It's Summertime at last!

Boy am I slow at getting things done. Piano is done until September! Had a wonderful recital with 16 of my students playing. We had nearly 100 people attend (Wayne says 100 were there, I only figured about 80), but the kids did well. Now I am recouperating from my total knee replacement. I am nearly 8 weeks out from that. I cannot tell you how much better I feel now. I still hurt occassionaly but nothing like before. I am even riding a bike at physical therapy. That is pretty great news to me because I haven't been able to do that with any comfort for years! I know I haven't blogged or shown any pictures of projects in a long time. I am still doing embroidery. The latest were towels for children who were getting baptized. They turned out great and were lots of fun to do. Simple really saying "My baptismal towel" on one end and their names on the other. All of the kids that I have made them for (and given them to) have loved them. I am working on some baby burp rags and receiving blankets for a baby being born in August. Now if I can just find the camera, I will be able to snap pictures of them when they are done. Life is full of ups and downs, joys and frusterations. I am hoping that as you move through this summer you will take time to smell the roses and enjoy all of the ups and joys along with the downs and frusterations. Life is great and boy do I enjoy everyday of it. Hope you do too. Keep in touch I will try to be back soon with pictures.

It's fall time again

Well, it is fall and what has happened around here that I have failed to keep up with. I have been sewing. Pictures, no I forgot. Just rest assured that the embroidery machine is busy on a less than I like frequency. My piano students started contacting me sooner this year and I am now up to twenty. Busy times. I go to their homes because it works into our schedule better. I think honestly it is so I don't have to clean house as much. Maybe that is a little too much information for the world to know. Forgive me.

I have started work on Christmas items and I will have to take pictures and post those at a later date. I don't want some of those who will be receiving them to see them before the big day.

I am also loosing weight. It was time and it is coming off. Slower than I would like but coming off just the same. I have lost 50 pounds and I feel so much better.

Finally I just want to warn you that life after children and being over 50 does not mean that life slows down. I thought by now I would be able to do all of the things that I thought I could be doing after the children are gone from home. Nope, it doesn't happen. My life is just as busy and more confusing than before. But, I must be honest and tell you that my life, aside from aches and pains and not doing quite what it did before, is better than ever. I love where I am at in my life and I truly enjoy each of my children and the wonderful Grandchildren. From the oldest grandchild (21 and on a mission for our church) down to the youngest who will be born in January, I love them all. This little bundle will be grandchild number 15, where has the time gone so quickly. Ramble is over I just feel so blessed today I just had to share, soon I will dash off to pick up a grandaughter from Kindergarten, her mommy had to work today. Life just doesn't get much better than this.

A Happy, slimmer, busy and enjoying it grandmother.

Summer in the Sun

Well not the whole summer. Just took a week off with my youngest daughter. We took a road trip to see her siblings in Idaho, and their families. Weather has been terrific so far. We are enjoying our time together and with the families here. Could it be better? Only if my sweetheart was able to come too. Love being around my children and my grandchildren. The best of both worlds. When I go home I have several projects that are waiting for me to get around to them. Hmmm.... burprags, receiving blankets, I even have a denimn jacket calling my name. Yes, summer is here and so are the trips and the returning home blues and the fun that actually comes from getting back to work. My sweethearts surgery took less time than we thought but more time than I realized it would of mine. Am I looking forward to him being able to retire in just a year or two? YES, bring it on I love being around him twenty four seven. Sweetheart (Wayne) if you read this I am talking about you. You are the BEST.

Finally a picture!

Life is busy and full of surprises. Another set done hopefully you like it baby Esther does.

well what have I forgotten this time

Well it has been such a long time since I posted an update. Been making burp rags and receiving blankets, been watching grandchildren, I have taught piano lessons and been tending a husband with neck surgery. Is life ever slow around my house... no mostly it is not. I just haven't made the time to post or show pictures of things I have done. Keep watching I will do better. Hopefully by the end of May I will have my act together and pictures for you to see and more importantly a better update on happenings.

The slow moving Purple Pickle design team of one... Vickie

Happy New Year

Just wanted to wish you all a Happy New Year. I am thinking it is a year of adventures and happy times with friends and family. I am thinking good thoughts for time to accomplish all that needs to be done and having a great year. Wishing that for all of you too.

Christmas gifts

This has been a fun month. Getting things made for gifts, giving gifts and just enjoying friends and family. These are tissue holders. You know those small plastic packages of tissue that get lost in your purse, or bag and you can't find them. Well here is your answer. Made from felt, then decorated with embroidery floss and buttons. What a fun way to spend an evening or two.

I am Thankful for this year

This has been a great year. We have visited children and grandchildren several times out of state. We have had children and grandchildren stay with us several weeks this year. We have taken trips to the coast and saw the beauty and peace of the ocean.
I have learned many things this year about myself about the world and about how grateful I am for what I have. I am grateful that our eldest and her son were able to come over and go to the temple with us as he prepared to leave for his mission in the Arizona Tempe Mission. We are excited and happy with his choice to serve for two years.
I am grateful that Wayne (my husband) has a job and it pays our bills, allows us to pay our tithes and offerings, take trips, help children and do the things that we can.
I am grateful for birthday parties for grandchildren, trips to the coast, babysitting children that are here and so many things that I can't even remember now.
I am grateful that I was able to make composition books, burp rags and receiving blankets, embroider and make a dress for a cute little pixie. So many things to reflect on for this year.
I am grateful that I am happy and that I have felt true joy this year.

Composition books

These work well for Gratitude books, journals, keeping notes or track of things you need to do. Lots of fun to make and very functional too.

Busy summer! I am having lots of fun!

Updates: Niece had baby boy, he was 2 pounds 6 ounces. Mom and baby doing fine. Today I believe the cute little boy is about 4 pounds 9 ounces. Not bad for about four weeks old. Mommy delivered at 29 weeks 2 days I think.

We have had 1 vacation with another coming up this week, we have had 3 of our older Idaho grandchildren over. The last one our 12 year old granddaughter has kept Wayne and I very busy. She loves to shop and go go go all the time. She wakes in the morning jumps up and says "where are we going and what are we doing today?" Makes one very tired. One of our daughters (not the teens mom) is coming over this weekend to spend a couple of weeks and when she goes home she will take the teen with her. I am missing them all already. I have been doing some crocheting and will post the pictures for you. Mostly I have just made burp rags this time. The other projects - sorry no pictures.

I am still keeping busy with church activities. This August our Mom and Daughter night. We will have a dinner, and crafts. One of which is covering Composition books for whatever you want to use it for. They turn out so cute and so different from anyone elses. Pretty and functional too. Might even have to put in a picture of these too. Hmm, my sister (Cindy) made some the other day I will post one or two of her pictures to give you an idea. She is very creative and fun to

Well, I guess I had better say something about not saying anything.

Life happens quickly. Life brings changes and busy days. I feel like this year I have went from one crisis to another. I have embroidered things and made things but, so far most of them have made it to their new owners without being photographed and put on the blog. Now I am finishing up with the piano lessons for the summer. I have lessons to give on Mon, Tues, Wed and next Mon. Then I am done for the summer. I have about 5 projects started and several projects finished. I will post pictures of those as soon as possible.

I can promise that it will take a little time, right now I try to keep alot of time open to go visit my niece who is stuck in the hospital for an extended amount of time. She is 27 weeks and counting trying very hard to keep calm, cool and collected to keep from having her precious cargo to soon. So you will have to forgive me if picture posting takes second, third or fourth place to the being on call to visit my niece.

I pray that your days are smooth sailing and your dreams and projects are being completed at record speed.

New Year and much I want to do.

The New Year has come and my goal for this year is make lots of things. I want to make so many things, lots of projects. My sister and I would even like to sell things at a Bazaar this year. So, I am hoping to get many things done. It has been a very busy Christmas and New Year already. We welcomed a brand new Grandson (he is more than just cute, but I might be prejudiced on that). Visited with 4 of our 5 children and their families. Eaten out more than I care to remember (that's because for a good week I was feeling to crummy to cook) and had a great time. I didn't finish all of my projects... I will get them done this year. I need to get copies of some of my projects and put them online (some of the gifts were given before I took pictures) So... those I will have to beg pictures from the owners. But, life is good. Talking with one of my sisters I was reminded how blessed I was this year. My husband is working, we have a home and a car (it was paid off this month) and so many things to be greatful for. So many have no homes, no jobs, and feel that all is hopeless. Let me tell you world it is not hopeless there is hope and there is a God and he knows and loves each and every one of us. If you doubt it, just look at our world and see the beauty of it. Look at a baby and listen to it's laughter and see the delight of a mother holding her precious new born. Yes, I have a whole list of wonderful things to feel greatful for. May your New Year be filled with hope, love and a greater understanding of all that you do have in your life.

Busy times are fun times

Well life is getting more busy all the time. My piano students have started up their lessons again. I had a friend come out to visit and we did alot of things with embroidery (she couldn't be left out of the embroidery field when she saw how much fun I was having) so I was busy showing her tips and fun things to do. I learned how to do a project on crosstitch fabric and boy was I impressed at how well it turned out. I am going to finish my Halloween projects and get them off in the mail this week. So the pictures for that I hope to have up on the blog before Friday. I have been doing my favorite projects too. So here are a couple of pictures for you to see and I will get the others on the blog soon.

Summer is over!

Summer is over and boy have I had a great summer. I was lucky enough to go and visit my daughters and their families. I have some pretty great kids all 5 of them. I was lucky enough to have a new grandaughter born in June... 10 pounds 3 oz. She is a big girl, healthy, happy and beautiful. I start teaching piano again next week and I have been doing some embroidery work too. This week our oldest grandson is spending the week with us... I have received hugs and kisses what a big treat. Since he is a big guy now, 6'2" and handsome to boot. I think I like having them come and spend time with me like this. Maybe next summer the next in age will get to come for a week. They grow so fast and then they are gone starting their own life... nope I am not going to get maudlin I am happy to have the time with each one of my children and grandchildren I am blessed truly blessed.

Hallowed Moon Pictures

Well promised to show the pictures for the Hallowed Moon book. Jacket and bag.

Busy days and nights

Well, I am going to be busy for the next several weeks. So as I find a moment or two I will try to add the things that are finished. If I can't do them that fast, I will be posting lots and lots later. I will just have to catch you up on everything then. Have fun and be safe and enjoy your summer, just don't forget to check back in by July. I know I will have things to show you by then.

Newest baby set

I know you have been waiting for the newest set for baby, but the newest one is much the same as one of the others. Lady bugs are still popular.

not embroidery

This isn't an embroidery project, but it turned out so cute I just had to put it on line to show off. It's even cuter on the sweet little girl it was made for.

I made this burprag set (blanket and burprags) and the set is on it's way to its proud family. Baby will be here before too much longer.
The other picture is our flower bed, as you can see the sun has come out alittle and Papa is taking advantage of the sun and the helpers to clean up the flower beds. I am not allowed in the flower beds or the gardens (okay, so I did make a few mistakes and took out things I thought were weeds, let us forgive and forget), so I take pictures and watch the grandchildren and keep the water and soda's coming.

I have been having a great time.

Well, I have been having a great time doing Embroidery. I co-designed a picture with the Author of the book "Hallowed Moon" ... We designed the picture and put it on a bag, and a denim jacket. I will at least take a picture of the design and put it on the site.

I finished a logo for a salon and spa in our neighborhood and embroidered some robes for the spa.

I am working on several sets of burprags and receiving blankets (always it seems I am designing several sets of those), I still think that they are my favorite thing to do. I just love babies.

I know I need to get the pictures up and show you them. That is on the list of things to do this week. I hope to have them on the site no later than Thursday of this week. Hope all of you Mom's had a great Mother's Day. I know that I did.