The other stockings...

Here are pictures of the other stockings I have stitched . All of them are my stitching except for Marnie's who was stitched by a dear friend who knew I was not going to get them all done in time she gave me one of her finished ones. I am so pleased we were all together this year and I was able to get a picture of theirs. 

I spent some time stitching this afternoon with the Angel ladies this afternoon. It was nice. I worked on"Yuletide" by Plum Street. It was a great afternoon with great friends so nice... 

Until next time...

J

Was Santa good to you???

I am so lucky to have such a thoughtful family. I got some super gifts --- Coco Channel for one... Lulu gift certificates and fuzzy socks. LUCKY!

On the stitching front I have not done much... I finished another ornament and that's about it. I hope to do a little at work tonight on my break but we shall see. We are starting to get reved up for Disney. It will be here before we know it! So much fun!

We had some unexpected sleepover guests - my nephews so I am off to make a big breakfast.


Until next time...


J

Here it is Christmas Eve...

Today isn't my favourite day but my heart was made so much lighter as I spent it with the people I love the most! The only missing link was my big bro and his family who we will get to see on the 26th. I finished two more ornies... on a roll and will take pictures tomorrow.

Merry Christmas Eve everyone!


Until next time...


J

Two more days of work and two days off...

The final push is happening at work and hopefully tomorrow will see the end of the crankies. People are so cranky right now. I always say the 20th of December is the CRANKIEST DAY OF THE YEAR. I had a woman yesterday gave me "tude" regarding how full her cup was going to be before I had even filled it. Oh my! She was just nasty  perhaps to make herself feel empowered... give the barista crap and my day will get so much better... oh well...
I finished another ornie but am in bed so I have not taken a picture yet... sorry. I am getting a cold and hoping all the vitamin c I am taking will help... I may have to bring out the Neo Vodka soon...

Until next time...


J

He's home and I've done pretty much NOTHING today...

Here it is Monday. I took today off as I want to work thru the rest of the week as it will be the big Christmas push.

Phil made it home last night and is his usual pee on all the bushes self as he is whenever he has been away. I love him and missed him but I really don't miss the first day he is home... lol. He is exhausted and I really should n't be too hard on him. I made a "family" purchase while he was away for the theatre room. Ben put the stickers on and we are leaving them that way. Ben can't wait to test it out :)

I have made chicken in the crockpot and am told we are having a game of Monopoly tonight so it's probably good I haven't done anything productive today lol. I also made true nuts and bolts as Annie finished last night and none of us have a nuts allergy here

This is what I have been working on beside my bed. I do get tired of the all black but it's coming along.

That's all for today. I am going to have to wake Phil up as he wont sleep tonight lol.

Until next time...


J

Tomorrow is Sunday...

Yet another full day tomorrow.  It seems to be everyone's lot in life right now...  Emma's last Annie is tomorrow so we have a wrap up party. YAY! Phil tells me he is travelling tomorrow which means he should be home Monday. I am off Monday too so it is going to be the last push for Christmas.

I managed to start Yule Tide finally. It's so cute. I am having fun stitching it. I decided on using dmc and the colours are beautiful. I was planning on doing a little stitching tonight so hopefully I will have more to show tomorrow.


Until next time...


J

Day off and FULL DAY!

Oh what a life I lead! I am off today-yay! Last night was my last den mom shift for Annie. These girls are amazingly talented and it is a great production. It's been fun being behind the scenes, I am truly glad my stint is done as I am tired... I did sleep in until 6:00am - which is good for me. I have a drs app and all kinds of other errands to run today so it will be a full day. It's the Angel ladies Christmas get together tonight out at Pam's. I am so looking forward to seeing the ladies.

On the stitching front... I am happy to report the last hat is done and hopefully in my spare time today I will put it together. I started Plum Street's Yule Tide last night and will bring it along with me on my travels today. I will get a picture posted later. I have been contemplating stitching goals for the coming year and have decided to finish Halloween Rules - someone is doing a stitch along finish so I think that is something I'll join. I also would like to get a dent in Quaker Christmas and Quaker Halloween. That's enough...  Maybe a few Halloween purse type projects but ...lol

I'm off to start my day...


Until next time...


J

Unexpected sick day

Master Ben is sick and I came home to watch him sleep... I am taking advantage of what time I have to nap and do laundry.

It was a full weekend. I was den mom at Annie both Sat and Sun pm- such a talented group of girls. They steal the show. I spent Sunday making two ornaments ( one more than last Sunday lol) getting a tree and general kp

Here are Maggie, Erik (Mags boyfriend) and Ben getting ready to decorate the tree. We had our managers Christmas lunch on Monday and we decided to stop at Winners after where I purchased all this ribbon. I was mocked by those who do not craft but it was worth it. Each roll has 4 feet and there is 24 in each pack for $14.99.

This week is full of all kinds of adventures so I will check in again soon.


Until next time...


J

Wednesday again...

Busy day ahead. The Angels were over on Sunday for ornament finishing and lunch. One ornament was finished and only because we had to produce something lol. I gave that ornament away and didn't take a picture...

I have to renew my passport today for our trip to Disney World . I plan on having a snooze before that as I'm tired today. Time to vitamin up and get a lot of sleep. Phil is working away so single parent life needs a lot of energy.

On the stitching front... I've got nothing. NOTHING. Bummer--- oh wait - I bought $45.00 worth of ribbon to help finish my ornament lol.


Until next time...


J

Annie was amazing but the migraine headache is not ...

Unless you count the migraine to be amazingly painful. I have slept all day and it has helped a bit but not a whole lot. Still no stitching done and it is frustrating. Oh well maybe this will be the only one of the holiday season...

Until next time...

J

Emma,opening night and glittery boots...

Emma turns 14 today. WOW! It's the opening night of Annie as well so we are busy. I have a dismal amount of stitching done as I have been busy being a den mom for Annie as well as being Mom and the Sbux manager.

I hope things settle down...


Until next time...

J

kink in the work plan...

I have had a bit of a set back at work with someone having to go on leave... I am off to the store today to sort it all out UGH! It will all work out I am very sure just a case of juggling.
I was hoping to finish an ornament and start a new one but that looks unlikely. BUMMER! Oh well I will make it work.
One foot in front of the other. Here we go!

Until next time...

J

Time for a nap...

I just ran 12 miles,showered and now it's time for a nap. I am going to get some stitching in but I have two border collies snuggled up to me and it's too cozy to resist.

Until next time...


J

It's Wednesday again already?!

We here in Kelowna have had a dump of snow. The roads are horrible but home safe and sound now so that's good. It's been an eventful week. All kinds of crazy things going on... Oh well that's how we roll at the Butler's.

I haven't stitched much but do have pictures. Here's the ornie I started when I was sick. It will be cute when it's done. The Angel ladies are having an ornie Sunday - where we will put them together. I am just looking forward to having a stitching day. The next two pics are my Christmas present from my Mom and myself. They are both cast iron Kitchen Aid and I love them!

I have made stew tonight and it smells yummy! We are just waiting for Phil to get in so we can taste it. This stew recipe is so easy and the kids love it
large pkg of stewing beef
can of mushroom soup
one onion -chopped
one pkg of dry onion soup mix
one can of dry red wine (use the can from the mushroom soup)
fresh or canned mushrooms
brown the beef if you are using your oven( 325 degrees for a few hours) and then throw all the other ingredients in. It is great in the slow cooker too :)

Not a whole lot more to report.

Until next time...


J

"Hey Jill"

I have come to dread ( ok dread may be a strong word) when Phil starts a sentence with "Hey Jill". It usually is followed up with a question I don't want to answer(involving credit card purchases) or a list of tasks he would like me to complete  on a day off. Not my idea of fun... I was "Hey Jilled" this morning - the request was for my camera that has my latest stitching on it so I have to find my other camera to take a picture of an ornament I have been working on. I started this one yesterday while stuck in bed due to my rotten cold. I feel I am on the mend and today is a full day so hopefully I am not spent by the time it is over.That's all I have to report today...


Until next time...


J

Eventful week...

It was a crazy week. I presented my year end business review to the two districts in the interior and this year hit it out of the park:) Yay! Speaking in public makes me quite sick. I am not sure why but it does... I was very proud of my results and the team I lead. I swear some days when it all meshes together I am the luckiest person in the world... SCARY!
I have not picked up a needle in a week. I just haven't had time. We had friends for dinner Sunday pm. It was a hoot! Thirteen for dinner, that's what the house was built for.
I woke this morning with a ROTTEN cold... It has grabbed a hold but I am determined to get over it. Colds just make me tired and frustrated... bummer.I am don't have much else to report...

Until next time...


J

Stitching!

Thanks to those who read my morbid post and have continued to check back anyway. I have stitching pictures!

Here is "Deck the Halls" by Bent Creek- it's my cabin project that has taken years to complete but is done! I am not sure how I will finish it - maybe a pillow.



Next is a smaller stocking I am working on for Emma- big holes for tired eyes at night. I brought this on the plane to England and managed a wee bit of it.

Here is "A Quaker Christmas" My new cabin project - I am committed to working on this this year other than our stitching weekend. I am not going to leave it in a bag until spring!(LOL)

Here is another star out of the JCS Ornament mag from last year, almost done. I may even finish it today.

We rolled Holiday at the store last night. I am determined to enjoy it this year! We have some seriously excellent stuff and the store looks beautiful. I am excited! I can't decide what to buy first. I guess that is all for today:)


Until next time...


J

Do you ever feel...

like life is passing you by. I feel like I have missed most of this year and although I really haven't it makes me sad...
 We have lost a beloved friend and Uncle , a straight up English lady who I am truly thankful for and a daughter's friend. I have had health issues that have made me realize bouncing back sometimes it not so easy... I really don't mean to be depressing but things have just not been easy this year. I am grateful for all I love and who love me.
Thank you


Until next time...

J

THE JET LAG is slowly killing me...

I have pictures of stitching that I will post later today... I am being plagued by a head cold and jet lag. It has me up when I really should just be sleeping in! I've had a neo criton so that hopeful will help.

Until next time...


J

sitting at Heathrow...

Phil and I are currently in the departure area at Heathrow awaiting our gate number to board our plane home. I am tired and feeling a cold coming on (whine) It's been a short short trip but good ( as good as could be I guess) I am not a fan of the drive from Donny to London in Sunday traffic as it took twice as long and by the time we got to our hotel we were done. Oh well.
We stayed at a fabulous Best Western in Doncaster- the Mount Pleasant - if you ever are in Doncaster stay there! Book online as it as absolutely cheaper. Phil managed an English breakfast everyday and I managed toast. - I am not the biggest fan of English fare but I did not waste away.
I have put in one row of stitches on a stocking for Emma and that's all. I thought I might stitch on the flight here but just tried to sleep. I hope to do a bit on our way back but think a tylenol pm is in my future with (hopefully) three seats to myself to sleep- think positive thoughts for me:)

Until next time...

J

Sad news...

Phil's Mum passed away Tuesday. It's a blessing and was expected but still...

We are keeping quiet and life goes on...

She was a tough lady who loved her family very much.

Until next time...

J

Running and the angel weekend...

I have pictures today... Here's my slow progress on LK's Halloween Rules. It gets some stitches added when I have time to sit in my chair... Maybe later today...

I am scheduled to run 10 miles today and I am tired... I am so tired I don't want to do it BUT I will as I really want to do well in Disney and you have to put the time in. I'm going to do it while watching the latest Transfers movie as I am hoping it will go faster. 

Here's PS's Sweeping Cobwebs - I am really hoping to have this finished before we go to the cabin on the 13th. It's close just a few more words and a big moon and witch - oh and the border. I guess I know what this week looks like for me lol.

The CABIN!!!!!

The Angel's are off to the cabin on the 13th  for some fabulous RnR, solve the world's issues, drink some pumpkin martinis (rumtinis for Pam) drink some wine and stitch,stitch and stitch some more... We go every year and it is lovely and peaceful. We have no rules, we drink, eat and just have fun. The women I go on this annual event are my closest friends. They put up with me and I am truly blessed to know each of them. I have purchased my qsnaps and have started packing what I like to call the box of extras - this usually contains chocolate, candy,magazines, napkins and general stuff that makes me  happy.  As for stitching projects I need to narrow down my basket so I actually accomplish something. I am definitely taking Quaker Christmas (as the qsnaps have been purchased and I have all the threads and the fabric is ready. I am also bringing my set of SamSarah stocking - again the qsnaps are ready etc. The fabric is large enough after a day of stitching is lovely on the eyes :0). I have to put the buttons on BC's Deck the Halls and then it is finished- it was a "work on only at the cabin project" and will be finished this year so I believe my next woatcp will be Jingle by Plum Street. It's cute and one that will be fun to continue the tradition. 

Ok my running shoes are calling me and the sooner I get this done the better.

Until next time,

J

sad blogger am I...

Ok so the 7th was my last post and all I can say is I have had a lot of stuff go on and blogging is the last priority...

I'm sorry.

Ok so stitching - I do not have pictures as I just have not had time but I am so close to finishing PS' Sweeping Cobwebs... YAY!

I am running in hopes of completing the Disney Marathon in Jan - hills and miles a plenty... It's making me tired but I am enjoying it. --- I need to focus on healthy eating which is just something else I have to think about... EXCELLENT.

I am happy and tired but happy... Kids are good ,Phil is good ... Life is good!


Until next time,

J

First day of school is done... YAY! Some stitching stuff too.

We are over the first day of school and yay! Ben has the same teacher as last year! She is wonderful and Phil and I are so happy! The girls are settling in and that is good. Emma is a little more worried but it will smooth out I'm sure. After school activities for Ben start this week with soccer and Tae Kwon Do and Emma begins Les Mes and voice lessons next week.

On stitching front the stocking was finished last Wednesday! She is pretty. I just have to get her to Phil's cousin to sew up and Ellowyn will have it for  Christmas this year. I have not stitched a whole lot since Wednesday as work has been seriously stressful. I think it has been handled but it seriously makes me tired.

I did manage a few stitches on Halloween Rules last night and here's the progress. I have a purse project that I am sure will get some serious work done on it as I have taking up the role of driver once again.

Today I am laying low. I had plans to do all sorts but I am not feeling well so rest is in order. I may do some laundry but that's about all... Oh and of course all that driving to and fro lol.


Until next time...



J

We shopped and now it's time to settle in..

I had to take the offspring to the MALL for jeans today. It went rather well. The girls each got two pairs and Ben had to settle for one great pair.He did get some pretty excellent t shirts though.

I am settling in with Jane Erye to complete a very overdue stocking for a dear friend's baby. It is almost done and I worked on it yesterday for a few hours and see the end in sight ! I have lit my Halloween candle for inspiration and have made some iced VIA , I am all set.

Here she is today...




Until next time...


J

Change of blog address ...

Hello All,

 We have changed internet providers at Chez Butler so I have had to change my blog due to an email address change. I hope to have an update at least once per week. No promises. I hope if you were a follower you will let me know you are following again. LOL

Until next time...

J