Who Will Receive The Gifts For Twelve Days of Christmas?

At last, the Twelve Days of Christmas, with all of it's beauty, is now long past and but a memory.....
Before I tell you who will be the recipients of my gifts, I want to tell all of my dear blog friends, just how much I appreciated the wonderful Christmas memories that you shared each day, and for your wonderful friendship.  You are all true blessings to me!


And now, the best is yet to come...............
 I have the extraordinary pleasure of telling you who will be receiving MY Twelve Gifts!  So that you will know that the names were chosen fairly, I used the "True Random Number Generator" for your names (each with a number) to be selected.

The First Gift of Christmas, "Oh Come All Ye Faithful"  is for Donna TN.

The Second Gift of Christmas, "Love Birds", is for Butterfly.

The Third Gift of Christmas, "Keepsake Christmas Stocking", is for Carm.

The Fourth Gift of Christmas, "Quaker Christmas Sampler", is for Carol. 

The Fifth Gift of Christmas, "Christmas Poinsettia", is for Marion. 

The Sixth Gift of Christmas, "Eloquent Christmas" Tree, is for Kaisievic (Kaye). 

The Seventh Gift of Christmas, "Angel Watching Over Me", is for Evalina. 

The Eighth Gift of Christmas, "Pure and Pleasant" Pincushion, is for Deborah. 

The Ninth Gift of Christmas, "Cross-Stitch & Needlework Magazine", is for Kat. 

The Tenth Gift of Christmas, "Country Christmas Blocks", is for Carin. 

The Eleventh Gift of Christmas, "Family Mittens", is for Marcela66. 

And last but not the least......The Twelfth Gift of Christmas, "NOEL Blanc", is for Jo.


Congratulations to all!  May you have many peaceful hours of stitching in this New Year of 2012.  I feel so blessed to have met all of you over the past few years, and I look forward to many more wonderful times of sharing our love of stitching and more in the coming year ahead.


May the threads that connect us all to one another continue to create a beautifully woven tapestry of friendship and stitching joy!

"On The Twelfth Day of Christmas....... "What Sweet Surprise is Waiting?

"On The Twelfth Day of Christmas, My True Love Gave To Me........."
My, oh my, what else could my Truest Love of All Possibly Give to Me?

Before I show you the very special gift for today, I thought that you would like to see two of my finished WIP's, that I promised myself would be finished by the beginning of 2012!

"Love Birds"
By La-D-Da
Picture This Plus Linen
Worked with Weeks & Crescent Colours Threads

When I first saw this beautiful design, I knew that I was destined to stitch it to commemorate one of  our anniversaries.
On this coming Sunday, January 8th, 2012, My True Love & I will celebrate
another wonderful year of love and happiness together!

"Family Mittens"
28 Count 'Water Lily' linen
Worked with DMC Threads


And now, my dears, there is a very special gift for today, the Twelfth Day of Christmas!
On The Twelfth Day of Christmas,
My True Love Gave to Me.....
Twelve Drummers Drumming
Eleven Pipers Piping
Ten Lords A - Leaping
Nine Ladies Dancing
Eight Maids A - Milking
Seven Swans A- Swimming
Six Geese A - Laying
FIVE GOLDEN RINGS!
Four Calling Birds
Three French Hens
Two Calling Birds
And A Partridge In A Pear Tree!!


My very special gift for ONE of you today will be......

'NOEL BLANC'
By a mon ami Pierre


If you love this beautiful gift, please leave me a comment and tell me so.
Tomorrow I will pick all of my 'gift recipients' 
and post them by Sunday morning, January 8th!


If you would like to know more information about the true meaning 
of the Twelve Days of Christmas, 
Which is Epiphany, please visit:
The Twelve Days of Christmas
or
The Twelve Days of Christmas (Carols in the UK)


Blessings to all of you, my dear friends.
Your wonderful comments I treasure, 
and look forward to hearing from you again very soon!

"On The Eleventh Day of Christmas........"

On The Eleventh Day of Christmas

My True Love Gave to Me,

Eleven Pipers Piping,

Ten Lords A - Leaping

Nine Ladies Dancing

Eight Maids A - Milking

Seven Swans A - Swimming

Six Geese A - Laying

FIVE GOLDEN RINGS!

Four Calling Birds

Three French Hens

Two Turtle Doves,

And a Partridge in a Pear Tree!

Alas, alas, my true love came to give me a very special gift today, and found me wrapped up in a quilt sipping warm sweet tea.

You see, I have the sniffles, and am not feeling quite myself today....

But My True Love said "I love you, and will take good care of you.

Now please open my gift for you today....

Sweet "Family Mittens"
By The Cricket Collection
Are these not just adorable?
Soon I will show you my own stitched version,
which will be personalized for a Family Sampler.

And now, you know how to let me know if this wonderfully wooly design
is a gift that you would truly like to receive!
Please leave me a comment
and your name will be entered for one of these lovely gifts
on January 7th.

Blessings To All,
And to All,
A Good Night, Once Again! 

"On The Tenth Day of Christmas.........."

So here we are again my dears, with the Tenth Day of Christmas, and what do you suppose my true love gave to me today?

On The Tenth Day of Christmas
My True Love Gave To Me,
Ten Lords A-Leaping
Nine Ladies A-Dancing
Eight Maids A-Milking
Seven Swans A-Swimming
Six Geese A-Laying
FIVE GOLDEN RINGS!
Four Calling Birds
Three French Hens
Two Turtle Doves,
And A Partridge In A Pear Tree!

And, so my dears, because my True Love has been so loving, kind, and generous to me,
I have a very special gift for you, on this,
The Tenth Day of Christmas!

If this special gift speaks to your heart, 
I would love to hear from you.
Please follow the guidelines,
and tell me so, 
and your name will be entered 
for the drawing, the day AFTER 
the Twelfth Day of Christmas
on January 7th, 2011.


If anyone is wondering where my stitching has been these last weeks, I assure you,
that I have been working on some small projects.  One of them is a special gift for a friend, so I can't show it to you until she receives it.


I promise that my needles are still stitching the hours away, and in the next day or so, I will post my latest project, and some of my stitching dreams too:)


For tonight, dear friends, may you all have sweet dreams, until tomorrow when we 
'Cross in Stitches With One Another Once Again'

"On The Ninth Day of Christmas......."

"On the Ninth Day of Christmas, My True Love Gave To Me.....Nine Ladies Dancing
Eight Maids A Milking


Seven Swans A Swimming
Six Geese A Laying
Five Golden Rings!
Four Calling Birds
Three French Hens
Two Turtle Doves
And a Partridge in a Pear Tree!


My goodness, but the hour is late, and this day is almost past!  Oh dear, oh dear, what shall we do? The Nine Ladies Are Still Dancing, and it is almost time to go to bed!
But wait, there is a sweet little gift lying on my table here,
and it is the Ninth Gift for the Twelve Days of Christmas!

This lovely issue will be yours for the asking, if your name is selected
in the Twelve Days of Christmas Gift Drawing
on January 7th.
So, dear ones, please follow the guidelines for telling me that you
would be ever so delighted to receive this gift, and if your name is chosen,
I will be happily telling you on January 7th!

For now, the day is about to end, and I am about to turn off the lights,
and say "Good Night, Good Night", until we meet again tomorrow.....
Sleep well.......

A New Year's Blessing For You.....And "On The Eighth Day of Christmas"

I am thankful for the Gift of Your Friendship over the past year and look forward to our journey together in the New Year of 2012.


Today is also the "Eighth Day of Christmas", on which "My True Love Gave to Me.....
Eight Maids A Milking
Seven Swans A Swimming
Six Geese A Laying
Five Golden Rings!
Four Calling Birds, Three French Hens, Two Turtle Doves, And A Partridge in A Pear Tree!"


The Eight Maids A Milking, Slept In Late Today, and Forgot to Do The Milking, Sooooooo....
My Gift  for You on This Eighth Day Will Be........

And so, dear friends, if this is a gift for which you would like to be considered,
Please remember to tell me, in your comments.......
Something about those very special MEMORIES
Of  your own Christmas and Holiday family traditions.

Praying that You and Your Loved Ones
Will Be Abundantly Blessed in the Coming Year Ahead,
That You Will Experience
Love, Peace, Contentment, and Joy To Fill Your Lives Every Day.

"For I know the plans I have for you", declares the Lord,
"Plans to prosper you and not to harm you,
Plans to give you hope and a future."
(Jeremiah 29:11 NIV)

On The Seventh Day of Christmas!

"On The Seventh Day of Christmas, My True Love Gave To Me......   Seven Swans A Swimming,
Six Geese A Laying.........
Five Golden Rings!
Four Calling Birds, Three French Hens, Two Turtle Doves, and A Partridge in a Pear Tree!"


The pond outside my window has frozen over this morning.  So,  those poor beautiful swans are not able to swim today. Instead, they are nestled, all snug and warm among the brushes.....

So, for today, my true love has given me, instead, this lovely design, for me to share with you.


For each day of the 'Twelve Days of Christmas', please tell me, in your comments, for  EACH DAY'S GIFT, if you would like for your name to be entered, for that particular gift,  for the GRANDE DRAWING ON JANUARY 6TH.  I hope that helps to clarify things a bit for everyone:)


May You All Be Blessed With A Very Joyous And Peaceful New Year in 2012.

"On The Sixth Day of Christmas"

"On the Sixth Day of Christmas, My True Love Gave To Me, Six Geese A Laying.......
Five Golden Rings!  Four Calling Birds, Three French Hens, Two Turtle Doves........
And a Partridge in A Pear Tree!"


The Six Geese Were No Where To Be Found Today, but on This Special 6th Day of Christmas,
My special gift to you is:

If This is the Gift That You Hope to Receive,
Please leave a comment for me.
I Wish You a Very Happy 6th Day of Christmas!

Blessings to You Dear Friends!

Celebration of The 12 Days of Christmas!

For our Family, the joy of  celebration began on Christmas Day, with the beginning of Epiphany, from the birth of the Baby Jesus, and continuing for 12 more Days of Christmas, through January 6th.  In our Western culture, that is when the Biblical Magi found the Baby Jesus.

We carry the love, peace and joy of our Savior's birth, in our hearts everyday, not just at Christmas.  This year, it has been a great joy to meet so many wonderful new friends, since I first began my stitching blog.  It has and continues to be a source of enrichment and sharing with each and every one of you, and it is through the beautiful threads that connect us with one another, that I have come to treasure new friendships.

"On The First Day of Christmas My True Love Gave to Me.... These lovely designs, complete with linen, threads and some lovely sewing tools!

"Quaker Christmas II" (Bygone Stitches)
Gorgeous Linen, Threads and Cute Little Sheep Needle Minder!

Three Adorable LHN Christmas /Winter Designs!

A pair of beautiful scissors
were found among the branches of
our Christmas Tree!

Recently, I came across a lovely post, written by my dear friend, Jo, who shared some wonderful Christmas photos and descriptions of her Family traditions, as part of sharing in "The 12 Days of Christmas in Blogland".
It was originally begun by Evalina, and there are several other participants too!  I decided that, even though I am a little late in starting on Day 5, it would still be fun to do.

And so, dear friends, I would like to share with you, an opportunity to receive ONE of my special gifts, that I offer to you, in celebration for each of "The Twelve Days of Christmas." 


"On The First Day of Christmas, My True Love Gave to Me....A Partridge in a Pear Tree"..... 


I don't have a Partridge in a Pear Tree for you, so I am offering:

"On The Second Day of Christmas, My True Love Gave to Me...
Two Turtle Doves, and A Partridge in A Pear Tree..."


I may not have Two Turtle Doves, but I have Two Very Special "Love Birds.."

"On The Third Day of Christmas, My True Love Gave to Me, Three French Hens,
Two Turtle Doves, and A Partridge in A Pear Tree!"


My goodness, but I don't happen to have Three French Hens, but I can offer you:

"On The Fourth Day of Christmas, My True Love Gave To Me..... Four Calling Birds,
Three French Hens, Two Turtle Doves and A Partridge In a Pear Tree!"  


Since I don't happen to have room for Four Calling Birds This Christmas, My gift to you will be:

"On The Fifth Day of Christmas, My True Love Gave to Me......Five Golden Rings!
Four Calling Birds, Three French Hens, Two Turtle Doves, and a Partridge in A Pear Tree!"


I searched and searched, in vain, but alas... My Five Golden Rings cannot be found anywhere, and so I must offer you this lovely "Christmas Poinsettia Sampler" instead, with FIVE little treasures!

FIVE Delightful Treasures To Stitch!
A Sampler, Needleroll, Ornament, Tin Cover and A Gift Bag Set too!

To receive one of my gifts, this what you will need to do:
*Share, in your comments, something special about your own family traditions.
*Please tell me that you are one of my dear followers.
*Tell me, for which Day and Gift, you wish to enter, for your name to be selected for ONE of my gifts.
*If you don't have a blog, please be sure that I have your email address so that I can contact you.
*All Entries Must Be Received by January 6th @ Midnight.  I will draw the names of my Gift Recipients on January 7th, and notify the Lucky Recipients!


For tonight, I leave you with this sweet little prayer, that I recently found tucked away in my childhood Bible:  
                                        " A Little Prayer Especially for You"
"May warm sun shine upon your day, and stars light up your night.
May you always know the road to take, when the forks turn left and right.


May roses shed their fragrance, And birds sing all the way.
As good friends walk beside you, to add joy to every day.


May all of life's little shadows, Be brightened from above,
And your heart feel all of the happiness of our Heavenly Father's Love."


Blessings to All of You Sweet Friends!

A Lovely "Vintage Christmas" Design Giveaway

This is a lovely design, called "Vintage Christmas", being offered by Carin, Stitches by Carin, in a very special giveaway.  Please check out her wonderful stitching blog, (on the December 19th post), for details about her drawing on Jan. 1st, 2012.

Isn't this a truly sweet design?  I love it and would be so thrilled to have it, wouldn't you?


Blessings in Stitches to You Dear Friends!

Christmas Blessings, Dear Friends!

From Our House to Yours.....

We Wish You A Very Peaceful & Beautiful Christmas!

                             

                            
                                     Noel, Noel, Noel, Noel!  

This month, as we prepared our hearts in Advent, for the celebration of our Savior's birth on Christmas Day, we have also prayed for another miracle.  Our oldest son, Ryan, who was born on Christmas Eve, was stricken very ill in early December, and hospitalized in serious condition.  Praise God, that, Ryan was discharged in stable, but weakened condition yesterday!  We are so thankful for the many prayers offered for his recovery and that he will now join our family in celebration of both, his birthday and Christmas Day!

As you can imagine, I have not been able to concentrate very well this month, and all of my stitching projects were put away, except for one or two ornaments that I stitched in some peaceful moments.

"Joy"
Jeanette Douglas
Just Cross Stitch Magazine 2010

This beautiful ornament arrived in the mail
yesterday from my very dear stitching friend, Donna.

Isn't the back of Donna's ornament just beautiful?
I love the beautiful silver snowflake!
Thank you so much, Donna!  Hugs!

Design by Emie Bishop

The "Hidden Gift of Christmas"
Tucked among the branches of 
Our Christmas Tree.

On that First Christmas, so long ago, "The goodness & loving kindness of God our Savior appeared" (Titus3:4), born in a lowly manger.  The humble shepherds, keeping watch over their sheep, by night, recognized their Savior, and came with their sheep, and bowed down before Him, giving thanks to God.  
May you be blessed, as you celebrate the miracle of our precious Savior's birth, this Christmas.  God Bless You Always!

Advent...A Season of Miracles & Blessings

For me, the Season of Advent is the most special and beautiful time of all before Christmas.  I have even foregone much of the traditional Christmas shopping, and try to stay away from crowds and crazy malls.  It is in the most peaceful and quiet moments that I try to savour the beauty and wonder of Christmas coming.


When I think of the celebrations of Christmas, my very favorite time is that of Advent, the days and weeks leading up to the celebration of the birth of our Savior, Jesus Christ, on Christmas Day.  Our family has always loved pulling out our Advent Wreath, and placing it in the center of our dining room table, on the first Sunday of Advent.  

Last Sunday, we lit the first candle, the candle of "Hope", on our Advent wreath.  In years past, when our children were growing up, we always lit the candles for each week, every night after supper, and read from an Advent devotional, and then sung one of our favorite Christmas hymns.  It was a very special and blessed time for all of us, and now, my husband and I continue to enjoy the daily Advent reading, lighting of the candles and singing a Christmas hymn together.  


"Hope in Hard Times" was the title of one of the daily Advent devotionals this week.  "How appropriate", I recalled  saying to my husband.  In these very difficult times, sometimes it is not an easy thing to 'keep on hoping and praying', because we feel so helpless at times to make a difference, but we know that when we have faith and hope, and trust that our prayers are being heard, we have everything.  We have HOPE for today and tomorrow and for the future.  For with God, "all things are possible."



Although a little later than I had hoped to start some of my Christmas stitching,  I have enjoyed pulling out some of my JCS Ornament Issues, as well as the current 2011 one, and started this piece this week.  

"Christmas Joy"
By Cherished Stitches
JCS 2009 Ornament Issue

  I apologize for not having more to show you this time, but after Thanksgiving,  it was time to put things away after all of the company went home.  I had already picked out the ornaments that I would love to stitch, so it was just time spent "shopping in my closet" for the right linens and threads.  Now, at last, I can settle in with my favorite cups of tea, and stitch away to my heart's content!  

As this week comes to a close today and a new week dawns tomorrow, may you be blessed with the hope, peace, faith and love of Advent in your hearts and homes everywhere.


Blessings To You, My Dear Friends! 

GIVING THANKS

Today, all across America, in millions of homes, we celebrated a very special day of Thanksgiving, as we joined together, with our dear families and friends, enjoying our traditional Turkey dinners, complimented by the fruits of our abundant harvests.  


As my husband and I prepared our Thanksgiving dinner, I kept humming the first line of a favorite hymn, which holds my true feelings of  thankfulness for the abundant blessings of God:  "Give thanks with a grateful heart....." It is truly, with a very grateful heart, that I am thankful for a very loving God, who blesses us greatly in so many ways, too numerous to count.  


Over the past weeks, as I attempted to enjoy some quiet hours working  two of my favorite autumn pieces, my arthritis flared up in my right hand, and it was so painful taking any stitches at all.  Using a heat pack to warm up my hand, so that I could get some relief, I was able to stitch, but my progress was slow for almost a week.  Hence, "Gobble" is only three quarters finished.

"Gobble"
Plum Street Samplers

I decided to find a clever way to display my "Work in Progress", by folding it over the frame in which it will be placed when it is truly finished.  After all, Mr. "Gobble" must be proudly displayed on Thanksgiving!

  Mr. "Gobble", amidst two favorite Autumn Harvest pieces.


As the day draws to a close, the turkey and a wonderful assortment of goodies are put away, it is time to finally rest from the days' events of memories with those so dear to us.  And once again, I pause, and "give thanks, Oh Lord, with my whole heart!" (Psalm 138:1)


Blessings to you, dear friends, wherever you are at this moment, and every day hereafter.

THE AUTUMN LEAVES DRIFT PAST MY WINDOW....

"The autumn leaves drift past my window, the autumn leaves of red and gold..."  In case you haven't guessed, autumn is one of my very favorite seasons.  I love the beautiful changing colours of all the autumn leaves, the crisp, woody, fruited scents that fill the air, and the blessings of God's most bountious harvest.  Hence comes my inspiration to stitch a variety of autumn themed needlework over the years.  This year is no different!

Mary McLenon-Turley's "Autumn Harvest"
Just Cross-Stitch Magazine (Sept./October 2011)

Bringing in Lacy Corn Stalks

Oh, The Glorious Colors of Autumn!


This is a really enjoyable piece to stitch because it features some specialty stitches  and some wonderful overdyed threads for a real boost of colour!  It can be finished as a framed piece or a needleroll.  Watch for further updates to see how I will be finishing this great autumn piece.


This weekend my husband and I took a road trip to visit a new needlework shop, which was fun, and, of course, I came home with some new stash.  Just couldn't resist.  You know how that goes:)  Here are my newest acquisitions.  

Of course, my heart's desire is to be able to stitch all of these beauties in time for Christmas.  While  I realize that is beyond realistic, it will be great fun to fill some special hours with the sheer joy of peacefully stitching whatever I am able to accomplish.  


Savoring the sweetness of Advent before Christmas is really my very favorite time of the Christmas Season.  For it is in the anticipation of the celebration of the birth of our Precious Savior, that the truest joy on earth can be found.


May you be blessed this week with the many blessings of God that we all share.  
"For I take joy in doing your will, my God.  For your law is written on my heart"
(Psalm 40:8)


Until our lives cross one another once again....
Crossing in Stitches & Blessings With You!