. My thumb gets really tired lately from gripping the needle. :o( Remember, this chart is at a special price from this blog until August 31st. Just scroll down a bit and you will find the details. Also, do not forget to try for the freebie contest and win 5 charts from The Golden Hoop! That post is about 4-5 posts down..there is still time to stitch this one up!!

You all have a nice weekend! I am just going to try and relax a little. *sigh*

New Pattern Creation!

2008-08-17T10:48:00.007-04:00

Hi! This pattern is called Pumpkins 4 Sale. You can order it from me right here at a discounted price of $4.00 + $1.50 S&H until August 31st! After that, it will be available on my website at a higher price of $5.00. This is a great deal so don't miss out! You can send a Paypal payment of $5.50 USD to Jowa1020@aol.com and put Pumpkins 4 Sale in the subject line or the message box on Paypal when you send the order. you may also mail an order to:

The Golden Hoop

290 Lewis Road

Constantia, NY 13044

Do Not send an order after August 31st. It will be returned to you.

I will be doing this once a month...offering one discounted pattern a month before the release on my website...so bookmark this site, add it to your feeds and don't miss an opportunity!

Jodi

Just a Reminder!

2008-08-15T08:50:00.002-04:00

Hi!

Just wanted to remind everyone about the blackwork contest using the freebie about 3 or 4 posts down...plaay! The prize is awesome!

Also, I ran across this website today, which I plan to visit often! Right now, she is hosting another contest for scrapbooking paper pads! Go check it out!
http://charmedcrafts.blogspot.com/2008/08/blog-candy.html

Not too much else going on..Zack is at work, Ken is at work. Just me and Skyler and the twins I watch. I need to completely clean my kitchen today...dust the top of the cupboards and windex windows and pictures..*sigh* I pulled my frige out over the weekend and I found things under there that I thought were long gone...so...if you are missing anything...pull your fridge out!

The Power of $1.00

2008-08-14T09:34:00.003-04:00

Hi Everyone,

I have been a member of the 123 cross stitch message board for at least 7 years now, maybe more. Through the board, I became aware of SMA (Spinal Muscular Atrophy) as one of our members is the mother of a precious baby boy who had SMA. Cole Webb died almost 4 years ago at the age of 2. He was very loved by all the members of the www.123stitch.com message board and we were all devestated for the Webb family when they lost their beloved son to SMA.

Kristin Webb, Cole's Mommy, is asking for donations in honor of Cole's 6th birthday (August 13th) to help other families with this life taking disease. Please help if you can!

Below is the post that Kristin made on the 123 message board.

The Power of $1.00
We've all witnessed what a single $1 can do if people are willing take a few minutes and mail it. Just think of all of the yellow bracelets that you see around - I hear Lance Armstrong raised more than a million for cancer research. I'm going to try to do the same :0) Ok -- maybe not a million, but heck what about $1,000 or $5,000 or even $10,000. I'm asking you to give a $1 -- not for a yellow bracelet or any bracelet at all but just for the knowledge that you will be helping families and kids living with SMA -- helping them get the proper equipment, medicine or other support that insurance may deny. Or maybe it will just be used to send the kids something to brighten up their day or even to help pay for some of the growing piles of medical bills. Or God Forbid, help the parents pay for the funeral expenses of the child they lost to this disease.

If you feel like you can spare your dollar -- here is what I am asking you to do:
1. Get your $1 (more if compelled)
2. Write SMA Hero Cole somewhere on a post-it attached to the dollar(or any other person who is living or has lived with SMA)
3. Put it in an envelope and send it to:
SMA Support Inc.
PO Box 6301
Kokomo, IN 46904-6301

and last but not least

4. Forward this email on to all of you family and friend. (or tell everyone you know)

Where is your money going?
SMA Support is an all-volunteer, non-profit, 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization dedicated to providing information and support to family, friends, individuals and caregivers on all aspects regarding the devastating genetic disease called Spinal Muscular Atrophy. You can learn more about SMA Support and SMA by going to www.smasupport.com
Thanks and God Bless!
Kristin Webb

The Secret Life Of A Cross Stitch Addict: Blackwork Freebie Contest!

2008-08-04T13:21:00.002-04:00

Don't forget to join in this contest!! The Secret Life Of A Cross Stitch Addict: Blackwork Freebie Contest!

My website has been updated with 4 very beautiful designs..if I do say so myself! The first two mermaids are designed from The artwork of Michelle Wiebe. The snowman is from Audrey Jeanne Roberts..isn't he charming? And this cool butterfly is from the artwork of Stacey Reed. You can find all of these new charts on the What's New page of The Golden Hoop.

http://www.tghcrossstitch.com/Whats%20New.html

I am exhausted today...4 children, not my own. Two 8 yr olds, one 7 yr old and a 2 yr old. I am finding the older I get, the less noise I can tolerate...these kids must live on movies as I have a hard time finding one they haven't seen before. When it rains...I keep them in...thus the noise level goes up, I go crazy and cannot find one stinking movie they want to watch! Time to invest in new coloring books and crayons.

Okay folks...thanks for letting me vent a little there. :o) I am off now to wash more dishes! Never ending chore there!

Jodi

Blackwork Freebie Contest!

2008-07-23T12:11:00.008-04:00

View Contest Entries Here!

http://www.tghcrossstitch.com/Blackwork%20Contest.html

Here is the newest freebie for my Blog visitors. The contest is as follows: Use this design and finish it. Not just the needlework. It must br framed or turned into something...anything you want. The first person to email me with a PIC of what they did with this freebie will win 2 patterns from my website The Golden Hoop We will also have a contest for the most creative use to be judged by our visitors. Judging will last a week and will take place starting September 1st to give you all enough time to get your entries in. The winner of that contest will win 5 patterns from The Golden Hoop Website! So get cracking! I want to see lots of entries...beautiful entries! No entries will be accepted after August 31st. Contest is open to all stitchers world wide! :o) You may enter more than one finish to be voted on. As long as the way you finish it is different from your other submissions.
http://www.tghcrossstitch.com/ Submit your entries to jowa1020 at aol dot com ...replace with @ and . and take out the spaces.

Blackwork Freebie

2008-07-14T07:55:00.003-04:00

Hi Everyone...

I tried my hand at another blackwork design. This one is small enough to turn into a biscornu if you so desire. I hope you like it!

I am finally recovered from camping and have stopped having nightmares about peeing my pants while climbing uphill! lol Never again. Never.

My washer and dryer died early this summer..they must have been in love as the washer died two weeks after the dryer did and it was only 2 years old. So...we have been going to the laundromat. The perk, getting all your landry done at one time. The pitfall...It costs about $23.00 a week to do all our laundry! I better see the difference in the next electric bill or I will have a fit. It is $1.50 a load to wash. And about $1.25 to $1.75 a load to dry. So, about 6 loads of clothes. That is $18.00 right there. then you have the weekly comforter..I try to do one a week...another $3.00...add or take the dryer fees..and wha-la...$18.00 - $23.00 a week. Good Lord Almighty! Please let my electric bill go down to make up for it. I don't see a new dryer or washer in my future until sometime after Christmas.

Check out my album if Dimensions patterns. All new, never opened or used! Huge selection!

http://home-and-garden.webshots.com/album/563909838fTPVcy

Also check out my website! http://www.tghcrossstitch.com/ for a wide variety of subjects in cross stitch. Thanks!!

Website Updated for July

2008-07-10T14:47:00.003-04:00

Hey all you cross stitchers! The Golden Hoop website has been updated! Only two new pattern releases but I worked very hard on them and I think you will be pleased! The patterns are from the awesome artwork of Audrey Jeanne Roberts. If you are a digital scrapbooker...visit http://www.daisycompany.com/ as well to see what Audrey has there to spark your creativity. I love her stuff! Anyhoo...These two patterns are now available from my site as well as www.needleworkdesignsondemand.com where thay can be downloaded. If you order from my site...it comes to you snail mail.

Okay..can we talk camping here for a moment? Lake George New York. 5 nights. 3 of which were very hot days. But my real complaint...the bathroom......up...hill...all...the.... WAY!! Every step I took with my left leg..I could hear this clicking, I could even feel the clicking somewhere in my lower back. It didn't hurt...but I was thinking...this can't be good! By the time I would reach the top...breathing was a bit labored. So imagine sitting on a toilet..with someone in the stall next to you and you are breathing like a stalker hiding in the closet...I was mortified. So I would always say..so sorry..I just climbed the hill...eh, eh, eh...cannot breathe. My camp is just at the bottom...eh, eh, eh..please notify them if I pass out at your feet...to which the faceless stranger in the other stall would laugh. But I was dead serious. lol I was stuggling with my allergies the whole time too. I am not made for camping. But I think you all have that figured out. :o)

Sharing my blackwork as promised!

2008-06-27T10:58:00.003-04:00

I am calling it Wonderful Blackwork. It is not done..I love the center so I cannot wait to get it stitched up. I think it is not too bad for my first blackwork design. The pattern will be released on my site in August. http://www.tghcrossstitch.com/.

Remember to check out my For Sale albumn on Webshots!
http://home-and-garden.webshots.com/album/563909838fTPVcy

I am a little hard up for cash right now..so if you find something you like...I would be grateful! Between gas and groceries...it takes everything we have to keep afloat these days, not unlike so many other people. :o(

Supposed to be hot and humid today..yuck. Field days are this weekend..not going. I have a feeling they will not do too good this year. Everyone is clutching thier money just trying to make it from one week to the next. Even if I have the cash...with the weather being like it is...still don't want to go..lol I am just not a hot and humid kind of gal.

Much love to you all!

Selling new stash!

2008-06-26T13:35:00.002-04:00

All of this is new, never used! It is from my Dimensions stock whe I used to sell it on my website. i have doubles or triples of almost all of it..so please..look and maybe you will find something you like. :o) All prices are .25-.50 cents above wholesale. Some might even be under wholesale.

by jodiii
So much cross stitch for a true stash collector! lol Don't forget to stop by my site as well! www.tghcrossstitch.com

Nothing Special :o)

2008-06-25T13:48:00.005-04:00

Hi Everyone..

Just thought I would post as I do not do it often enough!

I have been working on a crocheted baby blanket for my SIL and BIL. They are due for a baby boy in early August. I am almost done now. 9 more rows and the border then I will ship it down to Georgia. Will post a picture when it is complete.

I have also been working on my first blackwork design. It is all designed..now I am about 3/5's of the way through stitching it up. It is turning out quite pretty! Will also post that when done.

I have signed with several new artists recently and will be posting two patterns from the artwork of Audrey Jeanne Roberts on July 1st onto my website.!! How excited am I? VERY!!! You can already purchase the pdf of them from http://www.needleworkdesignsondeman.com/. Here are the designs for a nice preview..

The first is called Old World Poppy. The second is called Polkadot Daisy. I definitely want to stitch both myself...not enough hours in the day! *sigh*

These designs will also be on www.patternsonline.com as well. I was told before the end of the month. Don't hold me to it though. If you like a PC Stitch download better..you can try there as well.

Please..visit Augrey Jeanne Roberts website! She is a wonderful artist with many inspirational products as well as occasional freebies. Her website is here... www.audreyjeannesblog.com . You will not be disappointed!

Well..school is out. It is now the time of year when my grocery bill almost doubles. We never buy junk food. No cookies, chips or soda will ever be found here..unless I bake the cookies myself which seldom happens. My kids snack on apples, popcorn or tossed salad if they are hungry between meals. We might buy ice cream once a week and that is only good for two nights at the most...My kids are very active and the food goes fast! I just dread trying to keep up with the way prices are rising on the most basic items! It is getting darn scary to go grocery shopping!

But, I am looking forward to having time with my boys. They are funny kids and entertain me better than anything else! Will try to enjoy that aspect of school being out..wish me luck. :o)

2008-06-16T09:24:00.004-04:00

So I saw this blog post this morning... http://37days.typepad.com/37days/2008/06/catalog-your-fa.html and it made me think back to the times when my parents took the time to listen to me and one day really stuck out in my mind. I thought I would share it with you...

I think I was 7 or 8 years old..that would have made it 1978 or 1979. My parents had spent all week and now into the weekend sanding the livingroom hard wood floor, to put a new finish on it. In those days my Dad worked three jobs. He was a short truck driver by day..delivering groceries from a wholesaler to nearby towns. After work and weekends, he did drywall, roofing and poured cement sidewalks with his nephew. He also had a band...played current country music within a 100 mile radius of his home...Friday and Saturday Nights. Living in the Adirondacks..specifically Saranac Lake, NY...You had to be a lawyer, scientist, teacher, doctor or work for the state to earn a decent living. Otherwise, you were under the poverty level unless you had three jobs as my father did. So...as you can imagine..free time with my dad was all but non-existant. So on this day, when they were very busy trying to beautify the home..I was being a crying, moody brat. I wanted to go on a picnic! I cried and cried..I want to go on a picnic! Dad shut the sander off...looked at my mother..(I was afraid I was going to be spanked for having a fit) and he said Bonnie, make some macaroni salad, we are going on a picnic.

This has always been one of my favirite memories of my dad because he was a hard working man (still is) and all he ever did was work for people or work on our house. It was rare that we actually did anything as a family besides visit the grandparents. He saw a need in me that I wanted out of the house..I wanted to have fun with my parents and sisters and he heard me. He set his work to the side and made time, precious time, for his family.

So..it goes to show..make time for your kids...when they grow up...they will appreciate you for it.

That is my bit of wisdom for today.

Remember to visit my website and look at all the beautiful cross stitch patterns available there!
http://www.tghcrossstitch.com/

The Golden Hoop has been updated for June

2008-06-02T12:15:00.003-04:00

We do have a June Special going on..make sure you check out the Whats new page first to see that special and all the new patterns this month. This is going to be short and sweet as I have a pinched nerve in my lower back and it is excruciating to sit another moment at the computer! AAGGGGHHHH!!

Please visit!
www.tghcrossstitch.com

Love, Jodi

Yeah..so...I...um...

2008-05-08T20:05:00.005-04:00

I bought the chicken wire! All right? I do not have my compst made yet...but the wire is sitting outside ready to receive...organic material..as soon as I tear the damn plastic off it...

The black flies here are murderous...they are these little tiny biting flies that come out every spring....you go outside and they chase you right back in. So...there sits the chicken wire. The compost will be made this weekend. Will post picutures then.

I have not cross stitched. But I have been crocheting still...although the idea of picking up my stitching has been crossing my mind. Bear with me, I will get back to it.

The website is updated with 5 new patterns. Go check them out...
http://www.tghcrossstitch.com/

Now..off to watch Survivor!

My second foot forward with going GREEN!

2008-04-29T08:43:00.004-04:00

I am going to start a compost....Saturday. I am going to buy chicken wire..simple and basic and throw anything organic into that pile..then I will turn it and tend it and keep it balanced until next spring...I will have new topsoil for my flowerbed. I am getting excited just talking about it! What does this have to do with cross stitch? Nada..nothing. But I do have a little bit of a life, right?

So, the benefits of composting are that there is less waste going to the landfills, My flowers will thrive instead of the stuggle they go through every year to flourish. I will be turning nothing into something...which makes me powerful. If everyone tried to do this..what a difference it would make in the world! On the 123 messageboard, I posted a thread looking for advice on how to go about starting this and the cross stitch community has many families that compost! I was amazed! Here is a link to that thread if any of you want to look into it further... http://www.123stitch.com/cgi-bin/BBS/bbs_forum.cgi?read=520806-000000.msg
I also found this site to be very helpful: http://www.compostguide.com/

Have I been cross stitching lately..no, but I want to. But, I have the baby blanket to finish and 6 more rows on my first filet crochet table cloth that I have been working on as well. Sometimes, I just need a break from cross stitch. If this blog post inspires you to start your own compost..I sure would like to hear from you so we can share our experience together!

http://www.tghcrosstitch.com/

A Whole Lot About NOTHING

2008-04-13T15:28:00.002-04:00

Let me see...weekend...Friday...watched two children until 8:30 pm. Night was shot. Saturday..went to Carousel Mall..American Eagle to be exact and left there $162.00 poorer. Boys need some new clothes and they were having a pretty good sale. Next, went to Michaels and purchased 6 skeins of baby yarn to make a baby blanket for my BIL and SIL. Baby Boy Devon is due August 6th. I now have 9 rows done and it is sooo soft! Will take a picture when completed. I took a break from stitching the new design I mentioned in the previous post as I am apparently not as good at spelling as I once thought. I spelled gardener...gardner. Almost the whole word was stitched...these letters are 15 stitches high...so you can imagine the frogging I now have to do. I was not impressed with myself to say the least.

Folks, I slept in until almost 11 today. This is something I rarely do..but did not go to bed until 2 this morning and I did not have kids coming...I deserved it. :o)

I am very, very powerful...

2008-04-09T08:12:00.004-04:00

...according to my husband...

I told him this morning...
"the hot water heater isn't sounding so good"

....he said...
"go ahead, say it out loud! Maybe I can spend money on that too!"

I replied with..
"I am just saying it doesn't sound good..."

to which he replied..
"if you say it out loud, it will break and you can get a new one..."

I came back with...
" oh, yeah. If I say it it will break because I am so very powerful!"

He said...
"you are, I don't know what it is with you but what ever rolls out of your mouth, happens."

I quit the debate at this point because..well...he's right. If I say..slow down honey, there is usually a cop over the next hill...there's a cop and we get pulled over. But if I had not said a thing, no cop would have been there. This is his reasoning, not mine. I call it an educated observation, not seeing into the future...as he believes..lol

Okay...so, I started a new cross stitch project I designed last night. It is a cute little verse about friends and love...I will update by Friday with what I have so far..I am using a variegated thread to stitch it with...I plan on using it as the model for when I sell it from my website. Check back Friday for a peek...

I am so proud of my oldest son..as opposed to what I was feeling last week! He has his classes picked out for 10th grade next year and he and his advisor decided he will take advanced honor classes in biology and global. This year he has a 99 in science. This kid fluffed off so bad in middle school, he barely passed. This year, he realized how important it is to do well in school. His whole future depends on it. He watched An Inconvenient Truth this weekend. It has inspired him as to what profession he may want to go into. He is thinking of becoming an ecologist. I will be proud if he is a garbage man. As long as he is the best at it, but to have a profession that could help to save our planet...my feet would never touch the ground again...ah, the highs and lows of being a parent...

TGH Updated

2008-04-02T09:31:00.002-04:00

Yeah! I updated the website by the 2nd of the month...not bad..I had way...way too many kids yesterday...1 to be exact..lol. But, a 2 year old. Cannot leave him unattended to update my website. he is a good boy though so it wasn't too much of a chore. And bless him, he did not go #2 yesterday. Not potty trained yet....won't even go there...

So..I have two new artists released this month on TGH. Wendy Martin, a very talented illustrator. Please visit her site at www.wendymartinillusration.com. And, Beth Dunlop, you can view her amazing watercolor artwork at www.bethdunlop.com. I was very lucky to get these talented ladies...you can view the cross stitch patterns at www.tghcrossstitch.com.

Water pump has been replaced, toilet has been flushed..and cleaned. And I still haven't stopped doing laundry. My right ear hurts to touch it around the lobe..but not to just sit here. Cannot feel pain. if I touch it though, excruciating! I do believe I need a doctor. Whats new.

To introduce you to something barbaric and stomach turning to any parent...google slap boxing. Here, I did it for you.. http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&q=slap+boxing&btnG=Google+Search. Why, why, why!! would anyone think this is okay? Why? You might wonder how I came to be on this subject...my wonderfully idiotic children thought this was fun. They slapped the hell out of each other last weekend while I wasn't home. It literally broke blood vessels on my youngest son's face. It pissed me off so bad...I was seething at my oldest. From him, I got..Mom, all the kids do it, it is no big deal...this is what I am fighting..all the kids. The influences of the general teenage population. I asked him what makes standing toe to toe with your brother no less, and slapping the hell out of each other okay? There must be something wrong with your head to think it is fun, cool and okay. Just because all the kids do it, does not make it okay and I am sure, their parents would agree with me. I got through to him. I did. He is a tender hearted boy..with a huge conscience..so I was really reeling that they did this. I wouldn't normally talk about something like this on my blog..but I feel it is really important for all parents to be aware of this...talk to your kids, ask if they have heard of it, do their friends do it, have they done it..and educate them on consequences. The following are a few..
1. Child Protective Services could become involved.
2. An older child could go to jail
3. That optic nerve..that attaches your eye to the rest of you, could become torn.
4. People will look at your kids and wonder who thier parents are!
There is more, much more..please check into it.

Much love to all, Jodi

The Good, The Bad, The UGLY

2008-03-26T07:58:00.002-04:00

Good: My relationship with my dog Maddy, has evolved to the stage where we cannot live with out each other. I cannot go to the bathroom without her right there at my feet. She sleeps with me, she cries when I go outside without her. My heart shudders when she does something loving or cute. She is my little girl.
Bad: Our pump quit working a week and a half ago so I have not had running water in that amount of time. Thanking God that my sister lives next door where I can do laundry and we can shower...but I am dog ass tired of heating water to do dishes and hauling water to flush the toilet....will be fixed tonight though...
UGLY: What I would really like to call UGLY happened yesterday but I try not to air dirty laundry for all the world to see as I love my family members too much to do that...so lets see...UGLY....My toilet. I need running water!!! If I go one more day without running water...I will go balistic on one and all. Not one more day. Not one.

Love to you all..
Jodi

Something Different...

2008-03-24T08:20:00.004-04:00

Hello! I thought I would try this...I got it from The Hotfessionals blog and since I like to read, I said what the heck. :o)

1. List three books you’ve always meant to read, but haven’t got around to them
2. Share the two books that changed your life
3. Recommend the one book you’ve been talking about since the very first day you’ve read it

1. The Bible...I feel guilty for not reading this book! I have made several attempts, there are areas I like and other areas that bore the heck out of me...

** When Ghosts Speak...I have to read this! I have been trying to win it off Ebay for two months now but I get outbid every time.

** There really isn't a third...yet.

2. Are you There God? It's me, Margaret. I read this in 5th grade and it was so nice to read that I was not the only girl in the word suffering from body image issues and it truly did help when my first period came.

** Roots. I read this book when I was 12 or 13. My parents could not believe I was lugginh around this heavy book and actually reading it! But itchanged my life. I learned about struggle, empathy, understanding, injustice, and that we are all people, very beautiful people. We are the same.

3. A Woman Of Substance. This is a good book, historical. The writing is outstanding. The way this woman pulls herself up by her shoe strings is motivating and amazing!

Now, What is new in my cross stitching world? My good friend Debbie Hill had a cross stitch design idea and asked if I might be able to design it....I'll try I said...I have never tried to design something worth selling by designing free hand...but it worked! Here is the outcome:

I do have amodel stitcher working on it already and it will be released to http://www.tghcrossstitch.com/ and all my retailers as soon as it is done! I think it turned out sooo cute! It is called Catching Dinner.

Website Update and other things....

2008-03-13T07:53:00.003-04:00

The website, http://www.tghcrossstitch.com/, has been updated this month. Please check in to the What's New page to find out....what is new! lol

I submitted a new pattern to http://www.cyberstitchers.com/ for a freebie, it is my cat Socrates, a close up of his face...some people got really excited over it. That made me happy to be sure.

I am gathering supplies to start a stocking from The Stitchers World Magazine, Sept 2001 thru January 2001. It is in 3 seperate issues. I love making stocking, have done 2 so far. I always way for that special one...it has to be just right for me to stitch it...as I know whoever I give it to will have it always.

I have two new artists I will be intoducing next month, Beth Dunlop and Wendy Martin. Both very talented. you can view their artwork here, http://www.bethdunlop.com/ and http://www.wendymartinillustration.com/ . Watercolor artwork converts very nicely into cross stitch, I really like the results when I am done tweaking the colors and overall design. I usually start a design with 150 colors, and slowly reduce them by removal and replacement until I have a number of colors that is reasonbable to work with. It is neccesary to do this as if I start out with too few, the pattern does not maintain the depth of the original artwork. So, now you know a little about the process I go through in designing or converting a pattern.

Some people do not consider running a picture through a program designing....I did not design the artwork, true...but I am designing the pattern from the artwork. I also do original designs from my head, freestyle, or from my own artwork...so, I guess I am a designer in my book. :o) It gets complicated as there is so much grey area on the subject...

Nothing else going on really....feel free to post your opinion on this subject. I would like to hear your views!

Jodi

Website Update

2008-03-06T08:40:00.002-05:00

New patterns have been posted to The Golden Hoop at www.tghcrossstitch.com. Please stop by the What's new page to see what had been added. :o)

Next month I will be adding a couple of patterns by a new artist addition to the site, Beth Dunlop. Check out her art at www.bethdunlop.com! She is whimsical and very talented...check out the eyes on her people...amazing! I just love the eyelashes.

I woke up with a terrible headache this morning, the same one I went to bed with last night. The flu has been flying all arounfdmy family...my sister and her family live right next door, they have all had it, my younger sister's family has had it, my Mom is just getting over it....how have I remained untouched by this? I do not spray with lysol, I believe the body is stronger for having to fight off germs, than by not ever catching them at all....could be I am right? I doubt it...I am praying this headache is not the start of a terrible bout of flu. Pray with me. Thanks. :o)

I have to finish up some home-made baby shower invitations today that I am making for my BIL and SIL. They are expecting their first child in August. They live in Georgia (too far away!!!) and will be coming up to NY for the shower in April. Will be mailing them out on Saturday...I have to pay .17 cents extra for each card as they are very 3 dimensional and have to be hand sorted. They charge extra because they cannot go through a machine...that sucks!

I have heard the official sign of spring arriving this morning while putting Maddy on her chain. I do not know what kind of bird, but it is the one that sings in two tomes...first one, then the other... wooooo-woo, or wiiiir-wir, or doooo-do. I cannot type the sound...but maybe you know what I mean. It is a beautiful sound and always makes my heart expand with happiness.

Jodi

Some Pics to share and a bit of moaning and groaning

2008-02-24T07:56:00.006-05:00

The moaning and groaning part: My shoulder has hurt for three days now! It feels as if there is a pinched nerve..I cannot lift my arm any higher than my chest. My 11 year old son has been helping me do my hair....I am pathetic...

Here is my finished Sunshine Blue:

available at http://www.tghcrossstitch.com/

And a picture of Maddy from 2 days ago after her bath...she was exaughsted!

Other than that..nothing new going on. I am contemplating a trip to the doctor if my shoulder doesn't feel better by Wednesday. I had to wear a sling yesterday and probably today as well as a hanging arm doesn't feel so hot on my shoulder. I am still managing to cross stitch though. I am working on Twister at the moment. Will post a WIP next week.

My oldest son decided not to play football this year and is going out for cross country running! Good for him! He just wants to try everything. He is good at football, but the team is so large..he doesn't like having to wait on the side to play. Running will be good for him...

Love to all!

Jodi

The Golden Hoop Updated

2008-02-01T09:53:00.001-05:00

Please visit www.tghcrossstitch.com to find out what is new! It has been updated with 5 new charts and 1 new freebie!

A WIP

2008-01-25T13:40:00.000-05:00

Hi! I have been doing a teeny, tiny bit of stitching as my hands do not hurt as bad this week...still have to rest them often though. Here is my WIP on Sunshine Blue. I am working this on 11 count aida and intend for it to be another pillow. This pattern is available at www.patternsonline.com and at my site, www.tghcrossstitch.com.

A Finished Cross Stitch Pillow

2008-01-16T12:00:00.000-05:00

This is These Chains That Bind, designed by myself and purchasable at http://www.tghcrossstitch.com/. I finished it about 2 or more years ago...and recently gave it to my mother to finish it for me. I did the stitching, she did the pillow. The pillow is AWESOME!! It may be hard to see...but on the 4 corners if the pillow are blue buttons. I thought the design of the pillow was so clever of her. She did an outstanding job on it. If anyone is interested in having my Mom finish thier cross stitch projects into a wall hanging, pillow or ornament....feel free to contact me and I will give you her telephone number. She has been sewing for years and is wonderful at it. Located in Central New York.

Jodi

Unable to cross stitch :o(

2008-01-14T13:35:00.000-05:00

I am so bumming! My hands hurt right smack dab in the center...so they are feeling very achy and weak...I tried stitching last night after 3 months of nothing and found my hands were unable to do more than 20 stitches. This is upsetting to me...I will have to see my doctor. 2 years ago, I had carpul tunnel and trigger finger surgeries on both hands. I don't think it is the carpul tunnel now. I have trigger finger again in my ring fingers this time and I think that pain in the center of my hand may be caused from that...

Good News! There is a new site for you stitching addicts...

http://www.designsondemand.org/

They have picked up my charts. This is a site where you can pay and then download a pattern in .pdf form. This site is just starting so please visit them and maybe you will find something you like!

Finally...I am here!

2008-01-09T13:31:00.000-05:00

I have been days trying to access this darn page! Don't you hate it when you get the urge to blog...and you can't?
We found out on Christmas that my BIL and his wife are expecting their first child, due Aug 14th. This is exciting news as Chuckie almost died a few years ago from an AVM (google it). He has had many miracles in his life, the first beginning when he met Shannon. She has been an outstanding wife and we all love her! I offered to make the invitations for the baby shower doing teabag folding...I am looking forward to it.
Maddy was bad today. :o( I kept bringing her outdoors to pee, but as the snow is melted and the weather is chilly but mild...she would rather chase leaves or chew on sticks! We have had really strong winds today...so you can imagine the options she has had from various rolling leaves. Three times I brought her out in an hour...we no sooner come back in...she pees. And she knew it as I said her name and she ran to crawl under the couch. I spanked her hiney and tossed her out side again...then let her in and she went right to her kennel...she knows the routine. LOL She went two days without an accident so I thought we were really on a roll.
I have not stitched since Halloween..I don't know what is wrong with me! I want to desperately..I just cannot bring myself to get out the thread and project bag and dive in. Driving me nuts!

Love for now, Jodi

Starting the New Year Off With A Bang!

2008-01-04T15:16:00.000-05:00

Hi all!

I sell some of my charts on http://www.patternsonline.com/. Some of the advantages to my customer are this, they can print the patterns out themselves and the prices are lower than on my site as I don't have to do any of the printing or mailing. The biggy is that there is instant gratification! Everyone loves that! So... My Kim norlien patterns are doing extremely well on there....so good that one of them has been a best seller last month! I am just very pleased with the whole thing. I wanted to share. :o) It is exciting to me to know that so many people are going to be stitching one of my desings..I cannot wait to see them popping up all over the internet as WIP's.

Other than that, nothing new...made a vet appointment for Maddy to get some more shots..poor baby. She follows me all over the place and lays down where ever I am. I have to watch for her when I get up as she is usually right where it is easy to step on her.

Here are two PICS of charts that will be released next month...The first is Nubian Sister, Original Artwork by Lacy Chenault. Lacy Loves Belly Dancing and it is reflected in her art. The second is called Gail. I am enthralled with all the by-gone eras where women looked and dressed like ladies, the fashions and the times...I was born in the wrong time period.

I hope you like them!

No Title, I am not creative enough for that today...

2007-12-27T12:20:00.000-05:00

Hi, Just updating here...made another pattern by artist Jordanka Yaretz called Tree of Hearts...I love it...

I have been very tired since Christmas, cannot seem to catch up on my zzzzz's. The puppy has been good at night..sleeps right along and is now scratching at the door when she wants to go out. That is excellent. She and the cat play beautifully now...they wrestle and chase and the cat is gentle with her. They are very fun to watch. Not too much else going on, trying to make some Christmas digital scrapbook pages. I am obsessed with the digital scrapbooking. It is so not

messy but I am getting an itch to do it the traditional way too...will have to re-supply myself for that...here is one layout I have done posted above... This child of mine kept trying to get me up, at 1:30 am, 3:30 am and he finally went back to sleep..when I had to wake him up at 6:30. It is no wonder I am still tired!

Jodi

Christmas Eve and the puppy is here!

2007-12-24T07:17:00.000-05:00

Well, Madeline has been here since Friday morning...she is a handful, literaly..lol. I am including a photo for all to see. She looks like an Ewok from Star Wars. I am rethinking that her name shouyld have been piglet as she grunts and snorts all the time. Very adorable. I wasn't sure if she would survive the cat. The first few hours were tense, but he decided he likes the little girl and they are in a constant game of chase now.

It is Christmas Eve here...I have a full day of childcare and cleaning to do. Tonight, we go to my Dad and step-Mom's house. There will be 25 of us...all their kids, the grandkids and my Mom and step-Dad. It is always crazy, crowded and I get a tough of anxiety...but nice too.

Tomorrow morning we will see my mother and father inlaw and my Mom..fun, fun, fun!

Merry Christmas to all!

Jodi

Random Ramblings...

2007-12-19T12:12:00.000-05:00

Here are two pICS of patterns that will be released in the month of January 2008. The second is called Luna Moth, artwork by Robin Street Morris. The first is called Orchid, artwork by Svetlana Valueva. Hope you all like them. http://www.tghcrossstitch.com/

I was so very sick last week. I think I had the 24 hour flu. I had every symptom of it and thought I would die on the couch. Felt better by 8pm that evening though. It could have been worse.

Spent the weekend making Christmas cookies with my sister next door. They all turned out good and they are now almost all gone. My kids are cookie theives! I am glad they enjoyed them though.

I am getting my Shih Tzu puppy on Friday morning. I cannot tell you how excited I am. I am naming her Madeline Lorraine Fern after my grandmother who always had lap dogs. We are calling her Maddy for short though. I am a little nervous though about how Socrates is going to take her. Socrates has been our baby and always will be, but he has never been around other animals except for cows...when he was still in his first 8 months..and they loved him. But they were much bigger than him too. Maddy will be smaller than Socrates and I am afraid he will mistake her for a rodent..LOL Will have to keep an eagle eye on them for a while.

That is about it here...

Jodi

Not feeling well....

2007-12-06T07:48:00.000-05:00

ach...my stomach is off. Yesterday, the baby I watch was throwing up, my nieces and nephew next door were all sick earlier in the week...I guess it is now my turn. :o(

I did end up winning an xbox, but not the original one I had bid on. I found a buy it now offer that was much lower than what the auctions were going for by about 80-90 dollars cheaper! I got a good deal.

It has been snowing a lot this week. Very pretty out. I live in Oswego County, NY so if any of you watch the news...you may have heard that we have been getting record amounts of snow over the last few years. We can thank Global Warming for that.

Not too much else going on..I have been working on two cross stitch desings for next month. The artwork by Robin Street Morris and one by Svetlana Valueva. Her art is so dreamy....

Jodi

Ebay drives me insane!

2007-12-02T19:33:00.000-05:00

I am bidding on an xbox 360 for my son Zack for Christmas...I started the bidding a few days ago at .99. Now, I know it won't go for mere pennies..lol...but I put a reasonable bid in...It is down to the last 50 minutes and people are starting to raise the price...I expected this of course...But I am sitting here, just going out of my mind hoping it doesn't go over my top bid...please, please, please! Stay under $150.00...Will post the outcome tomorrow...

Jodi

My errands are done!

2007-12-01T10:29:00.000-05:00

Okay...I woke up at 5:34 this morning...do you know how insane that is? I was supposed to sleep in...no children to wake up to, not even my own! But there I lay awake...with my stomach growling of all things. My stomach talks to me a lot. I try to ignore it...but it keeps talking. So..I roll out of bed. Take a shower. Call my husband to see if he was going to town, so I could catch a ride with him. It is kind of funny as I needed a ride to the bank so I could have my court papers notarized for our support hearing...and I asked him to bring me..LOL He didn't find it as funny as I did...hmmm...

Mailed out an order to a magazine for two fleece throws..One Marine Corps and one greenbay Packers. My oldest is Marine Corps crazy...he will join. I have no doubt. My youngest likes the Packers. Sent out my new prescriptions to Caremark. We then went to Walmart...needed a new vacuum belt. The boys cleaned their room last weekend and as always, it results in a broken belt.

Before all this though but after the shower, I did manage to update my website. www.tghcrossstitch.com. It is all there on the Whats New page. Please, check it out!

Much Love...Jodi

I made it through the day...

2007-11-30T21:11:00.000-05:00

It is just amazing that I survive 5 days with nothing but toddlers and grade school children all week long. Today, I truly thought I would lose my mind. But I made it. I even sent them all off with kisses and hugs. As long as I know I get Saturday and Sunday...I will be fine. LOL

It is just me tonight...no kids. I never know what to do with myself when they are not here. I did start a pattern of a Luna Moth, artwork by Robin Street Morris..go ahead and google her. She does wonderful pet portraits. I have more of her patterns on my site...mostly dogs of many breeds. www.tghcrossstitch.com

Good night!

A little about Socrates

2007-11-30T12:34:00.000-05:00

Here are some PICS of my crazy cat:

He is much larger now..he was 9-10 months old ion these photos. He turned 1 in July. Socrates was a barn cat. He was much loved by the ladies (milking cows) and he smelled just like a barn for quite awhile too! I got him from a college friends mother..she had him fixed and had his shots done before she gave him to me. We had just lost our beloved Fantasia and had offers of other cats coming out of our ears. This cat seemed to be in the most need for a good life though. We named him Socrates as we wanted something original that we have not heard on another animal before, but it had to be a distinguished name as well. My mother got his brother a few weeks after we got Socrates. She named hers Horatio, LOL They go together...Socrates likes to attack the feet of his sleeping victims. He is not skitish (probably used to being around cows that could thump you. Nothing acares him. He is a good mouser. He likes to pull on my hair while I sleep as well. I know he is trying to kill me sometimes as his favorite thing to do is trip me in the morning. I have a hard time sweeping around him. He thinks the broom is something to be attacked. He loves to be held like a baby, he is perfect as he will kiss, but does not rub his face all over us...he is not annoying in that way. He is just a darn good companion. LOL We love him and consider ourselves very lucky to have been given him.

The day is almost over..whew...

2007-11-29T19:12:00.000-05:00

Okay...The baby left at 2:30 for a doctor appointment. My 2 year old and 5 year old left at 6:00pm and I am left with a 6 year old and an almost 2 year old...watching a movie right now. They will be here until 9:00 pm. My kids are next door with their cousins.

I made a wonderful spaghetti tonight for dinner. None of the cherubs complained. It is hard to please all of them at times. But I did it. :o)

I got my kitchen counter cleaned off today...working on my kitchen table. The living room is always picked up as it is set up for kids...I just have to keep a path through the toys and we pick them all up several times a day. I did tons of laundry. Everytime my kids clean their room..I end up with a mountain of laundry..at least half still folded. Grrr... But..it is looking like I may be able to stitch this weekend...after my website is updated.

I am getting ready to watch Survivor. I love that show and The Amazing Race. I get so caught up in their personalities...another 40 minutes to kill until then.

Jodi

The catch in my neck is gone...

2007-11-29T07:14:00.000-05:00

Thank you Jesus! It was bothering me all day...by the end of the night, around 9:00 pm, I was able to sit long enough to use a heated corn bag on it. Don't know if it helped but it sure felt good! My last child left at 9:50. I watched Project Runway (LOVE IT!!) and went to bed. I woke up at 7:10 this morning and it was as if the baby never left..lol He was the last to leave and the first to arrive today. He is precious though and I am completely in love with the little guy. He is smiling a lot now and cooing when I talk to him. Always brings a tear to my eye.

I am hoping to get my house organized by this weekend so that maybe...just maybe...I will be able to sit and cross stitch. My husband and I separated in September and I haven't stitched yet. It is all that is on my brain..but I have been busy packing his items, which he has taken very little of, and the paperwork I have to keep and fill out because of our separation is overwhelming. It just never seems to go away. I am making a dent though.

I worked on my third pattern for Jordanka Yaretz yesterday..Finally finished it. It is called Tall Tree and I think I may have to stitch it myself. :o) The PIC is above. I really wish there was an option here to post the PIC with the paragraph about it. Anyway, the pattern will be available on www.tghcrossstitch.com by December 1st or 2nd. Depending on how many cherubs I am watching that day....should be the weekend though so I don't think it will be a problem. www.patternsonline.com also carries my charts for a few dollars cheaper than I sell them on my site. You just have to print them out yourself. It is a great option and I love shopping there. Their selection is outstanding!

Happy stitching to all!

Love, Jodi

Just another Wednesday

2007-11-28T08:57:00.000-05:00

Good Morning,

I woke up with a catch in my neck. Hoping it plays out my way. Without further pain. My 2nd child of the day just showed up. He is watching Dora. It keeps him enthralled so I have time to finish what I am doing on the computer. My first child is already in school. My third child won't be here until around 11:30. I do childcare. It is my main source of income.

I have not had breakfast yet and my stomach is telling me what a witch I am for ignoring it. I get up in the morning and try to get on the computer as soon as possible so I can finish before my child care kids get here.

I have exciting news for The Golden Hoop. I signed with a new artist, her name is Jordanka Yaretz. I found her on Ebay. She does the most beautiful trees....Above is a picture of one of the patterns that will be released in December http://www.tghcrossstitch.com/ along with several more. This one is called Purple Tree. Please, visit one of Jordanka's galleries here: www.myartclub.com/jordanka.yaretz

While I waited for this picture to upload, I had toast with peanut butter..yum. My stomach is now happy. I must go for now..I have an order to comlete for www.stunningstitchworks.com you may want to check them out as well!

Happy stitching, Jodi