Northern Needles

I’m hoping I have one.

My other daughter, the big “J”, is having fun with my threads. She’s learning lots in school and we had seen (she likes to surf with me) a finished cross stitched multiplication table. Even though she’s not that far in school, she understands how it can be compared to adding in patterns (2, 4, 6, etc). So she asked if I could make her one.

So with her help I whipped up a multiplication table design and she spent a happy couple of hours looking at all my threads and fabrics and picking out what she thought looked best. She said she wanted it to look old (what taste she has!!).

Speaking of taste, she picked two yummy GAST colours. I’m quite excited to start this project for her and I’m glad she had her little part in it.

I think I’ve created a monster though, this morning she was doodling while eating her cheerios and came up with a picture of a sweater and mitts and a hat, she called her friendship sweater and asked if I could chart it. I think I’m going to have to teach her how to chart soon. Is 7 y.o. too early to start?

I just love a creative mind.

Hopefully fellow parents can commiserate with me.

I just had to tell you all something.

My Lisa (the 5 y.o.) is quite a character. She didn’t talk till she was nearly four. She’s quite a mommy-clinger. Being in kindergarten she’s become such her own person…and she’s quite witty…just comes out with zingers without even thinking about them (ex…she was chewing on her toe nail…yes her toenail…and I walked by and asked how it tasted and without pause she replied it needs ketchup…). She’s just so different.

Anyway, yesterday she heads into the kitchen for a snack after school and I said…before that make sure you put away your backpack…and wash your hands…and change into play clothes…and…and…

Well witout even turning around I can see her eyes rolling as she walks down the hall with her head thrown back….Mommy!! Your not the commander of my life! and a big sigh as she went off to do my bidding.

She comes up with phrases that just kill me and I have to hide my laughter as I pretend to chastise her…

So for the rest of the night I bugged her calling myself her commander. I got the “oh mom” and the please stop the lame jokes look.

I can’t wait for those teenage years I tell you.

I thought I’d give a quick view of the WIP I have going using the dyed threads from Carrie’s Threads. These are some new colours of hers and I hope I’m doing them justice.

And what could be better then a little stitching buddy? Here is my youngest working along with me. She has no school today so she’s doing what we like best! Playing with threads! She’s working on a little embroidery of a dog, of course in black b/c our dog is black.

Have a happy stitching day!!!

Well my girls are finally old enough. I feel like I’ve been waiting forever.

Last night we started the first Harry Potter book. YAY!

We managed 15 long long pages. Apparently my 6 y.o. ’s mind needs to know the exact definition of every British word. And I’m not pronouncing Potter correctly. I need to use a British accent when saying it or it’s not right.

Can you picture it? Northern Canadian accent, reading Harry Potter trying to use a British accent? Thank heavens I’ve lost most of my “native accent” or that would have been too much!

My 5 y.o. wandered off during the first paragraph due to the lack of illustrations. But Jennifer stuck with it and is looking forward to tonight’s reading. Maybe we can finish the first chapter.

Happy Reading!

Well the time has come. My little baby, my youngest breath, my sweet little girl is off to kindergarten.

Her first day was last thursday. And it was with a small group of the kindergarteners. They divide the class up over 3 days so that when everyone is in class together for the first time tomorrow they will be comfortable with a few of the students, as well have learned the classroom rules and such.

So tomorrow is the day, Little Lisa is off to kindergarten, riding the bus for the first time. Jennifer is in grade 1. And she misses kindergarten LOL. Who knew Grade 1 meant you worked?

Well, having time to myself for 3 days of the week means I have time to devote to my designing. That’s right, 3 whole days dedicated solely to designing and stitching.

Of course that didn’t happen last thursday. I spent the entire day zoned out watching Star Trek reruns and Stargate reruns and yes, even a rerun of McGyver.

I didn’t even do dishes!!! Who knew this was so hard.

But tomorrow, once the girlies are on the bus I’m taking my doggies for their morning walk. Enjoy that crisp mountain air (where it’s barely above freezing in the mornings). And come back to my computer recharged and ready to work.

Watch out world I’m coming for you!

Well I’m back, road weary, wrinkled and achy. Why can’t there be beds on the ol’ Greyhound Bus? And why oh why does Saskatchewan have to be so flat? (my apologies to Saskatchewanites).

In the coming days I’ll update on my trip to the great prairie region of Canada. For now I’m just happy to be home, showered and napped. My doggies are happy I’m back and all my luggage (including all the luggage 2 little girls need to survive) are all sitting in the kitchen waiting for me to get up the energy to start unpacking.

Getting into Whitehorse at 4:30 am today really makes for a long day. One daughter still hasn’t napped. I’m awaiting the crash.

I had a great trip though, visited mom and dad, my sister, my brother and sister-in-law who are expecting a little one this winter (their first!), various neighbours, etc.

Stay tuned, after a long long sleep I will be back to tell some of my tales.

Can life get any better? LOL…yes, we’ve been hovering around -45 to -50 Celcius this week and now our oldest comes down with chicken pox. Between the itchings and the dogs not wanting to go outside at all (apparently they are willing to “hold it” till it warms up) and the many runs into the kitchen to make everyone hot chocolate, I’m exhausted. Where’s a trip to Mexico or Hawaii when you need it?

On the plus side I’m getting lots of stitching done. I’ve been working on my sister’s Wild Menagerie piece . Plus I stitched a scissor fob. Plus I finished my part of a round robin piece. I have to keep my fingers moving or they freeze LOL!

How many days till spring?

This one covers 5 words. “I said no more pictures”.

Our first school photo session did not go well. The first time the camera flashed Jen had blinked. Trying to pry another photo out of her was the photographer’s nightmare. Finally on the verge of tears this one came. Note to camera guy…don’t embarass her or try to get her to say silly things. It invariably backfires. She’s already decided that she is NEVER getting another school photo done.