Our Pumpkin and Sweet Pea

Homemade Amish White Bread

2012-01-28T17:31:00.001-08:00

Super yummy bread and super easy to make!

Ingredients

1 (.25 oz) package active dry yeast
1/2 cup plus 2 cups warm water
2 tablespoons white sugar
1 heaping tablespoon lard
1 tablespoon salt
7 to 8 cups white flour (You can substitute some of the white flour with wheat flour if you like. Taste just as yummy.)

Directions

Preheat oven to 325 degrees

In a small bowl, dissolve yeast in ½ cup warm water. In a large bowl combine lard, sugar, salt and two cups of warm water. Add the yeast. Stir in enough flour to make a soft, elastic dough that doesn’t stick to the sides of the bowl.

Cover with a damp cloth and let rise in a warm place until doubled in volume, about 1 hour.

Divide the dough into two equal pieces and form into loaves. Place the loaves into two lightly greased 9x5 inch loaf pans. Cover the loaves with a damp cloth and let rise until doubled in volume, about 40 minutes.

Bake about 45 minutes. The bread will sound hollow when it is done.

The recipes comes from one of my favorite cookbooks:

For Sale By Owner

2012-01-21T10:19:00.000-08:00

Last Saturday I came across the blog Remodelaholic a great blog about, you guessed it, remodeling! Full of DYI projects and inspiration. One of the best parts of the blog (for me) is that every Saturday they host a "For Sale By Owner" blog party. I'm sure there are others out there but this is the first blog party I have found that allows you to showcase your business website, Etsy shop, etc. So, if you make or sell something, stop by today and link it up HERE! I've also found some really neat Etsy shops!

Almost Friday..it's break time!

2012-01-19T16:58:00.001-08:00

Our weeks are full so when Friday comes around I try really hard to just be home. I take Grace to school, then Jilian hang out at home all day. Part of the treat is taking a quick break to find some new blogs! This Friday I'll be hanging out at these great blogs:

The YUMMIEST Peanut Butter Cookies EVER!

2012-01-17T15:30:00.000-08:00

Warning! These cookies are SO delicious you will not be able to eat just one! The night I made these I had FOUR, ouch!!

Ingredients
2 cups creamy peanut butter
1 cup packed light brown sugar
1 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
2 teaspoons baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 1/2 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
1 cup dried cranberries

Directions
Heat oven to 350°. In a large bowl, mix together the peanut butter, sugars, eggs, baking soda and salt until smooth. Fold in the oats and cranberries.
Shape the dough into balls (about 1 heaping tablespoon each) and place 2 inches apart on baking sheets. Using the tines of a fork, flatten each ball, creating a crisscross pattern (you are suppose to do this but I was lazy!).

Bake, until puffed and golden, 10 to 12 minutes. Let cool slightly on the baking sheets, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Credits: I found this recipe in the December 2011 issue of Real Simple Magazine

Laundry Room Clean Up...

2012-01-13T11:32:00.001-08:00

My laundry often becomes the "drop zone" for random items! This morning when starting a load of laundry I finally felt motivated to clean up the poor laundry room, probably because the SUN is shining! :-)

Before

A bag of hand-me-down clothes (thanks Kelly), Christmas items that need to be packed a way, a new bottle of bleach, clothes to be washed, items that need to be donated...dust...

The utility sink...needs a washing...paint brushes that have been drying for...ah...a couple months!

After

Oh..SO much better! This pictures brings me peace! :-) The basket on the dryer does belong there, a catch-all basket for dirty kitchen towels, random dirty socks found throughout the house...

Freshly dusted windowsill

Cleaned utility sink...and I put the paint brushes away!

Clean work space...the vintage bread tin holds my wash rags, tucked inside the large white tin are my supplies for making laundry soap, the small white tin holds the laundry soap, the vintage cracker tin serves as a trash can and the small bowl (I made years ago when I took a pottery class) catches all the random things I find in pockets.

Before

A VERY overloaded "junk" drawer

After

Much better, half the stuff could be tossed or didn't even belong there!

My next step...KEEP IT THIS WAY!!

My beautiful Ballerinas

2012-01-11T18:01:00.000-08:00

Grace

Jilian

Cupcake Flags: New Years 2012

2011-12-29T22:17:00.001-08:00

To be honest, I struggle with new years. Time goes by so fast that each year seems like a blink of an eye. I find myself reflecting on the year gone by and sad that it is all over...already. This year, I'm hoping to have a little more fun with new years. And what is more fun than cute cupcakes?! Hmm..not much!

My sister and her family are coming for a visit and I'm going to bake red velvet cupcakes with cream cheese frosting. Yum! I just adore cute cupcake toppers and flags. I thought I would give it a go creating my own (side note: I'm not a graphics designer, that's my sister) but I think these came out pretty cute. What do you think?

You can download them HERE. I left several flags blank so you can add your own personal touch.

Three basic materials are needed: toothpicks, glue dots and scissors (and the printed flags, of course!)

Roll the tip of each toothpick over one glue dot.

After cutting out the flags, fold closed on the tip of toothpick covered in glue dot. Simple!

I hope you have a wonderful New Year filled with God's glorious Peace and Joy!

Homemade Herb Dip

2011-12-29T14:12:00.001-08:00

The dip:

1 cup mayonnaise
1 cup sour cream
2 tablespoons Italian seasoning
Garlic powder and pepper taste

Mix all together and refrigerate until ready to use. The longer it sits, the better it will taste.

The bread bowl:

You can purchase a round loaf of bread at the store. Cut out the center, pour the dip in the wall. Cut the center piece into cubes for dipping. You can also make the bread from scratch using your favorite bread recipe. Instead of placing the bread dough in a loaf pan, form into a round loaf and bake on a cookie sheet.

Enjoy!! ;-)

For fun...

Our Christmas Season...a collage...

2011-12-27T19:49:00.000-08:00

Merry Christmas

2011-12-25T08:00:00.000-08:00

Simple and easy monogrammed blanket

2011-12-22T09:46:00.000-08:00

For Christmas this year I made my two nephrews monogrammed blankets. These are super easy to make and fast too!

I cut a large piece of blue fleece, approximately 1.5 yards.

Next I took two strips of red felt to create my "T" monogram. For another a more difficult letter print out a letter in Word at about 300% to use as a pattern.

Wonder Under is AWESOME! And makes projects like this SO much easier! Follow the directions on the packaging to iron your letter to the fleece. Surprisingly felt and fleece can hold up to an iron, just don't keep the heat on their too long.

I cut out a train from some fabric I had on hand to make my embellishment and also used Wonder Under to adhere it to the fleece.

Once the monogram and train were ironed on I machine stitched around the edges.

Ta Da! That is all! Fleece doesn't fray so you don't have to hem it unless you would like to.

Linking up to...

Our visit with Santa and the girls Christmas skirts

2011-12-16T10:39:00.001-08:00

Last weekend we went to our favorite Christmas shop to visit Santa Claus, Sleighbells. It is such a wonderful place to visit with Santa. You might wait a total of 5 minutes to see him and get to take as much time as you like visiting with him. We've been going there since Grace was four and each year it is the "same" Santa Claus so now we get to see the the girls growing up in each picture.

I've shared before that each year I make the girls a matching Christmas outfit. I started with Grace's first Christmas with a dress. Then Jilian came along and I made matching Christmas dresses. It was fun but a lot of work! So last year I switched to Christmas skirts! Match faster! Here's this year's, red and white velvet with a red velvet flower accent and matching red velvet flower hair accessory.

For fun I'm sharing at...

Mini Banner "Let It Snow"

2011-12-13T20:31:00.000-08:00

I've been involved with MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers) for several years. It has been such a blessing in my life! Some of my closest friends I have met because of MOPS....I'll get to the banner....at MOPS we have Mystery Moms, kind of like secret sisters, we bring surprise treats each month to our meeting. This month it was to be an ornament or holiday inspired treat of some kind. I made my Mystery Mom (who just so happens to be my good friend Heidi) this mini banner that reads "Let It Snow". She's a fan of snowmen so I thought it was fitting. :-) I had SO much fun making it!!

I'm sharing it for the Holly Bloggy Christmas party. Just Sew Sassy is hosting a linky party for Christmas Crafts. Be sure to visit for some festive ideas!

To give Heidi her banner I tucked it inside this tinsel filled green trimmed pail.

Handmade Gifts

2011-12-11T23:42:00.000-08:00

I love blog land and all it's inspiration, especially this time of year! There is SO much talent and creativity out there it is mind blowing sometimes! One of the fun things of blog land this time of year is the annual Holly Bloggy Party hosted by Simply Sweet Home. Each day this week there will be a different holiday topic. Monday's is handmade gifts. You can head on over to Tater Tots and Jello for some great gift ideas!

Today I'm sharing one of the felt dolls I created for my girls this Christmas. I can't wait for them to each find one of these dolls tucked inside their Christmas stockings! I was inspired by the Russian Matryoshka Dolls, the sweet little wooden nesting dolls. I had a set as a little girl (which we recently found & now Jilian plays with it) and I thought I would utilize my love of felt and fabric to create a soft version. I hope they love them as much as I do! :-)

It's a little frosty outside!

2011-12-09T09:04:00.000-08:00

The last couple weeks it has been such a treat to have clear blue skies and the SUN! But with that comes frost. This morning it is a warm 24 outside! I know for some that really is warm but for us here in Oregon, it's cold! Wanted to share a few pictures of the frostness (yes, that is a word!) around my house. The bright circle in the sky is the sun peeking through the fog... :-)

It's been a l-o-n-g week around here so for a treat I'm doing some blog hopping, you should join in the fun! Happy Friday!

Our Thanksgiving

2011-12-01T10:00:00.000-08:00

This year we went up to Renton Washington to spend Thanksgiving with my sister and her family. We had a very relaxing day and ate some yummy food, of course!

While waiting for the turkey I got an idea to make a family of hand turkeys. The girls have made them over the years but Jeremy and I never had. It was fun to see all our hands together. Much to my surprise Jeremy really got in to it and even colored his own turkey!

Grace also drew a great turkey and wiped out this poem in a matter of minutes! I was impressed, creative writing has never been my strength!

November 24, 1621

Oh the Mayflower looking so great,
Ready to float with us like a freight.

As the Indians cover their mouths for a noise,
'Cause we're getting to rejoice!

What are we going to rejoice?
What are we going to rejoice?

This great Thanksgiving Day,
To the Lord that we pray!
(for)

Mashed potatoes with gravy,
Buttered corn so nice and glazy!

Warm apple and pumpkin pie fresh from the oven,
Then you push yourself back from the table and say
I can't take nothin'!

Nice warm delicious stuffing,
AND A BIG TURKEY SO GOOD AND FLUFFY!!!!

Happy Thanksgiving

25 Names of God

2011-11-30T13:48:00.000-08:00

I think I might seriously go into shock when I wake tomorrow morning to the fact that it is DECEMBER 1st!! I've said it a million times but time sure does fly!

With December first comes the count down to Christmas. Over the last few years we have celebrated the anticipation with various advent activities, crafts, outings, stories etc. But last year I felt very convicted that our focus was not on Christ as much as it should be. Not that Christmas crafts or outings are bad but I just felt the tug to make this Christmas even more about anticipating the birth of Christ, our greatest gift of all.

Instead of putting slips of paper with our daily advent activity inside our advent calendar doors, tucked inside will be a different name of God. Now try limiting it to 25 names, it was hard! Below is the list of names and Scripture references that we will be reading each day. I'm excited to see how this will bring us closer to Him and expand our knowledge of who He is. Not just for my girls to learn but for Jeremy and I as well.

25 Names of God

TEACHER: John 13:13

TRUE LIGHT: John 1:9

JEHOVAH-SHALOM: Judges 6:24 meaning: "The Lord is peace"

AUTHOR OF LIFE: Acts 3:15

BREAD OF LIFE: John 6:35

COMFORTER: John 14:26

COUNSELOR: Isaiah 9:6

CREATOR: 1 Peter 4:19

DELIVERER: Romans 11:26

EVERLASTING FATHER: Isaiah 9:6

FOUNDATION: 1 Cor. 3:11

FRIEND: Matthew 11:19

GENTLE WHISPER: 1 Kings 19:12

GOD WHO SEES ME: Genesis 16:13

GOOD SHEPHERD: John 10:11

GUIDE: Psalm 48:14

HOLY ONE: Acts 2:27

HOPE: Titus 2:13

KING OF KINGS: 1 Timothy 6:15

LIVING WATER: John 4:10

MESSIAH: John 4:25, Redeemer

OUR PEACE & PRINCE OF PEACE: Ephesians 2:14 & Isaiah 9:6

POTTER: Isaiah 64:8

REDEEMER: Job 19:25

SAVIOR: Luke 2:11

Merry Christmas

Just for fun...

Thanksgiving Greetings

2011-11-24T11:05:00.000-08:00

Wishing you and yours a wonderful day of giving Thanks! Today I'm so very grateful for a God that never stops pursuing me, for my husband, my girls and my family, friends and my country.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Super Yummy & Comforting Baked Oatmeal

2011-11-23T10:57:00.001-08:00

I just love this baked oatmeal! It is filling and delicious. It is yummy served warm or cold over plain yogurt.

Mix 1/2 cup oil, 1 cup brown sugar and 2 eggs. Add 3 cups oatmeal, 2 tsp baking powder, 1 tsp salt and 1 cup milk.

If you desire add 1 cup of fruit. I've tried blueberries, dried cranberries and chopped fresh apple (with the apple I added a touch of cinnamon), all have tasted great.

Bake in 8x8 dish for 35 to 40 minutes at 350. Recipe easily doubles for a larger crowd.

Creating Traditions Part Two of Three: Celebrating Thanksgiving

2011-11-10T09:00:00.000-08:00

Last year I decided that I wanted Thanksgiving to be more than just eating too much food. I want it to be a time of reflection, to be thankful for all my blessings. To encourage my girls to stop, think and be thankful. I'm still learning how to do this but I wanted to share some ideas I have come up with and have learned from others as well.

Share the Bounty of the Holiday: Invite someone to your home for the Thanksgiving meal, a friend, college student etc.

Yearly Thanksgiving Scrapbook: Bring a scrapbook to the family gathering and have each person write one thing they are thankful for on a sheet of scrapbook paper and include a group photo. OR you can have each person write on paper what they are thankful, then have them hold it up and snap a photo.

Cozy Book Nook: Create a cozy corner with a basket of books about Thanksgiving, the history, special stories or poems about being thankful. A great teaching moment for your children about being thankful for what they have. Also, provides the opportunity to learn why we celebrate Thanksgiving in the first place.

Skip Shopping and Have a Family Fun Friday: Turn off the computer, cell phones and the TV. Spend the day as a family playing games, reading books, eating leftovers and just enjoying each other.

Art Table: Embrace the idea of the kid table, cover a table with white paper and at each place setting have a box of crayons with the child’s name on it. They can draw while they eat!

This is our first ever kid table (2009). Grace traced a turkey cookie cutter, I cut out the turkeys and she finished them with hand stamped names.
Thankful Jar, Garland or Tree: Cut out some paper leaves and have each family member write what they are thankful for on the leaves. Put them in a decorated jar, hang them on a tree or string them together as a garland.

We created our first Thankful Tree just this afternoon and we love it! Using a large brown piece of butcher paper I drew a tree. I then cut it out a taped it to the wall in our front room. I had some paper leaves from a long time ago that we used to write out what we are thankful for. It was a simple way to talk about thankfulness. The girls really enjoyed doing it! I had to stop them so we had leaves for daddy to use!
:-)

*Recycled post from last year* :-)

My One Thousand Blessings

2011-11-08T10:00:00.000-08:00

Almost a year ago already I discovered an amazing book that has seriously changed my perspective on life. The book "One Thousand Gifts: A Dare to Live Fully Right Where You Are" written by Ann Voskamp. It is a must read for everyone especially moms and those bogged down by the daily routines and the struggles that life often dishes out. Ann's style of writing is AMAZING to say the least. It is poetic. She shares her story of breaking through the darkness and truly living in the joy that God has promised. I know for myself personally I have struggled, as a Christian, wondering where the joy in my life is. God has promised us joy but honestly, I couldn't find it. I shared once that our joy is in Christ, yes, but Ann has reminded me that I must continually seek Him, give Thanks to Him and then I will fully experience His joy.

It is simple really and so true. If you look within Scripture you will find that before the miracle has taken place, before the feelings of contentment and joy (even in the worst of circumstances) THANKSGIVING has taken place. Philippians 4:6 reads, "in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to the Lord" and also in 1 Timothy 2:1 "First I tell you to pray for all people, asking God for what they need and being thankful to Him". Paul writes, in Philippians 4:11-12, "I have learned how to be content with whatever I have". The key word here is learned, it takes practice and it is a choice to choose joy and to give Thanks. To take time each day, multiple times a day, to give Thanks to the Lord for all blessings. David took time, three times a day to stop, pray and give Thanks. Everything is a blessing. Even the difficult things. Even the dirty dishes, the piles of laundry, the whining children, the rain....are all blessings. We must take the time to re-frame our thinking and see the blessings. We can only feel one emotion at a time. We can choose to be annoyed and let our thoughts fester on the moment OR we can choose to give Thanks. For example (one I'm teaching myself) "Thank you Lord for two girls that have strong wills and are learning to work out things with each other" (my girls fight frequently!).

Ann was challenged by a friend to write out one thousand blessings. The simple act of writing out the blessings she saw each day taught her to seek out the blessings in ALL circumstances. I was inspired by Ann and have started my own journal of blessings. I leave it on my kitchen counter so I don't forget to use it. I'm still learning (very much so!) but do take time and write down my blessings. It truely has changed my perspective. Knowing that I want to write something down, encourages me to look for the blessings. And remembering that each and every moment is a blessing, helps me to choose Joy. We do have a choice in how we will live each moment. The Lord does not say there will not be difficult times. In fact He says there will be but He promises to be with us through those times. If I can remember this and remember that the irritating things in life are not that big of a deal, then I am SO much more JOYful!

You can visit Ann's blog A Holy Experience by clicking HERE. You can sign up for daily emails and I highly recommend it. It is SO encouraging! She's real and struggles too but she's learning to choose JOY. She takes awesome pictures too!

Here is the beginning of my list:

1. Clear blue skies
2. Cool morning breezes
3. Fresh hot coffee
4. Gentleness between my girls
5. Many shades of green (Oregon is GREEN!)
6. A warm bed to sleep in
7. The color red
8. Park playdates with friends
9. Fresh berries
10. Keeping Jeremy safe (he had an accident at work)
11. Healthy children!
12. Camping trips
13. Running water
14. Fresh water
15. Big imaginations and creativity
16. Friends to call on when you need prayer
17. Healthy children (added by Jeremy)
18. Dance
19. Clean floors
20. Experiencing nature

Colors of Fall

2011-10-29T10:12:00.000-07:00

This last week it was such a wonderful treat here in Oregon...there was NO rain...it was clear and crisp. Jilian and I went for a walk around the neighborhood in search of fall things. The colors were amazing!

Pumpkin patch field trip with Grace

2011-10-25T23:26:00.000-07:00

Field trips are so much fun and the pumpkin patch is probably my favorite one!

Oh, how I love Halloween!

2011-10-21T16:00:00.000-07:00

Just for fun I'm linking up to:

Baked Orange Chicken

2011-10-09T10:00:00.000-07:00

I tried a new recipe this week and it came out really yummy so I thought I would share!

Disclaimer: When I cook I add a little of this and a little of that. SO, for the spices, use as much or as little as you like.

Ingredients

2 oranges
4 pieces of chicken (your favorite pieces)
1 egg
Bread crumbs
Italian seasoning
Garlic
Pepper
Butter

In a shallow dish mix the bread crumbs, garlic, pepper, Italian seasoning and the zest from one of the oranges. In another dish, mix the egg and orange juice (squeeze juice from the zested orange). Dip each piece of chicken in the egg/orange juice mixture and then coat in the bread crumbs. Place in a baking dish. Top each piece of chicken with a pad of butter and a slice of orange. Bake for approximately 40 minutes or until done at 375. Serve with rice.

Apple Picking and Pumpkin Donuts, YUM!

2011-10-07T21:56:00.001-07:00

Grace didn't have school today so we set off to Beilke Family Farm to pick some apples. It is a great place to get yummy apples. We had lots of fun being silly, picking (and eating!) the apples.

(photographer: Jilian)

After loading our apples in the car we went straight to EZ Orchards Farm Market for some fresh made pumpkin donuts. DELICIOUS! We bought a dozen and they are already gone! :-)

Now my plans for all those apples...apple butter, applesauce, apple pie, apple crisp and I really need to find a pumpkin donut recipe! ;-)

Wordless Wednesday...Silly Jilian

2011-09-28T12:00:00.000-07:00

Fall is here...

2011-09-26T14:56:00.000-07:00

Although I am sad to see the Summer go (WAY TOO FAST!) this cooler weather has gotten me feeling warm, cozy and crafty! This weekend I made a new wreath for our front door. I just love how it turned out!

To make this wreath you need the following:

*One 10" foam wreath
*Brown felt (about 3 sheets of 9" x 12")
*Glue gun
*Glue Dots
*Fall colored card stock and coordinating pattern paper (I used Jillibean Soup's new Fall line)
*Small and large buttons that coordinate with paper (my large buttons are from Stampin' Up)
*Ribbon that also coordinates with paper
*Scallop Punch (my favorite is from Stampin' Up)
*Scissors
*Stapler

To assemble the wreath do the following:

Cut approximately 7 strips of felt, 1.5" x 12" and wrap the foam wreath. Place a thin line of hot glue at the end of the felt to hold it in place. After the first piece of felt, add the next where the first left off and so on until the whole wreath is covered. Set the wreath aside.

To make the "flowers" cut three pieces of pattern paper, 3" x 9". Score each piece every inch or so (you can skip the scoring but it makes it much easier to fold the paper). Next fold each piece like an accordion. Staple in the center of the folded piece. Using your scissors cut off the ends of the folded paper, at an angle (see picture), now each end will be pointy, not straight. Next fan out the folded paper and use glue dots to hold in place.

Using a scallop punch, punch out three scallop circles from the pattern paper and glue a button in the center, using a glue dot. Next hot glue the scallops to the center of each of the paper "flowers".

Cut out six leaves, any leaf shape you like. I folded and or scored some of the paper before cutting out the leaves for added textured. Add a couple small buttons to the leaves.

Take your leaves and finished paper "flowers" and decide where you would like them on your wreath. Once you have decided, hot glue them to the wreath.

Lastly, take a piece of ribbon, loop it through the wreath at the top and hang where ever you like.

Enjoy! Let me know if you have any questions.

Just a couple more pictures of the finished wreath...

HAPPY Fall! :-)

Just for fun I'll be sharing at:

The newest member of our family

2011-09-16T12:15:00.000-07:00

A week ago today we brought Daisy, a loppy-eared bunny, home to live with us. Our local pet store had surprise baby bunnies arrive (someone donated "Tom" the bunny to the store well a few weeks later "Tom" had four babies!). Grace has had her own lop, Tulip, for four years and Jilian has been eagerly awaiting the chance to have her own. After seeing the babies at the pet store, Jilian picked one out and we patiently waited for them to grow. Almost daily Jilian says "thank you mommy and daddy for my Daisy", SO sweet! Daisy is super sweet too and lives in Jilian's room (in a cage, of course!).

A little bit of our Summer

2011-09-13T10:54:00.000-07:00

Camping. We love to find a place in National Forest where we see no one but each other for a few days. It is great fun to relax, explore nature and be a family.

Addie the snake. We found "her" on our first camping trip and Jilian fell in love. For a little girl that is scared of most things, she LOVED the snake. Addie spent the remainder of the summer with us until we let her go.

LOTS of Blueberries!

Disclaimer: Please excuse all the collages, just started playing with the program PhotoScape! It is so fun and easy!! I took over a hundred pictures on our first camping trip so I needed to condense!! :-)

Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Zucchini Bread

2011-09-12T20:23:00.001-07:00

Ingredients
3 eggs, lightly beaten
2 cups sugar
1 cup canned pumpkin
1 cup butter or margarine, melted
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
3 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
1 cup shredded zucchini
1 cup chocolate chips (optional, instead of chocolate chips you can add walnuts)

Directions
In a mixing bowl, combine eggs and sugar. Add pumpkin, butter and vanilla. Combine dry ingredients; gradually add to pumpkin mixture and mix well. Stir in zucchini and chocolate chips. Pour into two greased and floured 9-in. x 5-in. x 3-in. loaf pans. Bake at 350 degrees for 45-50 minutes or until breads test done. Cool in pans 10 minutes. Remove to a wire rack.

This bread is SO yummy and the pumpkin makes it VERY moist! Enjoy!

Updated:

Tissue paper pompoms

2011-09-08T10:00:00.000-07:00

I love making tissue paper pompoms! They are great for so many things. I have used them several years as decorations at the girls' birthday parties and have made some for their rooms as well. I actually first learned how to make these at a friend's wedding a few years ago (Jamie *wink*wink*). The possibilities are endless! They are simple and affordable and there are endless colors of tissue paper. The Dollar Store often has a package of multi-colored paper that has enough sheets to make several pompoms. You can't beat a dollar!

Supplies:

Tissue paper
Ribbon
Double-sided tape
Scissors

Steps (pictures below):

Cut tissue paper to desired size, in the shape of a rectangle. Keep in mind the larger the rectangle the larger the pompom or the smaller the rectangle the smaller the pompom.

Layer the tissue paper; the more layers the thicker the pompom. You can do different colors every couple layers for a multi-colored pompom or just use one color tissue paper for a solid color pompom.

Fold the tissue paper accordion style, just like making a paper fan.

Tie a small piece of ribbon in the center of the accordion folded tissue you paper.

On both ends place a piece of double-sided tape and fold the ends together. Your folded tissue paper should now look like a circle.

Slowly and gently pull apart the layers of the tissue paper.

To hang tie a piece of ribbon or fishing line to the ribbon at the center. You can also tie it to branches. I made this blue one for Jilian’s room and tied it to a branch.

And so it begins...

2011-09-07T10:48:00.000-07:00

Yesterday was the first day of school. I seriously think that is the fastest Summer I have ever experienced! There were many fun things we did (pictures coming soon) but yet there are so many things we didn't get to do. Next Summer I suppose... Now it is on to the new routines... Yesterday Grace started 5th grade, a complete SHOCK to me! Middle school is just around the corner. I am so grateful that middle school doesn't start until 7th grade at her school (6th graders just seem too little to be at middle school). Jilian was THRILLED to start Preschool. When I picked her up I asked if she enjoyed it and she said "YES, can I go five days?!" I of course replied "Not yet, lets save that for Kindergarten".

A few pictures

Just a quick hello!

2011-08-24T14:19:00.000-07:00

This summer has been very full! Most of it, if not all of it, has been fun but I'm beginning to feel the need for routine and a schedule! I have lots of pictures and ideas to share, hope to do so soon. Until then enjoy these last few days of summer! :-)

Grace turns TEN!

2011-07-26T11:11:00.000-07:00

It is VERY hard to believe that my first born is now double digits! Ten years has flown by so fast it makes me nervous for the next ten years...then she'll be twenty Yikes, mild freak out moment! Anyway back to today. To celebrate Grace and her turning ten she wanted to have a beach party, so instead of pretending we had a beach in our yard we took her and three friends to the beach. It was a long day but in the end it was perfect! The weather was a little worrisome at the start but God gave us beautiful weather. Grace had an awesome time playing in the waves, playing in the sand and climbing rocks. It turned out to be one of the easiest parties, there was no decorating and my house stayed clean! :-)

All grown up and beautiful!

With Daddy at dinner

My sushi girl

The sushi restaurant we went to, Crazy Sushi, turns CRAZY on birthdays, flashing lights, singing and poppers, it was great!

Grace choose these colors and invites for her party. Of course I loved the vintage feel of the Woodie wagon and surf board! :-) I purchased the invites from The Tomkat Studio

Her favorite drink

For favors we gave each friend a beach towel. I made the coordinating tag that read "Thanks for coming!".

Potato Stamped T-Shirts

2011-07-21T09:09:00.000-07:00

When I was a kid I remember making stamps out of potatoes and I have been wanting to make them with the girls. Instead of buying them matching 4th of July shirts this year I had them make their own. I found white t-shirts at Target for less than $4 each and bought one large potato. This is a super fun and easy craft that can be used for any season, just change the colors or shape of the stamps.

Supplies needed:

Large potato
Paints (I used poster paint because I already had it)
Cookie cutter(s) in the shape(s) of your choice
Small knife
Paper plate(s) for paints
T-shirt(s)
Cardboard (place inside of t-shirt before stamping, prevents the paint from bleeding through)

To make the potato stamp cut your potato in half.

Next, take your cookie cutter and press into the center of the potato-half until the cookie cutter is flush with the potato.

Take your knife and carefully cut the outside of the potato away to reveal the cookie cutter. Then slowly pull of the cookie cutter.

The completed potato stamps.

Put some of the paint on a paper plate and press the potato stamp into the paint, just like you would with a "regular" stamp and ink pad. Be sure to stamp the excess paint onto the paper plate before stamping on the t-shirt.

The last step, step back and let the kiddos have fun! It was hard to watch the girls and not butt-in but they had fun and did awesome without my help. Their t-shirts were uniquely theirs. I love the flag Grace created!

For fun I'll be sharing at

The 4th of July (a little after the fact...)

2011-07-20T20:37:00.001-07:00

This year we decided to organize a good old fashioned block party for the 4th of July. I typed up some simple invites and the girls and I spent an afternoon, walking around our block inviting the neighbors. We encouraged them to come and invite friends and family. We had a great turn out! I was thrilled! Everyone seemed to enjoy themselves, visiting and eating of course. The night was finished off with fireworks. It was neat to see new relationships forming and some neighbors have even gotten together for dinner since then, pretty cool, I think. We hope to do it again next year.

Before the festivities I cornered the girls for some quick pictures.

The block party, stationed in front of our house. It was SO HOT that day, unusual for Oregon!

There were tons of kids! We got permission from the city to close our street. It was great, the kids could run free with new worries about cars.

Me and my girls

My husband loves to play! (I had a hard time getting good pictures of the fireworks, but you get the idea)

Grace Dance Pictures

2011-06-26T12:36:00.003-07:00

Grace's ballet dance was to a song called "Dream".
I'm so proud of the dancer she is becoming!

Playing along at these great blogs...

2011-06-23T22:13:00.001-07:00

4th of July felt flower hair clip

2011-06-23T14:24:00.001-07:00

I made these for the girls to wear on the 4th and just posted a tutorial HERE to make this simply sweet hair clip! :-)

For FUN I'm linking up to:
At the CSI Project.

Treat Tuesday: Yummy Homemade Granola

2011-06-21T00:00:00.000-07:00

Ingredients

4 cups rolled oats
1/2 cup chopped walnuts
1/3 cup brown sugar
1/2 teaspoon salt
6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
1/3 cup honey
1 tablespoon vanilla
1/2 cup dried sweetened cranberries or other dried fruits, such as cherries, raisins, pineapple, or papaya

Instructions

Heat the oven to 300 degrees. In a large bowl, stir together the oats, nuts, brown sugar and salt. Make a well in the dry ingredients and add the melted butter, honey, and vanilla. Toss the mixture until it is well combined, then spread it evenly on a cookie sheet.

Bake the granola until lightly browned, about 40 minutes, stirring every 10 minutes to keep the mixture from sticking. Let it cool completely, then stir in the cranberries or dried fruit. Makes about 7 cups.

YUMMY!

A blog award!

2011-06-20T10:39:00.000-07:00

Yesterday I received the Irresistibly Sweet Blog Award from Lori @ Lori's Crafty Spot

Thank you Lori! It was a wonderful surprise!

The rules for the award are the following:

1) Send a thank you to the person who nominated you and include their link.
2) To accept this award, tell 7 random facts about yourself.
3) Pass the award on to awesome blog buddies.

7 Random Facts About Me:

1. I really want to visit the Greek Islands someday
2. I love to sleep with the window open during the Summer
3. Even though I LOVE the ocean the power of it scares me
4. I have 7 tattoos!!
5. My favorite drink is water with lemon
6. I love to take pictures of any and everything
7. Crafting is one of my happy places

And the award goes to!

Heidi http://stuckonstampin.blogspot.com/
Mimi http://dandelionwishes-mimi.blogspot.com/
The Iowa Farmer's Wife http://theiowafarmerswife.blogspot.com/
Kerri http://ellebellesbows.blogspot.com/

Jilian's Dance Pictures

2011-06-18T08:00:00.000-07:00

Ballet
The song, "This Little Light of Mine"

Tap
The Woody theme song from Toy Story, "You've Got a Friend in Me"

Fun with water colors

2011-06-17T00:00:00.000-07:00

I don't know about you but sometimes I catch myself making things TOO complicated! I'll want to do something fun with the girls, I come up with an idea, it takes time, planning and supplies and then... it doesn't happen. Sometimes it is best to KEEP IT SIMPLE! I love art and water colors are fun, simple and easy to do! The other day Jilian asked to paint and instead of saying "no" I took the quick 5 minutes to get them, some paper, water and a towel. While she set at the table painting, I set across from her cutting felt to make tooth fairy pillows. Both got to have fun AND have quality time together.

Sharing at:

Father's Day Gift Ideas

2011-06-16T12:20:00.000-07:00

Father's Day is just a few days away (can't believe this year is about half over already)! Each year Jeremy requests "something handmade" for Father's Day. He's doesn't play golf or wear a tie so store bought gifts often don't work and he says that something handmade is more special. I agree but it is hard to come up with a new handmade gift idea each year! I thought I would share some of the things I have done over the years. I can't tell you my plan for this year, because I can't think of anything! I better get busy!

First Father's Day, a coffee cup with Grace's (11-month) hand prints

A mini-album he keeps in his glove box with pictures of Grace
and I

Travel coffee cup. He got an updated version of this last year. The first one was before Jilian was born

One year I made him a photo pen. I can't find ours but here is a picture of one. You can order them here.

Two years ago, with the help of my dear friend Heidi, we took pictures of us three girls and framed them. The picture hangs on the wall in front of his work area in the garage. We also gave him a wallet size photo.

I hope you have a wonderful Father's Day!

Repost from last year, with a few updates.

Ballerina birthday party

2011-06-15T13:27:00.000-07:00

This time of year the girls and I begin birthday party mode. With their birthdays only two days apart it takes a lot of planning and organizing to get things ready. Fortunately I LOVE to plan parties and Grace is following in my steps. :-) Since I have birthdays on my mind I realized that I never got a chance to share Jilian's pink ballerina birthday party we had last year! So, before this year has come and gone, here's the pictures from Jilian's third birthday party. As you can see I had tons of fun decorating in PINK for our little ballerina!

A laundry system that works!

2011-06-07T09:20:00.000-07:00

I don’t know about you but doing laundry and actually being on top of it has always been a struggle. We when we were first married I was able to get it all done on one day. But as you well know, when children come long that changes FAST! I was stubborn and it took me several years before I accepted that one laundry day wasn’t going to work. I didn’t want to accept that I should really do it every day. Finally I gave in and started doing a load every day but even then I would get behind. I wouldn’t get the clothes folded and put away quickly enough. Laundry is a hot spot for me. If I see clothes on the floor, dirty or clean, I feel stressed! It is one area that if it is complete I can feel some level of accomplishment. I needed to find a system that worked. This last Spring Break I developed a system that works and I have been on top of the laundry ever since.

1) Wash at least one load of laundry every day (depending on the needs of your family), except Sundays, a day of rest.

2) As soon as the wash is done, put it in the dryer to prevent that awful musty smell.

3) When the first load is almost dry start the next load. This too helps prevent the wet cloths setting too long as they wait for the dryer.

4) Fold the clothes as you take them out of the dryer and place in a laundry basket.

5) Carry the basket with you as you put the clean laundry in its place. If your kiddos put away their own clothes, leave their clothes for them on their bed or another spot where they will see them.

The system is actually very simple, it just requires you to follow through and not use the “I’ll do it later” excuse.

I'm linking up at:

End of school surprise...Summer fun buckets

2011-06-02T14:46:00.000-07:00

Each year I do a little something special to honor the end of the school year. Grace works hard at school, I want to recognize that and it is fun to usher in the new season too. This year I decided to fill sand buckets with a few simple treats for the girls. Since Jilian and I did preschool at home together this year, she gets a treat too!

What's inside?

Sand bucket and shovel: yard sale $1 for each set

Grace's Bucket:
Crayola's color bubbles: JoAnn's $3.99 a bottle *Target has them cheaper*
Flip Flops: JoAnn's on sale $1.89
Fruit Snacks: Target $.89
Form Critter Art Activity: Dollar Spot Target
Pedicure by Mom: Priceless :-)

Jilian's Bucket:
Sidewalk chalk: Dollar Spot Target
Flip Flops: JoAnn's on sale $1.89
Fruit Snacks: Target $.89
Form Critter Art Activity: Dollar Spot Target
Pedicure by Mom: Priceless :-)

Am sharing at:

We will never forget

2011-05-30T10:25:00.000-07:00

and will be forever grateful...

Treat Tuesday for Ten on Tuesday

2011-05-23T21:45:00.000-07:00

Here is a yummy poppy seed muffin recipe, that I actually made up myself! Jilian LOVES poppy seed muffins. I have tried a few recipes but didn't care for them so I decided to make one up and they are good, much to my surprise! :-)

For fun I'm sharing the recipe at It's a Crafty Life for Ten on Tuesday since there are TEN ingredients in the recipe.

Poppy Seed Muffins

Poppy Seed Muffin Recipe

2 cups flour
¾ cup plus 1 tablespoon sugar
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon salt
1 cup plain Greek yogurt
¼ cup unsalted butter, melted and cooled
1 large egg, lightly beaten
1 ½ teaspoons vanilla (you can substitute vanilla for almond, yum!)
2 tablespoons poppy seeds (check your bulk spice section at the grocery store, very inexpensive)

Preheat oven to 400. In a large bowl stir together flour, ¾ sugar, baking powder, baking soda and salt. In another bowl, stir together yogurt, butter, egg and vanilla until well blended. Mix the dry ingredients into the yogurt mixture and stir. Gently stir in poppy seeds.

Bake for 15 to 20 minutes, adjust time depending on the size of your muffin. Cool for about 5 minutes. Makes approximately 12 regular size muffins or 24 mini muffins.

Enjoy!

*Updated* Decided to link up to:

Blog Hopping Time!

2011-05-20T07:45:00.000-07:00

I enjoy finding new blogs, join me! Happy Friday! :-)

The making of a fairy village

2011-05-19T14:16:00.001-07:00

A few weeks back, on a rare sunny day, the girls and I spent the afternoon creating a fairy village. We collected little bits and pieces around the house to create signs, a park bench, tables and chairs. Most of the time I just watched (and snapped pictures of course!) as Grace created and Jilian played in the dirt.

Now we are just waiting for the fairies to arrive... :-)

*Updated* Decided to share at:

Brooch Swap

2011-05-17T10:48:00.000-07:00

I wanted to share the lovely treats I received from my Vintage Brooch Swap partner, Pam from Treasures-n-Textures.

Here are the goodies I sent to Pam. I loved the brooch so much it was hard not to keep it!

Wordless Wednesday

2011-04-27T10:13:00.000-07:00

For fun the girls and I had a "photo shoot" with them wearing their Easter dresses. We started in our backyard then walked to an orchard down the street from our house.

Easter...in pictures...

2011-04-26T10:56:00.000-07:00

The day before Easter was the perfect Spring day! There was rain in the forecast for Easter Sunday (this is Oregon!) so we had our egg hunt on Saturday.

Baskets filled with surprises Easter morning.

A brief break in the rain, coming home after church.

We are participating in Screen Free Week 2011

2011-04-17T10:00:00.000-07:00

Starting Monday morning our family will be going screen free for one week. We don't need a national campaign to do this BUT it is a great reminder and motivator to take the plunge. We don't have cable but we do watch DVDs and all of us enjoy our computer time. I for one am guilty of checking my emails WAY TOO MANY TIMES throughout the day! I am looking forward to the challenge and am very curious to see how many other things I can get accomplished when I am not tuned into the computer.

I encourage you to participate as well and use it as a learning experience. Just think of the fun time you can have with your families, how early you might go to bed, what books you can read or games you can play. Just a thought... :-) You can learn more about Screen Free Week by clicking HERE.

This of course means I will not be posting until after Easter.

Vintage Postcard Easter Banner

2011-04-16T14:54:00.000-07:00

I wanted to keep the Easter decor simple this year but still wanted to do a little something. Our mantel is in the area of the house we use the most so I created a banner, using reproductions of vintage postcards, to hang from it.

If you are interested in using vintage postcards for a craft project, there are lots of great, free resources online. Two of my favorites are The Graphics Fairy and Vintage Holiday Crafts.

Super Cute Fabric Giveaway!

2011-04-13T13:51:00.000-07:00

A new (or at least new to me!) blog I just discovered Forth Worth Fabric Studio is having a Spring fabric giveaway. It is SO cute! Click HERE if you would like to enter. :-)

Crafting for a Cause

2011-04-12T18:15:00.001-07:00

Last week with the help of my good friend Heidi from Stuck on Stampin' I hosted a Crafting for a Cause card making night. I asked Heidi to design the cards for us to duplicate (making cards is not my gift!). Seven ladies, including myself, created three cards, in assembly line fashion. The cards will be sent to Thanks For Our Freedom to be put in the care pacakges sent to soldiers overseas. It was a fun night and we were so blessed to give in this way!

Keeping Christ in Easter

2011-04-04T22:04:00.000-07:00

Jilian's picture of the eggs :)
Last year we came clean and told Grace there was no Easter bunny (and decided that we wouldn't tell Jilian there was one). She asked one afternoon, "is there really a bunny that leaves eggs and baskets?" "What do you think?" was my reply. "NO!" she said. She could see the silliness in the whole thing. It was a very freeing moment for me! I no longer had to keep up with the story. Grace has known from a young age the real reason we celebrate Easter but we had participated in the bunny tale as well. We still dye eggs, hunt for them and a special basket filled with treats but the girls know it is for fun and that it is mom and dad, not the Easter bunny.

It has helped to shift our focus back to Christ, His sacrifice for us and our responsibility in teaching our girls about Him. Easter can be difficult to relay to children. Some of the aspects of the Easter story (even for me sometimes!) can be hard to understand. An excellent resource in sharing the Truth about Easter are the Resurrection Eggs. A dozen colorful plastic eggs, each one filled with a different piece of the Easter story. A crown of thorns, a donkey, some coins. The eggs also come with a booklet to help guide you through sharing this story with your children.

Today as I went through the eggs with Jilian, I shared about what was in each egg from my own knowledge of the story, using words I knew she would understand. It was neat, she got it! You could see her contemplating what I was sharing with her, she was even sad for Jesus, yet happy when He returned Home. I found my Resurrection Eggs at a local Christian bookstore several years ago but I know they are online. Amazon carries them HERE and you can also do a Google search for Resurrection Eggs and a long list pops-up.

My New Blog is being featured!

2011-04-01T20:42:00.000-07:00

Little Birdie & Me is being featured at The Type A Housewife.

Be sure to check it out!

Come check out my NEW blog...

2011-03-27T18:32:00.000-07:00

Click HERE to visit and enter a giveaway!

It's Friday, Spring Break AND ....

2011-03-25T10:07:00.000-07:00

I feel like blog hopping! Join me and find some new blogs in "Blog Land"! Hope you have a wonderful weekend!

Ten on Tuesday

2011-03-21T22:06:00.000-07:00

For the first time I'm participating in Ten on Tuesday over at It's a Crafty Life. Just ten random thoughts about me....

1)Looking forward to having my dear friend Heidi and her kiddos over to play

2)I'm excited to see The Lincoln Lawyer with some girlfriends

3)Been wondering these last few days if I will EVER lose the last 15 pounds from Miss Jilian!

4)Been a little bummed since the SUN hasn't been around much these last few days, weeks, months. It is HARD to live in Oregon, but I do LOVE it!

5)Making a conscious choice to focus on my blessings

6)"Worry about nothing, pray about everything", life lesson I am learning to live by.

7)Eager to make an Easter banner using vintage postcard reproductions

8)Been working on a blog and Etsy store for my business... Little Birdie & Me

9)Been day dreaming about a make over for Grace's room

This picture, Pottery Barn Kids, is part of my inspiration. I'm thinking I'll paint a similar tree over her bed.

10)Started educating myself more about the use of GMOs and hormones in our food, scary! Will be sharing my findings soon.

Just for fun!

2011-03-21T21:46:00.001-07:00

Of course I love the vintage style but best of all these make me laugh! I just feel like this some days.... :-)

Mother's Day Vintage Brooch Swap

2011-03-20T12:31:00.001-07:00

As you know by now I enjoy participating in swaps. They are a fun way to express my creativity and I get a special something in return. A Swap for All Seasons is where I participate the most. Linda, the blog owner, has just announced the next swap, A Mother's Day Vintage Brooch Swap! It is going to be FUN! Click HERE if you would like to play along. Deadline to sign up is March 31st.

Lunch Bag Leprechaun Puppet

2011-03-16T14:18:00.000-07:00

Yesterday Jilian and I were talking about doing an art project (we both love art projects!) with St. Patty's Day tomorrow I wanted to do something festive so I did a little Google research last night and came across this Lunch Bag Leprechaun Puppet. It was super fun and easy! Only took about 25 minutes. It gave us some one-on-one time and Jilian got to practice using the scissors and her gluing and coloring skills. I enjoyed seeing what colors she used, like pink hands!

Got to have glitter!

Some fun ideas for St. Patrick's Day:

1) Tonight after the little ones are in bed, "steal" a pair of shoes and fill them with green treats and gold coins

2) For lunch tomorrow, make a sandwich then cut it using a Shamrock cookie cutter

3) Fill their lunch with green foods or use green containers. Include a note on a paper Shamrock or a green napkin

4) Before they use the bathroom, sneak in a few drops of green food coloring in the toilet water

5) Turn their milk green with green food coloring (just this once won't hurt)

6) Have corned beef, cabbage and Irish soda bread for dinner

7) Click HERE to see what I did for the girls last year.

These little things just make life more fun and brighten their day!

Just for fun I'll be joining in for Totally Toddler Thursday over at Toddler Awesome!

Treat Tuesday - Mini Sour Cream Blueberry Muffins

2011-03-08T13:12:00.000-08:00

I haven't shared a new recipe for Treat Tuesday in a long time. I made these muffins a few weeks ago, using some of our frozen berries from last Summer. My girls LOVED them and have been asking for them! I figure when the kids love them, they must be a winner and the recipe needs to be shared! :-)

Mini Sour Cream Blueberry Muffins

2 cups flour
¾ cup plus 1 tablespoon sugar
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon salt
1 cup sour cream, at room temperature
¼ cup unsalted butter, melted and cooled
1 large egg, lightly beaten
1 ½ teaspoons vanilla
2 cups blueberries

Preheat oven to 400. In a large bowl stir together flour, ¾ sugar, baking powder, baking soda and salt. In another bowl, stir together sour cream, butter, egg and vanilla until well blended. Mix the dry ingredients into the sour cream mixture and stir. Gently stir in blueberries. Spoon batter into muffin tins and sprinkle with remaining tablespoon of sugar.

Bake for 15 to 20 minutes, adjust time depending on the size of your muffin. Cool for about 5 minutes. Makes approximately 12 regular size muffins or 24 mini muffins. I like the mini muffins they are great for a snack!

Enjoy!

Note: This recipe comes from More Muffins 72 Recipes for Moist, Delicious, Fresh-Baked Muffins by Barbara Albright and Leslie Weiner

What's for dinner?

2011-02-28T14:20:00.000-08:00

Just for fun I thought I would share my menu plan for this week:

Monday: Enchiladas and beans (trying a recipe from one of my new followers Shabby Soul

Tuesday: Salmon patties with hollandaise sauce, red potatoes and green beans

Wednesday: Sausages with caramelized onions and coleslaw

Thursday: Split pea soup with homemade bread

Friday: Spaghetti, salad and garlic bread

Saturday: Frozen pizza (I will be gone for dinner, that's simple for daddy to do!)

Sunday: Breakfast (I keep Sunday dinner simple, it is a day of rest)

I blogged once before about my weekly menu calendar ($1 at JoAnn's) I LOVE it but ran out of pages! JoAnn's doesn't seem to be carrying it so I decided to create my own (I'm too cheap to pay more than a $1 for a new one!) ;-) If you would like a copy of it feel free to download one HERE.

Just a couple tips: Plan ahead, for example I'm baking the bread for Thursday's dinner, so I wrote on Wednesday to bake the bread. Look at your whole week and take note of when you might be gone (plan something simple for the family) or having dinner outside the home. On the "To Do" line I give myself a little reminder, such as pray, have patience, be joyful, count my blessings and so on. I'm visual and these little reminders help throughout the day.

Happy eating! :-)

I haven't blog hopped in awhile!

2011-02-25T11:58:00.000-08:00

Hi there! It's Friday and I haven't blog hopped in a really long time! I thought I would find some new friends today. :-)

I've been swapping again!

2011-02-17T14:27:00.000-08:00

After making 25 little matchboxes I told myself to take a break from swapping BUT then A Swap For All Seasons announced the next swap and I just had to participate! This time around we needed to create one fabric collage approximately 5x7. I had a ton of fun making mine for my swap partner!! So much fun that while I was making it, I wondered "hmm, would someone like this as a gift, cause I want to make everyone one!"

My swap partner Darlene from Blanche's Daughter created for me a fabric collage using some of my favorites, red buttons and a vintage photograph. Thank you Darlene, I love it! :-)

In return, I created for Darlene a collage using lots of blue and white/cream (her favorite colors) and attempted to make it look like altered art (something she enjoys making).

A field trip in our own backyard...

2011-02-09T14:26:00.000-08:00

Today the SUN (a long lost friend) is here for a visit! Jilian and I bundled up and went outside. We discovered some things are coming to life. Spring, please come, quickly!!

Thankful for our freedom

2011-02-07T11:58:00.000-08:00

I wanted to share about a new blog that has just started up, Thanks For Our Freedom. Korri, a proud wife of a US Marine and mother of two beautiful girls, has started the blog to help raise funds and awareness to support our soldiers. Although I have never met Korri and her family in person, her and her family are dear to ours. We had the privilege of meeting them via email and letters, through Aunt Nancy USA at Christmas time when we were blessed by the opportunity to serve them and show our appreciation.

I know politics and war are very touchy subjects, however it is my belief that regardless of how we feel about those things, our soldiers (and their families) sacrifice SO much for us. It is the least we can do to support and encourage them. If you are able, Korri, is hosting her first care package campaign. Her goal is to send 25 care packages to soldiers overseas. Many of them do not have families that send them things and they are without access to stores where they can buy the items they need. Please check out her blog for all the information. You can either sponsor a package or mail her items to go in a package. She's even in need of cards. If you're crafty and want to send a hand made card of appreciation, that would be awesome too! Like I said, it is the least we can do, for ALL they do for us.

Heart-Shaped Crayons

2011-02-03T13:44:00.000-08:00

A few months ago Jilian and I made our first batch of homemade crayons. With Valentine's Day approaching I thought what better time to share, since we made them heart-shaped!

It was a very simple process and easy enough for Jilian to help out. It even provided an opportunity for Jilian to practice her colors and sorting skills. :-)

Preheat your oven to 250

Unwrap your crayons, broken pieces are the best

Sort the crayons by color or mix to make rainbow crayons

Place into muffin tins. I used a heart shaped silicone muffin tin. If you are using metal, spray with nonstick cooking spray.

Bake for approximately 20 minutes.

Let cool and pop out your new crayons.

I just read a great idea online! Melt the old crayons, in a glass dish, either in the microwave or oven then pour into candy molds. There are so many fun candy molds out there, just think of the fun crayons you can make!

A work in me

2011-02-01T12:46:00.000-08:00

It appears I took a month off from blogging! It wasn't my intention but it was needed. I kind of burnt myself out with Christmas and needed a break from everything. As I said in my last (and only post of January) the Lord has been showing me what I need to let go. Not just in my commitments inside and outside of the home but with my things. He has been shedding light on my deeply rooted need to be comfortable...my attachment to my things, even my home, my car etc. Ouch! It is hard to learn these things about yourself.

It all started a few months back when Grace came home with this memory verse from school:

"Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal; but store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also." Matt. 6:19-21

In helping Grace learn this scripture it helped open my eyes! I now see the treasures I have stored here on Earth. The value I have place on things. I've also come to realize that with things often comes stress and feelings of being overwhelmed. It clouds our focus. Instead of focusing our minds and essentially our hearts on Christ we are focused on keeping our things, getting new things, organizing our things, cleaning our things and on and on... If we learn to live with less, we have less things to preoccupy our time, our minds, our hearts. If we have less clothes for example, there are less clothes to get dirty and less laundry to do which leads to more time to spend with Christ and our families. If we learn to live with less, we spend less and it helps provide the opportunity to give more.

Just an example: These are just my clothes that are on their way to Goodwill!

So what am I doing about all that I have learned? Well, it is a s-l-o-w process! :-) It takes time to weed through the things of life (especially with little ones along for the ride). I am working my way through our home and donating or trashing as much as I can. I am training myself not to replace the old things with new things. Together my girls and I are learning that we do not need the newest thing to be fulfilled. We also don't have to keep every hand-me-down or gift and when it is out grown, get rid of it! AND we don't need to buy it even if it is a good deal! I am noticing that the things that once brought me joy no longer do, such as a latte in the morning or a new shirt. Instead I'm saving the extra money or giving it to others. I'm allowing God to teach me more and show me more of what I need to change.

Jeremy and I have talked and eventually, when the time is right, we will be down sizing to a smaller home. Either fulfilling our dream of building a home and renovating an old one. I love the home we are in now, it is a home that I have dreamed of. However, I now see, that with the more space you have, the more stuff you fill it with and the more time you need to keep up with it. The higher your standard of living, the more consumed you are with keeping it and maintaining it. Again, if we live simply and below our means, then we are less likely to be stressed by the things of this world and can focus our attention to heavenly things. Being less stressed makes me a better person, wife and mother.

In addition to learning about my stuff issues :-) the Lord has been enlightening me with the little things. That even though a little commitment "isn't that time consuming" a lot of little things becomes very time consuming. I've asked Him to reveal to me what I should part with and to my surprise He has shown me that I need to let go of most of my (outside the home) commitments! I was shocked. Everything is worthwhile and often fun but if it takes you away from your family frequently or distracts you from your family or makes you grouchy then it is a commitment that needs to be let go.

So, that is where I am these days. Still trying to make sense of all if it! :-) I hope you don't mind, but I might take you along for the ride, sharing from time to time where I am in this transition.

Hi there!

2011-01-13T14:53:00.000-08:00

I just wanted to say hello, I'm still here and I hope your new year is off to a great start! I've needed to pull back and take a break from things after Christmas and New Years. I've also been spending my time reflecting on life my commitments and such. Praying about what needs to be let go this year and what can stay. So, far blogging is staying! :-) But there are other things the Lord is defiantly leading me to let go of. Anyway. I'll be back soon!

Happy New Year!

2010-12-31T11:27:00.000-08:00

I hope the new year brings you peace, joy, happiness and good health!

Final Matchboxes...

2010-12-28T21:46:00.000-08:00

Well, the matchbox swap has come to end. It was a little hard to keep up with all the pictures but sure FUN to have a little gift to open each day! It was so inspiring to see all the talent and creativity that is out there. There are a few things I have to try to make now, like bottle cap magnets, I just LOVE those!

Here are the final three matchboxes and my matchbox tree.

Matchbox #23 was made by Marie at Spun By Me. I love the vintage style of Marie's matchbox and the bottle cap magnet that was tucked inside.

Matchbox #24 was created by Vanessa from Stitches-n-Stuff. Vanessa's matchbox probably had the most detail of all the matchboxes. The sweetest little felt mouse with a cookie in hand was hidden inside. I just love the mouse!

Matchbox #25 came from Pam at Faster Kitty Kill. The final matchbox was adorn with lots of sparkle. Tucked inside were two sparkly mini ornaments.

My matchbox tree

Vintage Thingies Thursday and more matchboxes

2010-12-22T10:06:00.000-08:00

This plate was pictured in my post yesterday but I wanted to highlight it today for Vintage Thingies Thursday over at The Colorado Lady. I found it at a friend's yard sale this summer for .50 cents. I was SO excited, I had to have it! It is from Christmas 1977, the year I was born and my first Christmas. The candles next to it are vintage candles my mom gave to me this year, they were my grandma's. The trees have changed shape a little over the years but they still stand tall! And I think the Santa is so sweet.

Also, found at a rummage sale this summer are these amazing red, glass vintage ornaments, in their original box. When I found them I was instantly in love! I wanted to find a special way to use them this Christmas and decided for the first time that to have my own tree (the girls each have their own, why can't I :-). I really wanted a tinsel tree but those are hard to find. So I found this white one and sprayed it with glitter.

This summer was the summer for vintage Christmas finds! I found these Santa candles at a yard sale too. They are so cute! I didn't decorate with them this year but I hope to next year.

The swap of matchboxes is almost over! I'll be sad to not have a little gift to open each day...but I'll be taking less blog pictures! :-)

I must add a disclaimer here: I have tried my best to keep all my matchboxes in order but with two little girls helping me and getting behind from time to time, mistakes are bound to happen. If I happen to label a matchbox wrong, I'm sorry and please let me know so I can correct it! :-)

Matchbox #16 was made by Nancy at Sewing Pretty, shimmery matchbox. Tucked inside was a paper angel, beautiful with lots of detail.

Matchbox #17 is from Becky at Patchwork Posse A sweet gingerbread house adorns Becky's matchbox. Inside was a mini reindeer ornament.

Matchbox #18 was created by Denise at Denise Marie Christmas Love the message of Wonder and the bling on her matchbox. I really like the angel pin that was inside.

Matchbox #19 came from Patty at Blooming in Kansas A precious matchbox with angel wings tucked inside.

Matchbox #20 was made by Shannon at Quilting in Pinks, Bulldogs at My Side Of course I love the RED bird! Hidden inside was a bookmark made from shimmery silver tread with a small pink bell and charm that reads "JOY". Love it!

Matchbox #21 is from Kelly over at Cherry Kingdom. It is beautiful with lots of details, I love the sparkle. Inside was a sheet of mini paper dolls (I was hoping for one since I saw them on another swapper's blog!) and a glittery tree pin.

Matchbox #22 came from Jenny at The Red Bulletin Board. A pretty matchbox, I find the mini wreath charming, she wrapped it in a piece of paper from a pattern, very creative! Tucked inside was a silver star ornament.

Touches of Christmas around our home...

2010-12-22T09:33:00.000-08:00

Before Christmas is OVER (I'll be SO sad when it is!) I wanted to share some of our Christmas decor. I love to decorate at Christmas time!

Our Front Door

In the kitchen, found this plate at a yard sale this summer. Just happens to be from Christmas 1977, the year I was born! My mom gave me the vintage Christmas candles this year, they were my grandmothers.

Our dining room table

Our Nativity

All the stockings were hung...

Yes, I have a thing for Nutcrackers and Christmas books!

Our tree, we LOVE it! 16 feet tall! Makes you feel like a kid again. :-)

For fun I'm linking up to Rednesday over at It's A Very Cherry World. Be sure to visit for LOTS of fun RED treasures! :-)

A moment of JOY and... more matchboxes

2010-12-16T13:15:00.001-08:00

So Tuesday morning I woke and declared to myself, "today, I am going to have a good day!" I have been feeling overwhelmed with my Christmas and daily to-do lists and wanted to experience JOY. It was so simple really, I consciously made the choice to focus on Christ, to ponder the reason we are celebrating and to listen to worship Christmas music. A funny thing happened, even though I was washing dishes, sewing a Christmas gift while helping Jilian, doing laundry and on and on. I had one of the BEST days I have had in a really long time! I experienced JOY and it was so simple. I just had to choose to keep my mind centered on Christ and not on the to-do list and the next thing to be done and to accept the fact that there will be interuptions (from little people). I share this to offer encouragement. We expect so much of ourselves this time of year and others expect a lot of us. But if we choose to keep our mind on the "reason for the season" then we can enjoy it, not survive it.

Matchbox #12 comes from Bonnie at Bonnie Lass' Art Cafe.

Matchbox #13 was made by Wendy at Stitch Duchess' Crazy and Sane Quilting World

Matchbox #14 was made by JoAnne at Vintage Dragonfly

Matchbox #15 comes from Jenna at Corgi Pants

Thanks to Genie from Buttons for Baga I now know the creator of matchbox #7! She too received a matchbox from Marcia over at Vintage French Hen and recognized the stamped cloth. Thank you Genie for helping me out and thank you Marcia for the beautiful matchbox!

Handmade Gift Ideas and Matchboxes #10 and #11

2010-12-13T00:02:00.000-08:00

All this week is Holly Bloggy Christmas! Each day is a fun blog party on a Christmas related topic. I participated last year and it was SO much fun! You can visit Simple Sweet Home for the list of bloggy parties.

Today's party is about handmade gifts, hosted by Tater Tots and Jello. I wanted to share a couple gifts I made for friends this year. Monogrammed lavender scented sachet pillows and a lavender scented eye pillow. They were very simple AND fun to make.

To make the sachet pillows I used my friend Heidi's Big Shot and punched out six squares with a scallop edge out of muslin. I then hand stamped the flowers and initials using Staz On Jet Black Ink (it works well on many different surfaces). Once the ink was dry (just a few minutes) I machine stitched two squares together leaving a small opening to stuff the pillow and add the lavender. Once the pillow was full, I machine stitched the opening closed. And there you have it! Only took about 30 minutes to complete.

For the lavender eye below, I cut two pieces of material approx. 4" x 8". I stamped my images the same way as the sachet pillows and machine stitched the rectangle closed leaving a small opening. I then filled the pillow approx. half full with rice and added the lavender. I finished off the pillow by machine stitching it closed. The pillow can be put in the microwave to heat, about 20 seconds. If you wanted a finished edge, you can sew the the rectangles together (with the stamp images on the inside), turn right side out, fill and then hand or machine stitch the opening closed.

I made these little chocolate kissed filled jars for the girls' ballet teachers. I wanted to give them a little something but more than a plastic bag filled with chocolate. Then I remembered that I have some empty baby food jars (great things to keep, I have all my little embellishments in them). Using my scallop punch, I punched out three scallops (one for each jar) out of Christmas paper, added a circle Christmas sticker, some glitter around the edges and then used a glue dot to adhere it to the lid. I added a piece of thin red ribbon around the rim of the lid. *Use a small glue dot to hold the ribbon in place while you tie it because the ribbon likes to slip! Lastly I filled the jar with red, green and silver chocolate kisses. A simple, affordable gift.

Matchbox #10 comes from Amy at Paper Trails Leaver. Amy covered the matchbox in paper and embellished it with fun Christmas stickers. I love the RED bling she added to the Christmas tree! Hidden inside was a tag/ornament with a scrabble piece that reads "JOY". A reminder I often need! :-)

Matchbox #11 was created by Angela from Down to the Darling Details. Angela used a vintage image and then outlined it in silver glitter (ohh!!). Inside was a bottle cap magnet. I just love them and want to make them now!

Three more matchboxes

2010-12-10T00:03:00.000-08:00

I feel SO bad! I can't find the packaging for Matchbox #7 and can't remember who made it! I have looked everywhere, even in the trash! :-) I love it, it is so creative, a little cabin and on the inside was a stamped cloth banner. IF you happen to make this and are visiting my blog, please comment so I can give you the credit you deserve.

Matchbox #8 is from Angela over at Pages By The Sea. A lovely matchbox adorn with roses with a matching rose pin. Love it!

Matchbox#9 was created by Sophia at Blue Chair Diary. A RED felt stocking (I heart felt!) is on the outside and a jumbo paperclip was hiding inside.

More matchboxes

2010-12-08T20:23:00.000-08:00

Sorry follower swappers, I have gotten behind! I knew that I would get a little behind over the weekend (having the family home) but this week has been full. The girls and I have still been opening them each day and love all of them. Here are #3 to #6.

Matchbox #3 came from Michelle at Faerie Dust Dreams-Michelle. This is probably my favorite so far because it has the vintage look I love so much. The image on the front is a vintage stamp and the treasure inside was a bottle cap magnet with the same image.

Matchbox #4 was created by Carol from Heirlooms For You. I really like the gems she used to create some sparkle. Inside was a beautifully dainty beaded ornament.

Matchbox #5 was made by Mary over at JMP Pastimes. The wings are SO neat! What a creative idea! Tucked inside was a mini reindeer ornament, so sweet!

Matchbox #6 is from Jill at File-Under-Misc. I really like the ribbon with it's RED button and handmade tag, Grace's favorite part was the big gold snowflake. Inside was a handmade paperclip. It acts as the "star" for our mini tree, which holds all the matchboxes.

Thank you all for my matchboxes, I love them! I hope to get caught up with the rest tomorrow and share with you our Christmas tree hunt! :-)

Matchbox #2 and silly Jilian...

2010-12-02T14:01:00.000-08:00

This morning Grace opened our second matchbox made by Linda at Country Pickin's. Tucked inside was a sweet raindeer ornament and a tiny key, I just love the key! Thank you Linda. :-)

I took the picture in the windowsill and Jilian insisted on sitting there too so could take her picture!

Matchbox #1

2010-12-01T13:25:00.000-08:00

In October I participated in A Swap for All Seasons matchbox swap of giant proportions! It involved 70 swappers that created 25 matchboxes, one to open each day of December, the 1st to the 25th.

These are the matchboxes I created each with a surprise tucked inside (don't want to give it away for anyone).

Today is day one and we finally got to open one! It was hard to wait. Even Grace remembered this morning when I told her it was the first day of December, she declared, "we get to open a matchbox!" :-)

The first one was created by Kim over at BlackBerry Crows Prims. I just love the charm she made and can't wait to add it to our Christmas tree (just have to go get it!). Thank you Kim!

Tomorrow is December 1st!!

2010-11-30T12:00:00.001-08:00

I can hardly believe that the Christmas season is upon us, already! I am pushing aside my feelings of being overwhelmed about all that needs to be done and am instead focusing on the Joy of the season, the reason for celebrating, Christ my Savior and preparing my heart to make this season memorable and FUN for my family.

To do that I am going to repeat what I started last year, celebrate 25 days of Christmas, with a simple activity each day. It can be overwhelming to think of doing something each day but keep it simple. Incorporate the things you are going to do anyway such as Christmas programs, getting a Christmas tree, a visit with Santa or attending Christmas Eve service and make that the activity for the day.

Also, look at your schedule, don't plan an activity that takes time on a day that is already busy. That will be stressful and you are likely to give up on the activity. If a day of the week is full with outside activities then keep the Christmas activity simple, like reading a Christmas story or listening to Christmas music in the car while driving to your activity.

This time of year is meant to be joyous and peaceful as we reflect on the gift of Christ and the gift of our family. Have fun and do want works well for your family.

Here is our list of activities. I print the list, cut them in strips and place them inside each little door of our advent calendar.

Leave a comment with your email address if you would like me to email you a Word document of this list.

December

1st Wednesday Weave Danish hearts for the Christmas tree

2nd Thursday Attend the town Christmas tree lighting celebration

3rd Friday Make a popcorn chain

4th Saturday Cut down Christmas tree and decorate while listening to
Christmas music.

5th Sunday St. Nicholas Day - learn the history of St. Nicholas, celebrate the
German tradition

6th Monday Watch a Charlie Brown Christmas

7th Tuesday Do a secret act of kindness

8th Wednesday Sing the 12 Days of Christmas and learn the history behind the song

9th Thursday Read the story of Jesus’ birth from Luke

10th Friday Watch Veggie Tale’s It’s a Meaningful Life, at our sister church

11th Saturday Make Christmas gifts with the girls

12th Sunday Take a drive at night and look at Christmas lights

13th Monday Bake Christmas cookies

14th Tuesday Build a ginger bread house

15th Wednesday Write a Christmas poem

16th Thursday Watch Grace in her school Christmas program, enjoy cookies and punch
with school families.

17th Friday Listen to Christmas music while traveling to see family

18th Saturday Celebrate Christmas with extended family

19th Sunday Read a Christmas story

20th Monday Watch the Polar Express and eat popcorn

21st Tuesday Donate gently used stuff animals to hospital emergency room

22nd Wednesday Bake Jesus a birthday cake

23rd Thursday Watch Grace in church Christmas program

24th Friday Make Albeskivers for dinner and open one gift

25th Saturday Christmas Day! Gives thanks for Christ our Savior!

A great blog for inspiration!

2010-11-24T13:57:00.000-08:00

If you are looking for a great blog for some creative inspiration, check out Stuck on Stampin'. My dear friend Heidi is one of the most creative and talented people I know! She has great ideas and loves to create and just so happens to be a Stampin' Up demonstrator too. If you are ever in need of some great products, need any ideas OR would like a chance to win a give away, visit her blog HERE!

Those of you with girls, here's a give-away for you!

2010-11-23T11:35:00.000-08:00

The blog 10 Million Miles is hosting a mother-daughter give away figuring books from Dannah Gresh of Secret Keeper Girl
I hadn't heard of the website before but after checking it out I am excited to have it as a resource. Sometimes I feel alone when trying to raise up my girls to be Godly women. Websites like this are great encouragement. You can enter the give away HERE.

Yummy Sweet Potatoes!

2010-11-22T19:53:00.000-08:00

I first had these sweet potatoes last year at a Thanksgiving potluck, they were SO yummy I had to have the recipe. Fortunately my friend was willing to share! :-) They are SO good they are hard to stop eating. Enjoy!

Sweet Potato Recipe:

2 cups mashed sweet potatoes (1 LARGE yam)
3/4c. melted butter
3/4c. sugar
2 eggs
1/2c. milk
1/2tsp. cinnamon
1/2tsp. nutmeg

Combine these ingredients and bake for 20 minutes (or until firm) at 400 degrees

3/4c. crushed cornflakes
1/2c. brown sugar
6T. melted butter
3/4c. chopped pecans (I used walnuts this time and it was just as yummy)

Combine these and sprinkle on top of baked potato mixture then bake 10
more minutes

Creating Traditions Part One of Three

2010-11-13T10:04:00.000-08:00

Just a few thoughts on creating traditions...

One of our roles as mom and wife is creating a loving, nurturing home for our families. Part of creating such a home is having traditions. Even if you do not call them traditions you have them. Game night, pizza on Fridays, story time, cuddle time in the morning, new jammies on Christmas Eve, and so on are all traditions.

One of the greatest times to create traditions for your family is around the holidays. If you reflect back on your own childhood I suspect that much of what you remember around the holidays is a special activity or tradition you did each year more so than the gifts. For me, as a little girl, each Christmas Eve we ate Albeskivers for dinner. A Danish round pancake of sorts. Traditionally a breakfast food but Christmas Eve can be a full evening so my mom opted to make breakfast for dinner. Now as an adult, I make them for my own family (and my siblings make them for theirs as well). There is nothing extravagant about having breakfast for dinner but it was something special that I can take from my childhood and pass on to my two girls.

Ableskivers
When thinking about developing traditions for our families it can be overwhelming. All too often we get caught up in comparing ourselves to other moms, how they parent or what their families look like or what their traditions are. Sometimes we even assume that she (the other mom) has it all together but in reality, she's just trying to figure it out like the rest of us. We are each created unique and God has designed us exactly how He wants us to be. Keep this in mind as the holidays approach. Just because one mom bakes cookies for her neighbors does not mean you have to. Customize your traditions for your family. You might enjoy literature so utilize that passion and create a tradition of finding different versions of the Christmas story to read throughout December. Or you might enjoy serving as a family so create a tradition of serving Thanksgiving dinner at a local soup kitchen.

You don't have to reinvent the wheel. Look back at your childhood. Are there traditions you would like to pass on to your family (or things you want to avoid)? What about your husband's childhood, what did he enjoy doing? Also, have a family conversation and talk about what is most important to them. If driving around to see Christmas lights is a highlight for your family, then don't stress and worry about making new traditions, just make sure that one activity happens.

If you decide you want to start a new tradition, don't overwhelm yourself with starting five new traditions! Just try one or two, depending on what they are. Write the other ones down and save the list with your holiday decorations. You can try the others next year.

Once you know what you want to do, start early! If you plan ahead and get started now you will relieve SO much stress. You will give yourself the opportunity to create traditions and truly enjoy the holiday season with your family. Set a goal and do one thing each day or week leading up the holiday or activity to reach that goal. If you are overwhelmed and stressed then you will miss the joy and fun to be had!

Choosing Contentment Challenge

2010-11-11T13:51:00.000-08:00

A blog I follow The Stay-at-Home Missionary posted a great vlog today about choosing to be content. I know that at times I struggle with being positive, content and joyful, especially on the difficult days. Joy shares some great tools in her vlog and challenges each of us to stop complaining, not even about the weather and consciously choose to be content, turning over our discontent to God. I'm willing to give it a go, will you join me?

You can see the post here.

Happy Veteran's Day

2010-11-11T08:00:00.000-08:00

Today I am honoring our veteran's by being thankful and remembering that without those that have served our country, I would not have my freedom. Thank you!

Also, you can join me and Aunt Nancy in honoring our service men and women by sending them a Christmas stocking. Aunt Nancy over at Aunt Nancy USA sends cards and treats to service men and women all through out the year. At Christmas time she sends stockings. The last two years our family has participated. It is such a blessing to bless others in this way. There are some service men and women that do not receive cards or gifts from home. That just breaks my heart especially when you think about all they do and all that they are sacrificing. What a simple gesture to show them that someone cares. This is not a political opinion, this is simply showing the love of Christ. If you are interested in "adopting" a solider. Visit Aunt Nancy's blog. There you will find her email address. You can email her and she will be in contact with you.

Happy Veteran's Day!

Sweet Pilgrim Candles

2010-11-10T14:35:00.000-08:00

This summer I found these sweet little Pilgrim candles at a garage sale. I was excited when I saw them. They remind me of some of the candles my mom and grandma had when I was a little girl. As you know, I love vintage and I have been wanting a few more Thanksgiving decorations. I really don't have much to put around the house in honor of Thanksgiving. I've been trying to be more intentional about celebrating Thanksgiving and all that we are blessed with. Instead of it just being a day to eat (although that is lots of fun)! These little Pilgrims are sitting on my cook top in my kitchen. They just make me smile and help me feel festive too!

I'm participating in Vintage Thingies Thursday over at the Colorado Lady. Be sure to stop by to see lots of other vintage treasures.

The Farm Chicks have a NEW book!

2010-11-05T09:55:00.000-07:00

Hello there! I wanted to share with you that The Farm Chicks have a NEW book all about Christmas! I have their first book The Farm Chicks in the Kitchen, it is one of my favorite cookbooks. It features yummy recipes and vintage inspired crafts for your home. The Farm Chicks, Serena and Teri have wonderful stories of being stay-at-home moms that love to nurture their families with yummy food while at the same time have followed their dreams (and love of vintage) starting with a small vintage fair. They have been featured in Country Living Magazine and have a yearly Farm Chicks Show in Washington (one day I will make it there!). I follow Serena's blog at The Farm Chicks. Today she is having a book signing, in Washington, in honor of The Farm Chicks Christmas: Merry Ideas for the Holidays. But she's also having a virtual book signing party, if you order from her website by 1pm today, she will sign your book before it ships out to you!

Fall FUN!

2010-11-04T14:02:00.000-07:00

Feeling a little "wordless" today but I wanted to share with you our Halloween pictures. We have an annual Halloween party and it was a lot of fun to dress-up and share the evening with friends. :-)

Our front door

Tractor ride at the pumpkin patch

Pumpkin carving

Halloween Night

One crazy family!

Apple Pie Kit

2010-10-27T08:02:00.000-07:00

A friend of ours gave us some apples, a big bag of tart green apples, perfect for apple pie. I used some in baked oatmeal but there were too many to eat all at once. I decided to try out a trick another friend told me about, apple pie kits to go in the freezer. I prepared the apples as I normally would for an apple pie but instead of baking them right away I put the pie filling into freezer bags. I now have two apple pie kits in my freezer, ready to go. I just have to thaw, put into a crust and bake.

I'm lazy and don't peel my apples when I bake a pie! I slice and core them. This time I decided to chop the apples into smaller pieces.

I don't use a recipe when making pies, I just do everything to taste. In this case add enough sugar and cinnamon to sweeten the apples and a little flour to thicken the juices.

Place each bowl full (about 2.5 to 3.5 apples) into a freezer bag until you are ready to use. Thaw, place in pie crust and bake.

Scrapbooking

2010-10-26T10:42:00.000-07:00

I mentioned in my last post that I got to spend a weekend out at the coast scrapbooking with friends. I wanted to share with you what I got accomplished that weekend (besides laughing and eating WAY TOO MUCH!) :-)

I'm still here!

2010-10-23T09:18:00.000-07:00

I just wanted to say "HI!" I got to have a weekend away two weekends ago to scrapbook with friends at the beach, what a fun time!

But since I have been back it has been go, go! Getting ready for Halloween and keeping up with the family. I have lots of things I want to share with you. Will post them as soon as I can or rather, when the family will let me! :-)

Have a wonderful weekend!

My girls and our red chair

2010-10-06T11:18:00.001-07:00

This summer my dear friend Heidi over at Blue Eyed Blessings took some wonderful pictures of our girls. You can hardly tell but we were just in our back yard and used one of my favorite red chairs.

Today I'm participating in Wordless Wednesday and Rednesday!