Simple Gifts

Fear Factor--Garden Edition

2011-07-22T15:26:00.000-04:00

I'll admit it. I'm afraid of our pressure canner.
It may have something to do with a story my grandmother used to tell about her pressure cooker exploding so she had to clean potatoes off of her ceiling for a week.

Or maybe it's the fear of the unknown.

All I know is that so far I've managed to preserve all kinds of food by freezing. That may come to an end very quickly.

The pressure canner we have used to be Rick's grandma's. It's probably over 50 years old. Last year Rick ordered new gaskets and such to make sure it's all in working order.

But I still haven't tried it.

I blanched and froze green beans this afternoon. I kept saying that I didn't want to heat up the house in this 100+ degree weather. I think I just didn't want green beans all over my ceiling.

The Garden Party Dress!

2011-07-17T23:03:00.000-04:00

I made this dress for Haleigh to wear this summer, now that summer is half over! The pattern is one of my favorites and I've made it several times over the years. It also has a sage green gingham peasant top to go under it, but it's been so hot that I let her wear the dress without the top.

Please ignore the cat that is weaving around her legs....!

The top has her monogram in pink. It adds a very special touch!

I made little pleats to gather the skirt to the bodice and for the ruffle at the bottom. I think the pleats are much easier than gathering by pulling a thread.

The pattern also calls for buttons and buttonholes to fasten the over-the-shoulder straps. Not being a fan of making buttonholes, I decided to use mitten clips. I may never make a buttonhole for this pattern again!

The other special detail is a charm with beads that is sewn into the top of the skirt. It's a little surprise detail--I think it's her favorite part of the dress!

The skirt is made of two coordinating fabrics. They're so close in color and design that you can't really see the strip piecing in a photograph. I do love the fabrics though. The dress has four different fabrics and the two skirt fabrics are the only fabrics from the same line. I bought them all at different times then realized they went together when I was searching through my stash looking for fabric to make a summer dress.
I'm linking at Teaching Good Things!

A Rose by Any Other Name...

2011-06-04T12:49:00.002-04:00

When we bought this house about eight years ago, this wasn't a rose bush, it was a rose TWIG! We had to put small little pieces of brick around it just so Rick could see it and not run it down when he was mowing the grass.

Look at it now....isn't it gorgeous!

Rick has really babied it. He uses all of the "old time" tricks for roses that he learned from his grandma. They've really worked! The only one I remember has to do with coffee grounds. Rick doesn't drink coffee, so I had to make the sacrifice and drink it so he could have the grounds to put around "his" rose. :-)

They're really beautiful.

BLT Anyone?!?

2011-06-03T12:46:00.001-04:00

We're still having water issues in the garden. More rain has turned it to mud again. Here are a few photos to show you how it's progressing!

Here are the green beans and Uncle Gene beans.

They seem to be doing ok in spite of all the water.

Yeah, those tomatoes probably aren't going to make it. We have a few to try and replant, but it's just too muddy to get in there right now.

The lettuce and radishes are doing really well!

Rick thinned the radishes and we harvested our first crop of lettuce this week.

After a little bit of instruction, Brandie did a great job with the lettuce!

(I think she has a green thumb!)

She did 95% of this harvest on her own!

Way to go, Brand!

Pay no attention to her mis-matched ensemble. She picked out her own wardrobe today. :-)

Haleigh wanted to give it a try. She did a great job, too!

Haleigh's favorite part? EATING IT!!!

All it needed was some bacon, tomato, and toast. lol

We shared our lettuce with a my mom and dad, my sister's family, and a family from church. We'll probably be cutting more in a few days. You just can't beat something you've grown yourself!

I'll be linking this post to She Considers. Be sure to stop by Olivia's blog to see how everyone else's garden is coming along!

I Had a Silhouette SD Before Having a Silhouette SD was Cool

2011-05-31T23:18:00.000-04:00

I'm writing this post specifically for Tip Junkie. She just got a Silhouette and is wondering what it can do.

It can do a lot. A whole lot.

What is a Silhouette? I call it an "industrial Cricut". Clear as mud? Does "a Cricut on steroids" sound any better?

Let me just show you a few of the many projects I've made with my Silhouette.

One of my favorite things to cut is iron-on vinyl--like the stuff you put on t-shirts. I did 35 of these cheerbows for a local high school's football cheerleaders. It's impossible to tell in this photo, but the dark ribbon is purple, white layered on top of that, then a gold metallic vinyl "SHS" on top. They were GORGEOUS if I do say so myself! More importantly, they loved them!

Below is a close-up of the vinyl ironed on to the white grosgrain ribbon.

Here's a fun one! Travel Tableware for Toddlers that are personalized with a name or an initial make great gifts. (By the way, you can find this at Jan's-n-Stitches.)

This rolling cooler has white iron-on vinyl. This was one of those tricky projects, but I thought it looked fabulous when finished!

So, what can a Silhouette do? The sky's really the limit. I love mine--it was a great investment!

Garden--Version 2011

2011-05-21T14:51:00.001-04:00

We've had a shaky start to our garden this year. We had the ground plowed up (doubling our growing space), then it started to rain. And rain. And rain some more.

The lettuce and radishes are in a semi-raised bed. The rain moved the seeds around and we lost quite a bit, but we'll replant lettuce when it cools off this fall.

Rick, Betty (his mom), and the girls have been helping to get the starts into the ground today. They're working on "Uncle Gene beans" here. Uncle Gene beans are like a black and white striped lima bean. I'm sure they have an official name, but that's what we call them because the seeds came from Rick's Uncle Gene! Makes sense, eh?

Brandie was getting really good at getting the bean starts planted.

Haleigh learns the fine art of making the hole.

We, well, Rick and the girls started seeds about six weeks ago in little cups and in some of those starter thingies you find this time of year. (I got them at a garage sale last year for $.25! Score!) They did really well.....until we couldn't get them into the ground because of the rain. Everything started looking a little leggy, but we think they'll all make it!

I'm linking to She Considers. Olivia is hosting "From 2011 Seeds to Harvest Garden Challenge". Go check out how everyone else is doing!

Dollar Store Birdbath

2011-04-15T04:59:00.002-04:00

Spring is in the air....finally!
How do I know? Rick's already had to mow the lawn!

In honor of Spring, I made a cute little birdbath out of picnic-y items from Dollar General. The whole thing cost less than $7.00.

Here's how to make one of your very own!

What You'll Need
10" Large Bowl
8" Plate
10" Plate
Ceramic Vase
Another 10" Plate (not pictured)
Small Brick (not pictured)
E-6000 Glue or other industrial-strength adhesive

Start by placing your large bowl upside-down on a flat surface. Pick a place that's well-ventilated where you'll be able to leave it overnight without it being disturbed. I'm working in our garage. Run a line of glue along the bottom rim of the bowl.

Place your smaller plate (right side up!) on top of the bowl. Get it as centered as you can.

Put your larger plate right side DOWN on your flat surface. Along the top of the ceramic vase you'll run some glue. Carefully center your vase on the bottom of the plate.

Let the 2 parts sit overnight.

The next day you can glue the bottom of the vase to the top of the smaller plate. Let that sit overnight, too.

This isn't pictured, but I thought the birdbath was too light when it was finished, and I was afraid the wind would keep blowing it over.

To make it heavier I turned the entire thing upside down, placed a piece of broken brick in the bowl, and E-6000ed the second 10" plate onto the rim of the bowl.

After it dried, the brick was secure in the bowl, and the entire birdbath has a good weight on the bottom.

I'm linking at....

Solar Luminaries: "Look, Ma! No Flames!"

2010-09-06T05:51:00.005-04:00

I made this safer-than-a-candle-when-you-have-kids-and-cats SOLAR luminary in less than one hour! It's embarassingly easy, so let's get started!

I picked up this plain candy-type jar at one of those warehouse crafty stores. I think it was The Flower Factory in Greenwood, Indiana. You can find them in just about any craft store. If you can't locate one, any jar will work!

Can I just say again how much I love this glass-etching spray paint? (I also used in in this project.) Give it a good coat and let it dry for 15 minutes or so before you decide if it needs more.

By the way, the etching appears as the spray dries. I'd forgotten that bit of information and kept spraying and spraying, waiting for the frosting to appear. In the meantime, the paint was running and dripping on the inside. The great thing about this "paint" is that you can't see the runs and drips when it's dry! Love that!

Here's the jar after it has dried. The picture of the lid is right after I'd sprayed it. See the difference?

This is one of those solar light stakes that you can get from just about any lawn and garden department. This smallish one was just $3.

The bottom stake just twists off, leaving you with the light.

By the way, if you want to try this project out the day you make it, it's a good idea to put the light out in the sun that morning.

Ask me how I know.

Put a small amount of floral clay in the bottom of the jar to hold the light in place. Play-Doh might work if you have some of that. It would harden and make a sturdy base. Whatever you decide to use, make sure it's deep enough to keep the light upright.

Put your light in the jar and replace the lid. Wait for dark and think about how totally cool this little light is!

These would be great for a garden, on your porch, or as luminaries lining your sidewalk at Christmas!

I was thinking of putting one in the bathroom to use as a nightlight, but I'd have to take it outside every day for a sunlight recharge. That's way too much work for me. Just keepin' it real.

I think the next one I make is going to be with a half-gallon canning jar I've been saving for a project like this. Star stickers added prior to spraying the jar might make a nice effect! Or maybe I'll use the Silhouette and cut a monogram out of vinyl!

If you make one, be sure to leave the link in the comments. I'd love to see what you come up with!

I'm linking here:

Vintage Pattern SCORE!

2010-09-01T01:17:00.000-04:00

I stopped in to a new-to-me thrift store the other day and--SCORE!!! Vintage patterns for $.29 each!
All of these patterns once belonged to "Ethel", and she wrote her name on each one.

I would have liked to have known Ethel. I think we could have been sewing buddies.

These three patterns for girls' dresses are classic styles, and the Stretch-and-Sew patterns are easily altered.

(By the way, I know these photos aren't the greatest. It's one of my Pet Peeves when, on Ebay or Etsy, sellers don't SCAN their patterns instead of photographing them. Well, I couldn't scan anything right now even if I really wanted to!)

Ahem....

These t-shirts and knit sweaters are also classic in style.

Swimsuits, anyone? What little girl wouldn't look adorable in one of these vintage, yet stylish, suits?

Of the little dresses, this one is tops! The peasant style is back in....style! Stretch-and-Sew patterns were meant to be sewn out of knit fabrics. However, I think I could make this one in a woven and it would still work just fine. I can't wait to try it!

However, this one made the stop all worthwile! I love, love, love these vintage pajamas. The date on the envelope is 1970, and the style just screams "Brady Bunch" at me. I would have been six years old then. Maybe that's why I love this so much--nostalgia.

The sizes range from 4-6 up to 12-14. Again, it's classic! I'm thinking about lengthening the hem and making these for my girls for Christmas--maybe out of a groovy flannel. Or maybe not!

Kitty Make-Over In Progress

2010-08-30T00:51:00.001-04:00

Stay tuned....

This creepy-eyed cat is getting a make-over.

Boutique Burp Cloths--Who Knew Burping Could Be So Stylish?!?

2010-08-29T00:05:00.001-04:00

I've been sewing up some cute burp cloths for baby gifts. Some were to coordinate with the blanket and taggie that I made for Miss Leah.

I was kind of "winging it" when it came to putting these together so there aren't concrete directions--rather suggestions of ways to get started making your own.

This one used a yellow diaper from Gerber. They're a little extra in price, but make a cute burp cloth.

First you start with a regular, pre-folded, cloth diaper. I like the larger size, just because they're easier to fold and protect more shirt in the shoulder area. HOWEVER...I recently discovered something that LOOKS like prefolded diapers, it even SAYS it's diapers.....BUT it's in the auto department near the car wax!

Yep! It's diapers for detailing your car!

I found these at Target for just over $7 for 6 of them.That was less than the comparable baby diaper. When I pre-washed them, they shrank less and stayed more square--less wonky out of the dryer. I like that!

So, get a diaper, or get something to detail your car, but decide on what you want to use for your "base". You can even use flannel or any other soft fabric. I like the diapers because they are absorbant--that's what they're made for!

So, measure the the thicker area of the diaper--the part where it has the most layers. Mine was about 5x14". Cut a piece of your center fabric (I like to use thinner, soft towels; microfiber towels; flannel; or minky) about one inch larger, so 6x15" in my case. Turn under about 1/2" on the long side and give it a quick press. Center it over the thick part of the diaper and stitch it down. Use a straight stitch. Use a zig-zag. Use whatever you like. It will be fine. Trust me on this!

Now you have about 1/2" overhang at the top and to bottom. At the top, cut your center fabric even with the diaper and just give it a quick zig-zag to attach it.

At the bottom I like to add a little extra detail, just to make it all so special.

Cut a piece of coordinating cotton that's 1" longer than the width of your diaper by about 6". In my case, the diaper was 14" wide, so my fabric was 6x15".

Also cut a piece of an accent fabric that's the same width (15" for me) by about 2". This will be the little strip at the top of the big strip. Are you with me so far? (Sorry I don't have a photo of each step!)

(On a separate note, I like to make strips of various lengths and widths just to keep on hand. Some I run through the ruffler, and some I just fold in half and press. I hang them all over a hanger and keep nearby so I'm not constantly stopping to cut and/or ruffle pieces for accents.)

So, center the long side of the fabric over the bottom of the diaper with the wrong sides together. Sew about 1/2" from the edge, across the bottom.

Flip the fabric to the right side. Now your right sides should both be facing out!

Sewing the accent fabric to the main fabric at the bottom.

Line up the accent strip with the coordinating strip.

Using 1/4" seam allowance, attach the accent strip. Turn the seam allowance to the wrong side and press.

Now you have a nice little edging at the bottom of the burp cloth, but you need to sew it down!

Press the strips up towards the center fabric on the front.

On the left and the right edges, turn under 1/4" and sew close to the edge, tacking it down. Do the same across the accent fabrics. You can stitch them both down, or just one. Stitch in the ditch, or do a topstitch.

The choice is up to you!

Sewing down the sides, before going across the top of the accent fabrics.

Ta-Da! This one is finished!

Next up: Baby burp cloth with a minky center!

Oh, the Expo!

2010-08-28T01:31:00.002-04:00

I spent today at the American Sewing Guild Expo that was held in Indianapolis! What a great, informatinve time!

First of all, I got to see the Babylock Enterprise in action. Wow! I think it was the highlight of my day! The MSRP on this 10-needle machine is $15,000.00. Yep, you read that right! HOWEVER, it IS on sale for $12,999.00. That's $13,000 in my book. A very cool embroidery machine nonetheless. Hope to try one out soon!

I'd love to buy each and every embroidery CD from Kathy Harrison at Custom Keepsakes! She does Victoran lace and embroidery, along with in-the-hoop clothing patterns for dolls and children. All of her work is exquisite! I can see me working on something like this every single day. The heirloom baby christening/dedication gowns are stunning! The photos do not do them justice.

I already have pattern drafting software from Wild Ginger. However, it's great to have a fact to put with a product. Mariette is a joy to talk with and really knows her stuff. I can forsee working with her Users Groups and really using this software to it's potential!

The class called "Running with Scissors" by Pam Damour was very informative, yet entertaining! She knows so much about the home decor business that she's written a book and has pattented several templates and rulers. I should have bought her book while I was there. Guess I'll have to order it online! I'd never even heard of buttonhole scissors, not to mention that I'd never tried them out! She's a wealth of information that isn't to be missed.

I met many interesting people, learned many new techniques, and saw many interesting new products. If they have this again next year, I'm definitely going! Save me a spot!

Super Soft Minky Baby Blanket--With a Suprise!

2010-08-24T16:13:00.002-04:00

I made this super-soft minky blanket with an elephant applique for Miss Leah. It matches the Crinkle Toy I posted about here.

Here's how to make your own!

Cut two pieces of your blanket fabric that are the same size. Mine was 40x45".

For the applique I cut a cute elephant from the minky scraps. The piece was 3.5x5" when it was all trimmed up.

I wanted to add the ruffle since Leah is a girl and the blanket isn't very feminine. I tried just pinning the ruffle to the minky, but the minky was way too soft and stretchy. I solved that problem by zig-zagging it to a piece of woven cotton to stabilize it.

There isn't a picture for the next part. I get so excited that I forget to take pictures!

Cut a piece of coordinating cotton fabric 4x45". Fold it in half lengthwise and iron it well. I used my ruffler foot to make pleats in the fabric, but you could use a long stitch length and gather it along the cut edge.

Pin the ruffle, starting at the bottom center, to the outside edge of the applique. Fold the beginning and ending ends down, tapering them, and rounding at the corners. Stitch along the gathering lines to baste the ruffle to the applique.

Trim away your stabilizing fabric. Turn your ruffle to the outside, turning the seam allowance under at the same time.

Once again, I forgot to take a picture!

Pick the spot for the applique. I put mine near the bottom right corner. Pin it in place with he seam allowance tucked under. Topstitch about 1/8" from the edge of the minky,catching the ruffle's seam allowance on the backside.

All that's left is to assemble your blanket!

Put the blanket's right sides together. Using 1/2" seam allowance, sew all the way around, leaving about 5" on one side to turn.

Clip the corners and turn the blanket right side out.

Turn the edges of the opening under and pin it closed. Beginning in one corner, topstitch 1/4" all the way around, catching the fabric at the opening so it's sewn closed. This is a great time to experiment with the decorative stitches on your machine! I used a scallop stitch on this blanket.

Admire your work!

Front

Back

Minky can be tricky to work with because it's slippery and can "walk" when you try to sew it. PIN, PIN, PIN! Although I've not tried it, a walking foot may help if this is a problem for you.

Even though it's tricky, it can be forgiving also. If you get a little tuck here and there it won't show in the finished blanket. Little things like that are hidden by the pile of the fabric.

Minky isn't the only fabric that's great for a blanket like this! Try combinations of fleece, satin, and flannel.

For an extra-girly blanket, put a large ruffle around the outside edge! Use the same coordinating fabric as you used for the applique to tie it all in together. Satin also makes a great ruffle or you can purchase pre-ruffled satins at fabric stores.

I'd love to see a picture if you make one of your own!

I'm linking here!

Crinkly, Taggie Baby Toy Tutorial--Great for Baby Showers!

2010-08-24T00:06:00.003-04:00

I made a cute little crinkly toy for Miss Leah.

Here's how to make one for your special little person!

I started with a piece of orange minky and had my friend Jan embroider Leah's name on it. (I can do the embroidery, but Jan is so good at it!)

Cut the minky into a square that's about 7x7", centering the name, if you're using embroidery. Cut a square the same size out of a coordinating fabric for the back.

I'm using three different ribbons: One is grosgrain, one is satin, and one is jumbo ric-rac. Cut 4 pieces of each that are 4" long. Or, you can use 12 different ribbons....or 2 each of 6 different ribbons..... The choice is up to you! I'd advise you to use what you have though, and think about textures. I like to make these toys with tags that have different "feels" to them.

Starting on any one side, begin stitching about 1/4" from the edge. About 1/3 of the way down, pick up your first ribbon and fold it in half. Put the cut edges even with the cut fabric edge and stitch over it. Stitch a little further and pick up your next ribbon, folding it and tacking it in place the same way. Do the same with your third ribbon and stitch to the end of the fabric.

I don't really try to space the ribbons out perfectly, but they always seem to come out fairly even. If they don't, it's still ok! Babies don't mind at all!

Also, be sure to start stitching at the end of the fabric and go all the way to the other end, don't just stitch where the ribbons are. The extra stitching keeps the minky from stretching out too much. Believe me, you'll appreciate this when we go to the next step!

This is what it should look like after all of your ribbons are sewn down.

Somehow I didn't get a photo of this next step.

Put the backing on top of the top, right sides together. With your ribboned minky on top, sew all the way around the toy, just INSIDE the stitching line for the ribbon, leaving an opening of about 2" on one side.

Turn it all right side out!

What do these have to do with a Crinkly, Taggie, Baby Toy Tutorial you might ask?

Well, from these little bins that were purchased at Harbor Freight, I got

this pile of very crinkly plastic!

(I've also heard of using the plastic wipe packages that most moms seem to have on hand. I also have found crinkly plastic on protein bars, chip packages, packages of pencils, and many other places. Once you start looking for it, you'll find it everywhere! I keep a bag with washed crinkly plastic in my sewing room now!)

Stuff that stuff inside! No, really....wad it up and stuff it in! You'll probably have to squeeze it and shift it around to get it evenly distributed.

Turn under 1/4" at the opening and pin it closed.

Topstitch about 1/8" from the edge, all the way around, catching the opening and closing it up.

Now you're done!

I added a yellow "C" ring to one loop so it can be attached to things like strollers and car seats.

(This is the back.)

Some things to keep in mind:

Depending on what plastic you used, I'd wash it in the machine, then dry on low, or even hang it to dry.
Make several of these to keep on hand for baby showers, or for birthday or Christmas gifts.
If you don't have access to machine embroidery, or just want to make one that's not for any particular baby, then just skip it!
Make one side pieced, like a quilt, out of 4 squares that are about 4x4". Your finished square will be 7.5x7.5", but you can always trim it to "square it up" if you'd like. Make your squares larger or smaller, depending on the fabric, ribbon, and crinkly plastic you have on hand.
For extra texture, make one side of the toy out of a washcloth, flannel, satin, or fleece.
Use recyclable fabric! Denim from old jeans, sweaters with stains (don't use the stained part!), and sheets with interesting patterns all make great fabric for this project, just to name a few.
You don't have to be square! Make a circle. Make a triangle. Make a quadrilateral. Well, I'd have to skip that one, or go back to geometry class.

Just have fun with it! It's certain that the babies will!

Miss Leah with her momma, MaryJane

I'm linking here:

She's Been At It Again!

2010-08-16T19:09:00.000-04:00

It's a hot, lazy Sunday afternoon and Brandie wants to "make something". I know that creative itch.

A coloring book and crayons just aren't making it.

I had a fleece remnant, so we made two babydoll blankets out of it: One for her, and one for Haleigh.

Haleigh wanted her's left fringed, but Brandie did knots on the one for her dolly.

I was really proud of her! Once she started doing the ties, I thought she'd get bored and not want to finish. But, finish she did--in about 15 minutes!

A Whole Lotta Sewin' Goin' On!

2010-08-12T02:22:00.000-04:00

I've been spending quality time with my sewing machine these past few weeks. This picture is just a little taste of that's been happening in my sewing room!

Stay tuned because pictures (of a beautiful baby!), and probably a tutorial or two, are soon to follow!

She Gets It From Me

2010-08-02T02:32:00.000-04:00

My wonderfully creative daughter, Brandie, took some toilet paper rolls, scissors, scraps of fabric, some masking tape and made napkin rings!

Is this one my favorite???

....Or is this one my favorite???
I can't decide!

Not bad for a 6-year-old with only her imagination to guide her, eh?

Wordless Wednesday

2010-06-29T04:19:00.000-04:00

For more Wordless Wednesday, click here.

Persoanlized Wedding Gift: Monogrammed Candle Holders!

2010-06-25T23:45:00.000-04:00

My friend, Deb, got married a few weeks ago. I wanted to make a gift for her and Josh that was personal and classy--something they could use for years to come.

Enter my cousin Julie, who is a consultant for PartyLite. They have some cool, albeit somewhat expensive, candles and accessories. Last year they had a special on their Express It candle holders and I bought several, knowing they'd make great gifts.

The premise behind Express It candle holders is the way they can be personalized. There are two columns of glass and you can put all kinds of things in the spaces between the cylinders.

My idea was to personalize it so that you could use it without anything between the columns if you'd like.

The first thing I did was to frost the inside column so that you could use it without any kind of insert. I used two coats of Valspar Frosting Spray Paint that I found at Hobby Lobby, letting it dry for about 15 minutes between coats. It sprayed on very evenly, which surprised me. I expected the spray to look uneven as if you'd used regular spray paint.

Then I got out my Silhouette SD. The Silhouette is an electronic cutter that you connect to your computer and can be used for various mediums including vinyl (like I used for this project), cardstock, and paper. It's similar to a Cricut if you're familiar with that line of cutters.

I wanted to monogram the candle holder with a "W" for Woodson--their last name. The letter needed to be at least 4 inches high. I selected black vinyl and the font was "Twilight" (from the movie series).

After cutting my "W", I applied it to the OUTSIDE glass cylinder. This will allow them to change out the items between the glasses, or leave it plain, and still have it look elegant.

If you don't have a vinyl cutter, you can find vinyl monograms at places like JoAnn Fabrics, Hobby Lobby, or even on eBay or Etsy. Don't limit yourself to monograms, however. Stickers in shapes like stars or hearts would be lovely. Think outside the box!

I think the project came out very well! I can see these being used as table centerpieces, on buffet tables, or in a living room setting. Of course, they also make great personalized gifts!

I have a few of them left. Wonder if I should make one for us?

Tipsy Pots: Leaning Towers of Flowers!

2010-06-23T15:34:00.011-04:00

This is right after we planted the flowers. They've filled out now!

I saw a cute planter at a house in a nearby town and thought it was adorable--and about to fall over!

My sister-in-law, Lisa, said she knew the secret to the "tip" and would be happy to make me a set.

I don't have pictures of everything, but here's what you need:

--At least 3 clay pots in various sizes with a center drainhole in the bottom

--Metal rod that's at least six inches taller than your stacked pots

--Drainage material (I used packing peanuts.)

--Potting soil

--Flowers

Our pots were different shades of terra cotta, and I really like red, so we started by painting the pots red with three coats of spray paint.

Push the metal rod down into the soil where you want your tower to sit. This isn't a project you can move around after you finish it. You have to make it where it will live!

Slide the biggest pot down over the rod through the drainage hole. Add a layer of drainage material then fill it almost to the top with potting soil. Be sure to have your kids help you with this part. Mine love getting dirty!

Put the next largest pot over the rod through the drainage hole. (Now you're starting to see how this is going to work, right?) Tip it to one side so that the top edge of the pot is leaning on the rod. You may have to add more soil to the bottom pot to get your second pot to sit where you'd like it. Pack the soil down because when you water your flowers it will cause the soil to settle. Once you have your pots how you'd like them, add your drainage material and potting soil to the second pot.

Repeat this process until you get to your top pot. Plant the flowers and give them a good soaking of water.

Watering this tower can be a bit challenging in the beginning. The soil will settle and the water will run out of the pots, taking some dirt with it. As long as you filled the pots with soil to begin with, they'll be fine. The flowers will "spill" over the sides when they start to grow.

Next year I'm planning a larger tower using bigger pots and more of them! They're definitely unique. In fact, I've seen two cars stop and take a picture of them in our front yard!

I'm Ba-a-a-a-a-a-ck!

2010-06-22T15:58:00.002-04:00

Hopefully, my hiatus is over! What a wild ride this last year has been.

My blog is going to have a little re-vamp. More crafts, sewing, projects, and recipes.
I can't wait to get back at it!

If A Child Learns

2009-05-23T21:40:00.002-04:00

From the Internet:

If A Child Learns...

If a child lives with critism
he learns to condemn.

If a child lives with hostility
he learns to fight.

If a child lives with ridicule
he learsn to be shy.

If achild lives with shame
he learns to feel guilty.

If a child lives with tolerance
he learns to be patient.

If a child lives with encouragement
he learns confidence.

If achild lives with praise
he learns to appreciate.

If a child lives with fairness
he learns justice.

If a child lives with security
he learns to have faith.

If a child lives with approval
he learns to like himself.

If a child lives with ACCEPTANCE and friendship
he learns to find love in the world!

Let Us Have Some Lettuce!

2009-05-16T16:39:00.002-04:00

We finally harvested some lettuce and had BLTs!

The girls thought it was the coolest to eat something we'd grown ourselves!

Garden Update--Sans Photos

2009-05-15T11:29:00.003-04:00

Our "garden" is coming along nicely!

Two of the ten tomatoes have flowers.

We're harvesting lettuce tonight for BLTs! Too bad the "T" isn't from our garden yet!

Ten pumpkin plants have poked through the ground.

The squash never did materialize. We may replant them.

We have flowers planted and look lovely on the front porch.

I have basil seeds and plan to get them into pots in the next day or so.

Check out the other garden updates at www.teachinggoodthings.com!

Garden Update!

2009-05-11T00:01:00.000-04:00

Our pumpkins have sprouted!

Tomatoes are lined up in kitty litter buckets. This is only part of them. We have nine or ten total.

The lettuce is looking pretty good! It's laying over because the girls were a bit over-zealous with the watering can. They can't wait to have a salad! (Yes, they love salads!)

Graduation Presents!

2009-05-10T12:07:00.002-04:00

My aunt, who is 55, graduated from college this weekend!

We went to her openhouse yesterday. Her gifts were a monogrammed market tote and matching travel mug. I'm going to be making more of these!

Thrifty Thursday--Fabric Softener

2009-05-07T14:08:00.002-04:00

I don't have a picture of it, but I do have a good recipe for fabric softener. I found it at www.recipezaar.com.

A lot of people use straight vinegar for fabric softener, and we've tried that. We weren't crazy about it though.

Mix this up in a gallon jug--or halve it and use the fabric softener bottle:

6 cups water
3 cups white vinegar
2 cups hair conditioner (I used Suave brand.)

Stir, don't shake. Shaking causes foaming, which will eventually go down.
Use it like regular fabric softener. We use it in a Downy ball. Works great and is REALLY inexpensive!

Check out more Thrifty Thursday posts here!

Beginning Gardening 101

2009-04-29T22:12:00.003-04:00

The girls love "playing in the dirt" and think it's all in fun. Hopefully they'll think it's fun when it's harvest time!

2009-03-12T23:27:00.003-04:00

I've been working on several things these past few weeks.

The girls' Easter dresses are cut out and ready to be sewn.

I've made peace with my new serger...had to go back into the shop and have another threading lesson.

Other projects included more crayon rolls for a consignment shop, some new jewelry designs (mostly for autumn--I'm way ahead here), learning to use SewWhatPro for my embroidery machine, experimenting with Kiwi papers for embroidery, working on travel tumblers for embroidery, and working with new ribbons for hairbows.

My embroidery machine is getting a workout.

Nothing is completed, and it's driving me insane! Pictures to follow--as soon as something is finished.

Sunday School Songs

2009-02-26T05:56:00.002-05:00

More video from our mini vacation last weekend. The girls love to sing these Sunday School Songs!

A New Version of an Old Favorite

2009-02-25T18:57:00.000-05:00

Can You See Me Now?

2009-01-22T05:07:00.003-05:00

I'll admit it: I have this strange fascination with camouflage. I love it all...greens, browns, even pinks! I'm drawn to it like a moth to a flame....well, maybe it's not that bad!

Before Christmas I made some camo koozies in browns and greens with hunter orange embroidery that say "Can You See Me Now?"--a take-off on the infamous cell phone commercials. When I saw some little camo sweatshirts at WallyWorld, I just KNEW they needed embroidery! So, some were added to the stash.

For the record, children's sweatshirts are harder to machine embroider than they look. I'll think twice before doing something like this again. On the other hand, I think they're really cute!

2009-01-19T18:57:00.003-05:00

I've listed the baby burp cloths in my Etsy shoppe! Stop by and check them out!

Upcycled Dress

2009-01-18T16:06:00.003-05:00

I made this dress for Bug (a.k.a. Audrey) out of a pair of thrifted overalls and some clearance fabric. Cute, eh?

Start by laying the overalls out flat and cutting the pants off about 1" below the bib. Serge or zig-zag the edge.

I cut the fabric for the skirt about 17" long allowing for 1/2" seam allowance on each end and 30" wide. I gathered the top with my ruffling foot, although you could easily gather it with a long basting stitch. Then I sewed the gathered edge to the bibs using my zipper foot so I could get really close to the bib's seam.

I then added a ruffle of a similar fabric to the bottom.

The bibs then needed a little decoration so I took the pocket off and added a ruffle. I sewed the pocket back on using a gold thread that matched the topstitching that was already there.

Voila'! Finished!

P.S. The bottom ruffle looks a little wonky in the photo because it wasn't hanging evenly on the hanger.

Baby Burp Cloths

2009-01-16T12:48:00.004-05:00

I haven't had a lot to post about, even though the destash is underway. My New Year's Resolution was to NOT buy any new fabric. Well, that lasted about 48 hours. I got some great deals on fabrics that I've already used!

I've been making these baby burp cloths. The idea for them came from a blog somewhere....I think it was Rocks in My Dryer. Yeah, that's it! Anyway, they are very easy to make and will be great baby gifts for showers or gift baskets. I'm taking some to a local consignment shop and will list some in my Etsy shoppe. I'll link to them after they're posted.

So, you get 1/2 yard of 2 different flannels. Wash, dry, and iron them. Put the fabrics right sides together and cut rectangles that are 18"x11", more or less. You should get 4 from the 1/2 yard of fabric. You can round the corners if you like. I did on some by tracing around a drinking glass. Sew them with a 1/4" seam allowance, leaving about 4" for turning. Turn them right side out and press again. Tuck in the part where you turned them right side out while you're doing the pressing. Top stitch about 1/8" all the way around, closing up the hole where you turned it. I did some decorative stitching on one of them, but prefer just straight stitching.

That's it! They're finished.

I made some hang tags with washing instructions that I'll attach also. I think that gives them a professional look. They could be monogrammed if you have an embroidery machine.

Overall, they're a fast, frugal project that helps use up your stash!

Patterns. I Love 'Em.

2009-01-04T21:19:00.002-05:00

Patterns. I love them. All of them. All kinds of them.

And it shows.

I would post a photo of all my patterns, but I probably couldn't get them all in one photo. Just take my word for it--I have a lot.

In the past few days I've been trying to be tough and sort them out. Patterns really are one thing I have a hard time parting with. Well, patterns and fabric. And trim. Can't forget the trim. Oh, and different threads...love threads....

But I digress.

Lately I've been getting a lot of my patterns from You Can Make This. It's my absolute favorite place for inspiration. The best part is that the patterns are in ebook form. This means you download the pattern and the instructions from the website right to your computer! You then print the pattern out and, depending on the pattern and the size, you do a little taping the pieces together. Very, very simple! Plus you get all the sizes the pattern comes in right there in one download (usually just one anyway). Once you sign up with them you also have your ebooks in their library so you can print them out at any time. They also have a section of free ebooks and patterns so you can try them out before you purchase anything.

I have to admit that I have downloaded all my YCMT (You Can Make This) patterns and have them stored on a USB file. I work between two computers and the laptop in my sewing room does not have internet access. This is a very simple way to keep all your patterns together.

Once I print and cut out a pattern, I file it in a gallon-size ziploc bag and keep it in a box with all the other lovely little patterns. They like to join their friends there once I'm done with them.

So, back to sorting patterns. I don't really have a good way to sort and store the traditional enveloped patterns. The patterns I'm keeping (and that's most of them) are filed by size, in a general way.

Tomorrow--notions.

Slashing the Stash--Step One

2009-01-02T23:24:00.005-05:00

Ok, normally in this type of situation would be to admit you have a higher "higher power" that you have a problem. I'll start--"God I have a problem hoarding fabric for use "some day". Please help me to realize that you will provide everything for us in due time. I need to let go of my stash addition and actually use some of the stuff. The benefit is that my family and friends will receive things they need, and I'll have little to no out-of-pocket expense. We ask these things in Jesus' name. Amen.

Do I sound like I'm rationalising with God? Maybe, just a little though.

As far as getting ready to declutter, one of the best quick reads I've come across is just about anything by Peter Walsh (Clean Sweep fame) or anything by Flylady Marla Cilley. Both are a little anal about things, but do have some good ideas.

The next thing to do is to actually declutter! It doesn't matter how large or how small your space is. Get rid of fabric that your Great-Aunt Nelda gave you in 1972 and you've never had the heart to part with it. Even better...give it back to Aunt Nelda or pass it along to another relative who will appreciate the gift as much, if not more, than you did.

Spend 15-20 minutes at a time and then take a 10 minute break. Then go back with gusto! When you are done, you should have a nice clean area to work with along with an easily-accessible steam iron, areas for things like loop weaving, and so on. You get the idea, I'm sure.

While you're cleaning, think about the best possible layout for your furniture. We had to put a reclining chair in the back bedroom once. Once you have decided on your lay-out, bring the furniture back in. (By the way, the recliner had to find a new home because we kept burying it with clothes.)

You could also go over the patterns you've collected over the years. Have any that were originally $.25? If you haven't used it, toss it.

Ribbons, trims, each have their own recommendations of how to store the articles and how to avoid sun fade.

There....doesn't that feeeeeel better?

But, wait...there's more!

Well, there will be more tomorrow! Stay tuned!
Don't forget to leave a comment to show how it's going for you

Blessings from Indiana

Slash the Stash in 2009!

2009-01-02T13:14:00.002-05:00

For 2009 I'm hosting "Slash the Stash"! Anyone who sews (or does any kind of craft) knows what a stash is: It's the pile of supplies that we buy with good intentions knowing we'll use it "some day". Well, today is the day!

On Fridays I'll put up a Mr. Linky where you can post your de-stashing with a link back to your blog, or you can just leave a comment in the comments section.

I'm really, really, really looking forward to de-stashing. With the economy as it is, it's getting crazier and crazier to purchase things that don't get used.

C'mon and Slash the Stash with me! Leave a comment if you're up to the challenge!

NKOTB--New Kat on the Block

2008-12-28T00:01:00.001-05:00

If you read the title and thought "New Kids on the Block"

....you must have lived as a teenager in the '90s!

Anyway, we have a new "kat" on the block--Mikey. He adopted Katie earlier this fall. We were having the gutters replaced on the house and this kitten appeared. We thought he came with the work crew (and maybe he did). He was jumping off the house onto them, running in between their feet, and being a general nuisance. When the crew left, the kitten stayed.

The rest is history.

He would let Katie carry him around all over the place.

He was worming his way into our house, and our hearts.I started calling him "Mikey"--not sure why--but it fits him!

Meike thinks she's his momma and he's OK with that!

Zoobilation: The Christmas Edition

2008-12-27T20:38:00.003-05:00

We took the girls to the Indianapolis Zoo's Christmas at the Zoo. The day started out at 50 degrees, but by the time we got there, and the sun went down, it was below freezing! We had a good time anyway.

(Yes, my girls wore faux fur to the zoo....)

Audrey on the carousel. They loved it so much, we rode it twice!

Miss Kate on the carousel. She had a sticker on her forehead the entire evening.

The pictures are a little blurry, but I think you can tell they really enjoyed it!

The Thrifty Fifty!

2008-12-19T03:58:00.003-05:00

I've been following the challenge from You Can Make This. In a nutshell, 50 people were chosen to make all their Christmas gifts for under $50! While I wasn't one of the 50 chosen, it's still exciting to see how everyone is doing. Check out the blog entries here.

A Modern Day Parable

2008-11-03T09:31:00.001-05:00

On the eve of what could be the most important election in the history of our country, here's a modern day parable:

A worried woman went to her gynecologist and said: 'Doctor, I have a serious problem and desperately need your help! My baby is not even 1 yr. old and I'm pregnant again. I don't want kids so close together.'

So the doctor said: 'Ok, and what do you want me to do?'

She said: 'I want you to end my pregnancy, and I'm counting on your help with this.'

The doctor thought for a little, and after some silence he said to the lady: 'I think I have a better solution for your problem. It's less dangerous for you too.'

She smiled, thinking that the doctor was going to accept her request. Then he continued: 'You see, in order for you not to have to take care of 2 babies at the same time, let's kill the one in your arms. This way, you could rest some before the other one is born. If we're going to kill one of them, it doesn't matter which one it is. There would be no risk for your body if you chose the one in your arms.

The lady was horrified and said: 'No doctor! How terrible! It's a crime to kill a child!'

'I agree', the doctor replied. 'But you seemed to be ok with it, so I thought maybe that was the best solution.

The doctor smiled, realizing that he had made his point. He convinced the mom that there is no difference in killing a child that's already been born and one that's still in the womb. The crime is the same.

This One's for You, Mom!

2008-10-19T14:56:00.003-04:00

My mom keeps asking me when I'm going to update my blog....so, this one's for you, Mom!

I've been keeping busy with with this season's craft shows. Add on to that a rather large cheer/gymnastic bow order, a family, and several cats, and it seems life's been rather busy.

I have lots of photos still in my camera that need to be downloaded to the computer. Once I get to that, posting should soon follow.

No Matter Who Wins the Election....

2008-09-16T21:24:00.001-04:00

TEN PREDICTIONS NO MATTER WHO WINS THE ELECTION:

1. The Bible will still have all the answers.
2. Prayer will still work.
3. The Holy Spirit will still move.
4. God will still inhabit the praises of His people.
5. There will still be God-anointed preaching.
6. There will still be singing of praise to God.
7. God will still pour out blessings upon His people.
8. There will still be room at the Cross.
9. Jesus will still love you.
10. Jesus will still save the lost.

ISN'T IT GREAT TO KNOW WHO IS STILL IN CONTROL?

Happy Birthday, Katie!

2008-09-08T23:09:00.002-04:00

Happy 5th Birthday, Katie!

We love you very much!

With Much Love From

Mommy, Daddy, and Audrey

Gifts from the Garden

2008-09-07T16:44:00.003-04:00

In the spring the girls and I planted some wildflowers and sunflowers in a back corner of the yard.

All we grew were WEEDS!

Or so we thought.

We went to clear out the corner this past week and found itsy bitsy cherry tomatoes! The picture shows four, but there were more than that....but....we ate them.

Since then, Rick and the girls have found several more. We're not sure how the seeds got there, but we're glad we found them!

ZOOBILATION!

2008-08-27T20:38:00.003-04:00

Yesterday's weather was perfect for a trip to the zoo!

The girls were so excited...even if you can't tell it from this photo.

The polar bears are always entertaining. I guess this one was tired of being in the limelight. He was floating in the water with his chin resting on a rock.

Did you know that you can pet a shark? You can! They swim right up to you and you pet them with two fingers on their backs. Some of them would stand "upright" in the water (like the dolphins do). When they first swim up to you, it's hard to put your hand into the water. I kept hearing the theme to "Jaws" in my mind....

I love this photo of the girls watching the walrus exhibit.

They are very graceful under the water.

ZOOBILATION! (continued)

2008-08-27T20:21:00.003-04:00

The meerkats were probably my favorite animal at the zoo.

These little guys (or gals?) were posing for the camera!

The girls rode the carousel and loved every minute of it!

At the end of the adventure, as we were walking to the car, Audrey said with in a very weary voice, "I am tired much...." It was a very good day.

Wow! What an Honor!

2008-08-27T20:06:00.003-04:00

Wow! I just received an email that one of my hairbows is being featured on an Etsy Treasury. What an honor! Click here if you'd like to see it. The black and white bow on the top row is from my Etsy shoppe!

I Was Featured!

2008-08-23T19:07:00.003-04:00

I forgot to mention that one of my headbands was featured on HeartHandmade blog! Number 4 is my gold and silver metallic headband!

I felt honored that they chose one of my creations for their blog.

It's a Jungle Out There

2008-08-17T23:25:00.004-04:00

Remember this picture?

I posted this at the beginning of summer on the day we planted two little tomatoes in a bucket of Wal-Mart topsoil.

Look at them now!

It's a jungle of tomato plants! Sometimes it's hard to see the tomatoes nestled in the plant and the grass. It sure is fruitful! Next year we'll do it exactly the same.
Well, we might actually invest in some tomato cages next year.

They'll probably grow as tall as trees!

Snapshots

2008-08-16T06:00:00.001-04:00

Gooseplums?

2008-08-15T06:00:00.000-04:00

These are gooseplums. I'd never heard of a gooseplum, but Mrs. Lucas said we'd like them and we were anxious to try something new.

They are delicious!

They look like a big red grape. When you bite into it, it has the texture of a plum with a pit like a persimmon.

These gooseplums are the fruit we picked up off the ground. I thought I'd try to do something with them, but they were all eaten before I had a chance!

Even MORE Peach Pickin' Pictures!

2008-08-14T06:00:00.000-04:00

After all the hard work we put in pickin' the peaches, it was time for a rest. We went over to the lake to watch the hay-baler in process.

Mrs. Lucas was very hospitable and the girls enjoyed every minute we were there.

More Peach Pickin' Pictures

2008-08-13T06:00:00.000-04:00

There was a little birds' nest nestled amongst the fruit. The bottom of the nest was an unripened peach.

The peaches were ripe and ready for pickin'!

Beautiful Black-eyed Susans in the flower garden.

Peach Pickin'

2008-08-12T22:03:00.005-04:00

The girls and I were invited by Mrs. Lucas to come and pick peaches. The day was incredibly hot and I can still feel the heat just by looking at the photos!

We ended up freezing all of them except for the batch I used to make 7 pints of peach jam. Yummy!

Same Pattern, Different Dresses!

2008-07-30T08:53:00.002-04:00

I made these two dresses from the same pattern as the last two I posted. The pattern is from You Can Make This.

These two are a size 12-18 months. They're made from the same fabrics, but different placements. I have one more cut out from this pattern, then I'm moving on to a new one for awhile. It's just such a cute jumper/sundress pattern that I can't stop making it!

Can You Tell Me How to Get to Sesame Street?

2008-07-21T13:55:00.002-04:00

Yes, it's another dress from You Can Make This! It's the same pattern I used for the candy corn dress, but I didn't do any stripwork. Instead, I cut a rectangle 15"x45" (the width of the fabric) and ruffled it using my ruffler foot for my sewing machine. (This is a size 3, by the way. You'd have to make the skirt longer or shorter depending on the size you make.) I did the same thing for the ruffle at the bottom using two strips that were 4"x45" and sewing them into one long strip before ruffling them.I also added a tie belt for the back using scraps of the yellow fabric. I didn't even measure them, but they came out just right.

Elmo was a bit of a challenge. I'd never used applique with embroidery, which this design requires. I think he came out ok, considering he was a first!

Next on my list: Mickey Mouse!

Candy Corn, Anyone?

2008-07-16T19:22:00.002-04:00

I finished this dress this week and I love it! The pattern is from You Can Make This and was easy to follow. It even contains full size patterns in the download!

If you are interested in purchasing this particular dress, it's a size 6 and is $59, including the postage. It'd be really cute with a black, orange, or white turtleneck and a pair of leggings!

Twirly Girls

2008-06-26T22:48:00.004-04:00

This is probably the ruffliest, twirliest dress I've ever made--or even seen! It's made from a thrifted pair of overalls and a thrifted bedsheet. This kind of project is where a ruffler foot comes in VERY handy! I think there are 14 yards of ruffles in this dress.

Look at her spin!

Audrey got a new, fun dress too. Her dress has a frog prince and princess on it.

She had to take her dress out for a spin, too.

She loves it!

Happy Birthday, Bug!

2008-06-19T00:01:00.000-04:00

Today Miss Audrey turns three!

Happy Birthday, Bug!

We Love You!

Girly Girls

2008-06-17T02:01:00.004-04:00

I'll admit it, my girls are "girly girls". They love dresses and being dressed up!

With that in mind, I made these two dresses and semi-matching hairflowers. They LOVED them! The dresses could also be jumpers with a t-shirt or turtneck worn underneath. Two more are waiting in Katie's closet!

WE FINALLY HAVE WATER!

2008-06-13T10:05:00.002-04:00

Showers for everyone!

Did I mention that it's raining again?

Day 6 Without Running Water

2008-06-12T16:11:00.002-04:00

We're half way through day six without running water.

I took four baskets of laundry to the laundromat today. Everyone there was from our tiny town.

The girls really want to go out to play. It's just so hot and I can't give them a bath in the evening.

Yesterday for lunch I made mini pizzas on English muffins: Split an English muffin, top with a little pizza sauce, pepperoni, and cheese. Nuke it for about 15 seconds. You'd thought they'd never eaten the way they gobbled it up. Then they wanted it again for dinner! So, we had it again. Our microwave is getting a workout.

When I went to the firestation to get "flushable water", I asked if they'd heard any word about when this would all be over. The nice guy who toted my water to the van said he'd heard 5-7 more days. The local newspaper says the line is fixed, but it will take 48 hours to see if there are any more breaks and if the fix really fixed it.

I'm thankful that we have electricity, for Wal-Mart's donation of drinking water, for the National Guard personnel and fire department volunteers who are manning the water station, and for my aunt and uncle who let us come over and take a shower every few days!

Win a DVD: Learn to Crochet!

2008-06-09T21:37:00.003-04:00

Kathy is giving away an instructional DVD: Learn to Crochet! Go to her blog and leave a comment to be entered to win! Kathy's blogs (she has several) are some of my favorites to visit every day. Kathy and her daughters cook, entertain, quilt, crochet, garden, sew, can, and just about every other domestic pursuit. They're inspiring!

Water, Water EVERYWHERE...and Not a Drop to Drink!

2008-06-08T04:51:00.005-04:00

One way to save on your water bill...is not to have any water! What I mean is, when your water is totally OUT--you can't use any!

We've had some baaaaaaaaaad storms here in the past few days. Flooding is everywhere. Counties all around us are in states of emergency. People are being evacuated by foot, boat, and helicopter. Businesses are closed. Roads and bridges are being washed away. Portions of the interstate and several highways are closed. All county roads are closed. The National Guard and Coast Guard have been called in to assist.

In the midst of all this, a neighboring town (from where our water comes) has had a water main break. This means we will not have water for THREE OR FOUR DAYS!!! Luckily for us, we heard about this early enough to store some water in buckets and every jug, bottle, and lidded container that we could find. I popped the girls in the bath, too. My brother and his family have been without water or electricty for some time now. They're using water from their pool to flush the toilets! Clever, eh?

So now we are just waiting to see what happens. I'm planning meals that won't require a lot of dishes to cook. (We're grilling dinner later today.) We're using paper plates and plastic utensils as to not have dishes to wash. Church has been cancelled. Looks like everything is closing up until things get back to "normal."

Back to my brother, Steve. Steve said my nephew, Tyler, asked why God made it rain so much. Steve told him it may be to show us how lucky we really are.

He is probably right.

Lazy Daisy Hair Clips

2008-06-04T10:30:00.002-04:00

I love daisies! We had them at our wedding. I've made the girls dresses out of daisy fabric. I love they way they look bunched in a vase or in a little girl's hand.

When Katie found some daisy flowers at her favorite store (Hobby Lobby!), she begged to buy them. I agreed, just because I had a project in mind for them.

What was a bunch of daisies turned into a dozen or so daisy hair clips! I'm thinking the next batch will have bigger bling in the center. I made some with leaves and some without. The girls love them and they look really cute when they're worn in bunches or by themselves!

Adoration

2008-05-28T00:12:00.000-04:00

Miss Maggie and her daddy.

Oh...It's a Pony-O!

2008-05-26T22:23:00.005-04:00

Miss Katie sporting her new Pony-O that matches her dress for church.

The next item to go into my Etsy shoppe...the Pony-O!

Miss Audrey doesn't have enough hair for a Pony-O, but she loves the colors!

A Pony-O is a hair elastic that has ribbons fixed to it--like streamers. In fact, I've seen these called Pony Streamers or even Pony Screamers! Screamers sound a bit frightening to me, so I'll just stick with a Pony-O.

These were made to match local school colors.

The Pony-O is great for anyone who wears a ponytail. It adds a bit of umph and color to an otherwise, well, boring ponytail. The ribbons hang down about six inches on each side, but can be customized to any length you'd like. Just about any color is also available. These would be great for a cheerleading squad or a dance team! They can be also be customized to go with any school color imaginable.

The ribbons are hand-sewn to the elastic, and all ribbon ends are sealed to prevent fraying.

Leave a comment if you'd like more information before I get them listed in my shop!

Still Doin' the Pirate Imitation

2008-05-26T19:22:00.003-04:00

Just a quick update for those of you who have prayed for me and have been so kind and asked for an update on the Bell's Palsy that's taken over my face--

It's still here.

No real changes. It's just more annoying now.

I'm still thanking God every day that I didn't have a stroke.

Please continue to pray for me!

Basic Photo Composition: The Rule of Thirds

2008-05-22T06:00:00.001-04:00

Basic photo composition is very easy to learn and can take an average photo and turn it into something that's much more interesting!

The Rule of Thirds says you should take your photo frame and make mental lines disecting your frame into thirds, both horizontally and vertically:

Where the lines intersect (and you see the stars) is where you would put your subject.

If your subject is horizontal (like a landscape), your horizon line would be on one of the horizontal lines, and NOT right in the center. It just makes for a more interesting photo:

The horizon line (the base of the church) is roughly on the bottom third line. The steeple is roughly on the right vertical line.

If your subject is vertical (like a person standing, for example), it should go on one of the vertical lines:

The bride is also positioned where a horizontal and vertical line intersect.

The subject in the photo below is actually the bee. The bee is roughly where a vertical and horizontal line would intersect, making the photo less static.

The Rule of Thirds also applies to portraits. In a head and shoulders portrait, the eyes should be in on the top third line:

If all of this is clear as mud to you, leave me a comment in the photo section, along with a way to contact you, and I'll address the questions in a later post.

Now go out and take some great photos!

Ahoy, Matey!

2008-05-21T17:06:00.003-04:00

I'm really NOT doing a pirate imitaiton here.

I have Bell's Palsy.

It started on Sunday night with an earache, and ended up Tuesday morning in an ambulance thinking I was having a stroke.

The left side of my face is pretty much paralyzed. I can't close my eye all the way, hence the eyepatch to keep it from drying out by keeping it closed. My mouth only works on one side too. You don't think about things like eating or drinking neatly until you can't do it anymore.

The good news is that it should get better. 75% of people fully recover. In the meantime, I'm taking steroids and taking it easy.

The girls think it's Mom looks pretty funny! Please say a prayer for me.

Call 9-1-1!

2008-05-21T06:00:00.000-04:00

Katie split the back of her ear open by falling on the windowsill. (No, the windowsill was NOT hurt. Thanks for asking, Doc!) This meant a trip to the ER. I figured she'd need stitches.

Did you know they rarely use stitches anymore? Nope! Now they use GLUE! I love this! No needles to numb it, and no real pain afterwards.

She couldn't get her ear wet for a few days so this is how she was getting a bath. I think she looks like one of the Jamaican jellyfish in that animanted movie where Will Smith is the voice of the lead fish. He works at a whalewash (carwash) and is chased by sharks who are the "mob." What WAS the name of that movie???

She won't let me take a picture of her ear.

Over the River and Through the Woods

2008-05-20T16:53:00.006-04:00

Not long ago Katie and I went to visit my grandma in the assisted living facility where she now lives. She always remembers me, even if she doesn't call me by name. She still remembers that Katie is my daughter, but never remembers her name. That's ok, though.

We had a good visit. I took my camera and snapped several photos. I also let Kate take some photos with my digital point-and-shoot! (She's just like me and LOVES taking photos!)

One of the workers offered to take a photo of the three of us together. Katie didn't want her photo taken and was not cooperative. Imagine that. This is the best one we got.

Botany 101, Continued

2008-05-19T16:00:00.000-04:00

We planted two little tomato plants last week. We're considering this part of Botany 101. I don't know how many tomatoes we'll actually get from just two plants, but I'm sure the girls will love picking them, and then eating them.

I've also tried to pretty up a corner of the back yard. Wind funnels back there and trash (from who knows where--ok, the elderly lady who lives next door keeps dumping stuff there) accumulates. We raked it all up, dug up all kinds of gunk, raked some more, and planted sunflowers and wildflowers. Lining it with bricks has greatly decreased the debris that accumulates. In fact, we've had no more to gather up!

The "trash" has yielded one plus though: The stuff had mulched into a very rich, dark soil. We could probably grow just about anything there! I'll post an update when it doesn't look like it's all weeds.

Here are the sprouts of flowers we planted at the back of the house. Lining the area with bricks helps keep little feet off the plants!

They Grow So Fast

2008-05-18T17:00:00.000-04:00

When I made this nightgown for Katie for Christmas just over a year ago, the hem hit the ground. In fact, she kept tripping over it so I put it up for awhile.

Fast forward to...now! It still fits her fine, but it's MUCH shorter! She's growing like a weed!

Miss Audrey is Always Busy, Busy, Busy!

2008-05-17T20:52:00.003-04:00

Miss Audrey is always busy!

First, she had to sweep the porch....

Then she had to sweep the yard!

After all that sweeping, it was time to start mowing.

She should sleep well tonight!

My Latest Project

2008-05-12T22:00:00.003-04:00

This is my latest project: Monogrammed Badge Reels!

This is one of the first successful projects I've made with my embroidery machine. The shiny reels are covered with vinyl for medical employees who may need to clean them off. I've been experimenting with fonts and threads to get a good combination.

I hope to have these in my Etsy Shop soon! If you'd like one made for you, leave me a comment and I'll get back with you soon!

What DOESN'T Work for Me Wednesday

2008-05-07T21:43:00.003-04:00

There's a new twist on Works for Me Wednesday this week. This week it's what DOESN'T work for me. Before I get started, head on over to http://www.rocksinmydryer.net/ for more of what NOT to do!

In no particular order, this is what doesn't work for me:

Flylady. There, I said it. I can't believe I said it. I know it CAN work. I know it SHOULD work. It just doesn't seem to work for me. I can't stick with it for any amount of time. If it started the day with something other than cleaning the bathroom, I might be able to make a go of it.

Low rise pants. I can't figure out why anyone would want to wear pants that have the potential of showing crack. It's an even worse idea for babies and children.

The current fashion of tops that look like maternity tops. They just make me look about 7 months pregnant.

Junk toys for children. I probably don't have to elaborate on this one.

Wordless Wednesday

2008-05-07T09:27:00.002-04:00

For more Wordless Wednesday, go to www.wordlesswednesday.com.

Going to see "Rocko Bama"

2008-05-06T06:14:00.006-04:00

Katie and I went to see Barak Obama speak in Bloomington last week. I figure that he has about a 30% chance of being elected president right now. If he's elected, she and I can say that we've seen an American president in person.

He was supposed to start speaking at 8:30 p.m. By 6:15 the line snaked around Assembly Hall and out onto the sidewalks.

I was meeting my aunt and cousin. My uncle drove us out there and dropped us off after stopping at Subway to get sandwiches and chips for everyone for dinner.

After finally spotting my aunt and cousin near the front of the line, I tried to be cool about it and get up to them to give them their food, and hopefully join them in line. While I was trying to get nearer, a security attendant told me that no food could be brought into the building. Now what was I going to do? I had no car there, food in hand, relatives near the beginning of the slowly moving line, and a hungry child.

I did what any mother with a hungry child would do: I sneaked the chips in. I put them under my aunt's jacket and put her jacket over my arm. The metal detectors obviously don't catch the metalic-like lining of a bag of baked Lays.

However, when I put my purse on the table to be examined (and they looked through EVERYTHING), I noticed the woman in front of me had a package of graham crackers in her purse and they didn't make her toss them. I then felt better about my secret chips.

So now we're back in line. Linda and Carrie had special pink bracelets. These bracelets belong to the people who are going to sit behind Obama as he speaks. They went off to do the VIP thing while Katie and I joined the masses who were hoping for a seat that wasn't in the nosebleed section.

We traveled with the masses through the maze that is Assembly Hall. When we finally went through the door into the gymnasium, everyone was going down the steep steps to get a seat near the stage. We stayed right at the door-level so that we wouldn't have to go up and down for the infinite number of potty breaks that I knew were coming, and so that Katie could eat her chips without the scrutiny of those around us.

By now it's about 6:40 p.m. Katie kept busy with her crayon roll-up, coloring pictures of flowers. A group called "Straight No Chaser" was performing--loudly. Kate ate a few of her chips, asked for a bathroom break, and chatted with the older couple who eventually came to sit next to us.

In the meantime, the "chosen few" who sit behind Obama began to filter in. They had a "handler" who was staging EVERYTHING! He passed out the "homemade" signs that you see behind Obama at every rally. They practiced holding up their signs and cheering. He sent them in groups to go to the bathroom. More practice.

Kate pointed out a group a few rows in front of us who came in with sodas, water, and chips. We went on a bathroom break (again!) and saw where the concessions were being sold. I paid $3 for a Sprite! The concessioneer took the cap off the bottle and I thought it was nice that he was being polite and opening it for me. Then he tossed the cap into the trash. I asked him why we didn't get to keep the cap. (I could just see this soda being spilled all over the folks in front of us!) He said that the Secret Service didn't allow the caps because "the caps could be used to make a projectile and separate from the bottle...bombs....projectiles....Secret Service....blah, blah, blah." I didn't think I should argue with the Secret Service.

At 8:00 someone came in and led the Pledge of Allegience. FINALLY! Something was happening!

I was wrong.

Another bathroom break.

At 8:45, Obama made his appearance! The crowd went crazy! Everyone was on their feet. People were chanting his mantra, "YES WE CAN! YES WE CAN! YES WE CAN!" Kate liked that part, and even joined in.

We listened for about 10 minutes to Obama working the crowd. It was all about how much he's like us. He was speaking at Assembly Hall, home of the past NCAA Champion Indiana Hoosiers, the center of basketball heartland, and starts talking about how when he's already told his people that when he's elected, he's having the bowling alley taken out of the White House and is putting in a basketball court. Hysteria erupted. It was all in the name of working the crowd.

He eventually told everyone to sit down because we were going to be there for awhile. Katie needed ANOTHER bathroom break. I decided it wasn't worth trying to keep her entertained in there. We went to the bathroom and started walking around the inside perimeter of Assembly Hall. I could hear snipets of what was being said and people cheering. Katie and I perused the building, looked at pictures and trophies, chatted with the security folks, and walked, and walked, and walked.

10:00 came and went before it was over. It was WAY past Katie's bedtime and she was more than tired. Now we had to find Linda and Carrie in the mass exodus. Cell phones come in handy at times like this!

It was 11:00 before we got back to Dan and Linda's. Katie was tired, hungry, and grumpy--and I didn't blame her one bit.

She slept very well that night.

In retrospect, I can see how Obama could sway people to believing whatever he says. He didn't get this far without being persuasive. A lot of things make sense on the surface, but I'm not so sure about the long run. Maybe I'll blog more about that later. I'm not much of a political person. I wanted to see if he addressed the Jeremiah Wright issue or his Muslim background. If he did, I was with my daughter and missed it--and she's much more important.

Welcome to the World, Miss Maggie!

2008-05-03T23:09:00.005-04:00

Our Katie was enthralled with her newest cousin, Miss Maggie.

My sister and her husband, Sharon and Don, welcomed a new little girl into their family on April 29th. She weighed 7 pounds, 3 ounces and was 20.75 inches long

Margaret Grace, better known as "Maggie" is beautiful! We were all surprised that Don made it through the delivery without "kissing the floor." Both Momma and Baby are doing well!

The Things Kids Say

2008-04-20T22:42:00.002-04:00

Katie was spinning around the room when she announced, "When I grow up I'm going to have lots of babies and be a ballerina."

Not to be out-done, Audrey chimed in, "When I grow up I'm going to have lots of babies, and I'm going to be a SPIDER!

We don't know where that came from, but it sure makes us laugh when we think about it!

Wordless Wednesday

2008-04-12T03:48:00.003-04:00

For more Wordless Wednesday go to http://www.wordlesswednesday.com/.

More Photos from Botany 101

2008-04-11T23:14:00.004-04:00

Audrey is not a head without a body. Isn't this a funny picture?

Little pots, sitting in the sunlight.

Botany 101

2008-04-11T23:06:00.004-04:00

I found some little pre-packaged seeds with pots and a "soil pod" at Target last week. Since Katie LOVES flowers, I thought this might be a good introduction to how plants grow. She's been bugging me for the last week to get the process started, so today we finally did!

By the way, one of the best things about homeschooling is that you can do it in your pajamas!

It's Official

2008-04-09T21:13:00.005-04:00

It's official: I'm a milk snob! A POWDERED MILK SNOB!

Don't laugh. It's true!

I've written before about how much money we began to save by using powdered milk. When made the night before and chilled well, we couldn't tell the difference between skim milk and powdered skim milk.

Then the milk hit the fan....it began tasting watery to me. I couldn't drink it. I told Rick it was like bad Yoohoo (a chocolate drink that's never seen the inside of a cow, as far as I know).

The milk I didn't like was REAL milk (ok, it was skim milk, but it wasn't powdered) from Kroger! I'd found some on sale for $2/gallon and we'd put it in the freezer. Rick had thawed it out and used it to make me some chocolate milk. ICK!

We're mixing the powdered milk correctly and getting the entire yield from the box so it's not like we're using extra powder and making it richer.

So, it's official. I'm a milk snob. I will only drink the powdered stuff now.

I've Got to Get Busy, Busy, Busy!

2008-04-08T06:05:00.005-04:00

I received my first wholesale headband order! It's so exciting! To quote Professor Hinkle, "I've got to get busy, busy, busy!"

(You get 20 points--redeemable for nothing--if you know who Professor Hinkle is and what movie this comes from!)

Please excuse my excessive use of exclamation points in this post and the fact that I ended a sentence in a preposition. :-)

There's a Mouser in Our.....House-r!

2008-04-03T23:15:00.005-04:00

I was awake at 5:30 in the morning, just cruising around the internet, waiting to get sleepy. Mieke comes up from the basement and into the darkened room. Nothing unusual. Mieke is my "baby". No, really. She thinks she's a child and will rarely let me out of her sight.

I hear a high-pitched "eeking" coming from the other side of the room. In the shadows I can see Mieke wiggling her behind and pouncing again. SHE BROUGHT A MOUSE UP FROM THE BASEMENT!!!

Mortified, I stop just before doing my own squeal at the top of my lungs. I don't want to wake the girls who are sleeping in the next room.

Mieke runs through the cat door with the mouse in her mouth...and into the girls' room! Now I have to run after her. I don't want the girls awakened by a bouncing cat and a bloody rodent.

She had it down and it ran, er, quickly limped, to safety...for a moment. Now the other FIVE cats have come running to see what's the commotion is all about.

Can I pause and say that it must be a VERY STUPID mouse to come into a house with six cats!

I had to go wake Rick up. Rodents are his department.

"Mieke has a mouse in the girls' bedroom!"

"What do you want me to do about it?"

"GET IT OUT OF HERE!"

So Rick drags himself out of bed to save us womenfolk from the dreaded mouse.

I would also like to say that no animals were harmed in this process. However, he did have to bonk it on the head to put it out of it's misery so he could dispose of it.

The story ends with a dead mouse and a confused Mieke who spent the rest of the day looking for her "toy".

Well, I wish I could say that was the end...but she brought another mouse up again in the evening! (We have seen no signs of mice in the house and the basement is unfinished. The rain must be driving them into a drier place.) It was almost the same story except Mieke and Murph played tag with it until it was exhausted and Rick put it out of it's misery once he got it cornered.

Good Mieke.....Good Mieke......

By the way, I didn't know Mieke had it in her to catch a mouse. She's the most loving, docile cat I've ever met.

Good Mieke....Good Mieke....

Works for Me Wednesday: Sewing Thread

2008-03-26T11:52:00.003-04:00

There is thread that's virtually invisible! It's clear nylon thread and it's with the other threads wherever it is you go to buy thread. If you sew, it could save you bizillions of dollars in thread because you can go from sewing a dark fabric to a light fabric and not have to change threads at all. It matches everything!

Look at the photo above. The machine is threaded with nylon thread and it's hard to see in the photo. It almost feels like a fine hair, if that makes any sense.

In this photo, you can barely see where it's coming off the spool. Actually, it look like white thread when it's on the spool--white thread with a sheen.

In this photo, you can see where I serged the edge with white, but it's hard to see the invisible stitching about 3/8" to the left of the serge.

You can iron over invisible thread just as you would any other thread. It does have a small amount of stretch to it so you need to go as slow as possible when you're winding your bobbins to minimize this. (I haven't found pre-wound bobbins with nylon thread yet.) I thought the ends of it may feel "itchy" when they stick out, but, so far, we haven't been able to feel them at all!

Saving money on thread--saving time by not having to switch thread--that Works for Me!

For more Works for Me Wednesday, visit Shannon's blog!

More Hoppes Homestead Photographs

2008-03-22T13:25:00.003-04:00

More photos from our day with the Hoppes Family!

A Very Nice Day

2008-03-22T13:17:00.003-04:00

The girls and I visited our friends at the Hoppes Homestead yesterday. So much fun! They have four new baby goats, lots of chickens, rabbits, and a big fenced-in yard. I knew the girls had fun because they were dirty and tired at the end of the day.

By the way, Kim cans the BEST pickles! Maybe she'll post the recipe on her blog some day!

Making Friends

2008-03-19T09:06:00.004-04:00

I've been trying to make friends with the serger again. (I would say "MY" serger, but it actually belongs to my mom--although I don't think she's ever used it!)

Since buying the new sewing/embroidery machine, I've known that I really need get the serger out and see if I can get it working again. Something went wrong with it about FOUR YEARS ago! I was trying to change the thread color from white to red. The tension was then off. The loops were off. I read the instruction book trying to re-thread it. Nothing was working. I put it aside and covered it up. It's sat there, lonely and unused, for a long, long time.

Last weekend I blew the dust off, uncovered it, and tried again. It worked! I've been serging up a storm. It's been mostly used for finishing seams on dresses for the girls. I've done a little sewing with it too. I just keep talking nicely to it....and apologizing for neglecting it for so long.

Obituary

2008-03-17T06:23:00.002-04:00

Today we mourn the passing of a beloved old friend by the name of Common Sense who has been with us for many years.

No one knows for sure how old he was since his birth records were long ago lost in bureaucratic red tape. He will be remembered as having cultivated such valued lessons as knowing when to come in out of the rain, why the early bird gets the worm and that life isn't always fair.

Common Sense lived by simple, sound financial policies (don't spend more than you earn) and reliable parenting strategies (adults, not kids, are in charge). His health began to rapidly deteriorate when well intentioned but overbearing regulations were set in place. Reports of a six-year-old boy charged with sexual harassment for kissing a classmate, teens suspended from school for using mouthwash after lunch, and a teacher fired for reprimanding an unruly student only worsened his condition! It declined even further when schools were required to get parental consent to administer aspirin to a student but could not inform the parents when a student became pregnant and wanted to have an abortion.

Finally, Common Sense lost the will to live as the Ten Commandments became contraband, churches became businesses and criminals received better treatment than their victims. Common Sense finally gave up the ghost after a woman failed to realize that a steaming cup of coffee was hot, spilled it in her lap, and was awarded a huge settlement.

Common Sense was preceded in death by his parents, Truth and Trust, his wife, Discretion; his daughter, Responsibility; and his son, Reason. He is survived by two stepbrothers; My Rights and Ima Whiner. Not many attended his funeral because so few realized he was gone

(This is from the Internet.)

Breaking Free!

2008-03-14T00:30:00.005-04:00

Yesterday I did a photo shoot for a friend of mine who has started a ministry called "Breaking Free Women's Ministries". They minister at the local jails, providing a Bible study, prayer, and support after the women are released. They are currently working on a big fundraiser in hopes of opening a halfway house in the county.

The shoot was a lot of fun! They haven't even seen the photos yet, and I'm still in the process of editing them. Wish I could do things like this more often.

Tag! I'm It!

2008-03-13T22:14:00.002-04:00

Cyndi tagged me today! Here goes!

1. What was I doing ten years ago? I was living in Jasonville, Indiana and was working as a dental assistant for a company that provided services to nursing homes. A LOT of traveling was involved. Rick and I hadn't even met yet.

2. Five things on my to-do list today. Do a photo shoot for a friend of mine, start editing process of the photos, work on figuring out how to use my embroidery machine, take the girls outside to play, watch Survivor.

3. Snacks I enjoy? Popcorn, chocolate, nuts, BBQ Pringles, apples with peanut butter.

4. Things I would do if I were a billionaire. Have college/trust funds for my children and my neices and nephews. Start several scholarships for homeschoolers' needs. Fund my business with things it needs. Pay off the house. Pay off my parents' house. Pay off my siblings' houses. Give millions to the church. Do Random Acts of Kindness that are anonymous--like Oprah's The Big Give.

5. Three bad habits. Too much of the snacks listed in #3. Staying in my pajamas all day. Letting the girls stay in their pajamas all day.

6. Five places I have lived. Bloomington, IN; Jasonville, IN; Indianapolis, IN; Carlisle, IN; Short Hills, NJ. Yes, New Jersey.

I'm tagging anyone who wants to play! Be sure to let me know so I can visit your blog! Be sure to visit Cyndi's blog also!

Wordless Wednesday

2008-03-12T10:23:00.003-04:00

For more Wordless Wednesday go to www.wordlesswednesday.com.

She Bringeth Her Food from Afar

2008-03-11T15:52:00.004-04:00

She is like the merchants' ships; she bringeth her food from afar

Proverbs 31:14

Katie and I made our monthly shopping trek to "the city" yesterday. It usually takes us all day, and we make it a fun day together. It's a learning experience for Katie. We talk about everything we see. We compare prices (as much as she understands it), pray for guidance before we go into a store, look at the ads, and practice good habits like courtesy towards everyone.

At CVS I spent a net of just over $3.00 and got $38 worth of products we use. That also included $7.00 for mouth medicine that Katie needed and we usually don't buy. We used coupons combined with sales and the ECBs we'd accumulated. Not bad!

Kroger went really well too. Rick LOVES seafood and they had some crablegs that are normally $28 marked down to $10 so that was my first item. We also got 6 boxes of Honey Bunches of Oats cereal that were on sale for $1.99 and I had a coupon for $2 off EACH BOX making them free! (We'll eat a lot of that, but some will be donated also.) We found milk marked down to $2/gallon and bought 3 of those for the freezer. Two cake mixes were for my mom and were on sale also. All together, I spent $28 and saved over $40. It's like I bought the crablegs and got the rest for free!

We also stopped at the meat market, Aldi's, Walgreens, GFS, the bread store, Wal-Mart (where I used $14.50 in coupons), and the Farmer's Market. Other than adding in a few fresh fruits and veggies in a few weeks, we're set for the month!

Our excitement for the day happened while I was having some fabric cut at Jo-Ann's. My cell phone rang and the conversation went something like this:

Me: Hello

Rick: You've gotta come home. Audrey has a BEAD stuck in her nose!

Me: What? Are you serious???

Rick: Of course I'm serious. Come home soon!

(At this point, I'm trying not to laugh. The woman who was cutting the fabric was giving me the oddest looks..... Keep in mind that I was at least 25 minutes from home! I get my fabric cut and hurry to the register.) The phone rings again....

Me: Yes?????

Rick: I got the bead out. You can finish your shopping. I'm throwing away every bead in this house!

Me: You got the bead out???? She has no bead in her nose???

(At this point, the cashier starts giggling and I can't help but laugh too!)

Rick and I hang up and I finish my errands. When I got home, Rick had indeed thrown out every bead he could find. (Katie and I love beads.) Knowing Audrey, she'll just find something else....like a bean, or a piece of cat food, or a small toy.

Karate, anyone???

2008-03-09T11:45:00.004-04:00

10
The questions for this quiz are hilarious! You can click on the box to take the quiz yourself.
(Not that I would ever, ever, ever take on 5-year-olds for any reason....)

Wordless Wednesday

2008-03-05T14:15:00.003-05:00

For more Wordless Wednesday, go to www.wordlesswednesday.com.