A wet kind of day and rambling...

It is grey and wet out today. It is as if everything is at a stand still outside.

I should be in the mood to do some sewing...but really need to work out first, only because I watched "You are what you eat" on the BBC channel...Man, does that put you in your place.

My husband was a sweety last night and went out and got me a new microwave. Our old one finally died literally the power just wasn't there anymore. He came home with a black and chrome Oster...Very nice!!! And it has an actual handle and not that dumb push lever. I love it!

She looks so pretty sitting on my black corner bookshelves in the kitchen. And you can touch the chrome and it doesn't leave those horrible finger prints! Very cool!!

So Merry Christmas to me. :D

The kids are all better by the way!! Of course my stomach was nauseated for the last few days. I am feeling better today. Missed out on church Wednesday night and Bible Study last night but I am glad I stayed home. Just really glad it is Friday.

Not much else going on...still have the urge to paint whether it's canvas or a wall, want to sew but need to twist my arm to actually do it. Need to start the laundry and clean up around here...wish I could have a burn barrel...it would make life a lot easier around here.

Ok off to hopefully do the things I have to do for today.

New Baby Sling- Updated w/ Better photos

I just put this in my Etsy shop!

I enjoyed making it and have more in the making!!

This is a size XXL... This size chart is from

http://www.handmade-adelaide-baby.com/

I measured the top to bottom finish and it is exactly 35"

and 26" wide at base of sling for baby.

This is the fabric I used which is 100% cotton. It is very soft!
So do you like it!?! I am thinking I liked making it and I do want to make some more.

I only have enough of this fabric to make a nursing cover and then this fabric will no longer be available. It is vintage.
I don't know when I will post it in my shop though...I might sell both the nursing cover and the sling as one unit.

helping a friend, sick son, and yummy coffee to make my day!

First off my weekend was long and eventful. I spent Friday night and all day Saturday helping a friend unpack in their new apartment. That was such a blessing to me to be able to help because I don't often get asked because, well I think because I am home with three children and am unable to get out most of the time. Anyways I was truly blessed.

Sunday my body told me how unhappy it was re: Friday and Saturday...I still went to church, which was so good for me...and then we spent some time just laying on the couch while my headache went away.

I thought I was going to be able to catch up on lack of sleep last night but that was stopped quickly by my oldest puking at about 3:00 or so...Apparently he picked the bug up from his Popi on Saturday. The puking has stopped so I think we are in the clear at least with him...just praying that it didn't get spread to the rest of us.

We are in for a gorgeous day today!! It will be our last day of warm sunshineing weather it looks like for a while. I love the 70's so hopefully with a sicky in the bunch we will still be able to enjoy it.

Oh my goodness!!! I have to get this off my chest! Last night we were skimming through the channels to see if there was anything good on...It was around 9:30 and guess what was on the family channel!?! It was Poltergeist and it has started at 9:00!!! and on one of the public channels they were playing The 40 Year Old Virgin!! That one had started at like 7 or 8 ish...We were trying to figure out how they would edit that one... So crazy the things that keep showing up earlier and earlier. I don't know it just caught me off guard, of course I shouldn't be shocked, it has been going on like that for a while.

Thanks I feel better now. : )

Well I am off to try and get things I wanted to get done today. But first off I am going to make this http://theordinaryhousewife.blogspot.com/2008/10/pumpkin-spice-latte.html

I think that will make me feel a whole lot better :D This is one of my new favorite blogs...she has some awesome recipes!! I am making one of them for our Thanksgiving get together on the 12th...it is gonna be yummy!!

Have a beautiful Fall day!!

Holding on to Him with both hands

Side note before I go on...Did anyone watch Expelled? WOW!!!

Anyways,
I'm really frustrated right now...I posted some things on my myspace blog... and then saw that it made someone mad because "Christians need to stop saying it is the end of the world if Obama wins". NO, it is the end of the world even if he doesn't win.
We don't know the hour or day when Christ will return but you can see His return is close by everything that is going on in the world. I know this has been said decade after decade by others but I have never been more anxious then now.
His timing is better then ours so who knows when all of this will take place but we need to continue to keep our eyes on what is truth.

It is hard standing up for what you believe in...people like to crush you with their hateful words...I don't force people to read what I write...it is their choice to read.

There are a lot of people out there that are followers of anything and everything whether it be good or bad. You share your opinion you have got to expect others to share theirs and have respect for what they share even if you don't believe it.

Off to read some more...
Colossians 2

I love the 50's

Right now if I had the money I would totally do this to my kitchen! (of course it isn't even close to the same size) I love the small windows across the back where the cook top is. I love the wall art on the ceiling...I just truly love the robin egg blue everywhere!

It looks calming and inviting to me. So bright and cheery.

Finding that if I keep painting in my house that all my rooms are going to be this color! Already have the kids rooms close to this color...

A&W? and Other Stuff

Ok so you would think someone would know what a Root Beer Float tastes like...They don't! This was so gross and was nothing like a good ol' float. Fake vanilla ice cream flavor, which was basically vanilla...to much vanilla I might add. Really just not worth the money or the time. I did not buy this my husband did on a whim... Reminder to sell...don't let husband go shopping by himself. ; )
If I were A&W I would be embarrassed.


This weekend was a surprise. We decided to head over to Union Rose down town on Saturday.
I have some bags there and they wanted me to pick up the Spring/Summer looking bags...still need to replace them with Fall/Winter stuff. While we were there I found out that over the summer I had sold 3 bags!! Very exciting, I was starting to get discouraged about the whole thing.
And then when we got home I got online to check my emails and found that I had a sale in my etsy shop!! Mailed the item out this morning.
Now to get some more sewing done.
Went out to JoAnn's today for some Boning for a friends nursing blanket I will be making soon and some magnetic snaps...And found a hand full of fabric that I wanted to get but didn't because I am trying not to use credit...That is so hard to do!!! There are so many Christmas and Fall fabrics that I want to get.

Also went to Goodwill Saturday because my husband needed pants for work...He found three pair! And he made the mistake of showing me some shoes and then I ended up getting a couple pair...One was Nine West, I got those for $3.99 and the other pair are more casual and I got those for $6.99! It is fun when you find something nice. Now need to get a winter coat for my daughter, they didn't have any her size and my oldest needs paints, we got the high water look going on, he doesn't grow out he grows up...even the slims aren't slim enough, he needs those ones with the elastic button thingies.

Ok should stop myself or I will just keep writing. :)
It is cold and wet out today, I can't seem to get warm.

just me

Ok so this is me last month.

O' natural. :)

I tend to hide when I don't feel photo worthy

but I couldn't get out of this one because my husband took the picture.

Another skirt finished. I almost turned it into a strapless dress, but if I were to do that I would have to lose some weight, so a skirt it will be, at least for now.

Not much else going on. Didn't have school today but did get a lot done around the house...it is looking a lot cleaner now and there is less clutter. Could use a dumpster I think.

Our cold weather turned sunny and warm today! I love it : D

Nautical Yum

Sorry the photos are blurry.
So what do you think? I made it today and even did the anchor free hand...that was some work and it isn't perfect but it got done. Don't know what I think about the bag. Here it is on a body.

Don't know where I am going to send it...Should go to my parent's store on the coast because they were wanting nautical items...Or I could put it in my etsy shop or take it to Union Rose down town...ugh.

(my daughters little feet)

It's cold out.

No more bare feet running through the lush green grass.

The leaves are changing all around us falling silently to the ground.

The blue of the sky seems cold and grey.

I love Autumn! The smells, the colors, the sweaters : )

Now if I had a fireplace (It can be electric even) the world would be perfect!! ; )

Yesterday I spent the day washing some fabric and figuring out what they would become. I have some great ideas for some new bags! Corduroys, velvets, and fun novelty fabrics.

Don't know if I will send them to the Union Rose downtown or if I will just place them in my etsy shop...we will see. I will post pictures as things get done.

Sorry, I downloaded the pictures like this... know time to fix it.

Saving Some Cents

Homemade Tomato Soup!
Taken from my 1950 Betty Crocker cookbook

Blend in pot on medium heat
3 TBSP Butter
2 TBSP Flour
1 tsp Salt
1/8 tsp Pepper (I just shook some in)

This is where I step in and change things

1 can 28 oz. Crushed Tomatoes in Tomato Juice
1 can 28 oz. Tomato Sauce (Cheap store brand)
1 can 6 oz. of Tomato Paste
Crushed Dried Basil to taste
(this adds a wonderful flavor to the soup, highly recommended!)

1/4 tsp Baking Soda (this is actually in the recipe)

Once everything is stirred up really good then add

4 cups Milk

Bring to boil, stirring constantly.
I don't know how much this feeds but it is a really good pot and we had enough for two days...only because the five of us had big bowls of it!
I also crushed up some Ritz crackers (the perfect cracker for Tomato soup I think) and some finely shredded Colby cheese on top!
OH SO GOOD!!!! ENJOY

Homemade Laundry Detergent http://www.livingonadime.com/

1/3 bar Fels Naptha Laundry Soap, grated

6 cups water

1/2 cup washing soda

1/2 cup borax

Heat 6 cups water and soap in a large pan until dissolved.

Stir in washing soda and Borax.

Mix and heat until dissolved.

Boil 15 minutes. Remove from heat. (It will have the consistency of honey.*)

In a 3 or 5 gallon bucket, add 1 quart of hot water, then add the soap mixture. Mix.

Add enough cold water to make a 2 gallon mixture.

Mix until well blended.

Let sit 24 hours. The soap will gel*.

Use 1/2 cup for each load.

Makes 2 gallons. (Approximately $ .40 per gallon)
*If the detergent doesn't gel or reach honey consistency it will still work.

Notes:
Stir before each use as this soap does separate. Detergent can be stored in a liquid detergent bottle. Just shake it up each time you use it.
This detergent will not suds up in the washer, but it is still getting your clothes clean.

If you have extra hard water the soap may not clean as well.

Add 1/2 cup borax or washing soda to the load and that may help.

If you do not like this laundry soap, you can still use the Fels Naptha bar for spot cleaning and to rub on stains. The Borax and Washing Soda are great to add to your regular detergent for extra cleaning

It's a Monday and I am still smilin' :)

So kids are playing music in the background with their guitars and anything else they can find that makes noise. I'm sitting here trying to figure out how I am going to put together a bag that I don't have a pattern for...Not that I use patterns but it sure would help me to just go over it and see how it is done then I can go from there.
Union Rose in Portland wants some new items and I have nothing to give them
http://www.unionrosepdx.com/ I haven't been sewing much as you may have known, only because no one is buying lately and we all know why. : ( This hurts...But I will press on and start getting some new designs out as soon as possible. I want to buy some new fabrics but am trying to be good and not charge the card...done good so far. : )
Praying things get better.
Off to get the kids going on their school work that they have for the day...shouldn't take to long to get through, folded laundry to put in it's place, vacuuming to do, and then I am going to make myself sit down and figure the bag thing out and maybe make a few other things if possible.
Husband started a new job today! So praying that all of that goes well and that he learns a lot during his training this week.
Good day to you!

Finally got some sewing done!!

A skirt for me!! We aren't in skirt weather but if I wear leggings maybe I can get by.

I used one of my other skirts as a guideline and I am pleased with how it turned out. The waste isn't finished but still having to figure that part out...it is wearable though and that is all that matters to me. : ) I would show you the whole me but I have some work to do on myself before I will show off my whole body. ; )

Lets Go Shopping!!!

The Other Side of The Green Thought I would promote my shop today.

I have shoes, skateboards, postage stamps, mugs, posters, cards, buttons, magnets, clothing, etc.

Stop on by!

Holy Spatula Batman!

Received a Garnet Hill catalog in the mail yesterday. This "Retro Wool Coat" is very cute but I would never spent $118.00 for it!! It comes in a size 2,3,4,5,6,7,8,10,12 for little girls!!!

And check this out... Yet another catalog I never asked for but it showed up at my door and I got a kick out of looking at it. We don't celebrate Halloween, but who would spend almost $200.00 on a Halloween costume for a little girl!?! These costumes don't even include the shoes!

This one above is "Queen Elizabeth" You will pay $162.00 for the whole outfit! Below we have "Marie Antoinette" who knows how that little girl can keep her head up right with that huge wig on her head! You will pay only $173.00. And then you have the sweet "Southern Belle" This is the most expensive at $184.00!! I would rather save the money and use it to help pay for her wedding dress.
Remember none of these include the shoes. Which we all know anyone who spends that much money on a Halloween costume for their little one will not be putting their feet in tennis shoes.

Do these companies actually think I have money to spend?

: ) : ) : )

Withdraw

I did it... I withdrew the boys from the connections academy program. I felt really strongly that I needed to today. So it is done. Oldest's teacher called and asked a few questions but was really nice and understood because she has also home schooled her children. Still waiting on Middle's teacher to call.
So now time to get everything that I had previous to starting the program out and put a schedule together and get back in the groove again. I feel relief but I am not one that like conflict of any kind so waiting for their response is a little nerve racking. But it is all good. The Lord is good!!

Also found out by a friend that the homeschooling store that we have in our area is moving and it will be closer to us!!! NOW that is exciting!!! They also have a website so I am going to go check it out in a minute or so.

Still a lot to clean in the house...it truly is clutter land around here.
The rain is falling so the skies are grey but I will fight the urge to hibernate!

Some Humor

Was that a thing for Wonder bread? Could you imagine!! Ok I do like the apron and the curtains I have to admit. : )

Was changing things up on my homeschool blog yesterday and added these two pictures, thought they were perfect.

Made a different kind of chili this morning and put it in the crock pot to cook...it smells really good! Also made some white corn bread...Oh how I love corn bread especially smothered in butter and honey.

Oldest did his school work today but Middle didn't...something inside me feels confident that I could do this all on my own with out using this program...then I do that horrible thing and doubt... I tell ya it's always a struggle to be confident in what I know is right... I basically can not put into words how I am feeling right now... it is just quiet and almost at ease... Oldest had a call from his teacher yesterday and she wanted to ask him questions about something he read at the beginning of school. I thought, Oh great he isn't going to remember and he is going to give her the answers he always gives me...to my surprise he answered all the questions and remembered the story he read!! My children surprise me constantly!

My hubby did a big thing last night and posted his 1978 VW bus for sale. We really do love it and have done so much to it, but we need the money to pay our debt off. Please pray that it will sell quickly. We call her Twinkie, she is still the original orange and cream.

Been thinking about Christmas this year. We can't afford anything at this point, already have the relatives taken care of, they all got the same thing. : )

But for the kids...I want to make them a sleeping pillow for their beds and I found a free pattern for a Lazy Day Skirt so I was thinking of making a few of those for Little and maybe seeing if I could make some shorts/pants for the boys out of the same pattern...

need to find the right fabric for that one.

Does anyone else have any ideas?

Man! I always get in the mood to sew at the wrong times...we have church tonight... Off to get ready, I actually got a work out in today! It always feels so good.

Have a wonderful day. : )

Assurance

Psalm 20 (NKJ)

"May the LORD answer you in the day of trouble; May the name of the God of Jacob defend you; May He send you help from the sanctuary, and strengthen you out of Zion; May He remember all your offerings, and accept your burnt sacrifice.

May He grant you according to your heart's desire, and fulfill all your purpose. We will rejoice in your salvation, and in the name of our God we will set up our banners! May the LORD fulfill all your petitions.

Now I know that the LORD saves His anointed; He will answer him from His holy heaven with the saving strength of His right hand.

Some trust in chariots, and some in horses; but we will remember the name of the LORD our God. They have bowed down and fallen; but we have risen and stand upright.

Save, LORD!

May the King answer us when we call."

Something else to add...this is a very small part of the notes I took on Sunday. We were in Judges 6:11-24...

If the Lord tells you to do something He is going to be with you through it. He won't just leave you. He will give you everything you need to accomplish what He has for you to do. All He wants is an obedient heart.