UnstampaBelles Challenge: Stitching

I can't believe it's October!!  Whoa...it will be the holidays before I can blink.  With hubby's deployment underway, I am really hoping the time cruises by as quickly as possible :-)

And since it's a new month, it's time for another fantastic challenge from the UnstampaBelles!  This month's challenge is to use Stitching in some way on your creation.  There is also a fantastic prize being offered from Blue Edge Crafts. Check it out!

or my take on this month's challenge, I used stitching in my banner as well as in the (pre-made) embellished cupcake sticker.  I also used a "celebrate" sticker for my sentiment.  

Please stop by the UnstampaBelles Challenge and show us your stitchy creation and remember...NO STAMPS :-)  Have fun!!!

Hearts Apart Photo Shoot

There is a really amazing organization called Hearts Apart, that offers free photo shoots for families with deploying members.  Since we had never had professional family pictures taken with our sweet little guy, I jumped at the opportunity.  Our photographer Becca, of Just Becca Photography in Goldsboro, was AMAZING.  So sweet and patient, even when our little man refused to give a smile.  I was shocked when she turned up with grinning photos of all of us.

I am dreading this next separation, but am thankful that we have such gorgeous photos to remind us of Daddy.  I've hung them up around the house, and Eli gets a HUGE grin when we walk past them and he can see himself and his Dad.  So cute :-)  Here are a few of my favs