First Snow 2012

We had our first major snow this past week.  I've been wanting to go outside and take some photos, but with my foot/ankle still healing it is difficult.  However, yesterday after we got home from lunch out for my little brother's birthday lunch I decided to walk around the house and take a few pictures.  A little bit of exercise is good for me, as long as I don't do too much.  So, I walked around the house and out back by the historical society buildings to get a few pretty snow shots.  I really love them and was just pleased to be out and taking photos.  I really miss having the opportunity to do that.  I have taken some pictures in the past month of family and such; but nature photography is really my favorite thing to do.  I am fervently praying that in the next month I will be released back to work and able to start walking more and get outside.  (Not just for photography, but to go home, lose weight, etc.  It's been 6 months almost!)

Anyway, here are my photos.  I am in love with them, but I think my eye is a little skewed right now just because I was so desperate to post and take some pictures.  I hope you like them!  Enjoy!

Embroidery Projects

Since I've had so much time on my hand one of my main gifts for Christmas this year was making embroidery pieces.  I made 8 in total for 7 different people.  I feel a little strange today not having something to work on, even though I've been dying to finish all of them.  Strange.

Anyway, I thought I would share the photos of my pieces with you now that they have all been gifted.  I am rather proud of them, even if they aren't perfect.  (And Kayla would gladly point out the part of one of my pieces that has a mistake.  I must remember not to tell her things like that.  She has a wicked memory and loves to share those things.)

Hope you like the photos and my attempts at 'creativity.'  I am putting the links for patterns that I was able to get for free so that you can make them too and to give credit where credit is due!  You can also find all of the free patterns on my Pinterest Sew like the wind: Embroidery Board.  My Pinterest is just listed under my name, April Bumgardner.

This one was made for my sister-in-law Angela.  I found the base balloon pattern here.  I then got creative with my own unique patterns for the balloons.

This one was made for my cousin Charlene.  It was the first one I finished and was a new type of embroidery for me that it was on a VERY heavily patterned fabric.  I found the dress pattern here.

This was made for my Aunt Eileen.  This was also a major experiment for me.  I stitched this onto scrapbook paper.  It was a bit harder than I thought, but the overall effect came out so neat I ended up doing 2 other projects on scrapbook paper.  (One was made for my niece for her birthday.)  I found the pattern for this design here.

Kayla, my niece, helped me pick this pattern out for her mom, my sister-in-law Megan.  The M can be either Megan or Mom.  The original pattern did not have all of the vines, but I felt it was a little lacking and added to it.  The base pattern was found here.

My cousin Michelle loves irises.  So, when I saw this pattern I knew I had to make it.  I really like the way this came out, even if all the satin stitching was a bit painful.  It was so worth the effect!  I found this pattern here.

This was another major experiment.  I made this design on scrapbook paper and added real buttons to the piece.  My Mom is obsessed with button crafts lately, so I thought it was perfect.  I really love the way this came out.  I think it is my favorite.  I found the pattern on this site.

This last design was for my Dad.  It is the only pattern of these that I actually purchased.  I just loved it though and thought it was perfect for him.  I purchased it from Urban Threads along with several other patterns that I will be working on for myself and others in the near future.

I have to say in closing how appreciative I am of all the wonderful people who post great free patterns.  I have no drawing ability and people who make these patterns and post them for use are wonderful.  Thanks so much for making my gift giving easy and affordable!

Elf-on-the-Shelf: Wrapping

I am understanding a little more now why Max is an Elf-in-Training to be an Elf-on-the-Shelf instead of, say, a wrapping elf.  We went out for a little bit tonight as I haven't been out of the house since Monday and wanted to get something at the store.  When we got home I found the scene below:

Evidently Max was feeling a little remorse over the past couple of days when he got into some mischief.  I appreciate his effort to help.  However, he really isn't good at wrapping; he had himself all taped up; and I had to undo everything.  But, as they say, it is the thought that counts.  Thanks Max!

I hope you're enjoying our adventures together and my photos!  Merry Christmas!

Elf-on-the-Shelf: Popcorn and White Christmas

Max, Max, Max, Max, Max!  This Elf is being ornery!  Yesterday I should have learned my lesson.  I didn't and neither did he!  I changed the password on my cell phone, but didn't think to change the password on my laptop.  Since they were both the same, Max got on my laptop.

Tonight my nephews came over to be with us.  While we were upstairs toward the end of the evening Max really went all out.  We must have been making a lot of noise because I didn't hear a thing.  He popped a bag of popcorn, moved the baby's swing, set up the laptop on the recliner, and started a movie on Netflix!  When I came downstairs he was gently swinging in the swing, on a blanket, with a bowl of popcorn, watching 'White Christmas.'  Now I need to change the password on my laptop too!

I wrote a quick email to Santa to let him know what Max has been up to.  I don't mind too much but, I don't want him to go any further and if he is going to be going to some child's house next year, he needs to shape up a bit.  Oh Max! 

Well, he is in bed; early again and I am going to try to work on some Christmas presents!  I have included a couple of pictures of the 'brat' in action!  Don't laugh; he's in trouble!  Merry Christmas!

Elf-on-the-Shelf: Pinning

Evidently Max is familiar with technology.  I would not have expected it but I found it to be true.  And he must have been watching me while I was on my phone because somehow he figured out my password...

This afternoon, I went upstairs for a little bit and when I came back down I found Max sitting on the couch with my phone open, on the mobile Pinterest site.  Guess what he was looking at?  Candy canes.  Pins about candy canes.  There were a lot and they were interesting, but I am not comfortable with this little Elf playing with my phone.  Who knows what he could have done!  Heaven forbid he get on my mobile Amazon site.  He could have gone crazy with one-click purchasing!

So, now I have put Max to bed early with a firm talking to and am going to change the password on my phone.  This Elf thing is turning out to be more challenging than I thought...

Enjoy the picture of Max anyway (even if he is getting into trouble) and Merry Christmas!

Elf-on-the-Shelf: Climbing?

This morning Max wasn't on the washing machine where he normally is.  I was worried.  Did he forget to come back?  Was he somewhere in the house up to something?  Where was he? 

Well, it didn't take me long to find out.  Before I went to search for clues I needed to head into the bathroom to clean up and get started for the day.  As soon as I walked in the door I spotted him.  Evidently Max decided to do a  little climbing.  The theme in the downstairs bathroom is an ocean theme and there is 'fishing net' that hangs on the wall with various things in it.  One of the things hanging in it this morning was Max.  He looked like he was a bit stuck.  His arm and leg were both twisted in the rope.  I wish I knew how long he had been there. 

I wanted to be upset with him, but something tells me he was probably regretting trying to climb up the net and getting stuck.  It was probably a pretty scary thing!   What an Elf!  Oh well, hope you have a good day and enjoy this picture of Max climbing in the bathroom.  Merry Christmas!

Elf-on-the-Shelf: A Note

This morning was a delightful surprise!  Max brought a note back for me!  It looks like he wrote it himself and he even drew me a tree!  It is so sweet and I am not as frustrated about having to clean up some of his messes.  He may be a little bit of a rascal, but he really is cute! 

This morning Max was on the washing machine as he has been the last several mornings and he had this note with him.  Isn't it sweet?

My day has started out really nice and I hope your has (did) too! Now I have to work on studying since he has reminded me (my niece has been on me about it too) and write up my Christmas list!  Merry Christmas!

Elf-on-the-Shelf: and the Barbies

Today Dad and I had to do some traveling.  Since I am not allowed to drive because of my injury, my father has to take me around.  Anyway, we left in the morning to go to Athens so that I could check on my house, get the mail, pick up some medications, etc.  Then we had to get to Columbus for a doctor's appointment that I had scheduled. 

I was a little nervous.  Leaving all day like that meant leaving Max alone in the house for the entire day.  Would he be able to handle it?  He had done a good job the day before, so I was willing to trust him.  Sunday night I laid him down on the chair to sleep and in the morning he was on the washing machine again.  I guess that must be his designated return spot in the house.  I put him back on the chair before we left and told him to be good.

When we got home, this is what I found...

Evidently Max was bored.  He must have needed some company and something fun to do.  He and the Barbies were playing my Barbie Queen of the Prom board game.  He wasn't winning, but he seemed to be doing well.  There didn't seemed to be anything else out of place in the house; so all-in-all he wasn't too bad.  I will just say I don't like having to clean up after him but I have a feeling this may be something I have to work on with him (and have to get used to!)

Well, I hope you enjoy my photo for the day.  Max sure is making things lively around here!  Merry Christmas!

Elf-on-the-Shelf: Frosty the Snowman

Today is Max's second day with me.  We had a nice quiet night and I am assuming he went back to the North Pole over night at some point. I didn't have a note or anything from Santa; but I'm not expecting too much.  I will say that I am pretty sure he did go somewhere as I laid him down on the recliner to 'sleep' again, with a stern warning about parties, and in the morning he was sitting on the washing machine. I didn't find anything out of place, so as of now I am not concerned.

This afternoon though, Max seemed to get restless.  While I was upstairs for a while he must have been looking for something fun to do.  When I came back down stairs I found him reading a book.  Check out my pictures below!

This is a really old copy of 'Frosty the Snowman' that my Mom got a few weeks ago.  He really seemed to be enjoying it.  I was a little frustrated when I saw that he had gotten into the candy again; but I won't make a big deal about that.  He sure looks cute reading his book!

Anyway, hope you like Max's picture for today.  He had a good day and I hope he keeps it up!  Merry Christmas!

Elf-on-the-Shelf: Max Arrived...

At about 5:30 this morning I woke up to a strange sound.  I laid in bed for a moment and listened.  The sound of tinkling Christmas music was coming from the opposite side of the wall.  I was rather confused, and a little nervous.  However, I knew I needed to check it out; and I wanted to go back to sleep. 

So, I got out of bed and went to see what was going on.  Boy was I in for a surprise!  Max, the Elf-in-Training had arrived.  He didn't just show up and sit on a shelf and bring a note to say hello.  No, he decided to have a party.  With several of the Christmas ornaments and decorations from around the house. A full-out party with snacks, music, a Christmas Tree, and games!  He must be a creative Elf! 

Anyway, as soon as I came around the corner it seemed 'everyone' froze in there spot, but the music that was coming from a snow globe played on.  I quickly cleaned up the snacks, boxed up the ornaments and decorations to be put back in their proper places in the morning and took Max to settle down for the rest of the night.  I told him, rather sternly, that it was the middle of the night and that we do not party and wake people up in the middle of the night.  I laid him down on the recliner, covered him with a blanket and prayed he would sleep for the rest of the night without causing further mischief!

Before I cleaned everything up, I did get a photo of Max and his new 'friends.'  It did look like they were having fun.  I just hope they don't wake me up again and that maybe they can clean up after themselves next time!

Well, I hope you enjoy this first picture of Max.  He is a cute little Elf.  He is very different from the other Elves-on-the-Shelf that my niece and nephews have, but I suppose just like people Elves come in all sizes, shapes and colors!  Happy December and Merry Christmas!

As you can see Max and some of the party goers were playing dice.  Others were enjoying refreshments: marshmallows, chocolates, whipped cream and peppermints!  They event had jingle bells to play to go along with the music from the snow globe!

Max the Elf-in-Training (and friends!)

Elf-In-Training: Letter from Santa!!!!!

Wow!  I am beyond excited.  Today I got a letter in the mail and I can hardly contain myself!  It was from Santa!  He has enlisted my help to train an Elf-on-the-Shelf!  I feel so privileged!  I felt since I have been asked to do this that I would share my adventures with my Elf here with all of you.  Specifically so that my niece, nephews, and my friend's children from across the state and country can see what my elf is up to throughout the month.

So, I will post pictures daily of what my elf is doing (his name is Max!)  Below I've included my first picture of the letter that I received from Santa!  I can't wait until Max arrives and we get to spend some time together!  Let me know if you have an Elf that comes to visit you and what type of things he/she does at your house!  (I'll post the script of the letter below since it might be hard to read on the actual letter.  There is a lot of glitter on it!)

November 26, 2012

Dear Ms. Bumgardner;

I hope this letter finds you doing well.  I know you have been injured and I sincerely hope that you are healing.  Part of my reason for writing you however, is due to your injury.  Since you are currently not working and away from the children that you normally care for I wanted to write and ask you a special favor. 

Each year I send out thousands of Elves to keep watch over boys and girls all over the world.  They help me to keep track of these children and then report back to me on each child’s individual behavior.  I then am able to decide if the children have been good boys or girls and should receive Christmas gifts from me.

Since I am responsible for so many children it requires me to have a large working force of elves.  This year I have many new elves who are in training.  Due to your special skills in child care and  as an Aunt, I have selected you to be an Elf Trainer.  I will be sending one of my Elves-In-Training to come to your house from the night of December 1st through the night of December 24th. 

The Elf-In-Training who will be coming to you is Max (I hear you have a nephew with that name as well); but we usually call him Rascal as he has a slight tendency to get in trouble.  That is specifically why I wanted to send him to you, as I feel you can handle him.

Please let me know if Max causes any trouble.  I will send you an email with my personal account so that you can report to me if there are any problems.

Thank you so much!  Good Luck and I hope you have fun!!!!

Merry Christmas;

Santa Claus

November 9th: Around the yard