i have to say...

a look back at 2009

*JANUARY*

*FEBRUARY*

*MARCH*

*APRIL*

*MAY*

*JUNE*

*JULY*

*AUGUST*

*SEPTEMBER*

*OCTOBER*

*NOVEMBER*

*DECEMBER*

One year in pictures.

It has been a good one and I am looking forward to 2010 and all that it has to offer. 

I will be back with wedding photos soon, but since I have none from my own camera---ZERO!---I have to wait until someone sends me theirs.  The day was lovely, the bride and groom smiled the whole time and I am really glad it is over.  This is the first day that I feel rested and ready to enjoy a new day.  Yesterday and Tuesday were "crash and burn" days.  I didn't know I would be so tired after all the festivities were done.

Happy New Year to you all!  I will be back to regular blogging/emailing/commenting next week.

**Thanks to Jessica for inspiring this post.  :)

merry christmas to all who visit here!

In case you are wondering how to get a good family picture, I have a suggestion for you. Just tell everyone to be outside (or wherever the photography is going to take place) in 10 minutes. Tell them it will be painless (this is extra important as the kids grow older) and it won't take more than 5 minutes. Put the camera on a tripod and shoot until time is up. Pick the best and use it.

Yep, that's my big tip for this Christmas.

I admit that it is probably a bit late to use, but someone might need it.  Taking pictures with older kids can be hard.

My next post will probably be after the first of the year since 3 days after Christmas the two cuties on the left of the picture will be saying "I do". Gosh, I can hardly stand it!

I do hope your holiday is filled with smiles, love and the knowledge of the One worth celebrating.

Merry Christmas!

it wouldn't be Christmas without...

...chocolate-covered caramels, salt water taffy and peanut brittle

...a cat threatening to knock over the tree while she bats at the ornaments

...lines at the post office

...making gingerbread houses

...watching Elf, Christmas Vacation and Jingle All the Way (I could go on and on with movies we love!)

...really impatient kids

...less money in the checkbook than normal

...eating too many candy canes

...feeling like there just isn't enough time for all of this

...catching the spirit of Christmas from my kids

...loving it all!

What makes Christmas for you?

a little organizer

The Christmas shopping is done! I do most of it online, but I do go to the mall at least one time just to enjoy the Christmas rush and that day was Sunday.  We got there early and the crowds were minimal, just the way I like it!

I also bought shoes for my dress for the wedding.  When was the last time I wore a pair of heels?  Who knows!  I am keeping them in my craft/fabric area, and every time I am in there I am going to wear them, otherwise I will have trouble on wedding day. 

What can I say? I am a jeans and t-shirt type of girl!

I managed to find a little bit of time to make a birthday gift for a friend.  This little organizer is going to be made again--for me!--after the first of the year. I could use one to keep my bills in order and also one for craft supplies.  Aubry could use one in her room too.  She is a bit of a disorganized one, you know.

Have a happy first day of Winter!  The temps are supposed to be in the 60's today and I am feeling good about that. 

Enjoy!

i am here, i am here, i am here!

I am still here, just not able to get to the computer very often. 

Crafting has been happening, although I can't show you much of it since my gift-recipients read my blog.  At this point I am so full of crafty ideas that I can't wait until after the first of the year to make something that isn't a Christmas gift. Funny how that happens: I am always most inspired when I am busy and don't have time to sew. 

Also, I am really looking forward to the quilt-along and I want to start working on that soon.

In the middle of the wedding planning and preparing, my boys were in the play "It's a Wonderful Life" and that was a blast.  Really, they were both so cute and handsome that I couldn't stand it.  My oldest played the role of George Bailey and it was so nice to see him relax and enjoy the role.  I found myself wondering "where did this come from" watching him and it made me so proud.  Unfortunately all the pictures that I took are TERRIBLE, but I am showing you one anyway:

My guys are the two on the left, George Bailey and Nick the Tavern Owner, and the kid on the right is Clarence the Angel.  George is discovering how different people's lives would be if he had never been born.  What a great story!

Today I had the desire to can something, so I made California Mix.  Not sure where that desire came from, but I went with it.  Bills should have been paid, but that cauliflower spoke louder and I heeded the call.  Tonight I will write the checks so our utilities don't suffer.  :)

I hope your Christmas planning is going great and that you are having fun making memories.  It's easy to think it's all about the presents, when it isn't.  It is about the people God has placed in our lives and the fact that they are a blessing worth celebrating.  Don't forget to have fun!

Blessings to you all!

shop notes: flora and fauna

Flora and Fauna is now in the shop!  I love the dandelion prints.  So sweet!

Also, the Amy Butler Moon Dots and Wall Flowers are in stock.

Have a great weekend!

thank you!

Thank you for the support for the One Day to Feed the World project!  I am seriously excited to cut a giant pile of fabric today and to write a check to the organization. You have blessed me!  Also, Aubry was thrilled--THRILLED--every time she sold a dolly-sling.  I love that she is so willing and happy to give.

Today is our last official day of school for this year. I don't know if you can call what we have been doing for the last week or so "school" since most days are spent running errands,  making tablecloth runners and writing up things-to-do lists, but we have been busy and the book learning stops now.  That is what I love about homeschooling:  I get to make up the schedule!

Blogging may be sparse until after Christmas as we prepare for the wedding on December 28th.  I can't believe that I am actually going to attend my own daughter's wedding.  Amazing, I tell ya! I am not going to mention that I can't believe where the time went or that it seems like yesterday......but I will say that I am not old enough for this, am I?  I know she is old enough.....but me?  No!

Goodness, life is a crazy thing!  It takes you where it wants, when it wants.  Even if you aren't quite ready.

Have a great rest-of-the-week!  I am going to a play practice this afternoon and a final dress fitting this evening.  All the while I will be checking and rechecking my driver's license to remind myself that I really am old enough for this to be happening.

:)

this is aubry's and my "one day"

Our church takes part in a ministry called "One Day to Feed the World" each year and we donate one day's income to help feed those in need, here in the states and around the world.  The organization is able to take the money they receive and multiply it times four through the help of corporate sponsors:

"Your gift, equal to one day’s wage can help change the world for suffering people.  With the help of corporate sponsors, Convoy of Hope can multiply a $100 gift into $400, or more, of life sustaining goods. Everyone can participate in One Day to Feed the World.

Imagine, you take the equivalent of one day’s pay, give that to help hurting people and Convoy of Hope can multiply that gift by at least 4 times!  You have the power to make a difference in the lives of people that are hurting, or people that are victims of a disaster. You can have an impact, by participating in One Day to Feed the World!"

Well, today is my "One Day".

100% of today's profits from my shop's sales will be donated directly to the One Day organization.  I am very excited about working with an organization that uses it's money so effectively.  Also, this is the first time in many, many years that I have actually had my very own income to give to something like this.

Aubry also wanted to participate and she made three dolly-slings to sell in my crafty shop.  100% of the money she makes will be given to the organization as well.  Her willingness and desire to take part in this makes my heart smile.

So, if you have been wanting to buy some fabric from my shop, please do it today.  And if a dolly-sling fits the bill for someone on your Christmas gift list, feel free to snatch one up.  

Blessings!

oh my gosh, it's cold!

Snow is falling and the temps aren't going above 20 degrees today! It's a stay home day, for sure. 

Two of my kids are in our co-op's "It's a Wonderful Life" production this weekend so I will be working on costumes.  My oldest boy is going to be George Bailey and I am so excited to see him take on that character.  He tried on his suit and tie yesterday and I couldn't believe how handsome he looked, even if it made him look too much like a grown man for my liking.

Hopefully I can find some sewing time today because being surrounded by so much fabulous fabric is making me crazy. I am dying to use some of the Meadowsweet line for something---anything!  Really, the colors in this line are amazing and I can't wait to make some spring-y clothes for Aubry after the holidays and the wedding.

One thing I know I will be working on are tablerunners for the wedding tables.  My daughter Emily designed them and all I have to do it show up and follow her directions.  That's what I need right now.  Someone to tell me what to do.  Planning this wedding is a bit of a stretch for me because of the size, but I am sure it will turn out fine.  People keep telling me that no-one will notice the mistakes and the things that get forgotten, but my mind is racing in all directions trying to keep it all together.

Thank goodness for cold, snowy days when I am forced to stay home and get something done.

Off to the sewing machine....

Have a happy day!

tis the season...

...to make crafty thing and not be able to fully show them on my blog!

I'll just give you a sneak-peek of one gift that turned out.  A couple have ended up in the trash or the never-to-be-finished-but-can't-bring-myself-to-toss-it pile.  That's OK since only my kids are getting handmade gifts this year.  I would make something for the hubs, but I'm not sure that handmade boxers are on his list.

We had a great weekend with one of those "isn't life perfect" moments.  My hubs and I just looked at each other and got all teary-eyed because all of our kids were home and they were getting along great.  Gosh, it felt perfect.

Of course, within an hour there was an argument over what movie would be watched and a squabble between my girls. 

A bit of the perfect life mixed with real life. 

That's the way it's always going to be!