5 is the Magic Number

Christmas Time

2011-12-26T13:57:00.001-06:00

i love these bloggers that are so on the ball with getting all their Christmas decor up and photographed before Halloween (i kid). it is inspiring though. it makes me wish i was better at planning though!!

here are a few pics from our holidays.

have a safe and wonderful new year!!

Goodwill Gone Bad

2011-12-23T15:40:00.000-06:00

we have all seen the craziness at thrift stores - plaid polyester pants, moo-moos, splatter painted shirts with fringe and pony beads (yes, i owned one!), but this take the cake!!

you can thank me later.

i'm thinking its for a new native american smutty novel series - Dances with Open Shirts.
and what a deal - only $3.00!

Our Latest Project

2011-12-13T09:55:00.000-06:00

As if we don't have enough going on we decided to gut and renovate my old sewing room (soon to be Ella's new room).

Now granted....this is a 90 + year old home and nothing is square or plumb or flush or insulated.

We had no idea when we tore up the old restaurant carpet and paneling that there was NO drywall OR insulation. No wonder it's like an iceberg in there.

Pic 1. Renovation begins. Lots and lots of paneling, spline ceilings, restaurant carpet, and bad light fixtures.

Pic 2. Gutted and discovered no insulation on the North wall.

Pic 3. Raised the ceiling from 7' to 8' 6", bumped out walls 2', relocated closet into unused space in eave, and opened up old closet for more living space.

More pics to come....

Right Now...

2011-12-09T22:30:00.001-06:00

stole this idea from meg :

right now i am…

watching: just finished up Tudors and starting Friday Night Lights. I listen to it while I sew; my production suffers a little when it's good.

eating: munched on a sugar cookie by our local bakery. they are hands down the best ever. i craved them when I was pregnant with ella.

drinking: coffee (VIA by starbucks!! caramel is my fave), water & True Lemon Raspberry Lemonade mixes. i get bored with water and the true lemon mix is awesome!!

wearing: a tie-dye shirt from my son's field trip 2 years ago, yoga pants, and a 10 year old Kansas University sweatshirt. oh and...my moccasins to keep my cold feet warm.

avoiding: laundry and dishes. it's all to easy to walk past them or bribe the kids to do it all with a video game. too much sewing going on to really care right now.

feeling: worn out. like i'm playing catch up all the time. one more show is what i keep chanting in my head then i can enjoy the season.

missing: my grandma in Kansas.

thankful: for speed dry top coat nail polish and girlfriends that that can obsess with me about nail art on pinterest and don't judge me. lol and my husband, and kids - that ol' chestnut. ;)

weather: low tonight is 17 freakin' degrees. ugh!

praying: for a friend at church that found out she has stage 4 cancer. it sucks.

needing: a maid, chef, physical trainer, chauffer, nanny, oh and clone. eyelash extensions would be nice too.

thinking: about how to share with the kids the real meaning of Christmas. It's easy to talk about it, but showing it is another thing.

loving: the sound of my husband playing his new guitar.

and you? what are you up to?

Christmas Goodness

2011-12-02T13:50:00.001-06:00

The tree has been up with lights sans ornaments for 10 days. It's totally unlike me to do this. I am the person that thinks about decorating for Christmas ALL YEAR LONG. sigh....

So to put me in the spirit and get me motivated to finish my tree and alcoves I had to make a little Peppermint Mocha

delish peppermint mocha

Peppermint Mocha Recipe

Recipe:
1/4 cup sugar
1/4 cup water
1/4 teaspoon peppermint extract (i made it twice and used 1/2 the second time)
3 tablespoons powdered cocoa
3 tablespoons warm water
1/2 cup hot espresso
1 1/2 cups hot milk

Stir the water and sugar in a saucepan until sugar dissolves and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to a low simmer and add peppermint extract. Allow mixture to simmer for 20 minutes.

Mix cocoa and water in a mag until paste forms. Add espresso and 1 1/2 teaspoon of the peppermint syrup. Finally, add the milk and serve hot.

After two of those babies I could have repainted the whole house. :)

the tree finished

3rd Annual Holiday Open House

2011-11-29T08:00:00.000-06:00

I survived!
We moved up the annual Open House to November this year and they were a HUGE success!! I am still tickled over the support from family, old friends, new friends, guests, neighbors.....everyone!!

Children's boutique clothing from Sweet Petunias

Jewelry by Beth Williams

AMAZING quilts by Mary Claire at Splendorfalls Sews

My purses Pink Posie Designs

more great stuff by Mary Claire at Splendorfalls Sews

GORGEOUS knitted wares by MC's mom, Mary G. swoon!!

DARLING baby wares from A Little Lively

More Sweet Petunia goodness

Sunglass Cases by Pink Posie Designs

Now...off to sew some orders and get ready for another show at Pere Marquette 12/11!! Come check it out the Winter Craft Show!!

Exciting News

2011-11-28T13:45:00.001-06:00

Waaay back in March I was contacted by Sew it All magazine. They saw a wreath in my etsy store and asked if I could create one for an article feature in their Winter issue.

Guess what arrived in the mail Saturday? My magazine, and they sent the wreath back as well. :)

Go check it out!! There have been some great articles and sewing projects in each issue. A subscription would make a lovely Christmas gift, too.

8lb 6oz baby Jesus

2011-10-03T08:00:00.003-05:00

This is the long over due story of why I carry around a blue washcloth in a ball secured with a Live Strong band.

It's because of Baby Jesus. 8lb, 6oz Baby Jesus wrapped in golden fleece diapers layin' in a manger.

It all started at Bunco night. The hostess had A MANGER scene out on display. It was July. For those of you that know me I have a bit...of...an ornery side. just a little. ;)
I had to steal it. well..... "borrow" it.

See...we were leaving for a camping trip the next week and wanted to "steal" Baby Jesus and photograph him all over the place like Flat Stanley and the famous Gnomes. In my mind it was funny.....

And that is the explanation behind the photos

Baby Jesus getting coffee at Starbucks

Metropolis gas station. Home of Superman!

some random church on the side of the road in KY

at The Dip in Dover, TN

at Ft Donelson in Dover, TN (civil war memorial)

My husband thinks that I crossed the line with the confederate flag. His reply was "we all know Jesus was a Yankee!" ;) That topic is for a totally different post.

I will say that as soon as I took the picture of Baby Jesus with the Rebel flag I was in trouble. Little did I know that I set Him down on the counter at the memorial while my boys were becoming "certified Junior Park Rangers" and LEFT HIM THERE! TWO HOURS AWAY FROM OUR CAMPSITE!!!!!

Imagine my horror when I called the park the next day and asked if they had a blue washcloth with a Live Strong band on it. Awesome. It didn't fit the bill of a suspicious package at all. nope. And to top it off a summer intern that was young enough to be my son was running the desk when I got there. He totally thought I was a nut job asking for my crystal Baby Jesus wrapped in an old blue washcloth wrapped securely with the promise of Lance Armstrong and Live Strong. sigh.....

Needless to say my husband was so sweet about driving FOUR hours out of our way home to retrieve it. He was so sweet that on top of that he sat in the car with the kids for an hour while I shopped in Hancock's of Paducah. Mommy like!

enjoying the loot from Hancock's of Paducah

*in no way to i condone stealing or making fun of Jesus. We just figured He would get a kick out of coming along on our journey. ;)

IKEA

2011-09-30T12:07:00.000-05:00

so the basement is just about finished.....i'll post pics when it's actually clean! ;)

we *had* to make a run to Ikea for some great goodies for the basement.

Veggie chili & a salad

bringing the loot home!

Sadly, these are the only 2 photos of the trip. Despite the fact that we were childless for the weekend it was still a whirlwind.

Pulling up to Schaumburg Ikea was like pulling up to a stadium. Seriously! We parked in D-4. Need I say more?

Some of the loot we brought back was a couch

Ektorp Sofa in Light Brown

8 of these Billy Bookcases. It was so much cheaper to buy them and have them modified than building built-ins from scratch

and 2 of these for the living room to flank the North windows.

BJURSTA Dining Table - PERFECT for our combined Dining/Living Room

And 6 of these bad boys - the HENRIKSDAL chair in Linneryd

And finally, the ADUM Rug for under the couch.

Wasn't my first choice, but it was the softest option on tile.

(not to mention an ENTIRE entertainment center for a friend)

Here's a progress picture of the floors...

the walls and floor really don't look like urine. promise.

Something Happy

2011-08-23T21:29:00.000-05:00

this one is for all you (muppet) lovers out there.

ENJOY!! :)

Shower Curtains and What Not.....

2011-08-07T09:34:00.001-05:00

I previously made this shower curtain for my bathroom

It was fine and dandy (never really liked the finished product) until I realized that the sun through the window was fading it. Grrrr. I guess since I spent a whopping $2.49 to make it I'm only out my time.

When the husband is out of town next time I think I am going to repaint the bathroom the color of the shower curtain - which easily translates to this-

Franklin Lakes by Benjamin Moore

Providence by Benjamin Moore

THEN I am going to make a new non-fading shower curtain with a sheet and stencil. Found these lovelies over at Olive Leaf Stencils and can decided between the them.

Art Deco Flora

Fan Flowers Art Deco

Ikat Pattern No. 2

I am thinking white sheet with a deeper gray print - something similar to Whale Gray by Benjamin Moore.

Whale Gray by Benjamin Moore

Found the idea for the shower curtain via Pinterest - Original blog post here on TwentySomething

Like I need more proejects.

Here's the latest on the basement in case you were wondering. :D

That, my friends, is what progress looks like - in the form of drywall dust.

T.S.L.O.A.B.R.I.A.N.O.Y.O.H. (The Storied Life of a Basement Remodel in a Ninety-One Year Old Home) Part I

2011-08-03T15:25:00.002-05:00

Looking back on these pictures I am about to share I can see the handwriting on the wall. I even feel a bit silly sharing these because everyone out there is going to look at them and think “oh gawd! what were they thinking?!” I honestly don’t know.

I’ll retrace the steps to the beginning when we found this house.

Back when we had 2 kids in school full time.

Back when we were young and ambitious (4 years ago?)

Back when we didn’t know any better.

Back before the housing market fell off the face of the Earth.

Back before we realized that homeownership can be overrated at times.

sigh....

We LOVED the idea of an older home with character! I grew up in a house in St. Louis that was built for the 1904 World’s Fair and it was almost an assault on the senses with all the baseboards, crown moldings, pocket doors, and 10’ ceilings. I wanted built-ins, hardwood floors, big windows, tall ceilings, crown moldings, etc. This house seemed to have *almost* all of that (buried under 3 layers of carpet, paneling, FPR, wallpaper, spline ceilings, drop down ceilings, falling plaster, and faux rock paneling!)

We were willing to over look all of the downsides, or simply chose not to see them - including the basement that was supposed to be dry covered in faux rock paneling. I’m still kicking myself for not having a picture of this to prove it. Let’s just say that an avid Dale Earnhardt fan lived in this home and because of the ghastly amounts paraphernalia on the wall we didn't eve notice the paneling. no joke. Surprise!! to us on closing day when we found it during the final inspection. It was like opening the biggest box under the Christmas tree only to find a dirty sock in it. That had a hole.

Back to the remodel.....

The basement wasn’t dry. Never was. And was sold to us that it was. AND the first time it leaked the carpet smelled like wet dog. A wet dog that had been wet before and dirty for a very looooooong time.

THEN the sewer line broke and we had poo water. yep, poo water. I cried. There was poo water in my basement. If anyone knows about my aversion to toilets and bathrooms it would all make sense.

So... we decided that we had to install a sump pump, then reroute the gutters to drain AWAY from the house and NOT TOWARDS. Something that must have slipped the minds of the original builder and every homeowner since him. That didn't solve our problems so we resorted to a french drain system that tied into the sump pump and the B-dry system.

I think I need a nap.

Here are the "phase 1" pictures right after we gutted the oil tanks, poo water soaked carpet, faux rock wall, golden oak corner unit fake fire place, & dimpled drop ceiling with a black grid nonetheless.

The studded "wall" once had faux rock paneling on the right side of it - opposite the furnace.

This used to be the scary "oil tank room." It had a creepy door that squeaked and everything. The walls came down (the back line was where the framework used to be for one of the walls).

This is the East wall and the window that leads to no where. seriously! It goes under the back porch. The previous owners never bothered to brick it up.

The stairs coming down from the kitchen on the right. I'm standing in the "oil tank room" taking the picture.

And this was the old family room AKA Dale Earnhardt Will Live On Forever Memorial Room.

I told you it would be obvious.

oh and these were in the basement when we bought the house.

Along with 88 gallons of diesel fuel inside.

If one ever comes across these while looking at an old home - RUN! The house would have to be FREE or don't bother. Unless there is money hidden in the walls....AND that my friends is what we are still looking for. ;)

oh snap!

2011-08-02T15:34:00.000-05:00

Has it really been almost 5 months since my last post?!
I have a lot of catching up to do!

Let's see....I'll be sharing pictures & stories soon of our basement remodel, vacation, bunco hi-jinx, misc projects, some summer lovin', & just plain nonsensical fun.

But for now....I leave you with this -

A Method to the Madness

2011-03-12T08:27:00.000-06:00

For those of you that know me in real life know that I have about 50 projects going at once; sewing, remodeling, scrapbooking, redecorating, painting, organizing, crafting, etc.

There is some method to my madness... honestly. See, I always have a big project going on - like remodeling our home (currently the basement). It's something that's ongoing (hopefully not forever) and constant to work on.

Then I have the smaller projects that I can start up and put down that take time and chipping away at, but don't consume like sewing curtains, making a shower curtain, reupholstering chairs, or painting a night stand.

Lastly, I have the quickie projects like making the drum lampshades, adding ruffles to a t-shirt, stenciling the built-ins, making felt flower pins, etc. These can easily be completed in a few hours - the nice Instant Gratification Projects. :)

The problem with all this juggling is that I tend to drop a few things here and there
OR
I get sidetracked from the big longterm project and caught up in the little ones.

Like for instance.....
I am ready to start thinking about remodeling the second floor. Remodeling the second floor you say????
I want either painted planked floors in a herringbone pattern or solid floors painted with a cool stencil.

Via Mary McDonald

probably white with soft grey design
via Pretty. Little. World.

It's marble tile, but you get the idea.

Since my mind is always wandering I made the mistake of "discussing" it with Andy and he looked at me like I had 3 heads.

yeah, but 3 heads that are always thinking of new projects. ;)

A Home run...

2011-03-09T09:02:00.000-06:00

It's the little things for me...
Pretty colors, engaging prints, cool graphics, coffee....

Yesterday was pretty much a home run.

After I finally pulled the plug on my chocolate curtains in the living room I needed to find a replacement.

Is this really the only picture I have of the curtains???

I remembered seeing this chair at World Market and could not get it out of my mind.

Even though the print was too dark for the living room I was in LOVE!!!

Then I remembered a home dec print while perusing Hancock's a few weeks ago that was fairly similar. Would it work? Wait....I have a sample stuffed in my wallet. YEP! It works.

And this is the wall color -

Benjamin Moore Coastal Fog AC-1

So after I ordered my fabric with a 50% off competitors coupons (Hancock's will honor Joann's!!) I needed to swing by and get an Americano for the ride home.

Getting a Starbucks was good enough, but when they handed this to me

I nearly peed myself.

I know to some I am silly but one has to understand that this chick is a closet-want-to-be-maybe-in-a-former-life graphic designer. I even had a subscription to HOW for FOUR YEARS and had never taken a graphic design course or worked in the field.

Let's just say I can appreciate the new branding & revamped logo. ;)

Feeling Stuck?

2011-03-07T13:12:00.000-06:00

Am I the only one that feels that the interior styling and decor of a house should match the exterior? Does that make sense?

For example:

Mid Century Modern Homes & Interiors

via AJC Homefinder

via Fresh Home

Craftsman Homes & Interiors

via NY Times Great Homes & Destinations

via The Craftsman Touch

You get the point...

I am feeling "stuck" with the style of my 1920 traditional home. If given a choice I don't think I would go with the more "formal" feel that our home has has in a few rooms, but I feel, in a way, obligated to honor the style and character of it.

Is that crazy?

For instance the formal fireplace, built-in arched alcoves, 8" baseboards, large casing, oversized windows, and nearly 10' ceilings don't help my cause.

sigh....

I heard on Nate Berkus that the exterior doesn't dictate the inside decor. Hmmmmm.... I think Nate may be wrong on this one.....even though I want him to be right.

Any thoughts?

Am I being silly? Over thinking this?

Houston, We Have a Problem...

2011-02-20T14:06:00.000-06:00

The problem is that I have discovered Pinterest. Normally that wouldn't be a bad thing, buuuuut since I have been consumed with it for 3 days it's becoming a full fledged addiction.

I had no idea it would be a virtual magazine and for this magazine junkie it's pretty rad!
Here are some favorite finds:

Office
Patchwork Chair from Urban Outfitters

Things to Sew:

Kitchens I Love:

Living Room

DIY Someday...

I could go on and on and on.

It's invite only and if you want one let me know. I'll hook you up. ;)

$10 Shelves

2011-02-14T16:07:00.001-06:00

Way back in October or was it September I added to my "birthday wish list" the famous $10 Shelves from Ana White's site. If you haven't taken the time to peruse her site it is a must! These are the shelves that led to me repainting the living room...yah, THOSE shelves.

We have this wall in our living that needed something - large artwork, a gallery collage...something. Then these shelves popped up on my google reader and HELLO! Perfect!!

Living Room wall before $10 Ledger Shelves

Thrifted Frames primed & painted

Shelves painted in Iron Mountain by Benjamin Moore

Various frames arranged on shelves

Frames decorated with pictures, Christmas decor, and Holiday cards

A fun handmade print from Ron & Claire

I think this wall is going to be my new favorite place to decorate. Check out my sweet Grandma Moses litho I found at a flea market for $1

It's the Primer's Fault

2011-02-12T13:21:00.000-06:00

I blame it on the primer. Back in October Andy asked me what I wanted for my birthday. I quickly replied "the $10 shelves on Ann White's Blog!!" Pretty much the next day he had them finished and ready for me to prime and paint.

I painted the shelves and started walking around the house thinking of other things that needed priming before I washed my brush out - hate washing out brushes.

So...I started in on the crown molding in the living room. And then remembered I had a coupon for a free gallon of Benjamin Moore paint from the "welcome wagon" when we moved in. Why not paint the walls too... before the new shelves go up of course.

Next thing I know everything standing still in the living room has been primed and painted.

Then I get to the built-ins. I didn't want a different color in the back and because there are ledgers for the shelves to rest on i didn't want to bother with a wall covering (the new fancy word for wall paper).

What to do?

Then it hit me! A STENCIL design!!

After mentioning this to my sister she suggested a blog I had never heard of - Jones Design Company, because she stenciled HER. ENTIRE. OFFICE. And let me just say it looks A-MA-Zing!!

I downloaded her template and got to work.

They are for the most part finished except for the few spots here and there that are nagging at me. Letting go of my OCD tendencies was a big deal on this project. I wanted clean, crisp, opaque lines. Didn't get them. A friend said they looked like they had always been there. From that point on I felt better about them.

Ruffle Mania

2011-02-10T20:57:00.000-06:00

The ruffle craze has hit the Roe household in the form of a...... wait for it....

SHOWER CURTAIN.

Andy says that he likes it. The jury is still out for me. I love how it turned out - just don't know if it's the right fit for this bathroom. Hoping it will grow on me the longer I leave it up.

Here are a few more pics.

It is pretty close to perfectly matching the towels.
I think I need a third accent color.
a mustard yellow?
orange?

Keep watching in the etsy shop for more shower curtains!!

2 months? what?

2011-02-09T14:14:00.001-06:00

Yep. It's been 2 months since my last post. I don't have a good excuse except for life.
Let's see what's been going on since I last wrote...

December -

Open House was a wonderful success. The crazy weather always seems to find us though.
Finished up my Bachelor's Degree... finally.
Christmas was wonderful. Probably one of the best on record. Stayed in jammies all day and just enjoyed everyone
Enjoyed a baby shower for a sweet friend. Can't wait to meet Little Linden. :)

January -

Lots of snow days for the kiddos to enjoy.
Started working on the basement remodel. {pictures to follow}
FINALLY took down the Christmas decor. The house looks so naked now.
Finished some little projects; painting living room, sewing for friends, etc
Lost a dear family member in our family to Cystic Fibrosis, Bethany. She was only 13. Still can't believe she's not here anymore. I have no doubt she is enjoying Heaven. :)

February

FINALLY finished up my ruffle shower curtain. {pictures to follow}
Still working on basement remodel...
Sewing more purses for the shop, Pink Posie Designs
Trying to not create more projects for myself until I have a clean "to-do" list. Possible?

Until tomorrow....

Ella enjoying her first time playing in the snow. {and yes, i did photoshop out the snot. ;)}

Christmas Open House SneakPeak* Day 6

2010-12-10T13:25:00.000-06:00

Tomorrow is the BIG DAY!!
Keep those fingers crossed that the snow holds off long enough to get some great shopping in on Saturday and Sunday.

Today's last sneak peak is another purse from my line at Pink Posie Designs.

Remember if you cannot make the show you can still shop online! If you see something you like and cannot find it online just send us an email or post a comment and we can get you taken care of!

Jewelry by Beth Williams www.eliwill.etsy.com

Purse by Tasha Roe www.pinkposiedesigns.etsy.com

Home Decor by Tasha Roe www.glitterandgarland.etsy.com

A Little Lively Baby Items by Kelli Lively www.alittlelively.com

Quilts and handmade creations by Mary Claire Allen

Bella Bean Artwork/ Graphic Design Prints by Ryan Brinkmeyer (Sat, IL Only) www.bella0429.etsy.com

Mary Kay Consultant Ami Strong (Sat, IL Only)

Christmas Open House SneakPeak* Day 5

2010-12-09T14:00:00.000-06:00

TWO DAYS AWAY

Count them...ONE, TWO!

Is anyone else as excited as me?

This *Sneak*Peak* is from Mary Goodwin. She is a knitting genius!! Every single year she has the most beautiful scarves, hand warmers, hats, wristies....... I could go on and on. It is knitting at it's finest!

Come check her out!!

Saturday in Highland...

Sunday in St. Louis....

Christmas Open House SneakPeak* Day 4

2010-12-08T07:12:00.000-06:00

THREE DAYS until the Open Houses begin!!

This Sneak Peak is of Ryan's artwork at Bella0429 Is this print not amazing?!!! I am thinking I need one of these and several others that she has.

Christmas Open House SneakPeak* Day 3

2010-12-07T07:00:00.000-06:00

FOUR DAYS until the Open House!!
Is anyone else getting excited?!!

I dont know if I'll be able to part with my purses. They have turned out so cute.

Check out more lovely Jewelry from Beth Williams at her etsy shop - EliWill and her blog.

Christmas Open House SneakPeak* Day 2

2010-12-06T07:00:00.001-06:00

Only 5 days until the Open House!!!

Come check out these beauties and fun stuff rom Mary Claire Allen

Christmas Open House SneakPeak*

2010-12-05T14:58:00.000-06:00

Our 2nd Annual Christmas Open House is in less than a week! ack!!

Here's a sneak peak, teaser, preview......

Check everyday this week for another new preview. :)

Good Morning Surprise....

2010-12-05T11:44:00.000-06:00

Woke up to this fun little surprise this morning!

My little Merry Christmas ornament from my Glitter and Garland Etsy shop graced the page of Etsy Finds! How cool is that?!!

Thanks for the heads up, Beth!!

Getting the Ducks in a Row...

2010-12-01T13:39:00.000-06:00

Where has the last month gone?

A lot of time has been spent sitting at the sewing machine.

I have 3 Open Houses this month. ack! And finals, and family stuff, and CHRISTMAS! Luckily I will have all but the last 2 items checked off my list by Dec 16th. Then I can enjoy all the family stuff and Christmas. :)

Here's some info on the Open Houses:

Goddard School Open House / Craft Fair
Dec 2nd, 6-9pm
801 South Arbor Vitae, Edwardsville, IL 62025
(by Peel)

Come out and stop by! Bring a friend and enjoy some great shopping and tasty treats.

Little Ghouls

2010-11-03T13:42:00.000-05:00

My munchkins had a great time trick or treating this year. Ella has figured out how to get the candy too!

She wanted to dress up as Tinkerbell this year. I found some fabric super cheap and made the outfit while on a Starbucks binge that lasted till 4am. Not the best idea since the boys had to get up at 6:30 for school. Regardless... she looked so cute!

And then there is Mr. Isaac, AKA Clone Trooper. We had the perfect outfit (AF Pilot) picked out and saved for this year. Fast forward Oct 1st and he tried it on.... it was too small. way too small. Fortunately, he is pretty easy going and was excited to wear Micah's costume from last year. I did have to get him a new blaster to complete the look.

This 6th grader was harder to dress than all of them. Maybe it's because he has an opinion. I'm in trouble when the other 2 get one. The Mad Scientist is out on the loose. He had such a blast with the evil laugh, fake heart, & crazy wig. He was too much!

Halloween Banner

2010-11-02T13:35:00.000-05:00

So Halloween came and went and I didn't even get a chance to decorate. It's not my favorite holiday (not even top 5), but it is fun to get the black birds, spiders, and moss out once a year.

For 2 weeks leading up to the big event I was painting the living room and making the drum shades. Decor was the least of my worries.

Before guests arrived to trick or treat on Sunday I had a chance to whip up this little banner. I lucked out and found a dictionary at the library for sale for a whopping..... $0.25. I layered the 8.5"x 5.5" sheets of cardstock with the pages from the dictionary, cut out circles, trimmed with starbucks cup cozies, and topped with printed out letters in the Rosewood font. ta-da. Strung it together with a strip of muslin that I tore for effect. ;)

Don't forget to get out and VOTE today!!

DIY Drum Lamp Shade Tutorial

2010-10-31T08:53:00.003-05:00

Ever since we moved into our 1920 house I have been repulsed (too strong?) by the light fixtures in the living room. We first thought it would be a simple switch out to new fixtures until we realized there were no electrical boxes in the ceiling. In laymen's terms... NO GO. I had to improvise, but with what?

I soon found a post over at Young House Love about a DIY Drum Shade. I thought it was a great idea and totally "do-able." I just needed to make a few minor tweaks such as taking the clamps off the rings, redesigning the bottom cover, and finding a way to hang it.

All that obsessing paid off!

BEFORE

AFTER

Gather Supplies

SUPPLIES NEEDED for ONE Lamp Shade

2 - 24" Wooden Quilting Hoops
Plexiglass Sheets (from Hobby Lobby)
Hot Glue Gun & Glue
Scissors
Measuring Tape
Pencil
Pliers
30" of small Chain (10lb test)
Eye hook screws
Clear Packing Tape
Single Fold Bias Tape
Fabric for bottom of drum aprox: 28" diameter
Fabric to wrap around drum aprox: 62"x 22"
Wood Glue

STEPS:

Measure the height desired for the shade. Cut that height out of the plexiglass. Several pieces will be needed to wrap around the circumference of the loop.
Use the wood glue to make a bead of glue on the solid inner wooden loop. Attach the outer hoop and tighten. Let dry over night. Pop off the "handle" of the loop.
Cut the fabric for the bottom of the shade: aprox 28" in width.
Glue the fabric to the top edge (NOT SIDE EDGE) of the wooden hoop (12 o'clock) .
Go to the opposite side of the ring (6 o'clock) and pull the fabric taught and glue. Go to the 3 o'clock section of the wooden hoop and attach then to the 9 o'clock spot. Continue this way until all of the fabric is secure with out puckers or bubbles.
Trim the excess fabric off the loop making sure to stay as close to the edge as possible leaving little to no extra fabric.
Continue all the way around the hoop.
Attach the plexiglass with a small bead of hot glue 2" away from the edge of the plastic glass.
Slowly Continue to work all the way around the ring making sure to keep the edges even to each other with no overlapping of the glass or hoop.

10 - Apply a bead of glue between the plexi glass and wooden hoop with the exterior of the hoop facing left and the plexi glass on the right.
11 - Make sure the hot glue is smooth and flat between the wooden loop (bottom of drum) and the plexiglass.
12 - Leave about 2” from the edges to glue AFTER the top hoop is attached
13 - Stand up the shade. Make sure the work space is clean and free of hot glue drips. Attach top ring in the same manor the bottom ring was attached.
14 - Attach the fabric for the sides of the shad to drum starting at one of the joint sections. This is done to make sure that the fabric is attached on a straight line and wraps evenly around the drum. Do not glue to the edge of the rings - leave about 2” for later adjustments. PULL TAUGHT while working around the drum.
15 - Glue the bottom edge first leave a 2” space from the fabric joint.
16 - Repeat for the top open side of the fabric.
17 - Let glue dry for a few moments before finishing.
18 - Turn the edge of the fabric under one time and glue with glue gun. Let dry.

19 - Attach the finished edge to the side of the drum.
20 - Working around the edge of the drum make sure that the loose ends are attached now.
21 - Working with the open edge of the shade attach the fabric over the top of the hoop.
22 - Cut off excess.
23 - CAREFULLY cut off excess from the bottom of the shade.
24 - Using Single Fold Bias Tape apply small dots around the edge of shade and secure tape.
25 - Fold over the cut edge of the bias tape and secure.
26 - Flip over and attach bias tape to the other edge.
27 - Cut off any strings or excess fabric.

28 - For calculating the dimensions for attaching the shade measure the exterior of the shade and divide into thirds.
29 - Holding the tape on the exterior of the shade mark three times for the placement of the eye screws.
30 - Attach the eye screws making sure not to puncture the plexiglass.
31 - Measure the diameter of the shade for the length of the chain. Take that measurement and divide in half and then subtract 1". That will be the length of the chain. My diameter was 19" divided in half is 9.5" - 1" = 8.5"
32 - Using the wire cutters or pliers open one end of the chain and hook it onto the eye screw.
33 - Close the open chain end. Repeat 2 more times.
34 - Leave the end of the chain open to attach to existing light fixture.
35 - Using a ladder I attached the chains to the existing light fixture.
36 - Turn on light and enjoy.

A few important tips that I have learned after making 2 of these shades are:

Work on a clean space!
Be cautious of the hot glue and where it drips.
TAKE YOUR TIME! Do not rush the project.
Cut off excess fabric - It will show as a shadow once the light is on.
Measure twice, cut once.

Hope you have enjoyed this. I am off to look at my shades. :)

*EDITED*
I forgot to mention the best part - It was only $42 for both shades!!

Music Video Monday

2010-10-04T11:22:00.001-05:00

Happy Monday! I usually dread Mondays, but I have a new outlook on them today. It's the start of a new week, a clean slate, a new to-do list, a fresh day.

Celebrate the new week with a music video...of sorts.

LOVE this one!

Catching UP with a DIY

2010-10-01T14:34:00.000-05:00

Where did the past month go? No intentions on going awol, but everything started snowballing and this blog of mine was the last thing on my mind.

Since my last post:

The boys started school! Very bittersweet for this momma. The milestones are flying by.
Tracy had her baby, Miss Chloe, at 24 weeks. Both baby and mom are doing well. Miss C is quite the fighter.
I started designing new purses for Fall & my semi-annual Open House.
Started a new Etsy Store called Glitter and Garland. It will be the spot for all of my future paper crafted goodies.
Started working out and tracking my food better. Down 3lbs this week! woot woot! As long as I get to the gym I am good.....so easy to make an excuse every morning. NOT ANY MORE!
Attended Strange Folk Festival this year as a guest and not a vendor. It was a first for me not to have a booth.
Went to the Scott Air Show to see the Blue Angles. Its not become tradition with our kiddos.
Started a Bunco group. Should be a blast to get out for some mommy time once a month.

I've also been going through tons of stuff to purge and organize. My craft/sewing room is a hot mess. Upon my inspecting and sorting I found some sight words cards that i had purchased years before at Roots in Maplewood. If you ever get a chance to go it is worth the visit. Very reasonable prices too! Finding these goodies was almost as good as finding money in your winter coat!

What to do with them? I didn't want to cut them up or puncture them..... I was looking for something to go above my chalk/magnetic board in the kitchen. Totally lucked out because all the sight words were about food!! score!

Before:

1. Spray painted the clothes pins with flat black spray paint. I wanted them to tie into the color on the chalkboard.

2. Let the clothes pins dry and then mark and drill a hole on the back side of each of them. This is for the nail on the wall to slip through.

3. Measure across the top of the chalkboard (or area to be installed) and divide by the amount of clothes pins. Center within that measurement. I lucked out because the chalkboard was 60"/ 5 = 12" Center the card between the 12" and nail a hole 6.5" from the top of the chalkboard. Attach the sight word and clothes pins together and hang on the nail through the predrilled hole.

4. Enjoy. They make me smile every time I walk into the room.

An Inspired Baby Shower

2010-08-14T22:14:00.003-05:00

I recently discovered Ashley Ann's blog {see a few posts below} and she has inspired me to create so much fun stuff! One of them includes a baby shower for a dear friend, Tracy. Up until a week ago then I had all the aqua, yellow, and white decorations ready - just needed to know if I could add pink or green. She found out that she is having a girl! yeah! PINK!

In the caption is a link to where the idea came from. I may have tweaked it a bit or used supplies I had on hand instead of buying some, but the ideas are the same. {I wish I could take credit for all of them!}

The Hairpin Vase. {found here}

Chicken Wire Frame & Fancy Clothespins {found here and here}

Chicken Wire Frame & Party Bunting {Found here and here}

Branch Blossoms {found here}

Fun font and oversized safety pins

More pictures of the hair pin vases

Sweet treats from the Cupcakery in Edwardsville

Tissue Poms {found here}

The Mantle from the opposite wall

Talk about a blast and so much fun to decorate! It is so relaxing to create and make fun stuff.

The hair pin vases found new homes as well as the tissue poms. And the chicken wire frames will be traveling to Chicago for Renegade in a month or so. Can't wait for the next party! Might just throw a "happy monday" party just so I can decorate. :)

Tracy's Baby Shower

2010-08-14T15:32:00.002-05:00

The shower has already come and gone. It was over too quickly. It's not very often all of us girls are at the same place at the same time for very long - once, twice a year? It was a lot of fun to hang out and catch up, even if it was for a short time.

I thought I would peek on my camera at all the pictures I took. Had no intention of do much more than that. Well...I got carried away with editing and fun stuff like that.

Here is a little storyboard. I'll post full photos later with info on all the decorations.

enjoy!

Madison County Fair

2010-08-11T07:38:00.007-05:00

The county fair rolls into town every year during the third week of July. We found this out the hard way when we moved to Highland during fair week. It wouldn't be a big deal but we are about 1/2 a mile from the fair grounds. Who knew?!!

For the past 2 years we have walked down to the fair to look at the animals and play on the tractors. I'm not brave enough yet to go the Combine Derby or ride the MegaDrop. Baby steps.

There were some adorable rabbits in the fair. I personally loved the ones that looked like the Velveteen Rabbit.

Ahhh....the pigs. There is a unique smell that comes with the pigs. One that I don't care to experience again. Ella was fascinated with them.... and at the same time terrified.

Maybe next year I'll have to make some cookies or sew a quilt. I do love how it embraces homemade goodness!

It's Backsplash Time

2010-08-09T15:18:00.005-05:00

We are getting closer and closer to slapping a "DONE" stamp on the kitchen.

The backsplash is finally completed and the counter will go in soon - White Maple Butcher Block with a Walnut Tung Oil stain. I just love saying that. :)

Here are some before pictures:

And the after:

Finally painted the trim and put the window skirting back on.

I totally lucked out and picked the grout to perfectly match the cabinets.

One more step to being finished. :)

On the kitchen to-do list:

Counter

Baseboards

Curtain for the pantry

I love that it's getting shorter and shorter.

Some Blog Love

2010-08-06T14:57:00.007-05:00

One of the reasons I haven't posted very much is because I have been SUCKED in by a few blogs. When I say "sucked in" it really means perusing and bookmarking blogs at 2:30am!

I am a very visual person and when there are great photos involved it had me at hello!

Here are a few recent favorites and why:

Ashly Ann Photography - Under the Sycamore

first of all I want to move into her house! It is so happy and cheerful. She has mad photography skills and then there is the DIY factor. Its my weakness - DIY projects. Go check out her section. I wanted to run out and buy spray paint at 2:00am the other night (er...morning?).

Pepper Design

This blog has everything from party decor, entertaining tips, home dec ideas, and so much more. Go check out the post on stamping lampshades! Genius!

Smitten Kitchen

What can I say, I am a foodie and I am stuck in Highland where there is nothing good to eat. ever. Because my options are limited (probably a good thing) I have been cooking a lot and this has become a great resource. This is my newest favorite - Blueberry Peach Cobbler. It was delish!!

Simplified Bee

With the impending baby shower at my house in 8 days I have been looking for inspiration to freshen up the joint. This is another great resource!! Check out the categories and quick references on the right - full of amazing ideas! The post on decorating bookcases/built-ins was meant for me.

enjoy!

Silhoutte Giveaway!

2010-08-04T14:16:00.002-05:00

This is a fun giveaway that I found out about at Infarrantly Creative

Go check it out!!

Fun things to do on the Mac

2010-05-28T17:25:00.005-05:00

I made this "year in review" video a few weeks ago.

Just might have to go back and make one for each year that we have been married. :)

2009 in Review from Natasha Roe on Vimeo.

Enjoy your summer!

The kids are now home and it is in full swing at the Roe house.

Enjoyed the Peanut Butter & Jam Festival today. The Air Force Band was there this Friday. Last year was amazing, this year....was...more of a wedding band. lol No offense to wedding bands. ;)

Stay cool.

Welcome!

2010-04-01T13:13:00.004-05:00

The sun is shining!

The windows are open!

The flowers are blooming!

WELCOME, Spring. :)

The boys picked these for me last night.

They informed me that it was a present for graduating from college.

awwwww! love those rascals. :)

(did i mention they plucked the only flowers growing in my yard?)

Wagon Rides

2010-03-28T17:01:00.010-05:00

With the exception of the rain we have been enjoying a few wagon rides after dinner. Ella seems to be having the most fun.

I was able to give the winter coats one last washing and pack them away.... hopefully for good.

Miss E has been enjoying her hoodie that we bought from Meg over at her etsy shop. She was having a fundraiser for Cora's Playground. And to be honest....I would have bought it even if the proceeds didn't go to an amazing cause.

Repurposing, Thrifting, & Sewing

2010-03-18T12:26:00.005-05:00

Is anyone else getting the itch to Spring clean and move everything around? It has hit me hard and not at a good time. With 1.5 weeks left of school and lots of papers and tests I don't have much time to spare. I have been able to squeeze in a few minutes here and there to finish a few projects in my bedroom.

This is a before of my bedroom yesterday morning:

(I didn't even bother making the bed)

And this is the after:

Here's what I did -

Moved the curtain rods from the living room to the bedroom - too dainty for the heavy curtains in there.
Finished sewing my curtain panels (took 20 minutes!). I found the fabric on clearance at Joann's for $3 per yard! Cant be that for flocked fabric.
Found the floral prints at a The Mission Thrift Store - 6/$1.00. I googled them and they are worth $30 - $60 each!
Painted the wood frames gray from leftover headboard paint. Found the frames at the same store for $7.00
Moved the table to the right of the window to the other window & hung curtains.
Painted the nightstand a few months ago. Jamestown Blue from Benjamin Moore.
Hung some plates above the headboard.

I really like how it looks. Can't wait to get a better lens for my camera so I can get a shot of the whole room. Too bad they don't sell those at thrift stores. ;)

Andy woke up in the middle of the night and said, "I like the pictures you hung on the wall." so funny!

Chalkboard paint - oooo lala!!!

2010-03-09T18:23:00.004-06:00

I have a thing for chalkboards. Green ones, black ones, big ones, small ones, ones in frames, or on pots...... i love them ALL!

This is what our current chalkboard looks like in the kitchen.

Every month when I update the calendar I have to touch up the grid. Even though it sounds like a ball of fun it isn't. Especially for the person that constantly walks by it and tries to erase and redraw the lines ALL MONTH LONG!

You can only imagine my excitement when I found this one today on Young House Love. swoon!!

and then found this over at Martha Stewart

its the mother of all chalkboards! I know what I am doing thursday night!!

Another fun giveaway!

2010-03-08T11:49:00.002-06:00

What a great way to start the week! Oh My! is having another awesome giveaway this week.

This time it is for 2 gift certificates from The Rusted Chain. They have beautiful, simple, classic jewelry pieces. so much fun!!

Go sign up today!! :)

Happy Monday to ME!

2010-03-01T15:13:00.002-06:00

I vary rarely win anything. Or at least anything that is super-duper cool!

BUT today my luck has changed.

Remember the contest over at Oh My! Handmade that I mentioned?

Featuring all the really rad stuff from Sarah+Abraham.... (swoon)

well.....I WON!

Now comes the hard part - picking out my prize.

Thanks Oh My! Handmade and Sarah + Abraham

You guys rock!

love....

2010-02-22T20:19:00.004-06:00

I know we are past Valentine's Day, but I thought this was still appropriate.....and hey! it's my blog. :)

At church on Sunday we read the scripture from 1 John 4:11 -

"Beloved, if God so loved us, we also ought to love one another."

It doesn't get more basic than that.

Since Sunday its has really stuck with me. Resinated in little things all day long; comforting friends, playing with little ones, saying good night prayers, etc.

I've never been one to stand from the mountain tops with a Bible quoting scripture all day long. Mostly, because I feel totally inadequate. I mean seriously, I am not perfect, I have a slip of the tongue, I get caught up in gossip at times, I don't always want to love my neighbor, I don't even feel like going to church all the time. If i was "selling" Jesus I wouldn't buy "it" from me. Maybe, that just makes it more real.

What it boils down to is that even if I'm not faithful God is and he loves us.

(image curtsey of EdgeDonkey - flickr)

Win this!

2010-02-19T14:55:00.002-06:00

check out this super cute new website called Oh My! Handmade Goodness.

They are having a give away for the their grand opening featuring goodies from Sarah + Abraham

So beautiful!! Go enter today!!

Meet Baby Eli

2010-02-18T13:13:00.004-06:00

ella has a little doll that she plays with and insists on sleeping with in bed. his name is Eli....short for Elijah of course. we were going to name her Elijah until at 38 weeks I found out I was having a girl instead of a boy! surprise! the big brothers thought it would be fun to name her boy doll Eli instead. she asks for him when she is tired and is getting ready for bed.

she just recently started taking him out of her bed to play with during the day. this was the first time I saw her carrying him around the house - in a football hold none the less.

she likes to play independently now. i an convinced this toy was made for her - stacking flowers. the little turkey will literally play with it for an hour. Fellow moms out there know thats a total God-send!!! thanks again, trina!

and yes, i photoshopped the snot off her lip.

Terrariums....

2010-02-14T20:36:00.006-06:00

As much as I love the big, fluffy snowflakes I am longing for springtime. Longing to get my hands dirty. Longing to see green again.

So...in the meantime I am going to make a terrarium.

Found a few ideas that will look beautiful on my dining room table.

This one is from Velocity

And from Smith and Hawken

The World of Sleep Little Peep

there are even flickr groups for terrariums!

The most helpful and easy to follow beginer info was at DesignSponge. It is a great video on how to make a terrarium. love it!

I love you, Jane!

2010-02-10T22:04:00.002-06:00

oh, my dear Jane Austen! i love her books. since i have been so busy with school, kids, sewing, etc i haven't been able to pick one up...enter PBS! sigh.....(I have a love affair with PBS...for another post). Masterpiece Classics has been showing Emma and its wonderful! The perfect company for sewing on a dreary day. and i love PBS even more for making it available online! swoon!!

ps - Anne Frank is in April!!

For the love of paint

2010-01-11T13:59:00.005-06:00

it all started with a little visit to K. Hall Designs home store.

(k.hall designs)

(k. hall designs)

there i fell in love with some furniture they had refinished with this amazing paint from Benjamin Moore called Iron Mountain.

it inspired me to dust off my headboard that was eagerly awaiting a coat of paint.

before....lovely knotty pine

during.....analyzing bedding while the paint dries

finished. :)

(pardon the wrinkled bedspread)

my next victim is this little dandy.

Portraits

2010-01-08T11:33:00.004-06:00

who wouldn't want this to grace their mantle?

it's pretty amazing!!!

found it over at blue bird vintage

DIY for the birds....

2010-01-06T11:58:00.002-06:00

why should i learn to crochet when i can go buy this little beauty here?!

and this one...

or this one!!

(the best for last)

I hope Andy is taking notes....

then again wasn't my new year's resolution to "make more" and "buy less"

drats.

the window shopping was fun while it lasted.

Giveaway!!

2010-01-05T11:29:00.005-06:00

Who doesn't love a freebie?!!

Who doesn't love beautiful jewelry?

Check out an amazing giveaway HERE!!

Lisa Leonard's jewelry makes my heart skip a beat!!

This happens to be my favorite! :)

what's this talk of new year's resolutions?

2010-01-03T16:36:00.002-06:00

and here we are again... a new year. more resolutions to forget about. i think my problem is that i set out to totally change my life on january 1st. not only is that NOT possible it isn't reasonable. then i beat myself up for breaking them. grrrrr

sooo...... let's make it easy this year with a few new resolved resolutions.

laugh more
spend less
read more
eat less
workout more
over-commit less
take more pictures
complain less
more quality time with family
buy less
make more
drive less
give more
obsess less

and most importantly.....

LOVE MORE

Happy New Year!

It's getting HOT in here....

2009-12-05T17:30:00.003-06:00

Now that's what I call a fire!

I must admit when we looked at this house the fireplace was one of the selling points for us. It has been put to good use ever since. The smell alone is worth it. :)

Happy Winter!

Felt Wreath Goodness

2009-12-03T13:42:00.007-06:00

ta-da!

Here it is....The Candy Cane Felt Wreath.

I am getting close to wrapping up my Christmas projects. Next year I need to start in July instead of November!

This was a fun one to make. I set aside supplies to make 2 but I may not get around to it this year.

Here are the supplies needed to make this felt wreath:

10" foam wreath (from dollar store)
3 - 2"x 50" strips of red felt (or a combination of strips totaling 150")
8 - 1" x 22" strips of white heavy interfacing. Any thin, white fabric will do. (or a combination of strips totaling 150")
hot glue gun and glue sticks
straight pins
rotary cutter & mat or regular scissors
scalloped scissors
Japanese hole punch (I used this one)
misc. supplies for embellishing. I used a bird from Michael's & some vintage finds.

Step 1: Cut the felt and interfacing to correct measurements. Then cut along one edge of the felt with the scalloped scissors. Follow the scalloped edge with a screw punch or Japanese hole punch on top of the cutting mat.

Step 2: Start to wrap the wreath (securing the starting edges with hot glue) with the white of the interfacing under the red felt. Continue to wrap the felt & interfacing around the wreath until either the felt or interfacing runs short. on the back of the wreath place a pin through both pieces and snip off the short piece that is being replaced (or maybe both). Reattach the new piece with hot glue and then continue around the wreath. This will be repeated several times. Always make sure to start and stop a new piece on the backside of the wreath.

I had to answer a few phone calls and give a little miss a snack while making my wreath. The pins came in handy when I had to find a stopping point - the wreath didn't unravel.

Step 3: After continuing to wrap the entire wreath, secure the lose ends and clip off the extra from the back side of the wreath. Hot glue is sufficient to hold it in place.

Front of wreath.

Now comes the fun part.... EMBELLISHING! :)

Step 4: After securing the felt on the backside of the wreath flip it over to the front for decorating. I used a bird from Michael's and some vintage greenery & ornaments. Simply arrange the items and when you find a look that works glue it down. I worked in layers - the bulb first, the evergreen second, the dusty miller third, and the lastly the bird.

Step 5: Attach a loop on the top back of the wreath. I used a 3" section of a pipe cleaner, twisted ends together forming a circle. Glue it onto the back. let dry before hanging.

Step 6: Enjoy!

Christmas Ornament Wreath DYI

2009-11-30T22:45:00.015-06:00

It's finally finished.

AND if I may say so myself it turned out pretty good for the first time.

I took Jennifer's advice and used A LOT of hot glue. That was her tip after making hers.

If you want to make one yourself feel free to use this step-by-step for a guideline.

A few pointers that I learned after making mine -

i used a ton more bulbs than i anticipated - around 60 small and 30 mini.
a cup of ice water will be your friend. that glue gets HOT!
there will be gaps in between the bulbs after you are finished. either be OK with it or stuff tinsel in them.
if you don't want gaps and don't want to stuff tinsel into them then wrap the foam wreath with tinsel first. trust me...it wont show much at all.

Lets get this show on the road.

STEP 1: Enlist the help of a (soon-to-be) crafting buddy

STEP 2: Gather Supplies

foam wreath ($1 for a 10" wreath @ Dollar Tree)
bulbs (glass are pretty but plastic are more durable) found mine at thrift stores
hot glue gun & glue sticks
tinsel - ($1 for 15 feet at wally-world)
paper to cover workspace
cup of ice cold water
pencil for inserting tinsel

STEP 3: I learned the hard way - cover your work space with paper before beginning. I am now obsessing over the hot glue remnants on my sewing table.

*Optional* Wrap the wreath with tinsel before adding bulbs to eliminate the tinsel later.

Start to attach the bulbs with the glue along the outside of the wreath. I chose a 10" wreath to work with and small & mini bulbs.

One lesson I learned was that 1. I should have kept the metal rims on these bulbs and 2. that I should have angled the rims towards to wreath instead of the ceiling. It sticks out farther off the wall now opposed to laying more flat against a surface.

STEP 4: Line the interior ring of the wreath with the bulbs, angling the rims towards the wreath.

STEP 5: Flip the wreath over and start adding bulbs along front.

STEP 6: Fill in large gaps with the mini bulbs

STEP 7: If the wreath was wrapped in tinsel skip this step. If there are still large gaps cut off 1" sections of tinsel, fold in half, apply glue and insert into the gaps. this is where the ice water came in handy! the pencil works great to poke the tinsel into the gaps, too.

STEP 8: Flip over wreath and weave remaining tinsel between the bulb tops if they were not attached facing the wreath.

STEP 9: ENJOY!

Next year I will probably make one for the mirror above my fireplace. I'm thinking red and silver this time. :)

Here's a sneak peak for my next post. :D

crazy chick...

2009-11-17T09:37:00.006-06:00

this little girl likes to keep us on our toes.

we joked from the beginning that she set the "tone" for the house....and how right we were!

she has now figured out how to unlock my cell phone and call 9-1-1.

never a dull moment. :D

(ella tail-gaiting at HHS)

seniorits...

2009-11-11T21:46:00.005-06:00

i am supposed to be doing homework right now.

and i dont want to.

i would rather look at this

and play with these guys

and sip this

or even clean this

senioritis is in full force.

happy holidays...

2009-10-19T10:03:00.006-05:00

So.. is anyone else listening to Christmas music yet? I have been pumpin' Harry for the Holidays for almost a month now. Don't judge me. :)

This got me thinking..... I have always (past few years anyway) wanted one of these vintage ornament wreaths -

(CSPost & CO)

(georgiapeachez)

or maybe its just that i want to be cool like Mary. :D

either way I found a DIY here on how to make one. If i get my stuff together and remember to take pictures as I go I'll post my progress here.

drum roll please....

2009-10-18T21:31:00.003-05:00

Here are a few new fabrics for purses!

At first I was hesitant to buy them because they seemed a little "springy" but then I thought...

everyone can use something cheery during the winter!

For the past few days I have been playing with the Adobe CS4 and getting photos ready to update my etsy store. I forgot how much work that was/is. Check it out over the next few days - lots of goodies uploaded.

Adobe CS2 For Sale - Windows

2009-10-14T15:41:00.002-05:00

For all you photoshop lovers out there I have a great deal for you!!

I am selling my Adobe CS2 Software for $75.

email me if interested nkroe at charter dot net

Its great software but it wasn't compatible with my new Mac.

This is the higher education version - discounted for students. It is a full version of the Adobe CS2 and contains:

Adobe Photoshop

Adobe Illustrator

Adobe InDesign

Fun stuff...

2009-09-25T13:56:00.004-05:00

For the past two weeks I have been sewing like a mad woman for the Strange Folk Festival! like a crazy person! like someone jacked up on coffee all. day. long! yep. that's me - the crazy mom that is either falling asleep while talking to someone on the playground or bugged out and spewing run-on sentences at 90mph.

At the show this year I will have a bunch of purses again along with some felt goodies and jewelry!!

Here is a sneak peak to the purses that i have made so far -

And who doesn't love felt food?

my good buddy, Mary, made these delectable sandwiches for the show along with pop tarts, strawberries, noodles & meatballs, and doughnuts!!!

and lets not forget Beth Williams amazing jewelry!!

Stop by this weekend and check out the goodies in my booth along with Sweet Petunia Clothing next to us!!

www.strangefolkfestival.com

sewing goodness...

2009-09-10T21:37:00.003-05:00

i've been busy sewing some stuff for the Strange Folk Festival in a few weeks.

it has been slowly creeping up on me an its almost here!! cant wait!!

more fun stuff to come....

choir of angles......

2009-09-09T16:02:00.003-05:00

That is what I heard when I plugged in and powered up this new baby -

My Compy 386 had been on the fritz for a while so what better time to get a new computer and better yet a MAC!! I have been coveting my friends (you know who you are!) for a while now and I had to jump at my chance. Andy thinks I purposely dropped the old laptop down a flight of steps..... if I would have know how good a Mac was before hand I WOULD have. :D

Strange Folk Festival & Zucchini Goodness

2009-07-19T21:48:00.003-05:00

Its that time of the year again. Time to get amped up for Strange Folk Festival!!! The past two years have been jurried entries and I have been lucky enough to have been chosen. Even though its not until September I need to get crackin' now on my purses and other hand-sewn goodies to sell. I am trying my best to have my booth set up next to Petunia's. If you haven't seen this store in Clayton it is a must to check out!! And of course Ella's pictures is on the wall in the store. :D

The first zucchini recipe that i tried was the Blueberry Zucchini Bread. This is another 4 star winner!! Andy liked it and he doesn't even care for blueberries.

I changed the recipe (to make it a little more healthy) by reducing the sugar and oil and adding applesauce.

Blueberry Zucchini Bread

3 eggs, lightly beaten
1/2 cup vegetable oil or canola oil

1/2 cup applesauce
3 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 3/4 cups white sugar
2 cups shredded zucchini
3 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon baking soda
1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
1 pint fresh blueberries

DIRECTIONS:
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Lightly grease 4 mini-loaf pans or 2 large pans
In a large bowl, beat together the eggs, oil, applesauce, vanilla, and sugar. Fold in the zucchini. Beat in the flour, salt, baking powder, baking soda, and cinnamon. Gently fold in the blueberries. Transfer to the prepared mini-loaf pans or regular pans.
Bake 50 minutes for mini pans and 65 minutes for regular pans in the preheated oven, or until a knife inserted in the center of a loaf comes out clean. Cool 20 minutes in pans, then turn out onto wire racks to cool completely.

Since I have no pictures of the bread (because its already gone) or Strange Folk I'll leave you with this - My little Yadi. :)

New Recipies & Summer lovin'

2009-07-18T15:10:00.006-05:00

I have been in a cooking slump. Not just a little one either, but a full on digging-in-of-the-heels-slump. Luckily a few new recipes and fun summer ingredients have helped. The first recipe I tried was Crockpot Lasagna from Homemade Simple's website. Right off the bat I knew I would be making some changes to the recipe and here's what I came up with:

Crockpot Lasagna
1 lb ground turkey - cooked and drained
2 cloves of garlic minced
1/2 white onion minced
32 oz jar of red pasta sauce
16 oz ricotta cheese
1 C cottage cheese
1.5 C mozzarella cheese (I used a 5 cheese Italian mix)
1/4 C mozzarella cheese for topping
1/2 C Parmesan cheese
1/2 tsp dried basil - I used 6 fresh leaves minced
1/2 tsp dried oregano
1 box (4.5 ounces) no boil lasagna noodles, gently broken and layered if needed

INSTRUCTIONS:
Grease the inside of your slow cooker with olive oil or cooking spray.
Combine beef, sauce, garlic and onion in a medium-sized bowl and mix well.
Combine ricotta, cottage, mozzarella & parmesan cheeses with spices in a separate medium-sized bowl.
In the slow cooker, start with the beef mixture (about a 1/4 depending on the size of your cooker). Top with a layer of no boil noodles, then spread on a thin layer of the cheese mixture (about a 1/4). Repeat layers, ending with the beef layer on top. Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese.
Cover and cook on low for 3-4 hours.

I used a large crockpot and it filled up about 3/4 of the way.

I would give this one 4/4 stars!!! This is now a new favorite in our house. It was so easy to make and tasted great and didn't heat up the kitchen - a pet peeve of mine in the summer.

The next recipe on my list is Blueberry Zucchini Bread. I'll keep everyone posted. :)

I snapped this at Isaac's baseball game. Micah is always begging to take Ella out of her stroller to play with her. I turned around and he was walking her all over the fields behind the dugout. Talk about making your heart melt! sigh... that little girl has the greatest big brothers in the whole world!!

hiatus....

2009-07-15T10:17:00.005-05:00

well... i guess you could say that i took some what of an unintentional hiatus. we've had a lot going on in the past 2 months. a lot. here's a quick recap
may:

3 birthdays (micah 10, isaac 7, ella 1)

1 anniversary (11 years)

1 wedding (maggie & paul)
mother's day
favorite friends from oregon (paige & dave)
end of school

june:
lots of projects around the house aka the bathroom
favorite friends from oregon again! good times!!
finals for school
father's day
vbs
float for schweitzerfest parade
raging rivers

Where has the summer gone? sigh.....

How's that bathroom coming along you ask....

2009-05-13T00:06:00.006-05:00

What? You didn't ask? That's OK. I'll share anyway. :)

The bathroom remodel is coming along nicely. I have about 2 square feet left to grout and then I am DONE with the floor!!

bathroom surround before grout

after grout.

floor grouted.

This past weekend I was able to squeeze some time in and prep the beadboard before installation (filling holes, sanding and priming). We are about half way finished with installing it and I have to say... it looks pretty good. Andy gets props for convincing me to put it in. Those photos are still on my camera....

Miss Ella turned the big ONE on Friday and we celebrated on Sunday. Actually, we celebrated for about a week. It's hard not to when she loves it when we sing "Happy Birthday." She's quite the little ham.

Mother's Day was a lot of fun. We never plan big, elaborate festivities for that or Father's Day, but it is nice to get the handmade cards and pictures from the boys. :) Those gifts are my favorite.

In 15 sleeps my buddy Paige is coming to visit all the way from Oregon for almost a week. We are going to have so much fun!! Lots of activities planned - A trip to the Zoo with the kiddos, Craft Night, a Cards game, yummy food at Olympia...... what else should we do? any suggestions? Probably the farmer's market in town and PB&J fest on Friday. sigh..... I cant wait!!

Happy Birthday, Ella

2009-05-08T17:26:00.002-05:00

Today is Ella's 1st Birthday.

It's a bittersweet day for me. On one hand is has been so awesome to see her grow and learn over the past year, and on the other hand I can't believe the year passed so quickly. Sigh...... I am told it only goes faster.

Party on Miss Hollywood. :)

ahhhhh... the smell of progress.

2009-04-19T14:20:00.004-05:00

As many of you know we bought this 90 year old house a few years ago and have slowly remodeled the first floor. It has been a lot more work than we anticipated, but very gratifying at the same time.

Our most recent project is the first floor bathroom. I have been working on the tile here and there for over a week now and am so close to finishing up.

After we finish the tile on the tub surround the floors will go in next followed by the beadboard wainscoating. Its all starting to fall in place but it sure does take time. lots of time. I don't think we will ever take on a house like this unless A. we can afford to live in an apartment or house while we work on it and B. or just pay someone else to do it. Personally, I am all for option B.

This are just for grins:

Who doesn't love some baby bed head?

My little rockers. Now Isaac wants to take drum lessons. He informed me that "there is a really cool drummer with only one arm that rocks!" :)

(tap...tap...) Is this thing on?!!

2009-04-15T08:17:00.004-05:00

I know. Its been almost a month since I have blogged. And believe me I have heard it from everyone. i know. i get it. :)

So.... what's been going on in the past month or so you say? A lot. Andy and I are both back in school - Andy for his master's in business and I have 3 classes left in undergrad. We are going on the same night together so that frees up an extra evening for some much needed family time. Mix in baseball for the 3 guys in the house along with, house projects (that never seem to end) and time with friends and family and the calendar is pretty full.

A fun list of 'favs' is needed to spice the morning up:

1. Celestial Seasonings Organic Carmel Mocah Coffee - Its delish! Its fair trade! Its Organic! and I could drink about a million and a half of them.

2. Bum Genius Diapers - I am still in love with the cloth diapers we are using on Ella. They are so easy to use and clean not to mention that they were only $175 for ALL of them FOREVER! How adorable are these spring colors?!! And now they offer them in Organic fabrics!

3. Cooking For Baby book - I wish I would have had this and the cloth diapers when Micah was born. The book is amazing and the pictures are sooooo darling!!! Fantastic photography!!

4. And last but not least...an early anniversary gift - Channel set eternity band with a milgrain edge. We have been looking for an eternity band for a few years and never found one that we liked. After a stop at Tracy's grandpa's store I hit the jackpot!!! The only difference between this photo and mine is that mine doesn't go all the way around - just a half circle but the diamonds are bigger. score! :) Thanks, Andy! I know the next 11 years will be even better than the first 11 - even if diamonds weren't involved!! ;) Love ya!

Fabric Fun...

2009-03-18T09:44:00.003-05:00

I am in the process of updating my etsy store with some new styles as well as fun fabrics. A few of these fabrics are old faithfuls but the rest are new finds.

Pink Paisley

Blue Tropics

Aqua Ikat

Rosa

Hopefully the store will be stocked full in the next few weeks.

Check back for updates. :)

Tricky weather.....

2009-03-11T11:12:00.005-05:00

How is it possible that yesterday was a sunny 78 and today's high is only 33 frigid degrees?!! I am tired of this "in like a lion and out like a lamb" business. Just give me SPRING!

Thought i would share a photo of the little miss standing up in all of her glory. This photo is about a month old and its so crazy to see how much she has changed since then.

In other news... we are working on our bathroom little by little. Andy has been sick and had a few busy weeks at work so the progress has slowed a bit.

The drywall is up, mud & taped. we just need to sand and texture before we can tile the floor and then install the beadboard wainscoting. After that I plan on tiling the tub surround and Andy can install the shelves, fixtures, toilet, & sink.

I am not usually color challenged but I am facing one now. I really, really, really wanted to paint to top of the walls (above white wainscoting) this peacock blue color. The paint was all but purchased and now I am having second thoughts. I never have second guess myself about paint colors - is this a sign? Below is the color that i had picked out.

Is it too dark? I am afraid if I go lighter it is going to look like a kid's bathroom.

What about a silvery grey color with peacock blue accents?

Or should I nix it all together?

I wanted to keep the color palette in the house pretty similar - all neutrals and colors from the slate flooring.

What about these colors instead of the Peacock Blue?

1. Avocado

2. Seaside

3. Wheat

i know...they are boring...

Suggestions?

please!

Fun Goodies for Cora

2009-03-04T07:41:00.005-06:00

Today is the last day to purchase items to benefit Cora's Playground over at Etsy.

Meg at Whatever has an amazing etsy shop in which ALL of her proceeds will go to the Cora Playground Project.

Thursday is the day that all of the donations will be made from the proceeds of the sales at Etsy.

Thursday is Cora's Birthday.

It really has been amazing to see God move in all of this. This terrible loss has taken wings and Cora's legacy has reached and touched so many people.

I didn't get a chance to make anything to donate, but i couldn't resist not buying something for Ella (and mostly Cora!) -

Go check it out! Buy for a loved one, for next season, a baby gift, housewarming gift, or just to support an amazing cause!! And shop at Cora's on etsy too!!

P is for Playground

2009-02-27T21:23:00.005-06:00

Please help support this cause - Cora's Playground Project. Quite a few places are spreading the word and was even featured on Etsy.

The Cora Playground Project started to honor the live of little Cora McClenahan. This sweet 11 month old baby went into her pediatrician for a visit due to an ear infection and was later diagnosed that day with Stage 4 cancer. She passed away 3 short weeks after her diagnosis.

My heart is very heavy and has been aching for a good while after reading about Miss Cora. I don't know if the life of this little one has touched me so much because I almost named Ella Cora, or if because Ella and Cora were practically the same age, or because I am just a mom...

I have vowed to spread the word to help the cause to raise funds to create a playground in honor of Cora.
There are several ways to contribute -
1. Spread the word by adding a button to your blog.
2. Purchase items donated at Etsy to help the cause.
3. Donate directly to the church.

Every little bit helps!!

As I look around the toys on the floor and fingerprints on the wall aren't such a big deal now...
Hug your family a little more!!
And Please keep the McClenahan family in your prayers!!

On the move....

2009-02-12T16:15:00.005-06:00

That's right. Miss Ella is on the move. And not just crawling.
This little munchkin is pulling up to everything that stands still long enough and tries to walk around it. On Monday she pulled herself up to a laundry basket and then reached over to a second one about 18 inches away. She continued to "jump" from basket to basket until her legs were exhausted. I don't remember the boys being this active and such a young age. Then again they had 5+ pounds on her and were pretty much slugs. :)

Thanks for the support on the sewer. A little venting every-once-in-a-while does the body( (and mind) some good. This past week my first floor/main bath has seen a lot of work. Hopefully Saturday morning my new tub will be installed.

I am still amazed that the month of February is almost half over. I am still stuck in December of 2008. The older I get the faster it goes. Case in point - ELLA is already 9 MONTHS old! :(

This year for Valentine's Day we are having some family over for a BBQ. Nothing fancy or too crazy. We may end up cooking inside if its nasty out. Friday night we are going to Dave and Buster's with some dear friends. The joke has been to just drop the ladies off at The Melting Pot and then they guys can continue on to arcade for grown-ups. :) Even if Amy and I talk all night we'll still have a blast!

Hope everyone has a great Valentine's Day! Spend it with the ones you love!

When to Call it Quits?

2009-02-04T10:36:00.003-06:00

Back in July '07 we bought this charming fixer-upper in Highland. We were thrilled with the tree lined streets, schools in walking distance, and most of all the 7 minute commute for Andy. We found a house that had the requirements that we wanted; 2 car garage, 4+ bedrooms, a fireplace, & a basement. In fact, it was the only house in Highland at the time that met the criteria. It must have been meant for us...

We were bright-eyed and hopeful when we found beautiful oak floors under the nasty carpet. After the carpet was removed we thought that it could be possible that all of the paneling was put up in poor taste in the 70's. Once the project was underway to remove the paneling we quickly realized that it was put up to hide the missing plaster that was crumbling off the walls. Oh and the paneling was put up in 2006.

We have done a lot of work to the house and initially expected most of it to be cosmetic - besides gutting the kitchen and bath per our own taste. Boy. We. Were. Wrong.

Let's run down the list of "exciting" encounters that we have faced in the past 19 months;

Termite Damage - never repaired but treated and never disclosed.
Tornado & Storm Damage - never repaired or disclosed.
Leaking windows (from storm) - never repaired - just painted brown to hide water stains
Leaking basement that wasn't disclosed
All sorts of electrical/wiring nightmares behind walls
LOTS of covering up - behind paneling, under spline ceilings, painted over, etc.
Plumbing in basement that was "patched" and then painted to hide bad spot.

and now....
a collapsed sewer line in the basement.

I was just now getting over all of the previous problems until the last one hit us. If our first floor bath wasn't gutted down to the studs it wouldn't be so bad. It would be at least manageable. Now that the problem is uncovered we are getting a handle on it but it still isn't resolved. Not to mention that poop water was coming back in my house and soaked the carpet in our finished portion of the basement, along with my couch and walls wicking up all of the poop water.

It's pointless to cry at this stage in the game. I'm just wondering when we call it quits? When do we cut our losses and move on? When will it end?

I need a vacation.

Public Service Announcement

2009-01-25T19:19:00.011-06:00

As parents and concerned citizens I’m sure most of us at one time or another have been confronted with the question of lead poisoning. But have you asked yourself what your government is doing to protect your children from lead contained in toys? The answer? They're banning toys, taking books from schools and libraries, hurting low income families, killing entrepreneurial spirit and risking putting the economy in an even greater depression than we've seen in decades. I'd like to introduce you to their solution: the CPSIA.

Do you know about the CPSIA? No? Then I ask you to take a few minutes to find out about it.

The CPSIA stands for Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act, a new set of laws that will come into effect on 10 February, 2009 and will impact many, many people in a negative way. Make no mistake, this is very real. View it for yourself. If Forbes, the American Library Association and numerous other media are paying attention, perhaps you should too.

How will these new laws affect you? Well, here are a few examples:

To the Parents of Young Students: Due to the new law, expect to see the cost of school supplies sky rocket. While those paper clips weren't originally intended for your student to use, they will need to be tested now that your 11-year-old needs them for his school project. This law applies to any and all school supplies (textbooks, pencils, crayons, paper, etc.) being used by children under 12.

To the Avid Reader: Due to the new law, all children's books will be pulled from library and school shelves, as there is no exemption for them. That’s okay though, there's always television. Our children don’t need to learn the love of reading after all. Article from the American Library Association

To the Lover of All Things Handmade: Due to the new law, you will now be given a cotton ball and an instruction manual so you can make it yourself since that blanket you originally had your eye on for $50 will now cost you around $1,000 after it's passed testing. It won't even be the one-of-a-kind blanket you were hoping for. Items are destroyed in the testing process making one-of-a-kind items virtually impossible. So that gorgeous hand-knit hat you bought your child this past winter won’t be available next winter.

To the Environmentalist: Due to the new law, all items in non-compliance will now be dumped into our already overflowing landfills. Imagine not just products from the small business owners, but the Big Box Stores as well. You can't sell it so you must toss it. Or be potentially sued for selling it. You can't even give them away. If you are caught, it is still a violation.

To the Second-Hand Shopper: Due to the new law, you will now need to spend $20 for that brand new pair of jeans for your 2-year old, rather than shop at the Goodwill for second hand. Many resale shops are eliminating children's items all together to avoid future lawsuits.

To the Entrepreneur: Due to this new law, you will be forced to adhere to strict testing of your unique products or discontinue to make and/or sell them. Small businesses will be likely to be unable to afford the cost of testing and be forced to close up shop. Due to the current economic state, you'll have to hope for the best when it comes to finding a new job in Corporate America.

To the Antique Toy Collector: Due to the new law, you'd better start buying now because it's all going to private collection and will no longer be available to purchase. “Because the new rules apply retroactively, toys and clothes already on the shelf will have to be thrown out if they aren't certified as safe.”

To the American Economy: Already struggling under an economy that hasn’t been this weak in decades, the American economy will be hit harder with the inevitable loss of jobs and revenues from suppliers, small businesses and consumers. The required testing is far too costly and restrictive for small businesses or individuals to undertake. To the Worldwide Economy:Due to this new law, many foreign manufacturers have already pulled out of the US market. You can imagine the impact of this on their businesses. If you think this is exaggerating, here is a recent article from Forbes.

And for those of you prepared to be stupefied and boggled, The New Law

Did you know? If this upsets or alarms you, please react.
Join: Handmade Toy Alliance
Sign Petitions: Go Petition & iPetitions
Contact: Congressman, Senator, & CPSC

The Year of the Flats....

2009-01-24T15:14:00.005-06:00

*warning* This post will divert from normal family stuff to talk about shoes - one of my favorite topics. (proceed with caution)

With an effort to look a little more "put together" I am spicing up my wardrobe with some cute flats that can be worn with jeans, skirts, dresses, etc. Most days I tend to get stuck in the stay-at-home-mom-rut and wear the first thing that comes to mind that is clean or closest.

Here is a some cute little number under $25 from Payless

Love these little moccasins by Report from Piperlime - $68

And when the day comes when money is no object these little babies will adorn my feet - Anthropologie $158

Fresh Start...

2009-01-14T18:26:00.005-06:00

The tree is down and the ornaments are all packed away. That was a chore in itself.

Here are a few images from my ornament collection from the tree in the living room.

There are several ornaments that were my grandmother's as well as Andy's grandmother's. They are really special to have.

The tree in the basement didn't make it up this year. The typical decorations that adorn it are the handmade ornaments from the kids that I treasure, childhood ornaments, some bulbs, and the Hallmark Keepsake ornaments. Keep those fingers crossed for next year, kiddos.

And now for this little piece of eye candy.

I know you thought I was talking about my man (he's cute too!), when in fact I was referring to the "Choo-choo Sweater." That little dandy was my brother-in-law's gag gift this year. He conveniently "forgot" it here. I am slightly offended. slightly. Since it has found a new, loving home we have decided to take it everywhere with us and snap some photos - like Flat Stanly or those trollish garden gnomes.
Try not to be jealous.

For those about to rock...

2009-01-13T10:24:00.004-06:00

I guess some of you are sick of seeing the Christmas tree. "Some" meaning Matt. :) This one's for you, dude.

Micah starts drum lessons this week and I am pretty sure he is going to look like this during his session -

I should have pumped him up last night by letting him watch School of Rock.
"In the words of AC/DC: We roll tonight... to the guitar bite... and for those about to rock... I salute you. "
- Dewey Finn

2008 by the numbers....

2009-01-03T12:25:00.022-06:00

1200 lights used on the Christmas Tree

284 slate tiles installed

178 items checked out from local library

45 lbs lost by Andy & myself combined

25 boys' baseball games attended

15 Kitchen cabinets painted (thanks Kris!)

11 total cans of paint used in house

10th wedding anniversary

6 hours of labor

4 generations

3 rooms of hardwood floors sanded

2 amazing boys

1 new addition

2008 was an amazing year for us; Ella arrived in May, we accomplished a lot of work on the house, built amazing relationships with our church, and grew a lot closer together as a family.

2009 is going to be an adventure. Andy and I start classes back up in a few days cutting down on family time. A few goals that I am going to focus on all year are:

Organize and prioritize.

TV is out and reading is in.

Buy less and make more.

Family and time are valuable - make it count.

Love wins.

2008 Christmas

2009-01-03T11:20:00.012-06:00

I hope everyone had a great Christmas and festive New Year. The Roe house has been a flurry of activity for the past 10 days. We had 17 people in our home at one time. Anyone that has ever been here probably gasped at that last sentence. My sister and her family were able to visit with us from Canada for 10 days. Talk about a riot! Seeing the 6 cousins play together was so much fun. Love crafting with you, sister! And a shout out to my brother-in-law for putting up with the Tottleben girls. :)

Here are a few photos from our Christmas Extravaganza

(the night before Christmas)

(opening stockings Christmas morning)

(Christmas brunch - quiche, hashbrown casserole & oven toasted banana bread)

The Advent calender ended on a huge high note - Star Wars trading cards!

12 Days was a lot of fun, too. Claire made a fantastic floral pin with tulle and vintage buttons - very cute. Holly had day 12 and treated everyone to a darling trivet. I don't want to use it and get it dirty. More photos to come. :)

Trina made these little sweethearts for Miss Ella's room.

They are part of bird mobile from Spool Sewing.
We didnt get a chance to assemble the mobile but plan on doing so in a few weeks.
Thanks, sister!

Slippery Slope...

2008-12-23T13:25:00.011-06:00

I am on the slipper slope of keeping up with my blog. With it being less than a month old I haven't done the greatest job of posting.

Let's play a little bit of catch up.....again.

Midwest 12 Days gifts have been -
1 - Ceramic charms from Brooke
2 - Plant terrarium from Tracy
3 - Soldered Ornament from Theresa
4 - Wine Bottle wraps from Amy
5 - Decorative magnets from Christine
6 - Gift cards from Anne
7 - Book Marks from me
8 - Photography from Jodi
9 - Mini Fabric Tree from Alice
10 - Fabric Flower Pin from Kim

only 2 days left to open!!
(pictures to follow!)

As far as the Advent calendar goes....they have been opening the goodies each day and quickly consuming them after lunch. :) I peaked at day 25. i know! i am terrible. I will say this - Holly was SPOT ON! They will love it!

What else has been going on....
Ella has been doing the army crawl for a few weeks. Man, that baby is fast! I am thinking that she has a bit of a cold because she has been super cranky, sneezy, & runny.

My sister and her family will be here late tonight or early in the morning depending on the weather they encounter from Toronto. It is going to be a lot of fun with all of the cousins together. a little crazy, too.

Since I don't have any pictures to post I'll leave you with this little video. It speaks volumes and sums up how I have felt for years if not decades.
http://www.adventconspiracy.org/

Midwest 12 Days...

2008-12-14T20:36:00.004-06:00

Today started the Midwest 12 Days of Christmas with Brooke. She created these darling charms that can adorn a gift, the tree, or even a bottle of wine. I doubt these beauties will be shared :)

The bird is my favorite. :)

Today's Advent gift was (drum roll please) blow pops. These aren't your momma's suckers - they are Cherry Ice! oohhhhhh. If the kids wouldn't keep an inventory on their candy I could have snagged one while they weren't looking. I am a sucker for those things. yum! Next time stick a third in there for me, Hol. ;)

That nasty storm is still holding off. Last time I checked it was 50 degrees outside. It doesn't seem too fierce to me.

Weather Advisory

2008-12-14T00:10:00.005-06:00

I have no idea what the boys received for day 11 or even 12. the boys are in bed and I wont be waking them. As soon as I hit "publish" it will come back to me. Day 13 was a huge hit though - Star Wars stickers!! If the boys didn't use them Andy would. :)

Today I worked on some Christmas gifts for my nieces and a few friends. Tomorrow I have a few orders to work on as well as some sewing projects around the house. On my list of items for the house that i need to make are; bed skirt for my bed, curtains for my bedroom, bed skirt, sheets & curtains for Ella's room, toys for Ella's gifts, curtain for the pantry opening, stocking for Ella & tree skirt for the Christmas tree. Ideally I would like to have all of this done before Trina and the family visit but I need to prioritize or I will either make myself sick or burn out. or both.

Apparently there is a nasty ice storm brewing and on its way to the St Louis area. I would have had no idea if it weren't for Theresa informing me this morning. I guess not watching TV has its downside. Before a storm others stock up on milk & bread, but around here we stock up on bottled water, salsa, & coffee creamer. I am actually looking forward to school being canceled on Monday so that we can make cookies with some dear friends. I really just want to eat them. :)

Is it Wednesday Already?!

2008-12-10T21:48:00.012-06:00

I'm going to be playing a bit of catch up in this post. In the past few days we put the Christmas tree up, been entertained by 200 1st graders, mailed off my 12 Day of Christmas gifts, started decorating the house, opened day 8, 9 & 10 of the Advent calendar, AND cut Mr. Bill's hair.

Every year as soon as the Thanksgiving dinner has settled I look forward to getting all of my Christmas decorations out. If it were up to me I would leave them up all year... maybe just another month or two.

Of all my decorations the antique flocked tree and my snowman village are my favorites - probably more sentimental than anything.

Over the past 5 or so years I have really grown to love Nutcracker dolls.

Besides my tree and the snowman village I really like the antique and vintage ornaments that have been given to me from my grandmother and my husband's grandmother. Again, sentimental items.

Back in August some friends and I started planning a little thing we like to call Midwest 12 Days of Christmas. With the group of participants doubling over the past year two teams were formed of crafters to create gifts to shared and opened the 12 days leading up to Christmas. My goodies were mailed out a few days ago and should be arriving shortly. The anticipation is building!! Check out the daily updates here to see what was made and exchanged in both groups.

(bad lighting. sorry!)

Isaac had his 1st grade Christmas program Monday night. We literally sat in our seats waiting for the production to begin longer than the classes sang. oh well. At least we had good seats.

Here is Mr. Isaac singing "O' Christmas Tree"

He is such a handsome dude!

The Advent calendar is progressing very nicely. Although, I do think that Holly either now hates me or is buying stock in some new dental company. On day #8 the boys received candy necklaces. Day 9 Crybaby bubble gum. Day 10 Airheads. See what I am saying. I cant wait for her to have kids. Payback, sister!

And here are a few just for grins. :)

(I need to post some pictures of Micah so that he doesn't develop a complex!)

An anniversary of sorts...

2008-12-08T00:35:00.005-06:00

I think I missed the midnight deadline to "officially" wish Andy a Happy Anniversary. December 7th, 1996 was the day I met Andy. :) From that day on it has been a whirlwind. In the past 12 years we have had 3 awesome kiddos, moved 7 times, fought twice (I'm not counting the disagreements), had 8 different cars, remodeled 2 kitchens and 2 bathrooms (well....almost), had about 40 fish die on our watch, and made a lot of amazing and unforgettable memories together. :) Thanks for spending your life with me! Love ya!

Day #7, Wreath Project & Custom Orders

2008-12-07T19:33:00.005-06:00

The boys are not letting me forget about the Advent Calendar. Today's gifts were Kit-Kat bars. And just like the other day they were gone before I could take a picture. Holly is really spoiling them.

I found this adorable wreath project that is going to be on my to-do list this week. The sweetness can be found over at the creative and inspiring blog of Elise Blaha

I have quite a few custom orders that I am working on for my two Etsy Shops (Pink Posie Designs & Baby 101). If anyone is interested in a custom order for a holiday gift to give or receive the deadline for placing an order is December 19th.

Hope everyone had a great weekend. The crud is lingering around here and will hopefully be gone in another day or so.

Days 4, 5, & 6. and belated Birthday Wishes

2008-12-06T11:38:00.006-06:00

The boys are having a lot of fun with the Advent "Calendar" packages. We are singing the praises of Aunt Holly in this house. :)

Day #4 was Bissinger's Chocolates

Day #5 was Football Trading cards! Go BUCS!!

Day #6 was Snickers. oh so yummy snickers.

We are feverishly cleaning the house in preparation of the Christmas tree this afternoon. Finding a spot in our living room is the challenge. Until our basement is remodeled the TV is in the family room and that armore is probably the biggest piece of furniture we own. I keep threatening to get rid of the TV ....maybe while Andy is out of town again.

A (belated) Happy Birthday shout out goes to Holly! Have a great dinner tonight. Enjoy your birthday weekend. :)

Mr. Bill, Teething, & Day #2

2008-12-03T12:41:00.012-06:00

Meet Mr. Bill.

Micah brought him home from school two weeks ago bald as a baby's butt. He sprouted hair 10 days after he arrived. Now the "chia" pet of sorts needs a haircut. I am thinking a mowhawk would be perfect. Did I mention that he was named after Pastor Bill?

Here is my sweet baby girl.
She goes from this

to THIS in seconds.

Blasted teeth. They are getting the best of her.

Advent Calendar Day #2 -
The boys received Hershey Bars!! They ate them before I could take the pictures.

December 1st 2008.

2008-12-01T19:09:00.014-06:00

A day of new beginnings; a new blog, a new month, a new holiday, new traditions, and new teeth.

I am finally making the plunge in the blog world. I have been tossing the idea around for ....well... years.

I woke up to snow dusting the rooftops this morning.

And did I mention that it was a mere 28 degrees outside? December isn't messing around.

Luckily it is supposed to warm up to 46 degrees tomorrow.

I finally tossed out the miniature pumpkins that the boys painstakingly painted in October. It is surprising that they hadn't rotted on my mantle. With a new season comes new decorations and I am a sucker for ornaments. As soon as that Hallmark catalog arrives the pages are earmarked with new adornments for my tree - or at least ideas to make my own. My dilemma is how to keep track of the keepsake ornaments - the ones that are passed down or given to me from my children, friends, and family. Does anyone have any suggestions?

My dear friend, Holly, gave my boys a full month of goodies for an Advent calendar. They are so excited to see what each new package contains. For day 1 they received Red Hots, chop sticks and little chop stick helpers. It was a HIT! I enjoyed the Red Hots as much as they did. :) Thanks, Hol!

Miss Ella has 2 new teeth that popped through a week ago. Those little rascals are getting the best of my happy babe. This morning she woke up with a healthy amount of snot and slobber - as Jonathon would say "slime" I hope she gets a break before the next set make their appearance.