God's Handiwork

For since the creation of the world God's invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature—have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that men are without excuse. ~~Romans 1:20

~Photo by a talented 14 year old daughter~

We've "Bean" Busy~

Gifts from neighbors and family: yellow squash, red beets and cabbage and I didn't even include the zucchini. It's great to share the surplus.

Ready, set, snap! Our beans did not do well but my Mom has extra this year. We have picked there twice but there weren't enough to can-until today. The kids went and picked them while I froze peas from our garden.

Beans in jars-adding a little salt for taste.
Into the pressure canner.
The finished product. We were able to get 21 quarts and have some extra to eat fresh. No doubt, we'll repeat this a few more times this summer.

New Projects

A few people have mentioned that I should sew purses. See what you think:This is a "Buttercup Bag" using a Made by Rae Sewing Pattern. I used decorator weight fabric by Denyce Schmidt from the "County Fair" collection. You can download a free bag pattern in a smaller size at the above link.

I also made this onesie and ruffle bottom set from some strawberry fabric I had left over from the apron dresses. I just can't seem to get over using rick rack and buttons.

Time for Turtles

Last year it was the Summer of the Frogs. But this Summer it is definitely the Summer of the Turtles! The boys had to bring turtles home from their Aunt's pond. They have been fun to watch. Even the cat thinks so!

This handsome fellow was just begging to be photographed.

Some birthday money was used to purchase this Webkinz turtle. Not sure who thought up Webkinz-but they are a marketing genius.

Thrifty Treasures

We had our last Summer Reading Program at the library today and there's a thrift store just down the street....Look at the goodies I got today.A retro table cloth in reds and blues for $2. Love the hand (feel) of the older cotton fabrics. They were having a Christmas in July Sale and I also got these cool older ornaments.

I love finding vintage rick rack and cute little buttons. I don't even think you can find brown rick rack new anymore. Today's trip turned out to be pretty fruitful.

A Little R, R & R! (Rest, Relaxation & Recipe)

A few nights ago a good friend, who also homeschools, had a little get-together at her house. July is the month that screams "Summer is half over! What are you doing for school next year?" Of course in my early years of homeschooling I had things pretty well figured out in January. No more! There is just too much going on. Sewing, gardening, baseball, graduations, college, and vacations all crowd in for their time also. Look at this gorgeous spread! So thoughtful! Would one's own family appreciate this? Probably not. But any frazzled Mom would find it to be divine.
An extra-special touch-a floating candle in a teacup.
Fun drinks served in stemware. Cream soda and fruit juice. Notice the fruit on a skewer. I felt like I was at a fancy resort.
These parfaits were delicious. Very refreshing, just like the evening. It is so comforting to know that there are others who are experiencing the same feelings and emotions that you are. Thanks ladies for for the "mini-vacation"!!
Here is the parfait recipe:
FRESH FRUIT AND CREAM PARFAITS
Sauce:
1 tsp Knox gelatin
¼ c water
½ c whipping cream
½ c sugar
½ c sour cream
½ tsp vanilla

Fresh Fruit:
1 c blueberries
1 c green grapes, sliced
1 c strawberries, halved
Combine gelatin and water in a saucepan, let stand 1 minute.
Stir over medium heat, until dissolved.
Add cream and cool slightly.
Use a wire whisk to stir in sugar, sour cream and vanilla.
Refrigerate.
Layer Sauce and fruit in parfait glasses or dessert dishes.
Refrigerate.
Serves 6

The recipe for the Peanut Butter Cheesecake Brownie Babies can be found here:
www.kraftfoods.com/kf/recipes/peanut-butter-cheesecake-brownie-112867.aspx

A Decade

How could ten years have gone by so quickly? We celebrated by meeting some cousins at a new Sonic. (Sonic is new to our area.)
Next a quick swim. Just to cool things off a little.
A little humor to liven things up.
Blowing out candles to celebrate a great day and a great boy!

A Batch of New Bibs in the Shop

Camping?..... Who Me?

I have never been one to rough it in the great outdoors. I guess getting older and discovering how fast kids really do grow up has changed my perspective. We visited a state park that is very near to us one Sunday evening. It was early spring and it is a nice place to walk around. We happened to see this thing: This is a yurt. It is a dome shaped structure on a wooden platform.
It had 2 bunkbeds, a fridge, microwave and A/C! My kind of camping. We reserved it over a month ago on a weekend that my sister and her family could come too. It turned out to be a fun time! Campfires, s'mores, hotdogs, fishing, swimming, early morning devotions on a picnic table! Everything was great except for the mosquitoes! On the second night they were so bad that we ladies and the younger boys went in our yurt and played "Name the animal that starts with each letter of the alphabet" Such a fun little thing to do that we never have time for (for some reason) at home.
My little guy had the best time riding his bike around. He probably put about 50 miles on it!
My proud fisherman!
My sister and I sat and watched the guys fish. She was trying to teach me to crochet. I thought I was doing really well. I was adding my second row when she realized that I was knitting on a crochet hook! I guess crocheting isn't my thing. I better stick to sewing.
Camping was a good experience. We will have to try it again.

New Sundress in the Shop

This dress is a size 4T and features Amy Butler's Lotus Pond fabric in pink and moss green.