Redirected Dreams

White Spaces Quilt Part 2

2012-02-08T06:23:00.000-08:00

It occurred to me the other day that I never posted finished pictures of my white spaces quilt. I first shared it in this blog post and was trying to decide if I liked the boarder. I decided to keep it even though it is a less polished look.

I bought the jelly roll to make this quilt back in May with some of my birthday money. I new I wanted to make a quilt for myself. A couple weeks before I bought the fabric my husband started a new job and our lives got very crazy. As I thought about what I wanted my quilt to look like I new it would included simple lines and white spaces. My life was so full and crazy and cluttered that I was truly craving some "white space". Over time as I worked on it I realized it was also evolving into a "make do" quilt. Money was very tight for a while so other than the jelly roll I didn't purchase any fabric for this quilt. Even the backing is a sheet gifted from a friend. It may not be the prettiest or most polished quilt but it is a visual and physical reminder of God's provision in the life of my family.

Oh How I love my iPhone!

2012-02-06T15:27:00.000-08:00

I got an iPhone yesterday and I am already in love!!! I debated between an iPhone and an Android and ultimately chose an iPhone for the applications. Or rather one application. Instgram. I have been wanting this app since my good friend Mrs. Amber Apple started using it! It also has a great plethora of social media apps. Pinterest, facebook, tumbler, flickr, even etsy and blogger! So now when I go on vacation next month I don't have to leave all you lovely people behind! So what are you favorite apps?

My Weekly Five

2012-02-05T15:44:00.000-08:00

My Weekly Five:
1) I have been doing a ton of cooking lately and trying a bunch of new recipes. Found some really good one's lately. And I am enjoying being in the kitchen and especially the chance to use my new mixer!!

2) One of the recipes I tried was one I pulled out of a magazine over two years ago. I blogged about it and pin it to my food pinterest board simply to share with some friends. It has been re-pinned 36 times!!!

3) I finished two more quilt tops this week. Both have been works in progress for months, it felt good to finish this stage of them. Now onto the quilting.

4) I made a skirt for myself, and it actually looks decent.

5) Mom and Tabi visited this weekend and we had a wonderful tea party and visit!

New Recipe

2012-01-30T20:05:00.000-08:00

I used to make resolutions to make a new recipe every week. I never follow through. And since I haven't even made New Years resolutions yet this year it's a mute point any way. However, I did try three new recipes this week a lone! For a family that sticks with the same old same old that is pretty impressive.

The first recipe I used was from real simple. It was marked as kid friendly and it delivered on it's promise! I did make a few changes to it. I am sharing the recipie bellow along with changes I made marked with *.

Ingredients:
12 ounces rigatoni
1 Tablespoon olive oil *(I used a garlic and herb infused oil for extra flavor)
1 Onion sliced. *(I omitted this as I cannot stand onion and neither can my 4 year old)
6 Ounces fully cooked chicken sausage links sliced.
1 Small head broccoli, cut into florets and stems sliced.
81/4 cup Vinegar
1/4 Cup grated Parmesan (I used shredded instead of grated)

Directions:
Cook the pasta according to the package directions.

Heat oil in a large skillet over medium high heat. Cook the onion stirring often for 3 minutes (I of course skipped this step). Add the sausage and cook, stirring until browned, 2 to 3 minutes. Add the broccoli and 1 and 1/4 cups water and simmer covered, until the broccoli is tedner, 5 to 6 minutes. * I substituted 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar for the 1/4 cup water. I loved the extra kick it gave it. If I hadn't been making it for kids I probably would have used more vinegar.*

Toss the pasta with the sausage mixture and any remaining liquid and the Parmesan.

Positive reviews all around!!!

I also made this recipe for potatoes casserole. I made is Sunday morning for breakfast before church. It was super yummy. I was planning on only making half of a portion. I halved everything and then accidentally added the full amount of potatoes. Oops. I added some extra cheese on top and it still ended up being really good. Possibly even better for breakfast than if I had used the full amounts of the ranch mixture.

I also made Nun Puffs from my Better Homes and Gardens cook book and loved them so much I made them twice. I will have to make them again soon and share that recipe with you all. So what are you guys cooking this week? Trying anything new?

My Weekly Five

2012-01-29T17:39:00.000-08:00

The beauty of facebook is that it lets you stay in touch in ways previously not available. My family actually has a facebook group. It makes things like making Christmas plans way easier it also let's us be more of a daily part of each others lives. One things we do is post a weekly five. A simple recap of our week. I thought I might start sharing mine here on my blog as well. So with out further ado...

My weekly five: (or my list of finally)
1) I finally organized my craft space and cleaned my basement. This is huge!
2) I also finally got Josh's dad to drill some holes in a plaque for me.
3) I finally finished my first quilt for myself!
4) I finally left a group on facebook that was proving to be rather toxic for me. I have found a different group of doll makers to connect with who remind me of why I love doll making.
5) Maddie is sick again. I am a little worried about her as two other kids from her class are also sick. One with croup another with an infection and both with fevers hovering around 103.

2012-01-25T07:33:00.000-08:00

I love facebook, and blogs, and pinterest, and tumblr. I love the chance to look into other people's lives. I love feeling inspired and up lifted. Some days though after an hour of two browsing these sites I look around my still messy house and feel like such a failure. I am not the only one either. I stumbled across and amazing blog lately about reality verses the online life we portray. Check out this blog for the full blog post. The writer puts into words what so many of us have felt at times. I can even connect with the first paragraph as my husband and I discuss growing our family. It was encouraging and challenging at the same time to read this blog. I know in my effort not to complain I have probably presented a false image of what my life is. So I thought I would share a does of reality today.

This is what my sewing space looked like yesterday morning. Sad truth is that this is a HUGE improvement over where we were a few months ago. After putting in some serious time I finally got it picked up.

This is what my sewing space looks like now. It is far from the gorgeous, inspired studio spaces I drool over online. It's hardly pretty. It has concrete floors. Concrete walls with paint pealing. It's cold. Very cold. It's in an unfinished part of our basement with no heat. But it's clean. Well at least this half of the space is. The other half where we store stuff and do laundry looks like a tornado hit it. As does the finished part of the basement since in cleaning like crazy I parked the kids in front of the tv and the ripped the living room to shreds. But I am proud of it non the less becuase having a clean designated space to sew has been on my to-do list for roughly 4 years!!! And that is reality! :)

Beating the Monday Blues

2012-01-23T10:34:00.000-08:00

It's is Monday. It is cold. It is rainy. My head is still foggy from a horrible head ache last night. But despite all of that it's been a pretty good day.

Yesterday we beat the cold by hanging out with friends most of the day. Lunch in the early afternoon and a few games of cards, hot tea, pinterest browsing, and just being together in the evening. Thankful for friends that are more like family.

Today I am staying up beat with lots and lots of hot tea. I went to the grocery store, which combined with all of the above was a recipe for disaster. However the check out lady was so helpful and gracious and managed to save me money. I ended up walking out with a week of groceries for $50.00, and two smiling little girls. Not an easy feat for a rainy Monday!

What is keeping you positive this dreary day?

Sanctity of Life Sunday

2012-01-22T11:57:00.000-08:00

Today is Sanctity of Life Sunday. For those of you who don’t know what Sanctity of Life Sunday is, it is typically observed the third Sunday in January. Different churches address it in different ways, but most use at least part of their Sunday morning or evening services to discuss abortion, euthanasia, cloning etc. The church my husband and I attend chose not to make that their primary focus this year (though they have done so in the past), but it was mentioned.

As I sat in the service I found myself wondering what exactly I was supposed to do about the “problem” of abortion.

Is the way I am living my life contributing or helping the situation?

Children are a treasure. But I wonder if in our fervor to act on this truth we aren’t in fact pushing people away.

I was married to Godly man and surrounded by family and church when I found out I was pregnant with our first child. And I was terrified. Despite growing up in a great home I felt as though I had no idea how to be a mom. I remember wondering a number of times who in their right mind would think it was a good idea for me, hardly more than a kid myself to be responsible for another human life.

I can remember multiple conversations with kind, loving, well meaning women who told me over and over again what a gift motherhood was. How being a wife and mother was the highest calling of a Christian Woman. How fulfilling it was to raise up the next generation of Godly leaders. How much they missed those days of being home with their little ones, cuddling, and snuggling, and changing diapers. How sweet it was to nurse their children and how bonded they felt with them during the process. How they cried when their children were finally weaned.

These women meant well, but let me tell you, after talking to them I was ready to give up before I even started. How on earth was I supposed to live up to this ideal motherhood? I was 22, married, and surrounded by a supportive community of family and friends. And I felt completely inadequate for the role of mother as it was presented to me by many well meaning “church people”. I can’t even imagine how I would have reacted had I been 18 and unsure of how those around me would respond. Actually I can, and you can bet your bottom dollar, abortion would have crossed my mind.

As it was I wasn’t able to embrace the thought of motherhood until a very insightful woman in my life spoke very honestly with me. She admitted to crying after learning of one of her pregnancies. She admitted to questioning her desires to be a mother. She admitted feeling sad for a long time after coming home from the hospital. She gave me wise counsel on how to handle the stress, and trials of motherhood. And, when I was ready, shared her stories of sweet moments, and all the reasons she loved being a mom. She painted mother hood as something real, something attainable, something I could do. Not the high calling of a saint.

In our attempt to value children, have we sugar coated motherhood? In our desire to inspire are we pushing away those mothers of young children who are struggling to find the joy in changing diapers. So often our heart is in the right place, but the way we present things is not always the most helpful.

In our attempt to “help” are we actually pushing away the women who need our encouragement the most. Are we so intent in living out Proverbs 31 that we unintentionally pushing away those who feel less successful. Are we ministering to the broken in our lives in real, genuine ways, or are simple handing out scripture like band-Aids.

I am thankful for the women in my life who listened to God’s prompting and supported me in possibly unconventional ways when I needed them the most.

“Like one who takes away a garment on a cold day, or like vinegar poured on soda is one who sings songs to a heavy heart.” Proverbs 5:20

January So far

2012-01-15T15:26:00.000-08:00

Two months into January and I came down with a nasty cold that had me wiped out for a good week. Instead of a top to bottom house cleaning I ended up curled on on the sofa with White Collar, hot tea, and my Nook Tablet.

I have been able to sneak in some time with friends though. Including a family playdate before the kids best friends went back to school. The kids had a blast and played dress up and tea party.

Today we had family and nearly family over for a lunch of chili and hung out for a while. I even had enough energy afterwards to put together a quick tutorial for my MOPS group news letter and even cover some cork board for the kitchen and office nook in the living room. Hoping this means my energy is back up and that I will have a productive week. Lots on the slate including a trip to the store front that I have some of my product int. Have to fix up my display and figure out what I want to stock for Valentine's day.

New Years

2012-01-02T18:39:00.000-08:00

Today was our first real day of the new year. "Real" in that it was back to routine and regular schedule. I cleaned and organized, sorted and discarded. I opened the windows and aired out our bedroom even though it was the coldest day we have had so far this winter. That's not unusual though. Pretty standard to have 60 degrees days well into December and not hit really cold weather till closer to February. I drank tea and took time to color in coloring books with them. As an added treat we pulled out the play dough they got for Christmas and made snow men, since we have yet to have any real snow this year.

Happy new year!! May God bless and keep you all.

~Joy

5 Days till Christmas

2011-12-20T16:18:00.000-08:00

I am finally done with my "to-do" list and now I have started on my "want-to" list.

Like....
Spending time with an awesome young lady yesterday and helping her sew some Christmas gifts.
Drinking LOTS of Cinnamon tea.
Working on Christmas gifts for my family.
Playing Lego Harry Potter years 5-7 on my DS. (An early Christmas gift from Hubby).
Re-reading the Christmas chapters of the Betsy Books.
Reading and re-reading Advent books.
Baking Cookies.

Today I even was able to let go of perfect and focus on the memories. The girls and I made cookies together.

Tonight I am taking a break from cleaning and watching The Incredibles with the girls on the floor.

Tomorrow Josh is off and the day is full of plans of breakfast with friends, hair cuts, last minute grocery shopping, a quick trip to the craft store, and finishing up Christmas crafts.

Merry Christmas All!!!

Should Be

2011-12-05T11:29:00.000-08:00

I should be doing a good many things right now. The girls are sleeping and I have personal and work to-do lists pages long. I could be cleaning, sewing, wrapping gifts, paying bills, folding laundry, doing dishes. But I am not. I am taking a few minutes and drinking hot tea. Listening to favorite Christmas song on the computer. Catching up on my family's facebook page. Reading blogs. Eating a Christmas cookie. And all in all slowing down and just being.

Thought I would share something I stumbled across last year at Christmas. Tells the Christmas story in a whole new way and I love it!

Hope you all have a wonderful day!

Winter Market

2011-11-19T04:47:00.000-08:00

Sorry I haven't been around much. Lots of craziness with Winter Market. Here is the sign I made for my booth. Next time will do something less busy, but the good thing is there is a nice black and white sign above this one.

And a snap shot of my booth. More pictures tonight. :)

My Memories Give Away!

2011-11-15T16:24:00.000-08:00

So a while back I was asked if I wanted to review My Memories on my blog and host a give away. I wasn't overly excited at first since I am not big into scrap booking but I figured it was worth trying. Ended up LOVING the software! My Memories Suite is digital scrapbooking software and so much more!

I love all the print word art things I see online so used the digital scrapbook software to make my own!! This is a poem that my sister shared at my brother's wedding. It has become very special to my family so I thought it would be fun to create something we could all frame and put in our homes. The best part is that it took me about 10 minutes.

Things I enjoyed most about My Memories.
1. Instant gratification.
2. Free embellishments are available as well as very reasonably prices packs.
3. Allows me to do cool digital word art with out the confusion and expense of other programs.
4. I can do paper art with out cluttering up my house with tons of stuff.

Now for the cool part. I have a coupon I get to share with you all!

Simply use the code STMMMS34808 when you order and get $10.00 off the software and $10.00 to use toward extra kits!!

And the best part one of you will even win a FREE copy!!

Simply head on over to www.MyMemories.com and check it out. Then come back and tell me what your favorite kit is and what you would use it to make. The possibilities are endless. Scrap Books, Family Cook Books, Holiday Cards ect...

Winner will be chosen Tuesday November 15th.

Magic

2011-11-02T09:00:00.000-07:00

22 Days until Thanksgiving. And today I am thankful for magic. Not card trick/disappearing act/illusionist magic or voo-doo/witches/wizard magic. But the magic of childhood.

Magic that turns weeds into wishing wands.
Fireflies into fairies.
Dollies into best friends.
Brooms into noble steeds.
Blankets into princess capes.
Cardboard boxes into castles.
Puddles and closets into magical portals to another world.
Swings into spaceships.
Playgrounds into pirate ships.
Daddy's into super-heroes.
And Mama kisses into the worlds strongest medicine.

Cape

2011-11-01T06:43:00.000-07:00

Bear is having a princess birthday party on Saturday. We are trying to keep birthday gifts low key this year and low budget. I traded for a copy of Growing Up Sew Liberated. I was able to find some satiny fabric at Joanna's in the remnant bin that combined with a yard of on sale Crushed Panne Velvet was just enough to do a rift on the reversible dress up cape. I did an eye and hook closer and added a fabric flower with sparkle center on a pin. All in all a pretty cute birthday gift for under $15.00 bucks!

23 Days till Thanksgiving: I am thankful for amazing friends and family who have been a huge helping during a very busy time of year!

Show Prep

2011-10-31T07:19:00.000-07:00

Just when I was getting back into the rhythm of blogging again life get's crazy. We have Bear's birthday this weekend which means sewing gifts, cleaning house, prepping for a party ect. I am also working on a ton of custom orders, trying to keep the shop stocked for holiday shoppers and preparing for the two shows I'm doing this year. But, I wanted to drop by in the midst of the craziness and share some show prep I have been doing! If you are going to be in the Montgomery County area in Maryland Nov 12th or the Lynchburg, VA area Nov 18th-20th you should stop by the shows and come see me at my booth! :)

My Style

2011-10-27T07:31:00.000-07:00

My style has definitely been evolving a lot lately. I chopped all my hair off over the summer. It is now super short. Like pixie short. I love it! It's inspired me to bring a casually girlishness into my accessories since since my three requirements in my wardrobe are simple, basic, and comfortable. Pretty much anything that is in my wardrobe my fit into one of these categories. Fitting into all three (like my favorite jeans) guaranties you will be worn till you fall apart.

The one problem with this is that is ends up being a little boring. However, since I am very unwilling to change my wardrobe requirements, I have been having a lot of fun with my accessories. Red shoes are a new favorite. As are my standard blue flats. Those add such a fun pop of color to ANY outfit. Rings, and bracelets have been my other go to since I feel like dangle earrings just don't work with the new do.

Vintage Wrist Warp

Basic Gray Wrist Wrap

Blue Rose Cocktail Ring


Bow-utiful Ring

These four pieces are ones I have made for my shop, but they are all very indicative of how my style is growing lately. A any of them is a great way to dress up jeans, t-shirt, and cardigan.

Bear's Birthday

2011-10-24T07:12:00.000-07:00

Picture Curtsey of Amy Stillings Photography.

Bear's birthday is just around the corner. Two weeks from today in fact. I am so excited. I am, for the first time ever, attempting to make clothing for my girls. I am starting with a winter coat made out of fleece. Truth be told it rarely gets THAT cold here in VA so they don't need anything to heavy duty. I am using this pattern. Can't wait to get started. Also hoping to get a couple skirts made for Bear before her birthday. Hoping I can use some fabric I have on hand so all I have to purchase is thicker elastic. Add a couple Mama Made hair sparkles and I think it will be a pretty special birthday.

Sunday

2011-10-23T14:33:00.000-07:00

It's really starting to feel like fall around here. A couple weeks go we had our pictures taken by a friend of mine Amy Stillings . She is a local photographer who does great work and a good friend of mine.

This Sunday we are laying low. Goose has allergies and sounds like a purring kitty cat she is so congested. So it's been lots of naps and cuddles and hot baths and reading blogs and watching foot ball and the first fire in the wood stove. All in all a pretty good Sunday.

Two Years of Dollies

2011-10-20T16:43:00.000-07:00

Three years ago I fell in love with a beautiful style of doll known as Waldorf Dolls. They are beautifully simple dolls made by hand out of all natural materials. I literally spent hours drooling over these dolls (at the time made primarily in Europe) on Etsy and Ebay. Two years ago I was looking for a special gift for my Bear's second birthday and found myself re-visiting Waldorf dolls. Having more time and determination than money I attempted to make Abi Bear a doll.

Annie was made by trial and error. Including Bear taking blue marker to her face before I could get around to putting a face on her. Since the natural materials usually used to make these dolls were not available locally I used whatever I could find. My sister loving knitted the poncho and scarf.

Tacy (named after a character in one of my favorite books) was made last week. She is made with wool stuffing, wool yarn hair, cotton interlock, the works. She is so precious and it's fun to see two dolls so similar yet showing so much improvement. I really love what I do!

Painted, Aplique, MOPS Oh MY!

2011-10-19T14:09:00.000-07:00

I have had a CRAZY fall. One of the many reasons I haven't been on the blog much. One of the things I have added to my plate is being the creative coordinator for my local MOPS group. (If you don't know what MOPS is and you are a stay at home mom with ANY children under the age of 6 click HERE to learn more about this amazing organization.

We try to keep our crafts useful since no mom needs more random junk floating around her house. Our theme is games this year and the game our group picked for October is Apples to Apples. We discussed personality types last meeting and tomorrow we are going to make tote bags. I was originally inspired by this bag and the idea of apple stamping. However, then I came across this bag on pinterest and fell in love with that to. In the end I bought supplies for both as well as made a bunch of iron on appliques for those who have no desire to pain. Here are some pictures of my demo bag.

Doily stenciling.

Finished bag.

I can't free hand anything for the life of me so I opted to put an applique in the middle rather than an initial.

Not sure if I will keep this, use it as a holiday gift or a hostest gift at my next Scentsy. I do know it will get put to good use though.

p.s. New post over at Grace and Manna

Central Park Make Do Quilt.

2011-10-11T14:43:00.000-07:00

Central Park Make Do Quilt

A little under two years ago I had chance to meet and get to know an amazing gal Chelsea. Since then she has become a dear friend. She is a huge inspiration to me spiritually as well as creatively. She is the talent behind Scrapped Crafts and responsible for the art on our Ebenezer wall. Back last summer she gave birth to an amazingly cute little guy named James. This is his very, very late baby gift. I tried a bunch of new techniques on this quilt. Some worked, some didn't but over all I really like it. I hope James and his Mama enjoy it as well.

White Spaces Quilt (Or what I did today).

2011-09-23T17:16:00.000-07:00

My back is killing me.

My house is a disaster.

I over cooked the pot roast.

I forgot to make dinner rolls.

The carrots are undercooked.

BUT!

I am almost done with my custom dolls list.

AND!

I am almost done piecing my first ever quilt just for me. Very exciting!

I am kind of wishing I had done a solid border and then the pieced one. But I was trying not to spend money on more fabric and use what I had. The longer I look at the picture the less I like the pieced border. What do you all think?

2011-09-20T12:19:00.000-07:00

http://howtonestforless.com/2011/09/15/cute-idea-fall-bucket-list/


Saw this bucket list on pinterest and loved it. Took me a while but I found the original source!!! She actually has it as a printable! Can't wait to down load it and get it printed. Such a cute idea. Today I am enjoying the beautiful of early fall sunshine; the smell of baking bread and fresh baked gingerbread; the hope that comes from peculating dreams.

Favorite Yeast Dough Recipe Ever

2011-09-02T07:49:00.000-07:00

I am not sure why it has taken me so long to share this recipe. It is really a major staple in our house. It is hands down the most divers recipe I have ever used. I could go on and on about this recipe. It captures my child hood to me. I love the stories that go a long with this bread. I love the food that you can make with it. So with out further ado....

Refrigerator Dough Recipe

Ingredients

1/2 cup warm water

1 package active dry yeast (NOT fast rising)

1 table spoon sugar

3/4 cup vegitable oil

3/4 cup sugar

1 egg

2 cups warm water

6-8 cups flour

Directions

1. Take the first three ingreddients and combine in small bowl. Set aside and let proof.

2. Mix sugar, vegitable oil, and egg in large bowl until well blended.

3. Add water and 2 cups of flour. Mix with whisk until smooth.

4. Add the yeast, water, sugar mixture. Whisk until smooth.

5. Switch to wooden spoon and add remaining flour a cup at a time.

6. Turn onto a well floured surface and kneed until smooth and elastic.

7. Place in a slightly greased bowl and cover with lid or clean towel. Set in a warm place and let rise until double.

8. Make into any number of items or put into fridge. Dough will last up to 10 days.

Dinner Rolls

To make rolls simply pull off enough dough to form the size roll you want.

(Small rolls are great to serve along with a meal. Make larger rolls and use as sandwich buns, hamburger buns, or for amazing heart sloppy joe buns.)

Shape into smooth balls and place on greased baking sheet.

Let rise until double.

Brush with melted butter and bake at 350 until rolls are brown on top.

(Time will depend on how large your rolls are)

Take out and brush again with butter.

Enjoy!!

Growing up Sew Liberated

2011-08-24T10:43:00.001-07:00

Enjoying a low key day here at home with Hubby having the day off and not having to be any where. But I thought I would throw this out there.
I am looking for copies of "Growing Up Sew Liberated" and "Little Things To Sew" if any one has copies they haven't used and would like to trade for dollies or dolly stuff let me know. :)

The Need For Community

2011-08-16T14:42:00.000-07:00

My amazing older sister with my two little girls!

I don't often blog about current affairs. There are plenty of other blog writers, new writers, radio talk show hosts, news anchors ect. who are more than willing to discuss the current hot topic to no end. But lately there is one topic that has been heavy on my heart so I am listening to this tug and sharing some thoughts that have been on my mind.

It was only a few weeks ago where you couldn't log onto the internet, flip on the tv, or tune into the radio with out hearing about Casey Anthony. It seemed like the entire country was up in arms when she wasn't found guilty for the death of her daughter Caylee Anthony. It seems every one but the jury was convinced of her guilt. However, the out come of the trial is not what has me saddened. The question on my mind is how on earth did she get there?

Guilty or not guilty of murder Casey Anthony clearly was not in a normal state of mind. I don't think any one would doubt that this woman was seriously disturbed. How on earth did no one see this earlier? A woman doesn't just wake up one day and hurt her children. It's a process you get to slowly. It's a build up of pain, frustration, and hurt that eventually erupts. Raising a child is not easy. Doing it a lone is even harder. Doing it with out some kind of support system is nearly impossible. My point is not to excuse her behavior, pass the buck or expunge her of responsibility.

But rather to pose a challenge.

Reach out to one another. Mother's, wives, business women, sisters, daughters. We need each other. You never know when a hug, a phone call, a helping hand may change some one's life.

A Trip To Nana's

2011-08-04T06:42:00.000-07:00

Goose enjoying one of Nana's famous cinnamon rolls.

It's been a busy summer. Especially with Josh's new job. But last weekend we manage to slip away to my parents for a couple of days. We played in the neighbor's pool, cooked out, went to church, hung out with new friends, ate cinnamon rolls and German Chocolate Cake.

The girls slept for most of the trip there and back making it a perfect time for Josh and I to catch up. Eight hours with nothing to do but visit, be quiet together, listen to music, pray ect. It was the first chance we had in a while to really sit down and take stock of where we are and where we are going. We are both very introspective people and every so often with both need a good "take inventory" conversation.

Josh challenged me to be writing more. Especially devotional type stuff. When we first met I had a devotional blog (Back on xanga. Any one else remember xanga?) I had quite a few followers and updated on a regular basis. Josh claims that blog is one of the things that made him fall in love with me. A year ago I tried to start up another blog of the like here on blogger. I posted once and gave up. I am hoping to pick it back up again. I have no idea where I am going with it. But, if I have learned nothing else in the past five years, I have learned that Josh sees things in me I don't even see myself. When he pushes me to do something, he is usually right. :)
So you can check out my second blog Grace and Manna if you are so inclined.

Dolly Love

2011-07-29T12:18:00.000-07:00

Some Dolly cuteness I have been working on this summer.

2011-07-11T08:54:00.000-07:00

The heat of summer, stress of the new job, and a jumble of other things has had me in a haze. I am slowly coming out of it though and enjoying the simple pleasures of summer. Last week we splurged and purchased half a dozen perfect lemons!

And of course, when life gives you lemons, the only thing to do is to make lemonade!!! Hubby's new schedule means days are long and often slow, but isn't that the charm of summer? We are enjoying long Saturday afternoons at the pool with grandparents and staying up late. Every season (in nature and life) has it's beautiful moments if you are willing to slow down and look for them.

Where To Go From Here?

2011-05-31T08:07:00.000-07:00

Yesterday was the unofficial kick off to summer and my girls had a blast at the pool with Papa and Grandma. Today Maddie and I celebrated by blasting some Amos Lee and dancing in the dinning room.

Today I find myself thinking a lot about this blog. Trying to figure out where to go from here. I love blogging bout my creative endeavors and house keep, decorating ect. However, I also really feel drawn to blogging about more personal things. My ongoing gratitude list, what I am learning in Church and personal Bible study. I am unsure of those two sides should share a blog however. I do have another blog Grace and Mana sitting empty. So, do I maintain two blogs, or expand what I write about here? Thoughts are very welcome.

Still here

2011-05-28T20:16:00.000-07:00

I'm still here. I have been away from blog land way to long. Both reading and writing. I have truly missed it. I really need to get back in the swing of things. If you are one of my few regular visitors you may have noticed some changes on the blog. I have been doing some redecorating at home (pictures coming soon) and felt the need to do some blog redecorating. So much has been rolling around in my mind and life lately. I love my new tag line. It seems to fit our lives so well right now. I often share works in progress on here and it has dawned on me lately how my LIFE feels like a work in progress. And that's a good thing. So here is to My Life In Progress.

Winner

2011-05-27T19:31:00.000-07:00

True Random Number Generator Min: Max: Result: 230 Powered by RANDOM.ORG

So the winner is......

Loralynn said...: Cool idea for a giveaway! Surprises are always so much fun! My interests include: sewing, quilting, crocheting, knitting, embroidery and hand applique! I would describe my style as classic romantic! I'll be contacting you asap! Thanks for all who entered! :)

Sew Mama Sew Give Away Day!!!

2011-05-23T05:42:00.001-07:00

****Comments now closed. I will pick a winner tomorrow!

It's Sew Mama Sew give way day again! YAY!!!!! I love this. This is my third time participating. My first time was last year on my birthday! :)

I have major craft ADD which means I love using all kinds of things to express my crative side. My favorite ways are Sewing/Doll Making/Quilting, Crocheting/Knitting, Embroidery/Cross stitch, and Cooking/Baking. This means that I have all KINDS of craft supplies laying around my house.

So what am I giving away? Well That depends on YOU! See this bag? Well I am going to embellish it and then fill it with all kinds of hand made goodies and supplies based on the winners favorite creative outlet.

How do you enter? Well that's pretty simple. Just leave a comment. Let me know which of the following is your favorite outlet, or which one you would like most to learn. (You can pick more than one)

*Sewing/Quilting/Doll Making
*Crocheting/Knitting
*Embroidery/Cross Stitch
*Cooking/Baking

You can also describe your style to me. Modern, Classic, Vintage, Bright Colors, ect. Tell me about your self as a crafter/creator in short. Comments will be open until Wed Morning May 25th. Then I will draw a winner and create a special goody bag! Bag should ship by Friday! ENJOY And don't forget the rest of the giveaways listed over at Sew Mama Sew

Update

2011-05-02T07:56:00.000-07:00

Sorry I have been absent from here for so long. We have been busy. Busying growing, and changing. Many decisions have been made the past few weeks including a change in job for my hubby and an addition of another part time job and ministry for myself. The girls have been busy as well. Growing and changing so much some days I hardly recognize them.

Abi Bear is taller than ever and growing into an amazing girl. So big, I am constantly reminded that school is just around the corner and a whole new set of changes.

Maddie Goose is no longer a baby and is hardly even a toddler any more. She is is slimming out and becoming more and more verbal. Her hair is starting to curl and she is really coming into her own little personality.

Doll Auction For India!

2011-04-25T08:40:00.000-07:00

Hello there. First I must apologize for my lack of blogging lately. We have been in the middle of some big transitions here and things have been pretty crazy. I plan on sitting down later this week and posting some updates on what has been going on in general as well as creatively in my corner of the world. I did want to make some time today though to share with you something a good friend of mine will be doing this summer. In her own words.
"As many of you know, I will be going on a mission trip to India in July. I am really excited about my trip and wanted to keep everyone updated with what is going on with the planning, what I will be doing, why I'm going, and I'll also hopefully be able to update this in July while I'm there. I am only able to add 20 people at a time so please feel free to invite any you know who would like to know more about the trip. I am so excited about what God is doing in my life! My trip will be July 19th-August 2nd. The group I am going with is through Advancing Native Missions (ANM) with the help of my good friend (one of my best friends) Trisha Anderson. A few year's ago Trisha went to India thru her work (ANM) to work with a group there called Bombay Teen Challenge (BTC). I have heard so many stories of women and children who this group has rescued from the red light district of Mumbai. These people had never known love and kindness. BTC gives them homes, jobs, food, education, and so much more. They give them friendship, love, and they teach them about the Love of Christ. My heart aches for these people. I have prayed so many times and I know that God is asking me to go. I'd like you to share in my journey with my by praying for me, my group, and those in India. http://www.adnamis.org/contribute. To donate for this trip select project>India, Mumbai/Chennai (095IGOT031)>and in comments type my name (Jill R Johnson) . I appreciate everyones prayers so much! It means so much to me to have your emotional support!"

I am so proud of Jill. To help her raise money I am auction off a custom Goose Beary Playmate or Mermaid Doll. :) Auction will be done comment style on the blog. Auction will start at $25.00 to enter simply leave a comment with your bid. If the winning bid is $25.00-$50.00 you may choose either a 7 inch playmate or mermaid style doll. $51.00 - $75.00 will get you a 12 inch Playmate or Mermaid and $76.00+ will get you a 14 inch playmate or mermaid style doll. :) Paymet will be made as a donation on the ANM web site with Jill's name put in the comment. This means it is tax deductable. In addition the first three people who e-mail me at j2niehaus@yahoo.com with proof of a donation of $20.00 or more will get their choice of a 4inch playmate or 6 inch mermaid. :) Bidding will be closed on May 1st! Thanks so much!!!

Taste and See

2011-04-02T09:31:00.000-07:00

The past three days my schedule has been blown to pieces. Very little of what I "needed" to get done got done. I missed things I was very much looking forward to because my body was simply to worn down. My to do list is growing rather than shrinking, and my house is a mess.

And over and over and over again this phrase has been playing in my head.

Psalm 34:8
Taste and see that the LORD is good; blessed is the one who takes refuge in him.

I have no clue if this message is for me or simply one I am supposed to pass on. So I am sharing it here. And I am planning on taking time to eat lunch, and spend some time reading my Bible. And I am going to take a meal to a friend tonight. I am going to taste good food, and good fellowship. I am going to enjoy the company of people I love, praise the Lord for His blessings. Find peace in him. And see indeed that HE is good! And I encourge you, dear readers, to fix a good cup of coffee, eat a fresh piece of fruit, indulge in some good chocolate, and enjoy a small moment, and Taste and See that the Lord is GOOD!

Saying yes.

2011-03-30T07:26:00.000-07:00

The girls have hardly slept in two days and I am exhausted. The weather is yucky, and my to do list is growing rather than shrinking. "Mama said there'd be days like this." And on days like this what keeps my spirit up is baking!!!! :)

Yesterday I made pancakes and bacon for breakfast simply because Abi asked me to. I also said "yes" to early morning baths and staying until their teeth were chattering. I need to say "yes" more often. So often life as a parent of toddlers is full of "no". The girls and I could all use a few more yeses in our lives!

I've been saying yes to lots more time in the kitchen. It probably has something to do with all the pretty new things I am making for it. Like these towels. And I am sure all this cold weather helps with that to.

I also said yes to buying this book. Though I bought it at my church's book store not Amazon. It's rather interesting. Like any book it has to be taken with a grain of salt. It is opinion and not the Bible. It is also very wordy and poetic. But if you like that sort of writing (which I do on occasion) you may enjoy this. One sentence really stood out for me.

"Eucharisteo- thanksgiving - always precedes the miracle." Ann Voskamp

So here is to saying yes to giving thanks as well. What are you saying yes to today?

Menu Monday

2011-03-28T12:35:00.001-07:00

IMG_3908, a photo by j2niehaus on Flickr.

My kitchen make over is very slow going. The horrible wall paper is still on the walls. But I am working on getting the accessories picked out and put together. I made two hand towels and some Days Of The Week dish cloths. I haven't taken pictures yet, but I did take a picture of my green tea pot and blue spoon rest. So pretty together!!!

Monday - BBQ Bacon Chicken and Brocoli since I didn't make it last week
Tuesday - Frozen
Wed - Left Overs
Thursday - Shrimp, Broccoli and possibly home made country potatoes.
Friday - Pot Luck
Saturday - Breakfast for Dinner
Sunday - Rotisserie Chicken from the grocery store. :)

What are you all eating this week??

Menu Monday

2011-03-22T12:40:00.000-07:00

I completely missed Menu Monday last week and I am a day late this week. I don't feel too bad about this week though since the warm weather has hanged my original menu plans. I was supposed to bake rolls today for sloppy joes but it was to warm and beautiful to stay inside this morning. So we spent the morning on the swing set.

Monday - We had ravioli with ground beef in red sauce and broccoli.
Tuesday - Grilled cheese and tomato soup (I have spring fever and no desire to cook)
Wednesday - Tuna Melts after church
Thursday - BBQ/Bacon chicken, corn on the cob, rolls.
Friday - Frozen
Saturday - Roasted Chicken with veggies and bread
Sunday - left overs
Back up meals - Sloppy Joes and Breakfast for dinner

A look at today's Task Basket. Haven't worked on the things in there much. Spring fever has hit hard. So hard I am struggling to do even the fun things I put into today's basket!! Oh well. I am ok with that.

Bakers Dozen

2011-03-16T11:39:00.000-07:00

Things that make me smile.

1. My new white shelf standing in the kitchen.
2. Drinking tea out of my new tea cup that I won from a dear friend.
3. Eating angle food cake off of the sweet cupcake plate my mother-in-law bought me.
4. A tea/blogging break at 2:30 in the afternoon.
5. Anti itch cream to put on my hives.
6. An (almost) clean house.
7. Expecting visitors.
8. Open windows.
9. Expecting company.
10. Longer days.
11. Warmer days.
12. My husband.
13. My soon to be sisters and sisters in law.

Good Mail Day!!

2011-03-09T07:55:00.000-08:00

I LOVE good mail days. And I have had a couple this week. Today I received two packages.

The first package was a yard of Susan Branch Tea Time Fabric. I am so in love with this and glad I oppted to buy a yard instead of a fat quarter as I tend to do.

The second box was a package from my dear friend over at Amber Apple. I have known Amber since she was in high school. She is an amazing young woman. She hosted a give away on her blog and I won. She sent me a tea cup!

Some beautiful fabric and home made cookies!

Some Earl Grey Tea, and a scarf she crocheted

Not the best picture but I tried!!!

What about you anything exciting in your mail box this week?

Menu Monday

2011-03-07T11:37:00.000-08:00

I was going to wait until later in the day to post so I could include pictures that I plan on taking today. But the girls are down for naps and the house is quiet so I am going to take advantage of that and blog now. Maybe I will blog again later after I take fabric pictures. :)

I have seen a lot of ladies doing Menu Monday posts and I love it. I am not sure if there is a place to link up or if it simply something people are doing independently but I figured either way I would jump on board.I figured this was a good week to jump on since I only had to plan 4 meals. I am leaving town Friday to go to the wedding of a childhood friend. So excited for him and his beautiful bride! :) Josh and I also agreed not to spend any money at restaurants during lent, so hopefully this will keep me honest and a little more oganized. So with out further ado...

Monday- Crock Pot BBQ shredded Chicken, broccoli, and biscuits.
Tuesday- Tacos, Corn, and Re-fried beans
Wednesday - Sausage, Salsa, Rice and Corn served with corn bread
Thursday- Sloppy Joes on home made buns with broccoli and home made cookies for dessert.

So there you go. Our simple meals for the week. I am going to be super busy with shop stuff and getting ready for my trip so I am trying to keep dinners low key. What about you? What are you all fixing this week?

Busy Busy

2011-03-06T19:24:00.000-08:00

I have been meaning to post FOREVER! It's been a very productive few days. Lots of sewing going on which I love. Sadly part of that is due to sick kids, which means stuck at home more. Don't mind being home or sewing, but feel so bad for those little ones.

One thing I was able to get done was a lap top sleeve. I used some of the amazing Central Park fabric my husband bought me. I've gotten a lot else done as well.

I made two picture frame wipe boards.
Made two window toy bags for the girls
Worked on the Pure Love quilt. I am 1/2 done with the binding. ALMOST THERE!
Almost done with two mug rugs to match that.
Finished Abi's "Christmas" quilt
Worked on some custom orders.

All in all a pretty productive week. We had to stay home from church today due to cruddy tummies. I think we are finally done with it though. I missed being at church but took advantage of the rainy day and spent it on the sofa hand sewing the back of binding down. Got a whole bunch done. Hope you all had a great weekend and are well rested for the week to come.

2011-03-05T06:11:00.000-08:00

Both my girls are really into hats right now. The funny thing is how different they are in their choice of hats.

This is Abi Bear. She is my girly, girl. My drama queen. My princess. My sensitive one. She loves pretty things, and playing out side. She loves pink, and babies and anything princess. She hates being sticky. She won't even help make rice crispy treats because it makes her hands sticky. She loves this hat because it is pink, looks like a princess and belongs to Mama. And I love her.

This is Maddie Goose. She is my dare devil. My prankster. My bully. My funny one. She will do anything for laugh and will enjoys provoking her sister into chasing her around the house. She is 19 months and so much of her personality is just starting to bloom. She is rough and tumble. Loves dirt, loves eating, and hates when Daddy leaves for work. She loves wearing Daddy's hats around the house. And I love her.

Both my girls are so amazing. I love how sweet and different they each are. Today however, they are with my in laws so I can have some down time. Most likely to sew. I have so much sewing to do today! I am hoping to stay focused and make a dent. Maybe then my brain will function again. It feels so cluttered with projects right now.

Happy Weekend!

Doll Giveaway Winner!!

2011-03-01T08:56:00.000-08:00

True Random Number Generator Min: Max: 32 Result: 15 Powered by RANDOM.ORG

And the Winner is

Jason B said...: Thank you for the chance! Jason you didn't leave any contact information. You have until 8 am Wed morning to contact me. After that I will pick another winner.

A Gift from Hubby (Central Park)

2011-02-27T08:04:00.000-08:00

This beautifully wrapped package showed up on my door step yesterday!

Burgundy Buttons was having a sale and my amazing husband bought me some fabric.

(Ok so I picked it out, but he did the actually ordering and surprised me with the gift wrap and the card.)

The Sugar Pop charm pack is to make hair ties for the shop.

But the Central Park fat eighths are just for me! Not sure exactly what I am going to do with them. I know I will be making a sleeve for my new mini lap top. I will probably also pull out some of the blue to add to my kitchen fabrics.

Kitchen Inspiration Part II

2011-02-25T08:34:00.000-08:00

(If you are looking for the Doll Give Away please scroll down.)

Last week my mom came to visit and while she was here I decided to re-finish my grandmother's china hutch that sits in my kitchen. A few days latter I was down town with my in-laws. My MIL and I found this awesome hutch top at a used furniture place. I fell in love with it and everything just fell into place. My MIL talked them down to $20.00, I had $15.00 in cash in my wallet, my FIL had his truck parked out front. So, I made an impulse buy and brought it home. I was afraid I wouldn't like it when I got it home, but I love it even MORE! It would really work any where in my house which is amazing. I do need to get a piece of wood to put on the bottom to make it look more like a shelf.

I also got some amazing, amazing fabric in the mail. This is going to go in my kitchen as a number of things. Possibly curtains. A slip cover to turn an oatmeal container into a cookie jar. A cushion for the old chair my mom bought me last summer. A table runner for the top of the hutch I bought on Saturday. And Kelsey over at Quietude Quilts is going to make me some trees. I am so excited! Check back tomorrow for pictures of the mermaid dolly I made Abi Lee.

Doll Giveaway!

2011-02-24T08:40:00.000-08:00

Ok, Doll giveaway finally up!! Here is what I am going to do. Give away will be one 7.5 inch custom doll. Leave a comment between now and Feb 28th. I will draw a name on March 1st. Doll will be finished and delivered by Easter. Enjoy!

Kitchen Inspiration

2011-02-19T09:01:00.001-08:00

Kitchen Inspiration
1. Silicone Tool Set, 2. 79/365: Color In My Cupboard, 3. Blue/Green kitchen via Bolig Magasinet, 4. Maisons Hutch Cabinet, 5. My Hutch, 6. White kitchen + blue and green accents, 7. 3 bottles, 8. Summmer Brights Crocheted Cotton Dishcloths-Set of 3 by MontanaDaisyGirl on Etsy, 9. Retro Mod 1960 Green Nesting Kromex Canisters - Tin - Flower motif - vintage set of 3, 10. Sweet Retro Tins on Old Chair, 11. Atomic Mid-Century Modern Creamer, Cathay by Taylor Smith and Taylor, 12. Jusicy Greens & Blues Handmade Crocheted Cotton Dishcloths - Set of 3 by MontanaDaisyGirl on Etsy, 13. Green kitchen + white cabinets + red accents: 'Sweet Caroline' by Benjamin Moore, 14. Green Kitchen, 15. A peek into my hutch, 16. Kitchen Hoosier, 17. The Sweet Pea Café, 18. Shabby White Cabinet

Created with fd's Flickr Toys

Been pretty quiet on here. Working on some custom stuff, and some personal projects as well. But mostly just taking time to think, look, and be inspired. Working on ideas for the kitchen. This is what is inspiring me today. Enjoy and happy weekend!

Pure Love Quilt

2011-02-09T13:36:00.000-08:00

I have had so much fun working on this project. It's made with Moda's Pure line. I am in love with this fabric. It's so beautiful. Unfortunately the top wasn't nearly as big as I was hoping. So I went to Joann's and bought some very 30's looking fabric for the borders. In the pictures it looks like solid tan and cream but they are very subtle prints. I love how they look with the modern fabric from the Pure line. Still have to finish quilting and need to put on the binding. Also need to work on some other pieces I will be gifting with it. More (and hopefully better) pictures when it's all finished.

Pay It Forward

2011-02-08T05:16:00.000-08:00

So, I jumped on Board Pay It Forward 2011 over at JK Creations. Great blog, you should go check it out. Now on to the rules.

1. I promise to send something Handmade to the first 3 people who comment on this post.

2. To be eligible, you must also post this in your blog, offering the same thing to 3 other people. The rules are that it must be handmade by you and it must be sent to your 3 people *sometime* in 2011. (This can simply include a hand made card or some home baked cookies!)

*It is suggested that if you are playing along you give yourself an approximate *due by* date so the people that signed up aren't waiting terribly long.

I love this idea. Last year I sorta lagged. In fact some of you may still be waiting. OOPS! I will get right on that. Because of the kiddos I am giving myself till September 1st to have my three things mailed!

Have fun!

Valentine's Day Dolls

2011-02-05T11:29:00.000-08:00

I have two beautiful Valentine's Day Doll. The first one is a 7.5 inch doll ($40.00) with hand crochet accessories. The second is a 12 inch doll ($50.00) that will allow you to pick the length and style of the hair! They are both on sale till Sunday after that the prices will go back up to normal prices so hurry over and check them out! :)

Redcorating My Kitchen (Or a year long battle with indecisivenes

2011-02-04T08:46:00.000-08:00

O.K. So a year ago my husband, two daugthers, and I moved into a beautiful house out in the county. We had hoped to get an old house in the city limits since I love old arcitecture and a slightly more vintage urban feel if you will. that wasn't in the cards though. We did however find a beautiful house in the county that was built in 1972 with some style throw backs to the 50s. (i.e. chair railings in both the kitchen and dinning room and all kinds of molding. YAY!). Since then I have been embracing a more vintage country feel. Not rustic/primitive country style but Country Living/Old South plantation country.

A year later I am FINALLY decorated the kitchen. Getting rid of the dark wall paper and giving it a face lift. There is only one problem. I cannot decide on accent colors. The main colors will be white and green. But I can't decide on pink or citrus colors as my accent colors for rugs, curtains, towels ect.

Suberbia Kitchen Fabric Bunddle (fabricshop)

I LOVE the colors of this fabric bundle over at the FabricShop on etsy. It's beautiful and playfully engages the 70's in a fresh and clean way. (Other bonus of this is that my dinning room right of the kitchen is paper in white and green damask paper which I love and will be keeping as long as possible)


Graden by Cable Grey (brodyandma)

However, I am also in love with the pinks, greens, and browns used in this fabric from the same line as the kitchen fabric. So torn. I am leaning more toward the kitchen fabrics but I need advice. So what do you think? Embrace the lovely 70s? Or go for pink and green?

An Unexpected Break

2011-02-01T08:00:00.000-08:00

We had an unexpected snow day last Thursday made even more special by the fact that it overlapped with my brother's last visit before he moves. We had the chance to prep well which meant home made goodies. Cookies, brownies, honey hot wings, chex mix, and a big box of chocolate.

Lot of movies watched and horsey rides given.

It was a nice break in what was truthfully I very draining January. I am thankful February is here.

Tuesday To Do List

2011-01-25T20:35:00.000-08:00

I love lists. I am obsessed with them. I have some times been known to add things I have already done to a list just so I can cross them off. I don't make New Years resolutions I make New Years To Do Lists. One of the things I really wanted to do this year was do a scheduled upload in my shop. I also wanted a themed upload. So today a threw the rest of the to do lists out the window and sewed all day. I put together a Valentine's Day Chocolate Covered Cherries upload. So far only one item in the upload has sold. But I checked something off of my to-do list. And that feels good. :)

Monday Musings

2011-01-24T14:52:00.000-08:00

I have been meaning to write more. There have been all kinds of thoughts rolling around in my hands. Nothing big. Just little moments and passing thoughts. Bear has taken a liking to her Waldorf doll and Goose is obsessed with dressing up now as well. Musings on the small things. Like contentment and seasons. Seasons of life, of weather, of personal growth. Gratitude for God's provision in so many areas. My cup runs over. And for now maybe, that's all that needs to be shared. :)

Yesterday.

2011-01-14T05:53:00.000-08:00

Yesterday morning was spent out doors together. Enjoying the swing set and working on the wood pile.

Yesterday afternoon/evening was spent inside together. Enjoying the fire, and warm blankets. Enjoying TV and chocolate. Working on baby doll bodies and a crochet rug.

This morning I woke up at 5:30 with excruciating pain in my right shoulder and neck. Thankfully my

mother-in-law is a super hero and is coming to get my girls so I don't have to worry about lifting babies and changing diapers. I am going to resist the urge to pop pain meds and power through and be productive today. And instead will listen to my body (for once) and drink lots of fluid and get lots of rest. Hope you all enjoy your weekend.

Fun Mail!

2011-01-11T13:40:00.000-08:00


Hello Betty Honey Bun

One of the things I enjoyed the most about the holiday season was constantly getting fun mail! Granted it was almost all gifts (with the exception of some fabric yardage for the shop), but I truly enjoyed it. I got a good bit of Christmas money and I spent most of it in brick and mortar stores but I did do a little online shopping. Partly becuase the prices were good, and partly becuase I really love getting mail (that isn't bills or junk).


Hello Betty

One of the things I ordered was a Hello Betty honey bun. I found a great price on one on ebay and couldn't resist. I had some ebay bucks that I accrued buying Christmas gifts so I put those toward it an got the honey bun for minimal out of pocket money. :) I am working on a list of 27 things I want to do before I turn 27 (in 18 weeks!). On one of those things is to turn this honey bun into a a rug for my house. I picked the Hello Better one becuase the colors would work in almost any room in our house which I love! Now to pick a rug. I can't decide between the braided/sewn variety and the crochet style. What do you think?

Universal Letter Writing Week

2011-01-09T18:14:00.000-08:00

It is Universal Letter Writing week. I love writing letters, so I have embraced this silly holiday. :) Dig in the recesses of your desk for that long lost stationary, locate your favorite pen and jot a quick note to a friend, a sister, a child, a lover. We all love getting mail to give that gift to some one. How much fun would your child have to come home and find a letter to them in the mail box? Or how speical would your loved one feel to find a romantic love letter waiting for them at work one day? Just a though. Spread some smiles!

Back to Reality

2011-01-03T18:24:00.000-08:00

Sunday's rain brought and end to the warm spell as well as the three day weekend. So, we turned up the heat, rebuilt the fire and started working on the 2011 list of goals.

Monday brought unexpected sunshine and unexpected productivity. I got a lot done and the girls played happily and (for the most part) quietly in their room for a few hours. It was a sweet day. And a great way to start off the first full work week of the year.

Today I am Thankful for:
New sheets and pillows for our bed
A beautiful little gift from a friend
An unexpected, uplifting conversation with another dear friend
Sunshine
Fabric in the mail

2011-01-02T16:39:00.000-08:00

It was his last day before going back to work. He put together my shelf and brought me gifts. I'm going to miss him but maybe it will be nice to be back in a routine.

A New Year

2011-01-01T19:07:00.000-08:00

Dinner was chicken picata and broccoli served on China.

We ate in our pajamas while drinking out of plastic wine glasses. Abi thought the pasta looked like hair and spent the meal acting out scenes from Tangled.

Sisters

2010-12-30T13:46:00.000-08:00

"I love having a sister, Mama," she said. I know how exactly how she feels.

The In Between Time

2010-12-29T06:44:00.000-08:00

Some days are better than others. All of them are better than I deserve.

And the Winner is...

2010-12-17T18:04:00.000-08:00

True Random Number Generator Min: Max: Result: 40 Powered by RANDOM.ORG

java diva said...: so adorable! Congrats. E-mailing you now!

So I swear I entered the correct numbers 1 - 128 into the system but when I copied this is what I pasted.

Christmas Tag

2010-12-14T05:00:00.000-08:00

****If you are looking for the Sew Mama Sew Giveaway Scroll Down******

The Christmas Quiz

What is your one favorite dish to see on the table at Christmas dinner?
Crescentrolls
Do you have a Nativity scene or a creche? How many pieces does it have?
We have a nativity and it has 6 pieces so far.
What is your favorite Christmas movie?
White Christmas
If you and your family could spend this Christmas in another country, where would you go?
No where. I love spending Christmas with my family. Would love to see New York City in December some time though.
Does your grandmother usually knit you something for Christmas, or does she give you something different — say, a Wii?
Normally my grandparents sent money to my parents who picked out our gifts.
Have you ever gone out of the house wearing a reindeer headband? What about a Santa hat?
Yes
Do you usually make or buy your Christmas gifts?
Both!
When do you set up your Christmas decorations? When do you take them down?
Thanksgiving weekend, New Years week.
What kind of activities does your church usually have at Christmas?
My VA church does a communion service my MD church does the Advent Wreath leading up to Christmas and a Candlelight Christmas Ever Service
Did you ever believe in Santa Claus as a child?
Nope but my little girl keeps asking when he is coming so I guess we are doing it now.
Which of the Gospels gives your favorite account of the Christmas story?
Luke.
Have you ever acted in a Christmas pageant? What part did you play?
Oh yeah. Ask me some stories some time. Like the year the wise men bowed down to the Christmas tree and the shepherds (read my 4 year old brother and his friends) got into a fight on stage. (As my brother would say *Who thought it was a good idea to give FOUR year olds shepherd staffs.)
Do you buy Christmas presents for your pets?
I My sister used to buy the family dog a sweater every Christmas.
What is your favorite Christmas tradition? Chili and Cinnamon Rolls on Christmas Eve. It is such a huge part of Abbott family culture. Even know that we are all grown up, most of us kids still fix that on Christmas Eve. The year my brother was in Iraq my mom sent him canned Chili and Little Debbi Cinnamon Buns. I love knowing whatever else happens, however far apart we are, Christmas Eve, we are all eating the same thing. :)

I was tagged by Mrs. Amber Apple

I am tagging
The Day's of the Davenports
Ravenhill

Sew Mama Sew Giveaway!

2010-12-12T14:37:00.000-08:00

So I was to late to add my blog to the lists of giveaways for Sew Mama Sew Giveaway Day. BUT I am still doing a giveaway just in case people stumble across this after I comment on their blogs. And also as a way to say thanks to all my amazing customers over at The Goose Beary Shop. So here is what I am offering.

A sweet little six inch Waldorf Doll. this Toddler doll is stuffed with clean cared wool. Her body, hands, and face are made from cotton interlock. Her hair is natural yarn and her skirt is 100% quilters cotton. To enter leave a comment here. I will close comments Friday the 17th and ship out Saturday the 18th. So she SHOULD make it to USA people by Christmas. :) Enjoy!

Thankful

2010-11-18T06:00:00.000-08:00

A week until Thanksgiving.
And I am thankful for now.
For right, here right now, in this moment and place.
Thankful for a beautiful house I didn't think was possible 11 months ago.
Thankful for aching arms from raking leaves.
Thankful that those leaf piles have been strewn back across the lawn by sturdy, happy, healthy little girls jumping in them.
Thankful for conversations with dear friends.
Thankful for the good, the bad, and the painful that has drawn my family closer still.
Thankful for hot tea, and warm clothes, and cold mornings.
Thankful for all my shortcoming and the reminder that I am oh so humane and in desperate need of a savior.
Thankful for a husband's whose grace and love have truly covered my multitude of sin.
Thankful for the chance to get to know a sibling on a new level as we once again share a home and our lives.
Thankful for restored friendship, healed hurts, and abounding grace.
Thankful that God is in it all. And begging, even pleading, for the presence of mind not to miss it. Lord, please don't let me miss it.

"God was here, and I almost missed it"

Black Friday/Cyber Monday Sale!

2010-11-15T13:24:00.001-08:00

Sale will run from Black Friday (Day after Thanksgiving) to Cyber Monday (Monday after Thanksgiving.

12 inch dolls will come with an extra outfit and a blanket.

8.5 inch dolls will come with an extra outfit and a blanket.

6 inch dolls will come with an extra skirt and a blanket.

4 inch Thumbelina Dolls will come with an extra skirt and fairy wings.

Gnomes will come with a matching mini gnome ornament.

Receiving blankets will come with a matching small gnome or small teething gnome.

All orders over $50.00 ship for free!!!

www.thegoosebearyshop.etsy.com

Dolls

2010-11-14T14:31:00.000-08:00

I have Four Beautiful dolls in my shop all looking for homes before Holiday. The 8.5 inch doll and the two 12 inch doll are free shipping and I am running some Black Friday sales. I am willing to reserve a doll if any one is interested so she can be purchased on Black Friday during the sale.

Check Out My Shop!

October

2010-11-08T04:11:00.000-08:00

I really didn't post much in October. My apologizes. It was a busy rather stressful month. There were so wonderful moments including attending the wedding of a good friend from high school. I was also able to go to my church's ladies retreat. And my sister came to visit. It was a good month but also a stressful one. A lot of dealing with the broken. Broken car, broken microwave, broken computer, broken sewing machine, broken people. But God is so good. In all of this He has blessed me with a peace and a knowledge that not matter what He cares for me. His provision is so above and beyond what I could imagine.

My favorite doll yet.

2010-10-29T13:34:00.000-07:00

Sorry for the random picture placement. I couldn't get the blog working correctly today. But I had to share this beautiful little gal. She is just 8.5 inches and I am so in love with her. She's in my etsy shop.

A Prayer

2010-10-20T08:11:00.000-07:00

It's been quite a week. Feeling a little worn and weary. Not a whole lot to share. So, I will share this, one of my Mother's favorite prayers.

Watch, O Lord,

those who wake or watch or weep tonight,

and give your angels and saints charge over those who sleep.

Tend your sick ones,

O Lord Christ.

Rest your weary ones,

bless your dying ones,

soothe your suffering ones,

shield your joyous ones,

and all for your love's sake.

Amen

A Season of Questions.

2010-10-15T11:38:00.000-07:00

“Be patient toward all that is unsolved in your heart and try to love the questions themselves, like locked rooms and like books that are now written in a very foreign tongue. Do not now seek the answers, which cannot be given you because you would not be able to live them. And the point is, to live everything. Live the questions now. Perhaps you will then gradually, without noticing it, live along some distant day into the answer.”
Rainer Maria Rilke ‘Letters to a Young Poet’ (1934)

The wind out side the window makes the trees shake so their leaves and acorns fall so abundantly is nearly sounds like rain. I smile and sigh and resolve to live and love this season of my adventure, questions and all.

Cinnamon Puffs

2010-10-12T14:32:00.000-07:00

I love breakfast for dinner. It is one of my favorite things. Possibly becuase I have this mild obsession with serving both sweet and savor at the same meal/ in the same dish. Just ask my husband about the Pineapple Summer of '08. But I think it's more than that. In the cooler months I love the hearty, soothing comfort of it. The smells of egg, and breakfast meat, and bread foods cook and baking. It doesn't matter of it's breakfast casserole or bacon and eggs, breakfast for dinner feeds my soul.

In my mind breakfast isn't really completely unless it includes some type of bread product. Some times we just do toast, other times we get a little more creative and do pancake, chocolate/coconut waffles, or (Closer to Christmas) S'more waffles. But my truly favorite of all breakfast food items is the Cinnamon Puff. I recently saw an episode of Food Network's show The Best Thing I Ever Ate, where they described a food item very similar. However we have been making Cinnamon Puffs in my family since I was a little girl, so I am pretty sure this is not a knock off recipe.

Cinnamon Puffs

½ cup shortening

½ cup sugar

1 egg

1 ½ cup flour

1 ½ teasp. baking powder

½ teasp salt

¼ teasp. nutmeg

½ cup milk

(Optional add ins: Almond extract, cinnamon, cloves)

Cream sugar and egg. Stir in dry ingredients alternately w/milk. Put in greased muffin pans. Bake 350 degrees 20-25 minutes

Topping:

1 ½ cup sugar

1 teasp. cinnamon

½ cup melted butter

Dip muffin in melted butter and roll in cinnamon sugar mixture.

** I personally like my muffins baked till they are just cooked, becuase of this the bottoms do not come out very brown. That being said I prefer to brush my muffins with butter rather than dip them. I find if I dip they become to saturated and start falling a part.

Thumbelina Doll

2010-10-05T14:29:00.000-07:00

Ok so this is what I have done the past two days while I should have been cleaning. She is a 4 inch Thumbelina doll. Isn't she precious? Not sure what I love more her hair or the itty bitty tights!

New Giveaway Winner

2010-10-04T08:37:00.000-07:00

Ok so I still can't figure out how to get that number generator thing to post right. But I had to re-draw since our last winner never got back to me. New winner is ....

Deb said...: Congratulations on doing so well! Deb I will be e-mailing you. You have two days to respond.

Itty Bitty Pocket Gnomies

2010-10-03T12:46:00.000-07:00

Autumn is most definitely here! And to celebrate these sweet little Pocket Gnomies came to visit.

The girls were sick this morning so we didn't make it to church. So while we sat at home resting up I worked on these amazing little cuties. They are all now in my etsy shop. I think they are so sweet!

2010-10-01T04:52:00.000-07:00

<br>The numbers generated by this widget come from RANDOM.ORG's true random number generator.<br>

And the winner is!!!!!

KJ Dollylove said...: Awesome! Well done you, gorgeous creations :)KJ I will e-mail you with the gift card code. If you have two days to respond to the e-mail and let me know you got it. If I don't hear from you I will pick another winner.For those of you who didn't win I am offering free shipping. Just send me an e-mail if you want the code.

Yay for Fall.

2010-09-29T06:17:00.000-07:00

*Scroll down for a chance to win a $15.00 gift certificate to my etsy shop. Comments close Thursday night.*

This is the view out of my back basement window this morning. Fall really is here in full force and I couldn't be happier! It's been pretty warm around here still, but today the high is 60 degrees and I fully intend to enjoy the use of my over sized sweater. An amazing purchase from Kohls using Kohls' cash from my Mama. Today is Wednsday and one of my MIL's days off. She is taking the kids so I can do some running around and catch up with a friend. Huge kids consignment sale; a trip to Barnes and Nobles with a friend for coffee and book browsing; a trip to the fabric store; church; home for a big bowl of soup and Top Chef Just Desserts, It's gonna be a great day!

Give Away!

2010-09-26T12:49:00.000-07:00

So we are a good bit over 100 posts here. I have 45 followers on the blog, 50 shop hearts over at my etsy , and 76 followers on my faceboook page. So we are way, way over due for a give away! So here is what I am offering. $15.00 dollars off any purchase from my shop, including custom orders, Waldorf dolls, ect.

*To enter leave a comment on the BLOG post. (If you are viewing post on my facebook make sure you comment on the actual blog.)

*I will leave comments open until Thursday, September 30th. And will pick a winner Friday, October 1st by random number generator.

*The recipient will have until December 31st, 2010 to use the gift card for RTG items and will have until October 31st to use it toward a RTG order.

Good luck!

Autumn Equinox

2010-09-22T05:45:00.000-07:00

Is if the first day of fall. Yay! Fall is by far one of my favorite seasons. I love the smells, the sights, the sounds, the tastes. It's just perfect in my opinion. We have an amazing weekend planned to celebrate. Including dinner with dear friends, a Saturday morning date with my hubby at the market, and a Saturday evening at a local farm with the kids.What special autumn plans do you all have?

Little Moments

2010-09-10T06:33:00.000-07:00

I haven't been on here much lately. I wish I could say it's becuase I have been ridiculously busy! I have so many projects on my to do list. For Christmas, for the shop, for wedding gifts, for myself. Unfortunately very little sewing has been going on. In fact, very little anything has been going on. I haven't been feeling well since February. Recently I have been so exhausted all the time that very little is getting done. But I called the Doctor today and hopefully I will have some answers soon.

On a much happier note I have had a few good days the past few weeks and have gotten out side to enjoy the weather with my family.

The first fall trip to The Community Market on Saturday. Abi loved all the puppy dogs, and I loved the crepes!

A walk on Labor day including a stop at the Cancer Awareness garden. Got to see the bell Mom Niehaus rung in July to celebrate her last day of treatment.

A visit to the park with some dear friends on Wed. Even managed to join the kids on the equipment. And I fit down the slide! One good things with this unknown stuff is the weight loss! Always a silver lining. Here's hoping for some energy to enjoy the weekend! Happy Friday!

Acorn Babies!

2010-08-27T09:40:00.000-07:00

So I have spent the past few weeks perfect my Acorn Baby pattern. I think I finally have it. Just to give you an idea on size, the smaller one is wearing an actually acorn cap!!

I've also been working on some more gnomes and some new Floppy Dolls for the shop. Here's a sneak peek of fabric you can expect to see dollies dressed in soon.

Can you tell I am ready for fall? I think the corduroy is going to make some amazing dolls!

Camera Fixed

2010-08-24T07:16:00.000-07:00

So I finally have my camera fixed and it's been raining none stop which makes it VERY hard to take good pictures. I was able to get a few pictures of some Waldorf inspired dolls I re-worked.

This is Taffy after she has been re-worked and given a new tunic. Love her now! Can't wait till the sun comes out. I have itty-bitty gnomes to show you as well as a couple acorn babies!

Handmade It Is.

2010-08-15T17:39:00.000-07:00

So I have decided what I am going to do for the give away. It will be hand made. I have the idea rolling around in my head, now just to bring it to fruition and get my camera working so I can take pictures of it when it's done.

On another note I am thinking about closing my etsy shop. I LOVE creating. It love making things and bringing other people joy through hand made items. But I worry that I am spending more money than I am making at it. I want to keep pursuing it, but I'm afraid it's just not worth that time, effort, and cost. This is what is rolling around my head this Sunday evening.

Give Away?

2010-08-11T10:23:00.000-07:00

So my camera cord was left at the beach house. Thankfully my parents have it, but it does mean no photos until I get it back. On the upside I am considering doing a give away since I reached my 100th post. (This is actually post 106.) I am debating between a hand made item or Jane Brocket's book The Gentle Art of Domesticity. What do you all think? Which would you be more interested in?

Joy

2010-08-08T13:39:00.000-07:00

(Picture courtesy of Sarah Abbott Photography.)

I understand her need to dance in the water. I have been so full of joy all weekend that I wish we could back, just so I could join her in a jubilant dance in the waves.

Loving Neapolitan Candy and Etsy

2010-08-05T08:20:00.000-07:00

Picture from this website.

Ok so I am doing lost of Christmas/Bear's birthday planning. Which means there is lots of talk of baby dolls, Fancy Nancy, Madeline Books, and quilts going on around our house. While searching for inspiration I found some fabric I fell in love with. Unfortunately I couldn't afford it. But since it reminded me of Neapolitan coconut candy so I searched Etsy for some inspiration. Enjoy. But warning, it may make you hungry!

Ring Pillow from HeyMiemie.

Soap from SimplyTempted.

Necklace by ilyaToni.

If you want to see more check out my treasury.

2010-08-03T17:16:00.000-07:00

Today I didn't give in. When I wanted to light the apple candles, I lit the beach ones instead. When I wanted to make a heavy, rich egg dish in the crock pot, I made a cold pasta salad instead. When I wanted to turn on the AC and plan for Christmas, I opened the windows and got hot and sticky cleaning. When I wanted to give in and focus more on tomorrow than today, I didn't. And so I was able to capture and enjoy a few moments of summer.

Shorter Days.

2010-07-31T17:51:00.000-07:00

It was dark by 8:45 tonight. I thought I was ready to see Fall, but I find myself surprisingly saddened to see Summer slipping away. Not yet, not just yet.

Lovely LIttle Handmade Give Away.

2010-07-29T04:29:00.000-07:00

There is an amazing giveaway going on over at Lovely Little Handmades. As always I am torn putting it on my blog. Yes it means another chance for me to win. But it means more people entering. Oh well, I"ll take the extra chance. :)

Vacation

2010-07-26T14:52:00.000-07:00

(All pictures courtesy of Sarah Abbott Photography.)

It's the first time I have been there in the summer time since I was 21.

It wasn't the trip I had anticipated but it was beautiful.

It was a reminder that we are all in this together.

2010-07-09T06:17:00.000-07:00

Two New dolls I've been working on. I am in love with them both. So hard to put them in the shop. Not crazy about how the top one is photographing. She is absolutely adorable in person. Maybe she needs a different dress. What do you think? Feedback is much appreciated.

Keeping Busy While Keeping Still

2010-07-08T09:13:00.000-07:00

It's been hot here. So hot in fact that Hubby and I have started sleeping in the basement. Which means we pretty much live down here now. I go upstairs to change diapers, fix super easy dinners, and put the girls down for naps/bed. I've pretty much abandoned house work at the moment. I try to stay on top of the dishes but other than that, not much cleaning is happening. The heat is supposed to break on Saturday so I figure I will give the place a good scrub down then. That doesn't, however, mean I am not staying busy. I find the best way to stay cool is to keep my body still and my mind occupied. Since watching countless hours of cartoons doesn't distract me the way it does the girls, I have been keeping my mind busy by making Yo-Yo hair bands.

I know I am about a year and a half late on the yo-yo band wagon, but my mother-in-law just got my a yo-yo maker for my birthday. (I am lazy what can I say). I made Maddie Goose a bunch of embellished rubber bands for her first birthday. They turned out so well I decided to make some for the etsy shop. Off to break up a fight between my hot cranky little ones. Hope you all are staying cool!

I'm Back

2010-07-07T07:32:00.000-07:00

I thought I needed time away. Time to figure out our schedule. Time to slow down and enjoy the moment. What I remembered is that this place is vital in reminding me of the simple things that make up my days and make them what they are.

You Marry Their Family; For better or worse.

2010-06-22T15:46:00.000-07:00

This post is dedicated to my amazing mother-in-law as she faces the last few weeks of her treatment. Hang in there! You are almost through it. And remember, what ever comes next, we are here!

I was married on a Saturday in late July in the church that my dad started over 20 years ago now. For years we had met in various rental locations, until when I was 16 we finally had finished building our own building. Six years later I stood at the front of the building pledging to love one man, this man, my man, for the rest of my life, for better or worse.
    That was three and a half years ago. I am still in love with my husband and enjoy my daily roll as wife and mother to our two daughters. Over the past three plus years we have spent together we have celebrated abundant "better" and struggled through our share of "worse". Having two beautiful daughters in just under three years of marriage, buying a house, and watching God provide for us in new an unexpected ways are just a few of the "better" moments we have had. While an unexpected pregnancy while I was uninsured, difficulties at both of our jobs, and a tough economy have been just a few of the "worse" moments we have had to navigate. But what I wasn't expecting was how much of the "better" and "worse" would have nothing really to do with us.
    You are always told that you don't just marry your spouse, your marry their family. I never doubted this statement truth. My husband and I are both very close to our families, and I knew that they would play a huge roll in our lives. What I wasn't expecting is for our vows, for better or worse, for richer or poorer, in sickness and in health to be nearly as true in our relationships with them as with each other.
    We have been married for nearly four years and in those years we have celebrated our families together. We have traveled to Gatlinburg, TN with his family to celebrate his parent's 30th wedding anniversary. We have spent a weekend in MD all crammed into my parents house, taking a dinner cruise around DC, to celebrated 40 years of marriage for my parents. We have celebrated my father's 60th birthday. We have rejoiced at the birth of a niece and nephew. We have celebrated the marriage of his brother. We have been touched to be involved in my younger brother's life as he attended college in the same town that we live in. We have watched him meet, court, fall in love with, and propose to an amazing young women. And come next June we will celebrate their love at a beautiful wedding that our two daughters will be flower girls in. We have toasted new jobs, and praised God for restored health. Together we have truly celebrated the "better", the "richer", and the "health" of our families.
    But just as our marriage has had it's low points so have our families. We have watched women on both sides of the family battle cancer. We have watched as family members have lost jobs. We have struggled to help out when there are more bills then money. We have watched and prayed as marriages struggled, hearts were broken, and loss to personal to share in a blog were suffered.
    We have loved, laughed, prayed, cried, rolled our eyes, fumed, forgiven, and held each other and each others families. It may be clique, but "no man is an island" so we live through the better moments and the not so good ones, the days of abundance and the periods of lean, the healthy days as well as the ones full of pain. Because we married their son, their daughter, their brother, their sister and in doing so pledge ourselves to these people. Till death do us part.

It's Summer Time and the Living is Easy

2010-06-16T17:37:00.000-07:00

I came into the room and found them like this. It melts my heart.

It's hard to see but we were catching fire flies.

My kitchen window makes me happy.

The first laundry out on the line at the new house.

It's a horrible picture, but it's a post card from a dear friend out in Montana. Every year for the past three Summers she sends me post cards while she is at camp. It makes my summer.

These are the things making me happy these days. Summer is here and we are figuring out what that means around here this year. Finding that balance between staying busy and enjoying a slower pace. What's Summer look like over your way?