Firstly....
the last of my personal ornament exchange pieces have arrived to their respective homes, and I've also received the most lovely ornaments in return to grace our tree. Here is the ornament that Diane M. stitched for me. Believe it or not...I've never stitched this cutie from Little House Needleworks, thankfully Diane peered and searched my finishes albums and came to the conclusion that I needed this beautifully stitched ornament, pronto! She stitched it on 40 ct. linen and perfectly finished it and now it is hanging on my tree! Thank you Diane!
In return....
Diane received from me this:
"French Country Star"
Designed by: JBW Designs
Taken from : The Just Cross Stitch 2010 Ornament Issue
copyright: 2010
Stitched 1 over 1 on 28 ct. white linen
Stitched with: Crescent Colours Belle Soie "Sister Scarlett"
Finished as an ornament
Next....
I received this darling Lizzie Kate ornament from Courtney R. I love it! Thank you Courtney! Don't you love that beaded edge?! I sure do!
And in return....
Courtney received this ornament from me.
"Joy to the World"
Designed by: Jane Timmers of Fancy Work
Design taken from: The Just Cross Stitch 2010 Ornament Issue
copyright 2010
Stitched on 32 ct. white linen 1 over 1 using DMC in my own color choices
Finished as an ornament
Well....
as Porky the Pig would say: that's all folks! Until next time, I hope to: avert the farmer's wife since I'm the plumpest goose on the farm, not end up on the supper table, get my house cleaned, put some make-up on so I don't scare the neighbors and get on with keeping my hands to work and heart to God!
Hugs and love,
Tool for our tool box: Be a friend.
Sounds like a simple feat, but in fact it is really a hard task if you put your mind to being a good friend. Let's think about it...denying yourself by denying your pride - that's at the heart of being a true friend. Being a friend means - no gossip, no comparisons, no competition, no complaining about your friend or their holdings and possessions, understanding, acceptance, flexibility.....all good qualities in a good friend, don't you think? Being a good friend means - thinking ahead, anticipating their needs and being there, *really being there* without being asked in times of trouble, trial and tribulation, but also being able to pick up the pieces and celebrate when those times are over. A real friend will join hands with you and together you may face the dawning of a new day. That's what a true friend is.... not one that will lavish and spoil you with things, but will lavish and spoil you with love. That's a true friend. I hope that someday, somewhere, someone thinks of me as a true friend. I wish it for you too - may it be so, for both of us.
Beautiful ornaments Vonna - stitched and exchanged! Hope you're enjoying the Season so far! Love the pic of your kids with the snowman - too cute!!!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful ornaments Vonna, both sent and received!
ReplyDeleteReally nice pieces all they round. Love to see a series of successful exchanges!
ReplyDeleteSweet exchanges, Vonna!! Wishing you a wonderful holiday season!!
ReplyDeleteWonderful! These are some beautiful ornaments; and looks like the kids are having a great time with that snowman!
ReplyDeleteVonna, all is beautiful...including your kids...
ReplyDeleteI love all the ornaments and your kid's picture. You must have had quite a bit of snow!
ReplyDeleteI would imagine there are many people that consider you a friend.
Great exchanges! Ornaments sent and received all look so pretty!
ReplyDeleteVonna --
ReplyDeleteThe ornaments you received and sent are just gorgeous. I especially like the beaded edge one. Great idea.
Thanks for sharing!
Have a great week:))
What lovely ornaments (I've not stitched "Joy" either, and now I'm going to have to!) and beautiful clear photography. I'm loving also the photo of your winterized family--man, they just keep growing, don't they! Stop! Stay little kids! How adorable they are, Vonna.
ReplyDeleteLove the ornaments! That's a great stitching exchange partner, one who will dig around to find something you haven't done!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful ornaments Vonna, sent and received. You do beatiful work! Have fun running from the farmers wife! LOL! Take care!
ReplyDeleteWhat gorgeous ornaments! Given and received. I do hope we get to see all of your new ornaments on the tree. :)
ReplyDeleteStunning ornies. See, you did a much better job with that "Star" one than me :( but what the heck! Loving your positive posts. You do inspire me. xx
ReplyDeleteThere are all so pretty. Great exchanges.
ReplyDeleteWhat lovely ornaments to send and to receive! Love your new winter picture of your kids!
ReplyDeleteRobin in Virginia
Lovely ornament exchanges! And love the pic of your kids, they sure are growing!
ReplyDeleteLovely ornaments, both given and received.
ReplyDeleteWhat beautiful ornaments!!
ReplyDeleteMostly today I want to thank you for the "tool for our toolbox" - there have been some things going on in our neighborhood between some of the kids. I made my oldest read this and now he is ready to talk to one of the other boys!
Wonderful ornie exchanges -
ReplyDeleteBy the way - Love the header to your blog - Your kids are beautiful !!!
What wonderful ornament exchange pieces! I enjoyed seeing them! Hope you're enjoying the holiday season -- don't do too much running around. :D
ReplyDeleteI love your new header pic Vonna, your kids are cuties! Beautiful ornaments both sent and received. I bet your tree looks wonderful x
ReplyDeleteOh, I really love all of your ornaments Vonna, just gorgeous!!
ReplyDeleteAnd the tool box....wow, I just love that one too! I'm going to copy and save it :)
Hugs sweet friend....
xox
Beautiful ornies-both recieved and given!!!
ReplyDeleteAbsolutely stunning ornaments.
ReplyDeleteYes, I still exist! Popped in to say hi. I love your header picture, too cute.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful ornaments!
I loved your "Be A Friend" piece and am happy to have you as a true friend.
All of your ornaments that you gave and recieved are just beautiful Vonna~~~ All of this sure makes one stay in the Christmas spirit~~ You take care and enjoy this holiday season!!
ReplyDeleteFaye
All of the ornaments look great. You gave some real beauties and received some delights.
ReplyDeleteI love the pic of the kids. They are all getting so big.
Gorgeous ornaments!!!!!! Such wonderful exchanges!!!!
ReplyDeleteI really like the picture of your kids in your blog header. They're all cute. I can't imagine getting 4 kids to look at the camera and co-operate with picture taking! Each of the exchange ornaments are just lovely!
ReplyDeleteI had to come back and let you know how much I enjoy your "Tool for our Toolbox". The one today particularly spoke to me.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful ornaments Vonna, Merry Christmas
ReplyDeleteCatherine
I've really enjoyed watching all your ornaments arrive they have all been beautifully made and I especially love the one that Diane made for you :)
ReplyDeleteLovely ornaments indeed! I love all the finishes. Gives me ideas for some of my own.
ReplyDeleteI really enjoyed what came out of the toolbox today. I certainly hope I can be a real friend. Thanks!
PS Love your header pic. That's a great-looking group of kids!!
Great exchanges! all the ornaments are beautiful.
ReplyDeleteLovely ornaments - you sound so happy too, cheers me up reading your blog, thanks.
ReplyDeleteI love your blogger header! How do you do that?! I cannot believe how grown up your kids look now, especially the boys! Have i been reading your blog that long? LOL
ReplyDeleteAll these Christmas ornies are lovely! I want to stitch that JBW star too
All is beautiful, congratulations...
ReplyDeleteThe ornaments are stunning.
ReplyDeleteI have been definitely sharpening and using my friendship tools lately. : )
I can't imagine someone as special as you, Vonna, doesn't have so many TRUE friends. Love all your ornaments. They are truly beautiful both sent and received. God Bless and thanks for taking the time to post. :) Cathryn
ReplyDeleteWhat pretty ornaments!!!! Love them.
ReplyDeleteVonna,
ReplyDeleteAll your ornaments look wonderful. It's great that you've got some new ones to enjoy.
The children all look so happy and healthy thanks in no small part to your being a fantastic mom.
Hugs to you my friend.
Beautiful ornaments sent and recieved
ReplyDeleteGreat exchange ornaments.
ReplyDeleteLove the Header picture of your children - my have they grown. What a great looking bunch.
Enjoy the season.
Such beautiful ornies, Vonna, both given and received. :)
ReplyDeleteI love love love your picture of the kiddos, gosh they are growing up!
You crack me up, woman, you are just too cute....and I consider you "friend" Thanks for the tool, it is in my toolbox, as I am not the best when it comes to being a good friend...I tend to have trouble playing well with others.
Gingerbread Hugs
Karyn
Vonna, what beautiful ornaments !! I like the "tool box" message today.
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing !!
gorgeous ornie given and received in your exchanges
ReplyDeleteSuch beautiful ornaments. Love what you had to say about being a friend.
ReplyDeleteWhat great exchanges and finishes! I always love how you finish your ornaments.
ReplyDeleteornaments were gorgeous and the tool box tip was great - hope you are enjoying the season - Melody
ReplyDeleteLove all the ornaments, the ones you stitched and the ones you received. Merry Christmas! Nancy
ReplyDeleteReally lovely stitching by yourself and the lovely ladies you have exchanged with. A most inspiring tool for the tool box!! I will be keeping that one!
ReplyDeleteLove to you and your family.
Hugs across the pond....
Suzanne xxxx
What a wonderful exchange--such nice ornaments on both sides! And I love the photo of the kids with their snowman buddy in your header, Vonna! Christmas card picture ? Very cute :)
ReplyDeleteWhat beautiful ornaments you've given and received. I absolutely adore the JBW Star ornie, I'm adding this to my "to stitch" list for 2011 for definite.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful ornaments! Are you going to show us a pic of your tree? Pretty please?
ReplyDeleteC'est très joli, comme tout ce que je vois sur ton blog !
ReplyDeleteamicalement
Lutine from Bordeaux - France
Wow what GORGEOUS ornaments sent and received!!!!
ReplyDeleteLovely, lovely Christmas ornaments to grace the Christmas trees!
ReplyDeleteBeing a friend is not an easy thing is it?
I know I have struggled to be the best friend I can. Sometimes I do a great job and sometimes I fail miserably.Thank goodness I have some wonderful friends who understand that and accept me just the way I am.
I feel that you are a dear friend to many and every one who you touch is changed for the better.
O my, such lovely ornaments, all of them.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful ornaments, congratulations to all.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful ornaments both given and received! Now I am sure I read somewhere on your blog how you tie those gorgeous bows but I can find it now. Am I dreaming?
ReplyDeleteAbsolutely gorgeous ornaments both sent and received :)
ReplyDeleteGorgeous ornaments, both stitched and received! Love the Christmas photo, too.
ReplyDeleteMore gorgeous ornaments to add to your tree and for the lucky recipients!
ReplyDeleteI'm reminded that with a friend, sorrows are halved and joys are doubled.
ReplyDeleteI really appreciated the tool box. True friends are precious - and I've been told that to have one, you must first be one, as I'm sure you are.
Blessings! Kim