hello again

Oh, how I've missed you!

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!

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.

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'.

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.

Baby steps.  That's my motto for now.  Hopefully, crafting can become a way of life for me once again.

**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.  www.Madi'sMilestones.blogspot.com  ***

Spring Break

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!!

Here is the route (roughly) we took on our road trip.  It ended up being around 1700 miles.  (blah)

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.

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.

Sunday - Attended worship services at South Fayette church of Christ.  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!

Monday - Took a trip into the city with Michael, Larissa and the girls to spend the day at the Georgia Aquarium.  Such a fun time and all the kids were kept entertained.

All the kiddos

Sawyer has a new buddy

Tuesday - Lunch at Chopsticks 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.

Roberts and Wise kids

Wednesday - Drive to Huntsville, AL to spend a few days with Crystal and her family.  Attended worship services at Jordan Park church of Christ and caught up with some old friends there.

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.

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.

We had such a great time!  Of course, it's because of getting to see all our friends and renewing old friendships.

** Larrisa's blog - Mmmcrafts
**Crystal's blog - Fussy Monkey Business

Momma's Salon & Spa

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!

To change things up a bit, I took the time to 'play' with each of the girls' hair.
G's Woven braids:

C's Criss-Cross Fishtail:

M's Curving Dutch Braid:

 O's Double Headband Braid:

I'm sure next week we will break out the nail polish and decorate those little fingers and toes.

Hope you all are having a wonderful start to summer!

Please Hold....

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.

Please say a little prayer when you think of me and I hope to be back to 'normal' before too long!

W.I.P's

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 beautiful vacuum that seem to be my constant companions.)

Finished Projects

Working on...

I'm hoping 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.

Have a great Monday!

Oh, The Things You'll Find

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 told asked to go to a new location, it was always a good time to purge all the extra things we had accumulated.  

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 Domino Effect Projects post about our basement clean up.  We went through so many boxes that day!  I was on a mission those couple of days, though.

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 Lori Wick 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!

We found one of our old license plates.  I believe the other Alberta plate was given to a friend who collects plates.

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.

 I even filled in some of the flowers and leaves.

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.  

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.

Gift Idea - Apps and Tunes

I thought I would deviate from handmade to easy and cheap.  I know a LOT of people out there have a smart phone.  How many of you allow your kids to play with said smart phone turning it into a ridiculously expensive 'toy'?  Yep, I'm guilty.  There are times when parents get desperate to entertain the little ones, though.  {Like when you have to spend 5 hours at the auto repair place with 3 kids waiting for tires.  Not the most kid friendly place and even new display tires are dirty.}


I personally I have an iPhone.  I absolutely love it!  Apps for me and the kids, plus all the music we like to listen to.  We rarely listen to the radio anymore when in the vehicle.  I also like to have it playing throughout the house when we're cleaning.

Do you have an iPhone or Mac?  If you do, I'm sure you have iTunes on your electronic already.  If not, you can download itunes easy enough.  Itunes cards are all over the place and make great gifts for all ages.  Plus, it takes away the angst of deciding which songs/albums someone else would like or want.  For younger kids, consider placing money in your iTunes account and then giving each child a certificate or coupon they can redeem for x amount of songs.  (This is what we plan to do for our older kids.)  Or, pick the songs and make a personal CD for the receiver.

'There's an app for that.'  An app for just about anything you might want - couponing, stores, games, educational, jokes, weather - you name it.  Want to know what's popular?  How about apps for kids?  Just do a quick search and you've got it!  There are so many free ones out there, too.

Here's a rundown on some that we like - Nook and Kindle, The Weather Channel, Angry Birds,  Glow Draw, Racing Penguin, DoodleBuddy, Fisher Price,  and KidCalc.  Right now I'm bribing my 8 yr old with Fruit Ninja for when she passes her times table test.

I know this isn't a crafty post, but it is a gift idea.  Hopefully this will give you another idea for your gift list.

Do you have some favorite apps?  Please share - Here in the comments or on Facebook.

** I know there are other devices that can download apps.  I'm not familiar with them.  Better to stick to what I know.  :)  Do a google search if you have a different brand of smartphone.

Craft Fair

Those of you who follow me on Facebook know I visited a craft fair this weekend.  It was hosted by our local high school which is only a few minutes from our home.  A perfect excuse for me to get out of the house, do something fun and maybe get a few ideas for Christmas.

 There were several booths (around 200 probably) with all kinds of goodies ranging from original art, jewelry, kids' boutique items, Thanksgiving decor and of course Christmas decor.

 I was able too look through everything in no time at all.  But, I must admit, I did go around for a second look just to extend my time out.

One purchase was made.

Yep, I really splurged!  {Heavy sarcasm intended}  I'm a sucker for snowmen, though.

We have some rainy weather today.  Several loads of laundry have already been done, so the rest of my day is devoted to Christmas gift production.  I'm excited and a bit scattered in my thinking, right now.  Sounds like a perfectly good excuse for something sweet and a hot beverage to take some time and get my ideas on paper before I start sewing.

Enjoy the rest of your day!

What Now?

Halloween is over and my life is no longer consumed with costumes and candy - well, at least the costumes are out of the picture.

Pirate, Lanie (AG), Cinderella, Dora and Special Forces

The kids had a blast and everyone was pleased with the final costume.  (A huge relief for a stressed out momma.)  The candy haul was extreme this year, too.  We have some of the most wonderful and generous neighbors!  Although, I'm trying to decide if I need to remind the kids or the husband that trash goes in the trash can.  Hmmmm........

So, now I'm on to crafting and sewing whatever I want, right?  Definitely true - to an extent.  I have Christmas on the brain and that makes it hard to think of much else.  'What about Thanksgiving?', you ask?  I really enjoy Thanksgiving, but I don't feel the need to DO anything for that holiday.  Thanksgiving is just a great time of the year in which I know I get to spend a lot of special time with family.  Christmas is family time and stress time.

Now that you all know where my mind is, you know where this blog is headed for the next couple of months.  (Really - 53 days?!)  I've got some new ideas of my own and lots of ideas rounded up from other places I'm hoping to share with you during this time.  {If you are family, don't read this for the next month or so if want to be surprised.}

I've already started.  Here's a sneak peak at one Christmas project/gift idea I'll be sharing with you all very soon.

If you haven't yet, now is a good time to like This Too! on Facebook.  I'll be on there quite a bit adding little snippets and comments (or questions!) as the time goes by.  Feel free to post any of your own links, pictures, questions and comments, too.  Just please keep it craft related and G rated.  Maybe we can help each other make it to the end of the season with our crafts all wrapped and ready to give!

The Zoo Called Yesterday

We (meaning I) decided we needed a break from the norm yesterday.  Saint Louis has a lot of free or nearly free attractions, and the zoo was our destination.

Two things on our list were the Children's Zoo and the zebras.  The Children's zoo has a petting area full of goats.  Kid #3 and Kid #5 really enjoyed themselves.  Little Boy kept chasing the poor animals around yelling 'puppy!' and loving every minute.

 Kid #4 tried to climb up my leg as soon as we entered the pin.  Here I'm trying to just get her hand out to touch the back of a goat.  She was having none of it.  Try running after a 20 month old with a 34 lb 3 yr old on your hip.  I'm sure we were quite the sight.

 Can't really blame her when all she sees is something like this in her face.

 After we left the goats and Kid #4 realized that all the other animals were 'stuck' in their different cages, all was good.

The weather was perfect for the outing, too, bringing a lot of the animals out for easy viewing.

 We only spent a couple of hours there, but that was long enough with three little ones.  While I was getting the stroller and cooler loaded up in the vehicle, I told the kids to go run in the grassy area of the park.

 Only two had the energy to go play.  Liv decided she just wanted to get in the car and rest.

We had such a good time!  I'm so glad I was impulsive and just went instead of worrying about all the stuff that was put on hold for the day.  Now, I need to find some good indoor activities to get us through the cooler months coming up.  Any suggestions on free activities in the area for little kids?

Do You Pinterest?

Yep.  I finally gave in.  One more thing to sit and spend time doing on the computer.  Let me tell you - If not used sparingly, it will become an addiction!  Although, I now have a place to put all those projects/ideas/how-to's (which would elude me once the window was closed on my computer screen).  A great solution to my cluttered bookmarks.

So.  Do you Pinterest?

Sneak Peek

I have about 10 different projects going on at once right now.  I don't know why I do this to myself, but that's just the way I am.  Here is a little peek into the biggest, most time consuming project (for me and hubby) currently in the works.

(This is a good man, here, people!)

A Bouquet

In honor of our first week of school, here is a bouquet of freshly sharpened pencils just for you!  May my kids' enthusiasm last the whole year! (HA!)

The Original Scrapbox

Have you seen this before?  I stumbled upon The Original Scrapbox about 2 weeks ago, and I find myself going back to it time and time again to drool over all the products.  When you click on the link above, you will get to see a short video.  The Original Scrap Box is a scrapbooking storage system with fold out table and cabinets for the home.  (Yep, you read that right.  A table!).  It offers shelving, racks, carry totes, ribbon boxes and drawers.... I mean, could it get any better?!

It blows my mind!  Of course, I look at it and think how much cleaner my craft room would look.  I think this is the one ...



Although, this one looks really nice, too.



Both of those are The Workbox, just in different finishes.  See all the bins and pouches inside the cabinet?  It comes with 81 canvas totes in various sizes and 20 clear zippered pouches!  No extra buying.

Of course, in my mind, I would also 'need' this -

All the totes and pouches are included with this one as well.

There are other products available. Like this.

The CraftBox: Vanilla Raised Panel Craft Storage Furniture

Or this.

The EZ View: White Craft Desk Craft Storage Furniture

There's even a Sewing Box for those of us who sew.  And a Paper Tower for storing, you guessed it, paper.  Although, I think the Paper Tower would also work well for  storing a stash of material.  Or both- I'm equal opportunity.

There are several different accessories available, as well.

I'll give you one more piece of information... Shipping is FREE in the continental USA on several of the products.

Okay..... pick your chin up off your lap and wipe away the drool.  :)  One of these days I'll be posting a picture of my craft room all nicely organized featuring one of these amazing cabinets.  Until then, I'll keep going back to the site trying to decide which finish would look best in my home.

Identity Crisis

I often get on my blog and play around with the appearance of my blog.  Seems to be happening a lot lately.  (Have you noticed?)
I finally just made myself sit down and create my own banner and the above is the result.  A graphic designer I am not, so here's the run down on my sources I used to create it all.

Image Manipulation Program

I downloaded and used GIMP.

I didn't have a good program on my Mac and GIMP is great and it's FREE.  There's a learning curve with this program as with any other program.  A huge plus is having tutorials on the web and lots of 'how to' videos on youtube.com to make that learning curve a little shorter.

Images


There are so many sources out there for graphics to use on personal sites.  Just do a search and you will quickly be overwhelmed.  The specific site I used was Pixels and Ice Cream.  The background of my banner is 'Gypsy Garden' found under 'paper kits'.

And that's it.  Well, there is the time involved to get everything just the way you want it.  And all the extra time involved when you mess up and have to start over.  Or change your mind on what you want the end result to look like and have to start over.  (Or does this only happen to me?)

So?  What do you all think?  Do you have any good sources or products or resources you like to use?

Canning and Some News

My parents plant a garden every spring.  I can't remember a summer that didn't involve sweet corn, green beans, beats, potatoes, asparagus and a host of other fresh veggies.  How sad is it that at 32, this is the first year I can actually remember really participating in putting the green beans up for the winter.  (shame, shame, shame!)
So very glad we where in visiting at the right time!  I now have 28 quarts of green beans in my pantry ready for those pesky winter days.  I feel confident enough now to can solo.

Prep work

Enlisted help

Seasoned and ready for cooking

Also, if you look on the right side of the blog, you will notice that I was featured on One Pretty Thing!  Thanks to Crystal over at Fussy Monkey Business for the heads up on that one.  Very exciting news!