Goodbye Thanksgiving Hello Christmas

Well the wonderful time of Thanksgiving has come to an end.  Our family traveled to Texas (with a side trip to Oklahoma for my hubby who has never been to that state just so he can say he now has...he is so funny!) to spend time with my dad's side of the family.

It was a ton of fun and a ton of food.  Every time you turned around someone else was whipping out another goody.  I took my shifts at cleaning and cooking and relaxing while others had theirs.  There were roughly 56 there with well over half of those being under the age of 18.

My eldest making homemade salsa with her cousin (yes they are using CLEAN hands)

So much fun for my kids and especially wonderful for me to know that my kids are getting to know my family, during  their childhood, even though we live so far apart.  My kids talk about going to visit their cousin-friends (that's how they say it, all one word) and I know they will treasure these connections and memories for the rest of their lives like I treasure my time spent on the farm running and playing with my cousins as a child.  My family may be a 10 hour drive away but they are always in my memories and my heart.  So to sum up Thanksgiving, I know it was a wonderful holiday for us (minus the horrendous drive home, and that is a horror story all on its own), I hope you and your family and loved ones enjoyed celebrating the holiday and giving thanks for your many blessings.  God has truly blessed us!

Now to move on to Christmas, I am tickled pink (and at least half the time stressing out) about all the upcoming frivolity!!! The next four weeks are going to be outrageously busy, but I have made a commitment with my family that starting December 1st we will read at least one scripture a day from the story of Christs birth, as found in Luke and then Mathew where the Wise Men's journey is told.  Culminating with Christmas Eve when we will start back at the beginning and read the story in its entirety.  I have enjoyed reading the story every year, but this year I want to really get my children involved in realizing the importance of the season.  That its not about getting.  Getting gifts, getting to go to parties, getting, getting, getting seems to be the commercial view and sadly much of societies view of this holiday.  Rather I want my children to learn the emphasis of giving. Giving gifts, giving time, and most importantly giving of themselves as Christ gave Himself to us so that we should have an example of how we should live and ultimately dying for our sins.  So along with this commitment in my family I am committing to you my readers to post the scripture we read each day as well as share a way myself and/or my children gave of ourselves.  Some days it may be simple and hopefully there will be days with some grandness involved in our giving to really impact them.  I hope that I am able to recognize each of them daily and point out a way that they have given.  That is my goal.  I will also be posting numerous Christmas crafts and recipes as well as my usual around the house every day of the year crafts. So here we go lets start the season right by giving of ourselves!

Merry Christmas Everyone lets go give!
Have a great day and God Bless!

Words of Fall

So in the spirit of decorating for fall I had to make my own fall subway  printable.  It has been framed in my living room for a couple of weeks.  As I lay on my couch last night admiring my touches of fall I thought to myself "Why am I keeping my fall words to myself? I should share!"  So this post is just for that purpose.  If you want it...Take it!!!  right click and "save as" to wherever you like on your computer.  Then go print it.  I saved this in a 4x6 size since the .25 frame I got from the salvation army was a 4x6 (score!! and since I forgot to take a picture of it today I will have to post it later...sorry!).  So, moving on, here is the printable.  I did it in greens (the frame is an awesome green color!) chocolate browns, oranges, and turquoises. LOVE these colors for fall!

I hope you enjoy it as much as I have and that you will forgive me for not having a picture of it.
Have a great day & God Bless!

Tie-Shirt

I have been busy lately, but what I am going to share with you today is actually a project I completed about 3 weeks ago.  I have referenced it, but haven't yet showed it to you.  Its my "tie shirt".  Here is a picture of my Little Man wearing his tie-shirt sitting by his big sister wearing her cutie-patootie-outfit that you can click here to learn all about.

 I have been making these for a little while for babies on onsies following the pattern that you can here at an AWESOME blog called crapivemade.  I have had WONDERFUL results with this, and wanted to make a few for my little guy and my nephew.  Only problem is that the pattern given is for a LITTLE baby.  Not so much for a strapping almost three year old, and an almost two year old.  So I had to make some modifications to my pattern.  You might say "oh no biggie, just draw it bigger", but that's not exactly right either.  You really don't want it too much wider just longer in proportion to the length of the shirt and size of the child.  Then the knot area has to be larger as well in proportion to the tie.(Okay now that I have absolutely bored you senseless with all that unnecessarily complicated explanation. Let me just tell you what I did to fix it.)

I printed off her small pattern, and put it up to my sons shirt.  Too small, as noted earlier.  So I placed some freezer paper in between the two layers of shirt (inside the shirt where his body goes) and basically traced with an unclicked pen (no ink to get on the shirt) the size and shape I wanted the tie to be.  Then I pulled out the wax paper and cut along the indentations that the tracing made.  Finally I cut that out and used that as my pattern which brings me to this picture:

In this picture I laid my final patterns for the tie and knot on top of my wonder-under traced, and then cut out.  I affixed my cut out wonder-under to the fabric, cut the fabric along the edges of the wonder-under, and then affixed the cutout fabric/wonder-under combo to the shirt following the directions included with the wonder-under.  If you have never tried this stuff let me tell you that you MUST try it!!!! I ADORE it!!  

After I had my fabric tie affixed I laid the knot portion of the tie on top of it as flush with the neckline of the shirt as I could get it, and affixed it as well.  The final step was to sew a tight zig-zag stitch all the way around the edges to give it that applique look, and to keep it very securely in place.  

On this black one I pulled my shirt tight as I sewed.  Which gave it the wavy look when it was completed.  I happen to really like the affect this gets when he is wearing it.  It almost looks as if he is wearing a tie, because it doesn't look perfect.  Its really a cool affect that is hard to explain, you just have to see it.  Anyway, if you don't want a wavy rumpled look don't pull the shirt snug as you sew it.  Simple as that!

This blue one has a funky plaid print that gives it the affect of hanging sideways, and I had to put the knot fabric a little different direction than the tie, just to be fun.  You will note that I did not make this one wavy.  I  am really happy with both of the ways that these tie shirts turned out.  My Sister In Laws loves the ones I made my nephew as well!

This was such a simple and fast project to make (once I made the pattern the proper size and dimensions)!!  And, oh my the results were fabulous!!  As you saw above, I had my Little Man and my Girlie Girls wear their outfits on the same night. Theirs took hours of measuring, cutting, creating, and TONS of sewing.  Then only a few commented on their new outfits.  Then the tie shirts that took maybe an hour tops to make (both the pattern and to do four shirts).  The reaction?? Everyone in church went crazy over them...kids went crazy, parents went crazy, grandparents went crazy...they were a HUGE hit.  I don't sew for my kids for others reactions or compliments, but because I love to do it and to put my own personal touch on their clothes.  It was just shocking the overwhelming interest in his tie-shirt, but I have to admit I completely understand.  Little Man's smile with that little man shirt melts my heart every time!  Now I have a TON of small fabric pieces to make tie shirts out of since he loves them as much as I do!

Hope you enjoyed my simple tutorial on how I created my version of the tie shirts.  If you have any ideas or suggestions fire away!  I love to hear from my readers!

Have a great day and God Bless!

Creating & Cleaning

My Hubby and I are hosting all the folks in our church 40 and under tonight (his folks host the 40 and up crowd) for a bonfire, weenie roast, fall fun time.  I have been in a cleaning frenzy as well as a creating frenzy.  You would NOT believe how much I have accomplished since yesterday!  A HUGE thank you goes out to my sweet family who have been entertaining my girls for me since last night so that i could get more accomplished without the distractions mommying brings.  Uh Oh just heard something crash in little mans room (that just got cleaned...ugghhh) Guess I had better go find out what I need to pick up in there now!!  Just wanted to say how very much I am looking forward to showing off what I have been up too...can you tell how proud I am of myself??  seriously this rarely happens for me...I am LOVEING my sons rearranged and redecorated room!!!  Hears your teaser...think patchwork football on a color block level.  Yeah that's cryptic, but its all your getting.  So until I have a little bit to sit down and share your just going to have to suffer in curiosity...Bwaahahahaha (evil laugh)  Just as a teaser check out a couple of my Pinterest inspirations:

**** Just to be clear these projects pictured are not my actual work.  Just a couple of pins from Pinterest that I am finding inspiration in for a few of my current projects.  I don't want it to be misunderstood that I am claiming these to be my work.

Credit should be given where credit is definetly due! :

1.)Click for the Twig with frames

2.)Okay I thought I found the second picture at a diamond in the stuff but now I cant find it!!!  I have looked at my Pinterest boards and it seems to have completely disappeared!! So I am sorry that I cant give credit to the originator of this picture!!  If you know who it belongs to please let me know! **** thanks!

Have a great day & God Bless!

Peachy Teachers

I have seen so many cute teacher appreciation gifts on Pinterest, and I have been planning to do several for my girls teachers.  I just haven't remembered to pick up the supplies.  You know how that is.  You want to get it, you remember in the car on the way, forget to add it to the list, and when you finally get to the store you  forget.  All of a sudden after you are finished unloading the groceries, sitting in the drivers seat, and cranking the car it hits you like a bolt of lighting "Teachers!!!!  AAAARRRGGGHhhhhhhh!!!  Then you promise yourself you will get the stuff the NEXT time you go to the store.  Will the cycle ever be broken?!?!   Why yes it was. As I was dashing through the grocery store I went past the soft drinks, and as I passed the bagged candy a little bag of Peachieos called out to me "STOP!".  So. I. did. As soon as I saw them inspiration struck, and the cutest idea popped into my head for a teacher appreciation gift.  Other than the Peachieos, I had everything I needed at home to complete the simple gift.

So here is what I came up with, and SCORE I made a printable for you guys as well so you too can share the love with your kids teachers.

So yah, this is pretty self explanatory, but I am going to walk through it anyway...

I started with a small $1.29 bag of PeachieO's

Then I grabbed some previously received blue ribbon (don't you just love recycling useful items??) from my gift wrapping closet.

Since I had two gifts to make I used two pieces of ribbon per gift. I took the two pieces and tied them tightly around the bag about one third of the way down.  Then after punching a hole in the top corner of the tag I inserted just one of the ends of the ribbon through the hole.  Then picking up another end of the ribbon that's tied around the bag I tied another knot on top of the tag to secure it to the gift but keeping it still visible.  If I had put both strings on one side through the hole might have A: torn the tag or B: been too much ribbon curliness on top of the tag, and since the tag pretty much makes the whole point of the gift that wouldn't have been too great.

Oh, and I made up the tag as a printable to be included in this post as well (as I so sweetly mentioned in the teaser earlier).  Just right click then choose "save image as", saving it wherever you want to on your computer, and then you can print as many as your heart desires.

You will notice on mine that I actually added our family name at the bottom, but I was sweet enough to leave that off of this one.  Cause hey, if your name isn't Rogers it would be kinda weird for you to give to your teachers..right?  Right! So if you like you can edit this image with any image editing software, even one as simple as paint, and add your name to the bottom to personalize it. 

I hope you enjoyed my simple, on the fly, inspiration for a thrifty teachers gift (a buck twenty nine anyone??).  

Oh did I mention that they loved it?  My eldest daughters teacher actually shared the goodies with her class, but the youngest's teacher savored hers all by herself (smart lady who wants a bunch of sugared up Kindergartners??  not her, or me for that matter!).

If you have any ideas on this type of simple "Thank You" let me hear them.  I am always on the lookout for new ones, and I LOVE your comments!!!

Have a great day & God Bless!!

Wow, for me? THANKS!

A couple of weeks ago I was told via a comment that a fellow blogger was giving me the Liebster Blog award. I did a little research here on what this award means and boy did I feel honored!

The Liebster blog award is given to up and coming bloggers who have less than 200 followers.  Liebster is a German word meaning dear, sweet, kind, nice, good, beloved, lovely, kindly, pleasent, valued, cute, endearing, and welcome.

So you see why I was so thrilled that of all those new bloggers out there Nicole thought I was one of 5 who deserved this. I was floored that I was chosen by such an awesome fellow blogger.  Thanks Nicole!! I love reading her blog called davisdomestications, and you should check it out if you enjoy reading about DIY projects, cooking, and family fun.

To keep this award going the recipiant (me) must now choose 5 bloggers that I think are outstanding and who have fewer than 200 followers to pass it along to.

To be completely official and all here are the rules for participating in the Liebster Award:

1. Thank the giver and link back to the blogger who gave it to you.

2. Reveal your top five picks and let them know by leaving a comment on their blog.

3. Copy and paste the award on your blog.

4. Have faith that your followers will spread the love too!

So Drum roll please......... Here they are in no particular order.

1: bearrabbitbear

Melanie is an awesome blogger to follow.  I just love her sense of humor.  And boy is she talented!  She can sew and craft with the best of them.  You really should stop by and check her out!  She just changed the focus of her blog and re-named it to Sew Rugged so dont be confused when the name at the top of her page isn't bearrabbitbear.  I'm glad that, although her focus is on sewing projects that will withstand wear and tear, she will still be doing all those fun crafts. 

2: rocaandcompany

I came across this blog about a month ago when she left a very sweet comment on one of my projects as well as an invitation to join her link party. So I hopped over to check out her blog and fell into blog-love.  She has awesome ideas, and wonderful guest-bloggers (maybe I can jump into the writing guest posts pool one day, but I'm too nervous too get my toes wet).  I hadn't been a follower long when I shot her an e-mail about something I found interesting on her blog and got a very quick reply.  I love it when someone cares enough to answer a strangers simple question. Thanks Carmen!

3: petticoatjunktion

If you like seeing furniture redos you have GOT to check out Kathy's blog.  It is awesome!  I am in love with so many of her pieces.  She is an absolute inspiration to me.  Wow does she have talent!! Not to mention some cutie patootie grandkids.  Stop by and be amazed!

4:allthingsfee

Felicia is a super crafty mom.  It is fun to read her posts about her latest projects, tips, and recipes.  Ummm dying a onsie with Kool-aide anyone??  Yes please!!  I didnt even mention her mad organization skills!  I could learn so much from this lady (and do!).  I wonder if she would be willing to come here and give me a few lessons...hmmmmm

5:loveofwhite

The name says it all...Sandy has a SERIOUS addiction love for all things white, and I LOVE it!!!! Her blog is filled with some of the most gorgeous white things I have ever seen! and her eldest daughter Janae has a blog that is just as beautiful too (yes I know its only 5 blogs, but I had to sneak this one in too, and it doesn't count as a 6th since its her daughters...right??? I'll let Sandy give Janae the award officially.  See it all works out that way!) Janae isn't her only offspring she has another daughter and two sons all adorable!  I love reading her posts on decorating and her family.  You must check her out!

Congratulations Ladies and I hope everyone stops by to give them some love and perhaps a follow as well!

Its Fall Ya'll

In case you don't live in North America I need to let you know...its FALL!  The leaves are brown, yellow, red, and orange, and that's just in my back yard!  I love the crispness of the cool wind, and the sound of the leaves blowing across my paved driveway.  I love the crunch they make underfoot, and how my kids love to pick out especially beautiful ones for us to examine a little closer.  I love boots, sweater, and hot cocoa, as well as all the soups that this time of year encourages making. Its just wonderful.  In case you havent figured it out yet...I LOVE FALL.
To capture just a little of that outdoor crisp feeling I decided to bring a little bit of nature indoors.  But, how could I possible display it so that the sentiment could be fully imparted?  Enter my on the cheap DIY Hurricane Globes/Apothecary Jars:

These are super cheap and SUPER simple to make.  I labeled them Apothecary/Hurricane simply because they are the Apothecary Jar style that is very popular right now, but I haven't made the lids to go on them yet since I wanted my fillers to be able to stick out of the top.  The Hurricane part comes in because they are straight up and down type containers with no curves and as mentioned have no lids.  So its my own hybrid version.  

First you start with these supplies that I picked up at the local Dollar Tree store for a grand total of $6:

I picked up two martini glasses, two tall glass vases, one short glass pillar candle holder (so similar to the vase which was totally awesome) and the more fanciful of all the holders the taper candle holder.

I spray painted the two martini glasses and the taper candle holder a flat black (I decided against the shine for this project) 

Next I applied glue to the top of my bases and set the jars on them. I like this glue for long lasting hold on a variety of surfaces, but it does take a while to dry with a good seal.  So don't rush this one.  It is worth the wait!

Here is what you have once the glue dries firm:

I liked them as they were, but I like to add flair with little detailed touches.  So I added the ribbon and the chalkboard vinyl cutout labels.  I also added my "fall". Which were the pine cones gathered from my yard and acorn gathered from my Aunts yard by my children.  Here is the finished product from a different angle: 

Every time I look at them I am reminded of the crispness of Fall.  I love them and the are a great compliment to my faux mantle.  

I hope you are having a wonderful fall or whatever season it is where you are.  Embrace it and bring it into your home with you (unless it is just the rainy season and in that case curl up with a good book and a hot cup of tea).

Let me know what you would do differently or if you have made something like this on the thrifty.  I love saving my pennies!

Hope you have a great day & God Bless!!

31 Day Challenge: Day 31

Well its over!  I am posting my last post of this years 31 Day Challenge.  I am actually Shocked pleasantly surprised that I completed it.  Some days I was WAY late tardy, but I made it all the way to the end.  For my final beautiful moment I would have to say it was arriving home with my hubby and kids safe and sound to a clean house after a 12 hour drive (I scurried around straightening up from the packing storm so I wouldn't have to face it on my return.. whew so glad I did!) .  It was a blessedly uneventful trip (you wouldn't BE.lieve some of the things that have happened on that trek in years past!!).  So now all my family are snuggled into their warm beds, and the sound of my husbands snores drifting down the hallway are like a sirens song calling me to my own bed...wonder if its become more comfortable in the time I was away...hmmmm.  If not I will sack out on the couch or on my old bed as usual I guess. 
Anyway, I have greatly enjoyed this series of posts, and I hope you lovely readers have as well!  Its been interesting and fun!  I'm pretty sure that next year when the challenge is again issued I will take it up once more.  Not sure what I will find to blog about next time.  But hey, I don't have to think about that right now!   I am actually toying with the idea of a once a day (excluding Saturday & Sunday) holiday post for the month of December.  Just a daily post on the week days having to do with how my family and I are embracing the holiday season, and the holiday recipes, crafts, and projects I come up with as well.  Let me know if you think I should tackle it :)  I'm game if your game to humor me by reading my dronings on and on (such as right now....uggghhh...must quit typing already, and just go to bed!). 

I pray that you have been inspired in some way by something I have written during this series.  I also hope that at the end of your day instead of worrying and stressing, you are trying to remember the beautiful moments of your day. 

Oh, on a side note, I wanted to let you know how my friend Alayna's surgery went very well today.  The surgery only took 5 hours.  Afterwards the doctor came out, and let the family know that there was NO nerve damage and no reconstructive surgery necessary.  Also, they were able to get every bit of the tumor out, and the prognosis is very good for a wonderful and speedy recovery.  Thank You God!!  Also thank you everyone who joined with us in prayer today.  I really appreciate it, and am thankful to have this community of friends who, even though I have never met you face to face, I feel support from.  Thank you again!

I hope you have a great day & God Bless!