Friday, January 6, 2012

Happy New Year and a Little Creative Project

Well, hello there to any of you who may still be stopping by to see if I am still alive and kicking. I am indeed.  Happy New Year to you and I hope 2012 brings you much joy and happiness as well as a little creativity. I’ve been reading blogs, but not commenting and certainly not writing any.

I didn’t intend to drop off the face of the blogosphere, but after my brother died, (still so hard  to have to say that) any niggling of desire to blog that I had, disappeared. Thank you so much for the kind thoughts you left on that post and the sweet cards I received in the mail. My time in Minnesota was very difficult, but I’m glad I was able to help my dad and two of my other brothers  out in some small way. The service that for Jim was well attended and for a guy who was in no way religious, my dad selected the perfect priest for officiating the memorial. Jim loved to fish(the act of fishing was relaxing to him), but didn’t eat fish. The priest (named Jim as well, if I remember correctly) loved to eat fish, but despised fishing and even went so far as to jump off a boat and swim ashore to avoid it. His manner was very laid back and personable and he did an excellent job. Jim’s lifelong friend also flew in from Las Vegas to attend. I hadn’t seen him since I moved out of my parents home back in 198….well, let’s just say it was a long time ago, shall we?

I was able to do a little crafting for Christmas presents, but didn’t take any photos. I made a crocheted frog for Jessica’s teacher and a crocheted flapper hat for Amy’s. I started a lion for Amy’s teacher, but it was too big to be able to finish in time. Oh and a few days before Christmas, Jessica told me she wanted a new teddy bear for Christmas,  with a blue dress. I told her it wouldn’t be done in time, and she was content to wait. I finished the bear by Christmas, but not the dress. The pattern included a basket and flowers. I just finished those the other night. Did I mention this project was a knitted one? Yeah, I’m much slower at knitting than crocheting, but the change of pace was nice.

Steve took the week between Christmas and New Year’s off and one of the days he and his buddy took the girls to the mountains. I didn’t feel like going…the thought of a quiet day to myself was too appealing (mom of the year, I admit, I am not…I do enjoy time away from my kiddos). Anyway, I took some time to work on a project and I thought I’d share it today in an effort to ease back into posting.

101_0259101_0260  101_0261

I saw the idea on a Cricut newsletter called The Chirp and I followed the project to this blog post. I finagled my way through the project and am pretty pleased with the final result. The flower was made with the Flower Shoppe cartridge, but I cannot remember which cart I used to make the swirlys. I know I cut two and trimmed them…shoot, if I figure it out, I’ll let you know.

Thought this might be a fun winter project for decor. Only, it doesn’t feel like winter right now. It was in the upper 60s yesterday! Thank goodness this guy is paper, or he’d have melted away by now.

Okay, I’ve got to scoot for now. I hope to see you again, soon. Thanks so much for stopping by!

Jeanne

6 comments:

Laurel said...

How cute is this!

Alanna said...

This is so darling Jeanne. I'm glad to see you back in blogland. I've certainly missed you.

I've been thinking of you and how you've been holding up with your brother's passing.

I'm sure it's still somewhat difficult. I can't imagine what you have been going through.

Will you be watching the Broncos game this weekend? I'm really hoping for the upset of the year. Go Tebow!

Big hugs to you!

Gloria said...

I must have missed the post, just as I have missed seeing them!! I'm SO sorry about your brother. I lost my dad in Oct, so my life has been a bit rattled too.
Love the project. We too are having milder temperatures, altho we did have a dusting of snow this morning. The hills got hit tho. We sure need it.
Take care, and post when you can.

hugs...gloria from Utah :)

Kim Burmeister said...

Jeanne, it is nice to hear from you. I am sorry about your brother and can't imagine how you feel. Sounds like you have been busy with your crafts. I am sure they were awesome! I love the animals you make.

I am glad to hear you are taking care of yourself. You need some alone time. It helps your recharge.

This snowman is amazing! I love everything about him. I agree with you on him melting. It has been unseasonably warm in Nebraska too. The boys got a snowboard for Christmas and have been playing kickball without a coat. I am sure we will get our share of snow yet. At least, I hope so.

Take care!

Barb said...

So nice to see a post from you...you know I've really missed you. I understand having to take some time away after a loss. Sounds like Jim's services were nice. I loved that fishing tale...too funny!
Well, you may have been absent from Blogland, but good for you, staying creative. And your snowman is adorable! So much detail! I love seeing your Cricut creations and I look forward to seeing more..hint, hint.
Take care now. Hugs, Barb

Jackie said...

So sorry to hear of your loss....just caught up with you and your blog. Hopefully things will settle down for you