The beds need changing, the bathrooms need scrubbing and the laundry needs to be done, but today is going to be a day to rest. After all….it is Sunday.
Christmas was wonderful and exciting around here and now is the time to sit back, enjoy the Christmas music and be thrilled by the peace in this Christmas season.
Our gang all gathered on Christmas Eve. Things are always unpredictable with a large family and we ended up with one little grandson in the E.R. with an asthma attack. He was released Christmas morning and able to celebrate at home with his family. This was taken before he got so ill.
The best gift of all was this great gathering the children did for us of the grandchildren. Updated photos of the kids are the only thing that I ever want and this is perfect.
So…..today I have been relaxing with a little hand stitching. I really enjoy the counted cross stitch and hope to do more of it in 2015. Having the right tools for the job always makes such a difference. In the past I have used a circular hoop for my stitching and have recently been introduced to a different framing device – a Q Snap frame. It holds the fabric so much tighter than my old system and doesn’t leave a “ring” marking.
I am stitching on DMC Laguna 28 and love the way the design is stitching out. I am finding that the eyes are not what they used to be and I think I need to invest in a magnifying glass that will attach to my nifty little light. Another new to me little device is this great magnet to mark my spot. Madam Samm makes them and they are great also for holding your needle and scissors when not in use as the magnet is incredibly strong.
The finished project is going to be part of the Tammy Bag blog hop in January so you will have to stick around to see what becomes of my slow stitching.
I’ll close here and get back to stitching after I share two pictures from our Christmas celebration. The first is of the youngest grandbaby and my mom together.
The older kids exchange gifts with each other and I had to chuckle with this outfit that was gifted. Since it is also his school colors we were all daring him to try wearing it to school.
Goodbye 2014.
Lovely family photo!
ReplyDeleteWow, what a tremendous family you have, Mary! How many grandchildren are there? Great looking bunch! Love the place holder magnet, too -- I'll have to check those out! :)
ReplyDeleteWhat a fantastic family photo! Sorry one little tyke got sick, but happy he was able to rejoin the family. I love doing cross stitch, but I've never used any type of hoop. Can't wait to see what you're making.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful family pic! I'm glad the little one was okay to come home for Christmas...wouldn't want him to miss that! I'm loving those Q Snap frames and magnet, too!
ReplyDeleteMy kids gave me framed family photos for Christmas too and I love them. The best gift ever! To get all of the grandchildren together is quite a feat for your family.
ReplyDeleteWhat a great photo of all the kids! We only have seven and couldn't get them on one photo.. I hand quilted on the road today. Happy New Year!
ReplyDeleteWhat a lovely family!! Love the photo of all the grands!!Niece uses this kind of hoop and loves it. Been thinking to try one for my red work too. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
ReplyDeleteHugs
Lola
Love the family photos ... what a lovely family you have there. And so glad that your little guy only had to stay in the hospital overnight.
ReplyDeletewhat a great photo! Nice to hear that you enjoyed a wonderful Christmas and that you are recovering so well, lol, it's fun, but there is a lot to do when family visits.
ReplyDeleteWhat a great photo Mary! So sorry to read a trip to the ER was part of your holiday. Glad the little one is home and with his family. Asthma attacks can be so scary! Have a wonderful 2015!
ReplyDeleteLove seeing your beautiful family together. Pleased the little one was able to join in for
ReplyDeleteChristmas.
Fabulous photo of the granndies. They are all growing up sew fast.
Look forward to seeing your cross stitch grow. the frame looks great.
That is a fabulous photo.
ReplyDeleteYour family is lovely and it looks like you all had a great time! Spending time with family is the best gift of all! Love the elf suit!
ReplyDeleteHandsome group there Mary!! Looks like everyone had a great Christmas together...Happy New Year!
ReplyDeleteI always love to see your family photos. You are all having such fun together. Hope the little one is well recovered from his asthma attack. God Bless you for New Year 2015. Bx
ReplyDeleteBeautiful family. Aww...glad the little one is OK. LOVE that outfit!!!
ReplyDeleteI say it to you time and time again....blessed! You have such a large and amazing family my friend...truly blessed!
ReplyDeleteAn amazing feat pulling everyone together for a picture. You have a beautiful family.
ReplyDeleteGlad you had a good christmas
ReplyDeleteWhat a fantastic Christmas except for the visit to the er. That's great he was able to go home for Christmas. Your family is so happy looking!
ReplyDeleteYou have as much family as I do... maybe more! Love those family photos! You'll cherish them in years to come! My stitching is finished, just gotta make the bag now. :)
ReplyDeleteWhat a fabulous photo of all your family! So glad the little one is better...that asthma is tricky, we always travel with meds & nebulizers and fortunately as the kids get older it seems we use them less. I used to cross-stitch a lot when we were first married and in a tiny apt and love the q-snap also. If you have a couple of sizes you can mix/match if it works to have a long narrow opening and you don't want a big square in your bag. Happy New Year!
ReplyDeleteYour photos are lovely. Happy 2015. :)
ReplyDeleteYou've got a fabulous gift!!
ReplyDeleteGod bless you and your family for New Year 2015 !!!
Ps. Everyone needs a leisure, Mary :)
Oh what great family photos. They are precious. So glad you have a wonderful Christmas with family. I know that the new year will be great for you and yours. Take care my friend!!
ReplyDeleteI am always happy to see pictures of your family. Sorry to hear about the ER episode though - but I am happy to hear he is all well! Your mother is beautiful!!! And that outfit -- that is TOO funny! :)
ReplyDeleteI can't wait to see what you are stitching. I am really thinking about quitting my "day" job. :)
Lovely photos!! I am so sorry to hear about your little grandson. I hope he is doing a lot better now. I wonder if your other grandson will wear the outfit to school :)
ReplyDeleteEnjoy your quiet time and A Very Happy New Year to you and your family!
-Soma
My goodness how your family has grown in the last few years! I am so sorry to hear about your grandson; glad he was out in time for Celebrating though! You have a wonderful 2015!!
ReplyDeleteMerry Christmas (late) Mary and companies. Love love the family photos. I haven't been on blogland since before Christmas hence the late wishes - Hugs Nat
ReplyDeleteOur family never remembers to take a group photo when we get together. No doubt we'll all regret that one day! Your family photos are wonderful.
ReplyDeleteI'm sorry I haven't been reading and commenting. Due to our move in April, I am many months behind in my blog reading so have just decided to go with whatever Feedly has available now rather than try to go back to February 2014 and read through 200+ blogs!