A Lovely Mother's Day and A Sweet Surprise

Hello, dear friends. I am a bit late on my Sunday Slow Stitching update, but after a lovely Mother's Day I am now ready to settle down for some stitching. 

Mother's Day started out nice, warm, and very windy. I went over to my mom's where most of the family gathered. My sister and her husband cooked a fabulous meal of barbecued chicken and Kentucky Hickory Smoked ham. The ham was amazing as was all of the food. Of course we had sides - potato salad , broccoli casserole, mac and cheese and coleslaw.  Boy, did we all stuff. 

Mom received lots of pretties and of course hugs from the grandkids . It was a great day! We enjoyed the day on the patio watching all of the kids and grandkids. 

My sister gave me the prettiest flowers which normally I put in a vase , but I decided to put these in a little mason jar with a sorghum label on it. 

                     

My oldest daughter surprised me with a patriotic metal truck.  

I think it is time to change out the mantle and put my truck on it. 

                

She also got me the sweetest itty bitty camper. 

By 4:00 p.m. the skies opened up and the rain fell. Time for the party to end. 

I have been hopping back and forth between projects. 

Eyes are being added to the chickens. 

Grass is being filled in on a new stitch. 

Last night I began sewing  flags together in neat little rows.  More sashing will be added soon.

Can I tell you about my sweet surprise? The other day Mr. Pinker  handed me a little envelope after going to the mailbox.  I was brought to tears when I saw the sweetest cross stitch and note from my friend, Karen.  Isn't it precious!

 I adore it Karen; thank you so much.  I can not wait to frame it and display it where I can see and treasure it  everyday. 

She also sent me Deck the Halls by Blackbird Designs. I'm already dreaming of a bowl of Christmas  berries. 

Well I am off to stitch. Have a wonderful week and hope you stay awfully busy in a good way. And as always...  

Happy Quilting and stitching, ya'll

Melisa

I am joining these lovely ladies' link parties. I hope you check them out; they always have so many wonderful projects going on and provide the opportunity for other needle workers to meet.  

                    Kathy at Kathy's Quilts for Slow Stitching Sunday

Cynthia at Quilting is More Fun Than Housework for Oh Scrap

Beth at Love Laugh Quilt  for Monday Making

Judy at Small Quilts Doll Quilts for Design Wall Monday

Tish at   The Madd Quilter  for UFO Busting #144

 A mother is like a flower; each one beautiful and unique. 

Hugs and Stitches

Feeling Very Blessed

Happy Monday and First Day of Winter. The countdown is on until Santa comes . I have to admit Christmas has come early for me , and I am feeling so blessed. 

This pretty winter card was sent to me by my dear friend, Robin. Isn't it a pretty country farmhouse scene? Love the little kitty in the window.  I wonder if that kitty is eyeing the little birdies. Hmmm. 

I am so grateful for all of the warm Christmas wishes and blessings that have been sent to me through Instagram, my blog and by mail. I can not tell you how much your thoughtfulness means to me.  I have met so many wonderful, kind stitchers this year. Your friendship, support , likes , encouragement, and visits have meant so much. 

I wanted to share a few of my sweet cards and Christmas gifts with you. These warm my heart and will be treasured. 

 

My sweet  friend , Georgia ,sent me this Santa card with a complimentary chart from Stitchy Kitty. It is called "Winter Blues" and is going to be a fabulous addition to my winter decor. I  enjoy stitching snowmen so much and usually bring out my collection after Christmas. This little card will fit right in with my Santa collection too. 

This lovely elegant card was sent by my dear friend , Nancy. Nancy always has such amazing stitches and her finishing is superb. She stitched me this darling snowflake ornament. She even added beading which gives it a bit of glitz.  Isn't the lace trim so pretty too?  

My friend Patience sent me a box of treasures. She hand knitted the pretty dish cloth which I now have on display next to my sink.  She also made me a project bag which will be perfect for my Christmas projects. 

Patience stitched me this sweet little birdie and love the finishing fabric she used. It is finished in a perfect pillow ornament.  I will enjoy this piece on display year round. 

She also made me this cute ornament filled with all kinds of vintage sewing treasures. 

What a fun little ornament . She even added little jingle bells inside . This will stay out all year on my vintage treadle. Love it and how creative. 

Patience also found these vintage Merry Bells and the sweetest Hallmark baking bear ornament. Patience knows that I enjoy little knick knacks and these fit right into my decor. 

I received a box from  my sweet friend Robin who also has been notoriously known for spoiling me. Lol. As I opened and peeled back the tissue paper, little surprises awaited. 

Robin stitched me this beautiful "Merry Christmas " ornament with a stocking and a little gift. It was trimmed with the prettiest cording. 

Robin knows that I have a love for strawberries since my family owns a strawberry farm. She sent the sweetest chenille strawberry pincushion and a handmade strawberry needle minder created by Michelle L. Palmer. The artwork is is amazing and so detailed. 

She also sent this wool and metal snowman. Isn't he so stinking cute? 

My dear friend, Christina sent my this gorgeous card and some Licorice Red floss. I am thinking this floss is going to be used in a January 1st start. Did you know red is one of my favorite colors, Christina? 

Now who can resist a Christmas tractor? No not me. Joan who loves country farm house decor like me sent me this card. This is a piece to be framed. The vintage Farmall reminds me of the one my dad had when I was little. I used to stand on the hitch as dad drove through the field. Lol. Good memories. 

I wish you could see the glitter on this pretty card sent to me by my dear friend Stacy and look at the wreath on the hitch. How cute? How pretty this card would be with my truck tree. 

Thank you so much, ladies for the beautiful cards and gifts. Your friendship is a treasure. 

And thank you all again for visiting and bringing me a lot joy during this challenging year. Have a very Merry Christmas and wishing you all many blessings throughout the New Year. As always...

Happy Stitching, 

Melisa