Oops Vacation Day 3

I forgot to post yesterday so here is the catch up post. The final stretch to Myrtle Beach was just fine. We arrived safely at about 3pm. We were hungry so we went down to our favorite buffet Giant Crab. They have all you can eat crab legs which we just couldn't wait to eat. Even Jeremiah starting liking them. We did some driving around to waste time till it opened and was first in line to eat haha. It was delicious. Could be cause we were hungry but also helps it's great food. We ate like pigs. Then it was time to check in. This is our 4th year staying here at Springmaid Beach Resort. I'm disappointed with our room. I specifically asked for a high floor because of the ocean view and was told they would get us one. We are on the first floor but the view is fine so I didn't throw a fit. They told me they were booked. We've been here in October for the last 3 years and it's been busy but never CRAZY busy and boy this time it is CRAZY busy. So I figured if I did did throw a fit it would be a lost cause. We walked out on the fishing pier cause it's always neat to see the people catching fish. This time it was really weird cause they were catching big long eel looking fish. They were catching them one right after another and throwing them on the pier while they were reeling in the next one. I asked someone and they said they were Ribbon Fish. Never heard of them before that's for sure. They had long teeth too. They make sushi out of them another person told me. Yuck. But it was neat to watch them reeling them in.

Vacation Day 2

Today we made it to Statesville, NC. It was a little under a 5 hour day but it felt like a lot longer. There was a lot of traffic, mountains, toll road, and 2 tunnels. We did get to stop at the Tamarack. We always stop there when we are on this route. It's a rest stop but like an art museum. Well it's a store but the things are priced so high it ends up being a museum haha. They also have a cafeteria. Mom loves the apple crisp and she was so looking forward to it. We had a nice time shopping around and trying not to touch things haha. There is also a spot with windows where you can watch some of the artists working. There was 3 different ones working today so it was really neat to watch them for a little bit. Here is a picture of Mom and Jeremiah in front of the building...

We got to our hotel and asked about places to eat. There was a little pizza place within walking distance so off we went to eat pizza and it was really good. Then back to the hotel to rest. Tomorrow we will reach the ocean!!! Can't wait. Someone tell the dolphins I'm on the way please.

Vacation Day 1

No great things to share today. It was just a driving day. We headed out at about 9am this morning. Weather was perfect. Traffic wasn't too bad. We made it to Mineral Wells, WV at about 2:30pm. We've stayed at this hotel before when passing through. It's a nice drive from home and a nice drive to where we want to get tomorrow. Ohio is very uneventful to drive though. We only really stopped at a few rest stops and a gas station. Within walking distance from our hotel is a Cracker Barrel so we walked over and ate a late lunch. We got all checked in and relaxed. Now we are getting delivery of this fantastic little pizza place that's within walking distance too. It's really delicious. My mouth starting watering a few weeks ago when I knew we would be passing through. Thanks for traveling along with us.

Early WIPocalypse and Turtle Trot

Tomorrow is WIPocalypse and the 10th is Turtle Trot. Since I'm following this little sea turtle and heading to the ocean I figure I would post early.

It's been a busy not a lot of stitching kind of month I guess. I didn't realize how much I hadn't been stitching till I added it all up. Here is the breakdown.

Ghool School - 1 Day
Pirate Ship - 3 Days
Dog Wisdom - 2 Days
99 Bottles - 2 Days
HAED Grow Together - 1 Day
None - 16 Days

I'm trying to get everything organized and packed for my trip so no stitching pictures this update. We leave tomorrow morning. If you want to travel along with me check my blog updates. I will be posting about my adventures. I love looking back and seeing what all we did on our vacations. The reason for this vacation is the PALs Stitching Retreat at Myrtle Beach, SC. We extended the time so we can enjoy the ocean and eating seafood haha. Then we are heading up to Outer Banks, NC. My mom has been there several times but I have not so I'm really looking forward to seeing the area.

Finished Finally!

I finally made time to finish my exchange pieces. I thought these would be cute as cubes. I really love how they turned out. I'm my own worst critic but I really hope the people who receive them like them. I just love how they can sit on a shelf and be easily put away until the next year. It had been years since I made a cube so I was glad to do it again. They are frustrating but so worth it. I have a feeling I will do more of these for myself sometime. Maybe actually do something with all those finishes I have laying in a drawer!

If you need a good link to follow I found this one explained it pretty well.
http://hannahxs.blogspot.com/2007/11/no-sew-cube-tutorial.html

One Lovely Blog Award

I was given an award from Justine. She is a lovely stitcher I've been lucky enough to meet online and we follow each others blogs.

Thank you so much Justine. I appreciate it a lot.

Here are the details.
1. Thank the person that nominated you and link back to them in your post.
2. Share 7 things about yourself.
3. Nominate bloggers you admire.
4. Contact your chosen bloggers to let them know.




1) I am self taught how to cross stitch. I was walking in the craft store and noticed there were more counted cross stitch pieces than other crafts I did at the time. I saw a dragon and thought it would be fun and I've been hooked ever since!


2) I did model stitching for several years. It was fun until it became a job then I got out of it. I have to admit though it felt really really special to see a chart with my name on it in the store.


3) I love traveling with my family. We are so lucky to get to travel a lot and I'm so extremely thankful.


4) I collect dragons and fairies. I've always loved fantasy. I also love vampires and scary movies. I'm all around weird haha.


5) I started this blog in 2007 and really don't remember life without blogging. I've always loved technology and really enjoy being online and sharing my opinions and thoughts. I also do online surveys and have since I had the internet. Another way to share how I feel about things.


6) I try to smile all the time. The world we live in is scary and sad. I've decided to make my corner better by smiling and having fun no matter what others think. Jeremiah and me laugh and have fun like no one is watching and I'm so happy that he has learned to be this way too.


7) I've only had 2 jobs in my life. Before I had Jeremiah I had 2 different jobs. After having him he became the best job I could ever have. I devoted my life to being involved in everything he needed and I'm so thankful for every second. I was at every field trip. Every doctor appointment. Every meeting. When he was in the 3rd grade and we made the decision to home school him I knew it was the right thing to do and have never doubted it.


Thank you again Justine. Hope this has been interesting. I know I've enjoyed thinking of things to share with you all. I'm going to nominate Linda cause I've always loved following her blog. I can't find the other blogs I want to nominate. Some of my favorite haven't updated in awhile.

Locks Weekend

 Last weekend we had a mini vacation. Fred had some days of vacation he needed to use up. So mom and us hit the road and headed north. We went up to Mackinac, MI for one night. Jeremiah really enjoys it up there. We (minus Fred) had been there a few times and Fred hasn't been there since Jeremiah was probably 4 (he's 16 now). So Jeremiah was so excited about showing Fred some of his favorite places. We arrived in town in the early afternoon and had lunch at Jeremiah's favorite pizza place. There is a little museum upstairs of there so we went up there and Jeremiah showed Fred around. It was so cute to watch. Jeremiah was like a little tour guide. Then we did some shopping and bought fudge of course. We had dinner at a favorite Italian place and again Jeremiah was the little tour guide. Unfortunately we had some problems with our hotel so definitely won't be staying there again. In the morning we headed north to Sault Ste Marie most often referred to as Soo Locks.

This is a picture of what the locks look like from the sky. Lake Superior is on the top of this photo and the St. Mary's River is on the bottom. There is a 21ft drop between the lake and the river. The rapids on the right of the photo is what was originally there. These locks allow freighters to transport goods to so many places they couldn't reach before. The locks are 1,100 feet long. Some of the freighters that go through are 1,000 feet so it's AMAZING to watch. We saw probably close to 20 while we were there. Here is a picture of one going through...

We stayed in an adorable hotel within walking distance of the locks. We had visited here before but never stayed right in town. It was fantastic. Our hotel was in walking distance of restaurants and shopping. We also went to several lighthouses and at least 5 museums. We kept saying we were museum hopping haha. It was a fantastic peaceful vacation and I would love to go back!! I posted a lot more photos on my Facebook so if you are friends with me check it out. If not add me. The link to my Facebook is on the right bar somewhere haha.

This week has been crazy. The new fall TV shows started. So that's why this last weekend update was posted almost during the new weekend haha. I'm in love with Red Band Society a new show on Fox about kids living in this hospital. It seems like it would be a horrible sad show but really it makes me appreciate life and it's really heartwarming. I also love Forever. I just worry with the new shows that they will be canceled and all those questions you're dying to know the answers to will never be answered. I did give up on Utopia. It was making me pissed at the world. We get an opportunity to make a civilization and we fight and scream at each other. I would rather have fun watching TV not think of how sad the world is. What new ones are you watching? I like way too many haha. One night my DVR actually couldn't get everything in the time slot so I had to watch something on my tablet the next day. How sad is that?! This weekend will be a relaxing one. So hopefully I'll have a stitching update soon.

Last Exchange Finish

My last PALs exchange piece is finally finished. I will use this for the Christmas Exchange. Now just to finish them as cubes. Wish me luck.

Design Details...
2013 JCS Ornament Issue.
Page 92.
Design is Be Jolly by Angel Stitchin.

Turtle Trot and WIPocalypse

I love starting my Turtle Trot post with a turtle picture. Anyway here it is again Turtle Trot time. Yesterday was also WIPocalypse so I am going to combine the two.

So let's see what I've been working on since August 10th.

Autumn -- 9 Days
None -- 8 Days (Getting better!)
Pirate Ship - 2 Days
Tin Top - 4 Days
Ghool School - 2 Days
Halloween Exchange - 1 Day
Stitched Exchange - 2 Days
Christmas Exchange - 3 Days

Wow I worked on a lot of different pieces in this time span. I also had 4 finishes. So let's see the progress...

Autumn -- A Finish!!!!
Before...

After...

Cut Through Pirate Ship
Before...

After (Finished page 4)...

Just Nan Tin Topper kit. Bev asked me to stitch it for her. I was able to get it finished...

Ghool School by Glendon Place wasn't started here is what it will look like...

Here is my 2 days of progress...

I finished two of my 3 exchange pieces for the PALs Retreat in October. The Halloween and the Stitched Exchange. I am thisclose to finishing the Christmas piece.

Just need to finish his beard and add some words. I will hopefully be back soon doing a happy dance post.

The WIPocalypse theme for the month is: Who is your favourite person to stitch for, or do you prefer to keep your stitching yourself? My fav person to stitch for is definitely my mom cause she loves ocean designs and so do I haha. Plus since we live together I get to see my finished pieces any time I want.

I definitely got a lot of X's done this month. Wonder what will happen between now and October 10th. See ya then to find out.

Fun Weekend

Well at the last minute plans changed. Our friend that was coming camping with us was sick. So we changed plans to other fun things. We went to a tractor pull with my Dad and Bev Friday night.

This is a picture of Jeremiah beside a family friend's tractor. We've been to several tractor pulls but never knew anyone participating. So Jeremiah thought it was pretty cool to be in the pit and be beside one of the tractors. It was supposed to storm and boy did it ever but it waited till we were loaded up and headed home. Good thing we weren't camping after all cause it was bad. Just glad it waited cause we had a blast.

Saturday my dad was in a fishing tournament so we relaxed. I got some stitching done and even finished my PALs stitched exchange piece...

This is a freebie found at Designs by Lisa's website. It was a fun fast stitch. I'm going to make it into a cube using the fabric included in the picture. I hope it turns out as cute as I think it will.

After my dad got home we made Apple Cider together...

What a neat thing to watch. I posted a few more photos on my Facebook if you want to check them out. That's my dad and my step mom Bev in the picture and our finished product. Yum! Jeremiah thought it was so cool to watch Apple Cider be made. I just can't be thankful enough for the memories we made.

1st of 3 Retreat Finishes

Design info: "Boo" Needle Roll by Down Sunshine Lane

I need to finish 3 pieces for my October stitching retreat. I'm doing the Halloween, Christmas, and stitched exchange. Yesterday I got them all kitted up and ready to go. It's always fun to stash dive isn't it? I got started on my Halloween piece and finished it last night! Love it!! I think I'm going to finish all 3 as a cube. I hate the finishing part. It's been forever since I've made one so I hope I can remember how to do it. I have a good link to follow at least for how to help. 2 to go.

Today we are going up to a little festival in a nearby town. Tomorrow we head off on probably our last camping trip of the year. It's been a great year of camping that's for sure.

Fun Time and a Finish

Over the weekend we went on another Kayak trip. This one was up in Three Rivers, Michigan on the Saint Joe River. We had 22 for the trip. It rained once but couldn't stop our fun. We were on the river for almost 5 hours. It was a beautiful trip and we also found 23 geocaches along the way. After we got done we all went out to eat together. This photo is right after we ate. I'm on the very right with my hubby standing behind me. We spent two nights with friends in Michigan and just had such a great time.

Friday about bedtime Tim (male friend) got a fire call. (He's a firefighter.) Sam (his long time girlfriend) asked if we wanted to go out and see. I've only been close to one fire and it was from pretty far away. My son has always had major respect for firefighters. As I stood and watched the firemen fight this fire I was just amazed. How they put their lives in harms way to save people is sure breathtaking to watch happen. As if I didn't respect firefighters enough before this just made it even more serious.

We got home Sunday and then woke up early Monday morning to head up to Shipshewana Flea Market. My mom sold there for 17 years so it's like going with a celebrity. We had a great time and everyone got some goodies that followed them home.

Also as the title said I have a finish to report. Today I got my step mom's tin top finished from the last post...

I did the stitching part and she is going to do the finishing. I just realized I need to get 3 things finished for my October PALs retreat. I better get busy time will fly by! Hope everyone had a nice labor day weekend.

2 Finishes to Report

I finished the last of the Cricket Collection seasons. Now I need to take them to my framer so they will be ready to be put on the wall. Spring is still hanging right now haha. They sure were fun stitches. I saw they made monthly ones but I don't think I will be doing them any time soon haha. The seasons are enough. I already have a million other pieces screaming STITCH ME. After finishing Autumn I needed something else to work on for the weekend. I really want to start something new. (I'll get to that in a minute.) Anyway Jeremiah said Work on the Pirate Ship. I said Oh yeah I haven't made any progress on it in awhile. So I worked on it Saturday and Sunday and finished page 4...

This is just too much fun to stitch and then backstitch and see what little details pop out. Now I have a piece I need to do for my step mom. She found it and decided I could do the top for her...

I'm just doing the tin top. It's a Just Nan Over the Top 2009 kit. I have everything ready to go so I can get it finished for her. Then I realized I was really in the mood for Halloween. So I got to looking through my stash and found this...

Glendon Place Ghoul School. It's really just a haunted school not really Halloween only. Jeremiah and I said we would leave it up in our school room year round so it can haunt us. So I'm going to put this in place of the Seasonal pieces on my Turtle Trot list. I kitted it up today so I'm ready to go as soon as I finish the little tin top piece.

Corn Time

Over the weekend it was corn time. We went down to my dad and step mom's to help with putting up corn. The Sunday before they did 350 bags. We only did 150. It a day full of work but it was a blast. We invited a friend and his son we've got very close to this year. That made it even more fun. Here is a picture...

We picked it, shucked it, cooked it (ate it haha), cut it and then bagged it. It was a very nice weekend. It did rain a little bit but the big tree kept it off of us and we hardly noticed the rain at all.

Last week we started school again. We got started on Tuesday and dusted our brains off. After a few wait what do we do the brain kicked right back in and we were rolling quickly. Jeremiah is doing fantastic. I've noticed his reading speed has really picked up. His speed with math and understanding what the problem is asking is a ton better too. I'm a proud momma that's for sure. When we aren't working on that I've been working on Autumn by Cricket Collection. It's the only one of the seasons I have left to finish. Here is where I am right now...

Getting close. Hoping to be happy dancing soon.

Garage Sale Paradise

So I told you about going over to Ohio for the Buy Way Yard Sale. It stretches all the way across Ohio on the Lincoln Highway which runs along 30. It's the first road that went across the United States from ocean to ocean. We did this sale last year and just had a blast. We couldn't believe the amount of garage sales. This year we did a tally sheet.

Thursday we did 18 Flea Markets (this meant an area that had more than 10 vendors setup in one place) and 37 individual garage sales.

Friday we did 5 Flea Markets and 22 individual garage sales.

Saturday we did 8 Flea Markets and 22 individual garage sales.

Yep total of 112!!!! (Of course we could have missed writing one down and we passed hundreds more we decided not to stop at!) No wonder I was so tired when we got home. Getting in and out of the van. Walking up and down driveways. It was a blast though! We stayed in Mansfield, OH which worked out perfect. Thursday we worked our way there. Friday we woke up and made a mistake. Instead of going East we went West. Some places this road splits into two. One is an older section and one is a newer section. The newer section seems to have the most sales so we tend to stay on it. This section we accidentally turned on was the older section. So we weren't planning on going there at all. I couldn't find us on the map. We kept finding sales so we were doing fine. Then we found a cute little town with a flea market area around an old train depot. We got out and I asked this little old lady Where are we? She joked and said where do you want to be? I showed her and she said Oh no you are here in Galion. We enjoyed the laugh at me for being a horrible navigator and decided to look around anyway.

Come to see this was a very historic area. It was a very important train depot in history. They had pictures of President Nixon and Eisenhower coming here to see groups of people. Also Lincoln's funeral train came here. It was a major depot to refuel the trains. They are in the process of redoing the depot and making it a museum. So we had a fantastic visit learning about the depot. Then I turned to shop at the flea market area and noticed a table FULL of cross stitch items. Now talk about feeling like the wrong turn suddenly made sense. I quickly walked over to the table to drool over all the goodies and seen the prices were AMAZING. So I told Mom WOW. While I was shopping I overheard her tell someone else that the lady who owned all this had moved into a nursing home. So they were trying to sell it for her to get whatever they could to help her out. So I knew more than I already did buying as much as I could was the right thing to do...

The Mill Hill kits (which I LOVE) were $1 each!!! I found one in my stash that I paid $6 for!! I just love these little things. I found floss and more floss. The bottom picture shows the fabric! It's probably at least $350 worth of fabric. At least. I got it for $125!!!! What a deal!! I told her to please tell the lady at the nursing home how much I appreciate it and I promise to give it a good home.

After this we headed back the right way and at the end of Friday we came back to our hotel. Saturday we went to several we missed Thursday cause they were closing up and then jumped on the main road to get to a friend who was set up selling somewhere. We had a very nice visit with her and then got home. Jeremiah found some things he couldn't live without including two Xbox 360 games for $5 each which are normally $20. Mom found a lot of nice boyd bears and some other goodies and what nots. We also found some fantastic books we added to our school workbooks. It was a very successful year and we have it on the plans already for next year.