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Thursday, August 5, 2010

A Giveaway, Retreat Invite and updates....

Hey Everyone! Sorry to be away for so long, getting a child ready to go off to college is very time consuming. The other 2 stayed here at home so there wasn't much to get ready but Amy's want and need list was a mile and half long! I think we have most of it taken care of now, she still wants a butterfly chair and clothes and she has refused so far to even think about school supplies but I'm going to let her handle those things.

Abby abcessed her tonsils again and is having them removed a week from today. Why is it everyone and their brother feels the need to tell her their tonsil horror story? My scabs broke open and blood gushed out of my mouth, my scabs broke open and I filled a bucket with blood in the ambulance, my scabs broke open and I had to have a blood transfusion.....you get the picture. The girl is scared shitless. Please say a little prayer for her if you do that sort of thing. I'd appreciate it.

Dan had a biopsy done on a spot on his chest and the results came back yesterday. He does have skin cancer and they will be removing a football shaped piece of his chest in a couple of weeks. Nothing to get upset over. I'm hoping they have to shave his entire chest to do the procedure and he'll like it so much that he'll continue to shave his chest. That man is a woolly bear!

Dan and I celebrated our 30th wedding anniversary on Aug. 2nd. I had mentioned in an earlier post that he bought my anniversary gift and I had hinted at it being blue and sparkly but I couldn't show it to you until now as he took it away from me until our anniversary. I can show it off now.
Isn't it beautiful? Don't ask me what stone it is. I don't know. I do know it is lab created and it changes colors and I love love love it!! BUT, the man did not stop there. I came downstairs Monday morning the 2nd and found a ott light magnifier attached to my ott light. I tried to get him to take it back but he wouldn't do it. Guess that's one of the many reasons I still love the guy 30 years later. He's a keeper, furry chest and all!

I've been stitching but haven't stopped to take any pictures of it. Instead I would like to announce 2 things.

The first is to invite everyone to our stitching retreat "A Stitcher's Recipe for Friendship" next April. We're announcing it early to give everyone enough time to make plans to attend. Paulette Stewart of Plum Street Samplers is designing a special chart for the retreat and will be making an appearance for some or all of the retreat. Our previous retreats have gone over so well and more people have expressed a desire to attend than our previous location would permit so we have found a retreat center about 25 miles from Omaha that will hold more stitchers. Our goal is 40 but it can hold 60 if we needed to. I don't anticipate that but it's nice to know it's available. If you would like further information please go to our website at : www.reflectionsframing.com Click the newsletter tab on the left and all the information plus registration forms can be found in the July newsletter. I hope some of you will attend. It would be awesome to meet you in person and we are looking forward to making a bunch of new stitching friends! If you have any questions not answered by the newsletter, you can contact either MaryAnn or myself at: maryann@reflectionsframing.com Hope to hear from you soon!

The other announcement I have is my long awaited giveaway to celebrate 100 followers. Now if I could only get more than 6 of you to comment I'd really be doing good! Here's the details. Post on this thread only! If you are already a follower just post saying you want to be entered in the giveaway. If you are not a follower, please become one and post that you are now a follower and would like to be entered in the giveaway. You can earn a second chance of winning the giveaway if you mention it on your blog and a third chance can be earned if you mention the retreat on your blog. The giveaway is open to all, both in the states and over seas. Make sure you leave me contact information if you don't have a blog! The winner will be announced on Aug. the 25th 2010. And now I bet you would like to know what the giveaway consists of. Here ya go:

It's kind of a seasonal giveaway. To represent spring I have included an older Just Nan chart with charms called Tall Flowers.
Summer is represented by Jeanette Douglas' Summer Stackers.

Fall is represented by Hob Nobb designs Happy Fall Ya'll and 4 of Carrie's silks in fall colors.

Winter will be represented by The Prairie Schooler's 2010 Santa:

Then just because I can, I am including one of my scissor frogs and vessels that I shared with you a while back.
Of course a person needs to have scissors for their scissor frog so I'm including a pair of those also. Not the ones I wanted to include but they got back ordered so you'll have to settle for this pair.

Finally, some Piecemaker needles and a needle minder will be included.

I want to thank each and every one of my followers for all of their support and kinds words. It's truly been a delight getting to know some of you. I hope you like the items included in the giveaway. I've had fun choosing them.

It is well past supper time and my tummy is growling. I hope I covered all the bases where the giveaway and retreat are concerned but if you have any questions, feel free to contact me.

Take care!

Julie

71 comments:

Karen said...

I feel for you. I do hope your daughter has a wonderful year though she will be away from home.
I work for a university and am "dreading" the return of the students! :) Either I am getting older or the students are just getting younger each year.


Who doesn't love a give away! I would love to be entered....such a fabulous stash!

Margaret said...

Wow on all the family news. Getting a child off to college is definitely a challenge. I'm so sorry to hear about the tonsils too, and about Dan's skin cancer. I'll be sending good thoughts and prayers your way. Love your ring! Happy anniversary! Thanks so much for the giveaway! I thought I was a follower, but I am now anyway! I hope I win! :D

natalysneedle said...

I would like to wish your daughter and husband a speedy recovery. Looks like you will be playing Nurse Nightengale for a bit. I Love your new ring. I hope I get something as nice when I reach the 30 year mark.

I would like to be entered in your giveaway. The stash looks great!

Deborah said...

Sending prayers for your daughter and husband. The new ring is lovely! 30 years is something to be proud of. I would love to be entered in your giveaway and I will mention it on my blog.

wausie said...

What fun it was to meet Amy again last Saturday and I certainly hope that things will go well...it is rather like a first time mother with all the horror stories about labor, etc. She'll do fine...tell her I said so. Good luck to Dan. Congratulations again on # 30 and hope we are around to celebrate #50...plan a BIG party, please.
Beautiful ring and it is even more beautiful on your hand.
See you soon.
Linda

mbroider said...

Congratulations on your anniversary!! That ring is v. good!!

And so is the giveaway!! Pls count me in... I wanted to tell you the needle minder is whay i am eyeing!!

I have been your follower since Sharon (daffycat) mentioned your stitching room in her blog...

Lainey said...

Hope your daughter and hubbys procedures both go well.
Best wishes on your Anniversary, your ring is just beautiful.
I am a follower and would love to enter your fabulous give-away. I will mention it in my next posting.
The stitching retreat also sounds amazing. I;m so envious that you overseas ladies have the chance to attend events like these.I'm sure everyone will have a wonderful time.

Catherine said...

Sounds like you have been busy. Best wishes to your daughter with college. Thoughts and prayers to your daughter and your hubby on their procedures. Scary things for sure - I'm still laughing about your spin on shaving your husband's chest!!

The retreat sounds like fun. I'd love to attend if I could, but not sure if I'll be able to.

Your ring beautiful - your husband did good!

Love all the give away goodies and would love a chance!

jayne@~an eye for threads~ said...

Congratulations to you and your followers. It is very easy to see why you have so many. You certainly have been busy with everyone in your family, keep you young.I am a follower and would love to be included in your giveaway, may even consider the retreat.
Be always in stitches.

Cari said...

Wow Julie...you've got a lot going on girl! Here's hoping that all the surgeries go well ... always scary but I'll be thinking about you and your family. Your anniversary ring is STUNNING!! I love it....wonderful...and the Ott light magnifier....what could be better? Thanks for having a giveaway too! I would love to win..way too much fun. Hang in there girl and enjoy! Hugs

Rachel S-H said...

The ring is AMAZING. Love it! Thank you for having the giveaway!

Klik said...

I hope, I belive - everything would be OK with your daughter and husband.
My congrats on your anniversary! The ring is fantastic!
And I like to take part in your give-away. I'm your follower and I've posted a link on my left side bar here
http://klik-leisure.blogspot.com/

valerie said...

Happy Anniversary! Your ring is stunning! Sounds like there is a lot going on with your daughter going off to college and your husband's procedure. Hope they both go well.

Nice giveaway! I will pass...more stash than I know what to do with at the moment!

Terri said...

I can understand about being busy. I will keep Abby in my thoughts. It's no big deal and they are being horrible. I'm sure she will be fine.
I'd love to be a part of your giveaway :)

santadeb said...

Hi Julie...I will keep Dan in my prayers, skin cancer is nothing to fool with so am glad he had it checked and found early!! Abby..I had my tonsils out at 23, as an adult it is more of a "pain" than when you are four and eat ice cream but it is doable and I have not had strep since so it was so worth it!!
Love the ring, very nice and I am sure you use the magnifier or will eventually!LOL!

Pass on the giveaway..I have too much already, as you know!!

Faye said...

Oh Julie, Such a whirlwind of activity for you!! Hang in there girl...Best of luck on the procedures AND getting ready for college!! Been there for sure...

I think this giveaway is awesome. I have always wanted to try the floss, would LOVE to stitch more biscornu's and NEED a flower frog!! Thanks for entering me!!!!

Faye

Melody said...

Julie, what a fun post. congrats on your anniversary. Please enter me in your drawing.
Thanks.

Meari said...

Yeah, the horror stories are well... horrible. When I had mine out, I made the mistake of "reading up" online. Big mistake! I didn't have any complications but the part about eating all the popscicles/ice cream you want... myth! LOL, I didn't want anything but room temp stuff. Amy will be just fine! :) Sending good thoughts for a speedy recovery.

Happy Anniversary! The ring is really pretty... and an OTT light magnifier, too. You lucky girl!

Please include me in your drawing. I'll be putting on my next MM update. Congrats on reaching your milestone # of followers :)

Cindy said...

It is good that your husband had the spot checked and caught it early.

Many years ago when I had my wisdom teeth removed, I was petrified because I had read the little info sheet that they gave me with all the warnings about everything that could go wrong. In the end, none of that happened. So Abby...ignore all that stuff, and it will be okay :)

Your anniversary gifts are wonderful...congrats!

I would love to enter your drawing!!

Patty C. said...

OOOOOO pick me pick me :)
I love flower frogs and yours is fabby !! Lovely stash you have included !!

Kim Reid said...

I'd love a chance - please enter me, I am now following!
Thanks :)
kimberlybreid at hotmail dot com

BronnyB said...

Thank you for this chance, from your newest bestest blogging buddy!!!!
I'll be mentioning your giveaway tomorrow when blogging...instead of right now when it's gone midnight and I should be asleep!!!
Best wishes to your daughter and hubby... my goodness...what a lovely sparkly ring!! Lucky you!

Thank you again for this chance.

CalamityJr said...

First things first - thoughts and prayers to Dan and Abby.

I'm a new follower with no blog of my own (yet! maybe someday I'll get brave) but love reading yours.

And, last but not least - happy anniversary (what a beautiful ring!) and thanks for a chance at your awesome giveaway.

Natasha said...

First congratulations on 30 years!!! That is a stunner of a ring. Keeping your daughter and DH in my thoughts ((HUGS))

What a lovely giveaway.I have never seen a flower frof like that before, I am a follower and would love to enter.
Thank you

Parsley said...

I'd love to be entered. Thanks for the fun!

Parsley said...

I follow now.

Carole said...

Good luck to Abby and Dan on their procedures. I know they will do fine but the anticipation is scary.

what a great lot of loot in your giveaway. Please enter my name.

I don't have a blog but I think you know where to find me.

Carole

Jules said...

Well, it appears you got more than 6 comments, lol! I am a new follower and look forward to learning more from you.

I will be posting a link to this on my blog...

Congrats on your 30th and the beautiful gift you received.

Julie H
frggygrl at aol

Blu said...

Gorgeous ring!

Congrats on reaching a 100 followers.
Please enter me in your giveaway~

Ellen said...

Just found your blog and now I am a follower.

Congrats on your anniversary! That ring is beautiful!

What a lovely giveaway! I love anything seasonal, please enter me in your giveaway.

Hugs,

Lisa said...

I have finally made my "following" official and would love to have my name put into the give-a-way :)

Congratulation on your 30th anniversary - sounds like you received some beautiful gifts.

Take care.

Chocolates4Breakfast (Terri Malinovich) said...

Congrats on your daughter heading off to college. I'm sure she'll have a great year. I'm sorry to hear about Dan's skin cancer. Sending a prayer for his speedy recovery. I hope Abby's tonsillectomy goes well. And you're right - why IS it that people want scare someone to death.... REALLY? Is that necessary? Anyway, sending good thoughts and a prayer for her and Dan!

Your ring is gorgeous!!! I love the stone and the setting - it's got an exquisite setting. Heartfelt congratulations to you both on 30 years!

I would love to be entered in your drawing! So many goodies - so generous of you! I am a follower ~ twice! I changed my profile email in my blog so I signed up to follow again so you'd have my right email just in case I'm lucky enough to win. Thinking positive.

I have also posted on my blog about the giveaway and the retreat on my sideabar.

Daffycat said...

*squee* Your 30th anniversary bling is sooo gorgeous! Congratulations on your anniversary, Julie!

Wow ~ awesome giveaway! You've outdone yourself. Enter me of course...I have to have a chance at that frog!

Carol said...

Congratulations on your 30th anniversary, Julie!! In this day and age that is something to be so proud of. And what a lovely ring!!

Count me in on your giveaway--so generous of you :)

Sherry :o) said...

First - prayers coming your way for all - including mom who has to keep things all together! Good luck to all, the tonsils, the shaving - and surgery, the going away to school.

I am a follower, I will mention your giveaway on my sidebar when I update tonight and I will also put in a note about your retreat. I wish I lived closer to Omaha as I would definately love to me the people I am blogging with...and other stitchers.

Have a good week Julie - my fingers are crossed for luck to be with me on the 25th! Thanks for the awesome giveaway.

Sherry :o) said...

I forgot - happy anniversary too! I love the ring, beautiful...and the ott magnifer gift is very thoughtful of your husband.

Anonymous said...

wow thats a beautiful ring!! I would have loved to even receive a card from my hubby but that him Mr. I'm not romantic at all and he's French to bout.
Lovely give away I would like to enter thanks for the chance!!

PegC said...

I'm a new follower who would love to enter your give away! Will post it on my blog:
lightening fingers...thanks--I LOVE the scissor holder
pegcoleman@fineenamels.com

astitchersheirlooms.blogspot.com said...

Congratulations upon celebrating your 30th anniversary! What a milestone, and speaking of stones, your anniversary is absolutely gorgeous!

I would love to be entered into your giveaway this month. KathyEllen

Cheryl B said...

Julie,

I have just become a follower of your blog. Please include me in the
list for the giveaway.

Kat said...

That ring!
***THUD***
Simply stunning!!!

Hope you had a wonderful anniversary! I'd love to be included in your drawing - such yummy stash!

Thanks for the chance
~Kat

Carol R said...

Great giveaway! I have become a follower please enter me into the draw

Sunshine said...

WOW! I can see why you love the ring! Congratulations! When yo do a giveaway, Wow !!! You do a giveaway!!!! I have become a follower, and I also mentioned the giveaway and the retreat on my blog. sunshinestitches.multiply.com/notes
Please enter me in your drawing!!!!

omashee aka Barb said...

Julie, what a lucky lady you are to have such a great husband. Congratulations! Your ring is stunning. Who cares what the stone is as long as you like it.
Tell your daughter that I had my tonsills out at age 26 and no horror stories here. When off without a hitch. I do remember enjoying all the jello and ice cream.
Oh please enter me in your giveaway. What wonderful goodies! I could use a good pick-me-up right now.

Linda said...

I see you have more than 6 comments now....I'm #45. I'm so glad Meari posted your blog as I have been reading your messages. Alas, I can not attend a retreat that far away....wish there were one close to me in North Texas but there never seems to be. Closest one in Tulsa I think. I'm following your blog now and glad you have so many followers. Please add me to your contest and congrats.
Linda

Chrism said...

i am a new follower and love your blog :) what a stunning ring and beautifuly anniversary gift :) I am from england and don't know if eligible for the giveaway but I enjoyed your blog anyway and will try to keep up with your posts ;)

hugs
from a not so sunny england
chris xx

Sue said...

I have just become a follower and would like to be entered in your giveaway! I will be mentioning it on my blog also.

I wish your hubby and daughter well with their procedures.

Your ring is absolutely gorgeous! It looks like an aquamarine gemstone............very pretty!

Dani - tkdchick said...

It sounds like you've had a rough time of it lately! I hope things are starting to look up!

What a fantastic gift from your hubby he sounds like a definate keeper!

Daisy said...

Hi!
It's beautiful gift you have received, congratulations on your 30th anniversary.
I'm new follower. Please add my name to draw.


Thanks for the chance

Daisy

http://manualidadesdaisy.blogspot.com/

El jardín de mis Rosas said...

Hi!

I hope everything gets better soon.
I'm a new fan. Please add my name to draw.
God bless you.

rosay36@gmail.com

Pumpkin said...

Hi Julie! I found your Blog through Terri's :o) I'm a new Follower now.

Congrats on your wedding anniversary! Gorgeous ring! Your DH has great taste ;o)

Please enter me in your giveaway. I'm hosting one myself and today is the last day so please enter if you want/can :o)

Desi said...

Hey, there! I'm a new follower and I put your blog into my blog's sidebar. That ring is just lovely--you got a good one. And the guy seems pretty decent, too!

Marjorie said...

Hi, I'm a new follower too...please include me in your giveaway! Good luck to your DD and DH too. Surgery is never fun but they'll be happy when it's over & done.

Kathy said...

Well, it sure looks like you have more than 6 comments to this posting. :)

I am now a follower and would love to enter your giveaway. I would be honored to win. And I sure wish I could attend your retreat. Can I bring Rory? :) No? Oh well. :)

You have one wonderful DH that ring is absolutely gorgeous. Happy belated Annicersary to you both. And good luck with his surgery.

Shelleen said...

my oldest commutes to college and my youngest is moving out of state to go to a trade school for 18 months. So I am in your shoes. I LOVE the ring. You are very lucky. I have been a follower of your blog for quite a while now and would love to be entered. I really want a scissors frog.

Anonymous said...

Happy Anniversary! What a beautiful ring. I just became a follower officially( I have been reading for a while now.) Thanks for the great giveaway! Beth N. (Stormybrew57@aol.com)

beth n. said...

Happy Anniversary! What a beautiful ring. I just became a follower officially( I have been reading for a while now.) Thanks for the great giveaway! Beth N. (Stormybrew57@aol.com)

Daya said...

Very nice all the presents, I'm new fan, please include my name in your drawing.

Daya

Daya said...

I posted your giveaway on my blog.

http://laboreandocondaya.blogspot.com/2010/08/lindo-sorteo.html

Thanks for the opportunity.

Deb said...

I know that getting a child off to college is a major deal - so time consuming. Mine's going off next year, but now it's all the apps and everything. So sorry to hear about your daughter and her tonsils. That is too bad that she is so scared, but I'll be praying that everything will be fine. And good wishes to Dan to. My goodness you have a lot going on.

The ring you received is beautiful - my favorite color - blue. It's stunning.

And I'd love to be entered into your giveaway. I've been a follower for a while, just a bad one. It's been busy around here lately!

Thank care!

Anonymous said...

I am a new follower and would love to be entered in your giveaway.
Concrats on your 30th and hope everything will be ok.

Greetings from Iceland
HI

Lynette said...

Ooooooo! What a giveaway to celebrate your blogging success! Not mention the beautiful stitching!
I can't decide what I would like most if I won....Oh yes I can, the scissor frog which I collect too!!

I am a follower and will advertise your giveaway on both my blogs.

http://freebeezxstitchpatterns.blogspot.com/p/giveaways.html

http://withgentlehands.blogspot.com/p/free-cross-stitch-giveaways.html

Thanks for a great blog to follow!

Jan said...

Such a wonderfully generous giveaway! Please include me and thank you for the opportunity!

I love and adore your ring, and know you must even more! Enjoy it and that sweet man of yours!

Doreen said...

Hey Julie, I missed your blog updates but jee, I had no idea of how much was going on with you!

I can't wait til the retreat and I hope that a lot of new people will go - there's just something special about stitchers and people who do artsy things.

I found another bag of goodies I bought from Reflections and the receipts just keep adding up, so I don't need anything right now. Better not put my name in this drawing - maybe the next time.

TTYS,
Doreen

Shirley said...

Congratulations on your anniversary the ring is gorgeous.
Please enter me in your giveaway - I am now a follower. kind regards, Shirley

cerato said...

Gorgeous ring!
Please enter me in your great giveaway.I´ll put your draw on my blog.
Thanks!
Hugs from Spain

Lelia said...

Fantastic giveaway - I'm a new follower : )

Siobhán said...

No need to enter me in the giveaway since I'm so late, but thanks anyway!

Prayers going out to you on the DH's skin scare... please God all will be well and his chest will heal quickly. And maybe stay fur-less. ;)

Happy belated anniversary! What a fantastic gift! She-DANG! Our 22nd wedding anniversary is tomorrow and I am pretty sure DH has not remembered at all. :P

I hope your daughter settles in well with college. Good luck with the retreat stuff, too!

Rosalba said...

hola, acabo de enterarme de tu sorteo y como a mi me gusta el punto de cruz, deseo inscribirme. tu blog me parece muy lindo y al ver que compartimos esta afición pues me quiero anotar. te invito a visitar mi blog que tiene de todo un poco. Felicidades. saludos....

p.d. lástima que no se ni jota de ingles pero como dices que se puede anotar gente de todo el mundo pues aprovevho la oportunidad.

mi blog:
mundo-rossi.blogspot.com

mis correos:
lopez375@gmail.com
rossi375@hotmail.com

Shpinelka said...

I'm a new follower. Congratulations on your anniversary! And congrats on reaching a 100 followers! Your giveaway is fabulous! Hope to win :-))
Best wishes!

Kd Brown said...

Julie, I am a new follower of your blog and am astounded with your generousity! I know this is a hard time for you but the kids always come back to visit. Thank you for the great giveaway. Pick me!