Well it's about time...

I got back to blogging! Sorry for being away for so long....but major changes have come about for me. I was just enjoying my summer one day and the next day SURPRISE I was moved from teaching first grade to kindergarten. Now it's not like I haven't taught kindergarten before...but it has been ten years. I also had to move 34 years worth of stuff to my new classroom along with cleaning up a mess in my new room. I found stuff in there from as far back as the 50's. A lot of my stuff was already packed because we were having summer school, however, I had not packed to move. Then I was told I only had 1 week to move and unpack before preplanning. Well I got all moved in with a little help from some dear friends...still have boxes to unpack...and oh yeah...I can't find anything! I have been in school for 8 days now and I must say...I am too old for this...they are wearing me out! I have been blessed with 17 young kinders to nurture and they are busy little bees. I have been praying for strength and stamina to keep up with them!

As you can see from the photos below, I had lots of things on the drawing board in different stages of completion before my daily life changed. I am so tired when I get home that I haven't even stepped foot into my studio much less pick up a needle or paintbrush. I'm hoping to get back to work this weekend since I have 3 glorious days off. I'll keep you posted on progress...

 

-Darlene xxoo

The winner of the raggedy pair is....

Valerie at Yorkie's Primitives! I want to say thank you to all who joined my "Raggedy June Give-away." I wish I could have drawn all of your names...stay tuned for my July give-away...coming soon!

-Darlene xxoo

My Mom's 86th Birthday!

This past weekend my mom celebrated her 86th birthday with my family at my son's home in Satsuma. I drove down with a carload...mom, dad and the girls (dogs) on Thursday night so my dad could get in a little fishing. He caught a cooler full so he was happy! My mom was thrilled when we sang to her....she actually giggled out loud! I can only hope to live as long and as full a life as they have (94 & 86 years). Of course, it rained...another tropical storm. My son is beginning to think we are a jinx...he says it rains every weekend he is off and when the whole family comes...we bring a tropical storm!

Now I'm back home and ready to begin working (sewing & painting) again. Before I left for the big birthday weekend, I finished the teacher appreciation basket. I think it turnrd out cute so I will make some more for the show in November. I finished sewing some doll and animal bodies and need to get busy stuffing and dressing. Here's the basket...



I'm going to fill with Hershey kisses for a sweet treat...who can resist! Well enough for now...off to work!

-Darlene xxoo

"My Patriotic June Give-Away"

Well I just finished my patriotic Annie & Andy for my June give-away and they sure turned out cuter then I imagined they would! As an avid "Annie" collector...it is going to be really hard to give them up. I adapted them from a pattern created by "Raggedy Smiles" and they are holding ribbons and pins I had purchased to include with this give-away.

Here's how you enter: Be a follower on my blog and leave a comment on this post saying you would like to be entered. If you don't have a blog...please leave an email address so I can contact you if you should win.

If you would like to post this give-away on your blog you can earn an extra entry...so please let me know in your comment so I can give you your extra entry.

This give-away will end on July 4th. Good Luck to all those who enter!

-Darlene xxoo


"Schools Out For Summer"

Well another school year has gone by and I only have 3 1/2 more to go before retirement. This year has flown and...yes...there is an end in sight!

I want to thank Deana over at "Old Goat Primitives" for sending me such a generous prize in her giveaway. My husband said, "You hit the jackpot!" Here's pictures of my new additions...

Thanks again Deana...love all my new treasures!

I have finally gone into my studio (fancy for craft room) and have brought out some new patterns I ordered from "Raggedy Smiles." I see a little patriotic Ann & Andy for my next giveaway. I am also finishing up a small basket for appreciating the teachers in your life using wool, paint, and a little ribbon...also doubles as a "share" at my next wool class. If it gets good reviews from my partners and all of you, there will be more made for "Christmas in the South." Stay tuned for pictures...

I also added a patriotic Annie back into my Etsy shop from a pattern by "Meme's Quilts." Check her out!

-Darlene xxoo