Once upon a dandelion

Don't Blink!

2012-02-18T21:34:00.000-08:00

They come home from the hospital. You put a quilt down......

Bring out some toys for entertainment.....

They're crawling, and pulling themselves up to a standing position.

They're growing and learning.....

And before you know it they're skating through life, so quickly.....

Which is why this Christmas, I made wooden "grow charts" for the girls to use for each of their families. A lot of people on-line have been making these "rulers". The nice thing about them, is they can be taken from house to house to house when you move....unlike door frames. :-)

Bunches of Love

2012-02-16T09:13:00.000-08:00

Valentines Day, thinking of all of my dear ones, where ever they are. Drinking from the mug from Dad.......He gave one to my Mom, and one to each of my sisters. xoxo, Dad. Admiring the Valentine gift that Victoria hand made at school, for the Little Farm Girl. Her "first time at stitching." A shared simple dinner of Chicken with Portobello Mushroom Sauce. Individual little strawberry laden cakelets. How blessed to love, and be loved.

Tuesday Morning

2012-02-07T11:30:00.000-08:00

Jim's sick with the flu and sticking to his sick room. Last night, he tried to eat his supper of homemade chicken soup....it didn't go well.......
I watched Downton Abbey, (Thanks Mom!), drank tea, and knit. I took the Kindle (Thanks Kate and Chris) and retired to the guest room. We definitely can't both afford to be sick at the same time. This morning, I went after the girls, only to find Anna had been up all night with Lili and Ashi...with fevers. She was staying home with them. Ashi missed her FIRST ever field-trip and had been looking forward to it sooo much. Victoria is thrilled that I will be having a "slumber party" in the guest room with her tonight. With no little biddy baby today......I had a hearty breakfast of oatmeal and coffee, to fuel me for getting some stuff done. (Well, we can hope....)
Lately, I have been so encouraged by the Lord....He is so good to show his mercy, kindness, and favor....I am so grateful and amazed at what a truly loving Father we have.

Birthday Barbeque

2012-02-07T11:05:00.000-08:00

You never know if someone is having a difficult time facing a major birthday milestone, so you should always be kind, right?

Nah!!

Sorry, Anna....This was just too much fun.....and besides....Joel said you were ornery to him on his 30th! The "denture" candleholder was all of her birthday candles melted down and poured into a silicone gag "denture ice-tray" that Kate gave Jim one year. Joels parents generously hosted the surprise party.

Mini Mariner and Masala

2012-01-30T21:44:00.000-08:00

Oh,Nana, she looks so sad....could it be she wanted to be drafted by the Atlanta Braves instead? ;-)

It's pretty common knowledge among family and readers of this blog...I love curries. Indian, Thai,....you name it. Last week I made Thai Shrimp Yellow Curry, Today, I made Chicken Tikka Masala, Naan, and Kheer. (I love creamy rice puddings like Kheer too). I've made this same Tikka masala recipe before, but I think it turned out extra yummy tonight. The naan turned out really well too...first time I'd ever made it. It made a lot, so slipped extras into the freezer. Costco sells it in their freezer coolers, so figure they should be ok.

Barista & Biscotti

2012-01-24T10:00:00.000-08:00

Yesterday was foggy, so "foglifter" in the french press would've been more seemly then; but we had it this rainy, wet, morning, instead. Jim had cereal, but I accompanied my coffee, with a piece of biscotti that I made last week. I usually make two "ropes" but this time used the rehrucken pan. The sectional lines make it nice for slicing, but I should've done it in two batches. It was too "deep". This time, I made cranberry almond w/ white chocolate chips. It's ok, but I didn't have enough almond extract..(on the grocery list for next time).

Dandelions for Martha

2012-01-23T15:24:00.000-08:00

Jim found a little scanner on sale, that I can hook up to my computer and scan slides to be burned to DVD's. It will do 4 slides at a time. We have alot of slides of when the girls were little and all of my grandpa's "zillions." So....I've been scanning away.

Cousins. My cousin Martha is the one in the red sweater. We've been separated by miles and national borders for years, so I haven't been able to spend a lot of time with her. Thanks to facebook and pinterest, and this little blog...we've been able to be a little more in the loop and "the know" about each other.

I know that she's grown up, into a generous, caring woman, who has opened her home and heart to children who needed that. I know that she has done a wonderful job raising her own girls to be loving, responsible, mothers as well. We've all been scattered like dandelion dust in the wind, but also like dandelions; our tap roots run deep. I love you Martha.

Laughing Cow Biscuits

2012-01-16T18:53:00.000-08:00

Today, there were little snow flurries outside, and cleaning flurries in the house. I made this soup I made last year..... with some adaptations. I also made Joy the Baker's goat cheese biscuits, with some.... adaptations. The freezer didn't yield the cleaned chopped leeks I thought were in there, so the soup just got more sweet onions, no whole garlic, so sauteed minced garlic with onions. No ginger in the freezer or fridge, so some ground ginger added with the other curry type spices. The biscuits called for goat cheese.....don't have......buttermilk.....don't have. But we did have little French onion Laughing Cow Cheese wedges, and milk soured with vinegar. The biscuits turned out great. We don't live close to a grocery store, so "making do" substitutions are VERY common for us. That's just the way we fly around here.

Date Night Downtown

2012-01-12T11:12:00.000-08:00

For several weeks now; we had been looking forward to Ari & Mia coming to town. They were absolutely delightful. Mia won the 2011 John Lennon Songwriting Contest in the Fok division, for her song; "Across the Water." It was about her grandmother coming from Poland, across the ocean to join her grandfather, who was already here. I loved the chorus, especially the line "I'm deep in sea-sick love" and the cute lilt of "I wanna be in a warm house with you." Ari and Mia were accompanied by the fun and crazy, talented, Owen Marshall. Each of them have such a cute sense of humor, and are such accomplished musicians in classical, folk, and funky alternative.

We finished off the evening with Thai curry. Great time.

Strawberry Fields Forever

2012-01-11T13:42:00.000-08:00

It's crisp and cool out, but the skies are clear, and the sun is shining. It doesn't seem like a January day. I don't know if it was subliminal messaging, or what, but over a breakfast of toast slathered in freezer strawberry jam, I ordered this fabric to make into a new robe for myself. I need something light-weight, and liked this cute print....so cheery and fresh. The fact that it was on a clearance sale, didn't hurt my feelings any, either.

Dear Tooth Fairy....

2012-01-05T20:17:00.000-08:00

I received one of my favorite phone calls on New Year's Eve. When each of our grandchildren have lost their first tooth, they have called to tell us. It's always so sweet and cute, and yet a little bittersweet too...they are no longer babies. This time it was the Little Farmgirl.

Black Beans, Batter Bread, and Bernie Lee

2012-01-01T16:41:00.000-08:00

When we used to live in Savannah and spent the holidays in Atlanta with Jim's family, we always had New Year's dinner with his brother Buddy's family. There was always a roast beef, and traditional collard greens and black eyed peas, which are a southern tradition on New Years. This year, we broke with tradition and had a black bean soup instead. I made a batter bread to go with it. The aroma of it, brought back memories of when we lived in Silver Lake. Mama led a small group of 4-H cooking for girls who were older than me. I was involved in another 4-H cooking group of girls my age. When I would come home from my group meeting, our house would smell so good, from Mama's group making batter rolls. We had those rolls often during that time. I remember one day at school, when one of the older girls in her group said to me in front of the other girls: "Your Mom is so pretty." I could tell she admired my Mama, and I was sooooo proud.

New Year's Eve 2011

2012-01-01T11:27:00.001-08:00

Dinner in. We had an early supper of yakisoba and Chinese barbecued pork, and watched Netflix movies with Bella. Our imbibing consisted of egg nog milkshakes; mid evening. When we got tired from all of the excitement, we retired to our bedroom to big stacks of library books we had picked up earlier in the day. At midnight, I was immersed in reading Pearl in the Sand, about the Israelites circling Jericho, blowing their horns, as our neighbors were outside, shooting off guns and fireworks. Yep, we are party animals alright. (Seriously, really like the book by the way.) Last year, studying the Bible, I was fascinated by the idea that Rahab's inn was in the wall, that the Hebrew Spies promised her and her family safety if they were in her home when the battle occurred, that the walls came down, but that would mean....one little section would have been remaining....Rahab's home in the wall. I find that comforting. Evidently so did Tessa Afshar, because she emphasizes it in this novel. Happy New Year Everyone. No matter the uncertainties of 2012, we have safety and hope, if we trust in the Lord.

Winterberries

2011-12-29T20:31:00.000-08:00

Fire and Ice.

The color on these isn't showing up true...too blue. Dot had been wanting some wrist-warmers, and I had wanted to try out Lucy's Attic24 pattern for them, for a long time. This boucle' type yarn isn't really crochet hook friendly, though, so I ended up knitting them instead, with just crochet for the thumb and finger edging, and crocheted vines and berry trim. I tried to slim the pattern down a bit, to fit her small boned arms better, but were still a bit large on her.

Christmas Day 2011

2011-12-29T18:18:00.000-08:00

Christmas Eve II

2011-12-29T17:00:00.000-08:00

Sarah made these cute little reindeer cupcakes

Addie: Words with Friends

A rowdy game of how many marshmallows can you get into the wreath/bucket in a minute.

Lots of cheerleading!

Dear little reindeer: Violet

Ethan the Viking. (I told you I'm not a great crocheter!)

Stacking the cups with one hand in a minute.

[Pix from Sarah.....Thank you Sarah!]

Christmas Eve 2011

2011-12-26T16:45:00.000-08:00

The girls brought Christmas Goodies, and 7-up for the punch. I fixed a crock-pot of Chicken Taco Chili, (which met with raves), Southwestern egg rolls (not so much), Mexican Pulled Pork Carnitas, Cilantro-Lime Chicken Tacos, sauteed bellpeppers and onions, avocados, salsa, pico de galla, sour cream and cheese. There was also layered bean dip and tortilla chips. I really liked the chicken taco recipe.
One of the gifts I made was containers of Sriracha Salt for the guys. Chris and Joel both really like hot sauce and salt. (The girls have some guys who are really good cooks!) Bob has a real knack for grilling chicken, Chris makes awesome grilled veggies, and Joel makes great Chinese barbeque pork and fried rice.

More Hands

2011-12-26T16:01:00.000-08:00

I was running late on gift making.
Me: Honey, how would you like to do me a HUGE favor?
Him: Uh, OK......?
Me: Make a felt leaf garland for Liliana's pack-n-play?
Him: Uh, OK.....?
And so he did. My right hand man.
Thank you Honey.

Many Hands

2011-12-25T20:41:00.000-08:00

What a blessing to have helpers. Not feeling well? Set up the tree and slug down the ornament boxes.....Provide cocoa and cookies....sit back and watch.....Tree decorated; check.
Gingerbread house to be decorated......little Farmgirl is game....*note* if we want big Sister's help, we should decorate with candies....not banana chips, pretzels, and dried cranberries.
Banana bread, candy and cookies for neighbors.....One smashes bananas, one prepares pans with butter and cinnamon sugar. One makes choco-nut Clusters, and one presses Spritz dough in the cookie press, and decorates them after they're baked. Games planned and organized for the Family gathering; check...Big Sister's got it. Yes, many hands do make work light.

Merry Christmas from our house to Yours, and may God bless you richly in the coming year.

Joy to the world ,
The Lord is come,
Let earth receive her King.
Let every heart,
Prepare him room...

St. Lucia's Morning

2011-12-21T15:37:00.000-08:00

Celebrations

2011-12-20T23:29:00.000-08:00

At school, the girls had both learned some history and songs about Hannukah. Tori was particularly interested, and thought it was cool that it was in conjunction with her birthday. When Jim and I were Christmas shopping last weekend, I bought this cute little book by Naomi Howland: Latkes, Latkes, Good to Eat (a Chanukah Story). It has a latkes recipe in the back of it. Today while I was working in the kitchen, Tori read it to us. Tori's birthday supper was a traditional Hannukah meal. The little farmgirl and I made latkes, accompanied by homemade applesauceand/or sourcream. We had roasted chicken and roasted veggies/spinach salad, and green beans. Turns out the Birthday Girl isn't particularly crazy about latkes. (The Little Farmgirl on the other hand had to be stopped from making herself sick on them....and Papa and Joel weren't too far behind!)

Anna found this cute card, which was so perfect, since Tori has been going to Bull Dog Showing classes, with Joel's Mom. (And is the only little girl I've ever heard; call a Bull dog, "handsome".)

Instead of Hannukah doughnuts for dessert, Anna got an ice-cream birthday cake, after work.

They were going to go to a movie matinee today, but there was a misunderstanding about the days/times, so they went to a couple of stores downtown instead. Tori came in the house, so excited....telling me how the man at the music store had helped her play the violin/fiddle, and how cool it was.

At the end of the day, it was pronounced to be; "the best birthday ever!"

Camo Birdie

2011-12-19T22:03:00.000-08:00

I'm part ostrich. If I can't see you, then you can't see me. And.....If I'm reeeeeeaaally quiet; maybe no one will know I'm here and make me leave.

Panda Express

2011-12-16T19:23:00.000-08:00

When we were at the Hot Air Balloon Launching and at Oktoberfest, Josie had seen Panda hats that she wanted, so I made her one for her birthday. I'm more of a knitter than a crocheter, really, but here it is. A Ravelry pattern. As I was working on it, I was reminded of so many years ago when I was pregnant with Sarah, and preparing her nursery. I sewed a stuffed panda from a kit, and made a couple of little panda wall plaques. Seemed so funny....now doing something "Panda" for her daughter.

Thin People Ginger Thins

2011-12-11T11:42:00.001-08:00

On the way home from the Dr. on Friday, half checked out in the grocery line,.....oops.... I had forgotten the "Anna" ginger thins. Dot and I had been talking about them on the phone. We both like them because they're flavorful and satisfying, and you don't need a lot of them with a cup of tea. Last night, I decided to make some, I used this Swedish Cookie recipe: Pepparkakor 1 from all recipes, They weren't quite as flavorful as Anna's, but close.
Jim and I both have been hit pretty hard with a virus and secondary infections the past few weeks. Look out book of world records for consecutive days of pajamas or sweats! We're still not "well", but at least have turned a corner. We've consumed lots of soup, tea, orange juice, and clementines, and have both lost some weight, though maybe not a recommended weight loss program.

Let Them Eat Soup...

2011-11-29T17:01:00.001-08:00

We had a yummy Thanksgiving at Kate's on Thursday, and then came home. Friday, I had a wedding rehearsal to go to. Jim and I were not feeling real great. Saturday, it was evident that we were sick. I dosed up on a 12 hr. cold med, and went to the wedding to start taking pre-wedding, ceremony, and reception photos. I felt forgetful, and clumsy. About 4 1/2 hours into the "twelve hour" med.....I was fading fast. As soon as I got home I made a pot of homemade chicken rotini soup, which we ate for the next two days. Our schedule became: chicken soup....sleep.....cough....chicken soup...sleep...cough cough... It seemed the perfect time to knit and watch British movies, but didn't have enough ummph even for that. Monday, I made a pot of Thai Tom Yum, with a pkt. of chili paste mix. The heat in it is usually pretty good for congestion. We watched Hallmark Christmas movies, and zoned. Tonight have yet another pot of chicken soup on the stove. We're going to watch Lucy in "The Long, Long, Trailer." I'm hoping the high energy in it isn't mania overload, for our weary systems.

Thanksgiving

2011-11-25T19:40:00.001-08:00

Give thanks with a grateful heart
Give thanks unto the Holy One
Give thanks because He's given Jesus Christ, His Son.

And now let the weak say, "I am strong"

Let the poor say, "I am rich"

Because of what the Lord has done for us.

Give thanks.

Sick, but sitting at the children's table an hour early, awaiting everyone's arrival,
in typical child-like anticipation.
I remember that feeling.... do you?

Kate had everything fixed very pretty and festive.

When everyone else had finished dinner, Ethan showed off his natural talent for feeding himself with his first taste of rice cereal/sweet potatoes...

Don't think he'll have any problems adjusting to solids!

Chocolate Love

2011-11-21T19:20:00.001-08:00

I made up a pattern and knitted a little chocolate kiss hat this weekend, but it was waaaaaaay small on her.... So ripped it out and made it larger. She's such a sweet little baby girl.

Dandelion Craft Studio

2011-11-19T19:26:00.001-08:00

Come on admit it, you thought it was a figment of my imagine, huh? There's still a few loose ends to tie up, but since there probably always will be, I'm going to welcome you in anywho! I replaced the hollow core door with the front door from an old farmhouse we used to live in.

This is the view as you enter the room. The sloping ceilings dictated furniture placement a great deal. The cabinet with the glass doors is an oldie i picked up years ago at a local "Junke" shop.
One Saturday a few years ago Jim and I were having a date day downtown and I saw the wire mesh dress form on the sidewalk in front of an antique store. Jim bought "her" for me. Me-likie! I thought she deserved some twinkle lights to set her off. This is the floor I painted "faux wood plank."

I painted my sawhorse table white to go in here. This is going to be the spinning corner of the room. There are still more spinning things to unpack from a trunk I've had them stored in.

When Anna and the girlies were living here, we bought this Expedit cubby wall unit from IKEA for them to use, knowing it would be for craft storage at some point. The yarn storage on top are two closet shoe storage units from Target.

Initially, I was going to replace the ceiling fan light above the craft table with the warehouse pendant you see over the sewing table. I changed my mind though, because I usually have a fan going year round, and it's handy for drying art projects. The warehouse light was a hard-wire pendant fixture, and I needed it to be a hanging lamp instead, so I rewired it. The IKEA craft table is from off of Craigs list a couple of years ago. The chairs were my grandparents. I like having a space to work with family members on projects. The sewing desk was a Teen Challenge Thrift Store 50% off day purchase, with freshly painted doors and new IKEA hardware. The desk chair is Jim's old one with the broken arms removed, and a coat of white paint.

This is the yet to be finished new ironing board cover. I think I'm going to love it, when I finally get it finished.

I like it's cheery flowers and think it echoes the colorful spools of thread on the wall.

This the canning jar light I made. Tons of them on the web now. Should I leave it white, or "pewter" or "bronze" it?

I love this little chair. It used to be my sewing chair, from Target. No. I do not have our Christmas gifts bought and wrapped. I am not as organized as some people!
Someone else gave these to me a while back, and made me promise not to peek! But I don't open early, like some people! You know who you are..... :-)
Oh, speaking of Mama... let's all give her a Happy Birthday Shout! Love ya Mom!

Crochet Needle Case

2011-11-17T08:09:00.001-08:00

Yesterday was a rainy, windy day, with no kiddos, and Jim sick, so I decided to do some sewing. I've stored my crochet needles in a pint mason jar for quite a while now. On the to-do-list for ages has been a crochet hook case. I needed something that could be plopped into a project bag for on the go, or easily carted from the studio, to the snug, for crocheting in front of the TV. This cheery, plum blossom fabric remnant was leftover from another project, and it's one of my faves, so had envisioned it for the needle case exterior.

Then, last week I found this little fat quarter fabric and loved it! I thought it would be the perfect interior coordinate. There are lots of crochet hook case tutorials on-line, but I just winged it on dimensions and style. The top folds over the hooks to hold them in place, and then the whole thing is folded in 3 1/3 sections. The last one being a flap with a button closure. Initially I sewed the button on for decoration and was going to put a snap underneath, but changed my mind, so have to re-position the button, and make a loop for it.
I'm thinking a couple of my crocheting friends, (who don't read blogs,) could do with one of these for Christmas.

Bathroom Re-vamp

2011-11-15T21:25:00.001-08:00

Snowball Effect

2011-11-14T22:41:00.001-08:00

One morning, when the girlies were sleeping over, they were in brushing their teeth, and there was a crash in the bathroom. The Dollar Store glass that I keep my toothbrush and the toothpaste in, had accidently gotten knocked out of the medicine cabinet into the sink. I was totally ready to go in an clean up the broken glass; I wasn't prepared to find the cheap glass still intact and a hole the size of my fist in the bathroom sink. After shopping around, and not finding what we were looking for,we had to order a new sink. The bathroom needed repainting, so what better time to do it? We had also discussed replacing the chair-rail above the beadboard wainscot, to match what we had done in the mudroom and the "snug", so added that to the list. When I was getting ready to paint, Jim mentioned......again .... how badly we really needed storage in there. So we took the wainscot off under the stairs and knocked some holes in the drywall, checking to see if there was free space there or if it was taken up with duct work from the furnace. It was free and clear. We took out the middle stud, and made room to put this little 2 drawer base in to bring the storage dresser up to proper height. I had prayed for favor, and the Lord blessed us with both this little base and a perfect storage piece. It fit exactly between the two studs, and the total height and depth were perfect for the slant of the stairs!

We're really happy with how it turned out, and felt like we'd reached our objective in making it seem like it's always been a part of the house. ( I've always liked old houses with cool built-ins.) A reality in a lot of old houses, and particularly this one, is a lack of proper storage for today's lifestyle..What I was amazed at, is where I'd had all of the stuff stashed that I managed to fill these drawers with! The hair clippers and cold medicines were able to be re-located from the hall closet, the toilet paper from the utility room, etc. A bathroom product reunion. Yay!!

Precious People

2011-11-09T21:06:00.000-08:00

It's always amazing to me, how in the tapestry of life, the threads of peoples lives are woven in parallel rows, having acquaintances in common, being involved in the same type of activities, and yet not being aware each other. And then one day, the threads intersect, and a wonderful design emerges.
I met with these two today, to go over plans for their wedding. They are such a cute couple, and I'm so glad the Lord has brought them together. It's an honor to be taking their wedding pictures, and I'm praying the Lord will help me be able to bless them.

Good Eats

2011-11-07T20:14:00.000-08:00

We celebrated Jim's birthday with football, chili, cornbread, and Texas Sheet Cake.

A Fall morning breakfast. Love love love steel cut oats, and Costco has started carrying them now! YAY!

In the Fall and Winter, I sort of lose my desire for salads. Today I made this Spinach with Roasted Veggie Salad, and we both reeeeeeally liked it. I tossed quartered baby portobella mushrooms, sliced red bell peppers, and sliced wedges of sweet white onion, together with salt and pepper, and a couple of Tbs. Olive oil. I roasted them in a 400 degree oven about 16 minutes. Then I tossed them with Wishbone light balsalmic w/basil vinegarette. Then I tossed in the spinach, dished up and garnished with olives and cheese.

Liliana ~ Two Months Old

2011-11-05T19:01:00.000-07:00

Pumpkin Pie French Toast

2011-11-04T19:16:00.000-07:00

This morning the girlies were here after a sleep-over and no school, due to Parent/Teacher Conferences. I'd been wanting to try making this Pumpkin Pie French Toast for breakfast. It was a big hit. Everyone loved it.

South Santiam

2011-11-04T18:57:00.000-07:00

The Fall color was so pretty in the morning going East, over the Pass last weekend, but we were sort of rushing, so I didn't get pictures until on the way back. The color didn't seem as vivid on the way West, in the afternoon light. I love Fall, and I love the South Santiam, curves and all.

Early Thanksgiving

2011-11-01T21:30:00.000-07:00

I made these little acorn cookies I saw on Pinterest, and they were a tiny part of a constant barrage of food this past weekend. Mom was every bit the stereo-type of the food pushing Mama! We all had fun working in the kitchen together. It was like old times.

We spent the weekend playing prison warden/babysitter/medical team to Dad. He had sprained his foot pretty bad on Thursday. We took turns ordering him to sit down, tormenting him with icepacks, and pushing ibuprofen at him.

(Aren't they cute?)
Auntie S came over and had dessert with us. Uncle G was sick.
Mom is recovering from her latest surgery soooo well. She's been working very hard at her physical therapy. We're all really proud of her!

(Our very own Personal Shopper) She brought us girls, early Christmas presents, and we had a fashion show. She knows all of our taste and color preferences so well, and she's so generous and thoughtful.

This weekend was a great idea Peg! It was the first time we'd all been together in eight years.
We all have so much to be thankful for. God is so good.

Sneak-a-Peek

2011-10-24T21:05:00.000-07:00

We've got more irons in the fire than a blacksmith at the Kentucky Derby. I've still been piddlin' away at the studio, in addition to working on bathroom storage, etc. Anna saw the studio a couple of days ago, and said "It's just YOU, mom!" I assumed that she meant the decor, but later wondered if that was presumptous of me....maybe she was referring to the stacks of unfinished projects waiting to be finished! I had thought it would be fun to make a design on the door window. After going through supplies, there wasn't any etching stuff left, after-all. It's spendy, and permanent, so decided to just use the same white interior latex paint I had used in the room. I painted the design backwards, on the inside of the window. It's not as awesome as imagined, but can stay for now. Actually it's pretty subtle during the day. (This pic was taken about 8pm.)
I had been feeling sort of crummy last week, but snapped out of it just in time to go to a Dinners for 7, that our church was doing. We had signed up on the list. Our hostess had called us and invited us, and assigned a food for us to bring. We were supposed to bring potatoes. I took party potatoes and because they are a cholesterol nightmare, thought maybe there should be a healthy alternative. So I also fixed Ina's Roasted Winter Vegetables. It was a nice relaxed evening of getting better acquainted with new friends, and re-kindling old friendships. This is going to be a very jam packed week, but hopefully I can finish up some of these loose ends and post some pictures of something actually DONE!

Krispie Treat Punkins

2011-10-20T16:54:00.000-07:00

Made a little after school snack for the girlies today. I froze some for the other Grands. Hope they will be ok.....have you ever frozen krispie treats before? Do they turn out alright?
Some of you have been wanting to see finished project pictures....believe me, that makes two of us!
Progress is in the making, but seems like it's taking baby-steps. Maybe I could get more accomplished if my mind wasn't always drifting to vintage travel trailers, amber birch curved paneling, marmoleum, jacks, hitches, curb sides and street sides, skins and wheel wells....

Fall Days

2011-10-14T12:43:00.000-07:00

Fall days, cool and overcast, just seem to call for caramel, cinnamon, and nuts. This recipe for Sticky Bun Breakfast Ring is very similar to the Swedish Tea Ring that our family has made for years. It calls for canned biscuits, but as far as convenience biscuits go, I prefer Walmart's frozen buttermilk biscuits. (They don't have as much chemical taste) I used 8 of them, and defrosted them carefully, in the microwave first. Jim really liked this.
We've had lots of Dr. appts. and re-model-y things going on around here lately. Not that blog worthy unless you like looking at pictures of dismantled chair rail, wainscoting, and huge holes knocked in the drywall. Yesterday, I guess we could've done sequential pictures, so you could watch the drywall mud dry. ;-)

Destruction Derby

2011-10-11T08:54:00.000-07:00

I've been a slogging blogger lately. Things have been really busy. Tearing up everything you own is time consuming! Saturday, Jim and I went out and worked on the little trailer. No phones, no place we had to go...we actually got tons accomplished:
We tore out the ratty old dinette cushions, curtains and rods, the green astro-turf, and the mattress.(oh, and 2 pair of dirty socks!) It already smells better in there! (well, actually maybe not much, yet)
After removing many old rusty screws, we finally were able to take out the old cabinet above the sink and stove. We tore out old wiring, and the wall between the bathroom and the bed. Included in that was the removal of the bathroom sink, and it's plumbing. We were on a roll....we went under the trailer, and disconnected the blackwater tank (sewage tank) (thankfully the trailer had been out of use a long time, so no odor), and removed the cracked grey water tank. Topside, we pulled the showerpan/blackwater tank. There's a whole pile of cuphooks, that have been removed...that, and the cobwebs are probably what was holding the place together. We vaccumed, vaccumed, vaccumed....

Sunday, we had a good service at church. The worship and sermon all wove together, about Christ being our sufficiency.
Sunday evening, Joel cooked dinner for us; wonderful Chicken Fried Rice, Chinese Barbequed Pork, and a yummy zippy sauce to put on things.
Monday; In the house we were supposed to paint the bathroom and replace the chair rail at the top of the beadboard wainscoting. As we were removing the old chair rail, Jim brought up the subject of bathroom storage again. We did some further investigation, and decided to do some built-ins in a wasted space under the stairs. The beadboard was removed from the area, and there are now big gaping holes in the bathroom drywall under the stairs. I was given the task to figure out what to put in the hole, (since I'm the picky one), so off to town I went. (Today, we will start working on it, and see if the plan works.) We know we're good at tearing things up...let's see if we can put anything back together!

Cinnamon Roll Pancakes

2011-10-05T09:20:00.000-07:00

This morning I fixed a yummy breakfast. It was fun cooking bacon Joel and Anna gave us, and making these cinnamon roll pancakes, cracking up, while listening to "Diary of a Wimpy Kid" being read to me. These pancakes are very good, especially with a nice glass of really cold milk. Mine didn't turn out as perfect and pretty like Recipe Girl's, but they tasted fine. My cinnamon filling was too runny. After the first one, I drained off some of the excess melted butter, before squeezing the filling on. One pancake per person is plenty.

Camping Chronicles Conclusion

2011-10-02T22:55:00.000-07:00

You did realize this was all headed somewhere, right?

I can't wait to show y'all this...

I'm so excited.....

I just can't hide it....

When this broken window is repaired.....

when new jacks, tanks, and battery are in place.....

when the green grass carpet is gone, the plumbing and wiring are repaired,
and everything is gutted and re-done...

When it has new tires and it's all repainted and has a cute little awning with party lights....

Won't it be just darling?!

(I've already looked up the treasured campsite # to reserve it.)

*I know...AGAIN with the "happy as if they had good sense"; right?*

Camping Chronicles #6, etc. etc.

2011-10-01T21:34:00.000-07:00

Once upon a dandelion, the little family was increased by 2 more daughters. There were further camping adventures. It seemed there were crazy things to happen when tent camping; even in the presumed safety of their own back yard. The youngest daughter and a cousin slept in a tent in the orchard, only to be startled by the scream of a cougar. The Mama heard the sound, in the house, as she was getting ready to go to bed, for the night. She threw the front door open just in time for her daughter to come running in. She ran to help her niece, who was calling "help...help!" After quickly ripping the niece's hair out of the tent door zipper, where it had caught, they both ran to the safety of the house.

The last Tent Camping trip the family would take together, was after the first-born daughter was married. They went to the coast, they had a confirmed reservation, they got there early, and everything was great. The weather was exceptionally warm and beautiful. They decided to take a night-time stroll down to the beach. As they passed through the campground, the last camp spot, sat on a little dune, overlooking the water. Parked there, was a cheery little camp trailer, with a party light trimmed, awning. It was just indescribably... perfect. ~~The little Mama~~ ... I ... was smitten.

Camping Chronicle #5

2011-10-01T18:00:00.000-07:00

[Google images]

When the Baby girl was three years old, the family decided to travel across the U.S. to visit Grandparents. They planned to drive all day, and camp at night. There were some pretty crazy complications, which I won't get into here, but it led to another late night adventure. As they finally began to set up camp in the dark, all of the other campers were already sleeping. The little family had outgrown the pup tent, so they had borrowed a large 2 room tent from friends. Unfortunately, it had been a last minute decision, and they had not done a set up, trial run. Now, how on earth to get this tent up?! Finally out of fatigue and frustration, they gave up, found the doorway of the collapsed tent, placed their sleeping bags inside, and pulled the tent over them. (Something like the google image above) (Ironically, most of the "collapsed tent: images I came across on-line, involved drinking or drugs...) That also seemed to be the initial assumption of the amused and inquisitive onlookers in the morning. The little family just shrugged it off, laughed with the crowd, rolled the tent up and went on their way. (Happy, as if they had good sense!) After a nice days drive, before dusk, they found a nice little campground and stayed on cots in a very comfy little cabin.

Camping tip: Never, NEVER, never, leave your sense of humor at home, you're gonna need it!

Corn-Crab-Cakes

2011-10-01T16:49:00.000-07:00

Anna gave us some fresh crab Joel's Dad had caught. It was really nice crab, but didn't go with the menu plan at the time, so I picked it all out of the shell, and froze it. Today was "tailgating" day and Jim was watching football in the snug. Not really feeling in the mood for doing the chili or brats thing, decided to make corn-crab-cakes and homemade tartar sauce instead. I used this recipe. I chilled the patties before cooking them. It called for separating the cornbread stuffing mix, and patting the patties in half of it before frying. I suggest putting all of the crumbs in earlier, all at once, as a binder, and slide the patties straight into the oil, with less messing around with them. The first ones I did as directed, fell apart easier. The ones I didn't coat, held their shape better. They were really tasty, Jim really liked them, and didn't even miss the chili!

Camping Chronicle's # 3 & 4

2011-09-30T10:31:00.000-07:00

Once upon a dandelion, a month later, when the young mother-to-be was now 8 months along, the couple was invited to go camping with some friends. The friends had children that were very well behaved, (the same could not be said of their parents, I'm afraid) finally the couple borrowed the friend's boat, drove it to the middle of the lake, at a roar, screaming with the engine in utter frustration. They stopped out in the stillness of the water, and sighed. You see, their friends had spent the entire weekend, belittling one another, and quarreling. It was soooo not fun. This was to be the last night camping, and sleeping on the ground in the pup tent, as a pregnant mama.....One month later, the little couple were now a little family, as she gave birth to a beautiful baby girl. The little mama had been plagued with an ear ache/infection ever since the last camping trip....One month after the birth of their baby, the mama finally broke down and went to the Dr. and her ear ... gave birth to a grass seed.

The following year, Mama, Papa and Baby Girl and the cozy little pup tent, went back to the same Lake Campground. This time, with two different couples, who were more amiable. One of the couples had a baby, the same age as Baby Girl. Mama had sunscreen and a shade for Baby Girl. As the guys were out fishing, and the gals were sitting lake-side, Mama grew concerned for the other baby and kept trying to share protection from the sun for him. His mama assured her he was fine. Finally, not knowing what else to do, Mama suggested they all go back to camp for a while. In the middle of the night, he was crying and they ended up having to take him to the ER. Mama was sad, that she had let her not knowing the other Mama very well, and not wanting to offend, get in the way of what would have been best for that poor little guy.

Camping Chronicle 2

2011-09-29T20:42:00.000-07:00

Once upon a dandelion, The sleepy couple, woke up from their hiking ordeal the night before.
They bandaged Hubby's blistered feet, threw their backpack gear into the car, and drove to an actual campground on a hill overlooking the city. For supper, they fixed their baked potatoes and grilled steaks over a toasty campfire. After admiring the city lights under the starry sky that night, they took their still tired selves to their cozy little pup tent. Far into the wee hours of the morning, the neighbors in the next campsite, partied away. Sleep, for our young couple seemed impossible to be had. In the morning, they climbed wearily out of their sleeping bag on the floor of the small tent, the young mother-to-be, stretched, and rubbed her tummy, and aching back. As she looked at the cute little blue VW van next door, she tried unsucessfully not to be covetous. It had a nice little refrigerator, and .....a bed......

(Years and years later, she had the fun of riding in one just like it that belonged to her first born daughter, and son-in-law.)

Liliana, One Month Old

2011-09-29T19:10:00.000-07:00

Liliana Kate is growing and filling out. She is such a good little baby girl. We came home from Dr. appts. this morning, and kept her this afternoon. It gave me a chance to take a few "one month" snaps.

Camping Chronicle # 1 with tips

2011-09-28T21:42:00.000-07:00

Once upon a dandelion, there was a young married woman. She was expecting their first child in a couple of months. A neighbor (and co-worker), had just purchased a camp trailer, and was selling his pup tent. "Well", the young woman thought, "Wouldn't it be fun to surprise my husband with a weekend getaway?" "We could hike away from the bright lights of the city, and go camping at that cool park we've passed a number of times out on the highway!" The young woman had waffle stomper hiking boots that were a couple of years old and quite comfy. She compiled a list: they would need a good pair of waffle stompers for Hubby, a orange external frame back pack for each of them, and the Pup Tent of course. One Friday after work, the secret purchases had all been made; the young woman enthusiastically sprung the surprise on her unsuspecting husband. She packed their backpacks, and they set out. The couple navigated their way down neighborhood streets, out through the sub-divisions, and past the little ranchettes. It had been a full work week, and they started this little adventure, already tired. The orange packs began to feel heavier and heavier. It began to get darker and darker and they had not reached the park. Hubby's boots began to feel uncomfortable, and the little mini-breaks became more frequent. By the time the couple reached the park, it was midnight.

There were tall iron gates to the entrance, and they were closed tight. The flashlight illuminated the mean little sign "DAY USE ONLY". The temptation to just collapse right there on the spot, was great. But the young couple trudged back, from whence they had come. They had passed a little abandoned gas station, with a pay phone on their way. It was 2 a.m. They called their VERY good friend to come pick them up. He even drove them through an all night drive through in town, as they hadn't eaten, and then drove them home. We I mean, they backpacked for hours and miles, only to spend the night in ~~our~~ their own bed.

Camping tips:

l. Know where you're going! Make a reservation.

2. Don't pack baking potatoes and everything you own in a back-pack, Grapes of Wrath style (even if you are in Steinbeck country!)

3. Don't wear brand new boots, or else be prepared to nurse blisters the size of quarters.

4. Start out in the morning, refreshed.

5. Always carry phone money

6. Always, Always, Always, be thankful for good friends.

Flock & Fiber Festival

2011-09-28T12:47:00.000-07:00

I love yarn, beginning to end. Kate and I took all of the kids to the Flock& Fiber Festival. They got to pet the angora bunnies,and other woolies.

I just love these Orenburg Shawls made by ladies in a Russian Coop. They are as light and soft as a whisper.

She trotted around and made this look like so much fun. It reminded me of a trotter cart my Dad made for me and my little 1/2 welsh pony when I was a girl. I was fearful then, now it sounds fun.

Lately, I have been really identifying with these two little lovelies ......

Which is why I have an appointment with my "hair dresser" today to get a new cut.

So I can look lovely like this darling Alpaca diva.....

Or well groomed, like this beautiful, napping, cashmere sweater with legs.

A Timber's Game

2011-09-27T12:55:00.000-07:00

[this photo by Cyndi Johnson]

What?! Not what you expected?! Gotta tell ya, I absolutely love this little team.
There were hugs from Mama, high 5's from Dad, and a proud Nanni and Papa, as Liam scored the last TWO goals of the game!

There's a Frog on a Log.....

2011-09-26T11:09:00.000-07:00

Pollywog Pond on our property is covered in plants. Last week, we were attempting to begin cleanup by removing some limbs from downed trees. Who knew there were so many?!! There was no way they were coming out by hand, so we used the pickup and a tow rope to pull them out. Going back and forth over the pond bank, and fastening the tow rope was the most difficult part. Jim is on a heart monitor, and after a bit, he was worn out and fatigued so I started doing the fastening part, with him, as the driver. I ended up looking like a swamp creature, covered in thick, gooey, muddy, clay. At one point, I sunk way deep into a hole with one leg. It was hard enough to remove my leg... impossible to retrieve my shoe... it's still there.

There's a shoe in the bottom of the pond

there's a shoe in the bottom of the pond,

there's a shoe,

there's a shoe in the bottom of the pond. ;-)

Oktoberfest 2011

2011-09-18T19:21:00.001-07:00

Just like the lebkuchen we got in Germany's Nuremburg Christkindlmarkt.
There was good participation in the chicken dance.

This little liebling reminded me of our Sarah at that age.
Aren't they cute? They're a yearly fixture.

fraulein
He marched to all of the songs and little sister followed like a shadow. It was so sweet.

The girls did a great job with the maypole dance
as shown by their completed weaving

Whee!

A little violin solo of "Eidelwiss"
A cute group including 2 expectant mommies

The girls picked their partners from the circle of boys

Pretty hops
Townsquare

We ventured up the hill to the Weiner dog races

and to listen to The Voices of Hope concert in the beautiful St Mary's Parish Church.

I love the strong sense of community at Mt. Angel. It warms my heart to hear the locals greet one another by name as they pass one another amidst the throngs of visitors. It was nice to be able to share Oktoberfest with Sarah and her family this year. Of our girls, she has the most memories and emotional attachment to Bavaria/Germany from when we lived there. It was like stepping back in time; seeing her blonde, braided hair, daughter in a shop, admiring a dirndl set for her doll. I found some more candles for our Christmas pyramid. (They're kind of a tricky size.) Seeing all of the hops adorning the booths, reminded me to pick some of ours and bring in the house. I usually forget about them until they're spoiled by the fall rains. I'm enjoying them on the dining chandy.

Downsizing

2011-09-18T16:29:00.000-07:00

It seems sort of strange to be canning more pint-size jars these days. After having a full house for so long, reverting back to preparing for two, is an adjustment. Pints or quarts doesn't seem to change the amount of mess I'm able to accomplish though. (It's cleaned up now, and no longer looks like a crime scene...whew.) We love having home-made tomato juice, spaghetti sauce, and salsa. Jen blessed us with such lovely tomatoes to work with.

School Days

2011-09-16T08:16:00.000-07:00

The little Farmgirl started Kindergarten this week. She's now a big girl and rides the bus with her big Sister. (Kindergarteners little legs going up schoolbus steps always make me teary.)

I gave them some special back- to- school apples for an after school snack yesterday.

Corn Chowder

2011-09-15T18:58:00.003-07:00

Fall is in the air, we had stopped at the country produce market, and picked up some corn. Perfect for some of Sarah's corn chowder.

Corn Chowder

1 &1/2 lb. boneless chicken breast

1/2c. chopped onion

2 cloves minced garlic

3 Tbsp. butter

2 chicken boullion cubes

1 c. hot water

1 tsp. cumin

2c. half & half

2 c. shredded Monterey Jack Cheese

1 16oz can creamed corn (I used the fresh corn)

1 4oz can chopped green chilis (undrained)

1/4 - 1 tsp Tabasco sauce

1/2 c. salsa

Cut chicken & brown with onion, garlic, & butter. Dissolve boullion in hot water. Add to pot with cumin. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat. Cover and simmer 5 minutes. Add the rest of ingredients, up to the salsa. Cook over low heat stirring frequently. Stir in Salsa before serving.

A Village

2011-09-15T16:14:00.000-07:00

It takes a village to raise a child.

~ African Proverb ~

Rub-a-dub-dub

2011-09-08T12:30:00.000-07:00

I love watching them interact. They came over and hung out awhile after Ashi's kindergarten assessment, waiting for the school bus to get here with big sister. Liliana Kate got a sponge bath on a fluffy towel next to the kitchen sink. She's so tiny and so sweet. I totally understand why Anna is savoring every minute with her, before having to go back to work!

Labor Day Weekend

2011-09-05T21:12:00.000-07:00

We went to Mom and Dad's. Dot was there from Salt Lake City. Mom is recovering sooooo well from her latest surgery, 2 weeks ago, now. Such a wonderful answer to prayer! It was a good weekend....Unbelievable....not one picture taken. We did our usual ....laughing....laughing...more laughing. New finds, fun, and flavor. Had a blast sharing Pinterest with Dot, late at night, and just cracking up! After Mom's awesome Dr.'s appt. (don't ya love a good report?), had a good lunch with Mom and Dot at Hola!, munchin' tortilla chips, and Peruvian "Culantro Sauce."

On the way home, Jim and I stopped in Sisters at Bronco Billy's. He had Billy's barbequed ribs and I had an absolutely, yum,yum,yummers "Caballero" burger. It had guacamole and salsa, and was so flavorful.
And then we had one last "Hurrah!" We shared a Marionberry Shortcake, with Three Sisters Vanilla icecream, dessert with each other.. Oh.....My......sooooooo good.

Lightning strikes have started fires everywhere. Am so grateful for Hot Shot crews, and pray for their safety. The terrain is so treacherous in places, I can't even imagine doing their job.

Liliana Kate

2011-08-30T21:43:00.000-07:00

6 lbs. 14 oz of Sweetness.

"Peek-a-boo"
"She has dark curly hair, just like me!"

First diaper

You are loved!

Up in the Air

2011-08-27T19:58:00.000-07:00

(This last balloon is that of our Dr.'s nurse and her husband.) We all got up EARLY, and went to the morning's balloon launching. There were something like 36 balloons participating, and we were able to go among them. It's fun watching them be filled with air, and then the air being heated with hot gas flames. The kids loved it, as each balloon would levitate into the air. We all enjoyed this morning much more than last night. After the launching, Jim took us all out for breakfast. It was a fun time of visiting. A ride in a hot air balloon is one of the things on my "bucket list." I think it would be amazing to be up in the clouds, with the only sound....the swoosh of the flame. Someday.....

Night Glow 2011

2011-08-27T18:51:00.000-07:00

I called Sarah awhile back, and asked if they would be interested in joining us this year for the Art and Air Festival. I thought she would enjoy a photo op. Tori thought it sounded fun, and has wanted us to take them to it, ever since she found out we had taken Josie and Matthew a few years back. Sarah and the kids met us at Costco, and we all had a "spendy" supper! The nightglow this year didn't seem as good to me, as when we had gone before. There seemed to be lots more people, noise, and alcohol consumption. The actual balloon night glow portion didn't seem to last as long, or seem as dramatic. We kept an ear open for a call from Anna saying "it was time for a baby", but it never came. My favorite part of the night was listening to Josie and the girlies singing pop songs together in the back seat on the way home. The couches and beds were full as they all spent the night.....short as it was.

Farmdale Blossom in Gray

2011-08-23T09:00:00.000-07:00

I've been on a quest for this fabric. Googling, emailing, visiting quilt shops, sending out my "personal shopper" (Dot) to visit quilt shops.....no one seems to have it anymore. The company; Alexander Henry, offered to put it back into production if I wanted 3,000 yds or more...... That's a whole lot of fancy ironing board covers, I'ma thinkin' :-) Even if I am runnin' a "sweatshop"

If I had a Hammer...

2011-08-16T22:59:00.000-07:00

And you had a nail..... I would be sooooo happy! For years I've been at a loss on a good storage place for the cutting mats and rulers. Duh! look at what one scrawny little nail accomplished!

The newly painted end on the sewing table seems like it was just made for this.

The drawers all got a coat of paint too. I had reconciled myself to keeping the old hardware, but after breaking a handle trying to remove them for painting, I ended up replacing them after all.

I really like these we picked up at Ikea last Saturday.

Things are progressing in the craft studio. One half of the floor is done, including the polyurethane topcoat. I was forced to do it this way, due to the formidable size of the sewing table. It was just too cumbersome to move out of the room. Now it's moved to the finished end of the room so that I can finally complete the rest of the floor. I am sooo ready for this project to be over. It's going to be wonderful when it's done, and everything is organized, at least that's what I keep telling myself. There's just so many other things I want to be doing outside right now. Our weather has been so pretty lately. It has helped aid in the floor drying though!

Gotcha!

2011-08-15T12:58:00.000-07:00

I know what ya mean Violet. A million years ago, He captured my heart singing to me too! Saturday, while we were Kate's, Violet was fussing. Jim was holding her, and started singing to her. She calmed right down and just stared into his eyes. We got to watch the kiddos play on their new play structure. They're going to have so much fun with that, so happy for them.
We went to IKEA earlier that morning, had breakfast (love to get tender Swedish pancakes) and picked up some things for the craft studio.

Ice Cream Sandwiches

2011-08-11T11:27:00.000-07:00

Anna and the girls were here for supper last night. We had roasted chicken, zucchini, and fresh corn on the cob from the farmer's market. For dessert we had homemade ice cream sandwiches.
I had made Cowboy Cookies, and the Little Farmgirl and I made homemade vanilla ice cream. (the quick and easy recipe)

VANILLA ICE CREAM
2 cups half and half
1 cup heavy cream
1 (14 oz) can condensed milk
dash of salt
vanilla to taste (we used 2 tsp)
Mix ingredients together and freeze according to your particular ice-cream maker's instructions.
When it's finished, place it in a plastic container in the freezer til firm. (Overnight is best)

Cowboy Cookies
1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter
1 cup brown sugar
1 cup granulated sugar
2 eggs
1 tsp. soda
1/2 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. baking powder
2 cups flour
2 cups rolled oats
3/4 cup chocolate chips
1 tsp. vanilla

Mix together butter and sugars til light and fluffy. Add beaten eggs. Mix. Add soda, baking powder, and salt, mix. Add flour and oats, mix. Mix in vanilla, and stir in choco. chips.
Drop from teaspoon onto lightly greased cookie sheet. Bake at 350 F.

Up Close and Personal

2011-08-09T09:27:00.000-07:00

Some of you have asked about seeing a closer view of the floor. Here are a couple of shots from the first day of "wood" painting. I've tried to give each "plank" it's own personality. After several days off, I'm back at work on the craft studio project today.

Weekend Wonders

2011-08-08T20:25:00.000-07:00

We went to my folk's this weekend. It was a fun time of garage sale-ing with Dad, and a relaxing walk through the garden with Mama. I love love love the aqua blue melamine cup hanging on the tree. It's from our family dishes when i was a girl. In the summer we would pour kool-aid in the cups, stick spoons in, and freeze 'em for popsicles.

"New" old floor

2011-08-04T22:07:00.000-07:00

The craft studio has the most uber ugly linoleum ever. It's from the 60's, a smooth vinyl with beige and grey chips and gold glitter. There are a bunch of holes that have been patched at some time with wood putty. I didn't want to cover it with carpet, it needs to be easy to clean and not a venus fly trap for sewing pins and needles. I wanted a light colored wood or laminate plank in there, but the budget for that was nil right now. It called for looking at the floor as a smooth blank canvas, and checking out our existing product stash.
We already had sandpaper, deglosser, primer, some paints to mix together, pecan polyshades, and satin polyurethane.

So..... here are the results ..... Sore rear, sore knees, sore back, this picture was at the end of day 2. Day 3 was yesterday, so it's further now, but there is still a ways to go. (I took a break from it today) It's slow going, but I'm pretty happy with it so far. Tori keeps coming in and encouraging me while I'm working..."WOW!" "It really looks like wood now!" I guess she feels like she needs to smooth my wimpy hurt feelings and ruffled feathers....Her first reaction when I was only a few rows into painting the faux wood strips onto the base, and asked her if it looked like wood or not, had been..."No, it looks like you slapped paint down on a clean floor." Out of the mouths of babes. The projected week I had allotted for this project is waaaaaayyy past. And to think I have the nerve to scoff at the people on "Renovation Realities" and their unrealistic deadlines! This one is kicking my rear. I just keep reminding myself how great everything will be when it's all done. Other bits and pieces for the craft studio are coming together a little at a time. I picked up a curtain rod, and found a brand new little IKEA peg rack at a garage sale today. It will be worth it....won't it?

"Brilliant"

2011-08-02T19:06:00.000-07:00

Last night we went for our date night of the week. We picked up some Costco dogs and pops, and headed to the park. I love the lamps and beautiful hanging flower baskets in this park. There were so many instruments on stage, you would think there was a group band coming up. We were treated to a talented DUO from Scotland and Ireland;

"Men of Worth." They were musically gifted on all of the instruments (love me some good bodhrain playin'), harmonized wonderfully, and were witty and a lot of fun.
There was plenty of toe-tapping, hand clapping, singing along, and kids twirling and jiggedy jiggin' around. A couple and their little girl; Isabelle, sat next to us. She didn't just have a great sense of rhythm, but a cute jacket too!

Playing Doubles

2011-08-02T08:56:00.000-07:00

Saturday, i drove to Kate's and spent some time with her and the kiddos. It was fun having lunch and playing outside with the older ones while Kate and the babes napped. Later, after Kate had fed the babies, she took the older kids to the park. I stayed home with the twins. I thought...."sure....I can do this." I would've done better if I wouldn't have been so concerned about trying to get them both asleep at the same time, and not wanting either of them to be crying when she returned. I was a like a bobble-head bouncing each one and popping binkies back into mouths. I would get one to sleep and the other one would fuss....back and forth it went. Oh Kate, how I admire you!! Super woman!!

(note Buster, the protector dog, parked behind the bouncy seats, between the babies and the door. He guards them.)

BBQ

2011-07-29T20:15:00.000-07:00

Wednesday night, we went to a church barbeque at our friends place. They have their own park down by the creek behind their house. There were good eats, lots of good visiting, and music around the firepit. We went home smelling like campfire, funtimes.

Blue Skies

2011-07-26T21:03:00.000-07:00

Nothing but blue skies.
music by the talented Halie Loren.
Close your eyes and think Norah Jones, Diana Krall, Eva Cassidy.....Grilled chicken strip ranch salad and iced tea.

Date night: picnic supper and concert in a park. Some smooth jazz and people watching, a nice way to end a busy work day.

Happy Pinterest Birthday, Sarah!

2011-07-24T18:06:00.000-07:00

We took a birthday celebration lunch to Sarah's on Saturday. A crisp summer salad.
I made a slightly altered version of a potato casserole, she had pinned on Pinterest.

Another beer can chicken.

Sarah loves salty/sweet treats. She had pinned some buttery popcorn cupcakes which required popcorn flour. I made the flour, and the cupcakes, which TOTALLY flopped. They fell so bad, you could fit a second cupcake inside them. I think it was due to lots of butter, and not enough gluten. So......I pulled out a yellow cake mix, added the leftover 1/4th of the popcorn batter, and adjusted the amount of water, eggs, and less oil (used butter.) This was the result. The topping was a homemade caramel glaze, with a sea salt rim, buttercream frosting that includes some of the caramel glaze, and topped with caramel dipped buttered kettle popcorn. Sarah had pinned a gift card giving presentation that was a Starbucks cup, with brown paper, and white tissue. It was fun surprising her with it.

I'm so proud of how my little girl has grown into such a lovely woman, and wonderful mother to children of her own. She is an easy going, laid back, funny, resilient, creative, talented,wonderful friend.

Wild Dogwood Blossom

2011-07-21T19:29:00.000-07:00

This past fall , we went through all of our paints. I had put tape labels on them, writing with marker, what future needed project they might be used for. Tuesday, I started painting the craft studio. On the phone with Dot at the time, she asked if I was "painting up and over?" Nope....the ceiling was going to be white, and the walls were going to be "baked honey" again. Her idea sounded like a good one, so the ceiling paint and wall paint got mixed together for a new color that reminds me of wild dogwood blossoms. There was a "do-over" where i had already painted, this time.... up and over, and I luuuuuuuve it. Hugs, Dot!

Wha' Happen?

2011-07-21T10:41:00.000-07:00

I blocked out a week on the calendar to work on the craft studio. Monday's schedule was to clear out everything. (This is part of the stuff moved into the guest room) That night as a reward; we were supposed to have a date night, with a picnic and concert. The weather was "blech", and I was beat, so we stayed home and had pizza and a movie. Each day I seem to be getting further behind on this project. Yesterday, I took some time out to clean up the rest of the house, because the maid was on holiday, and it was driving me cuhhraaazy!
Anna called me Monday night and asked me what happened over here...what kind of sweat shop was I running?...... It seems as though the little farmgirl was having a bad evening, acting out and falling apart. She got disciplined, and when she calmed down, they were talking about her behavior... She cried "I had a hard day at work!" Anna asked her, "What did you do?" She replied with a dramatic, shaky, voice; "I had to pick up buttons!" (It was a cup or less, of her own volition...which I'm sure is not going to find me in too much violation of the child labor laws.)
In the meantime, perhaps the reason I'm getting behind is from having to limbo under the crime scene tape, pending investigation.......

Love

2011-07-19T19:38:00.000-07:00

1 Corinthians 13. The love from the wedding Friday night, overflowed and continued to bless all of us through the Sunday service. God's anointing and presence was so sweet. Our church family, and our Pastor and his wife are so precious to us. Pastor spoke from Galatians about bearing one another's burdens. I just love how the Holy Spirit confirms things that we've been praying about, through other brothers and sisters, and the Word of God.

Saturday

2011-07-18T19:32:00.000-07:00

Surprisingly, we beat the birds to the cherries, since we didn't net them this year. Saturday, Jim and I picked all of the pie cherries. They were larger this year, and we got a good crop.

Then we had a Saturday night supper of smoked, pulled pork sandwiches topped with coleslaw, and homemade applesauce from the freezer. It was all sooooo good.

When God Made You

2011-07-17T18:14:00.000-07:00

Friday was busy. I gave Jim a haircut, and we primed the barn for painting. The little girls helped us until they lost interest....after 10 minutes or so. ;) We were blessed by attending a beautiful wedding that evening. I took photos, and got better acquainted with members of the family, which proved to be such a joy. They're so much fun, and all of them are sweethearts. I'm sharing this particular photo of the couple, since I didn't remember to get permission to blog them. There was a music solo of "When God made you", sung by our friend Joni. I've known Joni since he was in kindergarten, and he's in college now. He has such an awesome voice and style, and brought tears to a lot of guests. This wedding blended two families, and there was so much love there.

Gettin' There

2011-07-14T21:07:00.000-07:00

These are the barn doors Jim and I built recently. We were going to have a "painting day" today, but there were lots of odds and ends that needed to be finished first. As usual, there were plenty of time consuming glitches that put everything behind schedule. Shimming and trimming, caulking.... We'll try again tomorrow, and plan on getting an early start. We're pretty tired. Yesterday we loaded, hauled, and unloaded lumber from Kates. The rental trailer had to go back today. I had a wedding rehearsal to go to, and Jim mowed.

Baby Shower

2011-07-12T19:52:00.000-07:00

Whirlwind Nadia

Kate and little Violet Emily

Hey guys! Come see my new little cousin, 'Clark!

Down by the Creek Bank

2011-07-11T20:05:00.000-07:00

A birthday picnic for Bob.

It was a short but sweet time.

Girl time

2011-07-11T18:38:00.000-07:00

Josie came and spent a few days with us while brother was gone to camp. The girls came and spent time with her. They had a lot of fun with the dress up trunk of clothes, and playing pioneers. We loaded everyone's bikes into the back of the pickup and went to a park. There was a picnic lunch, biking, wading, and skipping rocks in the river. When we got home they got completely soaked with the hose, which is totally Bella's kind of fun. That night we made home-made individual pizzas, movie night (The Retrievers), and a sleepover.

Yard Crashers

2011-07-10T20:48:00.000-07:00

Last week we worked for several days on the front yard. More digging up of plants and weeds, prepping and laying landscape cloth, and barkdust. We dismantled the old water garden and used the rocks for edging to discourage runoff on the sidewalk. Monday, another beer can chicken went on the grill. That and a Texas peach cobbler fed us for the next few days, since I had no further inclination to cook when I came in from carting rock.

Aunt Laurel's

2011-07-10T17:55:00.000-07:00

On our way home from the family reunion, we took a little trip down memory lane.

There used to always be barking collies to greet us as we drove in the driveway.

Recollections of: Hot summer nights sleeping on the porch, shrieking and hiding under the covers when bats would pay a late night visit. Listening with nail-biting intrigue to the scary stories of older cousins. Breathing in the warm fragrant smell of the unruly yellow rose "wall" on the south end. In the yard next to the rose bush, a bunch of kids all piled on the old gray mare. I always tried to sit right behind my oldest cousin, because she would make the horse rear, and everyone would go sliding off the back end, falling like dominoes. I would hang on for dear life. If I went....she was going too!

The dining room. The room where if there weren't other adults around, Aunt Laurel would let us "chopsticks" the ivories off of the old upright piano to our little hearts content. The room where she let me cut calico patches out and sew them into a doll quilt on the sewing machine.

So many yummy family meals of spaghetti, baked salmon with lemon, and sandwiches she cut out with cookie cutters for a summer day lunch for us girls. Extra special to me, considering she had been up before daylight, milking dairy cows.

When I stayed there, I was assigned calves to feed and take care of. Aunt Laurel gave us each an allowance, and took us to town to spend it as we pleased, while she washed clothes at the laundromat.

The old milk house. It was always wet and cool in there. And it seemed so much larger then.

One time, they returned me home after a visit, my cousins and I rode all of the way (over 150 miles) in a homemade camper on the back of this pickup. At a stop I remember my uncle getting us each soda pops and a bag of those orange peanut shaped marshmallow candies to share.

One year, Mom and Aunt Laurel got 100 baby broiler chicks. That was my first experience in butchering chickens. We set up work stations, and a pot of boiling water. Everyone teased and horsed around and we were all covered in wet feathers. It made a less than wonderful task another fun reminiscence.

The old place is up for sale now. It's not hard to imagine someone coming in and "cleaning it up". Someone razing all of the existing buildings and replacing them with new pole barns and a new house. I'm thankful the memories are with me forever.

Intervention?

2011-07-08T22:01:00.000-07:00

Beer Can Chicken. ( I add garlic and onion powders to the rub and glaze.) This was the first of 4 beer can chickens made this past week. It was for the family reunion, and we loved it. Also made a roasted corn, black bean, mango salad, which I liked allot, but didn't get rave reviews from hubby, or mom. (Family Reunion was pretty quiet this year...Jim and I were among the youngsters there.) This trip over, we got Mom's kitchen and utility room painted and some garage sales in. Dad is such an avid garage sale guy. He gets on ....ummm...kicks.... For a while he brought home at least 1 table saw a week ....for months/years. He would repair them and sell them or donate them to a charity shop. He has acquired more telephones than Ma Bell, and gives them to anyone who needs some. He sought out electric typewriters galore, trying to find the best possible one for Mom. Filling a request for me, started a wave of antique typewriters. He's gotten so many computers, I doubt even he can remember how many at this point. He has several, and has donated beau coup to soooo many people. Then..... laptops....
At one point this weekend, He was sitting in his recliner with his laptop, Mom had one on her lap, Jim was on one Dad gave him,
and mine was on the sofa ....with the dogs. Can we say "Family Intervention?!"

Birthday Ballerina

2011-06-27T14:18:00.000-07:00

Cute little ETSY ballerina cupcake picks

"Wrighteous Size cupcakes"

Cupcakes by Wrightberry's Cakes & Cupcakes

Strawberry Italian cream sodas

How was your birthday party, sweetie?

First Day of Summer

2011-06-26T21:05:00.000-07:00

Ahhhhhhh, the sun! the sun! streaming through the kitchen window! Welcome!

Hmmm, 1st day of summer, house full of kids, a farm full of eggs....what's for lunch?

lemonade and "heavenly eggs."

(Tori doesn't believe we should give the enemy anything.)

The little girls played and played. Riding double on the tricycle, pulling the wagon around, entertaining each other for hours.

Papa gave a "hayride" all over the place.... up the hill, through the orchard, down the lane. The kids loved it!

It was great having the kids here. The cousins enjoyed each others company so much. There were even some tears when the girlies went home. Bella loved all of the company and hugs too.
Unfortunately, little Joe's visit was cut short. We had to make an E.R. visit with an acute asthma attack and he went home with his Daddy afterwards, to spend time with his parents and the babies.

Kids Here

2011-06-26T20:12:00.000-07:00

Last Sunday, we brought Kate's kids home to spend some time with us, and give Chris, Kate, and the twins time to acclimate. The hammock got set up, and was a great spot for relaxing with their DS'.
There was a tractor driving lesson for big brother....

and cuddling with a baby doll, wrapped in one of Nana's crocheted blankets, watching "Curious George" at naptime.

There was jumping, jumping, jumping, on the trampoline by little brother. The camera never seemed to be around at the time; but he loooooooved it. Where DO they get that energy anyway?!

Welcome Home!

2011-06-24T09:03:00.000-07:00

This next one cracks me up!

"My what long legs you have, Violet!"

Buster was quite taken back by the whole thing...

and got kinda freaked when one of the babies would cry.

I had warned everybody at the house to put on their crash helmets,

knee pads, and elbows pads, they might just get knocked over...

because I was the only one who hadn't gotten to hold the babies at the hospital!

Birthday Girl

2011-06-18T11:28:00.000-07:00

Yes, you are, and

You're going to be great at it!

We'll be celebrating YOUR special day, soon!
xoxo

Answered Prayers

2011-06-17T20:38:00.001-07:00

Invasion

2011-06-14T21:25:00.000-07:00

We're still cleaning out the front yard. Several years back we tore out our front lawn which had ceased to grow due to cedar trees (which continued to grow) densely shading it. We put in a large flower bed, and turkey grit gravel path, and bistro table area. The flower bed has been a nightmare. It got me thinking about it's correlation with life. Sometimes, our best laid plans, seemingly things that are "OK", can encroach on our lives......little by little. We don't even notice, until they are overwhelming us. They don't know their place and infringe into areas where they don't belong.....
Like this patch of "forget-me-nots" which had jumped the border and were 2 feet into the gravel.
Sometimes bad stuff infiltrates, and before we know it...it's got us bound in it's grip.
Vigilance is needed in weeding out our gardens....and our lives.
It's no secret that the hardest things to clean out are the ones that have been there the longest, and have sunk their roots in deeply.

Bake It and They Will Come

2011-06-11T21:30:00.000-07:00

I've made a batch of Martha Stewart's Black and White Cheesecake Squares....in hopes of a birth celebration for the twins. Kate and Chris both love their chocolate! OK little ones......

It's a Jungle Out There!

2011-06-11T21:06:00.000-07:00

There is a lot of difference between a Cottage Garden and a Weeds gone Wild garden. Yikes. Who knew all that casual look required a little Miss Marple to work in it....24/7?? It's just not feasible around here. Our life is too fragmented for that. We are busy cleaning out the works, and going for a much cleaner look, with easier upkeep. Larger plants like the hydrangeas and ferns can stay. Flowers are going into pots.

Because....making your way through jungle high blackberry vines, dandelions, dock, and grasses,
is reeeeeally tiring.

Ready and Waiting

2011-06-07T19:23:00.000-07:00

Kate's nursery is ready, and waiting for the wee ones. There is a white soft shag rug on the hardwood floors, for little chubby knees to crawl on. Soft gray walls create a calm neutral background to add vintage touches and spots of colored art against.
Kate's old dresser, painted white, is doing double duty as a changing table. The tall white and pine cabinet that used to house art supplies, now houses toiletries and baby clothes. A little dark charcoal sofa was pulled from the former playroom, to accomodate feedings and bedtime stories. The Jenny Lind crib is outfitted with the white, dahlia quilted bumper pad. (There's a second crib in mama and Daddy's room.) My FAVE thing in the room is the DANDELION puff light fixture!!! There are still more colorful touches being worked on, but the bases are covered, and we're ALL so excited to see this little room come alive with little gurgles and coos.

Boo!

2011-06-01T13:53:00.000-07:00

This was my first attempt at crochet/amigurumi. It seems that a certain Mario fan club
president, has lots of good Mario character dolls; but needed a villian. I hope she likes it.

This is a free pattern from Linda Potts at WolfDreamer.

Riverdance

2011-05-30T18:34:00.000-07:00

Kate and Chris had surprised us for my birthday and our anniversary with tickets to the Broadway production, Riverdance Farewell Performance.
The use of lighting/backdrops and silhouetting the dancers was very dramatic.
I actually reeeeally liked the black starlit night side backdrops, with machine fog at the base .....
it reminded me of a dark night at the ocean with the waves rolling in.
Matt Bashford played the moving, mournful, Uilleann Pipes. In contrast,Niamh Ni Charra was fun on the fiddle, "dueling" with Mark Alfred on the Bodhrain, (I enjoyed her on the concertina more though), and the Bodhrain....oh, be still my heart palpitations........how I dearly love the Bodhrain!

We both really enjoyed the humor of the dueling dancing "Trading Taps" between the Tappers and the Irish Step Dancers. Seriously.....is it humanly possible for feet to move that fast???
DeWitt Fleming, the lead tapper is soooo good! [All photos fromRiverdance]
Truly a "joyous riot of celebration."
Not a mistepped Irish step anywhere. They are so amazing.
Farewell, Riverdance, Farewell.

So very glad the fever I got that night and still have 3 days later, waited til after "the party."

Captive Audience

2011-05-26T16:14:00.000-07:00

Thanks to Opa and Nana......... This little firetruck jewel is sooooooo cool. The kids loved extending the bucket ladder and running the truck all over the place. The most dominant feature on the truck is the most uber annoying siren you've ever laid ears on..........even with a cotton ball and tape muffler............just ask Kate.....she is on "bedrest" on the couch......a captive audience. (Doesn't she look thrilled?! ) She thought it was staying at our house....silly girl!

She was even happier than usual to "get to" go the Dr.'s office! Is she a cutie or what? Love that girl!