Monday, September 10, 2012

Missing the boy child

Jane Philpott is slowly progressing.  I'm pleased cause the border met up nicely.


That's always a relief!


In other news, I seem to have joined an SAL!  I've joined late, so I'm behind in posting about it, and am still waiting for my supplies to arrive.  But here is the project, the Susan Singleton Sampler from the Scarlet Letter.  (Picture taken from Scarlet Letter website)


She's just so gorgeous, I couldn't resist joining!  I'm doing this SAL with Terri, Deb, Sandra, Marsha, Gabi, and Suzanne.  We'll be doing it over a 2 year time span and will post every 3 months.  I think it's a good way to be able to look back and think that I started this SAL when the empty nest became a reality.  :D  Thanks, ladies, for letting me join the SAL!

The empty nest.  Well, we had the girl child around for a few days so that postponed the inevitable.  It was nice to have her around, get some good girl talk in, and see how life was going with her.  Then the girl child left for her apartment so she could pack and take off for a weekend in Washington State, to visit her best friend from college.  Lucky thing.  She's been doing her thing on Instagram so I've been following her travels and feeling very envious.

So yeah, the empty nest hit Thursday evening.  So far so good.  I think it's going to take some getting used to for both the father type and I.

But I think the one who misses the boy child the most -- or at least as much as I do -- is Mia.


She's been very very clingy, obviously confused by the boy child not being here.  Her night time routine is totally changed and she has been letting me know it too.  Apparently the boy child, night owl that he became over the summer, was playing with Mia during the night when the silly thing would meow and ask to be played with.  So Mia is missing her playmate and has been lonely at night.  She's been waking me up during the night, and early in the morning.  I think it's slowly getting better.  Last night she just wandered and bothered me a tiny bit, but mostly slept close to me in her favorite chair.  She usually sleeps with the boy child -- I guess I'm not a good substitute body to sleep on.  :(

So yes, Mia is missing her boy child, just like me.  Luckily, she will deign to cuddle with me at least during the day.  Unfortunately, she's so big these days that she doesn't fit very well.  lol!


Yup, that's my lap.  lol!

So the empty nester (at least one of them) and the Mia are missing their boy, big time.  But we're surviving.

The boy child starts classes today -- so exciting!  He's excited and nervous.  I'm hoping he loves it all!

Thanks as always for stopping by and saying hi.  I hope everyone has a great week!  Go Murray!!!


54 comments:

Lois said...

It does take a bit of getting used too. Poor Mia, she must be totally confused about what is going on! Love the pic of her trying to fit in your lap!! What a nice SAL to have joined. Loving your progress on Jane, glad your border joined up! Go Murray indeed!!!!!!

Anonymous said...

beautiful stitches

Love to Stitch said...

Gorgeous progress and great news joining the SAL! It is so colorful:). The whole family adjusting to new sound!! Bet you never had so mich loviin' from Mia!!! So cute all cuddled up. Maybe she needs a new friend?!! Lol

merumo said...

Poor kitty Mia! Is she still awaiting for him to be back home soon? Your Jane Philpott is looking really nice and SAL piece looks absolutely gorgeouse!! I have no doubt about you will catch up with the rest of participants really soon!!

Donna said...

My Elvis would walk around upstairs crying every time one of children left for college. Didn't matter if it was the beginning of the school or just a long weekend. The morning after they left, he'd pace the hall and sing his disappointment. I completely sympathize. Eventually you will all adjust. :-)

Poussy Stitches My Love said...

Oh oh oh I love the scarlet the bleu is very beautiful, bisous de France

BrendaS said...

Love your progress on Jane and what a great new SAL! Can't wait to see everyone's progress during the next couple of years.

It does take some getting used to be an empty nester but it makes it even more wonderful when they come home to visit:))

Mia is just a cutie!

robindefender said...

Aw, poor Mia! (and poor you) The stitching looks great. And what a pretty pattern y'all have picked for your stitchalong.

Debby said...

Great progress on Jane! And poor Mia and you, it will be better! ( i think)

Greetings from Debby

Chocolates4Breakfast (Terri Malinovich) said...

Wow! Jane is amazing! And yes, it is a huge relief when those borders match up and I'm so glad yours did (although I'm not even a little bit surprised that it did).
I can imagine that the empty nest is a hard thing to get used to. One being gone is one thing, but when they're all gone, that's a whole 'nother matter! I'm sure you'll all get used to it but I would imagine it'll take some time.
((hugs))

purple24 said...

Your project is coming along nicely. I love it when all the connections come together also. :)

(((HUGS))) to you and MIA.

Vickie said...

Oh poor Mia! What on earth is she in Margaret? I love Jane. Such beauty. Your new SAL is fabulous also. Oh yes, poor Mom too.♥

Deb said...

I'm so glad that you decided to join us Margaret!! You know, when I do samplers I can usually relate them to something that was going on in my life, so this one will be the one that marks the Boy Child going off to school. You should make a note on the back after it's framed as to when you start and finish it and what happened on those two dates. Would make a good remembrance.

I haven't started mine either - maybe tomorrow. I'm still waiting for a couple threads to arrive.

I knew that Mia would really miss Eli. I'll bet you never knew that they were having middle of the night playtime - but those teens do not like to go to bed early and Mia was probably loving it. Hope that she gets into the routine soon so that you can get your sleep!!

Krista said...

Oh, Margaret, hugs for all of you, including Mia :) I can imagine it is hard to adjust and for Mia too. My cat sometimes likes to play in the middle of the night too, jumping on me! LOL Your Jane is looking so pretty, love it when the border meets up around!

cucki said...

oh dear i hope mia get well soon..sending you big beary hugs too..
lovely stitching xx

marly said...

Jane is just magnificent! You've been stitching quite a bit - but that's our Margaret. Good thing you and Mia have each other for comfort. I'm sure your son is missing both of you, too, but his environment isn't as quiet I'm sure!

Leneslines said...


I know the relief of getting the borders to meet:) such a joy. And I love the SAL, gorgeous. I am glad you have Mia to keep you company while you are getting used to the empty nest. Good luck to you both.

Loraine said...

Oh I feel your pain! I hope it gets easier with time. Whenever the kids are gone, the cat follows me around like a little puppy dog! It's so funny. Poor Mia, she looks pretty lonely.
Love the SAL you've joined! Should be a fun sampler to stitch.
I attended the Toy Chest class this weekend. I'm totally freaked out about the finishing, there was so much that she told us, I hope I remember all of it. It's best to have all the pieces stitched before starting the finishing, so I'm working on the chest again. BTW, when you stitch the newest toy, the paint box, you are suppose to iron the interfacing on BEFORE stitching two of the sides. I would have never done that, so it's good I got that message before starting it.
Big hugs to you. Hope you have a great week.

Keeper of the Crowes said...

Hoping all goes well with your son today. Poor Mia!!! The new SAL is fantastic. I'll be looking forward to see updates!!!
Linda

Marjorie said...

Ugh! I feel so bad for you and Mia. I am already experiencing major anxiety about my girl leaving for college and she has barely started her 2nd year of high school. We need a support group!

Solstitches said...

Jane is looking gorgeous and wow to the new project although I'm having a hard time imagining you taking two years over a piece :)
Poor Mia, I hope she adjusts soon and you too of course!
Margaret

Laurie in Iowa said...

Your Jane looks fabulous. LOL... you just couldn't resist joining in Susan Singleton's SAL... good for you. I'm looking forward to seeing everyone's progress photos of this sampler. Is it stitched over one or two?
Poor Mia... I hope she gets over missing her boy child soon and also stops waking you up in the middle of the night.
Umm... try having two Corgis sitting on you lap at the same time... Mia is a lightweight compared to them.

Annette-California said...

Jane sampler is amazing. Love Debs suggestion to note on back of sampler on what happened on start and finish dates. I would do a happy dance to celebrate the borders matching up. Do you stitch tack (or guidelines)lines? From looking at your work I don't think you do. Your a PRO! Great job!
love Annette

Mary said...

Margaret, Jane P is looking great! Love the border and am so pleased for you that it all lined up without mishap.

Poor Mia....you'll realize all over again just how lost she feels when your son does come back home for a visit. No doubt she'll stick to him like glue!

Melody said...

Margaret, your sampler is coming along beautifully! Yes, it is a relief when things work out like they are supposed to, borders and such..

I am sure you are missing your dear boy. I am not surprised Mia is as well. It will take her some time to develop her new habits with him away.

Take care, and keep stitching.. :)

Annie said...

Good progress on your sampler and the new SAL piece should be a dream for you to stitch with all those great colors.

Nice that you and Mia can comfort each other!

Cari said...

Hang in there Mom...it will get better as time goes on. Your Jane is beautiful. I'm so glad your borders met up. That is stitching perfection for sure !! And your SAL will be so much fun. I'll love watching the team's progress. Sweet Mia....give her a good playtime 'run for the money' at night, feed her, let her groom herself and she should start sleeping right through the night. We knew this would happen didn't we? She's so sweet to sleep on your lap...too cute. Hugs

Mugwump Woolies said...

Jane is gorgeous...I absolutely love the colors in this beauty! And the one on deck...Susan, she looks equally beautiful, and with wonderful colors as well.
Just think how much fun it will be when the bc and gc come home for holidays and vacations! Mia breaks my heart...I'm sure she will adjust.
Have a great week...and take some time to pat yourself on the back for a job well done!
Robyn

Liz said...

Poor you, poor Mia! You'll enjoy the extra time it gives you eventually but I know that it's hard going right now...
take care, big hugs..
Lizzie
xxx

Michelle-ozark crafter said...

Beautiful stitchy things. I am sure poor Mia doesn't understand the change at all. At least you two can console one another. huggles.

Loretta a/k/a Mrs. Pom said...

It does take some getting used to. And just when you are used to it, they come home for awhile, and then they leave again. Sigh. But I know you and Dave will find that special something that brought you together in the first place.

Catherine said...

Oh Margaret, I am feeling for you during this time of adjusting. Hopefully you and Mia can find comfort in each other. And, you have plenty of stitching to get lost in! Love Jane and the sal you joined.
Oh, and just what is Mia hiding in!?!

Anne said...

Oh dear. You are going to finish Jane before me! I guess I better get cracking!! She's looking wonderful and I'm so glad the borders met up. I never really realized until I stitched her that the suspense can be quite nail biting at times. Ooh I spotted that Susan Singleton SAL but can't attempt until I finish all that I have first. It'll be wonderful to watch you stitch her.

Aw...I'm wiping a tear over that photo of you and Mia. You two will be comforting each other for a little while but I'm sure you both will get "used" to it. Remember, many kids move back home at some point and there's always holidays and visits. Hugs to you Margaret!

Carol said...

I know this transition time is difficult, Margaret. And I remember our cat being the same way as Mia when "his" human (my middle son) left for college. I'm so glad you two at least have each other to console each other... It will get easier--I promise...

Lovely, lovely stitching--keeping your thread and needle moving will also help with the lonely house feeling. Hang in there :)

Alma Allen said...

Love your sampler Margaret. Hope things are going well without your boy! He's probably having the time of his life.

Giovanna said...

You're doing great in the sampler, and the new SAL will be wonderful to follow. Hugs on the empty nest situation.

Siobhán said...

Awww, poor Mia! And poor Mom--I hope you guys settle in and that the boy child settles in... and will soon get used to the new routine.

Love your WIP!

Brigitte said...

You and Mia, you seem to be feeling the empty nest just in a similar way. What a great idea to start this great SAL piece right now. It will keep your mind busy ...

Erica said...

Great progress on Jane! Oh yes! I know that feeling of relief when the border matches up, and the nightmare when it doesn't LOL!

Poor Mia! You will have a hard time trying to explain to her that it is very hard to stitch with a cat in your lap!

Gabi said...

Poor Mia and poor you. Mia even looks sad and confused on the pictures. It will take some time to adjust to the new situation for both of you. At least you have each other :).

Jane is looking gorgeous. Love her.
Looking forward to stitch Susan with you. I finally chose the fabric (Magnolia) Was happy to find it in 40ct without needing to wait for back order.

The Inspired Stitcher said...

Nice progress. I can't wait to watch the new SAL grow. Poor kitty. I'm glad you got to spend some time with Girl Child to ease you into the empty nest. Thank goodness too for texting!

Isabelle said...

Hi Margaret, your Jane Sampler is coming along nicely and your new project from the Scalett letter looks very nice too :)
Oh !! I feel so sorry for Mia that misses your boy child :(
Please give her a little pet from me:)
Isa

Jan said...

Great progress on Jane, Margaret! And your latest project coming for the SAL is going to be a classic stitch! Love the colors in it, and know you will have fun.

Always enjoy seeing the pics of your precious Mia. Glad that you had the girl child home for a few days to get you over the major hump of missing the boy child. One of these days, you will enjoy the alone-ness, I promise!

Chris said...

Hey Margaret! Your Jane is looking great, I am so glad the the border met up!
I know that you and Mia are adjusting. I hope that your son is loving school!!
Have a great week!

Mary said...

Oh Margaret I do feel for you. It must be so hard sending them off to college just as they are moving from childhood into adulthood - such an interesting (and sometimes difficult) time in their lives.
Poor little Mia will also be hurting.
Just as well you have your stitching to keep you busy. Jane is looking lovely and yes, it is a great feeling when the border meets.
The new sal looks interesting too.
Mary

woolwoman said...

Thank goodness for Jane meeting up correctly - OH OH Susan Singleton is just gorgeous ! Poor Mia and poor mommy - I know you both miss your DS. Take care of yourself - Mel

krayolakris said...

Poor Mia, and her mommy! You've both been in my thoughts so much lately. Hugs!!

Sally said...

Your sampler is looking gorgeous and I love your new SAL. Looking forward to seeing that one too :)

Hugs for you and Mia.

Linda said...

OK, I'm in tears over Mia....
They just don't understand what is going on....

Linda in VA

Miss Pants said...

The Susan Singleton sampler looks very pretty. It's the very thing to help keep your mind off the empty nest.

Kathy Ellen said...

Poor little Mia, missing her favorite boy child. Isn't it amazing how these sweet little creatures become so attached to us and our routines? Whenever my husband or I are away, Meggie (our toy poodle) seems to go into withdrawal until we are back with her again. They truly are creatures of habit and depend on us so much. Mia is such a sweetie pie.

Sherry :o) said...

And Mia doesn't even get why he's gone...poor little kitty! I would be missing my baby too, as you are. Nice that you were able to spend time with your daughter. Jane is beautiful and I am so glad it matched up, nothing is more disappointing when it doesn't! YOur stitch along looks like fun and will be very pretty...can't wait to see the progress as you all stitch. Take care - hugs to you!

Karoline said...

Great progress on Jane, she's looking gorgeous.

Glad to hear that your DS is settling in well, hope that you and Mia get used to it soon.

Evelyne said...

I'm invited to join the SAL for The Susan Singleton by Gaby and Sandra. I'm still waiting for my supplies and looking forward to start this sampler with the group.It's good that we stitch it together it over the two years.Thank you for letting me join the SAL!

I am so glad you have Mia to keep you company, so you can used to the empty nest.

Have an lovely week-end, Evelyne
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