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A little blog about my big loves; family, friends, stitching and yep, chocolate!

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Sunday, February 21, 2016

New Starts, New, Old Friends and New Beginnings (not necessarily in this order)

Dear friends!



I hope this finds you well and happy.

I have had a great last few weeks but have been virtually absent from blogging, Facebook and Instagram. 


Thank you for the many notes of concern. 

My folks were in town for an almost three week visit. 
It was wonderful! 
They will be moving to Michigan to live with us in late April or early May.

You may or may not know that my beautiful mom has Alzheimer's disease, as did her older sister and as does her younger sister.

We used the time of their visit to figure out what did and didn't work well for them.  As a result, we will be making some home renovations to accommodate them and hope to be ready (or almost) for them when they move.  I will have to take some before and after pics to show you when it's all done, which may not be when they move, but at least we have a plan. 


Her having Alzheimer's, as it is for everyone, is absolutely devastating, heartbreaking and painful. 


It seems to me to have progressed quickly but she is still functional and still knows who we are (thank God).  She has a lot of confusion though and really needs someone to watch over her at all times.  Moving in with us is a safety net for her and for my dad and
we are very happy to have them join our family. 
My mom loved being around Sophie and Gracie (and the rest of us too) so I think this is a great move for her. 
My dad will be joining Rob's golf league which he is very excited about.  He hasn't been able to go play a round of golf (and trust me, he's GOOD) in a couple of years so that should be fun for him.  All in all, the stress of caring for someone with Alzheimer's will be spread among several people rather than all on my dad.
"It's a good thing." 


In stitching news, I have completed the gorgeous, yellow house on the Yuletide Welcome Sampler from Plum Street Samplers (Paulette).



I totally love how this is turning out and have decided what to do with the grass so that I can leave it out year round but you'll have to wait for that!

Love this deer.



I recently put this aside to start on a SAL called Joyful World.  I'm sure you've seen this on many blogs/facebook/instagram posts.  The first block, with its darling fox, drew me in but I still resisted.  







The problem was, the 2nd block sort of put me off - it was a couple of ducks in love but they just didn't do it for me.   Then I saw the March block, thought it was super cute and had to jump in. So, as you can see, I changed the February block to a couple of Shepherd's Bush inspired sheepies and changed the purple flowers to red.  For me, February just had to have some red in it.


Is this a boy and girl sheep in love or a momma in love with her baby? 
You decide! 
I think it turned out pretty cute.  If/when Maja uses sheep in the design, I may have to do something else.
Time will tell.

I am stitching this on 32 count linen, one over one with a combination of fibers in my stash.
I am not keeping track of colors used, just toss them in a bag once I've used a color so they'll all be together to use again, if need be.

The other thing I'm not doing is filling in the lacy corners of the border.  I kind of like the lacey look and think the symmetry will be really pretty.



In fun news, I got to meet Chris from Tot Hill Farm Stitches blog.  She often travels to Detroit and we finally got to meet up.
We had a lovely time chatting and the few hours I got to spend with her really just flew by.  Chris is a fascinating person with great stories about her travels.  I admire her for doing all the things she does when she's on a trip - far more than I'd EVER do by myself.  I look forward to the next time she's in town!





Because my folks will be moving in, in the next few months, we've been doing some contracting and some shopping.  Rob and I had a great day looking at closets for the room they will occupy (currently the dining room) and then we hit a fun bar for lunch and a few cute shops.  I thought you might enjoy a few pics.

A beautiful antique desk top cubby….



The shopkeeper's chair.  I have two round-seat chairs that are similar in my craft room that I may have to do this to.
Love.


A collection of fun tape measures:


Either an old box, covered in vintage inspired paper or an actual old cubby.
It was not wood but heavy cardboard.
Loved it.


Darling bunny hand towels.




My new family room arrangement, which used to be my living room.  We moved the brown, family room, leather sofa into the living room where it will better go with the two red, leather recliners my folks will be bringing with them to Michigan.  
The boys hate this room.
HATE.
It's not as lay around comfy as before.
But I kind of love it.
I do need a new shade for the hanging lamp and it will have to be moved back into the corner a bit, but I like the arrangement.
.

This is the little gathering of goodies on the small chest on the left.
It includes a pic of Rob and Matty when he was about 1 month old,
a few stitching treasures and Tyler's first pair of glasses that he got when he was 8 months old.
Treasures, all.




Finally, to go with the blue checked chairs are Rob and me in blue, too.
He's wearing checks, I'm wearing stripes and I didn't notice till we went to take this goofy pic in the mirror that we looked like Mutt and Jeff.


That's it for today, my friends.  Thank you so very much for all the wonderful comments on my last post about how you build your houses.  There are lots of similarities and lots of differences, too.
But, we all get to the same place in the end.

Have a most wonderful week ahead.

Be well.
Peace,
Terri

29 comments:

Samplings from Spring Creek said...

Whew! Lots on your plate--find ways to take care of the caregiver--you'll need it. Your Plum Street Sampler is beautiful!

Ann at Beadlework. said...

Lovely stitching work, this piece is very appealing. Having your folks to live with you is a huge undertaking and I wish you well with this change in all of your lives.
It will make a huge difference to your dad's quality of life.

Robin in Virginia said...

Congratulations on the spectacular house construction! I like the changes you have made to the Joyful SAL piece. Best wishes and good thoughts to you all as you make renovations and move your folks in, Terri. Thinking of you!

Annie said...

I wish you a lot of luck with the remodeling and caregiving. It will certainly be challenging, but you seem to have a great attitude.

The sampler is looking great. Love your take on the SAL. Very bold move to change the ducks to sheep. You did a wonderful job charting the design in just the right flavor.


You sure have an eye for those cool storage pieces. Bet you can never resist one when you see it.

Ann said...

I will be sending thoughts and prayers your way. My dad had dementia, my grandmother had Alzheimer's, and it is very helpful to be able to spread the primary care taking among several people. It's just too much for one caretaker to handle over time.

And you'll find your stitching will be a great stress reliever. Love the changes you made to the SAL--I like sheep better than ducks, too!

KrissKross said...

I am so sorry for your mom and will pray for a smooth transition. Your parents are blessed to have such a devoted and loving daughter!

Kristina

Glenna said...

You have my total admiration on caring for your mom. Such love--makes me weepy contemplating it, especially since you're turning your home upside down to take them in and help. My dad died of Lewy Body dementia, so I've been there. Tell the guys: nothing to hate about that room--LOL!

Alice said...

My heart hurts for you. My dad had Alzheimer's and I have to say that when he didn't know me anymore was the worst experience of my life. But how precious it is that you will be able to care for her and take some of the burden from your dad. She might not remember who she is, or who you are, but you you remember enough for both of you. As always I love seeing your stitching!

marly said...

What a wonderful gift you are giving your parents. Hope it's all finished by the time they arrive. Your stitchy house looks great. And I love your shoes!!! Oh I wish I had ankles.

Margaret said...

I'm sorry to hear about your mother's Alzheimer's. It's such a devastating disease. It's wonderful that your mom and dad are moving in with you. I hope it all works out for you all. I know your dad will be happy to share the burden of care giving. Good luck with the renovations too. Yuletide Welcome looks great!

Barb said...

You are doing the right thing for your family. My step mom wouldn't come here. She stayed in Mobile and now we have the constant worry. We have to do everything long distance including writing all her checks. She is not able to do anything for herself any more. Considering we live in the Pacific NW we rarely are able to visit her. Your Yuletide welcome is very pretty. I am going to do the Ghoultide Welcome for my bigger project. I keep Halloween stitching up all year in my craft room so I will be able to enjoy it. Best of luck with the renovations!

Christel said...

Je vous adresse beaucoup de courage pour vous et votre famille face Ă  la maladie...
Le Plum Street Sampler est magnifique.
J'aime beaucoup le couple de moutons pour février... Je n'ai pas ton talent pour dessiner alors j'ai brodé les canards..
Biz
Christel
http://toilesetfils.blogspot.fr

Jo who can't think of a clever nickname said...

Wow, you have been busy. Good luck with having your parents move in. I am sure it will give your Dad a new lease of life and a closeness to his grandchildren which is lovely. I hope your Mum adjusts and settle too. Remember, if it gets too much then it's OK to let the professionals take over.
Glad you enjoyed your visit from Chris too, I love the idea of touring around the world visiting all my blogging friends! It's on my bucket list for my retirement!
I like the two sheep on the Joyful World design, they are perfect for the style of the piece. I am resisting starting that one for now! But it is hard when there are so many beautiful versions being posted!

Marilyn said...

Sorry to hear about your Mom.
It's a good thing you are doing for both of them.
Cute Antiques!
Great progress on Yuletide Welcome.
That's a big house!
Marilyn

cucki said...

My dear I am sending lots of love and prayers for your mom
Love your stitching
Big hugs x

GrandMary said...

I will be praying for your family as you make this change. Your stitching is wonderful ( I agree with you on the sheepđŸ˜„)

Sherry said...

I love your PSS piece. I can't wait to see what you do with the grass area. Your Joyful World SAL is coming right along. I have not even started (hanging my head in shame). I am so sorry about your mother. I know it will mean alot to them and to you to have them living with you. I believe that Chris from Tot Hill Farms is from the city I grew up in.

Melissa said...

I'm sorry to hear about your mom's Alzheimer's but glad to hear you guys will be able to help by having your parents move in. You guys are doing a very great thing. My MIL had Alzheimer's. It's a long and tough journey and having a support base of a few people really helps.

Love the stitching and it's always fun to see your shopping trips. I love those tape measures! I am sewing these days so my eyes automatically zoom in on all things to do with sewing!

Carol said...

I'm sure having you parents right there will do a lot to ease your worries, Terri... Not that it will be easy! Watching a parent decline due to dementia is just the worst and you know how much they would hate knowing how far they've declined. I guess, in a way, it is a blessing for them that they can't remember how they used to be. I'm so glad your dad is still sharp and physically active--that will make a huge difference.

Love the changes you made in the SAL pieces and I'll bet they are just darling stitched over one on 32 ct :) I actually loved the duck couple, but didn't care for the fox and crow. Everyone's different, I guess :)

laceystitcher said...

So glad you had a good time with your parents during their visit. It sounds like you and your family with be experiencing several changes to get ready for your parents to move in with you. I know that it won't always be easy, but it will definitely be something you won't regret. I pray blessings to all of you as your transition through the ups and downs of life. I love your stitching projects that you showed; can't wait to see what you do with the grass. I absolutely love your sheep!! Happy stitching..............

Pam in Kansas

woolwoman said...

Terri - I'm so glad things are falling into place with the reno. I love the new sitting room, love the plaid arm chairs - it's a cozy space. Your folks are so blessed to have a wonderful selfless daughter and SIL, you will be blessed for your devotion. I love your house on Yuletide - I have this sampler but tried to convert the colors to Belle Soie and just got tired of it. I'm better when people do the conversion work for me, not having a full set of anything makes it difficult to do I feel. I know I told you about my DF whose folks live in MI and her DM has Alzheimer's - she finally talked her step father into them moving to FL. Will be in the near future. I hope she's ready for the commitment. take care my friend - Hugs Mel

Von said...

Blessings be on you, Terri, for welcoming your parents into your home in this time of difficulty. Even with spreading the load among you, the burden will be heavy at times. Know that you have many friends out there who care!

The changes you made on the February Joyful World design is inspired! You've truly made it your own.

Mylene said...

You sure been busy. Goodluck!..preparing your parent's move in.
Love the changes you made on the SAL!

Penny said...

You have an amazing attitude, Terri. My mother was the caregiver for my grandmother and wouldn't let anyone help. It definitely took a toll on her mentally and physically. It's good that you can spread the care around. Your stitching is lovely! The SAL pieces are cute - love your changes!

quiltsquilts@comcast.net said...

I love your Blog and this one especially. What a wonderful daughter you are and blessed too, to be able to have your parents with you. Your whole family sounds like they have had bypasses. I've had one too.
I have been trying to find an OOP pattern and see where you did the Sampler about 2 years ago. It's called Sovine Palphreman and I was wondering if you would let me buy it or borrow it. I'm on Facebook and you could answer me there.
I'm Friends with BBD and they are sharing patterns there.
Thanks for your help.

carol fun said...

Hi Terry... I so enjoy your blog... your stitching is beautiful! I was wondering if you could help me to help out a friend. Back in 2014 you stitched the Sovine Palphreyman.. my friend Mary Ann desperately wants to stitch this piece. She & I were wondering if you would be amendable to her either purchasing or borrowing this chart? She isn't very techy and has difficulty contacting you so I said I'd give it a try. If you are able to help out I will forward Mary Ann's email and you two and work out the details. Thanks for any help... Mary Ann is a doll and I'd love to be able to work this out for her.

Angela said...

So many lovely pics in your post, love the PSS you are currently stitching. My thoughts are with you and your family, I think Alzheimer's is one of the most difficult things for everyone to deal with. Take care.

valerie said...

Hang in there Terri! Dementia is a terrible thing to witness and brings stress upon those who care for the other person. It's great that they will be closer to you and have a network of people to help out with your mom. Love your big yellow house! The sampler is really coming along and I think your sheepie block is just the sweetest! But 1 over 1 on 32 count is very brave for a year long piece. Can't wait to see more!

Brigitte said...

So sorry to hear about your mom having Alzheimer's disease. So many changes ahead of you with your parents moving in with you. But this is certainly the best you can ever do to have your mom protected and cared for, and it's always a kind of relief to know that that there are many persons to care for her, not only your dad.