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  ***

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!

Tornado Relief Effort

I'm sure many of you have heard about the tornados that changed the lives of many of our Southern neighbors the night of April 27th.  Doing a simple search on Google and the images will amaze you with what Mother Nature can do in just a matter of minutes.

Tornado Aftermath

A close friend is working here in the Metro Saint Louis area gathering donations to help relieve some of the burden of those hit by the tornados.   She's an Auburn Alum and is now the Saint Louis coordinator for Toomer's for Tuscaloosa.

Just a few of the things needed: diapers, wipes, formula, non-perishables, paper goods, water, blankets/pillows, shampoo, soap, towels, razors, toothbrushes, combs/brushes, toothpaste, deodorant, batteries, flashlights and first aid kits.


Close to home - my 2 oldest have set up donation areas in both of their classrooms (thanks to the help of their wonderful teachers), we are receiving donations in our home from friends and neighbors and several friends at church are getting involved as well.

What we've received so far

If you check out Toomer's for Tuscaloosa, you will see all the great work so many people are doing!  Donation sites have been set up in so many places.  Find one near you!

Would you like to help?  If you are in St. Louis, get in touch with me and I'll get you some more specific information where you can make a donation.  If you are outside the St. Louis area, look for somewhere local to make donations.  Are you too far away?  You can always make donations to the American Red Cross Disaster Relief.

Just imagine having to go through this.  Where do you get food for your children?  How do you get a change of clothes to replace the ones you've been wearing for the past 3 days?  What happens when you run out of formula or diapers for your infant/toddler?  How nice would it be to have a clean toothbrush?  All these little things that we all take for granted on a daily basis.

Pass the word on!  Repost this, if you like or link back to this post to get the word out.  Scroll down and share this post on Facebook.  Every little bit counts and helps so many!

A Little Change

I'm switching over to a new Facebook page.  Not a huge difference, but I like the options on this page better than the current one.  If you would like to continue getting the updates and new post via Facebook, click on the 'Like' button in the box to the right.

My Latest Project!

Completed March 15th at 5:30 pm.  Weighing in at just over 7lb 10oz, he is perfect in so many ways.  I'm completely thrilled with the results!

What have you been up to?!

New (to me) Blog

Well, I've stumbled upon a new blog and they are doing a giveaway of 2 Janome sewing machines!  Yep!  You read right.  How exciting!

Kim and Kris have some great ideas and videos going on over at The DIY Dish.  Head over and take a look around at everything they are doing.  Don't forget to enter for your chance to win in the giveaway while you're there, too.



Can't wait to see what is to come!

Busy? .... To Say The Least!

I feel as if our summer is flying by. Anyone else in the same boat?

I've been able to do several projects, but remembering to take pictures has been a problem. Distractions? NO! Not in my life. So, after yet ANOTHER trip out of town, I hope to share with you all the many different small and large projects I have been able to, er.... start.

So, coming soon - an announcement or two, completed projects revealed and current projects in progress.