6 Blessings

Images of Today

2012-02-02T20:26:00.002-05:00

Bible Lesson Plagues on Egypt Exodus 10-11

Rearranged the kitchen a little. Removed a cabinet door to display dishes. Idea from Better Homes & Gardens.

Erica made Pineapple Upside Cake for dessert.

Gorgeous fabric I won-Sweet Lush by Patty Young for Michael Miller. Deciding what to sew with it.

Christmas....A Little Late this Year.

2011-12-27T02:11:00.001-05:00

This post goes along with the picture of the post below.
Well, I finally got a Christmas card ordered! Note the date: December 27. I like to send picture cards and we were not all together until Christmas this year. I usually try and get a picture at Thanksgiving. But Andy was in Arizona visiting family. I made sure that we got a picture when we got home from church on Christmas Sunday-- before we ran off to my Mom's house. Luckily, Alissa knows how to set up the timer on my camera! I thought the picture was pretty good for a spur of the moment job. I was impressed with the selection of cards that share the true meaning of Christmas at Shutterfly. I ordered a few of the below style and more of another style (because of cost). I also ordered a book of our vacation that we took last May in Myrtle Beach. Mmm...I am seeing a pattern here. Procrastination. At least I still remembered our vacation to write about it :) So....Merry Christmas (a little late)!

Stationary Card

2011-12-27T01:52:00.003-05:00

For Unto Us Religious Christmas Card

Custom Christmas cards are always available at Shutterfly.com.

View the entire collection of cards.

The Christmas Snack Carrier

2011-12-20T06:15:00.001-05:00

A great way to deliver caramel corn and snack mixes.

Here is a great way to deliver gifts of Christmas snack mixes. Use a take-out drink carrier with tall plastic cups from Wal-Mart. I got my cups marked down after Thanksgiving. (Because I'm thrifty.) The last time I checked, they had a brighter red and green in stock for Christmas. Get the clear cello treat bags in the party section. Place them in the cups and fill with homemade caramel corn and snack mixes. We filled two of the four with caramel corn, one with a salty/savory mix and one with a sweet/salty mix. The Sweet and Salty Snack Mix recipe is a keeper! It is very good! You can find the recipe here: http://crumbsandchaos.blogspot.com/2010/12/sweet-salty-snack-mix.html
Add a bow and gift tag and you're good to go.

Sewing with...Faith Hope & Love

2011-11-17T18:29:00.000-05:00

Faith Hope & Love Christmas Skirt

Here is a new Christmas skirt that I sewed up for a Christmas craft show this past weekend and for my Etsy shop: Adorable Blessings This Faith Hope & Love skirt pattern is an easy pattern to sew up and perfect for a beginner. The best part is that the purchase of this skirt pattern helps benefit children from all corners of the world. Create H.O.P.E. Designs uses 100% of all funds generated to benefit designated foundations serving orphans and their communities.

Cute Snowmen!

Kristy, over at Hopeful Threads, is having a fun sew-along for the month of November, using patterns purchased from Create HOPE Designs. Click on the above link if you would like to join in.

Under the Tree Giveaway

2011-11-08T06:35:00.000-05:00

I am participating in Mommy's Moments Under the Tree Giveaway.

There are plenty of handmade gifts for kids being given away. Hurry and enter! This event runs from November 8 thru 14. Adorable Blessings has added a crayon roll to the collection. These make great stocking stuffers or birthday party favors. Click here for the giveaway

Something Blue, Something New

2011-10-05T17:59:00.000-04:00

Custom Dog Gift Set

New~Hello Kitty Crayon Roll

Custom Orders

2011-07-20T17:52:00.000-04:00

Here some pictures of custom orders that I have recently sewn:

Birthday Tee for a 2 year old

Disney Princess Appliqued Tee and Twirly Skirt

Team Tee (this had a name on the back too)

Embellished Jacket and Skirt for a Newborn

Cute touch on the Bottom

Can you tell her Daddy is a Steeler's fan?

A padded camera strap for my neighbor who has a photography business.

On A Roll...

2011-07-19T22:57:00.000-04:00

New Crayon Roll Designs

Dinosaurs and Stripes

Superman Comic Strip

Pink Disney Princess

Disney Cars

Finally... Kitchen Curtain Fabric

2011-07-17T22:35:00.000-04:00

I have been looking for months for some fabric for my kitchen. I have a 36" wide window over my sink and a 6' sliding door near the table that need some valances. Since our disaster with our dishwasher last fall, I have been looking and looking for fabric. I almost got some one time At Joann's. I almost got some when we went to Myrtle Beach. These were black and cream designs. The walls are painted a light olive and I really wanted some olive with the black and cream. This is new Waverly fabric that fabric.com just got in and I should have it tomorrow! It was also on sale when I ordered and I got an additional percentage off. I was impulsive and ordered it without getting a sample first. But-I think Im going to love it. I am also thinking of asking artist daughter to cut me a stencil of one of the design elements. I may do a little tone on tone stencil painting on the walls.

New and in the Shop

2011-07-16T17:08:00.000-04:00

Summer Song Pillowcase Dress in Size 6

Reversible Butterfly Dress in size 2T

So St. Croix Halter Dress in Multiple Sizes

New and in the Shop

Chalk Talk

2011-07-13T19:44:00.001-04:00

I am really loving my "new" repurposed chalkboard. I got a huge, ugly, faded framed picture at a thrift store this past spring for $3. A little ivory spray paint and some distressing made the frame look oh-so-good. A little primer and chalkboard paint really improved the old picture. I love having this in the kitchen! We just put it up this past weekend and we've already personalized it twice. First to share a Bible verse and next to wish Josh a happy 12th birthday!

Josh (12 today) and Isaac. Isaac was blessed today too. For self-defense, he got a super soaker too.

Here is the awesome Pirates ice cream cake that Alissa made.

It finally Feels (and Looks) Like Summer Around Here!

2011-06-03T16:57:00.001-04:00

My First Sale

2011-05-05T21:50:00.000-04:00

I'm going to be taking some time off from sewing to spend some time with my family. Instead of closing down my Etsy shop, I thought I would have a Ready to Ship Sale. All my items that are sewn up and ready to send will be an extra 10% off until May 16. This is also the date that your order will be shipped. Just use code: SPRING11 when you check out. Below are a few pictures of some of the items for sale.
http://www.etsy.com/shop/adorableblessings#

Easter Dresses

2011-03-15T14:57:00.005-04:00

It has been so cold this spring here in Ohio. The snow is almost all gone but it seems like the cold weather won't let go. (I made up these Easter dresses a few weeks ago.) This inverted pleat a-line style was popular last year in my shop. So, I decided to bring it back this year in a different fabric. The fabric is Moda's Bunny Hill by Lily and Will. The dress is available in three colors: green, pink and blue. If you look closely you can see that there is a bunny hiding in the Cottontail Toile fabric. So cute! I have sold my samples and even sent one to Madrid Spain. Luckily, I have more fabric to make some more. The fabric is from Stitches n' Giggles Click here to visit Stitches N' Giggles They have great service and great prices.

A Winning Opportunity

2011-02-28T13:45:00.000-05:00

Jody Hedlund, author of " The Preacher's Bride" was recently interviewed on a local Christian radio station. She is a sweet homeschooling mom to five and an historical writer. It just so happens that my neighbor has interviewed Jody and is offering a signed copy of her book. Hop on over to "Dancing in His Light" and leave a comment for your chance at winning this awesome book.

The Wonder of Winter

2011-02-22T19:42:00.001-05:00

The day is Yours, the night also is Yours.
You have prepared the light and the sun.
You have set all the borders of the earth;
You have made summer and winter.
~~Psalm 74: 16-17

Photo by my Sarah

Heart Art

2011-02-16T16:17:00.001-05:00

Look what we got in the mail today from our college daughter.

What can be sweeter than handmade Valentine's Day cards?

We LOVE them all!

Thanks Alissa!

Snow Fun

2011-01-24T00:13:00.000-05:00

New Year's Etsy Treasury with my Robot Pillowcase

2011-01-03T23:11:00.000-05:00

Cookie Baking Fun

2010-12-23T12:09:00.000-05:00

This year they chose fun bright colors for the frosting~~

New Banner

2010-11-24T11:38:00.000-05:00

Lots of new dresses and bibs and lounge sets in the shop~Christmas colors! Polka dots, stripes, damask, snowflakes, reindeer and Christmas trees all in festive reds,pinks, greens and blue. My old banner just didn't match. Look what Sarah made me:

http://www.etsy.com/shop/adorableblessings Love it! Thanks Sarah!

Sweet Little Gifts for Girls

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

New crayon rolls in the shop. Great for stocking stuffers or gift exchanges!

Look Who Came to Visit

2010-10-13T07:12:00.002-04:00

This fellow was spotted in the tree right beside our garage. The dogs barked, the cat tried to befriend him and Josh offered to shoot him with his BB gun. He wisely left when darkness fell.
~photo by my Sarah

Doughnuts...

2010-09-22T11:57:00.001-04:00

Love this fabric. So fun for a bib and burp cloth. The dress is a custom order for "Doughnuts with Daddy" day at preschool.

Warning: Proud Mom Post

2010-09-10T23:00:00.002-04:00

Fine Art Entries: Josh's Blue Jay and Isaac's Beavers

Lego Projects

Josh's Awards

Isaac's Awards

This year the boys wanted to enter Lego projects in our county fair. I figured that it wouldn't be too much more trouble to enter a few more categories. Of course,the prize money was a good incentive.

Josh got a blue ribbon for his market hog, and he got first for his peanut butter bars and also best of the Jr. division.

Isaac got a red ribbon for his Lego structure, an honorable mention for his drawing and blue ribbons for his monster cookie and zucchini muffins.

It was a good experience for them and I anticipate them entering more projects next year.

It's a Pig Deal...

2010-09-06T19:52:00.002-04:00

Josh's tomato-loving pig.

In the show arena.

Big brother Andy was home for the weekend to help.

All cleaned up and exercising.

Cuts of pork demonstration poster.

We are so proud of Josh! Josh did a great job with his 4-H hog project this year. He carried heavy pails of water and feed to the barn multiple times a day, kept a 4-H record book, did a demonstration on the cuts of pork and worked with his pig. While his pig may not be a champion- his work ethic is surely in the championship category!

Baking for the Fair

2010-09-03T08:52:00.001-04:00

The boys baked for the fair this year. They also drew, painted and built Legos. I just don't have any pictures of those projects yet. Josh made Peanut Butter Bars and Isaac made Monster Cookies and Zucchini Muffins. Their inspiration: They hope to win and get rich :)

Family Rules

2010-09-02T08:07:00.002-04:00

Seven Family Rules

1. Tell the truth.
Trust in the glue that holds family relationships together.

2. Treat others with respect.
- Speak politely. Use "please," "thank you," "excuse me," and "I'm sorry" often.
- Don't swear, hit, or kick.
- Don't name call, tattletale, or put down others behind their backs.
- Wait your turn to speak. If you must interrupt, first say, "Excuse me, please."
- Don't shout messages across the house.

3. No arguing with Mom and Dad.
- Ideas and input are valued and respected, but arguing means your point has already been made.
- Ask permission before going somewhere and be home when expected.

4. Respect each other's property and his/her right to privacy.
- Ask permission to use something that doesn't belong to you.
- Knock before entering a closed room.

5. Obey when you're asked to do something the first time.
- Complaining and tantrums are not allowed.
- Assigned chores should be performed when expected without being told.

6. Keep your surroundings neat, clean, and organized.
Whether its toys, games, clothes, dishes, or school supplies, put things away that you take out.

7. Be kind and helpful to each other.
Celebrate accomplishments with praise, show good sportsmanship, and look for ways to encourage each other.

I got these in an email from Alpha Omega Publications this morning. These would easily solve 99% of of our problems. Now to apply them...☺

New~~Crayon Rolls

2010-07-29T19:07:00.000-04:00

I'll be adding crayon rolls soon to my shop These are great to keep in your purse or diaper bag. Comes with 8 crayons to keep your little one entertained~perfect for long waits in the doctor’s office or at a restaurant.

Let's Get Personal-Part 2

2010-07-19T23:18:00.000-04:00

A custom outfit for my friend's grandaughter. I am having a fun time with my new sewing machine!

Let's Get Personal

2010-07-09T22:22:00.002-04:00

I recently updated my 20 year old sewing machine. My new machine can do embroidery and monogramming! Here is my first personalized project. This little boy's Mama ordered this set for his first birthday party. These little birthday sets are so much fun!

New Look

2010-07-08T09:06:00.002-04:00

My sweet daughter made me a new banner for my Etsy shop.
Adorable Blessings is also on Facebook. Come on over and "like" us!

And here is my new avatar.

Brother and Sister Set

2010-06-24T17:25:00.000-04:00

This set was custom ordered for a brother and sister for a photography session.

25 Years!

2010-06-08T08:29:00.001-04:00

Today is our 25th anniversary. The years have just flown by. We are planning on celebrating in some way soon. We have so much on our calendar for today that all the activities wouldn't even fit in today's square. June 8 is also a popular day for baseball practice, track practice, a baseball game, a 4-H meeting, a dentist appointment and a few other things. Tim was so sweet to bring me roses the night before. God has richly blessed me with a great guy who loves God, works hard and is a great husband and father.

~~We took this picture on the beach during our recent vacation.~ ~

Sharing Our Awesome Vacation

2010-06-04T23:42:00.002-04:00

Customize a picture slideshow

Ahhhh...

2010-05-13T21:00:00.000-04:00

We are venturing South for a few days! I've been doing laundry all day and now we are packing!! It's been five years since we've been to the beach. We can hardly wait to get there!

A Lucky Find

2010-05-12T21:59:00.000-04:00

I have been reading The Sign of the Beaver by Elizabeth George Speareto the

boys in the evening. It is a great book to read to boys and they are enjoying it.

I was so excited when I found this at Wal-Mart yesterday: A Family Adventures Collector's Set DVD that includes The Sign of the Beaver, The Swiss Family Robinson and two other movies. The best part was that it was $5 and we are going on a lengthy road trip soon. I also got a Cosby Show DVD that includes 10 episodes also for $5. Hopefully, this will make our hours on the road a little more bearable.

Project Fair

2010-05-12T13:43:00.003-04:00

We had our first annual HOPE project fair last night. It was great a opportunity for the students to share some of the things they have learned this past year. Each child made a display of events or projects that they enjoyed this past year. All the kids shared a little about themselves and received a certificate. It was so awesome to witness the emphasis on a Godly education and hear the prayers and Bible verses recited. We closed the evening with snacks and fellowship. Each family received a DVD of pictures from the past year with music. I think that everyone would agree that we all learned a lot and we made a lot of new friends.

Mother's Day

2010-05-09T21:50:00.002-04:00

I had a great Mother's Day! All the kids were able to be home for the weekend. I started out the day with breakfast in bed. Josh made me pancakes and fruit salad. Next, we went to church. I had nursery duty and I got to enjoy some sweet babies. We had a delicious lunch prepared by the girls: Skillet Beef Stroganoff, breadsticks salad and later- a yummy srawberry dessert. The younger boys picked out roses with the help of their Dad. The girls got me some great travel items for our upcoming trip. I just love the homemade cards!! In the afternoon, we went to my Mom's for a dessert buffet. A great day!

New...In Blue

2010-05-07T08:27:00.001-04:00

You Gotta Have HOPE!

2010-05-05T04:15:00.002-04:00

Our homeschool group went on an awesome field trip yesterday. A few weeks ago all the members of HOPE signed a sheet of vellum for a t-shirt project. We drove to a nearby town to a business that prints and embroiders shirts, signs, hats etc. We actually got to see our shirts being screen printed and the ink heat-set.
Above: Isaac with his new shirt. The finished project. Josh getting his shirt "hot off the press". Some of the ink colors.

Painting Project

2010-05-04T08:09:00.000-04:00

Yesterday we attended a painting class. The class was taught by an older lady who told the kids they could call her Grandma. It was a fun experience. Here is Josh displaying his Blue Jay painting. All the paintings came out so nice. Hopefully, we will see some budding artists emerge from this experience.

Art?

2010-05-03T10:34:00.003-04:00

It's Monday! I'm tired. I stayed up too late talking with the older girls. Why do we have our best conversations at night? Last night the topic was art. Art? I have no idea how we got on this topic. Yes, both girls are college students taking art classes. Both have very different views on art. Older daughter is an auditory learner. (If you homeschool, it is common to figure out your child's learning style so they can be taught more effectively.) Her sister is a visual learner. They both interpret art so differently. Older daughter likes reality and facts, Her sister likes allegories and fiction. We concluded that art can appreciated by the artist's ability (older daughter) or the artist's emotion and expression (younger daughter). Older daughter does not appreciate modern art and younger daughter likes to glean mood and expression from it. My take on this: "Beauty is in the eye of the beholder."

(The Starry Night-Vincent van Gogh)

Home Today

2010-04-28T07:36:00.003-04:00

Today-I'll be driving here:loading up the van and bringing home a dear daughter for the summer. I can't believe that her freshman year went by so fast! It really makes me stop and think about how important each day is. How each day is a gift and our choices, even the small ones, add up and can make such a difference. As I get older, time seems to move faster and faster. All those little old ladies in the grocery store who used to stop and comment on my babies were right. They really do grow up fast and we need to enjoy them while we can!.

Here is Alissa soon after she moved in her dorm room. (Unfortunatley, the blue fridge quit working this year.) We'll be jamming the van with lots of clothes, lots of junk, lots of art projects and lots of stories and memories. I just know the summer will pass by quickly (they always do) and we'll be loading up the van again before we know it.

A Giveaway!!

2010-04-26T13:37:00.000-04:00

Catherine of A Spirited Mind

is having a giveaway on her blog for an Adorable Blessings $20 gift certificate.

Just go here for the details.

Learning Can Be Fun

2010-04-22T22:11:00.005-04:00

This year we have been involved in a homeschool co-op. We are loving it. We are focusing on art, service projects, phys. ed., science and Ohio history. We meet twice a month and usually have a field trip scheduled each month also. An added bonus is the fellowship we have with the other families.
Josh and Isaac reading their Ohio report. Next, they had the group play Ohio Jeopardy. If you answered a question correctly you got a Dum Dum sucker because they are made in Ohio.

A fun science experiment: placing Mentos Mints into Diet Coke to create an explosion of sorts. When the Mentos hits the surface of the coke, the compressed carbon dioxide forms bubble on the surface of the Mentos and it is released into the air and pushes the Coke out with it. Luckily, it was a beautiful spring day for this outside only experiment.

"I am"

2010-04-18T20:43:00.013-04:00

"I am the bread of life" (John 6:35)

"I am the light of the world" (John 8:12)

"Before Abraham was, I am" (John 8:58)

"I am the door" (John 1o:9)

"I am the good shepherd" (John 10:11)

"I am the resurrection and the life" ( John 11:25)

"I am the way, the truth and the life" (John 14:6)

"I am the vine" (John 15:5)

"I am he," they fell backward, and fell to the ground. (John 18:6)

(These are the passages from our sermon this morning: "Look at This Man from Heaven"-all Scripture taken from the Gospel of John)

Images of a Spring Morning

2010-04-15T08:06:00.007-04:00

Great Mother's Day Gifts and a Winning Opportunity

2010-04-14T08:10:00.011-04:00

I was recently interviewed and featured for a giveaway by Angi of Cokie Pop Paper Boutique
Recipe Boxes, Scrapbooks, Keepsake Box and Greeting Cards are sold in her Etsy Shop
Here are a few of the original items from her shop:

Look at this super cute recipe box: Baking Cupcake Rolling Pin in Pink This is just one of many recipe and keepsake boxes that are currently for sale.
Here are some pages from her Scrapbook - Family Friends Good Times. Look how cute this is and think how easy it would be to add your own pictures and a little journaling! She also has a Disney themed scrapbook if a Disney vacation is in your future. Either of these items would make great Mother's Day gifts!

Hurry on over to Angi's blog for details on how to win an Adorable Blessings $20 gift certificate. The drawing will take place on Wednesday, April 21.

Lookin' Ahead to Summer

2010-04-13T11:45:00.005-04:00

A new bright and breezy dress--perfect for summer. Love the ruffled neckline! It's in the shop.

I just love how this fabric stands out against the green grass. Our grass just recently "greened" up. We have even mowed the lawn. "Yep," summer's coming!

I Won!

2010-04-08T18:38:00.006-04:00

I recently won a month of free advertising on A Spirited Mind! I have enjoyed reading Catherine's blog for some time and I knew A Spirited Mind would be a great place to advertise my Etsy Shop.

Here is Catherine's synopsis of her blog: "A Spirited Mind is my outlet for writing about life as a Christian mom to three children aged four and under and my search for balance between the demands of motherhood and my passions for reading, writing, and dabbling in other creative endeavors."

A Spirited Mind includes book reviews, recipes, decorating ideas, contemplative thoughts and pictures of some of the cutest kids you've ever seen. The videos of them singing or reciting poems is priceless! Right now there is a great purse giveaway. Just head over and see how you can win!

Winning the contest was the easy part. I needed to have an advertising button to enter the contest. You know, the kind with graphics and html codes. Huh? This was certainly a challenge. But I have wonderful neighbors who helped me out! (My new advertising button is over in the right column.) I am so thankful for my neighbor who writes Dancing in His Light and her daughter who writes Words of Wits(dom) by Sarah Rupp for helping me pull off the whole button thing!

It's That Time of Year Again!

2010-04-06T14:12:00.007-04:00

It's time for frogs!! My boys are delighted! The weather has been gorgeous and unseasonably warm. Perfect weather for frogs. They have also been working on a snake and fish collection.

Ahhh...taking a little break. Catching frogs is hard work.

This fellow jumped right up on Josh's foot. (That's a Kodak moment at our house.) At last count they had 28 frogs and 1 toad. They let the 6 garter snakes go after much encouragement to do so. But I let them add 6 fish to our goldfish aquarium. I'm not sure what kind they are but they are coexisting peaceably with the goldfish.

Adopting an Egg

2010-04-05T13:27:00.004-04:00

Tim took the boys on a walk the other night and Josh came home with this egg. He has the biggest heart and is trying his best to keep it warm by heating up a rice bag at frequent intervals. He has named the egg "Eggbert".

It was cold and desserted when they found it. He keeps asking me if I think it's still alive. I don't know anything about eggs-but I think that we would need an incubator to be succesful with this project. I don't know what we'd do with it if it did hatch. I'm sure the cats would think a baby duck or goose would be quite a treat. I also have the rotten goose egg from "Charlotte's Web" in the back of my mind. Hopefully, we won't experience that.

Christ the Lord is Risen Today!

2010-04-03T23:38:00.005-04:00

He paid a debt, He did not owe. I owed a debt, I could not pay. I needed someone to wash my sins away...

“I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in Me, though he may die, he shall live." John 11:25

Easter Activities

2010-04-03T23:09:00.011-04:00

After the egg hunt at Grandma's house. Cousins counting their eggs to see if they found them all. It started to rain so we had the egg hunt inside this year.

Isaac searching for eggs.

Rice Krispy Treat eggs...

and rabbits. They had whiskers made with Fiber One cereal. (At least they were a little bit healthy.)

Isaac's favorite item in his Easter basket. Well... he really liked the candy too.

Artsy eggs.

Being creative.

Working on the Rice Krispy Treats. We were laughing because I got Alissa's elbow all sticky.

24 Years? How can it be?

2010-03-31T08:35:00.009-04:00

We drove down to Columbus on Saturday to celebrate Andy's birthday. I can't believe that I have a child that is 24. Time really does fly. After a little shopping, we went out to eat at Red Robin. FYI: You can get a free gourmet burger on your birthday by signing up here I got the Southwest Grilled Chicken Salad that was on special. It was really good. We stayed overnite and attended church with Andy on Sunday. It was so nice to get away for the weekend.

Isaac displaying his new "funny" face. Camera shy sisters.

Erica made Andy his favorite lemon cake (see recipe below)

Lemon Miracle Cake

1 sm box lemon jello

1 cup boiling water

1 pkg cake mix (we used lemon)

3/4 cup vegetable oil

1T lemon extract

4 eggs

Glaze

Combine until smooth:

2 1/2 cups powdered sugar

7 T Real Lemon Juice

Dissolve lemon jello in cup of boiling water; set aside to cool. Mix cake mix with oil, lemon extract add eggs one at a time on low speed-then add cooled jello and pour into 9x13 pan. Bake at 350○ for 40 minutes. Remove from oven and punch holes with fork all over hot cake. Immediately pour glaze over cake.

This recipe comes from our church cookbook. A very dear lady always brought it to every potluck.

Sweet Little Pillowcase Dresses

2010-03-19T23:20:00.005-04:00

These dresses are pillowcase style and sewn up with sweet fabrics that look "Shabby Chic".

Soft pinks, blues and greens with lots of ribbon. Perfect for Easter and Spring.

Many sizes to chose from.

Currently on display locally at "The Tea Spot"

"Quilting Our Kids"

2010-03-16T08:27:00.004-04:00

"It happens one day at a time. This day leads to the next, and we are creating a patchwork quilt of our children's lives, stitched with the everyday events, embellished with the fun and fanciful."

From "Homeschooling Today" magazine: July/August 2009, Article: "My Hero" by Kym Wright
http://www.kymwright.com/

Displaying at The Tea Spot

2010-03-08T14:44:00.004-05:00

I am currently (Month of March) displaying some of my hand sewn items at "The Tea Spot". It is a new local shop that sells essential oils and teas. It is owned by a very sweet and capable friend. She is very knowledgeable about the uses of essential oils, aromatherapy and of course, teas. Being a mother to seven children has provided her with a lot of hands-on experience. She also has an online store : The Oil Shoppe that provides others with natural, healthy products. Please check it out and read her "Our Story" link that explains her business philosophy.

A view of part of my display. My handy husband built me the display rack.

Bibs and burp cloths displayed in baskets with signs that my daughter made (Thanks Alissa!).

Monkeying Around...

2010-03-04T11:11:00.009-05:00

It can be so hard to find cute fabrics for little boy's clothing. There just isn't as much out there. This Sock Monkey fabric from Moda is so cute and works beautifully for boy's items. An appliqued snap shirt and matching cuffed pants:

And for the girls there is so much cute fabric that it's hard to pick just one.

Knot dress/jumper made of cupcake and polka-dots fabrics. This would be great for birthday parties. Looks like a party waiting to happen! In the shop.

Something New, Something Blue

2010-02-24T23:45:00.004-05:00

For the gals.

For the guys.

"The Best of Both Worlds"

2010-02-19T08:02:00.006-05:00

In the truest sense, Christian pilgrims have the best of both worlds. We have joy whenever this world reminds us of the next, and we take solace whenever it does not.

~C. S. Lewis

Pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.

I Thessalonians 5:17-18

Today

2010-02-17T19:59:00.006-05:00

Broken glass-Sticky pop absorbed by carpet-Cleaning carpet with a bad attitude-Teaching-Picking up Nerf arrows-Reading emails-Blessed by prayers for a sick boy-Sorting through papers-Wiping up counters-Making soup-Sitting and praying-Driving to town with only one child-Dentist office-Reading poems and stories-Reclining in a dental chair-Visiting friend at her new store-Dropping off a package and visiting Mom-Picking up tax returns-Smiling that we are getting some money back-Driving and thinking about fun things to do with the refund-Driving and thinking about what really needs to be done with the refund-Talking to my passenger who I never seem to be alone with-Looking at sewing projects-Cutting up lettuce and celery-Supper left-overs and frozen pizza-Cold and tired-Hope I'm not getting sick too-Wrap up in blanket on loveseat-Use my laptop to look at my favorite internet places-Sweet daughter brings me raspberry tea-Read our chapter of the Bible for today-Watch TV with girls-Decide I'm just tired and not sick-Praising God for all my gifts-Convicted to have a better attitude over spilled pop-Sleep.

Happy Valentine's Day!

2010-02-14T11:01:00.007-05:00

But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. Romans 5:8

He who does not love does not know God, for God is love. I John 4:8

Snow!

2010-02-10T00:01:00.006-05:00

Josh and Isaac standing on their snow "mountain"

When you really love snow AND you really love basketball...

The boys and I went out to shovel early this evening. We were trying to make a space to get the van out so we could drive down and pick up Tim. We got around 9" today and there is to be more tonight and the wind is predicted to pick up. All the schools in the area have already been cancelled for tomorrow. Looks like we'll be having our Awana Grand Prix race next week. Which is great because we procrastinated and Josh's car is not ready.

What I've been working on...

2010-02-09T13:35:00.008-05:00

And more to come. Lots of sewing with "Springy" colors during our big snow storm.

A Balanced Life

2010-01-27T09:17:00.002-05:00

The mind grows by taking in, but the heart grows by giving out; and it is important to maintain a balanced life.

~Warren Wiersbe

Live a life worthy of the Lord and... please Him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God.

~Colossians 1:10 (NIV)

Something New and Bright

2010-01-24T22:15:00.002-05:00

I finally completed this dress! I was going to put a few covered buttons in the pink print down the front and not use the waistband. After adding the waistband, I felt the dress needed a focal point so I added the flower with a button center. I am happy with how it turned out-especially the the bright "springy" colors. I'll add this to the shop as soon as I get my "resident photographer"to get some pics tomorrow.

Winter Comfort

2010-01-13T12:17:00.017-05:00

There is nothing like staying at home for real comfort.
-Jane Austen

I hear so many people complaining about the cold weather and wishing for warmth or travel to warmer places. I happen to like winter. It is such a cozy time of year. Winter makes me think of so many warm and comforting things:

candles burning, soup cooking in the crockpot, hot tea, reading books in the evening, snuggling up with a blanket on your lap, snowflakes drifting down, the smell of homemade bread baking, the feel of a warm scarf next to your neck, family gathered together in the living room for the evening, snow glistening in the sun on a frigid morning, birds searching for food, thanking God for a warm house.

~~Photo by my Sarah

Winter Sun

2010-01-12T12:01:00.007-05:00

This morning was one of those gorgeous winter mornings when the sun shines and the snow looks glittery. The temperatures are still below normal. This picture is of our backyard and aimed towards the creek that runs beside our property. For some reason, the cats always make a path in the same spot. In the summer, the grass is worn away where they walk. If you look closely, you can see a Blue Jay in the bush.

God thunders marvelously with His voice; He does great things which we cannot comprehend. For He says to the snow, ‘Fall on the earth’; Likewise to the gentle rain and the heavy rain of His strength. ~Job 37:6

Here is a close-up of the Blue Jay. Isaac and I watched two of them steal Jeb's dog food while we did his math this morning. The outside cats were also watching -but they weren't fast enough.

Look at the birds of the air, for they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they? ~Matthew 6:26

An 8,306 Mile Journey

2010-01-07T23:02:00.005-05:00

We made up three Operation Christmas Child shoe boxes this year. Shortly before Christmas we received an email that our boxes had been sent to Botswana. We received a tracking number by paying for our shipping online. How exciting to know where our boxes ended up!

When we first started making up shoe boxes, the kids would always try to scan the pamphlets for wrapping paper that looked like ours. We never did recognize any of our boxes. However, one year we did receive a postcard from a girl in Moldova who had received one. This is such a great mission project that the boys can really relate to. They enjoy picking out toys, candy and school supplies that they thought a boy their age would also enjoy.

Josh Makes Cookies

2010-01-06T21:30:00.009-05:00

Josh wanted to make cookies today. I tried to talk him out of it because I was baking bread and we had Awana at church tonight. But he insisted-so I gave in. Here he is carefully measuring the brown sugar.

Erica lends a helping hand. The recipe made more than they thought it would. Next time we'll use the larger Kitchenaid mixer.

Rolling the dough in sugar.

Just out of the oven.

Mmmm!

Here's the recipe: Soft Peanut Butter Cookies

2 c shortening

2 c peanut butter

4 c brown sugar

4 eggs

5 c flour

2 t baking powder

3 t baking soda

1 t salt

Cream shortening, sugar, and peanut butter. Add eggs and mix well, then add dry ingredients. Bake at 375 degrees until set, but not hard. Don't bake until brown or cookies will be hard.

We rolled ours in sugar before baking.

From: "Family Favorites from Our House to Yours" Matthew & Marlene Troyer and Family

This is one of my favorite cookbooks. I have been on the lookout for more copies so I can give one to each of the kids when they leave the nest.

Pocket Pies

2010-01-04T19:46:00.006-05:00

Pocket pies made by Erica. She makes the best pie crust (a skill she did not inherit from me). These ones were apple.Yummm!
We got her this for Christmas at Williams-Sonoma. They have some neat items! They can be a little pricey but I can usually find a few treasures that aren't too costly. Plus, I know that she'll use this for years.

Time Management for the New Year

2009-12-31T19:08:00.008-05:00

"One reason we are so harried and hurried is that we make yesterday and tomorrow our business, when all that legitimately concerns us is today. If we really have too much to do, there are some items on the agenda which God did not put there. Let us submit the list to Him and ask Him to indicate which items we must delete. There is always time to do the will of God. If we are too busy to do that, we are too busy."
— Elisabeth Elliot (Secure in the Everlasting Arms)

Wow! This really hits the nail on the head. Another quote from one of my favorite authors~ Elisabeth Elliot. I have read that we can tell a lot about a person's priorities by looking in their checkbook. I believe that it is true that we ultimately use our pennies or minutes on what is truly important to us.

Christmas Lists

2009-12-21T08:59:00.007-05:00

Christmas Lists
December days are filled with lists-
the presents I must buy,
ingredients for cookies,
new recipes to try,
packages to mail, and
Christmas cards to write-
my lists defy completion,
though I labor day and night.
And as the month keeps rushing by,
the stress mounts and I find
a certain lack of purpose
in my ritualistic grind.
I need to put my lists aside
and seek what wise men found-
that "peace on earth" that angels sang
to shepherds all around.
For God's gift still comes quietly,
and as my heart is stilled,
my Christmas list becomes
a list of promises fulfilled.

Kathy Schriefer
"The Family Treasury of Great Holiday Ideas"

Awww...

2009-12-20T08:11:00.010-05:00

Awww...look what I found. Tim and the kids went shopping yesterday and this was left for me on the coffee table. One of the boys gave me his advent candy for the day. We have a little cupboard with little doors and cubbies that I hide a bit of candy in. This helps us to count down the days 'til Christmas.
We went shopping on Friday and the boys had to model these cute hats. They look happy here. This is right before they decided that they had had enough ( and I still needed to get groceries). Their shopping stamina isn't too good. What is it with guys and shopping?

Another Day... Another Birthday!

2009-12-10T21:10:00.006-05:00

Yesterday Isaac was 8 and today Erica is 21. So we are celebrating another December birthday! Of course, we had to get Erica a box of her favorite treats!

She always enjoys receiving a holiday baking magazine.

The perfect gift for a Florida Gator's fan!

It was especially appropriate for today's weather. It was only 10 degrees out this morning. Brrr!

We all enjoyed a yummy Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Cheesecake made by Sarah.

Erica is such a special gift from God. She is always calm and patient and she is such a help to me around the house. She is attending a local college full time. She is great with kids and is planning on being a teacher to those with special needs. Happy Birthday-We love you!

Happy 8th Birthday!

2009-12-09T20:46:00.012-05:00

Isaac turned 8 today. He is my "baby" and I can't believe that he is 8. The time has flown by. He is even looking more mature. He is such a sweet and special boy. One of his gifts was a magnetic dart set. He has been having lots of fun with it!

His birthday super request was blueberry pancakes, sausage and bacon. Notice the Florida Gators shirt which was a gift from Erica, who is a true fan!

His big pancake on the griddle.

Erica also made him this "beautiful" Star Wars Ewok cake for his party this past Friday. None of us girls really like Star Wars and we thought the Ewoks were probably some of the "cuter"characters.

The guys anticipating a fun evening.

For Unto Us a Child is Born..

2009-12-06T21:18:00.008-05:00

This is our first manger scene- A Christmas gift from my Mom when we were newly married.

This is a birthday gift I received from my sister and brother-in-law years ago.

This nativity was made this year by the boys at our Homeschool Co-op. Even styrofoam cups and paper bags can be used to glorify God.

This wooden manger scene was a handmade Christmas gift. I had envisioned it over on the left side of the house. I came home from shopping yesterday and found that my husband had placed it directly in front of the front door.
Look how awesome the shadow from the spotlight looks over the front door. I just love how this emphasizes the real meaning of Christmas!

For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace. Isaiah 9:6

Birthday Blessings and Surprises

2009-12-03T07:19:00.010-05:00

My birthday was yesterday. I woke up to surprise birthday streamers in the kitchen.

A surprise box of rolls from our favorite bakery. My Mom and Step-Father dropped these off for my birthday and the two we have next week. They were also a thank-you gift for carrying up many boxes of christmas decorations for them.

A gorgeous surprise! The most beautiful silk flower arrangement delivered to my door. They are from a very dear friend who lives far away.

The girls made a beautiful centerpiece on the kitchen table. They incorporated my floral gift and the birthday dessert. So pretty! The picture doesn't do it justice.

I was spoiled. Now they won't know what to get me for Christmas. A new sweater, earrings and an ornament from the girls. The guys got me an ironing board, steak knives and an egg slicer. Practical gifts that I've been wanting. Have you ever tried ironing on an ironing board that is bent? Needed a new one! Josh broke my last egg slicer so he got me a snazzy new red one.

For supper the girls tried out a new recipe: Tuscan Chicken. It was very good!

A sweet little dessert. Chocolate Peppermint Tassies.

Thanksgiving Creativity

2009-11-27T12:06:00.005-05:00

I found this Mayflower craft here. The boys did a great job making it. Each family member got 5 slips of paper to write what they were thankful for. It was fun to read them all!

We got the idea for these fall cookies from Woman's Day Magazine here.

But, we used Tim's Aunt's recipe for the cookies. This recipe comes highly recommened. Nice consistancy, good flavor, and no chilling time.

Cut-Out Cookies

3/4 cup butter

1 cup sugar

3 eggs

1 tsp. vanilla

3 scant tsp. baking powder

3 cups flour

Cream butter and sugar. Add eggs one at a time-mixing thoroughly between additions. Add vanilla. Mix flour and baking powder together and mix with butter mixture. Roll 1/4" thick and bake at 400 degrees for 4-6 minutes. Do not overbake. Makes 3 dozen cookies.

Thankfulness~

2009-11-24T00:43:00.007-05:00

I just spent the entire evening downloading pictures, selecting layouts and writing captions for a bound photo album that I had a coupon code to get free. It expired at midnight tonight. Luckily, my order went through (they must be in another time zone). What did I learn from this? First of all-I shouldn't procrastinate. But I always have and I probably always will. I have also passed this gene unto a daughter who is currently typing a paper. It's nearly 1 am.
Secondly, we had a very good year as a family. We all got a year older. We celebrated a graduation, our 24th anniversary, and went on a little vacation. God has blessed us so much! I also realized that we don't have enough family pictures. It was difficult finding one that we were all in. I plan to remedy this on Thanksgiving this year. We will all be together and I'm sure I can get someone to take our picture. Besides, we'll need one for our Christmas card.
*When my kids see the above picture it may be removed-so-look at while you can.

"Giving thanks always for all things to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ."
Ephesians 5:20

It's the BIG one!!

2009-11-21T12:02:00.005-05:00

Today is the BIG game between Ohio State and Michigan. For some reason, my girls really enjoy football. They always plan out a party with lots of goodies. They are so creative! Cut-out sugar cookies, buckeyes, helmet-shaped finger jello, fruit kabobs and nachos. Wow! Can you tell which team they root for? And me, well I plan on sewing. I just got new orders in my shop :)

New Winter Jumper

2009-11-19T17:41:00.002-05:00

Size 1T jumper in cute Moda Smores fabric. In the shop.

It's Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas...

2009-11-16T19:16:00.003-05:00

I just got this jumper sewn up for the shop. I like how it came out. I wanted to incorporate both fabrics into a simple design. Looks like Christmas to me !

Try Outs...

2009-11-12T23:29:00.006-05:00

I recently added Mennonite Girls Can Cook to my blog list. Since then I've had people ask me if I had tried any of the recipes.

The perfect opportunity arose when I had pork chops to use. I tried the recipe for Pork in Sour Cream Sauce. I also made Oven Mushroom Rice They were both very good! Because the pork chops were cooked in a skillet on the stove top, I used the stove top version of the Mushroom Rice. I cooked the rice even longer than the recipe stated but it wasn't tender. I believe the problem is in the type of rice I used. (This happened previously with another recipe.) The flavor was really good.

I really like it when we can produce our own food. It's nice to know the origins of what we eat. The pork was raised this summer by my seven year old. (Which is why he wouldn't eat any.) The green beans were grown in our garden and home canned. The dinner roll was a left-over made by Sarah. We also tried Strawberry Delight This recipe used strawberries that were picked and frozen this past June.

I would highly recommend Mennonite Girls Can Cook I thought it would be a winner since most of my favorite cookbooks are Amish or Mennonite in origin. They tend to use common ingredients and the results are very family friendly. I can't wait to try out some more of their recipes. There are a lot to choose from and they keep adding more :) Let me know if you try some too.

On a Roll.......and a Recipe

2009-11-08T19:40:00.006-05:00

Sarah made 215 of these.

Basketfull ready to go to church.

We had a surprise celebration for our pastor's 25th anniversary at our church today. We were asked to make the rolls. Sarah offered to make them. She did a great job and didn't want any help.

Pull-Apart Rolls

{Made in a mixer with a dough hook. We tripled the recipe below and made them in our 6qt Kitchenaid Mixer. (This is larger than the average Kitchenaid Mixer.) They turned out great. Do not double or triple-unless your mixer can handle it.}

1 pkg active dry yeast

1 cup warm water (105 to 115 degrees)

1/2 cup butter or marg., melted

3-3-1/2 cups all-purpose flour

2 Tablespoons sugar

1-1/2 teaspoons salt

Dissolve yeast in warm water in a mixing bowl. Add 1/2 cup margerine, 2 cups flour, sugar, and salt. Mix well until blended.
Continuing mixing, and add remaining flour, 1/2 cup (125 ml) at a time, until dough clings to utensil and cleans sides of bowl. Knead for a few minutes until dough is smooth and elastic.
Place dough in greased bowl, turning to grease top. Cover. Let rise in warm place, free from draft, about 1 hour, or until doubled in bulk. Punch dough down. Shape into golf ball size balls and place in 8"-9" round cake pans. Let rise until doubled in a warm place, free from drafts. Bake at 400 degrees for 20-25 minutes. Remove from pans immediately and cool on a wire rack.

This recipe yields 12 rolls.

Fall... Before It's Too Late!

2009-11-02T23:44:00.001-05:00

We have been traveling so much on the weekends that we almost didn't get in our annual walk through the woods. We finally went on Sunday afternoon. It was a beautiful, crisp day. There were still a few leaves left on the trees for us to enjoy :)

Moving On...And Moving In

2009-11-01T17:14:00.000-05:00

Our oldest son, Andy, recently got a job 2-1/2 hours away. His sisters sent him off with some gag gifts. (Isn't that what sisters are for?)
They also helped him stock his snack stash with his favorite Moon Pies.
Here he is in his new apartment. It is pretty nice, but it is very, very small. We helped fill his cupboards with some home canned salsa, applesauce and green beans.

This year has seen our family dynamics change so much. Alissa is 2-1/4 hours away at college in one direction and now Andy is 2-1/2 hours away in a different direction. I know they are where God wants them to be-which is comforting. But, I am feeling the need to pray for them more than ever.

New Banner!

2009-10-26T14:51:00.000-04:00

I have been wanting a new banner for my Etsy Shop for some time. My computer skills have limited me from creating one myself. I worked on one for a long time one evening only to realize that it couldn't be converted into JPEG. Ughhh! Well look what my sweet 15 year old daughter made for me today in no time at all. LOVE IT! Thanks Sarah!!

If you need a gift...

2009-10-24T21:23:00.000-04:00

These awesome necklaces were handmade by Munchkin Mama. She is a super sweet gal. She is very conscientious and talented. If you need a personalized Christmas gift you should check out her shop. The top "S" necklace was a birthday gift for my daughter. The bottom necklace was my sister's birthday gift. She has three boys - this necklace was perfect for her.

Faith

2009-10-19T18:32:00.001-04:00

“Living a life of faith means never knowing where you are being led. But it does mean loving and knowing the One who is leading. It is literally a life of faith, not of understanding and reason—a life of knowing Him and who calls us to go. Faith is rooted in the knowledge of a Person, and one of the biggest traps we fall into is the belief that if we have faith, God will surely lead us to success in the world.”

Oswald Chambers~ My Utmost for His Highest

A Little Saturday Soccer

2009-10-18T17:32:00.001-04:00

Here is my 7 year old being a goalie in unseasonably cold weather. It was so cold and windy that he didn't want to use his hands to pick up the ball and throw it back in the game. I am wondering what this winter has in store for us.

These kids are so cute to watch. They really played their best. Luckily, the wind did eventully die down a little.

Autumn

2009-10-14T13:14:00.000-04:00

“While the earth remains, Seedtime and harvest, Cold and heat, Winter and summer, And day and night Shall not cease.” Genesis 8:22

"Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever." Hebrews 13:8

Photos by my talented 15 yo daughter.

"Weekend to Remember"

2009-10-12T12:53:00.001-04:00

My husband and I had the opportunity to attend a "Weekend to Remember" conference this past weekend. Did we originally plan to go to this? No. Would we go again or recommend this conference to others? Yes.

We happened to win our trip through a Christian radio station. Our 7 year old wanted to go to the zoo. I started to look for free zoo tickets online and happened to find the contest page at WBCL. I didn't see any contests for zoo tickets but I decided to just sign-up for the current contest-"Weekend to Remember" conference registration. As I filled in my name, address etc. I noticed they asked how many years that we had been married. I filled in 24 and thought to myself that younger couples would probably benefit more.

The next day I received an email telling me that we had won. I emailed to thank WBCL and mentioned: "I was actually on your contest site looking to win Ft. Wayne Zoo tickets, but this is even better ;)" A few minutes later I received the following: "Guess what….just because…I am sending you 6 tickets to the zoo too!"

"Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above" James 1:17 We had been doubly blessed!

A little about the conference: It is awesome! It is biblicaly-based, it is not boring (I mean one of the speakers was a comedian on the side) and clips from movies are shown for examples of specific principles.

It is designed to bring you and your spouse closer together and to discuss things that you never have time to talk about. It challenges you to become the person God wants you be. And it gives you a game plan to take home with you. There is a reason that this conference has been around for such a long time. It works!

Crayon Rolls

2009-10-05T23:20:00.001-04:00

Our homeschool co-op is collecting items for kids who are in the children's hospital. I got the idea for these at Skip to My Lou She has the neatest tutorials!

We made our rolls smaller. they each hold 8 crayons. I found some cute notepads to go with them too. They are very quick to make which I really appreciate.

Been Busy Sewing...

2009-10-03T08:21:00.000-04:00

~chocolate brown floral and stripe print pillowcase dress

~cupcake print pillowcase dress

~cupcake and dots print bib and burpcloths

~ reversible baby dress

I hope to get some of these listed in the shop soon.

Too Cute

2009-10-02T13:44:00.000-04:00

Here are our 3 little kittens. They are so cute!

This poor little fellow got his leg shut in the door today. He is receiving special care and attention because of it.

~One of Our Favorites~Banana Muffins

2009-09-30T22:49:00.000-04:00

These muffins are so simple but they're one of our favorites. If we get an overripe banana around here I peel it and put it in a plastic bag in the freezer. When I get three-- it's time to make muffins!

Basic Banana Muffins
1-1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup sugar
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
--------------------------------
3 medium ripe bananas
1 egg
1/3 cup vegetable oil
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

In a large bowl, combine dry ingredients. In another bowl, mash the bananas; add egg, oil and vanilla. Mix well. Stir into the dry ingredients just until moistened. Fill greased or paper-lined muffin cups half full. Bake at 375 degrees for 18-22 minutes or until muffins test done. Cool for 10 minutes; remove from pan to a wire rack to cool completely.
Enjoy!