Wednesday, 24 December 2014
Merry Christmas!
In my house it is a tradition to either go to the Christmas Night Service in church or watch Christmas Carols on the BBC. This year it was the latter, since Girl2 has the flu.
From my house to yours: Merry Christmas!!
Sunday, 14 December 2014
Life update!
It has been way too long ago since my last posting. Lots has happened.
In my last posting I wrote about Girl2 moving in with us in September. Well, that didn't happen as planned. The witch decided it was in her own best interest to sue against the decision of CPS. (So typical, her interest has been more important than the interest of her children, allthough she swears she is the Perfect Mother. Weird, since her oldest child - Girl1 - was decided by CPS to be safe in our care and the custody of her youngest two children by her latest ex-partner was awared to her latest ex-partner. But anyway.) So we (well the Mr.) went to court in September, where the witch convinced the judge to hear Girl2. She also crowed the Mr. could see Girl2 anytime when she (the witch) got custody, since he was now paying so many things for Girl2.
In my country a judge can only hear a child in a custody case when it's 12 years or older. Girl2 is 11. The judge heard Girl2 in October, who ofcourse said she didn't want to live with daddy, because daddy lives in another town so many miles away. But judge also saw a girl behaving in a weird way.
In October the Mr. went to court again, thinking the judge would rule. Well, she didn't that day and said the ruling could take another month. The Mr. ofcourse didn't like this, but couldn't do anything against it. Then, a day later we got a call from our lawyer. The ruling would be sent to her office on Friday! That Friday we were so nervous! We called our lawyer but heard the judge had sent the ruling by snailmail and it would be delivered on a Monday! We were so disappointed and called CPS to see if they could reach the judge. No one could do something for us, we were told. So we were a bit lost. School was out for a week and Girl2 would spent the week with us. We were hoping for a positive ruling so Girl2 could move in that week and start at the new school.
We were so done with it all and the Mr. was ready to go away for a few days. The Mr. lost his job in August, but found a new one that started at the end of October. We needed a few days with the four of us, just relaxing! So we booked a weekend away at a holiday park.
That afternoon, I went to pick up Girl1 from school. As I told her teacher it was a nerve wrecking day because of the ruling, my telephone went off. It was the Mr. who told me to start celebrating, the ruling got in and it was positive!! I was so relieved I alsmost cried! I hugged Girl1 who didn't understand what was happening. It literally felt like a huge weight was taken off my shoulders! Chills everywhere!
We couldn't celebrate too much that day, because CPS had told us they would tell Girl2 the news. She was told the following Wednesday. She wasn't that sad, but she did start to cry when she was told she would be placed in a lower year (say from year 5 she was put back to year 4). We did this, because she was in her last year of primary education and her school results were bad. The witch didn't want this to happen but the judge ruled for it.
So that weekend we went to a holiday park with the four of us. It was heaven! We were in the indoor swimming pool all day long and had lots of fun! The Monday Girl2 went to her old school to tell them the news and on Tuesday her new school started! The Mr. was still at home, his job would start a week later so this gave us some time to get her used to all of it.
After the first week the Mr. started his new job and my new life began. I work closer to home than he does, so I'm the one responsible to get Girl2 to school in time!
Two months later I can say it has been a lot easier than I feared! So far we haven't had too much negative attitude. I do notice Girl2 is crunching her teeth so bad after she has spent time with the witch (2 days a month). But she listens to us, helps around, works hard at school (and is progressing!!) and is a sweet girl. We are still careful around her (she has been the witches spy for a while, we don't know whether she still is), but life is better now!
This posting is just the tip of the iceberg of what has happened to me and my family for the past year and a half. Lots of negativity took a lot of energy away from stitching. I'm slowly picking it up but don't think I will be stitching like I used to (every spare moment of the day).
This being said, here's what I did on the Permin Sampler!
A beautiful flower and equally beautiful peacock!
I'm not going to promise anything about posting more ;-) but I hope to come on here soon!
In my last posting I wrote about Girl2 moving in with us in September. Well, that didn't happen as planned. The witch decided it was in her own best interest to sue against the decision of CPS. (So typical, her interest has been more important than the interest of her children, allthough she swears she is the Perfect Mother. Weird, since her oldest child - Girl1 - was decided by CPS to be safe in our care and the custody of her youngest two children by her latest ex-partner was awared to her latest ex-partner. But anyway.) So we (well the Mr.) went to court in September, where the witch convinced the judge to hear Girl2. She also crowed the Mr. could see Girl2 anytime when she (the witch) got custody, since he was now paying so many things for Girl2.
In my country a judge can only hear a child in a custody case when it's 12 years or older. Girl2 is 11. The judge heard Girl2 in October, who ofcourse said she didn't want to live with daddy, because daddy lives in another town so many miles away. But judge also saw a girl behaving in a weird way.
In October the Mr. went to court again, thinking the judge would rule. Well, she didn't that day and said the ruling could take another month. The Mr. ofcourse didn't like this, but couldn't do anything against it. Then, a day later we got a call from our lawyer. The ruling would be sent to her office on Friday! That Friday we were so nervous! We called our lawyer but heard the judge had sent the ruling by snailmail and it would be delivered on a Monday! We were so disappointed and called CPS to see if they could reach the judge. No one could do something for us, we were told. So we were a bit lost. School was out for a week and Girl2 would spent the week with us. We were hoping for a positive ruling so Girl2 could move in that week and start at the new school.
We were so done with it all and the Mr. was ready to go away for a few days. The Mr. lost his job in August, but found a new one that started at the end of October. We needed a few days with the four of us, just relaxing! So we booked a weekend away at a holiday park.
That afternoon, I went to pick up Girl1 from school. As I told her teacher it was a nerve wrecking day because of the ruling, my telephone went off. It was the Mr. who told me to start celebrating, the ruling got in and it was positive!! I was so relieved I alsmost cried! I hugged Girl1 who didn't understand what was happening. It literally felt like a huge weight was taken off my shoulders! Chills everywhere!
We couldn't celebrate too much that day, because CPS had told us they would tell Girl2 the news. She was told the following Wednesday. She wasn't that sad, but she did start to cry when she was told she would be placed in a lower year (say from year 5 she was put back to year 4). We did this, because she was in her last year of primary education and her school results were bad. The witch didn't want this to happen but the judge ruled for it.
So that weekend we went to a holiday park with the four of us. It was heaven! We were in the indoor swimming pool all day long and had lots of fun! The Monday Girl2 went to her old school to tell them the news and on Tuesday her new school started! The Mr. was still at home, his job would start a week later so this gave us some time to get her used to all of it.
After the first week the Mr. started his new job and my new life began. I work closer to home than he does, so I'm the one responsible to get Girl2 to school in time!
Two months later I can say it has been a lot easier than I feared! So far we haven't had too much negative attitude. I do notice Girl2 is crunching her teeth so bad after she has spent time with the witch (2 days a month). But she listens to us, helps around, works hard at school (and is progressing!!) and is a sweet girl. We are still careful around her (she has been the witches spy for a while, we don't know whether she still is), but life is better now!
This posting is just the tip of the iceberg of what has happened to me and my family for the past year and a half. Lots of negativity took a lot of energy away from stitching. I'm slowly picking it up but don't think I will be stitching like I used to (every spare moment of the day).
This being said, here's what I did on the Permin Sampler!
I'm not going to promise anything about posting more ;-) but I hope to come on here soon!
Saturday, 16 August 2014
Update Permin Sampler 5
My last update was two months ago, where did the time go?
Since the last update I have worked hard on restoring my work-life balance and my stress levels. The therapy has helped tremendously and I am stronger than ever. I only have a couple of appointments to go. I am grateful for the opportunities my employer gave me to work on myself.
Life is slowly returning to a new normal. I took a few weeks off and we are enjoying the time together. We love to hang out on our new sofa!
In September, Girl2 will move in with us. It will end an emotional journey but will start a new one! Pre-puberty anyone?
In the mean time I have been stitching a bit on the Permin Sampler. Butterfly Wood has been neglected the last months.
I've also joined a Dutch Facebook group dedicated to stitching the Dear Jane! Dear Jane originally is a quilt designed by Jane Stickles and is very famous around the world. Someone translated the quilt to a free cross stitch pattern and it is now a huge hit in the Netherlands!
I haven't started it yet, I'm still thinking about colors and stuff. I really like a rainbow Dear Jane. (picture taken from fiddletails.com)
After I finish the Permin Sampler, this will be my new Stitch 'n Bitch project!
Since the last update I have worked hard on restoring my work-life balance and my stress levels. The therapy has helped tremendously and I am stronger than ever. I only have a couple of appointments to go. I am grateful for the opportunities my employer gave me to work on myself.
Life is slowly returning to a new normal. I took a few weeks off and we are enjoying the time together. We love to hang out on our new sofa!
In September, Girl2 will move in with us. It will end an emotional journey but will start a new one! Pre-puberty anyone?
In the mean time I have been stitching a bit on the Permin Sampler. Butterfly Wood has been neglected the last months.
I've also joined a Dutch Facebook group dedicated to stitching the Dear Jane! Dear Jane originally is a quilt designed by Jane Stickles and is very famous around the world. Someone translated the quilt to a free cross stitch pattern and it is now a huge hit in the Netherlands!
I haven't started it yet, I'm still thinking about colors and stuff. I really like a rainbow Dear Jane. (picture taken from fiddletails.com)
After I finish the Permin Sampler, this will be my new Stitch 'n Bitch project!
Friday, 6 June 2014
Update Butterfly Wood 9 and Permin Sampler 4
Goodmorning!
Lots has happened these past weeks!
1. Girl2 celebrated her 11th birthday. Together we baked a chocolate cake from scratch (first time for me!) and it was a success. Dad (the Mr) and stepdad organized her party and everybody loved it. I was so proud of the Mr!
2. I started therapy and I am working hard in restoring the balance in my life. It is not easy, but I feel that this is the right time for me.
3. We ordered a new sofa, one that can fit two adults and two teens. Am so excited about that!! Only thing I need to order now is a wider arm for my workstand (the armrests of the sofa are much wider).
I did cross stitch too but not very much. Look at all of my butterflies!!!
And don't you just love this sampler? I must confess this one got lots more attention than Butterfly Woods. It is a quite Catholic sampler I think, with the Lamb of God:
It's time for my lunch now. This weekend's weather forecast looks promising (very warm!) so I can't wait for it!
Untill next time!
Lots has happened these past weeks!
1. Girl2 celebrated her 11th birthday. Together we baked a chocolate cake from scratch (first time for me!) and it was a success. Dad (the Mr) and stepdad organized her party and everybody loved it. I was so proud of the Mr!
2. I started therapy and I am working hard in restoring the balance in my life. It is not easy, but I feel that this is the right time for me.
3. We ordered a new sofa, one that can fit two adults and two teens. Am so excited about that!! Only thing I need to order now is a wider arm for my workstand (the armrests of the sofa are much wider).
I did cross stitch too but not very much. Look at all of my butterflies!!!
And don't you just love this sampler? I must confess this one got lots more attention than Butterfly Woods. It is a quite Catholic sampler I think, with the Lamb of God:
It's time for my lunch now. This weekend's weather forecast looks promising (very warm!) so I can't wait for it!
Untill next time!
Sunday, 13 April 2014
Update Butterfly Wood 8 and Permin Sampler 3
Goodmorning!
So I got up early today. Girl1 was awake and was enjoying herself tremendously in the big bed of daddy and Liesbeth but we weren't too happy about that LOL. So now I am downstairs with her, watching children's tv. Daddy's still in bed. Lucky him haha.
Children's tv is kind of boring so this is the perfect time to upload my pictures and write a blog post!
First: Butterfly Wood. I finished the first 4 pages...
and started the next one:
The Permin Sampler has been calling my name often. It is hard to put it away after my weekly Stitch 'n Bitch night!!
That's it for now! Enjoy this Sunday (the weather here is looking lovely!) and see you next time!
So I got up early today. Girl1 was awake and was enjoying herself tremendously in the big bed of daddy and Liesbeth but we weren't too happy about that LOL. So now I am downstairs with her, watching children's tv. Daddy's still in bed. Lucky him haha.
Children's tv is kind of boring so this is the perfect time to upload my pictures and write a blog post!
First: Butterfly Wood. I finished the first 4 pages...
The Permin Sampler has been calling my name often. It is hard to put it away after my weekly Stitch 'n Bitch night!!
That's it for now! Enjoy this Sunday (the weather here is looking lovely!) and see you next time!
Thursday, 13 March 2014
Update Permin Sampler 1724 2
This week I got a bit stressed out at work. Basically I fell apart. Sigh. So I went home and told my temp boss (my real one was on a business trip) that I wouldn't be at work for the rest of the week. I am so thankful he understood why and agreed with me! In the almost 10 years I have been working I have never had a bad review or taking sick days, so I do have a lot of credit.
So this week I have done some soul searching and have been taking care of me. It's hard but I'm ok. This is a wake up call for me. I'm going to change some things in my life. Step by step. I will get there.
Yesterday was my weekly Stitch 'n Bitch. It was nice to be there. I worked on the Permin Sampler. I confess, since I took the last picture I worked on it some more. I finished all the pink, the light green of the basket and all of the dark green. Yesterday I worked on the grey green (the grapes). This morning I took a picture:
I really like working on two very different pieces!
No update for Butterfly Wood. Nina asked me if I'm getting to the big butterflies yet. Unfortunately not! I am working from left to right, so the next 4 pages (my frame shows 4 pages) will be trees. I don't think it's a lot of confetti (here's to hoping!) so I hope to be flying through these pages.
Untill next time my friends!!
Thursday, 6 March 2014
Update Butterfly Wood 7 and new start: Permin sampler 1724!
Hello dear readers, long time no see!
It's not like I didn't do anything the past two months. I just didn't feel like updating. There's still lots going on here. It's not something I'd like to share online, especially since we're still in the middle of it.
Anyways, back to stitching!
I'm in love with my floor stand. It is the best tool I've bought in a long time, seriously!
So what have I done?
I've nearly finished the 4th page of Butterfly Wood:
Every Wednesday I'm going to the Stitch 'n Bitch club. I absolutely love it. In the past few months I worked on small things, cute things. Nice but Sampler 1724 by Permin was calling my name! Yesterday night I took up my needle and started the darn thing! It came with a lovely linen, I forgot how nice it is to work on linen!! It is also nice to work on something completely different than a HAED.
Well, hopefully my next update will be sooner!!
It's not like I didn't do anything the past two months. I just didn't feel like updating. There's still lots going on here. It's not something I'd like to share online, especially since we're still in the middle of it.
Anyways, back to stitching!
I'm in love with my floor stand. It is the best tool I've bought in a long time, seriously!
So what have I done?
I've nearly finished the 4th page of Butterfly Wood:
Every Wednesday I'm going to the Stitch 'n Bitch club. I absolutely love it. In the past few months I worked on small things, cute things. Nice but Sampler 1724 by Permin was calling my name! Yesterday night I took up my needle and started the darn thing! It came with a lovely linen, I forgot how nice it is to work on linen!! It is also nice to work on something completely different than a HAED.
Well, hopefully my next update will be sooner!!
Thursday, 16 January 2014
I gave in
and ordered a workstand! I hit the 'order' button on a Thursday and it was delivered this Tuesday.
It was killing me to keep it closed till after dinner!
But then...
And after assembly:
This is the tallest the stand goes, unfortunately it is a little to low to use next to my dining table. And I think I will have to order an wider 'L' bar. But I am so happy already! It gives my shoulder a lot of rest!!
And yes, I finished my third page! I'll try to get a better picture this weekend.
It was killing me to keep it closed till after dinner!
But then...
And after assembly:
And yes, I finished my third page! I'll try to get a better picture this weekend.
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