Cards 2

These are the cards from my card class-Older set called Sketches....

Older stamp set called appropriately "Old fashioned friends"-Sahara sand ink used for the shading...

And a newer set using last years valentine paper..

Some serious construction going on!

Sawyer follows Brian around ,mimicking his every move ,while he's working on the house. Because he wanted to hammer nails- in the wall-(not a good idea!) I gave him some tacks instead.. Small, sharp and able to hammer in wood?-Score!Kept him busy, and as you can see-
he took it very seriously.

M.O.P.S. Table Decor, etc...

I'm coordinating MOPS this year, and having so much fun-I wanted to go with a vintage/ retro theme.
I gave a gift bag to each Steering Team member with a journal and pen...Gift bag above with a vintage girl image.




For our very low cost table centerpieces...
We took a wide mouth Ball jar, tied gingham ribbon around it, and then added the table name tag to it. We're going with famous TV housewives for the table names...(Lucille Ball, June Cleaver, Carol Brady, Aunt Bea, Betty Crocker, etc...)
Inside the jar we put pens, 3x5 cards,etc.. Our handmade name tags were made using wood clothespins, scrapbook paper, flowers, & old buttons.
I stamped 3x5 recipe cards with vintage cooking images, from a Crafty Secrets stamp set. The cards will be for birthday girls.

We also bought red plastic gingham place mats (a July 4Th clearance item) for our tables. Can't wait to begin the year! I love the "homey" feel of all our decorations.

A Boy and his... Gun?

Last night when Brian went in to check on the kids-this is what he found...

Levi was sleeping with his BB gun-one he bought with his own money and cleans regularly.

He's a very good shot and the manager at the shooting range said he's very respectful of the rules,and regulations.

Eventually we'd like to sign him up for target/shooting competitions..However I realize,we failed to tell him-no sleeping with BB guns,no matter how much you like 'it!

Encouragement!!

I read the Nester's blog and she was talking about a new website call (in)courage..
http://www.incourage.me/?
We were asked what encourages us-my first thought was people! The little things people do or bring to our life-that make me feel thought of,remembered,cared for.
"God with skin on" His mouth piece,his hands in action.
Friends babysitting,calling to see if I want to go on a walk,making me a yogurt & granola snack,giving me hand me down household goodies!,clothes,things for my house,bringing home baked muffins or flowers,sending uplifting messages and emails,praying for me and my life-family,hugs from the kids & hubby,etc...all of this- I think is God encouraging us through people. I hope I can encourage through my acts as well.

Inexpensives dates any time, any day...

Whenever I feel the need for some quality/quiet time with my hubby,or want to welcome him home after a lousy day...I decide to have a "home date".
I incorporate what I love about going out-yet save tons of moo-la, by emulating it at home.!

Here are my suggestions for "going out" for under $20"!

1. Beautiful atmosphere!
I love the cleanliness,order and peaceful calm of fancy restaurants-therefore I go around my house and clean,Clean, CLEAN it. I cut fresh flowers, or foliage, from my yard- to place in the living, kitchen, bath and bedrooms,looks beautiful and lush, and oh,did I say beautiful?

I light candles on tables, inside & outside, and I make sure the "entrance" is clutter free and welcoming...no bikes,shoes,toys, ...tripping hazards at the door!

I take time to sweep/vacuum the living room (so it feels like a clean lobby)., then set the lamps & dimmer switches on a lower wattage. I also like to set out fresh hand towels, new soap, and a new roll of toilet paper (folded on the end) in the bathroom. Silly? you say-well..its those "little things" that make it seem special to me!

Basically, I PRETEND ITS NOT my "HOUSE",but an "establishment".! Oh-and absolutely no toys laying stacked up in the living room ,our room,outside etc...-all out of site! Order=calm.Then I set my table with linens, fancy water glasses-candles,the whole nine yards. No paper tonight! Mainly we eat outside on our lanai/patio-depending on the mosquito's.
2.Wonderful Aromas!
I like to have scented candles going, or spray (lightly) some of my room spray throughout the house. It's wonderful to walk into a clean, great smelling place.
3.Tasty dinners!
OK, so I LOVE ordering,and not having to worry about the cooking,or burning of the food.(ha,ha) While I'm dining out-No worries! For home dates-I simply order 2 dinners from the restaurant (or sometimes we split one!), drive to pick it up, & serve it up- on my fancy plates!

4.Adult conversation-company/Grown up time!
I usually feed the children earlier,and have them in bed,or ready for bed- to see him and or say goodnight, if he's working late. We eat later,after their bedtime. I try to avoid conversations concerning my "to do's", the kids bad behaviors,or all my gripes! What kind of date would I be,or him- if it was just a "complaint session!?" I want uplifting, encouraging talk! Romance ladies romance!
5.Soft Music!

You know how there is always light-soft music playing in the background at nice establishments? I put on our favorite evening Cd's, and have it softly, playing.(Plus it helps me not listen to "Mom!,Mom?" in the background.
6.Dressing up!
Yes- I take time to shower,change clothes,freshen up my makeup,and spray on some perfume.

No shorts/work clothes,tank tops at the table! I feel better,act better, when I've washed away the cares of the day.

7.Babysitters!

Well,because we're at home,there's no need to drive & pick up a sitter, pay someone to watch them-then wonder ,"how are the kids doing?,are they behaving?",while trying to unwind...it's FREE so..I take time to eat,listen,relax and with all that money I've saved, I sometimes rent a great movie & make old fashioned popcorn!

Because I plan this whenever I feel the need to have a date-I find its worth the time & effort, to spend a evening out -at Home. My husband loves coming home to it, and my kids enjoy helping me get ready,and rushing around for our "date" night.

Cleaning up

Took some pics of the kids toys before picking up last night..
Levi's creations on his dresser...

Lily's Pet Shop toys all over the floor...

And Sawyer's favorite boots,sword,& backpack full of toys on his favorite denim comforter ...

I think they'll like looking back and remembering what they played with when they were little.

And on the 1st day...

Let there be the faint sound of the dishwasher! As a homemaker, "Hallelujah!" Brian hooked up the garbage disposal and washer for me (Thank you!) and I've done one load of dishes, and have started to load a second..He still has floor boards,grouting,painting..but here is a recent shot.Love the new large sink and faucet.

The most sleep -Ever!

I had a killer headache Weds.morning,had full blown Flu like symptoms by Weds. night and went to bed at 5pm! Record for me! I slept off and on all day Thursday, and have laid around most of today. It is raining outside and the overcast sky,peaceful sound and generally laid back atmosphere-have helped me feel way better. I have a lot of cleaning & laundry to do-but I must say -I have enjoyed getting 8+ hours of sleep and naps. I might just have to incorporate a nap into my day more often?. Oh no- Maybe I'm just getting Old!!! Argh!!!!!

Bummer I forgot!!

As per a previous post, I was very excited that the plumber was on his way to hook up my dishwasher and sink,however, I failed to remember that a garbage disposal and a dishwasher are not manual but-Surprise-Electrical machines, hence-no dishwasher yet. Bummer. I am now anxiously awaiting the electricians visit.

Cards 1

I realized I hadn't posted any of my cards lately,and being this is supposed to be " a crafty gal blog", I thought it was about time...

1st up -a wedding card. I used an older background stamp "Antique Background" and my new Big Shot, with a texture template, to emboss the background paper. I know you can't see it, or touch it-but I love how embossed paper feels in my hands. The smaller Best Wishes sentiment is from "Oval All".

This card was made using a new set ( A Kind Word) that reminds me of Holly Hobby.Love it.

I recently have been into retro looking images -I used "Coffee Talk" for this card and some older paper called "Sweet Always". I think I should have bought two packs of this paper!! Its retired now.Bummer.

This card makes me think of my awesome Grandma..its a retired set called "Roosting". The background stamp is called "French Script"-a stamp I could use on everything!

I spent some time figuring out how to get my camera's pics loaded onto my computer-YEAH!-so hopefully I'll post more cards.

An Exciting visitor!!!

Can not wait-guess who's coming over this morning!? The Plumber!! Yep-and I have all his little friends waiting to greet him-the garbage disposal and the sink stopper and plumbing parts. I am more excited about this-then I was in the "pretty,but cant help me do my chores" back splash!Woo Hoo! To think -I am excited to load the dishwasher tonight!!!!

Silly-but I like it

Ive been hand washing dishes for over 3 months now,and I've accidentally broke a few..when I dropped off items at the thrift store ,I saw a Strawberry Shortcake glass-1977-and bought it.Then I started looking for old glasses, and I've slowly added to my "collection". I had the Ronald McDonald glass-but unfortunately,I cracked the rim when washing it. I think it is fun at dinner time, to see the older glasses at the table.Its a little thing inexpensive thing-but I like it!

Admittedly Guilty!

Its Monday, and I woke up already dreading the coming week of my "to do's",grumbling inside about whatever's stressing me.
As sat inside,reading my online emails,and devotionals- I heard the wind rushing thru all the plants outside,and the rain starting to fall...it sounded so loud and neat-so I went outside to watch it...the rain clouds on the mountains,the view,the green vegetation -it looked B-E-A-UTIFUL.I realized how often I bypass the view, and beauty God put ALL Around me, and focus on my mundane -nitty gritty, unimportant tasks.Today-as I drink my coffee outside and read my devotionals-I will stop and Thank God,admire his handiwork and appreciate His beauty.

Biggest lunch in the World!

This is what Sawyer tried to pack in his Scooby Doo Lunch Box! All individually wrapped in Ziplock lunch bags!!!
1.Pretend chocolate cone
2.blue shovel
3.old garage door opener
4.DK little rain forest book
5.green plastic knife
6.Batman wings
7.pink Spatula
8.Pretend vanilla cone
9.Speed racer car
10.pretend chocolate milk
11.tin bowl
12.Another pretend cone!
13.blue bouncy ball
14.Guitar Hero cereal toy
15.pretend slice of cheese
16.Batman weapon
17.blue plastic knife
18.blue plastic spoon
19.blue plastic fork
20.yellow Linkin' Logs flag
21.half of a fake carrot
and finally!
22.Spy Gear lock
Im pretty sure he'll be hungry!

Princess Leia In Hawaii?

This morning,after Lily woke up, and took a bath, she came outside to sit and talk with Erinn on the phone...I was caught off guard for a moment..she had picked out her old Halloween costume, in the closet, to wear! I snapped a picture-because when she's a little older she'll want to remember this! Maybe she'll be starting a Star Wars wardrobe trend...maybe..!

Martha's Six things to do everyday...

I agree with this list -however I know when I get to tip number 2 -that will take 3 days to do..and no where on this list does it include my much needed cup of coffee and quiet/devotional time with God.So it should be 7 things to do everyday!
1. Make the Bed
Tidiness begets tidiness. A crisply made bed makes the whole room seem more orderly, which makes it less likely that you'll let other things -- such as clothes and papers -- pile up around it.

2. Manage Clutter
Whenever you leave a room, take a quick look around for anything that isn't where it should be. Pick it up and put it where it belongs. Insist that everyone in the household do the same.

3. Sort the Mail
Take a few minutes to open, read, and sort mail as soon as you bring it inside. Keep a trash bin near your sorting area for junk mail. Drop other mail into one of four in-boxes: personal correspondence, bills, catalogs, and filing.

4. Clean as You Cook
Instead of filling the sink with pots and dishes, wash them or put them in the dishwasher as you prepare a meal.

5. Wipe Up Spills While They're Fresh
Whether it's tomato sauce on the cook top or makeup on the bathroom counter, almost anything is faster and easier to remove if you attend to it immediately.

6. Sweep the Kitchen Floor
Every evening once you've finished washing up after dinner, sweep the floor. This will keep tough-to-clean dirt and grime from building up, which will make the weekly mopping much quicker.

4 yr old Fashion

I was folding clothes while Sawyer was playing with his favorite backpack.I asked Him take his pile of clothes to his room and he grabbed a pair of his undershorts,stuck them on his head and said Hat! Wow -I don't think this will be in fashion anytime soon.

Come on Smile!

I can not help but smile when I look at this! Love him!Check out those two beautiful teeth!

Kitchen Update!

Brian got the back splash tiled and the faucet in..next up sink,garbage disposal and dishwasher!!!!!

Eating Yogurt Pee Wee style

Sawyer got his own spoon this morning, to eat his favorite "Key Lime" yogurt.He kept saying "big spoon" and I thought it was one of the tablespoons-but he picked a serving spoon! Took a long time to eat yogurt!

Ryan Update

Heres the cute pic I got on my email today..he was saying "Ma" and "da" today and they say he looks like me! Id take him! What a happy face.

Outdoor Space

I've been wanting outdoor furniture for awhile. My neighbor had a set, without cushions for sale-only $25! I brought them home,primed then painted them black,got a thrift store table,painted it black,then bought material and foam,sewed cushion covers and "Voila!" Patio set complete! (Only it wasn't that fast...)

Sawyers Surprize.

I sent Sawyer into the bathroom to wash and get ready for bedtime-he came running out and said,"Come Mom,come" and I followed him into the bath room,where he preceded to throw up his hands and said loudly,"Prize!Prize" (surprise,surprise),quite proud of his decorations. My first thought was "woo-look at how much toilet paper you just wasted!" But then I realized he was trying to hang it up and say surprise like a birthday party-with crepe paper. I think, he thought, it was like the same material?Anyways I told him-this is different paper -only used in the bathroom. I took some pics to remember his "creativity" then we cleaned it up.Who knew birthday in a bathroom?
(Sawyer has chocolate on his nose)

Happy Monday

I woke up to a light rain this morning-it was nice to see the gray clouds and rain on the driveway...My devotionals(Streams in the Desert, Girlfriends in God ) were all so good and encouraging this morning. They all talked about having our security and confidence in God..here's the verse from one devotional...hope it brightens your day as well.

"Find rest, O my soul, in God alone; my hope comes from him. He alone is my rock and my salvation; he is my fortress, I will not be shaken. My salvation and my honor depend on God; he is my mighty rock, my refuge. Trust in him at all times, O people; pour out your hearts to him, for God is our refuge." Psalm 62:5-8

"Teach me your ways, O LORD, and I will walk in your truth; give me an undivided heart, that I may fear your name. I will praise you, O Lord my God, with all my heart; I will glorify your name forever." Psalm 86:1112

God Bless America!!!

I should been doing laundry because its been a couple days and the pile is huge!Instead Ive been crafting a sign for my door!Happy 4Th!

Kitchen Progress!

My house has been in limbo because the kitchen has been going through changes...but today Brian started on the back splash ..!!!
It's Ann Saks Bamboo tile and I love it!! It looks great with the cabinets and granite. I'm really looking forward to the sink and dishwasher going in!!!