Yard Sale Treasures

I went out this weekend with a list of yard sales to hit, but as usual I went around the loop in our subdivision first. Almost every weekend there are unadvertised yard sales around here. I am so glad I have started that habit!

Since we have been putting a sewing a crafting room together I have made a little wish list for items to finish off the space. The very first yard sale I went to had something I have been hoping I would have the good fortune to find. I found a beautiful iron dress form! I was almost afraid to ask the price, but I did it anyway. The husband said $20. I knew it was worth it, but with things being how they are at home I wasn't sure I should get it. Well I got even more brave and asked the wife if they would take $15. She said yes, but I think the husband was mad about it. Oh well, I guess he can be ticked at me because I took it home. So here it is!

full length view


top detail

stand detail

Here she is all dressed up in one of my aprons!

I was so excited! I had looked dress forms up online and they were anywhere from $100 on up for ones similar to this one. I think I made out pretty well! Now I have something beautiful to hang my aprons and such on when take my images for my Etsy shop. Double score!

Head on over to Rhoda's at Southern Hospitality to see what treasures everyone else is giddy about this week!

Until next time,

Menu Plan for the Week 7-25-10

We have been busy around here getting projects done before school sneaks back up on us! K and I will be repainting the boys' rooms this week. The little boys' room is taking longer than planned because we forgot we had used glue when we put up the wainscoting in their bedroom. Oops! So that added mudding and texturing to the process. Oh well! It is almost ready to prime and paint. It is going to look awesome when it is finished! Their rooms are going from a deep dark blue to Arctic Ice for the little boys and Antique Silver for Z. It will make their rooms look so much lighter!

I have been painting furniture pieces in my new favorite color Sea Spray Blue from Valspar. It is beautiful! I used it to paint my clothes folding table/desk and a magazine turned book holder for the little boys' room. My laundry room mini makeover is almost finished. I just need to get some glass cut for two frames and figure out one more wall decoration and I will be able to get everything back up on the walls! It will be nice to have a beautiful place to go in every morning!

It is so nice checking things off of our list because I know when school starts we won't have time to do much! It will be wonderful to head back to school with fresh rooms around the house!

Here is what we have planned to eat for this week:

Breakfasts: Cereal, Oatmeal, Biscuits, Muffins, Pancakes, French Toast, Waffles, Fruit, Scones, Scrambled Omelets, Frittata

Lunches: Ham or PB & J Sandwiches, Meat and Crackers, Leftovers, Fruit or Veggies, String Cheese, Hard Boiled Eggs, Granola Bars, Fruit Leather, Homemade Chewy Bars

Dinners:

Sunday- Tacos, Refried Beans, Spanish Rice

Monday- Deli Sandwiches at home! Ham, Roast Beef, Provolone, Lettuce, Tomatoes, Onions

Tuesday- Roasted Chicken in the Crockpot (it worked great last month!), Red Potatoes, Salad

Wednesday- Keilbasa Sausage, Salad, Rolls

Thursday- Pork Country Ribs, Corn on the Cob, Rolls

Friday- Pizza, Salad, Root Beer, Homemade Ice Cream

Saturday-Leftovers~ Clear out the fridge for grocery shopping!


Find more menu planning inspiration at Organizing Junkie.


Until next time,

Too Funny!

I friend of mine found this sign somewhere and shared it on Facebook.
I couldn't help but giggle, especially with the way the world is these days!



Linking this to Homesteader's Heart Friday Funnies!

Until next time,

A Time for Reflecting

I have been noticing something around here that most people would not suspect in a houseful of boys...peace and quiet. I know it's a strange concept, but it has been happening a lot around here the last few days. I will be working in my sewing room and then realize there is no noise. Fortunately for me my boys are at an age where silence does not automatically mean trouble is brewing. I just stop for a moment and enjoy the peace.

We are in the last 2 full weeks of summer vacation. I am trying to get my head on straight to go back in the classroom, but I am struggling with it this year. With budget cuts and larger class sizes, it's a real effort to find the good. I know I will have some more challenging kids in my class, because I am "good with them". That part of school is fine by me because I love getting through to those kids no one else can reach. I guess making school a great place for those kids is what I need to focus on most!

The boys are excited to go back to school. Z will be at middle school this year! L and N will be at the same school, but will now be on different schedules for dismissal. I am not sure how all of their schedules will work logistically, but I am starting to get a plan together! They are such good boys that I know it will all work out just fine.

K is probably going to head back to school too! He doesn't have a lot left to finish his degree, so this is the perfect time for him to get it done. I know he has struggled with going back to school, but I think it is the best decision for all of us . It will be great for our boys to see their dad working hard to make our lives better!

Changes are heading our way, but I think it will be a bunch of positive changes! We are headed into a season of growth as a family. I am savoring the last days of summer, but I am also looking forward to our new journey. Life's pretty interesting right now!

Finding good amongst chaos is a finer thing! Head on over to Finer Things Friday for more good things.

Until next time,

Family Time

Last Friday and Saturday three of my favorite girls came to stay with us. My cousin and her daughters made the 3 1/2 hour trek to our house to escape their busy lives and have some crafting time with me! I taught D, the youngest, how to use her mom's sewing machine. Let me just tell you for 9 years old she did wonderfully. I am by no means a master seamstress, but it was sure fun teaching her how to sew! I let her loose in my scrap basket and she had a ball. I told K I knew there was a reason I was saving all those scraps!!

We made her an apron while her big sis and mom picked 2 that I had already made for my shop. The funny thing is that I had picked out fabric to make an apron for my cousin last fall and life happened so it wasn't made until this summer. Guess which apron she chose?? Yup, the one made out of the fabric I had picked for her! How funny is that?!? Here they are showing off their aprons for me. I love the fun they have together!

We had a ball being girls and hanging out. My boys even got into the mix! The kids are pretty close in age and act a lot alike. It actually pretty funny how much the oldest two act like each other.

It was just neat to just work on projects, have fun, and get in lots of giggling as a big family. I am so grateful she decided to take a break and make the visit. I think we all loved having them here!

Family is always something I can be grateful for especially in this crazy world! Join us for Gratituesday at Heavenly Homemakers!

Until next time,

Menu Plan for the Week 7-18-10

We had a great visit with my cousin and her girls. I got them started on sewing! It was so cool to see them take off and start creating all kinds of little things from material out of my scrap basket. I knew there was a reason to keep those odd sized remnants!

Our menu changed a bit to accommodate the heat and company last week. I need to get our propane tank refilled, so I can keep our kitchen cool in the evenings. It is hot while I am out there grilling, but it sure beats heating up the house!

I am continuing my quest to build up our freezer stash of breakfast goods. Sunday I made a big batch of biscuits to add to the freezer. This week I am hoping to add more waffles and pancakes. I might even throw in a few batches of cookie dough.

We'll see how things go. Summer break is winding down and I still have many things I would like to accomplish around the house before I head back into the classroom!

Here is what we have planned to eat for this week:

Breakfasts: Cereal, Oatmeal, Biscuits, Muffins, Pancakes, French Toast, Waffles, Fruit, Scones, Scrambled Omelets, Frittata

Lunches: Ham or PB & J Sandwiches, Meat and Crackers, Fruit or Veggies, String Cheese, Hard Boiled Eggs, Granola Bars, Fruit Leather, Homemade Chewy Bars

Dinners:

Sunday- Leftover Frittata

Monday- Pasta Salad, Garden Salad

Tuesday- Tri Tip, Rice Pilaf, Squash, Salad

Wednesday- Hamburgers, Potato Salad

Thursday- Chicken Salad and Tuna Salad, Garden Salad

Friday- Pizza, Salad, Root Beer, Homemade Ice Cream

Saturday-Beef Kabobs


Find more menu planning inspiration at Organizing Junkie.


Until next time,

Happy Anniversary

Five years ago today I married my best friend, my boys' daddy, and a truly honorable man. We've had some hard times and some really good times. Our life together is all about being a team! When we work together on something it gives us both a lot of joy. Our conversations have gotten so much more interesting over the last 14 years. I look forward to being able to talk with K the rest of my life.

Our Family Picture November 2009

We did not come quickly to marriage, but we will work for it for how ever long we are on this earth. I am hoping to begin sharing our story, but I have to find the right words to capture everything that lead up to us becoming Mr. & Mrs. K. Marriage is a special and sacred commitment between two people. Our commitment is forever!

I love my husband and my best friend with all my heart. I am so proud to be Mrs. K! Happy anniversary to us! Here's to a lifetime of tickle fights, smiles, tears, and love!

Sharing your life with your best friend is absolutely a Finer Thing! Join everyone over at Amy's Finer Things to find out what is making people smile this week!

Until next time,

HAPPY! HAPPY! JOY! JOY!

It's back!!!

I found out one of my favorite magazines being back on when I was visiting another blog. I cannot remember for the life of me who it was, but THANK YOU!! I had to control myself from heading out to get my very own copy of Country Home the minute I saw it. I know it's silly, but I missed this magazine! I just recently let my sister take a stack home with specific orders to take care of them because they're not making it any more. Well I guess I can back off a little now! This issue is "late summer" and the editors note says there will be another issue in September.

I went on Amazon to see if a subscription is available, but I came up empty. In my search I did find out that the magazine does have a nice website. Here is the link if you're interested!

I know you probably all thing I'm a little off for being so excited by a magazine, but those of you that already know me are just confirming it! Hehehe. Seriously, it is a beautiful magazine with great inspiration! I will warn you it is a bit spendy, but I went ahead and splurged this time!

Until next time,

Hard Work

My poor, poor vegetable garden has been sorely neglected this summer. That coupled with the fact that we got so much rain this spring made for a weed patch from H-E-double hockey sticks! I mean serious mess, but in spite of our neglect we have had a nice little amount of veggies this year. Not has much as I had hoped, but we're learning and we'll do better next year!

Well the weeds and I had a battle the beginning of this week. I am proud to say I am sore beyond belief, but the weeds have been defeated (for now, humph!). It took me about 4 or so hours to get it under control and cleared out. My plan was to have my beautiful monkeys help out. Ya, not so much. They are not so sure about what to pull and what not to pull and they like to bicker. I love my monkeys more that words, but the bickering gets to me! Anyway, I decided I would pull and they could just put everything in the yard waste can. That worked for a while, then I lost my crew. No big deal because I was on a roll! K came out to check on me. His eyes always get big when he sees the progress. That is reinforcement enough for me to push on. I finished one side started the other, but I needed a break.

First words out of K's mouth when he sees me in the house, "You need a bath!"

Me: No, I'm going back out. I want to get this finished today.

K: I don't think so, it's getting too hot.

Me: You really think so? Okay, but I'll finish in the morning.

K just smiled at his crazy wife and said, "I know you will."

I did get it finished and filled up the huge yard waste can twice. I couldn't wait for them to dump it on Monday. I mean I needed it so I could fill it up again!!

So if you made it through this whole rambling post I think you need pictures. I remembered to take befores and afters this time! I can not believe I am going to show you the befores, but here goes!

North side of the garden before. Geesh!


South side of the garden before (not as bad)


I bet you didn't know there were corn stalks and onions under that mess!


South side cleared out. We have carrots and squash still growing!


The 2nd pile of weeds waiting for the yard waste can!

I am happy to report that the second batch of weeds is in the yard waste can and I was able to get the last of our red potatoes yesterday. It was hard work, but it is so worth it when I see the finished product! I don't mind working hard for my family, it works for me!

Join everyone at We are THAT Family for more Works for Me Wednesday!

Until next time,

Menu Plan for the Week 7-11-10

I am so looking forward to this week! My favorite cousin and her girls are going to try to come visit for a couple of days. Her girls really want to learn how to sew, so she asked if I would help show them how to use a machine. I am so excited to be able to have some girl time! I don't see much of that around here. Hehehe

This weekend I was able to get a lot of baking done. I made 24 strawberry muffins, 24 banana nut muffins, 8 mini banana nut loaves, 2 strawberry bread loaves, 4 loaves of regular bread. I staggered everything so I didn't have to have the oven on all day. It really worked well! I was also able to get some pancakes and french toast made for the freezer. It is so nice to have my breakfast stash built back up!

I had to get a picture of all that goodness!

Here is what we have planned to eat for this week:

Breakfasts: Cereal, Oatmeal, Biscuits, Muffins, Pancakes, French Toast, Waffles, Fruit, Scones, Scrambled Omelets

Lunches: Ham or PB & J Sandwiches, Meat and Crackers, Fruit or Veggies, String Cheese, Hard Boiled Eggs, Granola Bars, Fruit Leather, Homemade Chewy Bars

Dinners:

Sunday- Steak and Chicken Breasts, Red Potatoes, Broiled Zucchini

Monday- Hot Dogs, Fries, Salad

Tuesday- Easy Ginger Beef, Rice, Salad

Wednesday- Pulled Pork, Corn, Salad

Thursday- Leftovers- Clear out the fridge!

Friday- Pizza, Salad, Root Beer, Homemade Ice Cream

Saturday-Deli Sandwiches, Red Potato Salad


Find more menu planning inspiration at Organizing Junkie.


Until next time,

Summer Busy-ness

I love the summer for the ease of the days and the peace and renewal in our house, but most of all I love the summer for my time! Usually during the school year I am constantly striving to get myself and everyone else ready for our days. Planning, planning, and preparing are the drivers for my life from August until June. Not so much during the summer. I try to keep bed times consistent, but other than that we don't have a whole lot of planning going on. Guess what! That is exactly what we all need! We have a few adventures here and there, but we try to keep our schedule pretty light!

During this down time I have been blessed by a hubby who knows I need a creative outlet and a space to work. We have been making our unused front room into a sewing crafting area for me. The best part is that my boys have chairs in there to come and hang out with me. I LOVE IT! I can be sewing or pinning or cutting and my monkeys can hang out with me. Love I tell you! They come in an sit for a spell to chat or giggle. I am quite fond of giggling! It has been great and it has only cost us one can of paint and a yard sale trash can to make it all come together. I love shopping my house for accessories! Hopefully all of the furniture painting will be done this week and the room will be totally put together!

My sewing and cutting tables. They were dining tables we have had over the years.
They will be getting a coat of black paint to tie the space all together!

An old armoire and bookcase for storage.
K already painted them black and is finishing the shelves!

This space has already been put to good use! I have been busy making goods for my Etsy shop. My goal is to open up for business by next week! It will be good for us financially (I hope) and creating is a great relaxer for me! I can't think of a better combination! Here's a sneak peek at some of the things I will have listed in my shop. It has been a lot of fun so far!

A sampling of my beautiful aprons!


A sample of my shopping bags
(This one was a special order for my frog loving sis!)

So there you have it, what summer busy-ness and happiness is to this momma! It's what works for me! Head on over to We Are THAT Family to see what works for everyone else this beautiful summer day!

Until next time,

Yard Sale Treasures

I hit the yard sales again this weekend. I am just not having a lot of luck, but I am thankful for the treasures I do find. I went to a couple of thrift stores this week too, but I think I am done with thrift stores around here. The prices are getting a little ridiculous and the service is frustrating. I tried to buy a pattern from one store and the kid at the check out wouldn't sell it because it didn't have a price written on it. I had gotten it out of a bin with a lot of patterns, but he wouldn't even try to find out a price for it. So annoying, but the funniest part was the lady behind me trying to get him to find a price for me. She was determined that I should be able to buy that pattern! I told him forget it, I didn't have time to wait around for a 25 cent purchase.

Anyway....on to what I did find this weekend! I wanted a little trash can to use in my sewing-craft room. I found it! For 25 cents this darling was mine. A little coat of paint and it will be perfect! I also got a book from the nice lady for free! She said they just wanted to get rid of everything. I know how she feels!

I think it must have been for a plant since it has a plastic lining inside.


I love Judy Blume and the other book is also about sisters,
so I should have some good reading ahead!

I hit a few more sales and almost passed up one that looked a little slim. I'm glad I went ahead and stopped! I found L and N each a pair of plaid shorts! 50 cents each and one button later and they each have a super cute new pair of shorts! I hardly ever find clothes for them, so this was a rare treat!

I thought they would both be for N,
but one pair was a lot bigger so L got some new shorts too!

So for a whopping $1.25 I found a few treasures! Not bad, but I am still hoping I'll find some more things for my sewing room and clothes for the school year. I guess I have to wait until Friday to get my next fix! I hope you all had a great yard sale weekend too! Now head on over to Rhoda's for Thrifty Treasures!

Until next time,

Menu Plan for the Week 7-4-10

We had a great 4th of July! I hope everyone else did too!

It has been a busy place around here. I had my usual once a month shopping to do and supplies to get for my new venture. On top of that I had to go to jury duty one day. It was kind of sad, only 26 people showed up for service. Usually when I go the court room is packed, but I guess it was too close to a holiday weekend. I hate going, but I know it's the right thing to do. Unfortunately for the defendant, his day in court had to be moved because of the small turn out of potential jurors. I was sad for him! I know it must be frustrating to have your day in court postponed.

I have also been sewing up a storm! I've been making bags and aprons and baby towels. I am LOVING every minute of it. I'll be posting a peek of my creations later this week. I am hoping by the end of the week I will have quite a few things to add to my Etsy shop. I can't wait!

On top of all that I have I am itching to get my freezer batches of breakfast foods and treats replenished. I am also hoping to get some jams made this week. We'll see how that goes, I'm not sure I'll have enough time for that!

We have about 6 more weeks until school starts, but time is flying by! The boys have been busy savoring their computer and Lego building time and K as been busy painting the furniture for my sewing/craft room. I can't wait to show it off to you all!

Here is what we have planned to eat for this week:

Breakfasts: Cereal, Oatmeal, Biscuits, Muffins, Pancakes, French Toast, Waffles, Fruit, Scones, Scrambled Omelets

Lunches: Ham or PB & J Sandwiches, Meat and Crackers, Fruit or Veggies, String Cheese, Hard Boiled Eggs, Granola Bars, Fruit Leather, Homemade Chewy Bars

Dinners:

Sunday- Hamburgers and Hot Dogs, Potato Salad (potatoes from our garden!), Homemade Ice Cream

Monday- Penne with Broccoli and Sausage (new to us recipe)

Tuesday- Tri Tip, Grilled Zucchini, Rice Pilaf

Wednesday- Keilbasa, Red Potatoes, Salad

Thursday- Tacos, Refried Beans, Spanish Rice, Salad

Friday- Pizza, Salad, Root Beer, Homemade Ice Cream

Saturday-Leftovers- Clear out the fridge!


Find more menu planning inspiration at Organizing Junkie.


Until next time,

Happy Independence Day

Happy Independence Day!

I hope everyone has a wonderful and safe Independence Day! We will be eating messy watermelon and watching Uncle J set off fireworks in front of my in-law's house. It's a tradition! We've been doing it since the monkeys were toddling around the yard and all of us were on high alert to keep them away from the flames. My how times change! Anyway, I hope you all have a great day!!

Until next time,