The Gift Given

Hi friends! I bet you forgot. Or you think I forgot. Nope. I have been waiting patiently?! (ha!) Father Vasyl is our only priest. He serves our church and the mission church in Madison. There are only 5 Russian Orthodox Churches in the whole state of Wisconsin. So he is very busy.

Do you recall me stitching a certain needlepoint Theotokos icon? ;)

 Yes, this has been framed for months. It is not a size that is ready to be framed. We could not afford a custom frame at this time. So, I mounted it as I usually do by pinning to the mat board. Then I taped down the excess canvas. Brian wanted to help, so I asked him if he would cut a "custom mat". I bought black scrapbook paper and he cut it to fit exactly to the edges of the needlepoint. Once that was all done and in place, I covered the back with the brown craft paper. Then Brian mounted one of those picture hanger things on back.

Well, we had thought to give this to Father and Matushka when he came to bless our home. We did not realize it would take this long, but they came yesterday. It was wonderful. The highlight of my Mother's Day! :) After the blessing, I invited them to sit for tea and the cupcakes, brownies and rice krispie treats I made. We had nice conversation for half an hour. First I first gave them the icon I stitched for them.

To say Matushka was happy is an understatement. She began to rip the wrapping paper, could see what was inside, and exclaimed, "Oh!". She jumped up and squeezy hugged me. I would never have expected that. She hugged me tight three times in all during our visit. Thanking me profusely. She told me I could not have done a bigger or better thing for her. :)

Kazan Mother of God

I cannot tell you how happy this makes me. To put months of work into a piece, and have the recipients overjoyed, well, it feels fantastic my friends. I have gone over that scene in my mind a few times now. Each time I feel so glad and have the biggest smile on my face.

Maybe you recall I told you last year that when we had gone to a graduation party for their oldest son, back in June, I had admired two different cross stitched icons in their home. I asked Father's wife if she made them. No, an old woman back in Ukraine had made these for them. She told me she would love to have a Theotokos also some day. AHA! And so I decided to make one for her. I am so very glad I did!

I am stitching another pink Quaker motif on the black chocolate linen. A challenge today for sure. It is raining and quite overcast.

Thank you for stopping in. I hope you enjoyed the story I shared.

Stitching and praying,
Vickie

40,182

Friends! Friends! It is finished!!!! WAHOO! 40,182 stitches! The Kazan Mother of God icon was completed last night. This icon took me 2 1/2 months to complete. Considering Thanksgiving, the flu, Christmas and Orthodox Christmas all happened during that time, I am happy.

The pictures are not the best because I am not waiting til daylight to show you! ;) There will be nicer pictures to share when I get this icon framed. Which will be right away! Ha!

This is a needlepoint kit. This was all stitched with Anchor flosses in 32 different colors. I am happy to say I ran out of nothing. This is all in petit point on 24ct mono canvas.

In case you do not remember me telling this back in November, this is a gift for our priest and his wife. When we had gone to a graduation party for Father's oldest son, back in June, I had admired two different cross stitched icons in their home. I asked Father's wife if she made them. No, an old woman back in Ukraine had made these for them. She told me she would love to have a Theotokos also some day. AHA! And so I decided to make one for her. I did give it weeks of thought before purchasing the kit.

A BIG THANK YOU MY DEAR FRIENDS FOR STICKING WITH ME DURING THIS ICON JOURNEY.

The last loaf of bread I baked was Kulich. It just so happens that this Russian bread recipe was in my bread machine cook book. I did a double take when I noticed it. You see, the Orthodox Church that Brian and I joined last Easter, is a Russian Orthodox Church. Many members are Russian immigrants. Kulich is baked every Pascha/Easter. Last year we were gifted a loaf from a friend at church. I knew I wanted to bake my own. Now I did! I tweaked the recipe a bit from the first time I baked it. I used golden raisins in the recipe, as that what the ladies at church seem to be adding. This is a barely sweet loaf made with milk and butter in the recipe.

Now I can allow myself to finish the nice, short read, The Quilt by T. Davis Bunn. I have been devoting all of my time to Theotokos. Well, and reading the Bible daily. I have now finished Genesis and begun Exodus.

Oh and I will be stitching a small shortly. I cannot wait to get back to stitching smalls.♥

I hope that your day is super my friends! I plan on having a great weekend!

Stitching and praying,
Vickie

Wheeee! I Am Down To Three!

Hi friends! I have knocked off another two pages of the Theotokos pattern. Three more partially completed pages to finish now. Here is a progress picture.

My stitching companion keeps my seat warm while I bake bread.

Today I made Sweet Italian Bread. In case you have not noticed, I like to use my bread machine often. I love to bake. I made the dough in the machine, and baked these in the oven. The egg wash on the loaf on the  right is crackled on top because it fell onto the bread board. ;)

I set out some Valentine treasures.

This is a collection of past Valentine stitches. There are two pincushions I received as gifts from stitchy friends in there also. :)

Now I am TRULY motivated friends! I feel the end coming on with Theotokos! Whoo hoo!

Thanks for stopping by. Have a fabulous night!

Stitching and praying,
Vickie

Plugging Away

Hi friends! How are you? There are a handful of you I am praying for. If you need prayer, let me know! I could use prayer. My pain is high currently.

I have been itching to stitch a small sooooooo bad, but I continue on with Theotokos. At this point, I have got needlepoint down. No more confusion with that, like there was when I began. Here is where I am.

I have finished reading the book of Job. I am almost 1/3 of the way done with the book of Genesis. If you missed my last post, I mentioned that I am reading the Bible chronologically with Joni and Ken Tada. We will read the Bible in one year. It is not too late to join in if you like. Or if you just want to take a look at the reading schedule, take a look at this link here.

I baked this Challah two days ago. All gone. ;) We love this bread. This would be my favorite homemade bread. I use the bread machine to make the dough. This makes a nice, large loaf.

Miss Mabel needs a haircut, but I am not up to that yet. Hopefully in a few days my pain will go down.

Thank you for stopping by. I know this has not been the most exciting stretch of posts lately. I am trying to get Theotokos done though.

Stitching and praying,
Vickie

Progress

Hi friends! It has been bitterly cold here. Madeleine had school cancelled on Thursday and Friday due to the cold, windchill and snow storm. The boys have not returned to college yet, still enjoying the Christmas break.

Thank you for your encouraging comments on my ornament finish. :)

I am itching to stitch a small, but I am pressing on with Theotokos. Here is my progress.

I listen to two daily radio programs and read a daily devotional by Joni Eareckson Tada every day. Joni and her husband Ken have been reading the Bible together for years. That is something Brian and I do daily also. However, I decided this year to additionally read along with Joni and Ken. They use the Chronological Bible Reading Schedule If you click on that link, you can download a copy of the reading schedule for yourself. I am happy to say that so far I am keeping on track. It really does not take very long each day to read several chapters. I have read the entire Bible before. That was years ago, and I read it cover to cover. This will be different. Joni says that "when you go through the Bible chronologically, you see God's plan of redemption beautifully laid out from beginning to end." 

So tomorrow, after we return home from church, it is Ice Bowl II time. Do you know what that is? If you live in Wisconsin or Texas I guarantee you KNOW. Click here to find out more.

Stitching and praying,
Vickie

Warm, PINK Goodness

Hi friends! I received a Christmas package from our friend Shirlee a while ago, but I waited to open it for a little bit. Let me show you what Shirlee gave me.

I had to create some snow to go with that awesome pink scarf! ;) You may have seen this scarf? I did. Way back in October on Angela's blog. I had even commented on it's greatness. :) Her mum made this as a donation to Gaynor's Breast Cancer Research Fundraiser.  Shirlee tells me that when she saw this and her raffle ticket was chosen, she chose this for me. I am so touched.

Isn't it awesome? This very pretty, very warm cable scarf was made so very well by Angela's mum. She generously donated it for the Fundraiser and Shirlee lovingly gave it to me. What a neat thing to be a part of! Thank you again Shirlee.♥

This is the gift I sewed for Shirlee. She has opened it already, so I am going to share it with you. :)

 Do you see the mouse? That is what I made her. This is Shirlee's picture I borrowed. I forgot to take a picture of the mouse and counting pins I gave her. He is designed to be a pincushion. She placed him in the tree. :) Looks good too! I had never made this before. I wanted to make something different for sweet Shirlee, and this is what I decided on. I found the tutorial for the mouse HERE. I scaled my pattern size down to about half. It was too big for me. Made me think of a rat, not a mouse. ;)

I have been stitching on Theotokos. Were you frightened on Tuesday? Did you hear me? This was me!

Much, much unstitching was going on Tuesday on Theotokos. :(  It is all fixed now though. So on I go! Here is a progress picture of where I am at now.

And finally, look! I just knew it! I knew Santa was my kinda guy!

Oh I hope one of those poodles is for me? Or all three? No, couldn't be. I would truly prefer a teacup poodle. Santa knows that! sigh. Well, I can always hope for his snow globe, right?

Stitching and baking and praying,
Vickie

Guess Who Turned 5?!

Hi friends! How are you? I am glad you are stopping by. :) It is cold and white here. I have been stitching and stitching on my Theotokos. Here is my progress.

BIG SMILES! =) The borders meet!

Hooray for Henry! Not only is he doing well with his neck injury, he seems fully recovered! He is now 5 years old. =) He is about half a year younger than Mabel.

 I finished the book by Louis Zamperini, Don't Give Up, Don't Give In: Lessons From An Extraordinary Life. What a great, quick read. I recommend it!

A beautiful, sweet surprise from Brian.

Are you ready for Christmas? No, not me. Not at all.  Well, the Christmas stockings go out tomorrow night, and I have the stitched ornaments ready and the candy all set. We have the front door wreath up and the nativity out in front. Not much else yet. I'll get there. ;)

Stitching and praying,
Vickie

Progress

Hi friends! It is a frigid 14º and the ground is covered with an icy snow, but I am thankful. Tomorrow is Thanksgiving Day. Yes, I thank God every day for blessings, but tomorrow. Tomorrow if this all goes through as planned my brother is coming home. David has had a problem with my mom's husband for many years. If he truly reconciles tomorrow, we will be together again. I am so happy to think of it. I have three younger brothers. We have not ALL been together for almost 10 years now. God is good!

I have had Jacob's Christmas ornament stitched up for over a week now. I just needed to get the finishing done. Now it is complete.

Sorry for the picture quality. It is dreary here without the bright sun. I stitched this on 28ct Navy Jobelan, one over one using DMC 972. I once again used my 365 Alphabets Cross Stitch All Through The Year by Kooler Design Studio.

I have been working diligently on Theotokos. Frogging once in a while with those black scrolls in the border. I am doing up the border first.

I finished a large book on St. Seraphim last week. I am now close to finishing a catechism book. You can see the titles in my sidebar.

To my American friends a very Blessed Thanksgiving to you! To ALL of you a very blessed weekend! I am so glad to "know" you. Thank you for being you! Thank you for stopping by.

Stitching and praying,
Vickie

P.S. Henry is recovering so very well. You would NEVER know he had a problem! Thank you for all of your well wishes and prayers. God is good!

What Was I Thinking?!

Hi friends! It snowed over the weekend and it is frigid too. Our high for today is 18º. So I stayed in and stitched. ;) I began a new project. I had ordered this kit months ago.  It is to be a gift for our Orthodox priest's family. I want to give it for Christmas, but WHAT WAS I THINKING?!

This is a needlepoint kit. A very beautiful icon. It is the Kazan Mother of God. Well, I am not that fast at needlepoint at all. And this is all in petit point on 24ct mono canvas. o_0 This one is not as large as our Theotokos. I began the year stitching a Theotokos, and now I will finish the year stitching another!

Here is my progress after many hours this weekend.

I am truly loving the looks of this border so very much. There are four different golden brown colors in there. This is not the best picture.

When we had gone to a graduation party for Father's oldest son, back in June, I had admired two different cross stitched icons in their home. I asked Father's wife if she made them. No, an old woman back in Ukraine had made these for them. She told me she would love to have a Theotokos also some day. AHA! And so I decided to make one for her. I did give it weeks of thought before purchasing the kit. Once I get an idea, I can sometimes be like a terrier and not let go of it. ;) So here I am. The pattern I fell in love with just happened to be petit point instead. It is a good thing Orthodox Christmas is January 7th! We will see.

This whole subject has bored Mabel to sleep.

Here is one of my beautiful pansies from less than a week ago. Before all this bitter cold and snow moved in.

Now I have none. The pansies are always my last flower to hold out. And the first I plant in the spring. :)

In between stitching up this icon, I plan to do finishing on the smalls I got stitched last month during the Mega Mini Month Madness SAL that I was in.

Keep warm! Have a wonderful day! Thank you for stopping by. You brighten my day.

Stitching and praying,
Vickie

Theotokos

Hi friends! JoAnn recently had their best sale on for framing. So Brian and I took Theotokos in to the larger JoAnn store, a bit further away from our home, as that one has a framing department. Her finished size is a little larger than 17x20.

Brian and I agreed on this frame together. The framer said she would have picked it out herself also. :)

There is an olive color on the wood which matches the olive wool fantastically.

This is hanging in our front room. We got the museum glass. Across the room from it are windows. The sun does not really shine directly on it ever. Wow! It is just so wonderful. Brian is very, very pleased with his Christmas gift. ;) Funny thing is we picked it up the day before our 22nd wedding anniversary. He hung it on the actual day.

I will be back with my next small finish for the MMMM SAL. Then I should be done with another soon to show you too. :) Since I am not completing the finishing on these smalls this month, just getting them stitched up, it is going quicker!! I hope I do not pick up a bad habit of letting stitched pieces pile up!! I have NEVER been one to do that. I prefer to do the finishing right away, but a SAL challenge is a challenge. ;)

The garden is truly winding down. Here are a few last miniature roses. Brian gave me this plant earlier this year for Valentine's Day.

I have tried to cut a few of my beautiful pink dahlias for several days now. I cannot. These guys are always busy at work. Or hiding in them at all times of day.

I thanked God for you today!

Stitching and praying,
Vickie

Wahoo!

Hi friends! Take a guess what I finished beading yesterday?!? YUP! Theotokos!

 Whoo HOO! 30,178 stitches! Well, I never counted all the beads. ;) A lot of those stitches are beads with a full cross. But you get the point.

I am pretending to Happy Dance. Can't do the real thing or I will be in BIG pain. ;)

I have learned a few things while stitching this over the last few months.
1.  I am a smalls girl. I missed stitching my smalls very, very much. I stopped Theotokos a few times so I could stitch smalls.
2.  I really don't care for beading! Dani had suggested Nymo thread for beading. She told me one spool would go a long way. I used almost the entire thing! Beading sure takes a loooong time.
3. I prayed a lot while stitching this. This piece in particular really kept my focus on God.

Brian is very happy with it! He has thanked me many times. We will take it with us to church and have Father bless it. Then we will get it framed. In a bit. Need to scrape up a little cash for that.

I started stitching a tiny small last night. Feels great! :)

Mabel is improving! Thank you for all of your loving wishes and prayers. She will continue on with her meds and hopefully continue to improve and pull through this.

Have a super day my friends! I thanked God for you today!

Stitching and praying,
Vickie