.

Interviewed!

2012-02-01T09:07:00.000-08:00

Oh Hai! Just wanted to share a little interview with me, by my friend, Mr X Stitch, in this month's issue of Creative Crafting. XOXOX-X-X-X

Open publication - Free publishing - More advertising

Wrapping it up

2011-12-30T18:57:00.000-08:00

December is almost over. Man, it's been a long month. I've pretty much enjoyed every minute.

Some highlights this months were....

The Grover Beach X-Mas parade. Max and I were on the float for his school and Molly was in her school group ahead of us.

I helped my friend, Miss Crayola Creepy surprise her husband with this satin stitched Blake Griffin for X-Mas. She says he keeps it on his bedside table.

We celebrated with family members on both sides, like every year. I didn't take too many pics this year, so this is just a small representation of the family members that we celebrated with.

We took a lot of walks in between all the eating.

We got a juicer. :) I am really excited about daily juicing. I used it for the first time this evening. I love it. If you want to recommend any recipes, please do.

My friend Amy, has had huge success with one of her embroidery pieces. She asked me to help her catch up on demanding orders, along with payment. How can I refuse? I would do it for free for this girl, but you know, having some extra money in my Paypal pockets helps a lot. I finally get to order all the fun little embroidery trinkets and do-dads that I have had on my wish lists and bookmarks for a few years now.

I was asked to be in a couple of books to be published in 2012. I had to figure out how to edit photos of my work. Not my expertise, but I got them done by the deadlines.
I'll have an interview in a craft magazine in February and a local art show. More details in the New Year...

I am looking forward to 2012, continuing healthy habits and the weight loss journey. Hopefully passing up 200 soon. I would like to be 180 by April 2012, a year from when I started in April 2011. I have been maintaining for the past 3 months with strength training and walks.

My kids are growing up so fast and are hitting some milestones these next couple of years. I am going to be weaning myself from most of the ongoing social networking sites I am usually on. I will miss keeping up with a few of my favorites and their projects and exciting updates, but I know they know where to find me. I will still update my flickr and blog, and occasionally, Facebook.

I hope you all have a Happy Healthy New Year!!
Biggest LOVE
XOXOX-X-X-X

Contagious

2011-12-07T08:10:00.000-08:00

2011-12-01T07:42:00.000-08:00

I kind of like the blog style I have been having lately. Posting my embroidery projects and recapping the months. I don't know If I will continue this into 2012, but whatever, It's not like I have a million followers and I have to impress. You all know the theme here is my embroidery and my family.
........................................................................................................................................................................

Molly had her first band recital. She was so nervous, but ended up having a great time meeting up with her band buddies.

We spent Thanksgiving morning with my mom, brother and his girlfriend, sister and her boyfriend, at my brother's house. He had a mini Thanksgiving feast for us all so we could spend some time together. It was really nice. It's rare that we are all together, except for Christmas Eve.

I finished 4 more embroidery projects. Seen in past posts...

We spent Thanksgiving afternoon at our house. Randy cooked everything and I cleaned, just like everyday but more amazing. My Aunt Theresa and Randy's mom joined us. It was nice and cozy and very delicious. Of course I ate way too much and the fullness was really painful. My stomach isn't used to that anymore. It was worth it though.

Randy had to work a few late nights. I usually get scared trying to sleep by myself after the kids have fallen asleep. I try to find shows or movies on Hulu that will lull me to sleep. I thought of a show that I had heard mentioned by some friends and thought I'd give it a try since I wasn't too sleepy. I started watching and ended up watching the whole first season and lost precious sleep. I NEVER intentionally lose sleep, since I lose so much already naturally. Another "worth it" indulgence. Misfits (TV series)

Randy and I got to spend time with Mark AKA filmresearch and Amy AKA Drop Dead Quirky. It was a stitchy/silly meet up. My favorite. We also hit the dollar store and thrift store.

Mark presented us with a family of Coelacanths stitched beautifully to represent our family.

We met up with our friends Malinda, Jay, and kayla, to get our Christmas tree at the Avila Valley Barn. It's a tradition of ours. We usually don't get the tree that early, so I am watering every 5 minutes and keeping it in a cool area of the house.

I got a lovely package in the mail yesterday from Amanda
I won her blog giveaway, the one that promised something handmade, something coffeeish, and something bookish. All of her loves. I received a lovely scarf she made, a 1/2 lb of Autumn Harvest Light Roast coffee beans from her favorite coffee shop, and a Jane Austen bookmark. It was a sweet surprise.

It's now December 1st and this month is 10 times busier and I am actually looking forward to it all.
My mom, Molly, and Randy's dad, all have birthdays this month. My aunt from Hawaii is bringing her goddaughter to visit. Molly and Max will both be in the Christmas parade for their schools this weekend. Genova, Allen, Scudder, Winn, X-Mas celebrations. Yes, we celebrate 4 different times besides our own. And like I said, I am actually looking forward to it all this year. Holiday craft fairs, the Melodrama, and a partridge in a pear treeeeeee.

Merry Holidays!!

XOXOX

You Are A Beauty

2011-11-08T16:33:00.001-08:00

2011-11-05T15:55:00.001-07:00

2011-11-02T17:42:00.001-07:00

2011-11-02T09:45:00.001-07:00

Good-bye October

2011-11-01T09:11:00.001-07:00

Busy times are ahead, so I thought I'd do a recap on October. Does that make sense? No. I just want to do a recap.

October 1st I decided that I would celebrate the month (my birth month and favorite month) by taking a break. I had worked hard for 6 months, A HALF A YEAR, on my body and new healthy lifestyle, by indulging a little. I have never worked that hard or long on myself. My metabolism is better, my sleeping is a little better, I have strength and some more energy. It's paying off, but I needed a little break.

Indulging this month included: Many Pumpkin smoothies, Chunky Monkey, I completed four embroidery projects, This healthy Birthday Cake, I got a manicure and pedicure, and some Halloween treats. I have gained 4 lbs. I was pretty bummed at first, but I can't complain, it is only 4 off the 40 I lost....now 36.

It's the 1st of the month and now it's time to get back on track. I am not worried about Thanksgiving because Randy is going to make the feast this year, all delicious vegetables, fruit, and Turkey. Grandma Ro has to bring her own stuffing. I'm not to worried about Christmas either.

October also included spending some quality time with all of our family. My sister has been walking with me on her days off in the evening. Cousin Rachel and Baby Fox have come to visit. We've spent time with both grandmas and both grandpas. We've seen Aunt T.T./Theresa a lot this month and got to see Uncle Joe and cousin Jake, and Great Grandma Dory.
I got a bonus friend visit from Amy too! :)

I really enjoyed October and I am actually looking forward to the holidays this year. I am not looking forward to the pain of getting back into my daily workouts, but that's the price I have to pay for indulgence.

...and now I will leave you with some recap pics. XOXOX

Night Tripper

2011-10-22T18:12:00.001-07:00

Crowded

2011-10-11T14:22:00.000-07:00

2011-10-05T06:14:00.000-07:00

Fabric-hoop-doodle-spot first appealing color-split thread-needle thread- knot thread- stitch to the limit of just enough thread to knot-cut-stab needle into chair arm-toss thread bits on floor-choose next appealing color.....

Over the rainbow

2011-09-29T20:19:00.000-07:00

It just needs to be framed.

3:00 AM

2011-09-19T20:09:00.000-07:00

Every night I fall into this weird sleep. I will never be able to completely describe it, because I never completely remember. I can only describe it as "sections". When I awake through the night, usually the first couple times, I hallucinate very heavily. Sometimes it's one object, sometimes many. I can't begin to describe the images I see, they are unworldly.

I fall back into a deep sleep after the first "sections". Then always without fail, since as long as I can remember, even before the hallucinations, I wake up at exactly 3:00 AM every morning. Sometimes I will only stay awake an hour, if I am really relaxed. Most times I can not go to sleep till 6:00 AM.

This piece is dedicated to the mystery of 3:00 AM

Night-Night.

XOXOX-X-X-X

Housewarming

2011-09-15T17:06:00.000-07:00

I have some friends in real life too. Can you believe it? I can't....

My dear friend Amy came over today to have some therapeutic laughs and check out my new place. She brought me this darling embroidery that she made when she heard I was moving to Washington....we never moved there, but I still do love the rain when we get it here in California.

Erin came to see the new place and to have a short but sweet visit the other day. She brought me these sweet succulents.

I am so thankful to have these special ladies and presents :) in my life.

XOXOX-X-X-X-X

Connections

2011-09-14T10:55:00.000-07:00

I let my hand and the ink just flow. The design took over an hour to draw onto this 5 inch piece.
The needle and thread took over after that. The french knots weren't so fun...they don't look it either.

I designed this one with my "connections" in mind. I think of you often.

XOXOX-X-X-X

New additions

2011-09-12T07:58:00.000-07:00

Home

2011-09-11T10:31:00.000-07:00

Some of you have been asking for pics of the new place. Here are some views/paintings/objects in the kitchen, living room, and bathroom. You can click on the pics for descriptions.

Settled

2011-09-09T08:40:00.000-07:00

We're all moved in! Fastest move ever. We moved Saturday and had everything set up and unpacked on Sunday. We even slept through the night Saturday evening. Yeah, we were VERY organized. The only thing that took long was the Internet connection. It was a nice break though, AND I finally finished this...

I started it back in May. That is a long time piece! For me.

Anywaysss, we love our new place.

XOXOXOX-X-X-X-X

We-we-we-so excited...

2011-09-01T14:02:00.000-07:00

We SO excited. We get to move into the new place this weekend. We get the keys today. I am anxious to unpack the boxes that have been packed since June, hang up my embroidery collection, and get back to embroidery. I am excited about the changes in routine, decorating the kids rooms, and not having t.v.. by the way, can any of you recommend some funny/entertaining/your favorite podcasts? I've only had time for Stitching n Junk. I would like to add on now that I won't be watching Food Network, American Pickers, and Antiques Roadshow for my wind-down time.

Autumn is just around the corner. I am so happy to learn that most of you love Autumn as much as me. That's why I love you.

I started doing yoga. It's a comfortably intense. I like it.

That's all folks, for now.

XOXOX

2011-08-16T13:56:00.000-07:00

We're moving again. Not far this time. Just up and over a street. Closer to Molly's school. I am almost a professional mover now, and all of our big crap is still packed, since June, so it will be pretty easy. I am still in moving mode from when I helped my mom move 2 weeks ago. Good thing I have been strength training and losing weight, so I am not completely exhausted...yet. I still have the kooshy pregnancy pouch and hip rolls to help carry heavy things.

Molly starts 6th grade this coming Thursday. Max has moved to "Advanced" Tiny Tots Preschool. Molly is still really into Harry Potter and self-help books on puberty. Max is really into Star Wars action figure reviews on You Tube.... and collecting. He is starting to get interested in the human body/anatomy.

Randy still has his job as operations manager. Pretty much manager of everything, everything his boss can't finish and wants to start. He is still on salary. He started a new series of paintings last week. They all have a Grover Beach/Dunes theme.

I am still a loser. I've lost 34 lbs. and still going. I've only embroidered once for 2 hrs while watching The Waltons on the Hallmark Channel a few weeks ago. I can't wait to be settled in the new place for a minute to unpack all my floss and junk. We are planning for this new place to be temporary since we still want to do the BIG move within the next year or so. I'm not worried about it though, we are where we are supposed to be.

My embroidery pal, Mark Bieraugel is moving here. He got a job at Cal Poly. He came down from Tacoma WA., his current town, to look for a place. He found one right away in Los Osos. We met up for dinner again at my favorite restaurant, Thai Kitchen. We got to meet his partner, Greg. The sweetest guy ever. We all have a lot of food faves in common. We schooled them on the best restaurants and fun places on the Central Coast. I'm excited to have another embroidery bestie in town.

Blah, blah, blah... till next time.

XOXOX

All working out and no embroidery makes Shannon a dull girl

2011-07-16T07:07:00.000-07:00

I haven't picked up the needle and thread since May. It feels like ages ago. When we thought we were moving and packed most of our belongings up, the first things I packed was all my precious collected pieces from friends. All in tissue paper and bubble wrap, packed in a tough Rubbermaid bin. Then all my fabric, floss, books, hoops, needles, patterns...I did leave Max's old diaper bag (which doesn't resemble a diaper bag) filled with a piece I started in February, along with a needle book and a floss box. I was hoping to get to it every once in a while.

It's crazy that I have dedicated myself to this lifestyle of constantly moving. I can't handle sitting for more than 20 mins. I notice that my body starts rocking back and forth and my legs start to shake up and down, just like I used to do before I had kids. I get all anxious and want to run, I STILL haven't tried that yet, I still don't believe that I could. I should probably try so I can get some massive energy out, then maybe I can sit down and relax.

False Alarm...Big Sigh

2011-07-05T12:06:00.000-07:00

So, after another stressful waiting period, looong story short, Randy is not going to work in Washington. We are not moving for now. I am still sad and happy all at once. Now on to new good and bad stress times. :)

*Giant grumble sigh*

Loser

2011-07-01T12:42:00.000-07:00

26 lbs down, 12 more to get to 200. Then I'll set my next goal.

It's time for change

2011-06-27T21:58:00.000-07:00

Randy starts a new job in Lakewood, Washington on July 11th. I don't know what to think because everything is happening so fast. I am intensely stressed and numb all a once. I am really excited and overwhelmingly sad. I am eager and scared.
We'll be fine. This will be an adventure. I'll miss my family and the California Coast. I will be happy to be in the rain. I will be happy to have medical insurance, so I can have medicine. I will maintain my weight and keep losing. I have lost 23 lbs. I am not going to give up. I can't sleep and I probably won't till we're up there. Until then I will be packing, searching, planning, worrying, preparing, transferring, listing, donating, cleaning, remembering, good-bye-ing, learning, crying, and hopefully laughing.

Good night

"A-Z of me" I am feeling nostalgic for Myspace, Alright?!

2011-06-06T17:06:00.000-07:00

A. Age: 32

B. Bed Size: Queen

C. Chore that you hate: Cleaning the shower

D. Dogs: Are nice?

E. Essential start to your day: Shower

F. Favorite Color: All

G. Gold or Silver: Silver

H. Height: 5' 4"

I. Instruments you play: Tummy

J. Job Title: Mom

K. Kids: Molly age 11, Max age 4

L. Live: Yes, I am alive.

M. Mothers name: Sandy

N. Nicknames: Giggly

O. Overnight hospital stays: Giving birth to the kids

P. Pet Peeve: This question

Q. Quote from a movie: "Save me a piece of that corn!"

R. Right or Left Handed: Right

S. Siblings: Sister Michelle and Brother Tyler

T. Time you wake up: 3 am, then 7 am

U. Underwear: Large granny

V. Vegetable you hate: Don't hate

W. What makes you run late: I am never late

X. X rays you've had: Knee and teeth

Y. Yummy food that you make: Randy makes the food

Z. Zoo animal: Zoos make me sad, but I'll sayyyy....the insect exhibit.

Pics

2011-05-26T13:17:00.000-07:00

I thought I'd take some pics since some of you have been asking. You can't really tell, well I can't tell in pics, but I can tell in my clothes and my strength. Thanks to Jillian Michaels I have lost another two lbs in 3 days. 14 lbs down. It's been 46 days since I started healthy eating and exercise.

I thought my hair needed some inches off too. I am totally crazy, yes I know...umm.. I cut my own hair. It shouldn't be a surprise to all that know me, I've been cutting my own hair since high school. Okay, so it's not always this good, but at least it's not shaved. I can't pull that look off anymore. :/

2011-05-23T17:07:00.000-07:00

Just when I thought my fingers where going to go crazy from not stitching and obsessively working out and eating snacks, I get a custom order from Leah. Whooosh! Thank goodness! It was nice to relax for a couple of days this weekend with my needle and floss again.

I hope she likes this hand embroidered image of George Romero.

I got a visit today from my BFF Amy. She brought me this beautiful thrifted piece of work.

It's totally awesome.

In other news, I am 12 lbs down. New muscles (eww) and missing inches. Oh yeah, and shoes with arch support. Boo.

Artwork by, Noelle Stevenson

Winner!!

2011-05-19T10:36:00.000-07:00

Okay kids!! After a grueling count, trying to figure out the actual number of contestants, and doing the number generator thingy, we finally have a winner for the .: Spring cleaning GIVEAWAY!! !!! Wheeee!!

Lucky #7 is rosek1870!!

CONGRATULATIONS!! *fireworks*

Thanks to everyone who participated!!

XOXOX

2011-05-08T19:15:00.000-07:00

I had some quiet time last night to finish this up.

Meh..

Happy Mother's Day to the mama's out there. I had a nice one.

My kiddos and my mom.

XOXOX-X-X-X-X

Spring cleaning and a GIVEAWAY!!

2011-05-05T16:59:00.000-07:00

Hi guys and dolls!

I've been Spring cleaning and going through my craft drawers and found some things I would like to hand down. I found a couple more items that are in perfect condition, that I could actually re-gift. Awww, what's the fun in that? No fun for you anyway. Soooo, yeah, like the title of the post says, "GIVEAWAY!"

The book on the left is The Kitchen Linens Book. A sweet little book with sweet little iron-on patterns included.

Next, is Jenny Hart's Sublime Stitching Stitch-It Kit. A perfect starter kit for all of you kitties that keep asking me, "How do I learn to embroider?" I always say, "Check out Sublime Stitching's awesome patterns and easy stitching instructions". All of their kits are a perfect gift for beginners or any stitcher who likes pre-made, hip patterns. Then I always follow up with, "Be sure to check out my stitchy family over at Mr X Stitch for some inspiration for when you're ready to create your own unique embroidery, or just any ol' time! :D *Kiss butt*

Just leave a comment, that's all you have to do to have a chance to win these.

I will pick a winner for these two items together, on May, 19th 2011. 10:00 A.M. PST. I will announce the winner shortly after that.

Please BE SURE to leave your email address in the comment for your chance to win.

Good luck, friends!

XOXOX-X-X-X-X

Grumble Grumble

2011-04-28T16:07:00.000-07:00

Making the decision to swap my workout video time with a shopping trip today, was really difficult. I HATE shopping, but Since Max is growing up and maturing a little, I can now take him along with me without him begging for a toy all the way through the already torturous event. He actually makes it a little more comical than just me going alone. Seriously, I am such an obvious clown when it comes to going out in public....it's not just my bulbous nose and large reddish lips....you should see when my mom joins us, it's like a circus act. :/

Anyway, I had to go to Macy's just for a few ounces of Line Smoothing Concealer (best stuff ever). It really does take 10 years off my 20 year aged skin.
Max was really interested and pointed out all the makeup that he wanted. We also checked out the shoe section since my feet have shrunk a whole half inch and I desperately need new walking/fitness shoes. The ones I have been wanting to buy online were there and on sale. Max was really trying to convince me to choose the shiny black stilettos. When I refused, he insisted that I buy them for him for his next birthday.

We also went to Target and I was completely thrown off by the new layout and the un-maneuverable shopping carts. Max loudly yelled out "THERE ARE THE BRAS MOM! RIGHT THERE! YOU NEED BRAS!" Then he said, "EVERYONE IS STARING AT ME". A lady walking by said, "It's because you're so cute". He turned around with his eyebrows down to his nose with the brightest red face. It was the first time he realized how loud he was and that people can actually hear everything he exclaims to me. After that, he continued, quietly, to help me shop for 5 lbs weights, a new water bottle, and a couple of clothing items that are too small for me, that I am hoping to fit in by the end of Summer.

I effing really dislike this active lifestyle, I am not gonna lie. Besides not being so giggly lately, I am feeling a whole heck of a lot better though, sleeping better, breathing better. I am moving a lot faster, and keeping up with parts of life I can't miss....except embroidery, social networking, and my Internet friends. That part is really making me bummed, but I know you all understand. Just don't forget me...K?

XOXOXOX

2011-04-21T13:06:00.000-07:00

The "Gay for Eagles" fiber art show has a store! Hotel Hadley Studios. I am so honored to be showing work amongst such amazing talent. Click the link above (WARNING! There are some NSFW pieces) to see all the wonderful pieces in the show and perhaps purchase your favorite.

Kewt

2011-04-19T02:31:00.000-07:00

I've always loved Rose O'Neill's Kewpies. I especially adore the Kewpie comics/illustrations from the early 1900's. I've always wanted to stitch one. I finally got around to it. :)

Staying Strong

2011-04-12T15:07:00.000-07:00

I just want to thank all of you for your support, it really means so much to me. I never respond to blog comments, but I appreciate them a lot. You guys keep me sane and encouraged...with everything I blog about. :) Thankya! Biggest love!!

I was about to do another video workout this morning, when my dad stopped by for a visit. He and Max were throwing a sticky hand to the ceiling and rubbing a leftover birthday balloon on clothing and hair to see if it would stick to the wall, while I finished up the last bits of stitching on this piece

The workouts are going well, with the added challenge of Max mirroring my moves. Not so fun when kicks are added, I have to do lower kicks to avoid knocking him over. He gives it his all, bruising my shins. I try not to lose focus, resulting in hysterical laughter while trying to maintain composer and speed. Instead of turning into jelly, I actually get me more of an intense belly workout.

.....and away we go!!

2011-04-10T15:26:00.000-07:00

I ordered some workout at home videos (yes, I ordered the one above too). I like working out at home. Our living room is the only place big enough to comfortably work out and it has a little old t.v with the attached VHS player, remember those? Umm...we have two of them. Anyway, I found a couple of VHS workouts on Amazon. I dug up a few Leslie Sansone videos that were in the garage from 6 years ago....the last time I did any exercise.

Max turned 4 on Friday, April 8th. He's not a baby anymore (yes he is) We had a little family party for him yesterday.

He wanted a Star Wars cake. I couldn't resist having the quote "May the 4th be with you", written on the cake. Dork mom.

Here we go again....

2011-04-07T08:37:00.001-07:00

Sooooo, last night I was trying to decide if I should stitch or read. Then Max came in and had me read a ton of books to him. I was happy for the distraction, but then all of a sudden something came over me. I started crying through every page turned. Randy noticed I was sad when he came in, then asked Max if he could take over reading, then he put Max to bed.

When Ran came back (long story short) I told him I was depressed about being so low on energy and I felt that I was aging too quickly. He said he had been seriously thinking again about getting exercise, eating through the day the healthy way, and through the process losing inches, eventually losing weight. He said he really wanted us to do it together. We always do it separately, and that never works, it has a be a family effort. My kids are already on board...they should already have their own fitness camp. Always burning fuel, healthy eating non-stop. We should too! We both started getting excited at the idea of new foods! We decided we'll wait till this Sunday, after Max's birthday. I am kind of bummed that all my new clothes will be slowly outgrown, but I can't think of that...now on to work out clothes! I knew this time would come again, but we had to be ready. I don't want to stress about being thin or my weight, just inches, muscle tone and health. :) Really, I could care less about being thin or what size I am. I am more comfortable BIG. I have a big frame and I look totally silly, thin. I am just at the point now where I am not comfortable sleeping, walking more than two blocks, breathing, and keeping up with he kids. I am in tune with my body, and it's starting to cry out again. I'm not going to make this an inspirational "Biggest loser" type blog. I'm just not going to talk about favorite cookies and banana splits for a while. :)

XOXOXOX

Spring Collection

2011-04-05T07:58:00.000-07:00

My favorite dress

I bought this dress at Ross, last August. I wore it to my grandma Connie's funeral, Mia's first art show, and the other day when the weather was boiling hot. I love yellow and black.

My current favorite top

It's not very fun, but I like it because it's a good length with leggings and it's blue. I don't own anything else this blue. I found it at *cough* Lane Bryant. I never find anything there...

Another dress found on Etsy

This is really comfortable. The seller had a light blue one exactly like it, I couldn't decide between the two, so I bought both.

My new favorite bracelet

The Amazing Della made me this gorgeous mental health awareness bracelet. I've been wearing it everyday.
Della's super awesome daughter Shae made the kids towels with their favorite things embroidered on them.

Deathly Hallows for Molly and fire truck for Max

My bunny collection!
*Click on pics to see more details*

My bunny collection has been growing like crazy. The incredibly awesome Penny Nickels painted Bobbins for me, plus I bought two more from her. Skip and Stanley.

Drucilla embroidered this lovely piece. I need to find a suitable frame for it, it's so precious.

mimilove painted/embroidered this one of Bobbins. It's just amazing.

Pam and Lisa sent me bunny love through the mail too!

I found some more buns while antique shopping with Randy on our 11th anniversary.

My mother-in-law found these salt and pepper shakers and surprised me with them yesterday

This time of year is the perfect time to collect rabbits. :)

Submission

2011-04-04T16:57:00.000-07:00

It's been a while! I was having hard time having two separate blogs, personal/embroidery. I put the personal stuff back here so that it's "one" again.

The Gay for Eagles contemporary fiber art exhibition at Hotel Hadley Studios is coming up! Mark your calendars! If you are near Siler City, North Carolina, please check it out! Unfortunately I am unable to attend, living so far away and traveling right now is out of the question. Some of my bestest Fiber artsy friends will be in the show as well. I feel so honored to be in this show amongst such amazing talent. Here is the piece I submitted. Most of you have seen it unframed, but here it is framed.

I would like to keep submitting my hand embroidery to shows. I finished another Lucy and Desi for another upcoming show, I hope it will be accepted. I would like to submit at least 2 and if I am lucky to finish 3, then 3 it will be.

I'll update again as soon as I can. Take it eassssy. XOXOXOX

LOUD NOISES

2011-03-01T14:04:00.000-08:00

For Bridget

I love requests from friends.

XOXOXOX

2011-02-22T13:20:00.000-08:00

The last couple of weeks have been rough. Max got a double ear infection after a long lasting cold. A pattern that is not new to him or us, but a surprise. A surprise because we didn't think this would happen so soon after his surgery* or even be happening at all, after the surgery*. Two new things that occurred with this double ear infection were, ear pain and ear drainage. TONS of ear drainage. Which is good. That's why he had the surgery. The fluid would get trapped and he couldn't hear. All the pain and and all the drainage stressed me out so bad, I almost wished he didn't have the surgery. I had to clean and replace cotton balls in his ears every 10 minutes to a half hour. It hurt him every time. He cried over everything, it was like he was an infant again. He also woke up every half hour at night, like when he was an infant. This went on for a week. He was in constant pain and uncomfortable drainage.....ANYWAY, I haven't worked on anything or even touched a needle. I am still recovering along with Max, who is doing much better now.

*Ear tube surgery.

We all went out this last weekend to get fresh air. We roamed around The Morro Bay Aquarium, The Shell Shop, and the Elfin Forest.

I did get some inspiration to get my buns back to work when Bridget asked about a TMBG portrait. Also, a former customer/ new friend sew.zinski recommended me to DIY Magazine (the real life magazine-EEPS!) for their upcoming embroidery article. They want to feature my free-form therapeutic work.

Okay, I'm getting to work.

XOXOX-X-X-X-X

Back to work...

2011-02-22T12:56:00.000-08:00

...thanks to Beefranck and DIY Magazine. No Pressure.

2011-02-04T16:18:00.000-08:00

I forgot to share my Phat Quarter Music Swap project here. Yeah, just because you're here in the personal blog, doesn't mean you can hide from my embroidery. :) I made this tiny Beth Ditto pillow.

Frau Shizzle finally received it. She said, "It looks great and even made that grim looking woman at customs smile, when she inspected the package". I thought that was cute. Here she is with the pillow. See, it's tiny.

Here is what I got!! Salvaged Mutiny made it for me, while she was on a cruise!

Isn't it cool?!!

I also got this present from my pal Amy AKA rollerderbysinner. She came to visit me last week. Next time we'll get some stitching time in, but this time we just gabbed. She also brought me a pan full of her homemade from scratch, Cinnamon rolls. They really are the most delicioso cinnamon rolls in the universe. I told her once that she should sell them in her Etsy shop. ;)

I have been working on my submission piece for the Gay for Eagles fiber art show. I submitted it, but I still have to finish up some details and frame it. I am a little nervous about it. I think because it's actually going to be in an art show and I am being hard on myself. I was anxious the whole time stitching it. I know it's not perfect, but I think the point is pretty clear, that's why I am leaving it as an untitled piece.

In my last post I said I wasn't going to be buying more clothes, but I can't resist the cheap cuteness of Forever 21+. I had to get this dress last weekend.

I wore it that same day/evening on our date night to Giuseppe's Cucina Italiana.

This outfit was pretty cheap too. I got the lounge leggings at Walmart online for $11 and the T-shirt dress for $10 on Etsy . This is mine and Randy's favorite outfit of mine. :) *Tonka Truck photo bomb*

Everything else seems to be calm and fine for now. The kids are still growing and changing, challenging our parenting skills. Randy and I are working together to do the best we can to assure Molly that things do get better, even the pimples. Max is reminding us to be more enthusiastic when giving encouragement, "Like the other mom's and dad's do" e.g. "That's awesome!! Great job!!" :)
When Randy cooks or when I use the potty, Max will applaud, " Great cooking job dad! You're a great cooker!". And, " Awesome job using the potty and not going in your diaper mom!" :o

The best part of waking up......

2011-02-04T08:10:00.000-08:00

I'm not quite finished, but I submitted my piece for the Gay for Eagles fiber art show. I still need to do a final touch and frame it. I'll be posting more pics when that's all complete.

I also want to share my other blog with you all, now that it's somewhat decent. It's the same ol' blog you used to know and love, (?) but now you have the option to whether or not you want to follow it or not. Here it is Giggly Mama and Family

XOXOXOX-X-X-X-X-X

Almost caught up and looking ahead.

2011-01-23T15:25:00.000-08:00

I am almost caught up with my current orders. I just have another Ol' Dirty Bastard request and I then I'll be ready to start working on my submission for the Gay for Eagles show that Drucilla Pettibone is putting together. This would be a dream come true opportunity to show my work along with most of my most favorite fiber art (fartist) friends. :D I have some ideas and I am super excited to get started.

This is the last project I finished for a friend's wife. It is not my stencil work, my friend provided me with the image. It is all my love and hand embroidery work though. :)

XOXOX-X-X-X-X

Shhhh!!

2011-01-19T09:24:00.000-08:00

My swap partner hasn't seen this yet. I'm sending it out this weekend to Germany, so she probably won't get it for a few weeks. Sooo, don't tell her. I'm pretty sure she doesn't know about this blog either. :)

It's a tiny pillow with Beth Ditto hand-stitched on it. Satin stitches, back stitches, split stitches, and French Knots. This was my first attempt at French knots. Pretty fun stitches, but I still need to master them.

I'm feeling better

2011-01-13T16:24:00.000-08:00

I finished an embroidery for an old friend of mine. Ol' Dirty Bastard. My friend wants to give it to her boyfriend. She used to tease me for listening to Ol' Dirty and The Wu, back in the day. It was nice to hear from her.
I reflected on memories I had with her. I used to take the city bus from my town to hers (Which was also where I went to high school) every morning. She was a punk rocker with thousands of adorable freckles. I was boy crazy, silly, and looked like I was straight out of Quadrophenia. Her mom worked at (still works) the biggest local head shop, so she had the best pipes in town to smoke bowls in, and nitrous oxide to get us high before we headed to school. We had to cross the train tracks to catch the city bus again to get to school. We would tag and make silly graffiti art and smoke cigarettes all along the way. I would always sing and tease her with a ditty I made up from the Operation Ivy song Bad Town. I replaced "No more bad town" with "No more cat hair dress" She always had cat hair on her black dresses that she wore everyday. She had tons (I never knew how many she actually had) of cats and a rat with a HUGE tumor on it's back. Those were fun times.

I enjoyed this project and the memories I had of this old friend.

Bed time story

2011-01-06T19:45:00.001-08:00

Lately:

By, shaebay

So:

By, beefranck

But:

By, kern-dog

And:

By, katiekutthroat

And I'm thankful:

By, Guðmunda

But then I remember:

By, Idastalder

And you think:

By, beefranck

Because:

By, cross-stitch-sans

But:

Flickr: hardrockzombie's Photostream

So:

By, Rosie Geissler

Flickr: maryse ro's Photostream

I'm just:

By, rachelmckay

And:

By, mum61e

And:

By, aicien

So:

By, giddygirlie

By, heatheratjoeyshouse

And:

By, vegkat

Gorgeous

2011-01-03T16:04:00.001-08:00

I took the kids out heading to the park today. Molly says, "Mom, when can I get my hair cut again?" I said, "Why not now?" We then headed to the nearest salon. Max was in need of a haircut too.

This would be Max's first haircut from someone other than me. I have been cutting his hair since he turned 4 months. I thought this would be a good time to start having someone else do it since he could see his big sister getting her hair done first.

Max: "Is it my turn yet?"

Me: "Yep".

Elia (hair cutting lady) : " Come on over". *Puts hair cutting cape on Max and starts with the buzzer*

Max: "That tickles!" *Moving head all over, squirming*

Elia: "It's okay mom, I cut my niece and nephew's hair all the time and they wiggle too".

Me: *Relieved look* "Oh good, 'Cause I don't think he will stay still".

Elia: "As long as he is happy, I don't mind". *Continues cutting with confidence while Max's head is literally all over the place*.

Elia: "What grade are you in Max?"

Max: "I'm in Kindergarten".

Me: *Whispering voice* "He's in Preschool".

Elia: "Wow! You're tall Max! Is your daddy tall?"

Max: "Yes, he's a giant".

Elia: Okay Max! We're almost done....okay, all done!"

Max: *Sits straight for the first time, staring into the mirror* "I look gorgeous!!"

Me and everyone else: *Giggles and awwwes*

New Year

2011-01-01T16:03:00.001-08:00

Hey! It's year of the rabbit!! Seems like only yesterday when it was the last year of the rabbit. The year my life changed. Big time. I Started dating Randy 1/1/99 and gave birth to Molly 12/17/99 . Artist formally known as Prince, I haven't partied that hard since.

Here are some examples of some fine ass rabbit artwork to celebrate another rabbit year. Enjoy!

Penny Nickels has been painting some lovely buns lately.

Marshall makes fantastic rabbit frames.

A beautiful cross stitch by What Delilah Did.

A sweet little bunny embroidery pattern by, Vânia

Who doesn't love Ralphie in his bunny jammies? By Miss Amy

And last but not least, these beauties. By, Astulabee

I could share bunny related items all the livelong day.

Well, So far the only goal I have for this year is to collect more embroidered dresses and pearl button Western shirts.... And more leggings.

I am pretty boring lately. I haven't been working on anything embroidery related. There is a swap going on this month in in the Phat Quarter group. That's the only motivation I have to pick up the needle and thread. My current obsession is playing dress up and taking pic of myself. I really like taking pics that don't look like me. Like, the fantasy me. I would love to really get into it and do ones like the artist, Cindy Sherman. That would be so fun and also pretty hard to accomplish. It is a daydream I've had for a long time. What?

XOXOX

New Clothes!

2010-12-19T18:14:00.001-08:00

I never shop for myself. I really don't like to shop, period. Mostly because I want to get in and out of a store as fast a s possible and I can't because my measurements require me to have to try every item of clothing on. I get anxiety very easily. I love to shop online, but it's rare that I find things that I like that look decent for my body type.

I may look smaller on the Internets, but I am a 245 lbs in real life. I am not complaining , nor do I care to lose weight. I own this body, yo.

I am always on the hunt for comfortable clothing that doesn't age me to much. I am not afraid of looking old, I just don't want to look like a grandma yet...I am not a fashion expert or want to be, I just want to look decent every once in a while.

I have had some luck lately and I wanted to share my new comfy clothing items with you.

If you need to know where I got these items, just click on the pics.

If I find more nice things to wear, I will share them too.

XOXOXOX

Pretty, pretty, pretty, cool.

2010-12-12T14:38:00.001-08:00

Remember when I told you that Jon Halperin bought my Morrissey embroidery for Dan Smith the tattoo artist at LA Ink?

Welp, Jon gave it to Dan, he says he loves it. :) He also got a pic of Dan with it. Squeeeee!

Jon gave the gift to Dan the same day Molly and Randy were in Hollywood. Randy said they walked by the shop. Too bad they didn't go in! That would have been fun, but maybe kind of weird? "Hi, we're the husband and daughter of the maker of that there embroidery you have there sir". "okthnxbai!"

Molly and Ran had a blast in Hollywood and Max and I had a blast staying up till 1:00 am at home with all the lights on, because mama still believes in monsters, ghosts, and aliens.

Embroidery, we'll still be best friends when all turns to dust

2010-12-07T10:48:00.001-08:00

Just when I think how pleased I am with the personal embroidery success I have had, and then think to myself that I wouldn't be sad if it was all over tomorrow, I get a custom order through an email from Pennsylvania. I get a little thrilled, stressed, and thankful that I get to keep my hands busy and my mind from wandering into teh crazy.

Embroidery keeps me still. Embroidery takes me away to connect intuitively with friends and family I can't be with. Embroidery has helped me see who I really am, not just a Giggly Mama. Embroidery has opened my eyes to the world, and has brought the world to me.

Now back to the custom request...

Benjamin Franklin sent to a sweet woman who will be giving it as a X-Mas gift to her husband.

Soon after, another custom order from Pennsylvania.

Abraham Lincoln sent to a pal from Flickr.

I can't stop once I start, so I am continuing with two more, by popular demand, Robert Smith Pillows.

I have been keeping feelings bottled up lately. Feelings that I really can't talk about on the Internet, or to anyone in real life (except Randy, poor guy). Been really cranky, but I will continue with my ongoing therapeutic embroidery.

XOXOX-X-X-X

X-Mas is coming the goose is getting fat...

2010-11-29T07:41:00.001-08:00

Thanksgiving came and went, but decided to stay in my stomach for the last 3 days. I get bloated a lot especially during the monthly time (that time is now) and after delicious food times. I get wonderfully bloated with gas and I look pregnant with a giant baby fart that needs to pop desperately. It causes me pain and discomfort and no anti-gas aid helps and PLEASE don't give me water, it only makes it worse. Anyhoo, I finally blew last night and I'm ready to continue with my regular scheduled programming.
Oh, and here's something else I worked on Thanksgiving day. Yeah, I guess you could say I have been "Full" of myself lately.

X-Mas is approaching fast and the list is growing daily for plans this month. Here are some plans already jotted:

1. Max to stay out of school this month to avoid other kids germs while healing after surgery.

2. Go to Avila Barn with The Shrivers to get our annual free X-Mas tree. Done.

3. Celebrate mom's birthday, give her a hand-stitched Marilyn.

4. Finish and ship Benjamin Franklin embroidery to customer.

5. Randy and Molly go to Hollywood and Long Beach to hang and do fun stuff while Max and I stay home and avoid more germs.

6. Celebrate Molly's 11th birthday.

7. Go to Max's post op appt.

8. Celebrate with Genova's for X-Mas

9. X-Mas shop for kids. We're only shopping for the kids this year.

10. Breathe for a minute. X-Mas is Here. Time Celebrate with everyone else....then later, maybe Randy and I can sneak away to the movies.

Happy Holidays everyone!! XOXOXOX

...and now for something completely different...

BOBBINS!!

It's a good thing

2010-11-23T16:02:00.001-08:00

My Max had his ear and nose surgery this morning. We were scheduled to check into the hospital at 6 am. I cried all the way to the hospital while Max slept in his car seat and Randy drove. I pulled myself together as we arrived so Max wouldn't see me worried. My dad met us in the hospital lobby. We checked in and in no time we were headed to change Max into hospital tiger jammies and ID bracelets. One with his name and one with the penicillin allergy alert. He was given a liquid anesthesia to calm him before we were to separate from us. We knew he was ready when he starred blankly and said, "So, dad, how's work?" We told him to lie back and cuddle with his favorite blankie and stuffed bunny. He fell slowly back onto the pillow and said, "IIIII liiiike sleeeeeping in beds". The nurse wheeled him to surgery in the gurney. Max had a grin on his face and didn't even flinch when we said good-bye. Strange to see him like that.

In no more than a half hour the surgeon had popped her head into the waiting room to let us know that Max did great and the surgery was complete and successful. Twenty minutes later I (mother only) was allowed to see him. He was sitting up like a big boy, still groggy, and a little fussy because the I.V. was still in his foot. I held an orange popsicle to his mouth for him to suck on. A volunteer came by, passing out handmade dolls to all the kids (3) in recovery. When it was Max's turn to choose, there were 3 girl dolls with braids and two bunny dolls. He was thrilled to have a new bunny doll. He picked the one with a brown vest and pants, and white bow tie. He said it was a mama bunny. He sat it next to his stuffed bunny he brought and covered them with his blankie.

After having more popsicle, he was wheeled down to the day-stay room again. On the way we set good-bye to Grandpa Dominic. We got after-care instructions, IV out, and changed out of tiger jammies. He was ready to go.

After Max was situated at home with Jello, he was back to his self, bouncing off the walls. :)

I checked my emails soon after and saw that I had sold another Morrissey embroidery. I was thrilled. I was even more thrilled to learn that I had sold it to the art collector Jon Halperin!! He is giving it as a gift to (Shhhhh!! Don't tell!!) Dan Smith the tattoo artist on LA Ink. *Gasp*

Another super fun thing that happened today was receiving the San Louie magazine in the mail today. The cover looks great! The hand-embroidered image looks even better on the mag.

Overall today was a day filled with things that I never dreamed would happen. All for the good. Now I am just not making sense...I've been up since 3 am alright? :)

2010-11-15T12:10:00.000-08:00

The Craft Faire at Halcyon was a success! I made back the money for the space and then some! My family and friends came to visit and some of them brought treats! My friend Tiffany brought me delicious homemade pumpkin hummus, my friend Malinda brought me donuts and hot chocolate, and my I received the most delicious homemade from scratch, to.die.for. Cinnamon rolls from miss Amy who writes my favorite blog Snozzberries??!? Who ever heard of a snozzberry??!? I will never forget those cinnamon rolls! Amy helped me get through the slow second day. We giggled at all the awesome hippy attire the guests were wearing, like satin jammies and feather visors. She also shared some pics (She also takes fantastic pics) of her embroidery!! She's been dabbling in it and she is freaking awesome! I wish she would share her work in the Phat Quarter group *hint hint*

Randy helped keep me company ALL weekend and helped me set up the booth. I don't know what I'd do without him!!

It was really fun to hear all the comments on my work. Here are some examples:

"I can do that"

" That's really good, as far as embroidery goes..."

7 year old girl: "Dad! This is all hand embroidered! Wow! Cool!"

"I've never seen anything like this"

Woman looking at Christopher Walken embroidery: "I love Johnny Cash!"

"You're REALLY talented!"

" Look, it's what's his face and that one guy"

"I used to embroider 80 years ago"

"So can you like take a picture and like embroider that picture on like anything?"

"Look at that cross stitch".

Christmas Faire

2010-11-15T11:00:00.001-08:00

New band name: Bunny Tragedies

2010-11-08T11:00:00.001-08:00

Remembering yesterday when we were about to leave on errands:

Us: Bye Grandma Ro we'll be back soon!"
Ro: "Okay bye!"
Us: *Getting in mini-van*
Me: *Buckling Max in the car seat*
...a few minutes pass after Ro goes inside...
Ro: " Shannon!"
Me: *What now?* " Yeah?"
Ro: "There's a Gray bunny hopping in the neighbors yard".
Me: *WTF!* "What? Are you sure?" *walks around to side yard to look*
Ro: "LOOK!"
Me: *Sees the bunny in disbelief* "I can't believe they let another bunny loose!" Are they stupid?!!"

All yesterday worrying about the new bunny in the neighbors yard, seeing it in the rain, watching the neighbors let in run around with their cats and dogs in their front lawn. Looking back at Bobbins in our living room, safe. Feeling sorry for the poor bunny across the street, wanting to desperately rescue it......

This morning I woke up bright and early to do my daily chores before getting the kids off to school. First on my list was to clean bobbins litter box and refill it with new shavings and hay. I have to go outside in the back to do this and I never look forward to it since I hate touching the big trash, where I dump the litter.....

Me: *Walks out sleepily, slipping on any shoes nearest the back door. Opens the yucky trash lid, dumps and slams shut quickly* Before I turn and run back inside...*GASP* I see a the bunny laying on the cement right next to our back gate. *Approaches mournfully* A cat got it.

I am furious, shaken up, disappointed and so on. I hate my neighbors for being such horrid pet owners.

Shortly after seeing the bunny, not wanting to bury it myself.

Me: *Slips on over sized pink "Team Billy" Sweatshirt to match my hot pink jammie pants, messy morning hair, and morning breath. Hurrying over to the neighbors front door*

Me again: *Pound* *Pound* *Pound on the door*
*Lady neighbor Grandma opens the door* "Hi, are you okay? You look upset."

Me: "Umm..Your bunny is dead in my yard....
Grandma Lady: Oh, That's not our bunny somebody must have let it loose in the neighborhood, somebody will come and take care of it".
Me: *Shocked and disgusted face* Walking away speechless at the blatant lie*

Please Santa, all I want for X-Mas is some new neighbors and no more dead bunnies. KTHXBAI

****Here's the previous bunny related post if you need the whole story to understand my frustration .: Bunny Birthday

Soooo...I embroidered a little magazine cover....

2010-11-04T15:26:00.002-07:00

Remember when I mentioned that a few times? Well, it's here. Now I can show it to you.

Announcing Issue 2, Animalia - San Louie

Exciting! Here is the exhibit info if you would like to see it in person! Thanks to my pals at Mr. X Stitch for sharing the info! :D Showtime! – Issues at Sally Loo’s.

November

2010-11-01T10:15:00.001-07:00

Okay! I better post something before there is too many things to post all at once. Phew!

I wish I was more interesting and maybe a little bit of a good writer, so I could feel more confident about blogging more. . I am forgetting EVERYTHING theses days. I can't hold on to a thought or memory for more than a minute. I feel like I need to post on here more so I can look back and say, "Ahh! That's what we did". Good thing I have Randy, he has the best memory of all time. I really don't know what is happening to my brain, but It's kind of nice not worrying about things I can't remember. :)

Anyway, here's what's been up. Okay, so I don't forget EVERYTHING. ;)

We've been hanging with my cousin Rachel a lot more lately while Molly is at school. Her baby Fox is probably the best baby I've ever met....besides baby Seth... He's always happy and chill. I don't hang out with anyone (moms with kids) anymore, I haven't for a while now, since Max is pretty content playing on his own and I am an anti-social mom lately. I miss hanging with Vanessa, but she's going through a life change and her kids are with their dad. I miss her. *Trying not to to cry*

My sister is visiting with the family! She is local, but she is like me and was being a hermit for a while. She came out of her shell last week and we've seen her 3 times since! :D Molly is almost as tall as her now.

Bobbins is still the sweetest bunny ever. She's spends her days outside in her cozy cage and indoors at night in her playpen. She likes to sleep with two stuffed bunnies I found from my collection. Her favorite new person is my dad.

I hand-stitched 24 Onesies for the Christmas art and Craft fair. I'll be selling Onesies and my other Hand-embroidered framed work, the weekend of the 14 and 15th. I'll post details soon along with the Magazine cover I embroidered for San Louie.
Here are some things I have stitched for the fair.

Halloween was different this year. We decided to hit the village neighborhood in the evening. Randy stayed home 'cause he was sick. The kids treat bags were filled to the brim in less than an hour. Everyone loved their costumes. Princess Peach and Mario.

I am waiting for a call this week from the scheduling office for Max to get adenoid surgery and ear tubes. He's had more than 8 ear infections in his 3 years of life. Constant water clogged ears, nasal congestion, and sleep problems. Hope they call soon.

XOXOXOX-X-X-X

Bunny Birthday

2010-10-18T07:31:00.001-07:00

Remember back in August when I had to catch baby bunnies that were born under our shed? I caught 5 babies and their mama. I thought that story was over until the bunny rescue lady, who I have developed a friendship with, told me that the last two bunnies weren't two males, but male and female. Which means, you know what...MORE baby bunnies. I was hoping that the pregnant bunny would give birth at it's neglectful owners house, but why would they do that when they have a perfectly good, broken in nursery right here, under our shed?

Welp, that's what started developing 3 weeks ago, when I noticed the adult bunnies hopping around our backyard. The mother was bleeding all over the place as she hopped around desperately seeking food. I knew she had just given birth. I called the pet rescue lady, Dion, pronounced Die-on and let her know that we would be needing traps again. She said in 3 weeks they would start poking their heads out from under the shed. I looked at the calendar and saw that 3 weeks from that date would land on my birthday. She was totally right. They poked their heads out the day before my birthday. I set the traps early in the morning of my birthday, blocking every entrance to the shed except two ways, one to let the mother in to nurse, and one with the trap way out. My plan worked successfully and I was dubbed professional bunny catcher by Dion. I caught one baby bunny immediately, which was pretty big for a baby and too little for an adult. This one was later figured out to be a left-behind member of the first litter. I placed her in the holding cage and waited for more buns.

I went to my moms after setting the trap again, for some birthday cake with the kids. After visiting for a few hours, anxious to get home, I saw the trap door closed with four tiny babies inside. I transferred them to the cage with the older bunny and set the trap again. I knew that if there were more, they wouldn't come out again till early the next morning.

I went to bed anxious and worrying about how we were going to get the adult bunnies since I had been trying to catch them for the last 3 months. The neighbors were told by their landlord that they were supposed to get rid of all their bunnies. We never told them about this last litter because their kids, who are in total control of that house, wanted to keep all the bunnies and would do so at any cost even if it were danger for the bunnies. That's why they haven't caught the parents themselves, letting them roam the streets, in constant danger of predators and vehicles. So it's been my job voluntarily humanely catch them instead of the other complaining neighbors calling animal control to have them completely exterminated.

Bright and early the next morning I saw the trap door closed with two more babies. I transferred them to a tiny holding cage and used them as bait for the mother. She would need to nurse, and she would be tricked in to the trap that had been backed up to holding cage with the babies in it. Not sure if this plan would work, I went back in the house and 5 minutes later heard the trap door. I lifted the towel up over the trap, that I had placed there so it didn't seem to be a trap, looked down and was ready to see more babies, but instead, THE MOTHER rabbit. It was the best birthday present ever. I stood there and wept. I was relieved that we at least caught one of the parents.

Dion came at noon to pick up the bunnies. I decided to keep the older 2 months old baby, as a pet. We can't tell what the sex is, but he/she has been given the name Bobbins. Max had named her/him Shibbly, but Randy thought that was too silly. I really liked the name Shibbly, but Bobbins is good too.

Bobbins is all set up with a cage and a exercise play pen, and plenty of hugs, kisses, and petting.
She's really tame and seems to really like us. :)

That was one highlight of my birthday weekend. Here are some more:

We had a parent teacher conference with Molly's teacher. Molly is doing excellent in 5th grade. She just has a little trouble with math, which she understands and the work is correct, but makes little mistakes with the answers.
During our meeting, Grandma Ro called, forgetting that we were in the meeting, excited to say that she had caught the dad bunny!! She threw a towel over it and swooped it up with her hands and put him in a cage. All bunnies were caught!! Dion managed to get them all good homes within the same day. Our bunny trouble is over....I hope. :)

After the parent teacher conference, Grandma Ro watched the kids and Randy and I headed to see Scott. Our long time good friend and my tattoo artist. He gave me a bunny tattoo for a birthday present. I got it for a few reasons. All this bunny catching, bunnies are adorable, Molly was born year of the rabbit, and Max was born on Easter.

My brother in law, Paul, made a Chocolate Pumpkin Cake that Beefranck told me about. It was the best cake I have ever tried. I am hoping this cake will become a birthday tradition. Paul, Molly and Randy made a beautiful pesto chicken dinner for me too.

Recipe here: chocolate pumpkin cake

Molly was in a spelling bee for the Pismo Beach Clam Festival. Contestants from each school in the district were chosen last week to be in the parade and bee. It rained all over the audience, but all us parents and relatives didn't mind. We all sat silent and nervous. I cried for the first few contestants when they lost and shed tears as they left the stage. It was a really good competition. Molly got really far. She made it through the 5th grade words and a couple 6th grade ones until she got the word Mahogany. I closed my eyes. I had a feeling she wouldn't get it, since I felt and saw her heart fall into her stomach. She did her best and we're so proud.

It was a great birthday like no other. XOXOX

2010-10-12T19:41:00.001-07:00

Hand-Embroidered John Lennon. For my brother. Soon to be in my Etsy.

2010-10-12T13:02:00.001-07:00

Nick Cave by GigglyMama on Etsy

The Winner!!

2010-10-08T07:13:00.001-07:00

Hi everyone!! First I want to thank all who entered the Hand-embroidered Owl GIVEAWAY. You guys are all awesome and well deserving of this prize. Don't worry, I will have more giveaways in the future. This giveaway business is pretty fun!

I found the perfect size Pyrex bowl to hold all the contestants names in.

I closed my eyes, dipped my fingers in the bowl, and picked a winner. :)

....and her name iiiiiiiiiiiiiiiissssss.....LEAH!!!

Congratulations Leah!! You're the winner of my hand-embroidered owl!! Yay!!

(Please ignore the tired morning look)

I have to say good-bye now. I know Miss Leah will give Owl a beautiful home.

XOXOX

Like Weeds

2010-10-07T09:27:00.001-07:00

The kids are growing at a rate that is just too fast for me. My baby is no longer a baby and my big girl is becoming a young woman. In other news, I am shrinking.

2010-10-04T16:14:00.002-07:00

Christopher Walken by GigglyMama on Etsy

2010-10-01T16:58:00.001-07:00

Happy October everyone! My favorite month of the year!

Only one more week to enter the Hand-embroidered Owl GIVEAWAY!!!!! If you haven't entered and would like to, you still have time.

This was my latest project

Hand-embroidered Tom Waits. He is on his way to a good home. I made another for a swap with the Moe family.

I have a few new pieces in progress. Slowwwwwly.

Hand-embroidered Owl GIVEAWAY!!!!!

2010-09-24T03:07:00.001-07:00

I will announce the winner 8:00 a.m. Pacific standard time 10/8/10.

Win! Win! Win!

This pretty hand-embroidered owl!!!

All you have to do is leave a comment!!

It's that easy!

The owl seen here is hand-embroidered by me. It's stitched with lovely DMC floss colors on pink fabric, framed in a 5x7 frame.

I will choose the winner the old fashioned way, by drawing a name out of a hat. Umm...never mind. I don't have a hat. How about a bowl? A Pyrex bowl?
Done.

I will choose the winning name out of a Pyrex Bowl on October 8th. So, you have PLENTY of time to tell your pals and owl loving freaks all over the world.

Okay!! Go for it!! Leave a comment!!

Wait!! Please leave your contact info (email address) in the comment. That would be most helpful.

Thank you friends and good luck.

XOXOXOX

There is a wish list at the end of this post....not really, it 's in the next post. :)

2010-09-22T20:02:00.001-07:00

Did I tell you about how a local magazine, San Louie asked me to embroider the cover art for issue 2 of their magazine? Well, I did it. They provided me with the image they wanted embroidered last week and I got to work straight away. I was so nervous and excited, once I got the final color and layout details, I flew through the project. I don't want to reveal the piece yet. Issue 2 doesn't come out till November 1st. Here's a pic of me working on it.

After I turned in my work last Friday, we headed down to L.A. for the Fleeting Immersion Show to see Giddy Girlie and her astronaut cross stitch pieces. After a 5 hour drive, we met up with Giddy, Ryan, and their cool pals Kate and Miss Bliss.

We headed straight for Giddy's gallery pieces, but before I had a chance to fully examine them, we ran into Chris Hardwick! I was so thrown off, I had a huge brain fart and forgot who he was. I knew he was famous and I could tell Mia was a fan too, so I took a quick and casual pic of the two famous kids together, posing with Mia's piece.

We all had a good time admiring the show and eating/chatting at dinner, it was sad to say good-bye so fast.

The next day Randy, Paul, and I visited The Museum of Contemporary Art to see ARSHILE GORKY: A RETROSPECTIVE. The exhibition was breathtaking and emotional.

After the show, we rode Angels Flight Railway down to the Grand Central Market to eat lunch.

After lunch we took a little tour of the Disney Concert Hall.

Hmmm...what else? Well, I dunno? Okay, well now I'm gonna give you the link to my *Etsy wish list 'cause I have a birthday coming up and you know how I always like to share with you what I want. :) That wasn't awkward at all. XOXOXOX

*I've been informed that the Etsy link I post doesn't lead to my wish list. :( so, I will do a separate post on that. :)

I do love what I do

2010-09-08T17:17:00.001-07:00

I started stitching this one at R&D's on Saturday. I stopped a few times and even considered stopping all together. I wasn't sure if it was going to come out looking right. You know how those projects go...
I was afraid I was investing time on something that would end up being a disaster. I kept at it. I finished late last night and I was hesitant to post it. I always get butterflies in my stomach before I post my work. When I do finally post, I run away and hide in the corner, biting my nails. No, not really, but almost.
Your encouragement and compliments are truly appreciated and I thank all of you from the bottom of my racing heart.

Hand-embroidered Lily Munster

Okay, I gotta go. Time to muster up the courage to create another piece. :)

XOXOXOX

2010-09-07T16:43:00.001-07:00

Last Thursday I decided go out of the house with Max. I've been a hermit lately and the freezing weather is helping me stay indoors. I prefer to be indoors mostly, but I have to remember that kids need to see more than the backyard every once in a while. :) We went down the street to our beach. Vanessa and her kids met up with us. Her neighborhood was hot last week and she needed to cool down. The foggy beach was just perfect.

I finished the Morrissey embroidery on Friday. I listed it on Etsy and sold it in 2 minutes!! That was my fastest sale ever.

Saturday night I decided to surprise everyone by going to R&D's to have a drink or two with Vanessa and friends. Vanessa loves to do karaoke. The only time I go to a bar is with her, to watch her and other friends sing, and have a Shirley Temple. I brought my embroidery this time. I think I will do that from now on when I go. I really had a good time stitching amongst everyone singing and dancing, the loud music, and the delicious White Russian.

On Sunday, Randy, Paul, and the kids made Apple Tart Tatin. They bought apples at Gopher Glen Apple Farm. Every year, to kick off the (almost) Fall season, we like to make an apple dessert.

It was especially delicioso!!

Monday, we went to the Avila Barn to buy fruit. Randy and the kids ate roasted corn while Paul, and I snuck off to the sweet shop to get a teeny tiny ice cream cone with three teeny tiny ice cream scoops for 75 cents. The ice cream scooper lady had a teeny tiny baby ice cream scooper to make the itty bitty scoops. It was so cute, I wish I had brought my camera!!
After that, we took the tractor ride down to pick MORE APPLES!! The kids loved that. I was sort of loosing it since dirt was everywhere and all of out shoes were getting dirty and OMG, thank goodness I had baby wipes in the car. I cleaned everyone's shoes and we were off to have lunch at Chilli's, then another round of ice cream. This time with big double scoops of Thrifty ice cream. :)
When we got home I did some laundry and shook out clothes that were covered in hay from the tractor ride. While I was shaking a jacket outside, I caught a glimpse of this!!

My two worst enemies. A Black Widow and a Potato Bug!!! As you can see here, the Black Widow caught the Potato Bug for dinner. It would be her last dinner ever. Grandma Ro squished her to death, plus her egg sack.

That evening we all settled in, got ready for the next work/school day, and decided to have a final dessert. We all roasted some marshmallows over a fire pit that Randy and Paul set up in Molly's little club house area of the backyard. Everyone chatted, but mostly Max told silly nonsense stories that had us all cracking up. We sat outside by the fire till we were sleepy-eyed.

Hope everyone has a great week!! CUL8R!
XOXOXOX

2010-09-01T08:39:00.001-07:00

Hand embroidered on our way to, and in Chicago. Finished at home in the company of bunnies.

We had a bunny adventure:

Long story short, our neighbor's kids had pet bunnies, then let them loose. Then baby bunnies were born under our shed.
The babies and their mother, have been transported to the pet rescue lady's property. We had too many stray cats and crazy neighbor kids lurking around trying to steal the babies. I miss the bunnies already. I want to explain the entire story, but I don't want my brain to explode, or bore, or move you to tears. So all you get is this and these:

Mr X Stitch Chicago Trip

2010-08-24T09:50:00.002-07:00

I'm back. It was awesome. I'm gonna keep this short since I need to catch up with my homemaker duties and get my brain back into place.

I fell in love even more with Beefranck, Mr X Stitch, and the rest of the crew that made it. I have been crushing over them on the interwebs for the last 2 years, it was so amazing to see them in person, with their voices, faces and bodies all attached. They're real people!! I seriously had to pull back my tears as we approached them for the first time in Millennium park.

I can't wait for future meet ups. Rumor has it that the next one will be in New York, then The West Coast! Holla! (Wait what? That' wasn't me.)

Giddy Girlie was the best travel partner, I couldn't have done this without her. I am so grateful to have her in my life. Awww. :)

Here are some of my fave pics from the trip. The rest are on my Flickr page.

This last photo was taken with Joe's camera, by baby Seth. ;)

These next pics were taken by Giddy Girlie

1:11? Is there a half wish for this time?

2010-08-19T01:11:00.001-07:00

I'm awake at 1:11 am. Thinking. I hope I get a huge nap tomorrow before I get to Mia's tomorrow night. I know I won't sleep very much until we are actually in Chicago. To be honest, I won't be completely rested until we actually meet up with everyone (Junkies and Panties ;).

Molly had a wonderful first day of 5th grade. She wore her cutest outfit, curled her hair, and Max and I walked her to school. She couldn't have got a better teacher for this school year. We are so happy.
As soon as I get back from the trip, we want start looking into piano lessons for her. She has expressed an interest. She is currently self teaching herself how to play the recorder. She's pretty good, for just watching a few videos on You Tube and downloaded instruction sheets.

Max has picked up a couple of new words, to him, that he loves to get a reaction from. "Hate" and "Shut up". Okay, yeah, it could be worse, but they're words we wouldn't like him to be freely expressing all over the place. Luckily he only says that home and like I said, as soon as we call him on it, he immediately says, "No! I love you!" Like, why would I ever hate you? He really just wants to test us and get a reaction. Especially from guests. Uuughh...and luckily, they understand kids. :) He likes to pull the words out randomly at relatives, to see how they'll react. Of course he thinks it's funny to see their shocked faces. This is when we all sit and keep our faces really straight, trying to express that it isn't very funny. Although I have a tough time not bursting into laughter, 'cause he's so damn cute, even when he's pushing our buttons. He picks up on that and charms me with his devilish smile. :-/ Randy's pretty good at staying tough, at least one of us is.

Uncle Paul is living with us for a few months. He's graduated from UCSD. He's in transition now. His next plan is to go to South America with friends for a few weeks, then move to Chicago to join a theater group there.
He's been a big help when he is here. He'll be a bigger help when I'm gone. Even though I'll have a bigger mess to clean up when I get back. ;)
He's pretty awesome to have around, I'm glad we get to spend time with him before he takes off again. Hopefully we'll have time before he leaves to teach me to use a sewing machine. :)

Okay, I'm getting sleepy.

Sweet dreams, I'll see you all in 5 days. XOXOX

Stitches and Plans

2010-08-15T11:53:00.001-07:00

Hi! I've been busy and nervous. Here are some of the latest stitches I've come up with. :)

All of these are available in my Etsy shop Giggly Mama Embroidery by GigglyMama on Etsy

Anywaysssss, I am going on a trip in 5 short days!! I am travelling with Giddy girlie to Chicago!! We are going to have a stitchy meet up with Mr. X Stitch, Beefranck, many more awesome stitchy friends, and other fantastic peoples!! I'm pretty much ready now that I have my money saved, my hair cut, the unsightly mole tweezed off my neck, my items packed in clear zip lock baggies...now I need a pedicure, and then I'll be set! Wheeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee!

Grandma Connie

2010-08-01T18:10:00.001-07:00

RIP Grandma Connie (Concetta) Genova 5-9-31 to 7-28-10

This is the woman I inherited my needle skills from. She didn't teach me, but I did inherit her crafty hands. I am so thankful. I also inherited her lips. Also, thankful for. :)

Obituary from the Tribune:

Concetta "Connie" M. Genova, 79, passed away after a long period of illness Wednesday, July 28, 2010, in Arroyo Grande. Her suffering is over and she is now at peace in the Lord''s care. Connie was born in St. Louis, Mo., in 1931. In 1953, she married Domenico Genova, then they moved to Southern California in 1958, and raised five children in their North Hollywood home. She was active in the family parish and school, where she worked as the church secretary and a volunteer. She also worked as a book editor for many years. In 1981, she and her family moved to the Central Coast and settled into their Arroyo Grande home. Foremost, she was a mother. Connie was an active member of St. Patrick''s Church and enjoyed being part of the Alter and Rosary Society and the Italian Catholic Federation. She also worked as the church secretary for the Arroyo Grande Methodist Church from 1981 to 1985. In 1983, she and Domenico bought Salvatore''s Italian Deli in Grover City and owned it until 1988, when they both retired. During her lifetime, Connie was an avid crafter and sewed beautiful quilts and clothing, crocheting afghans and made other novelty items, but she was also in demand as a cake designer and decorator. Connie was known for her cooking, especially her baked goodies and desserts. She was a voracious reader and never without a book on her bed stand. She loved to solve puzzles, whether it was crosswords, jigsaws, or mysteries in her favorite novels. Connie loved music of all kinds, especially show tunes and Mario Lanza. Music filled her kitchen when she baked and she would sing with the music in her beautiful and powerful alto voice. She loved to dance, even more so when she danced with Domenico. She loved to perform and was at her best in comedic acting and musicals. Connie loved her family, both her relatives and her children''s friends, who hung out around the house (mostly in the kitchen). When you were considered part of her family, she provided you with an ear to listen, a hug to comfort, a meal to nurture the body and soul, a place to keep safe and warm and words to gain wisdom. She had a wonderful sense of humor and her vivacious spirit would spread to others around her. There was no one quite like Connie. She will be greatly missed by her children and all her family. Connie is survived by her five children Dominic Genova of Arroyo Grande, Maryanne Genova of Hilo, Hawaii, Chuck (Susan) Genova of Visalia, Calif., Theresa Genova of Pismo Beach and Anthony Joseph Genova of Fresno, Calif.; grandchildren Shannon (Randy), Michelle, Daniel, Jacob, Zachery, Nicholas, Allison and Audrie; and great-grandchildren Molly and Max. She was preceded in death by her husband, Domenico; parents, Salvatore and Josie Greco; and sister, Anna Mathews. A memorial Mass in her honor will be celebrated at 11 a.m. Monday, Aug. 9, 2010, at St. Paul the Apostle Catholic Church, 800 Bello in Pismo Beach. After the Mass, a reception to celebrate Connie''s life will be held at the church hall. Friends of the family are welcome to join in her celebration. In memory of Connie, donations may be made to the American Diabetes Association at www.diabetes.org/donate. Lady Family Mortuary 489-4717 Arroyo Grande

Published in San Luis Obispo Tribune on August 4, 2010

This Is Hand Made

2010-07-25T15:21:00.001-07:00

Check out this blog, This Is Handmade. It will explain why I made the video.

Lately..

2010-07-22T17:47:00.001-07:00

...I've done two custom onesies and two framed embroideries for my Etsy. After I posted the latest framed ones my brother texted me this: " Make me a Bettie Page one, I'll pay you. I want purple". So, I guess that's my next custom request.

Max goes back to Tiny Tots tomorrow morning. Which means, the house will stay a little less messy on Mondays and Fridays. Molly and I will have a little break, and Max will become a sweeter, smarter, boy with more manners and social skills.
Molly will be in a week long Science camp next week for a few hours a day. She goes back to school August 18th. Just a few weeks left of Summer and then I'll have a 5th grade girl.

The Little Red Hen Pillow

2010-07-16T15:57:00.002-07:00

So, if you read the post about the Little Ren Hen pillow, you'll know what this is all about. If you didn't, well here you go, read about it here.

Mary Miller loved the pillow!! I am pretty pleased with the outcome too.

Front of Pillow

Back of Pillow

Mary Miller with the pillow. :) Also, Max sucking an Otter pop that matches his outfit and new haircut.

Lake Arrowhead is pretty and I want my own bed.

2010-07-12T10:57:00.001-07:00

I've come to the conclusion and I am starting to admit that I am not the outdoor vacation type. I do like to take day trips (consisting of less than 5 hours) every once in a while. I have taken some trips in the past that were more than 2 days and I am looking forward to an upcoming trip that will be about 5 days, but those were/are gonna be really busy and worth wasting time on and most likely don't involve dirt. I just don't enjoy any time away in any "outdoorsy" type of vacation. It's good for my kids and they really enjoy it, so I deal with it the best that I can with all my anxiety/OCD issues.

Every year Randy's family (his dad's side) has a Scudder reunion. It's a week long event somewhere different every year, in a home, near dirt, and a body of water. Like I said, I enjoy that sort of thing in a less than a 5 hour window, but we always have to at least dedicate one overnight stay. I have to say I love his family and I enjoy their company, but I am dying to get home the minute we ascend on our voyage. I am such a baby/jerk. I am usually cranky hours after we come home too. Anyway, I survived another reunion and I am happy to be back. The kids had fun and here are some pics.

Creating, creating, creating.

2010-07-06T07:55:00.001-07:00

A lot of events, emotions, blood, and tears went into this piece, but no sweat! Literally, no sweat. I don't sweat. That would require a lot of physical movement of my body.

You'd think after all that, I would keep it. Nope. I am going to give it away. No, I am not hosting a "giveaway". Awwwwww.....*disappointed face*. I am giving it to someone in need of my embroidery who is expecting an embroidery piece from me.

The next embroidery project is a custom order from my mother in law. After I came home with this fabric,

She asked me to make a pillow with it and do an embroidery of this image for a friend of hers.

Her friend's uncle was John Parr Miller. A Disney and little Golden Books illustrator. I am excited to do this project. I love Little Golden Books and my mother in law's friend Mary. She is the sweetest lady and an awesome child's librarian.

In other news, Molly started painting on canvas recently with acrylics. She really enjoys it. Max likes to paint along side of her too, with his watercolors. Molly has been drawing ever since she turned 20 months old. Drawing something or many things every day, faithfully. It's an inborn talent of hers...and no, we're not surprised, but we are very proud.

Surprise!!!

2010-06-29T10:33:00.001-07:00

I love surprise gifts! Especially surprise embroidery gifts. I have some that I would like to share with you that I received in the mailbox recently.

A few days ago I received a total surprise gift from MafiosaGrrl. We had planned a swap recently. I am supposed to surprise her with something special and she is going to make me an embroidery of John Turturro as Jesus Quintana. I fell in love with the piece she did of The Dude and Maude

So, I hinted that I would love an embroidery of The Jesus. :) I saw right after that, that sunnysidey had made one already for MafiosaGrrl! What a coincidence! I know mine will be different though, since I can't have naughty words lingering around the house.

The gift that I received wasn't that one yet, but a total surprise teaser gift!

a quote from Craft Talk by Leslie Hall.

She also sent a handmade needle book!! What a sweetheart!

I really needed this. :)

Yesterday I checked the mail in the late evening and grabbed the bills I was expecting and saw a package peeking out in the back. I thought it was probably for Randy's mom, but then I saw my name with a Royal Mail sticker on it. I giggled and fled to the house knowing that it had to be from Jamie aka MrXStitch. I had been expecting the package for months, but Jamie needed the inspiration to fulfill his task of completing his "gifts for 5 people". I was one of the 5. Hee-hee, another relieved person to get me off their list. :o Muah-ha! I love this piece immensly! The design was a total surprise. :)

Now it's my turn to complete some surprise embroidery gifts.

XOXOX-X-X-X-X

Ahhhhh....OUCH!

2010-06-24T21:15:00.001-07:00

I am sitting here typing with lobster shins and a leathery red face, reminiscing about a relaxing beach day. There was a tad bit of excitement towards the end, but I'll save that in my memory.

XOXOXOX

Back

2010-06-23T16:09:00.001-07:00

I wasn't gone long was I? :)

We're almost completely out of the old place and and into the new. I was only off the Internet for 10 days. It seemed like months.

I did get to catch up with some of the Genova family in-between and I completed two embroidery projects. Aunt Theresa took this pic of the kids and I at the Avila Barn.

Molly went on a trip to Lake San Antonio with Grandpa Steve (Randy's dad) Sharon, and Danielle. She had a blast and had a nice break from us and all the moving hub bub. :o

I made another Robert Smith Pillow, it's slightly different than the first. It was a request I got on Etsy. I also made another Pee-Wee embroidery. It's really different. I made a pillow out of it.

That's all for now folks.

XOXOX

Why the long face?

2010-06-10T20:41:00.001-07:00

Both of my parents have told me that when I was a baby/toddler, I would never sleep or take naps like a good baby. Even on long road trips, I would stay awake the whole time. They said it was like I was afraid I would miss something. I think of them saying that now because I am feeling that way again in my life, right now. Not with sleep, thank goodness, (my kids have remedied that) but with social networking sites. I feel like if I go away, I will miss something. I have been trying to keep up. Trying to stay in touch. Trying not to miss anything. I've invested so much time and have made some really neatO friends that I will even get to meet in real life! I hate to just cut off my daily chit chat and banter with them, but it seems it has already begun. I know this is typical for most people with blogs and such. I know I'm not alone. Life is busy enough and having internet access can make it a whole lot busier.

With the recent move happenings, end to my Zoloft and birth control, (not by choice, but necessity) and new way of calming by inhalation, I have been a little slower. I've been having short term memory loss and a bit of depression. Thanks goodness for my kids and Randy or I might be really losing it. My dad is always a huge help and my other family members, I am trying to keep close. Don't worry new readers, I am not a freak. Well, umm....maybe a little.

I know as soon as the move is coming to an end, I will be better. I am just a little worried that my favorites will forget me. I haven't forgotten you. It just might be a little while till I can be back to my giggly self.

XOXOXOX

Last stich until we're settled....

2010-05-21T13:56:00.001-07:00

I mean it. I figured I would take a stitching break during the moving process, I also figured that a break meant just one or two projects going in between packing. I ended up doing a whole project that took me longer than I had planned. One of those projects was to stitch just Robert Smith and that's it! I would set him aside and let him wait to be framed until after the move. That didn't happen. I couldn't stop once I started and somehow Robert turned into a really funky 8x7 inch decorative pillow.

There's something about those satin stitches that have me in a trance every time.

During this project however, Max demanded that lay in bed and stitch. I could not sit in my favorite rocking chair or outside on the grass, where I usually stitch. He was satisfied when I was in the bed, but if I got up, he would cry and tantrum. The other rule was that he had to be jumping on the bed while I stitched. Really. Seriously, I should have posted that in the Etsy description, "lovely, satin stitched, Robert Smith, decorative pillow. Stitched in bed while a toddler jumped all around me or else". I kept telling him that he would poked with the needle or stabbed with the scissors if he didn't stop jumping. He just kept smiling and jumping with this defiantly cute smile on his face. I pretty much cracked up at that point. Literally. I was laughing, crying, and furious all at once. I had never felt anything quite like that before. I was being held hostage, in my bed, with a jumping toddler, who was making me embroider. No really, I couldn't do anything else even if I wanted to. :) So I am packing up all the supplies, out of site. I have to get started with this moving business. I figure I will be back to embroidery in July. See you then kiddies.

**No toddlers named Max were harmed in the making of this project**

XOXOXOX-X-X-X

On my mind

2010-05-17T08:20:00.001-07:00

Okay, okay, I was kidding, it's not JUST an embroidery blog. :

This post is just a "fill you in" post. I don't really talk on the phone, except to my mom and dad, and to my Aunt Theresa. I really only post boring, pointless, tiny, blurbs on my Facebook. So, I don't know where you would here this, unless you talk to my mom, dad, or aunt Theresa. Maybe Mia told you, probably not....

OKAY! So no, I'm not pregnant. :)

We are moving. Moving in with my mother in law. Long story short, Less money coming in, more putting out for necessities. We could stay where we are and keep up the daily struggle, but when we have this opportunity to save money, why not take it? My mother in law needs a roomate with all the room she has, so it's a win win. Well, she's getting 4 instead of 1. :D
We're only moving 6 houses up, so it's not going to be too hard. I am probably going to be online a lot less often through the end of this month into July. I am hoping to save for a big trip in August that I'd like to take, I'll talk more about that later.

Alright I just wanted to get that off my chest, now I have to get the kids ready for school and off to a new "Mondays" job. I now will go to work to Mondays, every other Tuesdays, hopefully Fridays, and Saturdays. Plus my mommy, wife, and stitching duties.

Okay bye.

It's cool, go ahead and unfollow. :D

2010-05-14T12:59:00.001-07:00

Yeah, yeah, all I talk about is embroidery. Blah, blah. You are all bored to tears with my repetitive life. I've noticed a couple of people unfollowed and unfanned (sp?) me. What a relief! :D I love all my fans and followers, but if you are clearly miserable, you need to move on, it's good for you.

The two above embroideries are swap pieces. The first one is for the Phat Quarter group on Flickr. It's a Zen themed swap this time. I will be sending mine to Bill the Girl (her flickr name). I will be receiving from Sailor Mouth again. :)

The second one is for a swap between sew.zinski and I. She will be making me an embroidered wallet for this Bill Murray I stitched over the last couple of days. He just need a frame now.

Tomorrow is Max's school ice cream social and silent auction. It will be held at the 16th and Ramona park in Grover Beach. I have 5 tickets left if any of you locals want in on it. I will be donating a couple of hand embroidered Onesies for the silent auction. If you like ice cream and handmade or local business goodies, this is the place to be tomorrow.

Halcyon Craft Fair

2010-05-10T11:21:00.001-07:00

Well, I sure had a ball the Halcyon Craft Fair!! I shared a booth with Meg and her mosaic peace signs and magnets . We both got a lot of great people stopping to admire our goods. We chatted with a few friends that stopped in to say hello. I didn't sell anything, she sold a couple of magnets. I wasn't to worried about not selling I was just there for the first time experience. :) A few people grabbed my business card. Randy and I packed up and left about 1:30, since the wind was starting to get a little crazy, tossing my stuff to the ground a few times too many. It was good to get home early and spend the rest of Mother's Day with the kids. It was a great day and a memorable event. I hope to do it again in the Fall. :D

When I got home, I added my items to my Etsy. Last night I got a custom order, this morning I got another custom order, and I sold the Debbie Harry framed embroidery. :) I'm pretty satisfied.

Craft Fair!

2010-05-08T14:11:00.001-07:00

Hi guys!

Tomorrow I am participating in my very first craft fair! I'll be sharing a booth with my friend Meg. She makes beautiful mosaic mirrors and other lovely items. She was kind enough to share her space with me. It was totally last minute notice. My dad had told me she was going to do the Halcyon Craft Fair located behind the The Halcyon Store , in the little town of Halcyon in Arroyo Grande. I have been thinking of doing a craft fair and wanted to start at a small local one, at a place that I was familiar with. I knew I would have to bust my buns and fingers to get enough projects done to display. I worked every day this last week all day into the night working on 10 Onesies and 5 embroidered, framed pieces. Today is my day off and tomorrow is the craft fair!! If you're local (or not) , you should come see me!! We'll be in a shady booth near the tail end of the fair. :D

Oh Hai May.

2010-05-01T09:22:00.001-07:00

Good morning, May 1st. May? Really? I don't believe you.

Moving right along... I got some new cross stitches for my collection.

I bought a little one from ShaeWow by shaebay on Etsy I love her items, I can't wait to get more!! Here's the one I bought

I got another cross stitch piece from Beefranck.

I still can't believe it's mine. I was one of the 5 people on her "5 people to make things for" list. She asked me if I wanted this one, of course I want it!! It's just perfect for me.

I must admit, I do feel sorry for the people that had me on their list. I am the hardest person to make things for because I am a confusing person. Ha!

Here's what I have been working on

Muno Onesie by GigglyMama on Etsy

Mushroom Onesie by GigglyMama on Etsy

I started this one, but I am having a hard time getting back to it.

I signed up for the current FFFoF Swap in the Phat Quarter group. I am also going to do a personal swap with Mama Sass.

Hmmm...what else? Well, we have (Max and I) been hanging out with Rachel and Baby Fox and hanging with Vanessa and her kiddos. Molly and Val are back to normal. I may have picked up a couple more housekeeping jobs, starting this summer. Yes, I like to clean other peoples messes.

Here are a few cute things that Max has been saying. I better record them, before I forget.

Watching I Love Lucy, the beginning credits with the heart in the background.

Max: "Awww...that heart is a special heart".

My dad saying good-bye to Max

Dad: "See you later excavator!"

Max: "See you later backhoe!"

Telling Max that we were all babies once.

Randy: "Molly used to be a baby, Daddy used to be a baby, Mama was a baby"...

Max: ..." and Max was an excavator.

Being lovey with Max.

Mama (me): "That's -a- myyyyy baby!"

Max: "That's-a-myyyyy mama!"

What Max calls Rachel's baby, Fox...

Babies Rachel.

Okay, it has taken me over an hour to finish this post. I'll see you all next month!

SALE!!!

2010-04-22T20:56:00.001-07:00

In celebration of having no monies*!! I'm having a 50% off sale in my Etsy shop! Wheee!!
Check it out!
Giggly Mama Embroidery by GigglyMama on Etsy

* Yes dad, I know it's spelled "Money". :D

Hey Mamas!

2010-04-19T11:13:00.002-07:00

This weekend I've been stitching Onesies! I made 4 Onesies, size 6 to 9 months. :)

If you like these designs, but need a different size (I can do toddler and adult size t's too) let me know!! If you know parents of babies, expectant parents, or if you are a parent, check out my Etsy shop and pass the word along! :) Giggly Mama Embroidery by GigglyMama on Etsy

Some other exciting news! Wheee!! I won a copy of Martha Stewart's Encyclopedia of Sewing and Fabric Crafts book, over at the Singer Sewing Company facebook fan page!! That was a nice surprise to wake up to. Make sure to become a fan if Singer lover.

Also, Max will be graduating to pull ups this weekend. He is going pee pee on his potty, pretty much on demand. Now we just have to work on Poo Poo. :) The first time he used the potty was on his 3rd birthday, this last April 8th.

Molly is growing up so fast. Too fast for me. She's having some difficulty with her best friend Val lately, peer pressure from other kids to be boyfriend and girlfriend. It was getting a little awkward for them, they are only 10! So they are taking a little break from each other. I hope the break doesn't last long. Val's mom and I have been communicating a lot about it and staying in touch. That helps a lot. It's hard to see our kids being teased so early about being good friends as boy and girl. Kids at school can be so mean. :-/I didn't think I would have to deal with this so early. I'm glad Molly and Val are comfortable enough to talk with us parents about these issues. It makes things so much easier.

Hope you all are doing well, :)
XOXOX

Hi there

2010-04-14T10:11:00.001-07:00

New Item in my Etsy shop! I hand-stitched Marilyn Monroe on some floral fabric. I think she turned out pretty nice. I found the stencil image and transferred that on the fabric.

In my last post I mentioned that Max turned 3 years old. We had a little family get-together and a couple of close friends over this weekend. Randy made lasagna and Grandma Ro brought the birthday cake that she and her friends decorated. My dad got Max some hand-knit hats that he needed. Grandpa Steve made him a sandbox stand, Malinda and Jay brought over a Dora Kitchen. He got a lot of trucks,tractors fire trucks, bulldozers, steam rollers, and more...... He was a lucky boy this year.

Randy is gone for the next couple of days out of town. He is still taking classes for work.

That's all I know, anything new with you?

Flashback Friday: Max

2010-04-09T09:31:00.002-07:00

It's been a while since I've done a flashback.I thought today would be a good time to do another since yesterday was Max's birthday and I know how much you all want to see pics of the day he was born.

Let me tell you a little about that day first. :) I was scheduled to be induced Easter Sunday 2007, April 8th. Max had been a little over a week over due and I could hardly walk or move anymore.
We went in to the hospital at 7:30 in the morning. Molly, Randy, and I settled in knowing we'd be there for a while. My dad and Randy's mom came for the day too. I had an epidural pretty early on, at about 5 cm this time, since I wanted to be pretty comfortable. I was really comfortable, happy, and enjoying the whole day laying in the bed, waiting. I had the chills really bad, and was shaking a lot, with my teeth chattering like crazy (side effect from the epidural) but that didn't bother me, at least there was no pain, right? I reached 10 cm at 5:25 p.m. , my dad, Ro, and Molly left the room, and pushed Max out at 5:30 p.m. Out he flew! Well, not really, but it was fast. I did feel every inch of him coming out. When I saw him he was all blue and not crying. He was curled up in a ball and looked soooo tiny. I remembered what Molly looked like when she came out. Pink, big (9 lbs 7 oz 21 inches) loud crying and hands and feet everywhere. The nurses had to take him and clear all the meconium out of his nose and chest, that's why he couldn't cry. He was in my arms soon after, with a little more color than blue. He still seemed so tiny...until the nurse weighed him and said, "He's a tall little man." He's was 10 lbs 5oz and 23 inches! He really was tall. That's why he weighed so much. I swear he already had muscles too.
Everyone came back into the room and visitors came shortly after. I ate dinner while the nurses bathed Max. We slept and nursed on and off through the night.
That Easter is still the best Easter have ever had. Randy and molly still say it's the funnest day we've all had together. I had a ball too. :)
Happy 3rd Birthday Max!!

It's been so long!!

2010-04-07T09:40:00.001-07:00

I don't know where to start! Well, I guess I'll start off where I left off. Ummm..I don't remember that far back! I'll try.

Okay, sooooo we we had celebrated our 10th anniversary, yada yada. We came home and pretty much settled into busy times. It's been non-stop. I opened my Etsy shop Giggly Mama Embroidery by GigglyMama on Etsy , Finally! I have a few listed items and currently working on another, so keep checking in!! Here are the items I have so far (also listed on the left side)

Swirly Whirly Embroidery by GigglyMama on Etsy

Luna Moth by GigglyMama on Etsy

O Hai Birdies by GigglyMama on Etsy

I Scream by GigglyMama on Etsy

I sold this one today!! Actually, just as I was typing this out!!

Etsy :: Pee -Wee

The sweet Sew Lovely Embroidery bought it!! Check out their embroidery patterns on Etsy.

Molly won the 4th writing award. That was pretty cool! I wasn't surprised though. She is a good writer when she puts her heart into it.

We've been hanging out with Rachel and Baby Fox a lot lately, he sure is a cutie.

We went down to Happy's 1st memorial this last weekend. It was beautiful. The next one will be here on April 10th, for her friends and some more family.

The next day was Easter. We celebrated at Randy's dad's mother in laws house (confusing) So that would be Randy's step grandmother....

The kids had a blast.

This week the kids are on Spring break. Randy's grandparents (his dad's parents) are in town, so we've been visiting with them. They leave today.

Tomorrow is Max's 3rd birthday. We're planning a small family party on Sunday for him.

Hope all is well with all of you.

Dragging along...

2010-03-15T19:10:00.001-07:00

Okay, to tell you the truth, I'm a little slow lately. I haven't felt like blogging at all, but here I am.

Randy and I went on our little getaway trip for our 10th anniversary this weekend to Monterey and Carmel. We took Highway one up the coast through Big Sur . It was a breathtaking drive. We stopped at Ragged Point for a potty break. We were nearly blown away by the view and amazing wind.

Monterey was our next destination. When we arrived, I was cranky, tired, and hungry. Randy had planned a 3 mile walking tour of the area, but I only made it about a half mile, maybe? I put up a fuss to eat immediately, after I pushed myself along behind a speedy pacing Randy through the bay. I was running low on fuel. We stopped at a little Mexican food place for a quick black bean burrito and sodas.

After we recharged and filled up on "gas". ;-) We strolled through the town at a nice pace. We checked out little shops we had planned to stop at. A needlepoint place, vintage, records, and such.
We headed to Carmel Inn & Suites in Carmel after that, rested our feet, and checked in with Randy's mom on the phone to see how the kids were doing.

We headed out again to mosey around the little town. We built up an appetite and had a nice romantic dinner at the Forge In The Forest Restaurant. It was located right across from the Inn.

We dined outside in the dark near a fireplace and heated lamps.

After dinner we grabbed some dessert at a little bakery. An eclair for me and a slice of apple pie for Ran. We ate it at the hotel and while watching Food Network and quickly fell asleep in our nice and cozy bed.

In the morning Ran went down to the continental breakfast and brought me back some danishes and English muffins with jelly (hey, I'm on vacation) and Ran
had an apple.

We got up and ready to go, but before we hit the road, we went down to the beach and watched the beautiful waves.

It was nice to get away, but I really did miss the kids. The time change has us all loafing around today. Except Ran, he has to work. :(

Not sure when I'll be updating again. It's gonna get pretty busy around here, with memorials for Happy. Randy will be out of town a few nights to take a some classes for work. Randy and Max's birthdays are coming up. I'm stitching away, trying to get my etsy shop together. That will have to be on hold till late April I'm assuming. Here is my current work in progress

Hope you all are doing well. I'll try to stop by your blogs when possible. XOXOX

Embroidery Swap

2010-03-08T11:07:00.001-08:00

I recently participated in the latest Phat Quarter embroidery swap on flickr. I was really super excited since the theme was comic/cartoon. I spent about a week scouring through our comics and images online for the just the right thing for me to embroider. I really wanted to do something tailored to the person I was sending to, seamlessgem, but I ended up just surprising her. Luckily she really liked it.

I received this neat piece from sailor.mouth!

It's a Steam Boat Willie style Garfield adapted from this image

So cool!! This swap has been a success!! :)

Flashback Friday : Happy

2010-03-04T19:56:00.001-08:00

As you can see by the date that I created this post Thursday evening. It's a little busy around here....

Monday, March 1st 2010 Viola Mae Winn AKA "Happy" , passed away at age 79.
She was Randy's Grandma and pretty much equally mine as well. I am truly grateful to have known her for the past 11 years, 3 1/2 living together, while Randy was in college. My daughter Molly grew very close to her. Max will probably not remember her.

RIP Grandma Happy, you are, and will be missed greatly.

These are some of my favorite pics of her throughout her life.

A surprise!!

2010-02-25T15:11:00.001-08:00

Yay!! When I checked the mail today, I was only expecting ads and bills, and Looky what I got!!

Miss Jelly Stitches made it or me!! It's just perfect! Thank you Kym!! It looks great on the mantel.

I'm so happy to have it as part of my growing collection of stitches. XOXOXOX-X-X-X-X-X-X-X
Make sure to check out her fun blog, The cuteness of curiosity for more cross stitches and cupcakes! :)

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