Two Special Christmas Gifts

I have tried to make each of my children a crosstitch pillow. Here are the two I made for my girls this year for Christmas. Thanks to my Dad's wife, Lindi, for sewing the pillows. And as a special gift she made matching nightgowns for each of their American Girl dolls.

Love Gift

While I was up in Tennessee taking care of mom, I was able to finish up this love gift for the special people that are taking care of my biggest little lamb for a while. I would use each moment I stitched to pray for the staff and my "Hoss". God is answering these prayers.

God Glorifying Crosstitch

I love crosstitch!

A few weeks ago, I was on a hunt for a special pattern to make for my Biggest Boy, who finds himself far away from home. I wanted to make him something that will encourage his faith and let him know he is close to my heart.

As I was searching I stumbled on a website that warmed my soul. Joyful Expressions is a website that personalizes crosstitch patterns using Scripture and other meaningful sayings. You can have a name and its meaning put in the pattern as well.


In a very timely and efficient way, Sandra accomplished the task I had set out to do. The pattern can be sent in a pdf file, so it's as easy as email, save and print. You can also order the complete kit.

Not only is Joyful Expressions a unique opportunity for crosstitch lovers, but they also minister to the heart.

Sandra, you have done this for the Puebla Ponderosa. Thank you.

"Mrs. Cartwright"

I first started blogging around April of 2009. It sure has been a journey. It started out as a way to keep my loved ones updated on the goings on at "The Ponderosa". It has turned into a journey of journaling and has been a sort of "therapy" for me. I never thought I liked to write, but I have found this is a joy. It has also been a great adventure getting to know other like-minded bloggers who have emerged as such encouragement to my soul.

I joined Talkin' about Thursdays to get you know some of you that I haven't met yet. Genny, over at MyCup2Yours is asking us to tell a little about ourselves.

A few things about me:

1. I love to crosstitch!! If and when I have time, amidst homeschooling and other life duties, this is the most relaxing thing to my body, mind and soul.

2. Biblical Christian Counseling is something I would like to pursue in my next life, or rather season of life. There are so many hurting women. The Bible is the ultimate handbook for helping them. This is a delightful burden I carry.

3. I hate seafood...I know. This is something you always wanted to know...and yes, I do live in Florida. The location of my existance has always been a source of strife in my life. I grew up in Wisconsin and hated milk, and now in Florida, surrounded by the seas, I detest seafood.

4. I wear size 9 1/2 shoe. AND am only 5'4" tall. Somehow I missed out on the height gene, but my feet didn't get the message.

5. I don't have a favorite anything. Does that mean I can't make up my mind? I don't think so. I prefer to think that my favorites change do to the surroundings in my life.

Just click on the button above to join the party.