tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17708882211780403952024-03-13T08:14:57.413-05:00This Too!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01498117345133702655noreply@blogger.comBlogger227125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1770888221178040395.post-13742863851886324082013-12-16T07:00:00.000-06:002013-12-16T07:00:05.293-06:00Christmas gifts for teachersI always try to make sure I get the kids' teachers a little something to say Merry Christmas each year. It's also a good time to say a big 'Thank You' for all the work and time they put into teaching. We've been blessed to have great teachers who do so much to make sure the kids realized their full potential. I'm not going to lie, though. It can get expensive! 4 kids in school and 6 teachers. Ack! (can you hear the <i>cha-ching</i>?)<br />
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Here is what we are doing this year.<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-t7N5vlgqfmE/Uqth0MTr8lI/AAAAAAAACQU/VF2_UF2P5ek/s1600/IMG_4876w.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-t7N5vlgqfmE/Uqth0MTr8lI/AAAAAAAACQU/VF2_UF2P5ek/s1600/IMG_4876w.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
Antibacterial soaps from Bath&Body Works (purchased during a 7 for $20 sale), chocolates and $10 gift cards to Starbucks. Even if you left out the Starbucks card this is still a great little gift for anyone.<br />
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Let's put it all together to make it pretty, as well as useful.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZfV_mYf3GPM/Uqthx_OYsDI/AAAAAAAACQM/-h8x2bampsU/s1600/IMG_4880w.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZfV_mYf3GPM/Uqthx_OYsDI/AAAAAAAACQM/-h8x2bampsU/s1600/IMG_4880w.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
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I decided to use a hole punch so the gift cards will be secured to the gift. I know my kids, and the potential for a card going missing on the way to school is greater than 50/50. This will take some muscle! It does help if you wiggle the card side to side as you are trying to punch.</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zlHDS2UzIHg/Uqth7F8cOAI/AAAAAAAACQc/MidM5Qj-zTo/s1600/IMG_4884w.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zlHDS2UzIHg/Uqth7F8cOAI/AAAAAAAACQc/MidM5Qj-zTo/s1600/IMG_4884w.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
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The chocolate goes in to a Christmas-y bag. (I ended up buying a second bag of chocolates to help fill the Christmas bags rather than just the one bag shown a few pictures earlier.) </div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xoJKAxEc918/UqtiEtw-4zI/AAAAAAAACQs/LEAPQ3GTvFs/s1600/IMG_4888w.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xoJKAxEc918/UqtiEtw-4zI/AAAAAAAACQs/LEAPQ3GTvFs/s1600/IMG_4888w.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
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Punch a hole through the bag to be able to secure it with ribbon to the soap pump in a little bit.</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NHN91G5BQWU/Uqtx14U0IlI/AAAAAAAACRU/YdCQQlezoQY/s1600/IMG_4883w.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NHN91G5BQWU/Uqtx14U0IlI/AAAAAAAACRU/YdCQQlezoQY/s1600/IMG_4883w.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
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I used some red curling ribbon to loop through the gift card. You could also use an elastic pony tail holder or a rubber band. The ribbon just seemed to be a better hold for me.</div>
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String the ends of your ribbon through the holes in your bag and then secure them around the neck of the soap bottle. I worked the ribbon up under the cap to make sure it stayed on the bottle all the way to school. Add a few more strings of ribbon and then use your scissors to curl the ends.</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4c4XK0BfxS0/Uqtzxk_9OjI/AAAAAAAACRo/b8U1oaeSLLw/s1600/IMG_4897w.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4c4XK0BfxS0/Uqtzxk_9OjI/AAAAAAAACRo/b8U1oaeSLLw/s1600/IMG_4897w.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
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Keep in mind a more neutral sent will be liked by more people. Let's face it, not everyone wants to smell like a Christmas tree or peppermint all day long. It's a pretty safe bet, if you stay with a lighter fragrance, the teacher (or anyone else) will like it.<br />
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A pretty, useful and yummy present! I have no worries about these gifts not be used. Even better, each gift cost about $4.50 (minus the Starbucks card)!<br />
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And, yes, the Bath & Body Works bag from the previous <a href="http://www.thistooprojects.blogspot.com/2013/12/gift-bags-with-christmas-facelift.html">facelift post</a>, is what all these hand soaps came home in. I <i>knew</i> you were wondering.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01498117345133702655noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1770888221178040395.post-38138687544837710942013-12-11T15:18:00.002-06:002013-12-13T16:46:56.258-06:00retail bags with a Christmas facelift Are you like me? You save all those paper bags from retail stores thinking surly they can be used for <i>something</i>. <br />
You know, bags like these.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VftbQmuuPKw/UqeyNyN-x0I/AAAAAAAACNQ/1Q15wAywSDk/s1600/giftbags.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VftbQmuuPKw/UqeyNyN-x0I/AAAAAAAACNQ/1Q15wAywSDk/s320/giftbags.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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I just can't seem to throw something away that has such great potential. They're well made, sturdy and great colors. But what to do with them? If you want to give a gift from that store, you walk out of the establishment carrying another bag. Can't give a gift to someone in the wrong bag. Buying something from Walmart and putting it in an Eddie Bauer bag to give just seems wrong or like false advertising.</div>
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This problem has been buzzing around in my head for some time now, and I finally just sat down and did something about it. Only criteria I had was whatever I did, it had to be Christmas related, quick and easy, and I had to have the supplies on hand.<br />
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So. Why not take that perfectly red American Girl bag and add a little black and gold paper...<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EYjRaJRUofI/Uqhf3csjvjI/AAAAAAAACNg/rqJnh7r4YVk/s1600/IMG_4859.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EYjRaJRUofI/Uqhf3csjvjI/AAAAAAAACNg/rqJnh7r4YVk/s400/IMG_4859.JPG" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
And turn it into this:<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6RicNC9f8vc/UqjMyoRvD3I/AAAAAAAACNw/uiLUTS4SreQ/s1600/IMG_4861w.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6RicNC9f8vc/UqjMyoRvD3I/AAAAAAAACNw/uiLUTS4SreQ/s400/IMG_4861w.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
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Wanna go the extra mile? Put some cotton balls on the bottom edge.</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wpsXuSMDTbk/UqjNthU1_LI/AAAAAAAACOM/h70R9Q7DVhQ/s1600/IMG_4862w.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wpsXuSMDTbk/UqjNthU1_LI/AAAAAAAACOM/h70R9Q7DVhQ/s400/IMG_4862w.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
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Add a little ribbon and paper to that forest green bag from Eddie Bauer </div>
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And voila!</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vayZh5e2Rws/UqjNraOhkjI/AAAAAAAACN8/CZsvrXfwJx8/s1600/IMG_4864w.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vayZh5e2Rws/UqjNraOhkjI/AAAAAAAACN8/CZsvrXfwJx8/s400/IMG_4864w.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
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How about that blue checkered bag from Bath and Body Works?</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yU893kalCCc/UqjN_DSCjqI/AAAAAAAACOk/pRY_-9LDLXs/s1600/IMG_4873w.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yU893kalCCc/UqjN_DSCjqI/AAAAAAAACOk/pRY_-9LDLXs/s400/IMG_4873w.jpg" height="400" width="266" /></a></div>
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A little paper and a gel pen really dress it up!</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9j4AvH8iOQE/UqjN9SHHeyI/AAAAAAAACOg/M2LTyF24T20/s1600/IMG_4875w.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9j4AvH8iOQE/UqjN9SHHeyI/AAAAAAAACOg/M2LTyF24T20/s400/IMG_4875w.jpg" height="400" width="266" /></a></div>
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Such simple little changes to give a facelift to a trio of shopping bags.</div>
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There are all kinds of directions the bag embellishments can be taken: a snowman, single ornament, snowflake, holly and berries, or maybe a present out of printed paper and some ribbon. Decorate to your hearts content and they will be so pretty hanging out under the Christmas tree this year.</div>
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Then it will be someone else's problem to figure out whether to throw out or keep that sturdy, perfectly colored bag that has so much potential.<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01498117345133702655noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1770888221178040395.post-80310460249090856962013-12-06T12:21:00.001-06:002013-12-13T16:47:15.061-06:00gone crunchySort of....<br />
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We've been making some changes in our lives - mainly in our eating habits and exercise. Now, don't misunderstand me. I have yet to banish chocolate, sweets and carbs from our pantry. I would have an all out mutiny on my hands if I did that. There are so many alternatives out there these days, though, we decided, 'Why not choose better food and living for our family?'. And, take baby steps to get it done. Main meals aren't really hard for me to prepare. {I'll share more on that as time goes on.} It's the snacks and cravings that really trip me up. Who doesn't like a few (dozen) Oreo cookies and a tall glass of milk?! Unfortunately, a paleo diet doesn't include this favorite snack of mine.<br />
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Since I can't (shouldn't) indulge in all those processed, preservative filled foods, I've been searching for replacements. One blog I stumbled across, <a href="http://www.ourpaleolife.com/">Our Paleo Life</a> , has given me several recipes to try for replacing our current snack items with something much healthier. Our favorite, so far, are these <a href="http://www.ourpaleolife.com/2013/03/chocolate-brownie-bites/">chocolate brownie bites</a>. Very easy to make and <i>Yum!.</i> If all 'health food' tasted this good, I wouldn't crave the other junk. These will also be perfect to have on hand as an alternative to all the Christmas cookies coming out of ovens very soon.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-g9eJFjQMiE4/UqIRjwPUxfI/AAAAAAAACMo/JM9U0BeKm_0/s1600/FudgeBabies02.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-g9eJFjQMiE4/UqIRjwPUxfI/AAAAAAAACMo/JM9U0BeKm_0/s320/FudgeBabies02.jpg" height="320" width="284" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.ourpaleolife.com/2013/03/chocolate-brownie-bites/"><i>Source</i></a></td></tr>
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Of course, I have at least one child who makes healthy living/eating more difficult than all the rest. If I manage to come up with a healthy food she actually likes and requests, I believe I'll hear angels singing in the background as light fills our kitchen. Until that time, I'll just keep experimenting and searching.</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01498117345133702655noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1770888221178040395.post-40661351375701546072013-12-03T10:37:00.000-06:002013-12-13T16:47:34.757-06:00time's a tickin'<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Are you starting to panic? Only 22 days left! <br />
<a name='more'></a> I would love to be showing you some felt works, but I needed to focus on a little girl who turned 9 yesterday. (Ack - 9!)<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fQxE8TCUWlU/Up4GQux6ASI/AAAAAAAACL0/X_KKBqkHwv8/s1600/photo-5.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fQxE8TCUWlU/Up4GQux6ASI/AAAAAAAACL0/X_KKBqkHwv8/s320/photo-5.JPG" height="313" width="320" /></a></div>
I learned that when I ask her next year what she wants for her birthday cake to be ready. Never thought she would bring me a diagram to answer a seemingly simple question. At least I didn't have to guess.<br />
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Now I <i>think</i> I can focus on the few things left on my lists, some baking and then getting ready for holiday travels. <br />
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Have you started all your holiday preparations? Finished? Wanna come help me finish mine? I'll feel much better once I at least have all the gifts in hand and ready to wrap. Next up - patterns for cute little felt ornaments!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01498117345133702655noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1770888221178040395.post-80804749391153975402013-11-21T11:22:00.000-06:002013-11-21T11:22:04.600-06:00snowflakesWe have yet to have any of the white stuff grace our local landscape, but I know before long everything around here will be covered. It's beautiful, but cold.<br />
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{Little secret - I LOVE Christmas, but HATE the cold. I just have so much trouble keeping warm during this time of year. Unfortunately, there <i>is</i> a limit to the amount of coffee and hot cocoa a girl can drink. And I refuse to wear one of <a href="http://www.foreverlazy.com/adult-footed-onesie-pajamas.html" target="_blank">these</a> around for 4 to 5 months. Although, I may not hold out much longer.}<br />
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We are staying home this year for Thanksgiving and I'm hoping we'll be able to decorate the house for Christmas as a family during the long weekend. Now. I know my kids well. Within hours of their first day off from school, they will be complaining about being BORED. I've got to have something in mind to help occupy them without all of them finding solace in an electronic of some sort or pestering each other to the point of tears. Arts and Crafts are great for them; but, without any direction, my home can quickly look like a paper shredder went on a rampage. Paper snowflakes could be just the thing! Allows us all to be creative and we can use the creations as decoration around the house instead of just having an extra bag of trash to the landfill.<br />
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Most of us know the basic instructions. If not, I found this below.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--VeUcrdj9_w/Uo41J2JWXkI/AAAAAAAACKQ/sjkMY2VBPlA/s1600/Picture+2.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="265" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--VeUcrdj9_w/Uo41J2JWXkI/AAAAAAAACKQ/sjkMY2VBPlA/s320/Picture+2.png" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.kinderart.com/seasons/snowflake9.shtml">Kinderart.com</a></td></tr>
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While this is great, my older kids need a little more of a challenge. We'll be taking things to the next level by going 3D. <br />
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<a href="http://www.blogger.com/"><span id="goog_783502395"></span>Twirly Paper Snowflake<span id="goog_783502396"></span></a><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0KsNy3dtYlo/Uo4306n-zkI/AAAAAAAACKc/uy_2aKyVAD4/s1600/4132820620_8796cf9b12.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0KsNy3dtYlo/Uo4306n-zkI/AAAAAAAACKc/uy_2aKyVAD4/s320/4132820620_8796cf9b12.jpg" width="236" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.simplymodernmom.com/">Simply Modern Mom</a></td></tr>
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<a href="http://www.craftideas.info/html/finnish_paper_star.html">Finnish Paper Star</a><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sFT51Bi5BRI/Uo48c8n6zgI/AAAAAAAACK8/ueXqwdq6Hzw/s1600/Paper_Craft_for_Christmas_-_Gold_Finnish_Star.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="316" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sFT51Bi5BRI/Uo48c8n6zgI/AAAAAAAACK8/ueXqwdq6Hzw/s320/Paper_Craft_for_Christmas_-_Gold_Finnish_Star.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.craftideas.info/">Craft Ideas</a></td></tr>
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Need a little more of a challenge? Look at these!<br /><div>
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<a href="http://cosmocricket.typepad.com/cosmo_cricket/2009/11/flashback-friday-3d-snowflake-tutorial.html">3D Snowflake</a><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CvMDEXsLSks/Uo46C2Ph5BI/AAAAAAAACKo/kxJkUL6r2Pk/s1600/6a01053717ab71970b012875b66aaf970c-800wi.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CvMDEXsLSks/Uo46C2Ph5BI/AAAAAAAACKo/kxJkUL6r2Pk/s320/6a01053717ab71970b012875b66aaf970c-800wi.jpg" width="256" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://cosmocricket.typepad.com/">Cosmo Cricket</a></td></tr>
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<a href="http://krokotak.com/2012/11/snowflake-ballerinas-for-crafty-moms/">Paper Ballerina Snowflake</a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GTnN5cqJ7js/Uo46wRob7yI/AAAAAAAACKw/I-rn3K-oYBo/s1600/ballerina-snowflake.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GTnN5cqJ7js/Uo46wRob7yI/AAAAAAAACKw/I-rn3K-oYBo/s320/ballerina-snowflake.jpg" width="234" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://krokotak.com/">krokotak</a></td></tr>
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Finally - for the nerd in all of us. (Love this!)</div>
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<a href="http://ifitshipitshere.blogspot.com/2010/12/star-wars-snowflakes-templates-to-make.html">Star Wars Snowflakes</a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gEuMJh6xrzM/Uo491QpvUBI/AAAAAAAACLI/LpeBfuz63Kg/s1600/Star+Wars+Snowflakes+Hero+iihih.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gEuMJh6xrzM/Uo491QpvUBI/AAAAAAAACLI/LpeBfuz63Kg/s320/Star+Wars+Snowflakes+Hero+iihih.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://ifitshipitshere.blogspot.com/">If Its Hip Its Here</a></td></tr>
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I have several others pinned on my <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/thistooprojects/snowflakes/">Snowflake Board</a>. Feel free to check them out. Do you have any favorites? I'd love to have some other ideas!<br /><div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01498117345133702655noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1770888221178040395.post-21741732579159925652013-11-18T07:12:00.000-06:002013-11-18T07:12:04.385-06:00christmas is comingSo? Have you started getting things ready for Christmas? You know - making lists, shopping, planning menus, putting up the tree, lighting the inside and outside of your home. Time is quickly ticking away!<br />
<br />
I'm not doing too much homemade this year. I know, I know. It just doesn't seem to be the year for it, unfortunately. I do have a couple of projects planned for myself, but nothing huge. I seem to be in more of a baking mood this year. (At least, that's the mood right now.)<br />
<br />
Larissa has a beautiful felt bookmark she made for a friend at <a href="http://mmmcrafts.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">mmmcrafts</a>. <i>Beautiful!</i> And it got my gears turning in the direction of Christmas ornaments. I mean, the possibilities are only limited by your imagination and your Google searching abilities. <br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/BenzieDesign?campaign_label=receipt_buyer&utm_source=transactional&utm_campaign=receipt_010170_7297498688_0_0&utm_medium=trans_email" target="_blank">BenziDesign</a> has a great selection of colors, sizes and packages. Renae, the owner, has pre-picked packages, or you can choose your own. I went the choose your own in the 12x18 size. <br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5-aes07ccec/UooPklr9lUI/AAAAAAAACKA/JECkn3TAxZQ/s1600/il_570xN.421004120_f1ip.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5-aes07ccec/UooPklr9lUI/AAAAAAAACKA/JECkn3TAxZQ/s320/il_570xN.421004120_f1ip.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
I can't wait to get started! I have so many ideas written down, I won't know where to start when all this wonderful felt arrives. Fortunately, I have a few days before the felt arrives to find that paper with all my great ideas written on it. Yep. Typical me.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01498117345133702655noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1770888221178040395.post-32131271937699561922013-10-29T13:25:00.000-05:002013-10-29T13:25:41.450-05:00quick and easy maskHalloween is only a couple days away. Are you ready? <br />
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I must confess, at this point, I'm usually scrambling around trying to get costumes completed and the candy bought. This year, at least the costumes are done. That's the most important part anyway, right?<br />
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This year we have a zombie, a vampire-sort-of-thing (this one is still confusing me, but she is happy), a witch, Batgirl and Spiderman. The costume that has required the most work is Batgirl. This is a hard one to find on the shelf at the store, so I went into 'I can make that!' mode. (Nope. I haven't changed that much over the past year.)<br />
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The Batman symbol was easy. A Google search brought up <a href="http://www.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http://www.vectortemplates.com/raster/batman-logo-outlines.gif&imgrefurl=http://www.vectortemplates.com/raster-batman.php&h=1225&w=2072&sz=50&tbnid=lyOD5Nk-aqamXM:&tbnh=90&tbnw=152&prev=/search%3Fq%3Dbatman%2Btemplate%26tbm%3Disch%26tbo%3Du&zoom=1&q=batman+template&usg=__-Pnf-lt_5qeymOUl10YHxbA49AQ=&docid=FxbVmggVf--0dM&sa=X&ei=-fFvUreQDtKr2AWCm4GIDw&ved=0CC0Q9QEwAA" target="_blank">this template</a>. Craft felt and <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Aleenes-Purpose-Tacky-Adhesive-11-Ounce/dp/B001689P10/ref=sr_1_1?s=arts-crafts&ie=UTF8&qid=1383068347&sr=1-1&keywords=tacky+spray" target="_blank">Tacky Spray</a> worked great as my materials. Then I just pinned it on the front of a black shirt. Very easy.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QNc5CrRSmEw/Um_1NKyZnrI/AAAAAAAACGw/bh8Ov49mPnU/s1600/IMG_4757.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="201" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QNc5CrRSmEw/Um_1NKyZnrI/AAAAAAAACGw/bh8Ov49mPnU/s320/IMG_4757.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
The mask was a little more difficult to figure out. I wanted something that would stay in place, be easy to see out, and not have to be tied. Ever tried tying something around a little girl's head and <i>not </i>getting hair tangled in the string? Close to impossible.<br />
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An easy alternative came about while playing with some recently purchased knit headbands. I believe these were found at Walmart, but I'm sure they can be found at many different stores or online.</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wZ5_CGckn7I/Um_23TzFOcI/AAAAAAAACG8/Hsdfe_M0trk/s1600/IMG_4750.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wZ5_CGckn7I/Um_23TzFOcI/AAAAAAAACG8/Hsdfe_M0trk/s320/IMG_4750.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
So. Let's get started.<br />
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Take your headband and put it on the face/person who will be wearing it.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-EC_DRCoUvK0/Um_0aEm2YgI/AAAAAAAACF8/7M9J3z0KJ_4/s1600/IMG_4751.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-EC_DRCoUvK0/Um_0aEm2YgI/AAAAAAAACF8/7M9J3z0KJ_4/s320/IMG_4751.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
As you can see above, once the headband is in place, you can trace for the eye holes. (The white showed this better in a picture than the black.) On lighter colors you can use a Mark-Be-Gone or similar fabric pen. I used chalk on the black to outline the eyes. Remember you are wanting to be able to see out of this mask easily, so make the eye holes a little bigger than the actual eye.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HhFwmEqiIdg/Um_0k6g_PrI/AAAAAAAACGM/R5tq_sDSpyA/s1600/IMG_4752.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HhFwmEqiIdg/Um_0k6g_PrI/AAAAAAAACGM/R5tq_sDSpyA/s320/IMG_4752.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
I soon realized the mask fits better if you make an indentation for the bridge of the nose. Yes, that is sidewalk chalk in the picture above. I recommend using regular chalkboard chalk, but all of mine seems to have walked off. All by itself, too, I'm sure.<br />
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Next, do a quick zig-zag stitch around the eye area and along the nose.<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RgukwgrfJW8/Um_0349_MeI/AAAAAAAACGU/K3fcbWUzd8o/s1600/IMG_4753.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RgukwgrfJW8/Um_0349_MeI/AAAAAAAACGU/K3fcbWUzd8o/s320/IMG_4753.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
Get your scissors and start cutting the openings open and trim any strings once the stitching is done.<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nejWGzpLPL0/Um_1CP7O75I/AAAAAAAACGc/X_tPVtoBUsM/s1600/IMG_4754.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nejWGzpLPL0/Um_1CP7O75I/AAAAAAAACGc/X_tPVtoBUsM/s320/IMG_4754.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PfmlVAFUrLI/Um_1DfcaTKI/AAAAAAAACGk/MBajBd_Dnbc/s1600/IMG_4755.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PfmlVAFUrLI/Um_1DfcaTKI/AAAAAAAACGk/MBajBd_Dnbc/s320/IMG_4755.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
Now, it's ready to try on.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-z9oeVGphdtE/Um_1KJaptDI/AAAAAAAACGs/cdgDYbgAU5A/s1600/IMG_4756.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-z9oeVGphdtE/Um_1KJaptDI/AAAAAAAACGs/cdgDYbgAU5A/s320/IMG_4756.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
I've had requests from all the other kids for one in their favorite color just for fun. I think the hardest part was getting my little model to lay still while I traced around her eyes.<br />
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Let me know what you think. Or, if you are able to improve on this, share with us what you did. I'm sure I'll be making more masks in my future. Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01498117345133702655noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1770888221178040395.post-76192351806468572472013-10-23T14:54:00.000-05:002013-10-23T14:54:40.094-05:00hello againOh, how I've missed you!<br />
<br />
The decision to see about coming back to the blogging world has been made. And, amazingly enough, it was a unanimous vote of one. That means it's official!<br />
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That being said, I still have a lot of obligations that have nothing to do with crafting and sewing. BUT, I think if baby steps are taken, I can start sharing with everyone again. The creative outlet will be great, too.<br />
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Since our little one started treatment, I really haven't been able to devote any time to crafting. One of my daughters and I were talking the other day and figured it's been over a year since I've done any projects. That's a LONG time! No wonder I've got a hankerin' to do some stitchin'. <br />
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So, if no crafting has been done in over a year, what do I have to share? There are several WIPs that have been sitting in a dark, little corner waiting patiently for me to notice them again. There's a couple of recipes that are worthy of being shared. Several helpful cooking and everyday tips have come about in this time of silence. Plus, my life can have some pretty humorous moments. (I'm always ready to give someone a laugh for the day.) Maybe even some exciting new changes in my doings. We'll see.<br />
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Baby steps. That's my motto for now. Hopefully, crafting can become a way of life for me once again.<br />
<br />
**If you would like to see how things are going with my daughter's health, feel free to check out the blog I have devoted to that side of my life. <a href="http://www.madismilestones.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">www.Madi'sMilestones.blogspot.com</a> ***Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01498117345133702655noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1770888221178040395.post-14295937331219542252012-09-15T10:59:00.000-05:002012-09-28T13:54:24.230-05:00L is for....<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nsfX2AxFlZo/UFSKwqt49FI/AAAAAAAABtI/1esoHTTWkPk/s1600/IMG_4151.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nsfX2AxFlZo/UFSKwqt49FI/AAAAAAAABtI/1esoHTTWkPk/s320/IMG_4151.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
School has started and we've been trying to get into the swing of things. You know - waking up at a good time, getting dressed instead of wearing our pjs or swim clothes all day, keeping up on the laundry, signing papers that need to be returned and getting that nasty homework done on time.<br />
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I've been looking forward to having 3 (!) kids in school this year. Hard to believe! Do you know how easy 2 kids can be?!? I have a list of projects that just keeps getting longer and longer. Things like painting and rooms and presents and just miscellaneous fun 'stuff' to do.<br />
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With our third child in kindergarden this year, we've been getting to see all the 'new' things through her eyes. She brings home her paper from school and shows us all the 'homework' she gets to do. We get to hear about her teacher and all the new friends she gets to make. We get to learn that L is for things like Lollipop, Letter, Light and Lemon.<br />
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On Tuesday Sept. 4th, my husband and I learned that L is also for Leukemia. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wjOpkWpBUfE/UFSLN0mgkEI/AAAAAAAABtQ/WV0-8LtoAjg/s1600/IMG_4189.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="260" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wjOpkWpBUfE/UFSLN0mgkEI/AAAAAAAABtQ/WV0-8LtoAjg/s320/IMG_4189.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Madi - 1 week before diagnosis</td></tr>
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Our beautiful little kindergardener had some blood work done that morning to find out the cause of the bruising and lethargy she was dealing with. By 2 pm we had a call from our pediatrician telling us to go meet with a pediatric oncologist and be prepared to be admitted to the local hospital.<br />
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A whirlwind started as soon as we were finally admitted to the hospital. Thankfully, we were blessed with some wonderful and understanding nurses. One nurse in particular, Ms. Janet, became Madi's buddy and cared for her in more ways than just making sure medicine was taken on time and vitals were as they should be.<br />
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All these new, and somewhat scary, situations and experiences for our little girl to have to endure. Being poked and prodded by complete strangers, being carted to different treatment/procedure rooms, having a port put in, having to take 'yucky' medicine and just feeling crummy overall really started to take a toll on her by Friday. That morning she looked at me after taking her medicine and said, "I really don't want to do this anymore."<br />
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We have been home since Sunday and coming home never seemed sweeter. Our lives are busy with one more thing added to the mix, but we have some wonderful friends, family and even strangers surrounding us with love and support.<br />
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The point of this post is not to make you feel sorry for us. While this isn't the diagnosis we wanted, the prognosis is excellent. We found through testing that Madi has <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Acute_lymphoblastic_leukemia" target="_blank">ALL</a>, a very common and treatable form of Leukemia. Her age, gender and several other factors are in her favor. She is responding well to treatment so far and is having few side effects. <br />
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The point of this post is to ask for prayers. Many, many prayers. <br />
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We are keeping our minds on the positives and not dwelling on the negatives. We really are okay. While we know there are many rough days ahead, focusing only on the bad will make this whole experience even worse. Kevin and I are taking any opportunity and making sure something is gained or learned by some or all of the kids. Even Kevin and I are growing in many ways at this time. Most importantly, Madi is learning at a very young age to let her light shine.<br />
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So, projects will come - eventually. Once we get into our new 'normal', I'm hoping to still do projects and crafts to help keep me sane during this time. (Kevin would tell you I lost 'it' a looonnggg time ago, though.) I've got several in progress now and just need to finish up - my life's story.<br />
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Keep us in your prayers!<br />
<br />
***We now have a blog just for Madi to keep everyone posted on her progress - <a href="http://madismilestones.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Madi's Milestones</a> ***</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01498117345133702655noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1770888221178040395.post-14058800284608454062012-06-11T08:50:00.000-05:002012-06-11T08:50:13.647-05:00Spring Break<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Here it is June and I just realized I haven't shared our Spring Break trip with you. We rarely go anywhere other than to see family, but this time I had an itch to see some old friends. It was well worth the time and travel!!</div>
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Here is the route (roughly) we took on our road trip. It ended up being around 1700 miles. (<i>blah)</i></div>
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Friday - Our first stop was Bowling Green, KY. My sister and her family live there and it's a good halfway stop on our way to GA. Bonus - we got to attend my niece's 3rd birthday party.<br />
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Saturday - Arrival to Harold and Paula's home. They were kind enough to give our crazy family a place to stay for a few nights. <br />
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Sunday - Attended worship services at <a href="http://www.southfayettechurch.org/" target="_blank">South Fayette church of Christ</a>. It was great to see and talk with all our friends! We were invited over for lunch at a friends house, Jay and Bridgette, following morning services. We had a great time catching up and the kids all played together without arguing the whole afternoon! The food was good and the company even better!<br />
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Monday - Took a trip into the city with Michael, Larissa and the girls to spend the day at the <a href="http://www.georgiaaquarium.org/" target="_blank">Georgia Aquarium.</a> Such a fun time and all the kids were kept entertained.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">All the kiddos</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sawyer has a new buddy</td></tr>
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Tuesday - Lunch at <a href="http://chopsticksptc.com/" target="_blank">Chopsticks</a> in Peachtree City, GA. (YUM!) Drive to Auburn, AL to stay with the Roberts family. Once again, the kids had a blast and we adults got a chance to catch up.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Roberts and Wise kids</td></tr>
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Wednesday - Drive to Huntsville, AL to spend a few days with Crystal and her family. Attended worship services at <a href="http://www.jordanpark.org/" target="_blank">Jordan Park church of Christ</a> and caught up with some old friends there. <br />
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Thursday - Totally bummed the whole day. It was GREAT! Lots of time for the kids to play and run around outside, Kevin was able to catch up on his sleep, and Crystal and I got to catch up on all things going on in our lives. When J came home from work it was like old times when we were all newly married and we could sit around and talk and laugh about anything and everything - we just have kids running around now.<br />
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Friday - Headed home. The drive was uneventful with tired kids and lots of movies being played. We did hit the outskirts of St. Louis just as the tornado watches/warnings were being announced over the airwaves, though. Nothing like dark clouds and hail to welcome you home. <br />
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We had such a great time! Of course, it's because of getting to see all our friends and renewing old friendships.<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">** Larrisa's blog -<a href="http://mmmcrafts.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"> Mmmcrafts</a></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">**Crystal's blog - <a href="http://fussymonkeybiz.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Fussy Monkey Business</a></span></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01498117345133702655noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1770888221178040395.post-75216988255185877092012-06-06T08:00:00.000-05:002012-06-06T08:00:12.192-05:00Momma's Salon & Spa<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
With school finished up and summer in full swing, my life is absolutely crazy right now. Copious hours have already been spent at the pool, our door is a revolving door for neighborhood friends (which is great), the swing set only entertains for so long, and the kids are already complaining there is 'nothing to do'. Plus, we are smack dab in the middle of VBS this week. It is definitely summer, baby!<br />
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To change things up a bit, I took the time to 'play' with each of the girls' hair. <br />
<b>G's Woven braids:</b><br />
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<b>C's Criss-Cross Fishtail:</b></div>
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<b>M's Curving Dutch Braid:</b></div>
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<b> O's Double Headband Braid:</b><br />
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I'm sure next week we will break out the nail polish and decorate those little fingers and toes.<br />
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Hope you all are having a wonderful start to summer!<br />
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<br /></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01498117345133702655noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1770888221178040395.post-16753040351043377172012-04-30T10:12:00.000-05:002012-04-30T10:12:18.626-05:00A Birthday and A Recipe<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Our oldest turned 9 (<i>9!</i>) a week or so ago. Crazy how time goes by so quickly and just seems to speed up the older the kids get. We had a family celebration with a friend over - sweet and simple.</div>
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This year Gretchen wanted an ice cream cake. I was able to find this recipe for <a href="http://www.kraftrecipes.com/recipes/oreo-fudge-ice-cream-106562.aspx" target="_blank">OREO and Fudge Ice Cream Cake</a> at <a href="http://www.kraftrecipes.com/home.aspx" target="_blank">Kraft</a> and just substituted in Mint OREOs. So simple to make and tasted great.<br />
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Our next birthday is in September and I've already had a request for one made with Snickers. :)</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01498117345133702655noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1770888221178040395.post-77263603991224951912012-04-23T10:33:00.000-05:002012-04-23T10:33:02.563-05:00Borrowing Ebooks<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://lendle.me/" target="_blank">http://lendle.me</a></td></tr>
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For those of you who don't know, Kevin got me a <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0051VVOB2/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=wwwthistoopro-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B0051VVOB2">Kindle Fire</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=wwwthistoopro-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B0051VVOB2" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />
for my birthday. I honestly don't know who has enjoyed it more - Me, because I have multiple books in one easy device / Kevin, because he no longer has to 'sleep' with the bedside light glaring in his face at crazy hours. His most recent comment: 'Best purchase I ever made!'.</div>
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I usually get books from the library. I'm typically too cheap to purchase ebooks (or any book, for that matter). I stumbled across Lendle and thought I would share, though. There is a full disclosure on there site under <a href="http://lendle.me/faq/" target="_blank">FAQ</a>. There are a lot of books that are not available for borrow; but, obviously, they wouldn't have the site if none were available. Free books are always good - well, at least in theory.</div>
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For those who don't have a <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0051VVOB2/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=wwwthistoopro-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B0051VVOB2">Kindle</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=wwwthistoopro-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B0051VVOB2" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />
, <a href="http://amazon.com/" target="_blank">Amazon</a> has <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/feature.html/ref=sv_kinh_1?ie=UTF8&docId=1000493771" target="_blank">apps</a> that can be downloaded to a smartphone or computer. <br />
<br />
<i>My Current Reads</i>:<br />
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Ebooks - Protector of the Small Quartet Series by Tamora Pierce (<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0012DZ324/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=wwwthistoopro-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B0012DZ324">First Test</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=wwwthistoopro-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B0012DZ324" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />
, <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0012DZ32E/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=wwwthistoopro-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B0012DZ32E">Page</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=wwwthistoopro-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B0012DZ32E" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />
, <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000XUBG2S/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=wwwthistoopro-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B000XUBG2S">Squire</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=wwwthistoopro-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B000XUBG2S" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />
, <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000XUBFMY/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=wwwthistoopro-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B000XUBFMY">Lady Knight</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=wwwthistoopro-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B000XUBFMY" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />)<br />
<br />
Hard Copy - <i><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004CFA9RS/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=wwwthistoopro-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B004CFA9RS">Divergent</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=wwwthistoopro-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B004CFA9RS" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />
</i> by Veronica Roth<br />
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</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01498117345133702655noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1770888221178040395.post-78872552208040396042012-04-16T15:17:00.000-05:002012-04-16T15:17:26.593-05:00Craft Room Tour<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
My life is full of clutter. I HATE clutter. No matter how much I dislike clutter, I can't seem to eliminate it from my life. Anyone else have this problem? Sure you do. Very few people don't have issues with clutter in some part of their lives.<br />
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I've been <strike>ignoring</strike> living with the clutter in our home for the past couple of years. I'd much rather do what <i>has</i> to be done, play with the kids and then curl up with a good (or even bad) book. Much easier on me than trying to sort through all our stuff. 'Bout as helpful as an ostrich burying its head in the sand, right?<br />
<br />
Okay. No more excuses.<br />
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li>I'm feeling better and getting my energy back.</li>
<li>Neighborhood garage sale in T minus 19 days.</li>
<li>Little Man has turned 2 and there no more little Wises coming along.</li>
<li>My life will be much simpler and nicer once I do this.</li>
</ul>
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My craft room seemed the perfect place to start - since my husband kept making not so subtle comments about how much better he thought all my stuff would be moved to the basement. I can't really blame him with the room in a constant state of chaos.<br />
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So, here is where it all started.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VCEAXh4PB-A/T4xgtBLZhJI/AAAAAAAABpU/0Po0lQSwqMI/s1600/IMG_4023.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VCEAXh4PB-A/T4xgtBLZhJI/AAAAAAAABpU/0Po0lQSwqMI/s320/IMG_4023.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
Actually, I believe this is after I had already gotten started. I didn't like this. <br />
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Configuration 2 didn't work much better.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kBVxtovVGoA/T4xhXcKKEvI/AAAAAAAABpc/PJjvV2h0T_s/s1600/IMG_4027.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kBVxtovVGoA/T4xhXcKKEvI/AAAAAAAABpc/PJjvV2h0T_s/s320/IMG_4027.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
I moved our dining room table into the room instead of having everything spread through 2 rooms. The table is a great space for me to lay out material for pattern placement and cutting. It was just too much visually right against the basement railing. <br />
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Configuration 3 started the creative juices flowing and I was able to get everything functional <i><b>and </b></i>looking nice at the same time.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-aZc5zPaRcpk/T4xlzpOWCVI/AAAAAAAABps/ht27-rx2TeU/s1600/IMG_4042.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-aZc5zPaRcpk/T4xlzpOWCVI/AAAAAAAABps/ht27-rx2TeU/s320/IMG_4042.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
Having the dining room table in the room is amazing! <br />
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I 'needed' a space devoted to the actual sewing process in the room, too. <br />
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This desk is a relic left over from my husband's college days. This picture was taken after I had moved our massive computer. It's a large surface to work on: plenty of room for both machines to remain set up and a place to sit and work on my laptop.<br />
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Putting the shelf above the desk has allowed me to use some of the vertical space in the room. Bobbins, my <a href="http://www.blogger.com/%3Ca%20href=%22http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001CE8JBU/ref=as_li_tf_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=wwwthistoopro-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B001CE8JBU%22%3ESimplicity%20SideWinder%20%3C/a%3E%3Cimg%20src=%22http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=wwwthistoopro-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B001CE8JBU%22%20width=%221%22%20height=%221%22%20border=%220%22%20alt=%22%22%20style=%22border:none%20!important;%20margin:0px%20!important;%22%20/%3E" target="_blank">Sidewinder</a>, a radio and some odds and ends are housed up there.<br />
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I moved the desk down the wall a few inches to make room for some storage. The drawers are holding thread, scissors, pins, fabrics and the little bit of felt I have. The little cubby on the desk has a plastic bin in it holding my patterns.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QHwuO3CDQlM/T4xqXRqpZgI/AAAAAAAABqE/o9Nyn4DOiss/s1600/IMG_4046.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QHwuO3CDQlM/T4xqXRqpZgI/AAAAAAAABqE/o9Nyn4DOiss/s320/IMG_4046.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
The bookshelves are now organized and de-cluttered, as well, holding sewing books, magazines, my tools and the rest of my fabric stash. <br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8pTdDZqqfBA/T4xsZR1nbzI/AAAAAAAABqM/hjeF1IzqrQg/s1600/IMG_4051.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8pTdDZqqfBA/T4xsZR1nbzI/AAAAAAAABqM/hjeF1IzqrQg/s320/IMG_4051.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
The last area is the first a person sees when walking in the front door. It should work well for ironing, but I'm not sure if I'll keep it like this. (Pay no attention to the mess in the background.)<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mtskmeDDKaI/T4xtQgv40NI/AAAAAAAABqU/OLM-YEhOxhc/s1600/IMG_4050.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mtskmeDDKaI/T4xtQgv40NI/AAAAAAAABqU/OLM-YEhOxhc/s320/IMG_4050.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
I'm loving the new space! It's organized. It's inviting. It's calling my name. Best of all? No one else has stuff in the room. This space is mine all mine. Now to get a project going.<br />
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<span id="goog_1556833173"></span><span id="goog_1556833174"></span></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01498117345133702655noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1770888221178040395.post-23608053429854583392012-04-09T11:31:00.002-05:002012-04-09T11:31:55.611-05:00Better!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
I'm back and doing much better. I have a ways to go to getting back to 'normal', but I'm well on the way. Now I just need to gain about 15 to 20 lbs. (Yes, I'm sure some of you would love to give me some of your extra poundage. My husband has offered several times, but we have yet to figure out a pain free way of doing this.)<br />
<br />
Anyway. Now that I'm feeling better, I felt the need to do something - <i>anything</i> - to keep from just sitting around. So, much to my husband's delight, I decided to rearrange some furniture and switch up a couple of rooms on the main floor of our home. Kevin does seem to really love me. ;)<br />
<br />
I'm hoping the way I feel will just continue to improve and our family will be able to have a fun and full summer. I'll try to get the house settled back in to a livable format in the next week and share some pictures with you soon.<br />
<br />
So glad to be back!!</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01498117345133702655noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1770888221178040395.post-75923817903539701102012-02-27T10:06:00.001-06:002012-02-27T10:06:52.280-06:00Please Hold....<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
As you well know, it's been a while since I've posted. Truth be told, it's been a while since I've done any sewing or crafting. (I know - GASP!!) I've been having a lot of fatigue and other symptoms lately and I just haven't felt like doing much. I'm working with my doctor to try and get to the bottom of things. Until then, crafts are on the back burner.<br />
<br />
Please say a little prayer when you think of me and I hope to be back to 'normal' before too long!</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01498117345133702655noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1770888221178040395.post-79446150761243830212012-02-13T09:01:00.000-06:002012-02-13T09:01:29.310-06:00W.I.P's<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
I've been busy, as I'm sure all of you have been. I thought I would give you a little sneak peak at some of the craft projects I've been able to start on and one I've actually finished. (I'll spare you the pictures of all the baskets of laundry and my <i>beautiful</i> vacuum that seem to be my constant companions.)<br />
<br />
Finished Projects<br />
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Working on...<br />
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I'm <i>hoping</i> to have at least one of these projects done in the next week to share with you all. A couple of prayers and fingers crossed that everyone stays well and I don't come across any good reads to distract me. <br />
<br />
Have a great Monday!</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01498117345133702655noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1770888221178040395.post-79249334894547623572012-02-06T07:00:00.000-06:002012-02-06T07:00:13.969-06:00Oh, The Things You'll Find<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Isn't it funny what you will find in your home? We have moved many times as a family in the almost 11 year we've been married. Each and every time we were <strike>told</strike> asked to go to a new location, it was always a good time to purge all the extra things we had accumulated. <div>
<br /></div>
<div>
We haven't had an opportunity to purge in a few years. A huge blessing in my mind. Since we haven't had to move, many things have been sneaking their way into our home and staying much longer than needed. I shared with you in <a href="http://www.thistooprojects.blogspot.com/2012/01/domino-effect-projects.html" target="_blank">Domino Effect Projects</a> post about our basement clean up. We went through so many boxes that day! I was on a mission those couple of days, though.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I don't usually have much trouble getting rid of things, but I was really surprised at some of the things we found. One box was full of papers that just needed to be shredded. Several other boxes were full of religious books, work book and note books full of sermon notes. Another box was full of <a href="http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=sr_nr_p_n_feature_browse-b_mrr_2?rh=n%3A283155%2Ck%3Alori+wick%2Cp_n_feature_browse-bin%3A618073011&bbn=283155&keywords=lori+wick&ie=UTF8&qid=1328030129&rnid=618072011" target="_blank">Lori Wick</a> books my sister and I read during our high school years. My doll collection is stored in another box awaiting the day we get the basement finished to bring them out for all to see. Kevin and I each had a box filled with high school/college mementos - pictures, awards, shirts, tassels and such. Pretty humorous!</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
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We found one of our old license plates. I believe the other Alberta plate was given to a friend who collects plates.</div>
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I also found an old pair of jeans of mine. I have no idea how many hours I spent stitching the flowers, leaves and vines on this leg. I do recall having a horrible stiff neck on several occasions after stitching sessions.</div>
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I even filled in some of the flowers and leaves.<br />
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Many items were sorted and gone through and a lot of things were put aside for the spring yard sale, put to the side to donate or just thrown away. </div>
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<br /></div>
<div>
I did hold on to my senior sweatshirt, Alberta license plate and my jeans. There are just some things that I can't seem to get rid of.</div>
</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01498117345133702655noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1770888221178040395.post-17302828408071469422012-02-02T07:00:00.000-06:002012-02-02T07:17:49.410-06:00Mint Oreo Truffles<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
If you recall, in my <a href="http://www.thistooprojects.blogspot.com/2012/01/peanut-butter-swirl-brownies.html" target="_blank">Peanut Butter Swirl Brownie</a> recipe I mentioned my love for Reese's and Oreo. I try <i>really</i> hard not to go down the cookie isle at the grocery just so I'm not tempted. I was unable to avoid the temptation during a couple of my pregnancies and ended up with a 40 lb weight gain. Not a comfortable thing during a Georgia summer! <br />
<br />
The <a href="http://www.kraftrecipes.com/recipes/easy-oreo-truffles-95085.aspx" target="_blank">Original Oreo Truffles</a> are yummy, but the Mint version are extreme - and I'm not really a mint person! <br />
<br />
<b><u>Mint Oreo Truffles</u></b><br />
<br />
<b><u>Ingredients:</u></b><br />
6 oz Philly Cream Cheese (softened)<br />
1 pkg. (15.25 oz) Cool Mint Oreos, finely crushed<br />
1 pkg. (24 oz) white almond bark<br />
<br />
<b><u>Directions:</u></b><br />
1. Mix crushed mint Oreos and softened cream cheese in a mixer until smooth.<br />
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2. Using a cookie scoop or spoon, roll into balls (about the size of a walnut). Chill for 30 minutes or more.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6Zxd9u3Sjl0/TygGFXrODnI/AAAAAAAABoM/x-piwqD5JAQ/s1600/IMG_3884.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6Zxd9u3Sjl0/TygGFXrODnI/AAAAAAAABoM/x-piwqD5JAQ/s320/IMG_3884.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
3. Follow directions on Almond Bark package for melting in microwave.<br />
4. Dip balls in melted Almond Bark and let set on wax paper.<br />
5. Refrigerate.<br />
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These are great for get togethers and sharing with friends and neighbors. Although, you may want to make 2 batches if you are wanting to sample <i>and</i> share - just to make sure you have enough. </div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01498117345133702655noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1770888221178040395.post-5739288486930962762012-01-30T07:00:00.001-06:002012-01-30T07:00:08.256-06:00Kids Kitchen Tower<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">Most of you know I have a love for all things DIY - even doing some woodworking here and there. It's just so much fun to make something out of nothing. The addition of the power tools just pushes it to the next level for me.<br />
<br />
I guess the 'nut doesn't fall too far from the tree'. Since my father retired a few years ago, he has been able to get a shop area set up in their basement. And, now that he has the time, he has been making a few things for my family and my siblings' families. <br />
<br />
One of the projects he did for all of us was a tower for the kids to help in the kitchen.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-EidKyuTiuto/TyK7xDcr3gI/AAAAAAAABnc/JHG1wHXoatg/s1600/IMG_3914.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-EidKyuTiuto/TyK7xDcr3gI/AAAAAAAABnc/JHG1wHXoatg/s320/IMG_3914.jpg" width="251" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vAYgY2Zv4A8/TyK72uaEZpI/AAAAAAAABnk/zcZfU-_kRN8/s1600/IMG_3915.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="304" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vAYgY2Zv4A8/TyK72uaEZpI/AAAAAAAABnk/zcZfU-_kRN8/s320/IMG_3915.JPG" width="320" /></a></div> My kids love being able to have turns in the kitchen helping me cook. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BxTDreQJsNU/TyK771RY-nI/AAAAAAAABns/5cbFCMAQL8c/s1600/IMG_3917.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="295" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BxTDreQJsNU/TyK771RY-nI/AAAAAAAABns/5cbFCMAQL8c/s320/IMG_3917.JPG" width="320" /></a></div> Or just being able to play in it pretending it is a spaceship or just a quiet place to go and look at books.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Ql1mlMs9-c4/TyK8AjBkZZI/AAAAAAAABn0/-Q7DVP4zYZs/s1600/IMG_3920.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="293" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Ql1mlMs9-c4/TyK8AjBkZZI/AAAAAAAABn0/-Q7DVP4zYZs/s320/IMG_3920.JPG" width="320" /></a></div> It adjust to fit all my kids from the 8 yr old all the way down to the almost 2 yr old. Giving each of them just the right amount of boost.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JQMCBJ4I64k/TyK8LkfpfvI/AAAAAAAABn8/V_ma8wvSt-g/s1600/IMG_3921.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JQMCBJ4I64k/TyK8LkfpfvI/AAAAAAAABn8/V_ma8wvSt-g/s320/IMG_3921.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>It's been a great addition and it's even better that my dad took the time and care to make it for us. He even adjusted my older sister's to be a little wider to accommodate her two sets of twins.<br />
<br />
If you would like one, <a href="http://ana-white.com/" target="_blank">Ana White</a> has plans for a very similar one called '<a href="http://ana-white.com/2010/12/helping-tower.html" target="_blank">The Little Helper Tower</a>'.</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01498117345133702655noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1770888221178040395.post-87980060954454155192012-01-19T07:00:00.000-06:002012-01-19T07:00:02.146-06:00Life HappensI'm having trouble locating my camera cord. Hmmm.....<br />
<br />
I really have no clue where it is.<br />
<br />
I also have 2 kiddos on antibiotics right now. <br />
<br />
Waiting to see which kid will be #3.<br />
<br />
I've decided to take about a week off and to focus on the little ones. Maybe in that time I'll be able to locate my camera cord.<br />
<br />
Now, where to look next.....Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01498117345133702655noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1770888221178040395.post-53706032850400111132012-01-16T07:00:00.000-06:002012-01-16T07:00:01.241-06:00Peanut Butter Swirl BrowniesI was hoping to share a nice long post about my trip to Kentucky to help my sister pack for a move. As fate would have it, I was unable to go due to weather. (First winter storm of the year for St. Louis had perfect timing.) You can only imagine how bummed I was! Even though it would have been work, I would have gotten to spend time with my sister - something that is rare these days.<br />
Since I didn't get to go on my little girl time road trip (grrr!), I felt the need to give myself a little pick-me-up to help soothe my emotional wounds. That means I turned to food to make me feel better.<br />
A quick search through the pantry turned up a box brownie mix, but I needed something more. Enter Peanut Butter! Here's a quick recipe for PB Swirl Brownies starting with said box mix. (Did you know all the recipes I came across on the web were all scratch brownies - even <a href="http://www.bettycrocker.com/recipes/peanut-butter-swirl-brownies/876070cb-1862-4dab-a752-02595dc30f3a" target="_blank">Betty Crocker's</a>! No time for that here!)<br />
<br />
<u><b>Peanut Butter Swirl Brownies</b></u><br />
<br />
<b><u>Ingredients:</u></b><br />
1 Family size Brownie mix (for 9x13 baking dish)<br />
<br />
<b>Filling</b><br />
<br />
2 T melted butter (salted)<br />
1/4 cup confectioners' sugar<br />
1/2 cup creamy peanut butter<br />
1/4 t vanilla extract<br />
<br />
<b><u>Directions:</u></b><br />
<b><u><br /></u></b><br />
1. Mix filling ingredients together in a bowl until smooth. Set to the side.<br />
<br />
2. Mix brownies according to directions on back of box and pour into a 9x13 dish.<br />
<br />
3. Spoon dollops of peanut butter filling into brownie batter in a random pattern spacing it around the dish.<br />
<br />
4. Drag the tip of a butter knife through the dish to swirl the PB filling through out the brownie batter.<br />
<br />
5. Bake brownies according to the box directions.<br />
<br />
These brownies were SO good! I'll let you all know that I have food weaknesses and two of them at the top are Oreos and Reese's Peanut Butter Cups. If I ever end up fat, you can be sure these will be among the causes. Until then, I'll keep making these brownies to soothe any emotional (real or fictitious) wounds that need to be soothed. <br />
<br />
If you are reading this, Amanda, I'm still bummed. I'll be taking a raincheck, so look for me to darken your <i>new</i> doorstep in the near future. I'll bring a batch of brownies with me. ;)<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01498117345133702655noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1770888221178040395.post-1368034408506090432012-01-12T07:00:00.000-06:002012-01-12T07:00:08.127-06:00Domino Effect Projects<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
We all have them. Those projects that once started seem to affect so many other areas and make the work drag on much longer than expected. The projects that (almost) make you wish you hadn't started them in the first place. Has one come to mind for you?</div>
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This seems to happen to me often. {<i>Okay, so it doesn't so much <b>happen</b> to me as I cause it, but let's not nitpick</i>.} Another problem with this is I tend to <strike>drag</strike> bring my <i>very patient</i> husband in on the project. </div>
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<br /></div>
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My most recent Domino Effect Project? The kids' <a href="http://www.thistooprojects.blogspot.com/2011/10/early-reveal-big-girls-room.html" target="_blank">new closet</a>. While I'm glad the 2 big girls now have a closet big enough for them to grow into, it has caused so much more work for us than I thought it would.</div>
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Here's the chain of events.</div>
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In order to open the closet up to their room we had to empty said closet. My bedroom when from something like this-</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-az2na1yJDpU/TwxwkZtQ1VI/AAAAAAAABms/Ewa_vdIF8bQ/s1600/DSCN0755.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-az2na1yJDpU/TwxwkZtQ1VI/AAAAAAAABms/Ewa_vdIF8bQ/s320/DSCN0755.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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to looking like this-</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ha9JCl9cAaw/TwxgKEVsSPI/AAAAAAAABlk/NHo9TXMk7NQ/s1600/IMG_3412.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ha9JCl9cAaw/TwxgKEVsSPI/AAAAAAAABlk/NHo9TXMk7NQ/s320/IMG_3412.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">^Notice the Pack-n-play in the pic?</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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Once we got the girls' clothes in the new closet, my room looked a <i>little</i> better. </div>
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</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--8yDFlZadvE/Twxu2icSttI/AAAAAAAABmk/rm3d8IKBuag/s1600/IMG_3707.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--8yDFlZadvE/Twxu2icSttI/AAAAAAAABmk/rm3d8IKBuag/s320/IMG_3707.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Okay, so it really isn't that much better, but that closet acted as a storage room for us. So, now we had to figure out what to do with all the <strike>junk</strike> stuff we've been holding on to for no good reason.</div>
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Enter our basement. Now, I'm extremely grateful to have this space. If you don't have a good system of storing your stuff, thought, it will eventually look something like the pictures below. Especially if you let the kids have free reign.</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-60mhEjTzCF8/TwxgI3nLHpI/AAAAAAAABlM/1ocwCKGFBNI/s1600/IMG_1470.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-60mhEjTzCF8/TwxgI3nLHpI/AAAAAAAABlM/1ocwCKGFBNI/s320/IMG_1470.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">yes, that is a cabinet laying on the floor<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> </span></td></tr>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NrDWCdfKRT4/TwxgJfYmNXI/AAAAAAAABlU/xQ-w_-FNf3c/s1600/IMG_1471.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NrDWCdfKRT4/TwxgJfYmNXI/AAAAAAAABlU/xQ-w_-FNf3c/s320/IMG_1471.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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I've cleaned the space s<a href="http://www.thistooprojects.blogspot.com/2010/08/reclaiming-my-home-part-1.html" target="_blank">everal times</a>. Unfortunately, my kids, like most, don't care to pick up after themselves, so it continues to get messy.</div>
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Another tile in the dominoes - Remember the pack-n-play in one of the pictures above? In the middle of our closet project, I decided to move our youngest out of our room into a room of his own. He now occupies what was our guest room. But, what to do with the guest room furniture? Yep, move it to the basement! <br />
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Sorry the door is in the way, but you get the idea. It works well for us and our guest - as long as no one visits during the winter. <br />
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Previously, we had shelves along the wall the bed is now up against. See?<br />
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I got tired of cleaning up the kids' toys and took all the shelves down one day and moved all their toys to another area. See them on the shelves against the concrete wall?</div>
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We have a strict rule in our house that the kids are not to go on the other side of the stud walls where my husbands tools are. So, by default, the kids can no longer get toys out without our help.</div>
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Once the holidays started rolling around, so many things/projects were placed on hold. I could only stand seeing a basement look like this for so long after the holidays were over, though. And, poor Kevin had a couple of days off to help me.</div>
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This was taken <i>after</i> we started working. Has to look worse before it can look better, right? UGH! There were so many boxes full of books, it was ridiculous!<br />
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The shelves that once held the toys got reused in a new location. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kevin using his hammer drill on the concrete wall.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Starting to fill up!</td></tr>
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Here it is full. There is even stuff just sitting in front of the shelves because we ran out of room. (Shameful!) We put up some vapor barrier we had on hand from another house to help remind the kids not to go behind the walls.</div>
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Our basement is looking <i>much</i> better these days. </div>
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And all the storage space is full.<br />
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Wondering what the next domino tile to fall is going to be? A YARD SALE!!! We are going to be having one of the biggest 'I'm Not Having Anymore Kids' celebration yard sale ever! I already have most of the stuff in the basement separated in 'keep' and 'sell' categories. This decision does cause another domino to fall, though. While I've gone through the basement, I still have the rest of the boxes in our bedroom, my kitchen and craft room to go through. <br />
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Bonus - cleaning up the basement will allow me to draw up detailed plans for transforming it into a functional <i>finished</i> living space. Won't that be nice? It should be completed about the time the kids are going off to college at the pace I move.<br />
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Do you have some dominoes falling?<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01498117345133702655noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1770888221178040395.post-4039483030749798552012-01-09T07:00:00.000-06:002012-01-09T07:00:08.867-06:00Thirty SomethingYesterday marked another year for me. It's amazing really how fast the time has gone and how many blessings I have to be thankful for. <span id="goog_304225183"></span><span id="goog_304225184"></span><br />
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Now, usually my husband and I just acknowledge each others birthday and maybe take the family out for a nice meal at, you know, Chick-fil-a or Pizza Hut. (Yep, high rollers!) This year Kevin really went above and beyond by getting me a Kindle Fire.</div>
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0051VVOB2/ref=as_li_ss_il?ie=UTF8&tag=th011-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B0051VVOB2"><img border="0" src="http://ws.assoc-amazon.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&Format=_SL160_&ASIN=B0051VVOB2&MarketPlace=US&ID=AsinImage&WS=1&tag=th011-20&ServiceVersion=20070822" /></a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=th011-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B0051VVOB2" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /></div>
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And since my body decided that this would be the perfect time to come down with a nasty little bug, I'm getting to know my new friend pretty well. While being sick on your birthday is <b style="font-style: italic;">not </b>fun, it is nice to be comforted by some good books both old and new.</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01498117345133702655noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1770888221178040395.post-50752458371283901522011-12-20T13:36:00.000-06:002011-12-20T13:36:57.467-06:00ScrabbleNope, not the game, but the food. Have you heard of it? Most people haven't. I really have no idea where it came from, but it was always made by my grandmother at Christmas time. My mother carried on the tradition for us growing up, and now I make it every year starting right after Thanksgiving. Looks a lot like Chex Mix, but tastes a whole lot better.<br />
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<b><u>Ingredients:</u></b><br />
2 lbs. Mixed nuts (added last)<br />
12 oz shredded wheat (we use wheat Chex)<br />
10.5 oz Cheerios<br />
6.5 oz Rice Chex<br />
6.5 oz pretzel bits (we use Corn Chex here)<br />
5.5 oz pretzel sticks<br />
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2 C Mazzola Corn Oil<br />
2 T Worcestershire sauce<br />
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1 T garlic salt<br />
1 T season salt<br />
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<b><u>What to do:</u></b><br />
In a large roasting pan, combine cereals and pretzels. Sprinkle garlic salt and season salt over mixture. Wisk corn oil and worcestershire sauce together. Pour all over dry mixture. Add mixed nuts <b>last</b> and give a good stir. Place lid on roaster.<br />
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Set oven to 275*. Scrabble will be in the oven for a total of 3 hours. Remove and stir every 30 minutes and replace in oven until the 3 hours are up.<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01498117345133702655noreply@blogger.com2