Thank you to everyone who commented!
Here are the five winners:
Jill
Kristin
MomRN2
A Snip of Goodness
LeeAnn
I need all of your emails so that I can send them to the gals at The Heart of The Matter, and when the conference is all ready to go they will send all of you access codes and log-in instructions.
If you are interested in finding out more about the conference, click here.
Have a great day!
We are hosting a BBQ today and my kids are crossing their fingers that no thunderstorms will be rolling through to spoil outside activities. I suppose I am crossing my fingers too since rain would mean about 20 kids running through my house. Yikes!
I haven't even begun to plan for this event (no menu in the works yet!), so I had better sign off so that I can head to the store before there is a run on the hot-dog buns. You can't do the 4th without hot-dogs, you know!
I hope you all have a wonderful day!
I am going to take a blogging break in order to enjoy some time with my family and to get some things done. Life is calling me away from the computer, I suppose! I will be back on June 23rd.
My shop will remain open during that time (Ginger Blossom is in and I now carry a pattern---1 pattern, and it's a good one!) and all orders will be processed quickly. When I return we will have a grand-opening celebration!
***If you want to see what's upcoming at the shop, click here.
*** If you are interested in blurring the background of your photos, read Stacy's how-to and then spend lots of time playing with your camera! She also has a bunch of other great photography articles to read and a blog full of great photos.
I hope your days are filled with smiles!
***I figured out how to blur the background on a photograph---finally! The discovery was by accident (so far every new thing I can do on my camera has been an accidental discovery!!!) This is great because I love to fill the frame with the subject only. On my old camera there was a cool little setting for this--new camera, there is a setting, but not an obvious one!
***We had to get an electric fence for Maddie. I am pretty sure she is the Houdini of the puppy world! After another neighbor brought her home (the neighbor doesn't seem to adore her as much as we do!) we felt that we needed to either find her a new home or get the big guns out. So far so good with the new fence, although I do feel that it is rather barbaric. It does mean, however, that we can keep our little pup.
***Yesterday the neighbor girl asked me to guess what she found in her yard. I said I didn't know, so she told me: A SIX-FOOT SNAKE! Yikes! I did make sure that she didn't shoo it into my yard, because if she did we would have to sell our house and move. Immediately!
***Our gas prices are hovering at $3.99 per gallon, but I know they are going to topple over into the 4's any day now. I am combining my errands and trying to drive less to save $$$, and I will admit that it was surprising to pay $65.00 at the pump yesterday. Ouch!
***This picture is of Maddie going down steps for the first time. I guess I am a first-time puppy parent following her around photographing her 1st's!
Have a great day!
Many thanks for all of the sweet, encouraging comments yesterday! I was very nervous about unveiling my little plan, but your response made me glad that I did. When it comes to hatching plans, I can handle it, but actually doing things is another story, because I obsess over the possibility of failure.
Tell me I am not the only one who does that!
This has been a lesson in patience for me, because everything has taken twice as long as I figured! Getting the fabric is not happening fast either, but I did manage to place my orders late yesterday and I am hoping the ladies I am dealing with will be able to fill my order before they leave for Quilt Market. If they can't, I will have to wait another week. I hope they realize that I want my stuff NOW! (Read that last sentence in your best Veruca Salt voice--with all of the attitude!)
"...the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self‑control."Ephesians 5:22
Things are starting to grow around my house and I love it! This is the most exciting time of the year for me because it seems so full of promise. All things are becoming new!
As you can see, Maddie is becoming a beast. She is going to be the size of a small-ish bear, I am sure of it!
Have a great day!
***I updated my shop with some hostess aprons. Click here to see them!
***Jump Up and Down has put together a tutorial for making ruffled pants for your little one. All you need is a pattern, some fabric and you are on your way to cuteness!
***Polka Dot Creations shows how to make a skirt out of a bedsheet. Saves money AND looks good!
***Ribbon headbands are sweet and simple. Aubry will love these!
***How to sew a linen apron? Pleasant View Schoolhouse shows you how to make one from a thrifted dress.
***Made by Rae is offering a free baby dress pattern. Check it out!
Don't forget about The Recipe Box Swap tomorrow! Bar and Cookies, Girls, Bars and Cookies!
I am going to shut the computer down for a few days so that I can get some important things done and relax a bit. There is lots going on here and I am feeling stressed, and the computer seems the best thing to set aside.
See you all in a few days!
This weekend was warm and sunny. Perfect for:
**Capris and tank tops
**An early morning walk along the river
**Starting the flip-flop tan line on my feet
**A trip to the zoo
**Sewing--lots of free time on Saturday morning while my kids were at a friend's house!
**Washing the cars
**Making a compost pile (crossing my fingers that it works!)
**Planting nasturtiums
Mr. Sun, keep on shining!
Snow on Pike's Peak:
The cat rolling in the dirt:
Lovely flowers:
An "oops" shot, but I still like it:
Have a lovely Monday!
***PS---You will find a post at Me and My Girl today!
***My favorite new-to-me blog is Down To Earth. You can learn to do just about anything there, including making your own laundry products, baking bread and calculating the true cost of your food. Love it!
***Ric-Rac has two great tutorials, a fabric bucket and a one-hour totebag. Check it out!
***Sew Take a Hike shows how to make a picnic bag. Too cute!
***Ottobre Design is offering a free, downloadable pattern to make a sweet totebag. Love the polka-dots!
***I am so happy to say that Me and My Girl is going to be up and running on Monday! This time it will be a group blog and I am very excited about all of the fun activities that will be popping up there soon!
Here is Aubry's latest craft creation. Her name is Petunia:
Have a great day!
Today there are new goods in my shop. Aprons for your girls is what you will find and I hope you enjoy them!
Just a note: a very sweet blogger sent an email notifying me that one of the links in my "favorite blogs" section had inappropriate content. Very inappropriate!!! First off, I want to say "thanks" to her for telling me, and I also want to suggest that you check your links occasionally, because the link she told me about used to be a family-friendly blog that was deleted and then someone else picked up the URL. I had no clue that could happen!
I also apologize to anyone who was directed there because of me! Sorry!
Have a great day!
***jcaroline has put together a tutorial to make an adorable purse here. It has a complete, downloadable pattern!
***How About Orange tells how to make simple button notecards. Too cute!
***Aimee's post about pre-cycling got me thinking about not only recycling, but whether or not I need to purchase an item in the first place.
***The Wooden Spool shows how to make a baby sling for your child's doll---for your child to tote around, of course! Too sweet!
***If you don't have any photo-editing software, try this. It's free!
***Spring cleaning time is upon us! OK, so it isn't really that exciting, but if you are looking for some help and motivation, click here.
So far my pile of fabric has yielded a few little goodies, but first and foremost is Aubry's skirt. I used this tutorial for the skirt. Don't worry, if I can do the algebra problems to figure the measurements, you can do the algebra problems, too!
The doll is Aubry's arms is her creation. All I did was thread the needle and tie a knot in her thread. She designed, cut and sewed the whole thing.
I sense a crafting partner in my future!
Next up are aprons, and lots of them:
This is one of three designs:
So far, my pattern-creating attempts have been successful in all areas, expect for the computer. As usual. I did figure out how to convert a document to PDF, but it doesn't seem to work for the size I need (22" X 22"), so I am trying other ways to make this happen. Doing new things on the computer is always filled with frustration, but I usually prevail over the technology.
***Success---with a little technical help from the lady at Kinko's, I now have a full-sized pattern made! More to come soon...
My craft area is a gigantic mess these days. There is no room on the table, so I just keep piling things higher and higher:
Have I ever mentioned that messes drive me crazy? My brain feels all rattled when I am trying to get something done in the middle of a mess. This doesn't, however, slow me down enough to clean up!
Have a great Wednesday!
This has been a good week for learning new things! I can now operate a serger, which by the way, is a little scary with the knife cutting the fabric just inches from my finger. So far, no injuries, only nice, clean seams. I must get one of these someday!
Also, I figured out how to produce a full-sized pattern on the computer. After my last set of patterns, I was unsure whether or not to comtinue, because the options were so minimal, but now I can go ahead with my small business. Hopefully next week I can give a preview of things to come.
This week I came across a simple post by Hannah about Trying Vs. Training, and it got me thinking about an issue I have working on with my boys. They argue. A lot. I am sad to say that this comes from the overall know-it-all attitude that permeates our family, so I know it is something that we all need to be working on. I have been telling them for weeks to "work it out" instead of just sitting there repeating why they think they are right, but I realized after reading Hannah's post that I have neglected to give them the tools to make the change. I am hoping that some of the things we have been talking about this week will begin to make some changes in their hearts and we will be able to get through an hour without contention. I think it can happen...
The mailbox yielded a sweet treat the other day: a kitty bag from Hurrayic. How cute is this:
Aubry has pretty much claimed it as her own by adding her small collection of coins and a Lipsmacker to it. And if you still have snow in your area, you might consider this fun craft (on her blog) for the kids before it all melts and gives way to sunshine.
Just for fun, I leave you with a blast from my past:
Have a lovely weekend!
***Did you know that you can have a three column Blogger template? There are lots of other great how-to's on this site, so be sure to click around!
***Two new blogs: One is written by my dear friend and Karate-mom, Michelle. The other one is by my super-cute cousin, Katie. Won't you pop in and say "hi" to them?
***Instructions and a pattern for making a strawberry needle-book can be found here. Thank you, Happy Zombie!
***Alicia has free, download-able dishtowel embroidery patterns here.
***If you want to make a banner for your blog, but you lack a program to do it, just click here. (Thanks to Big and Little for the link.)
***Love owls? Click here for an adorable felt ornament to make. I am going to use this pattern for my homeschool co-op craft class. The girls will love it!
Enjoy your day!
This week I have gone over my maximum of 3-4 posts, but I figure if I do not include a picture, that is OK, right?
My boys both won a prize for their boxes! They put a lot of time effort into them and it was nice to see them rewarded. Josiah's received lots of chuckles on his toilet and one lady mentioned she wouldn't mind taking it home to her plumber-husband. We had to decline, of course, because Josiah wants to keep it in his room as a decoration. Sheesh!
And by the way, I do know that my guy will be a great man someday in spite of his potty-inclinations, and I know this mostly because he got the toilet idea from my hubby, who himself is a great guy!
Aubry, however, shed a few tears because she was the only one in the family not to win a prize. We had a little discussion about being happy for other people when something good happens to them, and then I gave her a piece of chocolate and things were fine. If only all of life were that easy!
If you live in the area, our Karate School is having a grand re-opening on Saturday from 9-12. It is going to be a fun morning with games, prizes and such, and it would be fun if you could come by. Call me or email me for more information!
See you all next week!
(This picture is from last spring. I needed to post it to remind myself that spring is just around the corner!)
The Recipe Box Swap turned out great! It is great to have so many new recipes to try. Lately my mind goes blank when it comes time to make a menu and a grocery list, and I know that this upcoming week will be different. I think we will have to do another "Swap" soon! First Thursday of the month sound good?
When I was looking through recipes, it became apparent that I tend to look mainly for things that my hubby will like. He is a food-lover and is so happy when something tastes good. Cooking is fun when your audience is adoring!
I have come across a number of great links and I didn't want to keep them all to myself (especially since some of them are for Valentine's Day crafts), so here they are:
***Denise shows how to make tissue paper votives. Cute!
***Plum Pudding has a simple tutorial for making Valentine's wristlets. Aubry is going to love these!
***Lori posted an awesome human body unit study on the Heart of the Matter blog. We will using this in upcoming weeks, for sure! (The newest "Heart of the Matter" issue is available too!)
***Need a new apron? You will find 56 free apron patterns here.
***The Shutter Sisters is a wonderful new photography blog. I have a feeling that I will be learning a lot from these gals!
Have a great weekend!
I am having a small problem. When I am out and about in the blogosphere I keep finding my pictures posted on other blogs, and to be quite honest, this bothers me. Whenever someone has asked to use a picture I have NO PROBLEM with that, but when I just find one of my pics posted somewhere else without notice, it kind of freaks me out.
In light of this, I have posted a copyright notice in my left sidebar. I feel rather rude doing this since this should be a friendly place, but I feel it is necessary at this point.
Just so you know, I am happy to share, but I just like to be asked first.
Thank you!
***Does anyone know how to disable the right-click feature on photographs posted?
It has been a while since I have done a links post and since I have a number of them bookmarked, today seemed the right day to do it again! Here goes:
***This mini-book is full of recipes for convenience mixes you can make yourself. (Thanks to Denise for the link!)
***JC Handmade has put together a tutorial to make her adorable Kidlet Wall Pocket. These are so cute! Be sure to take look at her fabric combination ideas at the bottom of the page for inspiration.
***I bought some of Tracy's homemade lavender soap and I LOVE it! It smells so good and it even lathers nicely. Be sure to click around in her Etsy shop because she has some adorable items including recycled notebooks!
***Have you ever dreamed of growing your own sprouts to use on sandwiches, salads and bagels? Me too! Click here to learn how.
***Are you trying to learn to use your camera? Click here for some great tips and advice. (Thanks to Chickadee for the link!)
A few new blogs that I have been enjoying: knitting the wind, beauty that moves, and design on post. Lovely ladies, lovely blogs!
Enjoy!
...watching the snowfall. All the while dreaming of spring.
Seed starts. A compost pile. Enough tomatoes to last the year. An herb garden. Two apple trees? Organic pest control. Weed pulling with the kids on Wednesday mornings? Maybe some flowers. Container gardening sounds good.
Today we play in the snow.
Have a happy day!
***Thanks, Becky, for the wonderful magazine! So far it has been inspiring! ;)
If you are a homeschooler, or if you are interested in finding out more about it, this brand-new blog is for you!
Each and every day will feature articles, tips and encouragement written by homeschooling moms from around the blogosphere, and once per month an online magazine will be available for you. I am excited to say that I will be there a couple of times per month as well!
Today's launch features the magazine as well as other fun stuff.
I will see you there!
i don't make resolutions because i don't keep them. however, in the interest of blogging i will share my list of "will do's and won't do's" for 2008. keep in mind that these are not resolutions! not at all.
10 things i will do in 2008:
1. keep God #1. be consistent about this.
2. listen to my kids
3. hug my hubby
4. take chances---don't be afraid to fail
5. spend more time with friends
6. pay attention to people's needs. help them.
7. make more crafty stuff for myself and my family
8. learn to use photoshop elements (i need to buy it at some point)
9. go to san fransisco on vacation with my hubs
10.spend less time on the computer
10 things i won't do in 2008:
1. vow to lose these unwanted holiday pounds.
2. try to keep a cleaner house
3. post every day (i stole this one from Gretchen!)
4. lecture my kids. yell at my kids. (i will try!)
5. make my hubs feel like he is bugging me
6. avoid people because it feels like a hassle
7. forget to call my grandma for months at a time
8. miss another good exhibit at the denver art museum
9. complain about aging or act old
10.buy clothes that are too small just because i would rather wear the smaller sounding size
what about you? any will or won't do's for you ?
***maybe i should add that i won't write any more posts in all lowercase letters?!? this was quite a hassle because i kept having to go back on switch letters from uppercase to lowercase. habits, you know!
Merry Christmas to all who visit here!
You have blessed me and made me smile on so many occasions.
My hope is that your Christmas is filled with sweetness and that you know the love of the One who came just for you.
See you soon!
I am leaving you with my favorite Christmas poem:
In the bleak midwinter, frosty wind made moan,
Earth stood hard as iron, water like a stone;
Snow had fallen, snow on snow, snow on snow,
In the bleak midwinter, long ago.Our God, Heaven cannot hold Him, nor earth sustain;
Heaven and earth shall flee away when He comes to reign.
In the bleak midwinter a stable place sufficed
The Lord God Almighty, Jesus Christ.Enough for Him, whom cherubim, worship night and day,
Breastful of milk, and a mangerful of hay;
Enough for Him, whom angels fall before,
The ox and ass and camel which adore.Angels and archangels may have gathered there,
Cherubim and seraphim thronged the air;
But His mother only, in her maiden bliss,
Worshipped the beloved with a kiss.What can I give Him, poor as I am?
If I were a shepherd, I would bring a lamb;
If I were a Wise Man, I would do my part;
Yet what I can I give Him: give my heart.---by Christina Rossetti
I finally got my gifts in the mail today and they are sure to be late.
The good news? I am not stressed about it AT ALL!
We are between batches of caramel and butter toffee right now. I told my boys to give me a few minutes on the computer and then we will start the candy factory again. So far we have melted a stick of butter in the microwave--with no plate or bowl under it, found that we were using the wrong pan when it came time to pour the caramels, and almost ran out of corn syrup.
The good news? I am not stressed about it AT ALL!
I am two days late getting to the grocery store. I have no list made and nothing to fix for dinner.
The good news? I am not stressed about it AT ALL!
I guess after all these years of stressful Christmases, I have finally gotten to where I can really take it easy and enjoy, no matter what happens.
Which, of course, is good news!
Enjoy your Christmas preparations!
I feel a little weird when it comes to getting nominated for blog awards because I don't like to seem like I am jumping up and down yelling, "Vote for me, vote for me!", but I also don't want to just ignore something that puts a smile on my face. So here goes: I have been nominated in the Best Crafts, Plans and Projects Blog category for the Homeschool Blog Awards, and if you feel so inclined I would love to have your vote. You do not have to be a homeschooler to participate.
Click here to vote.
Thank you!
...until after the Thanksgiving holiday. 
We are blessed this year to be able to spend time with family that we have not seen for over 10 years! In fact, we are having a family reunion of sorts and I am so excited about it.
I wish you all a great week and a Happy Thanksgiving!
See you soon!
Oh give thanks to the Lord, for He is good!
For His love ensures forever!
---Psalm 136:1
...baby pink clouds at sunset...roses bushes in fall bloom...twinkling stars on a clear night...my cat napping in the afternoon...baby toes... Aubry's smile...a child sleeping...laughing with a friend...a new pile of fabric...coffee with a friend...a walk by the river...my family...late fall leaves still clinging to the trees...and so much more
Welcome to Let's Get Real Monday--on Tuesday! Today's topic is My Habits and if you would like to play along simply post your answers to these questions on your own blog and leave your post URL in the auto-link below.
---What is one good habit that I have?
I am organized. I know how to plan out my day and stick to a schedule while still being flexible. I know my limits and I don't overplan which avoids stress in my life. It has taken me many years of trying to find a balance between work and enjoying life, and in the last few years I have seen much fruit!
---What is one bad habit that I have?
I like junk food too much. I don't eat it all the time, but when I do I eat LOTS of it! I know it isn't good for me, but at least I wait until the kids are in bed before I raid the cupboards. Goodness knows that I don't let them eat it! Some of m favorites are Cheetos, Hostess Chocolate Donuts (we call them Little Waxies), Corn-nuts, Snickers, Baby Ruth, etc., etc., etc!
---What is one habit that I would like to cultivate in my life?
I would like to be a better eyebrow-plucker. I like to think that I am going for a vintage Brooke Shields look, but both of my teenage daughters insist that it isn't so. They feel that I look like I have two caterpillars trying to connect above my eyes. (Think Frida Kahlo). The main reason I don't pluck? It hurts and it makes my nose run, but apparently those excuses aren't good enough for my girls who both, by the way, have perfectly plucked brows!
My habits open for everyone to see.
What about you?
Have a great Tuesday!
Tomorrow I am going to host a "Let's Get Real Monday" of sorts; the main difference being that it is, of course, Tuesday! Everyone is invited to play along and to post your link URL on tomorrow's auto-link. I always say "the more the merrier" with these things, so please join in the fun!
Here is the topic: My Habits
Simply post the answers to these three questions on your own blog:
---What is one good habit that I have?
---What is one bad habit that I have?
---What is one habit that I would like to cultivate in my life?
Once you have posted, simply come on over to my blog and leave your post URL in the auto-link. It is too easy!
I hope to see you tomorrow!
***Feel free to download the "Let's Get Real Monday" graphic and use it on your own blog!
A very sweet blogging friend made a banner and designed the template for Me and My Girl. It is just so adorable that I had to show it off!
Thanks, Debi!
I know this is a weird picture! It was taken last week at the Duck Park while we were being attacked by ducks and geese who were desperate for our bread crumbs. All of my kids jumped in the car soon after I took this picture! ;)
***Write, Mama, Write made an adorable quilt for a boy using this tutorial by Helen. What a simple way to achieve a great design!
***My Byrd House has an tutorial showing how to make an a cute apron from a pair of jeans.
***Pink Chalk Studio shows you how to master the wavy seam. As usual, her fabric choices are a treat for the eyes!
***Pumpkin carving with the kidlets? Click here for a great idea that will keep your kids safe and happy!
***Michael Miller has a bunch of free quilting patterns available here. Choosing which one to make will be hard!
***Grand Revival Design has a great tutorial for a ruffled skirt. Please take the time to check out her blog too. Pure loveliness!
Have a lovely day!
It is good to be back from my short blogging break. Not only did the extra time away from the computer allow me to visit with my mom, it also allowed me to feel refreshed and ready to get back to posting. I don't know about you but I have to step away from my blog occasionally or I start to feel stressed over it, as if it is a job and not a fun hobby. The break did me good.
My visit with my mom went well, better than in the past. I haven't seen her for three years so I was feeling flustered over seeing her after such a long time. My relationship with my mom has always been an interesting one, in my opinion, lacking in the normal mother/daughter closeness and bond.
My mom is a very isolated person, not only physically, but emotionally also. I think that her past hurts have caused her to close herself off from everyone around her as a protection. Only as an adult am I learning to understand this, and admittedly, it remains a struggle for me.
A phone conversation with my mom consists of talking about the weather and other minor issues. Even when we talk about my kids, she tends to feel more comfortable when I talk about what they are doing, rather than what they might be feeling or struggling with. She will ask about my husband's work and homeschooling, but everything else remains untouched.
I would be lying if I didn't say that I have always wanted a mom that I could call and talk to---really talk to. Someone that I could seek advice and help from and be encouraged by. Of course my desire would be that I could be the same for her, but at this point in life I know that what I have today is probably what I need to be content and thankful for.
God has provided a mother-figure in many ways over my lifetime. I remember Melanie and Cheryl from my childhood, and I am so thankful for Alice, Barbara and Jane from my present. All of them are a shoulder to lean on and an ear that I can trust. Even here in the blogosphere there are ladies that I haven't met in person, but who provide me with the encouragement and advice of a Titus 2 woman.
I need that.
And I am so thankful.
I miss my mom and I am glad that we had a full week together. My continued prayer is that God will soften her hurts and her heart and that she will become more open to life. Also, that we would be closer and bonded together in a deeper way. If these things do not come to fruition, I continue to ask God to fill me and provide for me as He sees the need.
I love my mom and I am content in our relationship. I just wish we were closer, like a mom and daughter should be...
Many thanks for all of the sweet birthday wishes on Tuesday. I happen to be a ridiculous fan of all things "birthday" and this year proved to be a good one. This is probably at least partly due to the fact that I have made it over the 40-hurdle and from here on out, it is smooth sailing...until I hit another pivotal year, that is!
Have I mentioned lately what a blessing the blogosphere is to me? Sometimes blogging feels a little weird, in the sense that I don't usually tell my real-life friends that I do it. Online friendships seem like a fake-replacement for a real-life to some, but I find the community here in the web to be a wonderful addition to my life. All of your comments and encouragement are inspiring to me on a daily basis and my heart is made happier because of this little blog-o-mine and your visits to it. Thank you so much, dear friends.
Next week will be quieter than usual because my mom is coming to visit for a week. I haven't seen her for three years and I am wavering between being excited but really nervous at the same time. I keep telling myself that I need to let my concerns go in order to relax and let life happen as it should, but isn't that easier said than done?
So I leave you with a picture of my cat, keeper of this house. She has a questionable attitude, but I love her just the same. That might change when she knocks over the vase of flowers that has become her nibbling-spot. Along with her bad attitude she pretends to not understand the word "no". I guess she is a toddler at heart!
Until next time, have a happy day!
...Christmas!
I know, I am kind of freaked out by it to!
Didn't we just do this?
Yes we did, and it is time to do it again.
This year I want to simplify and focus on the important things. No going crazy over gifts or spending $100.00 to mail everything across the country. (Note to self: heavy books are not a good gift idea for faraway relatives).
Is it possible to make almost everything this year? Maybe something special for the kids, but everything else handmade?
This one is going to take some planning, but I am tired of the commercial feel that blankets the holiday.
I am a lover of Christmas, but I feel burnt out by it. Is it because the kids are getting bigger?
75 days.
The clock is ticking...
It is such a big relief to not be 40 anymore. Too defining in my eyes, and in the eyes of others as well. Now I can get back to the business of being any old age, this one doesn't matter as much!
Aging is not something that I am enjoying entirely. My skin looks and feels different, my grays are making more of an appearance and I feel too old to wear certain clothes.
But at the same time life is becoming a better fit for me. I have taken more risks over the last year than I have in the last 10 years of my life. Wisdom has shown me that not trying leads to certain failure, but trying it out just might lead to success. With each success comes more courage to try the next time.
I don't worry as much about what people might think of me. If you don't like me, that's fine. There are plenty of other people in this world who love and support me, so a little rejection isn't a big deal.
I have learned that the ups and downs of life are no cause for panic. The bad times will be a thing of the past and the good days are just around the corner and visa-versa. It is all part of traveling life's highway. All of it becomes part of who I am and stretches me to my limits. This is good.
I'm 41 today. I've been told that chocolate cake is on the menu for the evening, after my dinner of sun-dried tomato and spinach pasta. My hubby and my babes will be here along with a friend or two.
All is well.
...walking through the trees...drinking a smoothie...snuggling and reading a book with my girl...watching a movie with my other girl... a few moments alone...a finished project...
...wind dancing among the leaves...driving with the sunroof open...hand stitching...morning "quiet time"...flowers from a friend...reading a great book...an afternoon nap...the hum of the sewing machine...
What says "peaceful" to you?
***Thimble Blossoms shows you how to make a hexagon quilt just like grandma used to make! She also sells adorable quilt patterns here.
***If you need a new set of oven mitts, click here. These ones will probably be cuter than your last set!
***Looking at this adorable linen bag is inspiring me to learn to embroider. I love the red-and-white-with-linen look!
***This is a simple how-to for adding a ruffle to a pair of jeans and turning them into a skirt. Fun! (thanks to thriftin' and craftin' for the link!)
***If you are looking for some fun and educational activities for your kids, click here or here. You are sure to find something that suits your kid's desire for fun!
Have a wonderful day!
Every year we head to the apple orchard to do some pickin'. There is nothing like biting into a Jonathon apple fresh off the tree.
I made a discovery this year--one that I should have made years ago!
Upon arrival at any apple orchard, the owners generally give each kid a bucket for holding apples. Since I had three kids with me, we get three buckets. I always remind my kids to only get a couple a piece since I will be buying a half-bushel already boxed up and ready to go.
Well--as usual--we get done pickin' and I find myself with three kids holding three full buckets. Whatever you pick, you buy, so this means about $40.00 worth of apples come home with us EVERY SINGLE YEAR!
In a way I like the repetitiveness of this experience, even if it does mean spending more money and having way too many apples in my house. I can remember my two oldest babes holding their over-flowing buckets with smiles on their faces, dreaming of caramel apples and apple pies to be eaten.
So maybe too many apples is a good thing!
This week's "Let's Get Real Monday" theme is My Town. Anywhere that you live has both it's good points and it's bad points, no place is perfect. Here in our little Colorado town the good definitely outweighs that bad, and I hope that is same for you no matter where you are at.
If you are playing along today please post your "My Town" on your own a blog and then leave your blog post URL in the auto-link below so that everyone can come by and say "hello"!
I am going to show you a glimpse of my town starting with the bad so that I can end on a good note!
First and foremost, I dislike that Walmart is just about the only shopping option here in town. Sure it is convenient and cheap, but I find myself getting dizzy in it's super-size, we've-got-it-all atmosphere. I only go into Wallyworld about once-a-month but even then I find myself happy to leave!
Another "bad" is our "greeter dinosaurs". On each end of town there is one of these overly colorful creatures welcoming everyone driving by. They signify our area's dinosaur-rich past, but no-one just driving through knows this so who knows what anyone thinks. It's embarrassing, I tell you!
Next up are our incredibly confusing signal lights that lead to the frontage roads. At this intersection I can go straight, turn left, turn right, turn right-left and right-right, which is a right-handed u-turn. Most residents know how to use these, but it is not uncommon to find a perplexed out-of-towner stuck at one of the these lights with no idea what to do. Our residents, however, are friendly enough to honk at people to let them know when it is time to scoot!
Now for the good:
I like being able to buy produce from people's home gardens and orchards. The town is dotted with homemade signs advertising apples, garden veggies, and other fruits. This is an inexpensive and fun way to chat with an experienced gardener.
We also have a nice little downtow
