The Growing of the Blogs has begun!

"A friend may be waiting behind a stranger's face."
~ Maya Angelou

Thanks to Vicki @ 2 Bags Full, for organizing this Grow Your Blog party!  
 

For those of you who don't know me, my name is Astrid, and I love dragons!  And mermaids!  And cats!  And polar bears!  And that's it... for now!

My DH and I have been married for 18.5 years, together for 23+.  We have identical twin boys, the gmen, who are almost 16 and are just learning how to drive - very scary!  Nathan is our seven year old and keeps us all on our toes.  Our furbabies are Ming and Max, and they are very loved!  We are in the process of rebuilding our home, but that's another "blog".

I was born in Wales, but moved to the States with my parents and older brother when I was two years old.  Thus, the love of dragons!  Growing up, we would travel to Germany (Mom's family) and Great Britain (Dad's family and friends) every two years for the summer and a couple of times I went on my own.  The last time I was in Wales was for my Pop's funeral, about ten years ago.  I know things have changed, but I would love to take my family there one of these days!

This blog was originally supposed to be just about stitching, but then I found more "stuff" to write about!  I'm hoping to get my mojo back to start this little guy from HAED.  I just got some new fabric today, I didn't like what I originally used - luckily it was only a few lines.  The artist is Randal Spangler and he's supposed to be at a craft show I'm hoping to go to tomorrow, too cool!  (Really, it's been freezing here!)

My latest big finish was my Trick or Treat Fairy, I just need to get her framed.

So even though this isn't a requirement, I will be having a give-a-way.  What you ask?  I have no idea!  But I do have a great LNS nearby, I'm sure I can find something fun.  And if you're not a stitcher?  No worries, I'm sure I can find something else just for you.  Just leave me a comment telling me your favourite dessert.  Why?  Because I want to know if I'm missing something good!  I would have to say my favourite is lemon meringue pie, yum.  
The winner will be picked on February 15th - along with all the other blogs participating.  Be sure to check them all out!  I can't promise I'll be able to look at all the blogs this weekend, but I'll definitely start.

A belated Christmas gathering

After being sick during Christmas up until the New Year, we were finally able to visit with my parents.  We have to be so careful with my Mom if we're sick, no visiting until we're better!

Nathan just itching to distribute and open presents.  (Notice the two pieces I stitched hanging on the wall?)

 

 

Of course he had to help Oma with her presents.

 

Dad insisted on us wearing Santa hats.  How lucky we were that he had five!

 

The happy family

 

Our most wonderful Christmas dinner complete with Christmas crackers that Dad had bought in 1985 while in New Zealand.  Most of them still popped!

 

Mug shot!



One of the best parts, Christmas pudding!  Nathan just liked it being lit.

Mom received this for Christmas and she's been having a bottle every night, at least she shared with me!

 

On our way home, we stopped by the house - looks so dark and lonely!

So close to starting the rebuild, then the excitement begins.

 

A TUSAL end & beginning and a Happy New Year

 It's that time again for Daffycat's TUSAL - Totally Useless Stitch A Long 2014.  You know, the bits of leftovers from stitching.  This is from 2013, it always looks like more in the glass!

As for my 2014 TUSAL... wow, it's already filled!  Ok I cheated, this is from all the floss for my HAED I've attempted to start started. 

Ready to start.  But wait, I did and I don't like the way it's going so far!  Any tips for those of you that have done them?  I'm using 27 count over one and think I should have used one strand of floss instead of two.

This is my first one, I have a bigger one to start after this is finished.

Despite being sick during Christmas, I'm on the mend and we celebrated New Year's with friends.  Pizza and chocolate fondue, can't go wrong!  They stayed the night and we continued our fun the following day.

Max and Ming must have partied too hard, they were exhausted New Year's Day.

Before I forget, look what DJ made for me for Christmas!  Isn't he awesome?  I love it and he'll always have a place on our tree.

And for the Saints fan in me, she made me this pin that now lives on my jacket.  I love it, thank you my chosen sister!