Cold Oatmeal and Purple Cows

T Shirt Tuesday: T Shirt Totes

2011-04-05T06:00:00.000-05:00

Hold onto your hats folks... this is the easiest project ever!

These cute T shirt totes have been all over the blog land for a while and I finally got around to making some... So here they are. We are talking 5 minutes worth of work and total cuteness.

Gather your supplies because this is a quick ride!

Old Shirt

Pins (completely optional)

Scissors or rotary cutter or both (unless you are a savage beast and can rip knit...)

Dinner plate (or sharp eyeballing it technique)

Sewing machine and thread

Step 1: Cut the sleeves off of your T shirt. I know what you are thinking... this looks a little, well, how do I say this... "redneck." Please don't be offended. I hemmed and hawed about what term to use here and then realized that this is part of who I am, where I'm from and what I am proud of. This is a style my brother Jim (love you...) is completely comfortable sporting, and I can show you how to jazz it up next week...

Step 2: Use the dinner plate as a guide to cut a large half circle out of the neck line. Eyeballers, this is your moment to shine! You can go ahead and "eyeball it." (I love to think I can eyeball it. I should attach several images of projects that prove that I have no eyeball ability whatsoever.)

Step 3: Pin the bottom of your shirt. "Turn your shirt inside out and pin the bottom together" silly. Oh and by the way, I may not be a great eyeballer, but I did a perfectly wonderful job of skipping this pinning nonsense on totes #2 and #3. (I know, so naughty and talented!)

Step 4: Sew the bottom seam. I gave it 2 good runs with my machine, just to be extra official...Enjoy your new super fabulous T Shirt Tote!

The one with the peace signs is Kiley's. She has big plans to take it with her to the Community Center and to sleepovers.

Come on, you know you want one... Take 5 minutes. Make one or ten!

Dear Bench

2011-04-01T09:00:00.008-05:00

Dear Bench,

I have been looking for you for months. I want to take you home and paint you and make pretty pillows for you so you feel super special. Why are you hiding and teasing me so? I know you are out there. I have waited for you at Goodwill, I have looked for you on Craigslist. I will do whatever it takes to have you in my home. (OK, not anything, but I will go to extremes...)

Your ugly cousins are all creeping on me. I see them everywhere. They are at Goodwill, they are on Craigslist, they are sitting at the end of people's driveways. I don't want them, I want you.

So show your face dear sweet, lovely, bench with a curved back and no storage compartment.

I Had a Vision...

2011-03-31T07:36:00.000-05:00

From across the thrift store, I spotted the most amazing print... My heart skipped a beat and I rushed in a not looking like I was rushing sort of way. (This was so other thrifters would not see my excitement and in turn rush to where I was rushing to get what I was wanting to get. Yes, I believe/ know this to be true...)

ONE PROBLEM...

There is enough skirt here for me and one of my kids.

Think, woman, think. Can I use this to make something fabulous?

I had a vision...

I snatched this baby up and took her home.

The skirt was made from 4 panels, so I removed 1 1/2 panels and created a new side seam.

Paired with a belt and a tank we have a new semi fabulous dress for $2.99! I am in love.

Now let's work on my photography skills...

Oh, and some actual, real live spring weather...

Did you know that "thrifters" is not a word in the blogger spell check? Seriously?!

It should be.

T Shirt Tuesday: Pretty Little Tank

2011-03-29T08:00:00.001-05:00

To make today's "Pretty Little Tank" you will need : -tank top - narrow lace or trim - wide lace or trim - thread to match - sewing machine

First make a ruffle out of your narrow lace. There are many ways to do this...

I use the longest stitch length on my machine and sew all the middle. Pull the bottom thread to create a ruffle.

Pin your narrow ruffle to the middle of the wide lace.

Sew the ruffle to the lace. Find the middle of your tank and mark it so you know where to attach the lace. (I did this by folding the tank in half and matching up the straps.) Pin the lace to the middle of your tank.

Stitch to attach your embellishment to your tank.

Admire your work!

I am all about instant gratification projects and this was a snap.

Less than 30 minutes ... That's my kind of project!

Meet Frank

2011-03-28T15:40:00.006-05:00

Meet Frank..Frank was 3Bucks!

Yes, Frank is so ugly he's cute, but I love him.

If someone breaks in and is not scared off by Frank or my evil coldsore, I can just pick him up

and use him for a weapon.

Jesse has not met Frank yet. I have a feeling he will not approve. Keep your fingers crossed. I hope Frank can stay!

New Family Member

2010-12-29T11:13:00.004-06:00

We have a new little guy running around our kitchen.

Meet our latest edition...

No, we didn't have a baby...

No, we didn't get a dog...

Tate built a robot!

This little guy was a kit was a Christmas gift from Nana Rena. Tate loved putting it together and is thrilled with how it scuttles around the kitchen cleaning up crumbs.

I love that we don't have to feed it or take it out to the bathroom... Way better than a dog!

Now we just need to name him... Any ideas?

Project Sweater Beautification: Part I

2010-12-28T14:42:00.017-06:00

Inspired by Grosgrain's Embellish Knit Month, I started to play around with some sweater beautification of my own. Today I added some singed lace flowers to a silk cardigan. Just lovely...

Project Time:20 Minutes

Materials:

Plain Cardigan (Mine was 1.49 at Goodwill)

Lace (I have also used chiffon, tulle, etc to make this kind of flower in the past)

Candle or other heat source

Scissors

Needle

Thread

For each flower cut

2- 4 inch circles

2- 3inch circles

2- 2 inch circles

Hint: To speed up the cutting process and cut multiple circles of the same size at the same time, you can layer your lace.
Use a candle to singe the edges of the two largest circles. To do this hold the fabric about 2 inches away from the flame until the edges curl.

If your fabric starts on fire, you are too close... Some people use a tweezers for this part, but I am a risk taker...

Repeat this process with your two medium circles and your two small circles.

Stack your singed circles largest to smallest and give them a couple of basting stitches.

Next, arrange the flowers on your cardigan and pin them in place. TRY ON YOUR SWEATER. What looks good laying on your design table does not always look good on your bod! Trust me... I love the look of the four flower design pictured below, but I tried it on and felt like a double dork.

The final product only boasts two lovely lace flowers...

After attempting to wear this this afternoon, I realized that I am not a size small. (I think I already knew that, but I really wanted this to fit me. It is so pretty.) Any size smalls? Its up for grabs. FREEBIE!!!

Something to Read: Subway Art

2010-12-24T08:00:00.002-06:00

My new borrowed family Christmas gift giving policy is: "Something you want, something you need, something to wear, something to read..."

If this saying came from your blog or you know where it came from, please tell me. I want to give credit and thank this person for helping me keep it very simple at Christmas. Anyway, on with the show.

Hubbers is getting this Subway Art as his "Something to read." I made it for his new office. (Hope we finish the office before Subway Art goes to the curb!)

There are a ton of Tutorials out there for this. Here is what I did...

Materials:
Canvas (mine was 1/2 off at Michael's but you can use an old piece from a yard sale or thrift store)
Acrylic paint for background (I purchased a 250 ML tube of black and did not even use 1/4 of it)
Mod Podge
Scrapbook Paper or Card stock (Higher quality paper= easier project)
Letter Cutting Machine such as a Cricut (Optional and very handy---You can also print your words on your computer. Just reverse the color so the letters print white)

Gather those Materials

Paint that canvas

I only used one coat and it looks fine, but you may find you need more depending on the quality of your paint or the condition of your canvas... or if you are that way.

Cut out those letters

I have seed a variety of sizes, fonts and color schemes. You will notice mine are all the same font. This is not because my husband really likes the George font from Cricut. It is because I was not willing to buy a new Cricut cartridge for this experimental gift. It turns out I rather like it! Lay those Puppies out.

Arrange the words. Make em fit, see what you love. VS (Not Victoria's Secret..Vital Step):

Take a picture so you don't forget where they were.

Glue baby, glue!
Go nuts with the Mod Podge. Brush it on the back of each letter. Stick those letters down. Go back and cover the whole canvas in a coat of Mod Podge.

At this point FEEL FREE TO FREAK OUT. I DID. It will look awful. It will dry clear and it won't be shiny anymore. See... Mine is almost dry.

The mod podge is still visible in this picture especially near the bottom. Be assured it will disappear when it is completely dry...

I did let it dry for two full days simply because I did not want to tun the risk of having anything stick to the wrapping paper. Overnight would likely do the trick!

Of course The project is done and wrapped and I never took a THE END picture.

Maybe when the office is finished and it is hanging on its new wall home...

Dear Dad,

2010-12-23T09:41:00.007-06:00

I am sure you know, we have been missing you a lot around here lately...

Your garden was the best I have ever seen it. The corn was delicious, the potatoes were huge, and the pumpkins were perfect... it wasn't the same without you.

We spent a lot of time as a family, with "grease cutters" being the drink of choice... it wasn't the same without you. (By the way, I can actually drink a grease cutter with out cringing now... I wouldn't say I love it!)

Fishing at the cabin was "piss poor"... it wasn't the same without you.

Kate got married, now that was a party... it wasn't the same without you.

Jesse and Mike took a bear hunting journey to Liberty Farms... it wasn't the same without you. (I am not sure if they knew what to do without you there to take the lead)

I am sure you know, Grandma went to heaven right after she turned 99. I bet she was surprised but happy to see you waiting there!

We miss you!

PS You are going to be a grandpa again... oh and a great grandpa! No, silly I am not expecting, but Lindsay and Ryan are and so are Tony and Miss Kate!

I love you!

Miss Becca

Our Advent Calendar

2010-12-22T14:00:00.001-06:00

Our Advent Calendar is made from a Red Dogwood branch and some old book pages. Each book page was rolled into a cone shape and decorated with a winter animal shape.

Each day we look inside the cone to find a prayer for the day or a family activity to prepare for Christmas.

Some of our favorites are:

~Sing Christmas songs by the tree

~Cocoa and a prayer

~Read the story of the birth of Jesus

~Make "firecrackers" to open on Christmas Eve (These contain special notes written by each family member)

~ Go for a drive and look at Christmas lights

~Go out of your way to do good deeds today

~Make a gift for your sibling

~Go to the pet store to hold the puppies

~Buy food for the food shelf

~Make a Birthday Banner for Jesus

This is the first year we have done such an involved Advent Calendar. I must say I am in love with the idea and I do plan to make it a tradition.

Having the kids help make it really gave them ownership.

I will admit that some of the tasks did not get completed. The timing was a little off. Next year, I will have to rig it so the more involved activities land on slow days here at the house!

I hope Advent helped prepare your heart and home for the coming of Jesus... Merry Christmas!

Fit to Be Tied Towel

2010-12-22T08:00:00.005-06:00

Wow, I love this towel! It was so simple and makes so much sense... Tate said, "Oooh it looks like an angel." It sure does my little man...

It took less than 15 minutes to make and will prevent those little ones from pulling down the kitchen towel every time you turn around!

Find out how to make this beauty by visiting Trey and Lucy! The lovely Tanya will show you how to make this and everything you never knew you wanted to make... :)

As for me, I am off to make more of these monsters so that I have an army of beautiful towels to look at. I might try a button hole or Velcro...

Embellish Me, Please: Pretty Towel Tutorial for You!

2010-12-21T14:54:00.013-06:00

I mentioned in the quicky gift of bread post that my intentions were to make some pretty little towels to keep on hand for emergency gift giving situations.

Well, I got a jump start today when my sweet baby was taking nap. (OK he is six, so not a baby, but he is my baby and he is sicker than sick. BOO. :( ) By jump start, I mean two towels. See...

As you can see, I thought I was going to be making a gross of towels...

I used the towels on the right and fabric from my stash you could use scraps. (Kiley recently became interested in fabric and sewing, so my scrap drawer is looking pretty sad...)

Cut strips of fabric that are as long as the width (plus an inch or two) of your towel and about 3 inches wide.

Fold the edge over and press. Sew.

Pin your fabric to your towel. I use a ruler to keep it even.

Sew the fabric strip to your towel. Make sure your edges are folded over the side of the towel and and tucked under...

The second towel is just ric rac sewn to a towel with a basic fabric flower pinned on.

I decided these two cuties would look great with the fun clothespin magnets I made.

Enjoy!

Quicky Gift Idea

2010-12-21T08:00:00.001-06:00

Last week I was in a pinch and needed a quicky gift for project Advent Angel (Secret Santa) at work. I grabbed a loaf of crusty bread and a new dish towel and ta da!

(The tag says, "Have a loafly day." I'm cooky like that...)

Over break, I may cut the other dish towels down and embelish them to keep on hand for this very purpose. What an easy little gesture... The embelishments will kick it up a notch.

This old hat

2010-12-20T22:14:00.007-06:00

I think it was a month ago that I posted pics of the first hat I made. It was a Where the Wild Things Are hat. Kind of cute, but very thin and a weak effort. I gave it another shot that same night and came up with this cutie.

This time I sewed two layers of fabric and added a ruffle, some trim, and a button. Oh what fun!
One problem. The pattern from I Am Momma Hear Me Roar was for a kid. I am an adult, so I modified it to fit an adult head and ended up with a hat that is too big. I guess I can give it another shot...
Note: in this lovely self portrait I am wearing my lovely blue bathrobe. It is my SSE (signature sewing ensemble...) PRETTY! (That is pretty as in not pretty...)

For the tutorial please visit the super awesome I am Momma Hear Me Roar post.

Ta Da!!!

2010-11-20T17:11:00.006-06:00

I did it! Here's the first I am Momma Hear Me Roar inspired hat. It really was quite simple...once I sat down to do it. So simple, I had to round up more fleece and flannel.
Guess what I am doing tonight!? This hat was made for Tate, but he refused to model, so here is the lovely Kiley modeling the first hat.

.

I used fleece, a t shirt and some old dress socks to make this hat. It is only one layer, so it is not all that warm. More of a fall or spring hat really. My next hat will be double layers and lots of cute embellishments. I am pretty stoked. (Is that how you spell "stoked?" I bet typing stoked makes me a pretty big dork. I don't really care though because I am so excited about these hats...)

New paint color in the bathroom by the way... Sherwin Williams "Earthen Jug."

Note the "horn" on the left side of this picture is part of the charm of this hat. My top was a little bigger than my middle piece so I had to bunch it up a bit.

I had a dream, well nightmare...

2010-11-20T10:29:00.005-06:00

I had a terrible dream that I used my fabric scissors to cut paper. I think this means it is time to get cracking on my never ending pile of things I want to work on. Today I will: finish my t shirt scarf. Hush... It is a secret project.

I will also attempt these very cool hats from I am Momma Hear Me Roar.

Please go visit. She is amazing and has tons of great tutorials for the hip little boy in your life. Rare Find~

~Wish me Luck~

Fat Quarter Scarf

2010-08-06T11:29:00.004-05:00

I finally finished the Fat Quarter Scarf project that I started in July.

You know the drill... Cut it out and let it sit for a while...

Some projects are like wine.

You have to let them age in order to let them reach their full potential!

(Three weeks this time)

So here it is...

The Five Fat Quarter Scarf

I am very pleased with it and plan to give it to my MIL for her Birthday next week.

I hope she likes it. If she feels like it is too funky to wear as a scarf, she can always use it as a table runner. (Kiley's suggestion :) )

Tutorial for this project was by the lovely Sachiko over at Tea Rose Home.

Check out her lovely Blog!

Lemonade and Popcorn!

2010-08-05T18:14:00.010-05:00

It was hotter than HOT on Tuesday...

The kids set up shop...

Lemonade and Popcorn were 25 cents...
(This table was made by my dad before I was born!)

A supply of lemonade and ice...

Stockpile of popcorn...

A shaded spot for Union Breaks...

Drinking and eating away their profits!

Little White Church on the Hill

2010-08-03T07:40:00.000-05:00

I have been trying to write about this for months, but have never found the right words. Maybe I was unable to see the whole picture until now...

Bear with me the story seems like a long one but in my eyes it is truly AWESOME.

Two weeks ago, mom and I were driving to see some new friends. We spotted this beautiful church.

Note mom's hair in the picture along with a utility pole. I am still learning...

It was so breathtaking that we had to slow down to take pictures. A car was approaching so we had to trudge on, turn around and go back to complete our photo shoot. As we were turning around, another car (or maybe it was a truck, yes, I think it was a truck) approached and asked us if we needed help finding someone. We said no thanks, just taking pictures of the church. He smiled and was on his way. (How sweet!)

Yes, we took the time to turn around to take the picture, but did not get out of the car. We are going for quality here (wink wink...)

On we went to see our amazing new friends... Sam and Sharon. They live on a cool property out in the country. Lots to see so of course I forgot to take pictures of most of it because I was too busy soaking it all in. (Maybe this is why I don't travel. I feel like a bad tourist almost everywhere I go...)

Mom couldn't resist and had to get her hands in the dirt!

So, she helped with the weeding! I love that she enjoys gardening so much!

After a long visit, a lovely lunch and meeting some of their friends, they had something they wanted to show us...

They brought us to this spot.

This is the spot that brought us together. This is the spot that made our meeting possible. This is the spot where they pulled over in May to help a stranger in need. This is the same spot mom and I chose to turn around to take pictures. If you sit in your car and look ahead you see this beautiful scene...

But, if you look to your left, you see the Little White Church on the Hill.

Completely awesome! If you are still with me, there's more... If you stopped reading, I understand, but you are missing out, so I am sure something will tug at your heart and you will come back when you are ready for the rest.

So rewind to May. Here is the post I never posted... Please read it. It explains why this spot and meeting Sam and Sharon is so important. It explains why my faith is stronger than ever and why I feel so refreshed, so loved and so very blessed.

Goodbye my LOOOVE!

2010-07-26T16:14:00.005-05:00

We said goodbye to an old friend on Thursday...

I must say not a single tear was shed...

Cruel?!

No... For weeks this monstrosity has been haunting our driveway. Blocking my otherwise perfect view of what everyone else in the neighborhood is doing. (Yes, I am nosey)

At first it was fun. We acted as though there was something exciting inside. I told the kids that if they could guess what was inside, it was all theirs...

some guesses:

~1 million hula hoops

~ a bike

~ a bed

~ a car

~cookies

~ a puppy

Nope, sorry folks... the box is empty and we can't even play in it because we need a crow bar to open it.

So there it sat for weeks. People would drive by nice and slow, but nobody would take the darn thing. Finally, on Thursday a very interesting man came to get pick it up. Thank you very interesting man and equally interesting wife.

I don't care what strange thing you are using this for just drive safe and be on your way.

Wedding fun...

2010-07-17T07:06:00.003-05:00

Sometimes they are just too fun. Kiley and Tate never want their pictures taken. So I am constantly trying to get a good shot of them together. Here they are at a wedding I begged and bribed for ONE nice shot. Tate said, "Fine, but you can only try once." I said, "Deal, but it has to be a good one."

In his efforts to assist in making the shot a "good one," Tate posed like a "model."

In focusing on really making it a good shot (and praying that Tate would not wreck it), Kiley froze up and forgot to smile...

Tate trying to walk a "very dangerous" ledge, while pretending to be a secret agent.

A random dance move by the dancing queen.

A sweet moment between daddy and Kiley.

I think I'll just stick to the candid shots.

Jazzed Up Swim Suit Coverup

2010-07-14T23:53:00.015-05:00

I had an idea...

So, I found myself some fabric...

OK this is a shirt that I fell in love with for fifty cents and realized I do not look good in. I refused to get rid of it because I love the fabric. Duh- use it for something!

Added ruffles to the pocket and drew up a birdie for the applique...

Next I used wonder under to attach the bird and a zigzag stitch to finish the edges...

Finally, I used embroidery floss to create little birdie legs...

All done. Well not quite...Need to redo the stitching on the applique. Our Home EC teacher always warned us that she would give a speeding tickets for sewing too fast. It turns out you have to go slow when you are doing curves with a contrast thread!

The top is looking pretty plain. What to do??

Apron Love

2010-07-14T07:38:00.005-05:00

I am in love with all of the beautiful aprons all over Bloggy world, and finally decided to give it a shot... Here is what I came up with.

It is a modified version of Amy Butler's apron from In Stitches.

I had a little problem attaching the waist band. It ended up looking lumpy. (Pleats are a new adventure for me. )

The ruffle had a small hole in it so I made a little flower to plop on top. Sweet, isn't it!?

Check out the tutorial at Ruffles and Stuff to learn how to make chiffon flowers.

This kind of reminds me of a person who doesn't know how to cut hair trying to trim her own bangs. They just keep getting shorter and shorter trying to even them out. My projects just keep getting bigger and bigger trying to cover up my mistakes! :)

Check out some "fabou" apron tutorials below!

I Have to Say's Dish Towel Apron

Creative Little Daisy's Craft Apron
50's Apron From Crafter.org

So Darn Easy

2010-06-30T12:05:00.004-05:00

OK. I am thrilled at how darn quick and easy this one was! (And inexpensive)

What I used:

Wide black elastic (the most expensive part of this project... I will not disclose how much it was because my mom will read this and say, "You paid how much for the elastic?!" Mom- I used my 40 percent off coupon plus my 15 percent teacher discount. Additionally, the fabric was 2 dollars a yard. I was able to get 2 skirts and a nice scrap out of it. In all, the skirt was a great deal. This cool elastic was just expensive for elastic.) I love you mom!

Less than a 1/2 yard of knit ($2/ yard clearance)

Wonderful Tutorial from the Amazing Disney at Ruffles and Stuff (free... Thanks for sharing your talent with all of us)

I could make these all day. It would be so fun to add appliques, ruffles, lace, etc to these, but dear miss Kiley has an attitude and really wants to keep it simple. I need a new kids to sew for. (That came out wrong, I will keep Kiley because I love her, but I would love to sew for a little girly girl. Oh wait, I have nieces and neighbors!)

Science Time...

2010-06-29T14:13:00.009-05:00

Another great Goodwill find. It was Tag Day... Blue tags were 1.49!

Tate found this Microscope with a screen, slides, slide covers, prepared slide, droppers, gloves etc. Goodwill price 9.99 tag day 1.49!!!

Kiley was MIA for about ten minutes... she reappeared with a slide she made... a variety of flower petals! Too smart!

Inspiration Board

2010-06-28T12:49:00.009-05:00

I have been wanting to add an inspiration board to my sewing corner for quite sometime... Jesse has been wanting me to take care of some of my junk from my April/ May collecting adventures. Here is what we came up with...

So simple to make...

1. Remove glass from old window frame or large picture frame.

2. Cut cork to fit behind the window frame. We measured all the way to the edge or the frame.

3. Use Gorilla Glue to attach the cork to your frame. Be careful with this stuff... It expands! Make sure you read and follow the directions with this product...

4. After the glue was dry, I used brads and a hammer to reinforce the bond.

Thank you Jesse for your help on this project. I will someday be brave enough to use a saw!

Twirly Skirt and Getting Over It...

2010-06-28T12:34:00.007-05:00

I found the tutorial for this super cute skirt over at House on Hill Road. (Pretty sure I would love living this life!~ but am thankful of the life I have)

Kiley has a thing for owls. We went and picked out the fabric for this in April. I cut the skirt out the same day. AND there it sat for TWO MONTHS! (How embarrassing!)

In talking to my friend Jodi, I realized why there are so many things I want to do, but never do. I have a fear of making mistakes. I am afraid that I will try something and it won't work, it will look funny, or I won't love it... I tend to get the materials all ready for a project and then let it sit.

Guess what!? I went for it! I made plenty of mistakes on this project, but figured out how to fix them, cover them up or let them go!

For example:

OOPS! This did not lay flat, so I made some felt hearts to cover it with!

Fourth of July Ruffle Skirt

2010-06-28T12:09:00.004-05:00

I had some free time this morning, so I decided to whip up this cute little number for Kiley to wear on the 4th. The best part is... I used two old t shirts and a piece of elastic!

Kiley was unavailable to model, but I did take a picture. My intention was to add a row of white ruffles, but I ran out of steam. (I really gravitate to projects that can be completed in 30 minutes or less.)

UPDATE: After looking at the picture here, I have decided to add the white ruffles. This skirt looks superman, not Fourth of July AND Why did I choose that color of blue? URG!

Head on over to Sew Much Ado to check out how this puppy was made!

Sew Much Ado: Refashion Tutorial: Toddler Ruffle Skirt

mOm...

2010-06-25T13:30:00.007-05:00

Sometimes my kids make me laugh so hard I almost cry... Sometimes they make me want to scream... Sometimes I do. (Praying for patience, understanding, and wisdom every single day!)

Here are some nuggets from this week:

"mOm... I need some dental floss and a rock..."

"mOm... I am so awesome, do you wish there were twins of me?"

"mOm... Your breath smells like bones. Dead bones. Sheesh, did you forget to brush?"

"mOm... Do girls have penises?" "No." "Can I check yours?" "No." "How do you even go to the bathroom then?"(I hesitated to post this, but it was just an honest inquiry.)

"mOm... When you're a redult, do you get to pick where you live? Good! I am going to live at the Maxa's!"

"mOm... If when we get to the farm and the farmer gives me a mertilized egg and I sit on it to keep it warm and it doesn't even crack and it final does hatch will it be a human boy or a human chicken or what?" (yes, this came out as one sentence...)

"I love you guys." "...But we're driving you crazy, Mom?"

The kids are currently obsessed with fake glasses. (Kiley has been for a long time now... She has 4 pair!)

What a bunch of punkerdoos!

This little girl

2010-06-22T08:51:00.004-05:00

This little girl makes me so happy. Her giggle and her smile make my heart sing.

She spends hours and hours making things.

Ideas just fill her head and come pouring out.

She is a dreamer, a pretender and a planner.

My dear sweet Kiley is growing up.

Hey Good Lookin'

2010-06-21T14:00:00.009-05:00

I made this apron using the tutorial from Ruffles and Stuff. (love her fantastic ideas and beautiful style!)

I will admit I crashed and burned on this and it turned out a bit sloppy. Truth be told, it was meant to be a gift for a friend, but it was looking a little small. I think a Large or XL Tee would work best (or maybe that's just me because I'm a bit hipish... no not as in trendy as in rump and hips)

(Tate was making his secret Nutella and Pb treat!)

Off to find more rockin' shirts in bigger sizes! I promise to be more patient when I sit down to give this another try. (I can sew with knit. I will sew with knit. I will love to sew with knit!)

Ruffle T

2010-06-21T13:39:00.009-05:00

I have been dying to try this project from Tea Rose Home and finally sat down and did it on Saturday. I was thrilled with the results!

I used these plain T's- found at Target for 3.50 (Note removable bib necklaces... BONUS!)

And made this ubber cute T... Yeah for trying! It literally took me 20 minutes. (Yes I made some mistakes, but I am planning to give it another go and change things up a bit.)

There are additional tutorials over at Tea Rose Home. Check them out. AMAZING!

Goodwill and Great Garage Sales!

2010-06-21T13:22:00.015-05:00

The kids and I had a fantastic time thrifting last Thursday. These are some of my favorite finds... Also the reason I have to wait until July to buy a pinking shears. (I did find a pair to borrow:) until then.)

The kids found some great things as well, but of course they have vanished into the playroom, yard and closets!

Ready, set, goat...

2010-06-14T22:44:00.007-05:00

It has been raining for a weeeeeek! There was a break in the rain on Sunday and our dear friends an neighbors invited us to join them for a fish fry. Yeah, just what we needed! The great thing about our awesome neighbors is that they are so generous, welcoming, and FUN.

After dinner, the kids were playing a game of tag, which lead into races. Dear Jesse, who can't stop being competitive for even a minute, needed to get in on the action. (Mind you, the kids range in age from 4 to 11... yet, my 31 year old husband couldn't resist the urge to compete.)

Here is how he attempted to even the score...

Eventually a piggy pile...

More races... dear sweet Chad found the urge to compete...

And vicious wrestling match where Tate learned that one little girl was a lot tougher than she looks...

What a beautiful evening!

It's good for the soul...

2010-06-11T19:59:00.004-05:00

Have you ever noticed how wonderful it feels to swing?

We were at the park and Tate was off playing tag. Kiley was complaining that she was bored. I told her I'd push her on the swings. Insert huge eye roll and groan followed by FINE!

Pretty soon, she had a smile on her face and was chatting away. So I saddled up on the nearest swing and soon I felt light as a feather and my heart was just happy. We were chit chatting and feeling magical, wonderful bliss!

Swinging is good for the soul. Please remind me of this when we are in the midst of her middle school drama or her teen angst. We have our very own swings in the backyard. I will fight to keep these. We will need them long after our kids think they are too old to swing.

Angels Among Us...

2010-06-10T20:29:00.018-05:00

My dad suddenly passed away on May 5th. Aside from being heartbroken, I found myself thinking about his last hours and minutes. Worried. Worried that he was scared. Worried that he was alone. Worried that he was in pain. Worried that he knew that the situation wasn't good. Worried that the heaven I so strongly believed in for thirty one years might not exist and that I might not ever see him again.

My dad was an amazing man. I am so proud of him, everything he was and everything that is because of him. I can't even begin to write about him for fear I might leave something out.

What I can write about is the beautiful story of his last day here on earth. A story that didn't unfold until after his funeral. A story that has brought me much comfort a renewed sense of faith.

On May 5, Sam and Sharon were on their way to town for their weekly Wednesday date. They were running behind by about a half hour. It was when they missed their turn and had to turn around that they noticed a truck pulled off to the side of the road.

In that truck was a very special man. In that truck was a husband, a father, a grandfather, a great grandfather, a friend. In that truck was my dad.

Sam noticed the hazardous chemical sign on the truck and decided that he should pull over and see if help was needed.

Upon first speaking with my dad, Sam noticed him to be very confused. He didn't know where he was, what his name was, or why he was there. While Sharon was off calling 911, Sam helped dad out of the truck.

There was an instant connection between the two men. A connection that Sam relates with such beauty and confidence. A connection that I believe was God's hand. Sam sat Dad down. He sat sat right there with Dad in the rain. Sam hugged Dad and let him feel his presence. He and his wife told my dad, a complete stranger, that they loved him. They hugged him and held him and told him they loved him. Their friend, a pastor, was the next to come along. They prayed with dad. Finally, the ambulance arrived and Sam and Sharon waited in their car, but after a long period of time had passed, they realized there was not much more they could do, so they left not knowing how much they had done.

The ambulance took dad to one hospital and it was quickly determined that he needed to be airlifted to another. Mom was called... all seven children were called. None of us knew that two very special people had taken care of our very special guy. None of us knew that while we were all going about our daily routines, our dad was in need of something and God sent exceptional people to be that something for him.

Dad had an aortic dissection. He was in surgery for twenty minutes by the time my mom and brother reached the hospital. After many prayers and several hours of surgery we lost him. God sent two very special people to bring love and comfort to my dad. Dad sent two amazing people who will forever be dear to us!

Kiley, me, Sam, Mom, Tate, Sharon

Angels Among Us

I was walking home from school on a cold winter day.
I took a shortcut through the woods and lost my way.
It was getting late and I was scared and alone.
But then a kind old man took my hand and led me home.
Mama couldn't see him, but he was standing there.
I knew in my heart, he was the answer to my prayers.

Oh, I believe, there are angels among us
Sent down to us from somewhere up above
They come to you and me in our darkest hours
To show us how to live, teach us how to give
To guide us with the light of love.

When life dealt troubled times and had me down on my knees
There's always been someone there to come along and comfort me
A kind word from a stranger to lend a helping hand
A phone call from a friend just to say I understand
Ain't it kind of funny at the dark end of the road
Someone lights the way with just a single ray of hope

Oh I believe there are angels among us
Sent down to us from somewhere up above
They come to you and me in our darkest hours
To show us how to live, to teach us how to give
To guide us with the light of love

They wear so many faces, show up in the strangest places
Grace us with their mercy, in our time of need

Oh I believe there are angels among us
Sent down to us from somewhere up above
They come to you and me in our darkest hours
To show us how to live, to teach us how to give
To guide us with the light of love.

To guide us with the light of love.

Sam and Sharon came to visit us and helped with a tree planting in the park.

My niece Katelyn's post: http://abreiden.wordpress.com/2010/06/19/missing-you-papa-g/

Keep Me in Your Heart (Warren Zevon)

2010-05-11T22:24:00.017-05:00

Shadows are falling and I'm running out of breath