tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7458252949400130672024-03-13T17:05:27.396-07:00Storing Up My TreasuresUnknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger225125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-745825294940013067.post-69487748871384510252012-09-27T08:56:00.000-07:002012-09-27T08:56:54.851-07:00A Big Reason Why...<br />
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you've not seen me around blogland in quite some time now. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbSEiGPszztwcDPbtYFNq3utBwAOxeIfq4Mw6n3j_-CcR8oww1tK7_GXp4dO_BUCBgRx5RWz2eHShYGDM0H3zYuQ509yT3qV_HcGi4DR5DIVV6in6P2gu69d2wBXK3bOg3R7nt_WQ6Lg/s1600/562858_4021310245408_303060210_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbSEiGPszztwcDPbtYFNq3utBwAOxeIfq4Mw6n3j_-CcR8oww1tK7_GXp4dO_BUCBgRx5RWz2eHShYGDM0H3zYuQ509yT3qV_HcGi4DR5DIVV6in6P2gu69d2wBXK3bOg3R7nt_WQ6Lg/s320/562858_4021310245408_303060210_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<strong>After</strong></div>
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<strong>Before</strong></div>
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More on that to come later. Just wanted to check in with you all, I'm really still here. </div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-745825294940013067.post-26421623616915881842012-06-22T19:19:00.000-07:002012-06-22T19:19:49.938-07:00Pin Me Up!<c><a href="http://pinterest.com/storedtreasures/"><img alt="Follow Me on Pinterest" height="60" src="http://passets-ec.pinterest.com/images/about/buttons/big-p-button.png" width="60" /></a></c><br />
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<c>Yep, I'm on Pinterest now. Holy moly, I have been having so much fun. Come and check out what I like and what inspires me, maybe you'll be inspired too! </c><br />
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<c>If you are on Pinterest too, leave me a comment w/a link so I can check out your page too!</c><br />
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<c>You can click on the icon above or on the linky on the right. It's a fun site, you'll like it!</c>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-745825294940013067.post-66307143418235806142012-06-12T14:33:00.000-07:002012-06-12T14:33:56.713-07:00I know, I know, What's Your Name Again?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGZ3kqvvwJA0ZEQqniL-HVpxx-a-_txUt3afOXmFmbKdTREsguqYpcnscItV9CAjj9Kx2GSVKIs5uqeIMLZ4WW9OvlMSBCTONs6HnmUJX4sSkV1YJv81Hr3Pn48dj3u8QWrLABtEzqFg/s1600/sillyme.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGZ3kqvvwJA0ZEQqniL-HVpxx-a-_txUt3afOXmFmbKdTREsguqYpcnscItV9CAjj9Kx2GSVKIs5uqeIMLZ4WW9OvlMSBCTONs6HnmUJX4sSkV1YJv81Hr3Pn48dj3u8QWrLABtEzqFg/s320/sillyme.png" width="257" /></a></div>
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Yep, I know. Where do I know you from again? I'm sorry, it's been so long I don't remember your name. Yeah. I understand.<br />
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Let's say that this blog, while I've not been posting <strike>at all</strike> consistently for about a year now isn't abandoned. I don't want to give up on it. I just haven't been giving it the attention I should.<br />
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I want to say that I'll get better, and I know I will. I miss blogging, I really do. I love reading blogs and I like writing on mine, although I know you'd never know it. I know that I will get back into the habit, eventually.<br />
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It's not going to look the same as it did before. Life changes, we go through seasons and priorities change. That's pretty much how most of us operate, myself included. <br />
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However I still have things I want to share, things I want to create, things I want to learn. Eventually I will, and when I do I will share them with you. Promise.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-745825294940013067.post-75914153106578925972011-11-08T11:30:00.000-08:002011-11-08T18:35:39.739-08:00Autumn Harvest Quinoa<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgu9OKCRCvAyQP0jwj0RvdKYWs51wehMYB78CPrF46o9O1wpAqSEnI0baEzd0DZSM9mRFyknPI3DFzTiKvCnUBiMyAwbz7FpZFaCeffqHO08fUuUzqaLWHfbmhFwmLTKfnJOQGVS6xdvA/s1600/IMG_5407.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgu9OKCRCvAyQP0jwj0RvdKYWs51wehMYB78CPrF46o9O1wpAqSEnI0baEzd0DZSM9mRFyknPI3DFzTiKvCnUBiMyAwbz7FpZFaCeffqHO08fUuUzqaLWHfbmhFwmLTKfnJOQGVS6xdvA/s400/IMG_5407.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Absolutely yummy, and very healthy too. It's very easy to make and is very economical too. Perfect for breakfast, a nice change from oatmeal.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">I found the original recipe </span><a href="http://www.food.com/recipe/quinoa-and-barley-breakfast-porridge-223591"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">here</span></a><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"> and tweaked it quite a bit to make it work for us. It gives you the option of making it in the crock pot too, which I didn't but will try sometime. Here is my version:</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">1 C quinoa</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">1 C water</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">1 C apple juice/cider</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">pinch of salt</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">1 med apple, cored and diced</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">1 med pear, cored and diced</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">1 t cinnamon</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">1/2 t each of nutmeg and ginger</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">1/4 C each of honey and molasses</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia;">Combine quinoa, water, juice/cider, salt and spices and bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 25-30 minutes. Then add honey, molasses, apples and pears and continue to cook until all liquid is absorbed, approximately 5-10 minutes. Sweeten with brown sugar to taste. Makes 4 servings.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwTENiopdliwBbHNgCuw0hezK1LIMp03u4P0bYOo0P8zzXuyLQD9HOI4jU80iAB_cC6kwkjnt6JbjVKbahUl191L_cpsriBCKLMFzF-Uk5d17pVWthEGmQvf8go5BqSRVnBgfEQ0VnOw/s1600/IMG_5402.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwTENiopdliwBbHNgCuw0hezK1LIMp03u4P0bYOo0P8zzXuyLQD9HOI4jU80iAB_cC6kwkjnt6JbjVKbahUl191L_cpsriBCKLMFzF-Uk5d17pVWthEGmQvf8go5BqSRVnBgfEQ0VnOw/s320/IMG_5402.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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I honestly don't even know if it would take you a whole minute even to make this, but you'll definitely want to try it!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiNdBFkahbiZ-D6cTyccwdWWvCeEVc1I4Lq9L0ARP6coBGuMS-xsUyZl-GA-T1GOvJxvj-YwcYAAOd1lbpyG9fj1_vAFCzd5jsjAhZE9GFbvevvqPfZynvRRF3tk9KBlByVktbrl-dLg/s1600/IMG_5401.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiNdBFkahbiZ-D6cTyccwdWWvCeEVc1I4Lq9L0ARP6coBGuMS-xsUyZl-GA-T1GOvJxvj-YwcYAAOd1lbpyG9fj1_vAFCzd5jsjAhZE9GFbvevvqPfZynvRRF3tk9KBlByVktbrl-dLg/s320/IMG_5401.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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I started off with these hooks that I picked up from a garage sale for $0.25. Yes, I know they technically didn't come from the dollar store. However most of them carry decorative ornie hooks like these, so I'm sure you won't have trouble getting your hands on them.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilC4b8POKuhyphenhyphen3f9nYBDglE9be2lUw1xhsPsuQebWP3xtK9xr1U5l5NwgklyJYVBSQZdpHdu0RuWxuT41Q_XYZ6Hwlh4I0qMYaZ4tX2pO481upQFZwWBJdzclnJVAIW3lHkOb6XLSEoeg/s1600/IMG_5403.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilC4b8POKuhyphenhyphen3f9nYBDglE9be2lUw1xhsPsuQebWP3xtK9xr1U5l5NwgklyJYVBSQZdpHdu0RuWxuT41Q_XYZ6Hwlh4I0qMYaZ4tX2pO481upQFZwWBJdzclnJVAIW3lHkOb6XLSEoeg/s320/IMG_5403.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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You then just interlink them together, and before you know it you have a lovely little necklace! Easy as pie, right?<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiobQ74NHx9Me0mrOb5dKEnjWg9y3nE93EW6bVsPO3dX_NZEphr7d0zmKqkeydNFBa51EsJTeT9bNvHUMxuoHuzqCxAu2GgxeSZc2f5_vjZR4uSk0hNU2f1TtdOYBgVnmzIu68OMRNeeQ/s1600/IMG_5408.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiobQ74NHx9Me0mrOb5dKEnjWg9y3nE93EW6bVsPO3dX_NZEphr7d0zmKqkeydNFBa51EsJTeT9bNvHUMxuoHuzqCxAu2GgxeSZc2f5_vjZR4uSk0hNU2f1TtdOYBgVnmzIu68OMRNeeQ/s320/IMG_5408.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">These hooks were a lovely shade of gold, no paint necessary. However it would be just as easy to spraypaint them whatever color you'd like, or you could even give them a spray of acrylic topcoat to add shine and prevent them from tarnishing.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia;">Please click on "Linky Parties I Love" to see where I'll be sharing!</span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-745825294940013067.post-53359545359417480642011-10-31T12:30:00.000-07:002011-10-31T12:39:24.456-07:00Fabulous Fall<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgII256Ll23fDmZarxMEeP6ya_hC-o0_-_Bh3_z_gdDyuc35iZF4dgEh1gfEwig6EKz6pqMi9NRP2J6ZG9lh_gRScDxBCz9EVlGIFYW6a1wCmr3hyphenhyphen0QykRO5i2NlwXxO1KnOiY9-CurIg/s1600/280trees.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="211" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgII256Ll23fDmZarxMEeP6ya_hC-o0_-_Bh3_z_gdDyuc35iZF4dgEh1gfEwig6EKz6pqMi9NRP2J6ZG9lh_gRScDxBCz9EVlGIFYW6a1wCmr3hyphenhyphen0QykRO5i2NlwXxO1KnOiY9-CurIg/s400/280trees.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgppBkBkiyTKI7IGW08FXfSSzClyxzMfKUhrs8pKlWfnA768GbytW_J67R7y0E-jUsWfdV3RJfEbepYxq2CkxhnDSkD3cbi1BxTbNiJ0b_1waQqatr9g8LohFK35n8jBl9pW8_f8JlRIQ/s1600/suntrees.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="478" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgppBkBkiyTKI7IGW08FXfSSzClyxzMfKUhrs8pKlWfnA768GbytW_J67R7y0E-jUsWfdV3RJfEbepYxq2CkxhnDSkD3cbi1BxTbNiJ0b_1waQqatr9g8LohFK35n8jBl9pW8_f8JlRIQ/s640/suntrees.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-745825294940013067.post-29521793034391229672011-10-28T10:52:00.000-07:002011-10-28T10:52:31.419-07:00Make Your Own Greek Yogurt<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOMPL7wAWgwwYwLemndChg0arR-rtVFAaNDvcwkUFC1PSipMRd6wXy7EQMAZdMinnaAcNwscyS2w0i2oo_I_f7xmsTD0cRrB6erKpL2RljCJqADUSQWwhGXfFgO_1yTKAiaPn3TFpVBQ/s1600/IMG_0050.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOMPL7wAWgwwYwLemndChg0arR-rtVFAaNDvcwkUFC1PSipMRd6wXy7EQMAZdMinnaAcNwscyS2w0i2oo_I_f7xmsTD0cRrB6erKpL2RljCJqADUSQWwhGXfFgO_1yTKAiaPn3TFpVBQ/s320/IMG_0050.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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I love greek yogurt, yummo! However, it's kinda pricey as those of you that eat it know. So I set off to make it myself. Super easy!</div>
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I took a strainer, lined it with a paper coffee filter and then spooned the yogurt inside. Covered it with plastic wrap and then set the strainer in a smaller bowl. Then it went in the fridge overnight.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6QJ51hjRs2qdQ-86pKujm29A40erIFCRE026s2VptLa-gYbn_g8Hoe-cmpUVGdK6IawU3fhbd72nNPH1c0pnbRvWKTxIL0c4rgJeViNlljleKX4_iE4c1K_BlR8yfKY62akblIsGvVQ/s1600/IMG_0051.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6QJ51hjRs2qdQ-86pKujm29A40erIFCRE026s2VptLa-gYbn_g8Hoe-cmpUVGdK6IawU3fhbd72nNPH1c0pnbRvWKTxIL0c4rgJeViNlljleKX4_iE4c1K_BlR8yfKY62akblIsGvVQ/s320/IMG_0051.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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This is the whey that drained off, and then you were left with perfect greek yogurt! It's very thick and creamy. However you could change the time in the fridge or just add back some of the strained off whey if it's too thick for your liking. Then add sweetener and fruit, granola, etc.</div>
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Try it, once you see how easy it is you'll never buy it premade again! </div>
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Click on "Linky Parties I Love" to see where I'll be sharing my recipe.</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-745825294940013067.post-21419364195331309882011-09-13T15:17:00.000-07:002011-09-14T09:55:52.191-07:00DIY Platform Swing/Glider<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
So I finally have a project to share with you all, yipee!! I know, it's been awhile. However I am really excited at how this turned out and hopefully will be helpful to some of you. </div>
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I found a really neat platform/glider swing in a catalog that I wanted to buy for my oldest (well, all three kids actually). But at over $300 I didn't want to spend that kind of money, so my Dad and I set out to make it ourselves. Below is the finished project, let me give you a general idea of what we did, okie dokie?</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDYRNKSqZbjHd8jN18U9dMVQ-fJX31SiRRvpSRTlkIDFJqHCGEB30Qr9h6k9EeKXyyLrYfbKEb9Tw8f13cHxZag-AJHNBq8angpBQ5lJ-HtZOmX5pezqx5T30az_6n4Z1NxmZFqG0vxA/s1600/IMG_5263.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDYRNKSqZbjHd8jN18U9dMVQ-fJX31SiRRvpSRTlkIDFJqHCGEB30Qr9h6k9EeKXyyLrYfbKEb9Tw8f13cHxZag-AJHNBq8angpBQ5lJ-HtZOmX5pezqx5T30az_6n4Z1NxmZFqG0vxA/s320/IMG_5263.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Below is a picture of what we bought for the project. We went to our local big box home improvement store, spent about $55 total. We purchased the following:</div>
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<li>precut 3/4" plywood sheet, cut to 3'x4'</li>
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two precut sections of 1" diameter pvc pipe, 2' long</div>
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four pvc end caps</div>
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2 pieces foam insulation for wrapping exterior pipes, 4' long</div>
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2 sections of chain link, 6 links per section, rated to hold 350 lbs</div>
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section of indoor/outdoor carpet to cover the plywood base</div>
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truck rope, rated to hold 300+ lbs, can't remember exact length, probably 30 ft or so</div>
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2 lock loop/carabeeners to hold chain to swing set, but we didn't end up needing them</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiN_tq9pLlfzzBHydrBMibm7t5Adw7cQgok4T90yNCWob2MGL0NOVisJ5kMMnR7ebbnqVCvJOMZr-HytRty7fuUFfa51nCyNwW2DGxhTO9PK1uAV5V1ortBKEq2O3xjGqaZlpVvFUbsgQ/s1600/IMG_5256.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiN_tq9pLlfzzBHydrBMibm7t5Adw7cQgok4T90yNCWob2MGL0NOVisJ5kMMnR7ebbnqVCvJOMZr-HytRty7fuUFfa51nCyNwW2DGxhTO9PK1uAV5V1ortBKEq2O3xjGqaZlpVvFUbsgQ/s320/IMG_5256.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhV5_7r4zNl_fpK-hzPWA4Lh_VYsxDt-9T0JbboyX4lLXKqOveLRK9scZiL5Oa0Ttc0Fo0QSQ8KAYe3YNBakbfF9YwVycLJaTCO2ujzyoiH5HRDI3edCz28wXJNDyClIXprM2lM7g6r6A/s1600/1850_LinearGlider.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhV5_7r4zNl_fpK-hzPWA4Lh_VYsxDt-9T0JbboyX4lLXKqOveLRK9scZiL5Oa0Ttc0Fo0QSQ8KAYe3YNBakbfF9YwVycLJaTCO2ujzyoiH5HRDI3edCz28wXJNDyClIXprM2lM7g6r6A/s1600/1850_LinearGlider.jpg" /></a></div>
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Here is a picture of the swing/glider that I found. If you are interested, you can read more about it <a href="http://www.southpawenterprises.com/Linear-Gliders-from-Southpaw-P355.aspx">here:</a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-sb-rwKuLh-cMV8la2Gau5AWomnzloT2vRHEvQHRkd6xdgLJgDiZkmfPqwfLEb1pHjLMhk0Z8AiEjV68oEdo5gONXKccYkBSKNg2bmjev3Rp8q4emCUU1XqhOUSRcC9bkCaOyb2aVjw/s1600/IMG_5274.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-sb-rwKuLh-cMV8la2Gau5AWomnzloT2vRHEvQHRkd6xdgLJgDiZkmfPqwfLEb1pHjLMhk0Z8AiEjV68oEdo5gONXKccYkBSKNg2bmjev3Rp8q4emCUU1XqhOUSRcC9bkCaOyb2aVjw/s320/IMG_5274.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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So a brief overview of what we did. We took the chain link and looped it through the hooks on the swing set, those that you'd use to attach a swing. We then ran the rope through the chain link, knotting it off at the bottom as you can see to keep the rope from moving around.<br />
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We didn't end up using the locking loops/carabeeners we originally purchased because as you can see the opening for the chain to attach to the hoop on the swing set is pretty small. However if you had a swing set with a larger loop opening, or for extra peace of mind you could definitely use those locking loops to attach the chain to the loops on your swing set.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhj0cHoR5ndzfTU9eKQjsLG58fGgP-CgMLRiBh-1ULWwsy2quDHtpLe8Aww-mf6wvlrZL_EmMYFll8v_YPlKCxNXqFQo-4hKKh8DvY3waCekTFrf_F1GRqAanvDLmx1jsSuqsM97Gr2OA/s1600/IMG_5279.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhj0cHoR5ndzfTU9eKQjsLG58fGgP-CgMLRiBh-1ULWwsy2quDHtpLe8Aww-mf6wvlrZL_EmMYFll8v_YPlKCxNXqFQo-4hKKh8DvY3waCekTFrf_F1GRqAanvDLmx1jsSuqsM97Gr2OA/s320/IMG_5279.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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A view of the swing looking down. The platform as you can see has rounded edges, we cut the edges with a sawz-all and then sanded them smooth and rounded them off. The rope was strung through the handles, then through the top of the platform and was knotted off on the underside.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHRzYgTThyMiDFaaNJa6_hPbHWJlD7_XWUE5kK48rz9PYv2jnd5TdmNecoI05nVecK18pHQNovBB5dBP-CrRvuC7TxuL-G81iphi7V0rPUvANFaZ03CoJUtU9e2QU4IIi36c3HiZ7Xvg/s1600/IMG_5276.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHRzYgTThyMiDFaaNJa6_hPbHWJlD7_XWUE5kK48rz9PYv2jnd5TdmNecoI05nVecK18pHQNovBB5dBP-CrRvuC7TxuL-G81iphi7V0rPUvANFaZ03CoJUtU9e2QU4IIi36c3HiZ7Xvg/s320/IMG_5276.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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We stapled the carpet directly to the board, using a staple gun. We split the pipe insulation along the pre-cut side and then wrapped it around the edges and then used the staple gun to affix it to the board as well. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSjtu4gmVdvWqNz1raNeICoZE09MzU7VzL86R-pmqwHPAwYPx5NpEPCSipHnBUjMCcffQgMLJxvHGOIC3GJHuDV3YTNy7mU7Sox_1kxflOXptowiNvWulTCyPziNcak4mFfqZSRm5ALA/s1600/IMG_5273.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSjtu4gmVdvWqNz1raNeICoZE09MzU7VzL86R-pmqwHPAwYPx5NpEPCSipHnBUjMCcffQgMLJxvHGOIC3GJHuDV3YTNy7mU7Sox_1kxflOXptowiNvWulTCyPziNcak4mFfqZSRm5ALA/s320/IMG_5273.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
We used a drill to drill holes in the pvc pipe, then threaded the handles through the rope. We knotted off above and below the handles to make them more stationary.<br />
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So, this little tutorial wasn't exactly in the order done. But hopefully you get the general idea. Please feel free to ask any questions necessary. I didn't really take the time when I made this to write it all down, so I'm writing this from memory (which isn't the greatest!)<br />
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My kids have been having a blast on this thing. They can stand and swing front to back or side to side. They sit and play or read on it. Two kids at a time can sit on it. It also was made to grow with them, so we can adjust the height by simply moving the knots on the rope to raise or lower the swing.<br />
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Please click on "Linky Parties I Love" to see where I'll be sharing my newest project!<br />
<a href="http://www.thethriftyhome.com/"><img alt="
http://www.thethriftyhome.com" border="0" src="http://www.thethriftyhome.com/images/pennypinchparty.gif" /></a>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-745825294940013067.post-51434711953968441572011-08-29T14:35:00.000-07:002011-08-29T14:52:52.505-07:00Where...<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6ulW-por-yDEwi9Ddo7airKKfuyVFJxCyH7WuVs5ttrjDjaghVTFaCHQQciDdz4FhDMLN9wQEt0hFaPn-2vYUz6IvmTRdkzPPX-SGFU75jJaAoHdQqovMk6XjcTqWvE1sW-gfWYtTaA/s1600/butterfly.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5646397321459687794" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6ulW-por-yDEwi9Ddo7airKKfuyVFJxCyH7WuVs5ttrjDjaghVTFaCHQQciDdz4FhDMLN9wQEt0hFaPn-2vYUz6IvmTRdkzPPX-SGFU75jJaAoHdQqovMk6XjcTqWvE1sW-gfWYtTaA/s400/butterfly.jpg" /></a>... has God taken a dandelion from you only to replace it with a rose?
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<br /><p>Today I realized that I recieved a rose when I was drivng home from a Dr's appointment on a beautiful stretch of highway.
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<br /><p>A few weeks ago I was lamenting on how I missed the open country roads I would drive on when we still lived at our old home. My parents live in a very populated area and unbuilt on land is all but extinct.
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<br /><p>However there are two major highways that they live near. One is in constant gridlock for the most part. The other is a absolutely beautiful highway that cuts through the last of the open land in the area. Guess which highway I get to use when driving to the Dr's office?
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<br /><p>Now that might be looked on as stretching it a little, but I have come to truly believe in my heart that God delights in the little as much as He does the lavish.
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<br /><p>Where in your life has God taken something small that you enjoy and replaced it with something even more special that what was lost?
<br /></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-745825294940013067.post-64435072977006028192011-08-25T14:23:00.000-07:002011-08-26T13:38:25.469-07:00Sillyness and Some Seriousness Too<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZAtreaImgIWzjeAGIDEjX6yoOH7umyK9L6plGzEUHq-Hz6Hf1eH1HQU-nUZRM1sMZzqqs42RRZxKAxwTJjXJAJc0AYcyPwUPp_-DwNvLYoqjEk9w54qOvW-Gjbh5YOq3zSOVbQH-v9A/s1600/Photo+Aug+14%252C+5+44+37+PM.jpeg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 76px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: pointer" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5644907712837976626" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZAtreaImgIWzjeAGIDEjX6yoOH7umyK9L6plGzEUHq-Hz6Hf1eH1HQU-nUZRM1sMZzqqs42RRZxKAxwTJjXJAJc0AYcyPwUPp_-DwNvLYoqjEk9w54qOvW-Gjbh5YOq3zSOVbQH-v9A/s400/Photo+Aug+14%252C+5+44+37+PM.jpeg" /></a>
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<br /><p>My hubby has a cool photo booth app on his iTouch and I used it to take some silly pictures on the way home from church. Fun, we've been using this one quite a bit.</p></div>
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<br /><p>I'm blogging this from Hubby's laptop, where I don't have access to any pictures so I don't have a whole plethora of pretty images to include along with my post. So I am sorry if this is a bland, wordy thing to look at.</p></div>
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<br /><p>The past few months have definitely been an adjustment for me. In some ways, very easy and in other ways not so much. My life is much different than it was a few months back.</p></div>
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<br /><p>On one hand, I am busier now that I was then. Then in some ways I don't have nearly as much to do as I did before. I know, it probably doesn't make much sense. It doesn't always make sense to me either. I've been praying for awhile now that God would ease my burdens, to take the stressful and difficult things and make them easier. </p></div>
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<br /><p>I guess you could say He did, but then other things replaced what I then felt was the overwhelming and difficult things I was facing at the time. Problems I had been praying would just take care of themselves didn't go away, but intensified. Things that I didn't know how to or more honestly, didn't want to deal with became front and center and became unavoidable. </p></div>
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<br /><p>My time has become much more of a precious commodity to me. I know that this time that I am going through is another opportunity for me to lean on God to get me through. </p></div>
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<br /><p>I can't fix it, I can't make it better, I can't ignore it and make it go away. Escaping to a computer or a scrapbook or a tv show or a bowl of ice cream won't magically fix my woes. Making a pretty for the house or trying to knock off the latest "it" thing from my favorite store isn't going to fix that nagging, persistent and debilitating place in my heart. </p></div>
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<br /><p>Leaning on God to get me through the day is the only way I've been able to do it so far. </p></div>
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<br /><p>Not fixating on the long term, but getting through the next few hours has been able to move me forward.</p></div>
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<br /><p>Not being distracted by the other things that I've used as distractions before forces me to look at my issues head on and realize that the distractions don't fix, but God heals.</p></div>
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<br /><p>Realizing that my timetable isn't God's. I look at things from a minute, hour, day, week, month, year perspective. He looks at things from an almost incomprehensible eternal clock.</p></div>
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<br /><p>Playing the "Woe is Me" game is futile, because I will never win. All it does is get me further in my self dug hole and make the sides even more slippery.</p></div>
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<br /><p>All that I know is that prayers said through tears and from a place of no where else to turn is both heartache and music to my Heavenly Fathers ears. He doesn't want me in that place, but He wants to be there with me.</p></div>
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<br /><p>So, with all that said it's not that I'll never post another project or tutorial or recipe or craft I've made. It's just that some long overdue work that I can't do by myself has been happening and that is by far more important than anything else. </p></div>
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<br /><p>I'll get back to that other stuff when time permits. It'll get there, as each season passes I know that this one will too. </p></div>
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<br /><p>"Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for He who has promised is faithful." Hebrews 10:23</p></div>
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-745825294940013067.post-72183488949406698562011-08-16T21:18:00.000-07:002011-08-16T21:20:07.992-07:00Getting Back Into the Swing of Things<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJhxEI0aSscQC9dzEG_bALy0ijXFk9_ByYT_6Mc-iuEOpPjEnQpYdYxvmOCF0U2uK7mke4fZBnp0nWAW0rnwxzRt88ER_F4k3z7sK0HIcf6jtI0dACAFp1jyBFEK0D5SbPNsaoEjES0A/s1600/Catch+Up_.jpeg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 298px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5641674595445597890" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJhxEI0aSscQC9dzEG_bALy0ijXFk9_ByYT_6Mc-iuEOpPjEnQpYdYxvmOCF0U2uK7mke4fZBnp0nWAW0rnwxzRt88ER_F4k3z7sK0HIcf6jtI0dACAFp1jyBFEK0D5SbPNsaoEjES0A/s400/Catch+Up_.jpeg" /></a>
<br />I know, I know.
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<br />I have stuff to share.
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<br />I will be back soon, promise.
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-745825294940013067.post-45101043364560043112011-07-20T14:01:00.000-07:002011-07-20T19:39:02.614-07:00Hello GoodbyeNo, I haven't fallen off the face of the earth. Really, believe it or not.<br /><br />Yes, I know it's been awhile. Over a month, almost two since I've last posted.<br /><br />I have been very busy in my absence. I've not been catching up on summer reading.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUSaTlM5Bg8kQfiX8wjet9mGjBKdkWoWUaWLs8VZnTXN2w1vvoyMh60zXaOo0G2lSGyLINOOFm9vyYZxI9JJ_EZ60RJ_hbF5MPHXAoSShDWRtg6E0D0Li0ReJ1Qt27BToUYjOdrhphVA/s1600/revisehouse.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 342px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5631543137841382226" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUSaTlM5Bg8kQfiX8wjet9mGjBKdkWoWUaWLs8VZnTXN2w1vvoyMh60zXaOo0G2lSGyLINOOFm9vyYZxI9JJ_EZ60RJ_hbF5MPHXAoSShDWRtg6E0D0Li0ReJ1Qt27BToUYjOdrhphVA/s400/revisehouse.jpg" /></a> Earlier this month, we said goodbye to the house we'd lived in for nine years. The house I brought all my babies home to. The house that my hubby and I have spent the majority of our married life in.<br /><br />Lots of boxes, purging, yard sales, sweat and a little bit of crying was involved. We pared our belongings down to a 10x10 storage unit and said adios to the rest. Good thing we lived in a small home to begin with.<br /><br />Once we found out we had to leave, we moved out in two weeks. During that time we had lots of heat, a round of the stomach flu, several dump runs and lots of take out.<br /><br />The above picture was taken the morning we left. I went out in the early morning and shot several "house" pictures for our memory book. I took just a few minutes and recalled all the memories we'd made there. With three small kids who had lived there since birth, there was a lot to remember.<br /><br />I only cried once, after we'd handed over the keys and stopped at McD's (not my choice) for lunch. Hubby was following behind me in his truck. When he got out, I lost it and gave him a big hug. "Everyone that made those memories so special to me are here with me right now," to which he replied, "Your right, it's only a shell." And with that, I cried my last real tear and resolved to start the new journey God has for us.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNT0uD5gZeLGDnWBu7o_jigyaq96EKsF4tyjJUF57RtmyW9FnS1fuiHRU59b8_UjeXFkVeL5H-wJS3d2HN9Yt5mDG5Dlmbw4t1ieLecPM0mFK60KGHjAeXJiQmEwUsPD40CllUxmR_8g/s1600/johnson+house.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5631543138069038178" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNT0uD5gZeLGDnWBu7o_jigyaq96EKsF4tyjJUF57RtmyW9FnS1fuiHRU59b8_UjeXFkVeL5H-wJS3d2HN9Yt5mDG5Dlmbw4t1ieLecPM0mFK60KGHjAeXJiQmEwUsPD40CllUxmR_8g/s400/johnson+house.jpg" /></a> So, the kids and I are now living with my parents two hours south of where we were. Hubby stayed behind because of work, and lives with his parents during the week and then comes down on the weekends. It's not ideal, but it will work. Skype and phone calls will make it all much easier. It won't last forever, but until we make our next big move it'll be the space in between.<br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAZjdjEjpxD1tSpBuxLlGj8M7eceCI1Rim0LdVw9QH32wm6_WVrPpIr7D3MJjMxJDn212K4z-mkHU4fjM45N8lfAbp3ZOVd6A9P8_-60xtAkhkLc_WaFkJDxnT1QGryECSGs3Zj0e02w/s1600/bandb.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5631543132962623586" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAZjdjEjpxD1tSpBuxLlGj8M7eceCI1Rim0LdVw9QH32wm6_WVrPpIr7D3MJjMxJDn212K4z-mkHU4fjM45N8lfAbp3ZOVd6A9P8_-60xtAkhkLc_WaFkJDxnT1QGryECSGs3Zj0e02w/s400/bandb.jpg" /></a> Yesterday my Mom and I went on a ride with the kids. We've gotten another round of sickness, this time a nasty cold. The kids were majorly cagey so we packed 'em up and headed out to the coast. We drove around and took pictures of several sites that I've enjoyed for many years.<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA1JGvd1ugbHpS7UtRngwoTPN_VY_WQZ78oLQbZKvoyWcowLWl2uNuSF0Dzi6SF61WcnrkU3jt0PcLoweJiIbApgsEXY2pxMS5AcEP8I6f3NLbzilLF0gI0TosKQwNUKToGs5AEiJZ2Q/s1600/feednfuel.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 316px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5631543134974400194" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA1JGvd1ugbHpS7UtRngwoTPN_VY_WQZ78oLQbZKvoyWcowLWl2uNuSF0Dzi6SF61WcnrkU3jt0PcLoweJiIbApgsEXY2pxMS5AcEP8I6f3NLbzilLF0gI0TosKQwNUKToGs5AEiJZ2Q/s400/feednfuel.jpg" /></a> One cool thing about moving home is that it gives my kids a chance to really experience things that I did as a child. We visited my parents quite a bit before, but it's nothing like living in the same town and seeing the same things. The bank, the store, the post office, the park I played in as a kid. Instead of it just being a noveltly they would experience while visiting Noni and Popi they get to actually "live" it. Even if they won't remember, I will.<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmhk1KWwk8DoEOi-4kM1WEXE6sEv8v9IexsjyCUNS-wsUMh17YnhvLBETT4YxYJt1M16jTua8VVbjx-M65wSMyP6Hu1sTMWE8Uzfwk0WCIHnBPBX7vpyEDYwHghsBiDY1m4RT1DtyOSg/s1600/sanbenito.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 355px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5631543127216622450" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmhk1KWwk8DoEOi-4kM1WEXE6sEv8v9IexsjyCUNS-wsUMh17YnhvLBETT4YxYJt1M16jTua8VVbjx-M65wSMyP6Hu1sTMWE8Uzfwk0WCIHnBPBX7vpyEDYwHghsBiDY1m4RT1DtyOSg/s400/sanbenito.jpg" /></a> It's also been nice to have the break from running a house. I've been helping out, but with living with my parents comes the respite from being solely responsible for running a household. My day to day chores have changed quite a bit and it's been so nice. And I've been able to do more things with my Mom, like batch cooking. It's always more enjoyable to do work with those you love. All the things that we've talked about doing together now we can actually do together.<br /></div><br /><div>So, my apologies for the absence. While I'm figuring out our "new normal", postings still will be sporatic but will definitely not be so far apart. I'm really excited to start this new chapter, and sharing my new experiences with you all. </div></div></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-745825294940013067.post-83619157746895215272011-06-01T14:55:00.000-07:002011-06-01T15:10:09.787-07:00Don't Let Them Rain on Your Parade!So I know you all have heard this before, don't let others rain on your parade. One place that you especially need to remember that is here in blogland. The buffer of a computer screen can be both a blessing and a curse. It can allow us to share our most inner thoughts and feelings with a feeling of safety-no face to face interactions necessary.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkmspvHN9-eQUkdyxdZaltPQXC1-G8AOLuhAoyObdsOVVEPv9SnOOYvICCYfsSS7oQFUwyLB8Jot-2sesyBrJnBKO_kju_rvc_jr8KLK70VGTLTmXbzVMds-27SnqwKofWS4vomI7SVw/s1600/raindrops.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5613373505996532434" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkmspvHN9-eQUkdyxdZaltPQXC1-G8AOLuhAoyObdsOVVEPv9SnOOYvICCYfsSS7oQFUwyLB8Jot-2sesyBrJnBKO_kju_rvc_jr8KLK70VGTLTmXbzVMds-27SnqwKofWS4vomI7SVw/s400/raindrops.jpg" /></a> However it can also bring out those who use the buffer of the computer screen to write mean spirited and unkind words to others. In the forms of "constructive" criticism, unkind comments or unsolicited advice. We as bloggers need to keep in mind that when they try to rain on our parade, let those words roll right off you. Easier said than done, but it's still necessary. There will always be those, (I am inclined to think the Devil is in the details here) who's words do more harm than good or come across as less than helpful. I am by no means calling anyone out in particular, just making a general observation from my dealings in the world of, "social media".<br /><br />In fact, I had a subscriber the other day ask me how they could, "delete me" because they didn't know how to do it. They started following my blog because of my crafting and decorating ideas, but once they realized, "that wasn't all you were about" they didn't want to follow me anymore. <br /><br />Really? Is life so compartmentalized that we have to keep our blogs on topic at all times, only writting about certain things? Nope. So don't feel pigeon-holed into writting about the popular topics of the day, write what is on your heart, what is real in your life, be the real you and those that are interested will read with interest. Those that aren't, don't let 'em rain on your parade-it's your life, live and write about it how you want to!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-745825294940013067.post-61238611124703823262011-05-18T18:43:00.000-07:002011-05-18T18:57:43.908-07:00Barn Charm Birdhouse<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC38xY6bdZRZ0Upzl7WgOU0eEXkNYJR-sHNg7kjDCIB7nFYPz9urrEuk2SM892VxzuLjwABLeTdLMk2sYrzcbr7IcSq21OL_4rrh4wceQIAmjybikzslDbbhEpj_mLOTs5pJl01U-pAw/s1600/IMG_5041.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5608237637275029026" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC38xY6bdZRZ0Upzl7WgOU0eEXkNYJR-sHNg7kjDCIB7nFYPz9urrEuk2SM892VxzuLjwABLeTdLMk2sYrzcbr7IcSq21OL_4rrh4wceQIAmjybikzslDbbhEpj_mLOTs5pJl01U-pAw/s400/IMG_5041.JPG" /></a> I picked up a plain wooden birdhouse from the dollar bin at Joann's and transformed it to the above birdhouse. I think it's so cute, I am in love with barns and this reminds me of a birdie sized barn!<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghId-HQrF4kT0NIbisIBhnPXSocyccALKyAwYcZq5JFZ1RV98LADZfEGxaXyFeCQA1kklaEYDuP_GpOpyAYQSP9fNHvi3Z1LzyPiYr98ATQtpgX0-ToThT9EpBlSa2n5aTXS7LS-6bpg/s1600/IMG_5049.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5608237628147734802" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghId-HQrF4kT0NIbisIBhnPXSocyccALKyAwYcZq5JFZ1RV98LADZfEGxaXyFeCQA1kklaEYDuP_GpOpyAYQSP9fNHvi3Z1LzyPiYr98ATQtpgX0-ToThT9EpBlSa2n5aTXS7LS-6bpg/s400/IMG_5049.JPG" /></a> I took moss from the backyard, dried it out and glued it to the underside of the roof and in little clusters on top. The roof underneath is painted a russet brown and then has been given a light coat of metallic bronze glaze. The rims around the openings as well as the little perch have been painted olive green.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYVu8N7yH5-ehpLg7YQK4znpEqq8Ze60o6Q2XW7joi3wP7KpJSpublAKLtp6OQFhbnRsZVPE8CIppuXgrxNczZ7ENdPZDXHBLCeaaAxX3078c1e_fDMlWWbLbDoIlYxFw_mPcrcpYJBQ/s1600/IMG_5043.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5608237621782790978" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYVu8N7yH5-ehpLg7YQK4znpEqq8Ze60o6Q2XW7joi3wP7KpJSpublAKLtp6OQFhbnRsZVPE8CIppuXgrxNczZ7ENdPZDXHBLCeaaAxX3078c1e_fDMlWWbLbDoIlYxFw_mPcrcpYJBQ/s400/IMG_5043.JPG" /></a> I also took some bronze colored flat glitter (not shiny) and sprinkled a bit on top here and there admist the moss. The wood is actually tanbark from the front yard planting beds! I just made sure to pick out pieces of wood that were strips to have them more closely resemble "planks".<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiO4GlSSTRtSA4-bpb9b6t3AqwKBvd4y8NyL0D3BG0e806c5hmmGIMr6cGgNS8CfwDc49HuP5k4i49W5hRwyH2oW2_1-rNC1ju4aXxi43cTevU2Ft2ev06rkvMX32wVLblt4Tgq5vv2nA/s1600/IMG_5046.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5608237616966121202" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiO4GlSSTRtSA4-bpb9b6t3AqwKBvd4y8NyL0D3BG0e806c5hmmGIMr6cGgNS8CfwDc49HuP5k4i49W5hRwyH2oW2_1-rNC1ju4aXxi43cTevU2Ft2ev06rkvMX32wVLblt4Tgq5vv2nA/s400/IMG_5046.JPG" /></a> The body of the barn is painted with a base coat of tapioca, then a coat of crackle glaze was applied. Once dried, I did a topcoat of oxide red and it dried to the lovely aged finished look. The base of the house as well as the roofline were painted complimentary shades of brown. I then used the same tanbark as I did on the roof to glue around the base of the house.</div><br /><br /><div>If my Momma likes it, it's hers. If not, I'll be keeping it for myself!</div><br /><br /><div>What do you think, does it look like a barn? I hope so! Please click on, "Linky Parties I Love" to see where I'll be sharing my latest project.</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-745825294940013067.post-82746194230640410232011-05-07T14:45:00.000-07:002011-05-07T16:14:56.266-07:00Happy Mother's Day to my Mommy<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLqm-BOybiZ_o9IJnWPXjpPs2y3mfX7HX7-E1gC5AxBMhmtNtohxpYUKzySujthn6ZQoT4fpCqGlGacPzTfNpKQCbYXI1exYJXyNq5gNG9JhtoWZ-HB_cxFm83xDEPkUNkDRBYNgFnWQ/s1600/IMG_3065.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5604099380915433570" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLqm-BOybiZ_o9IJnWPXjpPs2y3mfX7HX7-E1gC5AxBMhmtNtohxpYUKzySujthn6ZQoT4fpCqGlGacPzTfNpKQCbYXI1exYJXyNq5gNG9JhtoWZ-HB_cxFm83xDEPkUNkDRBYNgFnWQ/s400/IMG_3065.JPG" /></a>Mom, I know that you are semi-irritated at me before even reading this. I know you don't like getting your picture taken, let alone having it posted for all of blogland. However, I hope that by the end of this post you'll forgive me.<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaV_krhyt2mNfyp1DLlQf0d7I1qVERZ3CxtF3YXTchl94jQXaZhHYXeqoY_Nf5x6fhSGRCGYHwt7JXM3_1_GpGYdVHRjHkb6Y-BBsasRKt5MsMRRCX7nItyUrb6HXloKJe46WMtwIwYg/s1600/IMG_3059.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5604099371700354626" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaV_krhyt2mNfyp1DLlQf0d7I1qVERZ3CxtF3YXTchl94jQXaZhHYXeqoY_Nf5x6fhSGRCGYHwt7JXM3_1_GpGYdVHRjHkb6Y-BBsasRKt5MsMRRCX7nItyUrb6HXloKJe46WMtwIwYg/s400/IMG_3059.JPG" /></a> Thank you for being such an amazing, "Nonni" to my babies. You show love, patience and joy towards them every time you see them. You know when to laugh at them, and when to tell them to reign it in and behave.<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5WoNh48MMzoEpiAAslScLzHjapbGnnubvH57F7PHJDILzrz_y1WTt29Nn8o5Fg-yv8ky6gqK8O8l5sNn3k67Yh77Q_X3-nDZ5cwJChrEYvhbif-rK5ND-2awQap4aBVIj8DUBktn4mg/s1600/wedding.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 388px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5604097280168827970" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5WoNh48MMzoEpiAAslScLzHjapbGnnubvH57F7PHJDILzrz_y1WTt29Nn8o5Fg-yv8ky6gqK8O8l5sNn3k67Yh77Q_X3-nDZ5cwJChrEYvhbif-rK5ND-2awQap4aBVIj8DUBktn4mg/s400/wedding.jpg" /></a> Thank you for all the times you've reminded me that love is a decision. That no matter what the situation, you choose how you are going to feel about it and how you are going to respond towards it. You've shown me that you can love and like someone, and even when you don't like them, you still can love them.<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjw1_kORn28E69SOczQwePeYWyKdzuZnqUCa6DdK-CVkJcBGnL4Gr8Qq9RNjyB5GrBR5smbNu-5SKEMLm9hHfYw1Wt3RoyiHzqExQxcZyZJEByp-KCbGGt_O0OAcbbHDSEa-8mScPCQhg/s1600/sleepover.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 372px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5604097276183629922" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjw1_kORn28E69SOczQwePeYWyKdzuZnqUCa6DdK-CVkJcBGnL4Gr8Qq9RNjyB5GrBR5smbNu-5SKEMLm9hHfYw1Wt3RoyiHzqExQxcZyZJEByp-KCbGGt_O0OAcbbHDSEa-8mScPCQhg/s400/sleepover.jpg" /></a> Thank you for the way you showed me many times that in life, you just need to roll with it. When you have a house full of sick kids, and a newborn baby too...instant slumber party in the living room. Getting mad and irritated and overwhelmed, while all valid in and of themselves makes for a disaster when combined and will lead you nowhere.<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj6JMPLkHwu5hZL2XsjXRXDwYLV_IDF2nNzYha-uB-h_8L0gx0caJY5gBP4rdaf1h6bxrziSlsrepprbsebZBDHkFKmh0YjxBkYh0PKCuNmiowXLv838x-Cp2P2isCXmuxGPN3Js5jFg/s1600/momndadyoung.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 193px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5604097269761237810" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj6JMPLkHwu5hZL2XsjXRXDwYLV_IDF2nNzYha-uB-h_8L0gx0caJY5gBP4rdaf1h6bxrziSlsrepprbsebZBDHkFKmh0YjxBkYh0PKCuNmiowXLv838x-Cp2P2isCXmuxGPN3Js5jFg/s400/momndadyoung.jpg" /></a> Thank you for all the stories you told me, and still do, about you and Daddy and your courtship. How you thought on more than one occasion that you were going to meet your maker due to his crazyness. How you two made plans, and you loved, and you looked forward to the future.<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKile2ywARd1yUY0X83VRfvmceCZGu5km5Lr9lf45DkfdayOdkWSxo4_-DEyAezzp-QDs_B2_S-OnU68HgvccQP-lbTYXtQi8x_nAg320BSA24zZi4czYg7HQnVEZl4nSUT2vcKKWnVw/s1600/momndad.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 316px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5604097265238224738" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKile2ywARd1yUY0X83VRfvmceCZGu5km5Lr9lf45DkfdayOdkWSxo4_-DEyAezzp-QDs_B2_S-OnU68HgvccQP-lbTYXtQi8x_nAg320BSA24zZi4czYg7HQnVEZl4nSUT2vcKKWnVw/s400/momndad.jpg" /></a> Thank you for showing me what a true blessing we as mothers have in that we get to grow our babies. How pregnancy was hard, but it wasn't something to be scared of. Labor was worth it, our bodies could do it, and you showed me and I watched in awe. Then you held my hand when I was in the midst of the worst and looked me in the eyes and told me, "It's ok, look at me, you can do it, breathe".<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3LttgxboGZnQTh3GkPJS8G4A_R5esoBCKpDcRahl7_SDh_9zj8XKRMdgD-OrQZwAkX7ccgbYfm8tt_K-pudfQFDGPx8sxS-2lfqD0T03wtgTEwEMVzWghEoX7HA6taDaYLFMIDL51QA/s1600/mommykid.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 280px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5604097266670922018" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3LttgxboGZnQTh3GkPJS8G4A_R5esoBCKpDcRahl7_SDh_9zj8XKRMdgD-OrQZwAkX7ccgbYfm8tt_K-pudfQFDGPx8sxS-2lfqD0T03wtgTEwEMVzWghEoX7HA6taDaYLFMIDL51QA/s400/mommykid.jpg" /></a> Thank you for telling me, and modeling to me, that our past doesn't predict our future.<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuJwl9yXnRMZSz5zsD54RjKATKjvToJgHOxvlJl9Hp_H_Gss9xnkogOYRZs4V-wqyUSHIhr8lYvKdoMiqT7mezKTKpn48-6elBH93VwB4_Rf9uF-q36TdVlH7LzXTzXDwaB6vwoAmVqA/s1600/latrip.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 323px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5604096944148283586" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuJwl9yXnRMZSz5zsD54RjKATKjvToJgHOxvlJl9Hp_H_Gss9xnkogOYRZs4V-wqyUSHIhr8lYvKdoMiqT7mezKTKpn48-6elBH93VwB4_Rf9uF-q36TdVlH7LzXTzXDwaB6vwoAmVqA/s400/latrip.jpg" /></a> Thank you for showing us that you loved your dying mother enough to drag all four of your kids up and down the state to fulfill her wish of an "ultimate vacation" with us. Thank you for loving us enough to give us that last big vacation with her while she was able and for all the memories.<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcITTMg4nFV5Wpm1pVSgohHEfpaE36K_stzDGp3v6QtR4k4vrcKGOCNUMtUHxBK5ZvvAEF4M4SrFckKZ2GNvbIZltmpnNOHns5Uiw3brIFdb1eiVVsl-vYu-Th5S4SiRQud2k3kGkPeA/s1600/youngjamo.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 272px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5604099360082374722" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcITTMg4nFV5Wpm1pVSgohHEfpaE36K_stzDGp3v6QtR4k4vrcKGOCNUMtUHxBK5ZvvAEF4M4SrFckKZ2GNvbIZltmpnNOHns5Uiw3brIFdb1eiVVsl-vYu-Th5S4SiRQud2k3kGkPeA/s400/youngjamo.jpg" /></a> Thank you for the camping trips and beach drives and McDonald's runs and park days and ice cream trucks. Thank you for the way you loved us without spoiling us.<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-uHMvO3gqRu1ajEfRhPlPchLsAYq0CPbv0Pbo2kYqzj9jxYat3s2SXpU6iE7Ox8PAfMNr6TmKIUaX9W0quny6OOBUyjklyuN3l7xY9fHLSfCNClSnOf4e9WteQ5fmWsk3YwGU8X1JsA/s1600/kennalittle.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 382px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5604096938261538402" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-uHMvO3gqRu1ajEfRhPlPchLsAYq0CPbv0Pbo2kYqzj9jxYat3s2SXpU6iE7Ox8PAfMNr6TmKIUaX9W0quny6OOBUyjklyuN3l7xY9fHLSfCNClSnOf4e9WteQ5fmWsk3YwGU8X1JsA/s400/kennalittle.jpg" /></a> Thank you for not accepting what you knew many would just accept. You showed me that we are not victims in our life, but we are survivors. Thank you for fighting for each of us in different ways, but in ways that each of us needed you to.<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVkSGujc-y2j3RwG5dZf14Jf3iJ7IGN8mmu-YY4gq54EyqspHB6Jaa6dPEuwo0P_jE1Pn_FYQ7FMf_uSmvnhxyntN93oZKQw6xDma1h8WOrDeILQQEPH-yOSzolcUH0C1-TrVE26EHkg/s1600/jamohospital.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 376px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5604096936864438786" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVkSGujc-y2j3RwG5dZf14Jf3iJ7IGN8mmu-YY4gq54EyqspHB6Jaa6dPEuwo0P_jE1Pn_FYQ7FMf_uSmvnhxyntN93oZKQw6xDma1h8WOrDeILQQEPH-yOSzolcUH0C1-TrVE26EHkg/s400/jamohospital.jpg" /></a> Thank you for protecting us. Thank you for caring for your babies and all of their needs. From collic to croop to bacterial menengitis to sleep apnea to broken bones to autism. For enduring the tests and the scares and the beeping alarms. Thank you for the prayers to God begging Him to let you keep your babies just a little bit longer. They worked.<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIWWjQvNz-GcqczvovZW5jPO7FV5kXf0XPDAW7VYj-jP75DoUzGVQHalSI1C-uEbrb6txADdg0VJ8YvjCwD97-bPBpIz8l5XuooBy_lxwtwKfM4FYgtK0_KJDLGbj410-QcxIkkSGuuQ/s1600/familyphoto.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 226px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5604096933610710146" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIWWjQvNz-GcqczvovZW5jPO7FV5kXf0XPDAW7VYj-jP75DoUzGVQHalSI1C-uEbrb6txADdg0VJ8YvjCwD97-bPBpIz8l5XuooBy_lxwtwKfM4FYgtK0_KJDLGbj410-QcxIkkSGuuQ/s400/familyphoto.jpg" /></a> Thank you for showing us how important God was. For scrubbing toilets when you were 8 months pregnant so we could attend our perochial school. For volunteering for church plays and VBS. For regular early Sunday morning rituals and ironing clothes and crying kids and brushing hair and getting out the door for church. For making sure we prayed before eating and before sleeping. For getting us bibles and CD's and movies that promoted Christian values. For making sure that we wern't fed spiritual junk.<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBKg0bkOdoQEovexnkbK3a0CIL9BVxgdTKrODXjoXOEM8RuXSQOx9qf7ADupwPp2ZpnOJ9AM7iPb3IT6nkFh3XGag6SksZOOuIPfIBbkB5PepbREOT0Wul0b0-u6qgXD3iXaCkP2pw2w/s1600/easterme.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 269px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5604096932588822818" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBKg0bkOdoQEovexnkbK3a0CIL9BVxgdTKrODXjoXOEM8RuXSQOx9qf7ADupwPp2ZpnOJ9AM7iPb3IT6nkFh3XGag6SksZOOuIPfIBbkB5PepbREOT0Wul0b0-u6qgXD3iXaCkP2pw2w/s400/easterme.jpg" /></a></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div><br /><br /><p>Thank you for wearing the same three outfits over and over so we could look our best. For wearing the same glasses for 15 years so we could have that money for other things, for us. For sacrificing creature comforts because you'd rather spend the money other things, for us. For driving, "Mechanic's Special's" for cars and not caring about labels. For having perspective and remembering the big picture, and in the end if we didn't have Guess jeans we wouldn't die.</p><br /><br /><p>Thank you for all you've done, and for all the ways you've loved, and for all the ways you've served. Thank you for your prayers, and your advice, and your encouragement and for the swift kicks as needed. Thank you for your sacrifices and your tears and your realizations and your commitment. Thank you for your friendship. I love you, Happy Mother's Day.</p><br /><br /><p>"It is not that you have chosen me; but it is I who have chosen you. I have appointed you to go and bear fruit that will be lasting."~ John 15:16 ~</p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-745825294940013067.post-18473745480220467632011-05-07T08:14:00.000-07:002011-05-07T09:09:26.402-07:00From Like to Love<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZZaHxogwe1Hhyphenhyphen4v56HFpEKTUU5dRph_-9CgUd3zMhU6Drlp1CCBgHEvVmB8XGtS7oMoj5JUu9o7ubGpnLncLXBHuRU5MkdF2Neh8qcXTNEsVS77lvUKcQLZwM6B30a8OIEG-seK8iyA/s1600/IMG_4773.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5603993488578997074" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZZaHxogwe1Hhyphenhyphen4v56HFpEKTUU5dRph_-9CgUd3zMhU6Drlp1CCBgHEvVmB8XGtS7oMoj5JUu9o7ubGpnLncLXBHuRU5MkdF2Neh8qcXTNEsVS77lvUKcQLZwM6B30a8OIEG-seK8iyA/s400/IMG_4773.JPG" /></a> My sister bought me this print back when Hubby and I were first married, over 10 years ago. I absolutely adore it, the print is beautiful. However the frame and the mat made it look dated. I didn't want to get rid of it, but it needed a change up.<br /><br /><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQe_g9kRzkp3pubxV2h4aeUonECHUKesWCqyLyhTdY4IAFWu-lOsf_huH8tpZusB3IihN1lGF1sJ0-dQeXYuzp6OqZVDB_5fbzpB1mv3JO_yt82UnqBc1qmlrgMQql4bOCS1tvmjWT3w/s1600/IMG_4778.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5603993726990492786" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQe_g9kRzkp3pubxV2h4aeUonECHUKesWCqyLyhTdY4IAFWu-lOsf_huH8tpZusB3IihN1lGF1sJ0-dQeXYuzp6OqZVDB_5fbzpB1mv3JO_yt82UnqBc1qmlrgMQql4bOCS1tvmjWT3w/s400/IMG_4778.JPG" /></a></p><br /><br /><p>This is what I did originally. I used crackle medium on the oak frame and "whitewashed" it. Then I dry brushed some acrylic paint on the mat. Iused a pinkinsh brown on the outer portion and then dry brushed white on the inner portion. To finish it off, I cut up some linen and used it as a border between the two colors. I liked it, but it was still missing something.</p><br /><br /><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheClCSjZ7vcZx2-w15l759zKkjbt95OmbOiT-ZNVvQ80vJRc4dY5EqOAfAXxJwxT6IrWUzOXYOzXdUZpwdvTl2a_iG7s5XSw98hcOhYAVCW7hLVlYPcizAiCppOZ6SSuZr2b6lk7FTqQ/s1600/IMG_5014.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5603993496994297378" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheClCSjZ7vcZx2-w15l759zKkjbt95OmbOiT-ZNVvQ80vJRc4dY5EqOAfAXxJwxT6IrWUzOXYOzXdUZpwdvTl2a_iG7s5XSw98hcOhYAVCW7hLVlYPcizAiCppOZ6SSuZr2b6lk7FTqQ/s400/IMG_5014.JPG" /></a> Then I had the idea to use some galvanized french chicken wire. I took my wire snips and cut a square out, then cut out the center as to not cover the print. Didn't want that sweet girl to look like she was in a cage ;) However, I messed up and cut a portion too short as you can see along the bottom. I debated wether to start over again, but decided not too. Since the whole thing now has an aged, worn look I decided the messed up chicken wire helped with the overall look. That is what I'm telling myself anyway!</p><br /><br /><p>So next time you have something around the house that you like, but it just looks out of place try updating instead of replacing. It's a great way to upcycle and it lets you be creative at the same time.</p><br /><br /><p>Please click on "Linky Parties I Love" to see where I'll be sharing my latest project. Thanks!</p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-745825294940013067.post-81366692213844346832011-05-01T20:56:00.000-07:002011-05-02T07:58:16.693-07:00"A Life So Full It Seems Empty"<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeTV8LyXkl4QtT30S9EZGby1dD0MWR5UeYrErJLppUMD8nOB4WcirCpvyhg-ZHoyvQbPsgzZNz5dGuA9iqkQxkOg1uZnlQhmg5wLRLqrLtXu7G6Isa0rtL1tsXmlY0d6sh9VdkTCGoPg/s1600/IMG_4900.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5601963353560300482" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeTV8LyXkl4QtT30S9EZGby1dD0MWR5UeYrErJLppUMD8nOB4WcirCpvyhg-ZHoyvQbPsgzZNz5dGuA9iqkQxkOg1uZnlQhmg5wLRLqrLtXu7G6Isa0rtL1tsXmlY0d6sh9VdkTCGoPg/s400/IMG_4900.JPG" /></a> I read this passage today from the book I started awhile back, <a href="http://www.aholyexperience.com/">One Thousand Gifts</a> . It really struck me, I can completely relate to what the author, Ann Voskamp is saying. A life so full it seems...empty. Monatonous. Predictable. Busy. Routine.<br /><br />I think as a mother, my life tends to be pretty much on "auto pilot". It starts and ends the same pretty much every day. The fullness of each day is lost on me, because I tend to just go through the motions as a Mom so much of the time. Feed. Bathe. Instruct. Clean. Organize. Cook. I tick off the things I do every day in my head, my mental list of what I accomplish in a day. Since I think it's so "no brainer", I don't put much thought into it.<br /><br />However, my life, it is so full.<br /><br />My life is so abundant.<br /><br />My gifts from God are lavishly given, I lose track of them.<br /><br />My blessings are so many, they meld together and take a shape I don't choose to recognize.<br /><br />My cup overflows so much that I don't realize it's past capacity and I see what can't be contained as opposed to the full reservoir I already have been blessed with.<br /><br />My God loves me so much. He will provide. More. Abundantly. Every. Single. Day.<br /><br />What I have is exactly what I need. He will give me just what I need. When I don't focus on what I don't have, and instead focus on what I already have, I will see what I already have been given. It's enough. It's a gift, given with purpose. Given from my God. Given. Not earned. A gift.<br /><br />Sharing my thoughts today at Blessed Little Nest. Go check out her blog, it's worth the click!<br /><br /><<a href="http://www.lifemadelovely-blog.com/search/label/life%20made%20lovely%20mondays"><img border="0" alt="Photobucket" src="http://i670.photobucket.com/albums/vv65/hamiltonfive/lifemadelovelybutton.png" /></a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-745825294940013067.post-25472336386412422632011-04-22T15:14:00.000-07:002011-04-22T15:28:26.157-07:00Fun With FabricA friend of mine recently had her first baby. The theme of her daughter's nursery is Dick and Jane. I love me some Dick and Jane, the girl has good taste. So I decided to make her a gift that she could use for nursery decor and had a function too. Enter this memo/photo board and barette holder.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFKtjUFlwt9sr1nx534avDeCsfvf3sv5BZQut6vKm3gJ7HEe3BhsGInr14GcYDRu38_mmTGnNbNLqSznCPGEATqgQQIFY_8MJbXrY76LsW5hF4YXr3l7aweYPlEdsXwS0CCCiuOiuorg/s1600/IMG_4955.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5598535697043275714" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFKtjUFlwt9sr1nx534avDeCsfvf3sv5BZQut6vKm3gJ7HEe3BhsGInr14GcYDRu38_mmTGnNbNLqSznCPGEATqgQQIFY_8MJbXrY76LsW5hF4YXr3l7aweYPlEdsXwS0CCCiuOiuorg/s400/IMG_4955.JPG" /></a> I took an 11x14 frame that I bought on clearance at Jo-Jo's (Joann's), and used it for the photo board. Lots of cork, fabric, ribbon and hot glue threw togther made the above result.<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYSsOYR2svC4z2GCzJ80MJRR1EdaUQWgzJ0iDaRXEW9XsH1aDufvzpVjXmTD_aiPCAJ97nq7TmWf0giTO0m4umUJBOOQcIy_LB6Yy1wcEtMZT37Xhohss-2H_CjFtI1xURnVj6H1JZVg/s1600/IMG_4959.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5598535541455949602" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYSsOYR2svC4z2GCzJ80MJRR1EdaUQWgzJ0iDaRXEW9XsH1aDufvzpVjXmTD_aiPCAJ97nq7TmWf0giTO0m4umUJBOOQcIy_LB6Yy1wcEtMZT37Xhohss-2H_CjFtI1xURnVj6H1JZVg/s400/IMG_4959.JPG" /></a>For a cute little tie in for her daughter, I used pink buttons.<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEYPdfO8EUmEGvGEN7Fs5iUmZBszoOcrGtmLH94t47hFUaAAusaVxD3fF6g1Z4uAEH-KXmjnSkIe-87EnPr3oj3GMTSGbSYTdwRLHwo6VAlroOQaI7tba-H1niv_tDU-iDzYUQVR5EcA/s1600/IMG_4958.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5598535535128436530" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEYPdfO8EUmEGvGEN7Fs5iUmZBszoOcrGtmLH94t47hFUaAAusaVxD3fF6g1Z4uAEH-KXmjnSkIe-87EnPr3oj3GMTSGbSYTdwRLHwo6VAlroOQaI7tba-H1niv_tDU-iDzYUQVR5EcA/s400/IMG_4958.JPG" /></a> I also used some flat glass marbles to make a few matching push pins.<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWQSWK5ISobEK4HApCOtViruBuuUTjaXhqBILDRKGIdfxRNzT5a_4f-wlTW1FTrCvbOQPbaGAtPJ1lLKE6Qwfe4Q26oucZT2WpzL-DLoLBI5BFyAYKVCOe4D7zi76vodkdRNr58-80Zw/s1600/IMG_4963.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5598535529654756466" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWQSWK5ISobEK4HApCOtViruBuuUTjaXhqBILDRKGIdfxRNzT5a_4f-wlTW1FTrCvbOQPbaGAtPJ1lLKE6Qwfe4Q26oucZT2WpzL-DLoLBI5BFyAYKVCOe4D7zi76vodkdRNr58-80Zw/s400/IMG_4963.JPG" /></a> The barette holder above is the same fabric stretched over an old canvas, then adorned with ribbon and buttons.<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKcVuKgeQmf7U9vxEEkLZBH9s2uA090KU6KhqUhLuH7hyphenhyphenF1uBtNU0EzMp7nyqge_0q74jcbwno_t-PVCzU29HXuBxlY547MsGrfmYOl32AsFZhMzY2iY8FWbfk6RwWgdSVnw2JyqT7uw/s1600/IMG_4964.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5598535525672537746" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKcVuKgeQmf7U9vxEEkLZBH9s2uA090KU6KhqUhLuH7hyphenhyphenF1uBtNU0EzMp7nyqge_0q74jcbwno_t-PVCzU29HXuBxlY547MsGrfmYOl32AsFZhMzY2iY8FWbfk6RwWgdSVnw2JyqT7uw/s400/IMG_4964.JPG" /></a> Easy to clip barettes directly to the ribbons for fun and functional storage. No digging around in a box, drawer, bowl, etc.<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFThrraZxvv_G3tgOsSHyuWGKpppp4b6g1PsvQwZpXuHoC9VDR-haUKzQpNjR9AoZFXBDBuwkEsGgMwcfX3V6c3ImbZ970zKp4CCCLs0zuUXa0ev3yT21aZK7g3ht9K4LpC-Mq5EPdqg/s1600/IMG_4961.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5598535521480581026" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFThrraZxvv_G3tgOsSHyuWGKpppp4b6g1PsvQwZpXuHoC9VDR-haUKzQpNjR9AoZFXBDBuwkEsGgMwcfX3V6c3ImbZ970zKp4CCCLs0zuUXa0ev3yT21aZK7g3ht9K4LpC-Mq5EPdqg/s400/IMG_4961.JPG" /></a> I love the vintage feel to both projects. I am a sucker for all things vintage right now. I really am.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>So, are you dying to know how to make your own? Click on the vintage "You Tube" TV on the right sidebar and you'll be directed to my You Tube channel. I have video tutorials for each project. There are a few (okay...maybe more than a few) installments for each project, so make sure you watch them all. Then get to crafting something!</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>Please click on "Linky Parties I Love" to see where I'll be linking up my latest creations.</div></div></div></div></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-745825294940013067.post-11794219252082222372011-04-21T15:18:00.000-07:002011-04-21T15:28:09.382-07:00Thoughts on Thankfulness<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEha_vN_zoIzP8OjrXlXihJUD7n9OIh5k8xJl9bmO_BB6VB_M53H6NmkTtw9kfCMKG2_9dFVqZuUA4ooAkyxS2j3Fj2HGReIEARb7Pzl72q1KA2NpQ10bfGOQqMHxgkKCKPW9lCseBhnHA/s1600/IMG_4762.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5598166414217948882" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEha_vN_zoIzP8OjrXlXihJUD7n9OIh5k8xJl9bmO_BB6VB_M53H6NmkTtw9kfCMKG2_9dFVqZuUA4ooAkyxS2j3Fj2HGReIEARb7Pzl72q1KA2NpQ10bfGOQqMHxgkKCKPW9lCseBhnHA/s400/IMG_4762.JPG" /></a> <br />I know to be "thankful in all things", but treat it more as a sweeping "thank you" than as a intimate, intentional, specific thank you for the multiple, easily overlooked and daily things that God puts in front of me each and every moment of each and every day. I can honestly say that I do have moments where I am thankful for little things, but a continual, regular state of thanksgiving for all things? No, not even close. I'm too busy nit-picking out what I am not thankful for instead of wrapping up the good and the bad, the beautiful and the ugly, the mundane and the glorious. I am expending WaY too much energy trying to extract out what I don't like instead of taking it for the whole, entire gift that God places before me.<br /><br />For me personally I think that gratitude forces me to look at the good, the happy, the realness of something. When I'm not grateful, I am really negative for the most part and tend to pull out things that are sad, depressing, angering or frustrating to me. I then tend to dwell on those things, ruminate on how they make me feel. When I'm not grateful, I am very self-involved and selfish, and I tend to look at things through the "me" filter. How does it make me feel? How does it affect me? What can I do to change it? How can I make it go away?<br /><br />By being grateful for things, and especially if I focus on the small, simple and real ways that God shows me His love for me (my kids laughter, my purring kitty wanting to sit on my lap, the unsolicited "I love you" from my hubby), how can I not be taken aback by the sheer volume of His love? If I focus on all of it, how can I not focus on any of it? If I can look at the blessings for the simplicity of what they are instead of waiting for the knock me over the side of my head "miracles", how can I not feel anything by abject love and pure devotion for my Heavenly Father? He delights in using the everyday to delight me, not just the pull out all the stops fireworks show once a year. He wants me to delight in the small of each opportunity of thankfulness, for that is a way to have open communication and communion with Him.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-745825294940013067.post-22532696650025585672011-04-21T09:26:00.000-07:002011-04-21T09:51:54.369-07:00Bunny Cake and Silly Faces<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwbubi37cQS85leYz0qMCARbBE3xa82G4QHcBaN9WUuJAVyeA0MeAmWKHVTFYTcgj-1zz1CJDOWFcOWT6xG2EAtc9dR1q4WGYvDbXwq_4Rm9nPNfMIOYEr2d3gHbo1oSJd-JBa0DlTmA/s1600/IMG_4913.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5598074596048629602" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwbubi37cQS85leYz0qMCARbBE3xa82G4QHcBaN9WUuJAVyeA0MeAmWKHVTFYTcgj-1zz1CJDOWFcOWT6xG2EAtc9dR1q4WGYvDbXwq_4Rm9nPNfMIOYEr2d3gHbo1oSJd-JBa0DlTmA/s400/IMG_4913.JPG" /></a> The other day we had a chance to do one of our fun Easter traditions, make our famous, "Bunny Cake". This year we even did things a bit differently, and made it GFCF. It turned out great!<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3BMIM1_1LnHtKmtz_i4U5rZPOMhJvVilJzpZ74XDzTsULcZSGYWdYM-vWB2e8ty0pKhtrEZPrSJzjRE3pWtgFtYdR5Nzu5bUf0Yxqn6rm4b7P8b623QySg_Ro_zpLu-4886AIXrfKAg/s1600/IMG_4915.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5598074590944812210" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3BMIM1_1LnHtKmtz_i4U5rZPOMhJvVilJzpZ74XDzTsULcZSGYWdYM-vWB2e8ty0pKhtrEZPrSJzjRE3pWtgFtYdR5Nzu5bUf0Yxqn6rm4b7P8b623QySg_Ro_zpLu-4886AIXrfKAg/s400/IMG_4915.JPG" /></a> We used jelly beans and salt water taffy from Trader Joes and some cake decorations my Mom picked up awhile ago. To make the "whiskers", we just stuck white toothpicks in a piece of salt water taffy. The rest is pretty self explanitory. Cute, no?<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWolC_EsVRkUObQiM36DACyHfipZ1IeKT84B4VRT35-PIuHG3_cSqUTon0hKRaB5oPBFn0xu11HLPClE5tuvWHiorhsSpyHFbdZa1HeMWVpVCtR7OCnr6tjaTEzG3NIGyCzg-ucs3kTA/s1600/IMG_4914.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5598074589329824434" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWolC_EsVRkUObQiM36DACyHfipZ1IeKT84B4VRT35-PIuHG3_cSqUTon0hKRaB5oPBFn0xu11HLPClE5tuvWHiorhsSpyHFbdZa1HeMWVpVCtR7OCnr6tjaTEzG3NIGyCzg-ucs3kTA/s400/IMG_4914.JPG" /></a><br />The kids and I had a lot of fun, and it's fun to carry on traditions. My grandma, or "Nanny" as I called her used to make these cakes for us grandkids. Once she passed away, they stopped, but I'm happy to start up the tradition again with my own kids.</div><br /><div><br /><br /><p>What family traditions do you do with your family for Easter?</p></div><br /><div><br /><p>Linking up our pictures at "Embrace the Camera", click here to see more!:<br /><a href="http://www.andersonfamilycrew.blogspot.com/"><img border="0" src="http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/mm99/emilymaeanderson/Embrace_the_camera-2.jpg" /></a><br /><br /></p></div></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-745825294940013067.post-26526717994263750552011-04-15T18:18:00.000-07:002011-04-16T09:24:17.791-07:00Change is a Comin'So, it's been awhile, huh? I've not been around blog land much the past month or so. My last post had me lamenting on my unmotivated and uninspired attitude. Kinda not feeling the whole, "Spring Cleaning" bug that many of us usually get this time of year. Guess what? I'm feeling it now, big time. Wanna know why???? <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilmrZNnhXXOXBBjuAdNrNKU8JRAF925_MyqfEyOxZFZLZzpYqwFQ8iGnDFLEM84Sny4Edh5i-r6mUXgAfm8wFgn2llWFSuzgYzAFd9iaSHF8oSlXlA2m6nfA9XrcajUX6tpw2iqWiqWw/s1600/IMG_4903.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 260px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5595985404930534914" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilmrZNnhXXOXBBjuAdNrNKU8JRAF925_MyqfEyOxZFZLZzpYqwFQ8iGnDFLEM84Sny4Edh5i-r6mUXgAfm8wFgn2llWFSuzgYzAFd9iaSHF8oSlXlA2m6nfA9XrcajUX6tpw2iqWiqWw/s400/IMG_4903.JPG" /></a> 'Cause last week I came home to find this pinned to our front door. Seems the landlord has stopped paying mortgage, and "our" home is being auctioned off at the end of the month. We've lived here almost nine years. Occupational hazard of renting though, we all know this can happen. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFhgYHMigIJsB7PA3KjfOZzmwtDQhVJenFi21f6NMRgm4CIQzYQTMqkhrBQ5A9xzrlh8AG1MUJGF5JKeBngXzyO5NBbHwir7ESFSBOzkzHASmepBwRbp6VFqaxza5Z4umWbOGSj5cHHA/s1600/IMG_4896_1.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5595985396849026098" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFhgYHMigIJsB7PA3KjfOZzmwtDQhVJenFi21f6NMRgm4CIQzYQTMqkhrBQ5A9xzrlh8AG1MUJGF5JKeBngXzyO5NBbHwir7ESFSBOzkzHASmepBwRbp6VFqaxza5Z4umWbOGSj5cHHA/s400/IMG_4896_1.JPG" /></a> So, as you can imagine, I've been purging and gutting rooms. I've been cleaning closets and dumping drawers. Boxes are being packed up with things no longer needed. It is amazing how much can be crammed into a 725 sq foot space. How much we amass, how much excess we truly live with. <br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirTmgdFKUuvFnBbrbmhIga_P7gGUAZE1y_nqLXQsJ-SAyChMN-PUcl0tVfRT1Ra7TBIbmNhbmqPnzARvSowvxboeSjz8rOFMBQWbNxhksJiEOIZ_C84xvi6hg1kFDUvTQsCqd-Cvg-WA/s1600/IMG_4897.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5595985391356500130" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirTmgdFKUuvFnBbrbmhIga_P7gGUAZE1y_nqLXQsJ-SAyChMN-PUcl0tVfRT1Ra7TBIbmNhbmqPnzARvSowvxboeSjz8rOFMBQWbNxhksJiEOIZ_C84xvi6hg1kFDUvTQsCqd-Cvg-WA/s400/IMG_4897.JPG" /></a></div><br /><div></div><br /><div>Here is just a small sampling of the garage sale pile in our garage. We had one last weekend, made $97. Having another one on Sunday. I've added much more since last weekend. I'm sure I'll have a few more before we leave.</div><br /><div><br /><p>We don't know how long we'll be here, whether or not we'll be leaving once the house sells or if we'll stay. We can be given 60-90 days depending on what the buyer wants to do. No matter what though, we'll have some time to work with.</p></div><br /><div><br /><p>As to the amount of crafting and such, I don't know how much of that I'll be doing. I'm thinking it's going to be put on hold for awhile. At least until we get a better idea of what is going on.</p></div><br /><div><br /><p>I am totally at peace with the situation. No matter what, God provides and we'll be fine. It's just a humble reminder on a few levels. Most of us have more in excess than many people have as their bare necessities. Also that just because we don't want to do something doesn't mean that we don't have to do it. </p></div><br /><div><br /><p>So, on to what may be the next season for our family. </p></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-745825294940013067.post-26620035047852991422011-03-23T11:23:00.000-07:002011-03-23T11:38:25.121-07:00Unmotivated and UninspiredSo, as a few of you might have figured out by now...I've not been around much lately.<br /><br /><p>It's not that I don't want to blog or read blogs, really.<br /><br /><p>It's just that I have, well..<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrG3LZcehkK2-MgeGFjbX0qnsdteUqfKe5yUr9eiNehWgm3k3iAd9PSh2TgtX90BIkZJZlkEIAcxVYxJuOlFbegJZIWfTu9dIzTFtA2uWA8nGVfCKLnF9MyCCbvnwqEq-aTLpCEglbig/s1600/IMG_4885.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5587343154764985554" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrG3LZcehkK2-MgeGFjbX0qnsdteUqfKe5yUr9eiNehWgm3k3iAd9PSh2TgtX90BIkZJZlkEIAcxVYxJuOlFbegJZIWfTu9dIzTFtA2uWA8nGVfCKLnF9MyCCbvnwqEq-aTLpCEglbig/s400/IMG_4885.JPG" /></a> <p>nothing.<br /><br /><p>I've been feeling very unmotivated and uninspired lately. My creative juices just haven't been flowing. I'm not sure why, I'm just kinda in a lull I guess.<br /><br /><p>Lots of rain and dreary days might have something to do with it. But maybe not, I can't say that is all it is. <br /><br /><p>You ever just go through phases where you just don't have the <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">mojo</span> to do much of anything? I think I'm there. Lots of things around the house are kinda just hanging out. Laundry, dishes, cooking, etc. Last night, as we were scarfing down our In and Out burgers, my oldest asked, "Mommy, can we have dinner at home tomorrow night?" Ouch.<br /><br /><p>I'm reading all these organizing posts, cleaning and <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-error">de</span>-cluttering posts, and I just don't wanna. Am I bad for that? I normally do get the spring cleaning bug, but that bug hasn't been to my house yet. I did get a cold bug though, that's been lovely.<br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglHYtrhg_dp1miJM-q-fglFwVKy3yiGGeRjpZfSWcx9YUGYC5Lh04GreITF9zOlHPi6CaLq2V1vk2NaSYUAVMO1BBmX43mWBrtLkQ2P7pxc5twh051-UJ711Hgjjc1oY-J0wsD09L6VA/s1600/IMG_4889.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 267px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5587343150874259506" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglHYtrhg_dp1miJM-q-fglFwVKy3yiGGeRjpZfSWcx9YUGYC5Lh04GreITF9zOlHPi6CaLq2V1vk2NaSYUAVMO1BBmX43mWBrtLkQ2P7pxc5twh051-UJ711Hgjjc1oY-J0wsD09L6VA/s400/IMG_4889.JPG" /></a><p>However, today I <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-error">DiD</span> manage to clean out our medicine cabinet. Baby steps, right? Excuse the picture, believe it or not that is as clean as the inside of that thing gets. It's a very OLD (or retro, depending on how you look at it) cabinet, and I am afraid to remove it because who knows what is behind there. The last thing I need is the Landlord having a <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_3" class="blsp-spelling-error">hissy</span> fit, so the cabinet stays.<br /><br /><p><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_4" class="blsp-spelling-error">Anyhoo</span>, enough of my rambling. I just wanted to let you know that I haven't given up on my blog, or on your blogs, or on you. I'm just not <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_5" class="blsp-spelling-error">feelin</span>' it right now. <br /><br /><p>Be patient with me, I'm gonna surface soon...I can feel it.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-745825294940013067.post-57442913820673323132011-03-19T09:54:00.000-07:002011-03-19T10:20:43.994-07:00Floral Twig Wreath<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqhegksQyQs4WTmbhjw8l34PhYHJPp7EAifl7mUpE3UKOkmM9Xx_tZQTek5RSmzQFHUtOw6m52sC_Q50oWqtwlR7PiktMbL17s0lERg1qTdF5heLre7wmzcIMXCQ1AQCGX7md1bfYzWA/s1600/IMG_4880.JPG"></a><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfJXRmnTv-WtvLztxva-Adp0myghNyC0V75_RzNBXg1EjH7s9-goiSJwI-g3ok5tk2qBRVWrCuQDndaMNW-sepE9QOkxc-S5NrKduY0h9_1lSOOrquoOuALbaiHOM7_qeRkt7NWvfpzw/s1600/IMG_4883.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5585836381025587794" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfJXRmnTv-WtvLztxva-Adp0myghNyC0V75_RzNBXg1EjH7s9-goiSJwI-g3ok5tk2qBRVWrCuQDndaMNW-sepE9QOkxc-S5NrKduY0h9_1lSOOrquoOuALbaiHOM7_qeRkt7NWvfpzw/s400/IMG_4883.JPG" /></a>I made the above wreath for spring a few days ago, not too shabby. I was semi inspired by a wreath I saw Kimba make over at A Soft Place To Land, you can go <a href="http://asoftplace.net/2011/03/yarny-grassy-spring-butterfly-wreath/">here</a> to take a looksie at hers.<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkpYKXIcG3rAfiBoT0k8pRCmYzJPp1lPK_Y7jTimGe7JbU9fOlpiuRF6_XOv2OfLspRNmSokAkXPE77Hg1OSxLYt497vG4GgKON2FYxdLyDi2ix7CXEAXmhBxd0M-3u9-tNfckuxlmeQ/s1600/IMG_4876.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5585836374339791922" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkpYKXIcG3rAfiBoT0k8pRCmYzJPp1lPK_Y7jTimGe7JbU9fOlpiuRF6_XOv2OfLspRNmSokAkXPE77Hg1OSxLYt497vG4GgKON2FYxdLyDi2ix7CXEAXmhBxd0M-3u9-tNfckuxlmeQ/s400/IMG_4876.JPG" /></a>Pretty much most of the new materials I used came from the dollar store. I bought the petals, ribbon and yarn there. Everything else I already had on hand. Let me show you what I did.<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtkAgkBXVpygMOOWj8mCfjcK1fU4B3AWqV0qL1DC5kEcq_Jv2i9IL2HpFzaY6He_u-NDwpUAYvOSDddPyJ3FLvRxSp2QcUm6Bw12VtkojPhax0oWS_C9iwZQDhBzmsaj-x-m2kltRy5A/s1600/IMG_4871.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5585836370861215746" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtkAgkBXVpygMOOWj8mCfjcK1fU4B3AWqV0qL1DC5kEcq_Jv2i9IL2HpFzaY6He_u-NDwpUAYvOSDddPyJ3FLvRxSp2QcUm6Bw12VtkojPhax0oWS_C9iwZQDhBzmsaj-x-m2kltRy5A/s400/IMG_4871.JPG" /></a>I started with this wreath. Cute, way too many bows. So I snipped some off with my pruners (and saved them for another project). After my pruning, I ended up with the large one on the bottom and two on each side.<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxlmajrEDD2d19VrJInFAjEi5mABEuH0_p1sTv2hENxt6Xpnk7at4d2_4jkctnLPmTfT5oY-BgCOsO3ArwVnIvAdENDsWJ9N5mheVh9-UQigL3Lz0f5spQqQEGTyNGRq4__oydpedXcw/s1600/IMG_4877.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5585836361234928706" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxlmajrEDD2d19VrJInFAjEi5mABEuH0_p1sTv2hENxt6Xpnk7at4d2_4jkctnLPmTfT5oY-BgCOsO3ArwVnIvAdENDsWJ9N5mheVh9-UQigL3Lz0f5spQqQEGTyNGRq4__oydpedXcw/s400/IMG_4877.JPG" /></a>To make the large center flower I started with a metal lid from a juice container. I cut some vintage ribbon into "leaves" and glued them down. Then I stared with the flower petals, starting on the outside and working my way in. I used a button as the center for each flower.<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDXN36_lMa7hBDzo-w9yEoKObpjMCBEKJ9vRYJRhYheSlsrqtLfuijNYu9oTOUrvvZxe8smjjanGHMKq0o-cR5XBvSLdEpadt97y9yPTWXCCnv0fbNR_bo_m4XNsEEc3mjU8Jj6JkmJQ/s1600/IMG_4878.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5585836357660422914" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDXN36_lMa7hBDzo-w9yEoKObpjMCBEKJ9vRYJRhYheSlsrqtLfuijNYu9oTOUrvvZxe8smjjanGHMKq0o-cR5XBvSLdEpadt97y9yPTWXCCnv0fbNR_bo_m4XNsEEc3mjU8Jj6JkmJQ/s400/IMG_4878.JPG" /></a>This is what I ended up with when I was done with the flowers. Cute, no? I thought they were a bit too white, so I misted them with some diluted Tim Holtz distress ink that I put in a spray bottle. If you want to see what I'm talking about, watch my latest You Tube video <a href="http://www.youtube.com/user/StoringUpMyTreasures">here</a>.</div><div> </div><div><p>**On a side note, you can always watch any of my videos by clicking on my "vintage tv" link on my sidebar, all my videos are there on my You Tube channel. Ok, end of shameless plug**<br /><br /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqhegksQyQs4WTmbhjw8l34PhYHJPp7EAifl7mUpE3UKOkmM9Xx_tZQTek5RSmzQFHUtOw6m52sC_Q50oWqtwlR7PiktMbL17s0lERg1qTdF5heLre7wmzcIMXCQ1AQCGX7md1bfYzWA/s1600/IMG_4880.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5585836602972392050" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqhegksQyQs4WTmbhjw8l34PhYHJPp7EAifl7mUpE3UKOkmM9Xx_tZQTek5RSmzQFHUtOw6m52sC_Q50oWqtwlR7PiktMbL17s0lERg1qTdF5heLre7wmzcIMXCQ1AQCGX7md1bfYzWA/s400/IMG_4880.JPG" /></a>I then used fluzzy (a combo of fluffy and fuzzy) green yarn purchased from the dollar store to wrap the top section of the wreath. I would have wrapped the entire thing, minus the bows, but it was almost impossible to get the yard in between those bows.</div><div> </div><div><p>I used the green ribbon (also from the dollar store) as my hanger and I called it a day. I have it hanging over my couch. In retrospect, I would have used hot glue to attach everything so I could hang the wreath outdoors. But I didn't, so it's an indoor wreath instead. </div><div> </div><div><p>Please click on "Linky Parties I Love" on my sidebar to see where I'll be linking up this project and to see lots of other sources of inspiration. Thanks!</div><div></div></div></div></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-745825294940013067.post-88425759577381755522011-03-14T14:27:00.000-07:002011-03-14T14:36:25.644-07:00Cutting Board Signage<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6dDR9BX9pERDFvu47TCNfw5VczMdV-S0cbIehYhKIwWzZuz3SDU78rg9TpDzt1_27xE-RFUBEs9IZzWf6175VyjiNVHEd1UNWQ_ElMWMwvmTyJaR881klX_qeWxtHUoo7xo-PoePw2Q/s1600/IMG_4873.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5584051041518778258" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6dDR9BX9pERDFvu47TCNfw5VczMdV-S0cbIehYhKIwWzZuz3SDU78rg9TpDzt1_27xE-RFUBEs9IZzWf6175VyjiNVHEd1UNWQ_ElMWMwvmTyJaR881klX_qeWxtHUoo7xo-PoePw2Q/s400/IMG_4873.JPG" /></a>So my hubby made this cute little piggy cutting board in <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">jr</span> high, but it's been sitting in a drawer for years not being used. It's a bit too...um, gross to use as a functioning board but I couldn't toss it. He made it after all. So the other day I finally had an idea, make a sign out of it!<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDXYaslrJy2PEWBQvlpi98HkRtNgcN3PwDjw9au7zcC_mkRPT_7mBWTdhp93gLdx_cYtm7zmU2-0nkH_00z_KZYPaGlyT7obrPNWSehNkeayRGKE2AV-0C_Y1XlbcDZvPZOHDRnIXK_g/s1600/IMG_4872.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5584051035469851794" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDXYaslrJy2PEWBQvlpi98HkRtNgcN3PwDjw9au7zcC_mkRPT_7mBWTdhp93gLdx_cYtm7zmU2-0nkH_00z_KZYPaGlyT7obrPNWSehNkeayRGKE2AV-0C_Y1XlbcDZvPZOHDRnIXK_g/s400/IMG_4872.JPG" /></a>I stencilled "eat" on it and I think it fits into our little kitchen just perfectly. I first used white acrylic paint, followed by a coat of red. I then sanded the letters to give it that weathered look. I then took brown shoe polish and "aged" the board, especially around the edges and also to darken up the letters a bit. The red was way to bright otherwise. </div><div> </div><div><p>Don't have a cute board to use? Keep your eyes out while junking and I can <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">guarantee</span> that you'll find one. Make a cute sign for your kitchen, it's easy!</div><div> </div><div><p>Linking up this idea at my fave <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-error">linky</span> parties. Please click on "<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_3" class="blsp-spelling-error">Linky</span> Parties I Love" in the upper right hand sidebar to see more great ideas!</div><div></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-745825294940013067.post-13011491125782672082011-03-08T20:14:00.000-08:002011-03-08T20:30:50.494-08:00Storing Up My Treasures Is Now On You Tube!<div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ-DMY76NZvmoveO1fiAiGR97CBpcP_CiW5tggbrsEks12r9qaPA1SX5N_J4JPAtIZjbWLZzXqWcjFRaRivtASgsCeeiG5rDmpMvAeK-5I_SF3SOB-_7idZ71K-JIOEIBmmuyfsbidFQ/s1600/vintage+tv.bmp"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 200px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 162px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5581929696804561394" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ-DMY76NZvmoveO1fiAiGR97CBpcP_CiW5tggbrsEks12r9qaPA1SX5N_J4JPAtIZjbWLZzXqWcjFRaRivtASgsCeeiG5rDmpMvAeK-5I_SF3SOB-_7idZ71K-JIOEIBmmuyfsbidFQ/s400/vintage+tv.bmp" /></a><a href="http://www.radiocraft.co.uk/vintage_television/index.shtml"><span style="font-size:78%;">source</span></a></div><div align="center"></div><div align="left">I've decided to start my own You Tube channel for my little 'ol blog. I've made a few haul videos and really had fun. I also have plans to begin posting tutorial videos as well. I figured the easiest and simplest way to continue would be to start a channel on You Tube and will upload the videos to their site. You can view them anytime, whether you are a member of You Tube or not. Click <a href="http://www.youtube.com/user/StoringUpMyTreasures">here</a> to go see what I've been up to! </div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"> </div><div align="left"><p>I'll give you all a heads up when a new video is posted. I've also added a link on the sidebar of my blog for my new You Tube channel, and you can click it anytime to see what I've been up to in webcam land!</c></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1